Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Basis of Presentation

Basis of Presentation. The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements are prepared in accordance with United States (“U.S.”) generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) and are presented in our reporting currency, the U.S. dollar. All material intercompany transactions with consolidated entities have been eliminated.

Consolidation

Consolidation. We consolidate all entities that are wholly owned and those in which we own less than 100% of the equity but control, as well as any variable interest entities (“VIEs”) in which we are the primary beneficiary. We evaluate our ability to control an entity and whether the entity is a VIE and we are the primary beneficiary through consideration of substantive terms of the arrangement to identify which enterprise has the power to direct the activities of the entity that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance and the obligation to absorb losses and the right to receive benefits from the entity.

For entities that are not defined as VIEs, we first consider whether we are the general partner or the limited partner (or the equivalent in such investments that are not structured as partnerships). We consolidate entities in which we are the general partner and the limited partners in such entities do not have rights that would preclude control. For entities in which we are the general partner but do not control the entity as the other partners hold substantive participating or kick-out rights, we apply the equity method of accounting since, as the general partner, we have the ability to exercise significant influence over the operating and financial policies of the venture. For ventures for which we are a limited partner, or our investment is in an entity that is not structured similar to a partnership, we consider factors such as ownership interest, voting control, authority to make decisions and contractual and substantive participating rights of the partners. In instances where the factors indicate that we have a controlling financial interest in the venture, we consolidate the entity.

Reclassifications

Reclassifications. Upon adoption of the new lease standard, as detailed below, rental recoveries for 2017 and 2018 have been reclassified to Rental Revenues in the Consolidated Statements of Income to conform to the 2019 financial statement presentation.

Use of Estimates

Use of Estimates. GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Although we believe the assumptions and estimates we made are reasonable and appropriate, as discussed in the applicable

sections throughout the Consolidated Financial Statements, different assumptions and estimates could materially impact our reported results.

Foreign Operations

Foreign Operations. The U.S. dollar is the functional currency for our consolidated subsidiaries and unconsolidated entities operating in the U.S. and Mexico and certain of our consolidated subsidiaries that operate as holding companies for foreign investments. The functional currency for our consolidated subsidiaries and unconsolidated entities operating in other countries is the principal currency in which the entity’s assets, liabilities, income and expenses are denominated, which may be different from the local currency of the country of incorporation or where the entity conducts its operations. The functional currencies of entities outside of the U.S. and Mexico generally include the Brazilian real, British pound sterling, Canadian dollar, Chinese renminbi, euro, Japanese yen, Singapore dollar and Swedish krona. We take part in business transactions denominated in these and other local currencies where we operate.

For our consolidated subsidiaries whose functional currency is not the U.S. dollar, we translate their financial statements into the U.S. dollar at the time we consolidate those subsidiaries’ financial statements. Generally, assets and liabilities are translated at the exchange rate in effect at the balance sheet date. The resulting translation adjustments are included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (“AOCI/L”) in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Certain balance sheet items, primarily equity and capital-related accounts, are reflected at the historical exchange rate. Income statement accounts are translated using the average exchange rate for the period and income statement accounts that represent significant nonrecurring transactions are translated at the rate in effect at the date of the transaction. We translate our share of the net income or loss of our unconsolidated entities at the average exchange rate for the period and significant nonrecurring transactions of the unconsolidated entities are translated at the rate in effect at the date of the transaction.

We and certain of our consolidated subsidiaries have intercompany and third-party debt that is not denominated in the entity’s functional currency. When the debt is remeasured against the functional currency of the entity, a gain or loss can result. The resulting adjustment is reflected in Foreign Currency and Derivative Gains (Losses), Net in the Consolidated Statements of Income, unless it is intercompany debt that is deemed to be long-term in nature or third-party debt that has been designated as a nonderivative net investment hedge and then the adjustment is reflected as a cumulative translation adjustment in AOCI/L.

