AGREE REALTY CORP - Quarter Report: 2004 September (Form 10-Q)

Agree Realty Corporation

Part I

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Forward-Looking Statements

Management has included herein certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. When used, statements which are not historical in nature, including the words “anticipate,” “estimate,” “should,” “expect,” “believe,” “intend” and similar expressions, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such statements are, by their nature, subject to certain risks and uncertainties. Risks and other factors that might cause future results to differ from the statements include, but are not limited to, the effect of economic and market conditions; risks that the Company’s acquisition and development projects will fail to perform as expected; financing risks, such as the inability to obtain debt or equity financing on favorable terms; the level and volatility of interest rates; loss or bankruptcy of one or more of the Company’s major retail tenants; and failure of the Company’s properties to generate additional income to offset increases in operating expenses.

Overview

We were established to continue to operate and expand the retail property business of our predecessor. We commenced operations in April 1994. Our assets are held by, and all operations are conducted through, Agree Limited Partnership (the “Operating Partnership”), of which Agree Realty Corporation is the sole general partner and held an 90.57% interest as of September 30, 2004. We are operating so as to qualify as a real estate investment trust (“REIT”) for federal income tax purposes.

On August 4, 2003, we completed an offering of 1,700,000 shares of common stock at $23.50 per share; on August 12, 2003 the underwriters exercised their over allotment option for an additional 255,000 shares at the same per share price (collectively, the “2003 Offering”). The net proceeds from the 2003 Offering of approximately $43.2 million were used to repay amounts outstanding under the Company’s credit facility.

We have thirteen (13) leases with Kmart Corporation. Eleven (11) of the Kmart stores are currently anchors in the Company’s Community Shopping Centers and two (2) Kmart stores are free-standing net leased properties. The Kmart stores in the Company’s Portfolio provided 15.3% of our Annual Base Rent as of September 30, 2004. As of September 30, 2004, all of our Kmart stores were open and operating as Kmart discount stores.

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Agree Realty Corporation

Part I

In May 2003, Kmart Corporation emerged from the bankruptcy proceeding which it had initiated in January 2002. Pursuant to the confirmed plan of reorganization, Kmart closed approximately 600 of its stores, including one located in our center in Lakeland, Florida. Kmart vacated the premises in Lakeland, Florida in April 2003 and we have actively marketed the space formerly occupied by Kmart. Kmart’s annual rent on this property was approximately $480,000 and their annual contribution under the lease for real estate taxes, insurance and common area maintenance was approximately $110,000. Certain tenants in the Lakeland, Florida community shopping center have co-tenancy clauses in their leases which provide either for modification of their rent to be based on gross sales or an option to terminate their lease when the Kmart store closed, and we are unable to obtain a replacement anchor tenant. None of these tenants has exercised its option to terminate their leases with us.

We have entered into a lease with a department store to lease the entire vacant Kmart space. The terms of the lease are similar to the terms under the previous Kmart lease. The tenant commenced paying rent and other charges in October 2004. In connection with re-letting the Kmart location, we have agreed to make capital improvements of approximately $600,000 with respect to the property.

The lost revenue and increased property expenses resulting from the rejection by any bankrupt tenant of any of their respective leases with the Company could have a material adverse effect on the liquidity and results of operations of the Company, if the Company is unable to re-lease the space at comparable rental rates and in a timely manner.

During October 2003, we sold a community shopping center that was located in Winter Garden, Florida and was anchored by Kmart. We developed the 233,512 square foot shopping center in 1988. The property was sold to a private investor for approximately $8.5 million. We recognized a gain of approximately $835,000 on the sale.

During August 2004, we sold a free-standing net leased property that was located in Perrysburg, Ohio and was leased to Kmart. We developed the 87,543 square foot store in 1983. The property was sold to a private investor for approximately $2.2 million. We recognized a gain of approximately $575,000 on the sale.

The following should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements of Agree Realty Corporation, including the respective notes thereto, which are included in this Form 10-Q.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In May 2003, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) issued SFAS No. 150 “Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of Both Liabilities and Equity (“SFAS 150”). The objective of SFAS 150 is to establish standards for how an issuer classifies and measures certain financial instruments with characteristics of both liabilities and equity. In November 2003 the FASB indefinitely delayed the effective date of SFAS 150 with respect to certain mandatory redeemable non-controlling interests in consolidated financial statements. Adoption of SFAS did not have an impact on the results of operations or financial position of the Company.

