Empire State Realty OP, L.P. - Quarter Report: 2015 September (Form 10-Q)

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q



x	QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the Quarterly Period Ended September 30, 2015



o	TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from to

Commission File Number: 001-36106

EMPIRE STATE REALTY OP, L.P.

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)



Delaware		45-4685158
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)		(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

One Grand Central Place

60 East 42nd Street

New York, New York 10165

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

(212) 687-8700

(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes x No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See definition of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.



Large accelerated filer x		Accelerated filer o
Non-accelerated filer o (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)		Smaller reporting company o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o No x

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

As of November 2, 2015, there were 38,869,714 units of the Registrant Series ES operating partnership units outstanding, 10,477,208 units of the Series 60 operating partnership units outstanding, and 5,210,602 units of the Series 250 operating partnership units outstanding.



	EMPIRE STATE REALTY OP, L.P.
	FORM 10-Q
	TABLE OF CONTENTS	PAGE
PART 1.	FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1.	FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
	Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2015 (unaudited) and December 31, 2014	2
	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 (unaudited)	3
	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Other Comprehensive Income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 (unaudited)	4
	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Capital for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 (unaudited)	5
	Condensed consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 (unaudited)	6
	Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)	8

ITEM 2.	MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS	29

ITEM 3.	QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURE ABOUT MARKET RISK	46

ITEM 4.	CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES	46

PART II.	OTHER INFORMATION	47

ITEM 1.	LEGAL PROCEEDINGS	47

ITEM 1A.	RISK FACTORS	47

ITEM 2.	UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS	47

ITEM 3.	DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES	47

ITEM 4.	MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES	47

ITEM 5.	OTHER INFORMATION	47

ITEM 6.	EXHIBITS	47

SIGNATURES		48

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Empire State Realty OP, L.P.

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

(amounts in thousands, except unit and per unit amounts)



	September 30, 2015			December 31, 2014
ASSETS	(unaudited)
Commercial real estate properties, at cost:
Land	$	201,196		$	201,196
Development costs	7,479			6,986
Building and improvements	2,036,187			1,931,681
	2,244,862			2,139,863
Less: accumulated depreciation	(445,549		)	(377,552		)
Commercial real estate properties, net	1,799,313			1,762,311
Cash and cash equivalents	46,388			45,732
Restricted cash	64,899			60,273
Tenant and other receivables, net of allowance of $2,742 and $1,427 in 2015 and 2014, respectively	32,406			23,745
Deferred rent receivables, net of allowance of $99 and $420 in 2015 and 2014, respectively	116,208			102,104
Prepaid expenses and other assets	33,759			48,504
Deferred costs, net	338,466			370,460
Acquired below-market ground leases, net	385,849			391,887
Goodwill	491,479			491,479
Total assets	$	3,308,767		$	3,296,495
LIABILITIES AND CAPITAL
Liabilities:
Mortgage notes payable	$	754,738		$	903,985
Senior unsecured notes	589,670			237,667
Unsecured term loan facility	265,000			—
Unsecured revolving credit facility	20,000			—
Term loan and credit facility	—			470,000
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	106,699			96,563
Acquired below-market leases, net	112,312			138,859
Deferred revenue and other liabilities	38,066			27,876
Tenants’ security deposits	49,672			40,448
Total liabilities	1,936,157			1,915,398
Commitments and contingencies
Capital:
Private perpetual preferred units, $16.62 per unit liquidation preference, 1,560,360 issued and outstanding in 2015 and 2014	8,004			8,004
Series PR operating partnership units:
ESRT partner's capital (2,675,794 and 2,671,043 general partner operating partnership units and 115,278,240 and 104,520,844 limited partner operating partnership units outstanding in 2015 and 2014, respectively)	516,571			468,638
Limited partners' interests (94,837,920 and 100,210,874 limited partner operating partnership units outstanding in 2015 and 2014, respectively)	817,332			868,163
Series ES operating partnership units (38,991,485 and 42,365,408 limited partner operating partnership units outstanding in 2015 and 2014, respectively)	22,517			26,488
Series 60 operating partnership units (10,557,368 and 11,456,448 limited partner operating partnership units outstanding in 2015 and 2014, respectively)	5,514			6,567
Series 250 operating partnership units (5,238,601 and 5,789,717 limited partner operating partnership units outstanding in 2015 and 2014, respectively)	2,672			3,237
Total capital	1,372,610			1,381,097
Total liabilities and capital	$	3,308,767		$	3,296,495

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements

Empire State Realty OP, L.P.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income

(unaudited)

(amounts in thousands, except per unit amounts)



	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2015			2014			2015			2014
Revenues:
Rental revenue	$	110,903		$	106,152		$	333,827		$	288,566
Tenant expense reimbursement	23,096			20,034			59,878			49,491
Observatory revenue	35,702			35,684			84,525			83,374
Construction revenue	—			5,804			1,981			33,730
Third-party management and other fees	618			561			1,658			1,925
Other revenue and fees	5,460			1,206			10,565			7,829
Total revenues	175,779			169,441			492,434			464,915
Operating expenses:
Property operating expenses	41,664			38,291			122,051			109,300
Ground rent expenses	2,331			2,066			6,994			2,964
Marketing, general, and administrative expenses	10,182			10,071			28,395			29,786
Observatory expenses	7,284			7,109			21,681			21,210
Construction expenses	—			6,095			3,222			33,173
Real estate taxes	23,613			21,870			69,543			58,429
Acquisition expenses	193			2,647			193			3,382
Depreciation and amortization	45,169			37,880			126,216			96,632
Total operating expenses	130,436			126,029			378,295			354,876
Total operating income	45,343			43,412			114,139			110,039
Interest expense	(16,680		)	(17,674		)	(50,298		)	(46,640		)
Income before income taxes	28,663			25,738			63,841			63,399
Income tax expense	(2,578		)	(3,004		)	(3,283		)	(4,153		)
Net income	26,085			22,734			60,558			59,246
Private perpetual preferred unit distributions	(234		)	(241		)	(702		)	(241		)
Net income attributable to common unitholders	$	25,851		$	22,493		$	59,856		$	59,005

Total weighted average units:
Basic	265,873			263,041			265,868			250,696
Diluted	265,873			263,041			265,868			250,696

Earnings per unit attributable to common unitholders:
Basic	$	0.10		$	0.09		$	0.22		$	0.23
Diluted	$	0.10		$	0.09		$	0.22		$	0.23

Dividends per unit	$	0.085		$	0.085		$	0.255		$	0.255

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements

Empire State Realty OP, L.P.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

(unaudited)

(amounts in thousands)



	Three Months Ended September 30,					Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2015			2014		2015			2014

Net income	$	26,085		$	22,734	$	60,558		$	59,246
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Unrealized loss on valuation of interest rate swap agreements	(4,384		)	—		(4,384		)	—
Other comprehensive loss	(4,384		)	—		(4,384		)	—
Comprehensive income attributable to common unitholders	$	21,701		$	22,734	$	56,174		$	59,246

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements

Empire State Realty OP, L.P.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Capital

For The Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015

(unaudited)

(amounts in thousands)



					Series PR Operating Partnership Units									Series ES Operating Partnership Units Limited Partners					Series 60 Operating Partnership Units Limited Partners					Series 250 Operating Partnership Units Limited Partners
					General Partner				Limited Partners					Series ES Operating Partnership Units Limited Partners					Series 60 Operating Partnership Units Limited Partners					Series 250 Operating Partnership Units Limited Partners
	Private Perpetual Preferred Units	Private Perpetual Preferred Unitholders			Operating Partnership Units	Operating Partnership Unitholders			Operating Partnership Units		Operating Partnership Unitholders			Operating Partnership Units		Operating Partnership Unitholders			Operating Partnership Units		Operating Partnership Unitholders			Operating Partnership Units		Operating Partnership Unitholders			Total Capital
Balance at December 31, 2014	1,560	$	8,004		107,191	$	468,638		100,211		$	868,163		42,365		$	26,488		11,546		$	6,567		5,790		$	3,237		$	1,381,097
Conversion of operating partnership units to ESRT Partner's Capital	—	—			10,743	53,120			(5,829	)	(50,267		)	(3,374	)	(2,025		)	(989	)	(536		)	(551	)	(292		)	—
Equity compensation	—	—			20	294			456		3,965			—		—			—		—			—		—			4,259
Distributions	—	(702		)		(29,056		)	—		(24,775		)	—		(10,219		)	—		(2,778		)	—		(1,390		)	(68,920		)
Net income	—	702			—	25,478			—		21,824			—		8,913			—		2,436			—		1,205			60,558
Unrealized loss on valuation of interest rate swap agreements	—	—			—	(1,903		)	—		(1,578		)	—		(640		)	—		(175		)	—		(88		)	(4,384		)
Balance at September 30, 2015	1,560	$	8,004		117,954	$	516,571		94,838		$	817,332		38,991		$	22,517		10,557		$	5,514		5,239		$	2,672		$	1,372,610

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements

Empire State Realty OP, L.P.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(unaudited)

(amounts in thousands)



	Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2015			2014
Cash Flows From Operating Activities
Net income	$	60,558		$	59,246
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	126,216			96,632
Amortization of deferred finance costs and debt premiums and discount	1,626			2,559
Amortization of acquired above- and below-market leases, net	(14,662		)	(8,480		)
Amortization of acquired below-market ground leases	5,873			2,602
Straight-lining of rental revenue	(15,165		)	(32,102		)
Equity based compensation	4,259			2,908
Increase (decrease) in cash flows due to changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Restricted cash	5,268			(4,689		)
Tenant and other receivables	(8,661		)	(2,475		)
Deferred leasing costs	(26,533		)	(9,049		)
Prepaid expenses and other assets	14,745			4,361
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	(4,107		)	(12,973		)
Deferred revenue and other liabilities	10,190			3,094
Net cash provided by operating activities	159,607			101,634
Cash Flows From Investing Activities
Decrease (increase) in restricted cash for investing activities	(672		)	5,162
Acquisition of real estate property, net of cash received	—			(186,588		)
Development costs	(493		)	(512		)
Additions to building and improvements	(103,835		)	(82,683		)
Net cash used in investing activities	(105,000		)	(264,621		)

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements

Empire State Realty OP, L.P.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (continued)

(unaudited)

(amounts in thousands)



	Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2015			2014
Cash Flows From Financing Activities
Repayment of mortgage notes payable	(143,903		)	(57,478		)
Proceeds from unsecured revolving credit facility	615,000			—
Repayments of unsecured revolving credit facility	(595,000		)	—
Proceeds from term loan and credit facility	—			295,600
Repayments of term loan and credit facility	(470,000		)	(265,000		)
Proceeds from senior unsecured notes	350,000			250,000
Proceeds from unsecured term loan	265,000			—
Deferred financing costs	(6,128		)	(3,192		)
Distributions	(68,920		)	(64,768		)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(53,951		)	155,162
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	656			(7,825		)
Cash and cash equivalents—beginning of period	45,732			60,743
Cash and cash equivalents—end of period	$	46,388		$	52,918

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
Cash paid for interest	$	49,305		$	42,226
Cash paid for income taxes	$	3,258		$	2,669

Non-cash investing and financing activities:
Building and improvements included in accounts payable and accrued expenses	$	47,029		$	36,192
Derivative instruments at fair values included in accounts payable and accrued expenses	4,384			—
Conversion of limited partners' operating partnership units to ESRT partner's capital	53,120			—
Issuance of operating partnership units in connection with the acquisition of real estate properties	—			379,328
Debt assumed with the acquisition of real estate properties	—			182,851
Acquisition of working capital, net of cash	—			(5,155		)

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements

Empire State Realty OP, L.P.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(unaudited)

1. Description of Business and Organization

As used in these condensed consolidated financial statements, unless the context otherwise requires, “we,” “us,” "our," and the "company,” mean Empire State Realty OP, L.P. and its consolidated subsidiaries.

As of September 30, 2015, our total portfolio contained 10.1 million rentable square feet of office and retail space. We owned 14 office properties (including three long-term ground leasehold interests) encompassing approximately 9.4 million rentable square feet of office space. Nine of these properties are located in the midtown Manhattan market and aggregate approximately 7.5 million rentable square feet of office space, including the Empire State Building. Our Manhattan office properties also contain an aggregate of 519,845 rentable square feet of retail space on their ground floor and/or contiguous levels. Our remaining five office properties are located in Fairfield County, Connecticut and Westchester County, New York, encompassing in the aggregate approximately 1.9 million rentable square feet. The majority of square footage for these five properties is located in densely populated metropolitan communities with immediate access to mass transportation. Additionally, we have entitled land at the Stamford Transportation Center in Stamford, Connecticut, adjacent to one of our office properties, that will support the development of an approximately 380,000 rentable square foot office building and garage, which we refer to herein as Metro Tower. As of September 30, 2015, our portfolio included four standalone retail properties located in Manhattan and two standalone retail properties located in the city center of Westport, Connecticut, encompassing 204,452 rentable square feet in the aggregate.

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

There have been no material changes to the summary of significant accounting policies included in the section entitled "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies" in our December 31, 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K. Please review the Summary of Significant Accounting Policies set forth in our December 31, 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Basis of Quarterly Presentation and Principles of Consolidation

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”), for interim financial information, and with the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). Accordingly, certain information and footnote disclosures required by GAAP for complete financial statements have been condensed or omitted in accordance with such rules and regulations. In the opinion of management, all adjustments and eliminations (including intercompany balances and transactions), consisting of normal recurring adjustments, considered necessary for the fair presentation of the financial statements have been included. For purposes of comparison, certain items shown in the 2014 unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the presentation used for 2015.

The results of operations for the periods presented are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the corresponding full years. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and accompanying notes included in the financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2014 contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K. We do not consider our business to be subject to material seasonal fluctuations, except that our observatory business is subject to tourism seasonality. During the past ten years of our annual observatory revenue, approximately 16.0% to 18.0% 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.

We consolidate entities in which we have a controlling financial interest. In determining whether we have a controlling financial interest in a partially owned entity and the requirement to consolidate the accounts of that entity, we consider factors such as ownership interest, board representation, management representation, authority to make decisions, and contractual and substantive participating rights of the partners/members as well as whether the entity is a variable interest entity (“VIE”) and we are the primary beneficiary. The primary beneficiary of a VIE is the entity that has (i) the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the entity's economic performance and (ii) the obligation to absorb losses of the VIE or the right to receive benefits from the VIE that could be significant to the VIE. The primary beneficiary is required to consolidate the VIE. We had no VIEs as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014.

We will assess the accounting treatment for each investment we may have in the future. This assessment will include a review of each entity’s organizational agreement to determine which party has what rights and whether those rights are protective or participating. For all VIEs, we will review such agreements in order to determine which party has the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance and benefit. In situations where we or our partner could approve, among other things, the annual budget, or leases that cover more than a nominal amount of space relative to the total rentable space at each property, we would not consolidate the investment as we consider these to be substantive participation rights that result in shared power of the activities that would most significantly impact the performance and benefit of such joint venture investment.

