FIRST INDUSTRIAL REALTY TRUST INC - Quarter Report: 2008 March (Form 10-Q)

 

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

Form 10-Q

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commission file number 1-13102

 

 

 

 

First Industrial Realty Trust, Inc.

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

 

 

 

311 S. Wacker Drive, Suite 4000, Chicago, Illinois 60606
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)

 

(312) 344-4300

(Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code)

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months, and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  Yes þ     No o

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, 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 Exchange Act).  Yes o     No þ

 

Number of shares of Common Stock, $.01 par value, outstanding as of April 25, 2008: 44,301,123.

 

 

FIRST INDUSTRIAL REALTY TRUST, INC.

 

Form 10-Q

 

For the Period Ended March 31, 2008

 

INDEX

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

(Unaudited)

 

 

First Industrial Realty Trust, Inc. (the “Company”) was organized in the state of Maryland on August 10, 1993. The Company is a real estate investment trust (“REIT”) as defined in the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the “Code”). Unless the context otherwise requires, the terms the “Company,” “we,” “us,” and “our” refer to First Industrial Realty Trust, Inc., First Industrial, L.P. and their other controlled subsidiaries. We refer to our operating partnership, First Industrial, L.P., as the “Operating Partnership,” and our taxable REIT subsidiary, First Industrial Investment, Inc., as the “TRS.”

 

We began operations on July 1, 1994. Our operations are conducted primarily through the Operating Partnership, of which we are the sole general partner with an approximate 87.6% and 87.4% ownership interest at March 31, 2008 and March 31, 2007, and through the TRS, of which the Operating Partnership is the sole stockholder. We also conduct operations through other partnerships, corporations, and limited liability companies, the operating data of which, together with that of the Operating Partnership and the TRS, is consolidated with that of the Company as presented herein. Minority interest at March 31, 2008 and March 31, 2007 of approximately 12.4% and 12.6%, respectively, represents the aggregate partnership interest in the Operating Partnership held by the limited partners thereof.

 

We also own minority equity interests in, and provide various services to, seven joint ventures which invest in industrial properties (the “2003 Net Lease Joint Venture,” the “2005 Development/Repositioning Joint Venture,” the “2005 Core Joint Venture,” the “2006 Net Lease Co-Investment Program,” the “2006 Land/Development Joint Venture”, the “2007 Canada Joint Venture” and the “2007 Europe Joint Venture,” together the “Joint Ventures”). The Joint Ventures are accounted for under the equity method of accounting. The operating data of the Joint Ventures is not consolidated with that of the Company as presented herein.

 

As of March 31, 2008, we owned 856 industrial properties (inclusive of developments in process) located in 28 states in the United States and one province in Canada, containing an aggregate of approximately 74.3 million square feet of gross leaseable area (“GLA”).

 

 

The accompanying unaudited interim financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies described in the financial statements and related notes included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007 (“2007 Form 10-K”) and should be read in conjunction with such financial statements and related notes. The following notes to these interim financial statements highlight significant changes to the notes included in the December 31, 2007 audited financial statements included in our 2007 Form 10-K and present interim disclosures as required by the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

In order to conform with generally accepted accounting principles, we, in preparation of our financial statements, are required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of March 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and March 31, 2007. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

In our opinion, the accompanying unaudited interim financial statements reflect all adjustments necessary for a fair statement of our financial position as of March 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007 and the results of our operations and comprehensive income for each of the three months ended March 31, 2008 and March 31, 2007, and our cash flows for each of the three months ended March 31, 2008 and March 31, 2007, and all adjustments are of a normal recurring nature.

 

FIRST INDUSTRIAL REALTY TRUST, INC.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

Construction Revenues and Expenses

 

Construction revenues and expenses include revenues and expenses associated with us acting in the capacity of general contractor and development manager for certain third party development projects. For such projects we recognize the gross costs and revenues on a percentage of completion basis. Additionally, for the three months ended March 31, 2008, construction revenues and expenses include amounts relating to the sale of industrial units that we developed to sell.

 

Deferred Leasing Intangibles

 

Deferred Leasing Intangibles, exclusive of Deferred Leasing Intangibles held for sale, included in our total assets consist of the following:

 

 

Deferred Leasing Intangibles, exclusive of Deferred Leasing Intangibles held for sale, included in our total liabilities consist of the following:

 

 

The fair value of in-place leases, above market leases, tenant relationships and below market leases recorded due to real estate properties acquired for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and March 31, 2007 is as follows:

 

 

FIRST INDUSTRIAL REALTY TRUST, INC.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

The weighted average life in months of in-place leases, above market leases, tenant relationships and below market leases recorded as a result of the real estate properties acquired for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and March 31, 2007 is as follows:

 

 

Amortization expense related to in-place leases and tenant relationships was $6,416 and $5,756 for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and March 31, 2007, respectively. Rental revenues increased by $1,277 and $1,055 related to amortization of above/(below) market leases for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and March 31, 2007, respectively.

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

In September 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (“SFAS 157”), which establishes a framework for reporting fair value and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. The Company adopted the required provisions of SFAS 157 that became effective in our first quarter of 2008 (See Note 11). In February 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position No. FAS 157-2, “Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 157” (“FSP 157-2”). FSP 157-2 delays the effective date of SFAS 157 for nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities, except for certain items that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis (at least annually). We are currently evaluating the impact of SFAS 157 on our Consolidated Financial Statements for items within the scope of FSP 157-2, which will become effective beginning with our first quarter of 2009.