Acquisitions

Acquisitions. We apply a screen test to evaluate if substantially all the fair value of the acquired property is concentrated in a single identifiable asset or group of similar identifiable assets to determine whether a transaction is accounted for as an asset acquisition or business combination. As most of our real estate acquisitions are concentrated in either a single or a group of similar identifiable assets, our real estate transactions are generally accounted for as asset acquisitions, which permits the capitalization of transaction costs to the basis of the acquired property. We measure the real estate assets acquired through an asset acquisition based on their cost or total consideration exchanged and any excess consideration or bargain purchase amount is allocated to the real estate properties, excluding those identified as held for sale, on a relative fair value basis. Other monetary assets acquired and liabilities assumed, including debt, are recorded at fair value. Purchase price allocations for a business combination are recorded at fair value.

When we obtain control of an unconsolidated entity and the acquisition qualifies as a business combination, we account for the acquisition in accordance with the guidance for a business combination achieved in stages. We remeasure our previously held interest in the unconsolidated entity at its acquisition-date fair value and recognize any resulting gain or loss in earnings.

We allocate the purchase price using primarily Level 2 and Level 3 inputs (further defined in Fair Value Measurements below) as follows:

Investments in Real Estate Properties. We value operating properties as if vacant. We estimate fair value by applying an income approach methodology using either a discounted cash flow analysis or applying a capitalization rate to the estimated Net Operating Income (“NOI”) of a property. Key assumptions include market rents, growth rates, and discount and capitalization rates. Estimates of future cash flows are based on a number of factors including historical operating results, known trends and market and economic conditions. We determine the discount or capitalization rate by market based on recent transactions and other market data. The fair value of land is generally based on relevant market data, such as a comparison of the subject site to similar parcels that have recently been sold or are currently being offered on the market for sale.

Lease Intangibles. We determine the portion of the purchase price related to intangible assets and liabilities as follows:

• Above and Below Market Leases. We recognize an asset or liability for acquired in-place leases with favorable or unfavorable rents based on our estimate of current market rents of the applicable markets. The value is recorded in either Other Assets or Other Liabilities, as appropriate, and is amortized over the term of the respective leases, including any bargain renewal options, to rental revenues.

• Foregone Rent. We calculate the value of the revenue and recovery of costs foregone during a reasonable lease-up period, as if the space was vacant, in each of the applicable markets. The values are recorded in Other Assets and amortized over the remaining life of the respective leases to amortization expense.

• Leasing Commissions. We recognize an asset for leasing commissions upon the acquisition of in-place leases based on our estimate of the cost to lease space in the applicable markets. The value is recorded in Other Assets and amortized over the remaining life of the respective leases to amortization expense.

Debt. We estimate the fair value of debt based on contractual future cash flows discounted using borrowing spreads and market interest rates that would be available to us for the issuance of debt with similar terms and remaining maturities. In the case of publicly traded debt, we estimate the fair value based on available market data. Any discount or premium to the principal amount is included in the carrying value and amortized to interest expense over the remaining term of the related debt using the effective interest method.

Noncontrolling Interests. We estimate the portion of the fair value of the net assets owned by third parties based on the fair value of the consolidated net assets, principally real estate properties and debt.

Working Capital. We estimate the fair value of other acquired assets and assumed liabilities on the best information available.

Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value Measurements. The objective of fair value is to determine the price that would be received on the sale of an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (the exit price). We estimate fair value using available market information and valuation methodologies we believe to be appropriate for these purposes. Considerable judgment and a high degree of subjectivity are involved in developing these estimates and, accordingly, they are not necessarily indicative of amounts that we would realize on disposition. The fair value hierarchy consists of three broad levels:

• Level 1 — Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the entity can access at the measurement date.

• Level 2 — Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly.

• Level 3 — Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability.

Fair Value Measurements on a Recurring Basis. We estimate the fair value of our financial instruments using available market information and valuation methodologies we believe to be appropriate for these purposes.

We determine the fair value of our derivative financial instruments using widely accepted valuation techniques including discounted cash flow analysis on the expected cash flows of each derivative. This analysis reflects the contractual terms of the derivatives, including the period to maturity, and uses observable market-based inputs, including interest rate curves, foreign exchange rates and implied volatilities. We determine the fair values of our interest rate swaps using the market standard methodology of netting the discounted future fixed cash receipts or payments and the discounted expected variable cash payments. We base the variable cash payments on an expectation of future interest rates, or forward curves, derived from observable market interest rate curves. We base the fair values of our net investment hedges on the change in the spot rate at the end of the period as compared with the strike price at inception.

