First Industrial's third quarter funds from operations (FFO) per
share/unit was
"Our portfolio operations, our primary income source, delivered solid
results during the quarter with improved occupancy, near record tenant
retention and solid same store NOI growth," said
Strong Portfolio Performance for On Balance Sheet Properties * 3.2% growth in same property net operating income (NOI) on a cash basis. Excluding lease termination fees, same property cash basis NOI increased 4.3%. * Occupancy rose to 93.7% from 93.5% at the end of second quarter 2008. * 3.2% increase in rental rates and leasing costs improved to $1.53 per square foot. * Retained tenants in 87% of square footage up for renewal. Solid Financial Position (Balance Sheet Information) * No debt maturing in 2008 * Less than $135 million of debt maturing through the end of 2010 * Fixed-charge coverage of 2.4 times and interest coverage of 2.9 times year-to-date * 96% of real estate assets are unencumbered by mortgages * 7.5 year weighted average maturity for permanent debt * 100% of permanent debt is fixed rate
"Our balance sheet capital position remains solid, with less than
Cost Reduction Actions and Related Charge
The Company has reduced its overhead to align expenses with the lower
level of transactions anticipated in the real estate market and the more
challenging general economic environment. Overall general and administrative
expenses have been reduced by an estimated
The Company will report a one-time pre-tax charge estimated between
"As we look ahead into 2009, we expect the transaction markets in the U.S. to continue to be challenging and real estate fundamentals will continue to be impacted by the general state of the economy," said Mr. Havala. "We are reducing staffing levels and other expenses to position ourselves for the current economic realities, while maintaining our strong service levels for our customers and our institutional partners."
Dividend
The Board of Directors declared a dividend of
Given the recent changes in the capital markets and economic environment, the Company is linking its regular dividend to more predictable income streams, such as property rental operations, and may pay special dividends, as appropriate, when capital recycling is consummated.
Investment Performance Balance Sheet Investment/ 3rd Quarter (in Nine Months (in Disposition Activity 2008 millions) 2008 millions) Property Acquisitions $117.7 $282.1 Square Feet 0.9 million 3.1 million Stabilized Weighted Average Capitalization Rate 8.4% 8.2% Developments Placed in Service $5.1 $57.1 Square Feet 0.1 million 1.2 million Stabilized Weighted Average Capitalization Rate 9.2% 9.0% Land Acquisitions $19.4 $34.6 Total Investments $142.2 $373.8 Property Sales $63.9 $546.2 Square Feet 1.1 million 8.8 million Weighted Average Capitalization Rate 7.3% 7.6% Land Sales $0.0 $14.7 Total Dispositions $63.9 $560.9 Joint Venture Investment/Disposition Activity Investments 2005 Development/ Redevelopment JV - Acquisitions $49.2 $158.7 2005 Development/ Redevelopment JV - Placed in Service $23.6 $67.3 2006 Strategic Land and Development JV $0.6 $56.3 2007 Canada JV $0.0 $38.1 Total Joint Venture Investments $73.4 $320.4 Dispositions 2005 Development/ Redevelopment JV $49.3 $234.3 2005 Core JV $36.1 $55.9 2007 Canada JV $7.4 $7.4 Total Joint Venture Dispositions $92.8 $297.6
"We will be highly selective with our deployment of capital in the current
environment, emphasizing income-oriented properties in strong markets and
built-to-suit development for our balance sheet, and value-added opportunities
at significant discounts in our joint ventures," said
"We recently announced our first investment transaction in
Land and Development
Developable land now totals 5,563 acres, including 4,911 acres in joint ventures and 652 acres on balance sheet. Total land positions can now accommodate approximately 91 million square feet of additional development.
Developments in process have an estimated investment of
New FFO Definition Adopted (Supplemental Reporting Measure)
Beginning
NAREIT recommends that REITs define FFO as net income, excluding gains (or losses) from the sale of previously depreciated property, plus depreciation and amortization, and after adjustments for unconsolidated partnerships and joint ventures. See the Company's prior disclosures regarding its historical definition of FFO.
