United States
Securities And Exchange Commission
Washington, DC 20549
Form 10-Q
x QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended July 31, 2006
OR
oTRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from _____to_____
Commission File Number 1-12803
Urstadt Biddle Properties Inc.
(Exact Name of Registrant in its Charter)
Maryland | 04-2458042 |
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) | (I.R.S. Employer Identification Number) |
321 Railroad Avenue, Greenwich, CT | 06830 |
(Address of principal executive offices) | (Zip Code) |
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (203) 863-8200
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x No o
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of accelerated filer and non-accelerated filer in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act (Check one):
Large accelerated filer o | Accelerated filer x | Non-accelerated filer o |
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o No x
As of September 5, 2006, the number of shares of the Registrant's classes of Common Stock and Class A Common Stock was:
7,628,339 Common Shares, par value $.01 per share and 18,801,971 Class A Common Shares, par value $.01 per share
The Form 10-Q Filed Herewith, Contains 26 Pages, Numbered Consecutively From 1 To 26 Inclusive, Of Which
This Page Is 1.
1
Index | |
Urstadt Biddle Properties Inc. | |
Part I. Financial Information | |
Item 1. | Financial Statements (Unaudited) |
Item 2. | |
Item 3. | |
Item 4. | |
Part II. Other Information | |
Item 1. | Legal Proceedings |
Item 2. | Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds |
Item 6. | Exhibits |
Signatures |
2
URSTADT BIDDLE PROPERTIES INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands, except share data)
July 31, | October 31, | ||||||
2006 | 2005 | ||||||
ASSETS | (Unaudited | ) | |||||
Real Estate Investments: | |||||||
Core properties - at cost | $ | 487,189 | $ | 468,444 | |||
Non-core properties - at cost | 6,383 | 6,383 | |||||
493,572 | 474,827 | ||||||
Less: accumulated depreciation | (74,105 | ) | (65,253 | ) | |||
419,467 | 409,574 | ||||||
Mortgage notes receivable | 1,374 | 2,024 | |||||
420,841 | 411,598 | ||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | 4,183 | 26,494 | |||||
Restricted cash | 588 | 1,200 | |||||
Marketable securities | 2,678 | 2,453 | |||||
Tenant receivables, net of allowances of $1,519 and $1,409 | 17,017 | 14,442 | |||||
Prepaid expenses and other assets | 6,076 | 4,526 | |||||
Deferred charges, net of accumulated amortization | 4,641 | 3,726 | |||||
Total Assets | $ | 456,024 | $ | 464,439 | |||
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY | |||||||
Liabilities: | |||||||
Secured revolving credit line | $ | 3,000 | $ | - | |||
Mortgage notes payable | 104,923 | 111,786 | |||||
Accounts payable and accrued expenses | 2,605 | 3,991 | |||||
Deferred compensation - officers | 1,121 | 1,051 | |||||
Other liabilities | 5,019 | 4,699 | |||||
Total Liabilities | 116,668 | 121,527 | |||||
Minority interests | 5,318 | 5,318 | |||||
Redeemable Preferred Stock, par value $.01 per share; 20,000,000 shares authorized; | |||||||
8.99% Series B Senior Cumulative Preferred Stock (liquidation preference of $100 per share); 150,000 shares issued and outstanding | 14,341 | 14,341 | |||||
8.50% Series C Senior Cumulative Preferred Stock (liquidation preference of $100 per share); 400,000 shares issued and outstanding | 38,406 | 38,406 | |||||
Total Preferred Stock | 52,747 | 52,747 | |||||
Commitments and Contingencies | |||||||
Stockholders’ Equity: | |||||||
7.5% Series D Senior Cumulative Preferred Stock (liquidation preference of $25 per share); 2,450,000 shares issued and outstanding | 61,250 | 61,250 | |||||
Excess stock, par value $.01 per share; 10,000,000 shares authorized; none issued and outstanding | - | - | |||||
Common stock, par value $.01 per share; 30,000,000 shares authorized; | |||||||
7,628,339 and 7,429,331 shares issued and outstanding | 76 | 74 | |||||
Class A Common stock, par value $.01 per share; 40,000,000 shares authorized; | |||||||
18,801,971 and 18,705,800 shares issued and outstanding | 188 | 187 | |||||
Additional paid in capital | 261,329 | 267,365 | |||||
Cumulative distributions in excess of net income | (40,876 | ) | (35,007 | ) | |||
Accumulated other comprehensive income | 624 | 499 | |||||
Unamortized restricted stock compensation | - | (8,221 | ) | ||||
Officer note receivable | (1,300 | ) | (1,300 | ) | |||
Total Stockholders’ Equity | 281,291 | 284,847 | |||||
Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity | $ | 456,024 | $ | 464,439 |
The accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these statements.
3
URSTADT BIDDLE PROPERTIES INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (UNAUDITED)
(In thousands, except per share data)
Nine Months Ended | Three Months Ended | ||||||||||||
July 31, | July 31, | ||||||||||||
2006 | 2005 | 2006 | 2005 | ||||||||||
Revenues: | |||||||||||||
Base rents | $ | 41,552 | $ | 38,656 | $ | 13,841 | $ | 13,206 | |||||
Recoveries from tenants | 13,216 | 12,392 | 4,112 | 3,682 | |||||||||
Lease termination income | - | 184 | - | 184 | |||||||||
Interest and other | 1,055 | 657 | 236 | 275 | |||||||||
55,823 | 51,889 | 18,189 | 17,347 | ||||||||||
Operating Expenses: | |||||||||||||
Property operating | 9,286 | 8,249 | 2,680 | 2,380 | |||||||||
Property taxes | 7,602 | 6,763 | 2,610 | 2,304 | |||||||||
Interest | 6,301 | 6,402 | 2,057 | 2,080 | |||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 9,949 | 8,918 | 3,447 | 3,081 | |||||||||
General and administrative | 3,903 | 3,690 | 1,415 | 1,581 | |||||||||
Directors’ fees and expenses | 195 | 205 | 51 | 78 | |||||||||
37,236 | 34,227 | 12,260 | 11,504 | ||||||||||
Operating Income | 18,587 | 17,662 | 5,929 | 5,843 | |||||||||
Minority Interests | (141 | ) | (291 | ) | (47 | ) | (107 | ) | |||||
Income from Continuing Operations | 18,446 | 17,371 | 5,882 | 5,736 | |||||||||
Discontinued Operations: | |||||||||||||
Income from discontinued operating properties | - | 469 | - | 153 | |||||||||
Gains on sales of properties | - | 7,031 | - | 1,397 | |||||||||
Income from Discontinued Operations | - | 7,500 | - | 1,550 | |||||||||
Net Income | 18,446 | 24,871 | 5,882 | 7,286 | |||||||||
Preferred Stock Dividends | (7,007 | ) | (4,673 | ) | (2,336 | ) | (2,200 | ) | |||||
Net Income Applicable to Common and Class A Common Stockholders | $ | 11,439 | $ | 20,198 | $ | 3,546 | $ | 5,086 | |||||
Basic Earnings per Share: | |||||||||||||
Per Common Share: | |||||||||||||
Income from continuing operations | $ | .42 | $ | .48 | $ | .13 | $ | .13 | |||||
Income from discontinued operations | $ | - | $ | .28 | $ | - | $ | .06 | |||||
Net Income Applicable to Common Stockholders | $ | .42 | $ | .76 | $ | .13 | $ | .19 | |||||
Per Class A Common Share: | |||||||||||||
Income from continuing operations | $ | .47 | $ | .52 | $ | .15 | $ | .15 | |||||
Income from discontinued operations | $ | - | $ | .31 | $ | - | $ | .06 | |||||
Net Income Applicable to Class A Common Stockholders | $ | .47 | $ | .83 | $ | .15 | $ | .21 | |||||
Diluted Earnings Per Share: | |||||||||||||
Per Common Share: | |||||||||||||
Income from continuing operations | $ | .41 | $ | .47 | $ | .13 | $ | .13 | |||||
Income from discontinued operations | $ | - | $ | .27 | $ | - | $ | .06 | |||||
Net Income Applicable to Common Stockholders | $ | .41 | $ | .74 | $ | .13 | $ | .19 | |||||
Per Class A Common Share: | |||||||||||||
Income from continuing operations | $ | .46 | $ | .51 | $ | .14 | $ | .14 | |||||
Income from discontinued operations | $ | - | $ | .30 | $ | - | $ | .06 | |||||
Net Income Applicable to Class A Common Stockholders | $ | .46 | $ | .81 | $ | .14 | $ | .20 | |||||
Dividends per share: | |||||||||||||
Common | $ | .6075 | $ | .60 | $ | .2025 | $ | .20 | |||||
Class A Common | $ | .6750 | $ | .66 | $ | .2250 | $ | .22 |
The accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these statements.
