First Quarter 10Q 2007
 



 
United States
Securities And Exchange Commission
Washington, DC 20549

Form 10-Q

x QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended January 31, 2007

OR

oTRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934


For the transition period from _____to_____

Commission File Number 1-12803
logo
Urstadt Biddle Properties Inc.
(Exact Name of Registrant in its Charter)

Maryland 
04-2458042
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)
 
321 Railroad Avenue, Greenwich, CT
06830
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (203) 863-8200

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  o

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of accelerated filer and non-accelerated filer in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act (Check one):

Large accelerated filer o
Accelerated filer x
Non-accelerated filer o


Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o      No  x

As of March 1, 2007, the number of shares of the Registrant's classes of Common Stock and Class A Common Stock was:  7,749,344 Common Shares, par value $.01 per share and 18,878,021 Class A Common Shares, par value $.01 per share 


The Form 10-Q Filed Herewith, Contains 24 Pages, Numbered Consecutively From 1 To 24 Inclusive, Of Which
This Page Is 1.

 

1



Index
 
 
Urstadt Biddle Properties Inc.
 
 
 
Part I. Financial Information
 
Item 1.
Financial Statements (Unaudited)
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
Item 2.
   
Item 3.
   
Item 4.
   
   
Part II. Other Information
   
Item 1.
   
Item 2.
   
Item 6.
   
Signatures

 

2



URSTADT BIDDLE PROPERTIES INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands, except share data)

   
January 31,
 
October 31,
 
   
  2007
 
  2006
 
ASSETS
 
(Unaudited)
     
           
Real Estate Investments:
         
Core properties - at cost
 
$
493,351
 
$
489,160
 
Non-core properties - at cost
   
6,383
   
6,383
 
     
499,734
   
495,543
 
Less: accumulated depreciation
   
(79,689
)
 
(77,258
)
     
420,045
   
418,285
 
Mortgage notes receivable
   
1,361
   
1,361
 
     
421,406
   
419,646
 
               
Cash and cash equivalents
   
2,309
   
2,800
 
Restricted cash
   
586
   
589
 
Marketable securities
   
2,087
   
2,011
 
Tenant receivables, net of allowances of $1,534 and $1,561, respectively
   
18,168
   
17,176
 
Prepaid expenses and other assets
   
6,982
   
4,484
 
Deferred charges, net of accumulated amortization
   
4,594
   
4,644
 
Total Assets
 
$
456,132
 
$
451,350
 
               
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
             
               
Liabilities:
             
Secured revolving credit line
 
$
5,000
   $
-
 
Mortgage notes payable
   
103,718
 
 
104,341
 
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
   
1,957
   
1,785
 
Deferred compensation - officers
   
1,182
   
1,200
 
Other liabilities
   
6,095
   
5,503
 
Total Liabilities
   
117,952
   
112,829
 
               
Minority interests
   
5,318
   
5,318
 
               
Redeemable Preferred Stock, par value $.01 per share;
             
8.99% Series B Senior Cumulative Preferred Stock (liquidation preference of $100 per
             
share); 150,000 shares issued and outstanding
   
14,341
   
14,341
 
8.50% Series C Senior Cumulative Preferred Stock (liquidation preference of $100 per
             
share); 400,000 shares issued and outstanding
   
38,406
   
38,406
 
Total Preferred Stock
   
52,747
   
52,747
 
               
Commitments and Contingencies
             
               
Stockholders’ Equity:
             
7.5% Series D Senior Cumulative Preferred Stock (liquidation preference of $25 per share);
2,450,000 shares issued and outstanding
   
61,250
   
61,250
 
Excess stock, par value $.01 per share; 10,000,000 shares authorized;
             
none issued and outstanding
   
-
   
-
 
Common stock, par value $.01 per share; 30,000,000 shares authorized;
             
7,749,344 and 7,635,441 shares issued and outstanding
   
77
   
76
 
Class A Common stock, par value $.01 per share; 40,000,000 shares authorized;
             
18,878,021 and 18,804,781 shares issued and outstanding
   
189
   
188
 
Additional paid in capital
   
262,739
   
262,024
 
Cumulative distributions in excess of net income
   
(43,534
)
 
(42,400
)
Accumulated other comprehensive income
   
694
   
618
 
Officer note receivable
   
(1,300
)
 
(1,300
)
Total Stockholders’ Equity
   
280,115
   
280,456
 
Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
 
$
456,132
 
$
451,350
 
The accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these statements. 

 

3


URSTADT BIDDLE PROPERTIES INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (UNAUDITED)
(In thousands, except per share data) 

   
Three Months Ended January 31,
 
   
2007
 
2006
 
Revenues
         
Base rents
 
$
14,655
 
$
13,920
 
Recoveries from tenants
   
4,619
   
4,540
 
Mortgage interest and other
   
36
   
166
 
     
19,310
   
18,626
 
               
Expenses
             
Property operating
   
3,008
   
3,224
 
Property taxes
   
2,601
   
2,472
 
Depreciation and amortization
   
3,308
   
3,183
 
General and administrative
   
1,280
   
1,321
 
Directors' fees and expenses
   
72
   
92
 
     
10,269
   
10,292
 
               
Operating Income
   
9,041
   
8,334
 
Non-Operating Income (Expense):
             
Interest expense
   
(1,955
)
 
(2,129
)
Interest, dividends and other investment income
   
110
   
312
 
               
Total Non-Operating Income and Expense
   
(1,845
)
 
(1,817
)
               
Income before Minority Interest
   
7,196
   
6,517
 
               
Minority interest in consolidated joint venture
   
(47
)
 
(47
)
               
Net Income
   
7,149
   
6,470
 
Preferred stock dividends
   
(2,336
)
 
(2,336
)
               
Net Income Applicable to Common and Class A Common Stockholders
 
$
4,813
 
$
4,134
 
               
Basic earnings per share:
             
Common
 
$
.18
 
$
.15
 
Class A Common
 
$
.20
 
$
.17
 
               
Diluted earnings per share:
             
Common
 
$
.17
 
$
.15
 
Class A Common
 
$
.19
 
$
.17
 
               
Dividends per share:
             
Common
 
$
.2075
 
$
.2025
 
Class A Common
 
$
.2300
 
$
.2250
 

The accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these statements.


