Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

The consolidated financial statements include our accounts and those of our subsidiaries, which are wholly-owned or controlled by us. Entities which we do not control through our voting interest and entities which are variable interest entities, but where we are not the primary beneficiary, are accounted for under the equity method or as preferred equity investments. See Note 5, "Debt, Preferred Equity and Other Investments." ROP's investments in majority-owned and controlled real estate joint ventures are reflected in the financial statements on a consolidated basis with a reduction for the noncontrolling partners' interests. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.

We consolidate a variable interest entity, or VIE, in which we are considered the primary beneficiary. The primary beneficiary is the entity that has (i) the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the entity's economic performance and (ii) the obligation to absorb losses of the VIE or the right to receive benefits from the VIE that could be significant to the VIE.

A noncontrolling interest in a consolidated subsidiary is defined as the portion of the equity (net assets) in a subsidiary not attributable, directly or indirectly, to us. Noncontrolling interests are required to be presented as a separate component of capital in the consolidated balance sheet and the presentation of net income is modified to present earnings and other comprehensive income attributed to controlling and noncontrolling interests.

We assess the accounting treatment for each joint venture and debt and preferred equity investment. This assessment includes a review of each joint venture or limited liability company agreement to determine which party has what rights and whether those rights are protective or participating. For all VIEs, we review such agreements in order to determine which party has the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the entity's economic performance. In situations where we and our partner approve, among other things, the annual budget, receive a detailed monthly reporting package, meet on a quarterly basis to review the results of the joint venture, review and approve the joint venture's tax return before filing, and approve all leases that cover more than a nominal amount of space relative to the total rentable space at each property, we do not consolidate the joint venture as we consider these to be substantive participation rights that result in shared power of the activities that most significantly impact the performance of the joint venture. Our joint venture agreements typically contain certain protective rights such as requiring partner approval to sell, finance or refinance the property and the payment of capital expenditures and operating expenditures outside of the approved budget or operating plan.

Investment in Commercial Real Estate Properties

Real estate properties are presented at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Costs directly related to the development or redevelopment of properties are capitalized. Ordinary repairs and maintenance are expensed as incurred; major replacements and betterments, which improve or extend the life of the asset, are capitalized and depreciated over their estimated useful lives.

A property to be disposed of is reported at the lower of its carrying value or its estimated fair value, less its cost to sell. Once an asset is held for sale, depreciation expense is no longer recorded. The Company adopted ASU 2014-08 effective January 1, 2015. As a result, the Company classified 140 Grand Street in White Plains, New York as held for sale as of September 30, 2015, and 131-137 Spring Street as of June 30, 2015 and included the results of operations in continuing operations for all periods presented. Discontinued operations included the results of operations of real estate assets sold or held for sale prior to January 1, 2015. This included 673 First Avenue, which was sold during 2014. See Note 4, "Property Dispositions."

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



Category		Term
Building (fee ownership)		40 years
Building improvements		shorter of remaining life of the building or useful life
Building (leasehold interest)		lesser of 40 years or remaining term of the lease
Property under capital lease		remaining lease term
Furniture and fixtures		four to seven years
Tenant improvements		shorter of remaining term of the lease or useful life

Depreciation expense (including amortization of the capital lease asset) amounted to $187.2 million, $184.3 million and $170.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

On a periodic basis, we assess whether there are any indications that the value of our real estate properties may be other than temporarily impaired or that their carrying value may not be recoverable. A property's value is considered impaired if management's estimate of the aggregate future cash flows (undiscounted and without interest charges for consolidated properties) to be generated by the property is less than the carrying value of the property. To the extent impairment has occurred, the loss will be measured as the excess of the carrying amount of the property over the calculated fair value of the property.

