Annual report pursuant to Section 13 and 15(d)

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

v3.6.0.2
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2016
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

GENERAL

Basis of Accounting — The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements are prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP’’). The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Drive Shack Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries. All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated. The Company consolidates those entities in which it has an investment of 50% or more and has control over significant operating, financial and investing decisions of the entity as well as those entities deemed to be variable interest entities (“VIEs”) in which Drive Shack Inc. is determined to be the primary beneficiary.

For entities over which Drive Shack Inc. exercises significant influence, but which do not meet the requirements for consolidation, Drive Shack Inc. uses the equity method of accounting whereby it records its share of the underlying income of such entities.

Noncontrolling interest represents the equity interest in certain consolidated subsidiaries not owned by Drive Shack Inc. This is related to our Traditional Golf business, a portion of which Drive Shack Inc. does not own. In October 2016, Drive Shack Inc. exited certain golf properties in which the Company had a noncontrolling interest. The noncontrolling interest associated with the remaining golf property has a carrying value of zero. See Note 12 for additional information.

Prior Period Reclassifications — Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current period’s presentation. In connection with the Company’s continued transformation from a financial services company to a leisure and entertainment company, including the announcement of the new management team in September 2016, the revocation of its REIT election effective January 1, 2017, as well as the monetization and planned exit of our real estate related debt positions, the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations have been changed to reflect an operating company presentation. We have reclassified driving range revenue, including the monthly membership program offered at most of our public properties (“The Players Club’’) and miscellaneous revenue associated with operations from “Other revenue” to “Golf course operations”. We have reclassified expenses associated with the cost of merchandise sold from “Cost of sales - golf” to “Operating expenses.” We have added “Loan and security servicing expense” to “General and administrative expense.” The gains and losses associated with derivative instruments have been reclassified from “Other income (loss), net” to “Realized/unrealized (gain) loss on investments” to include balances as part of our operating income (loss). We have also reclassified other-than- temporary impairment related to our equity method investments from “Impairment” to “Other income” to align with our reporting of equity in earnings (losses) of equity method investees, net. The Company did not make changes to its Consolidated Balance Sheets given the carrying value of the real estate related investments, including agency FNMA/FHLMC securities, held by the Company still represents a significant amount on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2016.

Risks and Uncertainties — We plan to develop and construct our Entertainment Golf business through long term land leases, land acquisition and redevelopment of existing golf courses. Developing new entertainment golf venues requires a significant amount of time and resources and poses a number of risks. Construction of new venues may result in cost overruns, delays or unanticipated expenses related to zoning or tax laws. We face competition for potential venue locations. Desirable venues may be unavailable or expensive, and the markets in which new venues are located may deteriorate over time. Additionally, the market potential of venues cannot be precisely determined, and our venues may face competition in new markets from unexpected sources. Constructed venues may not perform up to our expectations. For additional information, see Part I, Item 1A. “Risk Factors - Risk Related to Our Business.”

Use of Estimates — The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Comprehensive Income Comprehensive income is defined as the change in equity of a business enterprise during a period from transactions and other events and circumstances, excluding those resulting from investments by and distributions to owners. For Drive Shack Inc.’s purposes, comprehensive income represents primarily net income, as presented in the Consolidated Statements of Operations, adjusted for unrealized gains or losses on securities available for sale for which we do not have the intent to sell and derivatives designated as cash flow hedges. Unrealized losses on securities with the intent to sell have been reclassified from other comprehensive income into income on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

The following table summarizes Drive Shack Inc.’s accumulated other comprehensive income:
 
December 31,
 
2016
 
2015
Net unrealized gain on securities
$
1,168

 
$
33,277

Net unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives designated as cash flow hedges

 
20

Accumulated other comprehensive income
$
1,168

 
$
33,297



REVENUE RECOGNITION

Golf Course Operations — Revenue from green fees, cart rentals, merchandise sales and other operating activities (consisting primarily of range income, banquets, and club amenities) are generally recognized at the time of sale, when services are rendered and collection is reasonably assured.

Revenue from membership dues is recognized in the month earned. Membership dues received in advance are included in deferred revenues and recognized as revenue ratably over the appropriate period, which is generally twelve months or less. The membership dues are generally structured to cover the club operating costs and membership services.