 

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141 (revised 2007), “Business Combinations” (“SFAS 141R”). SFAS 141R establishes principles and requirements for how an acquirer recognizes and measures in its financial statements the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree and the goodwill acquired. SFAS 141R also establishes disclosure requirements to enable the evaluation of the nature and financial effects of the business combination. SFAS 141R is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008. We are currently evaluating the potential impact of adoption of SFAS 141R on our consolidated financial statements.

 

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, “Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements-an Amendment of ARB No. 51” (“SFAS 160”). SFAS 160 establishes accounting and reporting standards pertaining to ownership interests in subsidiaries held by parties other than the parent, the amount of net income attributable to the parent and to the noncontrolling interest, changes in a parent’s ownership interest, and the valuation of any retained noncontrolling equity investment when a subsidiary is deconsolidated. This statement also establishes disclosure requirements that clearly identify and distinguish between the interests of the parent and the interests of the noncontrolling owners. SFAS 160 is effective for fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2008. We are currently evaluating the potential impact of adoption of SFAS 160 on our consolidated financial statements.

 

In March 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 161, “Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities — an amendment of FASB Statement No. 133” (“SFAS 161”). SFAS 161 requires entities that utilize derivative instruments to provide qualitative disclosures about their objectives and strategies for using such instruments, as well as any details of credit-risk-related contingent features contained within derivatives. SFAS 161 also requires entities to disclose additional information about the amounts and location of derivatives located within the financial statements, how the provisions of SFAS 133 “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities” have been applied, and

 

FIRST INDUSTRIAL REALTY TRUST, INC.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

the impact that hedges have on an entity’s financial position, financial performance, and cash flows. SFAS 161 is effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after November 15, 2008. We will comply with the expanded disclosure requirements, as applicable.

 

 

At March 31, 2008, the 2003 Net Lease Joint Venture owned 11 industrial properties comprising approximately 5.1 million square feet of GLA, the 2005 Development/Repositioning Joint Venture owned 27 industrial properties comprising approximately 5.7 million square feet of GLA and several land parcels, the 2005 Core Joint Venture owned 61 industrial properties comprising approximately 4.5 million square feet of GLA and several land parcels, the 2006 Net Lease Co-Investment Program owned 12 industrial properties comprising approximately 5.0 million square feet of GLA, the 2006 Land/Development Joint Venture owned several land parcels, and the 2007 Canada Joint Venture owned three industrial properties comprising approximately 0.2 million square feet of GLA and several land parcels. As of March 31, 2008, the 2007 Europe Joint Venture does not own any properties.

 

During July 2007, we entered into a management arrangement with an institutional investor to provide property management, leasing, acquisition, disposition and portfolio management services for industrial properties (the “July 2007 Fund”). We do not own an equity interest in the July 2007 Fund, however are entitled to incentive payments if certain economic thresholds related to the industrial properties are achieved.

 

At March 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007, we have receivables from the Joint Ventures and the July 2007 Fund of $9,355 and $6,068, respectively, which mainly relates to development, leasing, property management and asset management fees due to us from the Joint Ventures and the July 2007 Fund, reimbursement for insurance premiums paid on behalf of the Joint Ventures and the July 2007 Fund and reimbursement for development expenditures made by the TRS who is acting in the capacity of the general contractor for development projects for the 2005 Development/Repositioning Joint Venture. These receivable amounts are included in prepaid expenses and other assets, net.

 

During the three months ended March 31, 2008 and March 31, 2007, we invested the following amounts in, as well as received distributions from, our Joint Ventures and recognized fees from acquisition, disposition, leasing, development, incentive, property management and asset management services from our Joint Ventures and the July 2007 Fund in the following amounts:

 

 

FIRST INDUSTRIAL REALTY TRUST, INC.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

 

The following table discloses certain information regarding our mortgage loans payable, senior unsecured debt and unsecured line of credit:

 

 

The following is a schedule of the stated maturities and scheduled principal payments of the mortgage loans, senior unsecured debt and unsecured line of credit, exclusive of premiums and discounts, for the next five years ending December 31, and thereafter:

 

 

FIRST INDUSTRIAL REALTY TRUST, INC.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

 

Shares of Common Stock

 

During the three months ended March 31, 2008, 150,326 limited partnership interests in the Operating Partnership (“Units”) were converted into an equivalent number of shares of common stock, resulting in a reclassification of $3,679 of minority interest to equity.

 

Non-Qualified Employee Stock Options:

 

During the three months ended March 31, 2008, certain of our employees exercised 1,800 non-qualified employee stock options. Net proceeds to us were approximately $56.

 

Restricted Stock:

 

During the three months ended March 31, 2008, we awarded 588,628 of restricted common stock shares or restricted stock units to certain employees and 2,168 shares of restricted common stock to certain directors. These restricted common stock shares and restricted stock units had a fair value of approximately $18,927 on the dates of approval by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors. The restricted common stock and restricted stock units awarded to employees generally vests over a three year period and the restricted common stock awarded to directors generally vests over a three to ten year period. Compensation expense will be charged to earnings over the respective vesting period for the shares expected to vest.

 

Dividend/Distributions:

 

The following table summarizes dividends/distributions accrued during the three months ended March 31, 2008.

 

 

 

During the three months ended March 31, 2008, we acquired ten industrial properties comprising approximately 1.3 million square feet of GLA and several land parcels. The purchase price of these acquisitions totaled approximately $93,298, excluding costs incurred in conjunction with the acquisition of the industrial properties and land parcels.

