The consolidated financial statements present the results of operations, financial position and cash flows of ELS, its majority-owned and controlled subsidiaries and variable interest entities ("VIEs") in which ELS is the primary beneficiary. Intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.

The Operating Partnership meets the criteria as a VIE, where we are the general partner and controlling owner of approximately 94.6%. The limited partners do not have substantive kick-out or participating rights. Our sole significant asset is our investment in the Operating Partnership, and consequently, substantially all of our assets and liabilities represent those assets and liabilities of the Operating Partnership. Additionally, we have the power to direct the Operating Partnership's activities and the obligation to absorb its losses or the right to receive its benefits. Accordingly, we are the primary beneficiary and we have continued to consolidate the Operating Partnership.

Equity method of accounting is applied to entities in which ELS does not have a controlling interest or for VIEs in which ELS is not considered the primary beneficiary, but with respect to which it can exercise significant influence over the operations and major decisions. Our exposure to losses associated with unconsolidated joint ventures is primarily limited to the carrying value of these investments. Accordingly, distributions from a joint venture in excess of our carrying value are recognized in earnings.

On October 15, 2019, we effected a two-for-one-stock split of our common stock. Pursuant to the anti-dilution provision in the Operating Partnership's Agreement of Limited Partnership, the stock split also effected a two-for-one unit split of the outstanding OP Units. All shares of common stock and OP Units and per share data in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying footnotes, for all periods presented, have been adjusted to reflect the stock split.

The preparation of the consolidated 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, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from these estimates. All property and site counts and acreage amounts are unaudited.

Investment in real estate is recorded at cost less accumulated depreciation. Direct and indirect costs related to real estate improvement projects are capitalized, including salaries and related benefits of employees who are directly responsible for and spend their time on the execution and supervision of such projects. Land improvements consist primarily of improvements such as grading, landscaping and infrastructure items, such as streets, sidewalks or water mains. Improvements to buildings and other depreciable property include clubhouses, laundry facilities, maintenance storage facilities, rental units and furniture, fixtures and equipment.

For development and expansion projects, we capitalize direct project costs, such as construction, architectural and legal, as well as, indirect project costs such as interest, real estate taxes and salaries and related benefits of employees who are directly involved in the project. Capitalization of these costs begins when the activities and related expenditures commence and cease when the project, or a portion of the project, is substantially complete and ready for its intended use.

Long-lived assets to be held and used, including our investment in real estate, are evaluated for impairment indicators quarterly or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate a possible impairment. Our judgments regarding the existence of impairment indicators are based on factors such as operational performance, market conditions, environmental and legal factors. Future events could occur which would cause us to conclude that impairment indicators exist and an impairment loss is warranted.

If an impairment indicator exists related to a long-lived asset that is held and used, the expected future undiscounted cash flows are compared against the carrying amount of that asset. Forecasting cash flows requires us to make estimates and assumptions on various inputs including, but not limited to, rental revenue and expense growth rates, occupancy, levels of capital expenditure and capitalization rates. If the sum of the estimated undiscounted cash flows is less than the carrying amount of the asset, an impairment loss is recorded for the carrying amount in excess of the estimated fair value, if any, of the asset. For the periods presented, no impairment losses were recorded.

On January 1, 2018, we adopted ("ASU 2017-01") Business Combinations: Clarifying the Definition of a Business (Topic 805) on a prospective basis. We apply a screen test to evaluate if substantially all the fair value of the acquired property is concentrated in a single identifiable asset or group of similar identifiable assets to determine whether a transaction is accounted for as an asset acquisition or business combination. As most of our real estate acquisitions are concentrated in either a single or a group of similar identifiable assets, our real estate transactions are generally accounted for as asset acquisitions, which permits the capitalization of transaction costs to the basis of the acquired property.

In estimating the fair values for purposes of allocating the purchase price, we utilize a number of sources, including independent appraisals or internal valuations that may be available in connection with the acquisition or financing of the respective Property and other market data. We also consider information obtained about each Property as a result of our due diligence, marketing and leasing activities in estimating the fair value of the tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed.

