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EX-32 - EXHIBIT 32 CJU & JTH CERTIFICATION - URSTADT BIDDLE PROPERTIES INCexhibit32.htm
EX-31.2 - EXHIBIT 31.2 JTH CERTIFICATION - URSTADT BIDDLE PROPERTIES INCexhibit31_2.htm
EX-10.1 - EXHIBIT 10.1 AMENDED & RESTATED RESTRICTED STOCK AWARD PLAN - URSTADT BIDDLE PROPERTIES INCexhibit10_1.htm
EX-31.1 - EXHIBIT 31.1 CJU CERTIFICATION - URSTADT BIDDLE PROPERTIES INCexhibit31_1.htm



 

United States
Securities And Exchange Commission
Washington, DC 20549

Form 10-Q

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

For the quarterly period ended April 30, 2011

OR

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


For the transition period from _____to_____

Commission File Number 1-12803
Urstadt Biddle Properties Inc.
(Exact Name of Registrant in its Charter)

Maryland
04-2458042
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)
 
321 Railroad Avenue, Greenwich, CT
06830
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code:  (203) 863-8200

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

 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).  Yes  o No  o


Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company.  See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act (Check one):

Large accelerated filer o
Accelerated filer x
Non-accelerated filer o
Smaller reporting company o

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).  Yes o   No x
 
As of June 7, 2011 (latest date practicable), the number of shares of the Registrant's classes of Common Stock and Class A Common Stock was: 8,667,813 Common Shares, par value $.01 per share, and 20,886,839 Class A Common Shares, par value $.01 per share.

 
1

 



Index
 
 
Urstadt Biddle Properties Inc.
 
 
 
Part I.                      Financial Information
 
Item 1.
Financial Statements (Unaudited)
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
Item 2.
   
Item 3.
   
Item 4.
   
   
Part II.                      Other Information
   
Item 1.
   
Item 2.
   
Item 6.
   
Signatures

 
2

 


URSTADT BIDDLE PROPERTIES INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands, except share data)

   
April 30,
   
Oct 31,
 
ASSETS
 
2011
   
2010
 
   
(Unaudited)
       
Real Estate Investments:
           
Core properties – at cost
  $ 610,748     $ 599,839  
Non-core properties – at cost
    450       1,383  
      611,198       601,222  
Less:  Accumulated depreciation
    (120,917 )     (118,193 )
      490,281       483,029  
Investments in and advances to unconsolidated joint ventures
    25,348       24,850  
Mortgage note receivable
    1,046       1,090  
      516,675       508,969  
                 
Cash and cash equivalents
    1,711       15,675  
Restricted cash
    863       861  
Marketable securities
    982       932  
Tenant receivables
    21,748       20,504  
Prepaid expenses and other assets
    11,102       5,296  
Deferred charges, net of accumulated amortization
    4,889       4,816  
Total Assets
  $ 557,970     $ 557,053  
                 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
               
                 
Liabilities:
               
Revolving credit lines
  $ 14,600     $ 11,600  
Mortgage notes payable and other loans
    122,676       118,202  
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
    3,108       1,397  
Deferred compensation – officers
    186       304  
Other liabilities
    10,777       10,566  
Total Liabilities
    151,347       142,069  
                 
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests
    4,067       11,330  
                 
Redeemable Preferred Stock, par value $.01 per share; issued and outstanding 2,800,000 shares
    96,203       96,203  
                 
Commitments and Contingencies
               
                 
Stockholders’ Equity:
               
7.5% Series D Senior Cumulative Preferred Stock (liquidation preference of $25 per share);
2,450,000 shares issued and outstanding
    61,250       61,250  
Excess Stock, par value $.01 per share; 10,000,000 shares authorized;
none issued and outstanding
    -       -  
Common Stock, par value $.01 per share; 30,000,000 shares authorized;
               
8,667,813 and  8,461,440 shares issued and outstanding
    87       84  
Class A Common Stock, par value $.01 per share; 40,000,000 shares authorized;
               
20,886,839 and 20,819,698 shares issued and outstanding
    209       208  
Additional paid in capital
    313,209       310,695  
Cumulative distributions in excess of net income
    (68,287 )     (64,557 )
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
    (115 )     (229 )
Total Stockholders’ Equity
    306,353       307,451  
Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
  $ 557,970     $ 557,053  

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

 
3

 



URSTADT BIDDLE PROPERTIES INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (UNAUDITED)
(In thousands, except per share data)

   
Six Months Ended
   
Three Months Ended
 
   
April 30,
   
April 30,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
 
Revenues
                       
Base rents
  $ 32,114     $ 31,191     $ 15,971     $ 15,691  
Recoveries from tenants
    10,764       9,964       5,684       5,140  
Lease termination income
    2,988       47       -       47  
Other income
    1,013       516       698       262  
Total Revenues
    46,879       41,718       22,353       21,140  
                                 
Expenses
                               
Property operating
    7,663       7,318       4,427       3,821  
Property taxes
    7,225       6,647       3,580       3,319  
Depreciation and amortization
    7,593       7,177       3,806       3,608  
General and administrative
    3,731       3,527       1,830       1,801  
    Acquisition Costs
    53       156       53       156  
Directors' fees and expenses
    152       174       67       84  
Total Operating Expenses
    26,417       24,999       13,763       12,789  
                                 
Operating Income
    20,462       16,719       8,590       8,351  
                                 
Non-Operating Income (Expense):
                               
Interest expense
    (3,804 )     (3,622 )     (1,903 )     (1,784 )
Equity in net income from unconsolidated joint venture
    141       29       79       29  
Other expense
    (3 )     (449 )     -       (389 )
Interest, dividends and other investment income
    419       50       224       29  
                                 
Net Income
    17,215       12,727       6,990       6,236  
                                 
Noncontrolling interests:
                               
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
    (153 )     (154 )     (77 )     (76 )
Net income attributable to Urstadt Biddle Properties Inc.
    17,062       12,573       6,913       6,160  
Preferred stock dividends
    (6,547 )     (6,547 )     (3,274 )     (3,274 )
                                 
Net Income Applicable to Common and Class A Common Stockholders
  $ 10,515     $ 6,026     $ 3,639     $ 2,886  
                                 
Basic Earnings Per Share:
                               
Common
  $ .35     $ .22     $ .12     $ .11  
Class A Common
  $ .39     $ .25     $ .13     $ .12  
                                 
Diluted Earnings Per Share:
                               
Common
  $ .34     $ .22     $ .12     $ .10  
Class A Common
  $ .38     $ .24     $ .13     $ .12  
                                 
Dividends Per Share:
                               
Common
  $ .4450     $ .4400     $ .2225     $ .2200  
Class A Common
  $ .4900     $ .4850     $ .2450     $ .2425  



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

 
4

 



URSTADT BIDDLE PROPERTIES INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)
(In thousands)

   
Six Months Ended
 
   
April 30,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
           
Net income
  $ 17,215     $ 12,727  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided
               
by operating activities:
               
Depreciation and amortization
    7,593       7,177  
Straight-line rent adjustment
    (263 )     (358 )
Provisions for tenant credit losses
    539       237  
Loss on property held for sale
    -       300  
Restricted stock compensation expense and other adjustments
    1,948       1,636  
Deferred compensation arrangement
    (119 )     (89 )
Equity in net income of unconsolidated joint venture
    (141 )     (29 )
Lease termination income
    (2,988 )     -  
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
               
Tenant receivables
    (1,520 )     (1,497 )
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
    1,793       964  
Other assets and other liabilities, net
    (2,278 )     396  
Restricted Cash
    (2 )     178  
Net Cash Flow Provided by Operating Activities
    21,777       21,642  
                 
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
               
Acquisitions of real estate investments
    (6,362 )     (8,520 )
Investments in and advances to unconsolidated joint venture
    (555 )     (6,534 )
Acquisitions of noncontrolling interests
    (7,431 )     -  
Deposits on acquisition of real estate investments
    (882 )     (1,154 )
Improvements to properties and deferred charges
    (3,162 )     (2,652 )
Distributions to noncontrolling interests
    (153 )     (154 )
Payments received on mortgage notes and other receivables
    364       39  
Net Cash Flow (Used in) Investing Activities
    (18,181 )     (18,975 )
                 
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
               
Dividends paid -- Common and Class A Common Stock
    (14,080 )     (12,580 )
Dividends paid -- Preferred Stock
    (6,547 )     (6,547 )
Principal repayments on mortgage notes payable
    (1,228 )     (6,206 )
Proceeds from revolving credit line borrowings
    3,000       13,300  
Proceeds from loan financing
    726       -  
Sales of additional shares of Common and Class A Common Stock
    569       531  
Net Cash Flow (Used in) Financing Activities
    (17,560 )     (11,502 )
                 
Net (Decrease) In Cash and Cash Equivalents
    (13,964 )     (8,835 )
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period
    15,675       10,340  
                 
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period
  $ 1,711     $ 1,505  
                 
Supplemental Cash Flow Disclosures:
               
Interest Paid
  $ 3,815     $ 3,484  
                 
The accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these statements.
               
   


 
5

 

URSTADT BIDDLE PROPERTIES INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (UNAUDITED)
(In thousands, except shares and per share data)

   
7.5% Series D Preferred Stock Issued
   
7.5% Series D Preferred Stock Amount
   
Common Stock Issued
   
Common Stock Amount
   
Class A Common Stock Issued
   
Class A Common Stock Amount
   
Additional Paid In Capital
   
Cumulative Distributions In Excess of Net Income
   
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (loss)
   
Total Stockholders’ Equity
 
                                                             
Balances – October 31, 2010
    2,450,000     $ 61,250       8,461,440     $ 84       20,819,698     $ 208     $ 310,695     $ (64,557 )   $ (229 )   $ 307,451  
Comprehensive Income:
                                                                               
Net income applicable to Common  and Class A common stockholders
    -       -       -       -       -       -       -       10,515       -       10,515  
Change in unrealized gains (losses) in marketable securities
    -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       50       50  
Change in unrealized (loss) on interest rate swap
    -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       64       64  
Total comprehensive income
    -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       10,629  
Cash dividends paid :
                                                                               
Common stock ($.4450 per share)
    -       -       -       -       -       -       -       (3,847 )     -       (3,847 )
Class A common stock ($.4900 per share)
    -       -       -       -       -       -       -       (10,233 )     -       (10,233 )
Issuance of shares under dividend reinvestment plan
    -       -       30,423       1       4,041       -       569       -       -       570  
Shares issued under restricted stock plan
    -       -       175,950       2       63,100       1       (3 )     -       -       -  
Restricted stock compensation and other adjustments
    -       -       -       -       -       -       1,948       -       -       1,948  
Adjustments to redeemable noncontrolling interests
    -       -       -       -       -       -       -       (165 )     -       (165 )
Balances – April 30 ,2011
    2,450,000     $ 61,250       8,667,813     $ 87       20,886,839     $ 209     $ 313,209     $ (68,287 )   $ (115 )   $ 306,353  
                                                                                 








 
6

 


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(1) ORGANIZATION, BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Business
Urstadt Biddle Properties Inc. (“Company”), a real estate investment trust (REIT), is engaged in the acquisition, ownership and management of commercial real estate, primarily neighborhood and community shopping centers in the northeastern part of the United States.  Non-core properties include two distribution service facilities.  The Company's major tenants include supermarket chains and other retailers who sell basic necessities.  At April 30, 2011, the Company owned or had equity interests in 51 properties containing a total of 4.7 million square feet of Gross Leasable Area (“GLA”).

