Quarterly report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Presentation

The condensed consolidated financial statements reflect all normal and recurring adjustments that, in the opinion of management, are necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position, results of operations, comprehensive income (loss) and cash flows for the periods presented. The preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. The results of operations for the periods presented are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the entire year. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in our annual consolidated financial statements have been condensed or omitted. Certain amounts in the prior year have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.

 

The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its controlled subsidiaries, including the Operating Partnership that was formed to acquire and directly or indirectly own the Company’s assets. All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.

Following the guidance for non-controlling interests in Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 810, Consolidation, references in this report to our earnings per share and our net income and shareholders’ equity attributable to common shareholders do not include amounts attributable to non-controlling interests.

Financing Receivables

Financing receivables include financing sustainable infrastructure project loans, receivables and direct financing leases. We account for leases as direct financing leases in accordance with ASC 840, Leases.

Unless otherwise noted, we generally have the ability and intention to hold our financing receivables for the foreseeable future and thus they are classified as held for investment. Our intent and ability to hold certain financing receivables may change from time to time depending on a number of factors, including economic, liquidity and capital conditions. A financing receivable 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 at cost, net of unamortized acquisition premiums or discounts, loan fees, and origination and acquisition costs as applicable, unless the financing receivables are deemed impaired. 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 costs or fair value on our balance sheet. We may secure non-recourse 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 sustainable infrastructure projects. Accordingly, we regularly evaluate the extent and impact of any credit deterioration associated with the performance and/or 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 write off financing receivables against the allowance when we determine the unpaid principal balance is uncollectible, net of recovered amounts.

 

Investments

Investments include debt or equity securities that meet the criteria of ASC 320, Investments—Debt and Equity Securities. As a result of the sale of certain debt securities previously designated as held-to-maturity during the quarter ended June 30, 2014, we have designated our debt securities as available-for-sale and will carry these securities at fair value on our balance sheet at June 30, 2014. Unrealized gains and losses, to the extent not considered other than temporary impairment (“OTTI”), on available-for-sale debt securities are recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (“OCI”) in equity on our balance sheet. Previously, we recorded our debt securities as held-to-maturity and thus had carried these securities on the balance sheet at amortized cost, which is initially at cost plus any premiums or less any discounts that are amortized or accreted from or into investment interest income using the effective interest method.

We evaluate our investments for OTTI on at least a quarterly basis, and more frequently when economic or market conditions warrant such an evaluation. Our OTTI assessment is a subjective process requiring the use of judgments and assumptions. Accordingly, we regularly evaluate the extent and impact of any credit deterioration associated with the financial and operating performance and/or value of the underlying project. We consider a number of qualitative and quantitative factors in our assessment. We first consider the current fair value of the security and the duration of any unrealized loss. Other factors considered include changes in the credit rating, performance of the underlying project, key terms of the transaction and support provided by the sponsor or guarantor.

To the extent that we have identified an OTTI for a security and intend to hold the investment to maturity and we do not expect that we will be required to sell the security prior to recovery of the amortized cost basis, we recognize only the credit component of OTTI in earnings. We determine the credit component using the difference between the securities’ amortized cost basis and the present value of its expected future cash flows, discounted using the effective interest method or its estimated collateral value. Any remaining unrealized loss due to factors other than credit, or the non-credit component, is recorded in accumulated OCI.

To the extent we hold investments with an OTTI and if we have made the decision to sell the security or it is more likely than not that we will be required to sell the security prior to recovery of its amortized cost basis, we recognize the entire portion of the impairment in earnings.

Premiums or discounts on investment securities are amortized or accreted into investment interest income using the effective interest method.

Real Estate

Real estate reflects land or other real estate held on our balance sheet. Real estate intangibles reflect the value of associated lease intangibles, net of any amortization. In accordance with ASC 840, Business Combinations, the fair value of the real estate acquired in a business combination with in-place leases is allocated to the acquired tangible assets, consisting of land or other real property such as buildings, and 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 was determined by management based on an appraisal of the property by a qualified appraiser.

