First Industrial Realty Trust - 10-K annual report

This report contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. We intend such forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, and are including this statement for purposes of complying with those safe harbor provisions. Forward-looking statements, which are based on certain assumptions and describe future plans, strategies and expectations of the Company, are generally identifiable by use of the words “believe,” “expect,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “project” or similar expressions. Our ability to predict results or the actual effect of future plans or strategies is inherently uncertain. Factors which could have a material adverse affect on our operations and future prospects include, but are not limited to, changes in: international, national, regional and local economic conditions generally and the real estate market specifically, legislative/regulatory changes (including changes to laws governing the taxation of real estate investment trusts), availability of financing, interest rates, competition, supply and demand for industrial properties in our current and proposed market areas, potential environmental liabilities, slippage in development orlease-upschedules, tenant credit risks, higher-than-expected costs and changes in general accounting principles, policies and guidelines applicable to real estate investment trusts and risks related to doing business internationally (including foreign currency exchange risks). These risks and uncertainties should be considered in evaluating forward-looking statements and undue reliance should not be placed on such statements. Further information concerning the Company and its business, including additional factors that could materially affect our financial results, is included in Item 1A, “Risk Factors” and in our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Unless the context otherwise requires, the terms the “Company,” “we,” “us,” and “our” refer to First Industrial Realty Trust, Inc., First Industrial, L.P. and their other controlled subsidiaries. We refer to our operating partnership, First Industrial, L.P., as the “Operating Partnership,” and our taxable REIT subsidiary, First Industrial Investment, Inc., as the “TRS.”

First Industrial Realty Trust, Inc. is a Maryland corporation organized on August 10, 1993, and is a real estate investment trust (“REIT”) under Sections 856 through 860 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the “Code”). We are a self-administered and fully integrated real estate company which owns, manages, acquires, sells, develops, and redevelops industrial real estate. As of December 31, 2008, our in-service portfolio consisted of 352 light industrial properties, 121 R&D/flex properties, 152 bulk warehouse properties, 84 regional warehouse properties and 19 manufacturing properties containing approximately 60.6 million square feet of gross leasable area (“GLA”) located in 28 states in the United States and one province in Canada. Our in-service portfolio includes all properties other than developed, redeveloped and acquired properties that have not yet reached stabilized occupancy (generally defined as properties that are 90% leased).

Our interests in our properties and land parcels are held through partnerships, corporations, and limited liability companies controlled, directly or indirectly, by the Company, including the Operating Partnership, of which we are the sole general partner with an approximate 88.5% and 87.1% ownership interest at December 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively, as well as, among others, the TRS, which is a taxable REIT subsidiary of which the Operating Partnership is the sole stockholder, all of whose operating data is consolidated with that of the Company as presented herein.

We also own minority equity interests in, and provide various services to, seven joint ventures whose purpose is to invest in industrial properties (the “2003 Net Lease Joint Venture,” the “2005 Development/Repositioning Joint Venture,” the “2005 Core Joint Venture,” the “2006 Net Lease Co-Investment Program,” the “2006 Land/Development Joint Venture,” the “2007 Canada Joint Venture,” and the “2007 Europe Joint Venture”; together the “Joint Ventures”). The Joint Ventures are accounted for under the equity method of accounting. One of the Joint Ventures, the 2007 Europe Joint Venture, does not own any properties and is inactive.

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

We utilize an operating approach which combines the effectiveness of decentralized, locally-based property management, acquisition, sales and development functions with the cost efficiencies of centralized acquisition, sales and development support, capital markets expertise, asset management and fiscal control systems. At February 20, 2009, we had 340 employees, approximately 34.4% fewer than at February 20, 2008.

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

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

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

During 2008, we acquired or placed in-service developments totaling 33 industrial properties and acquired several parcels of land for a total investment of approximately $441.8 million. We also sold 114 industrial properties and several parcels of land for a gross sales price of approximately $583.2 million. At December 31, 2008, we owned 728 in-service industrial properties containing approximately 60.6 million square feet of GLA.

