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UNITED STATESSECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
Commission File Number: 1-13199
SL GREEN REALTY CORP. (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(B) OF THE ACT:
SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(G) OF THE ACT: None
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes ý No o
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes o No ý
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 ý No o
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of the registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer," and "smaller reporting company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes o No ý
As of February 18, 2009, there were 57,258,756 shares of the Registrant's common stock outstanding. The aggregate market value of the common stock, held by non-affiliates of the Registrant (53,458,234 shares) at June 30, 2008 was $4.4 billion. The aggregate market value was calculated by using the closing price of the common stock as of that date on the New York Stock Exchange.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Portions of the Registrant's Proxy Statement for its 2009 Annual Stockholders' Meeting to be to be filed within 120 days after the end of the Registrant's fiscal year, are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
SL GREEN REALTY CORP. FORM 10-K TABLE OF CONTENTS
10-K PART AND ITEM NO.
PART I
1.
Business
1.A
Risk Factors
1.B
Unresolved Staff Comments
2.
Properties
3.
Legal Proceedings
4.
Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
PART II
5.
Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholders Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
6.
Selected Financial Data
7.
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation
7A.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
8.
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
9.
Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
9A.
Controls and Procedures
9B.
Other Information
PART III
10.
Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance of the Registrant
11.
Executive Compensation
12.
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
13.
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions and Director Independence
14.
Principal Accounting Fees and Services
PART IV
15.
Exhibits, Financial Statements and Schedules
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ITEM 1. BUSINESS
General
SL Green Realty Corp. is a self-managed real estate investment trust, or REIT, with in-house capabilities in property management, acquisitions, financing, development, construction and leasing. We were formed in June 1997 for the purpose of continuing the commercial real estate business of S.L. Green Properties, Inc., our predecessor entity. S.L. Green Properties, Inc., which was founded in 1980 by Stephen L. Green, our Chairman, had been engaged in the business of owning, managing, leasing, acquiring and repositioning office properties in Manhattan, a borough of New York City, or Manhattan.
On January 25, 2007, we completed the acquisition, or the Reckson Merger, of all of the outstanding shares of common stock of Reckson Associates Realty Corp., or Reckson, pursuant to the terms of the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of August 3, 2006, as amended, the Merger Agreement, among SL Green, Wyoming Acquisition Corp., or Wyoming, Wyoming Acquisition GP LLC, Wyoming Acquisition Partnership LP, Reckson and Reckson Operating Partnership, L.P., or ROP. Pursuant to the terms of the Merger Agreement, each of the issued and outstanding shares of common stock of Reckson were converted into (i) $31.68 in cash, (ii) 0.10387 of a share of the common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of SL Green and (iii) a prorated dividend in an amount equal to approximately $0.0977 in cash. We also assumed an aggregate of approximately $226.3 million of Reckson mortgage debt, approximately $287.5 million of Reckson convertible public debt and approximately $967.8 million of Reckson public unsecured notes. As a result of the Reckson Merger, ROP is a subsidiary of our operating partnership.
On January 25, 2007, we completed the sale, or Asset Sale, of certain assets of ROP pursuant to an asset purchasing venture led by certain of Reckson's former executive management, or the Buyer, for a total consideration of approximately $2.0 billion. SL Green caused ROP to transfer the following assets to the Buyer in the Asset Sale: (1) certain real property assets and/or entities owning such real property assets, in either case, of ROP and 100% of certain loans secured by real property, all of which are located in Long Island, New York; (2) certain real property assets and/or entities owning such real property assets, in either case, of ROP located in White Plains and Harrison, New York; (3) all of the real property assets and/or entities owning 100% of the interests in such real property assets, in either case, of ROP located in New Jersey; (4) the entity owning a 25% interest in Reckson Australia Operating Company LLC, Reckson's Australian management company (including its Australian licensed responsible entity), and other related entities, and ROP and ROP subsidiaries' rights to and interests in, all related contracts and assets, including, without limitation, property management and leasing, construction services and asset management contracts and services contracts; (5) the direct or indirect interest of Reckson in Reckson Asset Partners, LLC, an affiliate of RSVP and all of ROP's rights in and to certain loans made by ROP to Frontline Capital Group, the bankrupt parent of RSVP, and other related entities, which will be purchased by a 50/50 joint venture with an affiliate of SL Green; (6) a 50% participation interest in certain loans made by a subsidiary of ROP that are secured by four real property assets located in Long Island, New York; and (7) 100% of certain loans secured by real property located in White Plains and New Rochelle, New York.
As of December 31, 2008, we owned the following interests in commercial office properties in the New York Metro area, primarily in midtown Manhattan, a borough of New York City, or Manhattan. Our investments in the New York Metro area also include investments in Brooklyn, Queens, Long
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Island, Westchester County, Connecticut and New Jersey, which are collectively known as the Suburban assets:
Manhattan
Suburban
As of December 31, 2008, our Manhattan properties were comprised of fee ownership (22 properties), including ownership in condominium units, leasehold ownership (five properties) and operating sublease ownership (two properties). Pursuant to the operating sublease arrangements, we, as tenant under the operating sublease, perform the functions traditionally performed by landlords with respect to its subtenants. We are responsible for not only collecting rent from subtenants, but also maintaining the property and paying expenses relating to the property. As of December 31, 2008, our Suburban properties were comprised of fee ownership (33 properties), and leasehold ownership (one property). We refer to our Manhattan and Suburban office properties collectively as our portfolio.
We also own investments in eight retail properties encompassing approximately 400,212 square feet, two development properties encompassing approximately 363,000 square feet and two land interests. In addition, we manage three office properties owned by third parties and affiliated companies encompassing approximately 1.0 million rentable square feet.
As of December 31, 2008, we also owned approximately 12.48% of the outstanding common stock of Gramercy Capital Corp. (NYSE: GKK), or Gramercy, as well as all the units of the Class B limited partner interest in Gramercy's operating partnership.
Our corporate offices are located in midtown Manhattan at 420 Lexington Avenue, New York, New York 10170. As of December 31, 2008, our corporate staff consisted of approximately 325 persons, including 259 professionals experienced in all aspects of commercial real estate. We can be contacted at (212) 594-2700. We maintain a website at www.slgreen.com. On our website, you can obtain, free of charge, a copy of our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, as soon as practicable after we file such material electronically with, or furnish it to, the Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC. We have also made available on our website our audit committee charter, compensation committee charter, corporate governance and nominating committee charter, code of business conduct and ethics and corporate governance principles. You can also read and copy any materials we file with the SEC at its Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, NE, Washington, DC 20549 (1-800-SEC-0330). The SEC maintains an Internet site (http://www.sec.gov) that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC.
Unless the context requires otherwise, all references to "we," "our" and "us" in this annual report means SL Green Realty Corp., a Maryland corporation, and one or more of its subsidiaries, including SL Green Operating Partnership, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership, or the operating partnership, and the predecessors thereof, or the SL Green Predecessor, or, as the context may require, SL Green Realty Corp. only or SL Green Operating Partnership, L.P. only and "S.L. Green Properties" means
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S.L. Green Properties, Inc., a New York corporation, as well as the affiliated partnerships and other entities through which Stephen L. Green has historically conducted commercial real estate activities.
Corporate Structure
In connection with our initial public offering, or IPO, in August 1997, our operating partnership received a contribution of interests in real estate properties as well as a 95% economic, non-voting interest in the management, leasing and construction companies affiliated with S.L. Green Properties. We refer to this management entity as the "Service Corporation." We are organized so as to qualify and have elected to qualify as a REIT under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or the Code.
Substantially all of our assets are held by, and all of our operations are conducted through, our operating partnership. We are the sole managing general partner of, and as of December 31, 2008, were the owner of approximately 96.06% of the economic interests in, our operating partnership. All of the management and leasing operations with respect to our wholly-owned properties are conducted through SL Green Management LLC, or Management LLC. Our operating partnership owns a 100% interest in Management LLC.
In order to maintain our qualification as a REIT while realizing income from management, leasing and construction contracts with third parties and joint venture properties, all of these service operations are conducted through the Service Corporation. We, through our operating partnership, own 100% of the non-voting common stock (representing 95% of the total equity) of the Service Corporation. Through dividends on our equity interest, we expect to receive substantially all of the cash flow from the Service Corporation's operations. All of the voting common stock of the Service Corporation (representing 5% of the total equity) is held by a Company affiliate. This controlling interest gives the affiliate the power to elect all directors of the Service Corporation. Since July 1, 2003, we have consolidated the operations of the Service Corporation into our financial results. Effective January 1, 2001, the Service Corporation elected to be taxed as a taxable REIT subsidiary.
Business and Growth Strategies
Our primary business objective is to maximize total return to stockholders through growth in funds from operations and appreciation in the value of our assets during any business cycle. We seek to achieve this objective by assembling a high quality portfolio of office properties in the New York Metro area and capitalizing on current opportunities in both the Manhattan and Suburban office markets through: (i) property acquisitions (directly or through joint ventures)—acquiring office properties at a significant discount to replacement cost and with fully escalated in-place rents at a discount to current market rents which provide attractive initial yields and the potential for cash flow growth, as well as properties with significant vacancies; (ii) property repositioning—repositioning acquired retail and commercial office properties that are under-performing through renovations, active management and proactive leasing; (iii) property dispositions; (iv) integrated leasing and property management; and (v) structured finance investments primarily in the New York Metro area. Generally, we focus on properties that are within a ten-minute walk of midtown Manhattan's primary commuter stations.
Property Acquisitions. We acquire properties for long term appreciation and earnings growth (core assets) or for shorter term holding periods where we attempt to create significant increases in value which, when sold, result in capital gains that increase our investment capital base (non-core assets). In acquiring core and non-core properties, directly or through joint ventures with the highest quality institutional investors, we believe that we have the following advantages over our competitors: (i) senior management's average 22 years of experience as a full-service, fully-integrated real estate company focused on the office market in Manhattan; (ii) the ability to offer tax-advantaged structures to sellers
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through the exchange of ownership interests as opposed to solely cash transactions; and (iii) the ability to close a transaction quickly despite complicated ownership structures.
Property Repositioning. We apply our management's experience in enhancing property cash flow and value by renovating and repositioning properties to be among the best in their sub-markets. Many of the retail and commercial office buildings we own or acquire are located in or near sub-market(s) which are undergoing major reinvestment and where the properties in these markets have relatively low vacancy rates compared to other sub-markets. Because the properties feature unique architectural design, large floor plates or other amenities and functionally appealing characteristics, reinvestment in them provides us an opportunity to meet market needs and generate favorable returns.
Property Dispositions. We continuously evaluate our properties to identify which are most suitable to meet our long-term earnings growth objectives and contribute to increasing portfolio value. Properties that no longer meet our earnings objectives are identified as non-core holdings, and are targeted for sale to create investment capital. We believe that we will be able to re-deploy capital generated from the disposition of non-core holdings into property acquisitions or investments in high-yield structured finance investments, which will provide enhanced future capital gain and earnings growth opportunities.
Leasing and Property Management. We seek to capitalize on our management's extensive knowledge of the Manhattan and Suburban marketplace and the needs of the tenants therein by continuing a proactive approach to leasing and management, which includes: (i) use of in-depth market research; (ii) utilization of an extensive network of third-party brokers; (iii) use of comprehensive building management analysis and planning; and (iv) a commitment to tenant satisfaction by providing high quality tenant services at affordable rental rates. We believe proactive leasing efforts have contributed to average occupancy rates in our portfolio consistently exceeding the market average.
Structured Finance. We seek to invest in high-yield structured finance investments. These investments generally provide high current returns and, in certain cases, a potential for future capital gains. These investments may also serve as a potential source of real estate acquisitions for us. These investments include both floating rate and fixed rate investments. Our floating rate investments serve as a natural hedge for our unhedged floating rate debt. We expect that our structured finance investments will generally not exceed more than 8% of our total market capitalization. We may make structured finance investments, subject to certain limitations, where Gramercy has determined that such investments do not fit its investment profile or where investments represent the refinancing of one of our existing investments or in connection with the sale of one of our properties. We hold a 12.48% non-controlling interest in Gramercy. Gramercy is managed by GKK Manager LLC, an affiliate of ours. Structured finance investments include first mortgages, mortgage participations, subordinate loans, bridge loans and preferred equity investments.
Competition
The leasing of real estate is highly competitive, especially in the Manhattan office market. Although currently no other publicly traded REITs have been formed primarily to acquire, own, reposition and manage Manhattan commercial office properties, we may in the future compete with such other REITs. We compete for tenants with landlords and developers of similar properties located in our markets primarily on the basis of location, rent charged, services provided, and the design and condition of our properties. In addition, we face competition from other real estate companies including other REITs that currently invest in markets other than or in addition to Manhattan, private real estate funds, domestic and foreign financial institutions, life insurance companies, pension trusts, partnerships, individual investors and others that may have greater financial resources or access to capital than we do or that are willing to acquire properties in transactions which are more highly leveraged or are less attractive from a financial viewpoint than we are willing to pursue.
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Manhattan Office Market Overview
Manhattan is by far the largest office market in the United States, containing more rentable square feet than the next five largest central business district office markets combined. The properties in our portfolio are concentrated in some of Manhattan's most prominent Midtown locations.
Manhattan has a total inventory of 395.0 million square feet, including 241.3 million square feet in Midtown. Based on current construction activity, we estimate that Midtown Manhattan will have approximately 1.8 million square feet of new construction becoming available in the next two years, approximately 2.3% of which is pre-leased. This will add approximately 0.6% to Manhattan's total inventory.
General Terms of Leases in the Midtown Manhattan Markets
Leases entered into for space in the midtown Manhattan markets typically contain terms which may not be contained in leases in other U.S. office markets. The initial term of leases entered into for space in excess of 10,000 square feet in the midtown markets generally is seven to ten years. The tenant often will negotiate an option to extend the term of the lease for one or two renewal periods of five years each. The base rent during the initial term often will provide for agreed upon periodic increases over the term of the lease. Base rent for renewal terms, and base rent for the final years of a long-term lease (in those leases which do not provide an agreed upon rent during such final years), often is based upon a percentage of the fair market rental value of the premises (determined by binding arbitration in the event the landlord and the tenant are unable to mutually agree upon the fair market value).
In addition to base rent, the tenant generally will also pay its pro rata share of increases in real estate taxes and operating expenses for the building over a base year. In some leases, in lieu of paying additional rent based upon increases in building operating expenses, the tenant will pay additional rent based upon increases in the wage rate paid to porters over the porters' wage rate in effect during a base year, increases in the consumer price index over the index value in effect during a base year, or a fixed percentage increase over base rent.
Electricity is most often supplied by the landlord either on a sub-metered basis or rent inclusion basis (i.e., a fixed fee is included in the rent for electricity, which amount may increase based upon increases in electricity rates or increases in electrical usage by the tenant). Base building services other than electricity (such as heat, air conditioning and freight elevator service during business hours, and base building cleaning) typically are provided at no additional cost, with the tenant paying additional rent only for services which exceed base building services or for services which are provided other than during normal business hours.
In a typical lease for a new tenant, the landlord will deliver the premises with all existing improvements demolished and any asbestos abated. The landlord also typically will provide a tenant improvement allowance, which is a fixed sum that the landlord makes available to the tenant to reimburse the tenant for all or a portion of the tenant's initial construction of its premises. Such sum typically is payable as work progresses, upon submission of invoices for the cost of construction. However, in certain leases (most often for relatively small amounts of space), the landlord will construct the premises for the tenant.
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Occupancy
The following table sets forth the weighted average occupancy rates at our office properties based on space leased as of December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006:
Same-Store Properties(1)
Manhattan Properties
Unconsolidated Joint Venture Properties
Portfolio
Rent Growth
We estimate that rents in place, at December 31, 2008, in our Manhattan and Suburban consolidated properties are approximately 20.2% and 14.4%, respectively, below current market asking rents. We estimate that rents in place at December 31, 2008 in our Manhattan and Suburban properties owned through unconsolidated joint ventures are approximately 25.0% and 6.7%, respectively, below current market asking rents. These comparative measures were approximately 37.4% and 19.1% at December 31, 2007 for the consolidated properties and 47.5% and 11.2% for the unconsolidated joint venture properties. As of December 31, 2008, 40.2% and 21.7% of all leases in-place in our consolidated properties and unconsolidated joint venture properties, respectively, are scheduled to expire during the next five years. There can be no assurances that our estimates of current market rents are accurate, that market rents currently prevailing will not erode in the future or that we will realize any rent growth. However, we believe the degree that rents in the current portfolio are below market provides a potential for long-term internal growth.
Industry Segments
We are a REIT that acquires, owns, repositions, manages and leases commercial office and retail properties in the New York Metro area and have two reportable segments, real estate and structured finance investments. Our investment in Gramercy and its related earnings are included in the structured finance segment. We evaluate real estate performance and allocate resources based on earnings contribution to income from continuing operations.
At December 31, 2008, our real estate portfolio was primarily located in one geographical market, namely, the New York Metro area. The primary sources of revenue are generated from tenant rents and escalations and reimbursement revenue. Real estate property operating expenses consist primarily of security, maintenance, utility costs, real estate taxes and ground rent expense (at certain applicable properties). As of December 31, 2008, one tenant in our portfolio contributed approximately 9.4% of our portfolio annualized rent. No other tenant contributed more than 5.8% of our portfolio annualized rent. In addition, no property contributed in excess of 8.0% of our consolidated revenue for 2008. Portfolio annualized rent includes our consolidated annualized revenue and our share of joint venture annualized revenue. In addition, no single borrower accounted for more than 10.0% of the revenue earned on structured finance investments at December 31, 2008.
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Employees
At December 31, 2008, we employed approximately 1,045 employees, over 260 of whom were managers and professionals, approximately 721 of whom were hourly-paid employees involved in building operations and approximately 64 of whom were clerical, data processing and other administrative employees. There are currently three collective bargaining agreements which cover the workforce that services substantially all of our properties.
Acquisitions
In 2008, we limited our investment activity by design. During 2008, we acquired a fee position and a retail redevelopment property for an aggregate purchase price of $62.8 million.
Dispositions
During 2008, we sold four properties for gross contract prices of $792.0 million. We realized gains of approximately $442.3 million and incentive distributions of approximately $25.0 million on the sales of these properties, which encompassed 1.7 million square feet.
Structured Finance
During 2008, we originated approximately $238.5 million in structured finance and preferred equity investments (net of discount), inclusive of accretion of discount and pay-in-kind interest. There were also approximately $197.0 million in sales, repayments and participations in 2008. In addition, we recorded approximately $98.9 million of loan loss reserves, primarily against our non-New York City structured finance investments.
Due to current market conditions, we recognized a loss on our investment in Gramercy of approximately $147.5 million. As of December 31, 2008, we held 6,219,370 shares, or approximately 12.48% of Gramercy's common stock representing a total investment at net book value of approximately $8.0 million. We do not currently expect to invest additional funds into Gramercy.
Offering/Financings
In 2008, we repurchased approximately $262.6 million of our convertible bonds, realizing gains on early extinguishment of debt of approximately $88.5 million.
We also closed on mortgage financings at four properties totaling approximately $496.0 million.
In 2008, we purchased and settled approximately $300.0 million, or 3.3 million shares of our common stock, at an average price of approximately $90.49 per share pursuant to our stock repurchase program, which expired on December 31, 2008.
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Item 1A. Risk Factors
Declines in the demand for office space in New York City, and in particular, in midtown Manhattan, as well as our Suburban markets, including Westchester County, Connecticut, New Jersey and Long Island, resulting from general economic conditions could adversely affect the value of our real estate portfolio and our results of operations and, consequently, our ability to service current debt and to pay dividends to stockholders.
Most of our commercial office properties are located in midtown Manhattan. As a result, our business is dependent on the condition of the New York City economy in general and the market for office space in midtown Manhattan, in particular. Weakness in the New York City economy could materially reduce the value of our real estate portfolio and our rental revenues, and thus adversely affect our ability to service current debt and to pay dividends to stockholders. The Manhattan vacancy rate continues to rise and is expected to exceed 10% by the end of 2009. We could also be impacted by weakness in our Suburban markets, including Westchester County, Connecticut, New Jersey and Long Island.
We may be unable to renew leases or relet space as leases expire.
When our tenants decide not to renew their leases upon their expiration, we may not be able to relet the space. Even if tenants do renew or we can relet the space, the terms of renewal or reletting, including the cost of required renovations, may be less favorable than current lease terms. Over the next five years, through the end of 2013, leases will expire on approximately 40.2% and 21.7% of the rentable square feet at our consolidated properties and unconsolidated joint venture properties, respectively. As of December 31, 2008, approximately 7.2 million and 2.5 million square feet are scheduled to expire by December 31, 2013 at our consolidated properties and unconsolidated joint venture properties, respectively, and these leases currently have annualized escalated rental income totaling approximately $305.9 million and $120.8 million, respectively. If we are unable to promptly renew the leases or relet this space at similar rates, our cash flow and ability to service debt and pay dividends to stockholders would be adversely affected.
The expiration of long term leases or operating sublease interests could adversely affect our results of operations.
Our interest in six of our commercial office properties is through either long-term leasehold or operating sublease interests in the land and the improvements, rather than by a fee interest in the land. Unless we can purchase a fee interest in the underlying land or extend the terms of these leases before their expiration, we will lose our right to operate these properties and our interest in the improvements upon expiration of the leases, which would significantly adversely affect our results of operations. These properties are 673 First Avenue, 420 Lexington Avenue, 461 Fifth Avenue, 711 Third Avenue, 625 Madison Avenue and 1185 Avenue of the Americas. The average remaining term of these long-term leases, including our unilateral extension rights on each of the properties, is approximately 34 years. Pursuant to the operating sublease arrangements, we, as tenant under the operating sublease, perform the functions traditionally performed by landlords with respect to our subtenants. We are responsible for not only collecting rent from our subtenants, but also maintaining the property and paying expenses relating to the property. Our share of annualized escalated rents of these properties at December 31, 2008 totaled approximately $227.2 million, or 21.8%, of our share of total portfolio annualized revenue associated with these properties. We have the ability to acquire the fee position at 461 Fifth Avenue for a fixed price on a specific date.
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Our results of operations rely on major tenants, including in the financial services sector, and insolvency, bankruptcy or receivership of these and other tenants could adversely affect our results of operations.
Giving effect to leases in effect as of December 31, 2008 for consolidated properties and unconsolidated joint venture properties as of that date, our five largest tenants, based on square footage leased, accounted for approximately 22.7% of our share of portfolio annualized rent, and, other than three tenants, Citigroup Inc. (and its affiliates), Viacom International Inc. and Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC who accounted for approximately 9.4%, 4.6% and 5.8% of our share of portfolio annualized rent, respectively, no tenant accounted for more than 2.2% of that total. In addition, the financial services sector accounted for approximately 41.0% of our total annualized revenues and 39.0% of our square feet leased of our portfolio. This sector is currently experiencing significant turmoil which has resulted in significant job losses. Of our 30 largest tenants based on square feet leased, which accounted for approximately 47.2% of our share of portfolio annualized rent, 60.0% (inclusive of lease guarantors) carry an investment grade credit rating. If current economic conditions persist or deteriorate, we may experience increases in past due accounts, defaults, lower occupancy and reduced effective rents, particularly in respect of our financial service tenants. Our business would be adversely affected if any of our major tenants or any other tenants became insolvent, declared bankruptcy, are put into receivership or otherwise refused to pay rent in a timely fashion or at all.
Adverse economic and geopolitical conditions in general and the Northeastern commercial office markets in particular could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition and our ability to pay dividends to stockholders.
Our business may be affected by the unprecedented volatility and illiquidity in the financial and credit markets, the general global economic recession, and other market or economic challenges experienced by the U.S. economy or real estate industry as a whole. Our business may also be adversely affected by local economic conditions, as substantially all of our revenues are derived from our properties located in the Northeast, particularly in New York, Westchester County and Connecticut. Because our portfolio consists primarily of commercial office buildings (as compared to a more diversified real estate portfolio) located principally in Manhattan, if economic conditions persist or deteriorate, then our results of operations, financial condition and ability to service current debt and to pay distributions to our stockholders may be adversely affected by the following, among other potential conditions:
These conditions, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition and ability to pay distributions, may continue or worsen in the future.
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There can be no assurance that the actions of the U.S. government, Federal Reserve and other governmental and regulatory bodies for the purpose of stabilizing the financial markets, or market response to those actions, will achieve the intended effect, our business may not benefit from these actions and further government or market developments could adversely impact us.
In response to the financial issues affecting the banking system and financial markets and going concern threats to investment banks and other financial institutions, the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008, or the EESA, was enacted in October 2008. The EESA authorized the U.S. Secretary of Treasury to create a Troubled Asset Relief Program, or TARP, to, among other things, purchase from financial institutions up to $700 billion of residential or commercial mortgages and any securities, obligations, or other instruments that are based on, or related to, such mortgages, that in each case was originated or issued on or before March 14, 2008. The ESSA also provides for a program that would allow companies to insure their troubled assets. The U.S. Treasury has announced the establishment of the following programs under TARP: the Capital Purchase Program, the Targeted Investment Program, the Systemically Failing Institutions Program and the Asset Guarantee Program.
In addition, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, or ARRA, was signed into law on February 17, 2009. ARRA includes a wide variety of programs intended to stimulate the economy and provide for extensive infrastructure, energy, health and education needs. ARRA also imposes certain new executive compensation and corporate expenditure limits on all current and future TARP recipients.
There can be no assurance that these programs will have a beneficial impact on the financial markets, generally, or on our business in particular. In addition, the U.S. Government, Federal Reserve and other governmental and regulatory bodies have taken or are considering taking other actions to address the financial crisis. We cannot predict whether or when such actions may occur or what impact, if any, such actions could have on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
We may suffer adverse consequences if our revenues decline since our operating costs do not necessarily decline in proportion to our revenue.
We earn a significant portion of our income from renting our properties. Our operating costs, however, do not necessarily fluctuate in relation to changes in our rental revenue. This means that our costs will not necessarily decline even if our revenues do. Our operating costs could also increase while our revenues do not. If our operating costs increase but our rental revenues do not, we may be forced to borrow to cover our costs, we may incur losses and we may not have cash available for distributions to our stockholders.
We face risks associated with property acquisitions.
We may acquire individual properties and portfolios of properties, including large portfolios that could significantly increase our size and alter our capital structure. Our acquisition activities and their success may be exposed to the following risks:
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We may acquire properties subject to liabilities and without any recourse, or with only limited recourse, with respect to unknown liabilities. As a result, if a liability were asserted against us based upon those properties, we might have to pay substantial sums to settle it, which could adversely affect our cash flow. Unknown liabilities with respect to properties acquired might include:
Competition for acquisitions may reduce the number of acquisition opportunities available to us and increase the costs of those acquisitions.
We plan to continue to acquire properties as we are presented with attractive opportunities. We may face competition for acquisition opportunities with other investors, particularly private investors who can incur more leverage, and this competition may adversely affect us by subjecting us to the following risks:
We rely on eight large properties for a significant portion of our revenue.
As of December 31, 2008, eight of our properties, 420 Lexington Avenue, 220 East 42nd Street, One Madison Avenue, 485 Lexington Avenue, 1185 Avenue of the Americas, 1221 Avenue of the Americas, 1515 Broadway and 388/390 Greenwich Street, accounted for approximately 46% of our portfolio annualized rent, including our share of joint venture annualized rent, and no single property accounted for more than approximately 7% of our portfolio annualized rent, including our share of joint venture annualized rent. Our revenue and cash available for distribution to our stockholders would be materially adversely affected if the ground lease for the 420 Lexington Avenue or 1185 Avenue of the Americas property were terminated for any reason or if one or all of these properties were materially damaged or destroyed. Additionally, our revenue and cash available for distribution to
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our stockholders would be materially adversely affected if our tenants at these properties experienced a downturn in their business which may weaken their financial condition and result in their failure to timely make rental payments, defaulting under their leases or filing for bankruptcy.
The continuing threat of terrorist attacks may adversely affect the value of our properties and our ability to generate cash flow.
There may be a decrease in demand for space in New York City because it is considered at risk for future terrorist attacks, and this decrease may reduce our revenues from property rentals. In the aftermath of a terrorist attack, tenants in the New York City area may choose to relocate their business to less populated, lower-profile areas of the United States that are not as likely to be targets of future terrorist activity. This in turn would trigger a decrease in the demand for space in the New York City area, which could increase vacancies in our properties and force us to lease our properties on less favorable terms. As a result, the value of our properties and the level of our revenues could materially decline.
A terrorist attack could cause insurance premiums to increase significantly.
We maintain "all-risk" property and rental value coverage (including coverage regarding the perils of flood, earthquake and terrorism) within two property insurance portfolios and liability insurance. The first property portfolio maintains a blanket limit of $600.0 million per occurrence for the majority of the New York City properties in our portfolio with a sub-limit of $450.0 million for acts of terrorism. The second portfolio maintains a limit of $600.0 million per occurrence, including terrorism, for a few New York City properties and the majority of the Suburban properties. Both property policies expire on December 31, 2009. Additional coverage may be purchased on a stand-alone basis for certain assets. The liability policies cover all our properties and provide limits of $200.0 million per property. The liability policies expire on October 31, 2009.
In October 2006, we formed a wholly-owned taxable REIT subsidiary, Belmont Insurance Company, or Belmont, to act as a captive insurance company and be one of the elements of our overall insurance program. Belmont was formed in an effort to, among other reasons, stabilize to some extent the fluctuations of insurance market conditions. Belmont is licensed in New York to write Terrorism, NBCR (nuclear, biological, chemical, and radiological), General Liability and D&O coverage.
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As long as we own Belmont, we are responsible for its liquidity and capital resources, and the accounts of Belmont are part of our consolidated financial statements. If we experience a loss and Belmont is required to pay under its insurance policy, we would ultimately record the loss to the extent of Belmont's required payment. Therefore, insurance coverage provided by Belmont should not be considered as the equivalent of third-party insurance, but rather as a modified form of self-insurance.
TRIA, which was enacted in November 2002, was renewed on December 31, 2007. Congress extended TRIA, now called TRIPRA (Terrorism Risk Insurance Program Reauthorization and Extension Act of 2007) until December 31, 2014. The law extends the federal Terrorism Insurance Program that requires insurance companies to offer terrorism coverage and provides for compensation for insured losses resulting from acts of foreign and domestic terrorism. Our debt instruments, consisting of mortgage loans secured by our properties (which are generally non-recourse to us), mezzanine loans, ground leases and our 2007 unsecured revolving credit facility, contain customary covenants requiring us to maintain insurance. There can be no assurance that the lenders or ground lessors under these instruments will not take the position that a total or partial exclusion from "all-risk" insurance coverage for losses due to terrorist acts is a breach of these debt and ground lease instruments that allows the lenders or ground lessors to declare an event of default and accelerate repayment of debt or recapture of ground lease positions. In addition, if lenders insist on full coverage for these risks and prevail in asserting that we are required to maintain such coverage, it could result in substantially higher insurance premiums.
