FIRST INDUSTRIAL REALTY TRUST INC - Annual Report: 2009 (Form 10-K)

 

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
Form 10-K

 

 

Commission File Number 1-13102

FIRST INDUSTRIAL REALTY TRUST, INC.

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its Charter)

 

 

(312) 344-4300

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Common Stock

(Title of Class)

 

New York Stock Exchange

(Name of exchange on which registered)

 

 

Depositary Shares Each Representing 1/10,000 of a Share of 7.25% Series J Cumulative Preferred Stock
Depositary Shares Each Representing 1/10,000 of a Share of 7.25% Series K Cumulative Preferred Stock

(Title of class)

 

New York Stock Exchange

(Name of exchange on which registered)

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

None

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.  Yes  o     No þ

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.  Yes o     No þ

 

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

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).  Yes o     No o

 

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.  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

 

The aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting stock held by non-affiliates of the Registrant was approximately $175.4 million based on the closing price on the New York Stock Exchange for such stock on June 30, 2009.

 

At February 26, 2010, 61,819,661 shares of the Registrant’s Common Stock, $0.01 par value, were outstanding.

 

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

 

Part III incorporates certain information by reference to the Registrant’s definitive proxy statement expected to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission no later than 120 days after the end of the Registrant’s fiscal year.

 

 

FIRST INDUSTRIAL REALTY TRUST, INC.

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

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. 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,” “seek,” “target,” “potential,” “focus,” “may,” “should” 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 effect on our operations and future prospects include, but are not limited to: changes in national, international, regional and local economic conditions generally and real estate markets specifically; changes in legislation/regulation (including changes to laws governing the taxation of real estate investment trusts) and actions of regulatory authorities (including the Internal Revenue Service); our ability to qualify and maintain our status as a real estate investment trust; the availability and attractiveness of financing (including both public and private capital) to us and to our potential counterparties; the availability and attractiveness of terms of additional debt repurchases; interest rates; our credit agency ratings; our ability to comply with applicable financial covenants; competition; changes in 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; environmental liabilities; slippages in development or lease-up schedules; tenant creditworthiness; higher-than-expected costs; changes in asset valuations and related impairment charges; changes in general accounting principles, policies and guidelines applicable to real estate investment trusts; international business risks and those additional factors described in Item 1A, “Risk Factors” and in our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). We caution you not to place undue reliance on forward looking statements, which reflect our outlook only and speak only as of the date of this report or the dates indicated in the statements. We assume no obligation to update or supplement forward-looking statements. Unless the context otherwise requires, the terms “Company,” “we,” “us,” and “our” refer to First Industrial Realty Trust, Inc., First Industrial, L.P. and their controlled subsidiaries. We refer to our operating partnership, First Industrial, L.P., as the “Operating Partnership.” Effective September 1, 2009, our taxable real estate investment trust subsidiary, First Industrial Investment, Inc. (the “old TRS”) merged into First Industrial Investment II, LLC (“FI LLC”), which is wholly owned by the Operating Partnership. Immediately thereafter, certain assets and liabilities of FI LLC were contributed to a new subsidiary, FR Investment Properties, LLC (“FRIP”). FRIP is 1% owned by FI LLC and 99% owned by a new taxable real estate investment trust subsidiary, First Industrial Investment Properties, Inc. (the “new TRS,” which, collectively with the old TRS and certain wholly owned taxable real estate investment trust subsidiaries of FI LLC, will be referred to as the “TRSs”), which is wholly owned by FI LLC (see Note 12 to the Consolidated Financial Statements).

 

 

General

 

First Industrial Realty Trust, Inc. is a Maryland corporation organized on August 10, 1993, and is a real estate investment trust (“REIT”) as defined in the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the “Code”). We are a self-administered and fully integrated real estate company which owns, manages, acquires, sells, develops, and redevelops industrial real estate. As of December 31, 2009, our in-service portfolio consisted of 369 light industrial properties, 131 R&D/flex properties, 174 bulk warehouse properties, 89 regional warehouse properties and 20 manufacturing properties containing approximately 69.2 million square feet of gross leasable area (“GLA”) located in 28 states in the United States and one province in Canada. Beginning January 1, 2009, our in-service portfolio includes all properties other than developed, redeveloped and acquired properties that have not yet reached stabilized occupancy (generally defined as properties that are 75% leased). Properties which are at least 75% occupied at acquisition are placed in-service. Acquired properties less than 75% occupied are placed in-service upon the earlier of reaching 90% occupancy or one year from the acquisition date. Development properties are placed in-service upon the earlier of reaching 90% occupancy or one year from the date construction is completed. Redevelopments (generally projects which require capital expenditures exceeding 25% of basis) are placed in-service upon the earlier of reaching 90% occupancy or one year from the completion of renovation construction.

 

Our interests in our properties and land parcels are held through partnerships, corporations, and limited liability companies controlled, directly or indirectly, by the Company, including the Operating Partnership, of which we are the sole general partner with an approximate 92.0% and 88.5% ownership interest at December 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively, and through the old TRS prior to September 1, 2009, and FI LLC, the new TRS and FRIP subsequent to September 1, 2009, all of whose operating data is consolidated with that of the Company as presented herein.

 

We also own noncontrolling equity interests in, and provide various services to, seven joint ventures whose purpose is to 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 2007 Europe Joint Venture does not own any properties.

 

The operating data of our Joint Ventures is not consolidated with that of the Company as presented herein.

 

We utilize an operating approach which combines the effectiveness of decentralized, locally-based property management, acquisition, sales and development functions with the cost efficiencies of centralized acquisition, sales and development support, capital markets expertise, asset management and fiscal control systems. At February 26, 2010, we had 229 employees.

