INLAND WESTERN RETAIL REAL ESTATE TRUST, INC.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART I
Item 1.
Business
1
Item 1A.
Risk Factors
7
Item 1B.
Unresolved Staff Comments
27
Item 2.
Properties
27
Item 3.
Legal Proceedings
29
Item 4.
(Removed and Reserved)
30
PART II
Item 5.
Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
30
Item 6.
Selected Financial Data
31
Item 7.
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
33
Item 7A.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
57
Item 8.
Consolidated Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
60
Item 9.
Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
123
Item 9A.
Controls and Procedures
123
Item 9B.
Other Information
125
PART III
Item 10.
Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance of the Registrant
125
Item 11.
Executive Compensation
132
Item 12.
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and
Related Shareholder Matters
138
Item 13.
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
139
Item 14.
Principal Accounting Fees and Services
142
PART IV
Item 15.
Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
143
SIGNATURES
145
i
PART I
All amounts in this Form 10-K in Items 1. through 7A. are stated in thousands with the exception of per share amounts, square foot amounts, per square foot amounts, number of properties, number of states, number of leases, number of shareholders, number of tenants, number of employees and number of jobs. In this report, all references to “we,” “our,” and “us” refer collectively to Inland Western Retail Real Estate Trust, Inc. and its subsidiaries, including consolidated joint ventures.
Item 1. Business
General
We are a fully integrated, self-administered and self-managed real estate company that owns and operates high quality, strategically located shopping centers and single-user retail properties. We are one of the largest owners and operators of shopping centers in the United States. As of December 31, 2010, our retail operating portfolio consisted of 266 properties with approximately 35,766,000 square feet of gross leasable area, or GLA, was geographically diversified across 37 states and includes power centers, community centers, neighborhood centers and lifestyle centers, as well as single-user retail properties. Our retail properties are primarily located in strong retail districts within densely populated areas in highly visible locations with convenient access to interstates and major thoroughfares. Our retail properties are recently constructed, with a weighted average age, based on annualized base rent, or ABR, of only approxi mately 9.7 years since the initial construction or most recent major renovation. As of December 31, 2010, our retail operating portfolio was 88.7% leased, including leases signed but not commenced. In addition to our retail operating portfolio, as of December 31, 2010, we also held interests in 18 other operating properties, including 12 office properties and six industrial properties, 19 retail operating properties held by three unconsolidated joint ventures and eight retail properties under development. The following summarizes our consolidated operating portfolio as of December 31, 2010:
| | | | | | | | |
Description | | Number of Properties | | GLA (in thousands) | | Percent Leased | | Percent Leased and Leases Signed (a) |
Retail | | | | | | | | |
Wholly-owned | | 211 | | 29,224 | | 86.0% | | 87.9% |
Joint venture | | 55 | | 6,542 | | 90.4% | | 92.5% |
| | | | | | | | |
Total retail | | 266 | | 35,766 | | 86.8% | | 88.7% |
Office/Industrial | | | | | | | | |
Wholly-owned | | 18 | | 6,725 | | 98.3% | | 98.3% |
| | | | | | | | |
Total Consolidated Operating Portfolio | | 284 | | 42,491 | | 88.6% | | 90.2% |
| | | | | | | | |
(a) Includes leases signed but not commenced. | | | | | | | |
Our shopping centers are primarily anchored or shadow anchored by strong national and regional grocers, discount retailers and other retailers that provide basic household goods or clothing, including Target, TJX Companies, PetSmart, Best Buy, Bed Bath and Beyond, Home Depot, Kohl’s, Wal-Mart, Publix and Lowe’s. As of December 31, 2010, over 90% of our shopping centers, based on GLA, were anchored or shadow anchored by a grocer, discount department store, wholesale club or retailers that sell basic household goods or clothing. Overall, we have a broad and highly diversified retail tenant base that includes approximately 1,600 tenants with no one tenant representing more than 3.2% of the total ABR generated from our retail operating properties, or our retail ABR.
1
Business and Growth Strategies
Our primary objective is to provide attractive risk-adjusted returns for our shareholders by increasing our cash flow from operations and realizing long-term growth strategies. The strategies we intend to execute to achieve this objective include:
Maximize Cash Flow Through Internal Growth
We believe that we will be able to generate cash flow growth through the leasing of vacant space in our retail operating portfolio. As of December 31, 2010, our retail operating portfolio was 88.7% leased, including leases signed but not commenced, and had 4,059,000 square feet of available space, including a significant amount of space that was previously occupied by big box anchor and junior anchor tenants. As of December 31, 2010, we had approximately 697,000 square feet of GLA of signed leases that had not commenced. We believe the leasing of our vacant space provides a significant growth opportunity for our shareholders, particularly in light of the expansion plans that have been announced by a number of our largest retail tenants.
Asset Preservation and Appreciation through Creative Transactions
We actively manage our portfolio focusing primarily on leasing opportunities, but also focus on redevelopment, expansion and remerchandising opportunities. In pursuing these opportunities, we focus on increasing operating income and cash flows, active risk mitigation and tenant retention. Additional value enhancing strategies include cost reductions, long-term capital planning and asset sustainability initiatives.
Recycle Capital Through Disposition of Non-Core Assets
We plan to pursue opportunistic dispositions of the non-retail properties and free-standing triple net retail properties in our operating portfolio in order to redeploy capital to continue to build our interest in well located, high quality shopping centers. In addition to our retail operating portfolio, as of December 31, 2010, we held interests in 18 other operating properties, including 12 office properties and six industrial properties, which had a total of 6,725,000 square feet of GLA and represent 10.7% of our consolidated operating portfolio based on ABR. We believe that the disposition of these non-retail properties, along with select triple net retail properties, will serve as a source of capital for the growth of our retail portfolio. As we have in the past, we intend to take advantage of opportunities that may arise to sell assets in our portfolio. From the end of 2007 through December 31, 2010, we have sold 20 properties for an aggregate sales price of $713,492, including $465,803 of debt that was assumed, forgiven or repaid. We plan to continue to pursue strategic dispositions to continue to focus our portfolio on well located, high quality shopping centers.
Pursue Acquisitions of High Quality Retail Properties
We intend to pursue disciplined and targeted acquisitions of retail properties that meet our retail property and market selection criteria and will further our strategy of focusing on well located, high quality shopping centers. Utilizing our senior management team’s expertise, we intend to opportunistically acquire retail properties based on identified market and property characteristics, including: property classification, anchor tenant type, lease terms, geographic markets and demographics. We believe the high level of diversification of our tenant base limits our exposure to any single tenant and allows us to take advantage of growth opportunities through the expansion of our existing relationships without significantly increasing our exposure to any single tenant. We believe that over the next several years the continued market disruption in the real estate market may create opportunities to acquire reta il properties that meet our investment criteria from owners facing operational and financial stress. Based on our operational expertise and capital resources, we believe that we are well positioned to take advantage of opportunities to acquire retail properties. We plan to pursue acquisitions directly and through joint ventures.
Pursue Strategic Joint Ventures to Leverage Management Platform
We intend to leverage our leasing and property management platform through the strategic formation, capitalization and management of joint ventures. In the past, we have partnered with strong institutional capital providers to supplement our capital base in a manner accretive to our shareholders. Such joint ventures are as follows:
On May 20, 2010, we entered into definitive agreements to form a joint venture with a wholly-owned affiliate of RioCan Real Estate Investment Trust (RioCan), a real estate investment trust (REIT) based in Canada. The initial RioCan joint
2
venture investment included eight grocery and necessity-based-anchored shopping centers located in Texas. Under the terms of the agreements, RioCan contributed cash for an 80% interest in the venture and we contributed a 20% interest in the properties. The joint venture acquired an 80% interest in the properties from us in exchange for cash, each of which was accounted for as a partial sale of real estate. Each property closing occurred individually over time based on timing of lender consent or refinance of the related mortgages payable. We will earn property management, asset management and other customary fees on the joint venture. Certain of the properties contain earn-out provisions which, if met, would result in additional sales proceeds to us. As of December 31, 2010, the joint venture had acquired eight properties from us for a purchase price of $159,442, and had assumed from us mortgages payab le on these properties totaling approximately $97,888. In addition, we have received additional earnout proceeds of $476 during the year ended December 31, 2010. These transactions did not qualify as discontinued operations in the consolidated statements of operations and other comprehensive loss as a result of our 20% ownership in the joint venture.
On November 29, 2009, we formed IW JV 2009, LLC (IW JV), a wholly-owned subsidiary, and transferred a portfolio of 55 investment properties and the entities which owned them. Subsequently, in connection with a $625,000 debt refinancing transaction, which consisted of $500,000 of mortgages payable and $125,000 of notes payable, on December 1, 2009, we raised additional capital of $50,000 from a related party, Inland Equity Investors, LLC (Inland Equity) in exchange for a 23% noncontrolling interest in IW JV. IW JV, which is controlled by us, and therefore consolidated, has an aggregate of $1,002,747 in total assets and will continue to be managed and operated by us. Inland Equity is owned by certain individuals, including Daniel L. Goodwin, who beneficially owns more than 5% of our common stock, and Robert D. Parks, who was the Chairman of our Board until October 12, 2010 and who is the Chairman of the Board of cer tain affiliates of The Inland Group, Inc.
Effective April 27, 2007, we formed a strategic joint venture with a large state pension fund. Under the joint venture agreement, we contributed 20% of the equity and our joint venture partner contributed 80% of the equity. As of December 31, 2010, the joint venture had acquired seven properties (which we contributed) with a purchase price of approximately $336,000 and had assumed from us mortgages payable on these properties totaling approximately $188,000.
Based on our operational expertise in the retail real estate space, we believe that we are well positioned to continue to strategically pursue additional joint ventures with high quality capital partners. Additionally, from time to time, we may form partnerships with regional developers that allow us to maximize returns on completed developments and access strategic local markets.
Maintain Our Development Activity at Sustainable Levels
The following table provides summary information regarding our consolidated and unconsolidated properties under development as of December 31, 2010. As of December 31, 2010, we did not have any active construction ongoing at our development properties, and, currently, we only intend to develop the remaining estimated total GLA to the extent that we have pre-leased the space to be developed. If we were to pre-lease all of the remaining estimated GLA, we estimate that the total remaining costs to complete the development of this space would be $55,754, which we expect to fund through construction loans and proceeds of potential sales of our Bellevue Mall and South Billings Center development properties. As of December 31, 2010, the ABR from the portion of our development properties with respect to which construction has been completed was $5,300.
3
| | | | | | | | | |
| | | | Our Ownership | | Carrying Value at | | Construction Loan Balance at | |
Location | | Description | | Percentage | | December 31, 2010 (a) | | December 31, 2010 | |
Frisco, Texas | | Parkway Towne Crossing | | 75.0% | $ | 26,085 | $ | 20,757 | |
Dallas, Texas | | Wheatland Towne Crossing | | 75.0% | | 14,825 | | 5,712 | |
Henderson, Nevada | | Lake Mead Crossing | | 25.0% | | 81,597 | | 48,949 | |
Henderson, Nevada | | Green Valley Crossing | | 50.0% | | 23,750 | | 11,350 | |
Billings, Montana | | South Billings Center | | 40.0% | | 5,077 | | - | |
Nashville, Tennessee | | Bellevue Mall | | 100.0% | | 26,448 | | - | |
Denver, Colorado | | Hampton Retail Colorado | | 95.8% | | 6,836 | (b) | 4,031 | (c) |
| | | | | $ | 184,618 | $ | 90,799 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
(a) Represents the total investment less accumulated depreciation | |
(b) Represents the total investment less accumulated depreciation for the two properties under development. There is an additional $19,447 of carrying value related to four operational properties held by the joint venture. | |
(c) The construction loan balance includes only the portion related to two properties under development held by the joint venture. There is an additional $16,367 construction loan related to four operational properties held by the joint venture. | |
Tax Status
We elected to be taxed as a REIT under Sections 856 through 860 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or the Code. Subject to the discussions contained in Item 1A. “Risk Factors” regarding the closing agreement that we have requested from the Internal Revenue Service, or IRS, we believe that we have been organized, owned and operated in conformity with the requirements for qualification and taxation as a REIT under the Code beginning with our taxable year ended December 31, 2003, and that our intended manner of ownership and operation will enable us to continue to meet the requirements for qualification and taxation as a REIT for federal income tax purposes. To maintain our qualification as a REIT, we must meet a number of organizational and operational requirements, including a requirement that we annually distribute at least 90% of our REIT taxable income to our shareholders, determined without regard to the deduction for dividends paid and excluding net capital gains. As a REIT, we generally are not subject to U.S. federal income tax on the taxable income we currently distribute to our shareholders. If we fail to qualify as a REIT in any taxable year, we will be subject to U.S. federal income tax at regular corporate rates. Even if we qualify for taxation as a REIT, we may be subject to some U.S. federal, state and local taxes on our income or property. We have one wholly-owned consolidated subsidiary that has elected to be treated as a taxable REIT subsidiary, or TRS, for federal income tax purposes. A TRS is taxed on its net income at regular corporate tax rates. The income tax expense incurred as a result of the TRS has not had a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
Competition
In seeking new investment opportunities, we compete with other real estate investors, including pension funds, insurance companies, foreign investors, real estate partnerships, other REITs, private individuals and other real estate companies, some of which have greater financial resources than we do. With respect to properties presently owned by us, we compete with other owners of like properties for tenants. There can be no assurance that we will be able to successfully compete with such entities in development, acquisition, and leasing activities in the future.
Our business is inherently competitive. Property owners, including us, compete on the basis of location, visibility, quality and aesthetic value of construction, volume of traffic, strength and name recognition of tenants and other factors. These factors combine to determine the level of occupancy and rental rates that we are able to achieve at our properties. Further, our tenants compete with other forms of retailing, including e-commerce, catalog companies and direct consumer sales. We may, at times, compete with newer properties or those in more desirable locations. To remain competitive, we evaluate all of the factors affecting our centers and try to position them accordingly. For example, we may decide to focus on renting space to specific retailers who will complement our existing tenants and increase traffic. & nbsp; We believe the principal factors that retailers consider in making their leasing decisions include:
·
consumer demographics
·
quality, design and location of properties
·
total number and geographic distribution of properties
4
·
diversity of retailers and anchor tenants at shopping center locations
·
management and operational expertise
·
rental rates
Based on these factors, we believe that the size and scope of our property portfolio, as well as the overall quality and attractiveness of our individual properties, enable us to compete effectively for retail tenants in our local markets. Because our revenue potential may be linked to the success of retailers, we indirectly share exposure to the same competitive factors that our retail tenants experience in their respective markets when trying to attract individual shoppers. These dynamics include general competition from other regional shopping centers, including outlet malls and other discount shopping centers, as well as competition with discount shopping clubs, catalog companies, Internet sales and telemarketing.
Operating History
We are a Maryland corporation formed in March 2003, and we have been publicly held and subject to U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC, reporting obligations since the completion of our first public offering in 2003. As of December 31, 2010, we had over 111,000 shareholders of record. We were initially sponsored by The Inland Group, Inc., (The Inland Group) and its affiliates, but we have not been affiliated with The Inland Group since the internalization of our management in November 2007.
On November 15, 2007, pursuant to an agreement and plan of merger, approved by our shareholders on November 13, 2007, we acquired, through a series of mergers, four entities affiliated with our former sponsor, Inland Real Estate Investment Corporation, which entities provided business management/advisory and property management services to us. Shareholders of the acquired entities received an aggregate of 37,500 shares of our common stock, valued under the merger agreement at $10.00 per share. In December 2010, certain of the shareholders returned 9,000 shares of our common stock to us in connection with our settlement of a lawsuit relating to this acquisition. As a result of the mergers, we now perform substantially all of our key operational activities internally. In connection with the mergers, we and our former business manager/advisor or our former property managers entered into a number agreements and amendments to agreements , with The Inland Group and certain of its affiliates. See Item 13. “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions.”
Regulation
General
The properties in our portfolio are subject to various laws, ordinances and regulations, including regulations relating to common areas. We believe each of the existing properties has the necessary permits and approvals to operate its business.
Americans with Disabilities Act
Our properties must comply with Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act, or ADA, to the extent that such properties are “public accommodations” as defined by the ADA. The ADA may require removal of structural barriers to access by persons with disabilities in certain public areas of our properties where such removal is readily achievable. We believe the existing properties are in substantial compliance with the ADA and that we will not be required to make substantial capital expenditures to address the requirements of the ADA. However, noncompliance with the ADA could result in imposition of fines or an award of damages to private litigants. The obligation to make readily achievable accommodations is an ongoing one, and we will continue to assess our properties and to make alterations as appropriate in this respect.
Environmental Matters
Under various federal, state or local laws, ordinances and regulations, as a current or former owner or operator of real property, we may be liable for costs and damages resulting from the presence or release of hazardous substances, waste, or petroleum products at, on, in, under or from such property, including costs for investigation, remediation, natural resource damages or third party liability for personal injury or property damage. These laws often impose liability without regard to whether the owner or operator knew of, or was responsible for, the presence or release of such materials, and the
5
liability may be joint and several. In addition, the presence of contamination or the failure to remediate contamination at our properties may adversely affect our ability to sell, redevelop, or lease such property or to borrow using the property as collateral. Environmental laws also may create liens on contaminated sites in favor of the government for damages and costs it incurs to address such contamination. Moreover, if contamination is discovered on our properties, environmental laws may impose restrictions on the manner in which that property may be used or how businesses may be operated on that property. Some of our properties have been or may be impacted by contamination arising from current or prior uses of the property or adjacent properties for commercial or industrial purposes. Such contamination may arise from spills of petroleum or hazardous substances or releases from tanks used to store such materials. We also may b e liable for the costs of remediating contamination at off-site disposal or treatment facilities when we arrange for disposal or treatment of hazardous substances at such facilities, without regard to whether we comply with environmental laws in doing so.
Independent environmental consultants have conducted Phase I Environmental Site Assessments or similar environmental audits for all our investment properties at the time they were acquired. A Phase I Environmental Site Assessment is a written report that identifies existing or potential environmental conditions associated with a particular property. These environmental site assessments generally involve a review of records and visual inspection of the property but do not include soil sampling or ground water analysis. These environmental site assessments have not revealed, nor are we aware of, any environmental liability that we believe will have a material adverse effect on our operations. These environmental site assessments have a limited scope, however, and may not reveal all potential environmental liabilities. Further, material environmental conditions may have arisen after the review was completed or may arise in the future, and future laws, ordinances or regulations may impose additional material environmental liability beyond what was known at the time the site assessment was conducted.
In addition, our properties are subject to various federal, state and local environmental, health and safety laws, including laws governing the management of wastes and underground and aboveground storage tanks. Noncompliance with these environmental, health and safety laws could subject us or our tenants to liability. These environmental liabilities could affect a tenant’s ability to make rental payments to us. Moreover, changes in laws could increase the potential costs of compliance with environmental laws, health and safety laws or increase liability for noncompliance. This may result in significant unanticipated expenditures or may otherwise materially and adversely affect our operations, or those of our tenants, which could in turn have a material adverse effect on us.
As the owner or operator of real property, we may also incur liability based on various building conditions. For example, buildings and other structures on properties that we currently own or operate or those we acquire or operate in the future contain, may contain, or may have contained, asbestos-containing material, or ACM. Environmental, health, and safety laws require that ACM be properly managed and maintained and may impose fines or penalties on owners, operators or employers for non-compliance with those requirements. These requirements include special precautions, such as removal, abatement or air monitoring, if ACM would be disturbed during maintenance, renovation, or demolition of a building, potentially resulting in substantial costs. In addition, we may be subject to liability for personal injury or property damage sustained as a result of exposure to ACM or releases of ACM into the environment.
We also may incur liability arising from mold growth in the buildings we own or operate. When excessive moisture accumulates in buildings or on building materials, mold growth may occur, particularly if the moisture problem remains undiscovered or is not addressed over a period of time. Some molds may produce airborne toxins or irritants. Indoor air quality issues can also stem from inadequate ventilation, chemical contamination from indoor or outdoor sources, and other biological contaminants such as pollen, viruses and bacteria. Indoor exposure to airborne toxins or irritants can be alleged to cause a variety of adverse health effects and symptoms, including allergic or other reactions. As a result, the presence of significant mold or other airborne contaminants at any of our properties could require us to undertake a costly remediation program to contain or remove the mold or other airborne contaminants or increase ventilation. In addition, the presence of significant mold or other airborne contaminants could expose us to liability from our tenants, employees of our tenants, or others if property damage or personal injury occurs.
Insurance
We carry comprehensive liability, fire, extended coverage, earthquake, terrorism and rental loss insurance covering all of the properties in our portfolio under a blanket policy. We believe the policy specifications and insured limits are appropriate given the relative risk of loss, the cost of the coverage and industry practice and, in the opinion of our management, the properties in our portfolio are adequately insured. Our terrorism insurance is subject to exclusions for
6
loss or damage caused by nuclear substances, pollutants, contaminants and biological and chemical weapons. We do not carry insurance for generally uninsured losses such as loss from riots or acts of God. In addition, we carry terrorism insurance on all of our properties in an amount and with deductibles which we believe are commercially reasonable. See Item 1A. “Risk Factors” for more information.
Employees
As of December 31, 2010, we had 252 employees.
Access to Company Information
We electronically file our Annual Report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and all amendments to those reports and proxy statements with the SEC. The public may read and copy any of the reports that are filed with the SEC at the SEC's Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, NE, Washington, DC 20549. The public may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at (800) SEC-0330. The SEC maintains an Internet site at www.sec.gov that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information regarding issuers that file electronically.
We make available, free of charge, through our website and by responding to requests addressed to our investor relations group, our Annual Report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and all amendments to those reports and proxy statements. These reports are available as soon as reasonably practical after such material is electronically filed or furnished to the SEC. Our website address iswww.inland-western.com. The information contained on our website, or other websites linked to our website, is not part of this document.
Shareholders wishing to communicate directly with the board of directors or any committee can do so by writing to the attention of the Board of Directors or committee in care of Inland Western Retail Real Estate Trust, Inc. at 2901 Butterfield Road, Oak Brook, Illinois 60523.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
In evaluating our company, careful consideration should be given to the following risk factors, in addition to the other information included in this annual report. Each of these risk factors could adversely affect our business operating results and/or financial condition, as well as adversely affect the value of an investment in our stock. In addition to the following disclosures, please refer to the other information contained in this report including the consolidated financial statements and the related notes.
RISKS RELATING TO OUR BUSINESS AND OUR PROPERTIES
There are inherent risks associated with real estate investments and with the real estate industry, each of which could have an adverse impact on our economic performance and the value of our retail properties.
Real estate investments are subject to various risks and fluctuations and cycles in value and demand, many of which are beyond our control. Our economic performance and the value of our properties can be affected by many of these factors, including the following:
·
adverse changes in financial conditions of buyers, sellers and tenants of our properties, including bankruptcies, financial difficulties, or lease defaults by our tenants;
·
the national, regional and local economy, which may be negatively impacted by concerns about inflation, deflation and government deficits, high unemployment rates, decreased consumer confidence, industry slowdowns, reduced corporate profits, liquidity concerns in our markets and other adverse business concerns;
·
local real estate conditions, such as an oversupply of, or a reduction in demand for, retail space or retail goods, and the availability and creditworthiness of current and prospective tenants;
·
vacancies or ability to rent space on favorable terms, including possible market pressures to offer tenants rent abatements, tenant improvements, early termination rights or below-market renewal options;
7
·
changes in operating costs and expenses, including, without limitation, increasing labor and material costs, insurance costs, energy prices, environmental restrictions, real estate taxes, and costs of compliance with laws, regulations and government policies, which we may be restricted from passing on to our tenants;
·
fluctuations in interest rates, which could adversely affect our ability, or the ability of buyers and tenants of properties, to obtain financing on favorable terms or at all;
·
competition from other real estate investors with significant capital, including other real estate operating companies, publicly traded REITs and institutional investment funds;
·
the convenience and quality of competing retail properties and other retailing options such as the Internet;
·
perceptions by retailers or shoppers of the safety, convenience and attractiveness of the retail property;
·
inability to collect rent from tenants;
·
our ability to secure adequate insurance;
·
our ability to provide adequate management services and to maintain our properties;
·
changes in, and changes in enforcement of, laws, regulations and governmental policies, including, without limitation, health, safety, environmental, zoning and tax laws, government fiscal policies and the ADA; and
·
civil unrest, acts of war, terrorist attacks and natural disasters, including earthquakes and floods, which may result in uninsured and underinsured losses.
In addition, because the yields available from equity investments in real estate depend in large part on the amount of rental income earned, as well as property operating expenses and other costs incurred, a period of economic slowdown or recession, declining demand for real estate, or the public perception that any of these events may occur, could result in a general decline in rents or an increased incidence of defaults among our existing leases, and, consequently, our properties, including those held by joint ventures, may fail to generate revenues sufficient to meet operating debt service and other expenses. As a result, we may have to borrow amounts to cover fixed costs, and our financial condition, results of operations, cash flow and our ability to satisfy our principal and interest obligations and to make distributions to our shareholders may be adversely affected.
Continued economic weakness from the severe economic recession that the U.S. economy recently experienced may materially and adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.
The U.S. economy is still experiencing weakness from the severe recession that it recently experienced, which resulted in increased unemployment, the bankruptcy or weakened financial condition of a number of large retailers, decreased consumer spending, a decline in residential and commercial property values and reduced demand and rental rates for retail space. Although the U.S. economy has emerged from the recent recession, high levels of unemployment have persisted, and rental rates and valuations for retail space have not fully recovered to pre-recession levels and may not for a number of years. If the economic recovery slows or stalls, we may continue to experience downward pressure on the rental rates we are able to charge as leases signed prior to the recession expire, and tenants may declare bankruptcy, announce store closings or fail to meet their lease obligations, any of which could adversely affect our cash flow, f inancial condition and results of operations.