Outlook for 2008 and 2009
Mr. Tyler stated, "We expect the general uncertainty in the economy to delay or change some customers' supply chain decisions. As a result, we expect a more difficult leasing environment as we head into 2009, and we have sharpened our focus on occupancy and tenant retention."
Mr. Tyler added, "First Industrial is updating its guidance range for 2008
FFO per share/unit to
"On balance sheet investment volume assumptions for 2008, which include
both developments placed in service and acquisitions, have been reduced to a
range of
"Book gains from property sales and fees are now estimated to be from
"Our estimate for First Industrial's FFO from joint ventures in 2008 is now between $36 million and $42 million. Joint venture investment volume assumptions for 2008, which include both developments placed in service and acquisitions, range from $300 million to $400 million. Joint venture sales volume in 2008 is now assumed to be approximately $300 million to $400 million." Low End of High End of Low High Guidance Guidance End of End of for for Guidance Guidance 4Q 2008 4Q 2008 for 2008 for 2008 (Per share (Per share (Per share (Per share /unit) /unit) /unit) /unit) Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders $(0.50) $(0.30) $1.68 $1.88 Add: Real Estate Depreciation/ Amortization 0.87 0.87 3.52 3.52 Less: Accumulated Depreciation/ Amortization on Real Estate Sold (0.14) (0.14) (2.03) (2.03) FFO (Current Definition) $0.23 $0.43 $3.17 $3.37 Less: Economic Gains Excluded Under NAREIT FFO Definition (0.12) (0.22) (1.67) (1.77) FFO (NAREIT Definition) $0.11 $0.21 $1.50 $1.60 2009 Guidance Under NAREIT Definition Low End of High End of Guidance for 2009 Guidance for 2009 (Per share/unit) (Per share/unit) Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders $(1.08) $(0.88) Add: Real Estate Depreciation/ Amortization 3.40 3.40 Less: Gains on Sales of Depreciated Real Estate (0.92) (0.92) FFO (NAREIT Definition) $1.40 $1.60
Mr. Tyler concluded, "A number of factors could impact our ability to
deliver results in line with our assumptions, such as interest rates, the
economies of
First Industrial Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE: FR) provides industrial real
estate solutions for every stage of a customer's supply chain, no matter how
large or complex. Across more than 30 markets in
This press release contains certain forward-looking statements within the
meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, and Section 21E of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934. We intend such 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. Forward-looking statements, which are based on certain
assumptions and describe future plans, strategies and expectations of the
Company, are generally identifiable by use of the words "believe," "expect,"
"intend," "anticipate," "estimate," "project" or similar expressions. Our
ability to predict results or the actual effect of future plans or strategies
is inherently uncertain. Factors which could have a materially adverse affect
on our operations and future prospects include, but are not limited to,
changes in: national, international (including trade volume growth), regional
and local economic conditions generally and real estate markets specifically,
legislation/regulation (including changes to laws governing the taxation of
real estate investment trusts), our ability to qualify and maintain our status
as a real estate investment trust, availability and attractiveness of
financing (including both public and private capital) to us and to our
potential counterparties, interest rate levels, our ability to maintain our
current credit agency ratings, competition, supply and demand for industrial
properties (including land, the supply and demand for which is inherently more
volatile than other types of industrial property) in the Company's current and
proposed market areas, difficulties in consummating acquisitions and
dispositions, risks related to our investments in properties through joint
ventures, potential environmental liabilities, slippage in development or
lease-up schedules, tenant credit risks, higher-than-expected costs, changes
in general accounting principles, policies and guidelines applicable to real
estate investment trusts, risks related to doing business internationally
(including foreign currency exchange risks and risks related to integrating
international properties and operations) and those additional factors
described under the heading "Risk Factors" and elsewhere in the Company's
annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended
A schedule of selected financial information is attached.