We have a 45% interest in the property at 1221 Avenue of the Americas, where we participate with The Rockefeller Group Inc., which carries a blanket policy providing $1.0 billion of "all-risk" property insurance, including terrorism coverage, and a 49.9% interest in the property at 100 Park Avenue, where we participate with Prudential, which carries a blanket policy of $500.0 million of "all-risk" property insurance, including terrorism coverage. We own One Madison Avenue, which is under a triple net lease with insurance provided by the tenant, Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC, or CS. We monitor the coverage provided by CS to make sure that our asset is adequately protected. We own 388 and 390 Greenwich Street, which is leased on a triple net basis to Citigroup, N.A, which provides insurance coverage directly. We monitor all triple net leases to ensure that tenants are providing adequate coverage. Although we consider our insurance coverage to be appropriate, in the event of a major catastrophe, such as an act of terrorism, we may not have sufficient coverage to replace certain properties.
Our dependence on smaller and growth-oriented businesses to rent our office space could adversely affect our cash flow and results of operations.
Many of the tenants in our properties are smaller, growth-oriented businesses that may not have the financial strength of larger corporate tenants. Smaller companies generally experience a higher rate of failure than large businesses. Growth-oriented firms may also seek other office space, including Class A space, as they develop. Dependence on these companies could create a higher risk of tenant defaults, turnover and bankruptcies, which could adversely affect our distributable cash flow and results of operations.
Debt financing, financial covenants, degree of leverage, and increases in interest rates could adversely affect our economic performance.
Scheduled debt payments could adversely affect our results of operations.
The total principal amount of our outstanding consolidated indebtedness was approximately $5.6 billion as of December 31, 2008, consisting of approximately $1.4 billion under our 2007 unsecured
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revolving credit facility, $1.5 billion under our senior unsecured notes, $100.0 million under our junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures and approximately $2.6 billion of non-recourse mortgage loans on seventeen of our properties. In addition, we could increase the amount of our outstanding indebtedness in the future, in part by borrowing under our 2007 unsecured revolving credit facility, which had $55.5 million available for draw as of December 31, 2008. Our 2007 unsecured revolving credit facility matures in June 2011 and has a one-year as-of-right extension option. As of December 31, 2008, the total principal amount of non-recourse indebtedness outstanding at the joint venture properties was approximately $4.4 billion, of which our proportionate share was approximately $1.9 billion. Cash flow could be insufficient to pay distributions at expected levels and meet the payments of principal and interest required under our current mortgage indebtedness, 2007 unsecured revolving credit facility, senior unsecured notes, debentures and indebtedness outstanding at our joint venture properties.
If we are unable to make payments under our 2007 unsecured revolving credit facility, all amounts due and owing at such time shall accrue interest at a rate equal to 4% higher than the rate at which each draw was made. If a property is mortgaged to secure payment of indebtedness and we are unable to meet mortgage payments, the mortgagee could foreclose on the property, resulting in loss of income and asset value. Foreclosure on mortgaged properties or an inability to make payments under our 2007 unsecured revolving credit facility would have a negative impact on our financial condition and results of operations.
We may not be able to refinance existing indebtedness, which in all cases requires substantial principal payments at maturity. In 2009, approximately $200.0 million of corporate indebtedness, and $823.1 million of debt on our unconsolidated joint venture properties will mature. There are no debt maturities in 2009 on our consolidated properties. We have an as-of-right extension option on $625.0 million of our unconsolidated joint venture debt included in the 2009 maturities. At the present time, we intend to exercise extension options or refinance the debt associated with our properties on or prior to their respective maturity dates. If any principal payments due at maturity cannot be refinanced, extended or paid with proceeds of other capital transactions, such as new equity capital, our cash flow will not be sufficient in all years to repay all maturing debt. At the time of refinancing, prevailing interest rates or other factors, such as the possible reluctance of lenders to make commercial real estate loans, may result in higher interest rates. Increased interest expense on the refinanced debt would adversely affect cash flow and our ability to service debt and make distributions to stockholders.
Financial covenants could adversely affect our ability to conduct our business.
The mortgages and mezzanine loans on our properties contain customary negative covenants that limit our ability to further mortgage the property, to enter into new leases or materially modify existing leases, and to discontinue insurance coverage. In addition, our 2007 unsecured revolving credit facility contains customary restrictions and requirements on our method of operations. Our 2007 unsecured revolving credit facility and senior unsecured bonds also require us to maintain designated ratios of total debt-to-assets, debt service coverage and unencumbered assets-to-unsecured debt. These restrictions could adversely affect our results of operations and our ability to make distributions to stockholders.
Rising interest rates could adversely affect our cash flow.
Advances under our 2007 unsecured revolving credit facility and certain property-level mortgage debt bear interest at a variable rate. These variable rate borrowings totaled approximately $1.6 billion at December 31, 2008. In addition, we could increase the amount of our outstanding variable rate debt in the future, in part by borrowing under our 2007 unsecured revolving credit facility, which had $55.5 million available for draw as of December 31, 2008. Borrowings under our 2007 unsecured revolving credit facility bear interest at a spread equal to the 30-day LIBOR, plus 90 basis points. As of
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December 31, 2008, borrowings under our 2007 unsecured revolving credit facility and junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures totaled $1.4 billion, and $100.0 million, respectively, and bore interest at 3.58% and 5.61%, respectively. We may incur indebtedness in the future that also bears interest at a variable rate or may be required to refinance our debt at higher rates. Accordingly, increases in interest rates above that which we anticipated based upon historical trends could adversely affect our ability to continue to make distributions to stockholders. At December 31, 2008, a hypothetical 100 basis point increase in interest rates along the entire interest rate curve would increase our annual interest costs by approximately $15.3 million and would increase our share of joint venture annual interest costs by approximately $7.4 million.
Failure to hedge effectively against interest rate changes may adversely affect results of operations.
The interest rate hedge instruments we use to manage some of our exposure to interest rate volatility involve risk, such as the risk that counterparties may fail to honor their obligations under these arrangements. In addition, these arrangements may not be effective in reducing our exposure to interest rate changes. Failure to hedge effectively against interest rate changes may adversely affect our results of operations.
No limitation on debt could adversely affect our cash flow.
Our organizational documents do not contain any limitation on the amount of indebtedness we may incur. As of December 31, 2008, assuming the conversion of all outstanding units of the operating partnership into shares of our common stock, our combined debt-to-market capitalization ratio, including our share of joint venture debt of approximately $1.9 billion, was approximately 81.0%. We have historically targeted a debt-to-market capitalization less than this. However, due to the significant decrease in our stock price we are currently operating in excess of that threshold. We are currently undertaking steps aimed at reducing our debt. Any changes that increase our debt to market capitalization percentage could be viewed negatively by investors. As a result, our stock price could decrease. Our market capitalization is variable and does not necessarily reflect the fair market value of our assets at all times. We also consider factors other than market capitalization in making decisions regarding the incurrence of indebtedness, such as the purchase price of properties to be acquired with debt financing, the estimated market value of our properties upon refinancing and the ability of particular properties and our business as a whole to generate cash flow to cover expected debt service.
Structured finance investments could cause us to incur expenses, which could adversely affect our results of operations.
We owned mezzanine loans, junior participations and preferred equity interests in 29 investments with an aggregate book value of approximately $747.9 million at December 31, 2008. Such investments may or may not be recourse obligations of the borrower and are not insured or guaranteed by governmental agencies or otherwise. In the event of a default under these obligations, we may have to realize upon our collateral and thereafter make substantial improvements or repairs to the underlying real estate in order to maximize the property's investment potential. Borrowers may contest enforcement of foreclosure or other remedies, seek bankruptcy protection against such enforcement and/or bring claims for lender liability in response to actions to enforce their obligation to us. Relatively high loan-to-value ratios and declines in the value of the property may prevent us from realizing an amount equal to our investment upon foreclosure or realization. In addition, under the origination agreement with Gramercy, we are precluded from making certain types of structured finance investments.
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We maintain and regularly evaluate financial reserves to protect against potential future losses. Our reserves reflect management's judgment of the probability and severity of losses. We cannot be certain that our judgment will prove to be correct and that reserves will be adequate over time to protect against potential future losses because of unanticipated adverse changes in the economy or events adversely affecting specific properties, assets, tenants, borrowers, industries in which our tenants and borrowers operate or markets in which our tenants and borrowers or their properties are located. We believe the increase in our non-performing loans has been driven by the worsening economy and the seizure of the credit markets, which have adversely impacted the ability of many of our borrowers to service their debt and refinance our loans to them at maturity. We have significantly increased our provision for loan losses in 2008 based upon the performance of our assets and conditions in the financial markets and overall economy, which deteriorated precipitously in the fourth quarter of 2008. If our reserves for credit losses prove inadequate, we could suffer losses which would have a material adverse affect on our financial performance, the market prices of our securities and our ability to pay dividends.
Joint investments could be adversely affected by our lack of sole decision-making authority and reliance upon a co-venturer's financial condition.
We co-invest with third parties through partnerships, joint ventures, co-tenancies or other entities, acquiring non-controlling interests in, or sharing responsibility for managing the affairs of, a property, partnership, joint venture, co-tenancy or other entity. Therefore, we will not be in a position to exercise sole decision-making authority regarding that property, partnership, joint venture or other entity. Investments in partnerships, joint ventures, or other entities may involve risks not present were a third party not involved, including the possibility that our partners, co-tenants or co-venturers might become bankrupt or otherwise fail to fund their share of required capital contributions. Additionally, our partners or co-venturers might at any time have economic or other business interests or goals, which are inconsistent with our business interests or goals. These investments may also have the potential risk of impasses on decisions such as a sale, because neither we nor the partner, co-tenant or co-venturer would have full control over the partnership or joint venture. Consequently, actions by such partner, co-tenant or co-venturer might result in subjecting properties owned by the partnership or joint venture to additional risk. In addition, we may in specific circumstances be liable for the actions of our third-party partners, co-tenants or co-venturers. As of December 31, 2008, our unconsolidated joint ventures owned 19 properties and we had an aggregate cost basis in the joint ventures totaling approximately $1.0 billion. As of December 31, 2008, our share of joint venture debt totaled approximately $1.9 billion.
Our joint venture agreements may contain terms in favor of our partners that could have an adverse effect on the value of our investments in the joint ventures.
Each of our joint venture agreements has been individually negotiated with our partner in the joint venture and, in some cases, we have agreed to terms that are favorable to our partner in the joint venture. For example, our partner may be entitled to a specified portion of the profits of the joint venture before we are entitled to any portion of such profits and our partner may have rights to buy our interest in the joint venture, to force us to buy the partner's interest in the joint venture or to compel the sale of the property owned by such joint venture. These rights may permit our partner in a particular joint venture to obtain a greater benefit from the value or profits of the joint venture than us, which could have an adverse effect on the value of our investment in the joint venture and on our financial condition and results of operations. We may also enter into similar arrangements in the future.
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We are subject to possible environmental liabilities and other possible liabilities.
We are subject to various federal, state and local environmental laws. These laws regulate our use, storage, disposal and management of hazardous substances and wastes and can impose liability on property owners or operators for the clean-up of certain hazardous substances released on a property and any associated damage to natural resources without regard to whether the release was legal or whether it was caused by the property owner or operator. The presence of hazardous substances on our properties may adversely affect occupancy and our ability to develop or sell or borrow against those properties. In addition to potential liability for clean-up costs, private plaintiffs may bring claims for personal injury, property damage or for similar reasons. Various laws also impose liability for the clean-up of contamination at any facility (e.g., a landfill) to which we have sent hazardous substances for treatment or disposal, without regard to whether the materials were transported, treated and disposed in accordance with law.
We may incur significant costs complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act and similar laws.
Our properties may be subject to other risks relating to current or future laws including laws benefiting disabled persons, and other state or local zoning, construction or other regulations. These laws may require significant property modifications in the future for which we may not have budgeted and could result in fines being levied against us. The occurrence of any of these events could have an adverse impact on our cash flows and ability to make distributions to stockholders.
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, or ADA, all public accommodations must meet federal requirements related to access and use by disabled persons. Additional federal, state and local laws also may require modifications to our properties, or restrict our ability to renovate our properties. We have not conducted an audit or investigation of all of our properties to determine our compliance. If one or more of our properties is not in compliance with the ADA or other legislation, then we would be required to incur additional costs to bring the property into compliance. We cannot predict the ultimate amount of the cost of compliance with ADA or other legislation. If we incur substantial costs to comply with the ADA and any other legislation, our financial condition, results of operations and cash flow and/or ability to satisfy our debt service obligations and to pay dividends to our stockholders could be adversely affected.
Our charter documents and applicable law may hinder any attempt to acquire us, which could discourage takeover attempts and prevent our stockholders from receiving a premium over the market price of our stock.
Provisions of our articles of incorporation and bylaws could inhibit changes in control.
A change of control of our company could benefit stockholders by providing them with a premium over the then-prevailing market price of our stock. However, provisions contained in our articles of incorporation and bylaws may delay or prevent a change in control of our company. These provisions, discussed more fully below, are:
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Our board of directors is staggered into three separate classes.
The board of directors of our company is divided into three classes. The terms of the class I, class II and class III directors expire in 2010, 2011 and 2009, respectively. Our staggered board may deter changes in control because of the increased time period necessary for a third party to acquire control of the board.
We have a stock ownership limit.
To remain qualified as a REIT for federal income tax purposes, not more than 50% in value of our outstanding capital stock may be owned by five or fewer individuals at any time during the last half of any taxable year. For this purpose, stock may be "owned" directly, as well as indirectly under certain constructive ownership rules, including, for example, rules that attribute stock held by one family member to another family member. In part, to avoid violating this rule regarding stock ownership limitations and maintain our REIT qualification, our articles of incorporation prohibit ownership by any single stockholder of more than 9.0% in value or number of shares of our common stock. Limitations on the ownership of preferred stock may also be imposed by us.
The board of directors has the discretion to raise or waive this limitation on ownership for any stockholder if deemed to be in our best interest. To obtain a waiver, a stockholder must present the board and our tax counsel with evidence that ownership in excess of this limit will not affect our present or future REIT status.
Absent any exemption or waiver, stock acquired or held in excess of the limit on ownership will be transferred to a trust for the exclusive benefit of a designated charitable beneficiary, and the stockholder's rights to distributions and to vote would terminate. The stockholder would be entitled to receive, from the proceeds of any subsequent sale of the shares transferred to the charitable trust, the lesser of: the price paid for the stock or, if the owner did not pay for the stock, the market price of the stock on the date of the event causing the stock to be transferred to the charitable trust; and the amount realized from the sale.
This limitation on ownership of stock could delay or prevent a change in control.
We have a stockholder rights plan.
We adopted a stockholder rights plan which provides, among other things, that when specified events occur, our stockholders will be entitled to purchase from us a newly created series of junior preferred shares, subject to our ownership limit described above. The preferred share purchase rights are triggered by the earlier to occur of (1) ten days after the date of a public announcement that a person or group acting in concert has acquired, or obtained the right to acquire, beneficial ownership of 17% or more of our outstanding shares of common stock or (2) ten business days after the commencement of or announcement of an intention to make a tender offer or exchange offer, the consummation of which would result in the acquiring person becoming the beneficial owner of 17% or more of our outstanding common stock. The preferred share purchase rights would cause substantial dilution to a person or group that attempts to acquire us on terms not approved by our board of directors.
Debt may not be assumable.
We have approximately $3.0 billion in unsecured corporate debt. This debt may be unassumable by a potential purchaser and may be subject to significant prepayment penalties.
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Maryland takeover statutes may prevent a change of control of our company, which could depress our stock price.
Under Maryland law, "business combinations" between a Maryland corporation and an interested stockholder or an affiliate of an interested stockholder are prohibited for five years after the most recent date on which the interested stockholder becomes an interested stockholder. These business combinations include a merger, consolidation, stock exchange, or, in circumstances specified in the statute, an asset transfer or issuance or reclassification of equity securities. An interested stockholder is defined as:
After the five-year prohibition, any business combination between the Maryland Corporation and an interested stockholder generally must be recommended by the board of directors of the corporation and approved by the affirmative vote of at least:
The business combination statute may discourage others from trying to acquire control of us and increase the difficulty of consummating any offer, including potential acquisitions that might involve a premium price for our common stock or otherwise be in the best interest of our stockholders.
In addition, Maryland law provides that "control shares" of a Maryland corporation acquired in a "control share acquisition" will have no voting rights except to the extent approved by a vote of two-thirds of the votes entitled to be cast on the matter, excluding shares of stock owned by the acquiror, by officers of the target corporation or by directors who are employees of the corporation, under the Maryland Control Share Acquisition Act. "Control shares" means voting shares of stock that, if aggregated with all other shares of stock owned by the acquiror or in respect of which the acquiror is able to exercise or direct the exercise of voting power (except solely by virtue of a revocable proxy), would entitle the acquiror to exercise voting power in electing directors within one of the following ranges of voting power: (i) one-tenth or more but less than one-third, (ii) one-third or more but less than a majority, or (iii) a majority or more of all voting power. A "control share acquisition" means the acquisition of ownership of, or the power to direct the exercise of voting power with respect to, issued and outstanding control shares, subject to certain exceptions.
We have opted out of these provisions of the Maryland General Corporation Law, or the MGCL, with respect to business combinations and control share acquisitions by resolution of our board of directors and a provision in our bylaws, respectively. However, in the future, our board of directors may reverse its decision by resolution and elect to opt in to the MGCL's business combination provisions, or amend our bylaws and elect to opt in to the MGCL's control share provisions.
Additionally, Title 8, Subtitle 3 of the MGCL permits our board of directors, without stockholder approval and regardless of what is provided in our charter or bylaws, to implement takeover defenses, some of which we do not have. Such takeover defenses, if implemented, may have the effect of
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inhibiting a third party from making us an acquisition proposal or of delaying, deferring or preventing a change in our control under circumstances that otherwise could provide our stockholders with an opportunity to realize a premium over the then-current market price.
Future issuances of common stock and preferred stock could dilute existing stockholders' interests.
Our articles of incorporation authorize our board of directors to issue additional shares of common stock and preferred stock without stockholder approval. Any such issuance could dilute our existing stockholders' interests. Also, any future series of preferred stock may have voting provisions that could delay or prevent a change of control.
Changes in market conditions could adversely affect the market price of our common stock.
As with other publicly traded equity securities, the value of our common stock depends on various market conditions, which may change from time to time. Among the market conditions that may affect the value of our common stock are the following:
The market value of our common stock is based primarily upon the market's perception of our growth potential and our current and potential future earnings and cash dividends. Consequently, our common stock may trade at prices that are higher or lower than our net asset value per share of common stock. If our future earnings or cash dividends are less than expected, it is likely that the market price of our common stock will diminish.
Market interest rates may have an effect on the value of our common stock.
If market interest rates go up, prospective purchasers of shares of our common stock may expect a higher distribution rate on our common stock. Higher market interest rates would not, however, result in more funds for us to distribute and, to the contrary, would likely increase our borrowing costs and potentially decrease funds available for distribution. Thus, higher market interest rates could cause the market price of our common stock to go down.
There are potential conflicts of interest between us and Mr. Green.
There is a potential conflict of interest relating to the disposition of the property contributed to us by Stephen L. Green, and his family. Mr. Green serves as the chairman of our board of directors and is an executive officer. As part of our formation, Mr. Green contributed appreciated property, with a net book value of $73.5 million, to the operating partnership in exchange for units of limited partnership interest in the operating partnership. He did not recognize any taxable gain as a result of the contribution. The operating partnership, however, took a tax basis in the contributed property equal to that of the contributing unitholder. The fair market value of the property contributed by him exceeded his tax basis by approximately $34.0 million at the time of contribution. The difference between fair market value and tax basis at the time of contribution represents a built-in gain. If we sell a property in a transaction in which a taxable gain is recognized, for tax purposes the built-in gain would be allocated solely to him and not to us. As a result, Mr. Green has a conflict of interest if the sale of a property, which he contributed, is in our best interest but not his.
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There is a potential conflict of interest relating to the refinancing of indebtedness specifically allocated to Mr. Green. Mr. Green would recognize gain if he were to receive a distribution of cash from the operating partnership in an amount that exceeds his tax basis in his partnership units. His tax basis includes his share of debt, including mortgage indebtedness, owed by our operating partnership. If our operating partnership were to retire such debt, then he would experience a decrease in his share of liabilities, which, for tax purposes, would be treated as a distribution of cash to him. To the extent the deemed distribution of cash exceeded his tax basis, he would recognize gain.
Limitations on our ability to sell or reduce the indebtedness on specific mortgaged properties could adversely affect the value of the stock.
We have agreed to restrictions relating to future transactions involving 673 First Avenue. During the period of time that these restrictions apply, our ability to manage or use this property in a manner that is in our overall best interests may be impaired. In particular, these restrictions could preclude us from participating in major transactions otherwise favorable to us if a disposition of this restricted asset is required. These restrictions may also inhibit a change in control of our company even though a disposition or change in control might be in the best interests of the stockholders.
Specifically, we have agreed not to sell our interest in 673 First Avenue until August 20, 2009 without the approval of unitholders holding at least 75% of the units issued in consideration for this property. The current gross carrying value of the commercial real estate of this property totaled approximately $49.8 million at December 31, 2008. We have also agreed not to reduce the mortgage indebtedness (approximately $32.4 million at December 31, 2008), other than pursuant to scheduled amortization, on 673 First Avenue until one year prior to its maturity date without the same consent. In addition, we are obligated to use commercially reasonable efforts to refinance this mortgage prior to its maturity date in an amount not less than the principal amount outstanding on the maturity date. With respect to 673 First Avenue, Mr. Green controls at least 75% of the units whose approval is necessary. Finally, during this period, we may not incur debt secured by this property if the amount of our new debt would exceed the greater of 75% of the value of the property securing the debt or the amount of existing debt being refinanced plus associated costs. The maturity date for the mortgage loan for 673 First Avenue is February 11, 2013.
In addition, on May 15, 2002, we acquired the property located at 1515 Broadway, New York, New York. Under a tax protection agreement established to protect the limited partners of the partnership that transferred 1515 Broadway to us, we have agreed not to take certain action that would adversely affect the limited partners' tax positions before December 31, 2011. We also acquired the property located at 220 East 42nd Street, New York, New York, on February 13, 2003. We have agreed not to take certain action that would adversely affect the tax positions of certain of the partners who held interests in this property prior to the acquisition for a period of seven years after the acquisition. We also acquired the property located at 625 Madison Avenue, New York, New York, on October 19, 2004 and have agreed not to take certain action that would adversely affect the tax positions of certain of the partners who held interests in this property prior to the acquisition, for a period of seven years after the acquisition.
In connection with future acquisitions of interests in properties, we may agree to similar restrictions on our ability to sell or refinance the acquired properties with similar potential adverse consequences.
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We face potential conflicts of interest.
Members of management may have a conflict of interest over whether to enforce terms of agreements with entities in which senior management, directly or indirectly, has an interest.
Through Alliance Building Services, or Alliance, First Quality Maintenance, L.P., or First Quality, provides cleaning, extermination and related services, Classic Security LLC provides security services, Bright Star Couriers LLC provides messenger services, and Onyx Restoration Works provides restoration services with respect to certain properties owned by us. Alliance is owned by Gary Green, a son of Stephen L. Green, the chairman of our board of directors. Our company and our tenants accounted for approximately 28% of Alliance's 2008 estimated total revenue. The contracts pursuant to which these services are provided are not the result of arm's length negotiations and, therefore, there can be no assurance that the terms and conditions are not less favorable than those which could be obtained from third parties providing comparable services. In addition, to the extent that we choose to enforce our rights under any of these agreements, we may determine to pursue available remedies, such as actions for damages or injunctive relief, less vigorously than we otherwise might because of our desire to maintain our ongoing relationship with the individual involved.
Members of management may have a conflict of interest over whether to enforce terms of senior management's employment and noncompetition agreements.
Stephen Green, Marc Holliday, Gregory F. Hughes, Andrew Levine and Andrew Mathias entered into employment and noncompetition agreements with us pursuant to which they have agreed not to actively engage in the acquisition, development or operation of office real estate in the New York City metropolitan area. For the most part, these restrictions apply to the executive both during his employment and for a period of time thereafter. Each executive is also prohibited from otherwise disrupting or interfering with our business through the solicitation of our employees or clients or otherwise. To the extent that we choose to enforce our rights under any of these agreements, we may determine to pursue available remedies, such as actions for damages or injunctive relief, less vigorously than we otherwise might because of our desire to maintain our ongoing relationship with the individual involved. Additionally, the non-competition provisions of these agreements despite being limited in scope and duration, could be difficult to enforce, or may be subject to limited enforcement, should litigation arise over them in the future. Mr. Green has interests in two properties in Manhattan, which are exempt from the non-competition provisions of his employment and non-competition agreement.
Our failure to qualify as a REIT would be costly.
We believe we have operated in a manner to qualify as a REIT for federal income tax purposes and intend to continue to so operate. Many of these requirements, however, are highly technical and complex. The determination that we are a REIT requires an analysis of factual matters and circumstances. These matters, some of which may not be totally within our control, can affect our qualification as a REIT. For example, to qualify as a REIT, at least 95% of our gross income must come from designated sources that are listed in the REIT tax laws. We are also required to distribute to stockholders at least 90% of our REIT taxable income excluding capital gains. The fact that we hold our assets through the operating partnership and its subsidiaries further complicates the application of the REIT requirements. Even a technical or inadvertent mistake could jeopardize our REIT status. Furthermore, Congress and the Internal Revenue Service, which we refer to as the IRS, might make changes to the tax laws and regulations, and the courts might issue new rulings that make it more difficult, or impossible, for us to remain qualified as a REIT.
If we fail to qualify as a REIT, we would be subject to federal income tax at regular corporate rates. Also, unless the IRS grants us relief under specific statutory provisions, we would remain disqualified as a REIT for four years following the year we first failed to qualify. If we failed to qualify as a REIT, we would have to pay significant income taxes and would therefore have less money
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available for investments or for distributions to stockholders. This would likely have a significant adverse effect on the value of our securities. In addition, the REIT tax laws would no longer require us to make any distributions to stockholders.
Previously enacted tax legislation reduces tax rates for dividends paid by non-REIT corporations.
Under certain previously enacted tax legislation, the maximum tax rate on dividends to individuals has generally been reduced from 38.6% to 15% (from January 1, 2003 through December 31, 2010). The reduction in rates on dividends is generally not applicable to dividends paid by a REIT except in limited circumstances that we do not contemplate. Although this legislation does not adversely affect the taxation of REITs or dividends paid by REITs, the favorable treatment of regular corporate dividends could cause investors who are individuals to consider stock of non-REIT corporations that pay dividends as relatively more attractive than stocks of REITs. It is not possible to determine whether such a change in perceived relative value has occurred or what the effect, if any, this legislation has had or will have in the future on the market price of our stock.
We are dependent on external sources of capital.
Because of distribution requirements imposed on us to qualify as a REIT, it is not likely that we will be able to fund all future capital needs, including acquisitions, from income from operations. We therefore will have to rely on third-party sources of capital, which may or may not be available on favorable terms or at all. Our access to third-party sources of capital depends on a number of things, including the market's perception of our growth potential and our current and potential future earnings. In addition, we anticipate having to raise money in the public equity and debt markets with some regularity and our ability to do so will depend upon the general conditions prevailing in these markets. At any time conditions may exist which effectively prevent us, and REITs in general, from accessing these markets. Moreover, additional equity offerings may result in substantial dilution of our stockholders' interests, and additional debt financing may substantially increase our leverage. Due to the current financial crisis and the lack of liquidity in the market, such capital may not be available.
We face significant competition for tenants.
The leasing of real estate is highly competitive. The principal means of competition are rent charged, location, services provided and the nature and condition of the facility to be leased. We directly compete with all lessors and developers of similar space in the areas in which our properties are located. Demand for retail space has been impacted by the recent bankruptcy of a number of retail companies and a general trend toward consolidation in the retail industry, which could adversely affect the ability of our company to attract and retain tenants.
Our commercial office properties are concentrated in highly developed areas of midtown Manhattan and certain Suburban central business districts, or CBD's. Manhattan is the largest office market in the United States. The number of competitive office properties in Manhattan and CBD's in which our Suburban properties are located (which may be newer or better located than our properties) could have a material adverse effect on our ability to lease office space at our properties, and on the effective rents we are able to charge.
Loss of our key personnel could harm our operations.
We are dependent on the efforts of Stephen L. Green, the chairman of our board of directors and an executive officer, Marc Holliday, our chief executive officer, Andrew Mathias, our president and chief investment officer and Gregory F. Hughes, our chief operating officer and chief financial officer. These officers have employment agreements which expire in December 2009, January 2010, December 2010, and December 2009, respectively. A loss of the services of any of these individuals could adversely affect our operations.
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Our business and operations would suffer in the event of system failures.
Despite system redundancy, the implementation of security measures and the existence of a Disaster Recovery Plan for our internal information technology systems, our systems are vulnerable to damages from any number of sources, including computer viruses, unauthorized access, energy blackouts, natural disasters, terrorism, war and telecommunication failures. Any system failure or accident that causes interruptions in our operations could result in a material disruption to our business. We may also incur additional costs to remedy damages caused by such disruptions.
Compliance with changing regulation applicable to corporate governance and public disclosure may result in additional expenses, affect our operations and affect our reputation.
Changing laws, regulations and standards relating to corporate governance and public disclosure, including the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and new SEC regulations and New York Stock Exchange rules, are creating uncertainty for public companies. These new or changed laws, regulations and standards are subject to varying interpretations in many cases due to their lack of specificity, and as a result, their application in practice may evolve over time as new guidance is provided by regulatory and governing bodies, which could result in continuing uncertainty regarding compliance matters and higher costs necessitated by ongoing revisions to disclosure and governance practices. We are committed to maintaining high standards of corporate governance and public disclosure. As a result, our efforts to comply with evolving laws, regulations and standards have resulted in, and are likely to continue to result in, increased general and administrative expenses and a diversion of management time and attention from revenue-generating activities to compliance activities. In particular, our efforts to comply with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and the related regulations regarding our required assessment of our internal controls over financial reporting and our external auditors' audit of that assessment has required the commitment of significant financial and managerial resources. In addition, it has become more difficult and more expensive for us to obtain director and officer liability insurance. We expect these efforts to require the continued commitment of significant resources. Further, our directors, chief executive officer and chief financial officer could face an increased risk of personal liability in connection with the performance of their duties. As a result, we may have difficulty attracting and retaining qualified directors and executive officers, which could harm our business. If our efforts to comply with new or changed laws, regulations and standards differ from the activities intended by regulatory or governing bodies due to ambiguities related to practice, our reputation may be harmed.
Forward-Looking Statements May Prove Inaccurate
See Item 7 "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Forward-looking Information" for additional disclosure regarding forward-looking statements.
ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
As of December 31, 2008, we did not have any unresolved comments with the staff of the SEC.
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ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
The Portfolio
As of December 31, 2008, we owned or held interests in 21 consolidated and eight unconsolidated commercial office properties encompassing approximately 13.8 million rentable square feet and 9.4 million rentable square feet, respectively, located primarily in midtown Manhattan. Certain of these properties include at least a small amount of retail space on the lower floors, as well as basement/storage space. As of December 31, 2008, our portfolio also included ownership interests in 28 consolidated and six unconsolidated commercial office properties located in Brooklyn, Queens, Long Island, Westchester County, Connecticut and New Jersey, or the Suburban assets, encompassing approximately 4.7 million rentable square feet and 2.9 million rentable square feet, respectively. As of December 31, 2008, our portfolio also included eight consolidated and unconsolidated retail properties encompassing approximately 400,212 square feet, two development properties encompassing approximately 363,000 square feet and two land interests.