 

4



URSTADT BIDDLE PROPERTIES INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)
(In thousands) 

   
Three Months Ended
 
   
January 31
 
   
2007
 
2006
 
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
         
Net income
 
$
7,149
 
$
6,470
 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided
             
by operating activities:
             
Depreciation and amortization
   
3,308
   
3,183
 
Straight-line rent adjustment
   
(352
)
 
(254
)
Restricted stock compensation expense
   
520
   
472
 
Change in value of deferred compensation arrangement
   
7
   
11
 
Gain on repayment of mortgage note receivable
   
-
   
(102
)
Minority interests
   
47
   
47
 
Change in restricted cash
   
3
   
(4
)
Increase in tenant receivables
   
(640
)
 
(1,328
)
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and accrued expenses
   
172
   
(292
)
Increase in other assets and other liabilities, net
   
(1,925
)
 
(1,869
)
               
Net Cash Flow Provided by Operating Activities
   
8,289
   
6,334
 
               
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
             
Acquisition of real estate investment
   
(3,825
)
 
-
 
Purchases of marketable securities
   
-
   
(125
)
Improvements to properties and deferred charges
   
(1,199
)
 
(565
)
Distributions to limited partner of consolidated joint venture
   
(47
)
 
(47
)
Payments received on mortgage notes receivable
   
-
   
726
 
               
Net Cash Flow (Used in) Investing Activities
   
(5,071
)
 
(11
)
               
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
             
Proceeds from secured revolving credit line borrowings
   
5,000
   
-
 
Dividends paid -- Common and Class A Common Stock
   
(5,947
)
 
(5,765
)
Dividends paid -- Preferred Stock
   
(2,336
)
 
(2,336
)
Principal repayments on mortgage notes payable
   
(623
)
 
(638
)
Sales of additional shares of Common and Class A Common Stock
   
197
   
190
 
               
Net Cash Flow Used in Financing Activities
   
(3,709
)
 
(8,549
)
               
Net Decrease In Cash and Cash Equivalents
   
(491
)
 
(2,226
)
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period
   
2,800
   
26,494
 
               
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period
 
$
2,309
 
$
24,268
 
               
Supplemental Cash Flow Disclosures:
             
Interest Paid
 
$
1,935
 
$
2,129
 


The accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these statements.

 

5



URSTADT BIDDLE PROPERTIES INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (UNAUDITED)
(In thousands, except shares and per share data)


               
Cumulative
Accumulated
   
 
7.5% Series D
     
Additional
Distributions In
Other
Officer
Total
 
Preferred Stock
Common Stock
Class A Common Stock
Paid In
Excess of
Comprehensive
Note
Stockholders’
 
Issued
Amount
Issued
Amount
Issued
Amount
Capital
Net Income
Income
Receivable
Equity
Balances - October 31, 2006
2,450,000
$61,250
7,635,441
$76
18,804,781
$188
$262,024
$(42,400)
$618
$(1,300)
$280,456
Comprehensive Income:
                     
Net income applicable to Common
                     
and Class A common stockholders
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
4,813
-
-
4,813
Change in unrealized gains in marketable securities
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
76
-
76
Total comprehensive income
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
4,889
Cash dividends paid :
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Common stock ($.2075 per share)
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
(1,606)
-
-
(1,606)
Class A common stock ($.23 per share)
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
(4,341)
-
-
(4,341)
Issuance of shares under dividend reinvestment plan
-
-
8,103
-
2,940
-
197
-
-
-
197
Shares issued under restricted stock plan
-
-
105,800
1
70,300
1
(2)
-
-
-
-
Restricted stock compensation
-
-
-
-
-
-
520
-
-
-
520
Balances - January 31, 2007
2,450,000
$61,250
7,749,344
$77
18,878,021
$189
$262,739
$(43,534)
$694
$(1,300)
$280,115
 
 
The accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these statements.

 

6


 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(1) ORGANIZATION, BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Business
Urstadt Biddle Properties Inc. (“Company”), a real estate investment trust (REIT), is engaged in the acquisition, ownership and management of commercial real estate, primarily neighborhood and community shopping centers in the northeastern part of the United States. Non-core properties include a retail building and industrial properties. The Company's major tenants include supermarket chains and other retailers who sell basic necessities. At January 31, 2007, the Company owned or had interests in 38 properties containing a total of 3.8 million square feet of leasable area.

Principles of Consolidation and Use of Estimates
The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company, its wholly owned subsidiaries, and joint ventures in which the Company meets certain criteria of a sole general partner in accordance with Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) Issue 04-5, “Investor’s Accounting for an Investment in a Limited Partnership when the Investor is the Sole General Partner and the Limited Partners Have Certain Rights.” The joint ventures are consolidated into the consolidated financial statements of the Company. All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.

The accompanying financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles have been omitted. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Results of operations for the three month period ended January 31, 2007, are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending October 31, 2007. It is suggested that these financial statements be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2006.

The preparation of financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the disclosure of contingent assests and liabilities, the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the periods covered by the financial statements. The most significant assumptions and estimates relate to the valuation of real estate, depreciable lives, revenue recognition and the collectibility of tenant and mortgage notes receivables. Actual results could differ from these estimates. The balance sheet at October 31, 2006 has been derived from audited financial statements at that date.

Reclassifications
Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.

Federal Income Taxes
The Company has elected to be treated as a real estate investment trust under Sections 856-860 of the Internal Revenue Code (Code). Under those sections, a REIT that, among other things, distributes at least 90% of real estate trust taxable income and meets certain other qualifications prescribed by the Code will not be taxed on that portion of its taxable income that is distributed. The Company believes it qualifies as a REIT and intends to distribute all of its taxable income for fiscal 2007 in accordance with the provisions of the code. Accordingly, no provision has been made for Federal income taxes in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

Concentration of Credit Risk
Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, mortgage notes receivable and tenant receivables. The Company places its cash and cash equivalents in excess of insured amounts with high quality financial institutions. The Company performs ongoing credit evaluations of its tenants and may require certain tenants to provide security deposits or letters of credit. Though these security deposits and letters of credit are insufficient to meet the terminal value of a tenant’s lease obligation, they are a measure of good faith and a source of funds to offset the economic costs associated with lost rent and the costs associated with retenanting the space. There is no dependence upon any single tenant.

Marketable Securities
Marketable securities consist of short-term investments and marketable equity securities. Short-term investments (consisting of investments with original maturities of greater than three months when purchased) and marketable equity securities are carried at fair value. The Company has classified marketable securities as available for sale. Unrealized gains and losses on available for sale securities are recorded as other comprehensive income in Stockholders’ Equity. There were no sales of marketable securities during the three months ended January 31, 2007 and 2006.


 

7


Comprehensive Income
Comprehensive income is comprised of net income and other comprehensive income (loss). Other comprehensive income (loss) includes items that are otherwise recorded directly in stockholders’ equity, such as unrealized gains or losses on marketable securities. For the three months ended January 31, 2007 and 2006, other comprehensive income consisted of increases in net unrealized gains on marketable securities of $76,000 and $100,000, respectively. Unrealized gains included in other comprehensive income will be reclassified into earnings as gains are realized.

