SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of EastGroup Properties, Inc., its wholly owned subsidiaries and its investment in any joint ventures in which the Company has a controlling interest. At December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, the Company had a controlling interest in two joint ventures: the 80% owned University Business Center and the 80% owned Castilian Research Center. The Company records 100% of the joint ventures’ assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses with noncontrolling interests provided for in accordance with the joint venture agreements. The equity method of accounting is used for the Company’s 50% undivided tenant-in-common interest in Industry Distribution Center II. All significant intercompany transactions and accounts have been eliminated in consolidation.

Income Taxes

EastGroup, a Maryland corporation, has qualified as a real estate investment trust (REIT) under Sections 856-860 of the Internal Revenue Code and intends to continue to qualify as such. To maintain its status as a REIT, the Company is required to distribute at least 90% of its ordinary taxable income to its stockholders. If the Company has a capital gain, it has the option of (i) deferring recognition of the capital gain through a tax-deferred exchange, (ii) declaring and paying a capital gain dividend on any recognized net capital gain resulting in no corporate level tax, or (iii) retaining and paying corporate income tax on its net long-term capital gain, with the shareholders reporting their proportional share of the undistributed long-term capital gain and receiving a credit or refund of their share of the tax paid by the Company. The Company distributed all of its 2014, 2013 and 2012 taxable income to its stockholders. Accordingly, no significant provisions for income taxes were necessary. The following table summarizes the federal income tax treatment for all distributions by the Company for the years ended 2014, 2013 and 2012.

Federal Income Tax Treatment of Share Distributions



	Years Ended December 31,
	2014		2013	2012
Common Share Distributions:
Ordinary dividends	$	2.02398	1.91678	1.64506
Nondividend distributions	0.08974		0.21054	0.29240
Unrecaptured Section 1250 capital gain	0.09470		0.00270	0.14942
Other capital gain	0.01158		0.00998	0.01312
Total Common Distributions	$	2.22000	2.14000	2.10000

EastGroup applies the principles of Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 740, Income Taxes, when evaluating and accounting for uncertainty in income taxes. With few exceptions, the Company’s 2010 and earlier tax years are closed for examination by U.S. federal, state and local tax authorities. In accordance with the provisions of ASC 740, the Company had no significant uncertain tax positions as of December 31, 2014 and 2013.

The Company’s income may differ for tax and financial reporting purposes principally because of (1) the timing of the deduction for the provision for possible losses and losses on investments, (2) the timing of the recognition of gains or losses from the sale of investments, (3) different depreciation methods and lives, (4) real estate properties having a different basis for tax and financial reporting purposes, (5) mortgage loans having a different basis for tax and financial reporting purposes, thereby producing different gains upon collection of these loans, and (6) differences in book and tax allowances and timing for stock-based compensation expense.

Income Recognition

Minimum rental income from real estate operations is recognized on a straight-line basis. The straight-line rent calculation on leases includes the effects of rent concessions and scheduled rent increases, and the calculated straight-line rent income is recognized over the lives of the individual leases. The Company maintains allowances for doubtful accounts receivable, including straight-line rents receivable, based upon estimates determined by management. Management specifically analyzes aged receivables, customer credit-worthiness and current economic trends when evaluating the adequacy of the allowance for doubtful accounts.

Revenue is recognized on payments received from tenants for early terminations after all criteria have been met in accordance with ASC 840, Leases.

The Company recognizes gains on sales of real estate in accordance with the principles set forth in ASC 360, Property, Plant and Equipment. Upon closing of real estate transactions, the provisions of ASC 360 require consideration for the transfer of rights of ownership to the purchaser, receipt of an adequate cash down payment from the purchaser, adequate continuing investment by the purchaser and no substantial continuing involvement by the Company. If the requirements for recognizing gains have not been met, the sale and related costs are recorded, but the gain is deferred and recognized by a method other than the full accrual method.

The Company recognizes interest income on mortgage loans on the accrual method unless a significant uncertainty of collection exists. If a significant uncertainty exists, interest income is recognized as collected. Discounts on mortgage loans receivable are amortized over the lives of the loans using a method that does not differ materially from the interest method. The Company evaluates the collectibility of both interest and principal on each of its loans to determine whether the loans are impaired. A loan is considered to be impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the existing contractual terms. When a loan is considered to be impaired, the amount of loss is calculated by comparing the recorded investment to the value determined by discounting the expected future cash flows at the loan’s effective interest rate or to the fair value of the underlying collateral (if the loan is collateralized) less costs to sell.

