Annual report pursuant to Section 13 and 15(d)

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)

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SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2016
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Basis of Accounting
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
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
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
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 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.

Golf Course Operations

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.
Revenue Recognition - Real Estate Securities and Loans Receivable
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
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.
Interest Expense
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.

Operating Expenses
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 — 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.
Derivatives and Hedging Activities
Derivative Assets – All derivative assets on the balance sheet are measured at fair value.
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
Management Fees to Affiliate — These represent amounts due to the Manager pursuant to the Management Agreement.
Acquisition Accounting
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.
Investments in Real Estate, Net
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
Intangibles
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
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 Liabilities
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
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
Residential Mortgage Loans Held-for-Sale, net - Loans held-for-sale are marked to the lower of carrying value or fair value.
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
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.
Investment in CDO Servicing Rights
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.
Variable Interest Entities
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.
Repurchase Agreements
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.
Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash
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.
Accounts Receivable, Net
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.
Inventory
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.
Accounts Payable, Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities
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
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.
Income Taxes
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.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
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.
Fair Value Measurements
All of the inputs used have some degree of market observability, based on Drive Shack Inc.’s knowledge of the market, relationships with market participants, and use of common market data sources. Collateral prepayment, default and loss severity projections are in the form of “curves” or “vectors” that vary for each monthly collateral cash flow projection. Methods used to develop these projections vary by asset class (e.g., CMBS projections are developed differently than home equity ABS projections) but conform to industry conventions. Drive Shack Inc. uses assumptions that generate its best estimate of future cash flows of each respective security.

The prepayment speed vector specifies the percentage of the collateral balance that is expected to voluntarily pay off at each point in the future. The prepayment speed vector is based on projections from a widely published investment bank model, which considers factors such as collateral FICO score, loan-to-value ratio, debt-to-income ratio, and vintage on a loan level basis. This vector is scaled up or down to match recent collateral-specific prepayment experience, as obtained from remittance reports and market data services.

Loss severities are based on recent collateral-specific experience with additional consideration given to collateral characteristics. Collateral age is taken into consideration because severities tend to initially increase with collateral age before eventually stabilizing. Drive Shack Inc. typically uses projected severities that are higher than the historic experience for collateral that is relatively new to account for this effect. Collateral characteristics such as loan size, lien position, and location (state) also affect loss severity. Drive Shack Inc. considers whether a collateral pool has experienced a significant change in its composition with respect to these factors when assigning severity projections.

Default rates are determined from the current “pipeline” of loans that are more than 90 days delinquent, in foreclosure, or are REO. These significantly delinquent loans determine the first 24 months of the default vector. Beyond month 24, the cumulative default vector transitions to a steady-state value that is generally equal to or greater than that given by the widely published investment bank model.

The discount rates Drive Shack Inc. uses are derived from a range of observable pricing on securities backed by similar collateral and offered in a live market. As the markets in which Drive Shack Inc. transacts have become less liquid, Drive Shack Inc. has had to rely on fewer data points in this analysis.
Non Recurring Fair Value Measurements - Loans

Loans which Drive Shack Inc. does not have the ability or intent to hold into the foreseeable future are classified as held-for-sale. Held-for-sale loans are carried at the lower of amortized cost or fair value and are therefore recorded at fair value on a non-recurring basis. These loans were written down to fair value at the time of the impairment, based on broker quotations, pricing service quotations or internal pricing models. All the loans were within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. For real estate related and other loans, the most significant inputs used in the valuations are the amount and timing of expected future cash flows, market yields and the estimated collateral value of such loan investments.
Fair Value Measurements
Valuation Hierarchy
The fair value of financial instruments is categorized based on the priority of the inputs to the valuation technique and categorized into a three-level fair value hierarchy. The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3). Drive Shack Inc. follows this hierarchy for its financial instruments measured at fair value.
Level 1 - Quoted prices in active markets for identical instruments.
Level 2 - Valuations based principally on observable market parameters, including:
quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets,
inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability (such as interest rates and yield curves observable at commonly quoted intervals, implied volatilities and credit spreads), and
market corroborated inputs (derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data).
Level 3 - Valuations determined using unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity, and that are significant to the overall fair value measurement. Level 3 assets and liabilities include financial instruments whose value is determined using non-binding market quotations, pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies, or similar techniques where significant inputs are unobservable, as well as instruments for which the determination of fair value requires significant management judgment or estimation.

