Item 1. Financial Statements
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Empire State Realty OP, L.P.
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(amounts in thousands, except per unit amounts)
September 30, 2022 December 31, 2021
ASSETS (unaudited)
Commercial real estate properties, at cost:
Land $ 334,598 $ 336,278
Development costs 8,162 8,131
Building and improvements 3,194,787 3,156,508
3,537,547 3,500,917
Less: accumulated depreciation ( 1,159,364 ) ( 1,072,938 )
Commercial real estate properties, net 2,378,183 2,427,979
Cash and cash equivalents 387,248 423,695
Restricted cash 52,567 50,943
Tenant and other receivables 30,547 18,647
Deferred rent receivables 239,750 224,922
Prepaid expenses and other assets 72,905 76,549
Deferred costs, net 188,706 202,437
Acquired below-market ground leases, net 331,030 336,904
Right of use assets 28,725 28,892
Goodwill 491,479 491,479
Total assets $ 4,201,140 $ 4,282,447
LIABILITIES AND CAPITAL
Liabilities:
Mortgage notes payable, net $ 915,202 $ 948,769
Senior unsecured notes, net 973,607 973,373
Unsecured term loan facilities, net 388,645 388,223
Unsecured revolving credit facility — —
Accounts payable and accrued expenses 94,436 120,810
Acquired below-market leases, net 18,897 24,941
Ground lease liabilities 28,725 28,892
Deferred revenue and other liabilities 80,249 84,358
Tenants’ security deposits 27,550 28,749
Total liabilities 2,527,311 2,598,115
Commitments and contingencies
Capital:
Private perpetual preferred units:
Private perpetual preferred units, $ 13.52 liquidation preference, 4,664 issued and outstanding in 2022 and 2021, respectively
21,936 21,936
Private perpetual preferred units, $ 16.62 liquidation preference, 1,560 issued and outstanding in 2022 and 2021
8,004 8,004
Series PR operating partnership units:
ESRT partner's capital ( 2,725 and 2,812 general partner operating partnership units and 158,844 and 167,405 limited partner operating partnership units outstanding in 2022 and 2021, respectively)
952,379 998,128
Limited partners' interests ( 81,034 and 79,820 limited partner operating partnership units outstanding in 2022 and 2021, respectively)
675,818 649,157
Series ES operating partnership units ( 21,422 and 22,321 limited partner operating partnership units outstanding in 2022 and 2021, respectively)
470 ( 4,058 )
Series 60 operating partnership units ( 5,678 and 5,885 limited partner operating partnership units outstanding in 2022 and 2022, respectively)
( 223 ) ( 1,395 )
Series 250 operating partnership units ( 2,824 and 2,971 limited partner operating partnership units outstanding in 2022 and 2021, respectively)
( 57 ) ( 692 )
Total Empire State Realty OP, L.P.'s capital 1,658,327 1,671,080
Non-controlling interest in other partnerships 15,502 13,252
Total capital 1,673,829 1,684,332
Total liabilities and capital $ 4,201,140 $ 4,282,447
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements
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Empire State Realty OP, L.P.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
(unaudited)
(amounts in thousands, except per unit amounts)
Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
2022 2021 2022 2021
Revenues:
Rental revenue $ 148,290 $ 139,558 $ 445,143 $ 420,586
Observatory revenue 33,051 12,796 73,660 23,758
Lease termination fees — 11,321 20,032 15,949
Third-party management and other fees 389 314 1,025 917
Other revenue and fees 1,982 1,059 5,908 2,550
Total revenues 183,712 165,048 545,768 463,760
Operating expenses:
Property operating expenses 42,798 33,357 118,875 92,429
Ground rent expenses 2,331 2,331 6,994 6,994
General and administrative expenses 15,725 14,427 45,287 42,369
Observatory expenses 8,516 6,370 22,507 16,226
Real estate taxes 31,831 29,566 91,637 92,367
Depreciation and amortization 46,984 65,794 172,394 155,339
Total operating expenses 148,185 151,845 457,694 405,724
Total operating income
35,527 13,203 88,074 58,036
Other income (expense):
Interest income 1,564 211 2,144 497
Interest expense ( 25,516 ) ( 23,577 ) ( 75,572 ) ( 70,553 )
Loss on early extinguishment of debt — — — ( 214 )
Gain on disposition of property — — 27,170 —
Income (loss) before income taxes 11,575 ( 10,163 ) 41,816 ( 12,234 )
Income tax (expense) benefit ( 1,457 ) ( 20 ) ( 224 ) 3,271
Net income (loss) 10,118 ( 10,183 ) 41,592 ( 8,963 )
Private perpetual preferred unit distributions ( 1,050 ) ( 1,050 ) ( 3,151 ) ( 3,151 )
Net loss attributable to non-controlling interest in other partnerships 49 — 271 —
Net income (loss) attributable to common unitholders $ 9,117 $ ( 11,233 ) $ 38,712 $ ( 12,114 )
Total weighted average units:
Basic 266,035 277,716 269,880 277,829
Diluted 267,121 277,716 270,966 277,829
Earnings per unit attributable to common unitholders:
Basic $ 0.03 $ ( 0.04 ) $ 0.14 $ ( 0.04 )
Diluted $ 0.03 $ ( 0.04 ) $ 0.14 $ ( 0.04 )
Dividends per unit $ 0.035 $ 0.035 $ 0.105 $ 0.070
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements
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Empire State Realty OP, L.P.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)
(unaudited)
(amounts in thousands)
Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
2022 2021 2022 2021
Net income (loss) $ 10,118 $ ( 10,183 ) $ 41,592 $ ( 8,963 )
Other comprehensive income:
Unrealized gain (loss) on valuation of interest rate swap agreements 19,588 ( 103 ) 39,407 ( 139 )
Less: amount reclassified into interest expense 1,392 2,920 7,428 8,687
Other comprehensive income 20,980 2,817 46,835 8,548
Comprehensive income (loss) 31,098 ( 7,366 ) 88,427 ( 415 )
Net loss attributable to non-controlling interest in other partnerships 49 — 271 —
Other comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling interest ( 670 ) — ( 2,297 ) —
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to OP unitholders $ 30,477 $ ( 7,366 ) $ 86,401 $ ( 415 )
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements
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Empire State Realty OP, L.P.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Capital
For The Three Months Ended September 30, 2022 and 2021
(unaudited)
(amounts in thousands)
Series PR Operating Partnership Units Series ES Operating Partnership Units Limited Partners Series 60 Operating Partnership Units Limited Partners Series 250 Operating Partnership Units Limited Partners
General Partner Limited Partners
Private Perpetual Preferred Units Private Perpetual Preferred Unitholders Operating Partnership Units Operating Partnership Unitholders Operating Partnership Units Operating Partnership Unitholders Operating Partnership Units Operating Partnership Unitholders Operating Partnership Units Operating Partnership Unitholders Operating Partnership Units Operating Partnership Unitholders Non-controlling Interest in Other Partnerships Total Capital
Balance at June 30, 2022 6,224 $ 29,940 163,684 $ 957,803 81,073 $ 665,520 21,746 $ ( 1,137 ) 5,738 $ ( 637 ) 2,862 $ ( 277 ) 14,881 $ 1,666,093
Issuance of OP units, net of costs — — — — — — — — — — — — — —
Conversion of operating partnership units to ESRT Partner's Capital
— — 461 39 ( 39 ) ( 4 ) ( 324 ) ( 27 ) ( 60 ) ( 5 ) ( 38 ) ( 3 ) — —
Contributions from consolidated joint ventures — — — — — — — — — — — — — —
Repurchases of common shares — — ( 2,567 ) ( 18,105 ) — — — — — — — — — ( 18,105 )
Equity compensation — — ( 8 ) 317 — 5,057 — — — — — — — 5,374
Distributions — ( 1,050 ) — ( 5,694 ) — ( 2,837 ) — ( 751 ) — ( 199 ) — ( 100 ) — ( 10,631 )
Net income — 1,050 — 5,557 — 2,529 — 739 — 192 — 100 ( 49 ) 10,118
Other comprehensive income (loss) — — — 12,462 — 5,553 — 1,646 — 426 — 223 670 20,980
Balance at September 30, 2022 6,224 $ 29,940 161,570 $ 952,379 81,034 $ 675,818 21,422 $ 470 5,678 $ ( 223 ) 2,824 $ ( 57 ) $ 15,502 $ 1,673,829
Series PR Operating Partnership Units Series ES Operating Partnership Units Limited Partners Series 60 Operating Partnership Units Limited Partners Series 250 Operating Partnership Units Limited Partners
General Partner Limited Partners
Private Perpetual Preferred Units Private Perpetual Preferred Unitholders Operating Partnership Units Operating Partnership Unitholders Operating Partnership Units Operating Partnership Unitholders Operating Partnership Units Operating Partnership Unitholders Operating Partnership Units Operating Partnership Unitholders Operating Partnership Units Operating Partnership Unitholders Non-controlling Interest in Other Partnerships Total Capital