Private country club members generally pay an advance initiation fee deposit upon their acceptance as a member to the respective country club. Initiation fee deposits are refundable 30 years after the date of acceptance as a member. The difference between the initiation fee deposit paid by the member and the present value of the refund obligation is deferred and recognized into revenue in the Consolidated Statements of Operations on a straight-line basis over the expected life of an active membership, which is estimated to be seven years. The present value of the refund obligation is recorded as a membership deposit liability in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and accretes over a 30-year nonrefundable term using the effective interest method. This accretion is recorded as interest expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Real Estate Securities and Loans Receivable — Drive Shack Inc. invests in securities, including real estate related asset backed securities and FNMA/FHLMC securities. Income on these securities is recognized using a level yield methodology based upon a number of cash flow assumptions that are subject to uncertainties and contingencies. For securities that are not acquired at a discount for credit quality, these assumptions include the rate and timing of principal and interest receipts (which may be subject to prepayments and defaults). For securities acquired at a discount for credit quality and with respect to which management has determined at acquisition that it is probable that all contractually required principal and interest payments will not be collected, these assumptions also include expected losses. For these securities, Drive Shack Inc. recognizes the excess of all expected cash flows over the investment in the securities, referred to as accretable yield, as interest income on a loss-adjusted yield basis. The loss adjusted yield is determined based on an evaluation of the credit status of securities, as described in connection with the analysis of impairment. The excess of total contractual cash flows over the cash flows expected to be collected is referred to as the nonaccretable difference and is not recognized as income. The assumptions that impact income recognition are updated on at least a quarterly basis if applicable to reflect changes related to a particular security, actual historical data, and market changes. These uncertainties and contingencies are difficult to predict and are subject to future events, and economic and market conditions, which may alter the assumptions. Drive Shack Inc. no longer invests in commercial mortgage backed securities but still invests in residential mortgage backed securities as of December 31, 2016.

Drive Shack Inc. also invests in loans, including real estate related loans, residential mortgage loans and subprime mortgage loans. The Company determines at acquisition whether loans will be aggregated into pools based on common risk characteristics (credit quality, loan type, and date of origination or acquisition); loans aggregated into pools are accounted for as if each pool were a single loan. The loans are evaluated at acquisition for evidence of credit quality deterioration. Interest income on performing loans is accrued and recognized as interest income at the contractual rate of interest. Loans for which it is determined that it is probable that all contractually required principal and interest payments at acquisition will not be collected are categorized as loans acquired at a discount for credit quality. Loans receivable are presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheets net of any unamortized discount (or gross of any unamortized premium) and an allowance for loan losses. Discounts or premiums are accreted into interest income on an effective yield or “interest” method, based upon a comparison of actual and expected cash flows, through the expected maturity date of the security or loan. Depending on the nature of the investment, changes to expected cash flows may result in a prospective change to yield or a retrospective change which would include a catch up adjustment. For loans acquired at a discount for credit quality, the difference between contractual cash flows and expected cash flows at acquisition is not accreted (non-accretable difference) and is not recognized as income. Probable increases in expected cash flows would first reverse any previously recorded allowance for loan losses with any remaining increases recognized prospectively as a yield adjustment over the remaining expected life of the loan. Drive Shack Inc. discontinues the accretion of discounts and amortization of premium on loans if they are reclassified from held-for-investment to held-for-sale. Interest income with respect to non-discounted securities or loans is recognized on an accrual basis. Deferred fees and costs, if any, are recognized as a reduction to the interest income over the terms of the securities or loans using the interest method. Upon settlement of securities and loans, the excess (or deficiency) of net proceeds over the net carrying value of such security or loan is recognized as a gain (or loss) in the period of settlement.

Impairment of Securities and Loans — Drive Shack Inc. continually evaluates securities and loans for impairment. Securities and loans are considered to be other-than-temporarily impaired, for financial reporting purposes, generally when it is probable that Drive Shack Inc. will be unable to collect all principal or interest when due according to the contractual terms of the original agreements, or, for securities or loans purchased at a discount for credit quality, whenever there has been a probable adverse change in the timing or amounts of expected cash flows, or that represent retained beneficial interests in securitizations, when Drive Shack Inc. determines that it is probable that it will be unable to collect as anticipated. The evaluation of a security’s estimated cash flows includes the following, as applicable: (i) review of the credit of the issuer or the borrower, (ii) review of the credit rating of the security, (iii) review of the key terms of the security or loan, (iv) review of the performance of the loan or underlying loans, including debt service coverage and loan to value ratios, (v) analysis of the value of the collateral for the loan or underlying loans, (vi) analysis of the effect of local, industry and broader economic factors, and (vii) analysis of historical and anticipated trends in defaults and loss severities for similar securities or loans. Furthermore, the Company must have the intent and ability to hold loans whose fair value is below carrying value until such fair value recovers, or until maturity, or else a write-down to fair value must be recorded. Similarly for securities, the Company must record a write-down if it has the intent to sell a given security in an unrealized loss position, or if it is more likely than not that it will be required to sell such a security. For certain securities which represent beneficial interests in securitized financial assets and non-Agency RMBS acquired with evidence of deteriorated credit quality for which it was deemed probable, at acquisition, that we would be unable to collect all contractually required payments as they come due, an other-than-temporary impairment also will be deemed to have occurred whenever there is a probable adverse change in the timing or amounts of previously projected estimated cash flows. Upon determination of impairment, Drive Shack Inc. establishes specific valuation allowances for loans or records a direct write-down for securities based on the estimated fair value of the security or underlying collateral using a discounted cash flow analysis or based on an observable market value. It is the Company’s policy to establish an allowance for uncollectible interest on performing securities or loans that are past due more than 90 days or sooner when, in the judgment of management, the probability of collection of interest is deemed to be insufficient to warrant further accrual. Upon such a determination, those loans are deemed to be non-performing and put on nonaccrual status. Actual losses may differ from the Company’s estimates. Drive Shack Inc. may resume accrual of income on a security or loan if, in management’s opinion, full collection is probable. Subsequent to a determination of impairment on securities, and a related write-down, income is accrued on an effective yield method from the new carrying value to the related expected cash flows, with cash received treated as a reduction of basis. Additionally, Drive Shack Inc. charges off the loan allowance when it determines the corresponding loans to be uncollectable.
Realized/Unrealized (Gain) Loss on Investments and Other Income (Loss), NetThese items are comprised of the following:
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
(Gain) on settlement of real estate securities
$
(19,129
)
 