We also evaluate our real estate properties for potential impairment when a real estate property has been classified as held for sale. Real estate assets held for sale are valued at the lower of either their carrying value or fair value less costs to sell. During the three months ended September 30, 2015, we recorded a $10.0 million charge in connection with the expected sale of one of our properties, which closed in the fourth quarter of 2015. This charge is included in depreciable real estate reserves in the consolidated statements of operations. Prior to the quarter ended September 30, 2015, we do not believe that there were any indicators of impairment at this property. See Note 4, "Property Dispositions." We do not believe that there were any indicators of impairment at any of our consolidated properties at December 31, 2015.

We incur a variety of costs in the development and leasing of our properties. After determination is made to capitalize a cost, it is allocated to the specific component of a project that is benefited. Determination of when a development project is substantially complete and capitalization must cease involves a degree of judgment. The costs of land and building under development include specifically identifiable costs. The capitalized costs include, but are not limited to, pre-construction costs essential to the development of the property, development costs, construction costs, interest costs, real estate taxes, salaries and related costs and other costs incurred during the period of development. We consider a construction project as substantially completed and held available for occupancy upon the completion of tenant improvements, but no later than one year after major construction activity ceases. We cease capitalization on the portions substantially completed and occupied or held available for occupancy, and capitalize only those costs associated with the portions under construction.

We recognize the assets acquired, liabilities assumed (including contingencies) and any noncontrolling interests in an acquired entity at their fair values on the acquisition date. We expense transaction costs related to the acquisition of certain assets as incurred, which are included in transaction related costs on our consolidated statements of operations. Results of operations of properties acquired are included in the consolidated statements of operations from the date of acquisition.

We allocate the purchase price of real estate to land and building (inclusive of tenant improvements) and, if determined to be material, intangibles, such as the value of above- and below-market leases and origination costs associated with the in-place leases. We depreciate the amount allocated to building (inclusive of tenant improvements) over their estimated useful lives, which generally range from three to 40 years. We amortize the amount allocated to the above- and below-market leases over the remaining term of the associated lease, which generally range from one to 14 years, and record it as either an increase (in the case of below-market leases) or a decrease (in the case of above-market leases) to rental income. We amortize the amount allocated to the values associated with in-place leases over the expected term of the associated lease, which generally ranges from one to 14 years. If a tenant vacates its space prior to the contractual termination of the lease and no rental payments are being made on the lease, any unamortized balance of the related intangible will be written off. The tenant improvements and origination costs are amortized as an expense over the remaining life of the lease (or charged against earnings if the lease is terminated prior to its contractual expiration date). We assess fair value of the leases 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 the historical operating results, known trends, and market/economic conditions that may affect the property. To the extent acquired leases contain fixed rate renewal options that are below-market and determined to be material, we amortize such below-market lease value into rental income over the renewal period.

Investment in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures

We account for our investment in the unconsolidated joint venture under the equity method of accounting in cases where we exercise significant influence, but do not control the entity and are not considered to be the primary beneficiary. We consolidate those joint ventures that we control or which are VIEs and where we are considered to be the primary beneficiary. In all the joint ventures, the rights of the joint venture partner are both protective as well as participating. Unless we are determined to be the primary beneficiary in a VIE, these participating rights preclude us from consolidating these VIE entities. These investments are recorded initially at cost, as investments in unconsolidated joint ventures, and subsequently adjusted for equity in net income (loss) and cash contributions and distributions. Equity in net income (loss) from unconsolidated joint ventures is allocated based on our ownership or economic interest in the joint venture. When a capital event (as defined in each joint venture agreement) such as a refinancing occurs, if return thresholds are met, future equity income will be allocated at our increased economic interest. We recognize incentive income from unconsolidated real estate joint ventures as income to the extent it is earned and not subject to a clawback feature. Distributions we receive from unconsolidated real estate joint ventures in excess of our basis in the investment are recorded as offsets to our investment balance if we remain liable for future obligations of the joint venture or may otherwise be committed to provide future additional financial support. None of the joint venture debt is recourse to us. See Note 5, "Debt, Preferred Equity and Other Investments."

We assess our investments in unconsolidated joint ventures for recoverability, and if it is determined that a loss in value of the investment is other than temporary, we write down the investment to its fair value. We evaluate our equity investments for impairment based on the joint venture's projected discounted cash flows. We do not believe that the values of any of our equity investments were impaired at December 31, 2015.

