Table of Contents

 
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
 
ý     QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 
For the quarterly period ended March 31,June 30, 2018
OR
 
o        TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Commission File Number 1-9317
EQUITY COMMONWEALTH
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
Maryland 04-6558834
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization) (IRS Employer Identification No.)
Two North Riverside Plaza, Suite 2100, Chicago, IL 60606
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)
(312) 646-2800
(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 ý  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 ý  No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company.  See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. 
Large accelerated filer x
 
Accelerated filer o
   
Non-accelerated filer o
 
Smaller reporting company o
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company) 
Emerging growth company o
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. 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 ý
Number of registrant’s common shares of beneficial interest, $0.01 par value per share, outstanding as of May 3,July 26, 2018:  124,457,073.121,482,673.
 

EQUITY COMMONWEALTH
 
FORM 10-Q
 
March 31,June 30, 2018
 
INDEX
 
  Page
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
   
   
   
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 

 
EXPLANATORY NOTE
 
References in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q to the Company, EQC, we, us or our, refer to Equity Commonwealth and its consolidated subsidiaries as of March 31,June 30, 2018, unless the context indicates otherwise.


i

Table of Contents

PART I.      Financial Information

Item 1.         Financial Statements.

EQUITY COMMONWEALTH
 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(amounts in thousands, except share data)
(unaudited)
March 31,
2018
 December 31,
2017
June 30,
2018
 December 31,
2017
  (audited)  (audited)
ASSETS      
Real estate properties:      
Land$146,700
 $191,775
$146,700
 $191,775
Buildings and improvements1,100,524
 1,555,836
1,117,446
 1,555,836
1,247,224
 1,747,611
1,264,146
 1,747,611
Accumulated depreciation(379,862) (450,718)(387,888) (450,718)
867,362
 1,296,893
876,258
 1,296,893
Assets held for sale38,882
 97,688

 97,688
Acquired real estate leases, net3,621
 23,847
2,946
 23,847
Cash and cash equivalents2,837,671
 2,351,693
2,507,117
 2,351,693
Marketable securities247,879
 276,928
248,275
 276,928
Restricted cash6,995
 8,897
8,419
 8,897
Rents receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $5,137 and $4,771, respectively55,910
 93,436
Rents receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $5,101 and $4,771, respectively57,347
 93,436
Other assets, net78,986
 87,563
76,512
 87,563
Total assets$4,137,306
 $4,236,945
$3,776,874
 $4,236,945
      
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY      
Senior unsecured debt, net$646,246
 $815,984
$248,048
 $815,984
Mortgage notes payable, net32,281
 32,594
31,964
 32,594
Liabilities related to properties held for sale1,153
 1,840

 1,840
Accounts payable and accrued expenses42,007
 69,220
Assumed real estate lease obligations, net503
 1,001
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other44,380
 74,956
Rent collected in advance9,225
 11,076
10,173
 11,076
Security deposits4,412
 4,735
Total liabilities735,827
 936,450
334,565
 936,450
      
Shareholders' equity:      
Preferred shares of beneficial interest, $0.01 par value: 50,000,000 shares authorized;      
Series D preferred shares; 6 1/2% cumulative convertible; 4,915,196 shares issued and outstanding, aggregate liquidation preference of $122,880119,263
 119,263
119,263
 119,263
Common shares of beneficial interest, $0.01 par value: 350,000,000 shares authorized; 121,457,073 and 124,217,616 shares issued and outstanding, respectively1,214
 1,242
Common shares of beneficial interest, $0.01 par value: 350,000,000 shares authorized; 121,482,673 and 124,217,616 shares issued and outstanding, respectively1,215
 1,242
Additional paid in capital4,295,772
 4,380,313
4,300,822
 4,380,313
Cumulative net income2,785,760
 2,596,259
2,822,793
 2,596,259
Cumulative other comprehensive loss(2,106) (95)(1,469) (95)
Cumulative common distributions(3,111,868) (3,111,868)(3,111,868) (3,111,868)
Cumulative preferred distributions(687,745) (685,748)(689,742) (685,748)
Total shareholders’ equity3,400,290
 3,299,366
3,441,014
 3,299,366
Noncontrolling interest1,189
 1,129
1,295
 1,129
Total equity3,401,479
 3,300,495
3,442,309
 3,300,495
Total liabilities and equity$4,137,306
 $4,236,945
$3,776,874
 $4,236,945
See accompanying notes.

EQUITY COMMONWEALTH
 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(amounts in thousands, except per share data)
(unaudited)
Three Months Ended March 31,Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30,
2018 20172018 2017 2018 2017
Revenues:          
Rental income$43,549
 $80,205
$35,211
 $74,352
 $78,760
 $154,557
Tenant reimbursements and other income15,039
 19,346
13,425
 17,247
 28,464
 36,593
Total revenues58,588
 99,551
48,636
 91,599
 107,224
 191,150
Expenses:          
Operating expenses24,599
 41,087
19,521
 37,284
 44,120
 78,371
Depreciation and amortization13,903
 26,915
13,021
 23,922
 26,924
 50,837
General and administrative13,339
 12,078
11,222
 11,960
 24,561
 24,038
Loss on asset impairment12,087
 1,286

 18,428
 12,087
 19,714
Total expenses63,928
 81,366
43,764
 91,594
 107,692
 172,960
Operating (loss) income(5,340) 18,185
Operating income (loss)4,872
 5
 (468) 18,190
Interest and other income, net5,780
 4,372
12,668
 6,019
 18,448
 10,391
Interest expense (including net amortization of debt discounts, premiums and deferred financing fees of $801 and $713, respectively)(10,115) (15,014)
Interest expense (including net amortization of debt discounts, premiums and deferred financing fees of $645, $849, $1,446 and $1,562, respectively)(6,350) (14,863) (16,465) (29,877)
Loss on early extinguishment of debt(4,867) 
(1,536) (63) (6,403) (63)
Gain on sale of properties, net205,211
 16,454
26,937
 3,136
 232,148
 19,590
Income before income taxes190,669
 23,997
Income tax expense(3,007) (175)
Net income187,662
 23,822
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest(63) (8)
Net income attributable to Equity Commonwealth$187,599
 $23,814
Income (loss) before income taxes36,591
 (5,766) 227,260
 18,231
Income tax benefit (expense)456
 (45) (2,551) (220)
Net income (loss)37,047
 (5,811) 224,709
 18,011
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest(14) 2
 (77) (6)
Net income (loss) attributable to Equity Commonwealth$37,033
 $(5,809) $224,632
 $18,005
Preferred distributions(1,997) (1,997)(1,997) (1,997) (3,994) (3,994)
Net income attributable to Equity Commonwealth common shareholders$185,602
 $21,817
Net income (loss) attributable to Equity Commonwealth common shareholders$35,036
 $(7,806) $220,638
 $14,011
          
Weighted average common shares outstanding — basic123,867
 124,047
121,822
 124,067
 122,839
 124,057
Weighted average common shares outstanding — diluted127,097
 125,150
122,649
 124,067
 126,027
 125,203
Earnings per common share attributable to Equity Commonwealth common shareholders:          
Basic$1.50
 $0.18
$0.29
 $(0.06) $1.80
 $0.11
Diluted$1.48
 $0.17
$0.29
 $(0.06) $1.78
 $0.11

See accompanying notes.

EQUITY COMMONWEALTH
 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
(amounts in thousands)
(unaudited)
 Three Months Ended 
 March 31,
 2018 2017
Net income$187,662
 $23,822
    
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:   
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivative instruments117
 (153)
Unrealized loss on marketable securities(226) (641)
Total comprehensive income187,553
 23,028
Comprehensive income attributable to the noncontrolling interest(63) (8)
Total comprehensive income attributable to Equity Commonwealth$187,490
 $23,020
 Three Months Ended 
 June 30,
 Six Months Ended 
 June 30,
 2018 2017 2018 2017
Net income (loss)$37,047
 $(5,811) $224,709
 $18,011
        
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:       
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivative instruments339
 (108) 456
 (261)
Unrealized gain on marketable securities298
 2,345
 72
 1,704
Total comprehensive income (loss)37,684
 (3,574) 225,237
 19,454
Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to the noncontrolling interest(14) 2
 (77) (6)
Total comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Equity Commonwealth$37,670
 $(3,572) $225,160
 $19,448

See accompanying notes.


EQUITY COMMONWEALTH
 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY
(amounts in thousands, except share data)
(unaudited)
Equity Commonwealth Shareholders    Equity Commonwealth Shareholders    
Preferred Shares Common Shares    Preferred Shares Common Shares    
Series D                  Series D                  
Number
of
Shares
 Preferred
Shares
 Cumulative
Preferred
Distributions
 Number
of
Shares
 Common
Shares
 Cumulative
Common
Distributions
 Additional
Paid
in
Capital
 Cumulative
Net
Income
 Cumulative Other Comprehensive Loss Noncontrolling Interest TotalNumber
of
Shares
 Preferred
Shares
 Cumulative
Preferred
Distributions
 Number
of
Shares
 Common
Shares
 Cumulative
Common
Distributions
 Additional
Paid
in
Capital
 Cumulative
Net
Income
 Cumulative Other Comprehensive Loss Noncontrolling Interest Total
Balance at December 31, 20174,915,196
 $119,263
 $(685,748) 124,217,616
 $1,242
 $(3,111,868) $4,380,313
 $2,596,259
 $(95) $1,129
 $3,300,495
4,915,196
 $119,263
 $(685,748) 124,217,616
 $1,242
 $(3,111,868) $4,380,313
 $2,596,259
 $(95) $1,129
 $3,300,495
Reclassification pursuant to change in accounting principle
 
 
 
 
 
 
 1,902
 (1,902) 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 1,902
 (1,902) 
 
Net income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 187,599
 
 63
 187,662

 
 
 
 
 
 
 224,632
 
 77
 224,709
Unrealized gain on derivative instruments
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 117
 
 117

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 456
 
 456
Unrealized loss on marketable securities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 (226) 
 (226)
Unrealized gain on marketable securities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 72
 
 72
Repurchase of shares
 
 
 (3,027,557) (30) 
 (89,880) 
 
 
 (89,910)
 
 
 (3,027,557) (30) 
 (89,880) 
 
 
 (89,910)
Share-based compensation
 
 
 267,014
 2
 
 5,010
 
 
 326
 5,338

 
 
 292,614
 3
 
 9,822
 
 
 655
 10,480
Contributions
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 1
 1
Distributions
 
 (1,997) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 (1,997)
 
 (3,994) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 (3,994)
Adjustment for noncontrolling interest
 
 
 
 
 
 329
 
 
 (329) 

 
 
 
 
 
 567
 
 
 (567) 
Balance at March 31, 20184,915,196
 $119,263
 $(687,745) 121,457,073
 $1,214
 $(3,111,868) $4,295,772
 $2,785,760
 $(2,106) $1,189
 $3,401,479
Balance at June 30, 20184,915,196
 $119,263
 $(689,742) 121,482,673
 $1,215
 $(3,111,868) $4,300,822
 $2,822,793
 $(1,469) $1,295
 $3,442,309

See accompanying notes.

EQUITY COMMONWEALTH
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(amounts in thousands)
(unaudited)
Three Months Ended March 31,Six Months Ended June 30,
2018 20172018 2017
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:      
Net income$187,662
 $23,822
$224,709
 $18,011
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash used in operating activities:   
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities:   
Depreciation11,279
 21,893
21,740
 41,237
Net amortization of debt discounts, premiums and deferred financing fees801
 713
1,446
 1,562
Straight line rental income(1,528) (4,387)(2,550) (8,930)
Amortization of acquired real estate leases997
 2,540
1,562
 4,955
Other amortization1,628
 3,055
3,505
 5,607
Share-based compensation5,338
 5,226
10,480
 10,732
Loss on asset impairment12,087
 1,286
12,087
 19,714
Loss on marketable securities4,987
 
4,987
 
Loss on early extinguishment of debt4,867
 
6,403
 63
Net gain on sale of properties(205,211) (16,454)(232,148) (19,590)
Change in assets and liabilities:      
Rents receivable and other assets(11,410) (18,239)(16,856) (19,902)
Accounts payable and accrued expenses(10,139) (24,053)
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other(8,514) (10,469)
Rent collected in advance(1,786) 416
(2,971) 1,166
Security deposits57
 181
Cash used in operating activities(371) (4,001)
Cash provided by operating activities23,880
 44,156
      
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:      
Real estate improvements(12,761) (19,889)(32,203) (37,985)
Insurance proceeds received1,443
 2,000
1,443
 4,000
Proceeds from sale of properties, net744,324
 94,138
807,322
 185,300
Purchase of marketable securities
 (276,238)
 (276,238)
Proceeds from sale of marketable securities18,613
 
23,933
 
Cash provided by (used in) investing activities751,619
 (199,989)800,495
 (124,923)
      
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:      
Repurchase and retirement of common shares(89,910) (209)(89,910) (209)
Payments on borrowings(175,265) (348)(575,526) (42,124)
Contributions from holders of noncontrolling interest
 30
1
 31
Distributions to preferred shareholders(1,997) (1,997)(3,994) (3,994)
Cash used in financing activities(267,172) (2,524)(669,429) (46,296)
      
Increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash484,076
 (206,514)154,946
 (127,063)
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of period2,360,590
 2,101,206
2,360,590
 2,101,206
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of period$2,844,666
 $1,894,692
$2,515,536
 $1,974,143
See accompanying notes.







EQUITY COMMONWEALTH 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (CONTINUED)
(amounts in thousands)
(unaudited)

Three Months Ended March 31,Six Months Ended June 30,
2018 20172018 2017
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION:      
Interest paid$14,631
 $22,285
$17,704
 $28,416
Taxes (refunded) paid, net(2) 335
Taxes paid, net2,417
 729
      
NON-CASH INVESTING ACTIVITIES:      
(Decrease) increase in capital expenditures recorded as liabilities$(103) $4,266
Decrease in accrued capital expenditures$(2,629) $(2,456)

The following table provides a reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash reported within the condensed consolidated balance sheets that sum to the total of the same such amounts shown in the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows (in thousands):
March 31,June 30,
2018 20172018 2017
Cash and cash equivalents$2,837,671
 $1,888,537
$2,507,117
 $1,967,549
Restricted cash6,995
 6,155
8,419
 6,594
Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash shown in the statements of cash flows$2,844,666
 $1,894,692
$2,515,536
 $1,974,143

See accompanying notes.