$
(42,356
)
 
$
(23,679
)
Loss on settlement of real estate securities
16,178

 
9,850

 

Unrealized loss on securities, intent-to-sell
23,128

 

 

Realized (gain) loss on settlement of TBAs, net
(18,318
)
 
12,907

 
4,151

(Gain) loss on repayment/disposition of loans held-for-sale
48

 
(1,519
)
 
(32,500
)
Loss recognized on termination of derivative instruments

 
612

 

Unrealized (gain) on non-hedge derivative instruments
(1,222
)
 
(1,758
)
 
(17,599
)
Realized loss recognized upon de-designation of hedges

 

 
34

Realized/unrealized (gain) loss on investments
$
685

 
$
(22,264
)
 
$
(69,593
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gain (loss) on lease modifications and terminations
$
(62
)
 
$
471

 
$
7,219

Collateral management fee income, net
592

 
708

 
963

Equity in earnings (losses) of equity method investees, net
(1,338
)
 
(6,194
)
 
954

(Loss) on disposal of long-lived assets
(22
)
 
(1,403
)
 
(1,294
)
Other income (loss)
(2,244
)
 
844

 
437

Other income (loss), net
$
(3,074
)
 
$
(5,574
)
 
$
8,279



Reclassification From Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Into Net Income — The following table summarizes the amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income into net income:
 
 
 
 
Year Ended December 31,
Accumulated Other Comprehensive
Income (“AOCI”) Components
 
Income Statement
Location
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
Net realized (gain) loss on securities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Impairment (reversal)
 
Impairment (reversal)
 
$
54

 
$
(31
)
 
$

(Gain) on settlement of real estate securities
 
Realized/unrealized (gain) loss on investments
 
(19,129
)
 
(42,356
)
 
(23,679
)
Loss on settlement of real estate securities
 
Realized/unrealized (gain) loss on investments
 
16,178

 
9,850

 

Realized (gain) on deconsolidation of CDO VI
 
Gain on deconsolidation
 
(20,682
)
 

 

Unrealized loss on real estate securities, intent-to-sell, reclassified from AOCI into income
 
Realized/unrealized (gain) loss on investments
 
23,128

 

 

 
 
 
 
$
(451
)
 
$
(32,537
)
 
$
(23,679
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net realized (gain) loss on derivatives designated as cash flow hedges
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Realized loss recognized upon de-designation of hedges
 
Realized/unrealized (gain) loss on investments
 
$

 
$

 
$
34

Loss recognized on termination of derivative instruments
 
Realized/unrealized (gain) loss on investments
 

 
612

 

Amortization of deferred hedge (gain)
 
Interest expense
 
(20
)
 
(78
)
 
(61
)
Loss reclassified from AOCI into income, related to effective portion
 
Interest expense
 

 
1,363

 
4,379

 
 
 
 
$
(20
)
 
$
1,897

 
$
4,352

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total reclassifications
 
 
 
$
(471
)
 
$
(30,640
)
 
$
(19,327
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


EXPENSE RECOGNITION

Operating Expenses — Operating expenses for Traditional Golf consist primarily of payroll, equipment and cart leases, utilities, repairs and maintenance, supplies, seed, soil and fertilizer, marketing and operating lease rent expense. Many of the Traditional Golf properties and related facilities are leased under long-term operating leases. In addition to minimum payments, certain leases require payment of the excess of various percentages of gross revenue or net operating income over the minimum rental payments. The leases generally require the payment of taxes assessed against the leased property and the cost of insurance and maintenance. The majority of lease terms range from 10 to 20 years, and typically, the leases contain renewal options. Certain leases include scheduled increases or decreases in minimum rental payments at various times during the term of the lease. These scheduled rent increases or decreases are recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. Increases result in an accrual, which is included in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities, and decreases result in a receivable, which is included in receivables and other assets, for the amount by which the cumulative straight-line rent differs from the contractual cash rent.

Deferred Costs — Deferred costs consist primarily of costs incurred in obtaining financing which are amortized into interest expense over the term of such financing using either the straight-line basis or the interest method. Deferred financing costs are presented as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of the related debt liability.

Interest Expense — Drive Shack Inc. finances its Debt Investments and Traditional Golf using both fixed and floating rate debt, including securitizations, mortgage loans, repurchase agreements, and other financing vehicles. Certain of this debt has been issued at a discount. Discounts are accreted into interest expense on the effective yield or interest method, based upon a comparison of actual and expected cash flows, through the expected maturity date of the financing. See Note 11 for additional information.

