Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2011

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Use of Estimates

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

Properties

Income producing properties are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Costs include those related to acquisition, development and construction, including tenant improvements, interest incurred during development, costs of predevelopment and certain direct and indirect costs of development. Costs related to business combinations are expensed as incurred.

Depreciation and amortization is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Expenditures for ordinary maintenance and repairs are expensed to operations as they are incurred. Significant renovations and improvements that improve or extend the useful lives of assets are capitalized.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

We consider liquid investments with a purchase date life to maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.

Construction in Progress and Land Held for Development

Properties also include construction in progress and land held for development. These properties are carried at cost and no depreciation is recorded. Properties undergoing significant renovations and improvements are considered under development. All direct and indirect costs related to development activities, are capitalized into construction in progress and land held for development on our consolidated balance sheets except certain demolition costs, which are expensed as incurred. Costs incurred include predevelopment expenditures directly related to a specific project including development and construction costs, interest, insurance and real estate taxes. Indirect development costs include employee salaries and benefits, travel and other related costs that are directly associated with the development of the property. Our method of calculating capitalized interest is based upon applying our weighted average borrowing rate to the actual costs incurred. The capitalization of such expenses ceases when the property is ready for its intended use, but no later than one-year from substantial completion of major construction activity. If we determine that a project is no longer viable, all predevelopment project costs are immediately expensed. Similar costs related to properties not under development are expensed as incurred.

Business Combinations

We allocate the purchase price of acquired properties to land, building, improvements and intangible assets and liabilities in accordance with the Business Combinations Topic of the FASB ASC. We allocate the initial purchase price of assets acquired (net tangible and identifiable intangible assets) and liabilities assumed based on their relative fair values at the date of acquisition. There are four categories of intangible assets and liabilities to be considered: (1) in-place leases; (2) above and below-market value of in-place leases; (3) lease origination costs and (4) customer relationships. The aggregate value of other acquired intangible assets, consisting of in-place leases, is measured by the excess of (i) the purchase price paid for a property after adjusting existing in-place leases to market rental rates over (ii) the estimated fair value of the property as-if-vacant, determined as set forth above. The value of in-place leases exclusive of the value of above-market and below-market in-place leases is amortized to depreciation expense over the estimated remaining term of the respective leases. The value of above-market and below-market in-place leases is amortized to rental revenue over the estimated remaining term of the leases. If a lease were to be terminated prior to its stated expiration, all unamortized amounts relating to that lease would be written off.

The results of operations of acquired properties are included in our financial statements as of the dates they are acquired. The intangible assets and liabilities associated with property acquisitions are included in other assets and other liabilities in our consolidated balance sheets.

Investments in Joint Ventures

We analyze our joint ventures under the FASB ASC Topics of Consolidation and Real Estate-General in order to determine whether the entity should be consolidated. If it is determined that these investments do not require consolidation because the entities are not VIEs in accordance with the Consolidation Topic of the FASB ASC, we are not considered the primary beneficiary of the entities determined to be VIEs, we do not have voting control, and/or the limited partners (or non-managing members) have substantive participatory rights, then the selection of the accounting method used to account for our investments in unconsolidated joint ventures is generally determined by our voting interests and the degree of influence we have over the entity. Management uses its judgment when determining if we are the primary beneficiary of, or have a controlling interest in, an entity in which we have a variable interest. Factors considered in determining whether we have the power to direct the activities that most impact the entity’s economic performance include risk and reward sharing, experience and financial condition of the other partners, voting rights, involvement in day-to-day capital and operating decisions and the extent of our involvement in the entity.

We use the equity method of accounting for investments in unconsolidated joint ventures when we own more than 20% but less than 50% of the voting interests and have significant influence but do not have a controlling financial interest, or if we own less than 20% of the voting interests but have determined that we have significant influence. Under the equity method, we record our investments in and advances to these entities in our consolidated balance sheets and our proportionate share of earnings or losses earned by the joint venture is recognized in equity in income (loss) of unconsolidated joint ventures in the accompanying consolidated statements of income. We derive revenue through our involvement with unconsolidated joint ventures in the form of management and leasing services and interest earned on loans and advances. We account for these revenues gross of our ownership interest in each respective joint venture and record our proportionate share of related expenses in equity in income (loss) of unconsolidated joint ventures.