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The following table sets forth certain information with respect to each of the Manhattan and Suburban office and retail properties in the portfolio as of December 31, 2008:
CONSOLIDATED PROPERTIES
"Same Store"(14)
19 West 44th Street
Midtown
220 East 42nd Street
28 West 44th Street
317 Madison Avenue
420 Lexington Ave (Graybar)(5)
461 Fifth Avenue(6)
485 Lexington Avenue
555 West 57th Street(7)
609 Fifth Avenue
625 Madison Avenue
673 First Avenue(7)
711 Third Avenue(7)(8)
750 Third Avenue
120 West 45th Street
810 Seventh Avenue
919 Third Avenue
1185 Avenue of the Americas
1350 Avenue of the Americas
Subtotal/Weighted Average
Adjustments
1 Madison Avenue
331 Madison Avenue
333 West 34th Street
Total/Weighted Average Consolidated Properties(9)
UNCONSOLIDATED PROPERTIES
"Same Store"
100 Park Avenue—50%
521 Fifth Avenue—50.1%
800 Third Avenue—42.95%
1221 Avenue of the Americas—45%
1515 Broadway—55%
388 & 390 Greenwich Street—50.6%(13)
1745 Broadway—32.3%
Total/Weighted Average Unconsolidated Properties(10)
Manhattan Grand Total/Weighted Average
Manhattan Grand Total—SLG share of Annualized Rent
Manhattan Same Store Occupancy %—Combined
Suburban Properties
1100 King Street—1 International Drive(14)
1100 King Street—2 International Drive(14)
1100 King Street—3 International Drive(14)
1100 King Street—4 International Drive(14)
1100 King Street—5 International Drive(14)
1100 King Street—6 International Drive(14)
520 White Plains Road(14)
115-117 Stevens Avenue(14)
100 Summit Lake Drive(14)
200 Summit Lake Drive(14)
500 Summit Lake Drive(14)
140 Grand Street(14)
360 Hamilton Avenue(14)
399 Knollwood Road
Westchester, NY Subtotal
28
1 Landmark Square(14)
2 Landmark Square(14)
3 Landmark Square(14)
4 Landmark Square(14)
5 Landmark Square(14)
6 Landmark Square(14)
7 Landmark Square
300 Main Street
680 Washington Boulevard(14)
750 Washington Boulevard(14)
1010 Washington Boulevard
1055 Washington Boulevard(14)
500 West Putnam Avenue
Connecticut Subtotal
55 Corporate Drive, NJ
Total/Weighted Average Consolidated Properties(11)
The Meadows—25%
16 Court Street—35%
Jericho Plaza—20.26%
One Court Square—30%
Total/Weighted Average Unconsolidated Properties(12)
Grand Total/Weighted Average
Grand Total—SLG share of Annualized Rent
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Historical Occupancy. We have historically achieved consistently higher occupancy rates in our Manhattan portfolio in comparison to the overall Midtown markets, as shown over the last five years in the following table:
December 31, 2008
December 31, 2007
December 31, 2006
December 31, 2005
December 31, 2004
Lease Expirations
Leases in our Manhattan portfolio, as at many other Manhattan office properties, typically have an initial term of seven to ten years, compared to typical lease terms of five to ten years in other large U.S. office markets. For the five years ending December 31, 2013, the average annual rollover at our Manhattan consolidated and unconsolidated properties is approximately 1.0 million square feet and 0.3 million square feet, respectively, representing an average annual expiration rate of 6.9% and 3.8%, respectively, per year (assuming no tenants exercise renewal or cancellation options and there are no tenant bankruptcies or other tenant defaults).
The following tables set forth a schedule of the annual lease expirations at our Manhattan consolidated and unconsolidated properties, respectively, with respect to leases in place as of
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December 31, 2008 for each of the next ten years and thereafter (assuming that no tenants exercise renewal or cancellation options and that there are no tenant bankruptcies or other tenant defaults):
2009(3)
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018 & thereafter
Total/weighted average
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Sub-Total/weighted average
Total
Leases in our Suburban portfolio, as at many other suburban office properties, typically have an initial term of five to ten years. For the five years ending December 31, 2013, the average annual rollover at our Suburban consolidated and unconsolidated properties is approximately 0.5 million square feet and 0.2 million square feet, respectively, representing an average annual expiration rate of 11.7% and 6.0% respectively, per year (assuming no tenants exercise renewal or cancellation options and there are no tenant bankruptcies or other tenant defaults).
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The following tables set forth a schedule of the annual lease expirations at our Suburban consolidated and unconsolidated properties, respectively, with respect to leases in place as of December 31, 2008 for each of the next ten years and thereafter (assuming that no tenants exercise renewal or cancellation options and that there are no tenant bankruptcies or other tenant defaults):
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Tenant Diversification
At December 31, 2008, our portfolio was leased to approximately 1,408 tenants, which are engaged in a variety of businesses, including professional services, financial services, media, apparel, business services and government/non-profit. The following table sets forth information regarding the leases with
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respect to the 30 largest tenants in our portfolio, based on the amount of square footage leased by our tenants as of December 31, 2008:
Citigroup, N.A.
388 & 390 Greenwich Street, 485Lexington Avenue, 750 Third Avenue,800 Third Avenue, 333 West 34th Street,750 Washington Blvd & Court Square
Viacom International Inc.
1515 Broadway
Credit Suisse Securities (USA), LLC
Sanofi-Aventis
Morgan Stanley & Co., Inc.
1221 Avenue of the Americas, 2 Jericho Plaza & 4 Landmark Square
Random House, Inc.
1745 Broadway
Debevoise & Plimpton, LLP
Omnicom Group
220 East 42nd Street, 420 Lexington Avenue& 485 Lexington Avenue
Societe Generale
1221 Avenue of the Americas
The McGraw Hill Companies, Inc.
Advance Magazine Group
750 Third Avenue & 485 Lexington Avenue
Verizon
120 West 45th Street, 1100 King StreetBldgs 1&2, 1 Landmark Square, 2Landmark Square & 500 Summit LakeDrive
C.B.S. Broadcasting, Inc.
555 West 57th Street
Polo Ralph Lauren Corporation
Schulte, Roth & Zabel LLP
New York Presbyterian Hospital
555 West 57th Street & 673 First Avenue
The Travelers Indemnity Company
485 Lexington Avenue & 2 Jericho Plaza
The City University of NY—CUNY
555 West 57th Street & 28 West 44th Street
BMW of Manhattan
Vivendi Universal US Holdings
800 Third Avenue
Sonnenschein, Nath & Rosenthal
D.E. Shaw and Company L.P.
Amerada Hess Corp.
Fuji Color Processing Inc.
200 Summit Lake Drive
King & Spalding
National Hockey League
New York Hospitals Center/ Mount Sinai
625 Madison Avenue & 673 First Avenue
Banque National De Paris
News America Incorporated
Draft Worldwide
Total Weighted Average(3)
Environmental Matters
We engaged independent environmental consulting firms to perform Phase I environmental site assessments on our portfolio, in order to assess existing environmental conditions. All of the Phase I
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assessments met the ASTM Standard. Under the ASTM Standard, a Phase I environmental site assessment consists of a site visit, an historical record review, a review of regulatory agency data bases and records, and interviews with on-site personnel, with the purpose of identifying potential environmental concerns associated with real estate. These environmental site assessments did not reveal any known environmental liability that we believe will have a material adverse effect on our results of operations or financial condition.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
As of December 31, 2008, we were not involved in any material litigation nor, to management's knowledge, is any material litigation threatened against us or our portfolio other than routine litigation arising in the ordinary course of business or litigation that is adequately covered by insurance.
On December 6, 2006, the company announced that it and Reckson Associates Realty Corp. had reached an agreement in principal with the plaintiffs to settle the previously disclosed class action lawsuits relating to the SL Green/Reckson merger. The settlement, which has been executed by all parties, and was approved by the New York court, provides (1) for certain contingent profit sharing participations for Reckson stockholders relating to specified assets, none of which are owned by us, (2) for potential payments to Reckson stockholders of amounts relating to Reckson's interest in contingent profit sharing participations in connection with the sale of certain Long Island industrial properties in a prior transaction, none of which are owned by us, and (3) for the dismissal by the plaintiffs of all actions with prejudice and customary releases of all defendants and related parties.
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
No matters were submitted to a vote of our stockholders during the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2008.
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ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
Our common stock began trading on the New York Stock Exchange, or the NYSE, on August 15, 1997 under the symbol "SLG." On February 18, 2009, the reported closing sale price per share of common stock on the NYSE was $13.42 and there were approximately 446 holders of record of our common stock. The table below sets forth the quarterly high and low closing sales prices of the common stock on the NYSE and the distributions paid by us with respect to the periods indicated.
March 31
June 30
September 30
December 31
If dividends are declared in a quarter, those dividends will be paid during the subsequent quarter. We expect to continue our policy of distributing our taxable income through regular cash dividends on a quarterly basis, although there is no assurance as to future dividends because they depend on future earnings, capital requirements and financial condition. See Item 7 "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Dividends" for additional information regarding our dividends.
Units
At December 31, 2008, there were 2,339,853 units of limited partnership interest of the operating partnership outstanding. These units received distributions per unit in the same manner as dividends per share were distributed to common stockholders.
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
In March 2007 our board of directors approved a stock repurchase plan under which we can buy up to $300.0 million shares of our common stock. This plan expired on December 31, 2008. As of December 31, 2008, we purchased and settled approximately $300.0 million, or 3.3 million shares of our common stock, at an average price of $90.49 per share.
Sale of Unregistered and Registered Securities; Use of Proceeds from Registered Securities
During the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, we issued none, 343,412 and 223,361 shares of common stock, respectively, to holders of units of limited partnership in the operating partnership upon the redemption of such units pursuant to the partnership agreement of the operating partnership. The issuance of such shares was exempt from registration under the Securities Act, pursuant to the exemption contemplated by Section 4(2) thereof for transactions not involving a public offering. The units were converted into an equal number of shares of common stock.
We issued 128,956, 435,583 and 102,826 shares of our common stock in 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively, for deferred stock-based compensation in connection with employment contracts and other compensation-related grants.
See Notes 14 and 16 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 for a description of our stock option plan and other compensation arrangements.
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The following table summarizes information, as of December 31, 2008, relating to our equity compensation plans pursuant to which shares of our common stock or other equity securities may be granted from time to time.
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders(1)
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders
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ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
The following table sets forth our selected financial data and should be read in conjunction with our Financial Statements and notes thereto included in Item 8, "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" and Item 7, "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" in this Form 10-K.
In connection with this Annual Report on Form 10-K, we are restating our historical audited consolidated financial statements as a result of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 144, or SFAS No. 144, "Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets." During the periods presented below, we classified properties as held for sale and, in compliance with SFAS No. 144, have reported revenue and expenses from these properties as discontinued operations, net of minority interest, for each period presented in our Annual Report on Form 10-K. This reclassification had no effect on our reported net income or funds from operations.
We are also providing updated summary selected financial information, which is included below reflecting the prior period reclassification as discontinued operations of the property classified as held for sale during 2008.
Total revenue
Operating expenses
Real estate taxes
Ground rent
Interest
Amortization of deferred finance costs
Depreciation and amortization
Loan loss and other investment reserves
Marketing, general and administration
Total expenses
Equity in net income of unconsolidated joint ventures
Minority interests
Income before gains on sale
Gain on early extinguishment of debt
Loss on equity investment in marketable securities
Gain on sale of properties/partial interests
Income from continuing operations
Discontinued operations (net of minority interest)
Net income
Preferred dividends and accretion
Income available to common stockholders
Net income per common share—Basic
Net income per common share—Diluted
Cash dividends declared per common share
Basic weighted average common shares outstanding
Diluted weighted average common shares and common share equivalents outstanding
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Commercial real estate, before accumulated depreciation
Total assets
Mortgage notes payable, revolving credit facilities, term loans, unsecured notes and trust preferred securities
Stockholders' equity
Funds from operations available to common stockholders(1)
Funds from operations available to all stockholders(1)
Net cash provided by operating activities
Net cash used in investment activities
Net cash provided by financing activities
A reconciliation of FFO to net income computed in accordance with GAAP is provided under the heading of "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Funds From Operations."
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ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Overview
SL Green Realty Corp., or the company, a Maryland corporation, and SL Green Operating Partnership, L.P., or the operating partnership, a Delaware limited partnership, were formed in June 1997 for the purpose of combining the commercial real estate business of S.L. Green Properties, Inc. and its affiliated partnerships and entities. We are a self-managed real estate investment trust, or REIT, with in-house capabilities in property management, acquisitions, financing, development, construction and leasing. Unless the context requires otherwise, all references to "we," "our" and "us" means the company and all entities owned or controlled by the company, including the operating partnership.
The following discussion related to our consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements appearing in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
On January 25, 2007, we completed the acquisition, or the Reckson Merger, of all of the outstanding shares of common stock of Reckson Associates Realty Corp., or Reckson, pursuant to the terms of the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of August 3, 2006, as amended, the Merger Agreement, among SL Green, Wyoming Acquisition Corp., or Wyoming, Wyoming Acquisition GP LLC, Wyoming Acquisition Partnership LP, Reckson and Reckson Operating Partnership, L.P. or ROP. Pursuant to the terms of the Merger Agreement, each of the issued and outstanding shares of common stock of Reckson were converted into the right to receive (i) $31.68 in cash, (ii) 0.10387 of a share of the common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of SL Green and (iii) a prorated dividend in an amount equal to approximately $0.0977 in cash. We also assumed an aggregate of approximately $226.3 million of Reckson mortgage debt, approximately $287.5 million of Reckson convertible public debt and approximately $967.8 million of Reckson public unsecured notes.
On January 25, 2007, we completed the sale, or Asset Sale, of certain assets of ROP to an asset purchasing venture led by certain of Reckson's former executive management, or the Buyer, for a total consideration of approximately $2.0 billion. SL Green caused ROP to transfer the following assets to the Buyer in the Asset Sale: (1) certain real property assets and/or entities owning such real property assets, in either case, of ROP and 100% of certain loans secured by real property, all of which are located in Long Island, New York; (2) certain real property assets and/or entities owning such real property assets, in either case, of ROP located in White Plains and Harrison, New York; (3) all of the real property assets and/or entities owning 100% of the interests in such real property assets, in either case, of ROP located in New Jersey; (4) the entity owning a 25% interest in Reckson Australia Operating Company LLC, Reckson's Australian management company (including its Australian licensed responsible entity), and other related entities, and ROP and ROP subsidiaries' rights to and interests in, all related contracts and assets, including, without limitation, property management and leasing, construction services and asset management contracts and services contracts; (5) the direct or indirect interest of Reckson in Reckson Asset Partners, LLC, an affiliate of Reckson Strategic Venture Partners, LLC, or RSVP, and all of ROP's rights in and to certain loans made by ROP to Frontline Capital Group, the bankrupt parent of RSVP, and other related entities, which were purchased by a 50/50 joint venture with an affiliate of SL Green; (6) a 50% participation interest in certain loans made by a subsidiary of ROP that are secured by four real property assets located in Long Island, New York; and (7) 100% of certain loans secured by real property located in White Plains and New Rochelle, New York.
Beginning in the third quarter of 2007, the sub-prime residential lending and single family housing markets in the U.S. began to experience significant default rates, declining real estate values and increasing backlog of housing supply, and other lending markets experienced higher volatility and decreased liquidity resulting from the poor credit performance in the residential lending markets. The residential sector capital markets issues quickly spread more broadly into the asset-backed commercial
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real estate, corporate and other credit and equity markets. These factors have resulted in substantially reduced mortgage loan originations and securitizations, and caused more generalized credit market dislocations and a significant contraction in available credit. As a result, most financial industry participants, including commercial real estate owners, operators, investors and lenders continue to find it extremely difficult to obtain cost-effective debt capital to finance new investment activity or to refinance maturing debt. In the few instances in which debt is available, it is at a cost much higher than in the recent past.
Credit spreads on commercial mortgages (i.e., the interest rate spread over given benchmarks such as LIBOR or U.S. Treasury securities) are significantly influenced by: (a) supply and demand for such mortgage loans; (b) perceived risk of the underlying real estate collateral cash flow; and (c) capital markets execution for the sale or financing of such commercial mortgage assets. In the case of (a), the number of potential lenders in the marketplace and the amount of funds they are willing to devote to commercial mortgage assets will impact credit spreads. As liquidity increases, spreads on equivalent commercial mortgage loans will decrease. Conversely, a lack of liquidity will result in credit spreads increasing. During periods of volatility, such as the markets are currently experiencing, the number of lenders participating in the market may change at an accelerated pace.
For existing loans, when credit spreads widen, the fair value of these existing loans decreases. If a lender were to originate a similar loan today, such loan would carry a greater credit spread than the existing loan. Even though a loan may be performing in accordance with its loan agreement and the underlying collateral has not changed, the fair value of the loan may be negatively impacted by the incremental interest foregone from the widened credit spread. Accordingly, when a lender wishes to sell or finance the loan, the reduced value of the loan will impact the total proceeds that the lender will receive.
The recent credit crisis has put many borrowers, including some of our borrowers, on our structured finance portfolio under increasing amounts of financial and capital distress. For the year ended December 31, 2008, we recorded a gross provision for loan losses of approximately $98.9 million primarily related to non-New York City structured finance investments.
The New York City real estate market has seen an increase in the direct vacancy rate as well as an increase in the amount of sublease space on the market. We expect that the total vacancy rate in Manhattan will continue to rise in 2009. This directly impacts a landlord's ability to increase rents and may also result in a landlord needing to reduce its rents and provide a longer free rent period or a greater tenant improvement allowance in order to attract a tenant to rent the space. Property sales have slowed down to a trickle, primarily due to a lack of financing for purchasers due to tighter lending standards and the other factors noted above.
New York City sales activity in 2008 decreased by approximately $27.4 billion when compared to 2007, as total volume only reached approximately $20.4 billion. In 2007, 16 transactions were consummated at prices in excess of $1,000.00 per square foot, including three deals that closed in the fourth quarter of 2007. This compares to only four such deals in 2008.
Leasing activity for Manhattan, a borough of New York City, totaled approximately 19.1 million square feet compared to approximately 23.6 million square feet in 2007. Of the total 2008 leasing activity in Manhattan, the Midtown submarket accounted for approximately 13.0 million square feet, or 67.9%. As a result, Midtown's overall vacancy increased from 5.8% in 2007 to 8.5% in 2008.
Overall asking rents for direct space in Midtown decreased from $77.57 at year-end 2007 to $72.08 at year-end 2008, a decrease of 7.1%. The decrease in rents has been driven by the financial crisis. Management believes that rental rates will continue to decrease during 2009.
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During 2008, minimal new office space was added to the Midtown office inventory. In a supply-constrained market, there is only 1.8 million square feet under construction in Midtown as of year-end and which becomes available in the next two years, 2.3% of which is already pre-leased.
We saw significant fluctuations in short-term interest rates, although they still remain low compared to historical levels. The 30-day LIBOR rate ended 2008 at 0.44%, a 416 basis point decrease from the end of 2007. Ten-year US Treasuries ended 2008 at 2.21%, a 182 basis point decrease from the end of 2007.
Our activities for 2008 included:
As of December 31, 2008, we owned the following interests in commercial office properties in the New York Metro area, primarily in midtown Manhattan, a borough of New York City, or Manhattan. Our investments in the New York Metro area also include investments in Brooklyn, Queens, Long Island, Westchester County, Connecticut and New Jersey, which are collectively known as the Suburban assets:
Consolidated properties
We also own investments in eight retail properties encompassing approximately 400,212 square feet, two development properties encompassing approximately 363,000 square feet and two land
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interests. In addition, we manage three office properties owned by third parties and affiliated companies encompassing approximately 1.0 million rentable square feet.
As of December 31, 2008, we also owned approximately 12.48% of the outstanding common stock of Gramercy Capital Corp. (NYSE: GKK), or Gramercy, as well as all the units of the Class B limited partner interest in Gramercy's operating partnership. See Item 8 Financial Statements, Note 6.
Critical Accounting Policies
Our discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations is based on our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, and contingencies as of the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. We evaluate our assumptions and estimates 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. We believe the following critical accounting policies affect our more significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements.
Rental Property
On a periodic basis, our management team assesses whether there are any indicators that the value of our real estate properties, including joint venture properties and assets held for sale, and structured finance investments may be impaired. If the carrying amount of the property is greater than the estimated expected future cash flow (undiscounted and without interest charges for consolidated properties and discounted for unconsolidated properties) of the asset or sales price, impairment has occurred. We will then record an impairment loss equal to the difference between the carrying amount and the fair value of the asset. We do not believe that the value of any of our rental properties or development properties was impaired at December 31, 2008 and 2007.
A variety of costs are incurred in the acquisition, development and leasing of our properties. After determination is made to capitalize a cost, it is allocated to the specific component of a project that is benefited. Determination of when a development project is substantially complete and capitalization must cease involves a degree of judgment. Our capitalization policy on our development properties is guided by SFAS No. 34 "Capitalization of Interest Cost" and SFAS No. 67 "Accounting for Costs and Initial Rental Operations of Real Estate Projects." The costs of land and building under development include specifically identifiable costs. The capitalized costs include pre-construction costs essential to the development of the property, development costs, construction costs, interest costs, real estate taxes, salaries and related costs and other costs incurred during the period of development. We consider a construction project as substantially completed and held available for occupancy upon the completion of tenant improvements, but no later than one year from cessation of major construction activity. We cease capitalization on the portions substantially completed and occupied or held available for occupancy, and capitalize only those costs associated with the portions under construction.
In accordance with SFAS 141, "Business Combinations," we allocate the purchase price of real estate to land and building and, if determined to be material, intangibles, such as the value of above-, below-, and at-market leases and origination costs associated with the in-place leases. We depreciate the amount allocated to building and other intangible assets over their estimated useful lives, which generally range from three to 40 years and from one to 14 years, respectively. The values of the above- and below-market leases are amortized and recorded as either an increase (in the case of below-market
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leases) or a decrease (in the case of above-market leases) to rental income over the remaining term of the associated lease, which range from one to 14 years. The value associated with in-place leases are amortized over the expected term of the associated lease, which includes an estimated probability of the lease renewal, and its estimated term, which range from one to 14 years. If a tenant vacates its space prior to the contractual termination of the lease and no rental payments are being made on the lease, any unamortized balance of the related intangible will be written off. The tenant improvements and origination costs are amortized as an expense over the remaining life of the lease (or charged against earnings if the lease is terminated prior to its contractual expiration date). We assess fair value of the leases based on estimated cash flow projections that utilize appropriate discount and capitalization rates and available market information. Estimates of future cash flows are based on a number of factors including the historical operating results, known trends, and market/economic conditions that may affect the property.
Investment in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures
We account for our investments in unconsolidated joint ventures under the equity method of accounting in cases where we exercise significant influence, but do not control these entities and are not considered to be the primary beneficiary under FIN 46R. We consolidate those joint ventures where we are considered to be the primary beneficiary, even though we do not control the entity. In all these joint ventures, the rights of the minority investor are both protective as well as participating. Unless we are determined to be the primary beneficiary, these rights preclude us from consolidating these investments. These investments are recorded initially at cost, as investments in unconsolidated joint ventures, and subsequently adjusted for equity in net income (loss) and cash contributions and distributions. Any difference between the carrying amount of these investments on our balance sheet and the underlying equity in net assets is amortized as an adjustment to equity in net income (loss) of unconsolidated joint ventures over the lesser of the joint venture term or 10 years. Equity income (loss) from unconsolidated joint ventures is allocated based on our ownership interest in each joint venture. When a capital event (as defined in each joint venture agreement) such as a refinancing occurs, if return thresholds are met, future equity income will be allocated at our increased economic percentage. We recognize incentive income from unconsolidated real estate joint ventures as income to the extent it is earned and not subject to a clawback feature. Distributions we receive from unconsolidated real estate joint ventures in excess of our basis in the investment are recorded as offsets to our investment balance if we remain liable for future obligations of the joint venture or may otherwise be committed to provide future additional financial support. None of the joint venture debt is recourse to us.
Revenue Recognition
Rental revenue is recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. The excess of rents recognized over amounts contractually due pursuant to the underlying leases are included in deferred rents receivable on the accompanying balance sheets. We establish, on a current basis, an allowance for future potential tenant credit losses, which may occur against this account. The balance reflected on the balance sheet is net of such allowance.
Interest income on structured finance investments is recognized over the life of the investment using the effective interest method and recognized on the accrual basis. Fees received in connection with loan commitments are deferred until the loan is funded and are then recognized over the term of the loan as an adjustment to yield. Anticipated exit fees, whose collection is expected, are also recognized over the term of the loan as an adjustment to yield. Fees on commitments that expire unused are recognized at expiration.
Income recognition is generally suspended for structured finance investments at the earlier of the date at which payments become 90 days past due or when, in the opinion of management, a full
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recovery of income and principal becomes doubtful. Income recognition is resumed when the loan becomes contractually current and performance is demonstrated to be resumed.
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
We maintain an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of our tenants to make required rent payments. If the financial condition of a specific tenant were to deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of its ability to make payments, additional allowances may be required.
Reserve for Possible Credit Losses
The expense for possible credit losses in connection with structured finance investments is the charge to earnings to increase the allowance for possible credit losses to the level that we estimate to be adequate considering delinquencies, loss experience and collateral quality. Other factors considered relate to geographic trends and product diversification, the size of the portfolio and current economic conditions. Based upon these factors, we establish the provision for possible credit losses by loan. When it is probable that we will be unable to collect all amounts contractually due, the investment is considered impaired.
Where impairment is indicated, a valuation allowance is measured based upon the excess of the recorded investment amount over the net fair value of the collateral, as reduced by selling costs. Any deficiency between the carrying amount of an asset and the net sales price of repossessed collateral is charged to expense. In 2008, we recorded approximately $45.8 million in loan loss reserves. No reserve for impairment was required at December 31, 2007.
Structured finance investments held for sale are carried at the lower of cost or fair market value using available market information obtained through consultation with dealers or other originators of such investments as well as discounted cash flow models. During the year ended December 31, 2008, we redesignated loans with a gross carrying value of $121.2 million from structured finance investments to assets held for sale. We recorded a mark-to-market adjustment of approximately $53.1 million against these investments.
Derivative Instruments
In the normal course of business, we use a variety of derivative instruments to manage, or hedge, interest rate risk. We require that hedging derivative instruments be effective in reducing the interest rate risk exposure that they are designated to hedge. This effectiveness is essential for qualifying for hedge accounting. Some derivative instruments are associated with an anticipated transaction. In those cases, hedge effectiveness criteria also require that it be probable that the underlying transaction occurs. Instruments that meet these hedging criteria are formally designated as hedges at the inception of the derivative contract.
To determine the fair values of derivative instruments, we use a variety of methods and assumptions that are based on market conditions and risks existing at each balance sheet date. For the majority of financial instruments including most derivatives, long-term investments and long-term debt, standard market conventions and techniques such as discounted cash flow analysis, option-pricing models, replacement cost, and termination cost are used to determine fair value. All methods of assessing fair value result in a general approximation of value, and such value may never actually be realized.
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Results of Operations
Comparison of the year ended December 31, 2008 to the year ended December 31, 2007
The following comparison for the year ended December 31, 2008, or 2008, to the year ended December 31, 2007, or 2007, makes reference to the following: (i) the effect of the "Same-Store Properties," which represents all properties owned by us at January 1, 2007 and at December 31, 2008 and total 40 of our 49 consolidated properties, inclusive of the Reckson assets (January 2007), representing approximately 69.2% of our share of annualized rental revenue, and the effect of the "Acquisitions," which represents all properties or interests in properties acquired in 2007, namely, 300 Main Street, 399 Knollwood (all January 2007), 333 West 34th Street, 331 Madison Avenue and 48 East 43rd Street (April), 1010 Washington Avenue, CT, and 500 West Putnam Avenue, CT (June), and 180 Broadway and One Madison Avenue (August) and (iii) "Other," which represents corporate level items not allocable to specific properties, the Service Corporation and eEmerge. There were no acquisitions of commercial office properties in 2008. Assets classified as held for sale, are excluded from the following discussion.
Rental revenue
Escalation and reimbursement revenue
Same-Store Properties
Other
Occupancy in the Same-Store Properties increased from 95.0% at December 30, 2007 to 95.2% at December 31, 2008. The increase in the Acquisitions is primarily due to owning these properties for a period during the year in 2008 compared to a partial period or not being included in 2007. This includes the Reckson properties.
At December 31, 2008, we estimated that the current market rents on our consolidated Manhattan properties and consolidated Suburban properties were approximately 20.2% and 14.4% higher, respectively, than then existing in-place fully escalated rents. Approximately 8.1% of the space leased at our consolidated properties expires during 2009. We believe that occupancy rates at the Same-Store Properties will remain relatively unchanged in 2009.
The increase in escalation and reimbursement revenue was due to the recoveries at the Acquisitions ($0.9 million) and the Same-Store Properties ($13.4 million). The increase in recoveries at the Same-Store Properties was primarily due to operating expense escalations ($9.0 million) and electric reimbursement ($3.7 million) and was primarily offset by decreases in real estate tax recoveries ($0.7 million).
Investment and preferred equity income
Other income
The increase in equity in net income of unconsolidated joint ventures was primarily due to higher net income contributions from 388 Greenwich Street ($6.4 million), 1515 Broadway ($11.4 million),
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1250 Broadway ($1.7 million), 521 Fifth Avenue ($1.5 million), 2 Herald Square ($1.9 million), One Madison Avenue ($1.0 million), Mack-Green ($1.9 million), 800 Third Avenue ($1.3 million) and 885 Third Avenue ($3.7 million). This was partially offset by lower net income contributions primarily from our investments in 100 Park which was under redevelopment ($3.3 million), Gramercy ($9.9 million) and 16 Court Street ($1.0 million). Occupancy at our joint venture properties decreased from 95.2% in 2007 to 95.0% in 2008. At December 31, 2008, we estimated that current market rents at our Manhattan and Suburban joint venture properties were approximately 25.0% and 6.7% higher, respectively, than then existing in-place fully escalated rents. Approximately 3.8% of the space leased at our joint venture properties expires during 2009.
Investment and preferred equity income increased during the current period. The weighted average investment balance outstanding and weighted average yield were $816.9 million and 10.5%, respectively, for 2008 compared to $717.1 million and 10.3%, respectively, for 2007. During 2008, we sold approximately $99.7 million of structured finance investments and realized net gains of approximately $9.3 million. We also settled the RSVP investment which resulted in a gain of approximately $6.9 million. No structured finance investments were sold in 2007.
The decrease in other income was primarily due to an incentive distribution earned in 2007 upon the sale of One Park Avenue (approximately $77.2 million) and One Madison Clocktower (approximately $5.1 million) as well as a decrease in fee income earned by GKK Manager LLC, an affiliate of ours and the external manager of Gramercy (approximately $3.1 million). This was partially offset by an incentive distribution earned in 2008 upon the sale of 1250 Broadway ($25.0 million) and an advisory fee earned by us in connection with Gramercy closing its acquisition of AFR ($6.6 million). The reduction in fee income from GKK Manager LLC, was primarily due to us waiving our rights to receive incentive fees and CDO Management fees since July 2008. In addition, in 2008 we returned approximately $5.1 million of incentive fees to Gramercy pursuant to a written agreement.
