Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Management's Overview and Summary
The Company is involved in the acquisition, ownership, development, redevelopment, management and leasing of regional and community/power shopping centers located throughout the United States. The Company is the sole general partner of, and owns a majority of the ownership interests in, the Operating Partnership. As of December 31, 2023, the Operating Partnership owned or had an ownership interest in 43 Regional Town Centers (including office, hotel and residential space adjacent to these shopping centers), three community/power shopping centers and one redevelopment property. These 47 Regional Town Centers, community/power shopping centers and one redevelopment property consist of approximately 46 million square feet of gross leasable area (“GLA”) and are referred to herein as the “Centers”. The Centers consist of consolidated Centers (“Consolidated Centers”) and unconsolidated joint venture Centers (“Unconsolidated Joint Venture Centers”) as set forth in “Item 2. Properties,” unless the context otherwise requires. The Company is a self-administered and self-managed REIT and conducts all of its operations through the Operating Partnership and the Management Companies.
The following discussion is based primarily on the consolidated financial statements of the Company for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021. It compares the results of operations and cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2023 to the results of operations and cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2022. Also included is a comparison of the results of operations and cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2022 to the results of operations and cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2021. This information should be read in conjunction with the accompanying consolidated financial statements and notes thereto.
The financial statements reflect the following acquisitions, dispositions and changes in ownership subsequent to the occurrence of each transaction.
Acquisitions:
On August 2, 2022, the Company acquired the remaining 50% ownership interest in two former Sears parcels (Deptford Mall and Vintage Faire Mall) in MS Portfolio LLC, the Company's joint venture with Seritage for a total purchase price of $24.5 million. Effective as of August 2, 2022, the Company now owns and has consolidated its 100% interest in these two former Sears parcels in its consolidated financial statements (See Note 15—Acquisitions in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements).
On May 18, 2023, the Company acquired Seritage’s remaining 50% ownership interest in the MS Portfolio LLC joint venture that owns five former Sears parcels, for a total purchase price of approximately $46.7 million. These parcels are located at Chandler Fashion Center, Danbury Fair Mall, Freehold Raceway Mall, Los Cerritos Center and Washington Square. Effective as of May 18, 2023, the Company now owns and has consolidated its 100% interest in these five former Sears parcels in its consolidated financial statements (See Note 15—Acquisitions in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements).
On November 16, 2023, the Company acquired its joint venture partner’s 49.9% ownership interest in Freehold Raceway Mall for $5.6 million and the assumption of its joint venture partner’s share of debt. The Company now owns 100% of Freehold Raceway Mall. Prior to November 16, 2023, the Company accounted for its investment in Freehold Raceway Mall as part of a financing arrangement (See Note 12 – Financing Arrangement and Note 15 – Acquisitions in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements).
On December 9, 2023, the Company acquired its joint venture partner’s 50% interest in Fashion District Philadelphia for no consideration, and the Company now owns 100% of this property. Prior to December 9, 2023, due to the Company’s joint venture partner having no substantive participation rights, the Company accounted for this joint venture as a VIE in its consolidated financial statements (See Note 2 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Note 15 – Acquisitions in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements).
Dispositions:
On March 29, 2021, the Company sold Paradise Valley Mall in Phoenix, Arizona to a newly formed joint venture for $100.0 million, resulting in a gain on sale of assets of approximately $5.6 million. Concurrent with the sale, the Company elected to reinvest into the new joint venture at a 5% ownership interest. The Company used the $95.3 million of net proceeds from the sale to pay down its line of credit.
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On September 17, 2021, the Company sold Tucson La Encantada in Tucson, Arizona for $165.3 million, resulting in a gain on sale of assets of approximately $117.2 million. The Company used the net cash proceeds of approximately $100.1 million to pay down debt.
On December 31, 2021, the Company assigned its joint venture interest in The Shops at North Bridge in Chicago, Illinois to its partner in the joint venture. The assignment included the assumption by the joint venture partner of the Company’s share of the debt owed by the joint venture and no cash consideration was received by the Company. The Company recognized a loss of approximately $28.3 million in connection with the assignment.
On December 31, 2021, the Company sold its joint venture interest in the undeveloped property at 443 North Wabash Avenue in Chicago, Illinois to its partner in the joint venture for $21.0 million. The Company recognized an immaterial gain in connection with the sale.
For the twelve months ended December 31, 2021, the Company and certain joint venture partners sold various land parcels in separate transactions, resulting in the Company’s share of the gain on sale of land of $19.6 million. The Company used its share of the proceeds from these sales of $46.5 million to pay down debt and for other general corporate purposes.
For the twelve months ended December 31, 2022, the Company and certain joint venture partners sold various land parcels in separate transactions, resulting in the Company’s share of the gain on sale of land of $23.9 million. The Company used its share of the proceeds from these sales of $60.3 million to pay down debt and for other general corporate purposes.
On May 2, 2023, the Company sold The Marketplace at Flagstaff, a 268,000 square foot power center in Flagstaff, Arizona, for $23.5 million, which resulted in a gain on sale of assets of $10.3 million. The Company used the net proceeds to pay down debt. (See "Liquidity and Capital Resources").
On July 17, 2023, the Company sold Superstition Springs Power Center, a 204,000 square foot power center in Mesa, Arizona, for $5.6 million, which resulted in a gain on sale of assets of $1.9 million. The Company used the net proceeds to pay down debt. (See "Liquidity and Capital Resources").
The Company did not repay the loan on Towne Mall on its maturity date of November 1, 2022, and completed transition of the property to a receiver. On December 4, 2023, Towne Mall was sold by the receiver for $9.5 million, resulting in a gain on extinguishment of debt of $8.2 million.
On December 27, 2023, the Company’s joint venture in One Westside sold the property, a 680,000 square foot office property in Los Angeles, California, for $700 million. The existing $325 million loan on the property was repaid, and $77.6 million of net proceeds were generated at the Company’s 25% ownership share, which were used to reduce the Company’s revolving loan facility. As a result of this transaction, the Company recognized its share of gain on sale of assets of $8.1 million.
For the twelve months ended December 31, 2023, the Company and certain joint venture partners sold various land parcels in separate transactions, resulting in the Company’s share of the gain on sale of land of $10.8 million. The Company used its share of the proceeds from these sales of $16.4 million to pay down debt and for other general corporate purposes.
Financing Activities:
On January 22, 2021, the Company closed on a one-year extension for the Green Acres Mall $258.2 million loan to February 3, 2022, which also included a one-year extension option to February 3, 2023 that has been exercised. The interest rate remained unchanged, and the Company repaid $9 million of the outstanding loan balance at closing. As discussed below, the Company replaced this loan prior to its maturity date.
On March 25, 2021, the Company closed on a two-year extension for the Green Acres Commons $124.6 million loan to March 29, 2023. The interest rate is LIBOR plus 2.75% and the Company repaid $4.7 million of the outstanding loan balance at closing. As discussed below, the Company replaced this loan prior to its maturity date.