We may originate loans for real estate acquisition, development and construction, where we expect to receive some of the residual profit from such projects. When the risk and rewards of these arrangements are essentially the same as an investor or joint venture partner, we account for these arrangements as real estate investments under the equity method of accounting for investments. Otherwise, we account for these arrangements consistent with our loan accounting for our debt and preferred equity investments.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

We consider all highly liquid investments with maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents.

Restricted Cash

Restricted cash primarily consists of security deposits held on behalf of our tenants, interest reserves, as well as capital improvement and real estate tax escrows required under certain loan agreements.

Deferred Lease Costs

Deferred lease costs consist of fees and direct costs incurred to initiate and renew operating leases and are amortized on a straight-line basis over the related lease term.

Deferred Financing Costs

Deferred financing costs represent commitment fees, legal, title and other third party costs associated with obtaining commitments for financing which result in a closing of such financing. These costs are amortized over the terms of the respective agreements. Unamortized deferred financing costs are expensed when the associated debt is refinanced or repaid before maturity. Costs incurred in seeking financing transactions, which do not close, are expensed in the period in which it is determined that the financing will not close.

Revenue Recognition

Rental revenue is recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. Rental revenue recognition commences when the tenant takes possession or controls the physical use of the leased space. In order for the tenant to take possession, the leased space must be substantially ready for its intended use. To determine whether the leased space is substantially ready for its intended use, management evaluates whether we are or the tenant is the owner of tenant improvements for accounting purposes. When management concludes that we are the owner of tenant improvements, rental revenue recognition begins when the tenant takes possession of the finished space, which is when such tenant improvements are substantially complete. In certain instances, when management concludes that we are not the owner (the tenant is the owner) of tenant improvements, rental revenue recognition begins when the tenant takes possession of or controls the space. When management concludes that we are the owner of tenant improvements for accounting purposes, we record amounts funded to construct the tenant improvements as a capital asset. For these tenant improvements, we record amounts reimbursed by tenants as a reduction of the capital asset. When management concludes that the tenant is the owner of tenant improvements for accounting purposes, we record our contribution towards those improvements as a lease incentive, which is included in deferred costs, net on our consolidated balance sheets and amortized as a reduction to rental revenue on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. The excess of rents recognized over amounts contractually due pursuant to the underlying leases are included in deferred rents receivable on the consolidated balance sheets. We establish, on a current basis, an allowance for future potential tenant credit losses, which may occur against this account. The balance reflected on the consolidated balance sheets is net of such allowance.

In addition to base rent, our tenants also generally will pay their pro rata share of increases in real estate taxes and operating expenses for the building over a base year. In some leases, in lieu of paying additional rent based upon increases in building operating expenses, the tenant will pay additional rent based upon increases in the wage rate paid to porters over the porters' wage rate in effect during a base year or increases in the consumer price index over the index value in effect during a base year. In addition, many of our leases contain fixed percentage increases over the base rent to cover escalations. Electricity is most often supplied by the landlord either on a sub-metered basis, or rent inclusion basis (i.e., a fixed fee is included in the rent for electricity, which amount may increase based upon increases in electricity rates or increases in electrical usage by the tenant). Base building services other than electricity (such as heat, air conditioning and freight elevator service during business hours, and base building cleaning) are typically provided at no additional cost, with the tenant paying additional rent only for services which exceed base building services or for services which are provided outside normal business hours. These escalations are based on actual expenses incurred in the prior calendar year. If the expenses in the current year are different from those in the prior year, then during the current year, the escalations will be adjusted to reflect the actual expenses for the current year.

We record a gain on sale of real estate when title is conveyed to the buyer, subject to the buyer's financial commitment being sufficient to provide economic substance to the sale and provided that we have no substantial economic involvement with the buyer.

