ITEM
2
.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Forward Looking Statements
This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.
All statements in this document, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements which may be identified by the use of the words "expects," "believes," "anticipates," "should," "estimates" and similar expressions.
These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, which may cause our actual results and performance to be materially different from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements.
Factors and risks that may impact future results and performance include, but are not limited to, those described in Part 1,
Item 1A, "Risk Factors"
and in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on February 28, 2017 and in our other filings with the SEC including:
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·
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general risks associated with the ownership and operation of real estate, including changes in demand, risk related to development of self-storage facilities, potential liability for environmental contamination, natural disasters and adverse changes in laws and regulations governing property tax, real estate and zoning;
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·
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risks associated with downturns in the national and local economies in the markets in which we operate, including risks related to current economic conditions and the economic health of our customers;
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·
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the impact of competition from new and existing self-storage and commercial facilities and other storage alternatives;
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·
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difficulties in our ability to successfully evaluate, finance, integrate into our existing operations, and manage acquired and developed properties;
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·
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risks associated with international operations including, but not limited to, unfavorable foreign currency rate fluctuations, changes in tax laws, and local and global economic uncertainty that could adversely affect our earnings and cash flows;
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·
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risks related to our participation in joint ventures;
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·
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the impact of the regulatory environment as well as national, state and local laws and regulations including, without limitation, those governing environmental, taxes, our tenant reinsurance business and labor, and risks related to the impact of new laws and regulations;
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·
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risks of increased tax expense associated either with a possible failure by us to qualify as a real estate investment trust (“REIT”), or with challenges to the determination of taxable income for our taxable REIT subsidiaries;
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·
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changes in federal or state tax laws related to the taxation of REITs and other corporations;
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·
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security breaches or a failure of our networks, systems or technology could adversely impact our
business
, customer and employee relationships;
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·
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risks
associated
with the self-insurance of certain business risks, including property and casualty insurance, employee health insurance and workers compensation liabilities;
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·
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difficulties in raising capital at a reasonable cost;
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·
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delays in the development process;
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·
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ongoing litigation and other legal and regulatory actions which may divert management’s time and attention, require us to pay damages and expenses or restrict the operation of our business; and
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·
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economic uncertainty due to the impact of war or terrorism.
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These forward looking statements speak only as of the date of this report or as of the dates indicated in the statements. All of our forward-looking statements, including those in this report, are qualified in their entirety by this statement. We expressly disclaim any obligation to update publicly or otherwise revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, new estimates, or other factors, events or circumstances after the date of these forward looking statements, except where expressly required by law. Given these risks and uncertainties, you should not rely on any forward-looking statements in this report, or which management may make orally or in writing from time to time, as predictions of future events nor guarantees of future performance.
Critical Accounting Policies
Our MD&A discusses our financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with United States (“U.S.”) generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”), and are affected by our judgments, assumptions and estimates. The notes to our March 31, 2017 financial statements, primarily Note 2, summarize our significant accounting policies.
We believe the following are our critical accounting policies, because they have a material impact on the portrayal of our financial condition and results, and they require us to make judgments and estimates about matters that are inherently uncertain.
Income Tax Expense:
We have elected to be treated as a REIT, as defined in the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). As a REIT, we do not incur federal income tax on our REIT taxable income that is fully distributed each year (for this purpose, certain distributions paid in a subsequent year may be considered), and if we meet certain organizational and operational rules. We believe we have met these REIT requirements for all periods presented herein. Accordingly, we have recorded no federal income tax expense related to our REIT taxable income.
Our evaluation that we have met the REIT requirements could be incorrect, because compliance with the tax rules requires factual determinations, and circumstances we have not identified could result in noncompliance with the tax requirements in current or prior years. For any taxable year that we fail to qualify as a REIT and for which applicable statutory relief provisions did not apply, we would be taxed at the regular corporate rates on all of our taxable income for at least that year and the ensuing four years, we could be subject to penalties and interest, and our net income would be materially different from the amounts estimated in our financial statements.
In addition, certain of our consolidated corporate subsidiaries have elected to be treated as “taxable REIT subsidiaries” for federal income tax purposes, which are taxable as regular corporations and subject to certain limitations on intercompany transactions. If tax authorities determine that amounts paid by our taxable REIT subsidiaries to us are not reasonable compared to similar arrangements among unrelated parties, we could be subject to a 100% penalty tax on the excess payments. Such a penalty tax could have a material adverse impact on our net income.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets:
The analysis of impairment of our long-lived assets involves identification of indicators of impairment, projections of future operating cash flows, and estimates of fair values, all of which require significant judgment and subjectivity. Others could come to materially different conclusions. In addition, we may not have identified all current facts and circumstances that may affect impairment. Any unidentified impairment loss, or change in conclusions, could have a material adverse impact on our net income.
Accrual for Uncertain and Contingent Liabilities:
We accrue for certain contingent and other liabilities that have significant uncertain elements, such as property taxes, workers compensation claims, tenant reinsurance
claims, as well as other legal claims and disputes involving customers, employees, governmental agencies and other third parties. We estimate such liabilities based upon many factors such as assumptions of past and future trends and our evaluation of likely outcomes. However, the estimates of known liabilities could be incorrect or we may not be aware of all such liabilities, in which case our accrued liabilities and net income could be misstated.
Accounting for Acquired Real Estate Facilities:
We estimate the fair values of the land, buildings and intangible assets acquired for purposes of allocating the purchase price. Such estimates are based upon many assumptions and judgments, including (i) market rates of return and capitalization rates on real estate and intangible assets, (ii) building and material cost levels, (iii) comparisons of the acquired underlying land parcels to recent land transactions, and (iv) future cash flows from the real estate and the existing tenant base. Others could come to materially different conclusions as to the estimated fair values, which would result in different depreciation and amortization expense, gains and losses on sale of real estate assets, and real estate and intangible assets.
Overview
Our self-storage operations generate most of our net income, and we believe that our earnings growth is most impacted by the level of organic growth in our existing self-storage portfolio. Accordingly, a significant portion of management’s time is devoted to maximizing cash flows from our existing self-storage facilities.
Most of our facilities compete with other well-managed and well-located competitors and we are subject to general economic conditions, particularly those that affect the spending habits of consumers and moving trends. We believe that our centralized information networks, national telephone and online reservation system, the brand name “Public Storage,” and our economies of scale enable us to meet such challenges effectively.
We plan on growing organically as well as through the acquisition and development of additional facilities. Since the beginning of 2015 through March 31, 2017, we acquired a total of 76 facilities with 5.6 million net rentable square feet from third parties for approximately $620.7 million, and since January 1, 2013, we opened newly developed and redeveloped self-storage space for a total cost of $664.7 million, adding approximately 5.8 million net rentable square feet.
Subsequent to March 31, 2017, we acquired or were under contract to acquire five self-storage facilities for $25.
5
million.
We will continue to seek to acquire properties; however, there is significant competition to acquire existing facilities and there can be no assurance as to the level of facilities we may acquire.
As of March 31, 2017, we had additional development projects which will add approximately 5.2 million net rentable square feet
at a total cost of approximately $618
.2
million
. We expect to continue to seek additional development projects; however, the level of future development may be limited due to various constraints such as difficulty in finding available sites that meet our risk-adjusted yield expectations, as well as challenges in obtaining building permits for self-storage activities in certain municipalities.
We believe that our development and redevelopment activities are beneficial to our business over the long run. However, in the short run, such activities dilute our earnings due to the three to four year period that it takes to fill up newly developed and redeveloped storage facilities and reach a stabilized level of cash flows offset by the cost of capital to fund the cost, combined with related overhead expenses flowing through general and administrative expense. We believe this dilution will increase in 2017 and beyond, because of an increased level of net rentable square feet being added to our portfolio due to continued development efforts.
We also have equity investments in Shurgard Europe and PS Business Parks, Inc. (“PSB”). We may make further investments in these companies.
As of March 31, 2017, our capital resources over the next year are expected to be approximately $855.7 million which exceeds our current planned capital needs over the next year of approximately $440.1 million. Our capital resources include: (i) $120.9 million of cash as of March 31, 2017, (ii) $484.8 million of available borrowing capacity on our revolving line of credit, and (iii) approximately $250.0 million of expected retained operating cash flow for the next twelve months. Retained operating cash flow represents our expected cash flow
provided by operating activities, less shareholder distributions and capital expenditures to maintain our real estate facilities.
Our planned capital needs over the next year consist of (i) $412.9 million of remaining spend on our current development pipeline, (ii) $25.5 million in property acquisitions currently under contract, and (iii) $1.7 million in principal repayments on existing debt. Our capital needs may increase significantly over the next year as we expect to increase our development pipeline and acquire additional properties. We may also redeem outstanding preferred securities or repurchase shares of our common stock in the future.
