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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C.  20549

 

FORM 10-Q

 

ý QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2005

 

or

 

o TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the transition period from        to        .

 

Commission File No.  001-32248

 

GRAMERCY CAPITAL CORP.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Maryland
(State or other jurisdiction
of incorporation or organization)

 

06-1722127
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)

 

420 Lexington Avenue, New York, New York  10170
(Address of principal executive offices - zip code)

 

(212) 297-1000
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  Yes   ý    No o

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 12b-2).  Yes  o  No  ý

 

The number of shares outstanding of the registrant’s common stock, $0.001 par value, was 18,833,000 at May 11, 2005.

 

 



 

GRAMERCY CAPITAL CORP.

 

INDEX

 

PART I.

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ITEM 1.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2005 (unaudited) and December 31, 2004

 

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Statement of Income for the three months ended March 31, 2005 (unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Statement of Stockholders’ Equity for the three months ended March 31, 2005 (unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the three months ended March 31, 2005 (unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

 

 

 

 

ITEM 2.

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

 

 

ITEM 3.

QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

 

 

 

ITEM 4.

CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

 

 

PART II.

OTHER INFORMATION

 

 

 

ITEM 1.

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

 

 

ITEM 2.

CHANGES IN SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

 

 

 

ITEM 3.

DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

 

 

 

ITEM 4.

SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

 

 

 

ITEM 5.

OTHER INFORMATION

 

 

 

ITEM 6.

EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

 

 

 

Signatures

 

 

2



 

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Gramercy Capital Corp.
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)

 

 

 

March 31,

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

 

 

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

4,421

 

$

39,094

 

Restricted cash

 

2,357

 

1,901

 

Loans and other lending investments, net

 

590,826

 

395,717

 

Commercial mortgage backed securities, net

 

10,921

 

10,898

 

Stock subscriptions receivable

 

 

60,445

 

Accrued interest

 

2,795

 

2,921

 

Deferred financing costs

 

3,802

 

2,044

 

Deferred costs

 

175

 

189

 

Derivative instruments, at fair value

 

1,092

 

249

 

Other assets

 

5,326

 

589

 

Total assets

 

$

621,715

 

$

514,047

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity:

 

 

 

 

 

Credit facilities

 

$

342,291

 

$

238,885

 

Management fees payable

 

1,588

 

416

 

Dividends payable

 

4,072

 

1,951

 

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

 

2,010

 

1,935

 

Other liabilities

 

2,357

 

1,901

 

Total liabilities

 

352,318

 

245,088

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commitments and contingencies

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stockholders’ Equity:

 

 

 

 

 

Preferred stock, par value $0.001, 25,000,000 shares authorized, no shares issued or outstanding

 

 

 

Common stock, par value $0.001, 100,000,000 shares authorized, 18,833,000 and 18,812,500 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004, respectively

 

19

 

19

 

Additional paid-in-capital

 

267,663

 

268,558

 

Accumulated other comprehensive income

 

1,121

 

282

 

Retained earnings

 

594

 

100

 

Total stockholders’ equity

 

269,397

 

268,959

 

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

 

$

621,715

 

$

514,047

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

3



 

Gramercy Capital Corp.
Consolidated Statement of Income
(Unaudited, amounts in thousands, except per share data)

 

 

 

For the Three
Months Ended
March 31, 2005

 

Revenues

 

 

 

Investment income

 

$

10,250

 

Other income

 

440

 

Total revenues

 

10,690

 

 

 

 

 

Expenses

 

 

 

Interest expense

 

2,801

 

Management fees

 

1,668

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

22

 

Marketing, general and administrative

 

1,633

 

Total expenses

 

6,124

 

 

 

 

 

Net income available to common stockholders

 

$

4,566

 

 

 

 

 

Basic earnings per share:

 

 

 

Net income available to common stockholders

 

$

0.24

 

Diluted earnings per share:

 

 

 

Net income available to common stockholders

 

$

0.24

 

Dividends per common share

 

$

0.22

 

Basic weighted average common shares outstanding

 

18,833

 

Diluted weighted average common shares and common share equivalents outstanding

 

19,018

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

4



 

Gramercy Capital Corp.
Consolidated Statement of Stockholders’ Equity
(Unaudited, amounts in thousands, except share data)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Additional Paid-
In-Capital

 

Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income

 

Retained
Earnings

 

Total

 

Comprehensive
Income

 

Common

 

Stock

 

Shares

 

Par Value

 

Balance at December 31, 2004

 

18,813

 

$

19

 

$

268,558

 

$

282

 

$

100

 

$

268,959

 

 

 

Net income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4,566

 

4,566

 

$

4,566

 

Net unrealized gain on derivative instruments

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

839

 

 

 

839

 

839

 

Costs related to common stock offerings

 

 

 

 

 

(1,538

)

 

 

 

 

(1,538

)

 

 

Stock-based compensation – fair value

 

 

 

 

 

643

 

 

 

 

 

643

 

 

 

Deferred compensation plan, net

 

20

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash distributions declared

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(4,072

)

(4,072

)

 

 

Balance at March 31, 2005

 

18,833

 

$

19

 

$

267,663

 

$

1,121

 

$

594

 

$

269,397

 

$

5,405

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements

 

5



 

Gramercy Capital Corp.
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
(Unaudited, amounts in thousands)

 

 

 

For the Three
Months Ended
March 31, 2005

 

Operating Activities

 

 

 

Net income available to common stockholders

 

$

4,566

 

Adjustments to reconcile net income available to common stockholders to net cash provided by operating activities:

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

22

 

Amortization of discount on investments

 

248

 

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

 

 

 

Accrued interest

 

126

 

Other assets

 

242

 

Management fees payable

 

1,172

 

Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities

 

74

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

6,450

 

Investing Activities

 

 

 

New investment originations

 

(221,157

)

Principal collections on investments

 

20,776

 

Deferred loan costs

 

14

 

Net cash used in investing activities

 

(220,367

)

Financing Activities

 

 

 

Proceeds from credit facilities

 

103,406

 

Net proceeds from sale of common stock

 

59,547

 

Deferred financing costs

 

(1,758

)

Dividends paid

 

(1,951

)

Net cash provided by financing activities

 

159,244

 

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

 

(34,673

)

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

 

39,094

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

 

$

4,421

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

6



 

Gramercy Capital Corp.
Notes To Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited, amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
March 31, 2005

 

1.      Organization

 

Gramercy Capital Corp. (the Company or Gramercy), was organized in Maryland on April 1, 2004 as a commercial real estate specialty finance company focused on originating and acquiring, for our own account, fixed and floating rate mortgage loans, bridge loans, subordinate interests in mortgage loans, distressed debt, mortgage-backed securities, mezzanine loans, and preferred equity interests in entities that own commercial real estate in addition to acquiring and owning properties leased on a long-term, net lease basis to credit tenants, primarily in the United States.

 

In connection with the completion of our initial public offering in August 2004, Gramercy contributed the proceeds of such offering in exchange for units of limited partnership interest in GKK Capital LP, a Delaware limited partnership, or the Operating Partnership.  Substantially all of Gramercy’s operations are conducted through and all assets are held by the Operating Partnership.  Gramercy, as the sole general partner of, and holder of 100% of the common units of, the Operating Partnership, has responsibility and discretion in the management and control of the Operating Partnership, and the limited partners of the Operating Partnership, in such capacity, have no authority to transact business for, or participate in the management activities of, the Operating Partnership.  Accordingly, we consolidate the accounts of the Operating Partnership.

 

We are externally managed and advised by GKK Manager LLC, or the Manager, a majority-owned subsidiary of SL Green Realty Corp., or SL Green.  At March 31, 2005, SL Green also owned approximately 25% of the outstanding shares of our common stock. We qualified as a real estate investment trust, or REIT, under the Internal Revenue Code commencing with our taxable year ending December 31, 2004.  To maintain our tax status as a REIT, we plan to distribute at least 90% of our taxable income.  Unless the context requires otherwise, all references to “we,” “our,” and “us” means Gramercy Capital Corp.

 

As of March 31, 2005, we held investments of approximately $601,747 net of fees, discounts, repayments, asset sales and unfunded commitments with an average spread to LIBOR of 532 basis points for our floating rate investments and an average yield of 10.8% for our fixed rate investments.

 

Basis of Quarterly Presentation

 

The accompanying financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X.  Accordingly, it does not include all of the information and footnotes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, or GAAP, for complete financial statements.  In management’s opinion, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for fair presentation have been included.  The 2005 operating results for the period presented are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2005.  These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and accompanying notes included in the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004.

 

The balance sheet at December 31, 2004 has been derived from the audited financial statement at that date, but does not include all the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements.

 

2.      Significant Accounting Policies

 

Principles of Consolidation

 

The consolidated financial statements include our accounts and those of our subsidiaries which are wholly-owned or controlled by us, or entities which are variable interest entities in which we are the primary beneficiaries under FASB Interpretation No. 46, FIN 46, “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities.”  FIN 46 requires a variable interest entity, or VIE, to be consolidated by its primary beneficiary.  The primary beneficiary is the party that absorbs a majority of the VIE’s anticipated losses and/or a majority of the expected returns.  We have evaluated our investments for potential variable interests by evaluating the sufficiency of the entities’ equity investment at risk to absorb losses and determined that we are not the primary beneficiary for any of our investments.  Entities which we do not control and entities which are VIE’s, but where we are not the primary beneficiary, are accounted for under the equity method.  All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents

 

We consider all highly liquid investments with maturities of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents.

 

7



 

Restricted Cash

 

Restricted cash consists of interest reserves held on behalf of borrowers.

 

Loans and Investments

 

Loans held for investment are intended to be held to maturity and, accordingly, are carried at cost, net of unamortized loan origination costs and fees, discounts, repayments, sales of partial interests in loans and unfunded commitments unless such loan or investment is deemed to be impaired. We invest in preferred equity interests that allow us to participate in a percentage of the underlying property’s cash flows from operations and proceeds from a sale or refinancing.  At the inception of each such investment, we must determine whether such investment should be accounted for as a loan, joint venture or as an interest in real estate.

 

Specific valuation allowances are established for impaired loans based on the fair value of collateral on an individual loan basis.  The fair value of the collateral is determined by an evaluation of operating cash flow from the property during the projected holding period, and the estimated sales value of the collateral computed by applying an expected capitalization rate to the stabilized net operating income of the specific property, less selling costs, all of which are discounted at market discount rates.

 

If upon completion of the valuation, the fair value of the underlying collateral securing the impaired loan is less than the net carrying value of the loan, an allowance is created with a corresponding charge to the provision for loan losses.  The allowance for each loan is maintained at a level we believe is adequate to absorb probable losses.  There was no loan loss allowance at March 31, 2005.

 

Our Manager evaluates our assets on a regular basis to determine if they continue to satisfy our investment criteria. Subject to certain restrictions applicable to REITs, our Manager may cause us to sell our investments opportunistically and use the proceeds of any such sale for debt reduction, additional acquisitions or working capital purposes.

