UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
☒QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED MARCH 31, 2023
or
☐TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM ____________ TO _______________
COMMISSION FILE NO. 1-12494 (CBL & ASSOCIATES PROPERTIES, INC.)
CBL & ASSOCIATES PROPERTIES, INC.
(Exact Name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware (CBL & ASSOCIATES PROPERTIES, INC.)
62-1545718
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)
2030 Hamilton Place Blvd., Suite 500, Chattanooga, TN 37421-6000
(Address of principal executive office, including zip code)
423-855-0001
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
N/A
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)
Securities registered under Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each Class
Trading
Symbol(s)
Name of each exchange on
which registered
Common Stock, $0.001 par value, with associated Stock Purchase Rights
CBL
New York Stock Exchange
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None
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
☒
No
☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted 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 such files).
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer
Accelerated filer
Non-accelerated filer
Smaller reporting company
Emerging growth company
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes ☐
No ☒
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed all documents and reports required to be filed by Section 12, 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 subsequent to the distribution of securities under a plan confirmed by a court.
Yes ☒
No ☐
As of May 3, 2023, 32,060,922 shares of common stock were outstanding, excluding 34 treasury shares.
CBL & Associates Properties, Inc.
Table of Contents
PART I
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
1
Item 1.
Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2023 and 2022
2
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2023 and 2022
3
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Equity for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2023 and 2022
4
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2023 and 2022
5
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
6
Item 2.
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
21
Item 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
34
Item 4.
Controls and Procedures
PART II
OTHER INFORMATION
35
Legal Proceedings
Item1A.
Risk Factors
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
Defaults Upon Senior Securities
Mine Safety Disclosures
Item 5.
Other Information
Item 6.
Exhibits
36
SIGNATURES
37
PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1: Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(In thousands, except share data)
(Unaudited)
March 31,
December 31,
ASSETS (1)
2023
2022
Real estate assets:
Land
$
590,327
596,715
Buildings and improvements
1,194,887
1,198,597
1,785,214
1,795,312
Accumulated depreciation
(161,466
)
(136,901
1,623,748
1,658,411
Developments in progress
7,162
5,576
Net investment in real estate assets
1,630,910
1,663,987
Cash and cash equivalents
22,555
44,718
Restricted cash
72,432
97,231
Available-for-sale securities - at fair value (amortized cost of $259,928 and $293,476 as of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively)
259,404
292,422
Receivables:
Tenant
32,590
40,620
Other
4,203
3,876
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates
75,900
77,295
In-place leases, net
219,391
247,497
Above market leases, net
156,274
171,265
Intangible lease assets and other assets
42,132
39,332
2,515,791
2,678,243
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Mortgage and other indebtedness, net
1,946,429
2,000,186
Below market leases, net
101,628
110,616
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
110,129
200,312
Total liabilities (1)
2,158,186
2,311,114
Shareholders' equity:
Common stock, $.001 par value, 200,000,000 shares authorized, 32,060,922 and 31,780,075 issued and outstanding as of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively (in each case, excluding 34 treasury shares)
32
Additional paid-in capital
711,956
710,497
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(524
(1,054
Accumulated deficit
(348,699
(338,934
Total shareholders' equity
362,765
370,541
Noncontrolling interests
(5,160
(3,412
Total equity
357,605
367,129
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated statements.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
(In thousands, except per share data)
Three Months Ended March 31,
REVENUES:
Rental revenues
130,324
135,332
Management, development and leasing fees
2,434
1,769
3,601
3,001
Total revenues
136,359
140,102
EXPENSES:
Property operating
(24,614
(23,344
Depreciation and amortization
(53,269
(68,943
Real estate taxes
(14,788
(14,435
Maintenance and repairs
(11,524
(10,566
General and administrative
(19,229
(18,074
Litigation settlement
44
81
(198
—
Total expenses
(123,578
(135,281
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSES):
Interest and other income
2,665
155
Interest expense
(43,524
(90,659
Gain on deconsolidation
28,151
36,250
Gain on sales of real estate assets
1,596
16
Reorganization items, net
(1,571
Income tax benefit (provision)
101
(801
Equity in (losses) earnings of unconsolidated affiliates
(1,256
8,566
Total other expenses
(12,267
(48,044
Net income (loss)
514
(43,223
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests in:
Operating Partnership
15
Other consolidated subsidiaries
1,745
2,486
Net income (loss) attributable to the Company
2,259
(40,722
Dividends allocable to unvested restricted stock
(280
Net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders
1,979
Basic and diluted per share data attributable to common shareholders:
Basic earnings per share
0.06
(1.45
Diluted earnings per share
Weighted-average basic share
31,304
27,998
Weighted-average diluted shares
31,369
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Other comprehensive gain:
Unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities
530
42
Comprehensive income (loss)
1,044
(43,181
Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests in:
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to the Company
2,789
(40,680
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to common shareholders
2,509
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Equity
Equity
Shareholders' Equity
CommonStock
AdditionalPaid-inCapital
AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncome (Loss)
DividendsinExcess ofCumulativeEarnings
TotalShareholders'Equity
NoncontrollingInterests
TotalEquity
Balance, December 31, 2021
547,726
(3
(151,545
396,199
4,901
401,100
Net loss
(2,501
Other comprehensive income
Share-based compensation expense
2,743
Conversion of exchangeable notes into 10,982,795 shares of common stock
11
152,527
152,538
Contributions from noncontrolling interests
143
Balance, March 31, 2022
702,996
39
(192,267
510,800
2,543
513,343
AccumulatedDeficit
Balance, December 31, 2022
(1,745
Dividends declared - common stock
(12,024
Issuance of 152,905 shares of restricted common stock
Issuance of 133,221 shares of common stock associated with performance stock units, net of shares withheld for tax
(1,793
Distributions to noncontrolling interests
Amortization of deferred compensation
1,843
Compensation expense related to performance stock units
1,409
Balance, March 31, 2023
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(In thousands)
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
53,269
68,943
Net amortization of deferred financing costs, discounts on available-for-sale securities and debt discounts
7,852
63,655
Net amortization of intangible lease assets and liabilities
5,337
6,323
(1,596
(16
(28,151
(36,250
Write-off of development projects
17
3,252
Equity in losses (earnings) of unconsolidated affiliates
1,256
(8,566
Distributions of earnings from unconsolidated affiliates
3,335
7,840
Change in estimate of uncollectable revenues
(138
(737
Change in deferred tax accounts
225
(67
Changes in:
Tenant and other receivables
7,934
3,305
Other assets
(2,667
(5,114
(17,264
(16,407
Net cash provided by operating activities
33,175
42,429
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Additions to real estate assets
(6,729
(5,762
Proceeds from sales of real estate assets
4,622
Purchases of available-for-sale securities
(15,004
(149,936
Redemptions of available-for-sale securities
50,850
149,998
Payments received on mortgage and other notes receivable
13
Additional investments in and advances to unconsolidated affiliates
(4,682
(997
Distributions in excess of equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates
1,504
4,697
Changes in other assets
(710
(471
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
29,872
(2,442
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Principal payments on mortgage and other indebtedness
(26,155
(29,500
Additions to deferred financing costs
(1,668
Shares of common stock withheld for tax associated with performance stock units
Dividends paid to common shareholders
(82,058
Net cash used in financing activities
(110,009
(31,025
NET CHANGE IN CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED CASH
(46,962
8,962
CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED CASH, beginning of period
141,949
236,198
CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED CASH, end of period
94,987
245,160
Reconciliation from condensed consolidated statements of cash flows to condensed consolidated balance sheets:
185,744
Restricted cash:
35,006
28,678
Mortgage escrows
37,426
30,738
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
Cash paid for interest, net of amounts capitalized
32,762
21,453
Cash paid for reorganization items
-
3,156
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
Note 1 – Organization and Basis of Presentation
CBL & Associates Properties, Inc. (“CBL”), a Delaware corporation, is a self-managed, self-administered, fully-integrated real estate investment trust (“REIT”) that is engaged in the ownership, development, acquisition, leasing, management and operation of regional shopping malls, outlet centers, lifestyle centers, open-air centers, office buildings and other properties, including single-tenant and multi-tenant parcels. Its properties are located in 22 states, but are primarily in the southeastern and midwestern United States.
CBL conducts substantially all its business through CBL & Associates Limited Partnership (the “Operating Partnership”), which is a variable interest entity ("VIE"). The Operating Partnership consolidates the financial statements of all entities in which it has a controlling financial interest or where it is the primary beneficiary of a VIE.
As of March 31, 2023, the Operating Partnership owned interests in the following properties:
Malls (1)
Outlet Centers (1)
Lifestyle Centers (1)
Open-Air Centers (2)
Other (2)(3)
Total
Consolidated Properties
41
71
Unconsolidated Properties (4)
8
20
47
29
91
CBL is the 100% owner of two qualified REIT subsidiaries, CBL Holdings I, Inc. and CBL Holdings II, Inc. As of March 31, 2023, CBL Holdings I, Inc., the sole general partner of the Operating Partnership, owned a 1.00% general partner interest in the Operating Partnership and CBL Holdings II, Inc. owned a 98.97% limited partner interest for a combined interest held by CBL of 99.97%. As of March 31, 2023, third parties owned a 0.03% limited partner interest in the Operating Partnership.