See
Liquidity and Capital Resources
for further information regarding our capital requirements and anticipated sources of capital to fund such requirements.
Results of Operations
Operating results for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016
For the three months ended March 31, 2017, net income allocable to our
common shareholders was $281.1
million or $1.62 per diluted common share, compared to $241.3 million or $1.39 in 2016 representing an increase of $39.8 million or
$0.23
. The increase is due primarily to a $21.1 million increase in self-storage net operating income (described below), a $5.4 million decrease in foreign exchange translation losses associated with our euro denominated debt and an $11.3 million decrease in EITF D-42 charges as a result of our preferred redemption activities in 2016.
The $21.1 million increase in self-storage net operating income is a result of a $15.2 million increase in our Same Store Facilities (as defined below) and
a
$5.9 million increase in our Non Same Store Facilities (as defined below). Revenues for the Same Store Facilities increased 4.0% or $20.9 million
in the three months ended March
31, 2017 as compared to 2016, due primarily to higher realized annual rent per occupied square foot. Cost of operations for the Same Store Facilities increased by 3.9% or $5.7 million in the three months ended March 31, 2017 as compared to 2016, due primarily to increased property taxes, repairs and maintenance and advertising and selling costs. The increase in net operating income for the Non Same Store Facilities is due primarily to the impact of 283 self-storage facilities acquired, developed or expanded since January 2015.
Funds from Operations and Core Funds from Operations
Funds from Operations (“FFO”) and FFO per share are non-GAAP measures defined by the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts and are considered helpful measures of REIT performance by REITs and many REIT analysts. FFO represents net income before real estate depreciation, gains and losses, and impairment charges, which are excluded because they are based upon historical real estate costs and assume that building values diminish ratably over time, while we believe that real estate values fluctuate due to market conditions. FFO and FFO per share are not a substitute for net income or earnings per share. FFO is not a substitute for GAAP net cash flow in evaluating our liquidity or ability to pay dividends, because it excludes financing activities presented on our statements of cash flows. In addition, other REITs may compute these measures differently, so comparisons among REITs may not be helpful.
For
the three months ended March 31, 2017,
FFO was $2.34 per diluted common share, as compared to $2.10 for the same period in 2016, representing an increase of 11.4%, or $0.24 per diluted common share.
The following tables reconcile diluted earnings per share to FFO per share and set forth the computation of FFO per share:
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Three Months Ended March 31,
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2017
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2016
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(Amounts in thousands, except per share data)
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Reconciliation of Diluted Earnings per Share to
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FFO per Share:
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Diluted Earnings per Share
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$
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1.62
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$
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1.39
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Eliminate amounts per share excluded from FFO:
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Depreciation and amortization, including
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amounts from investments and excluding
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amounts allocated to noncontrolling
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interests and restricted share unitholders
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0.73
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0.71
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Gains on sale of real estate investments,
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including our equity share from
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investments, and other
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(0.01)
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-
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FFO per share
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$
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2.34
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$
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2.10
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Computation of FFO per Share:
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Net income allocable to common shareholders
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$
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281,131
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$
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241,335
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Eliminate items excluded from FFO:
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Depreciation and amortization
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110,929
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105,128
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Depreciation from unconsolidated
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real estate investments
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17,213
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19,537
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Depreciation allocated to noncontrolling
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interests and restricted share unitholders
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(962)
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(882)
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Gains on sale of real estate investments,
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including our equity share from
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investments
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(1,611)
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(689)
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FFO allocable to common shares
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$
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406,700
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$
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364,429
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Diluted weighted average common shares
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174,069
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173,850
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FFO per share
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$
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2.34
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$
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2.10
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We also present “Core FFO per share,” a non-GAAP measure that represents FFO per share excluding the impact of (i) foreign currency exchange gains and losses, (ii) EITF D-42 charges related to the redemption of preferred securities, and (iii) certain other noncash and/or nonrecurring income or expense items. We review Core FFO per share to evaluate our ongoing operating performance, and we believe it is useful for investors and REIT analysts in the same manner. However, Core FFO per share is not a substitute for net income per share. Because other REITs may not compute Core FFO per share in the same manner as we do, may not use the same terminology or may not present such a measure, Core FFO per share may not be comparable among REITs.
The following table reconciles FFO per share to Core FFO per share:
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Three Months Ended March 31,
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Percentage
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2017
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2016
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Change
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FFO per share
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$
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2.34
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$
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2.10
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11.4%
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Eliminate the per share impact of
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items excluded from Core FFO,
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including our equity share from
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investments:
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Foreign currency exchange loss
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0.03
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0.05
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Application of EITF D-42
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-
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0.07
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Other items
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-
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(0.01)
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Core FFO per share
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$
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2.37
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$
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2.21
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7.2%
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Analysis of Net Income by Reportable Segment
The following discussion and analysis is presented and organized in accordance with Note 10 to our March 31, 2017 financial statements, “Segment Information.” Accordingly, refer to the tables presented in Note 10 in order to reconcile such amounts to our total net income and for further information on our reportable segments.
Self-Storage Operations
Our self-storage operations are analyzed in two groups: (i) the 2,060 facilities that we have owned and operated on a stabilized basis since January 1, 2015 (the “Same Store Facilities”), and (ii) all other facilities, which are newly acquired, newly developed, or recently redeveloped (the “Non Same Store Facilities”). See Note 10 to our March 31, 2017 financial statements “Segment Information,” for a reconciliation of the amounts in the tables below to our total net income.
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Self-Storage Operations
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Summary
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Three Months Ended March 31,
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Percentage
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2017
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2016
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Change
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(Dollar amounts in thousands)
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Revenues:
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Same Store Facilities
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$
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538,311
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$
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517,407
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4.0%
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Non Same Store Facilities
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69,467
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57,179
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21.5%
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607,778
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574,586
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5.8%
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Cost of operations:
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Same Store Facilities
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149,380
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143,707
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3.9%
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Non Same Store Facilities
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22,598
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16,156
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39.9%
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171,978
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159,863
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7.6%
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Net operating income (a):
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Same Store Facilities
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388,931
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373,700
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4.1%
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Non Same Store Facilities
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46,869
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41,023
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14.3%
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Total net operating income
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435,800
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414,723
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5.1%
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Depreciation and amortization expense:
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Same Store Facilities
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(87,322)
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(89,820)
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(2.8)%
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Non Same Store Facilities
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(23,607)
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(15,308)
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54.2%
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Total depreciation and
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amortization expense
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(110,929)
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(105,128)
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5.5%
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Net income:
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Same Store Facilities
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301,609
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283,880
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6.2%
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Non Same Store Facilities
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23,262
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25,715
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(9.5)%
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Total net income
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$
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324,871
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$
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309,595
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4.9%
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Number of facilities at period end:
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Same Store Facilities
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2,060
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2,060
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-
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Non Same Store Facilities
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283
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220
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28.6%
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Net rentable square footage at period end (in thousands):
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Same Store Facilities
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131,603
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131,603
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-
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Non Same Store Facilities
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22,844
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16,832
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35.7%
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(a)
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Net operating income or “NOI” is a non-GAAP financial measure that excludes the impact of depreciation and amortization expense, which is based upon historical real estate costs and assumes that building values diminish ratably over time, while we believe that real estate values fluctuate due to market conditions. We utilize NOI in determining current property values, evaluating property performance, and in evaluating property operating trends. We believe that investors and analysts utilize NOI in a similar manner. NOI is not a substitute for net income, net operating cash flow, or other related GAAP financial measures, in evaluating our operating results. See Note 10 to our March 31, 2017 financial statements for a reconciliation of NOI to our total net income for all periods presented.
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Net operating income from our self-storage operations has increased 5.1%
in the three months ended March
31, 2017 as compared to the same period in 2016. These increases are due to higher revenues in our Same Store Facilities, as well as the acquisition and development of new facilities and the fill-up of unstabilized facilities.
Same Store Facilities
The Same Store Facilities represent those facilities that have been owned and operated
at
a stabilized level of occupancy, revenues and cost of operations since January 1, 2015. We review the operations of our Same Store Facilities, which excludes facilities whose operating trends are significantly affected by factors such as casualty events, as well as recently developed or acquired facilities, to more effectively evaluate the ongoing performance of our self-storage portfolio in 2015, 2016, and 2017. The Same Store pool increased f
rom 2,000 facilities at December
31, 2016 to 2,060 facilities at March 31, 2017. We believe the Same Store information is used by investors and analysts in a similar manner. The following table summarizes the historical operating results of these 2,060 facilities (131.6 million net rentable square feet) that represent approximately 85% of the aggregate net rentable square feet of our U.S. consolidated self-storage portfolio at March 31, 2017
.
