|
|
![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
| |||||||||
DCT Industrial Trust 10-K 2008 Documents found in this filing:
Table of Contents
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 Form 10-K (Mark one) [X] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007 OR [ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the transition period from to Commission File Number 001-33201 DCT INDUSTRIAL TRUST INC. (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Registrants Telephone Number, Including Area Code: (303) 597-2400 Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: none Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined by Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes [X] No [ ] Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes [ ] No [X] Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes [X] No [ ] Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrants knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. [ ] Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of large accelerated filer, accelerated filer and smaller reporting company in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes [ ] No [X] As of June 30, 2007, the aggregate market value of the 168.1 million shares of voting and non-voting common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant was $1.8 billion based on the closing sale price of $10.76 as reported on the New York Stock Exchange on June 29, 2007. (For this computation, the registrant has excluded the market value of all shares of Common Stock reported as beneficially owned by executive officers and directors of the registrant; such exclusion shall not be deemed to constitute an admission that any such person is an affiliate of the registrant.) As of February 15, 2008 there were 168,518,896 Common Stock outstanding.
Documents Incorporated by Reference Portions of the registrants definitive proxy statement to be issued in conjunction with the registrants annual meeting of stockholders to be held May 20, 2008 are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Annual Report.
Table of ContentsDCT INDUSTRIAL TRUST INC. ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K For the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2007
Table of ContentsFORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS We make statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K (Annual Report) that are considered forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act, which are usually identified by the use of words such as anticipates, believes, estimates, expects, intends, may, plans, projects, seeks, should, will, and variations of such words or similar expressions. We intend these forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and are including this statement for purposes of complying with those safe harbor provisions. These forward-looking statements reflect our current views about our plans, intentions, expectations, strategies and prospects, which are based on the information currently available to us and on assumptions we have made. Although we believe that our plans, intentions, expectations, strategies and prospects as reflected in or suggested by those forward-looking statements are reasonable, we can give no assurance that the plans, intentions, expectations or strategies will be attained or achieved. Furthermore, actual results may differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements and will be affected by a variety of risks and factors that are beyond our control including, without limitation:
In addition, our current and continuing qualification as a real estate investment trust, or REIT, involves the application of highly technical and complex provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, or the Code, and depends on our ability to meet the various requirements imposed by the Code through actual operating results, distribution levels and diversity of stock ownership. We assume no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. The reader should carefully review our financial statements and the notes thereto, as well as the section entitled Risk Factors in this Annual Report.
1
Table of ContentsPART I
The Company DCT Industrial Trust Inc. is a leading industrial real estate company that owns, operates and develops high-quality bulk distribution and light industrial properties in high-volume distribution markets in the U.S. and Mexico. The Company owns or manages more than 74 million square feet of assets leased to approximately 850 corporate customers, including 11 million square feet managed on behalf of three institutional joint venture partners. We were formed as a Maryland corporation in April 2002 and have elected to be treated as a real estate investment trust (REIT) for United States (U.S.) federal income tax purposes commencing with our taxable year ended December 31, 2003. We are structured as an umbrella partnership REIT under which substantially all of our current and future business is, and will be, conducted through a majority owned and controlled subsidiary, DCT Industrial Operating Partnership LP (our operating partnership), a Delaware limited partnership, for which DCT Industrial Trust Inc. is the sole general partner. As used herein, DCT Industrial Trust, DCT, the Company, we, our and us refer to DCT Industrial Trust Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries and partnerships except where the context otherwise requires. As of October 10, 2006, we became a self-administered and self-advised REIT. We refer to this transaction as the Internalization (see the additional description of the Internalization including the reevaluation of the accounting treatment for the Internalization in Note 14 to our Consolidated Financial Statements). Available Information Our Annual Report on Form 10-K, our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, our Current Reports on Form 8-K and any amendments to any of those reports that we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission are available free of charge as soon as reasonably practicable through our website at www.dctindustrial.com. The information contained on our website is not incorporated into this Annual Report. Our Common Stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol DCT. Governance On May 22, 2007, Philip L. Hawkins, our Chief Executive Officer, submitted to the New York Stock Exchange the Annual CEO Certification required by Section 303A of the Corporate Governance Rules of the NYSE certifying that he was not aware of any violation by us of NYSE corporate governance listing standards. Business Overview Our properties primarily consist of high-quality, generic bulk distribution warehouses and light industrial properties leased to corporate tenants. The properties we target for acquisition or development are generally characterized by convenient access to major transportation arteries, proximity to densely populated markets and quality design standards that allow for reconfiguration of space. We seek long-term earnings growth primarily through increasing rents and operating income at existing properties, acquiring and developing additional high-quality properties in major distribution markets, increasing fee revenues from our institutional capital management program, and generating profits from our development activities. In addition, we may recycle our capital by selling assets and contributing assets to our joint ventures, funds or other commingled investment vehicles with institutional partners. In the future, we intend to continue to focus on properties that exhibit these characteristics in U.S. markets as well as Mexico, where we believe we can achieve favorable returns and leverage our expertise. As of December 31, 2007, we owned interests in, or managed, 448 industrial real estate buildings comprised of approximately 74.4 million square feet. Our portfolio of consolidated operating properties included 382 industrial real estate buildings, which consisted of 222 bulk distribution properties, 118 light industrial properties and 42 service center properties comprised of approximately 53.6 million square feet. Our portfolio of 382 consolidated
2
Table of Contentsoperating properties was 94.0% occupied as of December 31, 2007. As of December 31, 2007, we also consolidated ten development properties and five redevelopment properties. In addition, as of December 31, 2007, we had ownership interests ranging from 10% to 20% in 32 unconsolidated properties in institutional joint ventures, or funds, comprised of approximately 11.2 million square feet, and we managed seven properties where we had no ownership interests. During the year ended December 31, 2007, we acquired 27 operating properties located in the United States and Mexico, comprised of approximately 4.7 million square feet for a total cost of approximately $221.0 million, which includes acquisition costs. Additionally, during the year ended December 31, 2007, we disposed of a total of 19 operating properties comprised of approximately 5.9 million square feet, and one 499,000 square foot development property. We sold five properties comprised of approximately 788,000 square feet to unrelated third parties for total gross proceeds of approximately $76.1 million, which resulted in a gain of approximately $12.1 million. The remaining 15 properties comprised of approximately 5.6 million square feet were contributed to institutional joint ventures in which we retain ownership interests for a total contribution value of approximately $290.1 million. Including holdings in our consolidated and unconsolidated joint ventures, we had five development properties in five markets comprised of approximately 2.6 million square feet that were shell-complete and in lease-up phase as of December 31, 2007, with approximately 0.8 million square feet leased. We had 17 buildings under construction, including four properties in Mexico related to forward purchase commitments comprised of approximately 4.7 million square feet with approximately 0.6 million square feet pre-leased. In addition, including our joint ventures, we own approximately 322 acres of land that that we believe can support the development of approximately five million square feet and have options to control approximately 4,000 additional acres. The largest component of this land bank is held by our unconsolidated joint venture, referred to as the SCLA joint venture, which owns or controls approximately 4,350 acres of land, that are entitled for industrial development, surrounding the Southern California Logistics Airport (SCLA) located in the Inland Empire submarket of Southern California. Phase I of this project, representing approximately 356 acres acquired in 2006, is expected to support approximately 6.3 million square feet of development. As of December 31, 2007, we had commenced development of approximately 926,000 square feet, of which one 408,000 square foot building pre-leased to Newell Rubbermaid was completed and occupied during the third quarter of 2007. Through various master development agreements, the joint venture has the exclusive rights to develop this project through 2019. We have a stable, broadly diversified tenant base. As of December 31, 2007, our consolidated and unconsolidated operating properties had leases with approximately 850 customers with no single customer accounting for more than 2.9% of the total annualized base rents for these properties. Our ten largest customers occupy 17.5% of our leased consolidated and unconsolidated operating properties based on occupied square feet and account for 14.6% of our annualized base rent for these properties. We intend to maintain a well-diversified mix of tenants to limit our exposure to any single tenant or industry. We believe that our broad national presence in the top U.S. distribution markets provides geographic diversity and is attractive to users of distribution space which allows us to build strong relationships with our tenants. Furthermore, we are actively engaged in meeting our tenants expansion, consolidation and relocation requirements. Our primary business objectives are to maximize sustainable long-term growth in earnings and Funds From Operations, or FFO (see definition in Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations Liquidity and Capital Resources below), and to maximize total return to our stockholders. In our pursuit of these objectives, we will:
3
Table of Contents
In order to achieve these objectives, we have raised capital through common stock issuances, our operating partnerships private placement (see Note 8 to our Consolidated Financial Statements) and issued and assumed debt, while maintaining a conservative leverage ratio. Prior to October 10, 2006, our day-to-day operations were managed by Dividend Capital Advisors LLC, or our Former Advisor, under the supervision of our board of directors pursuant to the terms and conditions of an advisory agreement with our Former Advisor. On October 10, 2006, our operating partnership acquired our Former Advisor in the transaction we refer to as the Internalization. As a result of the Internalization, we became a self-administered and self-advised REIT, as our Former Advisor is now our wholly-owned subsidiary, and we ceased to incur the cost of the advisory fees and other amounts payable under the advisory agreement. Our principal executive office is located at 518 Seventeenth Street, Suite 1700, Denver, Colorado 80202; our telephone number is (303) 597-2400. We also maintain regional offices in Atlanta, Georgia; and Dallas, Texas. Our website address is www.dctindustrial.com. Our Competitive Strengths We believe that we distinguish ourselves from other owners, operators, acquirers and developers of industrial properties through the following competitive strengths:
4
Table of Contents
Business and Growth Strategies Our primary business objectives are to maximize sustainable long-term growth in earnings and FFO and to maximize total return to our stockholders. The strategies we intend to execute to achieve these objectives include:
5
Table of Contents
Operating Segments We consider each operating property to be an individual operating segment that has similar economic characteristics with all our other operating properties. Our operating segments are aggregated into reportable segments based upon the property type: bulk distribution; and light industrial and other. See additional information in Item 2. Properties and in Item 7. Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and Note 16 to our Consolidated Financial Statements. Competition We believe the current market for industrial real estate acquisitions to be extremely competitive. We compete for real property investments with pension funds and their advisors, bank and insurance company investment accounts, other real estate investment trusts, real estate limited partnerships, individuals and other entities engaged in real estate investment activities, some of which have greater financial resources than we do. In addition, we believe the leasing of real estate to be highly competitive. We experience competition for customers from owners and managers of competing properties. As a result, we may have to provide free rent, incur charges for tenant improvements or offer other inducements, all of which may have an adverse impact on our results of operations. Employees As of December 31, 2007, we had 78 full-time employees.