As used herein, the term "Company" includes CBL & Associates Properties, Inc. and its subsidiaries, including CBL & Associates Limited Partnership and its subsidiaries, unless the context indicates otherwise. The term "Operating Partnership" refers to CBL & Associates Limited Partnership and its subsidiaries.
The Operating Partnership conducts the Company's property management and development activities through its wholly owned subsidiary, CBL & Associates Management, Inc. (the “Management Company"), to comply with certain requirements of the Internal Revenue Code.
The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements are unaudited; however, they have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and in conjunction with the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). Accordingly, they do not include all the disclosures required by GAAP for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting solely of normal recurring matters) necessary for a fair presentation of the financial statements for these interim periods have been included. All intercompany transactions have been eliminated. The results for the interim period ended March 31, 2023 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be obtained for the full fiscal year.
Reclassifications
The Company reclassified restricted cash of $97,231 from intangible lease assets and other assets into an individual line item on the condensed consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 2022 to conform with the current period presentation.
Note 2 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Accounting Guidance Adopted
In March 2020, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2020-04, "Reference Rate Reform," which provides temporary optional expedients and exceptions to the US GAAP guidance on contract modifications and hedge accounting to ease the financial reporting burdens of the expected market transition from LIBOR and other interbank offered rates to alternative reference rates. Additional optional expedients, exceptions and clarifications were created in ASU 2021-01. The guidance is effective upon issuance and generally can be applied to any contract modifications or existing and new hedging relationships through December 31, 2024. The Company elected the expedients in conjunction with transitioning certain debt instruments to alternative benchmark indexes. There was no impact on our condensed consolidated financial statements at adoption. See Note 8 for additional information.
Accounts Receivable
Receivables include amounts billed and currently due from tenants pursuant to lease agreements and receivables attributable to straight-line rents associated with those lease agreements. Individual leases where the collection of rents is in dispute are assessed for collectability based on management’s best estimate of collection considering the anticipated outcome of the dispute. Individual leases that are not in dispute are assessed for collectability and upon the determination that the collection of rents over the remaining lease term is not probable, accounts receivable are reduced as an adjustment to rental revenues. Revenue from leases where collection is deemed to be less than probable is recorded on a cash basis until collectability is determined to be probable. Further, management assesses whether operating lease receivables, at a portfolio level, are appropriately valued based upon an analysis of balances outstanding, historical collection levels and current economic trends. An allowance for the uncollectable portion of the portfolio is recorded as an adjustment to rental revenues.
Management’s collection assessment took into consideration the type of retailer, billing disputes, lease negotiation status and executed deferral or abatement agreements, as well as recent rent collection experience and tenant bankruptcies based on the best information available to management at the time of evaluation.
Note 3 – Revenues
Revenues
The following table presents the Company's revenues disaggregated by revenue source for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022:
Revenues from contracts with customers (Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 606):
Operating expense reimbursements
2,216
2,189
Management, development and leasing fees (1)
Marketing revenues (2)
645
(15
5,295
3,943
Other revenues
740
827
Total revenues (3)
See Note 9 for information on the Company's segments.
Revenues from Contracts with Customers
Outstanding Performance Obligations
The Company has outstanding performance obligations related to certain noncancellable contracts with customers for which it will receive fixed operating expense reimbursements for providing certain maintenance and other services as described above. As of March 31, 2023, the Company expects to recognize these amounts as revenue over the following periods:
Performance obligation
Less than 5years
5-20years
Over 20years
Fixed operating expense reimbursements
20,836
46,953
42,213
110,002
7
The Company evaluates its performance obligations each period and makes adjustments to reflect any known additions or cancellations. Performance obligations related to variable consideration, which is based on sales, are constrained.
Note 4 – Leases
The components of rental revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022 are as follows:
Fixed lease payments
98,981
95,648
Variable lease payments
31,343
39,684
Total rental revenues
The undiscounted future fixed lease payments to be received under the Company's operating leases as of March 31, 2023, are as follows:
Years Ending December 31,
Operating Leases
2023 (1)
316,868
2024
310,620
2025
242,066
2026
182,356
2027
131,418
2028
85,426
Thereafter
209,673
Total undiscounted lease payments
1,478,427
Note 5 – Fair Value Measurements
The Company has categorized its financial assets and financial liabilities that are recorded at fair value into a hierarchy in accordance with ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosure, ("ASC 820") based on whether the inputs to valuation techniques are observable or unobservable. The fair value hierarchy contains three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value as follows:
Level 1 –
Inputs represent quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities as of the measurement date.
Level 2 –
Inputs, other than those included in Level 1, represent observable measurements for similar instruments in active markets, or identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active, and observable measurements or market data for instruments with substantially the full term of the asset or liability.
Level 3 –
Inputs represent unobservable measurements, supported by little, if any, market activity, and require considerable assumptions that are significant to the fair value of the asset or liability. Market valuations must often be determined using discounted cash flow methodologies, pricing models or similar techniques based on the Company’s assumptions and best judgment.
The asset or liability's fair value within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of any input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Under ASC 820, fair value measurements are determined based on the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability in an orderly transaction at the measurement date and under current market conditions. Valuation techniques used maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs and consider assumptions such as inherent risk, transfer restrictions and risk of nonperformance.
The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, receivables, accounts payable and accrued liabilities are reasonable estimates of their fair values because of the short-term nature of these financial instruments. The estimated fair value of mortgage and other indebtedness was $1,770,334 and $1,833,992 as of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively. The fair value of mortgage and other indebtedness was calculated using Level 2 inputs by discounting future cash flows for mortgage and other indebtedness using estimated market rates at which similar loans would be made currently.
Fair Value Measurements on a Recurring Basis
During the three months ended March 31, 2023, the Company has continued to reinvest the cash from maturing U.S. Treasury securities into new U.S. Treasury securities. The Company designated the U.S. Treasury securities as available-for-sale (“AFS”). The table below sets forth information regarding the Company’s AFS securities that were measured at fair value for the three months ended March 31, 2023. Subsequent to March 31, 2023, the Company redeemed and purchased additional U.S. Treasury securities. See Note 14 for additional information.
AFS Security
AmortizedCost (1)
Allowancefor creditlosses (2)
Total unrealized loss
Fair value as of March 31, 2023 (3)
U.S. Treasury securities
259,928
The following table sets forth information regarding the Company’s AFS securities that were measured at fair value for the year ended December 31, 2022:
AmortizedCost
Allowancefor creditlosses (1)
Fair value as of December 31, 2022 (2)
293,476
Fair Value Measurements on a Nonrecurring Basis
The Company measures the fair value of certain long-lived assets on a nonrecurring basis, through quarterly impairment testing or when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets may not be recoverable. The Company’s evaluation of the recoverability of long-lived assets involves the comparison of undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by each property over the Company’s expected remaining holding period to the respective carrying amount. The determination of whether the carrying value is recoverable also requires management to make estimates related to probability weighted scenarios impacting undiscounted cash flow models. The Company considers both quantitative and qualitative factors in its impairment analysis of long-lived assets. Significant quantitative factors include historical and forecasted information for each property such as net operating income, occupancy statistics and sales levels. Significant qualitative factors used include market conditions, age and condition of the property and tenant mix. The quantitative and qualitative factors impact the selection of the terminal capitalization rate which is used in both an undiscounted and discounted cash flow model and the discount rate used in a discounted cash flow model. Due to the significant unobservable estimates and assumptions used in the valuation of long-lived assets that experience impairment, the Company classifies such long-lived assets under Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy. Level 3 inputs primarily consist of sales and market data, independent valuations and discounted cash flow models.
Long-lived Assets Measured at Fair Value in 2023
During the three months ended March 31, 2023, the Company adjusted the negative equity in Alamance Crossing East to zero upon deconsolidation, which represents the estimated fair value of the Company's investment in that property. See Note 7 for additional information.
9
Long-lived Assets Measured at Fair Value in 2022
During the three months ended March 31, 2022, the Company adjusted the negative equity in Greenbrier Mall to zero upon deconsolidation, which represented the estimated fair value of the Company's investment in that property.
Note 6 – Dispositions
Dispositions
Based on its analysis, the Company determined that the dispositions described below do not meet the criteria for classification as discontinued operations and are not considered to be significant disposals based on its quantitative and qualitative evaluation. Thus, the results of operations of the properties described below, as well as any related gains or losses, are included in net income (loss) for all periods presented, as applicable.
2023 Dispositions
During the three months ended March 31, 2023, the Company deconsolidated Alamance Crossing East, which resulted in $28,151 of gain on deconsolidation. Alamance Crossing East was included in Malls for purposes of segment reporting. See Note 7 for additional information.
During the three months ended March 31, 2023, the Company realized a gain of $1,596, primarily related to the sale of four land parcels. Gross proceeds from sales of real estate assets were $4,949 for the three months ended March 31, 2023.
2022 Dispositions
The Company had no significant dispositions during the three months ended March 31, 2022.