Balance at June 30, 2021 6,224 $ 29,940 173,400 $ 1,055,659 80,241 $ 650,473 22,923 $ ( 1,692 ) 6,112 $ ( 789 ) 3,045 $ ( 383 ) $ — $ 1,733,208
Issuance of OP units, net of costs — — — — — — — — — — — — — —
Conversion of operating partnership units to ESRT Partner's Capital
— — 542 931 ( 119 ) ( 960 ) ( 312 ) 17 ( 93 ) 10 ( 18 ) 2 — —
Repurchases of common shares — — ( 626 ) ( 6,510 ) — — — — — — — — — ( 6,510 )
Equity compensation — — ( 24 ) 180 33 5,198 — — — — — — — 5,378
Distributions — ( 1,050 ) — ( 6,061 ) — ( 2,806 ) — ( 795 ) — ( 211 ) — ( 106 ) — ( 11,029 )
Net income — 1,050 — ( 6,977 ) — ( 2,954 ) — ( 931 ) — ( 248 ) — ( 123 ) — ( 10,183 )
Other comprehensive income (loss) — — — 1,756 — 739 — 229 — 62 — 31 — 2,817
Balance at September 30, 2021 6,224 $ 29,940 173,292 $ 1,038,978 80,155 $ 649,690 22,611 $ ( 3,172 ) 6,019 $ ( 1,176 ) 3,027 $ ( 579 ) $ — $ 1,713,681
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements
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Empire State Realty OP, L.P.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Capital
For The Nine Months Ended September 30, 2022 and 2021
(unaudited)
(amounts in thousands)
Series PR Operating Partnership Units Series ES Operating Partnership Units Limited Partners Series 60 Operating Partnership Units Limited Partners Series 250 Operating Partnership Units Limited Partners
General Partner Limited Partners
Private Perpetual Preferred Units Private Perpetual Preferred Unitholders Operating Partnership Units Operating Partnership Unitholders Operating Partnership Units Operating Partnership Unitholders Operating Partnership Units Operating Partnership Unitholders Operating Partnership Units Operating Partnership Unitholders Operating Partnership Units Operating Partnership Unitholders Non-controlling Interest in Other Partnerships Total Capital
Balance at December 31, 2021 6,224 $ 29,940 170,217 $ 998,128 79,820 $ 649,157 22,321 $ ( 4,058 ) 5,884 $ ( 1,395 ) 2,970 $ ( 692 ) $ 13,252 $ 1,684,332
Conversion of operating partnership units to ESRT Partner's Capital
— — 1,599 2,384 ( 348 ) ( 2,503 ) ( 899 ) 69 ( 206 ) 28 ( 146 ) 22 — —
Contributions from consolidated joint ventures — — — — — — — — — — — — 224 224
Repurchases of common units — — ( 10,433 ) ( 82,545 ) — — — — — — — — — ( 82,545 )
Equity compensation — — 187 574 1,562 15,025 — — — — — — — 15,599
Distributions — ( 3,151 ) — ( 17,444 ) — ( 8,421 ) — ( 2,285 ) — ( 604 ) — ( 303 ) — ( 32,208 )
Net income (loss) — 3,151 — 23,847 — 10,490 — 3,136 — 813 — 426 ( 271 ) 41,592
Other comprehensive income — — — 27,435 — 12,070 — 3,608 — 935 — 490 2,297 46,835
Balance at September 30, 2022 6,224 $ 29,940 161,570 $ 952,379 81,034 $ 675,818 21,422 $ 470 5,678 $ ( 223 ) 2,824 $ ( 57 ) $ 15,502 $ 1,673,829
Series PR Operating Partnership Units Series ES Operating Partnership Units Limited Partners Series 60 Operating Partnership Units Limited Partners Series 250 Operating Partnership Units Limited Partners
General Partner Limited Partners
Private Perpetual Preferred Units Private Perpetual Preferred Unitholders Operating Partnership Units Operating Partnership Unitholders Operating Partnership Units Operating Partnership Unitholders Operating Partnership Units Operating Partnership Unitholders Operating Partnership Units Operating Partnership Unitholders Operating Partnership Units Operating Partnership Unitholders Non-controlling Interest in Other Partnerships Total Capital
Balance at December 31, 2020 6,224 $ 29,940 171,565 $ 1,055,249 80,355 $ 648,543 23,678 $ ( 1,348 ) 6,424 $ ( 721 ) 3,255 $ ( 356 ) — $ 1,731,307
Conversion of operating partnership units to ESRT Partner's Capital
— — 2,682 7,766 ( 982 ) ( 7,918 ) ( 1,067 ) 72 ( 405 ) 50 ( 228 ) 30 — —
Repurchases of common units — — ( 1,009 ) ( 10,043 ) — — — — — — — — — ( 10,043 )
Equity compensation — — 54 344 782 15,072 — — — — — — — 15,416
Distributions — ( 3,151 ) — ( 12,124 ) — ( 5,068 ) — ( 1,601 ) — ( 426 ) — ( 214 ) — ( 22,584 )
Net income (loss) — 3,151 — ( 7,523 ) — ( 3,186 ) — ( 1,005 ) — ( 267 ) — ( 133 ) — ( 8,963 )
Other comprehensive income — — — 5,309 — 2,247 — 710 — 188 — 94 — 8,548
Balance at September 30, 2021 6,224 $ 29,940 173,292 $ 1,038,978 80,155 $ 649,690 22,611 $ ( 3,172 ) 6,019 $ ( 1,176 ) 3,027 $ ( 579 ) $ — $ 1,713,681
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements
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Empire State Realty OP, L.P.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(unaudited)
(amounts in thousands)
Nine Months Ended September 30,
2022 2021
Cash Flows From Operating Activities
Net income (loss) $ 41,592 $ ( 8,963 )
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization 172,394 155,339
Gain on disposition of property ( 27,170 ) —
Amortization of non-cash items within interest expense 7,514 7,978
Amortization of acquired above- and below-market leases, net ( 4,136 ) ( 5,615 )
Amortization of acquired below-market ground leases 5,873 5,873
Straight-lining of rental revenue ( 18,533 ) ( 13,197 )
Equity based compensation 15,599 15,416
Loss on early extinguishment of debt — 214
Increase (decrease) in cash flows due to changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Security deposits ( 1,198 ) ( 4,366 )
Tenant and other receivables ( 11,707 ) ( 123 )
Deferred leasing costs ( 31,983 ) ( 12,324 )
Prepaid expenses and other assets 23,630 18,660
Accounts payable and accrued expenses 2,511 ( 1,285 )
Deferred revenue and other liabilities ( 401 ) 9,420
Net cash provided by operating activities 173,985 167,027
Cash Flows From Investing Activities
Development costs ( 31 ) ( 41 )
Additions to building and improvements ( 89,085 ) ( 70,719 )
Net cash used in investing activities ( 89,116 ) ( 70,760 )
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements
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Empire State Realty OP, L.P.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (continued)
(unaudited)
(amounts in thousands)
Nine Months Ended September 30,
2022 2021
Cash Flows From Financing Activities
Repayment of mortgage notes payable ( 5,163 ) ( 3,053 )
Deferred financing costs — ( 7,559 )
Contributions from consolidated joint ventures 224 —
Repurchases of common units ( 82,545 ) ( 10,043 )
Distributions ( 32,208 ) ( 22,584 )
Net cash used in financing activities ( 119,692 ) ( 43,239 )
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash ( 34,823 ) 53,028
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash—beginning of period 474,638 567,939
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash—end of period $ 439,815 $ 620,967
Reconciliation of Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash:
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period $ 423,695 $ 526,714
Restricted cash at beginning of period 50,943 41,225
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period $ 474,638 $ 567,939
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ 387,248 $ 582,188
Restricted cash at end of period 52,567 38,779
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period $ 439,815 $ 620,967
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
Cash paid for interest $ 67,673 $ 58,208
Cash paid for income taxes $ 188 $ 472
Non-cash investing and financing activities:
Building and improvements included in accounts payable and accrued expenses $ 55,320 $ 53,956
Write-off of fully depreciated assets 55,585 10,798
Derivative instruments at fair values included in prepaid expenses and other assets 18,457 —
Derivative instruments at fair values included in accounts payable and accrued expenses — 4,887
Conversion of operating partnership units to ESRT partner's capital 2,384 7,766
Disposal of land in connection with foreclosure 1,680 —
Extinguishment of debt in connection with property disposition 30,000 —
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements
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Empire State Realty OP, L.P.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(unaudited)
1. Description of Business and Organization
As used in these condensed consolidated financial statements, unless the context otherwise requires, “we,” “us,” "our," and the "company,” mean Empire State Realty OP, L.P. and its consolidated subsidiaries.