A non-controlling interest in a consolidated subsidiary is defined as the portion of the equity (net assets) in a subsidiary not attributable, directly or indirectly, to a parent. Non-controlling interests are required to be presented as a separate component of equity in the condensed consolidated balance sheets and in the condensed consolidated statements of income by requiring earnings and other comprehensive income to be attributed to controlling and non-controlling interests.

Accounting Estimates

The preparation of the condensed consolidated financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires management to use estimates and assumptions that in certain circumstances affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities, and the reported revenues and expenses. Significant items subject to such estimates and assumptions include allocation of the purchase price of acquired real estate properties among tangible and intangible assets, determination of the useful life of real estate properties and other long-lived assets, valuation and impairment analysis of commercial real estate properties and other long-lived assets, estimate of percentage of completion on construction contracts, valuation of the allowance for doubtful accounts, and valuation of exchangeable senior unsecured notes and equity based compensation. These estimates are prepared using management’s best judgment, after considering past, current, and expected events and economic conditions. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Derivative Instruments

We are exposed to the effect of interest rate changes and manage these risks by following policies and procedures including the use of derivatives. To manage exposure to interest rates, derivatives are used primarily to fix the rate on debt based on floating-rate indices. We record all derivatives on the balance sheet at fair value. We incorporate credit valuation adjustments to appropriately reflect both our own nonperformance risk and the respective counterparty’s nonperformance risk in the fair value measurements. For derivatives that qualify as cash flow hedges, we report the effective portion of changes in the fair value of a derivative designated as a hedge as part of other comprehensive income (loss) and subsequently reclassify the effective portion into income in the period that the hedged item affects income. We account for the ineffective portion of changes in the fair value of a derivative directly in income. Reported net income and equity may increase or decrease prospectively, depending on future levels of interest rates and other variables affecting the fair values of derivative instruments and hedged items, but will have no effect on cash flows.

We measure the credit risk of our derivative instruments that are subject to master netting agreements on a net basis by counterparty portfolio.

Recently Issued or Adopted Accounting Standards

During September 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2015-16, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments, which requires an acquirer to recognize adjustments to provisional amounts that are identified during the measurement period in the reporting period in which the adjustment amounts are determined. Previously, adjustments to provisional amounts were applied retrospectively. This update requires an entity to present separately on the face of the income statement or disclose in the notes the portion of the amount recorded in current-period earnings by line item that would have been recorded in previous reporting periods if the adjustment to the provisional amounts had been recognized as of the acquisition date. ASU No. 2015-16 will be effective for fiscal years beginning January 1, 2016 and subsequent interim periods. The implementation of this update is not expected to cause any material changes to our consolidated financial statements.

During June 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-10, Technical Corrections and Improvements, which contains amendments that represent changes to clarify the FASB Accounting Standards Codification (“Codification”), correct unintended application of guidance, or make minor improvements to the Codification that are not expected to have a significant effect on current accounting practice or create a significant administrative cost to most entities. The amendments in ASU No. 2015-10 that require transition guidance are effective for all entities for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal

years, beginning after December 15, 2015. All other amendments will be effective upon its issuance. The implementation of this update did not and is not expected to cause any material changes to our consolidated financial statements.

During April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-03, Interest - Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs, which amends the requirements for the presentation of debt issuance costs and requires that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability, consistent with debt discounts. ASU No. 2015-03 is effective for fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2015 and interim periods within those fiscal years. The implementation of this update is not expected to cause any material changes to our consolidated financial statements other than the reclassification of debt issuance costs from assets to a reduction of liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets.

ASU No. 2015-03 was amended in August 2015 by ASU No. 2015-15, Interest - Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30) - Presentation and Subsequent Measurement of Debt Issuance Costs Associated with Line-of-Credit Arrangements, to add to the Codification SEC staff guidance that the SEC staff will not object to an entity presenting the costs of securing line-of-credit arrangements as an asset, regardless of whether there are any outstanding borrowings. The SEC Observer to the Emerging Issues Task Force announced the staff guidance in response to questions that arose after the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-03.

During February 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-02, Consolidation (Topic 810) - Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis, which amends the criteria for determining which entities are considered VIEs, amends the criteria for determining if a service provider possesses a variable interest in a VIE and ends the deferral granted to investment companies for application of the VIE consolidation model. ASU No. 2015-02 is effective for fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2015 and interim periods within those fiscal years. We are evaluating the impact of adopting this new accounting standard on our financial statements.

During January 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-01, Income Statement - Extraordinary and Unusual Items, which eliminates the concept of extraordinary items. However, the presentation and disclosure requirements for items that are either unusual or in nature or infrequent in occurrence remain and will be expanded to include items that are both unusual in nature and infrequent in occurrence. ASU No. 2015-01 is effective for periods beginning after December 15, 2015. We are evaluating the impact of adopting this new accounting standard on our financial statements.

During May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which will replace all current GAAP guidance related to revenue recognition and eliminate all industry-specific guidance. The new revenue recognition standard provides a unified model to determine when and how revenue is recognized. The core principle is that a company should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. This guidance will be effective beginning in 2017 and can be applied either retrospectively to each period presented or as a cumulative-effect adjustment as of the date of adoption. We are evaluating the impact of adopting this new accounting standard on our financial statements.

ASU No. 2014-09 was amended in August 2015 by ASU No. 2015-14 Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Deferral of the Effective Date, which defers the effective date of ASU No. 2014-09 for all entities by one year. Public business entities, certain not-for-profit entities, and certain employee benefit plans should apply the guidance in ASU No. 2014-09 to annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim reporting periods within that reporting period. Earlier application is permitted only as of annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim reporting periods within that reporting period.

During April 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-08, Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity, which changes the definition of a discontinued operation to include only those disposals of components of an entity that represent a strategic shift that has (or will have) a major effect on an entity’s operations and financial results. This guidance is effective prospectively for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2014. The adoption of ASU No. 2014-08 did not have a material impact on our financial statements.

3. Acquisitions

On July 15, 2014, we acquired the ground and operating lease at 112 West 34th Street (and the fee title to 122 West 34th Street) for $423.6 million, consisting of $87.7 million by assumption of existing mortgage debt, $106.9 million in cash

and $229.0 million in Series PR Operating Partnership units (the "Series PR OP Units") . In connection with this transaction, we issued 13,753,009 Series PR OP Units at a unit price of $16.65.

On July 15, 2014, we acquired the ground lease at 1400 Broadway for $310.0 million, consisting of $80.0 million by assumption of existing mortgage debt, $79.7 million in cash and $150.3 million in Series PR OP Units. In connection with this transaction, we issued 9,029,456 Series PR OP Units at a unit price of $16.65.

4. Deferred Costs, Acquired Lease Intangibles and Goodwill

Deferred costs, net consisted of the following (amounts in thousands):



	September 30, 2015			December 31, 2014
Leasing costs	$	119,069		$	100,653
Acquired in-place lease value and deferred leasing costs	292,428			304,916
Acquired above-market leases	82,516			84,633
Financing costs	20,909			17,334
	514,922			507,536
Less: accumulated amortization	(176,456		)	(137,076		)
Total deferred costs, net	$	338,466		$	370,460

Amortization expense related to deferred leasing costs was $4.1 million and $2.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and $9.6 million and $7.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Amortization expense related to deferred financing costs was $1.1 million and $2.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and $5.0 million and $5.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and was included in interest expense.

Amortizing acquired intangible assets and liabilities consisted of the following (amounts in thousands):



	September 30, 2015			December 31, 2014
Acquired below-market ground leases	$	396,916		$	396,916
Less: accumulated amortization	(11,067		)	$	(5,029	)
Acquired below-market ground leases, net	$	385,849		$	391,887



	September 30, 2015			December 31, 2014
Acquired below-market leases	$	(166,332	)	$	(169,805	)
Less: accumulated amortization	54,020			30,946
Acquired below-market leases, net	$	(112,312	)	$	(138,859	)

Amortization expense related to acquired lease intangibles was $9.8 million and $10.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and $29.4 million and $20.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Rental revenue related to the amortization of below-market leases, net of above-market leases, was $4.8 million and $4.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and $14.7 million and $8.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

As of September 30, 2015, we had goodwill of $491.5 million. Goodwill was allocated $227.5 million to the observatory reportable segment and $264.0 million to the real estate segment.

5. Debt

Debt consisted of the following as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (amounts in thousands):



					As of September 30, 2015
	Principal Balance as of September 30, 2015		Principal Balance as of December 31, 2014		Stated Rate		Effective Rate⁽¹⁾		Maturity Date⁽²⁾
Mortgage debt collateralized by:
Fixed rate mortgage debt
10 Union Square	$	20,380	$	20,641	6.00	%	6.74	%	5/1/2017
10 Bank Street	32,375		32,847		5.72	%	6.21	%	6/1/2017
1542 Third Avenue	18,327		18,628		5.90	%	6.57	%	6/1/2017
First Stamford Place	239,675		242,294		5.65	%	6.16	%	7/5/2017
1010 Third Avenue and 77 West 55th Street	27,200		27,595		5.69	%	6.37	%	7/5/2017
383 Main Avenue	29,418		29,852		5.59	%	6.01	%	7/5/2017
1333 Broadway	68,883		69,575		6.32	%	3.79	%	1/5/2018
1400 Broadway
(first lien mortgage loan)	68,977		69,689		6.12	%	3.34	%	2/5/2018
(second lien mortgage loan)	9,651		9,803		3.35	%	3.35	%	2/5/2018
112 West 34th Street
(first lien mortgage loan)	76,682		77,484		6.01	%	3.28	%	4/5/2018
(second lien mortgage loan)	9,671		9,763		6.56	%	3.58	%	4/5/2018
1350 Broadway	38,489		38,900		5.87	%	3.77	%	4/5/2018
Metro Center	98,430		99,845		3.59	%	3.67	%	11/5/2024
Total fixed rate mortgage debt	738,158		746,916
Floating rate mortgage debt
One Grand Central Place⁽³⁾	—		91,000
1359 Broadway⁽³⁾	—		44,146
Total floating rate mortgage debt	—		135,146
Total mortgage debt	738,158		882,062
Senior unsecured notes - exchangeable	250,000		250,000		2.63	%	3.93	%	8/15/2019
Senior unsecured notes:
Series A	100,000		—		3.93	%	3.96	%	3/27/2025
Series B	125,000		—		4.09	%	4.12	%	3/27/2027
Series C	125,000		—		4.18	%	4.21	%	3/27/2030
Unsecured revolving credit facility	20,000		—		⁽⁴⁾		⁽⁴⁾		1/23/2019
Unsecured term loan facility	265,000		—		⁽⁵⁾		⁽⁵⁾		8/24/2022
Secured revolving credit facility	—		170,000		⁽⁴⁾		⁽⁴⁾
Secured term credit facility	—		300,000		⁽⁴⁾		⁽⁴⁾
Total principal	1,623,158		1,602,062
Unamortized premiums, net of unamortized discount	6,250		9,590
Total	$	1,629,408	$	1,611,652

______________


(1)	The effective rate is the yield as of September 30, 2015, including the effects of debt issuance costs and the amortization of the fair value of debt adjustment.


(2)	Pre-payment is generally allowed for each loan upon payment of a customary pre-payment penalty.


(3)	Repaid in 2015.


(4)	The secured revolving and term credit facility was terminated on January 23, 2015 concurrent with entering into the unsecured revolving credit facility. At September 30, 2015, the unsecured revolving credit facility bears a floating rate at 30 day LIBOR plus 1.15%. The rate at September 30, 2015 was 1.34%.


(5)	The unsecured term loan facility bears a floating rate at 30 day LIBOR plus 1.60%. The rate at September 30, 2015 was 1.79%. Pursuant to a forward interest rate swap agreement, the LIBOR rate was fixed at 2.1485% for $265.0 million of the unsecured term loan facility for the period beginning on August 31, 2017 through maturity.

Principal Payments

Aggregate required principal payments at September 30, 2015 are as follows (amounts in thousands):



Year	Amortization		Maturities		Total
2015	$	3,014	$	—	$	3,014
2016	12,387		—		12,387
2017	10,070		355,761		365,831
2018	2,880		262,210		265,090
2019	2,188		270,000		272,188
2020 and thereafter	11,974		692,674		704,648
Total	$	42,513	$	1,580,645	$	1,623,158

Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility

On January 23, 2015, we entered into an unsecured revolving credit agreement, which is referred to herein as the “unsecured revolving credit facility,” with Bank of America, Merrill Lynch, Goldman Sachs and the other lenders party thereto. Merrill Lynch acted as joint lead arranger; Bank of America acted as administrative agent; and Goldman Sachs acted as syndication agent and joint lead arranger.

Concurrently with entering into the unsecured revolving credit facility, on January 23, 2015, we terminated our secured revolving and term credit facility and wrote off $1.3 million of deferred financing costs. In connection with the termination of the secured revolving and term credit facility, all of the guarantors thereunder were released from their guaranty obligations, all liens created thereby were terminated, and all collateral pledged thereunder was released.

The unsecured revolving credit facility is comprised of a revolving credit facility in the maximum original principal amount of $800.0 million. The unsecured revolving credit facility contains an accordion feature that would allow us to increase the maximum aggregate principal amount to $1.25 billion under specified circumstances. As of September 30, 2015, the unsecured revolving credit facility had an outstanding balance of $20.0 million.

Amounts outstanding under the unsecured revolving credit facility bear interest at a floating rate equal to, at our election, (x) a Eurodollar rate, plus a spread that ranges from 0.875% to 1.600% depending upon our leverage ratio and credit rating; or (y) a base rate, plus a spread that ranges from 0.000% to 0.600% depending upon our leverage ratio and credit rating. In addition, the unsecured revolving credit facility permits us to borrow at competitive bid rates determined in accordance with the procedures described in the unsecured revolving credit facility. We paid certain customary fees and expense reimbursements.

The initial maturity of the unsecured revolving credit facility is January 2019. We have the option to extend the initial term for up to two additional 6-month periods, subject to certain conditions, including the payment of an extension fee equal to 0.075% of the then outstanding commitments under the unsecured revolving credit facility.

The unsecured revolving 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 will not exceed 40% of total asset value, (iii) tangible net worth will not be less than $745.4 million plus 75% of net equity proceeds received by us (other than proceeds received within ninety (90) days after the redemption, retirement or repurchase of ownership or equity interests in us up to the amount paid by us in connection with such redemption, retirement or repurchase, where, the net effect is that we shall not have increased our net worth as a result of any such proceeds), (iv) adjusted EBITDA (as defined in the unsecured revolving credit facility) to consolidated fixed charges will not be less than 1.50x, (v) the aggregate net operating income with respect to all unencumbered eligible properties to the portion of interest expense attributable to unsecured indebtedness will not be less than 1.75x, (vi) the ratio of total unsecured indebtedness to unencumbered asset value will not exceed 60%, and (vii) consolidated secured recourse indebtedness will not exceed 10% of total asset value (provided, however, this covenant shall not apply at any time after we achieve a debt ratings from at least two of Moody’s, S&P and Fitch, and such debt ratings are Baa3 or better (in the case of a rating by Moody’s) or BBB- or better (in the case of a rating by S&P or Fitch)).

