Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements of CatchMark Timber Trust have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”) and shall include the accounts of any variable interest entity (“VIE”) in which the Company or its subsidiaries is deemed the primary beneficiary. With respect to entities that are not VIEs, CatchMark Timber Trust’s consolidated financial statements shall also include the accounts of any entity in which CatchMark Timber Trust or its subsidiaries owns a controlling financial interest and any limited partnership in which CatchMark Timber Trust or its subsidiaries owns a controlling general partnership interest. In determining whether a controlling interest exists, CatchMark Timber Trust considers, among other factors, the ownership of voting interests, protective rights, and participatory rights of the investors.

CatchMark Timber Trust owns a controlling financial interest in CatchMark Timber OP, CatchMark LP Holder and CatchMark TRS and, accordingly, includes the accounts of these entities in its consolidated financial statements. The financial statements of CatchMark Timber OP, CatchMark LP Holder and CatchMark TRS are prepared using accounting policies consistent with those used by CatchMark Timber Trust. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of the accompanying consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Fair Value Measurements

CatchMark Timber Trust estimates the fair value of its assets and liabilities (where currently required under GAAP) consistent with the provisions of the accounting standard for fair value measurements and disclosures. Under this guidance, fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. While various techniques and assumptions can be used to estimate fair value depending on the nature of the asset or liability, the accounting standard for fair value measurements and disclosures provides the following fair value technique parameters and hierarchy, depending upon availability:

Level 1 — Assets or liabilities for which the identical term is traded on an active exchange, such as publicly-traded instruments or futures contracts.

Level 2 — Assets and liabilities valued based on observable market data for similar instruments.

Level 3 — Assets or liabilities for which significant valuation assumptions are not readily observable in the market. Such assets or liabilities are valued based on the best available data, some of which may be internally developed. Significant assumptions may include risk premiums that a market participant would require.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

CatchMark Timber Trust considers all highly liquid investments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Cash equivalents may include cash and short-term investments. Short-term investments are stated at cost, which approximates fair value and may consist of investments in money market accounts.

Accounts Receivable

Accounts receivable are recorded at the original amount earned, net of allowances for doubtful accounts, which approximates fair value. Accounts receivable are deemed past due based on their respective payment terms. Management assesses the realizability of accounts receivable on an ongoing basis and provides for allowances as such balances, or portions thereof, become uncollectible. As of December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, no allowances have been provided against accounts receivable.

Prepaid Expenses and Other Assets

Prepaid expenses and other assets are primarily comprised of prepaid rent, insurance, and operating costs, equipment and furniture, net of accumulated depreciation, and deferred costs associated with pending acquisitions. Prepaid expenses are expensed as incurred or reclassified to other asset accounts upon being put into service in future periods. Balances without future economic benefit are written off as they are identified.

Deferred Financing Costs

Deferred financing costs are comprised of costs incurred in connection with securing financing from third-party lenders and are capitalized and amortized on a straight-line basis (which approximates the effective interest rate method) over the terms of the related financing arrangements. CatchMark Timber Trust recognized amortization of deferred financing costs for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 of approximately $0.7 million, $1.3 million, and $1.7 million, respectively, which is included in interest expense in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

Timber Assets

Timber and timberlands, including logging roads, are stated at cost less accumulated depletion for timber harvested and accumulated road amortization. CatchMark Timber Trust capitalizes timber and timberland purchases. Reforestation costs, including all costs associated with stand establishment, such as site preparation, cost of seedlings, fertilization, and herbicide application, are capitalized and amortized over their estimated useful lives. Timber carrying costs, such as real estate taxes, insect control, wildlife control, leases of timberlands, and forestry management personnel salaries and fringe benefits, are expensed as incurred. Costs of major roads are capitalized and amortized over their estimated useful lives. Costs of roads built to access multiple logging sites over numerous years are capitalized and amortized over seven years. Costs of roads built to access a single logging site are expensed as incurred.

