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LIFE STORAGE, INC. - Quarter Report: 2007 September (Form 10-Q)

sss_10q-nov2007.htm

 
 
 
 


UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q



[ X ]  QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2007


Commission file number: 1-13820


SOVRAN SELF STORAGE, INC.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

                Maryland                 
      16-1194043      
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)


6467 Main Street
Williamsville, NY 14221
(Address of principal executive offices)  (Zip code)

(716) 633-1850
(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 (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  Yes [ X ]     No  [   ]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the exchange Act).
Large Accelerated Filer  [ X ]     Accelerated Filer  [   ]     Non-accelerated Filer  [   ]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).     Yes [   ]     No  [ X ]

As of October 23, 2007, 21,657,071 shares of Common Stock, $.01 par value per share, were outstanding.




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Part I.
Item 1.
Financial Information
Financial Statements

SOVRAN SELF STORAGE, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 
 
(dollars in thousands, except share data)
      September 30,
2007     
             (unaudited)
 
December 31,
2006        
Assets
   
Investment in storage facilities:
 
 Land
$    235,662 
$    208,644 
 Building, equipment, and construction in progress
   1,067,081 
    935,260 
 
1,302,743 
1,143,904 
 Less: accumulated depreciation
   (177,988)
   (155,843)
Investment in storage facilities, net
1,124,755 
988,061 
Cash and cash equivalents
8,504 
47,730 
Accounts receivable
2,925 
2,166 
Receivable from related parties
27 
37 
Prepaid expenses
5,985 
5,336 
Fair value of interest rate swap agreements
797 
2,274 
Other assets
          6,760 
          7,606 
  Total Assets
$ 1,149,753 
$ 1,053,210 
 
Liabilities
   
Line of credit
$      91,000 
$             -  
Term notes
350,000 
350,000 
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
22,827 
15,358 
Deferred revenue
5,746 
5,292 
Accrued dividends
13,616 
12,675 
Mortgages payable
     110,911 
     112,027 
  Total Liabilities
 
594,100 
495,352 
Minority interest – Operating Partnership
9,779 
10,164 
Minority interest – consolidated joint venture
16,783 
16,783 
     
Shareholders' Equity
   
8.375% Series C Convertible Cumulative Preferred Stock, $.01 par value,
  no shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2007 (1,200,000
  shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2006
26,613 
Common stock $.01 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized, 21,612,427
  shares outstanding (20,443,529 at December 31, 2006)
 
228 
 
216 
Additional paid-in capital
650,872 
612,738 
Dividends in excess of net income
(95,518)
(83,609)
Accumulated other comprehensive income
684 
2,128 
Treasury stock at cost, 1,171,886 shares
      (27,175)
      (27,175)
  Total Shareholders' Equity
      529,091 
      530,911 
  Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
$ 1,149,753 
=========
$ 1,053,210 
=========
 
See notes to financial statements.
   





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SOVRAN SELF STORAGE, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(unaudited)

 
 
(dollars in thousands, except per share data)
July 1, 2007
        to           
September 30,2007
July 1, 2006
         to           
September 30,2006
Revenues
   
 Rental income
$    49,195 
$     43,354 
 Other operating income
       1,803 
        1,430 
  Total operating revenues
50,998 
44,784 
     
Expenses
   
 Property operations and maintenance
13,501 
12,163 
 Real estate taxes
4,649 
4,112 
 General and administrative
3,968 
3,430 
 Depreciation and amortization
       8,390 
       6,683 
   Total operating expenses
     30,508 
     26,388 
     
 Income from operations
20,490 
18,396 
 
Other income (expenses)
   
 Interest expense
(9,092)
(8,421)
 Interest income
137 
135 
 Minority interest – Operating Partnership
(215)
        (225)
 Minority interest – consolidated joint ventures
(462)
        (462)
 Equity in income of joint ventures
            17 
            42 
 
Net Income
 
10,875 
 
9,465 
  Preferred stock dividends
               -  
        (628)
Net income available to common shareholders
$    10,875 
======= 
$      8,837 
======= 
     
Earnings per common share – basic
$        0.51 
======= 
$        0.49 
======= 
Earnings per common share – diluted
$        0.51 
======= 
$        0.49 
======= 
 
Common shares used in basic earnings per share calculation
 
21,390,303 
 
17,919,342 
 
Common shares used in diluted earnings per share calculation
 
21,426,962 
 
17,989,000 
     
  Dividends declared per common share
$    0.63 
=======  
$    0.62 
======= 

See notes to financial statements.










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SOVRAN SELF STORAGE, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(unaudited)

 
 
(dollars in thousands, except per share data)
January 1, 2007
to           
September 30, 2007
January 1, 2006
to           
September 30, 2006
Revenues
   
 Rental income
$  138,985 
$   117,797 
 Other operating income
       4,713 
        3,940 
  Total operating revenues
143,698 
121,737 
     
Expenses
   
 Property operations and maintenance
38,819 
31,915 
 Real estate taxes
13,670 
11,372 
 General and administrative
11,222 
10,530 
 Depreciation and amortization
     25,547 
     18,362 
   Total operating expenses
     89,258 
     72,179 
     
 Income from operations
54,440 
49,558 
 
Other income (expenses)
   
 Interest expense
(24,908)
(20,992)
 Interest income
814 
490 
 Minority interest – Operating Partnership
(581)
        (690)
 Minority interest – consolidated joint ventures
(1,386)
        (1,068)
 Equity in income of joint ventures
            97 
           148 
 
Net Income
 
28,476 
 
27,446 
  Preferred stock dividends
      (1,256)
      (1,884)
Net income available to common shareholders
$    27,220 
======= 
$    25,562 
======= 
     
Earnings per common share – basic
$        1.31 
======= 
$        1.44 
======= 
Earnings per common share – diluted
$        1.31 
======= 
$        1.44 
======= 
 
Common shares used in basic earnings per share calculation
 
20,760,920 
 
17,692,367 
 
Common shares used in diluted earnings per share calculation
 
20,813,165 
 
17,758,535 
     
  Dividends declared per common share
$    1.87 
=======  
$    1.85 
======= 

See notes to financial statements.