Derivatives and Hedging Activities — All derivatives are recognized as either assets or liabilities on the balance sheet and measured
at fair value. Drive Shack Inc. reports the fair value of derivative instruments gross of cash paid or received pursuant to credit support agreements and fair value is reflected on a net counterparty basis when Drive Shack Inc. believes a legal right of offset exists under an enforceable netting agreement. Fair value adjustments affect either equity or net income depending on whether the derivative instrument qualifies as a hedge for accounting purposes and, if so, the nature of the hedging activity. For those derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as hedging instruments, Drive Shack Inc. designates the hedging instrument, based upon the exposure being hedged, as a cash flow hedge or a fair value hedge.

Derivative transactions are entered into by Drive Shack Inc. solely for risk management purposes in the ordinary course of business. In determining whether to hedge a risk, Drive Shack Inc. may consider whether other assets, liabilities, firm commitments and anticipated transactions already offset or reduce the risk. All transactions undertaken as hedges are entered into with a view towards minimizing the potential for economic losses that could be incurred by Drive Shack Inc. As of December 31, 2016, the Company has no derivative instruments that qualify and are designated as hedging instruments, but has one interest rate cap with a fair value of $0.5 million which is not designated as a hedge.

Drive Shack Inc. transacts in the To Be Announced mortgage backed securities (“TBA”) market. TBA contracts are forward contracts to purchase mortgage-backed securities that will be issued by a U.S. government sponsored enterprise in the future. Drive Shack Inc. primarily engages in TBA transactions for purposes of managing interest rate risk and market risk associated with our Agency residential mortgage backed securities (“RMBS”) investments for which we have exposure to interest rate and market risk volatility.

Drive Shack Inc. typically does not take delivery of TBAs, but rather settles the associated receivable and payable with its trading counterparties on a net basis. As part of its TBA activities, Drive Shack Inc. may “roll” its TBA positions, whereby it may sell (buy) securities for delivery (receipt) in an earlier month and simultaneously contract to repurchase (sell) similar securities at an agreed-upon price on a fixed date in a later month. Drive Shack Inc. accounts for its TBA transactions as non-hedge instruments, with changes in market value recorded in the Statement of Operations. As of December 31, 2016, the Company held 3 short TBA contracts totaling $619.5 million in notional amount of Agency RMBS. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, The Company funded approximately zero and $1.0 million, respectively, for margin calls related to TBA contracts.

Drive Shack Inc.’s derivative financial instruments contain credit risk to the extent that its bank counterparties may be unable to meet the terms of the agreements. Drive Shack Inc. seeks to reduce such risk by limiting its counterparties to major financial institutions. In addition, the potential risk of loss with any one party resulting from this type of credit risk is monitored. Management does not expect any material losses as a result of default by other parties.
Management Fees to Affiliate — These represent amounts due to the Manager pursuant to the Management Agreement. For further information on the Management Agreement, see Note 13.
BALANCE SHEET MEASUREMENT
Investments in Real Estate, Net Real estate and related improvements are recorded at cost less accumulated depreciation. Costs that both materially add value to an asset and extend the useful life of an asset by more than a year are capitalized. With respect to golf course improvements (included in buildings and improvements), costs associated with original construction, significant replacements, permanent landscaping, sand traps, fairways, tee boxes or greens are capitalized. All other asset-related costs that do not meet these criteria, such as minor repairs and routine maintenance, are expensed as incurred.
Long-lived assets to be disposed of by sale, which meet certain criteria, are reclassified to real estate held-for-sale and measured at the lower of their carrying amount or fair value less costs of sale. A disposal of a component of an entity or a group of components of an entity are reported in discontinued operations if the disposal represents a strategic shift that has or will have a major effect on Drive Shack Inc.’s operations and financial results. Discontinued operations are retroactively reclassified to income (loss) from discontinued operations for all periods presented.

Traditional Golf leases certain golf carts and other equipment that are classified as capital leases. The value of capital leases is recorded as an asset on the balance sheet, along with a liability related to the associated payments. Depreciation of capital lease assets is calculated using the straight-line method over the shorter of the estimated useful lives and the expected lease terms. The cost of equipment under capital leases is included in investments in real estate in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Payments under the leases are treated as reductions of the liability, with a portion being recorded as interest expense under the effective interest method.
Depreciation is calculated using the straight-line method based on the following estimated useful lives:
Buildings and improvements
10-30 years
Capital leases - equipment
3-7 years
Furniture, fixtures, and equipment
3-7 years


IntangiblesIntangible assets and liabilities relating to Traditional Golf consist primarily of leasehold advantages (disadvantages), management contracts and membership base. A leasehold advantage (disadvantage) exists to Drive Shack Inc. when it pays a contracted rent that is below (above) market rents at the date of the transaction. The value of a leasehold advantage (disadvantage) is calculated based on the differential between market and contracted rent, which is tax effected and discounted to present value based on an after-tax discount rate corresponding to each golf property, and is amortized over the term of the underlying lease agreement.  The management contract intangible represents Drive Shack Inc.’s golf course management contracts for both leased and managed properties. The management contract intangible for leased and managed properties is valued utilizing a discounted cash flow methodology under the income approach and is amortized over the term of the underlying lease or management agreements, respectively. The membership base intangible represents Drive Shack Inc.’s relationship with its private country club members. The membership base intangible is valued using the multi-period excess earnings method under the income approach, and is amortized over the expected life of an active membership.

