Form 10-K
Table of Contents

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 10-K

 

x

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

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011

or

 

¨

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

For the transition period from                      to                     

Commission file number 001-11312

 

 

COUSINS PROPERTIES INCORPORATED

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Georgia   58-0869052
(State or other jurisdiction   (I.R.S. Employer
of incorporation or organization)   Identification No.)

 

191 Peachtree Street NE, Suite 500, Atlanta, Georgia   30303-1740
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)

(404) 407-1000

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

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

 

Title of each class

 

Name of Exchange on which registered

Common Stock ($1 par value)   New York Stock Exchange

7.75% Series A Cumulative Redeemable

Preferred Stock ($1 par value)

  New York Stock Exchange

7.50% Series B Cumulative Redeemable

Preferred Stock ($1 par value)

  New York Stock Exchange

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

 

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.    Yes  ¨    No  x

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act.    Yes  ¨    No  x

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  x    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  x    No  ¨

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

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

 

Large accelerated filer

 

x

  

Accelerated filer

 

¨

Non-accelerated filer

 

¨  (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

  

Smaller reporting company

 

¨

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

As of June 30, 2011, the aggregate market value of the common stock of Cousins Properties Incorporated held by non-affiliates was $763,722,037 based on the closing sales price as reported on the New York Stock Exchange. As of February 14, 2012, 104,142,932 shares of common stock were outstanding.

 

 

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Portions of the Registrant’s proxy statement for the annual stockholders meeting to be held on May 8, 2012 are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Form 10-K.

 

 

 


Table of Contents

 

Table of Contents

 

PART I

  

Item 1.

  Business      2   

Item 1A.

  Risk Factors      5   

Item 1B.

  Unresolved Staff Comments      15   

Item 2.

  Properties      16   

Item 3.

  Legal Proceedings      21   

Item 4.

 

Mine Safety Disclosures

     21   

Item X.

  Executive Officers of the Registrant      21   

PART II

  

Item 5.

  Market for Registrant’s Common Stock and Related Stockholder Matters      23   

Item 6.

  Selected Financial Data      25   

Item 7.

  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations      26   

Item 7A.

  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure about Market Risk      50   

Item 8.

  Financial Statements and Supplementary Data      51   

Item 9.

  Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure      52   

Item 9A.

  Controls and Procedures      52   

Item 9B.

  Other Information      53   

PART III

  

Item 10.

  Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance      54   

Item 11.

  Executive Compensation      54   

Item 12.

  Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters      54   

Item 13.

  Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence      54   

Item 14.

  Principal Accountant Fees and Services      54   

PART IV

  

Item 15.

  Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules      55   

SIGNATURES

     60   


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FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Certain matters contained in this report are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the federal securities laws and are subject to uncertainties and risks, as itemized in Item 1A included in this Form 10-K. These forward-looking statements include information about possible or assumed future results of the Company’s business and the Company’s financial condition, liquidity, results of operations, plans and objectives. They also include, among other things, statements regarding subjects that are forward-looking by their nature, such as:

 

   

the Company’s business and financial strategy;

 

   

the Company’s ability to obtain future financing arrangements;

 

   

future investments and future dispositions of assets;

 

   

the Company’s understanding of its competition and its ability to compete effectively;

 

   

projected operating results;

 

   

market and industry trends;

 

   

estimates relating to future distributions;

 

   

projected capital expenditures; and

 

   

interest rates.

The forward-looking statements are based upon management’s beliefs, assumptions and expectations of the Company’s future performance, taking into account information currently available. These beliefs, assumptions and expectations may change as a result of many possible events or factors, not all of which are known. If a change occurs, the Company’s business, financial condition, liquidity and results of operations may vary materially from those expressed in forward-looking statements. Actual results may vary from forward-looking statements due to, but not limited to, the following:

 

   

availability and terms of capital and financing, both to fund operations and to refinance indebtedness as it matures;

 

   

failure of purchase, sale or other contracts to ultimately close;

 

   

the availability of buyers and adequate pricing with respect to the disposition of assets, including certain residential and land holdings relating to the Company’s change in strategy;

 

   

risks and uncertainties related to national and local economic conditions, the real estate industry in general and in specific markets, and the commercial and residential markets in particular;

 

   

changes in the Company’s business and financial strategy and/or continued adverse market and economic conditions requiring the recognition of impairment losses;

 

   

leasing risks, including an inability to obtain new tenants or renew expiring tenants on favorable terms, or at all, and the ability to lease newly developed, recently acquired or current vacant space;

 

   

financial condition of existing tenants;

 

   

rising interest rates and insurance rates;

 

   

the availability of sufficient investment opportunities;

 

   

competition from other developers or investors;

 

   

the risks associated with real estate developments and acquisitions (such as construction delays, cost overruns and leasing risk);

 

   

potential liability for uninsured losses, condemnation or environmental issues;

 

   

potential liability for a failure to meet regulatory requirements;

 

   

the financial condition and liquidity of, or disputes with, joint venture partners;

 

   

any failure to comply with debt covenants under credit agreements; and

 

   

any failure to continue to qualify for taxation as a real estate investment trust.

The words “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “plans,” “may,” “intend,” “will,” or similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes its plans, intentions and expectations reflected in any forward-looking statements are reasonable, the Company can give no assurance that such plans, intentions or expectations will be achieved. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of future events, new information or otherwise, except as required under U.S. federal securities laws.

 

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PART I

Item 1. Business

Corporate Profile

Cousins Properties Incorporated (the “Registrant” or “Cousins”) is a Georgia corporation, which, since 1987, has elected to be taxed as a real estate investment trust (“REIT”). Cousins Real Estate Corporation and its subsidiaries (“CREC”) is a taxable entity wholly-owned by the Registrant, which is consolidated with the Registrant. CREC owns, develops, and manages its own real estate portfolio and performs certain real estate related services for other parties. The Registrant, its subsidiaries and CREC combined are hereafter referred to as the “Company.” The Company has been a public company since 1962, and its common stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “CUZ.” Unless otherwise indicated, the notes referenced in the discussion below are the “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K on pages F-7 through F-36.

Company Strategy

The Company’s strategy is to produce stockholder returns through the acquisition, development and management of high-quality office and retail properties in its core markets of Georgia, Texas and North Carolina. The Company also owns interests in residential development projects, undeveloped land tracts held for investment, and manages properties for third party owners. The Company intends to focus on increasing the value in its current portfolio through lease-up, cost control and superior customer service, as well as making opportunistic investments in office properties within its core markets. The Company’s long-term strategy also includes recycling capital not invested in its core markets or property types, reducing its holdings of undeveloped land and residential lots, and diversifying its holdings geographically in order to reduce the current level of asset concentration in Atlanta, Georgia. Through this capital recycling and other capital sources, the Company expects to maintain its leverage near its current levels.

Detail of Properties

For a description and list of the Company’s properties, see Item 2 of this report.

2011 Significant Activities

The following is a summary of the Company’s 2011 activities by business line and in the financing area.

Office

As of December 31, 2011, the Company owned directly or through joint ventures 21 operating office properties totaling 7.8 million square feet. The Company developed many of the office properties it currently owns. While the Company maintains expertise in the development of office properties, given the current economic real estate environment, it may also seek to opportunistically acquire operating office properties within its core markets. These acquisitions may take the form of operationally or financially distressed properties that are well-located and to which the Company’s leasing and management expertise could add value over time. During 2011, the Company had the following activity in its office property portfolio:

 

   

Executed new or renewed existing leases comprising approximately 1.0 million square feet.

 

   

Acquired Promenade, a 775,000-square-foot Class A office building in the midtown submarket of Atlanta, Georgia, for $134.7 million.

 

   

Sold One Georgia Center, a 376,000-square-foot office building in Atlanta, Georgia, for $48.6 million, generating a gain, net of noncontrolling interest, of approximately $1.2 million.

Retail

As of December 31, 2011, the Company owned directly or through joint ventures 17 operating retail centers totaling 4.8 million square feet. The Company developed most of the retail properties it currently owns. Similar to its strategy for office properties, given the current economic real estate environment, the Company may seek to opportunistically acquire retail properties within its core markets. During 2011, the Company had the following activity in its retail property portfolio:

 

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Executed new or renewed existing leases covering approximately 856,000 square feet.

 

   

Commenced construction of Mahan Village, a 147,000 square foot shopping center, anchored by Publix and Academy Sports, in Tallahassee, Florida.

 

   

Commenced construction of the first phase of Emory Point, a mixed-use project in Atlanta, Georgia, expected to consist of 443 apartment units and 80,000 square foot of retail space, in a joint venture with Gables Residential.

Third Party Management and Other Fee Income

As of December 31, 2011, the Company managed and/or leased 12.7 million square feet of office and retail properties for third party owners. In addition, the Company has contracts to provide development and construction management services for third party owners.

Other Investments

As of December 31, 2011, the Company owned directly or through joint ventures, 22 residential development projects and residential and commercial undeveloped land, the Company’s share of which was approximately 5,000 acres. During 2011, the Company had the following activity related to its other investments:

 

   

Sold the remaining five multi-family units available for sale at the 10 Terminus Place condominium project, generating profit of approximately $2.2 million.

 

   

Sold the Jefferson Mill Business Park—Building A industrial building in suburban Atlanta, Georgia, for $22 million, generating a loss of approximately $400,000.

 

   

Sold the King Mill Distribution Park – Building 3 industrial building in suburban Atlanta, Georgia for $28 million, generating a gain, net of noncontrolling interest, of approximately $3.5 million.

 

   

Sold the Lakeside Ranch Business Park – Building 20 industrial building and related undeveloped land in Dallas, Texas for $44 million, generating a gain of approximately $1.7 million.

 

   

Either directly or through joint ventures, sold approximately 43 acres of land, generating a gain to the Company of approximately $2.9 million.

 

   

Either directly or through joint ventures, sold 482 residential lots, generating net profits to the Company of $1.6 million.

 

   

As a result of a fourth quarter analysis of projected cash flows and values of its residential and land holdings, impairment losses were recorded at the Company or joint venture level totaling $125.7 million related to residential and land assets. In February 2012, the Company changed its strategy to more aggressively liquidate these properties. Also, the CL Realty, L.L.C. (“CL Realty”) and Temco Associates, LLC (“Temco”) joint ventures entered into a contract to sell the majority of its residential projects to the Company’s partner, which will significantly reduce its holdings in this property type.

Financing Activities

The Company’s financing strategy is to provide capital to fund its investment activities, while maintaining, over time, a relatively conservative leverage ratio, debt maturity dates which are staggered and actively managing borrowing costs. Historically, the Company has generated capital using bank credit facilities, construction loans or mortgage notes payable secured by underlying properties. The Company has also raised capital through sales of assets, contribution of assets into joint ventures, and the issuance of equity securities. During 2011, the Company had the following financing activities:

 

   

Entered into a construction loan agreement to construct Mahan Village for up to $15 million, maturing September 12, 2014, at a variable interest rate.

 

   

Within a joint venture in which the Company is a partner, entered into a construction loan agreement to construct Emory Point for up to approximately $61 million, maturing June 28, 2014, at a variable interest rate.

 

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Prepaid, without penalty, the mortgage note secured by the 333 and 555 North Point Center East office buildings.

 

   

Prepaid, without penalty, the Lakeshore Park Plaza office building mortgage note.

 

   

Repaid the 600 University Park Place office building mortgage note in full upon its maturity.

 

   

Began discussions to amend or replace its current Credit Facility which matures in 2012.

Environmental Matters

The Company’s business operations are subject to various federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations governing land, water and wetlands resources. Among these are certain laws and regulations under which an owner or operator of real estate could become liable for the costs of removal or remediation of certain hazardous or toxic substances present on or in such property. Such laws often impose liability without regard to whether the owner knew of, or was responsible for, the presence of such hazardous or toxic substances. The presence of such substances, or the failure to properly remediate such substances, may subject the owner to substantial liability and may adversely affect the owner’s ability to develop the property or to borrow using such real estate as collateral. The Company typically manages this potential liability through performance of Phase I Environmental Site Assessments and, as necessary, Phase II environmental sampling, on properties it acquires or develops, although no assurance can be given that environmental liabilities do not exist, that the reports revealed all environmental liabilities or that no prior owner created any material environmental condition not known to the Company. In certain situations, the Company has also sought to avail itself of legal and regulatory protections offered by federal and state authorities to prospective purchasers of property. Where applicable studies have resulted in the determination that remediation was required by applicable law, the necessary remediation is typically incorporated into the development activity of the relevant property. Compliance with other applicable environmental laws and regulations is similarly incorporated into the redevelopment plans for the property. The Company is not aware of any environmental liability that the Company’s management believes would have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, assets or results of operations.

Certain environmental laws impose liability on a previous owner of property to the extent that hazardous or toxic substances were present during the prior ownership period. A transfer of the property does not necessarily relieve an owner of such liability. Thus, although the Company is not aware of any such situation, the Company may be liable in respect to properties previously sold. The Company believes that it and its properties are in compliance in all material respects with all applicable federal, state and local laws, ordinances and regulations governing the environment.

Competition

The Company owns several different real estate products, most of which are located in markets that include other real estate products of the same or similar type. The Company competes with other real estate owners with similar properties located in its markets, and distinguishes itself to tenants/buyers primarily on the basis of location, rental rates/sales prices, services provided, reputation and the design and condition of the facilities. The Company also competes with other real estate companies, financial institutions, pension funds, partnerships, individual investors and others when attempting to acquire and develop properties.

Executive Offices; Employees

The Registrant’s executive offices are located at 191 Peachtree Street, Suite 500, Atlanta, Georgia 30303-1740. At December 31, 2011, the Company employed 320 people.

Available Information

The Company makes available free of charge on the “Investor Relations” page of its website, www.cousinsproperties.com, its filed and furnished reports on Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K, and all amendments thereto, as soon as reasonably practicable after the reports are filed with or furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”).

 

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The Company’s Corporate Governance Guidelines, Director Independence Standards, Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, and the Charters of the Audit Committee, the Investment Committee and the Compensation, Succession, Nominating and Governance Committee of the Board of Directors are also available on the “Investor Relations” page of the Company’s website. The information contained on the Company’s website is not incorporated herein by reference. Copies of these documents (without exhibits, when applicable) are also available free of charge upon request to the Company at 191 Peachtree Street, Suite 500, Atlanta, Georgia 30303-1740, Attention: Cameron Golden, Investor Relations. Mr. Golden may also be reached by telephone at (404) 407-1984 or by facsimile at (404) 407-1002. In addition, the SEC maintains a website that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers, including the Company, that file electronically with the SEC at www.sec.gov.

Item 1A. Risk Factors

Set forth below are the risks we believe investors should consider carefully in evaluating an investment in the securities of Cousins Properties Incorporated.

General Risks of Owning and Operating Real Estate

Our ownership of commercial real estate involves a number of risks, the effects of which could adversely affect our business.

General economic and market risks. In periods during or following a general economic decline or a recessionary climate, our assets may not generate sufficient cash to pay expenses, service debt or cover maintenance, and, as a result, our results of operations and cash flows may be adversely affected. Several factors may adversely affect the economic performance and value of our properties. These factors include, among other things:

 

   

changes in the national, regional and local economic climate;

 

   

local real estate conditions such as an oversupply of properties or a reduction in demand for properties;

 

   

the attractiveness of our properties to tenants or buyers;

 

   

competition from other available properties;

 

   

changes in market rental rates and related concessions granted to tenants such as free rent, tenant allowances and tenant improvement allowances; and

 

   

the need to periodically repair, renovate and re-lease space.

While the trends in the real estate industry and the broader U. S. economy appear to be showing signs of stabilization, economic conditions within some of our markets, such as unemployment, consumer demand and housing starts, continue to be unfavorable and may, as a result, adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and the ability of our tenants and other parties to satisfy their contractual obligations to us. As a result, defaults by our tenants and other contracting parties may increase, which would adversely affect our results of operations. Furthermore, our ability to sell or lease our properties at favorable rates, or at all, may be negatively impacted by general economic conditions.

Our ability to collect rent from tenants affects our ability to pay for adequate maintenance, insurance and other operating costs (including real estate taxes). Also, the expenses of owning and operating a property are not necessarily reduced when circumstances such as market factors and competition cause a reduction in income from the property. If a property is mortgaged and we are unable to meet the mortgage payments, the lender could foreclose on the mortgage and take title to the property. In addition, interest rate levels, the availability of financing, changes in laws and governmental regulations (including those governing usage, zoning and taxes) may adversely affect our financial condition.

Impairment risks. We regularly review our real estate assets for impairment and based on these reviews, we may record impairment losses that have an adverse effect on our results of operations. Negative or uncertain market and economic conditions, as well as market volatility, increase the likelihood of incurring additional impairment losses. In addition, if management changes its intent from holding a real estate asset for long-term investment or development to holding it as a for-sale asset, or if management’s estimates of future

 

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cash flows decrease, the risk of impairment losses increases. For example, we recorded impairment losses in connection with our change in strategy to more aggressively liquidate our residential and land holdings. The magnitude of and frequency with which these charges occur could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Leasing risk. Our operating revenues are dependent upon entering into leases with and collecting rents from our tenants. Uncertain economic conditions may adversely impact current tenants in our various markets and, accordingly, could affect their ability to pay rents and possibly to occupy their space. In periods of economic uncertainty, tenants are more likely to close less profitable locations and/or to declare bankruptcy; and, pursuant to various bankruptcy laws, leases may be rejected and thereby terminated. When leases expire or are terminated, replacement tenants may or may not be available upon acceptable terms and conditions. In addition, our cash flows and results of operations could be adversely impacted if existing leases expire or are terminated and, at such time, market rental rates are lower than the previous contractual rental rates. Also, during uncertain economic conditions, our tenants may approach us for additional concessions in order to remain open and operating. The granting of these concessions may adversely affect our results of operations and cash flows to the extent that they result in reduced rental rates or additional capital improvements or allowances paid to or on behalf of the tenants.

Tenant and property concentration risk. As of December 31, 2011, our top 20 tenants represented approximately 38% of our annualized base rental revenues. While no single tenant accounts for more than 5% of our annualized base rental revenues, the loss of one or more of these tenants could have a significant negative impact on our results of operations or financial condition if a suitable replacement tenant is not secured in a timely fashion.

In addition, for the year ending December 31, 2011, 44% of the Company’s net operating income was derived from four properties in Atlanta, Georgia: Terminus 100, 191 Peachtree Tower and The American Cancer Society Center, all of which are office buildings, and The Avenue Forsyth, a retail center. A large percentage of our properties in addition to those listed above are also located in metropolitan Atlanta. Any adverse economic conditions that may impact the Atlanta area generally, or in its Downtown, Midtown or Buckhead submarkets specifically, could adversely affect the operations of one or all of these properties which, in turn, could adversely affect our overall results of operations and financial condition.

Uninsured losses and condemnation costs. Accidents, earthquakes, terrorism incidents and other losses at our properties could materially adversely affect our operating results. Casualties may occur that significantly damage an operating property, and insurance proceeds may be materially less than the total loss incurred by us. Although we maintain casualty insurance under policies we believe to be adequate and appropriate, some types of losses, such as lease and other contract claims, generally are not insured. Certain types of insurance may not be available or may be available on terms that could result in large uninsured losses. We own property in locations that are potentially subject to damage from earthquakes, as well as other natural catastrophes. We also own property that could be subject to loss due to terrorism incidents. The earthquake insurance and terrorism insurance markets, in particular, tend to be volatile and the availability and pricing of insurance to cover losses from earthquakes and terrorism incidents may be unfavorable from time to time. In addition, earthquakes and terrorism incidents could result in a significant loss that is uninsured due to the high level of deductibles or damage in excess of levels of coverage. Property ownership also involves potential liability to third parties for such matters as personal injuries occurring on the property. Such losses may not be fully insured. In addition to uninsured losses, various government authorities may condemn all or parts of operating properties. Such condemnations could adversely affect the viability of such projects.