 

We maintain a website at www.firstindustrial.com. Information on this website shall not constitute part of this Form 10-K. Copies of our annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and amendments to such reports are available without charge on our website as soon as reasonably practicable after such reports are filed with or furnished to the SEC. In addition, our Corporate Governance Guidelines, Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, Audit Committee Charter, Compensation Committee Charter, Nominating/Corporate Governance Committee Charter, along with supplemental financial and operating information prepared by us, are all available without charge on our website or upon request to us. Amendments to, or waivers from, our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics that apply to our executive officers or directors will also be posted to our website. We also post or otherwise make available on our

website from time to time other information that may be of interest to our investors. Please direct requests as follows:

First Industrial Realty Trust, Inc.

311 S. Wacker, Suite 3900

Chicago, IL 60606

Attention: Investor Relations

 

Business Objectives and Growth Plans

 

Our fundamental business objective is to maximize the total return to our stockholders through per share distributions and increases in the value of our properties and operations. Our long-term business growth plans include the following elements:

 

 

Our ability to pursue our long-term growth plans is affected by market conditions and our financial condition and operating capabilities.

 

Business Strategies

 

We utilize the following seven strategies in connection with the operation of our business:

 

 

 

 

Although we believe we will be successful in meeting our liquidity needs and maintaining compliance with other debt covenants through a combination of capital retention, mortgage and equity financings, asset sales and debt repurchases, if we were to be unsuccessful in executing one or more of the strategies outlined above, our financial condition and operating results could be materially adversely affected.

 

Recent Developments

 

During 2009, we placed in-service developments totaling 14 industrial properties and acquired one parcel of land for a total investment of approximately $218.1 million. We also sold 15 industrial properties and several parcels of land for an aggregate gross sales price of $100.2 million. At December 31, 2009, we owned 783 in-service industrial properties containing approximately 69.2 million square feet of GLA.

 

During 2009, we repurchased and retired $271.5 million of our senior unsecured notes and recognized a gain on early debt retirement of $34.6 million.

 

During 2009, we obtained $339.8 million in mortgage financings at a weighted average interest rate of 7.47%, with maturities ranging between September 2012 and January 2020.

 

Every quarter beginning March 31, 2009, the coupon rate of our Series F Preferred Stock resets at 2.375% plus the greater of i) the 30 Year U.S. Treasury rate, ii) the 10 Year U.S. Treasury rate or iii) 3-Month LIBOR (see Note 7 to the Consolidated Financial Statements). In October 2008, we entered into an interest rate swap agreement (the “Series F Agreement”) to mitigate our exposure to floating interest rates related to the forecasted reset rate of our Series F Preferred Stock. The Series F Agreement has a notional value of $50.0 million and is effective from April 1, 2009 through October 1, 2013. The Series F Agreement fixes the 30-year U.S. Treasury rate at 5.2175%. We recorded $3.2 million in mark to market gain, offset by $0.5 million in quarterly payments, which is included in Mark-to-Market Gain on Interest Rate Protection Agreements on the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2009.

 

During the year ended December 31, 2009, we sold 3,034,120 shares of the Company’s common stock, generating approximately $15.9 million in net proceeds, under the direct stock purchase component of the DRIP. On October 5, 2009, we sold in an underwritten public offering 13,635,700 shares of the Company’s common stock at a price to the public of $5.25 per share. Total proceeds to us, net of underwriters’ discount and total expenses, were $67.8 million.

 

On August 24, 2009, the Company received a private letter ruling from the IRS granting favorable loss treatment under Sections 331 and 336 of the Code on the tax liquidation of our old TRS. As a result, the Company completed a transaction on September 1, 2009 whereby approximately 75% of the assets formerly held by the old TRS are now held by FI LLC (which is wholly owned by the Operating Partnership). The remaining 25% of the assets are now held by FRIP (which is 99% owned by the new TRS). On November 6, 2009, legislation was enacted that allows businesses with net operating losses for 2008 or 2009 to carry back those losses for up to five years. In the fourth quarter of 2009 we received a federal tax refund from the IRS of $40.4 million associated with the tax liquidation of the old TRS.

 

We committed to a plan to reduce organizational and overhead costs in October 2008 and have subsequently modified that plan with the goal of further reducing these costs. On February 25 and September 25, 2009, we committed to additional modifications to the plan consisting of further organizational and overhead cost reductions. For the year ended December 31, 2009, we recorded as restructuring costs a pre-tax charge of $7.8 million to provide for employee severance and benefits ($5.2 million), costs associated with the termination of certain office leases ($1.9 million) and other costs ($0.7 million) associated with implementing the restructuring plan.

 

Future Property Acquisitions, Developments and Property Sales

 

We and our Joint Ventures have acquisition and development programs through which we seek to identify portfolio and individual industrial property acquisitions and developments.

We and our Joint Ventures also sell properties based on market conditions and property related factors. As a result, we and our Joint Ventures, other than our 2007 Europe Joint Venture, are currently engaged in negotiations relating to the possible sale of certain industrial properties in our portfolio.

 

When evaluating potential industrial property acquisitions and developments, as well as potential industrial property sales, we will consider such factors as: (i) the geographic area and type of property; (ii) the location, construction quality, condition and design of the property; (iii) the potential for capital appreciation of the property; (iv) the ability of the Company to improve the property’s performance through renovation; (v) the terms of tenant leases, including the potential for rent increases; (vi) the potential for economic growth and the tax and regulatory environment of the area in which the property is located; (vii) the potential for expansion of the physical layout of the property and/or the number of sites; (viii) the occupancy and demand by tenants for properties of a similar type in the vicinity; and (ix) competition from existing properties and the potential for the construction of new properties in the area.

 

INDUSTRY

 

Industrial properties are typically used for the design, assembly, packaging, storage and distribution of goods and/or the provision of services. As a result, the demand for industrial space in the United States is related to the level of economic output. Historically, occupancy rates for industrial property in the United States have been higher than office property. We believe that the higher occupancy rate in the industrial property sector is a result of the construction-on-demand nature of, and the comparatively short development time required for, industrial property. For the five years ended December 31, 2009, the national occupancy rate for industrial properties in the United States has ranged from 86.1%*to 90.7%*, with an occupancy rate of 86.1%* at December 31, 2009.