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SOVRAN SELF STORAGE, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(unaudited)

 
 
(dollars in thousands)
January 1, 2007 
to           
September 30, 2007
January 1, 2006
to           
September 30, 2006
Operating Activities
   
Net income
$  28,476 
$ 27,446 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by
  operating activities:
   
    Depreciation and amortization
26,263 
19,110 
    Equity in income of joint ventures
(97)
(148)
    Minority interest
1,967 
1,758 
    Non-vested stock earned
895 
632 
    Stock option expense
139 
100 
    Changes in assets and liabilities:
   
      Accounts receivable
(722)
(175)
      Prepaid expenses
(329)
(4,230)
      Accounts payable and other liabilities
7,274 
7,951 
      Deferred revenue
         (62)
         (12)
Net cash provided by operating activities
    63,804 
    52,432 
     
Investing Activities
   
  Acquisition of storage facilities
(132,712)
(125,625)
  Improvements, equipment additions, and construction in progress
     (28,505)
(22,426)
  Additional investment in consolidated joint ventures net of cash acquired
           -   
(7,531)
  Receipts from joint ventures
           -   
           17 
  Property deposits
(258)
          416 
  Receipts from related parties
            10 
           38 
Net cash used in investing activities
  (161,465)
  (155,111)
     
Financing Activities
   
  Net proceeds from sale of common stock
10,499 
23,266 
  Proceeds from line of credit and term note
          103,000 
251,000 
  Pay down of line of credit
        (12,000)
(125,000)
  Financing costs
(250)
           (563)
  Dividends paid-common stock
(38,188)
(32,621)
  Dividends paid-preferred stock
(1,256)
(1,884)
  Distributions from unconsolidated joint venture
98 
123 
  Minority interest distributions
(2,184)
(2,090)
  Redemption of Operating Partnership Units
         (168)
(2,680)
  Mortgage principal payments
     (1,116)
        (932)
Net cash provided by financing activities
     58,435 
   108,619 
Net (decrease) increase in cash
(39,226)
5,940 
Cash at beginning of period
     47,730 
       4,911 
Cash at end of period
$     8,504 
======= 
$   10,851 
======= 
Supplemental cash flow information
Cash paid for interest
 
$   23,003 
 
$ 17,519 
Fair value of liabilities assumed on the acquisition of storage facilities *
           386 
36,038 
*  See Note 4 for fair value of land, building, and equipment acquired
    during the period
   

Dividends declared but unpaid were $13,616 at September 30, 2007 and $11,216 at September 30, 2006.

See notes to financial statements.


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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

1.
BASIS OF PRESENTATION

The accompanying unaudited financial statements of Sovran Self Storage, Inc. have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X.  Accordingly, they do not include all information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements.  In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included.  Operating results for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2007 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ended December 31, 2007.
   
2.
ORGANIZATION

Sovran Self Storage, Inc. (the "Company," "We," "Our," or "Sovran"), a self-administered and self-managed real estate investment trust (a "REIT"), was formed on April 19, 1995 to own and operate self-storage properties throughout the United States. On June 26, 1995, the Company commenced operations effective with the completion of its initial public offering. At September 30, 2007, we owned and operated 354 self-storage properties in 22 states under the name Uncle Bob's Self Storage ®.  Among our 354 self-storage properties are 38 properties that we manage for two consolidated joint ventures of which we are a majority owner.

All of the Company's assets are owned by, and all its operations are conducted through, Sovran Acquisition Limited Partnership (the "Operating Partnership"). Sovran Holdings, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company (the "Subsidiary"), is the sole general partner of the Operating Partnership.  The Company is a limited partner of the Operating Partnership, and through its ownership of the Subsidiary and its limited partnership interest controls the operations of the Operating Partnership, holding a 98.1% ownership interest therein as of September 30, 2007. The remaining ownership interests in the Operating Partnership (the "Units") are held by certain former owners of self-storage properties acquired by the Operating Partnership.

We consolidate all wholly-owned subsidiaries.  Partially-owned subsidiaries and joint ventures are consolidated when we control the entity.  We evaluate partially-owned subsidiaries and joint ventures held in partnership form in accordance with the provisions of Statement of Positions (SOP) 78-9, "Accounting for Investments in Real Estate Ventures", and FASB Staff Position SOP 78-9-1, "Interaction of AICPA SOP 78-9 and EITF Issue 04-5", to determine whether the rights held by other investors constitute "kick-out rights" or "substantive participating rights" as defined therein.  For pre-existing joint venture agreements that have not been modified, effective January 1, 2006 we were required to adopt the provisions of the EITF's consensus on Issue No. 04-5, "Determining Whether a General Partner, or the General Partners as a Group, Controls a Limited Partnership or Similar Entity When the Limited Partners Have Certain Rights." Under this consensus we presume that general partners in a limited partnership control that limited partnership (or similar entity like a limited liability company) regardless of the extent of the general partners' ownership interest in the limited partnership. We also consider whether the


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rights of the limited partners can overcome the presumption of control by the general partners, if the limited partners have either (a) the substantive ability to dissolve (liquidate) the limited partnership or otherwise remove the general partners without cause or (b) substantive participating rights.  For partially-owned subsidiaries or joint ventures held in corporate form, we consider the guidance of SFAS No. 94 "Consolidation of All Majority-Owned Subsidiaries" and Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) 96-16, "Investor's Accounting for an Investee When the Investor has a Majority of the Voting Interest but the Minority Shareholder or Shareholders Have Certain Approval or Veto Rights", and in particular, whether rights held by other investors would be viewed as "participation rights" as defined therein.  To the extent that any minority investor has important rights in a partnership or substantive participating rights in a corporation, including substantive veto rights, the related entity will generally not be consolidated.  We also consider the provisions of SFAS Interpretation No. 46(R), "Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities – An Interpretation of ARB No. 51" in evaluating whether consolidation of entities which are considered to be variable interest entities is warranted and we are the primary beneficiary of the expected losses or residual gains of such entities.  Our consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company, the Operating Partnership, and our majority-owned joint ventures Locke Sovran I, LLC and Locke Sovran II, LLC.  All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated.  Investments in joint ventures that we do not control but for which we have significant influence over, are reported using the equity method.

In April 2006, the Company made additional investments of $8,475,000 in Locke Sovran I, LLC and Locke Sovran II, LLC that increased the Company's ownership from approximately 45% to over 70% in each of these joint ventures.  As a result of this transaction, from the date that its controlling interest was acquired, the Company has consolidated the accounts of Locke Sovran I, LLC in its financial statements.  The accounts of Locke Sovran II, LLC were already being included in the Company's consolidated financial statements as it has been a majority controlled joint venture since 2001.

