Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Consolidation and Investments in Joint Ventures

The accompanying financial statements are presented on a consolidated basis and include all accounts of the Parent Company, the Operating Partnership, the taxable REIT subsidiary of the Operating Partnership, subsidiaries of the Operating Partnership that are controlled and any variable interest entities (“VIEs”) in which the Operating Partnership is the primary beneficiary. In general, a VIE is a corporation, partnership, trust or any other legal structure used for business purposes that either (a) has equity investors that do not provide sufficient financial resources for the entity to support its activities, (b) does not have equity investors with voting rights or (c) has equity investors whose votes are disproportionate from their economics and substantially all of the activities are conducted on behalf of the investor with disproportionately fewer voting rights.

The Operating Partnership accounts for properties that are owned by joint ventures in accordance with the consolidation guidance. The Operating Partnership evaluates each joint venture and determines first whether to follow the VIE or the voting interest entity ("VOE") model. Once the appropriate consolidation model is identified, the Operating Partnership then evaluates whether it should consolidate the joint venture. Under the VIE model, the Operating Partnership consolidates an entity when it has (i) the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance, and (ii) the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits that could potentially be significant to the VIE. Under the VOE model, the Operating Partnership consolidates an entity when (i) it controls the entity through ownership of a majority voting interest if the entity is not a limited partnership or (ii) it controls the entity through its ability to remove the other partners or owners in the entity, at its discretion, when the entity is a limited partnership.

In determining whether to consolidate a VIE with the Operating Partnership, we consider all relationships between the Operating Partnership and the applicable VIE, including development agreements, management agreements and other contractual arrangements, in determining whether we have the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly affect the VIE's performance. As of December 31, 2018, we owned investments in two joint ventures that were VIEs in which the partners did not have substantive participating rights and we were the primary beneficiary. As of this date, these VIEs had total debt of $56.6 million, which were secured by assets of the VIEs totaling $114.8 million. The Operating Partnership guarantees the debt of these VIEs.

The Operating Partnership is considered a VIE as the limited partners do not hold kick-out rights or substantive participating rights. The Parent Company consolidates the Operating Partnership as it is the primary beneficiary in accordance with the VIE model.

Acquisition of Real Estate Properties

Upon acquisition of real estate operating properties, we estimate the fair value of acquired identifiable tangible assets and identified intangible assets and liabilities, assumed debt, and any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree at the date of acquisition, based on evaluation of information and estimates available at that date. Based on these estimates, we record the estimated fair value to the applicable assets and liabilities. In making estimates of fair values, a number of sources are utilized, including information obtained as a result of pre-acquisition due diligence, marketing and leasing activities. The estimates of fair value were determined to have primarily relied upon Level 2 and Level 3 inputs, as defined below.

Fair value is determined for tangible assets and intangibles, including:


•	the fair value of the building on an as-if-vacant basis and the fair value of land determined either by comparable market data, real estate tax assessments, independent appraisals or other relevant data;

•

above-market and below-market in-place lease values for acquired properties, which are based on the present value (using an interest rate which reflects the risks associated with the leases acquired) of the difference between (i) the contractual amounts to be paid pursuant to the in-place leases and (ii) management’s estimate of fair market lease rates for the corresponding in-place leases, measured over the remaining non-cancelable term of the leases. Any below-market renewal options are also considered in the in-place lease values. The capitalized above-market and below-market lease values are amortized as a reduction of or addition to rental income over the term of the lease. Should a tenant vacate, terminate its lease, or otherwise notify us of its intent to do so, the unamortized portion of the lease intangibles would be charged or credited to income;

•

the value of having a lease in place at the acquisition date. We utilize independent and internal sources for our estimates to determine the respective in-place lease values. Our estimates of value are made using methods similar to those used by independent appraisers. Factors we consider in our analysis include an estimate of costs to execute similar leases including tenant improvements, leasing commissions and foregone costs and rent received during the estimated lease-up period as if the space was vacant. The value of in-place leases is amortized to expense over the remaining initial terms of the respective leases; and


•	the fair value of any assumed financing that is determined to be above or below market terms. We utilize third party and independent sources for our estimates to determine the respective fair value of each mortgage payable. The fair market value of each mortgage payable is amortized to interest expense over the remaining initial terms of the respective loan.

