Empire State Realty Trust Inc
For the period ended Dec 31, 2024. Filed Feb 28, 2025.
View on SEC.govAbout this filing
A company's yearly report to the SEC, with audited financial statements. It is the fullest account a company gives of its business, its finances and the risks it sees.
FY2024 · Filed Feb 28, 2025
Extracted filing text, with the paragraph anchors used by the comparison.
See the whole filing, with its images and exhibitsContents
Item 16. FORM 10-K SUMMARY
None.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
EMPIRE STATE REALTY TRUST, INC.
Date: February 28, 2025 By:/s/ Stephen V. Horn
Stephen V. Horn
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer & Chief Accounting Officer
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
Pursuant to the requirements of the Exchange Act, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
| Signature | Title | Date |
|---|---|---|
| /s/ Anthony E. Malkin | Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer | February 28, 2025 |
| Anthony E. Malkin | ||
| (Principal Executive Officer) | ||
| /s/ Christina Chiu | President | February 28, 2025 |
| Christina Chiu | ||
| /s/ Stephen V. Horn | Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer & Chief Accounting Officer | February 28, 2025 |
| Stephen V. Horn | ||
| (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) | ||
| /s/ Thomas J. DeRosa | Director | February 28, 2025 |
| Thomas J. DeRosa | ||
| /s/ Steven J. Gilbert | Lead Independent Director | February 28, 2025 |
| Steven J. Gilbert | ||
| /s/ S. Michael Giliberto | Director | February 28, 2025 |
| S. Michael Giliberto | ||
| /s/ Patricia S. Han | Director | February 28, 2025 |
| Patricia S. Han | ||
| /s/ Grant H. Hill | Director | February 28, 2025 |
| Grant H. Hill | ||
| /s/ R. Paige Hood | Director | February 28, 2025 |
| R. Paige Hood | ||
| /s/ James D. Robinson IV | Director | February 28, 2025 |
| James D. Robinson IV | ||
| /s/ Christina Van Tassell | Director | February 28, 2025 |
| Christina Van Tassell | ||
| /s/ Hannah Yang | Director | February 28, 2025 |
| Hannah Yang | ||
EMPIRE STATE REALTY TRUST
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
| PAGE | |
| Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (PCAOB ID: 42) | F-1 |
| Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 | F-3 |
| Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022 | F-4 |
| Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022 | F-5 |
| Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022 | F-6 |
| Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022 | F-7 |
| Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements | F-9 |
| Financial Statement Schedule: | |
| Schedule III - Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation | F-41 |
To the Stockholders and the Board of Directors of Empire State Realty Trust, Inc.
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Empire State Realty Trust, Inc. (the Company) as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, stockholders' equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2024, and the related notes and financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15(a) (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company at December 31, 2024 and 2023, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2024, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2024, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework), and our report dated February 28, 2025 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Critical Audit Matter
The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current period audit of the financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective or complex judgments. The communication of the critical audit matter does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.
| Valuation of goodwill – observatory | ||
| Description of the Matter | At December 31, 2024, the Company’s goodwill related to the Observatory reporting unit was $227.5 million as disclosed in Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements. As discussed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, goodwill is tested for impairment at least annually or more frequently if there are indicators of impairment. | |
|---|---|---|
| The Company performed its annual impairment testing as of October 1, 2024 and engaged a third-party valuation specialist to perform valuation procedures. | ||
| Auditing management’s goodwill impairment test was subjective due to the judgmental nature of the weighted average cost of capital (WACC) assumption, which is affected by expectations about future performance of the Company and economic conditions. | ||
| How We Addressed the Matter in Our Audit | We obtained an understanding, evaluated the design, and tested the operating effectiveness of controls over the Company’s goodwill impairment process, including controls over management’s review of the assumption described above. | |
| To test the estimated fair value of the Company’s Observatory reporting unit, we performed audit procedures that included, among other procedures, assessing the methodologies and testing the calculation of the WACC, including its utilization in the Company’s fair value estimate of goodwill. We involved internal valuation specialists in assessing the fair value methodologies applied and evaluating the reasonableness of the WACC using observable Company and market-specific data. We compared the assumptions used by management in the calculation of the WACC to current industry and economic trends, historical performance, and other relevant factors, and performed sensitivity analyses to evaluate the changes in the fair value of the Observatory reporting unit that would result from changes in the WACC. | ||
/s/Ernst & Young LLP
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2010.
New York, New York
February 28, 2025
| (amounts in thousands, except per share amounts) | December 31, 2024 | December 31, 2023 |
|---|---|---|
| ASSETS | ||
| Commercial real estate properties, at cost: | ||
| Land | $386,423 | $366,357 |
| Development costs | 8,187 | 8,178 |
| Building and improvements | 3,392,043 | 3,280,657 |
| 3,786,653 | 3,655,192 | |
| Less: accumulated depreciation | (1,274,193) | (1,250,062) |
| Commercial real estate properties, net | 2,512,460 | 2,405,130 |
| Contract asset | 170,419 | — |
| Cash and cash equivalents | 385,465 | 346,620 |
| Restricted cash | 43,837 | 60,336 |
| Tenant and other receivables | 31,427 | 39,836 |
| Deferred rent receivables | 247,754 | 255,628 |
| Prepaid expenses and other assets | 101,852 | 98,167 |
| Deferred costs, net | 183,987 | 172,457 |
| Acquired below-market ground leases, net | 313,410 | 321,241 |
| Right of use assets | 28,197 | 28,439 |
| Goodwill | 491,479 | 491,479 |
| Total assets | $4,510,287 | $4,219,333 |
| LIABILITIES AND EQUITY | ||
| Liabilities: | ||
| Mortgage notes payable, net | 692,176 | 877,388 |
| Senior unsecured notes, net | 1,197,061 | 973,872 |
| Unsecured term loan facilities, net | 268,731 | 389,286 |
| Unsecured revolving credit facility | 120,000 | — |
| Debt associated with property in receivership | 177,667 | — |
| Accrued interest associated with property in receivership | 5,433 | — |
| Accounts payable and accrued expenses | 132,016 | 99,756 |
| Acquired below-market leases, net | 19,497 | 13,750 |
| Ground lease liabilities | 28,197 | 28,439 |
| Deferred revenue and other liabilities | 62,639 | 70,298 |
| Tenants’ security deposits | 24,908 | 35,499 |
| Total liabilities | 2,728,325 | 2,488,288 |
| Commitments and contingencies | ||
| Equity: | ||
| Empire State Realty Trust, Inc. stockholders' equity: | ||
| Preferred stock, $0.01 par value per share, 50,000 shares authorized, none issued or outstanding | — | — |
| Class A common stock, $0.01 par value per share, 400,000 shares authorized, 166,405 and 162,062 shares issued and outstanding in 2024 and 2023, respectively | 1,664 | 1,621 |
| Class B common stock, $0.01 par value per share, 50,000 shares authorized, 978 and 984 shares issued and outstanding in 2024 and 2023, respectively | 10 | 10 |
| Additional paid-in capital | 1,077,976 | 1,060,969 |
| Accumulated other comprehensive income | 9,934 | 6,026 |
| Retained deficit | (58,888) | (83,108) |
| Total Empire State Realty Trust, Inc.'s stockholders' equity | 1,030,696 | 985,518 |
| Non-controlling interests in Operating Partnership | 721,326 | 700,180 |
| Non-controlling interests in other partnerships | — | 15,407 |
| Private perpetual preferred units: | ||
| Series 2019 Private perpetual preferred units, $13.52 per unit liquidation preference, 4,664 issued and outstanding in 2024 and 2023 | 21,936 | 21,936 |
| Series 2014 Private perpetual preferred units, $16.62 per unit liquidation preference, 1,560 issued and outstanding in 2024 and 2023 | 8,004 | 8,004 |
| Total equity | 1,781,962 | 1,731,045 |
| Total liabilities and equity | $4,510,287 | $4,219,333 |
| Year Ended December 31, | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| (amounts in thousands, except per share amounts) | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
| Revenues: | |||
| Rental revenue | $614,596 | $597,319 | $591,048 |
| Observatory revenue | 136,377 | 129,366 | 105,978 |
| Lease termination fees | 4,771 | — | 20,032 |
| Third-party management and other fees | 1,170 | 1,351 | 1,361 |
| Other revenue and fees | 11,009 | 11,536 | 8,622 |
| Total revenues | 767,923 | 739,572 | 727,041 |
| Operating expenses: | |||
| Property operating expenses | 179,175 | 167,324 | 157,935 |
| Ground rent expenses | 9,326 | 9,326 | 9,326 |
| General and administrative expenses | 70,234 | 63,939 | 61,765 |
| Observatory expenses | 36,834 | 35,265 | 31,036 |
| Real estate taxes | 128,826 | 127,101 | 123,057 |
| Depreciation and amortization | 184,818 | 189,911 | 216,894 |
| Total operating expenses | 609,213 | 592,866 | 600,013 |
| Total operating income | 158,710 | 146,706 | 127,028 |
| Other income (expense): | |||
| Interest income | 21,298 | 15,136 | 4,948 |
| Interest expense | (105,239) | (101,484) | (101,206) |
| Interest expense associated with property in receivership | (4,471) | — | — |
| Loss on early extinguishment of debt | (553) | — | — |
| Gain on disposition of properties | 13,302 | 26,764 | 33,988 |
| Income before income taxes | 83,047 | 87,122 | 64,758 |
| Income tax expense | (2,688) | (2,715) | (1,546) |
| Net income | 80,359 | 84,407 | 63,212 |
| Private perpetual preferred unit distributions | (4,201) | (4,201) | (4,201) |
| Net (income) loss attributable to non-controlling interests: | |||
| Non-controlling interests in the Operating Partnership | (28,713) | (31,094) | (22,812) |
| Non-controlling interests in other partnerships | (4) | (68) | 243 |
| Net income attributable to common stockholders | $47,441 | $49,044 | $36,442 |
| Total weighted average shares: | |||
| Basic | 164,902 | 161,122 | 165,039 |
| Diluted | 269,019 | 265,633 | 269,948 |
| Earnings per share attributable to common stockholders: | |||
| Basic | $0.29 | $0.30 | $0.22 |
| Diluted | $0.28 | $0.30 | $0.22 |
| Year Ended December 31, | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| (amounts in thousands) | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
| Net income | $80,359 | $84,407 | $63,212 |
| Other comprehensive income (loss): | |||
| Unrealized gain on valuation of interest rate swap agreements | 13,769 | 5,581 | 40,044 |
| Amount reclassified into interest expense | (7,111) | (7,819) | 7,230 |
| Other comprehensive income (loss) | 6,658 | (2,238) | 47,274 |
| Comprehensive income | 87,017 | 82,169 | 110,486 |
| Net income attributable to non-controlling interests and private perpetual preferred unitholders | (32,918) | (35,363) | (26,770) |
| Other comprehensive (income) loss attributable to non-controlling interests | (2,420) | 1,060 | (19,573) |
| Comprehensive income attributable to common stockholders | $51,679 | $47,866 | $64,143 |
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity
| (Amounts in thousands) | Number of Class A Common Shares | Class A Common Stock | Number of Class B Common Shares | Class B Common Stock | Additional Paid-In Capital | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) | Retained Deficit | Total Stockholders' Equity | Non-controlling Interests | Private Perpetual Preferred Units | Total Equity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Balance at December 31, 2021 | 169,221 | $1,692 | 996 | $10 | $1,150,884 | $(20,848) | $(133,610) | $998,128 | $656,264 | $29,940 | $1,684,332 |
| Conversion of operating partnership units and Class B shares to Class A shares | 2,304 | 23 | (6) | — | 4,277 | 195 | — | 4,495 | (4,495) | — | — |
| Repurchases of common shares | (11,571) | (116) | — | — | (100,869) | — | 10,809 | (90,176) | — | — | (90,176) |
| Contributions to consolidated joint venture interests | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 224 | — | 224 |
| Equity compensation: | |||||||||||
| LTIP Units, net of forfeitures | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 20,117 | — | 20,117 |
| Restricted stock, net of forfeitures | 185 | 2 | — | — | 892 | — | — | 894 | — | — | 894 |
| Dividends and distributions | — | — | — | — | — | — | (23,109) | (23,109) | (15,476) | (4,201) | (42,786) |
| Net income | — | — | — | — | — | — | 36,442 | 36,442 | 22,569 | 4,201 | 63,212 |
| Other comprehensive income | — | — | — | — | — | 27,701 | — | 27,701 | 19,573 | — | 47,274 |
| Balance at December 31, 2022 | 160,139 | $1,601 | 990 | $10 | $1,055,184 | $7,048 | $(109,468) | $954,375 | $698,776 | $29,940 | $1,683,091 |
| Conversion of operating partnership units and Class B shares to Class A shares | 3,762 | 38 | (6) | — | 17,477 | 156 | — | 17,671 | (17,671) | — | — |
| Repurchases of common shares | (2,151) | (21) | — | — | (13,084) | — | — | (13,105) | — | — | (13,105) |
| Contributions to consolidated joint venture interests | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 187 | — | 187 |
| Equity compensation: | |||||||||||
| LTIP Units, net of forfeitures | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 18,631 | — | 18,631 |
| Restricted stock, net of forfeitures | 312 | 3 | — | — | 1,392 | — | — | 1,395 | — | — | 1,395 |
| Dividends and distributions | — | — | — | — | — | — | (22,684) | (22,684) | (14,438) | (4,201) | (41,323) |
| Net income | — | — | — | — | — | — | 49,044 | 49,044 | 31,162 | 4,201 | 84,407 |
| Other comprehensive loss | — | — | — | — | — | (1,178) | — | (1,178) | (1,060) | — | (2,238) |
| Balance at December 31, 2023 | 162,062 | $1,621 | 984 | $10 | $1,060,969 | $6,026 | $(83,108) | $985,518 | $715,587 | $29,940 | $1,731,045 |
| Conversion of operating partnership units and Class B shares to Class A shares | 4,203 | 42 | (6) | — | 17,513 | (2,249) | — | 15,306 | (15,306) | — | — |
| Acquisition of non-controlling interest in other partnership | — | — | — | — | (1,805) | 1,919 | — | 114 | (15,411) | — | (15,297) |
| Equity compensation: | |||||||||||
| LTIP Units, net of forfeitures | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 20,387 | — | 20,387 |
| Restricted stock, net of forfeitures | 140 | 1 | — | — | 1,299 | — | — | 1,300 | — | — | 1,300 |
| Dividends and distributions | — | — | — | — | — | — | (23,221) | (23,221) | (15,068) | (4,201) | (42,490) |
| Net income | — | — | — | — | — | — | 47,441 | 47,441 | 28,717 | 4,201 | 80,359 |
| Other comprehensive income | — | — | — | — | — | 4,238 | — | 4,238 | 2,420 | — | 6,658 |
| Balance at December 31, 2024 | 166,405 | $1,664 | 978 | $10 | $1,077,976 | $9,934 | $(58,888) | $1,030,696 | $721,326 | $29,940 | $1,781,962 |
| Year Ended December 31, | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| (amounts in thousands) | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
| Cash Flows From Operating Activities | |||
| Net income | $80,359 | $84,407 | $63,212 |
| Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: | |||
| Depreciation and amortization | 184,818 | 189,911 | 216,894 |
| Gain on sale/disposition of properties | (13,302) | (26,764) | (33,988) |
| Amortization of non-cash items within interest expense | 8,631 | 9,089 | 9,799 |
| Amortization of acquired above- and below-market leases, net | (2,177) | (2,415) | (4,759) |
| Amortization of acquired below-market ground leases | 7,831 | 7,831 | 7,831 |
| Straight-lining of rental revenue | (11,283) | (19,563) | (24,562) |
| Equity based compensation | 21,696 | 20,026 | 21,011 |
| Loss on early extinguishment of debt | 553 | — | — |
| Increase (decrease) in cash flows due to changes in operating assets and liabilities: | |||
| Security deposits | (8,762) | 10,486 | (828) |
| Tenant and other receivables | 6,885 | (15,643) | (5,306) |
| Deferred leasing costs | (21,559) | (17,669) | (36,909) |
| Prepaid expenses and other assets | (5,770) | (5,186) | (2,263) |
| Accounts payable and accrued expenses | 13,592 | 746 | 4,705 |
| Deferred revenue and other liabilities | (620) | (2,765) | (3,664) |
| Net cash provided by operating activities | 260,892 | 232,491 | 211,173 |
| Cash Flows From Investing Activities | |||
| Acquisition of real estate property | (193,071) | (26,910) | (115,593) |