We incorporate credit valuation adjustments to appropriately reflect nonperformance risk for us and the respective counterparty in the fair value measurements. In adjusting the fair value of our derivative contracts for the effect of nonperformance risk, we consider the impact of netting and any applicable credit enhancements, such as collateral postings, thresholds, mutual puts and guarantees.

We have determined that the majority of the inputs used to value our derivatives fall within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. Although the credit valuation adjustments associated with our derivatives utilize Level 3 inputs, such as estimates of current credit spreads to evaluate the likelihood of default by us and our counterparties, we assess the significance of the impact of the credit valuation adjustments on the overall valuation of our derivative positions and have determined that the credit valuation adjustments are not significant to the overall valuation of our derivatives.

Fair Value Measurements on a Nonrecurring Basis. Assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis generally consist of real estate assets and investments in unconsolidated entities that were subject to impairment charges related to our change of intent to sell the investments and through our recoverability analysis discussed below. We estimate fair value based on expected sales prices in the market (Level 2) or by applying the income approach methodology using a discounted cash flow analysis (Level 3).

Fair Value of Financial Instruments. We estimate the fair value of our senior notes for disclosure purposes based on quoted market prices for the same (Level 1) or similar (Level 2) issues when current quoted market prices are available. We estimate the fair value of our credit facilities, term loans, secured mortgage debt and assessment bonds by discounting the future cash flows using rates and borrowing spreads currently available to us (Level 3).

Real Estate Assets

Real Estate Assets. Real estate assets are carried at depreciated cost. We capitalize costs incurred in developing, renovating, rehabilitating and improving real estate assets as part of the investment basis. We expense costs for repairs and maintenance as incurred.

Depreciation and Amortization. We charge the depreciable portions of real estate assets to depreciation expense on a straight-line basis over the respective estimated useful lives. Depreciation on development buildings commences when the asset is ready for its intended use, which we define as the earlier of stabilization (90% occupied) or one year after completion of construction. We generally use the following useful lives: 5 to 7 years for capital improvements, 10 years for standard tenant improvements, 15 to 25 years for depreciable land improvements, 25 to 35 years for operating properties acquired based on the age of the building and 40 years for operating properties we develop. We depreciate building improvements on land parcels subject to ground leases over the shorter of the estimated life of the building improvement or the contractual term of the underlying ground lease. Capitalized leasing costs are

amortized over the estimated remaining lease term. Our weighted average lease term on leases commenced during 2019, based on square feet for all leases, was 66 months.

Capitalization of Costs. During the land development and construction periods of qualifying projects, we capitalize interest costs, insurance, real estate taxes and general and administrative costs of the personnel performing the development, renovation and rehabilitation; if such costs are incremental and identifiable to a specific activity to ready the asset for its intended use. We capitalize transaction costs related to the acquisition of land for future development and operating properties that qualify as asset acquisitions. We capitalize incremental costs incurred to successfully originate a lease that result directly from obtaining a lease and would not have been incurred if the lease had not been obtained. With the adoption of the new lease standard on January 1, 2019, we no longer capitalize internal costs related to our leasing activities. Amounts capitalized prior to adoption were not adjusted and continue to be amortized in accordance with previously applicable guidance. Leasing costs that meet the requirements for capitalization are presented as a component of Other Assets and all other capitalized costs are included in the investment basis of the real estate assets.

Recoverability of Real Estate Assets. We assess the carrying values of our respective real estate assets, whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts of these assets may not be fully recoverable. We measure the recoverability of the asset by comparing the carrying amount of the asset to the estimated future undiscounted cash flows. If our analysis indicates that the carrying value of the real estate property is not recoverable on an undiscounted cash flow basis, we recognize an impairment charge for the amount by which the carrying value exceeds the current estimated fair value of the real estate property.

