Attached files

file filename
EX-31.1 - CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 - Piedmont Office Realty Trust, Inc.dex311.htm
EX-21.1 - LIST OF SUBSIDIARIES OF THE COMPANY - Piedmont Office Realty Trust, Inc.dex211.htm
EX-31.2 - CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 - Piedmont Office Realty Trust, Inc.dex312.htm
EX-32.2 - CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 - Piedmont Office Realty Trust, Inc.dex322.htm
EX-32.1 - CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 - Piedmont Office Realty Trust, Inc.dex321.htm
EX-14.1 - CODE OF BUSINESS CONDUCT AND ETHICS OF THE COMPANY - Piedmont Office Realty Trust, Inc.dex141.htm
EX-23.1 - CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP - Piedmont Office Realty Trust, Inc.dex231.htm
Index to Financial Statements

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

 

FORM 10-K

 

 

 

(Mark One)

  x   Annual report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010

 

or

 

  ¨   Transition report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

For the transition period from to                                  to                                 

 

Commission file number 001-34626

 

 

 

PIEDMONT OFFICE REALTY TRUST, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Maryland   58-2328421
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)   (I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)

11695 Johns Creek Parkway Ste. 350, Johns Creek,

Georgia

  30097
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)

 

(770) 418-8800

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code

 

 

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12 (b) of the Act:

 

Title of each class

 

Name of exchange on which registered

CLASS A COMMON STOCK   NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12 (g) of the Act:

None

(Title of Class)

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.

    Yes  x    No  ¨

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.

    Yes  ¨    No  x

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

    Yes  x    No  ¨

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).

    Yes  ¨    No  ¨

 

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.  ¨

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).

 

        Large accelerated filer  x        Accelerated filer  ¨        Non-accelerated filer  ¨        Smaller reporting company  ¨

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

    Yes  ¨    No  x

 

As of June 30, 2010, the aggregate market value of the Class A common stock of Piedmont Office Realty Trust, Inc., held by non-affiliates was $1,000,345,026 based on the closing price as reported on the New York Stock Exchange. As of February 23, 2011, 172,658,488 shares of Class A common stock were outstanding.

 

Documents Incorporated by Reference:

 

Registrant incorporates by reference portions of the Piedmont Office Realty Trust, Inc. Definitive Proxy Statement for the 2011 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (Items 10, 11, 12, 13, and 14 of Part III) to be filed no later than May 2, 2011.

 

 

 


Index to Financial Statements

Certain statements contained in this Form 10-K and other written or oral statements made by or on behalf of Piedmont Office Realty Trust, Inc. (“Piedmont”) may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. In addition, Piedmont, or its executive officers on Piedmont’s behalf, may from time to time make forward-looking statements in reports and other documents Piedmont files with the Securities and Exchange Commission or in connection with oral statements made to the press, potential investors, or others. Statements regarding future events and developments and Piedmont’s future performance, as well as management’s expectations, beliefs, plans, estimates, or projections relating to the future, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of these laws. Forward-looking statements include statements preceded by, followed by, or that include the words “may,” “will,” “expect,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “believe,” “continue,” or other similar words. Examples of such statements in this report include descriptions of our real estate, financing, and operating objectives; discussions regarding future dividends; and discussions regarding the potential impact of economic conditions on our portfolio.

 

These statements are based on beliefs and assumptions of Piedmont’s management, which in turn are based on currently available information. Important assumptions relating to the forward-looking statements include, among others, assumptions regarding the demand for office space in the sectors in which Piedmont operates, competitive conditions, and general economic conditions. These assumptions could prove inaccurate. The forward-looking statements also involve risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. Many of these factors are beyond Piedmont’s ability to control or predict. Such factors include, but are not limited to, the following:

 

   

The success of our real estate strategies and investment objectives, including our ability to identify and consummate suitable acquisitions;

 

   

If current market and economic conditions do not improve, our business, results of operations, cash flows, financial condition, real estate and other asset values, and access to capital may be adversely affected or otherwise impact performance, including the potential recognition of impairment charges;

 

   

Lease terminations or lease defaults, particularly by one of our large lead tenants;

 

   

The impact of competition on our efforts to renew existing leases or re-let space on terms similar to existing leases;

 

   

Changes in the economies and other conditions of the office market in general and of the specific markets in which we operate, particularly in Chicago, Washington, D.C., and the New York metropolitan area;

 

   

Economic and regulatory changes, including accounting standards, that impact the real estate market generally;

 

   

Additional risks and costs associated with directly managing properties occupied by government tenants;

 

   

Adverse market and economic conditions may continue to adversely affect us and could cause us to recognize impairment charges or otherwise impact our performance;

 

   

Availability of financing and our lending banks’ ability to honor existing line of credit commitments;

 

   

Costs of complying with governmental laws and regulations;

 

   

Uncertainties associated with environmental and other regulatory matters;

 

   

Piedmont’s ability to continue to qualify as a REIT under the Internal Revenue Code (the “Code”); and

 

   

Other factors, including the risk factors discussed under Item 1A. of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

Management believes these forward-looking statements are reasonable; however, undue reliance should not be placed on any forward-looking statements, which are based on current expectations. Further, forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and management undertakes no obligation to update publicly any of them in light of new information or future events.

 

1


Index to Financial Statements

PART I

 

ITEM 1. BUSINESS

 

General

 

Piedmont Office Realty Trust, Inc. (“Piedmont”) 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 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 on June 5, 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 is the sole general partner of Piedmont OP and possesses full legal control and authority over the operations 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.

 

On February 10, 2010, we listed our Class A common stock on the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”). Furthermore, we completed our most recent public offering (our first publicly listed offering), which closed on February 16, 2010. In preparation for our listing of our common stock on the NYSE, we filed an amendment to our charter to effect a stockholder-approved recapitalization of our common stock (the “Recapitalization”) on January 22, 2010. Pursuant to the Recapitalization, each share of our outstanding common stock was converted automatically into:

 

   

1/12th of a share of our Class A common stock; plus

 

   

1/12th of a share of our Class B-1 common stock; plus

 

   

1/12th of a share of our Class B-2 common stock; plus

 

   

1/12th of a share of our Class B-3 common stock.

 

All of our Class B common stock is identical to our Class A common stock except that (i) we do not intend to list our Class B common stock on a national securities exchange and (ii) shares of our Class B common stock will convert automatically on a one-for-one basis into shares of our Class A common stock on specified dates. Each share of our Class B common stock converted automatically into one share of our Class A common stock on the following schedule:

 

   

August 9, 2010, in the case of our Class B-1 common stock;

 

   

November 7, 2010, in the case of our Class B-2 common stock; and

 

   

January 30, 2011, in the case of our Class B-3 common stock.

 

The Recapitalization also had the effect of reducing the total number of outstanding shares of our common stock. The Recapitalization was effected on a pro rata basis with respect to all of our stockholders. Accordingly, it did not affect any stockholder’s proportionate ownership of our outstanding shares except for any changes resulting from the payment of cash in lieu of fractional shares.

 

Our portfolio consists primarily of high-grade office buildings leased to large government and corporate tenants. As of December 31, 2010, approximately 82.3% of our Annualized Lease Revenue (see following definition) was derived from our office properties in the ten largest U.S. Office markets based on rentable square footage, including premier office markets like Chicago, Washington, D.C., the New York metropolitan area, Boston and greater Los Angeles. Further, the vast majority of properties we currently own are commercial office buildings; however, our charter does not limit us to such investments.

 

2


Index to Financial Statements

“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 have been executed, but excluding rental abatements and 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 one, two, or four, 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 plus any operating expense reimbursements for the initial month of the lease term, by (ii) 12. Unless stated otherwise, ALR excludes our two industrial properties and seven unconsolidated joint venture interests.

 

Employees

 

As of December 31, 2010, we had 110 full-time employees, with 51 of our employees working in our corporate office in Johns Creek, Georgia. Our remaining employees work in property management offices located in Atlanta, Georgia; Boston, Massachusetts; Minneapolis, Minnesota; Washington, D.C.; Tampa, Florida; Irving, Texas; Chicago, Illinois; Detroit, Michigan; and the area surrounding Los Angeles, California. These employees are involved in managing our real estate and servicing our tenants.

 

Competition

 

We compete for tenants for our high-quality assets in major U.S. markets by fostering strong tenant relationships and by providing efficient customer service including, 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 concessions, incur charges for tenant improvements and other inducements, or we may not be able to lease vacant space timely, all of which would adversely impact our results of operations. We compete with other buyers who are interested in properties we elect to acquire, which may result in an increase in the amount that we pay for such properties or may result in us ultimately not being able to acquire such properties. We also compete with sellers of similar properties when we sell properties, which may result in our receiving lower proceeds from the disposal, or which may result in our not being able 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 industry 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, 2010, no individual tenant, other than multiple leases which collectively represent various departments of the federal government, represents more than 10% of our future rental income under non-cancelable leases or 10% of our current year rental revenues. Apart from general uncertainty related to current, adverse economic conditions, we are not aware of any reason that our current tenants will not be able to pay their contractual rental amounts, in all material respects, as they become due. If certain situations prevent our tenants from paying contractual rents, this could result in a material adverse impact on our results of operations.

 

Other Matters

 

Piedmont has contracts with various governmental agencies, exclusively in the form of operating leases in buildings we own. See Item 1A. “Risk Factors” for further discussion of the risks associated with these contracts.

 

3


Index to Financial Statements

Additionally, as the owner of real estate assets, we are subject to environmental risks. See Item 1A. “Risk Factors” for further discussion of the risks associated with environmental concerns.

 

Web Site Address

 

Access to copies of each of our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, proxy statements, and other filings with the SEC, including any amendments to such filings, may be obtained free of charge from the following Web site, http://www.piedmontreit.com, or directly from the SEC’s Web site at http://www.sec.gov. These filings are available promptly after we file them with, or furnish them to, the SEC.

 

Item 1A.

 

Risks Related to Our Business and Operations

 

If current market and economic conditions do not improve, our business, results of operations, cash flows, financial condition and access to capital may be adversely affected.

 

Market and economic conditions remain challenging, with tight credit conditions and widespread unemployment. Continuing concerns about the systemic impact of inflation, higher taxes, rising interest rates and the high unemployment rate continue to plague the U.S. and global economies. The demand for office space, rental rates and property values may continue to lag the general economic recovery as these statistics are more dependent on job growth which is generally one of the last economic indicators to recover.

 

Continuing concern about the stability of the markets generally and the strength of counterparties specifically has led many lenders and institutional investors to reduce, and in some cases, cease to provide funding to borrowers. Such actions may adversely affect our liquidity and financial condition, and the liquidity and financial condition of our tenants. If these market and economic conditions do not improve, they may limit our ability, and the ability of our tenants, to fully replace or renew maturing liabilities on a timely basis or access the capital markets to meet liquidity and capital expenditure requirements and may result in adverse effects on our, and our tenants’, financial condition and results of operations. As a result of these conditions, the cost and availability of credit, as well as suitable acquisition and disposition opportunities and capitalization rates for sellers, may continue to be adversely affected. Particularly over the past two years, the general economic conditions have contributed to lease terminations and asset impairment charges among other effects on our business.

 

In order to maintain our REIT status for U.S. federal income tax purposes, we must distribute at least 90% of our adjusted REIT taxable income to our stockholders annually, which makes us dependent upon external sources of capital. One of our primary sources of capital is access to funds under our revolving credit facility. Our access to these funds depends on the ability of the lenders that are parties to such facility to meet their funding commitments to us. Continuing long-term disruptions in the global economy and the continuation of tighter credit conditions among, and potential failures of, third-party financial institutions as a result of such disruptions may have an adverse effect on the ability of our lenders to meet their funding obligations. As a result, if one or more of the lenders fails to perform their respective funding obligations under our loans and our other lenders are not able or willing to assume such commitment, we may not have access to the full amounts that otherwise would be available to us under such loans. Further, our ability to obtain new financing or refinance existing debt could be impacted by such conditions. If our lenders are not able to meet their funding commitments to us, our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition could be adversely affected. Both our $250 Million Unsecured Term Loan and our $500 Million Unsecured Facility are currently scheduled to mature in 2011. Although we currently intend to exercise our option to extend our $500 Million Unsecured Facility by one year, our ability to do so is contingent upon us not being in default under the terms of the loan and payment of a 15 basis point extension fee. In addition, we currently anticipate repaying the $250 Million Unsecured Term Loan with proceeds from our $500 Million Unsecured Facility, thereby significantly reducing the availability under the $500 Million Unsecured Facility.

 

4


Index to Financial Statements

If we do not have sufficient cash flow to continue operating our business and are unable to borrow additional funds or are unable to access our existing line of credit, we may need to find alternative ways to increase our liquidity. Such alternatives may include, without limitation, curtailing acquisitions and potential development activity, decreasing our distribution levels, disposing of one or more of our properties possibly on disadvantageous terms, or entering into or renewing leases on less favorable terms than we otherwise would.

 

Our 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 expansion through the acquisition of primarily high-quality office properties. 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 or the purchase price may be significantly elevated.

 

In light of current market conditions and depressed real estate values, owners of large office properties in many markets remain hesitant to sell their properties, resulting in fewer opportunities to acquire properties compatible with our growth strategy. Of the limited number of desirable properties that we are seeing come to market, we are either facing significant competition to acquire stabilized properties, or having to accept lease-up risk associated with properties that have lower occupancy. As market conditions and real estate values recover, more properties may become available for acquisition, but we can provide no assurances that such properties will meet our investment standards or that we will be successful in acquiring such properties. Although conditions in the credit markets have improved over the past year, the ability of buyers to utilize higher levels of leverage to finance property acquisitions has been, and remains, somewhat limited . If we are unable to acquire sufficient debt financing at suitable rates or at all, we may be unable to acquire as many additional properties as we anticipate.

 

Any of the above risks 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.

 

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. For example, the current economic conditions may have already adversely affected or may in the future adversely affect one or more of our tenants. 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, such as mortgage payments, real estate taxes and insurance and maintenance costs, are generally fixed and do not decrease when revenues at the related property decrease.

 

5


Index to Financial Statements

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, 2010, our most substantial non-governmental lead tenants, based on Annualized Lease Revenue, were BP Corporation (approximately 5.6%), U.S. Bancorp (approximately 5.1%), and the Leo Burnett Company (approximately 4.6%). As lead tenants, the revenues generated by the properties these 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.

 

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.

 

Leases representing approximately 45.9% of our Annualized Lease Revenue at our properties are scheduled to expire by the end of 2014, assuming no exercise of early termination rights. Because we compete with a number of other developers, owners, and operators of office and office-oriented, mixed-use properties, we may be unable to renew leases with our existing tenants and, if our current tenants do not renew their leases, we may be unable to re-let the space to new tenants. Furthermore, 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, the economic turmoil of the last several years has led to foreclosures and sales of foreclosed properties at depressed values, and we may have difficulty competing with competitors who have purchased properties in the foreclosure process, because their lower cost basis in their properties may allow them to offer space at reduced rental rates.

 

If our competitors offer space 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 materially adversely affected.

 

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 as to 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 some 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, 2010, approximately 14.0% of our Annualized Lease Revenue was comprised of leases that provided tenants with early termination rights (including partial terminations and terminations of whole leases). 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.

 

6


Index to Financial Statements

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 Chicago, the New York metropolitan area and Washington, D.C., where we have high concentrations of office properties.

 

Because our portfolio consists primarily 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 Chicago, Washington, D.C. and the New York metropolitan area account for approximately 26.3%, 20.9%, and 15.6%, respectively, of our Annualized Lease Revenue. As a result, we are particularly susceptible to adverse market conditions in these particular areas, including the current economic conditions, the reduction in demand for office properties, industry slowdowns, 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 business climate, could adversely affect our rental revenues and operating results.

 

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 pay 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:

 

   

changes in the national, regional, and local economic climate, particularly in markets in which we have a concentration of properties;

 

   

local office market conditions such as changes in the supply of, or demand for, space in properties similar to those that we own within a particular area;

 

   

changes in the patterns of office use due to technological advances which may make telecommuting more prevalent;

 

   

the attractiveness of our properties to potential tenants;

 

   

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;

 

   

the financial stability of our tenants, including bankruptcies, financial difficulties, or lease defaults by our tenants;

 

   

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;

 

   

the need to periodically fund the costs to repair, renovate, and re-let space;

 

   

earthquakes, tornadoes, hurricanes and other natural disasters, civil unrest, terrorist acts or acts of war, which may result in uninsured or underinsured losses;

 

   

changes in, or increased costs of compliance with, governmental regulations, including those governing usage, zoning, the environment, and taxes; and

 

   

changes in accounting standards.

 

7


Index to Financial Statements

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 realizing growth or maintaining the value of our real estate properties.

 

We may face additional risks and costs associated with directly managing properties occupied by government tenants.

 

We currently own ten properties in which some or all of the tenants 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 us.

 

Adverse market and economic conditions may continue to adversely affect us and could cause us to recognize impairment charges on tangible real estate 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 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 subjectivity of assumptions used in the future cash flow analysis, including discount rates, could result in an incorrect assessment of the property’s 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.

 

Ongoing adverse market and economic conditions and market volatility will likely continue to make it difficult to value the real estate assets owned by us as well as the value of our interests in unconsolidated joint ventures and/or our goodwill and other intangible assets. As a result of current adverse market and economic conditions, there may be significant uncertainty in the valuation, or in the stability of, the cash flows, discount rates and other factors related to such assets that could result in a substantial decrease in their value. We may be required to recognize additional asset impairment charges in the future, which could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

8


Index to Financial Statements

We may be required to recognize non-cash losses associated with our potential foreclosure on the security interest related to our notes receivable.

 

We are currently the lender on two notes receivable, both of which are secured by a pledge of the equity interest of the entity owning a 46-story, Class A, commercial office building located in downtown Chicago (the “500 W. Monroe Building”).

 

The 500 W. Monroe Building is encumbered by a first mortgage (the “Mortgage Loan”) and four different mezzanine loans (the “Mezzanine Loans”) held by different lenders. Within the first Mezzanine Loan and the third Mezzanine Loan, there is also a senior and a junior tranche of mezzanine debt. We hold the junior tranche in the first Mezzanine Loan and the entire second Mezzanine Loan. The owner of the 500 W. Monroe Building defaulted on the most junior mezzanine loan in February 2009 and has been operating pursuant to a forbearance agreement with that lender. As of August 9, 2010, all of the loans (Mortgage and Mezzanine, including our two mezzanine loan investments) had matured. We subsequently exercised our right to extend the Mortgage Loan and first priority Mezzanine Loan and issued a notice announcing that a UCC foreclosure sale would be conducted on September 14, 2010 wherein our collateral for our second Mezzanine Loan (the pledge of the equity interest in the borrower under the first Mezzanine Loan) would be auctioned. The owner of the building initiated legal action to prevent the foreclosure auction from taking place and on September 8, 2010, after being denied a restraining order by the New York State Supreme Court, appealed that decision to the Appellate Division in New York, where the appellate court issued a stay order delaying the foreclosure auction pending the adjudication of the borrower’s appeal. On January 13, 2011, the Appellate Division unanimously affirmed the New York Supreme Court’s denial of the owner’s attempt to obtain an injunction enjoining Piedmont from foreclosing on its security interest. On January 18, 2011, the owner filed a motion seeking leave to appeal that ruling, and the matter is still pending resolution in court.

 

If we are ultimately successful in foreclosing on the equity interest, we will record the fair value of the building, mortgage and surviving mezzanine debt and the related interest rate caps in our consolidated financial statements. In addition, we will be required to write-off the current recorded value of the notes as we would then be both borrower and lender of the notes. Any difference between the fair values of the assets and liabilities recorded would result in non-cash income or expense. In the event that foreclosure becomes probable, we will assess the valuation of the receivables based on our assessment of the fair value of the collateral at that time. There may also be significant delays and costs associated with the process of foreclosing on the collateral.

 

We have invested, and in the future may invest, in mezzanine debt, which is subject to increased risk of loss relative to senior mortgage loans.

 

We have invested, and in the future 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.

 

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Index to Financial Statements

Adverse market and economic conditions may continue to adversely affect us and 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 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 an entity’s stock price below carrying value of the entity. 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.

 

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 and our ability 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:

 

   

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;

 

   

we may not achieve expected cost savings and operating efficiencies;

 

   

we may be unable to quickly and efficiently integrate new acquisitions, particularly acquisitions of portfolios of properties, into our existing operations;

 

   

management attention may be diverted to the integration of acquired properties, which in some cases may turn out to be less compatible with our growth strategy than originally anticipated;

 

   

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;

 

   

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

 

   

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, 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.

 

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, Laura P. Moon, Raymond L. Owens, and Carroll A. Reddic, each of whom would be difficult to replace. Although we have entered into employment agreements with these key members of our executive management team, we cannot provide any assurance that any of them will remain employed by us. 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

 

10


Index to Financial Statements

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.

 

Acquired properties may be located in new markets, where we may face risks associated with investing in an unfamiliar market.

 

When we 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.

 

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. Current conditions in the U.S. economy and credit markets have made it difficult to sell properties at attractive prices. 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.

 

In addition, the Code imposes restrictions on a REIT’s ability to dispose of properties that are not applicable to other types of real estate companies. In particular, the tax laws applicable to REITs require that we hold our properties for investment, rather than primarily for sale in the ordinary course of business, which may cause us to forego or defer sales of properties that otherwise would be in our best interest. Therefore, we may not be able to vary our portfolio promptly in response to economic or other conditions or on favorable terms, which may adversely affect our cash flows, our ability to pay distributions to stockholders, and the market price of our common stock.

 

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 Chicago, Washington, D.C., the New York metropolitan area, 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.

 

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Index to Financial Statements

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, 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 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 enactment of the Terrorism Risk Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2007, 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 have begun to 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 properties located in Southern California, an area especially susceptible to earthquakes. Collectively, these properties represent approximately 5.1% of our Annualized Lease Revenue. 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, 2010, we owned interests in ten properties representing approximately 1.8 million rentable square feet through joint ventures. In the future we may enter into strategic joint ventures with institutional

 

12


Index to Financial Statements

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:

 

   

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;

 

   

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;

 

   

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;

 

   

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;

 

   

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;

 

   

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;

 

   

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;

 

   

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

 

   

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

 

13


Index to Financial Statements

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 or are adjacent to or near other properties upon which others, including former owners or tenants of our properties, have engaged, or may in the future engage, in activities that may release 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.

 

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Index to Financial Statements

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 are and may continue to be subject to litigation, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition.

 

We currently are, and are likely to continue to be, subject to litigation, including claims relating to our operations, offerings, and otherwise in the ordinary course of business. Some of these claims may result in significant defense costs and potentially significant judgments against us, some of which are not, or cannot be, insured against. We generally intend to vigorously defend ourselves; however, we cannot be certain of the ultimate outcomes of currently asserted claims or of those that arise in the future. Resolution of these types of matters against us may result in our having to pay significant fines, judgments, or settlements, which, if uninsured, or if the fines, judgments, and settlements exceed insured levels, would adversely impact our earnings and cash flows, thereby impacting our ability to service debt and make quarterly distributions to our stockholders. Certain litigation or the resolution of certain litigation may affect 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.

 

We are subject to stockholder litigation against certain of our present and former directors and officers, which could exceed the coverage of our current directors’ and officers’ insurance.

 

We, and various of our present and former directors and officers, are involved in litigation described in “Item 3.—Legal Proceedings.” We believe that the allegations contained in these complaints are without merit and will continue to vigorously defend these actions; however, due to the uncertainties inherent in the litigation process, it is not possible to predict the ultimate outcome of these matters and, as with any litigation, the risk of financial loss does exist. We have and may continue to incur significant defense costs associated with defending these claims.

 

Although we retain director and officer liability insurance, such insurance does not fully cover ongoing defense costs and there can be no assurance that it would fully cover any potential judgments against us. A successful stockholder claim in excess of our insurance coverage could adversely impact our results of operations and cash flows, impair our ability to obtain new director and officer liability insurance on favorable terms, and/or adversely impact our ability to attract directors and officers.

 

If we are unable to satisfy the regulatory requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, or 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

 

15


Index to Financial Statements

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.

 

Our operating results may suffer because of potential development and construction delays and resultant increased costs and risks.