Real Estate Properties

EastGroup has one reportable segment–industrial properties. These properties are concentrated in major Sunbelt markets of the United States, primarily in the states of Florida, Texas, Arizona, California and North Carolina, have similar economic characteristics and also meet the other criteria that permit the properties to be aggregated into one reportable segment.

The Company reviews long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to future undiscounted net cash flows (including estimated future expenditures necessary to substantially complete the asset) expected to be generated by the asset. If the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its estimated future cash flows, an impairment charge is recognized for the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds the fair value of the asset. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company determined that no impairment charges on the Company’s real estate properties were necessary.

Depreciation of buildings and other improvements is computed using the straight-line method over estimated useful lives of generally 40 years for buildings and 3 to 15 years for improvements. Building improvements are capitalized, while maintenance and repair expenses are charged to expense as incurred. Significant renovations and improvements that improve or extend the useful life of the assets are capitalized.

Development

During the period in which a property is under development, costs associated with development (i.e., land, construction costs, interest expense, property taxes and other direct and indirect costs associated with development) are aggregated into the total capitalized costs of the property. Included in these costs are management’s estimates for the portions of internal costs (primarily personnel costs) deemed directly or indirectly related to such development activities. The internal costs are allocated to specific development properties based on construction activity. As the property becomes occupied, depreciation commences on the occupied portion of the building, and costs are capitalized only for the portion of the building that remains vacant. When the property becomes 80% occupied or one year after completion of the shell construction (whichever comes first), capitalization of development costs, including interest expense, property taxes and internal personnel costs, ceases. The properties are then transferred to Real estate properties, and depreciation commences on the entire property (excluding the land).

Real Estate Held for Sale

The Company considers a real estate property to be held for sale when it meets the criteria established under ASC 360, Property, Plant and Equipment, including when it is probable that the property will be sold within a year. Real estate properties held for sale are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less estimated costs to sell and are not depreciated while they are held for sale.

In April 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2014-08, Presentation of Financial Statements (Topic 205) and Property, Plant, and Equipment (Topic 360), Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity, which amends the requirements for reporting discontinued operations. Under ASU 2014-08, a disposal of a component of an entity or a group of components of an entity is required to be reported in discontinued operations if the disposal represents a strategic shift that has (or will have) a major effect on an entity's operations and financial results when the component or group of components meets the criteria to be classified as held for sale or when the component or group of components is disposed of by sale or other than by sale. In addition, this ASU requires additional disclosures about both discontinued operations and the disposal of an individually significant component of an entity that does not qualify for discontinued operations presentation in the financial statements. EastGroup performs an analysis of properties sold to determine whether the sales qualify for discontinued operations presentation. Typically, when the Company disposes of operating properties, the sales are not considered to be disposals of a component of an entity or a group of components of an entity representing a strategic shift that has (or will have) a major effect on the entity's operations and financial results. The Company adopted the provisions of ASU 2014-08 as of January 1, 2014, and has applied the provisions prospectively.

Prior to the adoption of ASU 2014-08, the results of operations for the operating properties sold or held for sale during the reported periods were shown under Discontinued Operations on the Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income. Interest expense was not generally allocated to the properties held for sale or whose operations are included under Discontinued Operations unless the mortgage is required to be paid in full upon the sale of the property.

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

EastGroup applies ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging, which requires all entities with derivative instruments to disclose information regarding how and why the entity uses derivative instruments and how derivative instruments and related hedged items affect the entity’s financial position, financial performance and cash flows.

Cash Equivalents

The Company considers all highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents.

Debt Origination Costs

Debt origination costs are deferred and amortized over the term of each loan using the effective interest method.