We estimate the future undiscounted cash flows and fair value based on our intent as follows:

• for real estate properties that we intend to hold long-term; including land held for development, properties currently under development and operating properties; recoverability is assessed based on the estimated undiscounted future net rental income from operating the property and the terminal value, including anticipated costs to develop;

• for real estate properties we intend to sell, including properties currently under development and operating properties; recoverability is assessed based on proceeds from disposition that are estimated based on the future net rental income of the property, expected market capitalization rates and anticipated costs to develop;

• for land parcels we intend to sell, recoverability is assessed based on the estimated proceeds from disposition; and

• for costs incurred related to the potential acquisition of land, operating properties or development of a real estate property, recoverability is assessed based on the probability that the acquisition or development is likely to occur at the measurement date.

Assets Held for Sale or Contribution

Assets Held for Sale or Contribution. We classify a property as held for sale or contribution when certain criteria are met in accordance with GAAP. Assets classified as held for sale are expected to be sold to a third party and assets classified as held for contribution are generally newly developed assets we intend to contribute to an unconsolidated co-investment venture within twelve months. When the criteria are met, the respective assets and liabilities are presented separately in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and depreciation is no longer recognized. Assets held for sale or contribution are reported at the lower of their carrying amount or their estimated fair value less the costs to sell.

Investments in Unconsolidated Entities

Investments in Unconsolidated Entities. We present our investments in certain entities under the equity method. We use the equity method when we have the ability to exercise significant influence over operating and financial policies of the venture but do not have control of the entity. Under the equity method, we initially recognize these investments (including advances) in the balance sheet at our cost, including formation costs and net of deferred gains from the contribution of properties, if applicable. The transaction costs related to the formation of equity method investments are also capitalized. We subsequently adjust the accounts to reflect our proportionate share of net earnings or losses recognized and accumulated other comprehensive income or loss, distributions received, contributions made and certain other adjustments, as appropriate. When circumstances indicate there may have been a reduction in the value of an equity investment, we evaluate whether the loss in value is other than temporary. If we conclude it is other than temporary, we recognize an impairment charge to reflect the equity investment at fair value.

With regard to distributions from unconsolidated entities, we have elected the nature of distribution approach as the information is available to us to determine the nature of the underlying activity that generated the distributions. In accordance with the nature of distribution approach, cash flows generated from the operations of an unconsolidated entity are classified as a return on investment (cash inflow from operating activities) and cash flows that are generated from property sales, debt refinancing or sales and redemptions of our investments are classified as a return of investment (cash inflow from investing activities).

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and Cash Equivalents. We consider all cash on hand, demand deposits with financial institutions and short-term highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Our cash and cash equivalents are financial instruments that are exposed to concentrations of credit risk. We invest our cash with high-credit quality institutions. Cash balances may be invested in money market accounts that are not insured. We have not realized any losses in such cash investments or accounts and believe that we are not exposed to any significant credit risk.

Derivative Financial Instruments

Derivative Financial Instruments. We primarily hedge our foreign currency risk by borrowing in the currencies in which we invest. Generally, we borrow in the functional currency of our consolidated subsidiaries. We may use derivative financial instruments, such as foreign currency forward and option contracts to manage foreign currency exchange rate risk related to both our foreign investments

and the related earnings. In addition, we occasionally use interest rate swap and forward contracts to manage interest rate risk and limit the impact of future interest rate changes on earnings and cash flows, primarily with variable-rate debt.

We do not use derivative financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes. Each derivative transaction is customized and not exchange-traded. We recognize all derivatives at fair value within the line items Other Assets or Other Liabilities. We do not net our derivative position by counterparty for purposes of balance sheet presentation and disclosure. Management reviews our derivative positions, overall risk management strategy and hedging program, on a regular basis. We only enter into transactions that we believe will be highly effective at offsetting the underlying risk. Our use of derivatives involves the risk that counterparties may default on a derivative contract; therefore we: (i) establish exposure limits for each counterparty to minimize this risk and provide counterparty diversification; (ii) contract with counterparties that have long-term credit ratings of single-A or better; (iii) enter into master agreements that generally allow for netting of certain exposures; thereby significantly reducing the actual loss that would be incurred should a counterparty fail to perform its contractual obligations; and (iv) set minimum credit standards that become more stringent as the duration of the derivative financial instrument increases. Based on these factors, we consider the risk of counterparty default to be minimal.