Above-market assets/below-market liabilities – Income approach based on discounted cash flows comparing contractual cash flows to be paid pursuant to the leases and our estimate of fair market lease rates over the remaining non-cancelable lease terms. For below-market leases, we also consider remaining initial lease terms plus any renewal periods.

We record acquired intangible assets at their estimated fair value separate and apart from goodwill. We amortize identified intangible assets and liabilities that are determined to have finite lives over the period the assets and liabilities are expected to contribute directly or indirectly to the future cash flows of the Property or business acquired. Intangible assets subject to amortization are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying amounts may not be recoverable. An impairment loss is recognized if the carrying amount of an intangible asset is not recoverable and its carrying amount exceeds its estimated fair value.

The excess of the cost of an acquired entity over the net of the amounts assigned to assets acquired (including identified intangible assets) and liabilities assumed in a business combination is recorded as goodwill. Goodwill is not amortized but is tested for impairment at a level of reporting referred to as a reporting unit on an annual basis, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired.

As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, the gross carrying amount of identified intangible assets and goodwill was approximately $12.1 million, which is reported as a component of other assets, net on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, this amount was comprised of approximately $4.3 million of identified intangible assets and approximately $7.8 million of goodwill. Accumulated amortization of identified intangibles assets was approximately $3.1 million and $3.0 million as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

In determining whether to classify a real estate asset held for sale, we consider whether: (i) management has committed to a plan to sell the asset; (ii) the asset is available for immediate sale in its present condition, subject only to terms that are usual and customary; (iii) we have initiated a program to locate a buyer; (iv) we believe that the sale of the real estate asset is probable within one year; (v) we are actively marketing the investment property for sale at a price that is reasonable in relation to its current value, and (vi) actions required for us to complete the plan indicate that it is unlikely that any significant changes will be made. If all of the above criteria are met, we classify the real estate asset as held for sale. When all of the above criteria are met, we discontinue depreciation or amortization of the asset, measure it at the lower of its carrying amount or its fair value less estimated cost to sell, and present it separately as assets held for sale, net on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. We also present the liabilities related to assets held for sale, if any, separately on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. In connection with the held for sale evaluation, if the disposal represents a strategic shift that has, or will have, a major effect on the consolidation financial statement, then the transaction is presented as discontinued operations.

We disclose the estimated fair value of our financial instruments according to a fair value hierarchy. The valuation hierarchy is based on the transparency of the lowest level of input that is significant to the valuation of an asset or a liability as of the measurement date. The three levels are defined as follows:

The carrying values of cash and restricted cash, accounts receivable and accounts payable approximate their fair market values due to the short-term nature of these instruments. The carrying value of the notes receivable approximates the fair market value as the interest rates are generally comparable to current market rates. Concentrations of credit risk with respect to notes receivable are limited due to the size of the receivable and geographic diversity of the underlying Properties.

The fair market values of mortgage notes payable, term loan and interest rate derivative are measured with Level 2 inputs using quoted prices and observable inputs from similar liabilities as disclosed in Note 9. Borrowing Arrangements and Note 10. Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities.

Deferred financing costs are being amortized over the terms of the respective loans on a straight-line basis. Unamortized deferred financing costs are written-off when debt is retired before the maturity date. Deferred financing costs, net were $24.0 million and $26.4 million as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

Our allowance for doubtful accounts is comprised of our reserves for receivable from tenants, receivable for annual membership subscriptions, Contracts Receivable and Chattel Loans (See Note 8. Notes Receivable, Net for definition of these terms). The allowance reflects our best estimate of collectibility risks on outstanding receivables. Our allowance for doubtful accounts was as follows:

Our revenue streams are predominantly derived from customers renting our Sites or entering into membership subscriptions. Our MH Sites and annual RV and marina Sites are leased on an annual basis. Seasonal RV and marina Sites are leased to customers generally for one to six months. Transient RV and marina Sites are leased to customers on a short-term basis. Leases with our customers are accounted for as operating leases. Rental income is accounted for in accordance with the Accounting Standard Codification (ASC) 842, Leases, and is recognized over the term of the respective lease or the length of a customer's stay. For more information on the adoption of the new lease accounting standard, see section (o) Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements within this Note 2 for further discussion.