Empire State Realty OP, L.P. (the "Operating Partnership") is the entity through which Empire State Realty Trust, Inc. (“ESRT”), a self-administered and self-managed real estate investment trust ("REIT"), conducts all of its business and owns (either directly or through subsidiaries) substantially all of its assets. We own and manage a well-positioned property portfolio of office, retail and multifamily assets in Manhattan and the greater New York metropolitan area. As the owner of the Empire State Building, the World’s Most Famous Building, ESRT also owns and operates its iconic, newly reimagined Observatory Experience. As of September 30, 2022, our total portfolio contained 9.9 million rentable square feet of office and retail space. We owned 13 office properties (including three long-term ground leasehold interests) encompassing approximately 9.2 million rentable square feet of office space. Nine of these properties are located in the midtown Manhattan market and aggregate approximately 7.6 million rentable square feet of office space, including the Empire State Building. Our Manhattan office properties also contain an aggregate of approximately 0.5 million rentable square feet of retail space on their ground floor and/or contiguous levels. Our remaining four office properties are located in Fairfield County, Connecticut and Westchester County, New York, encompassing in the aggregate approximately 1.6 million rentable square feet. The majority of square footage for these four properties is located in densely populated metropolitan communities with immediate access to mass transportation. Additionally, we have entitled land at the Stamford Transportation Center in Stamford, Connecticut, adjacent to one of our office properties, that will support the development of an approximately 0.4 million rentable square foot office building and garage. As of September 30, 2022, our portfolio included four standalone retail properties located in Manhattan and two standalone retail properties located in the city center of Westport, Connecticut, encompassing approximately 0.2 million rentable square feet in the aggregate. Additionally, at September 30, 2022, our portfolio included two multifamily properties totaling 625 units.
We were organized as a Delaware limited partnership on November 28, 2011 and operations commenced upon completion of the initial public offering of ESRT’s Class A common stock and related formation transactions on October 7, 2013. ESRT, as the sole general partner in our company, has responsibility and discretion in the management and control of our company, and our limited partners, in such capacity, have no authority to transact business for, or participate in the management activities, of our company. As of September 30, 2022, ESRT owned approximately 59.3 % of our operating partnership units.
2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
There have been no material changes to the summary of significant accounting policies included in the section entitled "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies" in our December 31, 2021 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Basis of Quarterly Presentation and Principles of Consolidation
The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”), for interim financial information, and with the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). Accordingly, certain information and footnote disclosures required by GAAP for complete financial statements have been condensed or omitted in accordance with such rules and regulations. In the opinion of management, all adjustments and eliminations (including intercompany balances and transactions), consisting of normal recurring adjustments, considered necessary for the fair presentation of the financial statements have been included.
The results of operations for the periods presented are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the corresponding full years. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and accompanying notes included in the financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2021 contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K. We do not consider our business to be subject to material seasonal fluctuations, except that our observatory business is subject to tourism seasonality. Prior to the outbreak of COVID-19, approximately 16.0 % to 18.0 % of our annual observatory revenue was realized in the first quarter, 26.0 % to 28.0 % was realized in the second quarter, 31.0 % to 33.0 % was realized in the third quarter and 23.0 % to 25.0 % was realized in the fourth quarter.
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We consolidate entities in which we have a controlling financial interest. In determining whether we have a controlling financial interest in a partially owned entity and the requirement to consolidate the accounts of that entity, we consider factors such as ownership interest, board representation, management representation, authority to make decisions, and contractual and substantive participating rights of the partners/members. For variable interest entities ("VIE"), we consolidate the entity if we are deemed to have a variable interest in the entity and through that interest we are deemed the primary beneficiary. The primary beneficiary of a VIE 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. The primary beneficiary is required to consolidate the VIE. We had no VIEs as of September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021.
We will assess the accounting treatment for each investment we may have in the future. This assessment will include a review of each entity’s organizational agreement to determine which party has what rights and whether those rights are protective or participating. For all VIEs, we will 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 and benefit. In situations where we or our partner could approve, among other things, the annual budget, or leases that cover more than a nominal amount of space relative to the total rentable space at each property, we would not consolidate the investment as we consider these to be substantive participation rights that result in shared power of the activities that would most significantly impact the performance and benefit of such joint venture investment.
A non-controlling interest in a consolidated subsidiary is defined as the portion of the equity (net assets) in a subsidiary not attributable, directly or indirectly, to a parent. Non-controlling interests are required to be presented as a separate component of equity in the condensed consolidated balance sheets and in the condensed consolidated statements of operations by requiring earnings and other comprehensive income to be attributed to controlling and non-controlling interests.
Accounting Estimates
The preparation of the condensed consolidated financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires management to use estimates and assumptions that in certain circumstances affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities, and the reported revenues and expenses. Significant items subject to such estimates and assumptions include allocation of the purchase price of acquired real estate properties among tangible and intangible assets, determination of the useful life of real estate properties and other long-lived assets, valuation and impairment analysis of commercial real estate properties, right of use assets and other long-lived and indefinite lived assets, estimate of tenant expense reimbursements, valuation of the allowance for doubtful accounts, and valuation of derivative instruments, ground lease liabilities, senior unsecured notes, mortgage notes payable, unsecured term loan and revolving credit facilities, and equity based compensation. These estimates are prepared using management’s best judgment, after considering past, current, and expected events and economic conditions. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
3. Property Disposition
During April 2022, we transferred 383 Main Avenue, Norwalk CT, which was encumbered by a $ 30.0 million mortgage, back to the lender in a consensual foreclosure and recognized a non-cash gain of $ 27.2 million, which is included in Gain on disposition of property in our condensed consolidated statements of operations. In December 2021, we recorded a $ 7.7 million impairment charge on the property as we had concluded the cost basis of the asset exceeded its fair value given our reduced holding period and new intent to transfer property ownership to the lender.
Subsequent to September 30, 2022, we entered into agreements to sell 500 Mamaroneck Avenue in Harrison, NY and 10 Bank Street in White Plains, NY at a gross asset valuation of $ 95.0 million. These transactions are expected to close in the first quarter of 2023, subject to customary closing conditions.
4. Deferred Costs, Acquired Lease Intangibles and Goodwill
Deferred costs, net, consisted of the following as of September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021 (amounts in thousands):
10
September 30, 2022 December 31, 2021
Leasing costs $ 218,552 $ 211,189
Acquired in-place lease value and deferred leasing costs 158,286 166,491
Acquired above-market leases 28,123 33,289
404,961 410,969
Less: accumulated amortization ( 221,751 ) ( 215,764 )
Total deferred costs, net, excluding net deferred financing costs $ 183,210 $ 195,205
At September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, $ 5.5 million and $ 7.2 million, respectively, of net deferred financing costs associated with the unsecured revolving credit facility was included in deferred costs, net on the condensed consolidated balance sheets.
Amortization expense related to deferred leasing costs and acquired deferred leasing costs was $ 5.6 million and $ 10.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively, and $ 19.8 million and $ 22.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Amortization expense related to acquired lease intangibles was $ 2.2 million and $ 5.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively, and $ 10.6 million and $ 8.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
Amortizing acquired intangible assets and liabilities consisted of the following as of September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021 (amounts in thousands):
September 30, 2022 December 31, 2021
Acquired below-market ground leases $ 396,916 $ 396,916
Less: accumulated amortization ( 65,886 ) ( 60,012 )
Acquired below-market ground leases, net $ 331,030 $ 336,904
September 30, 2022 December 31, 2021
Acquired below-market leases $ ( 64,529 ) $ ( 65,403 )
Less: accumulated amortization 45,632 40,462
Acquired below-market leases, net $ ( 18,897 ) $ ( 24,941 )
Rental revenue related to the amortization of below-market leases, net of above-market leases, was $ 0.7 million and $ 4.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively, and $ 4.1 million and $ 5.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
As of September 30, 2022, we had goodwill of $ 491.5 million. Goodwill was allocated $ 227.5 million to the observatory reportable segment and $ 264.0 million to the real estate reportable segment.
