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

Form 10-Q

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

For the Quarterly Period Ended: March 31, 2015
Commission File No. 1-11530

Taubman Centers, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Michigan
 
38-2033632
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
 
 
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
200 East Long Lake Road, Suite 300, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan
 
48304-2324
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(Zip code)
 
(248) 258-6800
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
 
 
 
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

x Yes o No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).

x Yes o No

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 x   Accelerated Filer o  Non-Accelerated Filer o   Smaller Reporting Company o
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

Indicate by a check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

o Yes x No

As of April 30, 2015, there were outstanding 61,809,208 shares of the Company's common stock, par value $0.01 per share.




TAUBMAN CENTERS, INC.
CONTENTS



PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1.
 
 
Consolidated Balance Sheet – March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014
 
 
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity – Three Months Ended March 31, 2015 and 2014
 
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows – Three Months Ended March 31, 2015 and 2014
 
Item 2.
Item 3.
Item 4.

PART II – OTHER INFORMATION 
Item 1.
Item 1A.
Item 2.
Item 6.
 
 
 
 

1


 
TAUBMAN CENTERS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
(in thousands, except share data)
 
 
March 31
2015
 
December 31 2014
Assets:
 
 
 
Properties
$
3,392,167

 
$
3,262,505

Accumulated depreciation and amortization
(989,649
)
 
(970,045
)
 
$
2,402,518

 
$
2,292,460

Investment in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures (Notes 2 and 4)
386,986

 
370,004

Cash and cash equivalents
105,539

 
276,423

Restricted cash (Note 5)
28,042

 
37,502

Accounts and notes receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $3,258 and $2,927 in 2015 and 2014
45,498

 
49,245

Accounts receivable from related parties
3,223

 
832

Deferred charges and other assets
190,646

 
188,435

Total Assets
$
3,162,452

 
$
3,214,901

 
 
 
 
Liabilities:
 
 
 
Notes payable (Note 5)
$
2,057,403

 
$
2,025,505

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
306,883

 
292,802

Distributions in excess of investments in and net income of Unconsolidated Joint Ventures (Notes 2 and 4)
475,794

 
476,651

 
$
2,840,080

 
$
2,794,958

Commitments and contingencies (Notes 5, 7, 8, 9, and 10)


 


 
 
 
 
Equity:
 

 
 

Taubman Centers, Inc. Shareowners’ Equity:
 

 
 

Series B Non-Participating Convertible Preferred Stock, $0.001 par and liquidation value, 40,000,000 shares authorized, 25,044,939 and 25,117,000 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014
$
25

 
$
25

Series J Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock, 7,700,000 shares authorized, no par, $192.5 million liquidation preference, 7,700,000 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014
 
 
 
Series K Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock, 6,800,000 shares authorized, no par, $170.0 million liquidation preference, 6,800,000 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014
 
 
 
Common Stock, $0.01 par value, 250,000,000 shares authorized, 62,307,024 and 63,324,409 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014
623

 
633

Additional paid-in capital
757,125

 
815,961

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (Note 13)
(21,124
)
 
(15,068
)
Dividends in excess of net income
(488,849
)
 
(483,188
)
 
$
247,800

 
$
318,363

Noncontrolling interests (Note 7)
74,572

 
101,580

 
$
322,372

 
$
419,943

Total Liabilities and Equity
$
3,162,452

 
$
3,214,901


See notes to consolidated financial statements.

2



TAUBMAN CENTERS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(in thousands, except share data)
 
Three Months Ended
March 31
 
2015

2014
Revenues:
 


 
Minimum rents
$
74,567


$
97,890

Percentage rents
2,930


4,662

Expense recoveries
43,912


62,709

Management, leasing, and development services
2,957


2,505

Other
4,623


7,012

 
$
128,989


$
174,778

Expenses:
 




Maintenance, taxes, utilities, and promotion
$
31,633


$
47,941

Other operating
13,218


15,496

Management, leasing, and development services
1,130


1,285

General and administrative
11,925


11,537

Interest expense
13,525


26,130

Depreciation and amortization
24,041


35,118

 
$
95,472


$
137,507

Nonoperating income, net
1,246


1,103

Income before income tax expense, equity in income of Unconsolidated Joint Ventures, and gain on dispositions, net of tax
$
34,763


$
38,374

Income tax expense (Note 3)
(838
)

(699
)
Equity in income of Unconsolidated Joint Ventures (Note 4)
17,075


12,068

Income before gain on dispositions, net of tax
$
51,000


$
49,743

Gain on dispositions, net of tax (Note 2)


476,414

Net income
$
51,000


$
526,157

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests (Note 7)
(15,102
)

(150,780
)
Net income attributable to Taubman Centers, Inc.
$
35,898


$
375,377

Distributions to participating securities of TRG (Note 9)
(492
)

(468
)
Preferred stock dividends
(5,784
)

(5,784
)
Net income attributable to Taubman Centers, Inc. common shareowners
$
29,622


$
369,125







Net income
$
51,000


$
526,157

Other comprehensive income (Note 13):
 




Unrealized loss on interest rate instruments and other
(9,389
)

(5,512
)
Cumulative translation adjustment
(1,917
)

(3,186
)
Reclassification adjustment for amounts recognized in net income
2,893


3,304


(8,413
)

(5,394
)
Comprehensive income
$
42,587


$
520,763

Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests
(12,690
)

(149,212
)
Comprehensive income attributable to Taubman Centers, Inc.
$
29,897


$
371,551







Basic earnings per common share (Note 11)
$
0.47


$
5.84







Diluted earnings per common share (Note 11)
$
0.47


$
5.74







Cash dividends declared per common share
$
0.5650


$
0.5400







Weighted average number of common shares outstanding – basic
63,039,777


63,165,611


See notes to consolidated financial statements.

3


TAUBMAN CENTERS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2015 AND 2014
(in thousands, except share data)
 
Taubman Centers, Inc. Shareowners’ Equity
 
 
 
 
 
Preferred Stock
 
Common Stock
 
Paid-In Capital
 
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
 
Dividends in Excess of Net Income
 
Non-Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests
 
Total Equity
 
Shares
 
Amount
 
Shares
 
Amount
 
 
 
 
 
Balance, January 1, 2014
39,651,069

 
$
25

 
63,101,614

 
$
631

 
$
796,787

 
$
(8,914
)
 
$
(908,656
)
 
$
(95,533
)
 
$
(215,660
)
Issuance of stock pursuant to Continuing Offer (Notes 9 and 10)
(25,250
)
 


 
25,250

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 

Repurchase of common stock (Note 6)
 
 
 
 
(266
)
 
 
 
(17
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(17
)
Share-based compensation under employee and director benefit plans (Note 9)
 
 
 
 
135,447

 
2

 
1,798

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
1,800

Adjustments of noncontrolling interests (Note 7)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(6
)
 
21

 
 
 
(15
)
 

Contributions from noncontrolling interests
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
22,345

 
22,345

Dividends and distributions
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(40,424
)
 
(15,161
)
 
(55,585
)
Other
1,431

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
143

 
 
 
(52
)
 
10

 
101

Net income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
375,377

 
150,780

 
526,157

Other comprehensive income (Note 13):
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 


Unrealized loss on interest rate instruments and other
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(3,882
)
 
 
 
(1,630
)
 
(5,512
)
Cumulative translation adjustment
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(2,280
)
 
 
 
(906
)
 
(3,186
)
Reclassification adjustment for amounts recognized in net income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2,336

 
 
 
968

 
3,304

Balance, March 31, 2014
39,627,250

 
$
25

 
63,262,045

 
$
633

 
$
798,705

 
$
(12,719
)
 
$
(573,755
)
 
$
60,858

 
$
273,747

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance, January 1, 2015
39,617,000

 
$
25

 
63,324,409

 
$
633

 
$
815,961

 
$
(15,068
)
 
$
(483,188
)
 
$
101,580

 
$
419,943

Issuance of stock pursuant to Continuing Offer (Notes 9 and 10)
(72,061
)
 
 
 
72,065

 
1

 
(1
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Repurchase of common stock (Note 6)
 
 
 
 
(1,153,230
)
 
(12
)
 
(84,970
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(84,982
)
Share-based compensation under employee and director benefit plans (Note 9)
 
 
 
 
63,780

 
1

 
2,808

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2,809

Adjustments of noncontrolling interests (Note 7)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
23,324

 
(55
)
 


 
(23,269
)
 

Dividends and distributions
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(41,460
)
 
(16,429
)
 
(57,889
)
Other
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
3

 
 
 
(99
)
 
 
 
(96
)
Net income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
35,898

 
15,102

 
51,000

Other comprehensive income (Note 13):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


Unrealized loss on interest rate instruments and other
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(6,698
)
 
 
 
(2,691
)
 
(9,389
)
Cumulative translation adjustment
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1,367
)
 
 
 
(550
)
 
(1,917
)
Reclassification adjustment for amounts recognized in net income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2,064

 
 
 
829

 
2,893

Balance, March 31, 2015
39,544,939

 
$
25

 
62,307,024

 
$
623

 
$
757,125

 
$
(21,124
)
 
$
(488,849
)
 
$
74,572

 
$
322,372


See notes to consolidated financial statements.

4


TAUBMAN CENTERS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands)
 
Three Months Ended March 31
 
2015

2014
Cash Flows From Operating Activities:
 

 
Net income
$
51,000


$
526,157

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
 


 

Depreciation and amortization
24,041


35,118

Provision for bad debts
456


240

Gain on dispositions



(486,620
)
Income from Unconsolidated Joint Ventures in excess of distributions
(1,448
)



Other
517


4,138

Decrease in cash attributable to changes in assets and liabilities:
 


 

Receivables, restricted cash, deferred charges, and other assets
(2,696
)

(2,802
)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
(20,385
)

(13,717
)
Net Cash Provided By Operating Activities
$
51,485


$
62,514







Cash Flows From Investing Activities:
 


 

Additions to properties
$
(97,414
)

$
(64,845
)
Cash drawn from (provided to) escrow related to center construction projects (Note 5)
7,784


(44,992
)
Proceeds from dispositions, net of transaction costs (Note 2)
 

385,598

Contributions to Unconsolidated Joint Ventures
(20,242
)

(11,767
)
Distributions from Unconsolidated Joint Ventures in excess of income



9,350

Other
323

 
7,345

Net Cash Provided By (Used In) Investing Activities
$
(109,549
)

$
280,689







Cash Flows From Financing Activities:
 


 

Payments on revolving line of credit, net
 

$
(69,150
)
Debt proceeds
$
51,031

 
 
Other debt payments
(18,645
)
 
(101,256
)
Debt issuance costs
(182
)



Repurchase of common stock
(84,982
)

(17
)
Issuance of common stock and/or partnership units in connection with incentive plans
(2,153
)

(2,395
)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests
(16,429
)

(15,161
)
Distributions to participating securities of TRG
(492
)

(468
)
Contributions from noncontrolling interests
 

22,345

Cash dividends to preferred shareowners
(5,784
)

(5,784
)
Cash dividends to common shareowners
(35,184
)

(34,172
)
Net Cash Used In Financing Activities
$
(112,820
)

$
(206,058
)






Net Increase (Decrease) In Cash and Cash Equivalents
$
(170,884
)

$
137,145







Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period
276,423


40,993







Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period
$
105,539


$
178,138


See notes to consolidated financial statements.

5

TAUBMAN CENTERS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS



Note 1 - Interim Financial Statements

General

Taubman Centers, Inc. (the Company or TCO) is a Michigan corporation that operates as a self-administered and self-managed real estate investment trust (REIT). The Taubman Realty Group Limited Partnership (the Operating Partnership or TRG) is a majority-owned partnership subsidiary of TCO that owns direct or indirect interests in all of the Company’s real estate properties. In this report, the term “Company" refers to TCO, the Operating Partnership, and/or the Operating Partnership's subsidiaries as the context may require. The Company engages in the ownership, management, leasing, acquisition, disposition, development, and expansion of regional and super-regional retail shopping centers and interests therein. The Company’s owned portfolio as of March 31, 2015 included 19 urban and suburban shopping centers operating in 10 states and Puerto Rico.

Taubman Properties Asia LLC and its subsidiaries (Taubman Asia), which is the platform for the Company’s operations and developments in China and South Korea, is headquartered in Hong Kong.

The unaudited interim financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements and related notes included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) necessary for a fair presentation of the financial statements for the interim periods have been made. The results of interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results for a full year.

Dollar amounts presented in tables within the notes to the financial statements are stated in thousands, except share data or as otherwise noted.

Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements of the Company include all accounts of the Company, the Operating Partnership, and its consolidated subsidiaries, including The Taubman Company LLC (the Manager) and Taubman Asia. All intercompany transactions have been eliminated. The entities included in these consolidated financial statements are separate legal entities and maintain records and books of account separate from any other entity. However, inclusion of these separate entities in the consolidated financial statements does not mean that the assets and credit of each of these legal entities are available to satisfy the debts or other obligations of any other such legal entity included in the consolidated financial statements.

Investments in entities not controlled but over which the Company may exercise significant influence (Unconsolidated Joint Ventures or UJVs) are accounted for under the equity method. The Company has evaluated its investments in the Unconsolidated Joint Ventures under guidance for determining whether an entity is a variable interest entity and has concluded that the ventures are not variable interest entities. Accordingly, the Company accounts for its interests in these entities under general accounting standards for investments in real estate ventures (including guidance for determining effective control of a limited partnership or similar entity). The Company’s partners or other owners in these Unconsolidated Joint Ventures have substantive participating rights including approval rights over annual operating budgets, capital spending, financing, admission of new partners/members, or sale of the properties and the Company has concluded that the equity method of accounting is appropriate for these interests. Specifically, the Company’s 79% and 50.1% investments in Westfarms and International Plaza, respectively, are through general partnerships in which the other general partners have participating rights over annual operating budgets, capital spending, refinancing, or sale of the property.

Ownership

In addition to the Company’s common stock, there were three classes of preferred stock outstanding (Series B, J, and K) as of March 31, 2015. Dividends on the 6.5% Series J Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock (Series J Preferred Stock) and the 6.25% Series K Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock (Series K Preferred Stock) are cumulative and are paid on the last day of each calendar quarter. The Company owns corresponding Series J and Series K Preferred Equity interests in the Operating Partnership that entitle the Company to income and distributions (in the form of guaranteed payments) in amounts equal to the dividends payable on the Company’s Series J and Series K Preferred Stock.


6

TAUBMAN CENTERS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


The Company also is obligated to issue to partners in the Operating Partnership other than the Company, upon subscription, one share of nonparticipating Series B Preferred Stock per each Operating Partnership unit. The Series B Preferred Stock entitles its holders to one vote per share on all matters submitted to the Company’s shareowners and votes together with the common stock on all matters as a single class. The holders of Series B Preferred Stock are not entitled to dividends or earnings. The Series B Preferred Stock is convertible into the Company’s common stock at a ratio of 14,000 shares of Series B Preferred Stock for one share of common stock.

Outstanding voting securities of the Company at March 31, 2015 consisted of 25,044,939 shares of Series B Preferred Stock and 62,307,024 shares of common stock.

The Operating Partnership

At March 31, 2015, the Operating Partnership’s equity included two classes of preferred equity (Series J and K) and the net equity of the partnership unitholders. Net income and distributions of the Operating Partnership are allocable first to the preferred equity interests, and the remaining amounts to the general and limited partners in the Operating Partnership in accordance with their percentage ownership. The Series J and Series K Preferred Equity are owned by the Company and are eliminated in consolidation.

The Company's ownership in the Operating Partnership at March 31, 2015 consisted of a 71% managing general partnership interest, as well as the Series J and Series K Preferred Equity interests. The Company's average ownership percentage in the Operating Partnership for both the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 was 72%. At March 31, 2015, the Operating Partnership had 87,370,413 partnership units outstanding, of which the Company owned 62,307,024 units.



7

TAUBMAN CENTERS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


Note 2 - Dispositions, Acquisition, and Developments

Dispositions

Sale of Centers to Starwood

In October 2014, the Company completed the disposition of a portfolio of seven centers to an affiliate of the Starwood Capital Group (Starwood). The following centers were sold: MacArthur Center in Norfolk, Virginia, Stony Point Fashion Park in Richmond, Virginia, Northlake Mall in Charlotte, North Carolina, The Mall at Wellington Green in Wellington, Florida, The Shops at Willow Bend in Plano, Texas, The Mall at Partridge Creek in Clinton Township, Michigan, and Fairlane Town Center in Dearborn, Michigan. The results of the seven centers are in the Company's continuing operations for all periods prior to the October 2014 sale, pursuant to the Company's previous adoption of ASU No. 2014-08, "Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity" beginning January 1, 2014.

