Annual report pursuant to Section 13 and 15(d)

VEREIT Office Assets, Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

v3.22.4
VEREIT Office Assets, Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2022
Entity Information [Line Items]  
Basis of Accounting and Presentation
Basis of Accounting
The consolidated and combined statements of the Company presented herein include the accounts of the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries. All intercompany transactions have been eliminated upon consolidation. The financial statements are prepared on the accrual basis of accounting in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”).
Principles of Consolidation and Combination and Basis of Presentation
The consolidated and combined statements of the Company include the accounts of Realty Income Office Assets presented on a combined basis for the period from January 1, 2021 to October 31, 2021 and for the year ended December 31, 2020, as the ownership interests were under common control and ownership of Realty Income during the respective periods. From and after the Merger Effective Time, the consolidated and combined financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries and a consolidated joint venture, which accounts include the Realty Income Office Assets and the VEREIT Office Assets. The portion of the consolidated joint venture not owned by the Company is presented as non-controlling interest in the Company’s consolidated and combined balance sheets, statements of operations, statements of comprehensive income (loss) and statements of equity.
For periods presented prior to the date of the Distribution, the historical consolidated and combined results for the Company reflect charges for certain legal, accounting and other costs related to the Distribution, which were incurred and paid by Realty Income on the Company’s behalf and are reflected as capital contributions.
For legal entities being evaluated for consolidation, the Company must first determine whether the interests that it holds and fees it receives qualify as variable interests in the entity. A variable interest is an investment or other interest that will absorb portions of an entity’s expected losses or receive portions of the entity’s expected residual returns. The Company’s evaluation includes consideration of fees paid to the Company where the Company acts as a decision maker or service provider to the entity being evaluated. If the Company determines that it holds a variable interest in an entity, it evaluates whether that entity is a variable interest entity (“VIE”). VIEs are entities where investors lack sufficient equity at risk for the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support or where equity investors, as a group, lack one or more of the following characteristics: (a) the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance, (b) the obligation to absorb the expected losses of the entity, or (c) the right to receive the expected returns of the entity. The Company consolidates entities that are not VIEs if it has a majority voting interest or other rights that result in effectively controlling the entity.
The Company then qualitatively assesses whether it is (or is not) the primary beneficiary of a VIE, which is generally defined as the party who has a controlling financial interest in the VIE. Consideration of various factors include, but are not limited to, the Company’s ability to direct the activities that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance and its obligation to absorb losses from or right to receive benefits of the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE. The Company continually evaluates the need to consolidate VIEs based on standards set forth in U.S. GAAP.
Use of Estimates
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Management makes significant estimates regarding real estate investment impairments.
Real Estate Investments
Real Estate Investments
The Company records acquired real estate at cost when such acquisitions qualify as asset acquisitions and makes assessments as to the useful lives of depreciable assets. The Company considers the period of future benefit of the asset to determine the appropriate useful lives. Depreciation is computed using a straight-line method over the estimated useful life of 35 years for buildings, five to 15 years for building fixtures and improvements and the remaining lease term for intangible lease assets.
Allocation of Purchase Price of Real Estate Acquisitions
For acquisitions that qualify as asset acquisitions, the Company allocates the purchase price of acquired properties to tangible and identifiable intangible assets and liabilities acquired based on their relative fair values. Tangible assets include land, buildings, fixtures and improvements on an as-if vacant basis. The Company utilizes various estimates, processes and information to determine the as-if vacant property value. Identifiable intangible assets and liabilities include amounts allocated to acquired leases for above-market and below-market lease rates and the value of in-place leases. In estimating fair values for purposes of allocating purchase price, the Company utilizes a number of sources, including independent appraisals that may be obtained in connection with the acquisition or financing of the respective property and other market data. The Company also considers information obtained about each property as a result of its pre-acquisition due diligence, as well as subsequent marketing and leasing activities, in estimating the fair value of the tangible and intangible assets acquired and intangible liabilities assumed.
