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Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) and with the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). These consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Paramount and its consolidated subsidiaries, including the Operating Partnership. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Real Estate

Real estate is carried at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Betterments, major renovations and certain costs directly related to the improvement of real estate 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-market 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. Impairment analyses are based on our current plans, intended holding periods and available market information at the time the analyses are prepared. 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. Estimates of fair value are determined using discounted cash flow models, which consider, among other things, anticipated holding periods, current market conditions and utilize unobservable quantitative inputs, including appropriate capitalization and discount rates. 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.

Real estate and related intangibles are classified as held for sale when all the necessary criteria are met. The criteria include (i) management, having the authority to approve action, commits to a plan to sell the property in its present condition, (ii) the sale of the property is at a price reasonable in relation to its current fair value and (iii) the sale is probable and expected to be completed within one year. Real estate and the related intangibles held for sale are carried at the lower of carrying amounts or estimated fair value less disposal costs. Depreciation and amortization is not recognized on real estate and related intangibles classified as assets held for sale.

Variable Interest Entities and Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures and Funds

Variable Interest Entities (“VIEs”) and Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures and Funds

We consolidate VIEs in which we are considered to be the primary beneficiary. Entities are considered to be the primary beneficiary if they have 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. We consolidate entities that are not VIEs where we have significant decision making control over 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, which consists of investments in unconsolidated joint ventures and funds are initially recorded at cost and subsequently adjusted for our share of net income or loss and cash contributions and distributions each period. To the extent that our cost basis is different than our share of the equity in the equity method investment, the basis difference allocated to depreciable assets is amortized into “income from unconsolidated joint ventures” over the estimated useful life of the related asset. The agreements that govern our equity method investments may designate different percentage allocations among investors for profits and losses; however, our recognition of income or loss generally follows the investment’s distribution priorities, which may change upon the achievement of certain investment return thresholds. We account for cash distributions in excess of our basis in the equity method investments as income when we have neither the requirement, nor the intent to provide financial support to the joint venture. 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 under the cost method.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash on hand 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 primarily of security deposits held on behalf of our tenants, 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.

Preferred Equity Investments

Preferred equity investments are comprised of investments in certain partnerships that own real estate. We evaluate the collectibility of preferred equity investments when changes in events or circumstances, including delinquencies, loss experience and collateral quality, indicate that it is probable we will be unable to collect all amounts due under the contractual terms. If a preferred equity investment is considered impaired, a valuation allowance is measured and recorded based on the excess of the carrying amount of the investment over the net realizable value of the collateral.

Marketable Securities

Marketable securities consists of investments in trading securities that are held in our deferred compensation plan for which there is an offsetting liability. These investments are initially recorded at cost and subsequently measured at fair value at the end of each reporting period, with gains or losses resulting from changes in fair value recognized in earnings, which are included as a component of “interest and other income (loss), net” on our consolidated statements of income and the earnings are entirely offset by expenses from the mark-to-market of plan liabilities, which are included as a component of “general and administrative” expenses on our consolidated statements of income.

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, as needed. 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 leasing costs and deferred financing costs related to our revolving credit facility. Deferred leasing 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 and recognized in our consolidated statements of income as a component of “depreciation and amortization”. Deferred financing costs consist of fees and direct costs incurred in obtaining our revolving credit facility. Such costs are amortized over the term of the revolving credit facility and are recognized as a component of “interest and debt expense” on our consolidated statements of income.

Deferred Financing Costs Related to Notes and Mortgages Payable

Deferred financing costs related to notes and mortgages payable consists of fees and direct costs incurred in obtaining such financing and are recorded as a reduction of our notes and mortgages payable. Such costs are amortized over the terms of the related debt agreements and recognized as a component of “interest and debt expense” on our consolidated statements of income.