| Net proceeds from disposition of real estate | — | 88,910 | 11,005 |
| Acquisition of non-controlling interests in other partnerships | (14,226) | — | — |
| Reduction of cash from derecognition of property in receivership | (12,876) | — | — |
| Post-closing costs from a prior period sale of property | (4,034) | — | — |
| Additions to building and improvements | (172,906) | (139,328) | (126,268) |
| Development costs | (9) | (12) | (35) |
| Net cash used in investing activities | (397,122) | (77,340) | (230,891) |
| Year Ended December 31, | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| (amounts in thousands) | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
| Cash Flows From Financing Activities | |||
| Repayment of mortgage notes payable | (11,864) | (8,632) | (7,504) |
| Proceeds from unsecured senior notes | 225,000 | — | — |
| Proceeds from unsecured term loan | 95,000 | — | — |
| Repayment of unsecured term loan | (215,000) | — | — |
| Proceeds from unsecured revolving credit facility | 120,000 | — | — |
| Contributions from consolidated joint ventures | — | 187 | 224 |
| Deferred financing costs | (12,070) | — | — |
| Repurchases of common shares | — | (13,105) | (90,176) |
| Private perpetual preferred unit distributions | (4,201) | (4,201) | (4,201) |
| Dividends paid to common stockholders | (23,221) | (22,684) | (23,109) |
| Distributions paid to non-controlling interests in the operating partnership | (15,068) | (14,438) | (15,476) |
| Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities | 158,576 | (62,873) | (140,242) |
| Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash | 22,346 | 92,278 | (159,960) |
| Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash—beginning of period | 406,956 | 314,678 | 474,638 |
| Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash—end of period | $429,302 | $406,956 | $314,678 |
| Reconciliation of Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash: | |||
| Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period | $346,620 | $264,434 | $423,695 |
| Restricted cash at beginning of period | 60,336 | 50,244 | 50,943 |
| Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period | $406,956 | $314,678 | $474,638 |
| Cash and cash equivalents at end of period | $385,465 | $346,620 | $264,434 |
| Restricted cash at end of period | 43,837 | 60,336 | 50,244 |
| Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period | $429,302 | $406,956 | $314,678 |
| Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information: | |||
| Cash paid for interest | $94,670 | $92,000 | $91,012 |
| Cash paid for income taxes | $1,898 | $1,390 | $200 |
| Non-cash investing and financing activities: | |||
| Building and improvements included in accounts payable and accrued expenses | $73,535 | $51,815 | $44,293 |
| Write-off of fully depreciated assets | 14,342 | 33,391 | 35,124 |
| Derivative instruments at fair values included in prepaid expenses and other assets | 13,098 | 11,800 | 17,902 |
| Derivative instruments at fair values included in accounts payable and accrued expenses | — | 85 | — |
| Contract asset | 170,419 | — | — |
| Derecognition of property in receivership and other assets, net | (144,241) | — | — |
| Accrued interest associated with property in receivership | 5,433 | — | — |
| Conversion of operating partnership units and Class B shares to Class A shares | 15,306 | 17,671 | 4,495 |
| Transfer of assets related to assets held for sale | — | — | 35,538 |
| Transfer of liabilities related to assets held for sale | — | — | 5,943 |
| Mortgage assumed in connection with sale of real estate | — | — | 30,117 |
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
- Description of Business and Organization
As used in these consolidated financial statements, unless the context otherwise requires, “we,” “us,” "our," the "Company,” and "ESRT" mean Empire State Realty Trust, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries.
Empire State Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE: ESRT) is a NYC-focused real estate investment trust ("REIT") that owns and operates a portfolio of well-leased, top of tier, modernized, amenitized, and well-located office, retail, and multifamily assets. ESRT’s flagship Empire State Building, the “World's Most Famous Building,” features its iconic Observatory that was declared the #1 Attraction in the World - and the #1 Attraction in the U.S. for the third consecutive year – in Tripadvisor’s 2024 Travelers’ Choice Awards: Best of the Best Things to Do. The Company is a recognized leader in energy efficiency and indoor environmental quality.
As of December 31, 2024, our portfolio was comprised of approximately 7.8 million rentable square feet of office space,0.8 million rentable square feet of retail space and 732 residential units. Our office portfolio included 10 properties (including three long-term ground leasehold interests). Nine of these office properties are located in midtown Manhattan and encompass approximately 7.6 million rentable square feet of office space and 0.5 million rentable square feet of retail space, including the Empire State Building. The remaining office property is located in Stamford, Connecticut, with immediate access to mass transportation. Additionally, we have entitled land adjacent to the Stamford office property that can support the development of either office or residential per local zoning. Our multifamily portfolio included 732 residential units in New York City.
We were organized as a Maryland corporation on July 29, 2011 and commenced operations upon completion of our initial public offering and related formation transactions on October 7, 2013 (the "Offering"). Our operating partnership, Empire State Realty OP, L.P. (the "Operating Partnership"), holds substantially all of our assets and conducts substantially all of our business. As of December 31, 2024, we owned approximately 61.1% of the aggregate operating partnership units in the Operating Partnership. We, as the sole general partner in the Operating Partnership, have responsibility and discretion in the management and control of the Operating Partnership, and the limited partners in the Operating Partnership, in such capacity, have no authority to transact business for, or participate in the management activities of, the Operating Partnership. Accordingly, the Operating Partnership has been consolidated by us. We elected to be subject to tax as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes commencing with our taxable year ended December 31, 2013.
We havetwo entities that elected to be treated as taxable REIT subsidiaries, or TRSs, and are owned by our Operating Partnership. The TRSs, through several wholly owned limited liability companies, conduct third-party services businesses, which include the Empire State Building Observatory, cleaning services, cafeteria, restaurant, health clubs, townhall and lounge, amenity center, and asset and property management services.
- Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP") and with the rules and regulations of the SEC, represent our assets and liabilities and operating results. The consolidated financial statements include our accounts and our partially owned and wholly owned subsidiaries as well as our Operating Partnership and its subsidiaries. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
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. The Operating Partnership is a VIE of
ESRT. As the Operating Partnership is already consolidated in the financial statements of ESRT, the identification of this entity as a VIE has no impact on our consolidated financial statements. We also determined that the Operating Partnership has a variable interest in certain of the intermediary entities that hold title to the assets of the North 6 th Street Collection acquired in 2024. The intermediary entities were utilized to execute like-kind exchanges and subsequent to December 31, 2024, most of the like-kind exchanges were completed and the intermediary entities assigned its ownership interests in these entities to the Operating Partnership. We had no VIEs as of December 31, 2023.
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 consolidated balance sheets and in the 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 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, goodwill, 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 revolving credit and term loan 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.
Revenue Recognition
Rental revenue includes base rents that each tenant pays in accordance with the terms of its respective lease and is reported on a straight-line basis over the non-cancellable term of the lease which includes the effects of rent steps and rent abatements under the leases. In general, we commence rental revenue recognition when the tenant takes possession of the leased space or controls the physical use of the leased space and the leased space is substantially ready for its intended use. We account for all of our leases as operating leases and have elected not to separate non-lease components from lease components. Deferred rent receivables, including free rental periods and leasing arrangements allowing for increased base rent payments, are accounted for in a manner that provides an even amount of fixed lease revenues over the respective non-cancellable lease terms. Differences between rental income recognized and amounts due under the respective lease agreements are recognized as an increase or decrease to deferred rent receivables.
In addition to base rent, our tenants also generally will pay their pro rata share of increases in real estate taxes and operating expenses for the building over a base year. In some leases, in lieu of paying additional rent based upon increases in building operating expenses, the tenant will pay additional rent based upon increases in an index such as the Consumer Price Index over the index value in effect during a base year or contain fixed percentage increases over the base rent to cover escalations.
We recognize rental revenue of acquired in-place above- and below-market leases at their fair values over the terms of the respective leases, including, for below-market leases, fixed option renewal periods, if any.
Lease termination fees are recognized when the fees are determinable, tenant vacancy has occurred, collectability is reasonably assured, we have no continuing obligation to provide services to such former tenants and the payment is not subject to any conditions that must be met or waived.
Observatory Revenue
Revenues from the sale of Observatory tickets are recognized upon admission or ticket expirations. Deferred revenue related to unused and unexpired tickets as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 was $1.9 million and $1.7 million, respectively, and is included in deferred revenue and other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets.
Gains on Sale/Disposition of Real Estate
We record a gain on sale/disposition of real estate pursuant to provisions under Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 610-20, Gains and Losses from the Derecognition of Nonfinancial Assets. Under ASC 610-20, we must first determine whether the transaction is a sale to a customer or non-customer. We do not sell real estate within the ordinary course of our business and therefore, expect that sale transactions will not be contracts with customers. We will next determine whether we would have a controlling financial interest in the property after the sale. If we determine that we do not have a controlling financial interest in the real estate, we would evaluate whether a contract exists under ASC 606 Revenue from Contracts with Customers and whether the buyer has obtained control of the asset that was sold. We recognize the full gain on sale/disposition of real estate when the derecognition criteria under ASC 610-20 have been met.
Third-Party Management and Other Fees
We earn revenue arising from contractual agreements with related party entities for asset and property management services. This revenue is recognized as the related services are performed under the respective agreements in place.
Other Revenues and Fees
Other revenues and fees include parking income, legal, tax and insurance settlements, demand response energy use earnings and sales from our restaurant at the Empire State Building.
Advertising and Marketing Costs
Advertising and marketing costs are expensed as incurred. The expense for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022 was $11.6 million, $10.9 million and $10.8 million, respectively, and are included within operating expenses, observatory expenses, and general and administrative expenses in our consolidated statements of operations.
Real Estate Properties and Related Intangible Assets
Land and buildings and improvements are recorded at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. The recorded cost includes cost of acquisitions, development and construction and tenant allowances and improvements. Expenditures for ordinary repairs and maintenance are charged to property operating expense as incurred. Significant replacements and betterments which improve or extend the life of the asset are capitalized. Tenant improvements which improve or extend the life of the asset are capitalized. If a tenant vacates its space prior to the contractual termination of its lease, the unamortized balance of any tenant improvements are written off if they are replaced or have no future value. For developed properties, direct and indirect costs that clearly relate to projects under development are capitalized. Costs include construction costs, professional services such as architectural and legal costs, capitalized interest and direct payroll costs. We begin capitalization when the project is probable. The assets relating to the project are stated at cost and are not depreciated. Once construction is completed and the assets are placed in service, the assets are reclassified to the appropriate asset class and depreciated in accordance with the useful lives as indicated below. Capitalization of interest ceases when the asset is ready for its intended use, which is generally near the date that a certificate of occupancy is obtained. There wasno capitalized interest for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023.
Depreciation and amortization are computed using the straight-line method for financial reporting purposes. Buildings and improvements are depreciated over the shorter of 39 years, the useful life, or the remaining term of any leasehold interest. Tenant improvement costs, which are included in building and improvements in the consolidated balance sheets, are depreciated over the shorter of (i) the related remaining lease term or (ii) the life of the improvement. Corporate and other equipment is depreciated over three toseven years.
Acquisitions of properties are accounted for utilizing the acquisition method, and accordingly the purchase cost is allocated to tangible and intangible assets and liabilities based on their relative fair values. The fair value of tangible assets acquired is determined by valuing the property as if it were vacant, applying methods similar to those used by independent appraisers of income-producing property. The resulting value is then allocated to land, buildings and improvements, and tenant improvements based on our determination of the fair value of these assets. The assumptions used in the allocation of fair values to assets acquired are based on our best estimates at the time of evaluation.
Fair value is assigned to above-market and below-market leases based on the difference between (a) the contractual amounts to be paid by the tenant based on the existing lease and (b) our estimate of current market lease rates for the corresponding in-place leases, over the remaining terms of the in-place leases. Capitalized above-market lease amounts are amortized as a decrease to rental revenue over the remaining terms of the respective leases. Capitalized below-market lease amounts are amortized as an increase to rental revenue over the remaining terms of the respective leases. If a tenant vacates its space prior to the contractual termination of the lease and no rental payments are being made on the lease, any unamortized balance of the related intangible will be written off.
The aggregate value of other acquired intangible assets consists of acquired ground leases and acquired in-place leases and tenant relationships. The fair value allocated to acquired in-place leases consists of a variety of components including, but not necessarily limited to: (a) the value associated with avoiding the cost of originating the acquired in-place leases (i.e. the market cost to execute a lease, including leasing commissions, if any); (b) the value associated with lost revenue related to tenant reimbursable operating costs estimated to be incurred during the assumed lease-up period (i.e. real estate taxes, insurance and other operating expenses); (c) the value associated with lost rental revenue from existing leases during the assumed lease-up period; and (d) the value associated with any other inducements to secure a tenant lease.
