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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policy)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2023

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) and include the Company and its majority and wholly-owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. The significant estimates made by management relate to the allowance for doubtful accounts, the costs and revenue relating to the Company’s construction contracts, stock-based compensation assumptions, valuation allowance related to deferred tax assets, fair value of long-lived assets, the useful lives of towers and intangible assets, anticipated property tax assessments, incremental borrowing rate for lease accounting, fair value of investments, and asset retirement obligations. Management develops estimates based on historical experience and on various assumptions about the future that are believed to be reasonable based on the information available. These estimates ultimately may differ from actual results and such differences could be material.

The Company is in the process of reviewing the remaining estimated useful lives of its towers and intangible assets and is considering, for U.S. GAAP purposes, whether it should modify its current estimates for asset lives based on its historical operating experience. The Company has retained an independent consultant to assist in completing this review and analysis. The Company currently depreciates its towers on a straight-line basis over the shorter of the term of the underlying ground lease (including renewal options) taking into account residual value or the estimated useful life of the tower, which the Company has historically estimated to be 15 years. Additionally, certain of the Company’s intangible assets are amortized on a similar basis to its tower assets, as the estimated useful lives of such intangible assets correlate to the useful life of the towers. If the Company concludes that a revision in the estimated useful lives of its towers and intangible assets is appropriate based on its review and analysis, the Company will account for any changes in the useful lives as a change in accounting estimate under Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 250

Accounting Changes and Error Corrections, which will be recorded prospectively beginning in the period of change. Based on preliminary information obtained to date, the Company expects that its estimated asset lives may be extended, which would result in prospective (i) decreases in depreciation and amortization and (ii) increases in the right of use asset and operating lease liability, and such changes could be material to future depreciation and amortization and the Company’s consolidated results of operations. The Company expects to conclude its analysis in the first quarter of 2024.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents consist primarily of cash in banks, money market funds, commercial paper, highly liquid short-term investments, and other marketable securities with an original maturity of three months or less at the time of purchase. These investments are carried at cost, which approximates fair value.

Restricted Cash

The Company classifies all cash pledged as collateral to secure certain obligations and all cash whose use is limited as restricted cash. This includes cash held in escrow to fund certain reserve accounts relating to the Tower Securities as well as for payment and performance bonds and surety bonds issued for the benefit of the Company in the ordinary course of business, as well as collateral associated with workers’ compensation plans (see Note 4).

Investments

Investment securities with original maturities of more than three months but less than one year at time of purchase are considered short-term investments and are classified in prepaid expenses and other current assets on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company’s short-term investments primarily consist of certificates of deposit with maturities of less than a year. Investment securities with maturities of more than a year are considered long-term investments and are classified in other assets on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. Long-term investments consist of strategic investments in companies and are accounted for under the cost and equity method. Gross purchases and proceeds from sales of the Company’s investments are presented within Cash flows from investing activities on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. During the year ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, no gain or loss was recorded related to the sale or maturity of investments.

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment are recorded at cost or at estimated fair value (in the case of acquired properties), adjusted for asset impairment and estimated asset retirement obligations. Costs for self-constructed towers include direct materials and labor, indirect costs and capitalized interest. Approximately $0.9 million, $0.6 million, and $0.5 million of interest cost was capitalized in 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively.

Depreciation on towers and related components is provided using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives, not to exceed the minimum lease term of the underlying ground lease. To determine the lease term, the Company considers all renewal periods that are reasonably certain to be exercised, taking into consideration all economic factors, including the communications site’s estimated economic life and the respective lease terms of the Company’s tenants under the existing lease arrangements on such site. Leasehold improvements are amortized on a straight-line basis over the shorter of the useful life of the improvement or the minimum lease term of the lease. For all other property and equipment, depreciation is provided using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives.

The Company performs ongoing evaluations of the estimated useful lives of its property and equipment for depreciation purposes. The estimated useful lives are determined and continually evaluated based on the period over which services are expected to be rendered by the asset. If the useful lives of assets are reduced, depreciation may be accelerated in future years. Property and equipment under capital leases are amortized on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease or the remaining estimated life of the leased property, whichever is shorter, and the related amortization is included in depreciation expense. Expenditures for maintenance and repair are expensed as incurred.

