ITEM 1. BUSINESS
General
Piedmont Office Realty Trust, Inc. (“Piedmont”) (NYSE: PDM) is a Maryland corporation that operates in a manner so as to qualify as a real estate investment trust (“REIT”) for federal income tax purposes and engages in the acquisition, development, management, and ownership of commercial real estate properties throughout the United States, including properties that are under construction, are newly constructed, or have operating histories. Piedmont was incorporated in 1997 and commenced operations in 1998. Piedmont conducts business primarily through Piedmont Operating Partnership, L.P. (“Piedmont OP”), a Delaware limited partnership, as well as performing the management of its buildings through two wholly-owned subsidiaries, Piedmont Government Services, LLC and Piedmont Office Management, LLC. Piedmont owns 99.9% of, and is the sole general partner of, Piedmont OP and as such, possesses full legal control and authority over the operations of Piedmont OP. The remaining 0.1% ownership interest of Piedmont OP is held indirectly by Piedmont through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Piedmont Office Holdings, Inc. ("POH"), the sole limited partner of Piedmont OP. Piedmont OP owns properties directly, through wholly-owned subsidiaries and through both consolidated and unconsolidated joint ventures. References to Piedmont herein shall include Piedmont and all of its subsidiaries, including Piedmont OP and its subsidiaries and joint ventures.
Operating Objectives and Strategy
Based on our December 31, 2015 equity market capitalization of $2.7 billion, Piedmont is among the top ten largest office REITs in the United States based on comparison to the constituents of the Bloomberg U.S. Office REIT Index.
As of December 31, 2015, we owned and operated 69 office properties, one redevelopment asset, two development assets and one office building through an unconsolidated joint venture. Slightly under 80% of our Annualized Lease Revenue (see definition below) is generated from select office sub-markets in the following cities: Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Minneapolis, New York, and Washington, D.C.
Our portfolio of primarily Class A commercial office buildings was 91.5% and 87.7% leased as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. As we typically lease to larger, credit-worthy corporate users, our average lease size is approximately 23,000 square feet and as of December 31, 2015, we had an average lease term remaining of slightly under seven years. Our tenant base is primarily comprised of investment grade or nationally recognized corporations or governmental agencies, with 70% of our Annualized Lease Revenue derived from such tenants. No tenant other than the U.S. government accounts for more than 5% of our Annualized Lease Revenue.
Headquartered in metropolitan Atlanta, Georgia, with regional and/or local management offices in each of our major markets, Piedmont values operational excellence and ranks first among REITs based on the number of buildings owned and managed with Building Owners and Managers Association ("BOMA") 360 designations. BOMA 360 is a program that evaluates six major areas of building operations and management and benchmarks a building's performance against industry standards. The achievement of such a designation recognizes excellence in building operations and management. We also have focused on environmental sustainability initiatives at our properties, and approximately 62% of our office portfolio (based on Annualized Lease Revenue) maintains Energy Star labels (recognizing the top 25% of commercial buildings in energy consumption efficiency) as of December 31, 2015. In addition to operational excellence, we focus on fostering long-term relationships with our high-credit quality, diverse tenant base as evidenced by our 74% tenant retention rate over the past ten years.
Our primary objectives are to maximize the risk-adjusted return to our stockholders by increasing cash flow from operations, achieving sustainable growth in Funds from Operations, growing net asset value, and realizing long-term capital appreciation. We manage risk by owning almost exclusively Class A, geographically diverse office properties which are among the most desirable in their respective, select office submarkets. In addition to the creditworthiness of our tenants, we strive to ensure our tenants represent a broad spectrum of industry types with lease maturities that are laddered over many years. Operationally, we maintain a low leverage structure, utilizing primarily unsecured financing facilities, along with laddered maturities. We utilize a national buying platform of property management support services to ensure optimal pricing for landlord and tenant services, as well as for building best practices and sustainability standards. The strategies we intend to execute to achieve these objectives include:
Capitalizing on Acquisition/Investment Opportunities
Our overall acquisition/investment strategy focuses on properties in select submarkets within certain major U.S. office markets that are generally characterized by their diverse industry base, attractive supply and demand ratios, potential rent growth, and appeal to investors. We target the acquisition of high quality, Class A properties that are attractively priced below replacement
value and that complement our existing portfolio from a risk management and diversification perspective with a concentration upon select submarkets where efficiencies can be gained and our market expertize can be maximized.
Proactive Asset Management, Leasing Capabilities and Property Management
Proactive asset and property management encompasses a number of operating initiatives designed to maximize occupancy and rental rates, including the following: devoting significant resources to building and cultivating our relationships with commercial real estate executives; maintaining local management offices in markets in which we have a significant presence; demonstrating our commitment to our tenants by maintaining the high quality of our properties; driving a significant volume of leasing transactions in a manner that provides optimal returns by using creative approaches, including early extension, lease wrap-arounds and restructurings. We manage portfolio risk by structuring lease expirations to avoid, among other things, having multiple leases expire in the same market in a relatively short period of time; applying our leasing and operational expertise in meeting the specialized requirements of federal, state and local government agencies to attract and retain these types of tenants; evaluating potential tenants based on third-party and internal assessments of creditworthiness; and using our purchasing power and market knowledge to reduce our operating costs and those of our tenants.
Recycling Capital Efficiently
We use our proven, disciplined capital recycling capabilities to maximize total return to our stockholders by selectively disposing of non-core assets and assets where returns appear to have been maximized, and redeploying the proceeds into new investment opportunities with higher overall return prospects.
Financing Strategy
We employ a conservative leverage strategy by maintaining a debt-to-gross assets ratio of between 30%-40%. To effectively manage our long-term leverage strategy, we continue to analyze various sources of debt capital to prudently ladder debt maturities and to determine which sources will be the most beneficial to our investment strategy at any particular point in time.
Use of Joint Ventures to Improve Returns and Mitigate Risk
We may enter into a few, select strategic joint ventures with third parties to acquire, develop, improve or dispose of properties, thereby reducing the amount of capital required by us to make investments, diversifying our sources of capital and allowing us to reduce the concentration of certain properties and/or markets without disrupting our operating performance or local operating capabilities.
Redevelopment and Repositioning of Properties
As circumstances warrant, we may redevelop or reposition properties within our portfolio including the creation of additional amenities for our tenants to increase both occupancy and rental rates and thereby improve returns on our invested capital.
Information Regarding Disclosures Presented
Annualized Lease Revenue ("ALR") is calculated by multiplying (i) rental payments (defined as base rent plus operating expense reimbursements, if payable by the tenant on a monthly basis under the terms of a lease that has been executed, but excluding (a) rental abatements and (b) rental payments related to executed but not commenced leases for space that was covered by an existing lease), by (ii) 12. In instances in which contractual rents or operating expense reimbursements are collected on an annual, semi-annual, or quarterly basis, such amounts are multiplied by a factor of 1, 2, or 4, respectively, to calculate the annualized figure. For leases that have been executed but not commenced relating to un-leased space, ALR is calculated by multiplying (i) the monthly base rental payment (excluding abatements) plus any operating expense reimbursements for the initial month of the lease term, by (ii) 12. Unless stated otherwise, this measure excludes our one redevelopment asset, two development assets, and our one property held in an unconsolidated joint venture.
Employees
As of December 31, 2015, we had 143 full-time employees, with 52 of our employees working in our corporate office located in metropolitan Atlanta, Georgia. Our remaining employees work in regional and/or local management offices located in Atlanta, Georgia; Boston, Massachusetts; Minneapolis, Minnesota; Washington, D.C.; Orlando, Florida; Dallas, Texas; Houston, Texas; Chicago, Illinois; Detroit, Michigan; metropolitan New York, New York and Los Angeles, California. These employees are involved in acquiring and developing properties, as well as performing asset and property management services for our real estate properties and tenants.
Competition
We compete for tenants for our high-quality assets in major U.S. markets by fostering strong tenant relationships and by providing quality customer service including; leasing, asset management, property management, and construction management services. As the competition for high-credit-quality tenants is intense, we may be required to provide rent abatements, incur charges for tenant improvements and other concessions, or we may not be able to lease vacant space timely, all of which may impact our results of operations. We compete with other buyers who are interested in properties we elect to acquire, which may affect the amount that we are required to pay for such properties or may ultimately result in our decision not to acquire such properties. We also compete with sellers of similar properties when we sell properties, which may determine the amount of proceeds we receive from the disposal, or which may result in our inability to dispose of such properties due to the lack of an acceptable return.
Financial Information About Industry Segments
Our current business consists primarily of owning, managing, operating, leasing, acquiring, developing, investing in, and disposing of office real estate assets. We internally evaluate all of our real estate assets as one operating segment, and, accordingly, we do not report segment information.
Concentration of Credit Risk
We are dependent upon the ability of our current tenants to pay their contractual rent amounts as the rents become due. The inability of a tenant to pay future rental amounts would have a negative impact on our results of operations. As of December 31, 2015, no individual tenant represents 10% or more of our future revenues under non-cancelable leases. Additionally, no individual tenant represented 10% or more of our revenues for the year ended December 31, 2015.
Other Matters
Piedmont has contracts with various governmental agencies, exclusively in the form of operating leases in buildings we own. See Item 1A.
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
Risks Related to Our Business and Operations
Economic, regulatory, and/or socio-economic changes that impact the real estate market generally, or that could affect patterns of use of commercial office space, may cause our operating results to suffer and decrease the value of our real estate properties.
The investment returns available from equity investments in real estate depend on the amount of income earned and capital appreciation generated by the properties, as well as the expenses incurred in connection with the properties. If our properties do not generate income sufficient to meet operating expenses, including debt service and capital expenditures, then our ability to make distributions to our stockholders could be adversely affected. In addition, there are significant expenditures associated with an investment in real estate (such as mortgage payments, real estate taxes, and maintenance costs) that generally do not decline when circumstances reduce the income from the property. The following factors, among others, may adversely affect the operating performance and long- or short-term value of our properties:
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changes in the national, regional, and local economic climate, particularly in markets in which we have a concentration of properties;
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local office market conditions such as employment rates and changes in the supply of, or demand for, space in properties similar to those that we own within a particular area;
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changes in the patterns of office use due to technological advances which may make telecommuting more prevalent;
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the attractiveness of our properties to potential tenants;
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changes in interest rates and availability of permanent mortgage funds that may render the sale of a property difficult or unattractive or otherwise reduce returns to stockholders;
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the financial stability of our tenants, including bankruptcies, financial difficulties, or lease defaults by our tenants;
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changes in operating costs and expenses, including costs for maintenance, insurance, and real estate taxes, and our ability to control rents in light of such changes;
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the need to periodically fund the costs to repair, renovate, and re-let space;
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earthquakes, tornadoes, hurricanes and other natural disasters, civil unrest, terrorist acts or acts of war, which may result in uninsured or under insured losses;
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changes in, or increased costs of compliance with, governmental regulations, including those governing usage, zoning, the environment, and taxes; and
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changes in accounting standards.
In addition, periods of economic slowdown or recession, rising interest rates, or declining demand for real estate could result in a general decrease in rents or an increased occurrence of defaults under existing leases, which would adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations. Any of the above factors may prevent us from generating sufficient cash flow or maintaining the value of our real estate properties.
We face considerable competition in the leasing market and may be unable to renew existing leases or re-let space on terms similar to the existing leases, or we may expend significant capital in our efforts to re-let space, which may adversely affect our operating results.
Every year, we compete with a number of other developers, owners, and operators of office and office-oriented, mixed-use properties to renew leases with our existing tenants and to attract new tenants. To the extent that we are able to renew leases that are scheduled to expire in the short-term or re-let such space to new tenants, heightened competition resulting from adverse market conditions may require us to utilize rent concessions and tenant improvements to a greater extent than we historically have. In addition, competition for credit worthy tenants is intense and we may have difficulty competing with competitors, especially those who have purchased properties at discounted prices allowing them to offer space at reduced rental rates.
If our competitors offer office accommodations at rental rates below current market rates or below the rental rates we currently charge our tenants, we may lose potential tenants, and we may be pressured to reduce our rental rates below those we currently charge in order to retain tenants upon expiration of their existing leases. Even if our tenants renew their leases or we are able to re-let the space, the terms and other costs of renewal or re-letting, including the cost of required renovations, increased tenant improvement allowances, leasing commissions, declining rental rates, and other potential concessions, may be less favorable than the terms of our current leases and could require significant capital expenditures. If we are unable to renew leases or re-let space in a reasonable time, or if rental rates decline or tenant improvement, leasing commissions, or other costs increase, our financial condition, cash flows, cash available for distribution, value of our common stock, and ability to satisfy our debt service obligations could be adversely affected.
Our rental revenues will be significantly influenced by the economies and other conditions of the office market in general and of the specific markets in which we operate, particularly in Washington, D.C., the New York metropolitan area, and Chicago where we have high concentrations of office properties.
Because our portfolio consists of office properties, we are subject to risks inherent in investments in a single property type. This concentration exposes us to the risk of economic downturns in the office sector to a greater extent than if our portfolio also included other sectors of the real estate industry. Our properties located in Washington, D.C., New York and the Chicago metropolitan area account for approximately 19.7%, 12.1%, and 11.3% respectively, of our ALR. As a result, we are particularly susceptible to adverse market conditions in these particular areas, including the reduction in demand for office properties, industry slowdowns, governmental cut backs, relocation of businesses and changing demographics. Adverse economic or real estate developments in the markets in which we have a concentration of properties, or in any of the other markets in which we operate, or any decrease in demand for office space resulting from the local or national government and business climates, could adversely affect our rental revenues and operating results.
We depend on tenants for our revenue, and accordingly, lease terminations and/or tenant defaults, particularly by one of our significant lead tenants, could adversely affect the income produced by our properties, which may harm our operating performance, thereby limiting our ability to make distributions to our stockholders.
The success of our investments materially depends on the financial stability of our tenants, any of whom may experience a change in their business at any time. As a result, our tenants may delay lease commencements, decline to extend or renew their leases upon expiration, fail to make rental payments when due, or declare bankruptcy. Any of these actions could result in the termination of the tenants’ leases, or expiration of existing leases without renewal, and the loss of rental income attributable to the terminated or expired leases. In the event of a tenant default or bankruptcy, we may experience delays in enforcing our rights as a landlord and may incur substantial costs in protecting our investment and re-letting our property. If significant leases are terminated or defaulted upon, we may be unable to lease the property for the rent previously received or sell the property without incurring a loss. In addition, significant expenditures, related to mortgage payments, real estate taxes, insurance, and maintenance costs, are generally fixed and do not decrease when revenues at the related property decrease.
The occurrence of any of the situations described above, particularly if it involves one of our significant lead tenants, could seriously harm our operating performance. As of December 31, 2015, our most substantial non-U.S. governmental lead tenants, based on ALR, were State of New York (approximately 4.5%), US Bancorp (approximately 4.0%), Independence Blue Cross (approximately 3.3%) and GE (approximately 3.1%). The revenues generated by the properties lead tenants occupy are substantially dependent upon the financial condition of these tenants and, accordingly, any event of bankruptcy, insolvency, or a general downturn in the business of any of these tenants may result in the failure or delay of such tenant’s rental payments, which may have a substantial adverse effect on our operating performance.
Some of our leases provide tenants with the right to terminate their leases early, which could have an adverse effect on our cash flow and results of operations.
Certain of our leases permit our tenants to terminate their leases of all or a portion of the leased premises prior to their stated lease expiration dates under certain circumstances, such as providing notice by a certain date and, in many cases, paying a termination fee. In certain cases, such early terminations can be effectuated by our tenants with little or no termination fee being paid to us. As of December 31, 2015, approximately 4.5% of our ALR was comprised of leases with tenant-controlled options to exercise early termination rights (including contractions and terminations of whole leases) that could be effected during the subsequent twelve month period. Leases comprising approximately 3.3% of our ALR would require the tenant to pay a termination fee, while 1.2% of our ALR would not require a termination fee upon execution. Substantially all of the leases which would not require a fee upon termination are government leases which can only be terminated due to non-appropriation of budgetary funding. To the extent that our tenants exercise early termination rights, our cash flow and earnings will be adversely affected, and we can provide no assurances that we will be able to generate an equivalent amount of net rental income by leasing the vacated space to new third party tenants.
We may face additional risks and costs associated with directly managing properties occupied by government tenants.
We currently own six properties in which some or all of the tenants in each property are federal government agencies. Lease agreements with these federal government agencies contain certain provisions required by federal law, which require, among other things, that the contractor (which is the lessor or the owner of the property) agree to comply with certain rules and regulations, including but not limited to, rules and regulations related to anti-kickback procedures, examination of records, audits and records, equal opportunity provisions, prohibitions against segregated facilities, certain executive orders, subcontractor costs or pricing data, and certain provisions intending to assist small businesses. Through one of our wholly-owned subsidiaries, we directly manage properties with federal government agency tenants and, therefore, we are subject to additional risks associated with compliance with all such federal rules and regulations. There are certain additional requirements relating to the potential application of the Employment Standards Administration’s Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs and the related requirement to prepare written affirmative action plans applicable to government contractors and subcontractors. Some of the factors used to determine whether such requirements apply to a company that is affiliated with the actual government contractor (the legal entity that is the lessor under a lease with a federal government agency) include whether such company and the government contractor are under common ownership, have common management, and are under common control. One of our wholly-owned subsidiaries is considered a government contractor, increasing the risk that requirements of these equal opportunity provisions including the requirement to prepare affirmative action plans may be determined to be applicable to the entire operations of our company.
Adverse market and economic conditions may negatively affect us and could cause us to recognize impairment charges on tangible real estate and related lease intangible assets or otherwise impact our performance.
We continually monitor events and changes in circumstances that could indicate that the carrying value of the real estate and related lease intangible assets in which we have an ownership interest, either directly or through investments in joint ventures, may not be recoverable. When indicators of potential impairment are present which indicate that the carrying value of real estate and related lease intangible assets may not be recoverable, we assess the recoverability of these assets by determining whether the carrying value will be recovered through the undiscounted future operating cash flows expected from the use of the asset and its eventual disposition. In the event that such expected undiscounted future cash flows do not exceed the carrying value, we adjust the real estate and related lease intangible assets to their estimated fair value and recognize an impairment loss.
Projections of expected future cash flows require management to make assumptions to estimate future market rental income amounts subsequent to the expiration of current lease agreements, property operating expenses, the number of months it takes to re-lease the property, and the number of years the property is held for investment, among other factors. The current uncertainty in the U.S. economy increases the subjectivity involved in projecting future cash flows, discount and capitalization rates and other factors involved in these calculations. The subjectivity of assumptions used in the future cash flow analysis, including discount rates, could result in an incorrect assessment of the property’s estimated fair value and, therefore, could result in the misstatement of the carrying value of our real estate and related lease intangible assets and our net income. In addition, adverse economic conditions could also cause us to recognize additional asset impairment charges in the future, which could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Adverse market and economic conditions could cause us to recognize impairment charges on our goodwill, or otherwise impact our performance.
We review the value of our goodwill on an annual basis and when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of goodwill may exceed the estimated fair value of such assets. Such interim events could be adverse changes in legal matters or in the business climate, adverse action or assessment by a regulator, the loss of key personnel, or persistent declines in our stock price below our carrying value. Volatility in the overall market could cause the price of our common stock to fluctuate and cause the carrying value of our company to exceed the estimated fair value. If that occurs, our goodwill potentially could be impaired. Impairment charges recognized in order to reduce our goodwill could materially and adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.
Our earnings growth will partially depend upon future acquisitions of properties, and we may not be successful in identifying and consummating suitable acquisitions that meet our investment criteria, which may impede our growth and negatively affect our results of operations.
Our business strategy involves the acquisition of primarily high-quality office properties in selected markets. These activities require us to identify suitable acquisition candidates or investment opportunities that meet our criteria and are compatible with our growth strategy. We may not be successful in identifying suitable properties or other assets that meet our acquisition criteria or in consummating acquisitions on satisfactory terms, if at all. Failure to identify or consummate acquisitions could slow our growth.
Further, we face significant competition for attractive investment opportunities from an indeterminate number of other real estate investors, including investors with significant capital resources such as domestic and foreign corporations and financial institutions, publicly traded and privately held REITs, private institutional investment funds, investment banking firms, life insurance companies and pension funds. As a result of competition, we may be unable to acquire additional properties as we desire, the purchase price may be significantly elevated, or we may have to accept lease-up risk for a property with lower occupancy which could adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and the ability to pay dividends on, and the market price of our common stock.
The illiquidity of real estate investments could significantly impede our ability to respond to adverse changes in the performance of our properties.
Because real estate investments are relatively illiquid and large-scale office properties such as many of those in our portfolio are particularly illiquid, our ability to sell promptly one or more properties in our portfolio in response to changing economic, financial, and investment conditions is limited. The real estate market is affected by many forces, such as general economic conditions, availability of financing, interest rates, and other factors, including supply and demand, that are beyond our control. We cannot predict whether we will be able to sell any property for the price or on the terms set by us or whether any price or other terms offered by a prospective purchaser would be acceptable to us. We also cannot predict the length of time needed to find a willing purchaser and to close the sale of a property. We may be required to expend funds to correct defects or to make improvements
before a property can be sold. We cannot provide any assurances that we will have funds available to correct such defects or to make such improvements. Our inability to dispose of assets at opportune times or on favorable terms could adversely affect our cash flows and results of operations, thereby limiting our ability to make distributions to stockholders.
Future acquisitions of properties may not yield anticipated returns, may result in disruptions to our business, and may strain management resources.
We intend to continue acquiring high-quality office properties, subject to the availability of attractive properties, to our ability to arrange financing, and to consummate acquisitions on satisfactory terms. In deciding whether to acquire a particular property, we make certain assumptions regarding the expected future performance of that property. However, newly acquired properties may fail to perform as expected. Costs necessary to bring acquired properties up to standards established for their intended market position may exceed our expectations, which may result in the properties’ failure to achieve projected returns.
In particular, to the extent that we engage in acquisition activities, they will pose the following risks for our ongoing operations:
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we may acquire properties or other real estate-related investments that are not initially accretive to our results upon acquisition or accept lower cash flows in anticipation of longer term appreciation, and we may not successfully manage and lease those properties to meet our expectations;
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we may not achieve expected cost savings and operating efficiencies;
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we may be unable to quickly and efficiently integrate new acquisitions, particularly acquisitions of portfolios of properties, into our existing operations;
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management attention may be diverted to the integration of acquired properties, which in some cases may turn out to be less compatible with our operating strategy than originally anticipated;
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we may not be able to support the acquired property through one of our existing property management offices and may not successfully open new satellite offices to serve additional markets;
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the acquired properties may not perform as well as we anticipate due to various factors, including changes in macro-economic conditions and the demand for office space; and
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we may acquire properties without any recourse, or with only limited recourse, for liabilities, whether known or unknown, such as clean-up of environmental contamination, unknown/undisclosed latent structural issues or maintenance problems, claims by tenants, vendors or other persons against the former owners of the properties, and claims for indemnification by general partners, directors, officers, and others indemnified by the former owners of the properties.