We assess the potential for impairment of our long-lived assets, including real estate properties, annually or whenever events occur or a change in circumstances indicate that the recorded value might not be fully recoverable. We determine whether impairment in value has occurred by comparing the estimated future undiscounted cash flows expected from the use and eventual disposition of the asset to its carrying value. If the undiscounted cash flows do not exceed the carrying value, the real estate is adjusted to fair value and an impairment loss is recognized. Assets held for sale are recorded at the lower of cost or fair value less costs to sell and depreciation expense is no longer recorded. We do not believe that the value of any of our other properties and intangible assets were impaired during the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash on hand, government money markets, demand deposits with financial institutions and short-term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less when purchased. Cash and cash equivalents held at major commercial banks may at times exceed the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation limit. To date, we have not experienced any losses on our invested cash.
Restricted Cash
Restricted cash consists of amounts held for tenants in accordance with lease agreements, such as security deposits and amounts held by lenders and/or escrow agents to provide for future real estate tax expenditures and insurance expenditures, tenant vacancy related costs and debt service obligations.
Short-term Investments
Short-term investments include time deposits with original maturities of greater than three months and remaining maturities of less than one year.
Tenant and Other Receivables
Tenant and other receivables, other than deferred rent receivable, are generally expected to be collected within one year.
Deferred Leasing Costs
Deferred leasing costs consist of fees incurred to initiate and renew leases, are amortized on a straight-line basis over the related lease term and the expense is included in depreciation and amortization in our consolidated statements of income. Upon the early termination of a lease, unamortized deferred leasing costs are charged to depreciation and amortization expense.
Deferred Financing Costs
Fees and costs incurred to obtain long-term financing have been deferred and are amortized as a component of interest expense in our consolidated statements of income over the life of the respective long-term financing on the straight-line method, which approximates the effective interest method. Unamortized deferred financing costs are expensed when the associated debt is refinanced or repaid before maturity. Costs incurred in seeking debt, which do not close, are expensed in the period in which it is determined that the financing will not close.
Equity Method Investments
We account for investments under the equity method of accounting where we do not have control but have the ability to exercise significant influence. Under this method, investments are recorded at cost, and the investment accounts are adjusted for our share of the entities’ income or loss and for distributions and contributions. Equity income (loss) is allocated based on the portion of the ownership interest that is controlled by us. The agreements may designate different percentage allocations among investors for profits and losses; however, our recognition of the entity’s income or loss generally follows the entity’s distribution priorities, which may change upon the achievement of certain investment return thresholds.
To the extent that we contributed assets to an entity, our investment in the entity is recorded at cost basis in the assets that were contributed to the entity. Upon contributing assets to an entity, we make a judgment as to whether the economic substance of the transaction is a sale. In accordance with the provisions of ASC 610-20, we will recognize a full gain on both the retained and sold portions of real estate contributed or sold to an entity by recognizing our new equity method investment interest at fair value.
To the extent that the carrying amount of these investments on our combined balance sheets is different than the basis reflected at the entity level, the basis difference would be amortized over the life of the related asset and included in our share of equity in net income of the entity.
On a periodic basis, we assess whether there are any indicators that the carrying value of our investments in entities may be impaired on an other than temporary basis. An investment is impaired only if management’s estimate of the fair value of the investment is less than the carrying value of the investment on an other than temporary basis. To the extent impairment has occurred, the loss shall be measured as the excess of the carrying value of the investment over the fair value of the investment.
As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, we hadno equity method investments.
Goodwill
Goodwill is tested annually for impairment and more frequently if events and circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired. An impairment loss is recognized to the extent that the carrying amount, including goodwill, exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value and the implied fair value of goodwill is less than the carrying amount of that goodwill. Non-amortizing intangible assets, such as trade names and trademarks, are subject to an annual impairment test based on fair value and amortizing intangible assets are tested whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable.
Fair Value
Fair value is a market-based measurement, not an entity-specific measurement, and should be determined based on the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. As a basis for considering market participant assumptions in fair value measurements, the FASB guidance establishes a fair value hierarchy that distinguishes between market participant assumptions based on market data obtained from sources independent of the reporting entity (observable inputs that are classified within levels one and two of the hierarchy) and the reporting entity's own assumptions about market participant assumptions (unobservable inputs classified within Level 3 of the hierarchy).
The methodologies used for valuing financial instruments have been categorized into three broad levels as follows:
Level 1 - Quoted prices in active markets for identical instruments.
Level 2 - Valuations based principally on other observable market parameters, including:
Quoted prices in active markets for similar instruments;
Quoted prices in less active or inactive markets for identical or similar instruments;
Other observable inputs (such as risk free interest rates, yield curves, volatilities, prepayment speeds, loss severities, credit risks and default rates); and
Market corroborated inputs (derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data).
Level 3 - Valuations based significantly on unobservable inputs, including:
Valuations based on third-party indications (broker quotes or counterparty quotes) which were, in turn, based significantly on unobservable inputs or were otherwise not supportable; and
Valuations based on internal models with significant unobservable inputs.
These levels form a hierarchy. We follow this hierarchy for our financial instruments measured or disclosed at fair value on a recurring and nonrecurring basis and other required fair value disclosures. The classifications are based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.
We use the following methods and assumptions in estimating fair value disclosures for financial instruments.
Cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, short-term investments, tenant and other receivables, prepaid expenses and other assets, deferred revenue, tenant security deposits, accounts payable and accrued expenses carrying values approximate their fair values due to the short term maturity of these instruments.
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 of our derivatives were classified as Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.
The fair value of our mortgage notes payable, senior unsecured notes (Series A-K), 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.
Derivative Instruments
We are exposed to the effect of interest rate changes and manage these risks by following policies and procedures including the use of derivatives. To manage exposure to interest rates, derivatives are used primarily to fix the rate on debt based on floating-rate indices. We record all derivatives on the balance sheet at fair value. We incorporate credit valuation adjustments to appropriately reflect both our own nonperformance risk and the respective counterparty’s nonperformance risk in the fair value measurements. We measure the credit risk of our derivative instruments that are subject to master netting agreements on a net basis by counterparty portfolio. For derivatives that qualify as cash flow hedges, we report the gain or loss on the derivative designated as a hedge as part of other comprehensive income (loss) and subsequently reclassify the gain or loss into income in the period that the hedged transaction affects income.
Income Taxes
We elected to be subject to tax as a REIT under sections 856 through 860 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, (the "Code"), commencing with the taxable year ended December 31, 2013 and believe that our intended manner of operations will enable us to continue to meet the requirements for qualification and taxation as a REIT. REITs are subject to a number of organizational and operational requirements, including a requirement that 90% of ordinary “REIT taxable income” (as determined without regard to the dividends paid deduction or net capital gains) be distributed. As a REIT, we will generally not be subject to U.S. federal income tax to the extent that we meet the organizational and operational requirements and our distributions equal or exceed REIT taxable income. For all periods subsequent to the effective date of our REIT election, we have met the organizational and operational requirements and distributions have exceeded net taxable income. Accordingly, no provision has been made for federal income taxes.
We have elected to treat ESRT Observatory TRS, L.L.C., our subsidiary that holds our Observatory operations, and ESRT Holdings TRS, L.L.C., our subsidiary that holds our third-party management, restaurant, cafeteria, health clubs, certain cleaning operations, townhall and lounge, and amenity center as taxable REIT subsidiaries. Taxable REIT subsidiaries may participate in non-real estate activities and/or perform non-customary services for tenants and their operations are generally subject to regular corporate income taxes. Our taxable REIT subsidiaries accounts for its income taxes in accordance with GAAP, which includes an estimate of the amount of taxes payable or refundable for the current year and deferred tax liabilities and assets for the future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in our consolidated financial statements or tax returns. The calculation of the taxable REIT subsidiaries' tax provisions may require interpreting tax laws and regulations and could result in the use of judgments or estimates which could cause its recorded tax liability to differ from the actual amount due. Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. The taxable REIT subsidiaries periodically assess the realizability of deferred tax assets and the adequacy of deferred tax liabilities, including the results of local, state, or federal statutory tax audits or estimates and judgments used.
We apply provisions for measuring and recognizing tax benefits associated with uncertain income tax positions. Penalties and interest, if incurred, would be recorded as a component of income tax expense. As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, we do not have a liability for uncertain tax positions. As of December 31, 2024, the tax years ended December 31, 2021 through December 31, 2024 remain open for an audit by the Internal Revenue Service, state or local authorities.
Share-Based Compensation
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 orfive 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 the requisite 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 orfour 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. Any forfeitures of share-based compensation awards are recognized as they occur.
The determination of fair value of these awards is subjective and involves significant estimates and assumptions including expected volatility of our stock, expected dividend yield, expected term, and assumptions of whether these awards will achieve parity with other Operating Partnership units or achieve performance thresholds. We believe that the assumptions and estimates utilized are appropriate based on the information available to management at the time of grant.
Per Share Data
Basic and diluted earnings per share are computed based upon the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the respective period.
Segment Reporting
The Company's operating segments are based on our method of internal reporting and include our office properties, retail portfolio, multifamily portfolio, and the Observatory. These operating segments have been aggregated for reporting intotwo reportable segments: (1) Real Estate and (2) Observatory. Our real estate segment includes all activities related to the ownership, management, operation, acquisition, repositioning and disposition of our real estate assets. Our Observatory segment operates the 86th and 102nd floor observatories at the Empire State Building. Thesetwo 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 different marketing strategies. We account for intersegment sales and rent as if the sales or rent were to third parties, that is, at current market prices.
Recently Issued or Adopted Accounting Standards
During November 2023, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2023-07, Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures, to improve the disclosures about reportable segments and add more detailed information about a reportable segment’s expenses. The amendments in the ASU require public entities to disclose on an annual and interim basis significant segment expenses that are regularly provided to the chief operating decision maker (“CODM”) and included within the reported measure of segment profit or loss, other segment items and a description of its composition by reportable segment, the title and position of the CODM, and an explanation of how the CODM uses the reported measures of segment profit or loss in assessing segment performance and deciding how to allocate resources. The ASU does not change the definition of a segment, the method for determining segments, the criteria for aggregating operating segments into reportable segments, or the current specifically enumerated segment expenses that are required to be disclosed. We adopted this standard for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, with retrospective application. Such adoption resulted in the enhanced disclosure including the title and position of the CODM, significant segment expenses that are regularly provided to the CODM and included within the reported measure of segment profit, and how the CODM uses the reported measures of segment profit in assessing segment performance and deciding how to allocate resources.
During December 2023, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures. The standard enhances income tax disclosure requirements for all entities by requiring specified categories and greater disaggregation within the rate reconciliation table, disclosure of income taxes paid by jurisdiction, and providing clarification on uncertain tax positions and related financial statement impacts. The amendments in this ASU are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024. Early adoption is permitted. We are evaluating the impact of adopting this new accounting standard on our consolidated financial statements.
During November 2024, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2024-03, Income Statement—Reporting Comprehensive Income—Expense Disaggregation Disclosures (Subtopic 220-40): Disaggregation of Income Statement Expenses. The standard requires that public business entities disclose additional information about specific expense categories in the notes to financial statements for interim and annual reporting periods. The amendments in this ASU are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2026, and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2027. Early adoption is permitted. We are evaluating the impact of adopting this new accounting standard on our consolidated financial statements.
- Acquisitions and Dispositions
Property Acquisitions
In September and October 2024, we closed on the acquisition of a portfolio of retail properties on North 6 th Street in Williamsburg, Brooklyn for a purchase price of $195.0 million.
In September 2024, we entered into an agreement for the acquisition of an additional retail property on North 6th Street in Williamsburg, Brooklyn for approximately $30.0 million.
In September 2023, we closed on the acquisition of a retail property in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, located on the corner of North 6 th Street and Wythe Avenue for a purchase price of $26.4 million.
In December 2022, we closed on the acquisition of a multifamily asset located at 298 Mulberry Street in Manhattan for a purchase price of $114.9 million.
The following table summarizes properties acquired during the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022 (amounts in thousands):
| Intangibles | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Property | Date Acquired | Land | Building and Improvements | Assets | Liabilities | Total |
| The North 6th Street Collection(1) | September 2024-October 2024 | $44,924 | $146,826 | $10,984 | $(9,664) | $193,070 |
| The North 6th Street Collection(2) | 9/14/2023 | 4,851 | 20,936 | 1,573 | (300) | 27,060 |
| 298 Mulberry Street, Manhattan(3) | 12/20/2022 | 40,935 | 69,508 | 5,300 | (150) | 115,593 |
| (1) Includes nine retail properties on North 6th Street in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Includes capitalized transaction costs of $(1.9) million, net of certain closing credits.(2) Includes two retail properties near the Wythe Avenue and North 6th Street corner in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Includes total capitalized transaction costs of $0.7 million.(3) Includes total capitalized transaction costs of $0.8 million. | ||||||
In March 2024, we executed a buyout of the 10% non-controlling interest intwo of our multifamily properties located at 561 10th Avenue and 345 East 94th Street in Manhattan for $14.2 million in cash and the assumption of $18.0 million of in- place debt. As there was no change in control, we accounted for this acquisition as an equity transaction in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification 810-10 and no gain or loss was recognized.
Property Dispositions
The following table summarizes properties disposed of during the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022 (amounts in thousands):
| Property | Date of Disposal | Sales Price | Gain on Disposition |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Stamford Place, Stamford, Connecticut(1) | 5/22/2024 | $165,807 | $13,302 |
| 500 Mamaroneck Avenue, Harrison, New York(2) | 4/5/2023 | 53,000 | 11,075 |
| 69-97 and 103-107 Main Street, Westport, Connecticut | 2/1/2023 | 40,000 | 15,689 |
| 10 Bank Street, White Plains, New York | 12/7/2022 | 42,000 | 6,818 |
| 383 Main Avenue, Norwalk, Connecticut(1) | 4/1/2022 | 30,000 | 27,170 |
| (1) We transferred the First Stamford Place and 383 Main Avenue, which were encumbered by mortgages and other debt obligations of $165.8 million and $30.0 million, respectively, back to the respective lenders in consensual foreclosures and recognized non-cash gains upon the dispositions.(2) The gain is net of approximately $4.5 million of post-closing costs we accrued related to our commitment to reimburse the buyer for a lease that did not occur. We funded the buyer for these costs and we have no further obligations or contingencies related to this property. | |||
In April 2024, we worked with the First Stamford Place mortgage lender to structure a consensual foreclosure. On May 22, 2024, a receiver was appointed and we ended our management of the property. In connection with this, we removed the related assets and liabilities from our consolidated balance sheet and recognized a gain in theconsolidated statements of operations of $13.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2024. We also recorded a contract asset of $170.4 million that represents the amount of obligation, including applicable accrued interest, we expect to be released upon the final resolution of the foreclosure process on First Stamford Place. The gain recognized subsequent to the initial derecognition of the related assets and liabilities of First Stamford Place represents the additional obligation we expect to be released arising from the accrued interest expense associated with the First Stamford Place mortgage, net of certain closing costs. The related debt of $177.7 million and accrued interest of $5.4 million are included in debt associated with property under receivership and accrued interest associated with property under receivership, respectively, in our consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2024. Subsequent to year end, in February 2025, title of the property was transferred to the mortgage lender and we were released of our mortgage obligation.