Note 7 – Unconsolidated Affiliates and Noncontrolling Interests
Unconsolidated Affiliates
Although the Company had majority ownership of certain joint ventures during 2023 and 2022, it evaluated the investments and concluded that the other partners or owners in these joint ventures had substantive participating rights, such as approvals of:
As a result of the joint control over these joint ventures, the Company accounts for these investments using the equity method of accounting.
At March 31, 2023, the Company had investments in 24 entities, which are accounted for using the equity method of accounting. The Company's ownership interest in these unconsolidated affiliates ranges from 33% to 100%. Of these entities, 16 are owned in 50/50 joint ventures.
10
2023 Activity - Unconsolidated Affiliates
Alamance Crossing CMBS, LLC
In February 2023, the Company deconsolidated Alamance Crossing East as a result of the Company losing control when the property was placed in receivership. As of March 31, 2023, the loan secured by Alamance Crossing East had an outstanding balance of $41,122. For the three months ended March 31, 2023, the Company recognized gain on deconsolidation of $28,151.
CBL-TRS Friendly Center 2023, LLC
Subsequent to March 31, 2023, the Company and its joint venture partner entered into a new $148,000 loan secured by Friendly Center and The Shops at Friendly Center. See Note 14 for additional information.
Louisville Outlet Shoppes, LLC
Subsequent to March 31, 2023, the $7,247 loan secured by The Outlet Shoppes of the Bluegrass - Phase II was paid off. See Note 14.
West County Mall CMBS, LLC
In March 2023, the loan secured by West County Mall was extended through December 2024, with one two-year conditional extension available upon meeting certain requirements.
Condensed Combined Financial Statements - Unconsolidated Affiliates
Condensed combined financial statement information of the unconsolidated affiliates is as follows:
March 31,2023
December 31,2022
ASSETS:
Investment in real estate assets
1,987,033
1,971,348
(846,305
(829,574
1,140,728
1,141,774
10,870
10,914
1,151,598
1,152,688
187,818
170,756
Total assets
1,339,416
1,323,444
LIABILITIES:
1,359,475
1,333,152
Other liabilities
37,938
33,419
Total liabilities
1,397,413
1,366,571
OWNERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT):
The Company
8,483
3,123
Other investors
(66,480
(46,250
Total owners' deficit
(57,997
(43,127
Total liabilities and owners’ deficit
60,533
63,737
Net income (1)
9,181
20,678
Variable Interest Entities
The Operating Partnership and certain of its subsidiaries are deemed to have the characteristics of a VIE primarily because the limited partners of these entities do not collectively possess substantive kick-out or participating rights.
The Company consolidates the Operating Partnership, which is a VIE, for which the Company is the primary beneficiary. The Company, through the Operating Partnership, consolidates all VIEs for which it is the primary beneficiary. Generally, a VIE is a legal entity in which the equity investors do not have the characteristics of a controlling financial interest or the equity investors lack sufficient equity at risk for the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support. A limited partnership is considered a VIE when the majority of the limited partners unrelated to the general partner possess neither the right to remove the general partner without cause, nor certain rights to participate in the decisions that most significantly affect the financial results of the partnership. In determining whether the Company is the primary beneficiary of a VIE, the Company considers qualitative and quantitative factors, including, but not limited to: which activities most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance and which party controls such activities; the amount and characteristics of the Company's investment; the obligation or likelihood for the Company or other investors to provide financial support; and the similarity with and significance to the Company's business activities and the business activities of the other investors.
Consolidated VIEs
As of March 31, 2023, the Company had investments in 11 consolidated VIEs with ownership interests ranging from 50% to 92%.
Unconsolidated VIEs
The table below lists the Company's unconsolidated VIEs as of March 31, 2023:
Unconsolidated VIEs:
Investment inReal EstateJointVenturesandPartnerships
MaximumRisk of Loss
Alamance Crossing CMBS, LLC (1)
Ambassador Infrastructure, LLC (2)
5,749
Atlanta Outlet JV, LLC (2)
4,375
BI Development, LLC
129
BI Development II, LLC
CBL-T/C, LLC
El Paso Outlet Center Holding, LLC
Fremaux Town Center JV, LLC
Louisville Outlet Shoppes, LLC (2)
7,247
Mall of South Carolina L.P.
Vision - CBL Hamilton Place, LLC
2,164
Vision - CBL Mayfaire TC Hotel, LLC
1,800
4,129
21,500
Note 8 – Mortgage and Other Indebtedness, Net
CBL has no indebtedness. Either the Operating Partnership or one of its consolidated subsidiaries that it has a direct or indirect ownership interest in are the borrowers on all the Company's debt.
CBL is a limited guarantor of the secured term loan for losses suffered solely by reason of fraud or willful misrepresentation by the Operating Partnership or its affiliates.
12
The Company’s mortgage and other indebtedness, net, consisted of the following:
March 31, 2023
December 31, 2022
Amount
Weighted-AverageInterestRate (1)
Fixed-rate debt:
Open-air centers and outparcels loan
180,000
6.95
%
Non-recourse loans on operating properties
792,999
4.85
843,634
4.90
Total fixed-rate debt
972,999
5.24
1,023,634
5.26
Variable-rate debt:
Secured term loan (2)
816,739
7.41
829,452
6.87
8.77
8.22
55,965
7.80
56,490
7.26
Total variable-rate debt
1,052,704
7.66
1,065,942
7.12
Total fixed-rate and variable-rate debt
2,025,703
6.50
2,089,576
6.21
Unamortized deferred financing costs
(15,903
(17,101
Debt discounts (3)
(63,371
(72,289
Total mortgage and other indebtedness, net
Non-recourse loans on operating properties, the open-air centers and outparcels loan and the secured term loan include loans that are secured by properties owned by the Company that have a carrying value of $1,572,974 at March 31, 2023.
2023 Loan Activity
In February 2023, the loan secured by Fayette Mall was extended through May 2024. The interest rate remains fixed at 4.25%. The outstanding balance of the loan secured by Fayette Mall was $125,534 as of March 31, 2023.
In March 2023, the secured term loan was amended to replace LIBOR with the secured overnight financing rate ("SOFR") for purposes of calculating interest. The transition to SOFR is effective as of June 30, 2023. The interest rate on the conversion date will be SOFR plus the applicable margin (2.75%) plus the SOFR adjustment (0.11448%).
Subsequent to March 31, 2023, the Operating Partnership entered into an interest rate swap. See Note 14 for additional information.
Scheduled Principal Payments
As of March 31, 2023, the scheduled principal amortization and balloon payments of the Company’s consolidated debt, excluding extensions available at the Company’s option, on all mortgage and other indebtedness, are as follows:
180,237
188,860
828,607
375,588
360,895
950
61,905
1,997,042
Principal balance of loans with maturity date prior to March 31, 2023 (2)
28,661
Total mortgage and other indebtedness
Of the $180,237 of scheduled principal payments for the remainder of 2023, $152,153 relates to the maturing principal balance of three operating property loans. Subsequent to March 31, 2023, the loan secured by Cross Creek Mall was extended through May 20, 2023. The Company remains in discussions with the lender regarding a long-term extension. See Note 14.
Note 9 – Segment Information
The Company measures performance and allocates resources according to property type, which is determined based on certain criteria such as type of tenants, capital requirements, economic risks, leasing terms, and short and long-term returns on capital. Rental income and tenant reimbursements from tenant leases provide the majority of revenues from all segments.
14
Information on the Company’s segments is presented as follows:
Three Months Ended March 31, 2023
AllOther (2)
Revenues (3)
115,883
20,476
Property operating expenses (4)
(46,871
(4,055
(50,926
(20,483
(23,041
Other expense
Segment profit (loss)
48,529
(5,222
43,307
Income tax benefit
Equity in losses of unconsolidated affiliates
Net income
Capital expenditures (5)
4,433
3,102
7,535
Three Months Ended March 31, 2022
121,428
18,674
(44,684
(3,661
(48,345
(71,159
(19,500
5,585
(4,471
1,114
General and administrative expense
Income tax provision
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates
3,960
1,870
5,830
1,628,645
887,146
1,695,813
982,430
Note 10 – Earnings per Share
Earnings per share ("EPS") is calculated under the two-class method. Under the two-class method, all earnings (distributed and undistributed) are allocated to common stock and participating securities. The Company grants restricted stock awards to certain employees under its share-based compensation program, which entitle recipients to receive nonforfeitable dividends during the vesting period on a basis equivalent to the dividends paid to holders of common stock. These unvested restricted stock awards meet the definition of participating securities based on their respective rights to receive nonforfeitable dividends.
Diluted EPS incorporates the potential impact of contingently issuable shares. Diluted EPS is calculated under both the two-class and treasury stock methods, and the more dilutive amount is reported. Performance stock units ("PSUs") and unvested restricted stock awards are contingently issuable common shares and are included in diluted EPS if the effect is dilutive.
The following table presents the calculation of basic and diluted EPS (in thousands, except per share amounts):
Less: Dividends allocable to unvested restricted stock
Weighted-average basic shares outstanding
Net income (loss) per share attributable to common shareholders
Diluted earnings per share (1)
Note 11 – Contingencies
Securities Litigation
The Company and certain of its officers and directors were named as defendants in three putative securities class action lawsuits (collectively, the “Securities Class Action Litigation”), each filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee, on behalf of all persons who purchased or otherwise acquired the Company’s securities during a specified period of time. Those cases were consolidated on July 17, 2019, under the caption In re CBL & Associates Properties, Inc. Securities Litigation, 1:19-cv-00149-JRG-CHS, and a consolidated amended complaint was filed on November 5, 2019, seeking to represent a class of purchasers from July 29, 2014 through March 26, 2019.