Acquired properties may be located in new markets, where we may face risks associated with investing in an unfamiliar market.
We may acquire properties located in markets in which we do not have an established presence. We may face risks associated with a lack of market knowledge or understanding of the local economy, forging new business relationships in the area and unfamiliarity with local government and permitting procedures. As a result, the operating performance of properties acquired in new markets may be less than we anticipate, and we may have difficulty integrating such properties into our existing portfolio. In addition, the time and resources that may be required to obtain market knowledge and/or integrate such properties into our existing portfolio could divert our management’s attention from our existing business or other attractive opportunities in our concentration markets.
We may invest in mezzanine debt, which is subject to increased risk of loss relative to senior mortgage loans.
We may invest in mezzanine debt. These investments, which are subordinate to the mortgage loans secured by the real property underlying the loan, are generally secured by pledges of the equity interests of the entities owning the underlying real estate. As a result, these investments involve greater risk of loss than investments in senior mortgage loans that are secured by real property since they are subordinate to the mortgage loan secured by the building and may be subordinate to the interests of other mezzanine lenders. Therefore, if the property owner defaults on its debt service obligations payable to us or on debt senior to us, or declares bankruptcy, such mezzanine loans will be satisfied only after the senior debt and the other senior mezzanine loans are paid in full, resulting in the possibility that we may be unable to recover some or all of our investment. In addition, the value of the assets securing or supporting our mezzanine debt investments could deteriorate over time due to factors beyond our control, including acts or omissions by owners, changes in business, economic or market conditions, or foreclosure, any of which could result in the recognition of impairment losses. In addition, there may be significant delays and costs associated with the process of foreclosing on the collateral securing or supporting such investments.
Our operating results may suffer because of potential development and construction delays and resultant increased costs and risks.
We are currently engaged in development and re-development projects where we may be subject to uncertainties associated with re-zoning, environmental concerns of governmental entities and/or community groups, and our builders’ ability to build in
conformity with plans, specifications, budgeted costs and timetables. A builder’s performance may also be affected or delayed by conditions beyond the builder’s control. Delays in completing construction could also give tenants the right to terminate preconstruction leases. We may incur additional risks when we make periodic progress payments or other advances to builders before they complete construction. Further, we may incur unanticipated additional costs related to disputes with existing tenants during redevelopment projects. These and other factors can result in increased costs of a project or loss of our investment. In addition, we will be subject to normal lease-up risks relating to newly constructed projects. Projects with long lead times may increase leasing risk due to changes in market conditions. We also must rely on rental income and expense projections and estimates of the fair market value of property upon completion of construction when agreeing upon a purchase price at the time we acquire the property. If our projections are inaccurate, we may pay too much for a property, and our return on our investment could suffer.
Our real estate development strategies may not be successful.
We are currently engaged in development and may continue to engage in additional development or redevelopment related activities to the extent attractive projects become available. When we engage in development activities, we are subject to risks associated with those activities that could adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and ability to pay distributions on, and the market price of, our common stock, including, but not limited to:
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development projects in which we have invested may be abandoned and the related investment will be impaired;
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we may not be able to obtain, or may experience delays in obtaining, all necessary zoning, land-use, building, occupancy and other governmental permits and authorizations;
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we may not be able to obtain land on which to develop;
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we may not be able to obtain financing for development projects, or obtain financing on favorable terms;
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construction costs of a project may exceed the original estimates or construction may not be concluded on schedule, making the project less profitable than originally estimated or not profitable at all (including the possibility of errors or omissions in the project's design, contract default, contractor or subcontactor default, performance bond surety default, the effects of local weather conditions, the possibility of local or national strikes and the possibility of shortages in materials, building supplies or energy and fuel for equipment);
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tenants which pre-lease space or contract with us for a build-to-suit project may default prior to occupying the project;
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upon completion of construction, we may not be able to obtain, or obtain on advantageous terms, permanent financing for activities that we financed through construction loans; and
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we may not achieve sufficient occupancy levels and/or obtain sufficient rents to ensure the profitability of a completed project.
Moreover, substantial renovation and development activities, regardless of their ultimate success, typically require a significant amount of management’s time and attention, diverting their attention from our other operations.
Future terrorist attacks in the major metropolitan areas in which we own properties could significantly impact the demand for, and value of, our properties.
Our portfolio maintains significant holdings in markets such as Washington, D.C., the New York metropolitan area, Chicago, Boston, and greater Los Angeles, each of which has been, and continues to be, a high risk geographical area for terrorism and threats of terrorism. Future terrorist attacks and other acts of terrorism or war would severely impact the demand for, and value of, our properties. Terrorist attacks in and around any of the major metropolitan areas in which we own properties also could directly impact the value of our properties through damage, destruction, loss, or increased security costs, and could thereafter materially impact the availability or cost of insurance to protect against such acts. A decrease in demand could make it difficult to renew or re-lease our properties at lease rates equal to or above historical rates. To the extent that any future terrorist attacks otherwise disrupt our tenants’ businesses, it may impair our tenants’ ability to make timely payments under their existing leases with us, which would harm our operating results.
We face risks related to the occurrence of cyber incidents, or a deficiency in our cybersecurity, which could negatively impact our business by causing a disruption to our operations, a compromise or corruption of our confidential information, and/or damage to our business relationships, all of which could negatively impact our financial results.
A cyber incident is considered to be any adverse event that threatens the confidentiality, integrity, or availability of our information resources. More specifically, a cyber incident is an intentional attack or an unintentional event that can include gaining unauthorized access to systems to disrupt operations, corrupt data, or steal confidential information. The risk of a security breach or disruption, particularly through cyber attacks or cyber intrusion, including by computer hackers, foreign governments and cyber terrorists, has generally increased as the number, intensity and sophistication of attempted attacks and intrusions from around the world have increased. As our reliance on technology has increased, so have the risks posed to our systems, both internal and those we have outsourced. Risks that could directly result from the occurrence of a cyber incident include physical harm to occupants or our
buildings, physical damage to our buildings, operational interruption, damage to our relationship with our tenants, potential errors from misstated financial reports, violations of loan covenants, missed reporting deadlines, and private data exposure, among others. Any or all of the preceding risks could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. Although we make efforts to maintain the security and integrity of these types of information technology networks and related systems, and we have implemented various measures to manage the risk of a security breach or disruption, there can be no assurance that our security efforts and measures will be effective or that attempted security breaches or disruptions would not be successful or damaging.
Uninsured losses or losses in excess of our insurance coverage could adversely affect our financial condition and our cash flow, and there can be no assurance as to future costs and the scope of coverage that may be available under insurance policies.
We carry comprehensive general liability, fire, extended coverage, business interruption rental loss coverage, environmental, and umbrella liability coverage on all of our properties and earthquake, wind, and flood coverage on properties in areas where such coverage is warranted. We believe the policy specifications and insured limits of these policies are adequate and appropriate given the relative risk of loss, the cost of the coverage, and industry practice. However, we may be subject to certain types of losses, those that are generally catastrophic in nature, such as losses due to wars, conventional or cyber terrorism, chemical, biological, nuclear and radiation (“CBNR”) acts of terrorism and, in some cases, earthquakes, hurricanes, and flooding, either because such coverage is not available or is not available at commercially reasonable rates. If we experience a loss that is uninsured or that exceeds policy limits, we could lose a significant portion of the capital we have invested in the damaged property, as well as the anticipated future revenue from the property. Inflation, changes in building codes and ordinances, environmental considerations, and other factors also might make it impractical or undesirable to use insurance proceeds to replace a property after it has been damaged or destroyed. In addition, if the damaged properties are subject to recourse indebtedness, we would continue to be liable for the indebtedness, even if these properties were irreparably damaged. Furthermore, we may not be able to obtain adequate insurance coverage at reasonable costs in the future, as the costs associated with property and casualty renewals may be higher than anticipated.
In addition, insurance risks associated with potential terrorism acts could sharply increase the premiums we pay for coverage against property and casualty claims. With the recent reauthorization of the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act ("TRIA") through 2020, United States insurers cannot exclude conventional (non-CBNR) terrorism losses. These insurers must make terrorism insurance available under their property and casualty insurance policies; however, this legislation does not regulate the pricing of such insurance. In some cases, mortgage lenders may insist that commercial property owners purchase coverage against terrorism as a condition of providing mortgage loans. Such insurance policies may not be available at a reasonable cost, which could inhibit our ability to finance or refinance our properties. In such instances, we may be required to provide other financial support, either through financial assurances or self-insurance, to cover potential losses. We may not have adequate coverage for such losses.
We have four properties located in the Los Angeles metropolitan area, an area that is especially susceptible to earthquakes. Collectively, these properties represent approximately 5.7% of our ALR. Because these properties are located in close proximity to one another, an earthquake in the greater Los Angeles area could materially damage, destroy or impair the use by tenants of all of these properties. If any of our properties incurs a loss that is not fully insured, the value of that asset will be reduced by such uninsured loss. Also, to the extent we must pay unexpectedly large amounts for insurance, we could suffer reduced earnings that would result in lower distributions to our stockholders.
Should one of our insurance carriers become insolvent, we would be adversely affected.
We carry several different lines of insurance, placed with several large insurance carriers. If any one of these large insurance carriers were to become insolvent, we would be forced to replace the existing insurance coverage with another suitable carrier, and any outstanding claims would be at risk for collection. In such an event, we cannot be certain that we would be able to replace the coverage at similar or otherwise favorable terms. Replacing insurance coverage at unfavorable rates and the potential of uncollectible claims due to carrier insolvency could adversely impact our results of operations and cash flows.
Our current and future joint venture investments could be adversely affected by a lack of sole decision-making authority and our reliance on joint venture partners’ financial condition.
As of December 31, 2015, we owned an interest in one property representing approximately 0.1 million rentable square feet through an unconsolidated joint venture. In the future we may enter into additional strategic joint ventures with institutional investors to acquire, develop, improve, or dispose of properties, thereby reducing the amount of capital required by us to make investments and diversifying our capital sources for growth. Such joint venture investments involve risks not otherwise present in a wholly-owned property, development, or redevelopment project, including the following:
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in these investments, we do not have exclusive control over the development, financing, leasing, management, and other aspects of the project, which may prevent us from taking actions that are opposed by our joint venture partners;
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joint venture agreements often restrict the transfer of a co-venturer’s interest or may otherwise restrict our ability to sell the interest when we desire or on advantageous terms;
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we would not be in a position to exercise sole decision-making authority regarding the property or joint venture, which could create the potential risk of creating impasses on decisions, such as acquisitions or sales;
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such co-venturer may, at any time, have economic or business interests or goals that are, or that may become, inconsistent with our business interests or goals;
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such co-venturer may be in a position to take action contrary to our instructions, requests, policies or objectives, including our current policy with respect to maintaining our qualification as a REIT;
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the possibility that our co-venturer in an investment might become bankrupt, which would mean that we and any other remaining co-venturers would generally remain liable for the joint venture’s liabilities;
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our relationships with our co-venturers are contractual in nature and may be terminated or dissolved under the terms of the applicable joint venture agreements and, in such event, we may not continue to own or operate the interests or assets underlying such relationship or may need to purchase such interests or assets at a premium to the market price to continue ownership;
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disputes between us and our co-venturers may result in litigation or arbitration that would increase our expenses and prevent our officers and directors from focusing their time and efforts on our business and could result in subjecting the properties owned by the applicable joint venture to additional risk; or
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we may, in certain circumstances, be liable for the actions of our co-venturers, and the activities of a joint venture could adversely affect our ability to qualify as a REIT, even though we do not control the joint venture.
Any of the above might subject a property to liabilities in excess of those contemplated and thus reduce the returns to our investors.
Costs of complying with governmental laws and regulations may reduce our net income and the cash available for distributions to our stockholders.
All real property and the operations conducted on real property are subject to federal, state, and local laws and regulations relating to environmental protection and human health and safety. Tenants’ ability to operate and to generate income to pay their lease obligations may be affected by permitting and compliance obligations arising under such laws and regulations. Some of these laws and regulations may impose joint and several liability on tenants, owners, or operators for the costs to investigate or remediate contaminated properties, regardless of fault or whether the acts causing the contamination were legal. In addition, the presence of hazardous substances, or the failure to properly remediate these substances, may hinder our ability to sell, rent, or pledge such property as collateral for future borrowings.
Compliance with new laws or regulations or stricter interpretation of existing laws by agencies or the courts may require us to incur material expenditures. Future laws, ordinances, or regulations may impose material environmental liability. Additionally, our tenants’ operations, the existing condition of land when we buy it, operations in the vicinity of our properties such as the presence of underground storage tanks or activities of unrelated third parties may affect our properties. In addition, there are various local, state, and federal fire, health, life-safety, and similar regulations with which we may be required to comply, and which may subject us to liability in the form of fines or damages for noncompliance. Any material expenditures, fines, or damages we must pay will reduce our cash flows and ability to make distributions and may reduce the value of our stockholders’ investment.
As the present or former owner or operator of real property, we could become subject to liability for environmental contamination, regardless of whether we caused such contamination.
Under various federal, state, and local environmental laws, ordinances, and regulations, a current or former owner or operator of real property may be liable for the cost to remove or remediate hazardous or toxic substances, wastes, or petroleum products on, under, from, or in such property. These costs could be substantial and liability under these laws may attach whether or not the owner or operator knew of, or was responsible for, the presence of such contamination. Even if more than one person may have been responsible for the contamination, each liable party may be held entirely responsible for all of the clean-up costs incurred. In addition, third parties may sue the owner or operator of a property for damages based on personal injury, natural resources, or property damage and/or for other costs, including investigation and clean-up costs, resulting from the environmental contamination. The presence of contamination on one of our properties, or the failure to properly remediate a contaminated property, could give rise to a lien in favor of the government for costs it may incur to address the contamination, or otherwise adversely affect our ability to sell or lease the property or borrow using the property as collateral. In addition, if contamination is discovered on our properties, environmental laws may impose restrictions on the manner in which property may be used or businesses may be operated, and these restrictions may require substantial expenditures or prevent us from entering into leases with prospective tenants.
Some of our properties are adjacent to or near other properties that have contained or currently contain underground storage tanks used to store petroleum products or other hazardous or toxic substances. In addition, certain of our properties are on, adjacent to, or near sites upon which others, including former owners or tenants of our properties, have engaged, or may in the future engage, in activities that have released or may have released petroleum products or other hazardous or toxic substances.
The cost of defending against claims of liability, of remediating any contaminated property, or of paying personal injury claims could reduce the amounts available for distribution to our stockholders.
As the owner of real property, we could become subject to liability for adverse environmental conditions in the buildings on our property.
Some of our properties contain asbestos-containing building materials. Environmental laws require that owners or operators of buildings containing asbestos properly manage and maintain the asbestos, adequately inform or train those who may come into contact with asbestos, and undertake special precautions, including removal or other abatement, in the event that asbestos is disturbed during building renovation or demolition. These laws may impose fines and penalties on building owners or operators who fail to comply with these requirements. In addition, environmental laws and the common law may allow third parties to seek recovery from owners or operators for personal injury associated with exposure to asbestos.
The properties also may contain or develop harmful mold or suffer from other air quality issues. Any of these materials or conditions could result in liability for personal injury and costs of remediating adverse conditions, which could have an adverse effect on our cash flows and ability to make distributions to our stockholders.
As the owner of real property, we could become subject to liability for a tenant’s failure to comply with environmental requirements regarding the handling and disposal of regulated substances and wastes or for non-compliance with health and safety requirements, which requirements are subject to change.
Some of our tenants may handle regulated substances and wastes as part of their operations at our properties. Environmental laws regulate the handling, use, and disposal of these materials and subject our tenants, and potentially us, to liability resulting from non-compliance with these requirements. The properties in our portfolio also are subject to various federal, state, and local health and safety requirements, such as state and local fire requirements. If we or our tenants fail to comply with these various requirements, we might incur governmental fines or private damage awards. Moreover, we do not know whether or the extent to which existing requirements or their enforcement will change or whether future requirements will require us to make significant unanticipated expenditures that will materially adversely impact our financial condition, results of operations, cash flows, cash available for distribution to stockholders, the market price of our common stock, and our ability to satisfy our debt service obligations. If our tenants become subject to liability for noncompliance, it could affect their ability to make rental payments to us.
We depend on key personnel, each of whom would be difficult to replace.
Our continued success depends to a significant degree upon the continued contributions of certain key personnel including, but not limited to, Donald A. Miller, CFA, Robert E. Bowers, Joseph H. Pangburn, Thomas R. Prescott, Raymond L. Owens, Carroll A. Reddic, Robert K. Wiberg, Christopher B. Smith, and George M. Wells, each of whom would be difficult to replace. Our ability to retain our management team, or to attract suitable replacements should any member of the executive management team leave, is dependent on the competitive nature of the employment market. The loss of services of one or more of these key members of our management team could adversely affect our results of operations and slow our future growth. We have not obtained and do not expect to obtain “key person” life insurance on any of our key personnel.
We may be subject to litigation, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition.
From time to time, we may be subject to legal action arising in the ordinary course of our business or otherwise. Such action could result in additional expenses which, if uninsured, could adversely impact our earnings and cash flows, thereby impacting our ability to service debt and make quarterly distributions to our stockholders. There can be no assurance that our insurance policies will fully cover any payments or legal costs associated with any potential legal action. Further, the ultimate resolution of such action could impact the availability or cost of some of our insurance coverage, which could adversely impact our results of operations and cash flows, expose us to increased risks that would be uninsured, and/or adversely impact our ability to attract officers and directors.
If our disclosure controls or internal control over financial reporting is not effective, investors could lose confidence in our reported financial information, which could adversely affect the perception of our business and the trading price of our common stock.
The design and effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting may not prevent all errors, misstatements, or misrepresentations. Although management will continue to review the effectiveness of our disclosure
controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting, there can be no guarantee that our internal control over financial reporting will be effective in accomplishing all control objectives all of the time. Deficiencies, including any material weakness, in our internal control over financial reporting which may occur in the future could result in misstatements of our results of operations, restatements of our financial statements, a decline in the trading price of our common stock, or otherwise materially adversely affect our business, reputation, results of operations, financial condition, or liquidity.
Compliance or failure to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act and other similar regulations could result in substantial costs.
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, places of public accommodation must meet certain federal requirements related to access and use by disabled persons. Noncompliance could result in the imposition of fines by the federal government or the award of damages to private litigants. If we are required to make unanticipated expenditures to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act, including removing access barriers, then our cash flows and the amounts available for distributions to our stockholders may be adversely affected. Although we believe that our properties are currently in material compliance with these regulatory requirements, we have not conducted an audit or investigation of all of our properties to determine our compliance, and we cannot predict the ultimate cost of compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act or other legislation. If one or more of our properties is not in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act or other legislation, then we would be required to incur additional costs to achieve compliance. If we incur substantial costs to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act or other legislation, our financial condition, results of operations, the market price of our common stock, cash flows, and our ability to satisfy our debt obligations and to make distributions to our stockholders could be adversely affected.
Risks Related to Our Organization and Structure
Our organizational documents contain provisions that may have an anti-takeover effect, which may discourage third parties from conducting a tender offer or seeking other change of control transactions that could involve a premium price for our common stock or otherwise benefit our stockholders.
Our charter and bylaws contain provisions that may have the effect of delaying, deferring, or preventing a change in control of our company (including an extraordinary transaction such as a merger, tender offer, or sale of all or substantially all of our assets) that might provide a premium price for our common stock or otherwise be in the best interest of our stockholders. These provisions include, among other things, restrictions on the ownership and transfer of our stock, advance notice requirements for stockholder nominations for directors and other business proposals, and our board of directors’ power to classify or reclassify unissued shares of common or preferred stock and issue additional shares of common or preferred stock.
In order to preserve our REIT status, our charter limits the number of shares a person may own, which may discourage a takeover that could result in a premium price for our common stock or otherwise benefit our stockholders.
Our charter, with certain exceptions, authorizes our directors to take such actions as are necessary and desirable to preserve our qualification as a REIT for federal income tax purposes. Unless exempted by our board of directors, no person may actually or constructively own more than 9.8% (by value or number of shares, whichever is more restrictive) of the outstanding shares of our common stock or the outstanding shares of any class or series of our preferred stock, which may inhibit large investors from desiring to purchase our stock. This restriction may have the effect of delaying, deferring, or preventing a change in control, including an extraordinary transaction (such as a merger, tender offer, or sale of all or substantially all of our assets) that might provide a premium price for our common stock or otherwise be in the best interest of our stockholders.
Our board of directors can take many actions without stockholder approval.
Our board of directors has overall authority to oversee our operations and determine our major corporate policies. This authority includes significant flexibility. For example, our board of directors can do the following:
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within the limits provided in our charter, prevent the ownership, transfer, and/or accumulation of stock in order to protect our status as a REIT or for any other reason deemed to be in our best interest and the interest of our stockholders;
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issue additional shares of stock without obtaining stockholder approval, which could dilute the ownership of our then-current stockholders;
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amend our charter to increase or decrease the aggregate number of shares of stock or the number of shares of stock of any class or series that we have authority to issue, without obtaining stockholder approval;
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classify or reclassify any unissued shares of our common or preferred stock and set the preferences, rights and other terms of such classified or reclassified shares, without obtaining stockholder approval;
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employ and compensate affiliates;
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direct our resources toward investments, which ultimately may not appreciate over time;
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change creditworthiness standards with respect to our tenants;
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change our investment or borrowing policies;
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determine that it is no longer in our best interest to attempt to qualify, or to continue to qualify, as a REIT; and
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suspend, modify or terminate the dividend reinvestment plan.
Any of these actions could increase our operating expenses, impact our ability to make distributions, or reduce the value of our assets without giving our stockholders the right to vote.
Our charter permits our board of directors to issue stock with terms that may subordinate the rights of our common stockholders, which may discourage a third party from acquiring us in a manner that could result in a premium price for our common stock or otherwise benefit our stockholders.
Our board of directors may, without stockholder approval, issue authorized but unissued shares of our common or preferred stock and amend our charter to increase or decrease the aggregate number of shares of stock or the number of shares of stock of any class or series that we have authority to issue. In addition, our board of directors may, without stockholder approval, classify or reclassify any unissued shares of our common or preferred stock and set the preferences, rights and other terms of such classified or reclassified shares. Thus, our board of directors could authorize the issuance of preferred stock with terms and conditions that could have priority with respect to distributions and amounts payable upon liquidation over the rights of the holders of our common stock. Such preferred stock also could have the effect of delaying, deferring, or preventing a change in control, including an extraordinary transaction (such as a merger, tender offer, or sale of all or substantially all of our assets) that might provide a premium price for our common stock, or otherwise be in the best interest of our stockholders.
Our board of directors could elect for us to be subject to certain Maryland law limitations on changes in control that could have the effect of preventing transactions in the best interest of our stockholders.