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Agree Realty Corporation

Part I

Critical Accounting Policies

In the course of developing and evaluating accounting policies and procedures, we use estimates, assumptions and judgements to determine the most appropriate methods to be applied. Such processes are used in determining capitalization of costs related to real estate investments, potential impairment of real estate investments, operating cost reimbursements, and taxable income.

Real estate assets are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. All costs related to planning, development and construction of buildings prior to the date they become operational, including interest and real estate taxes during the construction period, are capitalized for financial reporting purposes and recorded as property under development until construction has been completed. Subsequent to completion of construction, expenditures for property maintenance are charged to operations as incurred, while significant renovations are capitalized. Depreciation of the buildings is recorded on the straight-line method using an estimated useful life of forty years.

In determining the fair value of real estate investments, we consider future cash flow projections on a property-by-property basis, current interest rates and current market conditions of the geographical location of each property.

Substantially all of the Company’s leases contain provisions requiring tenants to pay as additional rent a proportionate share of operating expenses (Operating Cost Reimbursements) such as real estate taxes, repairs and maintenance, insurance, etc. The related revenue from tenant billings is recognized in the same period the expense is recorded.

We have elected to be taxed as a REIT under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), commencing with the Company’s 1994 tax year. As a result, the Company is not subject to federal income taxes to the extent that we distribute annually at least 90% of its taxable income to our stockholders and satisfy certain other requirements defined in the Code. Accordingly, no provision was made for federal income taxes in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

Comparison of Nine Months Ended September 30, 2004 to Nine Months Ended September 30, 2003

Minimum rental income increased $1,854,000, or 10%, to $19,753,000 in 2004, compared to $17,899,000 in 2003. The increase was the result of rental decreases of ($212,000) from existing properties; an increase of $922,000 due to additional rent as a result of the acquisition of our joint venture partner’s interest in three Joint Venture Properties in the first and third quarter of 2003 and two Joint Venture Properties in the third quarter of 2004; an increase of $421,000 from the acquisition of one property in 2003 and one property in 2004; an increase of $384,000 from the development of two properties in 2003 and one property in 2004; and the receipt of a rent termination payment in 2004 from Kmart with regard to their Lakeland, Florida store in the amount of $339,000.

Percentage rental income decreased ($70,000), or 71%, to $29,000 in 2004, compared to $99,000 in 2003. The decrease was primarily the result of decreased tenant sales ($36,000) and the refund of ($34,000) pertaining to percentage rent paid in error by a tenant in 2003.

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Agree Realty Corporation

Part I

Operating Cost Reimbursements increased $156,000, or 8%, to $2,180,000 in 2004, compared to $2,024,000 in 2003. Operating cost reimbursements increased due to the increase in real estate taxes and property operating expenses as explained below. Included in 2004 Operating Cost Reimbursements is a bad debt recovery of $100,000 as a result of a decrease in the allowance for bad debts due to the collectibility of charges billed to Kmart Corporation. Included in 2003 Operating Cost Reimbursements is a bad debt charge of $15,000 as a result of an increase in the allowance for bad debts.

Other income increased $30,000 to $32,000 in 2004, compared to $2,000 in 2003. Other income increased due to sale of signage at one of our properties.

Real estate taxes increased $16,000, or 1%, to $1,381,000 in 2004, compared to $1,365,000 in 2003. The increase is the result of general assessment increases on the Company’s properties and additional real estate taxes paid directly by the Company related to a closed Kmart store.

Property operating expenses (shopping center maintenance, insurance and utilities) increased $21,000, or 1%, to $1,505,000 in 2004 compared to $1,484,000 in 2003. The increase was the result of increased snow removal costs of $47,000; a decrease in shopping center maintenance costs of ($64,000); a decrease in utility costs of ($9,000); and an increase in insurance costs of $47,000 in 2004 versus 2003. Included in shopping center maintenance is approximately $160,000 to paint the exterior walls of three shopping centers in 2004. This cost, in accordance with our tenant’s leases was not a reimbursable expense.

Land lease payments remained constant at $541,000 for 2004 and 2003.

General and administrative expenses increased by $307,000, or 18%, to $1,983,000 in 2004, compared to $1,676,000 in 2003. The increase was primarily the result of increased compensation related expenses of $242,000; increased general state taxes of $60,000 and property management related expenses of $5,000. General and administrative expenses as a percentage of total rental income increased from 9.3% for 2003 to 10.0% for 2004.