From the quarter ended June 30, 2020 through the quarter ended June 30, 2022, we bypassed the optional qualitative goodwill impairment assessment and proceeded directly to a quantitative assessment of the observatory reportable segment and engaged a third-party valuation consulting firm to perform the valuation process. This was done in response to the closure of the observatory on March 16, 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which was subsequently fully reopened on August 24, 2020. The quantitative analysis used a combination of the discounted cash flow method (a form of the income approach) utilizing Level 3 unobservable inputs and the guideline company method (a form of the market approach). Significant assumptions under the former included revenue and cost projections, weighted average cost of capital, long-term growth rate and income tax considerations while the latter included guideline company enterprise values, revenue multiples and control premium rates. Our methodology to review goodwill impairment, which included a significant amount of judgment and estimates, provided a reasonable basis to determine whether impairment had occurred. Each quantitative analysis performed concluded the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying value. For the quarter ended September 30, 2022, we performed an optional qualitative assessment and did not identify any events which occurred between our last quantitative assessment and the current reporting date which would indicate, on a more likely than not basis, that the goodwill allocated to the reporting unit was impaired. Many of the factors employed in determining whether or not goodwill is impaired are outside
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of our control, and it is reasonably likely that assumptions and estimates will change in future periods. We will continue to assess the impairment of the observatory reporting unit goodwill going forward.
5. Debt
Debt consisted of the following as of September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021 (amounts in thousands):
Principal Balance As of September 30, 2022
September 30, 2022 December 31, 2021 Stated
Rate Effective
Rate (1)
Maturity
Date (2)
Mortgage debt collateralized by:
Fixed rate mortgage debt
Metro Center $ 83,213 $ 85,032 3.59 % 3.67 % 11/5/2024
10 Union Square 50,000 50,000 3.70 % 3.97 % 4/1/2026
1542 Third Avenue 30,000 30,000 4.29 % 4.53 % 5/1/2027
First Stamford Place (3)
179,549 180,000 4.28 % 4.73 % 7/1/2027
1010 Third Avenue and 77 West 55th Street 36,044 36,670 4.01 % 4.21 % 1/5/2028
250 West 57th Street 180,000 180,000 2.83 % 3.21 % 12/1/2030
10 Bank Street 30,364 31,091 4.23 % 4.37 % 6/1/2032
383 Main Avenue (4)
— 30,000 — % — % —
1333 Broadway 160,000 160,000 4.21 % 4.29 % 2/5/2033
345 East 94th Street - Series A 43,600 43,600 70.0 % of LIBOR plus 0.95 %
3.56 % 11/1/2030
345 East 94th Street - Series B 8,021 8,650 LIBOR plus 2.24 %
3.56 % 11/1/2030
561 10th Avenue - Series A 114,500 114,500 70.0 % of LIBOR plus 1.07 %
3.85 % 11/1/2033
561 10th Avenue - Series B 17,797 19,250 LIBOR plus 2.45 %
3.85 % 11/1/2033
Total mortgage debt 933,088 968,793
Senior unsecured notes: (5)
Series A 100,000 100,000 3.93 % 3.96 % 3/27/2025
Series B 125,000 125,000 4.09 % 4.12 % 3/27/2027
Series C 125,000 125,000 4.18 % 4.21 % 3/27/2030
Series D 115,000 115,000 4.08 % 4.11 % 1/22/2028
Series E 160,000 160,000 4.26 % 4.27 % 3/22/2030
Series F 175,000 175,000 4.44 % 4.45 % 3/22/2033
Series G 100,000 100,000 3.61 % 4.89 % 3/17/2032
Series H 75,000 75,000 3.73 % 5.00 % 3/17/2035
Unsecured term loan facility (5) (6)
215,000 215,000 SOFR plus 1.20 %
4.22 % 3/19/2025
Unsecured revolving credit facility (5) (6)
— — SOFR plus 1.30 %
— 3/31/2025
Unsecured term loan facility (5) (6)
175,000 175,000 SOFR plus 1.50 %
4.51 % 12/31/2026
Total principal 2,298,088 2,333,793
Deferred financing costs, net ( 12,694 ) ( 14,881 )
Unamortized debt discount ( 7,940 ) ( 8,547 )
Total $ 2,277,454 $ 2,310,365
______________
(1) The effective rate is the yield as of September 30, 2022 and includes the stated interest rate, deferred financing cost amortization and interest associated with variable to fixed interest rate swap agreements.
(2) Pre-payment is generally allowed for each loan upon payment of a customary pre-payment penalty.
(3) Represents a $ 164 million mortgage loan bearing interest at 4.09 % and a $ 15.5 million loan bearing interest at 6.25 %.
(4) Ownership of 383 Main Avenue, Norwalk CT was transferred to the lender during April 2022.
(5) At September 30, 2022, we were in compliance with all debt covenants.
(6) As of August 29, 2022, the benchmark index interest rate was converted from LIBOR to SOFR, plus a benchmark adjustment of 10.0 basis points.
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Principal Payments
Aggregate required principal payments at September 30, 2022 are as follows (amounts in thousands):
Year Amortization Maturities Total
2022 $ 2,160 $ — $ 2,160
2023 9,632 — 9,632
2024 9,903 77,675 87,578
2025 7,979 315,000 322,979
2026 8,491 225,000 233,491
Thereafter 35,966 1,606,282 1,642,248
Total $ 74,131 $ 2,223,957 $ 2,298,088
Deferred Financing Costs
Deferred financing costs, net, consisted of the following at September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021 (amounts in thousands):
September 30, 2022 December 31, 2021
Financing costs $ 44,065 $ 44,637
Less: accumulated amortization ( 25,875 ) ( 22,525 )
Total deferred financing costs, net $ 18,190 $ 22,112
Amortization expense related to deferred financing costs was $ 1.2 million and $ 1.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively, and $ 3.8 million and $ 3.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
Unsecured Revolving Credit and Term Loan Facilities
On August 29, 2022, we entered into a third amendment to our amended and restated credit agreement dated August 29, 2017 with Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent and the other lenders party thereto, which governs our senior unsecured revolving credit facility and term loan facility (collectively, the “BofA Credit Facility”). The BofA Credit Facility is in the initial maximum principal amount of up to $ 1.065 billion, which consists of an $ 850.0 million revolving credit facility that matures on March 31, 2025, and a $ 215.0 million term loan facility that matures on March 19, 2025. As of September 30, 2022 , we had no borrowings under the revolving credit facility and $ 215.0 million under the term loan facility.
On August 29, 2022, we entered into a second amendment to our credit agreement dated March 19, 2020 with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as administrative agent, and the other lenders party thereto, which governs a senior unsecured term loan facility (the “Wells Term Loan Facility”). The Wells Term Loan Facility is in the original principal amount of $ 175.0 million and matures on December 31, 2026. We may request the Wells Term Loan Facility be increased through one or more increases or the addition of new pari passu term loan tranches, for a maximum aggregate principal amount not to exceed $ 225 million. As of September 30, 2022 , our borrowings amounted to $ 175.0 million under the Wells Term Loan Facility.
The terms of both the BofA Credit Facility and the Wells Term Loan Facility include customary covenants, including limitations on liens, investment, distributions, debt, fundamental changes, and transactions with affiliates and require certain customary financial reports. Both facilities also require compliance with financial ratios including a maximum leverage ratio, a maximum secured leverage ratio, a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio, a minimum unencumbered interest coverage ratio, and a maximum unsecured leverage ratio. The agreements governing both facilities also contain customary events of default (subject in certain cases to specified cure periods), including but not limited to non-payment, breach of covenants, representations or warranties, cross defaults, bankruptcy or other insolvency events, judgments, ERISA events, invalidity of
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loan documents, loss of real estate investment trust qualification, and occurrence of a change of control. As of September 30, 2022, we were in compliance with these covenants.
Senior Unsecured Notes
The terms of the senior unsecured notes include customary covenants, including limitations on liens, investment, distributions, debt, fundamental changes, and transactions with affiliates and require certain customary financial reports. It also requires compliance with financial ratios including a maximum leverage ratio, a maximum secured leverage ratio, a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio, a minimum unencumbered interest coverage ratio, and a maximum unsecured leverage ratio. The agreements also contain customary events of default (subject in certain cases to specified cure periods), including but not limited to non-payment, breach of covenants, representations or warranties, cross defaults, bankruptcy or other insolvency events, judgments, ERISA events, the occurrence of certain change of control transactions and loss of real estate investment trust qualification. As of September 30, 2022, we were in compliance with these covenants.
6. Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses
Accounts payable and accrued expenses consisted of the following as of September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021 (amounts in thousands):
September 30, 2022 December 31, 2021
Accrued capital expenditures $ 55,320 $ 49,247
Accounts payable and accrued expenses 36,353 41,664
Interest rate swaps liability — 25,308
Accrued interest payable 3,294 3,460
Due (from) to affiliated companies ( 531 ) 1,131
Total accounts payable and accrued expenses $ 94,436 $ 120,810
7. Financial Instruments and Fair Values
Derivative Financial Instruments
We use derivative financial instruments primarily to manage interest rate risk and such derivatives are not considered speculative. These derivative instruments are typically in the form of interest rate swap and forward agreements, and the primary objective is to minimize interest rate risks associated with investing and financing activities. The counterparties of these arrangements are major financial institutions with which we may also have other financial relationships. We are exposed to credit risk in the event of non-performance by these counterparties; however, we currently do not anticipate that any of the counterparties will fail to meet its obligations.