- Deferred Costs, Acquired Lease Intangibles and Goodwill
Deferred costs, net, consisted of the following:
| (amounts in thousands) | December 31, 2024 | December 31, 2023 |
|---|---|---|
| Deferred leasing costs | $230,836 | $224,295 |
| Acquired in-place lease value, acquired deferred leasing costs and deferred acquisition costs | 137,580 | 158,267 |
| Acquired above-market leases | 19,636 | 23,918 |
| Total deferred costs, excluding deferred financing costs | 388,052 | 406,480 |
| Less: accumulated amortization | (212,972) | (236,900) |
| Total deferred costs, net, excluding net deferred financing costs | 175,080 | 169,580 |
| Deferred financing costs associated with the unsecured revolving credit facility, net of accumulated amortization of $7,783 and $5,709, respectively (See Note 5) and other deferred financing costs | 8,907 | 2,877 |
| Total deferred costs, net | $183,987 | $172,457 |
Acquired below-market ground leases, net, consisted of the following:
| (amounts in thousands) | December 31, 2024 | December 31, 2023 |
|---|---|---|
| Acquired below-market ground leases | $396,916 | $396,916 |
| Less: accumulated amortization | (83,506) | (75,675) |
| Acquired below-market ground leases, net | $313,410 | $321,241 |
Acquired below-market leases, net, consisted of the following:
| (amounts in thousands) | December 31, 2024 | December 31, 2023 |
|---|---|---|
| Acquired below-market leases | $(56,359) | $(55,155) |
| Less: accumulated amortization | 36,862 | 41,405 |
| Acquired below-market leases, net | $(19,497) | $(13,750) |
The total amortization related to deferred costs and acquired lease intangibles consisted of the following:
| Year Ended December 31, | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| (amounts in thousands) | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
| Rental revenue: | |||
| Amortization of below-market leases, net of above-market leases | $2,177 | $2,415 | $4,759 |
| Depreciation and amortization: | |||
| Amortization of deferred leasing costs and acquired deferred leasing costs | 22,469 | 23,612 | 25,448 |
| Amortization related to acquired in-place lease value | 5,196 | 7,421 | 11,839 |
The remaining weighted-average amortization periods as of December 31, 2024 are:
| Weighted-average amortization period | |
| Below-market ground leases | 42.6 years |
|---|---|
| Above-market leases | 5.8 years |
| In-place leases and deferred leasing costs | 5.8 years |
| Below-market leases | 6.0 years |
We expect to recognize amortization expense and rental revenue from the acquired intangible assets and liabilities as follows (amounts in thousands):
| For the year ending: | Future Ground Rent Amortization | Future Amortization Expense | Future Rental Revenue |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $7,831 | $8,159 | $3,513 |
| 2026 | 7,831 | 6,999 | 2,110 |
| 2027 | 7,831 | 6,057 | 1,551 |
| 2028 | 7,831 | 5,265 | 1,360 |
| 2029 | 7,831 | 3,172 | 516 |
| Thereafter | 274,255 | 4,395 | 3,389 |
| $313,410 | $34,047 | $12,439 |
As of December 31, 2024, we had goodwill of $491.5 million. In 2013, we acquired the interests in Empire State Building Company, L.L.C. and 501 Seventh Avenue Associates, L.L.C. for an amount in excess of their net tangible and identified intangible assets and liabilities and as a result we recorded goodwill related to the transaction. Goodwill was allocated $227.5 million to the Observatory operations of the Empire State Building, $250.8 million to Empire State Building, and $13.2 million to 501 Seventh Avenue.
We performed our annual goodwill testing in October 2024, where 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. 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, EBITDA 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. The quantitative analysis performed concluded the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying value. Many of the factors employed in determining whether or not goodwill is impaired are outside of our control, and it is reasonably likely that assumptions and estimates will change in future periods.
- Debt
Debt consisted of the following:
| Principal Balance · As of December 31, 2024 | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (amounts in thousands) · December 31, 2024 · December 31, 2023 · Stated Rate · Effective Rate(1) · Maturity Date(2) | |||||||
| Fixed rate mortgage debt: | |||||||
| First Stamford Place (3) | $— | $175,860 | — | — | — | ||
| 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 | ||
| 1010 Third Avenue and 77 West 55th Street | 34,048 | 34,958 | 4.01% | 4.21% | 1/5/2028 | ||
| Metro Center (4) | 71,600 | 80,070 | 3.59% | 3.67% | 11/5/2029 | ||
| 250 West 57th Street | 180,000 | 180,000 | 2.83% | 3.21% | 12/1/2030 | ||
| 1333 Broadway | 160,000 | 160,000 | 4.21% | 4.29% | 2/5/2033 | ||
| 345 East 94th Street - Series A | 43,600 | 43,600 | 70% of SOFR plus 0.95% | 3.56% | 11/1/2030 | ||
| 345 East 94th Street - Series B | 6,490 | 7,209 | SOFR plus 2.24% | 3.56% | 11/1/2030 | ||
| 561 10th Avenue - Series A | 114,500 | 114,500 | 70% of SOFR plus 1.07% | 3.85% | 11/1/2033 | ||
| 561 10th Avenue - Series B | 14,036 | 15,801 | SOFR plus 2.45% | 3.85% | 11/1/2033 | ||
| Total fixed rate mortgage debt | 704,274 | 891,998 | |||||
| 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 | ||
| Series I | 155,000 | — | 7.20% | 7.39% | 6/17/2029 | ||
| Series J | 45,000 | — | 7.32% | 7.46% | 6/17/2031 | ||
| Series K | 25,000 | — | 7.41% | 7.52% | 6/17/2034 | ||
| Unsecured term loan facility (5) | 175,000 | 175,000 | SOFR plus 1.50% | 4.61% | 12/31/2026 | ||
| Unsecured term loan facility (5) | 95,000 | 215,000 | SOFR plus 1.50% | 4.48% | 3/8/2029 | ||
| Unsecured revolving credit facility (5) | 120,000 | — | SOFR plus 1.30% | 4.04% | 3/8/2029 | ||
| Total principal | 2,294,274 | 2,256,998 | |||||
| Deferred financing costs, net | (10,123) | (9,488) | |||||
| Unamortized debt discount | (6,183) | (6,964) | |||||
| Total | $2,277,968 | $2,240,546 | |||||
(1)The effective rate is the yield as of December 31, 2024 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)In April 2024, we worked with the First Stamford Place mortgage lender to structure a consensual foreclosure. In May 2024, the First Stamford Place property was placed in receivership and accordingly, we reclassified the related debt to debt associated with property under receivership in our consolidated balance sheet. As of December 31, 2024, this debt consists of $164.0 million mortgage loan bearing interest at 4.09% and a $11.9 million loan bearing interest at 6.25%. See Note 3 Acquisitions and Dispositions.
(4)In July 2024, this loan was refinanced and commencing in November 2024, the new principal balance of $71.6 million is interest-only at an interest rate of 3.59%, with afour-year term plus aone-year extension option.
(5)At December 31, 2024, we were in compliance with all debt covenants.
Principal Payments
Aggregate required principal payments at December 31, 2024 are as follows (amounts in thousands):
| Year | Amortization | Maturities | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $3,664 | $100,000 | $103,664 |
| 2026 | 3,957 | 225,000 | 228,957 |
| 2027 | 4,276 | 155,000 | 159,276 |
| 2028 | 3,555 | 146,091 | 149,646 |
| 2029 | 3,890 | 441,600 | 445,490 |
| Thereafter | 14,634 | 1,192,607 | 1,207,241 |
| Total | $33,976 | $2,260,298 | $2,294,274 |
Deferred Financing Costs
Deferred financing costs, net, consisted of the following:
| (amounts in thousands) | December 31, 2024 | December 31, 2023 |
|---|---|---|
| Deferred financing costs, included as a component of net debt | $36,309 | $34,887 |
| Deferred financing costs, included as a component of net deferred costs (See Note 4) | 16,638 | 8,586 |
| Total deferred financing costs | 52,947 | 43,473 |
| Less: accumulated amortization | (33,970) | (31,108) |
| Total deferred financing costs, net | $18,977 | $12,365 |
Amortization expense related to deferred financing costs was $4.3 million, $4.4 million, and $4.9 million, for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively, and was included in interest expense.
Unsecured Revolving Credit and Term Loan Facilities
On March 8, 2024, through our Operating Partnership, we entered into a second amended and restated credit agreement with Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent and the other lenders party thereto, that amends and restates the amended and restated credit agreement, dated August 29, 2017, which governs our senior unsecured revolving credit facility and term loan facility (collectively, the “BofA Credit Facilities”). The BofA Credit Facilities are comprised of a $620.0 million senior unsecured revolving credit facility (the “Revolving Credit Facility”) and a $95.0 million term loan facility (the “BofA Term Loan Facility”). We may request that the BofA Credit Facilities be increased through one or more increases in the Revolving Credit Facility or one or more increases in the BofA Term Loan Facility or the addition of new pari passu term loan tranches, for a maximum aggregate principal amount under the second amended and restated credit agreement not to exceed $1.5 billion.
The Revolving Credit Facility matures on March 8, 2029, inclusive oftwo six-month extension periods and replaced the existing revolving credit facility that was due to mature in March 2025. The BofA Term Loan Facility matures on March 8, 2029, inclusive oftwo twelve-month extension periods and replaced the existing term loan facility that was due to mature in March 2025. Initial interest rates on the BofA Credit Facilities, which may change based on our leverage levels, are SOFR plus a benchmark adjustment of 10 basis points ("adjusted SOFR") plus 130 basis points for any drawn portion of the Revolving Credit Facility and adjusted SOFR plus 150 basis points for the BofA Term Loan Facility. In addition, the BofA Credit Facilities have a sustainability-linked pricing mechanism that reduces the borrowing spread if certain benchmarks are achieved each year. As of December 31, 2024, we had $120.0 million borrowings drawn on the Revolving Credit Facility and $95.0 million under the BofA Term Loan Facility.
On March 13, 2024, through our Operating Partnership, we entered into a third 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. The third amendment provides for, among other things, certain conforming changes to the BofA Credit Facilities agreement, including increases to the capitalization rate for certain of our properties. No other changes were made to the amount of the commitments, the maturity date of the outstanding loans or the covenants. 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 $225.0 million. As of December 31, 2024, our borrowings amounted to $175.0 million under the Wells Term Loan Facility.
The terms of both the BofA Credit Facilities 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 loan documents, loss of real estate investment trust qualification, and occurrence of a change of control. As of December 31, 2024, we were in compliance with these covenants.
Senior Unsecured Notes
On June 17, 2024, we closed on the issuance and sale of an aggregate $225.0 million principal amount of notes, consisting of (a) $155.0 million aggregate principal amount of 7.20% Series I Green Guaranteed Senior Notes due June 17, 2029, (b) $45.0 million aggregate principal amount of 7.32% Series J Green Guaranteed Senior Notes due June 17, 2031 and (c) $25.0 million aggregate principal amount of 7.41% Series K Green Guaranteed Senior Notes due June 17, 2034.
The terms of these senior unsecured notes, like our Series A-H notes, include customary covenants, including limitations on liens, investment, distributions, debt, fundamental changes, and transactions with affiliates and require certain customary financial reports. The terms 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 agreement also contains 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 December 31, 2024, we were in compliance with these covenants.
- Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses
Accounts payable and accrued expenses consist of the following:
| (amounts in thousands) | December 31, 2024 | December 31, 2023 |
|---|---|---|
| Capital expenditures included in accounts payable and accrued expenses | $73,535 | $51,815 |
| Accounts payable and accrued expenses | 54,779 | 44,169 |
| Interest rate swap agreements liability | — | 85 |
| Accrued interest payable | 3,702 | 3,687 |
| Total accounts payable and accrued expenses | $132,016 | $99,756 |
- 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 their obligations.
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 December 31, 2024, we didnot have derivatives in a net liability position.
As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, we had interest rate swaps and caps with an aggregate notional value of $664.0 million and $573.2 million, respectively. The notional value does not represent exposure to credit, interest rate or market risks. As of December 31, 2024, the fair values of our derivative instruments amounted to $13.1 million, which is included in prepaid expenses and other assets on the consolidated balance sheet. As of December 31, 2023, the fair value of our derivative instruments in an asset position amounted to $11.8 million which is included in prepaid expenses and other assets, and $0.1 million in a liability position which is included in accounts payable and accrued expenses on the 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.
As of December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022 our cash flow hedges are deemed highly effective and for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022 net unrealized gains (losses) of $6.7 million, $(2.2) million and $47.3 million, respectively, are reflected in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss) relating to both active and terminated cash flow hedges of interest rate risk. Amounts reported in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) related to derivatives will be reclassified to interest expense as interest payments are made on the debt. We estimate that $1.5 million net gain of the current balance held in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) will be reclassified into interest expense within the next 12 months. Cash payments and receipts related to our cash flow hedges are classified as operating activities and included within our disclosure of cash paid for interest on our consolidated statements of cash flows, consistent with the classification of the hedged interest payments.