Environmental issues. Environmental issues that arise at our properties could have an adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. Federal, state and local laws and regulations relating to the protection of the environment may require a current or previous owner or operator of real estate to investigate and clean up hazardous or toxic substances or petroleum product releases at a property. If determined to be liable, the owner or operator may have to pay a governmental entity or third parties for property damage and for investigation and clean-up costs incurred by such parties in connection with the contamination, or perform such investigation and clean-up itself. Although certain legal protections may be available to prospective purchasers of property, these laws typically impose clean-up responsibility and liability without regard to whether the owner or operator knew of or caused the presence of the regulated substances. Even if more than

 

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one person may have been responsible for the release of regulated substances at the property, each person covered by the environmental laws may be held responsible for all of the clean-up costs incurred. In addition, third parties may sue the owner or operator of a site for damages and costs resulting from regulated substances emanating from that site. We are not currently aware of any environmental liabilities at locations that we believe could have a material adverse effect on our business, assets, financial condition or results of operations. Unidentified environmental liabilities could arise, however, and could have an adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

Joint venture structure risks. Similar to other real estate companies, we have interests in a number of joint ventures (including partnerships and limited liability companies) and may in the future invest in real estate through such structures. Our venture partners sometimes have rights to take some actions over which we have no control, or sometimes the right to withhold approval of actions that we propose, either of which could adversely affect our interests in the related joint ventures and in some cases our overall financial condition or results of operations. These structures involve participation by other parties whose interests and rights may not be the same as ours. For example, a venture partner might have economic and/or other business interests or goals which are unlike or incompatible with our business interests or goals and those venture partners may be in a position to take action contrary to our interests. In addition, such venture partners may become bankrupt and such proceedings could have an adverse impact on the operation of the partnership or joint venture. Furthermore, the success of a project may be dependent upon the expertise, business judgment, diligence and effectiveness of our venture partners in matters that are outside our control. Thus, the involvement of venture partners could adversely impact the development, operation, ownership or disposition of the underlying properties.

Liquidity risk. Real estate investments are relatively illiquid and can be difficult to sell and convert to cash quickly, especially if market conditions are not favorable. As a result, our ability to sell one or more of our properties, whether in response to any changes in economic or other conditions or in response to a change in strategy, may be limited. In the event we want to sell a property, we may not be able to do so in the desired time period, the sales price of the property may not meet our expectations or requirements, and we may be required to record an impairment loss on the property as a result.

Compliance or failure to comply with federal, state and local regulatory requirements could result in substantial costs.

Our properties are subject to various federal, state and local regulatory requirements, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act, state and local fire, health and life safety requirements. Compliance with these regulations generally involves upfront expenditures and/or ongoing costs. If we fail to comply with these requirements, we could incur fines or private damage awards. We do not know whether existing requirements will change or whether compliance with existing or future requirements will require significant unanticipated expenditures that will affect our cash flow and results of operations.

Financing Risks

At certain times, interest rates and other market conditions for obtaining capital are unfavorable, and, as a result, we may be unable to raise the capital needed to invest in acquisition or development opportunities, maintain our properties or otherwise satisfy our commitments on a timely basis, or we may be forced to raise capital at a higher cost or under restrictive terms, which could adversely affect returns on our investments, our cash flows and results of operations.

We finance our acquisition and development projects through one or more of the following: our bank Credit Facility, permanent mortgages, proceeds from the sale of assets, construction loans, and joint venture equity. In addition, we have raised capital through the issuance of common stock and preferred stock to supplement our capital needs. Each of these sources may be constrained from time to time because of market conditions, and the related cost of raising this capital may be unfavorable at any given point in time. These sources of capital, and the risks associated with each, include the following:

 

   

Credit facilities. Terms and conditions available in the marketplace for credit facilities vary over time. We can provide no assurance that the amount we need from our Credit Facility will be available at any given time, or at all, or that the rates and fees charged by the lenders will be reasonable. We incur

 

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interest under our Credit Facility at a variable rate. Variable rate debt creates higher debt service requirements if market interest rates increase, which would adversely affect our cash flow and results of operations. Our Credit Facility contains customary restrictions, requirements and other limitations on our ability to incur indebtedness, including restrictions on total debt outstanding, restrictions on secured recourse debt outstanding, and requirements to maintain minimum fixed charge coverage ratios. Our continued ability to borrow under our Credit Facility is subject to compliance with these financial and other covenants. Negotiations are underway to provide for a new or modified Credit Facility prior to maturity of the current Credit Facility, which is in August 2012. However, there can be no guarantee that a new or revised Credit Facility will be secured prior to maturity of the existing Credit Facility, or that a replacement Credit Facility can be obtained on similar terms in a timely fashion.

 

   

Mortgage financing. The availability of financing in the mortgage markets varies depending on various conditions, including the willingness of mortgage lenders to lend at any given point in time. Interest rates and loan-to-value ratios may also be volatile, and we may from time to time elect not to proceed with mortgage financing due to unfavorable terms offered by lenders. This could adversely affect our ability to finance investment or development activities. In addition, if a property is mortgaged to secure payment of indebtedness and we are unable to make the mortgage payments, the lender may foreclose, resulting in loss of income and asset value.

 

   

Property sales. Real estate markets tend to experience market cycles. Because of such cycles, the potential terms and conditions of sales, including prices, may be unfavorable for extended periods of time. In addition, our status as a REIT limits our ability to sell properties, and this may affect our ability to liquidate an investment. As a result, our ability to raise capital through property sales in order to fund our acquisition and development projects or other cash needs could be limited. In addition, mortgage financing on a property may prohibit prepayment and/or impose a prepayment penalty upon the sale of that property, which may decrease the proceeds from a sale or refinancing or make the sale or refinancing impractical.

 

   

Construction loans. Construction loans generally relate to specific assets under construction and fund costs above an initial equity amount deemed acceptable to the lender. Terms and conditions of construction facilities vary, but they generally carry a term of two to five years, charge interest at variable rates, require the lender to be satisfied with the nature and amount of construction costs prior to funding and require the lender to be satisfied with the level of pre-leasing prior to closing. While construction lending is generally competitive and offered by many financial institutions, there may be times when these facilities are not available or are only available upon unfavorable terms which could have an adverse effect on our ability to fund development projects or on our ability to achieve the returns we expect.

 

   

Joint ventures. Joint ventures, including partnerships or limited liability companies, tend to be complex arrangements, and there are only a limited number of parties willing to undertake such investment structures. There is no guarantee that we will be able to undertake these ventures at the times we need capital.

 

   

Common stock. We have sold common stock from time to time to raise capital, most recently in September 2009. The issuance of common stock can reduce the percentage of stock ownership of individual current stockholders, thereby diluting their interest in our Company. The market price of our common stock could decline as a result of issuances or sales of our common stock in the market after such offerings or the perception that such issuances or sales could occur. We can also provide no assurance that conditions will be favorable for future issuances of common stock when we need the capital, which could have an adverse effect on our ability to fund acquisition and development activities.

 

   

Preferred stock. The availability of preferred stock at favorable terms and conditions is dependent upon a number of factors including the general condition of the economy, the overall interest rate environment, the condition of the capital markets and the demand for this product by potential holders of the securities. We can provide no assurance that conditions will be favorable for future issuances of preferred stock when we need the capital, which could have an adverse effect on our ability to fund acquisition and development activities.

 

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We may not be able to refinance maturing debt secured by our properties on favorable terms which could have an adverse effect on our liquidity and financial position.

We may not be able to refinance debt secured by our properties at the same levels or on the same terms, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. Further, at the time a loan matures, the property may be worth less than the loan amount and, as a result, the Company may determine not to refinance the loan and permit foreclosure, generating a loss to the Company.

Covenants contained in our Credit Facility and mortgages could restrict or hinder our operational flexibility, which could adversely affect our results of operations.

Our Credit Facility imposes financial and operating covenants on us. These covenants may be modified from time to time, but covenants of this type typically include restrictions and limitations on our ability to incur debt, as well as limitations on the amount of our unsecured debt, limitations on distributions to stockholders, and limitations on the amount of joint venture activity in which we may engage. These covenants may limit our flexibility in making business decisions. In addition, our Credit Facility contains financial covenants that, among other things, require that our earnings, as defined, exceed our fixed charges, as defined, by a specified amount and a covenant that requires our net worth, as defined, to be above a specified dollar amount. If our earnings decline or if our fixed charges increase, we are at greater risk of violating the earnings to fixed charges covenant. If we incur significant losses, such as impairment losses, we are at greater risk of violating our net worth covenant. If we fail to comply with these covenants, our ability to borrow may be impaired, which could potentially make it more difficult to fund our capital and operating needs. In addition, our failure to comply with such covenants could cause a default, and we may then be required to repay our outstanding debt with capital from other sources. Under those circumstances, other sources of capital may not be available to us or may be available only on unattractive terms, which could materially and adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

Additionally, some of our property mortgages contain customary negative covenants, including limitations on our ability, without the lender’s prior consent, to further mortgage that property, to modify existing leases or to sell that property. Compliance with these covenants and requirements could harm our operational flexibility and financial condition.

Our degree of leverage could limit our ability to obtain additional financing or affect the market price of our securities.

Total debt as a percentage of either total asset value or total market capitalization is often used by analysts to gauge the financial health of equity REITs such as us. If our degree of leverage is viewed unfavorably by lenders or potential joint venture partners, it could affect our ability to obtain additional financing. In general, our degree of leverage could also make us more vulnerable to a downturn in business or the economy. In addition, changes in our debt to market capitalization ratio, which is in part a function of our stock price, or to other measures of asset value used by financial analysts, may have an adverse effect on the market price of our equity securities.

Real Estate Development Risks

We face risks associated with the development of real estate, such as delay, cost overruns and the possibility that we are unable to lease a portion of the space that we build, which could adversely affect our results.

While our overall development activities are lower than in past years due to unfavorable market conditions, we have historically undertaken more commercial development activity relative to our size than most other public real estate companies. Development activities contain certain inherent risks. Although we seek to minimize risks from commercial development through various management controls and procedures, development risks cannot be eliminated. Some of the key factors affecting development of commercial property are as follows:

 

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The availability of sufficient development opportunities. Absence of sufficient development opportunities could result in our experiencing slower growth in earnings and cash flows. Development opportunities are dependent upon a wide variety of factors. Availability of these opportunities can be volatile as a result of, among other things, economic conditions and product supply/demand characteristics in a particular market.

 

   

Abandoned predevelopment costs. The development process inherently requires that a large number of opportunities be pursued with only a few actually being developed and constructed. We may incur significant costs for predevelopment activity for projects that are later abandoned, which would directly affect our results of operations. We have procedures and controls in place that are intended to minimize this risk, but it is likely that we will incur predevelopment expense on an ongoing basis.

 

   

Project costs. Construction and leasing of a project involves a variety of costs that cannot always be identified at the beginning of a project. Costs may arise that have not been anticipated or actual costs may exceed estimated costs. These additional costs can be significant and could adversely impact our return on a project and the expected results of operations upon completion of the project. Also, construction costs vary over time based upon many factors, including the demand for building materials. We attempt to mitigate the risk of unanticipated increases in construction costs on our development projects through guaranteed maximum price contracts and pre-ordering of certain materials, but we may be adversely affected by increased construction costs on our current and future projects.

 

   

Leasing risk. The success of a commercial real estate development project is heavily dependent upon entering into leases with acceptable terms within a predefined lease-up period. Although our policy is to achieve pre-leasing goals (which vary by market, product type and circumstances) before committing to a project, it is expected that not all the space in a project will be leased at the time we commit to the project. If the additional space is not leased on schedule and upon the expected terms and conditions, our returns, future earnings and results of operations from the project could be adversely impacted. Whether or not tenants are willing to enter into leases on the terms and conditions we project and on the timetable we expect, will depend upon a number of factors, many of which are outside our control. These factors may include:

 

   

general business conditions in the economy or in the tenants’ or prospective tenants’ industries;

 

   

supply and demand conditions for space in the marketplace; and

 

   

level of competition in the marketplace.

 

   

Reputation risks. We have historically developed and managed our real estate portfolio and believe that we have built a positive reputation for quality and service with our lenders, joint venture partners and tenants, as well as with our third-party management clients. If we were viewed as developing underperforming properties, suffered sustained losses on our investments, defaulted on a significant level of loans or experienced significant foreclosure or deed in lieu of foreclosure of our properties, our reputation could be damaged. Damage to our reputation could make it more difficult to successfully develop or acquire properties in the future and to continue to grow and expand our relationships with our lenders, joint venture partners, tenants and third-party management clients, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

   

Governmental approvals. All necessary zoning, land-use, building, occupancy and other required governmental permits and authorization may not be obtained or may not be obtained on a timely basis resulting in possible delays, decreased profitability and increased management time and attention.

 

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We may face risks associated with opportunistic property acquisitions.

In the current market environment, development opportunities may continue to be limited. Therefore, we may invest more heavily in property acquisitions, including the acquisition and redevelopment of operationally or financially distressed properties. The risks associated with property acquisitions are generally the same as those described above for real estate development. However, certain additional risks may be present for property acquisitions and redevelopment projects, including:

 

   

we may have difficulty finding properties that are consistent with our strategy and that meet our standards;

 

   

we may have difficulty negotiating with new or existing tenants;

 

   

the extent of competition for a particular market for attractive acquisitions may hinder our desired level of property acquisitions or redevelopment projects;

 

   

the actual costs and timing of repositioning or redeveloping acquired properties may be greater than our estimates;

 

   

the occupancy levels, lease-up timing and rental rates may not meet our expectations;

 

   

the acquired or redeveloped property may be in a market that is unfamiliar to us and could present additional unforeseen business challenges;

 

   

acquired properties may fail to perform as expected;

 

   

we may be unable to obtain financing for acquisitions on favorable terms or at all; and

 

   

we may be unable to quickly and efficiently integrate new acquisitions into our existing operations, and significant levels of management’s time and attention could be involved in these projects, diverting their time from our day-to-day operations.

Any of these risks could have an adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition. In addition, we may acquire properties subject to liabilities, including environmental, and without any recourse, or with only limited recourse, against the prior owners or other third parties with respect to unknown liabilities. As a result, if a liability were asserted against us based upon ownership of those properties, we might have to pay substantial sums to settle or contest it, which could adversely affect our business, results of operations and cash flow.

Risks Associated with our Land Developments and Investments

If we are unable to achieve the estimated sales prices and/or anticipated timing of sales of our residential lots and undeveloped residential land, or if there are further changes in our expectations and strategy for these property types, it could result in additional impairment charges and adversely affect our results of operations.

We have historically developed residential subdivisions, primarily in metropolitan Atlanta, Georgia. We have also participated in joint ventures that develop or plan to develop subdivisions in metropolitan Atlanta, as well as Texas and Florida. Residential lot sales are highly cyclical and can be affected by the availability of mortgage financing, interest rates and local issues, including the availability of jobs, transportation and the quality of public schools. Once a development is undertaken, no assurances can be given that we will be able to sell the various developed lots in a timely manner. Additionally, market conditions may change between the time we decide to develop a property and the time that all or some of the lots may be ready for sale. Failure to sell such lots in a timely manner could result in significantly increased carrying costs, erosion or elimination of profit with respect to any development and/or impairment losses. Similarly, we have historically held undeveloped residential land for long periods of time prior to development or sale. Any changes in market conditions between the time we acquire land and the time we develop and/or sell land could cause the Company’s estimates of proceeds and related profits from such sales to be lower or result in an impairment charge.

We do not currently anticipate the commencement of development of any new residential projects. Our current strategy is to reduce our holdings of developed and undeveloped residential land. As a part of this strategy, we have decided to liquidate certain projects in bulk as opposed to selling developed lots over an extended period of time. Decisions such as this have increased the risk that we will not recover our investment in these projects, which required us to record impairment losses. Actual sales prices could be less than our current estimates of fair value, and the expected timing of these bulk sales could lengthen, leading to additional impairment losses.

 

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Any failure to timely sell or lease other non-income producing land could result in additional impairment charges and adversely affect our results of operations.

We maintain significant holdings of commercial (non-residential) non-income producing land in the form of land tracts and outparcels. Our strategies with respect to these parcels of land have included (1) developing the land at a future date as an office, retail, mixed-use or multi-use income producing property; (2) ground leasing the land to third parties; and (3) selling the parcels to third parties. Before we develop, lease or sell these land parcels, we incur carrying costs, including interest and property tax expense. If we are unable to sell this land or convert it into income producing property in a timely manner, our results of operations and liquidity could be adversely affected.

Our current strategy includes a goal of aggressively reducing our holdings of commercial non-income producing land. As a part of this strategy, we expect to liquidate one or more parcels of land to generate capital in the short term as opposed to holding the land for future development or capital appreciation. Decisions such as this have increased the risk that we will sell the land for less than our basis requiring us to record impairment losses. Actual future sales prices could differ from our current estimates, which could lead to further impairments.

Risks Associated with our Third Party Management Business

Our third party management business may experience volatility based on a number of factors, including termination of contracts, which could adversely affect our results of operations.

We engage in third party development, leasing, property management, asset management and property services to unrelated property owners. In addition, 39% of our third party revenues are from one customer. Contracts for such services are generally short-term in nature and permit termination without extensive notice. Fees from such activities can be volatile due to unexpected terminations of such contracts. Termination of contracts with our most significant customer or other unexpected terminations could materially adversely affect our results of operations. Further, the timing of the generation of new contracts for services is difficult to predict.

General Business Risks

We may not adequately or accurately assess new opportunities, which could adversely impact our results of operations.

Our estimates and expectations with respect to new properties or lines of business and opportunities may differ substantially from actual results, and any losses from these endeavors could materially adversely affect our results of operations. We conduct business in an entrepreneurial manner. We seek opportunities in various sectors of real estate and in various geographical areas. Not all opportunities prove to be profitable. We expect from time to time that some of our business lines may have to be terminated because they do not meet our profit expectations. Termination of these business lines may result in the write off of certain related assets and/or the termination of personnel, which would adversely impact results of operations.

We are dependent upon the services of certain key personnel, the loss of any of whom could adversely impair our ability to execute our business.

One of our objectives is to develop and maintain a strong management group at all levels. At any given time, we could lose the services of key executives and other employees. None of our key executives or other employees is subject to employment contracts. Further, we do not carry key person insurance on any of our executive officers or other key employees. The loss of services of any of our key employees could have an adverse effect upon our results of operations, financial condition and our ability to execute our business strategy.

 

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Our restated and amended articles of incorporation contain limitations on ownership of our stock, which may prevent a change in control that might otherwise be in the best interests of our stockholders.

Our restated and amended articles of incorporation impose limitations on the ownership of our stock. In general, except for certain individuals who owned stock at the time of adoption of these limitations, and except for persons that are granted waivers by our Board of Directors, no individual or entity may own more than 3.9% of the value of our outstanding stock. The ownership limitation may have the effect of delaying, inhibiting or preventing a transaction or a change in control that might involve a premium price for our stock or otherwise be in the best interest of our stockholders.

We experience fluctuations and variability in our operating results on a quarterly basis and in the market price of our common stock and, as a result, our historical performance may not be a meaningful indicator of future results.

Our operating results have fluctuated greatly in the past, due to, among other things, volatility in land tract and outparcel sales, property sales, residential lot sales and impairment losses. We are currently engaged in a strategy to simplify our business and focus our resources on Class A office properties which we expect to make our operating results less volatile over time. However, in the near term, we continue to anticipate future fluctuations in our quarterly results, which does not allow for predictability in the market by analysts and investors. Therefore, our historical performance may not be a meaningful indicator of our future results.