Depreciation and amortization increased $251,000, or 8%, to $3,248,000 in 2004, compared to $2,997,000 in 2003. The increase was the result of the development of two properties in 2003 and one property in 2004; the acquisition of the joint venture partner’s interest in three (3) Joint Venture Properties in 2003 and two (2) Joint Venture Properties in 2004 ; and the acquisition of one property in 2003 and one property in 2004.

Interest expense decreased $1,222,000, or 27%, to $3,339,000 in 2004, from $4,561,000 in 2003. The decrease in interest expense was the result of decreased borrowings as a result of the reduction in outstanding indebtedness from the net proceeds from the issuance of additional common stock.

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Agree Realty Corporation

Part I

Equity in net income of unconsolidated entities decreased $125,000, or 37%, to $217,000 in 2004 compared to $342,000 in 2003 as a result of the acquisition of our joint venture partner’s interest in three Joint Venture Properties in 2003 and two Joint Venture Properties in 2004.

Early extinguishment of debt totaled $961,000 in 2003, as a result of our repaying in August 2003 three mortgages totaling approximately $37 million prior to their scheduled maturity. In connection with these prepayments we incurred a pre-payment penalty of $555,000 and wrote-off unamortized mortgage costs in the amount of $406,000. There was no early extinguishment of debt in 2004.

The Company’s income before minority interest and discontinued operations increased $3,434,000, or 51%, to $10,213,000 in 2004 from $6,779,000 in 2003 as a result of the foregoing factors.

Comparison of Three Months Ended September 30, 2004 to Three Months Ended September 30, 2003

Minimum rental income increased $904,000, or 15%, to $6,939,000 in 2004, compared to $6,035,000 in 2003. The increase was the result of rental decreases of ($43,000) from existing properties; an increase of $331,000 due to additional rent as a result of the acquisition of our joint venture partner’s interest in two Joint Venture Properties in 2003 and two Joint Venture Properties in 2004; an increase of $164,000 from the acquisition of one property in 2003 and one property in 2004; an increase of $113,000 from the development of one property in 2003 and one property in 2004; and the receipt of a rent termination payment in 2004 from Kmart with regard to their Lakeland, Florida store in the amount of $339,000.

Percentage rental income decreased ($60,000), or 126%, to ($12,000) in 2004, compared to $48,000 in 2003. The decrease was primarily the result of decreased tenant sales ($26,000) and the refund of ($34,000) pertaining to percentage rent paid in error by a tenant in 2003.

Operating Cost Reimbursements increased $58,000, or 10%, to $650,000 in 2004, compared to $592,000 in 2003. Operating Cost Reimbursements increased due to the increase in property operating expense as explained below. Included in 2004 Operating Cost Reimbursements is a bad debt recovery of $50,000 as a result of a decrease in the allowance for bad debts due to the collectibility of charges billed to Kmart Corporation.

Real estate taxes decreased ($4,000), or 1%, to $453,000 in 2004, compared to $457,000 in 2003. The decrease is the result of general assessment decreases on the Company’s properties and additional real estate taxes related to a closed Kmart store.

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Agree Realty Corporation

Part I

Property operating expenses (shopping center maintenance, insurance and utilities) decreased ($48,000), or 10%, to $415,000 in 2004 compared to $463,000 in 2003. The decrease was the result of decreased shopping center maintenance costs of ($56,000); a decrease in utility costs of ($8,000); and an increase in insurance costs of $16,000 in 2004 versus 2003. Included in shopping center maintenance is approximately $85,000 to paint the exterior walls of two shopping centers in 2004. This cost, in accordance with our tenant’s leases was not a reimbursable expense.

Land lease payments remained constant at $180,000 for 2004 and 2003.

General and administrative expenses increased by $134,000, or 24%, to $687,000 in 2004, compared to $553,000 in 2003. The increase was primarily the result of an increase in compensation-related expenses of $130,000; increased state taxes of $20,000; and a decrease in property management related expenses of ($16,000). General and administrative expenses as a percentage of total rental income increased from 9.1% in 2003 to 9.9% in 2004.

Depreciation and amortization increased $96,000, or 9%, to $1,107,000 in 2004, compared to $1,011,000 in 2003. The increase was the result of the development of one property in 2003 and one property in 2004; the acquisition of the joint venture partner’s interest in three (3) Joint Venture Properties in 2003 and two (2) Joint Venture Properties in 2004; and the acquisition of one property in 2003 and one property in 2004.