First Industrial Realty Trust, Inc. will host a quarterly conference call
at
The Company's third quarter supplemental information can be viewed on First Industrial's website, http://www.firstindustrial.com, under the "Investor Relations" tab.
FIRST INDUSTRIAL REALTY TRUST, INC. Selected Financial Data (In thousands, except for per share/unit) (Unaudited) Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, September 30, September 30, 2008 2007 2008 2007 Statement of Operations and Other Data: Total Revenues (a) $136,602 $90,537 $375,171 $275,076 Property Expenses (30,587) (27,584) (94,469) (81,203) Construction Expenses(a) (41,895) (5,188) (96,628) (20,278) General & Administrative Expense (18,066) (21,307) (64,191) (66,478) Depreciation of Corporate F,F&E (539) (439) (1,513) (1,401) Depreciation and Amortization of Real Estate (38,611) (34,580) (118,134) (99,063) Total Expenses (129,698) (89,098) (374,935) (268,423) Interest Income 1,054 930 2,816 1,415 Interest Expense (26,644) (30,196) (83,116) (89,764) Amortization of Deferred Financing Costs (717) (828) (2,162) (2,472) Gain (Loss) from Early Retirement of Debt 1,260 (139) 2,749 (393) Loss from Continuing Operations Before Equity in Net Income of Joint Ventures, Income Tax Benefit and Minority Interest Allocable to Continuing Operations (18,143) (28,794) (79,477) (84,561) Equity in Net Income of Joint Ventures (b) 725 6,376 7,295 23,633 Income Tax Benefit 2,064 2,521 7,240 4,451 Minority Interest Allocable to Continuing Operations 2,559 3,105 9,977 9,455 Loss from Continuing Operations (12,795) (16,792) (54,965) (47,022) Income from Discontinued Operations (Including Gain on Sale of Real Estate of $22,548 and $59,637 for the Three Months Ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively and $166,393 and $174,436 for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively) (c) 24,739 68,369 181,260 205,650 Provision for Income Taxes Allocable to Discontinued Operations (Including a (Benefit) Provision Allocable to Gain on Sale of Real Estate of $(26) and $9,894 for the Three Months Ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively and $2,748 and $31,015 for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively) (c) (65) (10,155) (3,343) (33,081) Minority Interest Allocable to Discontinued Operations (c) (3,062) (7,317) (22,293) (21,726) Income Before Gain on Sale of Real Estate 8,817 34,105 100,659 103,821 Gain on Sale of Real Estate - 103 12,008 4,507 Provision for Income Taxes Allocable to Gain on Sale of Real Estate - (40) (2,909) (1,145) Minority Interest Allocable to Gain on Sale of Real Estate - (8) (1,140) (423) Net Income 8,817 34,160 108,618 106,760 Preferred Dividends (4,857) (4,857) (14,571) (16,463) Redemption of Preferred Stock - - - (2,017) Net Income Available to Common Stockholders $3,960 $29,303 $94,047 $88,280 RECONCILIATION OF NET INCOME AVAILABLE TO COMMON STOCKHOLDERS TO FFO (d) AND FAD (d) Net Income Available to Common Stockholders $3,960 $29,303 $94,047 $88,280 Add: Depreciation and Amortization of Real Estate 38,611 34,580 118,134 99,063 Add: Income Allocated to Minority Interest 503 4,220 13,456 12,694 Add: Depreciation and Amortization of Real Estate Included in Discontinued Operations 1,217 7,557 7,841 25,189 Add: Depreciation and Amortization of Real Estate - Joint Ventures (b) 1,965 2,142 5,688 7,104 Less: Accumulated Depreciation/ Amortization on Real Estate Sold (12,804) (19,194) (92,302) (53,905) Less: Accumulated Depreciation/ Amortization on Real Estate Sold - Joint Ventures (b) (632) (1,413) (1,499) (4,571) Funds From Operations ("FFO") (d) $32,820 $57,195 $145,365 $173,854 Less: Economic Gains on Sale of Depreciated Real Estate (f) (10,071) (35,723) (77,064) (101,877) Funds From Operations (NAREIT Definiton): $22,749 $21,472 $68,301 $71,967 Funds From Operations ("FFO") (d) $32,820 $57,195 $145,365 $173,854 Add: (Gain) Loss from Early Retirement of Debt (1,260) 139 (2,749) 393 Add: Restricted Stock Amortization 4,592 3,403 12,776 10,657 Add: Amortization of Deferred Financing Costs 717 828 2,162 2,472 Add: Depreciation of Corporate F,F&E 539 439 1,513 1,401 Add: Redemption of Preferred Stock - - - 2,017 Less: Non- Incremental Capital Expenditures (7,367) (9,349) (22,546) (21,722) Less: Straight-Line Rent (756) (2,470) (4,689) (7,975) Funds Available for Distribution ("FAD") (d) $29,285 $50,185 $131,832 $161,097 FIRST INDUSTRIAL REALTY TRUST, INC. Selected Financial Data (In thousands, except for per share/unit) (Unaudited) Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, September 30, September 30, 2008 2007 2008 2007 RECONCILIATION OF NET INCOME AVAILABLE TO COMMON STOCKHOLDERS TO EBITDA (d) AND NOI (d) Net Income Available to Common Stockholders $3,960 $29,303 $94,047 $88,280 Add: Interest Expense 26,644 30,196 83,116 89,764 Add: Depreciation and Amortization of Real Estate 38,611 34,580 118,134 99,063 Add: Preferred Dividends 4,857 4,857 14,571 16,463 Add: (Benefit) Provision for Income Taxes (1,999) 7,674 (988) 29,775 Add: Redemption of Preferred Stock - - - 2,017 Add: Income Allocated to Minority Interest 503 4,220 13,456 12,694 Add: Amortization of Deferred Financing Costs 717 828 2,162 2,472 Add: Depreciation of Corporate F,F&E 539 439 1,513 1,401 Add: Depreciation and Amortization of Real Estate Included in Discontinued Operations 1,217 7,557 7,841 25,189 Add: (Gain) Loss from Early Retirement of Debt (1,260) 139 (2,749) 393 Add: Depreciation and Amortization of Real Estate - Joint Ventures (b) 1,965 2,142 5,688 7,104 Less: Accumulated Depreciation/ Amortization on Real Estate Sold (12,804) (19,194) (92,302) (53,905) Less: Accumulated Depreciation/ Amortization on Real Estate Sold - Joint Ventures (b) (632) (1,413) (1,499) (4,571) EBITDA (d) $62,318 $101,328 $242,990 $316,139 Add: General and Administrative Expense 18,066 21,307 64,191 66,478 Less: Net Economic Gains, Net of Income Tax Provision (d) (9,744) (34,842) (87,565) (105,857) Less: Benefit (Provision) for Income Taxes 1,999 (7,674) 988 (29,775) Less: Equity in FFO of Joint Ventures, Net of Income Tax Provision (d) (10,084) (12,454) (28,701) (40,733) Net Operating Income ("NOI") (d) $62,555 $67,665 $191,903 $206,252 RECONCILIATION OF GAIN ON SALE OF REAL ESTATE TO NET ECONOMIC GAINS (d) Gain on Sale of Real Estate - 103 12,008 4,507 Gain on Sale of Real Estate included in Discontinued Operations 22,548 59,637 166,393 174,436 Less: Benefit (Provision) for Income Taxes 1,999 (7,674) 988 (29,775) Less: Accumulated Depreciation/ Amortization on Real Estate Sold (12,804) (19,194) (92,302) (53,905) Add: Assignment Fees - - 2,327 3,275 Add: (Benefit) Provision for Income Tax Provision Allocable to FFO from Joint Ventures (1,999) 1,970 (1,849) 7,319 Net Economic Gains (d) $9,744 $34,842 $87,565 $105,857 Weighted Avg. Number of Shares/Units Outstanding - Basic/Diluted (e) 49,431 50,735 49,418 50,894 Weighted Avg. Number of Shares Outstanding - Basic/Diluted (e) 43,151 44,240 43,088 44,373 Per Share/Unit Data: FFO: - Basic/Diluted (e) $0.66 $1.13 $2.94 $3.42 FFO (NAREIT Definition): - Basic/Diluted (e) $0.46 $0.42 $1.38 $1.41 Loss from Continuing Operations Less Preferred Dividends and Redemption of Preferred Stock Per Weighted Average Common Share Outstanding: - Basic/Diluted (e) $(0.41) $(0.49) $(1.43) $(1.41) Net Income Available to Common Stockholders Per Weighted Average Common Share Outstanding: - Basic/Diluted (e) $0.09 $0.66 $2.18 $1.99 Dividends/ Distributions $0.72 $0.71 $2.16 $2.13 FFO Payout Ratio 108.4% 63.0% 73.4% 62.4% FAD Payout Ratio 121.5% 71.8% 81.0% 67.3% Balance Sheet Data (end of period): Real Estate Before Accumulated Depreciation $3,307,713 $3,335,231 Real Estate and Other Held For Sale, Net 70,220 55,325 Total Assets 3,314,386 3,255,281 Debt 1,990,562 1,932,863 Total Liabilities 2,231,725 2,157,770 Stockholders' Equity and Minority Interest $1,082,661 $1,097,511 a) Construction Revenues, included within Total Revenues, and Construction Expenses include revenues and expenses associated with the Company acting in the capacity of general contractor for certain third party development projects. Additionally, for the nine months ended September 