UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

Form 10-Q

(Mark One)

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

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2007

 

OR

 

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

For the transition period from                        to                       

 

Commission file number 1-12244

 

CENTRO NP LLC

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

MARYLAND

 

64-0955724

(State or other Jurisdiction of

 

(IRS Employer

Incorporation)

 

Identification No.)

 

420 Lexington Avenue, New York, New York 10170
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)

212-869-3000
(Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code)

New Plan Excel Realty Trust, Inc.

(Former Name, Former Address and Former Fiscal Year, if Changed Since Last Report)

 

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, and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  YES  þ     NO o

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

Large Accelerated Filer  þ              Accelerated Filer  o          Non-Accelerated Filer  o

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
YES 
o     NO þ

The common stock of New Plan Excel Realty Trust, Inc. ceased to be outstanding as of April 20, 2007, and was accordingly de-listed under Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

 

 




 

Centro NP LLC
(as successor by merger and liquidation to New Plan Excel Realty Trust, Inc.)

Explanatory Note

On February 27, 2007, New Plan Excel Realty Trust, Inc. (“New Plan”), and Excel Realty Partners, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership in which New Plan, through a wholly owned subsidiary, is the general partner, entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”) with Centro NP LLC (formerly Super IntermediateCo LLC) (“Centro NP”), Super MergerSub Inc. (“MergerSub”), and Super DownREIT MergerSub LLC (“Super REIT MergerSub” and together with Centro NP and Merger Sub, the “Buyer Parties”).  The Buyer Parties are affiliates of Centro Properties Group, an Australian publicly traded real estate company (“Centro”).  Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, MergerSub commenced and completed a tender offer (the “Offer”) to purchase all outstanding shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share (“Common Stock”), of New Plan at a price of $33.15 per share, net to the holders thereof, in cash (the “Offer Price”).  The Offer, as supplemented by a subsequent offering period, expired at 12:00 midnight, New York City time, on Wednesday, April 18, 2007.  On April 19, 2007, MergerSub exercised its top-up option pursuant to the Merger Agreement to acquire additional shares of Common Stock from New Plan at purchase price equal to the Offer Price.

As described in New Plan’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on April 20, 2007 (the “8-K”), on April 20, 2007, New Plan and the Buyer Parties completed the other transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement, pursuant to which, among other things, MergerSub merged with and into New Plan (the “Merger”), with New Plan surviving the Merger, and in connection therewith, Super DownREIT Acquisition L.P. (“DownREIT Acquisition”) merged with and into Excel Realty Partners, L.P. (the “DownREIT Partnership”) with the DownREIT Partnership continuing as the surviving limited partnership (the “DownREIT Merger,” and together with the Merger, the “Mergers”).  As more fully described in the 8-K, in connection with the Merger, each share of Common Stock (other than shares held by New Plan or any subsidiary of New Plan or by Purchaser) was converted into the right to receive the same $33.15 in cash per share as was paid in the Offer, without interest, (b) each outstanding option to purchase Common Stock under any employee stock option or incentive plan became fully vested and exercisable (whether or not then vested or subject to any performance condition that has not been satisfied, and regardless of the exercise price thereof or the terms of any other agreement regarding the vesting, delivery or payment thereof) and were cancelled in exchange for the right to receive, for each share of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of such option, cash in the amount equal to the excess, if any, of the Offer Price over the exercise price per share of such option.  As a result of the Merger, New Plan became a wholly owned subsidiary of Centro NP and any stockholder who held shares of Common Stock prior to the Merger ceased to be a stockholder effective as of the Merger.

Immediately following the Merger, on April 20, 2007, New Plan, as the surviving corporation of the Merger, was liquidated (the “Liquidation”), and in connection with the Liquidation, all of New Plan’s assets were transferred to, and all of its liabilities were assumed by, Centro NP.  As a result of the Merger and Liquidation, New Plan filed a Certification and Notice of Termination of Registration on Form 15 pursuant to which it terminated its reporting obligations under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), with respect to its Common Stock and 7.625% Series E Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock.

In connection with the Mergers, Centro NP, New Plan Realty Trust, LLC (as successor to New Plan Realty Trust, but only with respect to the 1999 Indenture (as defined below)) and U.S. Bank Trust National Association, as trustee (the “Trustee”) entered into supplemental indentures (the “Supplemental Indentures”), each dated as of April 20, 2007, to (i) the Indenture dated as of March 29, 1995 (the “1995 Indenture”), by and between New Plan (as successor to New Plan Realty Trust) and the Trustee (as successor to State Street Bank and Trust Company, as successor to The First National Bank of Boston), (ii) the Indenture dated as of February 3, 1999 (the “1999 Indenture”), by and among New Plan, New Plan Realty Trust, as guarantor, and the Trustee (as successor to State Street Bank and Trust Company), and (iii) the Indenture dated as of January 30, 2004 (the “2004 Indenture”, and collectively with the 1995 Indenture and the 1999 Indenture, the “Indentures”), by and between New Plan and the Trustee.  The Supplemental Indentures each provide for the assumption by Centro NP of all of the obligations of New Plan under each of the Indentures, effective upon consummation of the New Plan Merger.

Centro NP, as the successor obligor on the Company’s unsecured senior notes intends to continue to file with the SEC any annual reports, quarterly reports and other documents that it is required to file with the SEC pursuant to the Indentures governing the unsecured senior notes or pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act.

2




Forward-Looking Statements

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, together with other statements and information publicly disseminated by Centro NP LLC (as successor by merger and liquidation to New Plan Excel Realty Trust, Inc.) (“we”), contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.  Such statements are based on assumptions and expectations which may not be realized and are inherently subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which cannot be predicted with accuracy and some of which might not even be anticipated.  Future events and actual results, performance, transactions or achievements, financial or otherwise, may differ materially from the results, performance, transactions or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements.  Risks, uncertainties and other factors that might cause such differences, some of which could be material, include, but are not limited to:

·                  national or local economic, business, real estate and other market conditions, including the ability of the general economy to recover timely from economic downturns;

·                  the competitive environment in which we operate;

·                  property ownership and management risks;

·                  financial risks, such as the inability to obtain debt or equity financing on favorable terms;

·                  possible future downgrades in our credit rating;

·                  the level and volatility of interest rates and changes in the capitalization rates with respect to the acquisition and disposition of properties;

·                  financial stability of tenants, including the ability of tenants to pay rent, the decision of tenants to close stores and the effect of bankruptcy laws;

·                  governmental approvals, actions and initiatives;

·                  environmental/safety requirements and costs;

·                  risks of real estate acquisition and development, including the failure of pending developments and redevelopments to be completed on time and within budget and the failure of newly acquired or developed properties to perform as expected;

·                  risks of disposition strategies, including the failure to complete sales on a timely basis and the failure to reinvest sale proceeds in a manner that generates favorable returns;

·                  risks of joint venture activities; and

·                  other risks identified in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and, from time to time, in other reports we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) or in other documents that we publicly disseminate.

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

 

3




 

PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.                    Financial Statements

CENTRO NP LLC
(AS SUCCESSOR TO NEW PLAN EXCEL REALTY TRUST, INC.)
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2007 and 2006
 (In thousands, except per share amounts)

 

 

Three Months Ended
March 31,

 

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

 

 

(Unaudited)

 

Revenues:

 

 

 

 

 

Rental income

 

$

87,330

 

$

86,762

 

Percentage rents

 

1,741

 

2,353

 

Expense reimbursements

 

24,994

 

21,376

 

Fee income

 

8,636

 

3,969

 

Total revenues

 

122,701

 

114,460

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating Expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

Operating costs

 

20,584

 

18,064

 

Real estate taxes

 

16,335

 

13,895

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

24,545

 

22,383

 

Provision for doubtful accounts

 

2,412

 

2,193

 

General and administrative

 

15,775

 

7,011

 

Total operating expenses

 

79,651

 

63,546

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income before real estate sales, minority interest and other income and expenses

 

43,050

 

50,914

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other income and expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

Interest, dividend and other income

 

1,245

 

834

 

Equity in income of unconsolidated ventures

 

1,593

 

1,494

 

Interest expense

 

(25,245

)

(22,781

)

Minority interest in income of consolidated partnership and joint ventures

 

(291

)

(150

)

Income from continuing operations

 

20,352

 

30,311

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Discontinued operations:

 

 

 

 

 

Income from discontinued operations (Note 5)

 

3,692

 

8,198

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

24,044

 

$

38,509

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Preferred dividends

 

(5,504

)

(5,484

)

Net income available to common stock – basic

 

18,540

 

33,025

 

Minority interest in income of consolidated partnership

 

291

 

150

 

Net income available to common stock – diluted

 

$

18,831

 

$

33,175

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic earnings per common share:

 

 

 

 

 

Income from continuing operations

 

$

0.14

 

$

0.24

 

Discontinued operations

 

0.04

 

0.08

 

Basic earnings per share

 

$

0.18

 

$

0.32

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted earnings per common share:

 

 

 

 

 

Income from continuing operations

 

$

0.14

 

$

0.23

 

Discontinued operations

 

0.03

 

0.08

 

Diluted earnings per share

 

$

0.17

 

$

0.31

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Average shares outstanding – basic

 

103,352

 

104,257

 

Average shares outstanding – diluted

 

109,673

 

108,602

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dividends per common share

 

$

0.3125

 

$

0.3125

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other comprehensive income:

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

24,044

 

$

38,509

 

Unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities

 

347

 

534

 

Unrealized (loss) gain on deferred compensation

 

(46

)

18

 

Realized gain on interest risk hedges, net

 

359

 

359

 

Unrealized loss on interest risk hedges, net

 

(1

)

 

Comprehensive income

 

$

24,703

 

$

39,420

 

 

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

4




 

CENTRO NP LLC
(AS SUCCESSOR TO NEW PLAN EXCEL REALTY TRUST, INC.)
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
March 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006
(In thousands, except fractions, percentages and par value amounts)

 

 

March 31,
2007

 

December 31,
2006

 

 

 

(Unaudited)

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

Real estate:

 

 

 

 

 

Land

 

$

738,760

 

$

724,596

 

Building and improvements

 

2,904,965

 

2,841,158

 

Accumulated depreciation and amortization

 

(449,141

)

(430,207

)

Net real estate

 

3,194,584

 

3,135,547

 

Real estate held for sale

 

28,718

 

28,649

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

1,901

 

7,916

 

Restricted cash

 

21,702

 

23,662

 

Marketable securities

 

6,128

 

5,847

 

Receivables:

 

 

 

 

 

Trade, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $20,702 and $19,386 at March 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006, respectively

 

28,505

 

29,422

 

Deferred rent, net of allowance of $1,748 and $1,702 at March 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006, respectively

 

33,213

 

32,169

 

Other, net

 

31,141

 

22,582

 

Mortgages and notes receivable

 

634

 

4,412

 

Prepaid expenses and deferred charges

 

45,358

 

47,550

 

Investments in/advances to unconsolidated ventures

 

95,925

 

91,401

 

Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $22,595 and $19,754 at March 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006, respectively

 

88,055

 

88,256

 

Other assets

 

18,685

 

17,486

 

Total assets

 

$

3,594,549

 

$

3,534,899

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Mortgages payable, including unamortized premium of $10,749 and $11,563 at March 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006, respectively

 

$

438,386

 

$

448,910

 

Notes payable, net of unamortized discount of $5,665 and $5,911 at March 31,2007 and December 31, 2006, respectively

 

1,167,807

 

1,166,950

 

Credit agreements

 

269,000

 

191,000

 

Capital leases

 

27,411

 

27,500

 

Dividends payable

 

37,662

 

37,529

 

Other liabilities

 

139,435

 

150,585

 

Tenant security deposits

 

10,704

 

10,203

 

Total liabilities

 

2,090,405

 

2,032,677

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Minority interest in consolidated partnership and joint ventures

 

68,804

 

57,485

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commitments and contingencies

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stockholders’ equity:

 

 

 

 

 

Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 25,000 shares authorized; Series D: 1,500 depositary shares, each representing 1/10 of one share of Series D Cumulative Voting Step-Up Premium Rate Preferred, 150 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006; Series E: 8,000 depositary shares, each representing 1/10 of one share of 7.625% Series E Cumulative Redeemable Preferred, 800 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006

 

10

 

10

 

Common stock, $0.01 par value, 250,000 shares authorized; 103,638 and 103,420 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006, respectively

 

1,036

 

1,034

 

Additional paid-in capital

 

2,013,561

 

2,009,705

 

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

 

(10,190

)

(10,850

)

Accumulated distribution in excess of net income

 

(569,077

)

(555,162

)

Total stockholders’ equity

 

1,435,340

 

1,444,737

 

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

 

$

3,594,549

 

$

3,534,899

 

 

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

5




 

CENTRO NP LLC
(AS SUCCESSOR TO NEW PLAN EXCEL REALTY TRUST, INC.)
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2007 and 2006
(Unaudited, in thousands)

 

 

March 31,
2007

 

March 31,
2006

 

Cash flows from operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

24,044

 

$

38,509

 

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operations:

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

24,551

 

23,275

 

Amortization of net premium/discount on mortgages and notes payable

 

(568

)

(523

)

Amortization of deferred debt and loan acquisition costs

 

1,865

 

615

 

Amortization of stock options

 

1,097

 

463

 

Interest on swaps

 

359

 

492

 

Amortization of asset retirement liabilities

 

15

 

272

 

Amortization of below market leases

 

(785

)

(408

)

Gain on sale of discontinued operations, net

 

(2,464

)

(5,720

)

Minority interest in income of partnership

 

291

 

150

 

Impairment of real estate assets

 

 

98

 

Equity in income of unconsolidated ventures

 

(1,593

)

(1,180

)

Distributions of income from unconsolidated ventures

 

2,033

 

2,101

 

Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net:

 

 

 

 

 

Change in restricted cash

 

1,960

 

(267

)

Change in trade receivables

 

917

 

1,265

 

Change in deferred rent receivables

 

(1,044

)

(915

)

Change in other receivables

 

(8,560

)

2,543

 

Change in other liabilities

 

(15,055

)

(14,770

)

Change in tenant security deposits

 

501

 

280

 

Change in sundry assets and liabilities

 

557

 

(8,123

)

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

28,121

 

38,157

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Real estate acquisitions and building improvements

 

(45,669

)

(24,682

)

Acquisition, net of cash and restricted cash received

 

(27,014

)

(7,920

)

Proceeds from real estate sales, net

 

4,404

 

17,805

 

Repayments of mortgage notes receivable, net

 

3,778

 

34

 

Leasing commissions paid

 

(1,906

)

(2,743

)

Cash from joint venture consolidation (Note 2)

 

14

 

 

Proceeds from sale of joint venture interest

 

 

782

 

Capital contributions to unconsolidated joint ventures

 

(1,328

)

(3111

)

Distributions of capital from unconsolidated joint ventures

 

1,442

 

11,296

 

Net cash used in investing activities

 

(66,279

)

(8,539

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Principal payments of mortgages and notes payable

 

(9,799

)

(7,396

)

Proceeds from credit facility borrowing

 

85,000

 

40,000

 

Repayment of credit facility

 

(7,000

)

(25,000

)

Distributions paid to minority partners

 

(993

)

(900

)

Dividends paid

 

(37,597

)

(37,875

)

Proceeds from exercise of stock options

 

693

 

802

 

Repayment of loans receivable for the purchase of common stock

 

 

114

 

Proceeds from dividend reinvestment plan

 

1,839

 

1,932

 

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

 

32,143

 

(28,323

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

 

(6,015

)

1,295

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

 

7,916

 

9,202

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

 

$

1,901

 

$

10,497

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Supplemental Cash Flow Disclosure, including Non-Cash Activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Cash paid for interest

 

$

38,404

 

$

34,334

 

Capitalized interest

 

4,562

 

2,960

 

State and local taxes paid

 

151

 

105

 

Mortgages assumed, net

 

 

 

Partnership units issued in acquisition

 

12,020

 

 

 

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

6




 

CENTRO NP LLC
(AS SUCCESSOR TO NEW PLAN EXCEL REALTY TRUST, INC.)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 1:           Description of Business

Prior to the transactions described in Note 14, “Subsequent Events,” New Plan Excel Realty Trust, Inc. (together with its wholly-owned and majority-owned subsidiaries and consolidated entities, the “Company”) was operated as a self-administered, self-managed real estate investment trust (“REIT”).  The principal business of the Company is the ownership and management of community and neighborhood shopping centers throughout the United States.

Note 2:           Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Principles of Consolidation

As more fully described in Note 14, “Subsequent Events,” on February 27, 2007, the Company and the DownREIT Partnership entered into the Merger Agreement with the Buyer Parties.  The Buyer Parties are affiliates of Centro.  Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, MergerSub commenced and completed the Offer to purchase all outstanding shares of Common Stock of New Plan Excel Realty Trust, Inc. at the Offer Price.  The Offer, as supplemented by a subsequent offering period, expired at 12:00 midnight, New York City time, on Wednesday, April 18, 2007.  On April 19, 2007, MergerSub exercised its top-up option under the Merger Agreement and purchased from New Plan, at a purchase price equal to the Offer Price, a number of additional shares of common stock sufficient to permit MergerSub to effect a short-form merger of MergerSub into New Plan under Maryland law without the vote of or any other action by the remaining New Plan stockholders.

As more fully described in Note 14, “Subsequent Events,” and as described in the Company’s 8-K, on April 20, 2007, the Company, Centro NP, MergerSub, and DownREIT Acquisition completed the Mergers.  Immediately following the Merger, on April 20, 2007, and in connection with the Liquidation, all of New Plan’s  assets were transferred to, and all of its liabilities were assumed by, Centro NP.  As a result of the Merger and Liquidation, New Plan filed a Certification and Notice of Termination of Registration on Form 15 pursuant to which it terminated its reporting obligations under the Exchange Act, with respect to its Common Stock and 7.625% Series E Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock.

All references to “we,” “us,” “our,” “ours,” “New Plan” or the “Company” in these notes refer to New Plan Excel Realty Trust, Inc. and its wholly-owned and majority owned subsidiaries and consolidated entities prior to the completion of the Mergers, unless the context indicates otherwise.

The accompanying consolidated financial statements reflect the accounts of the Company.  The portion of these entities not owned by the Company is presented as minority interest as of and during the periods presented.  All inter-entity transactions have been eliminated.

When the Company obtains an economic interest in an entity, the Company evaluates the entity to determine (i) if the entity is a variable interest entity (“VIE”), (ii) if the Company is the primary beneficiary, in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Interpretation No. 46R, Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities (“FIN 46”) and (iii) whether the Company has a controlling interest in the entity, in accordance with

7




the FASB’s Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) Issue No. 04-5, Determining Whether a General Partner, or the General Partners as a Group, Controls a Limited Partnership or Similar Entity When the Limited Partners Have Certain Rights (“EITF 04-5”).  The Company consolidates (i) entities that are VIEs and of which the Company is deemed to be the primary beneficiary in accordance with FIN 46 and (ii) entities that are non-VIEs which the Company controls in accordance with EITF 04-5.  Entities that the Company accounts for under the equity method (i.e., at cost, increased or decreased by the Company’s share of earnings or losses, less distributions) include (i) entities that are VIEs and of which the Company is not deemed to be the primary beneficiary and (ii) entities that are non-VIEs which the Company does not control, but over which the Company has the ability to exercise significant influence.  The Company will reconsider its determination of whether an entity is a VIE and who qualifies as the primary beneficiary if certain events occur that are likely to cause a change in the original determinations.