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

We record all derivatives on our consolidated balance sheets at fair value in accordance with ASC Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging. The accounting for changes in the fair value of derivatives depends on the intended use of the derivative and whether we have designated a derivative as a hedge and whether the hedging relationship has satisfied the criteria necessary to apply hedge accounting. We use derivative financial instruments in the normal course of business to selectively manage or hedge a portion of the risk associated with our indebtedness and interest payments. Our objectives in using interest rate derivatives are to add stability to interest expense and to manage our exposure to interest rate movements. To accomplish these objectives, we primarily use interest rate swaps. Interest rate swaps that are designated as hedges are so designated at the inception of the contract. We require that hedging derivative instruments be highly effective in reducing the risk exposure that they are designated to hedge. The changes in the fair value of interest rate swaps that are designated as hedges are recognized in “other comprehensive income (loss)” (outside of earnings) and subsequently reclassified to earnings over the term that the hedged transaction affects earnings.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Accounting Standard Codification (“ASC”) Topic 820, Fair Value Measurement and Disclosures, defines fair value and establishes a framework for measuring fair value. The objective of fair value is to determine the price that would be received upon 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). ASC Topic 820 establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes observable and unobservable inputs used to measure fair value into three levels: Level 1 – quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for assets or liabilities; Level 2 – observable prices that are based on inputs not quoted in active markets, but corroborated by market data; and Level 3 – unobservable inputs that are used when little or no market data is available. The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to Level 1 inputs and the lowest priority to Level 3 inputs. In determining fair value, we utilize valuation techniques that maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs to the extent possible, as well as consider counterparty credit risk in our assessment of fair value. Considerable judgment is necessary to interpret Level 2 and 3 inputs in determining the fair value of our financial and non-financial assets and liabilities. Accordingly, our fair value estimates, which are made at the end of each reporting period, may be different than the amounts that may ultimately be realized upon sale or disposition of these assets or settlement of these liabilities.

We use the following methods and assumptions in estimating fair value for financial instruments that are presented at fair value on our consolidated balance sheets:

Interest Rate Swaps

Interest rate swaps are valued by a third-party specialist using widely accepted valuation techniques, including discounted cash flow analysis on the expected cash flows of each swap. This analysis reflects the contractual terms of the interest rate swaps and uses observable market-based inputs, including interest rate curves and implied volatilities. Interest rate swaps are classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.

We use the following methods and assumptions in estimating fair value for financial instruments that are not presented at fair value on our consolidated balance sheets, but are disclosed in the notes to our consolidated financial statements:

Preferred Equity Investments

Preferred equity investments are valued by a third-party specialist using the standard practice of modeling the contractual cash flows required under the instrument and discounting them back to their present value. We use significant unobservable inputs in determining the discount rate used in the fair value measurement of these investments, including a credit spread and preferred rate of return. Preferred equity investments are classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.

Notes and Mortgages Payable

Notes and mortgages payable are valued by a third-party specialist using the standard practice of modeling the contractual cash flows required under the instrument and discounting them back to their present value at the appropriate current risk adjusted interest rate. For floating rate debt, we use forward rates derived from observable market yield curves to project the expected cash payments we would be required to make under the instrument. The notes and mortgages payable are classified as Level 2 in fair value hierarchy.

The carrying value of marketable securities is determined using quoted prices in active markets. The carrying values of all other financial instruments on our consolidated balance sheets, including cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, accounts and other receivable and accounts payable and accrued expenses, approximate their fair values due to the short-term nature of these instruments.

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” on our consolidated balance sheets. Rental income also includes the amortization of acquired above and below-market leases, net.

Tenant Reimbursement Income

Tenant reimbursement income includes revenues 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 earned in the same period as the expenses are incurred.

Fee and Other Income

Fee income includes (i) property management fees, (ii) asset management fees and (iii) fees related to acquisitions, dispositions and leasing services and (iv) other fee income earned pursuant to contractual agreements. Fee income is recognized as and when we satisfy our performance obligations pursuant to contractual agreements. Property management and asset management services are provided continuously over time and revenue is recognized over that time. Fee income relating to acquisitions, dispositions and leasing services is recognized upon completion of the acquisition, disposition or leasing services as required in the contractual agreements. The amount of fee income to be recognized is stated in the contract as a fixed price or as a stated percentage of revenues, contributed capital or transaction price.

Other income includes lease termination income, income from tenant requested services, including overtime heating and cooling and parking income. Lease termination income could result from a lessee terminating a lease prior to the stated terms in their agreements. To the extent a lease term is modified, any incremental fees or increased lease payments received as a result of the modification are recognized over the remaining lease term based on the relevant facts and circumstances.