The unsecured revolving credit facility contains customary covenants, including limitations on liens, investment, debt, fundamental changes, and transactions with affiliates, and will require certain customary financial reports. The unsecured revolving 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 real estate investment trust qualification, and occurrence of a change of control (defined in the definitive documentation for the unsecured credit facility).

As of September 30, 2015, we were in compliance with the covenants under the unsecured revolving credit facility.

Secured Revolving and Term Credit Facility

As of December 31, 2014, the secured revolving and term credit facility had an outstanding balance of $470.0 million. The secured revolving and term credit facility was terminated on January 23, 2015 concurrent with entering into the unsecured revolving credit facility described above.

Senior Unsecured Notes

Exchangeable Senior Notes

During August 2014, we issued $250.0 million principal amount of 2.625% Exchangeable Senior Notes (“2.625% Exchangeable Senior Notes”) due August 15, 2019. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, total interest expense related to the 2.625% Exchangeable Senior Notes was $2.4 million and $7.3 million, respectively, consisting of (i) the contractual interest expense of $1.6 million and $4.9 million, respectively, (ii) the additional non-cash interest expense of $0.7 million and $2.0 million respectively, relating to the accretion of the debt discount, and (iii) the amortization of deferred financing costs of $0.1 million and $0.4 million, respectively. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, total interest expense related to the Exchangeable Senior Notes was $1.3 million consisting of (i) the contractual interest expense of $0.9 million, (ii) the additional non-cash interest expense of $0.3 million related to the accretion of the debt discount, and (iii) the amortization of deferred financing costs of $0.1 million.

Series A, Series B, and Series C Senior Notes

During March 2015, we issued and sold an aggregate principal amount of $350 million senior unsecured notes consisting of $100 million of 3.93% Series A Senior Notes due 2025, $125 million of 4.09% Series B Senior Notes due 2027, and $125 million of 4.18% Series C Senior Notes due 2030 (together, the “Series A, B and C Senior Notes”). Interest on the Series A, B and C Senior Notes is payable quarterly.

The terms of the Series A, B and C Senior Notes agreement include customary covenants, including limitations on liens, investment, debt, fundamental changes, and transactions with affiliates and will require certain customary financial reports. It also requires compliance with financial ratios consistent with our unsecured revolving credit facility including a maximum leverage ratio, a maximum secured leverage ratio, a minimum amount of tangible net worth, a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio, a minimum unencumbered interest coverage ratio, a maximum unsecured leverage ratio and a maximum amount of secured recourse indebtedness.

The proceeds from the issuance of the Series A, B and C Senior Notes were used to repay outstanding mortgage debt, reduce amounts outstanding under the unsecured revolving credit facility and for other general corporate purposes. As of September 30, 2015, we were in compliance with the covenants under the Series A, B and C Senior Notes.

Unsecured Term Loan Facility

During August 2015, we entered into a senior unsecured term loan facility, which is referred to herein as the “term loan facility” with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as administrative agent, Capital One, National Association, as syndication agent, PNC Bank, National Association, as documentation agent, and the lenders from time to time party thereto.

The term loan facility is in the original principal amount of up to $265.0 million, all of which was borrowed at closing. We may request incremental term loans up to an additional $100.0 million under specified circumstances, for a maximum aggregate principal amount not to exceed $365.0 million.

Amounts outstanding under the term loan facility bear interest at a floating rate equal to, at our election, (x) a LIBOR rate, plus a spread that ranges from 1.400% to 2.350% depending upon our leverage ratio and credit rating; or (y) a base rate,

plus a spread that ranges from 0.400% to 1.350% depending upon our leverage ratio and credit rating. Pursuant to a forward interest rate swap agreement, we effectively fixed LIBOR at 2.1485% for $265.0 million of the term loan facility for the period beginning on August 31, 2017 through maturity. In connection with the closing of the term loan facility, we paid certain customary fees and expense reimbursements.

The term loan facility matures on August 24, 2022. We may prepay loans under the term loan facility at any time, subject to certain notice requirements. To the extent that we prepay all or any portion of a loan on or prior to August 24, 2017, we will pay a prepayment premium equal to (i) if such prepayment occurs on or prior to August 24, 2016, 2.00% of the principal amount so prepaid, and (ii) if such prepayment occurs after August 24, 2016 but on or prior to August 24, 2017, 1.00% of the principal amount so prepaid.

The terms of the term loan facility agreement include customary covenants, including limitations on liens, investment, debt, fundamental changes, and transactions with affiliates and will require certain customary financial reports. The term loan facility requires compliance with financial ratios including a maximum leverage ratio, a maximum secured leverage ratio, a minimum amount of tangible net worth, a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio, a minimum unencumbered interest coverage ratio, a maximum unsecured leverage ratio and a maximum amount of secured recourse indebtedness. It also contains customary events of default (subject in certain cases to specified cure periods). These terms in the term loan facility agreement are consistent with the terms under our unsecured revolving credit facility agreement.

The proceeds from the term loan facility were used to repay borrowings made under the unsecured revolving credit facility. As of September 30, 2015, we were in compliance with the covenants under the term loan facility.

6. Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses

Accounts payable and accrued expenses consist of the following as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (amounts in thousands):



	September 30, 2015		December 31, 2014
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	$	78,707	$	68,488
Payable to the estate of Leona M. Helmsley ⁽¹⁾	18,367		18,367
Interest rate swap agreements liability	4,384		—
Accrued interest payable	3,953		5,953
Due to affiliated companies	1,288		3,755
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	$	106,699	$	96,563

___________


(1)	Reflects a payable to the estate of Leona M. Helmsley in the amount of New York City transfer taxes which would have been payable in absence of the estate's exemption from such tax.

7. Financial Instruments and Fair Values

Derivative Financial Instruments

We use derivative financial instruments primarily to manage interest rate risk and such derivatives are not considered speculative. These derivative instruments are typically in the form of interest rate swap and forward agreements and the primary objective is to minimize interest rate risks associated with investing and financing activities. The counterparties of these arrangements are major financial institutions with which we may also have other financial relationships. We are exposed to credit risk in the event of non-performance by these counterparties; however, we currently do not anticipate that any of the counterparties will fail to meet their obligations.

We have agreements with our derivative counterparties that contain a provision where if we either default or are capable of being declared in default on any of our indebtedness, then we could also be declared in default on our derivative obligations. As of September 30, 2015, the fair value of derivatives in a net liability position, which includes accrued interest but excludes any adjustment for nonperformance risk, related to these agreements was $4.6 million. If we had breached any of

these provisions at September 30, 2015, we could have been required to settle our obligations under the agreements at their termination value of $4.6 million.

As of September 30, 2015, we have three interest rate LIBOR swaps with effective dates of July 5, 2017 and August 31, 2017 and an aggregate notional value of $465.0 million, which fixes interest rates at 2.1485% and 2.5050%, and mature between August 24, 2022 and July 5, 2027. The notional value does not represent exposure to credit, interest rate or market risks. The fair value of these derivative instruments, which is included in accounts payable and accrued expenses on the condensed consolidated balance sheet, amounted to $4.4 million at September 30, 2015. These interest rate swaps have been designated as cash flow hedges and hedge the future cash outflows on our mortgage debt and also on our term loan facility that is subject to a floating interest rate. As of September 30, 2015, these cash flow hedges are deemed effective and an unrealized loss of $4.4 million is reflected in the condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive income. We estimate that the amount of the current balance held in accumulated other comprehensive loss that will be reclassified into interest expense within the next 12 months will be $0.0 million.

Fair Valuation

The estimated fair values at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 were determined by management, using available market information and appropriate valuation methodologies. Considerable judgment is necessary to interpret market data and develop estimated fair value. Accordingly, the estimates presented herein are not necessarily indicative of the amounts we could realize on disposition of the financial instruments. The use of different market assumptions and/or estimation methodologies may have a material effect on the estimated fair value amounts.

The fair value of derivative instruments, which is classified as Level 2, and measured on a recurring basis, is determined using widely accepted valuation techniques, including discounted cash flow analysis on the expected cash flows of each derivative. This analysis reflects the contractual terms of the derivatives, including the period to maturity, and uses observable market-based inputs, including interest rate curves and implied volatilities. The fair values of interest rate swaps are determined using the market standard methodology of netting the discounted future fixed cash receipts (or payments) and the discounted expected variable cash payments (or receipts). The variable cash payments (or receipts) are based on an expectation of future interest rates (forward curves) derived from observable market interest rate curves. As of September 30, 2015, the carrying amount and fair value of such derivative financial instruments is $4.4 million and is included in accounts payable and accrued expenses on the condensed consolidated balance sheet.

The fair value of borrowings, which is classified as Level 3, is estimated by discounting the contractual cash flows of each debt to their present value using adjusted market interest rates, which is provided by a third-party specialist. The following table presents the aggregate carrying value of our debt and the corresponding estimates of fair value as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (amounts in thousands):



	September 30, 2015				December 31, 2014
	Carrying Amount		Fair Value		Carrying Amount		Fair Value
Mortgage notes payable	$	754,738	$	762,096	$	903,985	$	912,365
Senior unsecured notes - exchangeable	239,670		253,430		237,667		253,469
Senior unsecured notes - Series A, B and C	350,000		348,481		—		—
Unsecured revolving credit facility	20,000		20,000		—		—
Unsecured term loan facility	265,000		265,000		—		—
Term loan and credit facility	—		—		470,000		470,000

Disclosure about fair value of financial instruments is based on pertinent information available to us as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014. Although we are not aware of any factors that would significantly affect the reasonable fair value amounts, such amounts have not been comprehensively revalued for purposes of these financial statements since that date and current estimates of fair value may differ significantly from the amounts presented herein.

8. Rental Income

We lease various office spaces to tenants over terms ranging from one to 16 years. Certain leases have renewal options for additional terms. The leases provide for base monthly rentals and reimbursements for real estate taxes, escalations linked to

the consumer price index or common area maintenance known as operating expense escalation. Operating expense reimbursements are reflected in our condensed consolidated statements of income as tenant expense reimbursement.

9. Commitments and Contingencies

Legal Proceedings

Except as described below, as of September 30, 2015, we were not involved in any material litigation, nor, to our knowledge, was any material litigation threatened against us or our properties, other than routine litigation arising in the ordinary course of business such as disputes with tenants. We believe that the costs and related liabilities, if any, which may result from such actions will not materially affect our condensed consolidated financial position, operating results or liquidity.

In March 2012, five putative class actions, or the "Original Class Actions," were filed in New York State Supreme Court, New York County by investors in certain of the Existing Entities (constituting the predecessor and the non-controlled entities) (the "Existing Entities") on March 1, 2012, March 7, 2012, March 12, 2012, March 14, 2012 and March 19, 2012. The plaintiffs asserted claims against our predecessor’s management companies, Anthony E. Malkin, Peter L. Malkin, the estate of Leona M. Helmsley, ESRT and us for breach of fiduciary duty, unjust enrichment and/or aiding and abetting breach of fiduciary duty. They alleged, among other things, that the terms of the consolidation and the process by which it was structured (including the valuation that was employed) are unfair to the investors in the Existing Entities, the consolidation provides excessive benefits to Malkin Holdings LLC (now our subsidiary) and its affiliates and the then-draft prospectus/consent solicitation with respect to the consolidation filed with the SEC failed to make adequate disclosure to permit a fully-informed decision about the consolidation. The complaints sought money damages and injunctive relief preventing the consolidation. The Original Class Actions were consolidated and co-lead plaintiffs’ counsel were appointed by the New York State Supreme Court by order dated June 26, 2012. Further, an underlying premise of the Original Class Actions, as noted in discussions among plaintiffs' counsel and defendants' counsel, was that the consolidation had been structured in such a manner that would cause investors in Empire State Building Associates L.L.C., 60 East 42nd St. Associates L.L.C. and 250 West 57th St. Associates L.L.C. (the “subject LLCs”) immediately to incur substantial tax liabilities.

The parties entered into a Stipulation of Settlement dated September 28, 2012, resolving the Original Class Actions. The Stipulation of Settlement recites that the consolidation was approved by overwhelming consent of the investors in the Existing Entities. The Stipulation of Settlement states that counsel for the plaintiff class satisfied themselves that they have received adequate access to relevant information, including the independent valuer's valuation process and methodology, that the disclosures in the Registration Statement on Form S-4, as amended, are appropriate, that the consolidation presents potential benefits, including the opportunity for liquidity and capital appreciation, that merit the investors' serious consideration and that each of the named class representatives intends to support the consolidation as modified. The Stipulation of Settlement further states that counsel for the plaintiff class are satisfied that the claims regarding tax implications, enhanced disclosures, appraisals and exchange values of the properties that would be consolidated into our company, and the interests of the investors in the Existing Entities, have been addressed adequately, and they have concluded that the settlement pursuant to the Stipulation of Settlement and opportunity to consider the proposed consolidation on the basis of revised consent solicitations are fair, reasonable, adequate and in the best interests of the plaintiff class.

The defendants in the Stipulation of Settlement denied that they committed any violation of law or breached any of their duties and did not admit that they had any liability to the plaintiffs.

The terms of the settlement include, among other things (i) a payment of $55.0 million, with a minimum of 80% in cash and maximum of 20% in freely-tradable shares of ESRT common stock and/or freely-tradable operating partnership units to be distributed, after reimbursement of plaintiffs' counsel's court-approved expenses and payment of plaintiffs' counsel's court-approved attorneys' fees (which are included within the $55.0 million settlement payment) and, in the case of shares of ESRT common stock and/or operating partnership units, after the termination of specified lock-up periods, to investors in the Existing Entities pursuant to a plan of allocation to be prepared by counsel for plaintiffs; (ii) defendants' agreement that (a) the Offering would be on the basis of a firm commitment underwriting; (b) if, during the solicitation period, any of the three subject LLCs' percentage of total exchange value is lower than what was stated in the final prospectus/consent solicitation with respect to the consolidation by 10% or more, such decrease would be promptly disclosed by defendants to investors in the subject LLCs; and (c) unless total gross proceeds of $600.0 million are raised in the Offering, defendants will not proceed with the consolidation without further approval of the subject LLCs; and (iii) defendants' agreement to make additional disclosures in the prospectus/consent solicitation with respect to the consolidation regarding certain matters (which are included therein). Investors in the Existing Entities will not be required to bear any portion of the settlement payment. The payment in settlement of the Original Class Actions will be made by the estate of Leona M. Helmsley and affiliates of Malkin Holdings LLC (provided that none of Malkin Holdings LLC's affiliates that would become our direct or indirect subsidiary in the

consolidation will have any liability for such payment) and certain investors in the Existing Entities who agree to contribute. We will not bear any of the settlement payment.

The settlement further provides for the certification of a class of investors in the Existing Entities, other than defendants and other related persons and entities, and a release of any claims of the members of the class against the defendants and related persons and entities, as well as underwriters and other advisors. The release in the settlement excludes certain claims, including but not limited to, claims arising from or related to any supplement to the Registration Statement on Form S-4 that is declared effective to which the plaintiffs' counsel objects in writing, which objection will not be unreasonably made or delayed, so long as plaintiffs' counsel has had adequate opportunity to review such supplement. There was no such supplement that plaintiff's counsel objected to in writing. The settlement was subject to court approval. It was not effective until such court approval is final, including the resolution of any appeal. Defendants continue to deny any wrongdoing or liability in connection with the allegations in the Original Class Actions.

