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EX-99.2 - EX-99.2 - Excel Trust, Inc.d917425dex992.htm
8-K - FORM 8-K - Excel Trust, Inc.d917425d8k.htm

Exhibit 99.1

Excel Trust Announces Results for the Quarter Ended March 31, 2015, Declares Dividend

SAN DIEGO April 29, 2015--Excel Trust, Inc. (the “Company”) announced today financial and operating results for the quarter ended March 31, 2015. A supplemental financial package with additional information can be found on Excel Trust’s website under the Investor Relations tab.

Highlights for the First Quarter 2015

 

   

Reported Adjusted Funds From Operations (AFFO) for the quarter of approximately $16.0 million, or $0.25 per diluted share

   

Reported Funds From Operations (FFO) for the quarter of approximately $15.6 million, or $0.24 per diluted share

   

Declared a second quarter 2015 dividend of $0.18 per share of common stock, which equates to an annualized dividend rate of $0.72 per share

   

Disposed of Family Center in Orem, UT for $21.5 million

   

Disposed of Promenade Corporate Center in Scottsdale, AZ for $65.0 million

Highlights Subsequent to Quarter Close

 

   

Disposed of Rosewick Crossing in La Plata, MD for $25.0 million

   

Announced a definitive agreement with Blackstone Property Partners L.P., under which Blackstone will acquire all outstanding shares of common stock of Excel Trust for $15.85 per share

Financial Results

Excel Trust reported Adjusted Funds From Operations (AFFO) for the first quarter of 2015 of $16.0 million, or $0.25 per diluted share, and Funds From Operations (FFO) for the first quarter of $15.6 million, or $0.24 per diluted share. Net income attributable to the common stockholders for the first quarter was $17.6 million, or $0.28 per diluted share. This compares to AFFO of $11.9 million, or $0.24 per diluted share, FFO of $11.4 million, or $0.23 per diluted share, and net loss attributable to the common stockholders of $0.5 million, or $0.01 per diluted share, in the three-month period ended March 31, 2014.

Excel Trust considers AFFO and FFO important supplemental measures of its operating performance and believes that they are frequently used by securities analysts, investors and other interested parties in the evaluation of real estate investment trusts (REITs), many of which present AFFO and FFO when reporting their results. A complete reconciliation containing adjustments from GAAP net income available to the common stockholders to AFFO and FFO and a definition of both are included at the end of this release.

Operating Results

At the end of the first quarter 2015, our retail portfolio was 94.4% leased compared to 94.3% in the fourth quarter 2014. Anchor space was 99.1% leased compared to 98.9% in the fourth quarter 2014 and inline space was 85.6% leased compared to 85.8% in the fourth quarter 2014.


During the first quarter 2015, the Company signed 44 retail leases and renewals, totaling 239,058 square feet. The average releasing spread on comparable new leases was 0.8%.

Same Property Net Operating Income increased 1.5% over the same quarter of the prior year.

Summary of Significant Activities During First Quarter 2015

On January 30, 2015, the Company completed the disposition of the Family Center at Orem property located in Orem, Utah for $21.5 million, excluding closing costs. The shopping center is comprised of 150,667 square feet and major tenants include Dick’s Sporting Goods, Jo-Ann, Babies ‘R’ Us, Dollar Tree and Toys ‘R’ Us (non-owned).

On March 11, 2015, the Company completed the disposition of Promenade Corporate Center in Scottsdale, Arizona for $65.0 million, excluding closing costs. The Promenade Corporate Center is comprised of two Class A office towers with 256,157 square feet of combined gross leasable area. The sale does not include any of the surrounding retail at Scottsdale Promenade owned by Excel Trust.

Significant Activities Subsequent to First Quarter 2015

On April 2, 2015, the Company completed the disposition of Rosewick Crossing in La Plata, Maryland for $25.0 million, excluding closing costs. The shopping center is comprised of 116,036 square feet and major tenants include Giant Food and Lowe’s (non-owned).

