Significant Accounting Policies

Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include our accounts and those of our subsidiaries, which are wholly-owned or controlled by us. Entities which we do not control through our voting interest and entities which are variable interest entities, but where we are not the primary beneficiary, are accounted for under the equity method. See Note 5, "Debt and Preferred Equity Investments" and Note 6, "Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures." All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.

We consolidate a variable interest entity, or VIE, in which we are considered the primary beneficiary. The primary beneficiary is the entity that has (i) the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the entity's economic performance and (ii) the obligation to absorb losses of the VIE or the right to receive benefits from the VIE that could be significant to the VIE.

Investment in Commercial Real Estate Properties

On a periodic basis, we assess whether there are any indications that the value of our real estate properties may be other than temporarily impaired or that their carrying value may not be recoverable. A property's value is considered impaired if management's estimate of the aggregate future cash flows (undiscounted) to be generated by the property is less than the carrying value of the property. To the extent impairment has occurred, the loss will be measured as the excess of the carrying amount of the property over the calculated fair value of the property. We also evaluate our real estate properties for potential impairment when a real estate property has been classified as held for sale. Real estate assets held for sale are valued at the lower of either their carrying value or fair value less costs to sell. We do not believe that there were any indicators of impairment at any of our consolidated properties at September 30, 2017. We recorded no depreciable real estate reserves for the three months ended September 30, 2017, and aggregate depreciable real estate reserves of $85.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. See Note 4, "Property Dispositions".

We allocate the purchase price of real estate to land and building (inclusive of tenant improvements) and, if determined to be material, intangibles, such as the value of above- and below-market leases and origination costs associated with the in-place leases. We depreciate the amount allocated to building (inclusive of tenant improvements) over their estimated useful lives, which generally range from three to 40 years. We amortize the amount allocated to the above- and below-market leases over the remaining term of the associated lease, which generally range from one to 14 years, and record it as either an increase (in the case of below-market leases) or a decrease (in the case of above-market leases) to rental income. We amortize the amount allocated to the values associated with in-place leases over the expected term of the associated lease, which generally ranges from one to 14 years. If a tenant vacates its space prior to the contractual termination of the lease and no rental payments are being made on the lease, any unamortized balance of the related intangible will be written off. The tenant improvements and origination costs are amortized as an expense over the remaining life of the lease (or charged against earnings if the lease is terminated prior to its contractual expiration date). We assess fair value of the leases based on 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. To the extent acquired leases contain fixed rate renewal options that are below-market and determined to be material, we amortize such below-market lease value into rental income over the renewal period.

We recognized $4.6 million and $15.8 million of rental revenue for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, and $0.2 million and $191.4 million of rental revenue for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 for the amortization of aggregate below-market leases in excess of above-market leases and a reduction in lease origination costs, resulting from the allocation of the purchase price of the applicable properties. Included in rental revenue is zero and $172.4 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, for the amortization of the below-market lease at 388-390 Greenwich Street as a result of the tenant exercising their option to purchase the property and entering into an agreement to accelerate the sale. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, we recognized as a reduction to interest expense the amortization of above-market rate mortgages of $0.0 million and $0.8 million, respectively. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, we recognized as a reduction to interest expense the amortization of the above-market rate mortgages assumed of $0.7 million and $2.0 million, respectively.

The following summarizes our identified intangible assets (acquired above-market leases and in-place leases) and intangible liabilities (acquired below-market leases) as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 (in thousands):



	September 30, 2017			December 31, 2016
Identified intangible assets (included in other assets):
Gross amount	$	474,493		$	651,099
Accumulated amortization	(398,047		)	(410,930		)
Net⁽¹⁾	$	76,446		$	240,169
Identified intangible liabilities (included in deferred revenue):
Gross amount	$	639,511		$	655,930
Accumulated amortization	(474,365		)	(464,749		)
Net⁽¹⁾	$	165,146		$	191,181


(1)	As of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, $3.9 million and none, respectively and $1.1 million and none, respectively, of net intangible assets and net intangible liabilities, were reclassified to assets held for sale and liabilities related to assets held for sale.

Fair Value Measurements

See Note 16, "Fair Value Measurements."

Investment in Marketable Securities

At acquisition, we designate a security as held-to-maturity, available-for-sale, or trading. As of September 30, 2017, we did not have any securities designated as held-to-maturity or trading. We account for our available-for-sale securities at fair value pursuant to Accounting Standards Codification, or ASC, 820-10, with the net unrealized gains or losses reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income or loss. Any unrealized losses that are determined to be other-than-temporary are recognized in earnings up to their credit component.

The cost of bonds and marketable securities sold is determined using the specific identification method.

At September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, we held the following marketable securities (in thousands):



	September 30, 2017		December 31, 2016
Equity marketable securities	$	—	$	48,315
Commercial mortgage-backed securities	28,802		36,795
Total marketable securities available-for-sale	$	28,802	$	85,110

The cost basis of the commercial mortgage-backed securities was $27.5 million and $36.0 million at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively. These securities mature at various times through 2049. We held no equity marketable securities as of September 30, 2017. The cost basis of the equity marketable securities was $43.3 million at December 31, 2016.