Amortization of leasehold intangible assets and liabilities is included within operating expenses and amortization of all other intangible assets is included within depreciation and amortization in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Amortization of all intangible assets is calculated using the straight-line method based on the following estimated useful lives:
Trade name
30 years
Leasehold intangibles
1 - 26 years
Management contracts
1 - 26 years
Internally-developed software
5 years
Membership base
7 years


Impairment of Real Estate and Finite-lived Intangible Assets Drive Shack Inc. periodically reviews the carrying amounts of its long-lived assets, including real estate and finite-lived intangible assets, to determine whether current events or circumstances indicate that such carrying amounts may not be recoverable. The assessment of recoverability is based on management’s estimates by comparing the sum of the estimated undiscounted cash flows generated by the underlying asset, or other appropriate grouping of assets, to its carrying value to determine whether an impairment existed at its lowest level of identifiable cash flows. If the carrying amount of the asset is greater than the expected undiscounted cash flows to be generated by such asset, an impairment is recognized to the extent the carrying value of such asset exceeds its fair value. Drive Shack Inc. generally measures fair value by considering sale prices for similar assets or by discounting estimated future cash flows using an appropriate discount rate. Assets to be disposed of are carried at the lower of their financial statement carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell.
Membership Deposit LiabilitiesPrivate country club members generally pay an advance initiation fee deposit upon their acceptance as a member to the respective country club. Initiation fee deposits are refundable 30 years after the date of acceptance as a member. The difference between the initiation fee deposit paid by the member and the present value of the refund obligation is deferred and recognized into golf course operations revenue in the Consolidated Statements of Operations on a straight-line basis over the expected life of an active membership, which is estimated to be seven years. The present value of the refund obligation is recorded as a membership deposit liability in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and accretes over a 30-year nonrefundable term using the effective interest method. This accretion is recorded as interest expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Investment in Real Estate Securities — Drive Shack Inc. has classified its investments in securities as available-for-sale. Securities available-for-sale are carried at market value with the net unrealized gains or losses reported as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income, to the extent impairment losses are considered temporary. At disposition, the net realized gain or loss is determined on the basis of the cost of the specific investments and is included in earnings. Unrealized losses on securities are charged to earnings if there is an intent to sell or if they reflect a decline in value that is other-than-temporary, as described above.

Loans Held-for-Sale Loans held-for-sale are recorded net of any unamortized discount (or gross of any unamortized premiums), including any fees received and are measured at the lower of cost or fair value. Purchase price discounts or premiums are deferred in a contra loan account until the related loans is sold. The deferred discounts or premiums are an adjustment to the basis of the loan and are included in the quarterly determination of the lower of cost or fair value adjustments and/or the gain or loss recognized at the time of sale.
Other Investment Drive Shack Inc. owns a 23% economic interest in a limited liability company which owns preferred equity secured by a commercial real estate project. Drive Shack Inc. accounts for this investment as an equity method investment. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, the carrying value of this investment was $19.3 million and $20.6 million, respectively.  Drive Shack Inc. evaluates its equity method investment for other than temporary impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the investment might not be recoverable. The evaluation of recoverability is based on management’s assessment of the financial condition and near term prospects of the commercial real estate project, the length of time and the extent to which the market value of the investment has been less than cost, availability and cost of financing, demand for space, competition for tenants, changes in market rental rates, and operating costs.  As these factors are difficult to predict and are subject to future events that may alter management’s assumptions, the values estimated by management in its recoverability analyses may not be realized, and actual losses or impairment may be realized in the future. Based on changes in estimates of project costs and timeline, the Company recorded an other than temporary impairment of $2.9 million and $7.5 million during the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The other than temporary impairment is recorded in the equity in earnings (loss) in equity method investees, net line item which is reported in the Consolidated Statements of Operations in “Other income (loss).” There was zero impairment recorded during the year ended December 31, 2014. As the fair value inputs utilized are unobservable, the Company determined that the significant inputs used to value this real estate investment falls within Level 3 for fair value reporting.
 
Investments in CDO Servicing Rights In February 2011, Drive Shack Inc., through one of its subsidiaries, purchased the management rights with respect to certain C-BASS Investment Management LLC (“C-BASS”) CDOs for $2.2 million pursuant to a bankruptcy proceeding. Drive Shack Inc. initially recorded the cost of acquiring the collateral management rights as a servicing asset and subsequently amortizes this asset in proportion to, and over the period of, estimated net servicing income. Servicing assets are assessed for impairment on a quarterly basis, with impairment recognized as a valuation allowance. Key economic assumptions used in measuring any potential impairment of the servicing assets include the prepayment speeds of the underlying collateral, default rates, loss severities and discount rates. During the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, Drive Shack Inc. recorded $0.3 million, $0.3 million, and $0.3 million, respectively, of servicing rights amortization and no servicing rights impairment. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, Drive Shack Inc.’s servicing asset had a carrying value of $0.4 million and $0.7 million, respectively, recorded in receivables and other assets.