The aggregate value of intangible assets related to in-place leases is primarily the difference between the property valued with existing in-place leases adjusted to market rental rates and the property valued as if vacant. Factors considered by the Company in its analysis of the in-place leases include an estimate of carrying costs during the expected lease-up period for each property, taking into account current market conditions and costs to execute similar leases. In estimating carrying costs, the Company includes real estate taxes, insurance and other operating expenses and estimates of lost rentals at market rates during the expected lease-up period. The Company also estimates costs to execute similar leases, including leasing commissions, legal and other related expenses. The value of in-place leases is amortized over the remaining non-cancelable term of the respective leases at acquisition. If a tenant terminates its lease, then the unamortized portion of the in-place lease value is charged to expense.
Above-market and below-market in-place lease values for owned properties are recorded based on the present value (using an interest rate which reflects the risks associated with the leases acquired) of the difference between the contractual amounts to be paid pursuant to the in-place leases and management’s estimate of fair market lease rates for the corresponding in-place leases, measured over a period equal to the remaining non-cancelable term of the lease, including any bargain renewal periods. A bargain renewal period is provision in a lease which allows a lessee, at its option, to renew a lease at a rate that is sufficiently lower than fair market lease rates at the date such option is exercisable such that exercise of the option appears, at the inception of the lease, to be reasonably certain. Above-market leases are amortized as a reduction to rental revenue over the remaining terms of the respective leases. Below-market leases are amortized as an increase to rental revenue over the remaining terms of the respective leases, including any bargain renewal periods.
The determination of the fair values of the real estate assets and liabilities acquired requires the use of significant assumptions with regard to the current market rental rates, rental growth rates, capitalization and discount rates, interest rates and other variables. The use of alternative estimates may result in a different allocation of the Company’s purchase price, which could materially impact the Company’s results of operations.
Investment in Unconsolidated Joint Venture
Investment in Unconsolidated Joint Venture
The Company accounts for its investment in the Arch Street Joint Venture arrangement using the equity method of accounting as the Company has the ability to exercise significant influence, but not control, over the operating and financing policies of the investment. The equity method of accounting requires the investment to be initially recorded at cost and subsequently adjusted for the Company’s share of equity in the joint venture’s earnings and distributions. The Company records its proportionate share of net income (loss) from the Arch Street Joint Venture in equity in loss of unconsolidated joint venture, net in the consolidated statements of operations. See Note 3 – Real Estate Investments and Related Intangibles for further discussion on the Company’s investment in the Arch Street Joint Venture.
The Company is required to determine whether an event or change in circumstances has occurred that may have a significant adverse effect on the fair value of its investment in the Arch Street Joint Venture. If an event or change in circumstance has occurred, the Company is required to evaluate its investment in the Arch Street Joint Venture for potential impairment and determine if the carrying value of its investment exceeds its fair value. An impairment charge is recorded when an impairment is deemed to be other-than-temporary. To determine whether an impairment is other-than-temporary, the Company considers whether it has the intent and ability to hold the investment until the carrying value is fully recovered. The evaluation of an investment in an unconsolidated joint venture for potential impairment requires the Company’s management to exercise significant judgment and to make certain assumptions. The use of different judgments and assumptions could result in different conclusions. No impairments of the Arch Street Joint Venture were identified during the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021. Prior to the Distribution, the Company did not own any investments in an unconsolidated joint venture.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include cash in bank accounts, as well as investments in highly-liquid funds with original maturities of three months or less. The Company deposits cash with high quality financial institutions. These deposits are guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) up to an insurance limit of $250,000. At times, the Company’s cash and cash equivalents may exceed federally insured levels. Although the Company bears risk on amounts in excess of those insured by the FDIC, it has not experienced and does not anticipate any losses due to the high quality of the institutions where the deposits are held.
Restricted Cash
Restricted Cash
The Company had $34.7 million in restricted cash as of December 31, 2022, primarily comprised of reserves held by the lender under the CMBS Loan (as defined in Note 6 – Debt, Net) for future rent concessions and tenant improvement allowances. The Company did not have any restricted cash balances as of December 31, 2021. The Company had $3.9 million in restricted cash as of December 31, 2020, which primarily consisted of mortgage impounds and security deposits related to mortgages payable. In accordance with certain debt agreements that were outstanding as of December 31, 2020, rent from certain of the Company’s tenants was deposited directly into a lockbox account, from which the monthly debt service payments were disbursed to the lender and the excess funds were then disbursed to the Company. Included in the restricted cash as of December 31, 2020 was $3.4 million in mortgage impounds related to mortgages payable and $0.5 million in security deposits related to mortgages payable. Restricted cash is included in other assets, net on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.