The table below summarizes the terms of agreement and the fair value of our derivative financial instruments:
| (amounts in thousands, except percentages) · December 31, 2024 · December 31, 2023 | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Derivative | Notional Amount | Receive Rate | Pay Rate | Effective Date | Expiration Date | Asset | Liability | Asset | Liability |
| Interest rate swap | $36,820 | 70% of 1 Month SOFR | 2.5000% | December 1, 2021 | November 1, 2030 | $759 | $— | $64 | $— |
| Interest rate swap | 103,790 | 70% of 1 Month SOFR | 2.5000% | December 1, 2021 | November 1, 2033 | 2,825 | — | — | (85) |
| Interest rate swap | 10,710 | 70% of 1 Month SOFR | 1.7570% | December 1, 2021 | November 1, 2033 | 743 | — | 546 | — |
| Interest rate swap | 14,189 | 1 Month SOFR | 2.2540% | December 1, 2021 | November 1, 2030 | 754 | — | 782 | — |
| Interest rate cap | — | 70% of 1 Month SOFR | 4.5000% | December 1, 2021 | October 1, 2024 | — | — | — | — |
| Interest rate cap | — | 1 Month SOFR | 5.5000% | December 1, 2021 | October 1, 2024 | — | — | 4 | — |
| Interest rate swap | 175,000 | SOFR Compound | 2.5620% | August 31, 2022 | December 31, 2026 | 4,895 | — | 5,637 | — |
| Interest rate swap | 107,500 | SOFR Compound | 2.6260% | August 19, 2022 | March 19, 2025 | 383 | — | 2,384 | — |
| Interest rate swap | 107,500 | SOFR OIS Compound | 2.6280% | August 19, 2022 | March 19, 2025 | 382 | — | 2,383 | — |
| Interest rate cap | 6,780 | 70% of 1 Month SOFR | 4.5000% | October 1, 2024 | November 1, 2030 | 35 | — | — | — |
| Interest rate cap | 6,676 | 1 Month SOFR | 5.5000% | October 1, 2024 | November 1, 2030 | 81 | — | — | — |
| Interest rate swap | 47,500 | 1 Month SOFR | 3.3090% | March 19, 2025 | March 8, 2029 | 1,117 | — | — | — |
| Interest rate swap | 47,500 | 1 Month SOFR | 3.3030% | March 19, 2025 | March 8, 2029 | 1,124 | — | — | — |
| $663,965 | $13,098 | $— | $11,800 | $(85) | |||||
The table below shows the effect of our derivative financial instruments designated as cash flow hedges on accumulated other comprehensive income (loss):
| Year Ended December 31, | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| (amounts in thousands) | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
| Amount of gain recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) | $13,769 | $5,581 | $40,044 |
| Amount of (gain) loss reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) into interest expense | (7,111) | (7,819) | 7,230 |
The table below shows the effect of our derivative financial instruments designated as cash flow hedges on the consolidated statements of operations:
| Year Ended December 31, | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| (amounts in thousands) | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
| Total interest expense presented in the consolidated statements of operations in which the effects of cash flow hedges are recorded | $(105,239) | $(101,484) | $(101,206) |
| Amount of gain (loss) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) into interest expense | 7,111 | 7,819 | (7,230) |
Fair Valuation
The estimated fair values at December 31, 2024 and 2023 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 following tables summarize the carrying and estimated fair values of our financial instruments:
| Carrying Value · Estimated Fair Value | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (amounts in thousands) · Total · Level 1 · Level 2 · Level 3 | |||||
| Interest rate swaps included in prepaid expenses and other assets | $13,098 | $13,098 | $— | $13,098 | $— |
| Mortgage notes payable | 692,176 | 618,378 | — | — | 618,378 |
| Senior unsecured notes - Series A-K | 1,197,061 | 1,116,149 | — | — | 1,116,149 |
| Unsecured term loan facilities | 268,731 | 270,000 | — | — | 270,000 |
| Unsecured revolving credit facility | 120,000 | 120,000 | — | — | 120,000 |
| Carrying Value · Estimated Fair Value | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (amounts in thousands) · Total · Level 1 · Level 2 · Level 3 | |||||
| Interest rate swaps included in prepaid expenses and other assets | $11,800 | $11,800 | $— | $11,800 | $— |
| Interest rate swaps included in accounts payable and accrued expenses | 85 | 85 | — | 85 | — |
| Mortgage notes payable | 877,388 | 774,280 | — | — | 774,280 |
| Senior unsecured notes - Series A-H | 973,872 | 882,242 | — | — | 882,242 |
| Unsecured term loan facility | 389,286 | 390,000 | — | — | 390,000 |
The fair value of debt associated with property in receivership, which has a carrying value of $177.7 million as of December 31, 2024, and categorized as Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy, was $158.2 million as of December 31, 2024.
Disclosure about the fair value of financial instruments is based on pertinent information available to us as of December 31, 2024 and 2023. 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 consolidated financial statements since that date and current estimates of fair value may differ significantly from the amounts presented herein.
- Leases
Lessor
We lease various commercial spaces to tenants over terms ranging fromone to 30 years. Certain leases have termination options for a fee and/or renewal options. 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. Tenant expense reimbursements are reflected in our December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022 consolidated statements of operations as rental revenue.
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 consisted of the following:
| Year Ended December 31, | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| (amounts in thousands) | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
| Fixed payments | $540,357 | $529,965 | $531,740 |
| Variable payments | 74,239 | 67,354 | 59,308 |
| Total rental revenue | $614,596 | $597,319 | $591,048 |
As of December 31, 2024, we were entitled to the following future contractual minimum lease payments (excluding tenant expense reimbursements) on non-cancellable operating leases to be received which expire on various dates through 2054 (amounts in thousands):
| 2025 | $509,066 |
| 2026 | 484,628 |
| 2027 | 467,741 |
| 2028 | 429,340 |
| 2029 | 361,535 |
| Thereafter | 1,851,338 |
| $4,103,648 |
The above future minimum lease payments exclude tenant recoveries and the net accretion ofabove-market leases 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 tothree ground lease assets and are reflected in right-of-use assets and lease liabilities of $28.2 million as of December 31, 2024 and right-of-use assets and lease liabilities of $28.4 million as of December 31, 2023 in our consolidated balance sheets. 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 ASU 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 December 31, 2024 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 December 31, 2024 was 45.5 years.
As of December 31, 2024, 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):
| 2025 | $1,518 |
| 2026 | 1,503 |
| 2027 | 1,482 |
| 2028 | 1,482 |
| 2029 | 1,482 |
| Thereafter | 59,283 |
| Total undiscounted lease payments | 66,750 |
| Present value discount | (38,553) |
| Ground lease liabilities | $28,197 |
- Commitments and Contingencies
Except as described below, as of December 31, 2024, 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 consolidated financial position, operating results or liquidity.
Violet Shuker Shasha Trust et al. v. Peter L. Malkin, Anthony E. Malkin et al.
As previously disclosed, in October 2014,12 former investors (the "Claimants") in Empire State Building Associates L.L.C. (“ESBA”), which prior to 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) alleged breach of fiduciary duty and related claims in connection with the initial public offering and formation transactions and sought monetary damages and declaratory relief. Claimants had opted out of a prior class action bringing similar claims that were 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 the Claimants approximately $1.2 million, inclusive ofseven years of interest through October 2, 2020. This amount was recorded as an Offering 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, a federal district court denied Respondents' petition to vacate and entered judgement in the aforementioned amount, inclusive of accumulated interest. Respondents 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. On April 20, 2023, the federal appeals court granted the motion and the federal court action challenging the award was dismissed. On April 21, 2023, the Respondents filed a petition to vacate in part and otherwise confirm in New York State court. On April 28, 2023, the Claimants filed a petition to confirm in that same court. On July 31, 2023, the New York State court denied the Respondents’ petition to vacate in part and confirmed the award. On January 22, 2024, that court entered judgment in favor of the Claimants (save for one Claimant, whose petition to confirm was granted in a separate proceeding on July 22, 2024) in an amount of approximately $1.3 million, inclusive of interest. The Respondents believe those rulings are incorrect and have appealed them. In addition, certain of the Claimants in the federal court action brought to toll the statute of limitations and sought to pursue claims in that case against the 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; on January 30, 2025, the district judge adopted that Report and Recommendation and dismissed the case.
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 December 31, 2024, we estimate that we will incur approximately$130.8 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, 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
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 December 31, 2024, 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.
Real Estate Investments
Our properties are located in Manhattan and Brooklyn, New York; and Stamford, Connecticut. The ability of the tenants to honor the terms of their respective leases is dependent upon the economic, regulatory and social factors affecting the markets in which the tenants operate. We perform ongoing credit evaluations of our tenants for potential credit losses.
Tenant Credit Evaluations
Our investments in real estate properties are subject to risks incidental to the ownership and operation of commercial real estate. These risks include, among others, the risks normally associated with changes in general economic conditions, trends in the real estate industry, creditworthiness of tenants, competition of tenants and customers, changes in tax laws, interest rate levels, the availability and cost of financing, and potential liability under environmental and other laws.
We may require tenants to provide some form of credit support such as corporate guarantees and/or other financial guarantees and we perform ongoing credit evaluations of tenants. Although the tenants operate in a variety of industries, to the extent we have a significant concentration of rental revenue from any single tenant, the inability of that tenant to make its lease payments could have an adverse effect on our Company.
Major Customers and Other Concentrations
For the year ended December 31, 2024, other than four tenants who accounted for 7.3%,3.5%,2.3%, and 2.0% of rental revenues, no other tenant in our portfolio accounted for more than 2.0% of rental revenues. For the year ended December 31, 2023, other than four tenants who accounted for 6.8%,2.5%,2.1%, and 2.1% of rental revenues, no other tenant in our portfolio accounted for more than 2.0% of rental revenues. For the year ended December 31, 2022, other than two tenants who accounted for 6.4% and 2.0% of rental revenues, no other tenant in our portfolio accounted for more than 2.0% of rental revenues.
For the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, thethree properties listed below each exceeded 10% of total rental revenues.
| Year Ended December 31, | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | |
| Empire State Building | 31.9% | 29.6% | 29.9% |
| One Grand Central Place | 12.7% | 12.8% | 12.4% |
| 111 West 33rd Street | 10.9% | 10.8% | 11.2% |
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 December 31, 2024, 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
Under various federal, state and/or local laws, ordinances and regulations, as a current or former owner or operator of real property, we may be liable for costs and damages resulting from the presence or release of hazardous substances, waste, or petroleum products at, on, in, under or from such property, including costs for investigation or remediation, natural resource damages, or third-party liability for personal injury or property damage. We also may be liable for the costs of remediating contamination at off-site disposal or treatment facilities when we arrange for disposal or treatment of hazardous substances at such facilities, without regard to whether we comply with environmental laws in doing so. Some of our properties have been or may be impacted by contamination arising from current or prior uses of the property or adjacent properties for commercial, industrial or other purposes. Such contamination may arise from spills of petroleum or hazardous substances or releases from tanks used to store such materials. We also may be liable for the costs of remediating contamination at off-site disposal or treatment facilities when we arrange for disposal or treatment of hazardous substances at such facilities, without regard to whether we comply with environmental laws in doing so. The presence of contamination or the failure to remediate contamination on our properties may adversely affect our ability to attract and/or retain tenants, and our ability to develop or sell or borrow against those properties. In addition to potential liability for cleanup costs, private plaintiffs may bring claims for personal injury, property damage or for similar reasons. Environmental laws also may create liens on contaminated sites in favor of the government for damages and costs it incurs to address such contamination. Moreover, if contamination is discovered on our properties, environmental laws may impose restrictions on the manner in which that property may be used or how businesses may be operated on that property.
Some of our properties are adjacent to or near other properties which are used for industrial or commercial purposes or have contained or currently contain underground storage tanks used to store petroleum products or other hazardous or toxic substances. Releases from these properties could impact our properties. In addition, some of our properties have previously been used by former owners or tenants for commercial or industrial activities, e.g., gas stations and dry cleaners, and a portion of the Metro Tower site is currently used for automobile parking and was formerly leased to a fueling facility that may release petroleum products or other hazardous or toxic substances at such properties or to surrounding properties. While certain properties contain or contained uses that could have or have impacted our properties, we are not aware of any liabilities related to environmental contamination that we believe will have a material adverse effect on our operations.
We have post-closing obligations related to the 69-97 and 103-107 Main Street, Westport, Connecticut properties that we sold in February 2023 to (i) close out a voluntary remediation program at 69-97 Main Street to address residual impacts of prior presence of underground storage tanks and (ii) comply with a consent order issued by the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection to investigate soil conditions at 103-107 Main Street. We believe any expenses incurred to close out and comply with the remediation program and consent order, respectively, will be immaterial to the results of our operations.
In addition, our properties are subject to various federal, state and local environmental and health and safety laws and regulations. Noncompliance with these laws and regulations could subject us or our tenants to liability. These liabilities could affect a tenant’s ability to make rental payments to us. Moreover, changes in laws could increase the potential costs of compliance with such laws and regulations or increase liability for noncompliance. We sometimes require our tenants to comply with environmental and health and safety laws and regulations and to indemnify us for any related liabilities in our leases with them. But in the event of the bankruptcy or inability of any of our tenants to satisfy such obligations, we may be required to satisfy such obligations. We do not believe we have any instances of material non-compliance with environmental or health and safety laws or regulations at our properties, and we believe that we and/or our tenants have all material permits and approvals necessary under current laws and regulations to operate our properties.
In addition, we may become subject to new compliance requirements and/or new costs or taxes associated with natural resource or energy usage and related emissions (such as a carbon tax), which could increase our operating costs. In particular, as the owner of large commercial and multifamily buildings in New York City, we are subject to Local Law 97 passed by the New York City Council in April 2019, which for each such covered building establishes annual limits for greenhouse gas emissions, requires yearly emissions reports beginning in May 2025 for calendar year 2024 performance, and imposes penalties for emissions above such limits. Based upon our present understanding of the law and calculations related thereto, we expect to pay no Local Law 97 fine on any covered building in our portfolio in the 2024-2029 period of enforcement.
As the owner or operator of real property, we may also incur liability based on various building conditions. For example, environmental site assessments have identified asbestos or asbestos-containing material (“ACM”) in certain of our properties, and it is possible that other properties that we currently own or operate or acquire in the future contain ACM. Environmental and health and safety laws require that ACM be properly managed and maintained and may impose fines or penalties on owners, operators or employers for non-compliance with those requirements. In addition, we may be subject to liability for personal injury or property damage sustained as a result of releases of ACM into the environment. We do not believe we have any material liabilities related to building conditions, including any instances of material non-compliance with asbestos requirements or any material liabilities related to asbestos.