Substantial international, national and local government spending and increasing deficits may adversely impact our business, financial condition and results of operations.
The values of, and the cash flows from, the properties we own are affected by developments in global, national and local economies. As a result of the recent severe recession and the significant government interventions, federal, state and local governments have incurred record deficits and assumed or guaranteed liabilities of private financial institutions or other private entities. These increased budget deficits and the weakened financial condition of federal, state and local governments may lead to reduced governmental spending, tax increases, public sector job losses, increased interest rates, currency devaluations or other adverse economic events, which may directly or indirectly adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
8
We face significant competition in the leasing market, which may decrease or prevent increases in the occupancy and rental rates of our properties.
We have acquired and intend to continue to acquire properties located in developed areas. Consequently, we compete with numerous developers, owners and operators of retail properties, many of which own properties similar to, and in the same market areas as, our properties. If our competitors offer space at rental rates below current market rates, or below the rental rates we currently charge our tenants, we may lose existing or potential tenants and we may be pressured to reduce our rental rates below those we currently charge in order to attract new tenants and retain existing tenants when their leases expire. Also, if our competitors develop additional retail properties in locations near our properties, there may be increased competition for customer traffic and creditworthy tenants, which may result in fewer tenants or decreased cash flow from tenants, or both, and may require us to make capital improvements to properties that we would not have otherwise made. As a result, our financial condition and our ability to make distributions to our shareholders may be adversely affected.
We may be required to make rent or other concessions and/or significant capital expenditures to improve our properties in order to retain and attract tenants, which could adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations and cash flow.
To the extent adverse economic conditions continue in the real estate market and demand for retail space remains low, we may be required to offer more substantial rent abatements, tenant improvements and early termination rights or accommodate requests for renovations, build-to-suit remodeling and other improvements or provide additional services to our tenants. As a result, we may have to make significant capital or other expenditures in order to retain tenants whose leases expire and to attract new tenants in sufficient numbers, which could adversely affect our results of operations and cash flow. Additionally, if we need to raise capital to make such expenditures and are unable to do so, or such capital is otherwise unavailable, we may be unable to make the required expenditures. This could result in non-renewals by tenants upon expiration of their leases, which could adversely affect to our financial condition, results of op erations and cash flow.
The actual rents we receive for the properties in our portfolio may be less than our asking rents, and we may experience a lease roll-down from time to time, which may adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations and cash flow.
Our operating results depend upon our ability to maintain and increase rental rates at our properties while also maintaining or increasing occupancy. As a result of various factors, including competitive pricing pressure in our markets, the recent severe recession and the desirability of our properties compared to other properties in our markets, the rental rates that we charge tenants have generally declined and our ability to maintain our current rental rates or increase those rates in the future may be limited. Further, because current rental rates have declined as compared to expiring leases in our portfolio, the rental rates for expiring leases may be higher than starting rental rates for new leases and we may be required to offer greater rental concessions than we have historically. The degree ofdiscrepancy between our previous asking rents and the actual rents we are able to obtain upon the expiration of our leases may vary both from property to property and among different leased spaces within a single property. If we are unable to obtain sufficient rental rates across our portfolio, our results of operations and cash flow and our ability to satisfy our debt obligations and make distributions to our shareholders will be adversely affected.
We have experienced aggregate net losses attributable to Company shareholders for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, and we may experience future losses.
We had net losses attributable to Company shareholders of approximately $95,843, $112,335 and $683,727 for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively. If we continue to incur net losses in the future or such losses increase, our financial condition, results of operations, cash flow and our ability to service our indebtedness and make distributions to our shareholders would be materially and adversely affected.
We have a high concentration of properties in the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington area, and adverse economic and other developments in that area could have a material adverse effect on us.
As of December 31, 2010, approximately 11.0% of the GLA and approximately 14.2% of the ABR from our retail operating portfolio were represented by properties located in the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington area. As a result, we are
9
particularly susceptible to adverse economic and other developments in this area, including increased unemployment, industry slowdowns, business layoffs or downsizing, decreased consumer confidence, relocations of businesses, changes in demographics, increases in real estate and other taxes, increased regulation, and natural disasters, any of which could have a material adverse effect on us.
Our inability to collect rents from tenants may negatively impact our financial condition and our ability to make distributions to our shareholders.
Substantially all of our income is derived from rentals of real property. Therefore, our financial condition, results of operations and cash flow materially depend on the financial stability of our tenants, any of which may experience a change in their business at any time, and our ability to continue to lease space in our properties on economically favorable terms. If the sales of stores operating in our centers decline sufficiently, tenants might be unable to pay their existing minimum rents or expense recovery charges, since these rents and charges would represent a higher percentage of their sales, and new tenants might be less willing to pay minimum rents as high as they would otherwise pay. Further, tenants may delay lease commencements, decline to extend or renew a lease upon its expiration or on favorable terms, or exercise early termination rights (to the extent avai lable). If a number of our tenants are unable to make their rental payments to us and otherwise meet their lease obligations,our ability to meet debt and other financial obligations and to make distributions to our shareholders may be adversely affected.
We may be unable to renew leases, lease vacant space or re-let space as leases expire, which could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.
We cannot assure you that leases will be renewed or that our properties will be re-let at net effective rental rates equal to or above the current average net effective rental rates or that substantial rent abatements, tenant improvements, early termination rights or below-market renewal options will not be offered to attract new tenants or retain existing tenants. If the rental rates for our properties decrease, our existing tenants do not renew their leases or we do not re-let a significant portion of our available space and space for which leases will expire, our financial condition, results of operations, cash flow and cash available for distributions.
If any of our anchor tenants experience a downturn in their business or terminate their leases, our financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected.
Our financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected in the event of a downturn in the business, or the bankruptcy or insolvency, of any anchor store or anchor tenant, particularly an anchor tenant with multiple store locations. Anchor tenants generally occupy large amounts of square footage, pay a significant portion of the total rents at a property and contribute to the success of other tenants by drawing significant numbers of customers to a property. The closing of one or more anchor stores at a property could adversely affect that property and result in lease terminations by, or reductions in rent from, other tenants whose leases permit termination or rent reduction in those circumstances or whose own operations may suffer as a result of the anchor store closing. For example, in 2008 and 2009, three of our anchor tenants, Mervyns, Linens ‘n Things and Circuit City, declared bankruptcy, resulting in approximately 3,245,000 square feet of vacant retail space and a decrease in rental income of approximately $34,838. Additional bankruptcies or insolvencies of, or store closings by, our anchor tenants could significantly increase vacancies and reduce our rental income. If we are unable to re-let such space on similar terms and in a timely manner, our financial condition, results of operations and ability to make distributions to our shareholders could be materially and adversely affected.
Many of the leases at our retail properties contain “co-tenancy” or “go-dark” provisions, which, if triggered, may allow tenants to pay reduced rent, cease operations or terminate their leases, any of which could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations and/or the value of the applicable property.
Many of the leases at our retail properties contain “co-tenancy” provisions that condition a tenant’s obligation to remain open, the amount of rent payable by the tenant or the tenant’s obligation to continue occupancy on certain conditions, including: (i) the presence of a certain anchor tenant or tenants; (ii) the continued operation of an anchor tenant’s store; and (iii) minimum occupancy levels at the applicable property. If a co-tenancy provision is triggered by a failure of any of these or other applicable conditions, a tenant could have the right to cease operations at the applicable property, terminate its lease early or have its rent reduced. In periods of prolonged economic decline such as the recent recession, there is a higher than normal risk that co-tenancy provisions will be triggered due to the higher risk of tenants closing stores or terminating leases during these periods. For example, the effects of recent tenant bankruptcies triggered some co-tenancy
10
clauses in certain other tenant leases, which provided certain of these tenants with immediate reductions in their annual rents and permitted them to terminate their leases if an appropriate replacement was not found within the allotted time period. In addition to these co-tenancy provisions, certain of the leases at our retail properties contain “go-dark” provisions that allow the tenant to cease operations at the applicable property while continuing to pay rent. This could result in decreased customer traffic at the applicable property, thereby decreasing sales for our other tenants at that property, which may result in our other tenants being unable to pay their minimum rents or expense recovery charges. These provisions also may result in lower rental revenue generated under the applicable leases. To the extent co-tenancy or go-dark provisions in our retail leases result in lower revenue or tenant sales or in tenants& #146; rights to terminate their leases early or to have their rent reduced, our financial condition and results of operations and the value of the applicable property could be adversely affected.
We may be unable to collect balances due on our leases from any tenants in bankruptcy, which could adversely affect our cash flow and the amount of cash available for distribution to our shareholders.
Our leases generally do not contain provisions designed to ensure the creditworthiness of the tenant, and a number of companies in the retail industry, including some of our tenants, have declared bankruptcy or voluntarily closed certain of their stores in recent years. We cannot assure you that any tenant that files for bankruptcy protection will continue to pay us rent. Any or all of the tenant’s or a guarantor of a tenant’s lease obligations could be subject to a bankruptcy proceeding pursuant to Chapter 11 or Chapter 7 of the bankruptcy laws of the United States. Such a bankruptcy filing would bar all efforts by us to collect pre-bankruptcy rents from these entities or their properties, unless we receive an order from the bankruptcy court permitting us to do so. A tenant or lease guarantor bankruptcy could delay our efforts to collect past due balan ces under the relevant leases, and could ultimately preclude collection of these sums. If a lease is rejected by a tenant in bankruptcy, we would only have a general unsecured claim for damages. This claim could be paid only in the event funds were available, and then only in the same percentage as that realized on other unsecured claims, and our claim would be capped at the rent reserved under the lease, without acceleration, for the greater of one year or 15% of the remaining term of the lease, but not greater than three years, plus rent already due but unpaid. Therefore, if a lease is rejected, it is unlikely we would receive any payments from the tenant, or we would receive substantially less than the full value of any unsecured claims we hold, which would result in a reduction in our rental income, cash flow and in the amount of cash available for distribution to our shareholders. In particular, on February 16, 2011, Borders Group, Inc. (Borders), a national retailer, filed for bankrup tcy under Chapter 11. As of December 31, 2010, Borders leased approximately 220,000 square feet of space from us at 10 locations, which leases represented approximately $2,600 of ABR. In addition, Borders leased approximately 28,000 square feet of space at one of our unconsolidated joint venture properties, which represented $344 of ABR. Borders has informed us that it intends to close stores at five locations where it leased space from us, representing approximately 115,000 square feet of GLA and $1,119 of ABR as of December 31, 2010.
Our expenses may remain constant or increase, even if income from our properties decreases, causing our financial condition and results of operations to be adversely affected.
Costs associated with our business, such as mortgage payments, real estate and personal taxes, insurance, utilities and corporate expenses, are relatively inflexible and generally do not decrease, and may increase, when a property is not fully occupied, rental rates decrease, a tenant fails to pay rent or other circumstances cause our revenues to decrease. If we are unable to decrease our operating costs when our revenue declines, our financial condition, results of operations and ability to make distributions to our shareholders may be adversely affected. In addition, inflationary price increases could result in increased operating costs for us and our tenants and, to the extent we are unable to pass along those price increases or are unable to recover operating expenses from tenants, our operating expenses may increase, which could adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations and ability to make distributions t o our shareholders.
Real estate related taxes may increase and if these increases are not passed on to tenants, our net income will be reduced.
Even if we qualify as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes, we will be required to pay state and local taxes on our properties. The real property taxes may increase as property values or assessment rates change or as our properties are assessed or reassessed by taxing authorities. An increase in the assessed valuation of a property for real estate tax purposes will result in an increase in the related real estate taxes on that property. Although some leases may permit us to pass through such tax increases to our tenants, there is no assurance that renewal leases or future leases will be negotiated
11
on the same basis. If our property taxes increase and we are unable to pass those increases through to our tenants, our net income and cash available for distribution to our shareholders could be adversely affected.
We may be unable to complete acquisitions and, even if acquisitions are completed, we may fail to successfully operate acquired properties.
We continue to evaluate the market of available properties and may acquire properties when we believe strategic opportunities exist. Our ability to acquire properties on favorable terms and successfully operate or develop them is subject to the following risks:
·
we may be unable to acquire a desired property because of competition from other real estate investors with substantial capital, including from publicly traded REITs and institutional investment funds;
·
even if we are able to acquire a desired property, competition from other potential acquirers may significantly increase the purchase price;
·
even if we enter into agreements for the acquisition of properties, these agreements are subject to customary conditions to closing, including completion of due diligence investigations to our satisfaction;
·
we may incur significant costs and divert management attention in connection with evaluation and negotiation of potential acquisitions, including ones that we are subsequently unable to complete;
·
we may acquire properties that are not initially accretive to our results upon acquisition, and we may not successfully manage and lease those properties to meet our expectations;
·
we may be unable to finance the acquisition on favorable terms in the time period we desire, or at all;
·
even if we are able to finance the acquisition, our cash flow may be insufficient to meet our required principal and interest payments;
·
we may spend more than budgeted to make necessary improvements or renovations to acquired properties;
·
we may be unable to quickly and efficiently integrate new acquisitions, particularly acquisition of portfolios of properties, into our existing operations, and as a result our results of operations and financial condition could be adversely affected;
·
market conditions may result in higher than expected vacancy rates and lower than expected rental rates; and
·
we may acquire properties subject to liabilities and without any recourse, or with only limited recourse, with respect to unknown liabilities for clean-up of undisclosed environmental contamination, claims by tenants or other persons dealing with former owners of the properties and claims for indemnification by general partners, directors, officers and others indemnified by the former owners of the properties.
If we cannot finance property acquisitions in a timely manner and on favorable terms, or operate acquired properties to meet our financial expectations, our financial condition, results of operations, cash flow and ability to satisfy our principal and interest obligations and to make distributions to our shareholders could be adversely affected.
We depend on external sources of capital that are outside of our control, which may affect our ability to seize strategic opportunities, satisfy our debt obligations and make distributions to our shareholders.
In order to maintain our qualification as a REIT, we are generally required under the Code to annually distribute at least 90% of our REIT taxable income, determined without regard to the dividends paid deduction and excluding any net capital gain. In addition, as a REIT, we will be subject to income tax at regular corporate rates to the extent that we distribute less than 100% of our REIT taxable income, including any net capital gains. Because of these distribution requirements, we may not be able to fund future capital needs, including any necessary acquisition financing, from operating cash flow. Consequently, we may rely on third-party sources to fund our capital needs. We may not be able to obtain the financing on favorable terms, in the time period we desire, or at all. Any additional debt we incur will increase our leverage, expose us to the risk of default and may impose operating restrictions on us, and any additiona l equity we raise could be dilutive to existing shareholders. Our access to third-party sources of capital depends, in part, on:
·
general market conditions;
·
the market’s view of the quality of our assets;
12
·
the market’s perception of our growth potential;
·
our current debt levels;
·
our current and expected future earnings, and
·
our cash flow and cash distributions.
If we cannot obtain capital from third-party sources, we may not be able to acquire or develop properties when strategic opportunities exist, satisfy our principal and interest obligations or make the cash distributions to our shareholders necessary to maintain our qualification as a REIT.
We may be unable to sell a property at the time we desire and on favorable terms or at all, which could inhibit our ability to utilize our capital to make strategic acquisitions and could adversely affect our results of operations, financial condition and ability to make distributions to our shareholders.
Real estate investments generally cannot be sold quickly. Our ability to dispose of properties on advantageous terms depends on factors beyond on our control, including competition from other sellers and the availability of attractive financing for potential buyers of our properties, and we cannot predict the various market conditions affecting real estate investments that will exist at any particular time in the future. In addition, theCode generally imposes a 100% tax on gain recognized by REITs upon the disposition of assets if the assets are held primarily for sale in the ordinary course of business, rather than for investment, which may cause us to forego or defer sales of properties that otherwise would be attractive from a pre-tax perspective. As a result of such tax laws and the uncertainty of market conditions, our ability to promptly make changes to our portfolio as necessary to respond to economic and other conditions may be limited, and we cannot provide any assurance that we will be able to sell such properties at a profit, or at all. Accordingly, our ability to access capital through dispositions may be limited which could limit our ability to acquire properties strategically and pay down indebtedness and would limit our ability to make distributions to our shareholders.
In addition, certain of our leases contain provisions giving the tenant a right to purchase the property, which can take the form of a fixed price purchase option, a fair market value purchase option, a put option, a right of first refusal or a right of first offer. When acquiring a property in the future, we may also agree to restrictions that prohibit the sale of that property for period of time or impose other restrictions, such as a limitation on the amount of debt that can be placed or repaid on that property. These provisions may restrict our ability to sell a property at opportune times or on favorable terms and, as a result, may adversely impact our cash flows and results of operations.
Furthermore, we may be required to expend funds to correct defects or to make improvements before a property can be sold. We cannot assure our shareholders that we will have funds available to correct such defects or to make such improvements and, therefore, we may be unable to sell the asset or may have to sell it at a reduced cost.
Joint venture investments could be adversely affected by our lack of sole decision-making authority, our reliance on co-venturers’ financial condition and disputes between us and our co-venturers.
We have made and may continue to make investments in joint ventures or other partnership arrangements between us and our joint venture partners. As of December 31, 2010, we held 55 operating properties (as well as a portion of one other property) with 6,853,000 square feet of GLA in two consolidated joint ventures and 19 operating properties with 2,665,000 square feet of GLA in three unconsolidated joint ventures. Investments in joint ventures or other partnership arrangements involve risks not present were a third party not involved, including the following:
·
we do not haveexclusive control over the development, financing, leasing, management and other aspects of the property or joint venture, which may prevent us from taking actions that are in our best interest but opposed by our partners;
·
prior consent of our joint venture partners may be required for a sale or transfer to a third party of our interest in the joint venture, which would restrict our ability to dispose of our interest in the joint venture;
·
two of our unconsolidated operating joint venture agreements have, and future joint venture agreements may contain,buy-sell provisions pursuant to which one partner may initiate procedures requiring the other partner to choose between buying the other partner’s interest or selling its interest to that partner;
13
·
our partners might become bankrupt or fail to fund their share of required capital contributions necessary to refinance debt or to fund tenant improvements or development or renovation projects for the joint venture properties, which may force us to contribute more capital than we anticipated to cover the joint venture’s liabilities;
·
our partners may have competing interests in our markets that could create conflict of interest issues;
·
our partners may have economic or business interests or goals that are inconsistent with our interests or goals and may take actions contrary to our instructions, requests, policies or objectives;
·
two of our joint venture agreements have, and future joint venture agreements may contain, provisions limiting our ability to solicit or otherwise attempt to persuade any tenant to relocate to another property not owned by the joint venture;
·
our partners may take actions that could jeopardize our REIT status or require us to pay tax;
·
actions by partners might subject real properties owned by the joint venture to liabilities greater than those contemplated by the terms of the joint venture or other adverse consequences that may reduce our returns;
·
disputes between us and partners or co-venturers may result in litigation or arbitration that would increase our expenses and prevent our officers and/or directors from focusing their time and effort on our business and could result in subjecting properties owned by the partnership or joint venture to additional risk; and
·
we may in certain circumstances be liable for the actions of our third-party partners or co-venturers.
If any of the foregoing were to occur, our financial condition, results of operations and cash available for distribution to our shareholders could be adversely affected.
Our development and construction activities have inherent risks, which could adversely impact our results of operations and cash flow.
Our construction and development activities include risks that are different and, in most cases, greater than the risks associated with our acquisition of fully developed and operating properties. We may provide a completion of construction and principal guaranty to the construction lender. As a result of such a guaranty, we may subject a property to liabilities in excess of those contemplated and thus reduce our return to investors.
In addition to the risks associated with real estate investments in general as described elsewhere, the risks associated with our development activities include:
·
significant time lag between commencement and stabilization subjects us to greater risks due to fluctuations in the general economy, including national, regional and local economic downturns, and shifts in demographics;
·
expenditure of money and time on projects that may never be completed;
·
occupancy rates and rents at a newly completed property may not be sufficient to make the property profitable;
·
inability to achieve projected occupancy and/or rental rates per square foot within the projected time frame, if at all;
·
failure or inability to obtain construction or permanent financing on favorable terms or at all;
·
higher than estimated construction or operating costs, including labor and material costs;
·
inability to complete construction and lease-up on schedule, resulting in increased debt service expense and construction costs; and
·
possible delay in completion of a project because of a number of factors, including weather, labor disruptions, construction delays or delays in receipt of zoning or other regulatory approvals, acts of terror or other acts of violence, or acts of God (such as fires, earthquakes or floods).
Additionally, the time frame required for development and lease-up of these properties means that we may not realize a significant cash return for several years. If any of the above events occur, the development of the properties may hinder our growth and have an adverse effect on our results of operations and cash flow. In addition, new development activities, regardless of whether or not they are ultimately successful, typically require substantial time and attention from management.
14
Bankruptcy of our developers could impose delays and costs on us with respect to the development retail properties and may adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.
The bankruptcy of one of the developers in any of our development joint ventures could materially and adversely affect the relevant property or properties. If the relevant joint venture through which we have invested in a property has incurred recourse obligations, the discharge in bankruptcy of the developer may require us to honor a completion guarantee and therefore might result in our ultimate liability for a greater portion of those obligations than we would otherwise bear.
A number of properties in our portfolio are subject to ground leases; if we are found to be in breach of a ground lease or are unable to renew a ground lease, we could be materially and adversely affected.
We have 17 properties in our portfolio that are either completely or partially on land subject to ground leases. Accordingly, we only own a long-term leasehold or similar interest in those properties. If we are found to be in breach of a ground lease, we could lose the right to use the property. In addition, unless we can purchase a fee interest in the underlying land and improvements or extend the terms of these leases before their expiration, as to which no assurance can be given, we will lose our right to operate these properties and our interest in the improvements upon expiration of the leases. Assuming that we exercise all available options to extend the terms of our ground leases, all of our ground leases will expire between 2018 and 2105. However, in certain cases, our ability to exercise such options is subject to the condition that we are not in default under the terms of the ground lease at the time th at we exercise such options, and we can provide no assurances that we will be able to exercise our options at such time. Furthermore, we can provide no assurances that we will be able to renew our ground lease upon expiration. If we were to lose the right to use a property due to a breach or non-renewal of the ground lease, we would be unable to derive income from such property and would be required to purchase an interest in another property to attempt to replace that income, which could materially and adversely affect us.
Uninsured losses or losses in excess of insurance coverage could materially and adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.
Each tenant is responsible for insuring its goods and premises and, in some circumstances, may be required to reimburse us for a share of the cost of acquiring comprehensive insurance for the property, including casualty, liability, fire and extended coverage customarily obtained for similar properties in amounts which we determine are sufficient to cover reasonably foreseeable losses. Tenants on a net lease typically are required to pay all insurance costs associated with their space. However, material losses may occur in excess of insurance proceeds with respect to any property and we may not have sufficient resources to fund such losses. In addition, we may be subject to certain types of losses, generally of a catastrophic nature, such as losses due to wars, acts of terrorism, earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, pollution or environmental matters, which are either uninsurable or not economically insurable, o r may be insured subject to limitations, such as large deductibles or co-payments. If we experience a loss that is uninsured or that exceeds policy limits, we could lose all or a significant portion of the capital we have invested in the damaged property, as well as the anticipated future revenue of the property, which could materially and adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.Inflation, changes in building codes and ordinances, environmental considerations and other factors also might make it impractical or undesirable to use insurance proceeds to replace a property after it has been damaged or destroyed. In addition, if the damaged properties are subject to recourse indebtedness, we would continue to be liable for the indebtedness, even if these properties were irreparably damaged. Furthermore, we may not be able to obtain adequate insurance coverage at reasonable costs in the future, as the costs associated with property a nd casualty renewals may be higher than anticipated.
In addition, insurance risks associated with potential terrorism acts could sharply increase the premium we pay for coverage against property and casualty claims. Further, mortgage lenders, in some cases, have begun to insist that specific coverage against terrorism be purchased by commercial property owners as a condition for providing mortgage loans. It is uncertain whether such insurance policies will be available, or available at reasonable costs, which could inhibit our ability to finance or refinance our properties. In such instances, we may be required to provide other financial support, either through financial assurances or self-insurance, to cover potential losses. We cannot assure our shareholders that we will have adequate coverage for such losses and, to the extent we must pay unexpectedly large amounts for insurance, our financial condition, results of operations and ability to make distributio ns to our shareholders could be materially and adversely affected.
15
Some of our properties are subject to potential natural or other disasters, which could cause significant damage to our properties andadversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.
A number of our properties are located in areas which are susceptible to, and could be significantly affected by, natural disasters that could cause significant damage to our properties. For example, many of our properties are located in coastal regions, and would therefore be affected by any future increases in sea levels or in the frequency or severity of hurricanes and tropical storms, whether such increases are caused by global climate changes or other factors. In addition, a number of our properties are located in California and other regions that are especially susceptible to earthquakes. If we experience a loss, due to such natural disasters or other relevant factors, that is uninsured or which exceeds our policy limits, we could incur significant costs and lose the capital invested in the damaged properties, as well as the anticipated future revenue from those properties, which could a dversely affect our financial condition and results of operations. In addition, if the damaged properties are subject to recourse indebtedness, we would continue to be liable for the indebtedness, even if these properties were irreparably damaged.
