UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C.  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 March 31, 2015

or

[   ]Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

For the transition period from ____________ to ____________.

Commission File Number:  001-33519

PUBLIC STORAGE
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:  (818) 244-8080.

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 at least the past 90 days.

[X]  Yes  [   ]  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 (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).

[X]  Yes  [   ]  No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company.  See the definitions of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

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

[   ]  Yes  [X]  No

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Indicate the number of the registrant’s outstanding common shares of beneficial interest, as of May 4, 2015:

Common Shares of beneficial interest, $.10 par value per share –  172,895,881 shares

 

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1.Description of the Business

Public Storage (referred to herein as “the Company”, “we”, “us”, or “our”), a Maryland real estate investment trust, was organized in 1980.  Our principal business activities include the acquisition, development, ownership and operation of self-storage facilities which offer storage spaces for lease, generally on a month-to-month basis, for personal and business use. 

At March 31, 2015, we have direct and indirect equity interests in 2,258 self-storage facilities (with approximately 146 million net rentable square feet) located in 38 states in the United States (“U.S.”) operating under the “Public Storage” name.  We also own one self-storage facility in London, England and we have a 49% interest in Shurgard Europe, which owns 192 self-storage facilities (with approximately 10 million net rentable square feet) located in seven Western European countries, all operating under the “Shurgard” name.  We also have direct and indirect equity interests in approximately 30 million net rentable square feet of commercial space located in 10 states in the U.S. primarily owned and operated by PS Business Parks, Inc. (“PSB”) under the “PS Business Parks” name.  At March 31, 2015, we have an approximate 42% common equity interest in PSB.

Disclosures of the number and square footage of properties, as well as the number and coverage of tenant reinsurance policies are unaudited and outside the scope of our independent registered public accounting firm’s review of our financial statements in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (U.S.).

2.Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited interim financial statements were prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) as defined in the Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification (the “Codification”), including guidance with respect to interim financial information and in conformity with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X.  While they do not include all of the disclosures required by GAAP for complete financial statements, we believe that we have included all adjustments (consisting of normal and recurring adjustments) necessary for a fair presentation.  Operating results for the three months ended March 31, 2015 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2015 due to seasonality and other factors.  These interim financial statements should be read together with the audited financial statements and related notes included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014.

Consolidation and Equity Method of Accounting

We consider entities to be Variable Interest Entities (“VIEs”) when they have insufficient equity to finance their activities without additional subordinated financial support provided by other parties, or where the equity holders as a group do not have a controlling financial interest.  We have no investments or other involvement in any VIEs. 

We consolidate all entities that we control (these entities, for the period in which the reference applies, are referred to collectively as the “Subsidiaries”), and we eliminate intercompany transactions and balances.  We account for our investments in entities that we have significant influence over, but do not control, using the equity method of accounting (these entities, for the periods in which the reference applies, are referred to collectively as the “Unconsolidated Real Estate Entities”), eliminating intra-entity profits and losses and amortizing any differences between the cost of our investment and the underlying equity in net assets against

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equity in earnings as if the Unconsolidated Real Estate Entity were a consolidated subsidiary.  When we obtain control of an Unconsolidated Real Estate Entity, we commence consolidating the entity and record a gain representing the differential between the book value and fair value of our preexisting equity interest.  All changes in consolidation status are reflected prospectively. 

When we are general partner, we control the partnership unless the third-party limited partners can dissolve the partnership or otherwise remove us as general partner without cause, or if the limited partners have the right to participate in substantive decisions of the partnership. 

Collectively, at March 31, 2015, the Company and the Subsidiaries own 2,245 self-storage facilities in the U.S., one self-storage facility in London, England and four commercial facilities in the U.S.  At March 31, 2015, the Unconsolidated Real Estate Entities are comprised of PSB, Shurgard Europe, as well as limited partnerships that own an aggregate of 13 self-storage facilities in the U.S. (these limited partnerships, for the periods in which the reference applies, are referred to as the “Other Investments”).

Use of Estimates

The financial statements and accompanying notes reflect our estimates and assumptions.  Actual results could differ from those estimates and assumptions.

