# Empire State Realty OP, L.P.: Form 10-Q for the period ended Sep 30, 2013 - Company: [Empire State Realty OP, L.P.](/companies/esba.md) (CIK 1553079) - Form: 10-Q - Filed: 2013-11-12 - Accepted by EDGAR: Nov 12, 2013, 17:02 ET - Period: 2013-09-30 - Accession: 0001445305-13-002983 - Inline XBRL: yes - Main document: https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1553079/000144530513002983/esrop9-30x1310xq.htm - All documents and exhibits: https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1553079/000144530513002983/ ## Management's discussion and analysis As filed, 124,889 characters. ### FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS *This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act"), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). For these statements, we claim the protections of the safe harbor for forward-looking statements contained in such Section. Forward-looking statements are subject to substantial risks and uncertainties, many of which are difficult to predict and are generally beyond our control. In particular, statements pertaining to our capital resources, portfolio performance, dividend policy and results of operations contain forward-looking statements. Likewise, all of our statements regarding anticipated growth in our portfolio from operations, acquisitions and anticipated market conditions, demographics and results of operations are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve numerous risks and uncertainties and you should not rely on them as predictions of future events. You can identify forward-looking statements by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “believes,” “expects,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “seeks,” “approximately,” “intends,” “plans,” “estimates,” “contemplates,” “aims,” “continues,” “would” or “anticipates” or the negative of these words and phrases or similar words or phrases. Forward-looking statements depend on assumptions, data or methods which may be incorrect or imprecise and we may not be able to realize them. We do not guarantee that the transactions and events described will happen as described (or that they will happen at all). The following factors, among others, could cause actual results and future events to differ materially from those set forth or contemplated in the forward-looking statements:* - *the factors included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, including those set forth under the heading “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations”;* - *changes in our industry and changes in the real estate markets in particular, either nationally or in Manhattan or the greater New York metropolitan area;* - *resolution of the appeals related to the Class Actions;* - *reduced demand for office or retail space;* - *general volatility of the capital and credit markets and the market price of our Class A common stock and listed operating partnership units;* - *changes in our business strategy;* - *defaults on, early terminations of or non-renewal of leases by tenants;* - *bankruptcy or insolvency of a major tenant or a significant number of smaller tenants;* - *fluctuations in interest rates and increased operating costs;* - *declining real estate valuations and impairment charges;* - *availability, terms and deployment of capital;* - *our failure to obtain necessary outside financing, including our secured revolving and term credit facility;* - *our expected leverage;* - *decreased rental rates or increased vacancy rates;* - *our failure to generate sufficient cash flows to service our outstanding indebtedness;* - *our failure to redevelop, renovate and reposition properties successfully or on the anticipated timeline or at the anticipated costs;* - *difficulties in identifying properties to acquire and completing acquisitions, including potentially the option properties;* - *risks of real estate acquisitions, dispositions and development (including our Metro Tower development site), including the cost of construction delays and cost overruns;* - *our failure to operate acquired properties and operations successfully;* - *our projected operating results;* - *our ability to manage our growth effectively;* - *estimates relating to our ability to make distributions to our stockholders in the future;* - *impact of changes in governmental regulations, tax law and rates and similar matters;* - *our failure to qualify as a REIT;* - *a future terrorist event in the U.S.;* - *environmental uncertainties and risks related to adverse weather conditions and natural disasters;* - *lack or insufficient amounts of insurance;* - *financial market fluctuations;* - *availability of and our ability to attract and retain qualified personnel;* - *conflicts of interest with our senior management team;* - *our understanding of our competition;* - *changes in real estate and zoning laws and increases in real property tax rates; and* - *our ability to comply with the laws, rules and regulations applicable to companies and, in particular, public companies.* *While forward-looking statements reflect our good faith beliefs, they are not guarantees of future performance. We disclaim any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement to reflect changes in underlying assumptions or factors, of new information, data or methods, future events or other changes after the date of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, except as required by applicable law. For a further discussion of these and other factors that could impact our future results, performance or transactions, see the section entitled “Risk Factors" beginning on page 31 of our October 1, 2013 Prospectus relating to our initial public offering of Class A common stock (the "Offering") which we filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission or the "SEC". You should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which are based only on information currently available to us (or to third parties making the forward-looking statements).* *Unless the context otherwise requires or indicates, references in this section to "we," "our" and "us" refer to (i) our company and its consolidated subsidiaries (including our operating partnership) after giving effect to the Offering and the formation transactions and (ii) our predecessor before giving effect to the Offering and the formation transactions.* *With the completion of the Offering and the formation transactions, the historical operations of our predecessor and the properties that have been operated through our predecessor, were combined with our company, our operating partnership and/or their subsidiaries. The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with "Selected Financial and Other Data," our combined financial statements as of December 31, 2012 and 2011 and for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 and the notes related thereto which are included our October 1, 2013 Prospectus relating to the Offering which we filed with the SEC, and our unaudited condensed combined financial statements as of September 30, 2013 and for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 and through September 30, 2013 included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the nine months ended September 30, 2013. Since our formation, we have not had any corporate activity. Accordingly, we believe a discussion of our results of operations would not be meaningful, and this Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations therefore only discusses the historical operations of our predecessor.* ### Overview We are a self-administered and self-managed REIT that owns, manages, operates, acquires and repositions office and retail properties in Manhattan and the greater New York metropolitan area. We were formed to continue and expand the commercial real estate business of our predecessor, Malkin Holdings LLC and its affiliates. Our primary focus will be to continue to own, manage and operate our current portfolio and to acquire and reposition office and retail properties in Manhattan and the greater New York metropolitan area. For the periods presented, this Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations discusses only the historical financial condition and results of operations of our predecessor which owns controlling interests in 16 properties and non-controlling interests in the following four office properties, which are accounted for under the equity method of accounting: the Empire State Building, 1350 Broadway, 1333 Broadway and 501 Seventh Avenue. The fee ownership interests of the Empire State Building and 501 Seventh Avenue are included in our predecessor’s portfolio but the operating lease interests of these two properties are part of our predecessor’s equity interest in non-controlled entities. These non-controlled interests represent a significant part of our operations following the Offering and the formation transactions when they became consolidated into our operations. Therefore, we do not show historical consolidated financial information for our entire portfolio following the Offering and the formation transactions. For operational information included in Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition, we include our predecessor operations as well as the four properties included in non-controlling interests. For the periods following the consummation of the Offering and the formation transactions, our operations will consolidate the operations of the non-controlled entities (as defined below) which will result in a material change in our disclosure of our financial condition and results of operations. We operate an integrated business that currently consists of two operating segments: real estate and construction contracting. As of September 30, 2013, our Manhattan and greater New York metropolitan area office properties were 83.7% leased (or 86.2% giving effect to leases signed but not yet commenced as of that date) and 90.0% leased (or 90.2% giving effect to leases signed but not yet commenced as of that date), respectively, and our office properties as a whole were 85.2% leased (or 87.1% giving effect to leases signed but not yet commenced as of that date). Our ability to increase occupancy and rental revenue at our office properties depends on the successful completion of our repositioning program as described below and market conditions. The other component of our real estate segment, retail leasing, comprises both standalone retail properties and retail space in our Manhattan office properties. Our retail properties, including retail space in our Manhattan office properties, were 91.1% leased (or 91.6% giving effect to leases signed but not yet commenced as of that date) as of September 30, 2013. Although construction contracting represented approximately 9.9% and 7.3%, respectively, of our revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and the year ended December 31, 2012, respectively, its relative contribution to our net income was much less significant than its contribution to our revenues. The Empire State Building is our flagship property. The Empire State Building provides us with a diverse source of revenue through its office and retail leases, observatory operations and broadcasting licenses, and related leased space. During the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, we generated approximately $98.6 million and $102.7 million of revenue from the Empire State Building. During the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, the Empire State Building generated approximately $76.7 million and $68.5 million, respectively, of revenue from its observatory operations. Our observatory operations is a separate accounting segment following the Offering and formation transactions. Our observatory operations are subject to regular patterns of tourist activity in Manhattan. During the past ten years of our annual observatory revenue, approximately 16% to 18% was realized in the first quarter, 26.0% to 28.0% was realized in the second quarter, 31.0% to 33.0% was realized in the third quarter and 23.0% to 25.0% was realized in the fourth quarter. The components of the Empire State Building revenue from its office lease, retail leases, tenant reimbursements and other income, observatory operations and broadcasting licenses, and related leased space represented 32.5%, 4.1%, 11.0%, 43.8% and 8.6% during the nine months ended September 30, 2013, respectively, and 27.3%, 4.1%, 13.3%, 40.1% and 9.3% during the nine months ended September 30, 2012, respectively. During 2012, the Empire State Building also received a real estate tax refund in the amount of $10.1 million, which was 4.5% of its 2012 revenues. From 2002 through 2006, we gradually gained full control of the day-to-day management of our Manhattan office properties (with the Helmsley estate holding certain approval rights at some of these properties as a result of its interest in the entities owning the properties). Since then, we have been undertaking a comprehensive renovation and repositioning strategy of our Manhattan office properties that has included the physical improvement through upgrades and modernization of, and tenant upgrades in, such properties. Since we assumed full control of the day-to-day management of our Manhattan office properties beginning with One Grand Central Place in 2002, and through September 30, 2013, we have invested a total of approximately $392.0 million (excluding tenant improvement costs and leasing commissions) in our Manhattan office properties pursuant to this program. Of the $392.0 million invested pursuant to this program, $190.0 million was invested at the Empire State Building. We currently intend to invest between $15.0 million and $45.0 million of additional capital through the end of 2013. We expect to complete substantially this program by the end of 2013, except with respect to the Empire State Building, which is the last Manhattan office property that began its renovation program. In addition, we currently estimate that between $100.0 million and $130.0 million of capital is needed beyond 2013 to complete substantially the renovation program at the Empire State Building, which we expect to occur by the end of 2016 due to the size and scope of our remaining work and our desire to minimize tenant disruptions at the property. Of the total $120.0 million to $180.0 million of estimated additional capital we expect to be incurred through 2016, we currently estimate that between $120.0 million and $160.0 million is attributable to the Empire State Building. These estimates are based on our current budgets (which do not include tenant improvement and leasing commission costs) and are subject to change. We intend to fund these capital improvements through a combination of operating cash flow and borrowings. These improvements, within our renovation and repositioning program, include restored, renovated and upgraded or new lobbies; elevator modernization; renovated public areas and bathrooms; refurbished or new windows; upgrade and standardization of retail storefront and signage; façade restorations; modernization of building-wide systems; and enhanced tenant amenities. These improvements are designed to improve the overall value and attractiveness of our properties and have contributed significantly to our tenant repositioning efforts, which seek to increase our occupancy; raise our rental rates; increase our rentable square feet; increase our aggregate rental revenue; lengthen our average lease term; increase our average lease size; and improve our tenant credit quality. We have also aggregated smaller spaces in order to offer larger blocks of office space, including multiple floors, that are attractive to larger, higher credit-quality tenants and to offer new, pre-built suites with improved layouts. This strategy has shown what we believe to be attractive results to date, and we believe has the potential to improve our operating margins and cash flows in the future. We believe we will continue to enhance our tenant base and improve rents as our pre-renovation leases continue to expire and be re-leased. Historically, we have operated our business to preserve capital through conservative debt levels. Upon