 

In the future, we may acquire and develop properties, including unimproved real properties, upon which we will construct improvements. We may be subject to uncertainties associated with re-zoning for development, 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. 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. 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.

 

From time to time we may engage in development activities to the extent attractive development projects become available. If we engage in development activities, we will be 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:

 

   

development projects in which we have invested may be abandoned and the related investment will be impaired;

 

   

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;

 

   

we may not be able to obtain land on which to develop;

 

16


Index to Financial Statements
   

we may not be able to obtain financing for development projects, or obtain financing on favorable terms;

 

   

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 contract 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);

 

   

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

 

   

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.

 

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:

 

   

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;

 

   

issue additional shares of stock without obtaining stockholder approval, which could dilute the ownership of our then-current stockholders;

 

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Index to Financial Statements
   

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;

 

   

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;

 

   

employ and compensate affiliates;

 

   

direct our resources toward investments that do not ultimately appreciate over time;

 

   

change creditworthiness standards with respect to our tenants;

 

   

change our investment or borrowing policies;

 

   

determine that it is no longer in our best interest to attempt to qualify, or to continue to qualify, as a REIT; and

 

   

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:

 

   

“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

 

   

“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

 

18


Index to Financial Statements
 

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.

 

19


Index to Financial Statements

Risks Related to Our Common Stock

 

Our distributions to stockholders may change.

 

During the year ended December 31, 2010 we paid quarterly cash distributions that totaled $1.26 per share. Future distributions will be authorized and determined by our board of directors in its sole discretion from time to time and will depend upon a number of factors, including:

 

   

cash available for distribution;

 

   

our results of operations;

 

   

our financial condition, especially in relation to our anticipated future capital needs of our properties;

 

   

the level of reserves we establish for future capital expenditures;

 

   

the distribution requirements for REITs under the Code;

 

   

the level of distributions paid by comparable listed REITs;

 

   

our operating expenses; and

 

   

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:

 

   

actual or anticipated variations in our quarterly operating results;

 

   

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;

 

   

future sales of substantial amounts of our common stock by our existing or future stockholders;

 

   

increases in market interest rates, which may lead purchasers of our stock to demand a higher yield;

 

   

changes in market valuations of similar companies;

 

   

adverse market reaction to any increased indebtedness we incur in the future;

 

   

additions or departures of key personnel;

 

   

actions by institutional stockholders;

 

   

speculation in the press or investment community; and

 

   

general market and economic conditions.

 

20


Index to Financial Statements

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.

 

In the future, 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 likely 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. See “Federal Income Tax Considerations—General” and “—Requirements for Qualification as a REIT.”

 

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

 

21


Index to Financial Statements

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.

 

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 mismatches 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. The shortfall in tax revenues for states and municipalities in recent years may lead to an increase in the frequency and size of

 

22


Index to Financial Statements

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 is generally 15% through 2012. Distributions made by REITs, however, generally are taxed at the normal rate applicable to the individual recipient rather than the 15% 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, such 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.

 

In recent years, 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, 2010, we had total outstanding indebtedness of approximately $1.4 billion. We are likely to 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 may authorize if conditions warrant or to

 

23


Index to Financial Statements

fund future distributions to our stockholders. We intend to finance sizable acquisitions by increasing our ratio of total-debt-to-gross assets ratio to a range of 30% to 40%; however, there can be no assurance that we will be successful in achieving or maintaining this ratio. Significant borrowings by us increase the risks of an investment in us. For example, 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. In addition, incurring mortgage debt increases the risk of loss since defaults on indebtedness secured by a property may result in lenders initiating foreclosure actions. Although no such instances exist as of December 31, 2010, 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. We may give full or partial guarantees to lenders of mortgage debt on behalf of the entities that own our properties. When we give a guaranty on behalf of an entity that owns one of our properties, we will be responsible to the lender for satisfaction of the debt if it is 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.

 

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.

 

Existing loan agreements 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, these agreements 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.

 

Increases in interest rates will increase our interest costs associated with any future draws that we may make on our $500 Million Unsecured Facility, which would reduce our cash flows and 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.

 

24


Index to Financial Statements

Changes in the market environment could have adverse affects on our interest rate swap

 

In conjunction with our $250 Million Unsecured Term Loan, we have entered into an interest rate swap to effectively fix our exposure to variable interest rates under the loan. To the extent interest rates are higher than our fixed rate, we would realize cash savings as compared to other market participants. However, to the extent interest rates are below our fixed rate, we incur more expense than other similar market participants, which has an adverse affect on our cash flows as compared to other market participants.

 

Additionally, there is counterparty risk associated with entering into an interest rate swap. 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 swap will not be honored in their current form with a replacement counterparty. The potential termination or renegotiation of the terms of the interest rate swap agreement as a result of changing counterparties through insolvency or merger could result in an adverse impact on our results of operations and cash flows.

 

Risks Related to Conflicts of Interest

 

Our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer will be subject to certain conflicts of interest with regard to enforcing the indemnification provisions contained in the merger agreement with our former advisor.

 

During 2007, we entered into a merger agreement with certain affiliates of our former advisor. Total consideration, comprised entirely of shares of our common stock was exchanged for, among other things, certain net assets of our former advisor, as well as the termination of our obligation to pay certain fees required pursuant to the terms of the in-place agreements with the former advisor. Donald A. Miller, CFA, our Chief Executive Officer and President and one of our directors, and Robert E. Bowers, our Chief Financial Officer, Executive Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer, each have an economic interest in the merger consideration due to his 1% ownership interest in the entity that sold us these advisor entities. Accordingly, Mr. Miller and Mr. Bowers may be subject to certain conflicts of interest with regard to enforcing indemnification provisions contained in the merger agreement.

 

One of our independent directors serves as a director of an entity sponsored by our former advisor. This relationship could affect his judgment with respect to enforcing the indemnification provisions contained in the merger agreement with our former advisor.

 

Donald S. Moss, one of our independent directors, is a director of Wells Timberland REIT. The relationship of Mr. Moss to an entity sponsored by our former advisor could affect his judgment with respect to enforcing indemnification provisions of the merger agreement with our former advisor.

 

ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

 

There were no unresolved SEC staff comments as of December 31, 2010.

 

ITEM 2. PROPERTIES

 

Overview

 

As of December 31, 2010, we owned interests in 75 office properties, plus seven buildings owned through unconsolidated joint ventures and two industrial buildings. Of our office properties, 72 properties were wholly-owned and three properties are owned through consolidated joint ventures. Our 75 office properties are located in 19 metropolitan areas and, as of December 31, 2010 and 2009, these properties were approximately 89.2% and 90.1% leased, respectively, with an average lease term remaining of approximately six years as of each period end. The decrease in occupancy in 2010 is primarily due to the purchase of a newly constructed, 142,000 square foot, vacant building during third quarter 2010, as well as a termination by a tenant at the Aon Center Building in Chicago, IL. The average rental revenue of our properties, as calculated for our properties on a consolidated, accrual basis exclusive of unconsolidated joint ventures and our industrial properties, was $32.02 per leased square foot and $32.56 per leased square foot for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

 

25


Index to Financial Statements

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 or our two industrial properties. “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, 2010, during each of the next fifteen years and thereafter, assuming no exercise of renewal options or termination rights.

 

Year of Lease Expiration

   Annualized
Lease Revenue
(in thousands)
     Rentable Square
Feet Expiring
(in thousands)
     Percentage of
Annualized
Lease Revenue
 

Vacant

   $ —           2,195         0.0

2011(1)

     73,231         2,017         12.5

2012

     79,771         2,053         13.6

2013

     63,498         1,617         10.9

2014

     51,894         1,684         8.9

2015

     43,421         1,555         7.4

2016

     32,623         1,181         5.6

2017

     18,526         545         3.2

2018

     46,060         1,565         7.9

2019

     49,848         1,436         8.5

2020

     30,652         1,125         5.2

2021

     15,017         533         2.6

2022

     16,772         696         2.9

2023

     24,837         1,150         4.2

2024

     22,231         540         3.8

Thereafter

     16,202         516         2.8
                          
   $ 584,583         20,408         100.0
                          

 

  (1)

Includes leases with an expiration date of December 31, 2010 aggregating 110,773 square feet and Annualized Lease Revenue of $4,282,926 for which no new leases were signed.

 

The following table shows the geographic diversification of our portfolio as of December 31, 2010.

 

Location

   Annualized
Lease Revenue
(in thousands)
     Rentable Square
Feet
(in thousands)
     Percentage of
Annualized
Lease Revenue
 

Chicago

   $ 153,709         4,889         26.3

Washington, D.C.

     122,341         3,045         20.9

New York

     91,453         2,920         15.6

Minneapolis

     46,187         1,612         7.9

Los Angeles

     29,744         1,144         5.1

Dallas

     25,767         1,275         4.4

Boston

     23,764         583         4.1

Detroit

     18,905         929         3.2

Philadelphia

     14,897         761         2.5

Atlanta

     10,605         750         1.8

Houston

     9,562         313         1.6

Nashville

     6,975         312         1.2

Phoenix

     6,287         557         1.1

Central and South Florida

     6,192         299         1.1

Other(1)

     18,195         1,019         3.2
                          
   $ 584,583         20,408         100.0
                          

 

  (1)

Not more than 1% is attributable to any individual geographic region.

 

26


Index to Financial Statements

The following table shows the tenant industry diversification of our portfolio as of December 31, 2010.

 

Industry

   Annualized
Lease Revenue
(in thousands)
     Leased Square
Footage
(in thousands)
     Percentage of
Annualized
Lease Revenue
 

Governmental Agencies

   $ 105,013         2,528         18.0

Business Services

     68,338         2,170         11.7

Depository Institutions

     56,852         1,790         9.7

Legal Services

     38,118         1,055         6.5

Insurance Carriers

     37,016         1,498         6.3

Petroleum Refining & Related Industries

     32,477         776         5.6

Chemicals and Allied Products

     24,706         736         4.2

Engineering, Accounting, Research, Management & Related Services

     22,209         654         3.8

Nondepository Credit Institutions

     20,929         765         3.6

Communications

     17,328         595         3.0

Security & Commodity Brokers, Dealers, Exchanges & Services

     14,825         532         2.5

Food & Kindred Products

     14,214         423         2.4

Electronic & Other Electrical Equipment and Components

     13,959         622         2.4

Educational Services

     11,831         276         2.0

Transportation Equipment

     10,567         325         1.8

Other(1)

     96,201         3,469         16.5
                          
   $ 584,583         18,214         100.0
                          

 

  (1)

Not more than 2% is attributable to any individual tenant industry.

 

 

27


Index to Financial Statements

The following table shows the tenant diversification of our portfolio as of December 31, 2010.

 

Location

   Credit Rating(1)   Number of
Properties
     Expiration
Date(2)
    Annualized
Lease Revenues
(in thousands)
     Percentage of
Annualized
Lease Revenues
 

U.S. Government

   AAA /Aaa     10         ( 3)    $ 76,977         13.2

BP(4)

   A / A2     1         2013        32,477         5.6

US Bancorp

   A+ / Aa3     3         2014/2023 (5)      29,704         5.1

Leo Burnett

   BBB+ /Baa2     2         2019        26,739         4.6

State of New York

   AA / Aa2     1         2019        18,550         3.2

Winston and Strawn

   No rating  available(6)     1         2024        17,987         3.1

Sanofi-aventis

   AA- / A1     2         2012        17,338         3.0

Independence Blue Cross

   No rating available     1         2023        14,897         2.5

Nestle

   AA / Aa1     1         2015        13,426         2.3

Kirkland & Ellis

   No rating  available(6)     1         2011        11,655         2.0

Zurich American

   AA-     1         2011        10,878         1.9

Shaw

   BBB- / Ba1     1         2018        9,546         1.6

State Street Bank

   AA- / Aa2     1         2021        9,413         1.6

City of New York

   AA / Aa2     1         2020        9,147         1.6

Lockheed Martin

   A- / Baa1     3         2014        8,939         1.5

DDB Needham

   BBB+ / Baa1     1         2018        8,855         1.5

Gemini

   A+ / Aa3     1         2013        7,532         1.3

Gallagher

   No rating available     1         2018        6,995         1.2

Caterpillar Financial

   A / A2     1         2022        6,975         1.2

Harvard University

   Aaa     2         2017        6,431         1.1

Other(7)

          Various        240,122         40.9
                        
          $ 584,583         100
                        

 

(1)

Credit rating may reflect credit rating of parent or guarantor. When available, both the S&P credit rating and the Moody’s credit rating are provided.

(2)

Represents the expiration year of the majority of the square footage leased by the tenant.

(3)

Various expirations ranging from 2011 to 2025.

(4)

BP Corporation sub-lets substantially all of its leased space to Aon Corporation.

(5)

US Bancorp’s lease at the US Bancorp Center Building expires in 2014; however, their lease at the newly purchased One & Two Meridian Crossings Buildings expires in 2023.

(6)

While no ratings are available for Winston & Strawn and Kirkland & Ellis, these tenants are ranked #33 and #5, respectively, in the 2010 AmLaw 100 ranking (based on 2009 financial data), a publication of The American Lawyer Magazine, which annually ranks the top-grossing, most profitable law firms.

(7)

Not more than 1% is attributable to any individual tenant.

 

Certain Restrictions Related to our Properties

 

Control of certain properties is limited to a certain extent because the properties are owned through joint ventures. In addition, certain of our properties are subject to ground leases and certain properties are held as collateral for debt. Refer to Schedule III listed in the index of Item 15(a) of this report, which details three properties subject to ground leases and 21 properties held as collateral for debt facilities as of December 31, 2010.

 

ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

For information relating to Piedmont’s legal proceedings, see Note 13 of our accompanying consolidated financial statements.

 

ITEM 4. RESERVED

 

28


Index to Financial Statements

PART II

 

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

 

Market Information and Holders

 

Our Class A common shares were listed on the New York Stock Exchange on February 10, 2010 under the symbol “PDM.” Prior to February 10, 2010, none of our common stock was listed on a national securities exchange and there was no established public trading market for such shares. Prior to the listing of our common stock, we calculated an estimated net asset per share value of our common stock based on an appraisal of our properties and consideration of the current value of our other assets and liabilities. The last such valuation was performed as of December 31, 2008, and resulted in a determination that the estimated net asset value of our common stock was $22.20 per share.

 

As of February 22, 2011, there were 25,968 common stockholders of record of our Class A common stock.

 

The intra-day, high and low sales prices for Piedmont’s Class A common stock were as follows:

 

     2010 Quarters(1)  
     First(1)      Second      Third      Fourth  

High

   $ 21.01       $ 20.78       $ 18.98       $ 21.00   

Low

   $ 14.37       $ 17.30       $ 15.46       $ 17.37   

 

(1)

As Piedmont’s stock was not listed on a national securities exchange until February 10, 2010, no data was available for comparable quarters in 2009, and the high/low sales prices for first quarter 2010 are for the period February 10, 2010 through March 31, 2010.

 

Distributions

 

We intend to make distributions each taxable year (not including a return of capital for federal income tax purposes) equal to at least 90% of our taxable income. We intend to pay regular quarterly dividend distributions to our stockholders. We have the ability to choose the form of dividend payment, either cash, issuance of stock, or a combination of both. Dividends will be made to those stockholders who are stockholders as of the dividend record dates.

 

Quarterly dividend distributions paid on all outstanding classes of common stock to our stockholders during the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009 are presented below, and all such dividend payments were made in cash:

 

     2010  
     First      Second      Third      Fourth      Total      % of Total
Distribution
 

Total cash distributed

   $ 53,777       $ 54,397       $ 54,386       $ 54,395       $ 216,955      

Per-share investment income

   $ 0.2172       $ 0.2172       $ 0.2172       $ 0.2172       $ 0.8688         69

Per-share return of capital

   $ 0.0978       $ 0.0978       $ 0.0978       $ 0.0978       $ 0.3912         31

Per-share capital gains

   $ 0.0000       $ 0.0000       $ 0.0000       $ 0.0000       $ 0.0000         0
                                                     

Total per-share distribution

   $ 0.3150       $ 0.3150       $ 0.3150       $ 0.3150       $ 1.2600         100
                                                     

 

29


Index to Financial Statements
     2009  
     First      Second      Third      Fourth      Total      % of Total
Distribution
 

Total cash distributed

   $ 50,248       $ 49,397       $ 49,565       $ 49,741       $ 198,951      

Per-share investment income

   $ 0.2552       $ 0.2551       $ 0.2552       $ 0.2551       $ 1.0206         81

Per-share return of capital

   $ 0.0598       $ 0.0599       $ 0.0598       $ 0.0599       $ 0.2394         19

Per-share capital gains

   $ 0.0000       $ 0.0000       $ 0.0000       $ 0.0000       $ 0.0000         0
                                                     

Total per-share distribution

   $ 0.3150       $ 0.3150       $ 0.3150       $ 0.3150       $ 1.2600         100
                                                     

 

Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans

 

Outstanding director options continue to be governed by the terms of the Director Option Plan; however, all future awards will be made under the 2007 Omnibus Incentive Plan. See Note 14 of the accompanying consolidated financial statements for further information on our stock compensation and the 2007 Omnibus Incentive Plan.

 

Plan category

   Number of securities
to be issued upon
exercise of
outstanding options,
warrants, and rights
     Weighted-average
exercise price of
outstanding options,
warrants, and rights
     Number of securities
remaining available
for future issuance
under equity
compensation plans
 

Equity compensation plans approved by security holders

     8,000       $ 36.00         3,925,652   

Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders

     —           —           —     
                          

Total

     8,000       $ 36.00         3,925,652   
                          

 

30


Index to Financial Statements

Performance Graph

 

The following graph compares the cumulative total return of Piedmont’s Class A common stock with the S&P 500 and the FTSE NAREIT Equity REITs Index for the period beginning on February 10, 2010 (Piedmont’s initial listing of its Class A common stock on the NYSE) through December 31, 2010. The graph assumes a $100 investment in each of the indices on February 10, 2010 and the reinvestment of all dividends.

 

LOGO

 

Comparison of Cumulative Total Return of One or More Companies, Peer Groups, Industry Indices, and/or Broad Markets

 

     For the Period from
February 10, 2010
to December 31, 2010
 
     2/10/10      12/31/10  

Piedmont Office Realty Trust Inc.

     100.00         137.85   

S&P 500

     100.00         119.36   

FTSE NAREIT Equity REITs

     100.00         134.98   

 

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.

 

31


Index to Financial Statements
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, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, and 2006 (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.

 

    2010     2009     2008     2007     2006  

Statement of Income Data(1):

         

Total revenues

  $ 588,838      $ 598,504      $ 615,587      $ 586,870      $ 564,435   

Property operating costs

  $ 217,871      $ 230,588      $ 225,467      $ 225,855      $ 228,370   

Depreciation and amortization

  $ 148,902      $ 161,816      $ 160,238      $ 169,315      $ 162,015   

Casualty and impairment loss on real estate assets

  $ —        $ 35,063      $ —        $ —        $ 7,765   

General and administrative expenses

  $ 29,201      $ 27,315      $ 30,497      $ 27,947      $ 16,899   

Other expense

  $ 66,639      $ 73,189      $ 72,316      $ 55,749      $ 56,609   

Income from continuing operations(1)

  $ 126,225      $ 70,533      $ 127,069      $ 108,004      $ 92,777   

Income from discontinued operations(1)

  $ (5,315 )   $ 4,645      $ 4,791      $ 26,317      $ 41,204   

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest

  $ (531   $ (478   $ (546   $ (711   $ (657

Net income attributable to Piedmont

  $ 120,379      $ 74,700      $ 131,314      $ 133,610      $ 133,324   

Cash Flows:

         

Cash flows from operations

  $ 275,750      $ 281,543      $ 296,515      $ 282,527      $ 278,948   

Cash flows used in investing activities

  $ (80,194   $ (68,666   $ (191,926   $ (71,157   $ (188,400

Cash flows used in financing activities (including dividends paid)

  $ (148,842   $ (223,206   $ (149,272   $ (190,485   $ (95,390

Dividends paid

  $ (216,955   $ (198,951   $ (279,418   $ (283,196   $ (269,575

Per-Share Data(1):

         

Per weighted-average common share data:

         

Income from continuing operations per share—basic

  $ 0.74      $ 0.44      $ 0.79      $ 0.67      $ 0.60   

Income from continuing operations per share—diluted

  $ 0.73      $ 0.44      $ 0.79      $ 0.67      $ 0.60   

Income from discontinued operations per share—basic and diluted

  $ (0.03   $ 0.03      $ 0.03      $ 0.16      $ 0.27   

Net income attributable to Piedmont per share—basic

  $ 0.71      $ 0.47      $ 0.82      $ 0.83      $ 0.87   

Net income attributable to Piedmont per share—diluted

  $ 0.70      $ 0.47      $ 0.82      $ 0.83      $ 0.87   

Dividends declared

  $ 1.2600      $ 1.2600      $ 1.7604      $ 1.7604      $ 1.7604   

Weighted-average shares outstanding—basic (in thousands)

    170,753        158,419        159,586        160,698        153,898   

Weighted-average shares outstanding—diluted (in thousands)

    170,967        158,581        159,722        160,756        153,898   

Balance Sheet Data (at period end):

         

Total assets

  $ 4,373,480      $ 4,395,345      $ 4,557,330      $ 4,579,746      $ 4,450,690   

Total stockholders’ equity

  $ 2,773,454      $ 2,606,882      $ 2,702,294      $ 2,886,991      $ 2,856,747   

Outstanding debt

  $ 1,402,525      $ 1,516,525      $ 1,523,625      $ 1,301,530      $ 1,243,203   

Funds from Operations Data(2):

         

Net income attributable to Piedmont

  $ 120,379      $ 74,700      $ 131,314      $ 133,610      $ 133,324   

Depreciation of real estate assets—wholly-owned properties and unconsolidated partnerships

    105,107        106,878        100,849        96,432        96,745   

Amortization of lease costs—wholly-owned properties and unconsolidated partnerships

    45,334        57,708        62,767        77,232        73,664   

Loss (gain) on sale—wholly-owned properties

    817       —          —          (20,680     (27,922

(Gain) loss on sale—unconsolidated partnerships

    (25 )     —          —          (1,129     5   
                                       

Funds From Operations(2)

  $ 271,612      $ 239,286      $ 294,930      $ 285,465      $ 275,816   
                                       

Loss on impairment of real estate assets—wholly-owned properties and unconsolidated partnerships

    9,640        37,633        2,088        —          7,565   
                                       

Core Funds From Operations(2)

  $ 281,252      $ 276,919      $ 297,018      $ 285,465      $ 283,381   
                                       

 

32


Index to Financial Statements
(1)

Prior period amounts have been adjusted to conform with the current period presentation, including classifying revenues from sold properties as discontinued operations, as well as all share and per share amounts being adjusted to give effect to the Recapitalization, for all periods presented.

(2)

Net income calculated in accordance with GAAP is the starting point for calculating Funds from Operations (“FFO”) and Core Funds From Operations (“Core FFO”). FFO and Core FFO are non-GAAP financial measures and should not be viewed as an alternative measurement of our operating performance to net income. We believe that FFO and Core FFO are beneficial indicators of the performance of an equity REIT. Specifically, FFO calculations exclude factors such as depreciation and amortization of real estate assets and gains or losses from sales of operating real estate assets. As such factors can vary among owners of identical assets in similar conditions based on historical cost accounting and useful-life estimates, FFO and Core FFO may provide valuable comparisons of operating performance between periods and with other REITs. 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 and Core FFO, 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. NAREIT currently defines FFO as net income (computed in accordance with GAAP), excluding gains or losses from sales of property, plus depreciation and amortization on real estate assets, and after the same adjustments for investments in unconsolidated joint ventures. However, 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, we calculate Core FFO as FFO (computed in accordance with NAREIT) excluding impairment charges and other significant non-recurring charges. Adjustments for impairment charges on investments in unconsolidated partnerships are also adjusted when calculating Core FFO.

 

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, 2010 and 2009, and for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008 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, ownership, management, development, and disposition of primarily high-quality Class A office buildings located in 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.