During 2008, we repurchased and retired $36.6 million of our senior unsecured notes for a gain on early debt retirement of approximately $2.7 million.

On or after March 31, 2009, our Series F Preferred Stock is subject to a coupon rate reset. The coupon rate resets every quarter beginning March 31, 2009 at 2.375% plus the greater of i) the 30 Year U.S. Treasury rate, ii) the 10 Year U.S. Treasury rate oriii) 3-MonthLIBOR. In October 2008, we entered into an interest rate swap agreement (the “Series F Agreement”) to mitigate our exposure to floating interest rates related to the forecasted reset rate of our Series F Preferred Stock. The Series F Agreement has a notional value of $50.0 million and is effective from April 1, 2009 through October 1, 2013. The Series F Agreement fixes the 30-yearU.S. Treasury rate at 5.2175%. We recorded $3.1 million in mark to market loss which is included in Mark to Market Loss on Settlement of Interest Rate Protection Agreements in earnings for the year ended December 31, 2008.

During the three months ended December 31, 2008, the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors approved a plan to reduce organizational and overhead costs. As a result of the plan we recorded as restructuring costs a pre-tax charge of $27.3 million to provide for employee severance and benefits ($24.8 million), costs associated with the termination of certain office leases ($1.2 million) and contract cancellation and other costs ($1.3 million) associated with implementing the restructuring plan for the year ended December 31, 2008.

We and our Joint Ventures have acquisition and development programs through which we are engaged in identifying, negotiating and consummating portfolio and individual industrial property acquisitions and developments. As a result, we and our Joint Ventures, other than our 2007 Europe Joint Venture, are currently engaged in negotiations relating to the possible acquisition and development of certain industrial properties.

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

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

Industrial properties are typically used for the design, assembly, packaging, storage and distribution of goodsand/or the provision of services. As a result, the demand for industrial space in the United States is related to the level of economic output. Historically, occupancy rates for industrial property in the United States have been higher than office property. We believe that the higher occupancy rate in the industrial property sector is a result of theconstruction-on-demandnature of, and the comparatively short development time required for, industrial property. For the five years ended December 31, 2008, the national occupancy rate for industrial properties in the United States has ranged from 88.3%*to 90.7%*, with an occupancy rate of 88.7%* at December 31, 2008.

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

The capital and credit markets in the United States and other countries have recently experienced significant price volatility, dislocations and liquidity disruptions, which have caused market prices of many securities to fluctuate substantially and the spreads on prospective debt financings to widen considerably. These circumstances have materially impacted liquidity in the financial markets, making terms for certain financings less attractive, and in some cases have resulted in the unavailability of financing. A majority of our existing indebtedness was sold through capital markets transactions. We anticipate that the capital markets could be a source of refinancing of our existing indebtedness in the future, including our 5.25% Notes in the aggregate amount of $125.0 million due on June 15, 2009. This source of refinancing may not be available if capital markets volatility and disruption continues, which could have a material adverse effect on our liquidity. Furthermore, we could potentially lose access to our current available liquidity under our Unsecured Line of Credit if one or more participating lenders default on their investments. While the ultimate outcome of these market conditions cannot be predicted, they may have a material adverse effect on our liquidity and financial condition if our ability to borrow money under our Unsecured Line of Credit or to issue additional debt or equity securities to finance future acquisitions, developments and redevelopments and Joint Venture activities were to be impaired.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

We are subject to the risks that, upon expiration, leases may not be renewed, the space subject to such leases may not be relet or the terms of renewal or reletting, including the cost of required renovations, may be less favorable than expiring lease terms. If we were unable to promptly renew a significant number of expiring leases or to promptly relet the space covered by such leases, or if the rental rates upon renewal or reletting were significantly lower than the current rates, our financial condition, results of operation, cash flow and ability to pay dividends on, and the market price of our common stock could be adversely affected. As of December 31, 2008, leases with respect to approximately 11.8 million, 9.7 million and 8.4 million square feet of GLA, representing 21%, 17% and 15% of GLA, expire in 2009, 2010 and 2011, respectively.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