3.
STOCK BASED COMPENSATION

The Company adopted FASB Statement No. 123(R), Share-Based Payment on January 1, 2006 and uses the modified-prospective method.  Under the modified-prospective method, the Company recognizes compensation cost in the financial statements issued subsequent to January 1, 2006 for all share based payments granted, modified, or settled after the date of adoption as well as for any awards that were granted prior to the adoption date for which the requisite service period has not been completed as of the adoption date.

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007, the Company recorded compensation expense (included in general and administrative expense) of $38,000 and $139,000, respectively, related to stock options under Statement 123(R) and $322,000 and $895,000, respectively, related to amortization of non-vested stock grants.  For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2006, the Company recorded compensation expense (included in general and administrative expense) of $12,000 and $100,000, respectively, related to stock options and $240,000 and $632,000, respectively, related to amortization of non-vested stock grants.







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4.
INVESTMENT IN STORAGE FACILITIES

The following summarizes our activity in storage facilities during the nine months ended September 30, 2007.

(dollars in thousands)
Cost:
 
  Beginning balance
$  1,143,904 
  Property acquisitions
124,701 
  Improvements and equipment additions
34,219 
  Dispositions
          (81)
Ending balance
$1,302,743 
   
Accumulated Depreciation:
 
  Beginning balance
$   155,843 
  Additions during the period
22,199 
  Dispositions
          (54)
Ending balance
$   177,988 

The Company allocates purchase price to the tangible and intangible assets and liabilities acquired based on their estimated fair values. The value of land and buildings are determined at replacement cost. Intangible assets, which represent the value of existing customer leases, are recorded at their estimated fair values. The Company measures the value of in-place customer leases based on the Company's experience with customer turnover. The Company amortizes in-place customer leases on a straight-line basis over 12 months (the estimated future benefit period).  During the nine months ended September 30, 2007, the Company acquired 27 storage facilities for $129.1 million.  Substantially all of the purchase price of these facilities was allocated to land ($25.5 million), building ($100.3 million), equipment ($1.4 million) and in-place customer leases ($1.9 million) and the operating results of the acquired facilities have been included in the Company's operations since the respective acquisition dates.

5.
PRO FORMA FINANCIAL INFORMATION

The following unaudited pro forma Condensed Statement of Operations is presented as if (i) the 27 storage facilities purchased during the nine months ended September 30, 2007, (ii) the 42 storage facilities purchased during 2006, (iii) the additional investment in Locke Sovran I, LLC and Locke Sovran II, LLC in April 2006, and (iv) the related indebtedness incurred and assumed on these transactions had all occurred at January 1, 2006.  Such unaudited pro forma information is based upon the historical statements of operations of the Company. It should be read in conjunction with the financial statements of the Company. In management's opinion, all adjustments necessary to reflect the effects of these transactions have been made.  This unaudited pro forma information does not purport to represent what the actual results of operations of the Company would have been assuming such transactions had been completed as set forth above nor does it purport to represent the results of operations for future periods.




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(dollars in thousands, except share data)
July 1, 2007 
to           
Sep. 30, 2007
July 1, 2006 
to           
Sep. 30, 2006
Jan. 1, 2007 
to           
Sep. 30, 2007
Jan. 1, 2006 
to           
Sep. 30, 2006
         
Pro forma total operating revenues
$ 50,998     
$ 49,148     
$ 148,120     
$ 142,172     
         
Pro forma net income
$ 11,469     
$  9,642     
$ 30,822     
$ 25,864     
         
Pro forma earnings per common share -
      diluted
 
$ 0.54     
 
$ 0.44     
 
$ 1.42     
 
$ 1.18     
         

6.
UNSECURED LINE OF CREDIT AND TERM NOTES

The Company has a $100 million unsecured line of credit that matures in September 2008 and a $100 million unsecured term note that matures in September 2009.  The line of credit bears interest at LIBOR plus 0.90% and requires a 0.20% facility fee.  The term note bears interest at LIBOR plus 1.20%.  The Company also maintains a $80 million term note maturing September 2013 bearing interest at a fixed rate of 6.26%, a $20 million term note maturing September 2013 bearing interest at a variable rate equal to LIBOR plus 1.50%, and a $150 million unsecured term note maturing in April 2016 bearing interest at 6.38%.  The interest rate at September 30, 2007 on the Company's available line of credit was approximately 6.03% (6.20% at December 31, 2006).  At September 30, 2007, there was $9 million available on the revolving line of credit.

The Company entered into a $25 million term note arrangement with a bank in September 2007.  The term note matures March 31, 2008 and bears interest at LIBOR plus 1.20%.  There was no balance outstanding under this term note arrangement at September 30, 2007.

7.
MORTGAGES PAYABLE

Mortgages payable at September 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006 consist of the following:

(dollars in thousands)
 
September 30,
2007       
December 31,
2006       
7.80% mortgage note due December 2011, secured by 11 self-storage facilities (Locke Sovran I) with an aggregate net book value of $41.7 million, principal and interest paid monthly
 
 
 
$  29,189 
 
 
$  29,486 
7.19% mortgage note due March 2012, secured by 27 self-storage facilities (Locke Sovran II) with an aggregate net book value of $78.9 million, principal and interest paid monthly
 
 
 
 
43,898 
 
 
 
44,623 
7.25% mortgage note due December 2011, secured by 1 self-storage facility with an aggregate net book value of $5.9 million, principal and interest paid monthly.  Estimated market rate at time of acquisition 5.40%
 
 
 
 
3,675 
 
 
 
3,769 



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6.76% mortgage note due September 2013, secured by 1 self-storage facility with an aggregate net book value of $2.0 million, principal and interest paid monthly
 
 
 
1,027 
 
 
1,043 
6.35% mortgage note due March 2014, secured by 1 self-storage facility with an aggregate net book value of $1.9 million, principal and interest paid monthly
 
 
 
1,128 
 
 
1,144 
5.55% mortgage notes due November 2009, secured by 8 self-storage facilities with an aggregate net book value of $35.3 million, interest only paid monthly.  Estimated market rate at time of acquisition 6.44%
 
 
 
 
25,665 
 
 
 
25,496 
7.50% mortgage notes due August 2011, secured by 3 self-storage facilities with an aggregate net book value of $14.5 million, principal and interest paid monthly.  Estimated market rate at time of acquisition 6.42%
 
 
 
 
       6,329 
 
 
 
       6,466 
Total mortgages payable
$ 110,911 
$ 112,027 

The Company assumed the 7.25%, 6.76%, 6.35%, 5.55% and 7.50% mortgage notes in connection with the acquisitions of storage facilities in 2005 and 2006.  The 7.25%, 5.55%, and 7.50% mortgages were recorded at their estimated fair value based upon the estimated market rates at the time of the acquisitions ranging from 5.40% to 6.44%.  The carrying value of these three mortgages approximates the actual principal balance of the mortgages payable.  An immaterial premium exists at September 30, 2007, which will be amortized over the remaining term of the mortgages based on the effective interest method.