Principles of Consolidation and Use of Estimates
The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company, its wholly owned subsidiaries, and joint ventures in which the Company meets certain criteria of a sole general partner in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 810, “Consolidation”.  The Company has determined that such joint ventures should be consolidated into the consolidated financial statements of the Company.  In accordance with ASC Topic 970 “Real Estate”, joint ventures that the Company does not control but otherwise exercises significant influence in, are accounted for under the equity method of accounting.  See Notes 5 and 6 for further discussion of the above.  All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.

The accompanying financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X.  Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles have been omitted.  In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included.  Results of operations for the six month period ended April 30, 2011 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending October 31, 2011.  It is suggested that these financial statements be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2010.

The preparation of financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities, the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the periods covered by the financial statements.  The most significant assumptions and estimates relate to the valuation of real estate, depreciable lives, revenue recognition, fair value estimates, and the collectibility of tenant and mortgage notes receivables and other assets.  Actual results could differ from these estimates.  The balance sheet at October 31, 2010 has been derived from audited financial statements at that date.

Federal Income Taxes
The Company has elected to be treated as a REIT under Sections 856-860 of the Internal Revenue Code (Code).  Under those sections, a REIT that, among other things, distributes at least 90% of real estate trust taxable income and meets certain other qualifications prescribed by the Code will not be taxed on that portion of its taxable income that is distributed.  The Company believes it qualifies as a REIT and intends to distribute all of its taxable income for fiscal 2011 in accordance with the provisions of the Code.  Accordingly, no provision has been made for Federal income taxes in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

The Company follows the provisions of ASC Topic 740, “Income Taxes” that, among other things, defines a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. ASC Topic 740 also provides guidance on de-recognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure, and transition.   Based on its evaluation, the Company determined that it has no uncertain tax positions and no unrecognized tax benefits as of April 30, 2011.  The Company records interest and penalties relating to unrecognized tax benefits, if any, as interest expense.  As of April 30, 2011, the fiscal tax years 2007 through and including 2010 remain open to examination by the Internal Revenue Service.  There are currently no federal tax examinations in progress.

Concentration of Credit Risk
Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, marketable securities, mortgage notes receivable and tenant receivables.  The Company places its cash and cash equivalents with high quality financial institutions and the balances at times could exceed federally insured limits.  The Company performs ongoing credit evaluations of its tenants and may require certain tenants to provide security deposits or letters of credit.  Though these security deposits and letters of credit are insufficient to meet the terminal value of a tenant’s lease obligation, they are a measure of good faith and a source of funds to offset the economic costs associated with lost rent and the costs associated with re-tenanting the space.  The Company has no dependency upon any single tenant.

Marketable Securities
Marketable securities consist of short-term investments and marketable equity securities.  Short-term investments (consisting of investments with original maturities of greater than three months when purchased) and marketable equity securities are carried at fair value.  The Company has classified marketable securities as available for sale.  Unrealized gains and losses on available for sale securities are recorded as other comprehensive income (loss) in Stockholders’ Equity.  There were no sales of marketable securities during the six month period ended April 30, 2011.

 
7

 
 
As of April 30, 2011, all of the Company’s marketable securities consisted of REIT Common and Preferred Stocks.  At April 30, 2011, the Company has recorded a net unrealized gain on available for sale securities in the amount of $24,000.  The Company deems unrealized losses to be temporary.  If and when the Company deems the unrealized losses to be other than temporary, unrealized losses will be realized and reclassified into earnings.  The net unrealized gain at April 30, 2011 is detailed below (In thousands):

Description:
 
Fair Market Value
   
Cost
Basis
   
Net Unrealized Gain/(Loss)
   
Gross
Unrealized Gains
   
Gross Unrealized (Loss)
 
                               
REIT Common and Preferred Stocks
  $ 982     $ 958     $ 24     $ 134     $ (110 )

Derivative Financial Instruments
The Company occasionally utilizes derivative financial instruments, such as interest rate swaps, to manage its exposure to fluctuations in interest rates. The Company has established policies and procedures for risk assessment, and the approval, reporting and monitoring of derivative financial instruments. Derivative financial instruments must be effective in reducing the Company’s interest rate risk exposure in order to qualify for hedge accounting. When the terms of an underlying transaction are modified, or when the underlying hedged item ceases to exist, all changes in the fair value of the instrument are marked-to-market with changes in value included in net income for each period until the derivative instrument matures or is settled. Any derivative instrument used for risk management that does not meet the hedging criteria is marked-to-market with the changes in value included in net income. The Company has not entered into, and does not plan to enter into, derivative financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes. Additionally, the Company has a policy of entering into derivative contracts only with major financial institutions.

As of April 30, 2011, the Company believes it has no significant risk associated with non-performance of the financial institution which is the counterparty to its derivative contract.  At April 30, 2011, the Company had approximately $11.6 million borrowed under its unsecured revolving line of credit subject to an interest rate swap. Such interest rate swap converted the LIBOR-based variable rate on the unsecured line of credit to a fixed annual rate of 1.22% per annum. As of April 30, 2011, the Company had accrued liabilities of $139,000 (included in accounts payable and accrued expenses on the consolidated balance sheet) relating to the fair value of the Company’s interest rate swap applicable to the unsecured revolving line of credit.  Charges and/or credits relating to the changes in fair values of such interest rate swaps are made to accumulated other comprehensive income as the swap is deemed effective and is classified as a cash flow hedge.

Comprehensive Income
Comprehensive income is comprised of net income applicable to Common and Class A Common stockholders and other comprehensive income (loss). Other comprehensive income (loss) includes items that are otherwise recorded directly in stockholders’ equity, such as unrealized gains or losses on marketable securities and unrealized gains and losses on interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges.  Comprehensive income consisted of the following:
 
   
Six Months
   
Six Months
   
Three Months
   
Three Months
 
   
Ended
   
Ended
   
Ended
   
Ended
 
   
April 30,
   
April 30,
   
April 30,
   
April 30,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
 
Net income applicable to Common and Class A Common Stockholders
  $ 10,515     $ 6,026     $ 3,639     $ 2,886  
                                 
Change in unrealized gains/(losses) in marketable equity securities
    50       167       53       113  
                                 
Change in unrealized (loss) on interest rate swap
    64       -       (9 )     -  
                                 
Total comprehensive income
  $ 10,629     $ 6,193     $ 3,683     $ 2,999  

Asset Impairment
On a periodic basis, management assesses whether there are any indicators that the value of its real estate investments may be impaired.  A property value is considered impaired when management’s estimate of current and projected operating cash flows (undiscounted and without interest) of the property over its remaining useful life is less than the net carrying value of the property.  Such cash flow projections consider factors such as expected future operating income, trends and prospects, as well as the effects of demand, competition and other factors.  To the extent impairment has occurred, the loss is measured as the excess of the net carrying amount of the property over the fair value of the asset.  Changes in estimated future cash flows due to changes in the Company’s plans or market and economic conditions could result in recognition of impairment losses which could be substantial.  Management does not believe that the value of any of its real estate investments is impaired at April 30, 2011.

 
8

 
 
Property Held for Sale
The Company follows the provisions of ASC Topic 360, “Property, Plant, and Equipment,” and ASC Topic 205, “Presentation of Financial Statements”.  ASC Topic 360 and ASC Topic 205 require, among other things, that the assets and liabilities and the results of operations of the Company’s properties that have been sold or otherwise qualify as held for sale be classified as discontinued operations and presented separately in the Company’s consolidated financial statements.  If significant to financial statement presentation, the Company classifies properties as held for sale that are under contract for sale and are expected to be sold within the next 12 months.

Discontinued Operations
The Company has adopted the provisions of ASC Topic 205, “Presentation of Financial Statements” and ASC Topic 360, “Property, Plant, and Equipment”, which require, among other things that the results of operations of properties sold or that otherwise qualify as held for sale be classified as discontinued operations and presented separately in the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Revenue Recognition

Revenues from operating leases include revenues from core properties and non-core properties. Rental income is generally recognized based on the terms of leases entered into with tenants.  In those instances in which the Company funds tenant improvements and the improvements are deemed to be owned by the Company, revenue recognition will commence when the improvements are substantially completed and possession or control of the space is turned over to the tenant.  When the Company determines that the tenant allowances are lease incentives, the Company commences revenue recognition when possession or control of the space is turned over to the tenant for tenant work to begin.  Minimum rental income from leases with scheduled rent increases is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term.  At April 30, 2011 and October 31, 2010, approximately $12,422,000 and $12,205,000, respectively, has been recognized as straight-line rents receivable (representing the current net cumulative rents recognized prior to when billed and collectible as provided by the terms of the leases), all of which is included in tenant receivables in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.  Percentage rent is recognized when a specific tenant’s sales breakpoint is achieved.  Property operating expense recoveries from tenants of common area maintenance, real estate taxes and other recoverable costs are recognized in the period the related expenses are incurred.  Lease incentives are amortized as a reduction of rental revenue over the respective tenant lease terms.  Lease termination amounts are recognized in operating revenues when there is a signed termination agreement, all of the conditions of the agreement have been met, the tenant is no longer occupying the property and the termination consideration is probable of collection. Lease termination amounts are paid by tenants who want to terminate their lease obligations before the end of the contractual term of the lease by agreement with the Company. There is no way of predicting or forecasting the timing or amounts of future lease termination fees.  Interest income is recognized as it is earned.  Gains or losses on disposition of properties are recorded when the criteria for recognizing such gains or losses under U.S. GAAP have been met.

The Company provides an allowance for doubtful accounts against the portion of tenant receivables (including an allowance for future tenant credit losses of approximately 10% of the deferred straight-line rents receivable) which is estimated to be uncollectible.  Such allowances are reviewed periodically.  At April 30, 2011 and October 31, 2010, tenant receivables in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets are shown net of allowances for doubtful accounts of $3,006,000 and $2,668,000, respectively.  During the six month periods ended April 30, 2011 and 2010, the Company provided $539,000 and $237,000, respectively, for uncollectible amounts, which is recorded in the accompanying consolidated statement of income as a reduction of base rental revenue.

Real Estate

Land, buildings, property improvements, furniture/fixtures and tenant improvements are recorded at cost.  Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are charged to operations as incurred.  Renovations and/or replacements, which improve or extend the life of the asset, are capitalized and depreciated over their estimated useful lives.