Income Taxes

We have elected to be treated as a real estate investment trust (“REIT”), as defined in the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”).  As a REIT, we do not incur federal income tax if we distribute 100% of our REIT taxable income (generally, net rents and gains from real property, dividends, and interest) each year, and if we meet certain organizational and operational rules.  We believe we will meet these REIT requirements in 2015, and that we have met them for all other periods presented herein.  Accordingly, we have recorded no federal income tax expense related to our REIT taxable income.

Our merchandise and tenant reinsurance operations are subject to corporate income tax and such taxes are included in ancillary cost of operations.  We also incur income and other taxes in certain states, which are included in general and administrative expense. 

We recognize tax benefits of uncertain income tax positions that are subject to audit only if we believe it is more likely than not that the position would ultimately be sustained assuming the relevant taxing authorities had full knowledge of the relevant facts and circumstances of our positions.  As of March 31, 2015, we had no tax benefits that were not recognized. 

Real Estate Facilities

Real estate facilities are recorded at cost.  We capitalize all costs incurred to develop, construct, renovate and improve properties, including interest and property taxes incurred during the construction period.  We expense internal and external transaction costs associated with acquisitions or dispositions of real estate, as well as repairs and maintenance costs, as incurred.  We depreciate buildings and improvements on a straight-line basis over estimated useful lives ranging generally between 5 to 25 years.

We allocate the net acquisition cost of acquired operating self-storage facilities to the underlying land, buildings, identified intangible assets, and remaining noncontrolling interests based upon their respective individual estimated fair values.  Any difference between the net acquisition cost and the estimated fair value of the net tangible and intangible assets acquired is recorded as goodwill.    

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Other Assets

Other assets primarily consist of rents receivable from our tenants, prepaid expenses and restricted cash.

Accrued and Other Liabilities

Accrued and other liabilities consist primarily of rents prepaid by our tenants, trade payables, property tax accruals, accrued payroll, accrued tenant reinsurance losses, and contingent loss accruals when probable and estimable.  We disclose the nature of significant unaccrued losses that are reasonably possible of occurring and, if estimable, a range of exposure.

Cash Equivalents, Marketable Securities and Other Financial Instruments

Cash equivalents represent highly liquid financial instruments such as money market funds with daily liquidity or short-term commercial paper or treasury securities maturing within three months of acquisition.  Cash and cash equivalents which are restricted from general corporate use are included in other assets.  Commercial paper not maturing within three months of acquisition, which we intend and have the capacity to hold until maturity, are included in marketable securities and accounted for using the effective interest method.

Transfers of financial assets are recorded as sales when the asset is put presumptively beyond our and our creditors’ reach, there is no impediment to the transferee’s right to pledge or exchange the asset, we have surrendered effective control of the asset, we have no actual or effective right or requirement to repurchase the asset and, in the case of a transfer of a participating interest, there is no impediment to our right to pledge or exchange the participating interest we retain.

Fair Value Accounting

As used herein, the term “fair value” is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants.  We prioritize the inputs used in measuring fair value based upon a three-tier hierarchy described in Codification Section 820-10-35.  Our estimates of fair value involve considerable judgement and are not necessarily indicative of the amounts that could be realized in current market exchanges.

We believe that, during all periods presented, the carrying values approximate the estimated fair values of our cash and cash equivalents, marketable securities, other assets, and accrued and other liabilities, based upon our evaluation of the underlying characteristics, market data, and short maturity of these financial instruments, which involved considerable judgment.  The characteristics of these financial instruments, market data, and other comparative metrics utilized in determining these fair values are “Level 2” inputs as the term is defined in Codification Section 820-10-35-47.

We estimate fair values in recording our business combinations, to evaluate real estate, investments in unconsolidated real estate entities, goodwill, and other intangible assets for impairment, and to determine the fair values of notes payable and receivable.  In estimating these fair values, we consider significant unobservable inputs such as market prices of land, market capitalization rates and earnings multiples for real estate facilities, projected levels of earnings, costs of construction, functional depreciation, and market interest rates for debt securities with a similar time to maturity and credit quality, which are “Level 3” inputs as the term is defined in Codification Section 820-10-35-52. 