4
URSTADT BIDDLE PROPERTIES INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)
(In thousands)
Nine Months Ended | |||||||
July 31, | |||||||
2006 | 2005 | ||||||
Cash Flows from Operating Activities: | |||||||
Net income | $ | 18,446 | $ | 24,871 | |||
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided | |||||||
by operating activities: | |||||||
Depreciation and amortization from continuing operations | 9,949 | 8,918 | |||||
Discontinued operations | - | (469 | ) | ||||
Straight-line rent adjustments | (898 | ) | (975 | ) | |||
Gains on sale of properties | - | (7,031 | ) | ||||
Change in value of deferred compensation arrangement | 4 | 332 | |||||
Restricted stock compensation expense | 1,493 | 1,200 | |||||
Gain on repayment of mortgage note receivable | (102 | ) | - | ||||
Minority interests | 141 | 291 | |||||
Increase in tenant receivables | (1,677 | ) | (2,443 | ) | |||
Decrease in accounts payable and accrued expenses | (1,386 | ) | (343 | ) | |||
Increase in other assets and other liabilities, net | (1,205 | ) | (1,218 | ) | |||
Decrease (Increase) in restricted cash | 612 | (11 | ) | ||||
Net Cash Flow Provided by Continuing Operating Activities | 25,377 | 23,122 | |||||
Operating Cash from Discontinued Operations | - | 814 | |||||
Net Cash Flow Provided by Operating Activities | 25,377 | 23,936 | |||||
Cash Flows from Investing Activities: | |||||||
Acquisitions of real estate investments | (16,711 | ) | (71,720 | ) | |||
Acquisition of limited partner interests in consolidated joint venture | - | (2,078 | ) | ||||
Net proceeds received from sales of properties | - | 17,767 | |||||
(Purchases) sales of marketable securities - net | (100 | ) | (13,102 | ) | |||
Improvements to properties and deferred charges | (4,004 | ) | (2,973 | ) | |||
Payments received on mortgage notes receivable | 751 | 63 | |||||
Distributions to limited partners of consolidated joint ventures | (141 | ) | (291 | ) | |||
Net Cash Flow Used in Investing Activities | (20,205 | ) | (72,334 | ) | |||
Cash Flows from Financing Activities: | |||||||
Proceeds from revolving credit line borrowings | 3,000 | 19,500 | |||||
Repayments on revolving credit line borrowings | - | (19,500 | ) | ||||
Proceeds from sales of Series D Preferred Stock | - | 59,441 | |||||
Dividends paid on Common and Class A Common Shares | (17,308 | ) | (16,795 | ) | |||
Dividends paid on Preferred shares | (7,007 | ) | (4,673 | ) | |||
Sales of additional Common and Class A Common Shares | 695 | 1,053 | |||||
Principal payments on mortgage notes payable | (6,863 | ) | (3,546 | ) | |||
Net Cash (Used In) Provided by Financing Activities | (27,483 | ) | 35,480 | ||||
Net Decrease In Cash and Cash Equivalents | (22,311 | ) | (12,918 | ) | |||
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period | 26,494 | 25,940 | |||||
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period | $ | 4,183 | $ | 13,022 | |||
Supplemental Cash Flow Disclosures: | |||||||
Interest Paid | $ | 6,301 | $ | 6,402 |
The accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these statements
5
URSTADT BIDDLE PROPERTIES INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (UNAUDITED)
(In thousands, except shares and per share data)
7.5% Series D Preferred Stock | Common Stock | Class A Common Stock | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Issued | Amount | Issued | Amount | Issued | Amount | Additional Paid In Capital | Cumulative Distributions In Excess of Net Income | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | Unamortized Restricted Stock Compensation And Officer Note Receivable | Total Stockholders’ Equity | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balances - October 31, 2005 | 2,450,000 | $ | 61,250 | 7,429,331 | $ | 74 | 18,705,800 | $ | 187 | $ | 267,365 | $ | (35,007 | ) | $ | 499 | $ | (9,521 | ) | $ | 284,847 | |||||||||||||
Reversal of unamortized stock compensation upon adoption of SFAS No. 123R | - | - | - | - | - | - | (8,221 | ) | - | - | 8,221 | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Comprehensive Income: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net income applicable to Common | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
and Class A common stockholders | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 11,439 | - | - | 11,439 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Change in unrealized gains in marketable securities | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 125 | - | 125 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Total comprehensive income | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 11,564 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Cash dividends paid : | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Common stock ($0.6075 per share) | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | (4,624 | ) | - | - | (4,624 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||
Class A common stock ($0.6750 per share) | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | (12,684 | ) | - | - | (12,684 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||
Issuance of shares under dividend | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
reinvestment plan | - | - | 23,708 | - | 12,621 | - | 588 | - | - | - | 588 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Exercise of stock options | - | - | 9,500 | - | 4,500 | - | 107 | - | - | - | 107 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Shares issued under restricted stock plan | - | - | 165,800 | 2 | 79,050 | 1 | (3 | ) | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Restricted stock compensation | - | - | - | - | - | - | 1,493 | - | - | - | 1,493 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Balances - July 31, 2006 | 2,450,000 | $ | 61,250 | 7,628,339 | $ | 76 | 18,801,971 | $ | 188 | $ | 261,329 | $ | (40,876 | ) | $ | 624 | $ | (1,300 | ) | $ | 281,291 |
The accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these statements.
6
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(1) ORGANIZATION, BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Business
Urstadt Biddle Properties Inc. (“Company”), a real estate investment trust (REIT), is engaged in the acquisition, ownership and management of commercial real estate, primarily neighborhood and community shopping centers in the northeastern part of the United States. Non-core assets include a retail building and industrial properties. The Company's major tenants include supermarket chains and other retailers who sell basic necessities. At July 31, 2006, the Company owned or had interests in 37 properties containing a total of 3.7 million square feet of leasable area.
Principles of Consolidation and Use of Estimates
The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company, its wholly owned subsidiaries, and joint ventures in which the Company meets certain criteria of a sole general partner in accordance with Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) Issue 04-5, “Investor’s Accounting for an Investment in a Limited Partnership when the Investor is the Sole General Partner and the Limited Partners Have Certain Rights.” The joint ventures are consolidated into the consolidated financial statements of the Company. All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles have been omitted. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Results of operations for the nine month period ended July 31, 2006, are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending October 31, 2006. It is suggested that these financial statements be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2005.
The preparation of financial statements requires management to make use of estimates and assumptions that affect amounts reported in the financial statements as well as certain disclosures. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The balance sheet at October 31, 2005 has been derived from audited financial statements at that date.
Reclassifications
Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.
Federal Income Taxes
The Company has elected to be treated as a real estate investment trust under Sections 856-860 of the Internal Revenue Code (Code). Under those sections, a REIT, that among other things, distributes at least 90% of real estate trust taxable income and meets certain other qualifications prescribed by the Code will not be taxed on that portion of its taxable income that is distributed. The Company believes it qualifies as a REIT and intends to distribute all of its taxable income for fiscal 2006 in accordance with the provisions of the code. Accordingly, no provision has been made for Federal income taxes in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.
Concentration of Credit Risk
Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, mortgage notes receivable and tenant receivables. The Company places its cash and cash equivalents in excess of insured amounts with high quality financial institutions. The Company performs ongoing credit evaluations of its tenants and may require certain tenants to provide security deposits or letters of credit. Though these security deposits and letters of credit are insufficient to meet the terminal value of a tenant’s lease obligation, they are a measure of good faith and a source of funds to offset the economic costs associated with lost rent and the costs associated with retenanting the space. There is no dependence upon any single tenant.
Marketable Securities
Marketable securities consist of short-term investments and marketable equity securities. Short-term investments (consisting of investments with original maturities of greater than three months when purchased) and marketable equity securities are carried at fair value. The Company has classified marketable securities as available for sale. Unrealized gains and losses on available for sale securities are recorded as other comprehensive income in Stockholders’ Equity. At July 31, 2006, accumulated other comprehensive income consists of net unrealized gains of $624,000. Unrealized gains included in accumulated other comprehensive income will be reclassified into earnings as gains are realized. For the nine month and three month period ended July 31, 2005, gains on sales of marketable securities amounted to $35,000 (none in fiscal 2006).