The table below summarizes the Company's debt obligations and interest rate derivatives at September 30, 2007.  The estimated fair value of financial instruments is subjective in nature and is dependent on a number of important assumptions, including discount rates and relevant comparable market information associated with each financial instrument.  The fair value of the fixed rate term notes and mortgage notes were estimated by discounting the future cash flows using the current rates at which similar loans would be made to borrowers with similar credit ratings and for the same remaining maturities.  The use of different market assumptions and estimation methodologies may have a material effect on the reported estimated fair value amounts.  Accordingly, the estimates presented below are not necessarily indicative of the amounts the Company would realize in a current market exchange.











- 10 -

 
 
 
 


 
                    Expected Maturity Date Including Discount                    
 
    
(dollars in thousands)
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
Thereafter
Total
Fair
Value
Line of credit - variable rate LIBOR + 0.9%
-   
$91,000
-   
-   
-   
-   
$  91,000
$  91,000
                 
Notes Payable:
               
Term note - variable rate LIBOR+1.20%
-   
-   
$100,000
-   
-   
-   
$100,000
$100,000
Term note - variable rate LIBOR+1.50%
-   
-   
-   
-   
-   
$  20,000
$  20,000
$  20,000
Term note - fixed rate 6.26%
-   
-   
-   
-   
-   
$  80,000
$  80,000
$  79,921
Term note - fixed rate 6.38%
-   
-   
-   
-   
-   
$150,000
$150,000
$148,888
                 
Mortgage note - fixed rate 7.80%
$     105
$     427
$      467
$       504
$27,686
-   
$  29,189
$  30,891
Mortgage note - fixed rate 7.19%
$     253
$  1,042
$   1,128
$    1,211
$  1,301
$  38,963
$  43,898
$  45,774
Mortgage note - fixed rate 7.25%
$       32
$     133
$      141
$       149
$   3,220
-   
$    3,675
$    3,607
Mortgage note - fixed rate 6.76%
$         5
$       22
$        23
$         25
$       27
$       925
$    1,027
$    1,061
Mortgage note - fixed rate 6.35%
$         6
$       24
$        26
$         28
$       30
$    1,014
$    1,128
$    1,143
Mortgage notes - fixed rate 5.55%
-   
-   
$ 25,665
-   
-   
-   
$  25,665
$  26,493
Mortgage notes - fixed rate 7.50%
$       47
$     194
$      208
$       222
$ 5,658
-   
$    6,329
$    6,435
                 
Interest rate derivatives – asset
-   
-   
-   
-   
-   
-   
-   
$      797

8.
INTEREST RATE SWAP AGREEMENTS

Interest rate swaps are used to adjust the proportion of total debt that is subject to variable interest rates.  The interest rate swaps require the Company to pay an amount equal to a specific fixed rate of interest times a notional principal amount and to receive in return an amount equal to a variable rate of interest times the same notional amount.  The notional amounts are not exchanged.  No other cash payments are made unless the contract is terminated prior to its maturity, in which case the contract would likely be settled for an amount equal to its fair value.  The Company enters into interest rate swaps with a number of major financial institutions to minimize counterparty credit risk.

The interest rate swaps qualify and are designated as hedges of the amount of future cash flows related to interest payments on variable rate debt.  Therefore, the interest rate swaps are recorded in the consolidated balance sheet at fair value and the related gains or losses are deferred in shareholders' equity as Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income ("AOCI").  These deferred gains and losses are amortized into interest expense during the period or periods in which the related interest payments affect earnings.  However, to the extent that the interest rate swaps are not perfectly effective in offsetting the change in value of the interest payments being hedged, the ineffective portion of these contracts is recognized in earnings immediately.  Ineffectiveness was immaterial for the 2007 and 2006 periods to date.

The Company has entered into three interest rate swap agreements as detailed below to effectively convert a total of $120 million of variable-rate debt to fixed-rate debt.
 
 
Notional Amount
 
 
Effective Date
 
 
Expiration Date
 
Fixed   
Rate Paid
 
Floating Rate  
Received     
   
$50 Million
11/14/05
9/1/09
5.590%
1 month LIBOR
$20 Million
9/4/05
9/4/13
5.935%
6 month LIBOR
$50 Million
10/10/06
9/1/09
5.680%
1 month LIBOR

- 11 -

 
 
 
 


The interest rate swap agreements are the only derivative instruments, as defined by SFAS No. 133, held by the Company.  Based on current interest rates, the Company estimates that net receipts under the interest rate swaps will be approximately $1.0 million in 2007.  Net receipts under the interest rate swap agreements are reclassified to interest expense as settlements occur.  The fair value of the swap agreements including accrued interest was an asset of $0.8 million at September 30, 2007.

9.
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

The Company's current practice is to conduct environmental investigations in connection with property acquisitions.  At this time, the Company is not aware of any environmental contamination of any of its facilities that individually or in the aggregate would be material to the Company's overall business, financial condition, or results of operations.

At September 30, 2007, the Company was in negotiations to acquire three self-storage facilities for approximately $10.6 million.  The purchase of these facilities is subject to significant contingencies, and there is no assurance that any of these facilities will be acquired.

10.
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

Total comprehensive income consisting of net income and the change in the fair value of interest rate swap agreements was $27.0 million and $28.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

11.
INVESTMENT IN JOINT VENTURES

At September 30, 2007, the Company has a 49% ownership interest in Iskalo Office Holdings, LLC, which owns the building that houses the Company's headquarters and other tenants.  The Company's investment includes a capital contribution of $49.  The carrying value of the Company's investment is a liability of $0.5 million and $0.4 million at September 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006 respectively, and is included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

The Company does not guarantee the debt of Iskalo Office Holdings, LLC.