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Currency and Credit Risk

Financial assets that are exposed to credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, rents receivable from our tenants, loans receivable, and restricted cash.  Cash equivalents and marketable securities we invest in are either money market funds with a rating of at least AAA by Standard and Poor’s, commercial paper that is  rated A1 by Standard and Poor’s or deposits with highly rated commercial banks.

At March 31, 2015, due primarily to our investment in Shurgard Europe, our operating results and financial position are affected by fluctuations in currency exchange rates between the Euro, and to a lesser extent, other European currencies, against the U.S. Dollar. 

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Intangible assets are comprised of goodwill, the “Shurgard” trade name, acquired customers in place, and leasehold interests in land.

Goodwill totaled $174.6 million at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014.  The “Shurgard” trade name, which is used by Shurgard Europe pursuant to a fee-based licensing agreement, has a book value of $18.8 million at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014.  Goodwill and the “Shurgard” trade name have indefinite lives and are not amortized.

Acquired customers in place and leasehold interests in land are finite-lived and are amortized relative to the benefit of the customers in place or the benefit to land lease expense to each period.  At March 31, 2015, these intangibles had a net book value of $27.9 million ($35.2 million at December 31, 2014).  Accumulated amortization totaled $73.3 million at March 31, 2015 ($69.3 million at December 31, 2014), and amortization expense of $9.2 million and $14.6 million was recorded in the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.  The estimated future amortization expense for our finite-lived intangible assets at March 31, 2015 is approximately $14.6 million in the remainder of 2015, $5.9 million in 2016 and $7.4 million thereafter.  During the three months ended March 31, 2015, intangibles were increased $1.9 million in connection with the acquisition of self-storage facilities (Note 3). 

Evaluation of Asset Impairment

We evaluate our real estate and finite-lived intangible assets for impairment each quarter.  If there are indicators of impairment and we determine that the asset is not recoverable from future undiscounted cash flows to be received through the asset’s remaining life (or, if earlier, the expected disposal date), we record an impairment charge to the extent the carrying amount exceeds the asset’s estimated fair value or net proceeds from expected disposal. 

We evaluate our investments in unconsolidated real estate entities for impairment on a quarterly basis.  We record an impairment charge to the extent the carrying amount exceeds estimated fair value, when we believe any such shortfall is other than temporary.  

We evaluate goodwill for impairment annually and whenever relevant events, circumstances and other related factors indicate that fair value of the related reporting unit may be less than the carrying amount.  If we determine that the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds the aggregate carrying amount, no impairment charge is recorded.  Otherwise, we record an impairment charge to the extent the carrying amount of the goodwill exceeds the amount that would be allocated to goodwill if the reporting unit were acquired for estimated fair value.  

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We evaluate the “Shurgard” trade name for impairment at least annually and whenever relevant events, circumstances and other related factors indicate that the fair value is less than the carrying amount.  When we conclude that it is likely that the asset is not impaired, we do not record an impairment charge and no further analysis is performed.  Otherwise, we record an impairment charge to the extent the carrying amount exceeds the asset’s estimated fair value. 

No impairments were recorded in any of our evaluations for any period presented herein.

Revenue and Expense Recognition

Rental income, which is generally earned pursuant to month-to-month leases for storage space, as well as late charges and administrative fees, are recognized as earned.  Promotional discounts reduce rental income over the promotional period.  Ancillary revenues and interest and other income are recognized when earned.  Equity in earnings of unconsolidated real estate entities represents our pro-rata share of the earnings of the Unconsolidated Real Estate Entities. 

We accrue for property tax expense based upon actual amounts billed and, in some circumstances, estimates and historical trends when bills or assessments have not been received from the taxing authorities or such bills and assessments are in dispute.  If these estimates are incorrect, the timing and amount of expense recognition could be incorrect.  Cost of operations, general and administrative expense, interest expense, as well as television and other advertising expenditures are expensed as incurred. 