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Selected Operating Data for the Same Store Facilities (2,060 facilities)
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Three Months Ended March 31,
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Percentage
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2017
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2016
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Change
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(Dollar amounts in thousands, except weighted average amounts)
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Revenues:
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Rental income
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$
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514,163
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$
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493,167
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4.3%
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Late charges and
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|
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administrative fees
|
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24,148
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|
24,240
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(0.4)%
|
Total revenues (a)
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538,311
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517,407
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4.0%
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Cost of operations:
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Property taxes
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56,388
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54,028
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4.4%
|
On-site property manager
|
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payroll
|
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27,513
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|
|
27,855
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(1.2)%
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Supervisory payroll
|
|
10,160
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|
|
9,390
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|
8.2%
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Repairs and maintenance
|
|
11,751
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|
|
11,520
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|
2.0%
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Utilities
|
|
10,210
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|
10,423
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(2.0)%
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Advertising and selling expense
|
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6,808
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|
|
5,241
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29.9%
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Other direct property costs
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14,680
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|
|
14,104
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4.1%
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Allocated overhead
|
|
11,870
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|
|
11,146
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|
6.5%
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Total cost of operations (a)
|
|
149,380
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|
|
143,707
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3.9%
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Net operating income
|
|
388,931
|
|
|
373,700
|
|
4.1%
|
Depreciation and
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
amortization expense
|
|
(87,322)
|
|
|
(89,820)
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|
(2.8)%
|
Net income
|
$
|
301,609
|
|
$
|
283,880
|
|
6.2%
|
|
|
|
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|
|
Gross margin (before depreciation
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
and amortization expense)
|
|
72.3%
|
|
|
72.2%
|
|
0.1%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted average for the period:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Square foot occupancy
|
|
93.1%
|
|
|
93.6%
|
|
(0.5)%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Realized annual rental income per (b):
|
|
|
|
|
|
Occupied square foot
|
$
|
16.81
|
|
$
|
16.02
|
|
4.9%
|
Available square foot
|
$
|
15.63
|
|
$
|
14.99
|
|
4.3%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
At March 31:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Square foot occupancy
|
|
93.2%
|
|
|
93.9%
|
|
(0.7)%
|
Annual contract rent per
|
|
|
|
|
|
occupied square foot (c)
|
$
|
17.38
|
|
$
|
16.61
|
|
4.6%
|
|
(a)
|
|
Revenues and cost of operations do not include tenant reinsurance and merchandise sale revenues and expenses generated at the facilities.
|
|
(b)
|
|
Realized annual rent per occupied square foot is computed by dividing rental income, before late charges and administrative fees, by the weighted average occupied square feet for the period. Realized annual rent per available square foot (“REVPAF”) is computed by dividing rental income, before late charges and administrative fees, by the total available net rentable square feet for the period. These measures exclude late charges and administrative fees in order to provide a better measure of our ongoing level of revenue. Late charges are dependent upon the level of delinquency, and administrative fees are dependent upon the level of move-ins. In addition, the rates charged for late charges and administrative fees can vary independently from rental rates. These measures take into consideration promotional discounts, which reduce rental income.
|
|
(c)
|
|
Annual contract rent represents the agreed upon monthly rate that is paid by our tenants in place at the time of measurement. Contract rates are initially set in the lease agreement upon move-in, and we adjust them from time to time with notice. Contract rent excludes other fees that are charged on a per-item basis, such as late charges and administrative fees, does not reflect the impact of promotional discounts, and does not reflect the impact of rents that are written off as uncollectible.
|
Analysis of Same Store Revenue
Revenues generated by our Same Store Facilities increased by 4.0% in the three months ended March 31, 2017 as compared to the same period in 2016, due primarily to a 4.9% increase in realized annual rental income per occupied square foot.
Year-over-year growth in our Same Store revenues has declined from 6.8% in the first quarter of 2016 as compared to the same period in 2015, to 4.0% in the first quarter of 2017 as compared to the same period in 2016. We are experiencing softness in demand in substantially all of our major markets, which has led to a lack of pricing power with respect to new tenants. We attribute some of this softness to local economic conditions and, in some markets most notably Dallas, Houston, Chicago, Washington D.C., Denver, Miami, and New York, increased supply of newly constructed self-storage facilities.
Same Store weighted average square foot occupancy was 93.1% and 93.6% during the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. At March 31, 2017, occupancy was 0.7% lower than the occupancy at March 31, 2016. We do not expect any significant impact from occupancy changes in the near term, because we believe we are near limitations to occupancy levels inherent with approximately 5% to 7% of our tenant base vacating each month without notice.
We believe that high occupancies help maximize our rental income. We seek to maintain a weighted average square foot occupancy level of at least 90%, by regularly adjusting the rental rates and promotions offered to attract new tenants as well as adjusting our marketing efforts on both television and the Internet in order to generate sufficient move-in volume to replace tenants that vacate.
Increasing rental rates to existing tenants, generally on an annual basis, is a key component of our revenue growth. We determine the level of rental increases based upon our expectations regarding the impact of existing tenant rate increases on incremental move-outs. Rental rate increases to existing tenants in the three months ended March 31, 2017 have been similar to the same period in 2016, and we expect rate increases to existing tenants in the remainder of 2017 to be similar to the same period in 2016.
Annual contract rent per occupied foot increased 4.6% from March 31, 2016 to March 31, 2017, as compared to a 4.9% increase from December 31, 2015 to December 31, 2016. These year-over-year increases were primarily driven by annual rate increases given to existing tenants, partially offset by the net impact of replacing vacating tenants with new tenants with lower contract rates, or “rent roll down.” The reduction in the year over year growth in average contract rent per occupied foot to 4.6% from 4.9% is due primarily to a greater degree of rent roll down in the first quarter of 2017 than the first quarter of 2016. During the three months ended March 31, 2017, the contract rent for tenants who moved in increased 1.1% to $14.08 per foot as compared to $13.93 for the same period in 2016, and the contract rent for tenants who moved out increased 3.7% to $15.73 per foot as compared to $15.17 per foot for the same period in 2016.
In order to stimulate move-in volume, we often give promotional discounts, generally in the form of a “$1.00 rent for the first month” offer. Promotional discounts, based upon the move-in contractual rates for the related promotional period, totaled $20.2 million and $20.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
Demand is higher in the summer months than in the winter months and, as a result, rental rates charged to new tenants are typically higher in the summer months than in the winter months. Demand fluctuates due to various local and regional factors, including the overall economy. Demand into our system is also impacted by new supply of self-storage space as well as alternatives to self-storage.
We believe rental growth in
the remainder of
2017 will need to come primarily from continued annual rent increases to existing tenants. Our future rental growth will also be dependent upon many factors for each market that we operate in, including demand for self-storage space, the level of new supply of self-storage space and the average length of stay of our tenants.
We believe that the current trends in move-in, move-out, in place contractual rents and occupancy levels are consistent with our expectation of continued revenue growth in 2017. However, such trends, when viewed in the short-run, are volatile and not necessarily predictive of our revenues going forward because they are subject to many short-term factors. Such factors include initial move-in rates, seasonal factors, the unit size and geographical mix of the specific tenants moving in or moving out, the length of stay of the tenants moving in or moving out, changes in our pricing strategies, and the degree and timing of rate increases previously passed to existing tenants.
We are taking a number of actions to improve demand into our system, including (i) increasing marketing spend on the Internet and television, and (ii) reducing rental rates and increasing promotional discounts to new tenants. Even if these actions are successful in improving demand into our system, in at least the near term, we believe these actions will have a negative impact on our revenue trends due to less growth in initial rental rates and increased promotional discounts.
Analysis of Same Store Cost of Operations
Cost of operations (excluding depreciation and amortization) increased 3.9% in the three months ended March 31, 2017 as compa
red to the same period in 2016
, due primarily to increased property tax expense and advertising and selling expense.
Property tax expense increased 4.4% in the three months ended March 31, 2017 as compared to the same period in 2016, due primarily to higher assessed values. We expect property tax expense growth of approximately 4.5% in the remainder of 2017 due primarily to higher assessed values.
On-site property manager payroll expense decreased 1.2% in the three months ended March 31, 2017 as compared to the same period in 2016, due primarily to decreased incentive compensation. We expect on-site property manager payroll expense to increase on an inflationary basis in the remainder of 2017.
Supervisory payroll expense, which represents compensation paid to the management personnel who directly and indirectly supervise the on-site property managers, increased 8.2% in the three months ended March 31, 2017 as compared to the same period in 2016, due primarily to wage rate increases and increased headcount. We expect greater than inflationary increases in wage rates and increased headcount in the remainder of 2017.
