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Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Vornado and the Operating Partnership and their consolidated subsidiaries. All inter-company amounts have been eliminated. Our consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”), which require us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Recently Issued Accounting Literature

In February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued an update (“ASU 2016-02”) establishing ASC Topic 842, Leases ("ASC 842"), as amended by subsequent ASUs on the topic, which sets out the principles for the recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of leases for both lessees and lessors. ASU 2016-02 requires lessees to apply a two-method approach, classifying leases as either finance or operating leases based on the principle of whether or not the lease is effectively a financed purchase. Lessees are required to record a right-of-use ("ROU") asset and a lease liability for all leases with a term of greater than 12 months. Lease liabilities equal the present value of future lease payments. Right-of-use assets equal the lease liabilities adjusted for accrued rent expense, initial direct costs, lease incentives and prepaid lease payments. Leases with a term of 12 months or less will be accounted for similar to the previously existing lease guidance under ASC Topic 840, Leases ("ASC 840"). Lease expense is recognized based on the effective interest method for finance leases or on a straight-line basis for operating leases. The accounting applied by the lessor is largely unchanged from that applied under ASC 840. We adopted this standard effective January 1, 2019. In transitioning to ASC 842, we elected to use the practical expedient package available to us and did not elect to use hindsight. As of January 1, 2019, we had 12 ground leases classified as operating leases, for which we were required to record a right-of-use asset and a lease liability equal to the present value of the future lease payments. We will continue to recognize expense on a straight-line basis for these leases. We recorded an aggregate of $526,866,000 of ROU assets and a corresponding $526,866,000 of lease liabilities as a result of the adoption of this standard (see Note 20 - Leases).


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Recently Issued Accounting Literature - continued

Under ASU 2016-02, initial direct costs for both lessees and lessors would include only those costs that are incremental to the arrangement and would not have been incurred if the lease had not been obtained. As a result, beginning January 1, 2019, we no longer capitalize internal leasing costs and instead expense these costs as incurred, as a component of "general and administrative" expense on our consolidated statements of income. For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, we capitalized $5,538,000 and $5,243,000, respectively, of internal leasing costs.

In June 2016, the FASB issued an update (“ASU 2016-13”) Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments establishing ASC Topic 326, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses, as amended by subsequent ASUs on the topic. ASU 2016-13 changes how entities will account for credit losses for most financial assets and certain other instruments that are not measured at fair value through net income. The guidance replaces the current “incurred loss” model with an “expected loss” model that requires consideration of a broader range of information to estimate expected credit losses over the lifetime of the financial asset. ASU 2016-13 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. We are currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of ASU 2016-13 on our consolidated financial statements, but do not believe the adoption of this standard will have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In August 2018, the FASB issued an update (“ASU 2018-13”) Disclosure Framework-Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement to ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurement (“ASC 820”). ASU 2018-13 modifies the disclosure requirements for fair value measurements by removing, modifying, and/or adding certain disclosures. ASU 2018-13 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. We elected to early adopt ASU 2018-13 effective January 1, 2019. The adoption of this update did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements and disclosures.

In October 2018, the FASB issued an update ("ASU 2018-16") Inclusion of the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) Overnight Index Swap (OIS) Rate as a Benchmark Interest Rate for Hedge Accounting Purposes to ASC Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging. ASU 2018-16 expands the list of U.S. benchmark interest rates permitted in the application of hedge accounting by adding the OIS rate based on SOFR as an eligible benchmark interest rate. ASU 2018-16 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018. We adopted this update effective January 1, 2019. The adoption of this update did not have any impact on our consolidated financial statements.

Real Estate

Real Estate: Real estate is carried at cost, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization. Betterments, major renewals and certain costs directly related to the improvement and leasing of real estate are capitalized. Maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred. For redevelopment of existing operating properties, the net book value of the existing property under redevelopment plus the cost for the construction and improvements incurred in connection with the redevelopment are capitalized to the extent the capitalized costs of the property do not exceed the estimated fair value of the redeveloped property when complete. If the cost of the redeveloped property, including the net book value of the existing property, exceeds the estimated fair value of the redeveloped property, the excess is charged to expense. Depreciation is recognized on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives which range from 7 to 40 years. Tenant allowances are amortized on a straight-line basis over the lives of the related leases, which approximate the useful lives of the assets. Additions to real estate include interest and debt expense capitalized during construction of $72,200,000 and $73,166,000 for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

Upon the acquisition of real estate, we assess the fair value of acquired assets (including land, buildings and improvements, identified intangibles, such as acquired above and below-market leases, acquired in-place leases and tenant relationships) and acquired liabilities and we allocate the purchase price based on these assessments which are on a relative fair value basis. We assess fair value based on estimated cash flow projections that utilize appropriate discount and capitalization rates and available market information. Estimates of future cash flows are based on a number of factors including historical operating results, known trends, and market/economic conditions. We amortize identified intangibles that have finite lives over the period they are expected to contribute directly or indirectly to the future cash flows of the property or business acquired.

