UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
X
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934.
For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2004.
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934.
For the transition period from ________________ to _______________.
Commission File Number 1-12222
BEDFORD PROPERTY INVESTORS, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
MARYLAND
68-0306514
(State or other jurisdiction of
(I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)
Identification No.)
270 Lafayette Circle, Lafayette, CA
94549
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)
(925) 283-8910
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes X No___
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes X No___
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.
Class
Outstanding as of August 4, 2004
Common Stock, $0.02 par value
16,199,533
BEDFORD PROPERTY INVESTORS, INC.
INDEX
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Page
Item 1. Financial Statements
1
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 30, 2004
and December 31, 2003 (Unaudited)
2
Consolidated Statements of Income for the three and six months ended
June 30, 2004 and 2003 (Unaudited)
3
Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity for the
six months ended June 30, 2004 (Unaudited)
4
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the six months ended
June 30, 2004 and 2003 (Unaudited)
5
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
6- 15
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations
16-39
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures
40
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
40
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
41-44
44
45
BEDFORD PROPERTY INVESTORS, INC.
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements
STATEMENT
We have prepared the following unaudited interim financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. In our opinion, the interim financial statements presented reflect all adjustments, consisting only of normally recurring adjustments, which are necessary for a fair presentation of our financial condition and results of operations. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the notes to consolidated financial statements appearing in the annual report to stockholders for the year ended December 31, 2003.
When used in this Form 10-Q, the words "believe," "expect," "intend," "anticipate" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties and actual results could differ materially from those expressed, expected or implied by the forward-looking statements. The risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results to differ from managements estimates and expectations are contained in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including our 2003 annual report on Form 10-K, and as set forth in the section below entitled Potential Factors Affecting Future Operating Results. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forwa rd-looking statements since they only reflect information available as of the date of this filing. We do not undertake to update forward-looking information contained herein or elsewhere to reflect actual results, changes in assumptions or changes in other factors affecting such forward-looking information.
1
BEDFORD PROPERTY INVESTORS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
AS OF JUNE 30, 2004 AND DECEMBER 31, 2003
(Unaudited)
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
June 30, 2004 | December 31, 2003 | |
Assets: Real estate investments: | ||
Industrial buildings | $428,738 | $414,392 |
Office buildings | 366,946 | 375,844 |
Properties under development | 43,984 | - |
Land held for development | 14,172 | 14,071 |
853,840 | 804,307 | |
Less accumulated depreciation | 89,489 | 81,638 |
Total real estate investments | 764,351 | 722,669 |
Cash and cash equivalents | 4,912 | 7,598 |
Accounts receivable, net (Note 3) | 638 | 923 |
Note receivable, net (Note 3) | 91 | - |
Other assets | 45,823 | 42,429 |
Total assets | $815,815 | $773,619 |
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity: | ||
Bank loan payable | $ 68,832 | $ 68,978 |
Mortgage loans payable | 368,112 | 368,542 |
Accounts payable and accrued expenses | 6,682 | 8,874 |
Dividends payable | 8,260 | 8,319 |
Other liabilities | 16,234 | 15,007 |
Total liabilities | 468,120 | 469,720 |
Commitments and contingencies (Note 9) | ||
Stockholders' equity: Preferred stock, $0.01 par value; authorized 6,795,000 shares; issued none | - | - |
Series A 8.75% cumulative redeemable preferred stock, $0.01 par value; authorized and issued 805,000 shares at June 30, 2004 and December 31, 2003; stated liquidation preference of $40,250 | 38,947 | 38,947 |
Series B 7.625% cumulative redeemable preferred stock, $0.01 par value; authorized and issued 2,400,000 shares at June 30, 2004; stated liquidation preference of $60,000 | 57,832 | - |
Common stock, $0.02 par value; authorized 50,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 16,196,009 shares at June 30, 2004 and 16,311,955 shares at December 31, 2003 | 324 | 326 |
Additional paid-in capital | 285,897 | 289,734 |
Deferred stock compensation | (8,733) | (5,476) |
Accumulated dividends in excess of net income | (26,787) | (19,721) |
Accumulated other comprehensive income | 215 | 89 |
Total stockholders' equity | 347,695 | 303,899 |
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity | $815,815 | $773,619 |
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
2
BEDFORD PROPERTY INVESTORS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
FOR THE THREE AND SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2004 AND 2003
(Unaudited)
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
Three Months | Six Months | |||
2004 | 2003 | 2004 | 2003 | |
Rental income | $ 28,715 | $ 26,508 | $ 56,762 | $ 53,461 |
Rental expenses: Operating expenses | 5,325 | 4,867 | 10,267 | 9,443 |
Real estate taxes | 2,971 | 2,690 | 5,945 | 5,369 |
Depreciation and amortization | 7,351 | 4,995 | 14,259 | 9,904 |
General and administrative expenses | 1,583 | 1,251 | 3,088 | 2,935 |
11,485 | 12,705 | 23,203 | 25,810 | |
Other income (expense) | ||||
Interest income | 11 | 33 | 29 | 72 |
Interest expense | (5,740) | (5,436) | (11,860) | (10,908) |
Net income | 5,756 | 7,302 | 11,372 | 14,974 |
Preferred dividends Series A | (881) | - | (1,761) | - |
Net income available to common stockholders | $ 4,875 | $ 7,302 | $ 9,611 | $ 14,974 |
Income per common share basic | $ 0.31 | $ 0.45 | $ 0.60 | $ 0.93 |
Weighted average number of shares - basic | 15,838,442 | 16,126,098 | 15,898,655 | 16,102,628 |
Income per common share diluted | $ 0.30 | $ 0.44 | $ 0.59 | $ 0.91 |
Weighted average number of shares diluted | 16,059,299 | 16,423,089 | 16,181,870 | 16,412,916 |
Dividends declared per common share | $ 0.51 | $ 0.50 | $ 1.02 | $ 1.00 |
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
3
BEDFORD PROPERTY INVESTORS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2004
(Unaudited)
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
Series A Preferred Stock | Series B Preferred Stock | Common Stock | Additional Paid-in Capital | Deferred Stock Compensation | Accumulated Dividends in Excess of Net Income | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | Total Stockholders' Equity | |
Balance, December 31, 2003 | $38,947 | $ - | $326 | $289,734 | $(5,476) | $(19,721) | $ 89 | $303,899 |
Issuance of preferred stock | - | 57,832 | - | - | - | - | - | 57,832 |
Issuance of common stock | - | - | 3 | 2,606 | - | - | - | 2,609 |
Repurchase and retirement of common stock | - | - | (8) | (11,108) | - | - | - | (11,116) |
Stock option expense | - | - | - | 56 | - | - | - | 56 |
Issuance of restricted stock | - | - | 3 | 4,634 | (4,637) | - | - | - |
Forfeiture of restricted stock | - | - | - | (25) | 25 | - | - | - |
Amortization of restricted stock | - | - | - | - | 1,355 | - | - | 1,355 |
Dividends to common stockholders ($1.02 per share) | - | - | - | - | - | (16,677) | - | (16,677) |
Dividends to preferred stockholders ($2.1875 per share) | - | - | - | - | - | (1,761) | - | (1,761) |
Subtotal | 38,947 | 57,832 | 324 | 285,897 | (8,733) | (38,159) | 89 | 336,197 |
Net income | - | - | - | - | - | 11,372 | - | 11,372 |
Other comprehensive income | - | - | - | - | - | - | 126 | 126 |
Comprehensive income | - | - | - | - | - | 11,372 | 126 | 11,498 |
Balance, June 30, 2004 | $38,947 | $57,832 | $324 | $285,897 | $(8,733) | $(26,787) | $215 | $347,695 |
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
4
BEDFORD PROPERTY INVESTORS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2004 AND 2003
(Unaudited)
(in thousands)
2004 | 2003 | |
Operating Activities: Net income | $ 11,372 | $ 14,974 |
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: | ||
Depreciation and amortization, including amortization of deferred loan costs | 15,246 | 10,847 |
Amortization of deferred compensation | 1,355 | 1,189 |
Stock compensation expense | 56 | 97 |
Uncollectible accounts expense | 188 | 36 |
Change in other assets | (825) | (1,121) |
Change in accounts payable and accrued expenses | (2,309) | (4,784) |
Change in other liabilities | (41) | (1,017) |
Net cash provided by operating activities | 25,042 | 20,221 |
Investing Activities: Investments in real estate | (56,264) | (3,692) |
Net cash used in investing activities | (56,264) | (3,692) |
Financing Activities: Proceeds from bank loans payable | 66,532 | 35,681 |
Repayments of bank loans payable | (66,678) | (61,986) |
Proceeds from mortgage loans payable | 3,070 | 48,500 |
Repayments of mortgage loans payable | (3,500) | (21,055) |
(Payment) refund of loan costs, net | (1,716) | 124 |
Issuance of preferred stock, net of issuance costs | 57,832 | - |
Issuance of common stock | 2,609 | 3,010 |
Repurchase and retirement of common stock | (11,116) | (2,763) |
Payment of dividends and distributions | (18,497) | (16,503) |
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities | 28,536 | (14,992) |
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents | (2,686) | 1,537 |
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period | 7,598 | 3,727 |
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period | $ 4,912 | $ 5,264 |
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information: Cash paid for interest, net of amounts capitalized of $678 in 2004 and $76 in 2003 | $ 4,865 | $ 10,137 |
Cash paid during the year for income taxes | $ 12 | $ 300 |
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements
5
BEDFORD PROPERTY INVESTORS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
JUNE 30, 2004
Note 1 - Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Practices
The Company
Bedford Property Investors, Inc. is a real estate investment trust (REIT) incorporated in 1993 as a Maryland corporation. We are a self-administered and self-managed equity REIT engaged in the business of owning, managing, acquiring and developing industrial and suburban office properties concentrated in the western United States. Our common stock, par value $0.02 per share, trades under the symbol "BED" on both the New York Stock Exchange and the Pacific Exchange.
Basis of Presentation
We have prepared the accompanying unaudited interim financial statements in accordance with the requirements of Form 10-Q as set forth by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. Therefore, they do not include all information and footnotes necessary for a presentation of financial condition, results of operations and cash flows in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP). In our opinion, the interim financial statements presented reflect all adjustments, consisting only of normally recurring adjustments, which are necessary for a fair presentation of our financial condition and results of operations. These unaudited financial statements should be read in conjunction with the notes to the 2003 audited financial statements contained in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003.
Basis of Consolidation
Our consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with GAAP. Our consolidated financial statements include the financial information of Bedford Property Investors, Inc., six wholly-owned corporations, and three wholly-owned limited liability companies. All significant inter-entity balances have been eliminated in consolidation.
Accounting for Development Costs
In accordance with SFAS 67, costs associated with the development of real estate include acquisition and direct construction costs as well as capitalization of real estate taxes, insurance, incidental revenue and expenses, and a portion of salaries and overhead of personnel responsible for development activity. In addition, we capitalize interest during development according to SFAS 34. The amount of interest capitalized during a period is determined by applying the weighted average rate of the Companys borrowings to the average accumulated costs, excluding interest, of the project. The capitalization of interest, real estate taxes, insurance, and incidental revenue and expenses begins when construction of a project commences and ends when a project or a portion of the project is placed in service, not to exceed twelve months from the cessation of construction activities. The capitalization of salaries and overhead of d evelopment personnel commences upon development approval from the prevailing governing authorities and ends with completion of the project.
Stock-Based Compensation
In prior years, we accounted for our stock-based compensation plans using the intrinsic value method prescribed by Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB) 25 and all related interpretations. As of January 1, 2003, we adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) 148, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation Transition and Disclosure an amendment of SFAS 123, on a modified prospective basis. SFAS 148 amends SFAS 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation, to provide alternative methods of transition for a voluntary change to the fair value based method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation. The impact of adopting SFAS 148 in accordance with the modified prospective basis was an increase in compensation expense of $26,000 and $56,000 in the three and six months ended June 30, 2004, respectively.
6
Per Share Data
Per share data are based on the weighted average number of shares of our common stock outstanding during the year. We include stock options issued under our stock option plans and non-vested restricted stock in the calculation of diluted per share data if, upon exercise or vestiture, they would have a dilutive effect.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In December 2003, the FASB issued FIN 46-R, Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities an interpretation of ARB No. 51. FIN 46-R requires that any entity meeting certain rules relating to a companys equity investment at risk and level of financial control be consolidated as a variable interest entity. The statement is applicable to all variable interest entities created or acquired after January 31, 2003, and the first interim or annual reporting period beginning after December 15, 2003, for variable interest entities in which a company holds a variable interest that was acquired before February 1, 2003. We have adopted FIN 46-R in the time frames as required by the statement. There is no significant effect on our financial position, results of operations, or cash flows as a result of the initial adoption of this standard in regard to existing variable interest entities; however, future newly formed entities could meet these requirements and will be recorded as appropriate. At June 30, 2004, we did not own any equity investments that qualified as variable interest entities.
Reclassifications
Certain amounts in the prior period financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation, with no effect on our financial position, cash flows, or net income.