 

 

* Source: CBRE Econometric Advisors

 

Risk Factors

 

Our operations involve various risks that could adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations, cash flow, ability to pay distributions on our common stock and the market price of our common stock. These risks, among others contained in our other filings with the SEC, include:

 

Ongoing disruptions in the financial markets could affect our ability to obtain financing and may negatively impact our liquidity, financial condition and operating results.

 

The capital and credit markets in the United States and other countries have experienced significant price volatility, dislocations and liquidity disruptions, which have caused market prices of many securities to fluctuate substantially and the spreads on prospective debt financings to widen considerably. These circumstances have materially impacted liquidity in the financial markets, making terms for certain financings less attractive, and in some cases have resulted in the unavailability of financing. A majority of our existing indebtedness was sold through capital markets transactions. We anticipate that the capital markets could be a source of refinancing of our existing indebtedness in the future, including our 7.375% Notes due on March 15, 2011 in the aggregate amount of $143.5 million and $70.8 million as of December 31, 2009 and February 26, 2010, respectively (see Note 20 to the Consolidated Financial Statements), and our 4.625% Exchangeable Notes due on September 15, 2011 in the aggregate amount of $146.9 million as of December 31, 2009. This source of refinancing may not be available if capital market volatility and disruption continues, which could have a material adverse effect on our liquidity. Furthermore, we could potentially lose access to our current available liquidity under our Unsecured Line of Credit if one or more participating lenders default on their commitments. While the ultimate outcome of these market conditions cannot be predicted, they may have a material adverse effect on our liquidity and financial condition if our ability to borrow money under our Unsecured Line of Credit or to issue additional debt or equity securities to finance future acquisitions, developments and redevelopments and Joint Venture activities were to be impaired.

 

In addition, the continuing capital and credit market price volatility could make the valuation of our properties and those of our unconsolidated Joint Ventures more difficult. There may be significant uncertainty in the valuation, or in the stability of the value, of our properties and those of our unconsolidated Joint Ventures, that could result in a substantial decrease in the value of our properties and those of our unconsolidated Joint Ventures. As a result, we may not be able to recover the carrying amount of our properties or our investments in Joint Ventures, which may require us to recognize an impairment loss in earnings.

 

Real estate investments’ value fluctuates depending on conditions in the general economy and the real estate business. These conditions may limit the Company’s revenues and available cash.

 

The factors that affect the value of our real estate and the revenues we derive from our properties include, among other things:

 

 

These factors may be amplified in light of the disruption of the global credit markets. Our investments in real estate assets are concentrated in the industrial sector, and the demand for industrial space in the United States is related to the level of economic output. Accordingly, reduced economic output may lead to lower occupancy rates for our properties. In addition, if any of our tenants experiences a downturn in its business that weakens its financial condition, delays lease commencement, fails to make rental payments when due, becomes insolvent or declares bankruptcy, the result could be a termination of the tenant’s lease, which could adversely affect our cash flow from operations.

 

Many real estate costs are fixed, even if income from properties decreases.

 

Our financial results depend on leasing space to tenants on terms favorable to us. Our income and funds available for distribution to our stockholders will decrease if a significant number of our tenants cannot pay their rent or we are unable to lease properties on favorable terms. In addition, if a tenant does not pay its rent, we may not be able to enforce our rights as landlord without delays and we may incur substantial legal costs. Costs associated with real estate investment, such as real estate taxes and maintenance costs, generally are not reduced when circumstances cause a reduction in income from the investment.

 

The Company may be unable to sell properties when appropriate because real estate investments are not as liquid as certain other types of assets.

 

Real estate investments generally cannot be sold quickly and, therefore, will tend to limit our ability to adjust our property portfolio promptly in response to changes in economic or other conditions. The inability to respond promptly to changes in the performance of our property portfolio could adversely affect our financial condition and ability to service debt and make distributions to our stockholders. In addition, like other companies qualifying as REITs under the Code, we must comply with the safe harbor rules relating to the number of properties disposed of in a year, their tax basis and the cost of improvements made to the properties, or meet other tests which enable a REIT to avoid punitive taxation on the sale of assets. Thus, our ability at any time to sell assets may be restricted.

 

The Company may be unable to sell properties on advantageous terms.

 

We have sold to third parties a significant number of properties in recent years and, as part of our business, we intend to continue to sell properties to third parties. Our ability to sell properties on advantageous terms depends on factors beyond our control, including competition from other sellers and the availability of attractive financing for potential buyers of our properties. If we are unable to sell properties on favorable terms or redeploy the proceeds of property sales in accordance with our business strategy, then our financial condition, results of operations, cash flow and ability to pay dividends on, and the market price of, our common stock could be adversely affected.

 

We have also sold to our Joint Ventures a significant number of properties in recent years and, as part of our business, we intend to continue to sell or contribute properties to our Joint Ventures as opportunities arise. If we do not have sufficient properties available that meet the investment criteria of current or future Joint Ventures, or if the Joint Ventures have reduced or do not have access to capital on favorable terms, then such sales could be delayed or prevented, adversely affecting our financial condition, results of operations, cash flow and ability to pay dividends on, and the market price of, our common stock.

 

The Company may be unable to complete development and re-development projects on advantageous terms.

 

As part of our business, we develop new and re-develop existing properties. In addition, we have sold to third parties or sold to our Joint Ventures a significant number of development and re-development properties in recent years, and we intend to continue to sell such properties to third parties or to sell or contribute such properties to our Joint Ventures as opportunities arise. The real estate development and re-development

business involves significant risks that could adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations, cash flow and ability to pay dividends on, and the market price of, our common stock, which include:

 

 

The Company may be unable to renew leases or find other lessees.