On January 18, 2013, the parties jointly moved for preliminary approval of the settlement, for permission to send notice of the settlement to the class, and for the scheduling of a final settlement hearing. On January 28, 2013, six of the investors in Empire State Building Associates L.L.C. filed an objection to preliminary approval, and cross-moved to intervene in the Original Class Actions and for permission to file a separate complaint on behalf of the investors in Empire State Building Associates L.L.C. On February 21, 2013, the court denied the cross motion of such objecting investors, and the court denied permission for such objecting investors to file a separate complaint as part of the Original Class Actions, but permitted them to file a brief solely to support their allegation that the buyout would deprive non-consenting investors in Empire State Building Associates L.L.C. of “fair value” in violation of the New York Limited Liability Company Law. The court rejected the objecting investors’ assertion that preliminary approval be denied and granted preliminary approval of the settlement.

Pursuant to a decision issued on April 30, 2013, the court rejected the allegation regarding the New York Limited Liability Company Law and ruled in Malkin Holdings LLC’s favor, holding that such buyout provisions are legally binding and enforceable and that investors do not have the rights they claimed under the New York Limited Liability Company Law.

On May 2, 2013, the court held a hearing regarding final approval of the Original Class Actions settlement, at the conclusion of which the court stated that it intended to approve the settlement. On May 17, 2013, the court issued its Opinion and Order. The court rejected the objections by all objectors and upheld the settlement in its entirety. Of the approximately 4,500 class members who are investors in all of the Existing Entities included in the consolidation, 12 opted out of the settlement. Those who opted out will not receive any share of the settlement proceeds, but can pursue separate claims for monetary damages.

Also on May 17, 2013, the court issued its Opinion and Order on attorneys’ fees. Class counsel applied for an award of $15.0 million in fees and $295,895 in expenses, which the court reduced to $11.59 million in fees and $265,282 in expenses (which are included within the $55.0 million settlement payment).

The investors who challenged the buyout provision filed a notice of appeal of the court’s April 30, 2013 decision and moved before the appellate court for a stay of all proceedings relating to the settlement, including such a stay as immediate interim relief. On May 1, 2013, their request for immediate interim relief was denied. On May 13, 2013, Malkin Holdings LLC filed its brief in opposition to the motion for the stay. On June 18, 2013, the appellate court denied the motion for the stay. On July 16, 2013, these investors filed their brief and other supporting papers on their appeal of the April 30, 2013 decision, which are required to perfect the appeal. On September 4, 2013, Malkin Holdings LLC filed its brief on the appeal, and also moved to dismiss the appeal on the grounds that these investors lack standing to pursue it. Malkin Holdings LLC contended that these investors were not entitled to appraisal under the New York Limited Liability Company Law because, among other reasons (i) they are not members of Empire State Building Associates L.L.C., and only members have such rights; (ii) the transaction in question is not a merger or consolidation as defined by statute, and appraisal only applies in those transactions; and (iii) when Empire State Building Associates L.L.C. was converted into a limited liability company, the parties agreed that no appraisal would apply. Moreover, Malkin Holdings LLC contended that only the 12 investors who opted out of the class action settlement could pursue appraisal, because that settlement contains a broad release of (and there is an associated bar order from the court preventing) any such claims. Malkin Holdings LLC further noted that of the six investors attempting to pursue the appeal, only two had in fact opted out of the class action settlement. On September 13, 2013, these investors filed their reply brief on the appeal, and opposed the motion to dismiss. On September 19, 2013, Malkin Holdings LLC filed its reply brief on the motion to dismiss. On October 3, 2013, the appeals court denied the motion to dismiss without prejudice to address the matter directly on the appeal, effectively referring the issues raised in the motion to the panel that was to hear the appeal itself. The appeals court heard argument on November 21, 2013, and in a Decision and Order dated February 25, 2014, it affirmed the trial court’s ruling.

In addition, on June 20, 2013, these same investors, and one additional investor who also opposed the settlement of the Original Class Action, filed additional notices of appeal from the trial court’s rulings in the Original Class Actions. These

notices of appeal related to (i) the order entered February 22, 2013 granting preliminary approval of the Original Class Action settlement and setting a hearing for final approval; (ii) the order entered February 26, 2013, refusing to sign a proposed order to show cause for a preliminary injunction regarding the consolidation; (iii) an order entered April 2, 2013, denying the motion to intervene and to file a separate class action on behalf of Empire State Building Associates L.L.C. investors; (iv) the order entered April 10, 2013, refusing to sign the order to show cause seeking to extend the deadline for class members to opt out of the Original Class Action settlement; (v) the Final Judgment and Order entered May 17, 2013; (vi) the order entered May 17, 2013 approving the Original Class Action settlement; and (vii) the order entered May 17, 2013 awarding class counsel attorneys’ fees and costs. On January 6, 2014, Class counsel moved to dismiss these additional appeals on the grounds that they were not timely perfected by filing an appellate brief and record. On February 6, 2014, the appeals court granted the motion unless the appeals were perfected by March 17, 2014.

On March 27, 2014, the investors who challenged the buyout provision moved in the appellate court for reargument or in the alternative for leave to appeal the appeals court’s ruling to the New York Court of Appeals. Opposition to the motion was filed on April 7, 2014. The appellate court denied the motion on May 22, 2014. The investors moved in the New York Court of Appeals for leave to appeal on June 26, 2014. Opposition to this motion was filed on July 11, 2014 and the court dismissed the motion by order dated September 18, 2014. On October 20, 2014, the investors moved to re-argue that dismissal. That motion was denied on December 17, 2014, and counsel for these investors has represented that the investors do not intend to pursue further appellate review of the court’s April 30, 2013 ruling rejecting the challenge to the buyout provision. On March 3, 2015, plaintiffs' counsel filed a motion with the court for its approval of distribution of the net settlement fund. In that motion plaintiffs' counsel also asked for additional fees and expenses to be paid out of the fund. On March 20, 2015, Malkin Holdings LLC filed a response to that motion in which it supported distribution of the fund and took no position on additional fees and expenses. No opposition to the motion was filed and the court granted the motion. The parties are in the process of distributing the net settlement fund to the class.

On March 14, 2014, one of the investors who had filed a notice of appeal from the trial court’s rulings in the Original Class Actions noted above perfected an appeal from the court’s May 17, 2013 Final Judgment and Order and orders approving the Original Class Action Settlement and awarding class counsel attorneys’ fees and costs. By stipulation of all counsel to the appeal dated September 12, 2014, the appeal was dismissed with prejudice. No other appeals were filed by the March 17, 2014 deadline set by the appeals court in its February 6, 2014 order. The Original Class Actions Settlement is final and non-appealable.

In addition, commencing December 24, 2013, four putative class actions, or the "Second Class Actions," were filed in New York State Supreme Court, New York County, against Malkin Holdings LLC, Peter L. Malkin, Anthony E. Malkin and Thomas N. Keltner, Jr. on behalf of former investors in Empire State Building Associates L.L.C. Generally, the Second Class Actions alleged that the defendants breached their fiduciary duties and were unjustly enriched. One of the Second Class Actions named us and ESRT as defendants, alleging that they aided and abetted the breaches of fiduciary duty. The Second Class Actions were consolidated on consent, and co-lead class counsel was appointed by order dated February 11, 2014. A Consolidated Amended Complaint was filed February 7, 2014, which did not name us or ESRT as defendants. It seeks monetary damages. On March 7, 2014, defendants filed a motion to dismiss the Second Class Actions, which the plaintiffs opposed and was fully submitted to the court on April 28, 2014. The court heard oral arguments on the motion on July 7, 2014, and the motion to dismiss was granted in a ruling entered July 21, 2014. The plaintiffs filed a notice of appeal on August 8, 2014. On January 12, 2015, the plaintiffs filed a motion to supplement the record on appeal to include additional materials from the Original Class Action, which the defendants opposed. The motion was denied on March 5, 2015. The plaintiffs perfected this appeal by filing their brief and the appellate record with the court on March 23, 2015. Oral argument on the appeal is scheduled for October 28, 2015.

We will incur costs in connection with this litigation. If an appeal were successful and the court were ultimately to rule against the defendants there is a risk that it could have a material adverse effect on us, which could take the form of monetary damages or other equitable relief. At this time, due to the spectrum of remedies which may result from the outcome of the matter and the difficulty in calculating and allocating damages (if any) among the defendants, we cannot reasonably assess the timing or outcome of this litigation and any related indemnification obligations, estimate the amount of loss, or assess their effect, if any, on our financial statements.

On or about October 14, 2014, the 12 investors (out of approximately 4,500 investors covered by the Original Class Actions) who opted out of the Original Class Actions filed an arbitration with the American Arbitration Association against Peter L. Malkin, Anthony E. Malkin, Thomas N. Keltner, Jr., and Malkin Holdings LLC, as respondents, alleging breach of fiduciary duty and related claims in connection with the consolidation. The statement of claim in that arbitration seeks monetary damages and declaratory relief. The respondents filed an answering statement and counterclaims. On December 18, 2014, these claimants also filed a complaint in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York alleging the same claims that they asserted in the arbitration. As alleged in the complaint, the claimants filed this lawsuit to toll the

statute of limitations on their claims in the event it is determined that the claims are not subject to arbitration, and they plan to move to stay the lawsuit in favor of the pending arbitration. On February 2, 2015, the claimants filed an amended complaint adding an additional claim and making other non-substantive modifications to the original complaint. On March 12, 2015, the court stayed the action on consent of all parties pending the arbitration. Discovery in the arbitration is proceeding and the hearings are scheduled to commence May 28, 2016.

The arbitration is in its early stages, and, as with the prior claims challenging the consolidation and related matters, the defendants believe these allegations are entirely without merit, and they intend to defend vigorously.

In connection with the Offering and formation transactions, we entered into indemnification agreements with our directors, executive officers and chairman emeritus, providing for the indemnification by us for certain liabilities and expenses incurred as a result of actions brought, or threatened to be brought, against them. As a result, Anthony E. Malkin, Peter L. Malkin and Thomas N. Keltner, Jr. have defense and indemnity rights from us with respect to the Second Class Actions and the above-referenced arbitration.

Additionally, there is a risk that other third parties will assert claims against us, Malkin Holdings LLC, or any other party entitled to defense and indemnity from us, including, without limitation, claims that Malkin Holdings LLC breached its fiduciary duties to investors in the Existing Entities or that the consolidation violates the relevant operating agreements, and third parties may commence litigation related to such claims. As a result, we may incur costs associated with defending or settling such litigation or paying any judgment if we lose.

Unfunded Capital Expenditures

At September 30, 2015, we estimate that we will incur approximately $65.7 million of capital expenditures (including tenant improvements and leasing commissions) on our consolidated properties pursuant to existing lease agreements. We expect to fund these capital expenditures with operating cash flow, additional property level mortgage financings, our unsecured revolving credit facility, other issuances of debt, and cash on hand. Future property acquisitions may require substantial capital investments for refurbishment and leasing costs. We expect that these financing requirements will be met in a similar fashion.

Ground Leases

Aggregate required payments on ground leases at September 30, 2015 are as follows (amounts in thousands):



2015	$	378
2016	1,518
2017	1,518
2018	1,518
2019	1,518
Thereafter	58,248
	$	64,698

Concentration of Credit Risk

Financial instruments that subject us to credit risk consist primarily of cash, restricted cash, tenant and other receivables and deferred rent receivables. At September 30, 2015, we held on deposit at various major financial institutions cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash balances in excess of amounts insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.

Asset Retirement Obligations

We are required to accrue costs that we are legally obligated to incur on retirement of our properties which result from acquisition, construction, development and/or normal operation of such properties. Retirement includes sale, abandonment or disposal of a property. Under that standard, a conditional asset retirement obligation represents a legal obligation to perform an asset retirement activity in which the timing and/or method of settlement is conditional on a future event that may or may not be within a company’s control and a liability for a conditional asset retirement obligation must be recorded if the fair value of the obligation can be reasonably estimated. Environmental site assessments and investigations have identified asbestos or asbestos-containing building materials in certain of our properties. As of September 30, 2015, management has no plans to remove or alter these properties in a manner that would trigger federal and other applicable regulations for asbestos removal, and accordingly, the obligations to remove the asbestos or asbestos-containing building materials from these properties have indeterminable settlement dates. As such, we are unable to reasonably estimate the fair value of the associated conditional asset

retirement obligation. However ongoing asbestos abatement, maintenance programs and other required documentation are carried out as required and related costs are expensed as incurred.

Other Environmental Matters

Certain of our properties have been inspected for soil contamination due to pollutants, which may have occurred prior to our ownership of these properties or subsequently in connection with its development and/or its use. Required remediation to such properties has been completed, and as of September 30, 2015, our management believes that there are no obligations related to environmental remediation other than maintaining the affected sites in conformity with the relevant authority’s mandates and filing the required documents. All such maintenance costs are expensed as incurred. We expect that resolution of the environmental matters relating to the above will not have a material impact on our business, assets, consolidated financial condition, results of operations or liquidity. However, we cannot be certain that we have identified all environmental liabilities at our properties, that all necessary remediation actions have been or will be undertaken at our properties or that we will be indemnified, in full or at all, in the event that such environmental liabilities arise.

Insurance Coverage

We carry insurance coverage on our properties of types and in amounts with deductibles that we believe are in line with coverage customarily obtained by owners of similar properties.

10. Capital

As of September 30, 2015, there were 267,579,408 operating partnership units outstanding, of which 117,954,034, or 44.1%, were owned by ESRT and 149,625,374, or 55.9%, were owned by other partners, including ESRT directors, members of senior management and other employees.

Long-term incentive plan ("LTIP") units are a special class of partnership interests. Each LTIP unit awarded will be deemed equivalent to an award of one share of ESRT stock under the Empire State Realty Trust, Inc. and Empire State OP, L.P. 2013 Equity Incentive Plan ("2013 Plan"), reducing the availability for other equity awards on a one-for-one basis. The vesting period for LTIP units, if any, will be determined at the time of issuance. Cash distributions on each LTIP unit, whether vested or not, will be the same as those made on the operating partnership units. Under the terms of the LTIP units, we will revalue for tax purposes its assets upon the occurrence of certain specified events, and any increase in valuation from the time of grant until such event will be allocated first to the holders of LTIP units to equalize the capital accounts of such holders with the capital accounts of unitholders. Subject to any agreed upon exceptions, once vested and having achieved parity with unitholders, LTIP units are convertible into Series PR operating partnership units on a one-for-one basis.

Distributions

Total distributions paid to OP unitholders were $22.7 million and $68.2 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, respectively, and $22.7 million and $64.5 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively. Total distributions paid to preferred unitholders were $0.2 million and $0.7 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, respectively, and $0.2 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014.