RISKS RELATED TO OUR BUSINESS AND OPERATIONS Our investments are concentrated in the industrial real estate sector, and our business would be adversely affected by an economic downturn in that sector. Our investments in real estate assets are primarily concentrated in the industrial real estate sector. This concentration may expose us to the risk of economic downturns in this sector to a greater extent than if our business activities included a more significant portion of other sectors of the real estate industry. Our growth will partially depend upon future acquisitions of properties, and we may be unable to consummate acquisitions on advantageous terms or acquisitions may not perform as we expect. We acquire and intend to continue to acquire primarily high-quality generic bulk distribution warehouses and light industrial properties. The acquisition of properties entails various risks, including the risks that our investments may not perform as we expect, that we may be unable to quickly and efficiently integrate our new acquisitions into our existing operations and that our cost estimates for bringing an acquired property up to market standards may prove inaccurate. Further, we face significant competition for attractive investment
6
Table of Contentsopportunities from other well-capitalized real estate investors, including both publicly-traded REITs and private institutional investment funds, and these competitors may have greater financial resources than us and a greater ability to borrow funds to acquire properties. This competition increases as investments in real estate become increasingly attractive relative to other forms of investment. As a result of competition, we may be unable to acquire additional properties as we desire or the purchase price may be significantly elevated. In addition, we expect to finance future acquisitions through a combination of borrowings under our senior unsecured credit facility, proceeds from equity or debt offerings by us or our operating partnership or its subsidiaries and proceeds from property contributions and divestitures which may not be available and which could adversely affect our cash flows. Any of the above risks could adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and ability to pay distributions on, and the market price of, our common stock. We may be unable to source off-market deal flow in the future. A key component of our growth strategy is to continue to acquire additional industrial real estate assets. Properties that are acquired off-market are typically more attractive to us as a purchaser because of the absence of a formal sales process, which could lead to higher prices. If we cannot obtain off-market deal flow in the future, our ability to locate and acquire additional properties at attractive prices could be adversely affected. Our real estate development strategies may not be successful. We are involved in the construction and expansion of distribution facilities and we intend to continue to pursue development and renovation activities as opportunities arise. In addition, we have entered into joint ventures to develop, or will self-develop, additional warehouse/distribution buildings on land we already own or control, and we have rights under master development agreements to acquire additional acres of land for future development activities. We will be subject to risks associated with our development and renovation activities that could adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and ability to pay distributions on, and the market price of, our common stock, including, but not limited to:
Our institutional capital management strategy of contributing properties to joint ventures we manage may not allow us to expand our business and operations as quickly or as profitably as we desire. In general, our ability to contribute properties to joint ventures that are part of our institutional capital management program on advantageous terms will be dependent upon competition from other managers of similar
7
Table of Contentsjoint ventures, current capital market conditions, including the yield expectations for industrial properties, and other factors beyond our control. Our ability to develop and timely lease properties will impact our ability to contribute these properties. Continued access to private and public debt and equity capital by these joint ventures is necessary in order for us to pursue our strategy of contributing properties to the joint ventures. Should we not have sufficient properties available that meet the investment criteria of current or future joint ventures, or should the joint ventures have limited or no access to capital on favorable terms, then these contributions could be delayed resulting in adverse effects on our liquidity and on our ability to meet projected earnings levels in a particular reporting period. Failure to meet our projected earnings levels in a particular reporting period could have an adverse effect on our results of operations, distributable cash flows and on the value of our common stock. Further, our inability to redeploy the proceeds from our divestitures in accordance with our investment strategy could have an adverse effect on our results of operations, distributable cash flows, and our ability to meet our debt obligations in a timely manner and the value of our common stock in subsequent periods. We depend on key personnel. Our success depends to a significant degree upon the continued contributions of certain key personnel including, but not limited to, our management group, each of whom would be difficult to replace. If any of our key personnel were to cease employment with us, our operating results could suffer. Our ability to retain our management group or to attract suitable replacements should any members of the management group leave is dependent on the competitive nature of the employment market. The loss of services from key members of the management group or a limitation in their availability could adversely impact our financial condition and cash flows. Further, such a loss could be negatively perceived in the capital markets. We have not obtained and do not expect to obtain key man life insurance on any of our key personnel. We also believe that, as we expand, our future success depends, in large part, upon our ability to hire and retain highly skilled managerial, investment, financing, operational and marketing personnel. Competition for such personnel is intense, and we cannot assure our stockholders that we will be successful in attracting and retaining such skilled personnel. Our operating results and financial condition could be adversely affected if we do not continue to have access to capital on favorable terms. As a REIT, we must meet certain annual distribution requirements. Consequently, we are largely dependent on external capital to fund our development and acquisition activities. Further, in order to maintain our REIT status and avoid the payment of income and excise taxes, we may need to borrow funds on a short-term basis to meet the REIT distribution requirements even if the then-prevailing market conditions are not favorable for these borrowings. These short-term borrowing needs could result from differences in timing between the actual receipt of cash and inclusion of income for U.S. federal income tax purposes or the effect of non-deductible capital expenditures, the creation of reserves or required debt or amortization payments. Additionally, our ability to access capital is dependent upon a number of factors, including general market conditions and competition from other real estate companies. To the extent that capital is not available to acquire or develop properties, profits may not be realized or their realization may be delayed, which could result in an earnings stream that is less predictable than some of our competitors and result in us not meeting our projected earnings and distributable cash flow levels in a particular reporting period. Failure to meet our projected earnings and distributable cash flow levels in a particular reporting period could have an adverse effect on our financial condition and on the market price of our common stock. Actions of our joint venture partners could negatively impact our performance. Our organizational documents do not limit the amount of available funds that we may invest in partnerships, limited liability companies or joint ventures, and we intend to continue to develop and acquire properties through joint ventures, limited liability companies and partnerships with other persons or entities when warranted by the
8
Table of Contentscircumstances. Such partners may share certain approval rights over major decisions. Such investments may involve risks not otherwise present with other methods of investment in real estate, including, but not limited to:
We generally seek to maintain sufficient control of our partnerships, limited liability companies and joint ventures to permit us to achieve our business objectives; however, we may not be able to do so, and the occurrence of one or more of the events described above could adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and ability to pay distributions on, and the market price of, our common stock. If we invest in a limited partnership as a general partner we could be responsible for all liabilities of such partnership. In some joint ventures or other investments we may make, if the entity in which we invest is a limited partnership, we may acquire all or a portion of our interest in such partnership as a general partner. As a general partner, we could be liable for all the liabilities of such partnership. Additionally, we may be required to take our interests in other investments as a non-managing general partner. Consequently, we would be potentially liable for all such liabilities without having the same rights of management or control over the operation of the partnership as the managing general partner or partners may have. Therefore, we may be held responsible for all of the liabilities of an entity in which we do not have full management rights or control, and our liability may far exceed the amount or value of the investment we initially made or then had in the partnership. Investment in us may be subject to additional risks relating to our international investments. We have expanded our operations into markets in Mexico and may expand our operations into additional selected international markets in the future. Our foreign operations could be affected by factors peculiar to the laws and business practices of the jurisdictions in which the properties are located. These laws may expose us to risks that are different from and in addition to those commonly found in the United States. Foreign operations could be subject to the following risks:
9
Table of Contents
The availability and timing of cash distributions is uncertain. We expect to continue to pay quarterly distributions to our stockholders. However, we bear all expenses incurred by our operations, and our funds generated by operations, after deducting these expenses, may not be sufficient to cover desired levels of distributions to our stockholders. In addition, our board of directors, in its discretion, may retain any portion of such cash for working capital. We cannot assure our stockholders that sufficient funds will be available to pay distributions. We may have difficulty funding our distributions with our available cash flows. As a growing company, to date we have funded our quarterly distributions to investors with available cash flows and, to a lesser extent, with borrowings under our senior credit facility and other borrowings. Our corporate strategy is to fund the payment of quarterly distributions to our stockholders entirely from available cash flows. However, we may continue to fund our quarterly distributions to investors from a combination of available cash flows and proceeds from borrowings. In the event we are unable to consistently fund future quarterly distributions to investors entirely from available cash flows, net of recurring capital expenditures, the value of our shares may be negatively impacted. Adverse economic and geopolitical conditions could negatively affect our returns and profitability. Among others, the following market and economic challenges may adversely affect our operating results:
Our operations could be negatively affected to the extent that an economic downturn is prolonged or becomes more severe. Events or occurrences that affect areas in which our properties are geographically concentrated may impact financial results. In addition to general, regional, national and international economic conditions, our operating performance is impacted by the economic conditions of the specific markets in which we have concentrations of properties. We
10
Table of Contentshave significant holdings in the following markets of our consolidated portfolio: Atlanta, Cincinnati, Columbus, Dallas and Memphis. Our operating performance could be adversely affected if conditions become less favorable in any of the markets in which we have a concentration of properties. Our business could be adversely impacted if we have deficiencies in our disclosure controls and procedures or internal control over financial reporting. The design and effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting may not prevent all errors, misstatements or misrepresentations. While management will continue to review the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting, there can be no guarantee that our internal control over financial reporting will be effective in accomplishing all control objectives all of the time. Deficiencies, including any material weakness, in our internal control over financial reporting which may occur in the future could result in misstatements of our results of operations, restatements of our financial statements, a decline in our stock price, or otherwise materially adversely affect our business, reputation, results of operations, financial condition or liquidity. RISKS RELATED TO CONFLICTS OF INTEREST We may compete with our affiliates for properties. Although we became self-advised in connection with the Internalization, we are still subject to certain conflicts of interest. Certain of our affiliates could seek to acquire properties that could satisfy our acquisition criteria. While certain of our current and former affiliates have agreed not to engage in activities within North America relating to the ownership, acquisition, development or management of industrial properties until October 10, 2009, such agreements are subject to certain exceptions. As such, we may encounter situations where we would be bidding against an affiliate or teaming with an affiliate for a joint bid. We may invest in, or co-invest with, our affiliates. We may invest in, or co-invest with, joint ventures or other programs sponsored by affiliates of two of our directors, Tom Wattles and James Mulvihill, including those pursuant to our joint ventures with DCTRT. The independent directors of our investment committee must approve any such transaction and Messrs. Wattles and Mulvihill will each abstain from voting as directors on any transactions we enter into with their affiliates. Managements recommendation to our investment committee may be affected by its relationship with one or more of the co-venturers. In addition, we may not seek to enforce the agreements relating to such transactions as vigorously as we otherwise might because of our desire to maintain our relationships with these directors. Our UPREIT structure may result in potential conflicts of interest. As of December 31, 2007, we owned 82% of the units of limited partnership interest in our operating partnership, or OP Units, DCAG owned 7% of the OP Units (and certain of our officers and directors, through their membership interests in and/or rights to receive a portion of the net cash flows, or cash flow interests, of DCAG, indirectly beneficially owned 2% of the OP Units) and certain unaffiliated limited partners owned the remaining 11% of the OP Units. Persons holding OP Units in our operating partnership have the right to vote on certain amendments to the limited partnership agreement of our operating partnership, as well as on certain other matters. Persons holding such voting rights may exercise them in a manner that conflicts with the interests of our stockholders. Furthermore, circumstances may arise in the future when the interest of limited partners in our operating partnership may conflict with the interests of our stockholders. For example, the timing and terms of dispositions of properties held by our operating partnership may result in tax consequences to certain limited partners and not to our stockholders.
11
Table of ContentsGENERAL REAL ESTATE RISKS Our performance and value are subject to general economic conditions and risks associated with our real estate assets. The investment returns available from equity investments in real estate depend on the amount of income earned and capital appreciation generated by the properties, as well as the expenses incurred in connection with the properties. If our properties do not generate income sufficient to meet operating expenses, including debt service and capital expenditures, then our ability to pay distributions to our stockholders could be adversely affected. In addition, there are significant expenditures associated with an investment in real estate (such as mortgage payments, real estate taxes and maintenance costs) that generally do not decline when circumstances reduce the income from the property. Income from and the value of our properties may be adversely affected by:
In addition, periods of economic slowdown or recession, rising interest rates or declining demand for real estate, or public perception that any of these events may occur, would result in a general decrease in rents or an increased occurrence of defaults under existing leases, which would adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations. Future terrorist attacks may result in declining economic activity, which could reduce the demand for, and the value of, our properties. To the extent that future attacks impact our tenants, their businesses similarly could be adversely affected, including their ability to continue to honor their existing leases. For these and other reasons, we cannot assure our stockholders that we will be profitable or that we will realize growth in the value of our real estate properties. Actions by our competitors may decrease or prevent increases in the occupancy and rental rates of our properties. We compete with other developers, owners and operators of real estate, some of which own properties similar to ours in the same markets and submarkets in which our properties are located. If our competitors offer space at rental rates below current market rates or below the rental rates we currently charge our tenants, we may lose
12