We may incur liability with respect to contaminated property or incur costs to comply with environmental laws, which may negatively impact our financial condition and results of operations.
Under various federal, state or local laws, ordinances and regulations, as a current or former owner or operator of real property, we may be liable for costs and damages resulting from the presence or release of hazardous substances, waste, or petroleum products at, on, in, under or from such property, including costs for investigation, remediation, natural resource damages or third party liability for personal injury or property damage. These laws often impose liability without regard to whether the owner or operator knew of, or was responsible for, the presence or release of such materials, and the liability may be joint and several. In addition, the presence of contamination or the failure to remediate contamination at our properties may adversely affect our ability to sell, redevelop, or lease such property or to borrow using the property as collateral. Environmental laws also may create liens on contaminated sites in favor of the government for damages and costs it incurs to address such contamination. Moreover, if contamination is discovered on our properties, environmental laws may impose restrictions on the manner in which that property may be used or how businesses may be operated on that property. Some of our properties have been or may be impacted by contamination arising from current or prior uses of the property or adjacent properties for commercial or industrial purposes. Such contamination may arise from spills of petroleum or hazardous substances or releases from tanks used to store such materials.We also may be liable forthe costs of remediating contamination at off-site disposal or treatment facilities when we arrange for disposal or treatment of hazardous substances at such facilities, without regard to whether we comply with enviro nmental laws in doing so.
In addition, our properties are subject to various federal, state and local environmental, health and safety laws, including laws governing the management of wastes and underground and aboveground storage tanks. Noncompliance with these environmental, health and safety laws could subject us or our tenants to liability. These environmental liabilities could affect a tenant’s ability to make rental payments to us. Moreover, changes in laws could increase the potential costs of compliance with environmental laws, health and safety laws or increase liability for noncompliance. This may result in significant unanticipated expenditures or may otherwise materially and adversely affect our operations, or those of our tenants, which could in turn have a material adverse effect on us.
As the owner or operator of real property, we may also incur liability based on various building conditions. For example, buildings and other structures on properties that we currently own or operate or those we acquire or operate in the future contain, may contain, or may have contained, asbestos-containing material, or ACM. Environmental, health and safety laws require that ACM be properly managed and maintained and may impose fines or penalties on owners, operators or employers for non-compliance with those requirements. These requirements include special precautions, such as removal, abatement or air monitoring, if ACM would be disturbed during maintenance, renovation or demolition of a building, potentially resulting in substantial costs. In addition, we may be subject to liability for personal injury or property damage sustained as a result of exposure to ACM or releases of ACM into the environment.
We cannot assure you that costs or liabilities incurred as a result of environmental issues will not affect our ability to make distributions to our shareholders or that such costs or liabilities will not have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
16
Our properties may contain or develop harmful mold or suffer from other indoor air quality issues, which could lead to liability for adverse health effects or property damage or cost for remediation.
When excessive moisture accumulates in buildings or on building materials, mold growth may occur, particularly if the moisture problem remains undiscovered or is not addressed over a period of time. Some molds may produce airborne toxins or irritants. Indoor air quality issues can also stem from inadequate ventilation, chemical contamination from indoor or outdoor sources, and other biological contaminants such as pollen, viruses and bacteria. Indoor exposure to airborne toxins or irritants can be alleged to cause a variety of adverse health effects and symptoms, including allergic or other reactions. As a result, the presence of significant mold or other airborne contaminants at any of our properties could require us to undertake a costly remediation program to contain or remove the mold or other airborne contaminants or to increase ventilation. In addition, the presence of signific ant mold or other airborne contaminants could expose us to liability from our tenants, employees of our tenants, or others if property damage or personal injury occurs.
We may incur significant costs complying with the ADA and similar laws, which could adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Under the ADA, all public accommodations must meet federal requirements related to access and use by disabled persons. Although we believe the properties in our portfolio substantially comply with present requirements of the ADA, we have not conducted an audit or investigation of all of our properties to determine our compliance. If one or more of the properties in our portfolio is not in compliance with the ADA, we would be required to incur additional costs to bring the property into compliance. Additional federal, state and local laws also may require modifications to our properties, or restrict our ability to renovate our properties. We cannot predict the ultimate cost of compliance with the ADA or other legislation. If we incur substantial costs to comply with the ADA and any other legislation, our financial condition, results of operations, cash flow and our ability to satisfy our debt obligations and to make distribution s to our shareholders could be adversely affected.
We may experience a decline in the fair value of our assets and be forced to recognize impairment charges, which could materially and adversely impact our financial condition, liquidity and results of operations.
A decline in the fair value of our assets may require us to recognize an impairment against such assets under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (GAAP) if we were to determine that, with respect to any assets in unrealized loss positions, we do not have the ability and intent to hold such assets to maturity or for a period of time sufficient to allow for recovery to the amortized cost of such assets. If such a determination were to be made, we would recognize unrealized losses through earnings and write down the amortized cost of such assets to a new cost basis, based on the fair value of such assets on the date they are considered to be unrecoverable. Such impairment charges reflect non-cash losses at the time of recognition; subsequent disposition or sale of such assets could further affect our future losses or gains, as they are based on the difference between the sale price received and adjusted amortized cost of such assets at the time of sale. In addition, there may be significant uncertainty in the valuation, or in the stability of the value, of our properties and those of our unconsolidated joint ventures, that could result in a substantial decrease in the value of our properties and those of our unconsolidated joint ventures. As a result, we may not be able to recover the carrying amount of our properties and/or our investments in our unconsolidated joint ventures and we may be required to recognize an impairment charge. For the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, we recognized aggregate impairment losses of $23,057, $82,022 and $463,440, respectively. We may be required to recognize additional asset impairment charges in the future, which could materially and adversely affect our financial condition, liquidity and results of operations.
Our investment in marketable securities has negatively impacted our results of operations and may do so in the future.
Currently, our investment in marketable securities consists of preferred and common stock that are classified as available-for-sale and recorded at fair value. We have recognized other-than-temporary impairments related to our investment in these securities primarily as a result of the severity of the decline in market value and the length of time over which these securities experienced such declines. For example, other-than-temporary impairments were none, $24,831 and $160,327 for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively. As of December 31, 2010, our investment in marketable securities totaled $34,230, which included $22,106 of accumulated unrealized gain. If our stock positions decline in value, we could take additional other-than-temporary impairments, which could materially and adversely affect our results of operations. In addition, we purchase a portion of our securities through a margin account. If the value of those securities declines and we face a margin call, we may be required to sell those securities at unfavorable times and
17
record a loss or to post additional cash as collateral, which could adversely affect our financial condition, results and operations and our ability to satisfy our debt obligations and make distributions to our shareholders.
Further, we may continue to invest in marketable securities in the future. Investments in marketable securities are subject to specific risks relating to the particular issuer of the securities, including the financial condition and business outlook of the issuer, which may result in significant losses to us. Marketable securities are generally unsecured and may also be subordinated to other obligations of the issuer. As a result, investments in marketable securities are subject to risks of: (i) limited liquidity in the secondary trading market; (ii) substantial market price volatility resulting from changes in prevailing interest rates; (iii) subordination to the prior claims of banks and other senior lenders to the issuer; (iv) the possibility that earnings of the issuer may be insufficient to meet its debt service and distribution obligations; and (v) the declining creditworthiness and potential for insolvency of the issuer during periods of rising interest rates and economic downturn. These risks may adversely affect the value of outstanding marketable securities and the ability of the issuer to make distribution payments.
Our success depends on key personnel whose continued service is not guaranteed.
We depend on the efforts and expertise of our senior management team to manage our day-to-day operations and strategic business direction. We do not, however, have employment agreements with the members of our senior management team. Therefore, we cannot guarantee their continued service. Moreover, among other things, it would constitute an event of default under the credit agreement governing our senior secured revolving line of credit and secured term loan if certain members of management (or a reasonably satisfactory replacement) ceased to continue to be active on a daily basis in our management. The loss of their services, and our inability to find suitable replacements, could have an adverse effect on our operations.
RISKS RELATED TO OUR DEBT FINANCING
We had approximately $3,757,237 of consolidated indebtedness outstanding as of December 31, 2010, which could adversely affect our financial health and operating flexibility.
We have a substantial amount of indebtedness. As of December 31, 2010, we had approximately $3,757,237 of aggregate consolidated indebtedness outstanding, substantially all of which was secured by one or more of our properties or our equity interests in our joint ventures. As a result of this substantial indebtedness, we are required to use a material portion of our cash flow to service principal and interest on our debt, which will limit the cash flow available to pursue desirable business opportunities, pay operating expenses and make distributions to our shareholders.
Our substantial indebtedness could have important consequences to us and the value of our stock, including:
·
limiting our ability to borrow additional amounts for working capital, capital expenditures, debt service requirements, execution of our growth strategy or other purposes;
·
limiting our ability to use operating cash flow in other areas of our business because we must dedicate a substantial portion of these funds to service the debt;
·
increasing our vulnerability to general adverse economic and industry conditions, including increases in interest rates;
·
limiting our ability to capitalize on business opportunities, including the acquisition of additional properties, and to react to competitive pressures and adverse changes in government regulation;
·
limiting our ability or increasing the costs to refinance indebtedness;
·
limiting our ability to enter into marketing and hedging transactions by reducing the number of counterparties with whom we can enter into such transactions as well as the volume of those transactions;
·
we may be forced to dispose of one or more properties, possibly on disadvantageous terms;
·
we may be forced to sell additional equity securities at prices that may be dilutive to existing shareholders;
·
we may default on our obligations or violate restrictive covenants, in which case the lenders or mortgagees may accelerate our debt obligations, foreclose on the properties that secure their loans and/or take control of our properties that secure their loans and collect rents and other property income;
18
·
in the event of a default under any of our recourse indebtedness, we would be liable for any deficiency between the value of the property securing such loan and the principal and accrued interest on the loan;
·
we may violate restrictive covenants in our loan documents, which would entitle the lenders to accelerate our debt obligations; and
·
our default under any one of our mortgage loans with cross-default provisions could result in a default on other indebtedness.
If any one of these events were to occur, our financial condition, results of operations, cash flow and our ability to satisfy our principal and interest obligations and to make distributions to our shareholders could be materially and adversely affected.
Our financial condition and ability to make distributions to our shareholders could be adversely affected by financial and other covenants and other provisions under the credit agreement governing our senior secured revolving line of credit and secured term loan or other debt agreements.
On February 4, 2011, we amended and restated our existing credit agreement to provide for a senior secured credit facility in the aggregate amount of $585,000, consisting of a $435,000 senior secured revolving line of credit and a $150,000 secured term loan with a number of financial institutions. The credit agreement governing this senior secured revolving line of credit and secured term loan requires compliance with certain financial and operating covenants, including, among other things, leverage ratios, certain coverage ratios and net worth covenants, a covenant regarding minimum occupancy, limitations on our ability to incur unhedged variable rate debt or recourse indebtedness, limitations on our investments in unimproved land, unconsolidated joint ventures, construction in progress and mortgage notes receivable. The credit agreement also requires us to obtain consent prior to selling assets above a certain value or increasi ng our total assets by more than a certain amount as a result of a merger. In addition, our senior secured revolving line of credit and secured term loan limit our distributions to the greater of 95% of funds from operations, or FFO, or the amount necessary for us to maintain our qualification as a REIT. The senior secured revolving line of credit and secured term loan also contain customary events of default, including but not limited to, non-payment of principal, interest fees or other amounts, breaches of covenants, defaults on any recourse indebtedness of Inland Western Retail Real Estate Trust, Inc. in excess of $20,000 or any non-recourse indebtedness in excess of $100,000 in the aggregate subject to certain carveouts, failure of certain members of management (or a reasonably satisfactory replacement) to continue to be active on a daily basis in our management and bankruptcy or other insolvency events. These provisions could limit our ability to make distributions to our shareholders, obtain additional funds needed to address cash shortfalls or pursue growth opportunities or transactions that would provide substantial returns to our shareholders. In addition, a breach of these covenants or other event of default would allow the lenders to accelerate payment of advances under the credit agreement. If payment is accelerated, our assets may not be sufficient to repay such debt in full and, as a result, such an event may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition.
In addition, and in connection with the debt refinancing transaction of IW JV, we entered into a lockbox and cash management agreement pursuant to which substantially all the income generated by the IW JV properties will be deposited directly into a lockbox account established by the lender. In the event of a default or the debt service coverage ratio falling below a set amount, the cash management agreement provides that excess cash flow will be swept into a cash management account, for the benefit of the lender, to be held as additional security after the payment of interest and approved property operating expenses. Cash will not be distributed to us from these accounts until the earlier of a cash sweep event cure, or the repayment of the mortgage loan, senior mezzanine note and junior mezzanine note. As of December 31, 2010, we were in compliance with the terms of the cash management agreement, however, if an event of default were to occur, we may be forced to borrow funds in order to make distributions to our shareholders and maintain our qualification as a REIT.
Given the restrictions in our debt covenants on these and other activities, we may be significantly limited in our operating and financial flexibility and may be limited in our ability to respond to changes in our business or competitive activities in the future.
19
We incur mortgage indebtedness and other borrowings, which reduce the funds available for distributions required to maintain our status as a REIT and to avoid income and excise tax.
We historically have incurred mortgage indebtedness and other borrowings in order to finance acquisitions or ongoing operations and we intend to continue to do so in the future. Our debt service and repayment requirements will not be reduced regardless of our actual cash flows. In addition, in order to maintain our qualification as a REIT, we must distribute to our shareholders at least 90% of our annual REIT taxable income, determined without regard to the deduction for dividends paid and excluding net capital gains, and we are generally subject to corporate tax on any retained income. As a result, if our future cash flow is not sufficient to meet our debt service and repayment requirements and the REIT distribution requirements, we may be required to use cash reserves, incur additional debt, sell equity securities or liquidate assets in order to meet those requirements. However, we cannot assure you that capital will be ava ilable from such sources on favorable terms or at all, which may negatively impact our financial condition, results of operations and ability to make distributions to our shareholders.
Substantially all of the mortgage indebtedness we incur is secured, which increases our risk of loss since defaults may result in foreclosure. In addition, mortgages sometimes include cross-collateralization or cross-default provisions that increase the risk that more than one property may be affected by a default.
As of December 31, 2010, we had a total of $3,521,552, net of premiums of $17,534 and discounts of $2,502, of indebtedness secured by 276 of our 284 operating properties. Because substantially all of our properties are mortgaged to secure payments of indebtedness, we are subject to the risk of property loss since defaults on indebtedness secured by properties may result in foreclosure actions initiated by lenders and ultimately our loss of the property securing the loan for which we are in default.
For example, as of the date of this filing, we were in default on $76,057 of mortgage loans secured by a total of seven properties with 680,929 square feet of GLA representing $4,721 of ABR as of December 31, 2010. We expect to repay a $21,715 mortgage loan with borrowings under our senior secured revolving line of credit in March 2011. We are currently in active negotiations with the lenders regarding an appropriate course of action, including the potential for a discounted payoff with respect to the remaining $54,342 of mortgages payable. We can provide no assurance that we will be able to restructure our current obligations under the mortgage loans that were in default or that our negotiations with the lenders will result in favorable outcomes to us. Failure to restructure our mortgage obligations could result in default and foreclosure actions and loss of the underlying properties. In the event t hat we default on other mortgages in the future, either as a result of ceasing to make debt service payments or the failure to meet applicable covenants, we may have additional properties that are subject to potential foreclosure. In addition, as a result of cross-collateralization or cross-default provisions contained in certain of our mortgage loans, a default under one mortgage loan could result in a default on other indebtedness and cause us to lose other better performing properties, which could materially and adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.
Further, for tax purposes, a foreclosure of any nonrecourse mortgage on any of our properties would be treated as a sale of the property for a purchase price equal to the outstanding balance of the debt secured by the mortgage. If the outstanding balance of the debt secured by the mortgage exceeds our tax basis in the property, we would recognize taxable income on the foreclosure without accompanying cash proceeds, a circumstance which could hinder our ability to meet the REIT distribution requirements imposed by the Code. As a result, we may be required to identify and utilize other sources of cash for distributions to our shareholders of that income.
Dislocations in the credit markets, including the continuing effects of the severe dislocation experienced in 2008 and 2009, may adversely affect our ability to obtain debt financing at favorable rates or at all.
Dislocations in the credit markets, generally or relating to the real estate industry specifically, may adversely affect our ability to obtain debt financing at favorable rates or at all. The credit markets experienced a severe dislocation during 2008 and 2009, which, for certain periods of time, resulted in the near unavailability of debt financing for even the most creditworthy borrowers. Although the credit markets have recovered from this severe dislocation, there are a number of continuing effects, includinga weakening of many traditional sources of debt financing, a reduction in the overall amount of debt financing available, lower loan to value ratios, a tightening of lender underwriting standards and terms and higher interest ratespreads. As a result, we may not be able to refinance our existing debt when it comes due or to obtain new debt financing for acquisitions or development projects, or we may be forced to accept less favorable terms, including
20
increased collateral to secure our indebtedness, higher interest rates and/or more restrictive covenants. If we are not successful in refinancing our debt when it becomes due, we may default under our loan obligations, enter into foreclosure proceedings, or be forced to dispose of properties on disadvantageous terms, any of which might adversely affect our ability to service other debt and to meet our other obligations. In addition, if a dislocation similar to that which occurred in 2008 and 2009 occurs in the future, the values of our properties may decline further, which could limit our ability to obtain future debt financing, refinance existing debt or utilize existing debt commitments and thus materially and adversely affect on our financial condition, particularly if it occurs at a time when we have significant debt maturities coming due.
Future increases in interest rates may adversely affect any future refinancing of our debt, may require us to sell properties and could adversely affect our ability to make distributions to our shareholders.
If we incur debt in the future and do not have sufficient funds to repay such debt at maturity, it may be necessary to refinance the debt through additional debt or additional equity financings. If, at the time of any refinancing, prevailing interest rates or other factors result in higher interest rates on refinancings, our net income could be reduced and any increases in interest expense could adversely affect our cash flows. Consequently, our cash available for distribution to our shareholders would be reduced and we may be prevented from borrowing more money. Any such future increases in interest rates would result in higher interest rates on new debt and our existing variable rate debt and may adversely impact our financial condition.
Further, if we are unable to refinance our debt on acceptable terms, we may be forced to dispose of properties on disadvantageous terms, potentially resulting in losses. We may place mortgages on properties that we acquire to secure a revolving line of credit or other debt. To the extent we cannot meet future debt service obligations, we will risk losing some or all of our properties that may be pledged to secure our obligations. Also, covenants applicable to any future debt could impair our planned investment strategy, and, if violated, result in default.
RISKS RELATED TO OUR ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE
Our board of directors may change significant corporate policies without shareholder approval.
Our investment, financing, borrowing and distribution policies and our policies with respect to all other activities, including growth, debt, capitalization and operations, are determined by our board of directors. These policies may be amended or revised at any time and from time to time at the discretion of the board of directors without a vote of our shareholders. As a result, the ability of our shareholders to control our policies and practices is extremely limited. We could make investments and engage in business activities that are different from, and possibly riskier than, the investments and businesses described in this report. In addition, our board of directors may change our policies with respect to conflicts of interest provided that such changes are consistent with applicable legal and regulatory requirements. A change in these policie s could have an adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and ability to satisfy our debt service obligations and to make distributions to our shareholders.
We could increase the number of authorized shares of stock and issue stock without shareholder approval.
Subject to applicable legal and regulatory requirements, our charter authorizes our board of directors, without shareholder approval, to increase the aggregate number of authorized shares of stock or the number of authorized shares of stock of any class or series, to authorize us to issue authorized but unissued shares of our common stock or preferred stock and to classify or reclassify any unissued shares of our common stock or preferred stock and to set the preferences, rights and other terms of such classified or unclassified shares. As a result, we may issue series or classes of common stock or preferred stock with preferences, dividends, powers and rights, voting or otherwise, that are senior to, or otherwise conflict with, the rights of holders of our common stock. In addition, our board of directors could establish a series of preferred stock that could, depending on the terms of such series, delay, defer or prevent a transa ction or a change of control that might involve a premium price for our common stock or that our shareholders may believe is in their best interests.
21
Provisions of our charter may limit the ability of a third party to acquire control of our company.
Our charter provides that no person may beneficially own more than 9.8% in value or number of shares, whichever is more restrictive, of our outstanding common stock or 9.8% in value of the aggregate outstanding shares of our capital stock. These ownership limitations may prevent an acquisition of control of our company by a third party without our board of directors’ approval, even if our shareholders believe the change in control is in their best interests.
Certain provisions of Maryland law could inhibit changes in control of us, which could lower the value of our common stock.
Certain provisions of the Maryland General Corporation Law, or MGCL, may have the effect of inhibiting or deterring a third party from making a proposal to acquire us or of impeding a change of control under circumstances that otherwise could provide the holders of shares of our common stock with the opportunity to realize a premium on their shares of common stock, including:
•
“business combination” provisions that, subject to limitations, prohibit certain business combinations between us and an “interested shareholder” (defined generally as any person who beneficially owns 10% or more of the voting power of our shares or an affiliate or associate of ours who, at any time within the two-year period prior to the date in question, was the beneficial owner of 10% or more of our then outstanding voting shares) or an affiliate of an interested shareholder for five years after the most recent date on which the shareholder becomes an interested shareholder, and thereafter may impose special shareholder voting requirements unless certain minimum price conditions are satisfied; and
•
“control share” provisions that provide that “control shares” of our company (defined as shares which, when aggregated with other shares controlled by the shareholder, entitle the shareholder to exercise one of three increasing ranges of voting power in electing directors) acquired in a “control share acquisition” (defined as the direct or indirect acquisition of ownership or control of outstanding “control shares”) have no voting rights except to the extent approved by our shareholders by the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of all the votes entitled to be cast on the matter, excluding all interested shares.
Title 3, Subtitle 8 of the MGCL permits our board of directors, without shareholder approval and regardless of what is currently provided in our charter or bylaws, to implement certain takeover defenses, including adopting a classified board. Such takeover defenses may have the effect of inhibiting a third party from making an acquisition proposal for us or of delaying, deferring or preventing a change in control of us under the circumstances that otherwise could provide our common shareholders with the opportunity to realize a premium over the then current market price.
In addition, the advance notice provisions of our bylaws could delay, defer or prevent a transaction or a change of control of our company that might involve a premium price for holders of our common stock or that our shareholders may believe to be in their best interests.
Our rights and the rights of our shareholders to take action against our directors and officers are limited, which could limit your recourse in the event of actions that you do not believe are in your best interests.
Maryland law provides that a director or officer has no liability in that capacity if he or she satisfies his or her duties to us and our shareholders. As permitted by the MGCL, our charter limits the liability of our directors and officers to us and our shareholders for money damages, except for liability resulting from:
•
actual receipt of an improper benefit or profit in money, property or services; or
•
a final judgment based upon a finding of active and deliberate dishonesty by the director or officer that was material to the cause of action adjudicated.
In addition, our charter and bylaws and indemnification agreements that we have entered into with our directors and certain of our officers require us, to indemnify our directors and officers, among others, for actions taken by them in those capacities to the maximum extent permitted by Maryland law. As a result, we and our shareholders may have more limited rights against our directors and officers than might otherwise exist. Accordingly, in the event that actions taken in good faith by any of our directors or officers impede the performance of our company, your ability to recover damages from such director or officer will be limited. In addition, we will be obligated to advance the defense costs incurred by our
22
directors and our officers with indemnification agreements, and may, in the discretion of our board of directors, advance the defense costs incurred by our employees and other agents, in connection with legal proceedings.
RISKS RELATING TO OUR REIT STATUS
Failure to qualify as a REIT would cause us to be taxed as a regular corporation, which would substantially reduce funds available for distributions to our shareholders and materially and adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.
Subject to the discussion below regarding the closing agreement that we have requested from the IRS, we believe that we have been organized, owned and operated in conformity with the requirements for qualification and taxation as a REIT under the Code beginning with our taxable year ended December 31, 2003, and that our intended manner of ownership and operation will enable us to continue to meet the requirements for qualification and taxation as a REIT for federal income tax purposes. However, we cannot assure you that we have qualified or will qualify as such. Shareholders should be aware that qualification as a REIT involves the application of highly technical and complex provisions of the Code as to which there are only limited judicial and administrative interpretations and involves the determination of facts and circumstances not entirely within our control. Future legislation, new regulat ions, administrative interpretations or court decisions may significantly change the tax laws or the application of the tax laws with respect to qualification as a REIT or the federal income tax consequences of such qualification.
If we fail to qualify as a REIT in any taxable year, we will face serious tax consequences that will substantially reduce the funds available for distributions to our shareholders because:
·
we would not be allowed a deduction for dividends paid to shareholders in computing our taxable income and would be subject to U.S. federal income tax at regular corporate rates;
·
we could be subject to the U.S. federal alternative minimum tax;
·
we could be subject to increased state and local taxes; and
·
unless we are entitled to relief under certain U.S. federal income tax laws, we could not re-elect REIT status until the fifth calendar year after the year in which we failed to qualify as a REIT.
In addition, if we fail to qualify as a REIT, we will not be required to make distributions and it could result in default under certain of our indebtedness agreements. As a result of all these factors, our failure to qualify as a REIT could impair our ability to expand our business and raise capital, and it would adversely affect the value of our stock.
Even if we qualify as a REIT, we may face other tax liabilities that reduce our cash flows.