Repairs and maintenance expense increased 2.0% in the three months ended March 31, 2017 as compared to the same period in 2016. Repair and maintenance costs include snow removal expense totaling $2.1 million and $2.9 million in the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Excluding snow removal costs, repairs and maintenance increased 12.2% in the three months ended March 31, 2017 as compared to the same period in 2016.
Repairs and maintenance expense levels are dependent upon many factors such as weather conditions, which can impact repair and maintenance needs including snow removal, inflation in material and labor costs, and
random events. We expect inflationary increases in repairs and maintenance expense in
the remainder of
2017, excluding snow removal expense, which is primarily weather dependent and not predictable.
Our utility expenses are comprised primarily of electricity costs, which are dependent upon energy prices and usage levels. Changes in usage levels are driven primarily by weather and temperature. Utility expense decreased 2.0% in the three months ended March 31, 2017 as compar
ed to the same period in 2016.
It is difficult to estimate future utility costs, because weather, temperature, and energy prices are volatile and not predictable. However, based upon current trends and expectations regarding commercial electricity rates, we expect inflationary increases in rates.
Advertising and selling expense is comprised principally of Internet advertising, television advertising and the operating costs of our telephone reservation center. Advertising and selling expense varies based upon demand, occupancy levels, and other factors. Television and Internet advertising, in particular, can increase or decrease significantly in the short term. Advertising and selling expenses increased 29.9% in the three months ended March 31, 2017 as compared to the same period in 2016. As mentioned above, we have increased our Internet marketing and television advertising expenditures. We expect continued increases in advertising and selling expense in the remainder of 2017.
Other direct property costs include administrative expenses incurred at the self-storage facilities, such as property insurance, business license costs, bank charges related to processing the facilities’ cash receipts, credit card fees, and the cost of operating each property’s rental office including supplies and telephone data communication lines. These costs increased 4.1% in the three months ended March 31, 2017 as compared to the same period in 2016. The increases were due primarily to higher credit card fees due to a higher proportion of collections being received from credit cards and higher revenues. We expect moderate increases in other direct property costs in the remainder of 2017.
Allocated overhead represents administrative expenses for shared general corporate functions, which are allocated to self-storage property operations to the extent their efforts are devoted to self-storage operations. Such functions include data processing, human resources, operational accounting and finance, marketing, and costs of senior executives (other than the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, which are included in general and administrative expense). Allocated overhead increased 6.5% in the three months ended March 31, 2017 as compared to the same period in 2016, due primarily to increased headcount. We expect similar increases in allocated overhead in the remainder of 2017.
Analysis of Same Store Depreciation and Amortization
Depreciation and amortization for Same Store Facilities decreased 2.8%
in the three months ended March
31, 2017 as compared to the same period in 2016. We expect depreciation to be flat in the remainder of 2017
as compared to the same period
in 2016.
The following table summarizes selected quarterly financial data with respect to the Same Store Facilities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For the Quarter Ended
|
|
|
|
|
March 31
|
|
June 30
|
|
September 30
|
|
December 31
|
|
Entire Year
|
|
(Amounts in thousands, except for per square foot amounts)
|
Total revenues:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2017
|
$
|
538,311
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2016
|
$
|
517,407
|
|
$
|
533,373
|
|
$
|
556,194
|
|
$
|
544,822
|
|
$
|
2,151,796
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total cost of operations:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2017
|
$
|
149,380
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2016
|
$
|
143,707
|
|
$
|
140,104
|
|
$
|
146,519
|
|
$
|
115,394
|
|
$
|
545,724
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Property taxes:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2017
|
$
|
56,388
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2016
|
$
|
54,028
|
|
$
|
54,249
|
|
$
|
53,953
|
|
$
|
31,548
|
|
$
|
193,778
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Repairs and maintenance:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2017
|
$
|
11,751
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2016
|
$
|
11,520
|
|
$
|
10,708
|
|
$
|
11,171
|
|
$
|
11,239
|
|
$
|
44,638
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Advertising and selling expense:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2017
|
$
|
6,808
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2016
|
$
|
5,241
|
|
$
|
5,738
|
|
$
|
7,767
|
|
$
|
7,337
|
|
$
|
26,083
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
REVPAF:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2017
|
$
|
15.63
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2016
|
$
|
14.99
|
|
$
|
15.49
|
|
$
|
16.12
|
|
$
|
15.81
|
|
$
|
15.60
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted average realized annual rent per occupied square foot:
|
|
|
|
2017
|
$
|
16.81
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2016
|
$
|
16.02
|
|
$
|
16.25
|
|
$
|
16.92
|
|
$
|
16.87
|
|
$
|
16.51
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted average occupancy levels for the period:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2017
|
|
93.1%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2016
|
|
93.6%
|
|
|
95.4%
|
|
|
95.3%
|
|
|
93.8%
|
|
|
94.5%
|
Analysis of
Market
Trends
The following table sets forth
selected market
trends in our Same Store Facilities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Same Store Facilities Operating Trends by Market
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended March 31,
|
|
|
2017
|
|
|
2016
|
|
Change
|
|
(Amounts in thousands, except for
|
|
weighted average data)
|
Revenues:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Los Angeles (201 facilities)
|
$
|
80,599
|
|
$
|
75,911
|
|
6.2%
|
San Francisco (124 facilities)
|
|
44,733
|
|
|
42,745
|
|
4.7%
|
New York (84 facilities)
|
|
34,382
|
|
|
33,440
|
|
2.8%
|
Chicago (129 facilities)
|
|
29,663
|
|
|
29,076
|
|
2.0%
|
Miami (79 facilities)
|
|
26,521
|
|
|
25,669
|
|
3.3%
|
Washington DC (84 facilities)
|
|
26,051
|
|
|
25,394
|
|
2.6%
|
Atlanta (98 facilities)
|
|
19,935
|
|
|
19,052
|
|
4.6%
|
Seattle-Tacoma (69 facilities)
|
|
19,479
|
|
|
18,260
|
|
6.7%
|
Houston (79 facilities)
|
|
17,792
|
|
|
18,038
|
|
(1.4)%
|
Dallas-Ft. Worth (82 facilities)
|
|
16,663
|
|
|
16,106
|
|
3.5%
|
Philadelphia (56 facilities)
|
|
13,053
|
|
|
12,469
|
|
4.7%
|
West Palm Beach (41 facilities)
|
|
12,301
|
|
|
11,549
|
|
6.5%
|
Orlando-Daytona (62 facilities)
|
|
12,297
|
|
|
11,671
|
|
5.4%
|
Minneapolis-St Paul
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(44 facilities)
|
|
10,617
|
|
|
10,275
|
|
3.3%
|
Denver (39 facilities)
|
|
9,644
|
|
|
9,756
|
|
(1.1)%
|
All other markets
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(789 facilities)
|
|
164,581
|
|
|
157,996
|
|
4.2%
|
Total revenues
|
$
|
538,311
|
|
$
|
517,407
|
|
4.0%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net operating income:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Los Angeles
|
$
|
66,124
|
|
$
|
61,530
|
|
7.5%
|
San Francisco
|
|
36,042
|
|
|
34,310
|
|
5.0%
|
New York
|
|
23,083
|
|
|
22,549
|
|
2.4%
|
Chicago
|
|
15,338
|
|
|
15,295
|
|
0.3%
|
Miami
|
|
18,902
|
|
|
18,529
|
|
2.0%
|
Washington DC
|
|
19,119
|
|
|
19,001
|
|
0.6%
|
Atlanta
|
|
14,413
|
|
|
13,729
|
|
5.0%
|
Seattle-Tacoma
|
|
15,008
|
|
|
14,076
|
|
6.6%
|
Houston
|
|
11,981
|
|
|
12,500
|
|
(4.2)%
|
Dallas-Ft. Worth
|
|
11,094
|
|
|
10,845
|
|
2.3%
|
Philadelphia
|
|
9,056
|
|
|
8,556
|
|
5.8%
|
