a6497535.htm

 
 
 
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON D.C. 20549
_______________________

FORM 10-Q

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

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2010
OR

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

For the transition period from______________to______________
Commission file number 1-10093

RAMCO-GERSHENSON PROPERTIES TRUST
 
 
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

         MARYLAND         
13-6908486
(State or other jurisdiction
(I.R.S. Employer
of incorporation or organization)
Identification Number)

31500 Northwestern Highway
 
Farmington Hills, Michigan
48334
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip code)

248-350-9900
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

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 Web site, 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 [  ] No [   ]

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

Large accelerated filer [  ]
Accelerated filer [X]
Non-accelerated filer [  ]
Smaller reporting company [  ]
   
(Do not check if a 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]

Number of common shares of beneficial interest ($0.01 par value) of the registrant outstanding as of November 2, 2010:
37,946,541

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 



 
INDEX
 
     
     
   
Page No.
   
     
 
   
 
3
 
   
   
 
4
     
  Condensed Consolidated Statement of Shareholders' Equity -
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2010 (Unaudited) 
     
   
 
6
     
 
7
     
 
 
24
     
38
     
40
     
     
41
     
41
     
42

 

 
Page 2 of 43

 


PART 1 - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
             
Item 1.   Condensed Financial Statements
           
             
             
             
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
September 30, 2010 (Unaudited) and December 31, 2009
(In thousands)
 
             
             
             
   
September 30,
   
December 31,
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
ASSETS
           
Income producing properties, at cost:
           
    Land
  $ 105,013     $ 99,147  
    Buildings and improvements
    817,165       818,142  
        Less accumulated depreciation and amortization
    (204,279 )     (191,155 )
Income producing properties, net
    717,899       726,134  
    Construction in progress and land held for development or sale
               
    (including $25,832 and $0 of consolidated variable interest entities,
               
    respectively)
    90,709       78,161  
Net real estate
  $ 808,608     $ 804,295  
Equity investments in unconsolidated joint ventures
    103,822       97,506  
Cash and cash equivalents
    5,525       8,800  
Restricted cash
    7,969       3,838  
Accounts receivable, net
    30,419       31,900  
Notes receivable from unconsolidated joint ventures
    16,824       12,566  
Other assets, net
    37,654       39,052  
TOTAL ASSETS
  $ 1,010,821     $ 997,957  
                 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
               
Mortgages and notes payable (including $4,605 and $0 of
               
   consolidated variable interest entities, respectively)
  $ 538,177     $ 552,551  
Capital lease obligation
    6,713       6,924  
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
    23,135       26,440  
Distributions payable
    6,627       5,477  
TOTAL LIABILITIES
  $ 574,652     $ 591,392  
                 
                 
Ramco-Gershenson Properties Trust shareholders' equity:
               
Common shares of beneficial interest, $0.01 par, 45,000 shares authorized,
               
   37,947 and 30,907 shares issued and outstanding as of September 30, 2010
               
   and December 31, 2009, respectively
    379       309  
Additional paid-in capital
    562,934       486,731  
Accumulated distributions in excess of net income
    (163,587 )     (117,663 )
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
    (380 )     (2,149 )
TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY ATTRIBUTABLE TO RPT
    399,346       367,228  
Noncontrolling interest
    36,823       39,337  
TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
    436,169       406,565  
                 
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
  $ 1,010,821     $ 997,957  
                 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
 

 
 
Page 3 of 43

 
 
 
RAMCO-GERSHENSON PROPERTIES TRUST
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income
For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)

   
Three Months Ended
September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
REVENUE
                       
   Minimum rent
  $ 20,178     $ 20,157     $ 60,812     $ 62,568  
   Percentage rent
    137       397       353       650  
   Recovery income from tenants
    6,873       7,628       22,171       24,704  
   Other property income
    324       (65 )     2,704       956  
   Management and other fee income
    904       1,410       3,159       4,036  
TOTAL REVENUE
    28,416       29,527       89,199       92,914  
                                 