Gains and Losses on Sale of Real Estate

Gains and losses on the sale of real estate are recognized pursuant to ASC Topic 610-20, Gains and Losses from the Derecognition of Nonfinancial Assets when (i) we do not have a controlling financial interest in the buyer and (ii) the buyer has obtained control of the real estate asset. Any gain or loss on sale is measured based on the difference between the amount of consideration received and the carrying amount of the real estate assets, less costs to sell. For partial sale of real estate resulting in transfer of control, we measure any noncontrolling interest retained at fair value and recognize a gain or loss on the difference between fair value and the carrying amount of the real estate assets retained.

Stock-based Compensation

We account for stock-based compensation in accordance with ASC Topic 718, Compensation – Stock Compensation. The fair value of the award on the date of grant (adjusted for estimated forfeitures) is ratably amortized into expense over the vesting period of the respective grants. The determination of fair value of these awards involves the use of significant estimates and assumptions, including expected volatility of our stock, expected dividend yield, expected term, and assumptions of whether these awards achieve the requisite performance criteria.

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, with respect to any taxable year, we fail to maintain our qualification as a REIT, and we are not entitled to relief under the relevant statutory provisions, we would be subject to income tax at regular corporate 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 tax may be due on our undistributed taxable income.

We treat certain consolidated subsidiaries, and may in the future elect to treat newly formed subsidiaries, as taxable REIT subsidiaries (“TRSs”). TRSs may participate in non-real estate related activities and/or perform non-customary services for tenants and are subject to federal and state income tax at regular corporate tax rates. Our TRSs had a combined current income tax expense of approximately $622,000, $5,758,000 and $780,000 for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively. In addition, our TRSs had a combined deferred income tax expense of $87,000 for the year ended December 31, 2018 and deferred income tax benefits of $922,000 and $479,000 for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

The following table reconciles net income (loss) attributable to Paramount Group, Inc. to estimated taxable income for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016.


	For the Year Ended December 31,
(Amounts in thousands)	2018			2017			2016
Net income (loss) attributable to Paramount Group, Inc.	$	9,147		$	86,381		$	(9,934	)
Book to tax differences:
Straight-lining of rents and amortization of above and below-market leases, net		(48,604	)		(44,083	)		(51,880	)
Depreciation and amortization		92,512			96,991			95,489
Stock-based compensation		17,847			14,441			9,673
Real estate impairment loss		41,788			-			-
Gain on sale of real estate		(14,381	)		(95,182	)		-
Write-off of and valuation allowance on preferred equity investment		(3,574	)		4,327			-
Earnings of unconsolidated joint ventures, including real estate investments		179			(8,600	)		(3,513	)
Swap breakage costs		-			(1,487	)		(25,367	)
Unrealized gain on interest rate swaps		-			(860	)		(4,651	)
Other, net		(8,240	)		1,885			13,295
Estimated taxable income	$	86,674		$	53,813		$	23,112

The following table sets forth the characterization of dividend distributions for federal income tax purposes for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016

	For the Year Ended December 31,
	2018						2017						2016
	Amount			%			Amount			%			Amount			%
Ordinary income	$	0.286	⁽¹⁾		72.4	%	$	0.195			51.3	%	$	0.107			28.2	%
Long-term capital gain		0.074			18.7	%		0.034			8.9	%		-			-
Return of capital		0.035			8.9	%		0.151			39.8	%		0.273			71.8	%
Total	$	0.395	⁽²⁾		100.0	%	$	0.380	⁽²⁾		100.0	%	$	0.380	⁽²⁾		100.0	%

⁽¹⁾	Represents amounts treated as “qualified REIT dividends” for purposes of Internal Revenue Code 199A.

⁽¹⁾	The fourth quarter dividend for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 of $0.100, $0.095 and $0.095 per share, respectively, were paid in January of the subsequent years and are allocable to the subsequent years for federal income tax purposes.

Segments

Our reportable segments are separated by region based on the three regions in which we conduct our business: New York, Washington, D.C. and San Francisco. Our determination of segments is aligned with our method of internal reporting and the way our Chief Executive Officer, who is also our Chief Operating Decision Maker, makes key operating decisions, evaluates financial results and manages our business. See Note 25, Segments.