7
Note 2 Real Estate Investments
As of June 30, 2004, our real estate investments were diversified by property type as follows (dollars in
thousands):
Number of Properties | Gross Cost | Percent of Total | |
Industrial buildings | 62 | $428,738 | 50% |
Office buildings | 32 | 366,946 | 43% |
Properties under development | 8 | 43,984 | 5% |
Land held for development | 12 | 14,172 | 2% |
Total | 114 | $853,840 | 100% |
The following table sets forth our real estate investments at June 30, 2004 and December 31, 2003 (in thousands):
Land | Building | Development In-Progress | Less Accumulated Depreciation | Total | |
Industrial buildings Northern California | $ 68,084 | $140,417 | $ - | $24,379 | $184,122 |
Arizona | 25,635 | 83,522 | - | 12,601 | 96,556 |
Southern California | 17,235 | 43,601 | - | 8,087 | 52,749 |
Northwest | 5,042 | 18,633 | - | 3,839 | 19,836 |
Nevada | 7,786 | 18,783 | - | 778 | 25,791 |
Total industrial buildings | 123,782 | 304,956 | - | 49,684 | 379,054 |
Office buildings Northern California | 6,073 | 25,542 | - | 4,710 | 26,905 |
Arizona | 15,697 | 36,762 | - | 4,074 | 48,385 |
Southern California | 15,413 | 50,920 | - | 4,661 | 61,672 |
Northwest | 7,456 | 83,890 | - | 11,502 | 79,844 |
Colorado | 13,706 | 97,997 | - | 12,791 | 98,912 |
Nevada | 2,102 | 11,388 | - | 2,067 | 11,423 |
Total office buildings | 60,447 | 306,499 | - | 39,805 | 327,141 |
Properties under development Arizona | - | - | 9,406 | - | 9,406 |
Southern California | - | - | 2,326 | - | 2,326 |
Northwest | - | - | 32,252 | - | 32,252 |
Total properties under development | - | - | 43,984 | - | 43,984 |
Land held for development Northern California | 5,901 | - | - | - | 5,901 |
Arizona | 637 | - | - | - | 637 |
Southern California | 710 | - | - | - | 710 |
Northwest | 1,153 | - | - | - | 1,153 |
Colorado | 3,949 | - | - | - | 3,949 |
Nevada | 1,822 | - | - | - | 1,822 |
Total land held for development | 14,172 | - | - | - | 14,172 |
Total as of June 30, 2004 | $198,401 | $611,455 | $43,984 | $89,489 | $764,351 |
Total as of December 31, 2003 | $200,836 | $603,471 | $ - | $81,638 | $722,669 |
8
Our personnel directly manage all but five of our properties from regional offices in Lafayette, California; Tustin, California; Phoenix, Arizona; Denver, Colorado; and Seattle, Washington. We have retained outside managers to assist in some of the management functions for U.S. Bank Centre in Reno, Nevada; Russell Commerce Center in Las Vegas, Nevada; Northport Business Center in North Las Vegas, Nevada, and Suntech I and II in Hillsboro, Oregon. All financial record keeping is centralized at our corporate office in Lafayette, California.
Note 3. Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
We maintain an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of tenants to make required payments, which results in a reduction to income. Management determines the adequacy of this allowance by continually evaluating individual tenant receivables , taking into account the tenants financial condition, security deposits, any letters of credit, any lease guarantees, and current economic conditions. As of June 30, 2004 and December 31, 2003, our allowance for doubtful accounts related to accounts receivable was approximately $ 105 ,000 and $14,000, respectively. As of June 30, 2004, our allowance for doubtful accounts related to a note receivable was approximately $92,000. Accounts and note receivable amounts are presented net of these allowances for doubtful accounts in the consolidated balance sheets.
Note 4. Debt
Bank Loans Payable
On March 31, 2004, we renewed our revolving credit facility with a six-bank lending group led by Bank of America. The facility, which matures on March 31, 2007, consists of a $150 million secured line of credit with an accordion feature that gives us the option to expand the facility to $200 million, if needed. Interest on the facility is at a floating rate equal to either the lenders prime rate or LIBOR plus a margin ranging from 1.30% to 1.75%, depending on our leverage level as defined in the credit agreement. As of June 30, 2004, the facility had a total outstanding balance of $68,832,000 and an effective interest rate of 2.98%, and was collateralized by our interests in 22 properties with a net book value of approximately $177,951,000. These properties collectively accounted for approximately 22% of our annualized base rent for 2004 and approximately 24% of our total real estate assets at June 30, 2004.
Including both the current $150 million revolving credit facility and the $40 million unsecured bridge facility that existed at June 30, 2003, the daily weighted average outstanding balances were $67,908,000 and $115,791,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively. The weighted average annual interest rates under the credit facilities in each of these periods were 2.95% and 3.39%, respectively.
The credit facilities contain various restrictive covenants including, among other things, a covenant limiting quarterly dividends to 95% of our average Funds From Operations (FFO). We were in compliance with the various covenants and requirements of our credit facilities during the six months ended June 30, 2004 and during the year ended December 31, 2003.
9
Mortgage Loans Payable
Mortgage loans payable at June 30, 2004 consist of the following (in thousands):
Collateral as of June 30, 2004 | |||||||
Lender | Maturity Date | Interest Rate at June 30, 2004 + | Balance | Number of Properties | % of Annualized Base Rent | % of Total Real Estate Investments | |
Union Bank | November 19, 2004 | 3.01%(1) | $ 20,386 | 9 | 3.62% | 3.52% | |
TIAA-CREF | June 1, 2005 | 7.17% | 24,987 | 5 | 5.22% | 4.06% | |
Security Life of Denver Insurance Company | September 1, 2005 | 3.00%(2) | 21,124 | 6 | 3.56% | 3.58% | |
Security Life of Denver Insurance Company | September 1, 2005 | 3.00%(2) | 3,275 | 2 | 0.80% | 0.80% | |
Nationwide Life Insurance | November 1, 2005 | 4.61% | 21,809 | 4 | 4.17% | 4.26% | |
Prudential Insurance | July 31, 2006 | 8.90% | 7,579 | 1 | 2.00% | 1.58% | |
Prudential Insurance | July 31, 2006 | 6.91% | 18,414 | 4 | 5.80% | 4.57% | |
TIAA-CREF | December 1, 2006 | 7.95% | 20,632 | 5 | 4.09% | 4.03% | |
TIAA-CREF | June 1, 2007 | 7.17% | 33,986 | 4 | 6.34% | 5.28% | |
John Hancock | December 1, 2008 | 4.60% | 11,800 | 5 | 2.59% | 2.90% | |
Sun Life Assurance Co. | April 1, 2009 | 7.00% | 1,629 | 1 | 0.71% | 0.74% | |
Sun Life Assurance Co. | April 1, 2009 | 7.25% | 1,451 | * | * | * | |
TIAA-CREF | June 1, 2009 | 7.17% | 39,696 | 8 | 8.33% | 8.69% | |
John Hancock | December 1, 2010 | 4.95% | 27,900 | 3 | 6.41% | 5.13% | |
Washington Mutual | August 1, 2011 | 3.84%(3) | 16,495 | 5 | - | 3.78% | |
TIAA-CREF | April 1, 2013 | 5.60% | 47,748 | 5 | 7.78% | 6.16% | |
Bank of America | November 1, 2013 | 5.45% | 9,900 | 1 | 1.87% | 1.97% | |
Bank of America | December 1, 2013 | 5.55% | 11,400 | 4 | 2.54% | 2.56% | |
JP Morgan | December 1, 2013 | 5.74% | 24,853 | 1 | 5.63% | 4.04% | |
Thrivent Financial | April 10, 2017 | 7.90% | 3,048 | 1 | - | 1.10% | |
Total | $368,112 | 74 | 71.46% | 68.75% |
(1)
Floating rate based on LIBOR plus 1.60%. The interest rate of 3.01% is fixed to maturity.
(2)
Floating rate based on 30-day LIBOR plus 1.40% (adjusted monthly). Effective July 3, 2003, the floating 30-day LIBOR rate was swapped to a fixed rate of 1.595% for an all-in rate of 2.995% until maturity.
(3)
Floating rate based on a 12-month average of U.S. Treasury security yields plus 2.60% (adjusted semi-annually).
+
Interest rates are fixed unless otherwise indicated by footnote.
*
The two Sun Life Assurance Company mortgages are collateralized by a single property.
The 74 operating properties that served as collateral for our mortgages had a net book value of approximately $524,390,000 as of June 30, 2004. We were in compliance with the covenants and requirements of our various mortgages during the six months ended June 30, 2004 and during the year ended December 31, 2003.
The following table presents scheduled principal payments on mortgage loans for each of the twelve-month periods ending June 30 (in thousands):
2005 | $ 51,605 |
2006 | 50,079 |
2007 | 80,073 |
2008 | 4,073 |
2009 | 52,764 |
Thereafter | 129,518 |
Total | $368,112 |
10
Note 5. Stockholders' Equity
Series A Preferred Stock
On August 5, 2003, we issued and sold 805,000 shares of our 8.75% Series A Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock at a price of $50.00 per share for a total of $40,250,000. The offering was made only to qualified institutional buyers pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. We pay cumulative dividends on the shares from the date of original issuance at the rate of 8.75% of the $50.00 liquidation preference per share per year, which is equivalent to $4.375 per share per year. Dividends on the shares are paid quarterly in arrears. The initial dividend of $685,000 was declared on October 1, 2003 and paid on October 15, 2003 for the period from August 5, 2003 through October 14, 2003. Quarterly dividends of approximately $880,000 and $881,000 were declared and paid in the first and second quarters of 2004, respectively, representing dividends for the fourth quarter of 2003 and the first quarter of 2004, respectively. Divid ends are recorded when declared.
The Series A preferred shares have no stated maturity, are not subject to any sinking fund or mandatory redemption, and are not convertible into any other securities. The shares are redeemable at our option beginning in August 2008, or earlier if necessary in limited circumstances to preserve our status as a REIT.
The net proceeds of approximately $39 million from the sale of the Series A preferred stock were used to finance a portion of the approximately $85 million in property acquisitions made during the third and fourth quarters of 2003.
Series B Preferred Stock
On April 6, 2004, we issued and sold 2,400,000 shares of our 7.625% Series B Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock in a public offering at a price of $25.00 per share for a total of $60,000,000. We pay cumulative dividends on the shares from the date of original issuance at the rate of 7.625% of the $25.00 liquidation preference per share per year, which is equivalent to $1.90625 per share per year. Dividends on the shares are paid quarterly in arrears beginning on July 15, 2004. The initial dividend of $1,258,000 was declared on July 1, 2004 and paid on July 15, 2004 for the period from April 6, 2004 through July 14, 2004. Dividends are recorded when declared.
The Series B preferred shares have no stated maturity, are not subject to any sinking fund or mandatory redemption, and are not convertible into any other securities. The shares are redeemable at our option beginning in April 2009, or earlier if necessary in limited circumstances to preserve our status as a REIT.
The net proceeds of approximately $58 million from the sale of the Series B preferred stock were used to finance a significant portion of the approximately $57.4 million in property acquisitions made during the second quarter and the first half of the third quarter of 2004.
The following schedule presents changes in the number of outstanding shares of common stock and preferred stock during the period from January 1, 2004 through June 30, 2004:
Common Stock | Series A Preferred Stock | Series B Preferred Stock | |||
Balance, December 31, 2003 | 16,311,955 | 805,000 | - | ||
Issuance of preferred stock | - | - | 2,400,000 | ||
Issuance of common stock | 125,317 | - | - | ||
Repurchase and retirement of common Stock | (402,129) | - | - | ||
Issuance of restricted stock | 161,899 | - | - | ||
Forfeiture of restricted stock | (1,033) | - | - | ||
Balance, June 30, 2004 | 16,196,009 | 805,000 | 2,400,000 |
11
Note 6. Segment Disclosure
We view our operations as several geographic segments reflecting the regional management structure of our operating portfolio. We have five operating segments organized by the regions in which we own properties as follows: Northern California (includes Reno, Nevada), Arizona, Southern California (includes Las Vegas, Nevada), Northwest (greater Seattle, Washington and Portland, Oregon) and Colorado. The corporate and other segment includes amounts associated with general business activities not specifically related to our properties.
The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies. We evaluate performance based upon income from property operations from the combined properties in each segment.
For the three months ended June 30, 2004 (in thousands, except percentages) | |||||||
Northern California | Arizona | Southern California | Northwest | Colorado | Corporate & Other | Consolidated | |
Rental income | $ 9,055 | $ 5,787 | $ 5,887 | $ 4,352 | $ 3,634 | $ - | $ 28,715 |
Rental expenses: | |||||||
Operating expenses and real estate taxes | 2,186 | 1,720 | 1,246 | 1,572 | 1,572 | - | 8,296 |
Depreciation and amortization | 1,907 | 1,550 | 1,744 | 1,054 | 1,096 | - | 7,351 |
General and administrative expenses | - | - | - | - | - | 1,583 | 1,583 |
4,962 | 2,517 | 2,897 | 1,726 | 966 | (1,583) | 11,485 | |
Other income (expense) | |||||||
Interest income (1) | 6 | - | - | 3 | - | 2 | 11 |
Interest expense | - | - | - | - | - | (5,740) | (5,740) |
Net income (loss) | $ 4,968 | $ 2,517 | $ 2,897 | $ 1,729 | $ 966 | $ (7,321) | $ 5,756 |
Real estate investments | $259,506 | $171,659 | $158,596 | $148,427 | $115,652 | $ - | $853,840 |
Additions of real estate investments | $ 1,631 | $ 25,452 | $ 3,803 | $ 18,883 | $ 358 | $ - | $ 50,127 |
Total assets | $278,255 | $153,890 | $160,090 | $132,247 | $ 87,167 | $ 4,166 | $815,815 |
For the six months ended June 30, 2004 (in thousands, except percentages) | |||||||
Northern California | Arizona | Southern California | Northwest | Colorado | Corporate & Other | Consolidated | |
Rental income Rental expenses: | $ 18,454 | $ 10,825 | $ 11,587 | $ 8,766 | $ 7,130 | $ - | $ 56,762 |
Operating expenses and real estate taxes | 4,364 | 3,220 | 2,493 | 3,141 | 2,994 | - | 16,212 |
Depreciation and amortization | 3,831 | 2,839 | 3,423 | 1,975 | 2,191 | - | 14,259 |
General and administrative expenses | - | - | - | - | - | 3,088 | 3,088 |
10,259 | 4,766 | 5,671 | 3,650 | 1,945 | (3,088) | 23,203 | |
Other income (expense) | |||||||
Interest income (1) | 11 | - | - | 6 | - | 12 | 29 |
Interest expense | - | - | - | - | - | (11,860) | (11,860) |
Net income (loss) | $ 10,270 | $ 4,766 | $ 5,671 | $ 3,656 | $ 1,945 | $(14,936) | $ 11,372 |
Real estate investments | $259,506 | $171,659 | $158,596 | $148,427 | $115,652 | $ - | $853,840 |
Additions of real estate investments | $ 3,122 | $ 25,690 | $ 4,522 | $ 15,808 | $ 391 | $ - | $ 49,533 |
Total assets | $278,255 | $153,890 | $160,090 | $132,247 | $ 87,167 | $ 4,166 | $815,815 |
(1)
The interest income in the Northern California and Northwest segments represents interest earned from tenant notes receivable.