Certain provisions of Maryland law may have the effect of inhibiting a third party from making a proposal to acquire us or of impeding a change of control under certain circumstances that otherwise could provide the holders of shares of our common stock with the opportunity to realize a premium over the then-prevailing market price of such shares, including:
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“business combination” provisions that, subject to limitations, prohibit certain business combinations between us and an “interested stockholder” (defined generally as any person who beneficially owns 10% or more of the voting power of our outstanding voting stock or any affiliate or associate of ours who, at any time within the two-year period prior to the date in question, was the beneficial owner of 10% or more of the voting power of our then outstanding stock) or an affiliate thereof for five years after the most recent date on which the stockholder becomes an interested stockholder and thereafter impose supermajority voting requirements on these combinations; and
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“control share” provisions that provide that “control shares” of our company (defined as shares which, when aggregated with other shares controlled by the stockholder, except solely by virtue of a revocable proxy, entitle the stockholder to exercise one of three increasing ranges of voting power in electing directors) acquired in a “control share acquisition” (defined as the direct or indirect acquisition of ownership or control of “control shares”) have no voting rights except to the extent approved by our stockholders by the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of all the votes entitled to be cast on the matter, excluding all interested shares.
Our bylaws contain a provision exempting any acquisition by any person of shares of our stock from the control share acquisition statute, and our board of directors has adopted a resolution exempting any business combination with any person from the business combination statute. As a result, these provisions currently will not apply to a business combination or control share acquisition involving our company. However, our board of directors may opt into the business combination provisions and the control share provisions of Maryland law in the future.
Additionally, Maryland law permits our board of directors, without stockholder approval and regardless of what is currently provided in our charter or our bylaws, to implement takeover defenses, some of which (for example, a classified board) we do not currently employ. These provisions may have the effect of inhibiting a third party from making an acquisition proposal for our company or of delaying, deferring, or preventing a change in control of our company under circumstances that otherwise could provide the holders of our common stock with the opportunity to realize a premium over the then-current market price.
Our charter, our bylaws, the limited partnership agreement of our operating partnership, and Maryland law also contain other provisions that may delay, defer, or prevent a transaction or a change of control that might involve a premium price for our common stock or otherwise be in the best interest of our stockholders. In addition, the employment agreements with our named executive officers contain, and grants under our incentive plan also may contain, change-in-control provisions that might similarly have an anti-takeover effect, inhibit a change of our management, or inhibit in certain circumstances tender offers for our common stock or proxy contests to change our board.
Our rights and the rights of our stockholders to recover claims against our directors and officers are limited, which could reduce our recovery and our stockholders’ recovery against them if they negligently cause us to incur losses.
Maryland law provides that a director or officer has no liability in that capacity if he or she performs his or her duties in good faith, in a manner he or she reasonably believes to be in our best interest and with the care that an ordinarily prudent person in a like position would use under similar circumstances. Our charter eliminates our directors’ and officers’ liability to us and our stockholders for money damages except for liability resulting from actual receipt of an improper benefit or profit in money, property, or services or active and deliberate dishonesty established by a final judgment and which is material to the cause of action. Our charter and bylaws require us to indemnify our directors and officers to the maximum extent permitted by Maryland law for any claim or liability to which they may become subject or which they may incur by reason of their service as directors or officers, except to the extent that the act or omission of the director or officer was material to the matter giving rise to the proceeding and was committed in bad faith or was the result of active and deliberate dishonesty, the director or officer actually received an improper personal benefit in money, property, or services, or, in the case of any criminal proceeding, the director or officer had reasonable cause to believe that the act or omission was unlawful. As a result, we and our stockholders may have more limited rights against our directors and officers than might otherwise exist under common law, which could reduce our and our stockholders’ recovery from these persons if they act in a negligent manner. In addition, we may be obligated to fund the defense costs incurred by our directors and officers (as well as by our employees and agents) in some cases.
Risks Related to Our Common Stock
Any change in our dividend policy could have a material adverse effect on the market price of our common stock.
Distributions are authorized and determined by our board of directors in its sole discretion and depend upon a number of factors, including:
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cash available for distribution;
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our results of operations and anticipated future results of operations;
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our financial condition, especially in relation to our anticipated future capital needs of our properties;
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the level of reserves we establish for future capital expenditures;
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the distribution requirements for REITs under the Code;
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the level of distributions paid by comparable listed REITs;
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our operating expenses; and
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other factors our board of directors deems relevant.
We expect to continue to pay quarterly distributions to our stockholders; however, we bear all expenses incurred by our operations, and our funds generated by operations, after deducting these expenses, may not be sufficient to cover desired levels of distributions to our stockholders. Any change in our distribution policy could have a material adverse effect on the market price of our common stock.
There are significant price and volume fluctuations in the public markets, including on the exchange which we listed our common stock.
The U.S. stock markets, including the NYSE on which our common stock is listed, have historically experienced significant price and volume fluctuations. The market price of our common stock may be highly volatile and could be subject to wide fluctuations and investors in our common stock may experience a decrease in the value of their shares, including decreases unrelated to our operating performance or prospects. If the market price of our common stock declines significantly, stockholders may be unable to resell their shares at or above their purchase price. We cannot assure stockholders that the market price of our common stock will not fluctuate or decline significantly in the future. Some of the factors that could negatively affect our stock price or result in fluctuations in the price or trading volume of our common stock include, but are not limited to, the following:
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actual or anticipated variations in our quarterly operating results;
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changes in our earnings estimates or publication of research reports about us or the real estate industry, although no assurance can be given that any research reports about us will be published or the accuracy of such reports;
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changes in our dividend policy;
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future sales of substantial amounts of our common stock by our existing or future stockholders;
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increases in market interest rates, which may lead purchasers of our stock to demand a higher yield;
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changes in market valuations of similar companies;
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adverse market reaction to any increased indebtedness we incur in the future;
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additions or departures of key personnel;
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actions by institutional stockholders;
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material, adverse litigation judgments;
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speculation in the press or investment community; and
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general market and economic conditions.
Future offerings of debt securities, which would be senior to our common stock upon liquidation, or equity securities, which would dilute our existing stockholders and may be senior to our common stock for the purposes of distributions, may adversely affect the market price of our common stock.
We may attempt to increase our capital resources by making additional offerings of debt or equity securities, including medium term notes, senior or subordinated notes and classes of preferred or common stock. Upon liquidation, holders of our debt securities and shares of preferred stock and lenders with respect to other borrowings will receive a distribution of our available assets prior to the holders of our common stock. Additional equity offerings may dilute the holdings of our existing stockholders or reduce the market price of our common stock or both. Because our decision to issue securities in any future offering will depend on market conditions and other factors beyond our control, we cannot predict or estimate the amount, timing or nature of our future offerings. Thus, our stockholders bear the risk of our future offerings reducing the market price of our common stock and diluting their proportionate ownership.
Market interest rates may have an effect on the value of our common stock.
One of the factors that investors may consider in deciding whether to buy or sell our common stock is our distribution rate as a percentage of our share price, relative to market interest rates. If market interest rates increase, prospective investors may desire a higher yield on our common stock or seek securities paying higher dividends or yields. It is likely that the public valuation of our common stock will be based primarily on our earnings and cash flows and not from the underlying appraised value of the properties themselves. As a result, interest rate fluctuations and capital market conditions can affect the market value of our common stock. For instance, if interest rates rise, it is possible that the market price of our common stock will decrease, because potential investors may require a higher dividend yield on our common stock as market rates on interest-bearing securities, such as bonds, rise.
If securities analysts do not publish research or reports about our business or if they downgrade our common stock or our sector, the price of our common stock could decline.
The trading market for our common stock relies in part on the research and reports that industry or financial analysts publish about us or our business. We do not control these analysts. Furthermore, if one or more of the analysts who do cover us downgrades our shares or our industry, or the stock of any of our competitors, the price of our shares could decline. If one or more of these analysts ceases coverage of our company, we could lose attention in the market, which in turn could cause the price of our common stock to decline.
Federal Income Tax Risks
Our failure to qualify as a REIT could adversely affect our operations and our ability to make distributions.
We are owned and operated in a manner intended to qualify us as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes; however, we do not have a ruling from the IRS as to our REIT status. In addition, we own all of the common stock of a subsidiary that has elected to be treated as a REIT, and if our subsidiary REIT were to fail to qualify as a REIT, it is possible that we also would fail to qualify as a REIT unless we (or the subsidiary REIT) could qualify for certain relief provisions. Our qualification and the qualification of our subsidiary REIT as a REIT will depend on satisfaction, on an annual or quarterly basis, of numerous requirements set forth in highly technical and complex provisions of the Code for which there are only limited judicial or administrative interpretations. A determination as to whether such requirements are satisfied involves various factual matters and circumstances not entirely within our control. The fact that we hold substantially all of our assets through our operating partnership and its subsidiaries further complicates the application of the REIT requirements for us. No assurance can be given that we, or our subsidiary REIT, will qualify as a REIT for any particular year.
If we, or our subsidiary REIT, were to fail to qualify as a REIT in any taxable year for which a REIT election has been made, the non-qualifying REIT would not be allowed a deduction for dividends paid to its stockholders in computing our taxable income and would be subject to U.S. federal income tax (including any applicable alternative minimum tax) on its taxable income at corporate rates. Moreover, unless the non-qualifying REIT were to obtain relief under certain statutory provisions, the non-qualifying REIT also would be disqualified from treatment as a REIT for the four taxable years following the year during which qualification is lost. This treatment would reduce our net earnings available for investment or distribution to our stockholders
because of the additional tax liability to us for the years involved. As a result of such additional tax liability, we might need to borrow funds or liquidate certain investments on terms that may be disadvantageous to us in order to pay the applicable tax.
Changes in tax laws may eliminate the benefits of REIT status or prevent us from maintaining our qualification as a REIT.
New legislation, regulations, administrative interpretations or court decisions could change the tax laws or interpretations of the tax laws regarding qualification as a REIT, or the federal income tax consequences of that qualification, in a manner that is materially adverse to our stockholders. Accordingly, there is no assurance that we can continue to operate with the current benefits of our REIT status. If there is a change in the tax laws that prevents us from qualifying as a REIT, that eliminates REIT status generally, or that requires REITs generally to pay corporate level income taxes, our results of operations may be adversely affected and we may not be able to make the same level of distributions to our stockholders.
Even if we qualify as a REIT, we may incur certain tax liabilities that would reduce our cash flow and impair our ability to make distributions.
Even if we maintain our status as a REIT, we may be subject to U.S. federal income taxes or state taxes, which would reduce our cash available for distribution to our stockholders. For example, we will be subject to federal income tax on any undistributed taxable income. Further, if we fail to distribute during each calendar year at least the sum of (a) 85% of our ordinary income for such year, (b) 95% of our net capital gain income for such year, and (c) any undistributed taxable income from prior periods, we will be subject to a 4% excise tax on the excess of the required distribution over the sum of (i) the amounts actually distributed by us, plus (ii) retained amounts on which we pay income tax at the corporate level. If we realize net income from foreclosure properties that we hold primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of business, we must pay tax thereon at the highest corporate income tax rate, and if we sell a property, other than foreclosure property, that we are determined to have held for sale to customers in the ordinary course of business, any gain realized would be subject to a 100% “prohibited transaction” tax. The determination as to whether or not a particular sale is a prohibited transaction depends on the facts and circumstances related to that sale. We cannot guarantee that sales of our properties would not be prohibited transactions unless we comply with certain safe-harbor provisions. The need to avoid prohibited transactions could cause us to forego or defer sales of properties that might otherwise be in our best interest to sell. In addition, we own interests in certain taxable REIT subsidiaries that are subject to federal income taxation and we and our subsidiaries may be subject to state and local taxes on our income or property.
Differences between the recognition of taxable income and the actual receipt of cash could require us to sell assets or borrow funds on a short-term or long-term basis to meet the distribution requirements of the Code.
We intend to make distributions to our stockholders to comply with the requirements of the Code for REITs and to minimize or eliminate our corporate tax obligations; however, differences between the recognition of taxable income and the actual receipt of cash could require us to sell assets or borrow funds on a short-term or long-term basis to meet the distribution requirements of the Code. Certain types of assets generate substantial disparity between taxable income and available cash, such as real estate that has been financed through financing structures which require some or all of available cash flows to be used to service borrowings. As a result, the requirement to distribute a substantial portion of our taxable income could cause us to: (1) sell assets in adverse market conditions, (2) borrow on unfavorable terms, or (3) distribute amounts that would otherwise be invested in future acquisitions, capital expenditures, or repayment of debt, in order to comply with REIT requirements. Any such actions could increase our costs and reduce the value of our common stock. Further, we may be required to make distributions to our stockholders when it would be more advantageous to reinvest cash in our business or when we do not have funds readily available for distribution. Compliance with REIT qualification requirements may, therefore, hinder our ability to operate solely on the basis of maximizing profits.
We face possible adverse changes in tax laws including changes to state tax laws regarding the treatment of REITs and their stockholders, which may result in an increase in our tax liability.
From time to time, changes in state and local tax laws or regulations are enacted, including changes to a state’s treatment of REITs and their stockholders, which may result in an increase in our tax liability. Any shortfall in tax revenues for states and municipalities may lead to an increase in the frequency and size of such changes. If such changes occur, we may be required to pay additional taxes on our assets or income. These increased tax costs could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations and the amount of cash available for payment of dividends.
Distributions made by REITs do not qualify for the reduced tax rates that apply to certain other corporate distributions.
The maximum tax rate for distributions made by corporations to individuals, trusts and estates is generally 20%. Distributions made by REITs; however, generally are taxed at the normal rate applicable to the individual recipient rather than the 20% preferential rate. The more favorable rates applicable to regular corporate distributions could cause investors who are individuals to perceive investments in REITs to be relatively less attractive than investments in non-REIT corporations that make distributions.
A recharacterization of transactions undertaken by our operating partnership may result in lost tax benefits or prohibited transactions, which would diminish cash distributions to our stockholders, or even cause us to lose REIT status.
The IRS could recharacterize transactions consummated by our operating partnership, which could result in the income realized on certain transactions being treated as gain realized from the sale of property that is held as inventory or otherwise held primarily for the sale to customers in the ordinary course of business. In such event, the gain would constitute income from a prohibited transaction and would be subject to a 100% tax. If this were to occur, our ability to make cash distributions to our stockholders would be adversely affected. Moreover, our operating partnership may purchase properties and lease them back to the sellers of such properties. While we will use our best efforts to structure any such sale-leaseback transaction such that the lease will be characterized as a “true lease,” thereby allowing us to be treated as the owner of the property for federal income tax purposes, we can give stockholders no assurance that the IRS will not attempt to challenge such characterization. In the event that any such sale-leaseback transaction is challenged and recharacterized as a financing transaction or loan for U.S. federal income tax purposes, deductions for depreciation and cost recovery relating to such property would be disallowed. If a sale-leaseback transaction were so recharacterized, the amount of our adjusted REIT taxable income could be recalculated, which might cause us to fail to meet the distribution requirement for a taxable year. We also might fail to satisfy the REIT qualification asset tests or income tests and, consequently, lose our REIT status. Even if we maintain our status as a REIT, an increase in our adjusted REIT taxable income could cause us to be subject to additional federal and state income and excise taxes. Any federal or state taxes we pay will reduce our cash available for distribution to our stockholders.
Legislative or regulatory action could adversely affect our stockholders.
Numerous legislative, judicial and administrative changes have been made to the federal income tax laws applicable to investments in REITs and similar entities. Additional changes to tax laws are likely to continue to occur in the future, and we cannot assure stockholders that any such changes will not adversely affect the taxation of a stockholder. Any such changes could have an adverse effect on an investment in our common stock. Stockholders are urged to consult with their tax advisor with respect to the status of legislative, regulatory, or administrative developments and proposals and their potential effect on an investment in common stock.
Risks Associated with Debt Financing
We have incurred and are likely to continue to incur mortgage and other indebtedness, which may increase our business risks.
As of December 31, 2015, we had total outstanding indebtedness of approximately $2.0 billion and a total debt to gross assets ratio of 37.5%. Although the instruments governing our unsecured and secured indebtedness limit our ability to incur additional indebtedness, these restrictions are subject to a number of qualifications and exceptions and, under certain circumstances, debt incurred in compliance with these restrictions could be substantial.We may incur additional indebtedness to acquire properties or other real estate-related investments, to fund property improvements, and other capital expenditures or for other corporate purposes, such as to repurchase shares of our common stock through repurchase programs that our board of directors have authorized or to fund future distributions to our stockholders.
Significant borrowings by us increase the risks of an investment in us. Our ability to make payments on and to refinance our indebtedness and to fund our operations, working capital and capital expenditures, depends on our ability to generate cash in the future. Our cash flow is subject to general economic, industry, financial, competitive, operating, legislative, regulatory and other factors, many of which are beyond our control. If there is a shortfall between the cash flow from properties and the cash flow needed to service our indebtedness, then the amount available for distributions to stockholders may be reduced.
Our failure to pay amounts due in respect of any of our indebtedness when due may constitute an event of default under the instrument governing that indebtedness, which could permit the holders of that indebtedness to require the immediate repayment of that indebtedness in full and, in the case of secured indebtedness, could allow them to sell the collateral securing that indebtedness and use the proceeds to repay that indebtedness. For example, defaults on indebtedness secured by a property may result in lenders initiating foreclosure actions. Although we believe no such instances exist as of December 31, 2015, in those cases, we could lose the property securing the loan that is in default. For tax purposes, a foreclosure of any of our properties would be treated as a sale of the property for a purchase price equal to the outstanding balance of the debt secured by the mortgage. If the outstanding balance of the debt secured by the mortgage exceeds our tax basis in the property, we would recognize taxable income on foreclosure, but we would not receive any cash proceeds.
Moreover, any acceleration of or default in respect of any of our indebtedness could, in turn, constitute an event of default under other debt instruments or agreements, thereby resulting in the acceleration and required repayment of that other indebtedness. In addition, while we do not currently anticipate doing so, we may give full or partial guarantees to lenders of mortgage debt on
behalf of the entities that own our properties if circumstances warrant that action. If we were to give a guaranty on behalf of an entity that owns one of our properties, we would be responsible to the lender for satisfaction of the debt if it were not paid by such entity. If any mortgages or other indebtedness contain cross-collateralization or cross-default provisions, a default on a single loan could affect multiple properties. If any of our properties are foreclosed on due to a default, our ability to pay cash distributions to our stockholders will be limited.
We cannot give any assurance that our business will generate sufficient cash flow from operations or that future sources of cash will be available to us in an amount sufficient to enable us to pay amounts due on our indebtedness or to fund our other liquidity needs.
We may need to refinance all or a portion of our indebtedness on or before maturity. Our ability to refinance our indebtedness or obtain additional financing will depend on, among other things our financial condition, results of operations and market conditions at the time; and restrictions in the agreements governing our indebtedness.
As a result, we may not be able to refinance our indebtedness on commercially reasonable terms, or at all. If we do not generate sufficient cash flow from operations, and additional borrowings or refinancings or proceeds of assets sales or other sources of cash are not available to us, we may not have sufficient cash to enable us to meet all of our obligations. Accordingly, if we cannot service our indebtedness, we may have to take actions such as seeking additional equity financing, delaying capital expenditures or strategic acquisitions and alliances. Any of these events or circumstances could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations, cash flows, the trading price of our securities and our ability to satisfy our debt service obligations.
High mortgage rates may make it difficult for us to finance or refinance properties, which could reduce the number of properties we can acquire, our net income, and the amount of cash distributions we can make.
If mortgage debt is unavailable at reasonable rates, we may not be able to finance the purchase of properties. If we place mortgage debt on properties, we run the risk of being unable to refinance the properties when the loans become due, or of being unable to refinance on favorable terms. If interest rates are higher when we refinance our properties, our income could be reduced. We may be unable to refinance properties. If any of these events occur, our cash flow could be reduced. This, in turn, could reduce cash available for distribution to our stockholders and may hinder our ability to raise more capital by issuing more stock or by borrowing more money.
Agreements governing our existing indebtedness contain, and future financing arrangements will likely contain, restrictive covenants relating to our operations, which could limit our ability to make distributions to our stockholders.
We are subject to certain restrictions pursuant to the restrictive covenants of our outstanding indebtedness, which may affect our distribution and operating policies and our ability to incur additional debt. Loan documents evidencing our existing indebtedness contain, and loan documents entered into in the future will likely contain, certain operating covenants that limit our ability to further mortgage the property or discontinue insurance coverage. In addition, the agreements governing our existing indebtedness contain financial covenants, including certain coverage ratios and limitations on our ability to incur secured and unsecured debt, make dividend payments, sell all or substantially all of our assets, and engage in mergers and consolidations and certain acquisitions. Covenants under our existing indebtedness do, and under any future indebtedness likely will, restrict our ability to pursue certain business initiatives or certain acquisition transactions. In addition, failure to meet any of these covenants, including the financial coverage ratios, could cause an event of default under and/or accelerate some or all of our indebtedness, which would have a material adverse effect on us.
Increases in interest rates would increase the amount of our variable-rate debt payments and could limit our ability to pay dividends to our stockholders.
Currently, our $170 Million Unsecured 2015 Term Loan and outstanding draws on our $500 Million Unsecured 2015 Line of Credit are our only debt instruments that bear interest at a floating rate. All of our other debt is either fixed rate or has been effectively fixed through interest rate swap agreements. In addition, under the terms of the $170 Million Unsecured 2015 Term Loan and the $500 Million Unsecured 2015 Line of Credit, the balances are subject to various length LIBOR locks. Increases in interest rates will increase our interest costs associated with this variable rate debt. Such increases would reduce our cash flows and could impact our ability to pay dividends to our stockholders. In addition, if we are required to repay existing debt during periods of higher interest rates, we may need to sell one or more of our investments in order to repay the debt, which might not permit realization of the maximum return on such investments.
Changes in interest rates could have adverse affects on our cash flows as a result of our interest rate derivative contracts.
We have entered into various interest rate derivative agreements to effectively fix our exposure to interest rates under certain of our existing and anticipated debt facilities. To the extent interest rates are higher than the fixed rate in the respective contract, we would realize cash savings as compared to other market participants. However, to the extent interest rates are below the fixed rate in the respective contract, we would make higher cash payments than other similar market participants, which would have an adverse affect on our cash flows as compared to other market participants.
Additionally, there is counterparty risk associated with entering into interest rate derivative contracts. Should market conditions lead to insolvency or make a merger necessary for one or more of our counterparties, or potential future counterparties, it is possible that the terms of our interest rate derivative contracts will not be honored in their current form with a replacement counterparty. The potential termination or renegotiation of the terms of the interest rate derivative contracts as a result of changing counterparties through insolvency or merger could result in an adverse impact on our results of operations and cash flows.
A downgrade in our credit rating could materially adversely affect our business and financial condition.