In April 2006, the Company made an additional investment of $2.8 million in Locke Sovran I, LLC that increased the Company's ownership to over 70%.  As a result of this transaction the Company has consolidated the results of operations of Locke Sovran I, LLC in its financial statements since April 1, 2006, the date that it acquired its controlling interest.

12.
EARNINGS PER SHARE

The Company reports earnings per share data in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 128, "Earnings Per Share."  In computing earnings per share, the Company excludes preferred stock dividends from net income to arrive at net income available to common shareholders.  The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per common share.


- 12 -

 
 
 
 


 
(in thousands except per share data)
Three Months
Ended    
Sep. 30, 2007
Three Months
Ended    
Sep. 30, 2006
Nine Months
Ended    
Sep. 30, 2007
Nine Months
Ended    
Sep. 30, 2006
Numerator:
       
  Net income available to common shareholders
$ 10,875 
$ 8,837  
$ 27,220  
$ 25,562  
         
Denominator:
       
  Denominator for basic earnings per share -
    weighted average shares
 
21,390 
 
17,919  
 
20,761  
 
17,692  
Effect of Dilutive Securities:
       
  Stock options, warrants and non-vested stock
      37 
      70  
      52  
      67  
Denominator for diluted earnings per share -
    adjusted weighted average shares and
    assumed conversion
 
 
21,427 
 
 
17,989  
 
 
20,813  
 
 
17,759  
         
Basic earnings per common share
$    0.51 
$    0.49  
$    1.31  
$    1.44  
Diluted earnings per common share
$    0.51 
$    0.49  
$    1.31  
$    1.44  

Prior to its conversion (see Note 14) common shares from the conversion of the Series C Convertible Cumulative Preferred Stock were excluded from the 2007 and 2006 diluted earnings per share calculation because their inclusion would have had an antidilutive effect on earnings per share.

13.
INCOME TAXES

The Company qualifies as a REIT under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and will generally not be subject to corporate income taxes to the extent it distributes at least 90% of its taxable income to its shareholders and complies with certain other requirements. Accordingly, no provision has been made for federal income taxes in the accompanying financial statements.

In July 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Financial Interpretation No. 48 ("FIN 48"), Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, which applies to all tax positions related to income taxes subject to SFAS 109, Accounting for Income Taxes. FIN 48 requires a new evaluation process for all tax positions taken. If the probability for sustaining a tax position is greater than 50%, then the tax position is warranted and recognition should be at the highest amount which would be expected to be realized upon ultimate settlement. FIN 48 requires expanded disclosure at each annual reporting period unless a significant change occurs in an interim period. Differences between the amounts recognized in the statements of financial position prior to the adoption of FIN 48 and the amounts reported after adoption are to be accounted for as an adjustment to the beginning balance of retained earnings.  The adoption of FIN 48 did not have a material impact on the Company's financial position or results from operations.

The Company's continuing practice is to recognize interest and/or penalties related to state income tax matters in income tax expense. As of September 30, 2007, the Company had no amounts accrued related to uncertain tax positions.  The tax years 2003-2006 remain open to examination by the major taxing jurisdictions to which the Company is subject.





- 13 -

 
 
 
 


14.
PREFERRED STOCK

On July 7, 2007, we issued 920,244 shares of our common stock to the holder of our Series C Preferred Stock upon the holder's election to convert the remaining 1,200,000 shares of Series C Preferred Stock into common stock.  As a result of the conversion, $26.6 million recorded in shareholders' equity as 8.375% Series C Convertible Cumulative Preferred Stock was reclassified to Additional paid-in capital.

15.
RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measurement and expands disclosure about fair value measurements.  Where applicable, SFAS 157 simplifies and codifies related guidance within generally accepted accounting principles.  This statement shall be effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007, and interim periods within those fiscal years.  The Company is in the process of evaluating the impact of SFAS No. 157 on its financial statements.  

In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, "The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities-including an amendment of FASB Statement No. 115". SFAS No. 159 permits entities to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value that are not currently required to be measured at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses related to these financial instruments reported in earnings at each subsequent reporting date.  This Statement is effective as of the beginning of an entity's first fiscal year that begins after November 15, 2007.  The Company is in the process of evaluating the impact of SFAS No. 159 on its financial statements.






















- 14 -

 
 
 
 


Item 2.
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

The following discussion and analysis of the Company's consolidated financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto included elsewhere in this report.

DISCLOSURE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

When used in this discussion and elsewhere in this document, the words "intends," "believes," "expects," "anticipates," and similar expressions are intended to identify "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of that term in Section 27A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1933 and in Section 21F of the Securities Act of 1934. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to, the effect of competition from new self-storage facilities, which would cause rents and occupancy rates to decline; the Company's ability to evaluate, finance and integrate acquired businesses into the Company's existing business and operations; the Company's ability to effectively compete in the self-storage industry; the Company's existing indebtedness may mature in an unfavorable credit environment, preventing refinancing or forcing refinancing of the indebtedness on terms that are not as favorable as the existing terms; interest rates may fluctuate, impacting costs associated with the Company's outstanding floating rate debt; the Company's ability to successfully expand its truck move-in program for new customers and Dri-guard product roll-out; the Company's reliance on its call center; the Company's cash flow may be insufficient to meet required payments of principal, interest and dividends; and tax law changes that may change the taxability of future income.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

FOR THE PERIOD JULY 1, 2007 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30, 2007, COMPARED TO THE PERIOD JULY 1, 2006 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30, 2006

We recorded rental revenues of $49.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2007, an increase of $5.8 million or 13.5% when compared to rental revenues of $43.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2006.  Of the increase in rental income, $1.5 million resulted from a 3.6% increase in rental revenues at the 317 core properties considered in same store sales (those properties included in the consolidated results of operations since July 1, 2006).  The increase in same store rental revenues was achieved primarily through rate increases on select units, offset by a decrease in occupancy, which we believe resulted from move outs from customers who no longer needed storage after the rebuilding of the damage caused by the 2005 hurricanes, and the downturn in the housing market.  The remaining $4.3 million increase in rental revenues resulted from the acquisition of 27 self-storage properties during the first nine months of 2007 and from having the 2006 acquisitions included for a full quarter of operations.  Other income increased $0.4 million due to increased merchandise sales and insurance commission revenue.