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For the three months ended June 30, 2003 (in thousands, except percentages) | |||||||
Northern California | Arizona | Southern California | Northwest | Colorado | Corporate & Other | Consolidated | |
Rental income | $ 10,205 | $ 4,763 | $ 3,498 | $ 4,573 | $ 3,469 | $ - | $ 26,508 |
Rental expenses: | |||||||
Operating expenses and real estate taxes | 2,267 | 1,493 | 739 | 1,495 | 1,563 | - | 7,557 |
Depreciation and amortization | 1,623 | 956 | 571 | 963 | 882 | - | 4,995 |
General and administrative expenses | - | - | - | - | - | 1,251 | 1,251 |
6,315 | 2,314 | 2,188 | 2,115 | 1,024 | (1,251) | 12,705 | |
Other income (expense) | |||||||
Interest income (1) | 7 | - | - | 3 | - | 23 | 33 |
Interest expense | - | - | - | - | - | (5,436) | (5,436) |
Net income (loss) | $ 6,322 | $ 2,314 | $ 2,188 | $ 2,118 | $ 1,024 | $(6,664) | $ 7,302 |
Real estate investments | $257,837 | $132,996 | $ 92,387 | $132,397 | $113,136 | $ - | $728,753 |
Additions of real estate investments | $ 810 | $ 153 | $ 237 | $ 140 | $ 1,583 | $ - | $ 2,923 |
Total assets | $271,354 | $115,386 | $108,389 | $119,058 | $ 74,005 | $ 1,355 | $689,547 |
For the six months ended June 30, 2003 (in thousands, except percentages) | |||||||
Northern California | Arizona | Southern California | Northwest | Colorado | Corporate & Other | Consolidated | |
Rental income Rental expenses: | $ 20,740 | $ 9,282 | $ 7,026 | $ 9,312 | $ 7,101 | $ - | $ 53,461 |
Operating expenses and real estate taxes | 4,538 | 2,953 | 1,430 | 2,880 | 3,011 | - | 14,812 |
Depreciation and amortization | 3,248 | 1,902 | 1,135 | 1,912 | 1,707 | - | 9,904 |
General and administrative expenses | - | - | - | - | - | 2,935 | 2,935 |
12,954 | 4,427 | 4,461 | 4,520 | 2,383 | (2,935) | 25,810 | |
Other income (expense) | |||||||
Interest income (1) | 15 | - | - | 12 | - | 45 | 72 |
Interest expense | - | - | - | - | - | (10,908) | (10,908) |
Net income (loss) | $ 12,969 | $ 4,427 | $ 4,461 | $ 4,532 | $ 2,383 | $(13,798) | $ 14,974 |
Real estate investments | $257,837 | $132,996 | $ 92,387 | $132,397 | $113,136 | $ - | $728,753 |
Additions of real estate investments | $ 884 | $ 218 | $ 432 | $ 278 | $ 1,753 | $ - | $ 3,565 |
Total assets | $271,354 | $115,386 | $108,389 | $119,058 | $ 74,005 | $ 1,355 | $689,547 |
(1) The interest income in the Northern California and Northwest segments represents interest earned from tenant notes receivable.
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Note 7. Earnings Per Share
Following is a reconciliation of earnings per share (in thousands, except share and per share amounts):
Three Months Ended June 30, | Six Months Ended June 30, | |||
2004 | 2003 | 2004 | 2003 | |
Basic: | ||||
Net income | $ 5,756 | $ 7,302 | $ 11,372 | $ 14,974 |
Less: preferred dividends Series A | (881) | - | (1,761) | - |
Net income available to common stockholders | $ 4,875 | $ 7,302 | $ 9,611 | $ 14,974 |
Weighted average number of shares - basic | 15,838,442 | 16,126,098 | 15,898,655 | 16,102,628 |
Income per common share basic | $ 0.31 | $ 0.45 | $ 0.60 | $ 0.93 |
Diluted: | ||||
Net income | $ 5,756 | $ 7,302 | $ 11,372 | $ 14,974 |
Less: preferred dividends Series A | (881) | - | (1,761) | - |
Net income available to common stockholders | $ 4,875 | $ 7,302 | $ 9,611 | $ 14,974 |
Weighted average number of shares basic | 15,838,442 | 16,126,098 | 15,898,655 | 16,102,628 |
Weighted average shares of dilutive stock options using average period stock price under the treasury stock method | 112,262 | 163,179 | 129,849 | 161,888 |
Weighted average shares of non-vested restricted stock using average period stock price under the treasury stock method | 108,595 | 133,812 | 153,366 | 148,400 |
Weighted average number of shares diluted | 16,059,299 | 16,423,089 | 16,181,870 | 16,412,916 |
Income per common share diluted | $ 0.30 | $ 0.44 | $ 0.59 | $ 0.91 |
Stock option grants and restricted stock awards with an exercise or issuance price above market price on the date of grant are considered antidiluive and have been excluded from the weighted average share calculations. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2004, 1,000 and 593 of our stock options and restricted stock awards have been excluded from the weighted average number of shares diluted , respectively .. Stock options and restricted stock awards of 142,824 and 179,983 have been excluded from the weighted average number of shares diluted for the three and six months ended June 30, 2003, respectively.
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Note 8. Related Party Transactions
We occasionally use the services of the law firm Bartko, Zankel, Tarrant & Miller of which a member of our Board of Directors, Martin I. Zankel, is a partner. During the six months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003, we paid Bartko, Zankel, Tarrant & Miller approximately $200 and $80,000, respectively.
Note 9. Commitments and Contingencies
As of June 30, 2004, we had outstanding contractual construction commitments of approximately $4 million relating to development in progress and tenant improvements on recently developed properties. We had outstanding undrawn letters of credit against our credit facility of approximately $6,615,000 as of June 30, 2004.
From time to time, we are subject to legal claims in the ordinary course of business. We are not aware of any legal proceedings or claims that we believe will have, individually or in the aggregate, a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, financial condition, operating results or cash flows.
Note 10. Subsequent Events
On July 1, 2004, we declared dividends on our Series A preferred stock of approximately $881,000 for the period from April 15, 2004 through July 14, 2004. On July 15, 2004, these dividends were paid to the holders of our Series A preferred stock.
On July 1, 2004, we declared dividends on our Series B preferred stock of approximately $1,258,000 for the period from April 6, 2004 through July 14, 2004. On July 15, 2004, these dividends were paid to the holders of our Series B preferred stock.
In July 2004, we renegotiated an existing mortgage with Thrivent Financial for Lutherans. The mortgage previously had an outstanding balance of approximately $3,048,000 on June 30, 2004, a fixed interest rate of 7.90%, and a maturity date of April 10, 2017. The new mortgage of $8,000,000 provides for two additional fundings to the existing balance of $3,036,000. The first funding of approximately $2,464,000 took place on July 29, 2004 and the second funding will take place in 2005. The new interest rate o n this mortgage is currently 5.94% and will be reduced to 5.60% after the second funding in 2005.
On August 6, 2004, we purchased a 77,965 square-foot research and development building in Hillsboro, Oregon for $9,800,000 . In connection with this acquisition, we assumed an existing mortgage of approximately $7 million with a fixed interest rate of 7.23% and a maturity date of July 1, 2012.
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Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
GENERAL
Bedford Property Investors, Inc. is a self-administered and self-managed equity real estate investment trust (REIT). We own, manage, acquire and develop industrial and suburban office properties proximate to metropolitan areas in the western United States. As of June 30, 2004, we owned 94 operating properties totaling approximately 7.8 million rentable square feet and 12 parcels of land totaling approximately 50 acres. In addition, we owned five office properties that are currently being redeveloped, one industrial property purchased for redevelopment, and two parcels of land currently under development. The five properties currently under redevelopment were previously a five-building complex that was reported as one operating property in prior reports. Of the 94 operating properties, 62 are industrial buildings and 32 are suburban offices. Our properties are located in Northern California, Southern California, Arizona, Washington, Colorado, Or egon, and Nevada.
The following discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes to financial statements included in this report, as well as our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003. When used in the following discussion, the words believe, expect, intend, plan, anticipate and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed, expected or implied by the forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties are described in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commis sion, including our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003, and are set forth in the section below entitled "Potential Factors Affecting Future Operating Results." Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements because they only reflect information available as of the date of this filing. We do not undertake to update forward-looking information contained herein or elsewhere to reflect actual results, changes in assumptions or changes in other factors affecting such forward-looking information.
OVERVIEW
Significant Events During the Quarter
On April 5, 2004, we purchased a 111,200 square-foot office building in Scottsdale, Arizona for $17,310,000. The property is 100% leased to two tenants and is projected to generate a first year cash yield of 9.25%.
On April 6, 2004, we completed a public offering of 2,400,000 shares of our 7.625% Series B Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock at $25 per share. Net proceeds of approximately $58 million from the sale of the Series B preferred stock were used to finance property acquisitions in the second quarter and during the first half of the third quarter of 2004.
On April 8, 2004, we purchased a two-building 126,809 square-foot office/ research and development complex in Hillsboro, Oregon for $19,390,000. The property is 100% leased to two tenants and is expected to generate a first year cash yield of 9.89%.
On April 15, 2004, we purchased a 2.27 acre parcel of land in Las Vegas, Nevada for $700,000.
On April 21, 2004, we purchased a 130,639 square-foot industrial building in Phoenix, Arizona for $9,145,000. The property is currently 50% leased to a single tenant through July 2004. At the expiration of the existing lease, the building will be redeveloped to accommodate the expansion requirements of one of our existing tenants. Upon occupancy by the new tenant, the property is expected to generate a first year cash yield of 10.3%.
On May 13, 2004, we purchased 2 parcels of land totaling 2.42 acres in North Las Vegas, Nevada for $1,096,149.
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Market Conditions
The Northwest Region
We believe that the Puget Sound area is still experiencing the effects of significant job loss resulting from the technology and telecommunication industry slowdowns. We also believe that these economic conditions have affected most commercial real estate markets causing excess space, both in the direct leasing and sub-leasing markets, and weaker deal terms. At June 30, 2004, our Northwest operating portfolio, which includes two Oregon properties, was 94% occupied with 48,000 square feet vacant in three properties. We believe that this comparatively strong occupancy has insulated us from the worst effects of local market conditions. In February 2004, one of our largest tenants in this region vacated our 334,000 square-foot five-building complex upon expiration of its lease. We have transferred this property to our development portfolio and have commenced a program to re-position the asset with plans to introduce it to the market as a campus-sty le office park later this year.
The Northern California Region
Our properties in Northern California are located throughout the San Francisco Bay Area and include one property in Reno, Nevada. The Bay Area market has also been impacted by the technology industry slowdown, particularly in the Silicon Valley area, where we own 14 properties totaling 1,207,865 square feet. In this sub-market, we believe that the job loss associated with the recent recession has been significant, resulting in increased vacancy and reduced rental rates. While the California employment situation has shown some improvement in recent months, the oversupply of space and reduced rental rates continue to be a challenge. In addition, we expect higher than usual lease expirations in the Silicon Valley during the remainder of 2004 and in 2005, which create the potential for increasing vacancy in our portfolio. In order to retain good credit tenants in the current market, we have engaged in a strategy to negotiate lower rental rate s in exchange for extended lease terms, which we refer to as blend and extend leases.
Another Bay Area sub-market that has demonstrated weakness during the last two years is the South San Francisco industrial market. In this sub-market, we have faced declines in rental rate s on renewals and an increase in the vacancy rate of our five-building portfolio from 1% at the end of 2002 to 24% at the end of 2003. In the first half of 2004, this sub-market showed some improvement, and we were able to reduce our vacancy rate to 14%. However, weak demand and a surplus of space continue to create a depressed market. Other Bay Area sub-markets have not been as dramatically affected as the Fremont, Milpitas, and San Jose markets in Silicon Valley and the South San Francisco industrial market. In Sonoma County, Napa County, and Contra Costa County, while demand has slowed during the past two years, vacancy rates have not climbed to the extent they have in the Silicon Valley.
The Southern California Region
In Southern California, we have properties in three relatively healthy sub-markets. These sub-markets are Orange County, San Diego, and the Inland Empire. We have two properties in Orange County and maintained them at, or close to, 100% leased during 2003 and in the first half of 2004. In the Inland Empire, we have a bulk industrial property in Ontario, California, which was 100% leased as of June 30, 2004. Additionally, we have two new development properties in the Inland Empire, the Jurupa Business Center Phase I, which was 95% leased as of June 30, 2004, and Jurupa Business Center Phase II, which was 84% leased as of June 30, 2004. Finally, in San Diego, we were 100% occupied during the year 2003 and as of June 30, 2004.
