Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Procedures and New Accounting Standards (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2021

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Basis of Presentation

Basis of Presentation. These consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”). Intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated in consolidation. The U.S. Dollar (“USD”) is our functional currency.

Principles of Consolidation

Principles of Consolidation. These consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Realty Income and all other entities in which we have a controlling financial interest. We evaluate whether we have a controlling financial interest in an entity in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 810, Consolidation. Voting interest entities are entities considered to have sufficient equity at risk and which the equity holders have the obligation to absorb losses, the right to receive residual returns and the right to make decisions about the entity’s activities. We consolidate voting interest entities in which we have a controlling financial interest, typically through holding of a majority of the entity’s voting equity interests.The portion of a consolidated entity not owned by us is recorded as a noncontrolling interest. Noncontrolling interests are reflected on our consolidated balance sheets as a component of equity. Noncontrolling interest that was created or assumed as part of a business combination or asset acquisition was recognized at fair value as of the date of the transaction (see note 11, Noncontrolling Interests).

Principles of Consolidation, Variable Interest Entities

Variable interest entities (“VIEs”) are entities that lack sufficient equity at risk or where the equity holders either do not have the obligation to absorb losses, do not have the right to receive residual returns, do not have the right to make decisions about the entity’s activities, or some combination of the above. A controlling financial interest in a VIE is present when an entity has a variable interest, or a combination of variable interests, that provides the entity with (i) the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance and (ii) the obligation to absorb losses of the VIE or the right to receive benefits from the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE. An entity that meets both conditions above is deemed the primary beneficiary and consolidates the VIE. We reassess our initial evaluation of whether an entity is a VIE when certain reconsideration events occur. We reassess our determination of whether we are the primary beneficiary of a VIE on an ongoing basis based on current facts and circumstances.

Use of Estimates

Use of Estimates. The consolidated financial statements were prepared in conformity with U.S. GAAP, which requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Reclassifications

Reclassifications. Certain reclassifications have been made to the prior years' consolidated financial statements to conform to current year presentation. We began presenting 'Goodwill,' which was previously presented in 'Other assets, net,' in a separate caption within our consolidated balance sheets. In addition, we began presenting 'Income taxes,' which was previously presented in 'Expenses,' below a newly captioned subtotal for 'Income before income taxes' within our consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income. Furthermore, we began presenting 'Other income, net' which consists of certain miscellaneous non-recurring revenue previously presented in 'Other' within 'Revenue,' in a separate caption within our consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income. These reclassifications have no effect on net income, total assets, accumulated earnings or cash flow statements as previously reported.

Net Income per Common Share

Net Income per Common Share. Basic net income per common share is computed by dividing net income available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during each period. Diluted net income per common share is computed by dividing net income available to common stockholders, plus income attributable to dilutive shares and convertible common units for the period, by the weighted average number of common shares that would have been outstanding assuming the issuance of common shares for all potentially dilutive common shares outstanding during the reporting period.

Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash

Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash. We consider all short-term, highly liquid investments that are readily convertible to cash and have an original maturity of three months or less at the time of purchase to be cash equivalents. Restricted cash includes cash proceeds from the sale of assets held by qualified intermediaries in anticipation of the acquisition of replacement properties in tax-free exchanges under Section 1031 of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code, impounds related to mortgages payable and cash that is not immediately available to Realty Income (i.e. escrow deposits for future acquisitions).

Cash accounts maintained on behalf of Realty Income in demand deposits at commercial banks and money market funds may exceed federally insured levels or may be held in accounts without any federal insurance or any other insurance or guarantee. However, Realty Income has not experienced any losses in such accounts.

Lease Revenue Recognition and Accounts Receivable

Lease Revenue Recognition and Accounts Receivable. The majority of our leases are accounted for as operating leases. Under this method, leases that have fixed and determinable rent increases are recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Any rental revenue contingent upon our client’s sales is recognized only after our client exceeds their sales breakpoint. Rental increases based upon changes in the consumer price indexes are recognized only after the changes in the indexes have occurred and are then applied according to the lease agreements. Contractually obligated rental revenue from our clients for recoverable real estate taxes and operating expenses are included in contractually obligated reimbursements by our clients, a component of rental revenue, in the period when such costs are incurred. Taxes and operating expenses paid directly by our clients are recorded on a net basis.