 

Classifications of Mortgage-Backed Securities

 

In accordance with applicable GAAP, mortgage-backed securities (“MBS”) are classified as available-for-sale securities.  As a result, changes in fair value will be recorded as a balance sheet adjustment to accumulated other comprehensive income, which is a component of stockholders equity, rather than through our statement of operations.  If available-for-sale securities were classified as trading securities, there could be substantially greater volatility in earnings from period-to-period as these investments would be marked to market and any reduction in the value of the securities versus the previous carrying value would be considered an expense on our statement of operations. We had no investments as of March 31, 2005 that were accounted for as trading securities.

 

Valuations of Mortgage-Backed Securities

 

All MBS will be carried on the balance sheet at fair value.  We determine the fair value of MBS based on the types of securities in which we have invested.  For liquid, investment-grade securities, we consult with dealers of such securities to periodically obtain updated market pricing for the same or similar instruments.  For non-investment grade securities, we actively monitor the performance of the underlying properties and loans and update our pricing model to reflect changes in projected cash flows.  The value of the securities is derived by applying discount rates to such cash flows based on current market yields.  The yields employed are obtained from our own experience in the market, advice from dealers and/or information obtained in consultation with other investors in similar instruments.  Because fair value estimates may vary to some degree, we must make certain judgments and assumptions about the appropriate price to use to calculate the fair values for financial reporting purposes.  Different judgments and assumptions could result in different presentations of value.

 

When the fair value of an available-for-sale security is less than the amortized cost, we consider whether there is an other-than-temporary impairment in the value of the security (for example, whether the security will be sold prior to the recovery of fair value).  If, in our judgment, an other-than-temporary impairment exists, the cost basis of the security is written down to the then-current fair value, and this loss is realized and charged against earnings.  The determination of other-than temporary impairment is a subjective process, and different judgments and assumptions could affect the timing of loss realization.

 

Revenue Recognition

 

Interest income on debt investments is recognized over the life of the investment using the effective interest method and recognized on the accrual basis.  Fees received in connection with loan commitments are deferred until the loan is funded and are then recognized over the term of the loan as an adjustment to yield.  Anticipated exit fees, whose collection is expected, are also recognized over the term of the loan as an adjustment to yield.  Fees on commitments that expire unused are recognized at expiration.  Fees received in exchange for the credit enhancement of another lender, either subordinate or senior to us, in the form of a guarantee are recognized over the term of that guarantee using the straight-line method.

 

8



 

Income recognition is generally suspended for debt investments at the earlier of the date at which payments become 90 days past due or when, in our opinion, a full recovery of income and principal becomes doubtful.  Income recognition is resumed when the loan becomes contractually current and performance is demonstrated to be resumed.

 

In some instances we may sell all or a portion of our investments to a third party.  To the extent the fair value received for an investment exceeds the amortized cost of that investment and FASB Statement No. 140, or SFAS 140, “Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities,” criteria is met, under which control of the asset that is sold is surrendered making it a “true sale,” a gain on the sale will be recorded through earnings as other income.

 

Reserve for Possible Credit Losses

 

The expense for possible credit losses in connection with debt investments is the charge to earnings to increase the allowance for possible credit losses to the level that management estimates to be adequate considering delinquencies, loss experience and collateral quality.  Other factors considered relate to geographic trends and project diversification, the size of the portfolio and current economic conditions.  Based upon these factors, we establish the provision for possible credit losses by category of asset.  When it is probable that we will be unable to collect all amounts contractually due, the account is considered impaired.

 

Where impairment is indicated, a valuation write-down or write-off is measured based upon the excess of the recorded investment amount over the net fair value of the collateral, as reduced by selling costs.  Any deficiency between the carrying amount of an asset and the net sales price of repossessed collateral is charged to the allowance for credit losses.  As of March 31, 2005, we did not have an allowance for credit losses.

 

Deferred Costs

 

Deferred costs consist of fees and direct costs incurred to originate new investments and are amortized using the effective yield method over the related term of the investment.

 

Deferred Financing Costs

 

Deferred financing costs represent commitment fees, legal and other third party costs associated with obtaining commitments for financing which result in a closing of such financing.  These costs are amortized over the terms of the respective agreements and the amortization is reflected in interest expense.  Unamortized deferred financing costs are expensed when the associated debt is refinanced or repaid before maturity.  Costs incurred in seeking financing transactions, which do not close, are expensed in the period in which it is determined that the financing will not close.

 

Stock Based Employee Compensation Plans

 

We have a stock-based employee compensation plan, described more fully in Note 9.  We account for this plan using the fair value recognition provisions of FASB Statement No. 123, or SFAS 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation.”

 

The Black-Scholes option-pricing model was developed for use in estimating the fair value of traded options, which have no vesting restrictions and are fully transferable.  In addition, option valuation models require the input of highly subjective assumptions including the expected stock price volatility.  Because our plan has characteristics significantly different from those of traded options and because changes in the subjective input assumptions can materially affect the fair value estimate, in our opinion, the existing models do not necessarily provide a reliable single measure of the fair value of our employee stock options.

 

Compensation cost for stock options, if any, is recognized ratably over the vesting period of the award.  Our policy is to grant options with an exercise price equal to the quoted closing market price of our stock on the business day preceding the grant date.  Awards of stock or restricted stock are expensed as compensation on a current basis over the benefit period.

 

9



 

The fair value of each stock option granted is estimated on the date of grant for options granted to our employees, and quarterly for options issued to non-employees, using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions for grants in 2005 and 2004.

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

Dividend yield

 

8.5

%

10.0

%

Expected life of option

 

6.7 years

 

7 years

 

Risk-free interest rate

 

4.27

%

4.10

%

Expected stock price volatility

 

18.7

%

18.0

%

 

Incentive Distribution (Class B Limited Partner Interest)

 

The Class B limited partner interest is entitled to receive an incentive return equal to 25% of the amount by which funds from operations (as defined in the partnership agreement of the Operating Partnership) plus certain accounting gains exceed the product of our weighted average stockholders equity (as defined in the partnership agreement of the Operating Partnership) multiplied by 9.5% (divided by 4 to adjust for quarterly calculations).  We will record any distributions on the Class B limited partner interests as an incentive distribution expense in the period when earned and when payment of such amounts has become probable and reasonably estimable in accordance with the partnership agreement.  These cash distributions will reduce the amount of cash available for distribution to our common unitholders in our Operating Partnership and to common stockholders.  No amounts were earned or accrued with respect to the Class B limited partner interests as of March 31, 2005.

 

Derivative Instruments

 

In the normal course of business, we use a variety of derivative instruments to manage, or hedge, interest rate risk.  We require that hedging derivative instruments be effective in reducing the interest rate risk exposure that they are designated to hedge.  This effectiveness is essential for qualifying for hedge accounting.  Some derivative instruments are associated with an anticipated transaction.  In those cases, hedge effectiveness criteria also require that it be probable that the underlying transaction occurs.  Instruments that meet these hedging criteria are formally designated as hedges at the inception of the derivative contract.

 

To determine the fair value of derivative instruments, we use a variety of methods and assumptions that are based on market conditions and risks existing at each balance sheet date. For the majority of financial instruments including most derivatives, long-term investments and long-term debt, standard market conventions and techniques such as discounted cash flow analysis, option-pricing models, replacement cost, and termination cost are used to determine fair value.  All methods of assessing fair value result in a general approximation of value, and such value may never actually be realized.

 

In the normal course of business, we are exposed to the effect of interest rate changes and limit these risks by following established risk management policies and procedures including the use of derivatives.  To address exposure to interest rates, we use derivatives primarily to hedge the mark-to-market risk of our liabilities with respect to certain of our assets.

 

We use a variety of commonly used derivative products that are considered plain vanilla derivatives.  These derivatives typically include interest rate swaps, caps, collars and floors.  We expressly prohibit the use of unconventional derivative instruments and using derivative instruments for trading or speculative purposes.  Further, we have a policy of only entering into contracts with major financial institutions based upon their credit ratings and other factors.

 

FASB No. 133, or SFAS 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities,” which became effective January 1, 2001, as amended by FASB No. 149, requires us to recognize all derivatives on the balance sheet at fair value.  Derivatives that are not hedges must be adjusted to fair value through income.  If a derivative is a hedge, depending on the nature of the hedge, changes in the fair value of the derivative will either be offset against the change in fair value of the hedged asset, liability, or firm commitment through earnings, or recognized in other comprehensive income until the hedged item is recognized in earnings.  The ineffective portion of a derivative’s change in fair value will be immediately recognized in earnings.  SFAS 133 may increase or decrease reported net income and stockholders’ equity prospectively, depending on future levels of LIBOR, swap spreads and other variables affecting the fair values of derivative instruments and hedged items, but will have no effect on cash flows, provided the contract is carried through to full term.

 

We may employ swaps, forwards or purchased options to hedge qualifying forecasted transactions.  Gains and losses related to these transactions are deferred and recognized in net income as interest expense in the same period or periods that the underlying transaction occurs, expires or is otherwise terminated.

 

10



 

All hedges held by us are deemed to be highly effective in meeting the hedging objectives established by our corporate policy governing interest rate risk management.  The effect of our derivative instruments on our financial statements is discussed more fully in Note 13.

 

Income Taxes

 

Gramercy elected to be taxed as a REIT, under Sections 856 through 860 of the Internal Revenue Code beginning with our taxable year ending December 31, 2004.  To qualify as a REIT, we must meet certain organizational and operational requirements, including a requirement to distribute at least 90% of our ordinary taxable income to stockholders.  As a REIT, we generally will not be subject to federal income tax on taxable income that we distribute to our stockholders.  If we fail to qualify as a REIT in any taxable year, we will then be subject to federal income taxes on our taxable income at regular corporate rates and we will not be permitted to qualify for treatment as a REIT for federal income tax purposes for four years following the year during which qualification is lost unless the Internal Revenue Service grants us relief under certain statutory provisions.  Such an event could materially adversely affect our net income and net cash available for distributions to stockholders.  However, we believe that we will be organized and operate in such a manner as to qualify for treatment as a REIT and we intend to operate in the foreseeable future in such a manner so that we will qualify as a REIT for federal income tax purposes.  We may, however, be subject to certain state and local taxes.

 

Underwriting Commissions and Costs

 

Underwriting commissions and costs incurred in connection with our stock offerings are reflected as a reduction of additional paid-in-capital.

 

Organization Costs

 

Costs incurred to organize Gramercy in 2004 were expensed as incurred.

 

Earnings Per Share

 

We present both basic and diluted earnings per share, or EPS.  Basic EPS excludes dilution and is computed by dividing net income available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period.  Diluted EPS reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock, where such exercise or conversion would result in a lower EPS amount.  Diluted EPS at March 31, 2005 reflects the dilutive effect of stock options.

 

Use of Estimates

 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

Concentrations of Credit Risk

 

Financial instruments that potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash investments, debt investments and accounts receivable.  Gramercy places its cash investments in excess of insured amounts with high quality financial institutions.  Our Manager performs ongoing analysis of credit risk concentrations in our debt investment portfolio by evaluating exposure to various markets, underlying property types, investment structure, term, sponsors, tenant mix and other credit metrics.  Two investments accounted for more than 24% of our total investments as of March 31, 2005. Two investments accounted for more than 31% of the revenue earned on our investments for the three months ended March 31, 2005.