Same-Store Properties operating expenses increased approximately $18.7 million. There were increases in payroll expenses ($3.8 million), contract maintenance and repairs and maintenance ($2.1 million), utilities ($8.4 million), insurance ($1.0 million), ground rent expense ($0.3 million) and other miscellaneous expenses ($3.1 million), respectively.
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The increase in real estate taxes was primarily attributable to the Same-Store Properties ($4.7 million) due to higher assessed property values and the Acquisitions ($0.8 million).
Interest expense
Depreciation and amortization expense
Marketing, general and administrative expense
The increase in interest expense was primarily attributable draw downs on our 2007 unsecured revolving credit facility which were done in response to uncertainty in the financial sector. The weighted average interest rate decreased from 5.66% for the year ended December 31, 2007 to 5.24% for the year ended December 31, 2008. As a result of the new investment activity in 2007 and drawing down on our 2007 unsecured revolving credit facility in 2008, the weighted average debt balance increased from $4.7 billion as of December 31, 2007 to $5.7 billion as of December 31, 2008.
In 2008, we recorded approximately $98.9 million in loan loss reserves primarily against our non-New York City structured finance investments. During the fourth quarter of 2008, we entered into an agreement with Gramercy which, among other matters, obligates Gramercy and us to use commercially reasonable efforts to obtain the consents of certain lenders of Gramercy and its subsidiaries to a potential internalization. We also expensed our approximately $14.9 million investment in GKK Manager LLC.
Marketing, general and administrative expenses, or MG&A, represented 10.8% of total revenues in 2008 compared to 10.3% in 2007. During the fourth quarter, we and certain of our employees agreed to cancel, without compensation, certain employee stock options as well as a portion of our 2006 long-term outperformance plan. These cancellations resulted in a non-cash charge of approximately $18.0 million. MG&A for 2008 includes personnel hired by GKK Manager LLC in connection with the AFR acquisition which added approximately $4.3 million to MG&A. MG&A for 2008 also includes a non-recurring expense of approximately $2.0 million for costs incurred in connection with the pursuit of redevelopment projects.
Due to market conditions, we recognized a loss on our investment in Gramercy of approximately $147.5 million. In addition, we repurchased approximately $262.6 million of our convertible bonds in 2008 and realized approximately $88.5 million of gains due to the early extinguishment of debt.
Comparison of the year ended December 31, 2007 to the year ended December 31, 2006
The following comparison for the year ended December 31, 2007, or 2007, to the year ended December 31, 2006, or 2006, makes reference to the following: (i) the effect of the "Same-Store Properties," which represents all properties owned by us at January 1, 2006 and at December 31, 2007 and total 12 of our 53 consolidated properties, representing approximately 31.0% of our share of annualized rental revenue, (ii) the effect of the "Acquisitions," which represents all properties or interests in properties acquired in 2006, namely, 25-27 and 29 West 34PthP Street (January), 521 Fifth Avenue (March), 609 Fifth Avenue (June), 717 Fifth Avenue (September), 485 Lexington (December) and in 2007, namely, 300 Main Street, 399 Knollwood, and the Reckson assets (January), 333 West 34th Street, 331 Madison Avenue and 48 East 43rd Street (April), 1010 Washington Avenue, CT, and 500 West Putnam Avenue, CT (June), and 180 Broadway and One Madison Avenue (August) and
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(iii) "Other," which represents corporate level items not allocable to specific properties, the Service Corporation and eEmerge. Assets classified as held for sale, are excluded from the following discussion.
Occupancy in the Same-Store Properties decreased from 97.3% at December 31, 2006 to 97.1% at December 31, 2007. This was offset by increases in rental rates on new leases signed in 2007.
At December 31, 2007, we estimated that the current market rents at our consolidated Manhattan properties and consolidated Suburban properties were approximately 37.4% and 19.1% higher, respectively, than then existing in-place fully escalated rents. We believe that rental rates will moderate during 2008. Approximately 4.8% of the space leased at our consolidated properties expires during 2008. We believe that occupancy rates will moderate at the Same-Store Properties in 2008.
The increase in the Acquisitions is primarily due to owning these properties for a period during 2007 compared to a partial period or not being included in 2006.
The increase in escalation and reimbursement revenue was due to the recoveries at the Same-Store Properties ($2.9 million) and the Acquisitions ($53.6 million). The increase in recoveries at the Same-Store Properties was primarily due to electric reimbursements ($1.7 million), and operating expense escalations ($2.4 million) which were partially offset by a reduction in recoveries from real estate tax escalations ($1.2 million).
The increase in equity in net income of unconsolidated joint ventures was primarily due to increased net income contributions from Gramercy ($6.1 million), 2 Herald Square ($4.1 million), 885 Third Avenue ($3.5 million), One Court Square ($1.3 million) and 800 Third Avenue ($2.3 million). This was partially offset by lower net income contributions from our investments in 521 Fifth Avenue which was under redevelopment ($1.4 million), 485 Lexington Avenue which is wholly-owned since December 2006 ($1.0 million), 1745 Broadway ($2.7 million), 100 Park Avenue which is under redevelopment ($2.3 million), 1221 Avenue of the Americas due to planned vacancy ($1.6 million) and the Mack-Green joint venture ($2.1 million). Occupancy at our joint venture same-store properties decreased from 96.1% in 2006 to 93.1% in 2007 primarily due to the redevelopment at 100 Park Avenue and the planned vacancy at 1221 Avenue of the Americas. At December 31, 2007, we estimated that current market rents at our Manhattan and Suburban unconsolidated joint venture properties were approximately 47.5% and 11.2% higher, respectively, than then existing in-place fully escalated rents. Approximately 6.2% of the space leased at our unconsolidated joint venture properties expires during 2008.
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The increase in investment and preferred equity income was primarily due to higher outstanding balances during the current period. The weighted average investment balance outstanding and weighted average yield were $717.1 million and 10.3%, respectively, for 2007 compared to $398.5 million and 10.3%, respectively, for 2006.
The increase in other income was primarily due to an incentive distribution earned in 2007 upon the sale of One Park Avenue (approximately $77.2 million) and Five Madison Avenue-the Clock Tower ($5.1 million), other incentive distributions and asset management fees ($1.9 million) as well by fee income earned by GKK Manager LLC, an affiliate of ours and the external manager of Gramercy (approximately $12.6 million) and the Service Corporation ($3.2 million). This was offset by an incentive distribution earned in 2006 ($5.0 million).
Same-Store Properties operating expenses, excluding real estate taxes ($0.1 million), increased approximately $8.8 million. There were increases in repairs, maintenance and payroll expenses ($1.9 million), utilities ($5.2 million), ground rent expense ($3.1 million) and other miscellaneous expenses ($0.5 million), respectively. This was partially offset by a decrease in insurance costs ($1.9 million).
The increase in real estate taxes was primarily attributable to the Acquisitions ($60.5 million). This was partially offset by a reduction in real estate taxes at the Same-Store properties ($0.1 million) and due to properties that were sold and other ($0.5 million).
The increase in interest expense was primarily attributable to borrowings associated with new investment activity, primarily the Reckson Merger, and the funding of ongoing capital projects and working capital requirements as well as the write-off for exit fees, make-whole payments and the write-off of unamortized deferred financing costs in connection with the early redemption of unsecured notes and loans ($9.1 million). The weighted average interest rate decreased from 5.93% for the year ended December 31, 2006 to 5.66% for the year ended December 31, 2007. As a result of the new investment activity, the weighted average debt balance increased from $1.95 billion as of December 31, 2006 to $4.7 billion as of December 31, 2007.
Marketing, general and administrative expense represented 10.0% of total revenues in 2007 compared to 13.3% in 2006. The increase in actual cost is primarily due to higher compensation costs due to increased hiring primarily as a result of the Reckson Merger as well as the amended and restated employment agreements entered into with certain of our executive officers in 2007.
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Liquidity and Capital Resources
We are currently experiencing a global economic downturn and credit crunch. As a result, many financial industry participants, including commercial real estate owners, operators, investors and lenders continue to find it extremely difficult to obtain cost-effective debt capital to finance new investment activity or to refinance maturing debt. In the few instances in which debt is available, it is at a cost much higher than in the recent past.
We currently expect that our principal sources of working capital and funds for acquisition and redevelopment of properties, tenant improvements and leasing costs and for structured finance investments will include:
Cash flow from operations is primarily dependent upon the occupancy level of our portfolio, the net effective rental rates achieved on our leases, the collectability of rent and operating escalations and recoveries from our tenants and the level of operating and other costs. Additionally, we believe that our joint venture investment programs will also continue to serve as a source of capital for acquisitions.
We believe that our sources of working capital, specifically our cash flow from operations, borrowings available under our 2007 unsecured revolving credit facility, cash on hand and our ability to access private and public debt and equity capital, are adequate for us to meet our short-term and long-term liquidity requirements for the foreseeable future.
Cash Flows
The following summary discussion of our cash flows is based on our consolidated statements of cash flows in "Item 8. Financial Statements" and is not meant to be an all-inclusive discussion of the changes in our cash flows for the periods presented below.
Cash and cash equivalents were $726.9 million and $46.0 million at December 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively, representing an increase of $680.9 million. The increase was a result of the following increases and decreases in cash flows (in thousands):
Net cash used in investing activities
Our principal source of operating cash flow is related to the leasing and operating of the properties in our portfolio. Our properties provide a relatively consistent stream of cash flow that provides us with resources to pay operating expenses, debt service and fund quarterly dividend and distribution payment requirements. At December 31, 2008, our portfolio was 95.2% occupied. Our
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structured finance and joint venture investments also provide a steady stream of operating cash flow to us.
Cash is used in investing activities to fund acquisitions, redevelopment projects and recurring and nonrecurring capital expenditures. We selectively invest in new projects that enable us to take advantage of our development, leasing, financing and property management skills and invest in existing buildings that meet our investment criteria. In the first quarter of 2007, we acquired Reckson for approximately $4.0 billion which included the assumption of approximately $1.5 billion of consolidated debt and the issuance of approximately $1.0 billion of common stock. During the year ended December 31, 2008, when compared to the year ended December 31, 2007, we used cash primarily for the following investing activities (in thousands):
Acquisitions of real estate
Capital expenditures and capitalized interest
Escrow cash-capital improvements/acquisition deposits
Joint venture investments
Distributions from joint ventures
Proceeds from sales of real estate
Structured finance and other investments
Proceeds from asset sale
We generally fund our investment activity through property-level financing, our 2007 unsecured revolving credit facility, term loans, unsecured notes, construction loans and, from time to time, we issue common and preferred stock. During the year ended December 31, 2008, when compared to the year ended December 31, 2007, the following financing activities provided the funds to complete the investing activity noted above (in thousands):
Proceeds from our debt obligations
Repayments under our debt obligations
Repurchases of common stock
Minority interest in other partnerships and other financing activities
Dividends and distributions paid
Capitalization
As of December 31, 2008, we had 57,043,835 shares of common stock, 2,339,853 units of limited partnership interest in our operating partnership, 6,300,000 shares of our 7.625% Series C cumulative redeemable preferred stock, or Series C preferred stock and 4,000,000 shares of our 7.875% Series D cumulative redeemable preferred stock, or Series D preferred stock, outstanding.
In March 2007, our board of directors approved a stock repurchase plan under which we can buy up to $300.0 million shares of our common stock. This plan expired on December 31, 2008. As of December 31, 2008, we purchased and settled approximately $300.0 million, or 3.3 million shares of our common stock, at an average price of $90.49 per share.
Rights Plan
We adopted a shareholder rights plan which provides, among other things, that when specified events occur, our common stockholders will be entitled to purchase from us a newly created series of junior preferred shares, subject to our ownership limit described below. The preferred share purchase rights are triggered by the earlier to occur of (1) ten days after the date of a purchase announcement that a person or group acting in concert has acquired, or obtained the right to acquire, beneficial ownership of 17% or more of our outstanding shares of common stock or (2) ten business days after
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the commencement of or announcement of an intention to make a tender offer or exchange offer, the consummation of which would result in the acquiring person becoming the beneficial owner of 17% or more of our outstanding common stock. The preferred share purchase rights would cause substantial dilution to a person or group that attempts to acquire us on terms not approved by our board of directors.
Dividend Reinvestment and Stock Purchase Plan
We filed a registration statement with the SEC for our dividend reinvestment and stock purchase plan, or DRIP, which was declared effective on September 10, 2001. The DRIP commenced on September 24, 2001. We registered 3,000,000 shares of common stock under the DRIP.
During the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, we issued approximately 4,300 and 108,000 shares of our common stock and received approximately $0.3 million and $13.8 million of proceeds from dividend reinvestments and/or stock purchases under the DRIP, respectively. DRIP shares may be issued at a discount to the market price.
2003 Long-Term Outperformance Compensation Program
Our board of directors adopted a long-term, seven-year compensation program for certain members of senior management. The program, which measured our performance over a 48-month period (unless terminated earlier) commencing April 1, 2003, provided that holders of our common equity were to achieve a 40% total return during the measurement period over a base share price of $30.07 per share before any restricted stock awards were granted. Plan participants would receive an award of restricted stock in an amount between 8% and 10% of the excess total return over the baseline return. At the end of the four-year measurement period, 40% of the award will vest on the measurement date and 60% of the award will vest ratably over the subsequent three years based on continued employment. Any restricted stock to be issued under the program will be allocated from our 2005 Stock Option and Incentive Plan (as defined below), which was previously approved through a stockholder vote in May 2002. In April 2007, the Compensation Committee determined that under the terms of the 2003 Outperformance Plan, as of March 31, 2007, the performance hurdles had been met and the maximum performance pool of $22,825,000, taking into account forfeitures, was established. In connection with this event, approximately 166,312 shares of restricted stock (as adjusted for forfeitures) were allocated under the 2005 Stock Option and Incentive Plan. These awards are subject to vesting as noted above. We record the expense of the restricted stock award in accordance with SFAS 123-R. The fair value of the award on the date of grant was determined to be $3.2 million. Forty percent of the value of the award was amortized over four years and the balance will be amortized at 20% per year over five, six and seven years, respectively, such that 20% of year five, 16.67% of year six, and 14.29% of year seven will be recorded in year one. Compensation expense of $0.2 million, $0.4 million and $0.65 million related to this plan was recorded during the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.
2005 Long-Term Outperformance Compensation Program
In December 2005, the compensation committee of our board of directors approved a long-term incentive compensation program, the 2005 Outperformance Plan. Participants in the 2005 Outperformance Plan will share in a "performance pool" if our total return to stockholders for the period from December 1, 2005 through November 30, 2008 exceeds a cumulative total return to stockholders of 30% during the measurement period over a base share price of $68.51 per share. The size of the pool was to be 10% of the outperformance amount in excess of the 30% benchmark, subject to a maximum dilution cap equal to the lesser of 3% of our outstanding shares and units of limited partnership interest as of December 1, 2005 or $50.0 million. In the event the potential performance pool reached this dilution cap before November 30, 2008 and remained at that level or higher for 30
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consecutive days, the performance period was to end early and the pool would be formed on the last day of such 30 day period. Each participant's award under the 2005 Outperformance Plan would be designated as a specified percentage of the aggregate performance pool to be allocated to him or her assuming the 30% benchmark is achieved. Individual awards would be made in the form of partnership units, or LTIP Units, that may ultimately become exchangeable for shares of our common stock or cash, at our election. LTIP Units would be granted prior to the determination of the performance pool; however, they were only to vest upon satisfaction of performance and other thresholds, and were not entitled to distributions until after the performance pool was established. The 2005 Outperformance Plan provides that if the pool was established, each participant would also be entitled to the distributions that would have been paid on the number of LTIP Units earned, had they been issued at the beginning of the performance period. Those distributions were to be paid in the form of additional LTIP Units.
After the performance pool was established, the earned LTIP Units are to receive regular quarterly distributions on a per unit basis equal to the dividends per share paid on our common stock, whether or not they are vested. Any LTIP Units not earned upon the establishment of the performance pool were to be automatically forfeited, and the LTIP Units that are earned are subject to time-based vesting, with one-third of the LTIP Units earned vesting on November 30, 2008 and each of the first two anniversaries thereafter based on continued employment. On June 14, 2006, the Compensation Committee determined that under the terms of the 2005 Outperformance Plan, as of June 8, 2006, the performance period had accelerated and the maximum performance pool of $49,250,000, taking into account forfeitures, was established. Individual awards under the 2005 Outperformance Plan are in the form of partnership units, or LTIP Units, in our operating partnership, that, subject to certain conditions, are convertible into shares of the Company's common stock or cash, at our election. The total number of LTIP Units earned by all participants as a result of the establishment of the performance pool was 490,475 and are subject to time-based vesting.
The cost of the 2005 Outperformance Plan (approximately $8.0 million, subject to adjustment for forfeitures) will continue to be amortized into earnings through the final vesting period in accordance with SFAS 123-R. We recorded approximately $3.9 million, $2.1 million and $2.0 million of compensation expense during the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively, in connection with the 2005 Outperformance Plan.
2006 Long-Term Outperformance Compensation Program
On August 14, 2006, the compensation committee of our board of directors approved a long-term incentive compensation program, the 2006 Outperformance Plan. Participants in the 2006 Outperformance Plan will share in a "performance pool" if our total return to stockholders for the period from August 1, 2006 through July 31, 2009 exceeds a cumulative total return to stockholders of 30% during the measurement period over a base share price of $106.39 per share. The size of the pool will be 10% of the outperformance amount in excess of the 30% benchmark, subject to a maximum award of $60 million. The maximum award will be reduced by the amount of any unallocated or forfeited awards. In the event the potential performance pool reaches the maximum award before July 31, 2009 and remains at that level or higher for 30 consecutive days, the performance period will end early and the pool will be formed on the last day of such 30 day period. Each participant's award under the 2006 Outperformance Plan will be designated as a specified percentage of the aggregate performance pool. Assuming the 30% benchmark is achieved, the pool will be allocated among the participants in accordance with the percentage specified in each participant's participation agreement. Individual awards will be made in the form of partnership units, or LTIP Units, that, subject to vesting and the satisfaction of other conditions, are exchangeable for a per unit value equal to the then trading price of one share of our common stock. This value is payable in cash or, at our election, in shares of common stock. LTIP Units will be granted prior to the determination of the performance pool;
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however, they will only vest upon satisfaction of performance and time vesting thresholds under the 2006 Outperformance Plan, and will not be entitled to distributions until after the performance pool is established. Distributions on LTIP Units will equal the dividends paid on our common stock on a per unit basis. The 2006 Outperformance Plan provides that if the pool is established, each participant will also be entitled to the distributions that would have been paid had the number of earned LTIP Units been issued at the beginning of the performance period. Those distributions will be paid in the form of additional LTIP Units. Thereafter, distributions will be paid currently with respect to all earned LTIP Units that are a part of the performance pool, whether vested or unvested. Although the amount of earned awards under the 2006 Outperformance Plan (i.e. the number of LTIP Units earned) will be determined when the performance pool is established, not all of the awards will vest at that time. Instead, one-third of the awards will vest on July 31, 2009 and each of the first two anniversaries thereafter based on continued employment.
In the event of a change in control of our company on or after August 1, 2007 but before July 31, 2009, the performance pool will be calculated assuming the performance period ended on July 31, 2009 and the total return continued at the same annualized rate from the date of the change in control to July 31, 2009 as was achieved from August 1, 2006 to the date of the change in control; provided that the performance pool may not exceed 200% of what it would have been if it was calculated using the total return from August 1, 2006 to the date of the change in control and a pro rated benchmark. In either case, the performance pool will be formed as described above if the adjusted benchmark target is achieved and all earned awards will be fully vested upon the change in control. If a change in control occurs after the performance period has ended, all unvested awards issued under our 2006 Outperformance Plan will become fully vested upon the change in control.
The cost of the 2006 Outperformance Plan (approximately $9.6 million, subject to adjustment for forfeitures) will be amortized into earnings through the final vesting period in accordance with SFAS 123-R. We recorded approximately $12.2 million, $2.5 million and $1.1 million of compensation expense during the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively, in connection with the 2006 Outperformance Plan. During the fourth quarter of 2008, we and certain of our employees, including our executive officers, mutually agreed to cancel a portion of the 2006 Outperformance Plan. This charge of approximately $9.2 million is included in the compensation expense above.
Amended and Restated 2005 Stock Option and Incentive Plan
Subject to adjustments upon certain corporate transactions or events, up to a maximum of 6,000,000 shares, or the Fungible Pool Limit, may be granted as options, restricted stock, phantom shares, dividend equivalent rights and other equity-based awards under the amended and restated 2005 Stock Option and Incentive Plan, or the 2005 Plan. At December 31, 2008, approximately 4.5 million shares of our common stock, calculated on a weighted basis, were available for issuance under the 2005 Plan, or 6.5 million shares if all shares available under the 2005 Plan were issued as five-year options.
Deferred Stock Compensation Plan for Directors
Under our Independent Director's Deferral Program, which commenced July 2004, our non-employee directors may elect to defer up to 100% of their annual retainer fee, chairman fees and meeting fees. Unless otherwise elected by a participant, fees deferred under the program shall be credited in the form of phantom stock units. The phantom stock units are convertible into an equal number of shares of common stock upon such directors' termination of service from the board of directors or a change in control by us, as defined by the program. Phantom stock units are credited to each non-employee director quarterly using the closing price of our common stock on the applicable dividend record date for the respective quarter. Each participating non-employee director's account is also credited for an equivalent amount of phantom stock units based on the dividend rate for each quarter.
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During the year ended December 31, 2008, approximately 7,000 phantom stock units were earned. As of December 31, 2008, there were approximately 22,513 phantom stock units outstanding.
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
On September 18, 2007, our board of directors adopted the 2008 Employee Stock Purchase Plan, or ESPP, to encourage our employees to increase their efforts to make our business more successful by providing equity-based incentives to eligible employees. The ESPP is intended to qualify as an "employee stock purchase plan" under Section 423 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and has been adopted by the board to enable our eligible employees to purchase our shares of common stock through payroll deductions. The ESPP became effective on January 1, 2008 with a maximum of 500,000 shares of the common stock available for issuance, subject to adjustment upon a merger, reorganization, stock split or other similar corporate change. We filed a registration statement on Form S-8 with the Securities and Exchange Commission with respect to the ESPP. The common stock will be offered for purchase through a series of successive offering periods. Each offering period will be three months in duration and will begin on the first day of each calendar quarter, with the first offering period having commenced on January 1, 2008. The ESPP provides for eligible employees to purchase the common stock at a purchase price equal to 85% of the lesser of (1) the market value of the common stock on the first day of the offering period or (2) the market value of the common stock on the last day of the offering period. The ESPP was approved by our stockholders at our 2008 annual meeting of stockholders. As of December 31, 2008, approximately 4,900 shares of our common stock had been issued under the ESPP.
Market Capitalization
At December 31, 2008, borrowings under our mortgage loans, 2007 unsecured revolving credit facility, senior unsecured notes, and trust preferred securities (including our share of joint venture debt of approximately $1.9 billion) represented 81.0% of our combined market capitalization of approximately $9.4 billion (based on a common stock price of $25.90 per share, the closing price of our common stock on the New York Stock Exchange on December 31, 2008). Market capitalization includes our consolidated debt, common and preferred stock and the conversion of all units of limited partnership interest in our operating partnership, and our share of joint venture debt. This ratio has increased significantly compared to 2007 primarily due to the significant decrease in our stock price in 2008.
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Indebtedness
The table below summarizes our consolidated mortgage debt, 2007 unsecured revolving credit facility, senior unsecured notes and trust preferred securities outstanding at December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively (dollars in thousands).
Balance
Fixed rate
Variable rate—hedged
Total fixed rate
Variable rate
Variable rate—supporting variable rate assets
Total variable rate
Percent of Total Debt:
Effective Interest Rate for the Year:
Effective interest rate
The variable rate debt shown above bears interest at an interest rate based on 30-day LIBOR (0.44% and 4.60% at December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively). Our consolidated debt at December 31, 2008 had a weighted average term to maturity of approximately 7.0 years.
Certain of our structured finance investments, totaling approximately $175.4 million, are variable rate investments which mitigate our exposure to interest rate changes on our unhedged variable rate debt at December 31, 2008.
Mortgage Financing
As of December 31, 2008, our total mortgage debt (excluding our share of joint venture debt of approximately $1.9 billion) consisted of approximately $2.3 billion of fixed rate debt, including hedged variable rate debt, with an effective weighted average interest rate of approximately 5.95% and approximately $274.0 million of variable rate debt with an effective weighted average interest rate of approximately 5.25%.
Corporate Indebtedness
2007 Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility
We have a $1.5 billion unsecured revolving credit facility, or the 2007 unsecured revolving credit facility. We increased the capacity under the 2007 unsecured revolving credit facility by $300.00 million in January 2007, by an additional $450.0 million in June 2007 and by an additional $250.0 million in October 2007. The 2007 unsecured revolving credit facility bears interest at a spread ranging from 70 basis points to 110 basis points over the 30-day LIBOR, based on our leverage ratio. As of
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December 31, 2008, the spread was 90 basis points. This facility matures in June 2011 and has a one-year extension option. The 2007 unsecured revolving credit facility also requires a 12.5 to 20 basis point fee on the unused balance payable annually in arrears. The 2007 unsecured revolving credit facility had approximately $1.4 billion outstanding at December 31, 2008. Availability under the 2007 unsecured revolving credit facility was further reduced at December 31, 2008 by the issuance of approximately $22.0 million in letters of credit and by a defaulted lender's unfunded committed amount of approximately $33.4 million. The 2007 unsecured revolving credit facility includes certain restrictions and covenants (see restrictive covenants below).
Term Loans
We had a $325.0 million unsecured term loan, which was scheduled to mature in August 2009. This unsecured term loan bore interest at a spread ranging from 110 basis points to 140 basis points over the 30-day LIBOR. The unsecured term loan was repaid and terminated in March 2007.
We had a $200.0 million five-year non-recourse term loan, secured by a pledge of our ownership interest in 1221 Avenue of the Americas. The loan was scheduled to mature in May 2010. This term loan had a floating rate of 125 basis points over the current 30-day LIBOR rate. The secured term loan was repaid and terminated in June 2007.
In January 2007, we closed on a $500.0 million unsecured bridge loan, which matures in January 2010. This term loan bore interest at a spread ranging from 85 basis points to 125 basis points over the 30-day LIBOR, based on our leverage ratio. This unsecured bridge loan was repaid and terminated in June 2007.
In December 2007, we closed on a $276.7 million ten-year term loan which carried an effective fixed interest rate of 5.19%. This loan was secured by our interest in 388 and 390 Greenwich Street. This secured term loan, which was scheduled to mature in December 2017, was repaid and terminated in May 2008.
Senior Unsecured Notes
The following table sets forth our senior unsecured notes and other related disclosures by scheduled maturity date as of December 31, 2008 (in thousands):
March 26, 1999(1)
January 22, 2004(1)
August 13, 2004(1)
March 31, 2006(1)
June 27, 2005(1)(2)
March 26, 2007(3)
Net discount
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7.7461 shares of our common stock per $1,000 of principal amount of debentures and the adjusted reference dividend for the debentures is $1.3491. In 2008 we repurchased approximately $102.4 million of these bonds and realized net gains on early extinguishment of debt of approximately $18.3 million.
On April 27, 2007, the $50.0 million 6.0% unsecured notes scheduled to mature in June 2007 and the $150.0 million 7.20% unsecured notes scheduled to mature in August 2007, assumed as part of the Reckson Merger, were redeemed.
Junior Subordinate Deferrable Interest Debentures
In June 2005, we issued $100.0 million of Trust Preferred Securities, which are reflected on the balance sheet at December 31, 2007 as Junior Subordinate Deferrable Interest Debentures. The proceeds were used to repay our unsecured revolving credit facility. The $100.0 million of junior subordinate deferrable interest debentures have a 30-year term ending July 2035. They bear interest at a fixed rate of 5.61% for the first 10 years ending July 2015. Thereafter, the rate will float at three month LIBOR plus 1.25%. The securities are redeemable at par beginning in July 2010.
Restrictive Covenants
The terms of our 2007 unsecured revolving credit facility and senior unsecured notes include certain restrictions and covenants which limit, among other things, the payment of dividends (as discussed below), the incurrence of additional indebtedness, the incurrence of liens and the disposition of assets, and which require compliance with financial ratios relating to the minimum amount of tangible net worth, the minimum amount of debt service coverage, the minimum amount of fixed charge coverage, the maximum amount of unsecured indebtedness, the minimum amount of unencumbered property debt service coverage and certain investment limitations. The dividend restriction referred to above provides that, except to enable us to continue to qualify as a REIT for Federal income tax purposes, we will not during any four consecutive fiscal quarters make distributions with respect to common stock or other equity interests in an aggregate amount in excess of 95% of funds from operations for such period, subject to certain other adjustments. As of December 31, 2008 and 2007, we were in compliance with all such covenants.
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Market Rate Risk
We are exposed to changes in interest rates primarily from our floating rate borrowing arrangements. We use interest rate derivative instruments to manage exposure to interest rate changes. A hypothetical 100 basis point increase in interest rates along the entire interest rate curve for 2008 and 2007, would increase our annual interest cost by approximately $15.3 million and $9.2 million and would increase our share of joint venture annual interest cost by approximately $7.4 million and $6.9 million, respectively.
We recognize all derivatives on the balance sheet at fair value. Derivatives that are not hedges must be adjusted to fair value through income. If a derivative is a hedge, depending on the nature of the hedge, changes in the fair value of the derivative will either be offset against the change in fair value of the hedged asset, liability, or firm commitment through earnings, or recognized in other comprehensive income until the hedged item is recognized in earnings. The ineffective portion of a derivative's change in fair value is immediately recognized in earnings.
Approximately $4.0 billion of our long-term debt bears interest at fixed rates, and therefore the fair value of these instruments is affected by changes in the market interest rates. The interest rate on our variable rate debt and joint venture debt as of December 31, 2008 ranged from LIBOR plus 62.5 basis points to LIBOR plus 275 basis points.
Contractual Obligations
Combined aggregate principal maturities of mortgages and notes payable, 2007 unsecured revolving credit facility, senior unsecured notes and bonds (net of discounts), trust preferred securities, our share of joint venture debt, including as-of-right extension options, estimated interest expense, and our obligations under our capital lease, air rights and ground leases, as of December 31, 2008 are as follows (in thousands):
Property Mortgages
Revolving Credit Facility
Trust Preferred Securities
Capital lease
Ground leases
Estimated interest expense
Joint venture debt
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We have a number of off-balance sheet investments, including joint ventures and structured finance investments. These investments all have varying ownership structures. Substantially all of our joint venture arrangements are accounted for under the equity method of accounting as we have the ability to exercise significant influence, but not control over the operating and financial decisions of these joint venture arrangements. Our off-balance sheet arrangements are discussed in Note 5, "Structured Finance Investments" and Note 6, "Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures" in the accompanying financial statements. Additional information about the debt of our unconsolidated joint ventures is included in "Contractual Obligations" above.