Leasing Costs

Leasing costs are deferred and amortized using the straight-line method over the term of the lease. Leasing costs paid during the period are included in Changes in other assets and other liabilities in the Investing Activities section on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

Business Combinations and Acquired Intangibles

Upon acquisition of real estate properties, the Company applies the principles of ASC 805, Business Combinations, which requires that acquisition-related costs be recognized as expenses in the periods in which the costs are incurred and the services are received. The Codification also provides guidance on how to properly determine the allocation of the purchase price among the individual components of both the tangible and intangible assets based on their respective fair values. Goodwill is recorded when the purchase price exceeds the fair value of the assets and liabilities acquired. Factors considered by management in allocating the cost of the properties acquired include an estimate of carrying costs during the expected lease-up periods considering current market conditions and costs to execute similar leases. The allocation to tangible assets (land, building and improvements) is based upon management’s determination of the value of the property as if it were vacant using discounted cash flow models. The Company determines whether any financing assumed is above or below market based upon comparison to similar financing terms for similar properties. The cost of the properties acquired may be adjusted based on indebtedness assumed from the seller that is determined to be above or below market rates.

The purchase price is also allocated among the following categories of intangible assets: the above or below market component of in-place leases, the value of in-place leases, and the value of customer relationships. The value allocable to the above or below market component of an acquired in-place lease is determined based upon the present value (using a discount rate reflecting the risks associated with the acquired leases) of the difference between (i) the contractual amounts to be paid pursuant to the lease over its remaining term, and (ii) management’s estimate of the amounts that would be paid using fair market rates over the remaining term of the lease. The amounts allocated to above and below market leases are included in Other Assets and Other Liabilities, respectively, on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and are amortized to rental income over the remaining terms of the respective leases. The total amount of intangible assets is further allocated to in-place lease values and customer relationship values based upon management’s assessment of their respective values. These intangible assets are included in Other Assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and are amortized over the remaining term of the existing lease, or the anticipated life of the customer relationship, as applicable.

Amortization of above and below market leases increased rental income by $421,000 in 2014 and $188,000 in 2013, and decreased income by $350,000 in 2012. Amortization expense for in-place lease intangibles for continuing and discontinued operations was $4,727,000, $4,281,000 and $3,628,000 for 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Projected amortization of in-place lease intangibles for the next five years as of December 31, 2014 is as follows:



Years Ending December 31,	(In thousands)
2015	$	3,960
2016	2,555
2017	1,657
2018	1,158
2019	793

During 2014, EastGroup acquired the following operating properties: Ridge Creek Distribution Center III in Charlotte, North Carolina; Colorado Crossing Distribution Center in Austin, Texas; and Ramona Distribution Center in Chino, California. The Company purchased these properties for a total cost of $51,652,000, of which $47,477,000 was allocated to Real estate properties. The Company allocated $10,822,000 of the total purchase price to land using third party land valuations for the Charlotte, Austin and Chino markets. The market values are considered to be Level 3 inputs as defined by ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (see Note 18 for additional information on ASC 820). Intangibles associated with the purchase of real estate were allocated as follows: $5,074,000 to in-place lease intangibles, $4,000 to above market leases (both included in Other Assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets) and $903,000 to below market leases (included in Other Liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets). These costs are amortized over the remaining lives of the associated leases in place at the time of acquisition. The Company paid cash of $48,805,000 for the properties and intangibles acquired, assumed a mortgage of $2,617,000 and recorded a premium of $230,000 to adjust the mortgage loan assumed to fair value.

During 2013, EastGroup acquired the following operating properties: Northfield Distribution Center in Dallas, Texas, and Interchange Park II in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Company purchased these properties for a total cost of $72,397,000, of which $65,387,000 was allocated to Real estate properties. The Company allocated $13,218,000 of the total purchase price to land using third party land valuations for the Dallas and Charlotte markets. The market values are considered to be Level 3 inputs as defined by ASC 820. Intangibles associated with the purchase of real estate were allocated as follows: $8,399,000 to in-place lease intangibles, $158,000 to above market leases and $1,547,000 to below market leases.

During 2012, EastGroup acquired the following operating properties: Madison Distribution Center in Tampa, Florida; Wiegman Distribution Center II in Hayward, California; and Valwood Distribution Center in Dallas, Texas. The Company purchased these properties for a total cost of $51,750,000, of which $48,934,000 was allocated to Real estate properties. The Company allocated $7,435,000 of the total purchase price to land using third party land valuations for the Tampa, Hayward and Dallas markets. The market values are considered to be Level 3 inputs as defined by ASC 820. Intangibles associated with the purchase of real estate were allocated as follows: $3,305,000 to in-place lease intangibles, $244,000 to above market leases and $733,000 to below market leases.