Use of Estimates

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

Reclassification

Certain prior year balances have been reclassified to conform to current year presentation.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements Not Materially Impacting Our Financial Statements

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standard’s Board (“FASB”) issued ASU 2014-09, an update to ASC Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. ASU 2014-09, as amended, supersedes nearly all existing revenue recognition guidance under U.S. GAAP. The core principle of this guidance is that an entity should recognize revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration which the entity expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services. This guidance also requires additional disclosure about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts, including significant judgments made in applying the guidance. This guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and for interim periods within those fiscal years, and can be applied using a full retrospective or modified retrospective approach. We adopted the provisions of ASU 2014-09 on January 1, 2018, using the modified retrospective approach. The adoption of ASU 2014-09 did not impact our consolidated financial results but resulted in additional disclosures on our consolidated financial statements. See Note 16, Revenues.

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, an update to ASC Topic 326, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses. ASU 2016- 13 requires measurement and recognition of expected credit losses on financial instruments measured at amortized cost at the end of each reporting period rather than recognizing the credit losses when it is probable that the loss has been incurred in accordance with current guidance. In November 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-19, which clarified that receivables arising from operating leases are not within the scope of ASC Topic 326, and instead, impairment of receivables arising from operating leases (previously recorded as bad debt expense, a component of “operating expenses”), should be accounted for under the scope of ASC Topic 842, Leases. Accordingly, pursuant to ASU 2018-19, beginning on January 1, 2019, impairment of receivables arising from operating leases, if any, will be recorded as a reduction of rental income and no longer reflected as bad debt expense. ASU 2016-13 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods in fiscal years that begin after December 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018. We do not believe the adoption of ASU 2016-13 will have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In May 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-09, an update to ASC Topic 718, Compensation – Stock Compensation. ASU 2017- 09 clarifies the types of changes to the terms and conditions of a share-based payment award that requires modification accounting. ASU 2017-09 does not change the accounting for modification of share-based awards, but clarifies that modification accounting should only be applied if there is a change to the value, vesting condition or award classification and would not be required if the changes are considered non-substantive. ASU 2017-09 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods in fiscal years that begin after December 31, 2017, with early adoption permitted. We adopted the provisions of ASU 2017-09 on January 1, 2018 and the adoption of ASU 2017-09 did not have an impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-13, an update to ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements. ASU 2018-13 modifies the disclosure requirements in ASC Topic 820, by (i) removing certain disclosure requirements related to transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy and the valuation processes for Level 3 fair value measurements, (ii) modifying existing disclosure requirements related to measurement uncertainty and (iii) adding new disclosure requirements related to changes in unrealized gains or losses for the periods included in other comprehensive income for recurring Level 3 fair value measurements and disclosures related to the range and weighted average of significant unobservable inputs used to develop Level 3 fair value measurements. ASU 2018-13 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods in fiscal years that begin after December 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted. We are evaluating the impact of ASU 2018-13 but do not believe the adoption will have an impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In October 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-16, an update to ASC Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging. ASU 2018-16 adds the Overnight Index Swap Rate (“OIS”) based on Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”) to the list of permissible benchmark interest rates for hedge accounting purposes. ASU 2018-16 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods in fiscal years that begin after December 15, 2018. The FASB permitted early adoption of ASU 2018-16 for entities that had already adopted ASU 2017-12, an earlier update to ASC Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging. We adopted the provisions of ASU 2017-12 on December 31, 2017 and have adopted the provisions of ASU 2018-16 on December 31, 2018. These adoptions did not have any impact on our consolidated financial statements.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements Impacting or Potentially Impacting Our Financial Statements

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, an update to ASC Topic 842, Leases. ASU 2016-02 amends the existing guidance for lease accounting by requiring lessees to, among other things, (i) recognize most leases on their balance sheets, (ii) classify leases as either financing or operating, and (iii) record a right-of-use asset and a lease liability for all leases with a term greater than 12 months. ASU 2016-02 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods in fiscal years that begin after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted. We will adopt the provisions of ASU 2016-02 on January 1, 2019, using the alternative modified retrospective method, also known as the transition relief method, permitted under ASU 2018-11. Additionally, we will elect the package of practical expedients which permits us not to reassess under ASC Topic 842 our prior conclusions about lease identification, lease classification and initial direct costs. We will record a right-of-use asset and a lease liability upon such adoption for leases in which we are a lessee. However, we do not believe that any asset and liability recorded in connection with such adoption will have a material impact to our financial statements.