In May 2022, we entered into forward interest rate swaps with an aggregate notional value of $ 390.0 million that became effective in August 2022 and fixed the interest rate on 100 % of our term loans. This replaced the $ 265.0 million swap which had fixed the interest rate on a portion of our outstanding term loans balance.
We have agreements with our derivative counterparties that contain a provision where if we either default or are capable of being declared in default on any of our indebtedness, then we could also be declared in default on our derivative obligations. As of September 30, 2022, we did not have any derivatives in a net liability position.
As of September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, we had interest rate swaps and caps with an aggregate notional value of $ 576.3 million and $ 451.3 million, respectively. The notional value does not represent exposure to credit, interest rate or market risks. As of September 30, 2022, the fair value of our interest rate swaps amounted to $ 18.5 million, which is included in prepaid assets and other expenses on the condensed consolidated balance sheet. As of December 31, 2021, the fair value of our interest rate swaps amounted to $( 25.3 ) million, which is included in accounts payable and accrued expenses on the condensed consolidated balance sheet. These interest rate swaps have been designated as cash flow hedges and hedge the variability in future cash flows associated with our existing variable-rate term loan facilities. Interest rate caps not designated as hedges are not speculative and are used to manage our exposure to interest rate movements, but do not meet the strict hedge accounting requirements.
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As of September 30, 2022 and 2021, our cash flow hedges are deemed highly effective and a net unrealized gain of $ 21.0 million and $ 2.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively, and a net unrealized gain of $ 46.8 million and $ 8.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively, relating to both active and terminated hedges of interest rate risk, are reflected in the condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss). Amounts reported in accumulated other comprehensive loss related to derivatives will be reclassified to interest expense as interest payments are made on the debt. We estimate that $ 3.3 million net loss of the current balance held in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) will be reclassified into interest expense within the next 12 months.
The table below summarizes the terms of agreements and the fair values of our derivative financial instruments as of September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021 (amounts in thousands):
September 30, 2022 December 31, 2021
Derivative Notional Amount Receive Rate Pay Rate Effective Date Expiration Date Asset Liability Asset Liability
Interest rate swap $ 265,000 1 Month LIBOR 2.1485 % August 31, 2017 August 24, 2022 $ — $ — $ — $ ( 3,184 )
Interest rate swap 36,820 70 % of 1 Month LIBOR
2.5000 % December 1, 2021 November 1, 2030 324 — — ( 4,527 )
Interest rate swap 103,790 70 % of 1 Month LIBOR
2.5000 % December 1, 2021 November 1, 2033 324 — — ( 15,945 )
Interest rate swap 10,710 70 % of 1 Month LIBOR
1.7570 % December 1, 2021 November 1, 2033 657 — ( 754 )
Interest rate swap 19,008 1 Month LIBOR 2.2540 % December 1, 2021 November 1, 2030 1,143 — — ( 898 )
Interest rate cap 6,780 70 % of 1 Month LIBOR
4.5000 % December 1, 2021 October 1, 2024 16 — 5 —
Interest rate cap 9,188 1 Month LIBOR 5.5000 % December 1, 2021 October 1, 2024 43 — 8 —
Interest rate swap 175,000 SOFR Compound 2.5620 % August 31, 2022 December 31, 2026 8,713 — — —
Interest rate swap 107,500 SOFR Compound 2.6260 % August 19, 2022 March 19, 2025 3,649 — — —
Interest rate swap 107,500 SOFR OIS Compound 2.6280 % August 19, 2022 March 19, 2025 3,646 — — —
$ 18,515 $ — $ 13 $ ( 25,308 )
The table below shows the effect of our derivative financial instruments designated as cash flow hedges on accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021 (amounts in thousands):
Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
Effects of Cash Flow Hedges September 30, 2022 September 30, 2021 September 30, 2022 September 30, 2021
Amount of gain (loss) recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) $ 19,588 $ ( 103 ) $ 39,407 $ ( 139 )
Amount of loss reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income ( loss) into interest expense ( 1,392 ) ( 2,920 ) ( 7,428 ) ( 8,687 )
The table below shows the effect of our derivative financial instruments designated as cash flow hedges on the condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021 (amounts in thousands):
Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
Effects of Cash Flow Hedges September 30, 2022 September 30, 2021 September 30, 2022 September 30, 2021
Total interest expense presented in the condensed consolidated statements of operations in which the effects of cash flow hedges are recorded $ ( 25,516 ) $ ( 23,577 ) $ ( 75,572 ) $ ( 70,553 )
Amount of loss reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) into interest expense ( 1,392 ) ( 2,920 ) ( 7,428 ) ( 8,687 )
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Fair Valuation
The estimated fair values at September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021 were determined by management, using available market information and appropriate valuation methodologies. Considerable judgment is necessary to interpret market data and develop estimated fair value. Accordingly, the estimates presented herein are not necessarily indicative of the amounts we could realize on disposition of the financial instruments. The use of different market assumptions and/or estimation methodologies may have a material effect on the estimated fair value amounts.
The fair value of derivative instruments is determined using widely accepted valuation techniques, including discounted cash flow analysis on the expected cash flows of each derivative. Although the majority of the inputs used to value our derivatives fall within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy, the credit valuation adjustments associated with our derivatives utilize Level 3 inputs, such as estimates of current credit spreads to evaluate the likelihood of default by ourselves and our counterparties. The impact of such credit valuation adjustments, determined based on the fair value of each individual contract, was not significant to the overall valuation. As a result, all our derivatives were classified as Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.
The fair values of our mortgage notes payable, senior unsecured notes - Series A, B, C, D, E, F, G and H - unsecured term loan facilities and unsecured revolving credit facility which are determined using Level 3 inputs are estimated by discounting the future cash flows using current interest rates at which similar borrowings could be made by us.
The following tables summarize the carrying and estimated fair values of our financial instruments as of September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021 (amounts in thousands):
September 30, 2022
Estimated Fair Value
Carrying
Value Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3
Interest rate swaps included in prepaid expenses and other assets $ 18,457 $ 18,457 $ — $ 18,457 $ —
Mortgage notes payable 915,202 809,720 — — 809,720
Senior unsecured notes - Series A, B, C, D, E, F, G and H 973,607 862,768 — — 862,768
Unsecured term loan facilities 388,645 390,000 — — 390,000
December 31, 2021
Estimated Fair Value
Carrying
Value Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3
Interest rate swap included in accounts payable and accrued expenses $ 25,308 $ 25,308 $ — $ 25,308 $ —
Mortgage notes payable 948,769 960,933 — — 960,933
Senior unsecured notes - Series A, B, C, D, E, F, G and H 973,373 994,389 — — 994,389
Unsecured term loan facilities 388,223 390,000 — — 390,000
Disclosure about the fair value of financial instruments is based on pertinent information available to us as of September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021. Although we are not aware of any factors that would significantly affect the reasonable fair value amounts, such amounts have not been comprehensively revalued for purposes of these financial statements since that date and current estimates of fair value may differ significantly from the amounts presented herein.
8. Leases
Lessor
We lease various spaces to tenants over terms ranging from one to 21 years. Certain leases have renewal options for additional terms. The leases provide for base monthly rentals and reimbursements for real estate taxes, escalations linked to the consumer price index or common area maintenance known as operating expense escalation. Operating expense reimbursements are reflected in our September 30, 2022 and 2021 condensed consolidated statements of operations as rental revenue.
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Rental revenue includes fixed and variable payments. Fixed payments primarily relate to base rent and variable payments primarily relate to tenant expense reimbursements for certain property operating costs. The components of rental revenue for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021 are as follows (amounts in thousands):
Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
Rental revenue September 30, 2022 September 30, 2021 September 30, 2022 September 30, 2021
Fixed payments $ 131,800 $ 124,764 $ 399,995 $ 374,968
Variable payments 16,490 14,794 45,148 45,618
Total rental revenue $ 148,290 $ 139,558 $ 445,143 $ 420,586
As of September 30, 2022, we were entitled to the following future contractual minimum lease payments (excluding operating expense reimbursements) on non-cancellable operating leases to be received which expire on various dates through 2039 (amounts in thousands):
Remainder of 2022 $ 120,126
2023 487,764
2024 480,189
2025 448,981
2026 407,826
Thereafter 1,934,341
$ 3,879,227
The above future minimum lease payments exclude tenant recoveries and the net accretion of above and below-market lease intangibles. Some leases are subject to termination options generally upon payment of a termination fee. The preceding table is prepared assuming such options are not exercised.