On April 14, 2021, the Company terminated its existing credit facility and entered into a new credit agreement, which provides for an aggregate $700 million facility, including a $525 million revolving loan facility that matures on April 14, 2023, with a one-year extension option, and a $175 million term loan facility that matures on April 14, 2024. The Company drew the $175 million term loan facility in its entirety simultaneously with entering into the new credit agreement in April 2021 and subsequently paid off the remaining balance outstanding on the term loan facility with proceeds from the sale of Tucson La Encantada in September 2021.
On October 26, 2021, the Company's joint venture in The Shops at Atlas Park replaced the existing loan on the property with a new $65 million loan that bears interest at a floating rate of LIBOR plus 4.15% (converted to SOFR plus 4.26% on April 7, 2023) and matures on November 9, 2026, including extension options. The loan was covered by an interest rate cap
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agreement that effectively prevented LIBOR/SOFR from exceeding 3.0% through November 7, 2023. The interest rate cap has since been extended and effectively prevents SOFR from exceeding 5.76% through November 7, 2024.
During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company repaid $1.7 billion of debt then outstanding, including the $985 million repaid in connection with entering into the new credit agreement in April 2021. These repaid amounts represented an approximately 20% reduction in the debt outstanding, at the Company’s share, since December 31, 2020.
On February 2, 2022, the Company’s joint venture in FlatIron Crossing replaced the existing $197 million loan on the property with a new $175 million loan that bears interest at SOFR plus 3.70% and matures on February 9, 2025. The loan is covered by an interest rate cap agreement that effectively prevents SOFR from exceeding 4.0% through February 15, 2024 and 5.0% through February 9, 2025.
On April 29, 2022, the Company replaced the existing $110.6 million loan on Pacific View with a new $72.0 million loan that bears interest at a fixed rate of 5.29% and matures on May 6, 2032.
On May 6, 2022, the Company closed on a two-year extension for The Oaks loan to June 5, 2024, at a new fixed interest rate of 5.25%. The Company repaid $5.0 million of the outstanding loan balance at closing.
On July 1, 2022, the Company further extended the loan maturity on Danbury Fair Mall to July 1, 2023. The interest rate remained unchanged at 5.5%, and the Company repaid $10.0 million of the outstanding loan balance at closing.
On November 14, 2022, the Company’s joint venture in Washington Square extended the maturity date on the $503.0 million loan on the property to November 1, 2026, including extension options. The loan bears interest at a floating interest rate of SOFR plus 4.0%, subject to an interest rate cap agreement that effectively prevents SOFR from exceeding 4.0% through November 1, 2024. The joint venture repaid $15.0 million ($9.0 million at the Company's pro rata share) of the loan at closing.
On December 9, 2022, the Company extended the maturity date on the $300.0 million loan on Santa Monica Place to December 9, 2025, including extension options. The loan previously bore interest at a floating interest rate of LIBOR plus 1.48% and converted to 1-month Term SOFR plus 1.52% effective July 9, 2023.
On January 3, 2023, the Company replaced the existing $363.0 million of combined loans on Green Acres Mall and Green Acres Commons, both of which were scheduled to mature during the first quarter of 2023, with a $370.0 million loan that bears interest at a fixed rate of 5.90%, is interest only during the entire loan term and matures on January 6, 2028.
On January 20, 2023, the Company exercised its one-year extension option of the loan on Fashion District Philadelphia to January 22, 2024. The interest rate is SOFR plus 3.60% and the Company repaid $26.1 million of the outstanding loan balance at closing.
On March 3, 2023, the Company’s joint venture in Scottsdale Fashion Square replaced the existing $403.9 million mortgage loan on the property with a new $700.0 million loan that bears interest at a fixed rate of 6.21%, is interest only during the entire loan term and matures on March 6, 2028.
On March 22, 2023, the Company executed the one-year extension option on its credit facility to April 14, 2024. Effective March 13, 2023, the credit facility converted from LIBOR to 1-month Term SOFR.
On April 25, 2023, the Company's joint venture in Deptford Mall closed on a three-year maturity date extension for the existing loan of $159.9 million to April 3, 2026, including extension options. The Company's joint venture repaid $10.0 million ($5.1 million at the Company's pro rata share) of the outstanding loan balance at closing. The interest rate on the loan remains unchanged at 3.73%.
Effective May 9, 2023, the Company’s joint venture in Country Club Plaza defaulted on the $295.2 million ($147.6 million at the Company's pro rata share) non-recourse loan on the property. The Company’s joint venture is in negotiations with the lender on the terms of this non-recourse loan.
On June 27, 2023, the Company closed on a one-year extension on the $133.5 million loan on Danbury Fair Mall to July 1, 2024. The Company repaid $10.0 million of the outstanding loan balance at closing and the amended interest rate was 7.5% as of July 1, 2023 and incrementally increased to 8.0% as of October 1, 2023, 8.5% as of January 1, 2024 and 9.0% as of April 1, 2024.
On September 11, 2023, the Company and Operating Partnership entered into an amended and restated credit agreement, which amended and restated their prior $525 million credit agreement, and provides for an aggregate $650 million revolving loan facility that matures on February 1, 2027, with a one-year extension option. Concurrently with the entry into the amended and restated credit agreement, the Company drew $152 million of the amount available under the revolving loan facility and
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used the proceeds to repay in full amounts outstanding under the Company’s prior credit facility. (See “Liquidity and Capital Resources”).
Effective October 6, 2023, the Company's $86.5 million loan on Fashion Outlets of Niagara Falls is in default. The Company is in negotiations with the lender on the terms of this non-recourse loan.
On December 4, 2023, the Company's joint venture in Tysons Corner Center replaced the existing $666.5 million mortgage loan on the property with a new $710.0 million loan that bears interest at a fixed rate of 6.60%, is interest only during the entire loan term and matures on December 6, 2028.
On January 10, 2024, the Company's joint venture in Boulevard Shops replaced the existing $23.0 million mortgage loan on the property with a new $24.0 million loan that bears interest at a variable rate of SOFR plus 2.50%, is interest only during the entire loan term and matures on December 5, 2028. The new loan has a required interest rate cap throughout the term of the loan at a strike rate of 7.5%.
On January 22, 2024, the Company repaid the majority of the mortgage loan on Fashion District Philadelphia. The remaining $8.2 million matures on April 21, 2024.
On January 25, 2024, the Company replaced the existing $116.9 million mortgage loan on Danbury Fair Mall with a new $155.0 million loan that bears interest at a fixed rate of 6.39%, is interest only during the majority of the loan term and matures on February 6, 2034.
Redevelopment and Development Activities:
The Company has a 50/50 joint venture with Simon Property Group, which was initially formed to develop Los Angeles Premium Outlets, a premium outlet center in Carson, California. The Company has funded $39.5 million of the total $78.9 million incurred by the joint venture as of December 31, 2023.
