2.	Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying consolidated and combined financial statements include the accounts of Paramount and its consolidated subsidiaries, including the Operating Partnership. These consolidated and combined financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) which 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 the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results could differ from those estimates. All significant inter-company amounts have been eliminated.

Our Predecessor’s combined financial statements included all the accounts of our Predecessor, including its interests in (i) the Funds, (ii) Waterview and (iii) the three partially-owned properties. Our Predecessor evaluated each of the Funds pursuant to the control model of Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 810-20, Consolidation—Control of Partnerships and Similar Entities and concluded that based on its rights and responsibilities as the sole managing member of the general partner it should consolidate each of the Funds. With the exception of the Residential Fund, which is carried at historical cost, each of the Funds qualify as investment companies pursuant to Financial Services—Investment Companies (“ASC 946”); accordingly, the underlying real estate investments are carried at fair value, which was retained in consolidation by our Predecessor.

Upon completion of the Offering and the Formation Transactions, we acquired substantially all of the assets of our Predecessor and all of the assets of the Property Funds that it controlled, other than their interests in 60 Wall Street, 50 Beale Street, and a residual 2.0% interest in One Market Plaza. In addition, as part of the Formation Transactions, we also acquired the interests of certain unaffiliated third parties in 1633 Broadway, 31 West 52nd Street and 1301 Avenue of the Americas. These transactions were accounted for as transactions among entities under common control. However, since the assets that we acquired from our Predecessor are no longer held by funds which qualify for investment company accounting, we account for these assets following the Formation Transactions using historical cost accounting. As a result, our consolidated financial statements following the Formation Transactions differ significantly from, and are not comparable with, the historical financial position and results of operations of our Predecessor.

Significant Accounting Policies

Rental Property

Rental property is carried at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Betterments, major renovations and certain costs directly related to the improvement of rental properties are capitalized. Maintenance and repair expenses are charged to expense as incurred. Depreciation is recognized on a straight-line basis over estimated useful lives of the assets, which range from 5 to 40 years. Tenant improvements are amortized on a straight-line basis over the lives of the related leases, which approximate the useful lives of the assets.

Upon the acquisition of real estate, we assess the fair value of acquired assets (including land, buildings and improvements, identified intangibles, such as acquired above-market leases and acquired in-place leases) and acquired liabilities (such as acquired below-market leases) and allocate the purchase price based on these assessments. We assess fair value based on estimated cash flow projections that utilize appropriate discount and capitalization rates and available market information. Estimates of future cash flows are based on a number of factors including historical operating results, known trends, and market/economic conditions. We record acquired intangible assets (including acquired above-market leases and acquired in-place leases) and acquired intangible liabilities (including below-market leases) at their estimated fair value. We amortize acquired above-and below-market leases as a decrease or increase to rental income, respectively, over the lives of the respective leases. Amortization of acquired in-place leases is included as a component of depreciation and amortization.

Our properties, including any related intangible assets, are individually reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. An impairment exists when the carrying amount of an asset exceeds the aggregate projected future cash flows over the anticipated holding period on an undiscounted basis. An impairment loss is measured based on the excess of the property’s carrying amount over its estimated fair value. Impairment analyses are based on our current plans, intended holding periods and available market information at the time the analyses are prepared. If our estimates of the projected future cash flows, anticipated holding periods, or market conditions change, our evaluation of impairment losses may be different and such differences could be material to our consolidated financial statements. The evaluation of anticipated cash flows is subjective and is based, in part, on assumptions regarding future occupancy, rental rates and capital requirements that could differ materially from actual results. Plans to hold properties over longer periods decrease the likelihood of recording impairment losses.