Foreign Currency Exchange Translation

The local currency (primarily the Euro) is the functional currency for our interests in foreign operations.  The related balance sheet amounts are translated into U.S. Dollars at the exchange rates at the respective financial statement date, while amounts on our statements of income are translated at the average exchange rates during the respective period.  The Euro was translated at exchange rates of approximately 1.085 U.S. Dollars per Euro at March 31, 2015 (1.216 at December 31, 2014), and average exchange rates of 1.127 and 1.370 for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.  Cumulative translation adjustments, to the extent not included in cumulative net income, are included in equity as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).

Comprehensive Income

Total comprehensive income represents net income, adjusted for changes in other comprehensive income (loss) for the applicable period.  The aggregate foreign currency exchange gains and losses reflected on our statements of comprehensive income are comprised primarily of foreign currency exchange gains and losses on our investment in Shurgard Europe.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements and Guidance

In May 2014, the FASB issued an accounting standard update (“ASU”) (ASU No. 2014-09), requiring an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers.  ASU No. 2014-09 will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance in U.S. GAAP when it becomes effective and permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method.  The new standard is effective for us on January 1, 2017.  Early adoption is not permitted.  We have not yet selected a transition method.  We do not believe the adoption of ASU No. 2014-09 will have a material impact on our results of operations or financial condition.

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In February 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-02, “Consolidation (Topic 810).”  The guidance in this ASU includes amendments to Topic 810, “Consolidation.”  The new guidance modifies the consolidation analysis for limited and general partnerships and entities that are involved with variable interest entities, particularly those that have fee arrangements and related party relationships.  Additionally, it provides a scope exception to the consolidation guidance for certain entities.  The amendments in ASU No. 2015-02 are effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015, including interim periods within that reporting period.  Early adoption is permitted.  We have not yet determined whether the adoption of ASU No. 2015-02 will have a material effect on our results of operations or financial condition.

 

Net Income per Common Share

Net income is allocated to (i) noncontrolling interests based upon their share of the net income of the Subsidiaries, (ii) preferred shareholders, to the extent redemption cost exceeds the related original net issuance proceeds (in accordance with the provisions of Codification Section 260-10-S99-2, an “EITF D-42 allocation”), and (iii) the remaining net income allocated to each of our equity securities based upon the dividends declared or accumulated during the period, combined with participation rights in undistributed earnings. 

Basic net income per share is computed using the weighted average common shares outstanding.  Diluted net income per share is computed using the weighted average common shares outstanding, adjusted for the impact, if dilutive, of stock options outstanding (Note 10). 

The following table reflects net income allocable to common shareholders and the weighted average common shares and equivalents outstanding, as used in our calculations of basic and diluted net income per share:

 

 

 

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3.Real Estate Facilities

Activity in real estate facilities during the three months ended March 31, 2015 is as follows:  

 

 

During the three months ended March 31, 2015, we acquired four self-storage facilities (265,000 net rentable square feet), for a total cost of $32.3 million in cash.  Approximately $1.9 million of the total cost was allocated to intangible assets.  We completed expansion and development activities during the three months ended March 31, 2015, adding 338,000 net rentable square feet of self-storage space, at an aggregate cost of $31.3 million.  Construction in process at March 31, 2015 consists of projects to develop new self-storage facilities and expand existing self-storage facilities, which would add a total of 3.6 million net rentable square feet of storage space, for an aggregate estimated cost of approximately $436 million.  We received approximately $9.2 million in disposition proceeds during the three months ended March 31, 2015, recording a gain on disposition of $1.5 million.

4.Investments in Unconsolidated Real Estate Entities

The following table sets forth our investments in, and equity earnings of, the Unconsolidated Real Estate Entities (amounts in thousands):

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During the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, we received cash distributions from our investments in the Unconsolidated Real Estate Entities totaling $8.2 million and $12.9 million, respectively.  At March 31, 2015, the cost of our investment in the Unconsolidated Real Estate Entities exceeds our pro rata share of the underlying equity by approximately $65 million  ($68 million at December 31, 2014).  This differential is being amortized as a reduction in equity in earnings of the Unconsolidated Real Estate Entities based upon allocations to the underlying net assets.  Such amortization was approximately $0.7 million and $0.5 million during the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.  