The amounts to be capitalized as a result of an acquisition and the periods over which the assets are depreciated or amortized are determined based on estimates as to fair value and the allocation of various costs to the individual assets.  The Company allocates the cost of an acquisition based upon the estimated fair value of the net assets acquired.  The Company also estimates the fair value of intangibles related to its acquisitions.  The valuation of the fair value of intangibles involves estimates related to market conditions, probability of lease renewals and the current market value of in-place leases.  This market value is determined by considering factors such as the tenant’s industry, location within the property and competition in the specific region in which the property operates.  Differences in the amount attributed to the intangible assets can be significant based upon the assumptions made in calculating these estimates.

The Company is required to make subjective assessments as to the useful life of its properties for purposes of determining the amount of depreciation.  These assessments have a direct impact on the Company’s net income.

Properties are depreciated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets.  The estimated useful lives are as follows:

Buildings
30-40 years
Property Improvements
10-20 years
Furniture/Fixtures
3-10 years
Tenant Improvements
Shorter of lease term or their useful life

 
9

 
 
Earnings Per Share
The Company calculates basic and diluted earnings per share in accordance with the provisions of ASC Topic 260, “Earnings Per Share.”  Basic earnings per share (“EPS”) excludes the impact of dilutive shares and is computed by dividing net income applicable to Common and Class A Common stockholders by the weighted average number of Common shares and Class A Common shares outstanding for the period.  Diluted EPS reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue Common shares or Class A Common shares were exercised or converted into Common shares or Class A Common shares and then shared in the earnings of the Company.  Since the cash dividends declared on the Company’s Class A Common stock are higher than the dividends declared on the Common Stock, basic and diluted EPS have been calculated using the “two-class” method.  The two-class method is an earnings allocation formula that determines earnings per share for each class of common stock according to the weighted average of the dividends declared, outstanding shares per class and participation rights in undistributed earnings.

The following table sets forth the reconciliation between basic and diluted EPS (in thousands):

   
Six Months Ended
   
Three Months Ended
 
   
April 30,
   
April 30,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
 
Numerator
                       
Net income applicable to common stockholders – basic
  $ 2,569     $ 1,592     $ 890     $ 767  
Effect of dilutive securities:
                               
Stock awards
    135       62       52       35  
Net income applicable to common stockholders – diluted
  $ 2,704     $ 1,654     $ 942     $ 802  
                                 
Denominator
                               
Denominator for basic EPS – weighted average common shares
    7,295       7,100       7,303       7,168  
Effect of dilutive securities:
                               
Restricted stock awards
    586       430       661       517  
Denominator for diluted EPS – weighted average common equivalent shares
    7,881       7,530       7,964       7,685  
                                 
Numerator
                               
Net income applicable to Class A common stockholders-basic
  $ 7,946     $ 4,434     $ 2,749     $ 2,119  
Effect of dilutive securities:
                               
Stock awards
    (135 )     (62 )     (52 )     (35 )
Net income applicable to Class A common stockholders – diluted
  $ 7,811     $ 4,372     $ 2,697     $ 2,084  
                                 
Denominator
                               
Denominator for basic EPS – weighted average Class A common shares
    20,492       17,939       20,494       17,964  
Effect of dilutive securities:
                               
Restricted stock awards
    187       112       215       151  
Denominator for diluted EPS – weighted average Class A common equivalent shares
    20,679       18,051       20,709       18,115  

Segment Reporting
The Company operates in one industry segment, ownership of commercial real estate properties which are located principally in the northeastern United States.  The Company does not distinguish its property operations for purposes of measuring performance.  Accordingly, the Company believes it has a single reportable segment for disclosure purposes.

Stock-Based Compensation
The Company accounts for its stock-based compensation plans under the provisions of ASC Topic 718, “Stock Compensation”, which requires that compensation expense be recognized, based on the fair value of the stock awards less estimated forfeitures.  The fair value of stock awards is equal to the fair value of the Company’s stock on the grant date.

Reclassifications
Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current period’s presentation.

New Accounting Standards
 
Adopted in Fiscal 2011
In January 2010, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2010-06, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures Topic 820 – Improving Disclosures about Fair Value Measurements.  ASU 2010-06 requires a number of additional disclosures regarding fair value measurements, including the amount of transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy, the reasons for the transfers in and out of Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy and activity for recurring Level 3 measures.  In addition, the amendments clarify certain existing disclosure requirements related to the level at which fair value disclosures should be disaggregated and the requirement to provide disclosures about the valuation techniques and inputs used in determining the fair value of assets or liabilities classified as Level 2 or Level 3.  ASU 2010-06 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2009, except for disclosures about purchases, sales issuances and settlements in the roll forward of activity in Level 3 fair value measurements, which are effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2010; early adoption is permitted.  The adoption of this ASU did not have a material effect on the consolidated financial statements of the Company.

 
10

 
 
(2) CORE PROPERTIES

In April 2011, the Company, through a wholly owned subsidiary, completed the purchase of the 72,000 square foot Fairfield Plaza Shopping Center, in New Milford, Connecticut (“Fairfield Plaza”) for a purchase price of $10.8 million, subject to an existing first mortgage secured by the property at its estimated fair value of approximately $5.0 million.  The assumption of the mortgage loan represents a non-cash financing activity and is therefore not included in the accompanying consolidated statement of cash flows for the six month period ended April 30, 2011. The Company financed its net investment in the property with available cash and a borrowing on its unsecured revolving credit facility.  In conjunction with the purchase, the Company incurred acquisition costs totaling $53,000 which have been expensed on the three and six months ended April 30, 2011 consolidated statements of income.

Upon the acquisition of real estate properties, the fair value of the real estate purchased is allocated to the acquired tangible assets (consisting of land, buildings and building improvements), and identified intangible assets and liabilities (consisting of above-market and below-market leases and in-place leases), in accordance with ASC Topic 805, “Business Combinations”.  The Company utilizes methods similar to those used by independent appraisers in estimating the fair value of acquired assets and liabilities.  The fair value of the tangible assets of an acquired property considers the value of the property “as-if-vacant”.  The fair value reflects the depreciated replacement cost of the asset.  In allocating purchase price to identified intangible assets and liabilities of an acquired property, the values of above-market and below-market leases are estimated based on the differences between (i) contractual rentals and the estimated market rents over the applicable lease term discounted back to the date of acquisition utilizing a discount rate adjusted for the credit risk associated with the respective tenants and (ii) the estimated cost of acquiring such leases giving effect to the Company’s history of providing tenant improvements and paying leasing commissions, offset by a vacancy period during which such space would be leased.  The aggregate value of in-place leases is measured by the excess of (i) the purchase price paid for a property after adjusting existing in-place leases to market rental rates over (ii) the estimated fair value of the property “as-if-vacant,” determined as set forth above.

During fiscal 2011, the Company completed its evaluation of the acquired leases for its New Milford Plaza Property, which was acquired in fiscal 2010.   As a result of its evaluation, the Company has allocated  $396,000 to a liability associated with the net fair value assigned to the acquired leases at the properties, which amounts represent a non-cash investing activity and are therefore not included in the accompanying consolidated statement of cash flows for the six months ended April 30, 2011.  The Company is currently in the process of evaluating the fair value of the in-place leases for Fairfield Plaza.  Consequently, no value has yet been assigned to those leases.  Accordingly, the purchase price allocation is preliminary and may be subject to change.

For the six months ended April 30, 2011 and 2010 the net amortization of above-market and below-market leases was approximately $147,000 and $154,000, respectively, which amounts are included in base rents in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.

In December 2010, the Company reached a lease termination settlement (“Settlement”) with a former tenant in its Meriden shopping center in Meriden, CT. In accordance with the Settlement agreement the prior tenant was released from all its obligations under the aforementioned lease in exchange for a settlement payment to the Company.  The Settlement agreement provides that the former tenant will pay the Company $3.3 million in 41 equal monthly payments of $80,000 and one final monthly payment of $20,000 without interest beginning on January 1, 2011.  The Company has recorded the lease termination in the consolidated statement of income for six month period ended April 30, 2011 in the amount of $2,988,000, which amount represents the present value of the 42 payments due to the Company under the Settlement agreement at a discount rate of 5.75% per annum.  The Company will record the remaining $313,000 as interest income over the remaining payment term though June 1, 2014 in accordance with the effective yield method.  With the exception of the four $80,000 payments received by the Company through April 30, 2011, the remaining $2.9 million in lease termination income represents a non-cash activity and will not be shown in the investing section of the consolidated statement of cash flows for the six month period ended April 30, 2011.

(3)  MORTGAGE NOTES PAYABLE, BANK LINES OF CREDIT AND OTHER LOANS

The Company has a $50 million Unsecured Revolving Credit Agreement (the “Facility”) with The Bank of New York Mellon and Wells Fargo Bank N.A.  The Facility gives the Company the option, under certain conditions, to increase the Facility’s borrowing capacity up to $100 million.  Borrowings under the Facility can be used for, among other things, acquisitions, working capital, capital expenditures, and repayment of other indebtedness and the issuance of letters of credit (up to $10 million).  Borrowings will bear interest at the Company’s option of the Eurodollar rate plus 0.85% to 1.15% or The Bank of New York Mellon’s prime lending rate plus 0.50%.  The Company will pay an annual fee on the unused commitment amount of up to 0.175% based on outstanding borrowings during the year.  The Facility contains certain representations, financial and other covenants typical for this type of facility.  The Company’s ability to borrow under the Facility is subject to its compliance with the covenants and other restrictions on an ongoing basis.  The principal financial covenants limit the Company’s level of secured and unsecured indebtedness and additionally require the Company to maintain certain debt coverage ratios.  The Company was in compliance with such covenants at April 30, 2011.  The maturity date of the Facility was February 11, 2011 with two one year extensions at the Company’s option.  In November of 2010, the Company exercised its first one year extension option; the new maturity date of the Facility is February 10, 2012.  After the extension, the Company has one remaining one-year extension option available which would extend the maturity date to February of 2013.

The Company also has a Secured Revolving Credit Facility with the Bank of New York Mellon (the “Secured Credit Facility”).  The Secured Credit Facility provides for borrowings of up to $30 million.  Originally scheduled to expire April 15, 2011, the Company reached agreement with The Bank of New York Mellon to continue the Facility to May 16, 2011 while documentation for the three-year extension was completed.  On May 16, 2011, the Company executed the extension agreement, which extended the maturity date until May 16, 2014. The Secured Credit Facility is collateralized by first mortgage liens on two of the Company’s properties.  Interest on outstanding borrowings is at prime plus 1.00% or the Eurodollar rate plus 2.00%.  The Secured Credit Facility requires the Company to maintain certain debt service coverage ratios relating to the properties securing the Secured Credit Facility during its term.  The Company was in compliance with such covenants at April 30, 2011.  The Company pays an annual fee of 0.40% on the unused portion of the Secured Credit Facility.  The Secured Credit Facility is available to fund acquisitions, capital expenditures, mortgage repayments, working capital and other general corporate purposes.