The Arizona Region
Most of our properties in Arizona are in Phoenix, a market that has been characterized by the same weakness in demand for office, research and development , and industrial space that we have experienced in our other regions. We have responded to these challenges by improving our marketing processes and the marketability of our vacant spaces. We are making capital improvements to our vacant spaces to render them to near move-in condition for prospective tenants. Notwithstanding these efforts, however, leasing space in Phoenix remains a slow process, and we expect our vacant suites to remain vacant for longer periods than we have previously experienced. As of June 30, 2004, our properties in this region were 94% leased, with approximately 103,000 square feet of vacant space in seven properties.
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The Colorado Region
All of our properties in Colorado are in the southeast Denver suburban office market. We believe that market conditions in Denver reflect the effects of the significant job losses experienced in this region during the last several years, similar to our other markets. In July 2003, we were successful in executing a significant lease with a large insurance company for the top two floors of our 4601 DTC Boulevard property, representing 20% of the total square footage of the building. This ten-story office property is 80% leased to a single tenant under a lease that will expire on January 31, 2005, and that tenant has notified us that it does not plan to renew this lease. We are planning to make significant capital improvements to the property during 2004 and 2005 in preparation for this anticipated vacancy.
Future Trends and Events
Acquisitions
In the second quarter and during the first half of the third quarter of 2004, we purchased four operating properties and one redevelopment project totaling approximately 447,000 square feet and three parcels of land totaling 4.69 acres for approximately $57.4 million. We plan to continue to seek out potential acquisition properties that meet our required capitalization rate and have stabilized rents. While capitalization rates continue to remain low as the result of the large amount of capital available in the market place and the low cost of debt, we have been successful at identifying several properties that we believe will enhance our portfolio. We plan to purchase up to an additional $150 million of properties during the remainder of 2004; however, such purchases will be dependent upon the availability of properties that meet our requirements.
Dispositions
We currently do not have plans to dispose of any properties. However, with the low capitalization rate market, we plan to continually evaluate potential sales as a support strategy to our property acquisition and share repurchase programs.
Development and Redevelopment
In response to decreasing demand for office and industrial space, our development activities over the past two years have been limited to our Jurupa Business Center project in Ontario, California. As of June 30, 2004, the 41,726 square-foot phase I was 95% leased, and the 41,390 square-foot phase II, which was shell complete in December 2002, was 84% leased. In March 2004, we commenced development on the final two phases, phases III and IV. Both phases will be constructed concurrently over an expected 7-month period, taking advantage of the project momentum generated with the recent leasing activities of phases I and II. We estimate the total cost of construction of these two phases, including the purchase price of the land, to be approximately $6.1 million. As of June 30, 2004, 62% of the square footage of Phase s III and IV was pre-leased to a build-to-suit tenant.
In March 2004, we also began our redevelopment of the recently vacated 334,000 square-foot five-building facility in Renton, Washington. The construction process for site work, shell enhancement, construction of lobbies, and the upgrade of common areas is expected to take place over a 48-month period. The construction will be completed in phases, with the completion and leasing of some of the buildings occurring prior to the end of the 48-month period. We expect to incur costs of approximately $23.4 million to renovate and re-tenant the project.
In April 2004, we purchased a 130,639 square-foot industrial building in Phoenix, Arizona with the intent to redevelop the property to accommodate the expansion requirements of one of our existing tenants in another property. The redevelopment is expected to begin in August 2004 with a completion date in early 2005 and an estimated redevelopment cost of approximately $6.1 million, of which approximately $3.3 million will be funded by us and approximately $2.8 million will be funded by the tenant.
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Capital Expenditures
We have experienced and expect to experience higher than usual lease expirations in our portfolio during 2004 and 2005. In a typical year, lease expirations range from 12% to 15% of our annualized base rents. As of December 31, 2003, expected lease expirations for 2004 were 19% of annualized base rents. As of June 30, 2004, expected lease expirations for 2005 were 21% of annualized base rents. As a result, we expect to incur higher capital expenditures, including the costs of leasing commissions and tenant improvements, related to renewing or replacing the expiring leases. In several instances, these lease expirations may occur in markets that have experienced considerable weakness due to job loss and excess inventory. This market weakness, combined with a higher level of lease expirations, may require us to incur more capital expenditures than we have experienced historically to renew or re-lease these spaces.
In addition, we have begun renovating several older properties that are currently leased to tenants who may not renew their leases. We believe that these renovations are necessary to render the properties competitive in their respective markets.
The combination of these two situations will require that we manage our capital resources carefully. We intend to closely monitor these situations and continually assess our actual expenditures against our planned expenditures. We believe that we will have sufficient funds to meet the needs of these situations. We plan to spend approximately $15 million in capital expenditures during 2004, of which approximately $6.6 million has been spent during the first two quarters.
Share Repurchases
Since the inception of our share repurchase program in November of 1998, we have repurchased a total of 8,434,381 shares of our common stock at an average cost of $19.17 per share, which represents 37% of the shares of common stock outstanding at November 1998. We intend to continue to repurchase shares of our common stock on the open market when the opportunities exist. Our share repurchase strategy takes into consideration several factors, including the dividend yield on our stock price, the cost of capital and its alternative uses, existing yields on potential acquisitions, market trading volume, trading regulations, and debt covenants. We currently have board approval to repurchase up to a total of 10 million shares of our common stock. During the six months ended June 30, 2004, we repurchased 402,129 shares of our common stock at an average price of $27.64. These repurchases consisted of 341,300 shares of open market repurchases and 60,829 shares purchased from employees to satisfy payroll tax obligations and stock option exercises.
Occupancy and Rental Rates
As of June 30, 2004, our portfolio was 93% occupied, an increase of one percentage point over the prior quarter. Maintaining our occupancy rate has been our highest priority during the recent economic downturn. In order to retain tenants in the current market, we sometimes find it necessary to negotiate lower rental rates in exchange for extended terms, which we refer to as blend and extend leases. While this has a negative impact on our income from operations, we believe the negative impact of losing good credit tenants would surpass the incremental loss due to reduced rental rates. During the second quarter of 2004, we renewed or re-leased 75% of our expiring square footage and experienced a 7% decline in weighted average rental rates on these leases. We intend to continue this strategy of maximizing our occupancy rate until market conditions improve.
Leasing
During the six months ended June 30, 2004, we successfully renewed or re-leased 55 leases, or 84% of our expiring square footage.
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Over the next three years, we will be facing significant lease rollovers. During the remainder of 2004, 2005, and 2006, leases representing 7%, 21%, and 17% of annualized base rent, respectively, will expire. As of June 30, 2004, the expirations as a percentage of annualized base rent by region are as follows:
2004 | 2005 | 2006 | |
Northern California | 3% | 7% | 6% |
Arizona | 1% | 3% | 3% |
Southern California | 1% | 3% | 5% |
Northwest | 1% | 2% | 1% |
Colorado | * | 5% | 1% |
Nevada | 1% | 1% | 1% |
Total | 7% | 21% | 17% |
* Less than 1%
In order to be successful in sustaining our occupancy rate, we have developed a plan to focus our attention on a group of 90 tenants. At the time we implemented the plan in the second quarter 2003, these mighty ninety tenants represented approximately 20% of our tenant population and over 50% of our annualized base rent, with leases expiring through the end of 2006. For each of these tenants, we are taking a proactive approach by creating specific strategies for renewal, which may include blend and extend offers, early renewals, and other appropriate measures. As of June 30, 2004, we had renewed or re-leased 28 of these leases, nine of which were "blend and extend" leases.
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CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES
The preparation of our financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. We believe that our critical accounting policies are those that require significant judgments and estimates such as those related to valuation of real estate investments, revenue recognition, allowance for doubtful accounts, stock compensation expense, and qualification as a REIT, each of which is discussed in more detail below. These estimates are made and evaluated on an on-going basis using information that is currently available as well as various other assumptions believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results could vary from those estimates, and those estimates could be different under different assumptio ns or conditions.
Valuation of Real Estate Investments
Real estate investments are recorded at cost less accumulated depreciation. The cost of real estate includes purchase price, other acquisition costs, and costs to develop properties which include interest and real estate taxes. In accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) 141, Business Combinations, a portion of the purchase price is allocated to tenant improvements and identifiable intangible assets or liabilities. For acquired properties with rental guarantees from the seller, amounts received under the rental guarantee are recorded as a reduction to the basis of the asset upon receipt. Expenditures for maintenance and repairs that do not add to the value or prolong the useful life of the property are expensed. Expenditures for asset replacements or significant improvements that extend the life or increase the propertys value are capitalized. Real estate properties are depreciated using the straight- line method over estimated useful lives. When circumstances such as adverse market conditions indicate an impairment of a property, we will recognize a loss to the extent that the carrying value exceeds the fair value of the property. The fair value of a property is determined by using an internally developed discounted cash flow analysis. The evaluation of the fair value of individual properties requires significant management judgments and assumptions that affect the amount of any impairment loss that we may recognize. Significant changes in the facts and circumstances underlying these judgments and assumptions in future periods could cause significant impairment adjustments to be recorded.
Revenue Recognition and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
Base rental income is recognized on a straight-line basis over the terms of the respective lease agreements. Differences between rental income recognized and amounts contractually due under the lease agreements are credited or charged, as applicable, to rent receivable. The amount of straight-line rent receivable is charged against income upon early termination of a lease or as a reduction of gain on sale of the property. In the event a tenant downsizes into a smaller space with reduced rent, a pro-rated amount of the straight-line rent receivable is charged against income based on square footage. Lease termination income is recorded in the period the lease terminates according to the lease termination agreement. We maintain an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of tenants to make required payments, which results in a reduction to income. Management determines the adequacy of this allow ance by continually evaluating individual tenant receivables , taking into account the tenants financial condition, security deposits, any letters of credit, any lease guarantees, and current economic conditions. Significant judgments and estimates must be made by management and used in connection with establishing this allowance in any accounting period. In the event that the allowance for doubtful accounts is insufficient to cover the actual amount of accounts that are subsequently written off in an accounting period, additional bad debt expense would be recognized as a current period charge in our income statement.
Stock Compensation Expense
Beginning January 1, 2003, we voluntarily adopted the recognition provisions of SFAS 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation, using the modified prospective method as prescribed in SFAS 148, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation - Transition and Disclosure - an amendment of SFAS 123. The modified prospective method provides for the calculation of the compensation expense as if the fair value based accounting method had been used to account for all stock options granted in fiscal years after December 15, 1994. Management is required to make certain assumptions in calculating the amount of any stock-based compensation expense, including assumptions relating to the fair value of options. In determining the fair value of options, we make assumptions about the future volatility of our
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stock, the expected term to exercise the options, the expected dividend yields, and the risk-free interest rate. The underlying assumptions affect amounts reported in future periods.
Qualification as a REIT
We have elected to be taxed as a REIT under Sections 856 to 860 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. A REIT is generally not subject to federal income tax on that portion of real estate investment trust taxable income that is distributed to stockholders, provided that at least 90% of such taxable income is distributed and other requirements are met. If we were to fail to qualify as a REIT, we would be, among other things, required to provide for federal income taxes on our income and reduce the level of distributions made to our stockholders.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Our operations consist of developing, owning and operating industrial and suburban office properties located primarily in the western United States.
Variances in revenues, expenses, net income and cash flows for the six months ended June 30, 2004 when compared with the same period in 2003 were due primarily to the acquisition, development and redevelopment of operating properties as follows:
Office Properties | Industrial Properties | Total Operating Properties | ||||
Number of Properties | Square Feet | Number of Properties | Square Feet | Number of Properties | Square Feet | |
Total at January 1, 2003 | 30 | 2,592,000 | 56 | 4,565,000 | 86 | 7,157,000 |
Activity from January 1, 2003 through June 30, 2003: | ||||||
Development+ | - | - | 1 | 41,000 | 1 | 41,000 |
Total at June 30, 2003 | 30 | 2,592,000 | 57 | 4,606,000 | 87 | 7,198,000 |
Activity from July 1, 2003 through June 30, 2004: | ||||||
Acquisitions | 3 | 380,000 | 6 | 647,000 | 9 | 1,027,000 |
Redevelopment++ | (1) | (334,000) | (1) | (131,000) | (2) | (465,000) |
Total at June 30, 2004 | 32 | 2,638,000 | 62 | 5,122,000 | 94 | 7,760,000 |
+
The property is included as development based on the date of shell completion.
++
One property was transferred from operating to development on March 1, 2004 as a redevelopment project, and one property was acquired on April 21, 2004 to be redeveloped.
Three Months Ended June 30, 2004 Compared with Three Months Ended June 30, 2003
Income from Property Operations
Income from property operations , defined as rental income less property expenses (which includes operating expenses, real estate taxes, and depreciation and amortization), decreased $888,000 or 6% in the three months ended June 30, 2004 compared with the three months ended June 30, 2003. This decrease is attributable to an increase in rental income of $2,207,000, offset by an increase in property expenses of $3,095,000.
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The following table presents the change in income from property operations for the three months ended June 30, 2004 compared with the same period in 2003, detailing amounts contributed by properties acquired, the property transferred to redevelopment, the property developed, and properties that remained stable during the period from January 1, 2003 to June 30, 2004 (in thousands):
Acquisitions | Redevelopment+ | Development++ | Stabilized | Total | |
Rental income | $ 3,957 | $(877) | $118 | $ (991) | $ 2,207 |
Property expenses: Operating expenses | (617) | (5) | (19) | 183 | (458) |
Real estate taxes | (262) | 2 | (9) | (12) | (281) |
Depreciation and amortization | (1,708) | 128 | (66) | (710) | (2,356) |
Total property expenses | (2,587) | 125 | (94) | (539) | (3,095) |
Income from property operations | $ 1,370 | $(752) | $ 24 | $(1,530) | $ (888) |
+
Includes one property transferred from operating to development on March 1, 2004.