Earnings Per Share
The Company calculates basic and diluted earnings per share in accordance with SFAS No. 128, “Earnings Per Share.” Basic earnings per share (“EPS”) excludes the impact of dilutive shares and is computed by dividing net income applicable to Common and Class A Common stockholders by the weighted number of Common shares and Class A Common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted EPS reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue Common shares or Class A Common shares were exercised or converted into Common shares or Class A Common shares and then shared in the earnings of the Company. Since the cash dividends declared on the Company’s Class A Common stock are higher than the dividends declared on the Common Stock, basic and diluted EPS have been calculated using the “two-class” method. The two-class method is an earnings allocation formula that determines earnings per share for each class of common stock according to the weighted average of the dividends declared, outstanding shares per class and participation rights in undistributed earnings.

The following table sets forth the reconciliation between basic and diluted EPS (in thousands):

   
Three Months Ended
 
   
January 31
 
   
2007
 
2006
 
Numerator
         
Net income applicable to common stockholders - basic
 
$
1,197
 
$
1,018
 
Effect of dilutive securities:
             
Operating partnership units
   
67
   
54
 
Net income applicable to common stockholders - diluted
 
$
1,264
 
$
1,072
 
               
Denominator
             
Denominator for basic EPS weighted average common shares
   
6,725
   
6,645
 
Effect of dilutive securities:
             
Restricted stock and other awards
   
536
   
450
 
Operating partnership units
   
55
   
55
 
Denominator for diluted EPS - weighted average common equivalent shares
   
7,316
   
7,150
 
               
Numerator
             
Net income applicable to Class A common stockholders-basic
 
$
3,616
 
$
3,116
 
Effect of dilutive securities:
             
Operating partnership units
   
(20
)
 
(8
)
Net income applicable to Class A common stockholders - diluted
 
$
3,596
 
$
3,108
 
               
Denominator
             
Denominator for basic EPS - weighted average Class A common shares
   
18,319
   
18,304
 
Effect of dilutive securities:
             
Restricted stock and other awards
   
345
   
306
 
Operating partnership units
   
55
   
55
 
Denominator for diluted EPS - weighted average Class A common equivalent shares
   
18,719
   
18,665
 

Segment Reporting
The Company operates in one industry segment, ownership of commercial real estate properties which are located principally in the northeastern United States. The Company does not distinguish its property operations for purposes of measuring performance. Accordingly, the Company believes it has a single reportable segment for disclosure purposes.

Stock Based Compensation
Effective November 1, 2005, the Company accounts for its stock based compensation plans under the fair value recognition provisions of FASB Statement No. 123R, “Share-Based Payment” (“SFAS No. 123R”) using the modified-prospective-transition method. Under that transition method, compensation expense is recognized for all share-based payments granted subsequent to November 1, 2005, based on the fair value of the stock awards less estimated forfeitures. The fair value of stock awards is equal to the fair value of the Company’s stock on the grant date.

 

8



(2) CORE PROPERTIES

In January 2007, the Company acquired a 10,000 square foot shopping center located in Monroe, Connecticut for $3.825 million including closing costs. The purchase was financed from available cash and borrowings under the Company’s secured line of credit.

Upon the acquisition of real estate properties, the fair value of the real estate purchased is allocated to the acquired tangible assets (consisting of land, buildings and building improvements), and identified intangible assets and liabilities, (consisting of above-market and below-market leases and in-place leases), in accordance with SFAS No. 141 “Business Combinations”. The Company utilizes methods similar to those used by independent appraisers in estimating the fair value of acquired assets and liabilities. The fair value of the tangible assets of an acquired property considers the value of the property “as-if-vacant”. The fair value reflects the depreciated replacement cost of the asset. In allocating purchase price to identified intangible assets and liabilities of an acquired property, the value of above-market and below-market leases are estimated based on the differences between (i) contractual rentals and the estimated market rents over the applicable lease term discounted back to the date of acquisition utilizing a discount rate adjusted for the credit risk associated with the respective tenants and (ii) the estimated cost of acquiring such leases giving effect to the Company’s history of providing tenant improvements and paying leasing commissions, offset by a vacancy period during which such space would be leased. The aggregate value of in-place leases is measured by the excess of (i) the purchase price paid for a property after adjusting existing in-place leases to market rental rates over (ii) the estimated fair value of the property “as-if-vacant,” determined as set forth above.

The Company is currently in the process of analyzing the fair value of in-place leases for the Monroe, Connecticut property. Consequently, no value has yet been assigned to the leases. Accordingly, the purchase price allocation is preliminary and may be subject to change.

For the three months ended January 31, 2007 and 2006 the net amortization of above-market and below-market leases was approximately $62,000 and $48,000 respectively, which amounts are included in base rents in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.

During the quarter ended January 31, 2007, the Company entered into a lease with a wholesale club to lease approximately 107,000 square feet of space at The Dock Shopping Center, Stratford, CT, subject to certain conditions. In connection with the new lease, the Company has agreed to provide up to $6.75 million toward the costs of redeveloping the space that previously had been occupied by a tenant who, in a prior year, filed a petition in bankruptcy and vacated the space. The former tenant’s lease obligations were guaranteed through 2016 by a corporate guarantor previously affiliated with the former tenant. In February 2007, the Company executed a settlement agreement with the guarantor whereby the guarantor will be released from its obligations under the guaranty in exchange for a payment of $6 million. The payment and release of guaranty are subject to certain conditions contained in the agreement.

The Company is the general partner in a consolidated limited partnership which owns a shopping center. The limited partnership has a defined termination date of December 31, 2097. Upon liquidation of the partnership, proceeds from the sale of partnership assets are to be distributed in accordance with the respective partnership interest. If termination of the partnership occurred on January 31, 2007 the amount payable to the limited partners is estimated to be $3,300,000. The Company has retained an affiliate of one of the limited partners to provide management and leasing services to the property at an annual fee of $125,000 through June 2007. For the three months ended January 31, 2007 and 2006 the affiliate received payments of $31,250 for such services rendered.

The limited partner interests are reflected in the accompanying consolidated financial statements as Minority Interest.