 

 

During the three months ended March 31, 2008, we sold 38 industrial properties comprising approximately 3.2 million square feet of GLA and several land parcels. Gross proceeds from the sales of the 38 industrial properties and several land parcels were approximately $222,193. The gain on sale of real estate was approximately $81,032. We deferred $2,506 on the gain on sale of real estate on the sale of one of the 38 properties. Since we leased back a portion of the property for one of our regional offices and we provided seller financing, SFAS 98 “Accounting for Leases” required us to defer the gain. The gain on sale of real estate will be recognized when the mortgage note receivable is paid off and retired. The mortgage note receivable matures in August, 2008. The 38 sold industrial properties meet the criteria established by SFAS No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-

 

FIRST INDUSTRIAL REALTY TRUST, INC.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

Lived Assets.” (“SFAS 144”) to be included in discontinued operations. Therefore, in accordance with SFAS 144, the results of operations and gain on sale of real estate, net of income taxes, for the 38 sold industrial properties are included in discontinued operations. The results of operations and gain on sale of real estate, net of income taxes, for the several land parcels that do not meet the criteria established by SFAS 144 are included in continuing operations.

 

At March 31, 2008, we had 22 industrial properties comprising approximately 1.2 million square feet of GLA held for sale. In accordance with SFAS 144, the results of operations of the 22 industrial properties held for sale at March 31, 2008 are included in discontinued operations. There can be no assurance that such industrial properties held for sale will be sold.

 

Income from discontinued operations for the three months ended March 31, 2007 reflects the results of operations of the 38 industrial properties that were sold during the three months ended March 31, 2008, the results of operations of 161 industrial properties that were sold during the year ended December 31, 2007, the results of operations of the 22 industrial properties identified as held for sale at March 31, 2008 and the gain on sale of real estate relating to 35 industrial properties that were sold during the three months ended March 31, 2007.

 

The following table discloses certain information regarding the industrial properties included in our discontinued operations for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and March 31, 2007:

 

 

In conjunction with certain property sales, we provided seller financing. At March 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007, we had mortgage notes receivable and accrued interest outstanding of approximately $64,976 and $30,456, respectively, which is included as a component of prepaid expenses and other assets.

 

FIRST INDUSTRIAL REALTY TRUST, INC.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

 

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:

 

 

FIRST INDUSTRIAL REALTY TRUST, INC.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

 

The computation of basic and diluted EPS is presented below:

 

 

Unvested restricted stock shares aggregating 995,642 and 429,759 were antidilutive at March 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively, and accordingly, were excluded from dilution computations.

 

Options to purchase common stock of 354,101 and 372,876 were outstanding as of March 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively. All of the options outstanding at March 31, 2008 and 2007 were antidilutive, and accordingly, were excluded in dilution computations.

 

The $200,000 of senior unsecured debt (the “2011 Exchangeable Notes”) issued during 2006, which are convertible into common shares of the Company at the price of $50.93, were not included in the computation of diluted EPS as our average stock price did not exceed the strike price of the conversion feature.

 

The number of weighted average shares — diluted is the same as the number of weighted average shares — basic for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007 as the dilutive effect of stock options and restricted stock was excluded as its inclusion would have been antidilutive to the loss from continuing operations available to common stockholders, net of minority interest and income taxes. The dilutive effect of stock options and restricted stock excluded from the computation are 8,936 and 15,879, respectively, for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 123,754 and 134,830, respectively, for the three months ended March 31, 2007.

 

 

For the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007, we recognized $3,460 and $3,606 in compensation expense related to restricted stock awards, of which $395 and $402, respectively, was capitalized in connection with development activities. At March 31, 2008, we have $38,725 in unrecognized compensation related to unvested restricted stock awards. The weighted average period that the unrecognized compensation is expected to be recognized is 1.36 years. We have not awarded options to our employees or our directors during the three months

 

FIRST INDUSTRIAL REALTY TRUST, INC.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

ended March 31, 2008 and March 31, 2007 and all outstanding options are fully vested, therefore no stock-based employee compensation expense related to options is included in net income available to common stockholders.

 

 

In July 2007, the 2006 Land/Development Joint Venture entered into two interest rate protection agreements to effectively convert floating rate debt to fixed rate debt on a portion of its line of credit. The hedge relationship is considered highly effective and for the three months ended March 31, 2008, $3,687 of unrealized loss due to a change in values of the swap contracts was recognized in other comprehensive income by the 2006 Land/Development Joint Venture. We recorded $369 in unrealized loss, representing our 10% share, offset by $144 of income tax benefit, which is shown as mark to market of interest rate protection agreements in other comprehensive income for the three months ended March 31, 2008.

 

In January 2008, the 2006 Land/Development Joint Venture entered into two interest rate protection agreements to effectively convert floating rate debt to fixed rate debt on a portion of its line of credit. The hedge relationship is considered highly effective and for the three months ended March 31, 2008, $1,850 of unrealized loss due to a change in values of the swap contracts was recognized in other comprehensive income by the 2006 Land/Development Joint Venture. We recorded $185 in unrealized loss, representing our 10% share, offset by $72 of income tax benefit, which is shown as mark to market of interest rate protection agreements in other comprehensive income for the three months ended March 31, 2008.