Our properties may contain or develop harmful mold or suffer from other indoor air quality or water quality issues, which could lead to liability for adverse health effects or property damage or costs for remediation. When excessive moisture accumulates in buildings or on building materials, mold growth may occur, particularly if the moisture problem remains undiscovered or is not addressed over a period of time. Some molds may produce airborne toxins or irritants. Indoor air quality issues can also stem from inadequate ventilation, chemical contamination from indoor or outdoor sources, and other biological contaminants such as pollen, viruses and bacteria. Indoor exposure to airborne toxins or irritants above certain levels can be alleged to cause a variety of adverse health effects and symptoms, including allergic or other reactions. As a result, the presence of significant mold or other airborne contaminants at any of our properties could require us to undertake a costly remediation program to contain or remove the mold or other airborne or waterborne contaminants from the affected property or increase indoor ventilation or flush and treat water systems. In addition, the presence of significant mold or other airborne or waterborne contaminants could expose us to liability from our tenants, employees of our tenants or others if property damage or personal injury occurs. We do not believe we have any material adverse indoor air quality or water quality issues at our properties.
As of December 31, 2024, with the exception of the Westport assets, 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. 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.
Multiemployer Pension and Defined Contribution Plans
We contribute to a number of multiemployer defined benefit pension plans under the terms of collective bargaining agreements that cover our union-represented employees. The risks of participating in these multiemployer plans are different from single-employer plans in the following respects:
Assets contributed to the multiemployer plan by one employer may be used to provide benefits to employees of other participating employers.
If a participating employer stops contributing to the plan, the unfunded obligations of the plan may be borne by the remaining participating employers.
If we no longer employ union members, we may be required to pay those plans an amount based on the underfunded status of the plan, referred to as a withdrawal liability.
We participate in various unions. The union in which we have significant employees and costs is 32BJ.
32BJ
We participate in the Building Service 32BJ ("Union") Pension Plan and Health Plan. The Pension Plan is a multi-employer, non-contributory defined benefit pension plan that was established under the terms of collective bargaining agreements between the Service Employees International Union, Local 32BJ, the Realty Advisory Board on Labor Relations, Inc. and certain other employers. This Pension Plan is administered by a joint board of trustees consisting of union trustees and employer trustees and operates under employer identification number 13-1879376. The Pension Plan year runs from July 1 to June 30. Employers contribute to the Pension Plan at a fixed rate on behalf of each covered employee. Separate actuarial information regarding such pension plans is not made available to the contributing employers by the union administrators or trustees, since the plans do not maintain separate records for each reporting unit. On September 12, 2024, the actuary certified that for the plan year beginning July 1, 2024, the Pension Plan was in neither critical or endangered status under the Pension Protection Act of 2006. On September 28, 2023 and September 28, 2022, the actuary certified that for the plan year beginning July 1, 2023 and July 1, 2022, respectively, the Pension Plan was in endangered status under the Pension Protection Act of 2006. The Pension Plan trustees adopted a funding improvement plan consistent with this requirement. For the plan years ended June 30, 2024, 2023 and 2022, the Pension Plan received contributions from employers totaling $530.3 million, $317.9 million and $305.7 million, respectively.
The Health Plan was established under the terms of collective bargaining agreements between the Union, the Realty Advisory Board on Labor Relations, Inc. and certain other employers. The Health Plan provides health and other benefits to eligible participants employed in the building service industry who are covered under collective bargaining agreements, or other written agreements, with the Union. The Health Plan is administered by a Board of Trustees with equal representation by the employers and the Union and operates under employer identification number 13-2928869. The Health Plan receives contributions in accordance with collective bargaining agreements or participation agreements. Generally, these agreements provide that the employers contribute to the Health Plan at a fixed rate on behalf of each covered employee. For the plan years ended June 30, 2024, 2023 and 2022, the Health Plan received contributions from employers totaling $1.7 billion, $1.9 billion and $1.6 billion, respectively.
Term of Collective Bargaining Agreements
Our collective bargaining agreement for Service Employees International Union Local 32BJ relating to commercial properties in New York City was renewed and commenced effective January 1, 2024 through December 31, 2027. We are in the process of negotiating a successor agreement to the collective bargaining agreement for Service Employees International Union Local 32BJ relating to our operations in the greater New York metropolitan area. We are also a signatory to another collective bargaining agreement for Service Employees International Union Local 32BJ with a term from April 21, 2022 through April 20, 2026 for our residential properties.
Contributions
Contributions we made to the multi-employer plans for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022 are included in the table below (amounts in thousands):
| Year Ended December 31, | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Benefit Plan | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
| Pension Plans (pension and annuity)(1) | $3,250 | $3,671 | $2,958 |
| Health Plans(2) | 8,636 | 8,812 | 8,618 |
| Other(3) | 370 | 434 | 460 |
| Total plan contributions | $12,256 | $12,917 | $12,036 |
(1)Pension plans include $0.9 million, $0.8 million and $0.8 million for the years ended 2024,2023 and 2022, respectively, to multiemployer plans not discussed above.
(2) Health plans include $1.6 million, $1.6 million and $1.5 million for the years ended 2024,2023 and 2022, respectively, to multiemployer plans not discussed above.
(3) Other consists of union costs which were not itemized between pension and health plans. Other includes $0.3 million, $0.3 million and $0.2 million for the years ended 2024,2023 and 2022, respectively, in connection with other multiemployer plans not discussed above.
The decrease in plan contributions in 2024 is mainly due to negotiated union fee credit received in 2024 and the disposition of First Stamford Place in Stamford, Connecticut. Benefit plan contributions are included in operating expenses in our consolidated statements of operations.
- Equity
Shares and Units
An operating partnership unit ("OP Unit") and a share of our common stock have essentially the same economic characteristics as they receive the same per unit profit distributions of the Operating Partnership. On theone-year anniversary of issuance, an OP Unit may be tendered for redemption for cash; however, we have sole and absolute discretion, and sufficient authorized common stock, to exchange OP Units for shares of common stock on aone-for-one basis instead of cash.
As of December 31, 2024, there were 166,404,831 shares of Class A common stock,978,217 shares of Class B common stock and 106,768,138 OP Units outstanding. The REIT holds a 61.1% controlling interest in the OP. The other 38.9% noncontrolling interest in the OP is diversified among various limited partners, some of whom include Company directors, senior management and employees. We havetwo classes of common stock as a means to give our OP Unit holders voting rights in the public company that correspond to their economic interest in the combined entity. A one-time option was created at our formation transactions for any pre-Offering OP Unit holder to exchange one OP Unit out of every 50 OP Units they owned for one Class B share, and such Class B share carries 50 votes per share.
Stock and Publicly Traded Operating Partnership Unit Repurchase Program
Our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $500.0 million of our Class A common stock and the Operating Partnership’s Series ES, Series 250 and Series 60 operating partnership units from January 1, 2024 through December 31, 2025. Under the program, we may purchase our Class A common stock and the Operating Partnership’s 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 us at our discretion and will be subject to stock price, availability, trading volume, general market conditions, and applicable securities laws. The authorization does not obligate us to acquire any particular amount of securities, and the program may be suspended or discontinued at our discretion without prior notice. As of December 31, 2024, we had $500.0 million remaining of the authorized repurchase amount. There wereno repurchases of equity securities during the year ended December 31, 2024.
The following table summarizes our purchases of equity securities for the year ended December 31, 2024.
| Period | Total Number of Shares Purchased | Average Price Paid Per Share | Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plan | Maximum Approximate Dollar Value Available for Future Purchase |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year ended December 31, 2024 | — | $— | — | $500,000,000 |
Private Perpetual Preferred Units
As of December 31, 2024, 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"). 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.
Dividends and Distributions
The following table summarizes the dividends paid on our Class A common stock and Class B common stock for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022:
| Record Date | Payment Date | Amount per Share |
|---|---|---|
| December 16, 2024 | December 31, 2024 | $0.035 |
| September 16, 2024 | September 30, 2024 | $0.035 |
| June 14, 2024 | June 28, 2024 | $0.035 |
| March 15, 2024 | March 28, 2024 | $0.035 |
| December 18, 2023 | December 29, 2023 | $0.035 |
| September 15, 2023 | September 29, 2023 | $0.035 |
| June 15, 2023 | June 30, 2023 | $0.035 |
| March 15, 2023 | March 31, 2023 | $0.035 |
| December 19, 2022 | December 31, 2022 | $0.035 |
| September 15, 2022 | September 30, 2022 | $0.035 |
| June 15, 2022 | June 30, 2022 | $0.035 |
| March 15, 2022 | March 31, 2022 | $0.035 |
Total dividends paid to common securityholders during 2024, 2023 and 2022 were $23.2 million, $22.7 million and $23.1 million, respectively. Total distributions paid to OP unitholders, excluding inter-company distributions, during 2024, 2023 and 2022 totaled $15.1 million, $14.4 million and $15.5 million, respectively. Total distributions paid to Preferred unitholders during 2024, 2023 and 2022 were $4.2 million, $4.2 million, and $4.2 million, respectively.
Earnings and profits, which determine the tax treatment of distributions to securityholders, will differ from income reported for financial reporting purposes due to the differences for federal income tax purposes, including, but not limited to, treatment of revenue recognition, compensation expense, and basis of depreciable assets and estimated useful lives used to compute depreciation. The 2024 dividends of $0.14 per share are classified for income tax purposes 100.0% as taxable ordinary dividends eligible for the Section 199A deduction and 0% as a return of capital. The 2023 dividends of $0.14 per share are classified for income tax purposes 89.2% as taxable ordinary dividends eligible for the Section 199A deduction and 10.8% as a return of capital. The 2022 dividends of $0.14 per share are classified for income tax purposes 100% as taxable ordinary dividends eligible for the Section 199A deduction and 0% as a return of capital.
Incentive and Share-Based Compensation
On May 9, 2024, the Empire State Realty Trust, Inc. Empire State Realty OP, L.P. 2024 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2024 Plan”) was approved by our shareholders. The 2024 Plan provides for grants to directors, employees and consultants of our Company and Operating Partnership, including options, restricted stock, restricted stock units, stock appreciation rights, performance awards, dividend equivalents and other equity-based awards, and replaced the First Amended and Restated Empire State Realty Trust, Inc. and Empire State Realty OP, L.P. 2019 Equity Incentive Plan ("2019 Plan", and collectively with the 2024 Plan, the "Plans"). The shares of Class A common stock underlying any awards under the Plans that are forfeited, canceled or otherwise terminated, other than by exercise, will be added back to the shares of Class A common stock available for issuance under the 2024 Plan. Shares tendered or held back upon exercise of a stock option or settlement of an award under the Plans 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 Class A common stock available for issuance under the 2024 Plan. In addition, shares of Class A common stock repurchased on the open market will not be added back to the shares of Class A common stock available for issuance under the 2024 Plan.
An aggregate of 11.0 million shares of our common stock was authorized for issuance under awards granted pursuant to the 2024 Plan, and as of December 31, 2024, approximately 10.9 million shares of common stock remain available for future issuance.
Long-term incentive plan ("LTIP") units are a special class of partnership interests in the Operating Partnership. Each LTIP unit awarded will be deemed equivalent to an award ofone share of stock under the Plans, reducing the availability for other equity awards on aone-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, the Operating Partnership will revalue for tax purposes its assets upon the occurrence of certain specified 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 OP unitholders. Subject to any agreed upon exceptions, once vested and having achieved parity with OP unitholders, LTIP units are convertible into OP Units in the Operating Partnership on aone-for-one basis.
LTIP units subject to time-based vesting, whether vested or not, receive the same per unit distributions as OP 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.
In March 2024, we made grants of LTIP units to executive officers under the 2019 Plan, including a total of 1,191,241 LTIP units that are subject to time-based vesting,891,213 LTIP units that are subject to market-based vesting and 689,500 units that are subject to performance-based vesting with fair market values of $9.7 million, $5.4 million and $5.4 million, respectively. In March 2024, we made grants of LTIP units and restricted stock to certain other employees under the 2019 Plan, including a total of 130,016 LTIP units and 259,927 shares of restricted stock that are subject to time-based vesting,118,919 LTIP units that are subject to market-based vesting and 91,901 LTIP units that are subject to performance-based vesting, with fair market values of $1.2 million and $2.6 million, respectively, for the time-based vesting awards, $0.9 million for the market-based vesting awards and $0.9 million for the performance-based vesting awards. The awards subject to time-based vesting vest ratably over a period of years, subject generally to the grantee's continued employment. The vesting of the LTIP units subject to market-based vesting is based on the achievement of relative total stockholder return hurdles over athree-year performance period. The vesting of the LTIP units subject to performance-based vesting is based on the achievement of (i) operational metrics over aone-year performance period, subject to athree-year absolute TSR modifier, and (ii) environmental, social and governance ("ESG") metrics over athree-year performance period.
During the second quarter of 2024, we made grants of 27,473 LTIP units to an employee that are subject to performance-based vesting with a fair market value of $0.3 million and 164,112 LTIP units to our non-employee directors that are subject to time-based vesting with fair market values of $1.5 million.
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 orfive 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 the requisite 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 orfour 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. Any forfeitures of share-based compensation awards are recognized as they occur.
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 our stock at the grant date.
LTIP units and restricted stock issued during the year ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022 were valued at $27.8 million, $21.7 million and $22.4 million, respectively. The weighted-average per unit or share fair value was $7.81, $5.67 and $7.21 for grants issued in 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The fair value per unit or share granted during the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022 was estimated on the respective grant dates using the following assumptions:
| December 31, | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | |
| Expected life | 2.0 to 5.3 years | 2.0 to 5.3 years | 2.0 to 5.3 years |
| Dividend rate | 1.6% | 1.7% | 2.0% |
| Risk-free interest rate | 4.4% - 5.1% | 4.4% - 5.0% | 1.4% - 2.0% |
| Expected price volatility | 37.0% - 48.0% | 35.0% - 46.0% | 37.0% - 53.0% |
No other stock options, dividend equivalents, or stock appreciation rights were issued or outstanding in 2024, 2023 and 2022.
The following is a summary of restricted stock and LTIP unit activity for the year ended December 31, 2024:
| Restricted Stock | Time-based LTIPs | Market-based LTIPs | Performance-based LTIPs | Weighted Average Grant Fair Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unvested balance at December 31, 2023 | 598,289 | 3,297,550 | 2,738,812 | 1,276,363 | $6.60 |
| Vested | (209,221) | (1,167,148) | (885,162) | (2,208) | 7.37 |
| Granted | 259,927 | 1,485,369 | 1,010,132 | 808,874 | 7.81 |
| Forfeited or unearned | (36,579) | — | (234,780) | (4,930) | 7.29 |
| Unvested balance at December 31, 2024 | 612,416 | 3,615,771 | 2,629,002 | 2,078,099 | $6.87 |
The total fair value of LTIP units and restricted stock that vested during 2024, 2023 and 2022 was $16.7 million, $13.3 million and $14.1 million, respectively.
