Basis of presentation (Policies)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2015

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]

Basis of presentation and consolidation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.

In certain circumstances, we may enter into joint venture arrangements with outside partners. On a quarterly basis, we evaluate each joint venture arrangement under the VIE model, and if the entity is determined not to be a VIE, we then evaluate the entity under the voting model to determine if the entity should be consolidated.

Under the VIE model, an entity is determined to be a VIE if it has any of the following characteristics:


•	The entity does not have sufficient equity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support;


•	The equity holders, as a group, lack the characteristics of a controlling financial interest; or


•	The legal entity is established with non-substantive voting rights.

If an entity is determined to be a VIE, we evaluate whether we are the primary beneficiary using qualitative analyses. Factors considered include, but are not limited to, the purpose and design of the VIE, risks that the VIE was designed to create and pass through, the form of our ownership interest, our representation on the entity’s governing body, the size and seniority of our investment, our ability to participate in policy-making decisions, and the rights of the other investors to participate in the decision-making process and/or liquidate the venture, if applicable. We consolidate VIEs whenever we determine that we are the primary beneficiary.

If an entity is determined not to be a VIE, we then evaluate such entity under the voting model. Under the voting model, if we are the general partner or managing member, or have a similar role that can direct the operations of the entity, we have a presumption that we control the entity and we should consolidate regardless of our ownership percentage. If we determine that the other equity holders have any one of the following rights, it is assumed that we do not control the entity and therefore should not consolidate the entity: (i) the substantive ability to dissolve the entity or remove us from the lead role of the entity or (ii) substantive rights that allow them to participate in the activities that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance.

As of September 30, 2015, we had two real estate joint ventures that did not meet the requirements for consolidation and were accounted for under the equity method of accounting. Refer to Note 3 – “Investments in Real Estate” to our unaudited consolidated financial statements under Item 1 of this report for further information on our unconsolidated joint ventures.

Use of estimates

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, and equity; the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the consolidated financial statements; and the amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could materially differ from those estimates.

Investments in real estate, net, and discontinued operations

Investments in real estate and properties classified as “held for sale”

We recognize real estate acquired (including the intangible value of above- or below-market leases, acquired in-place leases, client tenant relationships, and other intangible assets or liabilities), liabilities assumed, and any noncontrolling interest in an acquired entity at their fair value as of the acquisition date. If there is a bargain fixed-rate renewal option for the period beyond the non-cancelable lease term of an in-place lease, we evaluate factors such as the business conditions in the industry in which the lessee operates, the economic conditions in the area in which the property is located, and the ability of the lessee to sublease the property during the renewal term, in order to determine the likelihood that the lessee will renew. When we determine there is reasonable assurance that such bargain purchase option will be exercised, we consider its impact in determining the intangible value of such lease and its related amortization period. The value of tangible assets acquired is based upon our estimation of value on an as-if-vacant basis. The value of acquired in-place leases includes the estimated costs during the hypothetical lease-up period and other costs that would have been incurred in the execution of similar leases, considering market conditions at the acquisition date of the acquired in-place lease. We assess the fair value of tangible and intangible assets based on numerous factors, including estimated cash flow projections that utilize appropriate discount and capitalization rates and available market information. Estimates of future cash flows are based on a number of factors, including the historical operating results, known trends, and market/economic conditions that may affect the property. We also recognize the fair values of assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, and any noncontrolling interest in acquisitions of less than a 100% interest when the acquisition constitutes a change in control of the acquired entity. Acquisition-related costs related to the acquisition of businesses, including real estate acquired with in-place leases, are expensed as incurred.

The values allocated to buildings and building improvements, land improvements, tenant improvements, and equipment are depreciated on a straight-line basis using the shorter of the term of the respective ground lease and up to 40 years for buildings and building improvements, an estimated life of up to 20 years for land improvements, the respective lease term for tenant improvements, and the estimated useful life for equipment. The values of acquired above- and below-market leases are amortized over the terms of the related leases and recognized as either an increase (for below-market leases) or a decrease (for above-market leases) to rental income. The values of acquired in-place leases are classified in other assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and amortized over the remaining terms of the related leases.

We are required to capitalize project costs, including predevelopment costs, interest, property taxes, insurance, and other costs directly related and essential to the acquisition, development, redevelopment, predevelopment, or construction of a project. Capitalization of development, redevelopment, predevelopment, and construction costs is required while activities are ongoing to prepare an asset for its intended use. Fluctuations in our development, redevelopment, predevelopment, and construction activities could result in significant changes to total expenses and net income. Costs incurred after a project is substantially complete and ready for its intended use are expensed as incurred. Should development, redevelopment, predevelopment, or construction activity cease, interest, property taxes, insurance, and certain other costs would no longer be eligible for capitalization and would be expensed as incurred. Expenditures for repairs and maintenance are expensed as incurred.