 

Since our formation in 1997, we have completed four public offerings of common stock. Combined with our dividend reinvestment plan, these offerings raised approximately $5.8 billion in total offering proceeds. The proceeds from these sales of common stock, net of offering costs and other expenses, were used primarily to fund the acquisition of real estate properties and certain capital expenditures identified at the time of acquisition, as well as to fund redemptions pursuant to our share redemption program. On February 10, 2010, we listed our Class A common stock on the NYSE. We completed our most recent public offering (our first publicly listed offering), on February 16, 2010, selling 13.8 million shares. Our anticipated sources of capital are (i) cash

 

33


Index to Financial Statements

generated from operations, (ii) proceeds from our completed public offerings, (iii) borrowings under our existing $500 Million Unsecured Facility and any other future debt facilities, and (iv) proceeds from selective dispositions.

 

We filed an amendment to our charter to effect the Recapitalization of our common stock on January 22, 2010. Pursuant to the Recapitalization, each share of our outstanding common stock was converted automatically into:

 

   

1/12th of a share of our Class A common stock; plus

 

   

1/12th of a share of our Class B-1 common stock; plus

 

   

1/12th of a share of our Class B-2 common stock; plus

 

   

1/12th of a share of our Class B-3 common stock.

 

All of our Class B common stock had converted to Class A common stock by January 30, 2011.

 

The Recapitalization also had the effect of reducing the total number of outstanding shares of our common stock. The Recapitalization was effected on a pro rata basis with respect to all of our stockholders. Accordingly, it did not affect any stockholder’s proportionate ownership of our outstanding shares except for any changes resulting from the payment of cash in lieu of fractional shares.

 

As of December 31, 2010, we owned and operated 75 office properties (excluding seven buildings owned through unconsolidated joint ventures and two industrial buildings), which are located in 19 metropolitan areas. These 75 office properties comprise approximately 20.4 million square feet, primarily Class A commercial office space, and were approximately 89.2% and 90.1% leased as of December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

We intend to use cash flows generated from the operation of our wholly-owned properties and distributions from our unconsolidated joint ventures, proceeds from our existing $500 Million Unsecured Facility, and proceeds from the recent sale of the 111 Sylvan Avenue Building as our primary sources of immediate and long-term liquidity. In addition, the potential selective disposal of existing properties and other financing opportunities (such as issuance of additional equity or debt securities or additional borrowings from third-party lenders) afforded to us based on our relatively low leverage and quality asset base may also provide additional sources of capital; however, the availability and attractiveness of terms for these sources of capital is highly dependent on market conditions. As of the time of this filing, we have no outstanding amounts under our $500 Million Unsecured Facility; therefore, we had the full capacity available for future borrowing with the exception of approximately $21.8 million of capacity that is reserved as security for outstanding letters of credit required by various third parties.

 

We anticipate that our most immediate use of capital will be to fund capital expenditures for our existing portfolio of properties. These expenditures include two types of specifically identified building improvement projects: (i) general repair and maintenance projects that we as the owner may choose to perform at any of our various properties, and (ii) tenant improvement allowances and leasing commissions negotiated as part of executed leases with our tenants. The timing and magnitude of general repair and maintenance projects are subject to our discretion. We anticipate funding approximately $111.4 million in unrecorded contractual obligations for tenant improvements related to our existing lease portfolio over the respective lease term, much of which we estimate may be required to be funded over the next five years. For many of our 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 us. Finally, projected amounts for tenant improvements and leasing commissions related to anticipated re-leasing efforts are generally expected to increase in the near to medium term as a significant number of our leases are scheduled to expire over the next three years. However, the timing and magnitude of these amounts are subject to change as competitive market conditions at the time of lease negotiations dictate.

 

34


Index to Financial Statements

Subject to the availability of attractive properties and our ability to consummate additional acquisitions on satisfactory terms, acquiring new assets compatible with our investment strategy could also be a significant use of capital. Further, dependent upon actual disposition and acquisition activities, we currently anticipate that we will repay the full outstanding balance of the $250 Million Unsecured Term Loan, which is the only near-term debt maturity we have in 2011, using availability under our $500 Million Unsecured Facility. We also anticipate using funds to make other scheduled debt service payments and/or debt repayments when such obligations become due.

 

Our cash flows from operations depend significantly on market rents and the ability of our tenants to make rental payments. While we believe the diversity and high credit quality of our tenants help mitigate the risk of a significant interruption of our cash flows from operations, the challenging economic conditions that we are currently experiencing, the downward pressure on rental rates in most of our markets, the potential for an increase in interest rates, or the possibility for a further downturn in one of our concentration markets, could adversely impact our operating cash flows. Our primary focus is to achieve an attractive long-term, risk-adjusted return for our stockholders. Competition to attract and retain high-credit-quality tenants remains intense due to general economic conditions. At the same time, as mentioned above, a significant number of our leases at our properties are scheduled to expire over the next three years, and the capital requirements necessary to maintain our current occupancy levels, including payment of leasing commissions, tenant concessions, and anticipated leasing expenditures, could increase. As such, we will continue to closely monitor our tenant renewals, rental rates, competitive market conditions, and our cash flows. 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 and selective acquisitions of new properties, (iv) the timing of significant expenditures for tenant improvements and general property capital improvements, (v) appropriate long-term payout ratios for comparable companies, (vi) our ability to continue to access additional sources of capital 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 collections and cash receipts. Although we covered the dividend out of operating cash flows in 2010, slight declines in projected Core FFO, coupled with increasing capital commitments for new leases, lead us to believe that we will likely not cover our dividend in 2011 and/or 2012. We will closely monitor these projections and will consider adjusting our dividend policy accordingly.

 

Results of Operations

 

Comparison of the year ended December 31, 2010 vs. the year ended December 31, 2009

 

Our income from continuing operations increased from 2009 to 2010 primarily due to the recognition of a non-recurring impairment loss of approximately $35.1 million in the prior year; lower operating expenses at several of our buildings, primarily related to lower estimated property tax assessments; the recognition of an additional $5.0 million in other rental income related to lease terminations at certain of our properties; and lower interest expense due to a lower, fixed interest rate on the $250 million Term Loan, as compared to the prior year.

 

35


Index to Financial Statements

The following table sets forth selected data from our consolidated statements of income for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively, as well as each balance as a percentage of total revenues for the years presented (dollars in millions):

 

     December 31,
2010
    %     December 31,
2009
    %     $ Increase
(Decrease)
 

Revenue:

          

Rental income

   $ 442.7        $ 443.4          (0.7

Tenant reimbursements

     135.1          149.2          (14.1

Property management fee revenue

     3.2          3.1          0.1   

Other rental income

     7.8          2.8          5.0   
                            

Total revenues

     588.8        100     598.5        100     (9.7

Expense:

          

Property operating costs

     217.9        37     230.6        38     (12.7

Depreciation

     103.9        17     104.5        18     (0.6

Amortization

     44.9        8     57.3        10     (12.4

Impairment loss on real estate assets

     —          0     35.1        6     (35.1

General and administrative expense

     29.2        5     27.3        4     1.9   
                            

Real estate operating income

     192.9        33     143.7        24     49.2   

Other income (expense):

          

Interest expense

     (72.8     12     (77.7     13     (4.9

Interest and other income

     3.5        0     4.4        1     (0.9

Equity in income of unconsolidated joint ventures

     2.6        0     0.1        0     2.5   
                            

Income from continuing operations

   $ 126.2        21   $ 70.5        12     55.7   
                            

 

Revenue

 

Rental income remained relatively flat for the year ended December 31, 2010, approximately $442.7 million, as compared to the prior year, approximately $443.4 million. However, there was lower occupancy during the current period at our Aon Center Building in Chicago, Illinois and the 110 Hidden Lake Circle Building in Duncan, South Carolina. The unfavorable decrease was largely offset by an increase in occupancy at our Glenridge Highlands Two Building in Atlanta, Georgia as well as our 60 Broad Street Building in New York, New York. Tenant reimbursements decreased from approximately $149.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2009 to approximately $135.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2010. Of the decrease, approximately $13.1 million is due to lower recoverable estimated property taxes as well as lower estimated tenant-requested services. The remaining variance is attributable to an overall reduction in recoverable expenses due to a partial lease termination at the Aon Center Building.

 

Other rental income is comprised primarily of income recognized for lease terminations and restructurings. Unlike the majority of our rental income, which is recognized ratably over long-term contracts, other rental income is recognized once we have completed our obligation to provide space to the tenant. Lease terminations and restructurings of approximately $7.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2010 relates primarily to a lease termination at our Chandler Forum Building in Chandler, Arizona of approximately $3.4 million, as well as lease terminations at our 110 Hidden Lake Circle Building, Aon Center Building and our Eastpointe Corporate Center Building located in Issaquah, Washington. Prior year other rental income relates primarily to leases terminated at the Aon Center Building and the 1901 Main Street Building in Irvine, California of approximately $1.9 million and $0.5 million, respectively. We do not expect such income to be comparable in future periods, as it will be dependent upon the exercise of lease terminations by tenants and/or the execution of restructuring agreements that may either not be in our control, or are deemed by management to be in the best interest of the portfolio over the long term.

 

36


Index to Financial Statements

Expense

 

Property operating costs decreased approximately $12.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2010 compared to the prior year. This variance is primarily the result of successful appeals of the assessed values at several of our buildings resulting in lower estimated property tax expense of approximately $10.5 million. Lower recoverable tenant-requested services (i.e. billback expenses) of approximately $2.0 million also contributed to the year over year decrease.

 

Depreciation expense decreased approximately $0.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2010 compared to the prior year. The decrease in depreciation expense is largely due to an adjustment to accelerate depreciation expense on tenant improvements in the prior year related to various lease terminations at certain of our buildings, as well as lower depreciation expense in the current year related to the reclassification of the 111 Sylvan Avenue Building to held for sale in May 2010, and its subsequent disposition in December 2010. The decrease was mostly offset by an increase in other tenant improvements placed in service after December 31, 2009 at various buildings within our portfolio, as well as the acquisition of three buildings in the latter half of 2010.

 

Amortization expense decreased approximately $12.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2010 compared to the prior year. The decrease primarily relates to lease intangible assets that have fully amortized subsequent to January 1, 2009, resulting in less amortization of approximately $9.8 million, as well as a decrease in adjustments to accelerate amortization expense on certain lease intangible assets related to various lease terminations at certain of our buildings compared to the prior year of approximately $3.8 million. However, this decrease during the current period was partially offset by an increase in amortization related to new deferred lease acquisition costs associated with the acquisition or renewal of tenants subsequent to December 31, 2009, which are amortized over the life of the respective leases.

 

We did not recognize an impairment loss on our held-for-use, wholly-owned buildings during the current year; however, during the year ended December 31, 2009, we recognized an impairment loss of approximately $35.1 million as a result of lowering expected future rental income and reducing the intended holding periods for the Auburn Hills Corporate Center Building in Auburn Hills, Michigan, and the 1441 West Long Lake Road Building in Troy, Michigan, as well as the 1111 Durham Avenue Building in South Plainfield, New Jersey.

 

General and administrative expenses increased approximately $1.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2010 compared to the prior year. The variance is primarily attributable to an increase in transfer agent expenses associated with our recent recapitalization, listing of our shares on the New York Stock Exchange, and related investor support services of approximately $4.2 million. Also, we incurred higher employee benefit costs of approximately $1.4 million, primarily due to the new stock performance component of the 2010 Long Term Incentive Compensation Plan which effects long-term incentive compensation grants for officers and resulted in earlier recognition of expense as compared to the prior year. These increases were partially offset by insurance recoveries related to our defense of ongoing litigation during the current period.

 

Other Income (Expense)

 

Interest expense decreased approximately $4.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2010 compared to the prior year. When we extended the $250 Million Term Loan in June 2010, we entered into new interest rate swap agreements with four counterparties to effectively fix the rate on the $250 Million Unsecured Term Loan at 2.36% compared to the prior rate of 4.97% for the full year in 2009. The decrease is also attributable to lower net borrowings on our $500 Million Unsecured Facility in the current year due to the receipt of approximately $184.4 million in net offering proceeds in February 2010.

 

Interest and other income decreased approximately $0.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2010 compared to the prior year. The variance is attributable to a $0.8 million non-recurring settlement in the prior period of an acquisition contingency in our favor for an acquisition which closed in 2003.

 

37


Index to Financial Statements

Equity in income of unconsolidated joint ventures increased approximately $2.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2010 compared to the prior year. The increase was primarily a result of recognizing our proportionate share of an impairment loss on one of our unconsolidated joint ventures of approximately $2.6 million in the prior period. We expect equity in income of unconsolidated joint ventures to fluctuate based on the timing and extent to which dispositions occur as our unconsolidated joint ventures approach their stated dissolution periods.

 

Income from continuing operations per share on a fully diluted basis increased from $0.44 for the year ended December 31, 2009 to $0.73 for the year ended December 31, 2010 for a number of reasons, including the impairment loss incurred in the prior year, higher other rental income in the current year due to income recognized for lease terminations and restructurings, as well as lower operating expenses primarily related to lower estimated property tax assessments at several of our buildings, and lower interest expense as compared to prior year.

 

Discontinued Operations

 

In accordance with GAAP, we have classified the operations of the 111 Sylvan Avenue Building in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey, which sold in 2010, as discontinued operations for all periods presented. (Loss)/income from discontinued operations was approximately $(5.3) million and $4.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively. Loss from discontinued operations during the current year is the result of recognizing an impairment charge of approximately $9.6 million in conjunction with adjusting the assets to estimated fair value (the sales price), less estimated costs to sell, as well as a subsequent loss on the sale of the building of approximately $0.8 million, which was the result of costs incurred for the substitution of another property for the 111 Sylvan Avenue Building in our Secured Pooled Facility. We do not expect that income from discontinued operations will be comparable to future periods, as such income is subject to the timing and existence of future property dispositions.

 

Comparison of the year ended December 31, 2009 vs. the year ended December 31, 2008

 

Our income from continuing operations decreased from 2008 to 2009 primarily due to the recognition of an impairment loss of approximately $35.1 million related to the Auburn Hills Corporate Center Building in Auburn Hills, Michigan; the 1441 West Long Lake Road Building in Troy, Michigan; and the 1111 Durham Avenue Building in South Plainfield, New Jersey. The decrease in income from continuing operations is also due to the recognition of approximately $13.3 million in 2008 in other rental income related to significant lease terminations in 2008 at our Glenridge Highlands Two Building; our 6031 Connection Drive Building in Irving, Texas; our 3750 Brookside Parkway Building in Alpharetta, Georgia; and our 90 Central Street Building in Boxborough, Massachusetts.

 

38


Index to Financial Statements

The following table sets forth selected data from our consolidated statements of income for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively, as well as each balance as a percentage of total revenues for the years presented (dollars in millions):

 

     December 31,
2009
    %     December 31,
2008
    %     $ Increase
(Decrease)
 

Revenue:

          

Rental income

   $ 443.4        $ 448.8          (5.4

Tenant reimbursements

     149.2          150.3          (1.1

Property management fee revenue

     3.1          3.2          (0.1

Other rental income

     2.8          13.3          (10.5
                            

Total revenues

     598.5        100     615.6        100     (17.1

Expense:

          

Property operating costs

     230.6        38     225.5        36     5.1   

Depreciation

     104.5        18     98.2        16     6.3   

Amortization

     57.3        10     62.0        10     (4.7

Impairment loss on real estate assets

     35.1        6     —          0     35.1   

General and administrative expense

     27.3        4     30.5        5     (3.2
                            

Real estate operating income

     143.7        24     199.4        33     (55.7

Other income (expense):

          

Interest expense

     (77.7     13     (76.0     12     1.7   

Interest and other income

     4.4        1     3.4        0     1.0   

Equity in income of unconsolidated joint ventures

     0.1        0     0.3        0     (0.2
                            

Income from continuing operations

   $ 70.5        12   $ 127.1        21     (56.6
                            

 

Continuing Operations

 

Revenue

 

Rental income and tenant reimbursements decreased from approximately $448.8 million and $150.3 million, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2008 to approximately $443.4 million and $149.2 million, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2009. The decrease in rental income relates primarily to a reduction in rent associated with the early termination of the Cingular lease at our Glenridge Highlands Two Building during the fourth quarter 2008. A significant portion of the vacated space at the Glenridge Highlands Two Building has subsequently been re-leased to a new tenant. The decrease in tenant reimbursement revenue is attributable to adjustments to both current and prior year operating expense recoveries of reimbursable amounts of approximately $3.1 million. We also had approximately $1.2 million less of tenant reimbursements at our Glenridge Highlands Two Building primarily because of the termination of the lease discussed above, and the fact that the new tenant at this location has a gross rental structure with a base-year for operating expenses in 2009, which precludes the reimbursement of operating expenses. These decreases in reimbursement revenue were partially offset by an increase in property tax recoveries and reimbursable tenant-requested services at certain of our properties of approximately $3.2 million.

 

Other rental income decreased approximately $10.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2009 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2008. Unlike the majority of our rental income, which is recognized ratably over long-term contracts, other rental income consists primarily of lease termination fee income in both years and is recognized once we have completed our obligation to provide space to the tenant, regardless of the date we actually receive the payment of the fee. Other rental income for 2008 relates primarily to leases terminated at the Glenridge Highlands Two Building, at the 90 Central Street Building, at the 3750 Brookside Parkway Building, and at the 6031 Connection Drive Building. Other rental income for 2009 relates primarily to leases terminated at the Aon Center Building and the Auburn Hills Corporate Center Building.

 

39


Index to Financial Statements

Expense

 

Property operating costs increased approximately $5.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2009, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2008. This increase is the result of increases in tenant expenses at certain of our properties, a majority of which relates to property taxes of approximately $7.0 million, billback expenses (i.e. tenant-requested services) of approximately $1.1 million, and repair and maintenance costs of approximately $0.7 million which are noted above as being reimbursed by tenants pursuant to their respective leases. This increase was partially offset by a decrease in utility costs of approximately $3.7 million.

 

Depreciation expense increased approximately $6.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2009, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2008. Building improvements at the Aon Center Building as well as tenant-related expenditures at other properties contributed approximately $3.8 million of the increase, and accelerated depreciation charges related to lease termination by tenants at the Chandler Forum Building in Chandler, Arizona (partial lease termination) and the 1901 Main Street Building in Irvine, California contributed approximately $1.6 million of the increase. Additionally, the year ended December 31, 2009 includes twelve full months of depreciation related to the acquisition of the Piedmont Pointe II Building in Bethesda, Maryland (acquired in June 2008), as compared to approximately six months of depreciation related to the same building during 2008, resulting in additional depreciation expense in the current year of approximately $0.7 million.

 

Amortization expense decreased approximately $4.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2009, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2008. The decrease is primarily due to intangible lease assets which have become fully amortized subsequent to December 31, 2007, principally at the Glenridge Highlands Two Building, the 9211 Corporate Boulevard and the 9221 Corporate Boulevard Buildings (f/k/a Lockheed Martin I & II Buildings) in Rockville, MD, and the 3100 Clarendon Building in Arlington, VA. The decrease in amortization expense was partially offset by higher charges to amortization in order to adjust intangible lease assets and deferred lease costs associated with lease terminations and restructurings to their net realizable value in the year ended December 31, 2009. The largest of these charges related to a lease termination at the Fairway Center II Building in Brea, CA of approximately $2.8 million.

 

During 2009, we recognized an impairment loss of approximately $35.1 million as a result of lowering expected future rental income and reducing the intended holding periods for the Auburn Hills Corporate Center Building, and the 1441 West Long Lake Road Building, as well as the 1111 Durham Avenue Building. The decision to reduce future rental revenues and the holding periods for the two Detroit assets was prompted by the loss of prospective replacement tenants and overall declines in the Detroit, Michigan market. Further, changes in management’s expectation of re-leasing prospects of the New Jersey asset, coupled with general market declines in the South Plainfield submarket in which it is located, prompted the reduction of intended hold period and future rental revenues during 2009. The cumulative effect of these decisions triggered a reassessment of leasing assumptions for these buildings, which entailed, among other things, evaluating market rents, leasing costs and the downtime necessary to complete the necessary releasing activities (See Note 12 to our accompanying consolidated financial statement for further details).

 

General and administrative expenses decreased approximately $3.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2009, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2008. Of this decrease, approximately $1.5 million is related to net savings realized through the termination of a service agreement with our former advisor in July 2008 as well as a reduction in services related to another service agreement with our former advisor in 2009. Additionally, offering costs of approximately $0.9 million which had been capitalized in 2007 in anticipation of a public stock offering, were later expensed in 2008 when such offering was indefinitely delayed. Finally, we recognized approximately $0.2 million of recoveries in 2009 of previously recorded bad debt reserves which were deemed to be recoverable. In contrast, we incurred approximately $0.6 million of bad debt charges in 2008.

 

Other Income (Expense)

 

Interest expense, which includes interest incurred under our interest rate swap, increased approximately $1.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2009, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2008. Although in

 

40


Index to Financial Statements

general, interest rates and borrowings were lower compared to 2008, we incurred a full year of interest expense related to our $250 Million Unsecured Term Loan during 2009, as opposed to approximately six months of expense in the prior year.

 

Interest and other income increased approximately $1.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2009, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2008. This increase is primarily due to the following non-recurring items: (1) the settlement of an acquisition contingency in our favor at a certain acquisition which closed in 2003 of approximately $0.8 million, and (2) loan extension fee income of approximately $0.2 million related to our investments in mezzanine debt in 2009.

 

Equity in income of unconsolidated joint ventures decreased approximately $0.2 million during the year ended December 31, 2009, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2008, primarily as a result of recognizing our proportionate share of an impairment loss on the joint venture which owns the 47300 Kato Road Building in Fremont, California of approximately $2.6 million in 2009 as compared with recognizing our proportionate share of an impairment loss on the joint venture which owns the 20/20 Building in Leawood, Kansas in 2008 of approximately $2.1 million. The decrease in the income was also partially offset as a result of lease intangible assets which have fully amortized at the AIU Building in Hoffman Estate, Illinois.

 

Income from continuing operations per share on a fully diluted basis decreased from $0.79 per share for the year ended December 31, 2008 to $0.44 per share for the year ended December 31, 2009 primarily as a result of the impairment loss incurred in 2009 as well as significant other rental income related to lease terminations in prior periods which were recognized in 2008. We also incurred higher depreciation expense mostly due to a full year’s depreciation at our Piedmont Pointe II Building, as well as building improvements and other tenant-related expenditures at various properties in 2009.

 

Discontinued Operations

 

In accordance with GAAP, we have classified the operations of properties held for sale and sold as discontinued operations for all periods presented. Income from discontinued operations was approximately $4.6 million and approximately $4.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively. These amounts consist of operations of the 111 Sylvan Avenue Building in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey sold in December 2010, as well as the Citigroup Fort Mill Building in Fort Mill, South Carolina and the Videojet Technology Building in Wood Dale, Illinois, which were both sold in March 2007, but had annual operating expense adjustments recognized in the first quarter 2008.

 

Funds From Operations, Core Funds From Operations, and Adjusted Funds From Operations (“AFFO”)

 

Net income calculated in accordance with GAAP is the starting point for calculating FFO, Core FFO, and AFFO. FFO, Core FFO, and AFFO 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 NAREIT definition as follows: Net income (computed in accordance with GAAP), excluding gains or losses from sales of property, plus depreciation and amortization on real estate assets (including our proportionate share of depreciation and amortization related to investments in

 

41


Index to Financial Statements

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.

 

We calculate Core FFO as FFO (calculated as set forth above) less impairment charges and significant, non-recurring items (including our proportionate share of any impairment charges or extraordinary items recognized during the period related to investments in unconsolidated joint ventures).