Our properties, including any related right-of-use assets and intangible assets, are individually reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. An impairment exists when the carrying amount of an asset exceeds the aggregate projected future cash flows over the anticipated holding period on an undiscounted basis. An impairment loss is measured based on the excess of the property’s carrying amount over its estimated fair value. Impairment analyses are based on our current plans, intended holding periods and available market information at the time the analyses are prepared. If our estimates of the projected future cash flows, or market conditions change, our evaluation of impairment losses may be different and such differences could be material to our consolidated financial statements. The evaluation of anticipated discounted cash flows is subjective and is based, in part, on estimates and assumptions regarding future occupancy, rental rates, capital requirements, capitalization rates and discount rates that could differ materially from actual results. Plans to hold properties over longer periods decrease the likelihood of recording impairment losses. We recognized impairment losses of $107,221,000 and $12,000,000 for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. There were no impairment losses in the year ended December 31, 2017.

Our 95.0% joint venture (the remaining 5.0% is owned by the Related Companies ("Related")) which is developing the Farley Office and Retail Building has entered into a development agreement with Empire State Development (“ESD”), an entity of New York State, to build the adjacent Moynihan Train Hall, with Vornado and Related each guaranteeing the joint venture's obligations. The joint venture has entered into a design-build contract with Skanska Moynihan Train Hall Builders pursuant to which they will build the Moynihan Train Hall, thereby fulfilling all of the joint venture's obligations to ESD. The obligations of Skanska Moynihan Train Hall Builders have been bonded by Skanska USA and bear a full guaranty from Skanska AB. The development expenditures for the Moynihan Train Hall are estimated to be approximately $1.6 billion, which will be funded by governmental agencies. Pursuant to ASC 842-40-55, the joint venture, which we consolidate on our consolidated balance sheets, is required to recognize all development expenditures for the Moynihan Train Hall. Accordingly, the development expenditures paid for by governmental agencies through December 31, 2019 and 2018 of $914,960,000 and $445,693,000, respectively, are shown as “Moynihan Train Hall development expenditures” with a corresponding obligation recorded in “Moynihan Train Hall obligation” on our consolidated balance sheets. Upon completion of the development, the "Moynihan Train Hall development expenditures" and the offsetting “Moynihan Train Hall obligation” will be removed from our consolidated balance sheets.

The Crowne Plaza Joint Venture is also accounted for under ASC 946 and we consolidate the accounts of the joint venture into our consolidated financial statements, retaining the fair value basis of accounting.The Fund is accounted for under ASC 946, Financial Services – Investment Companies (“ASC 946”) and its investments are reported on its balance sheet at fair value, with changes in value each period recognized in earnings. We consolidate the accounts of the Fund into our consolidated financial statements, retaining the fair value basis of accounting.

Partially Owned Entities

Partially Owned Entities: We consolidate entities in which we have a controlling financial interest. In determining whether we have a controlling financial interest in a partially owned entity and the requirement to consolidate the accounts of that entity, we consider (i) whether the entity is a variable interest entity (“VIE”) in which we are the primary beneficiary or (ii) whether the entity is a voting interest entity in which we have a majority of the voting interests of the entity. We are deemed to be the primary beneficiary of a VIE when we have (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 or receive benefits that could potentially be significant to the VIE. We generally do not control a partially owned entity if the approval of all of the partners/members is contractually required with respect to decisions that most significantly impact the performance of the partially owned entity. This includes decisions regarding operating/capital budgets, and the placement of new or additional financing secured by the assets of the venture, among others. We account for investments under the equity method when the requirements for consolidation are not met, and we have significant influence over the operations of the investee. Equity method investments are initially recorded at cost and subsequently adjusted for our share of net income or loss and cash contributions and distributions each period. Investments that do not qualify for consolidation or equity method accounting are accounted for under the cost method.


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Significant Accounting Policies - continued

Partially Owned Entities - continued: Investments in partially owned entities are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. An impairment loss is recorded when there is a decline in the fair value below the carrying value and we conclude such decline is other-than-temporary. An impairment loss is measured based on the excess of the carrying amount of an investment over its estimated fair value. Impairment analyses are based on current plans, intended holding periods and available information at the time the analyses are prepared.