++
Includes one property with a shell completion date of January 1, 2003.
Rental Income
The net increase in rental income of $2,207,000 is primarily attributable to property acquisitions, partially offset by decreases in rental income on redevelopment and stabilized properties. The decrease in rental income of $991,000 on the stabilized properties is generally attributable to decreased rental rates on new leases, renewed leases, and blend and extend leases, as well as decreased occupancy rates.
Property Expenses
The net increase in property expenses of $3,095,000 is primarily attributable to property acquisitions and stabilized properties. The increase in operating expenses on stabilized properties of $539,000 is generally attributable to higher depreciation and amortization. This is due to a greater level of capital improvement spending required to obtain tenants.
General and Administrative Expenses
General and administrative expenses increased $332,000 or 27% in the three months ended June 30, 2004 compared with the same period in 2003, primarily as a result of the reversal of a bonus accrual in the second quarter of 2003 as well as expenses incurred in the second quarter of 2004 for employee and executive recruiting fees ..
Interest Expense
Interest expense, which includes amortization of loan fees, increased $304,000 or 6% in 2004 compared with 2003. The increase is attributable to the increase in mortgages used to finance property acquisitions in the fourth quarter of 2003. This increase is partially offset by a lower weighted average outstanding balance on the line of credit in the second quarter of 2004 as well as a higher level of capitalized interest on development properties. The amortization of loan fees was $441,000 and $384,000 in the second quarter of 2004 and 2003, respectively.
Dividends
Common stock dividends to stockholders declared for the second quarter of 2004 were $0.51 per share. Common stock dividends to stockholders declared for the second quarter of 2003 were $0.50 per share. Consistent with our policy, dividends were paid in the quarter following the quarter in which they were declared. A q uarterly dividend on our Series A preferred stock of $1.09375 per share was declared on April 1, 2004 and paid on April 15, 2004.
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Six Months Ended June 30, 2004 Compared with Six Months Ended June 30, 2003
Income from Property Operations
Income from property operations , defined as rental income less property expenses (which include operating expenses, real estate taxes, and depreciation and amortization), decreased $2,454,000 or 9% in the six months ended June 30, 2004 compared with the six months ended June 30, 2003. This decrease is attributable to an increase in rental income of $3,301,000, offset by an increase in property expenses of $5,755,000.
The following table presents the change in income from property operations for the six months ended June 30, 2004 compared with the same period in 2003, detailing amounts contributed from properties acquired, the property transferred to redevelopment, the property developed, and properties that remained stable during the period from January 1, 2003 to June 30, 2004 (in thousands):
Acquisitions | Redevelopment+ | Development++ | Stabilized | Total | |
Rental income | $ 6,622 | $(1,079) | $ 234 | $(2,476) | $ 3,301 |
Property expenses: Operating expenses | (1,058) | (9) | (31) | 274 | (824) |
Real estate taxes | (433) | (61) | (18) | (64) | (576) |
Depreciation and amortization | (2,954) | 171 | (118) | (1,454) | (4,355) |
Total property expenses | (4,445) | 101 | (167) | (1,244) | (5,755) |
Income from property operations | $ 2,177 | $ (978) | $ 67 | $(3,720) | $(2,454) |
+
Includes one property transferred from operating to development on March 1, 2004.
++
Includes one property with a shell completion date of January 1, 2003.
Rental Income
The net increase in rental income of $3,301,000 is primarily attributable to property acquisitions, partially offset by decreases in rental income on stabilized properties and redevelopment. The decrease in rental income of $2,476,000 on the stabilized properties is generally attributable to decreased rental rates on new leases, renewed leases, and blend and extend leases, as well as decreased occupancy rat e s.
Property Expenses
The net increase in property expenses of $5,755,000 is primarily attributable to property acquisitions and stabilized properties. The increase in operating expenses on stabilized properties of $1,244,000 is generally attributable to higher depreciation and amortization. This is due to a greater level of capital improvement spending required to obtain tenants.
General and Administrative Expenses
General and administrative expenses increased $153,000 or 5% in the six months ended June 30, 2004 compared with the six months ended June 30, 2003, primarily as a result of increased compensation expense associated with restricted stock grants and expenses incurred in the first half of 2004 for employee and executive recruiting fees. These increases were partially offset by approximately $167,000 of state income tax refunds received in the first half of 2004 for the 2001 and 2002 tax years. These refunds were a result of a cost segregation study performed in 2003, which allowed us to accelerate our tax depreciation and therefore reduce our state income tax liability.
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Interest Expense
Interest expense, which includes amortization of loan fees, increased $952,000 or 9% in the six months ended June 30, 2004 compared with the six months ended June 30, 2003. The increase is attributable to the increase in mortgages used to finance property acquisitions in the fourth quarter of 2003. This increase was partially offset by a lower weighted average outstanding balance on our line of credit during the first half of 2004 as well as a higher level of capitalized interest on development properties. The amortization of loan fees was $880,000 and $810,000 in the six months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively.
Dividends
Common stock dividends to stockholders declared for the first and second quarters of 2004 were $0.51 per share. Common stock dividends to stockholders declared for the first and second quarters of 2003 were $0.50 per share. Consistent with our policy, dividends were paid in the quarter following the quarter in which they were declared. A q uarterly dividend on our Series A preferred stock of $1.09375 per share was declared and paid during each of the first and second quarters of 2004.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Cash Flows
Operating Activities
Net cash provided by operating activities increased approximately $4,821,000 to $25,042,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2004 as compared to $20,221,000 for the same period in 2003. This increase was primarily due to additional operating cash flows from property acquisitions. We acquired approximately $85,125,000 of operating properties during the third and fourth quarters of 2003 and approximately $36,700,000 during the second quarter 2004. Additionally, effective January 1, 2004, our Jurupa Phase II development property was added to our operating portfolio with the cash flows from this property stabilizing during the six months ended June 30, 2004.
Investing Activities
Net cash used in investing activities increased approximately $52,572,000 to $56,264,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2004 as compared to $3,692,000 for the same period in 2003. The increase in cash used in investing activities was primarily due to the expenditure of approximately $46,700,000 on the acquisition of operating properties, a redevelopment property, and land parcels in the first half of 2004, as well as increased spending on building improvements and tenant improvements on existing operating properties necessary to make our properties more competitive in their respective markets.
Financing Activities
Net cash provided by financing activities increased approximately $43,528,000 to $28,536,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2004 as compared to net cash used by financing activities of $14,992,000 for the same period in 2003. The increase in cash provided by financing activities was primarily due to the net proceeds from our Series B preferred stock offering, higher net borrowings on our credit facility, which were both used to fund new property acquisitions, and due to decreased payments on mortgages due to the payoff of an approximately $18 million mortgage in 2003. This increase in cash provided by financing activities was partially offset by decreased mortgage proceeds, increased payments to repurchase and retire our common stock, and increased payments of dividends and distributions.
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Available Borrowings, Capital Resources, and Cash Balances
We expect to meet our long-term liquidity and capital requirements, such as funding the cost of acquisitions, capital expenditures, costs associated with lease renewals and re-letting of space, repayment of indebtedness, share repurchases, development of properties, and dividends from:
-
cash flow from operations;
-
borrowings under our credit facility and, if available, other indebtedness which may include indebtedness assumed in acquisitions or the refinancing of existing indebtedness;
-
the sale of real estate investments from time to time; and
-
issuance of long-term debt and equity securities.
On April 6, 2004, we completed a public offering of 2,400,000 shares of our 7.625% Series B Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock at $25 per share. The net proceeds of approximately $58 million were used to finance the purchase of four operating properties, one redevelopment project and three parcels of land totaling 4.69 acres in the second and third quarters of 2004, which totaled approximately $57.4 million.
Our line of credit, which has a total commitment of $150 million plus an accordion feature for expansion of $50 million, had an outstanding balance of $68,832,000 and letters of credit issued and undrawn of $6,615,000 at June 30, 2004, leaving approximately $124,553,000 of available borrowing. We anticipate utilizing this available borrowing capacity as well as other potential sources of financing such as new mortgages and/or sale proceeds from real estate assets to fund our activities in the second half of 2004, including property acquisitions of up to approximately $150 million, planned development and redevelopment costs of approximately $8 million, and capital expenditures of approximately $8 million.
As of June 30, 2004, we had approximately $4,912,000 in cash and cash equivalents, including approximately $22,000 of restricted cash. Restricted cash represents security deposits held in interest bearing cash deposit accounts in accordance with tenant leases. Unrestricted cash includes approximately $3,778,000 held in a liquidity management investment account investing in money market instruments that are backed by U.S. government short term securities. The balance of the unrestricted cash is in a demand deposit account which is used to fund our disbursements.
We anticipate that the cash flow generated by our real estate investments and funds available under our credit facility will be sufficient to meet our short-term liquidity requirements.
Debt Financing
Our ability to continue to finance operations is subject to several uncertainties. For example, our ability to obtain mortgage loans on income producing property is dependent upon our ability to attract and retain tenants and the economics of the various markets in which the properties are located, as well as the willingness of mortgage-lending institutions to make loans secured by real property. Approximately 93% of our real estate investments served as collateral for our existing indebtedness as of June 30, 2004. Our ability to sell real estate investments is partially dependent upon the ability of purchasers to obtain financing at reasonable commercial rates.
We currently have a revolving credit facility with a bank group led by Bank of America. The facility, which matures on March 31, 2007, consists of a $150 million secured line with an accordion feature that allows us at our option to expand the facility to $200 million, if needed. Interest on the facility is at a floating rate equal to either the lenders prime rate or LIBOR plus a margin ranging from 1.30% to 1.75%, depending on our leverage level. As of June 30, 2004, the facility had an outstanding balance of $68,832,000 and an effective interest rate of 2.98%.
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Mortgage loans payable at June 30, 2004 consist of the following (in thousands):
Collateral as of June 30, 2004 | |||||||
Lender | Maturity Date | Interest Rate at June 30, 2004 + | Balance | Number of Properties | % of Annualized Base Rent | % of Total Real Estate Investments | |
Union Bank | November 19, 2004 | 3.01%(1) | $ 20,386 | 9 | 3.62% | 3.52% | |
TIAA-CREF | June 1, 2005 | 7.17% | 24,987 | 5 | 5.22% | 4.06% | |
Security Life of Denver Insurance Company | September 1, 2005 | 3.00%(2) | 21,124 | 6 | 3.56% | 3.58% | |
Security Life of Denver Insurance Company | September 1, 2005 | 3.00%(2) | 3,275 | 2 | 0.80% | 0.80% | |
Nationwide Life Insurance | November 1, 2005 | 4.61% | 21,809 | 4 | 4.17% | 4.26% | |
Prudential Insurance | July 31, 2006 | 8.90% | 7,579 | 1 | 2.00% | 1.58% | |
Prudential Insurance | July 31, 2006 | 6.91% | 18,414 | 4 | 5.80% | 4.57% | |
TIAA-CREF | December 1, 2006 | 7.95% | 20,632 | 5 | 4.09% | 4.03% | |
TIAA-CREF | June 1, 2007 | 7.17% | 33,986 | 4 | 6.34% | 5.28% | |
John Hancock | December 1, 2008 | 4.60% | 11,800 | 5 | 2.59% | 2.90% | |
Sun Life Assurance Co. | April 1, 2009 | 7.00% | 1,629 | 1 | 0.71% | 0.74% | |
Sun Life Assurance Co. | April 1, 2009 | 7.25% | 1,451 | * | * | * | |
TIAA-CREF | June 1, 2009 | 7.17% | 39,696 | 8 | 8.33% | 8.69% | |
John Hancock | December 1, 2010 | 4.95% | 27,900 | 3 | 6.41% | 5.13% | |
Washington Mutual | August 1, 2011 | 3.84%(3) | 16,495 | 5 | - | 3.78% | |
TIAA-CREF | April 1, 2013 | 5.60% | 47,748 | 5 | 7.78% | 6.16% | |
Bank of America | November 1, 2013 | 5.45% | 9,900 | 1 | 1.87% | 1.97% | |
Bank of America | December 1, 2013 | 5.55% | 11,400 | 4 | 2.54% | 2.56% | |
JP Morgan | December 1, 2013 | 5.74% | 24,853 | 1 | 5.63% | 4.04% | |
Thrivent Financial | April 10, 2017 | 7.90% | 3,048 | 1 | - | 1.10% | |
Total | $368,112 | 74 | 71.46% | 68.75% |
(1)
Floating rate based on LIBOR plus 1.60%. The interest rate of 3.01% is fixed to maturity.
(2)
Floating rate based on 30-day LIBOR plus 1.40% (adjusted monthly). Effective July 3, 2003, the floating 30-day LIBOR rate was swapped to a fixed rate of 1.595% for an all-in rate of 2.995% until maturity.
(3)
Floating rate based on a 12-month average of U.S. Treasury security yields plus 2.60% (adjusted semi-annually).
+
Interest rates are fixed unless otherwise indicated by footnote.
*
The two Sun Life Assurance Company mortgages are collateralized by a single property.
The 74 operating properties that served as collateral for our mortgages had a net book value of approximately $524,390,000 as of June 30, 2004. We were in compliance with the various covenants and other requirements of our debt financing instruments during the six months ended June 30, 2004.