Interest income on debt and preferred equity investments is accrued based on the outstanding principal amount and contractual terms of the instruments and when, in the opinion of management, it is deemed collectible. Some debt and preferred equity investments provide for accrual of interest at specified rates, which differ from current payment terms. Interest is recognized on such loans at the accrual rate subject to management's determination that accrued interest is ultimately collectible, based on the underlying collateral and operations of the borrower. If management cannot make this determination, interest income above the current pay rate is recognized only upon actual receipt.

Deferred origination fees, original issue discounts and loan origination costs, if any, are recognized as an adjustment to the interest income over the terms of the related investments using the effective interest method. Fees received in connection with loan commitments are also deferred until the loan is funded and are then recognized over the term of the loan as an adjustment to yield. Discounts or premiums associated with the purchase of loans are amortized or accreted into interest income as a yield adjustment on the effective interest method based on expected cashflows through the expected maturity date of the related investment. If we purchase a debt or preferred equity investment at a discount, intend to hold it until maturity and expect to recover the full value of the investment, we accrete the discount into income as an adjustment to yield over the term of the investment. If we purchase a debt or preferred equity investment at a discount with the intention of foreclosing on the collateral, we do not accrete the discount. For debt investments acquired at a discount for credit quality, the difference between contractual cash flows and expected cash flows at acquisition is not accreted. Anticipated exit fees, the collection of which is expected, are also recognized over the term of the loan as an adjustment to yield.

Debt and preferred equity investments are placed on a non-accrual status at the earlier of the date at which payments become 90 days past due or when, in the opinion of management, a full recovery of interest income becomes doubtful. Interest income recognition on any non-accrual debt or preferred equity investment is resumed when such non-accrual debt or preferred equity investment becomes contractually current and performance is demonstrated to be resumed. Interest is recorded as income on impaired loans only to the extent cash is received.

We may syndicate a portion of the loans that we originate or sell the loans individually. When a transaction meets the criteria for sale accounting, we derecognize the loan sold and recognize gain or loss based on the difference between the sales price and the carrying value of the loan sold. Any related unamortized deferred origination fees, original issue discounts, loan origination costs, discounts or premiums at the time of sale are recognized as an adjustment to the gain or loss on sale, which is included in investment income on the consolidated statements of operations. Any fees received at the time of sale or syndication are recognized as part of investment income.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

We maintain an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of our tenants to make required payments. If the financial condition of a specific tenant were to deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of its ability to make payments, additional allowances may be required.

Reserve for Possible Credit Losses

The expense for possible credit losses in connection with debt and preferred equity investments is the charge to earnings to increase the allowance for possible credit losses to the level that we estimate to be adequate, based on Level 3 data, considering delinquencies, loss experience and collateral quality. Other factors considered include geographic trends, product diversification, the size of the portfolio and current economic conditions. Based upon these factors, we establish a provision for possible credit loss on each individual investment. When it is probable that we will be unable to collect all amounts contractually due, the investment is considered impaired.

Where impairment is indicated on an investment that is held to maturity, a valuation allowance is measured based upon the excess of the recorded investment amount over the net fair value of the collateral. Any deficiency between the carrying amount of an asset and the calculated value of the collateral is charged to expense. We continue to assess or adjust our estimates based on circumstances of a loan and the underlying collateral. If additional information reflects increased recovery of our investment, we will adjust our reserves accordingly. There were no loan reserves recorded during years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013.

Debt and preferred equity investments held for sale are carried at the lower of cost or fair market value using available market information obtained through consultation with dealers or other originators of such investments as well as discounted cash flow models based on Level 3 data pursuant to ASC 820-10. As circumstances change, management may conclude not to sell an investment designated as held for sale. In such situations, the investment will be reclassified at its net carrying value to debt and preferred equity investments held to maturity. For these reclassified investments, the difference between the current carrying value and the expected cash to be collected at maturity will be accreted into income over the remaining term of the investment.

Rent Expense

Rent expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the initial term of the lease. The excess of the rent expense recognized over the amounts contractually due pursuant to the underlying lease is included in the deferred land leases payable on the consolidated balance sheets.