30, 2008, construction revenues and expenses include amounts relating to the sale of industrial units that the Company developed to sell and for the nine months ended September 30, 2007, construction revenues and expenses include amounts relating to the construction of a building for a third party, accounted for on a percentage of completion basis. b) Represents the Company's share of net income, depreciation and amortization on real estate and accumulated depreciation and amortization on real estate sold from the Company's joint ventures in which it owns minority equity interests. c) In August 2001, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 144 "Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets" ("FAS 144"). FAS 144 requires that the operations and gain (loss) on sale of qualifying properties sold and properties that are classified as held for sale be presented in discontinued operations. FAS 144 also requires that prior periods be restated. d) Investors in and analysts following the real estate industry utilize FFO, NOI, EBITDA and FAD, variously defined, as supplemental performance measures. While the Company believes net income available to common stockholders, as defined by GAAP, is the most appropriate measure, it considers FFO, NOI, EBITDA and FAD, given their wide use by and relevance to investors and analysts, appropriate supplemental performance measures. FFO, reflecting the assumption that real estate asset values rise or fall with market conditions, principally adjusts for the effects of GAAP depreciation and amortization of real estate assets. NOI provides a measure of rental operations, and does not factor in depreciation and amortization and non-property specific expenses such as general and administrative expenses. EBITDA provides a tool to further evaluate the ability to incur and service debt and to fund dividends and other cash needs. FAD provides a tool to further evaluate the ability to fund dividends. In addition, FFO, NOI, EBITDA and FAD are commonly used in various ratios, pricing multiples/yields and returns and valuation calculations used to measure financial position, performance and value. The Company currently calculates FFO to be equal to net income available to common stockholders, plus depreciation and amortization on real estate, minus accumulated depreciation and amortization on real estate sold. Accordingly, as currently calculated by the Company, FFO includes net economic gains (losses) resulting from all Company property sales as well as assignment fees. Assignment fees are earned when the Company assigns its interest in a purchase contract to a third party for consideration. Investors should note, however, that, beginning with the first quarter of 2009, the Company intends to report FFO in accordance with the definition of FFO published by NAREIT. NOI is defined as revenues of the Company, minus property expenses such as real estate taxes, repairs and maintenance, property management, utilities, insurance and other expenses. NOI includes NOI from discontinued operations. EBITDA is defined as NOI, plus the equity in FFO of the Company's joint ventures, which are accounted for under the equity method of accounting, plus Net Economic Gains, minus general and administrative expenses. EBITDA includes EBITDA from discontinued operations. FAD is defined as EBITDA, minus GAAP interest expense, minus preferred stock dividends, minus straight-line rental income, minus provision for income taxes or plus benefit for income taxes, plus restricted stock amortization, minus non-incremental capital expenditures. Non-incremental capital expenditures are building improvements and leasing costs required to maintain current revenues. FFO, NOI, EBITDA and FAD do not represent cash generated from operating activities in accordance with GAAP and are not necessarily indicative of cash available to fund cash needs, including the repayment of principal on debt and payment of dividends and distributions. FFO, NOI, EBITDA and FAD should not be considered as substitutes for net income available to