completion of the Offering and formation transactions, we have no debt maturing in the remainder of 2013 and approximately $199.1 million maturing in 2014, and we have pro forma total debt outstanding of approximately $1.2 billion, with a weighted average interest rate of 4.61% and a weighted average maturity of 3.3 years and 70.2% of which is fixed-rate indebtedness. Our overall leverage will depend on our mix of investments and the cost of leverage. Our charter does not restrict the amount of leverage that we may use. We are a Maryland corporation that was formed on July 29, 2011. We conduct all of our business activities through our operating partnership, of which we are the sole general partner. We intend to elect and to qualify as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes commencing with our taxable year ending December 31, 2013. ### Our Predecessor See Note 1 to the Notes to Condensed Combined Financial Statements for an overview of our Predecessor. ### Formation Transactions Substantially concurrently with the completion of the Offering, we engaged in a series of formation transactions pursuant to which we acquired, through a series of contributions and merger transactions, (i) the 18 properties owned by the controlled and non-controlled entities, (ii) one development parcel in which our predecessor owned a controlling interest and (iii) the business and assets of our predecessor management businesses. In the aggregate, these interests comprise our ownership of our property portfolio. We did not acquire our predecessor’s affiliates’ interests in the option properties, or the excluded properties and the excluded businesses described in our October 1, 2013 Prospectus relating to the Offering. To acquire the properties to be included in our portfolio from the current owners we issued to the holders of interests in our predecessor and the non‑controlled entities an aggregate of 12,105,847 shares of our Class A common stock, 1,122,130 shares of our Class B common stock and 148,957,292 operating partnership units, with an aggregate value of $2.1 billion, based on the initial public offering price of $13.00 per share, and we paid $733.3 million in cash to those holders of interests in our predecessor and the non-controlled entities that were non-accredited and accredited investors that were charitable organizations but chose cash consideration for an aggregate consideration of approximately $2.8 billion. Cash amounts were provided from the net proceeds of the Offering. These contributions and other transactions were effected prior to or substantially concurrently with the completion of the Offering. The net proceeds from the Offering were approximately $884.1 million, including the underwriters’ overallotment option which was exercised in full (after deducting the underwriting discount and commissions and estimated expenses of the Offering and formation transactions). We contributed the net proceeds of the Offering to our operating partnership in exchange for operating partnership units. We used the net proceeds from the Offering primarily to fund certain formation transaction costs and fees, repay certain indebtedness and make cash payments to holders of interests in the existing entities, including the Helmsley estate, as described in the October 1, 2013 Prospectus relating to the Offering. We determined that one of the predecessor entities, Malkin Holdings LLC, is the acquirer for accounting purposes, and therefore the contribution of the assets of, or acquisition by merger of, the controlled entities is considered a transaction between entities under common control since the sponsors controlled a majority interest in each of the controlled entities comprising our predecessor. As a result, the acquisition of interests in the controlled entities was recorded at our historical cost. The contribution of the assets of, or acquisition by merger of, the non-controlled entities (including our predecessor’s non-controlling interest in these entities) will be accounted for as an acquisition under the acquisition method of accounting and recognized as the estimated fair value of acquired assets and assumed liabilities on the date of such contribution or acquisition. The fair value of these assets and liabilities has been allocated in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC"), Section 805-10, Business Combinations ("ASC 805") (formerly known as Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 141 ("SFAS No. 141"), which was later replaced by SFAS 141 (R)). Our methodology for allocating the cost of acquisitions to assets acquired and liabilities assumed is based on estimated fair values, replacement cost and appraised values. We estimate the fair value of acquired tangible assets (consisting of land, buildings and improvements), identified intangible lease assets and liabilities (consisting of acquired above-market leases, acquired in-place lease value and acquired below-market leases) and assumed debt. Based on these estimates, we will allocate the purchase price to the applicable assets and liabilities. The value allocated to in-place lease costs (tenant improvements, leasing commissions and in-place lease costs) is amortized over the related lease term and reflected as depreciation and amortization. The value of assumed above- and below-market leases is amortized over the related lease term and reflected as either an increase (for below-market leases) or a decrease (for above-market leases) to rental income. The fair value of the debt assumed is determined using current market interest rates for comparable debt financings. ### Factors That May Influence Future Results of Operations ### Rental Revenue We derive revenues primarily from rents, rent escalations, expense reimbursements and other income received from tenants under existing leases at each of our properties. “Escalations and expense reimbursements” consist of payments made by tenants to us under contractual lease obligations to reimburse a portion of the property operating expenses and real estate taxes incurred at each property. We believe that the average rental rates for in-place leases at our properties are generally below the current market rates, although individual leases at particular properties presently may be leased above, at or below the current market rates within its particular submarket. The amount of net rental income and reimbursements that we receive depends principally on our ability to lease currently available space, re-lease space to new tenants upon the scheduled or unscheduled termination of leases or renew expiring leases and to maintain or increase our rental rates. Factors that could affect our rental incomes include, but are not limited to: local, regional or national economic conditions; an oversupply of, or a reduction in demand for, office or retail space; changes in market rental rates; our ability to provide adequate services and maintenance at our properties; and fluctuations in interest rates could adversely affect our rental income in future periods. Future economic or regional downturns affecting our submarkets or downturns in our tenants’ industries could impair our ability to lease vacant space and renew or re-lease space as well as the ability of our tenants to fulfill their lease commitments, and could adversely affect our ability to maintain or increase the occupancy at our properties. ### Tenant Credit Risk The economic condition of our tenants may also deteriorate, which could negatively impact their ability to fulfill their lease commitments and in turn adversely affect our ability to maintain or increase the occupancy level and/or rental rates of our properties. The recent economic downturn has resulted in many companies shifting to a more cautionary mode with respect to leasing. Many potential tenants are looking to consolidate, reduce overhead and preserve operating capital and many are also deferring strategic decisions, including entering into new, long-term leases at properties. ### Leasing We have seen an improvement in leasing activity. For example, during 2011, we signed 1,534,064 rentable square feet of new leases, expansions and lease renewals, an increase of 28.1% over 2010. An additional 1,100,444 and 723,386 rentable square feet of new leases, expansions and lease renewals, were signed in 2012 and in the nine months ended September 30, 2013, respectively. Due to the relatively small number of leases that are signed in any particular quarter, one or more larger leases may have a disproportionately positive or negative impact on average base rent, tenant improvement and leasing commission costs for that period. As a result, we believe it is more appropriate when analyzing trends in average base rent and tenant improvement and leasing commission costs to review activity over multiple quarters or years. Tenant improvement costs include expenditures for general improvements occurring concurrently with, but that are not directly related to, the cost of installing a new tenant. Leasing commission costs are similarly subject to significant fluctuations depending upon the length of leases being signed and the mix of tenants from quarter to quarter. As of September 30, 2013, our Manhattan and greater New York metropolitan area office properties were 83.7% leased (or 86.2% giving effect to leases signed but not yet commenced as of that date) and 90.0% leased (or 90.2% giving effect to leases signed but not yet commenced as of that date), respectively, and our office properties as a whole were 85.2% leased (or 87.1% giving effect to leases signed but not yet commenced as of that date). As of September 30, 2013, there was approximately 1.1 million rentable square feet of space in our portfolio available to lease (excluding leases signed but not yet commenced) representing 12.5% of the net rentable square footage of the properties in our portfolio. In addition, leases representing 2.5% and 4.9% of net rentable square footage of the properties in our portfolio will expire in the remainder of 2013 (including month-to-month leases) and in 2014, respectively. These leases are expected to represent approximately 2.9% and 5.3%, respectively, of our annualized base rent for such periods. Our revenues and results of operations can be impacted by expiring leases that are not renewed or re-leased or that are renewed or re-leased at base rental rates equal to above or below the current average base rental rates. Further, our revenues and results of operations can also be affected by the costs we incur to re-lease available space, including payment of leasing commissions, renovations and build-to-suit remodeling that may not be borne by the tenant. We believe that as we complete the renovation and repositioning of our properties we will, over the long-term, experience increased occupancy levels and rents. Over the short term, as we renovate and reposition our properties, which includes aggregating smaller spaces to offer large blocks of space, we may experience lower occupancy levels as a result of having to relocate tenants to alternative space and the strategic expiration of existing leases. We believe that despite the short-term lower occupancy levels we may experience, we will continue to experience increased rental revenues as a result of the increased rents which we expect to obtain in following the renovation and repositioning of our properties. ### Market Conditions The properties in our portfolio are located in Manhattan and the greater New York metropolitan area, which includes Fairfield County, Connecticut and Westchester County, New York. Positive or negative changes in conditions in these markets, such as business hirings or layoffs or downsizing, industry growth or slowdowns, relocations of businesses, increases or decreases in real estate and other taxes, costs of complying with governmental regulations or changed regulation, can impact our overall performance. ### Taxable REIT Subsidiaries ("TRS") Following the Offering and the formation transactions, ESRT Observatory TRS, LLC, a New York limited liability company, which we refer to as Observatory TRS, and ESRT Holdings TRS, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, which we refer to as Holding TRS, are wholly owned subsidiaries of our operating partnership. We elected, together with Observatory TRS and Holding TRS, to treat Observatory TRS and Holding TRS as TRSs of ours for U.S. federal income tax purposes. A TRS generally may provide non-customary and other services to our tenants and engage in activities that we may not engage in directly without adversely affecting our qualification as a REIT, although a TRS may not operate or manage a lodging facility or provide rights to any brand name under which any lodging facility is operated. See “U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations—Requirements for Qualification-General—Effect of Subsidiary Entities—Taxable REIT Subsidiaries.” We may form additional TRSs in the future, and our operating partnership may contribute some or all of its interests in certain wholly owned subsidiaries or their assets to Observatory TRS and Holding TRS. Any income earned by a TRS of ours will not be included in our taxable income for purposes of the 75% or 95% gross income tests, except to the extent such income is distributed to us as a dividend, in which case such dividend income will qualify under the 95%, but not the 75%, gross income test. See “U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations—Requirements for Qualification—General— Gross Income Tests.” Because a TRS is subject to entity-level U.S. federal income tax and state and local income tax (where applicable) in the same manner as other taxable corporations, the income earned by a TRS of ours generally will be subject to an additional level of tax as compared to the income earned by our other subsidiaries. The observatory operations at the Empire State Building have historically been part of the financial results of Empire State Building Company L.L.C., one of the non-controlled entities, and therefore, have not been consolidated into our predecessor’s financial statements. Instead, they have been a component of our predecessor’s equity investment in non-controlled entities. Following the Offering and the formation transactions, these operations are part of our consolidated results and we anticipate it will constitute a separate accounting segment. The revenues from our observatory operations represent a significant portion of our operations following the Offering and formation transactions. For the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, the lease payment from the observatory operations to the Empire State Building Company L.L.C. was $41.2 million and $36.6 million, respectively. Our operating partnership and Observatory TRS are party to a lease which is structured to pay our operating partnership a fixed minimum rent plus variable gross participations in certain operations of our observatory. Therefore, the amounts payable under this lease will be dependent upon the following: (i) the number of tourists (domestic and international) that come to New York City and visit the observatory, as well as any related tourism trends; (ii) the prices per admission that can be charged; (iii) seasonal trends affecting the number of visitors to the observatory; (iv) competition, in particular from the planned observation in the new property under construction at One World Trade Center; and (v) weather trends. ### Operating expenses Our operating expenses generally consist of repairs and maintenance, security, utilities, property-related payroll, bad debt expense and third-party management fees. Factors that may affect our ability to control these operating costs include: increases in insurance premiums, tax rates, the cost of periodic repair, renovation costs and the cost of re-leasing space, the cost of compliance with governmental regulation, including zoning and tax laws, the potential for liability under applicable laws and interest rate levels. Also, as a public company, our annual general and administrative expenses may be meaningfully higher compared to historical expenses due to legal, insurance, accounting and other expenses related to corporate