Deferred Financing Costs Deferred Financing CostsDeferred financing costs represent commitment fees, legal fees and other costs associated with obtaining commitments for financing. Deferred financing costs, other than those associated with the Revolving Facility (as defined in Note 6 – Debt, Net), are presented on the consolidated balance sheets as a direct deduction from the carrying value of the related debt liability rather than as an asset. Deferred financing costs related to the Revolving Facility are included in other assets, net in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Deferred financing costs are amortized to interest expense over the terms of the respective financing agreements using the effective interest method. Unamortized deferred financing costs are written off when the associated debt is refinanced or repaid before maturity. Costs incurred in connection with potential financial transactions that are not completed are expensed in the period in which it is determined the financing will not be completed.
Leases - Lessor
Leases
Lessor
At the inception of a new lease arrangement for which the Company is the lessor, including new leases that arise from amendments, the Company assesses the terms and conditions to determine the proper lease classification. When the terms of a lease effectively transfer control of the underlying asset, the lease is classified as a sales-type lease. When a lease does not effectively transfer control of the underlying asset to the lessee, but the Company obtains a guarantee for the value of the asset from a third party, the Company classifies the lease as a direct financing lease. All other leases are classified as operating leases. As of December 31, 2022, none of the Company’s leases were classified as sales-type leases or direct financing leases.
Leases - Lessee
Lessee
To account for leases for which the Company is the lessee, contracts must be analyzed upon inception to determine if the arrangement is, or contains, a lease. A lease conveys the right to control the use of an identified asset for a period of time in exchange for consideration. Lease classification tests and measurement procedures are performed at the lease commencement date. When the terms of a lease effectively transfer control of the underlying asset, the lease is classified as finance lease, otherwise it is classified as an operating lease.
The lease liability is initially measured as the present value of the lease payments over the lease term, discounted using the interest rate implicit in the lease, if that rate is readily determinable; otherwise, the lessee’s incremental borrowing rate is used. The incremental borrowing rate is determined based on the estimated rate of interest that the lessee would pay to borrow on a collateralized basis over a similar term at an amount equal to the lease payments in a similar economic environment. The lease term is the noncancelable period of the lease and includes any renewal and termination options the Company is reasonably certain to exercise. The lease liability balance is amortized using the effective interest method. The lease liability is remeasured when the contract is modified, upon the resolution of a contingency such that variable payments become fixed or if the assessment of exercising an extension, termination or purchase option changes.
The right-of-use (“ROU”) asset balance is initially measured as the lease liability amount, adjusted for any lease payments made prior to the commencement date, initial direct costs, estimated costs to dismantle, remove, or restore the underlying asset and incentives received.
Income Taxes
Income Taxes
The Company has been operating in a manner so to qualify and has elect to be taxed as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes under Sections 856 through 860 of the Internal Revenue Code, as amended (the “Code”), commencing with the taxable year ended December 31, 2021. To maintain the Company’s qualification as a REIT, the Company must meet a number of organizational and operational requirements, including a requirement that it distribute annually at least 90% of its REIT taxable income, subject to certain adjustments and excluding any net capital gain to its stockholders. However, Orion OP is still subject to certain state and local income, franchise, property, and other taxes in the various jurisdictions in which it operates. The Company may also be subject to federal income taxes on certain income and federal excise taxes on its undistributed income.
The Company provides for income taxes in accordance with current authoritative accounting and tax guidance. The tax provision or benefit related to significant or unusual items is recognized in the quarter in which those items occur. In addition, the effect of changes in enacted tax laws, rates or tax status is recognized in the quarter in which the change occurs. The accounting estimates used to compute the provision for or benefit from income taxes may change as new events occur, additional information is obtained or the tax environment changes.
