2. 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 or as debt and preferred equity investments. 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 variable interest entities, or VIEs, in which we are considered the primary beneficiary. The primary beneficiary of a VIE 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. Included in commercial real estate properties on our consolidated balance sheets as of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 are approximately $596.1 million and $607.4 million, respectively, related to our consolidated VIEs. Included in mortgages and other loans payable on our consolidated balance sheets as of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 are approximately $377.4 million and $379.6 million, respectively, related to our consolidated VIEs.

A noncontrolling interest in a consolidated subsidiary is defined as the portion of the equity (net assets) in a subsidiary not attributable, directly or indirectly, to a parent. Noncontrolling interests are required to be presented as a separate component of equity in the consolidated balance sheet and the presentation of net income was modified to require earnings and other comprehensive income to be attributed to controlling and noncontrolling interests.

We assess the accounting treatment for each joint venture and debt and preferred equity investment. This assessment includes a review of each joint venture or limited liability company agreement to determine which party has what rights and whether those rights are protective or participating. For all VIE’s, we review such agreements in order to determine which party has the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance. In situations where we and our partner approves, among other things, the annual budget, receives a detailed monthly reporting package from us, meets on a quarterly basis to review the results of the joint venture, reviews and approves the joint venture’s tax return before filing, and approves all leases that cover more than a nominal amount of space relative to the total rentable space at each property, we do not consolidate the joint venture as we consider these to be substantive participation rights that result in shared power of the activities that most significantly impact the performance of our joint venture. Our joint venture agreements typically contain certain protective rights such as the requirement of partner approval to sell, finance or refinance the property and the payment of capital expenditures and operating expenditures outside of the approved budget or operating plan.

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 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 and without interest charges for consolidated properties) 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. In addition, 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 venture’s projected discounted cash flows. We do not believe that the values of any of our consolidated properties or equity investments were impaired at either March 31, 2013 or December 31, 2012.

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-, below- and at-market leases and origination costs associated with the in-place leases. We depreciate the amount allocated to building (inclusive of tenant improvements) and other intangible assets over their estimated useful lives, which generally range from three to 40 years and from one to 14 years, respectively. The values of the above- and below-market leases are amortized and recorded as either an increase (in the case of below-market leases) or a decrease (in the case of above-market leases) to rental income over the remaining term of the associated lease, which generally range from one to 14 years. The value associated with in-place leases is amortized 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 an increase of approximately $3.9 million and $2.1 million in rental revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, 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. We recognized a reduction in interest expense for the amortization of the above-market rate mortgages assumed of approximately $1.3 million and $1.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, 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 March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 (amounts in thousands):

	March 31, 2013			December 31, 2012
Identified intangible assets (included in other assets):
Gross amount	$	725,708		$	725,861
Accumulated amortization	(279,714		)	(263,107		)
Net	$	445,994		$	462,754

Identified intangible liabilities (included in deferred revenue):
Gross amount	$	652,117		$	651,921
Accumulated amortization	(374,239		)	(357,225		)
Net	$	277,878		$	294,696

Fair Value Measurements

Fair value is a market-based measurement, not an entity-specific measurement, and should be determined based on the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. As a basis for considering market participant assumptions in fair value measurements, FASB guidance establishes a fair value hierarchy that distinguishes between market participant assumptions based on market data obtained from sources independent of the reporting entity (observable inputs that are classified within Levels 1 and 2 of the hierarchy) and the reporting entity’s own assumptions about market participant assumptions (unobservable inputs classified within Level 3 of the hierarchy).

We determined the fair value of our current investments in marketable securities using Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 inputs. Additionally, we determined the valuation allowance for loan losses based on Level 3 inputs. See Note 5, “Debt and Preferred Equity Investments.”

The estimated fair values of tangible and intangible assets and liabilities recorded in connection with business combinations are based on Level 3 inputs. We estimate fair values based on cash flow projections utilizing appropriate discount and/or capitalization rates and available market information.

We determine impairment in real estate investments and debt and preferred equity investments, including intangibles, utilizing cash flow projections that apply estimated revenue and expense growth rates, discount rates and capitalization rates, which are classified as Level 3 inputs.

We use the following methods and assumptions in estimating fair value disclosures for financial instruments.

· Cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued expenses, and other assets and liabilities: The carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued expenses, and other assets and liabilities reported in our consolidated balance sheets approximates fair value due to the short term nature of these instruments.

· Debt and preferred equity investments: The fair value of debt and preferred equity investments is estimated by discounting the future cash flows using current interest rates at which similar loans with the same maturities would be made to borrowers with similar credit ratings. See “Reserve for Possible Credit Losses” below regarding valuation allowances for loan losses.

· Derivative instruments: The fair value of derivative instruments is based on current market data received from financial sources that trade such instruments and are based on prevailing market data and derived from third party proprietary models based on well-recognized financial principles and reasonable estimates about relevant future market conditions.

· Mortgage and other loans payable and other debt: The fair value of borrowings is estimated by discounting the future cash flows using current interest rates at which similar borrowings could be made by us.

The methodologies used for measuring fair value have been categorized into three broad levels as follows:

Level 1 — Quoted prices in active markets for identical instruments.

Level 2 — Valuations based principally on other observable market parameters, including

· Quoted prices in active markets for similar instruments,

· Quoted prices in less active or inactive markets for identical or similar instruments,

· Other observable inputs (such as interest rates, yield curves, volatilities, prepayment speeds, loss severities, credit risks and default rates), and

· Market corroborated inputs (derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data).

Level 3 — Valuations based significantly on unobservable inputs.

· Valuations based on third-party indications (broker quotes or counterparty quotes) which were, in turn, based significantly on unobservable inputs or were otherwise not supportable as Level 2 valuations.

· Valuations based on internal models with significant unobservable inputs.

These levels form a hierarchy. We follow this hierarchy for our assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring and nonrecurring basis. The classifications are based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.

Investment in Marketable Securities

We invest in marketable securities. At the time of purchase, we are required to designate a security as held-to-maturity, available-for-sale, or trading depending on ability and intent. We do not have any securities designated as held-to-maturity or trading at this time. Securities available-for-sale are reported at fair value pursuant to ASC 820-10, with the net unrealized gains or losses reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss. Unrealized losses that are determined to be other-than-temporary are recognized in earnings up to their credit component. Included in accumulated other comprehensive loss at March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 is approximately $5.0 million and $3.3 million, respectively, in net unrealized gains related to marketable securities.

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

At March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, we held the following marketable securities (in thousands):

	March 31, 2013		December 31, 2012
Level 1 — Equity marketable securities	$	3,903	$	2,202
Level 2 — Commercial mortgage-backed securities	15,521		15,575
Level 3 — Rake bonds	3,570		3,652
Total marketable securities available-for-sale	$	22,994	$	21,429

The cost basis of the Level 3 securities was $3.7 million at March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012. There were no sales of Level 3 securities during the three months ended March 31, 2013. The Level 3 securities mature at various times through 2030.

Revenue Recognition

Rental revenue is recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. Rental revenue recognition commences when the tenant takes possession or controls the physical use of the leased space. In order for the tenant to take possession, the leased space must be substantially ready for its intended use. To determine whether the leased space is substantially ready for its intended use, management evaluates whether we are or the tenant is the owner of tenant improvements for accounting purposes. When management concludes that we are the owner of tenant improvements, rental revenue recognition begins when the tenant takes possession of the finished space, which is when such tenant improvements are substantially complete. In certain instances, when management concludes that we are not the owner (the tenant is the owner) of tenant improvements, rental revenue recognition begins when the tenant takes possession of or controls the space. When management concludes that we are the owner of tenant improvements for accounting purposes, management records amounts funded to construct the tenant improvements as a capital asset. For these tenant improvements, management records amounts reimbursed by tenants as a reduction of the capital asset. When management concludes that the tenant is the owner of tenant improvements for accounting purposes, management records our contribution towards those improvements as a lease incentive, which is included in deferred leasing costs on our consolidated balance sheets and amortized as a reduction to rental revenue on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. The excess of rents recognized over amounts contractually due pursuant to the underlying leases are included in deferred rents receivable on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. We establish, on a current basis, an allowance for future potential tenant credit losses, which may occur against this account. The balance reflected on the consolidated balance sheet is net of such allowance.