Investment in PSB

PSB is a REIT traded on the New York Stock Exchange.  We have an approximate 42% common equity interest in PSB as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, comprised of our ownership of 7,158,354 shares of PSB’s common stock and 7,305,355 limited partnership units (“LP Units”) in an operating partnership controlled by PSB.  The LP Units are convertible at our option, subject to certain conditions, on a one-for-one basis into PSB common stock.  Based upon the closing price at March 31, 2015 ($83.04 per share of PSB common stock), the shares and units we owned had a market value of approximately $1.2 billion. 

Included in equity in earnings of unconsolidated real estate entities is our $5.0 million share of gains on sale of facilities recorded by PSB for the three months ended March 31, 2015 (none in the three months ended March 31, 2014).

The following table sets forth selected financial information of PSB.  The amounts represent all of PSB’s balances and not our pro-rata share.

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Investment in Shurgard Europe

For all periods presented, we had a 49% equity investment in Shurgard Europe and our joint venture partner owns the remaining 51% interest.  In addition, Shurgard Europe pays a license fee to us for the use of the “Shurgard” trademark and paid us interest on a shareholder loan until it was repaid in July 2014 (see Note 5).   

Changes in foreign currency exchange rates caused our investment in Shurgard Europe to decrease by approximately $29.5 million during the three months ended March 31, 2015 and to increase our investment by $0.3 million during the three months ended March 31, 2014.

The following table sets forth selected consolidated financial information of Shurgard Europe based upon all of Shurgard Europe’s balances for all periods, rather than our pro rata share.  Such amounts are based upon our historical acquired book basis.

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As reflected in the table above, Shurgard Europe’s net income has been reduced by expenses it pays to its shareholders, including a trademark license fee and interest expense on the shareholder loan for periods in which the loan was outstanding.  The following table set forth the calculation of our equity in earnings in Shurgard Europe:

 

 

 

 

 

As indicated in the table above, 49% of the trademark license fees and interest paid by Shurgard Europe to its shareholders is included in our equity in earnings of Shurgard Europe and any remaining amount paid to us is included in “interest and other income” on our income statements.  See Note 5 for further information. 

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5.Loan Receivable from Unconsolidated Real Estate Entity

At December 31, 2013, we owned 100% of the shareholder loan due from Shurgard Europe, which had a balance of €311.0 million ($428.1 million) and bore interest at 9.0% per annum.  On January 28, 2014, our joint venture partner in Shurgard Europe acquired a 51% interest in the loan at face value for €158.6 million ($216.2 million) in cash.  In July 2014, Shurgard Europe fully repaid its €311.0 million shareholder loan, and accordingly, we received our 49% share of the loan totaling €152.4 million ($204.9 million). 

For the three months ended March 31, 2014, we recorded interest income with respect to this loan of approximately $1.5 million. 

Based upon our continued expectation of repayment of the loan in the foreseeable future, we reflected changes in the U.S. Dollar equivalent of the amount due us, as a result of changes in foreign exchange rates as “foreign currency exchange gain (loss)” on our income statement until repayment of the loan in full in July 2014. 

6.Credit Facility, Term Loan and Notes Payable

On March 31, 2015, we entered into an amended revolving credit agreement (the “Credit Facility”), which expires on March 31, 2020.  The aggregate limit with respect to borrowings and letters of credit was increased from $300 million to $500 million.  Amounts drawn on the Credit Facility bear annual interest at rates ranging from LIBOR plus 0.850% to LIBOR plus 1.450% depending upon the ratio of our Total Indebtedness to Gross Asset Value (as defined in the Credit Facility) (LIBOR plus 0.850% at March 31, 2015).  In addition, we are required to pay a quarterly facility fee ranging from 0.080% per annum to 0.250% per annum depending upon the ratio of our Total Indebtedness to our Gross Asset Value (0.080% per annum at March 31, 2015).  At December 31, 2014, March 31, 2015 and May 5, 2015, we had no outstanding borrowings under this Credit Facility.  We had undrawn standby letters of credit, which reduce our borrowing capacity, totaling $14.9 million at March 31, 2015 and $13.9 million at December 31, 2014.  The Credit Facility has various customary restrictive covenants, all of which we were in compliance with at March 31, 2015.