On April 10, 2015, the Company announced that it entered into a definitive merger agreement with Blackstone Property Partners L.P., under which Blackstone will acquire all outstanding shares of common stock of Excel Trust for $15.85 per share.

Second Quarter 2015 Dividends Declared

The Board of Directors declared a second quarter cash dividend of $0.18 per common share payable on or about July 15, 2015 to stockholders of record as of June 30, 2015. Pursuant to the terms of the merger agreement with Blackstone, the Company will not pay dividends on the common stock for any quarter thereafter.

The Board of Directors has also declared a dividend of $0.4375 per share on the Company’s Series A Cumulative Convertible Perpetual Preferred Shares, and a dividend of $0.5078 on its Series B Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Shares. The dividend on Excel Trust’s outstanding Series A and Series B Preferred Shares will be payable on or about July 15, 2015 to stockholders of record as of June 30, 2015.

About Excel Trust

Excel Trust, Inc. is a retail focused REIT that primarily targets community and power centers, grocery anchored neighborhood centers and freestanding retail properties. The Company has elected to be treated as a REIT, for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Excel Trust trades publicly on the NYSE under the symbol “EXL”. For more information on Excel Trust, Inc., please visit www.exceltrust.com.


Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 based on current expectations, forecasts and assumptions that involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially. These risks and uncertainties include, without limitation: the failure to satisfy conditions to completion of the proposed merger with Blackstone, including receipt of stockholder approval; the failure of the proposed merger to close for any other reason; the occurrence of any change, effect, event, circumstance, occurrence or state of facts that could give rise to the termination of the merger agreement; the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted against the Company and others related to the proposed merger; general risks affecting the real estate industry (including, without limitation, the inability to enter into or renew leases, dependence on tenants’ financial condition, and competition from other developers, owners and operators of real estate); adverse economic or real estate developments in the retail industry or the markets in which the Company operates; increased interest rates and operating costs; decreased rental rates or increased vacancy rates; the Company’s failure to obtain necessary outside financing on favorable terms or at all; changes in the availability of additional acquisition opportunities; the Company’s inability to successfully complete real estate acquisitions or successfully operate acquired properties; the Company’s failure to qualify or maintain its status as a REIT; risks associated with the Company’s dependence on key personnel whose continued service is not guaranteed; and risks associated with downturns in domestic and local economies, and volatility in the securities markets. For a further list and description of such risks and uncertainties, see the reports filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Company’s most recent annual report on Form 10-K and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Funds From Operations (FFO) and Adjusted Funds From Operations (AFFO)

Excel Trust considers FFO and AFFO to be important supplemental measures of its operating performance and believes they are frequently used by securities analysts, investors and other interested parties in the evaluation of REITs, many of which present FFO and AFFO when reporting their results. FFO and AFFO are intended to exclude GAAP historical cost depreciation and amortization of real estate and related assets, which assumes that the value of real estate assets diminishes ratably over time. Historically, however, real estate values have risen or fallen with market conditions. Because FFO and AFFO exclude depreciation and amortization unique to real estate, gains and losses from property dispositions and extraordinary items, they provide a performance measure that, when compared year-over-year, reflects the impact to operations from trends in occupancy rates, rental rates, operating costs, development activities and interest costs, providing perspective not immediately apparent from net income.


Excel Trust computes FFO in accordance with standards established by the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts, or NAREIT. As defined by NAREIT, FFO represents net income (loss) (computed in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, or GAAP), excluding real estate-related depreciation and amortization, impairment charges and net gains (losses) on the disposition of assets and after adjustments for unconsolidated partnerships and joint ventures. Excel Trust computes AFFO by adding to FFO the non-cash compensation expense, amortization of prepaid financing costs and non-recurring transaction costs, and other one-time items, then subtracting or adding straight-line rents, amortization of above and below market leases and non-incremental capital expenditures. Excel Trust’s computation of FFO and AFFO may differ from the methodology for calculating FFO and AFFO utilized by other equity REITs and, accordingly, may not be comparable to such other REITs. Further, FFO and AFFO do not represent amounts available for management’s discretionary use because of needed capital replacement or expansion, debt service obligations, or other commitments and uncertainties.