common stockholders (calculated in accordance with GAAP), as a measure of results of operations, or cash flows (calculated in accordance with GAAP) as a measure of liquidity. FFO, NOI, EBITDA and FAD, as currently calculated by the Company, may not be comparable to similarly titled, but variously calculated, measures of other REITs or to the definition of FFO published by NAREIT. The Company also reports Net Economic Gains, which, effectively, measure the value created in the Company's capital recycling activities. Net Economic Gains are calculated by subtracting from gain on sale of real estate (calculated in accordance with GAAP, including gains on sale of real estate classified as discontinued operations) the recapture of accumulated depreciation and amortization on real estate sold (excluding the recapture of accumulated amortization related to above/below market leases and lease inducements as this amortization is included in revenues and FFO) and the provision for income taxes (excluding taxes associated with joint ventures). Net Economic Gains also includes assignment fees. In addition, the Company considers cash-basis same store NOI ("SS NOI") to be a useful supplemental measure of its operating performance. Beginning with the fourth quarter of 2006, the Company adopted the following definition of its same store pool of properties: Same store properties, for the period beginning January 1, 2008, include all properties owned prior to January 1, 2007 and held as an operating property through the end of the current reporting period and developments and redevelopments that were placed in service or were substantially completed for 12 months prior to January 1, 2007 (the "Same Store Pool"). The Company defines SS NOI as NOI, less NOI of properties not in the Same Store Pool, less the impact of straight-line rent and the amortization of above/below market rent. For the quarters ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, NOI was $62,555 and $67,665, respectively; NOI of properties not in the Same Store Pool was $12,862 and $18,564, respectively; the impact of straight-line rent and the amortization of above/below market rent was $1,233 and $2,162, respectively. The Company excludes straight-line rents and above/below market rent amortization in calculating SS NOI because the Company believes it provides a better measure of actual cash basis rental growth for a year-over-year comparison. In addition, the Company believes that SS NOI helps the investing public compare the operating performance of a company's real estate as compared to other companies. While SS NOI is a relevant and widely used measure of operating performance of real estate investment trusts, it does not represent cash flow from operations or net income as defined by GAAP and should not be considered as an alternative to those measures in evaluating our liquidity or operating performance. SS NOI also does not reflect general and administrative expenses, interest expenses, depreciation and amortization costs, capital expenditures and leasing costs, or trends in development and construction activities that could materially impact our results from operations. Further, the Company's computation of SS NOI may not be comparable to that of other real estate companies, as they may use different methodologies for calculating SS NOI. e) Pursuant to Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 128, "Earnings Per Share", the diluted weighted average number of shares/units outstanding and the diluted weighted average number of shares outstanding are the same as the basic weighted average number of shares/units outstanding and the basic weighted average number of shares outstanding, respectively, for periods in which continuing operations is a loss, as the dilutive effect of stock options and restricted stock would be antidilutive to the loss from continuing operations per share. f) Includes economic gains of the Company and its share of economic gains from its joint ventures based on its ownership interest.
SOURCE First Industrial Realty Trust, Inc.