The cost method of accounting is used for unconsolidated entities in which we do not have the ability to exercise significant influence and we have virtually no influence over partnership operating and financial policies. Under the cost method, income distributions from the partnership are recognized in investment income. Distributions that exceed our share of earnings are applied to reduce the carrying value of our investment and any capital contributions will increase the carrying value of our investment. The fair value of a cost method investment is not estimated if there are no identified events or changes in circumstances that may have a significant adverse effect on the fair value of the investment.

On a periodic basis, we evaluate our investments in unconsolidated entities for impairment in accordance with the Investments-Equity Method and Joint Ventures Topic of the FASB ASC. We assess whether there are any indicators, including underlying property operating performance and general market conditions, that the value of our investments in unconsolidated joint ventures may be impaired. An investment in a joint venture is considered impaired only if we determine that its fair value is less than the net carrying value of the investment in that joint venture on an other-than-temporary basis. Cash flow projections for the investments consider property level factors such as expected future operating income, trends and prospects, as well as the effects of demand, competition and other factors. We consider various qualitative factors to determine if a decrease in the value of our investment is other-than-temporary. These factors include age of the venture, our intent and ability to retain our investment in the entity, financial condition and long-term prospects of the entity and relationships with our partners and banks. If we believe that the decline in the fair value of the investment is temporary, no impairment charge is recorded. If our analysis indicates that there is an other-than-temporary impairment related to the investment in a particular joint venture, the carrying value of the venture will be adjusted to an amount to reflect the estimated fair value of the investment.

Long-lived Assets

We evaluate the carrying value of long-lived assets, including definite-lived intangible assets, when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable in accordance with the Property, Plant and Equipment Topic of the FASB ASC. The carrying value of a long-lived asset is considered impaired when the total projected undiscounted cash flows from such asset is separately identifiable and is less than its carrying value. In that event, a loss is recognized based on the amount by which the carrying value exceeds the fair value of the long-lived asset. For long-lived assets to be held and used, the fair value of fixed (tangible) assets and definite-lived intangible assets is determined primarily using either internal projected cash flows discounted at a rate commensurate with the risk involved or an external appraisal. For long-lived assets to be disposed of by sale or other than by sale, fair value is determined in a similar manner, except that fair values are reduced for disposal costs.

Properties Held for Sale

The application of current accounting principles that govern the classification of any of our properties as held-for-sale on the consolidated balance sheet, or the presentation of results of operations and gains or losses on the sale of these properties as discontinued, requires management to make certain significant judgments. In evaluating whether a property meets the criteria set forth by the Property, Plant and Equipment Topic of the FASB ASC, we make a determination as to the point in time that it is probable that a sale will be consummated. Given the nature of all real estate sales contracts, it is not unusual for such contracts to allow potential buyers a period of time to evaluate the property prior to formal acceptance of the contract. In addition, certain other matters critical to the final sale, such as financing arrangements often remain pending even upon contract acceptance. As a result, properties under contract may not close within the expected time period, or may not close at all. Due to these uncertainties, it is not likely that we can meet the criteria under the Property, Plant and Equipment Topic of the FASB ASC prior to the sale formally closing. Therefore, any properties categorized as held-for-sale represent only those properties that management has determined are probable to close within the requirements set forth in the Property, Plant and Equipment Topic of the FASB ASC. Prior to sale, we evaluate the extent of involvement with, and the significance to us of cash flows from a property subsequent to its sale, in order to determine if the results of operations and gain or loss on sale should be reflected as discontinued. Consistent with the Property, Plant and Equipment Topic of the FASB ASC, any property sold in which we have significant continuing involvement or cash flows (most often sales to co-investment partnerships) is not considered to be discontinued. In addition, any property which we sell to an unrelated third party, but in which we retain a property or asset management function, is not considered discontinued. Therefore, based on our evaluation of the Property, Plant and Equipment Topic of the FASB ASC only properties sold, or to be sold, to unrelated third parties where we will have no significant continuing involvement or significant cash flows are classified as discontinued operations.

Accounts Receivable

Accounts receivable includes amounts billed to tenants and accrued expense recoveries due from tenants. We make estimates of the uncollectability of our accounts receivable using the specific identification method. We analyze accounts receivable and historical bad debt levels, tenant credit-worthiness, payment history and current economic trends when evaluating the adequacy of the allowance for doubtful accounts. Accounts receivable are written-off when they are deemed to be uncollectable and we are no longer actively pursuing collection. Our reported net income is directly affected by management’s estimate of the collectability of accounts receivable.