governance, SEC reporting, other compliance matters and the costs of operating as a public company. If our operating costs increase as a result of any of the foregoing factors, our future cash flow and results of operations may be adversely affected. The expenses of owning and operating a property are not necessarily reduced when circumstances, such as market factors and competition, cause a reduction in income from the property. If revenues drop, we may not be able to reduce our expenses accordingly. Costs associated with real estate investments, such as real estate taxes and maintenance generally, will not be materially reduced even if a property is not fully occupied or other circumstances cause our revenues to decrease. As a result, if revenues decrease in the future, static operating costs may adversely affect our future cash flow and results of operations. If similar economic conditions exist in the future, we may experience future losses. During November 2013, we gave a 30-day notice to the managing agents at four of our properties that we were terminating their contracts as of December 1, 2013. We will be self-managing these four properties going forward. ### Cost of funds and interest rates We expect future changes in interest rates will impact our overall performance. Subject to maintaining our qualification as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes, we may mitigate the risk of interest rate volatility through the use of hedging instruments, such as interest rate swap agreements and interest rate cap agreements. While we may seek to manage our exposure to future changes in rates, portions of our overall outstanding debt will likely remain at floating rates. Following the Offering and the formation transactions, our floating rate debt represents 29.8% of our indebtedness. This floating rate debt includes $357.2 million of borrowings which we incurred upon the closing of the Offering and the formation transactions, under the secured revolving and term credit facility. We anticipate that we will enter into hedging instruments to reduce our floating rate exposure with respect to these borrowings under the term loan portion of the secured revolving and term credit facility. Our floating rate debt may increase to the extent we use available borrowing capacity under our loans to fund capital improvements. We continually evaluate our debt maturities, and, based on management’s current assessment, believe we have viable financing and refinancing alternatives that will not materially adversely impact our expected financial results. With the completion of the Offering and the formation transactions, we have no debt maturities in the remainder of 2013 and approximately $199.1 million of maturities in 2014. ### Competition The leasing of real estate is highly competitive in Manhattan and the greater New York metropolitan market in which we operate. We compete with numerous acquirers, developers, owners and operators of commercial real estate, many of which own or may seek to acquire or develop properties similar to ours in the same markets in which our properties are located. The principal means of competition are rent charged, location, services provided and the nature and condition of the facility to be leased. In addition, we face competition from other real estate companies including other REITs, private real estate funds, domestic and foreign financial institutions, life insurance companies, pension trusts, partnerships, individual investors and others that may have greater financial resources or access to capital than we do or that are willing to acquire properties in transactions which are more highly leveraged or are less attractive from a financial viewpoint than we are willing to pursue. In addition, competition from observatory and/or broadcasting operations in the new property currently under construction at One World Trade Center and, to a lesser extent, from the existing observatory at Rockefeller Center and the existing broadcasting facility at Four Times Square, could have a negative impact on revenues from our observatory and/or broadcasting operations. Adverse impacts on domestic travel and changes in foreign currency exchange rates may also decrease demand in the future, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition and ability to make distributions to our stockholders. If our competitors offer space at rental rates below current market rates, below the rental rates we currently charge our tenants, in better locations within our markets or in higher quality facilities, we may lose potential tenants and may be pressured to reduce our rental rates below those we currently charge in order to retain tenants when our tenants’ leases expire. ### Critical Accounting Policies ### Basis of Presentation and Principles of Combination The accompanying combined financial statements of our predecessor are prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, or GAAP, and with the rules and regulations of the SEC. The effect of all significant intercompany balances and transactions has been eliminated. The combined financial statements include all the accounts and operations of our predecessor. The real estate entities included in the accompanying combined financial statements have been combined on the basis that, for the periods presented, such entities were under common control, common management and common ownership of the sponsors and/or their affiliates and family members. Equity interests in the combining entities that were not owned and controlled by the sponsors and/or their affiliates and family members are shown as investments in uncombined entities. We also acquired these interests. We have consolidated a variable interest entity, or VIE, in which we are considered a primary beneficiary. The primary beneficiary is the entity that has (i) the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance and (ii) the obligation to absorb losses of the VIE or the right to receive benefits from the VIE that could be significant to the VIE. We will assess the accounting treatment for each investment we may have in the future. This assessment will include a review of each entity's organizational agreement to determine which party has what rights and whether those rights are protective or participating. For all VIEs, we will review such agreements in order to determine which party has the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the entity's economic performance and benefit. In situations where we or our partner could approve, among other things, the annual budget, the entity's tax return before filing, and leases that cover more than a nominal amount of space relative to the total rentable space at each property, we would not consolidate the investment as we consider these to be substantive participation rights that result in shared power of the activities that would most significantly impact the performance and benefit of such joint venture investment. Such agreements could also contain certain protective rights such as the requirement of partner approval to sell, finance or refinance the investment and the payment of capital expenditures and operating expenditures outside of the approved budget or operating plan. A non-controlling interest in a consolidated subsidiary is defined as the portion of the equity (net assets) in a subsidiary not attributable, directly or indirectly, to a parent. Non-controlling interests are required to be presented as a separate component of equity in the combined balance sheets and in the combined statements of income by requiring earnings and other comprehensive income to be attributed to controlling and non-controlling interests. As the financial statements of our predecessor have been prepared on a combined basis, there is no non-controlling interest for the periods presented. ### Accounting Estimates The preparation of the combined financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires management to use estimates and assumptions that in certain circumstances affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities, and the reported revenues and expenses. Significant items subject to such estimates and assumptions include allocation of the purchase price of acquired real estate properties among tangible and intangible assets, determination of the useful life of real estate properties and other long-lived assets, valuation and impairment analysis of combined and uncombined commercial real estate properties and other long-lived assets, estimate of percentage of completion on construction contracts, and valuation of the allowance for doubtful accounts. These estimates are prepared using management’s best judgment, after considering past, current, and expected events and economic conditions. Actual results could differ from those estimates. ### Real Estate Commercial real estate properties are recorded at cost, less accumulated depreciation and amortization. The recorded cost includes cost of acquisitions, development and construction and tenant allowances and improvements. Expenditures for ordinary repairs and maintenance are charged to operations as incurred. Significant replacements and betterments which improve or extend the life of the asset are capitalized. Tenant improvements which improve or extend the life of the asset are capitalized. If a tenant vacates its space prior to the contractual termination of its lease, the unamortized balance of any tenant improvements are written off if they are replaced or have no future value. Properties are depreciated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. The estimated useful lives are as follows: ### Category Term Building (fee ownership) 39 years Building improvements Shorter of remaining life of the building or useful life Building (leasehold interest) Lesser of 39 years or remaining term of the lease Furniture and fixtures Four to seven years Tenant improvements Shorter of remaining term of the lease or useful life For commercial real estate properties acquired after June 30, 2001, we assess the fair value of acquired tangible and intangible assets (including land, buildings, tenant improvements, above- and below-market leases, origination costs, acquired in-place leases, other identified intangible assets and assumed liabilities) in accordance with guidance included in ASC 805, and allocate the purchase price to the acquired assets and assumed liabilities, including land at appraised value and buildings as if vacant, based on estimated fair values. We assess and consider fair value based on estimated cash flow projections that utilize discount and/or capitalization rates that we deem appropriate, as well as available market information. Estimates of future cash flows are based on a number of factors, including the historical operating results, known and anticipated trends, and market and economic conditions. The fair value of the tangible assets of an acquired property considers the value of the property as if it were vacant. We also consider an allocation of purchase price of other acquired intangibles, including acquired in-place leases that may have a customer relationship intangible value, including (but not limited to) the nature and extent of the existing relationship with the tenants, the tenant’s credit quality and expectations of lease renewals. Based on our acquisitions to date, our allocation to customer relationship intangible assets has been immaterial. Real estate properties acquired prior to July 1, 2001 were accounted for under the provisions of Accounting Principles Board ("APB") 16 ("APB 16"), using the purchase method. Under the provisions of APB 16, we did not allocate any of the purchase prices to acquired leases. APB 16 was superseded by SFAS 141 and later SFAS 141(R). Acquired in-place lease costs (tenant improvements, leasing commissions and in-place lease costs) are amortized as amortization expense on a straight-line basis over the remaining life of the underlying leases. Acquired assumed above- and below-market leases are amortized on a straight-line basis as an adjustment to rental revenue over the remaining term of the underlying leases, including, for below-market leases, fixed option renewal periods, if any. To date, all such acquired lease intangibles were deemed to be immaterial and have been recorded as part of the cost of the acquired building. The fair values associated with below-market rental renewal options are determined based on our experience and the relevant facts and circumstances that existed at the time of the acquisitions. For below-market leases with fixed option renewal periods, we have applied a minimum threshold of a 10% differential between the fixed rate for fixed rate renewals and estimated market rents when evaluating recording a below-market lease intangible. Results of operations of properties acquired are included in the combined statements of income from the date of acquisition. Acquisition related costs are expensed as incurred. Should a tenant terminate its lease, any unamortized acquired in-place lease costs and acquired in-place lease assets and assumed above- and below-market leases associated with that tenant will be written off to amortization expense or rental revenue, as indicated above. For properties which we construct, we capitalize the cost to acquire and develop the property. The costs to be capitalized include pre-construction costs essential to the development of the property, development costs, construction costs, interest costs, real estate taxes, salaries and related costs of personnel directly involved and other costs incurred during the period of development. Construction in progress is stated at cost, which includes the cost of construction, other direct costs and overhead costs attributable to the construction. Interest is capitalized if deemed material. No provision for depreciation is made on construction in progress until such time as the relevant assets are completed and put into use. We cease capitalization on the portions of a construction property substantially completed and occupied or held available for occupancy, and capitalize only those costs associated with the portions under construction. As a part of and concurrently with the Offering and the formation transactions, we distributed our interest in certain residential buildings and land located in Stamford, Connecticut, which is zoned for residential use and held for future development. These interests have a historical cost of $15.6 million as of September 30, 2013 and such residential buildings and land were distributed to certain of the owners of our predecessor and therefore were not acquired by us. A property to be disposed of is reported at the lower of its carrying amount or its estimated fair value, less its cost to sell. Once an asset is held for sale, depreciation expense is no longer recorded and the historic results are reclassified as discontinued operations. ### Investments in Non-Controlled Entities We account for our investments under the equity method of accounting where we do not have control but have the ability to exercise significant influence. Under this method, our investments are recorded at cost, and the investment accounts are adjusted for our share of the entities' income or loss and for distributions and contributions. Equity income (loss) from non-controlled entities is allocated based on the portion of our ownership interest that is controlled by the sponsor in each entity. The agreements may designate different percentage allocations among investors for profits and losses; however, our recognition of the entity's income or loss generally follows the entity's distribution priorities, which may change upon the achievement of certain investment return thresholds. To the extent that we contributed assets to an entity, our investment in the entity is recorded at cost basis in the assets that were contributed to the entity. Upon contributing assets to an entity, we make a judgment as to whether the economic substance of the transaction is a sale. If so, gain or loss is recognized on the portion of the asset to which the other partners in the entity obtain an interest. To the extent that the carrying amount of these investments on our combined balance sheets