 Basis of Presentation

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared by the Company pursuant to the rules of the SEC and, in the opinion of the Company, include all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) necessary for a fair statement of financial position, results of operations and cash flows in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”).  Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such SEC rules.  The Company believes that the disclosures made are adequate to make the information presented not misleading.  The consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income for the three months ended March 31, 2007 are not necessarily indicative of the results expected for the full fiscal year.  These consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s latest annual report on Form 10-K.

Earnings per Share of Common Stock

In accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 128, Earnings per Share (“SFAS No. 128”), the Company presents both basic and diluted earnings per share.  Earnings per common share (“basic EPS”) is computed by dividing net income available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding for the period.  Earnings per share of common stock assuming dilution (“diluted EPS”) is computed by giving effect to all dilutive potential shares of common stock that were outstanding during the period.  Dilutive potential shares of common stock consist of the incremental shares of common stock issuable upon (a) the conversion of (i) limited partnership units of the DownREIT Partnership, (ii) convertible senior notes, (iii) restricted stock grants and (iv) contingent compensation awards and (b) the exercise of in-the-money stock options.

Cash Equivalents

Cash equivalents consist of short-term, highly liquid debt instruments with maturities of three months or less at acquisition.  Items classified as cash equivalents include insured bank certificates of deposit and commercial paper.  At times, cash balances at a limited number of banks may exceed insurable amounts.  The Company believes it mitigates this risk by investing in or through major financial institutions.

Restricted Cash

Restricted cash consists primarily of cash held in escrow accounts for deferred maintenance, capital improvements, environmental expenditures, taxes, insurance, operating expenses and debt service as required by certain loan agreements.  Substantially all restricted cash is invested in money market mutual funds and carried at market value.

8




Accounts Receivable

Accounts receivable is stated net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $20.7 million and $19.4 million as of March 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006, respectively.  The Company makes estimates of the uncollectability of its accounts receivable related to base rents, expense reimbursements and other revenues.  The Company analyzes accounts receivable and historical bad debt levels, customer credit-worthiness and current economic trends when evaluating the adequacy of the allowance for doubtful accounts.  In addition, tenants in bankruptcy are analyzed and estimates are made in connection with the expected recovery of pre-petition and post-petition claims.

Real Estate

Land, buildings and building and tenant improvements are recorded at cost and stated at cost less accumulated depreciation.  Major replacements and betterments, which improve or extend the life of the asset, are capitalized and depreciated over their estimated useful lives, and ordinary repairs and maintenance are expensed as incurred.  Land, buildings and building and tenant improvements that are under redevelopment, or are being developed, are carried at cost and no depreciation is recorded on these assets.  Additionally, amounts essential to the development of the property, such as pre-construction costs, development costs, construction costs, interest costs, real estate taxes, salaries and related costs and other costs incurred during the period of development are capitalized. The Company ceases capitalization when the property is available for occupancy upon substantial completion of tenant improvements, but in any event no later than one year from the completion of major construction activity.

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

Buildings

 

35 to 40 years

 

Building Improvements

 

5 to 40 years

 

Tenant Improvements

 

The shorter of the term of the related lease or useful life

 

 

Business Combinations

In connection with the Company’s acquisition of properties, purchase costs are allocated to the tangible and intangible assets and liabilities acquired based on their estimated fair values.  The value of the tangible assets, consisting of land, buildings and building and tenant improvements, are determined as if vacant (i.e., at replacement cost).  Intangible assets, including the above-market value of leases and the value of in-place leases, are recorded at their relative fair values.  The below-market value of leases is recorded in Other liabilities.

Above-market, below-market and in-place lease values for owned properties are recorded based on the present value (using an interest rate reflecting the risks associated with the leases acquired) of the difference between (i) the contractual amounts to be paid pursuant to the leases negotiated and in-place at the time of acquisition and (ii) management’s estimate of fair market lease rates for the property or equivalent property, measured over a period equal to the remaining non-cancelable term of the lease.  The capitalized above-market or below-market lease value is amortized as a reduction of, or increase to, rental income over the remaining non-cancelable term of each lease, plus any renewal periods with fixed rental terms that are considered to be below-market.

The total amount of other intangible assets allocated to in-place lease values is based on management’s evaluation of the specific characteristics of each lease and the Company’s overall relationship with each tenant.  Factors considered in the allocation of these values include, but are not limited to, the nature of the existing relationship with the tenant, the tenant’s credit quality, the expectation of lease renewals, the estimated carrying costs of the property during a hypothetical expected lease-up period, current market conditions and costs to execute similar leases.  Management will also consider information obtained about a property in connection with its pre-acquisition due diligence.  Estimated carrying costs include real estate taxes, insurance, other property operating costs and estimates of lost rentals at market rates during the hypothetical expected lease-up periods, based on management’s assessment of specific market conditions.  Management will estimate costs required to execute leases including commissions and legal costs to the extent that such costs are not already incurred with a new lease that has been negotiated in connection with the purchase of a property.  Independent appraisals and/or management’s estimates will be used to determine these values.

9




The value of in-place leases is amortized to expense over the remaining initial term of each lease.  The value of tenant relationship intangibles is amortized to expense over the initial terms of the leases; however, no amortization period for intangible assets will exceed the remaining depreciable life of the building.

In the event that a tenant terminates its lease, the unamortized portion of each intangible, including market rate adjustments, lease origination costs, in-place values and tenant relationship values, will be charged as an expense.

Long-Lived Assets

On a periodic basis, management assesses whether there are any indicators that the value of its real estate properties may be impaired.  A property’s value is impaired only if management’s estimate of the aggregate future cash flows (undiscounted and without interest charges) to be generated by the property (taking into account the anticipated holding period of the asset) is less than the carrying value of the property.  Such estimate of cash flows considers factors such as expected future operating income, trends and prospects, as well as the effects of demand, competition and other economic factors.  To the extent impairment has occurred, the loss will be measured as the excess of the carrying amount of the property over the fair value of the property, and reflected as an adjustment to the basis of the property.

When assets are identified by management as held for sale, the Company discontinues depreciating the assets and estimates the sales price, net of selling costs, of such assets.  If, in management’s opinion, the net sales price of the assets that have been identified for sale is less than the net book value of the assets, a valuation allowance is established.  For investments accounted for under the equity method, a loss is recognized if the loss in value of the investment is other than temporary.

Employee Loans

Prior to 2001, the Company had made loans to officers and employees primarily for the purpose of purchasing the Company’s common stock.  These loans are demand and term notes bearing interest at rates ranging from 5.0% to 6.0%.  Interest on such loans is payable quarterly.  Loans made for the purchase of common stock are reported as a deduction from stockholders’ equity.  At March 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006, the Company had aggregate loans to employees of approximately $0.5 million.

Deferred Leasing and Loan Origination Costs

Costs incurred in obtaining tenant leases (including internal leasing costs) are amortized using the straight-line method over the terms of the related leases and included in depreciation and amortization.  Unamortized deferred leasing costs are charged to amortization expense upon early termination of the lease.  Costs incurred in obtaining long-term financing are amortized and charged to interest expense over the terms of the related debt agreements, which approximates the effective interest method.

10




Internal Leasing Costs

The Company capitalizes internal leasing costs in accordance with SFAS No. 91, Nonrefundable Fees & Costs Associated with Originating or Acquiring Loans and Initial Direct Costs of Leases.  Please refer to the following table for additional information regarding the capitalization of internal leasing costs (dollars in thousands).

Balance at December 31, 2006

 

$

16,015

 

 

 

 

 

Costs capitalized

 

831

 

Amortization / write-offs

 

(962

)

 

 

 

 

Balance at March 31, 2007

 

$

15,884

 

 

Investments in /Advances to Unconsolidated Ventures

The Company has direct equity investments in several joint venture projects.  The Company accounts for these investments in unconsolidated ventures using the equity method of accounting, as the Company exercises significant influence over, but does not control, and is not the primary beneficiary of, these entities.  These investments are initially recorded at cost, as “Investments in/advances to unconsolidated ventures”, and subsequently adjusted for equity in earnings and cash contributions and distributions.  Intercompany fees and gains on property transactions are eliminated to the extent of the Company’s ownership interest.

To the extent that the Company contributes assets to a joint venture project, the difference between the Company’s cost basis in the assets and the basis reflected at the joint venture level is amortized over the life of the related asset and included in the Company’s share of equity in income of unconsolidated ventures.

Intangible Assets

The Company’s intangible assets, other than those acquired in business combinations, include property management rights and an asset management fee stream.  These assets were initially measured based on their fair values and are being amortized on a straight-line basis over a period of 20 to 40 years.  These assets are stated at cost, net of accumulated amortization.

Derivative/Financial Instruments

The Company accounts for derivative and hedging activities in accordance with SFAS No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (“SFAS No. 133”) and SFAS No. 138, Accounting for Certain Derivative Instruments and Certain Hedging Activities.  These accounting standards require the Company to measure derivatives, including certain derivatives embedded in other contracts, at fair value and to recognize them in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as assets or liabilities, depending on the Company’s rights or obligations under the applicable derivative contract.  For derivatives designated as fair value hedges, the changes in the fair value of both the derivative instrument and the hedged item are recorded in earnings.  For derivatives designated as cash flow hedges, the effective portions of changes in fair value of the derivative are reported in other comprehensive income (“OCI”) and are subsequently reclassified into earnings when the hedged item affects earnings.  Changes in fair value of derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments, and ineffective portions of hedges, are recognized in earnings in the current period.

11




Asset Retirement Obligations

The Company accounts for its conditional asset retirement obligations in accordance with FASB Interpretation No. 47, Accounting for Conditional Asset Retirement Obligations (“FIN 47”), which the Company adopted as of December 31, 2005.  A conditional asset retirement obligation refers to a legal obligation (pursuant to existing law or contract) to perform an asset retirement activity in which the timing and/or method of settlement are conditioned upon the occurrence of a future event that may or may not be within the control of the Company.  The Company’s conditional asset retirement obligations arise primarily from legal requirements to decontaminate buildings at the time the buildings are sold or otherwise disposed of.  In accordance with FIN 47, the Company has reasonably estimated the fair value of its conditional asset retirement obligations and has recognized a liability for conditional asset retirement obligations of approximately $1.0 million as of March 31, 2007.  During the three months ended March 31, 2007 the Company recorded approximately $14,779 of accretion associated with its asset retirement obligation liability.

Self-Insured Health Plan

Beginning in May 2003, the Company implemented a self-insured health plan for all of its employees.  In order to limit its exposure, the Company has purchased stop-loss insurance, which will reimburse the Company for individual claims in excess of $0.1 million annually, or aggregate claims in excess of $1.0 million annually.  Self-insurance losses are accrued based on the Company’s estimates of the aggregate liability for uninsured claims incurred using certain actuarial assumptions adhered to in the insurance industry.  The liability for self-insured losses is included in accrued expenses and was approximately $0.6 million and $0.8 million at March 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006, respectively.

General Liability Insurance

The Company has one wholly-owned captive insurance company, ERT CIC, LLC (“ERT CIC”), which underwrites the first layer of general liability insurance programs for the Company’s wholly-owned, majority-owned and joint venture properties (excluding properties owned by CA New Plan Acquisition Fund, LLC, CA New Plan Direct Investment Fund, LLC and CA New Plan Venture Fund, LLC, which are covered under a separate policy).  The Company carries general liability insurance on its properties in amounts that it believes (i) adequately insures all of its properties and (ii) are in line with coverage obtained by owners of similar properties.  The Company has purchased stop loss insurance, which will reimburse the Company for individual claims in excess of $0.3 million annually, or aggregate claims in excess of $3.7 million annually.  If the Company experiences a loss and ERT CIC is required to pay under its insurance policy, the Company would ultimately record a loss to the extent of such required payment.  Because the Company owns ERT CIC, the Company is responsible for ERT CIC’s liquidity and capital resources, and the accounts of ERT CIC are part of the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Revenue Recognition

Rental revenue is recognized on the straight-line basis, which averages minimum rents over the terms of the leases.  The cumulative difference between lease revenue recognized under this method and contractual lease payment terms is recorded as “deferred rent receivable” on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets.  Certain leases provide for percentage rents based upon the level of sales achieved by the lessee.  These percentage rents are recorded once the required sales levels are achieved.  The leases also typically provide for tenant reimbursement of common area maintenance and other operating expenses.  Rental revenue also includes lease termination fees.  Lease termination fees were approximately $2.0 million and $5.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

Income from Discontinued Operations

Income from discontinued operations is computed in accordance with SFAS No. 144, Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets (“SFAS No. 144”).  SFAS No. 144 requires, among other things, that the primary assets and liabilities and the results of operations of the Company’s real property that has been sold, or otherwise qualifies as “held for sale” (as defined by SFAS No. 144), be classified as discontinued operations and segregated in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income and Consolidated Balance Sheets.  Properties classified as real estate held for sale generally represent properties that are under contract for sale and are expected to close within the next twelve months.

12




Income Taxes

The Company has elected to be treated as a REIT under Sections 856 through 860 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.  In order to maintain its qualification as a REIT, the Company is required to, among other things, distribute at least 90% of its REIT taxable income to its stockholders and meet certain tests regarding the nature of its income and assets.  As a REIT, the Company is not subject to federal income tax with respect to the portion of its income that meets certain criteria and is distributed annually to the stockholders.  Accordingly, no provision for federal income taxes is included in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.  Through April 20, 2007, the Company operated in a manner that allowed it to continue to meet the requirements for taxation as a REIT.  Many of these requirements, however, are highly technical and complex.  If the Company were to fail to meet these requirements, the Company would be subject to federal income tax.  The Company is subject to certain state and local taxes.  Provision for such taxes has been included in general and administrative expenses in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income.

The Company may elect to treat one or more of its subsidiaries as a taxable REIT subsidiary (“TRS”).  In general, a TRS of the Company may perform additional services for tenants of the Company and generally may engage in any real estate or non-real estate related business (except for the operation or management of health care facilities or lodging facilities or the provision to any person, under a franchise, license or otherwise, of rights to any brand name under which any lodging facility or health care facility is operated).  A TRS is subject to corporate federal income tax.  The Company has elected to treat certain of its corporate subsidiaries as TRSs.  At March 31, 2007, the Company’s TRSs had a tax net operating loss (“NOL”) carryforward of approximately $27.8 million, expiring from 2015 to 2020.  In addition, the Company’s TRSs had other net tax assets, most significantly relating to an asset impairment recognized in fiscal 2003, for financial accounting purposes that will not be recognized for tax purposes until the property is sold.  The Company’s TRSs have ascribed a full valuation allowance to their net deferred tax assets.

In June 2006, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes — an Interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109 (“FIN 48”).  FIN 48 (i) clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in companies’ financial statements in accordance with FASB Statement No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes, (ii) prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return and (iii) provides guidance on derecognition of recognized tax benefits, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition.  FIN 48 became effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006.  The Company has evaluated the impact of the adoption of FIN 48 on its consolidated financial statements and has concluded that as of March 31, 2007 it does not have any uncertain tax positions.

Segment Information

The principal business of the Company is the ownership and management of community and neighborhood shopping centers.  The Company does not distinguish or group its operations on a geographical basis for purposes of measuring performance.  Accordingly, the Company believes it has a single reportable segment for disclosure purposes in accordance with GAAP.  Further, all of the Company’s operations and assets are within the United States and no tenant comprises more than 4.1% of revenue.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the period.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.  The most significant assumptions and estimates relate to impairments of real estate, recovery of mortgage notes and trade accounts receivable and depreciable lives.

13




 

Reclassifications

In accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 144, certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform with the current period presentation.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards

In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities (“SFAS No. 159”).  SFAS No. 159 allows entities to report selected financial assets and liabilities at fair value.  Prior to the issuance of this new guidance, related assts and liabilities had been measured differently, resulting in artificial earnings volatility and the undue complexity of applying other accounting guidance.  SFAS No. 159 aims to alleviate those types of reporting issues in addition to enhancing comparisons between entities and expanding disclosures of interest to financial statement users.  SFAS No. 159 also serves to advance convergence of FASB guidance with that of the International Accounting Standards Board, which has previously adopted a fair value option.  SFAS No. 159 is effective as of the beginning of an entity’s first fiscal year beginning after November 15, 2007, but early adoption is permitted.  The Company is currently assessing the impact of SFAS No. 159 on its financial position and results of operations however the adoption of SFAS No. 159 is not expected to have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements of the Company.

In September 2006, the FASB issued Statement No. 157, Fair Value Measurements (“SFAS No. 157”).  SFAS No. 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in accordance with GAAP and expands disclosure requirements regarding fair value measurements.  SFAS No. 157 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007, and interim periods within those fiscal years.  Earlier application is encouraged, provided that the reporting entity has not yet issued financial statements for such fiscal year, including financial statements for an interim period within such fiscal year.  The adoption of SFAS No. 157 is not expected to have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements of the Company.

Note 3:           Acquisitions and Dispositions

Acquisitions

During the three months ended March 31, 2007, the Company acquired one shopping center and one land parcel.  Please refer to the following table for additional details (dollars in millions).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Purchase Price Components

 


Property Name

 

Location

 

Property
Type

 

Acquisition
Date

 

Gross
Leasable
Area (1)

 

Purchase
 Price

 

DownREIT
Partnership
Units

 

Assumed
Debt

 

Cash

 

Land at the Rising Sun Towne Centre

 

Rising Sun, MD

 

Land

 

01/05/07

 

2.8 Acres

 

$

2.0

 

 

 

$

2.0

 

Stewart Plaza

 

Garden City, NY

 

Shopping Center

 

01/24/07

 

193,622

 

$

32.7

 

$

6.3

 

 

$

26.4

 

 

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

34.7

 

$

6.3

 

 

$

28.4

 


(1)          Amounts in square feet, unless otherwise noted.

