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PSB > SEC Filings for PSB > Form 10-K on 26-Feb-2009All Recent SEC Filings

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Form 10-K for PS BUSINESS PARKS INC/CA


26-Feb-2009

Annual Report


ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following discussion and analysis of the results of operations and financial condition should be read in conjunction with the selected financial data and the Company's consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included elsewhere in the Form 10-K.

Forward-Looking Statements: Forward-looking statements are made throughout this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Any statements contained herein that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. Without limiting the foregoing, the words "may," "believes," "anticipates," "plans," "expects," "seeks," "estimates," "intends," and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. There are a number of important factors that could cause the results of the Company to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements, including those detailed under the heading "Item 1A. Risk Factors." In light of the significant uncertainties inherent in the forward-looking statements included herein, the inclusion of the information contained in such forward-looking statements should not be regarded as a representation by us or any other person that our objectives and plans will be achieved. Moreover, we assume no obligation to update these forward-looking statements to reflect actual results, changes in assumptions or changes in other factors affecting such forward-looking statements except as required by law.

Overview

As of December 31, 2008, the Company owned and operated approximately 19.6 million rentable square feet of multi-tenant flex, industrial and office properties located in eight states.

The Company focuses on increasing profitability and cash flow aimed at maximizing shareholder value. The Company strives to maintain high occupancy levels while increasing rental rates when market conditions allow. The Company also acquires properties it believes will create long-term value, and from time to time disposes of properties which no longer fit within the Company's strategic objectives or in situations where the Company believes it can optimize cash proceeds. Operating results are driven by income from rental operations and are therefore substantially influenced by rental demand for space within our properties.

The Company successfully leased or re-leased 5.1 million square feet of space in 2008 and achieved an overall weighted average occupancy of 93.5% for 2008. During 2008, the Company experienced a modest increase in effective rental rates compared to 2007. Total net operating income increased by $8.6 million or 4.6% from the year ended December 31, 2007 to 2008. See further discussion of operating results below.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates:

Our accounting policies are described in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements included in this Form 10-K. We believe our most critical accounting policies relate to revenue recognition, allowance for doubtful accounts, impairment of long-lived assets, depreciation, accruals of operating expenses and accruals for contingencies, each of which we discuss below.

Revenue Recognition: We recognize revenue in accordance with Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 104 of the Securities and Exchange Commission, Revenue Recognition in Financial Statements ("SAB 104"), as amended. SAB 104 requires that the following four basic criteria must be met before revenue can be recognized:
persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists; the delivery has occurred or services rendered; the fee is fixed or determinable; and collectibility is reasonably assured. All leases are classified as operating leases. Rental income is recognized on a straight-line basis over the terms of the leases. Straight-line rent is recognized for all tenants with contractual increases in rent that are not included on the Company's credit watch list. Deferred rent receivable represents rental revenue recognized on a straight-line basis in excess of billed rents. Reimbursements from tenants for real estate taxes and other recoverable operating expenses are recognized as rental income in the period the applicable costs are incurred.

Property Acquisitions: In accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 141, "Business Combinations," we allocate the purchase price of acquired properties to land, buildings and equipment and identified tangible and intangible assets and liabilities associated with in-place leases


(including tenant improvements, unamortized lease commissions, value of above-market and below-market leases, acquired in-place lease values, and tenant relationships, if any) based on their respective estimated fair values.

In determining the fair value of the tangible assets of the acquired properties, management considers the value of the properties as if vacant as of the acquisition date. Management must make significant assumptions in determining the value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Using different assumptions in the allocation of the purchase cost of the acquired properties would affect the timing of recognition of the related revenue and expenses. Amounts allocated to land are derived from comparable sales of land within the same region. Amounts allocated to buildings and improvements, tenant improvements and unamortized lease commissions are based on current market replacement costs and other market rate information.