The market prices of shares of our common stock have been, and may continue to be, subject to fluctuation due to many events and factors such as those described in this report including:

 

   

actual or anticipated variations in our operating results, funds from operations or liquidity;

 

   

the general reputation of real estate as an attractive investment in comparison to other equity securities;

 

   

the general stock and bond market conditions, including changes in interest rates or fixed income securities;

 

   

changes in tax laws;

 

   

changes to our dividend policy;

 

   

changes in market valuations of our properties;

 

   

adverse market reaction to the amount of our outstanding debt at any time, the amount of our maturing debt and our ability to refinance such debt on favorable terms;

 

   

any failure to comply with existing debt covenants;

 

   

any foreclosure or deed in lieu of foreclosure of our properties;

 

   

additions or departures of key executives and other employees;

 

   

actions by institutional stockholders;

 

   

uncertainties in world financial markets;

 

   

the realization of any of the other risk factors described in this report; and

 

   

general market and economic conditions.

Many of the factors listed above are beyond our control. Those factors may cause market prices of shares of our common stock to decline, regardless of our financial performance, condition and prospects. The market price of shares of our common stock may fall significantly in the future, and it may be difficult for our stockholders to resell our common stock at prices they find attractive, or at all.

If our future operating performance does not meet projections of our analysts or investors, our stock price could decline.

 

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Several independent securities analysts publish quarterly and annual projections of our financial performance. These projections are developed independently by third-party securities analysts based on their own analyses, and we undertake no obligation to monitor, and take no responsibility for, such projections. Such estimates are inherently subject to uncertainty and should not be relied upon as being indicative of the performance that we anticipate for any applicable period. Our actual revenues and net income may differ materially from what is projected by securities analysts. If our actual results do not meet analysts’ guidance, our stock price could decline significantly.

Federal Income Tax Risks

Any failure to continue to qualify as a REIT for federal income tax purposes could have a material adverse impact on us and our stockholders.

We intend to operate in a manner to qualify as a REIT for federal income tax purposes. Qualification as a REIT involves the application of highly technical and complex provisions of the Internal Revenue Code (the “Code”), for which there are only limited judicial or administrative interpretations. Certain facts and circumstances not entirely within our control may affect our ability to qualify as a REIT. In addition, we can provide no assurance that legislation, new regulations, administrative interpretations or court decisions will not adversely affect our qualification as a REIT or the federal income tax consequences of our REIT status.

If we were to fail to qualify as a REIT, we would not be allowed a deduction for distributions to stockholders in computing our taxable income. In this case, we would be subject to federal income tax (including any applicable alternative minimum tax) on our taxable income at regular corporate rates. Unless entitled to relief under certain Code provisions, we also would be disqualified from operating as a REIT for the four taxable years following the year during which qualification was lost. As a result, we would be subject to federal and state income taxes which could adversely affect our results of operations and distributions to stockholders. Although we currently intend to operate in a manner designed to qualify as a REIT, it is possible that future economic, market, legal, tax or other considerations may cause us to revoke the REIT election.

In order to qualify as a REIT, under current law, we generally are required each taxable year to distribute to our stockholders at least 90% of our net taxable income (excluding any net capital gain). To the extent that we do not distribute all of our net capital gain or distribute at least 90%, but less than 100%, of our other taxable income, we are subject to tax on the undistributed amounts at regular corporate rates. In addition, we are subject to a 4% nondeductible excise tax to the extent that distributions paid by us during the calendar year are less than the sum of the following:

 

   

85% of our ordinary income;

 

   

95% of our net capital gain income for that year; and

 

   

100% of our undistributed taxable income (including any net capital gains) from prior years.

We generally intend to make distributions to our stockholders to comply with the 90% distribution requirement, to avoid corporate-level tax on undistributed taxable income and to avoid the nondeductible excise tax. Distributions could be made in cash, stock or in a combination of cash and stock. Differences in timing between taxable income and cash available for distribution could require us to borrow funds to meet the 90% distribution requirement, to avoid corporate-level tax on undistributed taxable income and to avoid the nondeductible excise tax. Satisfying the distribution requirements may also make it more difficult to fund new investment or development projects.

Certain property transfers may be characterized as prohibited transactions, resulting in a tax on any gain attributable to the transaction.

From time to time, we may transfer or otherwise dispose of some of our properties. Under the Code, any gains resulting from transfers or dispositions, from other than our taxable REIT subsidiary, that are deemed to be prohibited transactions would be subject to a 100% tax on any gain associated with the transaction. Prohibited transactions generally include sales of assets that constitute inventory or other property held for sale to customers in the ordinary course of business. Since we acquire properties primarily for investment purposes, we do not believe that our occasional transfers or disposals of property are deemed to be prohibited

 

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transactions. However, whether or not a transfer or sale of property qualifies as a prohibited transaction depends on all the facts and circumstances surrounding the particular transaction. The Internal Revenue Service may contend that certain transfers or disposals of properties by us are prohibited transactions. While we believe that the Internal Revenue Service would not prevail in any such dispute, if the Internal Revenue Service were to argue successfully that a transfer or disposition of property constituted a prohibited transaction, we would be required to pay a tax equal to 100% of any gain allocable to us from the prohibited transaction. In addition, income from a prohibited transaction might adversely affect our ability to satisfy the income tests for qualification as a REIT for federal income tax purposes.

Disclosure Controls and Internal Control over Financial Reporting Risks

Our business could be adversely impacted if we have deficiencies in our disclosure controls and procedures or internal control over financial reporting.

The design and effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting may not prevent all errors, misstatements or misrepresentations. While management will continue to review the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting, there can be no guarantee that our internal control over financial reporting will be effective in accomplishing all control objectives at all times. Deficiencies, including any material weakness, in our internal control over financial reporting which may occur in the future could result in misstatements of our results of operations, restatements of our financial statements, a decline in our stock price, or otherwise materially adversely affect our business, reputation, results of operations, financial condition or liquidity.

Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments

Not applicable.

 

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Item 2. Properties

The following table sets forth certain information related to operating properties in which the Company has an ownership interest. Information presented in Note 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements provides additional information related to the Company’s joint ventures. Except as noted, all information presented is as of December 31, 2011 ($ in thousands):

 

Sept 30, Sept 30, Sept 30, Sept 30, Sept 30, Sept 30, Sept 30,

Property Description

 

Metropolitan
Area

  Rentable
Square
Feet
    Company’s
Ownership
Interest
    Percent
Leased
    Weighted
Average

Occupancy  (1)
    Company
Share of
Debt
    Annualized
Base Rents (5)
 

I. OFFICE PROPERTIES

             

Terminus 100

  Atlanta     655,000        100.00     97     96   $ 138,194     

191 Peachtree Tower

  Atlanta     1,221,000        100.00     82     76     —       

The American Cancer Society Center (2)

  Atlanta     996,000        100.00     83     89     135,650     

Meridian Mark Plaza

  Atlanta     160,000        100.00     97     95     26,554     

Promenade

  Atlanta     775,000        100.00     63     61     —       

Emory University Hospital Midtown Medical Office Tower

  Atlanta     358,000        50.00     100     99     23,816     

555 North Point Center East

  Atlanta     152,000        100.00     93     98     —       

Ten Peachtree Place (3)

  Atlanta     260,000        50.00     100     98     13,096     

333 North Point Center East

  Atlanta     130,000        100.00     98     98     —       

200 North Point Center East

  Atlanta     130,000        100.00     88     96     12,239     

100 North Point Center East

  Atlanta     128,000        100.00     84     92     12,239     

Inhibitex

  Atlanta     51,000        100.00     100     100     —       

Terminus 200 (3)

  Atlanta     566,000        20.00     87     41     13,712     

Galleria 75

  Atlanta     111,000        100.00     91     69     —       

Cosmopolitan Center

  Atlanta     51,000        100.00     94     92     —       
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

   

GEORGIA

      5,744,000          84       375,500     

Palisades West

  Austin     373,000        50.00     99     97     —       

The Points at Waterview

  Dallas     203,000        100.00     88     85     16,135     
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

   

TEXAS

      576,000          93       16,135     

Lakeshore Park Plaza (4)

  Birmingham     197,000        100.00     95     93     —       

600 University Park Place (4)

  Birmingham     123,000        100.00     93     78     —       
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

   

ALABAMA

      320,000          94       —       

Gateway Village (3)

  Charlotte     1,065,000        50.00     100     100     41,548     

Presbyterian Medical Plaza

  Charlotte     69,000        11.50     84     78     —       
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

   

NORTH CAROLINA

      1,134,000          100       41,548     
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

   

TOTAL OFFICE PROPERTIES

      7,774,000          87     $ 433,183      $ 95,553   
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

II. RETAIL PROPERTIES

             

The Avenue Forsyth (4)

  Atlanta     524,000        100.00     89     73   $ —       

The Avenue Webb Gin

  Atlanta     322,000        100.00     91     88     —       

The Avenue West Cobb

  Atlanta     256,000        11.50     96     96     —       

North Point MarketCenter

  Atlanta     401,000        10.32     100     94     —       

The Avenue East Cobb

  Atlanta     230,000        11.50     86     88     4,144     

The Avenue Peachtree City

  Atlanta     183,000        11.50     89     89     —       
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

   

GEORGIA

      1,916,000          90       4,144     

The Avenue Murfreesboro

  Nashville     751,000        50.00     88     86     49,461     

The Avenue Collierville (4)

  Memphis     511,000        100.00     88     88     —       

Mt. Juliet Village (3)

  Nashville     91,000        50.50     80     76     3,106     

The Shops of Lee Village (3)

  Nashville     74,000        50.50     83     80     2,803     

Creek Plantation Village (3)

  Chattanooga     78,000        50.50     93     91     3,129     
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

   

TENNESSEE

      1,505,000          87       58,499     

Tiffany Springs MarketCenter (4)

  Kansas City     238,000        100.00     83     82     —       
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

   

MISSOURI

      238,000          83       —       

Highland City Town Center (3)

  Lakeland     96,000        50.50     87     87     5,389     

The Avenue Viera

  Viera     332,000        11.50     97     95     —       

Viera MarketCenter

  Viera     178,000        11.50     94     95     —       
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

   

FLORIDA

      606,000          92       5,389     

Greenbrier MarketCenter

  Chesapeake     376,000        10.32     100     100     —       
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

   

VIRGINIA

      376,000          100       —       

Los Altos MarketCenter

  Long Beach     157,000        10.32     100     92     —       
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

   

CALIFORNIA

      157,000          100       —       
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

   

TOTAL RETAIL PROPERTIES

      4,798,000          89     $ 68,032      $ 35,945   
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

TOTAL PORTFOLIO

      12,572,000          87     $ 501,215     
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

(1)

Weighted average economic occupancy is calculated as the percentage of the property for which revenue was recognized during 2011. If the property was purchased during the year, average economic occupancy is calculated from the date of purchase forward.

 

(2)

The real estate and other assets of this property are restricted under a loan agreement such that the assets are not available to settle other debts of the Company.

 

(3)

This property is owned through a joint venture with a third party who has contributed equity, but the equity ownership and the allocation of the results of operations and/or gain on sale may be disproportionate.

 

(4)

This property is shown as 100% as it is owned through a consolidated joint venture. The joint venture is with a third party who has contributed equity and the joint venture partner may receive distributions from the venture in connection with its equity ownership.

 

(5)

Annualized base rent represents the sum of the annualized rent each tenant is paying as of the end of the reporting period. If a tenant is not paying rent due to a free rent concession, annualized base rent is calculated based on the annualized base rent the tenant will pay in the first period it is required to pay rent.

 

16


Table of Contents

Lease Expirations

OFFICE

As of December 31, 2011, the Company’s office portfolio included 21 commercial office buildings. The weighted average remaining lease term of these office buildings was approximately seven years as of December 31, 2011. Most of the major tenant leases in these buildings provide for pass through of operating expenses and contractual rents which escalate over time. The leases expire as follows:

 

Se 30, Se 30, Se 30, Se 30, Se 30, Se 30, Se 30, Se 30, Se 30, Se 30, Se 30,
     2012     2013     2014     2015     2016     2017     2018     2019     2020     2021 &
Thereafter
    Total  

Company Share

                     

Square Feet Expiring

    217,735        346,284        234,657        498,898        815,404        530,964        340,448        295,599        236,122        1,888,600        5,404,711   

% of Leased Space

    4     6     4     9     15     10     6     6     5     35     100

Annual Contractual Rent ($000’s) (1)

  $ 3,495      $ 7,603      $ 4,839      $ 10,993      $ 16,918      $ 13,618      $ 9,478      $ 7,236      $ 6,197      $ 47,319      $ 127,696   

Annual Contractual Rent/Sq. Ft. (1)

  $ 16.05      $ 21.96      $ 20.62      $ 22.04      $ 20.75      $ 25.65      $ 27.84      $ 24.48      $ 26.25      $ 25.06      $ 23.63   

RETAIL

As of December 31, 2011, the Co mpany's retail portfolio included 17 retail properties. The weighted average remaining lease term of these retail properties was appro ximately eight years as of December 31, 2011. Most of the major tenant leases in these retail properties provide for pass through of operating expenses and contractual rents which escalate over time. The leases expire as follows:

 

Se 30, Se 30, Se 30, Se 30, Se 30, Se 30, Se 30, Se 30, Se 30, Se 30, Se 30,
     2012     2013     2014     2015     2016     2017     2018     2019     2020     2021 &
Thereafter
    Total  

Company Share

                     

Square Feet Expiring (2)

    127,262        71,185        96,825        99,422        278,960        145,676        328,597        325,956        92,130        536,430        2,102,443   

% of Leased Space

    6     3     5     5     13     7     16     15     4     26     100

Annual Contractual Rent($000’s) (1)

  $ 2,084      $ 1,721      $ 2,013      $ 2,236      $ 6,376      $ 3,402      $ 7,367      $ 6,943      $ 1,364      $ 6,398      $ 39,904   

Annual Contractual Rent/Sq. Ft. (1)

  $ 16.37      $ 24.18      $ 20.79      $ 22.49      $ 22.86      $ 23.36      $ 22.42      $ 21.30      $ 14.81      $ 11.93      $ 18.98   

 

(1)

Annual Contractual Rent shown is the estimated rate in the year of expiration. It includes the minimum contractual rent paid by the tenant which, in most of the office leases, includes a base year of operating expenses.

 

(2)

Certain leases contain termination options, with or without penalty, if co-tenancy clauses or sales volume levels are not achieved. The expiration date per the lease is used for these leases in the above table, although early termination is possible.

 

17


Table of Contents

Development Pipeline

As of December 31, 2011, the Company had the following projects under development ($ in thousands; see Note 4 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for Emory Point joint venture information):

 

September 30, September 30, September 30, September 30, September 30, September 30, September 30, September 30,

Project (1)

 

Metropolitan

Area

  Company’s
Ownership
Interest
    Estimated
Project
Cost (2)
    Project
Cost
Incurred to
Date
    Number of
Apartment
Units/Square
Feet
   

Percent
Leased

 

Estimated
Opening (3)

 

Estimated
Stabilization (4)

Emory Point (Phase I)

  Atlanta, GA     75   $ 102,300      $ 33,789           

Apartments

            443      N/A   3Q 12   2Q 14

Retail

            80,000      38%   4Q 12   2Q 13

Mahan Village

  Tallahassee, FL     100 %(5)    $ 25,800      $ 11,325           

Retail

            147,000      79%   4Q 12   3Q 14

 

(1)

This schedule shows projects currently under active development through the point of stabilization. Amounts included in the estimated project cost column represent the estimated costs of the project through stabilization. Significant estimation is required to derive these costs and the final costs may differ from these estimates. The projected dates for opening and stabilization are also estimates and are subject to change as the project proceeds through the development process.

 

(2)

Amount represents 100% of the estimated project cost. The projects are being funded with a combination of equity from the partners and $61.1 million and $15 million construction loans for Emory Point and Mahan Village, respectively. The projects will be funded by equity contributions until the partners have contributed their required equity amounts. All subsequent funding is expected to come from the construction loans. As of December 31, 2011, $1,000 was outstanding under both construction loans.

 

(3)

Estimated opening represents the quarter within which the Company estimates the first retail space to be open for operations and the quarter the Company estimates the first apartment unit to be occupied.

 

(4)

Estimated stabilization represents the quarter within which the Company estimates it will achieve 95% economic occupancy on the retail space and 93% on the apartments.

 

(5)

Company's ownership interest is shown at 100% as Mahan Village is owned in a joint venture which is consolidated with the Company. The partner is entitled to a share of the cashflows after the Company's capital is recovered.

Inventory of Lots and Tracts in Residential Projects

As of December 31, 2011, the Company owned, directly or indirectly, the following residential projects (see Note 4 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for joint venture information):

 

September 30, September 30, September 30, September 30, September 30, September 30, September 30,
        Company’s     Lots     Tracts (2)  

Description

 

Metropolitan Area

  Ownership
Interest
    Estimated to
be Developed (1)
    Total
Sold
    Remaining
to be Sold
    Sold  since
Inception
    Remaining  

The Georgian (4)

  Atlanta     37.50     1,341        289        1,052        —          —     

Callaway Gardens (3) (5)

  Pine Mountain     100.00     559        31        528        —          —     

Seven Hills (4)

  Atlanta     50.00     1,093        644        449        1,070        65   

The Lakes at Cedar Grove

  Atlanta     100.00     906        727        179        —          —     

Blalock Lakes (5)

  Atlanta     100.00     154        21        133        —          1,205   

West Park (4)

  Atlanta     50.00     84        21        63        —          —     

Longleaf at Callaway (5)

  Pine Mountain     100.00     138        125        13        —          —     

River’s Call

  Atlanta     100.00     107        95        12        —          —     

Harris Place (4)

  Atlanta     50.00     27        18        9        —          —     

Bentwater (4)

  Atlanta     50.00     1,676        1,673        3        —          —     

Paulding County

  Atlanta     50.00     —          —          —          783        5,712   
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Georgia

        6,085        3,644        2,441        1,853        6,982   
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

18


Table of Contents

Inventory of Lots and Tracts in Residential Projects (cont’d)

 

September 30, September 30, September 30, September 30, September 30, September 30, September 30,
        Company’s     Lots     Tracts (2)  

Description

 

Metropolitan Area

  Ownership
Interest
    Estimated to
be Developed (1)
    Total
Sold
    Remaining
to be Sold
    Sold  since
Inception
    Remaining  

Long Meadow Farms (4)

  Houston     18.75     1,795        858        937        133        192   

Summer Lakes (4)

  Houston     50.00     1,130        405        725        56        —     

Southern Trails (4)

  Houston     40.00     1,036        497        539        114        —     

Waterford Park (4)

  Houston     50.00     210        —          210        —          90   

Summer Creek Ranch (4)

  Dallas/Fort Worth     50.00     983        806        177        624        149   

Village Park North (4)

  Dallas/Fort Worth     50.00     189        73        116        23        —     

Stonewall Estates (4)

  San Antonio     25.00     388        280        108        —          —     

Bar C Ranch (4)

  Dallas/Fort Worth     50.00     332        279        53        —          171   

Village Park (4)

  Dallas/Fort Worth     50.00     421        373        48        3        35   

Stillwater Canyon (4)

  Dallas/Fort Worth     50.00     231        225        6        —          33   

Padre Island

  Corpus Christi     50.00     —          —          —          —          15   
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Texas

        6,715        3,796        2,919        953        685   
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Manatee River Plantation (4)

  Tampa/St. Petersburg     50.00     457        348        109        —          —     

Creekside Oaks (4)

  Tampa/St. Petersburg     50.00     301        251        50        —          —     

Bridle Path Estates (4)

  Tampa/St. Petersburg     50.00     —          —          —          —          439   
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Florida

        758        599        159        —          439   
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

TOTAL INVENTORY OF LOTS AND TRACTS IN RESIDENTIAL PROJECTS

        13,558        8,039        5,519        2,806        8,106   
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

COMPANY’S SHARE OF TOTAL

        6,782        4,095        2,687        1,350        4,596   
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

COST BASIS OF LOTS AND TRACTS IN IN RESIDENTIAL PROJECTS

              $ 94,746   
             

 

 

 

COMPANY’S SHARE OF COST BASIS OF LOTS AND TRACTS IN RESIDENTIAL PROJECTS

              $ 50,241   
             

 

 

 

 

(1)

This estimate represents the total projected development capacity for a development on owned land currently anticipated to be developed as lots if a development project progresses. The lot numbers shown include lots currently developed or which may be developed over time, based on management’s current estimates, and lots sold to date from inception of development.