Designated Derivatives. We may choose to designate our derivative financial instruments, generally foreign currency forwards as net investment hedges in foreign operations or interest rate swaps or foreign currency forwards as cash flow hedges. At inception of the transaction, we formally designate and document the derivative financial instrument as a hedge of a specific underlying exposure, the risk management objective and the strategy for undertaking the hedge transaction. We formally assess both at inception and at least quarterly thereafter, the effectiveness of our hedging transactions. Due to the high degree of effectiveness between the hedging instruments and the underlying exposures hedged, fluctuations in the value of the derivative financial instruments will generally be offset by changes in the cash flows or fair values of the underlying exposures being hedged.

Changes in the fair value of derivatives that are designated and qualify as net investment hedges in foreign operations and cash flow hedges are recorded in AOCI/L. For net investment hedges, these amounts offset the translation adjustments on the underlying net assets of our foreign investments, which we also record in AOCI/L. The ineffective portion of a derivative financial instrument's change in fair value, if any, is immediately recognized in earnings within the line item Foreign Currency and Derivative Gains (Losses), Net in the Consolidated Statements of Income. For cash flow hedges, we report the effective portion of the gain or loss as a component of AOCI/L and reclassify it to the applicable line item in the Consolidated Statements of Income, generally Interest Expense, over the corresponding period of the underlying hedged item. The ineffective portion of a derivative financial instrument’s change in fair value is recognized in earnings, generally Interest Expense, at the time the ineffectiveness occurred. To the extent the hedged debt related to our interest rate swaps and forwards is paid off early, we write off the remaining balance in AOCI/L and recognize the amount in Interest Expense in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

In addition to the net investment hedges described above, we may issue debt in a currency that is not the same functional currency of the borrowing entity to hedge our net investment in international entities. We may designate the debt and related accrued interest as a nonderivative net investment hedge to offset the translation and economic exposures related to these entities. The foreign currency movement on the portion of the debt and accrued interest that is hedged at period end is recognized as cumulative translation adjustment in AOCI/L. If the debt and related accrued interest exceeds the net investment in these entities, the foreign currency remeasurement on the unhedged portion of the debt during the period is recognized in Foreign Currency and Derivative Gains (Losses), Net.

Undesignated Derivatives. We also use derivatives, such as foreign currency forwards and option contracts, that are not designated as hedges to manage foreign currency exchange rate risk related to the translation of our results of operations. The changes in fair values of these derivatives that were not designated or did not qualify as hedging instruments are immediately recognized in earnings within the line item Foreign Currency and Derivative Gains (Losses), Net. These gains or losses are generally offset by lower or higher earnings due to the translation at exchange rates that were different than our expectations.

In addition, we may choose to not designate our interest rate swap and forward contracts. If a swap or forward contract is not designated as a hedge, the changes in fair value of these instruments is immediately recognized in earnings within the line item Interest Expense in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

Noncontrolling Interests

Noncontrolling Interests. Noncontrolling interests represent the share of consolidated entities owned by third parties. We recognize each noncontrolling holder’s respective share of the estimated fair value of the net assets at the date of formation or acquisition. Noncontrolling interests are subsequently adjusted for the noncontrolling holder’s share of additional contributions, distributions and their share of the net earnings or losses of each respective consolidated entity. We allocate net income to noncontrolling interests based on the weighted average ownership interest during the period. The net income that is not attributable to us is reflected in the line item Net Earnings Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests. We do not recognize a gain or loss on transactions with a consolidated entity in which we do not own 100% of the equity, but we reflect the difference in cash received or paid from the noncontrolling interests carrying amount as additional paid-in-capital.

Certain limited partnership interests, including OP units, are exchangeable into our common stock. Common stock issued upon exchange of a holder’s noncontrolling interest is accounted for at the carrying value of the surrendered limited partnership interest and the difference between the carrying value and the fair value of the common stock issued is recorded to additional paid-in-capital.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue Recognition.