In addition to base rent, our tenants also generally will pay their pro rata share of increases in real estate taxes and operating expenses for the building over a base year. In some leases, in lieu of paying additional rent based upon increases in building operating expenses, the tenant will pay additional rent based upon increases in the wage rate paid to porters over the porters’ wage rate in effect during a base year or increases in the consumer price index over the index value in effect during a base year. In addition, many of our leases contain fixed percentage increases over the base rent to cover escalations. Electricity is most often supplied by the landlord either on a sub-metered basis, or rent inclusion basis (i.e., a fixed fee is included in the rent for electricity, which amount may increase based upon increases in electricity rates or increases in electrical usage by the tenant). Base building services other than electricity (such as heat, air conditioning and freight elevator service during business hours, and base building cleaning) are typically provided at no additional cost, with the tenant paying additional rent only for services which exceed base building services or for services which are provided outside normal business hours. These escalations are based on actual expenses incurred in the prior calendar year. If the expenses in the current year are different from those in the prior year, then during the current year, the escalations will be adjusted to reflect the actual expenses for the current year.

We record a gain on sale of real estate when title is conveyed to the buyer, subject to the buyer’s financial commitment being sufficient to provide economic substance to the sale and we have no substantial economic involvement with the buyer.

Interest income on debt and preferred equity investments is recognized over the life of the investment using the effective interest method and recognized on the accrual basis. Fees received in connection with loan commitments are deferred until the loan is funded and are then recognized over the term of the loan as an adjustment to yield. Anticipated exit fees, whose collection is expected, are also recognized over the term of the loan as an adjustment to yield. Fees on commitments that expire unused are recognized at expiration.

Income recognition is generally suspended for debt and preferred equity investments at the earlier of the date at which payments become 90 days past due or when, in the opinion of management, a full recovery of interest income and principal becomes doubtful. Interest income recognition is resumed when the loan becomes contractually current and performance is demonstrated to be resumed. Interest is recorded as income on impaired loans only to the extent cash is received. Several of the debt and preferred equity investments provide for accrual of interest at specified rates, which differ from current payment terms. Interest is recognized on such loans at the accrual rate subject to management’s determination that accrued interest and outstanding principal are ultimately collectible, based on the underlying collateral and operations of the borrower. If management cannot make this determination, interest income above the current pay rate is recognized only upon actual receipt.

If we purchase a debt or preferred equity investment at a discount, intend to hold it until maturity and expect to recover the full value of the investment, we accrete the discount into income as an adjustment to yield over the term of the investment. If we purchase a debt or preferred equity investment at a discount with the intention of foreclosing on the collateral, we do not accrete the discount.

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 relate to geographic trends and product diversification, the size of the portfolio and current economic conditions. Based upon these factors, we establish the 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. The write-off of the reserve balance is called a charge off. We recorded no loan loss reserves during the three months ended March 31, 2013. During the three months ended March 31, 2012, we recorded loan loss reserves of $3.0 million on investments being held to maturity and approximately $2.4 million in recoveries in connection with the sale of our investments. This is included in loan loss and other investment reserves, net of recoveries in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.

Debt and preferred equity investments held for sale are carried at the lower of cost or fair market value using available market information obtained through consultation with dealers or other originators of such investments as well as discounted cash flow models based on Level 3 data pursuant to ASC 820-10. As circumstances change, management may conclude not to sell an investment designated as held for sale. In such situations, the investment will be reclassified at its net carrying value to debt and preferred equity investments held to maturity. For these reclassified investments, the difference between the current carrying value and the expected cash to be collected at maturity will be accreted into income over the remaining term of the investment.

Income Taxes

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

Pursuant to amendments to the Code that became effective January 1, 2001, we have elected, and may in the future, elect to treat certain of our existing or newly created corporate subsidiaries as taxable REIT subsidiaries, or a TRS. In general, a TRS of ours may perform non-customary services for our tenants, hold assets that we cannot hold directly and generally may engage in any real estate or non-real estate related business. Our TRSs generate income, resulting in Federal and state income tax liability for these entities. Our TRSs recorded Federal, state and local tax provisions of $1.6 million and zero during the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and made estimated tax payments of $0.1 million and zero during the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, 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.

Stock-Based Employee Compensation Plans

We have a stock-based employee compensation plan, described more fully in Note 13, “Equity.”