West Palm Beach
|
|
9,021
|
|
|
8,431
|
|
7.0%
|
Orlando-Daytona
|
|
8,842
|
|
|
8,202
|
|
7.8%
|
Minneapolis-St. Paul
|
|
6,998
|
|
|
6,748
|
|
3.7%
|
Denver
|
|
6,812
|
|
|
7,203
|
|
(5.4)%
|
All other markets
|
|
117,098
|
|
|
112,196
|
|
4.4%
|
Total net operating income
|
$
|
388,931
|
|
$
|
373,700
|
|
4.1%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Same Store Facilities Operating Trends by Market (Continued)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended March 31,
|
|
|
2017
|
|
2016
|
|
Change
|
Weighted average square foot
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
occupancy:
|
|
Los Angeles
|
|
95.5%
|
|
|
95.4%
|
|
0.1%
|
San Francisco
|
|
95.2%
|
|
|
95.7%
|
|
(0.5)%
|
New York
|
|
93.2%
|
|
|
93.6%
|
|
(0.4)%
|
Chicago
|
|
90.1%
|
|
|
90.4%
|
|
(0.3)%
|
Miami
|
|
93.5%
|
|
|
94.8%
|
|
(1.4)%
|
Washington DC
|
|
91.6%
|
|
|
91.4%
|
|
0.2%
|
Atlanta
|
|
92.5%
|
|
|
93.6%
|
|
(1.2)%
|
Seattle-Tacoma
|
|
93.9%
|
|
|
95.1%
|
|
(1.3)%
|
Houston
|
|
90.4%
|
|
|
92.2%
|
|
(2.0)%
|
Dallas-Ft. Worth
|
|
92.8%
|
|
|
94.4%
|
|
(1.7)%
|
Philadelphia
|
|
93.9%
|
|
|
93.4%
|
|
0.5%
|
West Palm Beach
|
|
94.6%
|
|
|
95.3%
|
|
(0.7)%
|
Orlando-Daytona
|
|
94.5%
|
|
|
94.7%
|
|
(0.2)%
|
Minneapolis-St. Paul
|
|
89.5%
|
|
|
90.3%
|
|
(0.9)%
|
Denver
|
|
91.6%
|
|
|
93.9%
|
|
(2.4)%
|
All other markets
|
|
93.0%
|
|
|
93.5%
|
|
(0.5)%
|
Total weighted average
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
square foot occupancy
|
|
93.1%
|
|
|
93.6%
|
|
(0.5)%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Realized annual rent per
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
occupied square foot:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Los Angeles
|
$
|
23.97
|
|
$
|
22.55
|
|
6.3%
|
San Francisco
|
|
24.58
|
|
|
23.30
|
|
5.5%
|
New York
|
|
24.37
|
|
|
23.58
|
|
3.4%
|
Chicago
|
|
15.52
|
|
|
15.14
|
|
2.5%
|
Miami
|
|
19.81
|
|
|
18.86
|
|
5.0%
|
Washington DC
|
|
20.81
|
|
|
20.28
|
|
2.6%
|
Atlanta
|
|
12.59
|
|
|
11.88
|
|
6.0%
|
Seattle-Tacoma
|
|
18.33
|
|
|
16.94
|
|
8.2%
|
Houston
|
|
13.94
|
|
|
13.84
|
|
0.7%
|
Dallas-Ft. Worth
|
|
13.10
|
|
|
12.44
|
|
5.3%
|
Philadelphia
|
|
15.23
|
|
|
14.59
|
|
4.4%
|
West Palm Beach
|
|
17.60
|
|
|
16.35
|
|
7.6%
|
Orlando-Daytona
|
|
12.87
|
|
|
12.17
|
|
5.8%
|
Minneapolis-St. Paul
|
|
14.45
|
|
|
13.83
|
|
4.5%
|
Denver
|
|
16.35
|
|
|
16.10
|
|
1.6%
|
All other markets
|
|
13.74
|
|
|
13.09
|
|
5.0%
|
Total realized rent per
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
occupied square foot
|
$
|
16.81
|
|
$
|
16.02
|
|
4.9%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Same Store Facilities Operating Trends by Market (Continued)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended March 31,
|
|
|
2017
|
|
2016
|
|
Change
|
REVPAF:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Los Angeles
|
$
|
22.89
|
|
$
|
21.51
|
|
6.4%
|
San Francisco
|
|
23.39
|
|
|
22.28
|
|
5.0%
|
New York
|
|
22.73
|
|
|
22.06
|
|
3.0%
|
Chicago
|
|
13.99
|
|
|
13.69
|
|
2.2%
|
Miami
|
|
18.52
|
|
|
17.89
|
|
3.5%
|
Washington DC
|
|
19.05
|
|
|
18.53
|
|
2.8%
|
Atlanta
|
|
11.65
|
|
|
11.12
|
|
4.8%
|
Seattle-Tacoma
|
|
17.21
|
|
|
16.11
|
|
6.8%
|
Houston
|
|
12.60
|
|
|
12.76
|
|
(1.3)%
|
Dallas-Ft. Worth
|
|
12.16
|
|
|
11.74
|
|
3.6%
|
Philadelphia
|
|
14.31
|
|
|
13.63
|
|
5.0%
|
West Palm Beach
|
|
16.64
|
|
|
15.58
|
|
6.8%
|
Orlando-Daytona
|
|
12.17
|
|
|
11.52
|
|
5.6%
|
Minneapolis-St. Paul
|
|
12.93
|
|
|
12.49
|
|
3.5%
|
Denver
|
|
14.97
|
|
|
15.11
|
|
(0.9)%
|
All other markets
|
|
12.78
|
|
|
12.24
|
|
4.4%
|
Total REVPAF
|
$
|
15.63
|
|
$
|
14.99
|
|
4.3%
|
We believe that our geographic diversification and scale provide some insulation from localized economic effects and add to the stability of our cash flows. It is difficult to predict localized trends in short-term self-storage demand and operating results. Over the long run, we believe that markets that experience population growth, high employment, and otherwise exhibit economic strength and consistency will outperform markets that do not exhibit these characteristics.
Non Same Store Facilities
The Non Same Store Facilities at March 31, 2017 represent 283 facilities that were not stabilized with respect to occupancies or rental rates since January 1, 2015, or that we did not own as of January 1, 2015. As a result of the stabilization process and timing of when the facilities were acquired, year-over-year changes can be significant.
The following table summarizes operating data with respect to the Non Same Store Facilities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NON SAME STORE
|
Three Months Ended March 31,
|
FACILITIES
|
2017
|
|
2016
|
|
Change
|
|
(Dollar amounts in thousands, except square foot amounts)
|
Revenues:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2017 acquisitions
|
$
|
339
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
$
|
339
|
2016 acquisitions
|
|
8,581
|
|
|
1,839
|
|
|
6,742
|
2015 acquisitions
|
|
4,072
|
|
|
3,595
|
|
|
477
|
Developed facilities
|
|
8,125
|
|
|
4,257
|
|
|
3,868
|
Other facilities
|
|
48,350
|
|
|
47,488
|
|
|
862
|
Total revenues
|
|
69,467
|
|
|
57,179
|
|
|
12,288
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cost of operations:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2017 acquisitions
|
|
151
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
151
|
2016 acquisitions
|
|
3,482
|
|
|
551
|
|
|
2,931
|
2015 acquisitions
|
|
1,335
|
|
|
1,292
|
|
|
43
|
Developed facilities
|
|
4,163
|
|
|
1,810
|
|
|
2,353
|
Other facilities
|
|
13,467
|
|
|
12,503
|
|
|
964
|
Total cost of operations
|
|
22,598
|
|
|
16,156
|
|
|
6,442
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net operating income:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2017 acquisitions
|
|
188
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
188
|
2016 acquisitions
|
|
5,099
|
|
|
1,288
|
|
|
3,811
|
2015 acquisitions
|
|
2,737
|
|
|
2,303
|
|
|
434
|
Developed facilities
|
|
3,962
|
|
|
2,447
|
|
|
1,515
|
Other facilities
|
|
34,883
|
|
|
34,985
|
|
|
(102)
|
Net operating income
|
|
46,869
|
|
|
41,023
|
|
|
5,846
|
Depreciation and
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
amortization expense
|
|
(23,607)
|
|
|
(15,308)
|
|
|
(8,299)
|
Net income
|
$
|
23,262
|
|
$
|
25,715
|
|
$
|
(2,453)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
At March 31:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Square foot occupancy:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2017 acquisitions
|
|
89.7%
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
2016 acquisitions
|
|
85.9%
|
|
|
90.8%
|
|
|
(5.4)%
|
2015 acquisitions
|
|
92.4%
|
|
|
89.6%
|
|
|
3.1%
|
Developed facilities
|
|
63.2%
|
|
|
68.6%
|
|
|
(7.9)%
|
Other facilities
|
|
87.2%
|
|
|
91.2%
|
|
|
(4.4)%
|
|
|
82.7%
|
|
|
88.2%
|
|
|
(6.2)%
|
Annual contract rent per
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
occupied square foot:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2017 acquisitions
|
$
|
10.74
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
2016 acquisitions
|
|
9.86
|
|
|
11.69
|
|
|
(15.7)%
|
2015 acquisitions
|
|
13.71
|
|
|
12.84
|
|
|
6.8%
|
Developed facilities
|
|
13.03
|
|
|
12.62
|
|
|
3.2%
|
Other facilities
|
|
17.13
|
|
|
16.45
|
|
|
4.1%
|
|
$
|
14.88
|
|
$
|
15.55
|
|
|
(4.3)%
|
NON SAME STORE
|
Three Months Ended March 31,
|
FACILITIES (Continued)
|
2017
|
|
2016
|
|
Change
|
|
|
Number of facilities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2017 acquisitions
|
|
4
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
4
|
2016 acquisitions
|
|
55
|
|
|
12
|
|
|
43
|
2015 acquisitions
|
|
17
|
|
|
17
|
|
|
-
|
Developed facilities
|
|
38
|
|
|
22
|
|
|
16
|
Other facilities
|
|
169
|
|
|
169
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
283
|
|
|
220
|
|
|
63
|
Net rentable square feet (in thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2017 acquisitions
|
|
214
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
214
|
2016 acquisitions
|
|
4,121
|
|
|
809
|
|
|
3,312
|
2015 acquisitions
|
|
1,285
|
|
|
1,285
|
|
|
-
|
Developed facilities
|
|
4,347
|
|
|
2,125
|
|
|
2,222
|
Other facilities
|
|
12,877
|
|
|
12,613
|
|
|
264
|
|
|
22,844
|
|
|
16,832
|
|
|
6,012
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The facilities included above under “2017 acquisitions,” “2016 acquisitions,” and “2015 acquisitions” were acquired at a cost of $22.8 million, $429.1 million, and $168.8 million, respectively.