The time-based LTIPs and 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 the requisite 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 $5.9 million, $2.8 million and $2.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Unrecognized compensation expense was $12.3 million at December 31, 2024, which will be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.1 years.
For the remainder of the LTIP unit awards, we recognized noncash compensation expense ratably over the vesting period, and accordingly, we recognized $16.6 million, $17.2 million and $18.7 million in noncash compensation expense for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Unrecognized compensation expense was $19.8 million at December 31, 2024, which will be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.2 years.
Earnings Per Share
Earnings per share is calculated by dividing the net income attributable to common shareholders by the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the respective period. Unvested share-based payment awards that contain non-forfeitable rights to dividends, whether paid or unpaid, are accounted for as participating securities. Share-based payment awards are included in the calculation of diluted income using the treasury stock method if dilutive.
Earnings per share is computed as follows:
| Year Ended December 31, | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| (amounts in thousands, except per share amounts) | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
| Numerator - Basic: | |||
| Net income | $80,359 | $84,407 | $63,212 |
| Private perpetual preferred unit distributions | (4,201) | (4,201) | (4,201) |
| Net income attributable to non-controlling interest in operating partnership | (28,713) | (31,094) | (22,812) |
| Net (income) loss attributable to non-controlling interests in other partnerships | (4) | (68) | 243 |
| Net income attributable to common stockholders - basic | $47,441 | $49,044 | $36,442 |
| Numerator - Diluted: | |||
| Net income | $80,359 | $84,407 | $63,212 |
| Private perpetual preferred unit distributions | (4,201) | (4,201) | (4,201) |
| Net (income) loss attributable to non-controlling interests in other partnerships | (4) | (68) | 243 |
| Net income attributable to common stockholders - diluted | $76,154 | $80,138 | $59,254 |
| Denominator: | |||
| Weighted average shares outstanding - basic | 164,902 | 161,122 | 165,039 |
| Operating partnership units | 99,804 | 102,104 | 103,298 |
| Effect of dilutive securities: | |||
| Stock-based compensation plans | 4,313 | 2,407 | 1,611 |
| Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted | 269,019 | 265,633 | 269,948 |
| Earnings per share - basic | $0.29 | $0.30 | $0.22 |
| Earnings per share - diluted | $0.28 | $0.30 | $0.22 |
There were zero antidilutive shares for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022.
- Related Party Transactions
Sale of Westport Retail Properties
On February 1, 2023, we closed on the disposition of our retail assets located at 69-97 and 103-107 Main Street in Westport, Connecticut, for total consideration of $40.0 million, to an entity affiliated with our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Anthony E. Malkin (the “Westport Transaction”). The Company determined to make the sale to the related party entity after a marketed sale process conducted from February 2022 through August 2022 through a broker in which it received several third-party bids. Deals with third-party purchasers failed to materialize due to adverse changes in capital market conditions during that time. The Westport Transaction materialized due to timing because the related party entity had recently completed a sale of property and was in the market for exchange property to defer tax in a 1031 exchange, and the Company recently executed on the acquisition of 298 Mulberry Street. The $40.0 million valuation for the Westport Transaction is in the range of the bids the Company received during the marketed sale process.
In connection with the Westport Transaction, we advanced a loan to the buyer to facilitate closing with a maximum principal amount of up to $1.0 million, which bore interest at SOFR plus 3.5% and required repayment of principal to the extent of available cash flow of the property. As of December 31, 2023, the loan was fully paid.
The Company has a written Related Party Transactions Policy (the “Policy”) which requires the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee to review the material facts of all related party transactions and consider all relevant factors in approving any related party transaction. Further, the Policy provides that a director or executive officer shall not participate in any consideration, discussion or approval of such related party transaction in which he or she is a related party. The Westport Transaction process was completed in compliance with the Policy.
The independent members of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee conducted an independent review under the guidance of outside counsel and then approved the transaction. The Company reviewed with outside counsel best practices for the specific Westport Transaction and took additional precautions to ensure an arms-length process. There were separate counsels and appraisals for both buyer and seller.
Tax Protection Agreements
In 2013, we entered into a tax protection agreement with Anthony E. Malkin and Peter L. Malkin that is intended to protect to a limited extent the Malkin Group and an additional third-party investor in Metro Center (who was one of the original landowners and was involved in the development of the property) against certain tax consequences arising from a transaction involving one offour properties, which we refer to in this section as the protected assets.
First, this agreement provides that our operating partnership will not sell, exchange, transfer or otherwise dispose of such protected assets, or any interest in a protected asset, until (i) October 7, 2025, with respect to certain of the North 6th Street Collection properties (which are "substituted basis properties" as contemplated by the tax protection agreement for First Stamford Place, which was disposed of subsequent to year end in February 2025) and (ii) the later of (x) October 7, 2021 and (y) the death of both Peter L. Malkin and Isabel W. Malkin, who are 91 and 88 years old, respectively, for the three other protected assets, Metro Center, 298 Mulberry Street (which is the "substituted basis property" for 10 Bank Street, which was sold in December 2022) and 1542 Third Avenue, unless:
(1)Anthony E. Malkin consents to the sale, exchange, transfer or other disposition; or
(2)our operating partnership delivers to each protected party thereunder a cash payment intended to approximate the tax liability arising from the recognition of the pre-contribution built-in gain resulting from the sale, exchange, transfer or other disposition of such protected asset (with the pre-contribution “built-in gain” being not more than the taxable gain that would have been recognized by such protected party if the protected asset been sold for fair market value in a taxable transaction at the time of the consolidation) plus an additional amount so that, after the payment of all taxes on amounts received pursuant to the agreement (including any tax liability incurred as a result of receiving such payment), the protected party retains an amount equal to such protected party’s total tax liability incurred as a result of the recognition of the pre-contribution built-in gain pursuant to such sale, exchange, transfer or other disposition; or
(3)the disposition does not result in a recognition of any built-in gain by the protected party.
Second, with respect to the Malkin Group, including Anthony E. Malkin and Peter L. Malkin, and one additional third-party investor in Metro Center (who was one of the original landowners and was involved in the development of the property), to protect against gain recognition resulting from a reduction in such continuing investor’s share of the operating partnership liabilities, the agreement provides that during the period from October 7, 2013 until such continuing investor owns less than the aggregate number of operating partnership units and shares of common stock equal to 50% of the aggregate number of such units and shares such investor received in the formation transactions, which we refer to in this section as the tax protection period, our operating partnership will (i) refrain from prepaying any amounts outstanding under any indebtedness secured by the protected assets and (ii) use its commercially reasonable efforts to refinance such indebtedness at or prior to maturity at its current principal amount, or, if our operating partnership is unable to refinance such indebtedness at its current principal amount, at the highest principal amount possible. The agreement also provides that, during the tax protection period, our operating partnership will make available to such continuing investors the opportunity (i) to enter into a “bottom dollar” guarantee of their allocable share of $160.0 million of aggregate indebtedness of our operating partnership meeting certain requirements or (ii) in the event our operating partnership has recourse debt outstanding and such a continuing investor agrees, in lieu of guaranteeing debt pursuant to clause (i) above, to enter into a deficit restoration obligation, in each case, in a manner intended to provide an allocation of operating partnership liabilities to the continuing investor. In the event that a continuing investor guarantees debt of our operating partnership, such continuing investor will be responsible, under certain circumstances, for the repayment of the guaranteed amount to the lender in the event that the lender would otherwise recognize a loss on the loan, such as, for example, if property securing the loan was foreclosed and the value was not sufficient to repay a certain amount of the debt. A deficit restoration obligation is a continuing investor’s obligation, under certain circumstances, to contribute a designated amount of capital to our operating partnership upon our operating partnership’s liquidation in the event that the assets of our operating partnership are insufficient to repay our operating partnership liabilities.
Because we expect that our operating partnership will at all times have sufficient liabilities to allow it to meet its obligations to allocate liabilities to its partners that are protected parties under the tax protection agreement, our operating partnership’s indemnification obligation with respect to “certain tax liabilities” would generally arise only in the event that the operating partnership disposes in a taxable transaction of a protected asset within the period specified above in a taxable transaction. In the event of such a disposition, the amount of our operating partnership’s indemnification obligation would depend on several factors, including the amount of “built-in gain,” if any, recognized and allocated to the indemnified partners with respect to such disposition and the effective tax rate to be applied to such gain at the time of such disposition. Our disposition of the 10 Bank Street asset on December 7, 2022 did not trigger any obligation of payment pursuant to the tax protection agreement. Our disposition of the First Stamford Place asset subsequent to year end on February 5, 2025 is not expected to trigger any obligation of payment pursuant to the tax protection agreement.
The operating partnership agreement requires that allocations with respect to such acquired property be made in a manner consistent with Section 704(c) of the Code. Treasury Regulations issued under Section 704(c) of the Code provide partnerships with a choice of several methods of allocating book-tax differences. Under the tax protection agreement, our operating partnership has agreed to use the “traditional method” for accounting for book-tax differences for the properties acquired by our operating partnership in the consolidation. Under the traditional method, which is the least favorable method from our perspective, the carryover basis of the acquired properties in the hands of our operating partnership (i) may cause us to be allocated lower amounts of depreciation and other deductions for tax purposes than would be allocated to us if all of the acquired properties were to have a tax basis equal to their fair market value at the time of acquisition and (ii) in the event of a sale of such properties, could cause us to be allocated gain in excess of its corresponding economic or book gain (or taxable loss that is less than its economic or book loss), with a corresponding benefit to the partners transferring such properties to our operating partnership for interests in our operating partnership.
In 2016, we entered into a tax protection agreement with Q REIT Holding LLC, a Qatar Financial Centre limited liability company and a wholly owned subsidiary of the Qatar Investment Authority, a governmental authority of the State of Qatar ("QREIT", and together with any eligible transferee, "QIA"). Subject to certain minimum thresholds and conditions, we will indemnify QIA for certain applicable U.S. federal and state taxes payable by QIA in connection with dividends paid by us on the QIA shares that are attributable to capital gains from the sale or exchange of any U.S. real property interests. Our obligation to indemnify QIA will terminate one year following the date on which the sum of the QIA shares then owned by QIA falls below 10% of our outstanding common shares.
Registration Rights
We entered into a registration rights agreement with certain persons receiving shares of our common stock or operating partnership units in the formation transactions, including certain members of our senior management team and our other continuing investors. In connection therewith, we have filed, and are obligated to maintain the effectiveness of, an automatically effective shelf registration statement, along with a prospectus supplement, with respect to, among other things, shares of our Class A common stock that may be issued upon redemption of operating partnership units or issued upon conversion of shares of Class B common stock to continuing investors in the public existing entities. Pursuant to the registration rights agreement, under certain circumstances, we will also be required to undertake an underwritten offering upon the written request of the Malkin Group, which we refer to as the holder, provided (i) the registrable shares to be registered in such offering will have a market value of at least $150.0 million, (ii) we will not be obligated to effect more thantwo underwritten offerings during any 12-month period; and (iii) the holder will not have the ability to effect more than four underwritten offerings. In addition, if we file a registration statement with respect to an underwritten offering for our own account or on behalf of the holder, the holder will have the right, subject to certain limitations, to register such number of registrable shares held by him, her or it as each such holder requests. With respect to underwritten offerings on behalf of the holder, we will have the right to register such number of primary shares as we request; provided, however, that if cut backs are required by the managing underwriters of such an offering, our primary shares shall be cutback first (but in no event will our shares be cut back to less than $25.0 million).
We have also agreed to indemnify the persons receiving rights against specified liabilities, including certain potential liabilities arising under the Securities Act, or to contribute to the payments such persons may be required to make in respect thereof. We have agreed to pay all of the expenses relating to the registration and any underwritten offerings of such securities, including, without limitation, all registration, listing, filing and stock exchange or FINRA fees, all fees and expenses of complying with securities or “blue sky” laws, all printing expenses and all fees and disbursements of counsel and independent public accountants retained by us, but excluding underwriting discounts and commissions, any out-of-pocket expenses (except we will pay any holder’s out-of-pocket fees (including disbursements of such holder’s counsel, accountants and other advisors) up to $25,000 in the aggregate for each underwritten offering and each filing of a resale shelf registration statement or demand registration statement), and any transfer taxes.
Employment Agreement and Change in Control Severance Agreements
We entered into employment agreements with Anthony E. Malkin and Christina Chiu, which provide for salary, bonuses and other benefits, including among other things, severance benefits upon a termination of employment under certain circumstances and the issuance of equity awards. In addition, we entered into change in control severance agreements with Thomas P. Durels and Stephen V. Horn.
Indemnification of Our Directors and Officers
We entered into indemnification agreements with each of our directors, executive officers, chairman emeritus and certain other parties, providing for the indemnification by us for certain liabilities and expenses incurred as a result of actions brought, or threatened to be brought, against (i) our directors, executive officers and chairman emeritus and (ii) our executive officers, chairman emeritus and certain other parties who are former members, managers, securityholders, directors, limited partners, general partners, officers or controlling persons of our predecessor in such capacities.
Excluded Properties and Businesses
The Malkin Group, including Anthony E. Malkin, our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, owns non-controlling interests in, and Anthony E. Malkin and Peter L. Malkin control the general partners or managers of, the entities that own interests inseven multi-family properties andfour net leased retail properties, (includingone single tenant retail property in Greenwich, Connecticut). The Malkin Group also owns non-controlling interests inone Manhattan office property, two Manhattan retail properties and several retail properties outside of Manhattan, none of which were contributed to us in the formation transactions, andtwo retail properties in Westport, Connecticut acquired from ESRT in February 2023 (see Sale of Westport Retail Properties above). We refer to the non-controlling interests described above collectively as the excluded properties. In addition, the Malkin Group owns interests inone senior equity fund andthree property managers, which we refer to collectively as the excluded businesses. We do not believe that the excluded properties or the excluded businesses are consistent with our current commercial portfolio or strategic direction.
Pursuant to management and/or service agreements with the owners of interests in those excluded properties and businesses, we are designated as the asset manager (supervisor) and/or property manager of the excluded properties, provide services to certain of the excluded properties and the other excluded businesses. As the manager or service provider, we are paid a management or other fee with respect to those excluded properties and businesses where our predecessor had previously received a management fee and reimbursed for our costs in providing the management and other services to those excluded properties and businesses where our predecessor had not previously received a management fee. Our management of the excluded properties and provision of services to thethree residential property managers and the existing managers of the other excluded businesses represent a minimal portion of our overall business. There is no established time period in which we will continue to provide such services; and Peter L. Malkin and Anthony E. Malkin expect to sell certain properties or unwind these businesses over time. We are not precluded from acquiring all or certain interests in the excluded properties or businesses. If we were to attempt any such acquisition, we anticipate that Anthony E. Malkin, our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, will not participate in the negotiation process on our behalf with respect to our potential acquisition of any of these excluded properties or businesses, and the approval of a majority of our independent directors will be required to approve any such acquisition.