Even if we qualify for taxation as a REIT, we may be subject to certain U.S. federal, state and local taxes on our income and assets, including taxes on any undistributed income, taxes on net income from certain “prohibited transactions,” tax on income from certain activities conducted as a result of a foreclosure, and state or local income, franchise, property and transfer taxes. In addition, we could, in certain circumstances, be required to pay an excise or penalty tax (which could be significant in amount) in order to utilize one or more relief provisions under the Code to maintain our qualification as a REIT. Also, our subsidiaries that are TRSs will be subject to regular corporate U.S. federal, state and local taxes. To the extent that we conduct operations outside of the United States, our operations would subject us to applicable foreign taxes as wel l. Any of these taxes would decrease our earnings and our cash available for distributions to shareholders.
Failure to make required distributions would subject us to U.S. federal corporate income tax.
In order to qualify as a REIT, we generally are required to distribute at least 90% of our REIT taxable income, determined without regard to the dividends paid deduction and excluding net capital gains, each year to our shareholders. To the extent that we satisfy this distribution requirement, but distribute less than 100% of our REIT taxable income, we will be subject to U.S. federal corporate income tax on our undistributed taxable income. In addition, we will be subject to a 4% nondeductible excise tax if the actual amount that we pay out to our shareholders for a calendar year is less than a minimum amount specified under the Code. Moreover, our senior secured revolving line of credit and secured term loan may limit our distributions to the minimum amount required to maintain REIT status. Specifically, they limit our distributions to the greater of 95% of FFO or the a mount necessary for us to maintain our qualification as a REIT. To the extent these limits prevent us from distributing 100% of our REIT taxable income, we will be subject to income tax, and potentially excise tax, on the retained amounts.
23
We may be required to borrow funds to satisfy our REIT distribution requirements.
In order to maintain our qualification as a REIT and to meet the REIT distribution requirements, we may need to borrow funds on a short-term basis or sell assets, even if the then-prevailing market conditions are not favorable for these borrowings or sales. Our cash flows from operations may be insufficient to fund required distributions as a result of differences in timing between the actual receipt of income and the recognition of income for U.S. federal income tax purposes, or the effect of non-deductible expenditures, such as capital expenditures, payments of compensation for which Section 162(m) of the Code denies a deduction, the creation of reserves or required debt service or amortization payments. The insufficiency of our cash flows to cover our distribution requirements could have an adverse impact on our ability to raise short- and long-term debt or to sell equity securities in order to fund distributions required to maintain our qualification as a REIT. Also, although the IRS has issued Revenue Procedure 2010-12 treating certain issuances of taxable stock dividends by REITs as distributions for purposes of the REIT requirements for taxable years ending on or before December 31, 2011, no assurance can be given that the IRS will extend this treatment or that we will otherwise be able to pay taxable stock dividends to meet our REIT distribution requirements.
Dividends payable by REITs generally do not qualify for reduced tax rates.
Certain dividends payable to individuals, trusts and estates that are U.S. shareholders are currently subject to U.S. federal income tax at a maximum rate of 15% and are scheduled to be taxed at ordinary income rates for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2012. Dividends payable by REITs, however, are generally not eligible for the current reduced rates. The more favorable rates applicable to regular corporate dividends could cause investors who are individuals, trusts and estates to perceive investments in REITs to be relatively less attractive than investments in the stock of non-REIT corporations that pay dividends, which could adversely affect the value of the stock of REITs, including our common stock.
Complying with REIT requirements may cause us to forego otherwise attractive opportunities or to liquidate otherwise attractive investments.
To qualify as a REIT, we must continually satisfy tests concerning, among other things, the sources of our income, the nature and diversification of our assets, the amounts we distribute to our shareholders and the ownership of our capital stock. In order to meet these tests, we may be required to forego investments we might otherwise make and refrain from engaging in certain activities. Thus, compliance with the REIT requirements may hinder our performance.
In addition, if we fail to comply with certain asset ownership tests at the end of any calendar quarter, we must correct the failure within 30 days after the end of the calendar quarter or qualify for certain statutory relief provisions to avoid losing our REIT qualification. As a result, we may be required to liquidate otherwise attractive investments. These actions could have the effect of reducing our income and amounts available for distribution to our shareholders.
We may be subject to adverse legislative or regulatory tax changes that could negatively impact our financial condition.
At any time, the U.S. federal income tax laws governing REITs or the administrative interpretations of those laws may be amended. We cannot predict if or when any new U.S. federal income tax law, regulation, or administrative interpretation, or any amendment to any existing U.S. federal income tax law, regulation or administrative interpretation, will be adopted, promulgated or become effective and any such law, regulation, or interpretation may take effect retroactively. We and our shareholders could be adversely affected by any such change in, or any new, U.S. federal income tax law, regulation or administrative interpretation.
You may be restricted from acquiring or transferring certain amounts of our stock.
In order to maintain our REIT qualification, among other requirements, no more than 50% in value of our outstanding stock may be owned, directly or indirectly, by five or fewer individuals, as defined in the Code to include certain kinds of entities, during the last half of any taxable year, other than the first year for which we made a REIT election. To assist us in qualifying as a REIT, our charter contains an aggregate stock ownership limit of 9.8% and a common stock ownership limit of 9.8%. Generally, any shares of our stock owned by affiliated owners will be added together for purposes of the aggregate stock ownership limit, and any shares of common stock owned by affiliated owners will be added together for purposes of the common stock ownership limit.
24
If anyone attempts to transfer or own shares of stock in a way that would violate the aggregate stock ownership limit or the common stock ownership limit, unless such ownership limits have been waived by our board of directors, or in a way that would prevent us from continuing to qualify as a REIT, those shares instead will be transferred to a trust for the benefit of a charitable beneficiary and will be either redeemed by us or sold to a person whose ownership of the shares will not violate the aggregate stock ownership limit or the common stock ownership limit. If this transfer to a trust fails to prevent such a violation or our disqualification as a REIT, then the initial intended transfer or ownership will be null and void from the outset. Anyone who acquires or owns shares of stock in violation of the aggregate stock ownership limit or the common stock ownership limit, unless such own ership limit or limits have been waived by our board of directors, or in violation of the other restrictions on transfer or ownership in our charter bears the risk of a financial loss when the shares of stock are redeemed or sold if the market price of our stock falls between the date of purchase and the date of redemption or sale.
Complying with REIT requirements may limit our ability to hedge effectively and may cause us to incur tax liabilities.
The REIT provisions of the Code limit our ability to hedge our liabilities. Generally, income from a hedging transaction we enter into to manage risk of interest rate changes with respect to borrowings made or to be made to acquire or carry real estate assets does not constitute “gross income” for purposes of the 75% or 95% gross income tests. To the extent that we enter into other types of hedging transactions, the income from those transactions is likely to be treated as non-qualifying income for purposes of both gross income tests. As a result of these rules, we may need to limit our use of advantageous hedging techniques or implement those hedges through a TRS. This could increase the cost of our hedging activities because our TRS would be subject to tax on income or gains resulting from hedges entered into by it or expose us to greater risks associated with changes in interest rat es than we would otherwise want to bear. In addition, losses in any of our TRSs will generally not provide any tax benefit, except for being carried forward for use against future taxable income in the TRSs.
The ability of our board of directors to revoke our REIT qualification without shareholder approval may cause adverse consequences to our shareholders.
Our charter provides that our board of directors may revoke or otherwise terminate our REIT election, without the approval of our shareholders, if it determines that it is no longer in our best interest to continue to qualify as a REIT. If we cease to be a REIT, we will not be allowed a deduction for dividends paid to shareholders in computing our taxable income and will be subject to U.S. federal income tax at regular corporate rates and state and local taxes, which may have adverse consequences on our total return to our shareholders.
We have requested a closing agreement with the IRS with respect to the administration of our distribution reinvestment plan prior to May 2006 and we may incur an expense even if the IRS grants our request.
In order to satisfy the REIT distribution requirements, the dividends we pay must not be “preferential” within the meaning of the Code. A dividend determined to be preferential will not qualify for the dividends paid deduction. To avoid paying preferential dividends, we must treat every shareholder of a class of stock with respect to which we make a distribution the same as every other shareholder of that class, and we must not treat any class of stock other than according to its dividend rights as a class.
We have maintained a distribution reinvestment plan, or DRP, since we began making distributions. Certain aspects of the operation of our DRP prior to May 2006 may have violated the prohibition against preferential dividends, and to address those issues we have requested a closing agreement from the IRS. From November 2003 through April 2006, we calculated distributions to our shareholders using a daily record and declaration date. The distributions so calculated for a given month were paid on the tenth day of the following month. However, for purposes of determining the amount of distributions to be paid in the following month, shares issued under the DRP prior to May 2006 were treated as issued on the first day of the month, rather than the tenth day of the month when cash dividends were paid. The administration of our DRP in such manner could be viewed as giving rise to preferential dividends, and thus the IRS could determin e that our dividends paid from November 2003 through April 2006 did not qualify for the dividends paid deduction. If none of the dividends that we paid prior to May 2006 qualified for the dividends paid deduction, we would not have qualified as a REIT beginning in the tax year 2004, and we could be prohibited from reelecting REIT status until 2009. On January 20, 2011, we submitted a request to the IRS for a closing agreement whereby the IRS would agree that our dividends paid deduction for taxable years 2004 through 2006, the years for which we had positive taxable income, was sufficient for us to qualify for taxation as a REIT and would eliminate our REIT taxable income for such years, notwithstanding the
25
administration of our DRP in the manner described above. The IRS is currently reviewing our request and continues to move it through its review process. If the IRS does not enter into a closing agreement, we could incur a tax related liability, representing a payment of corporate taxes due for past periods including interest and penalties for the open statutory tax years we would not have qualified as a REIT.
While there can be no assurance that the IRS will enter into a closing agreement with us, based upon the IRS entering into closing agreements with other REITs, we expect to obtain a closing agreement with the IRS for an estimated cost plus interest of approximately $62. We estimate that the range of loss that is reasonably possible is from approximately $62 if we obtain the closing agreement to approximately $155,000 if we do not obtain the closing agreement. We believe that it is probable that we will enter into a closing agreement with the IRS and, as a result, we have recorded an expense of $62 during the year ended December 31, 2010.
GENERAL INVESTMENT RISKS
The annual statement of value for shareholders subject to Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) and to certain other plan shareholders is only an estimate and may not reflect the actual value of our shares.
The annual statement of estimated value for shareholders subject to ERISA and to certain other plan shareholders is only an estimate and may not reflect the actual value of our shares. The annual statement of estimated value is based on the estimated value of each share of common stock based as of the close of our fiscal year. The board of directors, in part, utilized third party sources and advice in estimating value, which reflects, among other things, the impact of the adverse trends in the economy and the real estate industry. Because this is only an estimate, we may subsequently revise any annual valuation that is provided. We cannot assure that:
·
this estimate of value could actually be realized by us or by our shareholders upon liquidation;
·
shareholders could realize this estimate of value if they were to attempt to sell their shares of common stock now or in the future;
·
this estimate of value reflects the price or prices at which our common stock would or could trade if it were listed on a national stock exchange or included for quotation on a national market system; or
·
the annual statement of value complies with any reporting and disclosure or annual valuation requirements under ERISA or other applicable law.
As of December 31, 2009, the value for our shares was estimated for ERISA purposes to be $6.85 per share. As we currently intend to pursue the initial listing of our existing common stock on a national securities exchange within the next 12 months, we are not planning to publish an estimated annual statement of value of our common stock as of December 31, 2010.
Our common stock is not currently listed on an exchange and cannot be readily sold.
There is currently no public trading market for our shares of common stock and we cannot assure our shareholders that one will develop. We may never list the shares for trading on a national stock exchange. The absence of an active public market for our shares could impair a shareholder’s ability to sell our shares or obtain an active trading market valuation of the value of their interest in us.
Our share repurchase program is limited thereby reducing the potential liquidity of a shareholders’ investment.
Our board of directors suspended our share repurchase program effective November 19, 2008. If reinstated, under our share repurchase program, a maximum of 5% of the weighted average number of shares of our common stock outstanding during the prior calendar year may be repurchased by us. This limits the number of shares we could purchase. If reinstated and we subsequently terminate or modify our share repurchase program or if we do not have sufficient funds available to repurchase all shares that our shareholders request to repurchase, then our shareholders’ ability to liquidate their shares will be further diminished.
26
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments
None.
Item 2. Properties
The following table sets forth summary information regarding our consolidated operating portfolio at December 31, 2010 (GLA and dollars (other than per square foot information) in thousands). For further details, see “Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation (Schedule III)” herein.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Geographic Area | | Number of Properties | | GLA | | Percent of Total GLA (a) | | Percent Leased (b) | | ABR | | Percent of Total ABR (a) | | ABR Per Leased Sq. Ft. (c) |
Northeast | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Connecticut, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont | | 70 | | 8,352 | | 23.3% | | 92.1% | $ | 111,018 | | 25.6% | $ | 14.43 |
Texas | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Texas | | 49 | | 7,565 | | 21.2% | | 85.8% | | 99,049 | | 22.9% | | 15.27 |
West | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Arizona, California, Colorado, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, Washington | | 49 | | 7,293 | | 20.4% | | 75.2% | | 80,791 | | 18.7% | | 14.74 |
Southeast | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia | | 60 | | 7,068 | | 19.8% | | 92.4% | | 79,910 | | 18.5% | | 12.24 |
Midwest | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, Oklahoma, Wisconsin | | 38 | | 5,488 | | 15.3% | | 88.4% | | 62,003 | | 14.3% | | 12.78 |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total - Retail (d) | | 266 | | 35,766 | | 100.0% | | 86.8% | $ | 432,771 | | 100.0% | $ | 13.94 |
Office | | 12 | | 3,335 | | | | 96.5% | | 38,944 | | | | 12.10 |
Industrial | | 6 | | 3,390 | | | | 100.0% | | 12,966 | | | | 3.82 |
Total Consolidated Operating Portfolio | | 284 | | 42,491 | | | | 88.6% | $ | 484,681 | | | $ | 12.87 |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(a) Percentages are only provided for our retail operating portfolio. |
(b) Based on leases commenced as of December 31, 2010 and calculated as leased GLA divided by total GLA. As of December 31, 2010, the consolidated operating portfolio was 90.2% leased, including leases signed, but not commenced. |
(c) Represents ABR divided by leased GLA. |
(d) Includes (i) 55 properties consisting of 6,542 of GLA and representing $84,882 of ABR held in one joint venture in which we have a 77% interest and (ii) a portion of one property consisting of 311 of GLA and representing $6,692 of ABR held in one joint venture in which we have a 95% interest. |
27
The following sets forth information regarding the 20 largest tenants in our retail operating portfolio, based on ABR, as of December 31, 2010 (GLA and dollars, other than per square foot information, in thousands).
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Tenant (a) | | Number of Stores | | Leased GLA | | Percent of Leased GLA (b) | | ABR | | Percent of Total ABR (c) | | ABR per Leased GLA (d) | | Type of Business |
Best Buy | | 26 | | 1,022 | | 3.3% | $ | 13,879 | | 3.2% | $ | 13.59 | | Electronics |
TJX Companies (e) | | 37 | | 1,120 | | 3.6% | | 10,323 | | 2.4% | | 9.22 | | Discount Clothing |
Rite Aid Store | | 34 | | 421 | | 1.4% | | 10,320 | | 2.4% | | 24.51 | | Drug Store |
Stop & Shop | | 10 | | 479 | | 1.5% | | 10,007 | | 2.3% | | 20.90 | | Grocery |
Bed Bath & Beyond, Inc. (f) | | 26 | | 710 | | 2.3% | | 9,109 | | 2.1% | | 12.82 | | Home Goods |
Home Depot | | 9 | | 1,097 | | 3.5% | | 9,102 | | 2.1% | | 8.30 | | Home Improvement |
Ross Dress for Less | | 32 | | 955 | | 3.1% | | 8,796 | | 2.0% | | 9.21 | | Discount Clothing |
PetSmart (g) | | 30 | | 643 | | 2.1% | | 8,552 | | 2.0% | | 13.30 | | Pet Supplies |
The Sports Authority | | 17 | | 724 | | 2.3% | | 8,423 | | 1.9% | | 11.64 | | Sporting Goods |
Kohl's Corporation | | 15 | | 1,178 | | 3.8% | | 7,979 | | 1.8% | | 6.78 | | Discount Department Store |
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (h) | | 6 | | 1,045 | | 3.4% | | 6,779 | | 1.6% | | 6.49 | | Discount Department Store |
Publix | | 16 | | 635 | | 2.0% | | 6,723 | | 1.6% | | 10.58 | | Grocery |
Edwards | | 2 | | 219 | | 0.7% | | 6,558 | | 1.5% | | 29.92 | | Theatre |
Office Depot | | 36 | | 370 | | 1.2% | | 5,866 | | 1.4% | | 15.87 | | Office Supplies |
Pier 1 Imports | | 21 | | 437 | | 1.4% | | 5,864 | | 1.4% | | 13.43 | | Home Goods |
Michaels | | 23 | | 530 | | 1.7% | | 5,648 | | 1.3% | | 10.66 | | Arts & Crafts |
Dick's Sporting Goods | | 9 | | 465 | | 1.5% | | 5,436 | | 1.3% | | 11.70 | | Sporting Goods |
Gap Inc. (i) | | 26 | | 383 | | 1.2% | | 5,005 | | 1.2% | | 13.08 | | Clothing |
The Kroger Co. (j) | | 14 | | 551 | | 1.8% | | 4,799 | | 1.1% | | 8.71 | | Grocery |
CVS | | 15 | | 185 | | 0.6% | | 4,756 | | 1.1% | | 25.72 | | Drug Store |
| | 404 | | 13,169 | | 42.4% | $ | 153,924 | | 35.7% | $ | 11.69 | | |
(a) Excludes 2 office tenants, Hewitt Associates LLC consisting of 1,162 of GLA and $15,106 of ABR and Zurich American Insurance Company, consisting of 895 of GLA and $10,476 of ABR. |
(b) Represents the percentage of total leased GLA of our consolidated retail operating properties. |
(c) Represents the percentage of total annualized base rent from our consolidated retail operating properties. |
(d) Represents annualized base rent divided by leased GLA. |
(e) Includes TJ Maxx (17 locations), Marshalls (16 locations), HomeGoods (three locations) and A.J. Wright (one location). |
(f) Includes Bed Bath & Beyond (25 locations) and the Christmas Tree Shops (one location). |
(g) We also lease a one million square foot distribution center to PetSmart with annualized base rent of $3,400. |
(h) Includes Wal-Mart (five locations) and Sam's Club (one location). |
(i) Includes Old Navy (17 locations), The Gap (five locations) and Banana Republic (four locations). |
(j) Includes Kroger (11 locations), Food 4 Less (one location), King Soopers Grocery Store (one location) and King Soopers Fuel Site (one location). |
28
The following table sets forth a summary, as of December 31, 2010, of lease expirations schedule to occur during each of the ten calendar years from 2011 to 2020 and thereafter, assuming no exercise of renewal options or early termination rights. The following table is based on leases commenced as of December 31, 2010 for our retail operating portfolio. Dollars (other than per square foot information) and square feet of GLA are presented in thousands in the table.
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Lease Expiration Year | | Number of Expiring Leases | | GLA | | Percent of Leased GLA | | ABR | | Percent of Total ABR | | ABR per Leased Sq. Ft. (a) |
2011 (b) | | 373 | | 1,515 | | 4.9% | $ | 24,774 | | 5.7% | $ | 16.35 |
2012 | | 548 | | 2,114 | | 6.8% | | 36,593 | | 8.5% | | 17.31 |
2013 | | 548 | | 2,904 | | 9.4% | | 45,541 | | 10.5% | | 15.68 |
2014 | | 589 | | 3,997 | | 12.9% | | 60,493 | | 14.0% | | 15.13 |
2015 | | 413 | | 3,301 | | 10.6% | | 46,065 | | 10.6% | | 13.95 |
2016 | | 239 | | 2,167 | | 7.0% | | 31,732 | | 7.3% | | 14.64 |
2017 | | 111 | | 1,567 | | 5.0% | | 19,543 | | 4.5% | | 12.47 |
2018 | | 86 | | 1,050 | | 3.4% | | 16,502 | | 3.8% | | 15.72 |
2019 | | 90 | | 1,892 | | 6.1% | | 25,142 | | 5.8% | | 13.29 |
2020 | | 95 | | 2,022 | | 6.5% | | 23,871 | | 5.5% | | 11.81 |
Thereafter | | 233 | | 8,171 | | 26.3% | | 97,916 | | 22.6% | | 11.98 |
Month to month | | 73 | | 343 | | 1.1% | | 4,599 | | 1.2% | | 13.41 |
Leased Total | | 3,398 | | 31,043 | | 100.0% | $ | 432,771 | | 100.0% | $ | 13.94 |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
(a) Represents ABR divided by leased GLA. | | | | | | |
(b) Excludes month to month leases. | | | | | | |
As of December 31, 2010, the weighted average lease term of leases at our office and industrial properties, based on ABR, was 6.8 years, with no expirations prior to 2014.
Item 3. Legal Proceedings
We previously disclosed in our Form 10-K, as amended, for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively, the lawsuit filed against us and 19 other defendants by City of St. Clair Shores General Employees Retirement System and Madison Investment Trust in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois (the “Court”). We previously disclosed in our Form 8-K filed on July 20, 2010, that on July 14, 2010, the lawsuit was settled by us and all other defendants (the “Settlement”), subject to preliminary and final approval by the Court and neither we nor Daniel L. Goodwin (who beneficially owned more than 5% of our stock as of December 31, 2010 and 2009) exercising a right to terminate the Settlement if class members holding more than an agreed-upon percentage of shares elected to opt out of the Settlement. Following notice of the Sett lement to the class members, seven class members elected to opt out of the Settlement. The right to terminate the Settlement was not triggered based on the number of shares held by these seven class members. On November 8, 2010, the Court granted final approval of the Settlement.
Pursuant to the terms of the Settlement, 9,000 shares of our common stock were transferred back to us from shares of common stock issued to the owners (the “Owners”) of certain entities that were acquired by us in our internalization transaction. This share transfer was recorded as a capital transaction in the fourth quarter of 2010. Pursuant to the Settlement, we paid the fees and expenses of counsel for class plaintiffs in the amount of $10,000, as awarded by the Court on November 8, 2010. We were reimbursed $1,994 by our insurance carrier for a portion of such fees and expenses. The Owners (who include Daniel L. Goodwin and certain of our directors and executive officers) also agreed to provide a limited indemnification to certain defendants who are our directors and an officer if any class members opted out of the Settlement and brought claims against them. To our knowledge, none o f the seven class members who opted out of the Settlement have filed claims against us or our directors and officers.
29
Item 4. (Removed and Reserved)
PART II
Item 5. Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Market Information
There is no established public trading market for our shares of common stock. In order for qualified plans to report account values as required by ERISA, we have historically provided an estimated share value on an annual basis. As of December 31, 2009, the annual statement of value for shareholders subject to ERISA was estimated to be $6.85 per share. As we currently intend to pursue the initial listing of our existing common stock on a national securities exchange within the next 12 months, we are not planning to publish an estimated annual statement of value of our common stock as of December 31, 2010.
Under the DRP, a shareholder may acquire, from time to time, additional shares of our stock by reinvesting cash distributions payable by us to such shareholder, without incurring any brokerage commission, fees or service charges. Thus, since March 1, 2010, additional shares of our stock purchased under the DRP have been purchased at a price of $6.85 per share.
Shareholders
As of December 31, 2010, we had 111,263 shareholders of record.
Distributions
We intend to continue to qualify as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes. The Code generally requires that a REIT distribute annually at least 90% of its REIT taxable income, determined without regard to the deduction for dividends paid and excluding any net capital gain, and imposes tax on any taxable income retained by a REIT, including capital gains.
To satisfy the requirements for qualification as a REIT and generally not be subject to U.S. federal income and excise tax, we intend to make regular quarterly distributions of all or substantially all of our REIT taxable income to holders of our common stock out of assets legally available for such purposes. Our future distributions will be at the sole discretion of our board of directors. When determining the amount of future distributions, we expect that our board of directors will consider, among other factors, (i) the amount of cash generated from our operating activities, (ii) our expectations of future cash flows, (iii) our determination of near-term cash needs for debt repayments, existing or future share repurchases, and selective acquisitions of new properties, (iv) the timing of significant re-leasing activities and the establishment of additional cash reserves for anticipated tenant improvements and general property c apital improvements, (v) our ability to continue to access additional sources of capital, (vi) the amount required to be distributed to maintain our status as a REIT and to reduce any income and excise taxes that we otherwise would be required to pay and (vii) any limitations on our distributions contained in our credit or other agreements, including, without limitation, in our senior secured revolving line of credit and secured term loan, which limit our distributions to the greater of 95% of FFO or the amount necessary for us to maintain our qualification as a REIT.
If our operations do not generate sufficient cash flow to allow us to satisfy the REIT distribution requirements, we may be required to fund distributions from working capital, borrow funds, sell assets or reduce such distributions. Our distribution policy enables us to review the alternative funding sources available to us from time to time. Our actual results of operations will be affected by a number of factors, including the revenues we receive from our properties, our operating expenses, interest expense, the ability of our tenants to meet their obligations and unanticipated expenditures. For more information regarding risk factors that could materially adversely affect our actual results of operations, please see Item 1A. “Risk Factors”.