Our stock options are recorded at fair value at the time of issuance. Fair value of the stock options is determined using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The Black-Scholes model was developed for use in estimating the fair value of traded options, which have no vesting restrictions and are fully transferable. In addition, option valuation models require the input of highly subjective assumptions including the expected stock price volatility. Because our plan has characteristics significantly different from those of traded options and because changes in the subjective input assumptions can materially affect the fair value estimate, in our opinion, the existing models do not necessarily provide a reliable single measure of the fair value of our employee stock options.

Compensation cost for stock options, if any, is recognized ratably over the vesting period of the award. Our policy is to grant options with an exercise price equal to the quoted closing market price of our stock on the grant date. Awards of stock or restricted stock are expensed as compensation over the benefit period based on the fair value of the stock on the grant date.

For share-based awards with a performance or market measure, we recognize compensation cost over the requisite service period, using the accelerated attribution expense method. The requisite service period begins on the date the compensation committee of our board of directors authorizes the award, adopts any relevant performance measures and communicates the award to the employees. For programs with performance measures, the total estimated compensation cost is based on the fair value of the award at the applicable reporting date estimated using a binomial model. For share-based awards for which there is no pre-established performance measure, we recognize compensation cost over the service vesting period, which represents the requisite service period, on a straight-line basis. In accordance with the provisions of our share-based incentive compensation plans, we accept the return of shares of our Company common stock, at the current quoted market price, from certain key employee to satisfy minimum statutory tax-withholding requirements related to shares that vested during the period.

Awards can also be made in the form of a separate series of units of limited partnership interest in the Operating Partnership called long-term incentive plan units, or LTIP Units. LTIP Units, which can be granted either as free-standing awards or in tandem with other awards under our stock incentive plan, are valued by reference to the value of our common stock at the time of grant, and are subject to such conditions and restrictions as the compensation committee of our board of directors may determine, including continued employment or service, computation of financial metrics and/or achievement of pre-established performance goals and objectives.

Earnings per Share

We present both basic and diluted earnings per share, or EPS. Basic EPS excludes dilution and is computed by dividing net income attributable to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Basic EPS includes participating securities, consisting of unvested restricted stock that receive nonforfeitable dividends similar to shares of common stock. Diluted EPS reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock, where such exercise or conversion would result in a lower EPS amount. This also includes units of limited partnership interest. The dilutive effect of the outstanding nonvested shares of common stock, or nonvested shares, and restricted stock units, or RSUs, that have not yet been granted but are contingently issuable under the share-based compensation programs is reflected in the weighted average diluted shares calculation by application of the treasury stock method at the beginning of the quarterly period in which all necessary conditions have been satisfied. The dilutive effect of stock options is reflected in the weighted average diluted outstanding shares calculation by application of the treasury stock method. There is no dilutive effect for the exchangeable senior debentures as the conversion premium will be paid in cash.

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 in excess of insured amounts with high quality financial institutions. The collateral securing our debt and preferred equity investments is located in the New York Metropolitan area. 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 rent and the costs associated with re-tenanting the space. Although the properties in our real estate portfolio are primarily located in Manhattan, we also have Suburban properties located in Brooklyn, Long Island, Westchester County, Connecticut, Northern New Jersey and the west coast. The tenants located in our buildings operate in various industries. Other than three tenants who account for approximately 6.0%, 6.5% and 7.0% of our share of annualized cash rent, no other tenant in our portfolio accounted for more than 1.9% of our annualized cash rent, including our share of joint venture annualized cash rent at March 31, 2013. Approximately 9%, 7%, 6% and 6% of our annualized cash rent for consolidated properties for the three months ended March 31, 2013 was attributable to 1515 Broadway, 1185 Avenue of the Americas, 420 Lexington Avenue and One Madison Avenue, respectively. In addition, two debt and preferred equity investments accounted for more than 10% of the income earned on debt and preferred equity investments during the three months ended March 31, 2013.

Reclassification

Certain prior year balances have been reclassified to conform to our current year presentation primarily in order to eliminate discontinued operations from income from continuing operations.

Accounting Standards Updates

In February 2013, the FASB issued guidance on the presentation and disclosure of reclassification adjustments out of accumulated other comprehensive income, or AOCI. The standard requires an entity to present information about significant items reclassified out of AOCI by component either on the face of the statement where net income is presented or as a separate disclosure in the notes to financial statements. The guidance became effective for calendar year-end public companies beginning in the first quarter of 2013 and its adoption did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.