7
Earnings Per Share
The Company calculates basic and diluted earnings per share in accordance with SFAS No. 128, “Earnings Per Share.” Basic earnings per share (“EPS”) excludes the impact of dilutive shares and is computed by dividing net income applicable to Common and Class A Common stockholders by the weighted number of Common shares and Class A Common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted EPS reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue Common shares or Class A Common shares were exercised or converted into Common shares or Class A Common shares and then shared in the earnings of the Company. Since the cash dividends declared on the Company’s Class A Common stock are higher than the dividends declared on the Common Stock, basic and diluted EPS have been calculated using the “two-class” method. The two-class method is an earnings allocation formula that determines earnings per share for each class of common stock according to the weighted average of the dividends declared, outstanding shares per class and participation rights in undistributed earnings.
The following table sets forth the reconciliation between basic and diluted EPS (in thousands):
Nine Months Ended | Three Months Ended | ||||||||||||
July 31, | July 31, | ||||||||||||
2006 | 2005 | 2006 | 2005 | ||||||||||
Numerator | |||||||||||||
Net income applicable to common stockholders - basic | $ | 2,820 | $ | 4,967 | $ | 875 | $ | 1,254 | |||||
Effect of dilutive securities: | |||||||||||||
Operating partnership units | 158 | 217 | 51 | 67 | |||||||||
Net income applicable to common stockholders - diluted | $ | 2,978 | $ | 5,184 | $ | 926 | $ | 1,321 | |||||
Denominator | |||||||||||||
Denominator for basic EPS weighted average common shares | 6,657 | 6,557 | 6,671 | 6,580 | |||||||||
Effect of dilutive securities: | |||||||||||||
Restricted stock and other awards | 468 | 434 | 478 | 463 | |||||||||
Operating partnership units | 55 | 55 | 55 | 55 | |||||||||
Denominator for diluted EPS - weighted average common equivalent shares | 7,180 | 7,046 | 7,204 | 7,098 | |||||||||
Numerator | |||||||||||||
Net income applicable to Class A common stockholders-basic | $ | 8,619 | $ | 15,231 | $ | 2,671 | $ | 3,832 | |||||
Effect of dilutive securities: | |||||||||||||
Operating partnership units | (17 | ) | 74 | (3 | ) | 40 | |||||||
Net income applicable to Class A common stockholders - diluted | $ | 8,602 | $ | 15,305 | $ | 2,668 | $ | 3,872 | |||||
Denominator | |||||||||||||
Denominator for basic EPS - weighted average Class A common shares | 18,309 | 18,278 | 18,315 | 18,283 | |||||||||
Effect of dilutive securities: | |||||||||||||
Restricted stock and other awards | 299 | 310 | 305 | 325 | |||||||||
Operating partnership units | 55 | 310 | 55 | 310 | |||||||||
Denominator for diluted EPS - weighted average Class A common equivalent shares | 18,663 | 18,898 | 18,675 | 18,918 |
Segment Reporting
The Company operates in one industry segment, ownership of commercial real estate properties which are located principally in the northeastern United States. The Company does not distinguish its property operations for purposes of measuring performance. Accordingly, the Company believes it has a single reportable segment for disclosure purposes.
(2) CORE PROPERTIES
In March 2006, the Company acquired three retail properties aggregating 47,300 square feet of leasable space located in Pelham, New York and Flushing, New York. The three properties were acquired for an aggregate purchase price of $16.7 million (including closing costs of approximately $58,000) which was funded from available cash.
In June 2005, the Company acquired Staples Plaza (“Staples Plaza”), a 200,000 square foot shopping center located in Yorktown, New York for $28.5 million (including the assumption of a mortgage loan at its estimated fair value of $8.5 million and closing costs of approximately $113,000.) The assumption of the mortgage loan represents a non-cash financing activity and is therefore not included in the accompanying 2005 consolidated statement of cash flows.
8
Upon the acquisition of real estate properties, the fair value of the real estate purchased is allocated to the acquired tangible assets (consisting of land, buildings and building improvements), and identified intangible assets and liabilities, (consisting of above-market and below-market leases and in-place leases), in accordance with SFAS No. 141 “Business Combinations”. The Company utilizes methods similar to those used by independent appraisers in estimating the fair value of acquired assets and liabilities. The fair value of the tangible assets of an acquired property considers the value of the property “as-if-vacant”. The fair value reflects the depreciated replacement cost of the asset. In allocating purchase price to identified intangible assets and liabilities of an acquired property, the value of above-market and below-market leases are estimated based on the differences between (i) contractual rentals and the estimated market rents over the applicable lease term discounted back to the date of acquisition utilizing a discount rate adjusted for the credit risk associated with the respective tenants and (ii) the estimated cost of acquiring such leases giving effect to the Company’s history of providing tenant improvements and paying leasing commissions, offset by a vacancy period during which such space would be leased. The aggregate value of in-place leases is measured by the excess of (i) the purchase price paid for a property after adjusting existing in-place leases to market rental rates over (ii) the estimated fair value of the property “as-if-vacant,” determined as set forth above.
During the second quarter of fiscal 2006, the Company completed its evaluation of Staples Plaza. As a result of its evaluation, the Company allocated $77,000 to a liability associated with the net fair value assigned to the acquired leases at the property.
The Company is currently in the process of analyzing the fair value of in-place leases for the three retail properties acquired in March 2006 and consequently, no value has yet been assigned to the leases. Accordingly, the purchase price allocation is preliminary and may be subject to change.
The net amortization of above-market and below-market leases amounted to $79,000 and $459,000 for the nine months ended July 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively, which amounts are included in base rents in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.
The Company is the general partner in a consolidated limited partnership which owns a shopping center. The limited partnership has a defined termination date of December 31, 2097. Upon liquidation of the partnership, proceeds from the sale of partnership assets are to be distributed in accordance with the respective partner’s interest. If termination of the partnership occurred on July 31, 2006 the amount payable to the limited partners is estimated to be $3,300,000.
The Company has retained an affiliate of one of the limited partners to provide management and leasing services to the property at an annual fee of $125,000 through June 2007. For the nine months and three months ended July 31, 2006 and 2005, the affiliate received payments of $93,750 and $31,250 respectively for such services rendered.
In June 2006, the Company made a payment of $1.5 million to a tenant at its Towne Centre at Somers Shopping Center in exchange for the tenant’s agreement to terminate its lease effective June 30, 2006. The termination of the lease permitted the Company to enter into a new lease with an unrelated tenant for the vacated space. The Company will account for the $1.5 million payment as a lease incentive and amortize the payment over the new lease term.
(3) DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
In fiscal 2005, the Company sold, in separate transactions, two properties for an aggregate sales price of approximately $19 million, resulting in gains on sales of properties of approximately $7.0 million.
The Company follows the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets” (SFAS No. 144). SFAS No. 144 requires, among other things, that the assets and liabilities and the results of operations of the Company’s properties which have been sold or otherwise qualify as held for sale be classified as discontinued operations and presented separately in the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
The operating results for the two properties sold have been reclassified as discontinued operations in the accompanying 2005 consolidated statements of income. The following table summarizes revenues and expenses for the Company’s discontinued operations (amounts in thousands):
Nine months Ended | Three Months Ended | ||||||
July 31, 2005 | July 31, 2005 | ||||||
Revenues | $ | 1,736 | $ | 458 | |||
Property operating expenses | (922 | ) | (237 | ) | |||
Depreciation and amortization | (345 | ) | (68 | ) | |||
Income from discontinued operations | $ | 469 | $ | 153 |
(4) MORTGAGE NOTES PAYABLE AND BANK LINES OF CREDIT
Mortgage notes payable are due in installments over various periods to fiscal 2012 at effective rates of interest ranging from 5.75% to 7.99% and are collateralized by real estate investments having a net carrying value of $178,689,000 at July 31, 2006. In May 2006, the Company repaid a mortgage note payable in the principal amount of $4.975 million from available cash.
9
The Company has a secured revolving credit facility with a commercial bank (the “Secured Credit Facility”) which provides for borrowings of up to $30 million. The Secured Credit Facility expires in April 2008 and is collateralized by first mortgage liens on two of the Company’s properties. Interest on outstanding borrowings is at prime + ½% or LIBOR + 1.5%. The Secured Credit Facility requires the Company to maintain certain debt service coverage ratios during its term. The Company pays an annual fee of 0.25% on the unused portion of the Secured Credit Facility. The Secured Credit Facility is available to fund acquisitions, capital expenditures, mortgage repayments, working capital and other general corporate purposes. At July 31, 2006 there were $3 million in outstanding borrowings under the secured revolving credit facility. Outstanding borrowings bear interest at a current rate of 6.6875% per annum.