A property is classified as “held for sale” when all of the following criteria for a plan of sale have been met: (i) management, having the authority to approve the action, commits to a plan to sell the property; (ii) the property is available for immediate sale in its present condition, subject only to terms that are usual and customary; (iii) an active program to locate a buyer and other actions required to complete the plan to sell have been initiated; (iv) the sale of the property is probable and is expected to be completed within one year; (v) the property is being actively marketed for sale at a price that is reasonable in relation to its current fair value; and (vi) actions necessary to complete the plan of sale indicate that it is unlikely that significant changes to the plan will be made or that the plan will be withdrawn. Depreciation of assets ceases upon designation of a property as “held for sale.” Prior to our adoption of the new discontinued operations accounting standard on October 1, 2014, the operations of properties “held for sale” were classified as discontinued operations in our consolidated statements of income.

Subsequent to the adoption of the new discontinued operations accounting standard on October 1, 2014, if the disposal of the property represents a strategic shift that has (or will have) a major effect on our operations or financial results, such as (i) a major line of business, (ii) a major geographic area, (iii) a major equity method investment, or (iv) other major parts of an entity, then the operations of the property “held for sale,” including any interest expense directly attributable to it, are classified as discontinued operations in our consolidated statements of income, and amounts for all prior periods presented are reclassified from continuing operations to discontinued operations. The disposal of an individual property generally will not represent a strategic shift and therefore will typically not meet the criteria for classification as discontinued operations.

Impairment of long-lived assets

Long-lived assets to be held for use, including our rental properties, CIP, land held for development, and intangibles, are individually evaluated for impairment when conditions exist that may indicate that the carrying amount of a long-lived asset may not be recoverable. The carrying amount of a long-lived asset to be held for use is not recoverable if it exceeds the sum of the undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of the asset. Impairment indicators or triggering events for long-lived assets to be held for use, including our rental properties, CIP, land held for development, and intangibles, are assessed by project and include significant fluctuations in estimated rental revenues less rental operating expenses, occupancy changes, significant near-term lease expirations, current and historical operating and/or cash flow losses, construction costs, estimated completion dates, rental rates, and other market factors. We assess the expected undiscounted cash flows based upon numerous factors, including, but not limited to, construction costs, available market information, current and historical operating results, known trends, current market/economic conditions that may affect the property, and our assumptions about the use of the asset, including, if necessary, a probability-weighted approach if multiple outcomes are under consideration. Upon determination that an impairment has occurred, a write-down is recognized to reduce the carrying amount to its estimated fair value. If an impairment loss is not required to be recognized, the recognition of depreciation is adjusted prospectively, as necessary, to reduce the carrying amount of the real estate to its estimated disposition value over the remaining period that the real estate is expected to be held for use. We may adjust depreciation of properties that are expected to be disposed of or redeveloped prior to the end of their useful lives.

We use the “held for sale” impairment model for our properties classified as “held for sale.” The “held for sale” impairment model is different from the held for use impairment model. Under the “held for sale” impairment model, an impairment loss is recognized if the carrying amount of the long-lived asset classified as “held for sale” exceeds its fair value less cost to sell. Because of these two different models, it is possible for a long-lived asset previously classified as held for use to require the recognition of an impairment charge upon classification as “held for sale.”

On a quarterly basis, we review current activities and changes in the business conditions of all of our properties prior to and subsequent to the end of each quarter to determine the existence of any triggering events requiring an impairment analysis. If triggering events are identified, we review an estimate of the future undiscounted cash flows for the properties, including a probability-weighted approach if multiple outcomes are under consideration.

Investments

We hold equity investments in certain publicly traded companies and investments in certain privately held entities primarily involved in the science industry. All of our investments in actively traded public companies are considered “available-for-sale” and are reflected in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets at fair value. Fair value has been determined based upon the closing price as of each balance sheet date, with unrealized gains and losses shown as a separate component of comprehensive income. The classification of each investment is determined at the time each investment is made, and such determination is reevaluated at each balance sheet date. The cost of each investment sold is determined by the specific identification method, with realized gains or losses classified in other income in the accompanying consolidated statements of income. Investments in privately held entities are generally accounted for under the cost method when our interest in the entity is so minor that we have virtually no influence over the entity’s operating and financial policies. Certain investments in privately held entities are accounted for under the equity method unless our interest in the entity is deemed to be so minor that we have virtually no influence over the entity’s operating and financial policies. Under the equity method of accounting, we recognize our investment initially at cost and adjust the carrying amount of the investment to recognize our share of the earnings or losses of the investee subsequent to the date of our investment. Additionally, we limit our ownership percentage in the voting stock of each individual entity to less than 10%. As of September 30, 2015, and December 31, 2014, our ownership percentage in the voting stock of each individual entity was less than 10%.