30
The table below sets forth the quarterly dividend distributions per common share for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009:
| | | | |
| | 2010 | | 2009 |
First quarter | $ | 0.04375 | $ | 0.0488 |
Second quarter | | 0.04625 | | 0.05 |
Third quarter | | 0.05 | | 0.025 |
Fourth quarter | | 0.05625 | | 0.0325 |
Total | $ | 0.19625 | $ | 0.1563 |
The following table compares cash flows provided by operating activities to distributions declared for years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009:
| | | | |
| | 2010 | | 2009 |
Cash flows provided by operating activities | $ | 184,072 | $ | 249,837 |
Distributions declared | | 94,579 | | 75,040 |
Excess | $ | 89,493 | $ | 174,797 |
For each of these periods, our cash flows provided by operating activities exceeded the amount of our distributions declared.
Equity Compensation Plan Information
We have adopted an Amended and Restated Independent Director Stock Option Plan, or the Plan, which, subject to certain conditions, provides for the grant to each independent director of options to acquire shares following their becoming a director and for the grant of additional options to acquire shares on the date of each annual shareholders’ meeting. Generally, these options are granted with an exercise price equal to the fair value of the shares on the date granted and are subject to vesting. As of December 31, 2010, options to purchase one share have been exercised.
The following table sets forth the following information as of December 31, 2010: (i) the number of shares of our common stock to be issued upon the exercise of outstanding options; (ii) the weighted-average exercise price of such options, and (iii) the number of shares of our commons stock remaining available for future issuance under our equity compensation plans, other than the outstanding options described above.
| | | | | | | | | |
Plan Category | Number of Shares of Common Stock to be Issued upon Exercise of Outstanding Options (a) | Weighted- Average Exercise Price of Outstanding Options | Number of Shares of Common Stock Remaining Available for Future Issuance under Equity Compensation Plans (excluding shares of common stock reflected in Column (a)) |
Equity Compensation Plans Approved by Shareholders | | - | | | - | | | 10,000 | |
Equity Compensation Plans Not Approved by Shareholders | | 139 | | | $ 8.68 | | | 235 | |
At our annual shareholders’ meeting held on October 14, 2008, our shareholders voted to approve the establishment of the Equity Compensation Plan, which, subject to certain conditions, authorizes (at the discretion of our board of directors) the issuance of stock options, restricted stock, stock appreciation rights and other similar awards to our employees in connection with compensation and incentive arrangements that may be established by the board of directors. At December 31, 2010, no awards under the Equity Compensation Plan have been granted.
During 2010, the Compensation Committee approved an executive bonus program pursuant to which our executives are eligible to receive bonuses payable in shares of restricted common stock. For each executive, a portion of his award, if any, will be based upon individual performance as determined by the Compensation Committee at its discretion and a portion, if any, will be based on certain corporate performance measures. An insignificant amount of expense was recorded during 2010 related to this bonus program. As of the date of this filing, the Compensation Committee had not yet met to finalize the 2010 awards, if any. Refer to Item 11. “Executive Compensation” for more information.
31
Item 6. Selected Financial Data
INLAND WESTERN RETAIL REAL ESTATE TRUST, INC.
For the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007 and 2006
(Amounts in thousands, except per share amounts)
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | 2010 | | 2009 | | 2008 | | 2007 | | 2006 |
Net investment properties | $ | 5,686,473 | $ | 6,103,782 | $ | 6,631,506 | $ | 6,727,154 | $ | 6,873,144 |
Total assets | $ | 6,386,836 | $ | 6,928,365 | $ | 7,606,664 | $ | 8,305,831 | $ | 8,328,274 |
Mortgages and notes payable | $ | 3,602,890 | $ | 4,003,985 | $ | 4,402,602 | $ | 4,271,160 | $ | 4,313,223 |
Total liabilities | $ | 4,090,244 | $ | 4,482,119 | $ | 5,011,276 | $ | 4,685,539 | $ | 4,684,935 |
Common stock and additional paid-in-capital | $ | 4,383,758 | $ | 4,350,966 | $ | 4,313,640 | $ | 4,387,188 | $ | 3,997,044 |
Total shareholders' equity | $ | 2,294,902 | $ | 2,441,550 | $ | 2,572,348 | $ | 3,598,765 | $ | 3,508,564 |
Total revenues | $ | 647,056 | $ | 664,579 | $ | 707,195 | $ | 695,246 | $ | 645,836 |
(Loss) income from continuing operations | $ | (103,952) | $ | (131,886) | $ | (658,425) | $ | 351 | $ | 24,794 |
Income (loss) from discontinued operations | $ | 9,245 | $ | 16,477 | $ | (24,788) | $ | 42,683 | $ | 5,174 |
Net (loss) income | $ | (94,707) | $ | (115,409) | $ | (683,213) | $ | 43,034 | $ | 29,968 |
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests | $ | (1,136) | $ | 3,074 | $ | (514) | $ | (1,365) | $ | 1,975 |
Net (loss) income attributable to Company shareholders | $ | (95,843) | $ | (112,335) | $ | (683,727) | $ | 41,669 | $ | 31,943 |
(Loss) earnings per common share-basic and diluted: | | | | | | | | | | |
Continuing operations | $ | (0.22) | $ | (0.27) | $ | (1.43) | $ | - | $ | 0.06 |
Discontinued operations | | 0.02 | | 0.04 | | 0.01 | | 0.09 | | 0.01 |
Net (loss) earnings per share attributable to Company shareholders (a) | $ | (0.20) | $ | (0.23) | $ | (1.42) | $ | 0.09 | $ | 0.07 |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Distributions declared (b) | $ | 94,579 | $ | 75,040 | $ | 308,798 | $ | 292,615 | $ | 283,903 |
Distributions declared per common share (a) | $ | 0.20 | $ | 0.16 | $ | 0.64 | $ | 0.64 | $ | 0.64 |
Funds from operations (c) | $ | 135,170 | $ | 141,844 | $ | (349,401) | $ | 287,601 | $ | 286,398 |
Cash flows provided by operating activities (b) | $ | 184,072 | $ | 249,837 | $ | 309,351 | $ | 318,641 | $ | 296,578 |
Cash flows provided by (used in) investing activities | $ | 154,400 | $ | 193,706 | $ | (178,555) | $ | (511,676) | $ | (536,257) |
Cash flows (used in) provided by financing activities | $ | (321,747) | $ | (438,806) | $ | (126,989) | $ | 82,644 | $ | 168,583 |
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding-basic and diluted | | 483,743 | | 480,310 | | 481,442 | | 454,287 | | 441,816 |
The selected financial data above should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes appearing elsewhere in this annual report. Previously reported selected financial data reflects certain reclassifications to income from discontinued operations as a result of the sales of investment properties in 2010. In addition, on January 1, 2009, we adopted new guidance on noncontrolling interests that required retrospective application, in which all periods presented reflect the necessary changes.
(a)
The net (loss) income and distributions declared per common share are based upon the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. The $0.20 per share distribution declared for the year ended December 31, 2010 represented 70% of our FFO for the period. Our distribution of current and accumulated earnings and profits for federal income tax purposes are taxable to shareholders as ordinary income. Distributions in excess of these earnings and profits generally are treated as a non-taxable reduction of the shareholders’ basis in the shares to the extent thereof (a return of capital) and thereafter as taxable gain. The distributions in excess of earnings and profits will have the effect of deferring taxation on the amount of the distribution until the sale of the shareholders’ shares. For the year ended December 31, 2010, 100% of the $83,385 tax basis d istribution in 2010 represented a return of capital. In order to maintain our qualification as a REIT, we must make annual distributions to shareholders of at least 90% of our REIT taxable income. REIT taxable income does not include capital gains. Under certain circumstances, we may be required to make distributions in excess of cash available for distribution in order to meet the REIT distribution requirements.
(b)
The following table compares cash flows provided by operating activities to distributions declared:
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | 2010 | | 2009 | | 2008 | | 2007 | | 2006 |
Cash flows provided by operating activities | $ | 184,072 | $ | 249,837 | $ | 309,351 | $ | 318,641 | $ | 296,578 |
Distributions declared | | 94,579 | | 75,040 | | 308,798 | | 292,615 | | 283,903 |
Excess | $ | 89,493 | $ | 174,797 | $ | 553 | $ | 26,026 | $ | 12,675 |
32
(c)
One of our objectives is to provide cash distributions to our shareholders from cash generated by our operations. Cash generated from operations is not equivalent to our (loss) income from continuing operations as determined under GAAP. Due to certain unique operating characteristics of real estate companies, the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts, or NAREIT, an industry trade group, has promulgated a standard known as FFO. We believe that FFO, which is a non-GAAP performance measure, provides an additional and useful means to assess the operating performance of REITs. As defined by NAREIT, FFO means net (loss) income computed in accordance with GAAP, excluding gains (or losses) from sales of investment properties, plus depreciation and amortization on investment properties including adjustments for unconsolidated joint ventures in which the REIT holds an interest. & nbsp;We have adopted the NAREIT definition for computing FFO because management believes that, subject to the following limitations, FFO provides a basis for comparing our performance and operations to those of other REITs. FFO is not intended to be an alternative to “Net Income” as an indicator of our performance nor to “Cash Flows from Operating Activities” as determined by GAAP as a measure of our capacity to pay distributions.
FFO is calculated as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | 2010 | | 2009 | | 2008 | | 2007 | | 2006 |
Net (loss) income attributable to Company shareholders | $ | (95,843) | $ | (112,335) | $ | (683,727) | $ | 41,669 | $ | 31,943 |
Add: | | | | | | | | | | |
Depreciation and amortization | | 267,500 | | 279,361 | | 337,070 | | 280,688 | | 260,042 |
Less: | | | | | | | | | | |
Gain on sales of investment properties | | (24,465) | | (21,545) | | - | | (31,313) | | - |
Noncontrolling interests share of depreciation | | | | | | | | | | |
related to consolidated joint ventures | | (12,022) | | (3,637) | | (2,744) | | (3,443) | | (5,587) |
Funds from operations | $ | 135,170 | $ | 141,844 | $ | (349,401) | $ | 287,601 | $ | 286,398 |
Depreciation and amortization related to investment properties for purposes of calculating FFO includes loss on lease terminations, which encompasses the write-off of tenant related assets, including tenant improvements and in-place lease values, as a result of early lease terminations. Total loss on lease terminations for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008 were $13,826, $13,735 and $67,092, respectively.
Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Certain statements in this “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” “Risk Factors” and “Business” and elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the safe harbor from civil liability provided for such statements by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (set forth in 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 involve numerous risks and uncertainties and you should not rely on them as predictions of future events. Forward-looking statements depend on assumptions, data or methods which may be inco rrect or imprecise and we may not be able to realize them. We do not guarantee that the transactions and events described will happen as described (or that they will happen at all). You can identify forward-looking statements by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “believes,” “expects,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “seeks,” “approximately,” “intends,” “plans,” “pro forma,” “estimates,” “focus,” “contemplates,” “aims,” “continues,” “would” or “anticipates” or the negative of these words and phrases or similar words or phrases. You can also identify forward-looking statements by discussions of strategies, plans or intentions. The following factors, among others, could cause actual results and future events to differ materially from those set forth or contemplated in the forward-looking statements:
·
general economic, business and financial conditions, and changes in our industry and changes in the real estate markets in particular;
·
adverse economic and other developments in the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington area, where we have a high concentration of properties;
·
general volatility of the capital and credit markets;
·
changes in our business strategy;
·
defaults on, early terminations of or non-renewal of leases by tenants;
33
·
bankruptcy or insolvency of a major tenant or a significant number of smaller tenants;
·
increased interest rates and operating costs;
·
declining real estate valuations and impairment charges;
·
availability, terms and deployment of capital;
·
our failure to obtain necessary outside financing;
·
our expected leverage;
·
decreased rental rates or increased vacancy rates;
·
our failure to generate sufficient cash flows to service our outstanding indebtedness;
·
difficulties in identifying properties to acquire and completing acquisitions;
·
risks of real estate acquisitions, dispositions and redevelopment, including the cost of construction delays and cost overruns;
·
our failure to successfully operate acquired properties and operations;
·
our projected operating results;
·
our ability to manage our growth effectively;
·
our failure to successfully redevelop properties;
·
estimates relating to our ability to make distributions to our shareholders in the future;
·
impact of changes in governmental regulations, tax law and rates and similar matters;
·
our failure to qualify as a REIT;
·
future terrorist attacks in the U.S.;
·
environmental uncertainties and risks related to natural disasters;
·
lack or insufficient amounts of insurance;
·
financial market fluctuations;
·
availability of and our ability to attract and retain qualified personnel;
·
retention of our senior management team;
·
our understanding of our competition;
·
changes in real estate and zoning laws and increases in real property tax rates; and
·
our ability to comply with the laws, rules and regulations applicable to companies.
For a further discussion of these and other factors that could impact our future results, performance or transactions, see Item 1A. “Risk Factors.” Readers should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which are based only on information currently available to us (or to third parties making the forward-looking statements). We undertake no obligation to publicly release any revisions to such forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, except as required by applicable law.
The following discussion and analysis compares the year ended December 31, 2010 to the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, and should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and the related notes included in this report.
34
Executive Summary
We are a fully integrated, self-administered and self-managed real estate company that owns and operates high quality, strategically located shopping centers and single-user retail properties. We are one of the largest owners and operators of shopping centers in the United States. As of December 31, 2010, our retail operating portfolio consisted of 266 properties with approximately 35,766,000 square feet of GLA was geographically diversified across 37 states and includes power centers, community centers, neighborhood centers and lifestyle centers, as well as single-user retail properties. Our retail properties are primarily located in strong retail districts within densely populated areas in highly visible locations with convenient access to interstates and major thoroughfares. Our retail properties are recently construct ed, with a weighted average age, based on ABR of only approximately 9.7 years since the initial construction or most recent major renovation. As of December 31, 2010, our retail operating portfolio was 88.7% leased, including leases signed but not commenced. In addition to our retail operating portfolio, as of December 31, 2010, we also held interests in 18 other operating properties, including 12 office properties and six industrial properties, 19 retail operating properties held by three unconsolidated joint ventures and eight retail properties under development. The following summarizes our consolidated operating portfolio as of December 31, 2010:
| | | | | | | | |
Description | | Number of Properties | | GLA (in thousands) | | Percent Leased | | Percent Leased and Leases Signed (a) |
Retail | | | | | | | | |
Wholly-owned | | 211 | | 29,224 | | 86.0% | | 87.9% |
Joint venture | | 55 | | 6,542 | | 90.4% | | 92.5% |
| | | | | | | | |
Total retail | | 266 | | 35,766 | | 86.8% | | 88.7% |
Office/Industrial | | | | | | | | |
Wholly-owned | | 18 | | 6,725 | | 98.3% | | 98.3% |
Total Consolidated Operating Portfolio | | 284 | | 42,491 | | 88.6% | | 90.2% |
| | | | | | | | |
(a) Includes leases signed but not commenced. | | | | | | | |
Our shopping centers are primarily anchored or shadow anchored by strong national and regional grocers, discount retailers and other retailers that provide basic household goods or clothing, including Target, TJX Companies, PetSmart, Best Buy, Bed Bath and Beyond, Home Depot, Kohl’s, Wal-Mart, Publix and Lowe’s. As of December 31, 2010, over 90% of our shopping centers, based on GLA, were anchored or shadow anchored by a grocer, discount department store, wholesale club or retailers that sell basic household goods or clothing. Overall, we have a broad and highly diversified retail tenant base that includes approximately 1,600 tenants with no one tenant representing more than 3.2% of the total ABR generated from our retail operating properties, or our retail ABR.
We are encouraged by the leasing activity we have achieved during 2010. Due in large part to the downturn in the economy, we previously had approximately 3,245,000 square feet of retail space become available due to the bankruptcies of Mervyns, Linens ‘n Things and Circuit City in 2008. As of December 31, 2010, approximately 154,000 square feet of this space has been sold and 1,767,000 square feet has been re-leased, with an additional 468,000 square feet of this space with active letters of intent or in various stages of lease negotiations, for a total of approximately 73.6% of the space being addressed. During the year ended December 31, 2010, we signed 531 new and renewal leases for a total of approximately 4,164,000 square feet. As we continue to sign new leases, rental rates have generally been below the previous rates and we have continued to see increased demands for rent abatement and capital investment, in the form of tenant improvements and leasing commissions, required from us. However, as retail sales and the overall economy continue to improve, such rental spreads are stabilizing.
35
2010 Company Highlights
Asset Dispositions and Debt Transactions
In 2010, we focused on strengthening our balance sheet by deleveraging through asset dispositions and debt refinancing transactions. Specifically, we:
·
sold eight operating properties aggregating 894,500 square feet for $104,635, resulting in net proceeds of $21,024 and debt extinguishment of $106,791;
·
closed on partial sales of eight operating properties to our RioCan joint venture aggregating 1,146,200 square feet for $159,918, resulting in net proceeds of $48,616 and debt extinguishment of $97,888, and
·
obtained mortgages and notes payable proceeds of $737,890, made mortgages and notes payable repayments of $1,018,351 and received forgiveness of debt of $50,831.
We plan to continue to pursue opportunistic dispositions of non-retail properties and free standing, triple-net retail properties to continue to focus our portfolio on well located, high quality shopping centers.
Joint Ventures
We leverage our leasing and property management platform through the strategic formation, capitalization and management of joint ventures. We partner with institutional capital providers to supplement our capital base in a manner accretive to our shareholders. On May 20, 2010, we entered into definitive agreements to form a joint venture with a wholly-owned affiliate of RioCan and agreed to contribute eight shopping centers located in Texas to the joint venture. Under the terms of the agreements, RioCan contributed cash for an 80% interest in the venture and we contributed a 20% interest in the properties. The joint venture acquired an 80% interest in the properties from us in exchange for cash, each of which was accounted for as a partial sale of real estate. As of December 31, 2010, our RioCan joint venture had acquired eight properties from us for a purchase price of $159,442, and had assumed from us mortg ages payable on these properties totaling approximately $97,888. In addition, we have received additional earnout proceeds of $476 during the year ended December 31, 2010.
Leasing Activity
During the year ended December 31, 2010, we signed 531 new and renewal leases for a total of approximately 4,164,000 square feet. We are encouraged by the solid leasing activity we have achieved during 2010 and believe that our occupancy will continue to increase over time.
Distributions
We declared quarterly distributions totaling $0.20 per share during 2010. We have increased the quarterly distribution rate for five consecutive quarters.
Economic Conditions and Outlook
Since bottoming in December 2009, the economy has evidenced consistent growth. Economic growth, measured by gross domestic product, or GDP, was steady through the first three quarters of 2010, driven by improvement in consumer spending as well as an increase in private investment. If GDP growth continues to improve, then the pace of the economic recovery that began in 2010 should continue to accelerate into 2011.
Recent growth in employment and consumer confidence also suggests that the U.S. economy is progressing. Since December 2009, the economy has added more than 1,300,000 jobs in the private sector. Further, real per capita disposable income growth, a key metric for the retail industry, increased 1.93% year-over-year in the third quarter, after a more modest 0.44% increase in 2009.
As employment and income growth accelerate, one might expect consumer confidence to increase accordingly, driving stronger retail sales growth. Retail sales continued to recover in 2010, increasing at an average annual rate of 6.6% each month. Furthermore, some consumers have shifted their behavior as a result of the recession, providing a boost to value-oriented grocers, discount retailers and other retailers that provide basic household goods or clothing.
36
Even as the economy recovered, retail construction activity, as measured by the value of construction put-in-place, remained very low through the first three quarters of 2010 because of high vacancy rates and a lack of available construction financing. In the third quarter of 2010, the value of put-in-place construction totaled a seasonally adjusted annual rate of approximately $18,200,000, compared with fourth-quarter averages of approximately $43,700,000 between 2002 and 2008.
As job growth and higher confidence levels boost consumer demand, retail market conditions may begin to improve in 2011. If demand rebounds, tenant competition for existing space is expected to increase because of the limited amount of new space becoming available.
Results of Operations
We believe that property net operating income (NOI) is a useful measure of our operating performance. We define NOI as operating revenues (rental income, tenant recovery income, other property income, excluding straight-line rental income and amortization of acquired above and below market lease intangibles) less property operating expenses (real estate tax expense and property operating expense, excluding straight-line ground rent expense and straight-line bad debt expense). Other REITs may use different methodologies for calculating NOI, and accordingly, our NOI may not be comparable to other REITs.
This measure provides an operating perspective not immediately apparent from GAAP operating income or net (loss) income. We use NOI to evaluate our performance on a property-by-property basis because NOI allows us to evaluate the impact that factors such as lease structure, lease rates and tenant base, which vary by property, have on our operating results. However, NOI should only be used as an alternative measure of our financial performance. For reference and as an aid in understanding our computation of NOI, a reconciliation of NOI to net (loss) income as computed in accordance with GAAP has been presented.
37
Comparison of the years ended December 31, 2010 to December 31, 2009
The table below presents operating information for our same store portfolio consisting of 284 operating properties acquired or placed in service prior to January 1, 2009, along with a reconciliation to net operating income. The properties in the same store portfolios as described were owned for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009. The properties in “Other investment properties” include the properties that were partially sold to our RioCan joint venture during 2010, none of which qualified for discontinued operations accounting treatment.
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | 2010 | | 2009 | | Impact | | Percentage |
Revenues: | | | | | | | | |
| Same store investment properties (284 properties): | | | | | | | | |
| | Rental income | $ | 484,838 | $ | 492,306 | $ | (7,468) | | (1.5) |
| | Tenant recovery income | | 111,573 | | 117,008 | | (5,435) | | (4.6) |
| | Other property income | | 16,131 | | 18,713 | | (2,582) | | (13.8) |
| Other investment properties: | | | | | | | | |
| | Rental income | | 17,835 | | 18,811 | | (976) | | (5.2) |
| | Tenant recovery income | | 3,660 | | 5,039 | | (1,379) | | (27.4) |
| | Other property income | | 459 | | 91 | | 368 | | 404.4 |
Expenses: | | | | | | | | |
| Same store investment properties (284 properties): | | | | | | | | |
| | Property operating expenses | | (98,374) | | (110,246) | | 11,872 | | 10.8 |
| | Real estate taxes | | (82,960) | | (89,129) | | 6,169 | | 6.9 |
| Other investment properties: | | | | | | | | |
| | Property operating expenses | | (3,980) | | (4,660) | | 680 | | 14.6 |
| | Real estate taxes | | (3,064) | | (4,124) | | 1,060 | | 25.7 |
Property net operating income: | | | | | | | | |
| Same store investment properties | | 431,208 | | 428,652 | | 2,556 | | 0.6 |
| Other investment properties | | 14,910 | | 15,157 | | (247) | | (1.6) |
Total net operating income | | 446,118 | | 443,809 | | 2,309 | | 0.5 |
Other income (expense): | | | | | | | | |
| Straight-line rental income | | 7,595 | | 8,010 | | (415) | | |
| Amortization of acquired above and below market lease intangibles | | 1,969 | | 2,340 | | (371) | | |
| Straight-line ground rent expense | | (4,109) | | (3,987) | | (122) | | |
| Straight-line bad debt expense | | (124) | | (3,693) | | 3,569 | | |
| Insurance captive income | | 2,996 | | 2,261 | | 735 | | |
| Depreciation and amortization | | (246,841) | | (248,894) | | 2,053 | | |
| Provision for impairment of investment properties | | (14,430) | | (53,900) | | 39,470 | | |
| Loss on lease terminations | | (13,826) | | (13,735) | | (91) | | |
| Insurance captive expenses | | (3,392) | | (3,655) | | 263 | | |
| General and administrative expenses | | (18,119) | | (21,191) | | 3,072 | | |
| Dividend income | | 3,472 | | 10,132 | | (6,660) | | |
| Interest income | | 740 | | 1,483 | | (743) | | |
| Loss on partial sales of investment properties | | (385) | | - | | (385) | | |
| Equity in income (loss) of unconsolidated joint ventures | | 2,025 | | (11,299) | | 13,324 | | |
| Interest expense | | (260,950) | | (234,077) | | (26,873) | | |
| Co-venture obligation expense | | (7,167) | | (597) | | (6,570) | | |
| Recognized gain on marketable securities, net | | 4,007 | | 18,039 | | (14,032) | | |
| Impairment of notes receivable | | - | | (17,322) | | 17,322 | | |
| Gain on interest rate locks | | - | | 3,989 | | (3,989) | | |
| Other expense | | (3,531) | | (9,599) | | 6,068 | | |
Loss from continuing operations | | (103,952) | | (131,886) | | 27,934 | | 21.2 |
Discontinued operations: | | | | | | | | |
| Operating loss | | (14,561) | | (9,906) | | (4,655) | | |
| Gain on sales of investment properties | | 23,806 | | 26,383 | | (2,577) | | |
Income from discontinued operations | | 9,245 | | 16,477 | | (7,232) | | (43.9) |
| Net loss | | (94,707) | | (115,409) | | 20,702 | | 17.9 |
| Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests | | (1,136) | | 3,074 | | (4,210) | | (137.0) |
Net loss attributable to Company shareholders | $ | (95,843) | $ | (112,335) | $ | 16,492 | | 14.7 |
38
Total net operating income increased by $2,309, or 0.5%. Total rental income, tenant recovery and other property income decreased by $17,472, or 2.7%, and total property operating expenses decreased by $19,781, or 9.5%, for the year ended December 31, 2010, as compared to December 31, 2009.