Prior to June 30, 2006, the Company had a $30 million unsecured line of credit (“Unsecured Credit Line”) arrangement with the same bank. On June 30, 2006, the Company exercised its right to cancel the Unsecured Credit Line. There were no outstanding borrowings under the Unsecured Credit Line on June 30, 2006.
(5) STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
In fiscal 2005, the Company sold 2,450,000 shares of a new 7.5% Series D Senior Cumulative Preferred Stock issue (“Series D Preferred Stock”) in a public offering. The Series D Preferred Stock has no maturity and is not convertible into any other security of the Company. The Series D Preferred Stock is redeemable at the Company’s option on or after April 12, 2010 at a price of $25.00 per share plus accrued and unpaid dividends. Underwriting commissions and costs incurred in connection with the sale of the Series D Preferred Stock are reflected as a reduction of additional paid in capital.
In fiscal 2005, the Board of Directors of the Company approved a stock repurchase program for the repurchase of up to 500,000 shares of Common Stock and Class A common stock in the aggregate. As of July 31, 2006, the Company had repurchased 3,600 shares of Common Stock and 41,400 shares of Class A Common Stock at an aggregate repurchase cost of $686,000. There were no repurchases during the first nine months of fiscal 2006.
Stock Plans and Stock-based Compensation
At July 31, 2006, the Company had two stock-based employee compensation plans which are described more fully below. Prior to November 1, 2005, the Company accounted for those plans under the recognition and measurement provisions of APB Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees,” (“APB No.25”) and related Interpretations, as permitted by FASB Statement No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation.” Effective November 1, 2005, the Company adopted the fair value recognition provisions of FASB Statement No.123(R), “Share-Based Payment,” (“SFAS No.123R”) using the modified-prospective-transition method. Under that transition method, compensation expense recognized in fiscal 2006, for all share-based payments granted subsequent to November 1, 2005, is based on the fair value of the stock awards less estimated forfeitures in accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 123(R). The fair value of stock awards is equal to the fair value of the Company’s stock on the grant date. Results for prior periods have not been restated.
Restricted Stock Plan
The Company has a restricted stock plan (the “Plan”) for key employees and directors of the Company. The Plan, as amended, permits the grant of up to 2,000,000 shares of the Company’s common equity consisting of 350,000 Common shares, 350,000 Class A Common shares and 1,300,000 shares, which at the discretion of the Company’s compensation committee, may be awarded in any combination of Class A Common shares or Common shares.
Prior to November 1, 2005, the grant date fair value of nonvested restricted stock awards was expensed over the explicit vesting periods. Such awards provided for continued vesting after retirement. Upon adoption of SFAS No. 123R, the Company changed its policy for recognizing compensation expense for restricted stock awards to the earlier of the explicit vesting period or the date a participant first becomes eligible for retirement. For nonvested restricted stock awards granted prior to the adoption of SFAS No.123R, the Company will continue to recognize compensation expense over the explicit vesting periods and accelerate any remaining unrecognized compensation cost when a participant actually retires. Had compensation expense for nonvested restricted stock awards issued prior to November 1, 2005 been determined based on the date a participant first becomes eligible for retirement, the Company’s net income in the nine month period ended July 31, 2006 would have increased by $414,000 and, in the nine month period ended July 31, 2005, would have decreased by $859,000.
Consistent with the provisions of APB No.25, the Company recorded the fair value of nonvested restricted stock grants and an offsetting unearned compensation amount within stockholders equity. Under SFAS No.123R an equity instrument is not considered to be issued until the instrument vests. Accordingly, the Company has reversed $8,221,000 of restricted stock compensation included in stockholders equity as of November 1, 2005 representing the nonvested portions of restricted stock grants awarded prior to the effective date of SFAS No.123R.
In January 2006, the Company awarded 165,800 shares of Common Stock and 79,050 shares of Class A Common Stock to participants in the Plan. The grant date fair value of restricted stock grants awarded to participants in January 2006 was $3.9 million. As of July 31, 2006, there remained a total of $10.6 million of unrecognized restricted stock compensation related to nonvested restricted stock grants awarded under the Plan. The restricted stock compensation is expected to be expensed over a remaining weighted average period of 8 years. For the nine months ended July 31, 2006 and 2005 amounts charged to compensation expense totaled $1,493,000 and $1,200,000, respectively.
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A summary of the status of the Company’s nonvested restricted stock awards as of July 31, 2006, and changes during the nine months ended July 31, 2006 are presented below:
Common Shares | Class A Common Shares | ||||||||||||
Shares | Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value | Shares | Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value | ||||||||||
Nonvested at November 1, 2005 | 823,175 | $ | 12.19 | 435,925 | $ | 11.16 | |||||||
Granted | 165,800 | $ | 15.90 | 79,050 | $ | 16.42 | |||||||
Vested | (49,000 | ) | $ | 7.06 | (49,000 | ) | $ | 7.25 | |||||
Nonvested at July 31, 2006 | 939,975 | $ | 13.10 | 465,975 | $ | 12.46 |
Stock Option Plan
The Company also has a stock option plan whereby shares were reserved for issuance to key employees and Directors of the Company. Options are granted at fair market value on the date of the grant, have a duration of ten years from the date of grant, and vest over a maximum period of four years from the date of grant. There were no grants of stock options in fiscal 2006 or 2005. At July 31, 2006, there were outstanding stock options to purchase 7,898 shares of Common Stock and 7,859 shares of Class A Common Stock and all stock options granted by the Company were fully vested; as such, future years will not reflect any option-related compensation expense under SFAS No. 123R unless additional stock options are granted.
Dividend Reinvestment and Share Purchase Plan
The Company has a Dividend Reinvestment and Share Purchase Plan, as amended, which permits shareholders to acquire additional shares of Common Stock and Class A Common Stock by automatically reinvesting dividends. During the nine months ended July 31, 2006, the Company issued 23,708 shares of Common Stock and 12,621 shares of Class A Common Stock through the Plan. At July 31, 2006, there remained 216,809 shares of Common Stock and 496,840 shares of Class A Common Stock available for issuance under the Plan.
(6) MORTGAGE NOTES RECEIVABLE
In January 2006, a mortgage note receivable in the principal amount of $707,000 was fully paid by the borrower. For financial reporting purposes, the mortgage note was recorded at a discounted amount which reflected the market rates at the time of acceptance of the note. Upon repayment of the note, the Company recorded a gain on the repayment of $102,000, which amount is included in other income in the accompanying consolidated statement of income in the nine months ended July 31, 2006.
(7) PRO FORMA FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)
The unaudited pro forma financial information set forth below is based upon the Company’s historical consolidated statements of income for the nine months ended July 31, 2005 adjusted to give effect to the acquisitions of two properties in fiscal 2005 and the issuance of Series D Preferred Stock as though these transactions were completed on November 1, 2004.
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The pro forma financial information is presented for informational purposes only and may not be indicative of what the actual results of operations would have been had the transactions occurred as of the beginning of the period nor does it purport to represent the results of future operations. (Amounts in thousands, except per share figures).
Nine months Ended | ||||
July 31, 2005 | ||||
Pro forma revenues | $ | 54,800 | ||
Pro forma income from continuing operations | $ | 18,886 | ||
Pro forma income from continuing operations applicable to Common and Class A Common stockholders | $ | 12,687 | ||
Pro forma basic shares outstanding: | ||||
Common and Common Equivalent | 6,557 | |||
Class A Common and Class A Common Equivalent | 18,278 | |||
Pro forma diluted shares outstanding: | ||||
Common and Common Equivalent | 7,046 | |||
Class A Common and Class A Common Equivalent | 18,898 | |||
Pro forma earnings per share from continuing operations: | ||||
Basic: | ||||
Common | $ | 0.48 | ||
Class A Common | $ | 0.52 | ||
Diluted: | ||||
Common | $ | 0.47 | ||
Class A Common | $ | 0.51 |
(8) REDEEMABLE PREFERRED STOCK
The 8.99% Series B Senior Cumulative Preferred Stock (“Series B Preferred Stock”) and 8.50% Series C Senior Cumulative Preferred Stock (“Series C Preferred Stock”) have no stated maturity, are not subject to any sinking fund or mandatory redemption and are not convertible into other securities or property of the Company. Commencing May 2008 (Series B Preferred Stock) and May 2013 (Series C Preferred Stock), the Company, at its option, may redeem the preferred stock issues, in whole or in part, at a redemption price of $100 per share, plus all accrued dividends. Upon a change in control of the Company (as defined), each holder of Series B Preferred Stock and Series C Preferred Stock has the right, at such holder’s option, to require the Company to repurchase all or any part of such holder’s stock for cash at a repurchase price of $100 per share, plus all accrued and unpaid dividends.