For the three months ended March 31, 2017, the weighted average annualized yield on cost, based upon net operating income, for the facilities acquired in each of 2016 and 2015 was 4.8% and 6.5%, respectively. The yields for the facilities acquired in the three months ended March 31, 2017 were not meaningful due to our limited ownership period.
We believe that our management and operating infrastructure allows us to generate higher net operating income from newly acquired facilities than was achieved by the previous owners. However, it can take 24 or more months for us to fully achieve the higher net operating income, and the ultimate levels of net operating income to be achieved can be affected by changes in general economic conditions. As a result, there can be no assurance that we will achieve our expectations with respect to these newly acquired facilities.
Since the beginning of 2013, we have opened newly developed facilities with a total cost of $514.9 million and redeveloped existing facilities, expanding their square footage, for a total cost of $149.8 million. The newly developed facilities are included in “Developed facilities” and the redeveloped facilities are included in “Other facilities” in the table above. We believe that our real estate development activities are beneficial to our business over the long run. However, in the short run, development activities dilute our earnings due to the three to four year period to reach a stabilized level of cash flows and the cost of capital to fund development, combined with general and administrative expenses associated with development. We believe this dilution will increase in the remainder of 2017 and beyond, because of an increased level of net rentable square feet being added to our portfolio.
We expect the Non Same Store Facilities to continue to provide increased net operating income in 2017 as these facilities approach stabilized occupancy levels and the earnings of the 2017 and 2016 acquisitions are reflected in our operations for a longer period in 2017 as compared to 2016.
We also expect to increase the number and net rentable square feet of Non Same Store Facilities over at least the next 24 months through development of new self-storage facilities, redevelopment of existing facilities and acquisitions of facilities.
As of March 31, 2017, we had development and redevelopment projects which will add approximately 5.2 million net rentable square feet of storage space at a total cost of approximately $618.2 million. Some of these projects are subject to significant contingencies such as entitlement approval. We expect to continue to seek additional development projects; however, the level of future development may be limited due to various constraints
such as difficulty in finding projects that meet our risk-adjusted yield expectations and challenges in obtaining building permits for self-storage activities in certain municipalities.
Subsequent to March 31, 2017
,
we acquired or were under contract to acquire five self-storage facilities for $25.5 million.
We will continue to seek to acquire properties; however, there is significant competition to acquire existing facilities and
therefore the dollar value of acquisitions is unpredictable.
Depreciation and amortization with respect to the Non Same Store Facilities totaled $23.
6
million and $15.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respecti
vely. These amounts include i)
depreciation of the buildings acquired or developed, which is recorded generally on
a straight line basis, and ii)
amortization of cost allocated to the tenants in place upon acquisition of a facility, which is recorded based upon the benefit of such existing tenants to each period and thus is highest when the facility is first acquired and declines as such tenants vacate. With respect to Non Same Store Facilities owned at March 31, 2017, depreciation of buildings and amortization of tenant intangibles is expected to total
$
55.4
million and
$
6.7
million, respectively, in the remainder of 2017.
T
he level of future depreciation and amortization will also depend upon the level of acquisitions of facilities and the level of newly developed storage space.
Ancillary Operations
Ancillary revenues and expenses include amounts associated with the reinsurance of policies against losses to goods stored by tenants in our self-storage facilities in the U.S. and the sale of merchandise at our self-storage facilities. The following table sets forth our ancillary operations:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended March 31,
|
|
2017
|
|
2016
|
|
Change
|
|
(Amounts in thousands)
|
Revenues:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tenant reinsurance premiums
|
$
|
29,940
|
|
$
|
28,642
|
|
$
|
1,298
|
Merchandise
|
|
7,829
|
|
|
8,558
|
|
|
(729)
|
Total revenues
|
|
37,769
|
|
|
37,200
|
|
|
569
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cost of Operations:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tenant reinsurance
|
|
6,277
|
|
|
8,175
|
|
|
(1,898)
|
Merchandise
|
|
4,647
|
|
|
5,248
|
|
|
(601)
|
Total cost of operations
|
|
10,924
|
|
|
13,423
|
|
|
(2,499)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tenant reinsurance
|
|
23,663
|
|
|
20,467
|
|
|
3,196
|
Merchandise
|
|
3,182
|
|
|
3,310
|
|
|
(128)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total net income
|
$
|
26,845
|
|
$
|
23,777
|
|
$
|
3,068
|
Tenant reinsurance operations:
Our
tenants have the option of purchasing insurance from a non-affiliated insurance company to cover certain losses to their goods stored at our facilities. A wholly-owned, consolidated subsidiary of Public Storage fully reinsures such policies, and thereby assumes all risk of losses under these policies from the insurance company. The subsidiary receives reinsurance premiums, substantially equal to the premiums collected from our tenants, from the non-affiliated insurance company. Such reinsurance premiums are shown as “Tenant reinsurance premiums” in the above table.
The subsidiary pays a fee to Public Storage to assist with the administration of the program and to allow the insurance to be marketed to our tenants. This fee represents a substantial amount of the reinsurance premiums received by our
subsidiary. The fee is eliminated in consolidation and is therefore not shown in the above table.
Tenant reinsurance revenue increased from $28.6 million in the three months ended March 31, 2016 to $29.9 million during the same period in 2017, due to (i) increased average premiums per insured tenant resulting from higher average policy limits, (ii) a higher proportion of tenants having insurance, and (iii) a larger number of potential insurance customers due to newly acquired and developed facilities.
We expect growth in tenant insurance revenues in
the remainder of
2017 to moderate as we approach practical limits to the proportion of tenants having insurance and the premiums per insured tenant. Future growth will come primarily from tenants of newly acquired and developed facilities, as well as additional tenants at our existing unstabilized self-storage facilities.
Cost of operations primarily includes claims paid that are not covered by our outside third-party insurers, as well as claims adjustment expenses. Tenant reinsurance cost of operations decreased from $8.2 million in the three months ended March 31, 2016 to $6.3 million in the same period in 2017. This decrease is due primarily to lower claims, primarily water related claims which were elevated in the three months ended March 31, 2016.
Merchandise sales:
We sell locks, boxes, and packing supplies at our self-storage facilities, and the level of sales of these items is primarily impacted by the level of move-ins and other customer traffic at our self-storage facilities. We do not expect any significant changes in revenues or profitability from our merchandise sales in the remainder of 2017.
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated real estate entities
At March 31, 2017, we have equity investments in PSB, Shurgard Europe and various limited partnerships. We account for such investments using the equity method and record our pro-rata share of the net income of these entities for each period. The following table, and the discussion below, sets forth the significant components of our equity in earnings of unconsolidated real estate entities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended March 31,
|
|
|
2017
|
|
2016
|
|
Change
|
|
|
(Amounts in thousands)
|
Equity in earnings:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
PSB
|
|
$
|
13,700
|
|
$
|
7,331
|
|
$
|
6,369
|
Shurgard Europe
|
|
|
5,591
|
|
|
6,236
|
|
|
(645)
|
Other Investments
|
|
|
658
|
|
|
597
|
|
|
61
|
Total equity in earnings
|
|
$
|
19,949
|
|
$
|
14,164
|
|
$
|
5,785
|
Investment in PSB:
At March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, we had approximately a 42% common equity interest in PSB, comprised of our ownership of 7,158,354 shares of PSB’s common stock
and 7,305,355 limited partnership units in an operating partnership controlled by PSB. The limited partnership units are convertible at our option, subject to certain conditions, on a one-for-one basis into PSB common stock.