Rental Revenues and Recoveries. We lease our operating properties to customers under agreements that are classified as operating leases. We recognize the total minimum lease payments provided for under the leases on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Generally, under the terms of our leases, the majority of our rental expenses are recovered from our customers, including common area maintenance, real estate taxes and insurance. Rental expenses recovered through reimbursements received from customers are recognized in Rental Revenues in the Consolidated Statements of Income. We record amounts reimbursed by our customers as revenues in the period that the applicable expenses are incurred. As the timing and straight-line pattern of transfer to the lessee for rental revenue and the associated rental recoveries are the same and our leases qualify as operating leases, we account for and present rental revenue and rental recoveries as a single component under Rental Revenues. We perform credit analyses of our customers prior to the execution of our leases and continue these analyses on an ongoing basis in order to ensure the collectability of rental revenue. We recognize revenue to the extent that amounts are determined to be collectible.

Strategic Capital Revenues. Strategic capital revenues include revenues we earn from the management services we provide to unconsolidated entities. These fees are determined in accordance with the terms specific to each arrangement and may include recurring fees such as property and asset management fees or transactional fees for leasing, acquisition, development, construction, financing, legal and tax services provided. We recognize these fees as we provide the services or on a cost basis for development fees.

We may also earn incentive returns (“promotes” or “promote revenues”) based on a venture’s cumulative returns over a certain time-period and the returns are determined by both the operating performance and real estate valuation of the venture, including highly variable inputs such as capitalization rates, market rents, interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates. As these key inputs are highly volatile and out of our control, and such volatility can materially impact our promotes period over period, we recognize promote revenues at or near the end of the performance period. We generally earn promote revenue directly from third-party investors in the co-investment ventures and occasionally from the venture. We include the third-party investors’ share of promotes in Strategic Capital Revenues.

We also earn fees from ventures that we consolidate. Upon consolidation, these fees are eliminated from our earnings and the third-party investors’ share of these fees are recognized as a reduction of Net Earnings Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests.

Development Management and Other Revenues. Development management and other revenues principally include development and construction management fees recognized as we provide the services or on a cost basis.

Gains on Real Estate Transactions, Net

Gains on Real Estate Transactions, Net.

Throughout the notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements, Gains on Real Estate Transactions, Net collectively refers to Gains on Dispositions of Development Properties and Land, Net and Gains on Other Dispositions of Investments in Real Estate, Net.

We recognize gains on the disposition of real estate when the recognition criteria have been met, generally at the time the risks and rewards and title have transferred, and we no longer have substantial continuing involvement with the real estate sold. We recognize losses from the disposition of real estate when known.

Beginning January 1, 2018 with the adoption of the new revenue recognition guidance, we recognize the entire gain attributed to contributions of real estate properties to unconsolidated entities. We previously recognized a gain on contribution only to the extent of the third-party ownership in the unconsolidated entity acquiring the property and deferred the portion of the gain related to our ownership through a reduction to our investment in the applicable unconsolidated entity. We adjusted our proportionate share of net earnings or losses recognized in future periods to reflect the entities’ recorded depreciation expense as if it were computed on our lower basis in the contributed properties rather than on the entity’s basis. For deferred gains from partial sales recorded prior to the adoption, we continue to recognize these gains over the lives of the underlying real estate properties or at the time of disposition to a third party. If our ownership interest in an unconsolidated entity decreases and the decrease is expected to be permanent, we recognize the amounts relating to previously deferred gains to coincide with our new ownership interest.

Gains on Dispositions of Development Properties and Land, Net. We present gains separately based on the type of real estate sold or contributed. We present gains on sales to third parties or contributions to our unconsolidated entities as Gains on Dispositions of Development Properties and Land, Net when the property was included in our land portfolio or when we developed the property within our development portfolio prior to the sale or contribution.  

Gains on Other Dispositions of Investments in Real Estate, Net. We present all other gains on sales to third parties or contributions to our unconsolidated entities of non-developed properties (primarily operating properties) and other real estate transactions as Gains on Other Dispositions of Investments in Real Estate, Net. Generally, any operating property that was previously depreciated prior to sale or contribution is presented within this line item. We also include gains or losses on the remeasurement of equity investments to fair value upon acquisition of a controlling interest and the transaction is considered the acquisition of a business and gains or losses upon the partial redemption of our investment in an unconsolidated entity.