The value allocable to the above-market or below-market in-place lease values of acquired properties is determined based upon the present value (using a discount rate which reflects the risks associated with the acquired leases) of the difference between (i) the contractual rents to be paid pursuant to the in-place leases, and (ii) management's estimate of fair market lease rates for the corresponding in-place leases, measured over a period equal to the remaining non-cancelable term of the lease. The amounts allocated to above-market or below-market leases are included in other assets or other liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and are amortized on a straight-line basis as an increase or reduction of rental income over the remaining non-cancelable term of the respective leases.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts: Rental revenue from our tenants is our principal source of revenue. We monitor the collectibility of our receivable balances including the deferred rent receivable on an ongoing basis. Based on these reviews, we maintain an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the possible inability of our tenants to make required rent payments to us. Tenant receivables and deferred rent receivables are carried net of the allowances for uncollectible tenant receivables and deferred rent. As discussed below, determination of the adequacy of these allowances requires significant judgments and estimates. Our estimate of the required allowance is subject to revision as the factors discussed below change and is sensitive to the effect of economic and market conditions on our tenants.

Tenant receivables consist primarily of amounts due for contractual lease payments, reimbursements of common area maintenance expenses, property taxes and other expenses recoverable from tenants. Determination of the adequacy of the allowance for uncollectible current tenant receivables is performed using a methodology that incorporates specific identification, aging analysis, an overall evaluation of the historical loss trends and the current economic and business environment. The specific identification methodology relies on factors such as the age and nature of the receivables, the payment history and financial condition of the tenant, the assessment of the tenant's ability to meet its lease obligations, and the status of negotiations of any disputes with the tenant. The allowance also includes a reserve based on historical loss trends not associated with any specific tenant. This reserve as well as the specific identification reserve is reevaluated quarterly based on economic conditions and the current business environment.

Deferred rent receivable represents the amount that the cumulative straight-line rental income recorded to date exceeds cash rents billed to date under the lease agreement. Given the long-term nature of these types of receivables, determination of the adequacy of the allowance for unbilled deferred rent receivable is based primarily on historical loss experience. Management evaluates the allowance for unbilled deferred rent receivable using a specific identification methodology for significant tenants designed to assess their financial condition and ability to meet their lease obligations.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets: The Company evaluates a property for potential impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that its carrying amount may not be recoverable. On a quarterly basis we evaluate our entire portfolio for impairment based on current operating information. In the event that these periodic assessments reflect that the carrying amount of a property exceeds the sum of the undiscounted cash flows (excluding interest) that are expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of the property, the Company would recognize an impairment loss to the extent the carrying amount exceeded the estimated fair value of the property. The estimation of expected future net cash flows is inherently uncertain and relies on subjective assumptions dependent upon future and current market conditions and events that affect the ultimate


value of the property. Management must make assumptions related to the property such as future rental rates, tenant allowances, operating expenditures, property taxes, capital improvements, occupancy levels and the estimated proceeds generated from the future sale of the property. These assumptions could differ materially from actual results in future periods. Since SFAS No. 144, "Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets," provides that the future cash flows used in this analysis be considered on an undiscounted basis, our intent to hold properties over the long-term directly decreases the likelihood of recording an impairment loss. If our strategy changes or if market conditions otherwise dictate an earlier sale date, an impairment loss could be recognized, and such loss could be material.

Depreciation: We compute depreciation on our buildings and equipment using the straight-line method based on estimated useful lives of generally 30 and five years, respectively. A significant portion of the acquisition cost of each property is allocated to building and building components. The allocation of the acquisition cost to building and building components, as well as the determination of their useful lives, are based on estimates. If we do not appropriately allocate to these components or we incorrectly estimate the useful lives of these components, our computation of depreciation expense may not appropriately reflect the actual impact of these costs over future periods, which will affect net income. In addition, the net book value of real estate assets could be overstated or understated. The statement of cash flows, however, would not be affected.

Accruals of Operating Expenses: The Company accrues for property tax expenses, performance bonuses and other operating expenses each quarter based on historical trends and anticipated disbursements. If these estimates are incorrect, the timing and amount of expense recognized will be affected.

Accruals for Contingencies: The Company is exposed to business and legal liability risks with respect to events that may have occurred, but in accordance with GAAP has not accrued for such potential liabilities because the loss is either not probable or not estimable. Future events and the result of pending litigation could result in such potential losses becoming probable and estimable, which could have a material adverse impact on our financial condition or results of operations.

Effect of Economic Conditions on the Company's Operations: During 2008, the weakening economic conditions were reflected in commercial real estate as the Company experienced a decrease in new rental rates over expiring rental rates as well as declining occupancy levels in the second half of 2008. It is uncertain what impact the current recession will have on the Company's ability to maintain current occupancy levels and rental rates. A continued weakening in the economy may have a significant impact on the Company, potentially resulting in lower occupancy and reduced rental rates.

