Revenue Recognition
We lease our properties to tenants under agreements that are classified as leases. We recognize, as rental income, the total minimum lease payments under the leases on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Generally, under the terms of our leases, the majority of property operating expenses, including real estate taxes, insurance, and other property operating expenses are recovered from our tenants and recognized as tenant recovery revenue in the same period we incur the related expenses. As the timing and straight-line pattern of transfer to the lessee for rental revenue and the associated rental recoveries are the same and our leases qualify as operating leases, we account for the present rental revenue and tenant recovery revenue as a single component under Lease Revenue.
We assess the collectibility of lease receivables (including future minimum rental payments) at commencement and throughout the lease term. If we conclude that collection of lease payments is not probable at lease commencement, we will recognize lease payments only as they are received. If collection of lease payments is concluded to be probable at commencement and our assessment of collectibility changes during the lease term, any difference between the revenue that would have been received under the straight-line method and the lease payments that have been collected will be recognized as a current period adjustment to Lease Revenue and revenue will subsequently be accounted for on a cash basis until such time that collection of future rent is deemed probable.
If a lease provides for tenant improvements, we determine whether we or the tenant is the owner of the tenant improvements. When we are the owner of the tenant improvements, any tenant improvements funded by the tenant are treated as lease payments which are deferred and amortized as revenue over the lease term. When the tenant is the owner of the tenant improvements, we record any tenant improvement allowance paid to tenant as a lease inducement and amortize it as a reduction of revenue over the lease term.
We recognize fees received from tenants to fully terminate their lease prior to the contractual end date on a straight-line basis from the notification date through the revised lease end date.
About Revenue Disclosures
Revenue disclosures under ASC 606 explain how a company identifies performance obligations, allocates transaction prices, and determines when revenue is recognized. This section is essential for understanding whether reported revenue reflects genuine economic activity or aggressive accounting choices. Analysts examine the mix of point-in-time versus over-time recognition, which directly affects revenue timing and comparability.
Key signals: rising contract liabilities (deferred revenue) suggest strong future revenue visibility, while declining contract assets may indicate slowing project milestones. Watch for variable consideration estimates — rebates, returns, and performance bonuses that require management judgment. Significant changes in disaggregated revenue by geography or product line can reveal shifting business mix before it appears in headline numbers. Compare revenue growth against contract liability growth to assess sustainability, and scrutinize any changes in the timing of recognition that coincide with earnings pressure.