The Company periodically reviews the recoverability of goodwill (at least annually) and the recoverability of other intangibles (on a quarterly basis) for possible impairment.

Stock-Based Compensation

In May 2004, the stockholders of the Company approved the EastGroup Properties, Inc. 2004 Equity Incentive Plan ("the 2004 Plan"), which was further amended by the Board of Directors in September 2005 and December 2006. This plan authorized the issuance of common stock to employees in the form of options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, deferred stock units, performance shares, bonus stock or stock in lieu of cash compensation.

In April 2013, the Board of Directors adopted the EastGroup Properties, Inc. 2013 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2013 Equity Plan”) upon the recommendation of the Compensation Committee; the 2013 Equity Plan was approved by the Company's stockholders and became effective May 29, 2013. The 2013 Equity Plan replaced the 2004 Plan and the 2005 Directors Equity Incentive Plan. Typically, the Company issues new shares to fulfill stock grants or upon the exercise of stock options.

EastGroup applies the provisions of ASC 718, Compensation – Stock Compensation, to account for its stock-based compensation plans. ASC 718 requires that the compensation cost relating to share-based payment transactions be recognized in the financial statements and that the cost be measured on the fair value of the equity or liability instruments issued. The cost for market-based awards and awards that only require service are expensed on a straight-line basis over the requisite service periods. The cost for performance-based awards is determined using the graded vesting attribution method which recognizes each separate vesting portion of the award as a separate award on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period. This method accelerates the expensing of the award compared to the straight-line method.

The total compensation expense for service and performance based awards is based upon the fair market value of the shares on the grant date, adjusted for estimated forfeitures. The grant date fair value for awards that have been granted and are subject to a future market condition (total shareholder return) are determined using a simulation pricing model developed to specifically accommodate the unique features of the awards.

During the restricted period for awards no longer subject to contingencies, the Company accrues dividends and holds the certificates for the shares; however, the employee can vote the shares. Share certificates and dividends are delivered to the employee as they vest.

Earnings Per Share

The Company applies ASC 260, Earnings Per Share, which requires companies to present basic and diluted earnings per share (EPS). Basic EPS represents the amount of earnings for the period attributable to each share of common stock outstanding during the reporting period. The Company’s basic EPS is calculated by dividing Net Income Attributable to EastGroup Properties, Inc. Common Stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. The weighted average number of common shares outstanding does not include any potentially dilutive securities or any unvested restricted shares of common stock. These unvested restricted shares, although classified as issued and outstanding, are considered forfeitable until the restrictions lapse and will not be included in the basic EPS calculation until the shares are vested.

Diluted EPS represents the amount of earnings for the period attributable to each share of common stock outstanding during the reporting period and to each share that would have been outstanding assuming the issuance of common shares for all dilutive potential common shares outstanding during the reporting period. The Company calculates diluted EPS by dividing Net Income Attributable to EastGroup Properties, Inc. Common Stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding plus the dilutive effect of unvested restricted stock and stock options had the options been exercised. The dilutive effect of stock options and their equivalents (such as unvested restricted stock) is determined using the treasury stock method which assumes exercise of the options as of the beginning of the period or when issued, if later, and assumes proceeds from the exercise of options are used to purchase common stock at the average market price during the period.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and revenues and expenses during the reporting period and to disclose material contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy

Accounting Pronouncements

EastGroup has evaluated all ASUs released by the FASB through the date the financial statements were issued and determined that the following ASUs apply to the Company.

In April 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-08, Presentation of Financial Statements (Topic 205) and Property, Plant, and Equipment (Topic 360), Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity, which is described in further detail in Note 1(f).

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which requires an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. The ASU will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance in U.S. GAAP when it becomes effective. The new standard is effective for the Company on January 1, 2017. Early adoption is not permitted. The standard permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. The Company is evaluating the effect that ASU 2014-09 will have on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. The Company has not yet selected a transition method nor has it determined the effect of the standard on its ongoing financial reporting.

Classification of Book Overdraft on Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

The Company classifies changes in book overdraft in which the bank has not advanced cash to the Company to cover outstanding checks as an operating activity. Such amounts are included in Accounts payable, accrued expenses and prepaid rent in the Operating Activities section on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

Reclassifications

Certain reclassifications have been made in the 2013 and 2012 consolidated financial statements to conform to the 2014 presentation.