We also consider whether there is any value to in-place leases that have a related customer relationship intangible value. Characteristics we consider in determining these values include the nature and extent of existing business relationships with the tenant, growth prospects for developing new business with the tenant, the tenant’s credit quality, and expectations of lease renewals, among other factors. To date, a tenant relationship has not been developed that is considered to have a current intangible value.

We finalize the measurement period of our business combinations when all facts and circumstances are understood, but in no circumstances will the measurement period exceed one year.

Investment Properties

Capitalization and Depreciation

Investment properties are recorded at cost and include costs of land acquisition, development, pre-development, construction, certain allocated overhead, tenant allowances and improvements, and interest and real estate taxes incurred during construction. Significant renovations and improvements are capitalized when they extend the useful life, increase capacity, or improve the efficiency of the asset. If a tenant vacates a space prior to the lease expiration, terminates its lease, or otherwise notifies the Company of its intent to do so, any related unamortized tenant allowances are expensed over the shortened lease period. Maintenance and repairs that do not extend the useful lives of the respective assets are reflected in property operating expense.

Pre-development costs are incurred prior to vertical construction and for certain land held for development during the due diligence phase and include contract deposits, legal, engineering, cost of internal resources and other professional fees related to evaluating the feasibility of developing or redeveloping a shopping center or other project. These pre-development costs are capitalized and included in construction in progress in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. If we determine that the completion of a development project is no longer probable, all previously incurred pre-development costs are immediately expensed. Land is transferred to construction in progress once construction commences on the related project.

We also capitalize costs such as land acquisition, building construction, interest, real estate taxes, and the costs of personnel directly involved with the development of our properties. As a portion of a development property becomes operational, we expense a pro rata amount of related costs.

Depreciation on buildings and improvements is provided utilizing the straight-line method over estimated original useful lives ranging from 10 to 35 years. Depreciation on tenant allowances and tenant improvements are provided utilizing the straight-line method over the term of the related lease. Depreciation on equipment and fixtures is provided utilizing the straight-line method over 5 to 10 years. Depreciation may be accelerated for a redevelopment project including partial demolition of existing structure after the asset is assessed for impairment.

Impairment

Management reviews operational and development projects, land parcels and intangible assets for impairment on at least a quarterly basis or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the asset may not be recoverable. This review for possible impairment requires certain assumptions, estimates, and significant judgment. Impairment losses for investment properties and intangible assets are measured when the undiscounted cash flows estimated to be generated by the investment properties during the expected holding period are less than the carrying amounts of those assets. Impairment losses are recorded as the excess of the carrying value over the estimated fair value of the asset. Our impairment review for land and development properties assumes we have the intent and the ability to complete the developments or projected uses for the land parcels. If we determine those plans will not be completed or our assumptions with respect to operating assets are not realized, an impairment loss may be appropriate.

Asset Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations

Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations

Operating properties will be classified as held for sale only when those properties are available for immediate sale in their present condition and for which management believes it is probable that a sale of the property will be completed within one year, among other factors. Operating properties classified as held for sale are carried at the lower of cost or fair value less estimated costs to sell. Depreciation and amortization are suspended during the held-for-sale period.

Escrow Deposits

Escrow deposits consist of cash held for real estate taxes, property maintenance, insurance and other requirements at specific properties as required by lending institutions and certain municipalities.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

We consider all highly liquid investments purchased with an original maturity of 90 days or less to be cash and cash equivalents. From time to time, such investments may temporarily be held in accounts that are in excess of FDIC and SIPC insurance limits; however the Company attempts to limit its exposure at any one time.

Fair Value Measurements

We follow the framework established under accounting standard FASB ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, for measuring fair value of non-financial assets and liabilities that are not required or permitted to be measured at fair value on a recurring basis but only in certain circumstances, such as a business combination or upon determination of impairment.

Assets and liabilities recorded at fair value on the consolidated balance sheets are categorized based on the inputs to the valuation techniques as follows:


•	Level 1 fair value inputs are quoted prices in active markets for identical instruments to which we have access.


•	Level 2 fair value inputs are inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for similar instruments, either directly or indirectly, and appropriately consider counterparty creditworthiness in the valuations.


•	Level 3 fair value inputs reflect our best estimate of inputs and assumptions market participants would use in pricing an instrument at the measurement date. The inputs are unobservable in the market and significant to the valuation estimate.