During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, we disposed of marketable securities for aggregate net proceeds of $0.8 million and $55.2 million, respectively. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, we disposed of marketable securities for aggregate net proceeds of $1.7 million and $6.9 million, respectively.

Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures

We assess our investments in unconsolidated joint ventures for recoverability, and if it is determined that a loss in value of the investment is other than temporary, we write down the investment to its fair value. We evaluate our equity investments for impairment based on the joint ventures' projected discounted cash flows. We do not believe that the values of any of our equity investments were impaired at September 30, 2017.

Reserve for Possible Credit Losses

The expense for possible credit losses in connection with debt and preferred equity investments is the charge to earnings to increase the allowance for possible credit losses to the level that we estimate to be adequate, based on Level 3 data, considering delinquencies, loss experience and collateral quality. Other factors considered include geographic trends, product diversification, the size of the portfolio and current economic conditions. Based upon these factors, we establish a provision for possible credit loss on each individual investment. When it is probable that we will be unable to collect all amounts contractually due, the investment is considered impaired.

Where impairment is indicated on an investment that is held to maturity, a valuation allowance is measured based upon the excess of the recorded investment amount over the net fair value of the collateral. Any deficiency between the carrying amount of an asset and the calculated value of the collateral is charged to expense. We continue to assess or adjust our estimates based on circumstances of a loan and the underlying collateral. If additional information reflects increased recovery of our investment, we will adjust our reserves accordingly. There were no loan reserves recorded during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016.

Income Taxes

SL Green is taxed as a REIT under Section 856(c) of the Code. As a REIT, SL Green generally is not subject to Federal income tax. To maintain its qualification as a REIT, SL Green must distribute at least 90% of its REIT taxable income to its stockholders and meet certain other requirements. If SL Green fails to qualify as a REIT in any taxable year, SL Green will be subject to Federal income tax on SL Green's taxable income at regular corporate rates. SL Green may also be subject to certain state, local and franchise taxes. Under certain circumstances, Federal income and excise taxes may be due on SL Green's undistributed taxable income.

The Operating Partnership is a partnership and, as a result, all income and losses of the partnership are allocated to the partners for inclusion in their respective income tax returns. The only provision for income taxes included in the consolidated statements of operations relates to the Operating Partnership’s consolidated taxable REIT subsidiaries. The Operating Partnership may also be subject to certain state, local and franchise taxes.

Pursuant to amendments to the Code that became effective January 1, 2001, we have elected, and may elect in the future, to treat certain of our existing or newly created corporate subsidiaries as taxable REIT subsidiaries, or TRSs. In general, TRSs may perform non-customary services for the tenants of the Company, hold assets that we cannot hold directly and generally may engage in any real estate or non-real estate related business. The TRSs generate income, resulting in Federal and state income tax liability for these entities.

During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, we recorded Federal, state and local tax provisions of $0.1 million and $2.8 million, respectively.

We follow a two-step approach for evaluating uncertain tax positions. Recognition (step one) occurs when an enterprise concludes that a tax position, based solely on its technical merits, is more-likely-than-not to be sustained upon examination. Measurement (step two) determines the amount of benefit that is more-likely-than-not to be realized upon settlement. Derecognition of a tax position that was previously recognized would occur when a company subsequently determines that a tax position no longer meets the more-likely-than-not threshold of being sustained. The use of a valuation allowance as a substitute for derecognition of tax positions is prohibited.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Concentrations of Credit Risk

Financial instruments that potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash investments, debt and preferred equity investments and accounts receivable. We place our cash investments with high quality financial institutions. The collateral securing our debt and preferred equity investments is located in New York City. See Note 5, "Debt and Preferred Equity Investments."

We perform ongoing credit evaluations of our tenants and require most tenants to provide security deposits or letters of credit. Though these security deposits and letters of credit are insufficient to meet the total value of a tenant's lease obligation, they are a measure of good faith and a source of funds to offset the economic costs associated with lost revenue and the costs associated with re-tenanting a space. The properties in our real estate portfolio are primarily located in Manhattan. We also have properties located in Brooklyn, Long Island, Westchester County, Connecticut and New Jersey. The tenants located in our buildings operate in various industries. Other than two tenants, Credit Suisse Securities (USA), Inc. and Viacom International, Inc., who account for 8.8% and 6.7% of our share of annualized cash rent, no other tenant in our portfolio accounted for more than 5.0% of our share of annualized cash rent, including our share of joint venture annualized rent, at September 30, 2017. For the three months ended September 30, 2017, 8.9%, 6.3%, 6.2%, and 5.4% of our share of cash rent, including our share of joint venture annualized rent, was attributable to 1515 Broadway, 11 Madison Avenue, 1185 Avenue of the Americas, and 420 Lexington Avenue, respectively. Our share of annualized cash rent for all other properties was below 5.0%.

Reclassification

Certain prior year balances have been reclassified to conform to our current year presentation.