On December 2, 2013, we borrowed $700 million from Wells Fargo under an unsecured term loan (the “Term Loan”), and we fully repaid the borrowings by September 30, 2014.  We incurred origination costs of $1.9 million, which were amortized using the effective interest method through the date of extinguishment ($1.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014).

The carrying amounts of our notes payable at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, totaled $58.7 million and $64.4 million, respectively, with unamortized premium totaling $0.4 million and $0.6 million, respectively.  These notes were assumed in connection with acquisitions of real estate facilities and recorded at fair value with any premium or discount over the stated note balance amortized using the effective interest method.  At March 31, 2015, the notes are secured by 33 real estate facilities with a net book value of approximately $149 million, have contractual interest rates between 2.9% and 7.1%,  and mature between July 2015 and September 2028. 

 

 

At March 31, 2015, approximate principal maturities of our notes payable are $12.1 million in the remainder of 2015, $20.6 million in 2016, $9.3 million in 2017, $11.2 million in 2018, $1.2 million in 2019 and $4.3 million thereafter.  The weighted average effective interest rate of our notes payable at March 31, 2015 was 4.0%.

Cash paid for interest totaled $0.8 million and $3.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015  and 2014, respectively.  Interest capitalized as real estate totaled $0.6 million and $0.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015  and 2014, respectively.

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7.Noncontrolling Interests

At March 31, 2015, the noncontrolling interests represent (i) third-party equity interests in subsidiaries owning 14 self-storage facilities and (ii) 231,978 partnership units held by third-parties in a subsidiary that are convertible on a one-for-one basis (subject to certain limitations) into common shares of the Company at the option of the unitholder (collectively, the “Noncontrolling Interests”).  At March 31, 2015, the Noncontrolling Interests cannot require us to redeem their interests, other than pursuant to a liquidation of the subsidiary.  During the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, we allocated a total of $1.5 million and $1.1 million of income, respectively, to these interests; and we paid $1.8 million in each of the periods in distributions to these interests. 

8.Shareholders’ Equity

Preferred Shares

At March  31,  2015 and December 31, 2014, we had the following series of Cumulative Preferred Shares (“Preferred Shares”) outstanding:

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The holders of our Preferred Shares have general preference rights with respect to liquidation, quarterly distributions and any accumulated unpaid distributions.  Except under certain conditions and as noted below, holders of the Preferred Shares will not be entitled to vote on most matters.  In the event of a cumulative arrearage equal to six quarterly dividends, holders of all outstanding series of preferred shares (voting as a single class without regard to series) will have the right to elect two additional members to serve on our board of trustees (the “Board”) until the arrearage has been cured.  At March  31, 2015, there were no dividends in arrears.

Except under certain conditions relating to the Company’s qualification as a REIT, the Preferred Shares are not redeemable prior to the dates indicated on the table above.  On or after the respective dates, each of the series of Preferred Shares is redeemable at our option, in whole or in part, at $25.00 per depositary share, plus accrued and unpaid dividends.  Holders of the Preferred Shares cannot require us to redeem such shares.

Upon issuance of our Preferred Shares, we classify the liquidation value as preferred equity on our balance sheet with any issuance costs recorded as a reduction to paid-in capital.

During the three months ended March 31, 2014, we issued an aggregate 9.4 million depositary shares, each representing 1/1,000 of a share of our Series Y Preferred Shares, at an issuance price of $25.00 per depositary share, for a total of $235.0 million in gross proceeds, and we incurred $7.5 million in issuance costs. 

In March 2015, we called for redemption of, and on April 15, 2015, we redeemed our Series O Preferred Shares, at par.  The liquidation value (at par) of $145.0 million was reclassified as a liability at March 31, 2015.  We  recorded a $4.8 million EITF D-42 allocation of income from our common shareholders to the holders of our Preferred Shares in the three months ended March 31, 2015 in connection with this redemption.  