As a result of the sale, the Company underwent a restructuring plan to reduce its workforce across various areas of the organization. As of March 31, 2015, substantially all of the restructuring costs were paid.

International Plaza

In January 2014, the Company sold a total of 49.9% of the Company's interests in the entity that owns International Plaza, including certain governance rights, for $499 million (excluding transaction costs), which consisted of $337 million of cash and approximately $162 million of beneficial interest in debt. During the three months ended March 31, 2014, a gain of $367 million (net of tax of $10.2 million) was recognized as a result of the transaction. The Company's ownership in the center decreased to a noncontrolling 50.1% interest, which is accounted for under the equity method subsequent to the disposition.

Arizona Mills/Oyster Bay

In January 2014, the Company completed the sale of its 50% interest in Arizona Mills, an Unconsolidated Joint Venture, and land in Syosset, New York related to the former Oyster Bay project, to Simon Property Group (SPG). The consideration, excluding transaction costs, consisted of $60 million of cash and 555,150 partnership units in Simon Property Group Limited Partnership. The number of partnership units received was determined based on a value of $154.91 per unit. The fair value of the partnership units recognized for accounting purposes was $77.7 million, after considering the one-year restriction on the sale of these partnership units (Note 12). The number of partnership units subsequently increased to 590,124, in lieu of the Company's participation in a distribution of certain partnership units of another entity by SPG and Simon Property Group Limited Partnership. The increase in the number of partnership units was neutral to the market value of the Company's holdings as of the transaction date. The Company's investment in the partnership units is classified within Deferred Charges and Other Assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. As a result of the sale, the Company was relieved of its $84 million share of the $167 million mortgage loan outstanding on Arizona Mills at the time of the sale. A gain of $109 million was recognized as a result of the transaction.

Acquisition

Purchase of U.S. Headquarters Building

In February 2014, the Company purchased the U.S. headquarters building located in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan for approximately $16.1 million from an affiliate of the Taubman family. In exchange for the building, the Company assumed the $17.4 million, 5.90% fixed rate loan on the building, issued 1,431 Operating Partnership units (and a corresponding number of shares of Series B Preferred Stock), and received $1.4 million in escrowed and other cash from the affiliate. In March 2015, the Company refinanced the loan on the building (Note 5).











8

TAUBMAN CENTERS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


U.S. Development

International Market Place

International Market Place, a 0.4 million square foot center is under construction in Waikiki, Honolulu, Hawaii. The center will be anchored by Saks Fifth Avenue and is expected to open in August 2016. The Company owns a 93.5% interest in the project, which is subject to a participating ground lease. As of March 31, 2015, the Company's capitalized costs for the project were $136.2 million ($127.5 million at TRG's share).

The Mall of San Juan

The Mall of San Juan, a 0.6 million square foot center in San Juan, Puerto Rico opened in March 2015. The center is anchored by Nordstrom and Saks Fifth Avenue. As of March 31, 2015, the Company owned an 80% interest in the project. In April 2015, the Company acquired an additional 15% interest, bringing the Company's ownership interest to 95%. The additional interest was acquired at cost. As of March 31, 2015, the Company had capitalized costs of $454.9 million ($432.5 million at TRG's increased share).

Asia Development

CityOn.Xi'an

The Company has a joint venture with Beijing Wangfujing Department Store (Group) Co., Ltd (Wangfujing), one of China's largest department store chains, which will own a 60% controlling interest in and manage an approximately 1.0 million square foot shopping center, CityOn.Xi'an, to be located at Xi'an Saigao City Plaza, a large-scale mixed-use development under construction in Xi'an, China. Through this joint venture, the Company will beneficially own a 30% interest in the shopping center, which is scheduled to open in spring 2016. As of March 31, 2015, the Company's share of total project costs were $86.7 million, as increased by $0.6 million of cumulative currency translation adjustments. This investment is classified within Investment in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures on the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

CityOn.Zhengzhou

The Company also has a second joint venture with Wangfujing which owns a majority interest in and will manage an approximately 1.0 million square foot multi-level shopping center, CityOn.Zhengzhou, under construction in Zhengzhou, China. Through this joint venture, the Company beneficially owns a 32% interest in the shopping center, which is scheduled to open in spring 2016. As of March 31, 2015, the Company's share of total project costs were $52.4 million, as increased by immaterial cumulative currency translation adjustments. This investment is classified within Investment in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures on the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

Hanam Union Square

The Company's joint venture with Shinsegae Group, South Korea's largest retailer, is developing an approximately 1.7 million square foot shopping center, Hanam Union Square, under construction in Hanam, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea, which is scheduled to open in early fall 2016. The Company has partnered with a major institution in Asia for a 49% ownership interest in Hanam Union Square. The institutional partner owns 14.7% of the project, bringing the Company's effective ownership to 34.3%. As of March 31, 2015, the Company's share of total project costs were $148.1 million, as decreased by $3.0 million of cumulative currency translation adjustments. This investment is classified within Investment in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures on the Consolidated Balance Sheet.



9

TAUBMAN CENTERS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


Note 3 - Income Taxes

Income Tax Expense

The Company’s income tax expense (benefit) for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 consisted of the following:

 
2015

2014
Federal current
$
496

 
$
8,905

Federal deferred
(85
)
 
193

Foreign current
274

 
217

Foreign deferred
29

 
(4
)
State current
120

 
1,594

State deferred
4

 
 
 
$
838


$
10,905

Less income tax expense allocated to Gain on Dispositions (1)


 
(10,206
)
Total income tax expense
$
838

 
$
699


(1)
Amount represents the income taxes incurred as part of the Company's sale of interests in International Plaza in January 2014. The tax on the sale is classified within Gain on Dispositions, Net of Tax on the Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income and was subsequently adjusted to $9.7 million during the quarter ended June 30, 2014.


Deferred Taxes

Deferred tax assets and liabilities as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 were as follows:
 
2015
 
2014
Deferred tax assets:
 
 
 
Federal
$
1,501

 
$
1,382

Foreign
1,761

 
1,806

State
432

 
471

Total deferred tax assets
$
3,694

 
$
3,659

Valuation allowances
(1,633
)
 
(1,703
)
Net deferred tax assets
$
2,061

 
$
1,956

Deferred tax liabilities:
 
 
 

Federal
$
626

 
$
592

Foreign
486

 
473

State
135

 
89

Total deferred tax liabilities
$
1,247

 
$
1,154


The Company believes that it is more likely than not the results of future operations will generate sufficient taxable income to recognize the net deferred tax assets. These future operations are primarily dependent upon the Manager’s profitability, the timing and amounts of gains on peripheral land sales, the profitability of Taubman Asia's operations, and other factors affecting the results of operations of the Taxable REIT Subsidiaries. The valuation allowances relate to net operating loss carryforwards and tax basis differences where there is uncertainty regarding their realizability.




10

TAUBMAN CENTERS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


Note 4 - Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures

General Information

The Company owns beneficial interests in joint ventures that own shopping centers. The Operating Partnership is the sole direct or indirect managing general partner or managing member of Fair Oaks, International Plaza, Stamford Town Center, Sunvalley, The Mall at University Town Center, and Westfarms. The Operating Partnership also provides certain management, leasing, and/or development services to the other shopping centers noted below.
Shopping Center
 
Ownership as of
March 31, 2015 and
December 31, 2014
CityOn.Xi'an (under construction)
 
Note 2
CityOn.Zhengzhou (under construction)
 
Note 2
Fair Oaks
 
50%
Hanam Union Square (under construction)
 
Note 2
International Plaza
 
50.1
The Mall at Millenia
 
50
Stamford Town Center
 
50
Sunvalley
 
50
The Mall at University Town Center
 
50
Waterside Shops
 
50
Westfarms
 
79


The Company's carrying value of its Investment in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures differs from its share of the partnership or members’ equity reported in the combined balance sheet of the Unconsolidated Joint Ventures due to (i) the Company's cost of its investment in excess of the historical net book values of the Unconsolidated Joint Ventures and (ii) the Operating Partnership’s adjustments to the book basis, including intercompany profits on sales of services that are capitalized by the Unconsolidated Joint Ventures. The Company's additional basis allocated to depreciable assets is recognized on a straight-line basis over 40 years. The Operating Partnership’s differences in bases are amortized over the useful lives or terms of the related assets and liabilities.

In its Consolidated Balance Sheet, the Company separately reports its investment in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures for which accumulated distributions have exceeded investments in and net income of the Unconsolidated Joint Ventures. The net equity of certain joint ventures is less than zero because distributions are usually greater than net income, as net income includes non-cash charges for depreciation and amortization. In addition, any distributions related to refinancing of the centers further decrease the net equity of the centers.

The estimated fair value of the Unconsolidated Joint Ventures’ mortgage notes payable was $2.0 billion at both March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014. The methodology for determining this fair value is consistent with that used for determining the fair value of consolidated mortgage notes payable (Note 12).


11

TAUBMAN CENTERS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


Combined Financial Information

Combined balance sheet and results of operations information is presented in the following table for the Unconsolidated Joint Ventures, followed by the Operating Partnership's beneficial interest in the combined operations information. The combined information of the Unconsolidated Joint Ventures as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 excluded the balances of Hanam Union Square, CityOn.Xi'an, and CityOn.Zhengzhou, which are currently under construction (Note 2). Beneficial interest is calculated based on the Operating Partnership's ownership interest in each of the Unconsolidated Joint Ventures.

 
March 31
2015
 
December 31
2014
Assets:
 
 
 
Properties
$
1,593,495

 
$
1,580,926

Accumulated depreciation and amortization
(559,503
)
 
(548,646
)
 
$
1,033,992

 
$
1,032,280

Cash and cash equivalents
39,262

 
49,765

Accounts and notes receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $2,156 and $1,590 in 2015 and 2014
37,413

 
38,788

Deferred charges and other assets
40,044

 
33,200

 
$
1,150,711

 
$
1,154,033

 
 
 
 
Liabilities and accumulated deficiency in assets:
 

 
 

Notes payable
$
2,002,957

 
$
1,989,546

Accounts payable and other liabilities
84,279

 
103,161

TRG's accumulated deficiency in assets
(524,082
)
 
(525,759
)
Unconsolidated Joint Venture Partners' accumulated deficiency in assets
(412,443
)
 
(412,915
)
 
$
1,150,711

 
$
1,154,033

 
 
 
 
TRG's accumulated deficiency in assets (above)
$
(524,082
)
 
$
(525,759
)
TRG's investment in properties under construction (Note 2)
250,116

 
232,091

TRG basis adjustments, including elimination of intercompany profit
130,682

 
132,058

TCO's additional basis
54,476

 
54,963

Net investment in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures
$
(88,808
)
 
$
(106,647
)
Distributions in excess of investments in and net income of Unconsolidated Joint Ventures
475,794

 
476,651

Investment in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures
$
386,986

 
$
370,004


12

TAUBMAN CENTERS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


 
Three Months Ended March 31
 
2015
 
2014
Revenues
$
91,914

 
$
77,225

Maintenance, taxes, utilities, promotion, and other operating expenses
$
26,995

 
$
24,998

Interest expense
21,229

 
18,147

Depreciation and amortization
12,752

 
10,858

Total operating costs
$
60,976

 
$
54,003

Nonoperating income, net
8

 
2

Net income
$
30,946

 
$
23,224

 
 
 
 
Net income attributable to TRG
$
17,053

 
$
12,758

Realized intercompany profit, net of depreciation on TRG’s basis adjustments
508

 
(203
)
Depreciation of TCO's additional basis
(486
)
 
(487
)
Equity in income of Unconsolidated Joint Ventures
$
17,075

 
$
12,068

 
 
 
 
Beneficial interest in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures’ operations:
 

 
 

Revenues less maintenance, taxes, utilities, promotion, and other operating expenses
$
36,506

 
$
29,090

Interest expense
(11,363
)
 
(9,844
)
Depreciation and amortization
(8,068
)
 
(7,178
)
Equity in income of Unconsolidated Joint Ventures
$
17,075

 
$
12,068



13

TAUBMAN CENTERS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


Note 5 - Beneficial Interest in Debt and Interest Expense

The Operating Partnership's beneficial interest in the debt, capitalized interest, and interest expense of its consolidated subsidiaries and its Unconsolidated Joint Ventures is summarized in the following table. The Operating Partnership's beneficial interest in the consolidated subsidiaries excludes debt and interest related to the noncontrolling interest in Cherry Creek Shopping Center (50%) and The Mall of San Juan (20% as of March 31, 2015), as well as the noncontrolling interests in The Mall at Wellington Green (10%) and MacArthur Center (5%) through the disposition of the centers in October 2014 (Note 2).

 
At 100%
 
At Beneficial Interest
 
Consolidated Subsidiaries
 
Unconsolidated Joint Ventures
 
Consolidated Subsidiaries
 
Unconsolidated Joint Ventures
Debt as of:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
March 31, 2015
$
2,057,403

 
$
2,002,957

 
$
1,876,841

 
$
1,092,023

December 31, 2014
2,025,505

 
1,989,546

 
1,852,749

 
1,085,991

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Capitalized interest:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Three Months Ended March 31, 2015
$
8,672

(1)
$
56

 
$
8,335

 
$
28

Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
5,392

(1) 
768

 
5,173

 
384

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest expense:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Three Months Ended March 31, 2015
$
13,525

 
$
21,229

 
$
11,871

 
$
11,363

Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
26,130

 
18,147

 
24,066

 
9,844



(1)
The Company capitalizes interest costs incurred in funding its equity contributions to development projects accounted for as Unconsolidated Joint Ventures. The capitalized interest cost is included in the Company's basis in its investment in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures. Such capitalized interest reduces interest expense in the Company's Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income and in the table above is included within Consolidated Subsidiaries.


2015 Financing

In March 2015, the Company completed a $12.0 million non-recourse refinancing on its U.S. headquarters building. The loan is interest only for the entire nine-year term, bears interest at LIBOR plus 1.40%, and is prepayable at any time. The rate on the loan is fixed at 3.49% as a result of an interest rate swap (Note 8). The proceeds from the new loan and available cash were used to pay off the existing $17.0 million, 5.90% fixed rate loan.

Debt Covenants and Guarantees

Certain loan agreements contain various restrictive covenants, including the following corporate covenants on the Company’s unsecured primary revolving line of credit, unsecured term loan, and the construction facilities on The Mall at University Town Center and The Mall of San Juan: a minimum net worth requirement, a maximum total leverage ratio, a maximum secured leverage ratio, a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio, a maximum recourse secured debt ratio, and a maximum payout ratio. In addition, the Company’s primary revolving line of credit and term loan have unencumbered pool covenants, which currently apply to Beverly Center, Dolphin Mall, and Twelve Oaks Mall on a combined basis. These covenants include a minimum number and minimum value of eligible unencumbered assets, a maximum unencumbered leverage ratio, a minimum unencumbered interest coverage ratio, and a minimum unencumbered asset occupancy ratio. As of March 31, 2015, the corporate minimum fixed charge coverage ratio was the most restrictive covenant. The Company was in compliance with all of its covenants and loan obligations as of March 31, 2015. The maximum payout ratio covenant limits the payment of distributions generally to 95% of funds from operations, as defined in the loan agreements, except as required to maintain the Company’s tax status, pay preferred distributions, and for distributions related to the sale of certain assets.


14

TAUBMAN CENTERS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


In connection with the financing of the construction facility at The Mall at University Town Center, which is owned by an Unconsolidated Joint Venture, the Operating Partnership provided an unconditional guarantee of 25% of the principal balance and 50% of all accrued but unpaid interest. The maximum amount of the construction facility is $225 million. The outstanding balance of The Mall at University Town Center construction financing facility as of March 31, 2015 was $206.3 million. Accrued but unpaid interest as of March 31, 2015 was $0.3 million. The principal guarantee may be reduced to 12.5% of the outstanding principal balance upon achievement of certain performance measures. Upon stabilization, the unconditional guarantee may be released. The Company believes the likelihood of a payment under the guarantee to be remote.