Accounting Standards Updates

In August 2017, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2017-12, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815), Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities. The amendments in the new standard will permit more flexibility in hedging interest rate risk for both variable rate and fixed rate financial instruments. The standard will also enhance the presentation of hedge results in the financial statements. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018 and early adoption is permitted. The Company has not yet adopted the guidance, and does not expect a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements when the new standard is implemented.

In May 2017, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2017-09, Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718), Scope of Modification Accounting. The guidance clarifies the changes to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award that require an entity to apply modification accounting in Topic 718. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017 and early adoption is permitted. The Company has not yet adopted the guidance.

In February 2017, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2017-05 to clarify the scope of Subtopic 610-20 as well as provide guidance on accounting for partial sales of nonfinancial assets. Subtopic 610-20 was issued in May 2014 as part of ASU 2014-09. The Company anticipates adopting this guidance January 1, 2018, and applying the modified retrospective approach. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting this new accounting standard on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In January, 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-01, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Clarifying the Definition of a Business. The guidance clarifies the definition of a business and provides guidance to assist with determining whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions of assets or businesses. The main provision is that an acquiree is not a business if substantially all of the fair value of the gross assets is concentrated in a single identifiable asset or group of assets. The Company adopted the guidance on the issuance date effective January 5, 2017. The Company expects that most of our real estate acquisitions will be considered asset acquisitions under the new guidance and that transaction costs will be capitalized to the investment basis which is then subject to a purchase price allocation based on relative fair value.

In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Restricted Cash. The guidance will require entities to show the changes on the total cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents in the statement of cash flows. As a result, entities will no longer present transfers between these items on the statement of cash flows. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. The Company has not yet adopted this new guidance and is currently evaluating the impact of adopting this new accounting standard on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments. The ASU provides final guidance on eight cash flow issues, including debt prepayment or debt extinguishment costs, contingent consideration payments made after a business combination, distributions received from equity method investees, separately identifiable cash flows and application of the predominance principle, and others. The amendments in the ASU are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company adopted the guidance effective January 1, 2017 and there was no impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. The guidance changes how entities will measure credit losses for most financial assets and certain other instruments that are not measured at fair value through net income. The guidance replaces the current ‘incurred loss’ model with an ‘expected loss’ approach. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted after December 2018. The Company has not yet adopted this new guidance and is currently evaluating the impact of adopting this new accounting standard on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting. The guidance simplifies the accounting for share-based payment award transactions including: income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities and classification on the statement of cash flows. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. The Company adopted the guidance effective January 1, 2017 and there was no material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-07, Investments Equity Method and Joint Ventures (Topic 323). The guidance eliminates the requirement that an entity retroactively adopt the equity method of accounting if an investment qualifies for use of the equity method as a result of an increase in the level of ownership or degree of influence. The amendments require that the equity method investor add the cost of acquiring the additional interest in the investee to the current basis of the investor’s previously held interest and adopt the equity method of accounting as of the date the investment becomes qualified for equity method accounting. The Company adopted the guidance effective January 1, 2017 and there was no impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases. The guidance requires lessees to recognize lease assets and lease liabilities for those leases classified as operating leases under the previous standard. Depending on the lease classification, lessees will recognize expense based on the effective interest method for finance leases or on a straight-line basis for operating leases. The accounting applied by a lessor is largely unchanged from that applied under the previous standard. One of the impacts on the Company will be the presentation and disclosure in the financial statements of non-lease components such as charges to tenants for a building’s operating expenses. The non-lease components will be presented separately from the lease components in both the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Consolidated Balance Sheets. Another impact is the measurement and presentation of ground leases under which the Company is lessee. The Company is required to record a liability for the obligation to make payments under the lease and an asset for the right to use the underlying asset during the lease term and will also apply the new expense recognition requirements given the lease classification. The Company is currently quantifying these impacts. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. The Company anticipates adopting this guidance January 1, 2019 and will apply the modified retrospective approach.

In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01 (Subtopic 825-10), Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities. The guidance requires entities to measure equity investments that do not result in consolidation and are not accounted for under the equity method at fair value and to record changes in instruments-specific credit risk for financial liabilities measured under the fair value option in other comprehensive income. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and for interim periods therein. The Company has not yet adopted this new guidance and is currently evaluating the impact of adopting this new accounting standard on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In May 2014, the FASB issued a new comprehensive revenue recognition guidance which requires us to recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which we expect to be entitled in exchange for those goods and services (ASU 2014-09). The FASB also issued implementation guidance in March 2016, April 2016 and May 2016 - ASU’s 2016-08, 2016-10 and 2016-12, respectively.

These ASUs are effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company will adopt this guidance January 1, 2018. Since the Company’s revenue is related to leasing activities, the adoption of this guidance will not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements. The new guidance is applicable to service contracts with joint ventures for which the Company earns property management fees, leasing commissions and development and construction fees. The adoption of this new guidance does not change the accounting for these fees as the pattern of recognition of revenue does not change with the new guidance. We will continue to recognize revenue over time on these contracts because the customer simultaneously receives and consumes the benefits provided by our performance. Thus, the analysis of our contracts under the new revenue recognition standard is consistent with our current revenue recognition model.