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Common share dividends, including amounts paid to our restricted share unitholders, totaled $242.3 million ($1.40 per share) and $241.7 million ($1.40 per share) for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.  Preferred share dividends totaled $63.6 million and $52.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

9.Related Party Transactions

The Hughes Family owns approximately 15.5% of our common shares outstanding at March  31,  2015.

The Hughes Family has ownership interests in, and operates, approximately 54 self-storage facilities in Canada (“PS Canada”) using the “Public Storage” brand name pursuant to a non-exclusive, royalty-free trademark license agreement with the Company.  We currently do not own any interests in these facilities.  We have a right of first refusal to acquire the stock or assets of the corporation that manages the 54 self-storage facilities in Canada, if the Hughes Family or the corporation agrees to sell them.  We reinsure risks relating to loss of goods stored by customers in these facilities.  During each of the three month periods ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, we received $0.1 million, in reinsurance premiums attributed to these facilities.  There is no assurance that these premiums will continue, as our rights to reinsure these risks could be withdrawn at any time.  

10.Share-Based Compensation

Under various share-based compensation plans and under terms established by a committee of our Board, the Company grants non-qualified options to purchase the Company’s common shares, as well as restricted share units (“RSUs”), to trustees, officers, service providers and key employees.  

Stock options and RSUs are considered “granted” and “outstanding” as the terms are used herein, when (i) the Company and the recipient reach a mutual understanding of the key terms of the award, (ii) the award has been authorized, (iii) the recipient is affected by changes in the market price of our stock, and (iv) it is probable that any performance and service conditions will be met.  

We amortize the grant-date fair value of awards (net of anticipated forfeitures) as compensation expense over the service period.  The service period begins on the grant date and ends on the vesting date.  For awards that are earned solely upon the passage of time and continued service, the entire cost of the award is amortized on a straight-line basis over the service period. For awards with performance conditions, the individual cost of each vesting is amortized separately over each individual service period (the “accelerated attribution” method).

Stock Options

Stock options vest over a three to five-year period, expire ten years after the grant date, and the exercise price is equal to the closing trading price of our common shares on the grant date.  Employees cannot require the Company to settle their award in cash.  We use the Black-Scholes option valuation model to estimate the fair value of our stock options. 

Outstanding stock option grants are included on a one-for-one basis in our diluted weighted average shares, to the extent dilutive, after applying the treasury stock method (based upon the average common share price during the period) to assumed exercise proceeds and measured but unrecognized compensation.

For the three months ended March 31, 2015, we recorded $0.8 million in compensation expense related to stock options, as compared to $0.7 million for the same period in 2014.

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During the three months ended March 31, 2015,  250,000 stock options were granted, 55,990 options were exercised and no options were forfeited.  A total of 2,279,554 stock options were outstanding at March 31, 2015  (2,085,544 at December 31, 2014).

Restricted Share Units

RSUs generally vest ratably over a three to eight-year period from the grant date.  The grantee receives dividends for each outstanding RSU equal to the per-share dividends received by our common shareholders.  We expense any dividends previously paid upon forfeiture of the related RSU.  Upon vesting, the grantee receives common shares equal to the number of vested RSUs, less common shares withheld in exchange for tax deposits made by the Company to satisfy the grantee’s statutory tax liabilities arising from the vesting. 

The fair value of our RSUs is determined based upon the applicable closing trading price of our common shares.

During the three months ended March 31, 2015, 119,800 RSUs were granted, 12,045 RSUs were forfeited and 160,134 RSUs vested.  This vesting resulted in the issuance of 93,305 common shares.  In addition, tax deposits totaling $13.3 million were made on behalf of employees in exchange for 66,829 common shares withheld upon vesting. 

RSUs outstanding at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 were 698,669 and 751,048, respectively.  A total of $6.4 million in RSU expense was recorded for the three months ended March 31, 2015, which includes approximately $1.0 million in employer taxes incurred upon vesting, as compared to $5.6 million for the same period in 2014, respectively, which includes approximately $1.0 million in employer taxes incurred upon vesting.