The Company is redeveloping an approximately 150,000 square foot, three-level space (formerly occupied by Bloomingdale’s and Arclight Theatre) at Santa Monica Place, a 534,000 square foot regional town center in Santa Monica, California, with an entertainment destination use, high-end fitness, and other retail uses. The total cost of the project is estimated to be between $35.0 million and $40.0 million. The Company has incurred approximately $5.2 million as of December 31, 2023. The anticipated opening will happen in phases beginning in 2024 through 2025.
The Company’s joint venture in Scottsdale Fashion Square, an approximately 1,871,000 square foot regional town center in Scottsdale, Arizona, is redeveloping a two-level Nordstrom wing with luxury-focused retail and restaurant uses. The total cost of the project is estimated to be between $80.0 million and $86.0 million, with $40.0 million and $43.0 million estimated to be the Company’s pro rata share. The Company has incurred $21.0 million of the total $42.0 million incurred by the joint venture as of December 31, 2023. The anticipated opening is in 2024.
Other Transactions and Events:
The Company declared a cash dividend of $0.17 per share of its common stock for each quarter in the year ended December 31, 2023. On February 2, 2024, the Company announced a first quarter cash dividend of $0.17 per share of its common stock, which will be paid on March 4, 2024 to stockholders of record on February 16, 2024. The dividend amount will be reviewed by the Board on a quarterly basis.
In connection with the commencement of separate "at the market" offering programs, on each of February 1, 2021 and March 26, 2021, which are referred to as the "February 2021 ATM Program" and the "March 2021 ATM Program," respectively, and collectively as the "ATM Programs," the Company entered into separate equity distribution agreements with certain sales agents pursuant to which the Company may issue and sell shares of its common stock having an aggregate offering price of up to $500 million under each of the February 2021 ATM Program and the March 2021 ATM Program, or a total of $1 billion under the ATM Programs. As of December 31, 2023, the Company had approximately $151.7 million of gross sales of its common stock available under the March 2021 ATM Program. The February 2021 ATM Program was fully utilized as of June 30, 2021 and is no longer active.
See “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Liquidity and Capital Resources” for a further discussion of the Company’s anticipated liquidity needs, and the measures taken by the Company to meet those needs.
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Inflation:
Most of the leases at the Centers have rent adjustments periodically throughout the lease term. These rent increases are either in fixed increments or based on using an annual multiple of increases in the Consumer Price Index. In addition, the routine expiration of leases for spaces 10,000 square feet and under each year (See "Item 1. Business of the Company—Lease Expirations"), enables the Company to replace existing leases with new leases at higher base rents if the rents of the existing leases are below the then existing market rate. The Company has generally entered into leases that require tenants to pay a stated amount for operating expenses, generally excluding property taxes, regardless of the expenses actually incurred at any Center, which places the burden of cost control on the Company. Additionally, most leases require the tenants to pay their pro rata share of property taxes and utilities. Inflation is expected to have a negative impact on the Company's costs in 2023 and 2024.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Some of these estimates and assumptions include judgments on revenue recognition, estimates for common area maintenance and real estate tax accruals, provisions for uncollectible accounts, impairment of long-lived assets, the allocation of purchase price between tangible and intangible assets, capitalization of costs and fair value measurements. The Company’s significant accounting policies and estimates are described in more detail in Note 2—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies in the Company’s Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements. However, the following policies are deemed to be critical:
Acquisitions:
Upon the acquisition of real estate properties, the Company evaluates whether the acquisition is a business combination or asset acquisition. For both business combinations and asset acquisitions, the Company allocates the purchase price of properties to acquired tangible assets and intangible assets and liabilities. For asset acquisitions, the Company capitalizes transaction costs and allocates the purchase price using a relative fair value method allocating all accumulated costs. For business combinations, the Company expenses transaction costs incurred and allocates purchase price based on the estimated fair value of each separately identified asset and liability. The Company allocates the estimated fair value of acquisitions to land, building, tenant improvements and identified intangible assets and liabilities, based on their estimated fair values. In addition, any assumed mortgage notes payable are recorded at their estimated fair values. The estimated fair value of the land and buildings is determined utilizing an “as if vacant” methodology. Tenant improvements represent the tangible assets associated with the existing leases valued on a fair value basis at the acquisition date prorated over the remaining lease terms. The tenant improvements are classified as an asset under property and are depreciated over the remaining lease terms. Identifiable intangible assets and liabilities relate to the value of in-place operating leases which come in three forms: (i) leasing commissions and legal costs, which represent the value associated with “cost avoidance” of acquiring in-place leases, such as lease commissions paid under terms generally experienced in the Company's markets; (ii) value of in-place leases, which represents the estimated loss of revenue and of costs incurred for the period required to lease the “assumed vacant” property to the occupancy level when purchased; and (iii) above or below-market value of in-place leases, which represents the difference between the contractual rents and market rents at the time of the acquisition, discounted for tenant credit risks. Leasing commissions and legal costs are recorded in deferred charges and other assets and are amortized over the remaining lease terms. The value of in-place leases are recorded in deferred charges and other assets and amortized over the remaining lease terms plus any below-market fixed rate renewal options. Above or below-market leases are classified in deferred charges and other assets or in other accrued liabilities, depending on whether the contractual terms are above or below-market, and the asset or liability is amortized to minimum rents over the remaining terms of the leases. The remaining lease terms of below-market leases may include certain below-market fixed-rate renewal periods. In considering whether or not a lessee will execute a below-market fixed-rate lease renewal option, the Company evaluates economic factors and certain qualitative factors at the time of acquisition such as tenant mix in the Center, the Company's relationship with the tenant and the availability of competing tenant space.
Remeasurement gains and losses are recognized when the Company becomes the primary beneficiary of an existing equity method investment that is a variable interest entity to the extent that the fair value of the existing equity investment exceeds the carrying value of the investment, and remeasurement losses to the extent the carrying value of the investment exceeds the fair value. The fair value is determined based on a discounted cash flow model, with the significant unobservable inputs including discount rate, terminal capitalization rate and market rents.
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Asset Impairment:
The Company assesses whether an indicator of impairment in the value of its properties exists by considering expected future operating income, trends and prospects, as well as the effects of demand, competition and other economic factors. Such factors include projected rental revenue, operating costs and capital expenditures as well as capitalization rates and estimated holding periods. The Company generally holds and operates its properties long-term, which decreases the likelihood of their carrying values not being recoverable. Changes in events or changes in circumstances may alter the expected hold period of an asset or asset group, which may result in an impairment loss and such loss could be material to the Company's financial condition or operating performance. If the carrying value of the property exceeds the estimated undiscounted cash flows, an impairment loss is recognized equal to the excess of carrying value over its estimated fair value. Properties classified as held for sale are measured at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less cost to sell.