In connection with the financing of the construction facility at The Mall of San Juan, the Operating Partnership has provided an unconditional guarantee of the construction loan principal balance and all accrued but unpaid interest during the term of the loan. In addition, the Operating Partnership has provided a guarantee as to the completion of the center. The maximum amount of the construction facility is $320 million. The outstanding balance of The Mall of San Juan construction financing facility as of March 31, 2015 was $202.8 million. Accrued but unpaid interest as of March 31, 2015 was $0.2 million. The Company believes the likelihood of a payment under the guarantees to be remote.

In connection with the additional $175 million financing at International Plaza, which is owned by an Unconsolidated Joint Venture, the Operating Partnership provided an unconditional and several guarantee of 50.1% of all obligations and liabilities related to an interest rate swap that was required on the debt for the term of the loan. As of March 31, 2015, the interest rate swap was in a liability position of $2.6 million and had unpaid interest of $0.2 million. The Company believes the likelihood of a payment under the guarantee to be remote.

Other

The Company is required to escrow cash balances for specific uses stipulated by certain of its lenders. As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the Company’s cash balances restricted for these uses were $28.0 million and $37.5 million, respectively. As of March 31, 2015, $25.8 million of the $28.0 million of restricted cash was required under certain debt agreements to be in escrow for certain major construction projects.

Note 6 - Equity Transactions

In August 2013, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program under which the Company may repurchase up to $200 million of its outstanding common stock. In March 2015, the Company's Board of Directors increased the authorization by $250 million, bringing the total authorization to $450 million. The Company plans to repurchase shares from time to time on the open market or in privately negotiated transactions or otherwise, depending on market prices and other conditions. As of March 31, 2015, the Company repurchased 1,940,301 shares of its common stock at an average price of $70.75 per share for a total of $137.3 million under the authorization. All shares repurchased have been cancelled. For each share of the Company’s stock repurchased, an equal number of the Company’s Operating Partnership units are redeemed. Repurchases of common stock were financed through general corporate funds, including borrowings under existing lines of credit.




15

TAUBMAN CENTERS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


Note 7 - Noncontrolling Interests

Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests

The Company's president of Taubman Asia (the Asia President) has an ownership interest in Taubman Asia, a consolidated subsidiary. The Asia President is entitled to 10% of Taubman Asia's dividends, with 85% of his dividends being withheld as contributions to capital. These withholdings will continue until he contributes and maintains his capital consistent with a 10% ownership interest, including all capital funded by the Operating Partnership for Taubman Asia's operating and investment activities subsequent to the Asia President obtaining his ownership interest. The Operating Partnership will have a preferred investment in Taubman Asia to the extent the Asia President has not yet contributed capital commensurate with his ownership interest. This preferred investment will accrue an annual preferential return equal to the Operating Partnership's average borrowing rate (with the preferred investment and accrued return together being referred to herein as the preferred interest). The Taubman Asia operating agreement provides that so long as the Taubman Asia President is employed by Taubman Asia on April 1, 2016, then during the month ended April 30, 2016, he will have the right to exercise an option to put up to 40% of his ownership interest for cash in December 2016 at a valuation determined as of October 31, 2016. In addition, Taubman Asia has the ability to call, and the Asia President has the ability to put, the Asia President’s ownership interest upon specified terminations of the Asia President’s employment, although such put or call right may not be exercised for specified time periods after certain termination events. The redemption price for the ownership interest is 50% (increasing to 100% as early as June 2017) of the fair value of the ownership interest less the amount required to return the Operating Partnership's preferred interest. The Company has determined that the Asia President's ownership interest in Taubman Asia qualifies as an equity award, considering its specific redemption provisions, and accounts for it as a contingently redeemable noncontrolling interest, with a carrying value of zero at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014. Any adjustments to the redemption value are recorded through equity.

The Company owns a 93.5% controlling interest in a joint venture that is redeveloping International Market Place in Waikiki, Honolulu, Hawaii. The 6.5% joint venture partner has no obligation nor the right to contribute capital. The Company is entitled to a preferential return on its capital contributions. The Company has the right to purchase the joint venture partner's interest and the joint venture partner has the right to require the Company to purchase the joint venture partner's interest after the third anniversary of the opening of the center, and annually thereafter. The purchase price of the joint venture partner's interest will be based on fair value. Considering the redemption provisions, the Company accounts for the joint venture partner's interest as a contingently redeemable noncontrolling interest with a carrying value of zero at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014. Any adjustments to the redemption value are recorded through equity.

Equity Balances of Nonredeemable Noncontrolling Interests

The net equity balance of the nonredeemable noncontrolling interests as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 included the following:
 
2015
 
2014
Non-redeemable noncontrolling interests:
 
 
 
Noncontrolling interests in consolidated joint ventures
$
(14,451
)
 
$
(14,796
)
Noncontrolling interests in partnership equity of TRG
89,023

 
116,376

 
$
74,572

 
$
101,580


Income Allocable to Noncontrolling Interests

Net income attributable to the noncontrolling interests for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and March 31, 2014 included the following:
 
2015
 
2014
Net income attributable to non-redeemable noncontrolling interests:
 
 
 
Noncontrolling share of income of consolidated joint ventures
$
2,591

 
$
3,118

Noncontrolling share of income of TRG
12,511

 
147,662

 
$
15,102

 
$
150,780




16

TAUBMAN CENTERS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


Equity Transactions

The following schedule presents the effects of changes in Taubman Centers, Inc.’s ownership interest in consolidated subsidiaries on Taubman Centers, Inc.’s equity for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and March 31, 2014:
 
2015
 
2014
Net income attributable to Taubman Centers, Inc. common shareowners
$
29,622

 
$
369,125

Transfers (to) from the noncontrolling interest:
 

 
 

Increase (decrease) in Taubman Centers, Inc.’s paid-in capital for adjustments of noncontrolling interest (1)
23,324

 
(6
)
Net transfers (to) from noncontrolling interests
23,324

 
(6
)
Change from net income attributable to Taubman Centers, Inc. and transfers (to) from noncontrolling interests
$
52,946

 
$
369,119


(1)
In 2015 and 2014 adjustments of the noncontrolling interest were made as a result of changes in the Company's ownership of the Operating Partnership in connection with the Company's share-based compensation under employee and director benefit plans (Note 9), issuances of stock pursuant to the Continuing Offer (Note 10), and stock repurchases (Note 6).

Finite Life Entities

Accounting Standards Codification Topic 480, “Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity” establishes standards for classifying and measuring as liabilities certain financial instruments that embody obligations of the issuer and have characteristics of both liabilities and equity. At March 31, 2015, the Company held a controlling interest in a consolidated entity with a specified termination date in 2083. The noncontrolling owners' interest in this entity is to be settled upon termination by distribution or transfer of either cash or specific assets of the underlying entity. The estimated fair value of this noncontrolling interest was approximately $430 million at March 31, 2015, compared to a book value of $(22.7) million that is classified in Noncontrolling Interests in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheet. The fair value of the noncontrolling interest was calculated as the noncontrolling interest's ownership shares of the underlying property's fair value. The property's fair value was estimated by considering its in-place net operating income, current market capitalization rate, and mortgage debt outstanding.

Note 8 - Derivative and Hedging Activities

Risk Management Objective and Strategies for Using Derivatives

The Company uses derivative instruments, such as interest rate swaps and interest rate caps, primarily to manage exposure to interest rate risks inherent in variable rate debt and refinancings. The Company may also enter into forward starting swaps or treasury lock agreements to set the effective interest rate on a planned fixed-rate financing. The Company’s interest rate swaps involve the receipt of variable-rate amounts from a counterparty in exchange for the Company making fixed-rate payments over the life of the agreements without exchange of the underlying notional amount. Interest rate caps involve the receipt of variable-rate amounts from a counterparty if interest rates rise above the strike rate on the contract in exchange for an up-front premium. In a forward starting swap or treasury lock agreement that the Company cash settles in anticipation of a fixed rate financing or refinancing, the Company will receive or pay an amount equal to the present value of future cash flow payments based on the difference between the contract rate and market rate on the settlement date.

The Company does not use derivatives for trading or speculative purposes and currently does not have any derivatives that are not designated as hedging instruments under the accounting requirements for derivatives and hedging.


17

TAUBMAN CENTERS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


As of March 31, 2015, the Company had the following outstanding interest rate derivatives that were designated and are expected to be effective as cash flow hedges of the interest payments on the associated debt.
Instrument Type

Ownership

Notional Amount

Swap Rate

Credit Spread on Loan

Total Swapped Rate on Loan

Maturity Date
Consolidated Subsidiaries:

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Receive variable (LIBOR) /pay-fixed swap (1)

100
%

$
200,000

 
1.64
%
 
1.35
%
(1) 
2.99
%
(1) 
February 2019
Receive variable (LIBOR) /pay-fixed swap (1)

100
%

175,000

 
1.65
%
 
1.35
%
(1) 
3.00
%
(1) 
February 2019
Receive variable (LIBOR) /pay-fixed swap (1)

100
%

100,000

 
1.64
%
 
1.35
%
(1) 
2.99
%
(1) 
February 2019
Receive variable (LIBOR) /pay-fixed swap (2)
 
100
%
 
12,000

 
2.09
%
 
1.40
%
 
3.49
%
 
March 2024
Unconsolidated Joint Ventures:

 


 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
Receive variable (LIBOR) /pay-fixed swap (3)

50
%

136,218

 
2.40
%
 
1.70
%
 
4.10
%
 
April 2018
Receive variable (LIBOR) /pay-fixed swap (3)

50
%

136,218

 
2.40
%
 
1.70
%
 
4.10
%
 
April 2018
Receive variable (LIBOR) /pay-fixed swap (4)
 
50.1
%
 
174,495

 
1.83
%
 
1.75
%
 
3.58
%
 
December 2021

(1)
The hedged forecasted transaction for each of these swaps is the first previously unhedged one-month LIBOR-indexed interest payments accrued and made each month on a debt principal amount equal to the swap notional amount, regardless of the specific debt agreement from which they may flow. The Company is currently using these swaps to manage interest rate risk on the $475 million TRG Term Loan. The credit spread on this loan can also vary within a range of 1.35% to 1.90%, depending on the Company's leverage ratio at the measurement date.
(2)
The notional amount on this swap is equal to the outstanding principal balance of the floating rate loan on the U.S. headquarters building.
(3)
The notional amount on each of these swaps is equal to 50% of the outstanding principal balance of the loan on Fair Oaks Mall.
(4)
The notional amount on this swap is equal to the outstanding principal balance of the floating rate loan on International Plaza.

Cash Flow Hedges of Interest Rate Risk

For derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as a cash flow hedge, the effective portion of the unrealized gain or loss on the derivative is reported as a component of Other Comprehensive Income (OCI). The ineffective portion of the change in fair value, if any, is recognized directly in earnings. Net realized gains or losses resulting from derivatives that were settled in conjunction with planned fixed-rate financings or refinancings continue to be included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (AOCI) during the term of the hedged debt transaction.

Amounts reported in AOCI related to currently outstanding derivatives are recognized as an adjustment to income as interest payments are made on the Company’s variable-rate debt. Realized gains or losses on settled derivative instruments included in AOCI are recognized as an adjustment to income over the term of the hedged debt transaction.

The Company expects that approximately $10.4 million of the AOCI of Taubman Centers, Inc. and the noncontrolling interests will be reclassified from AOCI and recognized as a reduction of income in the following 12 months.

The following tables present the effect of derivative instruments on the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and March 31, 2014. The tables include the amount of gains or losses on outstanding derivative instruments recognized in OCI in cash flow hedging relationships and the location and amount of gains or losses reclassified from AOCI into income resulting from outstanding derivative instruments and settled derivative instruments associated with hedged debt.


18

TAUBMAN CENTERS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


During the three months ended March 31, 2015, the Company had $0.2 million of hedge ineffectiveness related to the swaps used to hedge the TRG term loan. During the three months ended March 31, 2014, the Company had an immaterial amount of hedge ineffectiveness related to the swap on MacArthur Center. The hedge ineffectiveness for both periods was classified as Nonoperating Income, Net on the Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income.
 
Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in OCI on Derivative (Effective Portion)
 
Location of Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI into Income (Effective Portion)
 
Amount of Loss Reclassified from AOCI into Income (Effective Portion)
 
Three Months Ended March 31
 
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31
 
2015
 
2014
 
 
 
2015
 
2014
Derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships:
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
Interest rate contracts – consolidated subsidiaries
$
(4,538
)
 
$
(2,451
)
 
Interest Expense
 
$
(1,770
)
 
$
(2,536
)
Interest rate contracts – UJVs
(1,959
)
 
243

 
Equity in Income of UJVs
 
(1,123
)
 
(768
)
Total derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships
$
(6,497
)
 
$
(2,208
)
 
 
 
$
(2,893
)
 
$
(3,304
)

The Company records all derivative instruments at fair value in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. The following table presents the location and fair value of the Company’s derivative financial instruments as reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014.
 
 
 
Fair Value
 
Consolidated Balance Sheet Location
 
March 31
2015
 
December 31
2014
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
 
 
 
 
 
Asset derivatives:
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate contract – UJV
Investment in UJVs
 
 
 
$
109

Liability derivatives:
 
 
 

 
 
Interest rate contracts – consolidated subsidiaries
Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities
 
$
(8,809
)
 
$
(4,044
)
Interest rate contracts – UJVs
Investment in UJVs
 
(7,003
)
 
(5,154
)
Total liabilities designated as hedging instruments
 
 
$
(15,812
)
 
$
(9,198
)

Contingent Features

Two of the Company's outstanding derivatives contain provisions that state if the hedged entity defaults on any of its indebtedness in excess of $1 million, then the derivative obligation could also be declared in default. One of the Company's outstanding derivatives contains provisions that state if the hedged entity defaults on any of its recourse indebtedness in excess of $50 million, then the derivative obligation could also be declared in default. Three of the Company’s outstanding derivatives contain provisions that state if the Operating Partnership defaults on any of its recourse indebtedness in excess of $50 million, then the derivative obligation could also be declared in default. One of the Company's outstanding derivatives contains provisions that state if the hedged entity defaults on any of its indebtedness in excess of $0.1 million, then the derivative obligation could also be declared in default. As of March 31, 2015, the Company is not in default on any indebtedness that would trigger a credit-risk-related default on its current outstanding derivatives.

As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the fair value of derivative instruments with credit-risk-related contingent features that were in a liability position was $15.8 million and $9.2 million, respectively. As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the Company was not required to post any collateral related to these agreements. If the Company breached any of these provisions it would be required to settle its obligations under the agreements at their fair value. See Note 12 for fair value information on derivatives.


19

TAUBMAN CENTERS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


Note 9 - Share-Based Compensation

The Taubman Company 2008 Omnibus Long-Term Incentive Plan (2008 Omnibus Plan), as amended, which is shareowner approved, provides for the award to directors, officers, employees, and other service providers of the Company of restricted shares, restricted units of limited partnership in the Operating Partnership, options to purchase shares or Operating Partnership units, unrestricted shares or Operating Partnership units, and other awards to acquire up to an aggregate of 8.5 million Company common shares or Operating Partnership units. In addition, non-employee directors have the option to defer their compensation under a deferred compensation plan.

Non-option awards granted after an amendment of the 2008 Omnibus Plan in 2010 are deducted at a ratio of 1.85 Company common shares or Operating Partnership units, while non-option awards granted prior to the amendment are deducted at a ratio of 2.85. Options are deducted on a one-for-one basis. The amount available for future grants is adjusted when the number of contingently issuable shares or units are settled, for grants that are forfeited, and for options that expire without being exercised.

Prior to the adoption of the 2008 Omnibus Plan, the Company provided share-based compensation through an incentive option plan and non-employee directors' stock grant and deferred compensation plans.

The compensation cost charged to income for the Company’s share-based compensation plans was $4.3 million and $3.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Compensation cost capitalized as part of properties and deferred leasing costs was $0.8 million and $0.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

The Company estimated the grant-date fair values of options, performance share units, and restricted share units using the methods discussed in the separate sections below for each type of grant. Expected volatility and dividend yields are based on historical volatility and yields of the Company’s common stock, respectively, as well as other factors. The risk-free interest rates used are based on the U.S. Treasury yield curves in effect at the times of grants. The Company assumes no forfeitures of options or performance share units due to the small number of participants and low turnover rate.