The credit ratings assigned to our debt securities could change based upon, among other things, our results of operations and financial condition. If any of the credit rating agencies that have rated our debt securities downgrades or lowers its credit rating, or if any credit rating agency indicates that it has placed any such rating on a so-called “watch list” for a possible downgrading or lowering or otherwise indicates that its outlook for that rating is negative, it could have a material adverse effect on our costs and availability of capital, which could in turn have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and our ability to satisfy our debt service obligations.
ITEM 1B.
ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
There were no unresolved SEC staff comments as of December 31, 2015.
ITEM 2.
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
Overview
As of December 31, 2015, we owned interests in 69 office properties, one redevelopment asset, two development assets, and one building through an unconsolidated joint venture. Slightly under 80% of our annualized lease revenue ("ALR") (unaudited) was generated from select office sub-markets in the following cities: Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Minneapolis, New York, and Washington, D.C. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, the portfolio was 91.5% and 87.7% leased, respectively, with an average lease term remaining as of each period end of approximately seven years.
ALR (see "Information Regarding Disclosures Presented" above) related to our portfolio of properties was $550.3 million, or $31.79 per leased square foot, as of December 31, 2015 as compared with $583.3 million, or $30.98 per leased square foot, as of December 31, 2014.
Property Statistics
The tables below include statistics for our properties that we own directly and through our consolidated joint ventures, but do not include our respective ownership interests in properties that we own through our unconsolidated joint ventures. Annualized Lease Revenue is defined in Item 1 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
The following table shows lease expirations of our office portfolio as of December 31, 2015, during each of the next twelve years and thereafter, assuming no exercise of renewal options or termination rights.
(1)
Includes leases with an expiration date of December 31, 2015 aggregating approximately 17,000 square feet and ALR of $1.1 million.
The following table shows the geographic diversification of our portfolio as of December 31, 2015.
The following table shows the tenant industry diversification of our portfolio as of December 31, 2015.
(1)
Not more than 2% is attributable to any individual industry.
The following table shows the tenant diversification of our portfolio as of December 31, 2015.
(1)
Represents the expiration year of the majority of the square footage leased by the tenant.
(2)
Approximately 70% of our ALR is derived from investment grade or nationally recognized companies or government agencies.
(3)
Various expirations ranging from 2016 to 2030.
(4)
Not more than 1% of ALR is attributable to any individual tenant.
Certain Restrictions Related to our Properties
Control of one of our properties is limited to a certain extent because the property is owned through a joint venture that we do not exclusively control. In addition, certain of our properties are held as collateral for debt, and another property is subject to a ground lease. Refer to Schedule III listed in the index of Item 15(a) of this report, which details ten properties held as collateral for debt facilities and one property subject to a ground lease as of December 31, 2015.
ITEM 3.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Piedmont is not subject to any material pending legal proceedings. However, we are subject to routine litigation arising in the ordinary course of owning and operating real estate assets. Our management expects that these ordinary routine legal proceedings will be covered by insurance and does not expect these legal proceedings to have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations, or liquidity. Additionally, management is not aware of any legal proceedings contemplated by governmental authorities.
ITEM 4.
ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
Not applicable.
PART II
ITEM 5.
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
Market Information and Holders
Our common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “PDM.” As of February 16, 2016, there were 12,497 common stockholders of record of our common stock.
The high and low sales prices for Piedmont’s common stock and the dividend distributions paid on all outstanding classes of common stock to stockholders during 2015 and 2014 were as follows:
Performance Graph
The following graph compares the cumulative total return of Piedmont’s common stock with the S&P 500 Index, the FTSE NAREIT Equity REITs Index, and the FTSE NAREIT Equity Office Index for the period beginning on December 31, 2010 through December 31, 2015. The graph assumes a $100 investment in each of Piedmont and the three indices, and the reinvestment of any dividends.
Comparison of Cumulative Total Return of One or More Companies, Peer Groups, Industry Indices, and/or Broad Markets
The performance graph above is being furnished as part of this Annual Report solely in accordance with the requirement under Rule 14a-3(b)(9) to furnish Piedmont’s stockholders with such information and, therefore, is not deemed to be filed, or incorporated by reference in any filing, by Piedmont under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
Purchases of Equity Securities By the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers
During the quarter ended December 31, 2015, Piedmont repurchased shares of its common stock in the open market, in order to reissue such shares under its dividend reinvestment plan (the “DRP”), as well as repurchasing and retiring shares as part of our announced stock repurchase plan.
Of the 283,161 shares repurchased during the fourth quarter of 2015, 131,000 shares (at an average price of $18.19 per share) related to repurchase of our common stock pursuant to our announced stock repurchase plan, and 152,161 shares (at an average price of $18.06 per share) related to shares purchased and conveyed to participants in the DRP. The aggregate stock repurchases for the quarter ended December 31, 2015 are as follows:
(1)
Under our amended and restated DRP, as set forth in a Current Report on Form 8-K filed February 24, 2011, we have the option to either issue shares that we purchase in the open market or issue shares directly from Piedmont from authorized but unissued shares. Such election will take place at the settlement of each quarterly dividend in which there are participants in our DRP, and may change from quarter to quarter based on our judgment of the best use of proceeds for Piedmont.
(2)
Amounts available for purchase relate only to our stock repurchase plan, which was announced on June 24, 2015. Our board of directors authorized the repurchase of up to $200 million of additional shares of our common stock pursuant to the stock repurchase plan prior to the second quarter ended June 20, 2017. The share repurchase plan is separate from shares purchased for DRP issuance.
ITEM 6.
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
The following sets forth a summary of our selected financial data as of and for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, and 2011 (in thousands except for per-share data). Our selected financial data is prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”), except as noted below.
(1)
Prior period amounts have been adjusted to conform with the current period presentation.
(2)
Net income calculated in accordance with GAAP is the starting point for calculating Funds from Operations, Core Funds From Operations, and Adjusted Funds From Operations. See "Item 7.
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, and for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013 included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. See also “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” preceding Part I of this report and “Risk Factors” set forth in Item 1A. of this report.
Overview
We are a fully integrated, self-managed real estate investment trust specializing in the acquisition, development, management, and ownership of primarily high-quality Class A office buildings located in certain specific major U.S. office markets and leased primarily to high-credit-quality tenants. We operate as a real estate investment trust for federal income tax purposes.
As of December 31, 2015, we owned and operated 69 office properties, one redevelopment asset, two development assets and one office building through an unconsolidated joint venture. Slightly under 80% of our Annualized Lease Revenue is generated from select office sub-markets in the following cities: Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Minneapolis, New York, and Washington, D.C.
Our portfolio of primarily Class A commercial office buildings was 91.5% and 87.7% leased as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. As we typically lease to large corporate users, our average lease size is approximately 23,000 square feet and as of December 31, 2015, we had an average lease term remaining of slightly under seven years. Our tenant base is primarily comprised of investment grade or nationally recognized corporations or governmental agencies, with 70% of our Annualized Lease Revenue derived from such tenants. No tenant other than the U.S. government accounts for more than 5% of our Annualized Lease Revenue.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
We intend to use cash flows generated from the operation of our properties, proceeds from our $500 Million Unsecured 2015 Line of Credit, and proceeds from selective property dispositions as our primary sources of immediate liquidity. In accordance with our ongoing portfolio refinement strategy, during the year ended December 31, 2015, we took advantage of a strong sellers' market by disposing of nine assets, including our largest asset, Aon Center, located in Chicago, Illinois. The nine sales generated approximately $848.2 million in net sales proceeds which was used to reduce our total debt outstanding, to repurchase approximately nine million shares of our common stock, and to acquire five assets located in our strategic markets. As of the date of this filing we had approximately $388.0 million of our $500 Million Unsecured 2015 Line of Credit available for future borrowing. We are also continuing to market certain properties for sale which, if consummated, would generate over $500 million of additional proceeds over the next twelve months. Although we have no immediate plans to issue additional debt or equity securities, on a longer term basis we may seek additional secured or unsecured borrowings from third-party lenders or issue securities through our "at the market" offering program as additional sources of capital. The availability and attractiveness of terms for these additional sources of capital is highly dependent on market conditions.
Our most consistent use of capital has historically been, and we believe will continue to be, to fund capital expenditures for our existing portfolio of properties. During the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, we incurred the following types of capital expenditures (in thousands):
(1)
Of the total amounts paid, approximately $6.0 million and $3.5 million related to soft costs such as capitalized interest, payroll, and other general and administrative expenses for the year ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
"Capital expenditures for new development" relate to two development projects: Enclave Place, our recently completed 300,000 square foot, 11-story office tower in Houston, Texas, and 500 TownPark, a new 135,000 square foot, 80% pre-leased, four-story office building which is being constructed adjacent to our existing 400 TownPark asset in Lake Mary, Florida. The 500 TownPark
project is currently under construction and total additional project costs are anticipated to be between $26-$28 million, inclusive of leasing costs. The project is expected to be completed early in 2017.
"Capital expenditures for redevelopment/renovations" relate to a recently completed repositioning project to convert our 3100 Clarendon Boulevard building in Arlington, Virginia from governmental use to private sector use.
"Other capital expenditures" include all other capital expenditures during the period and are typically comprised of tenant and building improvements and leasing commissions necessary to lease or maintain our existing portfolio of office properties.
Piedmont classifies its tenant and building improvements into two categories: (i) improvements which incrementally enhance the building's asset value by expanding its revenue generating capacity (“incremental capital expenditures”) and (ii) improvements which maintain the building's existing asset value and its revenue generating capacity (“non-incremental capital expenditures”). Commitments for funding non-incremental capital expenditures for tenant improvements over the next five years related to Piedmont's existing lease portfolio total approximately $40.4 million. The timing of the funding of these commitments is largely dependent upon tenant requests for reimbursement; however, we anticipate that a significant portion of these improvement allowances may be requested over the next three years based on when the underlying leases commence. In some instances, these obligations may expire with the respective lease, without further recourse to us. Additionally, commitments for incremental capital expenditures for tenant improvements associated with new and existing leases totaled approximately $36.9 million as of December 31, 2015.
In addition to the amounts described above that we have already committed to as a part of executed leases, we anticipate continuing to incur similar market-based tenant improvement allowances and leasing commissions in conjunction with procuring future leases for our existing portfolio of properties as well as our recently completed development and redevelopment projects. Given that our operating model frequently requires us to lease large blocks of space to credit-worthy tenants, our leasing success can result in significant capital outlays. For example, for leases executed during the year ended December 31, 2015, we committed to spend approximately $4.79 and $1.75 per square foot per year of lease term for tenant improvement allowances and leasing commissions, respectively, and for those executed during the the twelve months ended December 31, 2014, we committed to spend approximately $3.48 and $1.53 per square foot per year of lease term for tenant improvement allowances and leasing commissions, respectively. A substantial portion of the increase during 2015 was related to our leasing of space to new tenants in high capital cost markets, such as Chicago and Washington, D.C.; however, a portion of these obligations was transferred upon the sale of the Aon Center building located in Chicago, Illinois. Both the timing and magnitude of expenditures related to future leasing activity are highly dependent on the competitive market conditions at the time of lease negotiations of the particular office market within which a given lease is signed.
Subject to the identification and availability of attractive investment opportunities and our ability to consummate such acquisitions on satisfactory terms, acquiring new assets compatible with our investment strategy could also be a significant use of capital. Further, our Board of Directors has authorized a $200 million stock repurchase program pursuant to which we may use capital resources to purchase our common stock when we believe the stock is trading at a meaningful discount to what we believe the estimated fair value of our net assets to be. As of December 31, 2015, there was $78.2 million of authorized capacity remaining under the plan which may be spent prior to the plan's expiration in second quarter 2017. Finally, we expect to use capital to repay debt when obligations become due. On January 4, 2016, the earliest date for prepayment without penalty, we repaid a $125.0 million mortgage that was scheduled to mature in April 2016 and we currently anticipate repaying a $42.5 million maturing mortgage in July of 2016 by drawing on our $500 Million Unsecured 2015 Line of Credit. Other than the $42.5 million maturity, we currently have no other debt maturing until the fourth quarter of 2017; however, on a longer term basis, we expect to use capital to repay debt when obligations become due.
The amount and form of payment (cash or stock issuance) of future dividends to be paid to our stockholders will continue to be largely dependent upon (i) the amount of cash generated from our operating activities; (ii) our expectations of future cash flows; (iii) our determination of near-term cash needs for debt repayments, development projects, and selective acquisitions of new properties; (iv) the timing of significant expenditures for tenant improvements, building redevelopment projects, and general property capital improvements; (v) long-term payout ratios for comparable companies; (vi) our ability to continue to access additional sources of capital, including potential sales of our properties; and (vii) the amount required to be distributed to maintain our status as a REIT. Given the fluctuating nature of cash flows and expenditures, we may periodically borrow funds on a short-term basis to cover timing differences in cash receipts and cash disbursements.
Results of Operations (2015 vs. 2014)
Overview
Income from continuing operations and gain on sale of real estate assets per share on a fully diluted basis increased from $0.27 for the year ended December 31, 2014 to $1.15 for the year ended December 31, 2015 primarily due to gains recognized on the sale of several of our properties during 2015 of $168.2 million, including our largest asset, the Aon Center building. The increase was partially offset by the recognition of $40.2 million of impairment charges to adjust our 2 Gatehall Drive building in Parsippany, New Jersey, and our Eastpoint I & II buildings in Mayfield Heights, Ohio to their contracted sales price less estimated selling costs upon entering into binding purchase and sale agreements. All of these assets were sold during the year ended December 31, 2015.
Comparison of the accompanying consolidated statements of income for the year ended December 31, 2015 vs. the year ended December 31, 2014
The following table sets forth selected data from our consolidated statements of income for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, as well as each balance as a percentage of total revenues for the years presented (dollars in millions):
Revenue
Rental income increased approximately $14.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 as compared to the same period in the prior year primarily due to an increase in leased space at several of our existing properties. Although we recognized approximately $17.6 million of rental revenue attributable to properties acquired during 2014 and 2015, the increase was offset by the sale of nine assets during the same period, including our largest asset, the Aon Center building, which was sold in late October 2015.
Tenant reimbursements increased approximately $4.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 as compared to the same period in the prior year primarily due to the expiration of operating expense abatement periods associated with several significant leases during late 2014 or 2015. This increase was partially offset by decreased tenant reimbursement income in 2015 as a result of the sale of Aon Center during the fourth quarter.
Expense
Property operating costs increased approximately $2.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 as compared to the same period in the prior year due to increased occupancy at certain of our assets, as well as increased property tax expense at certain of our properties as a result of higher valuations, partially offset by net disposition activity during the year.
Depreciation expense decreased approximately $4.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to the same period in the prior year. The variance is primarily due to the net impact of acquisition and disposition activity during the year, partially offset by depreciation on additional tenant and building improvements placed in service subsequent to January 1, 2014.
Amortization expense increased approximately $4.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to the same period in the prior year. Approximately $7.5 million of the increase is due to additional amortization of intangible lease assets recognized as part of acquiring new properties during 2014 and 2015, offset by the reduction in amortization expense from dispositions over the same period. Additionally, the increase between periods is net of approximately $2.7 million related to the acceleration of amortization expense in the prior period related to two lease terminations.
During the year ended December 31, 2015, we recognized approximately $40.2 million in impairment charges related to the sale our Eastpoint I & II buildings, and the sale of our 2 Gatehall Drive building as a result of adjusting the assets to the net contracted sales price less estimated selling costs.
General and administrative expenses increased approximately $6.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to the prior year primarily due to the accrual of potential incentive and performance-based compensation costs driven by improved operating results during the year, including $1.5 million of expense as a result of increasing accruals related to previous years under our respective three-year stock performance plans.
Other Income (Expense)
Interest expense decreased approximately $0.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 as compared to the prior year as a result of refinancing our line of credit on more favorable terms and lower average outstanding debt balances during the year ended December 31, 2015 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2014.
Other income/(expense) increased approximately $1.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 as compared to the prior year. The variance is primarily attributable to $2.6 million of interest income associated with a secured note receivable from the purchaser of our Copper Ridge Center building located in Lyndhurst, New Jersey, offset by a decrease in non-recurring income associated with the sale of density rights during the prior year.
We recognized a decrease in net recoveries from casualty loss and litigation settlement expense for the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to the prior year of approximately $7.3 million. Such recoveries are non-recurring in nature and are largely associated with the receipt of insurance proceeds related to casualty losses resulting from Hurricane Sandy in 2012.
Equity in income of unconsolidated joint ventures for the year ended December 31, 2014 included the operations of two properties; Two Park Center located in Hoffman Estates, Illinois, and 8560 Upland Drive located in Parker, Colorado. The Two Park Center building was sold in May 2014, resulting in a loss. The results of operations from unconsolidated joint ventures in the current year consist solely of the remaining 8560 Upland Drive property.
Income from Discontinued Operations
The operations of all assets sold prior to April 1, 2014 are classified as discontinued operations (see Note 2 and Note 14 to our accompanying consolidated financial statements for a complete listing) in the accompanying consolidated statements of income for all periods presented. The presentation of discontinued operations in the future is subject to the occurrence and timing of future property dispositions that meet the amended criteria to be classified as discontinued operations.
Results of Operations (2014 vs. 2013)
Overview
Income from continuing operations per share on a fully diluted basis decreased from $0.44 for the year ended December 31, 2013 to $0.27 for the year ended December 31, 2014 primarily due to higher depreciation expense mostly associated with new tenant and building improvements put into service after January 1, 2013 and higher amortization expense due mainly to additional amortization of intangible lease assets recognized as part of acquiring new properties during 2013 and 2014.
Comparison of the accompanying consolidated statements of income for the year ended December 31, 2014 vs. the year ended December 31, 2013
The following table sets forth selected data from our consolidated statements of income for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, as well as each balance as a percentage of total revenues for the years presented (dollars in millions):
Revenue
Rental income for the year ended December 31, 2014 increased approximately $11.5 million, as compared to the same period in the prior year. Although we recognized approximately $21.6 million of additional revenue attributable to properties acquired during 2013 and 2014, the increase was primarily offset by the expiration of a large governmental lease at our 3100 Clarendon Boulevard building in December 2013.
Tenant reimbursements increased approximately $5.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to the same period in the prior year primarily due to additional tenant reimbursements associated with properties acquired during 2013 and 2014, and partial reimbursements of higher property operating expenses discussed below; specifically property taxes, maintenance costs, utility costs, and snow removal.
Expense
Property operating costs increased approximately $18.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to the same period in the prior year. The increase is primarily due to approximately $10.6 million of additional operating expenses attributable to properties acquired during 2013 and 2014. Additionally, we incurred higher property tax expense of $3.7 million and repair and maintenance costs of $1.7 million at certain of our existing properties. We also incurred higher utility and snow removal costs of $1.7 million and $0.5 million, respectively, due to the harsh weather in some of the markets in which we own and operate properties.
Depreciation expense increased approximately $17.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to the same period in the prior year. The variance is largely attributable to depreciation on additional tenant and building improvements placed in service subsequent to January 1, 2013, which contributed approximately $11.3 million to the increase. An additional $4.2 million of the increase is attributable to properties acquired during 2013 and 2014, as well as a $1.6 million increase associated with higher accelerated depreciation expense as a result of lease modifications or terminations as compared to the prior year.
Amortization expense increased approximately $11.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to the same period in the prior year. Approximately $8.6 million of the increase is due to additional amortization of intangible lease assets recognized as part of acquiring new properties during 2013 and 2014. The acceleration of amortization expense related to the early termination of a lease at our 400 Bridgewater Crossing building in Bridgewater, New Jersey and a structured partial lease termination at our 1430 Enclave Parkway building in Houston, Texas also contributed approximately $2.7 million to the increase.
General and administrative expenses increased approximately $1.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to the prior year primarily due to higher non-cash stock compensation costs as a result of stronger stock performance in 2014.
Other Income (Expense)
Interest expense increased approximately $0.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 as compared to the prior year as a result of higher outstanding debt balances during 2014, partially offset by lower average interest rates due to refinancing activity during the first and third quarters of 2014.
Other income/(expense) increased approximately $2.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 as compared to the prior year. The variance is primarily due to a decrease in costs associated with the acquisition of new properties of approximately $1.7 million compared to the prior period, as well as the sale of density rights related to our Sarasota Commerce Center II building in Sarasota, Florida to a third-party for approximately $0.7 million during 2014.
We recognized a decrease in net recoveries of casualty loss and litigation settlement expense for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to the prior year of approximately $4.8 million. These recoveries are non-recurring in nature and are largely associated with the receipt of insurance proceeds related to litigation settlement expense previously incurred, as well as insurance proceeds associated with damage to certain of our assets in the New York/New Jersey markets as a result of Hurricane Sandy. The timing of such reimbursements is dependent upon outside parties.
Equity in income of unconsolidated joint ventures increased approximately $3.3 million during the year ended December 31, 2014, as compared to the same period in the prior year primarily as a result of recognizing a $4.4 million, other-than-temporary impairment loss related to our equity interest in an unconsolidated joint venture in the prior year. This increase was partially offset by lower operating income in 2014 compared to the prior year due to the purchase and consolidation of the remaining interests in three office properties held through two unconsolidated joint ventures in 2013 (see discussion in paragraph below) and the sale of the Two Park Center building, held through our sole remaining unconsolidated joint venture, in May 2014.
During the year ended December 31, 2013, we exercised our dissenter's right to buy out each of our co-venturers' interests in three office properties previously held through two unconsolidated joint ventures. The $0.9 million difference between the fair value of the properties acquired and the sum of our previously recorded book value in investment in unconsolidated joint ventures plus cash consideration paid for the interests was recorded as a loss on consolidation in our consolidated statements of income for the year ended December 31, 2013.
Income from Discontinued Operations
The operations of all assets sold prior to April 1, 2014 are classified as discontinued operations (see Note 2 and Note 14 to our accompanying consolidated financial statements for a complete listing) in the accompanying consolidated statements of income for all periods presented. As such, the entire $31.3 million gain on sale from properties sold during 2013 are classified as discontinued operations.
Funds From Operations ("FFO"), Core Funds From Operations ("Core FFO"), and Adjusted Funds From Operations (“AFFO”)
Net income calculated in accordance with GAAP is the starting point for calculating FFO, Core FFO, and AFFO. These metrics are non-GAAP financial measures and should not be viewed as an alternative measurement of our operating performance to net income. Management believes that accounting for real estate assets in accordance with GAAP implicitly assumes that the value of real estate assets diminishes predictably over time. Since real estate values have historically risen or fallen with market conditions, many industry investors and analysts have considered the presentation of operating results for real estate companies that use historical cost accounting to be insufficient by themselves. As a result, we believe that the use of FFO, Core FFO, and AFFO, together with the required GAAP presentation, provides a more complete understanding of our performance relative to our competitors and a more informed and appropriate basis on which to make decisions involving operating, financing, and investing activities.
We calculate FFO in accordance with the current National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts ("NAREIT") definition as follows: Net income (computed in accordance with GAAP), excluding gains or losses from sales of property and impairment charges (including our proportionate share of any impairment charges and/or gains or losses from sales of property related to investments in unconsolidated joint ventures), plus depreciation and amortization on real estate assets (including our proportionate share of depreciation and amortization related to investments in unconsolidated joint ventures). Other REITs may not define FFO in accordance with the NAREIT definition, or may interpret the current NAREIT definition differently than we do; therefore, our computation of FFO may not be comparable to such other REITs. Further, other REITs may not compute Core FFO or AFFO in a manner comparable to ours, if computed at all.
