Financing Receivables

Financing receivables include financing energy efficiency and renewable energy project loans, receivables and direct financing leases.

Unless otherwise noted, we generally have the ability and intent to hold our financing receivables for the foreseeable future and thus they are classified as held for investment. Our ability and intent to hold certain financing receivables may change from time to time depending on a number of factors, including economic, liquidity and capital market conditions. At inception of the arrangement, the carrying value of financing receivables held for investment represents the present value of the note, lease or other payments, net of any unearned fee income, which is recognized as income over the term of the note or lease using the effective interest method. Financing receivables that are held for investment are carried, unless deemed impaired, at cost, net of any unamortized acquisition premiums or discounts and include origination and acquisition costs, as applicable. Financing receivables that we intend to sell in the short-term are classified as held-for-sale and are carried at the lower of amortized cost or fair value on our balance sheet. The net purchases and proceeds from these sales of our held-for-sale financing receivables are recorded as an operating activity in our statement of cash flows based on our intent at the time of purchase. We may secure debt with the proceeds from our financing receivables.

We evaluate our financing receivables for potential delinquency or impairment on at least a quarterly basis and more frequently when economic or other conditions warrant such an evaluation. When a financing receivable becomes 90 days or more past due, and if we otherwise do not expect the debtor to be able to service all of its debt or other obligations, we will generally consider the financing receivable delinquent or impaired and place the financing receivable on non-accrual status and cease recognizing income from that financing receivable until the borrower has demonstrated the ability and intent to pay contractual amounts due. If a financing receivable’s status significantly improves regarding the debtor’s ability to service the debt or other obligations, we will remove it from non-accrual status.

A financing receivable is also considered impaired as of the date when, based on current information and events, it is determined that it is probable that we will be unable to collect all amounts due in accordance with the original contracted terms. Many of our financing receivables are secured by energy efficiency and renewable energy infrastructure projects. Accordingly, we regularly evaluate the extent and impact of any credit deterioration associated with the performance and value of the underlying project, as well as the financial and operating capability of the borrower, its sponsors or the obligor as well as any guarantors. We consider a number of qualitative and quantitative factors in our assessment, including, as appropriate, a project’s operating results, loan-to-value ratios and any cash reserves, the ability of expected cash from operations to cover the cash flow requirements currently and into the future, key terms of the transaction, the ability of the borrower to refinance the transaction, other credit support from the sponsor or guarantor and the project’s collateral value. In addition, we consider the overall economic environment, the sustainable infrastructure sector, the effect of local, industry, and broader economic factors, the impact of any variation in weather and the historical and anticipated trends in interest rates, defaults and loss severities for similar transactions.

If a financing receivable is considered to be impaired, we record an allowance to reduce the carrying value of the financing receivable to the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the financing receivable’s contractual effective rate or the amount realizable from other contractual terms such as the currently estimated fair market value of the collateral less estimated selling costs, if repayment is expected solely from the collateral. We charge off financing receivables against the allowance when we determine the unpaid principal balance is uncollectible, net of recovered amounts.

Real Estate

Real estate consists of land or other real estate and its related lease intangibles, net of any amortization. Our real estate is generally leased to tenants on a triple net lease basis, whereby the tenant is responsible for all operating expenses relating to the property, generally including property taxes, insurance, maintenance, repairs and capital expenditures. Scheduled rental revenue typically varies during the lease term and thus rental income is recognized on a straight-line basis, unless there is considerable risk as to collectability, so as to produce a constant periodic rent over the term of the lease. Accrued rental income is the aggregate difference between the scheduled rents which vary during the lease term and the income recognized on a straight-line basis and is recorded in other assets. Expenses related to leases where we are the lessor, if any, are charged to operations as incurred.

We record our real estate purchases as asset acquisitions that are recorded at cost, including acquisition and closing costs, unless they meet the definition of a business combination in accordance with ASC 805, Business Combinations. For business combinations, the fair value of the real estate acquired in a business combination with in-place leases is allocated to (i) the acquired tangible assets, consisting of land or other real property such as buildings, and (ii) the identified intangible assets and liabilities, consisting of the value of above-market and below-market leases and the value of other acquired intangible assets, based in each case on their fair values.

The fair value of the tangible assets of an acquired leased property is determined by valuing the property as if it were vacant, and the “as-if-vacant” value is then allocated to land, building and tenant improvements, if any, based on the determination of the fair values of these assets. The as-if-vacant fair value of a property is determined by management based on appraisals by a qualified appraiser.