Incentive and Share-Based Compensation

The 2013 Plan provides for grants to directors, employees and consultants consisting of stock options, restricted stock, dividend equivalents, stock payments, performance shares, LTIP units, stock appreciation rights and other incentive awards. An aggregate of 12.2 million shares of ESRT common stock is authorized for issuance under awards granted pursuant to the 2013 Plan, and as of September 30, 2015, 10.2 million shares of ESRT common stock remain available for future issuance.

In January 2015, we made a grant of LTIP units to an employee under the 2013 Plan. We granted a total of 9,531 LTIP units with a fair market value of $0.2 million. The award is subject to time-based vesting and all LTIP units vest on April 1, 2020, subject generally to the grantee's continued employment.

In February 2015, we made grants of LTIP units to executive officers under the 2013 Plan. At such time, we granted a total of 168,033 LTIP units that are subject to time-based vesting and 154,266 LTIP units that are subject to performance-based vesting, with fair market values of $2.9 million for the time-based vesting awards and $1.3 million for the performance-based vesting awards. The awards subject to time-based vesting vest ratably over four years from January 1, 2015, subject generally to the grantee's continued employment. The first installment vests on the first-year anniversary date of January 1, 2015 and the remainder will vest thereafter in three equal annual installments. The vesting of the awards subject to performance-based

vesting is based on the achievement of absolute and relative total stockholder return hurdles over a three-year performance period, commencing on January 1, 2015. Following the completion of the three-year performance period, our compensation committee will determine the number of LTIP units to which the grantee is entitled based on our performance relative to the performance hurdles set forth in the LTIP unit award agreements the grantee entered into in connection with the award grant. These units then vest in two installments, with the first installment vesting on January 1, 2018 and the second installment vesting on January 1, 2019, subject generally to the grantee's continued employment on those dates.

In February 2015, we made grants of LTIP units and ESRT restricted stock to certain other employees under the 2013 Plan. At such time, we granted a total of 33,398 LTIP units and 14,315 shares of ESRT restricted stock that are subject to time-based vesting and 33,398 LTIP units and 14,315 shares of ESRT restricted stock that are subject to performance-based vesting, with fair market values of $0.8 million for the time-based vesting awards and $0.4 million for the performance-based vesting awards. The awards subject to time-based vesting vest ratably over four years from January 1, 2015, subject generally to the grantee's continued employment. The first installment vests on the first-year anniversary date of January 1, 2015 and the remainder will vest thereafter in three equal annual installments. The vesting of the awards subject to performance-based vesting is based on the achievement of absolute and relative total stockholder return hurdles over a three-year performance period, commencing on January 1, 2015. Following the completion of the three -year performance period, our compensation committee will determine the number of LTIP units or ESRT shares to which the grantee is entitled based on our performance relative to the performance hurdles set forth in the award agreements the grantee entered into in connection with the award grant. These units and ESRT shares then vest in two installments, with the first installment vesting on January 1, 2018 and the second installment vesting on January 1, 2019, subject generally to the grantee's continued employment on those dates. We issued operating partnership units to ESRT for each share of restricted stock issued by ESRT.

In February 2015, we made a grant of LTIP units to an executive officer under the 2013 Plan. At such time, we granted a total of 13,736 LTIP units that are subject to time-based vesting and 13,736 LTIP units that are subject to performance-based vesting, with fair market values of $0.2 million for the time-based vesting awards and $0.1 million for the performance-based vesting awards. The awards subject to time-based vesting vest ratably over four years from the date of the grant, subject generally to the grantee's continued employment. The first installment vests on the first-year anniversary date of the grant and the remainder will vest thereafter in three equal annual installments. The vesting of the LTIP units subject to performance-based vesting is based on the achievement of absolute and relative total stockholder return hurdles over a three-year performance period, commencing on February 1, 2015. Following the completion of the three-year performance period, our compensation committee will determine the number of LTIP units to which the grantee is entitled based on our performance relative to the performance hurdles set forth in the LTIP unit award agreements the grantee entered into in connection with the award grant. These units then vest in two installments, with the first installment vesting on February 1, 2018 and the second installment vesting on February 1, 2019, subject generally to the grantee's continued employment on those dates.

In June 2015, we made grants of LTIP units to our non-employee directors under the 2013 Plan. At such time, we granted a total of 35,082 LTIP units that are subject to time-based vesting, with fair market values of $0.6 million. The awards vest ratably over three years from the date of the grant, subject generally to the director's continued service on our Board of Directors.

We have made other grants during 2015 with fair market values of less than $0.1 million in the aggregate.

Share-based compensation is measured at the fair value of the award on the date of grant and recognized as an expense on a straight-line basis over the vesting period. For the performance-based LTIP units and restricted stock awards, the fair value of the awards was estimated using a Monte Carlo Simulation model. Our stock price, along with the prices of the comparative indexes, is assumed to follow the Geometric Brownian Motion Process. Geometric Brownian Motion is a common assumption when modeling in financial markets, as it allows the modeled quantity (in this case the stock price) to vary randomly from its current value and take any value greater than zero. The volatilities of the returns on our stock price and the comparative indexes were estimated based on implied volatilities and historical volatilities using a six-year look-back period. The expected growth rate of the stock prices over the performance period is determined with consideration of the risk free rate as of the grant date. For LTIP units and restricted stock grants that are time-vesting, we estimate the stock compensation expense based on the fair value of the stock at the grant date.

Share-based compensation expense has been adjusted by an amount of estimated forfeitures. Forfeitures are estimated based on historical experience at the time of grant and revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. Based on an analysis of historical data, we have calculated a 0% annual forfeiture rate for members of the Board of Directors, a 0% annual forfeiture rate for executive officers, and for all other employees a 5% annual forfeiture rate. We reevaluate this analysis periodically and adjust these estimated forfeiture rates as necessary. To the extent actual results or

updated estimates differ from our current estimates, such amounts will be recorded as a cumulative adjustment in the period estimates are revised.

LTIP units and ESRT restricted stock issued during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 were valued at $6.6 million. The weighted-average per unit or share fair value was $13.36 for grants issued in 2015. The per unit or share granted in 2015 was estimated on the respective dates of grant using the following assumptions: an expected life of 3.0 and 2.9 years, a dividend rate of 1.90%, a risk-free interest rate of 0.8% and 1.0%, and an expected price volatility between 24.0% and 29.0%.

No other stock options, dividend equivalents, or stock appreciation rights were issued or outstanding in 2015.

The following is a summary of ESRT restricted stock and LTIP unit activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2015:



	Restricted Stock		LTIP Units		Weighted Average Grant Price
Unvested balance at December 31, 2014	102,296		1,194,660		$	13.78
Vested	(7,405	)	(59,875	)	15.00
Granted	30,020		461,180		18.11
Forfeited	(8,977	)	(5,544	)	16.11
Unvested balance at September 30, 2015	115,934		1,590,421		$	14.96

The LTIP unit and ESRT restricted stock award agreements will immediately vest upon the later of (i) the date the grantee attains the age of 60 and (ii) the date on which grantee has first completed ten years of continuous service with our company or its affiliates. For award agreements that qualify, we recognize noncash compensation expense on the grant date for the time-based awards and ratably over the vesting period for the performance-based awards, and accordingly, we recognized $0.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and $0.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014. Unrecognized compensation expense was $0.2 million at September 30, 2015, which will be recognized over a period of 1.4 years.

For the remainder of the LTIP unit and ESRT restricted stock awards, we recognize noncash compensation expense ratably over the vesting period, and accordingly, we recognized noncash compensation expense of $1.4 million and $3.8 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, respectively, and $0.9 million and $2.8 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively. Unrecognized compensation expense was $11.6 million at September 30, 2015, which will be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.5 years.

Earnings Per Unit

Earnings per unit for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 is computed as follows (amounts in thousands, except per unit amounts):



	Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
	September 30, 2015			September 30, 2014			September 30, 2015			September 30, 2014
Numerator:
Net income	$	26,085		$	22,734		$	60,558		$	59,246
Private perpetual preferred unit distributions	(234		)	(241		)	(702		)	(241		)
Earnings allocated to unvested units	(161		)	(127		)	(425		)	(374		)
Net income attributable to common unitholders - basic and diluted	$	25,690		$	22,366		$	59,431		$	58,631

Denominator -
Weighted average units outstanding - basic and diluted	265,873			263,041			265,868			250,696

Earnings per unit - basic and diluted	$	0.10		$	0.09		$	0.22		$	0.23

There were 802,462 and 692,209 antidilutive units for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, respectively, and 674,642 and 607,654 antidilutive units for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively.

11. Related Party Transactions

Supervisory Fee Revenue

We earned supervisory fees from affiliated entities not included in our condensed consolidated financial statements of $0.5 million and $0.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and $1.4 million and $1.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively. These fees are included within third-party management and other fees.

Property Management Fee Revenue

We earned property management fees from affiliated entities not included in our condensed consolidated financial statements of $0.1 million and $0.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and $0.2 million and $0.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively. These fees are included within third-party management and other fees.

Other

We are reimbursed at allocable cost for 647 square feet of shared office space, equipment, and administrative support, as was done prior to our formation, and we receive rent generally at market rental rate for 3,074 square feet of leased space, from entities affiliated with Anthony E. Malkin at one of our properties aggregating $0.06 million and $0.02 million for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively and $0.2 million and $0.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively. In each case the space is expected to be temporary, and such affiliate has the right to cancel such lease without special payment on 90 days’ notice.

12. Segment Reporting

We have identified two reportable segments: (1) real estate and (2) observatory. Our real estate segment includes all activities related to the ownership, management, operation, acquisition, redevelopment, repositioning and disposition of our real estate assets. Our observatory segment includes the operation of the 86th and 102nd floor observatories at the Empire State Building. 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 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. We include our historical construction operation in "Other," and it includes all activities related to providing construction services to tenants and to other entities within and outside our company. As of March 27, 2015, we no longer solicited new business for our construction management business. We completed all projects that were in progress.

The following tables provide components of segment profit for each segment for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 (amounts in thousands):



	Three Months Ended September 30, 2015
	Real Estate			Observatory			Other		Intersegment Elimination			Total
Revenues:
Rental revenue	$	110,903		$	—		$	—	$	—		$	110,903
Intercompany rental revenue	20,828			—			—		(20,828		)	—
Tenant expense reimbursement	23,096			—			—		—			23,096
Observatory revenue	—			35,702			—		—			35,702
Construction revenue	—			—			—		—			—
Third-party management and other fees	618			—			—		—			618
Other revenue and fees	5,460			—			—		—			5,460
Total revenues	160,905			35,702			—		(20,828		)	175,779
Operating expenses:
Property operating expenses	41,664			—			—		—			41,664
Intercompany rent expense	—			20,828			—		(20,828		)	—
Ground rent expense	2,331			—			—		—			2,331
Marketing, general, and administrative expenses	10,182			—			—		—			10,182
Observatory expenses	—			7,284			—		—			7,284
Construction expenses	—			—			—		—			—
Real estate taxes	23,613			—			—		—			23,613
Acquisition expenses	193			—			—		—			193
Depreciation and amortization	45,072			97			—		—			45,169
Total operating expenses	123,055			28,209			—		(20,828		)	130,436
Total operating income	37,850			7,493			—		—			45,343
Interest expense	(16,680		)	—			—		—			(16,680		)
Income before income taxes	21,170			7,493			—		—			28,663
Income tax expense	(474		)	(2,104		)	—		—			(2,578		)
Net income	$	20,696		$	5,389		$	—	$	—		$	26,085
Segment assets	$	3,070,234		$	235,937		$	2,596	$	—		$	3,308,767
Expenditures for segment assets	$	39,915		$	187		$	—	$	—		$	40,102



	Three Months Ended September 30, 2014
	Real Estate			Observatory			Other			Intersegment Elimination			Total
Revenues:
Rental revenue	$	106,152		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	106,152
Intercompany rental revenue	19,986			—			—			(19,986		)	—
Tenant expense reimbursement	20,034			—			—			—			20,034
Observatory revenue	—			35,684			—			—			35,684
Construction revenue	—			—			7,292			(1,488		)	5,804
Third-party management and other fees	561			—			—			—			561
Other revenue and fees	1,206			—			—			—			1,206
Total revenues	147,939			35,684			7,292			(21,474		)	169,441
Operating expenses:
Property operating expenses	38,291			—			—			—			38,291
Intercompany rent expense	—			19,986			—			(19,986		)	—
Ground rent expense	2,066			—			—			—			2,066
Marketing, general, and administrative expenses	10,071			—			—			—			10,071
Observatory expenses	—			7,109			—			—			7,109
Construction expenses	—			—			7,355			(1,260		)	6,095
Real estate taxes	21,870			—			—			—			21,870
Acquisition expenses	2,647			—			—			—			2,647
Depreciation and amortization	37,797			79			4			—			37,880
Total operating expenses	112,742			27,174			7,359			(21,246		)	126,029
Total operating income (loss)	35,197			8,510			(67		)	(228		)	43,412
Interest expense	(17,674		)	—			—			—			(17,674		)
Income (loss) before income taxes	17,523			8,510			(67		)	(228		)	25,738
Income tax expense	(94		)	(2,857		)	(53		)	—			(3,004		)
Net income (loss)	$	17,429		$	5,653		$	(120	)	$	(228	)	$	22,734
Segment assets	$	3,038,363		$	255,081		$	8,572		$	—		$	3,302,016
Expenditures for segment assets	$	422,175		$	99		$	—		$	—		$	422,274



	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015
	Real Estate			Observatory			Other			Intersegment Elimination			Total
Revenues:
Rental revenue	$	333,827		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	333,827
Intercompany rental revenue	51,402			—			—			(51,402		)	—
Tenant expense reimbursement	59,878			—			—			—			59,878
Observatory revenue	—			84,525			—			—			84,525
Construction revenue	—			—			5,696			(3,715		)	1,981
Third-party management and other fees	1,658			—			—			—			1,658
Other revenue and fees	10,565			—			—			—			10,565
Total revenues	457,330			84,525			5,696			(55,117		)	492,434
Operating expenses:
Property operating expenses	122,051			—			—			—			122,051
Intercompany rent expense	—			51,402			—			(51,402		)	—
Ground rent expense	6,994			—			—			—			6,994
Marketing, general, and administrative expenses	28,395			—			—			—			28,395
Observatory expenses	—			21,681			—			—			21,681
Construction expenses	—			—			6,539			(3,317		)	3,222
Real estate taxes	69,543			—			—			—			69,543
Acquisition expenses	193			—			—			—			193
Depreciation and amortization	125,847			268			101			—			126,216
Total operating expenses	353,023			73,351			6,640			(54,719		)	378,295
Total operating income (loss)	104,307			11,174			(944		)	(398		)	114,139
Interest expense	(50,298		)	—			—			—			(50,298		)
Income (loss) before income taxes	54,009			11,174			(944		)	(398		)	63,841
Income tax (expense) benefit	(1,247		)	(2,376		)	340			—			(3,283		)
Net income (loss)	$	52,762		$	8,798		$	(604	)	$	(398	)	$	60,558
Expenditures for segment assets	$	109,104		$	211		$	—		$	—		$	109,315



	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014
	Real Estate			Observatory			Other			Intersegment Elimination			Total
Revenues:
Rental revenue	$	288,566		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	288,566
Intercompany rental revenue	51,552			—			—			(51,552		)	—
Tenant expense reimbursement	49,491			—			—			—			49,491
Observatory revenue	—			83,374			—			—			83,374
Construction revenue	—			—			37,081			(3,351		)	33,730
Third-party management and other fees	1,925			—			—			—			1,925
Other revenue and fees	7,829			—			—			—			7,829
Total revenues	399,363			83,374			37,081			(54,903		)	464,915
Operating expenses:
Property operating expenses	109,300			—			—			—			109,300
Intercompany rent expense	—			51,552			—			(51,552		)	—
Ground rent expense	2,964			—			—			—			2,964
Marketing, general, and administrative expenses	29,786			—			—			—			29,786
Observatory expenses	—			21,210			—			—			21,210
Construction expenses	—			—			36,052			(2,879		)	33,173
Real estate taxes	58,429			—			—			—			58,429
Acquisition expenses	3,382			—			—			—			3,382
Depreciation and amortization	96,404			217			11			—			96,632
Total operating expenses	300,265			72,979			36,063			(54,431		)	354,876
Total operating income (loss)	99,098			10,395			1,018			(472		)	110,039
Interest expense	(46,640		)	—			—			—			(46,640		)
Income (loss) before income taxes	52,458			10,395			1,018			(472		)	63,399
Income tax expense	(1,024		)	(3,035		)	(94		)	—			(4,153		)
Net income (loss)	$	51,434		$	7,360		$	924		$	(472	)	$	59,246
Expenditures for segment assets	$	459,910		$	99		$	—		$	—		$	460,009

13. Subsequent Events

None.