The estimated fair value of a property is typically determined through a discounted cash flow analysis or based upon a contracted sales price. The discounted cash flow method includes significant unobservable inputs including the discount rate, terminal capitalization rate and market rents. Cash flow projections and rates are subject to management’s judgment and changes in those assumptions could impact the estimation of fair value.
The Company’s investments in unconsolidated joint ventures apply the same accounting model for property level impairment as described above. Further, the Company reviews its investments in unconsolidated joint ventures for a series of operating losses and other factors that may indicate that a decrease in the value of its investments has occurred which is other-than-temporary. The investment in each unconsolidated joint venture is evaluated periodically, and as deemed necessary, for recoverability and valuation declines that are other-than-temporary. The Company records any such impairment up to the extent of its investment.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments:
The fair value hierarchy distinguishes between market participant assumptions based on market data obtained from sources independent of the reporting entity and the reporting entity's own assumptions about market participant assumptions.
Level 1 inputs utilize quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access. Level 2 inputs are inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. Level 2 inputs may include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, as well as inputs that are observable for the asset or liability (other than quoted prices), such as interest rates, foreign exchange rates and yield curves that are observable at commonly quoted intervals. Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs for the asset or liability, which is typically based on an entity's own assumptions, as there is little, if any, related market activity. In instances where the determination of the fair value measurement is based on inputs from different levels of the fair value hierarchy, the level in the fair value hierarchy within which the entire fair value measurement falls is based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. The Company's assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment, and considers factors specific to the asset or liability.
The Company calculates the fair value of financial instruments and includes this additional information in the notes to consolidated financial statements when the fair value is different than the carrying value of those financial instruments. When the fair value reasonably approximates the carrying value, no additional disclosure is made.
The Company records its financing arrangement (See Note 12—Financing Arrangement in the Company's Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements) obligation at fair value on a recurring basis with changes in fair value being recorded as interest expense in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations. The fair value is determined based on a discounted cash flow model, with the significant unobservable inputs including discount rate, terminal capitalization rate, and market rents. The fair value of the financing arrangement obligation is sensitive to these significant unobservable inputs and a change in these inputs may result in a significantly higher or lower fair value measurement.
Results of Operations
Many of the variations in the results of operations, discussed below, occurred because of the transactions affecting the Company's properties described above, including those related to the Redevelopment Properties, the JV Transition Centers and the Disposition Properties (each as defined below).
For purposes of the discussion below, the Company defines "Same Centers" as those Centers that are substantially complete and in operation for the entirety of both periods of the comparison. Non-Same Centers for comparison purposes include those Centers or properties that are going through a substantial redevelopment often resulting in the closing of a portion of the Center (“Redevelopment Properties”), those properties that have recently transitioned to or from equity method joint ventures to or from consolidated assets ("JV Transition Centers") and properties that have been disposed of ("Disposition
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Properties"). The Company moves a Center in and out of Same Centers based on whether the Center is substantially complete and in operation for the entirety of both periods of the comparison. Accordingly, the Same Centers consist of all consolidated Centers, excluding the Redevelopment Properties, the JV Transition Centers and the Disposition Properties for the periods of comparison.
For the comparison of the year ended December 31, 2023 to the year ended December 31, 2022 and the comparison of the year ended December 31, 2022 to the year ended December 31, 2021, there are no Redevelopment Properties.
For the comparison of the year ended December 31, 2023 to the year ended December 31, 2022, the JV Transition Centers are the two former Sears parcels at Deptford Mall and Vintage Faire Mall, the five former Sears parcels at Chandler Fashion Center, Danbury Fair Mall, Freehold Raceway Mall, Los Cerritos Center and Washington Square (See "Acquisitions" in Management's Overview and Summary), and for the comparison of the year ended December 31, 2022 to the year ended December 31, 2021, the JV Transition Centers are the two former Sears parcels at Deptford Mall and Vintage Faire Mall.
For the comparison of the year ended December 31, 2023 to the year ended December 31, 2022, the Disposition Properties are The Marketplace at Flagstaff, Superstition Springs Power Center and Towne Mall (See "Dispositions" in Management's Overview and Summary), and for the comparison of the year ended December 31, 2022 to the year ended December 31, 2021, the Disposition Properties are Paradise Valley Mall and Tucson La Encantada.
Unconsolidated joint ventures are reflected using the equity method of accounting. The Company's pro rata share of the results from these Centers is reflected in the consolidated statements of operations as equity in income (loss) of unconsolidated joint ventures.
The Company considers tenant annual sales, occupancy rates (excluding large retail stores or "Anchors") and releasing spreads (i.e. a comparison of initial average base rent per square foot on leases executed during the trailing twelve months to average base rent per square foot at expiration for the leases expiring during the trailing twelve months based on the spaces 10,000 square feet and under) to be key performance indicators of the Company's internal growth.
During the trailing twelve months ended December 31, 2023, comparable tenant sales for spaces less than 10,000 square feet across the portfolio decreased by 1.8% compared to the time frame in 2022. The leased occupancy rate of 93.5% at December 31, 2023 represented a 0.9% increase from 92.6% at December 31, 2022 and a 0.1% sequential increase compared to the 93.4% occupancy rate at September 30, 2023. Releasing spreads increased as the Company executed leases at an average rent of $61.00 for new and renewal leases executed compared to $52.04 on leases expiring, resulting in a releasing spread increase of $8.96 per square foot, or 17%, for the trailing twelve months ended December 31, 2023.
The Company continues to renew or replace leases that are scheduled to expire in 2024, however, due to a variety of factors, the Company cannot be certain of its ability to sign, renew or replace leases expiring in 2024 or beyond. These leases that are scheduled to expire represent approximately 1.3 million square feet of the Centers, accounting for 21.32% of the GLA of mall stores and freestanding stores, for spaces 10,000 square feet and under, as of December 31, 2023. These calculations exclude Centers under development or redevelopment and property dispositions (See “Acquisitions,” "Dispositions" and "Redevelopment and Development Activities" in Management's Overview and Summary), and include square footage of Centers owned by joint ventures at the Company’s share.
2024 lease expirations continue to be an important focal point for the Company. As of December 31, 2023, the Company has executed renewal leases or commitments on 41% of its square footage expiring in 2024, which leases are expected to commence throughout 2024 and 2025 and another 33% of such expiring space is in the letter of intent stage. Excluding those leases, the remaining leases expiring in 2024, which represent approximately 200,000 square feet of the Centers, are in the prospecting stage.
The Company has entered into 109 leases for new stores totaling approximately 1.6 million square feet that have opened or are planned for opening in 2024, and another 17 leases for new stores totaling approximately 591,000 square feet opening after 2024. While there may be additional new space openings in 2024, any such leases are not yet executed.
During the trailing twelve months ended December 31, 2023, the Company signed 274 new leases and 565 renewal leases comprising approximately 4.2 million square feet of GLA, of which 2.4 million square feet is related to the consolidated Centers. The average tenant allowance was $22.38 per square foot.