During the year ended December 31, 2006, the Company acquired eight shopping centers (including two buildings immediately adjacent to properties owned by the Company and the remaining 90% interests in two shopping centers in which the Company owned the other 10% interests), six land parcels, and a leasehold interest in a new development project. Please refer to the following table for additional details (dollars in millions, except footnotes).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Purchase Price Components

 

Property Name

 

Location

 

Property
Type

 

Acquisition
 Date

 

Gross
Leasable
Area (1)

 

Purchase
Price

 

DownREIT
Partnership
Units

 

Assumed
Debt

 

Cash

 

Building at Tarpon Mall

 

Tarpon Springs, FL

 

Shopping Center

 

01/27/06

 

6,580

 

$

2.3

 

 

 

$

2.3

 

Building at Hazel Path

 

Hendersonville, TN

 

Shopping Center

 

02/21/06

 

94,977

 

$

4.8

 

 

 

$

4.8

 

Shoppes at Hickory Hollow

 

Antioch, TN

 

Shopping Center

 

09/21/06

 

144,469

 

$

15.5

 

 

$

10.8

 

$

4.7

 

The Quentin Collection

 

Kildeer, IL

 

Shopping Center

 

09/22/06

 

171,179

 

$

38.2

 

 

 

$

38.2

 

the Shoppes at Cinnaminson

 

Cinnaminson, NJ

 

Land

 

09/29/06

 

40 acres

 

$

10.7

 

 

 

$

10.7

 

Land at Brentwood Plaza

 

Cincinnati, OH

 

Land

 

10/19/06

 

1.2 acres

 

$

0.7

 

 

 

$

0.7

 

Ventura Downs (2) (3)

 

Kissimmee, FL

 

Shopping Center

 

11/01/06

 

98,191

 

$

42.7

 

 

 

$

27.1

 

Odessa-Winwood Town Center (2) (4)

 

Odessa, TX

 

Shopping Center

 

11/01/06

 

343,603

 

 

 

$

15.6

 

 

A&P Fresh Market

 

Clark, NJ

 

Leasehold Interest

 

11/10/06

 

 

 

 

 

 

Land at Culpepper Plaza

 

College Station, TX

 

Land

 

11/16/06

 

0.6 acres

 

$

0.2

 

 

 

$

0.2

 

14




 

Fox Run Mall

 

Glastonbury, CT

 

Shopping Center

 

12/01/06

 

97,086

 

$

17.5

 

$

4.8

 

 

$

12.7

 

Land at Rising Sun Towne Center

 

Rising Sun, MD

 

Land

 

12/05/06

 

5.3 acres

 

$

0.7

 

 

 

$

0.7

 

Land at Victory Square

 

Savannah, GA

 

Land

 

12/12/06

 

9.8 acres

 

$

0.6

 

 

 

$

0.6

 

Memphis Commons

 

Memphis, TN

 

Shopping Center

 

12/21/06

 

336,638

 

$

42.0

 

 

$

17.2

 

$

24.8

 

Land at Wabash Crossing (5)

 

Wabash, IN

 

Land

 

12/22/06

 

26.5 acres

 

$

2.6

 

 

 

$

2.6

 

 

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

178.5

 

$

4.8

 

$

43.6

 

$

130.1

 


(1)          Amounts in square feet, unless otherwise noted.  Gross leasable area is unaudited.

(2)          Property acquired as a component of a multi-property transaction.  Purchase price and cash listed for Ventura Downs represent the combined amounts for the acquisition of Ventura Downs and Odessa-Winwood Town Center.

(3)          Property acquired from CA New Plan Venture Fund, LLC, a joint venture in which the Company has a 10% interest.

(4)          Property acquired from CA New Plan Venture Direct Investment Fund, LLC, a joint venture in which the Company has a 10% interest.

(5)          Approximately 23.1 acres of the land was simultaneously sold to Wal-Mart Stores for approximately $2.3 million.

 

Additionally, on June 20, 2006, NewSem Tyrone Gardens LLC, a joint venture with The Sembler Company in which the Company holds a 90% interest, acquired Tyrone Gardens, a 209,337 square foot shopping center located in St. Petersburg, Florida, for approximately $19.0 million, including approximately $9.0 million of assumed mortgage indebtedness.  In accordance with the provisions of EITF 04-5, this property is included as a consolidated entity in the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.

Dispositions

During the three months ended March 31, 2007, the Company sold two land parcels for aggregate gross proceeds of approximately $4.5 million.  In connection with the sale of these properties, and in accordance with SFAS No. 144 (Note 2), the Company recorded the results of operations and the related gain on sale as income from discontinued operations (Note 5).

During 2006, the Company sold 29 properties and six land parcels for aggregate gross proceeds of approximately $124.0 million.  In connection with the sale of these properties, and in accordance with SFAS No. 144 (Note 2), the Company recorded the results of operations and the related gain on sale as income from discontinued operations (Note 5).

Note 4:           Real Estate Held for Sale and Impaired Real Estate

As of March 31, 2006, three retail properties, three land parcels and one miscellaneous property were classified as “Real estate held for sale.”  These properties are located in six states and have an aggregate gross leasable area of approximately 0.4 million square feet.  Such properties had an aggregate book value of approximately $28.7 million, net of accumulated depreciation of approximately $0.8 million, as of March 31, 2007.  In accordance with SFAS No. 144 (Note 2), the Company has recorded the results of operations and the related impairment of any operating properties, excluding land parcels, classified as held for sale as income from discontinued operations (Note 5).

As of December 31, 2006, three retail properties and three land parcels were classified as “Real estate held for sale.”  These properties are located in four states and have an aggregate gross leasable area of approximately 0.2 million square feet.  Such properties had an aggregate book value of approximately $28.6 million, net of accumulated depreciation of approximately $0.7 million as of December 31, 2006.  In accordance with SFAS No. 144 (Note 2), the Company has recorded the results of operations and the related impairment of any operating properties, excluding land parcels, classified as held for sale as income from discontinued operations (Note 5).

15




Note 5:   Income from Discontinued Operations

The following is a summary of income from discontinued operations for the three months ended March 31, 2007 and 2006 (dollars in thousands):

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

 

March 31,

 

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

Total revenue

 

 

 

 

 

Real estate held for sale

 

$

962

 

$

865

 

Other discontinued operations

 

(106

)

3,979

 

Total revenue

 

856

 

4,844

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating costs

 

 

 

 

 

Real estate held for sale

 

(147

)

(147

)

Other discontinued operations

 

(42

)

(842

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Real estate taxes

 

 

 

 

 

Real estate held for sale

 

(141

)

(63

)

Other discontinued operations

 

(23

)

(523

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense

 

 

 

 

 

Real estate held for sale

 

 

 

Other discontinued operations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

 

 

 

Real estate held for sale

 

(6

)

(38

)

Other discontinued operations

 

 

(854

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Provision for doubtful accounts

 

 

 

 

 

Real estate held for sale

 

1

 

 

Other discontinued operations

 

730

 

199

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

General and Administrative

 

 

 

 

 

Real estate held for sale

 

 

 

Other discontinued operations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total operating costs

 

372

 

(2,268

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income from discontinued operations before impairment and gain on sale

 

1,228

 

2,576

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gain on sale of other discontinued operations

 

2,464

 

5,720

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Impairment of real estate held for sale and other discontinued operations

 

 

(98

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income from discontinued operations

 

$

3,692

 

$

8,198

 

 

16




 

Note 6:           Investments in/Advances to Unconsolidated Ventures

The following table summarizes the Company’s investments in unconsolidated joint ventures as of March 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006 (dollars in thousands).  The Company accounts for these investments using the equity method.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Company

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investments in/Advances to

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unconsolidated Ventures

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Percent

 

March 31,

 

December 31,

 

 

 

City

 

State

 

JV Partner

 

Ownership

 

2007

 

2006

 

Arapahoe Crossings, L.P. (1)

 

Aurora

 

CO

 

Foreign Investor

 

30%

 

$

6,655

 

$

6,477

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BPR Land Partnership, L.P. (2)

 

Frisco

 

TX

 

George Allen/Milton Schaffer

 

50%

 

$

611

 

$

1,039

 

 BPR Shopping Center, L.P. (1)

 

Frisco

 

TX

 

Foreign Investor/George Allen/Milton Schaffer

 

25%

 

$

2,904

 

$

2,808

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BPR South, L.P. (2)

 

Frisco

 

TX

 

George Allen/Milton Schaffer

 

50%

 

$

868

 

$

871

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CA New Plan Acquisition Fund,
LLC (3)

 

Various

 

Various

 

Major U.S. Pension Fund

 

10%

 

$

2,331

 

$

2,408

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CA New Plan Venture Direct Investment Fund, LLC

 

Various

 

Various

 

Major U.S. Pension Fund

 

10%

 

$

768

 

$

744

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CA New Plan Venture Fund, LLC (4)

 

Various

 

Various

 

Major U.S. Pension Fund

 

10%

 

$

3,265

 

$

3,258

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Galileo America LLC

 

Various

 

Various

 

Galileo Shopping America Trust

 

5%

 

$

33,703

 

$

34,843

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NP/I&G Institutional Retail Company, LLC (5)

 

Various

 

Various

 

JPMorgan Investment Management, Inc.

 

20%

 

$

28,626

 

$

29,174

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NP/I&G Institutional Retail
Company II, LLC (6) (7)

 

 

 

JPMorgan Investment Management, Inc.

 

20%

 

$

8,189

 

$

1,808

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 NPK Redevelopment I, LLC (8)

 

Various

 

Various

 

Kmart Corporation
(Sears Holding Corp.)

 

20%

 

$

4,057

 

$

3,557

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 NP/SSP Baybrook, LLC (6)

 

Webster

 

TX

 

JPMorgan Investment Management, Inc.

 

20%

 

$

2,473

 

$

2,892

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Westgate Mall, LLC (9)

 

Fairview Park

 

OH

 

Transwestern Investment Company/ The Richard E. Jacobs Group

 

10%

 

$

1,475

 

$

1,522

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investments in/Advances to Unconsolidated Ventures

 

$

95,925

 

$

91,401

 


(1)             The Company receives increased participation after a 10% return.

(2)             The Company receives a 10% return on its investment.

(3)             The Company receives increasing participation after a 10% IRR.

(4)             The Company receives increasing participation after a 12% IRR.

(5)             The Company receives increased participation after a 12% IRR.

(6)             The Company receives increased participation after a 10% IRR.

(7)             The joint venture did not own any properties as of December 31, 2006.

(8)             The Company has committed to contribute a total of $6.0 million to this joint venture.  Percent ownership represents the Company’s ownership interest in the joint venture subsequent to such contribution.  The Company receives increasing participation after a 10% return.

(9)             The Company receives increasing participation after a 13% IRR.

17




Combined summary unaudited financial information for the Company’s investments in/advances to unconsolidated ventures was as follows (dollars in thousands):

Condensed Combined Balance Sheets

 

March 31, 2007

 

December 31, 2006

 

Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

Real estate assets

 

$

3,131,339

 

$

3,030,086

 

Accumulated depreciation

 

(176,596

)

(156,235

)

Net real estate

 

2,954,743

 

2,873,851

 

Trade receivables, net of allowance for doubtful account

 

29,655

 

27,536

 

Other assets, net of accumulated amortization

 

202,494

 

206,717

 

Total Assets

 

$

3,186,892

 

$

3,108,104

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Mortgages payable, net of unamortized premium

 

$

2,021,290

 

$

1,930,025

 

Credit facilities

 

 

 

Amounts payable to New Plan

 

9,559

 

6,314

 

Other liabilities

 

123,469

 

129,672

 

Total liabilities

 

2,154,318

 

2,066,011

 

 Total partners’ capital

 

1,032,574

 

1,042,093

 

Total liabilities and partners’ capital

 

$

3,186,892

 

$

3,108,104

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Company’s investments in/advances to unconsolidated ventures

 

$

95,925

 

$

91,401

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Condensed Combined Statements of Income

 

March 31,

 

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

Rental revenues

 

$

94,354

 

$

78,850

 

Operating expenses

 

(27,449

)

(21,710

)

Interest expense

 

(27,629

)

(23,175

)

Depreciation and amortization

 

(27,096

)

(25,861

)

Other income, net

 

375

 

(67

)

Gain on sale of real estate

 

927

 

771

 

Gain from discontinued operations

 

 

152

 

Net income

 

$

13,482

 

$

8,960

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Company’s share of net income (1)

 

$

1,593

 

$

1,494

 


(1)             For the three months ended March 31, 2007 and 2006, amount includes approximately $0.3 million of fee income adjustments, representing the Company’s ownership interest in fee income earned.

The following is a brief summary of the unconsolidated joint venture obligations of the Company as of March 31, 2007.

·      Arapahoe Crossings, L.P.  The Company, together with a U.S. partnership comprised substantially of foreign investors, has an interest in a joint venture which owns Arapahoe Crossings, a community shopping center located in Aurora, Colorado.  Under the terms of this joint venture, the Company has a 30% interest and is responsible for contributing its pro rata share of any capital that might be required by the joint venture; however, the Company does not expect that any significant capital contributions will be required.  The joint venture had loans outstanding of approximately $47.6 million as of March 31, 2007.

18




·      BPR Land Partnership, L.P. The Company has a 50% interest in a joint venture that owns approximately 24.3 acres of undeveloped land in Frisco, Texas.  Under the terms of this joint venture, the Company has agreed to contribute its pro rata share of any capital that might be required by the joint venture; however, the Company does not expect that any significant capital contributions will be required.  The joint venture had no loans outstanding as of March 31, 2007.

·      BPR Shopping Center, L.P.  The Company has a 25% interest in a joint venture that owns The Centre at Preston Ridge, a community shopping center located in Frisco, Texas.  Under the terms of this joint venture, the Company has agreed to contribute its pro rata share of any capital that might be required by the joint venture; however, the Company does not expect that any significant capital contributions will be required.  The joint venture had loans outstanding of approximately $67.6 million as of March 31, 2007.

·      BPR South, L.P.  The Company has a 50% interest in a joint venture that owns approximately 8.4 acres of undeveloped land in Frisco, Texas.  Under the terms of this joint venture, the Company has agreed to contribute its pro rata share of any capital that might be required by the joint venture; however, the Company does not expect that any significant capital contributions will be required.  The joint venture had no loans outstanding as of March 31, 2007.

·      CA New Plan Acquisition Fund, LLC.  The Company has a 10% interest in a joint venture that was created in conjunction with the restructuring of CA New Plan Venture Fund, LLC (see below).  Under the terms of this joint venture, the Company has committed to contribute its pro rata share of capital required by the joint venture for asset acquisitions, up to a maximum amount of $4.2 million, of which approximately $2.4 million had been contributed by the Company as of March 31, 2007.  The Company anticipates contributing the remaining approximate $1.8 million by the end of 2007.  Additionally, the Company has agreed to contribute its pro rata share of any additional capital that might be required by the joint venture; however, the Company does not expect that any significant additional capital contributions will be required.  As of March 31, 2007, the joint venture owned seven stabilized retail properties and one retail property under redevelopment.  The joint venture had loans outstanding of approximately $67.9 million as of March 31, 2007.

·      CA New Plan Venture Direct Investment Fund, LLC.  The Company has a 10% interest in a joint venture that was created in conjunction with the restructuring of CA New Plan Venture Fund, LLC (see below).  Under the terms of this joint venture, the Company has committed to contribute its pro rata share of capital required by the joint venture for certain redevelopment activities, up to a maximum amount of $0.4 million, and has agreed to contribute its pro rata share of any additional capital that might be required by the joint venture.  As of March 31, 2007, the Company had not made any such required capital contributions, and does not expect that any significant additional capital contributions will be required. As of March 31, 2007, the joint venture owned five stabilized retail properties and one retail property under redevelopment.  The joint venture had loans outstanding of approximately $45.0 million as of March 31, 2007.

·      CA New Plan Venture Fund, LLC.  During 2005, this joint venture was restructured to create two additional joint ventures, CA New Plan Acquisition Fund, LLC, and CA New Plan Venture Direct Investment Fund, LLC.  As a result of the restructuring, six stabilized assets were transferred from CA New Plan Venture Fund, LLC to CA New Plan Venture Direct Investment Fund, LLC, and two assets were sold.  As of March 31, 2007, the joint venture owned four stabilized retail properties and one retail property under redevelopment.  Under the terms of the restructured joint venture, the Company continues to have a 10% interest in the venture, and has committed to contribute its pro rata share of capital required by the joint venture for certain redevelopment activities, up to a maximum amount of

19




$0.9 million, and has agreed to contribute its pro rata share of any additional capital that might be required by the joint venture.  As of March 31, 2007, the Company had not made any such required capital contributions, and does not expect that any significant additional capital contributions will be required.  The joint venture had loans outstanding of approximately $47.3 million as of March 31, 2007.

·      Galileo America LLC.  The Company has a 5% interest in this joint venture, which interest was acquired in conjunction with the Galileo Transactions (Note 3).  Under the terms of this joint venture, the Company is not obligated to contribute any additional capital to the joint venture; however, in the event that additional capital is contributed by the other joint venture partner, the Company has the option to contribute the amount necessary to maintain its 5% ownership interest.  The Company anticipates making additional capital contributions from time to time to maintain its 5% ownership interest.  As of March 31, 2007, this joint venture was comprised of 134 stabilized retail properties, three retail properties under redevelopment and one new development property, and had loans outstanding of approximately $1.3 billion.

·      NP / I&G Institutional Retail Company, LLC.  The Company has a strategic joint venture with JPMorgan Investment Management, Inc. to acquire high-quality institutional grade community and neighborhood shopping centers on a nationwide basis.  The joint venture owned 13 stabilized retail properties as of March 31, 2007.  Under the terms of this joint venture, the Company has a 20% interest in the venture and is responsible for contributing its pro rata share of any capital that might be required by the joint venture.  The Company initially committed to contribute up to a maximum amount of $30.0 million to the joint venture, however, in connection with the acquisition of certain assets during 2005, the Company together with the DownREIT Partnership, contributed a disproportionate share of capital to the venture, such that the Company’s total capital investment as of December 31, 2005 was $41.4 million.  The excess contribution was returned to the Company in February 2006.  During the year ended December 31, 2006, in connection with the acquisition of certain other assets, the Company increased its committed capital to the venture to $31.9 million, of which approximately $31.1 million had been contributed as of March 31, 2007.  The Company does not expect that any significant additional capital contributions will be required, nor does it expect that any additional acquisitions of property will be made by the joint venture.  The joint venture had loans outstanding of approximately $281.2 million as of March 31, 2007.

·      NP / I&G Institutional Retail Company II, LLC.  In February 2006, the Company formed a second strategic joint venture with JP Morgan Investment Management, Inc. to acquire high-quality institutional grade community and neighborhood shopping centers on a nationwide basis.  Under the terms of this joint venture, the Company has a 20% interest in the venture and has committed to contribute its pro rata share of any capital required by the venture for asset acquisitions.  As of March 31, 2007, the Company had contributed approximately $8.2 million for such purpose.  Additionally, the Company has agreed to contribute its pro rata share of any additional capital that might be required by the joint venture; however, the Company does not expect that any significant additional capital contributions with respect to existing properties will be required.  As of March 31, 2007, the joint venture owned two stabilized retail properties.  The joint venture had loans outstanding of approximately $35.0 million as of March 31, 2007.

·      NPK Redevelopment I, LLC.  The Company has a joint venture with Kmart Corporation (Sears Holding Corp.) pursuant to which the joint venture will redevelop three Kmart Supercenter properties formerly owned by Kmart.  Under the terms of this joint venture, the Company has committed to contribute $6.0 million, $4.1 million of which had been contributed by the Company as of March 31, 2007.  After the contribution of the total committed amount, the Company will have a 20% interest in the venture and will be responsible for contributing its pro rata share of any additional capital that might be required by the joint venture; however, the Company does not expect that any significant additional capital contributions will be required.  The joint venture had no loans outstanding as of March 31, 2007.

20




 

·      NP/SSP Baybrook, LLC.  In December 2006, the Company formed a third strategic joint venture with JP Morgan Investment Management Inc. for the specific purpose of acquiring Baybrook Gateway, a shopping center located in Webster, Texas.  Under the terms of this joint venture, the  Company has a 20% interest in the venture and is responsible for contributing its pro rata share of any capital that might be required by the joint venture; however, the Company does not expect that any significant additional capital contributions will be required.  The joint venture had loans outstanding of approximately $41.0 million as of March 31, 2007.

·      Westgate Mall, LLC.  The Company, together with Transwestern Investment Company and The Richard E. Jacobs Group, has an interest in a joint venture that was formed for the specific purpose of acquiring and redeveloping Westgate Mall, an enclosed mall located on 55 acres of land in Fairview Park, Ohio.  The joint venture is currently redeveloping the mall into a large community shopping center.  Under the terms of this joint venture, the Company has a 10% interest in the venture and is responsible for contributing its pro rata share of any capital that might be required by the joint venture; however, the Company does not expect that any significant additional capital contributions will be required.  The joint venture had loans outstanding of approximately $32.6 million as of March 31, 2007.