Other revenue includes certain property-related revenue not included in rental revenue and interest income recognized on financing receivables for certain leases with above-market terms.

The COVID-19 pandemic and the measures taken to limit its spread are negatively impacting the economy across many industries, including the industries in which some of our clients operate. These impacts may continue as the duration and severity of the pandemic increases. As a result, we have closely monitored the collectability of our accounts receivable and continue to evaluate the potential impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and the measures taken to limit its spread on our business and industry segments as the situation continues to evolve and more information becomes available.

We continue to assess the probability of collecting substantially all of the lease payments to which we are entitled under the original lease contract as required under Topic 842, Leases. We assess the collectability of our future lease payments based on an analysis of creditworthiness, economic trends (including trends arising from the COVID-19 pandemic) and other facts and circumstances related to the applicable clients. If we conclude the

collection of substantially all lease payments under a lease is less than probable, rental revenue recognized for that lease is limited to cash received going forward, existing operating lease receivables, including those related to straight-line rental revenue, must be written off as an adjustment to rental revenue, and no further operating lease receivables are recorded for that lease until such future determination is made that substantially all lease payments under that lease are now considered probable. If we subsequently conclude that the collection of substantially all lease payments under a lease is probable, a reversal of lease receivables previously written off is recognized.

The majority of concessions granted to our clients during 2020 and 2021 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic have been rent deferrals with the original lease term unchanged. We currently anticipate future concessions will be similar. In accordance with the guidance provided by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) staff, we have elected to account for these leases as if the right of deferral existed in the lease contract and therefore continue to recognize lease revenue in accordance with the lease contract in effect. In limited circumstances, the undiscounted cash flows resulting from deferrals granted increased significantly from original lease terms, which required us to account for these as lease modifications, and resulted in an insignificant impact to consolidated rental revenue during 2020 and 2021. Similarly, rent abatements granted, which are also accounted for as lease modifications, impacted our rental revenue by an insignificant amount during 2020 and 2021.

Unless otherwise specified, references to reserves recorded as a reduction of rental revenue include amounts reserved for in the current period, as well as unrecognized contractual rental revenue and unrecognized straight-line rental revenue for leases accounted for on a cash basis. The following table summarizes reserves to rental revenue (in millions):

	Year ended December 31,
	2021		2020		2019
Rental revenue reserves	$	10.2	$	44.1	$	1.4
Straight-line rent reserves	4.5		8.4		1.5
Total rental revenue reserves	$	14.7	$	52.5	$	2.9

As of December 31, 2021, other than the information related to the reserves recorded to date, we do not have any further client specific information that would change our assessment that collection of substantially all of the future lease payments under our existing leases is probable. However, since the conversations regarding rent collections for our clients affected by the COVID-19 pandemic are ongoing and we do not currently know the types of future concessions, if any, that will ultimately be granted, there may be impacts in future periods that could change this assessment as the situation continues to evolve and as more information becomes available. We also evaluated certain properties impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic for impairment (see note 14, Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements).

Gain on Sales of Real Estate

Gain on Sales of Real Estate. When real estate is sold, the carrying amount of the applicable assets is derecognized with a corresponding gain from the sale recognized in our consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income. We record a gain from the sale of real estate provided that various criteria, relating to the terms of the sale and any subsequent involvement by us with the real estate, have been met.

Allocation of the Purchase Price of Real Estate Acquisitions

Allocation of the Purchase Price of Real Estate Acquisitions. A majority of our acquisitions qualify as asset acquisitions and the transaction costs associated with those acquisitions are capitalized. However, our merger with VEREIT comprises both an input and substantive process that together significantly contributes to the ability to create outputs and therefore would be considered a business. As a result, the merger with VEREIT qualified as a business combination and, accordingly, the transaction costs have been expensed and categorized as merger and integration-related costs on our consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income. In accordance with ASC Topic 805, Business Combinations, adjustments to the allocated purchase price are able to be made within one year of the closing date of our merger with VEREIT as acquisition date uncertainties are resolved (for more details on our merger with VEREIT, please see note 3, Merger with VEREIT, Inc. and Orion Office REIT Inc. Divestiture).