 See also “net income per common share” in Note 2 for further discussion regarding the impact of RSUs and stock options on our net income per common share and income allocated to common shareholders.

11.Segment Information

Our reportable segments reflect the significant components of our operations that are evaluated separately by our chief operating decision maker (“CODM”) and have discrete financial information available.  We organize our segments based primarily upon the nature of the underlying products and services, and whether the operation is located in the U.S. or outside the U.S.  In making resource allocation decisions, our CODM considers the net income of each reportable segment prior to depreciation and amortization, gains or losses on disposition of real estate facilities, and asset impairment charges, and does not consider the book value of assets.  The net income for each reportable segment included in the tables below are in conformity with GAAP and our significant accounting policies as denoted in Note 2.  The amounts with respect to non-reportable segments are aggregated under “other items not allocated to segments.”  Following is the description of and basis for presentation for each of our segments.

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Domestic Self-Storage Segment

The Domestic Self-Storage Segment includes the operations of the 2,246 self-storage facilities owned by the Company and the Subsidiaries, as well as our equity share of 13 self-storage facilities owned by the Other Investments.  The Domestic self-storage segment presentation includes the revenues, cost of operations, and depreciation expense of our self-storage facilities, as well as our equity in earnings of the Other Investments.  For all periods presented, substantially all of our real estate facilities, goodwill and other intangible assets, other assets, and accrued and other liabilities are associated with the Domestic Self-Storage Segment.

European Self-Storage Segment

The European Self-Storage segment comprises our interest in Shurgard Europe (Note 4), which has a separate management team reporting directly to our CODM and our joint venture partner.  The European Self-Storage segment presentation includes our equity share of Shurgard Europe’s operations, the interest and other income received from Shurgard Europe, and foreign currency exchange gains and losses that are attributable to Shurgard Europe.  At March 31, 2015, the assets of the European Self-Storage Segment are comprised of our investment in Shurgard Europe.  Prior to July 2014, we also had a loan receivable from Shurgard Europe (Note 5). 

Commercial Segment

The Commercial segment comprises (i) our investment in PSB (Note 4), a publicly-traded REIT with a separate management team that makes its financing, capital allocation and other significant decisions, as well as (ii) certain commercial facilities we own, substantially all of which are managed by PSB.  The Commercial segment presentation includes our equity earnings from PSB, as well as the revenues and expenses of our commercial facilities.  At March 31, 2015, the assets of the Commercial segment are comprised principally of our investment in PSB.

Presentation of Segment Information

The following tables reconcile the net income of each segment, in terms of segment income, to our consolidated net income (amounts in thousands):

 

 

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12.Commitments and Contingencies

Contingent Losses

We are a party to various legal proceedings and subject to various claims and complaints; however, we believe that the likelihood of these contingencies resulting in a material loss to the Company, either individually or in the aggregate, is remote.

Insurance and Loss Exposure

We have historically carried customary property, earthquake, general liability, employee medical insurance and workers compensation coverage through internationally recognized insurance carriers, subject to customary levels of deductibles.  The aggregate limits on these policies of approximately $75 million for property losses and $102 million for general liability losses are higher than estimates of maximum probable losses that could occur from individual catastrophic events determined in recent engineering and actuarial studies; however, in case of multiple catastrophic events, these limits could be exhausted.  

We reinsure a program that provides insurance to our customers from an independent third-party insurer.  This program covers tenant claims for losses to goods stored at our facilities as a result of specific named perils (earthquakes are not covered by this program), up to a maximum limit of $5,000 per storage unit.  We reinsure all risks in this program, but purchase insurance from an independent third party insurance company for aggregate claims between $5.0 million and $15.0 million per occurrence.  We are subject to licensing requirements and regulations in several states.  At March 31, 2015, there were approximately 851,000 certificates held by our self-storage customers, representing aggregate coverage of approximately $2.4 billion.

13.Subsequent Events

Subsequent to March 31, 2015, we acquired or were under contract to acquire seven self-storage facilities (three each in Colorado and Texas and one in California) with 0.6 million net rentable square feet for $80 million, and a land lease buyout for $15 million.