FFO and AFFO should not be considered alternatives to net income (loss) (computed in accordance with GAAP) as an indicator of Excel Trust’s financial performance or to cash flow from operating activities (computed in accordance with GAAP) as an indicator of Excel Trust’s liquidity, nor are they indicative of funds available to fund Excel Trust’s cash needs, including Excel Trust’s ability to pay dividends or make distributions.

Summarized Financial Statements

Reported results are preliminary and not final until the filing of Excel Trust’s Form 10-Q with the Securities and Exchange Commission and, therefore, remain subject to adjustment. The accompanying notes to follow in the Form 10-Q are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

Additional Information and Where to Find it

In connection with the proposed merger with Blackstone, the Company intends to file a proxy statement and other relevant materials with the Securities and Exchange Commission and hold a special stockholder meeting to obtain the requisite stockholder approval. BEFORE MAKING ANY VOTING OR INVESTMENT DECISIONS, INVESTORS AND SECURITY HOLDERS OF THE COMPANY ARE URGED TO READ THE PROXY STATEMENT AND ALL OTHER MATERIALS WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE COMPANY, BLACKSTONE, THE PROPOSED MERGER AND RELATED MATTERS. The proxy statement and other relevant materials (when they become available) containing information about the proposed merger, and any other documents filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission, may be obtained free of charge at the Securities and Exchange Commission’s web site at www.sec.gov. In addition, investors and security holders may obtain free copies of the documents filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission by directing a written request to Excel Trust, Inc. at 17140 Bernardo Center Drive, Suite 300, San Diego, California 92128, Attention: Secretary.


Participants in the Solicitation

The Company and its officers and directors may be deemed to be participants in soliciting proxies from the stockholders of the Company in favor of the proposed merger with Blackstone. Information regarding the persons who may, under the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission, be considered to be participants in the solicitation of the Company’s stockholders in connection with the proposed merger and their direct or indirect interests, by security holdings or otherwise, in the Company will be set forth in the Company’s proxy statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Investors and security holders may obtain more detailed information regarding the direct or indirect interests of Excel Trust and its officers and directors in the proposed merger by reading the definitive proxy statement and other relevant materials when they become available.


Excel Trust Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

 

        March 31, 2015                 December 31, 2014     

ASSETS:

        

Property:

        

Land

    $ 433,635             $ 455,112     

Buildings

     860,390              921,604     

Site improvements

     83,222              87,305     

Tenant improvements

     65,484              70,549     

Construction in progress

     16,927              8,819     

Less accumulated depreciation

     (92,993)             (90,543)    
  

 

 

       

 

 

 

Property, net

     1,366,665              1,452,846     

Cash and cash equivalents

     5,525              6,603     

Restricted cash

     94,102              8,272     

Tenant receivables, net

     5,772              5,794     

Lease intangibles, net

     110,068              123,373     

Deferred rent receivable

     10,376              11,479     

Other assets (1)

     20,404              32,081     

Real estate held for sale, net of accumulated amortization

     27,295              -         

Investment in unconsolidated entities

     6,671              6,689     
  

 

 

       

 

 

 

Total assets

    $ 1,646,878             $ 1,647,137     
  

 

 

       

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY:

        

Liabilities:

        

Mortgages payable, net

    $ 192,956             $ 192,748     

Notes payable

     199,000              238,000     

Unsecured notes

     398,791              398,758     

Accounts payable and other liabilities

     37,920              34,338     

Liabilities of real estate held for sale

     2,207              -         

Lease intangibles, net

     37,439              42,470     

Dividends/distributions payable

     13,580              12,857     
  

 

 

       

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     881,893              919,171     

Equity:

        

Total stockholders’ equity

     752,253              715,389     

Non-controlling interests

     12,732              12,577     
  

 

 

       

 

 

 

Total equity

     764,985              727,966     
  

 