When acquiring a property for investment purposes, we typically allocate the cost of real estate acquired, inclusive of transaction costs, to: (1) land, (2) building and improvements, and (3) identified intangible assets and liabilities, based in each case on their relative estimated fair values. Intangible assets and liabilities consist of above-market or below-market lease value of in-place leases and the value of in-place leases, as applicable. Additionally, above-market rents on certain leases under which we are a lessor are accounted for as financing receivables amortizing over the lease term, while below-market rents on certain leases under which we are a lessor are accounted for as

prepaid rent. In an acquisition of multiple properties, we must also allocate the purchase price among the properties. The allocation of the purchase price is based on our assessment of estimated fair values of the land, building and improvements, and identified intangible assets and liabilities, and is often based upon various characteristics of the market where the property is located. In addition, any assumed notes payable or mortgages are recorded at their estimated fair values. The estimated fair values of our mortgages payable have been calculated by discounting the future cash flows using applicable interest rates that have been adjusted for factors, such as industry type, client investment grade, maturity date, and comparable borrowings for similar assets. The use of different assumptions in the allocation of the purchase price of the acquired properties and liabilities assumed could affect the timing of recognition of the related revenue and expenses.

Our estimated fair value determinations are based on management’s judgment, utilizing various factors, including: market land and building values, market rental rates, discount rates and capitalization rates. Our methodology for measuring and allocating the fair value of real estate acquisitions includes both observable market data (categorized as level 2 on the three-level valuation hierarchy of ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurement), and unobservable inputs that reflect our own internal assumptions (categorized as level 3 under ASC Topic 820). Given the significance of the unobservable inputs we believe the allocations of fair value of real estate acquisitions should be categorized as level 3 under ASC Topic 820. From time to time, we have used, and may continue to use, the assistance of independent third parties specializing in real estate valuations to prepare our purchase price allocations.

The allocation of tangible assets (which includes land and buildings/improvements) of an acquired property with an in-place lease is based upon relative fair value. Land is typically valued utilizing the sales comparison (or market) approach. Buildings and improvements are typically valued under the replacement cost approach. In allocating the fair value to identified intangibles for above-market or below-market leases, an amount is recorded based on the present value of the difference between (i) the contractual amount to be paid pursuant to the in-place lease and (ii) our estimate of fair market lease rate for the corresponding in-place lease, measured over the remaining term of the lease. The value of in-place leases is determined by our estimated costs related to acquiring a client and the carrying costs that would be incurred over the vacancy period to locate a client if the property were vacant, considering market conditions and costs to execute similar leases at the time of acquisition.

The values of the above-market and below-market leases are amortized over the term of the respective leases, including any bargain renewal options, as an adjustment to rental revenue on our consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income. The value of in-place leases, exclusive of the value of above-market and below-market in-place leases, is amortized to depreciation and amortization expense over the remaining periods of the respective leases. If a lease is terminated prior to its stated expiration, all unamortized amounts relating to that lease are recorded to revenue or expense as appropriate.

Real Estate and Lease Intangibles Held for Sale

Real Estate and Lease Intangibles Held for Sale. We generally reclassify assets to held for sale when the disposition has been approved, there are no known contingencies relating to the sale and the consummation of the disposition is considered probable within one year. Upon classifying a real estate investment as held for sale, we will no longer recognize depreciation expense related to the depreciable assets of the property. Assets held for sale are recorded at the lower of carrying value or estimated fair value, less the estimated cost to dispose of the assets.

If circumstances arise that we previously considered unlikely and, as a result, we decide not to sell a property previously classified as held for sale, we will reclassify the property as held for investment. We measure and record a property that is reclassified as held for investment at the lower of (i) its carrying value before the property was classified as held for sale, adjusted for any depreciation expense that would have been recognized had the property been continuously classified as held for investment or (ii) the estimated fair value at the date of the subsequent decision not to sell.