Note 7:   Intangible Assets

Intangible assets are comprised of the following (dollars in thousands):

 

 

March 31,
2007

 

December 31,
2006

 

Amortization
Period

 

In-place lease value, legal fees and leasing commissions, net (Note 2)

 

$

45,105

 

$

44,860

 

Life of lease

 

Above market leases acquired, net (Note 2)

 

4,824

 

4,877

 

Life of lease

 

Amounts paid for asset management fee stream, net (Note 2)

 

17,729

 

17,845

 

40 years

 

Amounts paid for property management rights, net (Note 2)

 

20,397

 

20,674

 

20 years

 

Total

 

$

88,055

 

$

88,256

 

 

 

 

Aggregate amortization expense on these assets for the three months ended March 31, 2007 and 2006 was approximately $2.7 million and $2.8 million, respectively, and included write-offs of approximately $0.1 million and $0.6 million, respectively.  The estimated amortization expense on these assets during the next five fiscal years is as follows (dollars in thousands):

 

Year

 

 

 

 

 

2007 (remaining nine months)

 

$

8,261

 

2008

 

9,080

 

2009

 

8,141

 

2010

 

6,892

 

2011

 

4,479

 

 

21




Note 8:   Debt Obligations

As of March 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006, the Company had the following debt obligations under various arrangements with financial institutions (dollars in thousands, except footnotes):

 

 

 

 

Carrying Value as of

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Maximum
Amount
Available

 

March 31,
2007

 

December 31,
2006

 

Stated
Interest
Rates

 

Scheduled
Maturity
Date

 

CREDIT AGREEMENTS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amended Revolving Facility

 

$

350,000

 

$

119,000

 

$

41,000

 

LIBOR + 55 bp (1) (2)

 

August 2010

 

Amended Secured Term Loan

 

150,000

 

150,000

 

150,000

 

LIBOR + 55 bp (1)

 

August 2010

 

Total Credit Agreements

 

$

500,000

 

$

269,000

 

$

191,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MORTGAGES PAYABLE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed Rate Mortgages

 

 

 

$

418,505

 

$

428,045

 

5.240% - 9.625%

 

2007 – 2028

 

Variable Rate Mortgages

 

 

 

9,132

 

9,302

 

Variable (3)

 

2009 – 2011

 

Total Mortgages

 

 

 

427,637

 

$

437,347

 

 

 

 

 

Net unamortized premium

 

 

 

10,749

 

11,563

 

 

 

 

 

Total Mortgages, net

 

 

 

$

438,386

 

$

448,910

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NOTES PAYABLE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7.35% unsecured notes

 

 

 

$

30,000

 

30,000

 

7.350%

 

June 2007

 

7.40% unsecured notes

 

 

 

150,000

 

150,000

 

7.400%

 

September 2009

 

3.75% unsecured notes (4)

 

 

 

115,000

 

115,000

 

3.750%

 

June 2010

 

4.50% unsecured notes (5)

 

 

 

150,000

 

150,000

 

4.500%

 

February 2011

 

3.70% unsecured notes (6)

 

 

 

200,000

 

200,000

 

3.700%

 

September 2011

 

5.13% unsecured notes

 

 

 

125,000

 

125,000

 

5.125%

 

September 2012

 

5.50% unsecured notes

 

 

 

50,000

 

50,000

 

5.500%

 

November 2013

 

5.30% unsecured notes

 

 

 

100,000

 

100,000

 

5.300%

 

January 2015

 

5.25% unsecured notes

 

 

 

125,000

 

125,000

 

5.250%

 

September 2015

 

7.97% unsecured notes

 

 

 

10,000

 

10,000

 

7.970%

 

August 2026

 

7.65% unsecured notes

 

 

 

25,000

 

25,000

 

7.650%

 

November 2026

 

7.68% unsecured notes

 

 

 

10,000

 

10,000

 

7.680%

 

November 2026

 

7.68% unsecured notes

 

 

 

10,000

 

10,000

 

7.680%

 

November 2026

 

6.90% unsecured notes

 

 

 

25,000

 

25,000

 

6.900%

 

February 2028

 

6.90% unsecured notes

 

 

 

25,000

 

25,000

 

6.900%

 

February 2028

 

7.50% unsecured notes

 

 

 

25,000

 

25,000

 

7.500%

 

July 2029

 

Total Notes

 

 

 

1,175,000

 

1,175,000

 

 

 

 

 

Net unamortized discount

 

 

 

(5,665

)

(5,911

)

 

 

 

 

Impact of pay-floating swap agreements

 

 

 

(1,528

)

(2,139

)

 

 

 

 

Total Notes, net

 

 

 

$

1,167,807

 

$

1,166,950

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CAPITAL LEASES

 

 

 

$

27,411

 

$

27,500

 

7.500%

 

June 2031

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL DEBT

 

 

 

$

1,902,604

 

$

1,834,360

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


(1)             The Company incurs interest using the 30-day LIBOR rate which was 5.32% as of March 31, 2007.  The interest rate on this facility adjusts based on the Company’s credit rating.

(2)             The Company also incurs an annual facility fee of 15 basis points on this facility.

(3)             As determined by the applicable loan agreement, the Company incurs interest on these obligations using either the 30-day LIBOR rate, which was 5.32% as of March 31, 2007, plus 125 basis points, or the Moody’s A Corporate Bond Index, which was 5.43% as of March 31, 2007, plus spreads ranging from 12.5 to 37.5 basis points.

(4)             Represents convertible senior notes.  At certain dates, and upon the occurrence of certain events, the notes are convertible into cash up to their principal amount and, with respect to the remainder, if any, of the conversion value in excess of such principal amount, cash or shares of the Company’s common stock.  The initial conversion price is $25.00 per share.  On or after June 9, 2008, the Company may redeem all or a portion of the notes at a redemption price equal to the principal amount of the notes plus any accrued interest.  In addition, on June 1, 2010, June 1, 2012, and June 1, 2018, or upon the occurrence of certain fundamental changes prior to June 1, 2010, note holders have the right to require the Company to purchase all or any portion of the notes, at a purchase price equal to the principal amount plus any accrued and unpaid interest on the notes.  Although the stated maturity date of the notes is June 1, 2023, the scheduled maturity date listed above represents the first date that note holders have the right, not contingent on other provisions, to require the Company to redeem all or any portion of the notes.

(5)             The Company has entered into reverse interest rate swap agreements that effectively converted the interest rate on $65.0 million of the notes from a fixed rate to a blended floating rate of 30 basis points over the six-month LIBOR rate.

(6)             Represents convertible senior notes issued in a private offering completed on September 19, 2006 (as further discussed below).  At certain dates, and upon the occurrence of certain events, the notes are convertible into cash up to their principal amount and, with respect to the remainder, if any, of the conversion value in excess of such principal amount, cash or shares of the Company’s common stock.  The initial conversion rate is 30.5506 shares of the Company’s common stock for each $1,000 principal amount of notes (which is equivalent to an initial conversion price of $32.73 per share).  On or after September 20, 2011, the Company may redeem all or a portion of the notes at a redemption price equal to the principal amount of the notes plus any accrued interest.  In addition, on September 20, 2011, September 15, 2016, and September 15, 2021, or upon the occurrence of certain change in control transactions prior to September 20, 2011, note holders may require the Company to repurchase all or a portion of the notes at a purchase price equal to the principal amount plus any accrued and unpaid interest on the notes.  Although the stated maturity date of the notes is September 15, 2026, the scheduled maturity date listed above represents the first date that note holders have the right, not contingent on other provisions, to require the Company to redeem all or any portion of the notes.

22




 

On September 19, 2006, the Company completed a private offering of $200.0 million aggregate principal amount of 3.70% senior convertible notes due September 15, 2026 (the “September 2006 Debt Offering”).   At certain times and upon the occurrence of certain events, the notes are convertible into cash up to their principal amount and, with respect to the remainder, if any, of the conversion value in excess of such principal amount, cash or shares of the Company’s common stock.  The initial conversion rate will be 30.5506 shares per $1,000 principal amount of notes (which is equivalent to an initial conversion price of $32.73 per share).  The notes may not be redeemed by the Company prior to September 20, 2011 (except to preserve the Company’s status as a REIT for U.S, federal income tax purposes), but are redeemable anytime thereafter, in whole or in part, at a redemption price equal to the principal amount of the notes plus any accrued and unpaid interest (including additional interest), if any.  In addition, on September 20, 2011, September 15, 2016, and September 15, 2021, or upon the occurrence of certain change in control transactions prior to September 20, 2011, note holders may require the Company to repurchase all or a portion of the notes at a purchase price equal to the principal amount plus any accrued and unpaid interest on the notes.  Net proceeds from the September 2006 Debt Offering were used to repurchase approximately $50.0 million of the Company’s common stock at a price of $26.83 per share and for general corporate purposes, including the repayment of outstanding borrowings under the Company’s $350.0 million unsecured revolving credit facility.

On August 25, 2006, the Company amended and restated its existing $350.0 million unsecured revolving credit facility (as amended, the “Amended Revolving Facility”) and added an accordion feature to the Amended Revolving Facility that allows the Company, subject to certain conditions, to increase the amount that can be borrowed under the facility to $500.0 million.  The Amended Revolving Facility bears interest at LIBOR plus 55 basis points (based on the Company’s current credit ratings) and incurs an annual facility fee of 15 basis points.  The Amended Revolving Facility is scheduled to mature on August 25, 2010, with a one-year extension option.

On August 25, 2006, the Company also amended and restated its existing $150.0 million secured term loan (as amended, the “Amended Secured Term Loan”).  The Amended Secured Term Loan bears interest at LIBOR plus 55 basis points (based on the Company’s current credit ratings) and is scheduled to mature on August 25, 2010.

The Company’s ability to borrow under both the Amended Revolving Facility and the Amended Secured Term Loan (together, the “Credit Agreements”) is subject to its ongoing compliance with a number of covenants, including with respect to the Company’s ability to incur liens on its property, engage in major transactions such as mergers, make certain investments and engage in certain transactions with its affiliates.  In addition, the Credit Agreements require that the Company maintain certain financial coverage ratios and other debt covenants.  As of March 31, 2007, these coverage ratios and debt covenants included:

·                  EBITDA (as defined in the applicable debt agreement) to fixed charges ratio of at least 1.60:1;

·                  minimum tangible net worth of approximately $1.2 billion;

·                  total debt to total adjusted assets of no more than 60% (or 65% in certain circumstances);

·                  total secured debt to total adjusted assets of no more than 40%;

·                  unsecured debt to unencumbered assets value of no more than 60% (or 65% in certain circumstances);

·                  book value of ancillary assets to total adjusted assets of no more than 25%;

·                  book value of new construction assets to total adjusted assets of no more than 15%; and

·                  Funds from Operations (as defined in the applicable debt agreement) payout ratio no greater than 95%.

 

23




 

As of March 31, 2007, future expected/scheduled maturities of outstanding long-term debt and capital lease obligations were as follows (in thousands):

2007 (remaining nine months)

 

$

52,850

 

2008

 

174,404

 

2009

 

199,138

 

2010

 

449,362

 

2011

 

372,221

 

Thereafter

 

651,073

 

Total debt maturities

 

1,899,048

 

 

 

 

 

Net unamortized premiums on mortgages

 

10,749

 

Net unamortized discount on notes

 

(5,665

)

Fair value adjustment on pay-floating swap agreements

 

(1,528

)

 

 

 

 

Total debt obligations

 

$

1,902,604

 

 

Note 9:           Risk Management and Use of Financial Instruments

Risk Management

In the normal course of its on-going business operations, the Company encounters economic risk.  There are three main components of economic risk: interest rate risk, credit risk and market risk.  The Company is subject to interest rate risk on its interest-bearing liabilities.  Credit risk is the risk of default on the Company’s operations and tenants’ inability or unwillingness to make contractually required payments.  Market risk includes changes in the value of the properties held by the Company due to changes in interest rates or other market factors.

Use of Derivative Financial Instruments

The Company’s use of derivative instruments is primarily limited to the utilization of interest rate agreements or other instruments to manage interest rate risk exposures and not for speculative purposes.  The principal objective of such arrangements is to manage the risks and/or costs associated with the Company’s operating and financial structure, as well as to hedge specific transactions.  The counterparties to these arrangements are major financial institutions with which the Company and its affiliates may also have other financial relationships. The Company is potentially exposed to credit loss in the event of non-performance by these counterparties.  However, because of their high credit ratings, the Company does not anticipate that any of the counterparties will fail to meet these obligations as they come due.  The Company does not use derivative instruments to hedge credit/market risk.

On August 2, 2006, the Company entered into two forward starting interest rate swap agreements, each for $75.0 million in notional amount.  One of the swaps is expected to be used to hedge the risk of changes in interest cash outflows on fixed rate 10-year borrowings/financings that the Company anticipates issuing between February 1, 2007 and October 31, 2007 by effectively locking the three-month LIBOR swap rate.  This swap terminates on June 15, 2017.  The other swap is expected to be used to hedge the risk of changes in interest cash outflows on fixed rate 10-year borrowings/financings that the Company anticipates issuing between February 1, 2008 and October 31, 2008 by effectively locking the three-month LIBOR swap rate.  This swap terminates on June 4, 2018.

As of March 31, 2007, the Company also had two reverse arrears swap agreements.  The reverse arrears swap agreements effectively convert the interest rate on $65.0 million of the Company’s debt from a fixed rate to a blended floating rate of 30 basis points over the six-month LIBOR rate.  The two reverse arrears swap agreements terminate on February 1, 2011.

24




 

The following table summarizes the terms and fair values of the Company’s derivative financial instruments at March 31, 2007 (dollars in thousands).  The notional amounts at March 31, 2007 provide an indication of the extent of the Company’s involvement in these instruments at that time, but do not represent exposure to credit, interest rate or market risks.

Hedge Product

 

Hedge Type

 

Notional Amount

 

Strike

 

Maturity

 

Fair Value

 

Reverse Arrears Swap

 

Fair Value

 

$

50,000

 

4.380%

 

02/01/11

 

$

(1,005

)

Reverse Arrears Swap

 

Fair Value

 

15,000

 

4.030%

 

02/01/11

 

(523

)

Forward Starting Swap

 

Interest Rate

 

75,000

 

5.558%

 

06/15/17

 

(2,317

)

Forward Starting Swap

 

Interest Rate

 

75,000

 

5.612%

 

06/04/18

 

(2,284

)

 

 

 

 

$

215,000

 

 

 

 

 

$

(6,129

)

 

As of March 31, 2007, the reverse arrears swap debt of approximately $1.5 million was reported as a component of the notes payable to which it was assigned.  As of March 31, 2007, the forward starting swaps of approximately $4.6 million were reported in Other liabilities.  As of March 31, 2007, there were approximately $8.4 million in deferred losses, net, included in OCI, representing the unamortized portion of the settled swaps.

Over time, the unrealized gains and losses held in OCI (Note 13) will be reclassified to earnings in the same period(s) in which the hedged items are recognized in earnings.  Approximately $1.3 million of expense, net, is expected to be amortized over the next 12 months.  The current balance held in OCI is expected to be reclassified to earnings over the lives of the current hedging instruments, or for realized losses on forecasted debt transactions, over the related term of the debt obligation, as applicable.

Concentration of Credit Risk

A concentration of credit risk arises in the Company’s business when a national or regionally-based tenant occupies a substantial amount of space in multiple properties owned by the Company.  In that event, if the tenant suffers a significant downturn in its business, it may become unable to make its contractual rent payments to the Company, exposing the Company to a potential loss in rental revenue that is magnified as a result of the tenant renting space in multiple locations.  The Company regularly monitors its tenant base to assess potential concentrations of credit risk.  Management believes the current credit risk portfolio is reasonably well diversified and does not contain any unusual concentration of credit risk.   No tenant exceeds 5% of the Company’s annual reported rental income.

Note 10:         Minority Interest in Consolidated Partnership and Joint Ventures

In 1995, the DownREIT Partnership, a consolidated entity, was formed to own certain real estate properties.  A wholly owned subsidiary of the Company is the sole general partner of the DownREIT Partnership and is entitled to receive 99% of all net income and gains before depreciation, if any, after the limited partners receive their preferred cash and gain allocations.  Properties have been contributed to the DownREIT Partnership in exchange for limited partnership units (which may be redeemed at stipulated prices for cash or, at the Company’s option, shares of common stock of the Company at certain exchange rates), cash and the assumption of mortgage indebtedness.  The DownREIT Partnership unit information is summarized as follows:

 

 

Total
Units

 

Company
Units

 

Limited Partner
Units

 

Outstanding at December 31, 2006

 

8,059,373

 

5,244,321

 

2,815,052

 

Issued (1) (2)

 

892,901

 

455,578

 

437,323

 

Redeemed

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outstanding at March 31, 2007

 

8,952,274

 

5,699,899

 

3,252,375

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


(1)    Limited partnership units were issued to the Company in connection with the Company’s contribution of two properties to the DownREIT Partnership.

(2)    Limited partnership units were issued in connection with the Company’s acquisition of (1) Stewart Plaza (231,929 limited partnership units) and (2) a partial interest in one property currently held in NP/I&G Institutional Retail Company II, LLC, one of the Company’s joint ventures (205,394 limited partnership units).

25




 

Note 11:         Stockholders’ Equity

Earnings per Share (EPS)

In accordance with the disclosure requirements of SFAS No. 128 (Note 2), a reconciliation of the numerator and denominator of basic and diluted EPS is provided as follows (in thousands, except per share amounts and amounts in the footnote below):

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

 

March 31,

 

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

Basic EPS

 

 

 

 

 

Numerator:

 

 

 

 

 

Income from continuing operations

 

$

20,352

 

$

30,311

 

Preferred dividends

 

(5,504

)

(5,484

)

Income available to common shares from continuing operations – basic

 

14,848

 

24,827

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income available to common shares from discontinued operations – basic

 

3,692

 

8,198

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income available to common shares – basic

 

$

18,540

 

$

33,025

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Denominator:

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average of common shares outstanding

 

103,352

 

104,257

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings per share – continuing operations

 

$

0.14

 

$

0.24

 

Earnings per share – discontinued operations

 

0.04

 

0.08

 

Basic earnings per common share

 

$

0.18

 

$

0.32

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted EPS

 

 

 

 

 

Numerator:

 

 

 

 

 

Income from continuing operations

 

$

20,352

 

$

30,311

 

Preferred dividends

 

(5,504

)

(5,484

)

Minority interest in consolidated partnership

 

291

 

150

 

Income available to common shares from continuing operations – diluted

 

15,139

 

24,977

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income available to common shares from discontinued operations – diluted

 

3,692

 

8,198

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income available to common shares – diluted

 

$

18,831

 

$

33,175

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Denominator:

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average of common shares outstanding – basic

 

103,352

 

104,257

 

Effect of diluted securities:

 

 

 

 

 

Options and contingently issuable shares

 

2,114

 

1,350

 

Excel Realty Partners, L.P. third party units

 

3,314

 

2,924

 

Convertible debt

 

846

 

 

Restricted stock

 

47

 

71

 

Weighted average of common shares outstanding - diluted

 

109,673

 

108,602

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings per share – continuing operations

 

$

0.14

 

$

0.23

 

Earnings per share – discontinued operations

 

0.03

 

0.08

 

Diluted earnings per common share

 

$

0.17

 

$

0.31

 


Note - For the three months ended March 31, 2007 and 2006, there were no stock options that were anti dilutive.