(3) BANK LINES OF CREDIT

At January 31, 2007, the Company had a secured revolving credit facility with a commercial bank (the “Secured Credit Facility”) which provides for borrowing of up to $30 million. The Secured Credit Facility expires in April 2008 and is collateralized by first mortgage liens on two of the Company’s properties. Interest on outstanding borrowings is at prime + ½% or LIBOR + 1.5%. The Secured Credit Facility requires the Company to maintain certain debt service coverage ratios during its term. The Company pays an annual fee of 0.25% on the unused portion of the Secured Credit Facility. The Secured Credit Facility is available to fund acquisitions, capital expenditures, mortgage repayments, working capital and other general corporate purposes. At January 31, 2007, the Company had outstanding borrowings under the Secured Credit Facility totaling $5,000,000 at a weighted average annual interest rate of 6.875%.

(4) STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Restricted Stock Plan
The Company has a restricted stock plan for key employees and directors of the Company. The restricted stock plan (“Plan”), as amended, provides for the grant of up to 2,000,000 shares of the Company’s common equity consisting of 350,000 Common shares, 350,000 Class A Common shares and 1,300,000 shares, which at the discretion of the Company’s compensation committee, may be awarded in any combination of Class A Common shares or Common shares.


 

9


Prior to November 1, 2005, the Company accounted for the Plan under the recognition and measurement provisions of APB Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees,” (“APB No.25”) and related Interpretations, as permitted by FASB Statement No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation.” Effective November 1, 2005, the Company adopted the fair value recognition provisions of FASB Statement No.123(R), “Share-Based Payment,” (“SFAS No.123R”) using the modified-prospective-transition method. Under that transition method, compensation expense for all share-based payments granted subsequent to November 1, 2005 is based on the grant-date fair value of the stock grants less estimated forfeitures in accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 123(R). It was the Company’s policy to expense the grant date fair value of nonvested restricted stock awards over the explicit vesting periods. Upon adoption of SFAS No. 123R, the Company changed its policy for recognizing restricted stock compensation expense to the earlier of the explicit vesting period or the date a participant first becomes eligible for retirement. For nonvested restricted stock awards granted prior to the adoption of SFAS No. 123R, the Company continues to recognize compensation expense over the explicit vesting periods and accelerates any remaining unrecognized compensation cost when a participant actually retires.

Had compensation expense for nonvested restricted stock awards issued prior to the adoption of FAS 123R been determined based on the date a participant first becomes eligible for retirement, restricted stock compensation would have decreased in the three months ended January 31, 2007 and 2006 by $106,000 and $138,000, respectively.

In January, 2007, the Company awarded 105,800 shares of Common Stock and 70,300 shares of Class A Common Stock to participants in the plan. The grant date fair value of restricted stock grants awarded to participants on January 2, 2007 was approximately $3.2 million.

A summary of the status of the Company’s non vested Common and Class A Common shares as of January 31, 2007, and changes during the quarter ended January 31, 2007 are presented below:

 
Common Shares
Class A Common Shares
Non vested Shares
Shares
Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value
Shares
Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value
Non vested at November 1, 2006
939,975
$13.10
465,975
$12.46
Granted
105,800
$17.55
70,300
$19.09
Vested
(110,375)
$10.35
(43,425)
$10.05
Forfeited
-
-
-
-
Non vested at January 31, 2007
935,400
$13.93
492,850
$13.62

As of January 31, 2007, there was $12.8 million of unamortized restricted stock compensation related to nonvested restricted stock grants awarded under the Plan. The remaining unamortized expense is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 8 years. For the three months ended January 31, 2007 and 2006 amounts charged to compensation expense totaled $520,000 and $472,000, respectively.

Stock Option Plan
Prior to December 2006 the Company had a stock option plan whereby shares were reserved for issuance to key employees and Directors of the Company. Stock options were granted at fair market value on the date of the grant and vested over a maximum period of four years from the date of grant. On December 13, 2006, the Board of Directors of the Company terminated the stock option plan. All outstanding unexercised stock options granted under the plan will remain outstanding and exercisable in accordance with their terms. At January 31, 2007, there were outstanding stock options to purchase 7,898 shares of Common Stock and 7,859 shares of Class A Common Stock. There were no stock options granted in the three months ended January 31, 2007 or during fiscal 2006.

The last grant of stock options occurred in fiscal 2000 and all outstanding stock options at January 31, 2007 were fully vested during fiscal 2007 and 2006.

 

10



Dividend Reinvestment and Share Purchase Plan
The Company has a Dividend Reinvestment and Share Purchase Plan, as amended, which permits shareholders to acquire additional shares of Common Stock and Class A Common Stock by automatically reinvesting dividends. During the three months ended January 31, 2007, the Company issued 8,103 shares of Common Stock and 2,940 shares of Class A Common Stock through the Plan. As of January 31, 2007, there remained 201,604 shares of Common Stock and 491,090 shares of Class A Common Stock available for issuance under the Plan.
 
Stock Repurchase Program
The Board of Directors of the Company has approved a stock repurchase program for the repurchase of up to 500,000 shares of Common Stock and Class A common stock in the aggregate. Since the inception of the program, the Company had repurchased 3,600 shares of Common Stock and 41,400 shares of Class A Common Stock at an aggregate repurchase cost of $686,000. There were no repurchases during the first quarter of fiscal 2007 or fiscal 2006.
 
Preferred Stock
The Series D Senior Cumulative Preferred Stock has no maturity and is not convertible into any other security of the Company. The Series D Senior Cumulative Preferred Stock is redeemable at the Company’s option on or after April 12, 2010 at a price of $25.00 per share plus accrued and unpaid dividends. Underwriting commissions and costs incurred in connection with the sale of the Series D Preferred Stock are reflected as a reduction of additional paid in capital.

(5) MORTGAGE NOTES RECEIVABLE

In January 2006, a mortgage note receivable in the principal amount of $707,000 was fully paid by the borrower. Upon repayment of the note, the Company recorded a gain on the repayment of $102,000, which amount is included in other income in the accompanying consolidated statement of income for the three months ended January 31, 2006.

(6) REDEEMABLE PREFERRED STOCK

The 8.99% Series B Senior Cumulative Preferred Stock (“Series B Preferred Stock”) and 8.50% Series C Senior Cumulative Preferred Stock (“Series C Preferred Stock”) have no stated maturity, are not subject to any sinking fund or mandatory redemption and are not convertible into other securities or property of the Company. Commencing May 2008 (Series B Preferred Stock) and May 2013 (Series C Preferred Stock), the Company, at its option, may redeem the preferred stock issues, in whole or in part, at a redemption price of $100 per share, plus all accrued dividends. Upon a change in control of the Company (as defined), each holder of Series B Preferred Stock and Series C Preferred Stock has the right, at such holder’s option, to require the Company to repurchase all or any part of such holder’s stock for cash at a repurchase price of $100 per share, plus all accrued and unpaid dividends.