 

(2)

Tracts represents acres of land that may be sold to third parties in large tracts for residential or commercial development.

 

(3)

Company’s ownership interest is shown at 100% as Callaway Gardens is owned in a joint venture which is consolidated with the Company. The partner is entitled to a share of the profits after the Company’s capital is recovered.

 

(4)

These projects are under contract to be sold by CL Realty or Temco to the Company’s partner in CL Realty and Temco.

 

(5)

All lots at Longleaf at Callaway and certain lots at Callaway Gardens and Blalock Lakes are sold to a homebuilding venture, of which the Company is a joint venture partner. As a result of this relationship, the Company defers some or all profits until houses are built and sold, rather than at the time lots are sold, as is the case with the Company’s other residential developments.

 

19


Table of Contents

Inventory of Commercial Land Held

As of December 31, 2011, the Company owned the following land holdings either directly or indirectly through venture arrangements (see Note 4 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further information related to investments in unconsolidated joint ventures).

 

September 30, September 30, September 30,
                Company’s     Developable  
       Metropolitan        Ownership     Land Area  

Property Description

     Area        Interest     (Acres)  

Jefferson Mill Business Park

       Atlanta           100.00     117   

King Mill Distribution Park

       Atlanta           100.00     86   

Wildwood Office Park

       Atlanta           50.00     36   

North Point

       Atlanta           100.00     29   

Wildwood Office Park

       Atlanta           100.00     23   

The Avenue Forsyth-Adjacent Land (1)

       Atlanta           100.00     11   

North Point

       Atlanta           100.00     9   

The Avenue Forsyth-Outparcels (2)

       Atlanta           100.00     6   

Terminus

       Atlanta           100.00     4   

615 Peachtree Street

       Atlanta           100.00     2   

The Avenue Webb Gin-Outparcels (2)

       Atlanta           100.00     2   

549 / 555 / 557 Peachtree Street

       Atlanta           100.00     1   
           

 

 

 

Georgia

              326   
           

 

 

 

Round Rock Land

       Austin           100.00     60   

Research Park V

       Austin           100.00     6   
           

 

 

 

Texas

              66   
           

 

 

 

The Shops of Lee Village-Outparcels (2) (3)

       Nashville           50.50     6   

The Avenue Murfreesboro-Outparcels (2) (3)

       Nashville           50.00     5   

The Avenue Collierville-Outparcels (2) (3)

       Memphis           100.00     4   
           

 

 

 

Tennessee

              15   
           

 

 

 

Tiffany Springs MarketCenter-Outparcels (2)

       Kansas City           100.00     12   
           

 

 

 

Missouri

              12   
           

 

 

 

Highland City Town Center-Outparcels (2) (3)

       Lakeland           50.50     56   
           

 

 

 

Florida

              56   
           

 

 

 

TOTAL COMMERCIAL LAND HELD

              475   
           

 

 

 

COMPANY’S SHARE OF TOTAL

              424   
           

 

 

 

COST BASIS OF COMMERCIAL LAND

            $ 91,982   
           

 

 

 

COMPANY’S SHARE OF COST BASIS OF COMMERCIAL LAND

            $ 65,692   
           

 

 

 

 

(1)

Land is adjacent to an existing retail center and is anticipated to either be sold to a third party or developed as an additional phase of the retail center.

 

(2)

Land relates to outparcels available for sale or ground lease, which are included in the basis of the related operating property.

 

(3)

This project is owned through a joint venture with a third party who has contributed equity, but the equity ownership and the allocation of the results of operations and/or gain on sale most likely will be disproportionate.

 

20


Table of Contents

Other Investments

Multi-Family Residential. The units remaining at 10 Terminus Place are under contract to sell, but were financed by the Company and therefore did not meet the accounting rule requirements for sales recognition. The Company’s basis in these two units is $532,000, and the notes related to these contracts are due in 2012, at which time sales recognition should occur.

Air Rights Near the CNN Center. The Company owns a leasehold interest in the air rights over the approximately 365,000 square foot CNN Center parking facility in Atlanta, Georgia, adjoining the headquarters of Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. and Cable News Network. The air rights are developable for additional parking or for certain other uses. The Company’s net carrying value of this interest is $0.

Item 3. Legal Proceedings

The Company is subject to various legal proceedings, claims and administrative proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business, some of which are expected to be covered by liability insurance. Management makes assumptions and estimates concerning the likelihood and amount of any potential loss relating to these matters using the latest information available. The Company records a liability for litigation if an unfavorable outcome is probable and the amount of loss or range of loss can be reasonably estimated. If an unfavorable outcome is probable and a reasonable estimate of the loss is a range, the Company accrues the best estimate within the range. If no amount within the range is a better estimate than any other amount, the Company accrues the minimum amount within the range. If an unfavorable outcome is probable but the amount of the loss cannot be reasonably estimated, the Company discloses the nature of the litigation and indicates that an estimate of the loss or range of loss cannot be made. If an unfavorable outcome is reasonably possible and the estimated loss is material, the Company discloses the nature and estimate of the possible loss of the litigation. The Company does not disclose information with respect to litigation where an unfavorable outcome is considered to be remote. Based on current expectations, such matters, both individually and in the aggregate, are not expected to have a material adverse effect on the liquidity, results of operations, business or financial condition of the Company.

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

Not applicable.

Item X. Executive Officers of the Registrant

The Executive Officers of the Registrant as of the date hereof are as follows:

 

Name

   Age     

Office Held

Lawrence L. Gellerstedt III

     55      

President and Chief Executive Officer

Gregg D. Adzema

     47      

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Michael I. Cohn

     52      

Executive Vice President

Craig B. Jones

     60      

Executive Vice President

John S. McColl

     49      

Executive Vice President

J. Thad Ellis

     51      

Senior Vice President

John D. Harris, Jr.

     52      

Senior Vice President, Chief Accounting Officer and Assistant Secretary

Robert M. Jackson

     44      

Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary

Family Relationships

There are no family relationships among the Executive Officers or Directors.

Term of Office

The term of office for all officers expires at the annual stockholders’ meeting. The Board retains the power to remove any officer at any time.

 

21


Table of Contents

Business Experience

Mr. Gellerstedt became President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company in July 2009. In addition, he was appointed as a Director of the Company in July 2009. In February 2009, Mr. Gellerstedt assumed the role of President and Chief Operating Officer. Mr. Gellerstedt joined the Company in July 2005 as Senior Vice President and President of the Office/Multi-Family Division. The Company changed its organizational structure in May 2008, and he became Executive Vice President and Chief Development Officer.

Mr. Adzema joined the Company in November 2010 as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. From October 2009 until November 2010, he served as the Chief Investment Officer of Hayden Harper Inc., an investment advisory and hedge fund group. From August 2005 to September 2008, Mr. Adzema was Executive Vice President – Investments with Grubb Properties, Inc., a real estate development, construction and management company.

Mr. Cohn joined the Company in August 2010 as Executive Vice President – Retail Investments, Leasing and Asset management. As a result of the Company changing its organizational structure, he assumed the new title of Executive Vice President in December 2011. From October 2002 to July 2010, Mr. Cohn was Senior Managing Director for Faison Southeast.

Mr. Jones joined the Company in November 1992. In December 2006, he assumed the role of Executive Vice President and Chief Investment Officer. As a result of the Company changing its organizational structure, Mr. Jones assumed the new title of Executive Vice President in December 2011.

Mr. McColl joined the Company in April 1996, serving initially as a Vice President and then a Senior Vice President, before being promoted to Executive Vice President – Development, Office Leasing and Asset Management in February 2010. As a result of the Company changing its organizational structure, Mr. McColl assumed the new title of Executive Vice President in December 2011.

Mr. Ellis joined the Company in August 2006 as Senior Vice President – Client Services. As a result of the Company changing its organizational structure, Mr. Ellis assumed the new title of Senior Vice President in December 2011.

Mr. Harris joined the Company in February 2005 as Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer and was subsequently appointed Assistant Secretary.

Mr. Jackson joined the Company in December 2004 as Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary.

 

22


Table of Contents

PART II

Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Stock and Related Stockholder Matters

Market Information

The high and low sales prices for the Company’s common stock and dividends declared per common share (the 2010 dividends were paid in a combination of stock and cash) were as follows:

 

September 30, September 30, September 30, September 30, September 30, September 30, September 30, September 30,
     2011 Quarters      2010 Quarters  
     First      Second      Third      Fourth      First      Second      Third      Fourth  

High

   $ 8.79       $ 9.09       $ 9.19       $ 6.85       $ 8.68       $ 8.67       $ 7.36       $ 8.44   

Low

   $ 7.72       $ 8.06       $ 5.76       $ 5.25       $ 6.70       $ 6.66       $ 6.00       $ 6.86   

Dividends

   $ 0.045       $ 0.045       $ 0.045       $ 0.045       $ 0.09       $ 0.09       $ 0.09       $ 0.09   

Payment Date

     2/22/2011         5/27/2011         8/25/2011         12/22/2011         3/15/2010         6/18/2010         9/17/2010         12/17/2010   

Holders

The Company’s common stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange (ticker symbol CUZ). On February 14, 2012, there were 931 common stockholders of record.

Purchases of Equity Securities

For information on the Company’s equity compensation plans, see Note 6 of the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements, which is incorporated herein.

The Company purchased the following common shares during the fourth quarter of 2011:

 

September 30, September 30,
       Total Number
of Shares
Purchased (1)
       Average Price
Paid per Share (1)
 

October 1 - 31

       —           $ —     

November 1 - 30

       —             —     

December 1 - 31

       1,190           6.05   
    

 

 

      

 

 

 
       1,190         $ 6.05   
    

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

(1)

Activity for the fourth quarter of 2011 related to the remittances of shares for income taxes due for restricted stock vesting.

 

23


Table of Contents

Performance Graph

The following graph compares the five-year cumulative total return of the Company’s Common Stock with the S&P 500 Index, the NYSE Composite Index, the FTSE NAREIT Equity Index and the SNL US REIT Office Index. For years following 2011, the Company will no longer include the S&P 500 Index as a reference point, due to the fact that it uses the NYSE Composite Index as its broad market reference. The graph assumes a $100 investment in each of the indices on December 31, 2006 and the reinvestment of all dividends.

 

LOGO

COMPARISON OF CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN OF ONE OR MORE COMPANIES, PEER

GROUPS, INDUSTRY INDICES AND/OR BROAD MARKETS

 

September 30, September 30, September 30, September 30, September 30, September 30,
       Fiscal Year Ended  

Index

     12/31/06        12/31/07        12/31/08        12/31/09        12/31/10        12/31/11  

Cousins Properties Incorporated

       100.00           65.87           44.16           25.59           28.42           22.39   

S&P 500 Index

       100.00           105.49           66.46           84.05           96.71           98.76   

NYSE Composite Index

       100.00           109.14           66.41           85.39           97.01           93.45   

FTSE NAREIT Equity Index

       100.00           84.31           52.50           67.20           85.98           93.11   

SNL US REIT Office Index

       100.00           79.53           45.22           61.98           75.18           74.50   

 

24


Table of Contents

Item 6. Selected Financial Data

The following selected financial data sets forth consolidated financial and operating information on a historical basis. This data has been derived from the Company’s consolidated financial statements and should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and notes thereto. The data below has been restated for discontinued operations detailed in Note 8 of the Consolidated Financial Statements. In addition, Note 5 of the Consolidated Financial Statements provides information on impairment losses recognized in 2011, 2010 and 2009. In all four quarters of 2010 and in the last three quarters of 2009, the common stock dividends were paid in a combination of cash and stock. The following table reflects the total dividend, both cash and stock, paid.

 

September 30, September 30, September 30, September 30, September 30,
       For the Years Ended December 31,  
       2011      2010      2009      2008      2007  
       ($ in thousands, except per share amounts)  

Rental property revenues

     $ 135,573       $ 130,522       $ 128,244       $ 127,809       $ 97,257   

Management, leasing and other fee income

       33,180         33,420         33,806         47,662         36,314   

Residential lot, multi-family and outparcel sales

       7,679         50,385         38,262         15,437         9,969   

Other

       2,032         1,229         2,972         4,149         6,557   
    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total revenues

       178,464         215,556         203,284         195,057         150,097   
    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Rental property operating expenses

       55,918         53,750         57,996         49,608         40,317   

Depreciation and amortization

       50,174         53,313         47,781         45,770         34,170   

Residential lot, multi-family and outparcel cost of sales

       5,378         37,716         30,652         11,106         7,685   

Interest expense

       27,784         37,180         39,759         27,602         8,268   

Impairment losses

       107,763         2,554         40,512         2,100         —     

General, administrative and other expenses

       51,592         57,668         65,854         64,502         60,632   
    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total expenses

       298,609         242,181         282,554         200,688         151,072   
    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Loss on extinguishment of debt and interest rate swaps

       (74      (9,827      (2,766      —           (446

Benefit (provision) for income taxes from operations

       186         1,079         (4,341      8,770         4,423   

Income (loss) from unconsolidated joint ventures

       (18,299      9,493         (68,697      9,721         6,096   

Gain on sale of investment properties

       3,494         1,938         168,637         10,799         5,535   
    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income (loss) from continuing operations

       (134,838      (23,942      13,563         23,659         14,633   

Discontinued operations

       11,371         11,909         15,984         1,266         19,945   
    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

       (123,467      (12,033      29,547         24,925         34,578   

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests

       (4,958      (2,540      (2,252      (2,378      (1,656

Preferred dividends

       (12,907      (12,907      (12,907      (14,957      (15,250
    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net income (loss) available to common stockholders

     $ (141,332    $ (27,480    $ 14,388       $ 7,590       $ 17,672   
    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to controlling interest per common share-basic and diluted

     $ (1.47    $ (0.39    $ (0.02    $ 0.12       $ (0.04
    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net income (loss) per common share—basic

     $ (1.36    $ (0.27    $ 0.22       $ 0.15       $ 0.34   
    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net income (loss) per common share—diluted

     $ (1.36    $ (0.27    $ 0.22       $ 0.15       $ 0.33   
    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Dividends declared per common share

     $ 0.18       $ 0.36       $ 0.74       $ 1.36       $ 1.48   
    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total assets (at year-end)

     $ 1,235,535       $ 1,371,282       $ 1,491,552       $ 1,693,795       $ 1,509,611   

Notes payable (at year-end)

     $ 539,442       $ 509,509       $ 590,208       $ 942,239       $ 676,189   

Stockholders’ investment (at year-end)

     $ 603,692       $ 760,079       $ 787,411       $ 466,723       $ 554,821   

Common shares outstanding (at year-end)

       103,702         103,392         99,782         51,352         51,280   

 

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Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the Selected Financial Data and the Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes.

Overview of 2011 Performance and Company and Industry Trends

The Company entered 2011 having stabilized its financial condition by reducing its leverage ratios and by beginning the process of simplifying its business platform through the sale of non-core holdings. Overall, the economies in the Company’s core markets appeared to have stabilized but were not showing signs of any significant recovery. In light of these conditions, management set goals for 2011 that included leasing vacant space in the Company’s operating properties, selling non-core assets and seeking investment opportunities where its leasing and development expertise could enhance value over time, including operationally and financially distressed assets. The Company was successful in meeting these goals and management believes that the Company is appropriately positioned for the future.

With respect to the Company’s leasing activities, the Company began 2011 with 91% of its office portfolio leased, but with 9% of its square footage expiring in 2011. In spite of these expirations, the Company was able to maintain its current office percent leased at 90% at year-end (excluding the newly acquired Promenade). This result is a function of the Company leasing or renewing approximately 1.0 million square feet of office space in 2011 in its wholly-owned and joint venture properties in a still-challenged leasing environment.

The Company continues to show strong leasing performance in its markets relative to its size and market share. Immediately prior to the Company’s acquisition of Promenade, the Company’s average percent leased in its three core submarkets of Atlanta (Buckhead, Midtown and Downtown) was approximately 93% versus an average market rate of 83%. The Company’s assets in Austin and Charlotte are close to 100% leased versus overall market percentages of between 88% and 89%, respectively. Of the new leases signed in Atlanta in 2011, the Company obtained a higher percentage than its relative market share.

While base rents for office space have deteriorated only marginally in the recent economic downturn, concessions in the form of free rent and tenant allowances have increased significantly. In the Atlanta market, rates and concessions have stabilized, but management does not believe that there will be significant improvement until employment in Atlanta, which is running below the national average, improves. The Company’s North Carolina markets are mixed, as they are being negatively impacted by employment contraction in the banking sector, but positively impacted by the region’s exposure to the education, technology and health services industries. The Company’s Texas markets, by contrast, have experienced positive job growth and lease absorption, resulting in a decline in lease concessions and an increase in rental rates.

The Company’s retail portfolio has increased from 86% percent leased at the beginning of 2011 to 89% at year-end. The Company has been able to maintain and increase the percent leased of its retail properties in spite of consumer spending on discretionary consumer services being at a low rate relative to previous recoveries. In addition to executing a new, 72,000 square foot lease with Academy Sports at The Avenue Forsyth, the Company’s retail team renewed leases of a number of national tenants, including GAP, Chico’s and Ann Taylor as well as Stein Mart at Greenbrier MarketCenter.

In the recent periods of economic downturn and uncertainty, the Company’s retail portfolio experienced base rental rate erosion, an increase in the number of tenants paying percentage rent in lieu of base rent, and higher allowances for tenant construction. Recently, the Company has seen an improvement in tenant sales and a modest increase in expansion plans by some national retailers. As a result, terms for new leases executed in the last half of 2011 were generally more traditional in nature as they predominately included standard base rent clauses and tenant construction allowances more in line with the structure of those seen prior to the downturn, although at lower rental rates. Management expects this trend to carry forward provided consumer confidence and associated consumer spending in each of its submarkets improves.

While the Company had success with its leasing activities in 2011, it also made progress on its goal of simplifying its business structure by selling non-core assets thereby generating additional capital for investment. During the year, the Company exited the condominium business by selling the last five units at its 10 Terminus project. It substantially exited the industrial business by selling Jefferson Mill Business Park—Building A (“Jefferson Mill”), King Mill Distribution Park—Building 3 (“King Mill”) and Lakeside

 

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Ranch Business Park—Building 20 (“Lakeside”), and the industrial land in Texas. The Company reduced its holdings of other land by selling 43 acres and continued to decrease its holdings of residential lots by selling 482 lots, the most since 2007. In addition, the Company sold One Georgia Center, a 43 year-old building in Downtown Atlanta, the majority of which was leased by the Georgia Department of Transportation. As a result of these activities, the Company generated $157.0 million in proceeds for reinvestment.

To further simplify its business model to focus on Class A office properties, the Company has changed its strategy on certain land and residential holdings, as well as several other non-core assets, to more aggressively liquidate these assets. Instead of holding these assets for long-term investment or future development, the Company intends to sell these assets in bulk over a shorter time frame than previously intended. As a result of this change, the Company recorded impairment losses of $133.0 million in the fourth quarter of 2011. In addition, after the end of 2011, the Company entered into a contract to sell the majority of the residential projects owned in two joint ventures to its joint venture partner. The Company also expects to sell in bulk the assets related to other residential projects, thereby effectively exiting the residential development business. From this strategy shift, the Company expects it will generate proceeds from asset sales over time. Also, its estimated future capital outlays for development and for holding costs on these assets will be significantly reduced or eliminated.