During both the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company recognized state and local income and franchise tax expense of $0.2 million, which is included in provision for income taxes in the accompanying consolidated and combined statements of operations.
The Company regularly analyzes its income tax positions in the jurisdictions in which it operates and only recognizes the income tax effect in the financial statements when certain criteria regarding uncertain tax positions have been met. The Company believes that its material income tax positions would more likely than not be sustained upon examination by the relevant taxing authorities. Therefore, no provisions related to material uncertain income tax positions have been recognized in the accompanying consolidated and combined financial statements during the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021. Any interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits would be recognized in provision for income taxes in the accompanying consolidated and combined statements of operations.
For periods presented prior to the Merger Effective Time, Realty Income Office Assets was owned by Realty Income, a Maryland corporation which had elected to be taxed as a REIT, under the Code. Under the REIT operating structure, Realty Income was permitted to deduct dividends paid to its stockholders in determining its taxable income. Assuming Realty Income’s dividends equaled or exceeded its taxable net income, it was generally not required to pay federal corporate income taxes on such income. Accordingly, no provision was made for federal income taxes in the accompanying consolidated and combined financial statements of the Company for such prior periods.
The properties in the consolidated and combined financial statements which comprised Realty Income Office Assets were previously owned directly or indirectly by limited partnerships or limited liability companies of Realty Income and, as a result, the allocated share of income for periods presented prior to the Merger Effective Time are included in the consolidated income tax return of Realty Income.
VEREIT Office Assets  
Entity Information [Line Items]  
Basis of Accounting and Presentation The accompanying combined and consolidated financial statements were prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”) and include the accounts of VEREIT Office Assets on a combined and consolidated basis as the ownership interests were under common control and ownership of VEREIT, including a consolidated joint venture. Any applicable intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation and combination. The portion of the consolidated joint venture not previously owned by VEREIT, is presented as non-controlling interest in VEREIT Office Assets’ combined and consolidated balance sheet and statements of operations. The results of operations for the ten months ended October 31, 2021 are not necessarily indicative of the results for the entire year.
Principles of Combination
For legal entities being evaluated for consolidation, VEREIT Office Assets must have first determined whether the interests that it held and fees it received qualified as variable interests in the entity. A variable interest is an investment or other interest that would absorb portions of an entity’s expected losses or receive portions of the entity’s expected residual returns. VEREIT Office Assets’ evaluation included consideration of fees paid to VEREIT Office Assets where VEREIT’s management, on behalf of VEREIT Office Assets, acted as a decision maker or service provider to the entity being evaluated. If VEREIT Office Assets determined that it held a variable interest in an entity, it evaluated whether that entity is a variable interest entity (“VIE”). VIEs are entities where investors lack sufficient equity at risk for the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support or where equity investors, as a group, lack one of the following characteristics: (a) the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance, (b) the obligation to absorb the expected losses of the entity, or (c) the right to receive the expected returns of the entity. VEREIT Office Assets consolidated entities that are not VIEs if it had a majority voting interest or other rights that resulted in effectively controlling the entity.
VEREIT Office Assets then qualitatively assessed whether it is (or is not) the primary beneficiary of a VIE, which is generally defined as the party who has a controlling financial interest in the VIE. Consideration of various factors included, but were not limited to, VEREIT Office Assets’ ability to direct the activities that most significantly impacted the entity’s economic performance and its obligation to absorb losses from or right to receive benefits of the VIE that could potentially be significant
to the VIE. VEREIT Office Assets consolidated any VIEs when the Company is determined to be the primary beneficiary of the VIE and the difference between consolidating the VIE and accounting for it using the equity method could be material to VEREIT Office Assets’ combined and consolidated financial statements. VEREIT Office Assets continually evaluated the need to consolidate these VIEs based on standards set forth in U.S. GAAP.