The Series B Preferred Stock and Series C Preferred Stock contain covenants, which require the Company to maintain certain financial coverages relating to fixed charge and capitalization ratios. Shares of both Preferred Stock series are non-voting; however, under certain circumstances (relating to non-payment of dividends or failure to comply with the financial covenants) the preferred stockholders will be entitled to elect two directors. The Company was in compliance with such covenants at January 31, 2007 and 2006.

As the holders of the Series B Preferred Stock and Series C Preferred Stock only have a contingent right to require the Company to repurchase all or part of such holders shares upon a change of control of the Company (as defined), the Series B Preferred Stock and Series C Preferred Stock are classified as redeemable equity instruments as a change in control is not certain to occur.

The Company is authorized to issue up to 20,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock. At January 31, 2007 and 2006 the Company had issued and outstanding 150,000 shares of Series B Senior Cumulative Preferred Stock, 400,000 shares of Series C Senior Cumulative Preferred Stock and 2,450,000 shares of Series D Senior Cumulative Preferred Stock.  (See Note 4).

(7) COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

In the normal course of business, from time to time, the Company is involved in legal actions relating to the ownership and operations of its properties. In management’s opinion, the liabilities if any that may ultimately result from such legal actions are not expected to have a material adverse effect on the consolidated financial position, results of operations or liquidity of the Company.

At January 31, 2007, the Company had commitments of approximately $156,000 for tenant related obligations.

(8) SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

On March 8, 2007, the Board of Directors of the Company declared cash dividends of $0.2075 for each share of Common Stock and $0.23 for each share of Class A Common Stock. The dividends are payable on April 20, 2007.

In February 2007, the Company signed a contract to purchase a retail property in northern New Jersey containing 94,441 square feet of leasable space at a purchase price of $17.25 million. The contract is subject to certain conditions including, among other things, the Company’s determination to proceed following normal due diligence inquiry.

In February 2007, the Company signed a contract to sell its non-core retail property in Tempe, Arizona for a sale price of $13.2 million. The contract is subject to certain conditions including, among other things, the buyer’s determination to proceed following normal due diligence inquiry.

 

11


Item 2.

The following discussion is based on our consolidated financial statements as of January 31, 2007 and 2006 and for the three month periods then ended. This information should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements of the Company and the notes thereto included elsewhere in this report.

Forward Looking Statements
This Item 2 includes certain statements that may be deemed to be “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in this Item 2 that address activities, events or developments that the Company expects, believes or anticipates will or may occur in the future, including such matters as future capital expenditures, dividends and acquisitions (including the amount and nature thereof), business strategies, expansion and growth of the Company’s operations and other such matters are forward-looking statements. These statements are based on certain assumptions and analyses made by the Company in light of its experience and its perception of historical trends, current conditions, expected future developments and other factors it believes are appropriate. Such statements are subject to a number of assumptions, risks and uncertainties, including general economic and business conditions, the business opportunities that may be presented to and pursued by the Company, changes in laws or regulations and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. For a discussion of some of these factors, see the risk factors set forth in “Item 1A Risk Factors” of the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended October 31, 2006. Any such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements.

Executive Summary
The Company, a REIT, is a fully integrated, self-administered real estate company, engaged in the acquisition, ownership and management of commercial real estate, primarily neighborhood and community shopping centers in the northeastern part of the United States. Non core assets include office and retail buildings and industrial properties. The Company’s major tenants include supermarket chains and other retailers who sell basic necessities. At January 31, 2007, the Company owned or had controlling interests in 38 properties containing a total of 3.8 million square feet of gross leasable area (“GLA”) of which approximately 97% was leased.

The Company derives substantially all of its revenues from rents and operating expense reimbursements received pursuant to long-term leases and focuses its investment activities on community and neighborhood shopping centers, anchored principally by regional supermarket chains. The Company believes, because of the need of consumers to purchase food and other staple goods and services generally available at supermarket-anchored shopping centers, that the nature of its investments provide for relatively stable revenue flows even during difficult economic times.

The Company focuses on increasing cash flow, and consequently the value of its properties, and seeks continued growth through strategic re-leasing, renovations and expansion of its existing properties and selective acquisition of income producing properties, primarily neighborhood and community shopping centers in the northeastern part of the United States.

Key elements of the Company’s growth strategies and operating policies are to:

§  
Acquire neighborhood and community shopping centers in the northeastern part of the United States with a concentration in Fairfield County, Connecticut, and Westchester and Putnam Counties, New York
§  
Hold core properties for long-term investment and enhance their value through regular maintenance, periodic renovation and capital improvement
§  
Selectively dispose of non-core assets and re-deploy the proceeds into properties located in the Company’s preferred region
§  
Increase property values by aggressively marketing available GLA and renewing existing leases
§  
Renovate, reconfigure or expand existing properties to meet the needs of existing or new tenants
§  
Negotiate and sign leases which provide for regular or fixed contractual increases to minimum rents
§  
Control property operating and administrative costs

Critical Accounting Policies
Critical accounting policies are those that are both important to the presentation of the Company’s financial condition and results of operations and require management’s most difficult, complex or subjective judgments. Set forth below is a summary of the accounting policies that management believes are critical to the preparation of the consolidated financial statements. This summary should be read in conjunction with the more complete discussion of the Company’s accounting policies included in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements of the Company for the year ended October 31, 2006.


 

12


Revenue Recognition

Revenues from operating leases include revenues from core properties and non-core properties. Rental income is generally recognized based on the terms of leases entered into with tenants. In those instances in which the Company funds tenant improvements and the improvements are deemed to be owned by the Company, revenue recognition will commence when the improvements are substantially completed and possession or control of the space is turned over to the tenant. When the Company determines that the tenant allowances are lease incentives, the Company commences revenue recognition when possession or control of the space is turned over to the tenant for tenant work to begin.

The Company records base rents on a straight-line basis over the term of each lease. The excess of rents recognized over amounts contractually due pursuant to the underlying leases is included in tenant receivables on the accompanying balance sheets. Most leases contain provisions that require tenants to reimburse a pro-rata share of real estate taxes and certain common area expenses. Adjustments are also made throughout the year to tenant receivables and the related cost recovery income based upon the Company’s best estimate of the final amounts to be billed and collected.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

The allowance for doubtful accounts is established based on a quarterly analysis of the risk of loss on specific accounts. The analysis places particular emphasis on past-due accounts and considers information such as the nature and age of the receivables, the payment history of the tenants or other debtors, the financial condition of the tenants and any guarantors and management’s assessment of their ability to meet their lease obligations, the basis for any disputes and the status of related negotiations, among other things. Management’s estimates of the required allowance is subject to revision as these factors change and is sensitive to the effects of economic and market conditions on tenants, particularly those at retail centers. Estimates are used to establish reimbursements from tenants for common area maintenance, real estate taxes and insurance costs. The Company analyzes the balance of its estimated accounts receivable for real estate taxes, common area maintenance and insurance for each of its properties by comparing actual recoveries versus actual expenses and any actual write-offs. Based on its analysis, the Company may record an additional amount in its allowance for doubtful accounts related to these items. It is also the Company’s policy to maintain an allowance of approximately 10% of the deferred straight-line rents receivable balance for future tenant credit losses.