is different than the basis reflected at the entity level, the basis difference would be amortized over the life of the related asset and included in our share of equity in net income of the entity. On a periodic basis, we assess whether there are any indicators that the carrying value of our investments in entities may be impaired on an other than temporary basis. An investment is impaired only if management’s estimate of the fair value of the investment is less than the carrying value of the investment on an other than temporary basis. To the extent impairment has occurred, the loss shall be measured as the excess of the carrying value of the investment over the fair value of the investment. None of our investments in non-controlled entities are other than temporarily impaired. We recognize incentive income in the form of overage fees from certain uncombined entities (which include non-controlled and other properties not included in our predecessor’s combined balance sheets) as income to the extent it has been earned and not subject to a clawback feature. If our share of distributions and net losses exceeds our investments for certain of the equity method investments and if we remain liable for future obligations of the entity or may otherwise be committed to provide future additional financial support, the investment balances would be presented in the accompanying combined balance sheets as liabilities. The effects of material intercompany transactions with these equity method investments are eliminated. None of the entity debt is recourse to us. The revenues and expenses of our non-controlled entities, including those generated by our observatory operations and our broadcasting operations, are not included in the historical operating results of our predecessor. These revenues and expenses are included in the non-controlled entities’ financial statements and we recognize our share of net income, including those generated by our observatory operations and our broadcasting operations, through our share of equity in earnings. Upon completion of the Offering and the formation transactions, the operations of our non-controlled entities, including our observatory operations and our broadcasting operations, were combined with our company, our operating partnership and/or our subsidiaries. The revenue and expense recognition accounting policies in the financial statements of our non-controlled entities are substantially the same as those of our historical predecessor. For our observatory operations, revenues consist of admission fees to visit our observatory and are recognized as income when admission tickets are redeemed. We also recognize rental revenue attributable to a retail tenant which operates the concession space in the observatory. In addition, we also participate in revenues generated by concession operators from photography, audio and other products and services which are recognized as income at the time of sale. For our broadcasting operations, revenues consist of broadcasting licenses and related leased space. We recognize broadcasting licenses on a straight-line basis over the terms of the license agreements. We also receive rental revenue from certain broadcasting tenants which we recognize on a straight-line basis over the terms of the separate lease agreements. Expenses for our observatory and broadcasting operations are recognized as incurred. ### Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Long-lived assets, such as commercial real estate properties and purchased intangible assets subject to amortization, are reviewed for impairment on a property by property basis whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. On a periodic basis, we assess whether there are any indicators that the value of our real estate properties may be impaired or that its carrying value may not be recoverable. If circumstances require that a long-lived asset be tested for possible impairment, we first compare undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by an asset to the carrying value of the asset. If the carrying value of the long-lived asset is not recoverable on an undiscounted cash flow basis, impairment is recognized to the extent that the carrying value exceeds its fair value. We do not believe that the value of any of our properties and intangible assets were impaired during the nine months ended September 30, 2013. ### Income Taxes We intend to elect and to qualify as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes commencing with the taxable year ending December 31, 2013. So long as we qualify as a REIT, we generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on our REIT taxable income that we distribute currently to our stockholders. To maintain our qualification as a REIT, we are required under the Code to distribute at least 90% of our REIT taxable income (without regard to the deduction for dividends paid and excluding net capital gains) to our stockholders and meet certain other requirements. If we fail to qualify as a REIT in any taxable year, we will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on our taxable income at regular corporate rates. Even if we qualify for taxation as a REIT, we may also be subject to certain state, local, alternative minimum and franchise taxes. Under certain circumstances, U.S. federal income and excise taxes may be due on our undistributed taxable income. During the periods presented, the entities included in the combined financial statements are treated as partnerships or S corporations for U.S. federal and state income tax purposes and, accordingly, are not subject to entity-level tax. Rather, each entity’s taxable income or loss is allocated to its owners. Therefore, no provision or liability for U.S. federal or state income taxes has been included in the accompanying combined financial statements. Two of the limited liability companies in our predecessor have non-real estate income that is subject to New York City unincorporated business tax ("NYCUBT"). In 2012 and through September 30, 2013, one of these entities generated a loss for NYCUBT purposes while the other entity generated income. It is estimated that it is more likely than not that those losses will not provide future benefit. No provision or liability for local income taxes have been included in these combined financial statements, as current year taxable income subject to NYCUBT has been fully offset by a NYCUBT net operating loss carry forward from previous years. We account for uncertain tax positions in accordance with ASC 740, “Income Taxes.” ASC No. 740-10-65 addresses the determination of whether tax benefits claimed or expected to be claimed on a tax return should be recorded in the financial statements. Under ASC No. 740-10-65, we may recognize the tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities, based on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefits recognized in the financial statements from such a position should be measured based on the largest benefit that has a greater than fifty percent likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement. ASC No. 740-10-65 also provides guidance on de-recognition, classification, interest and penalties on income taxes and accounting in interim periods and requires increased disclosures. As of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, we do not have a liability for uncertain tax positions. Potential interest and penalties associated with such uncertain tax positions are recorded as a component of the income tax provision. As of September 30, 2013, the tax years ended December 31, 2009 through December 31, 2012 remain open for an audit by the IRS. We have not received a notice of audit from the IRS for any of the open tax years. ### Segment Reporting Management has determined that our predecessor operates in two reportable segments: a real estate segment and a construction contracting segment. Our real estate segment includes all activities related to the ownership, management, operation, acquisition, repositioning and disposition of our real estate assets, including properties which are accounted for by the equity method. Our construction segment includes all activities related to providing construction services to tenants and to other entities within and outside our company. These two lines of businesses are managed separately because each business requires different support infrastructures, provides different services and has dissimilar economic characteristics such as investments needed, stream of revenues and different marketing strategies. We account for intersegment sales and transfers as if the sales or transfers were to third parties, that is, at current market prices. Although our observatory operations are currently not presented as a segment in our predecessor’s historical financial statements since our predecessor has a non-controlling interest in such observatory operations, we anticipate that the operations of our observatory will encompass a reportable segment upon completion of the Offering and the formation transactions. ### Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash on hand, demand deposits with financial institutions and short-term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less when purchased. The majority of our cash and cash equivalents are held at major commercial banks which may at times exceed the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation limit. To date, we have not experienced any losses on our invested cash. ### Restricted Cash Restricted cash consists of amounts held by lenders and/or escrow agents to provide for future real estate tax expenditures and insurance expenditures, tenant vacancy related costs, debt service obligations and amounts held for tenants in accordance with lease agreements such as security deposits, as well as amounts held by our third-party property managers. ### Revenue Recognition ### Rental Revenue Rental revenue includes base rents that each tenant pays in accordance with the terms of its respective lease and is reported on a straight-line basis over the non-cancellable term of the lease which includes the effects of rent steps and rent abatements under the leases. We commence rental revenue recognition when the tenant takes possession of the leased space or controls the physical use of the leased space and the leased space is substantially ready for its intended use. In addition, many of our leases contain fixed percentage increases over the base rent to cover escalations. We account for all of our leases as operating leases. Deferred rent receivables, including free rental periods and leasing arrangements allowing for increased base rent payments are accounted for in a manner that provides an even amount of fixed lease revenues over the respective non- cancellable lease terms. Differences between rental income recognized and amounts due under the respective lease agreements are recognized as an increase or decrease to deferred rents receivable. The timing of rental revenue recognition is impacted by the ownership of tenant improvements and allowances. When we are the owner of the tenant improvements, revenue recognition commences after both the improvements are completed and the tenant takes possession or control of the space. In contrast, if we determine that the tenant allowances we are funding are lease incentives, then we commence revenue recognition when possession or control of the space is turned over to the tenant. Tenant improvement ownership is determined based on various factors including, but not limited to, whether the lease stipulates how and on what a tenant improvement allowance may be spent, whether the tenant or landlord retains legal title to the improvements at the end of the lease term, whether the tenant improvements are unique to the tenant or general-purpose in nature, and whether the tenant improvements are expected to have any residual value at the end of the lease. In addition to base rent, our tenants also generally will pay their pro rata share of increases in real estate taxes and operating expenses for the building over a base year. In some leases, in lieu of paying additional rent based upon increases in building operating expenses, the tenant will pay additional rent based upon increases in the wage rate paid to porters over the porters’ wage rate in effect during a base year or increases in the Consumer Price Index over the index value in effect during a base year. We will recognize rental revenue of acquired in-place above- and below-market leases at their fair values over the terms of the respective leases, including, for below-market leases, fixed option renewal periods, if any. Lease cancellation fees are recognized when the fees are determinable, tenant vacancy has occurred, collectability is reasonably assured, we have no continuing obligation to provide services to such former tenants and the payment is not subject to any conditions that must be met or waived. Such fees are included in other income and fees in our combined statements of income. Upon completion of the Offering and the formation transactions, the operations of our non-controlled entities, including our observatory operations and our broadcasting operations, were combined with our company, our operating partnership and/or our subsidiaries. For our observatory operations, revenues consist of admission fees to visit our observatory and we will recognize them as income when admission tickets are redeemed. For our broadcasting operations, revenues consist of broadcasting licenses and related leased space. We recognize broadcasting licenses on a straight-line basis over the terms of the license agreements. We also receive rental revenue from certain broadcasting tenants which we recognize on a straight-line basis over the terms of the separate lease agreements. We also earn concession revenues from photography, gifts and other products and services related to our observatory operations which are recognized at the time of sale. ### Gains on Sale of Real Estate We record a gain on sale of real estate when title is conveyed to the buyer and we have no substantial economic involvement with the property. If the sales criteria for the full accrual method are not met, we defer some or all of the gain recognition and account for the continued operations of the property by applying the finance, leasing, profit sharing, deposit, installment or cost recovery methods, as appropriate, until the sales criteria are met. Gains from sales of depreciated properties are included in discontinued operations and the net proceeds from the sale of these properties are classified in the investing activities section of the combined statements of cash flows. During the periods presented, we did not sell any properties. ### Third-Party Management, Leasing and Other Fees We earn revenue arising from contractual agreements with affiliated entities of the sponsors that are not presented as controlled entities. This revenue is recognized as the related services are performed under the respective agreements in place. ### Construction Revenue Revenues from construction contracts are recognized under the percentage of completion method. Under this method, progress towards completion is recognized according to the ratio of incurred costs to estimated total costs. This method is used because management considers the “cost-to-cost” method the most appropriate in the circumstances. Contract costs include all direct material, direct labor and other direct costs and an allocation of certain overhead related to contract performance. General and administrative costs are charged to expense as incurred. Provisions for estimated losses on uncompleted contracts are made in the period in which such losses are determined. Changes in job performance, job conditions and estimated profitability, including those arising from settlements, may result in revisions to costs and income and are recognized in the period in which the revisions are determined. ### Allowance for Doubtful Accounts We maintain an allowance against tenant and other receivables and deferred rents receivables for future potential tenant credit losses. The credit assessment is based on the estimated accrued rental revenue