Fair value may be based upon broker quotations, counterparty quotations or pricing services quotations, which provide valuation estimates based upon reasonable market order indications or management's good faith estimate, and are subject to significant variability based on market conditions, such as interest rates, credit spreads and market liquidity. A significant portion of Drive Shack Inc.’s loans, securities and debt obligations are currently not traded in active markets and therefore have little or no price transparency. As a result, Drive Shack Inc. has estimated the fair value of these illiquid instruments based on internal pricing models or quotations subject to Drive Shack Inc.'s controls described below.
 
Drive Shack Inc. has various processes and controls in place to ensure that fair value measurements are reasonably estimated. With respect to broker and pricing service quotations, and in order to ensure these quotes represent a reasonable estimate of fair value, Drive Shack Inc.’s quarterly procedures include a comparison of such quotations to quotations from different sources, outputs generated from its internal pricing models and transactions completed, as well as on its knowledge and experience of these markets. With respect to fair value estimates generated based on Drive Shack Inc.’s internal pricing models, Drive Shack Inc.’s management validates the inputs and outputs of the internal pricing models by comparing them to available independent third party market parameters and models, where available, for reasonableness. Drive Shack Inc. believes its valuation methods and the assumptions used are appropriate and consistent with other market participants.
Fair value measurements categorized within Level 3 are sensitive to changes in the assumptions or methodology used to determine fair value and such changes could result in a significant increase or decrease in the fair value. For Drive Shack Inc.’s investments in real estate securities, real estate related and other loans and residential mortgage loans categorized within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy, the significant unobservable inputs include the discount rates, assumptions relating to prepayments, default rates and loss severities. Significant increases (decreases) in any of the discount rates, default rates or loss severities in isolation would result in a significantly lower (higher) fair value measurement. The impact of changes in prepayment speeds would have differing impacts on fair value, depending on the seniority of the investment. Generally, a change in the default assumption is accompanied by directionally similar changes in the assumptions used for the loss severity and the prepayment speed.
Liabilities for Which Fair Value is Only Disclosed

The following table summarizes the level of the fair value hierarchy, valuation techniques and inputs used for estimating each class of liabilities not measured at fair value in the statement of financial position but for which fair value is disclosed:
Type of Liabilities
 
 
 
 
Not Measured At Fair
 
 
 
 
Value for Which
 
 
 
 
Fair Value Is Disclosed
 
Fair Value Hierarchy
 
Valuation Techniques and Significant Inputs
 
 
 
 
 
Repurchase agreements
 
Level 2
 
Valuation technique is based on market comparables. Significant variables include:
 
 
 
 
Amount and timing of expected future cash flows
 
 
 
 
Interest rates
 
 
 
 
Collateral funding spreads
 
 
 
 
 
 
Golf credit facilities
 
Level 3
 
Valuation technique is based on discounted cash flows. Significant inputs include:
 
 
 
 
Amount and timing of expected future cash flows
 
 
 
 
Interest rates
 
 
 
 
Market yields
 
 
 
 
 
 
Junior subordinated notes payable
 
Level 3
 
Valuation technique is based on discounted cash flows. Significant inputs include:
 
 
 
 
Amount and timing of expected future cash flows
 
 
 
 
Interest rates
 
 
 
 
Market yields and the credit spread of Drive Shack Inc.
Earnings Per Share
Basic EPS is calculated by dividing net income (loss) applicable to common stockholders by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during each period. Diluted EPS is calculated by dividing net income (loss) applicable to common stockholders by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding plus the additional dilutive effect of common stock equivalents during each period. Due to rounding, income per share from continuing operations and income per share from discontinued operations may not sum to the income per share of common stock. Drive Shack Inc.’s common stock equivalents are its options.