Investment in Unconsolidated Entities

Investment in Unconsolidated Entities. We account for our investment in unconsolidated entity arrangements using the equity method of accounting as we have the ability to exercise significant influence, but not control, over operating and financing policies of these investments. We have determined that none of the unconsolidated entities would be considered variable interest entities ("VIE") under the applicable accounting guidance. Our equity method investments were acquired in our merger with VEREIT. As a result, the investments were recorded at fair value and subsequently will be adjusted for our share of equity in the entities' earnings and distributions received. The step-up in fair value was allocated to the individual investment assets and liabilities and is being amortized over the estimated useful life of the respective underlying tangible real estate assets, the lease term of the intangible real estate assets, and the remaining term of the assumed debt. Investment in unconsolidated entities is included in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. We record our proportionate share of net income from the unconsolidated entities in other income, net in the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income.

Goodwill

Goodwill. Upon the closing of a business combination, after identifying all tangible and intangible assets and liabilities, the excess consideration paid over the fair value of the assets and liabilities acquired and assumed, respectively, represents goodwill. In connection with our merger with VEREIT, we recorded goodwill as a result of consideration exceeding the net assets acquired. Goodwill has not yet been allocated to our individual operating segments; the allocation is pending the finalization of our purchase accounting.

Deferred Financing Costs

Deferred Financing Costs. Deferred financing costs represent commitment fees, legal fees and other costs associated with obtaining or originating financing. Deferred financing costs, other than those associated with the line of credit, are presented on the consolidated balance sheets as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of the related debt liability. Deferred financing costs related to the line of credit are included in other assets, net in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. These costs are amortized to interest expense over the terms of the respective financing agreements that approximates with the effective interest method.

Depreciation and Amortization

Depreciation and Amortization. Land, buildings and improvements are recorded and stated at cost. Major replacements and betterments, which improve or extend the life of the asset, are capitalized and depreciated over their estimated useful lives, while ordinary repairs and maintenance are expensed as incurred. Buildings and improvements that are under redevelopment, or are being developed, are carried at cost and no depreciation is recorded on these assets. Additionally, amounts essential to the development of the property, such as pre-construction, development, construction, interest and other costs incurred during the period of development are capitalized. We cease capitalization when the property is available for occupancy upon substantial completion of property improvements to accommodate the client's use, but in any event no later than one year from the completion of major construction activity.

Properties are depreciated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets.  The estimated useful lives are as follows:

Buildings	25 years or 35 years
Building improvements	4 to 35 years
Equipment	5 to 25 years
Lease commissions and property improvements to accommodate the client's use	The shorter of the term of the related lease or useful life
Acquired in-place leases	Remaining terms of the respective leases

Provisions for Impairment

Provisions for Impairment - Real Estate Assets. We review long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. If estimated future operating cash flows (undiscounted and without interest charges) plus estimated disposition proceeds (undiscounted) are less than the current book value of the property, a fair value analysis is performed and, to the extent the estimated fair value is less than the current book value, a provision for impairment is recorded to reduce the book value to estimated fair value. Key assumptions that we utilize in this analysis include projected rental rates, estimated holding periods, capital expenditures and property sales capitalization rates.

Provisions for Impairment - Goodwill. Goodwill is not amortized, but is subject to impairment reviews annually, or more frequently if necessary. Goodwill is qualitatively assessed to determine whether a quantitative impairment assessment is necessary. Impairment is the condition that exists when the carrying amount of goodwill exceeds its implied fair value. If the carrying value of the asset exceeds its estimated fair value, an impairment loss is recognized, and the asset is written down to its estimated fair value. We perform our annual goodwill impairment assessment as of June 30. During the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019 there were no impairments of goodwill.