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Capital Expenditures
We estimate that for the year ending December 31, 2009, we will incur, approximately $93.8 million of capital expenditures (including tenant improvements and leasing commissions) on existing wholly-owned properties and our share of capital expenditures at our joint venture properties will be approximately $28.1 million. We expect to fund these capital expenditures with operating cash flow, additional property level mortgage financings, and cash on hand. Future property acquisitions may require substantial capital investments for refurbishment and leasing costs. We expect that these financing requirements will be met in a similar fashion. We believe that we will have sufficient resources to satisfy our capital needs during the next 12-month period. Thereafter, we expect our capital needs will be met through a combination of cash on hand, net cash provided by operations, borrowings, potential asset sales or additional equity or debt issuances.
Dividends
We expect to pay dividends to our stockholders based on the distributions we receive from the operating partnership primarily from property revenues net of operating expenses or, if necessary, from working capital or borrowings.
To maintain our qualification as a REIT, we must pay annual dividends to our stockholders of at least 90% of our REIT taxable income, determined before taking into consideration the dividends paid deduction and net capital gains. We intend to continue to pay regular quarterly dividends to our stockholders. Based on our current annual dividend rate of $1.50 per share, we would pay approximately $85.9 million in dividends to our common stockholders on an annual basis. Before we pay any dividend, whether for Federal income tax purposes or otherwise, which would only be paid out of available cash to the extent permitted under our unsecured revolving credit facility, we must first meet both our operating requirements and scheduled debt service on our mortgages and loans payable. We reduced our annual dividend from $3.15 in 2008 in order to conserve liquidity.
Related Party Transactions
Cleaning/ Security/ Messenger and Restoration Services
Through Alliance Building Services, or Alliance, First Quality Maintenance, L.P., or First Quality, provides cleaning, extermination and related services, Classic Security LLC provides security services, Bright Star Couriers LLC provides messenger services, and Onyx Restoration Works provides restoration services with respect to certain properties owned by us. Alliance is owned by Gary Green, a son of Stephen L. Green, the chairman of our board of directors. First Quality also provides additional services directly to tenants on a separately negotiated basis. In addition, First Quality has the non-exclusive opportunity to provide cleaning and related services to individual tenants at our properties on a basis separately negotiated with any tenant seeking such additional services. First Quality leases 26,800 square feet of space at 70 West 36th Street pursuant to a lease that expires on December 31, 2015. We received approximately $75,000 in rent from Alliance in 2007. We sold this property in March 2007. We paid Alliance approximately $15.1 million, $14.8 million and $13.6 million for three years ended December 31, 2008, respectively, for these services (excluding services provided directly to tenants).
Leases
Nancy Peck and Company leases 1,003 square feet of space at 420 Lexington Avenue under a lease that ends in August 2015. Nancy Peck and Company is owned by Nancy Peck, the wife of Stephen L. Green. The rent due under the lease is $35,516 per year. From February 2007 through December 2008, Nancy Peck and Company leased 507 square feet of space at 420 Lexington Avenue pursuant to a lease which provided for annual rental payments of approximately $15,210. Prior to February 2007, Nancy
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Peck and Company leased 2,013 square feet of space at 420 Lexington Avenue, pursuant to a lease that expired on June 30, 2005 and which provided for annual rental payments of approximately $66,000. The rent due pursuant to that lease was offset against a consulting fee of $11,025 per month an affiliate paid to her pursuant to a consulting agreement, which was canceled in July 2006.
Management Fees
S.L. Green Management Corp. receives property management fees from certain entities in which Stephen L. Green owns an interest. The aggregate amount of fees paid to S.L. Green Management Corp. from such entities was approximately $353,500 in 2008, $297,100 in 2007 and $205,000 in 2006.
Brokerage Services
Sonnenblick-Goldman Company, or Sonnenblick, a nationally recognized real estate investment banking firm, provided mortgage brokerage services to us. Mr. Morton Holliday, the father of Mr. Marc Holliday, was a Managing Director of Sonnenblick at the time of the financings. In 2007, our 1604-1610 Broadway joint venture paid approximately $146,500 to Sonnenblick in connection with obtaining a $27.0 million first mortgage and we paid $759,000 in connection with the refinancing of 485 Lexington Avenue. In 2008, our 1250 Broadway joint venture paid approximately $1.7 million to Sonnenblick in connection with the sale of 1250 Broadway.
In 2007, we paid a consulting fee of $525,000 to Stephen Wolff, the brother-in-law of Marc Holliday, in connection with our aggregate investment of $119.1 million in the joint venture that owns 800 Third Avenue and approximately $68,000 in connection with our acquisition of 16 Court Street for $107.5 million.
Gramercy Capital Corp.
Our related party transactions with Gramercy are discussed in Note 13, "Related Party Transactions" in the accompanying financial statements. Management has evaluated its investment in Gramercy in accordance with notice 2008-234 issued by the joint SEC Office of the Chief Accountant and the FASB Staff which provided further guidance on fair value accounting. Management evaluated (1) the length of time and the extent to which the market value of our investment in Gramercy has been less than cost, (2) the financial condition and near-term prospects of Gramercy, the issuer, and (3) the intent and ability of SL Green, the holder, to retain its investment for a period of time sufficient enough to allow for anticipated recovery. Based on this evaluation, we recognized a loss on our investment in Gramercy of approximately $147.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2008.
Insurance
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In October 2006, we formed a wholly-owned taxable REIT subsidiary, Belmont Insurance Company, or Belmont, to act as a captive insurance company and be one of the elements of our overall insurance program. Belmont was formed in an effort to, among other reasons; stabilize to some extent the fluctuations of insurance market conditions. Belmont is licensed in New York to write Terrorism, NBCR (nuclear, biological, chemical, and radiological), General Liability and D&O coverage.
We have a 45% interest in the property at 1221 Avenue of the Americas, where we participate with The Rockefeller Group Inc., which carries a blanket policy providing $1.0 billion of "all-risk" property insurance, including terrorism coverage, and a 49.9% interest in the property at 100 Park Avenue, where we participate with Prudential, which carries a blanket policy of $500.0 million of "all-risk" property insurance, including terrorism coverage. We own One Madison Avenue, which is
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under a triple net lease with insurance provided by the tenant, Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC, or CS. We monitor the coverage provided by CS to make sure that our asset is adequately protected. We own 388 and 390 Greenwich Street, which is leased on a triple net basis to Citigroup, N.A., which provides insurance coverage directly. We monitor all triple net leases to ensure that tenants are providing adequate coverage. Although we consider our insurance coverage to be appropriate, in the event of a major catastrophe, such as an act of terrorism, we may not have sufficient coverage to replace certain properties.
Funds from Operations
Funds From Operations, or FFO, is a widely recognized measure of REIT performance. We compute FFO in accordance with standards established by the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts, or NAREIT, which may not be comparable to FFO reported by other REITs that do not compute FFO in accordance with the NAREIT definition, or that interpret the NAREIT definition differently than we do. The revised White Paper on FFO approved by the Board of Governors of NAREIT in April 2002 defines FFO as net income (loss) (computed in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, or GAAP), excluding gains (or losses) from debt restructuring and sales of properties, plus real estate related depreciation and amortization and after adjustments for unconsolidated partnerships and joint ventures. We present FFO because we consider it an important supplemental measure of our operating performance and believe that it is frequently used by securities analysts, investors and other interested parties in the evaluation of REITs, particularly those that own and operate commercial office properties.
We also use FFO as one of several criteria to determine performance-based bonuses for members of our senior management. FFO is intended to exclude GAAP historical cost depreciation and amortization of real estate and related assets, which assumes that the value of real estate assets diminishes ratably over time. Historically, however, real estate values have risen or fallen with market conditions. Because FFO excludes depreciation and amortization unique to real estate, gains and losses from property dispositions and extraordinary items, it provides a performance measure that, when compared year over year, reflects the impact to operations from trends in occupancy rates, rental rates, operating costs, interest costs, providing perspective not immediately apparent from net income. FFO does not represent cash generated from operating activities in accordance with GAAP and should not be considered as an alternative to net income (determined in accordance with GAAP), as an indication of our financial performance or to cash flow from operating activities (determined in accordance with GAAP) as a measure of our liquidity, nor is it indicative of funds available to fund our cash needs, including our ability to make cash distributions.
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FFO for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 are as follows (in thousands):
Net income available to common stockholders
Add:
Minority interest
FFO from discontinued operations
FFO adjustment for unconsolidated joint ventures
Less:
Income from discontinued operations
Gain on sale of discontinued operations
Gain on sale of joint venture property/ partial interest
Depreciation on non-rental real estate assets
Funds from Operations—available to common stockholders
Dividends on convertible preferred shares
Funds from Operations—available to all stockholders
Cash flows provided by operating activities
Cash flows used in investing activities
Cash flows provided by financing activities
Inflation
Substantially all of the office leases provide for separate real estate tax and operating expense escalations as well as operating expense recoveries based on increases in the Consumer Price Index or other measures such as porters' wage. In addition, many of the leases provide for fixed base rent increases. We believe that inflationary increases may be at least partially offset by the contractual rent increases and expense escalations described above.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
The Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements are discussed in Note 2, "Significant Accounting Policies-Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements" in the accompanying financial statements.
Forward-Looking Information
This report includes certain statements that may be deemed to be "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Act, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act. Such forward-looking statements relate to, without limitation, our future capital expenditures, dividends and acquisitions (including the amount and nature thereof) and other development trends of the real estate industry and the Manhattan, Westchester County, Connecticut, Long Island and New Jersey office markets, business strategies, and the expansion and growth of our operations. These statements are based on certain assumptions and analyses made by us in light of our experience and our perception of historical trends, current conditions, expected future developments and other factors we believe are appropriate. We intend such forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements contained in Section 27A of the Act and Section 21E of the Exchange Act. Such statements are subject to a number of assumptions, risks and uncertainties which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are generally identifiable by the use of the words "may," "will," "should," "expect," "anticipate," "estimate," "believe," "intend," "project," "continue," or the negative of these words, or other similar
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words or terms. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Among the factors about which we have made assumptions are:
We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of future events, new information or otherwise.
The risks included here are not exhaustive. Other sections of this report may include additional factors that could adversely affect the Company's business and financial performance. Moreover, the Company operates in a very competitive and rapidly changing environment. New risk factors emerge from time to time and it is not possible for management to predict all such risk factors, nor can it assess the impact of all such risk factors on the Company's business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. Given these risks and uncertainties, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements as a prediction of actual results.
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURE ABOUT MARKET RISK
See Item 7, "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Market Rate Risk" for additional information regarding our exposure to interest rate fluctuations.
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The table below presents principal cash flows based upon maturity dates of our debt obligations and structured finance investments and the related weighted-average interest rates by expected maturity dates, excluding extension options, as of December 31, 2008 (in thousands):
2009
Thereafter
Fair Value
The table below presents the gross principal cash flows based upon maturity dates of our share of our joint venture debt obligations and the related weighted-average interest rates by expected maturity dates as of December 31, 2008 (in thousands):
2009(1)
The table below lists all of our derivative instruments, which are hedging variable rate debt, including joint ventures, and their related fair value as of December 31, 2008 (in thousands):
Interest Rate Swap
Interest Rate Cap
Total Consolidated Hedges
In addition to these derivative instruments, some of our joint venture loan agreements require the joint venture to purchase interest rate caps on its debt. All such interest rate caps were out of the money and had no value at December 31, 2008. One of our joint ventures had a LIBOR swap in place on a national amount of $560.0 million. This hedge, which matures in December 2017, had a fair value of approximately $(48.0) million at December 31, 2008.
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ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
Index to Financial Statements and Schedules
SL GREEN REALTY CORP.
Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2008 and 2007
Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Schedules
Schedule III Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation as of December 31, 2008
All other schedules are omitted because they are not required or the required information is shown in the financial statements or notes thereto.
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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of SL Green Realty Corp.:
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of SL Green Realty Corp. (the "Company") as of December 31, 2008 and 2007, and the related consolidated statements of income, stockholders' equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2008. Our audits also included the financial statement schedule listed at Item 15(a)(2). These financial statements and schedule are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and schedule based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting that amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of the Company at December 31, 2008 and 2007, and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2008, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Also, in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly in all material respects the information set forth therein.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2008, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated February 27, 2009 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
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The Board of Directors and Shareholders of SL Green Realty Corp.:
We have audited SL Green Realty Corp.'s (the "Company") internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2008, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (the COSO criteria). The Company's management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Management's Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
A company's internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company's internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company's assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2008, based on the COSO criteria.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of the Company as of December 31, 2008 and 2007, and the related consolidated statements of income, stockholders' equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2008 of the Company and our report dated February 27, 2009 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
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SL Green Realty Corp. Consolidated Balance Sheets (Amounts in thousands, except per share data)
Assets
Commercial real estate properties, at cost:
Land and land interests
Building and improvements
Building leasehold and improvements
Property under capital lease
Less: accumulated depreciation
Assets held for sale
Cash and cash equivalents
Restricted cash
Tenant and other receivables, net of allowance of $16,898 and $13,932 in 2008 and 2007, respectively
Related party receivables
Deferred rents receivable, net of allowance of $19,648 and $13,400 in 2008 and 2007, respectively
Structured finance investments, net of discount of $18,764 and $30,783 in 2008 and 2007, respectively
Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures
Deferred costs, net
Other assets
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
Mortgage notes payable
Revolving credit facility
Term loans and unsecured notes
Accrued interest payable and other liabilities
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
Deferred revenue/gain
Capitalized lease obligation
Deferred land leases payable
Dividend and distributions payable
Security deposits
Liabilities related to assets held for sale
Junior subordinate deferrable interest debentures held by trusts that issued trust preferred securities
Total liabilities
Commitments and Contingencies
Minority interest in operating partnership
Minority interests in other partnerships
Stockholders' Equity
Series C preferred stock, $0.01 par value, $25.00 liquidation preference, 6,300 issued and outstanding at December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively
Series D preferred stock, $0.01 par value, $25.00 liquidation preference, 4,000 issued and outstanding at December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively
Common stock, $0.01 par value 160,000 shares authorized and 60,404 and 60,071 issued and outstanding at December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively (including 3,360 and 1,312 shares at December 31, 2008 and 2007 held in Treasury, respectively)
Additional paid-in-capital
Treasury stock at cost
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income
Retained earnings
Total stockholders' equity
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
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SL Green Realty Corp. Consolidated Statements of Income (Amounts in thousands, except per share data)
Revenues
Rental revenue, net
Escalation and reimbursement
Preferred equity and investment income
Total revenues
Expenses
Operating expenses including $15,104 (2008), $14,820 (2007) and $13,594 (2006) to affiliates
Amortization of deferred financing costs
Marketing, general and administrative
Income from continuing operations before equity in net income of unconsolidated joint ventures, gain on sale, minority interest and discontinued operations
Equity in net income from unconsolidated joint ventures
Income from continuing operations before gain on sale, minority interest and discontinued operations
Equity in net gain on sale of interest in unconsolidated joint venture
Gain on sale of partial interest
Minority interest in other partnerships
Minority interest in operating partnership attributable to continuing operations
Net (loss) income from discontinued operations, net of minority interest
Gain on sale of discontinued operations, net of minority interest
Preferred stock dividends
Basic earnings per share:
Net (loss) income from continuing operations before gain on sale and discontinued operations
Diluted earnings per share:
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SL Green Realty Corp. Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (Amounts in thousands, except per share data)
Balance at December 31, 2005
Comprehensive Income:
Net unrealized loss on derivative instruments
SL Green's share of joint venture net unrealized gain on derivative instruments
Preferred dividends
Redemption of units
Proceeds from dividend reinvestment plan
Deferred compensation plan & stock award, net
Amortization of deferred compensation plan
Net proceeds from common stock offering
Proceeds from stock options exercised
Stock-based compensation—fair value
Cash distributions declared ($2.50 per common share of which none represented a return of capital for federal income tax purposes)
Balance at December 31, 2006
SL Green's share of joint venture net unrealized loss on derivative instruments
Redemption of units and DRIP proceeds
Common stock issued in connection with Reckson Merger
Treasury stock-at cost
Cash distribution declared ($2.89 per common share of which none represented a return of capital for federal income tax purposes)
Balance at December 31, 2007
Cash distribution declared ($2.7375 per common share of which none represented a return of capital for federal income tax purposes)
Balance at December 31, 2008
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SL Green Realty Corp. Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows (Amounts in thousands, except per share data)
Operating Activities
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Equity from net income from unconsolidated joint ventures
Distributions of cumulative earnings of unconsolidated joint ventures
Equity in net gain on sale of unconsolidated joint venture/partial interest
Deferred rents receivable
Other non-cash adjustments
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Restricted cash—operations
Tenant and other receivables
Deferred lease costs
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities
Deferred revenue and land lease payable
Investing Activities
Acquisitions of real estate property
Proceeds from Asset Sale
Additions to land, buildings and improvements
Escrowed cash—capital improvements/acquisitions deposits
Distributions in excess of cumulative earnings from unconsolidated joint ventures
Net proceeds from disposition of real estate/partial interest in property
Other investments
Structured finance and other investments net of repayments/participations
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
Financing Activities
Proceeds from mortgage notes payable
Repayments of mortgage notes payable
Proceeds from revolving credit facility, term loan and unsecured notes
Repayments of revolving credit facility, term loan and unsecured notes
Net proceeds from sale of common stock
Purchases of Treasury Stock
Deferred loan costs and capitalized lease obligation
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
Supplemental cash flow disclosures
Interest paid
Income taxes paid
In December 2008, 2007 and 2006, the Company declared quarterly distributions per share of $0.375, $0.7875 and $0.70, respectively. These distributions were paid in January 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.
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SL Green Realty Corp. Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements December 31, 2008
1. Organization and Basis of Presentation
SL Green Realty Corp., also referred to as the Company or SL Green, a Maryland corporation, and SL Green Operating Partnership, L.P., or the operating partnership, a Delaware limited partnership, were formed in June 1997 for the purpose of combining the commercial real estate business of S.L. Green Properties, Inc. and its affiliated partnerships and entities. The operating partnership received a contribution of interest in the real estate properties, as well as 95% of the economic interest in the management, leasing and construction companies which are referred to as the Service Corporation. The Company has qualified, and expects to qualify in the current fiscal year, as a real estate investment trust, or REIT, under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or the Code, and operates as a self-administered, self-managed REIT. A REIT is a legal entity that holds real estate interests and, through payments of dividends to stockholders, is permitted to reduce or avoid the payment of Federal income taxes at the corporate level. Unless the context requires otherwise, all references to "we," "our" and "us" means the Company and all entities owned or controlled by the Company, including the operating partnership.
Substantially all of our assets are held by, and our operations are conducted through, the operating partnership. The Company is the sole managing general partner of the operating partnership. As of December 31, 2008, minority investors held, in the aggregate, a 3.94% limited partnership interest in the operating partnership.
On January 25, 2007, we completed the acquisition, or the Reckson Merger, of all of the outstanding shares of common stock of Reckson Associates Realty Corp., or Reckson, pursuant to the terms of the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of August 3, 2006, as amended, the Merger Agreement, among SL Green, Wyoming Acquisition Corp., or Wyoming, Wyoming Acquisition GP LLC, Wyoming Acquisition Partnership LP, Reckson and Reckson Operating Partnership, L.P., or ROP. Pursuant to the terms of the Merger Agreement, each of the issued and outstanding shares of common stock of Reckson were converted into (i) $31.68 in cash, (ii) 0.10387 of a share of the common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of SL Green and (iii) a prorated dividend in an amount equal to approximately $0.0977 in cash. We also assumed an aggregate of approximately $226.3 million of Reckson mortgage debt, approximately $287.5 million of Reckson convertible public debt and approximately $967.8 million of Reckson public unsecured notes. ROP is a subsidiary of our operating partnership.
On January 25, 2007, we completed the sale, or Asset Sale, of certain assets of ROP to an asset purchasing venture led by certain of Reckson's former executive management, or the Buyer, for a total consideration of approximately $2.0 billion. SL Green caused ROP to transfer the following assets to the Buyer in the Asset Sale: (1) certain real property assets and/or entities owning such real property assets, in either case, of ROP and 100% of certain loans secured by real property, all of which are located in Long Island, New York; (2) certain real property assets and/or entities owning such real property assets, in either case, of ROP located in White Plains and Harrison, New York; (3) all of the real property assets and/or entities owning 100% of the interests in such real property assets, in either case, of ROP located in New Jersey; (4) the entity owning a 25% interest in Reckson Australia Operating Company LLC, Reckson's Australian management company (including its Australian licensed responsible entity), and other related entities, and ROP and ROP subsidiaries' rights to and interests in, all related contracts and assets, including, without limitation, property management and leasing, construction services and asset management contracts and services contracts; (5) the direct or indirect
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SL Green Realty Corp.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
1. Organization and Basis of Presentation (Continued)
interest of Reckson in Reckson Asset Partners, LLC, an affiliate of RSVP and all of ROP's rights in and to certain loans made by ROP to Frontline Capital Group, the bankrupt parent of Reckson Strategic Venture Partners, LLC, or RSVP, and other related entities, which were purchased by a 50/50 joint venture comprised of the buyer and an affiliate of SL Green; (6) a 50% participation interest in certain loans made by a subsidiary of ROP that are secured by four real property assets located in Long Island, New York; and (7) 100% of certain loans secured by real property located in White Plains and New Rochelle, New York.
As of December 31, 2008, we also owned approximately 12.48% of the outstanding common stock of Gramercy Capital Corp. (NYSE: GKK), or Gramercy, as well as all the units of the Class B limited partner interest in Gramercy's operating partnership. See Note 6.
Partnership Agreement
In accordance with the partnership agreement of the operating partnership, or the operating partnership agreement, we allocate all distributions and profits and losses in proportion to the percentage ownership interests of the respective partners. As the managing general partner of the operating partnership, we are required to take such reasonable efforts, as determined by us in our sole discretion, to cause the operating partnership to distribute sufficient amounts to enable the payment of sufficient dividends by us to avoid any Federal income or excise tax at the Company level. Under the operating partnership agreement, each limited partner will have the right to redeem units of limited partnership interests for cash, or if we so elect, shares of our common stock on a one-for-one basis. In
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addition, we are prohibited from selling 673 First Avenue before August 2009, under certain circumstances.
2. Significant Accounting Policies
Principles of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include our accounts and those of our subsidiaries, which are wholly-owned or controlled by us or entities which are variable interest entities in which we are the primary beneficiary under the Financial Accounting Standards Board, or FASB, Interpretation No. 46R, or FIN 46R, "Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities—an Interpretation of ARB No. 51." See Note 6 and Note 7. Entities which we do not control and entities which are variable interest entities, but where we are not the primary beneficiary are accounted for under the equity method. We consolidate variable interest entities in which we are determined to be the primary beneficiary. We have two variable interest entities for which we are considered to be the primary beneficiary as a result of loans we made to our joint venture partner to fund his equity in the joint venture. The interest that we do not own is included in "Minority Interest in Other Partnerships" on the balance sheet. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.
EITF Issue No. 04-5, or EITF 04-5, "Determining Whether a General Partner, or the General Partners as a Group, Controls a Limited Partnership or Similar Entity When the Limited Partners Have Certain Rights," provides guidance in determining whether a general partner controls a limited partnership. EITF 04-5 states that the general partner in a limited partnership is presumed to control that limited partnership. The presumption may be overcome if the limited partners have either (1) the substantive ability to dissolve the limited partnership or otherwise remove the general partner without cause or (2) substantive participating rights, which provide the limited partners with the ability to effectively participate in significant decisions that would be expected to be made in the ordinary course of the limited partnership's business and thereby preclude the general partner from exercising unilateral control over the partnership.
If we retain an interest in the buyer and provide certain guarantees we account for such transaction as a profit-sharing arrangement. For transactions treated as profit-sharing arrangements, we record a profit-sharing obligation for the amount of equity contributed by the other partner and continue to keep the property and related accounts recorded on our books. Any debt assumed by the buyer would continue to be recorded on our books. The results of operations of the property, net of expenses other than depreciation (net operating income), are allocated to the other partner for its percentage interest and reflected as "co-venture expense" in our consolidated financial statements. In future periods, a sale is recorded and profit is recognized when the remaining maximum exposure to loss is reduced below the amount of gain deferred.
Investment in Commercial Real Estate Properties
Rental properties are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Costs directly related to the acquisition and redevelopment of rental properties are capitalized. Ordinary repairs and maintenance are expensed as incurred; major replacements and betterments, which improve or extend the life of the asset, are capitalized and depreciated over their estimated useful lives.
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2. Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)
In accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards, or SFAS, No. 144, "Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets," a property to be disposed of is reported at the lower of its carrying amount or its estimated fair value, less its cost to sell. Once an asset is held for sale, depreciation expense and straight-line rent adjustments are no longer recorded and the historic results are reclassified as discontinued operations. See Note 4.
Properties are depreciated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. The estimated useful lives are as follows:
Building (fee ownership)
Building improvements
Building (leasehold interest)
Furniture and fixtures
Tenant improvements
Depreciation expense (including amortization of the capital lease asset) amounted to approximately $204.9 million, $165.8 million and $55.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.
On a periodic basis, we assess whether there are any indicators that the value of our real estate properties may be impaired or that its carrying value may not be recoverable. A property's value is considered impaired if management's estimate of the aggregate future cash flows (undiscounted and without interest charges for consolidated properties and discounted for unconsolidated properties) to be generated by the property are less than the carrying value of the property. To the extent impairment has occurred, the loss will be measured as the excess of the carrying amount of the property over the fair value of the property. We do not believe that the value of any of our rental properties was impaired at December 31, 2008 and 2007.
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Results of operations of properties acquired are included in the Statement of Operations from the date of acquisition.
In accordance with SFAS No. 141, "Business Combinations," we allocate the purchase price of real estate to land and building and, if determined to be material, intangibles, such as the value of above-, below- and at-market leases and origination costs associated with the in-place leases. We depreciate the amount allocated to building and other intangible assets over their estimated useful lives, which generally range from three to 40 years and from one to 14 years, respectively. The values of the above- and below-market leases are amortized and recorded as either an increase (in the case of below-market leases) or a decrease (in the case of above-market leases) to rental income over the remaining term of the associated lease, which range from one to 14 years. The value associated with in-place leases are amortized over the expected term of the associated lease, which includes an estimated probability of the lease renewal, and its estimated term, which range from one to 14 years. If a tenant vacates its space prior to the contractual termination of the lease and no rental payments are being made on the lease, any unamortized balance of the related intangible will be written off. The tenant improvements and origination costs are amortized as an expense over the remaining life of the lease (or charged against earnings if the lease is terminated prior to its contractual expiration date). We assess fair value of the leases based on estimated cash flow projections that utilize appropriate discount and capitalization rates and available market information. Estimates of future cash flows are based on a number of factors including the historical operating results, known trends, and market/economic conditions that may affect the property.
As a result of our evaluations, under SFAS No. 141, of acquisitions made, we recognized an increase of approximately $25.4 million, $4.5 million and $2.2 million in rental revenue for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively, for the amortization of aggregate below-market rents in excess of above-market leases and a reduction in lease origination costs, resulting from the allocation of the purchase price of the applicable properties. We recognized a reduction in interest expense for the amortization of the above-market rate mortgages of approximately $6.9 million, $6.1 million and none for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.
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The following summarizes our identified intangible assets (acquired above-market leases and in-place leases) and intangible liabilities (acquired below-market leases) as of December 31, 2008 (in thousands):
Identified intangible assets (included in other assets):
Gross amount
Accumulated amortization
Net
Identified intangible liabilities (included in deferred revenue):
The estimated annual amortization of acquired below-market leases, net of acquired above-market leases, for each of the five succeeding years is as follows (in thousands):
The estimated annual amortization of all other identifiable assets (a component of depreciation and amortization expense) including tenant improvements for each of the five succeeding years is as follows:
Cash and Cash Equivalents
We consider all highly liquid investments with maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents.
We account for our investments in unconsolidated joint ventures under the equity method of accounting in cases where we exercise significant influence, but do not control these entities and are not considered to be the primary beneficiary under FIN 46R. We consolidate those joint ventures
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where we are considered to be the primary beneficiary, even though we do not control the entity. In all these joint ventures, the rights of the minority investor are both protective as well as participating. Unless we are determined to be the primary beneficiary, these rights preclude us from consolidating these investments. These investments are recorded initially at cost, as investments in unconsolidated joint ventures, and subsequently adjusted for equity in net income (loss) and cash contributions and distributions. Any difference between the carrying amount of these investments on our balance sheet and the underlying equity in net assets is amortized as an adjustment to equity in net income (loss) of unconsolidated joint ventures over the lesser of the joint venture term or 10 years. Equity income (loss) from unconsolidated joint ventures is allocated based on our ownership interest in each joint venture. When a capital event (as defined in each joint venture agreement) such as a refinancing occurs, if return thresholds are met, future equity income will be allocated at our increased economic interest. We recognize incentive income from unconsolidated real estate joint ventures as income to the extent it is earned and not subject to a clawback feature. Distributions we receive from unconsolidated real estate joint ventures in excess of our basis in the investment are recorded as offsets to our investment balance if we remain liable for future obligations of the joint venture or may otherwise be committed to provide future additional financial support. None of the joint venture debt is recourse to us. See Note 6.
Restricted Cash
Restricted cash primarily consists of security deposits held on behalf of our tenants, interest reserves, as well as capital improvement and real estate tax escrows required under certain loan agreements.
Deferred Lease Costs
Deferred lease costs consist of fees and direct costs incurred to initiate and renew operating leases and are amortized on a straight-line basis over the related lease term. Certain of our employees provide leasing services to the wholly-owned properties. A portion of their compensation, approximating $8.3 million, $7.0 million and $3.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively, was capitalized and is amortized over an estimated average lease term of seven years.
Deferred Financing Costs
Deferred financing costs represent commitment fees, legal and other third party costs associated with obtaining commitments for financing which result in a closing of such financing. These costs are amortized over the terms of the respective agreements. Unamortized deferred financing costs are expensed when the associated debt is refinanced or repaid before maturity. Costs incurred in seeking financial transactions, which do not close, are expensed in the period in which it is determined that the financing will not close.
Rental revenue is recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. The excess of rents recognized over amounts contractually due pursuant to the underlying leases are included in deferred
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rents receivable on the accompanying balance sheets. We establish, on a current basis, an allowance for future potential tenant credit losses, which may occur against this account. The balance reflected on the balance sheet is net of such allowance.
In addition to base rent, our tenants also generally will pay their pro rata share of increases in real estate taxes and operating expenses for the building over a base year. In some leases, in lieu of paying additional rent based upon increases in building operating expenses, the tenant will pay additional rent based upon increases in the wage rate paid to porters over the porters' wage rate in effect during a base year or increases in the consumer price index over the index value in effect during a base year. In addition, many of our leases contain fixed percentage increases over the base rent to cover escalations.
Electricity is most often supplied by the landlord either on a sub-metered basis, or rent inclusion basis (i.e., a fixed fee is included in the rent for electricity, which amount may increase based upon increases in electricity rates or increases in electrical usage by the tenant). Base building services other than electricity (such as heat, air conditioning and freight elevator service during business hours, and base building cleaning) typically are provided at no additional cost, with the tenant paying additional rent only for services which exceed base building services or for services which are provided outside normal business hours.