EQUITY COMMONWEALTH
 
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


Note 1.  Business

Equity Commonwealth (the Company) is a real estate investment trust, or REIT, formed in 1986 under the laws of the State of Maryland. Our business is the ownership and operation of real estate, primarily office buildings, throughoutin the United States.

On November 10, 2016, the Company converted to what is commonly referred to as an umbrella partnership real estate investment trust, or UPREIT, structure. In connection with this conversion, the Company contributed substantially all of its assets to EQC Operating Trust, a Maryland real estate investment trust (the Operating Trust), and the Operating Trust assumed substantially all of the Company’s liabilities pursuant to a contribution and assignment agreement between the Company and the Operating Trust.
 
The Company now conducts and intends to continue to conduct substantially all of its activities through the Operating Trust. The Company beneficially owned 99.97%99.96% of the outstanding shares of beneficial interest, designated as units, in the Operating Trust (OP Units) as of March 31,June 30, 2018, and the Company is the sole trustee of the Operating Trust.  As the sole trustee, the Company generally has the exclusive power under the declaration of trust of the Operating Trust to manage and conduct the business of the Operating Trust, subject to certain limited approval and voting rights of other holders of OP Units.

At March 31,June 30, 2018, our portfolio excluding properties held for sale, consisted of 13 properties (22 buildings), with a combined 6.3 million square feet. As of March 31,June 30, 2018, we had $3.1$2.8 billion of cash and cash equivalents and marketable securities.

Note 2.  Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements of EQC have been prepared without audit.  Certain information and footnote disclosures required by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, or GAAP, for complete financial statements have been condensed or omitted.  We believe the disclosures made are adequate to make the information presented not misleading.  However, the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K (Annual Report) for the year ended December 31, 2017.  Capitalized terms used, but not defined in this Quarterly Report, have the same meanings as in our Annual Report.

In the opinion of our management, all adjustments, which include only normal recurring adjustments considered necessary for a fair presentation, have been included.  All intercompany transactions and balances with or among our subsidiaries have been eliminated.  Operating results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the full year.  Reclassifications have been made to the prior years’ financial statements to conform to the current year’s presentation.

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect reported amounts.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.  Significant estimates in the condensed consolidated financial statements include the allowance for doubtful accounts, purchase price allocations, useful lives of fixed assets and impairment of real estate and intangible assets.

Share amounts are presented in whole numbers, except where noted.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In August 2017,June 2018, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2017-12, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Targeted2018-07, Improvements to Nonemployee Share-Based Payment Accounting, which simplifies the accounting for Hedging Activities,share-based payments granted to enable entities to better portray the economics of their risk management activities in the financial statementsnonemployees for goods and enhance the transparency and understandability of hedge results. The amendments also simplify the application of hedge accounting in certain situations.

EQUITY COMMONWEALTH
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)


services. This update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and for interim periods within those fiscal years. We are evaluatingdo not expect the impactadoption of ASU 2017-12 will2018-07 to have a material impact on our consolidated financial position and results of operations.statements.


EQUITY COMMONWEALTH
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)


In May 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-09 Compensation-Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Scope of Modification Accounting. ASU 2017-09 is designed to provide clarity and reduce both (1) diversity in practice and (2) cost and complexity when applying the guidance in Topic 718, to a change to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award. ASU 2017-09 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017. We adopted this ASU 2017-09 on January 1, 2018, and the adoption did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In February 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-01, Clarifying the Definition of a Business, that changes the definition of a business to assist entities with evaluating when a set of transferred assets and activities is a business. This update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and for interim periods within those fiscal years. We early adopted this ASU 2017-01 effective January 1, 2017, and the adoption of this ASU did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In February 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-05 Clarifying the Scope of Asset Derecognition Guidance and Accounting for Partial Sales of Nonfinancial Assets. ASU 2017-05 is designed to provide guidance on how to recognize gain and losses on sales, including partial sales, of nonfinancial assets to noncustomers. We adopted this ASU 2017-05 on January 1, 2018 and the adoption did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Restricted Cash, which amends FASB Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) Topic 230, Statements of Cash Flows, to add or clarify guidance on the classification and presentation of restricted cash in the statement of cash flows. This update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and for interim periods within those fiscal years.

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments, which addresses eight specific cash flow issues with the objective of reducing the existing diversity in practice. This update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and for interim periods within those fiscal years.

We early adopted both ASU 2016-18 and ASU 2016-15 for the period ended December 31, 2017 and made the following reclassifications to the prior year's condensed consolidated statement of cash flows to conform to the current year's presentation (in thousands):
Statement of Cash Flows for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 Originally Reported Effect of Change As Adjusted
Cash used in operating activities $(2,690) $(1,311) $(4,001)
Cash used in investing activities (200,923) 934
 (199,989)
Statement of Cash Flows for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2017 Originally Reported Effect of Change As Adjusted
Cash provided by operating activities $45,864
 $(1,708) $44,156
Cash used in investing activities (126,693) 1,770
 (124,923)

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments, which requires more timely recognition of credit losses associated with financial assets. This update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, and for interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2018. We are currently in the process of evaluating the impact, if any, the adoption of this ASU 2016-13 will have on our consolidated financial statements.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases, which sets out the principles for the recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of leases for both parties to a contract (i.e., lessees and lessors). ASU 2016-02 requires lessees to apply a dual approach, classifying leases as either finance or operating leases based on the principle of whether or not the lease is effectively a financed purchase of the leased asset by the lessee. This classification will determine whether the lease expense is recognized based on an effective interest method or on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. A lessee is also required to record a right-of-use asset and a lease liability for all leases with a term of greater than 12 months regardless of their classification. Leases with a term of 12 months or less will be accounted for similar to existing guidance for operating leases today. ASU 2016-02 supersedes previous leasing standards. ASU 2016-02 is effective for us for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted. We are still assessing the impact of adopting ASU 2016-02. For leases

EQUITY COMMONWEALTH
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)


where we are the lessor, we expect to account for these leases using an approach that is substantially equivalent to current guidance. Additionally, under ASU 2016-02 lessors may only capitalize incremental direct leasing costs. For leases in which we are the lessee, we expect to recognize a right-of-use asset and a lease liability equal to the present value of the minimum lease payments with rent expense being recognized on a straight-line basis and the right of use asset being reduced when lease payments are made.

EQUITY COMMONWEALTH
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)



In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01, Financial Instruments-Overall: Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities, related to certain aspects of recognition, measurement, presentation, and disclosure of financial instruments. ASU 2016-01 will require entities to measure their equity investments at fair value and recognize any changes in fair value in net income, with certain exceptions, rather than other comprehensive income. This update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years. We adopted this ASU 2016-01 on January 1, 2018 and reclassified a $1.9 million unrealized gain from cumulative other comprehensive loss to cumulative net income on our condensed consolidated balance sheet (see Note 8).

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. The objective of ASU 2014-09, as amended, is to establish a single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers and will supersede most of the existing revenue recognition guidance, including industry-specific guidance. The core principle is that an entity 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. In applying ASU 2014-09, companies will perform a five-step analysis of transactions to determine when and how revenue is recognized. ASU 2014-09 applies to all contracts with customers except those that are within the scope of other topics in the FASB’s ASC, and more particularly lease contracts with customers, which are a scope exception. ASU 2014-09 is effective for the first interim period within annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted. We adopted this ASU 2014-09 on January 1, 2018 and the adoption did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

Note 3.  Real Estate Properties

During the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2018 and 2017, we made improvements, excluding tenant-funded improvements, to our properties totaling $12.9$29.6 million and $14.231.8 million, respectively.

Properties Held For Sale:

We classify all properties that meet the criteria outlined in the Property, Plant and Equipment Topic of the FASB ASC as held for sale on our condensed consolidated balance sheets.  As of December 31, 2017, we classified 1600 Market Street as held for sale. This property was sold in February 2018. As of March 31,June 30, 2018, we did not have any properties classified the following property as held for sale:
Asset Number of
Properties
 Number of
Buildings
 
Square
Footage
1601 Dry Creek Drive 1
 1
 552,865
sale.

Summarized balance sheet information for the propertiesproperty classified as held for sale is as follows (in thousands):
March 31, 2018 December 31, 2017December 31, 2017
Real estate properties$24,786
 $76,066
$76,066
Rents receivable7,245
 13,270
13,270
Other assets, net6,851
 8,352
8,352
Assets held for sale$38,882
 $97,688
$97,688
    
Accounts payable and accrued expenses$1,099
 $1,021
$1,021
Rent collected in advance1
 408
408
Security deposits53
 411
411
Liabilities related to properties held for sale$1,153
 $1,840
$1,840


EQUITY COMMONWEALTH
 
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)


Property Dispositions:

During the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2018, we sold the following properties (dollars in thousands):
Asset Date Sold Number of
Properties
 Number of
Buildings
 
Square
Footage
 Gross Sales Price Gain on Sale Date Sold Number of
Properties
 Number of
Buildings
 
Square
Footage
 Gross Sales Price Gain on Sale
Properties                    
1600 Market Street February 2018 1
 1
 825,968
 $160,000
 $54,599
 February 2018 1
 1
 825,968
 $160,000
 $54,599
600 West Chicago Avenue(1)
 February 2018 1
 2
 1,561,477
 510,000
 107,830
 February 2018 1
 2
 1,561,477
 510,000
 107,830
5073, 5075, & 5085 S. Syracuse Street March 2018 1
 1
 248,493
 115,186
 42,762
 March 2018 1
 1
 248,493
 115,186
 42,762
1601 Dry Creek Drive May 2018 1
 1
 552,865
 68,500
 26,992
 3
 4
 2,635,938
 $785,186
 $205,191
 4
 5
 3,188,803
 $853,686
 $232,183

(1)
The sale of this property did not represent a strategic shift under ASC Topic 205. However, the sale does represent an individually significant disposition. The operating results of this property are included in continued operations for all periods presented through the date of sale. Net income for this property was $0.2 million and $2.3 million for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2018 and 2017, wasrespectively, and $110.0110.3 million and $2.7$5.0 million, for the six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

Note 4.  Marketable Securities

During the quartersix months ended March 31,June 30, 2018, our marketable securities consisted of United States Treasury notes and common stock. The United States Treasury notes are classified as available-for-sale and mature in 2019. Available-for-sale securities are presented on our condensed consolidated balance sheets at fair value. Changes in values of the United States Treasury notes are recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss.

On January 1, 2018 we adopted ASU 2016-01 (see Note 2) and reclassified a $1.9 million unrealized gain from cumulative other comprehensive loss to cumulative net income on our condensed consolidated balance sheet. Changes in values of common stock are recognized in interest and other income, net on the condensed consolidated statements of operations. In March 2018, we sold all common stock we held and recognized a loss of $5.0 million in interest and other income, net during the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2018.

Below is a summary of our marketable securities as of March 31,June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 (in thousands):
  March 31, 2018 December 31, 2017
  Amortized Cost Unrealized Loss Estimated Fair Value Cost or Amortized Cost Unrealized Gain, Net Estimated Fair Value
Marketable securities $249,646
 $(1,767) $247,879
 $276,567
 $361
 $276,928
  June 30, 2018 December 31, 2017
  Amortized Cost Unrealized Loss Estimated Fair Value Cost or Amortized Cost Unrealized Gain, Net Estimated Fair Value
Marketable securities $249,744
 $(1,469) $248,275
 $276,567
 $361
 $276,928

The unrealized losses on our United States Treasury notes were caused by interest rate increases. The contractual terms of those investments do not permit the issuer to settle the securities at a price less than the amortized cost bases of the investments. Because we do not intend to sell the investments and it is not more likely than not that we will be required to sell the investments before recovery of their amortized cost bases, which may be maturity, we do not consider those investments to be other-than-temporarily impaired at March 31,June 30, 2018.

Note 5.  Indebtedness
 
Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility and Term Loan:
We are party to a credit agreement pursuant to which the lenders agreed to provide a $750.0 million unsecured revolving credit facility, a $200.0 million 5-year term loan facility and a $200.0 million 7-year term loan facility. The revolving credit facility has a scheduled maturity date of January 28, 2019, which maturity date may be extended for up to two additional periods of six months at our option subject to satisfaction of certain conditions and the payment of an extension fee of 7.5 basis points of the aggregate amount available under the revolving credit facility. The 5-year term loan andOn May 4, 2018, we redeemed at par the 7-year term loan have scheduled maturity dates of January 28, 2020 and January 28, 2022, respectively.

total

EQUITY COMMONWEALTH
 
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)


$400.0 million outstanding under our 5-year and 7-year term loans and recognized a loss on early extinguishment of debt of $1.5 million from the write off of unamortized deferred financing fees.

The credit agreement permits us to utilize up to $100.0 million of the revolving credit facility for the issuance of letters of credit. Amounts outstanding under the credit agreement generally may be prepaid at any time without premium or penalty, subject to certain exceptions. We have the right to request increases in the aggregate maximum amount of borrowings available under the revolving credit facility and term loans up to an additional $1.15 billion, subject to certain conditions.
    
BorrowingsPrior to the redemption of the term loans, borrowings under the 5-year term loan and 7-year term loan, will, subject to certain exceptions, bearhad interest at arates of LIBOR rate plus a margin of 90 to 180 basis points for the 5-year term loan and 140 to 235 basis points for the 7-year term loan, in each case depending on our credit rating. Borrowings under the revolving credit facility will, subject to certain exceptions, bear interest at a rate equal to, at our option, either a LIBOR rate or a base rate plus a margin of 87.5 to 155 basis points for LIBOR rate advances and 0 to 55 basis points for base rate advances, in each case depending on our credit rating. In addition, we are required to pay a facility fee of 12.5 to 30 basis points, depending on our credit rating, on the borrowings available under the revolving credit facility, whether or not utilized.

Borrowings under our revolving credit facility currently bear interest at LIBOR plus a spread, which was 105 basis points as of March 31,June 30, 2018.  As of March 31,June 30, 2018, the interest rate payable on borrowings under our revolving credit facility was 2.93%3.14%.  As of March 31,June 30, 2018, we had no balance outstanding and $750.0 million available under our revolving credit facility and the facility fee as of March 31,June 30, 2018 was 20 basis points. Our term loans currently bear interest at a rate of LIBOR plus a spread, which was 115 and 155 basis points for the 5-year and 7-year term loan, respectively, as of March 31, 2018.  As of March 31, 2018, the interest rates for the amounts outstanding under our 5-year term loan and 7-year term loan were 3.03% and 3.43%, respectively.  As of March 31, 2018, we had $200.0 million outstanding under each of our 5-year and 7-year term loans.