Outlook
On February 5, 2024, the Company announced that Jackson Hsieh will be appointed to the role of Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and President of the Company, effective as of March 1, 2024, following the retirement of Thomas E. O’Hern, the Company’s current CEO, and Edward C. Coppola, the Company’s current President, each of whom will be retiring effective as of February 29, 2024.
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The Company has a long-term four-pronged business strategy that focuses on the acquisition, leasing and management, redevelopment and development of Regional Town Centers. During 2023, the Company leased 4.2 million square feet, representing the strongest year of leasing volume based on square footage for the Company since its inception. The Company’s portfolio also experienced one of the lowest volumes of tenant bankruptcies in the last decade. As of December 31, 2023, the Company’s portfolio leased occupancy was 93.5%, which has increased 5.0% in the past eleven quarters since the pandemic-driven low of 88.5% as of March 31, 2021. The Company continues to make progress addressing the near-term maturities of its non-recourse mortgage debt, as further described below. Although the majority of the key performance indicators at the Centers continued to improve during 2023, operating results in 2024 could be negatively impacted by certain macro-economic factors, including any continued increase in inflation and elevated interest rates or an economic slowdown or recession.
Traffic levels at the Company’s Centers for 2023 were approximately 94% of 2022 levels. Comparable tenant sales from spaces less than 10,000 square feet across the portfolio for the trailing twelve months ended December 31, 2023 decreased by 1.8% compared to the same period in 2022. Portfolio tenant sales per square foot for spaces less than 10,000 square feet for the trailing twelve months ended December 31, 2023 were $836 compared to $869 for the twelve months ended December 31, 2022.
During 2023, the Company signed 839 new and renewal leases for approximately 4.2 million square feet, compared to 963 leases and 3.8 million square feet signed during 2022. This leasing volume represented a 13% decrease in the number of leases and a 12% increase in the amount of square footage leased compared to the same period in 2022 on a comparable basis.
The Company believes that diversity of use within its tenant base has been, and will continue to be, a prominent internal growth catalyst at its Centers going forward, as new uses enhance the productivity and diversity of the tenant mix and have the potential to significantly increase customer traffic at the applicable Centers. During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company signed deals for new stores with new-to-Macerich portfolio uses for over 600,000 square feet, with another 140,000 square feet of such new-to-Macerich portfolio leases currently in negotiation as of the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
As of December 31, 2023, the leased occupancy rate increased to 93.5%, a 0.9% increase compared to the leased occupancy rate of 92.6% at December 31, 2022 and a 0.1% sequential increase compared to the leased occupancy rate of 93.4% at September 30, 2023.
Many of the Company’s leases contain co-tenancy clauses. Certain Anchor or small tenant closures have become permanent, whether caused by the pandemic or otherwise, and co-tenancy clauses within certain leases may be triggered as a result. The Company does not anticipate that the negative impact of such clauses on lease revenue will be significant.
The pace of bankruptcy filings involving the Company’s tenants decreased substantially in 2023 and in 2022 compared to 2021. For the year ended December 31, 2023, there were ten bankruptcy filings involving the Company’s tenants totaling fifteen leases and representing approximately 111,000 square feet of leased space and $3.6 million of annual leasing revenue at the Company’s share. Based on current information and market data, the Company expects that the pace of bankruptcy filings in 2024 will continue to be lower than the average bankruptcy rate over the last decade.
During 2024, the Company expects to generate positive cash flow from operations after recurring operating capital expenditures, leasing capital expenditures and payment of dividends. This assumption does not include any potential capital generated from dispositions, refinancings or issuances of common equity. This expected surplus will be used to fund the Company's development and redevelopment pipeline and to the extent available, de-lever the Company’s balance sheet.
The Company continues to make progress addressing its near-term, non-recourse loan maturities, with seven completed transactions since the beginning of 2023. Since January 1, 2023, the Company has refinanced or extended seven loans totaling approximately $2.8 billion, or approximately $2.0 billion at the Company’s pro rata share. This includes the September 2023 entry into an amended and restated credit agreement, which provided for an aggregate $650 million revolving loan facility, an increase from the prior $525 million credit agreement, that matures on February 1, 2027, with a one-year extension option. For additional information on the Company’s financing transactions in the year 2023 through the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, see “Financing Activities” and "Liquidity and Capital Resources".
Elevated interest rates are increasing the cost of the Company’s borrowings due to its outstanding floating-rate debt and have led to higher interest rates on new fixed-rate debt. The Company expects to incur increased interest expense from the refinancing or extension of loans that may currently carry below-market interest rates. In certain cases, the Company has limited, and may continue to limit, its exposure to interest rate fluctuations related to a portion of its floating-rate debt by using interest rate cap and swap agreements. Such agreements, subject to current market conditions, allow the Company to replace
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floating-rate debt with fixed-rate debt in order to achieve its desired ratio of floating-rate to fixed-rate debt. However, any interest rate cap or swap agreements that the Company enters into may not be effective in reducing its exposure to interest rate changes.
Comparison of Years Ended December 31, 2023 and 2022
Revenues:
Leasing revenue increased by $8.5 million, or 1.1%, from 2022 to 2023. The increase in leasing revenue is attributed to increases of $5.0 million from the Same Centers and $6.4 million from the JV Transition Centers offset in part by $2.9 million from the Disposition Properties. Leasing revenue includes the amortization of above and below-market leases, the amortization of straight-line rents, lease termination income, percentage rent and the recovery of bad debts. The amortization of above and below-market leases increased from $2.2 million in 2022 to $3.1 million in 2023. The amortization of straight-line rents decreased from $(0.8) million in 2022 to $(4.6) million in 2023. Lease termination income decreased from $13.0 million in 2022 to $10.5 million in 2023. Percentage rent decreased from $49.5 million in 2022 to $38.2 million in 2023 primarily from conversions from variable rent to fixed rent structures on lease renewals of expiring space. Recovery of bad debts increased from $0.7 million in 2022 to $2.7 million in 2023.
Other income increased from $30.1 million in 2022 to $44.9 million in 2023. This increase is primarily due to parking, interest and other income related to the Same Centers.
Management Companies' revenue increased from $28.5 million in 2022 to $30.2 million in 2023 due to an increase in leasing and development fees.
Shopping Center and Operating Expenses:
Shopping center and operating expenses decreased $1.5 million, or 0.5%, from 2022 to 2023. The decrease in shopping center and operating expenses is attributed to a decrease of $4.5 million from the Same Centers offset in part by increases of $1.4 million from the Disposition Properties and $1.6 million from the JV Transition Centers. The decrease at the Same Centers is primarily due to a decrease in real estate tax expense in 2023 compared to 2022.
Leasing Expenses:
Leasing expenses increased from $32.7 million in 2022 to $36.4 million in 2023 due to an increase in compensation expense.