These escalations are based on actual expenses incurred in the prior calendar year. If the expenses in the current year are different from those in the prior year, then during the current year, the escalations will be adjusted to reflect the actual expenses for the current year.
We record a gain on sale of real estate when title is conveyed to the buyer, subject to the buyer's financial commitment being sufficient to provide economic substance to the sale and we have no substantial economic involvement with the buyer.
Income recognition is generally suspended for structured finance investments at the earlier of the date at which payments become 90 days past due or when, in the opinion of management, a full recovery of income and principal becomes doubtful. Income recognition is resumed when the loan becomes contractually current and performance is demonstrated to be resumed.
Asset management fees are recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the asset management agreement.
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Where impairment is indicated, a valuation allowance is measured based upon the excess of the recorded investment amount over the net fair value of the collateral, as reduced by selling costs. Any deficiency between the carrying amount of an asset and the net sales price of repossessed collateral is charged to expense. We recorded approximately $45.8 million in loan loss reserves during 2008. No reserve for impairment was required at December 31, 2007.
Structured finance investments held for sale are carried at the lower of cost or fair market value using available market information obtained through consultation with dealers or other originators of such investments as well as discounted cash flow models based on Level 3 data pursuant to SFAS No. 157. During the year ended December 31, 2008, we redesignated loans with a gross carrying value of $121.2 million from structured finance investments to assets held for sale. We recorded a mark-to-market adjustment of approximately $53.1 million against these investments.
Rent Expense
Rent expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the initial term of the lease. The excess of the rent expense recognized over the amounts contractually due pursuant to the underlying lease is included in the deferred land lease payable in the accompanying balance sheets.
Income Taxes
We are taxed as a REIT under Section 856(c) of the Code. As a REIT, we generally are not subject to Federal income tax. To maintain our qualification as a REIT, we must distribute at least 90% of our REIT taxable income to our stockholders and meet certain other requirements. If we fail to qualify as a REIT in any taxable year, we will be subject to Federal income tax on our taxable income at regular corporate rates. We may also be subject to certain state, local and franchise taxes. Under certain circumstances, Federal income and excise taxes may be due on our undistributed taxable income.
Pursuant to amendments to the Code that became effective January 1, 2001, we have elected, and may in the future, elect to treat certain of our existing or newly created corporate subsidiaries as taxable REIT subsidiaries, or TRS. In general, a TRS of ours may perform non-customary services for our tenants, hold assets that we cannot hold directly and generally may engage in any real estate or non-real estate related business. Our TRS's generate income, resulting in Federal income tax liability for these entities. Our TRS's recorded approximately $(2.0) million, $4.2 million and $2.2 million in Federal, state and local tax (benefit)/expense in 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively, of which $0.9 million, $1.6 million and $1.4 million, respectively, had been paid.
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In July 2006, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 48, "Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes," or FIN 48. This interpretation, among other things, creates a two-step approach for evaluating uncertain tax positions. Recognition (step one) occurs when an enterprise concludes that a tax position, based solely on its technical merits, is more-likely-than-not to be sustained upon examination. Measurement (step two) determines the amount of benefit that more-likely-than-not will be realized upon settlement. Derecognition of a tax position that was previously recognized would occur when a company subsequently determines that a tax position no longer meets the more-likely-than-not threshold of being sustained. FIN 48 specifically prohibits the use of a valuation allowance as a substitute for derecognition of tax positions, and it has expanded disclosure requirements. The adoption of FIN 48, on January 1, 2007 had no impact on our consolidated financial statements.
Underwriting Commissions and Costs
Underwriting commissions and costs incurred in connection with our stock offerings are reflected as a reduction of additional paid-in-capital.
Stock-Based Employee Compensation Plans
We have a stock-based employee compensation plan, described more fully in Note 14. We account for this plan under SFAS No. 123-R "Shared Based Payment," revised, or SFAS No. 123-R. We adopted SFAS No. 123, "Accounting from Stock-Based Compensation" on January 1, 2003.
The Black-Scholes option-pricing model was developed for use in estimating the fair value of traded options, which have no vesting restrictions and are fully transferable. In addition, option valuation models require the input of highly subjective assumptions including the expected stock price volatility. Because our plan has characteristics significantly different from those of traded options and because changes in the subjective input assumptions can materially affect the fair value estimate, in our opinion, the existing models do not necessarily provide a reliable single measure of the fair value of our employee stock options.
Compensation cost for stock options, if any, is recognized ratably over the vesting period of the award. Our policy is to grant options with an exercise price equal to the quoted closing market price of our stock on the grant date. Awards of stock or restricted stock are expensed as compensation on a current basis over the benefit period.
The fair value of each stock option granted is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model based on historical information with the following weighted average assumptions for grants in 2008, 2007 and 2006.
Dividend yield
Expected life of option
Risk-free interest rate
Expected stock price volatility
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In the normal course of business, we use a variety of derivative instruments to manage, or hedge, interest rate risk. We require that hedging derivative instruments are effective in reducing the interest rate risk exposure that they are designated to hedge. This effectiveness is essential for qualifying for hedge accounting. Some derivative instruments are associated with an anticipated transaction. In those cases, hedge effectiveness criteria also require that it be probable that the underlying transaction occurs. Instruments that meet these hedging criteria are formally designated as hedges at the inception of the derivative contract.
To determine the fair values of derivative instruments, we use a variety of methods and assumptions that are based on market conditions and risks existing at each balance sheet date. For the majority of financial instruments including most derivatives, long-term investments and long-term debt, standard market conventions and techniques such as discounted cash flow analysis, option pricing models, replacement cost, and termination cost are used to determine fair value. All methods of assessing fair value result in a general approximation of value, and such value may never actually be realized.
In the normal course of business, we are exposed to the effect of interest rate changes and limit these risks by following established risk management policies and procedures including the use of derivatives. To address exposure to interest rates, derivatives are used primarily to fix the rate on debt based on floating-rate indices and manage the cost of borrowing obligations.
We use a variety of commonly used derivative products that are considered plain vanilla derivatives. These derivatives typically include interest rate swaps, caps, collars and floors. We expressly prohibit the use of unconventional derivative instruments and using derivative instruments for trading or speculative purposes. Further, we have a policy of only entering into contracts with major financial institutions based upon their credit ratings and other factors.
We may employ swaps, forwards or purchased options to hedge qualifying forecasted transactions. Gains and losses related to these transactions are deferred and recognized in net income as interest expense in the same period or periods that the underlying transaction occurs, expires or is otherwise terminated.
Hedges that are reported at fair value and presented on the balance sheet could be characterized as cash flow hedges or fair value hedges. Interest rate caps and collars are examples of cash flow hedges. Cash flow hedges address the risk associated with future cash flows of debt transactions. All hedges held by us are deemed to be fully effective in meeting the hedging objectives established by our corporate policy governing interest rate risk management and as such no net gains or losses were reported in earnings. The changes in fair value of hedge instruments are reflected in accumulated other comprehensive income. For derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments, the gain or loss, resulting from the change in the estimated fair value of the derivative instruments, is recognized in current earnings during the period of change.
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Earnings Per Share
We present both basic and diluted earnings per share, or EPS. Basic EPS excludes dilution and is computed by dividing net income available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted EPS reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock, where such exercise or conversion would result in a lower EPS amount. This also includes units of limited partnership interest.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Concentrations of Credit Risk
Financial instruments that potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash investments, structured finance investments and accounts receivable. We place our cash investments in excess of insured amounts with high quality financial institutions. The collateral securing our structured finance investments is primarily located in the New York Metro area. See Note 5. We perform ongoing credit evaluations of our tenants and require certain tenants to provide security deposits or letters of credit. Though these security deposits and letters of credit are insufficient to meet the total value of a tenant's lease obligation, they are a measure of good faith and a source of funds to offset the economic costs associated with lost rent and the costs associated with re-tenanting the space. Although the properties in our real estate portfolio are primarily located in Manhattan, we also have properties in Brooklyn, Queens, Long Island, Westchester County, Connecticut and New Jersey. The tenants located in these buildings operate in various industries. Other than one tenant who accounts for approximately 9.4% of our annualized rent, no single tenant in our portfolio accounted for more than 5.8% of our annualized rent, including our share of joint venture annualized rent, at December 31, 2008. Approximately 10%, 8%, 7%, 8% and 6% of our annualized rent for consolidated properties was attributable to 919 Third Avenue, 1185 Avenue of the Americas, One Madison Avenue, 420 Lexington Avenue and 485 Lexington Avenue, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2008. Approximately 9%, 7%, 7%, 7% and 6% of our annualized rent for consolidated properties was attributable to 919 Third Avenue, 1185 Avenue of the Americas, One Madison Avenue, 420 Lexington Avenue and 485 Lexington Avenue, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2007. Approximately 14%, 10%, 9% and 9% of our annualized rent for consolidated properties was attributable to 420 Lexington Avenue, 220 East 42nd Street, 625 Madison Avenue and 485 Lexington Avenue respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2006. No single borrower accounted for more than 10.0% of the revenue earned on structured finance investments at December 31, 2008. Currently 69% of our workforce which services substantially all of our properties is covered by three collective bargaining agreements.
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Reclassification
Certain prior year balances have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation in order to comply with SFAS No. 144.
In September 2006, the FASB issued Statement No. 157, "Fair Value Measurements", or SFAS No. 157. SFAS No. 157 provides guidance for using fair value to measure assets and liabilities. This statement clarifies the principle that fair value should be based on the assumptions that market participants would use when pricing the asset or liability. SFAS No. 157 establishes a fair value hierarchy, giving the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets and the lowest priority to unobservable data. SFAS No. 157 applies whenever other standards require assets or liabilities to be measured at fair value. This statement is effective in fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. The adoption of this standard on January 1, 2008 did not have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements. In February 2008, the FASB delayed the effective date of SFAS No. 157 for non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities to fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008.
In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, "The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities." SFAS No. 159 allows entities to voluntarily choose, at specified election dates, to measure many financial assets (as well as certain nonfinancial instruments that are similar to financial instruments) at fair value (the "fair value option"). The election is made on an instrument-by-instrument basis and is irrevocable. If the fair value option is elected for an instrument, the statement specifies that all subsequent changes in fair value for that instrument shall be reported in earnings (or another performance indicator for entities such as not-for profit organizations that do not report earnings). Upon initial adoption, SFAS No. 159 provides entities with a one-time chance to elect the fair value option for existing eligible items. SFAS No. 159 is effective as of the beginning of an entity's first fiscal year that begins after November 15, 2007. We did not make the election to measure financial assets at fair value and therefore, adoption of this standard did not have an effect on our consolidated financial statements.
In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141(R), "Business Combinations." This statement changes the accounting for acquisitions specifically eliminating the step acquisition model, changing the recognition of contingent consideration from being recognized when it is probable to being recognized at the time of acquisition, disallowing the capitalization of transaction costs and delays when restructurings related to acquisitions can be recognized. The standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008 and will only impact the accounting for acquisitions we make after our adoption. Accordingly, upon our adoption of this standard on January 1, 2009, there will not be any impact on our historical financial statements.
In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, "Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements—an Amendment of ARB No. 5" which establishes and expands accounting and reporting standards for minority interests, which will be recharacterized as noncontrolling interests, in a subsidiary and the deconsolidation of a subsidiary. SFAS No. 160 requires that controlling interests be displayed in the consolidated statement of financial position as a seperate component of stockholders' equity. This statement is effective for fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2008. We are
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currently assessing the potential impact that the adoption of SFAS No. 160 will have on our financial position and results of operations.
In March 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 161, or SFAS No. 161, "Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, an amendment of FASB Statement No. 133." SFAS No. 161 requires entities to provide greater transparency about (a) how and why and entity uses derivative instruments, (b) how derivative instruments and related hedged items are accounted for under SFAS No. 133 and its related interpretations, and (c) how derivative instruments and related hedged items affect an entity's financial position, results of operations, and cash flows. SFAS No. 161 is effective on January 1, 2009. We do not expect this statement to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
In May 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position No. APB 14-1, or FSP 14-1, "Accounting for Convertible Debt Instruments that may be Settled in Cash upon Conversion." FSP 14-1 requires the issuer of certain convertible debt instruments that may be settled in cash (or other assets) on conversion to separately account for the liability (debt) and equity (conversion option) components of the instrument in a manner that reflects the issuer's nonconvertible debt borrowing rate. FSP 14-1 will significantly affect the accounting for instruments commonly referred to as Instruments B and C in EITF No. 90-19, "Convertible Bonds with Issuer Option to Settle for Cash upon Conversion," which is nullified by FSP 14-1, and any other convertible debt instruments that require or permit settlement in any combination of cash and shares at the issuer's option, such as those sometimes referred to as "Instrument X." The resulting debt discount will be amortized over the period during which the debt is expected to be outstanding (i.e., through the first optional redemption dates) as additional non-cash interest expense. This amount (before netting) will increase in subsequent reporting periods through the first optional redemption dates as the debt accretes to its par value over the same period. FSP 14-1 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is not permitted. Upon adoption, FSP 14-1 requires companies to retrospectively apply the requirements of the pronouncement to all periods presented. Adoption of FSP 14-1 will result in an aggregate of approximately $19.7 million and $15.8 million of additional non-cash interest expense, or $0.32 per share and $0.25 per share, for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.
In May 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 162, "The Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles," or SFAS No. 162, which is intended to improve financing reporting by identifying a consistent framework or hierarchy for selecting accounting principles to be used in preparing financial statements of nongovernmental entities that are presented in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles, or GAAP in the United States. SFAS No. 162 is effective 60 days following the Securities and Exchange Commission's, or SEC, approval of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board amendment to AU Section 411, "The Meaning of Present Fairly in Conformity with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles." We do not expect the adoption of SFAS No. 162 to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
In June 2008, the FASB issued FSP EITF 03-06-1, "Determining Whether Instruments Granted in Share-Based Payment Transactions are Participating Securities", or FSP EITF 03-06-1. FSP EITF 03-06-1 clarifies that unvested share-based payment awards that contain non-forfeitable rights to dividends or dividend equivalents (whether paid or unpaid) are participating securities and shall be
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included in the computation of EPS pursuant to the two-class method. FSP EITF 03-06-1 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008, and interim periods within those fiscal years. All prior-period EPS data presented shall be adjusted retrospectively (including interim financial statements, summaries of earnings, and selected financial data) to conform with the provisions of the FSP. Early application is not permitted. We do not expect the adoption of FSP EITF 03-06-1 to have a material impact on our results of operations.
3. Property Acquisitions
2008 Acquisitions
In February 2008, we, through our joint venture with Jeff Sutton, acquired the properties located at 182 Broadway and 63 Nassau Street for approximately $30.0 million in the aggregate. These properties are located adjacent to 180 Broadway which we acquired in August 2007. As part of the acquisition we also closed on a $31.0 million loan which bears interest at 225 basis points over the 30-day LIBOR. The loan has a three-year term and two one-year extensions. We drew down $21.1 million at the closing to pay the balance of the acquisition costs.
During the second quarter of 2008, we, through a joint venture with NYSTERS, acquired various interests in the fee positions at 919 Third Avenue for approximately $32.8 million. As a result, our joint venture controls the entire fee position.
2007 Acquisitions
In January 2007, we acquired Reckson for approximately $6.0 billion, inclusive of transaction costs. Simultaneously, we sold approximately $1.9 billion of the Reckson assets to an asset purchasing venture led by certain of Reckson's former executive management. The transaction included the acquisition of 30 properties encompassing approximately 9.2 million square feet, of which five properties encompassing approximately 4.2 million square feet are located in Manhattan.
The following summarizes our allocation of the purchase price to the assets and liabilities acquired from Reckson (in thousands):
Land
Building
Investment in joint venture
Structured finance investments
Acquired above-market leases
Other assets, net of other liabilities
Acquired in-place leases
Assets acquired
Acquired below-market leases
Liabilities acquired
Net assets acquired
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3. Property Acquisitions (Continued)
In January 2007, we acquired 300 Main Street in Stamford, Connecticut and 399 Knollwood Road in White Plains, New York for approximately $46.6 million, from affiliates of RPW Group. These commercial office buildings encompass 275,000 square feet, inclusive of 50,000 square feet of garage parking at 300 Main Street.
In April 2007, we completed the acquisition of 331 Madison Avenue and 48 East 43rd Street for a total of $73.0 million. Both 331 Madison Avenue and 48 East 43rd Street are located adjacent to 317 Madison Avenue, a property that we acquired in 2001. 331 Madison Avenue is an approximately 92,000-square foot, 14-story office building. The 22,850-square-foot 48 East 43rd Street property is a seven-story loft building that was later converted to office use.
In April 2007, we acquired the fee interest in 333 West 34th Street for approximately $183.0 million from Citigroup Global Markets Inc. The property encompasses approximately 345,000 square feet. At closing, Citigroup entered into a full building triple net lease through August 2009.
In June 2007, we, through a joint venture, acquired the second and third floors in the office tower at 717 Fifth Avenue for approximately $16.9 million.
In June 2007, we acquired 1010 Washington Avenue, CT, a 143,400 square foot office tower. The fee interest was purchased for approximately $38.0 million.
In June 2007, we acquired an office property located at 500 West Putnam Avenue in Greenwich, Connecticut. The Greenwich property, a four-story, 121,500-square-foot office building, was purchased for approximately $56.0 million.
In August 2007, we acquired Gramercy's 45% equity interest in the joint venture that owns the 1,176,000 square foot office building located at One Madison Avenue, or One Madison, for approximately $147.2 million and the assumption of their proportionate share of the debt encumbering the property of approximately $305.3 million. We previously acquired our 55% interest in the property in April 2005.
In August 2007, we, through a joint venture with Jeff Sutton, acquired the fee interest in a building at 180 Broadway for an aggregate purchase price of $13.7 million, excluding closing costs. The building comprises approximately 24,307 square feet. We own approximately 50% of the equity in the joint venture. We loaned approximately $6.8 million to Jeff Sutton to fund a portion of his equity. This loan is secured by a pledge of Jeff Sutton's partnership interest in the joint venture. As we have been designated as the primary beneficiary of the joint venture under FIN 46(R), we have consolidated the accounts of the joint venture.
2006 Acquisitions
In January 2006, we, through a joint venture with Jeff Sutton, acquired the fee interests in three adjoining buildings at 25-27 and 29 West 34Pth Street for an aggregate purchase price of $30.0 million, excluding closing costs. The buildings comprise approximately 50,900 square feet. We own approximately 50% of the equity in the joint venture. TWe loaned approximately $13.3 million to Jeff Sutton to fund a portion of his equity. These loans are secured by a pledge of Jeff Sutton's partnership interest in the joint venture. As we have been designated as the primary beneficiary of the joint venture under FIN 46(R), we have consolidated the accounts of the joint venture. Effective December 2006, we deconsolidated 25 West 34th Street. Effective May 2008, we deconsolidated 27/29 West 34th Street.
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In March 2006, we entered into a long term operating net leasehold interest in 521 Fifth Avenue—a 40-story, 460,000-square-foot office building—with an ownership group led by RFR Holding LLC, which retained fee ownership of the property. We also purchased an option to acquire fee ownership of the property in five years for $15.0 million. Assuming we exercise our option, the total cost would be $225.0 million. The acquisition was financed with a $140.0 million loan and proceeds drawn under our revolving credit facility. The loan, which was for two years and bore interest at the London Interbank Offered Rate, or LIBOR, plus 162.5 basis points, was replaced in April 2006 with a five-year loan that bears interest at LIBOR plus 100 basis points. In December 2006, we sold a 49.9% partnership interest to the City Investment Fund, or CIF. This sale valued the property at $240.0 million. We recognized a gain on the sale of approximately $3.5 million. The loan was also assigned to the joint venture. See Note 6.
In May 2005, we acquired a 10% interest in a joint venture that acquired a 670,000 square feet property located at 55 Corporate Drive, N.J. The acquisition was funded with an $86.0 million interest-only mortgage, which was to mature in June 2007 and carried an interest rate of 215 basis points over the 30-day LIBOR. This mortgage was acquired by Gramercy in March 2006. In June 2006, the mortgage was repaid and replaced with a $190.0 million, ten-year interest-only mortgage with a fixed interest rate of 5.75%. The property is net-leased to a single tenant until 2023. In connection with the refinancing, the joint venture distributed out all the capital and preferred return to its majority partner. This resulted in our interest increasing from 10% to 50%. Simultaneous with the refinancing, Gramercy acquired a 49.75% interest from the other partners. These interests are held as tenant-in-common interests. This transaction valued the property at $236.0 million. This property was sold in the first quarter of 2009. See Note 23.
On June 30, 2006, we completed the investment in the previously announced transaction involving 609 Fifth Avenue—a mixed-use property that includes New York City's American Girl Store and approximately 100,000 square feet of Class A office space—in a transaction that valued the property at approximately $182.0 million. We issued approximately 64 million preferred units in SL Green Operating Partnership, L.P., valued at $1.00 per unit, to subsidiaries of 609 Partners, LLC, the partnership that indirectly holds the property, and acquired all of its common partnership interests. The property remains subject to a $102.0 million mortgage loan held by Morgan Stanley Mortgage Capital, Inc. The mortgage has a fixed annual interest rate of 5.85% and will mature in October 2013.
In September 2006, we, along with Jeff Sutton, were able to consolidate several partnership interests totaling 92.25% in the retail portion and one floor of office space at 717 Fifth Avenue. 717 Fifth Avenue has 47,000 square feet of rentable retail space, approximately 90% of which is currently occupied. This transaction, which valued the property at $235.0 million, was financed with our investment of approximately $46.0 million and a $175.0 million loan from a third party at a blended rate of LIBOR plus 160 basis points. We also have an option to acquire up to 33% of the ownership interests in the property. In January 2007, we exercised a portion of the option and acquired a 32.75% ownership interest in the property. We were consolidating our investment in 717 Fifth Ave. due to our significant economic interest resulting from the financing we provided. Effective September 2008, we deconsolidated this investment.
In December 2006, we purchased interests in 485 Lexington Avenue from our partners, CIF and The Witkoff Group, or Witkoff, resulting in majority ownership and control of the property. As a result
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of the acquisition of interests from CIF and Witkoff, our direct ownership interest in 485 Lexington Avenue increased to 87%. The transaction valued the property at approximately $578.0 million compared to $225.0 million when first acquired in 2004. In addition, we originated a loan secured by CIF's remaining ownership interest. We also acquired an option from CIF to purchase its remaining equity interest. This investment was previously accounted for under the equity method.
Pro Forma
The following table (in thousands, except per share amounts) summarizes, on an unaudited pro forma basis, our combined results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006 as though the acquisitions of 521 Fifth Avenue (March 2006), the investment in 609 Fifth Avenue (June 2006), the July and November 2006 common stock offerings as well as the Reckson Merger and the acquisition of the 45% interest in One Madison were completed on January 1, 2006. The supplemental pro forma operating data is not necessarily indicative of what the actual results of operations would have been assuming the transactions had been completed as set forth above, nor do they purport to represent our results of operations for future periods. In addition, the following supplemental pro forma operating data does not present the sale of assets through December 31, 2008. There were no significant acquisitions in 2008. We accounted for the acquisition of assets utilizing the purchase method of accounting.
Pro forma revenues
Pro forma net income
Pro forma earnings per common share—basic
Pro forma earnings per common share and common share equivalents—diluted
Pro forma common shares—basic
Pro forma common share and common share equivalents—diluted
4. Property Dispositions and Assets Held for Sale
In January 2008, we sold the fee interest in 440 Ninth Avenue for approximately $160.0 million, excluding closing costs. The property is approximately 339,000 square feet. We recognized a gain on sale of approximately $106.0 million.
In August 2008, we sold 80% of our interest in the joint venture that owns 1551/1555 Broadway to Jeff Sutton for approximately $17.0 million and the right to future asset management, leasing and construction fees. We recognized a gain on sale of approximately $9.5 million. As a result of this transaction, we deconsolidated this investment and account for it under the equity method of accounting. See Note 6.
In October 2008, we sold 100/120 White Plains Road, Westchester for $48.0 million, which approximated our book basis in these properties. Our share of the net sales proceeds was approximately $24.0 million.
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4. Property Dispositions and Assets Held for Sale (Continued)
In February 2007, we sold the fee interests in 70 West 36th Street for approximately $61.5 million, excluding closing costs. The property is approximately 151,000 square feet. We recognized a gain on sale of approximately $47.2 million.
In June 2007, we sold our office condominium interest in floors six through eighteen at 110 East 42nd Street for approximately $111.5 million, excluding closing costs. The property encompasses approximately 181,000 square feet. The sale does not include approximately 112,000 square feet of developable air rights, which we retained along with the ability to transfer these rights off-site. We recognized a gain on sale of approximately $84.0 million, which is net of a $1.0 million employee compensation award accrued in connection with the realization of this investment gain as a bonus to certain employees that were instrumental in realizing the gain on this sale.
In June 2007, we sold our condominium interests in 125 Broad Street for approximately $273.0 million, excluding closing costs. The property is approximately 525,000 square feet. We recognized a gain on sale of approximately $167.9 million, which is net of a $1.5 million employee compensation award accrued in connection with the realization of this investment gain as a bonus to certain employees that were instrumental in realizing the gain on this sale.
In July 2007, we sold our property located at 292 Madison Avenue for approximately $140.0 million, excluding closing costs. The property encompasses approximately 187,000 square feet. The sale generated a gain of approximately $99.8 million, of which $15.7 million was deferred as a result of financing provided to the buyer by Gramercy, which is net of a $1.0 million employee compensation award accrued in connection with the realization of this investment gain as a bonus to certain employees that were instrumental in realizing the gain on this sale.
In July 2007, we sold an 85% interest in 1372 Broadway, New York, to Wachovia Corporation (NYSE:WB), for approximately $284.8 million. This sale generated a gain of $254.4 million, which is net of a $1.5 million employee compensation award accrued in connection with the realization of this investment gain as a bonus to certain employees that were instrumental in realizing the gain on this sale. We retained a 15% interest in the property. We had the ability to earn incentive fees based on the financial performance of the property. We were accounting for this property as a profit sharing arrangement. We deferred recognition of the gain on sale due to our continuing involvement with the property and because we had an option to reacquire the property under certain limited circumstances. As the property was unencumbered at the time of sale, no debt was recorded on our books. The co-venture expense was included in operating expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Income. The equity contributed by our partner was included in Deferred Revenue on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. In July 2007, the joint venture that now owned 1372 Broadway closed on a $235.2 million, five-year, floating rate mortgage. The mortgage carried an interest rate of 125 basis points over the 30-day LIBOR. This mortgage was recorded off-balance sheet. The joint venture sold the property in October 2008. As a result of the sale, we recognized a gain on sale of approximately $238.6 million, which is net of a $3.5 million employee compensation award accrued in connection with the realization of this investment gain as a bonus to certain employees that were instrumental in realizing the gain on this sale.
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In November 2007, we sold our property located at 470 Park Avenue South for approximately $157.0 million. The property encompasses approximately 260,000 square feet. The sale generated a gain, net of minority interest, of approximately $114.7 million.
In July 2006, we sold the fee interests in 286 Madison Avenue and 290 Madison Avenue for approximately $63.0 million, excluding closing costs. The properties are approximately 149,000 square feet. We recognized a gain on sale of approximately $34.3 million, which is net of a $2.0 million employee compensation award accrued in connection with the realization of this investment gain as a bonus to certain employees that were instrumental in realizing the gain on this sale.
In August 2006, we sold the leasehold interest in 1140 Avenue of the Americas for approximately $97.5 million, excluding closing costs. The property is approximately 191,000 square feet. We recognized a gain on sale of approximately $65.0 million which is net of a $3.0 million employee compensation award accrued in connection with the realization of this investment gain as a bonus to certain employees that were instrumental in realizing the gain on this sale.
In December 2006, we sold to CIF a 49.9% interest in the entity that owns the leasehold interest in 521 Fifth Avenue. The sale of the interest in the property, which encompasses approximately 460,000 square feet, valued the property at approximately $240.0 million. This sale generated a realized gain of approximately $3.5 million. As a result of the sale, this investment is accounted for under the equity method. See Note 6.
At December 31, 2008, discontinued operations included the results of operations of real estate assets under contract or sold prior to that date. This included 286 and 290 Madison Avenue, sold in July 2006, 1140 Avenue of the Americas, sold in August 2006, 125 Broad Street and 110 East 42nd Street sold in June 2007, 292 Madison Avenue, which was sold in July 2007, 470 Park Avenue South, which was sold in November 2007 and 440 Ninth Avenue, which was sold in January 2008, 100/120 White Plains Road and 1372 Broadway, which were sold in October 2008, and 55 Corporate Drive, NJ which was under contract for sale at December 31, 2008.
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The following table summarizes income from discontinued operations (net of minority interest) and the related realized gain on sale of discontinued operations (net of minority interest) for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 (in thousands).
Escalation and reimbursement revenues
Operating expense
Gain on disposition of discontinued operations
Income from discontinued operations, net of minority interest
5. Structured Finance Investments
During the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, our structured finance and preferred equity investments (net of discounts) increased approximately $238.5 million and $581.9 million, respectively, due to originations and accretion of discounts. In addition, in 2007 we assumed approximately $136.9 million of structured finance investments as part of the Reckson Merger. There were also approximately $295.9 million and $358.6 million in repayments, participations, sales and loan loss reserves recorded during those periods, respectively, which offset the increases in structured finance investments.
Preferred equity and investment income consists of the following (in thousands):
Preferred Equity and Investment income
Interest income
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5. Structured Finance Investments (Continued)
As of December 31, 2008 and 2007, we held the following structured finance investments, excluding preferred equity investments, with an aggregate weighted average current yield of approximately 9.13% (in thousands):
Other Loan(1)
Mezzanine Loan(1)(2)
Mezzanine Loan(1)(6)
Mezzanine Loan(1)
Mezzanine Loan(1)(3)
Other Loan(1)(7)(13)
Whole Loan(3)
Mezzanine Loan(1)(2)(4)(13)(15)
Mezzanine Loan
Mezzanine Loan(3)
Mezzanine Loan(3)(8)
Other Loan
Junior Participation(1)(9)(13)(15)
Mezzanine Loan(3)(13)(14)
Junior Participation(1)(10)
Junior Participation(1)(5)
Junior Participation(1)(13)
Junior Participation(11)(13)
Junior Participation(13)
Junior Participation(12)
Loan loss reserve(13)
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Preferred Equity Investments
As of December 31, 2008 and 2007 we held the following preferred equity investments (in thousands) with an aggregate weighted average current yield of approximately 10.13%:
Preferred equity(1)(2)
Preferred equity(1)(5)
Preferred equity(1)(3)(5)
Preferred equity(1)(4)
Preferred equity(5)(6)
Preferred equity(1)
Loan loss reserve(5)
The following table is a rollforward of our loan loss reserves (in thousands):
Balance at beginning of year
Expensed
Charge-offs
Balance at end of year
At December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 all structured finance investments, other than as noted above, were performing in accordance with the terms of the loan agreements.