We monitor each of our equity investments throughout the year for new developments, including operating results, results of clinical trials, capital-raising events, and merger and acquisition activities. Individual investments are evaluated for impairment when changes in conditions may indicate an impairment exists. The factors that we consider in making these assessments include, but are not limited to, market prices, market conditions, available financing, prospects for favorable or unfavorable clinical trial results, new product initiatives, and new collaborative agreements. If there are no identified events or changes in circumstances that might have an adverse effect on our cost method investments, we do not estimate the investment’s fair value. For all of our investments, if a decline in the fair value of an investment below the carrying value is determined to be other than temporary, such investment is written down to its estimated fair value with a charge to current earnings.

Income Taxes

Income taxes

We are organized and qualify as a REIT pursuant to the Internal Revenue Code (the “Code”). Under the Code, a REIT that distributes at least 90% of its REIT taxable income to its shareholders annually and meets certain other conditions is not subject to federal income taxes, but could be subject to certain state and local taxes. We distribute 100% of our taxable income annually; therefore, a provision for federal income taxes is not required. In addition to our REIT returns, we file federal, state, and local tax returns for our subsidiaries. We file with jurisdictions located in the U.S., Canada, India, China, and other international locations. Our tax returns are subject to routine examination in various jurisdictions for calendar years 2010 through 2013.

Recognition of rental income and tenant recoveries

Rental income from leases is recognized on a straight-line basis over the respective lease terms. We classify amounts currently recognized as income, and expected to be received in later years as deferred rent in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Amounts received currently but recognized as income in future years are classified in accounts payable, accrued expenses, and tenant security deposits in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. We commence recognition of rental income at the date the property is ready for its intended use and the client tenant takes possession or controls the physical use of the property.

Tenant recoveries related to reimbursement of real estate taxes, insurance, utilities, repairs and maintenance, common area expenses, and other operating expenses are recognized as revenue in the period during which the applicable expenses are incurred.

Tenant receivables consist primarily of amounts due for contractual lease payments, reimbursements of common area maintenance expenses, property taxes, and other expenses recoverable from client tenants. Tenant receivables are expected to be collected within one year. We may maintain an allowance for estimated losses that may result from the inability of our client tenants to make payments required under the terms of the lease and for tenant recoveries due. If a client tenant fails to make contractual payments beyond any allowance, we may recognize additional bad debt expense in future periods equal to the amount of uncollectible tenant receivables and deferred rent arising from the straight-lining of rent. As of September 30, 2015, and December 31, 2014, we had no allowance for uncollectible tenant receivables and deferred rent.

Monitoring client tenant credit quality

During the term of each lease, we monitor the credit quality of our client tenants by (i) monitoring the credit rating of client tenants that are rated by a nationally recognized credit rating agency, (ii) reviewing financial statements of the client tenants that are publicly available or that are required to be delivered to us pursuant to the applicable lease, (iii) monitoring news reports regarding our client tenants and their respective businesses, and (iv) monitoring the timeliness of lease payments. We have a team of employees who, among them, have graduate and undergraduate degrees in biology, chemistry, and industrial biotechnology and experience in the science and technology industries, as well as in finance. Our research team is responsible for assessing and monitoring the credit quality of our client tenants and any material changes in their credit quality.

Interest income

Other income

The following is a summary of the other income in the accompanying consolidated statements of income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, and 2014 (in thousands):



	Three Months Ended September 30,					Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2015		2014			2015		2014
Management fee income	$	530	$	560		$	1,341	$	2,202
Interest and other income	1,272		1,994			2,136		3,767
Investment income (loss)	5,378		(229		)	11,211		756
Total other income	$	7,180	$	2,325		$	14,688	$	6,725

Impact of recently issued accounting standards

Recent accounting pronouncements

In February 2015, the FASB issued an Accounting Standards Update that requires reporting entities to evaluate whether they should consolidate certain legal entities. The update modifies the evaluation of whether limited partnerships and similar legal entities are variable interest entities or voting interest entities and eliminates the presumption that a general partner should consolidate a limited partnership. This update affects the consolidation analyses of reporting entities that are involved with variable interest entities, particularly those that have fee arrangements and related-party relationships. The update is effective for fiscal years, and for interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2015, with early adoption permitted. A reporting entity may apply the amendments in this update by (i) using a modified retrospective approach by recording a cumulative-effect adjustment to equity as of the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption or (ii) applying the amendments retrospectively. We are currently assessing the potential impact that the adoption of the update will have on our consolidated financial statements.

In April 2015, the FASB issued an Accounting Standards Update that requires reporting entities to present debt issuance costs as a direct deduction from the face amount of the related note payable presented in the balance sheet. The update is effective for fiscal years, and for interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2015, with early adoption permitted. A reporting entity is required to apply the amendments in this update retrospectively to all prior periods. We are currently assessing the potential impact that the adoption of the update will have on our consolidated financial statements.