A membership subscription gives the customer the right to a set schedule of usage at a specified group of Properties. Payments are deferred and recognized on a straight-line basis over the one-year period in which access to Sites at certain Properties are provided. Membership upgrades grant certain additional access rights to the customer and require non-refundable upfront payments. The non-refundable upfront payments are recognized on a straight-line basis over 20 years, which is our estimated membership upgrade contract term. Income from home sales is recognized when the earnings process is complete. The earnings process is complete when the home has been delivered, the purchaser has accepted the home and title has transferred. Sales from membership subscriptions, upgrades and home sales are accounted for in accordance with ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers.

Stock-based compensation expense for restricted stock awards with performance conditions is measured based on the grant date fair value and recognized on a straight-line basis over the performance period of the individual grants, when achieving the performance targets is considered probable. We estimate and revisit the probability of achieving the performance targets periodically by updating our forecasts throughout the performance period as necessary.

We also issue stock options by estimating the grant date fair value using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model and recognizing over the vesting period for options that are expected to vest. We estimate forfeitures at the time of grant based on historical experience, updated for changes in facts and circumstances, as appropriate, and in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. The expected volatility assumption is calculated based on our historical volatility, which is calculated over a period of time commensurate with the expected term of the options being valued. The risk-free interest rate assumption is based upon the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant. The dividend yield assumption is based on our expectation of dividend payouts.

The OP Units are exchangeable for shares of common stock on a one-for-one basis at the option of the Common OP Unitholders, which we may, in our discretion, cause the Operating Partnership to settle in cash. The exchange is treated as a capital transaction, which results in an allocation between stockholders' equity and non-controlling interests to account for the change in the respective percentage ownership of the underlying equity of the Operating Partnership.

Net income is allocated to Common OP Unitholders based on their respective ownership percentage of the Operating Partnership. Such ownership percentage is calculated by dividing the number of OP Units held by the Common OP Unitholders by the total OP Units held by the Common OP Unitholders and the shares of common stock held by the common stockholders. Issuance of additional shares of common stock or OP Units would change the percentage ownership of both the non-controlling interests – Common OP units and the common stockholders.

Due to our structure as a REIT, the results of operations contain no provision for U.S. federal income taxes for the REIT. As of both December 31, 2019 and 2018, the REIT had a federal net operating loss carryforward of approximately $74.1 million. The REIT is entitled to utilize the net operating loss carryforward only to the extent that the REIT taxable income exceeds our deduction for dividends paid. Due to the uncertainty regarding the use of the REIT net operating loss carryforward, no net tax asset has been recorded as of December 31, 2019 and 2018.

In addition, we own certain TRSs, which are subject to federal and state income taxes at regular corporate tax rates. Overall, the TRSs have federal net operating loss carryforwards. Due to the uncertainty regarding the realization of these deferred tax assets, we have maintained a full valuation allowance as of December 31, 2019 and 2018 .

We, or one of our Subsidiaries, file income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction, various U.S. state jurisdictions and Canada. With few exceptions, we are no longer subject to U.S. federal, state and local, or non-U.S. income tax examinations by tax authorities for years before 2016.