In allocating the fair value of the identified intangibles of an acquired property, above-market and below-market in-place lease values are recorded based on the present value (using an interest rate which reflects the risks associated with the leases acquired) of the difference between (i) the contractual amounts to be paid pursuant to the in-place leases, and (ii) management’s estimate of fair market lease rates for the corresponding in-place leases, measured over a period equal to the remaining term of the lease, including renewal periods likely of being exercised by the lessee. The capitalized above-market lease values are amortized as a reduction of rental income and the capitalized below-market lease values are amortized as an increase to rental income, both of which are amortized over the term used to value the intangible. We also record, as appropriate, an intangible asset for in-place leases. The value of the leases in place at the time of the transaction is equal to the potential income lost if the leases were not in place. The amortization of this intangible occurs over the initial term unless management believes that it is likely that the tenant would exercise the renewal option. If a lease were to be terminated, all unamortized amounts relating to that lease would be written off.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include short-term government securities, certificates of deposit and money market funds, all of which had an original maturity of three months or less at the date of purchase. These securities are carried at their purchase price, which approximates fair value.

Consolidation and Equity Method Investments

We account for our investment in entities that are considered voting or variable interest entities under ASC 810, Consolidation. We perform an ongoing assessment to determine the primary beneficiary of each entity as required by ASC 810. We have established various special purpose entities or securitization trusts for the purpose of securitizing certain financing receivables or other debt investments which are not consolidated in our financial statements as described in Securitization of Receivables above.

Substantially all of the activities of the special purpose entities that are formed for the purpose of holding our financing receivables and investments on our balance sheet are closely associated with our activities. Based on our assessment, we determined that we have power over and receive the benefits of these special purpose entities; hence, we are the primary beneficiary and should consolidate these entities under the provisions of ASC 810.

We have made equity investments in various renewable energy projects. We share in the cash flows, income, and tax attributes according to a negotiated schedule (which typically do not correspond with our ownership percentages). Our renewable energy projects are typically owned in partnerships structures (using limited liability companies, or LLCs taxed as partnerships) where we, along with other large institutional investors, if any, receive a stated preferred return consisting of a priority distribution of all or a portion of the project’s cash flows, and in some cases, tax attributes. Once this preferred return is achieved, the partnership “flips” and the company which operates the project, receives a larger portion of the cash flows through its interest in the holding company and we, along with the other institutional investors, will have an on-going residual interest.

These equity investments in renewable energy projects are accounted for under the equity method of accounting. Certain of our equity method investments were determined to be VIEs in which we are not the primary beneficiary. Our maximum exposure to loss associated with our equity method investments is limited to our recorded value of our investments. Under the equity method of accounting, the carrying value of these equity method investments is determined based on amounts we invested, adjusted for the equity in earnings or losses of the investee allocated based on the limited liability entity agreement, less distributions received. Because certain of the limited liability entity and holding company agreements contain preferences with regard to cash flows from operations, capital events and liquidation, we reflect our share of profits and losses by determining the difference between our “claim on the investee’s book value” at the end and the beginning of the period. This claim is calculated as the amount we would receive (or be obligated to pay) if the investee were to liquidate all of its assets at recorded amounts determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP and distribute the resulting cash to creditors and investors in accordance with their respective priorities. This method is commonly referred to as the hypothetical liquidation at book value method or (“HLBV”). Intercompany gains and losses are eliminated for an amount equal to our interest and are reflected in the share in income or loss from equity method investments in the consolidated statements of operations. Cash distributions received from our equity method investments are classified as operating cash flows to the extent of cumulative HLBV earnings. Any additional cash flows are deemed to be returns of the investment and are classified as investing cash flows. We have elected to recognize earnings from these investments one quarter in arrears to allow for the receipt of financial information.

We have also made an investment in a joint venture which holds land under solar projects. This investment entitles us to receive an equal percentage of both cash distributions and profit and loss under the terms of the LLC agreement. The investment, which we have determined to be a voting interest entity, is accounted for under the equity method of accounting, with our portion of rental income, adjusted for any fair value to book value basis difference, being recognized in Income (loss) from equity method investments in the period in which the income is earned.

We evaluate the realization of our investment accounted for using the equity method if circumstances indicate that our investment is OTTI. OTTI impairment occurs when the estimated fair value of an investment is below the carrying value and the difference is determined to not be recoverable. This evaluation requires significant judgment regarding, but not limited to, the severity and duration of the impairment; the ability and intent to hold the securities until recovery; financial condition, liquidity, and near-term prospects of the issuer; specific events; and other factors.