In instances where the determination of the fair value measurement is based on inputs from different levels of the fair value hierarchy, the level in the fair value hierarchy within which the entire fair value measurement falls is based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. Our assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment and considers factors specific to the asset or liability. As discussed in Note 8 to the Financial Statements, we have determined that derivative valuations are classified in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

Cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, escrows and deposits, and other working capital balances approximate fair value.

Note 6 to the Financial Statements includes a discussion of the fair values recorded when we recognized impairment charges in 2018 and 2017. Level 3 inputs to these transactions include our estimations of market leasing rates, tenant-related costs, discount rates, and disposal values.

Derivative Financial Instruments

The Company accounts for its derivative financial instruments at fair value calculated in accordance with ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures. Gains or losses resulting from changes in the fair values of those derivatives are accounted for depending on the use of the derivative and whether it qualifies for hedge accounting. We use derivative instruments such as interest rate swaps or rate locks to mitigate interest rate risk on related financial instruments.

Changes in the fair values of derivatives that qualify as cash flow hedges are recognized in other comprehensive income (“OCI”) while any ineffective portion of a derivative’s change in fair value is recognized immediately in earnings. Gains and losses associated with the transaction are recorded in OCI and amortized over the underlying term of the hedged transaction. As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, all of our derivative instruments qualify for hedge accounting.

Revenue Recognition

As a lessor of real estate assets, the Company retains substantially all of the risks and benefits of ownership and accounts for its leases as operating leases.

Contractual minimum base rent, percentage rent, and expense reimbursements from tenants for common area maintenance costs, insurance and real estate taxes are our principal sources of revenue. Base minimum rents are recognized on a straight-line basis over the terms of the respective leases. Certain lease agreements contain provisions that grant additional rents based on a tenant’s sales volume (contingent overage rent). Overage rent is recognized when tenants achieve the specified sales targets as defined in their lease agreements. Overage rent is included in other property related revenue in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. We have accounts receivable due from tenants and are subject to the risk of tenant defaults and bankruptcies that may affect the collection of outstanding receivables. To address the collectability of these receivables, we analyze historical write-off experience, tenant credit-worthiness and current economic trends when evaluating the adequacy of our allowance for uncollectible accounts and straight-line rent reserve accordingly. Although we estimate uncollectible receivables and provide for them through charges against income, actual experience may differ from those estimates.

Revenue Recognition, Real Estate

Gains or losses from sales of real estate have historically been recognized when a sale has been consummated, the buyer’s initial and continuing investment is adequate to demonstrate a commitment to pay for the asset, we have transferred to the buyer the usual risks and rewards of ownership, and we do not have a substantial continuing financial involvement in the property. As part of our ongoing business strategy, we will, from time to time, sell land parcels and outlots, some of which are ground leased to tenants.

Tenant and Other Receivables and Allowance for Uncollectible Accounts

Tenant receivables consist primarily of billed minimum rent, accrued and billed tenant reimbursements, and accrued straight-line rent. The Company generally does not require specific collateral from its tenants other than corporate or personal guarantees. Other receivables consist primarily of amounts due from municipalities and from tenants for non-rental revenue related activities.

An allowance for uncollectible accounts is maintained for estimated losses resulting from the inability of certain tenants or others to meet contractual obligations under their lease or other agreements. Accounts are written off when, in the opinion of management, the balance is uncollectible.



($ in thousands)	2018			2017			2016
Balance, beginning of year	$	3,487		$	3,998		$	4,325
Provision for credit losses and accrued straight-line rent, net of recoveries	3,461			2,786			2,771
Accounts written off	(2,648		)	(3,297		)	(3,098		)
Balance, end of year	$	4,300		$	3,487		$	3,998

Concentration of Credit Risk

We may be subject to concentrations of credit risk with regards to our cash and cash equivalents. We place cash and temporary cash investments with high-credit-quality financial institutions. From time to time, such cash and investments may temporarily be in excess of insurance limits.

In addition, our accounts receivable from and leases with tenants potentially subjects us to a concentration of credit risk related to our accounts receivable and revenue.

Earnings Per Share

Basic earnings per share or unit is calculated based on the weighted average number of common shares or units outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share or unit is determined based on the weighted average common number of shares or units outstanding during the period combined with the incremental average common shares or units that would have been outstanding assuming the conversion of all potentially dilutive common shares or units into common shares or units as of the earliest date possible.