Goodwill

Goodwill reflects the excess of the fair value of the acquired business over the fair value of net identifiable assets acquired in various business acquisitions. We account for goodwill in accordance with the Intangibles — Goodwill and Other Topic of the FASB ASC.

We are required to perform annual, or more frequently in certain circumstances, impairment tests of our goodwill. We have elected to test for goodwill impairment in November of each year. The goodwill impairment test is a two-step process that requires us to make decisions in determining appropriate assumptions to use in the calculation. The first step consists of estimating the fair value of each reporting unit and comparing those estimated fair values with the carrying values, which include the allocated goodwill. If the estimated fair value is less than the carrying value, a second step is performed to compute the amount of the impairment, if any, by determining an “implied fair value” of goodwill. The determination of each reporting unit’s (each property is considered a reporting unit) implied fair value of goodwill requires us to allocate the estimated fair value of the reporting unit to its assets and liabilities. Any unallocated fair value represents the implied fair value of goodwill which is compared to its corresponding carrying amount. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2011, we recognized a goodwill impairment loss of $145,000. See Note 14.

Deferred Costs and Intangibles

Deferred costs, intangible assets included in other assets, and intangible liabilities included in other liabilities consist of loan origination fees, leasing costs and the value of intangible assets and liabilities when a property was acquired. Loan and other fees directly related to rental property financing with third parties are amortized over the term of the loan using the effective interest method. Direct salaries, third-party fees and other costs incurred by us to originate a lease are capitalized and are being amortized against the respective leases using the straight-line method over the term of the related leases. Intangible assets consist of in-place lease values, tenant origination costs and above-market rents that were recorded in connection with the acquisition of the properties. Intangible liabilities consist of below-market rents that are also recorded in connection with the acquisition of properties. Both intangible assets and liabilities are amortized and accreted using the straight-line method over the term of the related leases. When a lease is terminated early, any remaining unamortized or unaccreted balances under lease intangible assets or liabilities are charged to earnings.

Noncontrolling Interests

Noncontrolling interests generally represent the portion of equity that we do not own in those entities that we consolidate. We account for and report our noncontrolling interests in accordance with the provisions required under the Consolidation Topic of the FASB ASC.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue includes minimum rents, expense recoveries, percentage rental payments and management and leasing services. Minimum rents are recognized on an accrual basis over the terms of the related leases on a straight-line basis. As part of the leasing process, we may provide the lessee with an allowance for the construction of leasehold improvements. Leasehold improvements are capitalized and recorded as tenant improvements and depreciated over the shorter of the useful life of the improvements or the lease term. If the allowance represents a payment for a purpose other than funding leasehold improvements, or in the event we are not considered the owner of the improvements, the allowance is considered a lease incentive and is recognized over the lease term as a reduction to revenue. Factors considered during this evaluation include, among others, the type of improvements made, who holds legal title to the improvements, and other controlling rights provided by the lease agreement. Lease revenue recognition commences when the lessee is given possession of the leased space, when the asset is substantially complete in the case of leasehold improvements, and there are no contingencies offsetting the lessee’s obligation to pay rent.

Many of the lease agreements contain provisions that require the payment of additional rents based on the respective tenants’ sales volume (contingent or percentage rent) and substantially all contain provisions that require reimbursement of the tenants’ allocable real estate taxes, insurance and common area maintenance costs, or CAM. Revenue based on percentage of tenants’ sales is recognized only after the tenant exceeds its sales breakpoint. Revenue from tenant reimbursements of taxes, CAM and insurance is recognized in the period that the applicable costs are incurred in accordance with the lease agreements.

Earnings Per Share

Under the Earnings Per Share Topic of the FASB ASC, unvested share-based payment awards that entitle their holders to receive non-forfeitable dividends, such as our restricted stock awards, are classified as “participating securities.” As participating securities, our shares of restricted stock will be included in the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share. Because the awards are considered participating securities under provisions of the Earnings Per Share Topic of the FASB ASC, we are required to apply the two-class method of computing basic and diluted earnings per share. The two-class method is an earnings allocation formula that treats a participating security as having rights to earnings that would otherwise have been available to common stockholders. Under the two-class method, earnings for the period are allocated between common stockholders and other security holders, based on their respective rights to receive dividends.