Asset classes and related estimated useful lives are as follows:



Towers and related components	3 - 15 years
Furniture, equipment, and vehicles	2 - 7 years
Data Centers, buildings, and leasehold improvements	10 - 30 years

Betterments, improvements, and significant repairs, which increase the value or extend the life of an asset, are capitalized and depreciated over the estimated useful life of the respective asset. Changes in an asset’s estimated useful life are accounted for prospectively, with the book value of the asset at the time of the change being depreciated over the revised remaining useful life. There has been no material impact for changes in estimated useful lives for any years presented.

Deferred Financing Fees

Financing fees related to the issuance of debt have been deferred and are being amortized using the effective interest rate method over the expected duration of the related indebtedness (see Note 11). For all of the Company’s debt, except for the Revolving Credit Facility where the debt issuance costs are being presented as an asset on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets, debt issuance costs are presented on the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the related debt liability rather than as an asset.

Intangible Assets

The Company classifies as intangible assets the fair value of current leases in place at the acquisition date of towers and related assets (referred to as the “Current contract intangibles”), and the fair value of future tenant leases anticipated to be added to the acquired towers (referred to as the “Network location intangibles”). These intangibles are estimated to have a useful life consistent with the useful life of the related tower assets, which is typically 15 years. For all intangible assets, amortization is provided using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives as the benefit associated with these intangible assets is anticipated to be derived evenly over the life of the asset.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

The Company evaluates its individual long-lived and related assets with finite lives for indicators of impairment to determine when an impairment analysis should be performed. The Company evaluates its tower assets and Current contract intangibles at the tower level, which is the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows exists. The Company evaluates its Network location intangibles for impairment at the tower leasing business level. The Company has established a policy to at least annually, or earlier if indicators of impairment arise, evaluate its tower assets and Current contract and Network location intangibles for impairment.

The Company records an impairment charge when an investment in towers or related assets has been impaired, such that future undiscounted cash flows would not recover the then current carrying value of the investment in the tower and related intangible. If the future undiscounted cash flows are lower than the carrying value of the investment in the tower and related intangible, the Company calculates future discounted cash flows and compares those amounts to the carrying value. The Company records an impairment charge for any amounts lower than the carrying value. Estimates and assumptions inherent in the impairment evaluation include, but are not limited to, general market and economic conditions, historical operating results, geographic location, lease-up potential, and expected timing of lease-up. In addition, the Company makes certain assumptions in determining an asset’s fair value for the purpose of calculating the amount of an impairment charge.

The Company recognized impairment charges of $169.4 million, $43.2 million, and $33.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Refer to Note 3 for further detail of these amounts.

Fair Value Measurements

The Company determines the fair market values of its financial instruments based on the fair value hierarchy, which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. The following three levels of inputs may be used to measure fair value:




Level 1	Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access at the measurement date.

Level 2	Observable inputs other than Level 1 prices, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities.

Level 3	Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities.

Revenue Recognition and Accounts Receivable

‎

Revenue Recognition and Accounts Receivable

Site leasing revenues

Revenue from site leasing is recognized on a straight-line basis over the current term of the related lease agreements. Receivables recorded related to the straight-line impact of site leases are reflected in other assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Rental amounts received in advance are recorded as deferred revenue on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Revenues from site leasing represent 93% of the Company’s total revenues for the year ended December 31, 2023. For additional information on tenant leases, refer to the Leases section below.

Site development revenues

Site development projects in which the Company performs consulting services include contracts on a fixed price basis that are billed at contractual rates. Revenue is recognized over time based on milestones achieved, which are determined based on costs incurred. Amounts billed in advance (collected or uncollected) are recorded as deferred revenue on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Revenue from construction projects is recognized over time, determined by the percentage of cost incurred to date compared to management’s estimated total cost for each contract. This method is used because management considers total cost to be the best available measure of progress on the contracts. These amounts are based on estimates, and the uncertainty inherent in the estimates initially is reduced as work on the contracts nears completion. Refer to Note 5 for further detail of costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts. Provisions for estimated losses on uncompleted contracts are made in the period in which such losses are determined to be probable.