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Unless the context otherwise requires or indicates, references in this section to "we," "our" and "us" refer to our company and its consolidated subsidiaries.

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. 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. 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 are subject to substantial risks and uncertainties, many of which are difficult to predict and are generally beyond our control, and you should not rely on them as predictions of future events. 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:


•	changes in our industry, the real estate markets, either nationally or in Manhattan or the greater New York metropolitan area;


•	resolution of the litigations and arbitration involving the company;


•	reduced demand for office or retail space;


•	general volatility of the capital and credit markets and the market price of ESRT's Class A common stock and our publicly-traded operating partnership units;


•	changes in our business strategy;


•	changes in technology and market competition, which affect utilization of our broadcast or other facilities;


•	changes in domestic or international tourism, including geopolitical events and currency exchange rates;


•	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;


•	increased operating costs;


•	declining real estate valuations and impairment charges;


•	termination or expiration of our ground leases;


•	availability, terms and deployment of capital;


•	our failure to obtain necessary outside financing, including our unsecured revolving credit facility;


•	our leverage;


•	decreased rental rates or increased vacancy rates;


•	our failure to generate sufficient cash flows to service our outstanding indebtedness;


•	our failure to redevelop and reposition properties successfully or on the anticipated timeline or at the anticipated costs;


•	difficulties in identifying properties to acquire and completing acquisitions;


•	risks of real estate development (including our Metro Tower development site), including the cost of construction delays and cost overruns;


•	failure to operate properties successfully;


•	inability to manage our growth effectively;


•	inability to make distributions to our stockholders in the future;


•	impact of changes in governmental regulations, tax law and rates and similar matters;


•	failure to continue to qualify as a real estate investment trust, or 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;


•	unavailability of, and inability to attract and retain, qualified personnel;


•	conflicts of interest affecting any of our senior management team;


•	misunderstanding of our competition;


•	changes in real estate and zoning laws and increases in real property tax rates;


•	risks associated with security breaches through cyberattacks, cyber intrusions or otherwise, as well as other significant disruptions of our technology (IT) networks related systems, which support our operations and our buildings;


•	inability to comply with the laws, rules and regulations applicable to companies and, in particular, public companies; and


•	other factors discussed under “Item 1A, Risk Factors” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014 and additional factors that may be contained in any filing we make with the SEC, including Part II, Item 1A of our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q.

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, or 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 sections entitled “Risk Factors" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K which we filed with the SEC. You should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which are based only on information currently available to us.

Overview

During the three months ended September 30, 2015:


•	Achieved Core Funds From Operations (“Core FFO”) of $0.27 per fully diluted share and net income attributable to the Company of $0.10 per fully diluted share.


•	Total portfolio was 87.4% occupied; including signed leases not commenced (“SLNC”), the total portfolio was 90.0% leased at September 30, 2015.


•	Manhattan office portfolio (excluding the retail component of these properties) was 85.4% occupied; including SLNC, the Manhattan office portfolio was 88.4% leased at September 30, 2015.


•	Retail portfolio was 92.7% occupied; including SLNC, the retail portfolio was 94.6% leased at September 30, 2015.


•	Empire State Building was 83.7% occupied; including SLNC, the Empire State Building was 91.2% leased at September 30, 2015.


•	Executed 67 leases, representing 338,477 rentable square feet across the total portfolio, achieving a 34.5% increase in mark-to-market rent over previous fully escalated rents on new, renewal, and expansion leases.


•	Signed 23 new leases representing 232,198 rentable square feet in the third quarter 2015 for the Manhattan office portfolio (excluding the retail component of these properties), achieving an increase of 41.0% in mark-to-market rent over previous fully escalated rents.


•	The Empire State Building Observatory revenue for the third quarter 2015 was $35.7 million, same as the third quarter 2014.


•	Netted a $2.3 million break-up fee on a contingent contract we entered into on an off-market transaction to acquire a property.


•	Closed on a new seven year $265.0 million senior unsecured term loan facility.


•	Declared a dividend in the amount of $0.085 per share for the third quarter 2015, which was paid on September 30, 2015.

contiguous levels. Our remaining five office properties are located in Fairfield County, Connecticut and Westchester County, New York, encompassing in the aggregate approximately 1.9 million rentable square feet. The majority of square footage for these five properties is located in densely populated metropolitan communities with immediate access to mass transportation. Additionally, we have entitled land at the Stamford Transportation Center in Stamford, Connecticut, adjacent to one of our office properties, that will support the development of an approximately 380,000 rentable square foot office building and garage, which we refer to herein as Metro Tower. As of September 30, 2015, our portfolio included four standalone retail properties located in Manhattan and two standalone retail properties located in the city center of Westport, Connecticut, encompassing 204,452 rentable square feet in the aggregate.

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. Our observatory operations are a separate reporting segment. Our observatory operations are subject to regular patterns of tourist activity in Manhattan. During the past ten years of our annual observatory revenue, approximately 16.0% to 18.0% 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 are as follows (dollars in thousands):



	Nine months ended September 30,
	2015				2014
Office leases	$	80,052	37.1	%	78,310		37.9	%
Retail leases	7,826		3.6	%	7,015		3.4	%
Tenant reimbursements & other income	27,666		12.8	%	22,230		10.8	%
Observatory operations	84,525		39.2	%	83,374		40.4	%
Broadcasting licenses and leases	15,794		7.3	%	15,403		7.5	%
Total	$	215,863	100.0	%	$	206,332	100.0	%

From 2002 through 2006, we gradually gained full control of the day-to-day management of our Manhattan office properties (with the estate of Leona M. Helmsley then continuing to hold certain approval rights on major decisions 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 redevelopment 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, 2015, we have invested a total of approximately $629.0 million (excluding tenant improvement costs and leasing commissions) in our Manhattan office properties pursuant to this program. Of the $629.0 million invested pursuant to this program, $319.0 million was invested at the Empire State Building. We currently estimate that between $45.0 million and $75.0 million of capital is needed beyond September 30, 2015 to complete substantially the redevelopment and repositioning program at our Manhattan office properties. We expect the redevelopment program at the Empire State Building to continue until the end of 2016 due to the size and scope of our remaining work and our desire to minimize tenant disruptions at the property. 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 redevelopment 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-redevelopment leases continue to expire and be re-leased.

As of September 30, 2015, we have no debt maturing in 2015 and 2016, and we have total debt outstanding of approximately $1.6 billion, with a weighted average interest rate of 4.11% (excluding premiums and discount) and a weighted average maturity of 5.7 years. Our consolidated debt to total market capitalization was approximately 26% as of September 30, 2015.

As of March 27, 2015, we no longer solicited new business for our construction management business. We completed all projects that were in progress.

Results of Operations

Overview

The discussion below relates to the financial condition and results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014.

Three Months Ended September 30, 2015 Compared to the Three Months Ended September 30, 2014

The following table summarizes the historical results of operations for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 (dollars in thousands):



	Three Months Ended September 30,
	2015			2014			Change			%
Revenues:
Rental revenue	$	110,903		$	106,152		$	4,751		4.5	%
Tenant expense reimbursement	23,096			20,034			3,062			15.3	%
Observatory revenue	35,702			35,684			18			0.1	%
Construction revenue	—			5,804			(5,804		)	(100.0	)%
Third-party management and other fees	618			561			57			10.2	%
Other revenues and fees	5,460			1,206			4,254			352.7	%
Total revenues	175,779			169,441			6,338			3.7	%
Operating expenses:
Property operating expenses	41,664			38,291			3,373			8.8	%
Ground rent expenses	2,331			2,066			265			12.8	%
Marketing, general and administrative expenses	10,182			10,071			111			1.1	%
Observatory expenses	7,284			7,109			175			2.5	%
Construction expenses	—			6,095			(6,095		)	(100.0	)%
Real estate taxes	23,613			21,870			1,743			8.0	%
Acquisition expenses	193			2,647			(2,454		)	(92.7	)%
Depreciation and amortization	45,169			37,880			7,289			19.2	%
Total operating expenses	130,436			126,029			4,407			3.5	%
Operating income	45,343			43,412			1,931			4.4	%
Interest expense	(16,680		)	(17,674		)	994			(5.6	)%
Income before income taxes	28,663			25,738			2,925			11.4	%
Income tax expense	(2,578		)	(3,004		)	426			(14.2	)%
Net income	26,085			22,734			3,351			14.7	%
Private perpetual preferred unit distributions	(234		)	(241		)	7			100.0	%
Net income attributable to common unitholders	$	25,851		$	22,493		$	3,358		14.9	%

Rental Revenue

The increase in rental income was primarily attributable to the acquisition of two properties during July 2014 which increased rental income by $3.0 million. The remaining increase is primarily due to increased rental rates.

Tenant Expense Reimbursement

The increase in tenant expense reimbursement is primarily attributable to higher real estate tax reimbursements and higher electric submeter expense reimbursements.

Observatory Revenue

Observatory revenues were consistent with the three months ended September 30, 2014.

Construction Revenue

Construction revenue declined due to the construction business winding down its operations.

Third-Party Management and Other Fees

Third party management fees were consistent with the three months ended September 30, 2014.

Other Revenues and Fees

During the third quarter of 2015, we entered into a contingent contract for an off-market property from which we ultimately received a break-up fee when the seller achieved a higher price which we declined to match. The increase in other revenues and fees is primarily due to the receipt of a $2.5 million acquisition break-up fee in the third quarter of 2015.

Property Operating Expenses

The increase in property operating expenses is primarily attributable to higher utility costs of $1.9 million, payroll costs of $1.0 million and repairs and maintenance costs of $0.8 million.

Ground Rent Expenses

The increase in ground rent expenses is attributable to the acquisition of two properties during July 2014.

Marketing, General and Administrative Expenses

Marketing, general and administrative expenses increased primarily due to higher incentive based compensation costs which were partially offset by lower professional fees incurred in the three months ended September 30, 2015.

Observatory Expenses

Observatory expenses were consistent with the three months ended September 30, 2014.

Construction Expenses

The decline in construction expenses correlates with the lower revenues due to the construction business winding down its operations.

Real Estate Taxes

The increase in real estate taxes is primarily attributable to the acquisition of two properties during July 2014 which increased real estate taxes by $0.6 million, as well as higher taxes of $1.1 million resulting from higher assessed values and rates for several properties.

Acquisition Expenses

The decrease in acquisition expenses is primarily attributable to the acquisition of two properties during July 2014.

Depreciation and Amortization

The increase in depreciation and amortization is primarily attributable to the write-off of acquired intangible lease costs of $5.7 million in connection with a tenant lease space reduction. Also the acquisition of two properties during July 2014 increased depreciation and amortization by $1.3 million.

Interest Expense

The reduction in interest expense is due to the refinancing of debt during 2014 and 2015. Partially offsetting this is higher interest expense attributable to the acquisition of two properties during July 2014.

Income taxes

The decrease in income tax expense is attributable to activities within ESRT's taxable REIT subsidiaries, primarily related to our Observatory and construction operations which recognized a lower net operating income for the three months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2014.

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 Compared to the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014

The following table summarizes the historical results of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 (dollars in thousands):



	Nine months ended September 30,
	2015			2014			Change			%
Revenues:
Rental revenue	$	333,827		$	288,566		$	45,261		15.7	%
Tenant expense reimbursement	59,878			49,491			10,387			21.0	%
Observatory revenue	84,525			83,374			1,151			1.4	%
Construction revenue	1,981			33,730			(31,749		)	(94.1	)%
Third-party management and other fees	1,658			1,925			(267		)	(13.9	)%
Other revenues and fees	10,565			7,829			2,736			34.9	%
Total revenues	492,434			464,915			27,519			5.9	%
Operating expenses:
Property operating expenses	122,051			109,300			12,751			11.7	%
Ground rent expenses	6,994			2,964			4,030			136.0	%
Marketing, general and administrative expenses	28,395			29,786			(1,391		)	(4.7	)%
Observatory expenses	21,681			21,210			471			2.2	%
Construction expenses	3,222			33,173			(29,951		)	(90.3	)%
Real estate taxes	69,543			58,429			11,114			19.0	%
Acquisition expenses	193			3,382			(3,189		)	(94.3	)%
Depreciation and amortization	126,216			96,632			29,584			30.6	%
Total operating expenses	378,295			354,876			23,419			6.6	%
Operating income	114,139			110,039			4,100			3.7	%
Interest expense	(50,298		)	(46,640		)	(3,658		)	7.8	%
Income before income taxes	63,841			63,399			442			0.7	%
Income tax expense	(3,283		)	(4,153		)	870			(20.9	)%
Net income	60,558			59,246			1,312			2.2	%
Private perpetual preferred unit distributions	(702		)	(241		)	(461		)	100.0	%
Net income attributable to common unitholders	$	59,856		$	59,005		$	851		1.4	%

Rental Revenue

The increase in rental income was primarily attributable to the acquisition of two properties during July 2014 which increased rental income by $39.0 million. The remaining increase is primarily due to increased rental rates.

Tenant Expense Reimbursement

The increase in tenant expense reimbursement is primarily attributable to the acquisition of two properties during July 2014 which increased tenant expense reimbursements by $5.1 million. Higher real estate tax reimbursements and higher electric submeter expense reimbursements also contributed to the increase.

Observatory Revenue

Observatory revenue increased by $1.2 million and is attributable to higher admission prices partially offset by lower admissions. The lower admissions is primarily due to an increase in bad weather days over the comparable prior year period, and especially bad weather days on weekends.

Construction Revenue

Construction revenue declined due to the construction business winding down its operations.