These combined and consolidated financial statements were derived from the books and records of VEREIT and were carved out from VEREIT at a carrying value reflective of historical cost in such VEREIT records. VEREIT Office Assets’ historical financial results reflect charges for certain corporate costs and we believe such charges are reasonable. Costs of the services that were charged to VEREIT Office Assets were based on either actual costs incurred or a proportion of costs estimated to be applicable to this entity, based on VEREIT Office Assets’ pro rata share of VEREIT’s annualized rental income. Annualized rental income is rental revenue on a straight-line basis, which includes the effect of rent escalations and any tenant concessions, such as free rent, and excludes any adjustments to rental income due to changes in the collectability assessment, contingent rent, such as percentage rent, and operating expense reimbursements. The historical combined and consolidated financial information presented may therefore not be indicative of the results of operations, financial position or cash flows that would have been obtained if there had been an independent, stand-alone public company during the periods presented or of the Company’s future performance as an independent, stand-alone company.
Use of Estimates
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Real Estate Investments
Real Estate Investments
Real estate and related assets acquired were recorded at cost and accumulated depreciation and amortization were assessed based on the period of future benefit of the asset. Depreciation and amortization were computed using a straight-line method over the estimated useful life of 40 years for buildings and building improvements, 15 years for land improvements and the remaining lease term for tenant improvements and intangible lease assets.
VEREIT management performed quarterly impairment review procedures, primarily through continuous monitoring of events and changes in circumstances that could have indicated the carrying value of its real estate assets may not be recoverable. Impairment indicators that VEREIT management considered included, but were not limited to, decrease in operating income, bankruptcy or other credit concerns of a property’s major tenant or tenants or a significant decrease in a property’s revenues due to lease terminations, vacancies or reduced lease rates.
When impairment indicators were identified or if a property was considered to have a more likely than not probability of being disposed of within the next 12 to 24 months, VEREIT management assessed the recoverability of the assets by determining whether the carrying value of the assets would be recovered through the undiscounted future cash flows expected from the use of the assets and their eventual disposition. U.S. GAAP required VEREIT Office Assets to utilize the expected holding period of its properties when assessing recoverability. In the event that such expected undiscounted future cash flows did not exceed the carrying value, the real estate assets were adjusted to their respective fair values and an impairment loss was recognized. There were inherent uncertainties in making estimates of expected future cash flows such as market conditions and performance and sustainability of the tenants.
Investment in Unconsolidated Joint Venture
Investment in Unconsolidated Joint Venture
As of October 31, 2021, VEREIT Office Assets owned a 20% ownership interest in an unconsolidated joint venture, the Arch Street Joint Venture, that owned five properties with total real estate investments, at cost, of $196.2 million and total debt outstanding of $118.4 million, which was non-recourse to VEREIT Office Assets.
VEREIT Office Assets accounted for its investment in the Arch Street Joint Venture using the equity method of accounting as VEREIT Office Assets had the ability to exercise significant influence, but not control, over operating and financing policies of the joint venture. The equity method of accounting required the investment to be initially recorded at cost and subsequently adjusted for VEREIT Office Assets’ share of equity in the joint venture’s earnings and distributions. VEREIT Office Assets recorded its proportionate share of net income (loss) from the Arch Street Joint Venture in equity in income of unconsolidated joint venture in the combined and consolidated statements of operations.
VEREIT Office Assets was required to determine whether an event or change in circumstances had occurred that may have had a significant adverse effect on the fair value of its investment in the Arch Street Joint Venture. If an event or change in circumstance had occurred, VEREIT Office Assets’ management was required to evaluate its investment in the Arch Street Joint Venture for potential impairment and determine if the carrying value of its investment exceeded its fair value. An impairment charge was recorded when an impairment was deemed to be other-than-temporary. To determine whether an impairment was other-than-temporary, VEREIT Office Assets’ management considered whether it had the ability and intent to hold the investment until the carrying value was fully recovered. The evaluation of an investment in an unconsolidated joint venture for potential impairment required VEREIT Office Assets’ management to exercise significant judgment and to make certain assumptions. The use of different judgments and assumptions could have resulted in different conclusions. No impairments of the investment in the Arch Street Joint Venture were identified during the ten months ended October 31, 2021 or year ended December 31, 2020.