The site development segment represents approximately 7% of the Company’s total revenues for the year ended December 31, 2023. The Company accounts for site development revenue in accordance with ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. Payment terms do not result in any significant financing arrangements. Furthermore, these contracts do not typically include variable consideration; therefore, the transaction price that is recognized over time is generally the amount of the total contract.

Accounts receivable

The accounts receivable balance was $182.7 million and $184.4 million as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, of which $32.3 million and $59.6 million related to the site development segment as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Refer to Note 15 for further detail of the site development segment.

Credit Losses

According to ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments, an expected credit loss impairment model is used for financial instruments, including trade receivables, which requires entities to consider forward-looking information to estimate expected credit losses over the lifetime of the asset, resulting in earlier recognition of losses for receivables that are current or not yet due. The Company’s expected credit loss allowance methodology for accounts receivable is developed using historical collection experience, current and future economic and market conditions, and a review of the current status of customers’ trade accounts receivables. Due to the short-term nature of such receivables, the estimate of the amount of accounts receivable that may not be collected considers aging of the accounts receivable balances and the financial condition of customers. Additionally, specific allowance amounts are established to record the appropriate provision for customers that have a higher probability of default. The Company’s monitoring activities include timely account reconciliation, dispute resolution, payment confirmation, consideration of customers’ financial condition, and macroeconomic conditions. Balances are written off when determined to be uncollectible. ASU 2018-19, Codification Improvements to Topic 326, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (“ASU 2018-19”) clarified that operating lease receivables are not within the scope of ASC 326-20 and should instead be accounted for under the new leasing standard, ASC 842. The Company is exposed to credit losses which are subject to this standard primarily through the site development business segment which provides consulting and construction related services.

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The following is a rollforward of the allowance for doubtful accounts for the Company’s site leasing and site development businesses:



	For the year ended December 31,
	2023		2022		2021

		(in thousands)
Beginning balance	$	9,166	$	12,135	$	15,693
Provision for doubtful accounts ⁽¹⁾		3,731		632		440
Write-offs		(220)		(1,793)		(1,597)
Recoveries ⁽²⁾		—		(2,204)		(1,947)
Acquisitions		—		116		—
Currency translation adjustment		161		280		(454)
Ending balance	$	12,838	$	9,166	$	12,135

(1)The year ended December 31, 2023 includes a $3.1 million reserve recorded related to Oi S.A.

(2)Amounts include annual installment payments related to the Oi S.A. reorganization. The fourth and final annual installment payment was received during the year ended December 31, 2022.

Cost of Revenue

Cost of site leasing revenue includes ground lease rent, property taxes, amortization of deferred lease costs, maintenance, fuel, energy, and other tower operating expenses. Cost of site development revenue includes the cost of materials, salaries, and labor costs, including payroll taxes, subcontract labor, vehicle expense, and other costs directly and indirectly related to the projects. All costs related to site development projects are recognized as incurred.

Income Taxes

The Company recognizes deferred tax assets and liabilities for the estimated future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial reporting and tax bases of existing assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using tax rates in effect for the year in which the temporary differences are expected to reverse. A valuation allowance is recorded to reduce the carrying amounts of deferred tax assets if it is "more-likely-than-not" that those assets will not be realized. The Company considers many factors when assessing the likelihood of future realization, including the Company’s recent cumulative earnings by taxing jurisdiction, expectations of future taxable income, prudent and feasible tax planning strategies that are available, the carryforward periods available to the Company for tax reporting purposes and other relevant factors.

The Company began operating as a REIT for federal income tax purposes effective January 1, 2016. As a REIT, the Company generally is not subject to corporate level federal income tax on taxable income it distributes to its stockholders as long as it meets the organizational and operational requirements under the REIT rules. However, certain subsidiaries have made an election with the IRS to be treated as a taxable REIT subsidiary (“TRS”) in conjunction with the Company's REIT election. The TRS elections permit the Company to engage in certain business activities in which the REIT may not engage directly, so long as these activities are conducted in entities that elect to be treated as TRSs under the Code. A TRS is subject to federal and state income taxes on the income from these activities. Additionally, the Company has included in TRSs the Company’s tower operations in most foreign jurisdictions; however, the REIT holds selected tower assets in certain foreign jurisdictions. Those operations will continue to be subject to foreign taxes in the jurisdiction in which such assets and operations are located regardless of whether they are included in a TRS.