 

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

 

SFAS No. 123(R), “Share-Based Payment, a revision of FASB Statement No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation,” requires all share-based payments to employees, including grants of employee stock options, to be recognized in the income statement based on their fair value.  The new standard is effective for interim or annual reporting periods beginning after January 1, 2006.  Because we currently recognize all restricted share and option grants using the provisions of SFAS No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation,” implementation of SFAS No. 123(R) is expected to have no impact on the our financial statements.

 

11



 

3.      Loans and Other Lending Investments

 

The aggregate carrying values, allocation by product type and weighted average coupons of our investments as of March 31, 2005 were as follows:

 

 

 

Carrying Value
($ in thousands)

 

Allocation by
Investment
Type

 

Fixed Rate:
Average Yield

 

Floating Rate:
Average
Spread over
LIBOR

 

Whole loans

 

$

251,411

 

42

%

 

306

 bps

Subordinate mortgage interests, floating rate

 

224,273

 

37

%

 

648

 bps

Subordinate mortgage interests, fixed rate

 

34,700

 

6

%

9.60

%

 

Mezzanine loans, floating rate

 

65,992

 

11

%

 

934

 bps

Mezzanine loans, fixed rate

 

2,729

 

0

%

14.53

%

 

Preferred equity

 

11,721

 

2

%

 

900

 bps

Commercial mortgage backed securities

 

10,921

 

2

%

13.49

%

 

Total / Average

 

$

601,747

 

100

%

10.76

%

532

 bps

 

For the three months ended March 31, 2005 the Company’s investment income was generated by the following investment types:

 

Investment Type

 

Investment
Income

 

% of Total

 

Subordinate mortgage interests

 

$

5,643

 

55

%

Whole loans

 

2,992

 

29

%

Mezzanine loans

 

948

 

9

%

Preferred Equity

 

306

 

3

%

CMBS

 

361

 

4

%

 

 

$

10,250

 

100

%

 

At March 31, 2005, our investment portfolio had the following geographic diversification:

 

Region

 

Carrying Value

 

% of Total

 

Northeast

 

$

299,179

 

50

%

South

 

129,067

 

21

%

Midwest

 

63,473

 

10

%

West

 

57,577

 

10

%

Various

 

52,451

 

9

%

 

 

$

601,747

 

100

%

 

In connection with our preferred equity investment, we have guaranteed a portion of the outstanding principal balance of the first mortgage loan, up to approximately $1,400, that is a financial obligation of the entity in which we have invested in the event of a borrower default under such loan.  The loan matures in 2032.  As compensation, we received a credit enhancement fee of $125 from the borrower in exchange for the guarantee, which is recognized as the fair value of the guarantee and has been recorded on our balance sheet as a liability.  The liability will be amortized over the life of the guarantee using the straight-line method and corresponding fee income will be recorded.  Under the terms of the guarantee, the investment sponsor is required to reimburse us for the entire amount paid under the guarantee until the guarantee expires.

 

4.      Debt Obligations

 

We have two facilities with Wachovia Capital Markets, LLC or one or more of its affiliates.  The first facility is a $500,000 repurchase facility.  This facility was increased to $350,000 from $250,000 effective January 3, 2005, and subsequently increased to $500,000 effective April 22, 2005.  As part of the April 2005 increase to $500,000, the initial term of the facility was modified to reflect a staggered term in which $250,000 matures in August 2007, $150,000 matures in December 2007 and the remaining $100,000 matures in June 2008.  Also in conjunction with the April 2005 upsize, the $50,000 credit facility we previously maintained with Wachovia was consolidated into the $500,000 repurchase facility.  The $500,000 facility bears interest at spreads of 1.25% to 3.50% over a 30-day LIBOR and, based on our expected investment activities, provides for advance rates that vary from 50% to 95% based upon the collateral provided under a borrowing base calculation.  The lender has a consent right to the inclusion of investments in this facility, determines periodically the market value of the investments, and has the right to require additional

 

12



 

collateral if the estimated market value of the included investments declines.  At March 31, 2005 we had borrowings of $296,167 under this facility.  We can utilize the $25,000 revolving credit facility described below to fund requirements for additional collateral pursuant to the warehouse financing or to fund the acquisition of assets.

 

The second facility is a $25,000 revolving credit facility with a term of two years.  Amounts drawn under this facility for liquidity purposes bear interest at a spread over LIBOR of 525 basis points.  Amounts drawn under this facility for acquisition purposes bear interest at a spread over LIBOR of 225 basis points.  Amounts drawn under this facility for liquidity purposes must be repaid within 105 days.  Amounts drawn under this facility generally will be secured by assets established under a borrowing base calculation unless certain financial covenants are satisfied.  These covenants are generally more restrictive than those set forth below.  At March 31, 2005 we had no borrowings under this facility.

 

We have an additional repurchase facility of $200,000 with Goldman Sachs Mortgage Company, an affiliate of Goldman Sachs & Co.  This facility has an initial term of three years with one six-month extension option.  This facility bears interest at spreads of 1.125% to 2.75% over a 30-day LIBOR and, based on our expected investment activities, provides for advance rates that vary from 75% to 90% based upon the collateral provided under a borrowing base calculation.  As with the Wachovia facility, the lender has a consent right to the inclusion of investments in this facility, determines periodically the market value of the investments, and has the right to require additional collateral if the estimated market value of the included investments declines.  At March 31, 2005 we had borrowings of $46,124 under this facility.

 

The terms of both of our repurchase facilities and our credit facility include covenants that (a) limit our maximum total indebtedness to no more than 85% of our total assets, (b) require us to maintain minimum liquidity of at least $10,000 for the first two years and $15,000 thereafter, (c) our fixed charge coverage ratio shall at no time be less than 1.50 to 1.00, (d) our minimum interest coverage ratio shall at no time be less than 1.75 to 1.00, (e) require us to maintain minimum tangible net worth of not less than the greater of (i) $129,750, or (i) plus (ii) 75% of the proceeds of our subsequent equity issuances and (f) restrict the maximum amount of our total indebtedness.  The covenants also restrict us from making distributions in excess of a maximum of 103% of our funds from operations (as defined by the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts) through July 2005 and 100% thereafter, except that we may in any case pay distributions necessary to maintain our REIT status.  Under our facilities with Wachovia Capital Markets LLC, an event of default will be triggered if GKK Manager LLC ceases to be the Manager.

 

The revolving credit facility and the repurchase facilities require that we pay down borrowings under these facilities as principal payments on our loans and investments are received.

 

At March 31, 2005 borrowings under the Wachovia and Goldman repurchase facilities were secured by the following investments:

 

Investment Type

 

Carrying Value

 

Whole loans

 

$

144,086

 

Subordinate mortgage interests

 

260,842

 

CMBS

 

10,921

 

 

 

$

415,849

 

 

5.      Operating Partnership Agreement

 

After the closing of our initial public offering, we owned all of the Class A limited partner interests in our Operating Partnership.  The Class B limited partner interests are owned 83% by SL Green Operating Partnership, L.P. and 17% by the Manager.  SL Green Operating Partnership, L.P. intends to own at least 70% of the Class B limited partner interests.

 

6.      Related Party Transactions

 

In connection with our initial public offering, we entered into a Management Agreement with GKK Manager LLC, which provides for an initial term through December 2007 with automatic one-year extension options and is subject to certain termination rights.  We pay the Manager an annual management fee equal to 1.75% of our gross stockholders equity (as defined in the Management Agreement).  For the three months ended March 31, 2005, we paid or had payable an aggregate of approximately $1,204 to the Manager under this agreement.

 

13



 

The Manager and SL Green Operating Partnership, L.P., hold 17 units and 83 units, respectively, of the Class B limited partner interests of the Operating Partnership. SL Green Operating Partnership, L.P. intends to own at least 70 units of the Class B limited partner interests. To provide an incentive for the Manager to enhance the value of the common stock, the Manager and SL Green Operating Partnership, L.P. are entitled through their ownership of Class B limited partner interests of the Operating Partnership to an incentive return equal to 25% of the amount by which funds from operations (as defined in the partnership agreement of the Operating Partnership) plus certain accounting gains exceed the product of our weighted average stockholders equity (as defined in the partnership agreement of the Operating Partnership) multiplied by 9.5% (divided by 4 to adjust for quarterly calculations).  We will record any distributions on the Class B limited partner interests as an incentive distribution expense in the period when earned and when payments of such amounts have become probable and reasonably estimable in accordance with the partnership agreement.  No amounts were earned or accrued with respect to such Class B limited partner interests through March 31, 2005.

 

We are obligated to reimburse the Manager for its costs incurred under an Asset Servicing Agreement and a separate Outsourcing Agreement between our Manager and SL Green Operating Partnership, L.P.  The Asset Servicing Agreement provides for an annual fee payable by us of 0.15% of the carrying value of our investments, excluding certain defined investments for which other servicing arrangements are executed and further reduced by fees paid directly to outside servicers by us which have been approved by SL Green Operating Partnership, L.P.  The Outsourcing Agreement provides a fee payable by us of $1,250 per year, increasing 3% annually over the prior year.  For the three months ended March 31, 2005, we paid or had payable an aggregate of $313 and $151 to our Manager under the Outsourcing and Asset Servicing Agreements, respectively.

 

In connection with the 5,500,000 shares of common stock that were sold on December 3, 2004 and settled on December 31, 2004 and January 3, 2005 in a private placement, we have agreed to pay the Manager a fee of $1,000 as compensation for financial advisory, structuring and costs incurred on our behalf.   This fee has been recorded as a reduction in the proceeds of the private placement.  Apart from legal fees and stock clearing charges totaling $245, no other fees were paid by us to an investment bank, broker/dealer or other financial advisor in connection with the private placement, resulting in total costs of 1.3% of total gross proceeds.

 

On March 31, 2005 we posted a deposit of $5,000 to SL Green Realty Corp., or SL Green, for a potential equity investment in a joint venture.  On April 29, 2005, we closed on a $57,503 investment in a joint venture with SL Green to acquire, own and operate the South Building located at One Madison Avenue, New York, New York, or the Property.  The joint venture, which was created to acquire, own and operate the Property, is owned 45% by a wholly-owned subsidiary of us and 55% by a wholly-owned subsidiary of SL Green; the joint venture interests are pari passu.  Also on April 29, 2005, the joint venture completed the acquisition of the Property from Metropolitan Life Insurance Company for the purchase price of approximately $802,800 plus closing costs, financed in part through a $690,000 first mortgage loan on the Property.  The Property comprises approximately 1.2 million square feet and is almost entirely net leased to Credit Suisse First Boston (USA), or CSFB, pursuant to a lease with a 15-year remaining term.

 

Effective May 1, 2005 we are party to a lease agreement with SLG Graybar Sublease LLC, an affiliate of SL Green, for our corporate offices at 420 Lexington Avenue, New York, NY.  The lease is for approximately five thousand square feet with an option to lease an additional approximately two thousand square feet and carries a term of ten years with rents of approximately $249 per annum for year one rising to $315 per annum in year ten.