In allocating the fair value of the identified intangible assets and liabilities of an acquired property, above-market and below-market in-place lease values are recorded as intangible assets 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 the probability of renewal periods. 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. The aggregate value of other acquired intangible assets consists of in-place leases. The value of the leases in place at the time of the transaction is equal to the potential revenue (rent and expenses) lost if the leases were not in place (during downtime) and that would be incurred to obtain the lease. The amortization is calculated over the initial term unless management believes that it is likely that the tenant would exercise the renewal option whereby we would amortize the value attributable to the renewal over the renewal period. If a lease were to be terminated prior to its stated expiration, all unamortized amounts relating to that lease would be written off.

We record the acquisition of real estate, other than in a business combination, at cost, including acquisition and closing costs.

Our real estate is generally leased to tenants on a 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. Revenue is recognized as rentals are earned and expenses (if any) are charged to operations as incurred. When scheduled rental revenue varies during the lease term, 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.

Securitization of Receivables

We have established various special purpose entities or securitization trusts for the purpose of securitizing certain financing receivables or other debt investments. We determined that the trusts used in securitizations are variable interest entities, as defined in ASC 810, Consolidation. We typically serve as primary or master servicer of these trusts; however, as the servicer, we do not have the power to make significant decisions impacting the performance of the trusts. Based on an analysis of the structure of the trusts, under U.S. GAAP, we have concluded that we are not the primary beneficiary of the trusts as we do not have power over the trusts’ significant activities. Therefore, we do not consolidate these trusts in our condensed consolidated financial statements.

We account for transfers of financing receivables to these securitization trusts as sales pursuant to ASC 860, Transfers and Servicing, as the transferred receivables have been isolated from the transferor (i.e., put presumptively beyond the reach of the transferor and its creditors, even in bankruptcy or other receivership) and we have surrendered control over the transferred receivables. When we sell receivables in securitizations, we generally retain interests in the form of servicing rights and residual assets, which are carried on the condensed consolidated balance sheets as securitization assets.

Gain or loss on sale of receivables is calculated based on the excess of the proceeds received from the securitization (less any transaction costs) plus any retained interests obtained over the cost basis of the receivables sold. We generally transfer the receivables to securitization trusts immediately upon the initial funding from the third party purchasing a beneficial interest in the trust. For retained interests, we generally estimate fair value based on the present value of future expected cash flows using our best estimates of the key assumptions of anticipated losses, prepayment rates, and discount rates commensurate with the risks involved.

As described above, we initially account for all separately recognized servicing assets and servicing liabilities at fair value as required under ASC 860. Under ASC 860-50, Transfers and Servicing—Servicing Assets and Liabilities, entities may either subsequently measure servicing assets and liabilities using the amortization method or the fair value measurement method and we have selected the amortization method to subsequently measure our servicing assets. We assess servicing assets for impairment at each reporting date. If the amortized cost of servicing assets is greater than the estimated fair value, we will recognize an impairment in net income.

Our other retained interest in securitized assets, the residual assets, are classified as available-for-sale securities and carried at fair value on the condensed consolidated balance sheets. We generally do not sell our residual assets. If we make an assessment that (i) we do not intend to sell the security or (ii) it is not likely we will be required to sell the security before its anticipated recovery, changes in fair value, such as those resulting from changes in market interest yield requirements, are reported as a component of accumulated OCI. However, in the case where we do intend to sell our residual assets or if the fair value of our residual assets is below the current carrying amount and we determine that the decline is OTTI, any impairment charge would be recorded through the statement of operations. An OTTI is considered to have occurred when, based on current information and events, there has been an adverse change in the timing or amount of cash flows expected to be collected. The impairment is equal to the difference between the residual asset’s amortized cost basis and its fair value at the balance sheet date. In the case where there is any expected decline in the forecasted cash flows, such decline would be unlikely to reverse during the holding period of the retained assets and thus would be considered OTTI.

Servicing income is recognized as earned. Servicing assets are amortized in proportion to, and over the period of, estimated net servicing income, and are periodically assessed for impairment.

Interest income related to the residual assets is recognized using the effective interest rate method. If there is a change in expected cash flows related to the residual assets, we calculate a new yield based on the current amortized cost of the residual assets and the revised expected cash flows. This yield is used prospectively to recognize interest income.