The Company will continue to file separate federal tax returns for the REIT and TRS for the year ended December 31, 2023. The REIT had taxable income during the year ended December 31, 2023 and paid a dividend and utilized net operating losses (“NOLs”) to offset its remaining 2023 distribution requirement. Some of the Company’s TRSs generated NOLs which will be carried forward to use in future years. A portion of the deferred tax asset generated by the NOLs are reserved by a valuation allowance.

Stock-Based Compensation

The Company measures and recognizes compensation expense for all share-based payment awards made to employees and directors, including stock options, restricted stock units (“RSUs”), performance-based restricted stock units (“PSUs”), and purchases under the Company’s employee stock purchase plans. The Company records compensation expense, for stock options, RSUs, and PSUs on a straight-line basis over the vesting period; however, compensation expense related to certain PSUs are subject to adjustment on performance relative to the established targets. Compensation expense for stock options is based on the estimated fair value of the options on the date of the grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. Compensation expense for RSUs and PSUs

is based on the fair market value of the units awarded at the date of the grant. Fair value for a portion of the PSUs was calculated using a Monte Carlo simulation model.

Asset Retirement Obligations

The Company has entered into ground leases for the land underlying the majority of the Company’s towers. A majority of these leases require the Company to remove improvements only or restore land interests to their original condition upon termination of the ground lease.

In determining the measurement of the asset retirement obligations, the Company considered the nature and scope of the contractual restoration obligations contained in the Company’s ground leases, the historical retirement experience as an indicator of future restoration probabilities, intent in renewing existing ground leases through lease termination dates, current and future value, timing of estimated restoration costs, and the credit adjusted risk-free rate used to discount future obligations.

The Company recognizes asset retirement obligations in the period in which they are incurred, if a reasonable estimate of a fair value can be made. The associated asset retirement costs are capitalized as part of the carrying amount of the related tower fixed assets, and over time, the liability is accreted to its present value each period and the capitalized cost is depreciated over the estimated useful life of the tower. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the asset retirement obligation was $119.3 million and $79.8 million, respectively, and is included in other long-term liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Upon settlement of the obligations, any difference between the cost to retire an asset and the recorded liability is recorded in Asset impairment and decommission costs on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Comprehensive income (loss) is defined as the change in equity (net assets) of a business enterprise during a period from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources, and is comprised of net income (loss), foreign currency adjustments, and adjustments related to interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges.

Foreign Currency Translation

All assets and liabilities of foreign subsidiaries that do not utilize the U.S. dollar as its functional currency are translated at period-end exchange rates, while revenues and expenses are translated at monthly average exchange rates during the year. Unrealized translation gains and losses are reported as foreign currency translation adjustments through Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net in the Consolidated Statement of Shareholders’ Deficit.

For foreign subsidiaries where the U.S. dollar is the functional currency, monetary assets and liabilities of such subsidiaries, which are not denominated in U.S. dollars, are remeasured at exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date, and revenues and expenses are remeasured at monthly average rates prevailing during the year. Remeasurement gains and losses are reported as Other income (expense), net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Intercompany Loans Subject to Remeasurement

In accordance with ASC 830, the Company remeasures foreign denominated intercompany loans with the corresponding change in the balance being recorded in Other income (expense), net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations as settlement is anticipated or planned in the foreseeable future. The Company recorded a $52.4 million gain, a $12.9 million gain, and a $44.3 million loss, net of taxes, on the remeasurement of intercompany loans for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively. During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company funded $4.2 million and repaid $223.4 million under its intercompany loan agreements. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the aggregate amount outstanding under the intercompany loan agreements subject to remeasurement with the Company’s foreign subsidiaries was $1.3 billion and $1.5 billion, respectively. Subsequent to year end, the Company repaid an additional $15.0 million under its intercompany loan agreements.