The operative complaint filed in the Securities Class Action Litigation alleges violations of the securities laws, including, among other things, that the defendants made certain materially false and misleading statements and omissions regarding the Company’s contingent liabilities, business, operations, and prospects during the period of time specified above. The plaintiffs seek compensatory damages and attorneys’ fees and costs, among other relief, but have not specified the amount of damages sought. On May 3, 2022, the court dismissed the Company from the Securities Class Action Litigation but declined to dismiss the individual defendants. The court also lifted the stay of the proceedings and, on June 9, 2022, entered a scheduling order. Plaintiffs’ motion for class certification, which was opposed, was fully briefed and pending as of December 31, 2022. Following mediation on January 31, 2023, before a private mediator, the parties reached an agreement in principle to resolve the Securities Class Action Litigation, subject to documentation and court approval. On April 19, 2023, plaintiffs submitted the settlement to the court as part of an Unopposed Motion for Preliminary Approval of Class Action Settlement. On April 24, 2023, the court entered an order preliminarily approving the proposed settlement, subject to a final fairness hearing in August 2023. The settlement is expected to be fully funded by directors and officers liability insurance, subject to the terms and conditions thereof, with no contribution expected from the Company or the individual defendants. By agreeing to resolve the matter, neither the Company nor any of the individual defendants are admitting any liability or wrongdoing, and they have expressly denied both. Rather, defendants entered into the settlement to eliminate the risks, costs, and distractions associated with further litigation of this matter.
The outcome of these legal proceedings cannot be predicted with certainty.
On January 12, 2023, a purported shareholder filed a putative class action lawsuit captioned John Haynes v. Charles B. Lebovitz, et al., C.A. No. 2023-0033-NAC, in the Delaware Court of Chancery (the “Delaware Action”), naming the Company and certain directors as defendants. The Delaware Action alleged a claim against the Company for violation of Delaware General Corporation Law § 213(a) due to an improper record date for the 2022 annual meeting, and a claim for breach of fiduciary duty against the director defendants. The Delaware Action sought, among other things, a declaration that the directors breached their fiduciary duties, an equitable accounting, unspecified monetary relief, and attorneys’ fees. Defendants denied that any such relief was warranted, and on February 15, 2023, the Delaware Action was voluntarily dismissed.
The Company is currently involved in certain other litigation that arises in the ordinary course of business, most of which is expected to be covered by liability insurance. Management makes assumptions and estimates concerning the likelihood and amount of any potential loss relating to these matters using the latest information available. The Company records a liability for litigation if an unfavorable outcome is probable and the amount of loss or range of loss can be reasonably estimated. If an unfavorable outcome is probable and a reasonable estimate of the loss is a range, the Company accrues the best estimate within the range. If no amount within the range is a better estimate than any other amount, the Company accrues the minimum amount within the range. If an unfavorable outcome is probable but the amount of the loss cannot be reasonably estimated, the Company discloses the nature of the litigation and indicates that an estimate of the loss or range of loss cannot be made. If an unfavorable outcome is reasonably possible and the estimated loss is material, the Company discloses the nature and estimate of the possible loss of the litigation. Based on current expectations, such matters, both individually and in the aggregate, are not expected to have a material adverse effect on the liquidity, results of operations, business or financial condition of the Company.
Environmental Contingencies
The Company evaluates potential loss contingencies related to environmental matters using the same criteria described above related to litigation matters. Based on current information, an unfavorable outcome concerning such environmental matters, both individually and in the aggregate, is considered to be reasonably possible. However, the Company believes its maximum potential exposure to loss would not be material to its results of operations or financial condition. The Company has a master insurance policy that provides coverage through 2027 for certain environmental claims up to $40,000 per occurrence and up to $40,000 in the aggregate, subject to deductibles and certain exclusions. At certain locations, individual policies are in place.
Guarantees
The Operating Partnership may guarantee the debt of a joint venture primarily because it allows the joint venture to obtain funding at a lower cost than could be obtained otherwise. This results in a higher return for the joint venture on its investment, and a higher return on the Operating Partnership's investment in the joint venture. The Operating Partnership may receive a fee from the joint venture for providing the guaranty. Additionally, when the Operating Partnership issues a guaranty, the terms of the joint venture agreement typically provide that the Operating Partnership may receive indemnification from the joint venture partner or have the ability to increase its ownership interest. The guarantees expire upon repayment of the debt, unless noted otherwise.
The following table represents the Operating Partnership's guarantees of unconsolidated affiliates' debt as reflected in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets as of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022:
As of March 31, 2023
Obligationrecorded to reflectguaranty
Unconsolidated Affiliate
Company'sOwnershipInterest
OutstandingBalance
PercentageGuaranteedby theOperatingPartnership
MaximumGuaranteedAmount
DebtMaturityDate (1)
West Melbourne I, LLC - Phase I
50%
36,570
18,285
Feb-2025
(2)
183
185
West Melbourne I, LLC - Phase II
11,673
5,837
58
59
Port Orange I, LLC
48,948
24,474
245
247
Ambassador Infrastructure, LLC
65%
100%
Mar-2025
70
Atlanta Outlet JV, LLC
Nov-2023
Louisville Outlet Shoppes, LLC (3)
Apr-2023
Total guaranty liability
556
561
For the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company evaluated each guaranty, listed in the table above, individually by evaluating the debt service ratio, cash flow forecasts and the performance of each loan, where applicable. The result of the analysis was that each loan is current and performing. The Company did not record a credit loss related to the guarantees listed in the table above for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022.
Note 12 – Share-Based Compensation
Restricted Stock Awards
Compensation expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period. The share-based compensation expense related to restricted stock awards granted under the CBL & Associates Properties, Inc. 2021 Equity Incentive Plan ("EIP") was $1,843 and $1,622 for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. As of March 31, 2023, there was $18,507 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested restricted stock awards, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.7 years. Share-based compensation cost resulting from share-based awards is recorded at the Management Company, which is a taxable entity.
A summary of the status of the Company’s nonvested restricted stock awards as of March 31, 2023, and changes during the three months ended March 31, 2023, are presented below:
Shares
Weighted-AverageGrant-DateFair Value Per Share
Nonvested at January 1, 2023
662,875
27.42
Granted
355,278
26.21
Vested
(265,341
26.25
Forfeited
(5,279
24.86
Nonvested at March 31, 2023
747,533
27.28
The total grant-date fair value of restricted stock awards granted during the three months ended March 31, 2023 was $9,313. The total fair value of restricted stock awards that vested during the three months ended March 31, 2023 was $6,755.
Performance Stock Awards
In February 2023, the compensation committee of the board of directors established a long-term incentive program (“LTIP”) under the EIP and approved 2023 LTIP awards consisting of both a PSU component (55% - 60% of the LTIP award) and a restricted stock award component (40% - 45% of the LTIP award). The amount of common stock that may be issued for the PSU component upon the conclusion of the applicable three-year performance period will be determined by two measures: (i) a portion (40%) of the number of shares issued will be determined based on the Company’s achievement of specified levels of long-term relative Total Stockholder Return (“TSR”) performance (stock price appreciation plus aggregate dividends) versus the Retail Sector Component (excluding companies comprising the Free-Standing Subsector) of the Financial Times Stock Exchange ("FTSE") National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts ("NAREIT") All Equity REIT Index, provided that at least a “Threshold” level must be attained for any shares to be received, and (ii) a portion (60%) of such number of shares issued will be determined based on the Company’s absolute TSR performance over such period, provided again that at least a “Threshold” level must be attained for any shares to be received. The restricted stock award component consists of time-vesting restricted stock, of which a third of the award vests equally over the three-year performance period.
Compensation cost for the PSUs granted in February 2023 is recognized on a straight-line basis over the service period since it is longer than the performance period. The resulting expense is recorded regardless of whether any PSU awards are earned as long as the required service period is met. For the PSUs granted in February 2022, each quarter, management assesses the probability that the measures associated with the Company's outstanding PSU awards will be attained. The Company begins recognizing compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the remaining service period once the PSU award measures are deemed probable of achievement. See Note 16 to the consolidated financial statements in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022 for a description of the PSUs granted in February 2022. Share-based compensation expense related to the 2022 and 2023 PSUs granted under the EIP was $1,409 and $1,121 for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The unrecognized compensation expense related to the 2022 and 2023 PSUs was $17,036 as of March 31, 2023, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 3.1 years.
18
A summary of the status of the Company’s outstanding 2022 and 2023 PSU awards as of March 31, 2023, and changes during the three months ended March 31, 2023, are presented below:
PSUs
Outstanding at January 1, 2023
607,128
24.69
2023 PSUs granted
157,789
38.79
Incremental PSUs granted (1)
10,909
24.54
(51,019
24.87
Outstanding at March 31, 2023
724,807
27.90
The total grant-date fair value of PSU awards granted during the three months ended March 31, 2023 was $6,120.