We calculate Core FFO as FFO (calculated as set forth above) less acquisition costs and other significant, non-recurring items, such as the infrequent and non-recurring gains or losses from the early extinguishment of debt, swaps and other financial instruments, and litigation settlements expense and casualty losses, and their subsequent recoveries, such as insurance reimbursements and other settlements.
We calculate AFFO as Core FFO (calculated as set forth above) exclusive of the net effects of: (i) amortization associated with debt issuance costs; (ii) depreciation of non real estate assets; (iii) straight-line lease revenue/expense; (iv) amortization of above and below-market lease intangibles; (v) stock-based and other non-cash compensation expense; (vi) amortization of mezzanine discount income; and (vii) acquisition costs, less non-incremental capital expenditures (as defined below). Our proportionate share of such adjustments related to investments in unconsolidated joint ventures are also included when calculating AFFO.
Reconciliations of net income to FFO, Core FFO, and AFFO are presented below (in thousands except per share amounts):
(1)
Based on weighted-average shares outstanding-diluted.
(2)
Includes adjustments for wholly-owned properties (including discontinued operations), as well as such adjustments for our proportionate ownership in unconsolidated joint ventures.
(3)
Piedmont defines non-incremental capital expenditures as capital expenditures of a recurring nature related to tenant improvements, leasing commissions, and building capital that do not incrementally enhance the underlying assets' income generating capacity. Tenant improvements, leasing commissions, building capital and deferred lease incentives incurred to lease space that was vacant at acquisition, leasing costs for spaces vacant for greater than one year, leasing costs for spaces at newly acquired properties for which in-place leases expire shortly after acquisition, improvements associated with the expansion of a building, and renovations that either change the underlying classification from a Class B to a Class A property or enhance the marketability of a building are excluded from this measure.
Property and Same Store Net Operating Income (Cash Basis)
Property Net Operating Income on a cash basis ("Property NOI") is a non-GAAP measure which we use to assess our operating results. It is calculated as real estate operating income with the add-back of corporate general and administrative expense, depreciation and amortization, impairment losses, and the deduction of income and expense associated with property management performed by Piedmont for other organizations. We present this measure on a cash basis, which eliminates the effects of straight lined rents and fair value lease revenue. We use this measure as a proxy for the cash generated by our real estate properties. Same
Store Net Operating Income on a cash basis ("Same Store NOI") is another non-GAAP measure very similar to Property NOI; however, Same Store NOI only reflects Property NOI attributable to the properties owned or placed in service during the entire span of the current and prior year reporting periods. Same Store NOI also excludes amounts attributable to unconsolidated joint venture assets. We believe Same Store NOI is an important measure because it allows us to compare the cash flows generated by our same real estate properties from one period to another. Other REITs may calculate Property NOI and Same Store NOI differently, if calculated at all, and our calculations should not be compared to that of other REITs.
The following table sets forth our Property NOI and Same Store NOI with a reconciliation to net income attributable to Piedmont (GAAP basis) for the years ended December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively (in thousands):
(1)
Includes amounts attributable to consolidated properties, including discontinued operations, and our proportionate share of amounts attributable to unconsolidated joint ventures.
(2)
Acquisitions consist of 5 Wall Street in Burlington, Massachusetts, purchased on June 27, 2014; 1155 Perimeter Center West in Atlanta, Georgia, purchased on August 28, 2014; TownPark Land in Lake Mary, Florida, purchased on November 21, 2014; Park Place on Turtle Creek in Dallas, Texas, purchased on January 16, 2015; 80 Central Street in Boxborough, Massachusetts, purchased on July 24, 2015; SunTrust Center in Orlando, Florida, purchased on November 4, 2015; Galleria 300 in Atlanta, Georgia, purchased on November 4, 2015; Glenridge Highlands One in Atlanta, Georgia, purchased on November 24, 2015; and Suwanee Gateway Land in Suwanee, Georgia, purchased on December 21, 2015.
(3)
Dispositions consist of 11107 and 11109 Sunset Hills Road in Reston, Virginia, sold on March 19, 2014; 1441 West Long Lake Road and 4685 Investment Drive in Troy, Michigan, sold on April 30, 2014; 2020 West 89th Street in Leawood, Kansas, sold on May 19, 2014; 3900 Dallas Parkway in Plano, Texas, sold on January 30, 2015; 5601 Headquarters Drive in Plano, Texas, sold on April 28, 2015; River Corporate Center in Tempe, Arizona, sold on April 29, 2015; Copper Ridge Center in Lyndhurst, New Jersey, sold on May 1, 2015; Eastpoint I & II in Mayfield Heights, Ohio, sold on July 28, 2015; 3750 Brookside Parkway in Alpharetta, Georgia, sold on August 10, 2015; Chandler Forum in Chandler, Arizona, sold on September 1, 2015; Aon Center in Chicago, Illinois, sold on October 29, 2015; and 2 Gatehall Drive in Parsippany, New Jersey, sold on December 21, 2015.
Overview
Our portfolio is a national portfolio located in several geographic markets. We typically lease space to large, credit-worthy corporate or governmental tenants on a long-term basis. Our average lease is approximately 23,000 square feet with 6.7 years of lease term remaining as of December 31, 2015. As a result, leased percentage, as well as rent roll ups and roll downs, which we experience as a result of re-leasing, can fluctuate widely between markets, between buildings, and between tenants within a given market depending on when a particular lease is scheduled to expire. We have re-leased a significant portion of our portfolio over the last several years, with many leases containing free rent abatements, typically during the first months of the lease. As rental abatement periods related to that leasing activity expired during 2014 and 2015, Property NOI began to improve as evidenced by the approximately 9% increase in Same Store NOI for the year ended December 31, 2015 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2014.
Leased Percentage
Excluding one property owned through an unconsolidated joint venture, two properties under development, and one redevelopment property, our portfolio in total was 91.5% leased as of December 31, 2015, up from 87.7% leased as of December 31, 2014. As of December 31, 2015, scheduled lease expirations for the portfolio as a whole for 2016 represented 5.4% of our Annualized Lease Revenue; therefore, our current leasing efforts are primarily focused on leasing currently vacant space. Any net absorption of currently vacant space in the portfolio due to additional new leasing activity could favorably impact Property NOI and/or Same Store NOI comparisons depending on the timing of commencement dates and abatement periods of the new leases.
Impact of Downtime, Abatement Periods, and Rental Rate Changes
Commencement of new leases typically occurs 6-18 months from the lease execution date, after refurbishment of the space is completed. The downtime between a lease expiration and the new lease's commencement can negatively impact Property NOI and Same Store NOI. In addition, office leases, both new and lease renewals, typically contain upfront rental and/or operating expense abatement periods which delay the cash flow benefits of the lease even after the new lease or renewal has commenced. As of December 31, 2015, we had approximately 0.6 million square feet of executed leases related to vacant space which had not yet commenced and approximately 1.4 million square feet of commenced leases that were still in some form of abatement.
If we are unable to replace expiring leases with new or renewal leases at rental rates equal to or greater than the expiring rates, rental rate roll downs can also negatively impact Property NOI and Same Store NOI comparisons. As mentioned above, our geographically diverse portfolio and large block tenant model result in rent roll ups and roll downs that can fluctuate widely on a market by market basis; however, a large portion of our portfolio has been re-leased over the last several years. Property NOI and Same Store NOI comparisons for any given period may still fluctuate as a result of rent roll ups and roll downs, however, depending on the leasing activity in individual geographic markets during the respective period.
Election as a REIT
We have elected to be taxed as a REIT under the Code and have operated as such beginning with our taxable year ended December 31, 1998. To qualify as a REIT, we must meet certain organizational and operational requirements, including a requirement to distribute at least 90% of our adjusted REIT taxable income, computed without regard to the dividends-paid deduction and by excluding net capital gains attributable to our stockholders, as defined by the Code. As a REIT, we generally will not be subject to federal income tax on income that we distribute to our stockholders. If we fail to qualify as a REIT in any taxable year, we may be subject to federal income taxes on our taxable income for that year and for the four years following the year during which qualification is lost and/or penalties, unless the IRS grants us relief under certain statutory provisions. Such an event could materially adversely affect our net income and net cash available for distribution to our stockholders. However, we believe that we are organized and operate in such a manner as to qualify for treatment as a REIT and intend to continue to operate in the foreseeable future in such a manner that we will remain qualified as a REIT for federal income tax purposes. We have elected to treat Piedmont Office Holdings, Inc. (“POH”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Piedmont, as a taxable REIT subsidiary. POH performs non-customary services for tenants of buildings that we own, including solar power generation, real estate and non-real estate related-services; however, any earnings related to such services performed by our taxable REIT subsidiary are subject to federal and state income taxes. In addition, for us to continue to qualify as a REIT, our investments in taxable REIT subsidiaries cannot exceed 25% (20% for taxable years beginning after 2017) of the value of our total assets.
Inflation
We are exposed to inflation risk, as income from long-term leases is the primary source of our cash flows from operations. There are provisions in the majority of our tenant leases that are intended to protect us from, and mitigate the risk of, the impact of inflation. These provisions include rent steps, reimbursement billings for operating expense pass-through charges, real estate tax, and insurance reimbursements on a per square-foot basis, or in some cases, annual reimbursement of operating expenses above certain per square-foot allowance. However, due to the long-term nature of the leases, the leases may not readjust their reimbursement rates frequently enough to fully cover inflation.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We are not dependent on off-balance sheet financing arrangements for liquidity. Our off-balance sheet arrangements are discussed in Note 4 “Unconsolidated Joint Ventures” and Note 10 “Commitments and Contingencies” (specifically related to Operating Lease Obligations) of the accompanying consolidated financial statements. The unconsolidated joint venture in which we have invested is prohibited by its governing documents from incurring debt. For further information regarding our commitments under operating lease obligations, see the notes of our accompanying consolidated financial statements, as well as the Contractual Obligations table below.
Application of Critical Accounting Policies
Our accounting policies have been established to conform with GAAP. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to use judgment in the application of accounting policies, including making estimates and assumptions. These judgments affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the dates of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting periods. If our judgment or interpretation of the facts and circumstances relating to various transactions had been different, it is possible that different accounting policies would have been applied, thus, resulting in a different presentation of the financial statements. Additionally, other companies may utilize different estimates that may impact comparability of our results of operations to those of companies in similar businesses. The critical accounting policies outlined below have been discussed with members of the Audit Committee of the board of directors.
Investment in Real Estate Assets
We are required to make subjective assessments as to the useful lives of our depreciable assets. We consider the period of future benefit of the asset to determine the appropriate useful lives. These assessments have a direct impact on net income attributable to Piedmont. The estimated useful lives of our assets by class are as follows:
Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities of Acquired Properties
Upon the acquisition of real properties, we record the fair value of properties to acquired tangible assets, consisting of land and building, and identified intangible assets and liabilities, consisting of the value of above-market and below-market leases and the value of in-place leases, based on their estimated fair values.
The estimated fair values of the tangible assets of an acquired property (which includes land and building) are determined by valuing the property as if it were vacant, and the “as-if-vacant” value is then allocated to land and building based on management’s determination of the estimated fair value of these assets. We determine the as-if-vacant estimated fair value of a property using methods similar to those used by independent appraisers. Factors considered by management in performing these analyses include an estimate of carrying costs during the expected lease-up periods considering current market conditions and costs to execute similar leases. In estimating carrying costs, management includes real estate taxes, insurance, and other operating expenses and estimates of lost rental revenue during the expected lease-up periods based on current market demand. We also estimate the cost to execute similar leases including leasing commissions, legal, and other related costs.
The estimated fair values of above-market and below-market in-place leases are recorded based on the present value (using an interest rate which reflects the risks associated with the leases acquired) of the difference between (i) the contractual amounts to be paid pursuant to the in-place leases and (ii) management’s estimate of market rates for the corresponding in-place leases, measured over a period equal to the remaining terms of the leases, taking into consideration the probability of renewals for any below-market leases. The capitalized above-market and below-market lease values are recorded as intangible lease assets or liabilities and amortized as an adjustment to rental revenues over the remaining terms of the respective leases.
The estimated fair values of in-place leases include an estimate of the direct costs associated with obtaining the acquired or "in place" tenant, estimates of opportunity costs associated with lost rentals that are avoided by acquiring an in-place lease. The amount capitalized as direct costs associated with obtaining a tenant include commissions, tenant improvements, and other direct costs and are estimated based on management’s consideration of current market costs to execute a similar lease. These direct lease origination costs are included in deferred lease costs in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and are amortized to expense over the remaining terms of the respective leases. The value of opportunity costs is calculated using the contractual amounts to be paid pursuant to the in-place leases over a market absorption period for a similar lease. These lease intangibles are included in intangible lease assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and are amortized to expense over the remaining terms of the respective leases.
Estimating the fair values of the tangible and intangible assets requires us to estimate market lease rates, property operating expenses, carrying costs during lease-up periods, discount and capitalization rates, market absorption periods, and the number of years the property is held for investment. The use of inappropriate estimates would result in an incorrect assessment of our purchase price allocations, which would impact the amount of our reported net income attributable to Piedmont.
Valuation of Real Estate Assets and Investments in Joint Ventures which Hold Real Estate Assets
We continually monitor events and changes in circumstances that could indicate that the carrying amounts of the real estate and related intangible assets, both operating properties and properties under construction, in which we have an ownership interest, either directly or through investments in joint ventures, may not be recoverable. When indicators of potential impairment are present for wholly-owned properties, which indicate that the carrying amounts of real estate and related intangible assets may not be recoverable, we assess the recoverability of these assets by determining whether the carrying value will be recovered from the undiscounted future operating cash flows expected from the use of the asset and its eventual disposition. In the event that such expected undiscounted future cash flows do not exceed the carrying value, we adjust the real estate and related intangible assets to the estimated fair value and recognize an impairment loss. For our investments in unconsolidated joint ventures, we assess the estimated fair value of our investment, as compared to our carrying amount. If we determine that the carrying value is greater than the estimated fair value at any measurement date, we must also determine if such a difference is temporary in nature. Value fluctuations which are “other than temporary” in nature are then recorded to adjust the carrying value to the estimated fair value amount.
Projections of expected future cash flows require that we estimate future market rental income amounts subsequent to the expiration of current lease agreements, property operating expenses, the number of months it takes to re-lease the property, and the number of years the property is held for investment, among other factors. The subjectivity of assumptions used in the future cash flow analysis, including capitalization and discount rates, could result in an incorrect assessment of the property’s estimated fair value and, therefore, could result in the misstatement of the carrying value of our real estate and related intangible assets and our reported net income attributable to Piedmont.
Goodwill
Goodwill is the excess of cost of an acquired entity over the amounts specifically assigned to assets acquired and liabilities assumed in purchase accounting for business combinations, as well as costs incurred as part of the acquisition. We test the carrying value of our goodwill for impairment on an annual basis, or on an interim basis if an event occurs or circumstances change that would indicate the carrying amount may be impaired. Such interim circumstances may include, but are not limited to, significant adverse changes in legal factors or in the general business climate, adverse action or assessment by a regulator, unanticipated competition, the loss of key personnel, or persistent declines in an entity’s stock price below carrying value of the entity. We have the option, should we choose to use it, to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances leads to a determination that it is more likely than not that the estimated fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If, after assessing the totality of events or circumstances, we conclude that the estimated fair value is greater than the carrying amount, then performing the two-step impairment test is unnecessary. However, if we chose to forgo the availability of the qualitative analysis, the test prescribed by authoritative accounting guidance is a two-step test. The first step involves comparing the estimated fair value of the entity to its carrying value, including goodwill. Estimated fair value is determined by adjusting the trading price of the stock for a control premium, if necessary, multiplied by the common shares outstanding. If such calculated estimated fair value exceeds the carrying value, no further procedures or analysis is required. However, if the carrying value exceeds the calculated
fair value, goodwill is potentially impaired and step two of the analysis would be required. Step two of the test involves calculating the implied fair value of goodwill by deducting the estimated fair value of all tangible and intangible net assets of the entity from the entity’s estimated fair value calculated in step one of the test. If the implied value of the goodwill (the remainder left after deducting the estimated fair values of the entity from its calculated overall estimated fair value in step one of the test) is less than the carrying value of goodwill, an impairment loss would be recognized. We have determined through the testing noted above that there are no issues of impairment related to our goodwill as of December 31, 2015.
Investment in Variable Interest Entities
Variable Interest Entities (“VIEs”) are defined by GAAP as entities in which equity investors do not have sufficient equity at risk for the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support from other parties. If an entity is determined to be a VIE, it must be consolidated by the primary beneficiary. The primary beneficiary is the enterprise that has the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance, absorbs the majority of the entity’s expected losses, or receives a majority of the entity’s expected residual returns. Generally, expected losses and expected residual returns are the anticipated negative and positive variability, respectively, in the estimated fair value of the VIE’s net assets. When we make an investment, we assess whether the investment represents a variable interest in a VIE and, if so, whether we are the primary beneficiary of the VIE. Incorrect assumptions or assessments may result in an inaccurate determination of the primary beneficiary. The result could be the consolidation of an entity acquired or formed in the future that would otherwise not have been consolidated or the non-consolidation of such an entity that would otherwise have been consolidated.
We evaluate each investment to determine whether it represents variable interests in a VIE. Further, we evaluate the sufficiency of the entities’ equity investment at risk to absorb expected losses, and whether as a group, the equity has the characteristics of a controlling financial interest. See Note 6 to our accompanying consolidated financial statements for further detail on our investment in variable interest entities.
Interest Rate Derivatives
We periodically enter into interest rate derivative agreements to hedge our exposure to changing interest rates on variable rate debt instruments. As required by GAAP, we record all derivatives on the balance sheet at estimated fair value. We reassess the effectiveness of our derivatives designated as cash flow hedges on a regular basis to determine if they continue to be highly effective and also to determine if the forecasted transactions remain highly probable. Currently, we do not use derivatives for trading or speculative purposes.
The changes in estimated fair value of interest rate swap agreements designated as effective cash flow hedges are recorded in other comprehensive income (“OCI”), and subsequently reclassified to earnings when the hedged transactions occur. Changes in the estimated fair values of derivatives designated as cash flow hedges that do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment, if any, would be recorded as gain/(loss) on interest rate swap in the consolidated statements of income. The estimated fair value of the interest rate derivative agreement is recorded as interest rate derivative asset or as interest rate derivative liability in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Amounts received or paid under interest rate derivative agreements are recorded as interest expense in the consolidated income statements as incurred. All of our interest rate derivative agreements as of December 31, 2015 are designated as cash flow hedges. See Note 7 to our accompanying consolidated financial statements for further detail on our interest rate derivatives.
Stock-based Compensation
We have issued stock-based compensation in the form of restricted stock to our employees and directors. For employees, such compensation has been issued pursuant to our Long-term Incentive Compensation ("LTIC") program. The LTIC program is comprised of an annual deferred stock grant component and a multi-year performance share component. Awards granted pursuant to the annual deferred stock component are considered equity awards and expensed straight-line over the vesting period, with issuances recorded as a reduction to additional paid in capital. Awards granted pursuant to the performance share component are considered liability awards and are expensed over the service period, with issuances recorded as a reduction to accrued expense. The compensation expense recognized related to both of these award types is recorded as property operating costs for those employees whose job is related to property operation and as general and administrative expense for all other employees and directors in the accompanying consolidated statements of income. See Note 11 to our accompanying consolidated financial statements for further detail on our stock-based compensation.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
The Financial Accounting Standards Board (the "FASB") has issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) ("ASU 2014-09"). The amendments in ASU 2014-09 change the criteria for the recognition
of revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services using a five-step determination process. Steps 1 through 5 involve (i) identifying contracts with a customer, (ii) identifying the performance obligations in the contract, (iii) determining the transaction price, (iv) allocating the transaction price to the performance obligations, and (v) recognizing revenue as an entity satisfies a performance obligation. Additionally, lease contracts are specifically excluded from ASU 2014-09. The amendments in ASU 2014-09 are effective in the first quarter of 2018 for us, and we are currently evaluating the potential impact, if any, of adoption.
The FASB has issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-02, Consolidation (Topic 810), Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis ("ASU 2015-02"). The amendments in ASU 2015-02 modify the consolidation analysis of certain types of entities. Specifically, ASU 2015-02 changes the assessment criteria of whether limited partnerships are VIEs, eliminates the presumption that general partners should consolidate a limited partner, eliminates certain conditions from the evaluation of whether a fee paid to a decision maker constitutes a VIE, and changes the evaluation regarding the impact of related parties in the primary beneficiary determination of a VIE. The amendments in ASU 2015-02 are effective in the first quarter of 2016 for us, and we do not anticipate any material impact to its consolidated financial statements as a result of adoption.
The FASB has issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-05, Intangibles- Goodwill and Other- Internal Use Software (Subtopic 350-40), Customer’s Accounting for Fees Paid in a Cloud Computing Arrangement ("ASU 2015-05") which will help entities evaluate the accounting for fees paid by a customer in a cloud computing arrangement to determine whether an arrangement includes the sale or license of software. If a cloud computing arrangement includes a software license, then the customer will account for the software license element of the arrangement consistent with the acquisition of other software licenses. However, cloud computing arrangements which do not include a software license will be accounted for as a service contract. The amendments in ASU 2015-05 are effective in the first quarter of 2016 for us, and we do not anticipate any material impact to its consolidated financial statements as a result of adoption.
The FASB has issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-16, Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement - Prior Period Adjustments ("ASU 2015-16"), which eliminates the requirement to retrospectively account for adjustments made to provisional amounts recognized in a real estate acquisition in prior period statements. Instead, the amendments in ASU 2015-16 require the cumulative impact of any adjustment should be recognized in the reporting period in which the adjustment is identified. ASU 2015-16 will be effective for us beginning on January 1, 2016, and we do not anticipate any material impact to its consolidated financial statements as a result of adoption.
Related-Party Transactions and Agreements
There were no related-party transactions during the three years ended December 31, 2015.
Contractual Obligations
Our contractual obligations as of December 31, 2015 are as follows (in thousands):
(1)
Amounts include principal payments only and balances outstanding as of December 31, 2015, not including unamortized issuance discounts, debt issuance costs paid to lenders, or estimated fair value adjustments. We made interest payments, including payments under our interest rate swaps, of $76.4 million during the year ended December 31, 2015, and expect to pay interest in future periods on outstanding debt obligations based on the rates and terms disclosed herein and in Note 5 of our accompanying consolidated financial statements.
(2)
Includes the balance as of December 31, 2015 of the $125.0 Million Fixed-Rate Loan which was repaid in full on January 4, 2016.
