Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
Market Risk
We are exposed to various market risks, including changes in interest rates. Market risk is the potential loss arising from adverse changes in market rates and prices, such as interest rates. We may periodically enter into certain interest rate protection and interest rate swap agreements to effectively convert floating rate debt to a fixed rate basis. We do not enter into derivatives or other financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes. In June 2010, we terminated our only two LIBOR based interest rate swap agreements with Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. and BB&T for notional amounts of $118.0 million and $117.0 million, respectively. The purpose of these swaps was to fix the interest rate on the $235.0 million outstanding under the term loan facility completed in June 2008. The swaps fixed the one month LIBOR rate at 3.605% and 3.70%, respectively. The term loan was repaid with proceeds from our $300.0 million 6.125% unsecured bond offering. Since the debt underlying the interest rate swaps was retired, we terminated the related interest rate swap agreements. As of September 30, 2010, we were not a party to any interest rate protection agreements.
As of September 30, 2010, approximately 9% of our outstanding debt had a variable interest rate and was therefore subject to market fluctuations. An increase in the LIBOR rate of 100 basis points would result in an increase of approximately $548,000 in interest expense on an annual basis. The information presented herein is merely an estimate and has limited predictive value. As a result, the ultimate effect upon our operating results of 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.
The estimated fair value of our debt, consisting of senior notes, senior exchangeable notes, unsecured term credit facilities and unsecured lines of credit, at September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009 was $663.2 million and $567.0 million, respectively, and its recorded value was $609.3 million and $584.6 million, respectively. A 1% increase from prevailing interest rates at September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009 would result in a decrease in fair value of total debt of approximately $37.7 million and $17.1 million, respectively. Fair values were determined, based on level 2 inputs, using discounted cash flow analyses with an interest rate or credit spread similar to that of current market borrowing arrangements.
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
Tanger Factory Outlet Centers, Inc. Controls and Procedures
Based on the most recent evaluation, the Company's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, have concluded the Company's disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) were effective as of September 30, 2010. There were no changes to the Company's internal controls over financial reporting during the quarter ended September 30, 2010, that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control over financial reporting.
Tanger Properties Limited Partnership Controls and Procedures
Based on the most recent evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer of the Operating Partnership's general partner, and the Vice-President, Treasurer and Assistant Secretary (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) of the Operating Partnership's general partner, have concluded the Operating Partnership's disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) were effective as of September 30, 2010. There were no changes to the Operating Partnership's internal controls over financial reporting during the quarter ended September 30, 2010, that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Operating Partnership's internal control over financial reporting.
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
Neither the Company nor the Operating Partnership is presently involved in any material litigation nor, to their knowledge, is any material litigation threatened against the Company or the Operating Partnership or its properties, other than routine litigation arising in the ordinary course of business and which is expected to be covered by liability insurance.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
There have been no material changes from the risk factors disclosed in the "Risk Factors" section of our Annual Reports on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009.