Third-Party Management and Other Fees

The decrease in third party management and other fees revenue is primarily due to the July 2014 acquisition of 1400 Broadway and 112 West 34th Street and the subsequent elimination of fees due to consolidation of these properties.

Other Revenues and Fees

Property Operating Expenses

The increase in property operating expenses is primarily attributable to the acquisition of two properties during July 2014, which increased property operating expenses by $9.6 million. Higher utility costs also contributed to the increase.

Ground Rent Expenses

The increase in ground rent expenses is attributable to the acquisition of two properties during July 2014.

Marketing, General and Administrative Expenses

The variance is primarily due to private perpetual preferred exchange offering costs of $1.4 million which were incurred in the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and no such costs in 2015.

Observatory Expenses

Observatory expenses were consistent with the nine months ended September 30, 2014.

Construction Expenses

The decline in construction expenses correlates with the lower revenues due to the construction business winding down its operations. For the nine months ended September 30, 2015 construction expenses include severance expenses of $0.9 million.

Real Estate Taxes

The increase in real estate taxes is primarily attributable to the acquisition of two properties during July 2014 which increased real estate taxes by $6.0 million, as well as higher taxes of $5.1 million resulting from higher assessed values and rates for several properties.

Acquisition Expenses

The decrease in acquisition expenses is primarily attributable to the acquisition of two properties during July 2014.

Depreciation and Amortization

The increase in depreciation and amortization is primarily attributable to the acquisition of two properties during July 2014, which increased depreciation and amortization by $24.2 million for the year as well as the write-off of acquired intangible lease costs of $5.7 million in connection with a tenant lease space reduction in the third quarter.

Interest Expense

The increase in interest expense is attributable to the acquisition of two properties during July 2014 and the write-off of $1.7 million of deferred finance costs related to the recast of the credit facility and the early repayments of mortgage loans. These higher expenses are partially offset by reductions in interest rates for debt refinanced during 2014 and 2015.

Income taxes

The decrease in income tax expense is attributable to activities within ESRT's taxable REIT subsidiaries, primarily related to our Observatory and construction operations which recognized a lower net operating income for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2014.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

At September 30, 2015, we had approximately $46.4 million available in cash and cash equivalents, and there was $780.0 million available under our unsecured revolving credit facility.

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 redevelopment and repositioning programs, acquire properties, make distributions to our securityholders and other general business needs. Based on the historical experience of our management and our business strategy, in the foreseeable future we anticipate we will generate positive cash flows from operations. In order for ESRT to qualify as a REIT, ESRT is required under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to distribute to its stockholders, on an annual basis, at least 90% of its 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 securityholders.

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 and debt financings and unused borrowing capacity under our unsecured revolving 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, debt issuances, and available borrowing capacity under our unsecured revolving 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, redevelopments and capital expenditures through our cash flows from operations, our unsecured revolving credit facility, mortgage financings, debt issuances, common and/or preferred equity issuances and asset sales. Our properties require periodic investments of capital for individual lease related tenant improvements allowances, general capital improvements and costs associated with capital expenditures. Our overall leverage will depend on our mix of investments and the cost of leverage. ESRT's charter does not restrict the amount of leverage that we may use.

As of September 30, 2015, we had approximately $1.6 billion of total consolidated indebtedness outstanding, with a weighted average interest rate of 4.11% (excluding premiums and discount) and a weighted average maturity of 5.7 years. We have no debt maturing in 2015 and 2016. Our consolidated debt to total market capitalization was approximately 26% as of September 30, 2015.

Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility

Concurrently with entering into the unsecured revolving credit facility, on January 23, 2015, we terminated our previous secured revolving and term credit facility. In connection with the termination of the secured revolving and term credit facility, all of the guarantors thereunder were released from their guaranty obligations, all liens created thereby were terminated, and all collateral pledged thereunder was released.

Amount. The unsecured revolving credit facility is comprised of a revolving credit facility in the maximum original principal amount of $800.0 million. The unsecured revolving credit facility contains an accordion feature that would allow us to increase the maximum aggregate principal amount to $1.25 billion under specified circumstances.

Guarantors. Certain of our subsidiaries are guarantors of our obligations under the unsecured revolving credit facility.

Interest. Amounts outstanding under the unsecured revolving credit facility bear interest at a floating rate equal to, at our election, (x) a Eurodollar rate, plus a spread that will range from 0.875% to 1.600% depending upon its leverage ratio and credit rating; or (y) a base rate, plus a spread that will range from 0.000% to 0.600% depending upon its leverage ratio and credit rating. In addition, the unsecured revolving credit facility permits us to borrow at competitive bid rates determined in accordance with the procedures described in the unsecured revolving credit facility.

Fees. We paid certain customary fees and expense reimbursements.

Maturity. The unsecured revolving credit facility has an initial maturity in January 2019. We have the option to extend the initial term of the unsecured revolving credit facility for up to two additional six-month periods, subject to certain conditions, including the payment of an extension fee equal to 0.075% of the then outstanding commitments under the unsecured revolving credit facility.

Financial Covenants. The unsecured revolving credit facility includes the following financial covenants: (i) maximum leverage ratio of total indebtedness to total asset value (as defined in the agreement) of the loan parties and their consolidated subsidiaries will not exceed 60%, (ii) consolidated secured indebtedness will not exceed 40% of total asset value, (iii) tangible net worth will not be less than $745.4 million plus 75% of net equity proceeds received by the operating partnership (other than proceeds received within ninety (90) days after the redemption, retirement or repurchase of ownership or equity interests in the operating partnership up to the amount paid by the operating partnership in connection with such redemption, retirement or repurchase, where, the net effect is that the operating partnership shall not have increased its net worth as a result of any such proceeds), (iv) adjusted EBITDA (as defined in the unsecured revolving credit facility) to consolidated fixed charges will not be less than 1.50x, (v) the aggregate net operating income with respect to all unencumbered eligible properties to the portion of interest expense attributable to unsecured indebtedness will not be less than 1.75x, (vi) the ratio of total unsecured indebtedness to unencumbered asset value will not exceed 60%, and (vii) consolidated secured recourse indebtedness will not exceed 10% of total asset value (provided, however, this covenant shall not apply at any time after either the company or the operating partnership achieves a debt ratings from at least two of Moody’s, S&P and Fitch, and such debt ratings are Baa3 or better (in the case of a rating by Moody’s) or BBB- or better (in the case of a rating by S&P or Fitch)). As of September 30, 2015, we were in compliance with the covenants:



Financial covenant	Required		September 30, 2015			In Compliance
Maximum total leverage	< 60%		30.3		%	Yes
Maximum secured debt	< 40%		14.1		%	Yes
Minimum fixed charge coverage	> 1.50x		4.0x			Yes
Minimum unencumbered interest coverage	> 1.75x		7.5x			Yes
Maximum unsecured leverage	< 60%		25.0		%	Yes
Maximum secured recourse indebtedness	< 10%		0.0		%	Yes
Minimum tangible net worth	$	745,356	$	954,683		Yes

Other Covenants. The unsecured revolving credit facility contains customary covenants, including limitations on liens, investment, debt, fundamental changes, and transactions with affiliates, and will require certain customary financial reports.

Events of Default. The unsecured revolving 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 real estate investment trust qualification, and occurrence of a change of control (defined in the definitive documentation for the unsecured credit facility).

Senior Unsecured Notes

During March 2015, we issued and sold an aggregate principal amount of $350.0 million of senior unsecured notes ("Series A, B and C Senior Notes") in a private placement to entities affiliated with Prudential Capital Group. The Series A, B and C Senior Notes consist of $100 million of 3.93% Series A Senior Notes due 2025, $125 million of 4.09% Series B Senior

Notes due 2027, and $125 million of 4.18% Series C Senior Notes due 2030. The proceeds were used to repay outstanding mortgage debt, to reduce amounts outstanding under our unsecured credit facility and for other general corporate purposes.

The Series A, B and C Senior Notes are senior unsecured obligations and are unconditionally guaranteed by each of our subsidiaries that guarantees indebtedness under the senior unsecured revolving credit facility. Interest on the Series A, B and C Senior Notes is payable quarterly.

The terms of the Series A, B and C Senior Notes include customary covenants, including limitations on liens, investment, debt, fundamental changes, and transactions with affiliates and will require certain customary financial reports. It also requires compliance with financial ratios consistent with the unsecured credit facility including a maximum leverage ratio, a maximum secured leverage ratio, a minimum amount of tangible net worth, a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio, a minimum unencumbered interest coverage ratio, a maximum unsecured leverage ratio and a maximum amount of secured recourse indebtedness. As of September 30, 2015, we were in compliance with the covenants under the Series A, B and C Senior Notes.

Unsecured Term Loan Facility

During August 2015, we closed on a new seven year $265.0 million senior unsecured term loan facility ("term loan facility"), which is expandable by $100.0 million to $365.0 million under certain circumstances. The term loan facility matures on August 24, 2022. The term loan facility bears interest at a floating rate equal to, at our election, a LIBOR rate, plus a spread ranging from 1.400% to 2.350%; or a base rate, plus a spread ranging from 0.400% to 1.350%, in each case such spread is determined by our leverage ratio and credit rating. Pursuant to a forward interest rate swap agreement, we effectively fixed LIBOR at 2.1485% for $265.0 million of the term loan facility for the period from August 31, 2017 through maturity. The proceeds were used to repay borrowings made under our unsecured revolving credit facility.

The terms of the term loan facility agreement include customary covenants, including limitations on liens, investment, debt, fundamental changes, and transactions with affiliates and will require certain customary financial reports. It requires compliance with financial ratios including a maximum leverage ratio, a maximum secured leverage ratio, a minimum amount of tangible net worth, a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio, a minimum unencumbered interest coverage ratio, a maximum unsecured leverage ratio and a maximum amount of secured recourse indebtedness. It also contains customary events of default (subject in certain cases to specified cure periods). These terms in the term loan facility agreement are consistent with the terms under our unsecured revolving credit facility agreement. As of September 30, 2015, we were in compliance with the covenants under the term loan facility.

Mortgage Debt

As of September 30, 2015, we had mortgage debt outstanding of $738.2 million. During 2015, we repaid the mortgages collateralized by 1359 Broadway and One Grand Central Place.

Leverage Policies

We expect to employ leverage in our capital structure in amounts determined from time to time by ESRT's board of directors. Although ESRT's board of directors has not adopted a policy that limits the total amount of indebtedness that we may incur, we anticipate that ESRT's 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. ESRT's 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. ESRT's 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 ESRT's common stock and our traded OP units, growth and acquisition opportunities and other factors.

Capital Expenditures

The following tables summarize our tenant improvement costs, leasing commission costs and our capital expenditures for each of the periods presented (dollars in thousands, except per square foot amounts).

Office Properties⁽¹⁾



	Nine months ended September 30,
Total New Leases, Expansions, and Renewals	2015		2014
Number of leases signed⁽²⁾	194		171
Total square feet	939,989		574,226
Leasing commission costs⁽³⁾	$	13,516	$	8,092
Tenant improvement costs⁽³⁾	50,342		27,497
Total leasing commissions and tenant improvement costs⁽³⁾	$	63,858	$	35,589
Leasing commission costs per square foot⁽³⁾	$	14.38	$	14.09
Tenant improvement costs per square foot⁽³⁾	53.56		47.89
Total leasing commissions and tenant improvement costs per square foot⁽³⁾	$	67.94	$	61.98

Retail Properties⁽⁴⁾



	Nine months ended September 30,
Total New Leases, Expansions, and Renewals	2015		2014
Number of leases signed⁽²⁾	12		5
Total square feet	70,940		10,095
Leasing commission costs⁽³⁾	$	10,263	$	541
Tenant improvement costs⁽³⁾	2,234		269
Total leasing commissions and tenant improvement costs⁽³⁾	$	12,497	$	810
Leasing commission costs per square foot⁽³⁾	$	144.67	$	53.59
Tenant improvement costs per square foot⁽³⁾	31.49		26.64
Total leasing commissions and tenant improvement costs per square foot⁽³⁾	$	176.16	$	80.23

_______________


(1)	Excludes an aggregate of 519,845 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 519,845 rentable square feet of retail space in our Manhattan office properties. Excludes the Empire State Building broadcasting licenses and observatory operations.



	Nine months ended September 30,
	2015		2014
Total Portfolio
Capital expenditures ⁽¹⁾	$	36,718	$	48,933

_______________


(1)	Includes all capital expenditures, excluding tenant improvements and leasing commission costs, which are primarily attributable to the redevelopment and repositioning program conducted at our Manhattan office properties.

As of September 30, 2015, we expect to incur additional costs relating to obligations under signed new leases of approximately $65.7 million during the 12 months ending September 30, 2016. This consists of approximately $64.7 million for tenant improvements and other improvements related to new leases and approximately $1.0 million for leasing commissions. We intend to fund the tenant improvements and leasing commission costs through a combination of operating cash flow and borrowings under the unsecured revolving credit facility.

Capital expenditures are considered part of both our short-term and long-term liquidity requirements. We currently estimate that between $45.0 million and $75.0 million of capital is needed beyond September 30, 2015 to complete substantially the redevelopment program at our Manhattan office properties, 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. However, these estimates are based on current budgets and are subject to change. We intend to fund the capital improvements to complete the redevelopment and repositioning program through a combination of operating cash flow and borrowings under the unsecured revolving credit facility.

Contractual Obligations

Refer to our 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K for a discussion of our contractual obligations. There have been no material changes, outside the ordinary course of business, to these contractual obligations during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

As of September 30, 2015, we did not have any off-balance sheet arrangements.

Distribution Policy

In order for ESRT to qualify as a REIT, it must distribute to its stockholders, on an annual basis, at least 90% of its REIT taxable income, determined without regard to the deduction for dividends paid and excluding net capital gains. In addition, it will be subject to U.S. federal income tax at regular corporate rates to the extent that it distributes less than 100% of its net taxable income (including net capital gains) and will be subject to a 4% nondeductible excise tax on the amount, if any, by which its 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 securityholders in a manner intended to allow ESRT to satisfy its REIT 90% distribution requirement and to allow ESRT to avoid U.S. federal income tax liability on its 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 units in order to allow ESRT to satisfy its REIT 90% distribution requirement and to avoid U.S. federal income tax and the 4% nondeductible excise tax in that year.

Distributions to Equity Holders

Distributions and dividends amounting to $68.9 million have been made to equity holders for the nine months ended September 30, 2015.

Cash Flows

Comparison of Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 to the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014

Net cash. Cash and cash equivalents were $46.4 million and $52.9 million, respectively, as of September 30, 2015 and 2014.

Operating activities. Net cash provided by operating activities increased by $58.0 million to $159.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 compared to $101.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 primarily due to the acquisition of two properties in July 2014 and the expirations of free rent periods.

Investing activities. Net cash used in investing activities decreased by $159.6 million to $105.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 compared to $264.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 primarily due to the acquisition of two properties in 2014 partially offset by higher expenditures on tenant improvements.

Financing activities. Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities decreased by $209.2 million to $(54.0) million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 compared to $155.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014. The decrease is primarily due to financing associated with the acquisition of two properties in 2014.