Debt Covenants:
 
Our public debt indenture and related supplements and our credit agreement contain a number of financial and other covenants, including covenants that restrict our ability to incur indebtedness or to make distributions under certain circumstances and require us to maintain financial ratios and a minimum net worth.  At March 31,June 30, 2018, we believe we were in compliance with all of our respective covenants under our public debt indenture and related supplements and our credit agreement.

Senior Unsecured Notes:

At March 31,June 30, 2018, we had senior unsecured notes of $250.0 million (excluding net discounts and unamortized deferred financing fees) maturing in 2020.

On March 7, 2018, we redeemed at par all $175.0 million of our 5.75% senior unsecured notes due 2042 and recognized a loss on early extinguishment of debt of $4.9 million from the write off of unamortized deferred financing fees.

Mortgage Notes Payable:
 
At March 31,June 30, 2018, two of our properties with an aggregate net book value of $51.9$51.6 million had secured mortgage notes totaling $32.3$32.0 million (including net premiums and unamortized deferred financing fees) maturing fromin 2021 throughand 2026.

Note 6.  Shareholders’ Equity
 
Common Share Issuances:

See Note 11 for information regarding equity issuances related to share-based compensation.

Common Share Repurchases:

On March 15, 2017, our Board of Trustees authorized the repurchase of up to $150.0 million of our outstanding common shares over the twelve month period following the date of authorization. In March 2018, this share repurchase authorization, of which $81.0 million was not utilized, expired. On March 14, 2018, our Board of Trustees authorized the repurchase of up to an additional $150.0 million of our outstanding common shares over the twelve month period following the date of authorization. During the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2018, we repurchased and retired 2,970,209 of our common shares, at a weighted average

EQUITY COMMONWEALTH
 
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)


average price of $29.67 per share, for a total investment of $88.1 million, of which $69.0 million was under the March 2017 authorization and $19.1 million was under the March 2018 authorization. The $130.9 million of remaining authorization available under our share repurchase program as of March 31,June 30, 2018 is scheduled to expire on March 14, 2019.

During the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2018 and 2017, certain of our employees surrendered 57,348 and 6,694 common shares owned by them, respectively, to satisfy their statutory tax withholding obligations in connection with the vesting of such common shares.

Preferred Share Distributions:

In 2018, our Board of Trustees declared distributions on our series D preferred shares to date as follows:
Declaration Date Record Date Payment Date Series D Dividend Per Share Record Date Payment Date Series D Dividend Per Share
January 12, 2018 January 30, 2018 February 15, 2018 $0.40625
 January 30, 2018 February 15, 2018 $0.40625
April 11, 2018 April 27, 2018 May 15, 2018 $0.40625
 April 27, 2018 May 15, 2018 $0.40625
July 12, 2018 July 30, 2018 August 15, 2018 $0.40625

Note 7.  Noncontrolling Interest

Noncontrolling interest represents the portion of the units in the Operating Trust not beneficially owned by the Company. An operating partnership unit (OP Unit)OP Unit and a share of our common stock have essentially the same economic characteristics. Distributions with respect to OP Units will generally mirror distributions with respect to the Company’s common shares. Unitholders (other than the Company) generally have the right, commencing six months from the date of issuance of such OP Units, to cause the Operating Trust to redeem their OP Units in exchange for cash or, at the option of the Company, common shares of the Company on a one-for-one basis. As sole trustee, the Company will have the sole discretion to elect whether the redemption right will be satisfied by the Company in cash or the Company’s common shares. As a result, the Noncontrolling interest is classified as permanent equity. As of March 31,June 30, 2018, the portion of the Operating Trust not beneficially owned by the Company is in the form of OP Units and LTIP Units (see Note 11 for a description of LTIP Units). LTIP Units may be subject to additional vesting requirements.

The following table presents the changes in Equity Commonwealth’s issued and outstanding common shares and units for the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2018:
 Common Shares OP Units and LTIP Units Total Common Shares OP Units and LTIP Units Total
Outstanding at January 1, 2018 124,217,616
 42,520
 124,260,136
 124,217,616
 42,520
 124,260,136
Repurchase of shares (2,970,209) 
 (2,970,209) (2,970,209) 
 (2,970,209)
Restricted share, time-based LTIP Unit grants and vested restricted stock units, net of forfeitures 209,666
 
 209,666
 235,266
 3,200
 238,466
Outstanding at March 31, 2018 121,457,073
 42,520
 121,499,593
Outstanding at June 30, 2018 121,482,673
 45,720
 121,528,393
Noncontrolling ownership interest in the Operating Trust 

 

 0.03% 

 

 0.04%

The carrying value of the Noncontrolling interest is allocated based on the number of OP Units and LTIP Units in proportion to the number of OP Units and LTIP Units plus the number of common shares. We adjust the noncontrolling interest balance at the end of each period to reflect the noncontrolling partners’ interest in the net assets of the Operating Trust. Net income is allocated to the Noncontrolling interest in the Operating Trust based on the weighted average ownership percentage during the period. Equity Commonwealth’s weighted average ownership interest in the Operating Trust was 99.96% and 99.97% for the three and six months ended March 31, 2018.June 30, 2018, respectively.


EQUITY COMMONWEALTH
 
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)


Note 8.  Cumulative Other Comprehensive Loss
 
The following table presents the amounts recognized in cumulative other comprehensive loss for the three and six months ended March 31,June 30, 2018 (in thousands):
 Unrealized Loss on Derivative Instruments Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Marketable Securities Total
Balance as of January 1, 2018$(456) $361
 $(95)
      
Amounts reclassified from cumulative other comprehensive loss to cumulative net income pursuant to a change in accounting principle
 (1,902) (1,902)
      
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications67
 (226) (159)
Amounts reclassified from cumulative other comprehensive loss to net income50
 
 50
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)117
 (226) (109)
      
Balance as of March 31, 2018$(339) $(1,767) $(2,106)
 Unrealized Loss on Derivative Instruments Unrealized Loss on Marketable Securities Total
Balance as of April 1, 2018$(339) $(1,767) $(2,106)
      
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications17
 298
 315
Amounts reclassified from cumulative other comprehensive loss to net income (loss)322
 
 322
Net current period other comprehensive income339
 298
 637
      
Balance as of June 30, 2018$
 $(1,469) $(1,469)
 Unrealized Loss on Derivative Instruments Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Marketable Securities Total
Balance as of January 1, 2018$(456) $361
 $(95)
      
Amounts reclassified from cumulative other comprehensive loss to cumulative net income pursuant to a change in accounting principle
 (1,902) (1,902)
      
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications84
 72
 156
Amounts reclassified from cumulative other comprehensive loss to net income (loss)372
 
 372
Net current period other comprehensive income456
 72
 528
      
Balance as of June 30, 2018$
 $(1,469) $(1,469)

The following table presents reclassifications out of cumulative other comprehensive loss for the three and six months ended March 31,June 30, 2018 (in thousands):
 Amounts Reclassified from Cumulative Other Comprehensive Loss to Net Income Amounts Reclassified from Cumulative Other Comprehensive Loss to Net Income (Loss)
Details about Cumulative Other Comprehensive Loss Components Three Months Ended March 31, 2018 Affected Line Items in the Statement of Operations Three Months Ended June 30, 2018 Six Months Ended June 30, 2018 Affected Line Items in the Statement of Operations
Interest rate cap contract $50
 Interest expense $29
 $79
 Interest expense
Interest rate cap contract 293
 293
 Interest and other income, net
 $322
 $372
 
 
Note 9.  Income Taxes
 
We have elected to be taxed as a REIT under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and are generally not subject to federal and state income taxes provided we distribute a sufficient amount of our taxable income to our shareholders and meet other requirements for qualifying as a REIT.  We are also subject to certain state and local taxes without regard to our REIT status.

Our provision for income taxes consists of the following (in thousands):
 Three Months Ended March 31,
 2018 2017
Current:   
State and local$3,007
 $170
Federal
 5
Income tax expense$3,007
 $175

The taxable gain from sales of properties during the three months ended March 31, 2018 has fully utilized our net operating loss carryforward, and results in the tax expense recorded in the current period.


EQUITY COMMONWEALTH
 
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)


Our provision for income taxes consists of the following (in thousands):
 Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30,
 2018 2017 2018 2017
Current:       
State and local$456
 $(45) $(2,551) $(215)
Federal
 
 
 (5)
Income tax benefit (expense)456
 (45) $(2,551) $(220)

The tax expense recorded in the current period is the result of the taxable gains from sales of properties during the six months ended June 30, 2018.

Note 10.  Derivative Instruments

Risk Management Objective of Using Derivatives

We are exposed to certain risks relating to our ongoing business operations, including the effect of changes in interest rates.  The only risk we currently manage by using derivative instruments is our interest rate risk. 

We may use derivative financial instruments, including interest rate swaps, caps, options, floors and other interest rate derivative contracts, to hedge all or a portion of the interest rate risk associated with our borrowings. The principal objective of such arrangements is to reduce the risks and/or costs associated with our operating and financial structure as well as to hedge specific anticipated transactions. We do not intend to utilize derivatives for speculative or other purposes other than interest rate risk management. The use of derivative financial instruments carries certain risks, including the risk that the counterparties to these contractual arrangements are not able to perform under the agreements. To reduce this risk, we only enter into derivative financial instruments with counterparties with high credit ratings and with major financial institutions with which we and our affiliates may also have other financial relationships. We do not anticipate that any of the counterparties will fail to meet their obligations.

Cash Flow Hedges of Interest Rate Risk

Our objectives in using interest rate derivatives are to add stability to interest expense and to manage our exposure to interest rate movements. To accomplish this objective, we use interest rate caps as part of our interest rate risk management strategy. Interest rate caps designated as cash flow hedges involve the receipt of variable-rate amounts if interest rates rise above the cap strike rate.

The effective portion of changes in the fair value of derivatives designated and that qualify as cash flow hedges is recorded in cumulative other comprehensive loss and is subsequently reclassified into earnings in the period that the hedged forecasted transaction affects earnings. During 2018, such derivatives were used to hedge the variable cash flows associated with variable-rate debt. The ineffective portion of the change in fair value of the derivatives is recognized directly in earnings.

Amounts reported in cumulative other comprehensive loss related to derivatives will be reclassified to interest expense as interest payments are made on our variable-rate debt. During the next twelve months,On May 8, 2018, we estimate that an additional $0.4 million will be reclassified from cumulative other comprehensive loss as an increase to interest expense.

On March 4, 2016, we purchasedterminated an interest rate cap withthat had a LIBOR strike price of 2.50%. The interest rate cap, effective April 1, 2016, has, a notional amount of $400.0 million and a maturity date of March 1, 2019.

We recognized $0.3 million of expense in interest and other income, net on the condensed consolidated statement of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 related to the early termination of the interest rate cap agreement. As of March 31,June 30, 2018, we had the followingdo not have any outstanding interest rate derivative that wasderivatives designated as a cash flow hedgehedges of interest rate risk:
Interest Rate Derivative Number of Instruments Notional Amount (in thousands)
Interest rate cap 1
 $400,000
risk.

The table below presents the fair value of our derivative financial instrumentinstruments as well as its classification on the condensed consolidated balance sheets as of March 31,June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 (amounts in thousands):
 Fair Value as of Fair Value as of
Interest Rate Derivative Designated as Hedging Instrument Balance Sheet Location March 31,
2018
 December 31,
2017
 Balance Sheet Location June 30,
2018
 December 31,
2017
Interest rate cap Other assets $84
 $17
 Other assets $
 $17


EQUITY COMMONWEALTH
 
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)


The table below details the location in the financial statements of the gain or loss recognized on interest rate derivatives designated as cash flow hedges for the three and six months ended March 31,June 30, 2018 and 2017 (amounts in thousands):
 Three Months Ended March 31,
 2018 2017
Amount of gain (loss) recognized in cumulative other comprehensive loss$67
 $(154)
Amount of loss reclassified from cumulative other comprehensive loss into interest expense50
 1

Credit-risk-related Contingent Features

As of March 31, 2018, we did not have any derivatives in a net liability position.
 Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30,
 2018 2017 2018 2017
Amount of gain (loss) recognized in cumulative other comprehensive loss (effective portion)$17
 $(114) $84
 $(268)
Amount of loss reclassified from cumulative other comprehensive loss into interest expense (effective portion)29
 6
 79
 7
Amount of loss recognized in income (ineffective portion and amount excluded from effectiveness testing)293
 
 293
 

Note 11. Share-Based Compensation
Recipients of the Company’s restricted shares have the same voting rights as any other common shareholder. During the period of restriction, the Company’s unvested restricted shareholders are eligible to receive dividend payments on their shares at the same rate and on the same date as any other common shareholder.  The restricted shares are service based awards and vest over a four-year period.

Recipients of the Company’s restricted stock units (RSUs) are entitled to receive dividends with respect to the common shares underlying the RSUs if and when the RSUs are earned, at which time the recipient will be entitled to receive an amount in cash equal to the aggregate amount of cash dividends that would have been paid in respect of the common shares underlying the recipient’s earned RSUs had such common shares been issued to the recipient on the first day of the performance period. To the extent that an award does not vest, the dividends related to unvested RSUs will be forfeited. The RSUs are market basedmarket-based awards with a service condition and recipients may earn RSUs based on the Company’s total shareholder return (TSR) relative to the TSRs of the companies that comprise the NAREIT Office Index over a three yearthree-year performance period. Following the end of the three-year performance period, the number of earned awards will be determined. The earned awards vest in two tranches with 50% of the earned award vesting following the end of the performance period on the date the Compensation Committee of our Board of Trustees (the Committee) determines the level of achievement of the performance metric and the remaining 50% of the earned award vesting approximately one year thereafter, subject to the grant recipient’s continued employment. Compensation expense for the RSUs is determined using a Monte Carlo simulation model and is recognized ratably from the grant date to the vesting date of each tranche.