Table of Contentspotential tenants, and we may be pressured to reduce our rental rates below those we currently charge in order to retain tenants when our tenants leases expire. As a result, our financial condition, cash flows, cash available for distribution, trading price of our common stock and ability to satisfy our debt service obligations could be materially adversely affected. We are dependent on tenants for our revenues. Our operating results and distributable cash flows would be adversely affected if a significant number of our tenants were unable to meet their lease obligations. In addition, certain of our properties are occupied by a single tenant. As a result, the success of those properties will depend on the financial stability of a single tenant. Lease payment defaults by tenants could cause us to reduce the amount of distributions to stockholders. A default by a tenant on its lease payments could force us to find an alternative source of revenues to pay any mortgage loan on the property. In the event of a tenant default, we may experience delays in enforcing our rights as landlord and may incur substantial costs, including litigation and related expenses, in protecting our investment and re-leasing our property. If a lease is terminated, we may be unable to lease the property for the rent previously received or sell the property without incurring a loss. Our ability to renew leases or re-lease space on favorable terms as leases expire significantly affects our business. Our results of operations, distributable cash flows and the value of our common stock would be adversely affected if we are unable to lease, on economically favorable terms, a significant amount of space in our operating properties. The number of vacant or partially vacant industrial properties in a market or submarket could adversely affect both our ability to re-lease the space and the rental rates that can be obtained. A property that incurs a vacancy could be difficult to sell or re-lease. A property may incur a vacancy either by the continued default of a tenant under its lease or the expiration of one of our leases. In addition, certain of the properties we acquire may have some level of vacancy at the time of closing. Certain of our properties may be specifically suited to the particular needs of a tenant. We may have difficulty obtaining a new tenant for any vacant space we have in our properties. If the vacancy continues for a long period of time, we may suffer reduced revenues resulting in less cash available to be distributed to stockholders. In addition, the resale value of a property could be diminished because the market value of a particular property will depend principally upon the value of the leases of such property. We may not have funding for future tenant improvements. When a tenant at one of our properties does not renew its lease or otherwise vacates its space in one of our buildings, it is likely that, in order to attract one or more new tenants, we will be required to expend funds to construct new tenant improvements in the vacated space. Although we intend to manage our cash position or financing availability to pay for any improvements required for re-leasing, we cannot assure our stockholders that we will have adequate sources of funding available to us for such purposes in the future. If our tenants are highly leveraged, they may have a higher possibility of filing for bankruptcy or insolvency. Of our tenants that experience downturns in their operating results due to adverse changes to their business or economic conditions, those that are highly leveraged may have a higher possibility of filing for bankruptcy or insolvency. In bankruptcy or insolvency, a tenant may have the option of vacating a property instead of paying rent. Until such a property is released from bankruptcy, our revenues would be reduced and could cause us to reduce distributions to stockholders. We may have highly leveraged tenants in the future. The fact that real estate investments are not as liquid as other types of assets may reduce economic returns to investors. Real estate investments are not as liquid as other types of investments, and this lack of liquidity may limit our ability to react promptly to changes in economic or other conditions. In addition, significant expenditures
13
Table of Contentsassociated with real estate investments, such as mortgage payments, real estate taxes and maintenance costs, are generally not reduced when circumstances cause a reduction in income from the investments. In addition, we intend to comply with the safe harbor rules relating to the number of properties that can be disposed of in a year, the tax bases and the costs of improvements made to these properties, and meet other tests which enable a REIT to avoid punitive taxation on the sale of assets. Thus, our ability at any time to sell assets or contribute assets to property funds or other entities in which we have an ownership interest may be restricted. This lack of liquidity may limit our ability to vary our portfolio promptly in response to changes in economic or other conditions and, as a result, could adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and our ability to pay distributions on, and the market price of, our common stock. Delays in acquisition and development of properties may have adverse effects. Delays we encounter in the selection, acquisition and development of properties could adversely affect our returns. Where properties are acquired prior to the start of construction, it will typically take 12 to 18 months to complete construction and lease available space. Therefore, there could be delays in the payment of cash distributions attributable to those particular properties. Development and construction of properties may incur delays and increased costs and risks. In connection with our development strategy, we may acquire raw land upon which we will develop and construct improvements at a fixed contract price. In any such projects we will be subject to risks relating to the builders ability to control construction costs or to build in conformity with plans, specifications and timetables. The builders failure to perform may result in legal action by us to rescind the purchase or construction contract or to enforce the builders obligations. Performance may also be affected or delayed by conditions beyond the builders control. Delays in completion of construction could also give tenants the right to terminate preconstruction leases for space at a newly developed project. We may incur additional risks when we make periodic progress payments or other advances to such builders prior to completion of construction. Each of these factors could result in increased costs of a project or loss of our investment. In addition, we will be subject to normal lease-up risks relating to newly constructed projects if they are not fully leased prior to the commencement of construction. Furthermore, the price we agree to for the land will be based on projections of rental income and expenses and estimates of construction costs as well as the fair market value of the property upon completion of construction. If our projections are inaccurate, we may pay too much for the land and fail to achieve our forecast of returns due to the factors discussed above. Acquired properties may be located in new markets where we may face risks associated with investing in an unfamiliar market. We have acquired, and may continue to acquire, properties in markets that are new to us. When we acquire properties located in these markets, we may face risks associated with a lack of market knowledge or understanding of the local economy, forging new business relationships in the area and unfamiliarity with local government and permitting procedures. We work to mitigate such risks through extensive diligence and research and associations with experienced partners; however, there can be no guarantee that all such risks will be eliminated. Uninsured losses relating to real property may adversely affect our returns. We attempt to ensure that all of our properties are adequately insured to cover casualty losses. However, there are certain losses, including losses from floods, earthquakes, acts of war, acts of terrorism or riots, that are not generally insured against or that are not generally fully insured against because it is not deemed economically feasible or prudent to do so. In addition, changes in the cost or availability of insurance could expose us to uninsured casualty losses. In the event that any of our properties incurs a casualty loss that is not fully covered by insurance, the value of our assets will be reduced by the amount of any such uninsured loss, and we could experience a significant loss of capital invested and potential revenues in these properties and could potentially remain obligated under any recourse debt associated with the property. Moreover, as the general partner of our
14
Table of Contentsoperating partnership, we generally will be liable for all of our operating partnerships unsatisfied recourse obligations, including any obligations incurred by our operating partnership as the general partner of joint ventures. Any such losses could adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and ability to pay distributions on, and the market price of, our common stock. In addition, we may have no source of funding to repair or reconstruct the damaged property, and we cannot assure that any such sources of funding will be available to us for such purposes in the future. A number of our consolidated operating properties are located in areas that are known to be subject to earthquake activity. Properties located in active seismic areas include properties in Northern California, Southern California, Memphis, Seattle and Mexico. We carry replacement-cost earthquake insurance on all of our properties located in areas historically subject to seismic activity, subject to coverage limitations and deductibles that we believe are commercially reasonable. We evaluate our earthquake insurance coverage annually in light of current industry practice through an analysis prepared by outside consultants. A number of our properties are located in Miami and Orlando, which are areas that are known to be subject to hurricane and/or flood risk. We carry replacement-cost hurricane and flood hazard insurance on all of our properties located in areas historically subject to such activity, subject to coverage limitations and deductibles that we believe are commercially reasonable. We evaluate our insurance coverage annually in light of current industry practice through an analysis prepared by outside consultants. Contingent or unknown liabilities could adversely affect our financial condition. We have acquired, and may in the future acquire, properties, or may have previously owned properties, subject to liabilities and without any recourse, or with only limited recourse, with respect to unknown liabilities. As a result, if a liability were asserted against us based upon ownership of any of these entities or properties, then we might have to pay substantial sums to settle it, which could adversely affect our cash flows. Unknown liabilities with respect to entities or properties acquired might include:
Environmentally hazardous conditions may adversely affect our operating results. Under various federal, state and local environmental laws, a current or previous owner or operator of real property may be liable for the cost of removing or remediating hazardous or toxic substances on such property. Such laws often impose liability whether or not the owner or operator knew of, or was responsible for, the presence of such hazardous or toxic substances. Even if more than one person may have been responsible for the contamination, each person covered by the environmental laws may be held responsible for all of the clean-up costs incurred. In addition, third parties may sue the owner or operator of a site for damages based on personal injury, natural resources or property damage or other costs, including investigation and clean-up costs, resulting from the environmental contamination. The presence of hazardous or toxic substances on one of our properties, or the failure to properly remediate a contaminated property, could give rise to a lien in favor of the government for costs it may incur to address the contamination, or otherwise adversely affect our ability to sell or lease the property or borrow using the property as collateral. Environmental laws also may impose restrictions on the manner in which property may be used or businesses may be operated. A property owner who violates environmental laws may be subject to sanctions which may be enforced by governmental agencies or, in certain circumstances, private parties. In connection with the acquisition and ownership of our properties, we may be exposed to such costs. The cost of defending against environmental claims, of compliance with environmental regulatory requirements or of remediating any contaminated property could materially adversely affect our business, assets or results of operations and, consequently, amounts available for distribution to our stockholders.
15
Table of ContentsEnvironmental laws in the U.S. also require that owners or operators of buildings containing asbestos properly manage and maintain the asbestos, adequately inform or train those who may come into contact with asbestos and undertake special precautions, including removal or other abatement, in the event that asbestos is disturbed during building renovation or demolition. These laws may impose fines and penalties on building owners or operators who fail to comply with these requirements and may allow third parties to seek recovery from owners or operators for personal injury associated with exposure to asbestos. Some of our properties may contain asbestos-containing building materials. We invest in properties historically used for industrial, manufacturing and commercial purposes. Some of these properties contain, or may have contained, underground storage tanks for the storage of petroleum products and other hazardous or toxic substances. All of these operations create a potential for the release of petroleum products or other hazardous or toxic substances. Some of our properties are adjacent to or near other properties that have contained or currently contain underground storage tanks used to store petroleum products or other hazardous or toxic substances. In addition, certain of our properties are on or are adjacent to or near other properties upon which others, including former owners or tenants of our properties, have engaged, or may in the future engage, in activities that may release petroleum products or other hazardous or toxic substances. We maintain a portfolio environmental insurance policy that provides coverage for potential environmental liabilities, subject to the policys coverage conditions and limitations, for most of our properties. From time to time, we may acquire properties, or interests in properties, with known adverse environmental conditions where we believe that the environmental liabilities associated with these conditions are quantifiable and that the acquisition will yield a superior risk-adjusted return. In such an instance, we underwrite the costs of environmental investigation, clean-up and monitoring into the cost. Further, in connection with property dispositions, we may agree to remain responsible for, and to bear the cost of, remediating or monitoring certain environmental conditions on the properties. All of our properties were subject to a Phase I or similar environmental assessment by independent environmental consultants at the time of acquisition. Phase I assessments are intended to discover and evaluate information regarding the environmental condition of the surveyed property and surrounding properties. Phase I assessments generally include a historical review, a public records review, an investigation of the surveyed site and surrounding properties, and preparation and issuance of a written report, but do not include soil sampling or subsurface investigations and typically do not include an asbestos survey. While some of these assessments have led to further investigation and sampling, none of our environmental assessments of our properties have revealed an environmental liability that we believe would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations taken as a whole. However, we cannot give any assurance that such conditions do not exist or may not arise in the future. Material environmental conditions, liabilities or compliance concerns may arise after the environmental assessment has been completed. Moreover, there can be no assurance that (i) future laws, ordinances or regulations will not impose any material environmental liability or (ii) the current environmental condition of our properties will not be affected by tenants, by the condition of land or operations in the vicinity of our properties (such as releases from underground storage tanks), or by third parties unrelated to us. Costs of complying with governmental laws and regulations may adversely affect our income and the cash available for any distributions. All real property and the operations conducted on real property are subject to federal, state and local laws and regulations relating to environmental protection and human health and safety. Tenants ability to operate and to generate income to pay their lease obligations may be affected by permitting and compliance obligations arising under such laws and regulations. Some of these laws and regulations may impose joint and several liability on tenants, owners or operators for the costs to investigate or remediate contaminated properties, regardless of fault or whether the acts causing the contamination were legal. Leasing properties to tenants that engage in industrial, manufacturing, and commercial activities will cause us to be subject to the risk of liabilities under environmental
16
Table of Contentslaws and regulations. In addition, the presence of hazardous or toxic substances, or the failure to properly remediate these substances, may adversely affect our ability to sell, rent or pledge such property as collateral for future borrowings. Some of these laws and regulations have been amended so as to require compliance with new or more stringent standards as of future dates. Compliance with new or more stringent laws or regulations or stricter interpretation of existing laws may require us to incur material expenditures. Future laws, ordinances or regulations may impose material environmental liability. Additionally, our tenants operations, the existing condition of land when we buy it, operations in the vicinity of our properties, such as the presence of underground storage tanks, or activities of unrelated third parties may affect our properties. In addition, there are various local, state and federal fire, health, life-safety and similar regulations with which we may be required to comply and which may subject us to liability in the form of fines or damages for noncompliance. Any material expenditures, fines or damages we must pay will reduce our ability to make distributions and may reduce the value of our common stock. In addition, changes in these laws and governmental regulations, or their interpretation by agencies or the courts, could occur. Compliance or failure to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act and other similar regulations could result in substantial costs. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, places of public accommodation must meet certain federal requirements related to access and use by disabled persons. Noncompliance could result in the imposition of fines by the federal government or the award of damages to private litigants. If we are required to make unanticipated expenditures to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act, including removing access barriers, then our cash flows and the amounts available for distributions to our stockholders may be adversely affected. While we believe that our properties are currently in material compliance with these regulatory requirements, the requirements may change or new requirements may be imposed that could require significant unanticipated expenditures by us that will affect our cash flows and results of operations. We own several of our properties subject to ground leases that expose us to the loss of such properties upon breach or termination of the ground leases and may limit our ability to sell these properties. We own several of our properties through leasehold interests in the land underlying the buildings and we may acquire additional buildings in the future that are subject to similar ground leases. As lessee under a ground lease, we are exposed to the possibility of losing the property upon termination, or an earlier breach by us, of the ground lease, which may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations, our ability to make distributions to our stockholders and the trading price of our common stock. Our ground leases contain certain provisions that may limit our ability to sell certain of our properties. In order to assign or transfer our rights and obligations under certain of our ground leases, we generally must obtain the consent of the landlord which, in turn, could adversely impact the price realized from any such sale. We may be unable to sell a property if or when we decide to do so, including as a result of uncertain market conditions, which could adversely affect the return on an investment in our common stock. We expect to hold the various real properties in which we invest until such time as we decide that a sale or other disposition is appropriate given our investment objectives. Our ability to dispose of properties on advantageous terms depends on factors beyond our control, including competition from other sellers and the availability of attractive financing for potential buyers of our properties. We cannot predict the various market conditions affecting real estate investments which will exist at any particular time in the future. Due to the uncertainty of market conditions which may affect the future disposition of our properties, we cannot assure our stockholders that we will be able to sell our properties at a profit in the future. Accordingly, the extent to which our stockholders will receive cash distributions and realize potential appreciation on our real estate investments will be dependent upon fluctuating market conditions.