Variable Interest Entities and Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures

We consolidate variable interest entities (“VIEs”) in which we are considered to be the primary beneficiary. VIEs are entities in which the equity investors do not have sufficient equity at risk to finance their endeavors without additional financial support or that the holders of the equity investment at risk do not have a controlling financial interest. The primary beneficiary is defined by the entity having both of the following characteristics: (i) the power to direct the activities that, when taken together, most significantly impact the VIE’s performance, and (ii) the obligation to absorb losses and right to receive the returns from the VIE that would be significant to the VIE. For joint ventures that are not VIEs, we consolidate entities for which we have significant decision making control over the joint ventures’ operations. Our judgment with respect to our level of influence or control of an entity involves the consideration of various factors including the form of our ownership interest, our representation in the entity’s governance, the size of our investment, estimates of future cash flows, our ability to participate in policy making decisions and the rights of the other investors to participate in the decision making process and to replace us as manager and/or liquidate the joint venture, if applicable.

We account for investments under the equity method when the requirements for consolidation are not met, and we have significant influence over the operations of the investee. Equity method investments are initially recorded at cost and subsequently adjusted for our share of net income or loss and cash contributions and distributions each period. Investments accounted for under the equity method are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the investment may not be recoverable. An impairment loss is measured based on the excess of the carrying amount of an investment over its estimated fair value. Impairment analyses are based on current plans, intended holding periods and available information at the time the analyses are prepared.

Investments that do not qualify for consolidation or equity method accounting are accounted for on the cost method.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash on hand, demand deposits with financial institutions, and short-term highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less. The majority of our cash and cash equivalents are held at major commercial banks, which may at times exceed the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation limit. To date, we have not experienced any losses on our invested cash.

Restricted Cash

Restricted cash consists of security deposits held on behalf of our tenants and cash escrowed under loan agreements for debt service, real estate taxes, property insurance and capital improvements and cash restricted in connection with our deferred compensation plan.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

We maintain an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of tenants to make required payments under the lease agreements. We also maintain an allowance for deferred rent receivable. This receivable arises from earnings recognized in excess of amounts currently due under the lease agreements. Management exercises judgment in establishing these allowances and considers payment history and current credit status in developing these estimates.

Deferred Charges

Deferred charges include deferred lease costs and deferred financing costs. Deferred lease costs consist of fees and direct costs related to successful leasing activities. Such costs are amortized on a straight-line basis over the lives of the related leases as a component of depreciation and amortization. Deferred financing costs consist of fees and direct costs incurred in obtaining financing. Such costs are amortized over the terms of the related agreements as a component of interest expense.

Income Taxes

We operate and have been organized in conformity with the requirements for qualification and taxation as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes. So long as we qualify as a REIT, we generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on our net income that we distribute currently to our stockholders. In order to maintain our qualification as a REIT, we are required under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, to distribute at least 90% of our taxable income (without regard to the deduction for dividends paid and excluding net capital gains) to our stockholders and meet certain other requirements. If we fail to qualify as a REIT in any taxable year, we will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on our taxable income at regular corporate income tax rates. Even if we qualify as a REIT, we may also be subject to certain state, local and franchise taxes. Under certain circumstances, U.S. federal income and excise taxes may be due on our undistributed taxable income.

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

We manage our market risk on variable rate debt by entering into interest rate swaps to fix the rate on all or a portion of the debt for varying periods through maturity. These interest rate swaps are accounted for as derivative instruments and, pursuant to ASC 815, are recorded on our balance sheet at fair value. Changes in the fair value of interest rate swaps are accounted for based on the hedging relationship and their designation and qualification as either fair value hedges or cash flow hedges. Changes in the fair value of interest rate swaps that are not designated as hedges are recognized in earnings. Changes in the fair value of interest rate swaps that are designated as cash flow hedges are recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (outside of earnings).

Revenue Recognition

Rental Income

Rental income includes base rents that each tenant pays in accordance with the terms of its respective lease and is reported on a straight-line basis over the non-cancellable term of the lease, which includes the effects of rent steps and rent abatements under the leases. We commence rental revenue recognition when the tenant takes possession of the leased space or controls the physical use of the leased space and the leased space is substantially ready for its intended use. Differences between rental income recognized and amounts due under the respective lease agreements are recorded as an increase or decrease to “deferred rent receivable.” Rental income also includes the amortization of acquired above-and below-market leases, net.

Tenant Reimbursement Income

Tenant reimbursement income includes revenue arising from tenant leases which provide for the recovery of all or a portion of the operating expenses and real estate taxes of the property. This revenue is accrued in the same period as the expenses are incurred.