26




 

Common Stock

To maintain its qualification as a REIT, not more than 50% in value of the outstanding shares of the Company may be owned, directly or indirectly, by five or fewer individuals at any time during the last half of any taxable year of the Company (defined to include certain entities), applying certain constructive ownership rules.  To help ensure that the Company will not fail this test, the Company’s Articles of Incorporation provide for, among other things, certain restrictions on the transfer of common stock to prevent further concentration of stock ownership. Moreover, to evidence compliance with these requirements, the Company must maintain records that disclose the actual ownership of its outstanding common stock and will demand written statements each year from the holders of record of designated percentages of its common stock requesting the disclosure of the beneficial owners of such common stock.

Stock Repurchases

In October 1999, the Company commenced a program to repurchase up to $75.0 million of the Company’s outstanding common stock from time to time through periodic open market transactions or through privately negotiated transactions, which program expired on December 31, 2005.  Through December 31, 2005, approximately 2,150,000 shares were repurchased and retired at an average purchase price of $15.30 per share.  In February 2006, the Company renewed the repurchase program to provide for the repurchase of up to $75.0 million of the Company’s outstanding common stock from time to time through periodic open market transactions or through privately negotiated transactions.  Through March 31, 2007, no shares have been repurchased under the renewed common stock repurchase program.

In September 2006, the Company obtained separate authorization to repurchase up to an additional $75.0 million of its common stock in connection with the September 2006 Debt Offering (see Note 8).  Concurrently with the September 2006 Debt Offering, pursuant to such separate authorization, 1,863,600 shares were repurchased and retired at an average purchase price of $26.83 per share (approximately $50.0 million in aggregate value).  Due to the fact that the Company completed the offering on September 19, 2006, no additional repurchases may be made pursuant to this authorization.

Preferred Stock

As of March 31, 2007, the Company has 8,000,000 Series E depositary shares outstanding, each representing a 1/10 fractional interest of a share of 7.625% Series E Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock (the “Preferred E Shares”).

As of March 31, 2007, the Company also has 1,500,000 Series D depositary shares outstanding, each representing a 1/10 fractional interest in a share of 7.8% Series D Cumulative Voting Step-Up Premium Rate Preferred Stock (the “Preferred D Shares”), which are redeemable at the option of the Company on or after June 15, 2007 at a liquidation preference of $500.00 per share.  The Preferred D Shares pay dividends quarterly at the rate of 7.8% of the liquidation preference per annum through September 2012 and at the rate of 9.8% of the liquidation preference per annum thereafter.   Beginning in the third quarter of 2004, in accordance with applicable accounting rules, and as a result of the “step-up” of the dividend to 9.8% of the liquidation preference beginning in 2012, the Company recorded quarterly non-cash increases to the current dividend payable.  For the three months ended March 31, 2007, the Company recorded total, non-cash increases of approximately $0.2 million.

 

27




 

Stock Based Compensation

Stock Options

In December 2004, the FASB issued Statement No. 123 (Revised 2004), Share-Based Payment (“SFAS No. 123(R)”), which is a revision of Statement No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation (“SFAS No. 123”).  SFAS No. 123(R) supersedes Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees (“Opinion 25”).  Generally, the approach to accounting for stock-based compensation in SFAS No. 123(R) is similar to the approach described in SFAS No. 123.  However, SFAS No. 123(R) requires all stock-based compensation to employees, including grants of employee stock options, to be recognized in the statement of operations based on their fair values.  Pro-forma disclosure is no longer an alternative under SFAS No. 123(R).

SFAS No. 123(R) became effective for fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2005.  The Company adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 123(R) using the modified prospective transition method during the first quarter of 2006.  Under the modified prospective transition method, compensation cost is recognized beginning with the adoption date (i) based on the requirements of SFAS No. 123(R) for all share-based payments granted after the adoption date and (ii) based on the requirements of SFAS No. 123 for all awards granted to employees prior to the adoption date of SFAS No. 123(R) that remain unvested on the effective date.

During the three months ended March 31, 2007 and 2006, the Company recorded approximately $0.8 million and $0.3 million of amortization of deferred compensation related to stock-based compensation, respectively.  For the three months ended March 31, 2007, the expense includes approximately $0.4 million related to stock options and approximately $0.4 million for restricted stock grants.  For the three months ended March 31, 2006, the expense includes approximately $0.1 million related to stock options and approximately $0.2 million for restricted stock grants. Deferred compensation is recorded as a reduction to additional paid in capital.

Prior to the adoption of SFAS No. 123(R), the Company accounted for its stock-based compensation under the provisions of Statement No. 148, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation — Transition and Disclosure — an amendment of FAS 123 (“SFAS No. 148”), which was issued in December 2002.  SFAS No. 148 provides alternative transition methods for a voluntary change to the fair value basis of accounting for stock-based employee compensation.  However, SFAS No. 148 does not permit the use of the original SFAS No. 123 prospective method of transition for changes to fair value based methods made in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2003.  In addition, SFAS No. 148 amends the disclosure requirements of SFAS No. 123 to require prominent disclosures in both annual and interim financial statements about the method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation, a description of the transition method utilized and the effect of the method used on reported results.  The transition and annual disclosure provisions of SFAS No. 148 are to be applied for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2002.  The interim disclosure provisions of SFAS No. 148 are effective for the first interim period beginning after December 15, 2002.  In January 2003, the Company adopted the prospective method provisions of SFAS No. 148, which apply the recognition provisions of SFAS 123 to all employee stock awards granted, modified or settled after January 1, 2003.  The adoption of SFAS No. 148 did not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements of the Company.

With respect to the Company’s stock options which were granted prior to 2003, the Company accounted for stock-based compensation using the intrinsic value method prescribed in Opinion 25 and related interpretations.  Under Opinion 25, compensation cost is measured as the excess, if any, of the quoted market price of the Company’s stock at the date of grant over the exercise price of the option granted.  Compensation cost for stock options, if any, is recognized ratably over the vesting period.  The Company’s policy is to grant options with an exercise price equal to the quoted closing market price of the Company’s stock on the business day preceding the grant date.  Accordingly, no compensation cost has been recognized for the years ending December 31, 2004 and 2003 under the Company’s stock option plans for the granting of stock options made prior to December 31, 2002.  Beginning in August 2005, as a result of the amendments to the stock options discussed above, and to the extent the stock options have not vested, all stock-based compensation previously accounted for under Opinion 25 was revalued under the fair value methods of SFAS No. 123.

28




The Company currently has one active stock option plan pursuant to which stock options have been granted to purchase shares of common stock of the Company to officers, directors, and certain employees of the Company.  Previously, options remained outstanding under three terminated stock option plans, and under two option grants made to the Company’s Chief Executive Officer in February 2000.  These prior outstanding option grants are now incorporated under the active stock option plan.  The active plan is the 2003 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended and restated effective July 14, 2005 (the “2003 Plan”), which provides for the grant of stock options, stock grants and certain other types of stock based awards to officers, directors and certain employees of the Company.  The exercise price of stock options granted pursuant to the 2003 Plan is required to be no less than the fair market value of a share of common stock on the date of grant.  The vesting schedule and other terms of stock options granted under the 2003 Plan are determined at the time of grant by the Company’s executive compensation and stock option committee.  As of March 31, 2007, approximately 1.5 million shares were available for stock option grants and 0.6 million shares were available for stock grants or other types of stock based awards other than stock option grants (and to the extent that any such stock grants or other types of stock based awards are issued, then there is a share for share reduction in the number of shares available for stock option grants) under the 2003 Plan.  The stock options outstanding under the 2003 Plan, at March 31, 2007, had exercise prices ranging from $11.35 to $30.03 and a weighted average remaining contractual life of approximately 6.3 years.  The total amount of option shares exercisable under the 2003 Plan, at March 31, 2007, was approximately 2.8 million.

The Company uses the Black-Scholes-Merton closed-form model (“Black-Scholes option pricing model”), which uses the assumptions detailed in the following table, to value its stock option and restricted stock grants.  Expected volatilities are based on historical volatility of the Company’s stock.  The Company uses historical data to estimate option exercises and employee terminations within the valuation model.  The expected term of options granted is derived from the output of the option valuation model and represents the period of time that options are expected to be outstanding.  The risk-free rates for periods within the contractual life of the option are based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant.  The Company’s use of the Black-Scholes option pricing model requires extensive use of accounting judgment and financial estimates, including estimates of the expected term employees will retain their vested stock options before exercising them, the estimated volatility of the Company’s common stock price over the expected term, and the number of options that will be forfeited prior to the completion of the vesting requirements.  Application of alternative assumptions could produce significantly different estimates of the fair value of stock-based compensation, and consequently, significantly different amounts recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.  The provisions of SFAS No. 123(R) apply to new stock option grants and stock options outstanding, but not yet vested, on the date the Company adopted SFAS No. 123(R).

The Company believes that the use of the Black-Scholes option pricing model meets the fair value measurement objectives of SFAS No. 123(R) and reflects all substantive characteristics of the instruments being valued.  The following table represents the assumptions used for the Black-Scholes option-pricing model to determine the per share weighted average fair value of $2.86 for options granted during the three months ended March 31, 2007, and the fair value of $2.02 for options granted during the three months ended March 31, 2006:

 

March 31, 2007

 

March 31, 2006

 

Expected dividend yield

 

5.40%

 

6.50%

 

Risk-free interest rate

 

4.46% – 4.76%

 

4.65% – 4.75%

 

Expected volatility

 

18.00%

 

18.00%

 

Expected life in years

 

1.5 years – 5.5 years

 

1.5 years – 5.5 years

 

 

29




 

The following table summarizes information concerning outstanding and exercisable options as of March 31, 2007, after giving effect to the amendment described above:

 

 

OPTIONS OUTSTANDING

 

OPTIONS EXERCISABLE

 


Exercise Price

 

Options
Outstanding

 

Weighted Average
Remaining
Contractual Life

 

Weighted Average
Exercise Price

 

Currently
Exercisable

 

Weighted Average
Exercise Price

 

$11.35

 

695,721

 

2.9 years

 

 

 

695,721

 

 

 

$12.23

 

16,942

 

3.2 years

 

 

 

16,942

 

 

 

$12.40

 

63,254

 

3.5 years

 

 

 

63,254

 

 

 

$13.71

 

236,411

 

4.0 years

 

 

 

236,411

 

 

 

$15.15

 

18,071

 

4.2 years

 

 

 

18,071

 

 

 

$16.97

 

441,979

 

5.9 years

 

 

 

275,696

 

 

 

$17.41

 

23,152

 

5.2 years

 

 

 

23,152

 

 

 

$17.60

 

132,121

 

2.1 years

 

 

 

132,121

 

 

 

$17.70

 

648,048

 

5.0 years

 

 

 

504,982

 

 

 

$17.77

 

16,940

 

2.2 years

 

 

 

16,940

 

 

 

$18.45

 

34,165

 

6.2 years

 

 

 

34,165

 

 

 

$21.08

 

36,425

 

7.2 years

 

 

 

36,425

 

 

 

$22.75

 

565,094

 

7.9 years

 

 

 

218,087

 

 

 

$23.11

 

549,631

 

6.9 years

 

 

 

307,176

 

 

 

$23.61

 

36,250

 

8.2 years

 

 

 

36,250

 

 

 

$23.85

 

38,684

 

8.2 years

 

 

 

38,684

 

 

 

$25.05

 

843,000

 

8.9 years

 

 

 

168,600

 

 

 

$30.03

 

388,155

 

9.9 years

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

4,784,043

 

6.3 years

 

$20.05

 

2,822,677

 

$16.53

 

 

Stock option activity is summarized as follows:

 

 

Option
Shares

 

Weighted Average
Exercise Price
Per Share

 

Outstanding at December 31, 2006

 

4,436,578

 

$

19.17

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Granted

 

388,155

 

$

30.03

 

Exercised

 

(35,892

)

$

19.33

 

Forfeited

 

(4,798

)

$

22.88

 

Outstanding at March 31, 2007

 

4,784,043

 

$

20.05

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Options exercisable at March 31, 2007

 

2,822,677

 

$

16.53

 

 

Certain of the Company’s option grants vest upon satisfaction of annual performance/market criteria, while other grants vest over time.

Restricted Stock Awards

During the three months ended March 31, 2007, the Company granted 99,655 restricted shares of common stock to certain employees.  Of these shares, one-third were scheduled to vest proportionately over five years, commencing on June 30, 2008, and then on the next four succeeding anniversary dates of the date of grant, which was February 27, 2007.  The balance of the restricted shares were scheduled to vest proportionately over the same five year period upon satisfaction of annual performance/market criteria established each year by the Company’s executive compensation and stock option committee.

30




 

During the three months ended March 31, 2007, the Company also granted 14,900 restricted shares of common stock to members of its Board of Directors.  Of these shares, half were scheduled to vest proportionately over five years, commencing on June 30, 2008, and then on the next four succeeding anniversary dates of the date of grant, which was February 27, 2007.  The balance of the restricted shares were scheduled to vest proportionately over the same five year period upon satisfaction of annual performance/market criteria established each year by the Company’s executive compensation and stock option committee.

For accounting purposes, the Company measures compensation costs for restricted shares in accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 123(R), as discussed above.

The following table reports restricted stock activity during the three months ended March 31, 2007:

 

Number of
Shares

 

Intrinsic Value

 

Unvested Shares at December 31, 2006

 

148,838

 

$

4,090,068

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Granted

 

114,555

 

 

 

Vested and Distributed

 

(32,314

)

$

1,072,825

 

Forfeited

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unvested Shares at March 31, 2007

 

231,079

 

$

7,632,539

 

 

As of March 31, 2007, there was approximately $6.5 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested stock-based compensation arrangements, specifically, previously granted shares of restricted stock and options.  That cost was expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.0 years.

Other Stock Awards

During the three months ended March 31, 2007, the Company also granted 1,350 shares of common stock to members of its Board of Directors.  These shares vested immediately upon grant.  For accounting purposes, the Company measured compensation costs for these shares as of the date of grant and expensed such amounts against earnings on the grant date.  Such amounts appear on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income under “General and administrative.”

Pursuant to the terms of the New Plan Excel Realty Trust, Inc. 2006 Long-Term Out-Performance Compensation Plan (“Out-Performance Plan”), the Company’s executive officers (as of March 31, 2007), other than Glenn Rufrano, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, and William Newman, the Company’s Chairman of the Board of Directors, were to be entitled to receive an award of common stock in the event that over either a four or five year performance period ending December 31, 2009 or December 31, 2010, respectively, either of two specified performance criteria were achieved.  The value of the common stock award will vary based on the level of performance achieved, but the maximum award of common stock that can be achieved is $12.0 million.  The compensation expense of approximately $3.5 million associated with this award will be recognized ratably over the service period.

Pursuant to the terms of the Company’s employment agreement with Mr. Rufrano, he was scheduled to receive an award of common stock in the event that over either a four or five year performance period, ending February 22, 2009 or February 22, 2010, respectively, either of two specified criteria were achieved.  The value of the common stock award will vary based on the level of performance achieved, but the maximum award of common stock that can be achieved is $6.0 million.  The compensation expense of approximately $2.2 million associated with this award will be recognized ratably over the service period.

31




The Company used a Monte Carlo analysis to value the Out-Performance Plan and Mr. Rufrano’s performance award.  The Monte Carlo analysis is a simulation exercise designed to arrive at a value for a variable, such as the expected value of an award on the valuation date.

Dividend Reinvestment Plan

The Company has a Dividend Reinvestment and Share Purchase Plan whereby shareholders may invest cash distributions and make optional cash payments to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock.  The additional shares currently are issued directly by the Company.

Deferred Compensation Plan

Effective July 1, 2004, the Company adopted a deferred compensation plan which was amended and restated as of January 1, 2005.  The purpose of the plan is to provide participants with the opportunity to defer receipt of a portion of their salary, bonus and other specified cash and equity-based compensation.  Eligibility for the plan is determined at the sole discretion of the Company’s Executive Compensation and Stock Option Committee.  The Company has established grantor trusts, also known as Rabbi Trusts, to act as vehicles for accumulating the assets needed to pay the promised benefit.  As of March 31, 2007, the assets under the plan, which are reflected in Prepaid expenses and deferred charges on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets, and the corresponding liabilities under the plan, which are reflected in Other liabilities on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets, were approximately $4.1 million.  Expenses for the three ended March 31, 2007 were immaterial.

Note 12:        Commitments and Contingencies

General

The Company is not presently involved in any material litigation arising outside the ordinary course of its business.  However, the Company is involved in routine litigation arising in the ordinary course of business, none of which is believed to be material in light of reserves taken by the Company.  In connection with a specific tenant litigation, and based upon certain rulings occurring during the third quarter of 2005, the Company maintains an aggregate reserve of approximately $4.8 million as of March 31, 2007.  Given the increase in the reserve taken by the Company, and the current status of the tenant litigation, the Company believes that any loss in excess of the established reserve would be immaterial.

Funding Commitments

In addition to the joint venture funding commitments described in Note 6 above, the Company also had the following contractual obligations as of March 31, 2007, none of which the Company believes will have a material adverse affect on the Company’s operations:

·      Letters of Credit. The Company has arranged for the provision of eight separate letters of credit in connection with certain property or insurance related matters.  If these letters of credit are drawn, the Company will be obligated to reimburse the providing bank for the amount of the draw.  As of March 31, 2007, there was no balance outstanding under any of the letters of credit.  If the letters of credit were fully drawn, the combined maximum amount of exposure would be approximately $18.2 million.

·      Non-Recourse Debt Guarantees.  Under certain Company and joint venture non-recourse mortgage loans, the Company could, under certain circumstances, be responsible for portions of the mortgage indebtedness in connection with certain customary non-recourse carve-out provisions such as environmental conditions, misuse of funds and material misrepresentations.  As of March 31, 2007, the Company had mortgage loans outstanding of approximately $427.6 million, and unconsolidated joint ventures in which the Company has a direct or indirect interest had mortgage loans outstanding of approximately $2.0 billion.  In addition, the Company has guaranteed certain construction and other obligations relative to certain joint venture development projects; however, the Company does not expect that its obligations under such guarantees will be material if called upon.

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·      Leasing Commitments.  The Company has entered into leases, as lessee, in connection with ground leases for shopping centers which it operates and administrative space for the Company.  These leases are accounted for as operating leases.  The minimum annual rental commitments for these leases during the next five fiscal years and thereafter are approximately as follows (dollars in thousands):

Year

 

 

 

 

 

2007 (remaining nine months)

 

$

2,806

 

2008

 

3,465

 

2009

 

3,384

 

2010

 

3,220

 

2011

 

3,119

 

Thereafter

 

41,669

 

 

Environmental Matters

Under various federal, state and local laws, ordinances and regulations, the Company may be considered an owner or operator of real property or may have arranged for the disposal or treatment of hazardous or toxic substances and, therefore, may become liable for the costs of removal or remediation of certain hazardous substances released on or in their property or disposed of by them, as well as certain other potential costs which could relate to hazardous or toxic substances (including governmental fines and injuries to persons and property).  Such liability may be imposed whether or not the Company knew of, or was responsible for, the presence of these hazardous or toxic substances.  As is common with community and neighborhood shopping centers, many of the Company’s properties had or have on-site dry cleaners and/or on-site gasoline facilities.  These operations could potentially result in environmental contamination at the properties.