	2019		2018		2017
Tax status of common stock distributions deemed paid during the year:
Ordinary income	$	1.241	$	1.069	$	0.829
Long-term capital gains	—		—		0.359
Non-dividend distributions	—		—		—
Distributions declared per common stock outstanding	$	1.241	$	1.069	$	1.188

The quarterly dividend paid on January 11, 2019 is a split-year distribution with $0.031500 (unaudited) per share of common stock considered a distribution made in 2019 for federal income tax purposes. The quarterly distribution paid on January 10, 2020 is a split year distribution with $0.290788 (unaudited) per share of common stock considered a distribution made in 2019 and $0.015462 (unaudited) allocable to 2020 for federal income tax purposes.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ("ASU 2016-02") Leases. This new guidance, including the related subsequently issued ASUs, provides the principles for the recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of leases, including the requirement that lessees recognize right-of-use ("ROU") assets and lease liabilities for leases on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

We adopted the new lease standard effective January 1, 2019 and have elected to use January 1, 2019 as our date of initial application. Results for reporting periods beginning January 1, 2019 are presented under the new lease standard. We made an accounting policy election to not recognize ROU assets and lease liabilities for leases with a term of 12 months or less. We elected the package of practical expedients permitted under the transition guidance within the new standard and were not required to reassess the following upon adoption: (i) whether an expired or existing contract met the definition of a lease, (ii) the lease classification at January 1, 2019 for existing leases and (iii) whether leasing costs previously capitalized as initial direct costs would continue to be amortized. Upon adoption, we did not have an adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings due to the election of these practical expedients.

As a lessor, we adopted the practical expedient that allowed us not to separate expenses reimbursed by our customers (“utility recoveries”) from the associated rental revenue if certain criteria were met. We assessed these criteria and concluded the timing and pattern of transfer for rental revenue and the associated utility recoveries are the same and as our leases qualify as operating leases, we accounted for and presented rental revenue and utility recoveries as a single component under Rental income in our Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income for 2019 and 2018. In addition, the new standard requires our expected credit loss related to the collectability of lease receivables to be reflected as an adjustment to the line item Rental income prospectively starting from January 1, 2019. For 2018, the credit loss related to the collectability of lease receivables was recognized in the line item Property operating and maintenance and was not significant. The guidance regarding capitalization of leasing costs did not have any effect on our consolidated financial statements.

In August 2018, the FASB issued ("ASU 2018-15") Customer's Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That Is a Service Contract. ASU 2018-15 provides clarity on the accounting for implementation costs of a cloud computing arrangement that is a service contract. The project stage (that is, preliminary project stage, application development stage, or post implementation stage) and the nature of the implementation costs determine which costs to capitalize as an asset related to the service contract and which ones to expense. This update also requires the capitalized implementation costs to be expensed over the term of the arrangement and presented in the same line item in the consolidated financial statements as the fees associated with the service of the arrangement. ASU 2018-15 is effective in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those years. The updated guidance will be applied prospectively to all implementation costs incurred after the date of adoption. We will adopt the new standard effective January 1, 2020 and do not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In June 2016, the FASB issued (“ASU 2016-13”) Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326). ASU 2016-13 requires entities to measure all expected credit losses for financial assets held at the reporting date based on historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. Entities will now use forward-looking information to better form their credit loss estimates. ASU 2016-13 also requires enhanced disclosures to help financial statement users better understand significant estimates and judgments used in estimating credit losses, as well as the credit quality and underwriting standards of an entity’s portfolio. ASU 2016-13 will be effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019.

We will adopt the new standard effective January 1, 2020 using the modified retrospective approach. We have receivables for annual membership subscriptions, membership upgrades and chattel financing that are subject to this new guidance. Our current allowance model, consistent with existing GAAP, reserves for credit losses when the probable recognition threshold is

met. This new guidance replaces the probable recognition threshold for credit losses with a methodology that estimates credit losses expected over the life of financial assets. We have developed an allowance model that incorporates this principle, which calculates reserves over the life of the receivable and is largely driven by risk characteristics of our receivable portfolio. We use assumptions primarily based on the existing probability of default and incorporated information on current conditions and forecast information, where applicable. We expect to recognize a cumulative-effect adjustment of $3.9 million, which will decrease the opening retained earnings as of January 1, 2020.