If the Operating Partnership decides to obtain additional debt financing in the future, it may do so through mortgages on any of its properties. These mortgages may be issued on a recourse, non-recourse or cross-collateralized basis. Cross-collateralization makes all of the subject properties available to the lender in order to satisfy our debt. Holders of indebtedness that is so secured will have a claim against these properties. To the extent indebtedness is cross-collateralized, lenders may seek to foreclose upon properties that are not the primary collateral for their loan, which may, in turn, result in acceleration of other indebtedness secured by properties. Foreclosure of properties would result in a loss of income and asset value to us, making it difficult for us to meet both debt payment obligations and the distribution requirements of the REIT provisions of the Code. As of December 31, 2008, none of our existing indebtedness was cross-collateralized.

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

The Unsecured Line of Credit provides for the repayment of principal in a lump-sum or “balloon” payment at maturity in 2012. Under the Unsecured Line of Credit, we have the right, subject to certain conditions, to increase the aggregate commitment by up to $200.0 million. The portion available in multiple currencies is $161.0 million. As of December 31, 2008, $443.3 million was outstanding under the Unsecured Line of Credit at a weighted average interest rate of 1.98%.

Our ability to make required payments of principal on outstanding indebtedness, whether at maturity or otherwise, may depend on our ability either to refinance the applicable indebtedness or to sell properties. We have no commitments to refinance the 2009 Notes, the 2011 Notes, the 2011 Exchangeable Notes, the 2012 Notes, the 2014 Notes, the 2016 Notes, the 2017 Notes, the 2017 II Notes, the 2027 Notes, the 2028 Notes, the 2032 Notes or the Unsecured Line of Credit. Some of our existing debt obligations, other than those

As of December 31, 2008, our ratio of debt to our total market capitalization was 75.6%. We compute that percentage by calculating our total consolidated debt as a percentage of the aggregate market value of all outstanding shares of our common stock, assuming the exchange of all limited partnership units of the Operating Partnership for common stock, plus the aggregate stated value of all outstanding shares of preferred stock and total consolidated debt. Our organizational documents do not contain any limitation on the amount or percentage of indebtedness we may incur. Accordingly, we could become more highly leveraged, resulting in an increase in debt service that could adversely affect our ability to make expected distributions to stockholders and in an increased risk of default on our obligations.

Our Unsecured Line of Credit bears interest at a floating rate. As of December 31, 2008, our Unsecured Line of Credit had an outstanding balance of $443.3 million at a weighted average interest rate of 1.98%. Our Unsecured Line of Credit bears interest at the prime rate or at the LIBOR plus 0.75%, at our election. Based on an outstanding balance on our Unsecured Line of Credit as of December 31, 2008, a 10% increase in interest rates would increase interest expense by $0.8 million on an annual basis. Increases in the interest rate payable on balances outstanding under our Unsecured Line of Credit would decrease our cash available for distribution to stockholders.

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

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

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

As of December 31, 2008, seven of our Joint Ventures owned approximately 22.8 million square feet of properties. As of December 31, 2008, our investment in Joint Ventures was $16.3 million in the aggregate, and for the year ended December 31, 2008, our equity in loss of Joint Ventures was $33.2 million. Our organizational documents do not limit the amount of available funds that we may invest in Joint Ventures and we intend to continue to develop and acquire properties through Joint Ventures with other persons or entities when warranted by the circumstances. Joint venture investments, in general, involve certain risks, including:

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

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

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

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

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

Owning, operating and developing industrial property outside of the United States exposes the Company to the possibility of volatile movements in foreign exchange rates. Changes in foreign currencies can affect the operating results of international operations reported in U.S. dollars and the value of the foreign assets reported in U.S. dollars. The economic impact of foreign exchange rate movements is complex because such changes are often linked to variability in real growth, inflation, interest rates, governmental actions and other factors. A significant depreciation in the value of the currency of one or more countries where we have a significant investment may materially affect our results of operations.