Potentially dilutive securities include outstanding options to acquire common shares; Limited Partner Units, which may be exchanged for either cash or common shares, at the Parent Company’s option and under certain circumstances; and deferred common share units, which may be credited to the personal accounts of non-employee trustees in lieu of the payment of cash compensation or the issuance of common shares to such trustees. Limited Partner Units have been omitted from the Parent Company’s denominator for the purpose of computing diluted earnings per share since the effect of including these amounts in the denominator would have no dilutive impact.

Segment Reporting

Our primary business is the ownership and operation of neighborhood and community shopping centers. We do not distinguish or group our operations on a geographical basis, or any other basis, when measuring and evaluating financial performance. Accordingly, we have one operating segment, which also serves as our reportable segment for disclosure purposes in accordance with GAAP.

Income Taxes and REIT Compliance

Parent Company

The Parent Company, which is considered a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes, has been organized and intends to continue to operate in a manner that will enable it to maintain its qualification as a REIT for federal income tax purposes. As a result, it generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on the earnings that it distributes to the extent it distributes its “REIT taxable income” (determined before the deduction for dividends paid and excluding net capital gains) to shareholders of the Parent Company and meets certain other requirements on a recurring basis. To the extent that it satisfies this distribution requirement, but distributes less than 100% of its taxable income, it will be subject to U.S. federal corporate income tax on its undistributed REIT taxable income. REITs are subject to a number of organizational and operational requirements. If the Parent Company fails to qualify as a REIT in any taxable year, it will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on its taxable income at regular corporate rates for a period of four years following the year in which qualification is lost. We may also be subject to certain U.S. federal, state and local taxes on our income and property and to federal income and excise taxes on our undistributed taxable income even if the Parent Company does qualify as a REIT. The Operating Partnership intends to continue to make distributions to the Parent Company in amounts sufficient to assist the Parent Company in adhering to REIT requirements and maintaining its REIT status.

We have elected to treat Kite Realty Holdings, LLC as a taxable REIT subsidiary of the Operating Partnership, and we may elect to treat other subsidiaries as taxable REIT subsidiaries in the future. This election enables us to receive income and provide services that would otherwise be impermissible for a REIT. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are established for temporary differences between the financial reporting bases and the tax bases of assets and liabilities at the tax rates expected to be in effect when the temporary differences reverse. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance if it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax asset will not be realized.

Operating Partnership

The allocated share of income and loss, other than the operations of our taxable REIT subsidiary, is included in the income tax returns of the Operating Partnership's partners. Accordingly, the only U.S. federal income taxes included in the accompanying consolidated financial statements are in connection with the taxable REIT subsidiary.

Noncontrolling Interests

We report the non-redeemable noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries as equity and the amount of consolidated net income attributable to these noncontrolling interests is set forth separately in the consolidated financial statements. The non-redeemable noncontrolling interests in consolidated properties for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016 were as follows:



($ in thousands)	2018		2017		2016
Noncontrolling interests balance January 1	$	698	$	692	$	773
Net income allocable to noncontrolling interests, excluding redeemable noncontrolling interests	—		6		171
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	—		—		(252		)
Noncontrolling interests balance at December 31	$	698	$	698	$	692

Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests – Limited Partners

Limited Partner Units are redeemable noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership. We classify redeemable noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets outside of permanent equity because we may be required to pay cash to holders of Limited Partner Units upon redemption of their interests in the Operating Partnership or deliver registered shares upon their conversion. The carrying amount of the redeemable noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership is reflected at the greater of historical book value or redemption value with a corresponding adjustment to additional paid-in capital. At December 31, 2018, the redemption value of the redeemable noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership did not exceed the historical book value, and the balance was accordingly adjusted to historical book value. At December 31, 2017, the redemption value of the redeemable noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership exceeded the historical book value, and the balance was accordingly adjusted to redemption value.