With the additional proceeds generated in 2011 from asset sales, the Company was able to achieve another of its goals for 2011—to invest in assets in its core markets that management expects to add value over time. The most significant of these investments was the acquisition of Promenade, a 775,000 square foot Class A office building in the midtown submarket of Atlanta. Upon acquisition, the building was 59% leased and is, in management’s judgment, well-located in one of the most desirable sub-markets in metropolitan Atlanta. The Company expects its relationships with top-tier Atlanta companies and its reputation for providing superior property management services will generate leasing momentum for the building’s vacant space. The Company has already capitalized on its strengths by leasing 32,000 square feet since acquisition, bringing the building to 63% leased.

The Company also commenced two development projects in 2011. The Emory Point Phase I project is a mixed-use development adjacent to Emory University and the Centers for Disease Control that is expected to contain 443 apartment units and 80,000 square feet of retail space. The Company obtained this opportunity through its relationship with Emory University and is constructing the project in a joint venture with apartment developer Gables Residential. The project is located in what management believes to be a high barrier-to-entry submarket with high demand for housing, restaurants and other retail from students and employees of Emory University and Centers for Disease Control.

The Company also began work on Mahan Village, a 147,000 square foot retail center, anchored by Publix and Academy Sports, in Tallahassee, Florida, which was 79% leased prior to commencement. The Company obtained this opportunity when the existing developer needed assistance with financing.

During 2011, the Company invested $170.1 million in these three acquisition and development projects and expects to invest an additional $7.5 million, net of construction loans, in Emory Point and Mahan Village in future years.

Beyond 2011, the Company plans to continue to simplify its business model and to move toward holding substantially all of its assets in Class A office properties. The Company expects most of these assets will be located in its core markets of Georgia, Texas and North Carolina. The Company will continue to prefer investment opportunities that are financially or operationally distressed, thereby creating opportunities to add value through its leasing, asset management and development teams. In addition, the Company could acquire stable operating office properties in order to achieve strategic objectives. There is no guarantee that management will be able to achieve its goals, which could have an adverse impact on its results of operations.

Critical Accounting Policies

The Company’s financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) as outlined in the Financial Accounting Standards Board’s (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”), and the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements include a summary of the significant accounting policies for the Company. The preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires the use of certain estimates, a change in which could materially

 

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affect revenues, expenses, assets or liabilities. Some of the Company’s accounting policies are considered to be critical accounting policies, which are ones that are both important to the portrayal of a company’s financial condition and results of operations, and ones that also require significant judgment or complex estimation processes. The Company’s critical accounting policies are as follows:

Long-Lived Assets

Cost Capitalization. The Company is involved in all stages of real estate ownership, including development. Prior to the point a project becomes probable of being developed (defined as more likely than not), the Company expenses predevelopment costs. After management determines the project is probable, all subsequently incurred predevelopment costs, as well as interest, real estate taxes and certain internal personnel and associated costs directly related to the project under development, are capitalized in accordance with accounting rules. If the Company abandons development of a project that had earlier been deemed probable, the Company charges all previously capitalized costs to expense. If this occurs, the Company’s predevelopment expenses could rise significantly in that period because all capitalized predevelopment costs associated with that project would be charged to expense in the period that this change occurs. The determination of whether a project is probable requires judgment by management. If management determines that a project is probable, interest, general and administrative and other expenses could be materially different than if management determines the project is not probable.

During both the predevelopment period and the period in which a project is under construction, the Company capitalizes all direct and indirect costs associated with planning, developing, leasing and constructing the project. Determination of what costs constitute direct and indirect project costs requires management, in some cases, to exercise judgment. If management determines certain costs to be direct or indirect project costs, amounts recorded in projects under development on the balance sheet and amounts recorded in general and administrative and other expenses on the statement of operations could be materially different than if management determines these costs are not directly or indirectly associated with the project.

Once a project is constructed and deemed substantially complete and held for occupancy, subsequent carrying costs, such as real estate taxes, interest, internal personnel and associated costs, are expensed as incurred. Determination of when construction of a project is substantially complete and held available for occupancy requires judgment. The Company considers projects and/or project phases substantially complete and held for occupancy at the earlier of the date on which the project or phase reached occupancy of 95% or one year from the issuance of a certificate of occupancy. The Company’s judgment of the date the project is substantially complete has a direct impact on the Company’s operating expenses and net income for the period.

Operating Property Acquisitions. From time to time, the Company acquires operating properties. The acquired tangible and intangible assets and assumed liabilities of operating property acquisitions are recorded at fair value at the acquisition date. Fair value is based on estimated cash flow projections that utilize available market information and discount and/or capitalization rates as appropriate. Estimates of future cash flows are based on a number of factors including historical operating results, known and anticipated trends, and market and economic conditions. The acquired assets and assumed liabilities for an acquired operating property generally include, but are not limited to: land, buildings, and identified tangible and intangible assets and liabilities associated with in-place leases, including tenant improvements, leasing costs, value of above-market and below-market leases, and acquired in-place lease values.

The fair value of land is derived from comparable sales of land within the same submarket and/or region. The fair value of buildings, tenant improvements, and leasing costs are based upon current market replacement costs and other relevant market rate information.

The fair value of the above-market or below-market component of an acquired in-place lease is based upon the present value (calculated using a market discount rate) of the difference between (i) the contractual rents to be paid pursuant to the lease over its remaining term and (ii) management’s estimate of the rents that would be paid using fair market rental rates and rent escalations at the date of acquisition over the remaining term of the lease. In-place leases at acquired properties are reviewed at the time of acquisition to determine if contractual rents are above or below current market rents for the acquired property, and an identifiable intangible asset or liability is recorded if there is an above or below-market lease.

 

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The fair value of acquired in-place leases is derived based on management’s assessment of lost revenue and costs incurred for the period required to lease the “assumed vacant” property to the occupancy level when purchased. This fair value is based on a variety of considerations including, but not necessarily limited to: (1) the value associated with avoiding the cost of originating the acquired in-place leases; (2) the value associated with lost revenue related to tenant reimbursable operating costs estimated to be incurred during the assumed lease-up period; and (3) the value associated with lost rental revenue from existing leases during the assumed lease-up period. Factors considered in performing these analyses include an estimate of the carrying costs during the expected lease-up periods, such as real estate taxes, insurance and other operating expenses, current market conditions, and costs to execute similar leases, such as leasing commissions, legal and other related expenses.

The amounts recorded for above-market and in-place leases are included in Other Assets on the Balance Sheets, and the amounts for below-market leases are included in Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities on the Balance Sheets. These amounts are amortized on a straight-line basis as an adjustment to rental income over the remaining term of the applicable leases.

The determination of the fair value of the acquired tangible and intangible assets and assumed liabilities of operating property acquisitions requires significant judgments and assumptions about the numerous inputs discussed above. The use of different assumptions in these fair value calculations could significantly affect the reported amounts of the allocation of the acquisition related assets and liabilities and the related amortization and depreciation expense recorded for such assets and liabilities. In addition, since the value of above- and below-market leases are amortized as either a reduction or increase to rental income, respectively, the judgments for these intangibles could have a significant impact on reported rental revenues and results of operations.

Depreciation and Amortization. The Company depreciates or amortizes operating real estate assets over their estimated useful lives using the straight-line method of depreciation. Management uses judgment when estimating the life of the real estate assets and when allocating certain indirect project costs to projects under development. Historical data, comparable properties and replacement costs are some of the factors considered in determining useful lives and cost allocations. If management incorrectly estimates the useful lives of the Company’s real estate assets or if cost allocations are not appropriate, then depreciation and amortization may not be reflected properly in the Company’s results of operations.

The Company generally amortizes tenant costs over the lease term. In certain situations, the tenant may not fulfill its commitments under its lease, and the estimated amortization period of those tenant assets could change, which would result in accelerated amortization of tenant costs or a change in the amortization period, thereby directly affecting the current year’s net income.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets – Real Estate Assets. On a quarterly basis, management reviews its real estate assets on a property-by-property basis for impairment. This review includes the Company’s operating properties, the Company’s holdings of undeveloped land and the Company’s residential lot developments.

The first step in this process is for management to use judgment to determine whether an asset is considered to be held and used or held for sale, in accordance with applicable accounting standards. In order to be considered a long-lived asset held for sale, management must, among other things, have the authority to commit to a plan to sell the asset in its current condition, have commenced the plan to sell the asset and have determined that it is probable that the asset will sell within one year. If management determines that an asset is held for sale, it must record an impairment loss if the fair value less costs to sell is less than the carrying amount. All real estate assets not meeting the held for sale criteria are considered to be held and used.

In the impairment analysis for assets held and used, management must use judgment to determine whether there are indicators of impairment. For operating properties, these indicators could include a decline in a property’s leasing percentage, a current period operating loss or negative cash flows combined with a history of losses at the property, a decline on lease rates for that property or others in the property’s market, or an adverse change in the financial condition of significant tenants. For land holdings, indicators could include on overall decline in the market value of land in the region, a decline in development activity for the intended use of the land or other adverse economic and market conditions. For residential lot developments, indicators could include a decline in the selling price of completed lots, an increase in inventory of residential lots in a particular project’s market area, or other general adverse market conditions with respect to new home development and sale.

 

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If management determines that an asset that is held and used has indicators of impairment, it must determine whether the future estimated undiscounted net cash flows expected to be generated from that asset exceed the carrying amount of the asset. If the undiscounted net cash flows are less than the carrying amount of the asset, the Company must reduce the carrying amount of the asset to fair value.

In calculating the undiscounted net cash flows of an asset, management must estimate a number of inputs. For operating properties, management must estimate future rental rates, expenditures for future leases, future operating expenses, market capitalization rates for residual values, among other things. For land holdings, management must estimate future development costs as well as operating income, expenses and residual capitalization rates for land held for future development. Management also must estimate future sales prices for land that it intends to hold for sale to a developer or for sale in a build-to suit project. For residential lot developments, management must estimate future sales prices, costs to complete development, carrying costs and other costs to complete the development.

In determining the fair value of an asset, management may use a discounted cash flow calculation or utilize comparable market information. Management must determine an appropriate discount rate to apply to the cash flows in the discounted cash flow calculation. Management must use judgment in analyzing comparable market information because no two real estate assets are identical in location and price.

The estimates and judgments used in the impairment process are highly subjective and susceptible to frequent change. If management determines that an asset is held and used, the results of operations could be materially different than if it determines that an asset is held for sale. Different assumptions management uses in the calculation of undiscounted net cash flows of a project could cause a material impairment loss to be recognized when no impairment is otherwise warranted. Management’s assumptions about the discount rate used in a discounted cash flow estimate of fair value and management’s judgment with respect to market information could materially affect the decision to record impairment losses or, if required, the amount of the impairment losses.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets—Investments in Joint Ventures. On a quarterly basis, management performs an impairment analysis of the recoverability of its investments in joint ventures in accordance with accounting rules. This review includes management analyzing its investments in joint ventures for indicators of impairment. If indicators of impairment are present for any of the Company’s investments in joint ventures, management calculates the fair value of the investment. If the fair value of the investment is less than the carrying value of the investment, management must determine whether the impairment is temporary or other than temporary, as defined. If management assesses the impairment to be temporary, the Company does not record an impairment charge. If management concludes that the impairment is other than temporary, the Company records an impairment charge.

Management uses considerable judgment in determining whether there are indicators of impairment present and in the assumptions, estimations and inputs used in calculating the fair value of the investment. Management also uses judgment in making the determination as to whether the impairment is temporary or other than temporary. The Company utilizes guidance provided by the SEC in making the determination of whether the impairment is temporary. The guidance indicates that companies consider the length of time that the impairment has existed, the financial condition of the joint venture and the ability and intent of the holder to retain the investment long enough for a recovery in market value. Management’s judgment as to the fair value of the investment or on the conclusion of the nature of the impairment could have a material impact on the results of operations and financial condition of the Company.

Revenue Recognition

Residential Lot and Certain Land Tract Sales. When selling lots or certain land tracts contained in an integrated residential development project, management records cost of sales based on a profit percentage. This profit percentage is calculated based on the aggregate estimated sales prices for the overall development and the aggregate estimated costs for the overall development. Management must use significant judgment in determining the future estimated sales prices and costs. Markets for residential lots and land can change over time, and therefore, historical sales prices may not be indicative of a project’s prices over its lifetime. In

 

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addition, sales may not occur at a consistent or predictable rate. This has been particularly true over the past several years in the residential real estate markets in which the Company operates. Costs of a project may change over time, particularly if timing of sales changes and becomes extended. Management’s judgment on the estimated selling prices, the estimated costs and the timing of projects could materially affect the amount the Company records as its cost of sales on residential lots and certain land tracts.

Valuation of Receivables. The Company generates a significant percentage of its revenues from base rentals and expense reimbursements from tenant leases in office and retail properties. In some cases, receivables are recognized for amounts due under leases or other contracts and agreements, which ultimately may not be collected. The Notes and Other Receivables line item on the Balance Sheet includes current tenant rent receivables and amounts deferred for tenant leases under the straight-line method of accounting, and the balance is shown net of an allowance for doubtful accounts. The Company reviews its receivables regularly for potential collection problems in computing the allowance to record against its receivables. This review process requires management to make certain judgments regarding collectibility, notwithstanding the fact that ultimate collections are inherently difficult to predict. Economic conditions fluctuate over time, and the Company has tenants in various different industries which experience frequent changes in economic health, which makes historical information often not useful in predicting collectibility. Therefore certain receivables currently deemed collectible could become uncollectible, and those reserved could be ultimately collected. A change in judgments made could result in an adjustment to the allowance for doubtful accounts with a corresponding effect on net income.

Income Taxes – Valuation Allowance

In accordance with accounting rules, a valuation allowance is established against a deferred tax asset if, based on the available evidence, it is more likely than not that such assets will not be realized. The realization of a deferred tax asset ultimately depends on the existence of sufficient taxable income in either the carryback or carryforward periods under tax law. The Company periodically assesses the need for valuation allowances for deferred tax assets based on the more-likely-than-not realization threshold criterion. In the assessment, appropriate consideration is given to all positive and negative evidence related to the realization of the deferred tax assets. This assessment requires considerable judgment by management and includes, among other matters, the nature, frequency and severity of current and cumulative losses, forecasts of future profitability, the duration of statutory carryforward periods, its experience with operating loss and tax credit carryforwards and tax planning alternatives. If management determines that the Company requires a valuation allowance on its deferred tax assets, income tax expense or benefit could be materially different than if management determines no such valuation allowance is necessary.

Accounting for Non-Wholly Owned Entities

The Company holds ownership interests in a number of joint ventures with varying structures. Management evaluates all of its joint ventures and other variable interests to determine if the entity is a variable interest entity (“VIE”), as defined in accounting rules. If the venture is a VIE, and if management determines that the Company is the primary beneficiary, the Company consolidates the assets, liabilities and results of operations of the VIE. The Company reassesses its conclusions as to whether the entity is a VIE and whether consolidation is appropriate as required under the rules. For entities that are not determined to be VIEs, management evaluates whether or not the Company has control or significant influence over the joint venture to determine the appropriate consolidation and presentation. Generally, entities under the Company’s control are consolidated, and entities over which the Company can exert significant influence, but does not control, are accounted for under the equity method of accounting.

Management uses judgment to determine whether an entity is a VIE, whether the Company is the primary beneficiary of a VIE and whether the Company exercises control over the entity. If management determines that an entity is a VIE with the Company as primary beneficiary or if management concludes that the Company exercises control over the entity, the balance sheet and statement of operations would be significantly different than if management concludes otherwise. In addition, VIEs require different disclosures in the notes to the financial statements than entities that are not VIEs. Management may also change its conclusions, and thereby change its balance sheet, statement of operations and notes to the financial statements, based on facts and circumstances that arise after the original consolidation determination is made. These changes could include additional equity contributed to entities, changes in the allocation of cash flow to entity partners and changes in the expected results within the entity.

 

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Discussion of New Accounting Pronouncements

In June 2011, the FASB issued new guidance related to the presentation of other comprehensive income (“OCI”). Currently, the Company includes components of OCI in the Statements of Equity. The new guidance requires, among other items, the presentation of the components of net income and OCI in one continuous statement or in two separate but consecutive statements. The guidance is effective for periods beginning after December 15, 2011. The Company does not expect adoption of this guidance to have a material effect on results of operations or financial condition.

Results of Operations For The Three Years Ended December 31, 2011

General. The Company’s financial results have historically been significantly affected by sale transactions and the fees generated by, and start-up operations of, real estate developments. These types of transactions and developments do not necessarily recur. Accordingly, the Company’s historical financial statements may not be indicative of future operating results.

Rental Property Revenues. Overall, rental property revenues increased $5.1 million (4%) between 2011 and 2010, and increased approximately $2.3 million (2%) between 2010 and 2009.

Comparison of Year Ended December 31, 2011 to 2010.

Office — Rental property revenues from the office portfolio increased $3.7 million (4%) between 2011 and 2010 as a result of the following:

 

   

Increase of $1.6 million as a result of the 2011 Promenade acquisition;

 

   

Increase of $830,000 at Terminus 100 due in part to an increase in average economic occupancy from 92% in 2010 to 96% in 2011 and to an increase in parking revenues;

 

   

Increase of $854,000 at the American Cancer Society Center (the “ACS Center”), primarily due to an increase in average economic occupancy from 85% in 2010 to 89% in 2011;

 

   

Increase of $1.0 million at 191 Peachtree Tower, due in part to an increase in average economic occupancy from 75% in 2010 to 76% in 2011 and to an increase in parking revenues; and

 

   

Decrease of $369,000 at 600 University Park Place where average economic occupancy decreased from 98% in 2010 to 78% in 2011;

Retail — Rental property revenues from the retail portfolio increased $1.4 million (4%) between 2011 and 2010 as a result of the following:

 

   

Increase of $2.0 million at The Avenue Forsyth, as a result of an increase in average economic occupancy from 70% in 2010 to 73% in 2011, and as a result of higher revenues from the elimination of certain co-tenancy contingencies in 2011; and

 

   

Decrease of $691,000 at The Avenue Collierville, where average economic occupancy decreased from 90% in 2010 to 88% in 2011.

Comparison of Year Ended December 31, 2010 to 2009.

Office — Rental property revenues from the office portfolio increased $956,000 (1%) between 2010 and 2009 as a result of the following:

 

   

Increase of $4.6 million in 2010 related to 191 Peachtree Tower, where average economic occupancy increased from 61% in 2009 to 75% in 2010;

 

   

Decrease of $2.4 million in 2010 from the ACS Center, where average economic occupancy decreased from 92% in 2009 to 85% in 2010, primarily due to the expiration of the 139,000 square foot AT&T lease in the third quarter of 2009; and

 

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Decrease of $727,000 in 2010 from Terminus 100 due to a decrease in revenues from retail tenants, a decrease in parking revenues and an adjustment to tenant recovery revenues caused by a decrease in recoverable expenses.

Retail—Rental property revenues from the retail portfolio increased $1.3 million (4%) between 2010 and 2009 as a result of the following:

 

   

Increase of $2.6 million in 2010 from The Avenue Forsyth where average economic occupancy increased from 58% in 2009 to 70% in 2010; and

 

   

Decrease of $942,000 in 2010 related to The Avenue Webb Gin, mainly due to the sale of four leased outparcels during 2010.

Rental Property Operating Expenses. Rental property operating expenses increased approximately $2.2 million (4%) in 2011 compared to 2010 as a result of the following:

 

   

Increase of $953,000 as a result of the 2011 acquisition of Promenade; and

 

   

Increase of $411,000 at The Avenue Forsyth due to an increase in average economic occupancy and to an increase in property taxes.