Management Companies' Operating Expenses:
Management Companies' operating expenses increased $2.3 million from 2022 to 2023 due to an increase in compensation expense.
REIT General and Administrative Expenses:
REIT general and administrative expenses increased by $2.1 million due to an increase in compensation and consulting expense.
Depreciation and Amortization:
Depreciation and amortization decreased $9.3 million from 2022 to 2023. The decrease in depreciation and amortization is attributed to decreases of $10.3 million from the Same Centers and $2.0 million from the Disposition Properties offset in part by an increase of $3.0 million from the JV Transition Centers.
Interest Expense:
Interest expense decreased $43.9 million from 2022 to 2023. The decrease in interest expense is attributed to decreases of $58.9 million from the financing arrangement, $0.1 million from the Disposition Properties and $1.9 million from the JV Transition Centers offset in part by increases of $12.2 million from the Same Centers and $4.8 million from higher interest rates and outstanding balances on the Company's revolving line of credit. Effective November 16, 2023, the Company acquired its partner's interest in Freehold Raceway Mall and, as a result, Freehold Raceway Mall is no longer part of the financing arrangement and is 100% owned by the Company. The decrease in interest expense from the financing arrangement is primarily due to the change in fair value of the underlying properties and the mortgage notes payable on the underlying properties (See Note 12–Financing Arrangement in the Company's Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements).
The above interest expense items are net of capitalized interest, which increased from $10.5 million in 2022 to $20.5 million in 2023.
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Equity in Loss of Unconsolidated Joint Ventures:
Equity in loss of unconsolidated joint ventures increased $151.7 million from 2022 to 2023. The increase in equity in loss of unconsolidated joint ventures is primarily due to the impairment losses in 2023 at Country Club Plaza of $101.0 million and the JV Transition Centers of $51.4 million, as a result of the reduction in the estimated holding periods (See Note 4–Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures in the Company's Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements).
(Loss) Gain on Sale or Write Down of Assets, net:
(Loss) gain on sale or write down of assets, net increased $142.2 million from 2022 to 2023. The increase is primarily due to the impairment loss of $144.7 million at Fashion Outlets of Niagara Falls, as a result of the reduction in the estimated holding period of the property.
Net Loss:
Net loss increased $213.0 million from 2022 to 2023. The increase in net loss is primarily due to the impairment losses at Fashion Outlets of Niagara Falls, Country Club Plaza and the JV Transition Centers, along with the other variances noted above.
Funds From Operations ("FFO"):
Primarily as a result of the factors mentioned above, FFO attributable to common stockholders and unit holders—diluted, excluding financing expense in connection with Chandler Freehold, gain on extinguishment of debt and accrued default interest expense decreased 7.9% from $437.5 million in 2022 to $403.0 million in 2023. For a reconciliation of net loss attributable to the Company, the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure, to FFO attributable to common stockholders and unit holders–diluted, and FFO attributable to common stockholders and unit holders—diluted, excluding financing expense in connection with Chandler Freehold, gain on extinguishment of debt and accrued default interest expense–diluted, see "Funds From Operations ("FFO")" below.
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Cash provided by operating activities decreased $42.0 million from 2022 to 2023. The decrease is primarily due to the changes in assets and liabilities and the results, as discussed above.
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Cash provided by investing activities increased $53.9 million from 2022 to 2023. The increase in cash provided by investing activities is primarily attributed to an increase in distributions from unconsolidated joint ventures of $169.6 offset in part by decreases in proceeds from the sale of assets of $14.9 million, $21.0 million in proceeds from collection of receivable in connection with sale of joint venture property, increases in acquisitions of property of $22.1 million, development, redevelopment and renovation of $35.8 million and property improvements of $21.9 million. The increase in distributions from unconsolidated joint ventures is primarily due to the distribution of net loan proceeds from the Scottsdale Fashion Square refinance (See " —Financing Activities" in Management's Overview and Summary) and the distribution of net sales proceeds on One Westside (See " —Dispositions" in Management's Overview and Summary).
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Cash used in financing activities increased $16.9 million from 2022 to 2023. The increase in cash used in financing activities is primarily due to increases in payments on mortgages, bank and other notes payable of $457.2 million, deferred financing costs of $22.5 million and payment on finance arrangement obligation of $5.6 million offset in part by an increase in proceeds from mortgages, bank and other notes payable of $442.0 million and a decrease in dividends and distributions of $27.0 million. The decrease in dividends and distributions is primarily due to a decrease in distributions to consolidated joint ventures offset in part by an increase in dividends to common stockholders.
Comparison of Years Ended December 31, 2022 and 2021
Discussion of the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to the year ended December 31, 2021 was included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022 on page 47 under Part II, Item 7, "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations", which was filed with the SEC on February 24, 2023.
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Liquidity and Capital Resources
The Company anticipates meeting its liquidity needs for its operating expenses, debt service and dividend requirements for the next twelve months and beyond through cash generated from operations, distributions from unconsolidated joint ventures, working capital reserves and/or borrowings under its line of credit.
Uses of Capital
The following tables summarize capital expenditures and lease acquisition costs incurred at the Centers (at the Company's pro rata share) for the years ended December 31:
(Dollars in thousands) 2023 2022 2021
Consolidated Centers:
Acquisitions of property, building improvement and equipment $ 83,025 $ 49,459 $ 18,715
Development, redevelopment, expansion and renovation of Centers 94,601 55,493 46,341
Tenant allowances 27,083 25,045 22,101
Deferred leasing charges 5,595 2,443 2,585
$ 210,304 $ 132,440 $ 89,742
Joint Venture Centers (at the Company's pro rata share):
Acquisitions of property, building improvement and equipment $ 17,628 $ 13,222 $ 18,803
Development, redevelopment, expansion and renovation of Centers 58,091 74,592 48,512
Tenant allowances 18,533 16,757 11,594
Deferred leasing charges 4,644 4,057 2,881
$ 98,896 $ 108,628 $ 81,790
The Company expects amounts to be incurred during the next twelve months for tenant allowances and deferred leasing charges to be comparable to 2023. The Company expects to incur approximately $160 million to $180 million during 2024 for development, redevelopment, expansion and renovations. Capital for these expenditures, developments and/or redevelopments has been, and is expected to continue to be, obtained from a combination of cash on hand, debt or equity financings, which are expected to include borrowings under the Company's line of credit, from property financings and construction loans, each to the extent available.
Sources of Capital
The Company has also generated liquidity in the past, and may continue to do so in the future, through equity offerings and issuances, property refinancings, joint venture transactions and the sale of non-core assets. For example, the Company sold The Marketplace at Flagstaff in Flagstaff, Arizona on May 2, 2023, Superstition Springs Power Center in Mesa, Arizona on July 17, 2023, and the Company’s joint venture sold One Westside in Los Angeles, California on December 27, 2023. The Company used its share of proceeds from these transactions to pay down its line of credit and other debt obligations. During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company and certain joint venture partners sold various land parcels in separate transactions for aggregate proceeds of $16.4 million (at the Company's share), which the Company used to pay down debt and for other general corporate purposes. Furthermore, the Company has filed a shelf registration statement, which registered an unspecified amount of common stock, preferred stock, depositary shares, debt securities, warrants, rights, stock purchase contracts and units that may be sold from time to time by the Company.