Lessee
We determine if an arrangement is a lease at inception. Our operating lease agreements relate to three ground lease assets and are reflected in right-of-use assets of $ 28.7 million and lease liabilities of $ 28.7 million in our consolidated balance sheets as of September 30, 2022. Right-of-use assets represent our right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities represent our obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. Right-of-use assets and liabilities are recognized at the commencement date based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. Variable lease payments are excluded from the right-of-use assets and lease liabilities and are recognized in the period in which the obligation for those payments is incurred.
The ground leases are due to expire between the years 2050 and 2077, inclusive of extension options, and have no variable payments or residual value guarantees. As our leases do not provide an implicit rate, we determined our incremental borrowing rate based on information available at the date of adoption of Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), in determining the present value of lease payments. The weighted average incremental borrowing rate used to calculate the right-of-use assets and lease liabilities as of September 30, 2022 was 4.5 %. Rent expense for lease payments related to our operating leases is recognized on a straight-line basis over the non-cancellable term of the leases. The weighted average remaining lease term as of September 30, 2022 was 47.7 years.
As of September 30, 2022, the following table summarizes our future minimum lease payments discounted by our incremental borrowing rates to calculate the lease liabilities of our leases (amounts in thousands):
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Remainder of 2022 $ 380
2023 1,518
2024 1,518
2025 1,518
2026 1,518
Thereafter 63,744
Total undiscounted cash flows 70,196
Present value discount ( 41,471 )
Ground lease liabilities $ 28,725
9. Commitments and Contingencies
Legal Proceedings
Except as described below, as of September 30, 2022, we were not involved in any material litigation, nor, to our knowledge, was any material litigation threatened against us or our properties, other than routine litigation arising in the ordinary course of business such as disputes with tenants. We believe that the costs and related liabilities, if any, which may result from such actions will not materially affect our condensed consolidated financial position, operating results or liquidity.
As previously disclosed, in October 2014, 12 former investors (the "Claimants") in Empire State Building Associates L.L.C. (“ESBA”), which prior to the initial public offering of our company (the "Offering") owned the fee title to the Empire State Building, filed an arbitration with the American Arbitration Association against Peter L. Malkin, Anthony E. Malkin, Thomas N. Keltner, Jr., and our subsidiary ESRT MH Holdings LLC, the former supervisor of ESBA (the "Respondents"). The statement of claim (also filed later in federal court in New York for the expressed purpose of tolling the statute of limitations) alleges breach of fiduciary duty and related claims in connection with the Offering and formation transactions and seeks monetary damages and declaratory relief. Claimants had opted out of a prior class action bringing similar claims that was settled with court approval. Respondents filed an answer and counterclaims. In March 2015, the federal court action was stayed on consent of all parties pending the arbitration. Arbitration hearings started in May 2016 and concluded in August 2018. On August 26, 2020, the arbitration panel issued an award that denied all Claimants’ claims with one exception, on which it awarded Claimants approximately $ 1.2 million, inclusive of seven years of interest through October 2, 2020. This amount was recorded as an IPO litigation expense in the consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2020.
Respondents believe that such award in favor of the Claimants is entirely without merit and sought to vacate that portion of the award. On September 27, 2021, the court denied Respondents' motion to vacate and entered judgement in the aforementioned amount, inclusive of accumulated interest. Respondents have appealed that ruling. On May 10, 2022, Respondents moved to dismiss the appeal and judgment on the grounds that a recent decision of the United States Supreme Court held that the federal courts have no subject matter jurisdiction over the case. Claimants opposed the motion, which is pending. In addition, certain of the Claimants in the federal court action sought to pursue claims in that case against Respondents. Respondents believe that any such claims are meritless. The magistrate judge assigned to the action has issued a Report and Recommendation rejecting Claimants’ claims; the district judge will decide whether to adopt the Report and Recommendation.
Pursuant to indemnification agreements which were made with our directors, executive officers and chairman emeritus as part of our formation transactions, Anthony E. Malkin, Peter L. Malkin and Thomas N. Keltner, Jr. have defense and indemnity rights from us with respect to this arbitration.
Unfunded Capital Expenditures
At September 30, 2022, we estimate that we will incur approximately $ 117.9 million of capital expenditures (including tenant improvements and leasing commissions) on our properties pursuant to existing lease agreements. We expect to fund these capital expenditures with operating cash flow, additional property level mortgage financings, our unsecured credit facility, cash on hand and other borrowings. Future property acquisitions may require substantial capital investments for refurbishment and leasing costs. We expect that these financing requirements will be met in a similar fashion.
Concentration of Credit Risk
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Financial instruments that subject us to credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, short-term investments, tenant and other receivables and deferred rent receivables. At September 30, 2022, we held on deposit at various major financial institutions cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash balances in excess of amounts insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.
Asset Retirement Obligations
We are required to accrue costs that we are legally obligated to incur on retirement of our properties which result from acquisition, construction, development and/or normal operation of such properties. Retirement includes sale, abandonment or disposal of a property. Under that standard, a conditional asset retirement obligation represents a legal obligation to perform an asset retirement activity in which the timing and/or method of settlement is conditional on a future event that may or may not be within a company’s control and a liability for a conditional asset retirement obligation must be recorded if the fair value of the obligation can be reasonably estimated. Environmental site assessments and investigations have identified asbestos or asbestos-containing building materials in certain of our properties. As of September 30, 2022, management has no plans to remove or alter these properties in a manner that would trigger federal and other applicable regulations for asbestos removal, and accordingly, the obligations to remove the asbestos or asbestos-containing building materials from these properties have indeterminable settlement dates. As such, we are unable to reasonably estimate the fair value of the associated conditional asset retirement obligation. However, ongoing asbestos abatement, maintenance programs and other required documentation are carried out as required and related costs are expensed as incurred.
Other Environmental Matters
Certain of our properties have been inspected for soil contamination due to pollutants, which may have occurred prior to our ownership of these properties or subsequently in connection with its development and/or its use. Required remediation to such properties has been completed, and as of September 30, 2022, management believes that there are no obligations related to environmental remediation other than maintaining the affected sites in conformity with the relevant authority’s mandates and filing the required documents. All such maintenance costs are expensed as incurred. We expect that resolution of the environmental matters relating to the above will not have a material impact on our business, assets, consolidated financial condition, results of operations or liquidity. However, we cannot be certain that we have identified all environmental liabilities at our properties, that all necessary remediation actions have been or will be undertaken at our properties or that we will be indemnified, in full or at all, in the event that such environmental liabilities arise.
Insurance Coverage
We carry insurance coverage on our properties of types and in amounts with deductibles that we believe are in line with coverage customarily obtained by owners of similar properties.
10. Capital
As of September 30, 2022, there were 160,576,042 shares of Class A common stock 993,332 shares of Class B common stock and 110,959,627 operating partnership units outstanding, of which 161,569,374 , or 59.3 %, were owned by ESRT and 110,959,627 , or 40.7 %, were owned by other partners, including ESRT directors, members of senior management and other employees.
On May 16, 2019, the Empire State Realty Trust, Inc. Empire State Realty OP, L.P. 2019 Equity Incentive Plan (“2019 Plan”) was approved by our shareholders. The 2019 Plan provides for grants to directors, employees and consultants of ESRT and the Operating Partnership, including options, restricted stock, restricted stock units, stock appreciation rights, performance awards, dividend equivalents and other equity-based awards. An aggregate of approximately 11.0 million shares of ESRT common stock is authorized for issuance under awards granted pursuant to the 2019 Plan. We will not issue any new equity awards under the First Amended and Restated Empire State Realty Trust, Inc. and Empire State Realty OP, L.P. 2013 Equity Incentive Plan ("2013 Plan", and collectively with the 2019 Plan, "the Plans"). The shares of ESRT Class A common stock underlying any awards under the 2019 Plan and the 2013 Plan that are forfeited, canceled or otherwise terminated, other than by exercise, will be added back to the shares of ESRT Class A common stock available for issuance under the 2019 Plan. Shares tendered or held back upon exercise of a stock option or settlement of an award under the 2019 Plan or the 2013 Plan to cover the exercise price or tax withholding and shares subject to a stock appreciation right that are not issued in connection with the stock settlement of the stock appreciation right upon exercise thereof, will not be added back to the shares of ESRT Class A common stock available for issuance under the 2019 Plan. In addition, shares of ESRT Class A common stock repurchased on the open market will not be added back to the shares of ESRT Class A common stock available for issuance under the 2019 Plan.