Rental property operating expenses decreased approximately $4.2 million (7%) in 2010 compared to 2009 as a result of the following:

 

   

Decrease of $1.0 million in 2010 from Terminus 100 due to a decrease in bad debt expense, a decrease in parking costs and a true up of 2008 operating expenses made during 2009;

 

   

Decrease of $1.3 million in 2010 from 191 Peachtree Tower due primarily to a decrease in bad debt expense during 2010 compared to 2009;

 

   

Decrease of $961,000 in 2010 from The Avenue Carriage Crossing due to a decrease in real estate tax expense based on an anticipated reduction in assessments, a reduction in insurance costs and a decrease in bad debt expense; and

 

   

Decrease of $657,000 in 2010 from The Avenue Webb Gin due mainly to a decrease in bad debt expense.

Fee Income. The Company generates fee income through the leasing, management and development of properties owned by joint ventures in which the Company has an ownership interest and from certain other third party owners outside of its Cousins Properties Services (“CPS”) subsidiary. These amounts vary by years due to the development and leasing needs at the underlying properties and the mix of contracts with third parties. Amounts are expected to continue to vary in future years based on volume and composition.

Fee income decreased approximately $623,000 (4%) between 2011 and 2010. This decrease is the result of a decrease in leasing fees of $515,000 mainly due to higher levels of leasing occurring at the Palisades West LLC and MSREF/Cousins Terminus 200 LLC (“MSREF/T200”) ventures during 2010, partially offset by fees received from the Ten Peachtree Place Associates and Crawford Long – CPI, LLC ventures in 2011.

Fee income increased $2.6 million (22%) between 2009 and 2010. This increase is the result of an increase in leasing fees of approximately $1.9 million, primarily due to leasing fees of approximately $1.6 million recognized from the MSREF/T200 venture formed in 2010.

Third Party Management and Leasing Revenues. Third party management and leasing revenues represent amounts recognized from contracts with the CPS subsidiary, which performs management and leasing for certain third party-owned office and retail properties. Management fees fluctuate based on the number and size of the properties within the CPS portfolio. Leasing fees fluctuate based on the rollover activity at the underlying properties and the overall supply and demand for leased space within the individual markets. These revenues, including expense reimbursements, did not change significantly between 2011 and 2010. Between 2010 and 2009, these revenues decreased approximately $3.0 million (14%), due to a drop in the average square feet managed between the years.

 

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Multi-Family Residential Sales and Cost of Sales. Multi-family residential unit sales and cost of sales decreased $29.8 million and $24.5 million 2011 and 2010, respectively. The Company had closed all but seven units at 10 Terminus Place as of December 31, 2010. Five of these units closed in 2011 compared to 75 in 2010. At 60 North Market, all the multi-family residential units closed in 2010, and a small amount of commercial space was sold during 2011, with a small amount remaining to be sold at December 31, 2011.

Multi-family residential sales and cost of sales increased $3.6 million and $1.4 million between 2010 and 2009, respectively, due to the following:

 

   

Closed 75 units at 10 Terminus Place in 2010 compared to 42 units in 2009, resulting in an increase of $16.7 million in sales and a $12.5 million increase in cost of sales;

 

   

Closed the five remaining residential units at 60 North Market in 2010 compared to 24 residential units in 2009 resulting in a decrease in sales of $6.2 million and in cost of sales of $5.7 million. The Company acquired this project in 2009, and sold the majority of the units acquired during 2009; and

 

   

Decrease of $6.9 million in sales, and a decrease of $5.3 million in cost of sales from The Brownstones at Habersham. The Company purchased this project in 2009 and sold all the units in the same year.

Residential Lot and Outparcel Sales and Cost of Sales. Combined residential lot and outparcel sales decreased $12.9 million between 2011 and 2010, and increased $8.5 million between 2010 and 2009. Combined residential lot and outparcel cost of sales decreased $7.8 million between 2011 and 2010 and increased $5.7 million between 2010 and 2009.

Residential Lot Sales and Cost of Sales – Sales less cost of sales from consolidated residential lot sales decreased $500,000 between 2011 and 2010. The Company sold 26 lots in 2011 compared to 39 lots in 2010.

Sales less cost of sales from consolidated residential lot sales increased $93,000 between 2010 and 2009. The increase is the result of a bulk sale of 25 lots in the fourth quarter of 2010 at the Company’s Cedar Grove project in Atlanta, Georgia.

Outparcel Sales and Cost of Sales – Outparcel sales less cost of sales, decreased $4.6 million between 2011 and 2010 and increased $2.8 million between 2010 and 2009. There were no outparcel sales in 2011, and eight and three outparcel sales in 2010 and 2009, respectively.

General and Administrative (G&A) Expenses. G&A expense decreased approximately $4.4 million (15%) between 2011 and 2010 as a result of the following:

 

   

Decrease in employee salaries and benefits, other than stock-based compensation, of approximately $1.7 million primarily due to a decrease in the number of Company corporate employees between 2011 and 2010;

 

   

Decrease stock-based compensation expense of approximately $1.7 million primarily due to a decrease in the valuation of stock-based awards, resulting mainly from a decline in the Company’s stock price between the periods;

 

   

Decrease of $298,000 due to a decrease in professional fees; and

 

   

Increase of $327,000 in board of director’s expenses, mainly due to a change in director compensation in 2011.

G&A expense increased approximately $2.3 million (9%) between 2010 and 2009 as a result of the following:

 

   

Increase in salaries and benefits before capitalization of approximately $2.9 million due to an increase in bonus expense in 2010, as the Company paid no bonuses to employees in 2009. This increase is partially offset by a decrease in the number of employees between the years;

 

   

Decrease in the capitalization of salaries and benefits of $825,000 in 2010. The Company capitalizes salaries and benefits of personnel who work on qualified development projects or those who work on leases that have been executed or certain leases that are probable of being executed. These costs are allocated to the related project and reduce G&A expense. The number of development projects and leases vary between years, and the amount of qualified development projects decreased between 2010 and 2009;

 

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Decrease of approximately $704,000 in costs associated with operating the Company’s airplane, which was sold in the fourth quarter of 2009; and

 

   

Decrease of approximately $353,000 due to decreased advertising and marketing expenditures relating to the Company’s residential and for-sale multi-family projects.

Separation Expenses. Separation expenses decreased approximately $848,000 between 2011 and 2010 and $2.2 million between 2010 and 2009. The Company had reductions in force in each of the years presented, which varied by number of employees and positions between years. Approximately $2.0 million of the decrease between 2010 and 2009 was due to expense recognized in 2009 for the lump sum cash payment and for the modification of stock compensation awards related to the retirement of the Company’s former chief executive officer.

Interest Expense. Interest expense decreased $9.4 million (25%) between 2011 and 2010 due to the following:

 

   

Lower interest expense related to the payment of $56.2 million of higher cost fixed-rate mortgage debt using proceeds from the lower-rate Credit Facility;

 

   

Lower interest expense as a result of the termination of two interest rate swaps in 2010 which had effectively fixed certain variable-rate debt at a rate higher than the variable rate paid in 2011;

 

   

Reduced interest expense from the Terminus 100 mortgage note payable, which was refinanced in 2010 at a lower interest rate and a $40.0 million reduction in principal; and

 

   

Higher interest expense due to higher average amounts outstanding under the Credit Facility, mainly due to 2011 draws to construct Emory Point and Mahan Village and to acquire Promenade in 2011, partially offset by proceeds from asset sales.

Interest expense decreased $2.6 million (6%) between 2010 and 2009 due to the following:

 

   

Lower average borrowings, related primarily to the full year’s effect of the 2009 common equity offering, and a lower average interest rate, mainly due to interest rate swap terminations, on the Credit Facility in 2010 compared to 2009;

 

   

Repayment of a term loan which was under the Credit Facility in July 2010 and the termination of the associated interest rate swap;

 

   

Repayment of the 8.39% Meridian Mark Plaza note payable in July 2010. The Company entered into a new note payable secured by Meridian Mark Plaza at an interest rate of 6%; and

 

   

Decrease in capitalized interest of $3.7 million in 2010. Interest is capitalized to certain qualifying projects during their construction, which reduces interest expense. When development declines, the amount of interest which qualifies for capitalization falls. The Company had a decrease in projects under development in 2010, and capitalized less interest, which partially offset the decrease in interest expense.

Depreciation and Amortization. Depreciation and amortization decreased approximately $3.1 million (6%) between 2011 and 2010 due to following:

 

   

Decrease of $2.4 million from 191 Peachtree Tower due to accelerated amortization in 2010 of tenant assets for a tenant who terminated its lease prior to the originally scheduled end date, partially offset by higher tenant improvement amortization from increased occupancy in 2011 compared to 2010;

 

   

Decrease of $843,000 from Terminus 100 due to accelerated amortization in 2010 of mostly retail tenants who terminated their leases prior to the originally scheduled end date;

 

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Decrease of $1.0 million from The Avenue Collierville and The Avenue Webb Gin due to accelerated amortization in 2010 from tenants who terminated their leases prior to the originally scheduled end date;

 

   

Increase of $713,000 from the 2011 acquisition of Promenade;

 

   

Increase of $418,000 from increased occupancy at the ACS Center; and

 

   

Increase of $727,000 at 555 North Point Center East, as a tenant terminated its lease early and the amortization of the related tenant improvements was accelerated.

Depreciation and amortization increased approximately $5.5 million (12%) between 2010 and 2009 primarily as a result of the following:

 

   

Increase of $4.8 million related to higher tenant improvement amortization from increased occupancy at 191 Peachtree Tower between 2010 and 2009, and to accelerated amortization in 2010 of tenant assets for a tenant who terminated its lease prior to the originally schedule end date;

 

   

Increase of $1.5 million at The Avenue Forsyth due to an increase in occupancy;

 

   

Increase of $969,000 at The Avenue Webb Gin due partially to accelerated amortization in 2010 of assets for tenants who terminated their leases prior to the originally scheduled end date and to an increase in average economic occupancy from 81% in 2009 to 84% in 2010;

 

   

Decrease of $715,000 at Terminus 100 due partially to accelerated amortization in 2009 for tenants who either terminated their leases or reduced their space and to a decrease in economic occupancy from 95% in 2009 to 92% in 2010;

 

   

Decrease of $655,000 due to the sale of the Company’s airplane in 2009; and

 

   

Decrease of $809,000 in depreciation of furniture, fixtures and equipment for the corporate offices due to a reduction in staff and office space, as well as equipment still being used which is fully depreciated.

Impairment Losses. During 2011, management began a strategic review and analysis of its residential and land businesses, as well as certain of its operating properties, in an attempt to determine the most effective way to maximize the value of its holdings. As a result of this review, in February 2012, the Company determined that it would liquidate its holdings of certain non-core assets in bulk on a more accelerated timeline and at lower prices than initially planned and re-deploy this capital, primarily into office properties within its core markets. Consequently, the Company recorded impairment losses on certain residential projects, land holdings and operating properties during the quarter ended December 31, 2011. These impairment losses, which are included in costs and expenses on the accompanying Statements of Operations, are detailed below, along with those recorded in 2010 and 2009 (in thousands):

 

September 30, September 30, September 30,
       2011        2010        2009  

Residential and land

     $ 96,523         $ —           $ —     

Operating properties

       7,632             

Investment in Verde Realty

       3,508           —             —     

60 N. Market/related note receivable

       100           586           1,600   

Handy Road land

       —             1,968           —     

10 Terminus Place

            —             34,900   

Company airplane

            —             4,012   
    

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
     $ 107,763         $ 2,554         $ 40,512   
    

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

2011 Impairment Losses. In the fourth quarter of 2011, the Company revised the cash flow projections in light of the strategic review and analysis discussed above for its land and residential holdings as well as two operating properties that were being held for long term investment opportunities. The cash flow revisions reflected a higher probability that the Company would sell the assets in the short term than holding them for long term investment and development opportunities. As a result of these revisions, the undiscounted cash flows of 12 residential and land projects, as well as two operating properties, were less than their carrying amounts, and the Company recorded impairment losses to adjust these carrying amounts to fair value.

 

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In the first quarter of 2011, the Company recorded an other-than-temporary impairment on its investment in Verde Realty (“Verde”), a cost method investment in a non-public real estate investment trust, to adjust the carrying amount of the Company’s investment to fair value, as a result of an analysis performed in connection with Verde’s withdrawal of its proposed public offering.

2010 Impairment Losses. Handy Road was an encumbered, undeveloped parcel of land in suburban Atlanta, Georgia, that the Company was holding for future development or sale. In 2010, the Company determined that it would convey the land to the bank through foreclosure. As a result, the Company recognized an impairment loss to record the land at its fair value. 60 North Market is a multi-family residential project in Asheville, North Carolina that was acquired by the Company in 2009. In 2010, the Company recorded an impairment loss on the project as it determined the fair value of the project had declined since its acquisition (see 2009 section below).

2009 Impairment Losses. 10 Terminus Place is a multi-family residential project in Atlanta, Georgia. In 2009, market conditions for for-sale multi-family residential projects deteriorated, and the Company recorded an impairment loss to record the project at estimated fair value. 60 North Market (see 2010 section above) was acquired by the Company in satisfaction of a note receivable, and the Company recorded an impairment loss upon acquisition. In addition, the Company sold its corporate airplane at an amount lower than its cost basis, which resulted in an impairment loss.

Additional Information Related to Impairment Losses. Most of the Company’s real estate assets are considered to be held for use pursuant to the accounting rules. If management’s strategy changes on any of these assets, the Company may be required to record significant impairment charges in future periods. Changes that could cause these impairment losses include: (1) a decision by the Company to sell the asset rather than hold for long-term investment or development purposes, or (2) changes in management’s estimates of future cash flows from the assets that cause the future undiscounted cash flows to be less than the asset’s carrying amount. Given the uncertainties with the economic environment and the amount of the Company’s land and residential lot holdings, management cannot predict whether or not the Company will incur impairment losses in the future, and if impairment losses are recorded, management cannot predict the magnitude of such losses.

Other Expense. Other expense did not change significantly between 2011 and 2010 and decreased $8.7 million (66%) between 2010 and 2009. Other expense includes predevelopment costs that the Company incurs prior to the stage where a project is considered probable of being developed. Once a project is determined to be probable, the Company capitalizes all predevelopment costs associated with the project. If the Company subsequently abandons a project that had been considered probable, the Company writes the previously capitalized costs off and records them in Other Expense. In 2011, 2010 and 2009, the Company abandoned one, one and three predevelopment projects, respectively, and recorded predevelopment expense associated with these abandoned projects of $937,000, $829,000 and $7.7 million in such years, respectively. Other Expense also includes funding costs such as real estate taxes, insurance and homeowners’ association expenses for completed development projects and property taxes and other costs for undeveloped land holdings. These holding costs decreased by $1.1 million between 2011 and 2010 and $1.4 million between 2010 and 2009 due to corresponding changes in the number of projects the Company was funding. In addition, acquisition costs increased approximately $468,000 between 2011 and 2010, primarily due to the acquisition of the Promenade office building in 2011.

Loss on Extinguishment of Debt and Interest Rate Swaps. In 2011, the Company prepaid the Lakeshore Park Plaza mortgage note and as a result, charged $74,000 of unamortized loan closing costs to expense. In 2010, the Company incurred a fee of $9.2 million to terminate an interest rate swap on a term loan. In addition, in 2010, the Company restructured its Credit Facility and wrote off $592,000 in unamortized loan closing costs related to the previous credit facility. In 2009, the Company paid fees of $2.8 million for the termination of one $75 million interest rate swap and the reduction of the notional amount of another interest rate swap from $75 million to $40 million. (See Notes 2 and 3 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding the interest rate swaps.)

 

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Benefit (Provision) for Income Taxes from Operations. Income taxes from operations was a benefit of $186,000 and $1.1 million in 2011 and 2010, respectively, and was a provision of $4.3 million in 2009. In 2009, the Company recorded a valuation allowance against the net deferred tax asset of its taxable REIT subsidiary, CREC. The Company was unable to predict with enough certainty whether the deferred tax asset and the current year benefits would ultimately be realized. Although CREC has operating losses, the Company is continuing to recognize no current income tax benefit due to the ongoing uncertainty of realization of these benefits. This uncertainty is the result of the continued decline in the housing market which directly impacts CREC’s residential lot and land business. In the fourth quarter of 2009, Congress changed certain tax laws which allowed the Company to carry back 2009 operating losses to profitable years. As a result, the Company recognized a benefit of $3.1 million in the fourth quarter of 2009, and an additional $1.1 million benefit in the first quarter of 2010.

Income (Loss) from Unconsolidated Joint Ventures.

Equity in net income (loss) from unconsolidated joint ventures. Income from unconsolidated joint ventures decreased $27.2 million between 2011 and 2010 and increased $27.1 million between 2010 and 2009. These changes were primarily due to impairment losses taken at four joint ventures. These impairment losses were recorded on specific assets held by the joint ventures, discussed below, in accordance with accounting standards for long-lived assets. A summary of the Company’s share of the impairment losses recorded at these ventures is as follows (in thousands):

 

September 30, September 30, September 30,
       2011        2010        2009  

Temco

     $ 14,580         $ —           $ 631   

CL Realty

       13,565           2,229           2,619   

Terminus 200 LLC

       —             —             20,931   

Pine Mountain Builders

       —             1,517           —     
    

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
     $ 28,145         $ 3,746         $ 24,181   
    

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

During 2011, CL Realty and Temco updated its cash flow projections for its projects and determined the cash flows to be generated by certain projects were less than their carrying amounts. Consequently, Temco and CL Realty recorded impairment losses in 2011 to record these assets at fair value, the Company’s share of which was $14.6 million and $13.6 million, respectively. In February 2012, CL Realty and Temco entered into a contract with its 50% partner, Forestar Realty Inc., to sell the majority of the ventures’ residential projects and land acreage for $23.5 million. The contract price approximates the adjusted carrying value of the applicable assets, and the ventures do not expect a significant gain or loss on this transaction.

The impairment loss at CL Realty in 2010 relates primarily to a decision to sell rather than develop a parcel of land in Padre Island, Texas, which required CL Realty to reduce the carrying cost of the parcel to fair value. The impairment loss at Pine Mountain Builders in 2010 relates primarily to a decision to sell six model homes held by this entity at amounts below their carrying cost.

The impairment loss at Temco in 2009 relates to a change in cash flow assumptions at one if its projects resulting in an adjustment to record the project at fair value. The impairment loss at CL Realty in 2009 relates to an adjustment to record an underlying investment CL Realty held in an unconsolidated joint venture to zero. The impairment loss at Terminus 200 LLC (“T200”) in 2009 represents the Company’s share of an adjustment to reduce the carrying amount of the building owned by T200 to fair value as a result of a change in estimates of future cash flows from operations and ultimate disposition of the building.

Additional joint venture results – 2011 to 2010:

 

   

Increase in income of $2.4 million from Cousins Watkins LLC, as this joint venture was formed at the end of 2010;

 

   

Increase in income of $593,000 from Palisades West LLC, as the average economic occupancy at the office buildings owned by this joint venture increased from 72% in 2010 to 97% in 2011;

 

   

Decrease in income of $3.9 million at CL Realty before impairments due to a reduction in net profits on lot and land tract sales and a decrease in oil and gas revenues recognized between 2011 and 2010; and

 

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Decrease in income of $598,000 at Temco before impairments due to the receipt of letter of credit proceeds in 2010 which did not recur in 2011, partially offset by an increase in net profits on lot and land tract sales between 2011 and 2010.

Additional joint venture results – 2010 to 2009:

 

   

Increase in income of $5.7 million at CL Realty before impairments due to an increase in net profits on lot and tract sales between 2010 and 2009.

Impairment Loss on Investment in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures. The Company also may recognize an impairment loss on its investment in joint venture balance, regardless of whether the underlying venture records an impairment, and these impairments in the Company’s basis are calculated in accordance with accounting standards for impairment of equity method investments. During 2011, 2010 and 2009, the Company recorded the following impairment losses on its investments in unconsolidated joint ventures in the accompanying Statements of Operations (in thousands):

 

September 30, September 30, September 30,
       2011        2010        2009  

Temco

     $ 608         $ —           $ 6,700   

CL Realty

       —             —             20,300   

T200

       —             —             17,993   

Glenmore

       —             —             6,065   
    

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
     $ 608         $ —           $ 51,058   
    

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

In 2011, CL Realty and Temco recorded impairment losses (see previous section for discussion). In addition, the Company recorded an other than temporary impairment on its investment in Temco, due to basis differences between the venture level and owner level. There was not an other than temporary impairment on the Company’s investment in CL Realty.