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CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS AND COMMERCIAL COMMITMENTS
The following summarizes our contractual obligations and other commitments at June 30, 2004, and the effect such obligations could have on our liquidity and cash flow in future periods (in thousands):
Amount of Commitment Expiring by Period | |||||
Less Than 1 Year | 1-3 Years | 4-5 Years | Over 5 Years | Total | |
Bank loan payable | $ - | $ 68,832 | $ - | $ - | $ 68,832 |
Mortgage loans payable | 51,605 | 130,152 | 56,837 | 129,518 | 368,112 |
Interest obligations on bank loan and mortgage loans | 22,766 | 34,821 | 20,496 | 23,461 | 101,544 |
Construction contract commitments | 4,437 | - | - | - | 4,437 |
Stand-by letters of credit | 6,615 | - | - | - | 6,615 |
Total | $ 85,423 | $233,805 | $ 77,333 | $152,979 | $549,540 |
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
We occasionally use the services of the law firm Bartko, Zankel, Tarrant & Miller of which a member of our Board of Directors, Martin I. Zankel, is a partner. During the six months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003, we paid Bartko, Zankel, Tarrant & Miller approximately $200 and $80,000, respectively.
OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS
At June 30, 2004 and 2003, we did not have any relationships with unconsolidated entities or financial partnerships, including entities often referred to as structured finance or special purpose entities, that would have been established for the purpose of facilitating off-balance sheet arrangements or other contractually narrow or limited purposes. Therefore, we are not materially exposed to any financing, liquidity, market or credit risk that could arise if we were engaged in such relationships.
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POTENTIAL FACTORS AFFECTING FUTURE OPERATING RESULTS
Many factors affect our actual financial performance and may cause our future results to be different from past performance or trends. These factors include the following:
We could experience a reduction in rental income if we are unable to renew or re-let space on expiring leases on current lease terms, or at all.
A significant portion of our leases is scheduled to expire in the near future. As of June 30, 2004, leases representing 7%, 21%, 17%, and 12% of our total annualized base rent were scheduled to expire during the remainder of 2004, 2005, 2006, and 2007, respectively. If the rental rates upon re-letting or renewal of leases were significantly lower than current rates, or if we were unable to lease a significant amount of space on economically favorable terms, or at all, our results of operations could suffer. We are subject to the risk that, upon expiration, some of these or other leases will not be renewed, the space may not be re-let, or the terms of renewal or re-letting, including the costs of required renovations or concessions to tenants, may be less favorable than current lease terms. We could face difficulties re-letting our space on commercially acceptable terms when it becomes available. In addition, we expect to incur costs in making i mprovements or repairs to our properties required by new or renewing tenants and expenses associated with brokerage commissions payable in connection with the re-letting of space. Similarly, our rental income could be reduced by vacancies resulting from lease expirations or by rental rates that are less favorable than our current terms. If we are unable to promptly renew leases or re-let space or if the expenses relating to tenant turnover are greater than expected, our financial results could be harmed.
Our leases with our 25 largest tenants generate approximately 41% of our base rent, and the loss of one or more of these tenants, as well as the inability to re-lease this space on equivalent terms, could harm our results of operations.
As of June 30, 2004, our 25 largest tenants accounted for approximately 41% of our total annualized base rent. We have been advised by a large tenant in Denver, Colorado, that it will not renew the 190,000 square feet that it currently leases. This tenant, whose lease expires on January 31, 2005, represents approximately 4% of our annualized base rent. The re-leasing of the square footage in the Denver market will require considerable capital expenditures and an indeterminate period of time. Further losses of our larger tenants and our inability to re-lease vacated properties on favorable terms could limit our ability to make distributions to our stockholders.
A significant portion of our base rent is generated by properties in California, and our business could be harmed by an economic downturn in the California real estate market or a significant earthquake.
As of June 30, 2004, approximately 51% of our total annualized base rent was generated by our properties located in the State of California. As a result of this geographic concentration, a downturn in the performance of the commercial real estate markets and the local economies in various areas within California could adversely affect the value of these properties and the rental income from these properties and, in turn, our results of operations. In addition, the geographic concentration of our properties in California in close proximity to regions known for their seismic activity exposes us to the risk that our operating results could be harmed by a significant earthquake.
29
Future declines in the demand for office and light industrial space in the greater San Francisco Bay Area could harm our results of operations and, consequently, our ability to make distributions to our stockholders.
Approximately 13% of our net operating income for the six months ended June 30, 2004 was generated by our office, flex, and industrial research and development properties located in the greater San Francisco Bay Area. As a result, our business is somewhat dependent on the condition of the San Francisco Bay Area economy in general and the market for office, flex, and industrial research and development space in the San Francisco Bay Area in particular. The market for this space in the San Francisco Bay Area is recovering from of one of the most severe downturns of the past several decades. This downturn was precipitated by the unprecedented collapse of many technology and so-called dot com businesses that, during the 1998-2001 period, had been chiefly responsible for generating demand for, and increased prices of, local office properties. This downturn has harmed, and may continue to harm, our results of operations. In the event this downturn continues or economic conditions in the San Francisco Bay Area worsen, it could harm the market value of our properties, the results derived from such properties and our ability to make distributions to our stockholders.
Real estate investments are inherently risky, and many of the risks involved are beyond our ability to control.
Real property investments are subject to numerous risks. The yields available from an equity investment in real estate depend on the amount of income generated and costs incurred by the related properties. If the properties in which we invest do not generate sufficient income to meet costs, including debt service, tenant improvements, third-party leasing commissions, and capital expenditures, our results of operations and ability to make distributions to our stockholders could suffer. Revenues and values of our properties may also be harmed by a number of other factors, some of which are beyond our control, including:
-
the national economic climate;
-
the local economic climate;
-
local real estate conditions, including an oversupply of space or a reduction in demand for real estate in an area;
-
the attractiveness of our properties to tenants;
-
competition from other available space;
-
our ability to provide adequate maintenance and insurance to cover other operating costs, government regulations and changes in real estate, zoning or tax laws, and interest rate levels;
-
the availability of financing; and
-
potential liabilities under environmental and other laws.
30
If our tenants experience financial difficulty or seek the protection of bankruptcy laws, our cash from operating activities could suffer.
Our commercial tenants may, from time to time, experience downturns in their business operations and finances due to adverse economic conditions, which may result in their failure to make rental payments to us on a timely basis or at all. Missed rental payments, in the aggregate, could impair our cash flows and, as a result, our ability to make distributions to our stockholders.
At any time, a tenant could seek the protection of the bankruptcy laws, which might result in the modification or termination of the tenants lease and cause a reduction in our cash flow. During the six months ended June 30, 2004, none of our tenants had filed for bankruptcy. However, in the event of default by or bankruptcy of a tenant, we may experience delays in enforcing our rights as lessor and may incur substantial costs in protecting our investment. The default, bankruptcy, or insolvency of a few major tenants may harm us and our ability to pay dividends to our stockholders.
Our dependence on smaller businesses to rent office space could negatively affect our cash flow.
Many of the tenants in our properties operate smaller businesses that may not have the financial strength of larger corporate tenants. Smaller companies generally experience a higher rate of failure and are generally more susceptible to financial risks than large, well-capitalized enterprises. Dependence on these companies could create a higher risk of tenant defaults, turnover, and bankruptcies, all of which could harm our ability to pay dividends.
The acquisition and development of real estate is subject to numerous risks, and the cost of bringing any acquired property to standards for its intended market position could exceed our estimates.
A significant portion of our leases is scheduled to expire in the remainder of 2004, 2005, and 2006. To supplement the losses in net operating income caused by the leasing turnover, we expanded our acquisitions program in 2003 and during the first half of 2004. Acquisitions totaled approximately $85 million in 2003 and $57.4 million year-to-date as of August 9, 2004 , with continued focus on property acquisitions in the near future. As a part of the acquisitions program, we may acquire industrial and suburban office properties and portfolios of these properties, which may include the acquisition of other companies and business entities owning the properties. Although we engage in due diligence review for each new acquisition, we may not be aware of all potential liabilities and problems associated with a property. We may have limited contractual recourse, or no contractual recourse, against the sellers of a property. In the future, we expect the majority of our properties and portfolios of properties to be acquired on an as is basis, with limited recourse against the sellers. In addition, our investments may fail to perform in accordance with our expectations. Further, estimates of the costs of improvements to bring an acquired property up to standards established for the market position intended for that property might prove inaccurate. To the extent that w e acquire properties with substantial vacancies, as we have in the past, we may be unable to lease vacant space in a timely manner or at all, and the costs of obtaining tenants, including tenant improvements, lease concessions, and brokerage commissions, could prove more costly than anticipated.
Real estate development is subject to other risks, including the following:
-
the risks of difficult and complicated construction projects;
-
the risks related to the use of contractors and subcontractors to perform all or substantially all construction activities;
-
the risk of development delays, unanticipated increases in construction costs, environmental issues, and regulatory approvals; and
-
financial risks relating to financing and construction loan difficulties.
Additionally, the time frame required for development, construction, and lease-up of these properties means that we may have to wait a few years or more for a significant cash return to be realized.
31
We may abandon development opportunities resulting in direct expenses to us.
From time to time, we may invest significant time and resources exploring development opportunities that we subsequently decide are not in our best interest. The costs of investigating these opportunities will still be considered a direct expense and may harm our financial condition.
Our uninsured or underinsured losses could result in a loss in value of our properties.
We currently maintain general liability coverage with primary limits of $1 million per occurrence and $2 million in the aggregate, as well as $40 million of umbrella/excess liability coverage. This coverage protects us against liability claims as well as the cost of legal defense. We carry property All Risks insurance of $200 million on a replacement value basis covering both the cost of direct physical damage and the loss of rental income. Separate flood and earthquake insurance is provided with an annual aggregate limit of $20 million, subject to a deductible of the greater of $100,000 or 5% of total insurable value per building and respective rent loss with respect to earthquake coverage. Additional excess earthquake coverage with an aggregate limit of $10 million is provided for properties located in California, which represent approximately 51% of our portfolios annualized base rent as of June 30, 2004. Some losses, including those due to acts of war, nuclear accidents, pollution, mold, or terrorism, may be either uninsurable or not economically insurable. However, we do presently carry insurance for terrorism losses as defined under the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act of 2002 under our All Risks property policies, liability policies, primary and umbrella/excess policies. In addition, non-certified terrorism coverage is provided under our property policy for losses in excess of $10 million up to the $200 million limit.
Some losses could exceed the limits of our insurance policies or could cause us to bear a substantial portion of those losses due to deductibles under those policies. If we suffer an uninsured loss, we could lose both our invested capital in and anticipated cash flow from the property while being obligated to repay any outstanding indebtedness incurred to acquire the property. In addition, a majority of our properties are located in areas that are subject to earthquake activity. Although we have obtained earthquake insurance policies for all of our properties, if one or more properties sustain damage as a result of an earthquake, we may incur substantial losses up to the amount of the deductible under the earthquake insurance policy and, additionally, to the extent that the damage exceeds the policys maximum coverage, we would not have insurance compensation for that portion of the losses. Although we have obtained owners title insu rance policies for each of our properties, the title insurance may be in an amount less than the current market value of some of the properties. If a title defect results in a loss that exceeds insured limits, we could lose all or part of our investment in, and anticipated gains, if any, from, the property. Furthermore, the current insurance market is characterized by rising premium rates, increasing deductibles, and more restrictive coverage language. Continued increases in the costs of insurance coverage or increased limits or exclusions in insurance policy coverage could negatively affect our financial results.
If we fail to maintain our qualification as a real estate investment trust, we could experience adverse tax and other consequences, including the loss of deductibility of dividends in calculating our taxable income and the imposition of federal income tax at regular corporate rates.
We have elected to qualify as a real estate investment trust (REIT) under Sections 856 to 860 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. We believe that we have been organized and have operated in a manner so as to have satisfied the REIT qualification requirements since 1985. However, the IRS could challenge our qualification as a REIT for taxable years still subject to audit, and we may fail to qualify as a REIT in the future.
32
Qualification as a REIT involves the application of highly technical and complex tax provisions, and the determination of various factual matters and circumstances not entirely within our control may have an impact on our ability to maintain our qualification as a REIT. For example, in order to qualify as a REIT, at least 95% of our gross income in any year must be derived from qualifying sources and we must make distributions to stockholders aggregating annually at least 90% of our REIT taxable income, excluding net capital gains. In addition, we cannot assure you that new legislation, Treasury Regulations, administrative interpretations, or court decisions will not significantly change the tax laws with respect to our qualification as a REIT or the federal income tax consequences of such qualification. We are not aware of any proposal to amend the tax laws that would significantly and negatively affect our ability to continue to operate as a REIT.
If we fail to maintain our qualification as a REIT, or are found not to have qualified as a REIT for any prior year, we would not be entitled to deduct dividends paid to our stockholders and would be subject to federal income tax, including any applicable alternative minimum tax, on our taxable income at regular corporate rates. In addition, unless entitled to statutory relief, we would also be disqualified from treatment as a REIT for the four taxable years following the year during which qualification was lost. This treatment would reduce amounts available for investment or distribution to stockholders because of any additional tax liability for the year or years involved. In addition, we would no longer be required by the Internal Revenue Code to make any distributions. As a result, disqualification as a REIT would harm us and our ability to make distributions to our stockholders. To the extent that distributions to stockholders have been ma de in anticipation of our qualification as a REIT, we might be required to borrow funds or to liquidate investments to pay the applicable tax.
We must comply with strict income distribution requirements to maintain favorable tax treatment as a REIT. If our cash flow is insufficient to meet our operating expenses and the distribution requirements, we may need to incur additional borrowings or otherwise obtain funds to satisfy these requirements.