Income Taxes

ROP is a partnership and, as a result, all income and losses of the partnership are allocated to the partners for inclusion in their respective income tax returns. No provision has been made for income taxes in the consolidated financial statements since such taxes, if any, are the responsibility of the individual partners.

We follow a two-step approach for evaluating uncertain tax positions. Recognition (step one) occurs when an enterprise concludes that a tax position, based solely on its technical merits, is more-likely-than-not to be sustained upon examination. Measurement (step two) determines the amount of benefit that is more-likely-than-not to be realized upon settlement. Derecognition of a tax position that was previously recognized would occur when a company subsequently determines that a tax position no longer meets the more-likely-than-not threshold of being sustained. The use of a valuation allowance as a substitute for derecognition of tax positions is prohibited.

Shares Contributed by Parent Company

We present shares of SL Green common stock as a contra-equity account in our financial statements.

Exchangeable Debt Instruments

The initial proceeds from exchangeable debt that may be settled in cash, including partial cash settlements, must be bifurcated between a liability component and an equity component associated with the embedded conversion option. The objective of the accounting guidance is to require the liability and equity components of exchangeable debt to be separately accounted for in a manner such that the interest expense on the exchangeable debt is not recorded at the stated rate of interest but rather at an effective rate that reflects the issuer's conventional debt borrowing rate at the date of issuance. We calculate the liability component of exchangeable debt based on the present value of the contractual cash flows discounted at our comparable market conventional debt borrowing rate at the date of issuance. The difference between the principal amount and the fair value of the liability component is reported as a discount on the exchangeable debt that is accreted as additional interest expense from the issuance date through the contractual maturity date using the effective interest method. A portion of this additional interest expense may be capitalized to the development and redevelopment balances qualifying for interest capitalization each period. The liability component of the exchangeable debt is reported net of discounts on our consolidated balance sheets. We calculate the equity component of exchangeable debt based on the difference between the initial proceeds received from the issuance of the exchangeable debt and the fair value of the liability component at the issuance date. The equity component is included in additional paid-in-capital, net of issuance costs, on our consolidated balance sheets. We allocate issuance costs for exchangeable debt between the liability and the equity components based on their relative values.

Derivative Instruments

In the normal course of business, we use a variety of commonly used derivative instruments, such as interest rate swaps, caps, collar and floors, to manage, or hedge, interest rate risk. Effectiveness is essential for those derivatives that we intend to qualify for hedge accounting. Some derivative instruments are associated with an anticipated transaction. In those cases, hedge effectiveness criteria also require that it be probable that the underlying transaction occurs. Instruments that meet these hedging criteria are formally designated as hedges at the inception of the derivative contract.

To determine the fair values of derivative instruments, we use a variety of methods and assumptions that are based on market conditions and risks existing at each balance sheet date. For the majority of financial instruments including most derivatives, long-term investments and long-term debt, standard market conventions and techniques such as discounted cash flow analysis, option pricing models, replacement cost, and termination cost are used to determine fair value. All methods of assessing fair value result in a general approximation of value, and such value may never actually be realized.

In the normal course of business, we are exposed to the effect of interest rate changes and limit these risks by following established risk management policies and procedures including the use of derivatives. To address exposure to interest rates, derivatives are used primarily to fix the rate on debt based on floating-rate indices and manage the cost of borrowing obligations.

We use a variety of commonly used derivative products that are considered plain vanilla derivatives. These derivatives typically include interest rate swaps, caps, collars and floors. We expressly prohibit the use of unconventional derivative instruments and using derivative instruments for trading or speculative purposes. Further, we have a policy of only entering into contracts with major financial institutions based upon their credit ratings and other factors.

We may employ swaps, forwards or purchased options to hedge qualifying forecasted transactions. Gains and losses related to these transactions are deferred and recognized in net income as interest expense in the same period or periods that the underlying transaction occurs, expires or is otherwise terminated.