In 2009, the Company recorded an other-than-temporary impairment loss on its investments in CL Realty and Temco as a result of an extended market decline in the residential lot business. The Company also recorded an other-than-temporary impairment loss on its investment in T200 when it determined that it was probable that it would be required to fund a guarantee of the venture’s construction loan and other commitments to the venture (see Note 4 for discussion of venture level impairment losses taken at T200 in 2009). In addition, prior to and upon consolidation of Glenmore Garden Villas (“Glenmore”), a townhome project in Charlotte, North Carolina originally owned in a joint venture, the Company recorded an impairment loss on its investment in Glenmore to record its assets and related debt at fair value.

Gain on Sale of Investment Properties. Gain on sale of investment properties was $3.5 million, $1.9 million and $168.6 million in 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

The 2011 gain included the following:

 

   

Sale of undeveloped land at the Company’s North Point project ($2.6 million);

 

   

Sale of undeveloped land related to the Lakeside industrial area ($610,000); and

 

   

Recurring amortization of deferred gain from CP Venture, LLC ($236,000).

The 2010 gain included the following:

 

   

Sale of undeveloped land at the Jefferson Mill and King Mill projects ($1.2 million);

 

   

Sale of Glenmore ($369,000);

 

   

Recurring amortization of deferred gain from CP Venture, LLC ($236,000); and

 

   

Sale of undeveloped land at the Company’s North Point project ($133,000).

 

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The 2009 gain included the following:

 

   

Sale of undeveloped land at the Company’s North Point project ($745,000);

 

   

The recognition of $167.2 million in deferred gain related to the 2006 venture formation with Prudential. When the Company and Prudential formed the venture, the Company contributed properties and Prudential contributed cash. The Company accounted for the transaction as a sale in accordance with accounting rules, but deferred the related gain because the consideration received was a partnership interest as opposed to cash. In 2009, the venture made a pro rata distribution of cash to the Company and Prudential that required the Company to recognize all of the gain that was deferred in 2006; and

 

   

Gain on sale of certain land tracts and other miscellaneous corporate assets ($723,000).

Discontinued Operations. Accounting rules require that certain properties that were sold or plan to be sold be treated as discontinued operations and that the results of their operations and any gains on sales from these properties are shown as a separate component of income in the Statements of Operations for all periods presented. Therefore, prior year results change as a result of the reclassification of the operations of these properties into a separate section of the Statements of Operations entitled Discontinued Operations. The differences between the years are due to the number and type of properties included, and not all property sales meet the qualifications for treatment as a discontinued operation.

In 2011, the Company sold One Georgia Center, a 376,000 square foot office building in Atlanta, Georgia, for a sales price of $48.6 million, which corresponded to a capitalization rate of approximately 8%. Also in 2011, the Company sold Jefferson Mill, a 459,000 square foot industrial property in suburban Atlanta, Georgia for a sales price of $22.0 million, and King Mill, a 796,000 square foot industrial property in suburban Atlanta, Georgia for a sales price of $28.3 million. The weighted average capitalization rate for these two industrial projects combined was 7.6%. The Company also sold Lakeside in 2011, a 749,000 square foot industrial property in Dallas, Texas for a sales price of $28.4 million. The capitalization rate of this property was not a significant determinant of the sales price, partly due to the fact that the transaction included related tracts of undeveloped land.

In 2010, the Company sold San Jose MarketCenter, a 213,000 square foot retail center in San Jose, California, for a sales price of $85.0 million and a capitalization rate of approximately 8%. Gain on extinguishment of debt recognized in 2009 related to the prepayment at a discount of the mortgage note payable secured by San Jose MarketCenter. The Company sold 8995 Westside Parkway, a 51,000 square foot office building in suburban Atlanta, Georgia for $3.2 million. The capitalization rate of 8995 Westside Parkway was not a significant determinant of the sales price because this building had no leases at the time of sale. Capitalization rates are generally calculated by dividing projected annualized cash flows by the sales price. No properties qualifying as Discontinued Operations were sold in 2009.

Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest. The Company consolidates certain entities and allocates the partner’s share of those entities’ results to Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests on the Statements of Operations. The noncontrolling interests’ share of the Company’s net income increased $2.4 million between 2011 and 2010, and did not change significantly between 2010 and 2009. In 2011, $1.6 million of the gain on sale of One Georgia Center was allocated to the noncontrolling partner in the entity which owned the property. Also in 2011, $1.4 million of the gain on sale of King Mill was allocated to the noncontrolling partner in the entity which owned the property.

Funds from Operations. The table below shows Funds from Operations Available to Common Stockholders (“FFO”) and the related reconciliation to net income (loss) available to common stockholders for the Company. The Company calculates FFO in accordance with the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts’ (“NAREIT”) definition, which is net income available to common stockholders (computed in accordance with GAAP), excluding extraordinary items, cumulative effect of change in accounting principle and gains on sale or impairment losses on depreciable property, plus depreciation and amortization of real estate assets, and after adjustments for unconsolidated partnerships and joint ventures to reflect FFO on the same basis.

FFO is used by industry analysts and investors as a supplemental measure of a REIT’s operating performance. Historical cost accounting for real estate assets implicitly assumes that the value of real estate assets diminishes predictably over time. Since real estate values instead have historically risen or fallen with market conditions, many industry investors and analysts have considered presentation of operating results for

 

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real estate companies that use historical cost accounting to be insufficient by themselves. Thus, NAREIT created FFO as a supplemental measure of REIT operating performance that excludes historical cost depreciation, among other items, from GAAP net income. The use of FFO, combined with the required primary GAAP presentations, has been fundamentally beneficial, improving the understanding of operating results of REITs among the investing public and making comparisons of REIT operating results more meaningful. Company management evaluates operating performance in part based on FFO. Additionally, the Company uses FFO, along with other measures, to assess performance in connection with evaluating and granting incentive compensation to its officers and other key employees. The reconciliation of net income (loss) available to common stockholders to FFO is as follows for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 (in thousands, except per share information):

 

September 30, September 30, September 30,
       Years Ended December 31,  
       2011      2010      2009  

Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders

     $ (141,332    $ (27,480    $ 14,388   

Depreciation and amortization:

          

Consolidated properties

       50,174         53,313         47,781   

Discontinued properties

       3,887         6,643         8,052   

Share of unconsolidated joint ventures

       10,357         9,683         8,800   

Depreciation of furniture, fixtures and equipment:

          

Consolidated properties

       (1,688      (1,884      (3,366

Discontinued properties

       —           (5      (16

Share of unconsolidated joint ventures

       (20      (22      (46

Impairment losses on depreciable investment properties

       7,632         —           —     

Gain on sale of investment properties:

          

Consolidated properties

       (3,494      (1,938      (168,637

Discontinued properties, net of gain attributable to noncontrolling interests

       (5,649      (7,226      (147

Share of unconsolidated joint ventures

       —           —           (12

Gain on sale of undepreciated investment properties

       3,258         1,697         1,243   
    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Funds From Operations Available to Common Stockholders

     $ (76,875    $ 32,781       $ (91,960
    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Per Common Share—Basic:

          

Net Income (Loss) Available

     $ (1.36    $ (.27    $ .22   
    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Funds From Operations

     $ (.74    $ .32       $ (1.40
    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Weighted Average Shares—Basic

       103,651         101,440         65,495   
    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Per Common Share—Diluted:

          

Net Income (Loss) Available

     $ (1.36    $ (.27    $ .22   
    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Funds From Operations

     $ (.74    $ .32       $ (1.40
    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Weighted Average Shares—Diluted

       103,655         101,440         65,495   
    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources.

The Company’s primary liquidity sources are:

 

   

Net cash from operations;

 

   

Borrowings under its Credit Facility;

 

   

Sales of assets;

 

   

Proceeds from mortgage notes payable;

 

   

Proceeds from equity offerings; and

 

   

Joint venture formations.

 

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The Company’s primary liquidity uses are:

 

   

Corporate expenses;

 

   

Payments of tenant improvements and other leasing costs;

 

   

Principal and interest payments on debt obligations;

 

   

Dividends to common and preferred stockholders;

 

   

Property acquisitions; and

 

   

Expenditures on predevelopment and development projects.

Financial Condition.

During 2011 and 2010, the Company improved its financial position by reducing leverage, extending maturities, replacing higher cost mortgage notes with lower cost financing and modifying credit agreements, all of which increased overall financial flexibility. The Company expects to fund its current commitments over the next 12 months with cash flows from operations, borrowings under its Credit Facility, a new or amended credit facility, borrowings under new or renewed mortgage loans and proceeds from the sale of assets. The Company has a $24 million fixed-rate mortgage loan maturing in 2012, and negotiations are underway to replace its Credit Facility, which currently matures in August 2012.

The Company may also seek additional capital to fund its activities that may include joint venture equity from third parties and the issuance of common or preferred equity. Relative to prior years, the Company’s new investment commitments have decreased. The Company commenced two new development projects and acquired an operating office building in 2011. Additional acquisitions or developments could occur in 2012 if opportunities arise. The Company also has commitments under current leases to fund tenant assets and anticipates incurring additional tenant costs in 2012 based on lease-up expectations.

Contractual Obligations and Commitments.

At December 31, 2011, the Company was subject to the following contractual obligations and commitments (in thousands):

 

September 30, September 30, September 30, September 30, September 30,
                Less than                          More than  
       Total        1 Year        1-3 Years        3-5 Years        5 years  

Contractual Obligations:

                        

Company debt:

                        

Unsecured Credit Facility and construction loan

     $ 198,251         $ 198,250         $ 1         $ —           $ —     

Mortgage notes payable

       341,191           28,800           9,660           24,037           278,694   

Interest commitments (1)

       140,308           22,111           36,214           34,290           47,693   

Ground leases

       15,514           106           220           231           14,957   

Other operating leases

       896           483           260           110           43   
    

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total contractual obligations

     $ 696,160         $ 249,750         $ 46,355         $ 58,668         $ 341,387   
    

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Commitments:

                        

Estimated development commitments

     $ 15,988         $ 989         $ 14,999         $ —           $ —     

Unfunded tenant improvements and other

       10,827           10,626           201           —             —     

Letters of credit

       2,105           2,105           —             —             —     

Performance bonds

       1,017           999           18           —             —     
    

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total commitments

     $ 29,937         $ 14,719         $ 15,218         $ —           $ —     
    

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

(1)

Interest on variable rate obligations is based on rates effective as of December 31, 2011.

In addition, the Company has several standing or renewable service contracts mainly related to the operation of its buildings. These contracts were entered into in the ordinary course of business and are generally one year or less. These contracts are not included in the above table and are usually reimbursed in whole or in part by tenants.

 

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The Company repaid three mortgage loans during 2011 totaling $56.2 million from its various sources of capital. These loans had a weighted average interest rate of 6.7%, which is higher than the rate paid on the Company’s Credit Facility and the weighted average rate on the Company’s other debt. The Company repaid these relatively high interest bearing notes to provide flexibility to sell these assets or refinance them at a later date, depending upon its strategic direction.

In 2011, the Company also entered into a construction loan to fund a new development project. The Company expects to fund the majority of its future development projects, whether wholly-owned or in joint ventures, with construction loans, as long as the terms remain attractive to other capital sources.

The Company’s existing mortgage debt is primarily non-recourse, fixed-rate mortgage notes secured by various real estate assets. Many of the Company’s non-recourse mortgages contain covenants which, if not satisfied, could result in acceleration of the maturity of the debt. The Company expects that it will either refinance the non-recourse mortgages at maturity or repay the mortgages with proceeds from other financings. As of December 31, 2011, the weighted average interest rate on the Company’s consolidated debt was 4.52%, and the Company’s consolidated debt to undepreciated assets ratio was 34.1%.

Credit Facility Information.

The Company’s Credit Facility bears interest at the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) plus a spread, based on the Company’s leverage ratio, as defined in the Credit Facility. At December 31, 2011, the spread over LIBOR under the Credit Facility was 2.0%, and the amount outstanding was $198.3 million. The amount that the Company may draw under the Credit Facility is a defined calculation based on the Company’s unencumbered assets and other factors. Total borrowing capacity under the Credit Facility was $350 million at December 31, 2011, and amounts remaining to be drawn are reduced by both letters of credit and borrowings outstanding. In August 2011, the Company exercised the one-year extension option under the Credit Facility, which changed the maturity date to August 29, 2012.

The Credit Facility includes customary events of default, including, but not limited to, the failure to pay any interest or principal when due, the failure to perform under covenants of the credit agreement, incorrect or misleading representations or warranties, insolvency or bankruptcy, change of control, the occurrence of certain ERISA events and certain judgment defaults. The amounts outstanding under the Credit Facility may be accelerated upon an event of default. The Credit Facility contains restrictive covenants pertaining to the operations of the Company, including limitations on the amount of debt that may be incurred, the sale of assets, transactions with affiliates, dividends and distributions. The Credit Facility also includes certain financial covenants (as defined in the agreement) that require, among other things, the maintenance of an unencumbered interest coverage ratio of at least 1.75, a fixed charge coverage ratio of at least 1.30, a leverage ratio of no more than 55%, unsecured debt ratio restrictions, and a minimum stockholders’ equity of $556 million plus 70% of net equity proceeds after the effective date. The Company is currently in compliance with its financial covenants.

The Company is currently negotiating a new facility that is expected to replace its current Credit Facility. The new facility is expected to be in place in the first half of 2012.

Future Capital Requirements.

Over the long term, management intends to actively manage its portfolio of properties and strategically sell assets to exit its non-core holdings, reposition its portfolio of income-producing assets geographically and by product type, and generate capital for future investment activities. The Company expects to continue to utilize indebtedness to fund future commitments and expects to place long-term mortgages on selected assets as well as to utilize construction facilities for development assets, if available and under appropriate terms.

The Company may also generate capital through the issuance of securities that include common or preferred stock, warrants, debt securities or depositary shares. In March 2010, the Company filed a shelf registration statement to allow for the issuance of up to $500 million of such securities, of which $482 million remains to be drawn as of December 31, 2011. Management will continue to evaluate all public equity sources and select the most appropriate options as capital is required.

 

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The Company’s business model is dependent upon raising or recycling capital to meet obligations. If one or more sources of capital are not available when required, the Company may be forced to reduce the number of projects it acquires or develops and/or raise capital on potentially unfavorable terms, or may be unable to raise capital, which could have an adverse effect on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

Cash Flows.

The reasons for significant increases and decreases in cash flows between the years are as follows:

Cash Flows from Operating Activities. Cash flows from operating activities decreased approximately $24.1 million between 2011 and 2010 due to the following:

 

   

Cash flows decreased $27.8 million from multi-family residential unit sales due to a lower number of units sold in 2011 compared to 2010 at both the Company’s 10 Terminus and 60 North Market condominium projects;

 

   

Cash flows decreased $14.3 million from net proceeds from outparcel sales. There were no outparcel sales in 2011, compared to eight outparcel sales in 2010;

 

   

Cash flows increased $2.8 million from a decrease in salaries and benefits and separation charges, excluding stock-based compensation, due to fewer corporate employees between 2011 and 2010;

 

   

Cash flows increased $2.2 million from residential lot, outparcel and multi-family acquisition and development expenditures due to a decrease in development activities for those property types between 2011 and 2010;

 

   

Cash flows decreased $1.9 million in bonus payments. In 2011, $4.7 million of cash bonuses were paid, compared to $2.8 million paid during 2010;

 

   

Cash flows increased $9.1 million due to a reduction in interest paid from lower average debt outstanding and lower average interest rates in 2011;

 

   

Cash flows increased $9.2 million as a result of the 2010 payment of a fee for an interest rate swap termination; and

 

   

Cash flows decreased $2.8 million from a decrease in income taxes refunded between 2011 and 2010.

Cash flows from operating activities increased approximately $36.5 million between 2010 and 2009 due to the following:

 

   

Cash flows increased $3.6 million from multi-family residential unit sales due to an increase in the number of units sold between 2010 and 2009;

 

   

Cash flows increased $8.5 million from residential lot and outparcel sales, mainly due to an increase in the number of outparcels sold in 2010 compared to 2009;

 

   

Cash flows increased $4.0 million from residential lot, outparcel and multi-family acquisition and development expenditures due to a decrease in development activities for those property types between 2010 and 2009;

 

   

Cash flows increased from the Company’s rental properties, primarily due to increased occupancy. See the Results of Operations section for additional information;

 

   

Cash flows increased $4.8 million from a decrease in salaries and benefits and separation charges, excluding stock-based compensation, due to fewer employees between 2010 and 2009;

 

   

Cash flows increased $1.9 million due a decrease in amounts contributed to the Company’s retirement savings plan. Offsetting this increase was an increase in bonuses paid during 2010. The Company paid no bonuses during 2009, and paid approximately $2.8 million of bonuses during 2010;

 

   

Cash flows increased $4.2 million from operating distributions from joint ventures as a result of the Company’s share of the proceeds from the sale of land at CL Realty;

 

   

Cash flows increased $8.3 million due to a reduction in interest paid due to a decrease in average borrowings and average interest rates between 2010 and 2009;

 

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Cash flows decreased $6.4 million related to the payment of a $9.2 million fee for an interest rate swap termination in 2010 compared to $2.8 million paid in 2009; and

 

   

Cash flows increased $2.3 million from the receipt of $3.4 million in income tax refunds in 2010 compared to $1.1 million received in 2009.

Cash Flows from Investing Activities. Net cash provided by investing activities decreased approximately $71.7 million between 2011 and 2010 due to the following:

 

   

Cash flows increased $41.9 million from proceeds from the sale of investment properties. In 2011, the Company sold One Georgia Center, Jefferson Mill, King Mill, Lakeside and three tracts of land for net proceeds of approximately $144 million. In 2010, the Company sold San Jose MarketCenter, 8995 Westside Parkway, Glenmore and three tracts of land for net proceeds of approximately $102 million;

 

   

Cash flows decreased from a $148.1 million increase in acquisition, development and tenant asset expenditures. This increase was due to the acquisition of the Promenade office building, and to the commencement of construction of the Mahan Village project. In 2010, these expenditures related primarily to leasing costs on the Company’s existing operating properties;

 

   

Cash flows increased as a result of a $2.9 million decrease in contributions to joint ventures. In 2011, the Company contributed approximately $18.6 million to the newly formed EP I joint venture. In 2010, the Company contributed $14.9 million for the formation of the Cousins Watkins LLC joint venture, $4.0 million to CP Venture Five LLC for its share of a maturing note payable, and $3.2 million to the MSREF/T200 joint venture;

 

   

Cash flows decreased as a result of a decrease in distributions received from joint ventures of approximately $7.6 million, partially due to lower distributions from land sales at CL Realty and partially due to a $3.8 million 2010 distribution from CP Venture Five LLC related to a mortgage refinancing;

 

   

Cash flows decreased $1.6 million due to an increase in predevelopment expenditures between 2011 and 2010, mainly related to the Emory Point project, which is now being developed in the EP I joint venture. In addition, furniture, fixture and equipment costs were higher from the Company’s corporate office relocation during 2011;

 

   

Cash flows increased $23.0 million from restricted cash usage. Under the loan agreements for Meridian Mark Plaza and the ACS Center, reserves are required for future tenant improvement costs. In 2010, the Company funded approximately $12.5 million of these reserves. In 2011, $10.5 million of these funds were released toward the payment of tenant improvement costs; and

 

   

Cash flows increased $17.3 million due to the payment of a debt guarantee in 2010 related to the old T200 joint venture.