The Company is aware that soil and groundwater contamination exists at some of its properties. The primary contaminants of concern at these properties include perchloroethylene and trichloroethylene (associated with the operations of on-site dry cleaners) and petroleum hydrocarbons (associated with the operations of on-site gasoline facilities).  The Company is also aware that asbestos-containing materials exist at some of its properties.  While the Company does not expect the environmental conditions at its properties, considered as a whole, to have a material adverse effect on the Company, there can be no assurance that this will be the case.  Further, no assurance can be given that any environmental studies performed have identified or will identify all material environmental conditions, that any prior owner of the properties did not create a material environmental condition not known to the Company or that a material environmental condition does not otherwise exist with respect to any of the Company’s properties.

Note 13:         Comprehensive Income

Total comprehensive income was $24.7 million and $39.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively.  The primary components of comprehensive income, other than net income, are the adoption and continued application of SFAS No. 133 to the Company’s cash flow hedges and the Company’s mark-to-market on its available-for-sale securities.

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As of March 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006, accumulated other comprehensive loss reflected in the Company’s stockholders’ equity on the Consolidated Balance Sheets was comprised of the following (dollars in thousands):

 

 

As of
March 31, 2007

 

As of
December 31, 2006

 

Realized/unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities

 

$

2,646

 

$

2,299

 

Unrealized gains on securities held for deferred compensation

 

124

 

170

 

Realized gains on interest hedges

 

1,549

 

1,584

 

Realized losses on interest hedges

 

(9,909

)

(10,302

)

Unrealized losses on interest hedges

 

(4,602

)

(4,601

)

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

 

$

(10,190

)

$

(10,850

)

 

Note 14:         Subsequent Events

General

On February 27, 2007, the Company and the DownREIT Partnership entered into the Merger Agreement with the Buyer Parties.  The Buyer Parties are affiliates of Centro.  Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, MergerSub commenced and completed the Offer to purchase all outstanding shares of Common Stock at the Offer Price.  The Offer, as supplemented by a subsequent offering period, expired at 12:00 midnight, New York City time, on Wednesday, April 18, 2007.  On April 19, 2007, MergerSub exercised its top-up option under the Merger Agreement and purchased from New Plan, at a purchase price equal to the Offer Price per share, a number of additional shares of Common Stock sufficient to permit MergerSub to effect a short-form merger of MergerSub into New Plan under Maryland law without the vote of or any other action by the remaining New Plan stockholders.

As described in New Plan’s 8-K, on April 20, 2007, the Company, Centro NP, MergerSub, and DownREIT Acquisition completed the Mergers.  As more fully described in the 8-K, in connection with the New Plan Merger, each share of Common Stock (other than shares held by New Plan or any subsidiary of New Plan or by MergerSub) was converted into the right to receive the same $33.15 in cash per share as was paid in the Offer, without interest, (b) each outstanding option to purchase Common Stock under any employee stock option or incentive plan became fully vested and exercisable (whether or not then vested or subject to any performance condition that has not been satisfied, and regardless of the exercise price thereof or the terms of any other agreement regarding the vesting, delivery or payment thereof) and were cancelled in exchange for the right to receive, for each share of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of such option, cash in the amount equal to the excess, if any, of the Offer Price over the exercise price per share of such option.  As a result of the New Plan Merger, New Plan became a wholly owned subsidiary of Centro NP and any stockholder who held shares of Common Stock prior to the New Plan Merger ceased to be a stockholder effective as of the New Plan Merger.

Immediately following the New Plan Merger, and in connection with the Liquidation, all of New Plan’s  assets were transferred to, and all of its liabilities were assumed by, Centro NP.  As a result of the Merger and Liquidation, New Plan filed a Certification and Notice of Termination of Registration on Form 15 pursuant to which it terminated its reporting obligations under the Exchange Act, with respect to its Common Stock and 7.625% Series E Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock.

Stock Based Compensation

Immediately prior to the effective time of the New Plan Merger, and, as provided in the Merger Agreement, the Company’s Board of Directors caused all of the Company’s outstanding stock options, non-vested performance shares, restricted stock awards and deferred stock awards under any employee stock option or incentive plan to become fully vested and exercisable or payable, as the case may be, and, in the case of the restricted stock awards and deferred stock awards, free of forfeiture restrictions.  In particular, in connection with the New Plan Merger:

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(a)   each outstanding option to purchase Common Stock under any employee stock option or incentive plan became fully vested and exercisable (whether or not then vested or subject to any performance condition that has not been satisfied, and regardless of the exercise price thereof or the terms of any other agreement regarding the vesting, delivery or payment thereof) and was cancelled in exchange for the right to receive, for each share of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of such option, cash in the amount equal to the excess, if any, of the New Plan Merger Consideration over the exercise price per share of such option;

(b)   all restricted share awards and all deferred share awards granted under the 2003 Plan automatically became fully vested and free of any forfeiture restrictions (whether or not then vested or subject to any performance condition that has not been satisfied, and regardless of the exercise price thereof or the terms of any other agreement regarding the vesting, delivery or payment thereof) and were considered outstanding shares of Common Stock for all purposes under the Merger Agreement, including the right to receive the New Plan Merger Consideration; and

(c)   all out-performance awards under the Out-Performance Plan and any one or more employment agreements vested and became payable in accordance with its terms.

Nonqualified Deferred Compensation

Until the effective time of the Merger, the Company maintained a nonqualified deferred compensation plan that provided benefits to eligible employees from among a select group of management or highly compensated employees of the Company within the meaning of Sections 201(2), 301(a)(3) and 401(a)(1) of ERISA.  The deferred compensation plan was terminated by the Board of Directors as of the Merger effective time, and all amounts under the plan, whether in the employee’s “cash deferral account” or his or her “stock unit deferral account” have since been distributed.  Under the deferred compensation plan, eligible employees, were permitted to defer receipt of all or a portion of their bonus, a portion of their salary, as well as all or a portion of their restricted stock and restricted stock unit awards.

Debt

Credit Agreements

On April 20, 2007, simultaneously with the completion of the Mergers, the Company’s Amended Revolving Facility was prepaid in full and terminated.  Simultaneously with the prepayment and termination of the Amended Revolving Facility, Centro NP entered into a new revolving credit facility (the “New Revolving Facility”) with Bank of America, N.A. and the other lenders party thereto, which effectively replaced the Amended Revolving Facility.  Concurrently with the establishment of the New Revolving Facility, Centro NP used a portion of the proceeds from the New Revolving Facility and caused the Amended Secured Term Loan to be repaid in full and terminated.

Unsecured Senior Notes

In connection with the Mergers, Centro NP, New Plan Realty Trust, LLC (as successor to New Plan Realty Trust, but only with respect to the 1999 Indenture (as defined below)) and the Trustee entered into the Supplemental Indentures, each dated as of April 20, 2007, to the Indentures, by and between New Plan and the Trustee.  The Supplemental Indentures each provide for the assumption by Centro NP of all of the obligations of New Plan with respect to the following debt securities that are outstanding under each of the Indentures, effective upon consummation of the New Plan Merger (collectively, the “Notes”):

(i)            3.70% Convertible Senior Notes due 2026;

(ii)           3.75% Convertible Senior Notes due 2023;

(iii)          4.50% Senior Notes due 2011;

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(iv)

 

5.30% Senior Notes due 2015;

(v)

 

5.250% Senior Notes due 2015;

(vi)

 

5.125% Senior Notes due 2012;

(vii)

 

7.40% Senior Notes due 2009;

(viii)

 

5.50% Senior Notes due 2013;

(ix)

 

7.50% Senior Notes due 2029;

(x)

 

6.90% Senior Notes due 2028;

(xi)

 

7.68% Senior Notes due 2026;

(xii)

 

7.65% Senior Notes due 2026;

(xiii)

 

7.97% Senior Notes due 2026; and

(xiv)

 

7.35% Senior Notes due 2007.

 

Centro NP, as the successor obligor on the Notes, intends to continue to file with the SEC any annual reports, quarterly reports and other documents that it is required to file with the SEC pursuant to the Indentures governing the Notes or pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act.

3.70% Convertible Senior Notes due 2026

Pursuant to the terms of the 3.70% Convertible Senior Notes due 2026, as set forth in the 2004 Indenture, as supplemented by the First Supplemental Indenture, dated September 19, 2006 (the “First Supplemental Indenture”), a Change in Control (as defined in the First Supplemental Indenture) occurred as of April 5, 2007.  Accordingly, pursuant to the 2004 Indenture, as supplemented by the First Supplemental Indenture, the 3.70% Convertible Senior Notes became convertible as of April 5, 2007.  As such, the 3.70% Convertible Senior Notes are convertible into the following cash amounts per $1,000 principal amount of notes, for the time periods set forth below (subject in each case to the terms and conditions of the 2004 Indenture, as supplemented by the First Supplemental Indenture):

·                     $1,114.65 per $1,000 principal amount up to and including June 4, 2007; and

·                     $1,012.75 per $1,000 principal amount after June 4, 2007, convertible at any time until maturity (subject to Sections 2.11(d) and (e) of the 2004 Indenture, as Supplemented by the First Supplemental Indenture).

As of May 7, 2007, approximately $145.4 million of the $200.0 million aggregate principal amount of the 3.70% Convertible Senior Notes had been converted by the holders thereof, for an aggregate conversion price of approximately $162.1 million.

3.75% Convertible Senior Notes due 2023

Pursuant to the terms of the 3.75% Convertible Senior Notes due 2023, as set forth in the 1999 Indenture, as supplemented by an Officers’ Certificate, dated May 19, 2003 (the “Officers’ Certificate”) and the Supplemental Indenture, dated as of December 17, 2004 (the “Supplemental Indenture”), on April 1, 2007, the sale price condition triggering the holders’ conversion rights was satisfied as a result of the last reported sale price of the Company’s common stock for at least 20 trading days during the period of 30 consecutive trading days ending on the last trading day of the previous calendar quarter was greater than or equal to 120% of the applicable conversion price on such last trading day.  Accordingly, pursuant to the 1999 Indenture, as supplemented by the Officers’ Certificate and the Supplemental Indenture, the 3.75% Convertible Senior Notes became convertible as of April 1, 2007.  As such, the 3.75% Convertible Senior Notes are convertible into the following cash amounts per $1,000 principal amount of notes, for the time periods set forth below (subject in each case to the terms and conditions of the 1999 Indenture, as supplemented by the Officers’ Certificate and the Supplemental Indenture):

·                     $1,326.00 per $1,000 principal amount, convertible up to and including July 2, 2007.

As of May 7, 2007, approximately $76.1 million of the $115.0 million aggregate principal amount of the 3.75% Convertible Senior Notes had been converted by the holders thereof, for an aggregate conversion price of approximately $101.0 million.

Minority Interest in Consolidated Partnership and Joint Ventures

In connection with the DownREIT Merger, each unit of limited partnership interest in the DownREIT Partnership (a “DownREIT Unit”) who elected to do so was converted, without any action on the part of the holder, into the right to receive one fully-paid Class A Preferred Unit, without interest, of the surviving partnership (the “Preferred Unit Consideration”).  In lieu of the Preferred Unit Consideration, holders of DownREIT Units were offered the opportunity to elect to receive cash in an amount equal to the Offer Price per DownREIT Unit, as adjusted  (the “Cash Consideration”).  The holders of DownREIT Units that elected to receive the Cash Consideration ceased to be limited partners of the DownREIT Partnership.  In connection with the DownREIT Merger, holders of 752,187 DownREIT Units, as adjusted, elected, or were deemed to have elected, to receive the Cash Consideration, and holders of 2,643,870 DownREIT Units, as adjusted, elected to receive the Preferred Unit Consideration. As a result, following the consummation of the DownREIT Merger, there were 2,643,870 Class A Preferred Units outstanding and not owned by Centro NP or its affiliates.

Stockholders’ Equity

Preferred Stock

In connection with the Liquidation, the holders of the Preferred D Shares and the Preferred E Shares received liquidating distributions in accordance with the terms of such securities, and the depositary shares representing a 1/10 fractional interest of a share of the Preferred D Shares and Preferred E Shares, as applicable, were automatically converted into, and canceled in exchange for the right to receive cash in the amount set forth below:

·                     Preferred D Shares:  $50.21667 per depositary share; and

·                     Preferred E Shares:  $25.12179 per depositary share.

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

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and the accompanying notes thereto.  Historical results and percentage relationships set forth in the Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income contained in the Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying notes, including trends which might appear, should not be taken as indicative of future operations.

As more fully described in Note 14, “Subsequent Events,” on February 27, 2007, we, together with the DownREIT Partnership, entered into the Merger Agreement with the Buyer Parties.  The Buyer Parties are affiliates Centro.  Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, MergerSub commenced and completed the Offer to purchase all outstanding shares of Common Stock of New Plan Excel Realty Trust, Inc. at the Offer Price.  The Offer, as supplemented by a subsequent offering period, expired at 12:00 midnight, New York city time, on Wednesday, April 18, 2007.  On April 19, 2007, MergerSub exercised its top-up option under the Merger Agreement and purchased from New Plan, at a purchase price equal to the Offer Price, a number of additional shares of common stock sufficient to permit MergerSub to effect a short-form merger of MergerSub into New Plan under Maryland law without the vote of or any other action by the remaining New Plan stockholders.

On April 20, 2007, we, together with Centro NP, MergerSub, and DownREIT Acquisition, completed the Mergers.  Immediately following the Merger, on April 20, 2007, and in connection with the Liquidation, all of New Plan’s assets were transferred to, and all of its liabilities were assumed by, Centro NP.  As a result of the Merger and Liquidation, New Plan filed a Certification and Notice of Termination of Registration on Form 15 pursuant to which it terminated its reporting obligations under the Exchange Act, with respect to its Common Stock and 7.625% Series E Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock.

In connection with the Mergers, Centro NP, New Plan Realty Trust, LLC (as successor to New Plan Realty Trust, but only with respect to the 1999 Indenture and the Trustee entered the Supplemental Indentures, each dated as of April 20, 2007, to the Indentures, by and between New Plan and the Trustee.  The Supplemental Indentures each provide for the assumption by Centro NP of all of the obligations of New Plan under each of the Indentures, effective upon consummation of the New Plan Merger with respect to the Notes.

Centro NP, as the successor obligor on the Notes, intends to continue to file with the SEC any annual reports, quarterly reports and other documents that it is required to file with the SEC pursuant to the Indentures governing the Notes or pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act.

All references to “we,” “us,” “our,” “ours,” “New Plan” or the “Company” in this report refer to New Plan Excel Realty Trust, Inc. and its wholly-owned and majority owned subsidiaries and consolidated entities prior to the completion of the Mergers, unless the context indicates otherwise.

As a result of the Mergers, our operations and properties are now combined with the other operations and properties of Centro Properties Group in the United States.

During the three months ended March 31, 2007, we acquired one shopping center (Stewart Plaza) and one land parcel (collectively, the “2007 Acquisitions”).  During 2006, we acquired four shopping centers (Shoppes at Hickory Hollow, The Quentin Collection, Fox Run Mall and Memphis Commons), two buildings immediately adjacent to properties owned by us (Building at Tarpon Mall and Building at Hazel Path), the remaining 90% interests in two shopping centers in which we owned the other 10% interests (Ventura Downs and Odessa-Winwood Town Center), six land parcels, and a leasehold interest in a new development project (collectively, the “2006 Acquisitions”).

In accordance with the provisions of FIN 46 and EITF 04-5 our consolidated results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2007 and 2006 include the results of operations of certain of our joint ventures (“Consolidation Adjustments”), as applicable.

In accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 144, the results of operations of properties that have been disposed of (by sale, by abandonment, or in a distribution to owners) or classified as held for sale must be classified as discontinued operations and segregated in our Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income.  Therefore, results of operations from prior periods have been restated to reflect the current pool of disposed of or held for sale assets.

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Results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2007 and 2006

The results discussed below are only those of New Plan Excel Realty Trust, Inc. and its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis as it existed prior to the Mergers.  The results below do not include the results of Centro Properties Group, Centro Watt or any of their other subsidiaries or operations.

Rental Revenues:

Total rental revenues increased $8.2 million, or 7%, from $114.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2006 to $122.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2007. Significant changes are discussed below.

Rental income increased $0.5 million, or 1%, from $86.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2006 to $87.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2007.  The following factors accounted for this variance:

·                  2007 Acquisitions, which increased rental income by approximately $0.3 million

·                  Consolidation Adjustments, which increased rental income by approximately $0.4 million

·                  2006 Acquisitions, which increased rental income by approximately $3.3 million

·                  Decreased lease settlement income, which decreased rental income by approximately $3.3 million

·                  Decreases in cost of living adjustments, which accounted for the balance of the variance

Percentage rents decreased $0.7 million, or 29%, from $2.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2006 to $1.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2007.  This variance is primarily attributable to higher tenant sales breakpoints associated with contractual lease terms, combined with certain tenants who are now paying annual minimum rents in lieu of percentage rents.

Expense reimbursements increased $3.6 million, or 17%, from $21.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2006 to $25.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2007.  The following factors accounted for this variance:

·                  2007 Acquisitions, which increased expense reimbursements by approximately $0.4 million

·                  Consolidation Adjustments, which increased expense reimbursements by approximately $0.1 million

·                  2006 Acquisitions, which increased expense reimbursements by approximately $0.7 million

·                  A net increase in the amount of reimbursable real estate taxes, which increased expense reimbursements by approximately $1.4 million

·                  A net increase in the amount of reimbursable property operating expenses, which increased expense reimbursements by approximately $0.7 million

·                  A net increase in the amount of reimbursable property insurance expenses, which increased expense reimbursements by approximately $0.3 million

Fee income increased $4.6 million, or 115%, from $4.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2006 to $8.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2007.  Fee income is derived from services provided to our joint ventures and other managed projects, and the variances in the following fee revenues accounted for the net increase in fee income:

·                  Property management fee revenue, which increased fee income by approximately $0.1 million

38




 

·                  Leasing fee revenue, attributable to the combination of the signing of an anchor lease at a property in the Galileo America LLC portfolio and an increase in the number of properties being managed by us, which increased fee income by approximately $2.9 million

·                  Acquisition fee revenue, which increased fee income by approximately $0.4 million

·                  Financing fee revenue, which increased fee income by approximately $0.2 million

·                  Construction fee revenue, primarily attributable to an increase in the number of properties undergoing redevelopment, or being newly constructed, which increased fee income by approximately $1.0 million

Operating Expenses:

Total operating expenses increased $16.2 million, or 26%, from $63.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2006 to $79.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2007.  Significant changes are discussed below.