 

Bright Star Couriers LLC, or Bright Star, provides messenger services to us.  Bright Star is owned by Gary Green, a son of Stephen L. Green.  The aggregate amount of fees paid by us for such services for the three months ended March 31, 2005 was less than $1.

 

SL Green Operating Partnership, L.P. has invested $75,000 in a preferred equity interest that is subordinate to one of our investments with a book value of $62,086 as of March 31, 2005.

 

7.      Deferred Costs

 

Deferred costs at March 31, 2005 consisted of the following (in thousands):

 

Deferred financing

 

$

4,487

 

Deferred acquisition

 

219

 

 

 

4,706

 

Less accumulated amortization

 

(729

)

 

 

$

3,977

 

 

14



 

Deferred financing costs relate to our existing repurchase and credit facilities with Wachovia and Goldman Sachs and are amortized on a straight-line basis to interest expense based on the remaining term of the related facility.

 

Deferred acquisition costs consist of fees and direct costs incurred to originate our investments.

 

8.      Fair Value of Financial Instruments

 

The following discussion of fair value was determined by our Manager, using available market information and appropriate valuation methodologies.  Considerable judgment is necessary to interpret market data and develop estimated fair value.  Accordingly, fair values are not necessarily indicative of the amounts we could realize on disposition of the financial instruments.  The use of different market assumptions and/or estimation methodologies may have a material effect on estimated fair value amounts.

 

Cash equivalents, accrued interest, and accounts payable balances reasonably approximate their fair values due to the short maturities of these items.  The carrying value of our repurchase and credit facilities approximate fair value because they bear interest at floating rates, which we believe, for facilities with a similar risk profile, reasonably approximate market rates.  Loans and commercial mortgage backed securities are carried at amounts which reasonably approximate their fair value as determined by our Manager.

 

Disclosure about fair value of financial instruments is based on pertinent information available to us at March 31, 2005.  Although we are not aware of any factors that would significantly affect the reasonable fair value amounts, such amounts have not been comprehensively revalued for purposes of these financial statements since that date and current estimates of fair value may differ significantly from the amounts presented herein.

 

9.      Stockholders’ Equity

 

Common Stock

 

Our authorized capital stock consists of 125,000,000 shares, $0.001 par value, of which we have authorized the issuance of up to 100,000,000 shares of common stock, $0.001 par value per share, and 25,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.001 per share.

 

As of the date of our formation, April 12, 2004, we had 500,000 shares of common stock outstanding valued at approximately $200,000.  On August 2, 2004 we completed our initial public offering of 12,500,000 shares of common stock resulting in net proceeds of approximately $177,600, which was used to fund investments and commence our operations.  As of March 31, 2005, 333,000 restricted shares had also been issued under our 2004 Equity Incentive Plan, or the Equity Incentive Plan.  These shares have a vesting period of three to four years and are not entitled to receive distributions declared by us on our common stock until such time as the shares have vested or the shares have been designated to receive dividends by the Compensation Committee of our Board of Directors.

 

On December 3, 2004 we sold 5,500,000 shares of common stock resulting in net proceeds of approximately $93,740 under a private placement exemption from the registration requirements of Section 5 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.  A total of 4,225,000 shares were sold to various institutional investors and an additional 1,275,000 were sold to SL Green Operating Partnership, L.P. pursuant to its contractual right to choose to maintain a 25% ownership interest in the outstanding shares of our common stock.  After the private placement, SL Green Operating Partnership, L.P. owned 4,710,000 shares of our common stock.  Of the 5,500,000 shares sold, 2,000,000 shares were settled on December 31, 2004 and the remaining 3,500,000 shares were settled on January 3, 2005.  The value of the shares settled on January 3, 2005 were reflected as a stock subscription receivable for financial statement purposes as of December 31, 2004.

 

As of March 31, 2005, 18,833,000 shares of common stock and no shares of preferred stock were issued and outstanding.

 

Equity Incentive Plan

 

As part of our initial public offering we instituted our Equity Incentive Plan.  The Equity Incentive Plan, as amended, authorizes (i) the grant of stock options that qualify as incentive stock options under Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or ISOs, (ii) the grant of stock options that do not qualify, or NQSOs, (iii) the grant of stock options in lieu of cash directors’ fees and (iv) grants of shares of restricted and unrestricted common stock.  The exercise price of stock options will be determined by the compensation committee, but may not be less than 100% of the fair market value of the shares of common stock on the date of grant.  At March 31, 2005, approximately 1,883,300 shares of common stock were available for issuance under the Equity Incentive Plan.

 

15



 

Options granted under the Equity Incentive Plan to employees are exercisable at the fair market value on the date of grant and, subject to termination of employment, expire ten years from the date of grant, are not transferable other than on death, and are exercisable in three to four annual installments commencing one year from the date of grant.  In some instances, options may be granted under the Equity Incentive Plan to persons who provide significant transaction related services, but are not considered employees because compensation for their services is not covered by our Management Agreement or Outsourcing Agreement. Options granted to non-employees have the same terms as those issued to employees except as it relates to any performance-based provisions within the grant.  To the extent there are performance provisions associated with a grant to a non-employee, an estimated expense related to these options is recognized over the vesting period and the final expense is reconciled at the point performance has been met, or the measurement date.  If no performance based provision exists, the fair value of the options is calculated on a quarterly basis and the related expense is recognized over the vesting period.

 

A summary of the status of our stock options as of March 31, 2005 are presented below:

 

 

 

2005

 

 

 

Options
Outstanding

 

Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price

 

Balance at beginning of year

 

640,500

 

$

15.05

 

Granted

 

10,000

 

$

20.49

 

Exercised

 

 

$

 

Lapsed or cancelled

 

 

$

 

Balance at end of period

 

650,500

 

$

15.13

 

 

All options were granted within a price range of $15.00 to $21.00.  The remaining weighted average contractual life of the options was 9.35 years.  Of the options granted 59% will vest equally over a three-year period and the remaining 41% will vest equally over a four-year period.  Compensation expense of $16 was recorded during the three months ended March 31, 2005 related to the issuance of stock options.

 

As of March 31, 2005, 333,000 restricted shares had been issued under the Equity Incentive Plan.  Of the shares of restricted stock issued, approximately 89% will vest equally over a three-year period and the remaining 11% will vest equally over a four-year period.  These shares are not entitled to receive distributions declared by us on our common stock until such time as the shares have vested.  Unvested shares may be entitled to receive dividends at the discretion of the Compensation Committee of our Board of Directors.  Holders of restricted shares are prohibited from selling such shares until they vest but are provided the ability to vote such shares beginning on the date of grant.  Compensation expense of $627 was recorded during the three months ended March 31, 2005 related to the issuance of restricted shares.

 

Earnings per Share

 

Earnings per share for the three months ended March 31, 2005 is computed as follows:

 

Numerator (Income)

 

Three months
ended March
31, 2005

 

Basic Earnings:

 

 

 

Net income available to common stockholders

 

$

4,566

 

Effect of dilutive securities

 

---

 

Diluted Earnings:

 

 

 

Net income available to common stockholders

 

$

4,521

 

 

 

 

 

Denominator (Weighted Average Shares)

 

 

 

Basic

 

 

 

Shares available to common stockholders

 

18,833

 

Effect of Diluted Securities:

 

 

 

Stock options

 

185

 

Diluted Shares

 

19,018

 

 

16



 

10.    Minority Interest

 

After the closing of our initial public offering, we owned all of the Class A limited partner interests in our Operating Partnership.  The Class B limited partner interests are owned 83% by SL Green Operating Partnership, L.P. and 17% by our Manager. SL Green Operating Partnership, L.P. intends to own at least 70% of the Class B limited partner interests.

 

11.    Benefit Plans

 

We do not maintain a defined benefit pension plan, post-retirement health and welfare plan, 401(K) plan or other benefits plans as we do not have any employees.  These benefits are provided to its employees by our Manager, a majority-owned subsidiary of SL Green.

 

12.    Commitments and Contingencies

 

We and our Operating Partnership are not presently involved in any material litigation nor, to our knowledge, is any material litigation threatened against us or our investments, other than routine litigation arising in the ordinary course of business.  Management believes the costs, if any, incurred by us and our Operating Partnership related to litigation will not materially affect our financial position, operating results or liquidity.

 

Our corporate offices at 420 Lexington Avenue, New York, NY are subject to an operating lease agreement with SLG Graybar Sublease LLC, an affiliate of SL Green, effective May 1, 2005.  The lease is for approximately five thousand square feet with an option to lease an additional approximately two thousand square feet and carries a term of ten years with rents of approximately $249 per annum for year one rising to $315 per annum in year ten.

 

The following is a schedule of future minimum lease payments under our operating lease as of March 31, 2005.

 

 

 

Operating
Leases

 

2005

 

$

145

 

2006

 

252

 

2007

 

256

 

2008

 

261

 

2009

 

265

 

Thereafter

 

1,633

 

Total minimum lease payments

 

$

2,812

 

 

13.    Financial Instruments: Derivatives and Hedging

 

FASB No. 133, or SFAS 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities,” which became effective January 1, 2001, requires Gramercy to recognize all derivatives on the balance sheet at fair value.  Derivatives that are not hedges must be adjusted to fair value through income.  If a derivative is a hedge, depending on the nature of the hedge, changes in the fair value of the derivative will either be offset against the change in fair value of the hedged asset, liability, or firm commitment through earnings, or recognized in other comprehensive income until the hedged item is recognized in earnings.  The ineffective portion of a derivative’s change in fair value will be immediately recognized in earnings.  SFAS 133 may increase or decrease reported net income and stockholders’ equity prospectively, depending on future levels of LIBOR interest rates and other variables affecting the fair values of derivative instruments and hedged items, but will have no effect on cash flows, provided the contract is carried through to full term.

 

The following table summarizes the notional and fair value of our derivative financial instrument at March 31, 2005.  All derivative instruments have been designated as cash flow hedges.  For the three months ended March 31, 2005 $1 was attributable to the ineffective portion of our derivative’s change in fair value and was recognized as an increase in interest expense.  The notional value is an indication of the extent of our involvement in this instrument at that time, but does not represent exposure to credit, interest rate or market risks (in thousands):

 

 

 

Notional
Value

 

Strike
Rate

 

Effective
Date

 

Expiration
Date

 

Fair
Value

 

Interest Rate Swap

 

$

10,729

 

3.36

%

8/2004

 

12/2007

 

$

242

 

Interest Rate Swap

 

$

31,686

 

2.25

%(1)

11/2004

(1)

4/2005

(1)

$

797

 

Interest Rate Swap

 

$

3,465

 

3.30

%(2)

2/2005

(2)

2/2006

(2)

$

53

 

 

17



 


(1)   This swap has a step-up component with a strike rate of 3.86%, an effective date of April 2005 and an expiration of November 2009.  The total fair value of the initial swap and the step-up provisions are reflected in the fair value.

(2)   This swap has a step-up component with a strike rate of 4.28%, an effective date of February 2006 and an expiration of December 2009.  The total fair value of the initial swap and the step-up provisions are reflected in the fair value.