Net cash from investing activities increased approximately $72.2 million between 2010 and 2009 due to the following:

 

   

Cash flows increased $90.0 million in 2010 primarily from the sales of San Jose MarketCenter and 8995 Westside Parkway, and an increase in land sales between 2010 and 2009;

 

   

Cash flows increased from a $20.1 million decrease in property acquisition and development expenditures, as the Company did not have any significant projects under development or acquisitions in 2010;

 

   

Cash flows decreased as a result of an increase in contributions to joint ventures of approximately $21.0 million between 2010 and 2009. In 2010, the Company contributed $14.9 million to form the Cousins Watkins LLC joint venture, $4.0 million to pay off the mortgage note at CP Venture Five LLC, and $3.2 million to the newly-formed MSREF/T200 venture;

 

   

Cash flows increased $11.2 million from distributions from joint ventures primarily as a result of the Company’s share of proceeds from land sales at CL Realty;

 

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Cash flows decreased $12.5 million related to restricted cash funding in 2010 as described above; and

 

   

Cash flows decreased $17.3 million in 2010 from the payment of a debt guarantee due to the restructuring of T200.

Cash Flows from Financing Activities. Net cash used in financing activities decreased approximately $95.0 million between 2011 and 2010 due to the following:

 

   

Cash flows increased $127.5 million between 2011 and 2010 from net proceeds from the Credit Facility. In 2011, the Company borrowed funds for the acquisition of the Promenade office building, and the payment of the 333/555 North Point Center East, the Lakeshore Park Plaza and the 600 University Park Place mortgage notes. Offsetting these borrowings were repayments in 2011 from proceeds from property sales. In 2010, the Company repaid a $100 million term loan mainly using proceeds from the sale of San Jose MarketCenter, offset by additional borrowings to pay the fee on the interest rate swap termination and the payment of the T200 debt guarantee;

 

   

Cash flows increased $13.6 million from the lower repayments of notes payable in 2011 compared to 2010. In 2011, the Company paid the $26.4 million 333/555 North Point Center East mortgage note, the $17.5 million Lakeshore Park Plaza mortgage note and the $12.3 million 600 University Park Place mortgage note. In 2010, the Company paid the $22.2 million Meridian Mark Plaza mortgage note and the $8.7 million Glenmore note, and paid $40 million in conjunction with the refinancing of the Terminus 100 note;

 

   

Cash flows decreased $27.0 million from the proceeds of other notes payable due to the issuance of a new mortgage note at Meridian Mark Plaza in 2010;

 

   

Cash flows decreased $6.5 million from common dividends paid. The 2011 annual dividend of $0.18 per share was paid all in cash, while the 2010 annual dividend of $0.36 per share was paid in a combination of cash and stock; and

 

   

Cash flows decreased $13.3 million from distributions to noncontrolling interests, as the Company distributed approximately $13.8 million in 2011 to its noncontrolling partners for their share of the proceeds from the sales of One Georgia Center, Jefferson Mill and King Mill.

Net cash used in financing activities increased approximately $37.1 million between 2010 and 2009 due to the following:

 

   

Cash flows increased from net borrowings under the Credit and Term Facilities of $236.4 million between 2010 and 2009. In 2009, the Company repaid $248 million under these facilities with proceeds from the September 2009 stock issuance. Also in 2009, the Company had net borrowings of $87.0 million to fund development and to repay the San Jose MarketCenter mortgage note. In 2010, the Company repaid a $100 million term loan mainly using the proceeds from the sale of San Jose MarketCenter, offset by additional borrowings to pay the $9.2 million fee on the interest rate swap termination and the $17.3 million payment of the T200 debt guarantee;

 

   

Cash flows increased $2.7 million in 2010 from repayments of notes payable. In 2010, the Company repaid the mortgage note at Meridian Mark Plaza for $22.2 million, the $8.7 million Glenmore note in conjunction with the sale of that property, and paid $40.0 million in conjunction with the refinancing of the Terminus 100 note. In 2009, the Company repaid the San Jose MarketCenter note for $70.3 million and the Brownstones at Habersham note for $3.2 million;

 

   

Cash flows increased $27.0 million due to the issuance of a new mortgage note at Meridian Mark Plaza;

 

   

Cash flows decreased from the payment of loan issuance costs of $2.0 million in 2010 due mainly to the amendment of the Company’s Credit Facility;

 

   

Cash flows decreased approximately $318.5 million from common stock issued, net of expenses, due to the issuance of 46 million shares in 2009;

 

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Cash flows increased $10.5 million from common dividends paid partially due to a reduction in the dividend per share. The Company paid annual dividends of $0.36 per share in 2010 compared to $0.74 in 2009. Additionally, the Company paid its dividends in cash in the first quarter of 2009, while the remaining 2009 quarters and all the 2010 quarters had dividends paid using a combination of cash and stock; and

 

   

Cash flows increased from distributions to noncontrolling interests of $4.5 million from 2009 to 2010 primarily due to a distribution of $4.6 million in the 2009 period to the partner in the Company’s CP Venture Six joint venture.

Capital Expenditures. The Company incurs costs related to its real estate assets that include acquisition of properties, development and construction of new properties, redevelopment of existing or newly purchased properties, leasing costs for new or replacement tenants and ongoing property repairs and maintenance.

Capital expenditures for certain types of consolidated real estate are categorized as operating activities in the Statements of Cash Flows, such as those for the development of residential lots, retail outparcels and for-sale multi-family residential projects. During the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, the Company incurred $999,000, $3.3 million, and $7.3 million, respectively, in residential and for-sale multi-family project expenditures. The Company does not anticipate entering into any new residential or for-sale, multi-family projects in the near term, and upcoming expenditures are anticipated to be used to complete current projects in inventory.

Capital expenditures for other types of consolidated real estate assets, mainly office and retail assets the Company develops or acquires, and then holds and operates, are included in the property acquisition, development and tenant asset expenditures line item within investing activities on the Statements of Cash Flows. Amounts accrued are removed from the table below (accrued capital adjustment) to show the components of these costs on a cash basis. Components of costs included in this line item for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 are as follows (in thousands):

 

September 30, September 30, September 30,
       2011      2010      2009  

Acquisition of property

     $ 134,733       $ —         $ —     

Projects under development

       10,741         —           3,118   

Redevelopment property—leasing costs

       3,420         8,281         14,364   

Redevelopment property—building improvements

       6,036         3,956         7,185   

Operating properties—leasing costs

       25,476         19,396         10,909   

Operating properties—building improvements

       1,420         2,548         4,892   

Land held for investment

       57         —           4,846   

Capitalized interest

       117         —           2,056   

Capitalized salaries

       1,532         1,618         2,276   

Accrued capital adjustment

       (1,623      (2,038      4,228   
    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total property acquisition, development and tenant asset expenditures

     $ 181,909       $ 33,761       $ 53,874   
    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Capital expenditures increased $148.1 million between 2011 and 2010 mainly due to the fourth quarter 2011 purchase of Promenade and the third quarter 2011 commencement of development of the Mahan Village retail center. Tenant improvements and leasing costs, as well as some of the capitalized personnel costs, are a function of the number and size of executed new or renewed leases. The amount of tenant improvements and leasing costs on a per square foot basis varies by lease and by market, and such costs per square foot have increased in certain markets during recent periods. However, these amounts have stabilized overall and are decreasing in some of the Company’s markets. Given the level of expected leasing and renewal activity in future periods, management anticipates future tenant improvements and leasing costs to remain consistent with or greater than that experienced in 2011.

Capital expenditures decreased $20.1 million between 2010 and 2009. In 2009, development expenditures and related capitalized salaries and interest were from remaining construction costs for two retail properties which had opened during 2008. Land purchases related primarily to a land swap agreement consummated during

 

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2009. No projects were under development and no land was purchased during 2010. The increase in costs for operating properties related to an increase in leasing activity. Offsetting this increase was a decrease in costs related to the redevelopment asset, 191 Peachtree Tower.

Dividends. The Company paid cash common and preferred dividends of $31.6 million, $25.1 million, and $35.6 million in 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively, which it funded with cash provided by operating activities. All of the 2011 common stock dividends were paid in cash. The 2010 common stock dividends and the June, September and December 2009 common stock dividends were paid in a combination of cash and common stock. The value of the common dividends paid in stock totaled $24.3 million and $19.7 million in 2010 and 2009, respectively. The Company expects to fund its quarterly distributions to common and preferred stockholders with cash provided by operating activities, proceeds from investment property sales, distributions from unconsolidated joint ventures, and indebtedness, if necessary.

On a quarterly basis, the Company reviews the amount of the common dividend in light of current and projected future cash flows from the sources noted above and also considers the requirements needed to maintain its REIT status. In addition, the Company has certain covenants under its Credit Facility which could limit the amount of dividends paid. In general, dividends of any amount can be paid as long as leverage, as defined in the facility, is less than 55% and the Company is not in default under its facility. Certain conditions also apply in which the Company can still pay dividends if leverage is above that amount. The Company routinely monitors the status of its dividend payments in light of the Credit Facility covenants.

Effects of Inflation.

The Company attempts to minimize the effects of inflation on income from operating properties by providing periodic fixed-rent increases or increases based on the Consumer Price Index and/or pass-through of certain operating expenses of properties to tenants or, in certain circumstances, rents tied to tenants’ sales.

Off Balance Sheet Arrangements.

General. The Company has a number of off balance sheet joint ventures with varying structures, as described in Note 4 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. Most of the joint ventures in which the Company has an interest are involved in the ownership and/or development of real estate. A venture will fund capital requirements or operational needs with cash from operations or financing proceeds, if possible. If additional capital is deemed necessary, a venture may request a contribution from the partners, and the Company will evaluate such request. In particular, the Company anticipates approximately $6.5 million in additional equity to fund project construction of the first phase at the EP I joint venture. Additionally, in July 2011, a large lease was signed at Ten Peachtree Place Associates, and the Company estimates contributions of approximately $6.3 million will be needed to fund tenant asset costs in this venture. Except as previously discussed, based on the nature of the activities conducted in these ventures, management cannot estimate with any degree of accuracy amounts that the Company may be required to fund in the short or long-term. However, management does not believe that additional funding of these ventures will have a material adverse effect on its financial condition or results of operations.

Debt. At December 31, 2011, the Company’s unconsolidated joint ventures had aggregate outstanding indebtedness to third parties of approximately $392.9 million. These loans are generally mortgage or construction loans, most of which are non-recourse to the Company, except as described below. In addition, in certain instances, the Company provides “non-recourse carve-out guarantees” on these non-recourse loans. Certain of these loans have variable interest rates, which creates exposure to the ventures in the form of market risk to interest rate changes. At December 31, 2011, approximately $29.1 million of the loans at unconsolidated joint ventures were recourse to the Company.

CF Murfreesboro Associates (“CF Murfreesboro”), of which the Company owns 50%, has a $113.2 million facility that matures on July 20, 2013, and $98.9 million was drawn at December 31, 2011. The Company has a $26.2 million repayment guarantee on the loan.

The Company guarantees 25% of two of the four outstanding loans at the Cousins Watkins LLC joint venture, which owns four retail shopping centers. The loans have a total capacity of $16.3 million, of which the Company guarantees $4.1 million. At December 31, 2011, the Company guaranteed $2.9 million, based on current amounts outstanding under these loans.

 

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The Company guarantees repayment of 18.75% of the outstanding balance of the EP I construction loan, which has a maximum available of $61.1 million, equaling a total guarantee of approximately $11.5 million. This guarantee may be eliminated after project completion, based on certain covenants. The amount outstanding under this loan is minimal as of December 31, 2011.

Bonds. The unconsolidated joint ventures also had performance bonds of $426,000 at December 31, 2011, which the Company guarantees through an indemnity agreement with the bond issuer and which are shown on the Company’s commitment table above. These performance bonds relate to construction projects at the retail center owned by CF Murfreesboro, and the Company would seek reimbursement from CF Murfreesboro if the bond was paid.

 

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Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure about Market Risk

The Company’s primary exposure to market risk results from its debt, which bears interest at both fixed and variable rates. The Company mitigates this risk by limiting its debt exposure in total and its maturities in any one year and weighting more towards fixed-rate, non-recourse debt compared to recourse, variable-rate debt in its portfolio. The fixed rate debt obligations limit the risk of fluctuating interest rates, and generally are mortgage loans secured by certain of the Company’s real estate assets. The Company does not have a significant level of consolidated fixed-rate mortgage debt maturing in 2012, and therefore does not have high exposure for the refinancing of its mortgage debt in the near term. At December 31, 2011, the Company had $341.2 million of fixed rate debt outstanding at a weighted average interest rate of 5.81%. At December 31, 2010, the Company had $400.7 million of fixed rate debt outstanding at a weighted average interest rate of 5.94%. The amount of fixed-rate debt outstanding and the weighted average interest rate decreased from 2010 to 2011 as a result of the repayment of certain mortgage notes in 2011 using proceeds from the Credit Facility, which carried a lower interest rate. See Note 3 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information regarding 2011 debt activity.

The Company has variable rate debt consisting primarily of its Credit Facility which had $198.3 million outstanding as of December 31, 2011. The interest rate on the Credit Facility was LIBOR plus a spread, which totaled 2.30% at December 31, 2011. As of December 31, 2010, the amount outstanding under the Credit Facility was $105.4 million at an interest rate of 2.26%. Borrowings under the Credit Facility increased in 2011 due to the repayment of mortgages as noted above and to the purchase of Promenade. Based on the Company’s average variable rate debt balances in 2011, interest expense would have increased by approximately $1.3 million in 2011 if these interest rates had been 1% higher.

The Company is currently negotiating a new facility that is expected to replace its current Credit Facility. The new facility is expected to be in place in the first half of 2012. The Company expects that the new facility will have a four-year term, a similar size and an interest rate spread over LIBOR reasonably consistent with the current spread.

Periodically, the Company uses derivative instruments, such as interest rate swaps, to mitigate its exposure to interest rate changes. The Company had interest rate swaps outstanding for a portion of 2010. There were no derivative instruments held as of December 31, 2011 or 2010. The Company could enter into new derivative instruments in the future if deemed to be an appropriate strategy to manage risk.

The following table summarizes the Company’s market risk associated with notes payable as of December 31, 2011. It includes the principal maturing, an estimate of the weighted average interest rates on those expected principal maturity dates and the fair values of the Company’s fixed and variable rate notes payable. Fair value was calculated by discounting future principal payments at estimated rates at which similar loans could have been obtained at December 31, 2011. The information presented below should be read in conjunction with Note 3 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. (The Company did not have a significant level of notes receivable at December 31, 2011, and the table does not include information related to notes receivable.)

 

000000 000000 000000 000000 000000 000000 000000

($ in thousands)

  2012     2013     2014     2015     2016     Thereafter     Total  

Notes Payable:

             

Fixed Rate

  $ 28,800      $ 4,783      $ 4,877      $ 5,168      $ 18,869      $ 278,694      $ 341,191   

Average Interest Rate

    5.47     5.70     5.76     5.76     6.43     6.26     5.81

Variable Rate

  $ 198,250      $ —        $ 1      $ —        $ —        $ —        $ 198,251   

Average Interest Rate (1)

    2.30     —          3.25     —          —          —          2.29

 

(1)

Interest rates on variable rate notes payable are equal to the variable rates in effect on December 31, 2011.

 

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Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

The Consolidated Financial Statements, Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements and Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm are included on pages F-1 through F-36.

Certain components of quarterly net income (loss) available to common stockholders disclosed below differ from those as reported on the Company’s respective quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. As discussed in Notes 2 and 8 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, gains and losses from the disposition of certain real estate assets and the related historical operating results were reclassified as Discontinued Operations for all applicable periods presented. Additionally, impairment losses were recorded in certain quarters during both 2011 and 2010, as discussed in Note 5. The following Selected Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited) for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and notes thereto included herein (in thousands, except per share amounts):

 

September 30, September 30, September 30, September 30,
       Quarters  
       First      Second      Third        Fourth  
       (Unaudited)  

2011:

               

Revenues

     $ 45,712       $ 42,186       $ 43,950         $ 46,616   

Impairment losses

       (3,508      —           —             (104,255

Income (loss) from unconsolidated joint ventures

       2,496         2,312         2,660           (25,767

Gain on sale of investment properties

       59         59         59           3,317   

Income (loss) from continuing operations

       (4,440      (1,478      1,855           (130,775

Discontinued operations

       391         680         3,751           6,549   

Net income (loss)

       (4,049      (798      5,606           (124,226

Net income (loss) attributable to controlling interest

       (4,630      (1,479      3,414           (125,730

Net income (loss) available to common stockholders

       (7,857      (4,706      188           (128,957

Basic and diluted net income (loss) per common share

       (0.08      (0.05      0.00           (1.24

 

September 30, September 30, September 30, September 30,
       Quarters  
       First      Second      Third      Fourth  
       (Unaudited)  

2010:

             

Revenues

     $ 64,410       $ 49,577       $ 48,890       $ 52,679   

Impairment losses

       —           (586      —           (1,968

Income from unconsolidated joint ventures

       2,920         2,394         2,179         2,000   

Gain on sale of investment properties

       756         1,061         58         63   

Income (loss) from continuing operations

       770         (6,479      (11,694      (6,539

Discontinued operations

       1,410         1,695         7,234         1,570   

Net income (loss)

       2,180         (4,784      (4,460      (4,969

Net income (loss) attributable to controlling interest

       1,654         (5,368      (5,156      (5,703

Net income (loss) available to common stockholders

       (1,573      (8,595      (8,382      (8,930

Basic and diluted net income (loss) per common share

       (0.02      (0.09      (0.08      (0.09

Note: The above per share quarterly information does not sum to full year per share information due to rounding. Other financial statements and financial statement schedules required under Regulation S-X are filed pursuant to Item 15 of Part IV of this report.

 

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Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial

Disclosure

Not applicable.

Item 9A. Controls and Procedures

We maintain disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our Exchange Act reports is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Management necessarily applied its judgment in assessing the costs and benefits of such controls and procedures, which, by their nature, can provide only reasonable assurance regarding management’s control objectives. We also have investments in certain unconsolidated entities. As we do not always control or manage these entities, our disclosure controls and procedures with respect to such entities are necessarily more limited than those we maintain with respect to our consolidated subsidiaries.

As of the end of the period covered by this annual report, we carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of management, including the Chief Executive Officer along with the Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness, design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)). Based upon the foregoing, the Chief Executive Officer along with the Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective. In addition, based on such evaluation we have identified no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the most recent fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

Report of Management on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

Management of the Company is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f). Internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external reporting purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”). Internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of our assets; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP and that our receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of our management and directors; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of our assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Management, under the supervision of and with the participation of the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2011. The framework on which the assessment was based is described in “Internal Control – Integrated Framework” issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on this assessment, we concluded that we maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2011. Deloitte & Touche, our independent registered public accounting firm, issued an opinion on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2011, which follows this report of management.

 

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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of

Cousins Properties Incorporated:

We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of Cousins Properties Incorporated and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2011, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Report of Management on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

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

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

Because of the inherent limitations of internal control over financial reporting, including the possibility of collusion or improper management override of controls, material misstatements due to error or fraud may not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. Also, projections of any evaluation of the effectiveness of the internal control over financial reporting to future periods are subject to the risk that the controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2011, based on the criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule as of and for the year ended December 31, 2011 of the Company and our report dated February 21, 2012 expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule.

/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

Atlanta, Georgia

February 21, 2012

Item 9B. Other Information

None.

 

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PART III

Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

The information required by Items 401 and 405 of Regulation S-K is presented in Item X in Part I above and is included under the captions “Election of Directors” and “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance” in the Proxy Statement relating to the 2012 Annual Meeting of the Registrant’s Stockholders, and is incorporated herein by reference. The Company has a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics (the “Code”) applicable to its Board of Directors and all of its employees. The Code is pu