Net Operating Income ("NOI")

Our financial reports include a discussion of property net operating income. NOI is a non-GAAP financial measure of performance. NOI is used by investors and our management to evaluate and compare the performance of our properties and to determine trends in earnings and to compute the fair value of our properties as it is not affected by; (i) the cost of funds of the property owner, (i) the impact of depreciation and amortization expenses as well as gains or losses from the sale of operating real estate assets that are included in net income computed in accordance with GAAP, (iii) acquisition expenses and break-up fee, or (iv) general and administrative expenses and other gains and losses that are specific to the property owner. The cost of funds is eliminated from net operating income because it is specific to the particular financing capabilities and constraints of the owner. The cost of funds is also eliminated because it is dependent on historical interest rates and other costs of capital as well as past decisions made by us regarding the appropriate mix of capital which may have

changed or may change in the future. Depreciation and amortization expenses as well as gains or losses from the sale of operating real estate assets are eliminated because they may not accurately represent the actual change in value in our office or retail properties that result from use of the properties or changes in market conditions. While certain aspects of real property do decline in value over time in a manner that is reasonably captured by depreciation and amortization, the value of the properties as a whole have historically increased or decreased as a result of changes in overall economic conditions instead of from actual use of the property or the passage of time. Gains and losses from the sale of real property vary from property to property and are affected by market conditions at the time of sale which will usually change from period to period. These gains and losses can create distortions when comparing one period to another or when comparing our operating results to the operating results of other real estate companies that have not made similarly timed, purchases or sales. We believe that eliminating these costs from net income is useful because the resulting measure captures the actual revenue, generated and actual expenses incurred in operating our properties as well as trends in occupancy rates, rental rates and operating costs.

However, the usefulness of NOI is limited because it excludes general and administrative costs, interest expense, depreciation and amortization expense and gains or losses from the sale of properties, and other gains and losses as stipulated by GAAP, the level of capital expenditures and leasing costs necessary to maintain the operating performance of our properties, all of which are significant economic costs. NOI may fail to capture significant trends in these components of net income which further limits its usefulness.

NOI is a measure of the operating performance of our properties but does not measure our performance as a whole. NOI is therefore not a substitute for net income as computed in accordance with GAAP. This measure should be analyzed in conjunction with net income computed in accordance with GAAP and discussions elsewhere in this Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations regarding the components of net income that are eliminated in the calculation of NOI. Other companies may use different methods for calculating NOI or similarly entitled measures and, accordingly, our NOI may not-be comparable to similarly entitled measures reported by other companies that do not define the measure exactly as we do.

The following table presents a reconciliation of our net income, the most directly comparable GAAP measure, to NOI for the periods presented (amounts in thousands):



	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine months ended September 30,
	2015			2014			2015			2014
	(unaudited)						(unaudited)
Net income	$	26,085		$	22,734		$	60,558		$	59,246
Add:
Marketing, general and administrative expenses	10,182			10,071			28,395			29,786
Depreciation and amortization	45,169			37,880			126,216			96,632
Interest expense	16,680			17,674			50,298			46,640
Construction expenses	—			6,095			3,222			33,173
Acquisition expenses	193			2,647			193			3,382
Income tax expense	2,578			3,004			3,283			4,153
Less:
Construction revenue	—			(5,804		)	(1,981		)	(33,730		)
Third-party management and other fees	(618		)	(561		)	(1,658		)	(1,925		)
Acquisition break-up fee	(2,500		)	—			(2,500		)	—
Gain on settlement of lawsuit related to the Observatory	—			—			—			(975		)
Net operating income	$	97,769		$	93,740		$	266,026		$	236,382

Other Net Operating Income Data
Straight-line rental revenue	$	5,441		$	8,543		$	15,165		$	32,102
Net increase in rental revenue from the amortization of above- and below-market lease assets and liabilities	$	4,795		$	4,568		$	14,662		$	8,480
Amortization of acquired below-market ground leases	$	1,957		$	1,750		$	5,873		$	2,602

Funds from Operations ("FFO")

We present below a discussion of FFO. We compute FFO in accordance with the “White Paper” on FFO published by the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts, or NAREIT, which defines FFO as net income (loss) (determined in accordance with GAAP), excluding impairment writedowns of investments in depreciable real estate and investments in in-substance real estate investments, gains or losses from debt restructurings and sales of depreciable operating properties, plus real estate-related depreciation and amortization (excluding amortization of deferred financing costs), less distributions to non-controlling interests and gains/losses from discontinued operations and after adjustments for unconsolidated partnerships and joint ventures. FFO is a widely recognized non-GAAP financial measure for REITs that we believe, when considered with financial statements determined in accordance with GAAP, is useful to investors in understanding financial performance and providing a relevant basis for comparison among REITs. In addition, FFO is useful to investors as it captures features particular to real estate performance by recognizing that real estate has generally appreciated over time or maintains residual value to a much greater extent than do other depreciable assets. Investors should review FFO, along with GAAP net income, when trying to understand an equity REIT’s operating performance. We present FFO because we consider it an important supplemental measure of our operating performance and believe that it is frequently used by securities analysts, investors and other interested parties in the evaluation of REITs. However, because FFO excludes depreciation and amortization and captures neither the changes in the value of our properties that result from use or market conditions nor the level of capital expenditures and leasing commissions necessary to maintain the operating performance of our properties, all of which have real economic effect and could materially impact our results of operations, the utility of FFO as a measure of its performance is limited. There can be no assurance that FFO presented by us is comparable to similarly titled measures of other REITs. FFO does not represent cash generated from operating activities and should not be considered as an alternative to net income (loss) determined in accordance with GAAP or to cash flow from operating activities determined in accordance with GAAP. FFO is not indicative of cash available to fund ongoing cash needs, including the ability to make cash distributions. Although FFO is a measure used for comparability in assessing the performance of REITs, as the NAREIT White Paper only provides guidelines for computing FFO, the computation of FFO may vary from one company to another.

Modified Funds From Operations ("Modified FFO")

Modified FFO adds back an adjustment for any above or below-market ground lease amortization to traditionally defined FFO. We consider this a useful supplemental measure in evaluating our operating performance due to the non-cash accounting treatment under GAAP, which stems from the July 2014 acquisition of two properties as they carry significantly below market ground leases, the amortization of which is material to our overall results. We present Modified FFO because we consider it an important supplemental measure of our operating performance in that it adds back the non-cash amortization of below-market ground leases. There can be no assurance that Modified FFO presented by us is comparable to similarly titled measures of other REITs. Modified FFO does not represent cash generated from operating activities and should not be considered as an alternative to net income (loss) determined in accordance with GAAP or to cash flow from operating activities determined in accordance with GAAP. Modified FFO is not indicative of cash available to fund ongoing cash needs, including the ability to make cash distributions.

Core Funds From Operations ("Core FFO")

Core FFO adds back to Modified FFO the following items associated with the Company's initial public offering, or IPO, and formation transactions: gain on consolidation of non-controlling entities, acquisition expenses, severance expenses and retirement equity compensation expenses. It also adds back private perpetual preferred exchange offering expenses, acquisition expenses, and gain on settlement of lawsuit related to the Observatory, net of income taxes, deferred financing cost write-off, prepayment penalties, construction severance expenses and acquisition break-up fee. The Company presents Core FFO because it considers it an important supplemental measure of its operating performance in that it excludes items associated with its IPO and formation transactions and other non-recurring items. There can be no assurance that Core FFO presented by the Company is comparable to similarly titled measures of other REITs. Core FFO does not represent cash generated from operating activities and should not be considered as an alternative to net income (loss) determined in accordance with GAAP or to cash flow from operating activities determined in accordance with GAAP. Core FFO is not indicative of cash available to fund ongoing cash needs, including the ability to make cash distributions. In future periods, we may also exclude other items from Core FFO that we believe may help investors compare our results.

The following table presents a reconciliation of our net income, the most directly comparable GAAP measure, to FFO, Modified FFO and Core FFO for the periods presented (amounts in thousands, except per unit amounts):



	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine months ended September 30,
	2015			2014			2015			2014
	(unaudited)						(unaudited)
Net income	$	26,085		$	22,734		$	60,558		$	59,246
Private perpetual preferred unit distributions	(234		)	(241		)	(702		)	(241		)
Real estate depreciation and amortization	45,072			37,797			125,847			96,405
Funds from operations attributable to common stockholders and non-controlled interests	70,923			60,290			185,703			155,410
Amortization of below-market ground leases	1,957			1,750			5,873			2,602
Modified funds from operations attributable to common stockholders and non-controlled interests	72,880			62,040			191,576			158,012
Acquisition break-up fee	(2,500		)				(2,500		)
Deferred financing costs write-off	—			—			1,749			—
Construction severance expenses, net of taxes	—			—			480			—
Acquisition expenses	193			2,647			193			3,382
Gain on settlement of lawsuit related to the Observatory, net of income taxes	—			—			—			(540		)
Private perpetual preferred exchange offering expenses	—			407			—			1,357
Core funds from operations attributable to common stockholders and non-controlled interests	$	70,573		$	65,094		$	191,498		$	162,211

Weighted average Operating Partnership units
Basic	265,873			263,041			265,868			$	250,696
Diluted	265,873			263,041			265,868			$	250,696

FFO attributable to common stockholders and non-controlled interests per unit
Basic	$	0.27		$	0.23		$	0.70		$	0.62
Diluted	$	0.27		$	0.23		$	0.70		$	0.62

Modified FFO attributable to common stockholders and non-controlled interests per unit
Basic	$	0.27		$	0.24		$	0.72		$	0.63
Diluted	$	0.27		$	0.24		$	0.72		$	0.63

Core FFO attributable to common stockholders and non-controlled interests per unit
Basic	$	0.27		$	0.25		$	0.72		$	0.65
Diluted	$	0.27		$	0.25		$	0.72		$	0.65

Factors That May Influence Future Results of Operations

Leasing

We signed 0.8 million rentable square feet of new leases, expansions and lease renewals for the year ended December 31, 2014. During the nine months ended September 30, 2015, we signed 1.0 million rentable square feet of new leases, expansions and renewals.

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 rent, tenant improvement and leasing commission costs for that period. As a result, we believe it is more appropriate when analyzing trends in average 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, 2015, there were approximately 1.0 million rentable square feet of space in our portfolio available to lease (excluding leases signed but not yet commenced) representing 10.0% of the net rentable square footage of the properties in our portfolio. In addition, leases representing 3.9% and 7.2% of net rentable square footage of the properties in our portfolio will expire in 2015 and in 2016, respectively. These leases are expected to represent approximately 3.6% and 7.7%, respectively, of our annualized 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, redevelopments and build-to-suit remodeling that may not be borne by the tenant.

We believe that as we complete the redevelopment 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 following the redevelopment and repositioning of our properties.

Observatory and Broadcasting Operations

The Empire State Building Observatory revenue for the third quarter 2015 was $35.7 million, which was equal to the revenue for the third quarter of 2014. The Observatory hosted approximately 1,327,000 visitors in the third quarter 2015 versus 1,405,000 visitors in the third quarter of 2014. In the third quarter of 2015, there were six bad weather days, none of which fell on weekend days. This compares to the third quarter 2014, in which there were nine bad weather days, two of which fell on a weekend day.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2015, the Empire State Building Observatory hosted 3,114,000 visitors versus 3,291,000 visitors from the same period in 2014. Observatory revenue was $84.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015, a 1.4% increase from $83.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014. For the nine months of 2015, there were 52 bad weather days, 14 of which fell on weekend days. This compares to the nine months of 2014, in which there were 48 bad weather days, 11 of which fell on weekend days.

Observatory revenues and admissions are 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 One World Trade Center and Rockefeller Center observatories; and (v) weather trends.

We license the use of the Empire State Building mast to third party television and radio broadcasters and providers of data communications. We also lease space in the upper floors of the building to such licensees to house their transmission equipment and related facilities. During the nine months ended September 30, 2015, we derived $15.8 million of revenue (excluding tenant expense reimbursements) from the Empire State Building’s broadcasting licenses and related leases. The broadcasting licenses and related leases generally expire between 2016 and 2023. The business of broadcasting TV and radio signals over the air is in flux, due to deteriorating industry fundamentals and the upcoming Federal Communications Commission spectrum auction, and there is a new competitor in the market at One World Trade Center. We have made preliminary renewal proposals which, if accepted, would yield reduced revenues, higher operating expenses and/or higher capital expenditures.

ITEM 3. 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, 2015, our floating rate mortgage debt represented 4.6% of our total enterprise value. This floating rate debt reflected $285.0 million of borrowings under the unsecured revolving credit facility and unsecured term loan facility.

Subject to maintaining ESRT's 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 on our unsecured revolving credit facility. 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.

During the third quarter 2015, we entered into three interest rate LIBOR swaps with effective dates of July 5, 2017 and August 31, 2017 and an aggregate notional value of $465.0 million, which fixes interest rates at 2.1485% and 2.5050%, and mature between August 24, 2022 and July 5, 2027. These interest rate swaps have been designated as cash flow hedges and are deemed effective as of September 30, 2015 with a fair value of $4.4 million which is included in accounts payable and accrued expenses on the condensed consolidated balance sheet.

As of September 30, 2015, we had total outstanding floating rate debt obligations of $285.0 million. Based on our variable balances, interest expense would have increased by approximately $2.9 million if short-term interest rates had been 1% higher. As of September 30, 2015, the weighted average interest rate on the $1.3 billion of fixed-rate indebtedness outstanding was 4.61% per annum, each with maturities at various dates through March 27, 2030.

As of September 30, 2015, the fair value of our outstanding debt was approximately $1.6 billion, which was approximately $19.6 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.

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

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 management, including ESRT'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 management is required to apply its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures.

As of September 30, 2015, the end of the period covered by this Report, we carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of ESRT management, including ESRT'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, ESRT's 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 ESRT's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow for timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

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.

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

See Note 9 to the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for a description of legal proceedings.

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

There have been no material changes to the risk factors included in the section entitled "Risk Factors" in our December 31, 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

None

ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

None

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not Applicable

ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION

None

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

The information under the heading "Exhibit Index" below is incorporated herein by reference.

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

EMPIRE STATE REALTY OP, L.P.

By: Empire State Realty Trust, Inc., its general partner

Date: November 6, 2015 By:/s/ David A. Karp

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

(Principal Financial Officer)

Date: November 6, 2015 By:/s/ Andrew J. Prentice

Senior Vice President, Chief Accounting Officer and Treasurer

(Principal Accounting Officer)

Exhibit Index



Exhibit No.	Description
10.1	Term Loan Agreement dated as of August 24, 2015, among Empire State Realty Trust, Inc., Empire State Realty OP, L.P., as borrower, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as administrative agent, the lenders party thereto, Capital One, National Association, as syndication agent, and PNC Bank, National Association, as documentation agent, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed with the SEC on August 25, 2015.
31.1*	Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2*	Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.1*	Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.2*	Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

101.INS*	XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH*	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL*	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Document
101.DEF*	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definitions Document
101.LAB*	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Labels Document
101.PRE*	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Document
Notes:
* Filed herewith.