Real Estate

Land, buildings, property improvements, furniture/fixtures and tenant improvements are recorded at cost. Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are charged to operations as incurred. Renovations and/or replacements, which improve or extend the life of the asset, are capitalized and depreciated over their estimated useful lives.

The amounts to be capitalized as a result of an acquisition and the periods over which the assets are depreciated or amortized are determined based on estimates as to fair value and the allocation of various costs to the individual assets. The Company allocates the cost of an acquisition based upon the estimated fair value of the net assets acquired. The Company also estimates the fair value of intangibles related to its acquisitions. The valuation of the fair value of intangibles involves estimates related to market conditions, probability of lease renewals and the current market value of in-place leases. This market value is determined by considering factors such as the tenant’s industry, location within the property and competition in the specific region in which the property operates. Differences in the amount attributed to the intangible assets can be significant based upon the assumptions made in calculating these estimates.

The Company is required to make subjective assessments as to the useful life of its properties for purposes of determining the amount of depreciation. These assessments have a direct impact on the Company’s net income.

Properties are depreciated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. The estimated useful lives are as follows:

Buildings
30-40 years
Property Improvements
10-20 years
Furniture/Fixtures
3-10 years
Tenant Improvements
Shorter of lease term or their useful life

Asset Impairment

On a periodic basis, management assesses whether there are any indicators that the value of the real estate properties and mortgage notes receivable may be impaired. A property value is considered impaired when management’s estimate of current and projected operating cash flows (undiscounted and without interest) of the property over its remaining useful life is less than the net carrying value of the property. Such cash flow projections consider factors such as expected future operating income, trends and prospects, as well as the effects of demand, competition and other factors. To the extent impairment has occurred, the loss is measured as the excess of the net carrying amount of the property over the fair value of the asset. Changes in estimated future cash flows due to changes in the Company’s plans or market and economic conditions could result in recognition of impairment losses which could be substantial. Management does not believe that the value of any of its rental properties or mortgage note receivable is impaired at January 31, 2007.

 

13


Liquidity and Capital Resources
At January 31, 2007, the Company had unrestricted cash and cash equivalents of $2.3 million compared to $2.8 million at October 31, 2006. The Company's sources of liquidity and capital resources include its cash and cash equivalents, proceeds from bank borrowings and long-term mortgage debt, capital financings and sales of real estate investments. Payments of expenses related to real estate operations, debt service, management and professional fees, and dividend requirements place demands on the Company's short-term liquidity.

Cash Flows

The Company expects to meet its short-term liquidity requirements primarily by generating net cash from the operations of its properties. The Company believes that its net cash provided by operations will be sufficient to fund its short-term liquidity requirements for fiscal 2007 and to meet its dividend requirements necessary to maintain its REIT status. The Company expects to continue paying regular dividends to its stockholders. These dividends will be paid from operating cash flows which are expected to increase principally from property acquisitions and / or growth in operating income in the existing portfolio. The Company derives substantially all of its revenues from tenants under existing leases at its properties. The Company’s operating cash flow therefore depends on the rents that it is able to charge to its tenants and the ability of its tenants to make rental payments. The Company believes that the nature of the properties in which it typically invests ― primarily grocery-anchored neighborhood and community shopping centers ― provides a more stable revenue flow in uncertain economic times, in that consumers still need to purchase basic staples and convenience items. However, even in the geographic areas in which the Company owns properties, general economic downturns may adversely impact the ability of the Company’s tenants to make lease payments and the Company’s ability to re-lease space as leases expire. In either of these cases, the Company’s cash flow could be adversely affected.

Net Cash Flows

Operating Activities

Net cash flows provided by operating activities amounted to $8.3 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2007, compared to $6.3 million in the comparable period of fiscal 2006. The changes in operating cash flows reflect the net operating results generated from the Company’s properties and operating cash flows from new properties acquired during fiscal 2006.

Investing Activities

Net cash flows used in investing activities were $5.1 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2007 compared to $11,000 in the same period in fiscal 2006. The net cash flows in fiscal 2007 reflect the acquisition of a retail property for approximately $3.8 million. There were no purchases of properties in the first quarter of 2006. The Company received cash proceeds of $707,000 in the first quarter of fiscal 2006 in respect of a mortgage note receivable that was repaid during the quarter. The Company also spent $1.2 million for property improvements and leasing costs during the first quarter of fiscal 2007 compared to $565,000 in the comparable quarter of fiscal 2006.

Financing Activities

Net cash flows used in financing activities amounted to $3.7 million in the first of quarter 2007 compared to $8.5 million in the first quarter of 2006. During the first quarter of fiscal 2007, the Company borrowed $5 million on its secured credit line to complete a property acquisition and for working capital. The Company paid quarterly dividends to its shareholders totaling $8.3 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2007 compared to $8.1 million in the same quarter of fiscal 2006.

Capital Resources

The Company expects to fund its long-term liquidity requirements such as property acquisitions, repayment of indebtedness and capital expenditures through other long-term indebtedness (including indebtedness assumed in acquisitions), proceeds from sales of properties and/or the issuance of equity securities. The Company believes that these sources of capital will continue to be available to it in the future to fund its long-term capital needs; however, there are certain factors that may have a material adverse effect on its access to capital sources. The Company’s ability to incur additional debt is dependent upon its existing leverage, the value of its unencumbered assets and borrowing limitations imposed by existing lenders. The Company’s ability to raise funds through sales of equity securities is dependent on, among other things, general market conditions for REITs, market perceptions about the Company and its stock price in the market. The Company’s ability to sell properties in the future to raise cash will be dependent upon market conditions at the time of sale.


 

14


Financings and Debt

The Company is exposed to interest rate risk primarily through its borrowing activities. There is inherent rollover risk for borrowings as they mature and are renewed at current market rates. The extent of this risk is not quantifiable or predictable because of the variability of future interest rates and the Company’s future financing requirements. At January 31, 2007, the Company had $5 million in outstanding variable debt at an average interest rate of 6.875%.