Acquisitions

Under ASU 2017-01, Clarifying the Definition of a Business, the Company’s acquisitions will generally qualify for asset acquisition treatment under ASC 360, Property, Plant, and Equipment, rather than business combination treatment under ASC 805 Business Combinations. For acquisitions, the aggregate purchase price is allocated on a relative fair value basis to towers and related intangible assets. The fair values of these net assets acquired are based on management’s estimates and assumptions, as well as other information compiled by management, including valuations that utilize customary valuation procedures and techniques. The fair value

estimates are based on available historical information and on future expectations and assumptions deemed reasonable by management at the time. If the actual results differ from the estimates and judgments used in these fair values, the amounts recorded in the consolidated financial statements could be subject to a possible impairment of the intangible assets or require acceleration of the amortization expense of intangible assets in subsequent periods. External, direct transaction costs will be capitalized as a component of the cost of the asset acquired. The Company will continue to expense internal acquisition costs as incurred. For business combinations, the estimates of the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of an acquisition are subject to adjustment during the measurement period (up to one year from the particular acquisition date). During the measurement period, the Company will adjust assets and/or liabilities if new information is obtained about facts and circumstances that existed as of the acquisition date that, if known, would have resulted in a revised estimated value of those assets and/or liabilities as of that date. As of December 31, 2023, there were no material acquisitions with purchase price allocations that were preliminary.

In connection with certain acquisitions, the Company may agree to pay contingent consideration (or earnouts) in cash or stock if the communication sites or businesses that are acquired meet or exceed certain performance targets over a period of one year to three years after they have been acquired. Contingent consideration in connection with asset acquisitions will be recognized at the time when the contingency is resolved or becomes payable and will increase the cost basis of the assets acquired.

Leases

ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (“Topic 842”) requires all lessees to recognize a right-of-use asset and a lease liability, initially measured at the present value of the lease payments and any prepaid rent amounts. The Company has elected not to separate nonlease components from the associated lease component for all underlying classes of assets.

The components of the right-of-use lease liabilities as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 are as follows (in thousands):



	December 31,		December 31,
	2023		2022

	(in thousands)
Current operating lease liabilities	$	271,793	$	260,082
Current financing lease liabilities		1,671		2,283
Current lease liabilities	$	273,464	$	262,365

Long-term operating lease liabilities	$	1,862,509	$	2,037,496
Long-term financing lease liabilities		3,177		3,132
Long-term lease liabilities	$	1,865,686	$	2,040,628

Operating Leases

Ground leases. The Company enters into long-term lease contracts for land that underlies its tower structures. Ground lease agreements generally include renewal options which can be exercised exclusively at the Company’s election. To determine the lease term, the Company considers all renewal periods that are reasonably certain to be exercised, taking into consideration all economic factors, including the communications site’s estimated economic life and the respective lease terms of the Company’s tenants under the existing lease arrangements on such site.

Substantially all leases provide for rent rate escalations. In the United States and the Company’s international markets, ground leases and other property interests typically either (1) contain specific annual rent escalators or (2) escalate annually in accordance with an inflationary index. Increases or decreases in lease payments that result from subsequent changes in the index or rate are accounted for as variable lease payments.

Office leases. The Company’s office leases consist of long-term leases for international, regional, and certain site development office locations. Office leases include a single lease component, lease of the office space, and sometimes nonlease components such as common area maintenance expenses. The lease term for office leases are generally considered to be the contractually committed term.

Finance Leases

Vehicle leases. The Company leases vehicles that are used in its site development business. These leases are accounted for as financing leases and have lease terms that are contractually committed and do not include optional renewal terms.

Acquired right-of-use assets. In connection with certain acquisitions, the Company may acquire the exclusive right to lease and operate communication sites for a period that represents (1) a major part of the remaining economic life of the underlying assets and/or (2) the purchase price represents substantially all of the fair value of the underlying asset. The Company accounts for these arrangements as financing leases. Payments associated with the right-of-use of these assets are typically fully funded at the acquisition date and will be recognized over the respective lease term. The right-of-use assets related to these transactions are recorded in Acquired and other right-of-use assets, net on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Discount Rate

When available, the Company uses the rate implicit in the lease to discount lease payments to present value. However, the Company’s ground leases generally do not provide a readily determinable implicit rate. Therefore, the Company estimates the incremental borrowing rate to discount lease payments based on information available at lease commencement or upon a modification. The Company uses publicly available data for instruments with similar characteristics when calculating its incremental borrowing rates.

Lease Cost

Variable lease payments include escalations based on an inflationary index and are initially recognized using the prevailing index at the date of initial measurement or upon reassessment of the lease term. Subsequent changes in standard cost of living increases are recognized as variable lease costs. Variable lease payments also include contingent rent provisions.