Depletion

Depletion, or costs attributed to timber harvested, is charged against income as trees are harvested. Fee-simple timber tracts owned longer than one year and similarly managed are pooled together for depletion calculation purposes. Depletion rates are determined at least annually by dividing (a) the sum of (i) net carrying value of the timber, which equals the original cost of the timber less previously recorded depletion, and (ii) capitalized silviculture costs incurred and the projected silviculture costs, net of inflation, to be capitalized over the harvest cycle, by (b) the total timber volume estimated to be available over the harvest cycle. The average harvest cycle for our timberlands is between 26 years and 32 years years. The capitalized silviculture cost is limited to the expenditures that relate to establishing stands of timber. For each fee timber tract owned less than one year, depletion rates are generally determined by dividing the acquisition cost attributable to its timber by the volume of timber acquired. Depletion rates for leased timber tracts, which are generally limited to one harvest, are calculated by dividing the acquisition cost attributable to its timber by the volume of timber acquired. Net carrying value of the timber and timberlands is used to compute the gain or loss in connection with timberland sales. No book basis is allocated to the sale of conservation easements.

Evaluating the Recoverability of Timber Assets

CatchMark Timber Trust continually monitors events and changes in circumstances that could indicate that the carrying amounts of the timber assets in which CatchMark Timber Trust has an ownership interest may not be recoverable. When indicators of potential impairment are present that suggest that the carrying amounts of timber assets may not be recoverable, CatchMark Timber Trust assesses the recoverability of these assets by determining whether the carrying value will be recovered through the undiscounted future operating cash flows expected from the use of the asset and its eventual disposition. Impairment losses would be recognized for (i) long-lived assets used in CatchMark Timber Trust’s operations when the carrying value of such assets exceeds the undiscounted cash flows estimated to be generated from the future operations of those assets, and (ii) long-lived assets held for sale when the carrying value of such assets exceeds an amount equal to their fair value less selling costs. Estimated fair values are calculated based on the following information in order of preference, dependent upon availability: (i) recently quoted market prices, (ii) market prices for comparable properties, or (iii) the present value of undiscounted cash flows, including estimated salvage value. CatchMark Timber Trust intends to use one harvest cycle for the purpose of evaluating the recoverability of timber and timberlands used in its operations. Future cash flow estimates are based on discounted probability-weighted projections for a range of possible outcomes. CatchMark Timber Trust considers assets to be held for sale at the point at which a sale contract is executed and the buyer has made a non-refundable earnest money deposit against the contracted purchase price. CatchMark Timber Trust has determined that there has been no impairment of its long-lived assets to date.

Allocation of Purchase Price of Acquired Assets

Upon the acquisition of timberland properties, CatchMark Timber Trust allocates the purchase price to tangible assets, consisting of timberland and timber, and identified intangible assets and liabilities, which may include values associated with in-place leases or supply agreements, based in each case on management’s estimate of their fair values. The values are then allocated to timberland and timber based on management’s determination of the relative fair value of these assets.

Intangible Lease Assets

In-place ground leases with CatchMark Timber Trust as the lessee have value associated with effective contractual rental rates that are below market rates. Such values are calculated based on the present value (using a discount rate that reflects the risks associated with the leases acquired) of the difference between (i) the contractual amounts to be paid pursuant to the in-place lease and (ii) management’s estimate of fair market lease rates for the corresponding in-place lease, measured over a period equal to the remaining terms of the leases. The capitalized below-market in-place lease values are recorded as intangible lease assets and are amortized as adjustments to land rent expense over the weighted-average remaining term of the respective leases.

Fair Value of Debt Instruments

CatchMark Timber Trust applied the provisions of the accounting standard for fair value measurements and disclosures in estimations of fair value of its debt instruments based on Level 2 assumptions. The fair value of the outstanding note payable was estimated based on discounted cash flow analysis using the current observable market borrowing rates for similar types of borrowing arrangements as of the measurement date. The discounted cash flow method of assessing fair value results in a general approximation of book value, and such value may never actually be realized.

Preferred Stock

The proceeds from issued and outstanding shares of preferred stock and dividends payable on preferred stock were recorded as preferred stock.

Common Stock

The par value of CatchMark Timber Trust’s issued and outstanding shares of common stock is recorded as common stock. The remaining gross proceeds, net of offering costs, are recorded as additional paid-in capital.