While accounting for lessors under ASU 2016-02 is substantially similar to existing lease accounting guidance, lessors are required to separate payments received pursuant to a lease between lease components (rental income) and non-lease components (revenue related to various services we provide). In July 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-11, which provided lessors with a practical expedient to not separate lease and non-lease components, if certain criteria are met. We believe we meet such criteria and upon the adoption of ASU 2016-02, we will elect this practical expedient.

Furthermore, ASU 2016-02 also updates the definition of initial direct costs for both lessees and lessors to include only incremental costs of a lease that would not have been incurred if the lease had not been obtained. As a result, upon adoption of ASU 2016-02 on January 1, 2019, we will no longer be able to capitalize internal leasing costs and will have to expense them instead. We had capitalized internal leasing costs of $5,653,000, $7,003,000 and $5,027,000 for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

In December 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-20, an update to ASC Topic 842, Leases. ASU 2018-20 allows lessors to make an accounting policy election not to evaluate whether sales taxes and similar taxes imposed by a governmental authority on a specific lease transaction and collected by the lessor from the lessee are the primary obligation of the lessor. A lessor that makes this election must exclude from the consideration in the contract and from variable payments not included in the consideration in the contract all taxes within the scope of the election and make additional disclosures. ASU 2018-20 requires a lessor to exclude lessor costs paid directly by a lessee to third parties on the lessor’s behalf from variable payments, but lessor costs that are paid by the lessor and reimbursed by the lessee are required to be included in variable payments. The effective date of ASU 2018-20 is required to coincide with the effective date of ASU 2016-02. The adoption of the provisions of ASU 2018-20 on January 1, 2019 will not have an impact on our financial statements.

In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-18, an update to ASC Topic 230, Statement of Cash Flows, to provide guidance on classification and presentation of changes in restricted cash on the statement of cash flows. ASU 2016-18 requires that an entity’s reconciliation of the beginning-of-period and end-of-period total amounts shown on the statement of cash flows to include restricted cash with cash and cash equivalents. ASU 2016-18 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods in fiscal years that begin after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted. We elected to early adopt ASU 2016-18 retrospectively, on December 31, 2017. This adoption resulted in (i) additional disclosures to reconcile cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash on our consolidated balance sheets to our consolidated statements of cash flows, (ii) increased cash provided by operating activities and cash used in investing activities by $3,000,000 and $15,449,000, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2016.

In February 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-05, an update to ASC Topic 610, Other Income. ASU 2017-05 clarifies the scope and accounting for derecognition of a nonfinancial asset and eliminates the guidance in ASC 360-20 specific to real estate sales and partial sales. ASU 2017-05 requires an entity that transfers control of a nonfinancial asset to measure any noncontrolling interest it retains (or receives) at fair value. ASU 2017-05 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods in fiscal years that begin after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted for entities concurrently early adopting ASU 2014-09. We adopted the provisions of ASU 2017-05 on January 1, 2018, using the modified retrospective approach. Upon adoption, we recorded a $7,086,000 adjustment to “investments in unconsolidated joint ventures” relating to the measurement of our consolidated Residential Development Fund’s (“RDF”) retained interest in One Steuart Lane (formerly 75 Howard Street) at fair value with an offset to equity. See Note 5, Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures.

In October 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-17, an update to ASC Topic 810, Consolidations. ASU 2018-17 requires reporting entities to consider indirect interests held by related parties under common control on a proportional basis rather than as the equivalent of a direct interest in its entirety in determining whether a decision-making fee is a variable interest. ASU 2018-17 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods in fiscal years that begin after December 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted. We are evaluating the impact of ASU 2018-17 on our consolidated financial statements.