220 Central Park South Condominium Units Ready For Sale

220 Central Park South Condominium Units Ready For Sale: We are constructing a residential condominium tower at 220 Central Park South ("220 CPS"). Condominium units are reclassed from "development costs and construction in progress" to "220 Central Park South condominium units ready for sale" upon receipt of the unit's temporary certificate of occupancy. These units are substantially complete and ready for sale. Each unit is carried at the lower of its carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell. We have used the relative sales value method to allocate costs to individual condominium units. GAAP income is recognized when legal title transfers upon closing of the condominium unit sales and is included in "net gains on disposition of wholly owned and partially owned assets" on our consolidated statements of income. As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, none of the 220 CPS condominium units ready for sale had a carrying value that exceeded fair value.

Cash And Cash Equivalents

Cash and Cash Equivalents: Cash and cash equivalents consist of highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less and are carried at cost, which approximates fair value due to their short-term maturities. The majority of our cash and cash equivalents consists of (i) deposits at major commercial banks, which may at times exceed the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation limit, (ii) United States Treasury Bills, and (iii) Certificate of Deposits placed through an Account Registry Service.

Restricted Cash

Restricted Cash: Restricted cash consists of security deposits, cash restricted for the purposes of facilitating a Section 1031 Like-Kind exchange, cash restricted in connection with our deferred compensation plan and cash escrowed under loan agreements, including for debt service, real estate taxes, property insurance and capital improvements.

Deferred Charges

Deferred Charges: Direct financing costs are deferred and amortized over the terms of the related agreements as a component of interest expense. Direct costs related to successful leasing activities are capitalized and amortized on a straight-line basis over the lives of the related leases. All other deferred charges are amortized on a straight-line basis, which approximates the effective interest rate method, in accordance with the terms of the agreements to which they relate.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes: Vornado operates in a manner intended to enable it to continue to qualify as a REIT under Sections 856‑860 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. Under those sections, a REIT which distributes at least 90% of its REIT taxable income as a dividend to its shareholders each year and which meets certain other conditions will not be taxed on that portion of its taxable income which is distributed to its shareholders. Vornado distributes to its shareholders 100% of its REIT taxable income and therefore, no provision for Federal income taxes is required. Dividends distributed for the year ended December 31, 2019, were characterized, for federal income tax purposes, as 62.1% ordinary income and 37.9% long-term capital gain. Dividends distributed for the year ended December 31, 2018, were characterized, for federal income tax purposes, as 91.7% ordinary income and 8.3% long-term capital gain. Dividends distributed for the year ended December 31, 2017, were characterized, for federal income tax purposes, as ordinary income.

On December 18, 2019, Vornado's Board of Trustees declared a special dividend of $1.95 per share which was paid on January 15, 2020 to common shareholders of record on December 30, 2019 (the "Record Date"). Class A unitholders of the Operating Partnership as of the Record Date received the same distribution amount per unit on January 15, 2020. Approximately $1.74 per share of the special dividend was a long-term capital gain. The dividend was the result of gains from the transfer of a 45.4% common equity interest in the Fifth Avenue and Times Square JV(see Note 6 - Investments in Partially Owned Entities), the sale of our 25% interest in 330 Madison Avenue (see Note 6 - Investments in Partially Owned Entities) and other previously disclosed asset sales, partially offset by a tax deduction resulting from our former investment in Toys "R" Us (see Note 6 - Investments in Partially Owned Entities).

We have elected to treat certain consolidated subsidiaries, and may in the future elect to treat newly formed subsidiaries, as taxable REIT subsidiaries pursuant to an amendment to the Internal Revenue Code that became effective January 1, 2001. Taxable REIT subsidiaries may participate in non-real estate related activities and/or perform non-customary services for tenants and are subject to Federal and State income tax at regular corporate tax rates. Our 220 Central Park South condominium project is held through a taxable REIT subsidiary.


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Significant Accounting Policies - continued

At December 31, 2019 and 2018, our taxable REIT subsidiaries had deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowances, of $57,226,000 and $109,949,000, respectively, and are included in “other assets” on our consolidated balance sheets. At December 31, 2019 and 2018, our taxable REIT subsidiaries had deferred tax liabilities of $29,444,000 and $28,676,000, respectively, which are included in "other liabilities" on our consolidated balance sheets. The deferred tax assets and liabilities relate to net operating loss carry forwards and temporary differences between the book and tax basis of asset and liabilities. During 2019, we utilized $10,257,000 of deferred tax assets related to net operating loss carry forwards associated with our 220 CPS project.