 

We are subject to the risks that, upon expiration, leases may not be renewed, the space subject to such leases may not be relet or the terms of renewal or reletting, including the cost of required renovations, may be less favorable than expiring lease terms. If we were unable to promptly renew a significant number of expiring leases or to promptly relet the space covered by such leases, or if the rental rates upon renewal or reletting were significantly lower than the current rates, our financial condition, results of operation, cash flow and ability to pay dividends on, and the market price of, our common stock could be adversely affected. As of December 31, 2009, leases with respect to approximately 11.8 million, 9.5 million and 8.7 million square feet of GLA, representing 21%, 17% and 15% of GLA, expire in 2010, 2011 and 2012, respectively.

 

The Company may be unable to acquire properties on advantageous terms or acquisitions may not perform as the Company expects.

 

We acquire and intend to continue to acquire primarily industrial properties. The acquisition of properties entails various risks, including the risks that our investments may not perform as expected and that our cost estimates for bringing an acquired property up to market standards may prove inaccurate. Further, we face significant competition for attractive investment opportunities from other well-capitalized real estate investors, including both publicly-traded REITs and private investors. This competition increases as investments in real estate become attractive relative to other forms of investment. As a result of competition, we may be unable to acquire additional properties as we desire or the purchase price may be elevated. In addition, we expect to finance future acquisitions through a combination of borrowings under the Unsecured Line of Credit, proceeds from equity or debt offerings and debt originations by the Company and proceeds from property sales, which may not be available and which could adversely affect our cash flow. Any of the above risks could adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations, cash flow and ability to pay dividends on, and the market value of, our common stock.

 

The Company might fail to qualify or remain qualified as a REIT.

 

We intend to operate so as to qualify as a REIT under the Code. Although we believe that we are organized and will operate in a manner so as to qualify as a REIT, qualification as a REIT involves the satisfaction of numerous requirements, some of which must be met on a recurring basis. These requirements are established under highly technical and complex Code provisions of which there are only limited judicial or administrative interpretations and involve the determination of various factual matters and circumstances not entirely within our control.

 

If we were to fail to qualify as a REIT in any taxable year, we would be subject to federal income tax, including any applicable alternative minimum tax, on our taxable income at corporate rates. This could result in a discontinuation or substantial reduction in dividends to stockholders and in cash to pay interest and principal on debt securities that we issue. Unless entitled to relief under certain statutory provisions, we would be disqualified from electing treatment as a REIT for the four taxable years following the year during which we failed to qualify as a REIT.

Certain property transfers may generate prohibited transaction income, resulting in a penalty tax on the gain attributable to the transaction.

 

As part of our business, we sell properties to third parties or sell properties to our Joint Ventures as opportunities arise. Under the Code, a 100% penalty tax could be assessed on the gain resulting from sales of properties that are deemed to be prohibited transactions. The question of what constitutes a prohibited transaction is based on the facts and circumstances surrounding each transaction. The Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) could contend that certain sales of properties by us are prohibited transactions. While we do not believe that the IRS would prevail in such a dispute, if the matter were successfully argued by the IRS, the 100% penalty tax could be assessed against the profits from these transactions. In addition, any income from a prohibited transaction may adversely affect our ability to satisfy the income tests for qualification as a REIT.

 

The REIT distribution requirements may limit the Company’s ability to retain capital and require the Company to turn to external financing sources.

 

We could, in certain instances, have taxable income without sufficient cash to enable us to meet the distribution requirements of the REIT provisions of the Code. In that situation, we could be required to borrow funds or sell properties on adverse terms in order to meet those distribution requirements. In addition, because we must distribute to our stockholders at least 90% of our REIT taxable income each year, our ability to accumulate capital may be limited. Thus, to provide capital resources for our ongoing business, and to satisfy our debt repayment obligations and other liquidity needs, we may be more dependent on outside sources of financing, such as debt financing or issuances of additional capital stock, which may or may not be available on favorable terms. Additional debt financings may substantially increase our leverage and additional equity offerings may result in substantial dilution of stockholders’ interests.

 

Debt financing, the degree of leverage and rising interest rates could reduce the Company’s cash flow.

 

Where possible, we intend to continue to use leverage to increase the rate of return on our investments and to allow us to make more investments than we otherwise could. Our use of leverage presents an additional element of risk in the event that the cash flow from our properties is insufficient to meet both debt payment obligations and the distribution requirements of the REIT provisions of the Code. In addition, rising interest rates would reduce our cash flow by increasing the amount of interest due on our floating rate debt and on our fixed rate debt as it matures and is refinanced.

 

Failure to comply with covenants in our debt agreements could adversely affect our financial condition.

 

The terms of our agreements governing our Unsecured Line of Credit and other indebtedness require that we comply with a number of financial and other covenants, such as maintaining debt service coverage and leverage ratios and maintaining insurance coverage. Complying with such covenants may limit our operational flexibility. Moreover, our failure to comply with these covenants could cause a default under the applicable debt agreement even if we have satisfied our payment obligations. Upon the occurrence of an event of default, the lenders under our Unsecured Line of Credit will not be required to lend any additional amounts to us, and our outstanding senior debt securities as well as all outstanding borrowings under the Unsecured Line of Credit, together with accrued and unpaid interest and fees, could be accelerated and declared to be immediately due and payable. Furthermore, our Unsecured Line of Credit and senior debt securities contain certain cross-default provisions, which are triggered in the event that our other material indebtedness is in default. These cross-default provisions may require us to repay or restructure the Unsecured Line of Credit and the senior debt securities or other debt that is in default, which could adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations, cash flow and ability to pay dividends on, and the market price of, our stock. If repayment of any of our borrowings is accelerated, we cannot provide assurance that we will have sufficient assets to repay such indebtedness or that we would be able to borrow sufficient funds to refinance such indebtedness. Even if we are able to obtain new financing, it may not be on commercially reasonable terms, or terms that are acceptable to us.

Moreover, the provisions of credit agreements and other debt instruments are complex, and some are subject to varying interpretations. Breaches of these provisions may be identified or occur in the future, and such provisions may be interpreted by the lenders under our Unsecured Line of Credit, or the trustee with respect to the senior debt securities, in a manner that could impose material costs on us.