Mortgage notes payable of $103.7 million consist of fixed rate mortgage loan indebtedness with a weighted average interest rate of 7.27% at January 31, 2007. The mortgage loans are secured by thirteen properties with a net book value of $177 million and have fixed rates of interest ranging from 5.75% to 7.83%. The Company may refinance most of its mortgage loans, at or prior to scheduled maturity, through replacement mortgage loans. The ability to do so, however, is dependent upon various factors, including the income level of the properties, interest rates and credit conditions within the commercial real estate market. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that such refinancings can be achieved.

The Company has a secured revolving credit facility with a commercial bank which provides for borrowings of up to $30 million. The facility expires in fiscal 2008. The secured revolving credit facility is collateralized by first mortgage liens on two properties having a net book value of $29 million at January 31, 2007. The revolving credit line is available to finance the acquisition, management and/or development of commercial real estate, refinance indebtedness and for working capital purposes. During the first quarter of fiscal 2007, the Company borrowed $5 million under the secured revolving credit line at an average variable rate of interest of 6.875%. Proceeds were used to complete the acquisition of a retail property acquired during the quarter and for working capital.

The Company has various standing or renewable service contracts with vendors related to its property management. In addition, the Company also has certain other utility contracts entered into in the ordinary course of business which may extend beyond one year, which vary based on usage. These contracts include terms that provide for cancellation with insignificant or no cancellation penalties. Contract terms are generally one year or less.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

During the quarter ended January 31, 2007 the Company did not have any off-balance sheet arrangements.

Capital Expenditures

The Company invests in its existing properties and regularly incurs capital expenditures in the ordinary course of business to maintain its properties. The Company believes that such expenditures enhance the competitiveness of its properties. During the quarter ended January 31, 2007, the Company incurred approximately $1.2 million for capital expenditures for property improvements, tenant improvements and leasing commissions. The amounts of these expenditures can vary significantly depending on tenant negotiations, market conditions and rental rates. The Company may incur an additional $6 million for anticipated capital improvements and leasing costs during fiscal 2007. These expenditures are expected to be funded from operating cash flows or borrowings.

Acquisitions and Leasing

The Company seeks to acquire properties which are primarily shopping centers located in the northeastern part of the United States with a concentration in Fairfield County, Connecticut and Westchester and Putnam Counties, New York. During the first quarter of fiscal 2007, the Company acquired one property in Monroe, Connecticut at a purchase price of $3.825 million, including closing costs. The purchase was funded from available cash and borrowings under the Company’s secured credit line. In February 2007, the Company contracted to purchase a 94,441 square foot shopping center for a purchase price of $17.25 million. The Company expects to finance the acquisition price from available cash, borrowings on available bank credit lines or proceeds from future sales of properties.

During the quarter ended January 31, 2007, the Company entered into a lease with a wholesale club to lease approximately 107,000 sf of space at The Dock Shopping Center, Stratford, CT, subject to certain conditions. In connection with the new lease, the Company has agreed to provide up to $6.75 million toward the costs of redeveloping the space that previously had been occupied by a tenant who, in a prior year, filed a petition in bankruptcy and vacated the space. The former tenant’s lease obligations were guaranteed through 2016 by a corporate guarantor previously affiliated with the former tenant. In February 2007, the Company executed a settlement agreement with the guarantor whereby the guarantor will be released from its obligations under the guaranty in exchange for a payment of $6 million. The payment and release of guaranty are subject to certain conditions contained in the agreement.


 

15


Non-Core Assets
In a prior year, the Company's Board of Directors expanded and refined the strategic objectives of the Company to refocus its real estate portfolio into one of self-managed retail properties located in the northeast and authorized the sale of the Company’s non-core properties in the normal course of business over a period of several years. The non-core properties consist of two distribution service facilities and one retail property (all of which are located outside of the northeast region of the United States). The Company intends to sell its non-core properties as opportunities become available. The Company’s ability to generate cash from asset sales is dependent upon market conditions and will necessarily be limited if market conditions make such sales unattractive. In February 2007, the Company contracted for the sale of the retail property for $13.2 million. The sale, which is expected to close during the Company’s second quarter of fiscal 2007, is subject to certain conditions including, among other things, the buyer’s determination to proceed following normal due diligence inquiry. In each of the three months ended January 31, 2007 and 2006, revenues derived from this property totaled $178,000. At January 31, 2007, the three non-core properties have a net book value of approximately $2.5 million.

Funds from Operations
The Company reports Funds from Operations (“FFO”) in addition to its net income applicable to common stockholders and net cash provided by operating activities. The Company considers Funds from Operations to be an additional measure of an equity REIT’s operating performance. Management has adopted the definition suggested by The National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts (“NAREIT”) and defines FFO to mean net income (computed in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) excluding gains (or losses) from sales of property, plus real estate related depreciation and amortization and after adjustments for unconsolidated joint ventures.

Management considers FFO a meaningful, additional measure of operating performance because it primarily excludes the assumption that the value of its real estate assets diminishes predictably over time and industry analysts have accepted it as a performance measure. FFO is presented to assist investors in analyzing the performance of the Company. It is helpful as it excludes various items included in net income that are not indicative of the Company’s operating performance, such as gains (or losses) from sales of property and deprecation and amortization. However, FFO:

§  
does not represent cash flows from operating activities in accordance with GAAP (which, unlike FFO, generally reflects all cash effects of transactions and other events in the determination of net income); and

§  
should not be considered an alternative to net income as an indication of the Company’s performance.

FFO, as defined by us, may not be comparable to similarly titled items reported by other real estate investment trusts due to possible differences in the application of the NAREIT definition used by such REITs. The table below provides a reconciliation of net income applicable to Common and Class A Common Stockholders in accordance with GAAP to FFO for the three months ended January 31, 2007 and 2006 (amounts in thousands).

   
Three Months Ended January 31,
 
   
2007
 
2006
 
           
Net Income Applicable to Common and Class A Common Stockholders
 
$
4,813
 
$
4,134
 
               
Plus: Real property depreciation
   
2,583
   
2,475
 
Amortization of tenant improvements and allowances
   
561
   
512
 
Amortization of deferred leasing costs
   
141
   
173
 
               
Funds from Operations Applicable to Common and Class A Common Stockholders
 
$
8,098
 
$
7,294
 
               
Net Cash Provided by (Used in):
             
Operating Activities
 
$
8,289
 
$
6,334
 
Investing Activities
 
$
(5,071
)
$
(11
)
Financing Activities
 
$
(3,709
)
$
(8,549
)

FFO amounted to $8.1 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2007 compared to $7.3 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2006. The change in FFO is attributable to an increase in same property and new property operating income during the quarter, lower interest expense on mortgage note indebtedness offset by a decrease in interest and other investment income from lower cash and cash equivalents available for investment during the period.