The Series B Preferred Stock and Series C Preferred Stock contain covenants, which require the Company to maintain certain financial coverages relating to fixed charge and capitalization ratios. Shares of both Preferred Stock series are non-voting; however, under certain circumstances (relating to non-payment of dividends or failure to comply with the financial covenants) the preferred stockholders will be entitled to elect two directors. The Company was in compliance with such covenants at July 31, 2006.
As the holders of the Series B Preferred Stock and Series C Preferred Stock only have a contingent right to require the Company to repurchase all or part of such holders shares upon a change of control of the Company (as defined), the Series B Preferred Stock and Series C Preferred Stock are classified as redeemable equity instruments as a change in control is not certain to occur.
(9) COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
At July 31, 2006, the Company had commitments of approximately $1 million for tenant related obligations.
In the normal course of business, from time to time, the Company is involved in legal actions relating to the ownership and operations of its properties. In management’s opinion, the liabilities, if any that may ultimately result from such legal actions are not expected to have a material adverse effect on the consolidated financial position, results of operations or liquidity of the Company.
(10) SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
On September 7, 2006, the Board of Directors of the Company declared cash dividends of $0.2025 for each share of Common Stock and $0.2250 for each share of Class A Common Stock. The dividends are payable on October 20, 2006 to shareholders of record on October 6, 2006.
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The following discussion is based on our consolidated financial statements as of July 31, 2006 and 2005 and for the nine month and three month periods then ended. This information should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements of the Company and the notes thereto included elsewhere in this report.
Forward Looking Statements
This Item 2 includes certain statements that may be deemed to be “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in this Item 2 that address activities, events or developments that the Company expects, believes or anticipates will or may occur in the future, including such matters as future capital expenditures, dividends and acquisitions (including the amount and nature thereof), business strategies, expansion and growth of the Company’s operations and other such matters are forward-looking statements. These statements are based on certain assumptions and analyses made by the Company in light of its experience and its perception of historical trends, current conditions, expected future developments and other factors it believes are appropriate. Such statements are subject to a number of assumptions, risks and uncertainties, including general economic and business conditions, the business opportunities that may be presented to and pursued by the Company, changes in laws or regulations and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. For a discussion of some of these factors, see the risk factors set forth in “Item 1A Risk Factors” of the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended October 31, 2005. Any such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements.
Executive Summary
The Company, a REIT, is a fully integrated, self-administered real estate company, engaged in the acquisition, ownership and management of commercial real estate, primarily neighborhood and community shopping centers in the northeastern part of the United States. Non core assets include office and retail buildings and industrial properties. The Company’s major tenants include supermarket chains and other retailers who sell basic necessities. At July 31, 2006, the Company owned or had controlling interests in 37 properties containing a total of 3.7 million square feet of gross leasable area (“GLA”) of which approximately 97% was leased.
The Company derives substantially all of its revenues from rents and operating expense reimbursements received pursuant to long-term leases and focuses its investment activities on community and neighborhood shopping centers, anchored principally by regional supermarket chains. The Company believes, because of the need of consumers to purchase food and other staple goods and services generally available at supermarket-anchored shopping centers, that the nature of its investments provide for relatively stable revenue flows even during difficult economic times.
The Company focuses on increasing cash flow, and consequently the value of its properties, and seeks continued growth through strategic re-leasing, renovations and expansion of its existing properties and selective acquisition of income producing properties, primarily neighborhood and community shopping centers in the northeastern part of the United States.
Key elements of the Company’s growth strategies and operating policies are to:
§ | Acquire neighborhood and community shopping centers in the northeastern part of the United States with a concentration in Fairfield County, Connecticut, and Westchester and Putnam Counties, New York |
§ | Hold core properties for long-term investment and enhance their value through regular maintenance, periodic renovation and capital improvement |
§ | Selectively dispose of non-core assets and re-deploy the proceeds into properties located in the Company’s preferred region |
§ | Increase property values by aggressively marketing available GLA and renewing existing leases |
§ | Renovate, reconfigure or expand existing properties to meet the needs of existing or new tenants |
§ | Negotiate and sign leases which provide for regular or fixed contractual increases to minimum rents |
§ | Control property operating and administrative costs |
A significant portion of the Company’s historic growth has come through acquisitions. However, the acquisition environment has become more competitive over the last several years and it has become increasingly difficult to find acquisitions that meet the Company’s financial return objectives. Given the difficult acquisition market and our current expectations, we anticipate a slower growth rate in the foreseeable future.
Critical Accounting Policies
Critical accounting policies are those that are both important to the presentation of the Company’s financial condition and results of operations and require management’s most difficult, complex or subjective judgments. Set forth below is a summary of the accounting policies that management believes are critical to the preparation of the consolidated financial statements. This summary should be read in conjunction with the more complete discussion of the Company’s accounting policies included in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements of the Company for the year ended October 31, 2005.
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Revenue Recognition
Revenues from operating leases include revenues from core properties and non-core properties. Rental income is generally recognized based on the terms of leases entered into with tenants. In those instances in which the Company funds tenant improvements and the improvements are deemed to be owned by the Company, revenue recognition will commence when the improvements are substantially completed and possession or control of the space is turned over to the tenant. When the Company determines that the tenant allowances are lease incentives, the Company commences revenue recognition when possession or control of the space is turned over to the tenant for tenant work to begin.
The Company records base rents on a straight-line basis over the term of each lease. The excess of rents recognized over amounts contractually due pursuant to the underlying leases is included in tenant receivables on the accompanying balance sheets. Most leases contain provisions that require tenants to reimburse a pro-rata share of real estate taxes and certain common area expenses. Adjustments are also made throughout the year to tenant receivables and the related cost recovery income based upon the Company’s best estimate of the final amounts to be billed and collected.
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
The allowance for doubtful accounts is established based on a quarterly analysis of the risk of loss on specific accounts. The analysis places particular emphasis on past-due accounts and considers information such as the nature and age of the receivables, the payment history of the tenants or other debtors, the financial condition of the tenants and any guarantors and management’s assessment of their ability to meet their lease obligations, the basis for any disputes and the status of related negotiations, among other things. Management’s estimates of the required allowance is subject to revision as these factors change and is sensitive to the effects of economic and market conditions on tenants, particularly those at retail centers. Estimates are used to establish reimbursements from tenants for common area maintenance, real estate tax and insurance costs. The Company analyzes the balance of its estimated accounts receivable for real estate taxes, common area maintenance and insurance for each of its properties by comparing actual recoveries versus actual expenses and any actual write-offs. Based on its analysis, the Company may record an additional amount in its allowance for doubtful accounts related to these items. It is also the Company’s policy to maintain an allowance of approximately 10% of the deferred straight-line rents receivable balance for future tenant credit losses.
Real Estate
Land, buildings, property improvements, furniture/fixtures and tenant improvements are recorded at cost. Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are charged to operations as incurred. Renovations and/or replacements, which improve or extend the life of the asset, are capitalized and depreciated over their estimated useful lives.
The amounts to be capitalized as a result of an acquisition and the periods over which the assets are depreciated or amortized are determined based on estimates as to fair value and the allocation of various costs to the individual assets. The Company allocates the cost of an acquisition based upon the estimated fair value of the net assets acquired. The Company also estimates the fair value of intangibles related to its acquisitions. The valuation of the fair value of intangibles involves estimates related to market conditions, probability of lease renewals and the current market value of in-place leases. This market value is determined by considering factors such as the tenant’s industry, location within the property and competition in the specific region in which the property operates. Differences in the amounts attributed to the intangible assets can be significant based upon the assumptions made in calculating these estimates.
The Company is required to make subjective assessments as to the useful life of its properties for purposes of determining the amount of depreciation. These assessments have a direct impact on the Company’s net income.