For the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, we recognized $103,439,000, $37,633,000 and $42,375,000 of income tax expense, respectively, based on effective tax rates of approximately 3.0%, 8.2% and 13.3%, respectively. Income tax expense recorded in each of the years primarily relates to our consolidated taxable REIT subsidiaries, and certain state, local, and franchise taxes. The year ended December 31, 2019 included $101,828,000 of income tax expense recognized on the sale of 220 CPS condominium units. The year ended December 31, 2018 included $16,771,000 of income tax expense relating to the purchase price fair value adjustment recorded upon our acquisition of an additional 44.9% ownership interest in Farley Office and Retail Building and $13,888,000 of income tax expense recognized on the sale of 220 CPS units. The Company has no uncertain tax positions recognized as of December 31, 2019 and 2018.

The Operating Partnership’s partners are required to report their respective share of taxable income on their individual tax returns.

Revenue Recognition

Rental revenues include revenues from the leasing of space at our properties to tenants, lease termination income, revenues from the Hotel Pennsylvania, trade shows and tenant services.

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Revenues from the leasing of space at our properties to tenants includes (i) lease components, including fixed and variable lease payments, and nonlease components which include reimbursement of common area maintenance expenses, and (ii) reimbursement of real estate taxes and insurance expenses. As lessor, we have elected to combine the lease and nonlease components of our operating lease agreements and account for the components as a single lease component in accordance with ASC 842. Lease revenues and reimbursement of common area maintenance, real estate taxes and insurance are presented in the following tables as "property rentals." Revenues derived from fixed lease payments are recognized on a straight-line basis over the non-cancelable period of the lease, together with renewal options that are reasonably certain of being exercised. We commence rental revenue recognition when the underlying asset is available for use by the lessee. Revenue derived from the reimbursement of real estate taxes, insurance expenses and common area maintenance expenses are generally recognized in the same period as the related expenses are incurred.


◦	Lease termination income is recognized immediately if a tenant vacates or is recognized on a straight-line basis over the shortened remaining lease term in accordance with ASC 842.


◦	Hotel revenue arising from the operation of Hotel Pennsylvania consists of room revenue, food and beverage revenue, and banquet revenue. Room revenue is recognized when the rooms are made available for the guest, in accordance with ASC 842.


◦	Trade shows revenue arising from the operation of trade shows is primarily booth rentals. This revenue is recognized upon the occurrence of the trade shows when the trade show booths are made available for use by the exhibitors, in accordance with ASC 842.


◦	Tenant services revenue arises from sub-metered electric, elevator, trash removal and other services provided to tenants at their request. This revenue is recognized as the services are transferred in accordance with ASC Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers ("ASC 606").

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Fee and other income includes management, leasing and other revenue arising from contractual agreements with third parties or with partially owned entities and includes Building Maintenance Services LLC (“BMS”) cleaning, engineering and security services. This revenue is recognized as the services are transferred in accordance with ASC 606.

Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests

Redeemable noncontrolling interests/redeemable partnership units exclude our Series G-1 through G-4 convertible preferred units and Series D-13 cumulative redeemable preferred units, as they are accounted for as liabilities in accordance with ASC Topic 480, Distinguishing Liabilities and Equity, because of their possible settlement by issuing a variable number of Vornado common shares. Accordingly, the fair value of these units is included as a component of “other liabilities” on our consolidated balance sheets and aggregated $50,561,000 as of December 31, 2019 and 2018. Changes in the value from period to period, if any, are charged to “interest and debt expense” on our consolidated statements of income.

Redeemable noncontrolling interests on Vornado’s consolidated balance sheets and redeemable partnership units on the consolidated balance sheets of the Operating Partnership are primarily comprised of Class A Operating Partnership units held by third parties and are recorded at the greater of their carrying amount or redemption value at the end of each reporting period. Changes in the value from period to period are charged to “additional capital” in Vornado’s consolidated statements of changes in equity and to “partners’ capital” on the consolidated balance sheets of the Operating Partnership. Class A units may be tendered for redemption to the Operating Partnership for cash; Vornado, at its option, may assume that obligation and pay the holder either cash or Vornado common shares on a one-for-one basis. Because the number of Vornado common shares outstanding at all times equals the number of Class A units owned by Vornado, the redemption value of each Class A unit is equivalent to the market value of one Vornado common share, and the quarterly distribution to a Class A unitholder is equal to the quarterly dividend paid to a Vornado common shareholder.

Variable Interest Entities

Unconsolidated VIEs

As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, we have several unconsolidated VIEs. We do not consolidate these entities because we are not the primary beneficiary and the nature of our involvement in the activities of these entities does not give us power over decisions that significantly affect these entities’ economic performance.

Consolidated VIEs

Our most significant consolidated VIEs are the Operating Partnership (for Vornado), the Fund and the Crowne Plaza Joint Venture, the Farley joint venture and certain properties that have non-controlling interests. These entities are VIEs because the non-controlling interests do not have substantive kick-out or participating rights. We consolidate these entities because we control all significant business activities.

Fair Value Measurement

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