BREIT 2017 Annual Report

F-8 Investments in Real Estate In accordance with the guidance for business combinations, the Company determines whether the acquisition of a property qualifies as a business combination, which requires that the assets acquired and liabilities assumed constitute a business. If the property acquired does not constitute a business, the Company accounts for the transaction as an asset acquisition. The Company has early adopted Accounting Standards Update 2017-01 — Clarifying the Definition of a Business (“ASU 2017-01”). ASU 2017-01 states that when substantially all of the fair value of the gross assets to be acquired is concentrated in a single identifiable asset or group of similar identifiable assets, the asset or set of assets is not a business. All property acquisitions to date have been accounted for as asset acquisitions. Whether the acquisition of a property acquired is considered a business combination or asset acquisition, the Company recognizes the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, and any non-controlling interest in the acquired entity. In addition, for transactions that are business combinations, the Company evaluates the existence of goodwill or a gain from a bargain purchase. The Company expenses acquisition-related costs associated with business combinations as they are incurred. The Company capitalizes acquisition- related costs associated with asset acquisitions. Upon acquisition of a property, the Company assesses the fair value of acquired tangible and intangible assets (including land, buildings, tenant improvements, “above-market” and “below-market” leases, acquired in-place leases, other identified intangible assets and assumed liabilities) and allocates the purchase price to the acquired assets and assumed liabilities. The Company assesses and considers fair value based on estimated cash flow projections that utilize discount and/or capitalization rates that it deems appropriate, as well as other available market information. Estimates of future cash flows are based on a number of factors including the historical operating results, known and anticipated trends, and market and economic conditions. The fair value of the tangible assets of an acquired property considers the value of the property as if it were vacant. The Company also considers an allocation of purchase price of other acquired intangibles, including acquired in-place leases that may have a customer relationship intangible value, including (but not limited to) the nature and extent of the existing relationship with the tenants, the tenants’ credit quality and expectations of lease renewals. Based on its acquisitions to date, the Company’s allocation to customer relationship intangible assets has not been material. The Company records acquired above-market and below-market leases at their fair values (using a discount rate which reflects the risks associated with the leases acquired) equal to the difference between (1) the contractual amounts to be paid pursuant to each in- place lease and (2) management’s estimate of fair market lease rates for each corresponding in-place lease, measured over a period equal to the remaining term of the lease for above-market leases and the initial term plus the term of any below-market fixed rate renewal options for below-market leases. Other intangible assets acquired include amounts for in-place lease values that are based on the Company’s evaluation of the specific characteristics of each tenant’s lease. Factors to be considered include estimates of carrying costs during hypothetical expected lease-up periods considering current market conditions, and costs to execute similar leases. In estimating carrying costs, the Company includes real estate taxes, insurance and other operating expenses and estimates of lost rentals at market rates during the expected lease-up periods, depending on local market conditions. In estimating costs to execute similar leases, the Company considers leasing commissions, legal and other related expenses. Intangible assets and intangible liabilities are recorded as a component of Other Assets and Accounts Payable, Accrued Expenses, and Other Liabilities, respectively, on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. The amortization of acquired above-market and below-market leases is recorded as an adjustment to Rental Revenue on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations. The amortization of in-place leases is recorded as an adjustment to Depreciation and Amortization Expense on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations. The amortization of below-market and pre-paid ground leases are recorded as an adjustment to Rental Property Operating or Hotel Operating Expenses, as applicable, on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations. The cost of buildings and improvements includes the purchase price of the Company’s properties and any acquisition-related costs, along with any subsequent improvements to such properties. The Company’s investments in real estate are stated at cost and are generally depreciated on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets as follows: Description Depreciable Life Building 30 - 40 years Building- and land improvements 10 years Furniture, fixtures and equipment 1 - 7 years Lease intangibles Over lease term