(3)
Includes the balance outstanding as of December 31, 2015 of the $500 Million Unsecured 2015 Line of Credit. However, Piedmont may extend the term for up to one additional year (through two available six month extensions to a final extended maturity date of June 18, 2020) provided Piedmont is not then in default and upon payment of extension fees.
(4)
Includes the $300 Million Unsecured 2013 Term Loan which has a stated variable rate; however, we entered into interest rate swap agreements which effectively fix, exclusive of changes to our credit rating, the rate on this portion of the facility to 2.78% through maturity. As such, we estimate incurring, exclusive of changes to our credit rating, approximately $8.3 million per annum in total
interest (comprised of combination of variable contractual rate and settlements under interest rate swap agreements) through maturity in January 2019.
(5)
Includes the $300 Million Unsecured 2011 Term Loan which has a stated variable rate; however, we entered into interest rate swap agreements which effectively fix, exclusive of changes to our credit rating, the rate on this facility to 2.39% through the original maturity date of November 22, 2016 and to 3.35% for the extension period (November 22, 2016 to January 15, 2020). As such, we estimate incurring, exclusive of changes to our credit rating, approximately $7.2 million per annum in total interest (comprised of combination of variable contractual rate and settlements under interest rate swap agreements) through the original maturity of the debt facility in November 2016, and approximately $10.1 million per annum for the extension period ending in January 2020.
(6)
The 2001 NW 64th Street building in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida is subject to a ground lease with an expiration date of 2048. The aggregate remaining payments required under the terms of this operating lease as of December 31, 2015 is presented above.
ITEM 7A.
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISKS
Our future income, cash flows, and estimated fair values of our financial instruments depend in part upon prevailing market interest rates. Market risk is the exposure to loss resulting from changes in interest rates, foreign currency, exchange rates, commodity prices, and equity prices. Our potential for exposure to market risk includes interest rate fluctuations in connection with borrowings under our $500 Million Unsecured 2015 Line of Credit, our $300 Million Unsecured 2011 Term Loan, the $300 Million Unsecured 2013 Term Loan, and the $170 Million Unsecured 2015 Term Loan. As a result, the primary market risk to which we believe we are exposed is interest rate risk. Many factors, including governmental monetary and tax policies, domestic and international economic and political considerations, and other factors that are beyond our control contribute to interest rate risk. Our interest rate risk management objectives are to limit the impact of interest rate changes on earnings and cash flow primarily through a low-to-moderate level of overall borrowings, as well as managing the variability in rate fluctuations on our outstanding debt. As such, all of our debt other than the $500 Million Unsecured 2015 Line of Credit and $170 Million Unsecured 2015 Term Loan is based on fixed or effectively-fixed interest rates to hedge against instability in the credit markets. We do not enter into derivative or interest rate transactions for speculative purposes.
Our financial instruments consist of both fixed and variable-rate debt. As of December 31, 2015, our consolidated debt consisted of the following (in thousands):
(1)
See Note 5 of our accompanying consolidated financial statements for further details on our debt structure.
(2)
Includes the balance as of December 31, 2015 of the $125.0 Million Fixed-Rate Loan which was repaid in full on January 4, 2016.
(3)
The amount includes the $300 Million Unsecured 2013 Term Loan which has a stated variable rate; however, Piedmont entered into interest rate swap agreements which effectively fix, absent any changes to Piedmont's credit rating, the rate on this facility to 2.78%.
(4)
The amount includes the $300 Million Unsecured 2011 Term Loan which has a stated variable rate; however, Piedmont entered into interest rate swap agreements which effectively fix, exclusive of changes to Piedmont's credit rating, the rate on this facility to 2.39% through November 22, 2016 and to 3.35% for the extension period (November 22, 2016 to January 15, 2020).
As of December 31, 2014, our consolidated debt consisted of the following (in thousands):
(1)
See Note 5 of our accompanying consolidated financial statements for further details on our debt structure.
(2)
The amount includes the $300 Million Unsecured 2013 Term Loan which has a stated variable rate; however, Piedmont entered into interest rate swap agreements which effectively fix, absent any changes to Piedmont's credit rating, the rate on this facility to 2.78%.
(3)
The amount includes the $300 Million Unsecured 2011 Term Loan which has a stated variable rate; however, Piedmont entered into interest rate swap agreements which effectively fix, exclusive of changes to Piedmont's credit rating, the rate on this facility to 2.39% through November 22, 2016 and to 3.35% for the extension period (November 22, 2016 to January 15, 2020).
As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, the estimated fair value of our debt above was approximately $2.0 billion and $2.3 billion, respectively. Our interest rate swap agreements in place at December 31, 2015 carried a notional amount totaling $900 million with a weighted-average fixed interest rate (not including the corporate credit spread) of 1.67%. Our interest rate swap agreements in place at December 31, 2014 carried a notional amount totaling $1.2 billion with a weighted-average fixed interest rate (not including the corporate credit spread) of 1.77%.
The variable rate debt outstanding as of December 31, 2015 is based on LIBOR or the prime rate plus a specified margin as elected by us at certain intervals. An increase in the variable interest rate on the variable-rate facilities constitutes a market risk, as a change in rates would increase or decrease interest expense incurred and therefore cash flows available for distribution to stockholders. The current stated interest rate spread on the $500 Million Unsecured 2015 Line of Credit and the $170 Million Unsecured 2015 Term Loan is LIBOR plus 1.00% and 1.125%, respectively (based on our current corporate credit rating).
A change in the market interest rate on the fixed, or effectively fixed, portion of our debt portfolio impacts the estimated fair value of the instrument but has no impact on interest incurred or cash flows.
As of December 31, 2015, a 1% increase in interest rates on our variable rate debt outstanding would increase interest expense approximately $1.9 million on a per annum basis.
ITEM 8.
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
The financial statements and supplementary data filed as part of this report are set forth on page of this report.
ITEM 9.
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
There were no disagreements with our independent registered public accountants during the years ended December 31, 2015 or 2014.
ITEM 9A.
ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Management’s Conclusions Regarding the Effectiveness of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
We carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of management, including our Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based upon that evaluation, the Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this annual report in providing a reasonable level of assurance
that information we are required to disclose in reports that we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods in SEC rules and forms, including providing a reasonable level of assurance that information required to be disclosed by us in such reports is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Principal Executive Officer and our Principal Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Report of Management on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, and effected by the board of directors, management and other personnel, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with GAAP and includes those policies and procedures that:
•
pertain to the maintenance of records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and disposition of our assets;
•
provide reasonable assurance that the transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP, and that our receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and/or members of the board of directors; and
•
provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of our assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of the inherent limitations of internal control over financial reporting, including the possibility of human error and the circumvention or overriding of controls, material misstatements may not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. In addition, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risks that controls may become inadequate because of changes and conditions or that the degree of compliance with policies or procedures may deteriorate. Accordingly, even internal controls determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance that the information required to be disclosed in reports filed under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized, and represented within the time periods required.
Our management has assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting at December 31, 2015. To make this assessment, we used the criteria for effective internal control over financial reporting described in the 2013 Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Based on this assessment, our management believes that, as of December 31, 2015, our system of internal control over financial reporting was effective.
Piedmont’s independent registered public accounting firm has issued an attestation report on the effectiveness of Piedmont’s internal control over financial reporting, which appears in this Annual Report.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
There have been no significant changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended December 31, 2015 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
ITEM 9B.
ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
None.
PART III
ITEM 10.
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Pursuant to Paragraph G(3) of the General Instructions to Form 10-K, the information required by Part III (Items 10, 11, 12, 13, and 14) is being incorporated by reference herein from our definitive proxy statement to be filed with the SEC within 120 days of the end of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015 in connection with our 2016 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.
We have adopted a Code of Ethics, which is available on Piedmont’s Web site at http://www.piedmontreit.com under the “Corporate Governance” section. Any amendments to, or waivers of, the Code of Ethics will be disclosed on our Web site promptly following the date of such amendment or waiver.
ITEM 11.
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The information required by Item 11 will be set forth in our definitive proxy statement to be filed with the SEC within 120 days of the end of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015, and is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 12.
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
The information required by Item 12 will be set forth in our definitive proxy statement to be filed with the SEC within 120 days of the end of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015, and is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 13.
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
The information required by Item 13 will be set forth in our definitive proxy statement to be filed with the SEC within 120 days of the end of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015, and is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 14.
ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
The information required by Item 14 will be set forth in our definitive proxy statement to be filed with the SEC within 120 days of the end of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015, and is incorporated herein by reference.
PART IV
ITEM 15.
ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
(a)
1. The financial statements begin on page of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, and the list of the financial statements contained herein is set forth on page, which is hereby incorporated by reference.
(a)
2. Schedule III-Real Estate Assets and Accumulated Depreciation.
Information with respect to this item begins on page S-1 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Other schedules are omitted because of the absence of conditions under which they are required or because the required information is given in the financial statements or notes thereto.
(b)
The Exhibits filed in response to Item 601 of Regulation S-K are listed on the Exhibit Index attached hereto.
(c)
See (a) 2. above.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Sections 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized this 17th day of February, 2016.
Piedmont Office Realty Trust, Inc.
(Registrant)
By:
/s/ DONALD A. MILLER, CFA
Donald A. Miller, CFA
President, Principal Executive Officer, and Director
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacity as and on the date indicated.
EXHIBIT INDEX
TO
2015 FORM 10-K
OF
PIEDMONT OFFICE REALTY TRUST, INC.
* Identifies each management contract or compensatory plan required to be filed.
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
F- 1
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
The Board of Directors and Stockholders of Piedmont Office Realty Trust, Inc.
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Piedmont Office Realty Trust, Inc. as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, stockholders' equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2015. Our audits also included the financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15(a). These financial statements and schedule are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and schedule based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Piedmont Office Realty Trust, Inc. at December 31, 2015 and 2014, and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2015, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Also, in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly in all material respects the information set forth therein.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), Piedmont Office Realty Trust, Inc.'s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) and our report dated February 17, 2016 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
/S/ Ernst & Young LLP
Atlanta, Georgia
February 17, 2016
F- 2
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
The Board of Directors and Stockholders of Piedmont Office Realty Trust, Inc.
We have audited Piedmont Office Realty Trust, Inc.'s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) (the COSO criteria). Piedmont Office Realty Trust, Inc.'s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Report of Management on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the company's internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
In our opinion, Piedmont Office Realty Trust, Inc. maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015, based on the COSO criteria.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of Piedmont Office Realty Trust, Inc. as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, stockholders' equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2015 of Piedmont Office Realty Trust, Inc. and our report dated February 17, 2016 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
/S/ Ernst and Young LLP
Atlanta, Georgia
February 17, 2016
F- 3
PIEDMONT OFFICE REALTY TRUST, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands, except share and per-share amounts)
See accompanying notes.
F- 4
PIEDMONT OFFICE REALTY TRUST, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(in thousands, except share and per-share amounts)
See accompanying notes.
F- 5
PIEDMONT OFFICE REALTY TRUST, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(in thousands)
See accompanying notes.
F- 6
PIEDMONT OFFICE REALTY TRUST, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(in thousands, except per-share amounts)
See accompanying notes.
F- 7
PIEDMONT OFFICE REALTY TRUST, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands)
See accompanying notes.
F- 8
PIEDMONT OFFICE REALTY TRUST, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2015, 2014, AND 2013
1. Organization
Piedmont Office Realty Trust, Inc. (“Piedmont”) (NYSE: PDM) is a Maryland corporation that operates in a manner so as to qualify as a real estate investment trust (“REIT”) for federal income tax purposes and engages in the acquisition, development, management, and ownership of commercial real estate properties throughout the United States, including properties that are under construction, are newly constructed, or have operating histories. Piedmont was incorporated in 1997 and commenced operations in 1998. Piedmont conducts business primarily through Piedmont Operating Partnership, L.P. (“Piedmont OP”), a Delaware limited partnership, as well as performing the management of its buildings through two wholly-owned subsidiaries, Piedmont Government Services, LLC and Piedmont Office Management, LLC. Piedmont owns 99.9% of, and is the sole general partner of, Piedmont OP and as such, possesses full legal control and authority over the operations of Piedmont OP. The remaining 0.1% ownership interest of Piedmont OP is held indirectly by Piedmont through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Piedmont Office Holdings, Inc ("POH"), the sole limited partner of Piedmont OP. Piedmont OP owns properties directly, through wholly-owned subsidiaries, and through both consolidated and unconsolidated joint ventures. References to Piedmont herein shall include Piedmont and all of its subsidiaries, including Piedmont OP and its subsidiaries and joint ventures.
As of December 31, 2015, Piedmont owned 69 office properties, one redevelopment asset and two development assets, and one building through an unconsolidated joint venture. Piedmont's 69 office properties comprise 18.9 million square feet (unaudited) of primarily Class A commercial office space, and were 91.5% leased (unaudited) as of December 31, 2015. As of December 31, 2015, slightly under 80% of our annualized lease revenue ("ALR") (unaudited) was generated from select office sub-markets in the following cities: Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Minneapolis, New York, and Washington, D.C.
Piedmont internally evaluates all of the real estate assets as one operating segment, and accordingly, does not report segment information.
2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation
Piedmont’s consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) and include the accounts of Piedmont, Piedmont’s wholly-owned subsidiaries, any variable interest entity ("VIE") of which Piedmont or any of its wholly-owned subsidiaries is considered to have the power to direct the activities of the entity and the obligation to absorb losses/right to receive benefits, or any entity in which Piedmont or any of its wholly-owned subsidiaries owns a controlling interest. In determining whether Piedmont or Piedmont OP has a controlling interest, the following factors, among others, are considered: equity ownership, voting rights, protective rights of investors, and participatory rights of investors.
Piedmont owns interests in two real properties through its ownership in 1201 Eye Street, N.W. Associates, LLC and 1225 Eye Street, N.W. Associates, LLC. Piedmont has evaluated these entities based on the criteria outlined above and concluded that these entities are VIEs, but that Piedmont has a controlling interest in both entities through its 100% ownership in Piedmont Washington Properties, Inc. Accordingly, Piedmont’s consolidated financial statements include the accounts of 1201 Eye Street, NW Associates, LLC and 1225 Eye Street, NW Associates, LLC.
In addition, during the three years ended December 31, 2015, Piedmont owned interests in certain properties through various unconsolidated joint venture partnerships. Although Piedmont is currently or was the majority equity participant in these joint ventures, Piedmont and its co-venturer exercised joint control over the properties held by the joint ventures. As a result, in accordance with GAAP, the accounts of these joint ventures are not consolidated, but rather accounted for using the equity method of accounting in Piedmont’s consolidated financial statements.
Please refer to Note 6 for a summary of Piedmont’s interests in and consolidation treatment of its various VIEs as of December 31, 2015.
Further, Piedmont has formed special purpose entities to acquire and hold real estate. Each special purpose entity is a separate legal entity and consequently the assets of the special purpose entities are not available to all creditors of Piedmont. The assets
F- 9
owned by these special purpose entities are being reported on a consolidated basis with Piedmont’s assets for financial reporting purposes only.
All inter-company balances and transactions have been eliminated upon consolidation.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of the accompanying consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the accompanying consolidated financial statements and notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Real Estate Assets
Real estate assets are stated at cost, as adjusted for any impairment loss, less accumulated depreciation. Amounts capitalized to real estate assets consist of the cost of acquisition or construction, any tenant improvements or major improvements, and betterments that extend the useful life of the related asset. All repairs and maintenance are expensed as incurred. Additionally, Piedmont capitalizes interest while the development, or redevelopment, of a real estate asset is in progress. Approximately $3.8 million, $2.1 million, and $31,000 of interest was capitalized for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively.
Piedmont’s real estate assets are depreciated or amortized using the straight-line method over the following useful lives:
Piedmont continually monitors events and changes in circumstances that could indicate that the carrying amounts of the real estate and related intangible assets of both operating properties and properties under construction in which Piedmont has an ownership interest, either directly or through investments in joint ventures, may not be recoverable. When indicators of potential impairment are present for wholly-owned properties, management assesses whether the respective carrying values will be recovered from the undiscounted future operating cash flows expected from the use of the asset and its eventual disposition for assets held for use, or from the estimated fair values, less costs to sell, for assets held for sale. Piedmont generally considers assets to be held for sale at the point at which a sale contract is executed and earnest money has become non-refundable. In the event that the expected undiscounted future cash flows for assets held for use or the estimated fair value, less costs to sell, for assets held for sale do not exceed the respective asset carrying value, management adjusts such assets to the respective estimated fair values and recognizes an impairment loss. Estimated fair values are calculated based on the following information, depending upon availability, in order of preference: (i) recently quoted market prices, (ii) market prices for comparable properties, or (iii) the present value of undiscounted cash flows, including estimated sales value (which is based on key assumptions such as estimated market rents, lease-up periods, estimated lease terms, and capitalization and discount rates).
For properties owned as part of an investment in an unconsolidated joint venture, Piedmont assesses the estimated fair value of its investment as compared to its carrying amount. If Piedmont determines that the carrying value is greater than the estimated fair value at any measurement date, Piedmont must also determine if such a difference is temporary in nature. Value fluctuations which are “other than temporary” in nature are then recorded to adjust the carrying value to the estimated fair value amount in the period in which such determination is made.
Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities of Acquired Properties
Upon the acquisition of real properties, Piedmont records the fair value of properties to acquired tangible assets, consisting of land and building, and identified intangible assets and liabilities, consisting of the value of above-market and below-market leases and the value of in-place leases, based on their estimated fair values.
The estimated fair values of the tangible assets of an acquired property (which includes land and building) are determined by valuing the property as if it were vacant, and the “as-if-vacant” value is then allocated to land and building based on management’s determination of the estimated fair value of these assets. Management determines the as-if-vacant estimated fair value of a property using methods similar to those used by independent appraisers. Factors considered by management in performing these analyses
F- 10
include an estimate of carrying costs during the expected lease-up periods considering current market conditions and costs to execute similar leases. In estimating carrying costs, management includes real estate taxes, insurance, and other operating expenses and estimates of lost rental revenue during the expected lease-up periods based on current market demand. Management also estimates the cost to execute similar leases including leasing commissions, legal, and other related costs.
The estimated fair values of above-market and below-market in-place leases are recorded based on the present value (using an interest rate which reflects the risks associated with the leases acquired) of the difference between (i) the contractual amounts to be paid pursuant to the in-place leases and (ii) management’s estimate of market rates for the corresponding in-place leases, measured over a period equal to the remaining terms of the leases, taking into consideration the probability of renewals for any below-market leases. The capitalized above-market and below-market lease values are recorded as intangible lease assets or liabilities and amortized as an adjustment to rental revenues over the remaining terms of the respective leases.
The estimated fair values of in-place leases include an estimate of the direct costs associated with obtaining the acquired or "in place" tenant, estimates of opportunity costs associated with lost rentals that are avoided by acquiring an in-place lease. The amount capitalized as direct costs associated with obtaining a tenant include commissions, tenant improvements, and other direct costs and are estimated based on management’s consideration of current market costs to execute a similar lease. These direct lease origination costs are included in deferred lease costs in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and are amortized to expense over the remaining terms of the respective leases. The value of opportunity costs is calculated using the contractual amounts to be paid pursuant to the in-place leases over a market absorption period for a similar lease. These lease intangibles are included in intangible lease assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and are amortized to expense over the remaining terms of the respective leases.
Gross intangible assets and liabilities, inclusive of amounts classified as real estate assets held for sale, recorded at acquisition as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, are as follows (in thousands):
For the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively, Piedmont recognized amortization of intangible lease costs as follows (in thousands):
F- 11
Net intangible assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2015 will be amortized as follows (in thousands):
(1)
Included as a component of Deferred Lease Costs in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
Investments in and Amounts Due from Unconsolidated Joint Ventures
Piedmont’s investments in unconsolidated joint ventures are recorded using the equity method of accounting, whereby original investments are recorded at cost and subsequently adjusted for contributions, distributions, net income/(loss), and "other than temporary" impairments, if any, attributable to such joint ventures. Pursuant to the terms of the unconsolidated joint venture agreements, all income and distributions are allocated to the joint venture partners in accordance with their respective ownership interests. Distributions of net cash from operations are generally distributed to the joint venture partners on a quarterly basis, and are classified as cash inflows from operating activities, as they are presumed to be returns on Piedmont’s investment in the respective joint venture. Proceeds received as the result of a sale of an asset from an unconsolidated joint venture are considered a return of Piedmont’s investment in the joint venture and classified as cash inflows from investing activities. Due from unconsolidated joint ventures represents operating distributions due to Piedmont from its investments in unconsolidated joint ventures which have been declared but not received as of period end.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Piedmont considers all highly-liquid investments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Cash equivalents include cash and short-term investments. Short-term investments are stated at cost, which approximates estimated fair value, and consist of investments in money market accounts.
Tenant Receivables, net and Straight-line Rent Receivables
Tenant receivables are comprised of rental and reimbursement billings due from tenants, and straight-line rent receivables representing the cumulative amount of future adjustments necessary to present rental income on a straight-line basis. Tenant receivables are recorded at the original amount earned, less an allowance for any doubtful accounts, which approximates estimated fair value. Management assesses the collectibility of tenant receivables on an ongoing basis and provides for allowances as such balances, or portions thereof, become uncollectible. Piedmont adjusted the allowance for doubtful accounts by recording provisions for/(recoveries of) bad debts of approximately $21,000, $(5,000), and $186,000 for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively, which are included in general and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.
Restricted Cash and Escrows
Restricted cash and escrows principally relate to the following types of items:
•
escrow accounts held by lenders to pay future real estate taxes, insurance, debt service, and tenant improvements;
•
net sales proceeds from property sales held by qualified intermediary for potential Section 1031 exchange;
•
earnest money paid in connection with future acquisitions; and
•
security and utility deposits paid by tenants per the terms of their respective leases.
F- 12
Restricted cash and escrows are generally reclassified to other asset or liability accounts upon being used to purchase assets, satisfy obligations, or settle tenant obligations.
Prepaid Expenses and Other Assets
Prepaid expenses and other assets are primarily comprised of the following items:
•
prepaid property taxes, insurance and operating costs;
•
deferred common area maintenance costs which will be reimbursed by tenants over specified time periods;
•
receivables which are unrelated to tenants, for example, insurance proceeds receivable from insurers related to casualty losses; and
•
equipment, furniture and fixtures, and tenant improvements for Piedmont’s corporate office and property management office space, net of accumulated depreciation.
Prepaid expenses and other assets will be expensed as utilized or depreciated in the case of Piedmont's corporate assets. Balances without a future economic benefit are expensed as they are identified. Deferred common area maintenance costs are amortized to property operating costs as the related reimbursement income is recognized over the period specified in the respective lease. Piedmont recognized amortization of deferred common area maintenance for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013 of approximately $2.5 million, $2.5 million, and $2.1 million, respectively.