Rental income.Rental income decreased $7,468 or 1.5%, on a same store basis from $492,306 to $484,838. The samestore decrease is primarily due to:
·
an increase of $11,034 composed of $34,388 as a result of new tenant leases replacing former tenants partially offset by $23,354 from early terminations and natural expirations of certain tenant leases;
·
a decrease of $17,616 due to reduced rent as a result of co-tenancy provisions in certain leases, reduced percentage rent as a result of decreased tenant sales, and increased rent abatements as a result of efforts to increase occupancy.
Overall, rental income decreased $8,444, or 1.7%, from $511,117 to $502,673, primarily due to the same store portfolio described above, in addition to a decrease of $976 in other investment properties primarily due to:
·
a decrease of $1,795 due to the partial sale of eight investment properties to our RioCan joint venture during 2010, partially offset by
·
an increase of $660 related to development properties placed into service subsequent to December 31, 2008.
Tenant recovery income. Tenant recovery income decreased $5,435, or 4.6%, on a same store basis from $117,008 to $111,573, primarily due to:
·
a 9.2% decrease in common area maintenance recovery income, primarily due to reduced recoverable property operating expenses described below, and
·
a 6.9% decrease in real estate tax recovery, primarily resulting from reduced real estate tax expense as described below.
Overall, tenant recovery income decreased $6,814, or 5.6%, from $122,047 to $115,233, primarily due to the decrease in the same store portfolio described above and a decrease in recovery income from properties partially sold to our RioCan joint venture.
Other property income. Other property income decreased overall by $2,214, or 11.8%, due to decreases in termination fee income, parking revenue and direct recovery income.
Property operating expenses. Property operating expenses decreased $11,872, or 10.8%, on a same store basis from $110,246 to $98,374. The same store decrease is primarily due to:
·
a decrease in bad debt expense of $3,832, and
·
a decrease in certain non-recoverable and recoverable property operating expenses of $2,311 and $5,011, respectively, due to the continued efforts of management to contain costs.
Overall, property operating expenses decreased $12,552, or 10.9%, from $114,906 to $102,354, due to the decrease in the same store portfolio described above, in addition to a decrease in bad debt expense of $443 and a decrease in certain non-recoverable and recoverable property operating expenses of $194 and $137, respectively, in other investment properties.
Real estate taxes. Real estate taxes decreased $6,169, or 6.9%, on a same store basis from $89,129 to $82,960. This decrease is primarily due to:
·
a net decrease of $4,609 over 2009 real estate tax expense primarily due to decreases in assessed values;
·
an increase of $2,089 in real estate tax refunds received during 2010 for prior year tax assessment adjustments; partially offset by
·
an increase in tax consulting fees of $574 as a result of successful reductions to proposed increases to assessed valuations or tax rates at certain properties.
Overall, real estate taxes decreased $7,229, or 7.8%, from $93,253 to $86,024 primarily due to the decrease in the same store portfolio described above and a net decrease of $995 over 2009 real estate tax expense due to decreases in assessed values on certain properties partially sold to our RioCan joint venture.
39
Other income (expense).Other income (expense) changed from net expense of $575,695 to net expense of $550,070. The decrease in net expense of $25,625, or 4.5%, is primarily due to:
·
a $39,470 decrease in provision for impairment of investment properties. Based on the results of our evaluations for impairment (see Notes 14 and 15 to the consolidated financial statements), we recognized impairment charges of $14,430 and $53,900 for the year ended December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively. Although 41 of our properties had impairment indicators at December 31, 2010, undiscounted cash flows for those properties exceeded their respective carrying values by a weighted average of 53%. Accordingly, no additional impairment provisions were warranted for these properties;
·
a $17,322 decrease in impairment of notes receivable due to the impairment of two notes receivable in 2009;
·
a $13,324 decrease in equity in loss of unconsolidated joint ventures due primarily to impairments recorded by one joint venture in 2009 that did not reoccur in 2010, partially offset by
·
a $14,032 decrease in recognized gain on marketable securities primarily as a result of a significant liquidation of the marketable securities portfolio in 2009 and no other-than-temporary impairment recorded in 2010 as compared to other-than-temporary impairment of $24,831 recorded in 2009, and
·
a $26,873 increase in interest expense primarily due to:
-
higher interest rates on refinanced debt resulting in an increase of $15,927;
-
an increase of $16,214 related to the senior and junior mezzanine notes of IW JV that were entered into in December 2009, partially offset by
-
a decrease in prepayment penalties and other costs associated with refinancings of $2,685, and
-
a decrease in other financing costs of $1,632 due to a decrease in the amount of preferred returns paid to a joint venture partner.
Discontinued operations.Discontinued operations consist of amounts related to eight properties that were sold during each of the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009. We closed on eight properties during the year ended December 31, 2010 aggregating 894,500 square feet, for a combined sales price of $104,635. The aggregated sales resulted in the extinguishment or repayment of $106,791 of debt, net sales proceeds totaling $21,024 and total gains of $23,806. The properties disposed included two office buildings, five single-user retail properties and one medical center. Included in this was an office building aggregating 382,600 square feet that was transferred through a deed in lieu of foreclosure to the property’s lender resulting in a gain on sale of $19,841. There were no properties that qualified for held for sale accounting treatment as of December 31, 2010. We clo sed on the sale of eight properties during the year ended December 31, 2009 aggregating 1,579,000 square feet, for a combined sales price of $338,057. The aggregated sales resulted in the extinguishment or repayment of $208,552 of debt, net sales proceeds totaling $123,944 and total gains on sale of $26,383. The properties sold included three office buildings, three single-user retail properties and two multi-tenant properties.
40
Comparison of the years ended December 31, 2009 to December 31, 2008
The table below presents operating information for our same store portfolio consisting of 281 operating properties acquired or placed in service prior to January 1, 2008, along with a reconciliation to net operating income. The properties in the same store portfolios as described were owned for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008.
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | 2009 | | 2008 | | Impact | | Percentage |
Revenues: | | | | | | | | |
| Same store investment properties (281 properties): | | | | | | | | |
| | Rental income | $ | 495,782 | $ | 531,511 | $ | (35,729) | | (6.7) |
| | Tenant recovery income | | 118,211 | | 128,355 | | (10,144) | | (7.9) |
| | Other property income | | 18,516 | | 19,505 | | (989) | | (5.1) |
| Other investment properties: | | | | | | | | |
| | Rental income | | 15,335 | | 8,831 | | 6,504 | | 73.6 |
| | Tenant recovery income | | 3,836 | | 2,133 | | 1,703 | | 79.8 |
| | Other property income | | 288 | | 237 | | 51 | | 21.5 |
Expenses: | | | | | | | | |
| Same store investment properties (281 properties): | | | | | | | | |
| | Property operating expenses | | (110,562) | | (123,346) | | 12,784 | | 10.4 |
| | Real estate taxes | | (89,872) | | (85,828) | | (4,044) | | (4.7) |
| Other investment properties: | | | | | | | | |
| | Property operating expenses | | (4,344) | | (3,037) | | (1,307) | | (43.0) |
| | Real estate taxes | | (3,381) | | (1,483) | | (1,898) | | (128.0) |
Property net operating income: | | | | | | | | |
| Same store investment properties | | 432,075 | | 470,197 | | (38,122) | | (8.1) |
| Other investment properties | | 11,734 | | 6,681 | | 5,053 | | 75.6 |
Total net operating income | | 443,809 | | 476,878 | | (33,069) | | (6.9) |
Other income (expense): | | | | | | | | |
| Straight-line rental income | | 8,010 | | 12,181 | | (4,171) | | |
| Amortization of acquired above and below market lease intangibles | | 2,340 | | 2,504 | | (164) | | |
| Straight-line ground rent expense | | (3,987) | | (5,186) | | 1,199 | | |
| Straight-line bad debt expense | | (3,693) | | (8,749) | | 5,056 | | |
| Insurance captive income | | 2,261 | | 1,938 | | 323 | | |
| Depreciation and amortization | | (248,894) | | (249,996) | | 1,102 | | |
| Provision for impairment of investment properties | | (53,900) | | (51,600) | | (2,300) | | |
| Loss on lease terminations | | (13,735) | | (64,648) | | 50,913 | | |
| Insurance captive expenses | | (3,655) | | (2,874) | | (781) | | |
| General and administrative expenses | | (21,191) | | (19,997) | | (1,194) | | |
| Dividend income | | 10,132 | | 24,010 | | (13,878) | | |
| Interest income | | 1,483 | | 4,329 | | (2,846) | | |
| Equity in loss of unconsolidated joint ventures | | (11,299) | | (4,939) | | (6,360) | | |
| Interest expense | | (234,077) | | (210,108) | | (23,969) | | |
| Co-venture obligation expense | | (597) | | - | | (597) | | |
| Recognized gain (loss) on marketable securities, net | | 18,039 | | (160,888) | | 178,927 | | |
| Impairment of goodwill | | - | | (377,916) | | 377,916 | | |
| Impairment of investment in unconsolidated entity | | - | | (5,524) | | 5,524 | | |
| Impairment of notes receivable | | (17,322) | | - | | (17,322) | | |
| Gain (loss) on interest rate locks | | 3,989 | | (16,778) | | 20,767 | | |
| Other expense | | (9,599) | | (1,062) | | (8,537) | | |
Loss from continuing operations | | (131,886) | | (658,425) | | 526,539 | | 80.0 |
Discontinued operations: | | | | | | | | |
| Operating loss | | (9,906) | | (24,788) | | 14,882 | | |
| Gain on sales of investment properties | | 26,383 | | - | | 26,383 | | |
Income (loss) from discontinued operations | | 16,477 | | (24,788) | | 41,265 | | 166.5 |
| Net loss | | (115,409) | | (683,213) | | 567,804 | | 83.1 |
| Net loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests | | 3,074 | | (514) | | 3,588 | | 698.1 |
Net loss attributable to Company shareholders | $ | (112,335) | $ | (683,727) | $ | 571,392 | | 83.6 |
41
Net operating income decreased by $33,069, or 6.9%. Total rental income, tenant recovery and other property income decreased by $38,604, or 5.6%, and total property operating expenses decreased by $5,535, or 2.6%, for the year ended December 31, 2009, as compared to December 31, 2008.
Rental income. Rental income decreased $35,729 or 6.7%, on a same store basis from $531,511 to $495,782. The same store decrease is primarily due to:
·
a decrease of $28,548 in rental income due to tenant bankruptcies, primarily Linens ‘n Things, Circuit City and Mervyns;
·
a decrease of $3,657, composed of $7,292 as a result of early termination and natural expirations of certain tenant leases, partially offset by $3,635 from new tenant leases replacing former tenants;
·
a decrease of $4,409 due to reduced rent as a result of co-tenancy provisions in certain leases and reduced percentage rent as a result of decreased tenant sales; partially offset by
·
an increase of $1,939 due to earnouts completed subsequent to December 31, 2007.
Overall, rental income decreased $29,225, or 5.4%, from $540,342 to $511,117, primarily due to the same store portfolio described above, partially offset by an increase of $6,504 in other investment properties primarily due to:
·
an increase of $3,158 due to investment properties acquired subsequent to December 31, 2007, and
·
an increase of $2,854 related to development properties placed into service subsequent to December 31, 2007.
Tenant recovery income. Tenant recovery income decreased $10,144, or 7.9%, on a same store basis from $128,355 to $118,211, primarily due to:
·
a 14.0% decrease in common area maintenance recovery income primarily due to reduced recoverable property operating expenses described below and reduced occupancy due to tenant vacancies resulting from 2008 bankruptcies and early lease terminations, and
·
a 2.9% decrease in real estate tax recovery primarily resulting from reduced occupancy as described above.
Overall, tenant recovery income decreased $8,441, or 6.5%, from $130,488 to $122,047, primarily due to the decrease in the same store portfolio described above, partially offset by recovery income from investment properties purchased after December 31, 2007 and phases of developments that have been placed into service subsequent to December 31, 2007.
Other property income. Other property income decreased overall by $938, or 4.8%, due to decreases in termination fee income, parking revenue and direct recovery income.
Property operating expenses. Property operating expenses decreased $12,784, or 10.4%, on a same store basis from $123,346 to $110,562. The same store decrease is primarily due to:
·
a decrease in bad debt expense of $6,674, and
·
a decrease in certain non-recoverable and recoverable property operating expenses of $6,449.
Overall, property operating expenses decreased $11,477, or 9.1%, from $126,383 to $114,906, due to the decrease in the same store portfolio described above, partially offset by an increase of $1,307 in other investment properties as follows:
·
an increase in bad debt expense of $209, and
·
an increase in certain non-recoverable and recoverable property operating expenses of $536 and $628, respectively.
Real estate taxes. Real estate taxes increased $4,044, or 4.7%, on a same store basis from $85,828 to $89,872. The same store increase is primarily due to:
·
an increase of $2,027 related to investment properties where vacated tenants with triple net leases had paid real estate taxes directly to the taxing authorities during 2008;
·
an increase of $1,092 in prior year estimates adjusted during 2009, based on actual real estate taxes paid;
42
·
a net increase of $192 over 2008 real estate tax expense due to normal increases and decreases in assessed values;
·
a decrease of $445 in real estate tax refunds received during 2009 for prior year tax assessment adjustments, and
·
an increase in tax consulting fees of $288 as a result of successful reductions to proposed increases to assessed valuations or tax rates at certain properties.
Overall, real estate taxes increased $5,942, or 6.8%, from $87,311 to $93,253. The other investment properties representing properties acquired subsequent to December 31, 2007 and phases of developments that have been placed into service resulted in an increase in real estate taxes of $1,898.
Other income (expense). Other income (expense) changed from net expense of $1,135,303 to net expense of $575,695. The decrease in net expense of $559,608, or 49.3% is primarily due to:
·
a $377,916 impairment of goodwill recognized in 2008;
·
a $178,927 decrease in recognized loss on marketable securities primarily as a result of a significant liquidation of the marketable securities portfolio in 2009 and $24,831 of other-than-temporary impairment recorded in 2009 as compared to other-than-temporary impairment of $160,327 recorded in 2008;
·
a $50,913 decrease in loss on lease terminations as a result of a decrease in tenants that vacated prior to lease expiration due to tenant bankruptcies and economic challenges facing tenants during 2009 as compared to 2008, and
·
a $20,767 decrease in loss on interest rate locks due to impairment recorded during 2008; partially offset by
·
a $13,878 decrease in dividend income due to sales of marketable securities, dividend reductions and suspensions;
·
a $4,171 decrease in straight-line rental income primarily due to reduced occupancy from tenant vacancies and tenant bankruptcies in 2008 and tenants with co-tenancy rent reductions in 2009 as a result of such bankruptcies;
·
a $2,846 decrease in interest income as a result of full or partial payoffs of notes receivable subsequent to December 31, 2007, the impairment of a note receivable as of June 30, 2009 and $1,623 as a result of short-term investments receiving lower interest rates in interest bearing accounts, and
·
an increase of $23,969 in interest expense primarily due to:
-
higher interest rates on refinanced debt resulting in an increase of $6,667 and additional interest expense of $4,068 incurred prior to the completion of certain long-term refinancings;
-
prepayment penalties and other costs associated with refinancings of $5,066;
-
decreases in capitalized interest of $6,256 due to certain phases of our developments being placed into service;
-
an increase in interest on our line of credit of $3,389 due primarily to an increase in the interest rate, and
-
an increase of $2,650 related to the fixed variable spread related to our interest rate swaps, partially offset by decreases in margin payable interest of $3,192 due to decreases in the margin payable balance.
Discontinued operations. Discontinued operations consist of amounts related to eight properties that were sold during each of the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009. Refer to discussion comparing 2010 and 2009 results for more detail on the transactions that resulted in discontinued operations.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
We anticipate that cash flows from operating activities will provide adequate capital for all scheduled interest and monthly principal payments on outstanding indebtedness, current and anticipated tenant improvement or other capital obligations, the shareholder distribution required to maintain REIT status and compliance with financial covenants of our credit agreement for the next twelve months and beyond.
43
Our primary expected uses and sources of our consolidated cash and cash equivalents are as follows:
| | |
USES | SOURCES |
Short-Term: | Short-Term: |
· Tenant improvement allowances · Improvements made to individual properties that are not recoverable through common area maintenance charges to tenants · Distribution payments · Debt repayment requirements, including principal, interest and costs to refinance · Corporate and administrative expenses | · Operating cash flow · Available borrowings under revolving credit facility · Distribution reinvestment plan · Secured loans collateralized by individual properties · Asset sales · Cash and cash equivalents |
Long-Term: | Long-Term: |
· Acquisitions · New development · Major redevelopment, renovation or expansion programs at individual properties · Debt repayment requirements, including both principal and interest | · Secured loans collateralized by individual properties · Long-term construction project financing · Joint venture equity from institutional partners · Sales of marketable securities · Asset sales |
One of our main areas of focus over the last few years has been on strengthening our balance sheet and addressing debt maturities. We have pursued this goal through a combination of the refinancing or repayment of maturing debt, a reduction in our rate of distributions to shareholders, the suspension of our share repurchase program and total or partial dispositions of assets through sales or contributions to joint ventures. In addition, we focused on controlling operating expenses and deferring certain discretionary capital expenditures to preserve cash.
The table below summarizes our consolidated indebtedness at December 31, 2010:
| | | | | | |
Debt | | Aggregate Principal Amount at 12/31/10 | | Weighted Average Interest Rate | | Years to Maturity/ Weighted Average Years to Maturity |
Mortgages payable | $ | 2,871,573 | | 5.81% | | 5.7 years |
IW JV mortgages payable | | 495,632 | | 7.50% | | 8.9 years |
IW JV senior mezzanine note | | 85,000 | | 12.24% | | 8.9 years |
IW JV junior mezzanine note | | 40,000 | | 14.00% | | 8.9 years |
Construction loans | | 86,768 | | 3.85% | | 1.3 years |
Mezzanine note | | 13,900 | | 11.00% | | 3.0 years |
Margin payable | | 10,017 | | 0.61% | | 1.0 year |
Mortgages and notes payable | | 3,602,890 | | | | |
Line of credit | | 154,347 | | 5.25% | | 0.8 year |
Total consolidated indebtedness | $ | 3,757,237 | | | | |
| | | | | | |
Mortgages Payable and Construction Loans
Mortgages payable outstanding as of December 31, 2010, including construction loans and IW JV mortgages payable which are discussed further below, were $3,453,973 and had a weighted average interest rate of 5.99% at December 31, 2010. Of this amount, $3,349,816 had fixed rates ranging from 4.44% to 10.04% and a weighted average fixed rate of 6.04% at December 31, 2010. The remaining $104,157 of outstanding indebtedness represented variable rate loans with a weighted average interest rate of 4.47% at December 31, 2010. Properties with a net carrying value of $5,170,029 at December 31, 2010 and related tenant leases are pledged as collateral for the mortgage loans and development properties with a net carrying value of $62,704 at December 31, 2010 and related tenant leases are pledged as collateral for the construction loans. Generally, other than IW JV mortgages payable, our mortgages payable are secured by individual properties or small groups of properties. As of December 31, 2010, scheduled maturities for our outstanding mortgage indebtedness had various due dates through March 1, 2037.
44
During the year ended December 31, 2010, we obtained mortgages and notes payable proceeds of $737,890, made mortgages and notes payable repayments of $1,018,351 and received debt forgiveness of $50,831. In addition, our joint venture with RioCan assumed $97,888 of mortgages payable from us as of December 31, 2010. The new mortgages payable that we entered into during the year ended December 31, 2010 have interest rates ranging from 2.48% to 8.00% and maturities up to ten years. The stated interest rates of the loans repaid during the year ended December 31, 2010 ranged from 1.65% to 6.75%. We also entered into modifications of existing loan agreements, which extended the maturities of $229,313 of mortgages payable up to December 2012.
IW JV 2009 Mortgages Payable and Mezzanine Notes
Upon formation of IW JV, a wholly-owned subsidiary, on November 29, 2009, we transferred a portfolio of 55 investment properties and the entities which owned them into it. Subsequently, in connection with a $625,000 debt refinancing transaction, which consisted of $500,000 of mortgages payable and $125,000 of notes payable, on December 1, 2009, we raised additional capital of $50,000 from a related party, Inland Equity, in exchange for a 23% noncontrolling interest in IW JV. IW JV, which is controlled by us, and therefore consolidated, will continue to be managed and operated by us. Inland Equity is owned by certain individuals, including Daniel L. Goodwin, who beneficially owns more than 5% of our common stock, and Robert D. Parks, who was the Chairman of our Board until October 12, 2010 and who is Chairman of the Board of certain affiliates of The Inland Group, Inc. The independent directors committee reviewed and recommended appro val of this transaction to our board of directors.
Mezzanine Note and Margin Payable
During the year ended December 31, 2010, we borrowed $13,900 from a third party in the form of a mezzanine note and used the proceeds as a partial paydown of the mortgage payable, as required by the lender. The mezzanine note bears interest at 11.00% and matures in three years. Additionally, we purchase a portion of our securities through a margin account. As of December 31, 2010 and 2009, we had recorded a payable of $10,017 and none, respectively, for securities purchased on margin. This debt bears a variable interest rate of LIBOR plus 35 basis points. At December 31, 2010, this rate was equal to 0.61%. This debt is due upon demand. The value of our marketable securities serves as collateral for this debt. During the year ended December 31, 2010, we borrowed $22,860 on our margin account and paid down $12,843.
Line of Credit
As of December 31, 2010, we had a credit agreement with KeyBank National Association and other financial institutions for borrowings up to $200,000, subject to a collateral pool requirement. Based on the appraised value of the collateral pool, our ability to borrow was limited to $160,902 as of December 31, 2010. The credit agreement had a maturity date of October 14, 2011. The outstanding balance on the line of credit at December 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009 was $154,347 and $107,000, respectively. As of December 31, 2010, management believes we were in compliance with all financial covenants under the credit agreement.
On February 4, 2011, we amended and restated our existing credit agreement to provide for a senior secured credit facility in the aggregate amount of $585,000, consisting of a $435,000 senior secured revolving line of credit and a $150,000 secured term loan from a number of financial institutions. The senior secured revolving line of credit also contains an accordion feature that allows us to increase the availability thereunder to up to $500,000 in certain circumstances.
Upon closing, we borrowed the full amount of the term loan and, through the date of this filing, we had a total of $210,000 outstanding under the senior secured line of credit, including $154,347 that had been outstanding under our line of credit prior to the amendment and restatement of our credit agreement and $55,653 of additional borrowings. We used the secured term loan and the additional borrowings under our senior secured revolving line of credit to, among other things repay $178,591 of mortgage debt, including debt forgiveness of $10,723, that was secured by 16 properties and had a weighted average interest rate of 4.90% per annum and had matured or was maturing in 2011.
Availability.The aggregate availability under the senior secured revolving line of credit shall at no time exceed the lesser of (x) 65% of the appraised value of the borrowing base properties through the date of the issuance of our financial statements for the quarter ending March 31, 2012 and 60% thereafter and (y) the amount that would result in a debt service coverage ratio for the borrowing base properties of not less than 1.50x through the date of the issuance of our financial statements for the quarter ending March 31, 2012 and 1.60x thereafter, in each case, less the outstanding balance
45
under the secured term loan. As of the date of this filing, the total availability under the revolving line of credit was $212,000, of which we had borrowed $210,000.
Maturity and Interest.The senior secured revolving line of credit and the secured term loan mature on February 3, 2013; provided that we have a one-year extension option that we may exercise as long as there is no existing default, we are in compliance with all covenants and we pay an extension fee. The senior secured revolving line of credit and the secured term loan bear interest at a rate per annum equal to the London Interbank Offered Rate, or LIBOR, plus a margin of between 2.75% and 4.00% based on our leverage ratio as calculated under the credit agreement. As of the date of this filing, the interest rate under the senior secured revolving line of credit and secured term loan is 4.31%.
Security.The senior secured revolving line of credit and secured term loan are secured by mortgages on the borrowing base properties and are our direct recourse obligation.
Financial Covenants.The senior secured revolving line of credit and secured term loan include the following financial covenants: (i) maximum leverage ratio not to exceed 67.5%, which ratio will be reduced to 65% beginning on the date of the issuance of our financial statements for the quarter ending December 31, 2011 and 60% beginning on the date of the issuance of our financial statements for the quarter ending June 30, 2012, (ii) minimum fixed charge coverage ratio of not less than 1.40x, which ratio will be increased to 1.45x beginning on the date of the issuance of our financial statements for the quarter ending December 31, 2011 and 1.50x beginning on the date of the issuance of our financial statements for the quarter ending December 31, 2012, (iii) consolidated net worth of not less than $1,750,000 plus 75% of the net proceeds of any future equity contributions or sales of treasury stock received by us (iv) minimum average economic occupancy rate of greater than 80% excluding pre-stabilization properties under construction, (v) unhedged variable rate debt of not more than 20% of total asset value, (vi) maximum dividend payout ratio of 95% of FFO or an amount necessary to maintain REIT status and (vii) secured recourse indebtedness and guarantee obligations excluding the senior secured revolving line of credit and secured term loan may not exceed $100,000.
Other Covenants and Events of Default.The senior secured revolving line of credit and secured term loan limit the percentage of our total asset value that may be invested in unimproved land, unconsolidated joint ventures, construction in progress and mortgage notes receivable, require that we obtain consent for any sale of assets with a value greater than 10% of our total asset value or merger resulting in an increase to our total asset value by more than 25% and contain other customary covenants. The senior secured revolving line of credit and secured term loan also contain customary events of default, including but not limited to, non-payment of principal, interest, fees or other amounts, breaches of covenants, defaults on any recourse indebtedness in excess of $20,000 or any non-recourse indebtedness in excess of $100,000 in the aggregate (subject to certain carveouts, including $30,000 of non-recourse indebtedness tha t is currently in default), failure of certain members of management (or a reasonably satisfactory replacement) to continue to be active on a daily basis in our management and bankruptcy or other insolvency events.