Interest Rate Swaps

CatchMark Timber Trust has entered into interest rate swap contracts to mitigate its exposure to changing interest rates on variable rate debt instruments. CatchMark Timber Trust does not enter into derivative or interest rate transactions for speculative purposes; however, certain of its derivatives may not qualify for hedge accounting treatment. The fair values of interest rate swaps are recorded as either prepaid expenses and other assets or other liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Changes in the fair value of the effective portion of interest rate swaps that are designated as hedges are recorded as other comprehensive income (loss), while changes in the fair value of the ineffective portion of hedges, if any, are recognized in current earnings. Changes in the fair value of interest rate swaps that do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment are recorded as gain (loss) on interest rate swap in the consolidated statements of operations. Amounts received or paid under interest rate swaps are recorded as interest expense for contracts that qualify for hedge accounting treatment and as gain (loss) on interest rate swaps for contracts that do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment.

CatchMark Timber Trust applied the provisions of the accounting standard for fair value measurements and disclosures in recording its interest rate swaps at fair value. The fair values of interest rate swaps, classified under Level 2, were determined using a third-party proprietary model that is based on prevailing market data for contracts with matching durations, current and anticipated London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") information, consideration of CatchMark Timber Trust's credit standing, credit risk of counterparties, and reasonable estimates about relevant future market conditions.

The following table presents information about CatchMark Timber Trust’s interest rate swaps measured at fair value as of December 31, 2014 and 2013:



		Estimated Fair Value as of December 31,
Instrument Type	Balance Sheet Classification	2014			2013
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
Interest rate swap contract	(Other liabilities) Prepaid expenses and other assets	$	(855,762	)	$	268,368

For additional information about CatchMark Timber Trust's interest rate swaps, see Note 5 – Interest Rate Swaps.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue from the sale of timber is recognized when the following criteria are met: (i) persuasive evidence of an agreement exists, (ii) legal ownership and the risk of loss are transferred to the purchaser, (iii) price and quantity are determinable, and (iv) collectibility is reasonably assured. CatchMark Timber Trust’s primary sources of revenue are recognized as follows:


(1)	For delivered sales contracts, which include amounts sufficient to cover costs of logging and hauling of timber, revenues are recognized upon delivery to the customer.


(2)	For pay-as-cut contracts, the purchaser acquires the right to harvest specified timber on a tract, at an agreed-upon price per unit. Payments and contract advances are recognized as revenue as the timber is harvested based on the contracted sale rate per unit.


(3)	Revenues from the sale of HBU and nonstrategic timberlands are recognized when title passes and full payment or a minimum down payment is received and full collectibility is assured. If a down payment of less than the minimum down payment is received at closing, CatchMark Timber Trust will record revenue based on the installment method.


(4)	For recreational leases, rental income collected in advance is recorded as other liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets until earned over the term of the respective recreational lease and recognized as other revenue.

In addition to the sources of revenue noted above, CatchMark Timber Trust also may enter into lump-sum sale contracts, whereby the purchaser generally pays the purchase price upon execution of the contract. Title to the timber and risk of loss transfers to the buyer at the time the contract is consummated. Revenues are recognized upon receipt of the purchase price. When the contract expires, ownership of the remaining standing timber reverts to CatchMark Timber Trust; however, adjustments are not made to the revenues previously recognized.

Stock-based Compensation

CatchMark Timber Trust has issued stock-based compensation in the form of stock options and restricted stocks to its directors and employees pursuant to its Long-term Incentive Plan. Restricted stock awards issued are considered equity awards and are recorded as a reduction to additional paid-in capital upon issuance. The fair value of stock options and restricted stock is recognized over the respective weighted-average vesting periods by charging expenses and recording additional paid-in capital. For those awards with performance conditions, expense is only recorded if it is deemed probable that the performance condition will be achieved. Compensation expense recognized is recorded as forestry operating expenses for those employees whose job is related to forest operation and as general and administrative expense for all other employees and directors in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. See Note 9 – Stock based compensation for a description of CatchMark Timber Trust’s Long-term Incentive Plan.

Earnings Per Share

Basic earnings (loss) per share available to common stockholders is calculated as net income (loss) available to common stockholders divided by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Net income (loss) available to common stockholders is calculated as net income (loss) less dividends payable to or accumulated to preferred stockholders. Diluted earnings (loss) per share available to common stockholders equals basic earnings per share available to common stockholders, adjusted to reflect the dilution that would occur if all outstanding securities convertible into common shares or contracts to issue common shares were converted or exercised and the related proceeds are then used to repurchase common shares. Basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share were the same for all periods presented as the dilutive effect of outstanding securities was immaterial.