Properties are depreciated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. The estimated useful lives are as follows:
Buildings | 30-40 years |
Property Improvements | 10-20 years |
Furniture/Fixtures | 3-10 years |
Tenant Improvements | Shorter of lease term or their useful life |
Asset Impairment
On a periodic basis, management assesses whether there are any indicators that the value of the real estate properties and mortgage notes receivable may be impaired. A property value is considered impaired when management’s estimate of current and projected operating cash flows (undiscounted and without interest) of the property over its remaining useful life is less than the net carrying value of the property. Such cash flow projections consider factors such as expected future operating income, trends and prospects, as well as the effects of demand, competition and other factors. To the extent impairment has occurred, the loss is measured as the excess of the net carrying amount of the property over the fair value of the asset. Changes in estimated future cash flows due to changes in the Company’s plans or market and economic conditions could result in recognition of impairment losses which could be substantial. Management does not believe that the value of any of its rental properties or mortgage note receivable is impaired at July 31, 2006.
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Liquidity and Capital Resources
At July 31, 2006, the Company had unrestricted cash and cash equivalents of $4.2 million compared to $26.5 million at October 31, 2005. The Company's sources of liquidity and capital resources include its cash and cash equivalents, bank borrowings and long-term mortgage debt, capital financings and sales of real estate investments. Payments of expenses related to real estate operations, debt service, management and professional fees, and dividend requirements place demands on the Company's short-term liquidity.
Cash Flows
The Company expects to meet its short-term liquidity requirements primarily by generating net cash from the operations of its properties. The Company believes that its net cash provided by operations will be sufficient to fund its short-term liquidity requirements for fiscal 2006 and to meet its dividend requirements necessary to maintain its REIT status. The Company expects to continue paying regular dividends to its stockholders. These dividends will be paid from operating cash flows which are expected to increase principally from property acquisitions and growth in operating income in the existing portfolio. The Company derives substantially all of its revenues from tenants under existing leases at its properties. The Company’s operating cash flow therefore depends on the rents that it is able to charge to its tenants, and the ability of its tenants to make rental payments. The Company believes that the nature of the properties in which it typically invests ― primarily grocery-anchored neighborhood and community shopping centers ― provides a more stable revenue flow in uncertain economic times, in that consumers still need to purchase basic staples and convenience items. However, even in the geographic areas in which the Company owns properties, general economic downturns may adversely impact the ability of the Company’s tenants to make lease payments and the Company’s ability to re-lease space as leases expire. In either of these cases, the Company’s cash flow could be adversely affected.
Net Cash Flows From:
Operating Activities
Net cash flows provided by operating activities amounted to $25.4 million in the nine months ended July 31, 2006, compared to $23.9 million in the comparable period of fiscal 2005. The changes in operating cash flows are primarily the result of the additional operating cash flows from new properties acquired in 2006 and 2005.
.
Investing Activities
Net cash flows used in investing activities were $20.2 million in the nine months ended July 31, 2006 compared to $72.3 million in the same period in fiscal 2005. The net cash flows in fiscal 2005 reflect the acquisitions of two retail properties for approximately $71.7 million and the sales of two properties for net proceeds of $17.8 million. Sale proceeds were used to purchase marketable securities in fiscal 2005. In fiscal 2006, the Company acquired three retail properties at an aggregate purchase price of $16.7 million. The Company also spent $4.0 million on property improvements and tenant costs in fiscal 2006 compared to $3.0 million in fiscal 2005.
Financing Activities
Net cash flows used in financing activities amounted to $27.5 million in fiscal 2006 and net cash flows provided by financing activities amounted to $35.5 million in 2005. In fiscal 2005, the Company borrowed $19.5 million under its bank lines of credit, which amounts were fully repaid during the year and received net proceeds of $59.4 million from sales of Series D Preferred Stock. Quarterly distributions paid to shareholders totaled $24.3 million during the first nine months in fiscal 2006 compared to $21.5 million for the same period in fiscal 2005. The increase in distributions reflects dividends paid on shares of Series D Preferred Stock issued in fiscal 2005.
Capital Resources
The Company expects to fund its long-term liquidity requirements such as property acquisitions, repayment of indebtedness and capital expenditures through other long-term indebtedness (including indebtedness assumed in acquisitions), proceeds from sales of properties and/or the issuance of equity securities. The Company believes that these sources of capital will continue to be available to it in the future to fund its long-term capital needs; however, there are certain factors that may have a material adverse effect on its access to capital sources. The Company’s ability to incur additional debt is dependent upon its existing leverage, the value of its unencumbered assets and borrowing limitations imposed by existing lenders. The Company’s ability to raise funds through sales of equity securities is dependent on, among other things, general market conditions for REITs, market perceptions about the Company and its stock price in the market. The Company’s ability to sell properties in the future to raise cash will be dependent upon market conditions at the time of sale.
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Financings and Debt
In fiscal 2005 the Company publicly announced that its Board of Directors approved a share repurchase program of up to 500,000 shares, in the aggregate, of the Company’s Common and Class A Common Stock. The program does not have a specific expiration date and may be discontinued at any time. There is no assurance that the Company will repurchase the full amount of shares authorized. There were no repurchases of shares under this program in the first nine months of fiscal 2006. As of July 31, 2006, the Company repurchased a total of 3,600 shares of common stock and 41,400 shares of Class A Common Stock at an aggregate cost of $686,000.
In fiscal 2005, the Company sold 2,450,000 shares of 7.5% Series D Senior Cumulative Preferred Stock (“Series D Preferred Stock”) in a public offering for net proceeds of approximately $59.4 million. The Company utilized the net proceeds from the Series D Preferred Stock sales to repay all of its then outstanding revolving credit line indebtedness of $19.5 million and to fund the cash portion of the purchase price of properties acquired in fiscal 2006 and 2005.
The Company is exposed to interest rate risk primarily through its borrowing activities. There is inherent rollover risk for borrowings as they mature and are renewed at current market rates. The extent of this risk is not quantifiable or predictable because of the variability of future interest rates and the Company’s future financing requirements.
Mortgage notes payable of $104.9 million consist of fixed rate mortgage loan indebtedness with a weighted average interest rate of 7.3% at July 31, 2006. The mortgage loans are secured by sixteen properties with a net book value of $179.0 million and have fixed rates of interest ranging from 5.75% to 7.99%. In May 2006, the Company fully repaid a mortgage note payable in the principal amount of $4.975 million. There are no other mortgage notes which mature prior to fiscal 2007. The Company may refinance any or all of its mortgage loans, at or prior to scheduled maturity, through replacement mortgage loans. The ability to do so, however, is dependent upon various factors, including the income level of the properties, interest rates and credit conditions within the commercial real estate market. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that such refinancings can be achieved.
The Company has a secured revolving credit facility with a commercial bank which provides for borrowings of up to $30 million for a three year period ending in fiscal 2008. The secured credit line is available to finance the acquisition, management and/or development of commercial real estate, refinance indebtedness and for working capital purposes. The secured revolving credit facility is collateralized by two properties having a net book value of $27.3 million at July 31, 2006. In May 2006, the Company borrowed $3 million under the secured revolving credit facility, which amount remained outstanding at July 31, 2006.
The Company also had an unsecured revolving line of credit with the same bank for $30 million. Effective June 30, 2006, the Company cancelled the unsecured credit line. There were no borrowings on this line of credit.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
During the quarter ended July 31, 2006 the Company did not have any off-balance sheet arrangements.
Capital Expenditures
The Company invests in its existing properties and regularly incurs capital expenditures in the ordinary course of business to maintain its properties. The Company believes that such expenditures enhance the competitiveness of its properties. During the nine months ended July 31, 2006, the Company incurred approximately $4.0 million for capital expenditures which consisted of $1,435,000 for property improvements, $864,000 for tenant improvements and $1,778,000 for leasing commissions and tenant buyouts. The amounts of these expenditures can vary significantly depending on tenant negotiations, market conditions and rental rates. The Company expects to incur approximately $3.8 million for anticipated capital improvements and leasing costs during the next twelve months. These expenditures are expected to be funded from operating cash flows or borrowings.
Acquisitions
The Company seeks to acquire properties (primarily shopping centers) located in the northeastern part of the United States with a concentration in Fairfield County, Connecticut and Westchester and Putnam Counties, New York. In March 2006, the Company acquired three retail properties in its preferred region totaling 47,300 square feet of leasable space at an aggregate purchase price of $16.7 million (including closing costs).
Sales
In fiscal 2005, the Company sold two properties, in separate transactions, for sale prices totaling approximately $19 million and recorded gains on the sales of approximately $7.0 million. There were no sales of properties in fiscal 2006.