 

We calculate AFFO as Core FFO (calculated as set forth above) exclusive of the net effects of: (i) amortization associated with deferred financing costs; (ii) depreciation on non-income-producing 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) 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):

 

    2010     Per
share(1)
    2009     Per
share(1)
    2008     Per
share(1)
 

Net income attributable to Piedmont

  $ 120,379      $ .70      $ 74,700      $ .47      $ 131,314      $ .82   

Depreciation of real assets—wholly-owned properties and unconsolidated partnerships

    105,107        .62        106,878        .68        100,849        .63   

Amortization of lease-related costs—wholly-owned properties and unconsolidated partnerships

    45,334        .27        57,708        .36        62,767        .40   

Loss on sale—wholly-owned properties

    817       —          —          —          —          —     

Gain on sale—unconsolidated partnerships

    (25 )     —          —          —          —          —     
                                               

Funds From Operations

  $ 271,612      $ 1.59      $ 239,286      $ 1.51      $ 294,930      $ 1.85   
                                               

Adjustments:

           

Loss on impairment of real estate assets—wholly-owned properties and unconsolidated partnerships

    9,640        .06        37,633        .24        2,088        .01   
                                               

Core Funds From Operations

  $ 281,252      $ 1.65      $ 276,919      $ 1.75      $ 297,018      $ 1.86   
                                               

Adjustments:

           

Non-incremental capital expenditures(2)

    (58,305     (.34     (46,452     (.29     (45,620     (.28

Deferred financing cost amortization

    2,608        .01        2,786        .02        2,504        .02   

Depreciation of non real estate assets

    707        .00        632        .00        379        .00   

Straight-line effects of lease (revenue)/expense(3)

    (6,088     (.04     (997     (.01     (1,216     (.01

Amortization of lease related intangibles (Above/Below-Market In-Place Lease Intangibles)(3)

    (5,793     (.03     (5,399     (.04     (3,214     (.02

Stock-based and other non-cash compensation

    3,681        .02        3,178        .02        3,555        .02   

Amortization of fair market adjustments on notes payable

    —          .00        —          .00        (645     .00   

Income from amortization of discount on purchases of mezzanine loans

    (2,405     (.01     (2,278     (.01     (840     (.01
                                               

Adjusted Funds From Operations

  $ 215,657      $ 1.26      $ 228,389      $ 1.44      $ 251,921      $ 1.58   
                                               

Weighted-average shares outstanding—diluted

    170,967          158,581          159,722     
                             

 

(1)

Based on weighted-average shares outstanding—diluted.

 

42


Index to Financial Statements
(2)

Represents capital expenditures of a recurring nature related to tenant improvements and leasing commissions that do not incrementally enhance the underlying assets’ income generating capacity.

(3)

Includes adjustments for wholly-owned properties, as well as such adjustments for our proportionate ownership in unconsolidated joint ventures.

 

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. We perform non-customary services for tenants of buildings that we own, including 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% 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.

 

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.

 

43


Index to Financial Statements

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. The estimated useful lives of our assets by class are as follows:

 

Buildings

   40 years

Building improvements

   5-25 years

Land improvements

   20-25 years

Tenant improvements

   Shorter of economic life or lease term

Furniture, fixtures, and equipment

   3-5 years

Intangible lease assets

   Lease term

 

Allocation of Purchase Price of Acquired Assets

 

Upon the acquisition of real properties, we allocate the purchase price 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 in each case on their estimated fair values.

 

The 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 fair value of these assets. We determine the as-if-vacant fair value of a property using methods similar to those used by independent appraisers. Factors considered by us 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, including leasing commissions and other related costs. In estimating carrying costs, we include real estate taxes, insurance, and other operating expenses during the expected lease-up periods based on current market conditions.

 

The 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) our estimate of fair market lease rates for the corresponding in-place leases, measured over a period equal to the remaining terms of the 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 income over the remaining terms of the respective leases.

 

The fair values of in-place leases include direct costs associated with obtaining a new tenant, opportunity costs associated with lost rentals that are avoided by acquiring an in-place lease, and tenant relationships. Direct costs associated with obtaining a new tenant include commissions, tenant improvements, and other direct costs and are estimated based on our consideration of current market costs to execute a similar lease. These direct 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. Customer relationships are valued based on expected renewal of a lease or the likelihood of obtaining a particular tenant for other locations. 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 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.

 

44


Index to Financial Statements

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 fair value and recognize an impairment loss. For our investments in unconsolidated joint ventures, we assess the fair value of our investment, as compared to our carrying amount. If we determine that the carrying value is greater than the 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 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 discount rates, could result in an incorrect assessment of the property’s fair value and, therefore, could result in the misstatement of the carrying value of our real estate and related intangible assets and our net income attributable to Piedmont. During the year ended December 31, 2009, we recognized an impairment charge on our Auburn Hills Corporate Center Building (approximately $10.2 million), our 1111 Durham Avenue Building (approximately $14.3 million), and our 1441 West Long Lake Road Building (approximately $10.6 million). During the year ended December 31, 2010, we recorded an impairment charge of approximately $9.6 million upon execution of a binding agreement to dispose of the 111 Sylvan Avenue Building, as a component of discontinued operations. See Note 12 and Note 17 to our accompanying consolidated financial statements for further information on these impairment charges.

 

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. 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. Fair value is determined by adjusting the trading price of the stock for various factors including, but not limited to: (i) liquidity or transferability considerations, (ii) control premiums, and/or (iii) fully distributed premiums, if necessary, multiplied by the common shares outstanding. If such calculated fair value exceeds the carrying value, no further procedures or analysis is permitted or 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 fair value of all tangible and intangible net assets of the entity from the entity’s fair value calculated in step one of the test. If the implied value of the goodwill (the remainder left after deducting the fair values of the entity from its calculated overall 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, 2010.

 

45


Index to Financial Statements

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 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.

 

Interest Rate Swap

 

When we enter into an interest rate swap agreement to hedge our exposure to changing interest rates on our variable rate debt instruments, as required by GAAP, we record all derivatives on the balance sheet at 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. The changes in fair value of derivatives designated as cash flow hedges are recorded in other comprehensive income (“OCI”), and the amounts in OCI will be reclassified to earnings when the hedged transactions occur. Changes in the fair values of derivatives designated as cash flow hedges that do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment are recorded as gain/(loss) on interest rate swap in the consolidated statements of operations in the current period. The fair value of the interest rate swap agreement is recorded as prepaid expenses and other assets or as interest rate swap liability in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Amounts received or paid under interest rate swap agreements are recorded as interest expense in the consolidated statements of operations as incurred. Currently, we do not use derivatives for trading or speculative purposes and do not have any derivatives that are not designated as cash flow hedges.

 

The valuation of cash flow hedges is 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 fair values determined are considered to be based on significant other observable inputs (Level 2). In addition, we consider both our own and the respective counterparties’ risk of nonperformance in determining the fair value of our derivative financial instruments by estimating the current and potential future exposure under the derivative financial instruments that both we and the counterparties are at risk for as of the valuation date. This total expected exposure is then discounted using discount factors that contemplate our creditworthiness and the counterparties to arrive at a credit charge. This credit charge is then netted against the value of the derivative financial instruments determined using the discounted cash flow analysis described above to arrive at a total estimated fair value of the interest rate swap agreements.

 

Related-Party Transactions and Agreements

 

There were no related-party transactions during the three years ended December 31, 2010.

 

46


Index to Financial Statements

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 7 “Unconsolidated Joint Ventures” and Note 13 “Commitments and Contingencies” (specifically related to Operating Lease Obligations) to the accompanying consolidated financial statements. The unconsolidated joint ventures in which we invest are prohibited by their governing documents from incurring debt. For further information regarding our commitments under operating lease obligations, see the notes to our accompanying consolidated financial statements, as well as the Contractual Obligations table below.

 

Contractual Obligations

 

Our contractual obligations as of December 31, 2010 are as follows (in thousands):

 

     Payments Due by Period  

Contractual Obligations

   Total      Less than
1 year
     1-3 years      3-5 years      More than
5 years
 

Long-term debt(1)

   $ 1,402,525       $ 250,000       $ 740,000       $ 272,525       $ 140,000   

Operating lease obligations

     79,254         636         2,249         1,500         74,869   
                                            

Total

   $ 1,481,779       $ 250,636       $ 742,249       $ 274,025       $ 214,869   
                                            

 

(1)

Amounts include principal payments only. We made interest payments of $65.4 million during the year ended December 31, 2010 and expect to pay interest in future periods on outstanding debt obligations based on the rates and terms disclosed herein and in Note 8 of our accompanying consolidated financial statements. Additionally, we recorded interest rate swap cash settlements of approximately $4.7 million during the year ended December 31, 2010 related to our $250 Million Unsecured Term Loan as interest expense.

 

ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISKS

 

Our future income, cash flows, and 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 exposure to market risk includes interest rate fluctuations in connection with any borrowings under our $500 Million Unsecured Facility and our $250 Million Unsecured 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, a significant portion of our debt is based on fixed interest rates to hedge against instability in the credit markets, and we have effectively fixed the interest rate on our $250 Million Unsecured Term Loan through an interest rate swap agreement. 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, 2010, our consolidated debt consisted of the following (in thousands):

 

     2011     2012      2013      2014      2015      Thereafter      Total  

Maturing debt:

                   

Variable rate repayments

   $ —        $ —         $   —         $ —         $ —         $ —         $ —     

Variable rate average interest rate

     —          —           —           —           —           —           —     

Fixed rate repayments

   $ 250,000      $ 45,000       $ —         $ 695,000       $ 105,000       $ 307,525       $ 1,402,525   

Fixed rate average interest rate(2)

     2.36% (1)      5.20%         —           4.92%         5.29%         5.65%         4.66%   

 

(1)

The $250 Million Unsecured Term Loan has a stated variable rate; however, Piedmont entered into an interest rate swap agreement which effectively fixes the rate on this loan to 2.36% through June 28, 2011.

 

47


Index to Financial Statements
(2)

See Note 8 of our accompanying consolidated financial statements for further details on our debt structure.

 

As of December 31, 2009, our consolidated debt consisted of the following (in thousands):

 

     2010     2011     2012      2013      2014      Thereafter      Total  

Maturing debt:

                  

Variable rate repayments

   $ —        $ 114,000 (1)    $ —         $   —         $ —         $ —           $114,000   

Variable rate average interest rate

     —          1.19% (2)      —           —           —           —           1.19%   

Fixed rate repayments

   $ 250,000 (3)    $ —        $ 45,000       $ —         $ 695,000       $ 412,525       $ 1,402,525   

Fixed rate average interest
rate

     4.97% (4)      —          5.20%        —           4.92%         5.56%         5.13%   

 

(1)

Amount maturing represents the outstanding balance as of December 31, 2009 on the $500 Million Unsecured Facility.

(2)

Rate is equal to the weighted-average interest rate on all outstanding draws as of December 31, 2009. We may select from multiple interest rate options with each draw, including the prime rate and various length LIBOR locks. All selections are subject to an additional spread over the selected rate based on our current credit rating (0.475% as of December 31, 2009).

(3)

We extended the term of the $250 Million Unsecured Term Loan to June 2011, upon payment of a 25 basis point fee.

(4)

The $250 Million Unsecured Term Loan has a stated variable rate; however, Piedmont entered into an interest rate swap agreement which effectively fixed the rate on this loan to 4.97% through June 28, 2010.

 

As of December 31, 2010 and 2009, the estimated fair value of the line of credit and notes payable above were approximately $1.4 billion. Additionally, the notional amount of our interest rate swap is $250.0 Million, and it carries a fixed interest rate of 2.36% as of December 31, 2010.

 

The variable rate debt is based on LIBOR plus a specified margin or prime 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 incurred and therefore cash flows available for distribution to stockholders. The current stated interest rate spread on the $500 Million Unsecured Facility is LIBOR plus 0.475%.

 

A change in the interest rate on the fixed portion of our debt portfolio, or on the $250 Million Unsecured Term Loan which is effectively fixed through an interest rate swap, impacts the net financial instrument position but has no impact on interest incurred or cash flows.

 

As of December 31, 2010, a 1% change in interest rates would have no effect on our interest expense as all of our debt is effectively fixed.

 

ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

 

The financial statements and supplementary data filed as part of this report are set forth on page F-1 of this report.

 

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, 2010 or 2009.

 

48


Index to Financial Statements
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 Officer and Principal Financial Officer and effected by our 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, 2010. To make this assessment, we used the criteria for effective internal control over financial reporting described in 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, 2010, our system of internal control over financial reporting was effective.

 

Piedmont’s independent registered public accounting firm has issued their report on the effectiveness of Piedmont’s internal control over financial reporting, which appears in this Annual Report.

 

49


Index to Financial Statements

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, 2010 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION

 

On February 24, 2011, the board of directors amended Piedmont’s Code of Business Conduct and Ethics (the “Code of Ethics”) to require supervisory approval for receipt of gifts of entertainment valued over $250. The amended Code of Ethics is attached to this filing on Form 10-K as Exhibit 14.1, as well as being disclosed on Piedmont’s Web site, http://www.piedmontreit.com.

 

50


Index to Financial Statements

PART III

 

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT 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, 2010 in connection with our 2011 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. EXECUTIVE AND DIRECTOR 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, 2010, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

 

The information required by Item 12 will be set forth in our definitive proxy statement to be filed with the SEC within 120 days of the end of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

 

The information required by Item 13 will be set forth in our definitive proxy statement to be filed with the SEC within 120 days of the end of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

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, 2010, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

51


Index to Financial Statements

PART IV

 

ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

 

   (a)   

1.        The financial statements begin on page F-4 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, and the list of the financial statements contained herein is set forth on page F-1, 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.

 

52


Index to Financial Statements

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 24th day of February 2011.

 

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.

 

Signature

  

Title

 

Date

/s/ MICHAEL R. BUCHANAN

Michael R. Buchanan

  

Director

  February 24, 2010

/s/ DONALD S. MOSS

Donald S. Moss

  

Director

  February 24, 2010

/s/ WESLEY E. CANTRELL

Wesley E. Cantrell

  

Director

  February 24, 2010

/s/ WILLIAM H. KEOGLER, JR.

William H. Keogler, Jr.

  

Director

  February 24, 2010

/s/ JEFFREY L. SWOPE

Jeffrey L. Swope

  

Director

  February 24, 2010

/s/ FRANK C. MCDOWELL

Frank C. McDowell

  

Director

  February 24, 2010

/s/ W. WAYNE WOODY

W. Wayne Woody

  

Chairman, and Director

  February 24, 2010

/s/ DONALD A. MILLER, CFA

Donald A. Miller, CFA

  

President and Director

(Principal Executive Officer)

  February 24, 2010

/s/ ROBERT E. BOWERS

Robert E. Bowers

  

Chief Financial Officer and

Executive Vice-President

(Principal Financial Officer)

  February 24, 2010

/s/ LAURA P. MOON

Laura P. Moon

  

Chief Accounting Officer

(Principal Accounting Officer)

  February 24, 2010

 

53


Index to Financial Statements

EXHIBIT INDEX

TO

2010 FORM 10-K

OF

PIEDMONT OFFICE REALTY TRUST, INC.

 

Exhibit Number

  

Description of Document

2.1        Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of February 2, 2007, by and among Piedmont Office Realty Trust, Inc. (f/k/a Wells Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc.) (the “Company”), WRT Acquisition Company, LLC, WGS Acquisition Company, LLC, Wells Real Estate Funds, Inc., Wells Capital, Inc., Wells Management Company, Inc., Wells Advisory Services I, LLC, Wells Real Estate Advisory Services, Inc. and Wells Government Services, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on February 5, 2007)
3.1        Third Articles of Amendment and Restatement of the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009, filed on March 16, 2010)
3.2        Amended and Restated Bylaws of Piedmont Office Realty Trust, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on January 22, 2010)
10.1      Amended and Restated Joint Venture Agreement of The Fund IX, Fund X, Fund XI and REIT Joint Venture dated June 11, 1998 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to Post-Effective Amendment No. 2 to the Company’s Form S-11 Registration Statement (Commission File No. 333-32099), filed on July 9, 1998)
10.2      Joint Venture Agreement of Wells/Fremont Associates dated July 15, 1998, by and between Wells Development Corporation and Piedmont Operating Partnership, L.P. (f/k/a Wells Operating Partnership, L.P. (the “Operating Partnership”) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.17 to Post-Effective Amendment No. 3 to the Company’s Form S-11 Registration Statement (Commission File No. 333-32099), filed on August 14, 1998)
10.3      Amended and Restated Joint Venture Partnership Agreement of Fund XI-Fund XII-REIT Joint Venture dated June 21, 1999, by and among Wells Real Estate Fund XI, L.P., Wells Real Estate Fund XII, L.P. and the Operating Partnership (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.29 to Amendment No. 1 to the Company’s Form S-11 Registration Statement (Commission File No. 333-83933), filed on November 17, 1999)
10.4      Joint Venture Partnership Agreement of Wells Fund XII-REIT Joint Venture Partnership dated April 10, 2000, by and between the Operating Partnership and Wells Real Estate Fund XII, L.P. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.11 to Post-Effective Amendment No. 2 to the Company’s Form S-11 Registration Statement (Commission File No. 333-66657), filed on April 25, 2000)
10.5      Joint Venture Partnership Agreement of Wells Fund XIII-REIT Joint Venture Partnership dated June 27, 2001, by and between the Operating Partnership and Wells Real Estate Investment Fund XIII, L.P. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.85 to Post-Effective Amendment No. 3 to the Company’s Form S-11 Registration Statement (Commission File No. 333-44900), filed on July 23, 2001)
10.6      Second Amended and Restated Limited Partnership Agreement of 35 W. Wacker Venture, L.P. dated April 27, 2000 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.106 to Post-Effective Amendment No. 6 to the Company’s Form S-11 Registration Statement (Commission File No. 333-85848), filed on December 17, 2003)

 

54


Index to Financial Statements

Exhibit Number

  

Description of Document

10.7      First Amendment to Second Amended and Restated Limited Partnership Agreement of 35 W. Wacker Venture, L.P. dated November 6, 2003 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.107 to Post-Effective Amendment No. 6 to the Company’s Form S-11 Registration Statement (Commission File No. 333-85848), filed on December 17, 2003)
10.8      Amended and Restated Limited Partnership Agreement of Wells-Buck Venture, L.P. dated November 6, 2003, by and among Wells 35 W. Wacker, LLC, Buck 35 Wacker, L.L.C. and VV USA City, L.P. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.108 to Post-Effective Amendment No. 6 to the Company’s Form S-11 Registration Statement (Commission File No. 333-85848), filed on December 17, 2003)
10.9      Amended and Restated Promissory Note dated November 1, 2007, by 1201 Eye Street, N.W. Associates LLC in favor of Metropolitan Life Insurance Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 to the Company’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007 filed on March 26, 2008)
10.10    Amended and Restated Deed of Trust, Security Agreement and Fixture Filing dated November 1, 2007, by 1201 Eye Street, N.W. Associates LLC for the benefit of Metropolitan Life Insurance Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.10 to the Company’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007 filed on March 26, 2008)
10.11    Amended and Restated Promissory Note dated November 1, 2007, by 1225 Eye Street, N.W. Associates LLC in favor of Metropolitan Life Insurance Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.11 to the Company’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007 filed on March 26, 2008)
10.12    Amended and Restated Deed of Trust, Security Agreement and Fixture Filing dated October 24, 2002, by 1225 Eye Street, N.W. Associates LLC for the benefit of Metropolitan Life Insurance Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.12 to the Company’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007 filed on March 26, 2008)
10.13    Limited Liability Company Agreement of 1201 Eye Street, N.W. Associates, LLC dated September 27, 2002 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.119 to Post-Effective Amendment No. 6 to the Company’s Form S-11 Registration Statement (Commission File No. 333-85848), filed on December 17, 2003)
10.14    First Amendment to Limited Liability Company Agreement of 1201 Eye Street, N.W. Associates, LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.120 to Post-Effective Amendment No. 6 to Company’s Form S-11 Registration Statement (Commission File No. 333-85848), filed on December 17, 2003)
10.15    Limited Liability Company Agreement of 1225 Eye Street, N.W. Associates, LLC dated September 27, 2002 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.121 to Post-Effective Amendment No. 6 to the Company’s Form S-11 Registration Statement (Commission File No. 333-85848), filed on December 17, 2003)
10.16    First Amendment to Limited Liability Company Associates of 1225 Eye Street, N.W. Associates, LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.122 to Post-Effective Amendment No. 6 to the Company’s Form S-11 Registration Statement (Commission File No. 333-85848), filed on December 17, 2003)
10.17    Promissory Note dated April 20, 2004, by Wells REIT-Chicago Center Owner, LLC in favor of Metropolitan Life Insurance Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.174 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2004, filed on August 6, 2004)

 

55


Index to Financial Statements

Exhibit Number

  

Description of Document

10.18      Mortgage, Security Agreement and Fixture Filing by Wells REIT-Chicago Center Owner, LLC to Metropolitan Life Insurance Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.175 to the Company’s Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2004, filed on August 6, 2004)
10.19      Loan Agreement (Multi-State) dated May 21, 2004, between Wells REIT-Austin, TX, L.P., Wells REIT—Multi-State Owner, LLC, Wells REIT-Nashville, TN, LLC and Wells REIT—Bridgewater, NJ, LLC; and Morgan Stanley Mortgage Capital Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.176 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2004, filed on August 6, 2004)
10.20      Loan Agreement (D.C. Properties) dated May 21, 2004, between Wells REIT-Independence Square, LLC and Morgan Stanley Mortgage Capital Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.177 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2004, filed on August 6, 2004)
10.21      Promissory Note dated May 5, 2005, by Wells REIT-800 Nicollett Avenue Owner, LLC. in favor of Wachovia Bank, N.A. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.70 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2005, filed on August 5, 2005)
10.22      Fixed Rate Note dated May 4, 2005, by 4250 N. Fairfax Owner, LLC in favor of JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.71 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2005, filed on August 5, 2005)
10.23      Amended and Restated Dividend Reinvestment Plan of the Company adopted February 24, 2011 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on February 24, 2011)
10.24*    Employment Agreement dated February 2, 2007, by and between the Company and Donald A. Miller, CFA (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on February 5, 2007)
10.25      Escrow Agreement dated April 16, 2007, by and among the Company, Wells Advisory Services I, LLC and SunTrust Bank (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on April 20, 2007)
10.26      Pledge and Security Agreement dated April 16, 2007, by and between the Company, Wells Advisory Services I, LLC, WRT Acquisition Company, LLC and WGS Acquisition Company, LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on April 20, 2007)
10.27      Registration Rights Agreement dated April 16, 2007, by and among the Company, Wells Advisory Services I, LLC and Wells Capital, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.5 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on April 20, 2007)
10.28*    2007 Omnibus Incentive Plan of Wells Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.7 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on April 20, 2007)
10.29      Amendment to Agreement of Limited Partnership of the Operating Partnership, as Amended and Restated as of January 1, 2000, dated April 16, 2007 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.8 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on April 20, 2007)
10.30*    Employment Agreement dated April 16, 2007, by and between the Company and Robert E. Bowers (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.9 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on April 20, 2007)

 

56


Index to Financial Statements

Exhibit Number

  

Description of Document

  10.31*    Employment Agreement dated May 14, 2007, by and between the Company and Carroll A. “Bo” Reddic, IV (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on May 14, 2007)
  10.32*    Employment Agreement dated May 14, 2007, by and between the Company and Raymond L. Owens (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on May 14, 2007)
  10.33*    Employment Agreement dated May 14, 2007, by and between the Company and Laura P. Moon (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.3 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on May 14, 2007)
10.34    Master Property Management, Leasing, and Construction Management Agreement dated April 16, 2007 by and among the Company, the Operating Partnership, and Wells Management Company, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.10 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on April 20, 2007)
  10.35*    Form of Employee Deferred Stock Award Agreement for 2007 Omnibus Incentive Plan of the Company effective May 18, 2007 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.82 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2007, filed on August 7, 2007)
10.36    Amendment to Second Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of the Operating Partnership, as Amended and Restated as of January 1, 2000, dated August 8, 2007 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on August 10, 2007)
10.37    Credit Agreement dated August 31, 2007, by and among the Operating Partnership, the Company, Wachovia Capital Markets, LLC and J.P. Morgan Securities Inc., Wachovia Bank, National Association, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., each of Morgan Stanley Bank, Bank of America, N.A., and PNC Bank, National Association, and the other banks signatory thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on September 7, 2007)
10.38    Term Loan Agreement, dated as of June 26, 2008, among Piedmont Operating Partnership, LP, as Borrower, Piedmont Office Realty Trust, Inc., as Parent, JP Morgan Securities, Inc. and Banc of America Securities, LLC, as Co-Lead Arrangers and Book Managers, JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent, Bank of America, N.A., as Syndication Agent, each of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., Regions Bank, N.A., and US Bank N.A., as Documentation Agents, the other banks signatory thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on July 1, 2008)
14.1      Code of Business Conduct and Ethics of the Company amended as of February 24, 2011
21.1      List of Subsidiaries of the Company
23.1      Consent of Ernst & Young LLP
31.1      Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
31.2      Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.1      Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

57


Index to Financial Statements

Exhibit Number

  

Description of Document

32.2      Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

* Identifies each management contract or compensatory plan required to be filed.