that is recoverable over the term of the respective lease. The computation of this allowance is based on the tenants’ payment history and current credit status, as well as certain industry or geographic specific credit considerations. If our estimate of collectability differs from the cash received, then the timing and amount of our reported revenue could be impacted. Bad debt expense is included in operating expenses on our combined statements of income and includes the impact of changes in the allowance for doubtful accounts on our combined balance sheets. ### Discontinued Operations We reclassify material operations related to properties sold during the period or held for sale at the end of the period to discontinued operations for all periods presented. There were no discontinued operations in the periods presented. ### Deferred Lease Costs Deferred lease costs consist of fees and direct costs incurred to initiate and renew leases, are amortized on a straight-line basis over the related lease term and the expense is included in depreciation and amortization in our combined statements of income. Upon the early termination of a lease, unamortized deferred leasing costs are charged to expense. ### Deferred Financing Costs Fees and costs incurred to obtain long-term financing have been deferred and are being amortized as a component of interest expense in our combined statements of income over the life of the respective mortgage on the straight-line method which approximates the effective interest method. Unamortized deferred financing costs are expensed when the associated debt is refinanced or repaid before maturity. Costs incurred in seeking debt, which do not close, are expensed in the period in which it is determined that the financing will not close. ### Advertising and Marketing Costs Advertising and marketing costs are expensed as incurred. ### Fair Value Fair value is a market-based measurement, not an entity-specific measurement, and should be determined based on the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. As a basis for considering market participant assumptions in fair value measurements, FASB guidance establishes a fair value hierarchy that distinguishes between market participant assumptions based on market data obtained from sources independent of the reporting entity (observable inputs that are classified within levels one and two of the hierarchy) and the reporting entity’s own assumptions about market participant assumptions (unobservable inputs classified within level three of the hierarchy). We use the following methods and assumptions in estimating fair value disclosures for financial instruments. Cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, tenant and other receivables, due from affiliated companies, prepaid expenses and other assets, accrued interest payable, due to affiliate companies, deferred revenue, tenant security deposits, accounts payable and accrued expenses in our combined balance sheets approximate their fair value due to the short-term maturity of these instruments. The fair value of our mortgage notes payable and unsecured loans and notes payable-related parties, which are determined using Level 3 inputs, are estimated by discounting the future cash flows using current interest rates at which similar borrowings could be made to us. The methodologies used for valuing financial instruments have been categorized into three broad levels as follows: Level 1 - Quoted prices in active markets for identical instruments. Level 2 - Valuations based principally on other observable market parameters, including: - Quoted prices in active markets for similar instruments; - Quoted prices in less active or inactive markets for identical or similar instruments; - Other observable inputs (such as risk free interest rates, yield curves, volatilities, prepayment speeds, loss severities, credit risks and default rates); and - Market corroborated inputs (derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data). Level 3 - Valuations based significantly on unobservable inputs, including: - Valuations based on third-party indications (broker quotes or counterparty quotes) which were, in turn, based significantly on unobservable inputs or were otherwise not supportable as Level 2 valuations; and - Valuations based on internal models with significant unobservable inputs. These levels form a hierarchy. We follow this hierarchy for our financial instruments measured or disclosed at fair value on a recurring and nonrecurring basis and other required fair value disclosures. The classifications are based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. ### Offering Costs and Formation Transaction Expenses In connection with the Offering and the formation transactions, we incurred incremental accounting fees, legal fees and other professional fees. Such costs were deferred and recorded as a reduction of proceeds of the Offering. Certain costs associated with the Offering and the formation transactions not directly attributable to the solicitation of consents of the investors in the existing entities and the Offering, but rather related to structuring the formation transaction, were expensed as incurred. ### Results of Operations ### Overview For the periods presented, our predecessor’s portfolio was comprised of interests in ten office properties and six retail properties and non-controlled interests in the following four office properties, which are accounted for under the equity method of accounting: the Empire State Building, 1350 Broadway, 1333 Broadway and 501 Seventh Avenue. The fee ownership interests of the Empire State Building and 501 Seventh Avenue are included in our predecessor’s portfolio but the operating lease interests of these two properties are part of our predecessor’s equity interest in non-controlled entities. These non-controlled interests will represent a significant part of our operations following this offering and the formation transactions when they become consolidated into our operations. Also, for the periods presented below, rental revenue includes rental revenue earned by the Empire State Building and 501 Seventh Avenue related to leasehold rent, which upon acquisition by our company will be eliminated in consolidation. The following comparative discussion of results of operations discusses only the operations of our predecessor (which reflects its interest in the non-controlled entities as an equity investment). Therefore, for periods following the Offering and the formation transactions, our results of operations will be materially different as they will consolidate the non-controlled entities and will disclose more detailed information concerning the Empire State Building, 1350 Broadway, 1333 Broadway and 501 Seventh Avenue. ### Three Months Ended September 30, 2013 Compared to the Three Months Ended September 30, 2012 (in thousands) The following table summarizes the historical results of operations of our predecessor for three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012: | Revenues: | Three Months Ended September 30, 2013 | 2012 | Change% | | | --- | ---: | ---: | ---: | ---: | | Rental revenue(1) | $45,228 | $43,405 | $1,823 | 4.2% | | Tenant expense reimbursement | 7,180 | 7,889 | (709) | (9.0)% | | Third-party management and other fees | 884 | 739 | 145 | 19.6% | | Construction revenue | 5,869 | 3,587 | 2,282 | 63.6% | | Other income and fees | 3,117 | 3,795 | (678) | (17.9)% | | Total Revenues | 62,278 | 59,415 | 2,863 | 4.8% | | Operating Expenses: | | | | | | Operating expenses | 14,170 | 13,261 | 909 | 6.9% | | Marketing, general and administrative expenses | 9,633 | 5,730 | 3,903 | 68.1% | | Construction expenses | 5,933 | 3,875 | 2,058 | 53.1% | | Real estate taxes | 8,003 | 7,794 | 209 | 2.7% | | Formation transaction expenses | 1,507 | 917 | 590 | 64.3% | | Depreciation and amortization | 12,763 | 11,000 | 1,763 | 16.0% | | Total Operating Expenses | 52,009 | 42,577 | 9,432 | 22.2% | | Operating Income | 10,269 | 16,838 | (6,569) | (39.0)% | | Other Income (Expense): | | | | | | Equity in net income of non-controlled entities | 6,918 | 5,912 | 1,006 | 17.0% | | Interest expense | (14,906) | (13,735) | (1,171) | 8.5% | | Net Income | $2,281 | $9,015 | $(6,734) | (74.7)% | (1) Includes $4,185 and $3,926 of leasehold rent for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively. ### Rental Revenue Rental revenue increased by $1,823, or 4.2%, to $45,228 for the three months ended September 30, 2013 from $43,405 for the three months ended September 30, 2012. The increase was primarily attributable an increase in basic rent income at the Empire State Building of $530 attributable to increased debt service paid by Empire State Building Associates L.L.C. and passed through to Empire State Building Company, L.L.C. on additional financing and higher revenues from the remaining properties of $1,293. ### Tenant Expense Reimbursement Tenant expense reimbursement decreased by $709, or 9.0%, to $7,180 for the three months ended September 30, 2013 from $7,889 for the three months ended September 30, 2012. The decrease in tenant expense reimbursements for the three months ended September 30, 2013 as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2012 was primarily attributable to a decline in electric income of $622 primarily due to new tenants generally having their space metered resulting in lower profit margins on electric than previous tenants billed on a non-metered basis and lower CPI escalations of $130. The decrease was partially offset by an increase in other expense reimbursements of $43. ### Third-Party Management and Other Fees Third-party management and other fees increased by $145, or 19.6%, to $884 for the three months ended September 30, 2013 from $739 for the three months ended September 30, 2012. This is primarily attributable to an increase in professional fee income of $1,613 partially offset by lower management fee income of $1,518. ### Construction Revenue Construction revenue increased by $2,282, or 63.6%, to $5,869 for the three months ended September 30, 2013 from $3,587 for the three months ended September 30, 2012. This increase is attributable to a higher number of construction projects during the three months ended September 30, 2013 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2012. ### Other Income and Fees Other income and fees decreased by $678, or 17.9%, to $3,117 for the three months ended September 30, 2013 from $3,795 for the three months ended September 30, 2012. This decrease is mainly attributable to higher lease cancellation fees earned during the three months ended September 30, 2012 compared to fees earned during the third quarter 2013. ### Operating Expenses Operating expenses increased by $909, or 6.9%, to $14,170 for the three months ended September 30, 2013 from $13,261 for the three months ended September 30, 2012. This increase is primarily attributable to higher operating payroll of $883. ### Marketing, General and Administrative Expenses Marketing, general and administrative expenses increased by $3,903, or 68.1%, to $9,633 for the three months ended September 30, 2013 from $5,730 for the three months ended September 30, 2012. This variance primarily reflects an increase of $2,520 in professional fees generally related to non-capitalizable costs associated with the consolidation and the IPO and $1,688 for incentive compensation accruals partially offset by lower general expenses of $211. ### Construction Expenses Construction expenses increased by $2,058, or 53.1%, to $5,933 for the three months ended September 30, 2013 from $3,875 for the three months ended September 30, 2012. This increase correlates with the increase in the new construction projects as noted above in Construction Revenue. ### Real Estate Taxes Real estate taxes increased by $209, or 2.7%, to $8,003 for the three months ended September 30, 2013 from $7,794 for the three months ended September 30, 2012. The increase was primarily attributable to an aggregate increase of $266 at 250 West 57th Street and One Grand Central Place. ### Formation Transaction Expenses Formation transaction expenses increased by $590, or 64.3%, to $1,507 for the three months ended September 30, 2013 from $917 for the three months ended September 30, 2012. The increase was due to greater external legal, accounting, and proxy solicitation, and investor relation services time and costs related to structuring the formation transactions. ### Depreciation and Amortization Depreciation and amortization increased by $1,763, or 16.0%, to $12,763 for the three months ended September 30, 2013 from $11,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2012. The increase in depreciation and amortization expense was primarily the result of improvements made at the Empire State Building and One Grand Central Place resulting in additional depreciation and amortization of $816 and $423, respectively.. ### Interest Expense Interest expense (including amortization of deferred financing costs) increased by $1,171, or 8.5%, to $14,906 for the three months ended September 30, 2013 from $13,735 for the three months ended September 30, 2012. This was primarily attributable to a net increase in interest expense of $1,153 at the Empire State Building due to higher loan balances, and amortization of deferred financing costs incurred in connection with the loan's origination and subsequent draws and amendments. ### Equity in Income of Non-controlled Entities Equity in income of non-controlled entities increased by $1,006, or 17.0%, to $6,918 for the three months ended September 30, 2013 from $5,912 for the three months ended September 30, 2012, primarily due to increased net income at Empire State Building. ### Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013 Compared to the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012 (in thousands) The following table summarizes the historical results of operations of our predecessor for nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012: | Revenues: | Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013 | 2012 | Change% | | | --- | ---: | ---: | ---: | ---: | | Rental revenue(1) | $134,133 | $129,673 | $4,460 | 3.4% | | Tenant expense reimbursement | 20,814 | 22,570 | (1,756) | (7.8)% | | Third-party management and other fees | 5,067 | 3,909 | 1,158 | 29.6% | | Construction revenue | 18,269 | 11,731 | 6,538 | 55.7% | | Other income and fees | 5,984 | 8,778 | (2,794) | (31.8)% | | Total Revenues | 184,267 | 176,661 | 7,606 | 4.3% | | Operating Expenses: | | | | | | Operating expenses | 40,128 | 41,446 | (1,318) | (3.2)% | | Marketing, general and administrative expenses | 22,807 | 13,305 | 9,502 | 71.4% | | Construction expenses | 18,722 | 12,575 | 6,147 | 48.9% | | Real estate taxes | 23,790 | 22,493 | 1,297 | 5.8% | | Formation transaction expenses | 4,507 | 1,640 | 2,867 | 174.8% | | Depreciation and amortization | 38,030 | 31,877 | 6,153 | 19.3% | | Total Operating Expenses | 147,984 | 123,336 | 24,648 | 20.0% | | Operating Income | 36,283 | 53,325 | (17,042) | (32.0)% | | Other Income (Expense): | | | | | | Equity in net income of non-controlled entities | 14,816 | 13,498 | 1,318 | 9.8% | | Interest expense | (43,817) | (40,223) | (3,594) | 8.9% | | Net Income | $7,282 | $26,600 | $(19,318) | (72.6)% | (1) Includes $14,336 and $12,208 of leasehold rent for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively. ### Rental Revenue Rental revenue increased by $4,460, or 3.4%, to $134,133 for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 from $129,673 for the nine months ended September 30, 2012. The increase was primarily attributable to increased overage rent at 501 Seventh Avenue of $514 and an increase in basic rent income at the Empire State Building of $1,613 attributable to increased debt service paid by Empire State Building Associates L.L.C. and passed through to Empire State Building Company, L.L.C. on additional financing. ### Tenant Expense Reimbursement Tenant expense reimbursement decreased by $1,756, or 7.8%, to $20,814 for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 from $22,570 for the nine months ended September 30, 2012. The decrease in tenant expense reimbursements for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2012 