Options

A summary of option activity for the three months ended March 31, 2015 is presented below:
 
Number of Options
 
Weighted Average Exercise Price
 
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (in years)
 
Range of Exercise Prices
Outstanding at January 1, 2015
521,293

 
$
39.20

 
1.6
 
$
26.56

-
$
51.15

Outstanding at March 31, 2015
521,293

 
$
39.20

 
1.4
 
$
26.56

-
$
51.15

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fully vested options at March 31, 2015
521,293

 
$
39.20

 
1.4
 
 

 
 

No options were granted during the three months ended March 31, 2015.

The aggregate intrinsic value (the difference between the period end stock price and the option exercise price) of in-the-money options outstanding was $19.8 million as of March 31, 2015.

No options were exercised in the three months ended March 31, 2015 or 2014. As of March 31, 2015, all options outstanding were fully vested, and there was no unrecognized compensation cost related to options.

Under both the prior option plan and the 2008 Omnibus Plan, vested unit options can be exercised by tendering mature units with a market value equal to the exercise price of the unit options. In 2002, Robert S. Taubman, the Company’s chief executive officer, exercised options for 3.0 million units by tendering 2.1 million mature units and deferring receipt of 0.9 million units under the unit option deferral election. As the Operating Partnership pays distributions, the deferred option units receive their proportionate share of the distributions in the form of cash payments. Under an amendment executed in January 2011, beginning in December 2017 (unless Mr. Taubman retires earlier), the deferred partnership units will be issued in ten annual installments. The deferred units are accounted for as participating securities of the Operating Partnership.

20

TAUBMAN CENTERS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


Performance Share Units

In March 2015, the Company granted Performance Share Units (PSU) under the 2008 Omnibus Plan. Each PSU represents the right to receive, upon vesting, shares of the Company’s common stock ranging from 0-300% of the PSU based on the Company’s market performance relative to that of a peer group, plus a cash payment equal to the aggregate cash dividends that would have been paid on such shares of common stock from the date of grant of the award to the vesting date. The units vest in March 2018 if continuous service has been provided, or upon retirement or certain other events (such as death or disability) if earlier.

The Company estimated the value of these PSU granted using a Monte Carlo simulation, considering the Company’s common stock price at the grant date, historical returns of the Company and the peer group of companies, a risk-free interest rate of 1.12% and a measurement period of approximately three years. The resulting weighted average grant-date fair value was $112.30 per PSU.

A summary of PSU activity for the three months ended March 31, 2015 is presented below:
 
Number of Performance Share Units
 
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Outstanding at January 1, 2015
254,651

 
$
132.86

Vested
(43,575
)
(1) 
97.44

Granted
50,256

 
112.30

Forfeited
(3,358
)
 
180.73

Outstanding at March 31, 2015
257,974

 
$
134.84


(1)
Based on the Company's market performance relative to that of a peer group, the actual number of shares of common stock issued upon vesting during the three months ended March 31, 2015 was zero.

None of the PSU outstanding at March 31, 2015 were vested. As of March 31, 2015, there was $17.6 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested PSU outstanding. This cost is expected to be recognized over an average period of 2.1 years.

Restricted Share Units

In March 2015, Restricted Share Units (RSU) were issued under the 2008 Omnibus Plan and represent the right to receive upon vesting one share of the Company’s common stock, plus a cash payment equal to the aggregate cash dividends that would have been paid on such shares of common stock from the date of grant of the award to the vesting date. The units vest in March 2018, if continuous service has been provided, or upon retirement or certain other events (such as death or disability) if earlier. The Company estimated the values of these RSU using the Company’s common stock price at the grant date. The Company’s valuation was a grant-date fair value of $74.36 per RSU.

A summary of RSU activity for the three months ended March 31, 2015 is presented below:
 
Number of Restricted Share Units
 
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Outstanding at January 1, 2015
293,651

 
$
67.00

Vested
(92,628
)
 
65.48

Granted
100,682

 
74.36

Forfeited
(508
)
 
69.13

Outstanding at March 31, 2015
301,197

 
$
69.92


None of the RSU outstanding at March 31, 2015 were vested. As of March 31, 2015, there was $13.0 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested RSU outstanding. This cost is expected to be recognized over an average period of 2.2 years.



21

TAUBMAN CENTERS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


Note 10 - Commitments and Contingencies

Cash Tender

At the time of the Company's initial public offering and acquisition of its partnership interest in the Operating Partnership in 1992, the Company entered into an agreement (as later amended and restated, the Cash Tender Agreement) with A. Alfred Taubman, as trustee of the A. Alfred Taubman Restated Revocable Trust (the Revocable Trust) and TRA Partners (now Taubman Ventures Group LLC or TVG), each of whom owned an interest in the Operating Partnership, whereby each of the revocable trust and TVG has the right to tender to the Company partnership units in the Operating Partnership (provided that the aggregate value is at least $50 million) and cause the Company to purchase the tendered interests at a purchase price based on a market valuation of the Company on the trading date immediately preceding the date of the tender. Control of TVG is shared by the Revocable Trust and entities affiliated with the children of A. Alfred Taubman (Robert S. Taubman, William S. Taubman, and Gayle Taubman Kalisman). At the election of the person making a tender, partnership units in the Operating Partnership held by members of A. Alfred Taubman’s family and partnership units held by entities in which his family members hold interests may be included in such a tender. Upon the death of A. Alfred Taubman in April 2015, the successor trustees of the trust (Robert S. Taubman, William S. Taubman and Gayle Taubman Kalisman) act on behalf of the trust.

The Company will have the option to pay for these interests from available cash, borrowed funds, or from the proceeds of an offering of the Company's common stock. Generally, the Company expects to finance these purchases through the sale of new shares of its stock. The tendering partner will bear all market risk if the market price at closing is less than the purchase price and will bear the costs of sale. Any proceeds of the offering in excess of the purchase price will be for the sole benefit of the Company. The Company accounts for the Cash Tender Agreement as a freestanding written put option. As the option put price is defined by the current market price of the Company's stock at the time of tender, the fair value of the written option defined by the Cash Tender Agreement is considered to be zero.

Based on a market value at March 31, 2015 of $77.13 per share for the Company's common stock, the aggregate value of interests in the Operating Partnership that may be tendered under the Cash Tender Agreement was $1.9 billion. The purchase of these interests at March 31, 2015 would have resulted in the Company owning an additional 28% interest in the Operating Partnership.

Continuing Offer

The Company has made a continuing, irrevocable offer to all present holders (other than certain excluded holders, currently TVG and the Revocable Trust), permitted assignees of all present holders, those future holders of partnership interests in the Operating Partnership as the Company may, in its sole discretion, agree to include in the continuing offer, all existing optionees under the previous option plan, and all existing and future optionees under the 2008 Omnibus Plan to exchange shares of common stock for partnership interests in the Operating Partnership (the Continuing Offer). Under the Continuing Offer agreement, one unit of the Operating Partnership interest is exchangeable for one share of the Company's common stock. Upon a tender of Operating Partnership units, the corresponding shares of Series B Preferred Stock, if any, will automatically be converted into the Company’s common stock at a ratio of 14,000 shares of Series B Preferred Stock for one share of common stock.

Litigation

The Company carries liability insurance to mitigate its exposure to certain losses, including those relating to personal injury claims. We believe the Company's insurance policy terms and conditions and limits are appropriate and adequate given the relative risk of loss and industry practice. However, there are certain types of losses, such as punitive damage awards, that may not be covered by insurance, and not all potential losses are insured against.

Other

See Note 5 for the Operating Partnership's guarantees of certain notes payable, including guarantees relating to Unconsolidated Joint Ventures, Note 7 for contingent features relating to certain joint venture agreements, Note 8 for contingent features relating to derivative instruments, and Note 9 for obligations under existing share-based compensation plans.



22

TAUBMAN CENTERS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


Note 11 - Earnings Per Share

Basic earnings per share amounts are based on the weighted average of common shares outstanding for the respective periods. Diluted earnings per share amounts are based on the weighted average of common shares outstanding plus the dilutive effect of potential common stock. Potential common stock includes outstanding partnership units exchangeable for common shares under the Continuing Offer (Note 10), outstanding options for partnership units, PSU, RSU, deferred shares under the Non-Employee Directors’ Deferred Compensation Plan, and unissued partnership units under a unit option deferral election (Note 9). In computing the potentially dilutive effect of potential common stock, partnership units are assumed to be exchanged for common shares under the Continuing Offer, increasing the weighted average number of shares outstanding. The potentially dilutive effects of partnership units outstanding and/or issuable under the unit option deferral elections are calculated using the if-converted method, while the effects of other potential common stock are calculated using the treasury method. Contingently issuable shares are included in diluted EPS based on the number of shares, if any, that would be issuable if the end of the reporting period were the end of the contingency period. 
 
Three Months Ended March 31
 
2015

2014
Net income attributable to Taubman Centers, Inc. common shareowners (Numerator):
 

 
 
Basic
$
29,622

 
$
369,125

Impact of additional ownership of TRG
125

 
3,055

Diluted
$
29,747

 
$
372,180

 
 
 
 
Shares (Denominator) – basic
63,039,777

 
63,165,611

Effect of dilutive securities
895,503

 
1,655,992

Shares (Denominator) – diluted
63,935,280

 
64,821,603

 
 
 
 
Earnings per common share - basic
$
0.47

 
$
5.84

Earnings per common share – diluted
$
0.47

 
$
5.74


The calculation of diluted earnings per share in certain periods excluded certain potential common stock including outstanding partnership units and unissued partnership units under a unit option deferral election, both of which may be exchanged for common shares of the Company under the Continuing Offer. The table below presents the potential common stock excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share as they were anti-dilutive in the period presented.

 
Three Months Ended March 31
 
2015

2014
Weighted average noncontrolling partnership units outstanding
4,149,149

 
4,338,681

Unissued partnership units under unit option deferral elections
871,262

 







23

TAUBMAN CENTERS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


Note 12 - Fair Value Disclosures

This note contains required fair value disclosures for assets and liabilities remeasured at fair value on a recurring basis and financial instruments carried at other than fair value, as well as assumptions employed in deriving these fair values.

Recurring Valuations

Derivative Instruments

The fair value of interest rate hedging instruments is the amount that the Company would receive to sell an asset or pay to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the reporting date. The Company’s valuations of its derivative instruments are determined using widely accepted valuation techniques, including discounted cash flow analysis on the expected cash flows of each derivative, and therefore fall into Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. The valuations reflect the contractual terms of the derivatives, including the period to maturity, and use observable market-based inputs, including forward curves. The fair values of interest rate hedging instruments also incorporate credit valuation adjustments to appropriately reflect both the Company’s own nonperformance risk and the respective counterparty's nonperformance risk.

Other

The Company's valuation of an insurance deposit utilizes unadjusted quoted prices determined by active markets for the specific securities the Company has invested in, and therefore falls into Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy.

For assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis, quantitative disclosure of the fair value for each major category of assets and liabilities is presented below:
 
 
Fair Value Measurements as of
March 31, 2015 Using
 
Fair Value Measurements as of
December 31, 2014 Using
Description
 
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant Other Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant Other Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
Insurance deposit
 
$
13,037

 
 

 
$
13,059

 
 

Total assets
 
$
13,037


$

 
$
13,059

 
$

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivative interest rate contracts (Note 8)
 
 

 
$
(8,809
)
 
 

 
$
(4,044
)
Total liabilities
 
 

 
$
(8,809
)
 
 

 
$
(4,044
)

The insurance deposit shown above represents an escrow account maintained in connection with a property and casualty insurance arrangement for the Company’s shopping centers, and is classified within Deferred Charges and Other Assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Corresponding deferred revenue relating to amounts billed to tenants for this arrangement has been classified within Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

Financial Instruments Carried at Other Than Fair Values

Simon Property Group Limited Partnership Units

As of March 31, 2015, the Company owned 590,124 partnership units in Simon Property Group Limited Partnership (Note 2). The fair value of the partnership units is derived from SPG's common stock price, and therefore falls into level 2 of the fair value hierarchy, was $115.5 million at March 31, 2015 and $105.2 million at December 31, 2014. The partnership units were classified as Deferred Charges and Other Assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheet and had a book value of $77.7 million at both March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014.


24

TAUBMAN CENTERS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


Notes Payable

The fair value of notes payable is estimated using cash flows discounted at current market rates and therefore falls into Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. When selecting discount rates for purposes of estimating the fair value of notes payable at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the Company employed the credit spreads at which the debt was originally issued. For debt refinanced prior to 2010, excluding debt assumed from acquisitions, an additional 0.75% credit spread was added to the discount rate at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 to attempt to account for current market conditions. This additional spread is an estimate and is not necessarily indicative of what the Company could obtain in the market at the reporting date. The Company does not believe that the use of different interest rate assumptions would have resulted in a materially different fair value of notes payable as of March 31, 2015 or December 31, 2014. To further assist financial statement users, the Company has included with its fair value disclosures an analysis of interest rate sensitivity.

The estimated fair values of notes payable at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 were as follows:
 
2015
 
2014
 
Carrying Value
 
Fair Value
 
Carrying Value
 
Fair Value
Notes payable
$
2,057,403

 
$
2,087,651

 
$
2,025,505

 
$
2,056,474



The fair values of the notes payable are dependent on the interest rates used in estimating the values. An overall 1% increase in rates employed in making these estimates would have decreased the fair values of the debt shown above at March 31, 2015 by $27.2 million or 1.3%.

Cash Equivalents and Notes Receivable

The fair value of cash equivalents and notes receivable approximates their carrying value due to their short maturity. The fair value of cash equivalents is derived from quoted market prices and therefore falls into Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy. The fair value of notes receivable is estimated using cash flows discounted at current market rates and therefore falls into Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

See Note 4 regarding the fair value of the Unconsolidated Joint Ventures’ notes payable, and Note 8 regarding additional information on derivatives.

Note 13 - Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

Changes in the balance of each component of AOCI for the three months ended March 31, 2015 are as follows:
 
Taubman Centers, Inc. AOCI
 
Noncontrolling Interests AOCI
 
Cumulative translation adjustment
 
Unrealized gains (losses) on interest rate instruments and other
 
Total
 
Cumulative translation adjustment
 
Unrealized gains (losses) on interest rate instruments and other
 
Total
January 1, 2015
$
(101
)
 
$
(14,967
)
 
$
(15,068
)
 
$
(41
)
 
$
5,879

 
$
5,838

Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications
(1,367
)
 
(6,698
)
 
(8,065
)
 
(550
)
 
(2,691
)
 
(3,241
)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI

 
2,064

 
2,064

 


 
829

 
829

Net current period other comprehensive income/(loss)
$
(1,367
)
 
$
(4,634
)
 
$
(6,001
)
 
$
(550
)
 
$
(1,862
)
 
$
(2,412
)
Adjustments due to changes in ownership


 
(55
)
 
(55
)
 


 
55

 
55

March 31, 2015
$
(1,468
)
 
$
(19,656
)
 
$
(21,124
)
 
$
(591
)
 
$
4,072

 
$
3,481



25

TAUBMAN CENTERS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


Changes in the balance of each component of AOCI for the three months ended March 31, 2014 are as follows:

 
Taubman Centers, Inc. AOCI
 
Noncontrolling Interests AOCI
 
Cumulative translation adjustment
 
Unrealized gains (losses) on interest rate instruments and other
 
Total
 
Cumulative translation adjustment
 
Unrealized gains (losses) on interest rate instruments and other
 
Total
January 1, 2014
$
5,040

 
$
(13,954
)
 
$
(8,914
)
 
$
2,011


$
6,141

 
$
8,152

Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications
(2,280
)
 
(3,882
)
 
(6,162
)
 
(906
)

(1,630
)
 
(2,536
)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI

 
2,336

 
2,336

 



968

 
968

Net current period other comprehensive income/(loss)
$
(2,280
)
 
$
(1,546
)
 
$
(3,826
)
 
$
(906
)
 
$
(662
)
 
$
(1,568
)
Adjustments due to changes in ownership
5

 
16

 
21

 
(5
)

(16
)
 
(21
)
March 31, 2014
$
2,765

 
$
(15,484
)
 
$
(12,719
)
 
$
1,100

 
$
5,463

 
$
6,563


The following table presents reclassifications out of AOCI for the three months ended March 31, 2015:
Details about AOCI Components
 
Amounts reclassified from AOCI
 
Affected line item in Consolidated Statement of Operations
Losses on interest rate instruments and other:
 
 
 
 
Realized loss on interest rate contracts - consolidated subsidiaries
 
1,770

 
Interest Expense
Realized loss on interest rate contracts - UJVs
 
1,123

 
Equity in Income of UJVs
Total reclassifications for the period
 
$
2,893

 
 

The following table presents reclassifications out of AOCI for the three months ended March 31, 2014:
Details about AOCI Components
 
Amounts reclassified from AOCI
 
Affected line item in Consolidated Statement of Operations
Losses on interest rate instruments and other:
 
 
 
 
Realized loss on interest rate contracts - consolidated subsidiaries
 
$
2,536

 
Interest Expense
Realized loss on interest rate contracts - UJVs
 
768

 
Equity in Income of UJVs
Total reclassifications for the period
 
$
3,304

 
 



26

TAUBMAN CENTERS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


Note 14 - Cash Flow Disclosures and Non-Cash Investing and Financing Activities

Interest paid for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, net of amounts capitalized of $8.7 million and $5.4 million, respectively, was $12.8 million and $18.2 million, respectively. Income taxes paid for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 were $0.2 million and $5.5 million, respectively. The following non-cash investing and financing activities occurred during the three months ended March 31, 2015 and March 31, 2014. This table excludes any non-cash adjustments of noncontrolling interests as a result of equity transactions (Note 7).
 