While the Company historically has experienced a low level of write-offs due to bankruptcy, there is inherent uncertainty in a tenant's ability to continue paying rent when in bankruptcy. As of December 31, 2008, the Company had approximately 33,000 square feet occupied by tenants that are protected by Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. Several other tenants have contacted us, requesting early termination of their lease, reduction in space under lease, rent deferment or abatement. At this time, the Company cannot anticipate what impact, if any, the ultimate outcome of these discussions will have on our operating results.

Company Performance and Effect of Economic Conditions on Primary Markets: The Company has concentrated its operations in 10 regions. The Company's assessment of these regions as of December 31, 2008 is summarized below. During the year ended December 31, 2008, rental rates on new and renewed leases within the Company's overall portfolio decreased 0.9% over expiring rents. Each of the 10 regions in which the Company owns assets is subject to its own unique market influences. The Company has outlined the various market influences for each specific region below. In addition, the Company has compiled market occupancy information using third party reports for each of the respective markets. These sources are deemed to be reliable by the Company, but there can be no assurance that these reports are accurate.

The Company owns approximately 4.0 million square feet in Southern California in Los Angeles, Orange and San Diego Counties. Market vacancies have increased due to the continued weakening in the economy combined with the lack of credit availability and its effect on businesses. These factors have also created significantly more competition for tenants. Vacancy rates in Southern California range from 2.2% to 15.4%. The Company's vacancy rate in this region at December 31, 2008 was 8.5%. For the year ended December 31, 2008, the overall market


experienced negative net absorption of 0.6% for the reasons noted above as well as the completion of newly constructed space in 2008. The Company's weighted average occupancy for the region decreased from 94.8% in 2007 to 93.8% in 2008. Realized rent per square foot increased 2.3% from $17.06 per square foot in 2007 to $17.46 per square foot in 2008.

The Company owns approximately 1.8 million square feet in Northern California with concentrations in Sacramento, the East Bay (Hayward and San Ramon) and Silicon Valley (San Jose and Santa Clara). Vacancy rates in these submarkets are 16.6%, 19.4% and 14.7%, respectively. The Company's vacancy rate in its Northern California portfolio at December 31, 2008 was 8.7%. Demand in these submarkets slowed measurably in the second half of 2008. The time necessary to execute a transaction has lengthened as tenants weigh their options and negotiate on concessions. During the second half of 2008, lease renewals and short-term leases were the most common leasing activity in the market as firms are seeking ways of reducing costs. For the year ended December 31, 2008, the combined submarkets noted above experienced negative net absorption of 0.1%. The Company's weighted average occupancy in this region increased from 90.9% in 2007 to 92.0% in 2008. Realized rent per square foot increased 3.1% from $13.89 per square foot in 2007 to $14.32 per square foot in 2008.

The Company owns approximately 1.2 million square feet in Southern Texas, specifically in the Austin and Houston markets. Market vacancy rates are 11.0% in the Austin market and 11.8% in the Houston market. The Company's vacancy rate for these combined markets at December 31, 2008 was 7.5%. During the first half of 2008, job growth in both the Austin and Houston markets along with the strong oil and gas industry in the Houston market increased leasing activity. However, during the second half of 2008, demand eased in these markets. For the year ended December 31, 2008, the combined markets experienced positive net absorption of 1.0%. The Company's weighted average occupancy in this region increased from 94.1% in 2007 to 94.6% in 2008. Realized rent per square foot increased 5.8% from $10.85 per square foot in 2007 to $11.48 per square foot in 2008.

The Company owns approximately 1.7 million square feet in Northern Texas, primarily located in the Dallas Metroplex market. The market vacancy rate in Las Colinas, where significant concentrations of the Company's properties are located, is 10.1%. The Company's vacancy rate at December 31, 2008 in this market was 5.4%. For the year ended December 31, 2008, the market experienced positive net absorption of 1.2% as the result of modest job growth. During 2008, modest new construction continued, which included both speculative construction, as well as owner-user construction. Despite the new construction, the Company has experienced a modest level of leasing activity during 2008 generating rental rate growth and higher occupancy. The Company's weighted average occupancy for the region increased from 86.3% in 2007 to 93.3% in 2008. Realized rent per square foot increased 3.6% from $10.40 per square foot in 2007 to $10.77 per square foot in 2008 as rental rates increased modestly over expiring leases. However, new construction schedule to be completed in 2009 and the broad economic recession could have an impact on the Company's ability to maintain occupancy and generate rental rate growth within the Company's portfolio.