 

In January 2008, the 2005 Core Joint Venture entered into two interest rate protection agreements to effectively convert floating rate debt to fixed rate debt on a portion of its line of credit. The hedge relationship is considered highly effective and for the three months ended March 31, 2008, $1,117 of unrealized loss due to a change in values of the swap contracts was recognized in other comprehensive income by the 2005 Core Joint Venture. We recorded $112 in unrealized loss, representing our 10% share, offset by $43 of income tax benefit, which is shown as mark to market of interest rate protection agreements in other comprehensive income for the three months ended March 31, 2008.

 

In January 2008, we entered into two interest rate protection agreements which fixed the interest rate on forecasted offerings of unsecured debt which we designated as cash flow hedges (the “January 2008 Agreements”). The January 2008 Agreements each have a notional value of $59,750 and are effective from May 15, 2009 through May 15, 2014. The January 2008 Agreements fix the LIBOR rate at 4.0725% and 4.0770%, respectively. We recorded $1,347 in unrealized loss, which is shown as mark to market of interest rate protection agreements in other comprehensive income for the three months ended March 31, 2008.

 

In March 2008, we entered into an interest rate swap agreement (the “March 2008 Agreement”) which fixed the interest rate on a portion of our outstanding borrowings on our unsecured line of credit. We designated this transaction as a cash flow hedge. The March 2008 Agreement has a notional value of $50,000 and is effective from March 6, 2008 through April 1, 2010. The March 2008 Agreement fixes the LIBOR rate at 2.4150%. Any payments or receipts from the March 2008 Agreement will be treated as a component of interest expense. We anticipate that the March 2008 Agreement will be highly effective, and, as a result, the change in value will be shown in other comprehensive income. We recorded $88 in unrealized loss, which is shown as mark to market of interest rate protection agreements in other comprehensive income for the three months ended March 31, 2008.

 

In conjunction with certain issuances of senior unsecured debt, we entered into interest rate protection agreements to fix the interest rate on anticipated offerings of senior unsecured debt. In the next 12 months, we will amortize approximately $737 into net income by decreasing interest expense.

 

For the three months ended March 31, 2008, other comprehensive income includes $328 of unrealized gain on the mark-to-market related to mortgage notes receivable that we have classified as available-for-sale.

 

During 2008, we owned one industrial property and one land parcel located in Toronto, Canada for which the functional currency was determined to be the Canadian dollar. The assets and liabilities of this industrial property

 

FIRST INDUSTRIAL REALTY TRUST, INC.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

and land parcel are translated to U.S. dollars from the Canadian dollar based on the current exchange rate prevailing at each balance sheet date. The income statement accounts of the industrial property and land parcel are translated using the average exchange rate for the period. The resulting translation adjustments are included in accumulated other comprehensive income. For the three months ended March 31, 2008, we recorded $1,026 in foreign currency translation loss, offset by $365 of income tax benefit.

 

We adopted the provisions of SFAS 157 as of January 1, 2008, for financial instruments recorded at fair value. Although the adoption of SFAS 157 did not materially impact our financial condition, results of operations, or cash flow, we are now required to provide additional disclosures as part of our financial statements.

 

SFAS 157 establishes a three-tier fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value. These tiers include: Level 1, defined as observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets; Level 2, defined as inputs other than quoted prices in active markets that are either directly or indirectly observable; and Level 3, defined as unobservable inputs in which little or no market data exists, therefore requiring an entity to develop its own assumptions.

 

The following table sets forth our financial assets and liabilities that are accounted for, at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 31, 2008:

 

 

 

 

The valuation of the above interest rate protection agreements are determined using widely accepted valuation techniques including discounted cash flow analysis on the expected cash flows of each instrument. This analysis reflects the contractual terms of the interest rate protection agreements, including the period to maturity, and uses observable market-based inputs, including interest rate curves and implied volatilities. To comply with the provisions of SFAS 157, we incorporated credit valuation adjustments to appropriately reflect both our own nonperformance risk and the respective counterparty’s nonperformance risk in the fair value measurements. In adjusting the fair value of the interest rate protection agreements for the effect of nonperformance risk, we have considered the impact of netting and any applicable credit enhancements.

 

Although we have determined that the majority of the inputs used to value the instruments fall within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy, the credit valuation adjustments associated with our instruments utilize Level 3 inputs, such as estimates of current credit spreads to evaluate the likelihood of default by ourselves and our counterparties. However, as of March 31, 2008, we have assessed the significance of the impact of the credit valuation adjustments on the overall valuation of the positions of the interest rate protection agreements and have determined that the credit valuation adjustments are not significant to the overall valuation of our interest rate protection agreements. As a result, we have determined that the valuations in their entirety are classified in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

 

 

In the normal course of business, we are involved in legal actions arising from the ownership of our properties. In our opinion, the liabilities, if any, that may ultimately result from such legal actions are not expected to have a materially adverse effect on the consolidated financial position, operations or liquidity.

 

FIRST INDUSTRIAL REALTY TRUST, INC.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

We have committed to the construction of several industrial properties totaling approximately 2.2 million square feet of GLA. The estimated total construction costs are approximately $119,366. Of this amount, approximately $63,584 remains to be funded. There can be no assurance that the actual completion cost will not exceed the estimated completion cost stated above.

 

At March 31, 2008, we had 23 letters of credit outstanding in the aggregate amount of $9,077. These letters of credit expire between April, 2008 and January, 2010.

 

 

From April 1, 2008 to April 25, 2008, we acquired four industrial properties for a purchase price of approximately $49,015, excluding costs incurred in conjunction with the acquisition of these industrial properties. There were no industrial properties sold during this period.

