Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Procedures and Recent Accounting Pronouncements (Policies)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2020

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Procedures and Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Basis of Presentation

Basis of Presentation. The condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. They do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements.

This interim financial information should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019. Any references to square footage or occupancy percentage, and any amounts derived from these values in these notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements, are outside the scope of our independent registered public accounting firm’s review.

The Company considered the impact of COVID-19 on its assumptions and estimates used and determined that there were no material adverse impacts on the Company's results of operations and financial position at September 30, 2020. A prolonged outbreak could have a material adverse impact on the financial results and business operations of the Company. See Note 6 for further discussion.

Management believes that all adjustments of a normal, recurring nature considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. This interim financial information does not necessarily represent or indicate what the operating results will be for the year ending December 31, 2020.

Federal Income Taxes

Federal Income Taxes. We believe that we have operated our business so as to qualify to be taxed as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Under the REIT operating structure, we are permitted to deduct dividends paid to our stockholders in determining our taxable income. Assuming our dividends equal or exceed our taxable net income, we generally will not be required to pay federal corporate income taxes on such income. The income taxes recorded on our condensed consolidated statements of income represent amounts paid for city and state income and franchise taxes and are included in general and administrative expenses in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of income.

Use of Estimates

Use of Estimates. The preparation of the condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make a number of estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the condensed consolidated financial statements and reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results may differ materially from these estimates and assumptions.

Reportable Segment

Reportable Segment. We are engaged in the business of providing real estate for the regulated cannabis industry. Our properties are similar in that they are leased to the state-licensed operators on a long-term triple-net basis, consist of improvements that are reusable and have similar economic characteristics. Our chief operating decision maker reviews financial information for our entire consolidated operations when making decisions related to assessing our operating performance. We have aggregated the properties into one reportable segment as the properties share similar long-term economic characteristics and have other similarities, including the fact that they are operated using consistent business strategies. The financial information disclosed herein represents all of the financial information related to our one reportable segment.

Acquisition of Real Estate Properties

Acquisition of Real Estate Properties. Our investment in real estate is recorded at historical cost, less accumulated depreciation. Upon acquisition of a property, the tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed are initially measured based upon their relative fair values. We estimate the fair value of land by reviewing comparable sales within the same submarket and/or region, the fair value of buildings on an as-if vacant basis and may engage third-party valuation specialists. Acquisition costs are capitalized as incurred. All of our acquisitions to date were recorded as asset acquisitions.

Depreciation

Depreciation. We are required to make subjective assessments as to the estimated useful lives of our depreciable assets. We consider the period of future benefit of the assets to determine the appropriate estimated useful lives. Depreciation of our assets is charged to expense on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives. We depreciate each of our buildings and improvements over its estimated remaining useful life, generally not to exceed 40 years. We depreciate tenant improvements at our buildings where we are considered the owner over the estimated useful lives of the improvements, which may not be limited by the terms of the related leases.

We depreciate office equipment and furniture and fixtures over estimated useful lives ranging from three to six years. We depreciate the leasehold improvements at our corporate office over the shorter of the estimated useful lives or the initial lease term.

Provision for Impairment

Provision for Impairment. On a quarterly basis, we review current activities and changes in the business conditions of all of our properties prior to and subsequent to the end of each quarter to determine the existence of any triggering events or impairment indicators requiring an impairment analysis. If triggering events or impairment indicators are identified, we review an estimate of the future undiscounted cash flows for the properties, including, if necessary, a probability-weighted approach if multiple outcomes are under consideration.

Long-lived assets are individually evaluated for impairment when conditions exist that may indicate that the carrying amount of a long-lived asset may not be recoverable. The carrying amount of a long-lived asset to be held and used is not recoverable if it exceeds the sum of the undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of the asset. Impairment indicators or triggering events for long-lived assets to be held and used are assessed by project and include significant fluctuations in estimated net operating income, occupancy changes, significant near-term lease expirations, current and historical operating and/or cash flow losses, construction costs, estimated completion dates, rental rates, and other market factors. We assess the expected undiscounted cash flows based upon numerous factors, including, but not limited to, construction costs, available market information, current and historical operating results, known trends, current market/economic conditions that may affect the property, and our assumptions about the use of the asset, including, if necessary, a probability-weighted approach if multiple outcomes are under consideration. Upon determination that an impairment has occurred, a write-down is recognized to reduce the carrying amount to its estimated fair value. We may adjust depreciation of properties that are expected to be disposed of or redeveloped prior to the end of their useful lives. No impairment losses were recognized during the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue Recognition. Our leases are triple-net leases, an arrangement under which the tenant maintains the property while paying us rent. We account for our current leases as operating leases and record revenue for each of our properties on a cash basis due to the uncertain regulatory environment in the United States relating to the regulated cannabis industry and the uncertainty of collectability of lease payments from each tenant due to its limited operating history. Contractually obligated reimbursements from tenants for recoverable real estate taxes and operating expenses are included in rental revenue in the period when such costs are reimbursed by the tenants. Contractually obligated real estate taxes that are paid directly by the tenant to the tax authorities are not reflected in our condensed consolidated financial statements.

Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash

Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash. We consider all highly-liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents. As of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, $93.5 million and $60.1 million, respectively, were invested in short-term money market funds, obligations of the U.S. government and certificates of deposit with an original maturity at the time of purchase of less than or equal to three months.

Restricted cash relates to cash held in escrow for the reimbursement of tenant improvements in accordance with various lease agreements. As of September 30, 2020, all of the cash held was released from restriction.

Investments

Investments. Investments consist of obligations of the U.S. government and certificates of deposit with an original maturity at the time of purchase of greater than three months. Investments are classified as held-to-maturity and stated at amortized cost.

Exchangeable Notes

Exchangeable Notes. The “Debt with Conversion and Other Options” Topic of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification requires the liability and equity components of exchangeable debt instruments that may be settled in cash upon exchange, including partial cash settlement, to be separately accounted for in a manner that reflects the issuer’s nonexchangeable debt borrowing rate. The initial proceeds from the sale of our Exchangeable Senior Notes (as defined below) were allocated between a liability component and an equity component in a manner that reflects interest expense at the rate of similar nonexchangeable debt that could have been issued at such time. The equity component represents the excess initial proceeds received over the fair value of the liability component of the Exchangeable Senior Notes as of the date of issuance. We measured the estimated fair value of the debt component of our Exchangeable Senior Notes  as of the date of issuance based on our estimated nonexchangeable debt borrowing rate with the assistance of a third-party valuation specialist as we do not have a history of borrowing arrangements and there is limited empirical data available related to the Company’s industry due to the regulatory uncertainty of the cannabis market in which the Company’s tenants operate. The equity component of our Exchangeable Senior Notes is reflected within additional paid-in capital on our condensed consolidated balance sheets, and the resulting debt discount is amortized over the period during which the Exchangeable Senior Notes are expected to be outstanding (through the maturity date) as additional non-cash interest expense. The additional non-cash interest expense attributable to our Exchangeable Senior Notes will increase in subsequent periods through the maturity date as the Exchangeable Senior Notes accrete to the par value over the same period.

Deferred Financing Costs

Deferred Financing Costs. The deferred financing costs that are included as a reduction in the net book value of the related liability on our condensed consolidated balance sheets reflect issuance and other costs related to our Exchangeable Senior Notes. These costs are amortized as non-cash interest expense using the effective interest method over the life of the Exchangeable Senior Notes.

Stock-Based Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation. Stock-based compensation for equity awards is based on the grant date fair value of the equity awards and is recognized over the requisite service period. If awards are forfeited prior to vesting, we reverse any previously recognized expense related to such awards in the period during which the forfeiture occurs and reclassify any non-forfeitable dividends and dividend equivalents previously paid on these awards from retained earnings to compensation expense. Forfeitures are recognized as incurred.

Lease Accounting

Lease Accounting. As lessor for each of our real estate transactions involving the leaseback of the related property to the seller or affiliates of the seller, we determine whether these transactions qualify as sale and leaseback transactions under the accounting guidance. For these transactions, we consider various inputs and assumptions including, but not necessarily limited to, lease terms, renewal options, discount rates, and other rights and provisions in the purchase and sale agreement, lease and other documentation to determine whether control has been transferred to the Company or remains with the lessee. A transaction involving a sale leaseback will be treated as a purchase of a real estate property if it is considered to transfer control of the underlying asset from the lessee. A lease will be classified as direct-financing if risks and rewards are conveyed without the transfer of control. Otherwise, the lease is treated as an operating lease. These criteria also include estimates and assumptions regarding the fair value of the leased facilities, minimum lease payments, the economic useful life of the facilities, the existence of a purchase option, and certain other terms in the lease agreements. The lease accounting guidance requires accounting for a transaction as a financing in a sale leaseback when the seller-lessee is provided an option to purchase the property from the landlord at the tenant’s option. All of our leases are classified as operating leases. Our tenant reimbursable revenue and property expenses are presented on a gross basis as rental revenue and as property expenses, respectively, on our condensed consolidated statements of income.