 

58


Index to Financial Statements

INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Financial Statements

   Page  

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

     F-2   

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

     F-3   

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2010 and 2009

     F-4   

Consolidated Statements of Income for the Years Ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008

     F-5   

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for the Years Ended December  31, 2010, 2009, and 2008

     F-6   

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008

     F-7   

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

     F-8   

Financial Statement Schedule

      

Schedule III - Real Estate Assets and Accumulated Depreciation

     S-1   

 

F-1


Index to Financial Statements

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

The Board of Directors and Stockholders

Piedmont Office Realty Trust, Inc.

 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Piedmont Office Realty Trust, Inc. as of December 31, 2010 and 2009, and the related consolidated statements of income, stockholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2010. Our audits also included the financial statement schedule listed in the index at Item 15(a). These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements 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 consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Piedmont Office Realty Trust, Inc. at December 31, 2010 and 2009, and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2010, 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, 2010, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated February 24, 2011 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

 

LOGO

 

Atlanta, Georgia

February 24, 2011

 

F-2


Index to Financial Statements

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

 

The Board of Directors and Stockholders

Piedmont Office Realty Trust, Inc.

 

We have audited Piedmont Office Realty Trust, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2010, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (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 Management's Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

 

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

 

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

 

In our opinion, Piedmont Office Realty Trust, Inc. maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2010, 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, 2010 and 2009, and the related consolidated statements of income, stockholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2010 of Piedmont Office Realty Trust, Inc. and our report dated February 24, 2011, expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

 

LOGO

 

Atlanta, Georgia

February 24, 2011

 

F-3


Index to Financial Statements

PIEDMONT OFFICE REALTY TRUST, INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(in thousands, except share and per-share amounts)

 

     December 31,
2010
    December 31,
2009
 

Assets:

    

Real estate assets, at cost:

    

Land

   $ 647,653      $ 651,876   

Buildings and improvements, less accumulated depreciation of $744,756 and $665,068 as of December 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively

     2,943,995        2,998,323   

Intangible lease assets, less accumulated amortization of $145,742 and $147,043 as of December 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively

     74,028        96,269   

Construction in progress

     11,152        17,059   
                

Total real estate assets

     3,676,828        3,763,527   

Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures

     42,018        43,940   

Cash and cash equivalents

     56,718        10,004   

Tenant receivables, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $1,298 and $559 as of December 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively

     134,006        128,442   

Notes receivable

     61,144        58,739   

Due from unconsolidated joint ventures

     1,158        1,083   

Prepaid expenses and other assets

     23,724        21,456   

Goodwill

     180,097        180,097   

Deferred financing costs, less accumulated amortization of $11,893 and $9,285 as of December 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively

     5,306        7,205   

Deferred lease costs, less accumulated amortization of $137,726 and $126,678 as of December 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively

     192,481        180,852   
                

Total assets

   $ 4,373,480      $ 4,395,345   
                

Liabilities:

    

Line of credit and notes payable

   $ 1,402,525      $ 1,516,525   

Accounts payable, accrued expenses, and accrued capital expenditures

     112,648        97,747   

Deferred income

     35,203        34,506   

Intangible lease liabilities, less accumulated amortization of $84,308 and $75,945 as of December 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively

     48,959        60,655   

Interest rate swap

     691        3,866   
                

Total liabilities

     1,600,026        1,713,299   

Commitments and Contingencies

     —          —     

Redeemable Common Stock

     —          75,164   

Stockholders’ Equity:

    

Shares-in-trust, 150,000,000 shares authorized, none outstanding as of December 31, 2010 or December 31, 2009

     —          —     

Preferred stock, no par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized, none outstanding as of December 31, 2010 or December 31, 2009

     —          —     

Class A common stock, $.01 par value; 600,000,000 shares authorized, 132,956,299 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2010; and 39,729,201shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2009

     1,330        397   

Class B-1 common stock, $.01 par value; 50,000,000 shares authorized, none issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2010; and 39,729,201shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2009

     —          397   

Class B-2 common stock, $.01 par value; 50,000,000 shares authorized, none issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2010; and 39,729,202 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2009

     —          397   

Class B-3 common stock, $.01 par value; 50,000,000 shares authorized, 39,702,190 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2010; and 39,729,202 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2009

     397        398   

Additional paid-in capital

     3,661,308        3,477,168   

Cumulative distributions in excess of earnings

     (895,122     (798,561

Redeemable common stock

     —          (75,164

Other comprehensive loss

     (691     (3,866
                

Piedmont stockholders’ equity

     2,767,222        2,601,166   
                

Noncontrolling interest

     6,232        5,716   
                

Total stockholders’ equity

     2,773,454        2,606,882   
                

Total liabilities, redeemable common stock, and stockholders’ equity

   $ 4,373,480      $ 4,395,345   
                

 

See accompanying notes.

 

F-4


Index to Financial Statements

PIEDMONT OFFICE REALTY TRUST, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(in thousands, except share and per-share amounts)

 

     Years Ended December 31,  
     2010     2009     2008  

Revenues:

      

Rental income

   $ 442,687      $ 443,436      $ 448,806   

Tenant reimbursements

     135,145        149,193        150,264   

Property management fee revenue

     3,212        3,111        3,244   

Other rental income

     7,794        2,764        13,273   
                        
     588,838        598,504        615,587   

Expenses:

      

Property operating costs

     217,871        230,588        225,467   

Depreciation

     103,971        104,516        98,188   

Amortization

     44,931        57,300        62,050   

Impairment losses on real estate assets

     —          35,063        —     

General and administrative

     29,201        27,315        30,497   
                        
     395,974        454,782        416,202   
                        

Real estate operating income

     192,864        143,722        199,385   

Other income (expense):

      

Interest expense

     (72,761     (77,743     (75,988

Interest and other income

     3,489        4,450        3,416   

Equity in income of unconsolidated joint ventures

     2,633        104        256   
                        
     (66,639     (73,189     (72,316
                        

Income from continuing operations

     126,225        70,533        127,069   

Discontinued operations:

      

Operating income, excluding impairment loss

     5,089        4,645        4,791   

Impairment loss

     (9,587     —          —     

Loss on sale of real estate asset

     (817     —          —     
                        

(Loss)/income from discontinued operations

     (5,315     4,645        4,791   
                        

Net income

     120,910        75,178        131,860   

Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest

     (531     (478     (546
                        

Net income attributable to Piedmont

   $ 120,379      $ 74,700      $ 131,314   
                        

Per share information—basic:

      

Income from continuing operations

   $ 0.74      $ 0.44      $ 0.79   

(Loss)/income from discontinued operations

     (0.03     0.03        0.03   

Income attributable to noncontrolling interest

     0.00        0.00        0.00   
                        

Net income available to common stockholders

   $ 0.71      $ 0.47      $ 0.82   
                        

Per share information—diluted:

      

Income from continuing operations

   $ 0.73      $ 0.44      $ 0.79   

(Loss)/income from discontinued operations

     (0.03     0.03        0.03   

Income attributable to noncontrolling interest

     0.00        0.00        0.00   
                        

Net income available to common stockholders

   $ 0.70      $ 0.47      $ 0.82   
                        

Weighted-average shares outstanding—basic

     170,752,520        158,419,262        159,585,713   
                        

Weighted-average shares outstanding—diluted

     170,967,324        158,580,990        159,722,167   
                        

 

See accompanying notes.

 

F-5


Index to Financial Statements

PIEDMONT OFFICE REALTY TRUST, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(in thousands, except per-share amounts)

 

    Class A
Common Stock
    Class B
Common Stock
    Additional
Paid-In
Capital
    Cumulative
Distributions in
Excess of Earnings
    Redeemable
Common
Stock
    Other
Comprehensive
Loss
    Noncontrolling
Interest
    Total
Stockholders’
Equity
 
  Shares     Amount     Shares     Amount              

Balance, December 31, 2007

    40,748      $ 407        122,244      $ 1,223      $ 3,572,061      $ (526,337   $ (166,809   $ —        $ 6,546      $ 2,887,091   

Issuance of common stock

    1,423        15        4,271        42        143,115        —          —          —          —          143,172   

Redemptions of common stock and private equity purchases

    (2,285     (23     (6,856     (69     (229,712     —          —          —          —          (229,804

Redeemable common stock

    —          —          —          —          —          —          53,882        —          —          53,882   

Dividends ($1.7604 per share) and distributions to noncontrolling interest

    —          —          —          —          —          (279,303     —          —          (115     (279,418

Premium on stock sales

    —          —          —          —          2,725        —          —          —          —          2,725   

Incremental purchase of 35 W. Wacker Building

    —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          (1,723     (1,723

Shares issued under the 2007 Omnibus Incentive Plan, net of tax

    22        —          66        1       3,465        —          —          —          —          3,466   

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest

    —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          546        546   

Components of comprehensive income:

                   

Net income

    —          —          —          —          —          131,314       —          —          —          131,314   

Loss on interest rate swap

    —          —          —          —          —          —          —          (8,957     —          (8,957
                         

Comprehensive income

                      122,357   
                                                                               

Balance, December 31, 2008

    39,908        399        119,725        1,197        3,491,654        (674,326     (112,927     (8,957 )     5,254        2,702,294   

Issuance of common stock

    1,071        11        3,213        32        107,657        —          —          —          —          107,700   

Redemptions of common stock and private equity purchase

    (1,276     (13     (3,829     (38     (128,293     —          —          —          —          (128,344

Redeemable common stock

    —          —          —          —          —          —          37,763        —          —          37,763   

Dividends ($1.2600 per share) and distributions to noncontrolling interest

    —          —          —          —          —          (198,935     —          —          (16     (198,951

Premium on stock sales

    —          —          —          —          3,585        —          —          —          —          3,585   

Shares issued under the 2007 Omnibus Incentive Plan, net of tax

    26        —          79        1        2,565        —          —          —          —          2,566   

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest

    —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          478        478   

Components of comprehensive income:

                   

Net income

    —          —          —          —          —          74,700        —          —          —          74,700   

Loss on interest rate swap

    —          —          —          —          —          —          —          5,091        —          5,091   
                         

Comprehensive income

                      79,791   
                                                                               

Balance, December 31, 2009

    39,729        397        119,188        1,192        3,477,168        (798,561     (75,164     (3,866     5,716        2,606,882   

Net proceeds from issuance of common stock

    13,800        138        —          —          184,266        —          —          —          —          184,404   

Redemptions of fractional shares of common stock

    (50     —          (150     (2     (2,900     —          —          —          —          (2,902

Change in redeemable common stock outstanding

    —          —          —          —          —          —          75,164        —          —          75,164   

Dividends to common stockholders ($1.2600 per share), distributions to noncontrolling interest, and dividends reinvested

    —          —          —          —          (33     (216,940     —          —          (15     (216,988

Conversion of shares to Class A common stock

    79,404        794        (79,404     (794     —          —          —          —          —          —     

Shares issued under the 2007 Omnibus Incentive Plan, net of tax

    73        1       68        1        2,807        —          —          —          —          2,809   

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest:

    —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          531        531   

Components of comprehensive income:

                   

Net income

    —          —          —          —          —          120,379        —          —          —          120,379   

Net change in interest rate swap

    —          —          —          —          —          —          —          3,175        —          3,175   
                         

Comprehensive income

                      123,554   
                                                                               

Balance, December 31, 2010

    132,956      $ 1,330        39,702      $ 397      $ 3,661,308      $ (895,122   $ —        $ (691   $ 6,232      $ 2,773,454   
                                                                               

 

See accompanying notes.

 

F-6


Index to Financial Statements

PIEDMONT OFFICE REALTY TRUST, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(in thousands)

 

     Years Ended December 31,  
     2010     2009     2008  

Cash Flows from Operating Activities:

      

Net income

   $ 120,910      $ 75,178      $ 131,860   

Operating distributions received from unconsolidated joint ventures

     4,463        4,445        4,747   

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

      

Depreciation

     104,490        106,073        99,745   

Amortization of deferred lease costs and intangible assets/liabilities

     43,358        56,112        62,038   

Impairment loss on real estate assets

     7,041        35,063        —     

Amortization of deferred financing costs and fair market value adjustments on notes payable

     2,608        2,786        1,905   

Accretion of discount on notes receivable

     (2,400     (2,272     (836

Stock compensation expense

     3,681        2,878        3,812   

Equity in income of unconsolidated joint ventures

     (2,633     (104     (256

Loss on sale of real estate asset

     817       —          —     

Changes in assets and liabilities:

      

Increase in tenant receivables, net

     (5,564     (1,668     (4,861

Increase in prepaid expenses and other assets

     (13,776     (11,141     (9,471

Increase in accounts payable and accrued expenses

     12,058        4,607        11,794   

Increase (decrease) in deferred income

     697        9,586        (3,962
                        

Net cash provided by operating activities

     275,750        281,543        296,515   

Cash Flows from Investing Activities:

      

Investment in real estate assets

     (114,147     (37,454     (122,908

Investment in internalization costs -goodwill

     —          —          (195

Investment in mezzanine debt

     —          (10,000     (45,645

Net sale proceeds from wholly-owned properties

     51,637       —          —     

Net sale proceeds received from unconsolidated joint ventures

     189       —          —     

Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures

     (173     (57     (85

Deferred lease costs paid

     (17,700     (21,155     (23,093
                        

Net cash used in investing activities

     (80,194     (68,666     (191,926

Cash Flows from Financing Activities:

      

Deferred financing costs paid

     (710     (93     (2,124

Proceeds from line of credit and notes payable

     25,000        181,000        736,500   

Repayments of line of credit and notes payable

     (139,000     (188,100     (514,009

Net proceeds from issuance of common stock

     185,741        90,581        143,816   

Redemptions of common stock and private equity purchase

     (2,918     (107,643     (234,037

Dividends paid

     (216,955     (198,951     (279,418
                        

Net cash used in financing activities

     (148,842     (223,206     (149,272
                        

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

     46,714        (10,329     (44,683

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year

     10,004        20,333        65,016   
                        

Cash and cash equivalents, end of year

   $ 56,718      $ 10,004      $ 20,333   
                        

 

See accompanying notes.

 

F-7


Index to Financial Statements

PIEDMONT OFFICE REALTY TRUST, INC.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

DECEMBER 31, 2010, 2009, AND 2008

 

1. Organization

 

Piedmont Office Realty Trust, Inc. (“Piedmont”) 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 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 on June 5, 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 is the sole general partner of Piedmont OP and possesses full legal control and authority over the operations 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, 2010, Piedmont owned interests in 75 office properties, plus seven buildings owned through unconsolidated joint ventures and two industrial buildings. Our 75 office properties are located in 19 metropolitan areas across the United States. These office properties comprise approximately 20.4 million square feet, primarily Class A commercial office space, and were approximately 89.2% leased as of December 31, 2010.

 

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 of which Piedmont or any of its wholly-owned subsidiaries is considered the primary beneficiary, 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 four real properties through its ownership in two consolidated joint ventures, Wells 35 W. Wacker, LLC, and Piedmont Washington Properties, Inc. Piedmont has evaluated these two entities based on the criteria outlined above and concluded that they are not variable interest entities (“VIE”) and that Piedmont has a controlling interest in each of them. Accordingly, Piedmont’s consolidated financial statements include the accounts of both Wells 35 W. Wacker, LLC and Piedmont Washington Properties, Inc.

 

In addition, Piedmont owns interests in seven properties through its ownership in five unconsolidated joint venture partnerships. Management has evaluated these joint ventures and determined that these entities are not VIEs. Although Piedmont is the majority equity participant in four of these joint ventures, Piedmont does not have a controlling voting interest in any of them; however, Piedmont does exercise significant influence. As a result, 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 9 for a summary of Piedmont’s interests in and consolidation treatment of its various VIEs as of December 31, 2010.

 

All inter-company balances and transactions have been eliminated upon consolidation.

 

F-8


Index to Financial Statements

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 our creditors. The assets owned by these special purpose entities are being reported on a consolidated basis with Piedmont’s assets for financial reporting purposes only.

 

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, 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 of a real estate asset is in progress; however, no such interest was capitalized during the three years ended December 31, 2010.

 

Piedmont’s real estate assets are depreciated or amortized using the straight-line method over the following useful lives:

 

Buildings    40 years
Building improvements    5-25 years
Land improvements    20-25 years
Tenant improvements    Shorter of economic life or lease term
Furniture, fixtures, and equipment    3-5 years
Intangible lease assets    Lease term

 

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 with the estimated fair values, less costs to sell, for assets held for sale. Piedmont 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 salvage value.

 

For properties owned as part of an investment in unconsolidated joint ventures, Piedmont assesses the fair value of its investment as compared to its carrying amount. If Piedmont determines that the carrying value is greater than the 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 fair value amount.

 

Allocation of Purchase Price of Acquired Assets

 

Upon the acquisition of real properties, Piedmont allocates the purchase price 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 in each case on their estimated fair values.

 

F-9


Index to Financial Statements

The 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 relative fair value of these assets. Management determines the as-if-vacant 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, including leasing commissions and other related costs. In estimating carrying costs, management includes real estate taxes, insurance, and other operating expenses during the expected lease-up periods based on current market conditions.

 

The 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. 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 fair values of in-place leases include direct costs associated with obtaining a new tenant, opportunity costs associated with lost rentals that are avoided by acquiring an in-place lease, and tenant relationships. Direct costs associated with obtaining a new 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 as of December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively, are as follows (in thousands):

 

     December 31,
2010
     December 31,
2009
 

Intangible Lease Assets:

     

Above-Market In-Place Lease Assets

   $ 49,233       $ 55,570   

Absorption Period Costs

   $ 170,537       $ 187,742   

Intangible Lease Origination Costs (included in Deferred Lease Costs)

   $ 164,782       $ 169,843   

Intangible Lease Liabilities (Below-Market In-Place Leases)

   $ 133,267       $ 136,600   

 

For the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008, respectively, Piedmont recognized amortization of intangible lease costs as follows (in thousands):

 

     2010      2009      2008  

Amortization expense related to Intangible Lease Origination Costs and Absorption Period Costs:

   $ 34,660       $ 47,188       $ 54,587   

Amortization of Above-Market and Below-Market In-Place Lease intangibles as a net increase to rental revenues:

   $ 5,788       $ 5,394       $ 3,215   

 

F-10


Index to Financial Statements

Net intangible assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2010 will be amortized as follows (in thousands):

 

     Intangible Lease Assets             Liabilities  
     Above-Market
In-place
Lease Assets
     Absorption
Period Costs
     Intangible Lease
Origination Costs(1)
     Below-Market
In-place Lease
Liabilities
 

For the year ending December 31:

           

2011

   $ 4,610       $ 16,030       $ 14,494       $ 11,330   

2012

     2,393         11,021         11,869         9,468   

2013

     1,387         5,769         7,143         4,217   

2014

     1,303         4,847         5,957         3,306   

2015

     1,256         4,588         5,408         2,813   

Thereafter

     1,837         18,987         26,660         17,825   
                                   
   $ 12,786       $ 61,242       $ 71,531       $ 48,959   
                                   

Weighted-Average Amortization Period

     3 years         5 years         6 years         6 years   

 

(1)

Intangible lease origination costs are presented as a component of deferred lease costs on Piedmont’s accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

 

Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures

 

Although Piedmont is the majority equity participant in four unconsolidated joint ventures, Piedmont does not have a controlling voting interest in any of the unconsolidated joint ventures. Piedmont does, however, exercise significant influence over those joint ventures. Accordingly, 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, and net income (loss) 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 would be considered a return of Piedmont’s investment in the joint venture and classified as cash inflows from investing activities.

 

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 fair value, and consist of investments in money market accounts.

 

Tenant Receivables, net

 

Tenant receivables are comprised of rental and reimbursement billings due from tenants and 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 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 $0.8 million, ($0.2 million), and $0.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008, respectively, which are included in general and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.

 

F-11


Index to Financial Statements

Notes Receivable

 

Notes receivable is solely comprised of Piedmont’s investments in mezzanine debt, which are recorded at face amount, less unamortized discount as of the date of the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. See Note 6 below for further discussion of Piedmont’s investments in mezzanine debt.

 

Due from Unconsolidated Joint Ventures

 

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.

 

Prepaid Expenses and Other Assets

 

Prepaid expenses and other assets are primarily comprised of the following items:

 

   

prepaid taxes, insurance and operating costs;

 

   

escrow accounts held by lenders to pay future real estate taxes, insurance and tenant improvements;

 

   

costs incurred related to an offering of common stock;

 

   

earnest money paid in connection with future acquisitions; and

 

   

equipment, furniture and fixtures, and tenant improvements for Piedmont’s corporate office space, net of accumulated depreciation.

 

Prepaid expenses and other assets will be expensed as utilized or reclassified to other asset or equity accounts upon being put into service in future periods. Balances without a future economic benefit are written off as they are identified.

 

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. 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. Fair value is determined by adjusting the trading price of the stock for various factors including, but not limited to: (i) liquidity or transferability considerations, (ii) control premiums, and/or (iii) fully distributed premiums, if necessary, multiplied by the common shares outstanding. If such calculated fair value exceeds the carrying value, no further procedures or analysis is permitted or 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 fair value of all tangible and intangible net assets of the entity from the entity’s fair value calculated in step one of the test. If the implied value of the goodwill (the remainder left after deducting the fair values of the entity from its calculated overall fair value in step one of the test) is less than the carrying value of goodwill, an impairment loss would be recognized.

 

Deferred Financing Costs

 

Deferred financing costs are comprised of costs incurred in connection with securing financing from third-party lenders and are capitalized and amortized to interest expense on a straight-line basis over the terms of the related financing arrangements. Piedmont recognized amortization of deferred financing costs for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008 of approximately $2.6 million, $2.8 million, and $2.5 million, respectively, which is included in interest expense in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.

 

F-12


Index to Financial Statements

Deferred Lease Costs

 

Deferred lease costs are comprised of costs and incentives incurred to acquire operating leases, including intangible lease origination costs, and are capitalized and amortized on a straight-line basis over the terms of the related leases. Amortization of deferred leasing costs is reflected in the accompanying consolidated statements of income as follows.

 

   

Piedmont amortized deferred lease costs of approximately $26.8 million, $32.6 million, and $29.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008, respectively, of which approximately $0.7 million, $0.7 million, and $0.5 million are related to the amortization of deferred common area maintenance costs which are recorded as property operating costs in the accompanying consolidated statements of income. The remaining amortization of deferred lease costs are recorded as amortization expense.

 

   

Piedmont recognized additional amortization of lease incentives classified as deferred lease costs of $3.4 million, $3.4 million, and $2.6 million, which was recorded as an adjustment to rental income for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008, respectively.

 

Upon receiving notification of a tenant’s intention to terminate a lease, unamortized deferred lease costs are written down to net realizable value.

 

Line of Credit and Notes Payable

 

Certain mortgage notes included in line of credit and notes payable in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets were assumed upon the acquisition of real properties. When debt is assumed, Piedmont adjusts the loan to fair value with a corresponding adjustment to building. 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, $0, and $0.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008, respectively.

 

Interest Rate Swap

 

Piedmont periodically enters into interest rate swap agreements to hedge its exposure to changing interest rates on variable rate debt instruments. As required by GAAP, Piedmont records all derivatives on the balance sheet at 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. The changes in fair value of derivatives designated as cash flow hedges are recorded in other comprehensive income (“OCI”), and the amounts in OCI will be reclassified to earnings when the hedged transactions occur. Changes in the 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 fair value of the interest rate swap agreement is recorded as prepaid expenses and other assets or as interest rate swap liability in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Amounts received or paid under interest rate swap agreements are recorded as interest expense in the consolidated income statements as incurred. Currently, Piedmont does not use derivatives for trading or speculative purposes and does not have any derivatives that are not designated as cash flow hedges.

 

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 to 100,000,000 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.