Three Months Ended March 31
 
2015
 
2014
Receipt of Simon Property Group Limited Partnership units in connection with the sale of Arizona Mills (Note 2)
 
 
$
77,711

Issuance of TRG partnership units in connection with the purchase of the U.S. headquarters building (Note 2)

 
91

Assumption of debt in connection with the purchase of the U.S. headquarters building (Note 2)

 
18,215

Other non-cash additions to properties
$
44,559

 
43,664


Other non-cash additions to properties primarily represent accrued construction and tenant allowance costs. Various assets and liabilities were also adjusted upon the disposition of interests in International Plaza and the deconsolidation of the Company's remaining interest (Note 2).

Note 15 - New Accounting Pronouncement

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued ASU No. 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers". This standard provides a single comprehensive model to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers and gains and losses arising from transfers of non-financial assets including sales of property, plant, and equipment, real estate, and intangible assets. ASU No. 2014-09 supersedes most current revenue recognition guidance, including industry-specific guidance.

ASU No. 2014-09 is currently effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2016. Early adoption is prohibited. In April 2015, the FASB voted to propose an amendment to the ASU, deferring the effective date one year to annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017 for public entities.

ASU No. 2014-09 may be applied either retrospectively or as a cumulative effect adjustment as of the date of adoption. The Company is currently evaluating the application of this ASU and its effect on the Company's financial position and results of operations.

27


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

The following Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations contains various “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These forward-looking statements represent our expectations or beliefs concerning future events and performance. Actual results may differ materially from those expected because of various risks and uncertainties. The forward-looking statements included in this report are made as of the date hereof. Except as required by law, we assume no obligation to update these forward looking statements, even if new information becomes available in the future. Other risks and uncertainties are detailed from time to time in reports filed with the SEC, and in particular those set forth under "Risk Factors" in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K. The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the accompanying consolidated financial statements of Taubman Centers, Inc. and the notes thereto.

General Background and Performance Measurement

Taubman Centers, Inc. (TCO) is a Michigan corporation that operates as a self-administered and self-managed real estate investment trust (REIT). The Taubman Realty Group Limited Partnership (the Operating Partnership or TRG) is a majority-owned partnership subsidiary of TCO that owns direct or indirect interests in all of our real estate properties. In this report, the terms "we", "us", and "our" refer to TCO, the Operating Partnership, and/or the Operating Partnership's subsidiaries as the context may require. We own, manage, lease, acquire, dispose of, develop, and expand regional and super-regional shopping centers and interests therein. The Consolidated Businesses consist of shopping centers and entities that are controlled by ownership or contractual agreements, The Taubman Company LLC (Manager), and Taubman Properties Asia LLC and its subsidiaries (Taubman Asia). Shopping centers owned through joint ventures that are not controlled by us but over which we have significant influence (Unconsolidated Joint Ventures) are accounted for under the equity method.

References in this discussion to “beneficial interest” refer to our ownership or pro-rata share of the item being discussed. Also, the operations of the shopping centers are often best understood by measuring their performance as a whole, without regard to our ownership interest. Consequently, in addition to the discussion of the operations of the Consolidated Businesses, the operations of the Unconsolidated Joint Ventures are presented and discussed as a whole.

The comparability of information used in measuring performance is affected by the opening of The Mall of San Juan in March 2015 and the opening of The Mall at University Town Center in October 2014 (See "Results of Operations - U.S. Development"), the disposition of our interest in Arizona Mills in January 2014 (see "Results of Operations - Dispositions - Arizona Mills/Oyster Bay"), and the sale of seven centers to an affiliate of Starwood Capital Group (Starwood) in October 2014 (see "Results of Operations - Dispositions - Sale of Centers to Starwood"). Additional "comparable center" statistics that exclude the centers noted above are provided to present the performance of comparable centers. Comparable centers are generally defined as centers that were owned and open for the entire current and preceding period. Comparable center statistics for 2014 have been restated to include comparable centers to 2015. Subsequent to the sale of a total of 49.9% of our interests in the entity that owns International Plaza in January 2014, we began accounting for our remaining interest in International Plaza under the equity method of accounting. This affects the comparability of operating results for Consolidated Businesses and Unconsolidated Joint Ventures period over period. Additionally, Taubman Prestige Outlets Chesterfield (Chesterfield) has been excluded from comparable trailing 12 month statistics reported for 2015 and 2014 as the center was not open for the entire 12 months ended March 31, 2014.

Use of Non-GAAP Measures

We use Net Operating Income (NOI) as an alternative measure to evaluate the operating performance of centers, both on individual and stabilized portfolio bases. We define NOI as property-level operating revenues (includes rental income excluding straight-line adjustments of minimum rent) less maintenance, taxes, utilities, promotion, ground rent (including straight-line adjustments), and other property operating expenses. Since NOI excludes general and administrative expenses, pre-development charges, interest income and expense, depreciation and amortization, impairment charges, restructuring charges, and gains from land and property dispositions, it provides a performance measure that, when compared period over period, reflects the revenues and expenses most directly associated with owning and operating rental properties, as well as the impact on their operations from trends in tenant sales, occupancy and rental rates, and operating costs. We also use NOI excluding lease cancellation income as an alternative measure because this income may vary significantly from period to period, which can affect comparability and trend analysis. We generally provide separate projections for expected NOI growth and our lease cancellation income.


28


The operating results in “Results of Operations” include the supplemental earnings measures of Beneficial Interest in EBITDA and Funds from Operations (FFO). Beneficial Interest in EBITDA represents our share of the earnings before interest, income taxes, and depreciation and amortization of our consolidated and unconsolidated businesses. We believe Beneficial Interest in EBITDA generally provides a useful indicator of operating performance, as it is customary in the real estate and shopping center business to evaluate the performance of properties on a basis unaffected by capital structure.

The National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts (NAREIT) defines FFO as net income (computed in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)), excluding gains (or losses) from extraordinary items, sales of properties, and impairment write-downs of depreciable real estate, plus real estate related depreciation and after adjustments for unconsolidated partnerships and joint ventures. We believe that FFO is a useful supplemental measure of operating performance for REITs. Historical cost accounting for real estate assets implicitly assumes that the value of real estate assets diminishes predictably over time. Since real estate values instead have historically risen or fallen with market conditions, we and most industry investors and analysts have considered presentations of operating results that exclude historical cost depreciation to be useful in evaluating the operating performance of REITs. We primarily use FFO in measuring performance and in formulating corporate goals and compensation.

We may also present adjusted versions of NOI, Beneficial Interest in EBITDA, and FFO when used by management to evaluate our operating performance when certain significant items have impacted our results that affect comparability with prior or future periods due to the nature or amounts of these items. In addition to the reasons noted above for each measure, we believe the disclosure of the adjusted items is similarly useful to investors and others to understand management's view on comparability of such measures between periods.

Our presentations of NOI, Beneficial Interest in EBITDA, FFO, and adjusted versions of these measures, if any, are not necessarily comparable to the similarly titled measures of other REITs due to the fact that not all REITs use the same definitions. These measures should not be considered alternatives to net income or as an indicator of our operating performance. Additionally, these measures do not represent cash flows from operating, investing or financing activities as defined by GAAP. Reconciliations of Net Income Attributable to Taubman Centers, Inc. Common Shareowners to Funds from Operations, Net Income to Beneficial Interest in EBITDA, and Net Income to Net Operating Income are presented following the Comparison of the Three Months Ended March 31, 2015 to the Three Months Ended March 31, 2014.

New Accounting Pronouncement

Refer to "Note 15 - New Accounting Pronouncement" in the consolidated financial statements, regarding our ongoing evaluation of the Accounting Standards Update (ASU) addressing revenue recognition. In April 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board voted to propose an amendment to the ASU, deferring the effective date one year to annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017 for public entities. Early adoption is prohibited.


29


Current Operating Trends

Our mall tenants reported a 2.3% increase in sales per square foot in the first quarter of 2015 from the same period in 2014. For the trailing twelve month period ended March 31, 2015, tenant sales per square foot were $813, a 0.5% increase from $809 for the trailing twelve month period ended March 31, 2014.

Over the long term, the level of mall tenant sales is the single most important determinant of revenues of the shopping centers because mall tenants provide approximately 90% of these revenues and mall tenant sales determine the amount of rent, percentage rent, and recoverable expenses, excluding utilities (together, total occupancy costs), that mall tenants can afford to pay. However, levels of mall tenant sales can be considerably more volatile in the short run than total occupancy costs, and may be impacted significantly, either positively or negatively, by the success or lack of success of a small number of tenants or even a single tenant.

We believe that the ability of tenants to pay occupancy costs and earn profits over long periods of time increases as tenant sales per square foot increase, whether through inflation or real growth in customer spending. Because most mall tenants have certain fixed expenses, the occupancy costs that they can afford to pay and still be profitable are a higher percentage of tenant sales at higher sales per square foot.

Tenant sales directly impact the amount of percentage rents certain tenants and anchors pay. The effects of increases or declines in tenant sales on our operations are moderated by the relatively minor share of total rents that percentage rents represent.

In negotiating lease renewals, we generally intend to maximize the minimum rentals we achieve. As a result, a tenant will generally pay a higher amount of minimum rent and an initially lower amount of percentage rent upon renewal.

While tenant sales are critical over the long term, the high quality regional mall business has been a very stable business model with its diversity of income from thousands of tenants, its staggered lease maturities, and high proportion of fixed rent. However, a sustained trend in sales does impact, either negatively or positively, our ability to lease vacancies and negotiate rents at advantageous rates.

Mall tenant occupancy costs (the sum of minimum rents, percentage rents, and expense recoveries, excluding utilities) as a percentage of sales in our Consolidated Businesses and Unconsolidated Joint Ventures are as follows:
 
Trailing 12 Months Ended March 31
 
2015 (1)
 
2014 (1)
Consolidated Businesses:
 
 
 
Minimum rents
9.0
%
 
8.5
%
Percentage rents
0.6

 
0.6

Expense recoveries
4.5

 
4.3

Mall tenant occupancy costs
14.0
%
 
13.5
%
Unconsolidated Joint Ventures:
 
 
 
Minimum rents
8.6
%
 
8.3
%
Percentage rents
0.5

 
0.5

Expense recoveries
4.2

 
4.2

Mall tenant occupancy costs
13.2
%
 
12.9
%
Combined:
 
 
 
Minimum rents
8.8
%
 
8.4
%
Percentage rents
0.5

 
0.6

Expense recoveries
4.3

 
4.3

Mall tenant occupancy costs
13.7
%
 
13.3
%

(1)
Based on reports of sales furnished by mall tenants of all centers reported during that period. Due to the closing of the Starwood sale in October 2014, tenant sales data for the sale portfolio was excluded from the trailing 12 months ended March 31, 2015 and March 31, 2014.
(2)
Amounts in this table may not add due to rounding.






30


Ending occupancy and leased space statistics as of March 31, 2015 and March 31, 2014 are as follows:
 
2015 (1)
 
2014 (1)
Ending occupancy - all centers
89.8
%
 
93.0
%
Ending occupancy - comparable centers
92.7

 
93.1

Leased space - all centers
93.7

 
95.5

Leased space - comparable centers
95.5

 
96.0


(1) Occupancy statistics also include anchor spaces at value and outlet centers (Dolphin Mall, Great Lakes Crossing Outlets, and Chesterfield).

We continue to expect year-end comparable center occupancy will be approximately 96%. See “Seasonality” for further information on occupancy and leased space statistics.

The difference between leased space and occupancy is that leased space includes spaces where leases have been signed but the tenants are not yet open. The occupancy statistic represents those spaces upon which we are currently collecting rent from tenants. The spread between comparable center leased space and occupied space, at 2.8% this quarter, is consistent with our history of 1% to 3% in the first quarter.

As leases have expired in the centers, we have generally been able to rent the available space, either to the existing tenant or a new tenant, at rental rates that are higher than those of the expired leases. Generally, center revenues have increased as older leases rolled over or were terminated early and replaced with new leases negotiated at current rental rates that were usually higher than the average rates for existing leases. Average rent per square foot statistics reflect the contractual rental terms of the lease currently in effect and include the impact of rental concessions. In periods of increasing sales, rents on new leases will generally tend to rise. In periods of slower growth or declining sales, rents on new leases will grow more slowly or will decline for the opposite reason, as tenants' expectations of future growth become less optimistic.


31


Rent per square foot statistics are computed using contractual rentals per the tenant lease agreements, which reflect any lease modifications, including those for rental concessions. Rent per square foot information for our comparable centers in our Consolidated Businesses and Unconsolidated Joint Ventures are as follows:
 
Three Months Ended March 31(1)
 
2015
 
2014
Average rent per square foot:
 
 
 
Consolidated Businesses
$
60.71

 
$
58.95

Unconsolidated Joint Ventures
59.26

 
55.81

Combined
60.12

 
57.71


(1)
Statistics exclude non-comparable centers.

 
Trailing 12 Months Ended March 31 (1) (2)
 
2015
 
2014
Opening base rent per square foot:
 
 
 
Consolidated Businesses
$
71.78

 
$
62.82

Unconsolidated Joint Ventures
66.52

 
60.34

Combined
69.75

 
61.68

Square feet of GLA opened:
 
 
 
Consolidated Businesses
453,801

 
356,255

Unconsolidated Joint Ventures
286,613

 
302,192

Combined
740,414

 
658,447

Closing base rent per square foot:
 
 
 
Consolidated Businesses
$
55.71

 
$
60.20

Unconsolidated Joint Ventures
49.23

 
43.47

Combined
52.92

 
53.22

Square feet of GLA closed:
 
 
 
Consolidated Businesses
499,833

 
372,555

Unconsolidated Joint Ventures
376,158

 
266,960

Combined
875,991

 
639,515

Releasing spread per square foot:
 
 
 
Consolidated Businesses
$
16.07

 
$
2.62

Unconsolidated Joint Ventures
17.29

 
16.87

Combined
16.83

 
8.46

Releasing spread per square foot growth:
 
 
 
Consolidated Businesses
28.8
%
 
4.4
%
Unconsolidated Joint Ventures
35.1
%
 
38.8
%
Combined
31.8
%
 
15.9
%

(1)
Statistics exclude non-comparable centers.
(2)
Opening and closing statistics exclude spaces greater than or equal to 10,000 square feet.
(2) Opening and closing statistics exclude spaces gr
The spread between opening and closing rents may not be indicative of future periods, as this statistic is not computed on comparable tenant spaces, and can vary significantly from period to period depending on the total amount, location, and average size of tenant space opening and closing in the period. Average rent per square foot across our portfolio, including comparable centers for both consolidated and unconsolidated properties, was up 4.2% for this quarter. Average rent per square foot in 2015 is now expected to be up about 2.5%. The decrease from previous guidance of about 3.5% is due to lower than expected rent growth in our Consumer Price Index escalations in the majority of our leases. The Index used in the formula to calculate these escalations showed zero increase at the end of February, when our lease year for most tenants generally begins.

32


Seasonality

The regional shopping center industry is seasonal in nature, with mall tenant sales highest in the fourth quarter due to the Christmas season, and with lesser, though still significant, sales fluctuations associated with the Easter holiday and back-to-school period. While minimum rents and recoveries are generally not subject to seasonal factors, most leases are scheduled to expire in the first quarter, and the majority of new stores open in the second half of the year in anticipation of the Christmas selling season. Additionally, most percentage rents are recorded in the fourth quarter. Accordingly, revenues and occupancy levels are generally highest in the fourth quarter. Gains on sales of peripheral land and lease cancellation income may vary significantly from quarter to quarter.
 