LTIP Units are a class of beneficial interests in the Operating Trust that may be issued to employees, officers or trustees of the Operating Trust, the Company or their subsidiaries (LTIP Units). Time-based LTIP Units have the same general characteristics as restricted shares and market-based LTIP Units have the same general characteristics as RSUs. Each LTIP Unit will convert automatically into an OP Unit on a one-for-one basis when the LTIP Unit becomes vested and its capital account is equalized with the per-unit capital account of the OP Units. Holders of LTIP Units generally will be entitled to receive the same per-unit distributions as the other outstanding OP Units in the Operating Trust, except that market-based LTIP Units will not participate in distributions until expiration of the applicable performance period, at which time any earned market-based LTIP Units generally will become entitled to receive a catch-up distribution for the periods prior to such time.
2018 Equity Award Activity

On June 20, 2018, in accordance with the Company’s compensation plan for independent Trustees, the Committee awarded each of the nine independent Trustees $0.1 million in restricted shares or time-based LTIP Units as part of their compensation for the 2018-2019 year of service on the Board of Trustees. These awards equated to 3,200 shares or time-based LTIP Units per Trustee, for a total of 25,600 shares and 3,200 time-based LTIP Units, valued at $31.25 per share and unit, the closing price of our common shares on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) on that day. These shares and time-based LTIP Units vest one year after the date of the award.

EQUITY COMMONWEALTH
 
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)


2018 Equity Award Activity

On January 29, 2018, the Committee approved a grant of 125,409 restricted shares and 254,615 RSUs at target (634,628 RSUs at maximum) to the Company’s officers, certain employees and to Mr. Zell, the Chairman of our Board of Trustees, as part of their compensation for fiscal year 2017. The restricted shares granted on January 29, 2018 were valued at $29.78 per share, the closing price of our common shares on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE)NYSE on that day. The assumptions and fair value for the RSUs granted during the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2018 are included in the following table on a per share basis.
 2018
Fair value of RSUs granted$37.13
Expected term (years)4
Expected volatility
Expected dividend yield1.68%
Risk-free rate2.26%

2017 Equity Award Activity

On June 20, 2017, in accordance with the Company’s compensation plan for independent Trustees, the Committee awarded each of the nine independent Trustees $0.1 million in restricted shares or time-based LTIP Units as part of their compensation for the 2017-2018 year of service on the Board of Trustees. These awards equated to 3,156 shares or time-based LTIP Units per Trustee, for a total of 25,248 shares and 3,156 time-based LTIP Units, valued at $31.69 per share and unit, the closing price of our common shares on the NYSE on that day. These shares and time-based LTIP Units vested on June 20, 2018.
On January 24, 2017, the Committee approved a grant of 39,364 time-based LTIP Units, 79,924 market-based LTIP Units at target (199,211 market-based LTIP Units at maximum), 76,424 restricted shares and 155,168 RSUs at target (386,756 RSUs at maximum) to the Company’s officers, certain employees and to Mr. Zell, the Chairman of our Board of Trustees, as part of their compensation for fiscal year 2016. The restricted shares and time-based LTIP Units were valued at $31.47 per share and unit, the closing price of our common shares on the NYSE on the grant date. The RSUs and market-based LTIP Units were valued at $39.81 per share and unit, their fair value on the grant date.

Outstanding Equity Awards
As of March 31,June 30, 2018, the estimated future compensation expense for all unvested restricted shares and time-based LTIP Units was $10.9$9.7 million. Compensation expense for the restricted share and time-based LTIP Unit awards is being recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for each separately vesting portion of the award. The weighted average period over which the future compensation expense will be recorded for the restricted shares and time-based LTIP units is approximately 2.32.2 years.
As of March 31,June 30, 2018, the estimated future compensation expense for all unvested RSUs and market-based LTIP Units was $21.1$18.1 million. The weighted average period over which the future compensation expense will be recorded for the RSUs and market-based LTIP Units is approximately 2.3 years.
During the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2018 and 2017, we recorded $5.3$5.1 million and $5.2$5.5 million, respectively, and during the six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, we recorded $10.5 million and $10.7 million respectively, of compensation expense, net of forfeitures, in general and administrative expense for grants to our trustees and employees related to our equity compensation plans. The $5.3$10.5 million of compensation expense recorded during the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2018 includes $0.4 million of accelerated vesting due to a staffing reduction. Forfeitures are recognized as they occur. At March 31,June 30, 2018, 868,268839,470 shares/units remain available for issuance under the Equity Commonwealth 2015 Omnibus Incentive Plan, as amended.


EQUITY COMMONWEALTH
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)


Note 12.  Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities
 
The table below presents assets measured at fair value during 2018, categorized by the level of inputs used in the valuation of the assets (dollars in thousands):
    Fair Value at March 31, 2018 Using
    
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for
Identical Assets
 
Significant Other
Observable Inputs
 
Significant Unobservable
Inputs
Description Total (Level 1) (Level 2) (Level 3)
Recurring Fair Value Measurements:        
Interest rate cap contract $84
 $
 $84
 $
Marketable securities $247,879
 $247,879
 $
 $

EQUITY COMMONWEALTH
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)



Interest Rate Cap Contract

The fair value of our interest rate cap contract is determined using the net discounted cash flows of the derivative based on the market based interest rate curve (level 2 inputs) and adjusted for our credit spread and the actual and estimated credit spreads of the counterparties (level 3 inputs).  Although we have determined that the majority of the inputs used to value our derivative fall within level 2 of the fair value hierarchy, the credit valuation adjustments associated with our derivative utilize level 3 inputs, such as estimates of current credit spreads, to evaluate the likelihood of default by us and the counterparties.  As of March 31, 2018, we have assessed the significance of the impact of the credit valuation adjustments on the overall valuation of our derivative position and have determined that the credit valuation adjustments are not significant to the overall valuation of our derivative.  As a result, we have determined that our derivative valuation in its entirety is classified as level 2 inputs in the fair value hierarchy.
    Fair Value at June 30, 2018 Using
    
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for
Identical Assets
 
Significant Other
Observable Inputs
 
Significant Unobservable
Inputs
Description Total (Level 1) (Level 2) (Level 3)
Recurring Fair Value Measurements:        
Marketable securities $248,275
 $248,275
 $
 $

Properties Held and Used

As part of our office repositioning strategy adopted by our Board of Trustees, in December 2016, and pursuant to our accounting policy, in 2017,2018, we evaluated the recoverability of the carrying values of each of the real estate assets that comprised our portfolio and determined that due to the shortening of the expected periods of ownership as a result of the office repositioning strategy and current estimates of market value less estimated costs to sell, it was necessary to reduce the net book value of a portion of the real estate assets in our portfolio to their estimated fair values. We anticipate the potential disposition of certain properties prior to the end of their remaining useful lives. As a result, in the first quarter of 2018, we recorded an impairment charge related to 777 East Eisenhower Parkway and 97 Newberry Road of $12.1 million in accordance with our impairment analysis procedures. We determined this impairment based on independent third party broker information, which are level 3 inputs according to the fair value hierarchy established in ASC 820. We reduced the aggregate carrying value of these properties from $41.8 million to their estimated fair value less estimated costs to sell of $29.7 million. We evaluated each of our properties and determined there were no additional valuation adjustments necessary at March 31,June 30, 2018.

Financial Instruments

In addition to the assets described in the above table, our financial instruments include our cash and cash equivalents, real estate mortgage receivable, restricted cash, marketable securities, senior unsecured debt and mortgage notes payable.  At March 31,June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the fair value of these additional financial instruments were not materially different from their carrying values, except as follows (in thousands):
 March 31, 2018 December 31, 2017
 Carrying Amount Fair Value Carrying Amount Fair Value
Senior unsecured debt and mortgage notes payable$681,675
 $693,328
 $856,940
 $874,280
 June 30, 2018 December 31, 2017
 Carrying Amount Fair Value Carrying Amount Fair Value
Senior unsecured debt and mortgage notes payable$281,414
 $290,638
 $856,940
 $874,280
 
The fair values of our senior notes are based on quoted market prices (level 2 inputs) and the fair values of our mortgage notes payable are based on estimates using discounted cash flow analyses and currently prevailing interest rates adjusted by credit risk spreads (level 3 inputs).

Other financial instruments that potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk consist principally of rents receivable; however, as of March 31,June 30, 2018, no single tenant of ours is responsible for more than 7.0%6.5% of our total annualized rents, other than one tenant that is responsible for 13.0%12.5% of our total annualized rents.
Our interest rate cap counterparty is a major financial institution and we monitor the amount of our credit exposure to any one counterparty.


EQUITY COMMONWEALTH
 
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)


Note 13.  Earnings Per Common Share

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share (amounts in thousands except per share amounts):
Three Months Ended March 31,Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30,
2018 20172018 2017 2018 2017
Numerator for earnings per common share - basic:    
  
    
Net income$187,662
 $23,822
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest(63) (8)
Net income (loss)$37,047
 $(5,811) $224,709
 $18,011
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest(14) 2
 (77) (6)
Preferred distributions(1,997) (1,997)(1,997) (1,997) (3,994) (3,994)
Numerator for net income per share - basic$185,602

$21,817
Numerator for net income (loss) per share - basic$35,036
 $(7,806) $220,638

$14,011
          
Numerator for earnings per common share - diluted:          
Net income$187,662
 $23,822
Net income (loss)$37,047
 $(5,811) $224,709
 $18,011
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests(14) 
 (77) 
Preferred distributions
 (1,997)(1,997) (1,997) 
 (3,994)
Numerator for net income per share - diluted$187,662
 $21,825
Numerator for net income (loss) per share - diluted$35,036
 $(7,808) $224,632
 $14,017
          
Denominator for earnings per common share - basic and diluted:          
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - basic(1)
123,867
 124,047
121,822
 124,067
 122,839
 124,057
RSUs(2)
730
 1,023
762
 
 746
 1,043
LTIP Units(2)(3)
136
 80
OP Units (4)
1
 
LTIP Units(3)
65
 
 79
 103
Series D preferred shares; 6 1/2% cumulative convertible(4)2,363
 

 
 2,363
 
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - diluted127,097
 125,150
122,649
 124,067
 126,027
 125,203
          
Net income per common share attributable to Equity Commonwealth common shareholders:   
Net income (loss) per common share attributable to Equity Commonwealth common shareholders:       
Basic$1.50
 $0.18
$0.29
 $(0.06) $1.80
 $0.11
Diluted$1.48
 $0.17
$0.29
 $(0.06) $1.78
 $0.11
          
Anti-dilutive securities:          
Effect of Series D preferred shares; 6 1/2% cumulative convertible(5)(4)

 2,363
2,363
 2,363
 
 2,363
Effect of RSUs(2)

 1,063
 
 
Effect of LTIP Units42
 126
 42
 
Effect of OP Units(5)
1
 
 1
 

(1)The three months ended March 31,June 30, 2018 and 2017, includes 307362 and 0 weighted-average, unvested, measured RSUs, respectively, and the six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, includes 335 and 0 weighted-average, unvested, measured RSUs, respectively.
(2)Represents weighted-average number of common shares that would have been issued if the quarter-end was the measurement date for RSUs and performance-based LTIPs.RSUs.
(3)Represents the weighted-average time-based and performance-based LTIPs that would have been issueddilutive shares issuable from LTIP Units if the quarter-end was the measurement date for the periods shown.
(4)Beneficial interests in the Operating Trust.
(5)The Series D preferred shares are excluded from the diluted earnings per share calculation for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2018 and 2017 and the six months ended June 30, 2017 because including the Series D preferred shares would also require that the preferred distributions be added back to net income, resulting in anti-dilution.

EQUITY COMMONWEALTH
 
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)


(5)Beneficial interests in the Operating Trust.
Note 14.  Segment Information
 
Our primary business is the ownership and operation of office properties, and we currently have one reportable segment.  More than 90% of our revenues for the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2018 arewere from office properties. 

Note 15.  Related Person Transactions
 
The following discussion includes a description of our related person transactions for the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2018 and 2017.

Two North Riverside Plaza Joint Venture Limited Partnership: We have a lease with Two North Riverside Plaza Joint Venture Limited Partnership, an entity associated with Mr. Zell, our Chairman, to occupy office space on the twentieth and twenty-first floors of Two North Riverside Plaza in Chicago, Illinois (20th/21st Floor Office Lease). The initial term of the lease is approximately five years, with one 5-year renewal option. We completed improvements to the office space utilizing the $0.7 million tenant improvement allowance pursuant to the lease. In connection with the 20th/21st Floor Office Lease, we also have a lease with Two North Riverside Plaza Joint Venture Limited Partnership for storage space in the basement of Two North Riverside Plaza. The lease expires December 31, 2020; however, each party has the right to terminate on 30 days' prior written notice. During the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2018 and 2017, we recognized expense of $0.2 million and $0.2 million, respectively, and during the six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, we recognized expense of $0.4 million and $0.4 million, respectively, pursuant to the 20th/21st Floor Office Lease and the related storage space.

Note 16.  Subsequent Events

On April 11,July 12, 2018, we announced that our Board of Trustees declared a dividend of $0.40625 per series D preferred share, which will be paid on MayAugust 15, 2018 to shareholders of record on April 27,July 30, 2018 (see Note 6).

On May 4, 2018, we redeemed at par the total $400.0 million outstanding under our 5-year and 7-year term loans.

Item 2.  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
 
The following discussion should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes included in this Quarterly Report, and in our Annual Report.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
 
Some of the statements contained in this Quarterly Report constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Any forward-looking statements contained in this Quarterly Report are intended to be made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act. Forward-looking statements relate to expectations, beliefs, projections, future plans and strategies, anticipated events or trends and similar expressions concerning matters that are not historical facts. In particular, statements pertaining to our capital resources, portfolio performance and results of operations contain forward-looking statements. Likewise, all of our statements regarding anticipated growth in market conditions are forward-looking statements. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “predicts,” or “potential” or the negative of these words and phrases or similar words or phrases which are predictions of or indicate future events or trends and which do not relate solely to historical matters. You can also identify forward-looking statements by discussions of strategy, plans or intentions.
 
The forward-looking statements contained in this Quarterly Report reflect our current views about future events and are subject to numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and changes in circumstances that may cause our actual results to differ significantly from those expressed in any forward-looking statement. We do not guarantee that the transactions and events described will happen as described (or that they will happen at all). We disclaim any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement to reflect changes in underlying assumptions or factors, of new information, data or methods, future events or other changes. For a further discussion of these and other factors that could cause our future results to differ materially from any forward-looking statements, see the section entitled “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K.

OVERVIEW
 
We are an internally managed and self-advised REIT primarily engaged in the ownership and operation of office buildings throughoutin the United States. We were formed in 1986 under Maryland law. On November 10, 2016, we converted to what is commonly referred to as an umbrella partnership real estate investment trust, or UPREIT, structure. Substantially all of the Company’s assets and liabilities are now held in an Operating Trust through which the Company conducts its business.

At March 31,June 30, 2018, our portfolio excluding properties classified as held for sale, consisted of 13 properties (22 buildings), with a combined 6.3 million square feet for a total investmentundepreciated book value of $1.2$1.3 billion at cost and a depreciated book value of $0.9 billion.