Provisions for Impairment - Investment in Unconsolidated Entities. When circumstances indicate that a decrease in value of an equity method investment has occurred that is other than temporary, an impairment loss should be recognized. To determine whether an impairment is other-than-temporary, we consider whether it has the ability and intent to hold the investment until the carrying value is fully recovered. We evaluate the recoverability of our investment in unconsolidated entities in accordance with accounting standards for equity investments by first reviewing each investment for indicators of impairment. If indicators are present, we estimate the fair value of the

investment. If the carrying value of the investment is greater than the estimated fair value, we make an assessment of whether the impairment is temporary or other-than-temporary. In making this assessment, we consider the length of time and the extent to which fair value has been less than cost, the financial condition and near-term prospects of the entity, and our intent and ability to retain its interest long enough for a recovery in market value. If we conclude that the impairment is other than temporary, the investment is reduced to its estimated fair value. The evaluation of an investment in an unconsolidated entity for potential impairment requires significant judgment. Since our merger with VEREIT in November 2021, when we assumed our first unconsolidated entities, through December 31, 2021, there have been no impairments of equity method investments.

Equity Offering Costs

Equity Offering Costs.  Underwriting commissions and offering costs have been reflected as a reduction of additional paid-in-capital on our consolidated balance sheets.

Derivatives and Hedging Activities

Derivative and Hedging Activities. Derivatives are financial arrangements among two or more parties with returns linked to or “derived” from an underlying equity, debt, commodity, other asset, liability, interest rate, foreign exchange rate or another index, or the occurrence or nonoccurrence of a specified event. The settlement of a derivative is determined by its underlying notional amount specified in the contract. Derivative contracts may be entered into outright or embedded within a non-derivative host contract, and may be listed, traded on exchanges or privately negotiated directly between two parties. We actively manage our risk exposures which arise from our liquidity and funding activities using derivative instruments which hedge for interest rate risk, foreign exchange risk, or both. We record all derivatives on the balance sheet at fair value. The recognition of changes in the fair value of derivatives is recorded in net income unless the derivative is designated in a cash flow or net investment hedge accounting relationship in which case the change in fair value is recorded in other comprehensive income until such time as the designated hedged item impacts net income.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes. We have elected to be taxed as a REIT under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. We believe we have qualified and continue to qualify as a REIT. 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. Accordingly, no provision has been made for federal income taxes in the accompanying consolidated financial statements, except for federal income taxes of our taxable REIT subsidiaries (“TRS”). A TRS is a subsidiary of a REIT that is subject to federal, state and local income taxes, as applicable. Our use of a TRS enables us to engage in certain business activities while complying with the REIT qualification requirements and to retain any income generated by these businesses for reinvestment without the requirement to distribute those earnings. The income taxes recorded on our consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income represent amounts accrued or paid by Realty Income and its subsidiaries for city and state income and franchise taxes and income taxes for the U.K. and Spain.

Earnings and profits that determine the taxability of distributions to stockholders differ from net income reported for financial reporting purposes due to differences in the estimated useful lives and methods used to compute depreciation and the carrying value (basis) of the investments in properties for tax purposes, among other things.

We regularly analyze our various federal and state filing positions and only recognize the income tax effect in our financial statements when certain criteria regarding uncertain income tax positions have been met. We believe that our income tax positions would more likely than not be sustained upon examination by all relevant taxing authorities. Therefore, no provisions for uncertain income tax positions have been recorded in our financial statements.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards

Recently Issued Accounting Standards. In July 2021, the FASB issued ASU 2021-05 establishing Topic 842, Lessors - Certain Leases with Variable Lease Payments. ASU 2021-05 improves ASC 842 classification guidance as it relates to a lessor's accounting for certain leases with variable lease payments. This guidance requires a lessor to classify a lease with variable payments that do not depend on an index or rate as an operating lease if either a sales-type lease or direct financing lease classification would trigger a day-one loss. This guidance is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2021, with early adoption permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of ASU 2021-05 on our consolidated financial statements.

In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-04 establishing Topic 848, Reference Rate Reform. ASU 2020-04 contains practical expedients for reference rate reform related activities that impact debt, leases, derivatives and other contracts. The guidance is optional and is effective between March 12, 2020 and December 31, 2022. The guidance may be elected over time as reference rate reform activities occur. We are currently evaluating the impact

that the expected market transition from the London Interbank Offered Rate, commonly referred to as LIBOR, to alternative references rates will have on our financial statements as well as the applicability of the aforementioned expedients and exceptions provided in ASU 2020-04.