Goodwill Impairment
Goodwill Impairment
VEREIT evaluated goodwill for impairment annually or more frequently when an event occurred or circumstances changed that indicated the carrying value may not be recoverable. To determine whether it was necessary to perform a quantitative goodwill impairment test, VEREIT first assessed qualitative factors, including macro-economic conditions such as deterioration in the entity’s operating environment or industry or market considerations; entity-specific events such as increasing costs, declining financial performance, or loss of key personnel; or other events such as an expectation that a reporting unit would be sold or sustained decrease in VEREIT’s stock price on either an absolute basis or relative to peers. If VEREIT believed, as a result of its qualitative assessment, that it was more-likely-than-not (i.e., greater than 50% chance) that the fair value of a reporting unit was less than its carrying value, the quantitative impairment test was required. Otherwise, no quantitative testing was required. If VEREIT determined, as a result of the qualitative assessment, that it was more-likely-than-not that the fair value was less than the carrying value, the provisions of guidance required that the fair value be compared to the carrying value. Goodwill was considered impaired if the carrying value exceeds the fair value. No impairments of VEREIT’s goodwill were recorded during the ten months ended October 31, 2021 or year ended December 31, 2020. The results of the VEREIT impairment tests carried over to VEREIT Office Assets, therefore no impairments were recorded in the accompanying combined and consolidated statements of operations.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and Cash Equivalents
VEREIT Office Assets considered all highly liquid instruments with maturities when purchased of three months or less to be cash equivalents. VEREIT Office Assets considered investments in highly liquid money market accounts to be cash equivalents.
Restricted Cash Restricted CashAs of October 31, 2021, restricted cash included $8,000 in lender reserves.
Rent and Tenant Receivables and Other Assets, Net
Rent and Tenant Receivables and Other Assets, Net
Rent and tenant receivables and other assets, net primarily included amounts to be collected in future periods related to the recognition of rental income on a straight-line basis over the lease term and cost recoveries due from tenants. Prepaid expenses as of the balance sheet date related to future periods and will be expensed or reclassified to another account during the period to which the costs related. Any amounts with no future economic benefit were charged to earnings when identified.
Deferred Financing Costs
Deferred Financing Costs
Deferred financing costs represented commitment fees, legal fees and other costs associated with obtaining commitments for financing. Deferred financing costs were presented on the combined and consolidated balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying value of the related debt liability. These costs were amortized to interest expense over the terms of the respective financing agreements and used the straight-line method, which approximated the effective interest method. Unamortized deferred financing costs were written off when the associated debt was refinanced or repaid before maturity. Costs incurred in connection with potential financing transactions that were not completed were expensed in the period in which it is determined the financing would not be completed.
Leases - Lessor
Leases - Lessor
At the inception of a new lease arrangement, including new leases that arise from amendments, the terms and conditions were assessed to determine the proper lease classification. When the terms of a lease effectively transferred control of the underlying asset, the lease was classified as a sales-type lease. When a lease did not effectively transfer control of the underlying asset to the lessee, but a guarantee was obtained for the value of the asset from a third party, the lease was classified as a direct financing lease. All other leases were classified as operating leases. As of October 31, 2021, VEREIT Office Assets did not classify any leases as sales-type or direct financing leases.
For operating leases with minimum scheduled rent increases, rental revenue was recognized on a straight-line basis, including the effect of any free rent periods, over the lease term when collectability of lease payments was probable. Variable lease payments were recognized as rental revenue in the period when the changes in facts and circumstances on which the variable lease payments were based occur.
VEREIT Office Assets adopted Accounting Standards Codification Topic 842, Leases effective as of January 1, 2019. Two separate lease components were identified as follows: (i) land lease component and (ii) single property lease component comprised of building, land improvements and tenant improvements. The leases also contained provisions for tenants to reimburse VEREIT Office Assets for real estate taxes and insurance, which are considered noncomponents of the lease, and maintenance and other property operating expenses, which were considered to be non-lease components. VEREIT Office Assets elected the practical expedient to combine lease and non-lease components and the non-lease components were included with the single property lease component as the predominant component.