was primarily attributable to a decline in electric income of $1,826 primarily due to new tenants generally having their space metered resulting in lower profit margins on electric than previous tenants billed on a non-metered basis and lower CPI escalations of $294. The decrease was partially offset by an increase in other expense reimbursements of $364. ### Third-Party Management and Other Fees Third-party management and other fees increased by $1,158, or 29.6%, to $5,067 for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 from $3,909 for the nine months ended September 30, 2012. This is primarily attributable to an increase in supervisory fees of $880 and financing fee of $405. ### Construction Revenue Construction revenue increased by $6,538, or 55.7%, to $18,269 for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 from $11,731 for the nine months ended September 30, 2012. This increase is attributable to a higher number of construction projects during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2012. ### Other Income and Fees Other income and fees decreased by $2,794, or 31.8%, to $5,984 for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 from $8,778 for the nine months ended September 30, 2012. This decrease is mainly attributable to $2,175 of lower lease cancellation fees earned during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 compared to fees earned during 2012, and lower overage fees distribution of $326. ### Operating Expenses Operating expenses decreased by $1,318, or 3.2%, to $40,128 for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 from $41,446 for the nine months ended September 30, 2012. This decrease is primarily attributable to a reduction in repairs and maintenance of $2,744 and lower bad debt expense of $1,109 which was partially offset by higher operating payroll of $2,221. ### Marketing, General and Administrative Expenses Marketing, general and administrative expenses increased by $9,502, or 71.4%, to $22,807 for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 from $13,305 for the nine months ended September 30, 2012. This variance primarily reflects an increase of $8,071 in professional fees generally related to non-capitalizable costs associated with the consolidation and the Offering and increased incentive compensation of $2,315, partially offset by lower marketing costs of $443. ### Construction Expenses Construction expenses increased by $6,147, or 48.9%, to $18,722 for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 from $12,575 for the nine months ended September 30, 2012. This increase correlates with the increase in the new construction projects as noted above in Construction Revenue. ### Real Estate Taxes Real estate taxes increased by $1,297, or 5.8%, to $23,790 for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 from $22,493 for the nine months ended September 30, 2012. The increase was primarily attributable to an aggregate increase of $1,132 at 250 West 57th Street, 1359 Broadway, One Grand Central Place and 1542 Third Avenue. ### Formation Transaction Expenses Formation transaction expenses increased by $2,867, or 174.8%, to $4,507 for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 from $1,640 for the nine months ended September 30, 2012. The increase was due to greater external legal, accounting, and proxy solicitation, and investor relation services time and costs related to structuring the formation transactions. ### Depreciation and Amortization Depreciation and amortization increased by $6,153, or 19.3%, to $38,030 for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 from $31,877 for the nine months ended September 30, 2012. The increase in depreciation and amortization expense was primarily the result of improvements made at the Empire State Building and One Grand Central Place resulting in additional depreciation and amortization of $4,115 and a net increase at the other properties of $2,038. ### Interest Expense Interest expense (including amortization of deferred financing costs) increased by $3,594, or 8.9%, to $43,817 for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 from $40,223 for the nine months ended September 30, 2012. This was primarily attributable to a net increase in interest expense of $3,698 at the Empire State Building due to higher loan balances, and amortization of deferred financing costs incurred in connection with the loan's origination and subsequent draws and amendments, partially offset by lower interest expense at the other properties of $104. ### Equity in Income of Non-controlled Entities Equity in income of non-controlled entities increased by $1,318, or 9.8%, to $14,816 for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 from $13,498 for the nine months ended September 30, 2012, primarily due to increased net income at Empire State Building. ### Liquidity and Capital Resources Liquidity is a measure of our ability to meet potential cash requirements, including ongoing commitments to repay borrowings, fund and maintain our assets and operations, including lease-up costs, fund our renovation and repositioning programs, acquire properties, make distributions to our stockholders and other general business needs. Based on the historical experience of our predecessor and our business strategy, in the foreseeable future we anticipate we will generate positive cash flows from operations. In order to qualify as a REIT, we are required under the Code to distribute to our stockholders, on an annual basis, at least 90% of our REIT taxable income, determined without regard to the deduction for dividends paid and excluding net capital gains. We expect to make quarterly distributions to our stockholders. While we may be able to anticipate and plan for certain liquidity needs, there may be unexpected increases in uses of cash that are beyond our control and which would affect our financial condition and results of operations. For example, we may be required to comply with new laws or regulations that cause us to incur unanticipated capital expenditures for our properties, thereby increasing our liquidity needs. Even if there are no material changes to our anticipated liquidity requirements, our sources of liquidity may be fewer than, and the funds available from such sources may be less than, anticipated or needed. Our primary sources of liquidity will generally consist of cash on hand and cash generated from our operating activities, mortgage financings and unused borrowing capacity under our secured revolving and term credit facility. We expect to meet our short-term liquidity requirements, including distributions, operating expenses, working capital, debt service, and capital expenditures from cash flows from operations, the net proceeds from the Offering and available borrowing capacity under our loans and secured revolving and term credit facility. The availability of these borrowings is subject to the conditions set forth in the applicable loan agreements. We expect to meet our long-term capital requirements, including acquisitions (including potentially the option properties), redevelopments and capital expenditures through our cash flows from operations, the net proceeds from this offering, our secured revolving and term credit facility, mortgage financings, debt issuances, common and/or preferred equity issuances and asset sales. Upon completion of the Offering and formation transactions, we received net proceeds from the Offering of approximately $884.1 million, including the underwriters’ overallotment option which was exercised in full (after deducting the underwriting discount and commissions and estimated expenses of the Offering and formation transactions). We do not intend to use any of the net proceeds from the Offering to fund distributions to our stockholders, but to the extent we use the net proceeds to fund distributions, these payments will be treated as a return of capital to our stockholders for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Pending the use of the net proceeds, we intend to invest such portion of the net proceeds in interest bearing accounts and short term, interest bearing securities that are consistent with our intention to qualify for taxation as a REIT. Following the Offering and formation transactions we have approximately $1.2 billion of total consolidated indebtedness outstanding, with a weighted average interest rate of 4.61% and a weighted average maturity of 3.3 years. Following the completion of the Offering and the formation transactions, we have no debt maturing in the remainder of 2013 and approximately $199.1 million of debt maturing in 2014. Concurrently with the closing of the Offering, we entered into an agreement for an $800.0 million secured revolving and term credit facility from lenders that included certain of the underwriters of the Offering or their respective affiliates. We expect to use this secured revolving and term credit facility to, among other things, fund capital expenditures and tenant improvements and leasing commissions, potential acquisitions, general corporate matters and working capital. Additionally, the secured revolving and term credit facility was used to repay and retire the $500.0 million term loan previously secured by the Empire State Building, which had a balance of $300.0 million as of September 30, 2013, and to fully repay a loan made to fund cash needs including the payment of leasing commissions and expenditures on tenant installations at First Stamford Place which was made by an entity controlled by Anthony E. Malkin and Peter L. Malkin. The secured revolving and term credit facility includes an accordion feature that will allow us to increase availability thereunder to $1.25 billion, under specified circumstances. Our overall leverage will depend on our mix of investments and the cost of leverage. Our charter does not restrict the amount of leverage that we may use. Our properties require periodic investments of capital for individual lease related tenant improvements allowances, general capital improvements and costs associated with capital expenditures. Peter L. Malkin and Anthony E. Malkin were released from or otherwise indemnified for liabilities arising under certain guarantees and indemnities with respect to approximately $1.3 billion of mortgage loans (including currently undrawn amounts) on our properties, which were assumed by us upon the consummation of the Offering and the formation transactions in respect of obligations arising after such closing. The guarantees and indemnities with respect to all of the indebtedness are, in most instances, limited to losses incurred by the applicable lender arising from acts such as fraud, misappropriation of funds, intentional breach, bankruptcy and certain environmental matters. In connection with our assumption of these mortgage loans, we had the guarantors and/or indemnitors released from these guarantees and indemnities and our operating partnership assumed any such guarantee and indemnity obligations as replacement guarantor and/or indemnitor. To the extent lenders do not consent to the release of these guarantors and/or indemnitors, and they remain guarantors and/or indemnitors on assumed indebtedness following the Offering and the formation transactions, our operating partnership will enter into indemnification agreements with the guarantors and/or indemnitors pursuant to which our operating partnership will be obligated to indemnify such guarantors and/or indemnitors for any amounts paid by them under guarantees and/or indemnities with respect to the assumed indebtedness. The following table summarizes our tenant improvement costs, leasing commission costs and our capital expenditures for the 18 properties we will own following the Offering and the formation transactions as if they were consolidated for each of the periods presented: ### Office Properties(1) | Total New Leases, Expansions, and Renewals | Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013 | Year Ended December 31, 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | | --- | ---: | ---: | ---: | ---: | | Number of leases signed(2) | 167 | 248 | 232 | 312 | | Total Square Feet | 655,003 | 1,057,476 | 1,469,588 | 1,111,281 | | Leasing commission costs(3) | $8,489,707 | $15,483,445 | $26,582,405 | $11,412,065 | | Tenant improvement costs(3) | 31,586,059 | 45,827,698 | 58,391,713 | 35,493,556 | | Total leasing commissions and tenant improvement costs(3) | $40,075,766 | $61,311,143 | $84,974,118 | $46,905,621 | | Leasing commission costs per square foot(3) | $12.96 | $14.64 | $18.09 | $10.27 | | Tenant improvement costs per square foot(3) | 48.22 | 43.34 | 39.73 | 31.94 | | Total leasing commissions and tenant improvement costs per square foot(3) | $61.18 | $57.98 | $57.82 | $42.21 | ### Retail Properties(4) | Total New Leases, Expansions, and Renewals | Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013 | Year Ended December 31, 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | | --- | ---: | ---: | ---: | ---: | | Number of leases signed(2) | 8 | 17 | 16 | 21 | | Total Square Feet | 68,383 | 42,968 | 64,476 | 85,949 | | Leasing commission costs(3) | $4,957,677 | $1,887,244 | $2,326,194 | $2,666,171 | | Tenant improvement costs(3) | 1,889,499 | — | 212,088 | 760,650 | | Total leasing commissions and tenant improvement costs(3) | $6,847,176 | $1,887,244 | $2,538,282 | $3,426,821 | | Leasing commission costs per square foot(3) | $72.50 | $43.92 | $36.08 | $31.02 | | Tenant improvement costs per square foot(3) | 27.63 | — | 3.29 | 8.85 | | Total leasing commissions and tenant improvement costs per square foot(3) | $100.13 | $43.92 | $39.37 | $39.87 | | **Total Portfolio** | | | | | | Capital expenditures(5) | $33,304,000 | $57,421,000 | $34,993,000 | $43,670,000 | (1) Excludes an aggregate of 421,506 rentable square feet of retail space in our Manhattan office properties. Includes the Empire State Building broadcasting licenses and observatory operations. (2) Presents a renewed and expansion lease as one lease signed. (3) Presents all tenant improvement and leasing commission costs as if they were incurred in the period in which the lease was signed, which may be different than the period in which they were actually paid. (4) Includes an aggregate of 421,506 rentable square feet of retail space in our Manhattan office properties. Excludes the Empire State Building broadcasting licenses and observatory operations. (5) Includes all capital expenditures, excluding tenant improvement and leasing commission costs, which are primarily attributable to the renovation and repositioning program conducted at our Manhattan office properties. As of September 30, 2013, we expect to incur additional costs relating to obligations under signed new leases of approximately $32.9 million and $72.8 million during the remainder of 2013 and the 12 months ending September 30, 2014. This consists of approximately $31.8 million for tenant improvements and other improvements related to new leases and approximately $1.1 million on leasing commissions expected to be incurred during the remainder of 2013, and approximately $71.7 million for tenant improvements and other improvements related to new leases and approximately $1.1 million on leasing commissions expected to be incurred in the 12 months ending September 30, 2014. We intend to fund the tenant improvements and leasing commission costs through a combination of operating cash flow and borrowings under the secured revolving and term credit facility which we expect to obtain upon the closing of this offering from lenders that will include certain of the underwriters of this offering or their respective affiliates. We currently intend to invest between $15.0 million and $45.0 million of additional capital through the end of 2013 (excluding leasing commissions and tenant improvements) in continuation of our renovation and repositioning program for our Manhattan office properties. These additional capital expenditures are considered part of both our short-term and long-term liquidity requirements. We expect to complete substantially this program by the end of 2013, except with respect to the Empire State Building, which is the last Manhattan office property that began