17
Table of ContentsFurthermore, we may be required to expend funds to correct defects or to make improvements before a property can be sold. We cannot assure our stockholders that we will have funds available to correct such defects or to make such improvements. In acquiring a property, we may agree to restrictions that prohibit the sale of that property for a period of time or impose other restrictions, such as a limitation on the amount of debt that can be placed or repaid on that property. These provisions would restrict our ability to sell a property. If we sell properties and provide financing to purchasers, defaults by the purchasers would adversely affect our cash flows. If we decide to sell any of our properties, we presently intend to use our best efforts to sell them for cash. However, in some instances we may sell our properties by providing financing to purchasers. If we provide financing to purchasers, we will bear the risk that the purchaser may default, which could negatively impact our cash distributions to stockholders and result in litigation and related expenses. Even in the absence of a purchaser default, the distribution of the proceeds of sales to our stockholders, or their reinvestment in other assets, will be delayed until the promissory notes or other property we may accept upon a sale are actually paid, sold, refinanced or otherwise disposed of. We may acquire properties with lock-out provisions which may affect our ability to dispose of the properties. We may acquire properties through contracts that could restrict our ability to dispose of the property for a period of time. These lock-out provisions could affect our ability to turn our investments into cash and could affect cash available for distributions to our stockholders. Lock-out provisions could also impair our ability to take actions during the lock-out period that would otherwise be in the best interest of our stockholders and, therefore, may have an adverse impact on the value of our common stock relative to the value that would result if the lock-out provisions did not exist. RISKS RELATED TO OUR DEBT FINANCINGS Our operating results and financial condition could be adversely affected if we are unable to make required payments on our debt. Our charter and bylaws do not limit the amount or percentage of indebtedness that we may incur, and we are subject to risks normally associated with debt financing, including the risk that our cash flows will be insufficient to meet required payments of principal and interest. There can be no assurance that we will be able to refinance any maturing indebtedness, that such refinancing would be on terms as favorable as the terms of the maturing indebtedness or that we will be able to otherwise obtain funds by selling assets or raising equity to make required payments on maturing indebtedness. In particular, loans obtained to fund property acquisitions may be secured by first mortgages on such properties. If we are unable to make our debt service payments as required, a lender could foreclose on the property or properties securing its debt. This could cause us to lose part or all of our investment, which in turn could cause the value of our common stock and distributions payable to stockholders to be reduced. Certain of our existing and future indebtedness is and may be cross-collateralized and, consequently, a default on this indebtedness could cause us to lose part or all of our investment in multiple properties. Increases in interest rates could increase the amount of our debt payments and adversely affect our ability to make distributions to our stockholders. We have incurred and may continue to incur variable rate debt whereby increases in interest rates raise our interest costs, which reduces our cash flows and our ability to make distributions to our stockholders. If we are unable to refinance our indebtedness at maturity or meet our payment obligations, the amount of our distributable cash flows and our financial condition would be adversely affected, and we may lose the property securing such
18
Table of Contentsindebtedness. In addition, if we need to repay existing debt during periods of rising interest rates, we could be required to liquidate one or more of our investments in properties at times which may not permit realization of the maximum return on such investments. Covenants in our credit agreements could limit our flexibility and adversely affect our financial condition. The terms of our senior credit facilities and other indebtedness require us to comply with a number of customary financial and other covenants, such as covenants with respect to consolidated leverage, net worth and unencumbered assets. These covenants may limit our flexibility in our operations, and breaches of these covenants could result in defaults under the instruments governing the applicable indebtedness even if we have satisfied our payment obligations. As of December 31, 2007, we had certain non-recourse, secured loans which are cross-collateralized by multiple properties. If we default on any of these loans we may then be required to repay such indebtedness, together with applicable prepayment charges, to avoid foreclosure on all cross-collateralized properties within the applicable pool. In addition, our senior credit facilities contain certain cross-default provisions which are triggered in the event that our other material indebtedness is in default. These cross-default provisions may require us to repay or restructure the senior credit facilities in addition to any mortgage or other debt that is in default. If our properties were foreclosed upon, or if we are unable to refinance our indebtedness at maturity or meet our payment obligations, the amount of our distributable cash flows and our financial condition would be adversely affected. If we enter into financing arrangements involving balloon payment obligations, it may adversely affect our ability to make distributions. Some of our financing arrangements require us to make a lump-sum or balloon payment at maturity. Our ability to make a balloon payment at maturity is uncertain and may depend upon our ability to obtain additional financing or our ability to sell the property. At the time the balloon payment is due, we may or may not be able to refinance the existing financing on terms as favorable as the original loan or sell the property at a price sufficient to make the balloon payment. The effect of a refinancing or sale could affect the rate of return to stockholders and the projected time of disposition of our assets. In addition, payments of principal and interest made to service our debts may leave us with insufficient cash to pay the distributions that we are required to pay to maintain our qualification as a REIT. High interest rates may make it difficult for us to finance or refinance properties, which could reduce the number of properties we can acquire and the amount of cash distributions we can make. If debt is unavailable at reasonable rates, we may not be able to finance the purchase of properties. If we place mortgage debt on properties, we run the risk of being unable to refinance such debt when the loans come due or of being unable to refinance such debt on favorable terms. If interest rates are higher when we refinance such debt, our income could be reduced. We may be unable to refinance such debt at appropriate times, which may require us to sell properties on terms that are not advantageous to us or could result in the foreclosure of such properties. If any of these events occur, our cash flows would be reduced. This, in turn, would reduce cash available for distribution to our stockholders and may hinder our ability to raise more capital by issuing more stock or by borrowing more money. Our hedging strategies may not be successful in mitigating our risks associated with interest rates and could reduce the overall returns on investment in our common stock. We use various derivative financial instruments to provide a level of protection against interest rate risks, but no hedging strategy can protect us completely. These instruments involve risks, such as the risk that the counterparties may fail to honor their obligations under these arrangements, that these arrangements may not be effective in reducing our exposure to interest rate changes and that a court could rule that such agreements are not legally enforceable. These instruments may also generate income that may not be treated as qualifying REIT income for purposes of the 75% or 95% REIT income tests. In addition, the nature and timing of hedging transactions may influence the effectiveness of our hedging strategies. Poorly designed strategies or improperly
19
Table of Contentsexecuted transactions could actually increase our risk and losses. Moreover, hedging strategies involve transaction and other costs. We cannot assure our stockholders that our hedging strategy and the derivatives that we use will adequately offset the risk of interest rate volatility or that our hedging transactions will not result in losses that may reduce the overall return on investment in our common stock. RISKS RELATED TO OUR CORPORATE STRUCTURE Our charter and Maryland law contain provisions that may delay, defer or prevent a change of control transaction. Our charter contains a 9.8% ownership limit. Our charter, subject to certain exceptions, authorizes our directors to take such actions as are necessary and desirable to preserve our qualification as a REIT and to limit any person to actual or constructive ownership of no more than 9.8% by value or number of shares, whichever is more restrictive, of any class or series of our outstanding shares of our capital stock. Our board of directors, in its sole discretion, may exempt, subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions, any person from the ownership limit. However, our board of directors may not grant an exemption from the ownership limit to any person whose ownership, direct or indirect, in excess of 9.8% by value or number of shares of any class or series of our outstanding shares of our capital stock could jeopardize our status as a REIT. These restrictions on transferability and ownership will not apply if our board of directors determines that it is no longer in our best interests to attempt to qualify, or to continue to qualify, as a REIT. The ownership limit may delay or impede a transaction or a change of control that might involve a premium price for our common stock or otherwise be in the best interest of our stockholders. We could authorize and issue stock without stockholder approval. Our board of directors could, without stockholder approval, issue authorized but unissued shares of our common stock or preferred stock and amend our charter to increase or decrease the aggregate number of shares of stock or the number of shares of stock of any class or series that we have authority to issue. In addition, our board of directors could, without stockholder approval, classify or reclassify any unissued shares of our common stock or preferred stock and set the preferences, rights and other terms of such classified or reclassified shares. Our board of directors could establish a series of stock that could, depending on the terms of such series, delay, defer or prevent a transaction or change of control that might involve a premium price for our common stock or otherwise be in the best interest of our stockholders. Majority stockholder vote may discourage changes of control. If declared advisable by our board of directors, our stockholders may take some actions, including approving amendments to our charter, by a vote of a majority or, in certain circumstances, two thirds of the shares outstanding and entitled to vote. If approved by the holders of the appropriate number of shares, all actions taken would be binding on all of our stockholders. Some of these provisions may discourage or make it more difficult for another party to acquire control of us or to effect a change in our operations. Provisions of Maryland law may limit the ability of a third party to acquire control of our company. Certain provisions of Maryland law may have the effect of inhibiting a third party from making a proposal to acquire us or of impeding a change of control under certain circumstances that otherwise could provide the holders of shares of our common stock with the opportunity to realize a premium over the then prevailing market price of such shares, including:
20
Table of Contents
We have opted out of these provisions of Maryland law with respect to any person, provided, in the case of business combinations, that the business combination is first approved by our board of directors. However, our board of directors may opt in to the business combination provisions and the control share provisions of Maryland law in the future. Additionally, Title 8, Subtitle 3 of the Maryland General Corporation Law, or MGCL, permits our board of directors, without stockholder approval and regardless of what is currently provided in our charter or our bylaws, to implement takeover defenses, some of which (for example, a classified board) we do not currently have. These provisions may have the effect of inhibiting a third party from making an acquisition proposal for our company or of delaying, deferring or preventing a change in control of our company under circumstances that otherwise could provide the holders of our common stock with the opportunity to realize a premium over the then-current market price. Our charter, our bylaws, the limited partnership agreement of our operating partnership and Maryland law also contain other provisions that may delay, defer or prevent a transaction or a change of control that might involve a premium price for our common stock or otherwise be in the best interest of our stockholders. Our board of directors can take many actions without stockholder approval. Our board of directors has overall authority to oversee our operations and determine our major corporate policies. This authority includes significant flexibility. For example, our board of directors can do the following:
Any of these actions could increase our operating expenses, impact our ability to make distributions or reduce the value of our assets without giving our stockholders the right to vote.
21
Table of ContentsWe may change our investment and financing strategies and enter into new lines of business without stockholder consent, which may result in riskier investments than our current investments. We may change our investment and financing strategies and enter into new lines of business at any time without the consent of our stockholders, which could result in our making investments and engaging in business activities that are different from, and possibly riskier than, the investments and businesses described in this prospectus. A change in our investment strategy or our entry into new lines of business may increase our exposure to interest rate and other risks of real estate market fluctuations. Our rights and the rights of our stockholders to take action against our directors and officers are limited. Maryland law provides that a director or officer has no liability in that capacity if he or she performs his or her duties in good faith, in a manner he or she reasonably believes to be in our best interests and with the care that an ordinarily prudent person in a like position would use under similar circumstances. In addition, our charter eliminates our directors and officers liability to us and our stockholders for money damages except for liability resulting from actual receipt of an improper benefit or profit in money, property or services or active and deliberate dishonesty established by a final judgment and which is material to the cause of action. Our bylaws require us to indemnify our directors and officers to the maximum extent permitted by Maryland law for liability actually incurred in connection with any proceeding to which they may be made, or threatened to be made, a party, except to the extent that the act or omission of the director or officer was material to the matter giving rise to the proceeding and was either committed in bad faith or was the result of active and deliberate dishonesty, the director or officer actually received an improper personal benefit in money, property or services, or, in the case of any criminal proceeding, the director or officer had reasonable cause to believe that the act or omission was unlawful. As a result, we and our stockholders may have more limited rights against our directors and officers than might otherwise exist under common law. In addition, we may be obligated to fund the defense costs incurred by our directors and officers. RISKS RELATED TO OUR COMMON STOCK The existence of a large number of outstanding shares and stockholders could negatively affect our stock price. As of December 31, 2007, we had approximately 168.4 million shares of common stock issued and outstanding. All of these shares are freely tradable, although our affiliates are subject to certain volume limitations on trading under the federal securities laws. Neither we nor any third party have any control over the timing or volume of these sales. Prior to the listing on the NYSE, the shares were not listed on any national exchange, and the ability of stockholders to liquidate their investments was limited. Subsequent to the completion of our listing on the NYSE, a large volume of sales of these shares could decrease the prevailing market prices of our common stock and could impair our ability to raise additional capital through the sale of equity securities in the future. Even if a substantial number of sales are not effected, the mere perception of the possibility of these sales could depress the market price of our common stock and have a negative effect on our ability to raise capital in the future. In addition, anticipated downward pressure on our common stock price due to actual or anticipated sales of common stock from this market overhang could cause some institutions or individuals to engage in short sales of our common stock, which may itself cause the price of our stock to decline. Our distributions to stockholders may change. Distributions will be authorized and determined by our board of directors in its sole discretion from time to time and will depend upon a number of factors, including:
22
Table of Contents
Consequently, we may not continue our current level of distributions to stockholders, and our distribution levels may fluctuate. Future offerings of debt securities, which would be senior to our common stock upon liquidation, or equity securities, which would dilute our existing stockholders and may be senior to our common stock for the purposes of distributions, may adversely affect the market price of our common stock. In the future, we may attempt to increase our capital resources by making additional offerings of debt or equity securities, including commercial paper, medium-term notes, senior or subordinated notes and classes of preferred or common stock. Upon liquidation, holders of our debt securities and shares of preferred stock and lenders with respect to other borrowings will receive a distribution of our available assets prior to the holders of our common stock. Additional equity offerings may dilute the holdings of our existing stockholders or reduce the market price of our common stock or both. Because our decision to issue securities in any future offering will depend on market conditions and other factors beyond our control, we cannot predict or estimate the amount, timing or nature of our future offerings. Thus, our stockholders bear the risk of our future offerings reducing the market price of our common stock and diluting their proportionate ownership. Future sales of our common stock by DCAG or its members or other holders of cash flow interests may adversely affect the fair market value of our common stock. In the Internalization, the entire outstanding membership interest, and all economic interests, in our Former Advisor were contributed by DCAG to our operating partnership in exchange for aggregate consideration of 15,111,111 OP Units, which included the modification of the special units held by DCAG into 7,111,111 OP Units. The 15,111,111 OP Units represent approximately 7.3% of our outstanding common stock, assuming all outstanding OP Units are exchanged for shares of common stock on a one-for-one basis as of December 31, 2007. As a result of the Internalization, certain of our directors and officers received, through their membership interests and/or cash flow interests in DCAG, approximately 5.1 million of these OP Units. In addition, we have entered into a registration rights agreement with DCAG in respect of any shares of common stock acquired or otherwise owned by or issuable to DCAG or its permitted transferees upon exchange of the OP Units issued in the Internalization. In addition, DCAG had agreed not to, without our prior written consent, offer, sell, contract to sell, pledge or otherwise transfer or dispose of any of the OP Units issued in connection with the Internalization or securities convertible or exchangeable or exercisable for any such OP Units or enter into any swap, hedge or other arrangement that transfers, in whole or in part, any of the economic consequences of ownership of the OP Units issued in connection with the Internalization through January 10, 2008. Sales of a substantial number of shares of our common stock by DCAG or its members or other holders of cash flow interests, or the perception that these sales could occur, could adversely affect prevailing prices for shares of our common stock. These sales might make it more difficult for us to sell equity securities in the future at a time and price we deem appropriate. FEDERAL INCOME TAX RISKS Failure to qualify as a REIT could adversely affect our operations and our ability to make distributions. We operate in a manner so as to qualify as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Our qualification as a REIT will depend on our satisfaction of numerous requirements (some on an annual and quarterly basis) established under highly technical and complex provisions of the Code for which there are only limited judicial or administrative interpretations, and involves the determination of various factual matters and circumstances not
23
Table of Contentsentirely within our control. The fact that we hold substantially all of our assets through our operating partnership and its subsidiaries further complicates the application of the REIT requirements for us. No assurance can be given that we will qualify as a REIT for any particular year. If we were to fail to qualify as a REIT in any taxable year for which a REIT election has been made, we would not be allowed a deduction for dividends paid to our stockholders in computing our taxable income and would be subject to federal income tax (including any applicable alternative minimum tax) on our taxable income at corporate rates. Moreover, unless we were to obtain relief under certain statutory provisions, we would also be disqualified from treatment as a REIT for the four taxable years following the year during which qualification is lost. This treatment would reduce our net earnings available for investment or distribution to our stockholders because of the additional tax liability to us for the years involved. As a result of the additional tax liability, we might need to borrow funds or liquidate certain investments on terms that may be disadvantageous to us in order to pay the applicable tax, and therefore we would not be compelled to make distributions under the Code. To qualify as a REIT, we must meet annual distribution requirements. To obtain the favorable tax treatment accorded to REITs, among other requirements, we normally will be required each year to distribute to our stockholders at least 90% of our REIT taxable income, determined without regard to the deduction for dividends paid and by excluding net capital gains. We will be subject to federal income tax on our undistributed taxable income and net capital gain. In addition, if we fail to distribute during each calendar year at least the sum of (a) 85% of our ordinary income for such year, (b) 95% of our capital gain net income for such year, and (c) any undistributed taxable income from prior periods, we will be subject to a 4% excise tax on the excess of the required distribution over the sum of (i) the amounts actually distributed by us, plus (ii) retained amounts on which we pay income tax at the corporate level. We intend to make distributions to our stockholders to comply with the requirements of the Code for REITs and to minimize or eliminate our corporate income tax obligation. However, differences between the recognition of taxable income and the actual receipt of cash could require us to sell assets or borrow funds on a short-term or long-term basis to meet the distribution requirements of the Code. Certain types of assets generate substantial mismatches between taxable income and available cash. Such assets include rental real estate that has been financed through financing structures which require some or all of available cash flows to be used to service borrowings. As a result, the requirement to distribute a substantial portion of our taxable income could cause us to: (1) sell assets in adverse market conditions, (2) borrow on unfavorable terms or (3) distribute amounts that would otherwise be invested in future acquisitions, capital expenditures or repayment of debt, in order to comply with REIT requirements. Further, amounts distributed will not be available to fund our operations. Legislative or regulatory action could adversely affect our stockholders. In recent years, numerous legislative, judicial and administrative changes have been made to the federal income tax laws applicable to investments in REITs and similar entities. Additional changes to tax laws are likely to continue to occur in the future, and we cannot assure our stockholders that any such changes will not adversely affect the taxation of a stockholder. Any such changes could have an adverse effect on an investment in our common stock. All stockholders are urged to consult with their tax advisor with respect to the status of legislative, regulatory or administrative developments and proposals and their potential effect on an investment in common stock. Distributions payable by REITs do not qualify for the reduced tax rates that apply to certain other corporate distributions. Tax legislation enacted in 2003 and 2006 generally reduces the maximum tax rate for distributions payable by corporations to individuals to 15% through 2010. Distributions payable by REITs, however, generally continue to be taxed at the normal rate applicable to the individual recipient rather than the 15% preferential rate. Although this legislation does not adversely affect the taxation of REITs or dividends paid by REITs, the more favorable rates applicable to regular corporate distributions could cause investors who are individuals to perceive investments in REITs to be relatively less attractive than investments in the stocks of non-REIT corporations that pay distributions, which could adversely affect the value of the stock of REITs, including our common stock.