2015
 
2014
 
1st Quarter
 
Total
 
4th Quarter
 
3rd Quarter
 
2nd Quarter
 
1st Quarter
 
(in thousands, except occupancy and leased space data)
Mall tenant sales: (1)
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Comparable (2)
$
1,123,838

 
$
4,908,028

 
$
1,539,728

 
$
1,121,619

 
$
1,129,184

 
$
1,117,497

All Centers (3)
1,175,757

 
4,969,462

 
1,601,162

 
1,121,619

 
1,129,184

 
1,117,497

Revenues and nonoperating income, net:
 
 


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated Businesses
130,235

 
636,322

 
118,842

 
176,935

 
164,664

 
175,881

Unconsolidated Joint Ventures
91,922

 
337,995

 
99,830

 
80,649

 
80,289

 
77,227

Ending occupancy:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Comparable
92.7
%
 
94.7
%
 
94.7
%
 
93.1
%
 
92.8
%
 
93.1
%
All Centers
89.8

 
94.1

 
94.1

 
93.0

 
92.6

 
93.0

Leased Space:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Comparable
95.5
%
 
96.2
%
 
96.2
%
 
95.8
%
 
95.9
%
 
96.0
%
All Centers
93.7

 
96.0

 
96.0

 
95.3

 
95.3

 
95.5


(1)
Based on reports of sales furnished by mall tenants.
(2)
Statistics for all periods exclude non-comparable centers.
(3)
Due to the closing of the Starwood sale in October 2014, tenant sales data for the sale portfolio was excluded for all periods presented.


33


Results of Operations

In addition to the results and trends in our operations discussed in the preceding sections, the following sections discuss certain transactions that affected operations in the three month periods ended March 31, 2015 and March 31, 2014, or are expected to affect operations in the future.

Dispositions

Sale of Centers to Starwood

In October 2014, we completed the disposition of a portfolio of seven centers to Starwood. As part of the sale, we defeased or prepaid loans including accrued interest totaling $623 million secured by Northlake Mall, The Mall at Wellington Green, MacArthur Center, and The Mall at Partridge Creek.

In 2014, we early adopted Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2014-08, "Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity". The operations of the centers sold to Starwood are included in continuing operations for periods prior to the sale pursuant to the application of ASU Update 2014-08.

International Plaza

In January 2014, we sold a total of 49.9% of our interests in the entity that owns International Plaza, including certain governance rights. See "Note 2 - Dispositions, Acquisition, and Developments - Dispositions - International Plaza" to our consolidated financial statements for further information on the sale, including the gain recognized on the transaction. The disposition decreased our ownership in the center to a noncontrolling 50.1% interest. We now account for our remaining interest in International Plaza under the equity method of accounting.

Arizona Mills/Oyster Bay

Also, in January 2014, we completed the sale of our 50% interest in Arizona Mills, an Unconsolidated Joint Venture, and land in Syosset, New York related to the former Oyster Bay project, to Simon Property Group. See "Note 2 - Dispositions, Acquisition, and Developments - Dispositions - Arizona Mills/Oyster Bay" to our consolidated financial statements for further information on the sale, including the gain recognized on the transaction.

U.S. Development

In March 2015, The Mall of San Juan opened in San Juan, Puerto Rico. In April 2015, we acquired an additional 15% interest in The Mall of San Juan, bringing our ownership in the center to 95% (see "Liquidity and Capital Resources - Capital Spending - New Developments").

In October 2014, The Mall at University Town Center opened in Sarasota, Florida.

Our U.S. development includes one project, International Market Place, which is currently under construction in Waikiki, Honolulu, Hawaii (see "Liquidity and Capital Resources - Capital Spending - New Developments"). In addition, we are progressing on our project in Miami, Florida (see "Liquidity and Capital Resources - Capital Spending - New Developments").

Taubman Asia

We have formed a joint venture with Beijing Wangfujing Department Store (Group) Co., Ltd (Wangfujing), one of China's largest department store chains, to develop a shopping mall, CityOn.Zhengzhou, in Zhengzhou, China. We have also formed a joint venture with Wangfujing to own an interest in a shopping center, CityOn.Xi'an, to be located at Xi'an Saigao City Plaza in Xi'an, China. See "Liquidity and Capital Resources - Capital Spending - New Developments" for more information on these developments.

Also, we have invested in a shopping center project in Hanam, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea (Hanam Union Square) in which we have formed a joint venture with Shinsegae Group (Shinsegae), South Korea's largest retailer. (See "Liquidity and Capital Resources - Capital Spending - New Developments").




34


Debt and Equity Transactions

In March 2015, a $12 million non-recourse refinancing was completed on our U.S. headquarters building. The loan is interest only for the entire nine-year term, bears interest at LIBOR plus 1.40%, and is prepayable at any time. The rate on the loan is fixed at 3.49% as a result of an interest rate swap. The proceeds from the new loan and available cash were used to pay off the existing $17.0 million, 5.90% fixed rate loan.

In October 2014, as part of the sale of centers to Starwood, we prepaid or defeased our then outstanding loans on the centers sold. See "Sale of Centers to Starwood" above.

In January 2014, we used funds from the sale of a total of 49.9% of our interests in the entity that owns International Plaza to pay down the $99.5 million loan on Stony Point Fashion Park. As a result of the sale of 49.9% of our interests in the entity that owns International Plaza in January 2014, we were relieved of $162 million of our beneficial interest in debt (see "Dispositions - International Plaza" above).

In January 2014, we were relieved of our $84 million share of the $167 million mortgage loan outstanding on Arizona Mills at the time of the sale (see "Dispositions - Arizona Mills/Oyster Bay" above).

In August 2013, our Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program under which we may repurchase up to $200 million of our outstanding common stock. In March 2015, our Board of Directors increased the authorization by $250 million, bringing the total authorization to $450 million. We plan to repurchase shares from time to time on the open market or in privately negotiated transactions or otherwise, depending on market prices and other conditions. Purchases of common stock are financed with general corporate funds, including borrowings under our existing revolving lines of credit. As of March 31, 2015, we repurchased 1,940,301 shares of our common stock at an average price of $70.75 per share, for a total of $137.3 million under the authorization. All shares repurchased have been cancelled. For each share of our stock repurchased, an equal number of our Operating Partnership units are redeemed. As of March 31, 2015, $312.7 million remained of the current authorization.

Center Operations

For the three months ended March 31, 2015, NOI excluding lease cancellation income was up 3.7% from 2014. We estimate that NOI of our comparable centers, excluding lease cancellation income, will be up 2.5% to 3% in 2015. The decrease from previous guidance of about 3% is due to lower than expected rent growth in our Consumer Price Index escalations in the majority of our leases. See “General Background and Performance Measurement – Use of Non-GAAP Measures” for the definition and discussion of NOI and see “Reconciliation of Net Income to Net Operating Income.”

For the three months ended March 31, 2015, we recognized our $2.5 million share of lease cancellation income. We now expect our share of lease cancellation income to be about $4 million to $5 million for 2015.

Interest Expense

Interest expense is impacted by the capitalization of interest on the costs of our U.S. and Asia development projects. We capitalize interest on our consolidated project costs and our equity contributions to Unconsolidated Joint Ventures under development using our average consolidated borrowing rate, which does not reflect the specific source of funds for the costs and is generally greater than our incremental borrowing rate. Any excess of the capitalization rate over our incremental borrowing rate positively impacts our results of operations during the construction phase of our development projects. This positive impact will affect our results until the overall level of construction spending decreases. We continue to expect our beneficial share of consolidated and unconsolidated interest expense for 2015 to be between $100 million to $105 million, which includes the interest expense impacts from the openings of The Mall at University Town Center and The Mall of San Juan.

35


Comparison of the Three Months Ended March 31, 2015 to the Three Months Ended March 31, 2014

The following table sets forth operating results for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and March 31, 2014, showing the results of the Consolidated Businesses and Unconsolidated Joint Ventures:
 
Three Months Ended
 
Three Months Ended
 
March 31, 2015
 
March 31, 2014
 
CONSOLIDATED BUSINESSES
 
UNCONSOLIDATED JOINT VENTURES AT 100%(1)
 
CONSOLIDATED BUSINESSES
 
UNCONSOLIDATED JOINT VENTURES AT 100%(1)
 
(in millions)
REVENUES:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Minimum rents
$
74.6

 
$
52.7

 
$
97.9

 
$
46.5

Percentage rents
2.9

 
2.2

 
4.7

 
2.1

Expense recoveries
43.9

 
31.6

 
62.7

 
27.0

Management, leasing, and development services
3.0

 
 
 
2.5

 
 
Other
4.6

 
5.4

 
7.0

 
1.6

Total revenues
$
129.0

 
$
91.9

 
$
174.8

 
$
77.2

EXPENSES:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Maintenance, taxes, utilities, and promotion
$
31.6

 
$
21.5

 
$
47.9

 
$
20.0

Other operating
13.2

 
5.4

 
15.5

 
4.9

Management, leasing, and development services
1.1

 
 
 
1.3

 
 
General and administrative
11.9

 
 
 
11.5

 
 
Interest expense
13.5

 
21.0

 
26.1

 
17.9

Depreciation and amortization (2)
24.0

 
13.5

 
35.1

 
11.7

Total expenses
$
95.5

 
$
61.4

 
$
137.5

 
$
54.5

Nonoperating income, net
1.2

 

 
1.1

 

Income before income tax expense, equity in income of Unconsolidated Joint Ventures, and gain on dispositions, net of tax

$
34.8

 
$
30.5

 
$
38.4

 
$
22.7

Income tax expense
(0.8
)
 
 
 
(0.7
)
 
 
Equity in income of Unconsolidated Joint Ventures (2)
17.1

 
 
 
12.1

 
 
Income before gain on dispositions, net of tax
$
51.0

 
 
 
$
49.7

 
 
Gain on dispositions, net of tax (3)


 
 
 
476.4

 
 
Net income
$
51.0

 
 
 
$
526.2

 
 
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Noncontrolling share of income of consolidated joint ventures
(2.6
)
 
 
 
(3.1
)
 
 
Noncontrolling share of income of TRG
(12.5
)
 
 
 
(147.7
)
 
 
Distributions to participating securities of TRG
(0.5
)
 
 
 
(0.5
)
 
 
Preferred stock dividends
(5.8
)
 
 
 
(5.8
)
 
 
Net income attributable to Taubman Centers, Inc. common shareowners
$
29.6

 
 
 
$
369.1

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION (4):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
EBITDA - 100% (5)
$
72.3

 
$
65.0

 
$
586.2

 
$
52.3

EBITDA - outside partners' share
(5.3
)
 
(28.5
)
 
(6.3
)
 
(23.2
)
Beneficial interest in EBITDA
$
67.0

 
$
36.5

 
$
579.9

 
$
29.1

Gain on dispositions
 
 
 
 
(486.6
)
 
 
Beneficial interest expense
(11.9
)
 
(11.4
)
 
(24.1
)
 
(9.8
)
Beneficial income tax expense - TRG and TCO
(0.8
)
 
 
 
(0.7
)
 
 
Beneficial income tax expense - TCO
0.2

 
 
 
0.1

 
 
Non-real estate depreciation
(0.9
)
 
 
 
(0.8
)
 
 
Preferred dividends and distributions
(5.8
)
 
 
 
(5.8
)
 
 
Funds from Operations contribution
$
47.8

 
$
25.1

 
$
62.0

 
$
19.2


(1)
With the exception of the Supplemental Information, amounts include 100% of the Unconsolidated Joint Ventures. Amounts are net of intercompany transactions. The Unconsolidated Joint Ventures are presented at 100% in order to allow for measurement of their performance as a whole, without regard to our ownership interest. In our consolidated financial statements, we account for investments in the Unconsolidated Joint Ventures under the equity method. International Plaza's operations were consolidated through the January 2014 disposition. Subsequent to the disposition, our remaining 50.1% interest is accounted for under the equity method of accounting within Unconsolidated Joint Ventures. In addition, Arizona Mills' operations were accounted for under equity method accounting through the disposition in January 2014. The results of the centers sold to Starwood were consolidated through the October 2014 disposition.
(2)
Amortization of our additional basis in the Operating Partnership included in depreciation and amortization was $1.1 million in 2015 and $1.2 million in 2014. Also, amortization of our additional basis included in equity in income of Unconsolidated Joint Ventures was $0.5 million in both 2015 and 2014.
(3)
During the three months ended March 31, 2014, the gain on dispositions of interests in International Plaza, Arizona Mills, and land in Syosset, New York related to the former Oyster Bay project is net of income tax expense of $10.2 million recognized.
(4)
See “General Background and Performance Measurement – Use of Non-GAAP Measures” for the definition and discussion of EBITDA and FFO.
(5)
For the three months ended March 31, 2014, EBITDA includes our $486.6 million (before tax) gain from the dispositions of interests in International Plaza, Arizona Mills, and land in Syosset, New York related to the former Oyster Bay project.
(6)
Amounts in this table may not add due to rounding.


36


Consolidated Businesses

Total revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2015 were $129.0 million, a $45.8 million or 26.2% decrease from the comparable period in 2014. Minimum rents, percentage rents, expense recoveries, and other income all decreased primarily due to the Starwood sale and the reclassification of International Plaza into an Unconsolidated Joint Venture.

The decrease in minimum rents was partially offset by an increase in average rent per square foot. The decrease in other income was further attributable to a decrease in lease cancellation revenue. We continue to expect net management, leasing, and development services income to be about $7 million to $7.5 million in 2015.
Total expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2015 were $95.5 million, a $42.0 million or 30.5% decrease from the comparable period in 2014. Maintenance, taxes, utilities, and promotion expense, other operating expense, interest expense, and depreciation expense all decreased primarily due to the Starwood sale and the reclassification of International Plaza as an Unconsolidated Joint Venture.

The decrease in other operating expense was partially offset by increases in professional fees, management costs, and bad debt expense. The decrease in interest expense was also partially attributable to interest capitalization on development projects.

In 2015, we continue to expect pre-development expense for both the U.S. and Asia to be in the range of $5 million to $6 million. Our 2015 quarterly general and administrative expense run rate is still expected to average between $12 million and $13 million, including both U.S. and Asia costs.

In 2015, the total operating revenues and operating expenses, excluding interest expense and depreciation, of the consolidated non-comparable center were immaterial. In 2014, the consolidated non-comparable centers contributed total operating revenues of $41.9 million, and incurred operating expenses, excluding interest expense and depreciation, of $18.4 million.

In 2014, we recognized a $476.9 million gain on the dispositions of a total of 49.9% of our interest in the entity that owns International Plaza as well as our investments in Arizona Mills and the Oyster Bay land.

Unconsolidated Joint Ventures

Total revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2015 were $91.9 million, up $14.7 million or 19.0% over the comparable period in 2014. Minimum rents increased primarily due to The Mall at University Town Center, the reclassification of International Plaza into an Unconsolidated Joint Venture, as well as an increase in average rent per square foot, partially offset by the sale of Arizona Mills and a decrease in occupancy. Expense recoveries increased due to The Mall at University Town Center and the reclassification of International Plaza, partially offset by Arizona Mills. Other income increased primarily due to an increase in lease cancellation revenue.

Total expenses increased by $6.9 million or 12.7%, to $61.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015. Maintenance, taxes, utilities, and promotion expense, interest expense, and depreciation expense all increased due to The Mall at University Town Center and the reclassification of International Plaza, partially offset by Arizona Mills.

In 2015, the unconsolidated non-comparable center contributed total operating revenues of $8.5 million, and incurred operating expenses, excluding interest, and depreciation of $2.9 million. In 2014, the unconsolidated non-comparable center contributed total operating revenues of $3.6 million, and incurred operating expenses, excluding interest expense and depreciation, of $1.4 million.

As a result of the foregoing, income of the Unconsolidated Joint Ventures increased by $7.8 million to $30.5 million. Our equity in income of the Unconsolidated Joint Ventures was $17.1 million, a $5.0 million or 41.3% increase from the comparable period in 2014.