Income Taxes

We elected and qualified to be taxed as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes, commencing with our taxable year ended December 31, 2013. To qualify as a REIT, we must meet on an ongoing basis a number of organizational and operational requirements, including a requirement that we currently distribute at least 90% of our net taxable income, excluding capital gains, to our stockholders. We intend to continue to meet the requirements for qualification as a REIT. As a REIT, we are not subject to U.S. federal corporate income tax on that portion of net income that is currently distributed to our owners. However, our taxable REIT subsidiaries (“TRSs”) will generally be subject to U.S. federal, state, and local income taxes as well as taxes of foreign jurisdictions, if any.

We account for income taxes under ASC 740, Income Taxes for our TRSs using the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the estimated future tax consequences attributable to the differences between the consolidated financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities from a change in tax rates is recognized in earnings in the period when the new rate is enacted. We evaluate any deferred tax assets for valuation allowances based on an assessment of available evidence including sources of taxable income, prior years taxable income, any existing taxable temporary differences and our future investment and business plans that may give rise to taxable income.

We apply ASC 740, Income Taxes with respect to how uncertain tax positions should be recognized, measured, presented, and disclosed in the financial statements. This guidance requires the accounting and disclosure of tax positions taken or expected to be taken in the course of preparing our tax returns to determine whether the tax positions are “more likely than not” to be sustained by the applicable tax authority. We are required to analyze all open tax years, as defined by the statute of limitations, for all major jurisdictions, which includes U.S. federal and certain states.

Earnings Per Share

We compute earnings per share of common stock in accordance with ASC 260, Earnings Per Share. Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing net income attributable to controlling stockholders (after consideration of the earnings allocated to unvested grants under the 2013 Plan if applicable) by the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period excluding the weighted average number of unvested grants under the 2013 Plan if applicable (“participating securities” as defined in Note 12). Diluted earnings per share is calculated by dividing net income attributable to controlling stockholders by the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period plus other potentially dilutive securities. No adjustment is made for shares that are anti-dilutive during a period.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

Revenue from Contracts with Customers

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), requiring an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. The updated standard will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance in U.S. GAAP when it becomes effective and permits the use of either the retrospective or modified retrospective transition method. The updated standard becomes effective for us on January 1, 2018 and we expect will be first presented in our March 31, 2018, Form 10-Q. We do not expect the adoption of ASU 2014-09 to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures as the majority of our sources of revenue, e.g., investments in financing receivables, debt and equity securities, land leasing, and the securitization of financing receivables are not impacted by this new standard. Upon adoption of the new standard, we expect to elect the modified retrospective transition method.

Leases

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842). Under the new guidance, lessees will be required to recognize the following for all leases (with the exception of short-term leases) at the commencement date: (a) a lease liability, which is a lessee’s obligation to make lease payments arising from a lease, measured on a discounted basis; and (b) a right-of-use asset, which is an asset that represents the lessee’s right to use, or control the use of, an identified asset for the lease term. Changes were made to align lessor accounting with the lessee accounting model and ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. The ASU will be effective for us beginning January 1, 2019. Early application is permitted for all public business entities upon issuance. Lessees and lessors must apply a modified retrospective transition approach for leases existing at, or entered into after, the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented in the financial statements, and may apply certain practical expedients to transition. If elected, these practical expedients would allow us to continue to use our previous lease classification conclusions and continue to classify the leases that exist at the date of adoption based on their pre-existing classification. We are currently evaluating the impact the adoption of this ASU will have on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

Credit Losses

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments—Credit Losses—Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments (Topic 326). ASU 2016-13 significantly changes how entities will measure credit losses for most financial assets and certain other instruments that are not measured at fair value through net income. ASU 2016-13 will replace the “incurred loss” approach under existing guidance with an “expected loss” model for instruments measured at amortized cost, and require entities to record allowances for available-for-sale debt securities rather than reduce the carrying amount, as currently required. It also simplifies the accounting model for purchased credit-impaired debt securities and loans. ASU 2016-13 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019 and is to be adopted through a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the first reporting period in which the guidance is effective. We are currently evaluating the impact the adoption of ASU 2016-13 will have on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

Equity Method Investments

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-07, Simplifying the Transition to the Equity Method of Accounting. The new standard eliminates the requirement for an investor to retroactively apply the equity method when an increase in ownership interest in an investee triggers equity method accounting. It also simplifies, in certain areas, the accounting for equity method investments. The new standard is effective for us in the current fiscal year ending December 31, 2017 and interim periods therein. The new provisions are applied on a prospective basis to transactions within its scope. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

Other accounting standards updates effective after March 31, 2017, are not expected to have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.