 

Cross-collateralization of mortgage loans could result in foreclosure on substantially all of the Company’s properties if the Company is unable to service its indebtedness.

 

We intend to obtain additional mortgage debt financing in the future, if it is available to us. These mortgages may be issued on a recourse, non-recourse or cross-collateralized basis. Cross-collateralization makes all of the subject properties available to the lender in order to satisfy our debt. Holders of indebtedness that is so secured will have a claim against these properties. To the extent indebtedness is cross-collateralized, lenders may seek to foreclose upon properties that are not the primary collateral for their loan, which may, in turn, result in acceleration of other indebtedness secured by properties. Foreclosure of properties would result in a loss of income and asset value to us, making it difficult for us to meet both debt payment obligations and the distribution requirements of the REIT provisions of the Code. At December 31, 2009, none of our existing indebtedness was cross-collateralized with the exception of three mortgage loans payable, totaling $20.4 million, that were originated in September 2009 (see Note 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements).

 

The Company may have to make lump-sum payments on its existing indebtedness.

 

We are required to make the following lump-sum or “balloon” payments under the terms of some of our indebtedness, including indebtedness of the Operating Partnership:

 

 

The Unsecured Line of Credit provides for the repayment of principal in a lump-sum or “balloon” payment at maturity in 2012. As of December 31, 2009, $455.2 million was outstanding under the Unsecured Line of Credit at a weighted average interest rate of 1.256%.

Our ability to make required payments of principal on outstanding indebtedness, whether at maturity or otherwise, may depend on our ability either to refinance the applicable indebtedness or to sell properties. We have no commitments to refinance the 2011 Notes, the 2011 Exchangeable Notes, the 2012 Notes, the 2014 Notes, the 2016 Notes, the 2017 Notes, the 2017 II Notes, the 2027 Notes, the 2028 Notes, the 2032 Notes, the Unsecured Line of Credit or the mortgage loans. Our existing mortgage loan obligations are secured by our properties and therefore such obligations will permit the lender to foreclose on those properties in the event of a default.

 

There is no limitation on debt in the Company’s organizational documents.

 

As of December 31, 2009, our ratio of debt to our total market capitalization was 76.1%. We compute that percentage by calculating our total consolidated debt as a percentage of the aggregate market value of all outstanding shares of our common stock, assuming the exchange of all limited partnership units of the Operating Partnership for common stock, plus the aggregate stated value of all outstanding shares of preferred stock and total consolidated debt. Our organizational documents do not contain any limitation on the amount or percentage of indebtedness we may incur. Accordingly, we could become more highly leveraged, resulting in an increase in debt service that could adversely affect our ability to make expected distributions to stockholders and in an increased risk of default on our obligations.

 

Rising interest rates on the Company’s Unsecured Line of Credit could decrease the Company’s available cash.

 

Our Unsecured Line of Credit bears interest at a floating rate. As of December 31, 2009, our Unsecured Line of Credit had an outstanding balance of $455.2 million at a weighted average interest rate of 1.256%. Our Unsecured Line of Credit presently bears interest at the prime rate plus 0.15% or at the LIBOR plus 1.0%, at our election. Based on the outstanding balance on our Unsecured Line of Credit as of December 31, 2009, a 10% increase in interest rates would increase interest expense by $0.5 million on an annual basis. Increases in the interest rate payable on balances outstanding under our Unsecured Line of Credit would decrease our cash available for distribution to stockholders.

 

The Company’s mortgages may impact the Company’s ability to sell encumbered properties on advantageous terms or at all.

 

As part of our plan to enhance liquidity and pay down our debt, we have originated numerous mortgage financings and we are in active discussions with various lenders regarding the origination of additional mortgage financings. Certain of our mortgages contain, and it is anticipated that some future mortgages will contain, substantial prepayment premiums which we would have to pay upon the sale of a property, thereby reducing the net proceeds to us from the sale of any such property. As a result, our willingness to sell certain properties and the price at which we may desire to sell a property may be impacted by the terms of any mortgage financing encumbering a property. If we are unable to sell properties on favorable terms or redeploy the proceeds of property sales in accordance with our business strategy, then our financial condition, results of operations, cash flow and ability to pay dividends on, and the market price of, our common stock could be adversely affected.

 

Adverse market and economic conditions could cause us to recognize additional impairment charges.

 

We regularly review our real estate assets for impairment indicators, such as a decline in a property’s occupancy rate. If we determine that indicators of impairment are present, we review the properties affected by these indicators to determine whether an impairment charge is required. We use considerable judgment in making determinations about impairments, from analyzing whether there are indicators of impairment to the assumptions used in calculating the fair value of the investment. Accordingly, our subjective estimates and evaluations may not be accurate, and such estimates and evaluations are subject to change or revision.

 

Ongoing adverse market and economic conditions and market volatility will likely continue to make it difficult to value the real estate assets owned by us as well as the value of our interests in unconsolidated joint

ventures. There may be significant uncertainty in the valuation, or in the stability of the cash flows, discount rates and other factors related to such assets due to the adverse market and economic conditions that could result in a substantial decrease in their value. We may be required to recognize additional asset impairment charges in the future, which could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

Earnings and cash dividends, asset value and market interest rates affect the price of the Company’s common stock.

 

As a REIT, the market value of our common stock, in general, is based primarily upon the market’s perception of our growth potential and our current and potential future earnings and cash dividends. The market value of our common stock is based secondarily upon the market value of our underlying real estate assets. For this reason, shares of our common stock may trade at prices that are higher or lower than our net asset value per share. To the extent that we retain operating cash flow for investment purposes, working capital reserves, or other purposes, these retained funds, while increasing the value of our underlying assets, may not correspondingly increase the market price of our common stock. Our failure to meet the market’s expectations with regard to future earnings and cash dividends likely would adversely affect the market price of our common stock. Further, the distribution yield on the common stock (as a percentage of the price of the common stock) relative to market interest rates may also influence the price of our common stock. An increase in market interest rates might lead prospective purchasers of our common stock to expect a higher distribution yield, which would adversely affect the market price of our common stock.