24
Table of ContentsRecharacterization of transactions under our operating partnerships private placement may result in a 100% tax on income from prohibited transactions, which would diminish our cash distributions to our stockholders. The IRS could recharacterize transactions under our operating partnerships private placement such that our operating partnership is treated as the bona fide owner, for tax purposes, of properties acquired and resold by the entity established to facilitate the transaction. Such recharacterization could result in the income realized on these transactions by our operating partnership being treated as gain on the sale of property that is held as inventory or otherwise held primarily for the sale to customers in the ordinary course of business. In such event, such gain would constitute income from a prohibited transaction and would be subject to a 100% tax. If this occurs, our ability to pay cash distributions to our stockholders will be adversely affected. In certain circumstances, we may be subject to federal and state income taxes, which would reduce our cash available for distribution to our stockholders. Even if we qualify and maintain our status as a REIT, we may be subject to federal income taxes or state taxes. For example, net income from a prohibited transaction will be subject to a 100% tax. In addition, we may not be able to make sufficient distributions to avoid excise taxes. We may also decide to retain certain gains from the sale or other disposition of our property and pay income tax directly on such gains. In that event, our stockholders would be required to include such gains in income and would receive a corresponding credit for their share of taxes paid by us. We may also be subject to state and local taxes on our income or property, either directly or at the level of our operating partnership or at the level of the other companies through which we indirectly own our assets. In addition, any net taxable income earned directly by the taxable REIT subsidiary, which we refer to as the TRS, we utilize to hold fractional TIC Interests in certain of our properties will be subject to federal and state corporate income tax. Any federal or state taxes we pay will reduce our cash available for distribution to our stockholders. If our operating partnership was classified as a publicly traded partnership under the Code, our status as a REIT and our ability to pay distributions to our stockholders could be adversely affected. Our operating partnership is organized as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Even though our operating partnership will not elect to be treated as an association taxable as a corporation, it may be taxed as a corporation if it is deemed to be a publicly traded partnership. A publicly traded partnership is a partnership whose interests are traded on an established securities market or are considered readily tradable on a secondary market or the substantial equivalent thereof. We believe and currently intend to take the position that our operating partnership should not be classified as a publicly traded partnership because interests in our operating partnership are not traded on an established securities market, and our operating partnership should satisfy certain safe harbors which prevent a partnerships interests from being treated as readily tradable on an established securities market or substantial equivalent thereof. No assurance can be given, however, that the IRS would not assert that our operating partnership constitutes a publicly traded partnership or that facts and circumstances will not develop which could result in our operating partnership being treated as a publicly traded partnership. If the IRS were to assert successfully that our operating partnership is a publicly traded partnership, and substantially all of our operating partnerships gross income did not consist of the specified types of passive income, our operating partnership would be treated as an association taxable as a corporation and would be subject to corporate tax at the entity level. In such event, the character of our assets and items of gross income would change and would result in a termination of our status as a REIT. In addition, the imposition of a corporate tax on our operating partnership would reduce the amount of cash available for distribution to our stockholders. Certain property transfers may generate prohibited transaction income, resulting in a penalty tax on gain attributable to the transaction. From time to time, we may transfer or otherwise dispose of some of our properties, including the contribution of properties to our joint venture funds or other commingled investment vehicles. Under the Code, any gain resulting from transfers of properties that we hold as inventory or primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of business would be treated as income from a prohibited transaction subject to a 100% penalty tax. Since
25
Table of Contentswe acquire properties for investment purposes, we do not believe that our occasional transfers or disposals of property or our contributions of properties into our joint venture funds, or commingled investment vehicles, are properly treated as prohibited transactions. However, whether property is held for investment purposes is a question of fact that depends on all the facts and circumstances surrounding the particular transaction. The IRS may contend that certain transfers or disposals of properties by us or contributions of properties into our joint venture funds are prohibited transactions. While we believe that the IRS would not prevail in any such dispute, if the IRS were to argue successfully that a transfer or disposition or contribution of property constituted a prohibited transaction, then we would be required to pay a 100% penalty tax on any gain allocable to us from the prohibited transaction. In addition, income from a prohibited transaction might adversely affect our ability to satisfy the income tests for qualification as a real estate investment trust for federal income tax purposes. Foreign investors may be subject to Foreign Investment Real Property Tax Act, or FIRPTA, tax on sale of common stock if we are unable to qualify as a domestically controlled REIT or if our stock is not considered to be regularly traded on an established securities market. A foreign person disposing of a U.S. real property interest, including shares of a U.S. corporation whose assets consist principally of U.S. real property interests or USRPIs, is generally subject to a tax, known as FIRPTA tax, on the gain recognized on the disposition. Such FIRPTA tax does not apply, however, to the disposition of stock in a REIT if the REIT is a domestically controlled qualified investment entity. A domestically controlled qualified investment entity includes a REIT in which, at all times during a specified testing period, less than 50% in value of its shares is held directly or indirectly by non-U.S. holders. In the event that we do not constitute a domestically controlled qualified investment entity, a persons sale of stock nonetheless will generally not be subject to tax under FIRPTA as a sale of a USRPI, provided that (1) the stock owned is of a class that is regularly traded, as defined by applicable Treasury regulations, on an established securities market, and (2) the selling non-U.S. holder held 5% or less of our outstanding stock of that class at all times during a specified testing period. If we were to fail to so qualify as a domestically controlled qualified investment entity, and our common stock were to fail to be regularly traded, gain realized by a foreign investor on a sale of our common stock would be subject to FIRPTA tax. No assurance can be given that we will be a domestically controlled qualified investment entity.
None.
26
Table of ContentsITEM 2. PROPERTIES Geographic Distribution The following table describes the geographic diversification of the properties that we majority owned and/or controlled (i.e. our consolidated properties) as of December 31, 2007.
(footnotes continue on following page)
27
Table of Contents(footnotes to previous page)
The following table describes the geographic diversification of the unconsolidated properties that we have an equity interest in.
28
Table of ContentsProperty Types The following table reflects our consolidated portfolio by property type, in terms of square footage, as of December 31, 2007 (square feet in thousands).
Lease Expirations Our industrial properties are typically leased to corporate tenants for terms ranging from three to ten years with a weighted average remaining term of approximately 4.0 years as of December 31, 2007. Following is a schedule of expiring leases for our consolidated operating properties by square feet and by annual minimum rents as of December 31, 2007.
29
Table of ContentsCustomer Diversification As of December 31, 2007, there were no customers that occupied more that 5.0% of our consolidated and unconsolidated operating properties and development properties based on annualized base rent or gross leased square feet. The following table reflects our ten largest customers, based on annualized base rent as of December 31, 2007, that occupy approximately 10.8 million square feet in all consolidated and unconsolidated operating properties, and development properties. Deutsche Post World Net (DHL & Exel) Technicolor Whirlpool Corporation Bridgestone/Firestone EGL, Inc. S.C Johnson & Son, Inc. The Clorox Sales Company Ozburn-Hessey Logistics United Parcel Service (UPS) Home Depot Inc. Industry Diversification The table below illustrates the diversification of our consolidated operating portfolio by the industry classifications of our tenants as of December 31, 2007, (dollar amounts in thousands).
30
Table of ContentsIndebtedness As of December 31, 2007, 158 our 382 consolidated operating properties and three redevelopment properties, with a combined historical cost of $1.3 billion were encumbered by mortgage indebtedness totaling $643.9 million (excluding net premiums), having a weighted average interest rate of 5.44%. See Note 5 to our Consolidated Financial Statements and the accompanying Schedule III beginning on page F-52 for additional information.
See the information under the caption Legal Matters in Note 7 to our Consolidated Financial Statements for information regarding legal proceedings, which information is incorporated by reference in this Item 3.
None.
31
Table of ContentsPART II
Our Common Stock has been listed and traded on the New York Stock Exchange, or the NYSE, under the symbol DCT since December 13, 2006. Prior to December 13, 2006, there was no established public trading market for our Common Stock.
On February 15, 2008, the closing price of our Common Stock was $8.80 share, as reported on the NYSE and there were 168,518,896 shares of Common Stock outstanding, held by approximately 3,597 stockholders of record. The number of holders does not include individuals or entities who beneficially own shares but whose shares are held of record by a broker or clearing agency, but does include each such broker or clearing agency as one recordholder. Distribution Policy We intend to continue to elect and qualify to be taxed as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes. U.S. federal income tax law requires that a REIT distribute with respect to each year at least 90% of its annual REIT taxable income, determined without regard to the deduction for dividends paid and excluding any net capital gain. We will not be required to make distributions with respect to income derived from the activities conducted through DCT Industrial TRS Inc., our TRS, that are not distributed to us. To the extent our TRSs income is not distributed and is instead reinvested in the operations of our TRS, the value of our equity interest in our TRS will increase. The aggregate value of the securities that we hold in our TRS may not exceed 20% of the total value of our gross assets. Distributions from our TRS to us will qualify for the 95% gross income test but will not qualify for the 75% gross income test. Therefore, distributions from our TRS to us in no event will exceed 25% of our gross income with respect to any given taxable year. To satisfy the requirements to qualify as a REIT and generally not be subject to U.S. federal income and excise tax, we intend to make regular quarterly distributions of all or substantially all of our net income to holders of our Common Stock out of assets legally available therefore. Any future distributions we make will be at the discretion of our board of directors and will depend upon our earnings and financial condition, maintenance of REIT qualification, applicable provisions of the MGCL and such other factors as our board of directors deems relevant. We anticipate that, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, distributions generally will be taxable to our stockholders as ordinary income, although some portion of our distributions may constitute qualified dividend income, capital gains or a return of capital. The following table sets forth the distributions that have been declared by our board of directors on our Common Stock during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006.
32
Table of Contents
Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans For information regarding securities authorized for issuance under our equity compensation plans, see Part III, Item 12. Performance Graph The graph below shows a comparison of cumulative total stockholder returns for DCT Industrial Trust Inc. Common Stock with the cumulative total return on the Standard and Poors 500 Index and the MSCI US REIT Index. Stockholders returns over the indicated period are based on historical data and should not be considered indicative of future stockholder returns.
33
Table of Contents
The following table sets forth selected financial data relating to our historical financial condition and results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004, and 2003. Certain amounts presented for the periods ended December 31, 2006, 2005, 2004 and 2003 have been reclassified to conform to the 2007 presentation. The financial data in the table is qualified in its entirety by, and should be read in conjunction with, Item 7. Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and our Consolidated Financial Statements and related notes in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
(footnotes on page 37)
34
Table of Contents
(footnotes on page 37)
35
Table of Contents
(footnotes on page 37)
36
Table of ContentsThe following table is a reconciliation of our property NOI to our reported Income (Loss) From Continuing Operations for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004 and 2003 (in thousands):
37
Table of Contents
Overview DCT Industrial Trust Inc. is a leading industrial real estate company that owns, operates and develops high-quality bulk distribution and light industrial properties in high-volume distribution markets in the U.S. and Mexico. The Company owns or manages more than 74 million square feet of assets leased to approximately 850 corporate customers, including 11 million square feet managed on behalf of three institutional joint venture partners. Our properties primarily consist of high-quality, generic bulk distribution warehouses and light industrial properties leased to corporate tenants. We own our properties through our operating partnership and its subsidiaries. DCT Industrial Trust Inc. is the sole general partner and owned approximately 82% of the outstanding equity interests of our operating partnership as of December 31, 2007. We acquired our first property in June 2003 and have built a portfolio of 382 consolidated operating properties through December 31, 2007. Our primary business objectives are to maximize sustainable long-term growth in earnings and Funds From Operations, or FFO, as defined on page 60, and to maximize total return to our stockholders. In our pursuit of these objectives, we will:
In order to achieve these objectives, we have raised capital through common stock issuances, our operating partnerships private placement (as more fully described below) and issued and assumed debt, while maintaining a conservative leverage ratio. Prior to October 10, 2006, our day-to-day operations were managed by Dividend Capital Advisors LLC, or our Former Advisor, under the supervision of our board of directors pursuant to the terms and conditions of an advisory agreement with our Former Advisor. On October 10, 2006, our operating partnership acquired our Former Advisor in the transaction we refer to as the Internalization. As a result of the Internalization, we became a self-administered and self-advised REIT, as our Former Advisor is now our wholly-owned subsidiary, and we no longer incur the cost of the advisory fees and other amounts payable under the advisory agreement. Outlook The primary source of our operating revenues and earnings is rents received from tenants under operating leases at our properties, including reimbursements from tenants for certain operating costs. We seek long-term earnings growth primarily through increasing rents and operating income at existing properties, acquiring and developing additional high-quality properties in major distribution markets, increasing fee revenues from our institutional capital management program, and generating profits from our development activities. In addition, we may recycle our capital by selling assets, contributing assets to joint ventures, funds or other commingled investment vehicles with institutional partners, and acquiring assets in target markets Although the national real estate credit market has experienced increased volatility and the U.S. economy is softening, we believe that long-term demand for high-quality industrial warehouse space in major distribution markets will remain favorable. We expect near-term operating income from our existing properties to increase through rental rate growth on leases that are expiring and through a moderate increase in average occupancy rates. Additionally, growth in operating earnings should be derived from development and acquisitions in our target markets, which may be offset by disposing or contributing existing properties.