 

On April 21, 2008, we paid a first quarter 2008 dividend/distribution of $0.72 per common share/Unit, totaling approximately $36,423.

 

The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto appearing elsewhere in this Form 10-Q.

 

This report 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 (the “Exchange Act”). 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: economic conditions generally and the real estate market specifically, legislative/regulatory changes (including changes to laws governing the taxation of real estate investment trusts), availability of financing (including both public and private capital), interest rates, 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 our current and proposed market areas, 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, and risks related to doing business internationally (including foreign currency exchange risks and risks related to integrating international properties and operations). These risks and uncertainties should be considered in evaluating forward-looking statements and undue reliance should not be placed on such statements. For further information concerning the Company and its business, including additional factors that could materially affect our financial results, see Item 1A, “Risk Factors,” and our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Unless the context otherwise requires, the terms the “Company,” “we,” “us,” and “our” refer to First Industrial Realty Trust, Inc., First Industrial, L.P. and their other controlled subsidiaries. We refer to our operating partnership, First Industrial, L.P., as the “Operating Partnership,” and our taxable REIT subsidiary, First Industrial Investment, Inc., as the “TRS.”

 

GENERAL

 

The Company was organized in the state of Maryland on August 10, 1993. We are a real estate investment trust (“REIT”) as defined in the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the “Code”).

 

We began operations on July 1, 1994. Our operations are conducted primarily through the Operating Partnership, of which we are the sole general partner with an approximate 87.6% and 87.4% ownership interest at March 31, 2008 and March 31, 2007, respectively, and through the TRS, of which the Operations Partnership is the sole stockholder. We also conduct operations through other partnerships, corporations, and limited liability companies, the operating data of which, together with that of the Operating Partnership and the TRS, is consolidated with that of the Company, as presented herein. Minority interest at March 31, 2008 and March 31, 2007 of approximately 12.4% and 12.6%, respectively, represents the aggregate partnership interest in the Operating Partnership held by the limited partners thereof.

 

We also own minority equity interests in, and provide various services to, seven joint ventures which invest in industrial properties (the “2003 Net Lease Joint Venture,” the “2005 Development/Repositioning Joint Venture,” the “2005 Core Joint Venture,” the “2006 Net Lease Co-Investment Program” the “2006 Land/Development Joint Venture.”, the “2007 Canada Joint Venture” and the “2007 Europe Joint Venture,” together the “Joint Ventures”). The Joint Ventures are accounted for under the equity method of accounting. The operating data of the Joint Ventures is not consolidated with that of the Company as presented herein.

 

As of March 31, 2008, we owned 856 industrial properties (inclusive of developments in process) located in 28 states in the United States and one province in Canada, containing an aggregate of approximately 74.3 million square feet of gross leaseable area (“GLA”).

MANAGEMENT’S OVERVIEW

 

We believe our financial condition and results of operations are, primarily, a function of our performance and our joint ventures’ performance in four key areas: leasing of industrial properties, acquisition and development of additional industrial properties, redeployment of internal capital and access to external capital.

 

We generate revenue primarily from rental income and tenant recoveries from long-term (generally three to six years) operating leases of our industrial properties and our joint ventures’ industrial properties. Such revenue is offset by certain property specific operating expenses, such as real estate taxes, repairs and maintenance, property management, utilities and insurance expenses, along with certain other costs and expenses, such as depreciation and amortization costs and general and administrative and interest expenses. Our revenue growth is dependent, in part, on our ability to (i) increase rental income, through increasing either or both occupancy rates and rental rates at our properties and our joint ventures’ properties, (ii) maximize tenant recoveries and (iii) minimize operating and certain other expenses. Revenues generated from rental income and tenant recoveries are a significant source of funds, in addition to income generated from gains/losses on the sale of our properties and our joint ventures’ properties (as discussed below), for our distributions. The leasing of property, in general, and occupancy rates, rental rates, operating expenses and certain non-operating expenses, in particular, are impacted, variously, by property specific, market specific, general economic and other conditions, many of which are beyond our control. The leasing of property also entails various risks, including the risk of tenant default. If we were unable to maintain or increase occupancy rates and rental rates at our properties and our joint ventures’ properties or to maintain tenant recoveries and operating and certain other expenses consistent with historical levels and proportions, our revenue growth would be limited. Further, if a significant number of our tenants and our joint ventures’ tenants were unable to pay rent (including tenant recoveries) or if we or our joint ventures were unable to rent our properties on favorable terms, our financial condition, results of operations, cash flow and ability to pay dividends on, and the market price of, our common stock would be adversely affected.

 

Our revenue growth is also dependent, in part, on our ability and our joint ventures’ ability to acquire existing, and acquire and develop new, additional industrial properties on favorable terms. The Company itself, and through our various joint ventures, continually seeks to acquire existing industrial properties on favorable terms, and, when conditions permit, also seeks to acquire and develop new industrial properties on favorable terms. Existing properties, as they are acquired, and acquired and developed properties, as they are leased, generate revenue from rental income, tenant recoveries and fees, income from which, as discussed above, is a source of funds for our distributions. The acquisition and development of properties is impacted, variously, by property specific, market specific, general economic and other conditions, many of which are beyond our control. The acquisition and development of properties also entails various risks, including the risk that our investments and our joint ventures’ investments may not perform as expected. For example, acquired existing and acquired and developed new properties may not sustain and/or achieve anticipated occupancy and rental rate levels. With respect to acquired and developed new properties, we may not be able to complete construction on schedule or within budget, resulting in increased debt service expense and construction costs and delays in leasing the properties. Also, we, as well as our joint ventures, face significant competition for attractive acquisition and development opportunities from other well-capitalized real estate investors, including both publicly-traded REITs and private investors. Further, as discussed below, we and our joint ventures may not be able to finance the acquisition and development opportunities we identify. If we and our joint ventures were unable to acquire and develop sufficient additional properties on favorable terms, or if such investments did not perform as expected, our revenue growth would be limited and our financial condition, results of operations, cash flow and ability to pay dividends on, and the market price of, our common stock would be adversely affected.