 

The Company may incur unanticipated costs and liabilities due to environmental problems.

 

Under various federal, state and local laws, ordinances and regulations, an owner or operator of real estate may be liable for the costs of clean-up of certain conditions relating to the presence of hazardous or toxic materials on, in or emanating from a property, and any related damages to natural resources. Environmental laws often impose liability without regard to whether the owner or operator knew of, or was responsible for, the presence of hazardous or toxic materials. The presence of such materials, or the failure to address those conditions properly, may adversely affect the ability to rent or sell the property or to borrow using a property as collateral. Persons who dispose of or arrange for the disposal or treatment of hazardous or toxic materials may also be liable for the costs of clean-up of such materials, or for related natural resource damages, at or from an off-site disposal or treatment facility, whether or not the facility is owned or operated by those persons. No assurance can be given that existing environmental assessments with respect to any of our properties reveal all environmental liabilities, that any prior owner or operator of any of the properties did not create any material environmental condition not known to us or that a material environmental condition does not otherwise exist as to any of our Company’s properties. In addition, changes to existing environmental regulation to address, to among other things, climate change, could increase the scope of our potential liabilities.

 

The Company’s insurance coverage does not include all potential losses.

 

We currently carry comprehensive insurance coverage including property, boiler & machinery, liability, fire, flood, terrorism, earthquake, extended coverage and rental loss as appropriate for the markets where each of our properties and their business operations are located. The insurance coverage contains policy specifications and insured limits customarily carried for similar properties and business activities. We believe our properties are adequately insured. However, there are certain losses, including losses from earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, pollution, acts of war, acts of terrorism or riots, that are not generally insured against or that are not generally fully insured against because it is not deemed to be economically feasible or prudent to do so. If an uninsured loss or a loss in excess of insured limits occurs with respect to one or more of our properties, we could experience a significant loss of capital invested and potential revenues from these properties, and could potentially remain obligated under any recourse debt associated with the property.

The Company is subject to risks and liabilities in connection with its investments in properties through Joint Ventures.

 

As of December 31, 2009, six of our Joint Ventures owned approximately 22.6 million square feet of properties. As of December 31, 2009, our net investment in Joint Ventures was $5.8 million in the aggregate, and for the year ended December 31, 2009, our Equity in Net Loss of Joint Ventures was $(6.5) million. Our organizational documents do not limit the amount of available funds that we may invest in Joint Ventures and we intend to continue to develop and acquire properties through Joint Ventures with other persons or entities when warranted by the circumstances. Joint venture investments, in general, involve certain risks, including:

 

 

The occurrence of one or more of the events described above could adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations, cash flow and ability to pay dividends on, and the market price of, our common stock.

 

In addition, joint venture investments in real estate involve all of the risks related to the ownership, acquisition, development, sale and financing of real estate discussed in the risk factors above. To the extent our investments in Joint Ventures are adversely affected by such risks our financial condition, results of operations, cash flow and ability to pay dividends on, and the market price of, our common stock could be adversely affected.

 

We are subject to risks associated with our international operations.

 

Under our market strategy, we plan to acquire and develop properties in Canada. Our international operations will be subject to risks inherent in doing business abroad, including:

 

 

When we acquire properties located outside of the United States, we may face risks associated with a lack of market knowledge or understanding of the local economy, forging new business relationships in the area and unfamiliarity with local government and permitting procedures. We work to mitigate such risks through extensive diligence and research and associations with experienced partners; however, there can be no guarantee that all such risks will be eliminated.

 

We also have offices outside of the United States. Our ability to effectively establish, staff and manage these offices is subject to risks associated with employment practices, labor issues, and cultural factors that differ from those with which we are familiar. In addition, we may be subject to regulatory requirements and prohibitions that differ between jurisdictions. To the extent we expand our business globally, we may have difficulty anticipating and effectively managing these and other risks that our international operations may face, which may adversely affect our business outside the United States and our financial condition and results of operations.

 

 

None.

 

 

General

 

At December 31, 2009, we owned 783 in-service industrial properties containing an aggregate of approximately 69.2 million square feet of GLA in 28 states and one province in Canada, with a diverse base of approximately 2,000 tenants engaged in a wide variety of businesses, including manufacturing, retail, wholesale trade, distribution and professional services. The average annual rental per square foot on a portfolio basis, calculated at December 31, 2009, was $4.51. The properties are generally located in business parks that have convenient access to interstate highways and/or rail and air transportation. The weighted average age of the properties as of December 31, 2009 was approximately 20 years. We maintain insurance on our properties that we believe is adequate.

 

We classify our properties into five industrial categories: light industrial, R&D/flex, bulk warehouse, regional warehouse and manufacturing. While some properties may have characteristics which fall under more than one property type, we use what we believe is the most dominant characteristic to categorize the property.

 

The following describes, generally, the different industrial categories:

 

 

Each of the properties is wholly owned by us or our consolidated subsidiaries. The following tables summarize certain information as of December 31, 2009, with respect to our in-service properties.

 

Property Summary

 

 

 

 

In-Service Property Summary Totals

 

 

 

 

Property Acquisition & Development Activity

 

During 2009, we acquired one land parcel for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $0.2 million. During 2009, we placed in-service 14 developments totaling approximately 4.0 million square feet of GLA at a total cost of approximately $217.9 million, or approximately $54.48 per square foot. The developments placed in-service have the following characteristics:

 

 

Property Sales

 

During 2009, we sold 15 industrial properties totaling approximately 1.9 million square feet of GLA and several land parcels. Total gross sales proceeds approximated $100.2 million. The 15 industrial properties sold have the following characteristics:

 

Property Acquisitions and Sales Subsequent to Year End

 

From January 1, 2010 to February 26, 2010, we sold two industrial properties comprising approximately 0.2 million square feet of GLA and several land parcels. Gross proceeds from the sale of the two industrial properties and several land parcels were approximately $27.4 million. There were no industrial properties acquired during this period.