The components of lease cost, lease term, and discount rate as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 are as follows:



	For the year ended December 31,
	2023		2022

	(in thousands)
Amortization of acquired and other right-of-use assets	$	42,312	$	24,733
Interest on finance lease liabilities		211		171
Total finance lease cost		42,523		24,904
Operating lease cost		290,169		275,903
Variable lease cost		63,625		61,128
Total lease cost	$	396,317	$	361,935

Weighted-Average Remaining Lease Term as of 2023 and 2022:
Operating leases		12.9 years		13.7 years
Finance leases		49.3 years		51.3 years

Weighted-Average Discount Rate as of 2023 and 2022:
Operating leases		6.4%		5.7%
Finance leases		4.4%		3.5%

	For the year ended
Other information:	December 31, 2023		December 31, 2022
Cash paid for amounts included in measurement of lease liabilities:
Cash flows from operating leases	$	279,194	$	259,788
Cash flows from finance leases	$	2,522	$	2,258

Tenant (Operating) Leases

The Company enters into long-term lease contracts with wireless service providers to lease antenna space on towers that it owns or operates. Each tenant lease relates to the lease or use of space at an individual site. Tenant leases are generally for an initial term of five years to fifteen years with multiple renewal periods, which are at the option of the tenant. Tenant leases typically (1) contain specific annual rent escalators, (2) escalate annually in accordance with an inflationary index, or (3) escalate using a combination of fixed and inflation adjusted escalators, including the renewal option periods.

Tenant lease agreements generally include renewal options which can be exercised exclusively at the tenant’s election. The only common exception is if the Company no longer has a right to the ground underlying the site, the lease agreements permit the

Company to terminate the lease. Despite high frequency of renewal of options to extend the lease by its tenants, the Company has concluded that the exercise of a renewal option by a tenant is not reasonably certain of occurrence; therefore, only the current committed term is included in the determination of the lease term.

Certain tenant leases provide for a reimbursement of costs incurred by the Company. The Company pays these costs directly and is not relieved of the primary obligation for the expenses. These reimbursements are recorded as revenue on the Statements of Operations.

Deferred Lease Costs

ASU 2016-02 defines initial direct costs as incremental costs that would not have been incurred if the lease had not been obtained. These costs, including commissions paid related to the origination of specific tenant leases, are deferred and amortized over the remaining lease term. Initial direct costs were approximately $3.2 million, $3.3 million, and $2.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively. Amortization expense related to deferred initial direct costs was $2.3 million, $1.9 million, and $1.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, unamortized deferred initial direct costs were $8.7 million and $7.7 million, respectively, and are included in other assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Reference Rate Reform

On June 21, 2023, the Company amended its interest rate swap to change from LIBOR as an interest rate benchmark to the replacement benchmark of Term SOFR effective on August 1, 2023. The Company elected the optional expedient which allows companies to change the reference rate and other critical terms related to the reference rate reform in derivative hedge documentation without having to de-designate the hedging relationship, allowing the Company to continue applying hedge accounting to its cash flow hedge. On July 3, 2023, the Company amended its 2018 Term Loan and its Revolving Credit Facility to use Term SOFR as the benchmark rate. The transition from LIBOR to Term SOFR did not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements. Refer to Notes 11 and 21 for further discussion of the 2018 Term Loan, Revolving Credit Facility, and the Company’s interest rate swap.

Derivatives and Hedging Activities

Derivatives and Hedging ActivitiesThe Company enters into interest rate swaps to hedge the future interest expense from variable rate debt and reduce the Company’s exposure to fluctuations in interest rates. At inception, the Company evaluates the interest rate swaps to determine whether they qualify for hedge accounting. In accordance with ASU 2017-12 (ASC 815 - Derivatives and Hedging), hedge accounting should be provided only if the derivative hedging instrument is expected to be, and actually is, effective at offsetting changes in fair values or cash flows of the hedged item. The effective portion of the gain or loss is recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The ineffective portion of the gain or loss from the interest rate swap is recognized in earnings immediately. On a quarterly basis, the Company evaluates whether the cash flow hedge remains highly effective in offsetting changes in cash flows. Refer to Note 21 for further discussion of the interest rate swaps