 
11

 
 
In January 2011, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, completed the installation of a solar power system (the “Valley Ridge System”) at the Company’s Valley Ridge Shopping Center in Wayne, New Jersey at a total cost of approximately $1.1 million.  In conjunction with the solar installation the subsidiary of the Company financed a portion of the project with a loan in the amount of $726,000 from the Public Service Electric and Gas Company of New Jersey (“PSE&G”), through PSE&G’s “Solar Loan Program I”.  The loan requires monthly payments of principal and interest at 11.11% per annum through its maturity date of January 31, 2026.  The subsidiary of the Company has the option of repaying all or part of the PSE&G loan, including interest, with Solar Renewable Energy Credits that are expected to be generated by the System.  Most of the remaining cost of the System is expected to be funded by a renewable energy grant from the federal government.

(4)  REDEEMABLE PREFERRED STOCK

The Company is authorized to issue up to 20,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock.  At April 30, 2011, the Company had issued and outstanding 400,000 shares of Series C Senior Cumulative Preferred Stock (Series C Preferred Stock), 2,450,000 shares of Series D Senior Cumulative Preferred Stock (Series D Preferred Stock) (see Note 7) and 2,400,000 shares of Series E Senior Cumulative Preferred Stock (Series E Preferred Stock).

The following table sets forth the details of the Company’s redeemable preferred stock as of April 30, 2011 and October 31, 2010 (amounts in thousands, except share data):

   
April 30,
2011
   
October 31,
 2010
 
8.50% Series C Senior Cumulative Preferred Stock; liquidation preference of $100 per share; issued and outstanding  400,000 shares
  $ 38,406     $ 38,406  
8.50% Series E Senior Cumulative Preferred Stock; liquidation preference of $25 per share; issued and outstanding  2,400,000 shares
    57,797       57,797  
Total Redeemable Preferred Stock
  $ 96,203     $ 96,203  

The Series E Preferred Stock and Series C Preferred Stock have no stated maturity, are not subject to any sinking fund or mandatory redemption and are not convertible into other securities or property of the Company.  Commencing May 2013 (Series C Preferred Stock) and March 2013 (Series E Preferred Stock), the Company, at its option, may redeem the preferred stock issues, in whole or in part, at a redemption price equal to the liquidation preference per share, plus all accrued and unpaid dividends.

Upon a change in control of the Company (as defined), each holder of Series C Preferred Stock and Series E Preferred Stock has the right, at such holder’s option, to require the Company to repurchase all or any part of such holder’s stock for cash at a repurchase price equal to the liquidation preference per share plus all accrued and unpaid dividends.

The Series C Preferred Stock and Series E Preferred Stock contain covenants that require the Company to maintain certain financial coverage’s relating to fixed charge and capitalization ratios.  Shares of both Preferred Stock series are non-voting; however, under certain circumstances (relating to non-payment of dividends or failure to comply with the financial covenants) the preferred stockholders will be entitled to elect two directors.  The Company was in compliance with such covenants at April 30, 2011.

As the holders of the Series C Preferred Stock and Series E Preferred Stock only have a contingent right to require the Company to repurchase all or part of such holders shares upon a change of control of the Company (as defined), the Series C Preferred Stock and Series E Preferred Stock are classified as redeemable equity instruments as a change in control is not certain to occur.

(5) CONSOLIDATED JOINT VENTURES AND REDEEMABLE NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS.

In December of 2010 and January of 2011, the Company and a wholly-owned subsidiary, purchased the remaining 10% limited partner interests in the limited partnership that owns the Stamford property for $7.4 million.  As a result of this transaction, the Company now has a 100% ownership interest in the property.

The Company is the general partner and owns 75% of one consolidated limited partnership, UB Ironbound, LP (“Ironbound”), which owns a grocery anchored shopping center.

The Ironbound limited partnership has a defined termination date of December 31, 2097.  The partners in Ironbound are entitled to receive an annual cash preference payable from available cash of the partnership.  Any unpaid preferences accumulate and are paid from future cash, if any.  The balance of available cash, if any, is distributed in accordance with the respective partner’s interests.  The limited partners in Ironbound currently have the right to require the Company to repurchase all or a portion of their remaining limited partner interests at prices as defined in the Ironbound partnership agreement.  Upon liquidation of Ironbound, proceeds from the sale of partnership assets are to be distributed in accordance with the respective partnership interests.  The limited partners are not obligated to make any additional capital contributions to the partnership.  The Company retains an affiliate of one of the limited partners in Ironbound to provide management and leasing services to the property at an annual fee equal to two percent of rental income collected, as defined.  The limited partner interests in Ironbound are reflected at redemption value which approximates fair value in the accompanying consolidated financial statements as noncontrolling interests.

 
12

 
 
The Company accounts for non-controlling interests in accordance with ASC Topic 810, “Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements”.  ASC Topic 810 states that the accounting and reporting for minority interests will be re-characterized as non-controlling interests and classified as a component of equity subject to the provisions of the former Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) Topic D-98 (Revised March 2008).  Because the limited partners in Ironbound currently have the right to require the Company to redeem all or a part of their limited partnership units at prices as defined in the Ironbound partnership agreement, the Company will report the noncontrolling interests in Ironbound in the mezzanine section, outside of permanent equity, of the consolidated balance sheets at redemption value which approximates fair value.  For the six months ended April 30, 2011, the Company increased the carrying value of the non-controlling interests by $165,000 with the corresponding decrease recorded in stockholders’ equity.

The following table sets forth the details of the Company’s redeemable non-controlling interests April 30, 2011 and October 31, 2010 (amounts in thousands)

   
April 30,
2011
   
October 31,
2010
 
             
Beginning Balance
  $ 11,330     $ 7,259  
Purchase of Noncontrolling Interests
    (7,428 )     -  
Change in Redemption Value
    165       4,071  
                 
Ending Balance
  $ 4,067     $ 11,330  

(6) INVESTMENTS IN AND ADVANCES TO UNCONSOLIDATED JOINT VENTURES

At April 30, 2011 and October 31, 2010 investments in and advances to unconsolidated joint ventures consisted of the following (with the Company’s ownership percentage in parentheses): (amounts in thousands)

   
April 30, 2011
   
October 31, 2010
 
             
Midway Shopping Center, L.P. (10.892%)
  $ 17,967     $ 17,517  
Putnam Plaza Shopping Center (66.67%)
    6,658       6,610  
81 Pondfield Road Company (20%)
    723       723  
Total
  $ 25,348     $ 24,850  
                 

Midway Shopping Center, L.P.

In fiscal 2010, the Company, through a wholly owned subsidiary, purchased a 9.9667% equity interest in Midway Shopping Center L.P., which owns a 247,000 square foot shopping center in Westchester County, New York (“Midway”), for approximately $6.0 million.  Also in fiscal 2010, the Company loaned Midway, in the form of an unsecured note, approximately $11.6 million, which Midway used to repay $11.6 million in mortgage and unsecured loans.  The loan to Midway by the Company will require monthly payments to the Company of interest only at 5.75% per annum; the loan will mature on January 1, 2013.  In December 2010 (fiscal 2011) the Company through a wholly-owned subsidiary purchased an additional 0.925% equity limited partnership interest in Midway for $555,000 bringing its total economic ownership interest in Midway to 10.892% at April 30, 2011.  The Company has evaluated its investment in Midway and has concluded that the venture is not a variable interest entity and should not be consolidated into the financial statements of the Company.  Although the Company only has an approximate 11% equity interest in Midway, it controls 25% of the voting power of Midway and as such has determined that it exercises significant influence over the financial and operating decisions of Midway and accounts for its investment in Midway under the equity method of accounting.  Under the equity method of accounting the initial investment is recorded at cost as an investment in unconsolidated joint venture, and subsequently adjusted for equity in net income (loss) and cash contributions and distributions from the venture. Any difference between the carrying amount of the investment on the Company’s balance sheet and the underlying equity in net assets of the venture is evaluated for impairment at each reporting period.

The Company has allocated the $7.0 million excess of the carrying amount of its investment in and advance to Midway over the Company’s share of Midway’s net book value to real property and is amortizing the difference over the property’s estimated useful life of 39 years.

Midway currently has a non-recourse first mortgage payable in the amount of $14 million.  The loan bears interest only at the rate of 6% per annum, which matures in January 2013. Midway’s only other debt outstanding is its unsecured loan to the Company in the amount of $11.6 million.  In February 2011, the Company reached agreement with Midway to loan the partnership an additional $1,250,000 at the same terms and conditions as the aforementioned $11.6 million loan.

 
13

 
 
Putnam Plaza Shopping Center

In fiscal 2010, the Company, through a wholly owned subsidiary, acquired a 66.7% undivided equity interest in the Putnam Plaza Shopping Center (“Putnam Plaza”).  At inception of the venture the property was valued at $29.7 million.  Simultaneously with the acquisition, a $21 million non-recourse first mortgage payable was placed on the property with the proceeds distributed to the seller.  The new mortgage has an initial term of five years with a five year extension right at the then market interest rate as defined.  Payments of interest only are due for the first thirty months at 6.2%.  Beginning in the thirty-first month, payments of principal and interest, at the rate of 6.2%, are required based on a twenty-seven and one-half year amortization schedule.  The Company’s net cash equity investment in the venture was $6.5 million including closing costs.

The minority investor in the venture has provided the first mortgage lender with a $2 million recourse guarantee, which guarantees payment and performance.  The Company has entered into an agreement with the minority investor whereby the Company will participate in the guarantee up to 66.7%.

The Company accounts for its investment in the Putnam Plaza joint venture under the equity method of accounting since it exercises significant influence, but does not control the venture.

The other venturer in Putnam Plaza has substantial participation rights in the financial decisions and operation of the property, which preclude the Company from consolidating the investment. The Company has evaluated its investment in Putnam Plaza and has concluded that the venture is not a variable interest entity. Under the equity method of accounting the initial investment is recorded at cost as an investment in unconsolidated joint venture, and subsequently adjusted for equity in net income (loss) and cash contributions and distributions from the venture. Any difference between the carrying amount of the investment on the Company’s balance sheet and the underlying equity in net assets of the venture is evaluated for impairment at each reporting period.

81 Pondfield Road Company

The Company’s other investment in an unconsolidated joint venture is a 20% economic interest in a partnership which owns a retail and office building in Westchester County, New York.


(7)  STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Restricted Stock Plan
On March 10, 2011, the stockholders of the Company approved an amendment to the Company’s restricted stock plan (the “Plan”) to provide for an additional 500,000 Common Shares or Class A Common shares to be available for issuance under the Plan.  As amended, the Plan authorizes grants of up to an aggregate of 3,150,000 shares of the Company’s common equity consisting of 350,000 Common shares, 350,000 Class A Common shares and 2,450,000 shares, which at the discretion of the Company’s compensation committee, may be awarded in any combination of Class A Common shares or Common shares.