Interest expense decreased $226,000, or 17%, to $1,076,000 in 2004, from $1,302,000 in 2003. The decrease in interest expense was the result of decreased borrowings as a result of the reduction in outstanding indebtedness with the net proceeds from the issuance of additional common stock.

Equity in net income of unconsolidated entities decreased ($87,000), or 79%, to $23,000 in 2004 compared to $110,000 in 2003 as a result of the acquisition of the joint venture partner’s interest in three Joint Venture Properties in 2003 and two Joint Venture Properties in 2004.

Early extinguishment of debt totaled $961,000 in 2003, as a result of our repaying in August 2003 three mortgages totaling approximately $37 million prior to their scheduled maturity. In connection with these repayments we incurred a pre-payment penalty of $555,000 and wrote-off unamortized mortgage costs in the amount of $406,000. There was no early extinguishment of debt in 2004.

The Company’s income before minority interest and discontinued operations increased $1,855,000, or 100%, to $3,711,000 in 2004 from $1,856,000 in 2003 as a result of the foregoing factors.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Our principal demands for liquidity are distributions to our shareholders, debt repayment, development of new properties and future property acquisitions.

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Agree Realty Corporation

Part I

During the quarter ended September 30, 2004, the Company declared a quarterly dividend of $.49 per share. The dividend was paid on October 12, 2004, to holders of record on September 30, 2004.

As of September 30, 2004, the Company had total mortgage indebtedness of $54,361,760 with a weighted average interest rate of 6.63%. Future scheduled annual maturities of mortgages payable for the years ending September 30 are as follows: 2005 — $2,153,808; 2006 — $2,414,673; 2007 — $2,579,091; 2008 - $2,740,300; and 2009 — $2,921,939. This mortgage debt is all fixed rate debt.

In addition, the Operating Partnership has in place a $50 million credit facility with Standard Federal Bank, as the agent (Credit Facility), which is guaranteed by the Company. The Credit Facility matures in November 2006 and can be extended at the Operating Partnership’s option for an additional three years. During the three year extension period, we will have no further ability to borrow under this facility and will be required to repay a portion of the unpaid principal on a quarterly basis. Advances under the Credit Facility bear interest within a range of one month to six month LIBOR plus 150 basis points to 213 basis points or the bank’s prime rate, at our option, based on certain factors such as debt to property value and debt service coverage. The Credit Facility is used to fund property acquisitions and development activities and is secured by most of the Company’s properties which are not otherwise encumbered and properties to be acquired or developed. As of September 30, 2004 $31,000,000 was outstanding under the Credit Facility bearing a weighted average interest rate of 2.93%.

We also have in place a $5 million line of credit (Line of Credit), which matures on June 30, 2005. The Line of Credit bears interest at the lender’s prime rate less 50 basis points or 175 basis points in excess of the one-month LIBOR rate, at our option. The purpose of the Line of Credit is to provide working capital to the Company and fund land options and start-up costs associated with new projects. As of September 30, 2004, $2,900,000 was outstanding under the Line of Credit bearing a weighted average interest rate of 4.25%.

The following table outlines our contractual obligations (in thousands) as of September 30, 2004.

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Agree Realty Corporation

Part I

During the quarter we leased a parcel of land located in Lansing, MI to a local restaurant operator. Our cost to acquire and improve the property was approximately $1,133,000, and the property is leased at an annual rental of $90,000. We have three development projects under construction that will add an additional 43,290 square feet of GLA to our portfolio. One project is expected to be completed during the fourth quarter of 2004 and two projects are expected to be completed during the first quarter of 2005. Additional Company funding required to complete the projects is estimated to be $4.1 million and will come from the Credit Facility.

Also during the quarter, our tenant in two joint venture properties located in Ann Arbor, MI and Boynton Beach, FL repaid $13.8 million that had been contributed by our joint venture partner. As a result of this repayment the Company became the sole member of the limited liability companies holding the properties. Total assets of the two properties were approximately $13.8 million. We have treated the $13.8 million repayment of the capital contribution as deferred revenue and accordingly, will recognize rental income over the term of the related leases.