The following table summarizes the assumptions used in the Monte Carlo simulation pricing model related to the PSUs granted in 2023:
2023 PSUs
Grant date
February 17, 2023
Fair value per share on valuation date (1)
Risk-free interest rate (2)
4.37
Expected share price volatility (3)
62.50
Note 13 – Noncash Investing and Financing Activities
The Company’s noncash investing and financing activities were as follows:
Additions to real estate assets accrued but not yet paid
9,632
11,177
Deconsolidation upon loss of control (1):
Decrease in real estate assets
(9,015
(18,810
Decrease in mortgage and other indebtedness
37,693
56,226
Decrease in operating assets and liabilities
3,352
5,686
Decrease in intangible lease and other assets
(3,879
(6,852
Note 14 – Subsequent Events
In April 2023, the Company and its joint venture partner entered into a new $148,000 loan secured by Friendly Center and The Shops at Friendly Center. Proceeds from the new loan were used to pay off two previous loans totaling $145,591. The new loan bears a fixed interest rate of 6.44% and matures in May 2028.
In April 2023, the loan secured by Cross Creek Mall was extended through May 20, 2023. The Company is in discussions with the lender regarding a long-term extension.
In April 2023, the $7,247 loan secured by The Outlet Shoppes of the Bluegrass - Phase II, an unconsolidated affiliate, was paid off.
19
In April 2023, the Company redeemed $46,994 in U.S. Treasury securities and purchased $40,774 in new U.S. Treasury securities with maturities through September 2023.
In May 2023, the Company redeemed $44,150 in U.S. Treasury securities and purchased $44,155 in new U.S. Treasury securities with maturities through April 2024.
In May 2023, the Operating Partnership entered into an interest rate swap with a notional amount of $32,000 to fix the interest rate at 7.3975% on $32,000 of the variable rate portion of the open-air centers and outparcels loan. The swap has a maturity date of June 7, 2027. The Company designated the swap as a cash flow hedge on its variable rate debt.
ITEM 2: Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The following discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with the condensed consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes that are included in this Form 10-Q. Capitalized terms used, but not defined, in this Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations have the same meanings as defined in the notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements. Unless stated otherwise or the context otherwise requires, references to the “Company,” “we,” “us” and “our” mean CBL & Associates Properties, Inc. and its subsidiaries.
Certain statements made in this section or elsewhere in this report may be deemed “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the federal securities laws. All statements other than statements of historical fact should be considered to be forward-looking statements. In many cases, these forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of words such as “will,” “may,” “should,” “could,” “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “intends,” “projects,” “goals,” “objectives,” “targets,” “predicts,” “plans,” “seeks,” and variations of these words and similar expressions. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the factors discussed throughout this report.
Although we believe the expectations reflected in any forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance or results and we can give no assurance that these expectations will be attained. It is possible that actual results may differ materially from those indicated by these forward-looking statements due to a variety of known and unknown risks and uncertainties. In addition to the risk factors described in Part I, Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022, such known risks and uncertainties include, without limitation:
This list of risks and uncertainties is only a summary and is not intended to be exhaustive. We disclaim any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect actual results or changes in the factors affecting the forward-looking information.
Executive Overview
We are a self-managed, self-administered, fully integrated REIT that is engaged in the ownership, development, acquisition, leasing, management and operation of regional shopping malls, outlet centers, lifestyle centers, open-air centers and other properties. See Note 1 to the condensed consolidated financial statements for information on our property interests as of March 31, 2023. We have elected to be taxed as a REIT for federal income tax purposes.
As of March 31, 2023, portfolio occupancy was 89.8%, which represents a 150-basis-point increase compared to the prior-year period. We signed nearly 1.3 million square feet of leases during the quarter, including more than 285,000-square-feet of new leases. Improved occupancy levels translated into higher rents and improved lease spreads across the portfolio. While sales moderated during the first quarter, levels remain well above 2019.
Rental revenue growth during the first quarter of 2023 from new leasing was offset by lower percentage rents, an unfavorable variance in uncollectable revenues and higher expenses that were primarily related to completion of previously delayed maintenance projects and timing of certain third-party contract expenses.
We have closed on more than $312.0 million in financings year-to-date. We are currently in the process of addressing the remaining 2023 maturities, as well as looking ahead to 2024 and beyond. We benefit from a balance sheet comprised almost exclusively of non-recourse mortgage debt, with significant ongoing amortization reducing leverage and unlocking equity value. As 2023 progresses, we are focused on improving operating performance and enhancing free cash flow, as well as improving value through disciplined capital allocation.
We had net income for the three months ended March 31, 2023 of $0.5 million, as compared to a net loss for the three months ended March 31, 2022 of $43.2 million. We had net income attributable to common shareholders for the three months ended March 31, 2023 of $2.0 million, as compared to a net loss attributable to common shareholders for the three months ended March 31, 2022 of $40.7 million. Significant items that affected comparability between the three-month periods include:
Our focus is on continuing to execute our strategy to improve occupancy, drive rent growth and transform the offerings available at our diverse portfolio of dynamic properties to include a targeted mix of retail, service, dining, entertainment and other non-retail uses, primarily through the re-tenanting of former anchor locations as well as diversification of in-line tenancy. This operational strategy is also supported by our balance sheet strategy focused on reducing overall debt, extending our debt maturity schedule and lowering our overall cost of borrowings to limit maturity risk, improve net cash flow and enhance enterprise value. While the industry and our Company continue to face challenges, some of which may not be in our control, we believe that the strategies in place to redevelop our properties and diversify our tenant mix will contribute to stabilization of our portfolio and revenues in future years.
Same-center NOI and FFO are non-GAAP measures. For a description of same-center NOI, a reconciliation from net income (loss) to same-center NOI, and an explanation of why we believe this is a useful performance measure, see Non-GAAP Measure - Same-center Net Operating Income in Results of Operations. For a description of FFO, a reconciliation from net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders to FFO allocable to Operating Partnership common unitholders, and an explanation of why we believe this is a useful performance measure, see Non-GAAP Measure - Funds from Operations.
22
Results of Operations
Properties that were in operation for the entire year during 2022 and the three months ended March 31, 2023 are referred to as the "Comparable Properties." Since January 2022, we have deconsolidated:
Deconsolidations
Property
Location
Date of Deconsolidation
Greenbrier Mall (1)(2)
Chesapeake, VA
March 2022
Alamance Crossing East (1)
Burlington, NC
February 2023
Comparison of the Three Months Ended March 31, 2023 to the Three Months Ended March 31, 2022
ComparableProperties
Change
Core
Non-core
Deconsolidation
(5,008
(3,230
315
(2,093
665
600
662
(20
(37
(5
(3,743
(1,903
295
(2,130
Rental revenues from the Comparable Properties decreased primarily due to lower percentage rents and an unfavorable variance in the estimate for uncollectable revenues as compared to the prior-year period.
Operating Expenses
(1,270
(1,891
137
434
50
(353
(483
(39
169
(958
(1,223
252
Property operating expenses
(2,581
(3,597
111
855
15,674
14,813
(199
1,073
(13
(1,155
Total operating expenses
11,703
9,826
(88
1,928
Total property operating expenses at the Comparable Properties increased primarily due to the completion of previously delayed maintenance projects and the timing of certain third-party contracts.
Depreciation and amortization expense at the Comparable Properties decreased primarily due to assets becoming fully depreciated or amortized since the prior-year period related to the shorter useful lives that were implemented upon the adoption of fresh start accounting upon our emergence from bankruptcy.
General and administrative expenses increased due to higher compensation and share-based compensation expenses as compared to the prior-year period.
23
Other Income and Expenses
Interest and other income increased $2.5 million during the three months ended March 31, 2023 as compared to the prior-year period. The increase was primarily due to holding U.S. Treasury securities that carry higher interest rates in the current-year period.
Interest expense decreased $47.1 million during the three months ended March 31, 2023 as compared to the prior-year period. The decrease was primarily due to $54.4 million less accretion of property-level debt discounts as certain discounts became fully accreted since the prior-year period. The property-level debt discounts were recognized in conjunction with recording our property-level debt at fair value upon the adoption of fresh start accounting. Also, the decrease includes $10.9 million of interest expense in the prior-year period on the secured notes that were fully redeemed in 2022. The decrease in interest expense was partially offset by an increase of $13.7 million in the current period related to the open-air centers and outparcels loan that was entered into during the second quarter of 2022 and higher interest expense on the term loan due to increased variable interest rates.
For the three months ended March 31, 2023, we recorded a $28.2 million gain on deconsolidation related to Alamance Crossing East that was deconsolidated due to a loss of control when the mall was placed into receivership in connection with the foreclosure process. For the three months ended March 31, 2022, we recorded a $36.3 million gain on deconsolidation related to Greenbrier Mall that was deconsolidated due to a loss of control when the mall was placed into receivership in connection with the foreclosure process.
Reorganizations items, net, were a reduction to income of $1.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2022, which consisted of professional, legal fees and U.S. Trustee fees directly related to the bankruptcy filing in 2020.
