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Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Basis of Presentation Basis of PresentationThe 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
Recently Issued Accounting Literature
In March 2020, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued an update ("ASU 2020-04") establishing Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 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 in ASU 2020-04 is optional and may be elected over time as reference rate reform activities occur. We have elected to apply the hedge accounting expedients related to probability and the assessments of effectiveness for future LIBOR-indexed cash flows to assume that the index upon which future hedged transactions will be based matches the index on the corresponding derivatives. Application of these expedients preserves the presentation of derivatives consistent with past presentation. We continue to evaluate the impact of the guidance and may apply other elections as applicable as additional changes in the market occur.
In August 2020, the FASB issued an update ("ASU 2020-06") Debt - Debt with Conversion and Other Options (Subtopic 470-20) and Derivatives and Hedging - Contracts in Entity’s Own Equity (Subtopic 815-40). ASU 2020-06 simplifies the accounting for convertible instruments by reducing the number of accounting models for convertible debt instruments and convertible preferred stock, removes certain settlement conditions that are required for equity contracts to qualify for the derivative scope exception and also simplifies the diluted earnings per share calculation in certain areas. ASU 2020-06 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 2020-06 on our consolidated financial statements, but do not believe the adoption of this standard will have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
2.     Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies - continued
Recently Issued Accounting Literature - continued
In July 2021, the FASB issued an update ("ASU 2021-05") Lessors - Certain Leases with Variable Lease Payments to ASC Topic 842, Leases ("ASC 842"). ASU 2021-05 provides additional ASC 842 classification guidance as it relates to a lessor's accounting for certain leases with variable lease payments. ASU 2021-05 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. ASU 2021-05 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, but do not believe the adoption of this standard will have a material 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, including interest and debt expense, 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 of these assets 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.
Upon the acquisition of real estate, we assess whether the transaction should be accounted for as an asset acquisition or as a business combination. Acquisitions of integrated sets of assets and activities that do not meet the definition of a business are accounted for as asset acquisitions. Our acquisitions of real estate generally will not meet the definition of a business because substantially all of the fair value is concentrated in a single identifiable asset or group of similar identifiable assets (i.e. land, buildings, and related identified intangible assets).
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 ("ROU") 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 future cash flows, anticipated holding periods, or market conditions change, our evaluation of impairment losses may be different and such differences could be material to our consolidated financial statements. Estimates of future cash flows are subjective and are based, in part, on assumptions regarding future occupancy, rental rates, capital requirements, capitalization rates and discount rates that could differ materially from actual results.
The Fund is accounted for under ASC Topic 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.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.
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.
Investments in unconsolidated 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, ability to hold, 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: Our 220 Central Park South ("220 CPS") residential condominium units are reclassified 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, 2021 and 2020, 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 and incremental 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.
Revenue Recognition
Revenue Recognition:
Rental revenues include revenues from the leasing of space at our properties to tenants, revenues from the Hotel Pennsylvania (permanently closed on April 5, 2021), trade shows, tenant services and parking garage revenues.
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.
Revenues from fixed lease payments for operating leases in our portfolio are recognized on a straight-line basis over the non-cancelable term of the lease, together with renewal options that are reasonably certain of being exercised. We commence revenue recognition when the tenant takes possession of the leased space and the leased space is substantially ready for its intended use.
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.
We recognize amortization of acquired below-market leases as an increase to rental revenues and amortization of acquired above-market leases as a decrease to rental revenues over the term of the lease (see Note 8 - Identified Intangible Assets and Liabilities).
Hotel revenues arising from the operation of Hotel Pennsylvania, which we permanently closed on April 5, 2021, consists of room revenue, food and beverage revenue, and banquet revenue. Room revenues are recognized when the rooms are made available for the guest, in accordance with ASC 842.
Trade shows revenues arising from the operation of trade shows is primarily booth rentals. These revenues are 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 revenues arises from sub-metered electric, elevator, trash removal and other services provided to tenants at their request. These revenues are recognized as the services are transferred in accordance with ASC Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers ("ASC 606").
Parking garage revenues arise from the operations of our parking facilities which charge a hourly or monthly fee to provide parking services. These revenues are recognized as the services are transferred in accordance with ASC 606.
Fee and other income includes management, leasing and other revenue arising from contractual agreements with third parties or with partially owned entities and includes BMS cleaning, engineering and security services. This revenue is recognized as the services are transferred in accordance with ASC 606.
We evaluate on an individual lease basis whether it is probable that we will collect substantially all amounts due from our tenants and recognize changes in the collectability assessment of our operating leases as adjustments to rental revenue. Management exercises judgment in assessing collectability of tenant receivables and considers payment history, current credit status and publicly available information about the financial condition of the tenant, the impact of COVID-19 on tenants' businesses, and other factors. Tenant receivables, including receivables arising from the straight-lining of rents, are written off when management deems that the collectability of substantially all future lease payments from a specific lease is not probable of collection, at which point, the Company will limit future rental revenues to cash received.
We have made a policy election in accordance with the FASB Staff Q&A which provides relief in accounting for leases during the COVID-19 pandemic, allowing us to continue recognizing rental revenue on a straight-line basis for rent deferrals, with no impact to revenue recognition, and to recognize rent abatements as a reduction to rental revenue in the period granted.
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, 2021, were characterized, for federal income tax purposes, as 84.2% ordinary income under Section 199A of the Internal Revenue Code and 15.8% qualified dividend income (taxed as long-term capital gain). Dividends distributed for the year ended December 31, 2020, were characterized, for federal income tax purposes, as ordinary income. 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.
 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. Farley Office and Retail, our 220 CPS condominium project and the operations of Hotel Pennsylvania, prior to its closure, are held through taxable REIT subsidiaries.
As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, our taxable REIT subsidiaries had deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowances, of $8,582,000 and $15,017,000, respectively, and are included in “other assets” on our consolidated balance sheets. As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, our taxable REIT subsidiaries had deferred tax liabilities of $40,591,000 and $29,348,000, 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 assets and liabilities.
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests Redeemable noncontrolling partnership units 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.
Redeemable noncontrolling 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 $49,659,000 and $50,002,000 as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. 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 Interest in a Consolidated Subsidiary
A consolidated joint venture in which we own a 95% interest is developing Farley Office and Retail (the "Project"). During 2020, a historic tax credit investor (the "Tax Credit Investor") funded $92,400,000 of capital contributions and is expected to make additional capital contributions in future periods.
The arrangement includes a put option whereby the joint venture may be obligated to purchase the Tax Credit Investor’s ownership interest in the Project at a future date. The put price is calculated based on a pre-determined formula. As exercise of the put option is outside of the joint venture’s control, the Tax Credit Investor’s interest, together with the put option, have been recorded to “redeemable noncontrolling interest in a consolidated subsidiary” on our consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2021 and 2020. The redeemable noncontrolling interest is recorded at the greater of the 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. There was no adjustment required for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020.
Variable Interest Entities Unconsolidated VIEsAs of December 31, 2021 and 2020, 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. We account for our investment in these entities under the equity method
Consolidated VIEs
Our most significant consolidated VIEs are the Operating Partnership (for Vornado), 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.