 

Tenant and Lease Information

 

We have a diverse base of approximately 2,000 tenants engaged in a wide variety of businesses including manufacturing, retail, wholesale trade, distribution and professional services. Most leases have an initial term of between three and six years and provide for periodic rent increases that are either fixed or based on changes in the Consumer Price Index. Industrial tenants typically have net or semi-net leases and pay as additional rent their percentage of the property’s operating costs, including the costs of common area maintenance, property taxes and insurance. As of December 31, 2009, approximately 82% of the GLA of our in-service properties was leased, and no single tenant or group of related tenants accounted for more than 2.6% of our rent revenues, nor did any single tenant or group of related tenants occupy more than 2.0% of the total GLA of our in-service properties as of December 31, 2009.

 

Lease Expirations(1)

 

The following table shows scheduled lease expirations for all leases for our in-service properties as of December 31, 2009.

 

 

 

 

 

We are involved in legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business. All such proceedings, taken together, are not expected to have a material impact on the results of operations, financial position or liquidity of the Company.

 

 

None.

 

 

Market Information

 

The following table sets forth for the periods indicated the high and low closing prices per share and distributions declared per share for our common stock, which trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the trading symbol “FR.”

 

 

We had 667 common stockholders of record registered with our transfer agent as of February 26, 2010.

 

For tax purposes, 100% of our 2009 preferred stock dividends qualified as capital gain income.

 

In order to comply with the REIT requirements of the Code, we are generally required to make common share distributions and preferred share dividends (other than capital gain distributions) to our shareholders in amounts that together at least equal i) the sum of a) 90% of our “REIT taxable income” computed without regard to the dividends paid deduction and net capital gains and b) 90% of net income (after tax), if any, from foreclosure property, minus ii) certain excess non-cash income. Under a recently issued revenue procedure, the IRS will allow us to treat a stock distribution to our shareholders in 2009, under a stock-or-cash election that meets specified conditions, including a minimum 10% cash distribution component, as a distribution qualifying for the dividends paid deduction.

 

Our common share distribution policy is determined by our board of directors and is dependent on multiple factors, including cash flow and capital expenditure requirements, as well as ensuring that we meet the minimum distribution requirements set forth in the Code. We met the minimum distribution requirements with the preferred distributions made with respect to 2009. For 2010, we intend to meet our minimum distribution requirements. We plan to retain capital by distributing the minimum amount of dividends required to maintain our REIT status. We did not pay a common stock dividend in 2009 and may not pay dividends in 2010 depending on our taxable income. If, to maintain our REIT status, we are required to pay common stock dividends with respect to 2010, we may elect to do so by distributing a combination of cash and common shares. Also, if we are not required to pay preferred stock dividends to maintain our REIT status, we may elect to suspend some or all preferred stock dividends for one or more fiscal quarters, which would aid compliance with the fixed charge coverage covenant under our Unsecured Line of Credit.

During 2009, the Operating Partnership did not issue any Units.

 

Subject to lock-up periods and certain adjustments, Units of the Operating Partnership are convertible into common stock of the Company on a one-for-one basis or cash at the option of the Company.

 

Equity Compensation Plans

 

The following table sets forth information regarding our equity compensation plans.

 

 

 

Performance Graph*

 

The following graph provides a comparison of the cumulative total stockholder return among the Company, the NAREIT Equity REIT Total Return Index (the “NAREIT Index”) and the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index (“S&P 500”). The comparison is for the periods from December 31, 2004 to December 31, 2009 and assumes the reinvestment of any dividends. The closing price for our Common Stock quoted on the NYSE at the close of business on December 31, 2004 was $40.73 per share. The NAREIT Index includes REITs with 75% or more of their gross invested book value of assets invested directly or indirectly in the equity ownership of real estate. Upon written request, we will provide stockholders with a list of the REITs included in the NAREIT Index. The historical information set forth below is not necessarily indicative of future performance. The following graph was prepared at our request by Research Data Group, Inc., San Francisco, California.

 

COMPARISON OF 5 YEAR CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN*
Among First Industrial Realty Trust, Inc., The S&P 500 Index
And The FTSE NAREIT Equity REITs Index

 

 

*$100 invested on 12/31/04 in stock or index, including reinvestment of dividends.
Fiscal year ending December 31.

 

Copyright^© 2010 S&P, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies Inc. All rights reserved.

 

 

 

* The information provided in this performance graph shall not be deemed to be “soliciting material,” to be “filed” or to be incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 unless specifically treated as such.

 

The following sets forth selected financial and operating data for the Company on a historical consolidated basis. The following data should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto and Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations included elsewhere in this Form 10-K. The historical statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006 and 2005 include the results of operations of the Company as derived from our audited financial statements, adjusted for discontinued operations and the implementation of new guidance relating to business combinations, convertible debt, noncontrolling interests and participating securities. The results of operations of properties sold are presented in discontinued operations if they met both of the following criteria: (a) the operations and cash flows of the property have been (or will be) eliminated from the ongoing operations of the Company as a result of the disposition and (b) we will not have any significant involvement in the operations of the property after the disposal transaction. The historical balance sheet data and other data as of December 31, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006 and 2005 include the balances of the Company as derived from our audited financial statements.

 

 

 

 

 

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with “Selected Financial Data” and the Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto appearing elsewhere in this Form 10-K.