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Non-Core Assets
In a prior year, the Company's Board of Directors expanded and refined the strategic objectives of the Company to refocus its real estate portfolio into one of self-managed retail properties located in the northeast and authorized the sale of the Company’s non-core properties in the normal course of business over a period of several years. The non-core properties consist of two distribution service facilities and one retail property (all of which are located outside of the northeast region of the United States). The Company intends to sell its non-core properties as opportunities become available. The Company’s ability to generate cash from asset sales is dependent upon market conditions and will necessarily be limited if market conditions make such sales unattractive. There were no sales of non-core assets during the nine months ended July 31, 2006. At July 31, 2006, the three remaining non-core properties have a net book value of approximately $2.7 million.
Funds from Operations
The Company reports Funds from Operations (“FFO”) in addition to its net income applicable to common stockholders and net cash provided by operating activities. The Company considers Funds from Operations to be an additional measure of an equity REIT’s operating performance. Management has adopted the definition suggested by The National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts (“NAREIT”) and defines FFO to mean net income (computed in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”)) excluding gains (or losses) from sales of property, plus real estate related depreciation and amortization and after adjustments for unconsolidated joint ventures.
Management considers FFO a meaningful, additional measure of operating performance because it primarily excludes the assumption that the value of its real estate assets diminishes predictably over time and industry analysts have accepted it as a performance measure. FFO is presented to assist investors in analyzing the performance of the Company. It is helpful as it excludes various items included in net income that are not indicative of the Company’s operating performance, such as gains (or losses) from sales of property and deprecation and amortization. However, FFO:
§ | does not represent cash flows from operating activities in accordance with GAAP (which, unlike FFO, generally reflects all cash effects of transactions and other events in the determination of net income); and |
§ | should not be considered an alternative to net income as an indication of the Company’s performance. |
FFO, as defined by us, may not be comparable to similarly titled items reported by other real estate investment trusts due to possible differences in the application of the NAREIT definition used by such REITs. The table below provides a reconciliation of net income applicable to Common and Class A Common Stockholders in accordance with GAAP to FFO for the nine months and three months ended July 31, 2006 and 2005 (amounts in thousands).
Nine months Ended | Three Months Ended | ||||||||||||
July 31, | July 31, | ||||||||||||
2006 | 2005 | 2006 | 2005 | ||||||||||
Net Income Applicable to Common and Class A Common Stockholders | $ | 11,439 | $ | 20,198 | $ | 3,546 | $ | 5,086 | |||||
Plus: Real property depreciation | 7,571 | 6,747 | 2,561 | 2,414 | |||||||||
Amortization of tenant improvements and allowances | 1,877 | 1,717 | 728 | 515 | |||||||||
Amortization of deferred leasing costs | 436 | 456 | 137 | 159 | |||||||||
Depreciation and amortization on discontinued operations | - | 345 | - | 68 | |||||||||
Less: Gains on sales of properties | - | (7,031 | ) | - | (1,397 | ) | |||||||
Funds from Operations Applicable to Common and Class A Common Stockholders | $ | 21,323 | $ | 22,432 | $ | 6,972 | $ | 6,845 | |||||
Net Cash Provided by (Used in): | |||||||||||||
Operating Activities | $ | 25,377 | $ | 23,936 | $ | 10,670 | $ | 7,490 | |||||
Investing Activities | $ | (20,205 | ) | $ | (72,334 | ) | $ | (2,420 | ) | $ | (28,572 | ) | |
Financing Activities | $ | (27,483 | ) | $ | 35,480 | $ | (10,465 | ) | $ | 25,421 |
FFO amounted to $21.3 million during the first nine months of fiscal 2006 compared to $22.4 million in fiscal 2005. The change in FFO is attributable to a slightly lower occupancy level compared to a year ago and a flattening of rental revenue growth in 2006. In addition FFO decreased due to higher general and administrative expenses and the effect of low yielding returns on the temporary investment of proceeds remaining from the sales of the Company’s Series D Preferred Stock in fiscal 2005. See discussion which follows.
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Results of Operations
The following information summarizes the Company’s results of operations for the nine month and three month periods ended July 31, 2006 and 2005 (amounts in thousand):
Nine Months Ended | |||||||||||||||||||
July 31, | Change Attributable to: | ||||||||||||||||||
Revenues | 2006 | 2005 | Increase (Decrease) | % Change | Property Acquisitions | Properties Held In Both Periods | |||||||||||||
Base rents | $ | 41,552 | $ | 38,656 | $ | 2,896 | 7.5 | % | $ | 2,657 | $ | 239 | |||||||
Recoveries from tenants | 13,216 | 12,392 | 824 | 6.6 | % | 872 | (48 | ) | |||||||||||
Interest and other | 1,055 | 657 | 398 | 60.6 | % | n/a | n/a | ||||||||||||
Operating Expenses | |||||||||||||||||||
Property operating | 9,286 | 8,249 | 1,037 | 12.6 | % | 732 | 305 | ||||||||||||
Property taxes | 7,602 | 6,763 | 839 | 12.4 | % | 652 | 187 | ||||||||||||
Interest | 6,301 | 6,402 | (101 | ) | (1.6 | %) | 322 | (423 | ) | ||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 9,949 | 8,918 | 1,031 | 11.6 | % | 685 | 346 | ||||||||||||
General and administrative | 3,903 | 3,690 | 213 | 5.8 | % | n/a | n/a |
Three Months Ended | |||||||||||||||||||
July 31, | Change Attributable to: | ||||||||||||||||||
Revenues | 2006 | 2005 | Increase (Decrease) | % Change | Property Acquisitions | Properties Held In Both Periods | |||||||||||||
Base rents | $ | 13,841 | $ | 13,206 | $ | 635 | 4.8 | % | $ | 607 | $ | 28 | |||||||
Recoveries from tenants | 4,112 | 3,682 | 430 | 11.7 | % | 227 | 203 | ||||||||||||
Interest and other | 236 | 275 | (39 | ) | (14.2 | %) | n/a | n/a | |||||||||||
Operating Expenses | |||||||||||||||||||
Property operating | 2,680 | 2,380 | 300 | 12.6 | % | 248 | 52 | ||||||||||||
Property taxes | 2,610 | 2,304 | 306 | 13.3 | % | 216 | 90 | ||||||||||||
Interest | 2,057 | 2,080 | (23 | ) | (1.1 | %) | 86 | (109 | ) | ||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 3,447 | 3,081 | 366 | 11.9 | % | 186 | 180 | ||||||||||||
General and administrative | 1,415 | 1,581 | (166 | ) | (10.5 | %) | n/a | n/a |
Property Acquisitions:
Differences in results of operations between the nine months and three months ended July 31, 2006 and 2005 were driven largely by recent property acquisitions. In fiscal 2005, the Company acquired The Dock Shopping Center containing 269,000 square feet of gross leasable area (“GLA”) and Staples Plaza containing 200,000 square feet of GLA. These two properties accounted for substantially all of the changes attributable to property acquisitions in fiscal 2006. In March 2006 the Company acquired three retail properties aggregating 47,300 square feet. In connection with the acquisition of Staples Plaza the Company assumed at fair value a $8.5 million mortgage at a market rate of interest of 5.75% which increased interest expense by $322,000 and $86,000 during the nine months and three months ended July 31, 2006, respectively compared to same periods a year ago.
Properties Held in Both Periods:
Revenues
For the nine month period ended July 31, 2006, base rents from properties held in both periods increased $239,000 compared to the same period in fiscal 2005. Base rents increased principally from new leases and lease renewals signed during fiscal 2005. However, rental increases were impacted by an increase in tenant vacancies occurring during fiscal 2006. For the three months ended July 31, 2006, base rents from properties held in both periods was unchanged compared to the period a year ago. At July 31, 2006, the Company’s core properties were 96% leased, a decrease of approximately 1% from the year ago period. In the first nine months of fiscal 2006, the Company executed new leases or renewed leases comprising approximately 165,000 square feet of space. However, during the same period, leases comprising approximately 204,000 square feet of space expired. The Company is in discussions or negotiations to re-lease a majority of the currently vacant space.
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In the nine month period ended July 31, 2006, recoveries from tenants from properties held in both periods (which represent reimbursements from tenants for operating expenses and property taxes) was unchanged compared to the same period in fiscal 2005. In the three month period ended July 31, 2006, recoveries from tenants from properties held in both periods increased by $203,000 due to an increase in recoverable expenses.