 

F-13


Index to Financial Statements

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. As a result of the Recapitalization, of the total shares of common stock authorized 600,000,000 are designated as Class A common stock, 50,000,000 are designated as Class B-1 common stock, 50,000,000 are designated as Class B-2 common stock and 50,000,000 are designated as Class B-3 common stock. In the event that Piedmont reorganizes, merges or consolidates with one or more other corporations, holders of Class A and Class B common stock will be entitled to receive the same kind and amount of securities or property. Each Class A and Class B share is entitled to one vote. Each Class A and Class B share participates in distributions equally.

 

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 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 Class A common stock in lieu of receiving cash dividends.

 

Redeemable Common Stock

 

As of December 31, 2009, Piedmont’s common shares were, subject to certain limitations, contingently redeemable at the option of the stockholder. One of the limitations stated that the aggregate amount paid for redemptions under the Piedmont share redemption program could not exceed the aggregate amount of proceeds received from the sale of shares pursuant to the dividend reinvestment plan (the “DRP”). Accordingly, Piedmont recorded redeemable common stock equal to the aggregate amount of proceeds received under the DRP, less the aggregate amount incurred to redeem shares under Piedmont’s share redemption program. Effective February 17, 2010, Piedmont terminated its share redemption program, and as such, no amounts were recorded as mezzanine equity as of December 31, 2010.

 

Noncontrolling Interest

 

Noncontrolling interest represents the equity interests of consolidated entities that are not owned by Piedmont. Noncontrolling interest is adjusted for contributions, distributions, and earnings (loss) 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.

 

Revenue Recognition

 

All leases on real estate assets held by Piedmont are classified as operating leases, and the related base rental income is generally 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. Other rental income, consisting primarily of lease termination fees, is recognized once Piedmont has satisfied all obligations under the related lease or lease termination agreement.

 

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. Recognition of all or a portion of the gain would be deferred until both of these conditions are met. Losses are recognized in full as of the sale date.

 

F-14


Index to Financial Statements

Stock-based Compensation

 

Piedmont has issued restricted stock to employees and directors, as well as stock options outstanding which were granted to independent directors in prior years. Expense recognized by Piedmont related to stock-based compensation for employees 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.

 

Net Income Available to Common Stockholders Per Share

 

Net income available to common stockholders per share is calculated based on the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during each period. Outstanding stock options have been excluded from the diluted earnings per share calculation, as their impact would be anti-dilutive. However, the incremental weighted-average shares from restricted stock awards are included in the diluted earnings per share calculation.

 

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. Accordingly, neither a provision nor a benefit for federal income taxes has been made in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. Piedmont is subject to certain state and local taxes related to the operations of properties in certain locations, which have been provided for in the financial statements. Additionally, Piedmont conducts certain operations through its taxable REIT subsidiary (“TRS”), Piedmont Office Holdings, Inc. These operations resulted in a tax provision of approximately $5,000 for the year ended December 31, 2010, which is recorded in the accompanying financial statements as general and administrative costs.

 

Reclassifications

 

Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current period financial statement presentation. The reclassifications relate to (i) the required presentation of discontinued operations for the 111 Sylvan Avenue Building (sold in December 2010), (ii) the reclassification of residual property management compensation expense to property operating costs from general and administrative costs, (iii) the reclassification of interest rate swap settlements as components of interest expense, and (iv) the presentation of noncontrolling interest as a component of stockholders’ equity. All such reclassifications do not affect net income attributable to Piedmont as presented in previous years. Additionally, all share and per share amounts have been adjusted to give effect to the Recapitalization (see Note 3 for additional information).

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

In January 2010, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) clarified previously issued GAAP and issued new requirements related to fair value measurements and disclosures. The clarification component includes disclosures about inputs and valuation techniques used in determining fair value, and providing fair value measurement information for each class of assets and liabilities. The new requirements relate to disclosures of transfers between the levels in the fair value hierarchy, as well as the individual components in the rollforward of the lowest level (Level 3) in the fair value hierarchy. This change in GAAP was effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2009, except for the provision concerning the rollforward of activity of the Level 3 fair value measurement, whose effective date is for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2010, and for interim periods within those fiscal years. Piedmont does not expect this disclosure requirement to have a material effect on its consolidated financial statements.

 

F-15


Index to Financial Statements
3. Recapitalization, Listing and Offering of Common Stock

 

On January 20, 2010, Piedmont’s stockholders approved an amendment to its charter that provides for the conversion of each outstanding share of Piedmont’s common stock into:

 

   

1/12th of a share of Piedmont’s Class A common stock; plus

 

   

1/12th of a share of Piedmont’s Class B-1 common stock; plus

 

   

1/12th of a share of Piedmont’s Class B-2 common stock; plus

 

   

1/12th of a share of Piedmont’s Class B-3 common stock

 

This transaction is referred to as the “Recapitalization” and was effective upon filing the amendment to Piedmont’s charter with the State Department of Assessments and Taxation of the State of Maryland (the “SDAT”) on January 22, 2010. Piedmont refers to Class B-1 common stock, Class B-2 common stock and Class B-3 common stock collectively as “Class B” common stock. Piedmont listed its Class A common stock on the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”) on February 10, 2010. Piedmont’s Class B common stock is identical to its Class A common stock except that (i) Piedmont does not intend to list its Class B common stock on a national securities exchange and (ii) shares of its Class B common stock have converted automatically into shares of Class A common stock at specified times, as follows:

 

   

August 9, 2010, in the case of Class B-1 common stock;

 

   

November 7, 2010, in the case of Class B-2 common stock; and

 

   

January 30, 2011, in the case of Class B-3 common stock.

 

In conjunction with the listing of its Class A common stock on the NYSE, Piedmont offered and subsequently issued 13.8 million shares of its common stock which resulted in $184.4 million in net offering proceeds.

 

4. Acquisitions of Real Estate Assets

 

The following properties were acquired during year ended December 31, 2010:

 

Property

  Metropolitan Statistical
Area
  Date of
Acquisition
  Number of
Buildings
    Rentable
Square
Feet
    Percentage
Occupied
as of
December 31, 2010
    Purchase
Price
(in millions)
 

Suwanee Gateway One

  Atlanta, GA   September 28, 2010     1        142,427        0   $ 7.88   

One and Two Meridian Crossings

  Minneapolis, MN   October 1, 2010     2        383,882        96   $ 65.61   

 

5. Tenant Receivables

 

Tenant receivables as of December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively, are as follows (in thousands):

 

     2010      2009  

Tenant receivables, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $1,298 and $559 in 2010 and 2009, respectively

   $ 28,848       $ 33,071   

Cumulative rental revenue recognized on a straight-line basis in excess of cash received in accordance with lease terms

     105,158         95,371   
                 

Tenant receivables

   $ 134,006       $ 128,442   
                 

 

F-16


Index to Financial Statements
6. Notes Receivable

 

Notes receivable as of December 31, 2010 and 2009 consist solely of Piedmont’s two investments in mezzanine debt, both of which are secured by a pledge of the equity interest of the entity owning a 46-story, 973, 000 square foot, Class A, commercial office building located in downtown Chicago (the “500 W. Monroe Building”).

 

The 500 W. Monroe Building is encumbered by a first mortgage (“the Mortgage Loan”) and four different mezzanine loans (“the Mezzanine Loans”) held by different lenders. Within the first Mezzanine Loan and the third Mezzanine Loan, there is also a senior and a junior tranche of mezzanine debt. Piedmont holds the junior tranche in the first Mezzanine Loan (bearing interest at LIBOR plus 1.75%) and the entire second Mezzanine Loan (bearing interest at LIBOR plus 1.61%). The owner of the 500 W. Monroe Building defaulted on the most junior mezzanine loan in February 2009 and has been operating pursuant to a forbearance agreement with that lender (“the most Junior Loan Holder”).

 

As of August 9, 2010, all of the loans (Mortgage and Mezzanine, including Piedmont’s two mezzanine loan investments) matured. Piedmont subsequently exercised its right to extend the Mortgage Loan and first priority Mezzanine Loan and issued a notice announcing that a UCC foreclosure sale would be conducted on September 14, 2010 wherein Piedmont’s collateral for its second Mezzanine Loan (the pledge of the equity interest in the borrower under the first Mezzanine Loan) would be auctioned. The owner of the building initiated legal action to prevent the foreclosure auction from taking place and on September 8, 2010, after being denied a restraining order by the New York State Supreme Court, appealed that decision to the Appellate Division in New York, where the appellate court issued a stay order delaying the foreclosure auction pending the adjudication of the borrower’s appeal.

 

On January 13, 2011, the Appellate Division unanimously affirmed the New York Supreme Court’s denial of the owner’s attempt to obtain an injunction enjoining Piedmont from foreclosing on its security interest. On January 18, 2011, the owner filed a motion seeking leave to appeal that ruling, and the matter is still pending resolution in court.

 

Piedmont has collected all interest due as of December 31, 2010, according to the contractual terms of the notes. As of December 31, 2010, Piedmont has concluded that the loans do not meet the criteria for impairment as set forth in FASB’s Accounting Standards Codification 310-10-35 and, therefore, Piedmont continues to carry the notes at their accreted value of approximately $61.1 million. Additionally, Piedmont has received default interest in excess of contractual interest and the return of excess monthly property cash flows totaling approximately $0.8 million. These amounts are classified as liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2010, pending the resolution of the legal proceedings referenced above.

 

An affiliate of the most Junior Loan Holder continues to manage the property, and an unrelated third-party was retained by the owner of the building to act as leasing agent for the property. Therefore, as of December 31, 2010, Piedmont has concluded that it is not the primary beneficiary of the overall remaining capital structure, including the 500 W. Monroe Building, and Piedmont has not recorded the building, Mortgage Loan and surviving mezzanine debt or related interest rate caps (all of which will become Piedmont’s responsibility if Piedmont is the successful bidder at the foreclosure auction) in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. Piedmont’s maximum exposure to loss as of December 31, 2010 is the recorded value of the notes and various costs incurred to date in conjunction with the proceedings mentioned above of approximately $62.4 million.

 

F-17


Index to Financial Statements
7. Unconsolidated Joint Ventures

 

Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures

 

As of December 31, 2010 and 2009, Piedmont owned interests in the following unconsolidated joint ventures (in thousands):

 

Name of Joint Venture

  

Properties Held by Joint Venture

   Piedmont’s
Approximate
Ownership
Percentage
    Net Book Value  
                2010      2009  

Fund XIII and REIT Joint Venture

  

8560 Upland Drive

Two Park Center

     72   $ 19,543       $ 20,519   

Fund XII and REIT Joint Venture

  

4685 Investment Drive

5301 Maryland Way

     55     16,688         17,164   

Fund XI, XII and REIT Joint Venture

   20/20 Building      57     2,871         3,154   

Wells/Fremont Associates

   47300 Kato Road      78     2,667         2,704   

Fund IX, X, XI and REIT Joint Venture

   360 Interlocken      4     249         399   
                      
        $ 42,018       $ 43,940   
                      

 

Sale of Property Owned in Unconsolidated Joint Venture

 

During the year ended December 31, 2010, Fund IX, X, XI and REIT Joint Venture sold the 14400 Hertz Quail Springs Parkway Building for a gross sales price of $5.3 million. Piedmont owns approximately four percent of the joint venture, and recorded its proportionate share of the net sales proceeds and gain on sale of approximately $189,000 and $25,000, respectively.

 

8. Line of Credit and Notes Payable

 

The following table summarizes the terms of Piedmont’s indebtedness outstanding as of December 31, 2010 and 2009 (in thousands):

 

Facility

 

Property

  Rate(1)     Maturity     Amount Outstanding
as of December 31,
 
        2010(2)     2009  

Secured (Fixed)

         

$45.0 Million Fixed-Rate Loan

  4250 N. Fairfax     5.20     6/1/2012      $ 45,000      $ 45,000   

35 West Wacker Building Mortgage Note

  35 West Wacker Drive     5.10     1/1/2014        120,000        120,000   

Aon Center Chicago Mortgage Note

  Aon Center     4.87     5/1/2014        200,000        200,000   

Aon Center Chicago Mortgage Note

  Aon Center     5.70     5/1/2014        25,000        25,000   

Secured Pooled Facility

  Nine Property Collateralized Pool(3)     4.84     6/7/2014        350,000        350,000   

$105.0 Million Fixed-Rate Loan

  US Bancorp Center     5.29     5/11/2015        105,000        105,000   

$125.0 Million Fixed-Rate Loan

  Four Property Collateralized Pool(4)     5.50     4/1/2016        125,000        125,000   

$42.5 Million Fixed-Rate Loan

  Las Colinas Corporate Center I & II     5.70     10/11/2016        42,525        42,525   

WDC Mortgage Notes

  1201 & 1225 Eye Street     5.76     11/1/2017        140,000        140,000   
                     

Subtotal/Weighted Average(5)

      5.16       1,152,525        1,152,525   

Unsecured (Variable)

         

$250 Million Unsecured Term Loan(6)

  $250 Million Term Loan     LIBOR + 1.50 %(6)      6/28/2011        250,000        250,000   

$500 Million Unsecured Facility(7)

  $500 Million Revolving Facility     —   ( 8)      8/30/2011 (9)      —          114,000 (11) 
                     

Subtotal/Weighted Average(5)

      2.36       250,000        364,000   
                     

Total/ Weighted Average(5)

      4.66     $ 1,402,525      $ 1,516,525   
                     

 

F-18


Index to Financial Statements
(1)

All of Piedmont’s outstanding debt as of December 31, 2010 and 2009 is interest-only debt.

(2)

Balance outstanding at maturity is the same as that on December 31, 2010 and 2009, except for the $500 Million Unsecured Facility.

(3)

Nine property collateralized pool includes the 1200 Crown Colony Drive Building, the Braker Pointe III Building, 2 Gatehall Drive Building, the One Independence Square Building, the Two Independence Square Building, the 2120 West End Avenue Building, the 400 Bridgewater Crossing Building (which was substituted for the 111 Sylvan Avenue Building upon its sale in December 2010), the 200 Bridgewater Crossing Building, and the Fairway Center II Building.

(4)

Four property collateralized pool includes the 1430 Enclave Parkway Building, the Windy Point I and II Buildings, and the 1055 East Colorado Boulevard Building.

(5)

Weighted average is based on balance outstanding and interest rate at December 31, 2010.

(6)

The $250 Million Unsecured Term Loan has a stated variable rate; however, Piedmont entered into an interest rate swap agreement which effectively fixes the rate on this loan to 2.36% through June 28, 2011.

(7)

All of Piedmont’s outstanding debt as of December 31, 2010 and 2009 is term debt with the exception of the $500 Million Unsecured Facility.

(8)

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 (0.475% as of December 31, 2010) over the selected rate based on Piedmont’s current credit rating.

(9)

Piedmont may extend the term for one additional year provided Piedmont is not then in default and upon the payment of a 15 basis point extension fee.

 

A summary of the aggregate maturities of Piedmont’s indebtedness as of December 31, 2010, is provided below (in thousands):

 

2011

   $ 250,000   

2012

     45,000   

2013

     —     

2014

     695,000   

2015

     105,000   

Thereafter

     307,525   
        

Total

   $ 1,402,525   
        

 

Piedmont’s weighted-average interest rate as of December 31, 2010 and 2009, for aforementioned borrowings was approximately 4.66% and 4.83%, respectively. Piedmont made interest payments on indebtedness of approximately $65.4 million, $67.1 million, and $73.2 million during the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008, respectively. Additionally, Piedmont recorded interest rate swap cash settlements related to its $250 Million Unsecured Term Loan as interest expense in the accompanying consolidated statements of income of approximately $4.7 million, $7.9 million, and $1.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008, respectively.

 

 

F-19


Index to Financial Statements
9. Variable Interest Entities

 

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 are considered to be the primary beneficiary and must consolidate the VIE.

 

A summary of Piedmont’s interests in and consolidation treatment of its VIEs as of December 31, 2010 is as follows, (net book value of assets in millions):

 

 

Entity

  Piedmont’s
%
Ownership
of Entity
    Related
Building
 

Consolidated/
Unconsolidated; Location
on Balance Sheet

  Net Book
Value as of
December 31,
2010
    Net Book
Value as of
December 31,
2009
   

Primary Beneficiary
Considerations

1201 Eye Street NW

           

    Associates, LLC

    49.5   1201 Eye
Street
  Consolidated; Component of Real Estate Assets   $ 84.2      $ 89.2      In accordance with the partnership’s governing documents, Piedmont is entitled to 100% of the cash flow of the entity and has sole discretion in directing the management and leasing activities of the building.

1225 Eye Street NW

           

    Associates, LLC

    49.5   1225 Eye
Street
  Consolidated; Component of Real Estate Assets   $ 61.8      $ 64.4      In accordance with the partnership’s governing documents, Piedmont is entitled to 100% of the cash flow of the entity and has sole discretion in directing the management and leasing activities of the building.

500 W. Monroe Mezz II,

           

    LLC

    100   500 West
Monroe
  Consolidated; Component of Notes Receivable   $ 48.2      $ 47.5      Not sufficient equity at risk in the entity so considered a VIE; Piedmont is sole financial investor and has sole decision making authority with regard to this entity; See Note 6 for further discussion.

500 W. Monroe Mezz I-B,

           

    LLC

    100   500 West
Monroe
  Consolidated; Component of Notes Receivable   $ 12.9      $ 11.2      Not sufficient equity at risk in the entity so considered a VIE; Piedmont is sole financial investor and has sole decision making authority with regard to this entity; See Note 6 for further discussion.

500 W. Monroe Building,

           

    and related secured and

           

    mezzanine debt

    0   500 West
Monroe
  Not Consolidated     N/A        N/A      See Note 6 for a further discussion of this VIE.

Suwanee Gateway One,

           

    LLC

    100   Suwanee
Gateway
One
  Consolidated; Component of Real Estate Assets   $ 7.8      $ —        The fee agreement includes equity participation rights for the incentive manager, if certain returns on investment are achieved; however, Piedmont has sole decision making authority and is entitled to the economic benefits of the property until such returns are met.

 

F-20


Index to Financial Statements
10. 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 to manage interest rate risk exposure arising from

variable rate debt transactions that result in 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 exchange of the underlying notional amount.

 

For the period from June 28, 2008 to June 28, 2010, Piedmont used an interest rate swap agreement to hedge the variable cash flows associated with its $250 Million Unsecured Term Loan to maturity. Effective June 28, 2010, Piedmont extended the $250 Million Unsecured Term Loan until June 28, 2011, as permitted under the terms of the loan agreement, and entered into four new interest rate swaps covering the extension period of the loan. A detail of Piedmont’s interest rate swaps outstanding as of December 31, 2010 is as follows:

 

Interest Rate Derivative

   Notional Amount
(in millions)
     Effective Date      Maturity Date  

Interest rate swap

   $ 100         6/28/2010         6/28/2011   

Interest rate swap

   $ 75         6/28/2010         6/28/2011   

Interest rate swap

   $ 50         6/28/2010         6/28/2011   

Interest rate swap

   $ 25         6/28/2010         6/28/2011   
              

Total

   $ 250         
              

 

All of the above interest rate swap agreements are designated as cash flow hedges of interest rate risk. The effective portion of changes in the fair value of derivatives designated as, and that qualify as, cash flow hedges is recorded in Other Comprehensive Income (“OCI”) and is subsequently reclassified into earnings in the period that the hedged forecasted transaction affects earnings.

 

The effective portion of Piedmont’s derivative financial instruments (interest rate swaps) that was recorded in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008 (in thousands) is as follows:

 

Derivative in

Cash Flow Hedging

Relationships (Interest Rate Swap)

   December 31,
2010
    December 31,
2009
    December 31,
2008
 

Amount of loss recognized in OCI on derivative

   $ 1,529      $ 2,812      $ 10,096   

Amount of previously recorded loss reclassified from accumulated OCI into interest expense

   $ (4,704   $ (7,903   $ (1,139

 

No gain or loss was recognized related to hedge ineffectiveness or to amounts excluded from effectiveness testing on Piedmont’s cash flow hedges during the year ended December 31, 2010, 2009, or 2008.

 

Amounts reported in accumulated other comprehensive loss related to Piedmont’s derivatives are reclassified to interest expense as interest payments are made on the $250 Million Unsecured Term Loan. Piedmont estimates that an additional $0.7 million will be reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss as an increase to interest expense over the next twelve months.

 

F-21


Index to Financial Statements

The fair value of Piedmont’s derivative financial instruments designated as hedging instruments under GAAP (its interest rate swap agreements) as of December 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009 was $0.7 million and $3.9 million, respectively, and is separately presented as “Interest rate swap” in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet.

 

Please see the accompanying statements of stockholders’ equity for a rollforward of Piedmont’s Other Comprehensive Loss account.

 

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 obligation. If Piedmont breached 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 fair values plus accrued interest, or approximately $0.7 million.

 

11. Fair Value Measurements

 

Piedmont considers its cash, accounts receivable, accounts payable, interest rate swap agreement, and line of credit and notes payable 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 of December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively (in thousands):

 

     As of December 31, 2010     As of December 31, 2009  

Financial Instrument

   Carrying Value      Estimated Fair Value     Carrying Value      Estimated Fair Value  

Cash and cash equivalents(1)

   $ 56,718       $ 56,718      $ 10,004       $ 10,004   

Tenant receivables, net(1)

   $ 134,006       $ 134,006      $ 128,442       $ 128,442   

Notes receivable

   $ 61,144       $ —   (2)    $ 58,739       $ 44,504   

Accounts payable(1)

   $ 15,763       $ 15,763      $ 12,170       $ 12,170   

Interest rate swap agreements

   $ 691       $ 691      $ 3,866       $ 3,866   

Line of credit and notes payable

   $ 1,402,525       $ 1,428,255      $ 1,516,525       $ 1,436,060   

 

(1)

For the periods presented, the carrying value approximates estimated fair value.

(2)

Due to the UCC foreclosure process and the litigation surrounding it, as well as the fact that the more junior note is technically in default, Piedmont is unable to provide an estimated fair value of the notes receivable as of December 31, 2010. See Note 6 for further information concerning Piedmont’s notes receivable.

 

Piedmont’s interest rate swap agreements discussed in Note 10 above were the only financial instruments adjusted and carried at fair value as of December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively, and were separately presented as an “Interest rate swap” in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The valuation of these 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 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 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. This total expected exposure was then discounted using factors that contemplate the creditworthiness of Piedmont and the counterparties to arrive at a credit charge. This credit charge was then netted against the value of the derivative financial instruments determined using the discounted cash flow analysis described above to arrive at a total estimated fair value of the interest rate swap agreements. The credit valuation adjustment did not comprise a material portion of the fair values of the derivative financial instruments as of either December 31, 2010 or 2009; therefore, Piedmont believes that any unobservable inputs used to determine the fair values of its derivative financial instruments are not significant to the fair value measurements in their entirety, and does not consider its derivative financial instruments to be Level 3 liabilities.

 

F-22


Index to Financial Statements
12. Impairment of Certain Real Estate Assets

 

Piedmont recorded the following impairment charges as a component of income from continuing operations for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008 (in thousands):

 

     2010     2009      2008  

Impairment losses recorded in real estate operating expenses:

       

Auburn Hills Corporate Center Building

   $ —        $ 10,173       $ —     

1111 Durham Avenue Building

     —          14,274         —     

1441 West Long Lake Road Building

     —          10,616         —     
                         

Impairment losses on real estate assets

   $ —   (1)    $ 35,063       $ —     
                         

 

  (1)

During the year ended December 31, 2010, Piedmont recorded an impairment charge of approximately $9.6 million on the 111 Sylvan Avenue Building as a component of discontinued operations. See Note 17 below for further detail.

 

Piedmont did not recognize an impairment loss on its held-for-use, wholly-owned buildings during the year ended December 31, 2010; however, during the year ended December 31, 2009, Piedmont reduced its intended holding periods for the Auburn Hills Corporate Center Building, purchased in May 2003 and comprising approximately 119,000 square feet, and the 1441 West Long Lake Road Building, purchased in June 2000 and comprising approximately 107,000 square feet, both of which are located in the Detroit, Michigan market. During the same period, Piedmont reduced the intended holding period for the 1111 Durham Avenue Building, purchased in November 2000 and comprising approximately 237,000 square feet, located in New Jersey. The decision to reduce estimated future rental revenues and the holding periods for the two Detroit assets was prompted by the loss of prospective replacement tenants and overall market declines in the Detroit, Michigan market. Further, changes in management’s expectation of re-leasing prospects of the New Jersey asset, coupled with general market declines in the South Plainfield submarket in which it is located, prompted the reduction of intended hold period and estimated future rental revenues during the third quarter 2009. The cumulative effect of these decisions triggered a reassessment of speculative leasing assumptions for these buildings, which entailed, among other things, evaluating market rents, leasing costs and the downtime necessary to complete necessary re-leasing activities. Based on a comparison of the projected undiscounted future cash flows with the net book value of the real estate and intangible assets, Piedmont determined that the carrying values of the assets were not recoverable and, accordingly, recorded an impairment loss on real estate assets in the amount of approximately $35.1 million to reduce the carrying value of the assets to their estimated fair value based upon the present value of future cash flows.