46
Debt Maturities
The following table shows the scheduled maturities of mortgages payable, notes payable, margin payable and the line of credit as of December 31, 2010 for each of the next five years and thereafter and does not reflect the impact of any 2011 debt activity:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | 2011 | | 2012 | | 2013 | | 2014 | | 2015 | | Thereafter | | Total | | Fair Value |
Maturing debt (a) : | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Fixed rate debt: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Mortgages payable (b) | $ | 646,060 | $ | 411,493 | $ | 305,913 | $ | 219,832 | $ | 468,143 | $ | 1,283,343 | $ | 3,334,784 | $ | 3,364,801 |
| Notes payable | | - | | - | | 13,900 | | - | | - | | 125,000 | | 138,900 | | 149,067 |
| Total fixed rate debt | $ | 646,060 | $ | 411,493 | $ | 319,813 | $ | 219,832 | $ | 468,143 | $ | 1,408,343 | $ | 3,473,684 | $ | 3,513,868 |
| Variable rate debt: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Mortgages payable | $ | 15,987 | $ | 88,170 | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 104,157 | $ | 104,157 |
| Line of Credit | | 154,347 | | - | | - | | - | | - | | - | | 154,347 | | 154,347 |
| Margin payable | | 10,017 | | - | | - | | - | | - | | - | | 10,017 | | 10,017 |
| Total variable rate debt | | 180,351 | | 88,170 | | - | | - | | - | | - | | 268,521 | | 268,521 |
Total maturing debt | $ | 826,411 | $ | 499,663 | $ | 319,813 | $ | 219,832 | $ | 468,143 | $ | 1,408,343 | $ | 3,742,205 | $ | 3,782,389 |
Weighted average interest | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| rate on debt: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Fixed rate debt | | 5.43% | | 5.46% | | 5.55% | | 7.17% | | 5.78% | | 7.16% | | | | |
| Variable rate debt | | 5.16% | | 4.00% | | - | | - | | - | | - | | | | |
| Total | | 5.37% | | 5.20% | | 5.55% | | 7.17% | | 5.78% | | 7.16% | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(a) | The debt maturity table does not include any premiums or discounts, of which $17,534 and $(2,502), net of accumulated amortization, respectively, is outstanding as of December 31, 2010. |
(b) | Includes $67,504 of variable rate debt that was swapped to a fixed rate. |
The maturity table excludes other financings and the co-venture obligation as described in Notes 1 and 10 to the consolidated financial statements. The maturity table also excludes accelerated principal payments that may be required as a result of covenants or conditions included in certain loan agreements. In these cases, the total outstanding mortgage payable is included in the year corresponding to the loan maturity date. The maturity table includes $123,198 of mortgages payable that had matured as of December 31, 2010 in the 2011 column.
As of December 31, 2010, in addition to the $123,198 that had matured, we had $517,513 of mortgages payable, excluding principal amortization, maturing in 2011. The following table sets forth our progress through the date of this filing in addressing 2010 and 2011 maturities:
| | | | |
| | Matured as of December 31, 2010 | | Maturing in 2011 |
Repaid or received debt forgiveness and added the underlying property as collateral to the senior secured credit facility | $ | 65,902 | $ | 107,824 |
Refinanced | | - | | 10,153 |
Other repayments | | - | | 1,463 |
Total addressed subsequent to December 31, 2010 | | 65,902 | | 119,440 |
Expected to be repaid and the underlying property will be added as collateral to the senior secured credit facility in March 2011 | | 21,715 | | 81,809 |
Actively marketing to sell or refinance related properties or seeking extensions | | 35,581 | | 316,264 |
| $ | 123,198 | $ | 517,513 |
As of the date of this filing, we had $76,057 of mortgages, secured by seven properties, that had matured and not been repaid, all of which are non-recourse. For $21,715 of these mortgages, we expect to repay the mortgage with borrowings under our senior secured revolving line of credit in March 2011. We are currently in active negotiations with the lenders regarding an appropriate course of action, including the potential refinancing of a discounted payoff amount, for the remaining $54,342 of mortgages payable. No assurance can be provided that these negotiations will result in favorable outcomes for us. One of the lenders with respect to a mortgage payable for $29,965 has asserted that certain events have occurred that trigger recourse to us; however, we believe that we have substantive defenses with respect to those claims.
47
Although the credit environment continues to be challenging, we believe that the credit markets have opened up considerably compared to the last few years. As such, we continue to pursue opportunities with the nation’s largest banks, life insurance companies, regional and local banks, and have demonstrated reasonable success in addressing our maturing debt.
Distributions and Equity Transactions
We intend to continue to qualify as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes. The Code generally requires that a REIT distribute annually at least 90% of its REIT taxable income, determined without regard to the deduction for dividends paid and excluding any net capital gain, in order to qualify as a REIT, and the Code generally taxes a REIT on any retained income.
To satisfy the requirements for qualification as a REIT and generally not be subject to U.S. federal income and excise tax, we intend to make regular quarterly distributions of all or substantially all of our REIT taxable income to holders of our common stock out of assets legally available for such purposes. Our future distributions will be at the sole discretion of our board of directors. When determining the amount of future distributions, we expect that our board of directors will consider, among other factors, (i) the amount of cash generated from our operating activities, (ii) our expectations of future cash flows, (iii) our determination of near-term cash needs for debt repayments, existing or future share repurchases, and selective acquisitions of new properties, (iv) the timing of significant re-leasing activities and theestablishment of additional cash reserves for anticipated tenant i mprovements and general property capital improvements, (v) our ability to continue to access additional sources of capital, (vi) the amount required to be distributed to maintain our status as a REIT and to reduce any income and excise taxes that we otherwise would be required to pay and (vii) any limitations on our distributions contained in our credit or other agreements, including, without limitation, in our senior secured revolving line of credit and secured term loan, which limit our distributions to the greater of 95% of FFO or the amount necessary for us to maintain our qualification as a REIT.
As part of the strengthening of our balance sheet over the past few years, we have reduced the rate of our distributions to shareholders. The following table sets forth the amount of our distributions declared during the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008 compared to cash flows provided by operating activities for each of these periods:
| | | | | | |
| | 2010 | | 2009 | | 2008 |
Cash flows provided by operating activities | $ | 184,072 | $ | 249,837 | $ | 309,351 |
Distributions declared | | 94,579 | | 75,040 | | 308,798 |
Excess | $ | 89,493 | $ | 174,797 | $ | 553 |
Effective November 19, 2008, the board of directors voted to suspend our share repurchase program. We maintain a DRP which allows our shareholders who have purchased shares in our offerings to automatically reinvest distributions by purchasing additional shares from us. Such purchases under our DRP are not subject to brokerage commission fees or service charges. In conjunction with our estimate of the value of a share of our stock for annual statement of value purposes, the board of directors amended our DRP, effective March 1, 2010, solely to modify the purchase price. Thus, since March 1, 2010, additional shares of our stock purchased under ourDRP have been purchased at a price of $6.85 per share. As of December 31, 2010, we had issued approximately 70,683 shares pursuant to the DRP for an aggregate amount of $675,503. During the year ended December 31, 2010, we received $32,731 in in vestor proceeds through our DRP.
Capital Expenditures and Development Joint Venture Activity
We anticipate that capital demands to meet obligations related to capital improvements with respect to properties will be minimal for the foreseeable future (as many of our properties have recently been constructed or renovated) and can be met with funds from operations and working capital.
The following table provides summary information regarding our consolidated and unconsolidated properties under development as of December 31, 2010. As of December 31, 2010, we did not have any active construction ongoing at our development properties, and, currently, we only intend to develop the remaining estimated total GLA to the extent that we have pre-leased the space to be developed. If we were to pre-lease all of the remaining estimated GLA, we estimate that the total remaining costs to complete the development of this space would be $55,754, which we expect to fund through
48
construction loans and proceeds of potential sales of our Bellevue Mall and South Billings Center development properties. As of December 31, 2010, the ABR from the portion of our development properties with respect to which construction has been completed was $5,300.
| | | | | | | | | |
| | | | Our Ownership | | Carrying Value at | | Construction Loan Balance at | |
Location | | Description | | Percentage | | December 31, 2010 (a) | | December 31, 2010 | |
Frisco, Texas | | Parkway Towne Crossing | | 75.0% | $ | 26,085 | $ | 20,757 | |
Dallas, Texas | | Wheatland Towne Crossing | | 75.0% | | 14,825 | | 5,712 | |
Henderson, Nevada | | Lake Mead Crossing | | 25.0% | | 81,597 | | 48,949 | |
Henderson, Nevada | | Green Valley Crossing | | 50.0% | | 23,750 | | 11,350 | |
Billings, Montana | | South Billings Center | | 40.0% | | 5,077 | | - | |
Nashville, Tennessee | | Bellevue Mall | | 100.0% | | 26,448 | | - | |
Denver, Colorado | | Hampton Retail Colorado | | 95.8% | | 6,836 | (b) | 4,031 | (c) |
| | | | | $ | 184,618 | $ | 90,799 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
(a) Represents the total investment less accumulated depreciation | |
(b) Represents the total investment less accumulated depreciation for the two properties under development. There is an additional $19,447 of carrying value related to four operational properties held by the joint venture. | |
(c) The construction loan balance is only the portion related to two properties under development held by the joint venture. There is an additional $16,367 construction loan related to four operational properties held by the joint venture. | |
Asset Disposition and Operating Joint Venture Activity
During 2010 and 2009, our asset sales and partial sales of assets to operating joint ventures were an integral factor in our deleveraging and recapitalization efforts. The following table highlights the results of our asset dispositions during 2010 and 2009:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Number of Assets Sold | | Square Footage | | Combined Sales Price | | Total Debt Extinguished | | Net Sales Proceeds |
2010 Dispositions | | 8 | | 894,500 | | $ | 104,635 | | | $ | 106,791 | | $ | 21,024 |
2009 Dispositions | | 8 | | 1,579,000 | | $ | 338,057 | | | $ | 208,552 | | $ | 123,944 |
Statement of Cash Flows Comparison for the Years Ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
Cash flows provided by operating activities were $184,072, $249,837 and $309,351 for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively, which consists primarily of net income from property operations, adjusted for non-cash charges for depreciation and amortization, provision for impairment of investment properties and marketable securities and gain on extinguishment of debt. The decrease in operating cash flows comparing 2010 to 2009 of $65,765 is primarily attributable to an increase in interest paid of $26,003 which resulted, in part, from our refinancing efforts, a decrease in dividends received of $8,607, net cash paid in conjunction with the litigation matter settlement of $8,006, an increase in the cash portion of co-venture obligation expense of $5,584 and an increase in leasing fees paid of $1,124. We have addressed a significant amount of mortgage debt exposure over the past two years and with ou r focus on leasing activity to increase occupancy and rental income, we believe that we will be able to meet our short-term and long-term cash requirements.
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
Cash flows provided by (used in) investing activities were $154,400, $193,706 and $(178,555), respectively, for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008. Of these amounts, $(22,967), $(38,680) and $46,966, respectively, represent restricted escrow activity. During 2010 and 2009, those amounts were used to fund restricted escrow accounts, some of which are required under certain new mortgage debt arrangements. In addition, $35,198, $40,778 and $132,233, respectively, were used for acquisition of new properties, earnouts at existing properties, capital expenditures and tenant improvements and $3,219, $15,297 and $73,137, respectively, were used for existing developments projects. During each of the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009, we sold eight properties, which resulted in sales proceeds of $96,059
49
and $172,007, respectively. During the year ended December 31, 2010, we partially sold eight properties to an unconsolidated joint venture, which resulted in proceeds of $48,616. There were no sales executed during 2008. In addition, during the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, we purchased marketable securities of none, $190 and $28,443, respectively, and received proceeds from sales of marketable securities of $8,629, $125,088 and $34,789, respectively.
We will continue to execute our strategy to dispose of select non-retail properties and free standing, triple-net retail and other properties on an opportunistic basis; however it is uncertain given current market conditions when and whether we will be successful in disposing of these assets and whether such sales could recover our original cost. Additionally, tenant improvement costs associated with re-leasing vacant space could continue to be significant.
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
Cash flows used in financing activities were $321,747, $438,806 and $126,989, respectively, for years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008. We (used)/generated $(280,668), $(333,423) and $306,459, respectively, related to the net activity from proceeds from new mortgages secured by our properties, the secured line of credit, other financings, the co-venture arrangement, principal payments, payoffs and the payment and refund of fees and deposits. During the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, we also generated/(used) $10,017, $(56,340) and $(51,700), respectively, through the net borrowing of margin debt. We paid $50,654, $47,651 and $155,592, respectively, in distributions, net of distributions reinvested through DRP, to our shareholders for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008.
Off-Balance-Sheet Arrangements
Effective April 27, 2007, we formed a strategic joint venture (MS Inland) with a large state pension fund. Under the joint venture agreement we contributed 20% of the equity and our joint venture partner contributed 80% of the equity. As of December 31, 2010, the joint venture had acquired seven properties (which we contributed) with a purchase price of approximately $336,000 and had assumed from us mortgages on these properties totaling approximately $188,000 at the time of assumption.
On May 20, 2010, we entered into definitive agreements to form our RioCan joint venture. As of December 31, 2010, our RioCan joint venture had acquired eight properties from us for a purchase price of $159,442, and had assumed from us mortgages payable on these properties totaling approximately $97,888. We had a 20% equity interest in our RioCan joint venture as of December 31, 2010.
In addition, we have entered into the two other unconsolidated joint ventures that are described in Note 11 to the consolidated financial statements.
The table below summarizes the outstanding debt of our unconsolidated joint ventures at December 31, 2010, none of which has been guaranteed by us:
| | | | | | | | | |
Joint Venture | | Ownership Interest | | Aggregate Principal Amount | | Weighted Average Interest Rate | | Years to Maturity/ Weighted Average Years to Maturity |
RioCan (1) | | 20.0% | $ | 99,310 | | 5.61% | | 2.8 years |
MS Inland (2) | | 20.0% | $ | 177,380 | | 5.29% | | 3.3 years |
Hampton Retail Colorado (3) | | 95.8% | $ | 20,398 | | 5.40% | | 3.7 years |
| |
(1) | Aggregate principal amount excludes mortgage premiums of $2,045 and discounts of $86, net of accumulated amortization. |
(2) | Aggregate principal amount excludes mortgage premiums of $51 and discounts of $451, net of accumulated amortization. |
(3) | The weighted average interest rate increases to 6.15% on September 1, 2012 and to 6.90% on September 1, 2013. Aggregate principal amount excludes mortgage premiums of $4,471, net of accumulated amortization. |
Other than described above, we have no off-balance-sheet arrangements as of December 31, 2010 that are reasonably likely to have a current or future material effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
50
Contractual Obligations
The table below presents our obligations and commitments to make future payments under debt obligations and lease agreements as of December 31, 2010.
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | Payment due by period |
| | Less than 1 year (2) | | 1-3 years | | 3-5 years | | More than 5 years | | Total |
Long-term debt (1) | | | | | | | | | | |
Fixed rate | $ | 646,060 | $ | 731,306 | $ | 687,975 | $ | 1,408,343 | $ | 3,473,684 |
Variable rate | | 180,351 | | 88,170 | | - | | - | | 268,521 |
Interest | | 211,746 | | 337,140 | | 263,600 | | 565,483 | | 1,377,969 |
Operating lease obligations (3) | | 6,244 | | 12,850 | | 13,339 | | 547,849 | | 580,282 |
Purchase obligations (4) | | 1,400 | | - | | - | | - | | 1,400 |
| $ | 1,045,801 | $ | 1,169,466 | $ | 964,914 | $ | 2,521,675 | $ | 5,701,856 |
(1)
The Contractual Obligations table does not include any premium or discounts of which $17,534 and $(2,502) net of accumulated amortization, respectively, is outstanding as of December 31, 2010. The table also excludes accelerated principal payments that may be required as a result of conditions included in certain loan agreements and other financings and co-venture obligations as described in Notes 1 and 10 to the consolidated financial statements as we are unable to determine the exact timing and amount of future payments. Interest payments related to the variable rate debt were calculated using the corresponding interest rates as of December 31, 2010.
(2)
Included in the variable rate debt is $154,347 of borrowings under our credit agreement due in 2011 and $10,017 of margin debt secured by our portfolio of marketable securities. These borrowings may be repaid over time upon sale of our portfolio of marketable securities.
The remaining borrowings outstanding through December 31, 2011 include amortization and maturities of mortgages and notes payable. This includes 45 mortgage loans and one construction loan that mature in 2011. The mortgages payable of $123,198 that had matured as of December 31, 2010 are also included in these amounts. Mortgage loans are intended to be refinanced or paid off in 2011 using a combination of proceeds raised from expected asset sales, retained capital as a result of the suspension of the share repurchase program, and proceeds from our credit agreement, which was amended in February 2011 (See Note 9 to the consolidated financial statements). The construction loans will be extended, paid off at the time of sale of the property, or converted to permanent financing upon completion.
(3)
We lease land under non-cancelable leases at certain of the properties expiring in various years from 2018 to 2105. The property attached to the land will revert back to the lessor at the end of the lease. We lease office space under non-cancellable leases expiring in various years from 2011 to 2013.
(4)
Purchase obligations include earnouts on previously acquired properties.
Contracts and Commitments
We have acquired certain properties which have earnout components, meaning that we did not pay for portions of these properties that were not rent producing at the time of acquisition. We are obligated, under these agreements, to pay for those portions, as additional purchase price, when a tenant moves into its space and begins to pay rent. The earnout payments are based on a predetermined formula. Each earnout agreement has a time limit regarding the obligation to pay any additional monies. The time limits generally range from one to three years. If, at the end of the time period allowed, certain space has not been leased and occupied, generally, we will own that space without any further payment obligation. As of December 31, 2010, we may pay as much as $1,400 in the future as retail space covered by earnout agreements. During the year ended December 31, 2010, we paid $501 for one earnout at an existing property.
We have previously entered into one construction loan agreement, one secured installment note and one other installment note agreement, one of which was impaired as of December 31, 2009 and written off on March 31, 2010. In conjunction with the two remaining note agreements, we have funded our total commitments of $8,680. The combined receivable balance at December 31, 2010 and 2009 was $8,290 and $8,330, respectively, net of allowances of $300 and $17,209, respectively. In May 2010, we entered into an agreement related to the secured installment note that extended the maturity date from May 31, 2010 to February 29, 2012.
51
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. For example, significant estimates and assumptions have been made with respect to useful lives of assets; capitalization of development and leasing costs; fair value measurements; provision for impairment, including estimates of holding periods, capitalization rates, and discount rates (where applicable); provision for income taxes; recoverable amounts of receivables; deferred taxes and initial valuations and related amortization periods of deferred costs and intangibles, particularly with respe ct to property acquisitions. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
The following disclosure pertains to accounting policies and estimates we believe are most “critical” to the portrayal of our financial condition and results of operations which require our most difficult, subjective or complex judgments. These judgments often result from the need to make estimates about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain. GAAP requires information in financial statements about accounting principles, methods used and disclosures pertaining to significant estimates. This discussion addresses our judgment pertaining to trends, events or uncertainties known which were taken into consideration upon the application of those policies and the likelihood that materially different amounts would be reported upon taking into consideration different conditions and assump tions.
Acquisition of Investment Property
We allocate the purchase price of each acquired investment property between the estimated fair values of land, building and improvements, acquired above market and below market lease intangibles, in-place lease value, any assumed financing that is determined to be above or below market, and the value of customer relationships, if any, and goodwill, if determined to meet the definition of a business under the guidance. The allocation of the purchase price is an area that requires judgment and significant estimates. Beginning in 2009, transaction costs associated with any acquisitions are expensed as incurred. In some circumstances, we engage independent real estate appraisal firms to provide market information and evaluations that help support our purchase price allocations; however, we are ultimately responsible for the purchase price allocations. We determine whether any financing assumed is above or below ma rket based upon comparison to similar financing terms at the time of acquisition for similar investment properties. We allocate a portion of the purchase price to the estimated, acquired in-place lease value based on estimated lease execution costs for similar leases, as well as, lost rental payments during an assumed lease-up period when calculating as-if-vacant fair values. We consider various factors including geographic location and size of the leased space. We also evaluate each significant acquired lease based upon current market rates at the acquisition date and consider various factors, including geographical location, size and location of the leased space within the investment property, tenant profile, and the credit risk of the tenant in determining whether the acquired lease is above or below market. If an acquired lease is determined to be above or below market, we allocate a portion of the purchase price to such above or below market leases based upon the present value of the difference between the contractual lease rate and the estimated market rate. For below market leases with fixed rate renewals, renewal periods are included in the calculation of below market lease values. The determination of the discount rate used in the present value calculation is based upon a risk adjusted rate. This discount rate is a significant factor in determining the market valuation which requires our evaluation of subjective factors such as market knowledge, economics, demographics, location, visibility, age and physical condition of the property.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
Our investment properties, including developments in progress, are reviewed for potential impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. Impairment indicators are assessed separately for each property and include, but are not limited to, the property’s low occupancy rate, difficulty in leasing space and financially troubled tenants. Impairment indicators for developments in progress are assessed by project and include, but are not limited to, significant changes in project completion dates, development costs and market factors.
52
If an indicator of potential impairment exists, the asset would be tested for recoverability by comparing its carrying value to the estimated future undiscounted operating cash flows, which is based upon many factors which require us to make difficult, complex or subjective judgments. Such assumptions include, but are not limited to, projecting vacancy rates, rental rates, operating expenses, lease terms, tenant financial strength, economic factors, demographics, property location, capital expenditures, holding period, capitalization rates and sales value. An investment property is considered to be impaired when the estimated future undiscounted operating cash flows are less than its carrying value.
Our investments in unconsolidated joint ventures are reviewed for potential impairment, in addition to impairment evaluations of the individual assets underlying these investments, whenever events or changes in circumstances warrant such an evaluation. To determine whether impairment is other-than-temporary, we consider whether we have the ability and intent to hold the investment until the carrying value is fully recovered.
To the extent an impairment has occurred, the excess of the carrying value of the asset over its estimated fair value is recorded as a provision for impairment.
Cost Capitalization, Depreciation and Amortization Policies
Our policy is to review all expenses paid and capitalize any items which are deemed to be an upgrade or a tenant improvement. These costs are included in the investment properties classification as an addition to buildings and improvements.
Depreciation expense is computed using the straight-line method. Buildings and improvements are depreciated based upon estimated useful lives of 30 years for buildings and associated improvements and 15 years for site improvements and most other capital improvements. Acquired in-place lease value, customer relationship value, if any, other leasing costs and tenant improvements are amortized on a straight-line basis over the life of the related lease as a component of depreciation and amortization expense. The portion of the purchase price allocated to acquired above market lease intangibles and acquired below market lease intangibles are amortized on a straight-line basis over the life of the related lease as an adjustment to net rental income and over the respective renewal period for below market leases with fixed renewal rates. Renewal periods are excluded for amortization periods on above market lease inta ngibles.
Loss on Lease Terminations
In situations in which a lease or leases associated with a significant tenant have been or are expected to be terminated early, we evaluate the remaining useful lives of depreciable or amortizable assets in the asset group related to the lease that will be terminated (i.e., tenant improvements, above and below market lease intangibles, in-place lease intangibles, and leasing commissions). Based upon consideration of the facts and circumstances of the termination, we may write-off or accelerate the depreciation and amortization associated with the applicable asset group. If we conclude that a write-off of the asset group is appropriate, such charges are reported in the consolidated statements of operations and other comprehensive loss as “Loss on lease terminations.”
Investment Properties Held For Sale
In determining whether to classify an investment property as held for sale, we consider whether: (i) management has committed to a plan to sell the investment property; (ii) the investment property is available for immediate sale in its present condition; (iii) we have initiated a program to locate a buyer; (iv) we believe that the sale of the investment property is probable; (v) we have received a significant non-refundable deposit for the purchase of the investment property; (vi) we are actively marketing the investment property for sale at a price that is reasonable in relation to its current value, and (vii) actions required for us to complete the plan indicate that it is unlikely that any significant changes will be made.
If all of the above criteria are met, we classify the investment property as held for sale. When these criteria are met, we suspend depreciation (including depreciation for tenant improvements and building improvements) and amortization of acquired in-place lease value and we record the investment property held for sale at the lower of cost or net realizable value. The assets and liabilities associated with those investment properties that are held for sale are classified separately on the consolidated balance sheets for the most recent reporting period. Additionally, if the operations and cash flows of the property have been eliminated from ongoing operations and we don’t have significant continuing involvement in the operations of the property, then the operations for the periods presented are classified on the consolidated statements of operations and other comprehensive loss as discontinued operations for a ll periods presented.
53
Partially-Owned Entities
If we determine that we are an owner in a variable interest entity (VIE) and we hold a controlling financial interest, then we will consolidate the entity as the primary beneficiary. For partially-owned entities determined not to be a VIE, we analyze rights held by each partner to determine which would be the consolidating party. We generally consolidate entities (in the absence of other factors when determining control) when we have over a 50% ownership interest in the entity. We assess our interests in variable interest entities on an ongoing basis to determine whether or not we are a primary beneficiary. However, we also evaluate who controls the entity even in circumstances in which we have greater than a 50% ownership interest. If we do not control the entity due to the lack of decision-making abilities, we will not consolidate the entity.