Hedges that are reported at fair value and presented on the balance sheet could be characterized as cash flow hedges or fair value hedges. Interest rate caps and collars are examples of cash flow hedges. Cash flow hedges address the risk associated with future cash flows of interest payments. For all hedges held by us and which were deemed to be fully effective in meeting the hedging objectives established by our corporate policy governing interest rate risk management, no net gains or losses were reported in earnings. The changes in fair value of hedge instruments are reflected in accumulated other comprehensive income. For derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments, the gain or loss resulting from the change in the estimated fair value of the derivative instruments is recognized in current earnings during the period of change.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Concentrations of Credit Risk

Financial instruments that potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash investments, debt and preferred equity investments and accounts receivable. We place our cash investments in excess of insured amounts with high quality financial institutions. The collateral securing our debt and preferred equity investments is located in New York City. See Note 5, "Debt, Preferred Equity and Other Investments." We perform ongoing credit evaluations of our tenants and require most tenants to provide security deposits or letters of credit. Though these security deposits and letters of credit are insufficient to meet the total value of a tenant's lease obligation, they are a measure of good faith and a source of funds to offset the economic costs associated with lost rent and the costs associated with re-tenanting a space. Although the properties in our real estate portfolio are primarily located in Manhattan, we also have properties located in Brooklyn, Westchester County, Connecticut and New Jersey. The tenants located in our buildings operate in various industries.

Reclassification

Certain prior year balances have been reclassified to conform to our current year presentation primarily in order to include the transfer of two properties, SL Green's tenancy in common interest in a fee interest and one entity that held debt investments and financing receivables in 2015.

Accounting Standards Updates

In February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board, or FASB, issued guidance that amends the existing accounting standards for lease accounting, including requiring lessees to recognize most leases on their balance sheets and making targeted improvements to lessor accounting (Accounting Standards Update, or ASU, No. 2016-02). The guidance requires a modified retrospective transition approach for all leases existing at, or entered into after, the date of initial application, with an option to use certain transition relief. The guidance will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting this new accounting standard on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-01 (ASC 825-10), Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities. The guidance requires entities to measure equity investments that do not result in consolidation and are not accounted for under the equity method at fair value and to record changes in instruments-specific credit risk for financial liabilities measured under the fair value option in other comprehensive income. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and for interim periods therein. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting this new accounting standard on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In September 2015, the FASB issued final guidance to simplify the measurement-period adjustments in business combinations (ASU No. 2015-16). The guidance eliminates the requirement that an acquirer in a business combination account for measurement-period adjustments retrospectively. Instead, acquirers must recognize measurement-period adjustments in the period in which they determine the amounts, including the effect on earnings of any amounts they would have recorded in previously periods if the accounting had been completed at the acquisition date. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, and for interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption of the guidance is permitted. The Company adopted the guidance during the third quarter of 2015.

In April 2015, the FASB issued final guidance to simplify the presentation of debt issuance costs by requiring debt issuance costs to be presented as a deduction from the corresponding debt liability (ASU No. 2015-03). The guidance requires that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption of the guidance is permitted. Upon adoption, an entity must apply the new guidance retrospectively for all prior periods presented in the financial statements. The Company adopted the guidance effective January 1, 2016 and the guidance did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In February 2015, the FASB, issued new guidance that amends the current consolidation guidance, including introducing a separate consolidation analysis specific to limited partnerships and other similar entities (ASU No. 2015-02). Under this analysis, limited partnerships and other similar entities will be considered a VIE unless the limited partners hold substantive kick-out rights or participating rights. The guidance is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2015. Early adoption of this guidance is permitted. The Company adopted the guidance effective January 1, 2016 and the guidance did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In June 2014, the FASB issued final guidance that requires repurchase-to-maturity transactions to be accounted for as secured borrowings as if the transferor retains effective control, even though the transferred financial assets are not returned to the transferor at settlement and also eliminates existing guidance for repurchase financings (ASU No. 2014-11). New disclosures are required for (1) certain transactions accounted for as secured borrowings and (2) transfers accounted for as sales when the transferor also retains substantially all of the exposure to the economic return on the transferred financial assets throughout the term of the transaction. The guidance was effective for the first interim or annual period beginning after December 15, 2014, except for the disclosures related to transactions accounted for as secured borrowings, which are effective for periods beginning after March 15, 2015. Early adoption of this guidance is prohibited. The Company adopted the standard beginning in the third quarter of 2015 as a result of the transfer of one entity that held debt investments and financing receivables during the third quarter of 2015. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In May 2014, the FASB issued a new comprehensive revenue recognition guidance which requires us to recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which we expect to be entitled in exchange for those goods and services (ASU No. 2014-09). The guidance also requires enhanced disclosures to help users of financial statements better understand the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue that is recognized. The guidance is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2016 and early adoption is not permitted. In July 2015, the FASB voted to defer by one year the effective date of ASU No. 2014-09 for both public and nonpublic entities and give both public and private companies the option to early adopt using the original effective date. The new guidance can be applied either retrospectively to each prior reporting period presented, or as a cumulative-effect adjustment as of the date of adoption. The Company is currently evaluating the new guidance to determine the impact it may have on our consolidated financial statements.