 

Fair Value Considerations for Property

 

In accordance with GAAP regarding fair value measurements, Piedmont valued the Auburn Hills Corporate Center Building, the 1111 Durham Avenue Building, and the 1441 West Long Lake Road Building using the fair value processes and techniques prescribed by authoritative literature. The fair value measurements used in these evaluations of nonfinancial assets are considered to be Level 3 valuations within the fair value hierarchy as defined in GAAP, as there are significant unobservable inputs. Examples of inputs Piedmont utilizes in its fair value calculations are discount rates, market capitalization rates, speculative leasing rates and assumptions, timing of leases, rental concessions and leasing capital, and sales prices. The following amounts represent the detail of the adjustments recognized during the year ended December 31, 209 using Level 3 inputs (in thousands):

 

Property or Investment in Unconsolidated Joint Venture

   Net Book
Value
     Impairment
Recognized
     Fair Value  

Auburn Hills Corporate Center Building

   $ 17,633       $ 10,173       $ 7,460   

1111 Durham Avenue Building

     27,984         14,274         13,710   

1441 West Long Lake Road Building

     17,141         10,616         6,525   
                          
   $ 62,758       $ 35,063       $ 27,695   
                          

 

F-23


Index to Financial Statements
13. 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 lease agreements contain provisions that require Piedmont to issue corporate guarantees to provide funding for such capital improvements. At December 31, 2010, Piedmont anticipates funding approximately $111.4 million in potential obligations for tenant improvements related to its existing lease portfolio over the respective lease terms, much of which Piedmont estimates may be required to be funded over the next five years. 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.

 

Contingencies Related to Tenant Audits

 

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 approximately $0.4 million, $1.4 million, and $0.5 million as a reduction of tenant reimbursement income during the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008 related to such tenant audits.

 

Letters of Credit

 

As of December 31, 2010, Piedmont was subject to the following letters of credit, which reduce the total outstanding capacity under its $500 Million Unsecured Facility:

 

Amount

  

Expiration of Letter of Credit

$382,556

   February 2011(1)

$3,637,354

   June 2011

$10,000,000(2)

   February 2011(1)

$3,000,000

   December 2011(1)

 

  (1)

These letter of credit agreements contain an “evergreen” clause, which automatically renews for consecutive, one-year periods each anniversary, subject to certain limitations.

  (2)

On January 26, 2011, the amount of this letter of credit was increased to approximately $14.8 million.

 

Operating Lease Obligations

 

Three properties (the River Corporate Center Building in Tempe, Arizona; the 8700 South Price Road Building in Tempe, Arizona; and the 2001 NW 64th Street Building in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida are subject to ground leases with expiration dates ranging between 2048 and 2101. The aggregate remaining payments required under the terms of these operating leases as of December 31, 2010 are presented below (in thousands):

 

2011

   $ 636   

2012

     750   

2013

     750   

2014

     750   

2015

     749   

Thereafter

     75,619   
        

Total

   $ 79,254   
        

 

F-24


Index to Financial Statements

Ground rent expense was approximately $0.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008, 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 is approximately $26.4 million and $27.3 million as of December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

 

Assertion of Legal Action

 

In Re Wells Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc. Securities Litigation, Civil Action No. 1:07-cv-00862-CAP (Upon motions to dismiss filed by defendants, parts of all seven counts were dismissed by the court. Counts III through VII were dismissed in their entirety. On August 2, 2010, the court ruled on various pre-trial motions and denied the defendants’ motion for summary judgment. The parties are preparing for trial, but no trial date has been set.)

 

On March 12, 2007, a stockholder filed a purported class action and derivative complaint in the United States District Court for the District of Maryland against, among others, Piedmont, Piedmont’s previous advisors, and the officers and directors of Piedmont prior to the closing of the Internalization. The complaint attempts to assert class action claims on behalf of those persons who received and were entitled to vote on the proxy statement filed with the SEC on February 26, 2007.

 

The complaint alleges, among other things, (i) that the consideration to be paid as part of the Internalization is excessive; (ii) violations of Section 14(a), including Rule 14a-9 thereunder, and Section 20(a) of the Exchange Act, based upon allegations that the proxy statement contains false and misleading statements or omits to state material facts; (iii) that the board of directors and the current and previous advisors breached their fiduciary duties to the class and to Piedmont; and (iv) that the proposed Internalization will unjustly enrich certain directors and officers of Piedmont.

 

The complaint seeks, among other things, (i) certification of the class action; (ii) a judgment declaring the proxy statement false and misleading; (iii) unspecified monetary damages; (iv) to nullify any stockholder approvals obtained during the proxy process; (v) to nullify the Internalization; (vi) restitution for disgorgement of profits, benefits, and other compensation for wrongful conduct and fiduciary breaches; (vii) the nomination and election of new independent directors, and the retention of a new financial advisor to assess the advisability of Piedmont’s strategic alternatives; and (viii) the payment of reasonable attorneys’ fees and experts’ fees.

 

On June 27, 2007, the plaintiff filed an amended complaint, which contains the same counts as the original complaint, described above, with amended factual allegations based primarily on events occurring subsequent to the original complaint and the addition of a Piedmont officer as an individual defendant.

 

On March 31, 2008, the court granted in part the defendants’ motion to dismiss the amended complaint. The court dismissed five of the seven counts of the amended complaint in their entirety. The court dismissed the remaining two counts with the exception of allegations regarding the failure to disclose in Piedmont’s proxy statement details of certain expressions of interest by a third party in acquiring Piedmont. On April 21, 2008, the plaintiff filed a second amended complaint, which alleges violations of the federal proxy rules based upon allegations that the proxy statement to obtain approval for Internalization omitted details of certain expressions of interest in acquiring Piedmont. The second amended complaint seeks, among other things, unspecified monetary damages, to nullify and rescind Internalization, and to cancel and rescind any stock issued to the defendants as consideration for Internalization. On May 12, 2008, the defendants answered the second amended complaint.

 

On June 23, 2008, the plaintiff filed a motion for class certification. On September 16, 2009, the court granted the plaintiff’s motion for class certification. On September 30, 2009, the defendants filed a petition for permission to appeal immediately the court’s order granting the motion for class certification with the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals, which the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals denied on October 30, 2009.

 

On April 13, 2009, the plaintiff moved for leave to amend the second amended complaint to add additional defendants. The court denied the motion for leave to amend on June 23, 2009.

 

F-25


Index to Financial Statements

On December 4, 2009, the parties filed motions for summary judgment. On August 2, 2010, the court entered an order denying the defendants’ motion for summary judgment and granting, in part, the plaintiff’s motion for partial summary judgment. On August 12, 2010, the defendants filed a motion seeking to certify the court’s decision on the parties’ motions for summary judgment for immediate appeal. On November 1, 2010, the court denied the defendants’ motion to certify its order on the parties’ motions for summary judgment for immediate appeal. No trial date has been set.

 

Piedmont believes that the allegations contained in the complaint are without merit and will continue to vigorously defend this action. Due to the uncertainties inherent in the litigation process, it is not possible to predict the ultimate outcome of this matter at this time; however, as with any litigation, the risk of financial loss does exist.

 

In Re Piedmont Office Realty Trust, Inc. Securities Litigation, Civil Action No. 1:07-cv-02660-CAP (Upon motions to dismiss filed by defendants, parts of all four counts were dismissed by the court. Counts III and IV were dismissed in their entirety. The parties are engaged in discovery.)

 

On October 25, 2007, the same stockholder mentioned above filed a second purported class action in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia against Piedmont and its board of directors. The complaint attempts to assert class action claims on behalf of (i) those persons who were entitled to tender their shares pursuant to the tender offer filed with the SEC by Lex-Win Acquisition LLC, a former stockholder, on May 25, 2007, and (ii) all persons who are entitled to vote on the proxy statement filed with the SEC on October 16, 2007.

 

The complaint alleges, among other things, violations of the federal securities laws, including Sections 14(a) and 14(e) of the Exchange Act and Rules 14a-9 and 14e-2(b) promulgated thereunder. In addition, the complaint alleges that defendants have also breached their fiduciary duties owed to the proposed classes.

 

On December 26, 2007, the plaintiff filed a motion seeking that the court designate it as lead plaintiff and its counsel as class lead counsel, which the court granted on May 2, 2008.

 

On May 19, 2008, the lead plaintiff filed an amended complaint which contained the same counts as the original complaint. On June 30, 2008, defendants filed a motion to dismiss the amended complaint.

 

On March 30, 2009, the court granted in part the defendants’ motion to dismiss the amended complaint. The court dismissed two of the four counts of the amended complaint in their entirety. The court dismissed the remaining two counts with the exception of allegations regarding (i) the failure to disclose information regarding the likelihood of a listing in our amended response to the Lex-Win tender offer and (ii) purported misstatements or omissions in our proxy statement concerning then-existing market conditions, the alternatives to a listing or extension that were explored by the defendants, the results of conversations with potential buyers as to our valuation, and certain details of our share redemption program. On April 13, 2009, defendants moved for reconsideration of the court’s March 30, 2009 order or, alternatively, for certification of the order for immediate appellate review. The defendants also requested that the proceedings be stayed pending consideration of the motion. On June 19, 2009, the court denied the motion for reconsideration and the motion for certification of the order for immediate appellate review.

 

On April 20, 2009, the plaintiff, joined by a second plaintiff, filed a second amended complaint, which alleges violations of the federal securities laws, including Sections 14(a) and 14(e) of the Exchange Act and Rules 14a-9 and 14e-2(b) promulgated thereunder. The second amended complaint seeks, among other things, unspecified monetary damages, to nullify and void any authorizations secured by the proxy statement, and to compel a tender offer. On May 11, 2009, the defendants answered the second amended complaint.

 

On June 10, 2009, the plaintiffs filed a motion for class certification. The court granted the plaintiffs’ motion for class certification on March 10, 2010. On August 6, 2010, the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals granted the

 

F-26


Index to Financial Statements

defendants’ petition for permission to appeal immediately the court’s order granting the motion for class certification. The defendants filed their opening brief in support of their appeal of the class certification decision on September 15, 2010. The plaintiffs filed a response to the defendants’ brief on October 18, 2010. The defendants filed their reply brief in support of their appeal on November 12, 2010. Defendants’ appeal of the class certification decision is currently pending in the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals. The parties are presently engaged in discovery.

 

Piedmont believes that the allegations contained in the complaint are without merit and will continue to vigorously defend this action. Due to the uncertainties inherent in the litigation process, it is not possible to predict the ultimate outcome of this matter at this time; however, as with any litigation, the risk of financial loss does exist.

 

Other Legal Matters

 

Piedmont is from time to time a party to other 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.

 

14. Stock Based Compensation

 

Deferred Stock Award Grants

 

A detail of Piedmont’s outstanding employee deferred stock awards as of December 31, 2010 is as follows:

 

Date of grant

   Net  Shares
granted(1)
     Grant
Date Fair
Value
   

Vesting Schedule

   Unvested Shares as of
December 31, 2010
 

April 21, 2008

     119,078       $ 26.10 (2)    Of the shares granted, 25% vested on the date of grant, and 25% vested or will vest on April 21, 2009, 2010, and 2011, respectively.      36,040   

May 6, 2009

     152,834       $ 22.20 (2)    Of the shares granted, 25% vested on the date of grant, and 25% vested or will vest on May 6, 2010, 2011, and 2012, respectively.      91,627   

May 24, 2010

     201,699       $ 18.71 (3)    Of the shares granted, 25% vested on the date of grant, and 25% will vest on May 24, 2011, 2012, and 2013, respectively.      165,901   

May 24, 2010

     53,447       $ 18.71 (3)    Of the shares granted, 33.33% will vest on May 24, 2011, 2012, and 2013, respectively.      53,447   
                

Total

     347,015   
                

 

(1)

Net of shares surrendered upon vesting to satisfy required minimum tax withholding obligations

(2)

As our stock was not traded as of April 21, 2008 or May 6, 2009, we estimated the fair value (using estimated net asset value) of the 2008 and 2009 awards based on an assumed share price reduced by the present value of dividends expected to be paid on the unvested portion of the shares discounted at the appropriate risk-free interest rate.

(3)

The fair value of the awards is based on the closing stock price of our stock on the date of grant reduced by the present value of dividends expected to be paid on the unvested portion of the shares discounted at the appropriate risk-free interest rate.

 

During the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008, Piedmont recognized approximately $3.9 million, $3.8 million and $4.1 million of compensation expense for all deferred stock grants issued to employees,

 

F-27


Index to Financial Statements

respectively, of which $2.8 million, $2.7 million and $3.1 million, respectively, related to the non-vested shares. As of December 31, 2010, approximately $2.4 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested, share-based compensation remained, which Piedmont will record in its statements of income over a weighted-average vesting period of approximately 1 year.

 

2010 Long-Term Incentive Compensation Plan

 

On May 11, 2010, the compensation committee of the board of directors of Piedmont approved a 2010 Long-Term Incentive Compensation Plan (the “2010 LTIC Plan”) for certain of Piedmont’s officers. The 2010 LTIC Plan specifies that each participant’s annual opportunity to earn deferred stock awards will be divided equally between a deferred stock award (similar to those described above) and a new Multi-Year Performance Share Compensation Program (the “Performance Share Program”).

 

The Performance Share Program provides an opportunity to earn long-term equity incentive compensation based on Piedmont’s performance over a three-year period. Piedmont’s performance will be measured by comparing Piedmont’s total stockholder return relative to the total stockholder return for a group of peer companies as determined by Piedmont’s compensation committee.

 

In accordance with GAAP, expense is required to be recognized on a quarterly basis from the date of the plan grant. Expense recognized during the year ended December 31, 2010 was approximately $0.9 million.

 

Annual Independent Director Equity Awards

 

On May 11, 2010, the board of directors of Piedmont approved an annual equity award for each of the independent directors of approximately $50,000 payable in the form of 2,525 shares of Piedmont’s common stock. The awards resulted in the issuance of 14,695 shares, net of shares withheld to cover taxes, to Piedmont’s independent directors. Directors’ fees, which are a component of general and administrative expense in the accompanying consolidated statements of income, included approximately $0.3 million, $0.3 million, and $0.5 million related to director equity awards during the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008, respectively.

 

2000 Director Stock Option Plan

 

Prior to the adoption of the 2007 Omnibus Incentive Plan, Piedmont had granted options to its independent directors pursuant to the 2000 Director Stock Option Plan (the “Director Option Plan”). The Director Option Plan was suspended effective April 16, 2007. Although all outstanding awards continue to be governed by the terms of the Director Option Plan, all equity awards granted subsequent to 2007 were made and will continue to be made under the 2007 Omnibus Incentive Plan. As of December 31, 2010, 8,000 options at an exercise price of $36 per share were outstanding and exercisable and the value of the awards is estimated as deminimus. All such options expire on the tenth anniversary of the date of grant (sooner in the event of disability, death, or resignation of the independent director) and the weighted-average contractual remaining life for these options as of December 31, 2010 is approximately three years.

 

15. 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.

 

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 nonvested restricted stock. Diluted weighted average

 

F-28


Index to Financial Statements

number of common shares is calculated to reflect the potential dilution under the treasury stock method that would occur as if the remaining unvested restricted stock awards has vested and resulted in additional common shares outstanding. 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 2010, 2009, and 2008 (in thousands):

 

     December 31,
2010
     December 31,
2009
     December 31,
2008
 

Weighted-average common shares—basic

     170,753         158,419         159,586   

Plus incremental weighted-average shares from time-vested conversions:

        

Restricted stock awards

     214         162         136   
                          

Weighted-average common shares—diluted

     170,967         158,581         159,722   
                          

 

16. 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. Therefore, exposure to credit risk is limited to the extent that the receivables exceed this amount. Security deposits related to tenant leases are included in accounts payable and accrued expenses in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

 

Piedmont’s wholly-owned and consolidated joint venture properties, excluding industrial properties, are located in 19 metropolitan areas. Based on annualized lease revenue as of December 31, 2010, approximately 26%, 21%, and 16% of these real estate assets are located in metropolitan Chicago and metropolitan Washington, D.C., and New York, respectively.

 

The future minimum rental income from Piedmont’s investment in real estate assets under non-cancelable operating leases, excluding industrial properties and unconsolidated joint ventures, as of December 31, 2010, is presented below (in thousands):

 

Years ending December 31:

  

2011

   $ 396,141   

2012

     357,292   

2013

     325,852   

2014

     276,452   

2015

     254,886   

Thereafter

     1,030,412   
        

Total

   $ 2,641,035   
        

 

17. Discontinued Operations

 

Piedmont has classified the results of operations related to the following properties as discontinued operations:

 

Building Sold:

   Month and Year of Sale

111 Sylvan Avenue Building, Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey

   December 2010        

 

F-29


Index to Financial Statements

On May 5, 2010, Piedmont entered into a binding purchase and sale agreement to dispose of the 111 Sylvan Avenue Building located in Englewood Cliffs, NJ for a gross sale price of approximately $55.0 million, exclusive of closing costs. The property was ultimately sold on December 8, 2010. In accordance with GAAP, Piedmont reclassified the 111 Sylvan Avenue Building from real estate assets held-for-use (at cost) to real estate assets held-for-sale (at estimated fair value) on its consolidated balance sheet as of May 5, 2010, and recorded an impairment loss of approximately $9.6 million as a result of adjusting the assets to fair value, less estimated costs to sell. The fair value measurement used in the evaluation of this non-financial asset is considered to be a Level 1 valuation within the fair value hierarchy as defined by GAAP, as there are direct observations and transactions involving the asset (i.e. the asset is being sold to a third-party purchaser). Upon consummation of the sales transaction, Piedmont recognized a loss on sale of approximately $0.8 million, primarily due to costs incurred for the substitution of another property for the 111 Sylvan Avenue Building in the Secured Pooled Facility.

 

The details comprising income from discontinued operations are presented below (in thousands):

 

     Years Ended December 31,  
     2010     2009      2008  

Revenues:

       

Rental income

   $ 5,846     $ 6,377       $ 6,387   

Tenant reimbursements

     (2     3         1   
                         
     5,844       6,380         6,388   

Expenses:

       

Property operating costs

     31       101         38   

Depreciation

     519        1,556         1,557   

General and administrative expenses

     205        78         2   
                         
     755        1,735         1,597   
                         

Operating income, excluding impairment loss and loss on sale

     5,089        4,645         4,791   

Impairment loss

     (9,587     —           —     

Loss on sale

     (817     —           —     
                         

(Loss)/income from discontinued operations

   $ (5,315   $ 4,645       $ 4,791   
                         

 

18. Supplemental Disclosures of Noncash Activities

 

Significant noncash investing and financing activities for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008 (in thousands) are outlined below:

 

     2010     2009     2008  

Acquisition of Piedmont’s former advisor in exchange for common stock

   $ —        $ 292      $ —     
                        

Accrued capital expenditures and deferred lease costs

   $ 8,047      $ 1,848      $ 12,378   
                        

Change in accrued offering costs

   $ 1,370      $ —        $ —     
                        

Change in accrued redemptions of common stock

   $ (16   $ 17      $ (5,969
                        

Discounts on common stock related to the acquisition of Piedmont’s former advisor

   $ —        $ (19   $ —     
                        

Discounts applied to issuance of common stock

   $ —        $ (17,392   $ 644   
                        

Discounts reduced as result of redemptions of common stock

   $ —        $ 20,684      $ 1,736   
                        

Redeemable common stock

   $ 75,164      $ 37,763      $ 53,882   
                        

 

F-30


Index to Financial Statements
19. Income Taxes

 

Piedmont’s income tax basis net income for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008, is calculated as follows (in thousands):

 

     2010     2009     2008  

GAAP basis financial statement net income

   $ 120,379      $ 74,700      $ 131,314   

Increase (decrease) in net income resulting from:

      

Depreciation and amortization expense for financial reporting purposes in excess of amounts for income tax purposes

     29,892        43,172        46,646   

Rental income accrued for income tax purposes less than amounts for financial reporting purposes

     (528     (624     (10,094

Net amortization of above/below-market lease intangibles for financial reporting purposes in excess of amounts for income tax purposes

     (5,573     (5,134     (2,956

Loss on disposal of property for financial reporting purposes in excess of amounts for income tax purposes

     (9,254     —          (566

Taxable income of Piedmont Washington Properties, Inc., in excess of amount for financial reporting purposes

     5,096        5,991        4,403   

Other expenses for financial reporting purposes in excess of amounts for income tax purposes

     9,570        44,077 (1)      5,420   
                        

Income tax basis net income, prior to dividends paid deduction

   $ 149,582      $ 162,182      $ 174,167   
                        

 

(1)

Includes approximately $35.1 million of recorded impairment loss on real estate assets for the year ended December 31, 2009.

 

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:

 

     2010     2009     2008  

Ordinary income

     69     81     62

Capital gains

     —          —          —     

Return of capital

     31     19     38
                        
     100     100     100
                        

At December 31, 2010, the tax basis carrying value of Piedmont’s total assets was approximately $4.3 billion.

 

Piedmont recorded no additional interest and penalties for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008, respectively, related to uncertain tax positions in the accompanying consolidated statements of income. Accrued interest and penalties are included in accounts payable, accrued expenses, and accrued capital expenditures in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

 

Piedmont’s reserve related to its tax exposures was unchanged during the year ended December 31, 2010 and represented approximately $6.7 million as of December 31, 2010 and 2009. The tax years 2007 to 2010 remain open to examination by certain tax jurisdictions to which Piedmont is subject.

 

F-31


Index to Financial Statements
20. Quarterly Results (unaudited)

 

A summary of the unaudited quarterly financial information for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009, is presented below (in thousands, except per-share data). The amounts presented may not equal to the amounts previously reported in the most recent Form 10-Qs or prior year Form 10-K for each period due to reclassifications related to discontinued operations (see Note 17 for further detail).

 

     2010  
     First      Second     Third     Fourth  

Revenues

   $ 146,844       $ 145,181      $ 145,502      $ 151,312   

Real estate operating income

   $ 47,785       $ 45,144      $ 55,055      $ 44,879   

Discontinued operations

   $ 1,185      $ (8,133 )   $ 1,434     $ 200   

Net income attributable to Piedmont

   $ 31,460       $ 19,636      $ 40,584      $ 28,700   

Basic earnings per share

   $ 0.19       $ 0.11      $ 0.24      $ 0.17   

Diluted earnings per share

   $ 0.19       $ 0.11      $ 0.23      $ 0.17   

Dividends per share

   $ 0.3150       $ 0.3150      $ 0.3150      $ 0.3150   
     2009  
     First      Second     Third     Fourth  

Revenues

   $ 152,152       $ 147,985      $ 148,944      $ 149,423   

Real estate operating income

   $ 46,018       $ 44,415      $ 10,239      $ 43,050   

Discontinued operations

   $ 1,156      $ 1,174     $ 1,136     $ 1,179  

Net income attributable to Piedmont

   $ 29,038       $ 27,976      $ (8,260   $ 25,946   

Basic and diluted earnings per share

   $ 0.18       $ 0.18      $ (0.05   $ 0.16   

Dividends per share

   $ 0.3150       $ 0.3150      $ 0.3150      $ 0.3150   

 

21. Subsequent events

 

Declaration of Dividend for the First Quarter 2011

 

On February 24, 2011, the board of directors of Piedmont declared dividends for the first quarter 2011 in the amount of $0.3150 (31.50 cents) per share on its Class A common stock, which represents its only outstanding class of common stock, to stockholders of record as of the close of business on March 7, 2011. Such dividends are to be paid on March 22, 2011.