 

16


Results of Operations

Comparison of the three month period ended January 31, 2007 to the three month period ended January 31, 2006

Revenues
Rental revenues from base rents increased by 5.3% to $14.7 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2007, as compared to $13.9 million in the comparable quarter of fiscal 2006. During the first three months of fiscal 2007 the Company leased or renewed approximately 117,000 square feet of space. At January 31, 2007, the Company’s core properties were 97% leased, unchanged from the end of fiscal 2006.

The net change in rental revenues resulted primary from: (i) the additional base rents from properties acquired during 2006 which increased base rents by $506,000 during the quarter ended January 31, 2007 and (ii) rents from properties owned during both periods which increased base rents incrementally by $300,000.

Recoveries from tenants (which represent reimbursements from tenants for property operating expenses and property taxes) increased 1.7% to $4.6 million in the first quarter 2007 compared to $4.5 million in the first quarter of 2006.

Interest, dividends and other investment income decreased by $202,000 as a result of a lower amount of cash and cash equivalents available for investment during the period. The Company utilized its available cash for the purchase of real estate properties totaling $17 million in fiscal 2006.

Expenses
Property operating expenses decreased 7.1% in the first quarter of fiscal 2007 to $3,008,000 compared to $3,224,000 in the comparable quarter of fiscal 2006. The decrease in operating expenses in fiscal 2007 reflects lower snow removal costs during the current quarter from warmer weather in the northeast during the period which reduced these costs by $192,000 in the quarter.

Property taxes increased 5.2% to $2.6 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2007 compared to $2.5 million in the comparable quarter of fiscal 2006. Property taxes from recently acquired properties increased this component of expenses by $76,000 in the first quarter of fiscal 2007. Property taxes for properties owned in both quarters of fiscal 2007 and 2006 were generally unchanged.

Interest expense decreased $174,000 principally from the repayment of a $4.7 million mortgage note in fiscal 2006, cancellation of an unsecured bank credit line and normal amortization of outstanding mortgage notes.

Depreciation and amortization expense increased by $125,000 in the first quarter of fiscal 2007. The increase is principally from the additional depreciation on property acquisitions completed in fiscal 2006.
 
General and administrative expenses decreased by $41,000 from lower bonus compensation costs in fiscal 2007 and an overall reduction in corporate overhead expenses.



 

17



Inflation
The Company’s long-term leases contain provisions to mitigate the adverse impact of inflation on its operating results. Such provisions include clauses entitling the Company to receive (a) scheduled base rent increases and (b) percentage rents based upon tenants’ gross sales, which generally increase as prices rise. In addition, many of the Company’s non-anchor leases are for terms of less than ten years, which permits the Company to seek increases in rents upon renewal at then current market rates if rents provided in the expiring leases are below then existing market rates. Most of the Company’s leases require tenants to pay a share of operating expenses, including common area maintenance, real estate taxes, insurance and utilities, thereby reducing the Company’s exposure to increases in costs and operating expenses resulting from inflation.

Environmental Matters
Based upon management’s ongoing review of its properties, management is not aware of any environmental condition with respect to any of the Company’s properties that would be reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company. There can be no assurance, however, that (a) the discovery of environmental conditions, which were previously unknown, (b) changes in law, (c) the conduct of tenants or (d) activities relating to properties in the vicinity of the Company’s properties, will not expose the Company to material liability in the future. Changes in laws increasing the potential liability for environmental conditions existing on properties or increasing the restrictions on discharges or other conditions may result in significant unanticipated expenditures or may otherwise adversely affect the operations of the Company’s tenants, which would adversely affect the Company’s financial condition and results of operations.

Item 3.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

Market risk is the exposure to loss resulting from changes in interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates, commodity prices and equity prices. The primary market risk to which we are exposed is interest rate risk, which is sensitive to many factors, including governmental monetary and tax policies, domestic and international economic and political considerations and other factors that are beyond the Company’s control.

Interest Rate Risk

The Company is exposed to interest rate risk primarily through its borrowing activities. There is inherent rollover risk for borrowings as they mature and are renewed at current market rates. The extent of this risk is not quantifiable or predictable because of the variability of future interest rates and the Company’s future financing requirements.

As of January 31, 2007, the Company had $5 million in outstanding variable rate debt. The Company does not enter into any derivative financial instrument transactions for speculative or trading purposes. The Company believes that its weighted average interest rate of 7.27% on its fixed rate debt is not materially different from current fair market interest rates for debt instruments with similar risks and maturities.

Item 4.  Controls and Procedures

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

The Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13 a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on such evaluation, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of the end of such period, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective.





 

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Changes in Internal Controls

During the quarter ended January 31, 2007, there were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.



Part II - Other Information

Item 1.  Legal Proceedings

The Company is not involved in any litigation, nor to its knowledge is any litigation threatened against the Company or its subsidiaries, that in management’s opinion, would result in a material adverse effect on the Company’s ownership, management or operation of its properties, or which is not covered by the Company’s liability insurance.

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
 
In October 2005, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a share repurchase program (“Program”) of up to 500,000 shares, in the aggregate, of the Company’s Common and Class A Common Stock. The Program does not have a specific expiration date and may be discontinued at any time. There were no purchases of either Common or Class A Common Stock under the Program during any month in the quarter ended January 31, 2007 and there is no assurance that the Company will repurchase the full amount of shares authorized. Any combination of either Common Stock or Class A Common Stock not exceeding 455,000 shares, in the aggregate, may yet be purchased under the Program.

Item 6.  Exhibits

Exhibits
31.1 Certification of the Chief Executive Officer of Urstadt Biddle Properties Inc. pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

31.2 Certification of the Chief Financial Officer of Urstadt Biddle Properties Inc. pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

32    Certification of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of Urstadt Biddle Properties Inc. pursuant to Section 906 of Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.




 

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S I G N A T U R E S



Pursuant to the requirements 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.

 
Urstadt Biddle Properties Inc.
 
(Registrant)
   
 
By /s/ Charles J. Urstadt
 
Charles J. Urstadt
 
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
   
 
By /s/ James R. Moore
 
James R. Moore
 
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
 Dated: March 9, 2007
(Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)

 

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EXHIBIT INDEX


Exhibit No. 

31.1  
Certification of the Chief Executive Officer of Urstadt Biddle Properties Inc. pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

31.2  
Certification of the Chief Financial Officer of Urstadt Biddle Properties Inc. pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

32     
Certification of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of Urstadt Biddle Properties Inc. pursuant to Section 906 of Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002