On March 26, 2021, the Company registered an "at the market" offering program, pursuant to which the Company may issue and sell shares of its common stock having an aggregate offering price of up to $500 million under the ATM Program, in amounts and at times to be determined by the Company. During both the twelve months ended December 31, 2022 and 2023, no shares were issued under the ATM Program. As of December 31, 2023, the Company had approximately $151.7 million of gross sales of its common stock available under the ATM Program.
The capital and credit markets can fluctuate and, at times, limit access to debt and equity financing for companies. The Company has been able to access capital; however, there is no assurance the Company will be able to do so in future periods or on similar terms and conditions. Many factors impact the Company's ability to access capital, such as its overall debt level, interest rates, interest coverage ratios and prevailing market conditions, including periods of economic slowdown or recession.
For example, the credit markets have experienced and may continue to experience a slowdown stemming from broader market issues pertaining to various factors, including among others, the health of regional banks, prevailing market sentiment regarding various commercial real estate sectors and interest rate increases imposed by the Federal Reserve. The Company expects to incur increased interest expense from the refinancing or extension of loans that may carry below-market interest
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rates. In addition, increases in the Company's proportion of floating rate debt will cause it to be subject to interest rate fluctuations in the future.
The Company's total outstanding loan indebtedness, which includes mortgages and other notes payable, at December 31, 2023 was $6.92 billion (consisting of $4.23 billion of consolidated debt, less $0.16 billion of noncontrolling interests, plus $2.85 billion of its pro rata share of unconsolidated joint venture debt). The majority of the Company's debt consists of fixed-rate conventional mortgage notes collateralized by individual properties. The Company expects that all of the maturities during the next twelve months will be refinanced, restructured, extended and/or paid off from the Company's line of credit or cash on hand (See “—Financing Activities” in Management’s Overview and Summary).
The Company believes that the pro rata debt provides useful information to investors regarding its financial condition because it includes the Company’s share of debt from unconsolidated joint ventures and, for consolidated debt, excludes the Company’s partners’ share from consolidated joint ventures, in each case presented on the same basis. The Company has several significant joint ventures and presenting its pro rata share of debt in this manner can help investors better understand the Company’s financial condition after taking into account the Company's economic interest in these joint ventures. The Company’s pro rata share of debt should not be considered as a substitute for the Company’s total consolidated debt determined in accordance with GAAP or any other GAAP financial measures and should only be considered together with and as a supplement to the Company’s financial information prepared in accordance with GAAP.
The Company accounts for its investments in joint ventures that it does not have a controlling interest or is not the primary beneficiary using the equity method of accounting and those investments are reflected on the consolidated balance sheets of the Company as investments in unconsolidated joint ventures.
Additionally, as of December 31, 2023, the Company was contingently liable for $41.0 million in letters of credit guaranteeing performance by the Company of certain obligations relating to the Centers. As of December 31, 2023, $40.8 million of these letters of credit were secured by restricted cash. The Company does not believe that these letters of credit will result in a liability to the Company.
The Company continues to make progress addressing its near-term, non-recourse loan maturities, with seven completed transactions since the beginning of 2023. Since January 1, 2023, the Company has refinanced or extended seven loans totaling approximately $2.8 billion, or approximately $2.0 billion at the Company’s pro rata share. This includes the September 2023 entry into an amended and restated credit agreement, which provided for an aggregate $650 million revolving loan facility that matures on February 1, 2027, with a one-year extension option. For additional information on the Company’s financing transactions in the year 2023 through the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, see “Financing Activities” in Management’s Overview and Summary.
Previously, the Company had a $525 million revolving loan facility, which was scheduled to mature on April 14, 2024. On September 11, 2023, the Company and the Operating Partnership entered into an amended and restated credit agreement, which amends and restates their prior credit agreement, and provides for an aggregate $650 million revolving loan facility that matures on February 1, 2027, with a one-year extension option. The revolving loan facility can be expanded up to $950 million, subject to receipt of lender commitments and other conditions. Concurrently with the entry into the amended and restated credit agreement, the Company drew $152 million of the amount available under the revolving loan facility and used the proceeds to repay in full amounts outstanding under its prior credit facility. All obligations under the credit facility are guaranteed unconditionally by the Company and are secured in the form of mortgages on certain wholly-owned assets and pledges of equity interests held by certain of the Company’s subsidiaries. The new credit facility bears interest, at the Operating Partnership’s option, at either the base rate (as defined in the credit agreement) or adjusted term SOFR (as defined in the credit agreement) plus, in both cases, an applicable margin. The applicable margin depends on the Company’s overall leverage ratio and ranges from 1.00% to 2.50% over the selected index rate. As of December 31, 2023, the borrowing rate was SOFR plus a spread of 2.35%. As of December 31, 2023, borrowings under the credit facility were $105.0 million less unamortized deferred finance costs of $15.5 million for the revolving loan facility at a total effective interest rate of 8.57%. As of December 31, 2023, the Company’s availability under the revolving loan facility for additional borrowings was $544.8 million.
Cash dividends and distributions for the twelve months ended December 31, 2023 were $159.3 million (including distributions from consolidated joint ventures of $5.1 million), which were funded by operations.
At December 31, 2023, the Company was in compliance with all applicable loan covenants under its agreements.
At December 31, 2023, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of $94.9 million.
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Material Cash Commitments:
The following is a schedule of material cash commitments as of December 31, 2023 for the Consolidated Centers over the periods in which they are expected to be paid (in thousands):
Payment Due by Period
Cash Commitments Total Less than
1 year 1 - 3 years 3 - 5 years More than
five years
Long-term debt obligations (includes expected interest payments)(1)(2) $ 4,923,501 $ 990,900 $ 1,687,921 $ 642,630 $ 1,602,050
Lease obligations(3) 140,737 20,920 24,769 20,217 74,831
$ 5,064,238 $ 1,011,820 $ 1,712,690 $ 662,847 $ 1,676,881
_______________________________________________________________________________
(1) Interest payments on floating rate debt were based on rates in effect at December 31, 2023.
(2) On January 22, 2024, the Company repaid the majority of the mortgage loan on Fashion District Philadelphia. The remaining $8.2 million matures on April 21, 2024. On January 25, 2024, the Company replaced the existing $116.9 million mortgage loan on Danbury Fair Mall with a new $155.0 million loan that bears interest at a fixed rate of 6.39%, is interest only during the majority of the loan term and matures on February 6, 2034. (See “Financing Activity” in Management’s Overview and Summary).