38
Table of ContentsThe principal risks to our business plan include:
We believe our investment focus on the largest and most active distribution markets in the United States and Mexico and our monitoring of market and submarket demand and supply imbalances helps mitigate some of these risks. We also expect the following key trends to affect our industry positively:
These key trends may gradually change the characteristics of the facilities needed by our tenants. However, we believe the buildings in our portfolio are designed to be reconfigured and can accommodate gradual changes that may occur. Our financing needs will depend largely on our ability to acquire or develop properties as the majority of our cash generated from operations will be used for payment of distributions and to finance other activities. We expect the funding of additional cash needs to come from a combination of extending existing maturities of debt, borrowings under our line of credit, new borrowings and/or proceeds from the sale or contribution of properties. Inflation Since our formation, inflation has not had a significant impact on us because of the relatively stable inflation rates in our markets of operation. Most of our leases require the tenants to pay their 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, many of the outstanding leases expire within six years which may enable us to replace existing leases with new leases at higher base rentals if rents of existing leases are below the then-existing market rate. Significant Transactions During 2007 Summary of the year ended December 31, 2007 During 2007, we expanded our institutional capital management program to include two new joint ventures, and proceeds from contributions of properties into joint ventures provided capital for re-deployment into
39
Table of Contentsdevelopment projects, acquisitions and expansion into Mexico. We entered the Mexico market with the acquisition of eight buildings during 2007. The following further describes certain significant transactions that occurred during the year ended December 31, 2007.
TRT-DCT Industrial Joint Venture I (TRT-DCT Venture I)During the year ended December 31, 2007, we contributed four properties comprised of approximately 1.4 million square feet with a combined gross contribution value of approximately $84.2 million. TRT-DCT Industrial Joint Venture II (TRT-DCT Venture II)During the year ended December 31, 2007, we contributed five properties comprised of approximately 1.4 million square feet with a combined gross contribution value of approximately $67.2 million. DCT/SPF Industrial Operating LLC (JP Morgan Venture)During the year ended December 31, 2007, we contributed six properties comprised of approximately 2.8 million square feet with a combined gross contribution value of approximately $138.7 million. The JP Morgan Venture also purchased seven properties comprised of approximately 1.8 million square feet directly into the venture.
MexicoDuring the year ended December 31, 2007, construction commenced on six buildings, that we had forward commitments to purchase, comprised of approximately 859,000 square feet located in four submarkets in the metropolitan area of Monterrey, Mexico. During 2007, we acquired one completed, fully leased 107,000 square foot building and terminated the right to acquire one 78,000 square foot building. As of December 31, 2007, two of these buildings were shell-complete, however still subject to a variety of closing conditions, and two were under construction. SCLADuring 2006, we entered into a joint venture agreement with Stirling Airports International, LLC, or Stirling, an unrelated third party, to be the master developer of up to 4,350 acres in Victorville, California, part of the Inland Empire submarket in Southern California. The development project is located at the former George Air Force Base which closed in 1992 and is now known as Southern California Logistics Airport, or SCLA. We refer to this joint venture as the SCLA joint venture. Stirling entered into two master development agreements which gave it certain rights to be the exclusive developer of the SCLA development project for the next 12 years (including extensions) and assigned these rights to the SCLA joint venture upon the closing of the venture. While our exact share of the equity interests in the SCLA joint venture will depend on the amount of capital we contribute and the timing of contributions and distributions, the SCLA joint venture contemplates an equal sharing between us and Stirling of residual profits and cash flows after all priority distributions. During the year ended December 31, 2007, the SCLA joint venture began construction on four buildings comprised of approximately 926,000 square feet, of which one 408,000 square foot building pre-leased to Newell Rubbermaid was completed during the third quarter of 2007.
40
Table of ContentsUnion CenterOn November 9, 2007, we acquired approximately 52 acres of vacant land in Cincinnati, Ohio for approximately $3.9 million. Construction commenced immediately on two bulk distribution buildings comprised of 840,000 square feet that are expected to be shell-complete in late 2008. IDI/DCT, LLCOn November 20, 2007, we entered into a joint venture agreement with Industrial Developments International, Inc., an unrelated third-party developer, to acquire approximately 113 acres of land to develop four distribution buildings comprising approximately 1.9 million square feet in Savannah, Georgia, Nashville, Tennessee, Chicago, Illinois, and Stockton, California. The buildings are expected to be shell-completed during 2008 for a total estimated cost of $87.9 million. Critical Accounting Policies General Our discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations is based on our Consolidated Financial Statements, which have been prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles, or GAAP. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities and contingencies as of the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting periods. We evaluate our assumptions and estimates on an on-going basis. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. The following discussion pertains to accounting policies management believes are most critical to the portrayal of our financial condition and results of operations that require managements most difficult, subjective or complex judgments. Revenue Recognition We record rental revenues on a straight-line basis under which contractual rent increases are recognized evenly over the full lease term. Certain properties have leases that provide for tenant occupancy during periods where no rent is due or where minimum rent payments increase during the term of the lease. Accordingly, we record receivables from tenants that we expect to collect over the remaining lease term rather than currently, which are recorded as straight-line rents receivable. When we acquire a property, the terms of existing leases are considered to commence as of the acquisition date for the purposes of this calculation. Tenant recovery income includes payments and amounts due from tenants pursuant to their leases for real estate taxes, insurance and other recoverable property operating expenses and is recognized as Rental revenues during the same period the related expenses are incurred. In connection with property acquisitions, we may acquire leases with rental rates above or below the market rental rates. Such differences are recorded as an intangible asset or liability pursuant to Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 141, Business Combinations, or SFAS No. 141, and amortized to Rental revenues over the life of the related leases. Additionally, the unamortized balances of SFAS No. 141 assets and liabilities associated with the early termination of leases are fully amortized to their respective revenue and expense line items in our Consolidated Statements of Operations over the shorter of the expected life of such assets and liabilities or the remaining lease term. Investment in Real Estate, Valuation and Allocation of Real Estate Acquisitions We capitalize direct costs associated with, and incremental to, the acquisition, development, redevelopment or improvement of real estate, including asset acquisition costs and leasing costs as well as direct internal costs, if appropriate. Costs associated with acquisition or development pursuits are capitalized as incurred and, if the pursuit is abandoned, these costs are expensed during the period in which the pursuit is abandoned. Such costs
41
Table of Contentsconsidered for capitalization include construction costs, interest, real estate taxes, insurance and other such costs if appropriate. Interest is capitalized on actual expenditures from the period when development or redevelopment commences until the asset is substantially complete based on our current, weighted-average borrowing rates. Costs incurred for maintaining and making repairs to our real estate, which do not extend the life of our assets, are expensed as incurred. Upon acquisition, the total cost of a property is allocated to land, building, building and land improvements, tenant improvements and intangible lease assets and liabilities pursuant to SFAS No. 141. The fair value of identifiable tangible assets such as land, building, building and land improvements and tenant improvements is determined on an as-if-vacant basis. Management considers the replacement cost of such assets, appraisals, property condition reports, market data and other related information in determining the fair value of the tangible assets. Pursuant to SFAS No. 141, the difference between the fair value and the face value of debt assumed in connection with an acquisition is recorded as a premium or discount and amortized to Interest expense over the life of the debt assumed. The valuation of assumed liabilities is based on the current market rate for similar liabilities. The allocation of the total cost of a property to an intangible lease asset includes the value associated with customer relationships and in-place leases that may include leasing commissions, legal and other costs. In addition, the allocation of the total cost of a property requires allocating costs to an intangible asset or liability resulting from in-place leases being above or below the market rental rates on the date of the acquisition. Intangible lease assets or liabilities will be amortized over the life of the remaining in-place leases as an adjustment to Rental revenues. We have certain properties which we have acquired or removed from service with the intention to redevelop the building. Buildings under redevelopment require significant construction activities prior to being placed back into service. Additionally, we may acquire, develop, or redevelop certain properties with the intention to contribute the property to an institutional capital management joint venture, in which we may retain ownership in or manage the assets of the joint venture. We refer to these properties as held for contribution. We generally do not depreciate properties classified as redevelopment or held for contribution through the date the properties are contributed. Land undergoing activities necessary to prepare it for its intended use prior to significant construction activities is classified as pre-development. Real estate, including land, building, building and land improvements, tenant improvements and leasing costs, and intangible lease assets and liabilities are stated at historical cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization are computed on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the related assets or liabilities as follows:
The table above reflects the standard depreciable lives typically used to compute depreciation and amortization. However, such depreciable lives may be different based on the estimated useful life of such assets or liabilities. The cost of assets sold or retired and the related accumulated depreciation and/or amortization is removed from the accounts and the resulting gain or loss, if necessary, is reflected in our Consolidated Statements of Operations during the period in which such sale or retirement occurs. Depreciation and Useful Lives of Real Estate Assets We estimate the depreciable portion of our real estate assets and their related useful lives in order to record depreciation expense. Our managements ability to accurately estimate the depreciable portions of our real estate
42
Table of Contentsassets and their useful lives is critical to the determination of the appropriate amount of depreciation expense recorded and the carrying values of the underlying assets. Any change to the estimated depreciable lives of these assets would have an impact on the depreciation expense we recognize. Depreciation is not recorded on buildings currently in pre-development, being developed or redeveloped until the building is substantially completed and placed into service, normally not later than one year from cessation of major construction activity. If the useful life estimate was reduced by one year for all buildings and building and land improvements in continuing operations, depreciation expense would have increased $1.6 million. Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Long-lived assets held and used are carried at cost and evaluated for impairment in accordance with SFAS No. 144, Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, or SFAS No. 144. SFAS No. 144 provides that such an evaluation should be performed when events or changes in circumstances indicate such an evaluation is warranted. Examples include the point at which we deem the long-lived asset to be held for sale, downturns in the economy, etc. Impairment of long-lived assets is considered a critical accounting estimate because the evaluation of impairment and the determination of fair values involve a number of management assumptions relating to future economic events that could materially affect the determination of the ultimate value, and therefore, the carrying amounts of our real estate. Such assumptions include, but are not limited to, projecting vacancy rates, rental rates, property operating expenses, capital expenditures and debt financing rates, among other things. The capitalization rate is also a significant driving factor in determining the property valuation which requires managements judgment of factors such as market knowledge, historical experience, lease terms, tenant financial strength, economy, demographics, environment, property location, visibility, age, physical condition and investor return requirements, among other things. All of the aforementioned factors are taken as a whole by management in determining the valuation of investment property. The valuation is sensitive to the actual results of any of these uncertain factors, either individually or taken as a whole. Should the actual results differ from managements judgment, the valuation could be negatively affected and may result in a negative impact to our Consolidated Financial Statements. Principles of Consolidation Our Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of our company and our consolidated subsidiaries and partnerships that we control either through ownership of a majority voting interest, as the primary beneficiary, or otherwise. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Investments in entities in which we do not own a majority voting interest but over which we have the ability to exercise significant influence over operating and financial policies are presented under the equity method. Investments in entities in which we do not own a majority voting interest and over which we do not have the ability to exercise significant influence are carried at the lower of cost or fair value, as appropriate. Our judgments with respect to our level of influence or control of an entity and whether we are the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity as defined by Financial Accounting Standards Board, or FASB, Interpretation No. 46(R), Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, or FIN No. 46(R), involve consideration of various factors including the form of our ownership interest, our representation on the entitys board of directors, the size of our investment (including loans) and our ability to participate in policy making decisions. Our ability to correctly assess our influence or control over an entity affects the presentation of these investments in our Consolidated Financial Statements and, consequently, our financial position and specific items in our results of operations that are used by our stockholders, lenders and others in their evaluation of us. Generally, we consolidate real estate partnerships and other entities that are not variable interest entities (as defined in FIN No. 46(R)) when we own, directly or indirectly, a majority voting interest in the entity. Emerging Issues Task Force, or 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, or EITF 04-5, provides an accounting model to be used by a general partner, or group of general partners, to determine whether the general partner(s) controls a limited partnership or similar entity in light of certain rights held by the limited partners and provides additional guidance on what constitutes substantive kick-out rights and substantive participating rights.