37


Net Income

Net income was $51.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015 compared to $526.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014. After allocation of income to noncontrolling, preferred, and participating interests, the net income attributable to Taubman Centers, Inc. common shareowners for the three months ended March 31, 2015 was $29.6 million compared to $369.1 million in the comparable period in 2014.

FFO and FFO per Share

Our FFO was $72.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015 compared to $81.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014. FFO per diluted share was $0.81 for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and $0.90 per share for the three months ended March 31, 2014. See “General Background and Performance Measurement – Use of Non-GAAP Measures” for the definition of FFO and “Reconciliation of Net Income Attributable to Taubman Centers, Inc. Common Shareowners to Funds from Operations".














































38


Reconciliation of Net Income Attributable to Taubman Centers, Inc. Common Shareowners to Funds from Operations
 
Three Months Ended March 31
 
2015
 
2014
 
Dollars in millions
 
Diluted Shares/ Units
 
Per Share/ Unit
 
Dollars in millions
 
Diluted Shares/ Units
 
Per Share/ Unit
Net income attributable to TCO common shareowners - Basic
$
29.6

 
63,039,777

 
$
0.47

 
$
369.1

 
63,165,611

 
$
5.84

Add distributions to participating securities of TRG
 
 
 
 
 
 
0.5

 
871,262

 
 
Add impact of share-based compensation
0.1

 
895,503

 
 
 
2.6

 
784,730

 
 
Net income attributable to TCO common shareowners - Diluted
$
29.7

 
63,935,280

 
$
0.47

 
$
372.2

 
64,821,603

 
$
5.74

Add depreciation of TCO’s additional basis
1.6

 
 
 
0.03

 
1.7

 
 
 
0.03

Add TCO's additional income tax expense
0.2

 
 
 

 
0.1

 
 
 

Net income attributable to TCO common shareowners, excluding step-up depreciation and additional income tax expense
$
31.5

 
63,935,280

 
$
0.49

 
$
374.0

 
64,821,603

 
$
5.77

Add:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Noncontrolling share of income of TRG
12.5

 
25,104,110

 
 
 
147.7

 
25,147,231

 
 
Distributions to participating securities of TRG
0.5

 
871,262

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income attributable to partnership unitholders and participating securities
$
44.5

 
89,910,652

 
$
0.50

 
$
521.6

 
89,968,834

 
$
5.80

Add (less) depreciation and amortization (1):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated businesses at 100%
24.0

 
 
 
0.27

 
35.1

 
 
 
0.39

Depreciation of TCO’s additional basis
(1.6
)
 
 
 
(0.02
)
 
(1.7
)
 
 
 
(0.02
)
Noncontrolling partners in consolidated joint ventures
(1.1
)
 
 
 
(0.01
)
 
(1.2
)
 
 
 
(0.01
)
Share of Unconsolidated Joint Ventures
8.1

 
 
 
0.09

 
7.2

 
 
 
0.08

Non-real estate depreciation
(0.9
)
 
 
 
(0.01
)
 
(0.8
)
 
 
 
(0.01
)
Less gain on dispositions, net of tax
 
 
 
 


 
(476.4
)
 
 
 
(5.30
)
Less impact of share-based compensation
(0.1
)
 
 
 

 
(2.6
)
 
 
 
(0.03
)
Funds from Operations
$
72.9

 
89,910,652

 
$
0.81

 
$
81.2

 
89,968,834

 
$
0.90

TCO's average ownership percentage of TRG
71.5
%
 
 
 
 
 
71.5
%
 
 
 
 
Funds from Operations attributable to TCO, excluding additional income tax expense
$
52.1

 
 
 
$
0.81

 
$
58.1

 
 
 
$
0.90

Less TCO's additional income tax expense
(0.2
)
 
 
 

 
(0.1
)
 
 
 

Funds from Operations attributable to TCO
$
52.0

 
 
 
$
0.81

 
$
58.0

 
 
 
$
0.90


(1)
Depreciation includes $3.2 million and $5.6 million of mall tenant allowance amortization for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
(2)
Amounts in this table may not recalculate due to rounding














39


Reconciliation of Net Income to Beneficial Interest in EBITDA
 
Three Months Ended March 31
 
(in millions)
 
2015
 
2014
Net income
$
51.0

 
$
526.2

 
 
 
 
Add (less) depreciation and amortization:
 
 
 
Consolidated businesses at 100%
24.0

 
35.1

Noncontrolling partners in consolidated joint ventures
(1.1
)
 
(1.2
)
Share of Unconsolidated Joint Ventures
8.1

 
7.2

 
 
 
 
Add (less) interest expense and income tax expense:
 
 
 
Interest expense:
 
 
 
Consolidated businesses at 100%
13.5

 
26.1

Noncontrolling partners in consolidated joint ventures
(1.7
)
 
(2.1
)
Share of Unconsolidated Joint Ventures
11.4

 
9.8

Share of income tax expense:
 
 
 
Income tax expense on dispositions of International Plaza, Arizona Mills, and Oyster Bay


 
10.2

Other income tax expense
0.8

 
0.7

 
 
 
 
Less noncontrolling share of income of consolidated joint ventures
(2.6
)
 
(3.1
)
 
 
 
 
Beneficial interest in EBITDA
$
103.5

 
$
609.0

 
 
 
 
TCO's average ownership percentage of TRG
71.5
%
 
71.5
%
 
 
 
 
Beneficial interest in EBITDA attributable to TCO
$
74.0

 
$
435.6


(1)
Amounts in this table may not add due to rounding.


40


Reconciliation of Net Income to Net Operating Income
 
Three Months Ended March 31
 
(in millions)
 
2015
 
2014
Net income
$
51.0

 
$
526.2

 
 
 
 
Add (less) depreciation and amortization:
 
 
 
Consolidated businesses at 100%
24.0

 
35.1

Noncontrolling partners in consolidated joint ventures
(1.1
)
 
(1.2
)
Share of Unconsolidated Joint Ventures
8.1

 
7.2

 
 
 
 
Add (less) interest expense and income tax expense:
 
 
 
Interest expense:
 
 
 
Consolidated businesses at 100%
13.5

 
26.1

Noncontrolling partners in consolidated joint ventures
(1.7
)
 
(2.1
)
Share of Unconsolidated Joint Ventures
11.4

 
9.8

Share of income tax expense:
 
 
 
Income tax expense on dispositions of International Plaza, Arizona Mills, and Oyster Bay


 
10.2

Other income tax expense
0.8

 
0.7

 
 
 
 
Less noncontrolling share of income of consolidated joint ventures
(2.6
)
 
(3.1
)
 
 
 
 
Add EBITDA attributable to outside partners:
 
 
 
EBITDA attributable to noncontrolling partners in consolidated joint ventures
5.3

 
6.3

EBITDA attributable to outside partners in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures
28.5

 
23.2

 
 
 
 
EBITDA at 100%
$
137.3

 
$
638.5

 
 
 
 
Add (less) items excluded from shopping center Net Operating Income:
 
 
 
General and administrative expenses
11.9

 
11.5

Management, leasing, and development services, net
(1.8
)
 
(1.2
)
Straight-line of rents
(0.7
)
 
(1.0
)
Gain on dispositions
 
 
(486.6
)
Dividend income
(0.8
)
 
(0.2
)
Interest income
(0.7
)
 
(0.1
)
Other nonoperating (income) expense
0.2

 
(0.8
)
Non-center specific operating expenses and other
4.3

 
3.7

Net Operating Income at 100% - all centers
$
149.8

 
$
163.8

Less - Net Operating Income of non-comparable centers (1)
(5.2
)
 
(26.5
)
Net Operating Income at 100% - comparable centers
$
144.6

 
$
137.4

Lease cancellation income
(4.1
)
 
(1.9
)
Net Operating Income at 100% excluding lease cancellation income (2)
$
140.6

 
$
135.5


(1)
Includes The Mall of San Juan, The Mall at University Town Center, Arizona Mills, and the centers sold to Starwood in 2014. 2014 includes an adjustment to reflect the allocation of costs to Starwood centers that are now being allocated to the remainder of the portfolio.
(2)
See "General Background and Performance Measurement - Use of Non-GAAP Measures" for a discussion of the use and utility of Net Operating Income excluding lease cancellation income as a performance measure.
(3)
Amounts in this table may not add due to rounding.

41


Liquidity and Capital Resources

General

Our internally generated funds and distributions from operating centers and other investing activities, augmented by use of our existing revolving lines of credit, provide resources to maintain our current operations and assets and pay dividends. Generally, our need to access the capital markets is limited to refinancing debt obligations at or near maturity and funding major capital investments. From time to time, we also may access the equity markets or sell interests in operating properties to raise additional funds or refinance existing obligations on a strategic basis.

Property Encumbrances

We are primarily financed with property-specific secured debt and currently have five unencumbered center properties. The entities that own Beverly Center, Dolphin Mall, and Twelve Oaks Mall are guarantors under our unsecured primary revolving credit facility and unsecured term loan and are unencumbered assets under the facility and term loan. Any of the assets may be removed from the facility unencumbered asset pool and encumbered upon notice to lender that there is no default and the required covenant calculations are met on a pro forma basis. Additionally, besides the three centers previously noted, Chesterfield and Stamford Town Center, a 50% owned Unconsolidated Joint Venture property, are unencumbered.

Cash and Revolving Lines of Credit

As of March 31, 2015, we had a consolidated cash balance of $105.5 million. We also have an unsecured revolving line of credit of $1.1 billion and a secured revolving line of credit of $65 million. The availability under these facilities as of March 31, 2015, after considering then outstanding loan balances and outstanding letters of credit, was $1.160 billion. Seventeen banks participate in our $1.1 billion revolving line of credit and the failure of one bank to fund a draw on our line does not negate the obligation of the other banks to fund their pro-rata shares. The unsecured line includes an accordion feature that would increase the borrowing capacity to as much as $1.5 billion if fully exercised, subject to obtaining additional lender commitments, customary closing conditions, and covenant compliance for the unencumbered asset pool. As of March 31, 2015, we could not fully utilize the accordion feature unless additional assets were added to our unencumbered asset pool. The line matures in February 2019, with a one-year extension option. The facility bears interest at a range based on our total leverage ratio. As of March 31, 2015, the leverage ratio resulted in a rate of LIBOR plus 1.15%.

In April 2015, we agreed on the basic terms of a new 12-year loan for The Mall at Short Hills. The new $1 billion loan will be interest only at an all-in rate of approximately 3.50% and is expected to close in September 2015. Using the proceeds from the new loan, we expect to pay off without penalty the existing $540.0 million, 5.47% fixed rate loan scheduled to mature in December 2015.

The $15.8 million, 4.42% fixed rate loan on El Paseo Village matures in December 2015. We expect to pay off the loan in October 2015, the earliest prepayment date without penalty.

Construction Financing

In addition to the lines of credit described above, we have a $225 million construction facility for The Mall at University Town Center, an Unconsolidated Joint Venture. As of March 31, 2015, $18.7 million was available under the construction facility. The construction facility is interest only during the initial three-year term at LIBOR plus 1.70%, which decreases to LIBOR plus 1.60% upon the achievement of certain performance measures. The facility matures in October 2016 and has four one-year extension options.

We also have a $320 million construction facility for The Mall of San Juan, a consolidated joint venture. As of March 31, 2015, $117.2 million was available under the construction facility. The facility, which matures in April 2017 and has two one-year extension options, is interest only for the entire term and bears interest at LIBOR plus 2.00%, which may decrease to LIBOR plus 1.75% upon achieving certain performance measures.

The joint venture for Hanam Union Square expects a non-recourse, five-year, construction facility for the project. The loan proceeds are expected to be approximately 50% of the total project costs, and primarily denominated in Korean Won. Based on current interest rates, the weighted average rate of the loan, including fees, would be around 4%. The financing is still subject to final approval and will likely close mid-year.



42



We also expect to put in place construction financing for our International Market Place project later in 2015.

Refer to "Note 5 - Beneficial Interest in Debt and Interest Expense" to our consolidated financial statements for further details of our construction financings and related guarantees.

Term Loan

Our $475 million unsecured term loan matures in February 2019. The loan includes an accordion feature that increases the borrowing capacity to as much as $600 million if fully exercised, subject to obtaining additional lender commitments, customary closing conditions, and covenant compliance for the unencumbered asset pool. As of March 31, 2015, we could not fully utilize the accordion feature unless additional assets were added to our unencumbered asset pool. As of March 31, 2015, the loan leverage ratio resulted in a rate of LIBOR plus 1.35%.

Summaries of Capital Activities and Transactions for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2015 and 2014

Operating Activities

Our net cash provided by operating activities was $51.5 million in 2015, compared to $62.5 million in 2014. See also “Results of Operations” for descriptions of 2015 and 2014 transactions affecting operating cash flows.

Investing Activities

Net cash used in investing activities was $109.5 million in 2015, compared to $280.7 million provided by investing activities in 2014. Additions to properties in 2015 and 2014 related primarily to the costs of new centers under development as well as capital and tenant improvements at existing centers. A tabular presentation of 2015 and 2014 capital spending is shown in “Capital Spending”. In 2015, $7.8 million of the cash in escrow was used to fund current redevelopment projects. Cash placed in escrow to fund certain construction projects was $45.0 million in 2014. Proceeds from the January 2014 dispositions, net of transaction costs, were $385.6 million in 2014.

Contributions to Unconsolidated Joint Ventures in 2015 and 2014 of $20.2 million and $11.8 million, respectively, primarily relate to the funding of Taubman Asia project costs. Distributions from Unconsolidated Joint Ventures in excess of income were $9.4 million in 2014.

Financing Activities

Net cash used in financing activities was $112.8 million in 2015 compared to $206.1 million used in 2014. In 2015, net debt proceeds were $32.2 million, generally provided by the construction facility on The Mall of San Juan, partially offset by the pay off of the original loan on the U.S. headquarters building. In 2014, net debt payments were $170.4 million, reflecting the pay down of a portion of our revolving lines of credit and the pay off of the mortgage note payable on Stony Point.

In 2015, $85.0 million was paid to repurchase common stock. An immaterial amount of common stock was repurchased in 2014. In 2015, $2.2 million was paid in connection with incentive plans, compared to $2.4 million in 2014. Contributions from noncontrolling interests in 2014 were $22.3 million for funding an escrow required for a redevelopment project at Cherry Creek Shopping Center. Total dividends and distributions paid were $57.9 million and $55.6 million in 2015 and 2014, respectively.















43



Beneficial Interest in Debt

At March 31, 2015, the Operating Partnership's debt and its beneficial interest in the debt of its Consolidated Businesses and Unconsolidated Joint Ventures totaled $2,968.9 million, with an average interest rate of 3.97% excluding amortization of debt issuance costs and interest rate hedging costs. These costs are reported as interest expense in the results of operations. Interest expense includes non-cash amortization of premiums relating to acquisitions. On an annualized basis, this amortization of acquisition premiums is equal to 0.08% of the average all-in rate. Beneficial interest in debt includes debt used to fund development and expansion costs. Beneficial interest in construction work in progress totaled $505.9 million as of March 31, 2015, which included $491.2 million of assets on which interest is being capitalized. The following table presents information about our beneficial interest in debt as of March 31, 2015:
 
Amount
 
Interest Rate Including Spread
 
 
(in millions)
 
 
 
Fixed rate debt
$
1,842.8

 
4.69
%
(1) (2) 
 
 
 
 
 
Floating rate debt swapped to fixed rate:
 
 
 
  
Swap maturing in April 2018
136.2

 
4.10
%
 
Swap maturing in February 2019
475.0

 
3.00
%
 
Swap maturing in December 2021
87.4

 
3.58
%
 
Swap maturing in March 2024
12.0

 
3.49
%
 
 
$
710.6

 
3.29
%
(1) 
 
 
 
 
 
Floating month to month
415.4

 
1.95
%
(1) 
Total floating rate debt (3)
$
1,126.0

 
2.79
%
(1) 
 
 
 
 
 
Total beneficial interest in debt (3)
$
2,968.9

 
3.97
%
(1) 
 
 
 
 
 
Amortization of financing costs (4)
 

 
0.28
%
 
Average all-in rate
 

 
4.25
%
 

(1)
Represents weighted average interest rate before amortization of financing costs.
(2)
Includes non-cash amortization of premiums related to acquisitions.
(3)
As of March 31, 2015, The Mall of San Juan's beneficial interest in debt was 80%. Beginning in April 2015, the center's beneficial interest in debt will increase to 95% as a result of the acquisition of an additional interest in the center.
(4)
Financing costs include debt issuance costs and costs related to interest rate agreements of certain fixed rate debt.
(5)
Amounts in table may not add due to rounding.