Fee and Other Income

Fee and other income includes management fees earned pursuant to contractual agreements. This revenue is recognized as the related services are performed. Fee and other income also includes lease termination.

Segment Reporting

Upon completion of the Offering and Formation Transactions, we acquired substantially all of the assets of our Predecessor and substantially all of the assets of the Property Funds that it controlled. Our business, following the Formation Transactions, is comprised of one reportable segment. We have determined that our properties have similar economic characteristics to be aggregated into one reportable segment (operating, leasing and managing office properties). Our determination was based primarily on our method of internal reporting. Our Predecessor historically operated an integrated business that consisted of three reportable segments, (i) Owned Properties, (ii) Managed Funds and (iii) a Management Company. The Owned Properties segment consisted of properties in which our Predecessor had a direct or indirect ownership interest, other than properties that it owned through its private equity real estate funds. The Managed Funds segment consisted of the private equity real estate funds. In addition, our Predecessor included a Management Company that performed property management and asset management services and certain general and administrative level functions, including legal and accounting, as a separate reportable segment.

Recently Issued Accounting Literature

In May 2014, the FASB issued an update ("ASU 2014-09") Revenue from Contracts with Customers. ASU 2014-09 establishes a single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers and supersedes most of the existing revenue recognition guidance. ASU 2014-09 requires an entity to recognize revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services and also requires certain additional disclosures. ASU 2014-09 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods in fiscal years that begin after December 15, 2017. We are currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of ASU 2014-09 on our consolidated financial statements.

In June 2014, the FASB issued an update (“ASU 2014-12”) to ASC Topic 718, Compensation – Stock Compensation. ASU 2014-12 requires an entity to treat performance targets that can be met after the requisite service period of a share based award has ended, as a performance condition that affects vesting. ASU 2014-12 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods in fiscal years that begin after December 15, 2015. The adoption of this update on January 1, 2016 will not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In February 2015, the FASB issued an update (“ASU 2015-02”) Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis to ASC Topic 810, Consolidation. ASU 2015-02 modifies the evaluation of whether limited partnerships and similar legal entities are VIEs or voting interest entities, eliminates the presumption that a general partner should consolidate a limited partnership and affects the consolidation analysis of reporting entities that are involved with VIEs, particularly those that have fee arrangements and related party relationships. ASU 2015-02 is effective for fiscal years that begin after December 15, 2015. The adoption of ASU 2015-02 on January 1, 2016, will result in the deconsolidation of our Real Estate Fund investments, which qualify as investment companies pursuant to Financial Services-Investment Companies (“ASC 946”), with the exception of the Residential Fund, which is carried at historical cost.

In April 2015, the FASB issued an update (“ASU 2015-03”) Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs to ASC Topic 835, Interest – Imputation of Interest. ASU 2015-03 requires an entity to present debt issuance costs in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the related debt liability rather than as an asset. Amortization of debt issuance costs will continue to be reported as interest expense. ASU 2015-03 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods in fiscal years that begin after December 15, 2015. In August 2015, the FASB issued an update (“ASU 2015-15”) Interest – Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Presentation and Subsequent Measurement of Debt Issuance Costs Associated with Line-of-Credit Arrangements - Amendments to SEC Paragraphs Pursuant to Staff Announcement at 18 June 2015 EITF Meeting. ASU 2015-15 clarifies the exclusion of line-of-credit arrangements from the scope of ASU 2015-03. Therefore, debt issuance costs related to line-of-credit arrangements can be deferred and presented as an asset that is subsequently amortized over the time of the line-of-credit arrangement, regardless of whether there are any outstanding borrowings on the line-of-credit arrangement. The adoption of these updates on January 1, 2016 will not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In September 2015, the FASB issued an update (“ASU 2015-16”) Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments to ASC Topic 805, Business Combinations. ASU 2015-16 eliminates the requirement to retrospectively account for adjustments made to provisional amounts recognized in a business combination. ASU 2015-16 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods in fiscal years that begin after December 15, 2015. The adoption of this update on January 1, 2016 will not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.