 

We also generate income from the sale of our properties and our joint ventures’ properties (including existing buildings, buildings which we or our joint ventures have developed or re-developed on a merchant basis, and land). The Company itself and through our various joint ventures is continually engaged in, and our income growth is dependent in part on, systematically redeploying capital from properties and other assets with lower yield potential into properties and other assets with higher yield potential. As part of that process, we and our joint ventures sell, on an ongoing basis, select stabilized properties or land or properties offering lower potential returns relative to their market value. The gain/loss on, and fees from, the sale of such properties are included in our income and are a significant source of funds, in addition to revenues generated from rental income and tenant recoveries, for our

distributions. Also, a significant portion of our proceeds from such sales is used to fund the acquisition of existing, and the acquisition and development of new, industrial properties. The sale of properties is impacted, variously, by property specific, market specific, general economic and other conditions, many of which are beyond our control. The sale of properties also entails various risks, including competition from other sellers and the availability of attractive financing for potential buyers of our properties and our joint ventures’ properties. Further, our ability to sell properties is limited by safe harbor rules applying to REITs under the Code which relate to the number of properties that may be disposed of in a year, their tax bases and the cost of improvements made to the properties, along with other tests which enable a REIT to avoid punitive taxation on the sale of assets. If we and our joint ventures were unable to sell properties on favorable terms, our income growth would be limited and our financial condition, results of operations, cash flow and ability to pay dividends on, and the market price of, our common stock would be adversely affected.

 

Currently, we utilize a portion of the net sales proceeds from property sales, borrowings under our unsecured line of credit (the “Unsecured Line of Credit”) and proceeds from the issuance when and as warranted, of additional debt and equity securities to finance future acquisitions and developments and to fund our equity commitments to our joint ventures. Access to external capital on favorable terms plays a key role in our financial condition and results of operations, as it impacts our cost of capital and our ability and cost to refinance existing indebtedness as it matures and to fund acquisitions, developments and contributions to our joint ventures or through the issuance, when and as warranted, of additional equity securities. Our ability to access external capital on favorable terms is dependent on various factors, including general market conditions, interest rates, credit ratings on our capital stock and debt, the market’s perception of our growth potential, our current and potential future earnings and cash distributions and the market price of our capital stock. If we were unable to access external capital on favorable terms, our financial condition, results of operations, cash flow and ability to pay dividends on, and the market price of, our common stock would be adversely affected.

 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

Comparison of Three Months Ended March 31, 2008 to Three Months Ended March 31, 2007

 

Our net income available to common stockholders was $48.8 million and $29.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively. Basic and diluted net income available to common stockholders were $1.13 per share for the three months ended March 31, 2008, and $0.66 per share for the three months ended March 31, 2007.

 

The tables below summarize our revenues, property expenses and depreciation and other amortization by various categories for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and March 31, 2007. Same store properties are properties owned prior to January 1, 2007 and held as an operating property through March 31, 2008 and developments and redevelopments that were placed in service prior to January 1, 2007 or were substantially completed for 12 months prior to January 1, 2007. Properties are placed in service as they reach stabilized occupancy (generally defined as 90% occupied). Acquired properties are properties that were acquired subsequent to December 31, 2006 and held as an operating property through March 31, 2008. Sold properties are properties that were sold subsequent to December 31, 2006. (Re)Developments and land are land parcels and developments and redevelopments that were not a) substantially complete 12 months prior to January 1, 2007 or b) placed in service prior to January 1, 2007. Other revenues are derived from the operations of our maintenance company, fees earned from our joint ventures, and other miscellaneous revenues. Construction revenues and expenses represent revenues earned and expenses incurred in connection with the TRS acting as general contractor or development manager to construct industrial properties, including industrial properties for the 2005 Development/Repositioning Joint Venture, and also includes revenues and expenses related to the development and sale of properties built for third parties. Other expenses are derived from the operations of our maintenance company and other miscellaneous regional expenses.

 

Our future financial condition and results of operations, including rental revenues, may be impacted by the future acquisition and sale of properties. Our future revenues and expenses may vary materially from historical rates.

For the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007, the occupancy rates of our same store properties were 91.1% and 91.4%, respectively.

 

 

Revenues from same store properties increased by $3.8 million due primarily to an increase in same store rental rates and an increase in lease termination fees of $1.5 million. Revenues from acquired properties increased $4.8 million due to the 115 industrial properties acquired subsequent to December 31, 2006 totaling approximately 9.9 million square feet of GLA. Revenues from sold properties decreased $15.7 million due to the 202 industrial properties sold subsequent to December 31, 2006 totaling approximately 16.9 million square feet of GLA. Revenues from (re)developments and land increased $3.0 million primarily due to an increase in occupancy. Other revenues decreased by approximately $5.2 million due primarily to a decrease in fees earned related to us assigning our interest in certain purchase contracts to third parties for consideration. Construction revenues increased $14.7 million primarily due to a development project that commenced in September, 2007 for which we are acting in the capacity of development manager.