In accordance with ASC Topic 718, the Company recognized compensation expense for restricted stock awards upon the earlier of the explicit vesting period or the date a participant first becomes eligible for retirement unless a waiver was received by an employee over the retirement age, waving his right to continued vesting after retirement.  For non-vested restricted stock awards granted prior to the adoption of ASC Topic 718 in 2005, the Company continues to recognize compensation expense over the explicit vesting periods and accelerates any remaining unrecognized compensation cost when a participant actually retires.

In January 2011, the Company awarded 175,950 shares of Common Stock and 63,100 shares of Class A Common Stock to participants in the Plan.  The grant date fair value of restricted stock grants awarded to participants in 2011 was approximately $4.2 million.

A summary of the status of the Company’s non-vested Common and Class A Common shares as of April 30, 2011, and changes during the six months ended April 30, 2011 are presented below:


   
Common Shares
   
Class A Common Shares
 
Non-vested Shares
 
Shares
   
Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value
   
Shares
   
Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value
 
Non-vested at November 1, 2010
    1,233,100     $ 14.97       349,950     $ 15.85  
Granted
    175,950     $ 16.95       63,100     $ 19.87  
Vested
    (65,800 )   $ 15.90       (21,850 )   $ 16.39  
Non-vested at April 30, 2011
    1,343,250     $ 15.18       391,200     $ 16.51  

As of April 30, 2011, there was $14.5 million of unamortized restricted stock compensation related to non-vested restricted stock grants awarded under the Plan.  The remaining unamortized expense is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 5.15 years.  For the six months ended April 30, 2011 and 2010 amounts charged to compensation expense totaled $1,846,000 and $1,514,000, respectively.

 
14

 
 
Share Repurchase Program
Previously, the Board of Directors of the Company approved a share repurchase program (“Program”) for the repurchase of up to 1,500,000 shares of Common Stock and Class A Common Stock and the Company’s Series C and Series D Senior Cumulative Preferred Stock in open-market transactions.  As of April 30, 2011, the Company had repurchased 3,600 shares of Common Stock and 724,578 shares of Class A Common Stock under the Program.

Preferred Stock
The Series D Preferred Stock has no maturity and is not convertible into any other security of the Company and is redeemable at the Company’s option at a price of $25.00 per share plus accrued and unpaid dividends.

(8) FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

ASC Topic 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures” defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset, or paid to transfer a liability, in an orderly transaction between market participants.

ASC Topic 820’s valuation techniques are based on observable or unobservable inputs. Observable inputs reflect market data obtained from independent sources, while unobservable inputs reflect the Company’s market assumptions. These two types of inputs have created the following fair value hierarchy:

·  
Level 1- Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets

·  
Level 2- Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations in which significant value drivers are observable

·  
Level 3- Valuations derived from valuation techniques in which significant value drivers are unobservable

Marketable debt and equity securities are valued based on quoted market prices on national exchanges.

The Company calculates the fair value of its redeemable non controlling interests based on unobservable inputs considering the assumptions that market participants would make in pricing the obligations. The inputs used include an estimate of the fair value of the cash flow generated by the limited partnership in which the investor owns the partnership units.

The fair values of interest rate swaps are determined using widely accepted valuation techniques, including discounted cash flow analysis, on the expected cash flows of each derivative. The analysis reflects the contractual terms of the swaps, including the period to maturity, and uses observable market-based inputs; including interest rate curves (“significant other observable inputs.”)  The fair value calculation also includes an amount for risk of non-performance using “significant unobservable inputs” such as estimates of current credit spreads to evaluate the likelihood of default. The Company has concluded, as of April 30, 2011, that the fair value associated with the “significant unobservable inputs” relating to the Company’s risk of non-performance was insignificant to the overall fair value of the interest rate swap agreements and, as a result, the Company has determined that the relevant inputs for purposes of calculating the fair value of the interest rate swap agreements, in their entirety, were based upon “significant other observable inputs”.

The Company measures its redeemable noncontrolling interests, marketable equity and debt securities classified as available for sale securities and interest rate swap derivative at fair value on a recurring basis.  The fair value of these financial assets and liabilities was determined using the following inputs at April 30, 2011 (amount in thousands):


         
Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
 
   
Total
   
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets
(Level 1)
   
Significant Other Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
   
Significant Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)
 
                         
Assets:
                       
Available for Sale Securities
  $ 982     $ 982     $ -     $ -  
                                 
Liabilities:
                               
Interest Rate Swap Agreement
  $ 139     $ -     $ 139     $ -  
                                 
Redeemable noncontrolling interests
  $ 4,067     $ -     $ -     $ 4,067  

 
15

 
 
Fair market value measurements based upon Level 3 inputs changed from $3,911,000 at November 1, 2010 to $4,067,000 at April 30, 2011 as a result of a $156,000 increase in the redemption value of the Company’s noncontrolling interests in Ironbound in accordance with the application of ASC Topic 810 (See Note 5).

Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, tenant receivables, prepaid expenses, other assets, accounts payable, accrued expenses, revolving lines of credit and other liabilities are reasonable estimates of their fair values because of the short-term nature of these instruments.

The estimated fair value of the mortgage note receivable collateralized by real property is based on discounting the future cash flows at a year-end risk adjusted lending rate that the Company would utilize for loans of similar risk and duration. At April 30, 2011 and October 31, 2010, the estimated aggregate fair value of the mortgage note receivable was approximately $1.1 million.

The estimated fair value of mortgage notes payable and other loans were approximately $122 million at April 30, 2011 and October 31, 2010, respectively. The estimated fair value of mortgage notes payable and other loans are based on discounting the future cash flows at a year-end risk adjusted borrowing rate currently available to the Company for issuance of debt with similar terms and remaining maturities.

Although management is not aware of any factors that would significantly affect the estimated 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)  COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

In the normal course of business, from time to time, the Company is involved in legal actions relating to the ownership and operations of its properties.  In management’s opinion, the liabilities if any that may ultimately result from such legal actions are not expected to have a material adverse effect on the consolidated financial position, results of operations or liquidity of the Company.  At April 30, 2011, the Company had commitments of approximately $7.8 million for capital improvements to its properties and tenant related obligations.

(10)  SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

On June 7, 2011, the Board of Directors of the Company declared cash dividends of $0.2225 for each share of Common Stock and $0.245 for each share of Class A Common Stock.  The dividends are payable on July 15, 2011.

In May 2011, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company completed the installation of a solar power system (the “Emerson System”) at the Company’s Emerson Shopping Center in Emerson, New Jersey at a total cost of approximately $1.2 million.  The subsidiary of the Company financed a portion of the project with a loan in the amount of $819,000 from the Public Service Electric and Gas Company of New Jersey (“PSE&G”), through PSE&G’s “Solar Loan Program II”.  The loan requires monthly payments of principal and interest at 11.3% per annum through its maturity date of May 31, 2026.  The subsidiary of the Company has the option of repaying all or part of the PSE&G loan, including interest, with Solar Renewable Energy Credits that are expected to be generated by the System.  Most of the remaining cost of the System is expected to be funded by a renewable energy grant from the federal government.

In May 2011, the Company through a wholly-owned subsidiary purchased an additional 0.75% equity limited partnership interest in Midway for $104,000 bringing its total economic ownership interest in Midway to 11.642% after the purchase.


 
16

 

Item 2.                      Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements of the Company and the notes thereto included elsewhere in this report.

Forward Looking Statements
This Item 2 includes certain statements that may be deemed to be “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.  All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in this Item 2 that address activities, events or developments that the Company expects, believes or anticipates will or may occur in the future, including such matters as future capital expenditures, dividends and acquisitions (including the amount and nature thereof), business strategies, expansion and growth of the Company’s operations and other such matters, are forward-looking statements. These statements are based on certain assumptions and analyses made by the Company in light of its experience and its perception of historical trends, current conditions, expected future developments and other factors it believes are appropriate. Such statements are subject to a number of assumptions, risks and uncertainties including, among other things, general economic and business conditions, the business opportunities that may be presented to and pursued by the Company, changes in laws or regulations and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. For a more detailed discussion of some of these factors, see the risk factors set forth in “Item 1A Risk Factors” of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2010.  Any forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements.

Executive Summary
The Company, a REIT, is a fully integrated, self-administered real estate company, engaged in the acquisition, ownership and management of commercial real estate, primarily neighborhood and community shopping centers in the northeastern part of the United States. Other real estate assets include office and industrial properties. The Company’s major tenants include supermarket chains and other retailers who sell basic necessities. At April 30, 2011, the Company owned or had equity interests in 51 properties containing a total of 4.7 million square feet of GLA of which approximately 94% was leased.  The Company has equity interests in three unconsolidated joint ventures at April 30, 2011.  Those joint ventures were approximately 99% leased.

The Company derives substantially all of its revenues from rents and operating expense reimbursements received pursuant to long-term leases and focuses its investment activities on community and neighborhood shopping centers, anchored principally by regional supermarket chains.  The Company believes, because of the need of consumers to purchase food and other staple goods and services generally available at supermarket-anchored shopping centers, that the nature of its investments provide for relatively stable revenue flows even during difficult economic times.

The Company focuses on increasing cash flow, and consequently the value of its properties, and seeks continued growth through strategic re-leasing, renovations and expansion of its existing properties and selective acquisition of income producing properties, primarily neighborhood and community shopping centers in the northeastern part of the United States.

Key elements of the Company’s growth strategies and operating policies are to:

§  
Acquire neighborhood and community shopping centers in the northeastern part of the United States with a concentration in Fairfield County, Connecticut; Westchester and Putnam Counties, New York; and Bergen County, New Jersey
§  
Hold core properties for long-term investment and enhance their value through regular maintenance, periodic renovation and capital improvement
§  
Selectively dispose of non-core and underperforming properties and re-deploy the proceeds into properties located in the  northeast region
§  
Increase property values by aggressively marketing available GLA and renewing existing leases
§  
Renovate, reconfigure or expand existing properties to meet the needs of existing or new tenants
§  
Negotiate and sign leases that provide for regular or fixed contractual increases to minimum rents
§  
Control property operating and administrative costs

Critical Accounting Policies
Critical accounting policies are those that are both important to the presentation of the Company’s financial condition and results of operations and require management’s most difficult, complex or subjective judgments.   Set forth below is a summary of the accounting policies that management believes are critical to the preparation of the consolidated financial statements.  This summary should be read in conjunction with the more complete discussion of the Company’s accounting policies included in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements of the Company for the year ended October 31, 2010 included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended October 31, 2010.