At March 31, 2017, PSB owned and operated 28.1 million rentable square feet of commercial space located in six states. PSB also manages commercial space that we own pursuant to property management agreements.
Equity in earnings from PSB increased $6.4 million in the three months ended March 31, 2017 as compared to the same period in 2016, due primarily to improved operating results of their real estate facilities, combined with lower interest expense due to the repayment of debt and our $1.6 million equ
ity share of a gain on sale of development rights
recorded by PSB in the three months ended March 31, 2017. See Note 4 to our March 31, 2017 financial statements for selected financial information on PSB, as well as PSB’s filings and selected financial information that can be accessed through the SEC, and on PSB’s website,
www.psbusinessparks.com
.
Investment in Shurgard Europe:
We have a 49% equity share in Shurgard Europe’s net income. At March 31, 2017, Shurgard Europe’s operations are comprised
of 219 wholly-owned facilities with 12 million
net rentable square feet. See Note 4 to our March 31, 2017 financial statements for selected financial data on Shurgard
Europe for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016. As described in more detail in Note 4, we receive trademark license fees from Shurgard Europe.
Our equity in earnings from Shurgard Europe decreased $0.6 million in three months ended March 31, 2017 as compared to the same period in 2016, due primarily to our $3.0 million equity share of a foreign exchange gain
recorded for the three months ended March 31, 2016,
offset partially by increased earnings from Shurgard Europe’s
same-store
and
newly acquired
facilities. For purposes of recording our equity in earnings from Shurgard Europe, the Euro was translated into U.S. Dollars based upon average exchange rates of 1.065 and 1.103 for three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016,
respectively
.
Our future earnings
from Shurgard Europe will be affected primarily by the operating results of its existing facilities, the exchange rate between the U.S. Dollar and currencies in the countries in which Shurgard Europe conducts its business (principally the Euro), the impact of income taxes, and the degree to which Shurgard Europe reinvests the cash it generates from operations into real estate investments or distributes the amounts to its shareholders.
Unlike our operations in the United States, Shurgard Europe operates through taxable corporations in each of the countries in which it does business and incurs tax expense. Our equity share of such income tax expense was approximately $
1.4
million in each of the three month
periods
ended March 31, 20
17 and 2016
.
Analysis of items not allocated to segments
General and administrative expense:
The following table sets forth our general and administrative expense:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended March 31,
|
|
|
2017
|
|
2016
|
|
Change
|
|
|
(Amounts in thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Share-based compensation expense
|
|
$
|
8,897
|
|
$
|
8,052
|
|
$
|
845
|
Costs of senior executives
|
|
|
4,620
|
|
|
4,800
|
|
|
(180)
|
Development and acquisition costs
|
|
|
3,277
|
|
|
2,814
|
|
|
463
|
Tax compliance costs and taxes paid
|
|
|
1,349
|
|
|
1,438
|
|
|
(89)
|
Legal costs
|
|
|
1,946
|
|
|
2,781
|
|
|
(835)
|
Public company costs
|
|
|
1,125
|
|
|
1,017
|
|
|
108
|
Other costs
|
|
|
3,814
|
|
|
2,145
|
|
|
1,669
|
Total
|
|
$
|
25,028
|
|
$
|
23,047
|
|
$
|
1,981
|
Share-based compensation expense includes the amortization of restricted share units and stock options granted to employees and trustees, as well as related employer taxes. Share-based compensation expense varies based upon the level of grants and forfeitures as well as the Company’s
common share
price on the date of grant. The increases in share-based compensation costs in the three months ended March 31, 2017 as compared to the same period in 2016 is due primarily to an increase in the level of share-based grants. Due to the retirement of certain senior executives in the second quarter of 2017, and their forfeiture of previously granted
share-
based compensation, we expect
share
-based compensation to be lower in the three months end
ing
June 30, 2017 as compared to the same period in 2016.
The year over year growth in share-
based compensation expense for the last half of 2017 is expected to increase at a rate similar to the increase experienced
in the first quarter of 2017.
See Note 9 to our March 31, 2017 financial statements for further information on our share-based compensation.
Costs of senior executives represent the cash compensation paid to our chief executive officer and chief
financial officer.
Development and acquisition costs primarily represent internal and external expenses related to our development activities and the acquisition of real estate facilities and varies primarily based upon the level of development activities undertaken. The amounts in the above table are net of $2.1 million in development costs that were capitalized to newly developed and redeveloped self-storage facilities in each of the t
hree month periods ended
March
31, 2017 and 2016. Development and acquisition costs are expected to increase modestly in the remainder of 2017.
Tax compliance costs and taxes paid include taxes paid to various state and local authorities, the internal and external costs of filing tax returns, costs associated with complying with federal and state tax laws, and maintaining our compliance with Internal Revenue Service REIT rules. Such costs vary primarily based upon the tax rates of the various states in which we
do business.
Legal costs include internal personnel as well as fees paid to legal firms and other third parties with respect to general corporate legal matters and risk management, and varies based upon the level of l
egal
activity. The decrease in the three months ended March 31, 2017 as compared to the same period in 2016, is due primarily to legal fees and expenses associated with certain litigated matters in the three months ended March 31, 2016. The future level of legal costs is not determinable.
Public company costs represent the incremental costs of operating as a publicly-traded company, such as internal and external investor relations expenses, stock listing and transfer agent fees, board of trustees’ costs, and costs associated with maintaining compliance with applicable laws and regulations, including the Dodd-Frank Act and Sarbanes-Oxley Act.
Other costs represent professional and consulting fees, payroll and overhead that are not directly attributable to our property operations. Such costs vary depending upon the level of corporate activities and initiatives and, as such, are not predictable.
Our future general and administrative expenses are difficult to estimate, due to their dependence upon many factors, including those noted above.
Interest and other income:
Interest and other income is comprised primarily of the net income from our commercial operations and property management operations and to a lesser extent interest earned on cash balances, trademark license fees received from Shurgard
Europe, as well as sundry other income items that are received from time to time in varying amounts. Amounts attributable to our commercial operations and property management operations totaled $2.6 million in each of the three month periods ended March 31, 2017 and 2016. Interest income on cash balances has been minimal, because rates have been at historic lows, and we expect this trend to continue in the foreseeable future. We do not expect any significant changes in interest and other income in
the remainder of
2017.
Interest expense:
For the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, we
incurred $2.1 million and $2.2
million
, respectively
of interest on our outstanding debt. During the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, we capitalized interest of $1.1 million and $1.4 million, respectively, associated with our development activities. At March 31, 2017
,
we had $395.9 million of debt outstanding, with an average interest rate of 2.
1
%. See Note 5 to our March 31, 2017 financial statements for further information on our debt balances. Future interest expense will be dependent upon the level of outstanding debt and the amount of in-process development costs.
Foreign Exchange Gain (Loss):
We recorded foreign c
urrency translation losses of $5
.6 million and $
11.0 million
for
the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016
, respectively, representing the change in the U.S. Dollar equivalent of our Senior Unsecured Notes due to fluctuations in exchange rates. The Euro was translated at exchange rates of approximately 1.0
68
U.S. Dollars per Euro at
March 31, 2017 and 1.052 at December 31, 2016. Future gains and losses on foreign currency translation will be dependent upon changes in the relative value of the Euro to the U.S. Dollar, and the level of Euro-denominated debt outstanding.
Net Income Allocable to Preferred Shareholders:
Net income allocable to preferred shareholders based upon distributions decreased in the three months ended March 31, 2017 as compared to the same period in 2016, due primarily to lower average rates. We also allocated $11.
3
million of income from our common shareholders to the holders of our Preferred Shares in the three months ended March 31, 2016 due to redemptions of preferred securities. Based upon our preferred shares outstanding at March 31, 2017, our quarterly distribution to our preferred shareholders is expected to be approximately $60.1 million.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Financial Strategy:
As a REIT, we generally distribute 100% of our taxable income to our shareholders, which relative to a taxable C corporation, limits the amount of cash flow from operations that we can retain for investments. As a result, in order to grow our asset base, access to capital is important. Historically we have primarily financed our cash investment activities with retained operating cash flow combined with the proceeds from the issuance of preferred securities. Over the past eighteen months, we began to diversify our capital sources by issuing medium term debt.
Our financial profile is characterized by strong credit metrics, including low leverage relative to our total capitalization and operating cash flows. We are one of the highest rated REITs, as rated by major rating agencies Moody’s and Standard & Poor’s. Our senior debt has an “A” credit rating by Standard & Poor’s and “A2” by Moody’s. Our credit ratings on each of our series of preferred shares are “A3” by Moody’s and “BBB+” by Standard & Poor’s. Our credit profile and ratings enables us to effectively access both the public and private capital markets to raise capital.