6. Investment in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures
We have investments in several real estate joint ventures with various partners, including The Rockefeller Group International Inc., or RGII, The City Investment Fund, or CIF, SITQ Immobilier, a
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6. Investment in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures (Continued)
subsidiary of Caisse de depot et placement du Quebec, or SITQ, a fund managed by JP Morgan Investment Management, or JP Morgan, Prudential Real Estate Investors, or Prudential, Onyx Equities, or Onyx, The Witkoff Group, or Witkoff, Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC, or Credit Suisse, Mack-Cali Realty Corporation, or Mack-Cali, Jeff Sutton, or Sutton, and Gramercy, as well as private investors. As we do not control these joint ventures, we account for them under the equity method of accounting.
We assess the accounting treatment for each joint venture on a stand-alone basis. This includes a review of each joint venture or partnership LLC agreement to determine which party has what rights and whether those rights are protective or participating under EITF 04-5 and EITF 96-16. In situations where our minority partner approves the annual budget, receives a detailed monthly reporting package from us, meets with us on a quarterly basis to review the results of the joint venture, reviews and approves the joint venture's tax return before filing, and approves all leases that cover more than a nominal amount of space relative to the total rentable space at each property we do not consolidate the joint venture as we consider these to be substantive participation rights. Our joint venture agreements also contain certain protective rights such as the requirement of partner approval to sell, finance or refinance the property and the payment of capital expenditures and operating expenditures outside of the approved budget or operating plan.
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The table below provides general information on each joint venture as of December 31, 2008 (in thousands):
1221 Avenue of the Americas(2)
1515 Broadway(3)
100 Park Avenue
379 West Broadway
Mack-Green joint venture(4)
21 West 34th Street(5)
800 Third Avenue(6)
521 Fifth Avenue
One Court Square
1604-1610 Broadway(7)
1745 Broadway(8)
1 and 2 Jericho Plaza
2 Herald Square(9)
885 Third Avenue(10)
16 Court Street
The Meadows
388 and 390 Greenwich Street(11)
27-29 West 34th Street(12)
1551-1555 Broadway(13)
717 Fifth Avenue(14)
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In May 2008, we, along with our joint venture partner SITQ, closed on the sale of the 39-story, 670,000 square foot Class A office tower located at 1250 Broadway in Manhattan for $310.0 million. We recognized an incentive distribution of approximately $25.0 million in addition to our share of the gain on sale of approximately $93.8 million, which is net of a $1.0 million employee compensation award accrued in connection with the realization of this investment gain as a bonus to certain employees that were instrumental in realizing the gain on this sale.
In March 2007, a joint venture between our company, SITQ and SEB Immobilier—Investment GmbH sold One Park Avenue for $550.0 million. We received approximately $108.7 million in proceeds from the sale, approximately $77.2 million of which represented an incentive distribution under our joint venture arrangement with SEB and the balance of approximately $31.5 million was recognized as gain on sale.
In June 2007, a joint venture between our company, Ian Schrager, RFR Holding LLC and Credit Suisse sold Five Madison Avenue-Clock Tower for $200.0 million. We realized an incentive distribution of approximately $5.5 million upon the winding down of the joint venture.
In August 2007, we acquired Gramercy's 45% equity interest in the joint venture that owns One Madison Avenue for approximately $147.2 million (and the assumption of Gramercy's proportionate share of the debt encumbering the property of approximately $305.3 million). In August 2007, an
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affiliate of ours loaned approximately $146.7 million to GKK Capital L.P. This loan was to be repaid with interest at an annual rate of 5.80% on the earlier of September 1, 2007 or the closing of our purchase from Gramercy of its 45% interest in One Madison Avenue. As a result of our acquisition of Gramercy's interest in August 2007, the loan was repaid with interest on such date. As a result of the acquisition of this interest we own 100% of One Madison Avenue. We accounted for our share of the incentive fee earned from Gramercy of approximately $19.0 million as well as our proportionate share of the gain on sale of approximately $18.3 million as a reduction in the basis of One Madison. See Note 3.
We finance our joint ventures with non-recourse debt. The first mortgage notes payable collateralized by the respective joint venture properties and assignment of leases at December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively, are as follows (in thousands):
1250 Broadway(3)
1515 Broadway(4)
Mack-Green joint venture(5)
21 West 34th Street
2 Herald Square
1604-1610 Broadway
885 Third Avenue
388 and 390 Greenwich Street(6)
27-29 West 34th Street(7)
1551-1555 Broadway(8)
717 Fifth Avenue(9)
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this loan for one year. This loan was repaid in May 2008 in connection with the sale of the property.
We act as the operating partner and day-to-day manager for all our joint ventures, except for 1221 Avenue of the Americas, Mack-Green, 800 Third Avenue, 1 and 2 Jericho Plaza and The Meadows. We are entitled to receive fees for providing management, leasing, construction supervision and asset management services to our joint ventures. We earned approximately $16.4 million, $13.3 million and $9.7 million from these services for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 respectively. In addition, we have the ability to earn incentive fees based on the ultimate financial performance of certain of the joint venture properties.
In April 2004, we formed Gramercy. Gramercy is an integrated commercial real estate specialty finance and property investment company. Gramercy's commercial real estate finance business, which operates under the name Gramercy Finance, focuses on the direct origination and acquisition of whole loans, subordinate interests in whole loans, mezzanine loans, preferred equity, commercial mortgage backed securities and other real estate related securities. Gramercy's property investment business, which operates under the name Gramercy Realty, focuses on the acquisition and management of commercial properties net leased primarily to financial institutions and affiliated users throughout the United States. Gramercy qualified as a REIT for federal income tax purposes and expects to qualify for its current fiscal year. During the term of the origination agreement between Gramercy and us, we have the right to purchase up to 25% of the shares in any future offering of Gramercy's common stock in order to maintain our percentage ownership interest in Gramercy. At December 31, 2008, we held 6,219,370 shares, or approximately 12.48% of Gramercy's common stock representing a total investment at net book value of approximately $8.0 million. The market value of our common stock investment in Gramercy was approximately $8.0 million at December 31, 2008. Management has evaluated its investment in Gramercy in accordance with guidance on fair value accounting. Based on these evaluations, which considered, among other things, the duration of time that the market value was less than the book value of our common stock investment in Gramercy, we wrote down our investment by $134.1 million in December 2008, excluding $13.4 million representing our share of Gramercy's
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accumulated other comprehensive income. Gramercy is a variable interest entity, but we are not the primary beneficiary. Due to the significant influence we have over Gramercy, we account for our investment under the equity method of accounting. In October 2008, the management agreement was amended and restated and certain other agreements were entered into or terminated.
In connection with Gramercy's initial public offering, GKK Manager LLC, or the Manager, an affiliate of ours, entered into a management agreement with Gramercy, which provided for an initial term through December 2007, with automatic one-year extension options and certain termination rights. In April 2006, we and Gramercy entered into an amended and restated management agreement, and Gramercy's board of directors approved, among other things, an extension of the management agreement through December 2009. The management agreement was further amended in September 2007 and amended and restated in October 2008. Gramercy pays the Manager an annual management fee equal to 1.75% (1.50% effective October 1, 2008) of their gross stockholders' equity (as defined in the management agreement), inclusive of trust preferred securities issued by Gramercy or its affiliates. In addition, Gramercy also paid the Manager a collateral management fee (as defined in the management agreement). In connection with any and all collateralized debt obligations, or CDO's, except for the 2005 CDO, or other securitization vehicles formed, owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by Gramercy, which provides for a collateral manager to be retained, the Manager with respect to such CDO's and other securitization vehicles, received management, service and similar fees equal to (i) 0.25% per annum of the principal amount outstanding of bonds issued by a managed transitional CDO that are owned by third-party investors unaffiliated with Gramercy or the Manager, which CDO is structured to own loans secured by transitional properties, (ii) 0.15% per annum of the book value of the principal amount outstanding of bonds issued by a managed non-transitional CDO that are owned by third-party investors unaffiliated with Gramercy or the Manager, which CDO is structured to own loans secured by non-transitional properties, (iii) 0.10% per annum of the principal amount outstanding of bonds issued by a static CDO that are owned by third party investors unaffiliated with Gramercy or the Manager, which CDO is structured to own non-investment grade bonds, and (iv) 0.05% per annum of the principal amount outstanding of bonds issued by a static CDO that are owned by third-party investors unaffiliated with Gramercy or the Manager, which CDO is structured to own investment grade bonds. For the purposes of the management agreement, a "managed transitional" CDO means a CDO that is actively managed, has a reinvestment period and is structured to own debt collateral secured primarily by non-stabilized real estate assets that are expected to experience substantial net operating income growth, and a "managed non-transitional" CDO means a CDO that is actively managed, has a reinvestment period and is structured to own debt collateral secured primarily by stabilized real estate assets that are not expected to experience substantial net operating income growth. Both "managed transitional" and "managed non-transitional" CDO's may at any given time during the reinvestment period of the respective vehicles invest in and own non-debt collateral (in limited quantity) as defined by the respective indentures. In connection with the closing of Gramercy's first CDO in July 2005, Gramercy entered into a collateral management agreement with the Manager. Pursuant to the collateral management agreement, the Manager has agreed to provide certain advisory and administrative services in relation to the collateral debt securities and other eligible investments securing the CDO notes. The collateral management agreement provided for a senior collateral management fee, payable quarterly in accordance with the priority of payments as set forth in the indenture, equal to 0.15% per annum of the net outstanding portfolio balance, and a
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subordinate collateral management fee, payable quarterly in accordance with the priority of payments as set forth in the indenture, equal to 0.25% per annum of the net outstanding portfolio balance. Net outstanding portfolio balance is the sum of the (i) aggregate principal balance of the collateral debt securities, excluding defaulted securities, (ii) aggregate principal balance of all principal proceeds held as cash and eligible investments in certain accounts, and (iii) with respect to the defaulted securities, the calculation amount of such defaulted securities. As compensation for the performance of its obligations as collateral manager under the first CDO, Gramercy's board of directors had allocated to the Manager the subordinate collateral management fee paid on securities not held by Gramercy. The senior collateral management fee and balance of the subordinate collateral management fee is allocated to Gramercy. For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 we received an aggregate of approximately $21.1 million, $13.1 million and $10.2 million, respectively, in fees under the management agreement and $2.6 million, $4.7 million and $2.9 million, respectively, under the collateral management agreement. Fees payable to the Manager under the collateral management agreement were remitted to Gramercy for the six months ended December 31, 2008 and will be for all subsequent periods. In 2008, we, as well as Gramercy, each formed special committees comprised solely of independent directors to consider whether the internalization of the Manager and/or amendment to the management agreement would be in the best interest of each company and its respective shareholders.
On October 27, 2008, the Manager entered into a Second Amended and Restated Management Agreement (the "Second Amended Management Agreement") with Gramercy and GKK Capital LP. The Second Amended Management Agreement generally contains the same terms and conditions as the Amended and Restated Management Agreement, dated as of April 19, 2006, except for the following material changes: (i) reduces the annual base management fee payable by Gramercy to the Manager to 1.50% of Gramercy's stockholders' equity (effective October 1, 2008); (ii) reduces the termination fee to an amount equal to the management fee earned by the Manager during the 12-month period immediately preceding the effective date of the termination; and (iii) provides that all management, service and similar fees relating to Gramercy's collateralized debt obligations that the Manager is entitled to receive shall be remitted by the Manager to Gramercy for any period from and after July 1, 2008.
In September 2007, the Manager earned a $1.0 million collateral selection fee payable by Nomura International plc. Gramercy purchased $18.0 million of par of the same securities from which the collateral selection fee was earned. As part of the closing on the securities purchased, Gramercy collected and immediately remitted the fee due to the Manager.
To provide an incentive for the Manager to enhance the value of Gramercy's common stock, we, along with the other holders of Class B limited partnership interests in Gramercy's operating partnership, are entitled to an incentive return payable through the Class B limited partner interests in Gramercy's operating partnership, equal to 25% of the amount by which funds from operations (as defined in Gramercy's amended and restated partnership agreement) plus certain accounting gains exceed the product of the weighted average stockholders' equity of Gramercy multiplied by 9.5% (divided by four to adjust for quarterly calculations). We will record any distributions on the Class B limited partner interests as incentive distribution income in the period when earned and when receipt of such amounts have become probable and reasonably estimable in accordance with Gramercy's
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amended and restated partnership agreement as if such agreement had been terminated on that date. We earned approximately $5.1 million, $13.3 million and $7.6 million under this agreement for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively. The $5.1 million incentive fee was returned to Gramercy in the fourth quarter of 2008. During the fourth quarter of 2008, we entered into an agreement with Gramercy which, among other matters, obligates Gramercy and us to use commercially reasonable efforts to obtain the consents of certain lenders of Gramercy and its subsidiaries to a potential internalization. We also expensed our approximately $14.9 million investment in GKK Manager LLC. The 2007 incentive fees exclude approximately $19.0 million of incentive fees earned upon the sale of a 45% equity interest in One Madison Avenue by Gramercy to us. We accounted for this incentive fee as a reduction of the basis in One Madison. Amounts payable to the Class B limited partnership interests were waived for the six months ended December 31, 2008. Due to the control we have over the Manager, we consolidate the accounts of the Manager into ours.
On October 27, 2008, the Manager entered into a letter agreement (the "Letter Agreement") with the operating partnership, Gramercy, GKK Capital LP and the individual limited partners of GKK Capital LP party thereto, pursuant to which the holders of the Class B Units of GKK Capital LP agreed to waive their respective rights to receive distributions payable on the Class B Units in respect of the period commencing July 1, 2008 and ending on December 31, 2008. For all periods from and after January 1, 2009, the holders of the Class B Units shall continue to receive distributions from GKK Capital LP in accordance with the partnership agreement of GKK Capital LP, except that Gramercy may, at its option, elect to assume directly and satisfy the right of the holders to receive distributions, if permissible under applicable law or the requirements of the exchange on which the shares of common stock trade, in shares of common stock. In addition, the Letter Agreement provides that Gramercy will not amend certain provisions of its charter and bylaws related to indemnification of directors and officers in a manner that is adverse to the operating partnership or any of the individuals party to the Letter Agreement, other than any amendments that would only apply to acts or omissions occurring after the date of such amendment.
In May 2005, our Compensation Committee approved long-term incentive performance awards pursuant to which certain of our officers and employees, including some of whom are our senior executive officers, were awarded a portion of the interests previously held by us in the Manager as well as in the Class B limited partner interests in Gramercy's operating partnership. The vesting of these awards is dependent upon, among other things, tenure of employment and the performance of our investment in Gramercy. These awards vested in May 2008. We recorded compensation expense of approximately $0.9 million, $2.9 million and $2.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively, related to these awards. The officers and employees who received the awards owned 15.6 units, or 15.6%, of the Class B limited partner interests and 15.6% of the Manager. During the second quarter of 2008, we acquired an additional 12.42% ownership interest in the Manager. Pursuant to an agreement dated December 30, 2008, all the Class B limited partner interests and the remaining 15.6% interest in the Manager were transferred to us. As a result, we own all units, or 100.0%, of the Class B limited partner interests and 100.0% of the Manager.
Gramercy is obligated to reimburse the Manager for its costs incurred under an asset servicing agreement and an outsourcing agreement between the Manager and us. The asset servicing agreement, which was amended and restated in April 2006, provides for an annual fee payable to us of 0.05% of
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the book value of all Gramercy's credit tenant lease assets and non-investment grade bonds and 0.15% of the book value of all other Gramercy assets. We may reduce the asset-servicing fee for fees that Gramercy pays directly to outside servicers. The outsourcing agreement currently provides for a fee of $2.7 million per year, increasing 3% annually over the prior year. For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, the Manager received an aggregate of approximately $6.3 million, $4.9 million and $3.7 million, respectively, under the outsourcing and asset servicing agreements. On October 27, 2008, the Manager and SLG Gramercy Services LLC (the "Servicer") entered into an agreement, which was also acknowledged and agreed to by Gramercy, to terminate, effective as of September 30, 2008, the Amended and Restated Asset Servicing Agreement, dated as of April 19, 2006. On October 27, 2008, the Manager and the operating partnership entered into an agreement to terminate, effective as of September 30, 2008, the Amended and Restated Outsource Agreement, dated as of April 19, 2006.
On October 27, 2008, we, Gramercy and GKK Capital LP entered into a services agreement (the "Services Agreement") pursuant to which we will provide consulting and other services to Gramercy. We will make certain members of management available in connection with the provision of the services until the earliest of (i) September 30, 2009, (ii) the termination of the Second Amended Management Agreement or (iii) with respect to a particular executive, the termination of any such executive's employment with us. In consideration for the consulting services, we will receive from Gramercy a fee of $200,000 per month, payable, at Gramercy's option, in cash or, if permissible under applicable law or the requirements of the exchange on which the shares of Gramercy's common stock trade, in shares of common stock. We will also provide Gramercy with certain other services described in the Services Agreement for a fee of $100,000 per month in cash and for a period terminating at the earlier of (i) three months after the date of the Services Agreement, subject to a one-time 30-day extension, or (ii) the termination of the Second Amended Management Agreement.
During the three months ended March 31, 2006, we paid our proportionate share of an advisory fee of approximately $162,500 to Gramercy in connection with a transaction.
In 2006, the Board of Directors of Gramercy elected to make an additional payment to the Manager of approximately $1.6 million based upon the 2006 performance of Gramercy.
All fees earned from Gramercy are included in Other Income in the Consolidated Statements of Income.
Effective May 1, 2005, Gramercy entered into a lease agreement with an affiliate of ours, for their corporate offices at 420 Lexington Avenue, New York, NY. The lease is for approximately five thousand square feet with an option to lease an additional approximately two thousand square feet and carries a term of ten years with rents of approximately $249,000 per annum for year one rising to $315,000 per annum in year ten. Gramercy also leases approximately 5,200 square feet pursuant to two leases which are on a month-to-month basis. The annual rent under these two leases is approximately $270,600.
Gramercy holds tenancy-in-common interests along with us in 55 Corporate Drive, NJ, 2 Herald Square and 885 Third Avenue. See Note 5 for information on our structured finance investments in which Gramercy also holds an interest.
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An affiliate held an investment in Gramercy's preferred stock with a book value of approximately $980.7 million at September 30, 2008.
In April 2008, Gramercy completed the acquisition of American Financial Realty Trust, or AFR, in a transaction with a total value of approximately $3.3 billion. In addition, Gramercy assumed an aggregate of approximately $1.3 billion of AFR secured debt. We provided $50.0 million of financing as part of an $850.0 million loan to Gramercy in connection with this acquisition (See note 5). As a result of this acquisition, the Board of Directors of Gramercy awarded 644,787 restricted shares of Gramercy's common stock to us, subject to a one-year vesting period, in respect of services rendered. We recognized income of approximately $6.6 million from these shares, which was recorded in other income in the accompanying statements of income.
On October 27, 2008, Marc Holliday, our Chief Executive Officer, Andrew Mathias, our President and Chief Investment Officer and Gregory F. Hughes, our Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer resigned as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Investment Officer and Chief Credit Officer, respectively, of Gramercy. Mr. Holliday also resigned as President of Gramercy effective as of October 28, 2008. Mr. Holliday and Mr. Mathias will remain as consultants to Gramercy through the earliest of (i) September 30, 2009, (ii) the termination of the Second Amended Management Agreement or (iii) the termination of their respective employment with us.
On October 28, 2008, Gramercy announced the appointment of Roger M. Cozzi, as President and Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. Effective as of November 13, 2008, Timothy J. O'Connor was appointed as President of Gramercy.
Also, effective October 27, 2008, an affiliate of ours continued as special servicer and assigned duties to a subsidiary of the Manager.
The condensed combined balance sheets for the unconsolidated joint ventures, including estimates for Gramercy, at December 31, 2008 and 2007, are as follows (in thousands):
Commercial real estate property, net
Liabilities and members' equity
Mortgages payable
Other loans
Other liabilities
Members' equity
Total liabilities and members' equity
Company's net investment in unconsolidated joint ventures
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The condensed combined statements of operations for the unconsolidated joint ventures, including estimates for Gramercy, from acquisition date through December 31, 2008 are as follows (in thousands):
Net income before gain on sale
Company's equity in net income of unconsolidated joint ventures
7. Investment in and Advances to Affiliates
Service Corporation
Income from management, leasing and construction contracts from third parties and joint venture properties is realized by the Service Corporation. In order to maintain our qualification as a REIT, we, through our operating partnership, own 100% of the non-voting common stock (representing 95% of the total equity) of the Service Corporation. Our operating partnership receives substantially all of the cash flow from the Service Corporation's operations through dividends on its equity interest. All of the voting common stock of the Service Corporation (representing 5% of the total equity) is held by our affiliate. This controlling interest gives the affiliate the power to elect all directors of the Service Corporation. Effective July 1, 2003, we consolidated the operations of the Service Corporation because it is considered to be a variable interest entity under FIN 46 and we are the primary beneficiary. For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, the Service Corporation earned approximately $12.1 million, $12.9 million and $9.0 million of revenue and incurred approximately $10.5 million, $10.3 million and $7.6 million in expenses, respectively. Effective January 1, 2001, the Service Corporation elected to be treated as a TRS.
All of the management, leasing and construction services with respect to our wholly-owned properties are conducted through SL Green Management LLC, which is 100% owned by our operating partnership.
eEmerge
In May 2000, our operating partnership formed eEmerge, Inc., a Delaware corporation, or eEmerge. eEmerge is a separately managed, self-funded company that provides fully-wired and furnished office space, services and support to businesses.
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7. Investment in and Advances to Affiliates (Continued)
In March 2002, we acquired all the voting common stock of eEmerge Inc. As a result, we control all the common stock of eEmerge.
Effective with the quarter ended March 31, 2002, we consolidated the operations of eEmerge. Effective January 1, 2001, eEmerge elected to be taxed as a TRS.
In June 2000, eEmerge and Eureka Broadband Corporation, or Eureka, formed eEmerge.NYC LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, or ENYC, in which eEmerge had a 95% interest and Eureka had a 5% interest in ENYC. During the third quarter of 2006, ENYC acquired the interest held by Eureka. As a result, eEmerge owns 100% of ENYC. ENYC operates a 71,700 square foot fractional office suites business. In 2000, ENYC entered into a 10-year lease with our operating partnership for its 50,200 square foot premises, which is located at 440 Ninth Avenue, Manhattan. In 2005 ENYC entered into another 10-year lease with our operating partnership for its 21,500 square foot premises at 28 West 44Pth Street, Manhattan. Allocations of net profits, net losses and distributions are made in accordance with the Limited Liability Company Agreement of ENYC. Effective with the quarter ended March 31, 2002, we consolidated the operations of ENYC.
8. Deferred Costs
Deferred costs at December 31 consisted of the following (in thousands):
Deferred financing
Deferred leasing
Less accumulated amortization
Total deferred costs
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9. Mortgage Notes Payable
The first mortgage notes payable collateralized by the respective properties and assignment of leases at December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively, were as follows (in thousands):
711 Third Avenue
420 Lexington Avenue
673 First Avenue
55 Corporate Drive(9)
609 Partners, LLC
919 Third Avenue(3)
399 Knollwood Rd
500 West Putnam
141 Fifth Avenue(4)
One Madison Avenue(5)
Total fixed rate debt
1551/1555 Broadway(6)
717 Fifth Avenue(6)
180/182 Broadway(7)
Landmark Square(8)
Total floating rate debt
Total mortgage notes payable
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9. Mortgage Notes Payable (Continued)
In May 2007, the Company repaid, at maturity, the $12.3 million mortgage that had encumbered 100 Summit Road, Westchester.
At December 31, 2008 and 2007 the gross book value of the properties collateralizing the mortgage notes was approximately $4.6 billion and $4.7 billion, respectively.
For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, we incurred approximately $288.2 million, $267.4 million and $93.8 million of interest expense, respectively, excluding approximately $2.4 million, $11.4 million and $8.5 million respectively, which was capitalized.
10. Corporate Indebtedness
We have a $1.5 billion unsecured revolving credit facility, or the 2007 unsecured revolving credit facility. We increased the capacity under the 2007 unsecured revolving credit facility by $300.0 million in January 2007, by $450.0 million in June 2007, and by $250.0 million in October 2007. The 2007 unsecured revolving credit facility bears interest at a spread ranging from 70 basis points to 110 basis points over LIBOR, based on our leverage ratio. This facility matures in June 2011 and has a one-year as-of-right extension option. The 2007 unsecured revolving credit facility also requires a 12.5 to 20 basis point fee on the unused balance payable annually in arrears. The 2007 unsecured revolving credit facility had approximately $1.4 billion outstanding and carried a spread over LIBOR of 90 basis points at December 31, 2008. Availability under the 2007 unsecured revolving credit facility was further reduced at December 31, 2008 by the issuance of approximately $22.0 million in letters of credit and by a defaulted lender's unfunded commitment of approximately $33.4 million. The effective all-in interest rate on the 2007 unsecured revolving credit facility was 3.58% for the three months ended December 31, 2008. The 2007 unsecured revolving credit facility includes certain restrictions and covenants (see restrictive covenants below).
We had a $325.0 million unsecured term loan, which was scheduled to mature in August 2009. This term loan bore interest at a spread ranging from 110 basis points to 140 basis points over LIBOR, based on our leverage ratio. This unsecured term loan was repaid and terminated in March 2007.
We had $200.0 million five-year non-recourse term loan secured by a pledge of our ownership interest in 1221 Avenue of the Americas. This term loan had a floating rate of 125 basis points over the current LIBOR rate and was scheduled to mature in May 2010. This secured term loan was repaid and terminated in June 2007.
In January 2007, we closed on a $500.0 million unsecured bridge loan, which matures in January 2010. This term loan bore interest at a spread ranging from 85 basis points to 125 basis points over LIBOR, based on our leverage ratio. This unsecured bridge loan was repaid and terminated in June 2007.
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10. Corporate Indebtedness (Continued)
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approximately $736.0 million, after deducting estimated fees and expenses. The proceeds of the offering were used to repay certain of our existing indebtedness, make investments in additional properties, and make open market purchases of our common stock and for general corporate purposes. In 2008 we repurchased approximately $160.2 million of these bonds and realized net gains on early extinguishment of debt of approximately $70.2 million.
On April 27, 2007, the $50.0 million 6.0% unsecured notes scheduled to mature in June 2007 and the $150.0 million, 7.20% unsecured notes scheduled to mature in August 2007, assumed as part of the Reckson Merger, were redeemed.
The terms of the 2007 unsecured revolving credit facility and senior unsecured notes include certain restrictions and covenants which limit, among other things, the payment of dividends (as discussed below), the incurrence of additional indebtedness, the incurrence of liens and the disposition of assets, and which require compliance with financial ratios relating to the minimum amount of tangible net worth, the minimum amount of debt service coverage and fixed charge coverage, the maximum amount of unsecured indebtedness, the minimum amount of unencumbered property debt service coverage and certain investment limitations. The dividend restriction referred to above provides that, except to enable us to continue to qualify as a REIT for Federal Income Tax purposes, we will not during any four consecutive fiscal quarters make distributions with respect to common stock or other equity interests in an aggregate amount in excess of 95% of funds from operations for such period, subject to certain other adjustments. As of December 31, 2008 and 2007, we were in compliance with all such covenants.
In June 2005, we issued $100.0 million in unsecured floating rate trust preferred securities through a newly formed trust, SL Green Capital Trust I, or the Trust that is a wholly-owned subsidiary of our operating partnership. The securities mature in 2035 and bear interest at a fixed rate of 5.61% for the first ten years ending July 2015, a period of up to eight consecutive quarters if our operating partnership exercises its right to defer such payments. The trust preferred securities are redeemable, at the option of our operating partnership, in whole or in part, with no prepayment premium any time after July 2010. We do not consolidate the Trust even though it is a variable interest entity under FIN46 as we are not the primary beneficiary. Because the Trust is not consolidated, we have issued debt and the related payments are classified as interest expense.
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Principal Maturities
Combined aggregate principal maturities of mortgages and notes payable, 2007 unsecured revolving credit facility, trust preferred securities, senior unsecured notes and our share of joint venture debt as of December 31, 2008, including as-of-right extension options, were as follows (in thousands):
11. Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The following disclosures of estimated fair value were determined by management, using available market information and appropriate valuation methodologies. Considerable judgment is necessary to interpret market data and develop estimated fair value. Accordingly, the estimates presented herein are not necessarily indicative of the amounts we could realize on disposition of the financial instruments. The use of different market assumptions and/or estimation methodologies may have a material effect on the estimated fair value amounts.
Cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable balances reasonably approximate their fair values due to the short maturities of these items. Mortgage notes payable, junior subordinate deferrable interest debentures and the senior unsecured notes had an estimated fair value based on discounted cash flow models of approximately $3.0 billion, which was less than the book value of the related fixed rate debt by approximately $1.0 billion. Our floating rate debt, inclusive of our 2007 unsecured revolving credit facility, had an estimated fair value based on discounted cash flow models of approximately $1.5 billion, which was less than the book value by approximately $129.0 million. Our structured finance investments had an estimated fair value ranging between $408.0 million and $612.0 million, which was less than the book value at December 31, 2008.
Disclosure about fair value of financial instruments is based on pertinent information available to us as of December 31, 2008. Although we are not aware of any factors that would significantly affect the reasonable fair value amounts, such amounts have not been comprehensively revalued for purposes of these financial statements since that date and current estimates of fair value may differ significantly from the amounts presented herein.
12. Rental Income
The operating partnership is the lessor and the sublessor to tenants under operating leases with expiration dates ranging from January 1, 2009 to 2037. The minimum rental amounts due under the
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12. Rental Income (Continued)
leases are generally either subject to scheduled fixed increases or adjustments. The leases generally also require that the tenants reimburse us for increases in certain operating costs and real estate taxes above their base year costs. Approximate future minimum rents to be received over the next five years and thereafter for non-cancelable operating leases in effect at December 31, 2008 for the consolidated properties, including consolidated joint venture properties, and our share of unconsolidated joint venture properties are as follows (in thousands):
13. Related Party Transactions
Cleaning/Security/Messenger and Restoration Services
Through Alliance Building Services, or Alliance, First Quality Maintenance, L.P., or First Quality, provides cleaning, extermination and related services, Classic Security LLC provides security services, Bright Star Couriers LLC provides messenger services, and Onyx Restoration Works provides restoration services with respect to certain properties owned by us. Alliance is owned by Gary Green, a son of Stephen L. Green, the chairman of our board of directors. First Quality also provides additional services directly to tenants on a separately negotiated basis. In addition, First Quality has the non-exclusive opportunity to provide cleaning and related services to individual tenants at our properties on a basis separately negotiated with any tenant seeking such additional services. First Quality leases 26,800 square feet of space at 70 West 36th Street pursuant to a lease that expires on December 31, 2015. We received approximately $75,000 in rent from Alliance in 2007. We sold this property in March 2007. We paid Alliance approximately $15.1 million, $14.8 million and $13.6 million for the three years ended December 31, 2008, respectively, for these services (excluding services provided directly to tenants).
Nancy Peck and Company leases 1,003 square feet of space at 420 Lexington Avenue under a lease that ends in August 2015. Nancy Peck and Company is owned by Nancy Peck, the wife of Stephen L. Green. The rent due pursuant to the lease is $35,516 per year. From February 2007 through December 2008, Nancy Peck and Company leased 507 square feet of space at 420 Lexington Avenue pursuant to a lease which provided for annual rental payments of approximately $15,210. Prior to February 2007, Nancy Peck and Company leased 2,013 square feet of space at 420 Lexington Avenue, pursuant to a lease that expired on June 30, 2005 and which provided for annual rental payments of approximately
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13. Related Party Transactions (Continued)
$66,000. The rent due pursuant to that lease was offset against a consulting fee of $11,025 per month an affiliate paid to her pursuant to a consulting agreement, which was cancelled in July 2006.