Income Taxes

CatchMark Timber Trust has elected to be taxed as a REIT under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), and has operated as such beginning with its taxable year ended December 31, 2009. To qualify to be taxed as a REIT, CatchMark Timber Trust must meet certain organizational and operational requirements, including a requirement to distribute at least 90% of its ordinary taxable income to its stockholders. As a REIT, CatchMark Timber Trust generally is not subject to federal income tax on taxable income it distributes to stockholders. CatchMark Timber Trust is subject to certain state and local taxes related to the operations of timberland properties in certain locations, which have been provided for in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. CatchMark Timber Trust records interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions as general and administrative expense in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

CatchMark Timber Trust has elected to treat CatchMark Timber Trust TRS as a taxable REIT subsidiary. CatchMark Timber Trust may perform certain non-customary services, including real estate or non-real-estate related services, through CatchMark Timber Trust TRS. Earnings from services performed through CatchMark Timber Trust TRS are subject to federal and state income taxes irrespective of the dividends paid deduction available to REITs for federal income tax purposes. In addition, for CatchMark Timber Trust to continue to qualify to be taxed as a REIT, CatchMark Timber Trust’s investment in CatchMark Timber Trust TRS may not exceed 25% of the value of the total assets of CatchMark Timber Trust.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities represent temporary differences between the financial reporting basis and the tax basis of assets and liabilities based on the enacted rates expected to be in effect when the temporary differences reverse. Deferred tax expense or benefit is recognized in the financial statements according to the changes in deferred tax assets or liabilities between years. Valuation allowances are established to reduce deferred tax assets when it becomes more likely than not that such assets, or portions thereof, will not be realized.

No provision for federal income taxes has been made in the accompanying consolidated financial statements, other than the provision relating to CatchMark Timber Trust TRS, as CatchMark Timber Trust did not generate taxable income for the periods presented. See Note 13 – Income Taxes for more information.

Business Segments

CatchMark Timber Trust owns interests in approximately 393,300 acres of timberland located in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, and Texas. CatchMark Timber Trust operates in a single reporting segment, and the presentation of CatchMark Timber Trust’s financial condition and performance is consistent with the way in which CatchMark Timber Trust’s operations are managed.

Reclassification

Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform with the current period's financial statement presentation. Advisor fees and expense reimbursements incurred in 2013 and 2012 were previously included in a separate line item and are now included in general and administrative expenses for the respective periods in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In July 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update 2013-11, Income Taxes: Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists ("ASU 2013-11"). ASU 2013-11 requires an entity to present an unrecognized tax benefit in the financial statements as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward. To the extent a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward is not available at the reporting date or not intended to be used to settle any additional income taxes that would result in the dis-allowance of a tax position in which case the unrecognized tax benefit should be presented in the financial statements as a liability and should not be combined with deferred tax assets. ASU 2013-11 became effective for CatchMark Timber Trust for the period beginning on January 1, 2014. The adoption of ASU 2013-11 did not have a material impact on CatchMark Timber Trust's financial statements or disclosures.

In May 2014, FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers ("ASU 2014-09"). Under this guidance, an entity is required to recognize revenue upon the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the expected consideration for those goods or services. ASU 2014-09 is effective beginning in fiscal 2017 and can be adopted either retrospectively or as a cumulative-effect adjustment as of the date of adoption. CatchMark Timber Trust is currently evaluating the effect that adopting this new accounting guidance will have on its financial statements or disclosures.

In February 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2015-02, Consolidation - Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis. ASU 2015-02 modifies existing consolidation guidance related to (i) limited partnerships and similar legal entities, (ii) the evaluation of variable interests for fees paid to decision makers or service providers, (iii) the effect of fee arrangements and related parties on the primary beneficiary determination, and (iv) certain investment funds. These changes are expected to limit the number of consolidation models and place more emphasis on risk of loss when determining a controlling financial interest. ASU 2015-02 is effective for fiscal years and interim periods within those years beginning after December 15, 2015. CatchMark Timber Trust is currently evaluating the impact of ASU 2015-02 on its consolidated financial statements and associated disclosures.