Rental Expense

Rental Expenses. Rental expenses principally include the cost of our property management personnel, utilities, repairs and maintenance, property insurance, real estate taxes and the other costs of managing the properties.

Strategic Capital Expenses

Strategic Capital Expenses. Strategic capital expenses generally include the direct expenses associated with the asset management of the co-investment ventures provided by our employees who are assigned to our Strategic Capital segment and the costs of our Prologis Promote Plan based on earned promotes. In addition, in order to achieve efficiencies and economies of scale, all of our

property management functions are provided by property management personnel who are assigned to our Real Estate Operations segment. These individuals perform the property-level management of the properties in our owned and managed portfolio, which include properties we consolidate and those we manage that are owned by the unconsolidated co-investment ventures. We allocate the costs of our property management to the properties we consolidate (included in Rental Expenses) and the properties owned by the unconsolidated co-investment ventures (included in Strategic Capital Expenses) by using the square feet owned by the respective portfolios.

Equity-Based Compensation

Equity-Based Compensation. We account for equity-based compensation by measuring the cost of employee services received in exchange for an award of an equity instrument based on the fair value of the award on the grant date. We recognize the cost of the award on a straight-line basis over the period during which an employee is required to provide service in exchange for the award, generally the vesting period.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes. Under the IRC, REITs are generally not required to pay federal income taxes if they distribute 100% of their taxable income and meet certain income, asset and stockholder tests. If we fail to qualify as a REIT in any taxable year, we will be subject to federal income taxes at regular corporate rates and may not be able to qualify as a REIT for the four subsequent taxable years. Even as a REIT, we may be subject to certain foreign, state and local taxes on our own income and property, and to federal income and excise taxes on our undistributed taxable income.

We have elected taxable REIT subsidiary (“TRS”) status for some of our consolidated subsidiaries. This allows us to provide services that would otherwise be considered impermissible for REITs. Many of the foreign countries in which we have operations do not recognize REITs or do not accord REIT status under their respective tax laws to our entities that operate in their jurisdiction. In the U.S., we are taxed in certain states in which we operate. Accordingly, we recognize income tax expense for the federal and state income taxes incurred by our TRSs, taxes incurred in certain states and foreign jurisdictions, and interest and penalties associated with our unrecognized tax benefit liabilities.

We evaluate tax positions taken in the Consolidated Financial Statements under the interpretation for accounting for uncertainty in income taxes. As a result of this evaluation, we may recognize a tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by taxing authorities.

We recognize deferred income taxes in certain taxable entities. For federal income tax purposes, certain acquisitions have been treated as tax-free transactions resulting in a carry-over basis in assets and liabilities. For financial reporting purposes and in accordance with purchase accounting, we record all of the acquired assets and assumed liabilities at the estimated fair value at the date of acquisition, as discussed above. For our taxable subsidiaries, including certain international jurisdictions, we recognize the deferred income tax liabilities that represent the tax effect of the difference between the tax basis carried over and the fair value of the tangible and intangible assets at the date of acquisition. Any subsequent increases or decreases to the deferred income tax liability recorded in connection with these acquisitions, are reflected in earnings.

If taxable income is generated in these subsidiaries, we recognize a benefit in earnings as a result of the reversal of the deferred income tax liability previously recorded at the acquisition date and we record current income tax expense representing the entire current income tax liability. If the reversal of the deferred income tax liability results from a sale or contribution of assets, the classification of the reversal to the Consolidated Statements of Income is based on the taxability of the transaction. If the sale or contribution is of the real estate asset and results in a taxable transaction, the reversal is recorded to deferred income tax benefit. If the sale or contribution is the disposition of the entity that owns the asset, the reversal is recorded through gains.

Deferred income tax expense is generally a function of the period’s temporary differences (items that are treated differently for tax purposes than for financial reporting purposes) and the utilization of tax net operating losses (“NOL”) generated in prior years that had been previously recognized as deferred income tax assets. We provide for a valuation allowance for deferred income tax assets if we believe all or some portion of the deferred income tax asset may not be realized. Any increase or decrease in the valuation allowance that results from a change in circumstances that causes a change in the estimated ability to realize the related deferred income tax asset is included in deferred tax expense.

