PS BUSINESS PARKS, INC./MD - Annual Report: 2010 (Form 10-K)

 

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

 

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

 

 

 

Commission File Number 1-10709

 

 

PS BUSINESS PARKS, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

701 Western Avenue, Glendale, California 91201-2397

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

 

818-244-8080

 

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

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

 

 

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

None

(Title of Class)

 

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

 

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

 

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§ 232.405) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of the 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.  þ

 

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

 

As of June 30, 2010, the aggregate market value of the registrant’s common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant was $1,039,197,725 based on the closing price as reported on that date.

 

Number of shares of the registrant’s common stock, par value $0.01 per share, outstanding as of February 21, 2011 (the latest practicable date): 24,676,177.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

 

Portions of the definitive proxy statement to be filed in connection with the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held in 2011 are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

 

PART I

 

 

The Company

 

PS Business Parks, Inc. (“PSB”) is a fully-integrated, self-advised and self-managed real estate investment trust (“REIT”) that acquires, owns, operates and develops commercial properties, primarily multi-tenant flex, office and industrial space. PS Business Parks, L.P. (the “Operating Partnership”) is a California limited partnership, which owns directly or indirectly substantially all of our assets and through which we conduct substantially all of our business. PSB is the sole general partner of the Operating Partnership and, as of December 31, 2010, owned 77.2% of the common partnership units. The remaining common partnership units were owned by Public Storage (“PS”). PSB, as the sole general partner of the Operating Partnership, has full, exclusive and complete responsibility and discretion in managing and controlling the Operating Partnership. Unless otherwise indicated or unless the context requires otherwise, all references to “the Company,” “we,” “us,” “our,” and similar references mean PS Business Parks, Inc. and its subsidiaries, including the Operating Partnership.

 

As of December 31, 2010, the Company owned and operated approximately 21.8 million rentable square feet of commercial space, comprising 85 business parks, located in eight states: Arizona, California, Florida, Maryland, Oregon, Texas, Virginia and Washington. The Company focuses on owning concentrated business parks as these parks provide the Company with the greatest flexibility to meet its customer needs. The Company also manages approximately 1.4 million rentable square feet on behalf of PS and its affiliated entities.

 

History of the Company: The Company was formed in 1990 as a California corporation under the name Public Storage Properties XI, Inc. In a March 17, 1998 merger with American Office Park Properties, Inc. (“AOPP”) (the “Merger”), the Company acquired the commercial property business previously operated by AOPP and was renamed “PS Business Parks, Inc.” Prior to the Merger in January, 1997, AOPP was reorganized to succeed to the commercial property business of PS, becoming a fully integrated, self advised and self managed REIT.

 

In 2010, the Company acquired five business parks comprising 2.3 million square feet for an aggregate purchase price of $301.7 million. The table below reflects the assets acquired during the year ended December 31, 2010 (in thousands):

 

 

In addition to the 2010 acquisitions, during 2010, the Company also completed construction on a parcel of land within the Miami International Commerce Center (“MICC”) in Miami, Florida, which added 75,000 square feet of rentable small tenant industrial space. In January, 2010, the Company completed the sale of a 131,000 square foot office building located in Houston, Texas. The sales price was $10.0 million, resulting in a net gain of $5.2 million.

 

In 2009, the Company sold 3.4 acres of land held for development in Portland, Oregon, for a gross sales price of $2.7 million, resulting in a net gain of $1.5 million. The Company made no acquisitions during the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008.

 

In 2007, the Company acquired three business parks comprising 870,000 square feet for an aggregate cost of $140.6 million in Redmond, Washington, Santa Clara, California and Fairfax, Virginia.

 

In 2006, the Company acquired six business parks comprising 1.2 million square feet for an aggregate cost of $180.3 million in Silver Spring, Maryland, Signal Hill, California, Chantilly, Virginia and Palm Beach County, Florida. Additionally, the Company sold a 30,500 square foot building located in Beaverton, Oregon, for $4.4 million resulting in a gain of $1.5 million and 32,400 square feet in Miami for a combined $3.7 million, resulting in a gain of $865,000.

From 1998 through 2005, the Company acquired 13.7 million square feet of commercial space, developed an additional 500,000 square feet and sold 1.8 million square feet along with some parcels of land.

 

The Company has elected to be taxed as a REIT under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), commencing with its taxable year ended December 31, 1990. To the extent that the Company continues to qualify as a REIT, it will not be taxed, with certain limited exceptions, on the net income that is currently distributed to its shareholders.

 

The Company’s principal executive offices are located at 701 Western Avenue, Glendale, California 91201-2397. The Company’s telephone number is (818) 244-8080. The Company maintains a website with the address www.psbusinessparks.com. The information contained on the Company’s website is not a part of, or incorporated by reference into, this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The Company makes available free of charge through its website its Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to these reports, as soon as reasonably practicable after the Company electronically files such material with, or furnishes such material to, the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

Business of the Company: The Company is in the commercial property business, with 85 business parks consisting of multi-tenant flex, industrial and office space. The Company owns 13.0 million square feet of flex space. The Company defines “flex” space as buildings that are configured with a combination of warehouse and office space and can be designed to fit a wide variety of uses. The warehouse component of the flex space has a number of uses including light manufacturing and assembly, storage and warehousing, showroom, laboratory, distribution and research and development activities. The office component of flex space is complementary to the warehouse component by enabling businesses to accommodate management and production staff in the same facility. The Company owns 4.0 million square feet of industrial space that has characteristics similar to the warehouse component of the flex space. In addition, the Company owns 4.9 million square feet of low-rise office space, generally either in business parks that combine office and flex space or in submarkets where the economics of the market demand an office build-out.

 

The Company’s commercial properties typically consist of business parks with low-rise buildings, ranging from one to 47 buildings per property, located on parcels of various sizes and comprising from approximately 12,000 to 3.3 million aggregate square feet of rentable space. Facilities are managed through either on-site management or area offices central to the facilities. Parking is generally open but in some instances is covered. The ratio of parking spaces to rentable square feet ranges from two to six per thousand square feet depending upon the use of the property and its location. Office space generally requires a greater parking ratio than most industrial uses. The Company may acquire properties that do not have these characteristics.

 

The tenant base for the Company’s facilities is diverse. The portfolio can be bifurcated into those facilities that service small to medium-sized businesses and those that service larger businesses. Approximately 39.9% of in-place rents from the portfolio are derived from facilities that serve small to medium-sized businesses. A property in this facility type is typically divided into units ranging in size from 500 to 4,999 square feet and leases generally range from one to three years. The remaining 60.1% of in-place rents from the portfolio are derived from facilities that serve larger businesses, with units greater than or equal to 5,000 square feet. The Company also has several tenants that lease space in multiple buildings and locations. The U.S. Government is the largest tenant with multiple leases encompassing approximately 769,000 square feet or 6.7% of the Company’s annualized rental income.

 

The Company currently owns properties in eight states and it may expand its operations to other states or reduce the number of states in which it operates. Properties are acquired for both income and potential capital appreciation; there is no limitation on the amount that can be invested in any specific property. Although there are no restrictions on our ability to expand our operations into foreign markets, we currently operate solely within the United States and have no foreign operations.

 

The Company owns land which may be used for the development of commercial properties. The Company owns approximately 6.4 acres of land in Northern Virginia, 11.5 acres in Portland, Oregon and 10.0 acres in Dallas, Texas as of December 31, 2010.

Operating Partnership

 

The properties in which the Company has an equity interest generally are owned by the Operating Partnership. Through this organizational structure, the Company has the ability to acquire interests in additional properties in transactions that could defer the contributors’ tax consequences by causing the Operating Partnership to issue equity interests in return for interests in properties.

 

The Company is the sole general partner of the Operating Partnership. As of December 31, 2010, the Company owned 77.2% of the common partnership units of the Operating Partnership, and the remainder of such common partnership units were owned by PS. The common units owned by PS may be redeemed by PS from time to time, subject to the provisions of our charter, for cash or, at our option, shares of our common stock on a one-for-one basis. Also as of December 31, 2010, in connection with the Company’s issuance of publicly traded Cumulative Preferred Stock, the Company owned 23.9 million preferred units of the Operating Partnership of various series with an aggregate redemption value of $598.5 million with terms substantially identical to the terms of the publicly traded depositary shares each representing 1/1,000 of a share of 6.700% to 7.375% Cumulative Preferred Stock of the Company. In addition, as of December 31, 2010, the Operating Partnership had outstanding three series of preferred partnership units, representing an aggregate of 2.1 million preferred units, that are owned by third parties with distribution rates ranging from 6.550% to 7.500% (per annum) and an aggregate redemption value of $53.4 million. The Operating Partnership has the right to redeem each series of preferred units held by these third parties on or after the fifth anniversary of the issuance date of the series at the original capital contribution plus the cumulative priority return, as defined, to the redemption date to the extent not previously distributed. Each series of preferred units is exchangeable for shares of a corresponding series of the Company’s Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock on or after the tenth anniversary of the date of issuance at the option of the Operating Partnership or a majority of the holders of the applicable series of preferred units.

 

As the general partner of the Operating Partnership, the Company has the exclusive responsibility under the Operating Partnership Agreement to manage and conduct the business of the Operating Partnership. The Board of Directors directs the affairs of the Operating Partnership by managing the Company’s affairs. The Operating Partnership will be responsible for, and pay when due, its share of all administrative and operating expenses of the properties it owns.

 

The Company’s interest in the Operating Partnership entitles it to share in cash distributions from, and the profits and losses of, the Operating Partnership in proportion to the Company’s economic interest in the Operating Partnership (apart from tax allocations of profits and losses to take into account pre-contribution property appreciation or depreciation). The Company since 1998 has paid per share dividends on its common and preferred stock that track, on a one-for-one basis, the amount of per unit cash distributions the Company receives from the Operating Partnership in respect of the common and preferred partnership units in the Operating Partnership that are owned by the Company.

 

Cost Allocation and Administrative Services

 

Pursuant to a cost sharing and administrative services agreement, the Company shares costs with PS and affiliated entities for certain administrative services. These services include investor relations, legal, corporate tax, information systems and office services. Under this agreement, costs are allocated to the Company in accordance with its proportionate share of these costs. These allocated costs totaled $543,000, $372,000 and $390,000 for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

 

Common Officers and Directors with PS

 

Ronald L. Havner, Jr., Chairman of the Company, is the Chief Executive Officer and President of PS. The Company engages additional executive personnel who render services exclusively for the Company. However, it is expected that certain officers of PS will continue to render services for the Company as requested pursuant to the cost sharing and administrative services agreement.

Property Management

 

The Company continues to manage commercial properties owned by PS and its affiliates, which are generally adjacent to mini-warehouses, for a fee of 5% of the gross revenues of such properties in addition to reimbursement of direct costs. The property management contract with PS is for a seven-year term with the agreement automatically extending for an additional one-year period upon each one-year anniversary of its commencement (unless cancelled by either party). Either party can give notice of its intent to cancel the agreement upon expiration of its current term. Management fee revenue derived from these management contracts with PS and its affiliates totaled $672,000, $698,000 and $728,000 for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

 

In December, 2006, PS began providing property management services for the mini storage component of two assets owned by the Company. These mini storage facilities, located in Palm Beach County, Florida, operate under the “Public Storage” name. Either the Company or PS can cancel the property management contract upon 60 days notice. Management fee expenses under the contract were $48,000, $50,000 and $45,000 for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

 

Management

 

Joseph D. Russell, Jr. leads the Company’s senior management team. Mr. Russell is President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company. The Company’s executive management includes: John W. Petersen, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer; Edward A. Stokx, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer; Maria R. Hawthorne, Executive Vice President, East Coast; Trenton A. Groves, Vice President and Corporate Controller; Coby A. Holley, Vice President (Pacific Northwest Division); Robin E. Mather, Vice President (Southern California Division); William A. McFaul, Vice President (Washington Metro Division); Eddie F. Ruiz, Vice President and Director of Facilities; Viola I. Sanchez, Vice President (Southeast Division); and David A. Vicars, Vice President (Midwest Division).

 

REIT Structure

 

If certain detailed conditions imposed by the Code and the related Treasury Regulations are met, an entity, such as the Company, that invests principally in real estate and that otherwise would be taxed as a corporation may elect to be treated as a REIT. The most important consequence to the Company of being treated as a REIT for federal income tax purposes is that the Company can deduct dividend distributions (including distributions on preferred stock) to its shareholders, thus effectively eliminating the “double taxation” (at the corporate and shareholder levels) that typically results when a corporation earns income and distributes that income to shareholders in the form of dividends.

 

The Company believes that it has operated, and intends to continue to operate, in such a manner as to qualify as a REIT under the Code, but no assurance can be given that it will at all times so qualify. To the extent that the Company continues to qualify as a REIT, it will not be taxed, with certain limited exceptions, on the taxable income that is distributed to its shareholders.

 

Operating Strategy

 

The Company believes its operating, acquisition and finance strategies combined with its diversified portfolio produces a low risk, stable growth business model. The Company’s primary objective is to grow shareholder value. Key elements of the Company’s growth strategy include:

 

Maximize Net Cash Flow of Existing Properties: The Company seeks to maximize the net cash flow generated by its properties by (i) maximizing average occupancy rates, (ii) achieving the highest possible levels of realized monthly rents per occupied square foot and (iii) controlling its operating cost structure by improving operating efficiencies and economies of scale. The Company believes that its experienced property management personnel and comprehensive systems combined with increasing economies of scale will enhance the Company’s ability to meet these goals. The Company seeks to increase occupancy rates and realized monthly rents per square foot by providing its field personnel with incentives to lease space to higher credit tenants and to maximize the return on investment in each lease transaction. The Company seeks to maximize its cash flow by controlling capital

expenditures associated with re-leasing space by acquiring and owning properties with easily reconfigured space that appeal to a wide range of tenants.

 

Focus on Targeted Markets: The Company intends to continue investing in markets that have characteristics which enable them to be competitive economically. The Company believes that markets with some combination of above average population growth, job growth, education levels and personal income will produce better overall economic returns. As of December 31, 2010, substantially all of the Company’s square footage was located in these targeted core markets. The Company targets individual properties in those markets that are close to critical infrastructure, middle to high income housing, universities and have easy access to major transportation arteries.

 

Reduce Capital Expenditures and Increase Occupancy Rates by Providing Flexible Properties and Attracting a Diversified Tenant Base: By focusing on properties with easily reconfigurable space, the Company believes it can offer facilities that appeal to a wide range of potential tenants, which aids in reducing the capital expenditures associated with re-leasing space. The Company believes this property flexibility also allows it to better serve existing tenants by accommodating their inevitable expansion and contraction needs. In addition, the Company believes that a diversified tenant base and property flexibility helps it maintain high occupancy rates during periods when market demand is weak, by enabling it to attract a greater number of potential users to its space.

 

Provide Superior Property Management: The Company seeks to provide a superior level of service to its tenants in order to achieve high occupancy and rental rates, as well as minimal customer turnover. The Company’s property management offices are primarily located on-site or regionally located, providing tenants with convenient access to management and helping the Company maintain its properties and convey a sense of quality, order and security. The Company has significant experience in acquiring properties managed by others and thereafter improving tenant satisfaction, occupancy levels, renewal rates and rental income by implementing established tenant service programs.

 

Financing Strategy

 

The Company’s primary objective in its financing strategy is to maintain financial flexibility and a low risk capital structure using permanent capital to finance its growth. Key elements of this strategy are:

 

Retain Operating Cash Flow: The Company seeks to retain significant funds (after funding its distributions and capital improvements) for additional investments. During the year ended December 31, 2010, the Company distributed 45.2% of its funds from operations (“FFO”) to common shareholders/unit holders. During the year ended December 31, 2009, the Company distributed 32.2% of its FFO to common shareholders/unit holders. FFO is computed in accordance with the White Paper on FFO approved by the Board of Governors of the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts (“NAREIT”). The White Paper defines FFO as net income, computed in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”), before depreciation, amortization, gains or losses on asset dispositions, net income allocable to noncontrolling interests — common units, net income allocable to restricted stock unit holders and nonrecurring items. FFO is a non-GAAP financial measure and should be analyzed in conjunction with net income. However, FFO should not be viewed as a substitute for net income as a measure of operating performance as it does not reflect depreciation and amortization costs or the level of capital expenditure and leasing costs necessary to maintain the operating performance of the Company’s properties, which are significant economic costs and could materially impact the Company’s results of operations. Other REITs may use different methods for calculating FFO and, accordingly, the Company’s FFO may not be comparable to other real estate companies’ funds from operations. See Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Liquidity and Capital Resources — Non-GAAP Supplemental Disclosure Measure: Funds from Operations,” for a reconciliation of FFO and net income allocable to common shareholders and for information on why the Company presents FFO.

 

Perpetual Preferred Stock/Units: The primary source of leverage in the Company’s capital structure is perpetual preferred stock or equivalent preferred units in the Operating Partnership. This method of financing eliminates interest rate and refinancing risks because the dividend rate is fixed and the stated value or capital contribution is not required to be repaid. In addition, the consequences of defaulting on required preferred distributions is less severe than with debt. The preferred shareholders may elect two additional directors if six quarterly distributions go unpaid, whether or not consecutive.

Debt Financing: The Company has used debt financing to a limited degree. The primary source of debt that the Company relies upon to provide short term capital is its $100.0 million unsecured line of credit (the “Credit Facility”) with Wells Fargo. The Company had $93.0 million outstanding on the Credit Facility at an interest rate of 2.11% at December 31, 2010. Subsequent to December 31, 2010, the Company used funds borrowed from PS (as discussed below) to pay down the Credit Facility in full. The Company had no balance outstanding on its Credit Facility at December 31, 2009.

 

Access to Capital: The Company targets a minimum ratio of FFO to combined fixed charges and preferred distributions paid of 3.0 to 1.0. Fixed charges include interest expense. Preferred distributions include amounts paid to preferred shareholders and preferred Operating Partnership unit holders. For the year ended December 31, 2010, the FFO to combined fixed charges and preferred distributions paid ratio was 3.5 to 1.0, excluding the non-cash distributions related to the redemption of preferred equity. The Company believes that its financial position will enable it to access capital to finance its future growth. Subject to market conditions, the Company may add leverage to its capital structure. Throughout this Form 10-K, we use the term “preferred equity” to mean both the preferred stock issued by the Company and the preferred partnership units issued by the Operating Partnership and the term “preferred distributions” to mean dividends and distributions on the preferred stock and preferred partnership units.

 

Competition

 

Competition in the market areas in which many of the Company’s properties are located is significant and has from time to time reduced the occupancy levels and rental rates of, and increased the operating expenses of, certain of these properties. Competition may be accelerated by any increase in availability of funds for investment in real estate. Barriers to entry are relatively low for those with the necessary capital and the Company competes for property acquisitions and tenants with entities that have greater financial resources than the Company. Sublease space and unleased developments are expected to continue to provide competition among operators in certain market areas in which the Company operates. While the Company will have to respond to market demands, management believes that its ability to offer a variety of options within its business parks as well as the Company’s financial stability provide it with an opportunity to compete favorably in its markets.

 

The Company’s properties compete for tenants with similar properties located in its markets primarily on the basis of location, rent charged, services provided and the design and condition of improvements. The Company believes it possesses several distinguishing characteristics that enable it to compete effectively in the flex, office and industrial space markets. The Company believes its personnel are among the most experienced in these real estate markets. The Company’s facilities are part of a comprehensive system encompassing standardized procedures and integrated reporting and information networks. The Company believes that the significant operating and financial experience of its executive officers and directors combined with the Company’s capital structure, national investment scope, geographic diversity and economies of scale should enable the Company to compete effectively.

 

Investments in Real Estate Facilities

 

As of December 31, 2010, the Company owned and operated 21.8 million rentable square feet comprised of 85 business parks in eight states compared to 19.6 million rentable square feet at December 31, 2009. The increase in rentable square feet was due to the acquisition of 2.3 million square feet to its portfolio and the completion of 75,000 square feet of rentable small tenant industrial space located within MICC in Miami, Florida during 2010.

 

Summary of Business Model

 

The Company has a diversified portfolio. It is diversified geographically in eight states and has a diversified customer mix by size and industry concentration. The Company believes that this diversification combined with a conservative financing strategy, focus on markets with strong demographics for growth and our operating strategy gives the Company a business model that mitigates risk and provides strong long-term growth opportunities.

Restrictions on Transactions with Affiliates

 

The Company’s Bylaws provide that the Company may engage in transactions with affiliates provided that a purchase or sale transaction with an affiliate is (i) approved by a majority of the Company’s independent directors and (ii) fair to the Company based on an independent appraisal or fairness opinion.

 

Borrowings

 

As of December 31, 2010, the Company had outstanding mortgage notes payable of $51.5 million. See Notes 5 and 6 to the consolidated financial statements for a summary of the Company’s outstanding borrowings as of December 31, 2010.

 

On July 28, 2010, the Company extended the term of its Credit Facility with Wells Fargo Bank to August 1, 2012. The Credit Facility has a borrowing limit of $100.0 million. Interest on outstanding borrowings is payable monthly. The rate of interest charged on borrowings is equal to a rate ranging from the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) plus 1.60% to LIBOR plus 2.60% depending on the Company’s credit ratings and coverage ratios, as defined. Currently, the Company’s rate under the Credit Facility is LIBOR plus 1.80%. In addition, the Company is required to pay an annual commitment fee ranging from 0.15% to 0.40% of the borrowing limit (currently 0.20%). The Company had $93.0 million outstanding on the Credit Facility at an interest rate of 2.11% at December 31, 2010. Subsequent to December 31, 2010, the Company used funds borrowed from PS to pay down the Credit Facility in full and as such, the available balance is $100.0 million. The Company had no balance outstanding on its Credit Facility at December 31, 2009.

 

The Credit Facility requires the Company to meet certain covenants including (i) maintain a balance sheet leverage ratio (as defined therein) of less than 0.45 to 1.00, (ii) maintain a fixed charge coverage ratio (as defined therein) of not less than 1.75 to 1.00, (iii) maintain a minimum tangible net worth (as defined) and (iv) limit distributions to 95% of funds from operations (as defined therein) for any four consecutive quarters. In addition, the Company is limited in its ability to incur additional borrowings (the Company is required to maintain unencumbered assets with an aggregate book value equal to or greater than two times the Company’s unsecured recourse debt; the Company did not have any unsecured recourse debt at December 31, 2010) or sell assets. The Company was in compliance with the covenants of the Credit Facility at December 31, 2010.

 

On February 9, 2011, the Company entered into an agreement with PS to borrow $121.0 million with a maturity date of August 9, 2011 at an interest rate of LIBOR plus 0.85%. Funds from this loan were used for the repurchase of the Company’s 7.50% Series J Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Units for $35.4 million and to repay, in full, the outstanding balance on the Company’s Credit Facility.

 

The Company has broad powers to borrow in furtherance of the Company’s objectives. The Company has incurred in the past, and may incur in the future, both short-term and long-term indebtedness to increase its funds available for investment in real estate, capital expenditures and distributions.

 

Employees

 

As of December 31, 2010, the Company employed 142 individuals, primarily personnel engaged in property operations.

 

Insurance

 

The Company believes that its properties are adequately insured. Facilities operated by the Company have historically been covered by comprehensive insurance, including fire, earthquake, liability and extended coverage from nationally recognized carriers.

 

Environmental Matters

 

Compliance with laws and regulations relating to the protection of the environment, including those regarding the discharge of material into the environment, has not had any material effect upon the capital expenditures, earnings or competitive position of the Company.

Substantially all of the Company’s properties have been subjected to Phase I environmental reviews. Such reviews have not revealed, nor is management aware of, any probable or reasonably possible environmental costs that management believes would have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, assets or results of operations, nor is the Company aware of any potentially material environmental liability.

 

 

In addition to the other information in this Form 10-K, the following factors should be considered in evaluating our company and our business.

 

PS has significant influence over us.

 

At December 31, 2010, PS and its affiliates owned 23.5% of the outstanding shares of the Company’s common stock and 22.8% of the outstanding common units of the Operating Partnership (100% of the common units not owned by the Company). Assuming issuance of the Company’s common stock upon redemption of its partnership units, PS would own 41.0% of the outstanding shares of the Company’s common stock. In addition, the PS Business Parks name and logo is owned by PS and licensed to the Company under a non-exclusive, royalty-free license agreement. The license can be terminated by either party for any reason with six months written notice. Ronald L. Havner, Jr., the Company’s chairman, is also the Chief Executive Officer, President and a Director of PS. Consequently, PS has the ability to significantly influence all matters submitted to a vote of our shareholders, including electing directors, changing our articles of incorporation, dissolving and approving other extraordinary transactions such as mergers, and all matters requiring the consent of the limited partners of the Operating Partnership. PS’s interest in such matters may differ from other shareholders. In addition, PS’s ownership may make it more difficult for another party to take over our company without PS’s approval.

 

Provisions in our organizational documents may prevent changes in control.

 

Our articles generally prohibit any person from owning more than 7% of our shares: Our articles of incorporation restrict the number of shares that may be owned by any other person, and the partnership agreement of our Operating Partnership contains an anti-takeover provision. No shareholder (other than PS and certain other specified shareholders) may own more than 7% of the outstanding shares of our common stock, unless our board of directors waives this limitation. We imposed this limitation to avoid, to the extent possible, a concentration of ownership that might jeopardize our ability to qualify as a REIT. This limitation, however, also makes a change of control much more difficult (if not impossible) even if it may be favorable to our public shareholders. These provisions will prevent future takeover attempts not supported by PS even if a majority of our public shareholders consider it to be in their best interests as they would receive a premium for their shares over market value or for other reasons.

 

Our board can set the terms of certain securities without shareholder approval: Our board of directors is authorized, without shareholder approval, to issue up to 50.0 million shares of preferred stock and up to 100.0 million shares of equity stock, in each case in one or more series. Our board has the right to set the terms of each of these series of stock. Consequently, the board could set the terms of a series of stock that could make it difficult (if not impossible) for another party to take over our company even if it might be favorable to our public shareholders. Our articles of incorporation also contain other provisions that could have the same effect. We can also cause our Operating Partnership to issue additional interests for cash or in exchange for property.

 

The partnership agreement of our Operating Partnership restricts mergers: The partnership agreement of our Operating Partnership generally provides that we may not merge or engage in a similar transaction unless the limited partners of our Operating Partnership are entitled to receive the same proportionate payments as our shareholders. In addition, we have agreed not to merge unless the merger would have been approved had the limited partners been able to vote together with our shareholders, which has the effect of increasing PS’s influence over us due to PS’s ownership of operating partnership units. These provisions may make it more difficult for us to merge with another entity.

Our Operating Partnership poses additional risks to us.

 

Limited partners of our Operating Partnership, including PS, have the right to vote on certain changes to the partnership agreement. They may vote in a way that is against the interests of our shareholders. Also, as general partner of our Operating Partnership, we are required to protect the interests of the limited partners of the Operating Partnership. The interests of the limited partners and of our shareholders may differ.

 

We would incur adverse tax consequences if we fail to qualify as a REIT.

 

Our cash flow would be reduced if we fail to qualify as a REIT: While we believe that we have qualified since 1990 to be taxed as a REIT, and will continue to be so qualified, we cannot be certain. To continue to qualify as a REIT, we need to satisfy certain requirements under the federal income tax laws relating to our income, assets, distributions to shareholders and shareholder base. In this regard, the share ownership limits in our articles of incorporation do not necessarily ensure that our shareholder base is sufficiently diverse for us to qualify as a REIT. For any year we fail to qualify as a REIT, we would be taxed at regular corporate tax rates on our taxable income unless certain relief provisions apply. Taxes would reduce our cash available for distributions to shareholders or for reinvestment, which could adversely affect us and our shareholders. Also we would not be allowed to elect REIT status for five years after we fail to qualify unless certain relief provisions apply.

 

We may need to borrow funds to meet our REIT distribution requirements: To qualify as a REIT, we must generally distribute to our shareholders 90% of our taxable income. Our income consists primarily of our share of our Operating Partnership’s income. We intend to make sufficient distributions to qualify as a REIT and otherwise avoid corporate tax. However, differences in timing between income and expenses and the need to make nondeductible expenditures such as capital improvements and principal payments on debt could force us to borrow funds to make necessary shareholder distributions.

 

The recent market disruptions may adversely affect our operating results and financial condition.

 

While the United States economy is beginning to show signs of stability, it has undergone pervasive and fundamental disruptions over the past three years. The continuation or intensification of any such volatility may have an adverse impact on the availability of credit to businesses generally and could lead to a further weakening of the U.S. and global economies. To the extent that turmoil in the financial markets returns or intensifies, it has the potential to materially affect the value of our properties, the availability or the terms of financing and may impact the ability of our customers to enter into new leasing transactions or satisfy rental payments under existing leases. The uncertainty and pace of an economic recovery could also affect our operating results and financial condition as follows:

 

Debt and Equity Markets: Our results of operations and share price are sensitive to volatility in the credit markets. The commercial real estate debt markets have experienced significant volatility as a result of various factors, including the tightening of underwriting standards by lenders and credit rating agencies and the continued erosion of operating fundamentals of assets pledged as collateral. Credit spreads for major sources of capital widened significantly as investors have demanded a higher risk premium. This has resulted in lenders increasing the cost for debt financing. Should the overall cost of borrowings increase, either by increases in the index rates or by increases in lender spreads, we will need to factor such increases into the economics of our acquisitions. In addition, the state of the debt markets could have an effect on the overall amount of capital being invested in real estate, which may result in price or value decreases of real estate assets and affect our ability to raise capital. :

 

Valuations: Market volatility has made the valuation of our properties more difficult. There may be significant uncertainty in the valuation, or in the stability of the value, of our properties, which could result in a substantial decrease in the value of our properties. As a result, we may not be able to recover the carrying amount of our properties, which may require us to recognize an impairment charge in earnings. :

 

Government Intervention: The pervasive and fundamental disruptions that the United States economy has undergone led to extensive and unprecedented governmental intervention. Such intervention has in certain cases been implemented on an “emergency” basis, suddenly and substantially eliminating market participants’ ability to continue to implement certain strategies or manage the risk of their outstanding positions. In addition, these

interventions have typically been unclear in scope and application, resulting in confusion and uncertainty which in itself has been materially detrimental to the efficient functioning of the markets as well as previously successful investment strategies. It is impossible to predict what, if any, additional interim or permanent governmental restrictions may be imposed on the markets or the effect of such restrictions on us and our results of operations. There is a high likelihood of significantly increased regulation of the financial markets that could have a material effect on our operating results and financial condition.

 

Since we buy and operate real estate, we are subject to general real estate investment and operating risks.

 

Summary of real estate risks: We own and operate commercial properties and are subject to the risks of owning real estate generally and commercial properties in particular. These risks include:

 

 

Certain significant costs, such as mortgage payments, real estate taxes, insurance and maintenance, generally are not reduced even when a property’s rental income is reduced. In addition, environmental and tax laws, interest rate levels, the availability of financing and other factors may affect real estate values and property income. Furthermore, the supply of commercial space fluctuates with market conditions.

 

If our properties do not generate sufficient income to meet operating expenses, including any debt service, tenant improvements, lease commissions and other capital expenditures, we may have to borrow additional amounts to cover fixed costs, and we may have to reduce our distributions to shareholders.

 

We may be unable to consummate acquisitions and developments on advantageous terms or new acquisitions and developments may fail to perform as expected:  We were able to successfully acquire $301.7 million of new properties, aggregating 2.3 million square feet, in 2010 and we continue to seek to acquire and develop flex, industrial and office properties where they meet our criteria all of which we believe will enhance our future financial performance and the value of our portfolio. Our belief, however, is subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are forward-looking and are uncertain in nature or are beyond our control, including the risks that our acquisitions and developments may not perform as expected, that we may be unable to quickly integrate new acquisitions and developments into our existing operations, and that any costs to develop projects or redevelop acquired properties may exceed estimates. As of December 31, 2010, the occupancy of the assets acquired in 2010

was 72.4%. If the Company is unable to lease the vacant square footage of these properties in a reasonable period of time, it may not be able to achieve its objective of enhancing value. Further, we face significant competition for suitable acquisition properties from other real estate investors, including other publicly traded real estate investment trusts and private institutional investors. As a result, we may be unable to acquire additional properties we desire or the purchase price for desirable properties may be significantly increased. In addition, some of these properties may have unknown characteristics or deficiencies or may not complement our portfolio of existing properties. In addition, we may finance future acquisitions and developments through a combination of borrowings, proceeds from equity or debt offerings by us or the Operating Partnership, and proceeds from property divestitures. These financing options may not be available when desired or required or may be more costly than anticipated, which could adversely affect our cash flow. Real property development is subject to a number of risks, including construction delays, complications in obtaining necessary zoning, occupancy and other governmental permits, cost overruns, financing risks, and the possible inability to meet expected occupancy and rent levels. If any of these problems occur, development costs for a project may increase, and there may be costs incurred for projects that are not completed. As a result of the foregoing, some properties may be worth less or may generate less revenue than, or simply not perform as well as, we believed at the time of acquisition or development, negatively affecting our operating results. Any of the foregoing risks could adversely affect our financial condition, operating results and cash flow, and our ability to pay dividends on, and the market price of, our stock. In addition, we may be unable to successfully integrate and effectively manage the properties we do acquire and develop, which could adversely affect our results of operations.

 

We may encounter significant delays and expense in reletting vacant space, or we may not be able to relet space at existing rates, in each case resulting in losses of income: When leases expire, we will incur expenses in retrofitting space and we may not be able to re-lease the space on the same terms. Certain leases provide tenants with the right to terminate early if they pay a fee. As of December 31, 2010, our properties generally had lower vacancy rates than the average for the markets in which they are located, and leases accounting for 20.5% of our annualized rental income are scheduled to expire in 2011. While we have estimated our cost of renewing leases that expire in 2011, our estimates could be wrong. If we are unable to re-lease space promptly, if the terms are significantly less favorable than anticipated or if the costs are higher, we may have to reduce our distributions to shareholders.

 

Tenant defaults and bankruptcies may reduce our cash flow and distributions: We may have difficulty collecting from tenants in default, particularly if they declare bankruptcy. This could affect our cash flow and our ability to fund distributions to shareholders. Since many of our tenants are non-rated private companies, this risk may be enhanced. There is inherent uncertainty in a tenant’s ability to continue paying rent if they are in bankruptcy.

 

We may be adversely affected by significant competition among commercial properties: Many other commercial properties compete with our properties for tenants. Some of the competing properties may be newer and better located than our properties. We also expect that new properties will be built in our markets. In addition, we compete with other buyers, many of which are larger than us, for attractive commercial properties. Therefore, we may not be able to grow as rapidly as we would like.

 

We may be adversely affected if casualties to our properties are not covered by insurance: We could suffer uninsured losses or losses in excess of our insurance policy limits for occurrences such as earthquakes or hurricanes that adversely affect us or even result in loss of the property. We might still remain liable on any mortgage debt or other unsatisfied obligations related to that property.

 

The illiquidity of our real estate investments may prevent us from adjusting our portfolio to respond to market changes: There may be delays and difficulties in selling real estate. Therefore, we cannot easily change our portfolio when economic conditions change. Also, tax laws limit a REIT’s ability to sell properties held for less than four years.

 

We may be adversely affected by changes in laws: Increases in income and service taxes may reduce our cash flow and ability to make expected distributions to our shareholders. Our properties are also subject to various federal, state and local regulatory requirements, such as state and local fire and safety codes. If we fail to comply with these requirements, governmental authorities could fine us or courts could award damages against us. We believe our properties comply with all significant legal requirements. However, these requirements could change in a way that would reduce our cash flow and ability to make distributions to shareholders.

We may incur significant environmental remediation costs: Under various federal, state and local environmental laws, an owner or operator of real estate may have to clean spills or other releases of hazardous or toxic substances on or from a property. Certain environmental laws impose liability whether or not the owner knew of, or was responsible for, the presence of the hazardous or toxic substances. In some cases, liability may exceed the value of the property. The presence of toxic substances, or the failure to properly remedy any resulting contamination, may make it more difficult for the owner or operator to sell, lease or operate its property or to borrow money using its property as collateral. Future environmental laws may impose additional material liabilities on us.

 

We depend on external sources of capital to grow our company.

 

We are generally required under the Internal Revenue Code to distribute at least 90% of our taxable income. Because of this distribution requirement, we may not be able to fund future capital needs, including any necessary building and tenant improvements, from operating cash flow. Consequently, we may need to rely on third-party sources of capital to fund our capital needs. We may not be able to obtain the financing on favorable terms or at all. Access to third-party sources of capital depends, in part, on general market conditions, the market’s perception of our growth potential, our current and expected future earnings, our cash flow, and the market price per share of our common stock. If we cannot obtain capital from third-party sources, we may not be able to acquire properties when strategic opportunities exist, satisfy any debt service obligations, or make cash distributions to shareholders.

 

We can change our business policies and increase our level of debt without shareholder approval.

 

Our board of directors establishes our investment, financing, distribution and our other business policies and may change these policies without shareholder approval. Our organizational documents do not limit our level of debt. A change in our policies or an increase in our level of debt could adversely affect our operations or the price of our common stock.

 

We can issue additional securities without shareholder approval.

 

We can issue preferred equity, common stock and equity stock without shareholder approval. Holders of preferred stock have priority over holders of common stock, and the issuance of additional shares of stock reduces the interest of existing holders in our company.

 

Increases in interest rates may adversely affect the market price of our common stock.

 

One of the factors that influences the market price of our common stock is the annual rate of distributions that we pay on our common stock, as compared with interest rates. An increase in interest rates may lead purchasers of REIT shares to demand higher annual distribution rates, which could adversely affect the market price of our common stock.

 

Shares that become available for future sale may adversely affect the market price of our common stock.

 

Substantial sales of our common stock, or the perception that substantial sales may occur, could adversely affect the market price of our common stock. As of December 31, 2010, PS and its affiliates owned 23.5% of the outstanding shares of the Company’s common stock and 22.8% of the outstanding common units of the Operating Partnership (100% of the common units not owned by the Company). Assuming issuance of the Company’s common stock upon redemption of its partnership units, PS would own 41.0% of the outstanding shares of the Company’s common stock. These shares, as well as shares of common stock held by certain other significant shareholders, are eligible to be sold in the public market, subject to compliance with applicable securities laws.

 

We depend on key personnel.

 

We depend on our key personnel, including Joseph D. Russell, Jr., our President and Chief Executive Officer. The loss of Mr. Russell or other key personnel could adversely affect our operations. We maintain no key person insurance on our key personnel.

Change in taxation of corporate dividends may adversely affect the value of our shares.

 

The Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003, enacted on May 28, 2003, generally reduced to 15% the maximum marginal rate of federal tax payable by individuals on dividends received from a regular C corporation. This reduced tax rate, however, does not apply to dividends paid to individuals by a REIT on its shares except for certain limited amounts. The earnings of a REIT that are distributed to its shareholders are generally subject to less federal income taxation on an aggregate basis than earnings of a regular C corporation that are distributed to its shareholders net of corporate-level income tax. The Jobs and Growth Tax Act, however, could cause individual investors to view stocks of regular C corporations as more attractive relative to shares of REITs than was the case prior to the enactment of the legislation because the dividends from regular C corporations, which previously were taxed at the same rate as REIT dividends, are now at a maximum marginal rate of 15% while REIT dividends are generally taxed at a maximum marginal rate of 35%.

 

We are subject to laws and governmental regulations and actions that affect our operating results and financial condition.

 

Our business is subject to regulation under a wide variety of U.S. federal, state and local laws, regulations and policies including those imposed by the SEC, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and New York Stock Exchange, as well as applicable labor laws. Although we have policies and procedures designed to comply with applicable laws and regulations, failure to comply with the various laws and regulations may result in civil and criminal liability, fines and penalties, increased costs of compliance and restatement of our financial statements.

 

There can also be no assurance that, in response to current economic conditions or the current political environment or otherwise, laws and regulations will not be implemented or changed in ways that adversely affect our operating results and financial condition, such as recently adopted legislation that expands health care coverage costs or facilitates union activity or federal legislative proposals to otherwise increase operating costs.

 

Terrorist attacks and the possibility of wider armed conflict may have an adverse impact on our business and operating results and could decrease the value of our assets.

 

Terrorist attacks and other acts of violence or war could have a material adverse impact on our business and operating results. There can be no assurance that there will not be further terrorist attacks against the U.S. Attacks or armed conflicts that directly impact one or more of our properties could significantly affect our ability to operate those properties and thereby impair our operating results. Further, we may not have insurance coverage for losses caused by a terrorist attack. Such insurance may not be available, or if it is available and we decide to obtain such terrorist coverage, the cost for the insurance may be significant in relationship to the risk overall. In addition, the adverse effects that such violent acts and threats of future attacks could have on the U.S. economy could similarly have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations. Finally, further terrorist acts could cause the U.S. to enter into a wider armed conflict, which could further impact our business and operating results.

 

Developments in California may have an adverse impact on our business and financial results.

 

We are headquartered in, and approximately 26.6% of our properties are located in California, which like many other state and local jurisdictions is facing severe budgetary problems and deficits. Action that may be taken in response to these problems, such as increases in property taxes, changes to sales taxes, adoption of a proposed “Business Net Receipts Tax” or other governmental efforts to raise revenues could adversely impact our business and results of operations.

 

 

None.

 

As of December 31, 2010, the Company owned 85 business parks consisting of a geographically diverse portfolio of 21.8 million rentable square feet of commercial real estate which consists of 13.0 million square feet of flex space, 4.0 million square feet of industrial space and 4.9 million square feet of office space concentrated primarily in 10 regions consisting of Southern and Northern California, Southern and Northern Texas, South Florida, Virginia, Maryland, Oregon, Arizona and Washington. The weighted average occupancy rate throughout 2010 was 90.8% and the realized rent per square foot was $14.96.

 

The following table reflects the geographical diversification of the 85 business parks owned by the Company as of December 31, 2010, the type of the rentable square footage and the weighted average occupancy rates throughout 2010 (except as set forth below, all of the properties are held in fee simple interest) (in thousands, except number of business parks):

 

 

 

 

We currently anticipate that each of the properties listed above will continue to be used for its current purpose. Competition exists in each of the market areas in which these properties are located. For information regarding general competitive conditions to which the Company’s properties are or may be subject, see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Overview — Effect of Economic Conditions on the Company’s Primary Markets.”

 

The Company has no plans to change the current use of its properties. The Company typically renovates its properties in connection with the re-leasing of space to tenants and expects that it will pay the costs of such renovations from rental income. The Company has risks that tenants will default on leases and declare bankruptcy. Management believes these risks are mitigated through the Company’s geographic diversity and diverse tenant base.

 

The Company evaluates the performance of its business parks primarily based on net operating income (“NOI”). NOI is defined by the Company as rental income as defined by GAAP less cost of operations as defined by GAAP. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Overview — Concentration of Portfolio by Region” below for more information on NOI, including why the Company presents NOI and how the Company uses NOI. The following information illustrates rental income, cost of operations and NOI generated by the Company’s total portfolio in 2010, 2009 and 2008 by geographic region and by property classifications. As a result of acquisitions and dispositions, certain properties were not held for the full year.

 

The Company’s calculation of NOI may not be comparable to those of other companies and should not be used as an alternative to measures of performance in accordance with GAAP. The tables below also include a reconciliation of NOI to the most comparable amounts based on GAAP (in thousands):

 

 

The following table is provided to reconcile NOI to consolidated income from continuing operations as determined by GAAP (in thousands):

 

 

Portfolio Information

 

The table below sets forth information with respect to occupancy and rental rates of the Company’s total portfolio for each of the last five years, including discontinued operations:

 

 

Approximately 60.1% of the Company’s annualized rental income is derived from large tenants, which the Company defines as tenants with leases averaging greater than or equal to 5,000 square feet. These tenants generally sign longer leases, may require more generous tenant improvements, are typically represented by a broker and are more creditworthy. The remaining 39.9% of the Company’s annualized rental income are derived from small tenants with average space requirements of less than 5,000 square feet and a shorter lease term duration. Tenant improvements are relatively less for these tenants; most of these tenants are not represented by brokers and therefore the Company does not pay lease commissions. The following tables set forth the lease expirations for all assets in continuing operations as of December 31, 2010, in addition to bifurcating the lease expirations for properties serving primarily small businesses and those properties serving primarily larger businesses (in thousands):

 

Lease Expirations (Entire Portfolio) as of December 31, 2010

 

Lease Expirations (Small Tenant Portfolio) as of December 31, 2010

 

The Company’s small tenant portfolio consists of properties with average leases less than 5,000 square feet.

 

 

Lease Expirations (Large Tenant Portfolio) as of December 31, 2010

 

The Company’s large tenant portfolio consists of properties with leases averaging greater than or equal to 5,000 square feet.

 

 

Significant Properties

 

As of and for the year ended December 31, 2010, one of the Company’s properties had a book value of more than 10% of the Company’s total assets. The property, known as MICC, is a business park in Miami, Florida, consisting of 47 buildings (3.3 million square feet) consisting of flex (631,000 square feet), industrial (2.6 million square feet) and office (12,000 square feet) space. The property was purchased on December 30, 2003. In 2010, the Company completed construction on a parcel of land within MICC, which added 75,000 square feet of rentable small tenant industrial space. MICC has a net book value of $163.4 million, representing approximately 10.1% of the Company’s total assets at December 31, 2010.

MICC property taxes for the year ended December 31, 2010 were $3.5 million at a rate of 1.9% of the respective assessed parcel value.

 

The following table sets forth information with respect to occupancy and rental rates at MICC for each of the last five years, including the dispositions of a 56,000 square foot retail center and 94,000 square feet of flex space:

 

 

There is no one tenant that occupies 10% or more of the rentable square footage at MICC.

 

The following table sets forth information with respect to lease expirations at MICC (in thousands, except number of leases expiring):

 

 

The following table sets forth information with respect to tax depreciation at MICC (in thousands, except year data):