 
17

 
 
Revenue Recognition

Revenues from operating leases include revenues from core properties and non-core properties. Rental income is generally recognized based on the terms of leases entered into with tenants.  In those instances in which the Company funds tenant improvements and the improvements are deemed to be owned by the Company, revenue recognition will commence when the improvements are substantially completed and possession or control of the space is turned over to the tenant.  When the Company determines that the tenant allowances are lease incentives, the Company commences revenue recognition when possession or control of the space is turned over to the tenant for tenant work to begin.  Minimum rental income from leases with scheduled rent increases is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term.  Percentage rent is recognized when a specific tenant’s sales breakpoint is achieved.  Property operating expense recoveries from tenants of common area maintenance, real estate taxes and other recoverable costs are recognized in the period the related expenses are incurred.  Lease incentives are amortized as a reduction of rental revenue over the respective tenant lease terms.  Lease termination amounts are recognized in operating revenues when there is a signed termination agreement, all of the conditions of the agreement have been met, the tenant is no longer occupying the property and the termination consideration is probable of collection. Lease termination amounts are paid by tenants who want to terminate their lease obligations before the end of the contractual term of the lease by agreement with the Company. There is no way of predicting or forecasting the timing or amounts of future lease termination fees.  Interest income is recognized as it is earned.  Gains or losses on disposition of properties are recorded when the criteria for recognizing such gains or losses under GAAP have been met.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

The allowance for doubtful accounts is established based on a quarterly analysis of the risk of loss on specific accounts. The analysis places particular emphasis on past-due accounts and considers information such as the nature and age of the receivables, the payment history of the tenants or other debtors, the financial condition of the tenants and any guarantors and management’s assessment of their ability to meet their lease obligations, the basis for any disputes and the status of related negotiations, among other things. Management’s estimates of the required allowance is subject to revision as these factors change and is sensitive to the effects of economic and market conditions on tenants, particularly those at retail properties.  Estimates are used to establish reimbursements from tenants for common area maintenance, real estate tax and insurance costs.  The Company analyzes the balance of its estimated accounts receivable for real estate taxes, common area maintenance and insurance for each of its properties by comparing actual recoveries versus actual expenses and any actual write-offs.  Based on its analysis, the Company may record an additional amount in its allowance for doubtful accounts related to these items.  For the six month periods ended April 30, 2011 and 2010 the Company increased its allowance for doubtful accounts by $539,000 and $237,000, respectively.  It is also the Company’s policy to maintain an allowance of approximately 10% of the deferred straight-line rents receivable balance for future tenant credit losses.

Real Estate

Land, buildings, property improvements, furniture/fixtures and tenant improvements are recorded at cost.  Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are charged to operations as incurred.  Renovations and/or replacements, which improve or extend the life of the asset, are capitalized and depreciated over their estimated useful lives.

The amounts to be capitalized as a result of an acquisition and the periods over which the assets are depreciated or amortized are determined based on estimates as to fair value and the allocation of various costs to the individual assets.  The Company allocates the cost of an acquisition based upon the estimated fair value of the net assets acquired.  The Company also estimates the fair value of intangibles related to its acquisitions.  The valuation of the fair value of intangibles involves estimates related to market conditions, probability of lease renewals and the current market value of in-place leases.  This market value is determined by considering factors such as the tenant’s industry, location within the property and competition in the specific region in which the property operates.  Differences in the amount attributed to the intangible assets can be significant based upon the assumptions made in calculating these estimates.

The Company is required to make subjective assessments as to the useful life of its properties for purposes of determining the amount of depreciation.  These assessments have a direct impact on the Company’s net income.

Properties are depreciated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets.  The estimated useful lives are as follows:

Buildings
30-40 years
Property Improvements
10-20 years
Furniture/Fixtures
3-10 years
Tenant Improvements
Shorter of lease term or their useful life

Asset Impairment

On a periodic basis, management assesses whether there are any indicators that the value of its real estate investments may be impaired.  A property value is considered impaired when management’s estimate of current and projected operating cash flows (undiscounted and without interest) of the property over its remaining useful life is less than the net carrying value of the property.  Such cash flow projections consider factors such as expected future operating income, trends and prospects, as well as the effects of demand, competition and other factors.  To the extent impairment has occurred, the loss is measured as the excess of the net carrying amount of the property over the fair value of the asset.  Changes in estimated future cash flows due to changes in the Company’s plans or market and economic conditions could result in recognition of impairment losses which could be substantial.  Management does not believe that the value of any of its real estate investments is impaired at April 30, 2011.

Liquidity and Capital Resources
At April 30, 2011, the Company had unrestricted cash and cash equivalents of $1.7 million compared to $15.7 million at October 31, 2010.  The Company's sources of liquidity and capital resources include its cash and cash equivalents, proceeds from bank borrowings and long-term mortgage debt, capital financings and sales of real estate investments. Payments of expenses related to real estate operations, debt service, management and professional fees, and dividend requirements place demands on the Company's short-term liquidity.

 
18

 
 
As a result of the Company’s conservative capital structure, the Company has not been significantly affected by recent turmoil in the credit markets for commercial real estate.  The Company maintains a ratio of total debt to total assets of under 30% which has allowed the Company to obtain additional secured mortgage borrowings if necessary.  The Company’s earliest significant fixed rate debt maturity is not due until October 2011 ($4.0 million).  As of April 30, 2011, the Company has loan availability of $65.4 million on its two revolving lines of credit.

In May 2011, the Company extended the term of its $30 million secured revolving credit facility for three years through May 16, 2014.

Cash Flows

The Company expects to meet its short-term liquidity requirements primarily by generating net cash from the operations of its properties.  The Company believes that its net cash provided by operations will be sufficient to fund its short-term liquidity requirements for the balance of fiscal 2011 and to meet its dividend requirements necessary to maintain its REIT status.

The Company expects to continue paying regular dividends to its stockholders.  These dividends will be paid from operating cash flows which are expected to increase over time due to property acquisitions and growth in operating income in the existing portfolio and from other sources. The Company derives substantially all of its revenues from rents under existing leases at its properties. The Company’s operating cash flow therefore depends on the rents that it is able to charge to its tenants, and the ability of its tenants to make rental payments. The Company believes that the nature of the properties in which it typically invests ― primarily grocery-anchored neighborhood and community shopping centers ― provides a more stable revenue flow in uncertain economic times, in that consumers still need to purchase basic staples and convenience items. However, even in the geographic areas in which the Company owns properties, general economic downturns may adversely impact the ability of the Company’s tenants to make lease payments and the Company’s ability to re-lease space as leases expire. In either of these cases, the Company’s cash flow could be adversely affected.

Net Cash Flows from:

Operating Activities

Net cash flows provided by operating activities amounted to $21.8 million in the six months ended April 30, 2011, compared to $21.6 million in the comparable period of fiscal 2010. The net increase in operating cash flows in the fiscal 2011 when compared with the corresponding prior period was due primarily to an increase in net operating income at some of the Company’s properties as a result of leasing vacant space in the last two quarters of fiscal 2010 and the net operating income of properties acquired in the second half of fiscal 2010 and the first half of 2011 as well as normal rental increases on in place leases throughout the Company’s portfolio.  These increases were offset by a decrease in operating cash flow as a result of new vacancies at some of the Company’s properties in the first six months of fiscal 2011.

Investing Activities

Net cash flows used by investing activities amounted to $18.2 million in the first six months of fiscal 2011 compared to $19.0 million in the comparable period of fiscal 2010. The decrease in cash flows used by investing activities in fiscal 2011 when compared to the corresponding prior period was primarily the result of the Company purchasing in the first half of fiscal 2011 a 72,000 square foot grocery anchored shopping center for a net investment of $5.9 million, an additional one percent of the Midway Shopping Center for $555,000 and the remaining 10% limited partnership interests in the limited partnership that owns the Ridgeway Shopping Center in Stamford, CT for $7.4 million versus purchasing one 28,000 square foot commercial and retail property for $8.5 million and making a $6.5 million  investment in an unconsolidated joint venture in the first half of fiscal 2010.

The Company invests in its properties and regularly pays for capital expenditures for property improvements, tenant costs and leasing commissions.

Financing Activities

Net cash flows used by financing activities amounted to $17.6 million in the first six months of fiscal 2011 compared to $11.5 million in the comparable period of fiscal 2010. The increase in net cash used by financing activities in fiscal 2011 compared to fiscal 2010 was attributable predominantly to the Company repaying a mortgage loan in the amount of $5.3 million in the first half of fiscal 2010 and borrowing $13.3 million on the Company’s unsecured line of credit offset by an increase in the annualized dividend rate on the Company’s outstanding Common and Class A Common stock of $0.01 per share and an increased dividend payout as a result of the 2.5 million Class A Common shares that were issued in September 2010.

Capital Resources

The Company expects to fund its long-term liquidity requirements such as property acquisitions, repayment of indebtedness and capital expenditures through other long-term indebtedness (including indebtedness assumed in acquisitions), borrowings on its unsecured and secured credit facilities, proceeds from sales of properties and/or the issuance of equity securities. The Company believes that these sources of capital will continue to be available to it in the future to fund its long-term capital needs; however, there are certain factors that may have a material adverse effect on its access to capital sources. The Company’s ability to incur additional debt is dependent upon its existing leverage, the value of its unencumbered assets and borrowing limitations imposed by existing lenders. The Company’s ability to raise funds through sales of equity securities is dependent on, among other things, general market conditions for REITs, market perceptions about the Company and its stock price in the market. The Company’s ability to sell properties in the future to raise cash will be dependent upon market conditions at the time of sale.

 
19

 
 
Financings and Debt

The Company is exposed to interest rate risk primarily through its borrowing activities. There is inherent rollover risk for borrowings as they mature and are renewed at current market rates. The extent of this risk is not quantifiable or predictable because of the variability of future interest rates and the Company’s future financing requirements.  Mortgage notes payable of $122.7 million consists entirely of fixed rate mortgage loan indebtedness with a weighted average interest rate of 5.9% at April 30, 2011. The mortgage loans with fixed interest rates are secured by 12 properties with a net book value of $188 million and have fixed rates of interest ranging from 5.0% to 11.1%.  The Company made principal payments of $1.2 million  in the six months ended April 30, 2011 compared to $6.2 million (including the repayment of a mortgage note payable in the amount of $5.2 million) in the comparable period of fiscal 2010.  The Company may refinance its mortgage loans, at or prior to scheduled maturity, through replacement mortgage loans.  The ability to do so, however, is dependent upon various factors, including the income level of the properties, interest rates and credit conditions within the commercial real estate market. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that such refinancings can be achieved.

The Company has a $50 million Unsecured Revolving Credit Agreement (the “Facility”) with The Bank of New York Mellon and Wells Fargo Bank N.A.  The Facility gives the Company the option, under certain conditions, to increase the Facility’s borrowing capacity up to $100 million.  Borrowings under the Facility can be used for, among other things, acquisitions, working capital, capital expenditures, and repayment of other indebtedness and the issuance of letters of credit (up to $10 million).  Borrowings will bear interest at the Company’s option of the Eurodollar rate plus 0.85% to 1.15% or The Bank of New York Mellon’s prime lending rate plus 0.50%.  The Company will pay an annual fee on the unused commitment amount of up to 0.175% based on outstanding borrowings during the year.  The Facility contains certain representations, financial and other covenants typical for this type of facility.  The Company’s ability to borrow under the Facility is subject to its compliance with the covenants and other restrictions on an ongoing basis.  The principal financial covenants limit the Company’s level of secured and unsecured indebtedness and additionally require the Company to maintain certain debt coverage ratios.  The Company was in compliance with such covenants April 30, 2011.  The maturity date of the Facility was February 11, 2011 with two one year extensions at the Company’s option.  In November of 2010, the Company exercised its first one year extension option; the new maturity date of the Facility is February 10, 2012.  After the extension, the Company has one remaining one-year extension option available which would extend the maturity date to February of 2013.