None.

At December 31, 2008, we owned 728 in-service industrial properties containing an aggregate of approximately 60.6 million square feet of GLA in 28 states and one province in Canada, with a diverse base of more than 1,900 tenants engaged in a wide variety of businesses, including manufacturing, retail, wholesale

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

The following describes, generally, the different industrial categories:

Each of the properties is wholly owned by us or our consolidated subsidiaries. The following tables summarize certain information as of December 31, 2008, with respect to our in-service properties.

During 2008, we acquired 26 industrial properties totaling approximately 3.1 million square feet of GLA at a total purchase price of approximately $213.0 million, or approximately $68.71 per square foot. We also purchased several land parcels for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $126.7 million. The 26 industrial properties acquired have the following characteristics:

During 2008, we placed in-service seven developments totaling approximately 2.2 million square feet of GLA at a total cost of approximately $102.1 million, or approximately $46.41 per square foot. The developments placed in-service have the following characteristics:

At December 31, 2008, we had 13 development projects not placed in service, totaling an estimated 4.1 million square feet and with an estimated completion cost of approximately $224.2 million. There can be no assurance that we will place these projects in service in 2009 or that the actual completion cost will not exceed the estimated completion cost stated above.

During 2008, we sold 114 industrial properties totaling approximately 9.1 million square feet of GLA and several land parcels. Total gross sales proceeds approximated $583.2 million. The 114 industrial properties sold have the following characteristics:

From January 1, 2009 to February 20, 2009, we acquired one land parcel for a total estimated investment of approximately $0.2 million. There were no industrial properties sold during this period.

We have a diverse base of more than 1,900 tenants engaged in a wide variety of businesses including manufacturing, retail, wholesale trade, distribution and professional services. Most leases have an initial term of between three and six years and provide for periodic rent increases that are either fixed or based on changes in the Consumer Price Index. Industrial tenants typically have net orsemi-netleases and pay as additional rent their percentage of the property’s operating costs, including the costs of common area maintenance, property taxes and insurance. As of December 31, 2008, approximately 92% of the GLA of our in-service properties was leased, and no single tenant or group of related tenants accounted for more than 2.6% of our rent revenues, nor did any single tenant or group of related tenants occupy more than 2.5% of the total GLA of our in-service properties as of December 31, 2008.

The following table shows scheduled lease expirations for all leases for our in-service properties as of December 31, 2008.

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

None.

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

We had 696 common stockholders of record registered with our transfer agent as of February 20, 2009.

We have estimated that, for federal income tax purposes, approximately 4.68% of the total $104.2 million (which excludes $2.7 million of distributions on unvested restricted stock which is treated as compensation expense for tax purposes) in common stock distributions declared in 2008 were classified as ordinary dividend income to our shareholders, 6.91% qualified as 15 percent rate qualified dividend income and 88.41% qualified as capital gain income.

Additionally, for tax purposes, an estimated 4.68% of our 2008 preferred stock dividends were ordinary income, 6.91% qualified as 15 percent rate qualified dividend income and 88.41% qualifying as capital gain income.