In April 2020, in response to the coronavirus pandemic and associated severe economic disruption, we amended leases at certain of our properties to provide for temporary base rent and property management fee deferrals through June 30, 2020. The FASB has issued additional guidance for companies to account for any coronavirus related rent concessions in the form of FASB staff and board members' remarks at the April 8, 2020 public meeting and the FASB staff question-and-answer document issued on April 10, 2020. We have elected the practical expedient which allows us to not have to evaluate whether concessions provided in response to coronavirus pandemic are lease modifications. This relief is subject to certain conditions being met, including ensuring the total remaining lease payments are substantially the same or less as compared to the original lease payments prior to the concession being granted.

Lease amendments that are not associated with the coronavirus pandemic are evaluated to determine if the modification grants the lessee an additional right-of-use not included in the original lease and if the lease payments increase commensurate with the standalone price of the additional right-of-use, adjusted for the circumstances of the particular contract. If both conditions are present, the lease amendment is accounted for as a new lease that is separate from the original lease.

One of our leases that was entered into prior to 2019 provides the lessee with a purchase option to purchase the leased property at the end of the initial lease term in September 2034, subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions. The purchase option provision allows the lessee to purchase the leased property at the greatest of (a) the fair value; (b) the value determined by dividing the then-current base rent by 8%; and (c) an amount equal to our gross investment in the property (including the purchase price at acquisition and any additional investment in the property made by us during the term of the lease), indexed to inflation. At September 30, 2020, our gross investment in the property with the purchase option was approximately $30.5 million. At September 30, 2020, the purchase option was not exercisable.

Our leases generally contain options to extend the lease terms at the prevailing market rate or at the expiring rental rate at the time of expiration. Certain of our leases provide the lessee with a right of first refusal or right of first offer in the event we market the leased property for sale.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Recent Accounting Pronouncements. In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments — Credit Losses, which changes the impairment model for most financial assets and certain other instruments. For trade and other receivables, held-to-maturity debt securities, loans and other instruments, companies will be required to use a new forward-looking “expected loss” model that generally will result in the earlier recognition of allowances for losses. In November 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-19, Codification Improvements to Topic 326, Financial Instruments — Credit Losses, which among other updates, clarifies that receivables arising from operating leases are not within the scope of this guidance and should be evaluated in accordance with Topic 842, Leases. For available-for-sale debt securities with unrealized losses, companies will measure credit losses in a manner similar to what they do today, except that the losses will be recognized as allowances rather than as reductions in the amortized cost of the securities. These standards were effective for the Company on January 1, 2020 and did not have a material impact on our condensed consolidated financial statements.

Concentration of Credit Risk

Concentration of Credit Risk. As of September 30, 2020, we owned 63 properties located in Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Virginia. The ability of any of our tenants to honor the terms of their leases is dependent upon the economic, regulatory, competition, natural and social factors affecting the community in which that tenant operates.

The following table sets forth the tenants in our portfolio that represented the largest percentage of our total rental revenue for each period presented, including tenant reimbursements:

	For the Three Months Ended			For the Nine Months Ended
	September 30, 2020			September 30, 2020
		Percentage of			Percentage of
	Number of	Rental		Number of	Rental
	Leases	Revenue		Leases	Revenue
PharmaCann Inc.(1)	5	16	%	5	19	%
Cresco Labs Inc.(1)	5	12	%	5	10	%
Ascend Wellness Holdings, LLC(1)	3	10	%	3	10	%
Holistic Industries Inc.(1)	4	6	%	4	6	%
Curaleaf Holdings, Inc.(1)(2)	4	6	%	4	6	%
Green Thumb Industries Inc.(1)	3	6	%	3	5	%
SH Parent, Inc. (Parallel) (1)	2	6	%	2	5	%

	For the Three Months Ended			For the Nine Months Ended
	September 30, 2019			September 30, 2019
		Percentage of			Percentage of
	Number of	Rental		Number of	Rental
	Leases	Revenue		Leases	Revenue
PharmaCann Inc.(1)	4	24	%	4	27	%
Ascend Wellness Holdings, LLC(1)	2	14	%	2	12	%
Vireo Health, Inc.(1)	4	9	%	4	10	%
Kings Garden Inc.(1)	5	8	%	5	6	%
Holistic Industries Inc.	1	7	%	1	8	%
Green Peak Industries, LLC	1	7	%	1	7	%
The Pharm, LLC(1)	2	6	%	2	8	%

(1) Includes leases with affiliates of the entity, for which the entity has provided a corporate guaranty.

(2) Curaleaf Holdings, Inc. acquired GR Companies, Inc. (“Grassroots”) and executed corporate guaranties for our leases with Grassroots in August 2020.

At September 30, 2020, one of our properties in Michigan accounted for approximately 5% of our net real estate held for investment. At December 31, 2019, one of our properties in New York accounted for approximately 6% of our net real estate held for investment.

We have deposited cash with a financial institution that is insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) up to $250,000. As of September 30, 2020, we had cash accounts in excess of FDIC insured limits. We have not experienced any losses in such accounts.