its renovation and repositioning program. In addition, we currently estimate that between $100.0 million and $130.0 million of capital is needed beyond 2013 to complete substantially the renovation and repositioning program at the Empire State Building, which we expect to occur by the end of 2016 due to the size and scope of our remaining work and our desire to minimize tenant disruptions at the property. However, these estimates are based on current budgets and are subject to change. We intend to fund the capital improvements that are needed beyond 2013 to complete the renovation and repositioning program at the Empire State Building through a combination of operating cash flow and borrowings under the secured revolving and term credit facility. During the nine months ended September 30, 2013, (i) we borrowed $81.0 million on the Empire State Building secured term loan which was repaid in connection with the Offering. The advance bore interest at 250 basis points over the 30-day LIBOR rate and was used to fund improvements at the Empire State Building as part of our renovation and repositioning program; (ii) we closed on a $9.5 million loan collateralized by 69-97 Main Street, Westport, CT. The loan bears interest at LIBOR plus 1.40% or Prime plus 0.50%. The loan matures on April 29, 2015 and has two one-year extension options. The proceeds of the loan were used to pay off the existing loan on 69-97 Main Street which matured on May 1, 2013; (iii) we closed on a $12.0 million loan collateralized by One Grand Central Place. $0.4 million was drawn at closing and $6.0 million was drawn as of September 2013. The loan bears interest at the greater of (i) Prime plus 0.5% and (ii) 3.75% and matures on November 5, 2014. The net proceeds of this loan were used for tenant improvement and capital improvement costs at the property; (iv) we drew $3.0 million on a loan collateralized by 1350 Broadway. The proceeds of this draw were used in connection with improvements made at the property; (v) we extended the maturity of the $47.0 million loan collateralized by 501 Seventh Avenue from August 1, 2013 to February 1, 2014. The loan bears interest at Prime plus 100 basis points and we have the option to extend the maturity date of the loan for an additional six months to August 1, 2014. The net proceeds of this loan were used for tenant improvement and capital improvement costs at the property; (vi) we closed on a loan made to fund cash needs including the payment of leasing commissions and expenditures on tenant installations at First Stamford Place which was made by an entity controlled by Anthony E. Malkin and Peter L. Malkin. The loan has a principal amount of $4.5 million, an outstanding balance of approximately $3.8 million and bears interest at 2.5% over 30-day LIBOR; and (vii) we drew $6.1 million on a loan collateralized by 250 West 57th Street. The proceeds of this draw were used to fund leasing commissions, tenant improvements and redevelopment expenditures. These principal amounts and rates of interest represent the fair values at the date of financing. One of our tenants, LF USA has subleased 24,212 square feet and sought a partial termination of its lease with respect to 27,524 square feet at 1359 Broadway. This partial termination was entered into during September 2013 and, in connection with such partial termination, we entered into marketing agreements with LF USA which provides that we and LF USA jointly market, as potential subleased premises or directly leased premises, portions of LF USA’s space at the Empire State Building and 1359 Broadway, comprising of 180,436 square feet at the Empire State Building and 45,598 square feet at 1359 Broadway and any space at these properties that LF USA may seek to sublease from time to time. To the extent any space is subleased by LF USA, we expect that LF USA will remain obligated for all tenant obligations in respect of its entire leased premises. ### Leverage Policies We expect to employ leverage in our capital structure in amounts determined from time to time by our board of directors. Although our board of directors has not adopted a policy that limits the total amount of indebtedness that we may incur, we anticipate that our board of directors will consider a number of factors in evaluating our level of indebtedness from time to time, as well as the amount of such indebtedness that will be either fixed or floating rate. Our charter and bylaws do not limit the amount or percentage of indebtedness that we may incur nor do they restrict the form in which our indebtedness will be taken (including, but not limited to, recourse or non-recourse debt and cross collateralized debt). Our overall leverage will depend on our mix of investments and the cost of leverage, however, we initially intend to maintain a level of indebtedness consistent with our plan to seek an investment grade credit rating. Our board of directors may from time to time modify our leverage policies in light of the then-current economic conditions, relative costs of debt and equity capital, market values of our properties, general market conditions for debt and equity securities, fluctuations in the market price of our common stock, growth and acquisition opportunities and other factors. ### Consolidated Indebtedness to be Outstanding After The Offering Upon completion of the Offering and the formation transactions, we have total indebtedness outstanding of approximately $1.2 billion (based on September 30, 2013 pro forma outstanding balances). This indebtedness is comprised of 23 mortgage loans secured by 16 of our properties and includes our secured revolving and term credit facility, 70.2% of which is at fixed rates. The weighted average interest rate on the total indebtedness is expected to be 4.61% per annum. The following table (in thousands) sets forth certain information with respect to the mortgage indebtedness as of September 30, 2013 that is outstanding following the Offering and the formation transactions. | Property Name Predecessor Mortgage Notes Payable | Stated Interest Rate | Principal Balance as of September 30, 2013 | Amortization | Maturity Date(1) | | --- | ---: | ---: | --- | --- | | 501 Seventh Avenue (first lien mortgage loan) | 5.75% | $1,047 | 25 years | 02/01/14 | | (second lien mortgage loan)(2) | 5.75%; 6.04% | 38,694 | 25 years(3) | 02/01/14 | | (third lien mortgage loan) | LIBOR + 2.0% | 6,540 | Interest only | 02/01/14 | | 1359 Broadway (first lien mortgage loan) | 5.75% | 9,666 | 25 years | 08/01/14 | | (second lien mortgage loan)(5) | 5.75%; 5.87%; 6.40% | 35,720 | 25 years(6) | 08/01/14 | | One Grand Central Place (first lien mortgage loan) (7) | 5.34% | 72,284 | 25 years | 11/05/14 | | (second lien mortgage loan) | 7.00% | 14,961 | 25 years | 11/05/14 | | (third lien mortgage loan) | Greater of (i) Prime +0.5% & (ii) 3.75% | 6,382 | 25 years | 11/05/14 | | 500 Mamaroneck Avenue | 5.41% | 32,739 | 30 years | 01/01/15 | | 250 West 57th Street (first lien mortgage loan) | 5.33% | 25,830 | 25 years | 01/05/15 | | (second lien mortgage loan) | 6.13% | 11,321 | 25 years | 01/05/15 | | (third lien mortgage loan) | Greater of 4.25% and Prime +1%(8) | 21,000 | Interest only | 01/05/15 | | 69-97 Main Street (9) | Greater of Prime +.50% or LIBOR + 1.40% | 9,500 | Interest only | 04/29/15 | | Metro Center (Note 1)(10) | 5.80% | 58,816 | 30 years | 01/01/16 | | (Note 2)(10) | 6.02% | 37,701 | 30 years | 01/01/16 | | 10 Union Square | 6.00% | 21,053 | 30 years | 05/01/17 | | 10 Bank Street | 5.72% | 33,541 | 30 years | 06/01/17 | | 1542 Third Avenue | 5.90% | 19,103 | 30 years | 06/01/17 | | First Stamford Place | 5.65% | 246,441 | 30 years | 07/05/17 | | 383 Main Avenue | 5.59% | 30,492 | 30 years | 07/05/17 | | 1010 Third Avenue and 77 West 55th Street | 5.69% | 28,217 | 30 years | 07/05/17 | | Secured Revolving and Term Credit Facility (4) | LIBOR + 1.35% | 300,000 | Interest only | 10/07/18 | | **Total Predecessor** | | $1,061,048 | | | 52 | Property Name Acquired Properties Mortgage Notes Payable | Stated Interest Rate | Principal Balance as of September 30, 2013 | | Amortization | Maturity Date(1) | | | --- | ---: | ---: | ---: | --- | --- | ---: | | 1333 Broadway | 6.32% | 78,811 | (11) | 30 years | 01/05/18 | | | 1350 Broadway (first lien mortgage loan) | 5.87% | 43,603 | (13) | 30 years | 04/05/18 | | | (second lien mortgage loan) | Greater of 4.25% and Prime +1%(15) | 13,812 | (16) | Interest only | 10/10/14 | (17) | | **Total Acquired Properties** | | $136,226 | | | | | | **Total Mortgage Notes Payable** | | | | | | | | **Total/Weighted Average:** | 4.61% | $1,197,274 | | | | | #### Notes: (1) Pre-payment is generally allowed for each loan with no pre-payment penalty or upon payment of a customary pre-payment penalty. (2) Represents the two tranches of the second lien mortgage loan. (3) Amortization began on April 1, 2005 as to $39,424 original principal and on April 1, 2006 as to $8,276 original principal. (4) Represents borrowings under the secured revolving and term credit facility discussed below. (5) Represents three tranches of the second lien mortgage loan. (6) Amortization began on April 1, 2005 as to $6,969 original principal, on December 1, 2005 as to $13,803 original principal and on September 1, 2007 as to $21,228 original principal. (7) Amortization began on August 5, 2007 as to $84,000 original principal and on December 5, 2009 as to $16,000 original principal. During May 2013, we closed on a $12,000 loan collateralized by One Grand Central Place. $382 was drawn at closing and $4,000 was drawn during June 2013. The loan bears interest at the greater of (i) Prime plus 0.5.% and (ii) 3.75% and matures on November 5, 2014. (8) Prior to January 5, 2015, we have the option to fix the interest rate on all or any portion of the principal then outstanding, up to three times and in minimum increments of $5,000 to an annual rate equal to either (i) the greater of (a) 4.75% or (b) 300 basis points in excess of the weekly average yield on United States Treasury Securities adjusted to a maturity closest to January 5, 2015 as most recently made available by the Federal Reserve Board as of two days prior to the effective date of the fixing of the interest rate, and (ii) the greater of (a) 5.00% or (b) 300 basis points in excess of the weekly average yield on United States Treasury Securities adjusted to a maturity closest to January 5, 2015 as most recently made available by the Federal Reserve Board as of 30 days prior to the effective date of the fixing of the interest rate. If option (i) is selected, we will be subject to the payment of pre-payment fees, and if option (ii) is selected, we may prepay the loan without any pre-payment fees. (9) Represents a new $9,500 loan which we closed on during April 2013. The new loan bears interest at LIBOR plus 1.40% or Prime plus 0.50% and matures on April 29, 2015. The loan has two one-year extension options. (10) Notes 1 and 2 are pari passu. (11) Includes unamortized premium of $8,154. (12) Amortization began on February 5, 2013, with a period of 30 years. (13) Includes unamortized premium of $4,058. (14) Amortization began on May 5, 2013, with a period of 30 years. (15) Prior to October 10, 2014, we have the option to fix the interest rate on all or any portion of the principal then outstanding, up to three times and in minimum increments of $5,000 to an annual rate equal to the greater of (a) 4.75% or (b) 300 basis points in excess of the weekly average yield on United States Treasury Securities adjusted to a maturity closest to October 10, 2014 as most recently made available by the Federal Reserve Board as of two business days prior to the effective date of the fixing of the interest rate. (16) Includes unamortized premium of $135. (17) We have the right to extend the maturity date to April 5, 2018. If we elects to extend the term of the loan, the interest rate will be reset at an annual rate equal to, at our option, either: (i) the greater of (a) 6.5% or (b) 300 basis points in excess of the weekly average yield on United States Treasury Securities adjusted to a maturity closest to April 5, 2018 as most recently made available by the Fed Reserve Board as of 30 days prior to the first day of the extended term of the loan or (ii) the greater of (a) 6.75% or (b) 325 basis points in excess of the weekly average yield on United States Treasury Securities adjusted to a maturity closest to April 5, 2018 as most recently made available by the Federal Reserve Board as of 30 days prior to the first day of the extended term of the loan. If option (i) is selected, we will be subject to the payment of pre-payment fees, and if option (ii) is selected, we may prepay the loan without any pre-payment fees. The following is a summary of the material provisions of the secured term loan agreement with respect to the secured revolving and term credit facility. #### Secured Revolving and Term Credit Facility Concurrently with the closing of the Offering, we entered into an agreement for a secured revolving and term credit facility in the maximum aggregate original principal amount of up to $800.0 million. Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (“Merrill Lynch”) acted as joint lead arranger and joint bookrunner, Bank of America, N.A. (“Bank of America”), an affiliate of Merrill Lynch, acts as administrative agent and Goldman Sachs Bank USA, an affiliate of Goldman Sachs & Co., acts as syndication agent, joint lead arranger and joint bookrunner, with respect to the revolving credit and term loan facilities, which are collectively referred to herein as the secured revolving and term credit facility. The secured revolving and term credit facility is comprised of a term loan A and a term loan B, which are referred to herein as the term loan, and a revolving credit facility, which is referred to herein as the revolving credit facility, in the maximum original principal amount of the difference between $800.0 million and the original balance under the term loan. The secured revolving and term credit facility contains an accordion feature that will allow us to increase the maximum aggregate principal amount to $1.25 billion under specified circumstances. We expect to use the secured revolving and term credit facility to, among other things, fund capital expenditures and tenant improvements and leasing commissions, potential acquisitions, development and redevelopment of real estate properties, general corporate matters and working capital. The secured revolving and term credit facility was used to fully repay the $500.0 million term loan previously secured by the Empire State Building, which had a balance of $300.0 million as of September 30, 2013. In addition, we used the secured revolving and term credit facility to fully repay a loan made to fund cash needs including the payment of leasing commissions and expenditures on tenant installations at First Stamford Place which was made by an entity controlled by Anthony E. Malkin and Peter L. Malkin. The loan had a principal amount of $4.5 million, an outstanding balance as of September 30, 2013 of approximately $3.8 million and bore interest at 2.5% over 30-day LIBOR. The determination to repay principal on the loan was made by us in our sole discretion and the loan was prepayable at any time, without premium. We and certain of our subsidiaries are guarantors of the secured revolving and term credit facility and pledged specified equity interests in our subsidiaries as collateral for our obligations under the secured revolving and term credit facility. We refer to us, our operating partnership and our subsidiaries who will be guarantors collectively as the loan parties. ***Availability***. The amount available to us under the secured revolving and term credit facility is based on adjusted net operating income from all of the borrowing base properties, and subject to parameters that reference a minimum debt service coverage ratio and an assumed amortization term and interest rate. ***Interest.