(3) See Note 8—Leases in the Company's Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Funds From Operations ("FFO")
The Company uses FFO in addition to net income to report its operating and financial results and considers FFO and FFO -diluted as supplemental measures for the real estate industry and a supplement to GAAP measures. The National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts defines FFO as net income (loss) (computed in accordance with GAAP), excluding gains (or losses) from sales of properties, plus real estate related depreciation and amortization, impairment write-downs of real estate and write-downs of investments in an affiliate where the write-downs have been driven by a decrease in the value of real estate held by the affiliate and after adjustments for unconsolidated joint ventures. Adjustments for unconsolidated joint ventures are calculated to reflect FFO on the same basis.
The Company accounts for its joint venture in Chandler Freehold as a financing arrangement. In connection with this treatment, the Company recognizes financing expense on (i) the changes in fair value of the financing arrangement obligation, (ii) any payments to the joint venture partner equal to their pro rata share of net income and (iii) any payments to the joint venture partner less than or in excess of their pro rata share of net income. The Company excludes from its definition of FFO the noted expenses related to the changes in fair value and for the payments to the joint venture partner less than or in excess of their pro rata share of net income. On November 16, 2023, the Company acquired its joint venture partner’s 49.9% ownership interest in Freehold Raceway Mall and as a result, this property is no longer part of the financing arrangement and is 100% owned by the Company. (See Note 12 – Financing Arrangement and Note 15 – Acquisitions in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements). References to Chandler Freehold after November 16, 2023 shall be deemed to only refer to Chandler Fashion Center.
The Company also presents FFO excluding financing expense in connection with Chandler Freehold, (gain) loss on extinguishment of debt and accrued default interest expense.
FFO and FFO on a diluted basis are useful to investors in comparing operating and financial results between periods. This is especially true since FFO excludes real estate depreciation and amortization, as the Company believes real estate values fluctuate based on market conditions rather than depreciating in value ratably on a straight-line basis over time. The Company believes that such a presentation also provides investors with a more meaningful measure of its operating results in comparison to the operating results of other REITs. In addition, the Company believes that FFO excluding financing expense in connection with Chandler Freehold, and impact associated with extinguishment of debt and accrued default interest expense provides useful supplemental information regarding the Company’s performance as it shows a more meaningful and consistent comparison of the Company’s operating performance and allows investors to more easily compare the Company’s results. The default interest expense reflects the interest accruing on the nonrecourse loans associated with Fashion Outlets of Niagara Falls and Country Club Plaza. GAAP requires that the Company accrue these amounts, which are not expected to be paid and are expected to be reversed once a loan is modified or once title to the mortgage loan collateral is transferred.
The Company believes that FFO does not represent cash flow from operations as defined by GAAP, should not be considered as an alternative to net income (loss) as defined by GAAP, and is not indicative of cash available to fund all cash
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flow needs. The Company also cautions that FFO, as presented, may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other real estate investment trusts.
Management compensates for the limitations of FFO by providing investors with financial statements prepared according to GAAP, along with this detailed discussion of FFO and a reconciliation of net (loss) income to FFO and FFO—diluted. Management believes that to further understand the Company's performance, FFO should be compared with the Company's reported net (loss) income and considered in addition to cash flows in accordance with GAAP, as presented in the Company's consolidated financial statements. The following reconciles net (loss) income attributable to the Company to FFO and FFO—diluted attributable to common stockholders and unit holders—basic and diluted, excluding financing expense in connection with Chandler Freehold, (gain) loss on extinguishment of debt, net and accrued default interest expense for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020 and 2019 (dollars and shares in thousands):
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2023 2022 2021 2020 2019
Net (loss) income attributable to the Company $ (274,065) $ (66,068) $ 14,263 $ (230,203) $ 96,820
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income attributable to the Company to FFO attributable to common stockholders and unit holders—basic and diluted:
Noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership (11,389) (2,660) 714 (16,822) 7,131
Loss (gain) on sale or write down of consolidated assets, net 134,523 (7,698) (75,740) 68,112 11,909
Loss on remeasurement of consolidated assets — — — 163,298 —
Add: gain on undepreciated asset sales or write-down from consolidated assets 3,705 16,091 19,461 7,777 3,829
Less: loss on write-down of non-real estate sales or write-down of assets—consolidated assets — (2,000) (2,200) (4,154) —
Add: noncontrolling interests share of gain (loss) on sale or write-down of assets—consolidated assets 2,224 6,287 9,732 (120) (2,822)
Loss (gain) on sale or write down of assets—unconsolidated joint ventures(1) 136,377 19,397 4,931 (6) 462
Add: gain on sale of undepreciated assets—unconsolidated joint ventures(1) 7,102 7,794 93 — —
Depreciation and amortization on consolidated assets 282,361 291,612 311,129 319,619 330,726
Less: noncontrolling interests in depreciation and amortization—consolidated assets (11,938) (21,592) (29,239) (15,517) (15,124)
Depreciation and amortization—unconsolidated joint ventures(1) 170,199 176,303 182,956 199,680 189,728
Less: depreciation on personal property (7,987) (12,834) (12,955) (15,734) (15,997)
FFO attributable to common stockholders and unit holders—basic and diluted 431,112 404,632 423,145 475,930 606,662
Financing expense in connection with Chandler Freehold (26,311) 32,902 (955) (136,425) (69,701)
FFO attributable to common stockholders and unit holders, excluding financing expense in connection with Chandler Freehold—basic and diluted 404,801 437,534 422,190 339,505 536,961
(Gain) loss on extinguishment of debt, net—consolidated assets (8,208) — 1,007 — 351
Accrued default interest expense 6,417 — — — —
FFO attributable to common stockholders and unit holders excluding financing expense in connection with Chandler Freehold, (gain) loss on extinguishment of debt, net and accrued default interest expense—diluted $ 403,010 $ 437,534 $ 423,197 $ 339,505 $ 537,312
Weighted average number of FFO shares outstanding for:
FFO attributable to common stockholders and unit holders—basic(2) 224,501 223,678 207,991 156,920 151,755
Adjustments for the impact of dilutive securities in computing FFO—diluted:
Share and unit-based compensation plans — — — — —
FFO attributable to common stockholders and unit holders—diluted(3) 224,501 223,678 207,991 156,920 151,755
_______________________________________________________________________________
(1) Unconsolidated assets are presented at the Company's pro rata share.
(2) Calculated based upon basic net income as adjusted to reach basic FFO. During the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020 and 2019, there were 9.0 million, 8.6 million, 9.9 million, 10.7 million and 10.4 million OP Units outstanding, respectively.
(3) The computation of FFO—diluted shares outstanding includes the effect of share and unit-based compensation plans and the convertible senior notes using the treasury stock method. It also assumes the conversion of MACWH, LP common and preferred units to the extent that they are dilutive to the FFO-diluted computation.
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