To maintain REIT status, we are required each year to distribute to our stockholders at least 90% of our REIT taxable income, excluding net capital gains. In addition, we are subject to a 4% nondeductible excise tax on the amount, if any, by which distributions paid by us in any calendar year are less than the sum of 85% of our ordinary income and 95% of our capital gain net income for the calendar year plus any amount of such income not distributed in prior years. Although we anticipate that cash flow from operations will be sufficient to pay our operating expenses and meet the distribution requirements, we cannot assure you that this will occur, and we may need to incur borrowings or otherwise obtain funds to satisfy the distribution requirements associated with maintaining the REIT qualification. In addition, differences in timing between the receipt of income and payment of expenses in arriving at our taxable income could require us to incu r borrowings or otherwise obtain funds to meet the distribution requirements necessary to maintain our qualification as a REIT. We cannot assure you that we will be able to borrow funds or otherwise obtain funds if and when necessary to satisfy these requirements.
As a REIT, we are subject to complex constructive ownership rules that limit any holder to 9.8% in value of our outstanding common and preferred stock, taken together. Any shares transferred in violation of this rule are subject to redemption by us and any such transaction is voidable.
To maintain REIT qualification, our charter provides that no holder is permitted to own more than 9.8% in value of our outstanding common and preferred stock, taken together, or more than 9.8% (in value or number) of our outstanding common stock. In addition, no holder is permitted to own any shares of any class of our stock if that ownership would cause more than 50% in value of our outstanding common and preferred stock, taken together, to be owned by five or fewer individuals, would result in our stock being beneficially owned by less than 100 persons or would otherwise result in our failure to qualify as a REIT. Acquisition or ownership of our common or preferred stock in violation of these restrictions results in automatic transfer of the stock to a trust for the benefit of a charitable beneficiary or, under specified circumstances, the violative transfer may be deemed void or we may choose to redeem the violative shares. Peter B. Bed ford is subject to higher ownership limitations than our other stockholders. Specifically, Mr. Bedford is not permitted to own more than 15% of the lesser of the number or value of the outstanding shares of our common stock.
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The ownership limitations described above are applied using the constructive ownership rules of the Internal Revenue Code. These rules are complex and may cause common or preferred stock owned beneficially or constructively by a group of related individuals and/or entities to be constructively owned by one individual or entity. As a result, the acquisition of less than 9.8% of our outstanding common or preferred stock or the acquisition of an interest in an entity that owns our common or preferred stock by an individual or entity could cause that individual or entity or another individual or entity to constructively own stock in excess of the limits and subject that stock to the ownership restrictions in our charter.
We rely on the services of our key personnel, and their expertise and knowledge of our business would be difficult to replace.
We are highly dependent on the efforts of our senior officers. While we believe that we could find suitable replacements for these key personnel, the loss of their services could harm our business. Peter Bedford, our chief executive officer and chairman of the board, has announced his intention to step down as our CEO. James Moore, our president and chief operating officer, has announced his intention to retire in July 2005. If we cannot find suitable replacements for these officers, our business would be harmed. In addition, we cannot assure you that the replacements will not wish to change aspects of how we conduct our business or that any such change will be successful. We have retained a third-party search firm to identify potential successor CEO candidates. Mr. Bedford will continue to serve as our CEO until the successor has been chosen. After relinquishing the CEO position, Mr. Bedford intends to remain on our board of directors and to continue to serve as its chairman. Our credit facility provides that it is an event of default if Mr. Bedford ceases for any reason to be our chairman or CEO, and a replacement reasonably satisfactory to the lenders has not been appointed by our board of directors within six months. Although we expect to select a replacement that will meet our lenders' requirements, we cannot assure you that the candidate that is ultimately selected will be satisfactory to our lenders. If we are unable to find a replacement that is satisfactory to our lenders, they may accelerate our obligations under the credit facility, which would adversely affect our liquidity and our ability to pay dividends to our stockholders.
The commercial real estate industry is highly competitive, and we compete with companies, including REITs, that may be able to purchase properties at lower capitalization rates than would be accretive for us.
We seek to grow our asset base through the acquisition of industrial and suburban office properties and portfolios of these properties, as well as through the development of new industrial and suburban office properties. Many real estate companies, including other REITs, compete with us in making bids to acquire new properties. The level of competition to acquire income-producing properties is largely measured by the capitalization rates at which properties are trading. The capitalization rate is the annual yield that property produces on the investment. Currently, capitalization rates are low due to the amount of capital available for investment and attractive debt financing terms. As a result, we may not be able to compete effectively with companies, including REITs, that may be able to purchase properties at lower capitalization rates than would be accretive for us.
Many of our properties are located in markets with an oversupply of space, and our ability to compete effectively with other properties to attract tenants may be limited to the extent that competing properties may be newer, better capitalized or in more desirable locations than our properties.
Numerous industrial and suburban office properties compete with our properties in attracting tenants. Some of these competing properties are newer, better located, or better capitalized than our properties. Many of our investments are located in markets that have a significant supply of available space, resulting in intense competition for tenants and lower rents. We believe the oversupply of available space relative to demand has increased in recent years due to the softened U.S. economy. The number of competitive properties in a particular area could negatively impact our ability to lease space in the properties or at newly acquired or developed properties.
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We could incur costs from environmental liabilities even though we did not cause, contribute to, or know about them.
Under various federal, state, and local laws, ordinances and regulations, an owner or operator of real estate may be held liable for the costs of removal or remediation of hazardous or toxic substances released on, above, under or in a property. These laws often impose liability regardless of whether the owner knew of, or was responsible for, the presence of the hazardous or toxic substances. In addition, environmental laws often impose liability on a previous owner of property for hazardous or toxic substances present during the prior ownership period. A transfer of the property may not relieve an owner of all liability. Accordingly, we could be liable for properties previously sold or otherwise divested. The costs of removal or remediation could be substantial. Additionally, the presence of the substances, or the failure to properly remove them, may harm our ability to borrow using the real estate as collateral.
All of our properties have had Phase I environmental site assessments, which involve inspection without soil sampling or groundwater analysis, by independent environmental consultants and have been inspected for hazardous materials as part of our acquisition inspections. None of the Phase I assessments has revealed any environmental problems requiring material costs for clean up. The Phase I assessment for Milpitas Town Center, however, indicates that the groundwater under that property either has been or may in the future be, impacted by the migration of contaminants originating off-site. According to information available to us, the responsible party for this offsite source has been identified and has begun clean up. We do not believe that this environmental matter will impair the future value of Milpitas Town Center in any significant respect or that we will be required to fund any portion of the cost of remediation. We cannot assure you, ho wever, that these Phase I assessments or our inspections have revealed all environmental liabilities and problems relating to this or any other of our properties.
We believe that we are in compliance in all material respects with all federal, state, and local laws regarding hazardous or toxic substances. To date, compliance with federal, state, and local environmental protection regulations has not had a material effect on us. However, we cannot assure you that costs relating to the investigation and remediation of environmental issues for properties currently or previously owned by us, or properties that we may acquire in the future, or other expenditures or liabilities, including claims by private parties, resulting from hazardous substances present in, on, under, or above the properties or resulting from circumstances or other actions or claims relating to environmental matters, will not harm us and our ability to pay dividends to our stockholders.
Costs associated with moisture infiltration and resulting mold remediation may be significant.
Concern about indoor exposure to mold, fungi, and mycotoxins has been increasing because this exposure is allegedly linked to various adverse effects on health. Increasingly, insurance companies are excluding mold-related risks from their policy coverage, and it is now excluded from our coverage. Costs and potential liability stemming from tenant exposure to mold and the increased costs of renovating and remodeling buildings with exposure to mold could harm our financial position and results.
We could incur unanticipated costs to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act, and any non-compliance could result in fines.
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (the ADA), all public accommodations and commercial facilities are required to meet federal requirements related to access and use by disabled persons. Compliance with the ADA requires removal of access barriers, and any non-compliance may result in the imposition of fines by the U.S. government or an award of damages to private litigants. Although we believe that our properties are substantially in compliance with these requirements, in the future we may incur costs to comply with the ADA with respect to both existing properties and properties acquired in the future, which could limit our ability to make distributions to stockholders.
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We are subject to numerous federal, state, and local regulatory requirements, and any changes to existing regulations or new laws may result in significant, unanticipated costs.
Our properties are, and any properties we may acquire in the future will be, subject to various other federal, state, and local regulatory requirements, including local building codes. Failure to comply with these requirements could result in the imposition of fines by governmental authorities or awards of damages to private litigants. We believe that our properties are currently in substantial compliance with all applicable regulatory requirements, although expenditures at properties owned by us may be necessary to comply with changes in these laws. Although no material expenditures are contemplated at this time to comply with any laws or regulations, we cannot assure you that these requirements will not be changed or that new requirements will not be imposed that would require significant unanticipated expenditures by us, which could harm us and our ability to make distributions to our stockholders. Similarly, changes in laws increasing the p otential liability for environmental conditions existing on our properties could result in significant unanticipated expenditures.
Our $150 million credit agreement and our mortgage loans are collateralized by approximately 93% of our total real estate assets, and in the event of default under any of these debt instruments, our lenders could foreclose on the collateral securing this indebtedness.
As of June 30, 2004, our $150 million credit facility was collateralized by mortgages on 22 properties that accounted for approximately 22% of our annualized base rent and approximately 24% of our total real estate assets. All of our mortgage loans were collateralized by 74 properties that accounted for approximately 71% of our annualized base rent and approximately 69% of our total real estate assets. If we fail to meet our obligations under the credit facility, the mortgage loans, or any other debt instruments we may enter into from time to time, including failure to comply with financial covenants, the holders of this indebtedness generally would be entitled to demand immediate repayment of the principal and to foreclose upon any collateral securing this indebtedness. In addition, default under or acceleration of any debt instrument could, pursuant to cross-default clauses, cause or permit the acceleration of other indebtedness. Any default or acceleration would harm us, jeopardizing our qualification as a REIT and threatening our continued viability.
Our $150 million credit agreement and some of our mortgage loans carry floating interest rates, and increases in market interest rates could harm our results of operations.
As of June 30, 2004, our $150 million credit facility had an outstanding balance of $68.8 million, and we had other floating rate loans of $36.9 million. Borrowings under our credit facility bear interest at a floating rate, and we may from time to time incur or assume other indebtedness also bearing interest at a floating rate. In that regard, our results of operations for 2003 and the first half of 2004 have benefited from low levels of interest rates that are currently near historic lows. Should this trend in interest rates reverse itself, our operating results could be harmed.
We use borrowings to finance the acquisition, development and operation of properties and to repurchase our common stock, and we cannot assure you that financing will be available on commercially reasonable terms, or at all, in the future.
We borrow money to pay for the acquisition, development, and operation of our properties, to repurchase our common stock, and for other general corporate purposes. Our credit facility currently expires on March 31, 2007, when the principal amount of all outstanding borrowings must be paid. Since the term of our credit facility is limited, our ability to fund acquisitions and provide funds for working capital and other cash needs following the expiration or utilization of the credit facility will depend primarily on our ability to obtain additional private or public equity or debt financing. Such financing may not be available to us on commercially reasonable terms, or at all, at the time we may require such financing.
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A downturn in the economy could make it difficult for us to borrow money on favorable terms. If we are unable to borrow money on favorable terms, we may need to sell some of our assets at unfavorable prices in order to pay our loans. We could encounter several problems, including:
-
insufficient cash flow to meet required payments of principal and interest;
-
an increase on variable interest rates on indebtedness; and
-
an inability to refinance existing indebtedness on favorable terms or at all.
Our leverage could harm our ability to operate our business and fulfill our debt obligations.
We have significant debt service obligations. As of June 30, 2004, we had total liabilities of approximately $468.1 million, excluding unused commitments under our credit facility, and total stockholders equity of approximately $347.7 million. Payments to service this debt totaled approximately $16.0 million during the six months ended June 30, 2004. Our debt level increases the possibility that we could be unable to generate cash sufficient to pay the principal of, interest on, or other amounts due in respect of our indebtedness. In addition, we may incur additional debt from time to time to fund our stock buy back program, finance strategic acquisitions, investments, or for other purposes, subject to the restrictions contained in our debt instruments.
We have not used derivatives extensively to mitigate our interest rate risks.
Historically, we have not used interest rate swaps, caps and floors, or other derivative transactions extensively to help us mitigate our interest rate risks because we have determined that the cost of these transactions outweighed their potential benefits and could have, in some cases, jeopardized our status as a REIT. Generally, income from derivative transactions qualifies for purposes of the 95% gross income test but not for purposes of the 75% gross income test. We have entered into swap agreements to hedge our exposure to variable interest rates on two mortgages with remaining principal balances of approximately $24.4 million as of June 30, 2004. Even if we were to use derivative transactions more extensively, we would not be fully insulated from the prepayment and interest rate risks to which we are exposed. However, we do not have any policy that prohibits us from using derivative transactions or other hedging strategies more extensivel y in the future. If we do engage in additional derivative transactions in the future, we cannot assure you that a liquid secondary market will exist for any instruments purchased or sold in those transactions, and we may be required to maintain a position until exercise or expiration, which could result in losses.
We may change our policies without stockholder approval.
Our major policies, including those concerning our qualification as a REIT and with respect to dividends, acquisitions, debt, and investments, are established by our board of directors. Although it has no present intention to do so, the board of directors may amend or revise these and other policies from time to time without a vote of or advance notice to our stockholders. Accordingly, holders of our capital stock will have no control over changes in our policies, including any policies relating to the payment of dividends or to maintaining qualification as a REIT. In addition, policy changes could harm our financial condition, results of operations, the price of our securities, or our ability to pay dividends.