The Company also has a Secured Revolving Credit Facility with the Bank of New York Mellon (the “Secured Credit Facility”).  The Secured Credit Facility provides for borrowings of up to $30 million.  Originally scheduled to expire April 15, 2011, the Company reached agreement with The Bank of New York Mellon to continue the Facility to May 16, 2011 while documentation for the three-year extension was completed.  On May 16, 2011, the Company executed the extension agreement, which extended the maturity date until May 16, 2014. The Secured Credit Facility is collateralized by first mortgage liens on two of the Company’s properties.  Interest on outstanding borrowings is at prime plus 1.00% or the Eurodollar rate plus 2.00%.  The Secured Credit Facility requires the Company to maintain certain debt service coverage ratios relating to the properties securing the Secured Credit Facility during its term.  The Company was in compliance with such covenants at April 30, 2011.  The Company pays an annual fee of 0.40% on the unused portion of the Secured Credit Facility.  The Secured Credit Facility is available to fund acquisitions, capital expenditures, mortgage repayments, working capital and other general corporate purposes.

As of June 9, 2011, the Company has approximately $65.4 million available to be drawn down under its two revolving credit facilities.

In January 2011, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company completed the installation of a solar power system (the “Valley Ridge System”) at the Company’s Valley Ridge Shopping Center in Wayne, New Jersey at a total cost of approximately $1.1 million.  The subsidiary of the Company financed a portion of the project with a loan in the amount of $726,000 from the Public Service Electric and Gas Company of New Jersey (“PSE&G”), through PSE&G’s “Solar Loan Program I”.  The loan requires monthly payments of principal and interest at 11.11% per annum through its maturity date of January 31, 2026.  The subsidiary of the Company has the option of repaying all or part of the PSE&G loan, including interest, with Solar Renewable Energy Credits (“SREC’s”)  that are expected to be generated by the System.  Most of the remaining cost of the System is expected to be funded by a renewable energy grant from the federal government.

In May 2011, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company completed the installation of a solar power system (the “Emerson System”) at the Company’s Emerson Shopping Center in Emerson, New Jersey at a total cost of approximately $1.2 million.  The subsidiary of the Company financed a portion of the project with a loan in the amount of $819,000 from PSE&G, through PSE&G’s “Solar Loan Program II”.  The loan requires monthly payments of principal and interest at 11.3% per annum through its maturity date of May 31, 2026.  The subsidiary of the Company has the option of repaying all or part of the PSE&G loan, including interest, with SREC’s that are expected to be generated by the System.  Most of the remaining cost of the System is expected to be funded by a renewable energy grant from the federal government.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

The Company has three off-balance sheet investments in real estate property including a 66.7% equity interest in the Putnam Plaza shopping center and its 11.6% equity investment in the Midway Shopping Center L.P. (“Midway”) and a 20% economic interest in a partnership that owns a retail real estate investment.  These unconsolidated joint ventures are accounted for under the equity method of accounting as we have the ability to exercise significant influence, but not control the operating and financial decisions of these investments.  Our off-balance sheet arrangements are more fully discussed in Note 6, “Investments in and Advances to Unconsolidated Joint Ventures” in the accompanying financial statements.

 
20

 
 
Capital Expenditures

The Company invests in its existing properties and regularly incurs capital expenditures in the ordinary course of business to maintain its properties. The Company believes that such expenditures enhance the competitiveness of its properties. In the six months ended April 30, 2011, the Company paid approximately $3.2 million for property improvements, tenant improvement and leasing commission costs (approximately $1.5 million representing recurring property improvements and approximately $1.7 million related to new tenant space improvements and leasing costs).  The amounts of these expenditures can vary significantly depending on tenant negotiations, market conditions and rental rates.  The Company expects to incur approximately $7.8 million predominantly for anticipated capital improvements and leasing costs related to new tenant leases during the balance of fiscal 2011 and fiscal 2012. These expenditures are expected to be funded from operating cash flows, bank borrowings or other financing sources.

Acquisitions and Significant Property Transactions

In April 2011, the Company, through a wholly owned subsidiary, completed the purchase of the 72,000 square foot Fairfield Plaza Shopping Center, in New Milford, Connecticut (“Fairfield Plaza”) for a purchase price of $10.8 million, subject to an existing first mortgage secured by the property at its estimated fair value of approximately $5.0 million.  The Company financed its investment in the property with available cash and a borrowing on its unsecured revolving credit facility.  In conjunction with the purchase, the Company incurred acquisition costs totaling $53,000.

In December 2010, the Company reached a lease termination settlement (“Settlement”) with a former tenant in its Meriden shopping center in Meriden, CT. In accordance with the Settlement agreement the prior tenant was released from all its obligations under the aforementioned lease in exchange for a settlement payment to the Company.  The Settlement agreement provides that the former tenant will pay the Company $3.3 million in 41 equal monthly payments of $80,000 and one final monthly payment of $20,000 without interest beginning on January 1, 2011.  The Company has recorded the lease termination in the consolidated statement of income for six month period ended April 30, 2011 in the amount of $2,988,000, which amount represents the present value of the 42 payments due to the Company under the Settlement agreement at a discount rate of 5.75% per annum.  The Company will record the balance as interest income over the remaining payment term though June 1, 2014 in accordance with the effective yield method.

In December of 2010 and January of 2011, the Company and a wholly-owned subsidiary, purchased the remaining 10% limited partner interests in the limited partnership that owns the Company’s Ridgeway Shopping Center in Stamford, CT for $7.4 million.  As a result of this transaction, the Company has a 100% ownership interest in the property at April 30, 2011.

In May 2011, a subsidiary of the Company purchased an additional 0.75% interest in the Midway partnership for a purchase price of $104,000. As a result of the purchase the Company, or its affiliates own approximately 11.6% of Midway and will continue to account for the investment under the equity method of accounting as we have significant influence but do not control the entity.

Non-Core Properties
In a prior year, the Company's Board of Directors expanded and refined the strategic objectives of the Company to refocus its real estate portfolio into one of self-managed retail properties located in the northeast and authorized the sale of the Company’s non-core properties in the normal course of business over a period of several years.  The Company’s current non-core properties consist of two distribution service facilities (both of which are located outside of the northeast region of the United States).

The Company will consider selling these two remaining non-core properties as opportunities become available.  The Company’s ability to generate cash from asset sales is dependent upon market conditions and will be limited if market conditions make such sales unattractive.  At April 30, 2011, the two remaining non-core properties have a net book value of approximately $450,000.

During the six month period ended April 30, 2011, one of the non-core property’s buildings in the amount of $933,000 became fully depreciated and the non-core asset’s cost was written off with a corresponding reduction to accumulated depreciation.

Funds from Operations
The Company considers Funds from Operations (“FFO”) to be an additional measure of an equity REIT’s operating performance.  The Company reports FFO in addition to its net income applicable to common stockholders and net cash provided by operating activities.  Management has adopted the definition suggested by The National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts (“NAREIT”) and defines FFO to mean net income (computed in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”)) excluding gains or losses from sales of property, plus real estate related depreciation and amortization and after adjustments for unconsolidated joint ventures.

Management considers FFO a meaningful, additional measure of operating performance because it primarily excludes the assumption that the value of its real estate assets diminishes predictably over time and industry analysts have accepted it as a performance measure.  FFO is presented to assist investors in analyzing the performance of the Company.  It is helpful as it excludes various items included in net income that are not indicative of the Company’s operating performance, such as gains (or losses) from sales of property and deprecation and amortization.

 
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However, FFO:

§  
does not represent cash flows from operating activities in accordance with GAAP (which, unlike FFO, generally reflects all cash effects of transactions and other events in the determination of net income); and

§  
should not be considered an alternative to net income as an indication of the Company’s performance.

FFO as defined by us may not be comparable to similarly titled items reported by other real estate investment trusts due to possible differences in the application of the NAREIT definition used by such REITs.  The table below provides a reconciliation of net income applicable to Common and Class A Common Stockholders in accordance with GAAP to FFO for each of the three and six months ended April 30, 2011 and 2010 (amounts in thousands).


   
Six Months Ended
April 30,
   
Three Months Ended
April 30,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
 
Net Income Applicable to Common and Class A Common Stockholders
  $ 10,515     $ 6,026     $ 3,639     $ 2,886  
                                 
Real property depreciation
    6,061       5,677       3,047       2,847  
Amortization of tenant improvements and allowances
    1,241       1,244       623       633  
Amortization of deferred leasing costs
    271       231       125       118  
Depreciation and amortization on unconsolidated joint ventures
    323       300       166       300  
Funds from Operations Applicable to Common and Class A Common Stockholders
  $ 18,411     $ 13,478     $ 7,600     $ 6,784  
                                 
Net Cash Provided by (Used in):
                               
Operating Activities
  $ 21,777     $ 21,642     $ 10,920     $ 11,134  
Investing Activities
  $ (18,181 )   $ (18,975 )   $ (8,357 )   $ (17,937 )
Financing Activities
  $ (17,560 )   $ (11,502 )   $ (7,654 )   $ 3,490  
                                 

FFO amounted to $18.4 million in the first six months of fiscal 2011 compared to $13.5 million in comparable period of fiscal 2010.  The net increase in FFO is attributable, among other things, to: a) lease termination income in the amount of $2,988,000 relating to a lease termination of a former tenant at the Company’s Meriden property; b) an increase from the beginning of fiscal 2010 in the leased percentage at some of the Company’s core properties which resulted in an increase in base rent billed, and common area maintenance and real estate tax reimbursement revenue billed and accrued at some of our properties owned in both periods; c) FFO related to $46.5 million in property investments in the second half of fiscal 2010 and $6.4 million in the first half of fiscal 2011; offset by d) an increase in general and administrative expenses predominantly related to an increase in restricted stock amortization expense; e) an increase of $302,000 in bad debt expense for the first six months of fiscal 2011 when compared with 2010; and f) a loss of base rent related to vacancies at some of the Company’s properties in the first half of fiscal 2011 (See more detailed explanations which follow).