As of March 31,June 30, 2018, our overall portfolio was 88.6%89.8% leased. During the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2018, we entered into leases, excluding leasing activity for assets during the quarter in which the asset was sold or classified as held for sale for 117,000292,000 square feet, including lease renewals for 71,000103,000 square feet and new leases for 46,000189,000 square feet.  Renewal leases entered into during the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2018 had weighted average cash and GAAP rental rates that were approximately 1.7%12.0% higher and 9.5%20.2% higher, respectively, as compared to prior rental rates for the same space, and new leases entered into during the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2018 had weighted average cash and GAAP rental rates that were approximately 6.7%9.6% higher and 15.3%25.5% higher, respectively, than prior rental rates for the same space.  The change in GAAP rents is different than the change in cash rents due to differences in the amount of rent abatements, the magnitude and timing of contractual rent increases over the lease term, and the years of term for the newly executed leases compared to the prior leases.

During the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2018, we sold threefour properties (four(five buildings) with a combined 2.63.2 million square feet for an aggregate gross sales price of $785.2$853.7 million, excluding closing credits and closing costs. We have generated significant proceeds from our dispositions to date and have cash and cash equivalents and marketable securities of $3.1$2.8 billion as of March 31,June 30, 2018. For more information regarding these transactions, see Note 3 to the notes to our condensed consolidated financial statements included in Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report. As our real estate investmentswe have decreased,sold assets, our income from operations has also declined.


InThe taxable gain from sales of properties during the six months ended June 30, 2018 resulted in the state income tax provision shown in the financial statements. Although we did not make a distribution to common shareholders in 2017 or the first quarter,two quarters of 2018, we continued executingexpect to make a distribution for 2018.

We have engaged CBRE, Inc. (CBRE) to provide property management services for our properties. We pay CBRE a property-by-property management fee and may engage CBRE from time-to-time to perform project management services, such as coordinating and overseeing the completion of tenant improvements and other capital projects at the properties. We reimburse CBRE for certain expenses incurred in the performance of its duties, including certain personnel and equipment costs. For the three months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, we incurred expenses of $2.2 million and $4.9 million, respectively, and for the six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, we incurred expenses of $5.2 million and $10.1 million, respectively, related to our property management agreement with CBRE, for property management fees, typically calculated as a portion of the properties' revenues, and salary and benefits reimbursements for property personnel, such as property managers, engineers and maintenance staff.  As of June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, we had amounts payable pursuant to these services of $1.0 million and $1.8 million, respectively.

We continue to execute our office repositioning strategy to own and acquire at a discount to replacement cost high-quality, multi-tenant office assets in markets and sub-markets with favorable long-term supply and demand fundamentals. We expect our efforts to continue to be primarily focused on larger buildings in central business districts and major urban areas that offer an attractive quality of life, including opportunities for tenants to live and play in close proximity to where they work, with a preference for markets that have above average limitations on new supply. We currently target our efforts towards acquiring portfolios of properties or pursuing other large acquisitions as opposed to purchasing individual properties, although we may acquire individual properties if opportunities to do so are consistent with our office repositioning strategy.

WhileIn executing this strategy, depending on market conditions, we may sell additional properties.properties, depending on market conditions. With the progress we have had executing dispositions, and the strength and liquidity of our balance sheet, we are in a position to increasingly shift our focus to capital allocation. We seekintend to use this capital to purchase new properties, repay debt, buy back common shares or make other investments or distributions that further our long-term strategic goals.

As we continue to reposition our portfolio, we expect our efforts will be balanced among leasing assets to create value, selling assets when we are able to achieve attractive pricing, and evaluating a wide range of opportunities to deploy capital. Our goal is to utilize the proceeds from asset dispositions to make new investments that will create shareholder value, but weWe may be unable to identify suitable opportunities. If we do not redeploy capital, we will strive to achieve a sale or liquidation of the Company in a manner that optimizes shareholder value. We are currently unable to predict if or when we will make a determination to sell or liquidate the Company. We continue to evaluate opportunities and courses of action to increase shareholder value and will make such a determination based on market conditions and available opportunities if and when our Board of Trustees believes it to be appropriate.

As part of the office repositioning strategy noted above, and pursuant to our accounting policy, in 2018, we evaluated the recoverability of the carrying values of each of the real estate assets that comprised our portfolio and determined that due to the shortening of the expected periods of ownership as a result of our office repositioning strategy and current estimates of market value less estimated costs to sell, it was necessary to reduce the net book value of a portion of the real estate assets in our portfolio to their estimated fair values less estimated costsvalues. We anticipate the potential disposition of certain properties prior to sell.the end of their remaining useful lives. As a result, in the first quarter of 2018, we recorded an impairment charge related to 777 East Eisenhower Parkway and 97 Newberry Road of $12.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018 in accordance with our impairment analysis procedures.

The taxable gain from sales of properties during the three months ended March 31, 2018 has fully utilized our $120 million net operating loss carryforward that we had as of December 31, 2017. Although we did not make a distribution to common shareholders in 2017 or the first quarter of 2018, we expect to be required to make a 2018 distribution in order to maintain our status as a REIT. Whether we will make a distribution in 2018 and the timing of any such distribution remains uncertain.

We have engaged CBRE, Inc. (CBRE) to provide property management services for our properties. We pay CBRE a property-by-property management fee and may engage CBRE from time-to-time to perform project management services, such as coordinating and overseeing the completion of tenant improvements and other capital projects at the properties. We reimburse CBRE for certain expenses incurred in the performance of its duties, including certain personnel and equipment costs.

For the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, we incurred expenses of $3.0 million and $5.2 million, respectively, related to our property management agreement with CBRE, for property management fees, typically calculated as a portion of the properties' revenues, and salary and benefits reimbursements for property personnel, such as property managers, engineers and maintenance staff.  As of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, we had amounts payable pursuant to these services of $1.4 million and $1.8 million, respectively.


Property Operations

Leased occupancy data for 2018 and 2017 are as follows (square feet in thousands):
All Properties(1) Comparable Properties(2)All Properties(1) Comparable Properties(2)
As of March 31, As of March 31,As of June 30, As of June 30,
2018 2017 2018 20172018 2017 2018 2017
Total properties13
 28
 13
 13
13
 21
 13
 13
Total square feet6,344
 14,593
 6,344
 6,324
6,341
 11,651
 6,341
 6,324
Percent leased(3)
88.6% 89.0% 88.6% 87.2%89.8% 88.4% 89.8% 87.5%

(1)Excludes properties sold or classified as held for sale in the period. 
(2)Based on properties owned continuously from January 1, 2017 through March 31,June 30, 2018, and excludes properties sold or classified as held for sale during the period.
(3)Percent leased includes (i) space being fitted out for occupancy pursuant to existing leases and (ii) space which is leased but is not occupied or is being offered for sublease by tenants.
 

The weighted average lease term based on square feet for leases entered into during the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2018 was 7.89.4 years.  Commitments made for leasing expenditures and concessions, such as tenant improvements and leasing commissions, for leases entered into during the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2018 totaled $6.9$17.4 million, or $59.23$59.54 per square foot on average (approximately $7.56$6.36 per square foot per year of the lease term).
 
As of March 31,June 30, 2018, approximately 3.1%1.7% of our leased square feet and 4.2%2.2% of our annualized rental revenue, determined as set forth below, are included in leases scheduled to expire through December 31, 2018.  Renewed and new leases and rental rates at which available space may be relet in the future will depend on prevailing market conditions at the times these leases are negotiated.  We believe that the in-place cash rents for leases expiring for the remainder of 2018, that have not been backfilled, are slightly below market. Lease expirations by year, as of March 31,June 30, 2018, are as follows (square feet and dollars in thousands):
Year 
Number
of Tenants Expiring
 
Leased Square
 Feet Expiring(1)
 
% of Leased
Square Feet Expiring(1)
 
Cumulative
% of Leased Square
Feet Expiring(1)
 
Annualized Rental
Revenue Expiring(2)
 
% of
Annualized Rental
Revenue Expiring
 
Cumulative
% of
Annualized Rental Revenue Expiring
 
Number
of Tenants Expiring
 
Leased Square
 Feet Expiring(1)
 
% of Leased
Square Feet Expiring(1)
 
Cumulative
% of Leased Square
Feet Expiring(1)
 
Annualized Rental
Revenue Expiring(2)
 
% of
Annualized Rental
Revenue Expiring
 
Cumulative
% of
Annualized Rental Revenue Expiring
2018 26
 175
 3.1% 3.1% $6,824
 4.2% 4.2% 18
 99
 1.7% 1.7% $3,646
 2.2% 2.2%
2019 50
 643
 11.4% 14.5% 23,050
 14.3% 18.5% 50
 564
 9.9% 11.6% 21,196
 12.5% 14.7%
2020 38
 885
 15.7% 30.2% 30,889
 19.2% 37.7% 37
 876
 15.4% 27.0% 31,454
 18.6% 33.3%
2021 38
 256
 4.6% 34.8% 8,819
 5.5% 43.2% 37
 268
 4.7% 31.7% 8,451
 5.0% 38.3%
2022 32
 406
 7.2% 42.0% 13,894
 8.6% 51.8% 32
 406
 7.1% 38.8% 13,758
 8.1% 46.4%
2023 35
 456
 8.1% 50.1% 15,441
 9.6% 61.4% 35
 440
 7.7% 46.5% 16,618
 9.8% 56.2%
2024 9
 142
 2.5% 52.6% 4,820
 3.0% 64.4% 15
 268
 4.7% 51.2% 8,203
 4.8% 61.0%
2025 12
 205
 3.6% 56.2% 7,633
 4.7% 69.1% 13
 209
 3.7% 54.9% 8,271
 4.9% 65.9%
2026 8
 134
 2.4% 58.6% 4,839
 3.0% 72.1% 9
 139
 2.4% 57.3% 5,039
 3.0% 68.9%
2027 11
 189
 3.4% 62.0% 7,479
 4.7% 76.8% 11
 198
 3.5% 60.8% 7,502
 4.4% 73.3%
Thereafter 32
 2,130
 38.0% 100.0% 37,101
 23.2% 100.0% 35
 2,227
 39.2% 100.0% 45,223
 26.7% 100.0%
 291
 5,621
 100.0%   $160,789
 100.0%   292
 5,694
 100.0%   $169,361
 100.0%  
                            
Weighted average remaining lease term (in years):Weighted average remaining lease term (in years): 7.0
     5.7
    Weighted average remaining lease term (in years): 7.1
     6.0
    

(1)Square footage as of March 31,June 30, 2018 excluding leases related to properties classified as held for sale, includes space subject to leases that have commenced, space being fitted out for occupancy pursuant to existing leases, and space which is leased but is not occupied or is being offered for sublease by tenants. The year expiring corresponds to the latest-expiring signed lease for a given suite. Thus, backfilled suites expire in the year stipulated by the new lease. 
(2)Annualized rental revenue is annualized contractual rents from our tenants pursuant to leases which have commenced as of March 31,June 30, 2018, plus estimated recurring expense reimbursements; includes triple net lease rents and excludes lease value amortization, straight line rent adjustments, abated (free) rent periods and parking revenue. We calculate annualized rental revenue by aggregating the recurring billings outlined above for the most recent month during the quarter reported, adding abated rent, and multiplying the sum by 12 to provide an estimation of near-term potentially-recurring revenues.  Annualized rental revenue is a forward-looking non-GAAP measure.  Annualized rental revenue cannot be reconciled to a comparable GAAP measure without unreasonable efforts, primarily due to the fact that it is calculated from the billings of tenants in the most recent month at the most recent rental rates during the quarter reported, whereas historical GAAP measures include billings from a potentially different group of tenants over multiple months at potentially different rental rates. Excludes the annualized rental revenue of space that is leased but not commenced.

revenue by aggregating the recurring billings outlined above for the most recent month during the quarter reported, adding abated rent, and multiplying the sum by 12 to provide an estimation of near-term potentially-recurring revenues.  Annualized rental revenue is a forward-looking non-GAAP measure.  Annualized rental revenue cannot be reconciled to a comparable GAAP measure without unreasonable efforts, primarily due to the fact that it is calculated from the billings of tenants in the most recent month at the most recent rental rates during the quarter reported, whereas historical GAAP measures include billings from a potentially different group of tenants over multiple months at potentially different rental rates. Excludes the annualized rental revenue of space that is leased but not commenced.

A principal source of funds for our operations is rents from tenants at our properties.  Rents are generally received from our tenants monthly in advance.  As of March 31,June 30, 2018, tenants representing 1.5% or more of our total annualized rental revenue were as follows (square feet in thousands):
Tenant(1)Tenant(1) Square Feet(2) % of Total Square Feet(2) % of Annualized Rental Revenue(3) Weighted Average Remaining Lease TermTenant(1) Square Feet(1) % of Total Square Feet(1) % of Annualized Rental Revenue(2) Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term
1.Expedia, Inc. 427
 7.6% 13.0% 1.8Expedia, Inc. 427
 7.5% 12.5% 1.5
2.Flex Ltd. (formerly known as Flextronics International Ltd.) 1,051
 18.7% 6.8% 11.8Flex Ltd. 1,051
 18.5% 6.5% 11.5
3.Ballard Spahr LLP 219
 3.9% 5.3% 11.9Ballard Spahr LLP 219
 3.8% 5.0% 11.6
4.
Georgetown University(4)
 240
 4.3% 4.2% 1.5
Georgetown University(3)
 240
 4.2% 4.0% 1.3
5.Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Inc. 117
 2.1% 2.3% 5.3Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Inc. 117
 2.1% 2.2% 5.0
6.Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Inc. 77
 1.4% 2.2% 6.7Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Inc. 77
 1.4% 2.1% 6.5
7.BT Americas, Inc. 59
 1.0% 1.8% 1.3Alcan Corporation 71
 1.2% 1.8% 4.8
8.Alcan Corporation 85
 1.5% 1.8% 5.0BT Americas, Inc. 59
 1.0% 1.7% 1.1
9.
Statoil Oil & Gas LP(5)
 83
 1.5% 1.8% 1.0
Equinor Energy Services, Inc.(4)
 89
 1.6% 1.7% 5.0
10.KPMG, LLP 66
 1.2% 1.6% 4.9KPMG, LLP 66
 1.2% 1.5% 4.6
11.Aberdeen Asset Management, Inc. 58
 1.0% 1.5% 1.5
Total 2,482
 44.2% 42.3% 7.3Total 2,416
 42.5% 39.0% 7.4

(1)Tenants located in properties classified as held for sale are excluded.
(2)Square footage as of March 31,June 30, 2018 includes space subject to leases that have commenced, space being fitted out for occupancy pursuant to existing leases, and space which is leased but is not occupied or is being offered for sublease by tenants. 
(3)(2)Annualized rental revenue is annualized contractual rents from our tenants pursuant to leases which have commenced as of March 31,June 30, 2018, plus estimated recurring expense reimbursements; includes triple net lease rents and excludes lease value amortization, straight line rent adjustments, abated (free) rent periods and parking revenue. We calculate annualized rental revenue by aggregating the recurring billings outlined above for the most recent month during the quarter reported, adding abated rent, and multiplying the sum by 12 to provide an estimation of near-term potentially-recurring revenues.  Annualized rental revenue is a forward-looking non-GAAP measure.  Annualized rental revenue cannot be reconciled to a comparable GAAP measure without unreasonable efforts, primarily due to the fact that it is calculated from the billings of tenants in the most recent month at the most recent rental rates during the quarter reported, whereas historical GAAP measures include billings from a potentially different group of tenants over multiple months at potentially different rental rates.
(4)(3)Georgetown University's leased space includes 111,600 square feet that are sublet to another tenant. During the fourth quarter of 2017, the other tenant committed to lease this space through September 30, 2037.
(5)(4)During the second quarter of 2018,Formerly known as Statoil Oil & Gas LP renewed approximately 80,000 square feet through December 31, 2023.LP.
 