In order to comply with the REIT requirements of the Code, we are generally required to make common share distributions and preferred share dividends (other than capital gain distributions) to our shareholders in amounts that together at least equal i) the sum of a) 90% of our “REIT taxable income” computed without regard to the dividends paid deduction and net capital gains and b) 90% of net income (after tax), if any, from foreclosure property, minus ii) certain excess non-cash income. Under a recently issued revenue procedure, the IRS will allow us to treat a stock distribution to our shareholders in 2009, under astock-or-cashelection that meets specified conditions, including a minimum 10% cash distribution component, as a distribution qualifying for the dividends paid deduction. Our common share distribution policy is determined by our board of directors and is dependent on multiple factors, including cash flow and capital expenditure requirements, as well as ensuring that we meet the minimum distribution requirements set forth in the Code. We met the minimum distribution requirements with the common and preferred distributions made with respect to 2008. For 2009, we intend to meet our minimum distribution requirements.

During 2008, the Operating Partnership did not issue any Units.

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

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

The following graph provides a comparison of the cumulative total stockholder return among the Company, the NAREIT Equity REIT Total Return Index (the “NAREIT Index”) and the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index (“S&P 500”). The comparison is for the period from December 31, 2003 to December 31, 2008 and assumes the reinvestment of any dividends. The closing price for our Common Stock quoted on the NYSE at the close of business on December 31, 2003 was $33.75 per share. The NAREIT Index includes REITs with 75% or more of their gross invested book value of assets invested directly or indirectly in the equity ownership of real estate. Upon written request, we will provide stockholders with a list of the REITs included in the NAREIT Index. The historical information set forth below is not necessarily indicative of future performance. The following graph was prepared at our request by Research Data Group, Inc., San Francisco, California.

The following sets forth selected financial and operating data for the Company on a historical consolidated basis. The following data should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto and Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations included elsewhere in thisForm 10-K.The historical statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005 and 2004 include the results of operations of the Company as derived from our audited financial statements, adjusted for discontinued operations. The results of operations of properties sold are presented in discontinued operations if they met both of the following criteria: (a) the operations and cash flows of the property have been (or will be) eliminated from the ongoing operations of the Company as a result of the disposition and (b) we will not have any significant involvement in the operations of the property after the disposal transaction. The historical balance sheet data and other data as of December 31, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005 and 2004 include the balances of the Company as derived from our audited financial statements.

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

In addition, the following discussion contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. We intend such forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, and are including this statement for purposes of complying with those safe harbor provisions. Forward-looking statements, which are based on certain assumptions and describe future plans, strategies and expectations of the Company, are generally identifiable by use of the words “believe,” “expect,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “project” or similar expressions. Our ability to predict results or the actual effect of future plans or strategies is inherently uncertain. Factors which could have a material adverse affect on the operations and future prospects of the Company on a consolidated basis include, but are not limited to, changes in: international, national, regional and local economic conditions generally and the real estate market specifically, legislative/regulatory changes (including changes to laws governing the taxation of real estate investment trusts), availability of financing, interest rate, competition, supply and demand for industrial properties in our current and proposed market areas, potential environmental liabilities, slippage in development orlease-upschedules, tenant credit risks, higher-than-expected costs and changes in general accounting principles, policies and guidelines applicable to real estate investment trusts and risks related to doing business internationally (including foreign currency exchange risks). These risks and uncertainties should be considered in evaluating forward-looking statements and undue reliance should not be placed on such statements. Further information concerning the Company and its business, including additional factors that could materially affect our financial results, is included in Item 1A. “Risk Factors,” and in our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”).

The Company was organized in the state of Maryland on August 10, 1993. We are a REIT, as defined in the Code. We began operations on July 1, 1994. Our interests in our properties and land parcels are held through partnerships, corporations, and limited liability companies controlled, directly or indirectly, by us, including First Industrial, L.P. (the “Operating Partnership”), of which we are the sole general partner, as well as, among others, our taxable REIT subsidiary, First Industrial Investment, Inc. (the “TRS”), of which the Operating Partnership is the sole stockholder, all of whose operating data is consolidated with that of the Company as presented herein.