Modifications to Debt

We evaluate any modifications to our debt in accordance with the applicable guidance in ASC 470-50, Debt Modifications and Extinguishments. If the debt instruments are substantially modified, the modification is accounted for in the same manner as a debt extinguishment (i.e., a major modification) and the fees paid are recognized as expense at the time of the modification. Otherwise, such fees are deferred and amortized as an adjustment of interest expense over the remaining term of the modified debt instrument using the interest method.

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.

Restricted Cash

Restricted cash include cash and cash equivalents set aside with certain lenders primarily to support deferred funding and other obligations outstanding at the balance sheet dates.

Income Taxes

We intend to elect and qualify 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 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 shareholders. We intend to meet the requirements for qualification as a REIT and to maintain such qualification. 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 (“TRS”) 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 of our TRS 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.

Prior to the completion of the IPO, the Predecessor was taxed as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes. No provision for federal or state income taxes has been made for the period prior to our IPO since our profits and losses were reported on the Predecessor’s members’ tax returns.

We apply accounting guidance 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. We have no examinations in progress, none are expected at this time, and years 2010 through 2013 are open. As of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, we had no uncertain tax positions. Our policy is to recognize interest expense and penalties related to income tax matters as a component of other expense. There was no accrued interest and penalties as of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, and no interest and penalties were recognized during the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013.

Equity-Based Compensation

We recorded compensation expense for stock awards in accordance with ASC 718, Compensation—Stock Compensation, which requires that all equity-based payments to employees be recognized in the condensed consolidated statements of operations, based on their grant date fair values with the expense being recognized over the requisite service period.

At the time of completion of our IPO, we adopted our 2013 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2013 Plan”), which provides for grants of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock units, shares of restricted common stock, phantom shares, dividend equivalent rights, long-term incentive-plan units (“LTIP units”) and other restricted limited partnership units issued by our Operating Partnership and other equity-based awards. From time to time, we may award unvested restricted shares as compensation to members of our senior management team, our independent directors, advisors, consultants and other personnel under our 2013 Plan. Under the 2013 Plan, we have granted service based awards to certain employees and directors. The shares issued under this plan vest over a period of time as determined by the board of directors at the date of grant. We recognize compensation expense for unvested shares that vest solely based on service conditions on a straight-line basis over the vesting period based upon the fair market value of the shares on the date of grant, adjusted for forfeitures.

Under the 2013 Plan, we granted performance based restricted stock awards to certain employees. The fair value of the performance based awards is measured by the market price of our common stock on the date of the grant. The vesting of these awards is contingent upon achievement of certain performance targets at the end of specified performance periods and the employees’ continued employment. The performance conditions affect the number of shares that will ultimately vest. The range of possible stock-based award vesting is generally between 0% and 150% of the initial target. If minimum performance targets are not attained then no awards will vest under the agreement. Compensation expense related to these awards is recognized based upon the fair market value of the shares on the date of grant over the requisite service period and based on our estimate of the achievement of the various performance targets, adjusted for forfeitures. We currently estimated that 100% of the various award targets will be achieved.

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 shares of restricted common stock or restricted stock units) by the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period excluding the weighted average number of unvested shares of restricted common stock or restricted stock units (“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.

Due to the capital structure of the Predecessor, earnings per share of common stock information has not been presented for historical periods prior to the IPO.

Segment Reporting

We provide and arrange debt and equity financing for sustainable infrastructure projects and report all of our activities as one business segment.

 

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

Revenue from Contracts with Customers

In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, 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 cumulative effect transition method. Early adoption is not permitted. The updated standard becomes effective for us beginning in the quarter ending March 31, 2017. We have not yet selected a transition method, and we are currently evaluating the effect that the updated standard will have on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosure.

Compensation – Stock Compensation

In June 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-12, Compensation—Stock Compensation, which amends and updates the guidance in ASC 718, as it relates to the accounting for awards with performance conditions that affect vesting after the service. The amendment provides explicit accounting guidance for when an employee is eligible to retire or otherwise terminate employment before the end of the period in which a performance target (for example, an initial public offering or a profitability target) could be achieved and still be eligible to vest in the award if and when the performance target is achieved. The amendment is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015, including interim periods within that reporting period and is to be applied either retrospectively to all existing performance targets outstanding or prospectively for all awards granted or modified after the effective date, with early application permitted. We are evaluating the new standard, but do not at this time expect this standard to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.