In April 2014, the FASB issued new guidance on reporting discontinued operations which raises the threshold for disposals to qualify as discontinued operations (ASU No. 2014-08). The guidance also allows us to have a significant continuing involvement and continuing cash flows with the discontinued operations. Additionally, the guidance requires additional disclosures for discontinued operations and new disclosures for individually material disposal transactions that do not meet the definition of a discontinued operation. The guidance was effective for calendar year public companies beginning in the first quarter of 2015 and is to be applied on a prospective basis for new disposals. Early adoption of this guidance was permitted. The Company adopted the standard beginning in the first quarter of 2015. The adoption of this guidance changed the presentation of discontinued operations for all properties held for sale and/or disposed of subsequent to January 1, 2015.

Fair Value Measurements

We are required to disclose fair value information with regard to our financial instruments, whether or not recognized in the consolidated balance sheets, for which it is practical to estimate fair value. The FASB guidance defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. We measure and/or disclose the estimated fair value of financial assets and liabilities based on a hierarchy that distinguishes between market participant assumptions based on market data obtained from sources independent of the reporting entity and the reporting entity’s own assumptions about market participant assumptions. This hierarchy consist of three broad levels: Level 1 - quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the reporting entity can access at the measurement date; Level 2 - inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1, that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly; and Level 3 - unobservable inputs for the asset or liability that are used when little or no market data is available. We follow this hierarchy for our assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring and nonrecurring basis. In instances in which the determination of the fair value measurement is based on inputs from different levels of the fair value hierarchy, the level in the fair value hierarchy within which the entire fair value measurement falls is based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. Our assessment of the significance of the particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment and considers factors specific to the asset or liability.

We determine other than temporary impairment in real estate investments and debt and preferred equity investments, including intangibles utilizing cash flow projections that apply, among other things, estimated revenue and expense growth rates, discount rates and capitalization rates, which are classified as Level 3 inputs.

The fair value of derivative instruments is based on current market data received from financial sources that trade such instruments and are based on prevailing market data and derived from third party proprietary models based on well-recognized financial principles and reasonable estimates about relevant future market conditions, which are classified as Level 2 inputs.

The financial assets and liabilities that are not measured at fair value on our consolidated balance sheets include cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued expenses, debt and preferred equity investments, mortgages and other loans payable and other secured and unsecured debt. The carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, accounts receivable, and accounts payable and accrued expenses reported in our consolidated balance sheets approximates fair value due to the short term nature of these instruments. The fair value of debt and preferred equity investments, which is classified as Level 3, is estimated by discounting the future cash flows using current interest rates at which similar loans with the same maturities would be made to borrowers with similar credit ratings. The fair value of borrowings, which is classified as Level 3, is estimated by discounting the contractual cash flows of each debt instrument to their present value using adjusted market interest rates, which is provided by a third-party specialist.