Financing Activities

On May 4, 2018, we redeemed at par the total $400.0 million outstanding under our 5-year and 7-year term loans and recognized a loss on early extinguishment of debt of $1.5 million from the write off of unamortized deferred financing fees.

On March 7, 2018, we redeemed at par all $175.0 million of our 5.75% senior unsecured notes due 20182042 and recognized a loss on early extinguishment of debt of $4.9 million from the write off of unamortized deferred financing fees.
Regulation FD Disclosures
We intend to use any of the following to comply with our disclosure obligations under Regulation FD: press releases, SEC filings, public conference calls, or our website. We routinely post important information on our website at www.eqcre.com, including information that may be deemed to be material. We encourage investors and others interested in the

company Company to monitor these distribution channels for material disclosures. Our website address is included in this Quarterly Report as a textual reference only and the information on the website is not incorporated by reference into this Quarterly Report.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS 

Three Months Ended March 31,June 30, 2018, Compared to Three Months Ended March 31,June 30, 2017
Comparable Properties Results(1) Other Properties Results(2) Consolidated ResultsComparable Properties Results(1) Other Properties Results(2) Consolidated Results
Three Months Ended March 31,Three Months Ended June 30,
2018 2017 $ Change % Change 2018 2017 2018 2017 $ Change % Change2018 2017 $ Change % Change 2018 2017 2018 2017 $ Change % Change
(dollars in thousands)(dollars in thousands)
Rental income$32,401
 $31,974
 $427
 1.3 % $11,148
 $48,231
 $43,549
 $80,205
 $(36,656) (45.7)%$33,847
 $32,239
 $1,608
 5.0% $1,364
 $42,113
 $35,211
 $74,352
 $(39,141) (52.6)%
Tenant reimbursements and other income11,749
 12,259
 (510) (4.2)% 3,290
 7,087
 15,039
 19,346
 (4,307) (22.3)%12,636
 11,645
 991
 8.5% 789
 5,602
 13,425
 17,247
 (3,822) (22.2)%
Operating expenses(18,094) (17,624) (470) 2.7 % (6,505) (23,463) (24,599) (41,087) 16,488
 (40.1)%(18,770) (16,866) (1,904) 11.3% (751) (20,418) (19,521) (37,284) 17,763
 (47.6)%
Net operating income(3)$26,056
 $26,609
 $(553) (2.1)% $7,933
 $31,855
 33,989
 58,464
 (24,475) (41.9)%$27,713
 $27,018
 $695
 2.6% $1,402
 $27,297
 29,115
 54,315
 (25,200) (46.4)%
Other expenses:                                      
Depreciation and amortizationDepreciation and amortization           13,903
 26,915
 (13,012) (48.3)%Depreciation and amortization           13,021
 23,922
 (10,901) (45.6)%
General and administrativeGeneral and administrative           13,339
 12,078
 1,261
 10.4 %General and administrative           11,222
 11,960
 (738) (6.2)%
Loss on asset impairmentLoss on asset impairment         12,087
 1,286
 10,801
 839.9 %Loss on asset impairment         
 18,428
 (18,428) (100.0)%
Total other expensesTotal other expenses           39,329
 40,279
 (950) (2.4)%Total other expenses           24,243
 54,310
 (30,067) (55.4)%
Operating (loss) income            (5,340) 18,185
 (23,525) (129.4)%
Operating income            4,872
 5
 4,867
 97,340.0 %
Interest and other income, netInterest and other income, net           5,780
 4,372
 1,408
 32.2 %Interest and other income, net           12,668
 6,019
 6,649
 110.5 %
Interest expense            (10,115) (15,014) 4,899
 (32.6)%            (6,350) (14,863) 8,513
 (57.3)%
Loss on early extinguishment of debtLoss on early extinguishment of debt         (4,867) 
 (4,867) (100.0)%Loss on early extinguishment of debt         (1,536) (63) (1,473) 2,338.1 %
Gain on sale of properties, netGain on sale of properties, net           205,211
 16,454
 188,757
 1,147.2 %Gain on sale of properties, net           26,937
 3,136
 23,801
 759.0 %
Income before income taxes         190,669
 23,997
 166,672
 694.6 %
Income tax expense           (3,007) (175) (2,832) 1,618.3 %
Net income            187,662
 23,822
 163,840
 687.8 %
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest       (63) (8) (55) 687.5 %
Net income attributable to Equity Commonwealth       187,599
 23,814
 163,785
 687.8 %
Income (loss) before income taxesIncome (loss) before income taxes         36,591
 (5,766) 42,357
 (734.6)%
Income tax benefit (expense)Income tax benefit (expense)           456
 (45) 501
 (1,113.3)%
Net income (loss)            37,047
 (5,811) 42,858
 (737.5)%
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interestNet (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest       (14) 2
 (16) (800.0)%
Net income (loss) attributable to Equity CommonwealthNet income (loss) attributable to Equity Commonwealth       37,033
 (5,809) 42,842
 (737.5)%
Preferred distributions            (1,997) (1,997) 
  %            (1,997) (1,997) 
  %
Net income attributable to Equity Commonwealth common shareholders         $185,602
 $21,817
 $163,785
 750.7 %
Net income (loss) attributable to Equity Commonwealth common shareholdersNet income (loss) attributable to Equity Commonwealth common shareholders         $35,036
 $(7,806) $42,842
 (548.8)%

(1)Comparable properties consist of 13 properties (22 buildings) we owned continuously from JanuaryApril 1, 2017 to March 31,June 30, 2018.
 
(2)Other properties consist of properties sold or classified as held for sale as of the end of the period.

(3)We define net operating income, or NOI, as shown above, as income from our real estate including lease termination fees received from tenants less our property operating expenses.  NOI excludes amortization of capitalized tenant improvement costs and leasing commissions.  We consider NOI to be an appropriate supplemental measure to net income because it may help both investors and management to understand the operations of our properties.  We use NOI internally to evaluate property level performance, and we believe that NOI provides useful information to investors regarding our results of operations because it reflects only those income and expense items that are incurred at the property level and may facilitate comparisons of our operating performance between periods and with other REITs.  NOI does not represent cash generated by operating activities in accordance with GAAP and should not be considered as an alternative to net income, net income attributable to Equity Commonwealth common shareholders, operating income or cash flow from operating activities, determined in accordance with GAAP, or as an indicator of our financial performance or liquidity, nor is this measure necessarily indicative of sufficient cash flow to fund all of our needs.  This measure should be considered in conjunction with net income, net income attributable to Equity Commonwealth common shareholders, operating income and cash flow from operating activities as presented in our consolidated statements of operations, consolidated statements of comprehensive income and consolidated statements of cash flows.  Other REITs and real estate companies may calculate NOI differently than we do.

Our condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 include the operating results of 13 properties we owned continuously from January 1, 2017 to March 31, 2018. 


Rental income. Rental income decreased $36.7$39.1 million, or 45.7%52.6%, in the 2018 period, compared to the 2017 period, primarily due to the properties sold in 2018 and 2017. Rental income increased $0.4$1.6 million, or 1.3%5.0%, at the comparable properties primarily due to an increase in lease termination revenue and parking revenue, partially offset by several large tenant lease expirations.commenced occupancy.


Rental income includes straight line rent adjustments totaling $1.5$1.0 million in the 2018 period and $4.4$4.5 million in the 2017 period, and net reductions for amortization of acquired real estate leases and assumed real estate lease obligations totaling $0.1 million$(18,000) in the 2018 period and $0.6$0.5 million in the 2017 period. Rental income also includes the recognition of lease termination fees totaling $1.0$1.6 million in the 2018 period and $1.7$0.8 million in the 2017 period.
  
Tenant reimbursements and other income. Tenant reimbursements and other income decreased $4.3$3.8 million, or 22.3%22.2%, in the 2018 period, compared to the 2017 period, primarily due to the properties sold in 2018 and 2017. Tenant reimbursements and other income decreased $0.5increased $1.0 million, or 4.2%8.5%, at the comparable properties primarily due to a decreasean increase in utility expense, partially offset byescalations resulting from an increase in commenced occupancy and an increase in real estate tax expense.
 
Operating expenses. Operating expenses decreased $16.5$17.8 million, or 40.1%47.6%, in the 2018 period, compared to the 2017 period, primarily due to the properties sold in 2018 and 2017. Operating expenses increased $0.5$1.9 million, or 2.7%11.3%, at the comparable properties primarily due to an increase in real estate tax expense.expense and an increase in maintenance and repair expenses.

Depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization decreased $13.0$10.9 million, or 48.3%45.6%, in the 2018 period, compared to the 2017 period primarily due to properties sold in 2018 and 2017.

General and administrative. General and administrative expenses increased $1.3decreased $0.7 million, or 10.4%6.2%, in the 2018 period, compared to the 2017 period, primarily due to a $0.4 million decrease in payroll expenses as a result of a staffing reduction and a $0.4 million decrease in share-based compensation expense.

Loss on asset impairment. We did not record any impairment charges in the 2018 period. In the 2017 period, we recorded impairment charges of $18.4 million related to a portfolio of five properties sold in July 2017 based upon the shortening of our expected period of ownership and updated market information in accordance with our impairment analysis procedures.

Operating income. Operating income increased $4.9 million in the 2018 period, compared to the 2017 period, primarily due to a decrease in the loss on asset impairment, partially offset by the properties sold in 2018 and 2017.

Interest and other income, net. Interest and other income, net increased $6.6 million, or 110.5% in the 2018 period, compared to the 2017 period, primarily due to additional interest received on higher invested balances and higher average interest rates in 2018.

Interest expense. Interest expense decreased $8.5 million, or 57.3%, in the 2018 period, compared to the 2017 period, primarily due to the prepayment of all $250.0 million of our 6.65% senior unsecured notes in July 2017, the prepayment of all $175.0 million of our 5.75% senior unsecured notes in March 2018 and the redemption at par of the total $400.0 million outstanding under our 5-year and 7-year term loans in May 2018.

Loss on early extinguishment of debt. The loss on early extinguishment of debt of $1.5 million in the 2018 period reflects the write off of unamortized deferred financing fees related to our redemption at par of the total $400.0 million outstanding under our 5-year and 7-year term loans. The loss on early extinguishment of debt of $0.1 million in the 2017 period reflects prepayment fees and the write off of unamortized deferred financing fees, net of the write off of an unamortized premium related to our repayment at par of $41.3 million of mortgage debt at Parkshore Plaza.

Gain on sale of properties, net. Gain on sale of properties, net increased $23.8 million in the 2018 period, as compared to the 2017 period. Gain on sale of properties, net in the 2018 period primarily relates to the following (dollars in thousands):
Asset Gain on Sale
1601 Dry Creek Drive $26,992

Gain on sale of properties, net in the 2017 period relates to the following (dollars in thousands):
Asset Gain (Loss) on Sale
Parkshore Plaza $(2,460)
25 S. Charles Street (3,483)
802 Delaware Avenue 9,079
  $3,136


Income tax benefit (expense). In the 2018 period we recorded income tax benefit of $0.5 million and in the 2017 period we recorded income tax expense of $45,000. The change in income taxes is primarily due to the adjustment of state and local apportionment factors based on the sales of properties.

Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest. In 2018 and 2017, we granted LTIP Units to certain of our trustees and employees. The net income attributable to noncontrolling interest of $14,000 in the 2018 period and the net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest of $2,000 in the 2017 period relates to the allocation of net income or loss to the LTIP Unit holders.


RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Six Months Ended June 30, 2018, Compared to Six Months Ended June 30, 2017
 Comparable Properties Results(1) Other Properties Results(2) Consolidated Results
 Six Months Ended June 30,
 2018 2017 $ Change % Change 2018 2017 2018 2017 $ Change % Change
 (dollars in thousands)
Rental income$66,248
 $64,213
 $2,035
 3.2% $12,512
 $90,344
 $78,760
 $154,557
 $(75,797) (49.0)%
Tenant reimbursements and other income24,385
 23,904
 481
 2.0% 4,079
 12,689
 28,464
 36,593
 (8,129) (22.2)%
Operating expenses(36,864) (34,490) (2,374) 6.9% (7,256) (43,881) (44,120) (78,371) 34,251
 (43.7)%
Net operating income(3)$53,769
 $53,627
 $142
 0.3% $9,335
 $59,152
 63,104
 112,779
 (49,675) (44.0)%
Other expenses:                   
Depreciation and amortization           26,924
 50,837
 (23,913) (47.0)%
General and administrative           24,561
 24,038
 523
 2.2 %
Loss on asset impairment         12,087
 19,714
 (7,627) (38.7)%
Total other expenses           63,572
 94,589
 (31,017) (32.8)%
Operating (loss) income            (468) 18,190
 (18,658) (102.6)%
Interest and other income, net           18,448
 10,391
 8,057
 77.5 %
Interest expense            (16,465) (29,877) 13,412
 (44.9)%
Loss on early extinguishment of debt         (6,403) (63) (6,340) 10,063.5 %
Gain on sale of properties, net           232,148
 19,590
 212,558
 1,085.0 %
Income before income taxes         227,260
 18,231
 209,029
 1,146.6 %
Income tax expense           (2,551) (220) (2,331) 1,059.5 %
Net income            224,709
 18,011
 206,698
 1,147.6 %
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests       (77) (6) (71) 1,183.3 %
Net income attributable to Equity Commonwealth       224,632
 18,005
 206,627
 1,147.6 %
Preferred distributions            (3,994) (3,994) 
  %
Net income attributable to Equity Commonwealth common shareholders         $220,638
 $14,011
 $206,627
 1,474.7 %

(1)Comparable properties consist of 13 properties (22 buildings) we owned continuously from January 1, 2017 to June 30, 2018.
(2)Other properties consist of properties sold or classified as held for sale as of the end of the period.