Variable Interest Entities (“VIEs”) VIEs are defined as entities in which equity investors do not have the characteristics of a controlling financial interest or do not have sufficient equity at risk for the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support from other parties. A VIE is required to be consolidated only by its primary beneficiary, which is defined as the party who has the power to direct the activities of a VIE that most significantly impact its economic performance and who has the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits from the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE.

Drive Shack Inc.’s subprime securitizations (see Note 6), CDO V, and CDO VI are considered VIEs, but Drive Shack Inc. does not control the decisions that most significantly impact their economic performance and no longer receives a significant portion of their returns.

Drive Shack Inc. deconsolidated CDO V as of June 17, 2011 as a result of an event of default which allowed Drive Shack Inc. to be removed as collateral manager and prevents purchasing and selling of certain collateral within CDO V. In August 2016, Drive Shack Inc. settled on a trade to sell $14.8 million face amount of two CDO V securities for total proceeds of $9.9 million (see Note 5). As a result of this trade, Drive Shack Inc. no longer has a variable or economic interest in CDO V. Drive Shack Inc. continues to receive servicing fees as collateral manager, which are not considered variable interests in CDO V.

In March 2016, Drive Shack Inc. sold to third parties $11.0 million face amount of NCT 2013-VI Class I-MM-2 at a price of 93.0% of par. This tranche was previously held by Drive Shack Inc. since issuance and was eliminated in consolidation. By selling this tranche, Drive Shack Inc. was no longer deemed the primary beneficiary of CDO VI. As a result of this sale, Drive Shack Inc. deconsolidated CDO VI from its Consolidated Balance Sheet, which included $43.9 million carrying value of real estate securities available-for-sale, $93.1 million of CDO bonds payable, and $12.4 million of other bonds payable. In addition, Drive Shack Inc. reclassified $20.7 million of related other comprehensive income into earnings, and recognized a total gain of approximately $82.1 million as a result of deconsolidating CDO VI. As a result of this transaction, Drive Shack Inc. no longer has a variable interest in CDO VI. Drive Shack Inc. continues to receive servicing fees as collateral manager, which are not considered variable interests in CDO VI.

The following table presents certain assets of consolidated VIEs which are included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and there were no such assets as of December 31, 2016. The assets in the table below include only those assets that can be used to settle obligations of consolidated VIEs, and are equal to or in excess of those obligations. Additionally, the assets in the table below exclude intercompany balances that eliminate in consolidation.
 
 
December 31, 2015
Assets of consolidated VIEs that can only be used to settle obligations of consolidated VIEs
 
 
Real estate securities, available-for-sale
 
$
46,392

Subprime mortgage loans subject to call option
 
380,806

Restricted cash
 
128

Receivables and other assets
 
77

Total assets of consolidated VIEs that can only be used to settle obligations of consolidated VIEs
 
$
427,403

The following table presents certain liabilities of consolidated VIEs which are included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and there were no such liabilities as of December 31, 2016. The liabilities in the table below include third-party liabilities of consolidated VIEs due to third parties only, and exclude intercompany balances that eliminate in consolidation. The liabilities also exclude amounts where creditors or beneficial interest holders have recourse to the general credit of Drive Shack Inc.
 
 
December 31, 2015
Liabilities of consolidated VIEs for which creditors or beneficial interest holders do not have recourse to the general credit of Drive Shack Inc.
 
 
CDO bonds payable
 
$
92,933

Other bonds and notes payable
 
4,672

Financing of subprime mortgage loans subject to call option
 
380,806

Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities
 
29

Total liabilities of consolidated VIEs for which creditors or beneficial interest holders do not have recourse to the general credit of Drive Shack Inc.
 
$
478,440



Repurchase Agreements Securities sold under repurchase agreements are treated as collateralized financing transactions. Securities financed through a repurchase agreement remain on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as an asset and cash received from the purchaser is recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as a liability. Interest paid in accordance with repurchase agreements is recorded as interest expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Acquisition AccountingDrive Shack Inc. has determined that all of its acquisitions should be accounted for under the acquisition method. The accounting for acquisitions requires the identification and measurement of all acquired tangible and intangible assets and assumed liabilities at their respective fair values, as of the respective transaction dates. The determination of the fair value of net assets acquired involves significant judgment and estimates, such as Drive Shack Inc.'s estimates of future cash flows based on a number of factors including known and anticipated trends, as well as market and economic conditions.

In measuring the fair value of tangible and identified intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed, management uses information obtained as a result of pre-acquisition due diligence, marketing, leasing activities and independent appraisals. In the case of buildings, the fair value of the tangible assets acquired is determined by valuing the property as if it were vacant. Significant estimates impacting the measurement at fair value of real property includes qualitative selection of comparable market transactions as well as the assessment of the relative quality and condition of the acquired properties.

Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash — Drive Shack Inc. considers all highly liquid short-term investments with maturities of 90 days or less when purchased to be cash equivalents. Substantially all amounts on deposit with major financial institutions exceed insured limits. Restricted cash consisted of:
 
December 31,
 
2016
 
2015
CDO bond sinking funds
$

 
$
51

CDO trustee accounts
192

 
272

Derivative margin accounts

 
887

Restricted cash for construction-in-progress
2,267

 
2,784

Other restricted cash - traditional golf
3,945

 
475

 
$
6,404

 
$
4,469



Reduction of assets and liabilities relating to spin-offs and acquisitions that are non-cash are disclosed below (there were no such reductions for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015):
 
 
Year Ended December 31, 2014
Reduction of Assets and Liabilities relating to the spin-off of New Media and New Senior, non-cash portion
 
 
Investments in senior housing real estate, net
 
$
1,574,048

Property, plant and equipment, net
 
$
266,385

Goodwill and intangibles, net
 
$
379,008

Restricted cash
 
$
6,477

Receivables and other assets
 
$
197,882

Mortgage notes payable
 
$
1,260,633

Credit facilities - media
 
$
177,955

Accrued expenses and other liabilities
 
$
189,940


Supplemental non-cash investing and financing activities relating to CDOs are disclosed below:
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
Restricted cash generated from sale of securities
$

 
$
139,257

 
$
125,850

Restricted cash generated from sale of loans
$

 
$
55,574

 
$

Restricted cash generated from pay downs on securities and loans
$
2,310

 
$
78,853

 
$
325,932

Restricted cash used for repayments of CDO and other bonds payable
$
2,748

 
$
148,966

 
$
382,177

CDO VI deconsolidation:
 
 
 
 
 
Real estate securities
$
43,889

 
$

 
$

Restricted cash
$
67

 
$

 
$

CDO and other bonds payable
$
105,423

 
$

 
$

Receivables and Other Assets
Receivables and other assets are comprised of the following, net of allowances for doubtful accounts of $1.1 million and $1.0 million, as of December 31, 2016 and 2015:
 
December 31,
 
2016
 
2015
Accounts receivable, net
$
8,047

 
$
9,889

Prepaid expenses
3,654

 
3,205

Interest receivable
1,697

 
1,142

Deposits
4,105

 
7,437

Inventory
4,496

 
5,057

Derivative assets
856

 
127

Residential mortgage loans, held-for-sale, net
231

 
532

Miscellaneous assets, net (A)
14,931

 
11,157

 
$
38,017

 
$
38,546

(A)
Includes one owned property in Annandale, New Jersey in the Traditional Golf segment classified as held-for-sale as of December 31, 2016. The Company recorded an impairment of $3.6 million based on our estimated selling price. We expect to close on this property within the next 12 months.
 
Accounts Receivable, Net – Accounts receivable are stated at amounts due from customers, net of an allowance for doubtful accounts. The allowance for doubtful accounts is based upon several factors including the length of time the receivables are past due, historical payment trends and current economic factors. Collateral is generally not required. The allowance for doubtful accounts increased by $0.1 million and $0.09 million for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

Prepaid Expenses Prepaid expenses consists primarily of prepaid insurance and prepaid rent and are expensed over the usage period of the goods or services.

Interest Receivable Interest receivable consists primarily of interest earned on real estate securities.

Deposits – Deposits consist primarily of property lease security deposits for Traditional Golf.

Inventory – Inventory is valued at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined on the first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) method. Inventories in Traditional Golf consist primarily of food, beverages and merchandise for sale.

Derivative Assets – All derivative assets on the balance sheet are measured at fair value.

Residential Mortgage Loans Held-for-Sale, net - Loans held-for-sale are marked to the lower of carrying value or fair value.

Accounts Payable, Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities are comprised of the following:
 
December 31,
 
2016
 
2015
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
$
26,249

 
$
26,966

Deferred revenue
36,107

 
33,926

Security deposits payable
6,073

 
5,975

Unfavorable leasehold interests
4,225

 
5,485

Derivative liabilities

 
684

Accrued rent
2,613

 
3,135

Due to affiliates
892

 
892

Miscellaneous liabilities
12,278

 
11,876

 
$
88,437

 
$
88,939

Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses Accounts payable reflect expenses related to goods and services received that have not yet been paid and accrued expenses reflect invoices that have not yet been received.
Deferred RevenuePayments received in advance of the performance of services are recorded as deferred revenue until the services are performed.
Security Deposits Payable Security deposits payable relate to deposits received for events at traditional golf properties.
Unfavorable Leasehold Interests Unfavorable leasehold interests relates to leases acquired as part of Traditional Golf where the terms of the leasehold contracts are less favorable than the estimated market terms of the leases at the acquisition date.
Derivative Liabilities All derivative liabilities on the balance sheet are measured at fair value.
Accrued RentTraditional golf properties pay rent on certain leased properties in arrears and scheduled rent increases are recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease, resulting in an accrual.
Due to Affiliates – Represents amounts due to the Manager pursuant to the Management Agreement.
Options The fair value of the options issued as compensation to the Manager for its successful efforts in raising capital for Drive Shack Inc. was recorded as an increase in equity with an offsetting reduction of capital proceeds received. Options granted to Drive Shack Inc.’s directors were accounted for using the fair value method.
Preferred Stock Drive Shack Inc.’s accounting policy for its preferred stock is described in Note 12.
Income Taxes Drive Shack Inc. recognizes tax benefits for uncertain tax positions only if it is more likely than not that the position is sustainable based on its technical merits. Interest and penalties on uncertain tax positions are included as a component of the provision for income taxes in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
On February 23, 2017, the Company revoked its election to be treated as a REIT effective January 1, 2017. The Company operated in a manner intended to qualify as a REIT for federal income tax purposes through December 31, 2016. The Company recognized in its financial statements the effects of its change in REIT status since the Company completed all significant actions necessary to revoke its election as of December 31, 2016. The change in tax status has had no effect on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements as the corresponding net deferred tax asset created as a result of the tax status change has been fully offset with a valuation allowance.
Amortization of Discount and Premium and Other Amortization As reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, these items are comprised of the following:
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
Accretion of net discount on securities, loans and other investments
$
(7,926
)
 