44


Sensitivity Analysis

We have exposure to interest rate risk on our debt obligations and interest rate instruments. We use derivative instruments primarily to manage exposure to interest rate risks inherent in variable rate debt and refinancings. We routinely use cap, swap, and treasury lock agreements to meet these objectives. Based on the Operating Partnership's beneficial interest in floating rate debt in effect at March 31, 2015, a one percent increase in interest rates on this floating rate debt would decrease cash flows by approximately $4.2 million, and due to the effect of capitalized interest, decrease annual earnings by approximately $2.8 million. A one percent decrease in interest rates (or to zero percent for LIBOR rates that are below one percent) would increase cash flows by approximately $0.7 million and due to the effect of capitalized interest, increase annual earnings by approximately $0.5 million. Based on our consolidated debt and interest rates in effect at March 31, 2015, a one percent increase in interest rates would decrease the fair value of debt by approximately $27.2 million, while a one percent decrease in interest rates would increase the fair value of debt by approximately $28.7 million.

Loan Commitments and Guarantees

Certain loan agreements contain various restrictive covenants, including the following corporate covenants on our unsecured primary revolving line of credit, unsecured term loan, and the construction facilities on The Mall at University Town Center and The Mall of San Juan: a minimum net worth requirement, a maximum total leverage ratio, a maximum secured leverage ratio, a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio, a maximum recourse secured debt ratio, and a maximum payout ratio. In addition, our primary revolving line of credit and term loan have unencumbered pool covenants, which currently apply to Beverly Center, Dolphin Mall, and Twelve Oaks Mall on a combined basis. These covenants include a minimum number and minimum value of eligible unencumbered assets, a maximum unencumbered leverage ratio, a minimum unencumbered interest coverage ratio, and a minimum unencumbered asset occupancy ratio. As of March 31, 2015, the corporate minimum fixed charge coverage ratio was the most restrictive covenant. We are in compliance with all of our loan covenants and obligations as of March 31, 2015. The maximum payout ratio covenant limits the payment of distributions generally to 95% of funds from operations, as defined in the loan agreements, except as required to maintain our tax status, pay preferred distributions, and for distributions related to the sale of certain assets. See "Note 5 - Beneficial Interest in Debt and Interest Expense" to our consolidated financial statements for more details on loan guarantees.

Cash Tender Agreement

The A. Alfred Taubman Restated Revocable Trust and Taubman Ventures Group LLC have the right to tender partnership units in the Operating Partnership and cause us to purchase the tendered interests at a purchase price based on a market valuation of TCO on the trading date immediately preceding the date of the tender. See “Note 10 – Commitments and Contingencies – Cash Tender” to our consolidated financial statements for more details.

Capital Spending

New Developments

In March 2015, The Mall of San Juan in San Juan, Puerto Rico opened 80% leased or committed. The 0.6 million square foot of retail is anchored by the Caribbean's first Nordstrom and Saks Fifth Avenue. Capital spending at the center will continue subsequent to opening as construction continues on tenant spaces expected to open throughout 2015. In April 2015, we acquired an additional 15% interest in The Mall of San Juan, bringing our ownership in the center to 95%. The additional interest was acquired at cost.

International Market Place, a 0.4 million square foot center, in Waikiki, Honolulu, Hawaii, is under construction. We are responsible for management, leasing, and development of the center. The center will be anchored by the only full-line Saks Fifth Avenue in Hawaii, and is expected to open in August 2016. We have a 93.5% interest in the project and are funding all construction costs. We had capitalized costs of $136.2 million in the project as of March 31, 2015. We are expecting an after-tax unlevered stabilized return of 7% on our share of the approximately $465 million total project cost. This project is subject to a participating ground lease.

In 2013, we announced our involvement in The Mall at Miami Worldcenter, which will be developed in partnership with the Forbes Company. We will own at least one-third of the project, and as much as one-half, depending on the participation of the land owner. The center will be part of a mixed-use development offering a hotel, convention and entertainment space, office, residential, and retail. The 0.7 million square foot center will feature Macy's and Bloomingdale's.


45


Our joint venture with Wangfujing will own a 60% controlling interest in and manage a shopping center, CityOn.Xi'an, to be located at Xi'an Saigao City Plaza, a large-scale mixed-use development in Xi'an, China. It is scheduled to open in spring 2016 and is part of a 5.9 million square foot mixed-use project. We are investing in the retail portion only, which will be about 1.0 million square feet with over half of that in mall specialty stores. As of March 31, 2015, our share of total project costs was $86.7 million, as increased by $0.6 million of cumulative currency translation adjustments. Our total anticipated investment, including capitalized interest, will be approximately $115 million for a 30% equity interest. We are expecting a 6% to 6.5% unlevered return at stabilization.

Our second joint venture with Wangfujing owns a majority interest in and will manage a shopping center to be located in Zhengzhou, China. Currently under construction, the approximately 1.0 million square foot shopping mall, CityOn.Zhengzhou, is expected to open in spring 2016. As of March 31, 2015, our share of total project costs was $52.4 million, including an immaterial impact of cumulative currency translation adjustments. Our total anticipated investment, including capitalized interest, will be approximately $115 million for a 32% equity interest. We are expecting a 6% to 6.5% unlevered return at stabilization.

Our joint venture with Shinsegae, is developing an approximately 1.7 million square foot shopping center, Hanam Union Square, in Hanam, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea. The center is scheduled to open in early fall 2016. We have partnered with a major institution in Asia for a 49% ownership interest in Hanam Union Square. The institutional partner owns 14.7% of the project, bringing our effective ownership to 34.3%. As of March 31, 2015, our share of total project costs was $148.1 million, as decreased by $3.0 million of cumulative currency translation adjustments. Our total anticipated investment, including capitalized interest, will be about $380 million for our 34.3% equity interest in the retail portion of the project. We are expecting a 7% to 7.5% unlevered return at stabilization.

Estimates of total project costs through completion in Asia exclude fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates.

Internally generated funds and excess proceeds from refinancings of maturing debt obligations, as well as borrowings under our revolving lines of credit would be sufficient to finance the anticipated remaining costs of these projects, but we also expect additional construction loan financings.


46


2015 Capital Spending

Capital spending for routine maintenance of the shopping centers is generally recovered from tenants. Capital spending through March 31, 2015, is summarized in the following table:
 
2015 (1)
 
Consolidated Businesses
 
Beneficial Interest in Consolidated Businesses
 
Unconsolidated Joint Ventures
 
Beneficial Interest in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures
 
(in millions)
New development projects - U.S. (2)
$
99.1

 
$
93.8

 
$
1.4

 
$
0.7

New development projects - Asia (3) (4)
 
 
 
 
40.6

 
40.6

Existing centers:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Projects with incremental GLA or anchor replacement
16.1

 
10.7

 
6.8

 
3.4

Projects with no incremental GLA and other
13.0

 
12.9

 
0.5

 
0.3

Mall tenant allowances
1.1

 
1.1

 
3.8

 
2.0

Asset replacement costs recoverable from tenants
1.9

 
1.5

 
0.3

 
0.2

Corporate office improvements, technology, equipment, and other
0.7

 
0.7

 
 
 
 
Total
$
132.0

 
$
120.7

 
$
53.4

 
$
47.2


(1)
Costs are net of intercompany profits and are computed on an accrual basis.
(2)
Includes costs related to The Mall of San Juan, International Market Place, and The Mall at University Town Center. As a result of the acquisition of an additional interest in The Mall of San Juan in April 2015, beneficial interest in consolidated businesses includes the center's spending at 95%.
(3)
Includes costs related to CityOn.Xi'an, CityOn.Zhengzhou, and Hanam Union Square. Asia spending is included at our beneficial interest in both the Unconsolidated Joint Ventures and Beneficial Interest in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures columns.
(4)
Asia costs exclude $1.9 million of net unfavorable translation adjustments.
(5)
Amounts in this table may not add due to rounding.

For the three months ended March 31, 2015, in addition to the costs above, we incurred our $0.8 million share of Consolidated Businesses’ and $0.4 million share of Unconsolidated Joint Ventures’ capitalized leasing costs.

The following table presents a reconciliation of the Consolidated Businesses’ capital spending shown above (on an accrual basis) to additions to properties (on a cash basis) as presented in our Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the three months ended March 31, 2015:
 
(in millions)
Consolidated Businesses’ capital spending
$
132.0

Other differences between cash and accrual basis
(34.6
)
Additions to properties
$
97.4



47


Planned 2015 Capital Spending

The following table summarizes planned capital spending for 2015, including actual spending through March 31, 2015 and anticipated spending for the remainder of the year:

 
2015 (1)
 
Consolidated Businesses
 
Beneficial Interest in Consolidated Businesses
 
Unconsolidated Joint Ventures
 
Beneficial Interest in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures
 
(in millions)
New development projects - U.S. (2)
$
300.8

 
$
283.4

 
$
3.7

 
$
1.8

New development projects - Asia (3) (4)
 
 
 
 
210.8

 
210.8

Existing centers:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Projects with incremental GLA or anchor replacement
106.7

 
88.3

 
24.8

 
12.4

Projects with no incremental GLA and other
32.2

 
31.1

 
1.4

 
0.8

Mall tenant allowances
13.4

 
12.9

 
10.8

 
5.7

Asset replacement costs recoverable from tenants
13.6

 
13.2

 
10.5

 
5.5

Corporate office improvements, technology, equipment, and other
3.8

 
3.8

 
 
 
 
Total
$
470.6

 
$
432.6

 
$
261.9

 
$
237.0


(1)
Costs are net of intercompany profits and are computed on an accrual basis.
(2)
Includes costs related to The Mall of San Juan, International Market Place, and The Mall at University Town Center. Excludes costs related to The Mall at Miami Worldcenter. As a result of the acquisition of an additional interest in The Mall of San Juan in April 2015, beneficial interest in consolidated businesses includes the center's spending at 95%.
(3)
Includes costs related to CityOn.Xi'an, Hanam Union Square, and CityOn.Zhengzhou. Asia spending is included at our beneficial interest in both the Unconsolidated Joint Ventures and Beneficial Interest in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures columns.
(4)
Asia costs exclude currency translation adjustments.
(5)
Amounts in this table may not add due to rounding.

We anticipate that our share of costs incurred for new center development projects included in the table above will be approximately $300 million in 2016.

We have ongoing redevelopment or expansion projects at Beverly Center, Cherry Creek Shopping Center, Dolphin Mall, The Mall at Green Hills, International Plaza, and Sunvalley that will add approximately 343,000 square feet of incremental GLA with completion dates ranging from 2015 to 2019. Our share of these projects will cost a total of approximately $275 million, and we expect a weighted average return of 7.5% to 8% on the projects.

Disclosures regarding planned capital spending, including estimates regarding timing of openings, capital expenditures, occupancy, and returns on new developments are forward-looking statements and certain significant factors could cause the actual results to differ materially, including but not limited to (1) actual results of negotiations with anchors, tenants, and contractors, (2) timing and outcome of litigation and entitlement processes, (3) changes in the scope, number, and valuation of projects, (4) cost overruns, (5) timing of expenditures, (6) availability of and cost of financing and other financing considerations, (7) actual time to start construction and complete projects, (8) changes in economic climate, (9) competition from others attracting tenants and customers, (10) increases in operating costs, (11) timing of tenant openings, (12) early lease terminations and bankruptcies, and (13) fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. In addition, estimates of capital spending will change as new projects are approved by our board of directors.



48


Dividends

We pay regular quarterly dividends to our common and preferred shareowners. Dividends to our common shareowners are at the discretion of the Board of Directors and depend on the cash available to us, our financial condition, capital and other requirements, and such other factors as the Board of Directors deems relevant. To qualify as a REIT, we must distribute at least 90% of our REIT taxable income prior to net capital gains to our shareowners, as well as meet certain other requirements. We must pay these distributions in the taxable year the income is recognized, or in the following taxable year if they are declared during the last three months of the taxable year, payable to shareowners of record on a specified date during such period and paid during January of the following year. Such distributions are treated as paid by us and received by our shareowners on December 31 of the year in which they are declared. In addition, at our election, a distribution for a taxable year may be declared in the following taxable year if it is declared before we timely file our tax return for such year and if paid on or before the first regular dividend payment after such declaration. These distributions qualify as dividends paid for the 90% REIT distribution test for the previous year and are taxable to holders of our capital stock in the year in which paid. Preferred dividends accrue regardless of whether earnings, cash availability, or contractual obligations were to prohibit the current payment of dividends.

The annual determination of our common dividends is based on anticipated Funds from Operations available after preferred dividends and our REIT taxable income, as well as assessments of annual capital spending, financing considerations, and other appropriate factors.

Any inability of the Operating Partnership or its Joint Ventures to secure financing as required to fund maturing debts, capital expenditures and changes in working capital, including development activities and expansions, may require the utilization of cash to satisfy such obligations, thereby possibly reducing distributions to partners of the Operating Partnership and funds available to us for the payment of dividends.

On March 10, 2015, we declared a quarterly dividend of $0.565 per common share, $0.40625 per share on our 6.5% Series J Preferred Stock, and $0.390625 per share on our 6.25% Series K Preferred Stock, which was paid on March 31, 2015 to shareowners of record on March 20, 2015.



49


Item 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

The information required by this item is included in this report at Item 2 under the caption “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Liquidity and Capital Resources – Sensitivity Analysis.”

Item 4.
Controls and Procedures

As of the end of the period covered by this quarterly report, we carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures. Based upon that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of March 31, 2015, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective to ensure the information required to be disclosed by us in reports that we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods prescribed by the SEC, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended March 31, 2015 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.


50


PART II
OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.
Legal Proceedings

There is no material outstanding litigation as of March 31, 2015.

Item 1 A.
Risk Factors

There were no material changes in our risk factors previously disclosed in Part I, Item 1A. of our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014.

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
 
 
Total Number of Shares Purchased
 
Average Price Paid per Share
 
Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs
 
Maximum Dollar Value of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
147,696,392.2

 
January 2015
 

 
$

 

 
$
147,696,392

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
February 2015
 
293,510

 
74.06

 
293,510

 
125,959,847

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
March 2015
 
859,720

 
73.57

 
859,720

 
312,714,433

(1 
) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total
 
1,153,230

 
$
73.69

 
1,153,230

 
$
312,714,433

 

(1) In March 2015, the Company's Board of Directors increased the authorization by $250 million, bringing the total authorization to $450 million.

In August 2013, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program under which the Company may repurchase up to $200 million of its outstanding common stock. In March 2015, the Company's Board of Directors increased the authorization by $250 million, bringing the total authorization to $450 million. The Company plans to repurchase shares from time to time on the open market or in privately negotiated transactions or otherwise, depending on market prices and other conditions. As of March 31, 2015, the Company repurchased 1,940,301 shares of its common stock at an average price of $70.75 per share for a total of $137.3 million under the authorization. As of March 31, 2015, $312.7 million remained available for purchase under the program. All shares repurchased have been cancelled. For each share of the Company’s stock repurchased, an equal number of the Company’s Operating Partnership units are redeemed. Repurchases of common stock were financed through general corporate funds, including borrowings under existing lines of credit.

The restrictions on our ability to pay dividends on our common stock are set forth in "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Liquidity and Capital Resources - Dividends".

51


Item 6. Exhibits
 
 
 
 
Incorporated by Reference
 
 
Exhibit Number
 
Exhibit Description
 
Form
 
Period Ending
 
Exhibit
 
Filing Date
 
Filed Herewith
12
 
Statement Re: Computation of Taubman Centers, Inc. Ratio of Earnings to Combined Fixed Charges and Preferred Dividends
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
X
31.1
 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 15 U.S.C. Section 10A, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
X
31.2
 
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 15 U.S.C. Section 10A, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
X
32.1
 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
X
32.2
 
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
X
99
 
Debt Maturity Schedule
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
X
101.INS
 
XBRL Instance Document
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
X
101.SCH
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
X
101.CAL
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
X
101.LAB
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
X
101.PRE
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
X
101.DEF
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
X

52


SIGNATURES

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

 
 
TAUBMAN CENTERS, INC.
Date:
May 1, 2015
By: /s/ Lisa A. Payne                                                                     
 
 
Lisa A. Payne
 
 
Vice Chairman, Chief Financial Officer, and Director (Principal Financial Officer)

53