 

F-32


Index to Financial Statements
                    Initial Cost           Gross Amount at Which
Carried at December 31, 2010
                         

Description

  Location   Ownership
Percentage
    Encumbrances     Land     Buildings and
Improvements
    Total     Costs
Capitalized
Subsequent
to
Acquisition
    Land     Buildings and
Improvements
    Total     Accumulated
Depreciation
and
Amortization
    Date of
Construction
    Date
Acquired
    Life on
which
Depreciation
and
Amortization
is Computed
(k)
 

26200 ENTERPRISE WAY

  Lake Forest, CA     100     None      $ 4,577      $ —        $ 4,577        10,419      $ 4,768      $ 10,228      $ 14,996      $ 3,178        2000        3/15/1999        0 to 40 years   

3900 DALLAS PARKWAY

  Plano, TX     100     None        1,456        20,377        21,837        2,369        1,516        22,686        24,202        7,391        1999        12/21/1999        0 to 40 years   

RIVER CORPORATE CENTER

  Tempe, AZ     100     (f     0        16,036        16,036        679        0        16,716        16,716        5,297        1998        3/29/2000        0 to 40 years   

8700 SOUTH PRICE ROAD

  Tempe, AZ     100     (f     0        13,272        13,272        550        0        13,823        13,823        4,251        2000        6/12/2000        0 to 40 years   

1441 WEST LONG LAKE ROAD (a)

  Troy, MI     100     None        2,160        16,776        18,936        (7,536     1,203        10,198        11,401        5,637        1999        6/29/2000        0 to 40 years   

1111 DURHAM AVENUE (b)

  South Plainfield, NJ     100     None        9,653        20,495        30,148        (11,607     3,729        14,813        18,542        6,546        1975        11/1/2000        0 to 40 years   

1430 ENCLAVE PARKWAY (c)

  Houston, TX     100     32,100        7,100        37,915        45,015        3,781        5,506        43,291        48,797        12,106        1994        12/21/2000        0 to 40 years   

CRESCENT RIDGE II

  Minnetonka, MN     100     None        7,700        45,154        52,854        6,373        8,021        51,207        59,228        16,143        2000        12/21/2000        0 to 40 years   

1200 CROWN COLONY DRIVE (d)

  Quincy, MA     100     20,200        11,042        40,666        51,708        2,176        11,042        42,842        53,884        12,956        1990        7/30/2001        0 to 40 years   

5601 HIATUS ROAD

  Tamarac, FL     100     None        3,642        10,404        14,046        (0     3,642        10,404        14,046        2,628        2001        12/21/2001        0 to 40 years   

WINDY POINT I

  Schaumburg, IL     100     23,400        4,537        31,847        36,384        1,283        4,537        33,130        37,667        8,179        1999        12/31/2001        0 to 40 years   

WINDY POINT II

  Schaumburg, IL     100     40,300        3,746        55,026        58,772        47        3,746        55,073        58,819        13,907        2001        12/31/2001        0 to 40 years   

SARASOTA COMMERCE CENTER II

  Sarasota, FL     100     None        1,767        20,533        22,300        2,365        2,203        22,462        24,665        6,178        1999        1/11/2002        0 to 40 years   

11695 JOHNS CREEK PARKWAY

  Duluth, GA     100     None        2,080        13,572        15,652        900        2,080        14,472        16,552        4,007        2001        3/28/2002        0 to 40 years   

3750 BROOKSIDE PARKWAY

  Alpharetta, GA     100     None        1,561        14,207        15,768        227        1,561        14,434        15,995        3,578        2001        4/18/2002        0 to 40 years   

2001 NW 64th STREET

  Ft. Lauderdale, FL     100     (f     0        7,172        7,172        (0     0        7,172        7,172        1,723        2001        4/18/2002        0 to 40 years   

90 CENTRAL STREET

  Boxborough, MA     100     None        3,642        29,497        33,139        2,619        3,642        32,116        35,758        7,632        2001        5/3/2002        0 to 40 years   

DESERT CANYON 300

  Phoenix, AZ     100     None        2,602        24,333        26,935        46        2,602        24,379        26,981        5,711        2001        6/4/2002        0 to 40 years   

6031 CONNECTION DRIVE

  Irving, TX     100     None        3,157        43,656        46,813        601        3,157        44,257        47,414        10,018        1999        8/15/2002        0 to 40 years   

6021 CONNECTION DRIVE

  Irving, TX     100     None        3,157        42,662        45,819        1,397        3,157        44,059        47,216        10,123        2000        8/15/2002        0 to 40 years   

6011 CONNECTION DRIVE

  Irving, TX     100     None        3,157        29,034        32,191        2,586        3,157        31,620        34,777        7,509        1999        8/15/2002        0 to 40 years   

BRAKER POINTE III (d)

  Austin, TX     100     16,500        6,098        34,492        40,590        (0     6,098        34,492        40,590        7,858        2001        8/15/2002        0 to 40 years   

CHANDLER FORUM

  Chandler, AZ     100     None        2,632        —          2,632        19,742        2,779        19,595        22,374        5,067        2003        9/12/2002        0 to 40 years   

5000 CORPORATE COURT (e)

  Holtsville, NY     100     None        4,375        48,212        52,587        (24,712     4,162        23,713        27,875        10,119        2000        9/16/2002        0 to 40 years   

2 GATEHALL DRIVE (d)

  Parsippany, NJ     100     42,700        9,054        96,722        105,776        158        9,054        96,880        105,934        21,786        1985        9/27/2002        0 to 40 years   

350 SPECTRUM LOOP

  Colorado Springs, CO     100     None        2,185        24,964        27,149        (1,895     2,185        23,069        25,254        5,184        2001        9/27/2002        0 to 40 years   

5601 HEADQUARTERS DRIVE

  Plano, TX     100     None        3,153        24,602        27,755        5        3,153        24,606        27,759        5,529        2001        9/27/2002        0 to 40 years   

TWO INDEPENDENCE SQUARE (d)

  Washington, DC     100     105,800        52,711        202,702        255,413        4,007        52,711        206,709        259,420        44,873        1991        11/22/2002        0 to 40 years   

ONE INDEPENDENCE SQUARE (d)

  Washington, DC     100     57,800        29,765        104,814        134,579        2,770        30,562        106,787        137,349        23,102        1991        11/22/2002        0 to 40 years   

2120 WEST END AVENUE (d)

  Nashville, TN     100     26,800        4,908        59,011        63,919        6,670        5,101        65,490        70,590        14,154        2000        11/26/2002        0 to 40 years   

800 NORTH BRAND BOULEVARD

  Glendale, CA     100     None        23,605        136,284        159,889        7,648        23,607        143,931        167,538        30,434        1990        12/20/2002        0 to 40 years   

EASTPOINT I

  Mayfield Heights, OH     100     None        1,485        11,064        12,549        103        1,485        11,167        12,652        2,394        2000        1/9/2003        0 to 40 years   

EASTPOINT II

  Mayfield Heights, OH     100     None        1,235        9,199        10,434        1,550        1,235        10,749        11,984        2,685        2000        1/9/2003        0 to 40 years   

150 WEST JEFFERSON

  Detroit, MI     100     None        9,759        88,364        98,123        4,193        9,759        92,557        102,316        22,288        1989        3/31/2003        0 to 40 years   

US BANCORP CENTER

  Minneapolis, MN     100     105,000        11,138        175,629        186,767        3,890        11,138        179,519        190,657        36,647        2000        5/1/2003        0 to 40 years   

AON CENTER

  Chicago, IL     100     225,000        23,267        472,488        495,755        90,749        23,966        562,538        586,504        111,000        1972        5/9/2003        0 to 40 years   

AUBURN HILLS CORPORATE CENTER (g)

  Auburn Hills, MI     100     None        1,978        16,570        18,548        (8,830     1,591        8,127        9,718        3,166        2001        5/9/2003        0 to 40 years   

11107 SUNSET HILLS ROAD

  Reston, VA     100     None        2,711        17,890        20,601        2,652        2,711        20,542        23,253        6,220        1985        6/27/2003        0 to 40 years   

11109 SUNSET HILLS ROAD

  Reston, VA     100     None        1,218        8,038        9,256        352        1,218        8,390        9,608        3,756        1984        6/27/2003        0 to 40 years   

9211 CORPORATE BOULEVARD

  Rockville, MD     100     None        3,019        21,984        25,003        (4,845     2,959        17,199        20,158        3,297        1989        7/30/2003        0 to 40 years   

9221 CORPORATE BOULEVARD

  Rockville, MD     100     None        3,019        21,984        25,003        (4,822     2,960        17,221        20,181        3,304        1989        7/30/2003        0 to 40 years   

GLENRIDGE HIGHLANDS TWO

  Atlanta, GA     100     None        6,662        69,031        75,693        (23,112     6,662        45,919        52,581        9,668        2000        8/1/2003        0 to 40 years   

200 BRIDGEWATER CROSSING (d)

  Bridgewater, NJ     100     40,200        8,182        84,160        92,342        1,776        8,328        85,790        94,118        33,202        2002        8/14/2003        0 to 40 years   

1055 EAST COLORADO BOULEVARD

  Pasadena, CA     100     29,200        6,495        30,265        36,760        (1,909     6,495        28,356        34,851        10,828        2001        8/22/2003        0 to 40 years   

FAIRWAY CENTER II (d)

  Brea, CA     100     10,700        7,110        15,600        22,710        (3,291     7,110        12,309        19,419        2,159        2002        8/29/2003        0 to 40 years   

COPPER RIDGE CENTER

  Lyndhurst, NJ     100     None        6,974        38,714        45,688        (5,894     6,974        32,820        39,794        7,139        1989        9/5/2003        0 to 40 years   

1901 MAIN STREET

  Irvine, CA     100     None        6,246        36,455        42,701        (4,224     6,246        32,231        38,477        9,251        2001        9/17/2003        0 to 40 years   

RHEIN

  Beaverton, OR     100     None        1,015        6,425        7,440        (580     1,015        5,845        6,860        1,376        1988        10/9/2003        0 to 40 years   

DESCHUTES

  Beaverton, OR     100     None        1,072        6,361        7,433        (2,081     1,072        4,279        5,351        795        1989        10/9/2003        0 to 40 years   

 

S-1


Index to Financial Statements
                      Initial Cost           Gross Amount at Which Carried at
December 31, 2010
                         

Description

  Location     Ownership
Percentage
    Encumbrances     Land     Buildings and
Improvements
    Total     Costs
Capitalized
Subsequent
to
Acquisition
    Land     Buildings and
Improvements
    Total     Accumulated
Depreciation
and
Amortization
    Date of
Construction
    Date
Acquired
    Life on
which
Depreciation
and
Amortization
is Computed
(k)
 

WILLAMETTE

    Beaverton, OR        100     None      $ 1,085      $ 6,211      $ 7,296      $ (1,933   $ 1,085      $ 4,278      $ 5,363      $ 789        1990        10/9/2003        0 to 40 years   

ROGUE

    Beaverton, OR        100     None        1,546        7,630        9,176        2,194        1,546        9,824        11,370        3,408        1998        10/9/2003        0 to 40 years   

35 WEST WACKER DRIVE (h)

    Chicago, IL        96.5     120,000        54,949        218,757        273,706        12,564        55,573        230,696        286,270        57,991        1989        11/6/2003        0 to 40 years   

400 VIRGINIA AVE SW

    Washington, DC        100     None        22,146        49,740        71,886        (2,321     22,146        47,419        69,565        8,724        1985        11/19/2003        0 to 40 years   

4250 NORTH FAIRFAX DRIVE

    Arlington, VA        100     45,000        13,636        70,918        84,554        5,455        13,636        76,372        90,008        17,369        1998        11/19/2003        0 to 40 years   

1225 EYE STREET (i)

    Washington, DC        50     57,600        21,959        47,602        69,561        2,151        21,959        49,753        71,712        14,103        1986        11/19/2003        0 to 40 years   

1201 EYE STREET (j)

    Washington, DC        50     82,400        31,985        63,139        95,124        5,802        31,985        68,941        100,926        18,951        2001        11/19/2003        0 to 40 years   

EASTPOINTE CORPORATE CENTER

    Issaquah, WA        100     None        4,351        25,899        30,250        (8,897     4,351        17,002        21,353        3,033        2001        12/10/2003        0 to 40 years   

1901 MARKET STREET

    Philadelphia, PA        100     None        13,584        166,683        180,267        136        20,829        159,574        180,403        34,368        1987        12/18/2003        0 to 40 years   

60 BROAD STREET

    New York, NY        100     None        32,522        168,986        201,508        (5,909     60,708        134,891        195,599        25,577        1962        12/31/2003        0 to 40 years   

1414 MASSACHUSETTS AVENUE

    Cambridge, MA       100     None        4,210        35,821        40,031        1,988        4,365        37,654        42,019        10,169        1873        1/8/2004        0 to 40 years   

ONE BRATTLE SQUARE

    Cambridge, MA        100     None        6,974        64,940        71,914        (3,992     7,113        60,809        67,922        17,623        1991        2/26/2004        0 to 40 years   

600 CORPORATE DRIVE

    Lebanon, NJ        100     None        3,934        —          3,934        16,281        3,934        16,281        20,215        3,357        2005        3/16/2004        0 to 40 years   

1075 WEST ENTRANCE DRIVE

    Auburn Hills, MI        100     None        5,200        22,957        28,157        39        5,207        22,990        28,197        6,017        2001        7/7/2004        0 to 40 years   

3100 CLARENDON BOULEVARD

    Arlington, VA        100     None        11,700        69,705        81,405        (6,062     11,791        63,552        75,343        9,343        1987        12/9/2004        0 to 40 years   

9200 CORPORATE BOULEVARD

    Rockville, MD        100     None        3,730        16,608        20,338        (1,622     3,882        14,834        18,716        2,205        1982        12/29/2004        0 to 40 years   

400 BRIDGEWATER CROSSING (d)

    Bridgewater, NJ        100     29,300        10,400        71,052        81,452        5,471        10,400        76,523        86,923        23,484        2002        2/17/2006        0 to 40 years   

LAS COLINAS CORPORATE CENTER I (c)

    Irving, TX        100     17,500        3,912        18,830        22,742        (1,966     2,543        18,233        20,776        4,922        1998        8/31/2006        0 to 40 years   

LAS COLINAS CORPORATE CENTER II (c)

    Irving, TX        100     25,025        4,496        29,881        34,377        (2,977     2,543        28,857        31,400        7,425        1998        8/31/2006        0 to 40 years   

TWO PIERCE PLACE

    Itasca, IL        100     None        4,370        70,632        75,002        (593     4,370        70,039        74,409        10,566        1991        12/7/2006        0 to 40 years   

2300 CABOT DRIVE

    Lisle, IL        100     None        4,390        19,549        23,939        (2,459     4,390        17,090        21,480        3,289        1998        5/10/2007        0 to 40 years   

PIEDMONT POINTE I

    Bethesda, MD        100     None        11,200        58,606        69,806        —          11,200        58,606        69,806        4,640        2007        11/13/2007        0 to 40 years   

PIEDMONT POINTE II

    Bethesda, MD        100     None        13,300        70,618        83,918        —          13,300        70,618        83,918        4,561        2008        6/25/2008        0 to 40 years   

SUWANEE GATEWAY ONE

    Suwanee, GA        100     None        1,000        6,875        7,875        —          1,000        6,875        7,875        57        2008        9/28/2010        0 to 40 years   

ONE MERIDIAN CROSSINGS

    Richfield, MN        100     None        2,919        24,398        27,317        —          2,919        24,398        27,317        172        1997        10/1/2010        0 to 40 years   

TWO MERIDIAN CROSSINGS

    Richfield, MN        100     None        2,661        25,742        28,403        —          2,661        25,742        28,403        216        1998        10/1/2010        0 to 40 years   

110 HIDDEN LAKE CIRCLE (l)

    Duncan, SC        100     None        1,002        15,709        16,711        170        1,002        15,880        16,882        3,642        1987        7/31/2002        0 to 40 years   

112 HIDDEN LAKE CIRCLE (l)

    Duncan, SC        100     None        663        10,914        11,577        788        663        11,702        12,365        2,512        1987        7/31/2002        0 to 40 years   

UNDEVELOPED LAND PARCELS (c)

    Various        100     None        6,021        427        6,448        2,526        8,947        27        8,974        6        N/A        Various        N/A   
                                                                           

Total—100% REIT Properties

        $ 617,652      $ 3,853,491      $ 4,471,143      $ 96,183      $ 647,653      $ 3,919,673      $ 4,567,326      $ 890,498         
                                                                           

 

S-2


Index to Financial Statements
                      Initial Cost           Gross Amount at Which Carried at
December 31, 2010
                         

Description

  Location     Ownership
Percentage
    Encumbrances     Land     Buildings and
Improvements
    Total     Costs
Capitalized
Subsequent
to
Acquisition
    Land     Buildings and
Improvements
    Total     Accumulated
Depreciation
and
Amortization
    Date of
Construction
    Date
Acquired
    Life on
which
Depreciation
and
Amortization
is Computed
(k)
 
                           

360 INTERLOCKEN (m)

    Broomfield, CO        4     None        1,570        6,734        8,304        1,484        1,650        8,138        9,788        3,357        1996        3/20/1998        0 to 40 years   

47300 KATO ROAD (n)

    Fremont, CA        78     None        2,130        6,853        8,983        (2,935     2,219        3,829        6,048        2,606        1982        7/21/1998        0 to 40 years   

20/20 (o)

    Leawood, KS        57     None        1,696        7,851        9,547        (1,680     1,767        6,100        7,867        3,281        1992        7/2/1999        0 to 40 years   

4685 INVESTMENT DRIVE

    Troy, MI        55     None        2,144        9,984        12,128        2,760        2,233        12,655        14,888        5,486        2000        5/10/2000        0 to 40 years   

5301 MARYLAND WAY

    Brentwood, TN        55     None        4,300        20,702        25,002        1,307        4,479        21,830        26,309        6,180        1989        5/15/2001        0 to 40 years   

8560 UPLAND DRIVE

    Parker, CO        72     None        1,954        11,216        13,170        542        2,048        11,664        13,712        3,022        2001        12/21/2001        0 to 40 years   

TWO PARK CENTER

   
 
Hoffman Estate,
IL
  
  
    72     None        600        22,682        23,282        (3,032     624        19,626        20,250        4,149        1999        9/19/2003        0 to 40 years   
                                                                           

Total – JV Properties

        $ 14,394      $ 86,022      $ 100,416      $ (1,554   $ 15,020      $ 83,842      $ 98,862      $ 28,080         
                                                                           

Total – All Properties

        $ 632,046      $ 3,939,513      $ 4,571,559      $ 94,629      $ 662,673      $ 4,003,515      $ 4,666,188      $ 918,578         
                                                                           

 

(a) Piedmont determined that the carrying value of the 1441 W. Long Lake Building was not recoverable and, accordingly, recorded an impairment loss on real estate assets in the amount of approximately $10.6 million in 2009.
(b) Piedmont determined that the carrying value of the 1111 Durham Avenue Building was not recoverable and, accordingly, recorded an impairment loss on real estate assets in the amount of approximately $14.3 million in 2009.
(c) The acquisition of the property included excess, developable land, which has subsequently been reclassed into the asset class “Undeveloped Land Parcels”. Further, such Undeveloped Land Parcels are not included in Piedmont’s total building count.
(d) These properties collateralize the $350 million secured pooled debt facility with Morgan Stanley that accrues interest at 4.84% and matures in June 2014.
(e) Piedmont determined that the carrying value of the 5000 Corporate Court Building was not recoverable and, accordingly, recorded an impairment loss on real estate assets in the amount of approximately $7.6 million and $16.1 million in 2006 and 2005, respectively.
(f) Property is owned subject to a long-term ground lease.
(g) Piedmont determined that the carrying value of the Auburn Hills Corporate Center Building was not recoverable and, accordingly, recorded an impairment loss on real estate assets in the amount of approximately $10.2 million in 2009.
(h) Piedmont acquired an approximate 95% interest in the Leo Burnett Chicago Building through two joint ventures. As the general partner, Piedmont is deemed to have control of the partnerships and, as such, consolidates the joint ventures. Piedmont purchased an additional 1.5446% interest in the 35. W. Wacker Building from one of the minority shareholders in the joint venture that owns the building, bringing Piedmont’s total ownership percentage to approximately 96.5%.
(i) 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, 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.
(j) 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, 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.
(k) Piedmont’s assets are depreciated or amortized using the straight-lined method over the useful lives of the assets by class. Generally, Tenant Improvements are amortized over the shorter of economic life or lease term, 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.
(l) Property is designated as an industrial property, and is not included in Piedmont’s total building count, which refers only to office buildings.
(m) During the third quarter 2010, Piedmont, in conjunction with its joint venture partners, determined that the carrying value of the 360 Interlocken Building was impaired on an “other than temporary” basis. Accordingly, Piedmont’s portion of the recorded impairment loss on real estate assets was approximately $53,000.
(n) During 2009, Piedmont, in conjunction with its joint venture partners, determined that the carrying value of the 47300 Kato Road Building was impaired on an “other than temporary” basis. Accordingly, Piedmont’s portion of the recorded impairment loss on real estate assets was approximately $2.6 million.
(o) During 2008, Piedmont, in conjunction with its joint venture partners, determined that the carrying value of the 20/20 Building was impaired on an “other than temporary” basis. Accordingly, Piedmont’s portion of the recorded impairment loss on real estate assets was approximately $2.1 million.

 

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Index to Financial Statements
     2010     2009     2008  

Real Estate:

      

Balance at the beginning of the year

   $ 4,681,313      $ 4,739,791      $ 4,667,022   

Additions to/improvements of real estate

     105,282        30,610        128,344   

Assets disposed

     (72,586     —          —     

Assets impaired

     (8,489 )(3)      (38,379 )(2)      (3,678 )(1) 

Transfer of corporate assets to prepaid and other assets

     —          —          (393

Write-offs of intangible assets(4)

     —          (2,340     (3,002

Write-offs of fully depreciated/amortized assets

     (39,332     (48,369     (48,502
                        

Balance at the end of the year

   $ 4,666,188      $ 4,681,313      $ 4,739,791   
                        

Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization:

      

Balance at the beginning of the year

   $ 840,545      $ 748,778      $ 654,958   

Depreciation and amortization expense

     131,000        140,136        143,352   

Assets disposed

     (13,519     —          —     

Transfer of corporate assets to prepaid and other assets

     —          —          (88

Write-offs of intangible assets(4)

     —          —          (942

Write-offs of fully depreciated/amortized assets

     (39,448     (48,369     (48,502
                        

Balance at the end of the year

   $ 918,578      $ 840,545      $ 748,778   
                        

 

(1)- Fund XI-XII-REIT Joint Venture recorded an impairment loss on real estate assets of approximately $3.7 million during 2008 related to the 20/20 Building; however, Piedmont recorded its proporationate share of the charge (approximately $2.1 million) in the accompanying consolidated statements of income with other such net property operations as equity in income of unconsolidated joint ventures.

 

(2)- Piedmont recorded impairment charges of approximately $35.1 million related to the following wholly-owned assets: 1) the Auburn Hills Corporate Center Building, 2) the 1111 Durham Avenue Building, and 3) the 1441 W. Long Lake Road Building. In addition, the Wells/Fremont Joint Venture recorded an impairment loss on real estate assets of approximately $3.3 million during 2009 related to the 47300 Kato Road Building (f/k/a 47320 Kato Road Building); however, Piedmont recorded its proporationate share of the charge (approximately $2.6 million) in the accompanying consolidated statements of income with other such net property operations as equity in income of unconsolidated joint ventures.

 

(3)- Piedmont recorded an impairment charge against real estate assets of approximately $7.0 million related to the 111 Sylvan Avenue Building at the time it was classified as held-for-sale in May 2010. This wholly-owned asset was subsequently sold in December 2010. In addition, the Fund IX, Fund XI, and REIT Joint Venture recorded an impairment loss on real estate assets of approximately $1.4 million during 2010 related to the 360 Interlocken Building; however, Piedmont recorded its proporationate share of the charge (approximately $53,000) in the accompanying consolidated statements of income with other such net property operations as equity in income of unconsolidated joint ventures.

 

(4)- Consists of write-offs of intangible lease assets related to lease restructurings, amendments and terminations.

 

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