- 15 -

 
 
 
 


Property operating and real estate tax expense increased $1.9 million, or 11.5%, in the third quarter of 2007 compared to the same period in 2006.  All of this increase related to expenses incurred by the facilities acquired in 2007 and from having expenses from the 2006 acquisitions included for a full quarter of operations.  The 317 core properties considered same stores experienced flat expense growth as a result of a decrease in property insurance costs offset by increases in property taxes and repairs.  We do not expect operating costs to increase significantly for the remainder of 2007 as lower property insurance rates should offset any rising utility and other operating expenses.

General and administrative expenses increased $0.5 million or 15.7% from the third quarter of 2006 to the third quarter of 2007.  The increase primarily resulted from the costs associated with operating the properties acquired in 2007 and 2006.

Depreciation and amortization expense increased to $8.4 million in the third quarter of 2007 from $6.7 million in the same period in 2006, primarily as a result of additional depreciation taken on real estate assets acquired in 2007 and a full quarter of depreciation on 2006 acquisitions.  Also included in 2007 depreciation and amortization is the amortization of in-place customer leases.  The in–place customer lease asset being amortized relates to certain 2007 and 2006 acquisitions for which the purchase price allocation was finalized in 2007.  We amortize this expense over a 12 month period.

Income from operations increased from $18.4 million in the third quarter of 2006 to $20.5 million in the same period in 2007 as a result of the net effect of the items disclosed above.

Interest expense increased from $8.4 million in the third quarter of 2006 to $9.1 million in the same period in 2007 as a result of higher interest rates, additional borrowings under our line of credit and term notes to purchase self-storage properties.

FOR THE PERIOD JANUARY 1, 2007 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30, 2007, COMPARED TO THE PERIOD JANUARY 1, 2006 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30, 2006

We recorded rental revenues of $139.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007, an increase of $21.2 million or 18.0% when compared to rental revenues of $117.8 million during the first nine months of 2006.  Of the increase in rental income, $3.8 million resulted from a 3.4% increase in rental revenues at the 285 core properties considered in same store sales (those properties included in the consolidated results of operations since January 1, 2006).  The increase in same store rental revenues was achieved primarily through rate increases on select units, offset by a decrease in occupancy which we believe resulted from move outs from customers who no longer needed storage after the rebuilding of the damage caused by the 2005 hurricanes, and from a downturn in the housing market.  $15.8 million of the increase in rental revenues resulted from the acquisition of 27 self-storage properties during 2007 and from having the 2006 acquisitions included for a full nine months of operations.  As of April 1, 2006, the consolidated statement of operations includes the results of a previously unconsolidated joint venture (Locke Sovran I, LLC) that has been consolidated as a result of our additional investment in that entity.  The rental income related to Locke Sovran I that was not included in our consolidated results for the nine months ended September 30, 2006, was $1.6 million.  Other income increased $0.8 million due to increased merchandise sales and insurance commission revenue.

- 16 -

 
 
 
 


Property operating and real estate tax expense increased $9.2 million, or 21.3%, in the first nine months of 2007 compared to the same period in 2006.  Of this increase, $6.5 million were expenses incurred by the facilities acquired in 2007 and from having expenses from the 2006 acquisitions included for a full year of operations.  $2.1 million of the increase was due to increased property insurance, utilities, maintenance expenses, and increased property taxes at the 285 core properties considered same stores.  The consolidation of Locke Sovran I, LLC as of April 1, 2006 resulted in a $0.6 million increase in property operating and real estate tax expense in the first nine months of 2007.  We do not expect operating costs to increase significantly for the remainder of 2007 as lower property insurance rates should offset any rising utility and other operating expenses.

General and administrative expenses increased $0.7 million or 6.6% from the first nine months of 2006 to the first nine months of 2007.  The increase primarily resulted from the costs associated with operating the properties acquired in 2007 and 2006.

Depreciation and amortization expense increased to $25.5 million in the first nine months of 2007 from $18.4 million in the same period in 2006, primarily as a result of additional depreciation taken on real estate assets acquired in 2007, a full nine months of depreciation on 2006 acquisitions, the consolidation of Locke Sovran I, LLC, and the amortization of in-place customer leases.  The in-place customer lease asset being amortized relates to certain 2007 and 2006 acquisitions for which the purchase price allocation was finalized in 2007.  We amortize this expense over a 12 month period.

Income from operations increased from $49.6 million in the first nine months of 2006 to $54.4 million in the same period in 2007 as a result of the net effect of the items disclosed above.

Interest expense increased from $21.0 million in the first nine months of 2006 to $24.9 million in same period in 2007 as a result of higher interest rates, additional borrowings under our line of credit and term notes to purchase self-storage properties, and the consolidation of Locke Sovran I, LLC as of April 1, 2006.

FUNDS FROM OPERATIONS

We believe that Funds from Operations ("FFO") provides relevant and meaningful information about our operating performance that is necessary, along with net earnings and cash flows, for an understanding of our operating results.  FFO adds back historical cost depreciation, which assumes the value of real estate assets diminishes predictably in the future. In fact, real estate asset values increase or decrease with market conditions. Consequently, we believe FFO is a useful supplemental measure in evaluating our operating performance by disregarding (or adding back) historical cost depreciation.

FFO is defined by the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts, Inc. ("NAREIT") as net income computed in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"), excluding gains or losses on sales of properties, plus depreciation and amortization and after adjustments to record unconsolidated partnerships and joint ventures on the same basis.  We believe that to further understand our performance, FFO should be compared with our reported net income and cash flows in accordance with GAAP, as presented in our consolidated financial statements.

- 17 -

 
 
 
 


Our computation of FFO may not be comparable to FFO reported by other REITs or real estate companies that do not define the term in accordance with the current NAREIT definition or that interpret the current NAREIT definition differently.  FFO does not represent cash generated from operating activities determined in accordance with GAAP, and should not be considered as an alternative to net income (determined in accordance with GAAP) as an indication of our performance, as an alternative to net cash flows from operating activities (determined in accordance with GAAP) as a measure of our liquidity, or as an indicator of our ability to make cash distributions.