Interest and other income increased $398,000 during the nine month period ended July 31, 2006 from an increase in interest rates on short-term cash investments during the period and a gain of $102,000 from the repayment of a mortgage note receivable in fiscal 2006.
Operating Expenses
Operating expenses for properties held in both periods increased $305,000 in the nine months ended July 31, 2006 compared to a year ago due to an increase in snow removal and utility expenses. Property operating expenses were generally unchanged during the three months ended July 31, 2006 compared to the same period a year ago.
Property taxes for properties held in both periods increased in the nine months and three months ended July 31, 2006 by $187,000 and $90,000, respectively from higher real estate tax assessment rates at several of the Company’s properties during fiscal 2006.
Interest expense decreased $423,000 and $109,000 in the nine months and three months ended July 31, 2006 due to the repayment of mortgage notes payable of $4.975 million (May 2006) and $1.8 million (June 2005), and borrowings under the revolving credit lines of $19.5 million in 2005 at an average interest rate of 4.4% which increased interest expense by $208,000. Such borrowings were fully repaid during the second quarter of 2005. In fiscal 2006, the Company borrowed $3 million under its secured credit line at an interest rate of 6.6875%.
Depreciation and amortization expense from properties held in both periods increased $346,000 and $180,000 in the nine month and three month period ended July 31, 2006, respectively compared to corresponding periods in fiscal 2005 principally from the write off of unamortized tenant improvement costs of $319,000 and $189,000 in the nine month and three month periods ended July 31, 2006, respectively related to several tenants that vacated their space during fiscal 2006.
General and administrative expenses increased by $213,000 in the nine month period ended July 31, 2006 over the corresponding period in fiscal 2005 due to higher compensation expense from an increase in the number of employees of the Company and stock compensation expense from stock grants awarded in 2006. General and administrative expense decreased $166,000 in the three month period ended July 31, 2006 over the corresponding period in fiscal 2005 due to the recording of a compensation charge of $332,000 in the third quarter of fiscal 2005 under a deferred compensation arrangement with certain officers of the Company.
Adoption of a New Accounting Pronouncement
Prior to November 1, 2005, the Company accounted for its stock based compensation plans under the recognition and measurement provisions of APB Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees” (“APB No. 25”), and related Interpretations, as permitted by FASB Statement No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation.” Effective November 1, 2005, the Company adopted the fair value recognition provisions of FASB Statement No.123(R), “Share-Based Payment,” (“SFAS No.123R”), using the modified-prospective-transition method. Under that transition method, compensation cost recognized in fiscal 2006, for all share-based payments granted subsequent to November 1, 2005, is based on the grant-date fair value of the stock grants estimated in accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 123R.
Prior to November 1, 2005, the grant date fair value of nonvested restricted stock awards was expensed over the explicit vesting periods. Such awards also provided for continued vesting after retirement. Upon adoption of SFAS No. 123R, the Company changed its policy for recognizing compensation expense for restricted stock awards to the earlier of the explicit vesting period or the date a participant first becomes eligible for retirement. For nonvested restricted stock awards granted prior to the adoption of SFAS No.123R, the Company will continue to recognize compensation expense over the explicit vesting periods and accelerate any remaining unrecognized compensation cost when a participant actually retires. Had compensation expense for nonvested restricted stock awards issued prior to November 1, 2005 been determined based on the date a participant first becomes eligible for retirement, the Company’s net income in the nine month period ended July 31, 2006 would have increased by $414,000 and in the nine month period ended July 31, 2005, would have decreased by $859,000.
Consistent with the provisions of APB No.25, the Company recorded the fair value of nonvested restricted stock grants and an offsetting deferred compensation amount within stockholders equity. Under SFAS No.123R an equity instrument is not considered to be issued until the instrument vests. The Company reversed $8.2 million of restricted stock compensation included in stockholders equity as of November 1, 2005 representing the nonvested portions of restricted stock grants awarded prior to the effective date of SFAS No.123R. As of July 31, 2006, there was $10.6 million of restricted stock compensation related to nonvested restricted stock grants awarded under the Plan. The remaining unamortized stock compensation is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 8 years. For the nine months ended July 31, 2006 and 2005 amounts charged to compensation expense totaled $1,493,000 and $1,200,000, respectively.
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Inflation
The Company’s long-term leases contain provisions to mitigate the adverse impact of inflation on its operating results. Such provisions include clauses entitling the Company to receive (a) scheduled base rent increases and (b) percentage rents based upon tenants’ gross sales, which generally increase as prices rise. In addition, many of the Company’s non-anchor leases are for terms of less than ten years, which permits the Company to seek increases in rents upon renewal at then current market rates if rents provided in the expiring leases are below then existing market rates. Most of the Company’s leases require tenants to pay a share of operating expenses, including common area maintenance, real estate taxes, insurance and utilities, thereby reducing the Company’s exposure to increases in costs and operating expenses resulting from inflation.
Environmental Matters
Based upon management’s ongoing review of its properties, management is not aware of any environmental condition with respect to any of the Company’s properties that would be reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company. There can be no assurance, however, that (a) the discovery of environmental conditions, which were previously unknown, (b) changes in law, (c) the conduct of tenants or (d) activities relating to properties in the vicinity of the Company’s properties, will not expose the Company to material liability in the future. Changes in laws increasing the potential liability for environmental conditions existing on properties or increasing the restrictions on discharges or other conditions may result in significant unanticipated expenditures or may otherwise adversely affect the operations of the Company’s tenants, which would adversely affect the Company’s financial condition and results of operations.
Market risk is the exposure to loss resulting from changes in interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates, commodity prices and equity prices. The primary market risk to which we are exposed is interest rate risk, which is sensitive to many factors, including governmental monetary and tax policies, domestic and international economic and political considerations and other factors that are beyond the Company’s control.
Interest Rate Risk
The Company is exposed to interest rate risk primarily through its borrowing activities. There is inherent rollover risk for borrowings as they mature and are renewed at current market rates. The extent of this risk is not quantifiable or predictable because of the variability of future interest rates and the Company’s future financing requirements.
As of July 31, 2006, the Company had outstanding variable rate debt totaling $3,000,000. During the nine months ended July 31, 2006, the weighted average interest rate on outstanding variable rate debt during the period was approximately 6.9%. A hypothetical 1% increase in interest rates would have had an immaterial effect on the Company’s interest expense. The Company does not enter into derivative financial instrument transactions for speculative or trading purposes.
The Company believes that its weighted average interest rate of 7.3% on its fixed rate debt is not materially different from current fair market interest rates for debt instruments with similar risks and maturities.
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
The Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on such evaluation, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of the end of such period, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective.
Changes in Internal Controls
During the quarter ended July 31, 2006, there were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
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Item 1. Legal Proceedings
The Company is not involved in any litigation, nor to its knowledge is any litigation threatened against the Company or its subsidiaries, that in management’s opinion, would result in a material adverse effect on the Company’s ownership, management or operation of its properties, or which is not covered by the Company’s liability insurance.
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
In October 2005, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a share repurchase program (“Program”) of up to 500,000 shares, in the aggregate, of the Company’s Common and Class A Common Stock. The Program does not have a specific expiration date and may be discontinued at any time. There were no purchases of either Common or Class A Common Stock under the Program during any month in the quarter ended July 31, 2006 and there is no assurance that the Company will repurchase the full amount of shares authorized. Any combination of either Common Stock or Class A Common Stock not exceeding 455,000 shares, in the aggregate, may yet be purchased under the Program.
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Item 6. Exhibits
31.1 Certification of the Chief Executive Officer of Urstadt Biddle Properties Inc. pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
31.2 Certification of the Chief Financial Officer of Urstadt Biddle Properties Inc. pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
32 Certification of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of Urstadt Biddle Properties Inc. pursuant to Section 906 of Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
S I G N A T U R E S
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.
URSTADT BIDDLE PROPERTIES INC. | |
(Registrant) | |
/s/ Charles J. Urstadt | |
Charles J. Urstadt | |
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer | |
/s/ James R. Moore | |
James R. Moore | |
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer | |
(Principal Financial Officer | |
Dated: September 8, 2006 | and Principal Accounting Officer) |
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EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit No.
31.1 | Certification of the Chief Executive Officer of Urstadt Biddle Properties Inc. pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the |
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
31.2 | Certification of the Chief Financial Officer of Urstadt Biddle Properties Inc. pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the |
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
32 | Certification of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of Urstadt Biddle Properties Inc. |
pursuant to Section 906 of Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
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