Results of Operations

The following information summarizes the Company’s results of operations for the six month and three month periods ended April 30, 2011 and 2010 (amounts in thousands):

   
Six Months Ended
             
   
April 30,
         
Change Attributable to:
 
Revenues
 
2011
   
2010
   
Increase (decrease)
   
%
 Change
   
Property Acquisitions
   
Properties Held
In Both Periods
 
Base rents
  $ 32,114     $ 31,191     $ 923       3.0 %   $ 1,323     $ (400 )
Recoveries from tenants
    10,764       9,964       800       8.0 %     403       397  
Mortgage interest and other
    1,013       516       497       96.3 %     0       497  
                                                 
Operating Expenses
                                               
Property operating expenses
    7,663       7,318       345       4.7 %     305       40  
Property taxes
    7,225       6,647       578       8.7 %     253       325  
Depreciation and amortization
    7,593       7,177       416       5.8 %     308       108  
General and administrative expenses
    3,731       3,527       204       5.8 %     N/A       N/A  
                                                 
Other Income/Expenses
                                               
Interest expense
    3,804       3,622       182       5.0 %     201       (19 )
                                                 


 
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Three Months Ended
             
   
April 30,
         
Change Attributable to:
 
Revenues
 
2011
   
2010
   
Increase (decrease)
   
%
 Change
   
Property Acquisitions
   
Properties Held
In Both Periods
 
Base rents
  $ 15,971     $ 15,691     $ 280       1.8 %   $ 730     $ (450 )
Recoveries from tenants
    5,684       5,140       544       10.6 %     268       276  
Mortgage interest and other
    698       262       436       166.4 %     0       436  
                                                 
Operating Expenses
                                               
Property operating expenses
    4,427       3,821       606       15.9 %     159       447  
Property taxes
    3,580       3,319       261       7.9 %     123       138  
Depreciation and amortization
    3,806       3,608       198       5.5 %     147       51  
General and administrative expenses
    1,830       1,801       29       1.6 %     N/A       N/A  
                                                 
Other Income/Expenses
                                               
Interest expense
    1,903       1,784       119       6.7 %     101       18  
                                                 

Revenues
Base rents increased by 3.0% to $32.1 million for the six month period ended April 30, 2011 as compared with $31.2 million in the comparable period of 2010.  Base rents increased 1.8% to $16.0 million for the three months ended April 30, 2011 as compared with $15.7 million in the comparable period of 2010.  The change in base rentals and the changes in other income statement line items were attributable to:

Property Acquisitions:

In fiscal 2010 and the second quarter of fiscal 2011, the Company purchased three properties totaling approximately 330,000 square feet of GLA.  These properties accounted for all of the revenue and expense changes attributable to property acquisitions during the six month period ended April 30, 2011.  The remaining two property acquisitions made by the Company in fiscal 2010 are accounted for under the equity method of accounting and are not included in any of the variance analysis in the preceding charts on the consolidated financial statements.

Properties Held in Both Periods:

The net decrease in base rents for properties held during the six month and three month periods ended April 30, 2011 compared to the same periods in fiscal 2010 was a result of a decrease in base rent revenue billed predominantly relating to vacancies for four tenant spaces at three properties in the first six months of fiscal 2011 that were leased for all or portions of the first six months of fiscal 2010 resulting in a base revenue loss of $450,000 and $350,000 in the six month and three month periods ended April 30, 2011, respectively.  In addition, the decrease in both the six month and three month periods ended April 30, 2011 when compared with the corresponding periods in fiscal 2010 was also the result of the Company renewing its two leases on its two Chrysler warehouse properties in the first quarter of fiscal 2010 at a lower rental rate than the expiring rate, and an increase in bad debt expense, which together reduced base rent revenue by an additional $517,000 and $102,000 in the six and three month periods ended April 30, 2011, respectively.  This decrease was offset by significant new leasing completed in the second half of fiscal 2010 and fiscal 2011 at four of the Company’s properties which increased base rental revenue by $560,000 and $250,000 in the six month and three month periods ended April 30, 2011, respectively and normal increases in rental rates for in place leases for existing tenants over the both the six month and three month periods ended April 30, 2011.  For the first six months of fiscal 2011, the Company leased or renewed approximately 186,000 square feet (or approximately 4.3% of total consolidated property leasable area).  At April 30, 2011 the Company’s core properties were approximately 93% leased.  Overall core property occupancy increased to 91% at April 30, 2011 from 90% at October 31, 2010.

In the six month and three month periods ended April 30, 2011, recoveries from tenants for properties owned in both periods (which represents reimbursements from tenants for operating expenses and property taxes) increased by a net $397,000 and $276,000, respectively compared to the corresponding periods in fiscal 2010. This net increase was a result of a higher operating expenses at its properties held in both periods of $365,000 and $585,000 for the six month and three month periods ended respectively relating predominantly to an increase in snow removal costs in the three and six months ended April 30, 2011 and an increase in real estate tax expense as a result of increased municipal tax assessments at a majority of the Company’s properties when compared to the corresponding periods in fiscal 2010.

Expenses
Property operating expenses for properties held in both periods increased by $40,000 and $447,000 in the six month and three month periods ended April 30, 2011, respectively, largely due to an increase in snow removal costs and other various maintenance items when compared with the corresponding periods of fiscal 2010.

Real estate taxes for properties held in both periods increased by $325,000 and $138,000 in the six month and three month periods ended April 30, 2011, respectively, when compared with the same periods of fiscal 2010 as a result of increased tax rates and assessments on our properties by municipalities where the properties are located.

 
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Interest expense for properties held in both periods was relatively unchanged in the three and six month periods ended April 30, 2011, when compared to corresponding periods in fiscal 2010 as a result of the Company incurring additional mortgage debt in conjunction with two of its property acquisitions in fiscal 2010 and 2011 offset by scheduled principal payments on mortgage notes payable in the amount of $1.2 million for the six months ended April 30, 2011 and the repayment of $5.2 million in mortgage debt in December 2009 (fiscal 2010).

Depreciation and amortization expense from properties held in both periods was relatively unchanged during the three month and six month periods ended April 30, 2011 compared to the corresponding periods of fiscal 2010.

General and administrative expenses increased by a net $204,000 and $29,000 in the six and three month periods ended April 30, 2011, respectively when compared to the corresponding periods in fiscal 2010, primarily due to an increase in restricted stock compensation amortization expense offset by a reduction in legal costs.

Inflation
The Company’s long-term leases contain provisions to mitigate the adverse impact of inflation on its operating results. Such provisions include clauses entitling the Company to receive (a) scheduled base rent increases and (b) percentage rents based upon tenants’ gross sales, which generally increase as prices rise. In addition, many of the Company’s non-anchor leases are for terms of less than ten years, which permits the Company to seek increases in rents upon renewal at then current market rates if rents provided in the expiring leases are below then existing market rates. Most of the Company’s leases require tenants to pay a share of operating expenses, including common area maintenance, real estate taxes, insurance and utilities, thereby reducing the Company’s exposure to increases in costs and operating expenses resulting from inflation.

Environmental Matters
Based upon management’s ongoing review of its properties, management is not aware of any environmental condition with respect to any of the Company’s properties that would be reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company. There can be no assurance, however, that (a) the discovery of environmental conditions that were previously unknown, (b) changes in law, (c) the conduct of tenants or (d) activities relating to properties in the vicinity of the Company’s properties, will not expose the Company to material liability in the future. Changes in laws increasing the potential liability for environmental conditions existing on properties or increasing the restrictions on discharges or other conditions may result in significant unanticipated expenditures or may otherwise adversely affect the operations of the Company’s tenants, which could adversely affect the Company’s financial condition and results of operations.

 
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Item 3.                                Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

Market risk is the exposure to loss resulting from changes in interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates, commodity prices and equity prices.  The primary market risk to which we are exposed is interest rate risk, which is sensitive to many factors, including governmental monetary and tax policies, domestic and international economic and political considerations and other factors that are beyond the Company’s control.

Interest Rate Risk

The Company is exposed to interest rate risk primarily through its borrowing activities.  There is inherent rollover risk for borrowings as they mature and are renewed at current market rates.  The extent of this risk is not quantifiable or predictable because of the variability of future interest rates and the Company’s future financing requirements.

As of April 30, 2011, the Company had $14.6 million in outstanding variable rate (based on LIBOR) debt.  In July of 2010 the Company entered into an interest rate swap derivative financial instrument with BNY Mellon to fix the interest rate on $11.6 million of variable rate debt at 1.22% (2.07% total when including the 0.85% interest rate spread required under the Facility) until January 2, 2013.

We may seek additional variable-rate financing if and when pricing and other commercial and financial terms warrant. As such, we would consider hedging against the interest rate risk related to such additional variable-rate debt through interest rate swaps and protection agreements, or other means.

The Company does not enter into any derivative financial instrument transactions for speculative or trading purposes.  The Company believes that its weighted average interest rate of 5.9% on its fixed rate debt is not materially different from current fair market interest rates for debt instruments with similar risks and maturities.

Item 4.                                Controls and Procedures

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
The Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) as of the end of the period covered by this report.  Based on such evaluation, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of the end of such period, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective.

Changes in Internal Controls
During the quarter ended April 30, 2011, there were no significant changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 
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PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.                                Legal Proceedings

The Company is not involved in any litigation that in management’s opinion would result in a material adverse effect on the Company’s ownership, management or operation of its properties.

Item 2.                                Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

Previously, the Board of Directors of the Company approved a share repurchase program (“Program”) for the repurchase of up to 1,500,000 shares in the aggregate of Common Stock, Class A Common Stock, Series C Preferred Stock or Series D Preferred Stock. There were no purchases of either Common, Class A Common Stock or Preferred Stock under the Program during any month in the quarter ended April 30, 2011 and there is no assurance that the Company will repurchase the full amount of shares authorized.  Any combination of either Common Stock, Class A Common Stock or Preferred Stock not exceeding 771,822 shares, in the aggregate, may yet be purchased under the Program.

 
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Item 6.                                Exhibits


31.1
Certification of the Chief Executive Officer of Urstadt Biddle Properties Inc. pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
   
31.2
Certification of the Chief Financial Officer of Urstadt Biddle Properties Inc. pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
   
32
Certification of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of Urstadt Biddle Properties Inc. pursuant to Section 906 of Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
   
10.1 Amended and Restated Restricted Stock Award Plan as approved by stockholders on March 10, 2011 


 
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S I G N A T U R E S



Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 
URSTADT BIDDLE PROPERTIES INC.
 
 (Registrant)
   
 
By: /s/ Charles J. Urstadt
 
Charles J. Urstadt
 
Chairman and
 
Chief Executive Officer
   
 
By : /s/ John T. Hayes
 
John T. Hayes
 
Senior Vice President &
 
Chief Financial Officer
 
(Principal Financial Officer
Dated: June 8, 2011
and Principal Accounting Officer)

 
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EXHIBIT INDEX


Exhibit No.

31.1
Certification of the Chief Executive Officer of Urstadt Biddle Properties Inc. pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
   
31.2
Certification of the Chief Financial Officer of Urstadt Biddle Properties Inc. pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
   
32
Certification of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of Urstadt Biddle Properties Inc. pursuant to Section 906 of Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
   
10.1
Amended and Restated Restricted Stock Award Plan as approved by stockholders on March 10, 2011

 
29