 

       

 

 

 

Total liabilities and equity

    $             1,646,878             $                 1,647,137     
  

 

 

       

 

 

 

(1) Other assets is primarily comprised of deposits, notes receivable, prepaid expenses and furniture, fixtures, and equipment


Excel Trust Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31, 2015
     Three Months Ended
March 31, 2014
 

Revenues:

     

Rental revenue

    $ 31,976          $ 24,908     

Tenant recoveries

     7,443           5,256     

Other income

     1,072           434     
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total revenues

     40,491           30,598     

Expenses:

     

Maintenance and repairs

     2,987           2,223     

Real estate taxes

     4,417           3,366     

Management fees

     643           518     

Other operating expenses

     2,732           1,731     

Changes in fair value of contingent consideration

     -               -         

General and administrative

     4,348           3,815     

Depreciation and amortization

     17,266           11,796     
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total expenses

     32,393           23,449     
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net operating income

     8,098           7,149     

Interest expense

     (7,551)          (4,989)    

Interest income

     50           49     

Income (loss) from equity in unconsolidated entities

     134           69     

Gain on acquisition of real estate and sale of land parcel

     -               -         

Gain on sale of real estate assets

     19,661           -         
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

     20,392           2,278     

Net (income) loss attributable to non-controlling interests

     (379)          (83)    
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net income (loss) attributable to Excel Trust, Inc.

     20,013           2,195     

Preferred stock dividends

     (2,385)          (2,744)    

Cost of redemption of preferred stock

     -               -         
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net income (loss) attributable to the common stockholders

    $ 17,628          $ (549)    
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Basic net income (loss) per share

    $ 0.28          $ (0.01)    
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Diluted net income (loss) per share

    $ 0.28          $ (0.01)    
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Weighted-average common shares outstanding - basic

     62,473           47,785     
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Weighted-average common shares outstanding - diluted

     64,987           47,785     
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

The notes in the Form 10-Q or 10-K are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.


Reconciliation of Net Income to FFO and AFFO

Excel Trust, Inc.’s FFO and AFFO available to common stockholders and operating partnership unitholders and a reconciliation to net income(loss) for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 is as follows:

 

       Three Months Ended  
March 31, 2015
            Three Months Ended  
March 31, 2014
 

Net income (loss) attributable to the common stockholders

    $ 17,628             $ (549)    

Add:

        

Non-controlling interests in operating partnership

     289              (10)    

Depreciation and amortization

     17,266              11,796     

Deduct:

        

Depreciation and amortization related to joint venture

     68              170     

Gain on sale of real estate assets

     (19,661)             -         
  

 

 

       

 

 

 

Funds from operations

    $ 15,590             $ 11,407     

Adjustments:

        

Gain on sale of equity securities

     (308)             -         

Charge for developer profit participation interests

     327              -         

Transaction costs

     405              306     

Deferred financing costs

     567              424     

Stock-based and other non-cash compensation expense

     1,063              574     

Straight-line effects of lease revenue

     (742)             (592)    

Amortization of above- and below-market leases

     (618)             (138)    

Non-incremental capital expenditures

     (288)             (111)    

Non-cash expenses (income) - including portion of joint ventures

     3              (9)    
  

 

 

       

 

 

 

Adjusted funds from operations

    $         15,999             $         11,861     
  

 

 

       

 

 

 

Weighted average common shares outstanding

     62,473              47,785     

Add:

        

OP units

     1,020              1,020     

Restricted stock

     -                  -         
  

 

 

       

 

 

 

Weighted average common shares outstanding - diluted (FFO and AFFO)

     63,493              48,805     
  

 

 

       

 

 

 

Funds from operations per share (diluted)

    $ 0.24             $ 0.23     

Adjusted funds from operations per share (diluted)

    $ 0.25             $ 0.24     
     

 

       

 

 

 
     

Other Information:

        

Leasing commissions paid

    $ 337             $ 272     

Tenant improvements paid

    $ 1,296             $ 1,257