Marketable Securities
Investments in marketable securities are classified as “available for sale” and accordingly are carried at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses reported as a separate component of shareholders’ equity. Declines in the value of these investments in marketable securities that management determines are other-than-temporary are recorded as recognized gain (loss) on marketable securities on the consolidated statement of operations and other comprehensive loss.
To determine whether an impairment is other-than-temporary, we consider whether we have the ability and intent to hold the investment until a market price recovery and consider whether evidence indicating the cost of the investment is recoverable outweighs evidence to the contrary, amongst other things. Evidence considered in this assessment includes the nature of the investment, the reasons for the impairment (i.e. credit or market related), the severity and duration of the impairment, changes in value subsequent to the end of the reporting period and forecasted performance of the investee. All available information is considered in making this determination with no one factor being determinative.
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
We periodically evaluate the collectability of amounts due from tenants and maintain an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of tenants to make required payments under their lease agreements. We also maintain an allowance for receivables arising from the straight-lining of rents. This receivable arises from revenue recognized in excess of amounts currently due under the lease agreements. Management exercises judgment in establishing these allowances and considers payment history and current credit status in developing these estimates.
Derivative and Hedging Activities
We adopted accounting guidance as of January 1, 2009 which amends and expands the disclosure requirements related to derivative instruments and hedging activities with the intent to provide users of financial statements with an enhanced understanding of (a) how and why an entity uses derivative instruments, (b) how derivative instruments and related hedged items are accounted for, and (c) how derivative instruments and the related hedged items affect an entity’s financial position, financial performance and cash flows. The guidance requires qualitative disclosures about objectives and strategies for using derivatives, quantitative disclosures about the fair value of and gains and losses on derivative instruments, and disclosures about credit risk related contingent features in derivative instruments.
All derivatives are recorded on the consolidated balance sheets at their fair values within “Other assets,” or “Other liabilities.” On the date that we enter into a derivative, we may designate the derivative as a hedge against the variability of cash flows that are to be paid in connection with a recognized liability. Subsequent changes in the fair value of a derivative designated as a cash flow hedge that is determined to be highly effective are recorded in other comprehensive loss until earnings are affected by the variability of cash flows of the hedged transactions. Any hedge ineffectiveness or changes in the fair value for any derivative not designated as a hedge is reported in net loss. We do not use derivatives for trading or speculative purposes.
Revenue Recognition
We commence revenue recognition on our leases based on a number of factors. In most cases, revenue recognition under a lease begins when the lessee takes possession of or controls the physical use of the leased asset. Generally, this occurs on the lease commencement date. The determination of who is the owner, for accounting purposes, of the tenant improvements determines the nature of the leased asset and when revenue recognition under a lease begins. If we are the owner, for accounting purposes, of the tenant improvements, then the leased asset is the finished space and revenue
54
recognition begins when the lessee takes possession of the finished space, typically when the improvements are substantially complete. If we conclude we are not the owner, for accounting purposes, of the tenant improvements (the lessee is the owner), then the leased asset is the unimproved space and any tenant improvement allowances funded under the lease are treated as lease incentives which reduce revenue recognized over the term of the lease. In these circumstances, we begin revenue recognition when the lessee takes possession of the unimproved space for the lessee to construct their own improvements. We consider a number of different factors to evaluate whether we or the lessee are the owner of the tenant improvements for accounting purposes. These factors include:
·
whether the lease stipulates how and on what a tenant improvement allowance may be spent;
·
whether the tenant or landlord retains legal title to the improvements;
·
the uniqueness of the improvements;
·
the expected economic life of the tenant improvements relative to the length of the lease;
·
who constructs or directs the construction of the improvements, and
·
whether the tenant or landlord is obligated to fund cost overruns.
The determination of who owns the tenant improvements, for accounting purposes, is subject to significant judgment. In making that determination, we consider all of the above factors. No one factor, however, necessarily establishes its determination.
Rental income is recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of each lease. The difference between rental income earned on a straight-line basis and the cash rent due under the provisions of the lease is recorded as deferred rent receivable and is included as a component of “Accounts and notes receivable” in the consolidated balance sheets.
Reimbursements from tenants for recoverable real estate taxes and operating expenses are accrued as revenue in the period the applicable expenditures are incurred. We make certain assumptions and judgments in estimating the reimbursements at the end of each reporting period.
We record lease termination income if there is a signed termination letter agreement, all of the conditions of the agreement have been met, the tenant is no longer occupying the property and collectibility is reasonably assured. Upon early lease termination, we provide for losses related to recognized tenant specific intangibles and other assets or adjust the remaining useful life of the assets if determined to be appropriate.
Our policy for percentage rental income is to defer recognition of contingent rental income (i.e. purchase/excess rent) until the specified target (i.e. breakpoint) that triggers the contingent rental income is achieved.
In conjunction with certain acquisitions, we receive payments under master lease agreements pertaining to certain non-revenue producing spaces either at the time of, or subsequent to, the purchase of these properties. Upon receipt of the payments, the receipts are recorded as a reduction in the purchase price of the related properties rather than as rental income. These master leases were established at the time of purchase in order to mitigate the potential negative effects of loss of rent and expense reimbursements. Master lease payments are received through a draw of funds escrowed at the time of purchase and generally cover a period from three months to three years. These funds may be released to either us or the seller when certain leasing conditions are met.
Profits from sales of real estate are not recognized under the full accrual method unless a sale is consummated; the buyer’s initial and continuing investments are adequate to demonstrate a commitment to pay for the property; our receivable, if applicable, is not subject to future subordination; we have transferred to the buyer the usual risks and rewards of ownership, and we do not have substantial continuing involvement with the property.
Impact of Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
Effective January 1, 2009, companies that decrease their ownership in a subsidiary that involves in-substance real estate should account for the transaction under the guidance for sales of real estate. The transfer of our 23% interest in IW JV to Inland Equity for $50,000 was accounted for as a financing transaction and is reflected in “Co-venture obligation” on our consolidated balance sheets.
55
Effective January 1, 2010, companies that issue a portion of their distributions to shareholders in stock should account for the stock portion that allows the shareholder to elect to receive cash or shares with potential limitation on the total amount of cash that all shareholders can elect to receive in the aggregate as a share issuance, which is to be reflected in earnings per share prospectively. This guidance did not have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.
Effective January 1, 2010, the analysis for identifying the primary beneficiary of a VIE has been simplified by replacing the previous quantitative-based analysis with a framework that is based more on qualitative judgments. The analysis requires the primary beneficiary of a VIE to be identified as the party that both (a) has the power to direct the activities of a VIE that most significantly impact its economic performance and (b) has an obligation to absorb losses or a right to receive benefits that could potentially be significant to the VIE. Although the amendment significantly affects the overall consolidation analysis under previously issued guidance, the adoption on January 1, 2010 did not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.
Effective January 1, 2010, companies are required to separately disclose the amounts of significant transfers of assets and liabilities into and out of Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy and the reasons for those transfers. Companies must also develop and disclose their policy for determining when transfers between levels are recognized. In addition, companies are required to provide fair value disclosures for each class rather than each major category of assets and liabilities. For fair value measurements using significant other observable inputs (Level 2) or significant unobservable inputs (Level 3), companies are required to disclose the valuation technique and the inputs used in determining fair value for each class of assets and liabilities. This guidance did not have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.
Effective January 1, 2011, companies will be required to separately disclose purchases, sales, issuances and settlements on a gross basis in the reconciliation of recurring Level 3 fair value measurements. We do not expect this will have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.
Effective January 1, 2011, public companies that enter into a business combination will be required to disclose revenue and earnings of the combined entity as though the business combination that occurred during the current year had occurred as of the beginning of the comparable prior annual reporting period only. In addition, the supplemental pro forma disclosures will be expanded. If we enter into a business combination, we will comply with the disclosure requirements of this guidance.
Subsequent Events
During the period from January 1, 2011 through the date of this filing we:
·
amended and restated our existing credit agreement increasing the aggregate amount to $585,000, consisting of a $435,000 senior secured revolving line of credit and a $150,000 secured term loan with a number of financial institutions;
·
filed a registration statement on Form S-11 with the SEC regarding a proposed public offering of our common stock, and
·
filed a request for a closing agreement from the IRS, whereby the IRS would agree that our dividends paid deduction for the taxable years 2004 through 2006, the years for which we had positive taxable income, was sufficient for us to qualify for taxation as a REIT. The IRS is currently evaluating our request and continues to move it through its review process (see Note 13 to the consolidated financial statements).
On February 16, 2011, Borders, a national retailer, filed for bankruptcy under Chapter 11. As of December 31, 2010, Borders leased approximately 220,000 square feet of space from us at 10 locations, which leases represented approximately $2,600 of ABR. In addition, Borders leased approximately 28,000 square feet of space at one of our unconsolidated joint venture properties, which represented $344 of ABR. Borders has informed us that it intends to close stores at five locations where it leased space from us, representing approximately 115,000 square feet of GLA and $1,119 of ABR as of December 31, 2010. We evaluated our exposure to Borders as of December 31, 2010 and recorded a write-off of Tenant Related Deferred Charges in the amount of $2,777 at those five locations.
56
Inflation
For our multi-tenant shopping centers, inflation is likely to increase rental income from leases to new tenants and lease renewals, subject to market conditions. Our rental income and operating expenses for those properties owned, or expected to be owned and operated under net leases, are not likely to be directly affected by future inflation, since rents are or will be fixed under those leases and property expenses are the responsibility of the tenants. The capital appreciation of single-user net lease properties is likely to be influenced by interest rate fluctuations. To the extent that inflation determines interest rates, future inflation may have an effect on the capital appreciation of single-user net lease properties. As of December 31, 2010, we owned 109 single-user properties, of which 93 are net lease properties.
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
We may be exposed to interest rate changes primarily as a result of long-term debt used to maintain liquidity and fund capital expenditures and expansion of our real estate investment portfolio and operations. Our interest rate risk management objectives are to limit the impact of interest rate changes on earnings and cash flows and to lower our overall borrowing costs. To achieve our objectives we borrow primarily at fixed rates or variable rates with the lowest margins available and in some cases, with the ability to convert variable rates to fixed rates.
With regard to variable-rate financing, we assess interest rate cash flow risk by continually identifying and monitoring changes in interest rate exposures that may adversely impact expected future cash flows and by evaluating hedging opportunities. We maintain risk management control systems to monitor interest rate cash flow risk attributable to both of our outstanding or forecasted debt obligations as well as our potential offsetting hedge positions. The risk management control systems involve the use of analytical techniques, including cash flow sensitivity analysis, to estimate the expected impact of changes in interest rates on our future cash flows.
We may use additional derivative financial instruments to hedge exposures to changes in interest rates on loans secured by our properties. To the extent we do, we are exposed to credit risk and market risk. Credit risk is the failure of the counterparty to perform under the terms of the derivative contract. When the fair value of a derivative contract is positive, the counterparty owes us, which creates credit risk for us. When the fair value of a derivative contract is negative, we owe the counterparty and, therefore, we generally are not exposed to the credit risk of the counterparty. It is our policy to enter into these transactions with the same party providing the financing, with the right of offset. Alternatively, we will minimize the credit risk in derivative instruments by entering into transactions with high-quality counterparties. Market risk is the adverse effect on the value of a financial instrument that results from a change in interest rates. The market risk associated with interest-rate contracts is managed by establishing and monitoring parameters that limit the types and degree of market risk that may be undertaken.
The carrying amount of our mortgages payable, notes payable, line of credit and co-venture obligation is approximately $28,888 lower than its fair value as of December 31, 2010.
57
Debt Maturities
Our interest rate risk is monitored using a variety of techniques. The table below presents, as of December 31, 2010, the scheduled maturities of mortgages payable, notes payable, margin payable and the line of credit and weighted average interest rates by year to evaluate the expected cash flows and sensitivity to interest rate changes, but does not reflect the impact of any 2011 debt activity.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | 2011 | | 2012 | | 2013 | | 2014 | | 2015 | | Thereafter | | Total | | Fair Value |
Maturing debt (a) : | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Fixed rate debt: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Mortgages payable (b) | $ | 646,060 | $ | 411,493 | $ | 305,913 | $ | 219,832 | $ | 468,143 | $ | 1,283,343 | $ | 3,334,784 | $ | 3,364,801 |
| Notes payable | | - | | - | | 13,900 | | - | | - | | 125,000 | | 138,900 | | 149,067 |
| Total fixed rate debt | $ | 646,060 | $ | 411,493 | $ | 319,813 | $ | 219,832 | $ | 468,143 | $ | 1,408,343 | $ | 3,473,684 | $ | 3,513,868 |
| Variable rate debt: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Mortgages payable | $ | 15,987 | $ | 88,170 | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 104,157 | $ | 104,157 |
| Line of Credit | | 154,347 | | - | | - | | - | | - | | - | | 154,347 | | 154,347 |
| Margin payable | | 10,017 | | - | | - | | - | | - | | - | | 10,017 | | 10,017 |
| Total variable rate debt | | 180,351 | | 88,170 | | - | | - | | - | | - | | 268,521 | | 268,521 |
Total maturing debt | $ | 826,411 | $ | 499,663 | $ | 319,813 | $ | 219,832 | $ | 468,143 | $ | 1,408,343 | $ | 3,742,205 | $ | 3,782,389 |
Weighted average interest | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| rate on debt: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Fixed rate debt | | 5.43% | | 5.46% | | 5.55% | | 7.17% | | 5.78% | | 7.16% | | | | |
| Variable rate debt | | 5.16% | | 4.00% | | - | | - | | - | | - | | | | |
| Total | | 5.37% | | 5.20% | | 5.55% | | 7.17% | | 5.78% | | 7.16% | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| |
(a) | The debt maturity table does not include any premiums or discounts, of which $17,534 and $(2,502), net of accumulated amortization, respectively, is outstanding as of December 31, 2010. |
(b) | Includes $67,504 of variable rate debt that was swapped to a fixed rate. |
The maturity table excludes other financings and co-venture obligations (see Notes 1 and 10 to the consolidated financial statements). The maturity table also excludes accelerated principal payments that may be required as a result of covenants or conditions included in certain loan agreements. In these cases, the total outstanding mortgage payable is included in the year corresponding to the loan maturity date. The maturity table includes $123,198 of mortgages payable that had matured as of December 31, 2010 in the 2011 column.
We had $268,521 of variable-rate debt with a weighted average interest rate of 4.78% at December 31, 2010. An increase in the variable interest rate on this debt constitutes a market risk. If interest rates increase by 1%, based on debt outstanding as of December 31, 2010, interest expense would increase by approximately $2,685 on an annualized basis.
The table incorporates only those interest rate exposures that existed as of December 31, 2010. It does not consider those interest rate exposures or positions that could arise after that date. The information presented herein is merely an estimate and has limited predictive value. As a result, the ultimate realized gain or loss with respect to interest rate fluctuations will depend on the interest rate exposures that arise during the period, our hedging strategies at that time and future changes in the level of interest rates.
Equity Price Risk
We are exposed to equity price risk as a result of our investments in marketable securities. Equity price risk changes as the volatility of equity prices changes or the values of corresponding equity indices change.
Other-than-temporary impairments were none, $24,831 and $160,327 for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively. These impairments resulted from declines in the fair value of our REIT stock investments that we considered to be other-than-temporary. At this point in time, certain of our investments continue to generate dividend income while other investments of ours have ceased generating dividend income or are doing so at reduced rates. As the equity market has begun to recover, we have been able to sell some marketable securities at prices in excess of our current book values. However, if our stock positions do not continue to recover in 2011, we could take additional other-than-temporary impairments, which could be material to our operations.
58
As of December 31, 2010, our investment in marketable securities totaled $34,230, which included $22,106 of accumulated unrealized gain. In the event that the value of our marketable securities declined by 50%, our investment would be reduced to $17,115 and, if we then sold all of our marketable securities at this value, we would recognize a gain on marketable securities of $4,991. For the year ended December 31, 2010, our cash flows from operating activities included $3,475 that we received as distributions on our marketable securities. We could lose some or all of these cash flows if these distributions were reduced or eliminated in the future. Because all of our marketable securities are equity securities, the issuers of these securities could determine to reduce or eliminate these distributions at any time in their discretion.
59
ITEM 8. Consolidated Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
Index
INLAND WESTERN RETAIL REAL ESTATE TRUST, INC.
Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
61
Financial Statements
Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2010 and 2009
63
Consolidated Statements of Operations and Other Comprehensive Loss
for the Years Ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008
64
Consolidated Statements of Equity
for the Years Ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008
65
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
for the Years Ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008
67
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
70
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Schedule II)
107
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation (Schedule III)
108
Schedules not filed:
All schedules other than the two listed in the Index have been omitted as the required information is either not applicable or the information is already presented in the consolidated financial statements or related notes thereto.
60
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of
Inland Western Retail Real Estate Trust, Inc.:
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Inland Western Retail Real Estate Trust, Inc., and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2010 and 2009, and the related consolidated statements of operations and other comprehensive loss, equity, and cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2010. Our audits also included the financial statement schedules listed in the Table of Contents at Item 15. These financial statements and financial statement schedules are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the financial statements and financial statement schedules based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Inland Western Retail Real Estate Trust, Inc., and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2010 and 2009, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2010, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also, in our opinion, such financial statement schedules, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, present fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.
As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, on January 1, 2009, the Company changed its method of accounting for noncontrolling interests and retrospectively adjusted all periods presented in the consolidated financial statements.
We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2010, based on the criteria established inInternal Control—Integrated Frameworkissued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated February 23, 2011 expressed an unqualified opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP
Chicago, Illinois
February 23, 2011
61
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
The Board of Directors and Shareholders
Inland Western Retail Real Estate Trust, Inc.:
We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of operations and other comprehensive loss, equity, and cash flows of Inland Western Retail Real Estate Trust, Inc. (the Company) and subsidiaries for the year ended December 31, 2008. In connection with our audit of the consolidated financial statements, we have also audited the 2008 information in financial statement schedules II and III. These consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedules are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedules based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the results of the operations and cash flows of Inland Western Retail Real Estate Trust, Inc. and subsidiaries for the year ended December 31, 2008, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Also in our opinion, the 2008 information in the related financial statement schedules, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, present fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.
As discussed in notes 1, 2, 3, 12, 13, and 14 to the consolidated financial statements, Inland Western Retail Real Estate Trust, Inc. and subsidiaries retrospectively applied certain reclassifications associated with discontinued operations and upon the adoption of an accounting standard related to noncontrolling interests.
/s/ KPMG LLP
Chicago, Illinois
March 31, 2009, except for notes 1, 2, 3, 12, 13, and 14, which are as of February 23, 2011
62
INLAND WESTERN RETAIL REAL ESTATE TRUST, INC.
Consolidated Balance Sheets
December 31, 2010 and 2009
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | 2010 | | 2009 |
Assets | | | | |
Investment properties: | | | | |
| Land | $ | 1,375,155 | $ | 1,435,871 |
| Building and other improvements | | 5,258,992 | | 5,421,907 |
| Developments in progress | | 87,095 | | 112,173 |
| | | | | 6,721,242 | | 6,969,951 |
| Less accumulated depreciation | | (1,034,769) | | (866,169) |
Net investment properties | | 5,686,473 | | 6,103,782 |
Cash and cash equivalents | | 130,213 | | 125,904 |
Investment in marketable securities | | 34,230 | | 29,117 |
Investment in unconsolidated joint ventures | | 33,465 | | 78,957 |
Accounts and notes receivable (net of allowances of $9,138 | | | | |
| and $31,014, respectively) | | 112,915 | | 118,172 |
Acquired lease intangibles, net | | 230,046 | | 295,720 |
Investment properties held for sale | | - | | 46,435 |
Other assets, net | | 159,494 | | 130,278 |
| | Total assets | $ | 6,386,836 | $ | 6,928,365 |
Liabilities and Equity | | | | |
Liabilities: | | | | |
| Mortgages and notes payable | $ | 3,602,890 | $ | 4,003,985 |
| Line of credit | | 154,347 | | 107,000 |
| Accounts payable and accrued expenses | | 84,570 | | 73,793 |
| Distributions payable | | 26,851 | | 15,657 |
| Acquired below market lease intangibles, net | | 92,099 | | 103,134 |
| Other financings | | 8,477 | | 11,887 |
| Co-venture obligation | | 51,264 | | 50,139 |
| Liabilities associated with investment properties held for sale | | - | | 34,795 |
| Other liabilities | | 69,746 | | 81,729 |
| | Total liabilities | | 4,090,244 | | 4,482,119 |
Redeemable noncontrolling interests | | 527 | | 527 |
Commitments and contingencies | | | | |
Equity: | | | | |
| Preferred stock, $0.001 par value, 10,000 shares authorized, | | | | |
| | none issued or outstanding | | - | | - |
| Common stock, $0.001 par value, 640,000 shares authorized, | | | | |
| | 477,345 and 481,743 issued and outstanding at | | | | |
| | December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively | | 477 | | 482 |
| Additional paid-in capital | | 4,383,281 | | 4,350,484 |
| Accumulated distributions in excess of earnings | | (2,111,138) | | (1,920,716) |
| Accumulated other comprehensive income | | 22,282 | | 11,300 |
| | Total shareholders’ equity | | 2,294,902 | | 2,441,550 |
| Noncontrolling interests | | 1,163 | | 4,169 |
| | Total equity | | 2,296,065 | | 2,445,719 |
| | Total liabilities and equity | $ | 6,386,836 | $ | 6,928,365 |
| | | | | | | |
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements
63
INLAND WESTERN RETAIL REAL ESTATE TRUST, INC.
Consolidated Statements of Operations and Other Comprehensive Loss
For the Years Ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | 2010 | | 2009 | | 2008 |
Revenues: | | | | | | |
| Rental income | $ | 512,237 | $ | 521,467 | $ | 555,027 |
| Tenant recovery income | | 115,233 | | 122,047 | | 130,488 |
| Other property income | | 16,590 | | 18,804 | | 19,742 |
| Insurance captive income | | 2,996 | | 2,261 | | 1,938 |
Total revenues | | 647,056 | | 664,579 | | 707,195 |
Expenses: | | | | | | |
| Property operating expenses | | 106,587 | | 122,586 | | 140,318 |
| Real estate taxes | | 86,024 | | 93,253 | | 87,311 |
| Depreciation and amortization | | 246,841 | | 248,894 | | 249,996 |
| Provision for impairment of investment properties | | 14,430 | | 53,900 | | 51,600 |
| Loss on lease terminations | | 13,826 | | 13,735 | | 64,648 |
| Insurance captive expenses | | 3,392 | | 3,655 | | 2,874 |
| General and administrative expenses | | 18,119 | | 21,191 | | 19,997 |
Total expenses | | 489,219 | | 557,214 | | 616,744 |
Operating income | | 157,837 | | 107,365 | | 90,451 |
Dividend income | | 3,472 | | 10,132 | | 24,010 |
Interest income | | 740 | | 1,483 | | 4,329 |
Loss on partial sales of investment properties | | (385) | | - | | - |
Equity in income (loss) of unconsolidated joint ventures | | 2,025 | | (11,299) | | (4,939) |
Interest expense | | (260,950) | | (234,077) | | (210,108) |
Co-venture obligation expense | | (7,167) | | (597) | | - |
Recognized gain (loss) on marketable securities, net | | 4,007 | | 18,039 | | (160,888) |
Impairment of goodwill | | - | | - | | (377,916) |
Impairment of investment in unconsolidated entity | | - | | - | | (5,524) |
Impairment of notes receivable | | - | | (17,322) | | - |
Gain (loss) on interest rate locks | | - | | 3,989 | | (16,778) |
Other expense | | (3,531) | | (9,599) | | (1,062) |
Loss from continuing operations | | (103,952) | | (131,886) | | (658,425) |
Discontinued operations: | | | | | | |
| Operating loss | | (14,561) | | (9,906) | | (24,788) |
| Gain on sales of investment properties | | 23,806 | | 26,383 | | - |
Income (loss) from discontinued operations | | 9,245 | | 16,477 | | (24,788) |
Net loss | | (94,707) | | (115,409) | | (683,213) |
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests | | (1,136) | | 3,074 | | (514) |
Net loss attributable to Company shareholders | $ | (95,843) | $ | (112,335) | $ | (683,727) |
(Loss) earnings per common share-basic and diluted: | | | | | | |
| Continuing operations | $ | (0.22) | $ | (0.27) | $ | (1.43) |
| Discontinued operations | | 0.02 | | 0.04 | | 0.01 |
Net loss per common share attributable to Company shareholders | $ | (0.20) | $ | (0.23) | $ | (1.42) |
Net loss | $ | (94,707) | $ | (115,409) | $ | (683,213) |
Other comprehensive loss: | | | | | | |
| Net unrealized gain (loss) on derivative instruments | | 1,247 | | 1,696 | | (5,516) |
| Net unrealized gain (loss) on marketable securities | | 13,742 | | 35,594 | | (115,716) |
| Reversal of unrealized (gain) loss to recognized (gain) | | | | | | |
| | loss on marketable securities, net | | (4,007) | | (18,039) | | 160,888 |
Comprehensive loss | | (83,725) | | (96,158) | | (643,557) |
Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling | | | | | | |
| interests | | (1,136) | | 3,074 | | (514) |
Comprehensive loss attributable to Company shareholders | $ | (84,861) | $ | (93,084) | $ | (644,071) |
Weighted average number of common shares | | | | | | |
| outstanding-basic and diluted | | 483,743 | | 480,310 | | 481,442 |
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements
64