S.L. Green Management Corp. receives property management fees from an entity in which Stephen L. Green owns an interest. The aggregate amount of fees paid to S.L. Green Management Corp. from such entity was approximately $353,500 in 2008, $297,100 in 2007 and $205,000 in 2006.
Amounts due from related parties at December 31 consisted of the following (in thousands):
Due from joint ventures
See Note 6. Investment in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures—Gramercy Capital Corp. for disclosure on related party transactions between Gramercy and us.
14. Stockholders' Equity
Common Stock
Our authorized capital stock consists of 260,000,000 shares, $.01 par value, of which we have authorized the issuance of up to 160,000,000 shares of common stock, $.01 par value per share, 75,000,000 shares of excess stock, at $.01 par value per share, and 25,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $.01 per share. As of December 31, 2008, 57,043,835 shares of common stock and no shares of excess stock were issued and outstanding.
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14. Stockholders' Equity (Continued)
In January 2007, we issued approximately 9.0 million shares of our common stock in connection with the Reckson Merger. These shares had a value of approximately $1.0 billion on the date the merger agreement was executed.
In March 2007, our board of directors approved a stock repurchase plan under which we can buy up to $300.0 million shares of our common stock. This plan expired on December 31, 2008. As of December 31, 2008, we purchased and settled approximately $300.0 million, or 3.3 million shares of our common stock at an average price of $90.49 per share.
Perpetual Preferred Stock
In December 2003, we sold 6,300,000 shares of 7.625% Series C cumulative redeemable preferred stock, or the Series C preferred stock, (including the underwriters' over-allotment option of 700,000 shares) with a mandatory liquidation preference of $25.00 per share. Net proceeds from this offering (approximately $152.0 million) were used principally to repay amounts outstanding under our secured and unsecured revolving credit facilities. The Series C preferred stock receive annual dividends of $1.90625 per share paid on a quarterly basis and dividends are cumulative, subject to certain provisions. On or after December 12, 2008, we may redeem the Series C preferred stock at par for cash at our option. The Series C preferred stock was recorded net of underwriters discount and issuance costs.
In 2004, we issued 4,000,000 shares of our 7.875% Series D cumulative redeemable preferred stock, or the Series D preferred stock, with a mandatory liquidation preference of $25.00 per share. Net proceeds from these offerings (approximately $96.3 million) were used principally to repay amounts outstanding under our secured and unsecured revolving credit facilities. The Series D preferred stock receive annual dividends of $1.96875 per share paid on a quarterly basis and dividends are cumulative, subject to certain provisions. On or after May 27, 2009, we may redeem the Series D preferred stock at par for cash at our option. The Series D preferred stock was recorded net of underwriters discount and issuance costs.
In February 2000, our board of directors authorized a distribution of one preferred share purchase right, or Right, for each outstanding share of common stock under a shareholder rights plan. This distribution was made to all holders of record of the common stock on March 31, 2000. Each Right entitles the registered holder to purchase from the Company one one-hundredth of a share of Series B junior participating preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share, or Preferred Shares, at a price of $60.00 per one one-hundredth of a Preferred Share, or Purchase Price, subject to adjustment as provided in the rights agreement. The Rights expire on March 5, 2010, unless we extend the expiration date or the Right is redeemed or exchanged earlier.
The Rights are attached to each share of common stock. The Rights are generally exercisable only if a person or group becomes the beneficial owner of 17% or more of the outstanding common stock or announces a tender offer for 17% or more of the outstanding common stock, or Acquiring Person. In the event that a person or group becomes an Acquiring Person, each holder of a Right, excluding the Acquiring Person, will have the right to receive, upon exercise, common stock having a market value equal to two times the Purchase Price of the Preferred Shares.
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We filed a registration statement with the SEC for our dividend reinvestment and stock purchase plan, or DRIP, which was declared effective on September 10, 2001, and commenced on September 24, 2001. We registered 3,000,000 shares of our common stock under the DRIP.
During the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, approximately 4,300 and 108,000 shares of our common stock were issued and approximately $0.3 million and $13.8 million of proceeds were received, respectively, from dividend reinvestments and/or stock purchases under the DRIP. DRIP shares may be issued at a discount to the market price.
Our board of directors adopted a long-term, seven-year compensation program for certain members of senior management. The program, which measured our performance over a 48-month period (unless terminated earlier) commencing April 1, 2003, provided that holders of our common equity were to achieve a 40% total return during the measurement period over a base share price of $30.07 per share before any restricted stock awards were granted. Plan participants would receive an award of restricted stock in an amount between 8% and 10% of the excess total return over the baseline return. At the end of the four-year measurement period, 40% of the award will vest on the measurement date and 60% of the award will vest ratably over the subsequent three years based on continued employment. Any restricted stock to be issued under the program will be allocated from our 2005 Stock Option and Incentive Plan (as defined below), which was previously approved through a stockholder vote in May 2005. In April 2007, the Compensation Committee determined that under the terms of the 2003 Outperformance Plan, as of March 31, 2007, the performance hurdles had been met and the maximum performance pool of $22,825,000, taking into account forfeitures, was established. In connection with this event, approximately 166,312 shares of restricted stock (as adjusted for forfeitures) were allocated under the 2005 Stock Option and Incentive Plan. These awards are subject to vesting as noted above. We record the expense of the restricted stock award in accordance with SFAS 123-R. The fair value of the award on the date of grant was determined to be $3.2 million. Forty percent of the value of the award will be amortized over four years and the balance will be amortized at 20% per year over five, six and seven years, respectively, such that 20% of year five, 16.67% of year six, and 14.29% of year seven will be recorded in year one. Compensation expense of $0.2 million, $0.4 million and $0.65 million related to this plan was recorded during the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.
In December 2005, the compensation committee of our board of directors approved a long-term incentive compensation program, the 2005 Outperformance Plan. Participants in the 2005 Outperformance Plan will share in a "performance pool" if our total return to stockholders for the period from December 1, 2005 through November 30, 2008 exceeds a cumulative total return to stockholders of 30% during the measurement period over a base share price of $68.51 per share. The size of the pool was to be 10% of the outperformance amount in excess of the 30% benchmark, subject to a maximum dilution cap equal to the lesser of 3% of our outstanding shares and units of limited partnership interest as of December 1, 2005 or $50.0 million. In the event the potential performance
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pool reached this dilution cap before November 30, 2008 and remained at that level or higher for 30 consecutive days, the performance period was to end early and the pool would be formed on the last day of such 30 day period. Each participant's award under the 2005 Outperformance Plan would be designated as a specified percentage of the aggregate performance pool to be allocated to him or her assuming the 30% benchmark is achieved. Individual awards would be made in the form of partnership units, or LTIP Units, that may ultimately become exchangeable for shares of our common stock or cash, at our election. LTIP Units would be granted prior to the determination of the performance pool; however, they were only to vest upon satisfaction of performance and other thresholds, and were not entitled to distributions until after the performance pool was established. The 2005 Outperformance Plan provides that if the pool was established, each participant would also be entitled to the distributions that would have been paid on the number of LTIP Units earned, had they been issued at the beginning of the performance period. Those distributions were to be paid in the form of additional LTIP Units.
After the performance pool was established, the earned LTIP Units are to receive regular quarterly distributions on a per unit basis equal to the dividends per share paid on our common stock, whether or not they are vested. Any LTIP Units not earned upon the establishment of the performance pool were to be automatically forfeited, and the LTIP Units that are earned are subject to time-based vesting, with one-third of the LTIP Units earned vesting on November 30, 2008 and each of the first two anniversaries thereafter based on continued employment. On June 14, 2006, the Compensation Committee determined that under the terms of the 2005 Outperformance Plan, as of June 8, 2006, the performance period had accelerated and the maximum performance pool of $49,250,000, taking into account forfeitures, was established. Individual awards under the 2005 Outperformance Plan are in the form of partnership units, or LTIP Units, in our operating partnership that, subject to certain conditions, are convertible into shares of the Company's common stock or cash, at our election. The total number of LTIP Units earned by all participants as a result of the establishment of the performance pool was 490,475 and are subject to time-based vesting.
On August 14, 2006, the compensation committee of our board of directors approved a long-term incentive compensation program, the 2006 Outperformance Plan. Participants in the 2006 Outperformance Plan will share in a "performance pool" if our total return to stockholders for the period from August 1, 2006 through July 31, 2009 exceeds a cumulative total return to stockholders of 30% during the measurement period over a base share price of $106.39 per share. The size of the pool will be 10% of the outperformance amount in excess of the 30% benchmark, subject to a maximum award of $60 million. The maximum award will be reduced by the amount of any unallocated or forfeited awards. In the event the potential performance pool reaches the maximum award before July 31, 2009 and remains at that level or higher for 30 consecutive days, the performance period will
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end early and the pool will be formed on the last day of such 30 day period. Each participant's award under the 2006 Outperformance Plan will be designated as a specified percentage of the aggregate performance pool. Assuming the 30% benchmark is achieved, the pool will be allocated among the participants in accordance with the percentage specified in each participant's participation agreement. Individual awards will be made in the form of partnership units, or LTIP Units, that, subject to vesting and the satisfaction of other conditions, are exchangeable for a per unit value equal to the then trading price of one share of our common stock. This value is payable in cash or, at our election, in shares of common stock. LTIP Units will be granted prior to the determination of the performance pool; however, they will only vest upon satisfaction of performance and time vesting thresholds under the 2006 Outperformance Plan, and will not be entitled to distributions until after the performance pool is established. Distributions on LTIP Units will equal the dividends paid on our common stock on a per unit basis. The 2006 Outperformance Plan provides that if the pool is established, each participant will also be entitled to the distributions that would have been paid had the number of earned LTIP Units been issued at the beginning of the performance period. Those distributions will be paid in the form of additional LTIP Units. Thereafter, distributions will be paid currently with respect to all earned LTIP Units that are a part of the performance pool, whether vested or unvested. Although the amount of earned awards under the 2006 Outperformance Plan (i.e. the number of LTIP Units earned) will be determined when the performance pool is established, not all of the awards will vest at that time. Instead, one-third of the awards will vest on July 31, 2009 and each of the first two anniversaries thereafter based on continued employment.
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Stock Option Plan
During August 1997, we instituted the 1997 Stock Option and Incentive Plan, or the 1997 Plan. The 1997 Plan was amended in December 1997, March 1998, March 1999 and May 2002. The 1997 Plan, as amended, authorizes (i) the grant of stock options that qualify as incentive stock options under Section 422 of the Code, or ISOs, (ii) the grant of stock options that do not qualify, or NQSOs, (iii) the grant of stock options in lieu of cash Directors' fees and (iv) grants of shares of restricted and unrestricted common stock. The exercise price of stock options are determined by our compensation committee, but may not be less than 100% of the fair market value of the shares of our common stock
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on the date of grant. At December 31, 2008, approximately 0.4 million shares of our common stock were reserved for issuance under the 1997 Plan.
The amended and restated 2005 Stock Option and Incentive Plan was approved by our board of directors in March 2007 and our stockholders in May 2007 at our annual meeting of stockholders. Subject to adjustments upon certain corporate transactions or events, up to a maximum of 7,000,000 shares, or the Fungible Pool Limit, may be granted as Options, Restricted Stock, Phantom Shares, dividend equivalent rights and other equity-based awards under the amended and restated 2005 stock option and incentive plan, or the 2005 Plan. As described below, the manner in which the Fungible Pool Limit is finally determined can ultimately result in the issuance under the 2005 Plan of up to 6,000,000 shares (subject to adjustments upon certain corporate transactions or events). Each share issued or to be issued in connection with "Full-Value Awards" (as defined below) that vest or are granted based on the achievement of certain performance goals that are based on (A) FFO growth, (B) total return to stockholders (either in absolute terms or compared with a peer group of other companies) or (C) a combination of the foregoing (as set forth in the 2005 Plan), shall be counted against the Fungible Pool Limit as 2.0 units. "Full-Value Awards" are awards other than Options, Stock Appreciation Rights or other awards that do not deliver the full value at grant thereof of the underlying shares (e.g., Restricted Stock). Each share issued or to be issued in connection with any other Full-Value Awards shall be counted against the Fungible Pool Limit as 3.0 units. Options, Stock Appreciation Rights and other awards that do not deliver the value at grant thereof of the underlying shares and that expire 10 years from the date of grant shall be counted against the Fungible Pool Limit as one unit. Options, Stock Appreciation Rights and other awards that do not deliver the value at grant thereof of the underlying shares and that expire five years from the date of grant shall be counted against the Fungible Pool Limit as 0.7 of a unit, or five-year option. Thus, under the foregoing rules, depending on the type of grants made, as many as 6,000,000 shares could be the subject of grants under the 2005 Plan. At the end of the third calendar year following April 1, 2005, which is the effective date of the original 2005 Plan, as well as at the end of the third calendar year following April 1, 2007, which is the effective date of the 2005 Plan, (i) the three-year average of (A) the number of shares subject to awards granted in a single year, divided by (B) the number of shares of our outstanding common stock at the end of such year shall not exceed the (ii) greater of (A) 2%, with respect to the third calendar year following April 1, 2005, or 2.23%, with respect to the third calendar year following April 1, 2007, or (B) the mean of the applicable peer group. For purposes of calculating the number of shares granted in a year in connection with the limitation set forth in the foregoing sentence, shares underlying Full-Value Awards will be taken into account as (i) 1.5 shares if our annual common stock price volatility is 53% or higher, (ii) two shares if our annual common stock price volatility is between 25% and 52%, and (iii) four shares if our annual common stock price volatility is less than 25%. No award may be granted to any person who, assuming exercise of all options and payment of all awards held by such person, would own or be deemed to own more than 9.8% of the outstanding shares of the Company's common stock. In addition, subject to adjustment upon certain corporate transactions or events, a participant may not receive awards (with shares subject to awards being counted, depending on the type of award, in the proportions ranging from 0.7 to 3.0, as described above) in any one year covering more than 700,000 shares; thus, under this provision, depending on the
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type of grant involved, as many as 1,000,000 shares can be the subject of option grants to any one person in any year, and as many as 350,000 shares may be granted as restricted stock (or be the subject of other Full-Value Grants) to any one person in any year. If an option or other award granted under the 2005 Plan expires or terminates, the common stock subject to any portion of the award that expires or terminates without having been exercised or paid, as the case may be, will again become available for the issuance of additional awards. Shares of our common stock distributed under the 2005 Plan may be treasury shares or authorized but unissued shares. Unless the 2005 Plan is previously terminated by the Board, no new Award may be granted under the 2005 Plan after the tenth anniversary of the date that the 2005 Plan was approved by the Board. At December 31, 2008, approximately 4.5 million shares of our common stock, calculated on a weighted basis, were available for issuance under the 2005 Plan, or 6.5 million if all shares available under the 2005 Plan were issued as five-year options.
Options are granted under the plan at the fair market value on the date of grant and, subject to termination of employment, generally expire ten years from the date of grant, are not transferable other than on death, and generally vest in one to five years commencing one year from the date of grant.
A summary of the status of our stock options as of December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 and changes during the years then ended are presented below:
Granted
Exercised
Lapsed or cancelled
Options exercisable at end of year
Weighted average fair value of options granted during the year
The weighted average fair value of restricted stock granted during the year was approximately $12.0 million.
All options were granted within a price range of $20.67 to $137.18. The remaining weighted average contractual life of the options outstanding and exercisable was 6.87 years and 4.92 years, respectively.
During the fourth quarter of 2008, we and certain of our employees agreed to cancel, without compensation, certain employee stock options. These cancellations resulted in a non-cash charge of approximately $8.8 million.
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Earnings per share for the years ended December 31, is computed as follows (in thousands):
Basic Earnings:
Effect of Dilutive Securities:
Redemption of units to common shares
Stock options
Diluted Earnings:
Basic Shares:
Shares available to common stockholders
4.0% exchangeable senior debentures
Stock-based compensation plans
Diluted Shares
15. Minority Interest
The unit holders represent the minority interest ownership in our operating partnership. As of December 31, 2008 and 2007, the minority interest unit holders owned 3.94% (2,339,853 units) and 3.83% (2,340,359 units) of our operating partnership, respectively. At December 31, 2008, 2,339,853 shares of our common stock were reserved for the conversion of units of limited partnership interest in our operating partnership.
16. Benefit Plans
The building employees are covered by multi-employer defined benefit pension plans and post-retirement health and welfare plans. Contributions to these plans amounted to approximately $10.1 million, $9.2 million and $5.5 million during the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively. Separate actuarial information regarding such plans is not made available to the contributing employers by the union administrators or trustees, since the plans do not maintain separate records for each reporting unit.
Executive Stock Compensation
Effective January 1, 1999, we implemented a deferred compensation plan, or the Deferred Plan, covering certain of our employees, including our executives. In connection with the Deferred Plan, we issued 128,956 and 102,826 restricted shares in 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively. The shares issued
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16. Benefit Plans (Continued)
under the Deferred Plan were granted to certain employees, including our executives and vesting will occur annually upon the completion of a service period or our meeting established financial performance criteria. Annual vesting occurs at rates ranging from 15% to 35% once performance criteria are reached. During 2008, 284,746 of these shares had vested and 151,201 had been retired. We recorded compensation expense of approximately $25.6 million, $20.0 million and $9.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.
401(K) Plan
In August 1997, we implemented a 401(K) Savings/Retirement Plan, or the 401(K) Plan, to cover eligible employees of ours, and any designated affiliate. The 401(K) Plan permits eligible employees to defer up to 15% of their annual compensation, subject to certain limitations imposed by the Code. The employees' elective deferrals are immediately vested and non-forfeitable upon contribution to the 401(K) Plan. During 2000, we amended our 401(K) Plan to include a matching contribution, subject to ERISA limitations, equal to 50% of the first 4% of annual compensation deferred by an employee. During 2003, we amended our 401(K) Plan to provide for discretionary matching contributions only. For 2008, 2007 and 2006, a matching contribution equal to 50% of the first 6% of annual compensation was made. For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and, 2006, we made matching contributions of approximately $503,000, $457,000 and $320,000, respectively.
17. Commitments and Contingencies
We and our operating partnership are not presently involved in any material litigation nor, to our knowledge, is any material litigation threatened against us or our properties, other than routine litigation arising in the ordinary course of business. Management believes the costs, if any, incurred by us and our operating partnership related to this litigation will not materially affect our financial position, operating results or liquidity.
We have entered into employment agreements with certain executives, which expire between December 2009 and December 2010. The minimum cash-based compensation, including base salary and guaranteed bonus payments, associated with these employment agreements totals approximately $3.6 million for 2009.
In March 1998, we acquired an operating sub-leasehold position at 420 Lexington Avenue. The operating sub-leasehold position requires annual ground lease payments totaling $6.0 million and sub-leasehold position payments totaling $1.1 million (excluding an operating sub-lease position purchased January 1999). The ground lease and sub-leasehold positions expire in 2008. In June 2007, we renewed and extended the maturity date of the ground lease at 420 Lexington Avenue through December 31, 2029, with an option for further extension through 2080. Ground lease rent payments through 2029 will total approximately $12.2 million per year. Thereafter, the ground lease will be subject to a revaluation by the parties thereto.
The property located at 711 Third Avenue operates under an operating sub-lease, which expires in 2083. Under the sub-lease, we are responsible for ground rent payments of $1.55 million annually through July 2011 on the 50% portion of the fee we do not own. The ground rent is reset after July
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17. Commitments and Contingencies (Continued)
2011 based on the estimated fair market value of the property. We have an option to buy out the sub-lease at a fixed future date.
The property located at 461 Fifth Avenue operates under a ground lease (approximately $2.1 million annually) with a term expiration date of 2027 and with two options to renew for an additional 21 years each, followed by a third option for 15 years. We also have an option to purchase the ground lease for a fixed price on a specific date.
The property located at 625 Madison Avenue operates under a ground lease (approximately $4.6 million annually) with a term expiration date of 2022 and with two options to renew for an additional 23 years.
The property located at 1185 Avenue of the Americas operates under a ground lease (approximately $8.7 million annually) with a term expiration of 2020 and with an option to renew for an additional 23 years.
In April 1988, the SL Green predecessor entered into a lease agreement for the property at 673 First Avenue, which has been capitalized for financial statement purposes. Land was estimated to be approximately 70% of the fair market value of the property. The portion of the lease attributed to land is classified as an operating lease and the remainder as a capital lease. The initial lease term is 49 years with an option for an additional 26 years. Beginning in lease years 11 and 25, the lessor is entitled to additional rent as defined by the lease agreement.
We continue to lease the 673 First Avenue property, which has been classified as a capital lease with a cost basis of $12.2 million and cumulative amortization of $5.2 million and $4.9 million at December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.
The following is a schedule of future minimum lease payments under capital leases and noncancellable operating leases with initial terms in excess of one year as of December 31, 2008 (in thousands):
Total minimum lease payments
Less amount representing interest
Present value of net minimum lease payments
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18. Financial Instruments: Derivatives and Hedging
In accordance with SFAS No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities," we recognize all derivatives on the balance sheet at fair value. Derivatives that are not hedges must be adjusted to fair value through income. If a derivative is a hedge, depending on the nature of the hedge, changes in the fair value of the derivative will either be offset against the change in fair value of the hedged asset, liability, or firm commitment through earnings, or recognized in other comprehensive income until the hedged item is recognized in earnings. The ineffective portion of a derivative's change in fair value will be immediately recognized in earnings. SFAS No. 133 may increase or decrease reported net income and stockholders' equity prospectively, depending on future levels of interest rates and other variables affecting the fair values of derivative instruments and hedged items, but will have no effect on cash flows.
Pursuant to SFAS 157, the methodologies used for valuing such instruments have been categorized into three broad levels as follows:
Level 1—Quoted prices in active markets for identical instruments.
Level 2—Valuations based principally on other observable market parameters, including
Level 3—Valuations based significantly on unobservable inputs.
Pursuant to SFAS 157, these levels form a hierarchy. We follow this hierarchy for our financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis. The classifications are based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.
The following table summarizes the notional and fair value of our derivative financial instruments at December 31, 2008 based on a Level 2 valuation. The notional value is an indication of the extent of
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18. Financial Instruments: Derivatives and Hedging (Continued)
our involvement in these instruments at that time, but does not represent exposure to credit, interest rate or market risks (in thousands).
On December 31, 2008, the derivative instruments were reported as an obligation at their fair value of approximately $37.3 million. This is included in Other Liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2008. Offsetting adjustments are represented as deferred gains or losses in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss of $57.0 million, including the remaining balance on net gains of approximately $6.1 million from the settlement of hedges which are being amortized over the remaining term of the related mortgage obligation. Currently, all of our derivative instruments are designated as effective hedging instruments.
Over time, the realized and unrealized gains and losses held in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income will be reclassified into earnings as a reduction to interest expense in the same periods in which the hedged interest payments affect earnings. We estimate that approximately $3.2 million of the current balance held in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income will be reclassified into earnings within the next 12 months.
We are hedging exposure to variability in future cash flows for forecasted transactions in addition to anticipated future interest payments on existing debt.
19. Environmental Matters
Our management believes that the properties are in compliance in all material respects with applicable Federal, state and local ordinances and regulations regarding environmental issues. Management is not aware of any environmental liability that it believes would have a materially adverse impact on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows. Management is unaware of any instances in which it would incur significant environmental cost if any of the properties were sold.
20. Segment Information
We are a REIT engaged in owning, managing, leasing, acquiring and repositioning commercial office and retail properties in the New York Metro area and have two reportable segments, real estate and structured finance investments. Our investment in Gramercy and its related earnings are included in the structured finance segment. We evaluate real estate performance and allocate resources based on earnings contribution to income from continuing operations.
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20. Segment Information (Continued)
Our real estate portfolio is primarily located in the geographical markets of New York Metro area. The primary sources of revenue are generated from tenant rents and escalations and reimbursement revenue. Real estate property operating expenses consist primarily of security, maintenance, utility costs, real estate taxes and ground rent expense (at certain applicable properties). See Note 5 for additional details on our structured finance investments.
Selected results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, and selected asset information as of December 31, 2008 and 2007, regarding our operating segments are as follows (in thousands):
Year ended:
Income from continuing operations:
As of:
Income from continuing operations represents total revenues less total expenses for the real estate segment and total revenues less allocated interest expense and loan loss reserves for the structured finance segment. Interest costs for the structured finance segment are imputed assuming 100% leverage at our unsecured revolving credit facility borrowing cost. We do not allocate marketing, general and administrative expenses (approximately $120.9 million, $105.0 million and $65.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively) to the structured finance segment, since we base performance on the individual segments prior to allocating marketing, general and administrative expenses. All other expenses, except interest, relate entirely to the real estate assets.
There were no transactions between the above two segments.
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The table below reconciles income from continuing operations before minority interest to net income available to common stockholders for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 (in thousands):
Income from continuing operations before minority interest
Equity in net gain on sale of unconsolidated joint venture/ partial interest
Loss on marketable securities
Net income from continuing operations
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of minority interest
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21. Supplemental Disclosure of Non-Cash Investing and Financing Activities
The following table provides information on non-cash investing and financing activities (in thousands):
Issuance of common stock as deferred compensation
Redemption of units and dividend reinvestments
Derivative instruments at fair value
Fair value of above- and below- market leases and in-place lease value (SFAS No. 141) in connection with acquisitions
Tenant improvements and capital expenditures payable
Assumption of joint venture mortgage
Real estate investments consolidated under FIN 46R
Real estate investments deconsolidated under FIN 46R
Assignment of mortgage to joint venture
Issuance of preferred units
Common stock issued in connection with the Reckson Merger
Assumption of mortgage loans and unsecured notes upon acquisition of real estate
SFAS 141 mark-to-market of debt assumed
Net operating liabilities assumed
Other non-cash adjustments-financing
22. Quarterly Financial Data (unaudited)
As a result of the adoption of SFAS No. 144, "Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets," and SFAS No. 145, "Rescission of FASB Statements No. 4, 44, and 62, Amendment of FASB Statement No. 13, and Technical Corrections," we are providing updated summary selected quarterly financial information, which is included below reflecting the prior period reclassification as discontinued operations of the properties classified as held for sale during 2008.
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22. Quarterly Financial Data (unaudited) (Continued)
Quarterly data for the last two years is presented in the tables below (in thousands).
Income net of minority interest and before gain on sale(1)
Equity in net gain on sale of joint venture property
Discontinued operations
Net income before preferred dividends
Income net of minority interest and before gain on sale
23. Subsequent Events
In January 2009, we, along with Gramercy, sold 100% of 55 Corporate Drive, NJ for $230.0 million. We recognized a gain of approximately $6.9 million on our 50% interest in the joint venture.
In January 2009, we repurchased approximately $86.0 million of our convertible bonds, realizing approximately $29.4 million of gains due to the early extinguishment of debt.
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SL Green Realty Corp.Schedule III—Real Estate And Accumulated DepreciationDecember 31, 2008(Dollars in thousands)
673 First Ave.
420 Lexington Ave.
555 W. 57th Street
317 Madison Ave.
461 Fifth Avenue
625 Madison Ave.
141 Fifth Avenue(2)
1100 King Street—1-7 International Drive
520 White Plains Road
115-117 Stevens Avenue
100 Summit Lake Drive
500 Summit Lake Drive
140 Grand Street
360 Hamilton Avenue
1-6 Landmark Square
680 Washington Boulevard(4)
750 Washington Boulevard(4)
1055 Washington Boulevard
150 Grand Street(2)
180 Broadway(2)
400 Summit Lake Drive
125 Chubb Way
Other(5)
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Schedule III—Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation
(Dollars in thousands)
The changes in real estate for the three years ended December 31, 2008 are as follows:
Property acquisitions
Improvements
Retirements/disposals
The aggregate cost of land, buildings and improvements, before depreciation, for Federal income tax purposes at December 31, 2008 was approximately $6.5 billion.
The changes in accumulated depreciation, exclusive of amounts relating to equipment, autos, and furniture and fixtures, for the three years ended December 31, 2008, are as follows:
Depreciation for year
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ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
None.
ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
We maintain disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our Exchange Act reports is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC's rules and forms, and that such information 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 closely on the definition of "disclosure controls and procedures" in Rule 13a-15(e) of the Exchange Act. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a control system, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that it will detect or uncover failures within the Company to disclose material information otherwise required to be set forth in our periodic reports. Also, we have investments in certain unconsolidated entities. As we do not control these entities, our disclosure controls and procedures with respect to such entities are necessarily substantially more limited than those we maintain with respect to our consolidated subsidiaries.
As of the end of the period covered by this report, we carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures. Based upon that evaluation as of the end of the period covered by this report, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective to give reasonable assurances to the timely collection, evaluation and disclosure of information relating to the Company that would potentially be subject to disclosure under the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
Management's Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
We are responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f). Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2008 based on the framework in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Based on that evaluation, we concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2008.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There have been no significant changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the year ended December 31, 2008 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reports.
ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
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ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
The information required by Item 10 will be set forth in our Definitive Proxy Statement for our 2009 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, on or prior to April 30, 2009 (the "2009 Proxy Statement"), and is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE AND DIRECTOR COMPENSATION
The information required by Item 11 will be set forth in the 2009 Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
The information required by Item 12 will be set forth in the 2009 Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
The information required by Item 13 will be set forth under in the 2009 Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
The information regarding principal accounting fees and services and the audit committee's pre-approval policies and procedures required by this Item 14 is incorporated herein by reference to the 2009 Proxy Statement.
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ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SCHEDULES
(a)(1) Consolidated Financial Statements
Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007, and 2006
(a)(2) Financial Statement Schedules
Schedule III—Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation as of December 31, 2008
Schedules other than those listed are omitted as they are not applicable or the required or equivalent information has been included in the financial statements or notes thereto.
(a)(3) In reviewing the agreements included as exhibits to this Annual Report on Form 10-K, please remember they are included to provide you with information regarding their terms and are not intended to provide any other factual or disclosure information about us or the other parties to the agreements. The agreements contain representations and warranties by each of the parties to the applicable agreement. These representations and warranties have been made solely for the benefit of the other parties to the applicable agreement and:
Accordingly, these representations and warranties may not describe the actual state of affairs as of the date they were made or at any other time. Additional information about us may be found elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K and our other public filings, which are available without charge through the SEC's website at http://www.sec.gov.
(a)(4) Exhibits
See Index to Exhibits on following page
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INDEX TO EXHIBITS
141
142
143
144
145
146
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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.
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that we, the undersigned officers and directors of SL Green Realty Corp. hereby severally constitute Marc Holliday and Gregory F. Hughes, and each of them singly, our true and lawful attorneys and with full power to them, and each of them singly, to sign for us and in our names in the capacities indicated below, the Annual Report on Form 10-K filed herewith and any and all amendments to said Annual Report on Form 10-K, and generally to do all such things in our names and in our capacities as officers and directors to enable SL Green Realty Corp. to comply with the provisions of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and all requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission, hereby ratifying and confirming our signatures as they may be signed by our said attorneys, or any of them, to said Annual Report on Form 10-K and any and all amendments thereto.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated:
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