We also own minority equity interests in, and provide services to, seven joint ventures whose purpose is to invest in industrial properties (the “2003 Net Lease Joint Venture,” the “2005 Development/Repositioning Joint Venture,” the “2005 Core Joint Venture,” the “2006 Net Lease Co-Investment Program,” the “2006Land/DevelopmentJoint Venture,” the “2007 Canada Joint Venture,” and the “2007 Europe Joint Venture”; together the “Joint Ventures”). The Joint Ventures are accounted for under the equity method of accounting. One of the Joint Ventures, the 2007 Europe Joint Venture, does not own any properties and is inactive.

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

We believe our financial condition and results of operations are, primarily, a function of our performance and our Joint Ventures’ performance in four key areas: leasing of industrial properties, acquisition and development of additional industrial properties, redeployment of internal capital and access to external capital.

We generate revenue primarily from rental income and tenant recoveries from long-term (generally three to six years) operating leases of our industrial properties and our Joint Ventures’ industrial properties. Such revenue is offset by certain property specific operating expenses, such as real estate taxes, repairs and maintenance, property management, utilities and insurance expenses, along with certain other costs and expenses, such as depreciation and amortization costs and general and administrative and interest expenses. Our revenue growth is dependent, in part, on our ability to (i) increase rental income, through increasing either or both occupancy rates and rental rates at our properties and our Joint Ventures’ properties, (ii) maximize tenant recoveries and (iii) minimize operating and certain other expenses. Revenues generated from rental income and tenant recoveries are a significant source of funds, in addition to income generated from gains/losses on the sale of our properties and our Joint Ventures’ properties (as discussed below), for our distributions. The leasing of property, in general, and occupancy rates, rental rates, operating expenses and certain non-operating expenses, in particular, are impacted, variously, by property specific, market specific, general economic and other conditions, many of which are beyond our control. The leasing of property also entails various risks, including the risk of tenant default. If we were unable to maintain or increase occupancy rates and rental rates at our properties and our Joint Ventures’ properties or to maintain tenant recoveries and operating and certain other expenses consistent with historical levels and proportions, our revenue growth would be limited. Further, if a significant number of our tenants and our Joint Ventures’ tenants were unable to pay rent (including tenant recoveries) or if we or our Joint Ventures were unable to rent our properties on favorable terms, our financial condition, results of operations, cash flow and ability to pay dividends on, and the market price of, our common stock would be adversely affected.

Our revenue growth is also dependent, in part, on our ability and our Joint Ventures’ ability to acquire existing, and acquire and develop new, additional industrial properties on favorable terms. The Company itself, and through our various Joint Ventures, continually seeks to acquire existing industrial properties on favorable terms, and, when conditions permit, also seeks to acquire and develop new industrial properties on favorable terms. Existing properties, as they are acquired, and acquired and developed properties, as they are leased, generate revenue from rental income, tenant recoveries and fees, income from which, as discussed above, is a source of funds for our distributions. The acquisition and development of properties is impacted, variously, by property specific, market specific, general economic and other conditions, many of which are beyond our control. The acquisition and development of properties also entails various risks, including the risk that our investments and our Joint Ventures’ investments may not perform as expected. For example, acquired existing and acquired and developed new properties may not sustainand/orachieve anticipated occupancy and rental rate levels. With respect to acquired and developed new properties, we may not be able to complete construction on schedule or within budget, resulting in increased debt service expense and construction costs and delays in leasing the properties. Also, we, as well as our Joint Ventures, face significant competition for attractive acquisition and development opportunities from other well-capitalized real estate investors, including both publicly-traded REITs and private investors. Further, as discussed below, we and our Joint Ventures may not be able to finance the acquisition and development opportunities we identify. If we and our Joint Ventures were unable to acquire and develop sufficient additional properties on favorable terms, or if such investments did not perform as expected, our revenue growth would be limited and our financial condition, results of operations, cash flow and ability to pay dividends on, and the market price of, our common stock would be adversely affected.