$
(5,802
)
 
$
(28,638
)
Amortization of net discount on debt obligations and deferred financing costs
1,501

 
3,325

 
14,217

Amortization of net deferred hedge gains debt
(20
)
 
(78
)
 
(61
)
Amortization of discount and premium
$
(6,445
)
 
$
(2,555
)
 
$
(14,482
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Amortization of leasehold intangibles
$
4,451

 
$
4,942

 
$
5,000

Accretion of membership deposit liability
5,803

 
5,840

 
5,663

Other amortization
$
10,254

 
$
10,782

 
$
10,663



Recent Accounting Pronouncements In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2014-09 Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). The standard’s core principle is that a company will recognize revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. In doing so, companies will need to use more judgment and make more estimates than under today’s guidance. These may include identifying performance obligations in the contract, estimating the amount of variable consideration to include in the transaction price and allocating the transaction price to each separate performance obligation. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-14 Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Deferral of the Effective Date, which defers the effective date by one year. The standard will be effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017; however, all entities are allowed to adopt the standard as early as the original effective date (annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016). Entities have the option of using either a full retrospective or a modified approach to adopt the guidance. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-08 Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Principal versus Agent Considerations which clarifies how an entity should identify the unit of accounting for the principal versus agent evaluation and how to apply the control principle to certain types of arrangements. In April 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-10 Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing, which clarifies when a promised good or service is separately identifiable. In May 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-12 Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Narrow-Scope Improvements and Practical Expedients which amends the new revenue recognition guidance on transition, collectability, noncash consideration and the presentation of sales and other similar taxes. In December 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-20 Technical Corrections and Improvements to Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers which amends the new revenue recognition guidance on performance obligations and 12 additional technical corrections and improvements. During 2016, the Company began evaluating potential impacts of adopting this standard, and is in the process of reviewing customer contracts and revenue streams, identifying contractual provisions that may result in a change in the timing or the amount of revenue recognized.  The Company expects to adopt the requirements of the new standard in the first quarter of 2018, and anticipates using the modified retrospective transition method.

In February 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-02, Consolidation (Topic 810): Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis. The standard amends the consolidation considerations when evaluating certain limited partnerships, variable interest entities and investment funds. The Company adopted this guidance in the first quarter of 2016.

In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01 Financial Instruments - Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities. The standard addresses certain aspects of recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of financial instruments. The effective date of the standard will be for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company is currently evaluating the new guidance to determine the impact it may have on its Consolidated Financial Statements.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02 Leases (Topic 842). The standard requires lessees to recognize most leases on the balance sheet and addresses certain aspects of lessor accounting. The effective date of the standard will be for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2018 and early adoption is permitted. Entities are required to use a modified retrospective approach for leases that exist or are entered into after the beginning of the earliest comparative period in the financial statements, with an option to use certain relief. The Company is currently evaluating the new guidance to determine the impact it may have on its Consolidated Financial Statements.

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13 Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326), Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. The standard changes how entities will measure credit losses for most financial assets and certain other instruments that are not measured at fair value through net income. For available-for-sale debt securities, entities will be required to record allowances rather than reduce the carrying amount under the other-than-temporary impairment model. The effective date of the standard will be for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2019 and early adoption is permitted for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018. Entities will apply the standard's provisions as a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the first reporting period in which the guidance is effective. The Company is currently evaluating the new guidance to determine the impact it may have on its Consolidated Financial Statements.

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15 Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230), Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments. The standard provides specific guidance over eight identified cash flow issues in order to reduce diversity in practice over the presentation and classification of certain types of cash receipts and cash payments. The effective date of the standard will be for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2017 and early adoption is permitted. Entities should apply the standard using a retrospective transition method to each period presented. The Company is currently evaluating the new guidance to determine the impact it may have on its Consolidated Financial Statements.

In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-18 Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230), Restricted Cash. The standard requires entities to show the changes in the total of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash in the statement of cash flows and provide a reconciliation to the related line items in the balance sheet. The effective date of the standard will be for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2017 and early adoption is permitted. Entities will be required to apply the guidance retrospectively when adopted and provide the relevant disclosures in ASC 250, in the first interim and annual periods in which the guidance is adopted. The Company is currently evaluating the new guidance to determine the impact it may have on its Consolidated Financial Statements.

The FASB has recently issued or discussed a number of proposed standards on such topics as financial statement presentation, financial instruments and hedging. Some of the proposed changes are significant and could have a material impact on the Company’s reporting. The Company has not yet fully evaluated the potential impact of these proposals, but will make such an evaluation as the standards are finalized.