 

On March 31, 2005, the derivative instruments were reported as an asset at their fair value of $1,092.  Offsetting adjustments are represented as deferred gains and are a component of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income of $1,121.  Currently, all derivative instruments are designated as effective hedging instruments.  Over time, the realized and unrealized gains and losses held in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income will be reclassified into earnings as interest expense in the same periods in which the hedged interest payments affect earnings.

 

We are hedging exposure to variability in future interest payments on its debt facilities.

 

14.    Environmental Matters

 

Our management believes we are in compliance in all material respects with applicable Federal, state and local ordinances and regulations regarding environmental issues.  Our management is not aware of any environmental liability that it believes would have a materially adverse impact on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

 

15.    Segment Reporting

 

Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 131, or “SFAS No. 131,” establishes standards for the way that public entities report information about operating segments in their annual financial statements.  We are a REIT focused on originating and acquiring loans and securities related to real estate and currently operate in only one segment.

 

16.    Supplemental Disclosure of Non-Cash Investing and Financing Activities

 

The following table represents non-cash investing and financing activities (in thousands):

 

 

 

2005

 

Derivative instruments at fair value

 

$

839

 

 

17.    Subsequent Events

 

On April 29, 2005, we closed on a $57,503 million investment in a joint venture with SL Green to acquire, own and operate the South Building located at One Madison Avenue, New York, New York, or the Property.  The joint venture, which was created to acquire, own and operate the Property, is owned 45% by a wholly-owned subsidiary of us and 55% by a wholly-owned subsidiary of SL Green; the joint venture interests are pari passu.  Also on April 29, 2005, the joint venture completed the acquisition of the Property from Metropolitan Life Insurance Company for the purchase price of approximately $802,800 plus closing costs, financed in part through a $690,000 first mortgage loan on the Property.  The Property comprises approximately 1.2 million square feet and is almost entirely net leased to Credit Suisse First Boston (USA), or CSFB, pursuant to a lease with a 15-year remaining term.

 

On April 22, 2005 our repurchase facility with Wachovia Capital Markets LLC or one or more of its affiliates was increased from $350,000 to $500,000.  In connection with this increase, the $50,000 credit facility we previously held with Wachovia Capital Markets LLC or one or more of its affiliates was consolidated into the repurchase facility and the initial term of the facility was modified to reflect a staggered term in which $250,000 matures in August 2007, $150,000 matures in December 2007 and the remaining $100,000 matures in June 2008.

 

18



 

ITEM 2:  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

 

Overview

 

We are a commercial real estate specialty finance company formed in April of 2004 focused on originating and acquiring, for our own account, fixed and floating rate mortgage loans, bridge loans, subordinate interests in mortgage loans, distressed debt, mortgage-backed securities, mezzanine loans and preferred equity interests in entities that own commercial real estate in addition to acquiring and owning properties leased on a long-term, net lease basis to credit tenants, primarily in the United States.  We conduct substantially all of our operations through our operating partnership, GKK Capital LP.  We are externally managed and advised by GKK Manager LLC, or the Manager, a majority-owned subsidiary of SL Green Realty Corp., or SL Green.  We have elected to be taxed as a REIT under the Internal Revenue Code and generally will not be subject to federal income taxes to the extent we distribute our income to our stockholders.  However, we may establish taxable REIT subsidiaries to effect various taxable transactions.  Those taxable REIT subsidiaries would incur federal, state and local taxes on the taxable income from their activities.  Unless the context requires otherwise, all references to “we,” “our” and “us” mean Gramercy Capital Corp.

 

In each financing transaction we undertake, we seek to control as much of the capital structure as possible in order to be able to identify and retain that portion that provides the best risk adjusted returns.  This is generally achieved through the direct origination of whole loans, the ownership of which permits a wide variety of syndication and securitization executions to achieve excess returns.  By providing a single source of financing for developers and sponsors, we intend to streamline the lending process, provide greater certainty for borrowers and retain the high yield debt instruments that we manufacture.  By creating, rather than buying whole loans, subordinate mortgage participations, mezzanine debt and preferred equity, we strive to deliver superior returns to our shareholders.

 

Since our inception, we have completed transactions in a variety of markets and secured by several property types.  During this period, the market for commercial real estate debt has continued to demonstrate low rates of default, high relative returns and tremendous inflows of capital.  Consequently, the market for debt instruments has evidenced moderately declining yields and more flexible credit standards and loan structures.  In particular, “conduit” originators who package whole loans for resale to investors have driven debt yields lower while maintaining substantial liquidity because of the strong demand for the resulting securities.  Because of reduced profits in the most liquid sectors of the mortgage finance business, several large institutions have begun originating large bridge loans for the purpose of generating interest income, rather than the typical focus on trading profits.  In this environment we have focused on areas where we have comparative advantages rather than competing for product merely on the basis of yield or structure.  This has particularly included whole loan origination in markets and transactions where we have an advantage due to knowledge or relationships we have or our largest shareholder, SL Green, has or where we have an ability to better assess and manage risks over time.  When considering investment opportunities in secondary market transactions in tranched debt, we generally avoid first loss risk in larger transactions due to the high historic valuations of most of the corresponding assets.  Because of the significant increase in the value of institutional quality assets relative to historic norms, we typically focus on positions in which a customary refinancing at loan maturity would provide for a return of our investment.  Because of our relatively small size at this time, we can meet our growth objectives with a moderate amount of new investment activity.

 

Because of the high relative valuation of debt instruments in the current market and a generally increasing rate environment, we have carefully managed our exposure to interest rate changes that could affect our liquidity.  We generally match our assets and liabilities in terms of base interest rate (generally 30-day LIBOR) and expected duration.  We raised $95.0 million of additional equity in December 2004 and January 2005 to reduce our outstanding indebtedness and maintain sufficient liquidity for our investment portfolio.  Based on current market conditions, we believe a collateralized debt obligation, or CDO, could achieve our financing and return objectives, but we continue to carefully manage our liquidity until such time as a CDO can be consummated.

 

19



 

As of March 31, 2005, we held investments of approximately $601.7 million and net of fees, discounts, repayments, asset sales and unfunded commitments.  The aggregate carrying values, allocation by product type and weighted average coupons of our investments as of March 31, 2005 were as follows:

 

 

 

Carrying Value
($ in thousands)

 

Allocation by
Investment
Type

 

Fixed Rate:
Average Yield

 

Floating Rate:
Average
Spread over
LIBOR

 

Whole loans

 

$

251,411

 

42

%

 

306

 bps 

Subordinate mortgage interests, floating rate

 

224,273

 

37

%

 

648

 bps 

Subordinate mortgage interests, fixed rate

 

34,700

 

6

%

9.60

%

 

Mezzanine loans, floating rate

 

65,992

 

11

%

 

934

 bps

Mezzanine loans, fixed rate

 

2,729

 

0

%

14.53

%

 

Preferred equity

 

11,721

 

2

%

 

900

 bps 

Commercial mortgage backed securities

 

10,921

 

2

%

13.49

%

 

Total / Average

 

$

601,747

 

100

%

10.76

%

532

 bps 

 

The following discussion related to our consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements appearing in Item 8 of the Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

Critical Accounting Policies

 

Our discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations is based on our financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, known as GAAP. These accounting principles require us to make some complex and subjective decisions and assessments.  Our most critical accounting policies involve decisions and assessments which could significantly affect our reported assets, liabilities and contingencies, as well as our reported revenues and expenses.  We believe that all of the decisions and assessments upon which our financial statements are based were reasonable at the time made based upon information available to us at that time.  We evaluate these decisions and assessments on an ongoing basis.  Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.  We have identified our most critical accounting policies to be the following:

 

Loans and Investments

 

Loans held for investment are intended to be held to maturity and, accordingly, are carried at cost, net of unamortized loan origination costs and fees, discounts, repayments, sales of partial interests in loans and unfunded commitments unless such loan or investment is deemed to be impaired. We invest in preferred equity interests that allow us to participate in a percentage of the underlying property’s cash flows from operations and proceeds from a sale or refinancing.  At the inception of each such investment, we must determine whether such investment should be accounted for as a loan, joint venture or as an interest in real estate.

 

Specific valuation allowances are established for impaired loans based on the fair value of collateral on an individual loan basis.  The fair value of the collateral is determined by an evaluation of operating cash flow from the property during the projected holding period, and the estimated sales value of the collateral computed by applying an expected capitalization rate to the stabilized net operating income of the specific property, less selling costs, all of which are discounted at market discount rates.

 

If upon completion of the valuation, the fair value of the underlying collateral securing the impaired loan is less than the net carrying value of the loan, an allowance is created with a corresponding charge to the provision for loan losses.  The allowance for each loan is maintained at a level we believe is adequate to absorb probable losses.  There was no loan loss allowance at March 31, 2005.

 

Our Manager evaluates our assets on a regular basis to determine if they continue to satisfy our investment criteria. Subject to certain restrictions applicable to REITs, our Manager may cause us to sell our investments opportunistically and use the proceeds of any such sale for debt reduction, additional acquisitions or working capital purposes.

 

Classifications of Mortgage-Backed Securities

 

In accordance with applicable GAAP, mortgage-backed securities are classified as available-for-sale securities.  As a result, changes in fair value will be recorded as a balance sheet adjustment to accumulated other comprehensive income, which is a component of stockholders equity, rather than through our statement of operations.  If available-for-sale securities were classified as trading securities, there could be substantially greater volatility in earnings from period-to-period as these investments would be marked to market and any reduction in the value of the securities versus the previous carrying value would be considered an expense on our statement of operations.  We had no investments as of March 31, 2005 that were accounted for as trading securities.

 

20



 

Valuations of Mortgage-Backed Securities

 

All mortgage-backed securities are carried on the balance sheet at fair value.  We determine the fair value of mortgage-backed securities based on the types of securities in which we have invested.  For liquid, investment-grade securities, we consult with dealers of such securities to periodically obtain updated market pricing for the same or similar instruments.  For non-investment grade securities, we actively monitor the performance of the underlying properties and loans and update our pricing model to reflect changes in projected cash flows.  The value of the securities is derived by applying discount rates to such cash flows based on current market yields.  The yields employed are obtained from the experience of our Manager in the market, advice from dealers and/or information obtained in consultation with other investors in similar instruments.  Because fair value estimates may vary to some degree, we must make certain judgments and assumptions about the appropriate price to use to calculate the fair values for financial reporting purposes.  Different judgments and assumptions could result in different presentations of value.

 

When the fair value of an available-for-sale security is less than the amortized cost, we consider whether there is an other-than-temporary impairment in the value of the security (for example, whether the security will be sold prior to the recovery of fair value).  If, in our judgment, an other-than-temporary impairment exists, the cost basis of the security is written down to the then-current fair value, and this loss is realized and charged against earnings.  The determination of other-than-temporary impairment is a subjective process, and different judgments and assumptions could affect the timing of loss realization.