43
Table of ContentsNew Accounting Pronouncements In December 2007, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 160, Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial StatementsAn Amendment of ARB No. 51, or SFAS 160. SFAS 160 establishes new accounting and reporting standards for the non-controlling interest in a subsidiary and for the deconsolidation of a subsidiary. SFAS 160 is effective for fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2008, and early adoption is not permitted. We are currently evaluating the application of SFAS 160 and its effect on our Consolidated Financial Statements. In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141, Business Combinations (revised 2007), or SFAS 141(R). SFAS 141(R) requires the acquiring entity in a business combination to record all assets acquired and liabilities assumed at their respective acquisition-date fair values, changes the recognition of assets acquired and liabilities assumed arising from contingencies, changes the recognition and measurement of contingent consideration, and requires the expensing of acquisition-related costs as incurred. SFAS 141(R) also requires additional disclosure of information surrounding a business combination, such that users of the entitys financial statements can fully understand the nature and financial impact of the business combination. SFAS 141(R) applies prospectively to business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning on or after December 15, 2008. An entity may not apply the provisions of SFAS 141(R) prior to that date. We are currently evaluating the application of SFAS 141(R) and its effect on our Consolidated Financial Statements. In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities, or SFAS 159, which expands the use of the fair value measurement to improve financial reporting by providing entities with the opportunity to mitigate volatility in reported earnings caused by measuring related assets and liabilities differently without having to apply complex hedge accounting provisions. We are currently evaluating the application of SFAS 159 and its effect on our Consolidated Financial Statements. In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements, or SFAS 157, which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in accordance with GAAP and expands disclosures about fair-value measurements. SFAS 157 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. As SFAS 157 does not require any new fair value measurements or remeasurements of previously computed fair values, we do not believe adoption of this statement will have a material effect on our Consolidated Financial Statements. Results of Operations Summary of the year ended December 31, 2007 compared to the year ended December 31, 2006 DCT Industrial Trust Inc. is a leading industrial real estate company that owns, operates and develops high-quality bulk distribution and light industrial properties in high-volume distribution markets in the U.S. and Mexico. The Company owns or manages more than 74 million square feet of assets leased to approximately 850 corporate customers, including 11 million square feet managed on behalf of three institutional joint venture partners. As of December 31, 2006, we consolidated 379 operating properties (four of which were excluded from continuing operations as they were disposed of as of December 31, 2007) and three development properties. The average square feet in our continuing operations portfolio for the year ended December 31, 2007 increased by approximately 5.3 million to approximately 53.9 million compared to 48.6 million for the same period in 2006, which contributed to the increase in revenues and operating expenses.
44
Table of ContentsThe following table illustrates the changes in our consolidated operating properties in continuing operations by segment as of, and for the years ended, December 31, 2007 compared to December 31, 2006, respectively (dollar amounts in thousands).
The following table is a reconciliation of our property NOI to our reported Income (Loss) From Continuing Operations for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006 (in thousands):
45
Table of ContentsThe following table reflects our total assets, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization, by property type segment (in thousands).
46
Table of ContentsComparison of the Year ended December 31, 2007 compared to the Year ended December 31, 2006 The following table illustrates the changes in rental revenues, rental expenses and real estate taxes, property net operating income, other income and other expenses for the year ended December 31, 2007 compared to the year ended December 31, 2006. Our same store portfolio includes all operating properties that we owned for the entirety of both the current and prior year reporting periods for which the operations had been stabilized. The same store portfolio for the year ended December 31, 2007 totaled 244 buildings comprised of approximately 36.8 million square feet. A discussion of these changes follows the table (in thousands).
47
Table of ContentsRental Revenues Rental revenues increased by approximately $39.5 million, or 18%, for the year ended December 31, 2007 compared to the same period in 2006, primarily as a result of the net increase in operating properties due to acquisitions, increased base rent per square foot and increased average occupancy. Our net increase in operating properties was primarily related to our purchase, on June 9, 2006, of a portfolio of 78 buildings comprised of approximately 7.9 million square feet located in eight markets (collectively referred to as the Cal TIA Portfolio). Upon acquisition, this portfolio was 92.2% occupied and its operations were only included in our consolidated operations from the acquisition date forward. Additionally, tenant recovery income increased by $11.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2007 compared to the same period in 2006 primarily due to the increased number of operating properties. Same store rental revenues increased by approximately $5.1 million, or 3%, for the year ended December 31, 2007 compared to the same period in 2006 primarily due to increased base rent per square foot and tenant recovery income, offset in part by slightly lower average occupancy. Revenues during the year ended December 31, 2007 included $2.1 million of net revenue from a lease buyout transaction where the rent pursuant to the lease was significantly below the market rate. Rental Expenses and Real Estate Taxes Rental expenses and real estate taxes increased by approximately $13.2 million, or 26%, for the year ended December 31, 2007 compared to the same period in 2006, primarily as a result of the increased number of operating properties, as well as higher insurance costs, increased maintenance costs due to winter weather, and higher asset management fees, all of which are generally recoverable from our tenants. Same store rental expenses and real estate taxes increased by approximately $2.9 million, or 8%, for the year ended December 31, 2007 as compared to the same period in 2006, also primarily related to higher insurance costs, increased maintenance costs due to winter weather, and higher asset management fees. Additionally, expenses that are generally not recoverable from our tenants increased approximately $0.6 million. Other Income Other income increased by approximately $23.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2007 as compared to the same period in 2006, primarily as a result of an increase of approximately $21.3 million in gains related to dispositions of real estate interests reported in continuing operations and increased institutional capital management and other fees of $1.6 million, offset by a decrease in interest income of $0.7 million due to lower average cash balances. During the year ended December 31, 2007, we disposed of 19 operating properties comprised of approximately 5.9 million square feet, and one development property comprised of approximately 0.5 million square feet. Additionally, upon settlement of a $275.0 million forward-starting swap (see additional discussion in Note 6 to our Consolidated Financial Statements), we recorded a gain of approximately $1.8 million, offset by approximately $0.3 million related to ineffectiveness in Interest income and other for the year ended December 31, 2007. Other Expenses Real estate related depreciation and amortization increased by approximately $7.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2007 as compared to the same period in 2006, primarily related to increased average depreciable asset balances due to acquisitions, and by increased depreciation expense related to a reduction of the estimated useful lives of certain buildings. The increase in general and administrative expenses of $11.7 million and the decrease in asset management fees of $13.4 million are primarily attributable to the internalization of our management in October 2006, for which we also recognized a one-time charge of $173.2 million during the year ended December 31, 2006. The decrease in interest expense of approximately $5.5 million is primarily attributable to the lower outstanding balance of our financing obligations during the year ended December 31, 2007 compared to the same period in 2006. Income from Discontinued Operations Income from discontinued operations increased primarily due to the $12.1 million gain recognized from the sale of properties to unrelated third parties during the year ended December 31, 2007, compared to the $5.2 million gain recognized for the year ended December 31, 2006.
48
Table of ContentsMinority Interest We owned approximately 82% of our operating partnership as of December 31, 2007 compared to approximately 88% as of December 31, 2006 primarily due to issuance of OP Units to unrelated third-party investors in connection with our operating partnerships private placement (see Note 8 to our Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information). Summary of the year ended December 31, 2006 compared to the year ended December 31, 2005 As of December 31, 2006, we consolidated 379 operating properties (four of which are excluded from continuing operations as they were disposed of as of December 31, 2007) and three development properties. As of December 31, 2005, we consolidated 264 operating properties (11 of which are excluded from continuing operations as they were disposed of as of December 31, 2007) and one development property. The average square feet in our continuing operations portfolio for the year ended December 31, 2006 increased by approximately 21.7 million to 48.6 million compared to 26.9 million for the same period in 2005 which contributed to the increase in revenues and operating expenses. The following table illustrates the changes in our consolidated operating properties in continuing operations by segment as of, and for the years ended, December 31, 2006 compared to December 31, 2005, respectively (dollar amounts in thousands).
49
Table of ContentsThe following table is a reconciliation of our property NOI to our reported Loss From Continuing Operations for the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2005 (in thousands):
The following table reflects our total assets, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization, by property type segment (in thousands).
50
Table of ContentsComparison of the Year ended December 31, 2006 compared to the Year ended December 31, 2005 The following table illustrates the changes in rental revenues, rental expenses and real estate taxes, property net operating income, other income and other expenses for the year ended December 31, 2006 compared to the year ended December 31, 2005. Our same store portfolio includes all operating properties that we owned for the entirety of both the current and prior year reporting periods for which the operations had been stabilized. The same store portfolio for the year ended December 31, 2006 totaled 98 buildings comprised of approximately 15.9 million square feet. A discussion of these changes follows the table (in thousands).
51
Table of ContentsRental Revenues Rental revenues increased by approximately $100.7 million, or 86%, for the year ended December 31, 2006 compared to the same period in 2005, primarily as a result of the rental revenues generated from an increase in the number of operating properties due to acquisitions. Average square feet in our continuing operations portfolio increased by approximately 21.7 million square feet, or 81%, for the year ended December 31, 2006 compared to the year ended December 31, 2005. Same store rental revenues decreased by approximately $0.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2006 compared to the same period in 2005 primarily due to slightly lower occupancy. Additionally, revenues related to early lease terminations were approximately $1.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2006 compared to approximately $40,000 for the same period in 2005, after revenue of $3.7 million related to an early lease termination in 2005 was reclassified to discontinued operations. Rental Expenses and Real Estate Taxes Rental expenses and real estate taxes increased by approximately $23.0 million, or 86%, for the year ended December 31, 2006 compared to the same period in 2005, primarily as a result of acquisitions and higher real estate taxes. Same store rental expenses and real estate taxes decreased by approximately $0.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2006 as compared to the same period in 2005, as increases in property taxes of approximately $0.2 million were offset by decreases in non-recoverable expenses. Other Income Other income increased by approximately $12.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2006 as compared to the same period in 2005, primarily as a result of a gain recorded on the disposition of real estate interests of approximately $5.2 million, a gain of approximately $4.2 million recorded in connection with the completion and contribution to a joint venture of a building expansion, an increase in interest income of $2.2 million due to higher average cash balances and institutional capital management and other fees of approximately $1.2 million recognized in 2006. Other Expenses Real estate related depreciation and amortization increased by approximately $39.5 million, or 58%, for the year ended December 31, 2006 as compared to the same period in 2005, primarily due to acquisitions. The increase in asset management fees payable to our Former Advisor of approximately $4.5 million was attributable to the aforementioned additional properties, all of which were subject to the 0.75% asset management fee referenced above through the date of the Internalization of our Former Advisor. A loss of approximately $173.2 million was recorded during the year ended December 31, 2006 related to the purchase of our Former Advisor in exchange for 15,111,111 OP Units and the associated termination of contracts with our Former Advisor upon consummation of the Internalization. The increase in interest expense of approximately $38.3 million is primarily attributable to higher average outstanding debt balances and higher financing obligation balances that were outstanding during the year ended December 31, 2006 compared to the same period in 2005. Income from Discontinued Operations Income from discontinued operations increased primarily due to the $5.2 million gain on sale of seven properties that we sold to unrelated third parties during the year ended December 31, 2006. No properties were sold during the year ended December 31, 2005. Minority Interest We owned approximately 88% of our operating partnership as of December 31, 2006 compared to approximately 99% as of December 31, 2005, primarily due to issuance of OP Units in relation to our Internalization during October 2006, and to unrelated third-party investors in connection with our operating partnerships private placement (see Note 8 to our Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information).