Operating costs increased $2.5 million, or 14%, from $18.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2006 to $20.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2007. The following factors accounted for this variance:

·                  2007 Acquisitions, which increased operating costs by approximately $0.1 million

·                  Consolidation Adjustments, which increased operating costs by approximately $0.1 million

·                  2006 Acquisitions, which increased operating costs by approximately $0.6 million

·                  Increased property insurance expense, attributable to higher premiums under our renewed policy, which increased operating costs by approximately $0.5 million

·                  Increased snow removal costs, primarily attributable to harsh winter conditions in the Midwest, which increased operating costs by approximately $1.0 million

·                  Increased utility expenses, which increased operating costs by approximately $0.4 million

·                  Combined increases in parking lot and other repairs, which accounted increased operating costs by approximately $0.2 million

·                  Decreased costs recorded for conditional asset retirement obligations in accordance with FASB Interpretation No. 47, Accounting for Conditional Asset Retirement Obligations, and in anticipation of future environmental remediation, which decreased operating costs by approximately $0.2 million

·                  Decreased medical expenses, attributable to lower claims, which decreased operating costs by approximately $0.2 million

Real estate taxes increased $2.4 million, or 17%, from $13.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2006 to $16.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2007.  The following factors accounted for this variance:

·                  2007 Acquisitions, which increased real estate taxes by approximately $0.3 million

·                  Consolidation Adjustments, which increased real estate taxes by approximately $0.1 million

·                  2006 Acquisitions, which increased real estate taxes by approximately $0.6 million

·                  Higher tax assessments at certain properties, partially offset by lower legal costs, which increased real estate taxes by approximately $1.4 million

39




Depreciation and amortization increased $2.1 million, or 9%, from $22.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2006 to $24.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2007.   The following factors accounted for this variance:

·                  Consolidation Adjustments, which increased depreciation and amortization by approximately $0.3 million

·                  2006 Acquisitions, which increased depreciation and amortization by approximately $1.9 million

·                  Increased depreciation expense on properties previously under redevelopment, which increased depreciation and amortization by approximately $0.4 million

·                  Decreased amortization expense of intangible assets, which decreased depreciation and amortization by approximately $0.5 million

General and administrative expenses increased $8.8 million, or 126%, from $7.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2006 to $15.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2007.  The following factors accounted for this variance:

·                  Legal fees incurred in connection with the Mergers, which increased general and administrative expenses by approximately $5.8 million

·                  Increased payroll and payroll related expenses, primarily attributable to the increased personnel levels necessary to service the growth of properties under management in our portfolio, which increased general and administrative expenses by approximately $0.3 million

·                  Increased compensation expense, primarily attributable to stock-based awards granted during 2006, of approximately $0.6 million

·                  Costs incurred in connection with our increased offshore accounting efforts, which increased general and administrative expenses by approximately $0.2 million

·                  Increased travel and promotion expenses, which increased general and administrative expenses by approximately $0.2 million

·                  Increased allocation of costs to the properties, primarily attributable to higher regional office costs, which increased general and administrative expenses by approximately $1.4 million

·                  Increased state tax expense, which increased general and administrative expenses by approximately $0.1 million

·                  Increased office costs, which accounted for the balance of the varaince

Other Income and Expenses:

Interest expense increased $2.4 million, or 11%, from $22.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2006 to $25.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2007.  The following factors accounted for this variance:

·                  Consolidation Adjustments, which increased interest expense by approximately $0.1 million

·                  Mortgage debt assumed in connection with the 2006 Acquisitions, which increased interest expense by approximately $0.6 million

·                  Increased interest rates on our derivative financial instruments that convert fixed rate debt to variable rate debt, which increased interest expense by approximately $0.3 million

·                  A higher interest rate on our Amended Secured Term Loan, which increased interest expense by approximately $0.3 million

40




 

·                  An increase in the average balance outstanding under our Amended Revolving Facility, compounded by a higher average interest rate on such facility, which increased interest expense by approximately $0.4 million

·                  The September 2006 Debt Offering, which increased interest expense by approximately $1.9 million

·                  The write-off of fees incurred in connection with the issuance of our $115.0 million 3.75% unsecured convertible bonds due to the occurrence of certain events which triggered bond holder conversion rights, which increased interest expense by approximately $1.2 million

·                  A net decrease in the amount of mortgage debt outstanding, excluding debt assumed in connection with the 2006 Acquisitions, primarily attributable to the repayment of mortgage indebtedness upon maturity, which decreased interest expense by approximately $0.8 million

·                  Increased capitalized interest with respect to our redevelopment projects, due to increased interest rates and increased project spending, which decreased interest expense by approximately $1.6 million

 

41




 

Discontinued Operations:

For the three months ended March 31, 2007, properties that had been either disposed of (by sale, abandonment, or in a distribution to owner) or classified as held for sale generated approximately $1.2 million and $2.5 million in results of operations and gain on sale, respectively.  For the three months ended March 31, 2006, such properties generated approximately $2.6 million, $5.7 million and $(0.1) million in results of operations, gain on sale and impairment expense of real estate held for sale, respectively.  Accordingly, these amounts have been classified as discontinued operations.

Funds from Operations

Funds from Operations (“FFO”) is a widely used performance measure for real estate companies and is provided here as a supplemental measure of operating performance.  We calculate FFO in accordance with the best practices described in the April 2002 National Policy Bulletin of the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts (the “White Paper”).  The White Paper defines FFO as net income (computed in accordance with GAAP), excluding gains (or losses) from sales of property, plus depreciation and amortization on real estate assets, and after adjustments for unconsolidated partnerships and joint ventures.

On October 1, 2003, the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts (“NAREIT”), based on discussions with the SEC, provided revised guidance regarding the calculation of FFO.  This revised guidance provides that impairments should not be added back to net income in calculating FFO and that original issuance costs associated with preferred stock that has been redeemed should be factored into the calculation of FFO.  We present FFO in accordance with NAREIT’s revised guidance in the table set forth below.

Given the nature of our business as a real estate owner and operator, we believe that FFO is helpful to investors as a starting point in measuring our operational performance because it excludes various items included in net income that do not relate to or are not indicative of our operating performance, such as gains (or losses) from sales of property and depreciation and amortization on real estate assets, which can make periodic and peer analyses of operating performance more difficult.  However, it should be noted that there are certain items, such as impairments, that are included within the definition of FFO that do not relate to and are not indicative of our operating performance.  Furthermore, FFO should not be considered as an alternative to net income (determined in accordance with GAAP) as an indicator of our financial performance, is not an alternative to cash flow from operating activities (determined in accordance with GAAP) as a measure of our liquidity, and is not indicative of funds available to fund our cash needs, including our ability to make distributions.  In addition, our computation of FFO may differ from the methodology utilized by other equity REITs to calculate FFO and, therefore, may not be comparable to such other REITs.

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The following information is provided to reconcile net income, the most comparable GAAP number, to FFO, and to show the items included in our FFO for the periods indicated (dollars in thousands):

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
March 31,

 

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income available to common stockholders – diluted

 

$

18,831

 

$

33,175

 

Deduct:

 

 

 

 

 

Minority interest in income of consolidated partnership

 

(291

)

(150

)

Net income available to common stockholders basic

 

18,540

 

33,025

 

Add:

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

 

 

 

Continuing operations real estate assets

 

23,664

 

21,490

 

Discontinued operations real estate assets

 

6

 

892

 

Pro rata share of joint venture real estate assets

 

2,416

 

3,847

 

Deduct:

 

 

 

 

 

Gain on sale of real estate (1)

 

 

 

Gain on sale of discontinued operations (1)

 

 

(5,532

)

Pro rata share of joint venture gain on sale of real estate (1)

 

 

 

Funds from operations – basic

 

44,626

 

53,722

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Add:

 

 

 

 

 

Minority interest in income of consolidated partnership

 

291

 

150

 

Funds from operations – diluted

 

$

44,917

 

$

53,872

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

28,121

 

$

38,157

 

Net cash used in investing activities

 

(66,279

)

(8,539

)

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

 

32,143

 

(28,323

)


(1)             Excludes gain/loss on sale of land.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

As of March 31, 2007, we had approximately $8.0 million in available cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities.  Prior to the Mergers, we generally did not maintain significant cash or cash equivalent balances.  As a REIT, we were required to distribute at least 90% of our taxable income to our stockholders on an annual basis.  Therefore, as a general matter, we met our liquidity needs from cash generated from operations and external sources of capital.  As a result of the New Plan Merger and the Liquidation, we are no longer operating as a REIT.  As of March 31, 2007, $231.0 million was available for draw under the Amended Revolving Facility, which facility was repaid in full and terminated on April 20, 2007.  Concurrently with the termination of the Amended Revolving Facility, Centro NP entered into the New Plan Revolving Facility, under which $25.4 million was available for draw as of April 30, 2007.

Short-Term Liquidity Needs

Our short-term liquidity requirements consist primarily of funds necessary to pay for operating and other expenses directly associated with our portfolio of properties (including regular maintenance items), interest expense and scheduled principal payments on our outstanding debt, capital expenditures incurred to facilitate the leasing of space (e.g., tenant improvements and leasing commissions), capital expenditures incurred in our development and redevelopment projects, and quarterly dividends and distributions that we pay to our common and preferred stockholders and holders of partnership units in the DownREIT Partnership.  We believe that cash generated from operations, borrowings under the New Revolving Facility and funding from Centro will be sufficient to meet our short-term liquidity requirements; however, there are certain factors that may have a material adverse effect on our cash flow from operations.

We derive substantially all of our revenue from tenants under existing leases at our properties. Therefore, our operating cash flow is dependent on the rents that we are able to charge to our tenants, and the ability of these tenants to make their rental payments.  We believe that the nature of the properties in which we typically invest — primarily community and neighborhood shopping centers — provides a more stable revenue flow in uncertain economic times because, even in difficult economic times, consumers still need to purchase basic living essentials such as food and soft goods.  However, general economic downturns, or economic downturns in one or more markets in which we own properties, still may adversely impact the ability of our tenants to make rental payments and our ability to re-lease space on favorable terms as leases expire.  In either of these instances, our cash flow would be adversely affected.

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We may acquire large portfolios of community and neighborhood shopping centers, either through direct acquisitions or business combinations.  While we believe that the cash generated by any newly-acquired properties will more than offset the operating and interest expenses associated with those properties, it is possible that the properties may not perform as well as expected and as a result, our cash needs may increase.  In addition, there may be other costs incurred as a result of the acquisition of properties, including increased general and administrative costs while we integrate the properties into our operating system.

In some cases, we have invested as a co-venturer or partner in the development or redevelopment of new properties instead of developing projects directly.  Pursuant to the terms of certain of our joint venture agreements, we have outstanding commitments to contribute up to an aggregate of $11.5­­­ million of capital that may be required by such joint ventures.  As of March 31, 2007, we contributed approximately $6.5 million of the committed amount.  In addition to the committed amount, we have also agreed to contribute our pro rata share of any additional capital that may be required by our joint ventures, which pro rata share is not expected to be material.  We expect to fund these capital requirements either out of excess cash from operations, draws on the New Revolving Facility or with funding from Centro.

During the three months ended March 31, 2007, we completed four redevelopment projects in our consolidated portfolio, the aggregate cost of which, including costs incurred in prior years on these projects, was approximately $9.2 million.  In addition, we develop outparcels of properties in our consolidated portfolio and during the three months ended March 31, 2007, we completed two outparcel development projects, the aggregate cost of which, including costs incurred in prior years on the projects, was approximately $2.2 million.  Our current redevelopment pipeline in our consolidated portfolio is comprised of 26 projects, the aggregate cost of which, including costs incurred in prior years on these projects, is expected to be approximately $212.0 million.  Our current outparcel development pipeline in our consolidated portfolio is comprised of seven projects, the aggregate cost of which, including costs incurred in prior years on these projects, is expected to be approximately $20.0 million.  We intend on financing these redevelopment and outparcel development projects through cash from operations, draws on the New Revolving Facility or with funding from Centro.

We also redevelop properties in our joint venture portfolios.  Our current joint venture redevelopment pipeline is comprised of 11 projects, the aggregate cost of which, including costs incurred in prior years, is expected to be approximately $144.4 million, of which our pro rata share will be approximately $16.6 million.  In addition, we also redevelop outparcels at properties in our joint venture portfolios.  Our current joint venture outparcel development pipeline is comprised of one project, the aggregate cost of which, including costs incurred in prior years on the project, is expected to be approximately $2.2 million, of which our pro rata share will be approximately $0.1 million.  We intend on financing our redevelopment and outparcel development projects in our joint venture portfolios with a variety of financing vehicles as determined from time to time by the joint venture.

We regularly incur significant expenditures in connection with the re-leasing of our retail space, principally in the form of tenant improvements and leasing commissions.  The amounts of these expenditures can vary significantly, depending on negotiations with tenants and the willingness of tenants to pay higher base rents over the lives of the leases.  We expect to pay for these capital expenditures out of excess cash from operations or, to the extent necessary, through draws on the New Revolving Facility or with funding from Centro.  We believe that a significant portion of these expenditures is recouped in the form of continuing lease payments.

Long-Term Liquidity Needs

Prior to the New Plan Merger, our long-term liquidity requirements consisted primarily of funds necessary to pay for the principal amount of our long-term debt as it matures, significant non-recurring capital expenditures that need to be made periodically at our properties, redevelopment or development projects that we undertake at our properties and the costs associated with acquisitions of properties that we pursue.  Historically, we satisfied these requirements principally through the most advantageous source of capital at the time, which has included the incurrence of new debt through borrowings (through public offerings of unsecured debt and private incurrence of secured and unsecured debt), sales of common and preferred stock, capital raised through the disposition of assets, repayment by third parties of notes receivable and joint venture capital transactions.  We believe that these same sources of capital, with the exception of sales of common and preferred stock, will continue to be available in the future to fund our long-term capital needs; however, there are certain factors that may have a material adverse effect on our ability to access these capital sources.

44




Our ability to incur additional debt is dependent upon a number of factors, including our degree of leverage, the value of our unencumbered assets, our credit rating and borrowing restrictions imposed by existing lenders.  Currently, we have investment grade credit ratings for prospective unsecured debt offerings from three major rating agencies — Standard & Poor’s (BBB), Moody’s Investor Service (Baa2) and Fitch Ratings (BBB+).  A downgrade in outlook or rating by a rating agency can occur at any time if the agency perceives an adverse change in our financial condition, results of operations or ability to service debt.  As a result of the Merger and Liquidation, Standard & Poor’s, Moody’s Investor Service and Fitch Ratings have all placed our current ratings on review for downgrade.  If such a downgrade occurs, it would increase the interest rate currently payable under our existing credit facilities, it likely would increase the costs associated with obtaining future financing, and it potentially could adversely affect our ability to obtain future financing.

Based on an internal evaluation, the estimated value of our properties is above the outstanding amount of mortgage debt encumbering the properties.  Therefore, at this time, we believe that additional financing could be obtained, either in the form of mortgage debt or additional unsecured borrowings, and without violating the financial covenants contained in our existing debt agreements.

We selectively effect asset sales to generate cash proceeds.  During the three months ended March 31, 2007, we generated approximately $4.5 million in gross proceeds through the culling of non-core and non-strategic properties and approximately $0.9 million from the disposition of certain properties and land parcels held through joint ventures.  During 2006, we generated approximately $124.0 million in gross proceeds through the culling of non-core and non-strategic properties and approximately $1.4 million from the disposition of certain properties and land parcels held through joint ventures.  Our ability to generate cash from asset sales is limited by market conditions and certain rules applicable to REITs.  Our ability to sell properties in the future in order to raise cash will necessarily be limited if market conditions make such sales unattractive.

The following table summarizes all of our known contractual cash obligations, excluding interest, to pay third parties as of March 31, 2007 (based on a calendar year, dollars in thousands):

Contractual Cash Obligations

 


Total

 

Less than
 1 year

 

1- 3
years

 

3 - 5
years

 

More than
5 years

 

Long-Term Debt (1)

 

$

1,871,637

 

$

52,529

 

$

372,624

 

$

820,517

 

$

625,967

 

Capital Lease Obligations

 

27,411

 

321

 

918

 

1,066

 

25,106

 

Operating Leases (2)

 

57,663

 

2,806

 

6,849

 

6,339

 

41,669

 

Total

 

$

1,956,711

 

$

55,656

 

$

380,391

 

$

827,922

 

$

692,742

 


(1)             Long-term debt includes scheduled amortization and scheduled maturities for mortgage loans, notes payable and credit facilities.

(2)             Operating leases include ground leases for shopping centers that we operate and our administrative office space (Note 12).

We intend to repay our 2007 contractual cash obligations, the balance of which represents maturing mortgages and scheduled amortization, either through draws under the New Revolving Facility, with proceeds generated through the sale of assets, with funding from Centro, or a combination thereof.

45




 

The following table summarizes certain terms of our existing credit agreements as of March 31, 2007 (dollars in thousands):

 

Loan

 

 

 

Amount Available
to be Drawn

 

Amount Drawn
as of
March 31, 2007

 

Current Interest
Rate (1)

 


Maturity Date

 

Amended Revolving Facility (2)

 

$

350,000

 

$

119,000

 

LIBOR plus 55 bp (3)

 

August 2010

 

Amended Secured Term Loan (2)

 

150,000

 

150,000

 

LIBOR plus 55 bp

 

August 2010

 

Total

 

$

500,000

 

$

269,000

 

 

 

 

 


(1)             We incur interest using a 30-day LIBOR rate, which was 5.32% at March 31, 2007.

(2)             As more fully discussed in Note 14, on April 20, 2007, simultaneously with the completion of the Mergers, our Amended Revolving Facility was prepaid in full and terminated.  Simultaneously with the prepayment and termination of the Amended Revolving Facility, Centro NP entered into the New Revolving Facility with Bank of America, N.A. and the other lenders party thereto, which effectively replaced the Amended Revolving Facility.  Concurrently with the establishment of the New Revolving Facility, Centro NP used a portion of the proceeds from the New Revolving Facility and caused the Amended Secured Term Loan to be repaid in full and terminated.

(3)             We also incurred an annual facility fee of 15 basis points on this facility.

Our ability to borrow under the Credit Agreements was subject to our ongoing compliance with a number of covenants, including with respect to our ability to incur liens on our property, engage in major transactions such as mergers, make certain investments and engage in certain transactions with our affiliates.  In addition, the Credit Agreements required that we maintain certain financial coverage ratios and other debt covenants. As of March 31, 2007, these coverage ratios and debt covenants, as amended, included:

·                  EBITDA (as defined in the applicable debt agreement) to fixed charges ratio of at least 1.60:1

·                  minimum tangible net worth of approximately $1.2 billion

·                  total debt to total adjusted assets of no more than 60% (or 65% in certain circumstances)

·                  total secured debt to total adjusted assets of no more than 40%

·                  unsecured debt to unencumbered assets value of no more than 60% (or 65% in certain circumstances)

·                  book value of ancillary assets to total adjusted assets of no more than 25%

·                  book value of new construction assets to total adjusted assets of no more than 15%

·                  Funds from Operations (as defined in the applicable debt agreement) payout ratio no greater than 95%

Under the terms of each of the Amended Revolving Facility and the Amended Secured Term Loan, the respective covenants will be modified to be consistent with any more restrictive covenant contained in any other existing or new senior unsecured credit facility that we enter into.  The Amended Secured Term Loan also contained certain financial covenants relating to the operating performance of certain properties that collateralize the Amended Secured Term Loan.

The New Revolving Facility requires that we maintain certain financial coverage ratios and other debt covenants.  These coverage ratios and debt covenants are substantially similar to those listed above for the Credit Agreements.

As of March 31, 2007, we had approximately $1.2 billion of public indebtedness outstanding, excluding the impact of unamortized discounts, under three indentures, having a weighted average interest rate of 5.31%.  These indentures also contain covenants that require us to maintain certain financial coverage ratios.  These covenants are generally less onerous than the covenants contained in our New Revolving Facility, as described above.