Goodwill
Goodwill is the excess of cost of an acquired entity over the amounts specifically assigned to assets acquired and liabilities assumed in purchase accounting for business combinations. Piedmont tests the carrying value of its goodwill for impairment on an annual basis, or on an interim basis if an event occurs or circumstances change that would indicate the carrying amount may be impaired. Such interim circumstances may include, but are not limited to, significant adverse changes in legal factors or in the general business climate, adverse action or assessment by a regulator, unanticipated competition, the loss of key personnel, or persistent declines in an entity’s stock price below carrying value of the entity. Piedmont first assesses qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances leads to a determination that it is more likely than not that the estimated fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If, after assessing the totality of events or circumstances, Piedmont concludes that the estimated fair value is greater than the carrying amount, then performing a further two-step impairment test is unnecessary. However, if Piedmont chooses to forgo the availability of the qualitative analysis, the test prescribed by authoritative accounting guidance is a two-step test. The first step involves comparing the estimated fair value of the entity to its carrying value, including goodwill. Estimated fair value is determined by adjusting the trading price of the stock for a control premium, if necessary, multiplied by the common shares outstanding. If such calculated estimated fair value exceeds the carrying value, no further procedures or analysis is required. However, if the carrying value exceeds the calculated fair value, goodwill is potentially impaired and step two of the analysis would be required. Step two of the test involves calculating the implied fair value of goodwill by deducting the estimated fair value of all tangible and intangible net assets of the entity from the entity’s estimated fair value calculated in step one of the test. If the implied value of the goodwill (the remainder left after deducting the estimated fair values of the entity from its calculated overall estimated fair value in step one of the test) is less than the carrying value of goodwill, an impairment loss would be recognized.
Interest Rate Derivatives
Piedmont periodically enters into interest rate derivative agreements to hedge its exposure to changing interest rates. Piedmont records all derivatives on the balance sheet at estimated fair value. Piedmont reassesses the effectiveness of its derivatives designated as cash flow hedges on a regular basis to determine if they continue to be highly effective and also to determine if the forecasted transactions remain highly probable. Currently, Piedmont does not use derivatives for trading or speculative purposes.
The changes in estimated fair value of interest rate swap agreements designated as effective cash flow hedges are recorded in other comprehensive income (“OCI”), and subsequently reclassified to earnings when the hedged transactions occur. Changes in the estimated fair values of derivatives designated as cash flow hedges that do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment, if any, would be recorded as gain/(loss) on interest rate swap in the consolidated statements of income. The estimated fair value of the interest rate derivative agreement is recorded as interest rate derivative asset or as interest rate derivative liability in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Amounts received or paid under interest rate derivative agreements are recorded as reductions or additions to interest expense in the consolidated income statements as incurred. All of Piedmont's interest rate derivative agreements as of December 31, 2015 are designated as cash flow hedges.
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Deferred Lease Costs
Deferred lease costs are comprised of costs and incentives incurred to acquire operating leases. In addition to direct costs, deferred lease costs also include intangible lease origination costs related to in-place leases acquired as part of a property acquisition and direct payroll costs incurred related to negotiating and executing specific leases. For the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, Piedmont capitalized approximately $1.0 million, $0.7 million, and $0.1 million, respectively, of internal leasing and development costs.
Deferred lease costs are amortized on a straight-line basis over the terms of the related underlying leases in the accompanying consolidated statements of income as follows:
•
Approximately $42.5 million, $40.9 million, and $31.9 million of deferred lease costs for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively, are included in amortization expense; and
•
Approximately $4.7 million, $4.2 million, and $3.5 million, of deferred lease costs related to lease incentives granted to tenants for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively, was included as an offset to rental income.
Upon receipt of a lease termination notice, Piedmont adjusts any unamortized deferred lease costs to their net realizable value ratably over the revised remaining term of the lease after giving effect to the termination notice. If there is no remaining lease term and no other obligation to provide the tenant space in the property, then any unamortized tenant-specific costs are recognized immediately upon termination.
Debt
When mortgage debt is assumed upon the acquisition of real property, Piedmont adjusts the loan to estimated fair value with a corresponding adjustment to building and other intangible assets assumed as part of the purchase. The fair value adjustment is amortized to interest expense over the term of the loan using the effective interest method. Amortization of such fair value adjustments was approximately $0.5 million, $0.2 million, and $0 for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively.
Additionally, Piedmont records debt issuance premiums/discounts as an increase/decrease to the principal amount of the loan in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, and amortizes such premiums or discounts as a component of interest expense over the life of the underlying loan facility using the effective interest method. Piedmont recorded discount amortization of approximately $0.2 million, $0.2 million, and $0.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively.
On October 1, 2015, Piedmont adopted the provisions of Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-03, Interest - Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30), Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs ("ASU 2015-03") which prescribes that all debt issuance costs be presented in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as a direct deduction from the principal amount of secured and unsecured debt, as opposed to an asset. ASU 2015-03 only affects the presentation of debt issuance costs, as these costs will continue to be amortized to interest expense on a straight-line basis (which approximates the effective interest rate method) over the terms of the related financing arrangements. As a result of the adoption of ASU 2015-03, Piedmont has reclassified $7.7 million of debt issuance costs as a $7.3 million and $0.4 million reduction of unsecured and secured debt, respectively, as of December 31, 2014 in the accompanying balance sheet. Piedmont recognized amortization of such costs for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013 of approximately $2.8 million, $2.7 million, and $2.6 million, respectively.
Deferred income
Deferred income is primarily comprised of the following items:
•
prepaid rent from tenants; and
•
tenant reimbursements related to operating expense or property tax expenses which may be due to tenants as part of an annual operating expense reconciliation.
Deferred income related to prepaid rents from tenants will be recognized as income in the period it is earned. Amounts related to operating expense reconciliations or property tax expense are relieved when the tenant's reconciliation is completed in accordance with the underlying lease, and payment is issued to the tenant.
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Shares-in-trust
To date, Piedmont has not issued any shares-in-trust; however, under Piedmont’s charter, it has authority to issue a total of 150,000,000 shares-in-trust, which would be issued only in the event that there is a purported transfer of, or other change in or affecting the ownership of, Piedmont’s capital stock that would result in a violation of the ownership limits that are included in Piedmont’s charter to protect its REIT status.
Preferred Stock
To date, Piedmont has not issued any shares of preferred stock; however, Piedmont is authorized to issue up to100,000,000 shares of one or more classes or series of preferred stock. Piedmont’s board of directors may determine the relative rights, preferences, and privileges of any class or series of preferred stock that may be issued, and can be more beneficial than the rights, preferences, and privileges attributable to Piedmont’s common stock.
Common Stock
Under Piedmont’s charter, it has authority to issue a total of 750,000,000 shares of common stock with a par value of $0.01 per share. Each share of common stock is entitled to one vote and participates in distributions equally. The board of directors of Piedmont authorized in June 2015 the repurchase and retirement of up to $200 million of Piedmont's common stock through second quarter of 2017. Piedmont may repurchase the shares from time to time, in accordance with applicable securities laws, in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions. The timing of repurchases is dependent upon market conditions and other factors, and repurchases may be commenced or suspended from time to time in Piedmont's discretion, without prior notice. As of December 31, 2015, there was approximately $78.2 million in remaining capacity under the program which may be used for share repurchases through second quarter of 2017.
Dividends
As a REIT, Piedmont is required by the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), to make distributions to stockholders each taxable year equal to at least 90% of its taxable income, computed without regard to the dividends-paid deduction and by excluding net capital gains attributable to stockholders (“REIT taxable income”). Piedmont sponsors a dividend reinvestment plan ("DRP") pursuant to which common stockholders may elect (if their brokerage agreements allow) to reinvest an amount equal to the dividends declared on their common shares into additional shares of Piedmont’s common stock in lieu of receiving cash dividends. Under the DRP, Piedmont has the option to either issue shares purchased in the open market or issue shares directly from Piedmont's authorized but unissued shares, in both cases at a 2% discount for the stockholder. Such election takes place at the settlement of each quarterly dividend in which there are participants in the DRP, and may change from quarter to quarter based on management's judgment of the best use of proceeds for Piedmont.
Noncontrolling Interest
Noncontrolling interest is the equity interest of consolidated entities that are not owned by Piedmont. Noncontrolling interest is adjusted for contributions, distributions, and earnings (losses) attributable to the noncontrolling interest partners of the consolidated joint ventures. All earnings and distributions are allocated to the partners of the consolidated joint ventures in accordance with their respective partnership agreements. Earnings allocated to such noncontrolling interest partners are recorded as income attributable to noncontrolling interest in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.
In addition, certain non-controlling interests are held in the form of equity participation agreements in Piedmont's consolidated variable interest entities. The equity participation agreements include an option to redeem when certain conditions are met. These instruments are re-measured at the redemption amount once the redemption becomes probable and reclassified to a liability once the redemption option is exercised or conditions are met to make the option mandatorily redeemable.
Revenue Recognition
All leases of real estate assets held by Piedmont are classified as operating leases, and the related base rental income is recognized on a straight-line basis over the terms of the respective leases. Tenant reimbursements are recognized as revenue in the period that the related operating cost is incurred. Rents and tenant reimbursements collected in advance are recorded as deferred income in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Lease termination revenues are recognized ratably as rental revenue over the revised remaining lease term after giving effect to the termination notice. Contingent rental income recognition is deferred until the specific lease-related targets are achieved.
Gains on the sale of real estate assets are recognized upon completing the sale and, among other things, determining the sale price and transferring all of the risks and rewards of ownership without significant continuing involvement with the purchaser.
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Recognition of all or a portion of the gain would be deferred until both of these conditions are met. Losses are primarily recognized through impairment charges when identified.
Stock-based Compensation
Piedmont has issued stock-based compensation in the form of restricted stock to its employees and directors. For employees, such compensation has been issued pursuant to Piedmont's Long-term Incentive Compensation ("LTIC") program. The LTIC program is comprised of an annual restricted stock grant component (the "Restricted Stock Award" program) and a multi-year performance share component (the "Performance Share" program). Awards granted pursuant to the Restricted Stock Award and Performance Share programs are classified as equity awards or liability awards based on the underlying terms of the program agreement. Awards classified as equity awards are expensed straight-line over the vesting period, with issuances recorded as a reduction to additional paid in capital. Awards classified as liability awards are expensed over the service period, with issuances recorded as a reduction to accrued expense. The compensation expense recognized related to both of these award types is recorded as property operating costs for those employees whose job is related to property operation and as general and administrative expense for all other employees and directors in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.
Non-qualified Deferred Compensation Plan
Additionally, Piedmont has a nonqualified deferred compensation plan which allows certain employees to elect to defer their receipt of compensation, including both cash and stock-based compensation, until future taxable years. Amounts deferred are invested in trading securities held in a "rabbi trust" and are measured using quoted market prices as of the reporting date. Such investments are included in cash equivalents due to their short-term, liquid nature, with the corresponding liability included in accounts payable, accrued expenses, and accrued capital expenditures in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
Legal Fees and Related Insurance Recoveries
Piedmont recognizes legal expenses in the period in which services are rendered as a component of general and administrative expense for routine corporate matters or as property operating costs for legal expenses attributable to operating properties. Insurance reimbursements related to ongoing legal matters are recorded as a reduction of legal expense in the period that the insurance company definitively notifies Piedmont of its intent to issue payment.
Casualty Losses and Litigation Settlement Expense and Related Insurance Recoveries
From time to time, specific assets may be damaged or destroyed by natural disasters. Such damages may result in significant expenses related to the destruction of fixed assets or costs to clean, repair, and establish emergency operations at the building or buildings affected by the casualty event. In addition, Piedmont may recognize expenses as a result of issuing rent abatements to tenants for business interruptions caused by the tenants' inability to access the space that they lease from Piedmont. Further, during the year ended December 31, 2012, Piedmont settled two separate securities class action lawsuits. Losses related to the above items are estimated and recorded in the period incurred without regard to whether the loss may be ultimately recoverable under Piedmont's various insurance policies. During the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, substantially all of the net casualty loss recorded related to losses incurred in Piedmont's New York/New Jersey portfolio as a result of Hurricane Sandy which occurred in October 2012.
Insurance recoveries associated with casualty losses and litigation settlement expenses are recorded as income in the period that the insurance company definitively notifies Piedmont of its intent to issue payment. Piedmont recognized a net loss of approximately $0.3 million during the year ended December 31, 2015, and received and recognized net recoveries of approximately $7.0 million and $11.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Of the net recoveries described above during the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, Piedmont recognized $0.3 million, and $1.5 million in business interruption insurance recoveries, respectively.
Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity
Effective April 1, 2014, Piedmont adopted the amendments of Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-08, Presentation of Financial Statements (Topic 205) and Property, Plant, and Equipment (Topic 360): Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity ("ASU 2014-08") which changed the criteria for reporting discontinued operations. Gains and losses on sales related to properties that do not meet the newly adopted definition of discontinued operations and the operational results of these properties are included in income from continuing operations for all periods presented, while the gain on sale is presented in accordance with SEC Rule 3-15 of Regulation S-X in the accompanying consolidated statements of income between discontinued operations and net income. These gains and/or losses, however, are included in continuing operations for purposes of calculating earnings per share data. Operational results related to properties sold or held for sale as of March 31, 2014 continue
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to be presented as discontinued operations because the adoption provisions of ASU 2014-08 required prospective implementation. None of these reclassifications affect net income or net equity attributable to Piedmont as presented in previous periods.
Net Income Available to Common Stockholders Per Share
Net income per share-basic is calculated as net income available to common stockholders divided by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Net income per share-diluted is calculated as net income available to common stockholders divided by the diluted weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period, including the dilutive effect of nonvested restricted stock. The dilutive effect of nonvested restricted stock is calculated using the treasury stock method to determine the number of additional common shares that would become outstanding if the remaining unvested restricted stock awards vested. Outstanding stock options have been excluded from the diluted earnings per share calculation, as their impact would be anti-dilutive.
Income Taxes
Piedmont has elected to be taxed as a REIT under the Code, and has operated as such, beginning with its taxable year ended December 31, 1998. To qualify as a REIT, Piedmont must meet certain organizational and operational requirements, including a requirement to distribute at least 90% of its annual REIT taxable income. As a REIT, Piedmont is generally not subject to federal income taxes; however, Piedmont conducts certain operations through its taxable REIT subsidiary, Piedmont Office Holdings, Inc. Accordingly, the only provision for federal income taxes in the accompanying consolidated financial statements relates to Piedmont’s consolidated taxable REIT subsidiary. Piedmont’s taxable REIT subsidiary did not have significant tax provisions or deferred income tax items. These operations resulted in approximately $85,000, $0, and $0 in income tax expense for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively. Piedmont is subject to certain state and local taxes related to the operations of properties in certain locations, which have been provided for in general and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.
Reclassifications
Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current period financial statement presentation. The reclassifications relate to: (i) properties classified as held for sale as of March 31, 2015, June 30, 2015, or September 30, 2015, have been reclassified as held for sale as of December 31, 2014 for comparative purposes (see Note 14); and (ii) debt issuance costs have been reclassified from an asset to a direct deduction from the principal amount of secured and unsecured debt in accordance with ASU 2015-03 (see Debt above).
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
The Financial Accounting Standards Board (the "FASB") has issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) ("ASU 2014-09"). The amendments in ASU 2014-09 change the criteria for the recognition of revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services using a five-step determination process. Steps 1 through 5 involve (i) identifying contracts with a customer, (ii) identifying the performance obligations in the contract, (iii) determining the transaction price, (iv) allocating the transaction price to the performance obligations, and (v) recognizing revenue as an entity satisfies a performance obligation. Additionally, lease contracts are specifically excluded from ASU 2014-09. The amendments in ASU 2014-09 are effective in the first quarter of 2018 for Piedmont, and Piedmont is currently evaluating the potential impact, if any, of adoption.
The FASB has issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-02, Consolidation (Topic 810), Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis ("ASU 2015-02"). The amendments in ASU 2015-02 modify the consolidation analysis of certain types of entities. Specifically, ASU 2015-02 changes the assessment criteria of whether limited partnerships are VIEs, eliminates the presumption that general partners should consolidate a limited partner, eliminates certain conditions from the evaluation of whether a fee paid to a decision maker constitutes a VIE, and changes the evaluation regarding the impact of related parties in the primary beneficiary determination of a VIE. The amendments in ASU 2015-02 are effective in the first quarter of 2016 for Piedmont, and Piedmont does not anticipate any material impact to its consolidated financial statements as a result of adoption.
The FASB has issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-05, Intangibles- Goodwill and Other- Internal Use Software (Subtopic 350-40), Customer’s Accounting for Fees Paid in a Cloud Computing Arrangement ("ASU 2015-05") which will help entities evaluate the accounting for fees paid by a customer in a cloud computing arrangement to determine whether an arrangement includes the sale or license of software. If a cloud computing arrangement includes a software license, then the customer will account for the software license element of the arrangement consistent with the acquisition of other software licenses. However, cloud computing arrangements which do not include a software license will be accounted for as a service contract. The amendments
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in ASU 2015-05 are effective in the first quarter of 2016 for Piedmont, and Piedmont does not anticipate any material impact to its consolidated financial statements as a result of adoption.
The FASB has issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-16, Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement - Prior Period Adjustments ("ASU 2015-16"), which eliminates the requirement to retrospectively account for adjustments made to provisional amounts recognized in a real estate acquisition in prior period statements. Instead, the amendments in ASU 2015-16 require the cumulative impact of any adjustment should be recognized in the reporting period in which the adjustment is identified. ASU 2015-16 will be effective for Piedmont beginning on January 1, 2016, and Piedmont does not anticipate any material impact to its consolidated financial statements as a result of adoption.
3. Acquisitions
During the year ended December 31, 2015, Piedmont acquired 100% ownership of the following properties and land parcels using proceeds from the $500 Million Unsecured 2015 Line of Credit, proceeds from the sales of other properties, and cash on hand, as noted below:
(1)
The SunTrust Center consists of a 30-story, 570,874 square foot tower, and a 7-story, 83,744 square foot building with an adjoining 1,292 space parking garage.
4. Unconsolidated Joint Ventures
Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures
As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, Piedmont owned an interest in the following unconsolidated joint venture (in thousands):
During the year ended December 31, 2013, Piedmont exercised its dissenter's right to buy out each of its co-venturers' interests in three office properties previously held through two unconsolidated joint ventures. The $0.9 million difference between the fair value of the properties acquired and the sum of Piedmont's previously recorded book value in investment in unconsolidated joint ventures plus cash consideration paid for the interests was recorded as a loss on consolidation in Piedmont's consolidated statements of income for the year ended December 31, 2013.
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5. Debt
During the year ended December 31, 2015, Piedmont entered into a $170 million unsecured term loan facility (the "$170 Million Unsecured 2015 Term Loan") with a consortium of lenders. The term of the $170 Million Unsecured 2015 Term Loan is approximately three years with a maturity date of May 15, 2018. Piedmont may prepay the loan, in whole or in part, at any time without premium or penalty. As of December 31, 2015, the stated interest rate spread over LIBOR on the $170 Million Unsecured 2015 Term Loan was 1.125%.
Additionally during the year ended December 31, 2015, Piedmont entered into a $160 million note payable secured by a mortgage against its 1901 Market Street building located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (the "$160 Million Fixed-Rate Loan"). The $160 Million Fixed-Rate Loan bears interest at 3.48% per year and matures on July 5, 2022.
Also during the year ended December 31, 2015, Piedmont replaced its existing $500 Million Unsecured Line of Credit with a new $500 million line of credit facility (the "$500 Million Unsecured 2015 Line of Credit"). The existing $500 Million Unsecured Line of Credit was scheduled to expire on August 19, 2016, and was terminated concurrently with the closing of the new facility. The term of the new $500 Million Unsecured 2015 Line of Credit is four years with a maturity date of June 18, 2019, and Piedmont may extend the term for up to one additional year (through two available six-month extensions) provided Piedmont is not then in default and upon payment of extension fees. As of December 31, 2015, the stated interest rate spread over LIBOR on the $500 Million Unsecured 2015 Line of Credit is 1.00%, down from 1.175% on the prior line of credit.
Finally, during the year ended December 31, 2015, Piedmont paid off the $50 Million Unsecured Term Loan and the $105 Million Fixed-Rate Loan secured by the US Bancorp Center. Additionally, Piedmont used net sales proceeds from the disposition of various assets throughout the year, as well as cash on hand, to make net repayments of approximately $413 million on its revolving line of credit facilities.
As of December 31, 2015, Piedmont believes it was in compliance with all financial covenants associated with its debt instruments.
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The following table summarizes the terms of Piedmont’s indebtedness outstanding as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands):
(1)
Other than the $35.0 Million Mortgage Note, all of Piedmont’s outstanding debt as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 is interest-only.
(2)
Property collateralized pool includes 1430 Enclave Parkway in Houston, Texas, Windy Point I & II in Schaumburg, Illinois, and 1055 East Colorado Boulevard in Pasadena, California.
(3)
The $125.0 Million Fixed-Rate Loan was repaid in full on January 4, 2016.
(4)
The $35 Million Mortgage Note has a contractual fixed rate of 5.55%; however, the amortization of the premium recorded in order to adjust the note to its estimated fair value, results in an effective interest rate of 3.75%.
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(5)
The $160 Million Fixed-Rate Loan has a fixed coupon rate of 3.48%; however, after consideration of the impact of settled interest rate swap agreements, the effective interest rate on this debt is 3.58%.
(6)
Weighted average is based on the contractual balance of outstanding debt and interest rates in the table as of December 31, 2015.
(7)
On a periodic basis, Piedmont may select from multiple interest rate options, including the prime rate and various-length LIBOR locks. All LIBOR selections are subject to an additional spread (1.125% as of December 31, 2015) over the selected rate based on Piedmont's current credit rating. The principal balance as of December 31, 2015 consisted of the 30-day LIBOR rate of 0.24% (subject to the additional spread mentioned above).
(8)
The $300 Million Unsecured 2013 Term Loan has a stated variable rate; however, Piedmont has entered into interest rate swap agreements which effectively fix, absent any changes to Piedmont's credit rating, the rate on this facility to 2.78%.
(9)
Piedmont may select from multiple interest rate options with each draw, including the prime rate and various-length LIBOR locks. All LIBOR selections are subject to an additional spread (1.00% as of December 31, 2015) over the selected rate based on Piedmont’s current credit rating. The outstanding balance as of December 31, 2015 consists of 30-day LIBOR draws at an average rate of 0.39% (subject to the additional spread mentioned above). Further, for the year ended December 31, 2015, Piedmont incurred net repayments of approximately $413.0 million on its outstanding line of credit.
(10)
Piedmont may extend the term for up to one additional year (through two available six month extensions to a final extended maturity date of June 18, 2020) provided Piedmont is not then in default and upon payment of extension fees.
(11)
The $300 Million Unsecured 2011 Term Loan has a stated variable rate; however, Piedmont has entered into interest rate swap agreements which effectively fix, exclusive of changes to Piedmont's credit rating, the rate on this facility to 2.39% through November 22, 2016 and to 3.35% from November 22, 2016 to January 15, 2020.