52
Table of ContentsLiquidity and Capital Resources Overview We currently expect that our principal sources of working capital and funding for potential capital requirements for expansions and renovation of properties, developments, acquisitions, distributions to investors and debt service will include:
We believe that our sources of capital are adequate and will continue to be adequate to meet our short-term liquidity requirements and capital commitments. These liquidity requirements and capital commitments include operating activities, debt service obligations, regular quarterly equityholder distributions, capital expenditures at our properties, development funding requirements, forward purchase commitments (as more fully described below) and future acquisitions. We expect to utilize the same sources of capital we rely on to meet our short-term liquidity requirements to meet our long-term liquidity requirements. We expect these resources will be adequate to fund our operating activities, debt service obligations and equityholder distributions and will be sufficient to fund our ongoing acquisition and development activities as well as to provide capital for investment in future development and other joint ventures along with additional potential forward purchase commitments. In addition, we may engage in future offerings of common stock or other securities. Cash Flows During the year ended December 31, 2007 compared to the same period in 2006, our cash provided by operating activities increased $25.2 million, from $91.7 million to $116.9 million, primarily related to increased operating income from our consolidated operating properties, which is affected by rental rates, occupancy levels and operating expenses related to our operating properties. During the year ended December 31, 2007, our cash used by investing activities decreased compared to the same period in 2006 by approximately $965.1 million, from $968.8 million to $3.7 million, primarily related to $836.1 million less in property acquisitions and $88.5 million more in net proceeds from property dispositions. Additionally, we invested $73.0 million more in our unconsolidated joint ventures in 2007 than 2006, primarily related to the formation of our third institutional joint venture and our investment in SCLA, and loaned approximately $16.0 million to another institutional joint venture. We used $30.8 million less for capital expenditures primarily due to less consolidated development activities and fewer construction projects completed during the year ended December 31, 2007, and the completion of several large projects started in late 2005 during 2006. During the year ended December 31, 2007, we used $106.1 million for financing activities compared to $805.4 million provided by financing activities during the same period in 2006. We raised approximately $354.2 million from our common stock offerings in 2006 and issued $425.0 million in unsecured debt. In 2007, our cash distributions to our equityholders increased by $85.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2007 compared to the same period in 2006 related to the increase in common stock and OP Units outstanding as of December 31, 2007. During the year ended December 31, 2006 compared to the same period in 2005, our cash provided by operating activities increased $25.4 million, also primarily related to increased operating income from our consolidated
53
Table of Contentsoperating properties. Cash used by investing activities increased $217.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2006 compared to the same period in 2005 primarily related to $397.8 million more property acquisitions, offset by $265.6 million more in net proceeds from property dispositions. Cash provided by financing activities increased by $49.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2006 compared to the same period in 2005 primarily related to unsecured debt issuances, offset by $310.0 million in less gross proceeds from the sale of our common stock. During the year ended December 31, 2007, we paid distributions of $127.0 million, which were satisfied through our existing cash balances, cash provided by operations and short-term borrowings. During the year ended December 31, 2006, we paid cash distributions of approximately $41.8 million, which included the cash portion of distributions declared for the year ended December 31, 2006, and issued $51.7 million in common stock pursuant to our previous distribution reinvestment plan. Sales of Common Stock In December 2006, we completed a listing on the NYSE issuing 16.3 million shares for net proceeds of approximately $185.3 million, before expenses of $3.7 million. Additionally during 2006, we raised approximately $137.3 million of net proceeds from the sale of our common stock in connection with our fourth continuous public offering, which we closed on January 23, 2006. Additionally we sold 88,889 shares in October 2006. The net proceeds from the sale of these securities were transferred to our operating partnership for a number of OP Units equal to the shares of common stock sold in our prior continuous public offerings. Although we closed the primary offering component of our fourth continuous public offering, we continued to offer shares through our distribution reinvestment plan through our 2006 third quarter distribution, which resulted in the issuance of 5.2 million shares or $51.7 million of dividends reinvested during the year ended December 31, 2006. Our former distribution reinvestment plan was terminated on December 23, 2006. In April 2007, we began offering shares of our common stock through our new dividend reinvestment plan, although all of the shares issued under the plan through December 31, 2007 were acquired in the open market. Institutional Capital Management Property contributions to institutional joint ventures enable us to recycle capital while maintaining a long-term ownership interest in contributed properties. This business strategy also provides liquidity to fund future activities and generates revenues from asset management fees, and we may earn additional fees and incentives by providing other services including, but not limited to, acquisition, development, construction management and leasing. Our Operating Partnerships Private Placement Prior to October 10, 2006, our operating partnership offered undivided tenancy-in-common interests, or TIC Interests, in our properties to accredited investors in a private placement exempt from registration under the Securities Act. These TIC Interests may have served as replacement properties for investors seeking to complete like-kind exchange transactions under Section 1031 of the Code. The TIC Interests are 100% leased by our operating partnership pursuant to master leases and such leases contain purchase options whereby our operating partnership has the right, but not the obligation, to acquire the TIC Interests from the investors at a later point in time in exchange for OP Units under Section 721 of the Code. The sales of the TIC Interests were included in Financing obligations in our Consolidated Balance Sheets pursuant to SFAS No. 98, Accounting for Leases, or SFAS No. 98. We have leased the TIC Interests sold to unrelated third parties, and in accordance with SFAS No. 98, a portion of the rental payments made to third parties under the lease agreements are recognized as a reduction to the related financing obligation and a portion is recognized as interest expense using the interest method. During the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, we incurred approximately $4.9 million, $13.3 million and $3.9 million, respectively, of rental payments under various lease agreements with certain of the third-party investors. A portion of such amounts was accounted for as a reduction of the outstanding principal
54
Table of Contentsbalance of the financing obligations and a portion was accounted for as Interest expense in our Consolidated Statements of Operations. Included in Interest expense was approximately $4.3 million, $11.0 million and $4.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively, of interest expense related to the financing obligations. We had one remaining lease agreement in place as of December 31, 2007 which expires in August 2021. During the year ended December 31, 2007, our operating partnership exercised purchase options to acquire certain TIC Interests it had previously sold in 22 industrial properties located in Tennessee, Indiana and Texas. In connection with the exercise of these options, our operating partnership issued an aggregate of approximately 14.6 million OP Units valued at approximately $158.6 million to acquire such TIC Interests. Related to the purchase of one of these buildings, we assumed $14.9 million of a secured note with an interest rate of 5.0% that was previously reflected in Financing obligations in our Consolidated Balance Sheets. Subsequent to December 31, 2007, our operating partnership purchased all remaining TIC Interests in the one remaining property for an aggregate of 1.6 million OP Units valued at approximately $14.8 million. The following table sets forth the five year, future minimum rental payments due to third parties under the remaining lease agreement (amounts are in thousands):
Forward Purchase Commitments Nexxus In November 2006, we entered into six separate forward purchase commitments with Nexxus Desarrollos Industriales (Nexxus) to acquire six newly constructed buildings totaling approximately 859,000 square feet. The six buildings will be located on separate development sites in four submarkets in the metropolitan area of Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico. The forward purchase commitments obligate us to acquire each of the facilities from Nexxus upon completion, subject to a variety of conditions related to, among other things, the buildings complying with approved drawings and specifications. Timing on closing under the purchase obligations depends on leasing at each building prior to building completion. During 2007, we sold our interests in one of the six buildings and purchased one of the remaining five buildings. Our aggregate purchase price for the remaining four facilities is no less than $25.6 million and increases if buildings are leased prior to closing. As of December 31, 2007, two of these buildings were shell-complete, however still subject to a variety of closing conditions, and two were under construction. Contemporaneously with the execution of the forward purchase commitments, we provided Nexxus with six separate letters of credit aggregating $33.8 million to secure our future performance under the forward purchase commitments, all subject to a variety of construction and site related conditions. During 2007, we began an expansion of the building acquired and have provided Nexxus with an additional letter of credit for $3.8 million related to the expansion. Subsequent to December 31, 2007, two of the outstanding letters of credit, related to the building sold and the building acquired, were settled. Closing on the remaining individual buildings is expected to occur in 2008. Distributions The payment of quarterly distributions is determined by our board of directors and may be adjusted at its discretion at any time. We currently pay an annualized distribution rate of $0.64 per share or OP unit. We believe
55
Table of Contentsthis level to be appropriate and sustainable based upon the evaluation of existing assets within our portfolio, anticipated acquisitions and dispositions, projected levels of additional capital to be raised, debt to be incurred in the future and our anticipated results of operations. During the year ended December 31, 2007, our board of directors declared distributions to stockholders totaling approximately $129.4 million, including distributions to OP unitholders. During the same period of 2006, our board of directors declared distributions to stockholders totaling approximately $103.5 million, including distributions to OP unitholders. During the year ended December 31, 2007, we paid distributions using existing cash balances and short-term borrowings. Outstanding Indebtedness As of December 31, 2007, our outstanding indebtedness consisted of secured mortgage debt, unsecured notes and an unsecured revolving credit facility (line of credit) and totaled approximately $1.2 billion, excluding $86.5 million representing our proportionate share of debt associated with unconsolidated joint ventures. As of December 31, 2007, the historical cost of all our consolidated properties was approximately $2.9 billion and the historical cost of all properties securing our fixed rate mortgage debt was approximately $1.3 billion. Our debt has various covenants and we were in compliance with all of these covenants as of December 31, 2007. All of these notes require monthly or quarterly payments of interest and many require, or will ultimately require, monthly or quarterly repayments of principal. Currently, cash flows from our operations are sufficient to satisfy these monthly and quarterly debt service requirements and we anticipate that cash flows from operations will continue to be sufficient to satisfy our regular monthly and quarterly debt service. During 2008, we expect to refinance our maturing debt through a combination of extending existing maturities, borrowings under our line of credit and/or new borrowings. During the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, our debt service, including principal and interest, totaled $76.1 million and $73.5 million, respectively. To manage interest rate risk for forecasted refinancing of fixed-rate debt, we have primarily used forward-starting swaps as part of our cash flow hedging strategy. These derivatives are designed to mitigate the risk of future interest rate fluctuations by providing a future fixed interest rate for a limited, pre-determined period of time. As of December 31, 2007, such derivatives as described in the following table were in place to hedge the variability of cash flows associated with forecasted issuances of debt (dollar amounts in thousands):
Lines of Credit In December 2006, we amended our senior unsecured revolving credit facility with a syndicated group of banks, increasing the total capacity from $250.0 million to $300.0 million and extending the maturity date from December 2008 to December 2010. The facility has provisions to increase its total capacity to $500.0 million. At our election, the facility bears interest either at LIBOR plus between 0.55% and 1.1%, depending upon our consolidated leverage, or at prime and is subject to an annual facility fee. The facility contains various covenants, including financial covenants with respect to consolidated leverage, tangible net worth, fixed charge coverage, unsecured indebtedness, and secured indebtedness. As of December 31, 2007 and 2006, we were in compliance with all of these covenants. As of December 31, 2007 and 2006, $82.0 million and $34.3 million, respectively, were outstanding under this facility.
56
Table of ContentsDebt Issuances There were no new debt issuances during the year ended December 31, 2007. In June 2006, we issued, on a private basis, $275.0 million of senior unsecured notes requiring monthly interest-only payments at a variable interest rate of LIBOR plus 0.73% which mature in June 2008. In conjunction with this transaction, we entered into a $275.0 million swap to mitigate the effect of potential changes in LIBOR. This swap expired in February 2007. See Note 6 to our Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding our hedging transactions. In April 2006, we issued, on a private basis, $50.0 million of senior unsecured notes with a fixed interest rate of 5.53% which mature in April 2011, and $50.0 million of senior unsecured notes with a fixed interest rate of 5.77% which mature in April 2016. These notes require quarterly interest-only payments until maturity at which time a lump sum payment is due. In January 2006, we issued, on a private basis, $50.0 million of senior unsecured notes requiring quarterly interest-only payments at a fixed interest rate of 5.68% which mature in January 2014. The proceeds from these note issuances were primarily used to fund acquisitions of properties. During the year ended December 31, 2007, we assumed secured, non-recourse notes with a total outstanding balance of approximately $15.2 million in connection with two property acquisitions. These assumed notes bear interest at fixed rates ranging from 5.75% to 6.04% and require monthly payments of principal and interest. The maturity dates of the assumed notes range from January 2013 to August 2025. Pursuant to the application of SFAS No. 141, the difference between the fair value and face value of these assumed notes at the date of acquisition resulted in a discount of approximately $418,000, which is amortized to interest expense over the remaining life of the underlying notes. Additionally, during the year ended December 31, 2007, we contributed a property with an outstanding note balance of approximately $5.6 million, which was assumed by the joint venture. During the year ended December 31, 2006, we assumed secured, non-recourse notes with a total outstanding balance of approximately $18.1 million in connection with four property acquisitions. These assumed notes bear interest at fixed and variable rates ranging from 5.25% to 7.48% and require monthly payments of either interest, or principal and interest. The maturity dates of the assumed notes range from August 2011 to January 2016. Pursuant to the application of SFAS No. 141, the difference between the fair value and face value of these assumed notes at the date of acquisition resulted in a premium of approximately $455,000, which is amortized to interest expense over the remaining life of the underlying notes. The following table sets forth the scheduled maturities of our debt, excluding unamortized premiums, as of December 31, 2007 (amounts in thousands).
57
Table of ContentsFinancing Strategy We do not have a formal policy limiting the amount of debt we incur, although we currently intend to operate so that our indebtedness will not exceed 60% of our total market capitalization at the time of incurrence. Our total market capitalization is defined as the sum of the market value of our outstanding shares of common stock (which may decrease, thereby increasing our debt to total capitalization ratio), including shares of restricted stock that we will issue to certain of our officers under our long-term incentive plan, plus the aggregate value of OP Units not owned by us, plus the book value of our total consolidated indebtedness and our pro rata share of debt related to unconsolidated joint ventures. Since this ratio is based, in part, upon market values of equity, it will fluctuate with changes in the price of our shares of common stock; however, we believe that this ratio provides an appropriate indication of leverage for a company whose assets are primarily real estate. As of December 31, 2007, our debt to total market capitalization ratio was 39.3%. Our charter and our bylaws do not limit the amount or percentage of indebtedness that we may incur. We are, however, subject to certain leverage limitations pursuant to the restrictive covenants of our outstanding indebtedness. Our board of directors may from time to time modify our debt policy in light of then-current economic conditions, relative costs of debt and equity capital, market values of our properties, general conditions in the market for debt and equity securities, fluctuations in the market price of our common stock, growth and acquisition opportunities and other factors. Contractual Obligations The following table reflects our contractual obligations as of December 31, 2007, specifically our obligations under long-term debt agreements, operating and ground lease agreements and purchase obligations (amounts in thousands):
58
Table of ContentsOff-Balance Sheet Arrangements As of December 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006, respectively, we had no off-balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a current or future effect on our financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources that is material to investors, other than items discussed herein. In addition to operating leases, we have $37.6 million of outstanding letters of credit and we own interests in unconsolidated joint ventures. Based on the provisions of certain joint venture agreements, we are not deemed to have control of these joint ventures sufficient to require or permit consolidation for accounting purposes (for additional information, see Note 2 to our Consolidated Financial Statements). There are no lines of credit, side agreements, or any other derivative financial instruments related to or between our unconsolidated joint ventures and us, and we believe we have no material exposure to financial guarantees, except for during June 2007, a wholly owned, consolidated subsidiary issued a secured $16.0 million, 6.0% interest note, maturing on July 1, 2014 to TRT-DCT Industrial Joint Venture I. The note is guaranteed by us until all related obligations are satisfied. Accordingly, our maximum risk of loss related to these unconsolidated joint ventures is generally limited to this note and the carrying amounts of our investments in the unconsolidated joint ventures, which were $102.8 million and $42.3 million as of December 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006, respectively. We have, however, made certain non-recourse guarantees (referred to as standard non-recourse carve outs) with respect to certain debt issuances by these joint ventures, which, under certain limited circumstances, may become full-recourse guarantees.
59
Table of ContentsFunds From Operations We believe that net income, as defined by GAAP, is the most appropriate earnings measure. However, we consider FFO as defined by the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts, or NAREIT, to be a useful supplemental measure of our operating performance. NAREIT developed FFO as a relative measure of performance of an equity REIT in order to recognize that the value of income-producing real estate historically has not depreciated on the basis determined under GAAP. FFO is generally defined as net income, calculated in accordance with GAAP, plus real estate-related depreciation and amortization, less gain (or loss) from dispositions of real estate held for investment purposes and adjustments to derive our pro rata share of FFO of consolidated and unconsolidated joint ventures. Readers should note that FFO captures neither the changes in the value of our properties that result from use or market conditions, nor the level of capital expenditures and leasing commissions necessary to maintain the operating performance of our properties, all of which have real economic effect and could materially impact our results from operations. Other REITs may not calculate FFO in accordance with the NAREIT definition and, accordingly, our FFO may not be comparable to such other REITs FFO. Accordingly, FFO should be considered only as a supplement to net income as a measure of our performance. The following table presents the calculation of our FFO reconciled from net income for the periods indicated below on a historical basis (unaudited, amounts in thousands):
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||