 

 

Property expenses include real estate taxes, repairs and maintenance, property management, utilities, insurance, and other property related expenses. Property expenses from same store properties increased $2.1 million due primarily to an increase in real estate tax expense as well as an increase in repairs and maintenance expense

attributable to increases in snow removal expense. Property expenses from acquired properties increased by $2.5 million due to properties acquired subsequent to December 31, 2006. Property expenses from sold properties decreased by $3.9 million due to properties sold subsequent to December 31, 2006. Property expenses from (re)developments and land remained relatively unchanged. Other expense remained relatively unchanged. Construction expenses increased $14.3 million primarily due to a development project that commenced in September, 2007 for which we are acting in the capacity of development manager.

 

General and administrative expense remained relatively unchanged.

 

 

Depreciation and other amortization for same store properties remained relatively unchanged. Depreciation and other amortization from acquired properties increased by $3.6 million due to properties acquired subsequent to December 31, 2006. Depreciation and other amortization from sold properties decreased $5.3 million due to properties sold subsequent to December 31, 2006. Depreciation and other amortization for (re)developments and land and other increased $1.6 million due primarily to an increase in the substantial completion of developments.

 

Interest income increased approximately $0.4 million, or 147.7%, due primarily to an increase in the average mortgage loans receivable outstanding during the three months ended March 31, 2008, as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2007.

 

Interest expense decreased approximately $1.0 million, or 3.5%, primarily due to a decrease in the weighted average interest rate for the three months ended March 31, 2008 (6.07%), as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2007 (6.62%), and due to an increase in capitalized interest for the three months ended March 31, 2008 due to an increase in development activities partially offset by an increase in the weighted average debt balance outstanding for the three months ended March 31, 2008 ($2,052.7 million), as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2007 ($1,915.1 million).

 

Amortization of deferred financing costs remained relatively unchanged.

 

For the three months ended March 31, 2007, we incurred a $0.1 million loss from early retirement of debt due to early payoffs of mortgage loans.

 

Equity in income of joint ventures decreased by approximately $2.3 million, or 41.4%, due primarily to a decrease in our economic share of gains and earn outs on property sales from the 2005 Core Joint Venture partially offset by an increase in our economic share of gains and earn outs on property sales from the 2005 Development/Repositioning Joint Venture during the three months ended March 31, 2008 as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2007.

 

The income tax benefit (provision) (included in continuing operations, discontinued operations and gain on sale) decreased by $10.6 million, or 105.1%, due primarily to a decrease in gain on sale of real estate and assignment fees earned within the TRS.

 

The $6.1 million and $2.8 million gain on sale of real estate, net of income taxes, for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively, resulted from the sale of several land parcels that do not meet the criteria established by SFAS 144 for inclusion in discontinued operations.

The following table summarizes certain information regarding the industrial properties included in our discontinued operations for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and March 31, 2007.

 

 

Income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes and minority interest, for the three months ended March 31, 2008 reflects the results of operations and gain on sale of real estate relating to 38 industrial properties that were sold during the three months ended March 31, 2008 and the results of operations of 22 properties that were identified as held for sale at March 31, 2008.

 

Income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes and minority interest, for the three months ended March 31, 2007 reflects the gain on sale of real estate relating to 35 industrial properties that were sold during the three months ended March 31, 2007 and reflects the results of operations of the 161 industrial properties that were sold during the year ended December 31, 2007, 38 industrial properties that were sold during the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 22 industrial properties identified as held for sale at March 31, 2008.

 

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

 

At March 31, 2008, our cash and restricted cash was approximately $6.1 and $25.1 million, respectively. Restricted cash is primarily comprised of cash held in escrow in connection with mortgage debt requirements and gross proceeds from the sales of certain industrial properties. These sales proceeds will be disbursed as we exchange industrial properties under Section 1031 of the Code.

 

We have considered our short-term (one year or less) liquidity needs and the adequacy of our estimated cash flow from operations and other expected liquidity sources to meet these needs. We believe that our principal short-term liquidity needs are to fund normal recurring expenses, property acquisitions, developments, renovations, expansions and other nonrecurring capital improvements, debt service requirements and the minimum distribution required to maintain our REIT qualification under the Code. We anticipate that these needs will be met with cash flows provided by operating and investing activities, including the disposition of select assets.

 

We expect to meet long-term (greater than one year) liquidity requirements such as property acquisitions, developments, scheduled debt maturities, major renovations, expansions and other nonrecurring capital improvements through the disposition of select assets, long-term unsecured indebtedness and the issuance of additional equity securities. On April 30, 2007 we filed a registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission covering an indefinite number or amount of securities to be issued in the following three years.

 

We also may finance the development or acquisition of additional properties through borrowings under the Unsecured Line of Credit. At March 31, 2008, borrowings under the Unsecured Line of Credit bore interest at a weighted average interest rate of 3.54%. The Unsecured Line of Credit currently bears interest at a floating rate of LIBOR plus .475%, or the prime rate, at our election. As of April 25, 2008 we had approximately $71.8 million available for additional borrowings under the Unsecured Line of Credit.

 

Three Months Ended March 31, 2008

 

Net cash provided by operating activities of approximately $0.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2008 was comprised primarily of net income before minority interest of approximately $60.8 million and net distributions from joint ventures of $0.3, offset by adjustments for non-cash items of approximately $38.6 million and the net change in operating assets and liabilities of approximately $22.0 million. The adjustments for the non-cash items of approximately $38.6 million are primarily comprised of the gain on sale of real estate of approximately $81.0 million and the effect of the straight-lining of rental income of approximately $2.0 million, offset by depreciation and amortization of approximately $43.3 million and the provision for bad debt of approximately $1.1 million.