Services are and were provided by us to excluded properties and businesses. These transactions are reflected in our consolidated statements of operations as third-party management and other fees.
We earned asset management (supervisory) and service fees from excluded properties and businesses of $0.8 million, $0.9 million and $1.0 million during the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
We earned property management fees from excluded properties of $0.3 million during each of the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022.
Other
We receive rent generally at market rental rate for 5,447 square feet of leased space from entities affiliated with Anthony E. Malkin atone 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 aggregate revenue was $0.3 million, $0.2 million and $0.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
One of our directors, Hannah Yang, is sister to Heela Yang, who is Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Sol de Janeiro USA, a tenant at One Grand Central Place — the lease is projected to commence in the first quarter of 2025 with a starting annualized rent of $3.5 million. Sol de Janeiro is a subsidiary of L’Occitane, a tenant at 111 W. 33 rd Street.
- Income Taxes
Holdings TRS and Observatory TRS are taxable entities and their consolidated provision for income taxes consisted of the following:
| Year Ended December 31, | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| (amounts in thousands) | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
| Current: | |||
| Federal | $(1,044) | $(783) | $(319) |
| State and local | (1,368) | (695) | (227) |
| Total current | (2,412) | (1,478) | (546) |
| Deferred: | |||
| Federal | (297) | (710) | (264) |
| State and local | 21 | (527) | (736) |
| Total deferred | (276) | (1,237) | (1,000) |
| Income tax expense | $(2,688) | $(2,715) | $(1,546) |
As of December 31, 2024, we had $103.0 million of NOL carryforwards that may be used in the future to reduce the amount otherwise required to be distributed by ESRT to meet REIT requirements. However, for federal income tax purposes, the NOL will not be able to offset more than 80% of ESRT’s REIT taxable income and may not be able to reduce the amount required to be distributed by ESRT to meet REIT requirements to zero. The federal NOL may be carried forward indefinitely. Other limitations may apply to ESRT’s ability to use its NOL to offset taxable income.
We measure deferred tax assets using enacted tax rates that will apply in the years in which the temporary differences are expected to be recovered or paid.
The effective income tax rate is 34.3%,44.5% and 33.6% for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The actual tax provision differed from that computed at the federal statutory corporate rate as follows:
| Year Ended December 31, | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| (amounts in thousands) | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
| Federal tax expense at statutory rate | $(1,341) | $(1,494) | $(583) |
| State income tax expense, net of federal benefit | (1,347) | (1,221) | (963) |
| Income tax expense | $(2,688) | $(2,715) | $(1,546) |
The income tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to deferred tax assets are presented below as of:
| December 31, | ||
|---|---|---|
| (amounts in thousands) | 2024 | 2023 |
| Deferred tax assets: | ||
| Deferred revenue on unredeemed Observatory admission ticket sales | $676 | $616 |
| Federal net operating loss carryforward credit | — | 328 |
| New York State net operating loss carryforward credit | — | — |
| New York City net operating loss carryforward credit | — | — |
| Other deferred tax assets | 253 | 161 |
| Deferred tax assets | $929 | $1,105 |
Deferred tax assets at December 31, 2024 and 2023 are included in prepaid expenses and other assets on the consolidated balance sheets. The deferred tax assets at December 31, 2024 are mainly attributable to a timing difference in recognizing income on unredeemed Observatory admission tickets. No valuation allowance has been recorded against the deferred tax asset because the Company believes it is more likely than not that the deferred tax asset will be realized. This determination is based on the Observatory TRS’s anticipated future taxable income and the reversal of the deferred tax asset.
As of December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, the TRS entities haveno amount of unrecognized tax benefits. As of December 31, 2024, the tax years ended December 31, 2021 through December 31, 2024 remain open for an audit by the Internal Revenue Service, state or local authorities.
- Segment Reporting
The Company's operating segments are based on our method of internal reporting and include our office properties, retail portfolio, multifamily portfolio, and the Observatory. These operating segments have been aggregated for reporting intotwo 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 operates the 86th and 102nd floor observatories at the Empire State Building. Thesetwo 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.
Our Chief Executive Officer, who also serves as our CODM, manages our business, regularly accesses information, and evaluates performance for operating decision-making purposes, including allocation of resources. The CODM uses Net Operating Income ("NOI") to review actual performance and decide whether to invest in capital expenditures, pursue acquisitions and/or dispositions, determine dividend payments, and/or engage in other capital transactions. Our CODM does not evaluate operating segments using asset or liability information.
The following tables provide components of segment profit for each segment:
| (amounts in thousands) | Real Estate | Observatory | Intersegment Elimination | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revenues: | ||||
| Revenue, excluding third-party management and other fees | $630,376 | $136,377 | $— | $766,753 |
| Intercompany rental revenue | 83,477 | — | (83,477) | — |
| Total revenues | 713,853 | 136,377 | (83,477) | 766,753 |
| Segment operating expenses: | ||||
| Property operating expenses | 179,175 | — | — | 179,175 |
| Observatory expenses | — | 36,834 | — | 36,834 |
| Other segment expenses1 | 138,152 | 83,477 | (83,477) | 138,152 |
| Total segment operating expenses | 317,327 | 120,311 | (83,477) | 354,161 |
| Net operating income | 396,526 | 16,066 | — | 412,592 |
| Segment assets | $4,242,953 | $267,334 | $— | $4,510,287 |
| (amounts in thousands) | Real Estate | Observatory | Intersegment Elimination | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revenues: | ||||
| Revenue, excluding third-party management and other fees | $608,855 | $129,366 | $— | $738,221 |
| Intercompany rental revenue | 80,514 | — | (80,514) | — |
| Total revenues | 689,369 | 129,366 | (80,514) | 738,221 |
| Segment operating expenses: | ||||
| Property operating expenses | 167,324 | — | — | 167,324 |
| Observatory expenses | — | 35,265 | — | 35,265 |
| Other segment expenses1 | 136,427 | 80,514 | (80,514) | 136,427 |
| Total segment operating expenses | 303,751 | 115,779 | (80,514) | 339,016 |
| Net operating income | 385,618 | 13,587 | — | 399,205 |
| Segment assets | $3,957,659 | $261,674 | $— | $4,219,333 |
| (amounts in thousands) | Real Estate | Observatory | Intersegment Elimination | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revenues: | ||||
| Revenue, excluding third-party management and other fees | $619,702 | $105,978 | $— | $725,680 |
| Intercompany rental revenue | 65,005 | — | (65,005) | — |
| Total revenues | 684,707 | 105,978 | (65,005) | 725,680 |
| Segment operating expenses: | ||||
| Property operating expenses | 157,935 | — | — | 157,935 |
| Observatory expenses | — | 31,036 | — | 31,036 |
| Other segment expenses1 | 132,383 | 65,005 | (65,005) | 132,383 |
| Total segment operating expenses | 290,318 | 96,041 | (65,005) | 321,354 |
| Net operating income | 394,389 | 9,937 | — | 404,326 |
| Segment assets | $3,909,299 | $254,295 | $— | $4,163,594 |
Below is a reconciliation of Net income to Net operating income:
| Years Ended December 31, | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| (amounts in thousands) | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
| Net income | $80,359 | $84,407 | $63,212 |
| Add: | |||
| General and administrative expenses | 70,234 | 63,939 | 61,765 |
| Depreciation and amortization | 184,818 | 189,911 | 216,894 |
| Interest expense | 105,239 | 101,484 | 101,206 |
| Interest expense associated with property in receivership | 4,471 | — | — |
| Loss on early extinguishment of debt | 553 | — | — |
| Income tax expense | 2,688 | 2,715 | 1,546 |
| Less: | |||
| Gain on sale/disposition of properties | (13,302) | (26,764) | (33,988) |
| Third-party management and other fees | (1,170) | (1,351) | (1,361) |
| Interest income | (21,298) | (15,136) | (4,948) |
| Net operating income | $412,592 | $399,205 | $404,326 |
- Subsequent Events
None.
Schedule III—Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation
(amounts in thousands)
| Initial Cost to the Company · Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition · Gross Amount at which Carried at 12/31/24 · Life on which depreciation in latest income statement is computed | |||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Development · Type · Encumbrances · Land and Development Costs · Building & Improvements · Improvements · Carrying Costs · Land and Development Costs · Buildings & Improvements · Total · Accumulated Depreciation · Date of Construction · Date Acquired | |||||||||||||||||
| 111 West 33rd Street, New York, NY | office / retail | $— | $13,630 | $244,461 | $133,353 | n/a | $13,630 | $377,814 | $391,444 | $(133,410) | 1954 | 2014 | various | ||||
| 1400 Broadway, New York, NY | office / retail | — | — | 96,338 | 125,206 | n/a | — | 221,544 | 221,544 | (80,699) | 1930 | 2014 | various | ||||
| 1333 Broadway, New York, NY | office / retail | 159,228 | 91,434 | 120,190 | 25,122 | n/a | 91,434 | 145,312 | 236,746 | (49,127) | 1915 | 2013 | various | ||||
| 1350 Broadway, New York, NY | office / retail | — | — | 102,518 | 56,202 | n/a | — | 158,720 | 158,720 | (62,039) | 1929 | 2013 | various | ||||
| 250 West 57th Street, New York, NY | office / retail | 176,477 | 2,117 | 5,041 | 187,346 | n/a | 2,117 | 192,387 | 194,504 | (83,335) | 1921 | 1953 | various | ||||
| 501 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY | office / retail | — | 1,100 | 2,600 | 110,322 | n/a | 1,100 | 112,922 | 114,022 | (63,457) | 1923 | 1950 | various | ||||
| 1359 Broadway, New York, NY | office / retail | — | 1,233 | 1,809 | 94,453 | n/a | 1,233 | 96,262 | 97,495 | (38,549) | 1924 | 1953 | various | ||||
| 350 Fifth Avenue (Empire State Building), New York, NY | office / retail | — | 21,551 | 38,934 | 1,137,797 | n/a | 21,551 | 1,176,731 | 1,198,282 | (485,282) | 1930 | 2013 | various | ||||
| One Grand Central Place, New York, NY | office / retail | — | 7,240 | 17,490 | 329,124 | n/a | 7,222 | 346,632 | 353,854 | (177,926) | 1930 | 1954 | various | ||||
| One Station Place, Stamford, CT (Metro Center) | office | 71,407 | 5,313 | 28,602 | 42,636 | n/a | 5,313 | 71,238 | 76,551 | (45,505) | 1987 | 1984 | various | ||||
| 10 Union Square, New York, NY | retail | 49,916 | 5,003 | 12,866 | 7,142 | n/a | 5,003 | 20,008 | 25,011 | (10,880) | 1987 | 1996 | various | ||||
| 1542 Third Avenue, New York, NY | retail | 29,888 | 2,239 | 15,266 | 595 | n/a | 2,239 | 15,861 | 18,100 | (10,198) | 1991 | 1999 | various | ||||
| 1010 Third Avenue, New York, NY and 77 West 55th Street, New York, NY | retail | 33,877 | 4,462 | 15,819 | 4,285 | n/a | 4,462 | 20,104 | 24,566 | (11,565) | 1962 | 1998 | various | ||||
| 345 E 94th Street, New York, NY | multi-family | 48,271 | 44,228 | 55,766 | 6,252 | n/a | 44,228 | 62,018 | 106,246 | (5,376) | 2000 | 2021 | various | ||||
| Victory 561 10th Ave, New York, NY | multi-family | 123,112 | 91,437 | 124,997 | 4,844 | n/a | 91,437 | 129,841 | 221,278 | (11,344) | 2004 | 2021 | various | ||||
| 298 Mulberry, New York, NY | multi-family | — | 40,935 | 69,509 | 4,427 | n/a | 41,126 | 73,745 | 114,871 | (3,884) | 1986 | 2022 | various | ||||
| The North 6th Street Collection, Brooklyn, NY (2023) | retail | — | 4,851 | 20,936 | 403 | n/a | 4,863 | 21,327 | 26,190 | (789) | various1 | 2023 | various | ||||
| The North 6th Street Collection, Brooklyn, NY (2024) | retail | — | 44,924 | 146,826 | 2,751 | n/a | 44,924 | 149,577 | 194,501 | (828) | various1 | 2024 | various | ||||
| Property for development at the Transportation Hub in Stamford, CT | land | — | 4,541 | — | 8,187 | n/a | 12,728 | — | 12,728 | — | n/a | n/a | n/a | ||||
| Totals | $692,176 | $386,238 | $1,119,968 | $2,280,447 | $— | $394,610 | $3,392,043 | $3,786,653 | $(1,274,193) | ||||||||
(1) In 2023 and 2024, the Company acquired two and nine buildings, respectively, collectively known and operated as the North 6 th Street Collection. The buildings acquired are predominantly pre-war buildings that were renovated between the years 2001-2019.
Notes to Schedule III—Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation
(amounts in thousands)
- Reconciliation of Investment Properties
The changes in our investment properties for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022 are as follows:
| 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Balance, beginning of year | $3,655,192 | $3,551,449 | $3,500,917 |
| Acquisition of new properties | 191,750 | 25,787 | 110,444 |
| Improvements | 192,883 | 106,792 | 79,070 |
| Property classified as held for sale | — | — | (61,965) |
| Disposals | (253,172) | (28,836) | (77,017) |
| Balance, end of year | $3,786,653 | $3,655,192 | $3,551,449 |
The unaudited aggregate cost of investment properties for federal income tax purposes as of December 31, 2024 was $4.0 billion.
- Reconciliation of Accumulated Depreciation
The changes in our accumulated depreciation for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022 are as follows:
| 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Balance, beginning of year | $1,250,062 | $1,137,267 | $1,072,938 |
| Depreciation expense | 157,153 | 158,879 | 179,872 |
| Property classified as held for sale | — | — | (30,315) |
| Disposals | (133,022) | (46,084) | (85,228) |
| Balance, end of year | $1,274,193 | $1,250,062 | $1,137,267 |
Depreciation of investment properties reflected in the combined statements of income is calculated over the estimated original lives of the assets as follows:
| Buildings | 39 years or useful life |
|---|---|
| Building improvements | 39 years or useful life |
| Tenant improvements | Term of related lease |
The text of this filing, as the company filed it with the SEC, without its images or exhibits. This is not investment advice.