We have a $500.0 million revolving line of credit which we occasionally use as temporary “bridge” financing until we are able to raise longer term capital. As of March 31, 2017, there were no borrowings outstanding on the revolving line of credit, however, we do have approximately $15.2 million of outstanding letters of credit which limits our borrowing capacity to $484.8 million. Over the long-term, we expect to fund our capital requirements with retained operating cash flow, the issuance of medium or long term debt, and proceeds from the issuance of common and preferred securities.
We will select among these sources of capital based upon availability, relative cost, the desire for leverage, and considering potential constraints caused by certain features of capital sources, such as debt covenants.
Liquidity and Capital Resource Analysis:
We believe that our net cash provided by our operating activities will continue to be sufficient to enable us to meet our ongoing requirements for principal payments on debt, maintenance capital expenditures, and distributions to our shareholders for the foreseeable future.
As of March 31, 2017, our capital resources over the next year are expected to be approximately $855.7 million which exceeds our current planned capital needs over the next year of approximately $440.1 million. Our capital resources include: (i) $120.9 million of cash as of March 31, 2017, (ii) $484.8 million of available borrowing capacity on our revolving line of credit, and (iii) approximately $250.0 million of expected retained operating cash flow for the next twelve months. Retained operating cash flow represents our expected cash flow provided by operating activities, less shareholder distributions and capital expenditures to maintain our real estate facilities.
Our planned capital needs over the next year consist of (i) $412.9 million of remaining spend on our current development pipeline, (ii) $25.5 million in property acquisitions currently under contract, and (iii) $1.7 million in principal repayments on existing debt. Our capital needs may increase significantly over the next year as we expect to increase our development pipeline and acquire additional properties. We may also redeem outstanding preferred securities or repurchase shares of our common stock in the future.
To the extent our retained operating cash flow and line of credit are insufficient to fund our activities, we believe we have a variety of possibilities to raise additional capital to fund such future commitments including issuing common or preferred securities, issuing debt, or entering into joint venture arrangements to acquire or develop facilities.
Required Debt Repayments:
As of March 31, 2017, our outstanding debt totaled approximately $395.9 million, consisting of $30.5 million of secured debt and $365.3 million of unsecured debt. Approximate principal maturities are as follows (amounts in thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
Remainder of 2017
|
$
|
1,277
|
2018
|
|
11,241
|
2019
|
|
1,505
|
2020
|
|
1,585
|
2021
|
|
1,503
|
Thereafter
|
|
378,751
|
|
$
|
395,862
|
The remaining maturities on our debt over at least the next five years are nominal compared to our expected annual retained operating cash flow.
Capital Expenditure Requirements:
Capital expenditures include general maintenance, major repairs or replacements to elements of our facilities to keep our facilities in good operating condition and maintain their visual appeal. Capital expenditures do not include costs relating to the development of new facilities or redevelopment of existing facilities to increase their available rentable square footage.
Capital expenditures totaled $
27.1
million in the three months ended March 31, 2017 and are expected to be approximately $110 million for the year ending December 31, 2017. For the last four years, capital expenditures have ranged between approximately $0.45 and $0.55 per net rentable
square foot per year.
Requirement to Pay Distributions:
For all periods presented herein, we have elected to be treated as a REIT, as defined in the Code. As a REIT, we do not incur federal income tax on our REIT taxable income (generally, net rents and gains from real property, dividends, and interest) that is fully distributed each year (for this purpose, certain distributions paid in a subsequent year may be considered), and if we meet certain organizational and operational rules. We believe we have met these requirements in all periods presented herein, and we expect to continue to elect and qualify as a REIT.
Distributions paid
during the three months ended March 31, 2017
totaled $
408.3
m
illion, consisting of $
60
.
1
million to preferred shareholders and $
348.2 m
illion to common shareholders and restricted share unitholders. All of these distributions were REIT qualifying distributions.
We estimate the annual distribution requirements with respect to our Preferred Shares outstanding at
March 31, 2017
, to be approximately $240.5 million per year.
On
April 26
, 2017, our Board declared a regular common quarterly dividend of $2.00 per common share. Our consistent, long-term dividend policy has been to distribute only our taxable income. Future quarterly distributions with respect to the common shares will continue to be determined based upon our REIT distribution requirements after taking into consideration distributions to the preferred shareholders and will be funded with cash provided by operating activities.
We estimate we will pay
approximately $8.0 million per year
in distributions to noncontrolling interests outstanding at March 31, 2017.
Real Estate Investment Activities:
Subsequent to March 31, 2017, we acquired or were under contract to acquire five self-storage facilities for $25.5 million. We will continue to seek to acquire properties; however, there is significant competition to acquire existing facilities and there can be no assurance as to the level of facilities we may acquire.
As of March 31, 2017 we had development and redevelopment projects which will add approximately 5.2
million net rentable square feet of storage space at a total cost of approximately $618.
2
million. A total of
$205.3
million of these costs were incurred through March 31, 2017, with the remaining cost to complete of $41
2.9
million expected to be incurred primarily in the next 18 months. Some of these projects are subject to significant contingencies such as entitlement approval. We expect to continue to seek additional projects; however, the level of future development and redevelopment may be limited due to various constraints such as difficulty in finding projects that meet our risk-adjusted yield expectations and challenges in obtaining building permits for self-storage activities in certain municipalities.
Redemption of Preferred Securities
:
Historically, we have taken advantage of refinancing higher coupon preferred securities with lower coupon preferred securities. In the future, we may elect to finance the redemption of preferred securities with proceeds from the issuance of debt. We have four series of preferred securities that become redeemable during 2017, at our option, with coupons ranging from 5.90% to 5.375%, with an aggregate $1.7 billion outstanding (see Note 7 to our March 31, 2017 financial statements). As of May 3, 2017, we have two series of preferred securities that are eligible for redemption, at our option and with 30 days’ notice; our 5.90% Series S Preferred Shares, with $460.0 million outstanding and our 5.75% Series
T Preferred Shares, with $462.5
million outstanding. Redemption of such preferred shares will depend upon many factors including whether we can issue capital at a lower cost of capital than the shares that would be redeemed. Currently, we believe that the cost to issue preferred securities would
not provide sufficient beneficial spread relative to
the coupon on preferred securities we would redeem. None of our preferred securities are redeemable at the option of the holders.
Repurchases of Common Shares
: Our Board has authorized management to repurchase up to 35,000,000 of our common shares on the open market or in privately negotiated transactions. During the three months ended March 31, 2017, we did not repurchase any of our common shares. From the inception of the repurchase program through May 3, 2017, we have repurchased a total of 23,721,916 common shares at an aggregate cost of approximately $679.1 million. Future levels of common share repurchases will be dependent upon our available capital, investment alternatives and the trading price of our common shares.
Contractual Obligations
Our significant contractual obligations at March 31, 2017 and their impact on our cash flows and liquidity are summarized below for the years ending December 31 (amounts in thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Remainder
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
of 2017
|
|
2018
|
|
2019
|
|
2020
|
|
2021
|
|
Thereafter
|
Mortgage notes (1)
|
$
|
35,762
|
|
$
|
2,217
|
|
$
|
12,601
|
|
$
|
2,316
|
|
$
|
2,316
|
|
$
|
2,141
|
|
$
|
14,171
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Senior unsecured notes (2)
|
|
424,661
|
|
|
5,451
|
|
|
7,268
|
|
|
7,268
|
|
|
7,268
|
|
|
7,268
|
|
|
390,138
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating leases (3)
|
|
86,372
|
|
|
3,265
|
|
|
4,254
|
|
|
4,176
|
|
|
4,169
|
|
|
4,164
|
|
|
66,344
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Construction commitments (4)
|
|
157,012
|
|
|
125,610
|
|
|
31,402
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
$
|
703,807
|
|
$
|
136,543
|
|
$
|
55,525
|
|
$
|
13,760
|
|
$
|
13,753
|
|
$
|
13,573
|
|
$
|
470,653
|
(1)
Amounts include principal and interest payments (all of which are fixed-rate) on our secured notes (the “Mortgage Notes”) based on their contractual terms. See Note 5 to our March 31, 2017 financial statements for additional information on our notes payable.
(2)
Reflects interest and principal on €342.0 million of Euro-denominated senior unsecured notes
. See Note 5 to our March 31, 2017 financial statements for further information on our senior unsecured notes
.
(3)
Represents future contractual payments on land, equipment and office space under various operating leases.
(4)
Represents future expected development spending that was under contract at March 31, 2017.
We estimate the annual distribution requirements with respect to our Preferred Shares outstanding at March 31, 2017, to be
approximately $240.5 million
per year. Dividends are paid when and if declared by our Board and accumulate if not paid.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
: At March 31, 2017, we had no material off-balance sheet arrangements as defined under Regulation S-K 303(a)(4) and the instructions thereto.