Reconciliation of Net Income to Funds From Operations

 
                    Nine months ended               
(in thousands)
September 30,2007
September 30, 2006
 
Net income
 
$ 28,476       
 
$ 27,446       
Minority interest in income
1,967       
1,758       
Depreciation of real estate and amortization
  of intangible assets exclusive of deferred
  financing fees
 
 
25,547       
 
 
18,362       
Depreciation and amortization from
  unconsolidated joint ventures
 
44       
 
148       
Preferred stock dividends
(1,256)      
(1,884)      
Funds from operations allocable to
  minority interest in Operating Partnership
 
(1,069)      
 
(1,091)      
Funds from operations allocable to
  minority interest in consolidated joint venture
 
     (1,386)      
 
   (1,323)      
FFO available to common shareholders
$  52,323       
=======      
$ 43,416       
======      

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Our ability to retain cash flow is limited because we operate as a REIT.  In order to maintain our REIT status, a substantial portion of our operating cash flow must be used to pay dividends to our shareholders.  We believe that our internally generated net cash provided by operating activities will continue to be sufficient to fund ongoing operations, capital improvements, dividends and debt service requirements through September 2008, at which time our revolving line of credit matures.

Cash flows from operating activities were $63.8 million and $52.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007, and 2006, respectively.  The increase is primarily attributable to increased earnings before depreciation and amortization and a decrease in prepaid expenses.

Cash used in investing activities was $161.5 million and $155.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007, and 2006, respectively.  The increase in cash used from 2006 to 2007 was attributable to increased property acquisitions and property improvements in the first nine months of 2007 as compared to the same period in 2006.




- 18 -

 
 
 
 


Cash provided by financing activities was $58.4 million in 2007 compared to $108.6 million in 2006.  We used proceeds from our Common Stock offering completed in December 2006 and borrowings on our line of credit to fund the 2007 acquisitions as compared to borrowing on our line of credit in 2006 to fund the 2006 acquisitions.

We have a $100 million unsecured line of credit that we elected to extend for an additional year and now matures in September 2008 and a $100 million unsecured term note that matures in September 2009.  The line of credit bears interest at LIBOR plus 0.90% and requires a 0.20% facility fee.  The term note bears interest at LIBOR plus 1.20%.  We expect to refinance the above described line of credit and term note in the 4th quarter of 2007 with similar agreements.  We also maintain a $80 million term note maturing September 2013 bearing interest at a fixed rate of 6.26%, a $20 million term note maturing September 2013 bearing interest at a variable rate equal to LIBOR plus 1.50%, and a $150 million unsecured term note maturing in April 2016 bearing interest at 6.38%.  At September 30, 2007, there was $9 million available on the revolving line of credit.

The Company entered into a $25 million term note arrangement with a bank in September 2007.  The term note matures March 31, 2008 and bears interest at LIBOR plus 1.20%.  There was no balance outstanding under this term note arrangement at September 30, 2007.

The line of credit facility and term notes currently have investment grade ratings from Standard and Poor's (BBB-) and Fitch (BBB-).

Our line of credit and term notes require us to meet certain financial covenants, including prescribed leverage, fixed charge coverage, minimum net worth, limitations on additional indebtedness and limitations on dividend payouts. As of September 30, 2007, we were in compliance with all covenants.

In addition to the unsecured financing mentioned above, our consolidated financial statements also include $110.9 million of mortgages payable as detailed below:

*
7.80% mortgage note due December 2011, secured by 11 self-storage facilities (Locke Sovran I) with an aggregate net book value of $41.7 million, principal and interest paid monthly.  The outstanding balance at September 30, 2007 on this mortgage was $29.2 million.
*
7.19% mortgage note due March 2012, secured by 27 self-storage facilities (Locke Sovran II) with an aggregate net book value of $78.9 million, principal and interest paid monthly.  The outstanding balance at September 30, 2007 on this mortgage was $43.9 million.
*
7.25% mortgage note due December 2011, secured by 1 self-storage facility with an aggregate net book value of $5.9 million, principal and interest paid monthly.  Estimated market rate at time of acquisition 5.40%.  The outstanding balance at September 30, 2007 on this mortgage was $3.7 million.
*
6.76% mortgage note due September 2013, secured by 1 self-storage facility with an aggregate net book value of $2.0 million, principal and interest paid monthly.  The outstanding balance at September 30, 2007 on this mortgage was $1.0 million.
*
6.35% mortgage note due March 2014, secured by 1 self-storage facility with an aggregate net book value of $1.9 million, principal and interest paid monthly.  The outstanding balance at September 30, 2007 on this mortgage was $1.1 million.

- 19 -

 
 
 
 


*
5.55% mortgage notes due November 2009, secured by 8 self-storage facilities with an aggregate net book value of $35.3 million, interest only paid monthly.  Estimated market rate at time of acquisition 6.44%.  The outstanding balance at September 30, 2007 on this mortgage was $25.7 million.
*
7.50% mortgage notes due August 2011, secured by 3 self-storage facilities with an aggregate net book value of $14.5 million, principal and interest paid monthly.  Estimated market rate at time of acquisition 6.42%.  The outstanding balance at September 30, 2007 on this mortgage was $6.3 million.

The 7.80% and 7.19% mortgages were incurred in 2001 and 2002 respectively as part of the financing of the consolidated joint ventures.  The Company assumed the 7.25%, 6.76%, 6.35%, 5.55% and 7.50% mortgage notes in connection with the acquisitions of storage facilities in 2005 and 2006.

On July 3, 2002, we entered into an agreement providing for the issuance of 2,800,000 shares of 8.375% Series C Convertible Cumulative Preferred Stock and warrants to purchase 379,166 shares of common stock at $32.60 per share in a privately negotiated transaction.  The offering price was $25.00 per share and the net proceeds of $67.9 million were used to reduce indebtedness that was incurred in the June 2002 acquisition of seven self-storage properties and to repay a portion of our borrowings under the line of credit.  During 2004 and 2005, we issued 1,226,992 shares of our common stock in connection with the conversion of 1,600,000 shares of Series C Preferred Stock into common stock.  On July 7, 2007, we issued 920,244 shares of our common stock in connection with the conversion of the remaining 1,200,000 shares of Series C Preferred Stock into common stock.

During 2007 and 2006, we did not acquire any shares of our common stock via the Share Repurchase Program authorized by the Board of Directors.  From the inception of the Share Repurchase Program through September 30, 2007, we have reacquired a total of 1,171,886 shares pursuant to this program.  From time to time, subject to market price and certain loan covenants, we may reacquire additional shares.

During the first nine months of 2007, we issued 204,665 shares via our Dividend Reinvestment and Stock Purchase Plan and Employee Stock Option Plan.  We received $10.5 million from the sale of such shares.  We expect to issue additional shares of common stock when our share price and capital needs warrant such issuance.

Future acquisitions and share repurchases are expected to be funded with draws on the revolving line of credit, issuance of secured or unsecured term notes, issuance of common or preferred stock, sale of properties, private placement solicitation of joint venture equity and other sources of capital.

ACQUISITION OF PROPERTIES

During 2007, we have used operating cash flow, proceeds from our Common Stock offering completed in December 2006, borrowings pursuant to our revolving line of credit, and proceeds from our Dividend Reinvestment and Stock Purchase Plan to acquire 27 properties in Alabama (9), Florida (2), Mississippi (4), New York (9), and Texas (3) comprising 2.1 million square feet from unaffiliated storage operators for approximately $129 million.

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FUTURE ACQUISITION AND DEVELOPMENT PLANS

Our external growth strategy is to increase the number of facilities we own by acquiring suitable facilities in markets in which we already have operations, or to expand in new markets by acquiring several facilities at once in those new markets.

At September 30, 2007, the Company was in negotiations to acquire three self-storage facilities for approximately $10.6 million.  The purchase of these facilities is subject to significant contingencies, and there is no assurance that any of these facilities will be acquired.

In addition, as announced in 2004, we have begun to implement a program that will add 450,000 to 600,000 square feet of rentable space at existing stores and convert up to an additional 250,000 to 300,000 square feet of rental space to premium (climate and humidity controlled) space.  The projected cost of these revenue enhancing improvements is estimated at between $32 and $40 million.  During the first nine months of 2007 we completed approximately $15.6 million of revenue enhancing improvements.  Funding of these improvements is expected to be provided primarily from borrowings under our line of credit, and issuance of common shares through our Dividend Reinvestment and Stock Purchase Plan.

We also expect to accelerate, by two to three years, the required capital expenditures on 50 to 70 of our properties.  This includes repainting, paving, and remodeling of the office buildings at these facilities.  For the first nine months of 2007 we spent approximately $14.6 million on such improvements and we expect to spend approximately $18 million during 2007.

REIT QUALIFICATION AND DISTRIBUTION REQUIREMENTS

As a REIT, we are not required to pay federal income tax on income that we distribute to our shareholders, provided that the amount distributed is equal to at least 90% of our taxable income and we meet other qualifications. These distributions must be made in the year to which they relate, or in the following year if declared before we file our federal income tax return, and if it is paid before the first regular dividend of the following year.  As a REIT, we must also derive at least 95% of our total gross income from income related to real property, interest and dividends.

Although we currently intend to operate in a manner designed to qualify as a REIT, it is possible that future economic, market, legal, tax or other considerations may cause our Board of Directors to revoke our REIT election.

UMBRELLA PARTNERSHIP REIT

We were formed as an Umbrella Partnership Real Estate Investment Trust ("UPREIT") and, as such, have the ability to issue Operating Partnership ("OP") Units in exchange for properties sold by independent owners.  By utilizing such OP Units as currency in facility acquisitions, we may obtain more favorable pricing or terms due to the seller's ability to partially defer their income tax liability.  As of September 30, 2007, 425,785 Units are outstanding that were issued in exchange for self-storage properties at the request of the sellers.




- 21 -


 
 
 
 


INTEREST RATE RISK

We have entered into interest rate swap agreements in order to mitigate the effects of fluctuations in interest rates on our floating rate debt.  At September 30, 2007, we have three outstanding interest rate swap agreements as summarized below:

 
 
Notional Amount
 
 
Effective Date
 
 
Expiration Date
 
Fixed   
Rate Paid
 
Floating Rate  
Received     
         
$50 Million
11/14/05
9/1/09
5.590%
1 month LIBOR
$20 Million
9/4/05
9/4/13
5.935%
6 month LIBOR
$50 Million
10/10/06
9/1/09
5.680%
1 month LIBOR

Upon renewal or replacement of the credit facility, our total interest may change dependent on the terms we negotiate with the lenders; however, the LIBOR base rates have been contractually fixed on $120 million of our debt through the interest rate swap termination dates.

Through September 2009, $350 million of our $441 million of unsecured debt is on a fixed rate basis after taking into account the interest rate swaps noted above.  Based on our outstanding unsecured debt of $441 million at September 30, 2007, a 1% increase in interest rates would increase our interest expense by $0.9 million annually.

INFLATION

We do not believe that inflation has had or will have a direct effect on our operations. Substantially all of the leases at the facilities are on a month-to-month basis which provides us with the opportunity to increase rental rates as each lease matures.

SEASONALITY

Our revenues typically have been higher in the third and fourth quarters, primarily because we increase rental rates on most of our storage units at the beginning of May and because self-storage facilities tend to experience greater occupancy during the late spring, summer and early fall months due to the greater incidence of residential moves during these periods. However, we believe that our customer mix, diverse geographic locations, rental structure and expense structure provide adequate protection against undue fluctuations in cash flows and net revenues during off-peak seasons. Thus, we do not expect seasonality to materially affect distributions to shareholders.

RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

See note 15 to the financial statements.






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Item 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

The information required is incorporated by reference to the information appearing under the caption "Interest Rate Risk" in "Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" above.

Item 4.
Controls and Procedures

Conclusion Regarding the Effectiveness of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

An evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures, as such term is defined under Rule 13a-15(e) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, has been conducted under the supervision of and with the participation of our management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer. Based on that evaluation, our management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective at September 30, 2007.  There have not been changes in the Company's internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect these controls during the quarter ended September 30, 2007.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

There have not been any changes in the Company's internal control over financial reporting (as defined in 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) that occurred during the Company's most recent fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control over financial reporting.

PART II.
Item 1.
Other Information
Legal Proceedings

None

Item 1A.
Risk Factors

In addition to the other information set forth in this report, you should carefully consider the factors discussed in Part I, "Item 1A. Risk Factors" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006, which could materially affect our business, financial condition or future results.  The risks described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K are not the only risks facing our Company.  Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial also may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and operating results.

Item 2.
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

None

Item 3.
Defaults Upon Senior Securities

None

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

None

Item 5.
Other Information

None

Item 6.
Exhibits
   
31.1
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and Rule 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act, as amended.
 
     
31.2
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and Rule 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act, as amended.
 
     
32
Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 






























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SIGNATURES

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.

 
Sovran Self Storage, Inc.
 
By:     / S / David L. Rogers                        
           David L. Rogers
           Chief Financial Officer
November 2, 2007                  
Date
 




































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