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Long-term incentive plan ("LTIP") units are a special class of partnership interests. Each LTIP unit awarded will be deemed equivalent to an award of one share of ESRT stock under the Plans, reducing the availability for other equity awards on a one -for-one basis.
The vesting period for LTIP units, if any, will be determined at the time of issuance. Under the terms of the LTIP units, we will revalue for tax purposes its assets upon the occurrence of certain specified capital events, and any increase in valuation from the time of one such event to the next such event will be allocated first to the holders of LTIP units to equalize the capital accounts of such holders with the capital accounts of unitholders. Subject to any agreed upon exceptions, once vested and having achieved parity with unitholders, LTIP units are convertible into Series PR operating partnership units on a one -for-one basis.
LTIP units subject to time-based vesting, whether vested or not, receive per unit distributions as operating partnership units, which equal per share dividends (both regular and special) on our common stock. Market and performance-based LTIPs receive 10 % of such distributions currently, unless and until such LTIP units are earned based on performance, at which time they will receive the accrued and unpaid 90 % and will commence receiving 100 % of such distributions thereafter.
Stock and Publicly Traded Operating Partnership Unit Repurchase Program
ESRT's Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $ 500 million of ESRT Class A common stock and the Operating Partnership’s Series ES, Series 250 and Series 60 operating partnership units from January 1, 2022 through December 31, 2023. Under the program, ESRT may purchase ESRT Class A common stock and we may purchase our Series ES, Series 250 and Series 60 operating partnership units in accordance with applicable securities laws from time to time in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions. The timing, manner, price and amount of any repurchases will be determined by ESRT and us and will be subject to stock price, availability, trading volume, general market conditions, and applicable securities laws. The authorization does not obligate ESRT or us to acquire any particular amount of securities, and the program may be suspended or discontinued at ESRT and our discretion without prior notice.
The following table summarizes ESRT's purchases of equity securities in each of the three months ended September 30, 2022:
Period Total Number of Shares Purchased Weighted Average Price Paid per Share Maximum Approximate Dollar Value Available for Future Purchase (in thousands)
July 2022 184,045 $ 6.92 $ 434,286
August 2022 621,314 $ 7.32 $ 429,736
September 2022 1,761,561 $ 6.97 $ 417,455
Private Perpetual Preferred Units
As of September 30, 2022, there were 4,664,038 Series 2019 Preferred Units ("Series 2019 Preferred Units") and 1,560,360 Series 2014 Private Perpetual Preferred Units ("Series 2014 Preferred Units") outstanding. The Series 2019 Preferred Units have a liquidation preference of $ 13.52 per unit and are entitled to receive cumulative preferential annual cash distributions of $ 0.70 per unit payable in arrears on a quarterly basis. The Series 2014 Preferred Units which have a liquidation preference of $ 16.62 per unit and are entitled to receive cumulative preferential annual cash distributions of $ 0.60 per unit payable in arrears on a quarterly basis. Both series are not redeemable at the option of the holders and are redeemable at our option only in the case of specific defined events.
Distributions
Total distributions paid to OP unitholders were $ 9.6 million and $ 29.1 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022, respectively, and $ 10.0 million and $ 19.4 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, respectively. Total distributions paid to preferred unitholders were $ 1.1 million and $ 3.2 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022, respectively, and $ 1.1 million and $ 3.2 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, respectively.
Incentive and Share-Based Compensation
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The Plans provide for grants to directors, employees and consultants consisting of stock options, restricted stock, dividend equivalents, stock payments, performance shares, LTIP units, stock appreciation rights and other incentive awards. An aggregate of 11.0 million shares of ESRT common stock is authorized for issuance under awards granted pursuant to the 2019 Plan, and as of September 30, 2022, 5.9 million shares of ESRT common stock remain available for future issuance.
Share-based compensation for time-based equity awards is measured at the fair value of the award on the date of grant and recognized as an expense on a straight-line basis over the shorter of (i) the stated vesting period, which is generally three , four or five years , or (ii) the period from the date of grant to the date the employee becomes retirement eligible, which may occur upon grant. An employee is retirement eligible when the employee attains the (i) age of 65 for awards granted in 2020 and after and age of 60 for awards granted before 2020 and (ii) the date on which the employee has first completed ten years of continuous service with us or our affiliates. Share-based compensation for market-based equity awards and performance-based equity awards is measured at the fair value of the award on the date of grant and recognized as an expense on a straight-line basis over three or four years . Additionally, for the performance-based equity awards, we assess, at each reporting period, whether it is probable that the performance conditions will be satisfied. We recognize expense respective to the number of awards we expect to vest at the conclusion of the measurement period. Changes in estimate are accounted for in the period of change through a cumulative catch-up adjustment.
For the market-based LTIP units, the fair value of the awards was estimated using a Monte Carlo Simulation model and discounted for the restriction period during which the LTIP units cannot be redeemed or transferred and the uncertainty regarding if, and when, the book capital account of the LTIP units will equal that of the common units. Our stock price, along with the prices of the comparative indexes, is assumed to follow the Geometric Brownian Motion Process. Geometric Brownian Motion is a common assumption when modeling in financial markets, as it allows the modeled quantity (in this case the stock price) to vary randomly from its current value and take any value greater than zero. The volatilities of the returns on our stock price and the comparative indexes were estimated based on implied volatilities and historical volatilities using an appropriate look-back period. The expected growth rate of the stock prices over the performance period is determined with consideration of the risk-free rate as of the grant date. For LTIP unit awards that are time or performance based, the fair value of the awards was estimated based on the fair value of our stock at the grant date discounted for the restriction period during which the LTIP units cannot be redeemed or transferred and the uncertainty regarding if, and when, the book capital account of the LTIP units will equal that of the common units. For restricted stock awards, the fair value of the awards are based on the market price of ESRT stock at the grant date.
LTIP units and ESRT restricted stock issued during the nine months ended September 30, 2022 were valued at $ 22.4 million. The weighted average per unit or share fair value was $ 7.21 for grants issued in 2022. The fair value per unit or share granted in 2022 was estimated on the respective dates of grant using the following assumptions: an expected life from 2.0 to 5.3 years, a dividend rate of 2.0 %, a risk-free interest rate from 1.4 % to 2.0 %, and an expected price volatility from 37.0 % to 53.0 %. No other stock options, dividend equivalents, or stock appreciation rights were issued or outstanding in 2022.
The following is a summary of ESRT restricted stock and LTIP unit activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2022:
Restricted Stock Time-based LTIPs Market-based LTIPs Performance-based LTIPs Weighted Average Grant Fair Value
Unvested balance at December 31, 2021 214,408 2,499,592 5,039,134 — $ 7.02
Vested ( 68,867 ) ( 1,052,119 ) — — 9.95
Granted 232,448 1,514,434 780,155 578,943 7.21
Forfeited or unearned ( 17,830 ) — ( 1,311,839 ) — 7.21
Unvested balance at September 30, 2022 360,159 2,961,907 4,507,450 578,943 $ 6.67
The time-based LTIPs and ESRT restricted stock awards are treated for accounting purposes as immediately vested upon the later of (i) the date the grantee attains the age of 60 or 65 , as applicable, and (ii) the date on which grantee has first completed ten years of continuous service with our company or its affiliates. For award agreements that qualify, we recognize noncash compensation expense on the grant date for the time-based awards and ratably over the vesting period for the market-based and performance-based awards, and accordingly, we recognized $ 0.4 million and $ 2.0 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022, respectively, and $ 0.7 million and $ 2.1 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, respectively. Unrecognized compensation expense was $ 1.2 million at September 30, 2022, which will be recognized over a weighted average period of 3.3 years.
For the remainder of the LTIP unit and ESRT restricted stock awards, we recognize noncash compensation expense ratably over the vesting period, and accordingly, we recognized noncash compensation expense of $ 4.8 million and $ 13.7
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million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022, respectively, and $ 4.7 million and $ 13.3 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, respectively. Unrecognized compensation expense was $ 30.7 million at September 30, 2022, which will be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.6 years.