We allocate net operating results of the Operating Partnership after noncontrolling interests in the consolidated properties based on the partners’ respective weighted average ownership interest. We adjust the redeemable noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership at the end of each reporting period to reflect their interests in the Operating Partnership or redemption value. This adjustment is reflected in our shareholders’ and Parent Company's equity. For the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016, the weighted average interests of the Parent Company and the limited partners in the Operating Partnership were as follows:



	Year Ended December 31,
	2018		2017		2016
Parent Company’s weighted average interest in Operating Partnership	97.6	%	97.7	%	97.7	%
Limited partners' weighted average interests in Operating Partnership	2.4	%	2.3	%	2.3	%

At December 31, 2018, the Parent Company's interest and the limited partners' redeemable noncontrolling ownership interests in the Operating Partnership were 97.6% and 2.4%. At December 31, 2017, the Parent Company's interest and the limted partners' redeemable noncontrolling ownership interests in the Operating Parntership were 97.7% and 2.3%.

Concurrent with the Parent Company’s initial public offering and related formation transactions, certain individuals received Limited Partner Units of the Operating Partnership in exchange for their interests in certain properties. The limited partners have the right to redeem Limited Partner Units for cash or, at the Parent Company's election, common shares of the Parent Company in an amount equal to the market value of an equivalent number of common shares of the Parent Company at the time of redemption. Such common shares must be registered, which is not fully in the Parent Company’s control. Therefore, the limited partners’ interest is not reflected in permanent equity. The Parent Company also has the right to redeem the Limited Partner Units directly from the limited partner in exchange for either cash in the amount specified above or a number of its common shares equal to the number of Limited Partner Units being redeemed.

There were 2,035,349 and 1,974,830 Limited Partner Units outstanding as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The increase in Limited Partner Units outstanding from December 31, 2017 is due primarily to non-cash compensation awards made to our executive officers.

Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests - Subsidiaries

Prior to our merger with Inland Diversified Real Estate Trust, Inc. ("Inland Diversified") in 2014, Inland Diversified formed joint ventures with the previous owners of certain properties and issued Class B units in three joint ventures that indirectly own those properties. The Class B units related to one of these three joint ventures remain outstanding and are accounted for as noncontrolling interests in these properties. The remaining Class B units will become redeemable at our partner's election in October 2022 based on the joint venture agreement and the fulfillment of certain redemption criteria. Beginning in November 2022, with respect to the remaining joint venture, the Class B units can be redeemed at the election of either our partner or us for cash or Limited Partner Units in the Operating Partnership. None of the issued Class B units have a maturity date and none are mandatorily redeemable unless either party has elected for the units to be redeemed. We consolidate this joint venture because we control the decision making and our joint venture partner has limited protective rights.

In March 2017, certain Class B unit holders exercised their right to redeem $8.3 million of their Class B units for cash. We funded the redemption in December 2017 using operating cash flows. In 2018, the same Class B unit holders exercised their right to redeem their remaining Class B units for cash. We funded $10.0 million of the redemption in August 2018 and the remaining $12.0 million in November 2018.

We classify the remainder of the redeemable noncontrolling interests in a subsidiary in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets outside of permanent equity because, under certain circumstances, we may be required to pay cash to Class B unitholders in specific subsidiaries upon redemption of their interests. The carrying amount of these redeemable noncontrolling interests is required to be reflected at the greater of initial book value or redemption value with a corresponding adjustment to additional paid-in capital.

Reclassifications

Certain amounts in the accompanying consolidated financial statements for 2016 and 2017 have been reclassified to conform to the 2018 consolidated financial statement presentation. The reclassifications had no impact on the net income previously reported.

Effects of Accounting Pronouncements

Adoption of New Standards

On January 1, 2018, we adopted Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“ASU 2014-09”) using the modified retrospective approach. ASU 2014-09 revised GAAP by offering a single comprehensive revenue recognition standard that supersedes nearly all existing GAAP revenue recognition guidance. The impacted revenue streams primarily consist of fees earned from management, development services provided to third parties, and other ancillary income earned from our properties. No adjustments were required upon adoption of this standard. We evaluated our revenue streams and less than 1% of our annual revenue was impacted by this new standard upon its initial adoption.

Additionally, we adopted the clarified scope guidance of ASC 610-20, "Other Income - Gains and Losses from the Derecognition of Nonfinancial Assets" in conjunction with ASU 2014-09, using the modified retrospective approach. ASC 610-20 applies to the sale, transfer and derecognition of nonfinancial assets and in substance nonfinancial assets to noncustomers, including partial sales, and eliminates the guidance specific to real estate in ASC 360-20. With respect to full disposals, the recognition will generally be consistent with our current measurement and pattern of recognition. With respect to partial sales of real estate to joint ventures, the new guidance requires us to recognize a full gain where an equity investment is retained. These transactions could result in a basis difference as we will be required to measure our retained equity interest at fair value, whereas the joint venture may continue to measure the assets received at carryover basis. No adjustments were required upon adoption of this standard.