 

Net cash provided by investing activities of approximately $16.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2008 was comprised primarily by the net proceeds from the sale of real estate, the repayment of notes receivable, and distributions from our industrial real estate joint ventures, partially offset by the acquisition of real estate, development of real estate, capital expenditures related to the expansion and improvement of existing real estate, contributions to, and investments in, our industrial real estate joint ventures and an increase in restricted cash that is held by an intermediary for Section 1031 exchange purposes.

 

During the three months ended March 31, 2008, we acquired ten industrial properties comprising approximately 1.3 million square feet of GLA and several land parcels. The purchase price for these acquisitions totaled approximately $93.3 million, excluding costs incurred in conjunction with the acquisition of the industrial properties and land parcels.

 

We invested approximately $5.4 million and received distributions of approximately $4.6 million from our real estate joint ventures. As of March 31, 2008, our industrial real estate joint ventures owned 114 industrial properties comprising approximately 20.5 million square feet of GLA.

 

During the three months ended March 31, 2008, we sold 38 industrial properties comprising approximately 3.2 million square feet of GLA and several land parcels. Net proceeds from the sales of the 38 industrial properties and several land parcels were approximately $175.1 million.

 

Net cash used in financing activities of approximately $16.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2008 was derived primarily of common and preferred stock dividends and unit distributions, the repurchase of restricted stock from our employees to pay for withholding taxes on the vesting of restricted stock, debt issuance costs and repayments on

mortgage loans payable, partially offset by net proceeds from our Unsecured Line of Credit, proceeds from the issuance of common stock and a book overdraft.

 

During the three months ended March 31, 2008, certain of our employees exercised 1,800 non-qualified employee stock options. Net proceeds to us were approximately $0.1 million.

 

Market Risk

 

The following discussion about our risk-management activities includes “forward-looking statements” that involve risk and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Our business subjects us to market risk from interest rates, and to a much lesser extent, foreign currency fluctuations.

 

Interest Rate Risk

 

In the normal course of business, we also face risks that are either non-financial or non-quantifiable. Such risks principally include credit risk and legal risk and are not represented in the following analysis.

 

At March 31, 2008, approximately $1,674.0 million (approximately 84.9% of total debt at March 31, 2008) of our debt was fixed rate debt (including $50.0 million of borrowings under the Unsecured Line of Credit in which the interest rate was fixed via an interest rate protection agreement) and approximately $298.7 million (approximately 15.1% of total debt at March 31, 2008) was variable rate debt.

 

For fixed rate debt, changes in interest rates generally affect the fair value of the debt, but not our earnings or cash flows. Conversely, for variable rate debt, changes in the interest rate generally do not impact the fair value of the debt, but would affect our future earnings and cash flows. The interest rate risk and changes in fair market value of fixed rate debt generally do not have a significant impact on us until we are required to refinance such debt. See Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements for a discussion of the maturity dates of our various fixed rate debt.

 

Based upon the amount of variable rate debt outstanding at March 31, 2008, a 10% increase or decrease in the interest rate on our variable rate debt would decrease or increase, respectively, future net income and cash flows by approximately $1.1 million per year.

 

The use of derivative financial instruments allows us to manage risks of increases in interest rates with respect to the effect these fluctuations would have on our earnings and cash flows. As of March 31, 2008, we had two outstanding interest rate protection agreements with an aggregate notional amount of $119.5 million which fix the interest rate on a forecasted offering of debt, and one outstanding interest rate protection agreement with a notional amount of $50.0 million which fixes the interest rate on borrowings on our Unsecured Line of Credit.

 

Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk

 

Owning, operating and developing industrial property outside of the United States exposes us to the possibility of volatile movements in foreign exchange rates. Changes in foreign currencies can affect the operating results of international operations reported in U.S. dollars and the value of the foreign assets reported in U.S. dollars. The economic impact of foreign exchange rate movements is complex because such changes are often linked to variability in real growth, inflation, interest rates, governmental actions and other factors. At March 31, 2008, we had only one property and one land parcel for which the U.S. dollar was not the functional currency. This property and land parcel are located in Ontario, Canada and use the Canadian dollar as their functional currency.

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

Refer to Note 2 to the March 31, 2008 Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

Subsequent Events

 

From April 1, 2008 to April 25, 2008, we acquired four industrial properties for a purchase price of approximately $49.0 million, excluding costs incurred in conjunction with the acquisition of these industrial properties. There were no industrial properties sold during this period.

 

On April 21, 2008, we paid a first quarter 2008 dividend/distribution of $0.72 per common share/Unit, totaling approximately $36.4 million.

 

Response to this item is included in Item 2, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” above.

 

 

Our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, after evaluating the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) as of the end of the period covered by this report, based on the evaluation of these controls and procedures required by Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(b) or 15d-15(b), have concluded that as of the end of such period our disclosure controls and procedures were effective.

 

There has been no change in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the fiscal quarter covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

 

None.

 

 

None.

 

 

None

 

 

None.

 

 

None.

 

 

Not Applicable.

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

FIRST INDUSTRIAL REALTY TRUST, INC.

 

Scott A. Musil

Chief Accounting Officer

(Principal Accounting Officer)

 

Date: May 6, 2008