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Recently enacted U.S. federal income tax legislation reduces the maximum tax rates applicable to corporate dividends from 38.6% to 15%, which may make investments in corporations relatively more attractive than investments in REITs and negatively affect our stock price as a result.
The Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003 reduces the tax rates applicable to corporate dividends, in the case of individual taxpayers, from as high as 38.6% to 15% through December 31, 2008. The reduced maximum 15% rate imposed on some corporate dividends implemented by the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003 does not, however, generally apply to ordinary dividends paid by REITs. We do not presently expect that ordinary dividends paid by us will be eligible for the reduced tax rate on dividends. This change in the maximum tax rate on qualifying dividends may make investments in corporate stock relatively more attractive than investments in REITs, which could harm our stock price.
An increase in market interest rates could cause the respective prices of our common stock and preferred stock to decrease.
One of the factors that may influence the respective market prices of our shares of common stock and preferred stock will be the annual dividend yield on the price paid for shares of our common stock or preferred stock as compared to yields on other financial instruments. An increase in market interest rates may lead prospective purchasers of our stock to seek a higher annual yield from their investments, which may adversely affect the respective market prices of our common stock and preferred stock. As of June 30, 2004, interest rates in the U.S. remained near their historic lows.
We may incur additional indebtedness, which may harm our financial position and cash flow and potentially impact our ability to pay dividends.
Our existing debt instruments permit us to incur additional indebtedness and other liabilities, subject to the restrictions contained in those debt instruments. As of June 30, 2004, we had approximately $436.9 million of indebtedness outstanding. We may incur additional indebtedness and become more highly leveraged, which could harm our financial position and potentially limit our cash available to pay dividends. As a result, we may not have sufficient funds to satisfy our dividend obligations relating to our preferred stock or pay dividends on our common stock, if we assume additional indebtedness.
We cannot assure you that we will be able to pay dividends regularly although we have done so in the past.
Our ability to pay dividends in the future is dependent on our ability to operate profitably and to generate cash from our operations. Although we have done so in the past, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to pay dividends on a regular quarterly basis in the future. Furthermore, any new shares of common stock issued will substantially increase the cash required to continue to pay cash dividends at current levels. Any common stock or preferred stock that may in the future be issued to finance acquisitions, upon exercise of stock options or otherwise would have a similar effect. In addition, our existing credit facility limits our ability to pay quarterly dividends to stockholders.
Our ability to pay dividends is further limited by the requirements of Maryland law.
Our ability to pay dividends on our common stock and preferred stock is further limited by the laws of Maryland. Under the Maryland General Corporation Law, a Maryland corporation may not make a distribution if, after giving effect to the distribution, either the corporation would not be able to pay indebtedness of the corporation as the indebtedness becomes due in the usual course of business or the corporations total assets would be less than the sum of the corporations total liabilities plus the amount that would be needed, if the corporation were to be dissolved at the time of distribution, to satisfy the preferential rights upon dissolution of stockholders whose preferential rights are superior to those receiving the distribution. Accordingly, we cannot make a distribution, except by dividend, on our common stock or preferred stock if, after giving effect to the distribution, our total assets would be less than the sum of our l iabilities plus the amount that would be needed to satisfy the preferential rights upon dissolution of the holders of any shares of preferred stock then outstanding, or if we would not be able to pay our indebtedness as it became due.
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FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE
Our Funds from Operations (FFO) during the three and six months ended June 30, 2004 was $12,226,000 and $23,870,000, respectively. During the same periods in 2003, FFO was $12,297,000 and $24,878,000, respectively. Although FFO is not a financial measure calculated in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP), we believe that FFO may be an appropriate alternative measure of the performance of an equity REIT. Presentation of this information provides the reader with an additional measure to compare the performance of equity REITs. FFO is generally defined by the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts as net income (loss) (computed in accordance with GAAP), excluding extraordinary items and gains (losses) from sales of property, plus depreciation and amortization, and after adjustments for unconsolidated partnerships and joint ventures. We computed our FFO in accordance with thi s definition. FFO does not represent cash generated by operating activities in accordance with GAAP; it is not necessarily indicative of cash available to fund cash needs and should not be considered as an alternative to net income (loss) as an indicator of our operating performance or as an alternative to cash flow as a measure of liquidity. Furthermore, FFO as disclosed by other REITs may not be comparable to our presentation. The most directly comparable financial measure calculated in accordance with GAAP to FFO is net income available to common stockholders. The following table sets forth a reconciliation of the differences between our FFO and our net income available to common stockholders for each of the three and six months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003.
Three Months Ended June 30, | Six Months Ended June 30, | |||
2004 | 2003 | 2004 | 2003 | |
Funds From Operations (in thousands, except share amounts): | ||||
Net income available to common stockholders | $ 4,875 | $ 7,302 | $ 9,611 | $14,974 |
Adjustments: Depreciation and amortization | 7,351 | 4,995 | 14,259 | 9,904 |
Funds From Operations | $12,226 | $12,297 | $23,870 | $24,878 |
Weighted average number of shares diluted | 16,059,299 | 16,423,089 | 16,181,870 | 16,412,916 |
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Item 3. Qualitative and Quantitative Disclosures about Market Risk
We are exposed to interest rate changes primarily as a result of our line of credit and 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 objective is to limit the impact of interest rate changes on earnings and cash flows and to lower our overall borrowing costs. To achieve these objectives, we balance our borrowings between fixed and variable rate debt. During 2003, we significantly increased our level of fixed rate debt to take advantage of historically low interest rates. While we have entered into interest swap agreements to minimize our exposure to interest rate fluctuations, we do not enter into derivative or interest rate transactions for speculative purposes.
We monitor our interest rate risk using a variety of techniques. The table below presents the principal amounts and related weighted average annual interest rates by year of expected maturity to evaluate the expected cash flows and sensitivity to interest rate changes (dollars in thousands):
Twelve Month Period Ending June 30, | ||||||||
2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | Thereafter | Total | Fair Value | |
Variable rate debt | $21,078 | $719 | $69,579 | $777 | $807 | $12,754 | $105,714 | $105,714 |
Weighted average interest rate | 3.04% | 3.84% | 2.99% | 3.84% | 3.84% | 3.84% | 3.12% | 3.12% |
Fixed rate debt | $30,526 | $49,360 | $79,326 | $3,297 | $51,957 | $116,764 | $331,230 | $333,955 |
Weighted average interest rate | 6.98% | 4.06% | 7.43% | 6.22% | 6.54% | 5.49% | 6.05% | 5.75% |
As the table incorporates only those exposures that existed as of June 30, 2004, it does not consider those exposures or positions which could arise after that date. Moreover, because firm commitments are not presented in the table above, the information presented therein has limited predictive value. As a result, our ultimate realized gain or loss with respect to interest rate fluctuations will depend on the exposures that arise during the period, our hedging strategies at that time, and interest rates. If interest rates were to increase by 10%, or an average of 33 basis points, interest expense on our outstanding variable rate debt would increase by approximately $297,000 annually.
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
Our management, with the participation of our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, has conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) as of June 30, 2004. Based on that evaluation, the chief executive officer and chief financial officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective in ensuring that all material information required to be filed in this quarterly report has been made known to them in a timely fashion. There have been no significant changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) during the quarter ended June 30, 2004 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
We are not presently subject to material litigation. Moreover, to our knowledge, we are not aware of any threatened litigation against us, other than routine actions for negligence or other claims and proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business, some of which are expected to be covered by liability insurance and all of which collectively are not expected to have a material adverse impact on our liquidity, results of operations, business or financial position.
Item 2. Changes in Securities, Use of Proceeds and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
The table below provides information with respect to shares of our common stock that we repurchased during the three months ended June 30, 2004.
Period | Total number of shares purchased (1) | Average price paid per share | Total number of shares purchased as part of publicly announced program | Maximum number of shares that may yet be purchased under the program (2) |
April 1-30, 2004 | 75,000 | $27.86 | 75,000 | 1,853,863 |
May 1-31, 2004 | 277,588 | $27.35 | 266,300 | 1,576,275 |
June 1-30, 2004 | 10,656 | $29.03 | - | 1,565,619 |
Total | 363,244 | $27.51 | 341,300 | 1,565,619 |
(1)
During the second quarter of 2004, we acquired 21,944 shares of our common stock from our employees (a) in consideration for satisfying their payroll tax obligations and (b) in connection with their stock option exercises. The acquisitions were not made pursuant to a publicly announced repurchase program.
(2)
On July 7, 1998, we announced that our board of directors had authorized management to repurchase up to 3 million shares of our common stock through open market transactions. The board of directors subsequently approved increases in the number of share repurchases to 4.5 million shares in September 1999, then to 8 million shares in September 2000 and later to 10 million shares in January 2002. The share repurchase program does not have an expiration date. We repurchased 341,300 shares of our common stock pursuant to this program during the quarter ended June 30, 2004.
Item 3. Defaults upon Senior Securities
None
Item 4. Submission of Matters to Vote of Security Holders
We held our annual stockholders' meeting on May 13, 2004 to consider the following proposals:
1.
To elect six directors by the holders of our common stock for the ensuing year.
2.
To approve our Amended and Restated 2002 Directors Stock Plan.
3.
To ratify the appointment by the Board of Directors of PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP as our independent public accountants for the year ending December 31, 2004.
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All proposals were approved. With respect to the first proposal, the stockholders elected each of the following six nominees to serve as a member of our Board of Directors until the next annual meeting of stockholders or until their earlier retirement, resignation or removal. Votes for the directors were cast as follows:
Director | For | Withheld |
Peter B. Bedford | 14,767,732 | 715,013 |
Anthony M. Frank | 14,464,429 | 1,018,316 |
Peter Linneman | 15,366,930 | 115,815 |
Bowen H. McCoy | 15,366,608 | 116,137 |
Thomas H. Nolan | 14,497,376 | 985,369 |
Martin I. Zankel | 13,842,535 | 1,640,210 |
Following are the results of the voting for proposals 2 and 3:
For | Against | Abstain | No Vote | ||
2. | To approve our Amended and Restated 2002 Directors Stock Plan | 11,013,972 | 405,317 | 130,388 | 3,933,068 |
3. | To ratify the appointment by the Board of Directors of PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP as our independent public accountants for the year ending December 31, 2004 | 14,338,234 | 1,068,135 | 76,376 | - |
Item 5. Other Information
None
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Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K
A.
Exhibits
Exhibit No.
Exhibit
3.1(d)
Articles of Amendment and Restatement of Bedford Property Investors, Inc., filed on May 27, 2003, is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1(d) to our Form 10-Q for the quarter ending June 30, 2003.
3.1(e)
Articles Supplementary relating to the Series A Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock of Bedford Property Investors, Inc., filed on August 4, 2003, is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1(e) to our Form 10-Q for the quarter ending June 30, 2003.
3.1(f)
Articles Supplementary relating to the Series B Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock of Bedford Property Investors, Inc., filed on April 5, 2004, is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to our Registration Statement on Form 8-A filed with the SEC on April 5, 2004.
3.2(b)
Second Amended and Restated Bylaws of Bedford Property Investors, Inc. are incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.2(b) to our Form 10-Q for the quarter ending June 30, 2003.
4.4
Series A Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock Registration Rights Agreement, dated August 5, 2003, between Bedford Property Investors, Inc. and RBC Dain Rauscher Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.4 to our Form 10-Q for the quarter ending June 30, 2003.
10.72*
Amended and Restated 2002 Directors' Stock Plan of Bedford Property Investors, Inc., dated May 13, 2004.
31.1*
Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2*
Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.1*
Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.2*
Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
*
Filed herewith
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B.
Reports on Form 8-K
On April 1, 2004, we filed a report on Form 8-K to disclose and furnish as an exhibit an Underwriting Agreement with Morgan Stanley & Co., Incorporated, Banc of America Securities LLC and RBC Dain Rauscher Inc. in connection with our public offering of 2,400,000 shares of our 7.625% Series B Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock.
On April 20, 2004, we filed a report on Form 8-K and a report on Form 8-K/A to furnish to the Securities and Exchange Commission our press release issued on April 19, 2004, which reported our financial results for the quarter ended March 31, 2004, and to disclose our CEOs intention to retire.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
Dated: August 9, 2004
BEDFORD PROPERTY INVESTORS, INC.
(Registrant)
By:
/s/ HANH KIHARA
Hanh Kihara
Senior Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer
By:
/s/ KRISTA K. ROWLAND
Krista K. Rowland
Vice President and Controller
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EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit No.
Exhibit
3.1(d)
Articles of Amendment and Restatement of Bedford Property Investors, Inc., filed on May 27, 2003, is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1(d) to our Form 10-Q for the quarter ending June 30, 2003.
3.1(e)
Articles Supplementary relating to the Series A Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock of Bedford Property Investors, Inc., filed on August 4, 2003, is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1(e) to our Form 10-Q for the quarter ending June 30, 2003.
3.1(f)
Articles Supplementary relating to the Series B Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock of Bedford Property Investors, Inc., filed on April 5, 2004, is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to our Registration Statement on Form 8-A filed with the SEC on April 5, 2004.
3.2(b)
Second Amended and Restated Bylaws of Bedford Property Investors, Inc. are incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.2(b) to our Form 10-Q for the quarter ending June 30, 2003.
4.4
Series A Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock Registration Rights Agreement, dated August 5, 2003, between Bedford Property Investors, Inc. and RBC Dain Rauscher Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.4 to our Form 10-Q for the quarter ending June 30, 2003.
10.72*
Amended and Restated 2002 Directors' Stock Plan of Bedford Property Investors, Inc., dated May 13, 2004.
31.1*
Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2*
Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.1*
Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.2*
Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
*
Filed herewith
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