 

Revenue Recognition

 

Interest income on debt investments is recognized over the life of the investment using the effective interest method and recognized on the accrual basis.  Fees received in connection with loan commitments are deferred until the loan is funded and are then recognized over the term of the loan as an adjustment to yield.  Anticipated exit fees, whose collection is expected, are also recognized over the term of the loan as an adjustment to yield.  Fees on commitments that expire unused are recognized at expiration.  Fees received in exchange for the credit enhancement of another lender, either subordinate or senior to us, in the form of a guarantee are recognized over the term of that guarantee.

 

Income recognition is generally suspended for debt investments at the earlier of the date at which payments become 90 days past due or when, in our opinion, a full recovery of income and principal becomes doubtful.  Income recognition is resumed when the loan becomes contractually current and performance is demonstrated to be resumed.

 

In some instances we may sell all or a portion of our investments to a third party.  To the extent the fair value received for an investment exceeds the amortized cost of that investment and FASB Statement No. 140, or SFAS 140, “Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities,” criteria is met, under which control of the asset that is sold is surrendered making it a “true sale,” a gain on the sale will be recorded through earnings as other income.

 

Reserve for Possible Credit Losses

 

The expense for possible credit losses in connection with debt investments is the charge to earnings to increase the allowance for possible credit losses to the level that management estimates to be adequate considering delinquencies, loss experience and collateral quality.  Other factors considered relate to geographic trends and project diversification, the size of the portfolio and current economic conditions.  Based upon these factors, we establish the provision for possible credit losses by category of asset.  When it is probable that we will be unable to collect all amounts contractually due, the account is considered impaired.

 

Where impairment is indicated, a valuation write-down or write-off is measured based upon the excess of the recorded investment amount over the net fair value of the collateral, as reduced by selling costs.  Any deficiency between the carrying amount of an asset and the net sales price of repossessed collateral is charged to the allowance for credit losses.  As of March 31, 2005, we maintained a balance of $0 in our reserve.

 

Incentive Distribution (Class B Limited Partner Interest)

 

The Class B limited partner interests are entitled to receive an incentive return equal to 25% of the amount by which funds from operations (as defined in the partnership agreement of the Operating Partnership) plus certain accounting gains exceed the product of our weighted average stockholders equity (as defined in the partnership agreement of the Operating Partnership) multiplied by 9.5% (divided by 4 to adjust for quarterly calculations).  We will record any distributions on the Class B limited partner interests as an incentive distribution expense in the period when earned and when payment of such amounts has become probable and reasonably

 

21



 

estimable in accordance with the partnership agreement.  These cash distributions will reduce the amount of cash available for distribution to our common unitholders in our Operating Partnership and to common stockholders.  No amounts were earned or accrued with respect to the Class B limited partner interests as of March 31, 2005.

 

Derivative Instruments

 

In the normal course of business, we use a variety of derivative instruments to manage, or hedge, interest rate risk.  We require that hedging derivative instruments be effective in reducing the interest rate risk exposure that they are designated to hedge.  This effectiveness is essential for qualifying for hedge accounting.  Some derivative instruments are associated with an anticipated transaction.  In those cases, hedge effectiveness criteria also require that it be probable that the underlying transaction occurs.  Instruments that meet these hedging criteria are formally designated as hedges at the inception of the derivative contract.

 

To determine the fair value of derivative instruments, we use a variety of methods and assumptions that are based on market conditions and risks existing at each balance sheet date.  For the majority of financial instruments including most derivatives, long-term investments and long-term debt, standard market conventions and techniques such as discounted cash flow analysis, option-pricing models, replacement cost, and termination cost are used to determine fair value.  All methods of assessing fair value result in a general approximation of value, and such value may never actually be realized.

 

In the normal course of business, we are exposed to the effect of interest rate changes and limit these risks by following established risk management policies and procedures including the use of derivatives.  To address exposure to interest rates, we use derivatives primarily to hedge the mark-to-market risk of our liabilities with respect to certain of our assets.

 

We use a variety of commonly used derivative products that are considered plain vanilla derivatives.  These derivatives typically include interest rate swaps, caps, collars and floors.  We expressly prohibit the use of unconventional derivative instruments and using derivative instruments for trading or speculative purposes.  Further, we have a policy of only entering into contracts with major financial institutions based upon their credit ratings and other factors.

 

FASB No. 133, or SFAS 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities,” which became effective January 1, 2001, requires us to recognize all derivatives on the balance sheet at fair value.  Derivatives that are not hedges must be adjusted to fair value through income.  If a derivative is a hedge, depending on the nature of the hedge, changes in the fair value of the derivative will either be offset against the change in fair value of the hedged asset, liability, or firm commitment through earnings, or recognized in other comprehensive income until the hedged item is recognized in earnings.  The ineffective portion of a derivative’s change in fair value will be immediately recognized in earnings.  SFAS 133 may increase or decrease reported net income and stockholders’ equity prospectively, depending on future levels of LIBOR, swap spreads and other variables affecting the fair values of derivative instruments and hedged items, but will have no effect on cash flows, provided the contract is carried through to full term.

 

We may employ swaps, forwards or purchased options to hedge qualifying forecasted transactions.  Gains and losses related to these transactions are deferred and recognized in net income as interest expense in the same period or periods that the underlying transaction occurs, expires or is otherwise terminated.

 

All hedges held by us are deemed to be highly effective in meeting the hedging objectives established by our corporate policy governing interest rate risk management.

 

Income Taxes

 

We have elected to be taxed as a REIT, under Sections 856 through 860 of the Internal Revenue Code, beginning with our taxable year ending December 31, 2004.  To qualify as a REIT, we must meet certain organizational and operational requirements, including a requirement to distribute at least 90% of our ordinary taxable income to stockholders.  As a REIT, we generally will not be subject to federal income tax on taxable income that we distribute to our stockholders.  If we fail to qualify as a REIT in any taxable year, we will then be subject to federal income taxes on our taxable income at regular corporate rates and we will not be permitted to qualify for treatment as a REIT for federal income tax purposes for four years following the year during which qualification is lost unless the Internal Revenue Service grants us relief under certain statutory provisions.  Such an event could materially adversely affect our net income and net cash available for distributions to stockholders.  However, we believe that we will be organized and operate in such a manner as to qualify for treatment as a REIT and we intend to operate in the foreseeable future in such a manner so that we will qualify as a REIT for federal income tax purposes.  We may, however, be subject to certain state and local taxes.

 

22



 

Results of Operations

 

For the three months ended March 31, 2005 (dollars in thousands)

 

Revenue

 

Investment income of $10,250 for the three months ended March 31, 2005 was generated on our whole loans, senior mortgage interests, subordinate mortgage interests, mezzanine loans, preferred equity interests and CMBS investments.  $1,250 was earned on fixed rate investments with a weighted average yield of 10.76%.  The remaining $9,000 relates to floating rate investments with a weighted average interest rate of LIBOR plus 5.32%.

 

Other income of $440 for the three months ended March 31, 2005 is comprised primarily of income recorded on the sale of a senior mortgage interest of $413.  $27 represents interest earned on cash balances.

 

Expenses

 

Interest expense was $2,801 for the three months ended March 31, 2005, of which $2,297 represents interest on borrowings on our master repurchase facilities with Wachovia Capital Markets LLC and Goldman Sachs Mortgage Company which had a weighted average spread to LIBOR of 207 basis points for the same period.  The remaining balance in interest expense is comprised of $109 of interest expense related to our two interest rate swap contracts and $395 of amortization of deferred financing costs related, primarily, to the closing of our facilities with Wachovia and with Goldman.

 

Management fees of $1,668 for the three months ended March 31, 2005 represents fees paid or payable to the Manager of $1,204 under our management agreement and fees paid or payable to SL Green Operating Partnership, L.P. of $313 and $151 under our outsourcing and servicing agreements, respectively.  These fees and the relationship between us, the Manager and SL Green Operating Partnership, L.P. are discussed further in “Related Party Transactions.”

 

Marketing, general and administrative expenses were $1,633 for the three months ended March 31, 2005, which represents professional fees, stock-based compensation, insurance and general overhead costs.

 

Stock-based compensation expense included in marketing, general and administrative expenses was $643 for the three months ended March 31, 2005.  This represents the cost of restricted stock and options granted or to be granted to certain of our executive officers and directors.  Of the shares of restricted stock issued, approximately 89% will vest equally over a three-year period and the remaining 11% will vest equally over a four-year period.  Of the options granted, 59% will vest equally over a three-year period and the remaining 41% will vest equally over a four-year period.  The compensation expense recorded for the three months ended March 31, 2005 represents a ratable portion of the expense of the issuance of these shares over their vesting period.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Liquidity is a measurement of the ability to meet cash requirements, including ongoing commitments to repay borrowings, fund and maintain loans and investments, pay dividends and other general business needs.  We believe that our principal sources of working capital and funds for additional investments will primarily include: 1) cash flow from operations; 2) borrowings under our repurchase and credit facilities; 3) other forms of financing or securitizations; 4) proceeds from common or preferred equity offerings and, to a lesser extent, 5) the proceeds from principal payments on our investments.  We believe these sources of financing will be sufficient to meet our short-term liquidity needs.

 

Our ability to meet our long-term liquidity and capital resource requirements will be subject to obtaining additional debt financing and equity capital.  If we are unable to renew, replace or expand our sources of financing on substantially similar terms, it may have an adverse effect on our business and results of operations.  In addition, an event of default is triggered under our repurchase facility with Wachovia Capital Markets LLC if the management agreement with GKK Manager LLC is terminated.  Depending on market conditions, our debt financing will be in the range of 70% to 80% of the carrying value of our total assets.  Any indebtedness we incur will likely be subject to continuing covenants and we will likely be required to make continuing representations and warranties about our company in connection with such debt.  Our debt financing terms may require us to keep uninvested cash on hand, or to maintain a certain portion of our assets free of liens, each of which could serve to limit our borrowing ability.  Moreover, our debt may be secured by our assets.  If we default in the payment of interest or principal on any such debt, breach any representation or warranty in connection with any borrowing or violate any covenant in any loan document, our lender may accelerate the maturity of such debt requiring us to immediately repay all outstanding principal.  If we are unable to make such payment, our lender could foreclose on our assets that are pledged as collateral to such lender.  The lender could also sue us or force us into bankruptcy.  Any such event would have a material adverse effect on our liquidity and the value of our common stock.  In addition, posting additional collateral to support our credit facilities will reduce our liquidity and limit our ability to leverage our assets.

 

23



 

To maintain our status as a REIT under the Internal Revenue Code, we must distribute annually at least 90% of our taxable income.  These distribution requirements limit our ability to retain earnings and thereby replenish or increase capital for operations.  However, we believe that our significant capital resources and access to financing will provide us with financial flexibility at levels sufficient to meet current and anticipated capital requirements, including funding new lending and investment opportunities.

 

Indebtedness

 

The table below summarizes borrowings under our Wachovia and Goldman repurchase facilities at March 31, 2005 (dollars in thousands).