During the year ended December 31, 2018, we sold multiple operating properties in all cash transactions with no continuing future involvement. The gains recognized were less than 1% of our total revenue for the year ended December 31, 2018. As we do not have any continuing involvement in the operations of the operating properties, there was not a change in the accounting for the sales.

In addition, we sold a controlling interest in three operating properties to a newly formed joint venture involving TH Real Estate. The Company calculated the gain in accordance with ASC 606 and ASC 610-20 that requires full gain recognition upon deconsolidation of a nonfinancial asset. The properties were sold for an agreed upon value of $99.8 million. Net proceeds from the sale were $89.0 million and a net gain of $7.8 million was recorded as a result of the sale. The Company contributed $10.0 million for a 20% ownership interest in the joint venture.

On January 1, 2018 we adopted ASU 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230), and ASU 2016-18, Restricted Cash, using a retrospective transition approach, which changed our statements of cash flows and related disclosures for all periods presented. ASU 2016-15 is intended to reduce diversity in practice with respect to how certain transactions are classified in the statement of cash flows and its adoption had no impact on our financial statements. ASU 2016-18 requires that a statement of cash flows explain the change during the period in total of cash, cash equivalents, and amounts generally described as restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents. The following is a summary of our cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash total as presented in our statements of cash flows for the years ended December, 2018, 2017, and 2016:



	As of December 31,
	2018		2017		2016
Cash and cash equivalents	$	35,376	$	24,082	$	19,875
Restricted cash	10,130		8,094		9,037
Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash	$	45,506	32,176		28,912

New Standards Issued but Not Yet Adopted

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases. ASU 2016-02 amends the existing accounting standards for lease accounting, including requiring lessees to recognize most leases on their balance sheets and making certain changes to lessor accounting, including the accounting for sales-type and direct financing leases. ASU 2016-02 will be effective for us on January 1, 2019. The new standard requires a modified retrospective transition approach for all leases existing at, or entered into after, the date of initial application, with an option to use certain transition relief. Because of the adoption of ASU 2016-02, we expect common area maintenance reimbursements that are of a fixed nature to be recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease for all leases entered into after January 1, 2019. We also expect to recognize right of use assets on our balance sheet related to certain ground leases where we are the lessee. Upon adoption of the standard, we anticipate recognizing a right of use asset currently estimated to be between $27 million and $32 million. In addition to evaluating the impact of adopting the new accounting standard on our consolidated financial statements, we are evaluating our existing lease contracts, our current and future information system capabilities, and other variables.

In July 2018, the FASB amended the new lease accounting standard to approve a new transition method and a lessor practical expedient for separating lease and non-lease components. This permits lessors to make an accounting policy election to not separate non-lease components, such as common area maintenance, of a contract from the leases to which they relate when specific criteria are met. We believe we meet these criteria and plan to elect this practical expedient.

The new leasing standard also amends ASC 340-40, Other Assets and Deferred Costs - Contracts with Customers. Under ASC 340-40, incremental costs of obtaining a contract are recognized as an asset if the entity expects to recover them, which will

reduce the leasing costs currently capitalized. Upon adoption of the new standard, we expect a reduction in certain capitalized costs and a corresponding increase in general, administrative, and other expense and a decrease in amortization expense on our consolidated statement of operations to be approximately $4.0 - $5.5 million, although the amount of such impact is highly dependent upon the leasing compensation structures in place in the period subsequent to adoption, which may ultimately differ from those assumed by this projection.

In August 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-12, Derivatives and Hedging: Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities. ASU 2017-02 better aligns a company’s financial reporting for hedging activities with the economic objectives of those activities. ASU 2017-12 will be effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning on or after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted using a modified retrospective transition method. This adoption method will require us to recognize the cumulative effect of initially applying the ASU as an adjustment to accumulated other comprehensive income with a corresponding adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings as of the beginning of the fiscal year that an entity adopts the update. While we continue to assess all potential impacts of the standard, we do not expect the adoption of ASU 2017-12 to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.