Equity in losses of unconsolidated affiliates was $1.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2023. Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates was $8.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2022. The decrease in the current-year period as compared to the prior-year period relates to recognizing equity in losses for the three months ended March 31, 2023 in an unconsolidated affiliate where our investment in that unconsolidated affiliate had previously been zero.
The income tax benefit for the three months ended March 31, 2023 was $0.1 million. The income tax provision for the three months ended March 31, 2022 was $0.8 million.
During the three months ended March 31, 2023, we recognized $1.6 million of gain on sales of real estate assets primarily related to the sale of four land parcels. There were no sales of real estate assets during the prior-year period.
Non-GAAP Measure
Same-center Net Operating Income
NOI is a supplemental non-GAAP measure of the operating performance of our shopping centers and other properties. We define NOI as property operating revenues (rental revenues and other income) less property operating expenses (property operating, real estate taxes and maintenance and repairs).
We compute NOI based on the Operating Partnership's pro rata share of both consolidated and unconsolidated properties. We believe that presenting NOI and same-center NOI (described below) based on our Operating Partnership’s pro rata share of both consolidated and unconsolidated properties is useful since we conduct substantially all our business through our Operating Partnership and, therefore, it reflects the performance of the properties in absolute terms regardless of the ratio of ownership interests of our common shareholders and the noncontrolling interest in the Operating Partnership. Our definition of NOI may be different than that used by other companies, and accordingly, our calculation of NOI may not be comparable to that of other companies.
Since NOI includes only those revenues and expenses related to the operations of our shopping center properties, we believe that same-center NOI provides a measure that reflects trends in occupancy rates, rental rates, sales at our properties and operating costs and the impact of those trends on our results of operations. Our calculation of same-center NOI excludes lease termination income, straight-line rent adjustments, amortization of above and below market lease intangibles and write-offs of landlord inducement assets in order to enhance the comparability of results from one period to another.
We include a property in our same-center pool when we have owned all or a portion of the property since January 1 of the preceding calendar year and it has been in operation for both the entire preceding calendar year and current year-to-date period. New properties are excluded from same-center NOI until they meet these criteria. Properties excluded from the same-center pool that would otherwise meet these criteria are categorized as excluded properties. We exclude properties for which we are working or intend to work with the lender on a restructure of the terms of the loan secured by the property or convey the secured property to the lender (“Excluded Properties”). As of March 31, 2023, Alamance Crossing East and WestGate Mall were classified as Excluded Properties.
24
Due to the exclusions noted above, same-center NOI should only be used as a supplemental measure of our performance and not as an alternative to GAAP operating income (loss) or net income (loss).
A reconciliation of our same-center NOI to net income (loss) for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2023 and 2022 is as follows (in thousands):
Adjustments: (1)
57,242
76,564
59,006
106,586
Abandoned projects expense
Loss (gain) on sales of real estate assets of unconsolidated affiliates
(629
Adjustment for unconsolidated affiliates with negative investment
1,591
(12,547
(44
(81
1,571
Income tax (benefit) provision
(101
801
Lease termination fees
(1,161
(1,395
Straight-line rent and above- and below-market lease amortization
3,689
3,240
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests in other consolidated subsidiaries
General and administrative expenses
19,229
18,074
Management fees and non-property level revenues
(4,980
(1,086
Operating Partnership's share of property NOI
107,016
114,095
Non-comparable NOI
(1,837
(3,954
Total same-center NOI
105,179
110,141
Same-center NOI decreased 4.5% for the three months ended March 31, 2023 as compared to the prior-year period. The $5.0 million decrease for the three months ended March 31, 2023 compared to the same period in 2022 primarily consisted of a $1.4 million decrease in revenues and a $3.6 million increase in operating expenses. Rental revenues were $2.0 million lower primarily due to decreased percentage rents and an unfavorable variance in the estimate for uncollectable revenues in the current-year period as compared to the prior-year period. Property operating expenses were higher in the current-year period as compared to the prior-year period primarily due to the completion of previously delayed maintenance projects and timing of certain third-party contracts.
Operational Review
The shopping center business is, to some extent, seasonal in nature with tenants typically achieving the highest levels of sales during the fourth quarter due to the holiday season, which generally results in higher percentage rents in the fourth quarter. Additionally, malls, lifestyle centers and outlet centers earn a large portion of their rents from short-term tenants during the holiday period. Thus, occupancy levels and revenue production are generally the highest in the fourth quarter of each year. Results of operations realized in any one quarter may not be indicative of the results likely to be experienced over the course of the fiscal year.
We derive the majority of our revenues from the malls, lifestyle centers and outlet centers. The sources of our revenues by property type were as follows:
Malls, Lifestyle Centers and Outlet Centers
85.0
86.7
All Other
15.0
13.3
25
Inline and Adjacent Freestanding Tenant Store Sales
Inline and adjacent freestanding tenant store sales include reporting mall, lifestyle center and outlet center tenants of 10,000 square feet or less and exclude license agreements, which are retail leases that are temporary or short-term in nature and generally last more than three months but less than twelve months. The following is a comparison of our same-center tenant sales per square foot for mall, lifestyle center and outlet center tenants of 10,000 square feet or less (Excluded Properties are not included in sales metrics):
Sales Per Square Foot for the Trailing Twelve Months Ended March 31,
Mall, Lifestyle Center and Outlet Center same-center sales per square foot
433
447
Occupancy
Our portfolio occupancy is summarized in the following table (Excluded Properties are not included in occupancy metrics):
As of March 31,
Total portfolio
89.8%
88.3%
Malls, Lifestyle Centers and Outlet Centers:
Total malls
87.8%
86.4%
Total lifestyle centers
90.9%
86.3%
Total outlet centers
87.3%
87.0%
Total same-center malls, lifestyle centers and outlet centers
88.0%
86.8%
All Other:
Total open-air centers
96.0%
94.4%
Total other
79.9%
89.0%
Leasing
The following is a summary of the total square feet of leases signed in the three-month periods ended March 31, 2023 and 2022:
Operating portfolio:
New leases
286,013
234,890
Renewal leases
988,491
816,806
Development portfolio:
Total leased
1,274,504
1,051,696
26
Average annual base rents per square foot are based on contractual rents in effect as of March 31, 2023 and 2022, including the impact of any rent concessions. Average annual base rents per square foot for comparable small shop space of less than 10,000 square feet were as follows for each property type:
25.42
24.98
Malls, Lifestyle Centers and Outlet Centers (1):
29.99
29.58
30.39
30.16
29.19
27.25
27.78
26.22
15.31
15.03
19.82
19.20
Results from new and renewal leasing of comparable small shop space of less than 10,000 square feet during the three-month period ended March 31, 2023 for spaces that were previously occupied, based on the contractual terms of the related leases inclusive of the impact of any rent concessions, are as follows:
Property Type
SquareFeet
Prior GrossRent PSF
New InitialGross RentPSF
% ChangeInitial
New AverageGross RentPSF (1)
% ChangeAverage
Quarter-to-Date:
All Property Types (2)
737,086
33.56
33.76
0.6
34.40
2.5
Malls, Lifestyle Centers & Outlet Centers
688,518
34.19
(0.6
)%
34.84
1.3
42,400
38.09
43.99
15.5
46.01
20.8
646,118
34.16
33.54
(1.8
34.11
(0.1
New and renewal leasing activity of comparable small shop space of less than 10,000 square feet based on the lease commencement date is as follows:
NumberofLeases
Term(inyears)
InitialRentPSF
AverageRentPSF
ExpiringRentPSF
Initial RentSpread
Average RentSpread
Commencement 2023:
New
93,434
6.35
40.54
42.48
35.77
4.77
6.71
18.8
Renewal
331
1,121,284
2.54
33.66
33.91
33.21
0.45
1.4
0.70
2.1
Commencement 2023 Total
363
1,214,718
2.88
34.57
33.41
0.78
2.3
1.16
3.5
Commencement 2024:
548
3.00
68.32
71.08
65.69
2.63
4.0
5.39
8.2
90,891
2.34
49.50
49.63
47.84
1.66
1.79
3.7
Commencement 2024 Total
45
91,439
2.36
49.61
49.76
47.95
1.81
3.8
Total 2023/2024
408
1,306,157
2.82
35.27
35.63
34.43
0.84
2.4
1.20
Liquidity and Capital Resources
As of March 31, 2023, we had $282.0 million available in unrestricted cash and U.S. Treasury securities. Our total pro rata share of debt, excluding unamortized deferred financing costs and debt discounts, at March 31, 2023 was $2,714.0 million, which includes $41.1 million of an unconsolidated property loan that was in receivership. We had $51.8 million in restricted cash at March 31, 2023 related to cash held in escrow accounts for insurance, real estate taxes, capital expenditures and tenant allowances as required by the terms of certain mortgage notes payable, as well as amounts related to cash management agreements with lenders of certain property-level mortgage indebtedness, which are designated for debt service and operating expense obligations. We also had restricted cash of $20.6 million related to the properties that secure the corporate term loan and the open-air centers and outparcels loan of which we may receive a portion via distributions semiannually and quarterly in accordance with the provisions of the term loan and the open-air centers and outparcels loan, respectively.