 

 

 

March 31,

 

Debt Summary:

 

2005

 

Balance

 

 

 

Fixed rate

 

$

 

Variable rate

 

342,291

 

Total

 

$

342,291

 

 

 

 

 

Effective interest rate for the period

 

LIBOR + 2.07

%

 

Repurchase Facilities

 

We currently have two repurchase facilities with an aggregate of $700 million of total debt capacity.  In August 2004 we closed on a $250 million repurchase facility with Wachovia Capital Markets LLC.  This facility was then increased to $350 million on January 3, 2005 and subsequently increased to $500 million on April 22, 2005.  As part of the April 2005 increase to $500 million, the initial term of this facility was modified to reflect a staggered term in which $250 million matures in August 2007, $150 million matures in December 2007 and the remaining $100 million matures in June 2008.  Also in conjunction with the April 2005 upsize, the $50 million credit facility we previously maintained with Wachovia was consolidated into the $500 million repurchase facility.  The $500 million facility bears interest at spreads of 1.25% to 3.50% over 30-day LIBOR and, based on our investment activities, provides for advance rates that vary from 50% to 95% based upon the collateral provided under a borrowing base calculation.  The lender has a consent right with respect to the inclusion of investments in this facility, determines periodically the market value of the investments, and has the right to require additional collateral if the estimated market value of the included investments declines.   At March 31, 2005 we had an outstanding balance of $296.2 million on this facility at a weighted average spread to LIBOR of 2.12%.

 

On January 3, 2005 we closed an additional repurchase facility of $200 million with Goldman Sachs Mortgage Company, an affiliate of Goldman Sachs & Co.  This facility has an initial term of three years with one six-month extension option.  This facility bears interest at spreads of 1.125% to 2.75% over a 30-day LIBOR and, based on our investment activities, provides for advance rates that vary from 75% to 90% based upon the collateral provided under a borrowing base calculation.  As with the Wachovia repurchase facility, the lender has a consent right to the inclusion of investments in this facility, determines periodically the market value of the investments, and has the right to require additional collateral if the estimated market value of the included investments declines. At March 31, 2005 we had an outstanding balance of $46.1 million on this repurchase facility at a weighted average spread to LIBOR of 1.80%.

 

The repurchase facilities require that we pay down borrowings under these facilities as principal payments on our loans and investments are received.

 

Assets pledged as collateral under these facilities may include stabilized and transitional first mortgage whole loans, first mortgage B-notes, mezzanine loans, and rated CMBS or commercial real estate CDO securities originated or acquired by us.

 

Credit Facility

 

We currently have one $25 million credit facility with Wachovia Capital Markets LLC. with a term of two years.  Amounts drawn under this facility for liquidity purposes bear interest at a spread over LIBOR of 525 basis points.  Amounts drawn under this facility for acquisition purposes bear interest at a spread over LIBOR of 225 basis points.  Amounts drawn under this facility for liquidity purposes must be repaid within 105 days.  Amounts drawn under this facility generally will be secured by assets established under a borrowing base calculation unless certain financial covenants are satisfied.  These covenants are generally more restrictive than those set forth below.  At March 31, 2005 we did not have any borrowings under our credit facilities.

 

The credit facility requires that we pay down borrowings under these facilities as principal payments on our loans and investments are received.

 

24



 

Restrictive Covenants

 

The terms of both of our repurchase facilities and our credit facility include covenants that (a) limit our maximum total indebtedness to no more than 85% of our total assets, (b) require us to maintain minimum liquidity of at least $10 million for the first two years and $15 million thereafter, (c) our fixed charge coverage ratio shall at no time be less than 1.50 to 1.00, (d) our minimum interest coverage ratio shall at no time be less than 1.75 to 1.00, (e) require us to maintain minimum tangible net worth of not less than the greater of (i) $129.75 million, or (i) plus (ii) 75% of the proceeds of our subsequent equity issuances and (f) restrict the maximum amount of our total indebtedness.  The covenants also restrict us from making distributions in excess of a maximum of 103% of our funds from operations (as defined by the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts) through July 2005 and 100% thereafter, except that we may in any case pay distributions necessary to maintain our REIT status.  Under our facilities with Wachovia Capital Markets LLC, an event of default will be triggered if GKK Manager LLC ceases to be the Manager.  As of March 31, 2005, we were in compliance with all such covenants.

 

To maintain our status as a REIT under the Internal Revenue Code, we must distribute annually at least 90% of our taxable income.  These distribution requirements limit our ability to retain earnings and thereby replenish or increase capital for operations.  However, we believe that our significant capital resources and access to financing will provide us with financial flexibility at levels sufficient to meet current and anticipated capital requirements, including funding new lending and investment opportunities.

 

Capitalization

 

As of March 31, 2005, we had 18,833,000 shares of common stock outstanding.

 

Market Capitalization

 

At March 31, 2005, borrowings under our repurchase facilities and our revolving credit facilities represented 48% of our consolidated market capitalization of $710 million (based on a common stock price of $19.50 per share, the closing price of our common stock on the New York Stock Exchange on March 31, 2005).  Market capitalization includes our consolidated debt and common stock.

 

Contractual Obligations

 

Combined aggregate principal maturities of borrowings under our repurchase facilities and revolving credit facility and our obligations under our operating lease as of March 31, 2005 are as follows (in thousands):

 

 

 

Repurchase
Facilities

 

Revolving
Credit
Facility

 

Operating
Leases

 

Total

 

2005

 

$

 

$

 

$

145

 

$

 

2006

 

 

 

252

 

 

2007

 

296,167

 

 

256

 

296,167

 

2008

 

46,124

 

 

261

 

46,124

 

2009

 

 

 

 

 

265

 

 

 

Thereafter

 

 

 

 

 

1,633

 

 

 

 

 

$

342,291

 

 

$

2,812

 

$

342,291

 

 

Dividends

 

To maintain our qualification as a REIT, we must pay annual dividends to our stockholders of at least 90% of our REIT taxable income, determined before taking into consideration the dividends paid deduction and net capital gains.  We intend to continue to pay regular quarterly dividends to our stockholders.  Before we pay any dividend, whether for Federal income tax purposes or otherwise, which would only be paid out of available cash to the extent permitted under our unsecured and secured credit facilities, and our term loans, we must first meet both our operating requirements and scheduled debt service on our mortgages and loans payable.

 

Related Party Transactions

 

In connection with our initial public offering, we entered into a Management Agreement with GKK Manager LLC, which provides for an initial term through December 2007 with automatic one-year extension options and is subject to certain termination rights.  We pay

 

25



 

the Manager an annual management fee equal to 1.75% of our gross stockholders equity (as defined in the Management Agreement).  For the three months ended March 31, 2005, we paid or had payable an aggregate of approximately $1,204 to the Manager under this agreement.

 

The Manager and SL Green Operating Partnership, L.P., hold 17 units and 83 units, respectively, of the Class B limited partner interests of the Operating Partnership. SL Green Operating Partnership, L.P. intends to own at least 70 units of the Class B limited partner interests. To provide an incentive for the Manager to enhance the value of the common stock, the Manager and SL Green Operating Partnership, L.P. are entitled through their ownership of Class B limited partner interests of the Operating Partnership to an incentive return equal to 25% of the amount by which funds from operations (as defined in the partnership agreement of the Operating Partnership) plus certain accounting gains exceed the product of our weighted average stockholders equity (as defined in the partnership agreement of the Operating Partnership) multiplied by 9.5% (divided by 4 to adjust for quarterly calculations).  We will record any distributions on the Class B limited partner interests as an incentive distribution expense in the period when earned and when payments of such amounts have become probable and reasonably estimable in accordance with the partnership agreement.  No amounts were earned or accrued with respect to such Class B limited partner interests through March 31, 2005.

 

We are obligated to reimburse the Manager for its costs incurred under an Asset Servicing Agreement and a separate Outsourcing Agreement between our Manager and SL Green Operating Partnership, L.P.  The Asset Servicing Agreement provides for an annual fee payable by us of 0.15% of the carrying value of our investments, excluding certain defined investments for which other servicing arrangements are executed and further reduced by fees paid directly to outside servicers by us which have been approved by SL Green Operating Partnership, L.P.  The Outsourcing Agreement provides a fee payable by us of $1,250 per year, increasing 3% annually over the prior year.  For the three months ended March 31, 2005, we paid or had payable an aggregate of $313 and $151 to our Manager under the Outsourcing and Asset Servicing Agreements, respectively.

 

In connection with the 5,500,000 shares of common stock that were sold on December 3, 2004 and settled on December 31, 2004 and January 3, 2005 in a private placement, we have agreed to pay the Manager a fee of $1,000 as compensation for financial advisory, structuring and costs incurred on our behalf.  This fee has been recorded as a reduction in the proceeds of the private placement.  Apart from legal fees and stock clearing charges of $245, no other fees were paid by us to an investment bank, broker/dealer or other financial advisor in connection with the private placement, resulting in total costs of 1.3% of total gross proceeds.

 

On March 31, 2005 we posted a deposit of $5 million to SL Green for a potential equity investment in a joint venture.  On April 29, 2005, we closed on a $57.5 million investment in a joint venture with SL Green to acquire, own and operate the South Building located at One Madison Avenue, New York, New York, or the Property.  The joint venture, which was created to acquire, own and operate the Property, is owned 45% by a wholly-owned subsidiary of us and 55% by a wholly-owned subsidiary of SL Green; the joint venture interests are pari passu.  Also on April 29, 2005, the joint venture completed the acquisition of the Property from Metropolitan Life Insurance Company for the purchase price of $802.8 million plus closing costs, financed in part through a $690.0 million first mortgage loan on the Property.  The Property comprises approximately 1.2 million square feet and is almost entirely net leased to Credit Suisse First Boston (USA), or CSFB, pursuant to a lease with a 15-year remaining term.

 

Effective May 1, 2005 we are party to a lease agreement with SLG Graybar Sublease LLC, an affiliate of SL Green Realty Corp., for our corporate offices at 420 Lexington Avenue, New York, NY.  The lease is for approximately five thousand square feet with an option to lease an additional approximately two thousand square feet and carries a term of ten years with rents of approximately $249 per annum for year one rising to $315 per annum in year ten.

 

Bright Star Couriers LLC, or Bright Star, provides messenger services to us.  Bright Star is owned by Gary Green, a son of Stephen L. Green.  The aggregate amount of fees paid by us for such services for the three months ended March 31, 2005 was less than $1.

 

SL Green Operating Partnership, L.P. has invested $75,000 in a preferred equity interest that is subordinate to one of our investments with a book value of $62,086 as of March 31, 2005.

 

Funds from Operations

 

FFO is a widely recognized measure of REIT performance.  We compute FFO in accordance with standards established by the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts, or NAREIT, which may not be comparable to FFO reported by other REITs that do not compute FFO in accordance with the NAREIT definition, or that interpret the NAREIT definition differently than we do.  The revised White Paper on FFO approved by the Board of Governors of NAREIT in April 2002 defines FFO as net income (loss) (computed in accordance with GAAP), excluding gains (or losses) from debt restructuring and sales of properties, plus real estate related depreciation and amortization and after adjustments for unconsolidated partnerships and joint ventures.  We present FFO

 

26



 

because we consider it an important supplemental measure of our operating performance and believe that it is frequently used by securities analysts, investors and other interested parties in the evaluation of REITS.  We also use FFO as one of several criteria to determine performance-based bonuses for members of our senior management.  FFO is intended to exclude GAAP historical cost depreciation and amortization of real estate and related assets, which assumes that the value of real estate assets diminishes ratably over time.  Historically, however, real estate values have risen or fallen with market conditions.  Because FFO excludes depreciation and amortization unique to real estate, gains and losses from property dispositions and extraordinary items, it provides a performance measure that, when compared year over year, reflects the impact to operations from trends in occupancy rates, rental rates, operating costs, interest costs, providing perspective not immediately apparent from net income.  FFO does not represent cash generated from operating activities in accordance with GAAP and should not be considered as an alternative to net income (determined in accordance with GAAP), as an indication of our financial performance or to cash flow from operating activities (determined in accordance with GAAP) as a measure of our liquidity, nor is it indicative of funds available to fund our cash needs, including our ability to make cash distributions.