(12)
The $350 Million Senior Notes have a fixed coupon rate of 3.40%, however, as a result of the issuance of the notes at a discount, Piedmont recognizes an effective interest rate on this debt issuance of 3.45%. After consideration of the impact of settled interest rate swap agreements, in addition to the issuance discount, the effective interest rate on this debt is 3.43%.
(13)
The $400 Million Senior Notes have a fixed coupon rate of 4.45%, however, as a result of the issuance of the notes at a discount, Piedmont recognizes an effective interest rate on this debt issuance of 4.48%. After consideration of the impact of settled interest rate swap agreements, in addition to the issuance discount, the effective interest rate on this debt is 4.10%.
A summary of the aggregate maturities of Piedmont’s indebtedness as of December 31, 2015, is provided below (in thousands):
(1)
Includes the balance of the $125.0 Million Fixed-Rate Loan which was repaid in full on January 4, 2016.
(2)
Includes the balance outstanding as of December 31, 2015 of the $500 Million Unsecured 2015 Line of Credit. However, Piedmont may extend the term for up to one additional year (through two available six month extensions to a final extended maturity date of June 18, 2020) provided Piedmont is not then in default and upon payment of extension fees.
Piedmont’s weighted-average interest rate as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, for aforementioned borrowings was approximately 3.55% and 3.35%, respectively. Piedmont made interest payments on all indebtedness, including interest rate swap cash settlements of approximately $76.4 million, $72.1 million, and $69.8 million during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively.
6. Variable Interest Entities and Equity Participation Rights
Variable interest holders who have the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance and have the obligation to absorb the majority of losses of the entity or the right to receive significant benefits of the entity must consolidate the VIE. Each of the following VIEs has the sole purpose of holding land and office buildings and their resulting operations, and are classified in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets in the same manner as Piedmont’s wholly-owned properties.
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A summary of Piedmont’s interests in, and consolidation treatment of, its VIEs and their related carrying values as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 is as follows, (net carrying amount in millions):
Medici Atlanta, LLC, 400 TownPark, LLC, and Suwanee Gateway One, LLC previously had equity participation agreements outstanding; however, during the year ended December 31, 2014, the equity participation conditions for Medici Atlanta, LLC were met, and the minority interest was reclassified to mezzanine equity through a reduction to additional paid in capital. Subsequently, the redemption option contained in the equity participation agreement was exercised, and Piedmont paid $4.0 million to settle this redemption option, thereby eliminating the ongoing third party interest. Additionally, during the year ended December 31, 2015, Piedmont exercised its right to terminate the equity participation rights agreements related to 400 TownPark, LLC and Suwanee Gateway One, LLC, without payment of any consideration.
7. Derivative Instruments
Risk Management Objective of Using Derivatives
In addition to operational risks which arise in the normal course of business, Piedmont is exposed to economic risks such as interest rate, liquidity, and credit risk. In certain situations, Piedmont has entered into derivative financial instruments such as interest rate swap agreements and other similar agreements to manage interest rate risk exposure arising from current or future variable rate debt transactions. Interest rate swap agreements involve the receipt or payment of future known and uncertain cash amounts, the value of which are determined by interest rates. Piedmont’s objective in using interest rate derivatives is to add stability to interest expense and to manage its exposure to interest rate movements.
Cash Flow Hedges of Interest Rate Risk
Interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges involve the receipt of variable-rate amounts from a counterparty in exchange for Piedmont making fixed-rate payments over the life of the agreements without changing the underlying notional amount. As of December 31, 2015, Piedmont was party to various interest rate swap agreements which fully hedge the variable cash flows associated with all of its outstanding unsecured, variable-rate debt, other than the $500 Million Unsecured 2015 Line of Credit and the $170 Million Unsecured 2015 Term Loan. During the year ended December 31, 2015, Piedmont settled various forward
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starting swaps with a total notional value of $250 million in conjunction with the issuance of the $160 Million Fixed-Rate Loan (see Note 5) for a net loss totaling $1.3 million, of which approximately $0.1 million was expensed immediately upon termination. The remaining loss was recorded as accumulated other comprehensive income and is being amortized as an increase to interest expense over the seven-year term of the $160 Million Fixed-Rate Loan. Additionally, during the year ended December 31, 2015, Piedmont favorably settled four forward starting interest rate swaps with a total notional value of $250 million and recorded the net settlement value of approximately $0.1 million as an offsetting component to interest expense in the accompanying consolidated statements of income, as it is unlikely that Piedmont will issue debt within the timing prescribed by the forward starting swap agreements. This gain on settlement of swaps includes a charge for costs incurred to establish the swaps at inception. Piedmont continues to hold forward starting interest rate swap agreements related to the $300 Million Unsecured 2011 Term Loan and the maximum length of time over which Piedmont is hedging its exposure to the variability in future cash flows for forecasted transactions is 48 months.
A detail of Piedmont’s interest rate derivatives outstanding as of December 31, 2015 is as follows:
Piedmont has elected to present its interest rate derivatives on its consolidated balance sheets on a gross basis as interest rate swap assets and interest rate swap liabilities. A detail of Piedmont’s interest rate derivatives on a gross and net basis as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, is as follows (in thousands):
All of Piedmont's interest rate derivative agreements outstanding for the periods presented were designated as cash flow hedges of interest rate risk. As such, the effective portion of changes in the estimated fair value of these derivatives is recorded in other comprehensive income ("OCI") and is reclassified into earnings as interest expense in the period that the hedged forecasted transaction affects earnings. In addition, in conjunction with the issuance of various unsecured notes during the three years ended December 31, 2015, Piedmont settled various forward starting swap agreements for gains/losses which were recorded as accumulated other comprehensive income and are being amortized as an offset to interest expense over the term of the respective notes on a straight line basis (which approximates the effective interest method). Piedmont classifies cash flows from the settlement of hedging derivative instruments in the same category as the underlying exposure which is being hedged. As the settlements were the result of hedging Piedmont's exposure to interest rate changes and their effect on interest expense, they are classified as operating cash flows in the accompanying consolidated statements of cash flows.
The effective portion of Piedmont's interest rate derivatives, including the gain/(loss) on settlement of forward swaps described above, that was recorded in the accompanying consolidated statements of income for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively, was as follows (in thousands):
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Piedmont estimates that an additional $3.3 million will be reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to interest expense over the next twelve months. Piedmont recognized approximately $37,000, $0, and $0 of net gain/(loss) related to hedge ineffectiveness and terminations of its cash flow hedges during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively.
Additionally, see Note 8 for fair value disclosures of Piedmont's derivative instruments.
Credit-risk-related Contingent Features
Piedmont has agreements with its derivative counterparties that contain a provision whereby if Piedmont defaults on any of its indebtedness, including default where repayment of the indebtedness has not been accelerated by the lender, then Piedmont could also be declared in default on its derivative obligations. If Piedmont were to breach any of the contractual provisions of the derivative contracts, it would be required to settle its obligations under the agreements at their termination value of the estimated fair values plus accrued interest, or approximately $10.3 million as of December 31, 2015. Additionally, Piedmont has rights of set-off under certain of its derivative agreements related to potential termination fees and amounts payable under the agreements, if a termination were to occur.
8. Fair Value Measurements
Piedmont considers its cash and cash equivalents, tenant receivables, notes receivable, restricted cash and escrows, accounts payable and accrued expenses, interest rate swap agreements, and debt to meet the definition of financial instruments. The following table sets forth the carrying and estimated fair value for each of Piedmont’s financial instruments, as well as its level within the GAAP fair value hierarchy, as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively (in thousands):
(1)
For the periods presented, the carrying value approximates estimated fair value due to its short-term maturity.
Piedmont's debt was carried at book value as of December 31, 2015 and 2014; however, Piedmont's estimate of its estimated fair value is disclosed in the table above. Piedmont uses widely accepted valuation techniques including discounted cash flow analysis based on the contractual terms of the debt facilities, including the period to maturity of each instrument, and uses observable market-based inputs for similar debt facilities which have transacted recently in the market. Therefore, the estimated fair values determined are considered to be based on significant other observable inputs (Level 2). Scaling adjustments are made to these inputs to make them applicable to the remaining life of Piedmont's outstanding debt. Piedmont has not changed its valuation technique for estimating the fair value of its debt.
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Piedmont’s interest rate swap and forward starting interest rate swap agreements presented above, and further discussed in Note 7, are classified as “Interest rate swap” assets and liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and were carried at estimated fair value as of December 31, 2015 and 2014. The valuation of these derivative instruments was determined using widely accepted valuation techniques including discounted cash flow analysis based on the contractual terms of the derivatives, including the period to maturity of each instrument, and uses observable market-based inputs, including interest rate curves and implied volatilities. Therefore, the estimated fair values determined are considered to be based on significant other observable inputs (Level 2). In addition, Piedmont considered both its own and the respective counterparties’ risk of nonperformance in determining the estimated fair value of its derivative financial instruments by estimating the current and potential future exposure under the derivative financial instruments that both Piedmont and the counterparties were at risk for as of the valuation date. The credit risk of Piedmont and its counterparties was factored into the calculation of the estimated fair value of the interest rate swaps; however, as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, this credit valuation adjustment did not comprise a material portion of the estimated fair value. Therefore, Piedmont believes that any unobservable inputs used to determine the estimated fair values of its derivative financial instruments are not significant to the fair value measurements in their entirety, and does not consider any of its derivative financial instruments to be Level 3 assets or liabilities.
9. Impairment of Certain Real Estate Assets
In conjunction with the sale of various properties, Piedmont recorded the following impairment charges for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013 (in thousands):
(1)
Impairment loss recognized as a result of reclassifying the asset from real estate assets held-for-use (at cost) to real estate assets held for sale (at estimated fair value). The fair value measurement used in the evaluation was the contracted sales price, less estimated selling costs and is considered to be a Level 1 valuation within the GAAP fair value hierarchy.
(2)
Impairment loss recognized as a result of an “other than temporary” decline in the value of an equity method investment. The fair value measurement used to calculate the impairment loss approximated an unconsummated offer from an unrelated third-party purchaser and is considered to be a Level 3 valuation within the GAAP fair value hierarchy.
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10. Commitments and Contingencies
Commitments Under Existing Lease Agreements
Certain lease agreements include provisions that, at the option of the tenant, may obligate Piedmont to provide funding for capital improvements. Under its existing lease agreements, Piedmont may be required to fund significant tenant improvements, leasing commissions, and building improvements. In addition, certain agreements contain provisions that require Piedmont to issue corporate or property guarantees to provide funding for capital improvements or other financial obligations. Further, Piedmont classifies such tenant and building improvements into two categories: (i) improvements which incrementally enhance the building's asset value by expanding its revenue generating capacity (“incremental capital expenditures”); and (ii) improvements which maintain the building's existing asset value and its revenue generating capacity (“non-incremental capital expenditures”). As of December 31, 2015, commitments for funding potential non-incremental capital expenditures over the next five years for tenant improvements totaled approximately $40.4 million related to Piedmont's existing lease portfolio over the respective lease terms, the majority of which Piedmont estimates may be required to be funded over the next three years based on when the underlying leases commence. For most of Piedmont’s leases, the timing of the actual funding of these tenant improvements is largely dependent upon tenant requests for reimbursement. In some cases, these obligations may expire with the leases without further recourse to Piedmont.
Additionally, as of December 31, 2015, commitments for incremental capital expenditures for tenant improvements associated with new and existing leases totaled approximately $36.9 million.
Contingencies Related to Tenant Audits/Disputes
Certain lease agreements include provisions that grant tenants the right to engage independent auditors to audit their annual operating expense reconciliations. Such audits may result in the re-interpretation of language in the lease agreements which could result in the refund of previously recognized tenant reimbursement revenues, resulting in financial loss to Piedmont. Piedmont recorded reductions in reimbursement revenues related to such tenant audits/disputes of approximately $0.4 million, $0.6 million and $1.2 million during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively.
Letters of Credit
As of December 31, 2015, Piedmont was subject to a letter of credit of approximately $0.4 million, which reduced the total outstanding capacity under its $500 Million Unsecured 2015 Line of Credit. However, this letter of credit agreement expired on January 7, 2016.
Operating Lease Obligations
As of December 31, 2015, the 2001 NW 64th Street building in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida was subject to a ground lease with an expiration date in 2048. The aggregate payment required under the terms of this operating lease as of December 31, 2015 are presented below (in thousands):
Ground rent expense was approximately $0.2 million, $0.5 million, and $0.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively, and is included in property operating costs in the accompanying consolidated statements of income. The net book value of the real estate assets of the related office buildings subject to operating ground leases was approximately $5.0 million and $20.6 million as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Ground rent expense for 2015 and 2014, as well as the net book value of the real estate assets of the related office buildings subject to operating ground leases for 2014 includes the River Corporate Center building located in Tempe, Arizona, which was sold in April 2015. Additionally, ground rent expense for 2013 includes the 8700 South Price Road building located in Tempe, Arizona, which was subject to a ground lease, and was sold in December 2013.
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Litigation
Piedmont is from time to time a party to legal proceedings, which arise in the ordinary course of its business. None of these ordinary course legal proceedings are reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on results of operations or financial condition. Piedmont is not aware of any such legal proceedings contemplated by governmental authorities.
11. Stock Based Compensation
Deferred Stock Awards
From time to time, Piedmont has granted equity awards to all of its employees. The deferred stock awards are determined by the Compensation Committee of the board of directors of Piedmont and typically vest on the award anniversary date ratably over a multi-year period. Piedmont also has a multi-year performance share program for certain of its employees whereby equity awards may be earned based on the relative performance of Piedmont's total stockholder return ("TSR") as compared with a predetermined peer group's total stockholder return over the same multi-year period. Shares are not awarded until after the end of the multi-year performance period and vest upon award.
A rollforward of Piedmont's deferred stock award activity for the year ended December 31, 2015 is as follows:
The following table provides additional information regarding stock award activity during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013 (in thousands except for per share data):
(1)
Amounts reflect the issuance of performance share awards during the period.
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A detail of Piedmont’s outstanding employee deferred stock awards as of December 31, 2015 is as follows:
(1)
Amounts reflect the total grant to employees, net of shares surrendered upon vesting to satisfy required minimum tax withholding obligations through December 31, 2015.
(2)
Estimated based on Piedmont's cumulative TSR for the respective performance period through December 31, 2015. Share estimates are subject to change in future periods based on both Piedmont's and its peers' stock performance and dividends paid.
During the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, Piedmont recognized approximately $8.9 million, $5.3 million and $3.1 million of compensation expense related to stock awards, of which approximately $7.0 million, $3.8 million and $2.0 million, related to the amortization of nonvested shares, respectively. During the year ended December 31, 2015, a total of 167,822 shares were issued to employees, directors and officers. As of December 31, 2015, approximately $3.4 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested, annual deferred stock awards remained, which Piedmont will record in its statements of income over a weighted-average vesting period of approximately one year.
12. Earnings Per Share
There are no adjustments to “Net income attributable to Piedmont” or “Income from continuing operations” for the diluted earnings per share computations. Adjustments to the carrying amount of non-controlling interest as a result of the measurement of a redeemable equity participation do not impact net income or comprehensive income; rather such adjustments are treated as the repurchase of a non-controlling interest.
Net income per share-basic is calculated as net income available to common stockholders divided by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Net income per share-diluted is calculated as net income available to common stockholders divided by the diluted weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period, including unvested deferred stock awards. Diluted weighted average number of common shares reflects the potential dilution under the treasury stock method that would occur if the remaining unvested deferred stock awards vested and resulted in additional common shares
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outstanding. Certain unvested deferred stock awards are not included in the calculation because they would be anti-dilutive and have no effect for the periods presented.
The following table reconciles the denominator for the basic and diluted earnings per share computations shown on the consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, as well as common stock issued and outstanding as of the end of the respective periods (in thousands):
13. Operating Leases
Piedmont’s real estate assets are leased to tenants under operating leases for which the terms vary, including certain provisions to extend the lease term, options for early terminations subject to specified penalties, and other terms and conditions as negotiated. Piedmont retains substantially all of the risks and benefits of ownership of the real estate assets leased to tenants. Amounts required as security deposits vary depending upon the terms of the respective leases and the creditworthiness of the tenant; however, generally they are not significant. Exposure to credit risk is limited to the extent that tenant receivables exceed this amount. Security deposits related to tenant leases are included in accounts payable and accrued expenses in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
As of December 31, 2015, slightly under 80% of our ALR (unaudited) was generated from select office sub-markets in the following cities: Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Minneapolis, New York, and Washington, D.C. Furthermore, approximately 8.4% of Piedmont's Annualized Lease Revenue (unaudited) is generated from federal governmental agencies.
The future minimum rental income from Piedmont’s investment in real estate assets under non-cancelable operating leases, excluding unconsolidated joint ventures, as of December 31, 2015, is presented below (in thousands):
14. Property Dispositions, Assets Held for Sale, and Discontinued Operations
Property Dispositions
Since the adoption of ASU 2014-08 on April 1, 2014, none of Piedmont's property dispositions met the criteria to be reported as discontinued operations. The operational results for properties sold since April 1, 2014 for periods prior to their sale date are presented as continuing operations in the accompanying consolidated statements of income, and the gain on sale is presented separately in the consolidated statements of income unless otherwise indicated below. Details of such properties sold are presented below (in thousands):
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(1)
Property was owned as part of the unconsolidated joint venture, Fund XIII and REIT Joint Venture. As such, the loss on sale was presented as equity in income/(loss) of unconsolidated joint ventures.
(2)
As part of the transaction, Piedmont accepted a 8.45% interest bearing, secured promissory note from the buyer for the remaining $45.4 million owed on the sale. During the year ended December 31, 2015, the purchaser exercised the first of two, six month extension options, extending the maturity date of the note receivable to June 30, 2016.
Assets Held for Sale
As of December 31, 2015, Piedmont does not have any assets which meet the criteria to be classified as held for sale. For comparative purposes, properties that met the criteria to be presented as held for sale as of March 31, 2015, June 30, 2015, or September 30, 2015 have been re-classified as held for sale as of December 31, 2014. Those properties included the 3900 Dallas Parkway building (sold on January 30, 2015), the Eastpoint I & II buildings (sold on July 28, 2015), the 3750 Brookside Parkway building in Alpharetta, Georgia (sold on August 10, 2015), and the Aon Center building in Chicago, Illinois (sold on October 29, 2015). Details of amounts held for sale as of December 31, 2014 are presented below (in thousands):
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Discontinued Operations
Asset disposals previously classified as, and that continue to be reported as, discontinued operations for the years ended December 31, 2014, and 2013 are as follows (in thousands):
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Details comprising income from discontinued operations are presented below (in thousands):
15. Supplemental Disclosures of Noncash Activities
Certain noncash investing and financing activities for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013 (in thousands) are outlined below:
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16. Income Taxes
Piedmont’s income tax basis net income for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, is calculated as follows (in thousands):
For income tax purposes, dividends to common stockholders are characterized as ordinary income, capital gains, or as a return of a stockholder’s invested capital. The composition of Piedmont’s distributions per common share is presented below:
At December 31, 2015 and 2014, the tax basis carrying value of Piedmont’s total assets was approximately $4.2 billion and $4.6 billion, respectively.
Accrued interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions are included in accounts payable, accrued expenses, and accrued capital expenditures in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and the tax liability recorded, including the interest and penalties, was approximately $3.8 million as of December 31, 2015 and 2014. Piedmont recorded no additional expense during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively, related to such positions; however, Piedmont did reduce its potential liability and related indemnity receivable by approximately $2.9 million during the year ended December 31, 2014. The tax years 2012 to 2015 remain open to examination by various federal and state taxing authorities.
17. Quarterly Results (unaudited)
A summary of the unaudited quarterly financial information for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, is presented below (in thousands, except per-share data):
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18. Guarantor and Non-Guarantor Financial Information
The following condensed consolidating financial information for Piedmont Operating Partnership, L.P. (the "Issuer"), Piedmont Office Realty Trust, Inc. (the "Guarantor"), and the other directly and indirectly owned subsidiaries of the Guarantor (the "Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries") is provided pursuant to the requirements of Rule 3-10 of Regulation S-X regarding financial statements of guarantors and issuers of guaranteed registered securities. The Issuer is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Guarantor, and all guarantees by the Guarantor of securities issued by the Issuer are full and unconditional. The principal elimination entries relate to investments in subsidiaries and intercompany balances and transactions, including transactions with the Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries.
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19. Subsequent events
Declaration of Dividend for the First Quarter 2016
On February 4, 2016, the board of directors of Piedmont declared dividends for the first quarter 2016 in the amount of $0.21 per share on its common stock to stockholders of record as of the close of business on February 26, 2016. Such dividends are to be paid on March 18, 2016.
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Piedmont Office Realty Trust, Inc.
Schedule III - Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation
December 31, 2015
(dollars in thousands)
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(a)
Total initial cost excludes purchase price allocated to intangible lease origination costs and intangible lease liabilities.
(b)
Includes write-offs of fully depreciated/amortized capitalized assets.
(c)
The net carrying value of Piedmont’s total assets for federal income tax purposes is approximately $4.2 billion.
(d)
Piedmont’s assets are depreciated or amortized using the straight-lined method over the useful lives of the assets by class. Generally, Tenant Improvements and Lease Intangibles are amortized over the lease term. Generally, Building Improvements are depreciated over 5 - 25 years, Land Improvements are depreciated over 20 - 25 years, and Buildings are depreciated over 40 years.
(e)
This property was encumbered by a portion of the outstanding balance of the $125.0 Million Fixed-Rate Loan as of December 31, 2015; however, Piedmont repaid the $125.0 Million Fixed-Rate Loan in full on January 4, 2016.
(f)
Property is owned subject to a long-term ground lease.
(g)
Piedmont purchased all of the membership interest in 1225 Equity, LLC, which own a 49.5% membership interest in 1225 Eye Street, N.W. Associates, LLC, which owns the 1225 Eye Street building. As a result of its ownership of 1225 Equity, LLC, Piedmont owns an approximate 49.5% in the 1225 Eye Street building. As the controlling member, Piedmont is deemed to have control of the entities and, as such, consolidates the joint ventures.
(h)
Piedmont purchased all of the membership interest in 1201 Equity, LLC, which own a 49.5% membership interest in 1201 Eye Street, N.W. Associates, LLC, which owns the 1201 Eye Street building. As a result of its ownership of 1201 Equity, LLC, Piedmont owns an approximate 49.5% in the 1201 Eye Street building. As the controlling member, Piedmont is deemed to have control of the entities and, as such, consolidates the joint ventures.
(i)
Represents solar panels at the 400 Bridgewater Crossing building.
(j)
Undeveloped Land Parcels includes land parcels which Piedmont may develop in the future, as well as the initial development costs of the 500 TownPark building.
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Piedmont Office Realty Trust, Inc.
Schedule III - Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation
December 31, 2015
(dollars in thousands)
(1)
Consists of write-offs of intangible lease assets related to lease restructurings, amendments and terminations.
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