27
During the three months ended March 31, 2023, we continued to reinvest the cash from maturing U.S. Treasury securities into new U.S. Treasury securities. We designated our U.S. Treasury securities as available-for-sale. As of March 31, 2023, our U.S. Treasury securities have maturities through November 2023. Subsequent to March 31, 2023, we redeemed and purchased additional U.S. Treasury securities. See Note 14 for additional information.
During the three months ended March 31, 2023, we extended the maturity dates on three loans, which had a combined outstanding balance of $300.2 million at our share as of March 31, 2023. See Note 7 and Note 8 for additional information. Subsequent to March 31, 2023, the Company and its joint venture partner entered into a new $148.0 million loan secured by Friendly Center and The Shops at Friendly Center. See Note 14 for additional information.
In February 2023, we deconsolidated Alamance Crossing East as a result of losing control when the property was placed in receivership. The loan secured by Alamance Crossing East had an outstanding balance of $41.1 million as of March 31, 2023.
We paid common stock dividends of $0.375 per share in the first quarter of 2023. Additionally, our board of directors declared a special dividend of $2.20 per share of common stock, which was paid in cash on January 18, 2023, to stockholders of record as of the close of business on December 12, 2022.
During the three months ended March 31, 2023, we sold four land parcels which generated approximately $4.9 million in gross proceeds at our share.
Subsequent to March 31, 2023, the $7.2 million loan secured by The Outlet Shoppes of the Bluegrass - Phase II was paid off. See Note 14.
Subsequent to March 31, 2023, the Operating Partnership entered into an interest rate swap with a notional amount of $32.0 million to fix the interest rate at 7.3975% on $32.0 million of the variable rate portion of the open-air centers and outparcels loan. The swap has a maturity date of June 7, 2027. We designated the swap as a cash flow hedge on our variable rate debt. See Note 14.
After factoring in all financing activity subsequent to March 31, 2023, our total share of consolidated, unconsolidated and other outstanding debt, excluding debt discounts and deferred financing costs, maturing during 2023, assuming all extension options are elected, is $133.6 million, and our total share of consolidated, unconsolidated and other outstanding debt, excluding debt discounts and deferred financing costs, that matured prior to 2023, which remains outstanding at March 31, 2023, is $69.8 million. We are in discussions with the existing lenders to modify and extend or otherwise refinance the loans.
Cash Flows - Operating, Investing and Financing Activities
There was $95.0 million of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash as of March 31, 2023, a decrease of $150.2 million from March 31, 2022. Of this amount, $22.6 million was unrestricted cash and cash equivalents as of March 31, 2023. Also, at March 31, 2023, we had $259.4 million in U.S. Treasuries with maturities through November 2023.
Our net cash flows are summarized as follows (in thousands):
(9,254
32,314
(78,984
Net cash flows
(55,924
Cash Provided By Operating Activities
Cash provided by operating activities decreased primarily due to lower percentage rents, higher interest expense due to rising variable interest rates and loans entered into after March 31, 2022, as well as previously delayed maintenance projects and timing of certain third-party contracts.
Cash Provided By (Used In) Investing Activities
Cash provided by investing activities increased primarily due to more net redemptions of U.S. Treasury securities during the current-year period as compared to the prior-year period, as well as higher proceeds from sales of real estate assets during the three months ended March 31, 2023. The increase was partially offset by a decrease in distributions from unconsolidated affiliates.
28
Cash Used In Financing Activities
Cash used in financing activities increased primarily due to the payment of a first quarter 2023 common stock dividend and the special dividend that was declared during the fourth quarter of 2022. There were no dividends paid during the first quarter of 2022. The increase was partially offset by a reduction in principal payments during the current-year period as compared to the prior-year period.
Debt
The following tables summarize debt based on our pro rata ownership share, including our pro rata share of unconsolidated affiliates and excluding noncontrolling investors’ share of consolidated properties. Prior to consideration of unamortized deferred financing costs or debt discounts, of our $2,714.0 million outstanding debt at March 31, 2023, $2,555.7 million constituted non-recourse debt obligations and $158.3 million constituted recourse debt obligations. We believe the tables below provide investors and lenders a clearer understanding of our total debt obligations and liquidity (in thousands):
March 31, 2023:
Consolidated
Other Debt (1)
UnconsolidatedAffiliates
Weighted-AverageInterestRate (2)
(25,320
41,122
605,786
1,414,587
4.57%
6.95%
(3)
Recourse loans on operating properties
9,161
3.76%
614,947
1,603,748
4.83%
(13,282
50,990
93,673
7.58%
19,857
8.01%
8.77%
Secured term loan
7.41%
70,847
1,110,269
7.66%
(38,602
685,794
2,714,017
5.99%
294
(2,916
(18,525
Debt discounts (4)
6,051
(57,320
(32,257
682,878
2,638,172
December 31, 2022:
(25,420
611,215
1,429,429
10,427
3.67%
621,642
1,619,856
(13,387
51,539
94,642
6.91%
20,045
7.54%
8.22%
6.87%
71,584
1,124,139
7.10%
(38,807
693,226
2,743,995
5.76%
317
(2,142
(18,926
7,448
(64,841
(31,042
691,084
2,660,228
The weighted-average remaining term of our total share of consolidated and unconsolidated debt, excluding debt discounts and deferred financing costs, was 2.2 years and 2.4 years at March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively. The weighted-average remaining term of our pro rata share of fixed-rate debt, excluding debt discounts and deferred financing costs, was 2.3 years and 2.3 years at March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively.
As of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, our total share of consolidated and unconsolidated variable-rate debt, excluding debt discounts and deferred financing costs, represented 40.9% and 41.0%, respectively, of our total pro rata share of debt, excluding debt discounts and deferred financing costs.
See Note 7 to the condensed consolidated financial statements for information concerning activity related to unconsolidated affiliates.
We paid common stock dividends of $0.375 per share in the first quarter of 2023. Additionally, our board of directors declared a special dividend of $2.20 per share of common stock, which was paid in cash on January 18, 2023, to stockholders of record as of the close of business on December 12, 2022. The decision to declare and pay dividends on any outstanding shares of our common stock, as well as the timing, amount and composition of any such future dividends, will be at the sole discretion of our board of directors and will depend on our earnings, taxable income, FFO, liquidity, financial condition, capital requirements, contractual prohibitions or other limitations under our then-current indebtedness, the annual distribution requirements under the REIT provisions of the Internal Revenue Code, Delaware law and such other factors as our board of directors deems relevant. Any dividends payable will be determined by our board of directors based upon the circumstances at the time of declaration. Our actual results of operations will be affected by a number of factors, including the revenues received from our properties, our operating expenses, interest expense, capital expenditures and the ability of the anchors and tenants at our properties to meet their obligations for payment of rents and tenant reimbursements.
Capital Expenditures
The following table, which excludes expenditures for developments, redevelopments and expansions, summarizes our capital expenditures, including our share of unconsolidated affiliates' capital expenditures, for the three months ended March 31, 2023 compared to the same period in 2022 (in thousands):
Tenant allowances (1)
3,574
2,867
Deferred maintenance:
Parking area and parking area lighting
533
Roof replacements
537
124
Other capital expenditures
1,658
1,822
Total deferred maintenance
2,526
2,479
Capitalized overhead
700
449
Capitalized interest
106
228
Total capital expenditures
6,906
6,023
Annual capital expenditures budgets are prepared for each of our properties that are intended to provide for all necessary recurring and non-recurring capital expenditures. We believe that property operating cash flows, which include reimbursements from tenants for certain expenses, and readily available cash on hand will provide the necessary funding for these expenditures.
30
Developments
Redevelopments Completed as of March 31, 2023
(Dollars in thousands)
CBL's Share of
CBLOwnershipInterest
TotalProjectSquare Feet
TotalCost (1)
Cost toDate (2)
2023Cost
OpeningDate
InitialUnleveragedYield
Redevelopments:
York Town Center - Burlington (former Bed Bath & Beyond)
York, PA
28,000
1,247
1,268
281
Q1 '23
18.5%
Properties Under Development at March 31, 2023
Expected OpeningDate
Mall Expansion:
Sunrise Mall - Bubba's 33
Brownsville, TX
7,575
1,049
920
720
Summer '23
18.0%
Outparcel Development:
Mayfaire Town Center - hotel development
Wilmington, NC
49%
83,021
15,435
1,949
777
Spring '24
11.0%
Kirkwood Mall - Five Below
Bismarck, ND
19,478
2,323
33
Fall '23
16.3%
The Terrace - Nordstrom Rack (former Staples)
Chattanooga, TN
92%
24,155
2,513
1,687
65
Spring '23
13.0%
43,633
4,836
1,722
98
Total Properties Under Development
134,229
21,320
4,591
1,595
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We have ownership interests in 24 unconsolidated affiliates as of March 31, 2023 that are described in Note 7 to the condensed consolidated financial statements. The unconsolidated affiliates are accounted for using the equity method of accounting and are reflected in the condensed consolidated balance sheets as investments in unconsolidated affiliates.
The following are circumstances when we may consider entering into a joint venture with a third party:
31
We may guarantee the debt of a joint venture primarily because it allows the joint venture to obtain funding at a lower cost than could be obtained otherwise. This results in a higher return for the joint venture on its investment, and a higher return on our investment in the joint venture. We may receive a fee from the joint venture for providing the guaranty. Additionally, when we issue a guaranty, the terms of the joint venture agreement typically provide that we may receive indemnification from the joint venture or have the ability to increase our ownership interest.