As of March 31, 2007, we were in compliance with all of the financial covenants under our then existing Credit Agreements and public indentures, and we believe that we will continue to remain in compliance with these covenants under the New Revolving Facility.  However, if our properties do not perform as expected, or if unexpected events occur that require us to borrow additional funds, compliance with these covenants may become difficult and may restrict our ability to pursue certain business initiatives.  In addition, these financial covenants may restrict our ability to pursue particular acquisition transactions (for example, acquiring a portfolio of properties that is highly leveraged) and could significantly impact our ability to pursue growth initiatives.

46




In addition to our then existing Credit Agreements and public indebtedness, as of March 31, 2007, we had approximately $427.6 million of mortgage debt outstanding, excluding the impact of unamortized premiums, having a weighted average interest rate of 7.3% per annum.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We do not believe that we currently have any off-balance sheet arrangements that have, or are reasonably likely to have, a material current or future effect on our financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources.

However, in a few cases, we have made commitments to provide funds to unconsolidated joint ventures under certain circumstances.  The liabilities associated with these joint ventures do not show up as liabilities on our consolidated financial statements.

The following is a brief summary of the unconsolidated joint venture obligations that we have as of March 31, 2007, and in which we expect to make additional capital contributions to the joint venture:

·      CA New Plan Acquisition Fund, LLC.  We have a 10% interest in a joint venture that was created in conjunction with the restructuring of CA New Plan Venture Fund, LLC (see below) for the acquisition, redevelopment and development of real estate assets.  Under the terms of the joint venture, we have committed to contribute our pro rata share of any capital that might be required by the joint venture for asset acquisitions, up to a maximum of $4.2 million, of which approximately $2.4 million had been contributed by us as of March 31, 2007.  We anticipate contributing the remaining approximate $1.8 million by the end of 2007.  Additionally, we have agreed to contribute our pro rata share of any additional capital that might be required by the joint venture; however, we do not expect that any significant capital contributions will be required.  As of March 31, 2007, the joint venture owned seven stabilized retail properties and one retail property under redevelopment.  The joint venture had loans outstanding of approximately $67.9 million as of March 31, 2007.  As of March 31, 2007, the book value of our investment in CA New Plan Acquisition Fund, LLC was approximately $2.3 million.

·      Galileo America LLC.  We have a 5% interest in this joint venture, which interest was acquired on August 10, 2005 in conjunction with the Galileo Transactions.  Under the terms of this joint venture, we are not obligated to contribute any additional capital to the venture; however, in the event that additional capital is contributed by our joint venture partner, we have the option to contribute the amount necessary to maintain our 5% ownership interest.  We anticipate making additional capital contributions from time to time to maintain our 5% ownership interest.  As of March 31, 2007, the joint venture was comprised of 134 stabilized retail properties, three properties under redevelopment and one new development property, and had loans outstanding of approximately $1.3 billion.  As of March 31, 2007, the book value of our investment in Galileo America LLC was approximately $33.7 million.

·      NP / I&G Institutional Retail Company II, LLC.  In February 2006, we formed a second strategic joint venture with JP Morgan Investment Management, Inc. to acquire high-quality institutional grade community and neighborhood shopping centers on a nationwide basis.  Under the terms of this joint venture, we have a 20% interest in the venture and have agreed to contribute our pro rata share of any capital required by the venture for asset acquisitions.  As of March 31, 2007, we had contributed approximately $8.2 million.  Additionally, we have agreed to contribute our pro rata share of any additional capital that might be required by the joint venture; however, we do not expect that any significant additional capital contributions with respect to existing properties will be required.  As of March 31, 2007, the joint venture owned two stabilized retail properties.  The joint venture had loans outstanding of approximately $35.0 million as of March 31, 2007.  As of March 31, 2007, the book value of our investment in NP/I&G Institutional Retail Company II, LLC was approximately $8.2 million.

47




·      NPK Redevelopment I, LLC.  We have a joint venture with Kmart Corporation (Sears Holding Corp.) pursuant to which the joint venture will redevelop three Kmart Supercenter properties formerly owned by Kmart.  Under the terms of this joint venture, we have agreed to contribute $6.0 million, $4.1 million of which we have contributed as of March 31, 2007.  After our contribution of the total committed amount, we will have a 20% interest in the venture and will be responsible for contributing our pro rata share of any additional capital that might be required by the joint venture; however, we do not expect that any significant additional capital contributions will be required.  The joint venture had no loans outstanding as of March 31, 2007.  As of March 31, 2007, the book value of our investment in NPK Redevelopment I, LLC was approximately $4.1 million.

In addition, the following is a brief summary of the other unconsolidated joint venture obligations that we have as of March 31, 2007.  Although we have agreed to contribute certain amounts of capital that may be required by these joint ventures, as more fully described below, we do not expect that any significant capital contributions to the following joint ventures will be required.

·      Arapahoe Crossings, L.P.  We, together with a U.S. partnership comprised substantially of foreign investors, have an interest in a joint venture which owns Arapahoe Crossings, a community shopping center located in Aurora, Colorado.  Under the terms of this joint venture, we have a 30% interest and we have agreed to contribute our pro rata share of any capital that might be required by the joint venture.  The joint venture had loans outstanding of approximately $47.6 million as of March 31, 2007.  As of March 31, 2007, the book value of our investment in Arapahoe Crossings, L.P. was approximately $6.7 million.

·      BPR Land Partnership, L.P.  We have a 50% interest in a joint venture that owns approximately 24.3 acres of undeveloped land in Frisco, Texas.  Under the terms of this joint venture, we have agreed to contribute our pro rata share of any capital that might be required by the joint venture.   The joint venture had no loans outstanding as of March 31, 2007.  As of March 31, 2007, the book value of our investment in BPR Land Partnership, L.P. was approximately $0.6 million.

·      BPR Shopping Center, L.P.  We have a 25% interest in a joint venture that owns The Centre at Preston Ridge, a community shopping center located in Frisco, Texas.  Under the terms of this joint venture, we have agreed to contribute our pro rata share of any capital that might be required by the joint venture.  The joint venture had loans outstanding of approximately $67.6 million as of March 31, 2007.  As of March 31, 2007, the book value of our investment in BPR Shopping Center, L.P. was approximately $2.9 million.

·      BPR South, L.P.  We have a 50% interest in a joint venture that owns approximately 8.4 acres of undeveloped land in Frisco, Texas.  Under the terms of this joint venture, we have agreed to contribute our pro rata share of any capital that might be required by the joint venture.   The joint venture had no loans outstanding as of March 31, 2007.  As of March 31, 2007, the book value of our investment in BPR South, L.P. was approximately $0.9 million.

·      CA New Plan Venture Direct Investment Fund, LLC.  We have a 10% interest in a joint venture that was created in conjunction with the restructuring of CA New Plan Venture Fund, LLC (see below). Under the terms of the joint venture, we committed to contribute our pro rata share of any capital that might be required by the joint venture for certain redevelopment activities, up to a maximum of $0.4 million, and have agreed to contribute our pro rata share of any additional capital that might be required by the joint venture.  As of March 31, 2007, we had not made any such capital contributions.  As of March 31, 2007, the joint venture owned five stabilized retail properties and one property under redevelopment and had loans outstanding of approximately $45.0 million.  As of March 31, 2007, the book value of our investment in CA New Plan Venture Direct Investment Fund, LLC was approximately $0.8 million.

·      CA New Plan Venture Fund, LLC.  During 2005, this joint venture was restructured to create two additional joint ventures, CA New Plan Acquisition Fund, LLC, and CA New Plan Venture Direct Investment Fund, LLC.  As a result of the restructuring, six stabilized assets were transferred from CA New Plan Venture Fund, LLC to CA New Plan Venture Direct Investment Fund, LLC, and two assets were sold.   As of March 31, 2007, the joint venture owned four stabilized retail properties and one

48




 

retail property under redevelopment.  Under the terms of the restructured joint venture, we continue to have a 10% interest in the venture, and committed to contribute our pro rata share of any capital that might be required by the joint venture for certain redevelopment activities, up to a maximum amount of $0.9 million, and have agreed to contribute our pro rata share of any additional capital that might be required by the joint venture.  As of March 31, 2007, we had not made any such capital contributions.  The joint venture had loans outstanding of approximately $47.3 million as of March 31, 2007.  As of March 31, 2007, the book value of our investment in CA New Plan Venture Fund, LLC was approximately $3.3 million.

·      NP/I&G Institutional Retail Company, LLC.  We have a strategic joint venture with JPMorgan Investment Management, Inc. to acquire high-quality institutional grade community and neighborhood shopping centers on a nationwide basis.  The joint venture owned 13 operating retail properties as of March 31, 2007.  Under the terms of this joint venture, we have a 20% interest in the venture and are responsible for contributing our pro rata share of any capital that might be required by the joint venture. We initially committed to contribute up to a maximum amount of $30.0 million to the joint venture, however, in connection with the acquisition of certain assets during 2005, we, together with the DownREIT Partnership, contributed a disproportionate share of capital to the venture, such that our total capital investment as of December 31, 2005 was $41.4 million.  The excess contribution was returned to us in February 2006.  During the year ended December 31, 2006, in connection with the acquisition of certain other assets, we increased our committed capital to the venture to $31.9 million of which approximately $31.1 million had been contributed as of March 31, 2007.  We do not expect that any significant additional capital contributions will be required, nor do we expect that any additional acquisitions of property will be made by the joint venture.  The joint venture had loans outstanding of approximately $281.2 million as of March 31, 2007.  As of March 31, 2007, the book value of our investment in NP/I&G Institutional Retail Company, LLC was approximately $28.6 million.

·      NP/SSP Baybrook, LLC.  In December 2006, we formed a third strategic joint venture with JP Morgan Investment Management Inc. for the specific purpose of acquiring Baybrook Gateway, a shopping center located in Webster, Texas.  Under the terms of this joint venture, we have a 20% interest in the venture and is responsible for contributing our pro rata share of any capital that might be required by the joint venture; however, we do not expect that any significant additional capital contributions will be required.  The joint venture had loans outstanding of approximately $41.0 million as of March 31, 2007.  As of March 31, 2007, the book value of our investment in NP/SSP Baybrook, LLC was approximately $2.5 million.

·      Westgate Mall, LLC.  We, together with Transwestern Investment Company and The Richard E. Jacobs Group, have an interest in a joint venture that was formed for the specific purpose of acquiring and redeveloping Westgate Mall, an enclosed mall located on 55 acres of land in Fairview Park, Ohio.  The joint venture is currently redeveloping the mall into a large community shopping center.  Under the terms of this joint venture, we have a 10% interest in the venture and have agreed to contribute our pro rata share of any capital that might be required by the joint venture.  The joint venture had loans outstanding of approximately $32.6 million as of March 31, 2007.   As of March 31, 2007, the book value of our investment in Westgate Mall, LLC was approximately $1.5 million.

Other Funding Obligations

In addition to the joint venture obligations described above, we also had the following contingent contractual obligations as of March 31, 2007, none of which we believe will materially adversely affect us:

·      Letters of Credit.  We have arranged for the provision of eight separate letters of credit in connection with certain property or insurance related matters.  If these letters of credit are drawn, we will be obligated to reimburse the providing bank for the amount of the draw.  As of March 31, 2007, there was no balance outstanding under any of the letters of credit.  If the letters of credit were fully drawn, the combined maximum amount of exposure would be approximately $18.2 million.

·      Non-Recourse and Other Debt Guarantees.  Under certain of our non-recourse loans and those of our joint ventures, we could, under certain circumstances, be responsible for portions of the mortgage indebtedness in connection with certain customary non-recourse carve-out provisions such as

49




 

environmental conditions, misuse of funds and material misrepresentations.  As of March 31, 2007, we had mortgage loans outstanding of approximately $427.6 million and our unconsolidated joint ventures had mortgage loans outstanding of approximately $2.0 billion.  In addition, we have guaranteed certain construction and other obligations relative to certain joint venture development projects; however, we do not expect that its obligations under such guarantees will be material if called upon.

·      Leasing Commitments.  We have entered into leases, as lessee, in connection with ground leases for shopping centers which we operate and our administrative office space.  These leases are accounted for as operating leases.  The minimum annual rental commitments for these leases during the next five fiscal years and thereafter are approximately as follows (dollars in thousands):

Year

 

 

 

 

 

2007 (remaining nine months)

 

$

2,806

 

2008

 

3,465

 

2009

 

3,384

 

2010

 

3,220

 

2011

 

3,119

 

Thereafter

 

41,669

 

 

As discussed in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements above, we also have a potential contingent obligation in connection with a specific tenant litigation for which we have reserved approximately $4.8 million as of March 31, 2007.  There can be no assurance as to the final outcome of this litigation and whether it will exceed or fall short of the amount reserved; however, we believe that the amount of the loss in excess of the reserve is adequate.

For a discussion of other factors which may adversely affect our liquidity and capital resources, please see the section titled “Risk Factors” in Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006.

Inflation

The majority of our leases contain provisions designed to mitigate the adverse impact of inflation.  Such provisions contain clauses enabling us to receive percentage rents, which generally increase as prices rise but may be adversely impacted by tenant sales decreases, and/or escalation clauses which are typically related to increases in the consumer price index or similar inflation indices.  In addition, we believe that many of our existing lease rates are below current market levels for comparable space and that upon renewal or re-rental such rates may be increased to be consistent with, or get closer to, current market rates.  This belief is based upon an analysis of relevant market conditions, including a comparison of comparable market rental rates, and upon the fact that many of our leases have been in place for a number of years and may not contain escalation clauses sufficient to match the increase in market rental rates over such time.  Most of our leases require the tenant to pay its share of operating expenses, including common area maintenance, real estate taxes and insurance, thereby reducing our exposure to increases in costs and operating expenses resulting from inflation.  In addition, we periodically evaluate our exposure to interest rate fluctuations, and may enter into interest rate protection agreements which mitigate, but do not eliminate, the effect of changes in interest rates on our floating rate loans.

In the normal course of business, we also face risks that are either non-financial or non-qualitative.  Such risks principally include credit risks and legal risks.

Item 3.           Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

As of March 31, 2007, we had approximately $9.1 million of outstanding floating rate mortgages.  We also had approximately $269.0 million outstanding under our floating rate Credit Agreements.  We do not believe that the interest rate risk represented by our floating rate debt is material as of March 31, 2007, in relation to our approximately $1.9 billion of outstanding total debt, our approximately $3.6 billion of total assets and our approximately $5.6 billion total market capitalization as of that date.  In addition, as discussed below, we have converted $65.0 million of fixed rate borrowings to floating rate borrowings through the use of hedging agreements.

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On August 2, 2006, we entered into two forward starting interest rate swap agreements, each for $75.0 million in notional amount.  One of the swaps is expected to be used to hedge the risk of changes in interest cash outflows on fixed rate 10-year borrowings/financings that we anticipate issuing between February 1, 2007 and October 31, 2007 by effectively locking the three-month LIBOR swap rate.  This swap terminates on June 15, 2017.  The other swap is expected to be used to hedge the risk of changes in interest cash outflows on fixed rate 10-year borrowings/financings that we anticipate issuing between February 1, 2008 and October 31, 2008 by effectively locking the three-month LIBOR swap rate.  This swap terminates on June 4, 2018.

As of March 31, 2007, we had entered into two reverse arrears swap agreements.   The two reverse arrears swap agreements effectively convert the interest rate on $65.0 million of the debt from a fixed rate to a blended floating rate of 30 basis points over the six-month LIBOR rate.  These two swaps will terminate on February 1, 2011.

Hedging agreements may expose us to the risk that the counterparties to these agreements may not perform, which could increase our exposure to fluctuating interest rates.  Generally, the counterparties to hedging agreements that we enter into are major financial institutions.  We may borrow additional money with floating interest rates in the future.  Increases in interest rates, or the loss of the benefit of existing or future hedging agreements, would increase our expense, which would adversely affect cash flow and our ability to service our debt.  Future increases in interest rates will increase our interest expense as compared to the fixed rate debt underlying our hedging agreements and we could be required to make payments to unwind such agreements.

If market rates of interest on our variable rate debt increase by 1%, the increase in annual interest expense on our variable rate debt would decrease future earnings and cash flows by approximately $3.4 million.  If market rates of interest on our variable rate debt decrease by 1%, the decrease in interest expense on our variable rate debt would increase future earnings and cash flows by approximately $3.4 million.  This assumes that the amount outstanding under our variable rate debt remains at approximately $343.1 million (including the impact of $65.0 million in reverse arrears swap agreements), the balance as of March 31, 2007.  If market rates of interest increase by 1%, the fair value of our total outstanding debt would decrease by approximately $69.4 million.  If market rates of interest decrease by 1%, the fair value of our total outstanding debt would increase by approximately $74.6 million. This assumes that our total debt outstanding remains at approximately $1.9 billion, the balance as of March 31, 2007.

As of March 31, 2007, we had no material exposure to market risk (including foreign currency exchange risk, commodity price risk or equity price risk).

Item 4.            Controls and Procedures

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

An evaluation was performed under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a–15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) as of the end of the period covered by this report.  Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer concluded that these disclosure controls and procedures were effective.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

There has been no change in our internal control over financial reporting during our most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

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PART II — OTHER INFORMATION

Item 6.            Exhibits

2.1*

 

Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated February 27, 2007, by and among New Plan Excel Realty Trust, Inc., Excel Realty Partners, L.P., Centro NP LLC, Super MergerSub Inc., and Super DownREIT MergerSub LLC, filed as Exhibit 2.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on March 2, 2007.

 

 

 

10.1

 

Extension of Term of Employment Agreement, dated as of February 26, 2007, by and between the Company and Leonard Brumberg.

 

 

 

10.2

 

Extension of Term of Employment Agreement, dated as of February 26, 2007, by and between the Company and Michael Carroll.

 

 

 

10.3

 

Agreement, dated as of February 27, 2007, by and between the Company and Glenn Rufrano.

 

 

 

10.4

 

Agreement, dated as of February 27, 2007, by and between the Company and Michael Carroll.

 

 

 

10.5

 

Agreement, dated as of February 27, 2007, by and between the Company and John Roche.

 

 

 

10.6

 

Agreement, dated as of February 27, 2007, by and between the Company and Steven Siegel.

 

 

 

10.7

 

Agreement, dated as of February 27, 2007, by and between the Company and Leonard Brumberg.

 

 

 

10.8

 

Agreement, dated as of February 27, 2007, by and between the Company and Dean Bernstein.

 

 

 

12.1

 

Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges.

 

 

 

12.2

 

Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges and Preferred Stock Dividends.

 

 

 

31.1

 

Certification of Chief Executive Officer required by Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) under the Exchange Act, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

 

 

31.2

 

Certification of Chief Financial Officer required by Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) under the Exchange Act, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

 

 

32.1

 

Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.


*  Incorporated herein by reference as above indicated.

†  Denotes a management contract or compensatory plan, contract or arrangement.

 

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SIGNATURES

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

Dated: May 9, 2007

  

 

NEW PLAN EXCEL REALTY TRUST, INC.

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

By:

 

/s/ Glenn J. Rufrano

  

 

  

 

Glenn J. Rufrano

  

 

  

 

Chief Executive Officer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

By:

 

/s/ John B. Roche

  

 

  

 

John B. Roche

  

 

  

 

Chief Financial Officer

  

 

  

 

(Principal Financial Officer)