 

In addition, the following discussion 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,” “seek,” “target,” “potential,” “focus,” “may,” “should” 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 effect on our operations and future prospects include, but are not limited to: changes in national, international, regional and local economic conditions generally and real estate markets specifically; changes in legislation/regulation (including changes to laws governing the taxation of REITs) and actions of regulatory authorities (including the IRS); our ability to qualify and maintain our status as a REIT; the availability and attractiveness of financing (including both public and private capital) to us and to our potential counterparties; the availability and attractiveness of terms of additional debt repurchases; interest rates; our credit agency ratings; our ability to comply with applicable financial covenants; competition; changes in 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; environmental liabilities; slippages in development or lease-up schedules; tenant creditworthiness; higher-than-expected costs; changes in asset valuations and related impairment charges; changes in general accounting principles,

policies and guidelines applicable to REITs; international business risks and those additional factors described in Item 1A, “Risk Factors” and in our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). We caution you not to place undue reliance on forward looking statements, which reflect our outlook only and speak only as of the date of this report or the dates indicated in the statements. We assume no obligation to update or supplement forward-looking statements.

 

The Company was organized in the state of Maryland on August 10, 1993. We are a REIT, as defined in the Code. We began operations on July 1, 1994. Our interests in our properties and land parcels are held through partnerships, corporations, and limited liability companies controlled, directly or indirectly, by us, including First Industrial, L.P. (the “Operating Partnership”), of which we are the sole general partner, and through the old TRS prior to September 1, 2009, and FI LLC, the new TRS and FRIP subsequent to September 1, 2009. We also conduct operations through other partnerships, corporations, and limited liability companies, the operating data of which, together with that of the Operating Partnership, FI LLC, FRIP and the TRSs, are consolidated with that of the Company, as presented herein.

 

We also own noncontrolling equity interests in, and provide services to, seven joint ventures whose purpose is to 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 2007 Europe Joint Venture does not own any properties.

 

The operating data of our Joint Ventures is not consolidated with that of the Company as presented herein.

 

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, disposition of industrial properties, debt reduction 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 liquidity. 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 would decline. 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, seeks to identify opportunities to acquire existing industrial properties on favorable terms, and, when conditions permit, also seeks to identify opportunities 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 gain/loss on, and fees from, the sale of such properties are included in our income and can be a significant source of funds, in addition to revenues generated from rental income and tenant recoveries, for our operations. Currently, a significant portion of our proceeds from sales are being used to repay outstanding debt. Market conditions permitting, however, a significant portion of our proceeds from such sales may also be 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.

 

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, refinance debt 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.

 

Current Business Risks and Uncertainties

 

The real estate markets have been significantly impacted by the disruption of the global credit markets. The current recession has resulted in downward pressure on our net operating income and has impaired our ability to sell properties.

 

Our Unsecured Line of Credit and the indentures under which our senior unsecured indebtedness is, or may be, issued contain certain financial covenants, including, among other things, coverage ratios and limitations on our ability to incur total indebtedness and secured and unsecured indebtedness. Consistent with

our prior practice, we will, in the future, continue to interpret and certify our performance under these covenants in a good faith manner that we deem reasonable and appropriate. However, these financial covenants are complex and there can be no assurance that these provisions would not be interpreted by our lenders in a manner that could impose and cause us to incur material costs. Any violation of these covenants would subject us to higher finance costs and fees, or accelerated maturities. In addition, our credit facilities and senior debt securities contain certain cross-default provisions, which are triggered in the event that our other material indebtedness is in default. Under the Unsecured Line of Credit, an event of default can also occur if the lenders, in their good faith judgment, determine that a material adverse change has occurred which could prevent timely repayment or materially impair our ability to perform our obligations under the loan agreement.

 

We believe that we were in compliance with our financial covenants as of December 31, 2009, and we anticipate that we will be able to operate in compliance with our financial covenants throughout 2010 based upon our earnings projections. Our belief that we will continue to meet our financial covenants through 2010 is based on internal projections of EBITDA, as defined in our Unsecured Line of Credit and our unsecured notes, which include a number of assumptions, including, among others, assumptions regarding occupancy rates, tenant retention and rental rates as well as internal projections of interest expense and preferred dividends. However, our ability to meet our financial covenants may be reduced if economic and credit market conditions limit our property sales and reduce our net operating income below our projections. We plan to enhance our liquidity, and reduce our indebtedness, through a combination of capital retention, mortgage and equity financings, asset sales and debt reduction.

 

 

 

Although we believe we will be successful in meeting our liquidity needs and maintaining compliance with our debt covenants through a combination of capital retention, mortgage and equity financings, asset sales and debt repurchases, if we were to be unsuccessful in executing one or more of the strategies outlined above, our financial condition and operating results would be materially adversely affected.

 

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

Our significant accounting policies are described in more detail in Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements. We believe the following critical accounting policies affect our more significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements.

 

 

 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

Comparison of Year Ended December 31, 2009 to Year Ended December 31, 2008

 

Our net (loss) income available to First Industrial Realty Trust, Inc.’s common stockholders and participating securities was $(13.8) million and $20.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively. Basic and diluted net (loss) income available to First Industrial Realty Trust, Inc.’s common stockholders were $(0.28) per share for the year ended December 31, 2009 and $0.41 per share for the year ended December 31, 2008.

 

The tables below summarize our revenues, property and construction expenses and depreciation and other amortization by various categories for the years ended December 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008. Same store properties are properties owned prior to January 1, 2008 and held as an operating property through December 31, 2009 and developments and redevelopments that were placed in service prior to January 1, 2008 or were substantially completed for the 12 months prior to January 1, 2008. Properties which are at least 75% occupied at acquisition are placed in service. All other properties are placed in service as they reach the earlier of a) stabilized occupancy (generally defined as 90% occupied), or b) one year subsequent to acquisition or development completion. Acquired properties are properties that were acquired subsequent to December 31, 2007 and held as an operating property through December 31, 2009. Sold properties are properties that were sold subsequent to December 31, 2007. (Re)Developments and land are land parcels and developments and redevelopments that were not: a) substantially complete 12 months prior to January 1, 2008 or b) stabilized prior to January 1, 2008. 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 old TRS acting as general contractor or development manager to construct industrial properties, including industrial properties for the 2006 Development/Repositioning Joint Venture, and also include revenues and expenses related to the development of properties 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 years ended December 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, the occupancy rates of our same store properties were 84.2% and 88.6%, respectively.