Environmental Costs

Environmental Costs. We incur certain environmental remediation costs, including cleanup costs, consulting fees for environmental studies and investigations, monitoring costs, and legal costs relating to cleanup, litigation defense, and the pursuit of responsible third parties. We expense costs incurred in connection with operating properties and properties previously sold. We capitalize costs related to undeveloped land as development costs and include any expected future environmental liabilities at the time of acquisition. We maintain a liability for the estimated costs of environmental remediation expected to be incurred in connection with undeveloped land, operating properties and properties previously sold that we adjust as appropriate as information becomes available.

New Accounting Pronouncements

New Accounting Pronouncements.

New Accounting Standards Adopted

Leases. In February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued an accounting standard update (“ASU”) that provided the principles for the recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of leases. The guidance amended the existing accounting standards, including a new requirement that lessees recognize right-of-use assets and lease liabilities for leases with terms greater than twelve months in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Additional guidance and targeted improvements to the February 2016

ASU were made through the issuance of supplementary ASUs in July 2018, December 2018 and March 2019. We refer to all three ASUs collectively as the “new lease standard.”

We adopted the new lease standard on January 1, 2019 and applied it to leases that were in place on the effective date. Results for reporting periods beginning January 1, 2019 are presented under the new lease standard.

We elected the package of practical expedients and were not required to reassess the following upon adoption: (i) whether an expired or existing contract met the definition of a lease; (ii) the lease classification at January 1, 2019 for existing leases; and (iii) whether leasing costs previously capitalized as initial direct costs would continue to be amortized. This allowed us to continue to account for our existing ground and office space leases as operating leases, however, any new or renewed ground leases after January 1, 2019 may be classified as financing leases unless they meet certain conditions to be considered a lease involving land owned by a government unit or authority. Upon adoption, we did not have an adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings due to the election of these practical expedients.

• As a lessor. The new lease standard required that lessors expense, on an as-incurred basis, certain initial direct costs that are not incremental in negotiating a lease. Initial direct costs include the salaries and related costs for employees directly working on leasing activities. Prior to January 1, 2019, these costs were capitalizable in Other Assets and therefore the new lease standard resulted in certain of these costs being expensed as incurred through Rental Expenses. During the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, we capitalized $21.2 million and $23.8 million, respectively, of internal costs related to our leasing activities. We will continue to amortize initial direct costs capitalized prior to January 1, 2019.

We adopted the practical expedient that allowed us to not separate expenses reimbursed by our customers (“rental recoveries”) from the associated rental revenue if certain criteria were met. We assessed these criteria and concluded that the timing and straight-line pattern of transfer to the lessee for rental revenue and the associated rental recoveries are the same and as our leases qualify as operating leases, we accounted for and presented rental revenue and rental recoveries as a single component under Rental Revenues in our Consolidated Statements of Income for the year ended December 31, 2019. As a result of our adoption of this practical expedient, we also presented $1.9 billion and $1.7 billion of rental revenue and $529.9 million and $487.3 million of rental recoveries as a single component in the Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, to conform to the 2019 new presentation.  

• As a lessee. At January 1, 2019 we recognized Lease Right-of-Use (“ROU”) Assets and Lease Liabilities, principally for our ground and office space leases, in which we are the lessee.

See Note 4 for further disclosure around our adoption of the new lease standard.

Derivatives and Hedging. In August 2017, the FASB issued an ASU that simplified the application of hedge accounting guidance in current GAAP and improved the reporting of hedging relationships to better portray the economic results of an entity’s risk management activities in its consolidated financial statements. Among the simplification updates, the ASU eliminated the requirement in current GAAP to separately recognize periodic hedge ineffectiveness. Mismatches between the changes in value of the hedged item and hedging instrument may still occur but they will no longer be separately reported. The ASU required the presentation of the earnings effect of the hedging instrument in the same income statement line item in which the earnings effect of the hedged item is reported. We adopted the ASU on January 1, 2019 on a modified retrospective basis and there was no adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings.