Press Release Details
SL Green Realty Corp. Reports Fourth Quarter FFO Of $0.89 Per Share And 2003 FFO Of $3.48 Per Share
SL Green Realty Corp. Reports Fourth Quarter FFO Of $0.89 Per Share And 2003 FFO Of $3.48 Per Share
Jan 27, 2004 at 12:00 AM EST
- FFO increased 2% to $0.89 per share (diluted) versus $0.87 per share (diluted) for the same quarter in 2002
- Marc Holliday promoted to Chief Executive Officer and employment contract extended until January 2010. Andrew Mathias promoted to Chief Investment Officer
- Acquired 45% interest in 1221 Avenue of the Americas for $450 million, or $394 per square foot
- Completed public offering of 1.8 million shares of common stock at $42.33 per share on January 16, 2004 with net proceeds totaling $73.9 million
- Completed public offering of 6.3 million shares of 7.625% cumulative redeemable preferred stock on December 12, 2003 with net proceeds totaling $152.0 million
- Obtained a $210 million 10-year mortgage on 220 East 42nd Street at an annual rate of 5.23%
- Completed sale of 321 West 44th Street for $35.0 million
- Originated or committed $138.8 million of structured finance investments
- Announced a 7.5% increase in annual common dividend to $2.00 per share
- FFO increased to $3.48 per share (diluted) versus $3.32 in the prior year, a 5% increase
- Net income increased to $2.66 per share (diluted) versus $2.09 in the prior year, a 27% increase
New York, NY, January 27, 2004 - SL Green Realty Corp. (NYSE:SLG) reported a $4.6 million increase in operating results for the three months ended December 31, 2003. During this period, funds from operations (FFO) before minority interests totaled $35.2 million, or $0.89 per share (diluted), compared to $30.6 million, or $0.87 per share (diluted), for the same quarter in 2002.
For the year ended December 31, 2003, operating results improved 5% as FFO before minority interests totaled $128.8 million, or $3.48 per share (diluted), compared to $116.2 million, or $3.32 per share (diluted), for the same period in 2002. The increase is primarily attributable to net external growth including the acquisitions of 220 East 42nd Street and condominium interests in 125 Broad Street in the first quarter of 2003.
Net income available to common shareholders for the fourth quarter of 2003 totaled $21.7 million, or $0.58 per share (diluted), a 7% increase as compared to the same quarter in 2002 when net income totaled $16.7 million, or $0.54 per share (diluted). The increase in net income is primarily due to the $3.1 million ($0.08 per share) gain from the sale of 321 West 44th Street partially offset by increased depreciation expense from the first quarter 2003 acquisitions of 220 East 42nd Street and condominium interests in 125 Broad Street.
Net income available to common shareholders for the year ended December 31, 2003 totaled $90.4 million, or $2.66 per share (diluted), an increase of 27% as compared to the same period in 2002 when net income totaled $64.6 million, or $2.09 per share (diluted). The increase is primarily due to $24.4 million ($0.62 per share) in gains recognized on the sales of 50 West 23rd Street, 1370 Broadway and 321 West 44th Street.
The Company's fourth quarter weighted average diluted shares outstanding increased 1.9 million, or 5%, to 39.7 million in 2003 from 37.8 million in 2002. The increase is primarily attributable to (i) the issuance of units of limited partnership interest in the Company's operating partnership in connection with the acquisitions of 220 East 42nd Street and condominium interests in 125 Broad Street in the first quarter of 2003, (ii) the Company's long-term outperformance plan, (iii) employee stock grants and stock option exercises and (iv) additional dilution from unexercised outstanding stock options.
Consolidated Results
Total quarterly revenues increased 43% in the fourth quarter of 2003 to $86.6 million compared to $60.7 million in the same quarter in 2002. The $25.9 million growth in revenue resulted primarily from the following items:
- $17.4 million increase from 2003 acquisitions
- $2.3 million increase from the 2003 same-store properties
- $1.4 million increase from affiliates that were previously unconsolidated entities
- $3.9 million increase in preferred and investment income
- $0.9 million increase in signage and other income
- $6.0 million increase from GAAP NOI
- $8.9 million increase from 2003 property acquisitions
- $0.3 million increase from same-store properties
- $1.3 million decrease in income from unconsolidated joint ventures
- $2.2 million decrease from reduced income from discontinued operations
- $2.2 million increase from discontinued operations which reduced GAAP NOI
- $3.9 million increase in investment and preferred income
- $0.4 million increase in other income net of service corporation operating expenses ($1.5 million) and reduced corporate reserves ($0.5 million)
- $4.5 million decrease from higher MG&A expense
FFO improved $4.6 million primarily as a result of:
- $8.0 million increase in EBITDA
- $1.7 million increase from reduced preferred stock dividends
- $0.4 million increase from lower amortization of finance costs
- $0.3 million increase in FFO adjustment from unconsolidated joint ventures
- $2.2 million decrease in FFO from discontinued operations
- $3.7 million decrease from higher interest expense
The 2002 results have been restated to classify the operating results of 2003 property sales as income from discontinued operations. The properties sold in 2003, which are included in this restatement, are 50 West 23rd Street (March 2003), 875 Bridgeport Avenue, Shelton, Connecticut (May 2003), and 1370 Broadway (July 2003).
Same-Store Results
During the fourth quarter of 2003, same-store cash NOI increased $0.1 million to $29.7 million, as compared to $29.6 million over the same quarter in 2002. The increase in same-store cash NOI was driven by a $2.3 million (4%) increase in cash revenue partially offset by a $2.2 million (9%) increase in operating expenses. This increase in cash revenue was primarily due to:
- $0.9 million increase from replacement rents, including early renewals, which were 7% higher than previously fully escalated rents ($0.5 million) and contractual rent steps and reduced free rent ($0.2 million)
- $2.3 million increase in escalation and reimbursement revenue primarily due to real estate tax reimbursements ($1.9 million) and, higher operating expense escalations ($0.7 million) partially off-set by reduced passthru income ($0.3 million)
- $0.4 million decrease from lower weighted average occupancy in 2003 (96.2%) compared to 2002 (97.0%)
- $0.5 million reduction in signage rent
- $1.8 million (25%) increase in real estate taxes
- $0.2 million (20%) increase in management, professional and advertising costs
- $0.2 million (7%) increase in utility costs
Leasing Activity
For the fourth quarter of 2003, the Company signed 62 office leases totaling approximately 665,000 rentable square feet with starting office cash rents averaging $31.29 per square foot, a 1.9% increase over previously fully escalated cash rents averaging $30.71 per square foot. Tenant concessions averaged 1.1 months of free rent with an allowance for tenant improvements of $22.43 per rentable square foot. This leasing activity includes early renewals for 13 office leases totaling approximately 248,000 rentable square feet. Including retail and storage, the Company's quarterly leasing activity totaled 68 signed leases for approximately 676,000 rentable square feet.
For the year ended December 31, 2003, the Company signed 256 office leases totaling approximately 1,568,000 rentable square feet with starting office cash rents averaging $32.84 per square foot, a 4.2% increase over previously fully escalated cash rents averaging $31.51 per square foot. Tenant concessions averaged 1.7 months of free rent with an allowance for tenant improvements of $20.25 per rentable square foot. This leasing activity includes early renewals for 37 office leases totaling approximately 405,000 rentable square feet.
Real Estate Activity
1221 Avenue of the Americas
New York, New York
On December 29, 2003, the Company purchased a 45% ownership interest in 1221 Avenue of the Americas, The McGraw-Hill Building, for $450 million, or $394 per square foot, from The McGraw-Hill Companies (NYSE: MHP). 1221 Avenue of the Americas is an approximately 2.47 million square foot, 50 story class "A" office building located in Rockefeller Center. The property is 99% leased to tenants including The McGraw-Hill Companies, Rockefeller Group International, Inc., Morgan Stanley, Société Générale and J.P. Morgan Chase & Co. The McGraw-Hill Companies has owned its interest and maintained a significant presence in the building since its construction in 1972. Rockefeller Group International, Inc. will retain its 55% ownership interest in 1221 Avenue of the Americas and it will continue to manage the property.
New York, New York
On December 16, 2003, a joint venture comprised of the Company and Morgan Stanley Real Estate Fund III, L.P. ("MSREF"), sold 321 West 44th Street to Thor Equities LLC for a sale price of $35.0 million, or approximately $172 per square foot. 321 West 44th Street is a ten-story office building located mid-block between Eighth and Ninth Avenues on 44th Street. The Company purchased 321 West 44th in March 1998 for $17.0 million. In May 2000, the Company contributed the property into a joint venture with MSREF and retained a 35% ownership interest.
Structured Finance Activity
As of December 31, 2003, the par value of the Company's structured finance and preferred equity investments totaled $219.0 million. The weighted average balance outstanding for the fourth quarter of 2003 was $169.4 million. During the fourth quarter of 2003, the weighted average yield was 11.5% and the fourth quarter end run rate was 11.9%.
During the fourth quarter of 2003, the Company originated $61.3 million of structured finance investments with an initial yield of 13.69% and received a redemption totaling $10.3 million that was yielding 12.4%. In January 2004, the Company received proceeds from a redemption totaling $15.0 million and contracted or completed originations totaling $77.5 million. Currently the structured finance portfolio totals $281.6 million with a current weighted-average yield of 11.66%.
During the quarter, the Company recognized a $4.5 million gain from a partial distribution from a joint venture, which owned a mortgage position in a portfolio of office and industrial properties. In addition, the Company will recognize a gain of approximately $4.0 million in the first quarter of 2004 for additional distributions received from this joint venture investment.
Financing Activity
On January 16, 2004, the Company completed a public offering of 1.8 million shares of common stock at a gross price of $42.33 per share. The Company used the net proceeds of approximately $73.9 million to pay down its unsecured revolving credit facility.
On December 29, 2003, the Company completed a $100.0 million 5-year term loan. The financing was led by Wells Fargo Bank and has a floating rate of 150 basis points over the current LIBOR rate.
On December 12, 2003, the Company completed a public offering of 6.3 million shares of its 7.625% Series C Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock with net proceeds totaling $152.0 million. The shares of Series C preferred stock have a liquidation preference of $25 per share and will be redeemable at par at the option of the Company on or after December 12, 2008. The Company used the proceeds to partially fund the year-end acquisition of 1221 Avenue of the Americas, The McGraw-Hill Building.
In December 2003, the Company completed a $210.0 million 10-year mortgage refinancing of the property located at 220 East 42nd Street, the News Building. The mortgage bears interest at a fixed rate of 5.23% per annum. The financing proceeds were used to pay off the existing $158.0 million first mortgage on the property. Excess proceeds were used to reduce the outstanding balance on the Company's unsecured revolving credit facility.
On December 5, 2003, the Company borrowed $35.0 million on its unsecured term loan, increasing the balance to the $200.0 million capacity. The Company executed a serial swap with a first year all-in rate of 2.95% through December 4, 2004, and a blended all-in rate of 5.01% through a final maturity date in June 2008.
During January 2004, the Company entered into a $65 million serial swap commencing August 2005 with an initial 12-month all-in rate of 4.80% and a blended all-in rate of 5.45% with a final maturity date in June 2008.
Management
Andrew Mathias Named Chief Investment Officer
On January 5, 2004, the Company announced the promotion of Marc Holliday to Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Holliday, 37, will also remain President, a post he has held since 2001. Stephen L. Green, the Company's founder and former CEO, will continue in his position as Chairman of the Board of Directors and he will remain a full time executive officer of the Company with responsibility for developing key market relationships and real estate opportunities while overseeing the firm's long-term strategic direction.
In connection with Mr. Holliday's promotion to CEO, the Company has amended his employment agreement to extend it through January 2010. Pursuant to the amended employment agreement, Mr. Holliday will receive an additional 270,000 restricted shares of SL Green common stock plus a 40% gross-up for income taxes. 95,000 of the shares were vested upon signing and are non-transferable for a period of two years. The balance of the restricted shares will vest over the remaining term of the employment agreement subject to achieving certain time and performance criteria.
Andrew Mathias has been promoted to Chief Investment Officer to take over the position vacated by Mr. Holliday. The Company has employed Mr. Mathias since 1999, most recently in the position of Director of Investments. In his new position, Mr. Mathias will oversee all real estate investment activity including structured finance.
Other
The Company announced in December 2003 that its Board of Directors had ratified an amendment to the Company's long-term outperformance compensation plan to place a $25.5 million ceiling on the plan's maximum value. Based on the year-end stock price, the ceiling approximates 635,000 common shares that would be issued in the fourth year of the plan and vest over a total seven-year period. Any common share awards to be issued under the program will be allocated from the Company's stock option plan.
In December 2003, the Company adopted SFAS 123, "Accounting for stock-based compensation." The adoption of this standard, effective as of January 1, 2003, will not require a restatement of the Company's previously issued quarterly results and the adoption will be reflected in the Company's 2003 year-end financial statements.
On December 8, 2003, the Company declared a dividend distribution of $0.50 per common share for the fourth quarter 2003, representing an annual increase of $0.14 per common share, or a 7.5% increase on an annualized basis. This distribution reflects the regular quarterly dividend, which is the equivalent of an annualized distribution of $2.00 per common share.
Today, the Company's portfolio consists of interests in 26 properties, aggregating 15.1 million square feet.
SL Green Realty Corp. is a self-administered and self-managed real estate investment trust ("REIT") that acquires, owns, repositions and manages a portfolio of commercial office properties in Manhattan. The Company is the only publicly traded REIT, which exclusively specializes in this niche.
Conference Call
The company will host a conference call and audio web cast on Wednesday, January 28, 2004, at 2 pm ET to discuss the financial results. The conference call can be accessed by dialing (913) 981-5520. A replay of the call will be available through February 4, 2004, by dialing 888-203-1112 or 719-457-0820, pass code 509209. The call will be simultaneously broadcast via the Internet and individuals who wish to access the conference call should go to www.slgreen.com to log onto the call or to listen to a replay following the call.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
During the January 28, 2004 conference call, the Company may discuss non-GAAP financial measures as defined by SEC Regulation G. In addition, the Company has used non-GAAP financial measures in this press release. A reconciliation of each non-GAAP financial measure and the comparable GAAP financial measure (net income) can be found on pages nine and eleven of this release and in our fourth quarter supplemental data package.
* Financial Tables attached
To receive the Company's latest news release and other corporate documents, including the third quarter supplemental data, via FAX at no cost, please contact the Investor Relations office at 212-216-1601. All releases and supplemental data can also be downloaded directly from the SL Green website at: www.slgreen.com.
Forward-looking Information
This press release contains forward-looking information based upon the Company's current best judgment and expectations. Actual results could vary from those presented herein. The risks and uncertainties associated with forward-looking information in this release include the strength of the commercial office real estate markets in New York, competitive market conditions, unanticipated administrative costs, timing of leasing income, general and local economic conditions, interest rates, capital market conditions, tenant bankruptcies and defaults, the availability and cost of comprehensive insurance, including coverage for terrorist acts, and other factors, many of which are beyond the Company's control. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any of the forward-looking information. For further information, please refer to the Company's filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