We also generate income from the sale of our properties and our Joint Ventures’ properties (including existing buildings, buildings which we or our Joint Ventures have developed or re-developed on a merchant basis, and land). The Company itself and through our various Joint Ventures is continually engaged in, and our income growth is dependent in part on, systematically redeploying capital from properties and other assets with lower yield potential into properties and other assets with higher yield potential. As part of that process,

We utilize a portion of the net sales proceeds from property sales, borrowings under our unsecured line of credit (the “Unsecured Line of Credit”) and proceeds from the issuance when and as warranted, of additional debt and equity securities to finance future acquisitions and developments and to fund our equity commitments to our Joint Ventures. Access to external capital on favorable terms plays a key role in our financial condition and results of operations, as it impacts our cost of capital and our ability and cost to refinance existing indebtedness as it matures and to fund acquisitions, developments and contributions to our Joint Ventures or through the issuance, when and as warranted, of additional equity securities. Our ability to access external capital on favorable terms is dependent on various factors, including general market conditions, interest rates, credit ratings on our capital stock and debt, the market’s perception of our growth potential, our current and potential future earnings and cash distributions and the market price of our capital stock. If we were unable to access external capital on favorable terms, our financial condition, results of operations, cash flow and ability to pay dividends on, and the market price of, our common stock would be adversely affected.

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

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

We believe that we were in compliance with our financial covenants as of December 31, 2008, and we anticipate that we will be able to operate in compliance with our financial covenants in 2009. However, our ability to meet our financial covenants may be reduced if 2009 economic and credit market conditions limit our property sales and reduce our net operating income below our projections. We expect to refinance indebtedness maturing in 2009 and to comply with our financial covenants in 2009 and beyond. We plan to enhance our liquidity through a combination of capital retention, mortgage financing and asset sales.

In addition, we may from time to time repurchase or redeem our outstanding securities. Any repurchases or redemptions would depend upon prevailing market conditions, our liquidity requirements, contractual restrictions and other factors we consider important. Future repurchases or redemptions may materially impact our liquidity, future tax liability and results of operations.

Although we believe we will be successful in meeting our liquidity needs through a combination of capital retention, mortgage financing and asset sales, if we were to be unsuccessful in executing one or more of the strategies outlined above, we would be materially adversely effected.

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

Our net income available to common stockholders was $21.8 million and $131.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively. Basic and diluted net income available to common stockholders were $0.50 per share for the year ended December 31, 2008 and $2.99 per share for the year ended December 31, 2007.

The tables below summarize our revenues, property expenses and depreciation and other amortization by various categories for the year ended December 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007. Same store properties are properties owned prior to January 1, 2007 and held as an operating property through December 31, 2008 and developments and redevelopments that were placed in service prior to January 1, 2007 or were substantially completed for the 12 months prior to January 1, 2007. Properties are placed in service as they reach stabilized occupancy (generally defined as 90% occupied). Acquired properties are properties that were acquired subsequent to December 31, 2006 and held as an operating property through December 31, 2008. Sold properties are properties that were sold subsequent to December 31, 2006. (Re)Developments and land are land parcels and developments and redevelopments that were not: a) substantially complete 12 months prior to January 1, 2007 or b) stabilized prior to January 1, 2007. Other revenues are derived from the operations of our maintenance company, fees earned from our Joint Ventures and other miscellaneous revenues. Construction revenues and expenses represent revenues earned and expenses incurred in connection with the TRS acting as general contractor or development manager to construct industrial properties, including industrial properties for the 2005 Development/Repositioning Joint Venture, and also include revenues and expenses related to the development of properties for third parties. Other expenses are derived from the operations of our maintenance company and other miscellaneous regional expenses.

Our future financial condition and results of operations, including rental revenues, may be impacted by the future acquisition and sale of properties. Our future revenues and expenses may vary materially from historical rates.

For the years ended December 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007, the occupancy rates of our same store properties were 91.1% and 91.7%, respectively.