VEREIT Office Assets continually reviewed receivables related to rent, straight-line rent and property operating expense reimbursements and determined collectability by taking into consideration the tenant’s payment history, the financial condition of the tenant, business conditions in the industry in which the tenant operates and economic conditions in the area in which the property was located. The review included a binary assessment of whether or not substantially all of the amounts due under a tenant’s lease agreement were probable of collection. For leases that were deemed probable of collection, revenue continued to be recorded on a straight-line basis over the lease term. For leases that were deemed not probable of collection, revenue was recorded as cash was received. All changes in the collectability assessment for an operating lease were recognized as an adjustment to rental income.
During the year ended December 31, 2020, there was a global outbreak of a new strain of coronavirus, COVID-19. The global and domestic response to the COVID-19 outbreak continued to evolve during the ten months ended October 31, 2021 and year ended December 31, 2020. Federal, state, and local authorities responded in a variety of ways, including temporary closure of or imposed limitations on the operations of certain non-essential businesses. Since the COVID-19 outbreak began, each of VEREIT Office Assets’ tenants almost entirely continued to meet its payment obligations under its respective lease. In consideration of each tenant’s payment history, among other factors, there were no changes in the collectability assessment for any of VEREIT Office Assets’ operating leases. Though the COVID-19 outbreak did not have a material impact on VEREIT Office Assets’ results of operations, cash flows or financial condition for the ten months ended October 31, 2021 and year ended December 31, 2020, it could negatively impact tenant operations at VEREIT Office Assets’ properties in the future, which could result in a material impact to VEREIT Office Assets’ future results of operations, cash flows and financial condition.
Leases - Lessee
Leases - Lessee
To account for leases for which VEREIT Office Assets is the lessee, contracts must have been analyzed upon inception to determine if the arrangement was, or contained, a lease. A lease conveyed the right to control the use of an identified asset for a period of time in exchange for consideration. Lease classification tests and measurement procedures were performed at the lease commencement date.
The lease liability was initially measured as the present value of the lease payments over the lease term, discounted using the interest rate implicit in the lease, if that rate was readily determinable; otherwise, the lessee’s incremental borrowing rate was used. The incremental borrowing rate was determined based on the estimated rate of interest that the lessee would pay to borrow on a collateralized basis over a similar term at an amount equal to the lease payments in a similar economic environment. The lease term was the noncancelable period of the lease and included any renewal and termination options VEREIT Office Assets was reasonably certain to exercise. The lease liability balance was amortized using the effective interest method. The lease liability was remeasured when the contract was modified, upon the resolution of a contingency such that variable payments became fixed or if the assessment of exercising an extension, termination or purchase option changed.
The operating lease right-of-use (“ROU”) asset balance was initially measured as the lease liability amount, adjusted for any lease payments made prior to the commencement date, initial direct costs, estimated costs to dismantle, remove, or restore the underlying asset and incentives received.
Income Taxes
Income Taxes
As of October 31, 2021, VEREIT Office Assets was owned by VEREIT, which had elected to be taxed as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes under Sections 856 through 860 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, commencing with the taxable year ended December 31, 2011. VEREIT believed it was organized and operating in such a manner as to qualify to be taxed as a REIT for the taxable year ended December 31, 2021. As a REIT, VEREIT was generally not subject to federal income tax on taxable income that it distributed to its stockholders so long as it had distributed annually at least 90% of its REIT taxable income (computed without regard to the deduction for dividends paid and excluding net capital gains). Accordingly, no provision was made for federal income taxes in the accompanying combined and consolidated financial statements of VEREIT Office Assets.
During the ten months ended October 31, 2021 and year ended December 31, 2020, VEREIT Office Assets recognized state and local income and franchise tax expense of approximately $0.5 million and $0.6 million, respectively. Amounts were included in provision for income taxes in the accompanying combined and consolidated statements of operations.
VEREIT Office Assets had no unrecognized tax benefits as of or during the ten months ended October 31, 2021 and year ended December 31, 2020. Any interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits were recognized in provision for income taxes in the accompanying combined and consolidated statements of operations. As of October 31, 2021, VEREIT Office Assets had no material uncertain income tax positions.