The Company owns approximately 3.6 million square feet in South Florida, which consists of MICC business park located in the Airport West submarket of Miami-Dade County and two multi-tenant flex parks located in Palm Beach County. While the saturation of the condominium and housing markets in Miami has negatively impacted its overall economy, it has had little impact on international trade-based assets, such as industrial and flex space, which constitutes the majority of the Company's South Florida portfolio. MICC is located less than one mile from the cargo entrance of the Miami International Airport, which is one of the most active ports in the United States. The Company acquired two assets in Palm Beach County at the end of 2006, comprising 398,000 square feet. The downturn in the housing market and slowing economy have adversely affected Palm Beach County. Market vacancy rates for Miami-Dade County and Palm Beach County are 6.8% and 8.4%, respectively, compared with the Company's South Florida vacancy rate of 3.2% at December 31, 2008. For the year ended December 31, 2008, the combined markets experienced negative net absorption of 0.7%. The Company's weighted average occupancy in this region outperformed the market and remained strong, decreasing from 97.7% in 2007 to 96.4% in 2008. Realized rent per square foot increased 4.7% from $8.97 per square foot in 2007 to $9.39 per square foot in 2008 as a result of higher rental rates on leases executed in 2007 and early 2008 over in-place rents.

The Company owns approximately 3.0 million square feet in the Northern Virginia submarket of Washington D.C., where the average market vacancy rate is 12.0%. The Company's vacancy rate at December 31, 2008 was


5.7%. Vacancy rates in this market increased as new supply outpaced demand coupled with tenants downsizing their existing space due to the economic recession. The increase in sublease space and decrease in demand has lengthened the time of lease negotiation as tenants weigh their options and negotiate on tenant improvements. Higher concessions are more prevalent as landlords entice prospective tenants. Despite the recent trends and slowdown, the market experienced positive net absorption of 0.8%. The Company's realized rent per square foot increased 4.2% from $19.49 per square foot in 2007 to $20.30 per square foot in 2008. The Company's weighted average occupancy increased from 94.4% in 2007 to 96.6% in 2008.

The Company owns approximately 1.8 million square feet in the Maryland submarket of Washington D.C. The Company's vacancy rate in the region at December 31, 2008 was 6.1% compared to 11.5% for the market as a whole. The market vacancy rate increased as new developments are completed with limited preleasing activities combined with more companies contracting and reorganizing business operations. For the year ended December 31, 2008, the market experienced negative net absorption of 0.5%, which is attributed to a decrease in demand for large blocks of space due to the slowing economy. The Company's weighted average occupancy decreased from 94.7% in 2007 to 91.8% in 2008. The decrease in occupancy was primarily related to a 67,000 square foot tenant vacating its space at the end of 2007. Realized rent per square foot increased 0.8% from $23.18 per square foot in 2007 to $23.36 per square foot in 2008.

The Company owns approximately 1.3 million square feet in the Beaverton submarket of Portland, Oregon. The market vacancy rate in this region is 17.7%. The Company's vacancy rate in the market was 17.6% at December 31, 2008. Recent economic trends and the economic recession have resulted in increases in both vacancy rates and rent concessions in the market. For the year ended December 31, 2008, the market experienced negative net absorption of 3.7%. The Company's weighted average occupancy decreased from 89.0% in 2007 to 84.0% in 2008 primarily related to a 120,000 square foot tenant vacating its space during the second quarter of 2008. Despite the recent trends and slowdown, realized rent per square foot increased 7.1% from $15.63 per square foot in 2007 to $16.74 per square foot in 2008. The increase was primarily the result of the impact on 2007 realized rent per foot from write-offs related to business failures during the year ended December 31, 2007.

The Company owns approximately 679,000 square feet in the Phoenix and Tempe submarkets of Arizona. Market vacancies increased significantly due in part to the number of housing-related tenants who have vacated space combined with companies contracting and reorganizing business operations, creating significantly more competition for tenants. During 2008, significant construction of buildings has impacted the Company's portfolio and may result in higher lease concessions while limiting the Company's ability to generate rental rate growth. The market vacancy rate is 11.1% compared to the Company's vacancy rate of 12.7% at December 31, 2008. For the year ended December 31, 2008, despite the decrease in demand, the market experienced positive net absorption of 0.3%. Although demand for space has subsided, realized rent per square foot increased 3.4% from $11.49 per square foot in 2007 to $11.88 per square foot in 2008. The Company's weighted average occupancy in the region decreased from 89.4% in 2007 to 86.9% in 2008.