Share-Based Payment

Share-based compensation expense charged against earnings is summarized as follows:

	Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
	June 30,						June 30,
	2011			2010			2011			2010
	(In thousands)						(In thousands)
Restricted stock expense	$	1,417		$	1,025		$	2,706		$	2,109
Stock option expense		375			579			711			1,067
Employee stock purchase plan discount		4			1			8			3
Total equity-based expense		1,796			1,605			3,425			3,179
Restricted stock classified as liability		13			—			20			—
Total expense		1,809			1,605			3,445			3,179
Less amount capitalized		(67	)		(11	)		(123	)		(37	)
Net share-based compensation expense	$	1,742			1,594		$	3,322		$	3,142

Segment Information

We invest in retail shopping centers through direct ownership or through joint ventures. It is our intent that all retail shopping centers will be owned or developed for investment purposes; however, we may decide to sell all or a portion of a development upon completion. Our revenue and net income are generated from the operation of our investment portfolio. We also earn fees from third parties for services provided to manage and lease retail shopping centers owned through joint ventures or by third parties.

Our portfolio is primarily located throughout the southeastern United States; however, we do not distinguish or group our operations on a geographical basis for purposes of allocating resources or measuring performance. We review operating and financial data for each property on an individual basis; therefore, each of our individual properties is a separate operating segment. No individual property constitutes more than 10% of our revenue, net income or assets, and thus the individual properties have been aggregated into one reportable segment based upon their similarities with regard to both the nature and economics of the centers, tenants and operational processes, as well as long-term average financial performance. In addition, none of the shopping centers is located outside the United States.

Concentration of Credit Risk

A concentration of credit risk arises in our business when a national or regionally based tenant occupies a substantial amount of space in multiple properties owned by us. In that event, if the tenant suffers a significant downturn in its business, it may become unable to make its contractual rent payments to us, exposing us to potential losses in rental revenue, expense recoveries, and percentage rent. Further, the impact may be magnified if the tenant is renting space in multiple locations. Generally, we do not obtain security from our nationally-based or regionally-based tenants in support of their lease obligations to us. We regularly monitor our tenant base to assess potential concentrations of credit risk. As of June 30, 2011, Publix Super Markets is our largest tenant and accounted for approximately 2.7 million square feet, or approximately 13.7% of our gross leasable area, and approximately $23.1 million, or 9.8%, of our annual minimum rent. As of June 30, 2011, we had outstanding receivables from Publix Super Markets of approximately $350,000. No other tenant accounted for over 4% of our annual minimum rent.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In December 2010, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2010-28, “When to Perform Step 2 of the Goodwill Impairment Test for Reporting Units with Zero or Negative Carrying Amounts” (“ASU 2010-28”), which requires a public entity to perform Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test if it is more likely than not that a goodwill impairment exists, effective for fiscal years and interim periods within those years beginning after December 15, 2010. In determining whether it is more likely than not that goodwill impairment exists, an entity should consider whether there are any adverse qualitative factors indicating that impairment may exist. The qualitative factors are consistent with the existing guidance and examples in FASB Topic 350 Intangibles — Goodwill and Others, which requires that goodwill of a reporting unit be tested for impairment between annual tests if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount. The adoption had no material effect on our consolidated financial statements.

In December 2010, the FASB issued ASU No. 2010-29, “Disclosure of Supplementary Pro Forma Information for Business Combinations” (“ASU 2010-29”), which requires a public entity to disclose pro forma information for business combinations that occurred in the current reporting period, effective for fiscal years and interim periods within those years beginning on or after December 15, 2010. The disclosures include pro forma revenue and earnings of the combined entity for the current reporting period as though the acquisition date for all business combinations that occurred during the year had been as of the beginning of the annual reporting period. If comparative financial statements are presented, the pro forma revenue and earnings of the combined entity for the comparable prior reporting period should be reported as though the acquisition date for all business combinations that occurred during the current year had been as of the beginning of the comparable prior annual reporting period. We have incorporated the required disclosures within this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q where deemed applicable.

In May 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-04, “Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRSs”).” Under ASU 2011-04, the guidance amends certain accounting and disclosure requirements related to fair value measurements to ensure that fair value has the same meaning in U.S. GAAP and in IFRS and that their respective fair value measurement and disclosure requirements are the same.

This guidance contains certain updates to the measurement guidance as well as enhanced disclosure requirements. The most significant change in disclosures is an expansion of the information required for “Level 3” measurements including enhanced disclosure for: (1) the valuation processes used by the reporting entity and (2) the sensitivity of the fair value measurement to changes in unobservable inputs and the interrelationships between those unobservable inputs, if any. This guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning on or after December 15, 2011, with early adoption prohibited. We do not believe that the adoption of the ASU will have a material impact on our consolidated results of operation and financial condition.