(3)See Note 3 on page 24 for further information regarding NOI.

Rental income.Rental income decreased $75.8 million, or 49.0%, in the 2018 period, compared to the 2017 period, primarily due to the properties sold in 2018 and 2017. Rental income at the comparable properties increased $2.0 million, or 3.2%, primarily due to an increase in commenced occupancy.

Rental income includes increases for straight line rent adjustments totaling $2.6 million in the 2018 period and $8.9 million in the 2017 period, and net reductions for amortization of acquired real estate leases and assumed real estate lease obligations totaling $0.1 million in the 2018 period and $1.1 million in the 2017 period. Rental income also includes the recognition of lease termination fees totaling $2.5 million in the 2018 period and $2.5 million in the 2017 period.
Tenant reimbursements and other income. Tenant reimbursements and other income decreased $8.1 million, or 22.2%, in the 2018 period, compared to the 2017 period, primarily due to the properties sold in 2018 and 2017. Tenant reimbursements and other income increased $0.5 million, or 2.0%, at our comparable properties primarily due to an increase in escalations resulting from an increase in commenced occupancy and an increase in real estate tax expense, partially offset by a decrease in utility expense.
Operating expenses. Operating expenses decreased $34.3 million, or 43.7%, in the 2018 period, compared to the 2017 period, primarily due to the properties sold in 2018 and 2017. Operating expenses increased $2.4 million, or 6.9%, at the comparable properties primarily due to an increase in real estate tax expense.

Depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization decreased $23.9 million, or 47.0%, in the 2018 period, compared to the 2017 period, primarily due to the properties sold in 2018 and 2017.

General and administrative. General and administrative expenses increased $0.5 million, or 2.2%, in the 2018 period, compared to the 2017 period, primarily due to $1.7 million of compensation expenses in the 2018 period relating to a staffing reduction, partially offset by a $0.3$0.6 million decrease in share-based compensation expense.expense and a $0.5 million decrease in payroll expenses as a result of the staffing reduction.

Loss on asset impairment.We recorded impairment charges of $12.1 million in the 2018 period related to 777 East Eisenhower Parkway and 97 Newberry Road and $1.3$19.7 million in the 2017 period related to 25 S. Charles Street and a portfolio of five properties sold in July 2017, based upon the shortening of our expected period of ownership and updated market information in accordance with our impairment analysis procedures.

Operating (loss) income. Operating income decreased $23.5$18.7 million, or 129.4%102.6%, in the 2018 period, compared to the 2017 period, primarily due to the properties sold in 2018 and 2017, and an increasepartially offset by a decrease in the loss on asset impairment.

Interest and other income, net. Interest and other income, net increased $1.4$8.1 million or 32.2% in the 2018 period, compared to the 2017 period, primarily due to additional interest received on higher invested balances and higher average interest rates in 2018, partially offset by a $5.0 million loss on the sale of marketable securities.

Interest expense. Interest expense decreased $4.9$13.4 million, or 32.6%44.9%, in the 2018 period, compared to the 2017 period, primarily due to the repayment of the $41.3 million mortgage debt at Parkshore Plaza in April 2017, the prepayment of all $250.0 million of our 6.65% senior unsecured notes in July 2017, and the prepayment of all $175.0 million of our 5.75% senior unsecured notes in March 2018 partially offset by an increase in interest expense onand the redemption at par of the total $400.0 million outstanding under our 5-year and 7-year term loans as a result of an increase in interest rates, partially offset by lower borrowing spreads as a result of an upgrade in our credit rating received from Moody's Investor Services in November 2017.May 2018.

Loss on early extinguishment of debt. The loss on early extinguishment of debt of $4.9$6.4 million in the 2018 period reflects the write off of unamortized deferred financing fees related to our redemption at par of the total $400.0 million outstanding under our 5-year and 7-year term loans and the write off of unamortized deferred financing fees related to our repayment at par of our 5.75% senior unsecured notes due 2042. The loss on early extinguishment of debt of $0.1 million in the 2017 period reflects prepayment fees and the write off of unamortized deferred financing fees, net of the write off of an unamortized premium related to our repayment at par of $41.3 million of mortgage debt at Parkshore Plaza.

Gain on sale of properties, net. Gain on sale of properties, net increased $188.8$212.6 million in the 2018 period, as compared to the 2017 period. Gain on sale of properties, net in the 2018 period primarily relates to the following (dollars in thousands):
Asset Gain on Sale Gain on Sale
1600 Market Street $54,599
 $54,599
600 West Chicago Avenue 107,830
 107,830
5073, 5075, & 5085 S. Syracuse Street 42,762
 42,762
1601 Dry Creek Drive 26,992
 $205,191
 $232,183

Gain on sale of properties, net in the 2017 period relates to the following (dollars in thousands):
Asset Gain (Loss) on Sale Gain (Loss) on Sale
111 Market Place $(5,968) $(5,968)
Cabot Business Park Land (57) (57)
Seton Center 22,479
 22,479
Parkshore Plaza (2,460)
25 S. Charles Street (3,483)
802 Delaware Avenue 9,079
 $16,454
 $19,590

Income tax expense. Income tax expense increased $2.8$2.3 million or 1,618.3%, in the 2018 period, compared to the 2017 period, primarily due to the state and local taxes incurred forupon the sale of properties.

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest. In 2018 and 2017, we granted LTIP Units to certain of our trustees and employees. The net income attributable to noncontrolling interest of $63,000$77,000 in the 2018 period and $8,000$6,000 in the 2017 period relates to the allocation of net income to the LTIP Unit holders.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
 
Our Operating Liquidity and Resources
 
As of March 31,June 30, 2018, we had $3.1$2.8 billion of cash and cash equivalents and marketable securities.  We expect to use our cash balances and marketable securities, cash flow from our operations and proceeds of any future property sales to fund our operations, repay debt, make distributions, repurchase our common shares, acquire assets or entities, fund tenant improvements and leasing costs and for other general business purposes.  We believe our cash balances and the cash flow from our operations will be sufficient to fund our ordinary course activities.

Our future cash flows from operating activities will depend primarily upon our:
 
ability to maintain or improve the occupancy of, and the rental rates at, our properties;
 
ability to control operating and financing cost increases at our properties; and
 
ability to purchase additional properties, consistent with our office repositioning strategy, which produce rents, less property operating expenses, in excess of our costs of acquisition capital.
 
Volatility in energy costs and real estate taxes may cause our future operating costs to fluctuate; however, the impact of these fluctuations is expected to be partially offset by the pass through of operating costs to our tenants pursuant to lease terms, although there can be no assurance that we will be able to successfully offset these costs or that doing so would not negatively impact our competitive position or business. 
 
Cash flows provided by (used in) operating, investing and financing activities were $(0.4)$23.9 million, $751.6$800.5 million and $(267.2)$(669.4) million, respectively, for the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2018, and $(4.0)$44.2 million, $(200.0)$(124.9) million and $(2.5)$(46.3) million, respectively, for the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2017.  Changes in these three categories of our cash flows between 2018 and 2017 are primarily related to a decrease in property net operating income, real estate improvements, dispositions of properties, purchase of marketable securities, proceeds from sales of marketable securities, repayments of debt and repurchase of our common shares.
 
Our Investment and Financing Liquidity and Resources
 
In order to maintain financial flexibility, to fund potential acquisitions and to meet cash needs that may result from timing differences between our receipt of rents and our desire or need to make distributions and investments or pay operating or capital expenses, we maintain an unsecured revolving credit facility with a group of institutional lenders. Our credit agreement provides us with (i) a $750.0 million unsecured revolving credit facility, (ii) a $200.0 million 5-year term loan facility and (iii) a $200.0 million 7-year term loan facility. The revolving credit facility has a scheduled maturity date of January 28, 2019, which maturity date may be extended for up to two additional periods of six months at our option subject to satisfaction of certain conditions and the payment of an extension fee of 7.5 basis points of the aggregate amount available under the revolving credit facility. TheOn May 4, 2018, we redeemed at par the total $400.0 million outstanding under our 5-year term loan and the 7-year term loan have scheduled maturity dates of January 28, 2020 and January 28, 2022, respectively.loans.

Borrowings under our revolving credit facility currently bear interest at LIBOR plus a spread, which was 105 basis points as of March 31,June 30, 2018.  We also pay a facility fee of 20 basis points per annum on the total amount of lending commitments under our revolving credit facility.  Both the interest rate spread and the facility fee are subject to adjustment based upon changes to our credit ratings.  We are allowed to borrow, repay and reborrow funds available under our revolving credit facility until maturity, and no principal repayment is due until maturity.  As of March 31,June 30, 2018, the interest rate payable on borrowings under our revolving credit facility was 2.93%3.14%.  As of March 31,June 30, 2018, we had no balance outstanding under our revolving credit facility.
Our term loans currently bear interest at a rate of LIBOR plus a spread, which was 115 and 155 basis points for the 5-year and 7-year term loan, respectively, as of March 31, 2018.  The interest rate spread is subject to adjustment based upon changes to our credit ratings.  As of March 31, 2018, the interest rate for the amounts outstanding under our term loan was 3.03% and 3.43% for the 5-year and 7-year term loan, respectively. As of March 31, 2018, our 5-year and 7-year term loans each had outstanding balances of $200.0 million. On May 4, 2018, we redeemed at par the total $400.0 million outstanding under our 5-year and 7-year term loans.
 
On March 7, 2018, we redeemed at par all $175.0 million of our 5.75% senior unsecured notes due 2042.

During the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2018, we paid an aggregate of $2.0$4.0 million of distributions on our series D preferred shares.  On April 11,July 12, 2018, we announced that our Board of Trustees declared a dividend of $0.40625 per series D preferred share, which is expected to be paid on MayAugust 15, 2018 to shareholders of record on April 27,July 30, 2018.


On March 15, 2017, our Board of Trustees authorized the repurchase of up to $150.0 million of our outstanding common shares over the twelve month period following the date of authorization. In March 2018, this share repurchase authorization, of which $81.0 million was not utilized, expired. On March 14, 2018, our Board of Trustees authorized the repurchase of up to an additional $150.0 million of our outstanding common shares over the twelve month period following the date of authorization. During the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2018, we repurchased and retired 2,970,209 of our common shares, at a weighted average price of $29.67 per share, for a total investment of $88.1 million, of which $69.0 million was under the March 2017 authorization and $19.1 million was under the March 2018 authorization. The $130.9 million of remaining authorization available under our share repurchase program as of March 31,June 30, 2018 is scheduled to expire on March 14, 2019.
 
Our outstanding debt maturities and weighted average interest rates as of March 31,June 30, 2018, were as follows (dollars in thousands):
 Scheduled Principal Payments During Period   Scheduled Principal Payments During Period  
Year Unsecured Floating Rate Debt Unsecured Fixed Rate Debt Secured Fixed Rate Debt Total(1) Weighted Average Interest Rate(2) Unsecured Fixed Rate Debt Secured Fixed Rate Debt Total(1) Weighted Average Interest Rate(2)
2018 $
 $
 $798
 $798
 5.7% $
 $537
 $537
 5.7%
2019 
 
 1,126
 1,126
 5.7% 
 1,126
 1,126
 5.7%
2020 200,000
(3)250,000
 1,189
 451,189
 4.6% 250,000
 1,189
 251,189
 5.9%
2021 
 
 25,463
 25,463
 5.7% 
 25,463
 25,463
 5.7%
2022 200,000
(3)
 663
 200,663
 3.4% 
 663
 663
 5.7%
2023 
 
 702
 702
 5.7% 
 702
 702
 5.7%
2024 
 
 743
 743
 5.7% 
 743
 743
 5.7%
2025 
 
 787
 787
 5.7% 
 787
 787
 5.7%
2026 
 
 204
 204
 5.7% 
 204
 204
 5.7%
2027 
 
 
 
 % 
 
 
 %
Thereafter 
 
 
 
 % 
 
 
 %
 $400,000
 $250,000
 $31,675
 $681,675
 4.3% $250,000
 $31,414
 $281,414
 5.9%

(1)Total debt outstanding as of March 31,June 30, 2018, including net unamortized premiums and discounts and net unamortized deferred financing costs, was $678,527.$280,012.
(2)Weighted based on current contractual interest rates.
(3)On May 4, 2018, we redeemed at par the total $400.0 million outstanding under our 5-year and 7-year term loans.
 

For further information about our indebtedness, see Note 5 to the notes to our condensed consolidated financial statements included in Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report.
When significant amounts are outstanding under our revolving credit facility, or as the maturity dates of our revolving credit facility and term debts approach, we intend to explore alternatives to repay amounts due. Such alternatives may include incurring additional debt and issuing new equity securities, extending the maturity of our revolving credit facility and entering into a new revolving credit facility. We have an effective shelf registration statement that allows us to issue certain types of public securities on an expedited basis, but it does not apply to debt securities nor does it assure that there will be buyers for any such securities.
We believe that we will have access to various types of financings, including debt or equity offerings, to fund any future acquisitions and to pay our debts and other obligations as they become due. The completion and the costs of any future debt transactions will depend primarily upon market conditions and our credit ratings. We have no control over market conditions. Our credit ratings depend upon evaluations by credit rating agencies of our business practices and plans and, in particular, whether we appear to have the ability to maintain our earnings, to space our debt maturities and to balance our use of debt and equity capital so that our financial performance and leverage ratios afford us flexibility to withstand any reasonably foreseeable adverse changes. We intend to conduct our business activities in a manner which will continue to afford us reasonable access to capital for investment and financing activities. However, there can be no assurance regarding our credit ratings or our ability to complete any debt or equity offerings or that our cost of any future public or private financings will not increase.
During the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2018, we sold threefour properties (four(five buildings) with a combined 2.63.2 million square feet for an aggregate sales price of $785.2$853.7 million, excluding closing credits and closing costs. For more information regarding these transactions, see Note 3 to the notes to our condensed consolidated financial statements included in Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report.