We intend to meet our short-term liquidity requirements, including capital expenditures related to the leasing and improvement of the properties, through its cash flow provided by operations and the Line of Credit. We believe that adequate cash flow will be available to fund our operations and pay dividends in accordance with REIT requirements. We may obtain additional funds for future development or acquisitions through other borrowings or the issuance of additional shares of common stock. We intend to incur additional debt in a manner consistent with our policy of maintaining a ratio of total debt (including construction and acquisition financing) to total market capitalization of 65% or less (approximately 31% at September 30, 2004). We believe that these financing sources will enable us to generate funds sufficient to meet both our short-term and long-term capital needs.

We plan to begin construction of additional pre-leased developments and may acquire additional properties, which will initially be financed by the Credit Facility and Line of Credit. We will periodically refinance short-term construction and acquisition financing with long-term debt and /or equity. Upon completion of these refinancings, we expect to lower the ratio of total debt to market capitalization to 50% or less. Nevertheless, we may operate with debt levels or ratios, which are in excess of 50% for extended periods of time prior to such refinancing.

Inflation

Our leases generally contain provisions designed to mitigate the adverse impact of inflation on net income. These provisions include clauses enabling the us to pass through to tenants certain operating costs, including real estate taxes, common area maintenance, utilities and insurance, thereby reducing the our exposure to increases in costs and operating expenses resulting from inflation. Certain of our leases contain clauses enabling the us to receive percentage rents based on tenants’ gross sales, which generally increase as prices rise, and, in certain cases, escalation clauses, which generally increase rental rates during the terms of the leases. In addition, expiring tenant leases permit us to seek increased rents upon re-lease at market rates if rents are below the then existing market rates.

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Agree Realty Corporation

Part I

Funds from Operations

Management considers Funds from Operations (“FFO”) to be a useful supplemental measure to evaluate our operating performance because, by excluding gains or losses on dispositions and excluding depreciation, FFO can help an investor compare the operating performance of our real estate between periods or compare such performance to that of different companies. FFO is defined by the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts, Inc. (“NAREIT”) to mean net income computed in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”), excluding gains (or losses) from sales of property, plus real estate related depreciation and amortization. FFO should not be considered as an alternative to net income as the primary indicator of the Company’s operating performance or as an alternative to cash flow as a measure of liquidity. While we adhere to the NAREIT definition of FFO in making our calculation our method of calculating FFO may not be comparable to the methods used by other REITs and accordingly may be different from similarly titled measures reported by other companies.

The following tables illustrate the calculation of FFO for the nine months and three months ended September 30, 2004 and 2003 and a reconciliation of net income to FFO:

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Agree Realty Corporation

Part I

ITEM 3 QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

The Company is exposed to interest rate risk primarily through its borrowing activities. There is inherent roll over risk for borrowings as they mature and are renewed at current market rates. The extent of this risk is not quantifiable or predictable because of the variability of future interest rates and the Company’s’ future financing requirements.

The Company’s interest rate risk is monitored using a variety of techniques. The table below presents the principal payments (in thousands) and the weighted average interest rates on remaining debt, by year of expected maturity to evaluate the expected cash flows and sensitivity to interest rate changes.

The fair value (in thousands) is estimated at $55,000, and $33,900 for fixed rate debt and variable rate debt, respectively.

The table above incorporates those exposures that exist as of September 30, 2004; it does not consider those exposures or position, which could arise after that date. As a result, our ultimate realized gain or loss with respect to interest rate fluctuations will depend on the exposures that arise during the period and interest rates.

We do not enter into financial instruments transactions for trading or other speculative purposes or to manage interest rate exposure.

A 10% adverse change in interest rates on the portion of our debt bearing interest at variable rates would result in an increase in interest expense of approximately $96,000.

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Agree Realty Corporation

Part I

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Our Chief Executive Officer and Vice-President-Finance have reviewed and evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Security Exchange Act of 1934) as of the end of the period covered by this quarterly report. Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Vice-President-Finance have concluded that our current disclosure controls and procedures are effective and timely, providing them with material information relating to us required to be disclosed in the reports we file or submit under the Exchange Act.

Changes in Internal Controls

During the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2004, there were no changes to the internal controls over financial reporting identified in connection with our evaluation or otherwise that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect our internal controls over financial reporting.

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Agree Realty Corporation

Part II

Other Information

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

     None

Item 2. Changes in Securities and Use of Proceeds

     None

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

     None

Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

     None

Item 5. Other Information

     None

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Agree Realty Corporation

Part II

Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

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Agree Realty Corporation

Signatures

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

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Exhibit Index