See Note 11 to the condensed consolidated financial statements for information related to our guarantees of unconsolidated affiliates' debt as of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022.
Critical Accounting Policies
Our discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations is based on our condensed consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with GAAP. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the financial statements and disclosures. Some of these estimates and assumptions require application of difficult, subjective, and/or complex judgment about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain and that may change in subsequent periods. We evaluate our estimates and assumptions on an ongoing basis. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.
Our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022 contains a discussion of our critical accounting policies and estimates in the Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations section. There have been no material changes to these policies and estimates during the three months ended March 31, 2023. Our significant accounting policies are disclosed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022
Funds from Operations
FFO is a widely used non-GAAP measure of the operating performance of real estate companies that supplements net income (loss) determined in accordance with GAAP. NAREIT defines FFO as net income (loss) (computed in accordance with GAAP) excluding gains or losses on sales of depreciable operating properties and impairment losses of depreciable properties, plus depreciation and amortization, and after adjustments for unconsolidated partnerships and joint ventures and noncontrolling interests. Adjustments for unconsolidated partnerships, joint ventures and noncontrolling interests are calculated on the same basis. We define FFO as defined above by NAREIT. Our method of calculating FFO may be different from methods used by other REITs and, accordingly, may not be comparable to such other REITs.
We believe that FFO provides an additional indicator of the operating performance of our properties without giving effect to real estate depreciation and amortization, which assumes the value of real estate assets declines predictably over time. Since values of real estate assets have historically risen or fallen with market conditions, we believe that FFO, which excludes historical cost depreciation and amortization, enhances investors’ understanding of our operating performance. The use of FFO as an indicator of financial performance is influenced not only by the operations of our properties and interest rates, but also by our capital structure.
We believe FFO allocable to Operating Partnership common unitholders is a useful performance measure since we conduct substantially all our business through our Operating Partnership and, therefore, it reflects the performance of our properties in absolute terms regardless of the ratio of ownership interests of our common shareholders and the noncontrolling interest in our Operating Partnership.
In our reconciliation of net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders to FFO allocable to Operating Partnership common unitholders that is presented below, we make an adjustment to add back noncontrolling interest in income (loss) of our Operating Partnership in order to arrive at FFO of the Operating Partnership common unitholders.
FFO does not represent cash flows from operations as defined by GAAP, is not necessarily indicative of cash available to fund all cash flow needs and should not be considered as an alternative to net income (loss) for purposes of evaluating our operating performance or to cash flow as a measure of liquidity.
We believe that it is important to identify the impact of certain significant items on our FFO measures for a reader to have a complete understanding of our results of operations. Therefore, we have also presented adjusted FFO measures excluding these significant items from the applicable periods. Please refer to the reconciliation of net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders to FFO allocable to Operating Partnership common unitholders below for a description of these adjustments.
The reconciliation of net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders to FFO allocable to Operating Partnership common unitholders is as follows (in thousands):
Noncontrolling interest in loss of Operating Partnership
280
Depreciation and amortization expense of:
Consolidated properties
Unconsolidated affiliates
4,638
8,520
Non-real estate assets
(148
Noncontrolling interests' share of depreciation and amortization in other consolidated subsidiaries
(665
(899
Gain on depreciable property
FFO allocable to Operating Partnership common unitholders
59,353
35,000
Debt discount accretion, net of noncontrolling interests' share (1)
16,616
78,463
Adjustment for unconsolidated affiliates with negative investment (2)
Senior secured notes fair value adjustment (3)
198
Litigation settlement (4)
Non-cash default interest expense (5)
494
(8,876
Gain on deconsolidation (6)
Reorganization items, net (7)
FFO allocable to Operating Partnership common unitholders, as adjusted
49,859
57,478
FFO of the Operating Partnership increased to $59.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2023 from $35.0 million for the prior-year period. Excluding the adjustments noted above, FFO of the Operating Partnership, as adjusted, decreased to $49.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2023 from $57.5 million for the prior-year period. The decrease in FFO, as adjusted, for the three months ended March 31, 2023 was primarily driven by lower percentage rents, higher interest expense due to rising variable interest rates and loans entered into after March 31, 2022, as well as previously delayed maintenance projects and timing of certain third-party contracts. The decrease was partially offset by increased interest income on our U.S. Treasury securities and gains on the sale of outparcels as compared to the prior-year period.
ITEM 3: Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
We are exposed to various market risk exposures, including interest rate risk. The following discussion regarding our risk management activities includes forward-looking statements that involve risk and uncertainties. Estimates of future performance and economic conditions are reflected assuming certain changes in interest rates. Caution should be used in evaluating our overall market risk from the information presented below, as actual results may differ.
Interest Rate Risk
Based on our proportionate share of consolidated and unconsolidated variable-rate debt at March 31, 2023, a 0.5% increase or decrease in interest rates on variable-rate debt would increase or decrease annual cash flows by approximately $5.5 million.
Based on our proportionate share of total consolidated, unconsolidated and other debt at March 31, 2023, a 0.5% increase in interest rates would decrease the fair value of debt by approximately $12.1 million, while a 0.5% decrease in interest rates would increase the fair value of debt by approximately $12.6 million.
ITEM 4: Controls and Procedures
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
As of the end of the period covered by this quarterly report, an evaluation was performed under the supervision of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer and with the participation of our management, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-15. The Company's disclosure controls and procedures are designed to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in the reports we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC rules and forms and to ensure that information we are required to disclose is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during our most recent fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1: Legal Proceedings
The information in this Item 1 is incorporated by reference herein from Note 11.
ITEM 1A. Risk Factors
In addition to the other information set forth in this report, you should carefully consider the risks that could materially affect our business, financial condition or results of operations that are discussed under the caption “Risk Factors” in Part I, Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022. There have been no material changes to such risk factors since the filing of our Annual Report.
ITEM 2: Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
Not applicable.
ITEM 3: Defaults Upon Senior Securities
ITEM 4: Mine Safety Disclosures
ITEM 5: Other Information
None.
ITEM 6: Exhibits
INDEX TO EXHIBITS
Exhibit
Number
Description
3.1
Amendment, dated February 15, 2023, to Fourth Amended and Restated Bylaws of CBL & Associates Properties, Inc. (incorporated by reference from the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on February 21, 2023).
3.2
Fifth Amended and Restated Bylaws of CBL & Associates Properties, Inc. (incorporated by reference from the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed on March 1, 2023).
10.1
Consulting Agreement with Farzana Khaleel, effective as of December 31, 2022 (incorporated by reference to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed January 3, 2023).
10.2
Separation and General Release Agreement with Farzana Khaleel, effective as of December 31, 2022 (incorporated by reference to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed January 3, 2023).
10.3
First Amendment, dated February 15, 2023, to Employment Agreement for Benjamin W. Jaenicke dated September 1, 2022 (incorporated by reference to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed February 22, 2023).
10.4
CBL & Associates Properties, Inc. Named Executive Officer Annual Incentive Compensation Plan (AIP) (Fiscal Year 2023) (incorporated by reference from the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on February 22, 2023).
10.5
2023 Long Term Incentive Plan under CBL & Associates Properties, Inc. 2021 Equity Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference from the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on February 22, 2023).
10.6
Form of 2023 LTIP Performance Stock Unit Award Agreement under CBL & Associates Properties, Inc. 2021 Equity Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference from the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on February 22, 2023).
10.7
Form of 2023 LTIP Stock Restriction Agreement under CBL & Associates Properties, Inc. 2021 Equity Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference from the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on February 22, 2023).
10.8
Form of Non-Employee Director Annual Award Stock Restriction Agreement under CBL & Associates Properties, Inc. 2021 Equity Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference from the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed on March 1, 2023).
10.9
CBL & Associates Properties, Inc. Tier 1 Retiree Program (incorporated by reference from the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed on March 1, 2023).
31.1
Certification pursuant to Securities Exchange Act Rule 13a-14(a) by the Chief Executive Officer, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 for CBL & Associates Properties, Inc.
31.2
Certification pursuant to Securities Exchange Act Rule 13a-14(a) by the Chief Financial Officer, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 for CBL & Associates Properties, Inc.
32.1
Certification pursuant to Securities Exchange Act Rule 13a-14(b) by the Chief Executive Officer, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 for CBL & Associates Properties, Inc.
32.2
Certification pursuant to Securities Exchange Act Rule 13a-14(b) by the Chief Financial Officer as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 for CBL & Associates Properties, Inc.
101.INS
XBRL Instance Document - the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document. (Filed herewith.)
101.SCH
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document. (Filed herewith.)
101.CAL
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document. (Filed herewith.)
101.LAB
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document. (Filed herewith.)
101.PRE
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document. (Filed herewith.)
101.DEF
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document. (Filed herewith.)
104
Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL with applicable taxonomy extension information contained in Exhibits 101.*). (Filed herewith.)
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.
Date: May 10, 2023
/s/ Benjamin W. Jaenicke
Benjamin W. Jaenicke
Executive Vice President -
Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
(Authorized Officer and Principal Financial Officer)