 

Funds from Operations for the three months ended March 31, 2005 is as follows (in thousands):

 

 

 

Three Months
Ended
March 31,
2005

 

Net income available to common stockholders

 

$

4,566

 

Add:

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

417

 

Less:

 

 

 

Amortization of deferred financing costs and depreciation on non-rental real estate assets

 

(417

)

Funds from operations – basic

 

4,566

 

Dividends on preferred shares

 

 

Funds from operations – diluted

 

$

4,566

 

Cash flows provided by operating activities

 

$

1,450

 

Cash flows used in investing activities

 

$

(195,367

)

Cash flows provided by financing activities

 

$

159,244

 

 

Forward-Looking Information

 

This report includes certain statements that may be deemed to be “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Act, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act.  Such forward-looking statements relate to, without limitation, our future capital expenditures, dividends and acquisitions (including the amount and nature thereof) and other trends of the real estate industry, debt capital and commercial markets, business strategies, and the expansion and growth of our operations.  These statements are based on certain assumptions and analyses made by us in light of our Manager’s experience and our Manager’s perception of historical trends, current conditions, expected future developments and other factors we believe are appropriate.  We intend such forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements contained in Section 27A of the Act and Section 21E of the Exchange Act.  Such statements are subject to a number of assumptions, risks and uncertainties which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements.  Forward-looking statements are generally identifiable by the use of the words “may,” “will,” “should,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “believe,” “intend,” “project,” “continue,” or the negative of these words, or other similar words or terms.  Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements.  These assumptions, risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to:

 

      the success or failure of our efforts to implement our current business strategy;

 

      economic conditions generally and in the commercial finance and commercial real estate markets specifically;

 

      the performance and financial condition of borrowers and corporate customers;

 

      the actions of our competitors and our ability to respond to those actions;

 

      the cost of our capital, which depends in part on our asset quality, the nature of our relationships with our lenders and other capital providers, our business prospects and outlook and general market conditions;

 

      GKK Manager LLC remaining as our Manager;

 

      our ability to qualify as a REIT in any taxable year;

 

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      changes in governmental regulations, tax rates and similar matters; and

 

      legislative and regulatory changes (including changes to laws governing the taxation of REITs), and other factors, many of which are beyond our control.

 

We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of future events, new information or otherwise.

 

The risks included here are not exhaustive.  Other sections of this report may include additional factors that could adversely affect our business and financial performance.  Moreover, we operate in a very competitive and rapidly changing environment.  New risk factors emerge from time to time and it is not possible for management to predict all such risk factors, nor can it assess the impact of all such risk factors on our business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements.  Given these risks and uncertainties, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements as a prediction of actual results.

 

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ITEM 3.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk

 

Market risk includes risks that arise from changes in interest rates, commodity prices, equity prices and other market changes that affect market sensitive instruments.  In pursuing our business plan, we expect that the primary market risks to which we will be exposed are real estate and interest rate risks.

 

Real Estate Risk

 

Commercial and multi-family property values and net operating income derived from such properties are subject to volatility and may be affected adversely by a number of factors, including, but not limited to, national, regional and local economic conditions which may be adversely affected by industry slowdowns and other factors), local real estate conditions (such as an oversupply of retail, industrial, office or other commercial or multi-family space), changes or continued weakness in specific industry segments, construction quality, age and design, demographic factors, retroactive changes to building or similar codes, and increases in operating expenses (such as energy costs).  In the event net operating income decreases, a borrower may have difficulty repaying our loans, which could result in losses to us.  In addition, decreases in property values reduce the value of the collateral and the potential proceeds available to a borrower to repay our loans, which could also cause us to suffer losses.  Even when a property’s net operating income is sufficient to cover the property’s debt service, at the time a loan is made, there can be no assurance that this will continue in the future.

 

Interest Rate Risk
 

Interest rate risk is highly sensitive to many factors, including governmental monetary and tax policies, domestic and international economic and political considerations and other factors beyond our control.

 

Our operating results will depend in large part on differences between the income from our assets and our borrowing costs.  Most of our assets and borrowings are expected to be variable-rate instruments that we will finance with variable rate debt.  The objective of this strategy is to minimize the impact of interest rate changes on the spread between the yield on our assets and our cost of funds.  We enter into hedging transactions with respect to all liabilities relating to fixed rate assets in the future.  If we were to finance fixed rate assets with variable rate debt and the benchmark for our variable rate debt increased, our net income would decrease.  Furthermore, as most of our available financing provides for an ability of the lender to mark our assets to market and make margin calls based on a change in the value of our assets, financing fixed rate assets with this debt creates the risk that an increase in fixed rate benchmarks (such as “swap” yields) would decrease the value of our fixed rate assets.  We have entered into certain swap transactions in anticipation of drawing upon our mark-to-market debt to hedge against this risk.  Some of our loans may be subject to various interest rate floors.  As a result, if interest rates fall below the floor rates, the spread between the yield on our assets and our cost of funds will increase, which will generally increase our returns.  Because of our strategies to date, our net income will generally increase if LIBOR increases and decreases if LIBOR decreases, but this may not always be true in the future.  Our exposure to interest rates will also be affected by our overall corporate leverage, which we anticipate will be 70% to 80% of the carrying value of our assets; but our actual leverage depends on our mix of assets.

 

In the event of a significant rising interest rate environment and/or economic downturn, delinquencies and defaults could increase and result in credit losses to us, which could adversely affect our liquidity and operating results.  Further, such delinquencies or defaults could have an adverse effect on the spreads between interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities

 

ITEM 4.  Controls and Procedures

 

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

We maintain disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our Exchange Act reports is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure based closely on the definition of “disclosure controls and procedures” in Rule 13a-15(e).  In designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, management recognized that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives, and management necessarily was required to apply its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures.  Also, we may have investments in certain unconsolidated entities.  As we do not control these entities, our disclosure controls and procedures with respect to such entities are necessarily substantially more limited than those we maintain with respect to our consolidated subsidiaries.

 

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As of the end of the period covered by this report, we carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures.  Based upon that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this report.

 

Changes in Internal Controls over Financial Reporting

 

There were no changes in our internal controls over financial reporting identified in connection with the evaluation of such internal controls that occurred during Gramercy’s last fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, Gramercy’s internal controls over financial reporting.

 

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PART II OTHER INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1.  LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
 

See Note 12 to the Consolidated Financial Statements

 

ITEM 2.  CHANGES IN SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
 

None

 

ITEM 3.  DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

 

None

 

ITEM 4.  SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

 

None

 

ITEM 5.  OTHER INFORMATION

 

None

 

ITEM 6.  EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

 

(a)           Exhibits:

 

3.1     Articles of Incorporation of the Company, incorporated by reference to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-11 (No. 333-114673), declared effective by the Commission on July 27, 2004.

 

3.2 Bylaws of the Company, incorporated by reference to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-11 (No. 333-114673), declared effective by the Commission on July 27, 2004.

 

4.1 Specimen Common Stock Certificate, incorporated by reference to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-11 (No. 333-114673), declared effective by the Commission on July 27, 2004.

 

10.1 Form of Management Agreement by and between the Company and GKK Manager LLC, incorporated by reference to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-11 (No. 333-114673), declared effective by the Commission on July 27, 2004.

 

10.2 Form of Origination Agreement by and between the Company and SL Green Realty Corp., incorporated by reference to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-11 (No. 333-114673), declared effective by the Commission on July 27, 2004.

 

10.3 Form of Agreement of Limited Partnership of GKK Capital LP, incorporated by reference to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-11 (No. 333-114673), declared effective by the Commission on July 27, 2004.

 

10.4 Form of Asset Servicing Agreement by and between GKK Manager LLC and SLG Gramercy Services LLC, incorporated by reference to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-11 (No. 333-114673), declared effective by the Commission on July 27, 2004.

 

10.5 Form of Outsource Agreement by and between GKK Manager LLC and SLG Operating Partnership, L.P., incorporated by reference to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-11 (No. 333-114673), declared effective by the Commission on July 27, 2004.

 

10.6 Form of 2004 Equity Incentive Plan, incorporated by reference to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-11 (No. 333-114673), declared effective by the Commission on July 27, 2004.

 

10.7 Form of Master Repurchase Agreement, incorporated by reference to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-11 (No. 333-114673), declared effective by the Commission on July 27, 2004.

 

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10.8 Form of Acquisition Repurchase Agreement, incorporated by reference to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-11 (No. 333-114673), declared effective by the Commission on July 27, 2004.

 

10.9 Form of Credit Agreement, incorporated by reference to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-11 (No. 333-114673), declared effective by the Commission on July 27, 2004.

 

10.10 Form of Master Repurchase Agreement dated as of January 3, 2005, incorporated by reference to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004.

 

10.11 Annex to the Form of Master Repurchase Agreement dated as of January 3, 2005, incorporated by reference to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004.

 

10.12 Form of Employment Agreement by and between Hugh Hall and GKK Manager LLC, incorporated by reference to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004.

 

10.13 Form of Employment Agreement by and between Robert R. Foley and GKK Manager LLC, incorporated by reference to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004.

 

10.14 Form of Registration Rights Agreement, by and between various holders of the Company’s common stock and the Company, incorporated by reference to the Company’s Form 8-K, dated December 9, 2004, filed with the Commission on December 9, 2004.

 

10.15 Form of Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement, by and between SL Green Realty Corp. and the Company, incorporated by reference to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004.

 

10.16 Form of Purchase Agreement, by and among the Company and various investors in the Company’s common stock, incorporated by reference to the Company’s Form 8-K, dated December 3, 2004 filed with the Commission on December 3, 2004.

 

10.17 Form of LLC Agreement, by and between GKK Madison Investment LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, and SLG Madison Investment LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of SL Green Realty Corp.

 

10.18 Form of Amended and Restated Master Repurchase Agreement, by and between the Company and Wachovia Capital Markets, LLC.

 

31.1 Certification by the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 filed herewith.

 

31.2 Certification by the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 filed herewith.

 

32.1 Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 202 filed herewith.

 

32.2 Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 filed herewith.

 

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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.

 

 

 

GRAMERCY CAPITAL CORP.

 

 

 

 

 

By:

   /s/ Robert R. Foley

 

 

 

Robert R. Foley

 

 

Chief Financial Officer

 

 

 

 

 

Date:

May 11, 2005

 

 

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