*** Amounts outstanding under the term loan bear interest at a floating rate equal to, at our election, (x) a Eurodollar rate, plus a spread ranging from 1.00% to 2.00% depending upon our leverage ratio and credit rating which, based on our total indebtedness to total asset value leverage ratio upon the completion of the Offering, resulted in a spread of 1.35%; or (y) a base rate, plus a spread ranging from 0.00% to 1.00% depending upon our leverage ratio and credit rating which, based on our total indebtedness to total asset value leverage ratio upon the completion of the Offering, resulted in a spread of 0.35%. Amounts outstanding under the revolving credit facility bear interest at a floating rate equal to, at our election, (x) a Eurodollar rate, plus a spread ranging from 0.925% to 1.70% depending upon our leverage ratio and credit rating which, based on our total indebtedness to total asset value leverage ratio upon the completion of this offering, resulted in a spread of 1.20%; or (y) a base rate, plus a spread ranging from 0.00% to 0.70% depending upon our leverage ratio and credit rating which, based on our total indebtedness to total asset value leverage ratio upon the completion of the Offering, resulted in a spread of 0.20%. In addition, the revolving credit facility permits us to borrow at competitive bid rates determined in accordance with the procedures described in the revolving credit facility. ***Fees.*** We paid certain customary fees and expense reimbursements. ***Maturity.*** The term loan has a term of five years and the revolving credit facility has an initial term of four years. We have the option to extend the initial term of the revolving credit facility for an additional one-year period, subject to certain conditions, including the payment of an extension fee equal to 0.20% of the then-outstanding commitments under the revolving credit facility. ***Financial Covenants***. The secured revolving and term credit facility includes the following financial covenants: (i) maximum leverage ratio of total indebtedness to total asset value of the loan parties and their consolidated subsidiaries will not exceed 60%, (ii) consolidated secured indebtedness (excluding the secured revolving and term credit facility) will not exceed 40% of total asset value, (iii) tangible net worth will not be less than the sum of 80% of tangible net worth at the closing of the secured revolving and term credit facility plus 75% of net equity proceeds received by us after the closing date (other than proceeds received by us in connection with any dividend reinvestment program), (iv) adjusted EBITDA (as defined in the secured revolving and term credit facility) to consolidated fixed charges will not be less than 1.50x, (v) consolidated variable rate debt will not exceed 25% of total asset value and (vi) consolidated secured recourse indebtedness (excluding the secured revolving and term credit facility) will not exceed 10% of total asset value. Subject to certain customary exceptions and excluding dividends and distributions payable solely in our common stock, we are restricted from paying dividends or other distributions in excess of the greater of (x) 95% of funds from operations (as defined in the secured revolving and term credit facility) and (y) the amount of dividends and other distributions we are required to pay in order to maintain our qualification as a REIT and (other than during an event of default) to avoid the payment of federal or state income or excise tax; provided, that if certain events of default exist, we may be precluded from paying any dividends or other distributions. ***Other Covenants***. In addition, the secured revolving and term credit facility contains customary covenants, including limitations on liens, investment, debt, fundamental changes, transactions with affiliates and requires us to provide certain customary financial reports. ***Events of Default***. The secured revolving and term credit facility contains customary events of default (subject in certain cases to specified cure periods), including but not limited to non-payment, breach of covenants, representations or warranties, cross defaults, bankruptcy or other insolvency events, judgments, ERISA events, invalidity of loan documents, loss of REIT qualification, and occurrence of a change of control (as defined in the secured revolving and term credit facility). ### Contractual Obligations The following table summarizes the amounts due in connection with our contractual obligations described below for the years ended December 31, 2013 (assuming all debt obligations as of September 30, 2013 were outstanding as of January 1, 2013) through 2017 and thereafter assuming the completion of the Offering and formation transactions (in thousands). | Mortgages and other debt(1) | Pro Forma Year Ended December 31 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | Thereafter | Total | | --- | ---: | ---: | ---: | ---: | ---: | ---: | ---: | | Interest expense | $54,433 | $50,628 | $38,392 | $32,079 | $22,599 | $4,644 | $202,775 | | Amortization | 15,613 | 14,752 | 10,036 | 7,918 | 5,393 | 306 | 54,018 | | Principal repayment | — | 194,065 | 97,882 | 91,369 | 355,760 | 403,441 | 1,142,517 | | Ground leases | 108 | 108 | 108 | 108 | 108 | 2,763 | 3,303 | | Tenant improvement and leasing commission costs | 32,857 | 39,932 | — | — | — | — | 72,789 | | Total | $103,011 | $299,485 | $146,418 | $131,474 | $383,860 | $411,154 | $1,475,402 | (1) Assumes no extension options are exercised. ### Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements As of September 30, 2013, we did not have any off-balance sheet arrangements. ### Distribution Policy In order to qualify as a REIT, we must distribute to our stockholders, on an annual basis, at least 90% of our REIT taxable income, determined without regard to the deduction for dividends paid and excluding net capital gains. In addition, we will be subject to U.S. federal income tax at regular corporate rates to the extent that we distribute less than 100% of our net taxable income (including net capital gains) and will be subject to a 4% nondeductible excise tax on the amount, if any, by which our distributions in any calendar year are less than a minimum amount specified under U.S. federal income tax laws. We intend to distribute our net income to our stockholders in a manner intended to satisfy the REIT 90% distribution requirement and to avoid U.S. federal income tax liability on our income and the 4% nondeductible excise tax. Before we pay any distribution, whether for U.S. federal income tax purposes or otherwise, we must first meet both our operating requirements and obligations to make payments of principal and interest, if any. However, under some circumstances, we may be required to use cash reserves, incur debt or liquidate assets at rates or times that we regard as unfavorable or make a taxable distribution of our shares in order to satisfy the REIT 90% distribution requirement and to avoid U.S. federal income tax and the 4% nondeductible excise tax in that year. However, we currently have no intention to use the net proceeds from the Offering to make distributions nor do we currently intend to make distributions using shares of our common stock. ### Cash Flows ### Comparison of Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013 to the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012 (in thousands) *Net cash*. Cash on hand was $105,600 and $93,235, respectively, as of September 30, 2013 and September 30, 2012. *Operating activities*. Net cash provided by operating activities decreased by $23,625 to $62,021 for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 compared to $85,646 for the nine months ended September 30, 2012. This decrease is primarily due to lower net income due to an increase in professional fees generally related to non-capitalizable costs associated with the consolidation and the Offering. *Investing activities*. Net cash used in investing activities decreased by $13,386 to $56,450 for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 compared to $69,836 for the nine months ended September 30, 2012. This decrease resulted primarily from a decrease in due from affiliates for advances for leasehold interests and improvements of $15,061 partially offset by an increase of $3,026 in building improvement and tenant improvement costs. *Financing activities*. Net cash provided by financing activities increased by $57,421 to $48,530 for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 compared to $8,891 of net cash used for the nine months ended September 30, 2012. This increase primarily resulted from a $31,475 increase in net borrowings, a $3,603 increase in net borrowings from an unsecured loan, a $17,773 decrease in distributions to investors and a $3,990 decrease in offering costs. ### Distribution to Equity Holders Distributions have been made to equity holders in 2010, 2011, 2012 and through September 30, 2013 as follows: ### For the year ended: December 31, 2010 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $40,674,000 December 31, 2011 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $46,691,000 December 31, 2012 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $62,903,000 ### For the period ended: March 31, 2013 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $19,528,000 June 30, 2013 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$27,427,000 September 30, 2013 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$31,965,000 ### Inflation Substantially all of our leases provide for separate real estate tax and operating expense escalations. In addition, many of the leases provide for fixed base rent increases. We believe inflationary increases may be at least partially offset by the contractual rent increases and expense escalations described above. We do not believe inflation has had a material impact on our historical financial position or results of operations. ### Seasonality We do not consider our business to be subject to material seasonal fluctuations, except that our observatory business is subject to tourism trends and weather, and therefore does experience some seasonality. During the past ten years of our annual observatory revenue, approximately 16% to 18% was realized in the first quarter, 26.0% to 28.0% was realized in the second quarter, 31.0% to 33.0% was realized in the third quarter and 23.0% to 25.0% was realized in the fourth quarter. ## Market risk As filed, 3,734 characters. ### Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk Our future income, cash flows and fair values relevant to financial instruments are dependent upon prevalent market interest rates. Market risk refers to the risk of loss from adverse changes in market prices and interest rates. One of the principal market risks facing us is interest rate risk on our floating rate indebtedness. As of September 30, 2013, assuming the completion of the Offering and formation transactions, our floating rate mortgage debt represents 29.8% of our indebtedness. This floating rate debt includes $300.0 million of borrowings under the secured revolving and term credit facility. Following the closing of the Offering and formation transactions, we anticipate that we will enter into hedging instruments to reduce our floating rate exposure with respect to these borrowings under the secured revolving and term credit facility. Subject to maintaining our qualification as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes, we may mitigate the risk of interest rate volatility through the use of hedging instruments, such as interest rate swap agreements and interest rate cap agreements. Our primary objectives when undertaking hedging transactions and derivative positions will be to reduce our floating rate exposure and to fix a portion of the interest rate for anticipated financing and refinancing transactions. This in turn will reduce the risk that the variability of cash flows will impose on floating rate debt. However, we can provide no assurances that our efforts to manage interest rate volatility will successfully mitigate the risks of such volatility on our portfolio. We are not subject to foreign currency risk. We are exposed to interest rate changes primarily through property-specific floating rate mortgages. Our objectives with respect to interest rate risk are to limit the impact of interest rate changes on operations and cash flows, and to lower our overall borrowing costs. To achieve these objectives, we may borrow at fixed rates and may enter into derivative financial instruments such as interest rate swaps or caps in order to mitigate our interest rate risk on a related floating rate financial instrument. We do not enter into derivative or interest rate transactions for speculative purposes. As of September 30, 2013, assuming the completion of the Offering and formation transactions, we had total outstanding floating rate mortgage debt obligations of $357.2 million. Based on our variable balances, interest expense would have increased by approximately $3.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013, if short-term interest rates had been 1% higher. As of September 30, 2013, assuming the completion of the Offering and formation transactions, the weighted average interest rate on the $840.0 million of fixed-rate indebtedness outstanding was 5.85% per annum, each with maturities at various dates through April 5, 2018. As of September 30, 2013, assuming the completion of the Offering and formation transactions, our outstanding debt was approximately $1.2 billion which was approximately $12.3 million more than the historical book value as of such date. Interest risk amounts were determined by considering the impact of hypothetical interest rates on our financial instruments. These analyses do not consider the effect of any change in overall economic activity that could occur in that environment. Further, in the event of a change of that magnitude, we may take actions to further mitigate our exposure to the change. However, due to the uncertainty of the specific actions that would be taken and their possible effects, these analyses assume no changes in our financial structure. ## Controls and procedures As filed, 2,304 characters. We maintain disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our reports under the Exchange Act is processed, recorded, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and regulations and that such information is accumulated and communicated to Empire State Realty Trust, Inc.'s (the"Company") management, including the Company's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow for timely decisions regarding required disclosure. In designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives, and the Company's management is required to apply its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures. As of September 30, 2013, the end of the period covered by this Report, we carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of management, including the Company's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, regarding the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures at the end of the period covered by this Report. Based on the foregoing, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded, as of that time, that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective in ensuring that information required to be disclosed by us in reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act (i) is processed, recorded, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms and (ii) is accumulated and communicated to our management, including the Company's Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow for timely decisions regarding required disclosure. No changes to our internal control over financial reporting were identified in connection with the evaluation referenced above that occurred during the period covered by this report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting. ## Risk factors As filed, 285 characters. There have been no material changes to the risk factors included in the section entitled "Risk Factors" beginning on page 31 of our October 1, 2013 Prospectus relating to the Offering. Please review the Risk Factors set forth in the October 1, 2013 Prospectus relating to the Offering. Filed Nov 12, 2013. Source: SEC EDGAR, the filing index for accession 0001445305-13-002983. Last ingested by Listed: Nov 2, 2026, 20:18 ET. No prices; not investment advice.