Earnings Per Unit
Earnings per unit for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021 is computed as follows (amounts in thousands, except per share amounts):
Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2022 September 30, 2021 September 30, 2022 September 30, 2021
Numerator:
Net income (loss) $ 10,118 $ ( 10,183 ) $ 41,592 $ ( 8,963 )
Private perpetual preferred unit distributions ( 1,050 ) ( 1,050 ) ( 3,151 ) ( 3,151 )
Net loss attributable to non-controlling interests in other partnerships 49 — 271 —
Earnings allocated to unvested units — ( 114 ) — ( 227 )
Net income (loss) attributable to common unitholders – basic and diluted $ 9,117 $ ( 11,347 ) $ 38,712 $ ( 12,341 )
Denominator:
Weighted average units outstanding – basic 266,035 277,716 269,880 277,829
Effect of dilutive securities:
Stock-based compensation plans
1,086 — 1,086 —
Weighted average units outstanding –- diluted 267,121 277,716 270,966 277,829
Earnings per share:
Basic $ 0.03 $ ( 0.04 ) $ 0.14 $ ( 0.04 )
Diluted $ 0.03 $ ( 0.04 ) $ 0.14 $ ( 0.04 )
There were zero and zero antidilutive shares and LTIP units for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022, respectively, and 1,084 and 998 antidilutive shares and LTIP units for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, respectively.
11. Related Party Transactions
Supervisory Fee Revenue
We earned supervisory fees from entities affiliated with Anthony E. Malkin, our Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, of $ 0.2 million and $ 0.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively, and $ 0.8 million and $ 0.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively. These fees are included within third-party management and other fees.
Property Management Fee Revenue
We earned property management fees from entities affiliated with Anthony E. Malkin of $ 0.1 million and $ 0.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively, and $ 0.2 million and $ 0.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively. These fees are included within third-party management and other fees.
Other
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We receive rent generally at the market rental rate for 5,447 square feet of leased space from entities affiliated with Anthony E. Malkin at one of our properties. Under the lease, the tenant has the right to cancel such lease without special payment on 90 days’ notice. We also have a shared use agreement with such tenant, to occupy a portion of the leased premises as the office location for Peter L. Malkin, our chairman emeritus and employee, utilizing approximately 15 % of the space, for which we pay to such tenant an allocable pro rata share of the cost. We also have agreements with these entities and excluded properties and businesses to provide them with general computer-related support services. Total revenue aggregated $ 0.1 million and $ 0.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively, and $ 0.2 million and $ 0.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
12. Segment Reporting
We have identified two reportable segments: (1) real estate and (2) observatory. Our real estate segment includes all activities related to the ownership, management, operation, acquisition, redevelopment, repositioning and disposition of our traditional real estate assets. Our observatory segment includes the operation of the 86th and 102nd floor observatories at the Empire State Building. These two lines of businesses are managed separately because each business requires different support infrastructures, provides different services and has dissimilar economic characteristics such as investments needed, stream of revenues and marketing strategies. We account for intersegment sales and rents as if the sales or rents were to third parties, that is, at current market prices.
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The following tables provide components of segment net income (loss) for each segment for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021 (amounts in thousands):
Three Months Ended September 30, 2022
Real Estate Observatory Intersegment Elimination Total
Revenues:
Rental revenue $ 148,290 $ — $ — $ 148,290
Intercompany rental revenue 19,072 — ( 19,072 ) —
Observatory revenue — 33,051 — 33,051
Lease termination fees — — — —
Third-party management and other fees 389 — — 389
Other revenue and fees 1,982 — — 1,982
Total revenues 169,733 33,051 ( 19,072 ) 183,712
Operating expenses:
Property operating expenses 42,798 — — 42,798
Intercompany rent expense — 19,072 ( 19,072 ) —
Ground rent expense 2,331 — — 2,331
General and administrative expenses 15,725 — — 15,725
Observatory expenses — 8,516 — 8,516
Real estate taxes 31,831 — — 31,831
Depreciation and amortization 46,933 51 — 46,984
Total operating expenses 139,618 27,639 ( 19,072 ) 148,185
Total operating income 30,115 5,412 — 35,527
Other income (expense):
Interest income 1,530 34 — 1,564
Interest expense ( 25,516 ) — — ( 25,516 )
Gain on disposition of property — — — —
Income before income taxes 6,129 5,446 — 11,575
Income tax expense ( 359 ) ( 1,098 ) — ( 1,457 )
Net income $ 5,770 $ 4,348 $ — $ 10,118
Segment assets $ 3,950,883 $ 250,257 $ — $ 4,201,140
Expenditures for segment assets $ 18,686 $ 24 $ — $ 18,710
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Three Months Ended September 30, 2021
Real Estate Observatory Intersegment Elimination Total
Revenues:
Rental revenue $ 139,558 $ — $ — $ 139,558
Intercompany rental revenue 5,310 — ( 5,310 ) —
Observatory revenue — 12,796 — 12,796
Lease termination fees 11,321 — — 11,321
Third-party management and other fees 314 — — 314
Other revenue and fees 921 138 — 1,059
Total revenues 157,424 12,934 ( 5,310 ) 165,048
Operating expenses:
Property operating expenses 33,357 — — 33,357
Intercompany rent expense — 5,310 ( 5,310 ) —
Ground rent expense 2,331 — — 2,331
General and administrative expenses 14,427 — — 14,427
Observatory expenses — 6,370 — 6,370
Real estate taxes 29,566 — — 29,566
Depreciation and amortization 65,759 35 — 65,794
Total operating expenses 145,440 11,715 ( 5,310 ) 151,845
Total operating income (loss) 11,984 1,219 — 13,203
Other income (expense):
Interest income 211 — — 211
Interest expense ( 23,577 ) — — ( 23,577 )
Income (loss) before income taxes ( 11,382 ) 1,219 — ( 10,163 )
Income tax (expense) benefit 53 ( 73 ) — ( 20 )
Net income (loss) $ ( 11,329 ) $ 1,146 $ — $ ( 10,183 )
Segment assets $ 3,870,142 $ 242,021 $ — $ 4,112,163
Expenditures for segment assets $ 21,349 $ — $ — $ 21,349
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Nine Months Ended September 30, 2022
Real Estate Observatory Intersegment Elimination Total
Revenues:
Rental revenue $ 445,143 $ — $ — $ 445,143
Intercompany rental revenue 46,801 — ( 46,801 ) —
Observatory revenue — 73,660 — 73,660
Lease termination fees 20,032 — — 20,032
Third-party management and other fees 1,025 — — 1,025
Other revenue and fees 5,908 — — 5,908
Total revenues 518,909 73,660 ( 46,801 ) 545,768
Operating expenses:
Property operating expenses 118,875 — — 118,875
Intercompany rent expense — 46,801 ( 46,801 ) —
Ground rent expense 6,994 — — 6,994
General and administrative expenses 45,287 — — 45,287
Observatory expenses — 22,507 — 22,507
Real estate taxes 91,637 — — 91,637
Depreciation and amortization 172,258 136 — 172,394
Total operating expenses 435,051 69,444 ( 46,801 ) 457,694
Total operating income (loss)
83,858 4,216 — 88,074
Other income (expense):
Interest income 2,105 39 — 2,144
Interest expense ( 75,572 ) — — ( 75,572 )
Gain on disposition of property 27,170 — — 27,170
Income (loss) before income taxes 37,561 4,255 — 41,816
Income tax (expense) benefit ( 541 ) 317 — ( 224 )
Net income $ 37,020 $ 4,572 $ — $ 41,592
Expenditures for segment assets $ 70,795 $ 315 $ — $ 71,110
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Nine Months Ended September 30, 2021
Real Estate Observatory Intersegment Elimination Total
Revenues:
Rental revenue $ 420,586 $ — $ — $ 420,586
Intercompany rental revenue 16,271 — ( 16,271 ) —
Observatory revenue — 23,758 — 23,758
Lease termination fees 15,949 — — 15,949
Third-party management and other fees 917 — — 917
Other revenue and fees 2,412 138 — 2,550
Total revenues 456,135 23,896 ( 16,271 ) 463,760
Operating expenses:
Property operating expenses 92,429 — — 92,429
Intercompany rent expense — 16,271 ( 16,271 ) —
Ground rent expense 6,994 — — 6,994
General and administrative expenses 42,369 — — 42,369
Observatory expenses — 16,226 — 16,226
Real estate taxes 92,367 — — 92,367
Depreciation and amortization 155,244 95 — 155,339
Total operating expenses 389,403 32,592 ( 16,271 ) 405,724
Total operating income (loss) 66,732 ( 8,696 ) — 58,036
Other income (expense):
Interest income 494 3 — 497
Interest expense ( 70,553 ) — — ( 70,553 )
Loss on early extinguishment of debt
( 214 ) — — ( 214 )
Income (loss) before income taxes ( 3,541 ) ( 8,693 ) — ( 12,234 )
Income tax (expense) benefit ( 365 ) 3,636 — 3,271
Net loss $ ( 3,906 ) $ ( 5,057 ) $ — $ ( 8,963 )
Expenditures for segment assets $ 64,655 $ 4 $ — $ 64,659
13. Subsequent Events
None.
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Text extracted from the filing as submitted to EDGAR. Formatting, tables and exhibits are simplified for reading; the original document is authoritative for anything you rely on.