During the three and six months ended March 31,June 30, 2018 and 2017, amounts capitalized at our properties, including properties sold or classified as held for sale, for tenant improvements, leasing costs and building improvements were as follows (amounts in thousands):
Three Months Ended March 31,Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30,
2018 20172018 2017 2018 2017
Tenant improvements(1)
$10,907
 $9,427
$13,773
 $10,309
 $24,680
 $19,736
Leasing costs(2)
2,842
 4,617
4,909
 4,978
 7,751
 9,595
Building improvements(3)
1,951
 4,785
2,936
 7,315
 4,887
 12,100

(1)Tenant improvements include capital expenditures to improve tenants’ spaces.
(2)Leasing costs primarily include brokerage commissions and legal expenses.
(3)Building improvements generally include expenditures to replace obsolete building components and expenditures that extend the useful life of existing assets. Tenant-funded capital expenditures are excluded.
 
During the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2018, commitments made for expenditures in connection with leasing space at our properties, excluding leasing activity for assets during the quarter in which the asset was sold or classified as held for sale, were as follows (dollar and square foot measures in thousands):
New
Leases
 Renewals Total
New
Leases
 Renewals Total
Rentable square feet leased during the period46
 71
 117
189
 103
 292
Tenant improvements and leasing commissions$3,015
 $3,910
 $6,925
$13,253
 $4,127
 $17,380
Tenant improvements and leasing commissions per rentable square foot$65.55
 $55.07
 $59.23
$70.12
 $40.07
 $59.54
Weighted average lease term by square foot (years)8.7
 7.2
 7.8
11.6
 5.2
 9.4
Total tenant improvements and leasing commissions per rentable square foot per year$7.49
 $7.61
 $7.56
$6.03
 $7.75
 $6.36
 
Debt Covenants
 
Our unsecured debt obligations at March 31,June 30, 2018 were our term loans and our publicly issued senior unsecured notes. Our public debt indenture and related supplements and our credit agreement contain a number of financial ratio covenants which generally restrict our ability to incur debts, in excess of calculated amounts, restrict our ability to make distributions under certain circumstances and require us to maintain other financial ratios.  At March 31,June 30, 2018, we believe we were in compliance with all covenants under both our indenture and related supplements, and under our credit agreement.  In

addition to our unsecured debt obligations, we had $32.3$32.0 million (including net unamortized premiums and net unamortized deferred financing costs) of mortgage notes outstanding at March 31,June 30, 2018.
 
None of our indenture and related supplements, our credit agreement, or our mortgage notes contain provisions for acceleration or require us to provide collateral security which could be triggered by our debt ratings.  However, our senior debt rating is used to determine the interest rate and the fees payable under our credit agreement.

Off Balance Sheet Arrangements
 
As of March 31,June 30, 2018, we had no off balance sheet arrangements that have had or that we expect would be reasonably likely to have a future material effect on our financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources.  We had no swaps or hedges as of March 31, 2018, other than the interest rate cap described in Note 10 to the notes to our condensed consolidated financial statements, and under “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk” included in Part I, Item 3 of this Quarterly Report.June 30, 2018.
 
Funds from Operations (FFO) and Normalized FFO

We compute FFO in accordance with standards established by the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts (NAREIT). NAREIT defines FFO as net income (loss), calculated in accordance with GAAP, excluding real estate depreciation and amortization, gains (or losses) from sales of depreciable property, impairment of depreciable real estate, and our portion of these items related to equity investees and non-controlling interests.  Our calculation of Normalized FFO differs from NAREIT’s definition of FFO because we exclude certain items that we view as nonrecurring or impacting comparability from period to period.  We consider FFO and Normalized FFO to be appropriate measures of operating performance for a REIT, along with net income, net income attributable to Equity Commonwealth common shareholders, operating income and cash flow from operating activities.

We believe that FFO and Normalized FFO provide useful information to investors because by excluding the effects of certain historical amounts, such as depreciation expense, FFO and Normalized FFO may facilitate a comparison of our operating performance between periods and with other REITs.  FFO and Normalized FFO do not represent cash generated by operating activities in accordance with GAAP and should not be considered as alternatives to net income, net income attributable to Equity Commonwealth common shareholders, operating income or cash flow from operating activities, determined in accordance with GAAP, or as indicators of our financial performance or liquidity, nor are these measures necessarily indicative of sufficient cash flow to fund all of our needs.  These measures should be considered in conjunction with net income, net income attributable to Equity Commonwealth common shareholders, operating income and cash flow from operating activities as presented in our condensed consolidated statements of operations, condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive income and condensed consolidated statements of cash flows.  Other REITs and real estate companies may calculate FFO and Normalized FFO differently than we do.

The following table provides a reconciliation of net income to FFO attributable to Equity Commonwealth common shareholders and unitholders and a calculation to Normalized FFO attributable to Equity Commonwealth common shareholders and unitholders (in thousands):
Three Months Ended March 31,Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30,
2018 20172018 2017 2018 2017
Reconciliation to FFO:          
Net income$187,662
 $23,822
Net income (loss)$37,047
 $(5,811) $224,709
 $18,011
Real estate depreciation and amortization13,603
 26,616
12,717
 23,619
 26,320
 50,235
Loss on asset impairment12,087
 1,286

 18,428
 12,087
 19,714
Gain on sale of properties, net(205,211) (16,454)(26,937) (3,136) (232,148) (19,590)
FFO attributable to Equity Commonwealth8,141
 35,270
22,827
 33,100
 30,968
 68,370
Preferred distributions(1,997) (1,997)(1,997) (1,997) (3,994) (3,994)
FFO attributable to Equity Commonwealth common shareholders and unitholders$6,144
 $33,273
$20,830
 $31,103
 $26,974
 $64,376
          
Reconciliation to Normalized FFO: 
  
 
  
  
  
FFO attributable to Equity Commonwealth common shareholders and unitholders$6,144
 $33,273
$20,830
 $31,103
 $26,974
 $64,376
Lease value amortization98
 573
(18) 518
 80
 1,091
Straight line rent adjustments(1,528) (4,387)(1,022) (4,543) (2,550) (8,930)
Loss on early extinguishment of debt4,867
 
1,536
 63
 6,403
 63
Loss on sale of securities4,987
 

 
 4,987
 
Income taxes related to gains on property sales2,969
 
(496) 
 2,473
 
Normalized FFO attributable to Equity Commonwealth common shareholders and unitholders$17,537
 $29,459
$20,830
 $27,141
 $38,367
 $56,600

Property Net Operating Income (NOI)

We use property net operating income, or NOI, to evaluate the performance of our properties. We define NOI as income from our real estate operations including lease termination fees received from tenants less our property operating expenses. NOI excludes amortization of capitalized tenant improvement costs and leasing commissions and corporate level expenses.

The following table includes the reconciliation of NOI to net income, the most directly comparable financial measure under GAAP reported in our consolidated financial statements.  We consider NOI to be an appropriate supplemental measure to net income because we believe it helps to understand the operations of our properties.  We use NOI internally to evaluate property level performance, and we believe that NOI provides useful information to investors regarding our results of operations because it reflects only those income and expense items that are incurred at the property level and may facilitate comparisons of our operating performance between periods and with other REITs.  NOI does not represent cash generated by operating activities in accordance with GAAP and should not be considered as an alternative to net income, net income attributable to Equity Commonwealth common shareholders, operating income or cash flow from operating activities, determined in accordance with GAAP, or as an indicator of our financial performance or liquidity, nor is this measure

necessarily indicative of sufficient cash flow to fund all of our needs.  This measure should be considered in conjunction with net income, net income attributable to Equity Commonwealth common shareholders, operating income and cash flow from operating activities as presented in our consolidated statements of operations, consolidated statements of comprehensive income and consolidated statements of cash flows.  Other REITs and real estate companies may calculate NOI differently than we do. 


A reconciliation of NOI to net income for the three and six months ended March 31,June 30, 2018 and 2017, is as follows (in thousands):
Three Months Ended March 31,Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30,
2018 20172018 2017 2018 2017
Rental income$43,549
 $80,205
$35,211
 $74,352
 $78,760
 $154,557
Tenant reimbursements and other income15,039
 19,346
13,425
 17,247
 28,464
 36,593
Operating expenses(24,599) (41,087)(19,521) (37,284) (44,120) (78,371)
NOI$33,989
 $58,464
$29,115
 $54,315
 $63,104
 $112,779
          
NOI$33,989
 $58,464
$29,115
 $54,315
 $63,104
 $112,779
Depreciation and amortization(13,903) (26,915)(13,021) (23,922) (26,924) (50,837)
General and administrative(13,339) (12,078)(11,222) (11,960) (24,561) (24,038)
Loss on asset impairment(12,087) (1,286)
 (18,428) (12,087) (19,714)
Operating (loss) income(5,340) 18,185
Operating income (loss)4,872
 5
 (468) 18,190
          
Interest and other income, net5,780
 4,372
12,668
 6,019
 18,448
 10,391
Interest expense(10,115) (15,014)(6,350) (14,863) (16,465) (29,877)
Loss on early extinguishment of debt(4,867) 
(1,536) (63) (6,403) (63)
Gain on sale of properties, net205,211
 16,454
26,937
 3,136
 232,148
 19,590
Income from continuing operations before income taxes190,669
 23,997
Income tax expense(3,007) (175)
Net income$187,662
 $23,822
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes36,591
 (5,766) 227,260
 18,231
Income tax benefit (expense)456
 (45) (2,551) (220)
Net income (loss)$37,047
 $(5,811) $224,709
 $18,011

Related Person Transactions
 
For information about our related person transactions and about the risks that may arise as a result of these related person transactions and relationships, see Note 15 to the notes to our condensed consolidated financial statements included in Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report.

Item 3.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.
 
The Company's market risk has not changed materially from the amounts and information reported in Part II, Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk, to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017.
 
Item 4.  Controls and Procedures.
 
As of the end of the period covered by this report, our management carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our President and Chief Executive Officer and our Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or the Exchange Act, Rules 13a-15 and 15d-15. Based upon that evaluation, our President and Chief Executive Officer and our Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective.
 
There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended March 31,June 30, 2018 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.
 
We are or may be a party to various legal proceedings that arise in the ordinary course of business. We are not currently involved in any litigation nor, to our knowledge, is any litigation threatened against us where the outcome would, in our judgment based on information currently available to us, have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position or consolidated results of operations.

Item 1A. Risk Factors.
 
There have been no material changes to the risk factors relating to the Company disclosed in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017.

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.
 
Common Share Repurchase ProgramNot applicable.

The following table provides information with respect to the common share repurchases made by the Company during the quarter ended March 31, 2018:
Period Total Number of Shares Purchased (1) Average Price Paid per Share Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs Maximum Number or Approximate Dollar Value of Shares that May Yet be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs
February 2018 1,239,985
 $29.39
 1,239,985
 $113,566,087
March 2018 1,730,224
 $29.88
 1,730,224
 $130,893,395
Total 2,970,209
 $29.67
 2,970,209
 $130,893,395

(1) On August 24, 2015, our Board of Trustees approved a common share repurchase program. On March 15, 2017, our Board of Trustees authorized the repurchase of up to $150.0 million of our outstanding common shares over the twelve month period following the date of authorization. On March 14, 2018, our Board of Trustees authorized the repurchase of up to an additional $150.0 million of our outstanding common shares over the next twelve month period following the date of authorization.

Surrender of Common Shares for Tax Withholding

During the three months ended March 31, 2018, certain of our employees surrendered common shares owned by them to satisfy their statutory tax withholding obligations in connection with the vesting of restricted common shares and restricted stock units. 
The following table summarizes all of these repurchases during the three months ended March 31, 2018:
Period 
Total Number of Shares Purchased(1)
 Average Price Paid per Share Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs Maximum Number or Approximate Dollar Value of Shares that May Yet be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs
January 2018 298
 $29.79
 N/A N/A
February 2018 54,729
 $28.79
 N/A N/A
March 2018 2,321
 $30.27
 N/A N/A
Total 57,348
 $28.86
    

(1) The number of shares repurchased represents common shares surrendered by certain of our employees to satisfy their statutory minimum federal and state tax obligations associated with the vesting of restricted common shares and restricted stock units of beneficial interest. With respect to these shares, the price paid per share is based on the closing price of our common shares as of the date of the determination of the statutory minimum federal and state tax obligations.


Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities.
 
Not applicable.

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures.
 
Not applicable.

Item 5. Other Information.
 
Not applicable.


Item 6.  Exhibits.
Exhibit 
Number
Description
3.1
Articles of Amendment and Restatement of Declaration of Trust of the Company, dated July 1, 1994, as amended to date. (Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed August 1, 2014.)
  
3.2
Articles Supplementary, dated October 10, 2006. (Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed October 11, 2006.)
  
3.3
Articles Supplementary, dated May 31, 2011. (Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed May 31, 2011.)
  
3.4
Articles Supplementary, dated March 14, 2018. (Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed March 15, 2018.)
  
3.5
Third Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company, adopted March 15, 2017. (Incorporated by reference to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2017.)
  
4.1
Form of Common Share Certificate. (Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2014.)
  
4.2
Form of 61/2% Series D Cumulative Convertible Preferred Share Certificate. (Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012.)
  
4.3
Indenture, dated as of July 9, 1997, between the Company and State Street Bank and Trust Company, as Trustee. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.10 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997, File Number 001-09317.)
  
4.4
Supplemental Indenture No. 20, dated as of September 17, 2010, between the Company and U.S. Bank, relating to the Company’s 5.875% Senior Notes due 2020, including form thereof. (Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2010.)
  
10.1
Real Estate Sale Agreement by and among EQC 600 West Chicago Property LLC, EQC Operating Trust and Chicago Kingsbury, LLC, dated January 22, 2018. (Incorporated by reference to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed January 23, 2018.)
31.1
  
31.2
  
32.1
Section 1350 Certification. (Furnished herewith.)
  
101.1The following materials from the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31,June 30, 2018, formatted in XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language): (i) the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, (ii) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations, (iii) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss), (iv) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows and (v) related notes to these condensed consolidated financial statements, tagged as blocks of text and in detail. (Filed herewith.)

SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 
 EQUITY COMMONWEALTH
  
  
 By:/s/ David A. Helfand
  David A. Helfand
  President and Chief Executive Officer
  Dated:  May 8,July 31, 2018
   
   
 By:/s/ Adam S. Markman
  Adam S. Markman
  Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
  Dated:  May 8,July 31, 2018


36