The Company owns approximately 521,000 square feet in the state of Washington. In 2007, the Company acquired Overlake Business Center, a 493,000 square foot multi-tenant office and flex business park located in Redmond, Washington. The weakened aerospace manufacturing industry and global economic slowdown has resulted in fewer imports and exports resulting in a softened demand in this market. Despite these factors, this market experienced positive net absorption of 0.8% for the year ended December 31, 2008 primarily due to the steady technology industry in the first half of 2008. The Company's vacancy rate in this region at December 31, 2008 was 7.4% compared to 8.9% for the market as a whole. The Company's weighted average occupancy increased from 89.5% in 2007 to 94.2% in 2008. Realized rent per square foot increased 9.5% from $17.62 per square foot in 2007 to $19.30 per square foot in 2008.

Growth of the Company's Operations and Acquisitions and Dispositions of Properties: The Company is focused on maximizing cash flow from its existing portfolio of properties by expanding its presence in existing and new markets through strategic acquisitions and the disposition of non-strategic assets. The Company has historically maintained a low-leverage-level approach intended to provide the Company with the flexibility for future growth.

The Company made no acquisitions during the year ended December 31, 2008.


In 2007, the Company acquired 870,000 square feet for an aggregate cost of $140.6 million. The Company acquired Overlake Business Center, a 493,000 square foot multi-tenant office and flex business park located in Redmond, Washington, for $76.0 million; Commerce Campus, a 252,000 square foot multi-tenant office and flex business park located in Santa Clara, California, for $39.2 million; and Fair Oaks Corporate Center, a 125,000 square foot multi-tenant office park located in Fairfax, Virginia, for $25.4 million.

In 2006, the Company added 1.2 million square feet to its portfolio at an aggregate cost of $180.3 million. The Company acquired WesTech Business Park, a 366,000 square foot office and flex park in Silver Spring, Maryland, for $69.3 million; 88,800 square feet of multi-tenant flex buildings in Signal Hill, California, for $10.7 million; a 107,300 square foot multi-tenant flex park in Chantilly, Virginia, for $15.8 million; Meadows Corporate Park, a 165,000 square foot multi-tenant office park in Silver Spring, Maryland, for $29.9 million; Rogers Avenue, a 66,500 square foot multi-tenant industrial and flex park in San Jose, California, for $8.4 million; and Boca Commerce Park and Wellington Commerce Park, two multi-tenant industrial, flex and storage parks, aggregating 398,000 square feet, located in Palm Beach County, Florida, for $46.2 million. In connection with the Meadows Corporate Park purchase, the Company assumed a $16.8 million mortgage with a fixed interest rate of 7.20% through November, 2011, at which time it can be prepaid without penalty. In addition, in connection with the Palm Beach County purchases, the Company assumed three mortgages with a combined total of $23.8 million with a weighted average fixed interest rate of 5.84%.

During 2006, the Company sold a 30,500 square foot building located in Beaverton, Oregon, for $4.4 million, resulting in a net gain of $1.5 million. Additionally in 2006, the Company sold 32,400 square feet in Miami for a combined total of $3.7 million, resulting in a gain of $865,000.

Scheduled Lease Expirations: In addition to the 1.4 million square feet, or 7.3%, of currently available space in our total portfolio, leases representing approximately 24.1% of the leased square footage of our total portfolio are scheduled to expire in 2009. Our ability to re-lease available space depends upon the market conditions in the specific submarkets in which our properties are located.

Impact of Inflation: Although inflation has not been significant in recent years, it remains a factor in our economy, and the Company continues to seek ways to mitigate its potential impact. A substantial portion of the Company's leases require tenants to pay operating expenses, including real estate taxes, utilities, and insurance, as well as increases in common area expenses, partially reducing the Company's exposure to inflation. During 2007 and 2008, the Company experienced modest increases in certain operating costs, including repairs and maintenance, property insurance and utility costs affecting the Company's overall profit margin.

Concentration of Portfolio by Region: Rental income, cost of operations and rental income less cost of operations, excluding depreciation and amortization . . .

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