EXPENSES
                               
   Real estate taxes
    3,816       4,452       12,777       13,773  
   Recoverable operating expense
    3,527       3,351       10,937       11,438  
   Other non-recoverable operating expense
    940       428       2,809       1,960  
   Depreciation and amortization
    7,546       7,602       22,864       23,219  
   General and administrative
    4,552       3,395       13,150       12,041  
TOTAL EXPENSES
    20,381       19,228       62,537       62,431  
                                 
INCOME BEFORE OTHER INCOME, EXPENSES AND DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
    8,035       10,299       26,662       30,483  
                                 
OTHER INCOME AND EXPENSES
                               
   Other income (expense)
    (388 )     227       (1,021 )     558  
   Gain on sale of real estate
    1,633       4,610       2,132       5,011  
   Earnings (loss) from unconsolidated joint ventures
    (1,362 )     492       (662 )     1,349  
   Interest expense
    (8,581 )     (7,757 )     (26,207 )     (23,765 )
   Provision for impairment
    (28,787 )     -       (28,787 )     -  
   Impairment charge on unconsolidated joint ventures
    -       -       (2,653 )     -  
   Restructuring costs and other items
    -       (335 )     -       (1,551 )
INCOME (LOSS) FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS
    (29,450 )     7,536       (30,536 )     12,085  
                                 
DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
                               
   Gain (loss) on sale of real estate
    -       2,886       (2,050 )     2,886  
   Income (loss) from operations
    8       229       (11 )     274  
INCOME (LOSS) FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
    8       3,115       (2,061 )     3,160  
                                 
NET INCOME (LOSS)
    (29,442 )     10,651       (32,597 )     15,245  
   Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest
    2,701       (1,327 )     4,131       (2,108 )
NET INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO RAMCO-GERSHENSON PROPERTIES
                       
    TRUST COMMON SHAREHOLDERS
  $ (26,741 )   $ 9,324     $ (28,466 )   $ 13,137  
                                 
EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE, BASIC
                               
   Continuing operations
  $ (0.70 )   $ 0.32     $ (0.77 )   $ 0.54  
   Discontinued operations
    -       0.13       (0.06 )     0.14  
 
  $ (0.70 )   $ 0.45     $ (0.83 )   $ 0.68  
EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE, DILUTED
                               
   Continuing operations
  $ (0.70 )   $ 0.32     $ (0.77 )   $ 0.54  
   Discontinued operations
    -       0.13       (0.06 )     0.14  
    $ (0.70 )   $ 0.45     $ (0.83 )   $ 0.68  
WEIGHTED AVERAGE COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING
                               
   Basic
    38,020       20,548       34,497       19,292  
   Diluted
    38,020       20,548       34,497       19,292  
                                 
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
                               
Net income (loss)
  $ (29,442 )   $ 10,651     $ (32,597 )   $ 15,245  
Other comprehensive income (loss):
                               
   Gain on interest rate swaps
    577       136       1,913       836  
Comprehensive income (loss)
    (28,865 )     10,787       (30,684 )     16,081  
   Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest
    2,659       (1,344 )     3,987       (2,220 )
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Ramco-Gershenson Properties Trust
  $ (26,206 )   $ 9,443     $ (26,697 )   $ 13,861  
                                 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
                 
 
 
 

 
 
Page 4 of 43

 
 
RAMCO-GERSHENSON PROPERTIES TRUST
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Shareholders' Equity
For the nine months ended September 30, 2010
(In thousands, except share data)
(Unaudited)
 
   
Shareholders' Equity of Ramco-Gershenson Properties Trust
             
                                     
   
Common
Shares
   
Additional
Paid-in
Capital
   
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss
    Accumulated Distributions
in Excess of
Net Income
   
Noncontrolling
Interest
   
Total
Shareholders'
Equity
 
                                     
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 2009
  $ 309     $ 486,731     $ (2,149 )   $ (117,663 )   $ 39,337     $ 406,565  
                                                 
Issuance of common stock
    70       75,623       -       -       -       75,693  
Share-based compensation expense, net
    -       580       -       -       -       580  
Conversion and redemption of OP unit holders
                                    (5 )     (5 )
Dividends declared to common shareholders
    -       -       -       (17,333 )     -       (17,333 )
Distributions declared to noncontrolling interests
    -       -       -       -       (1,422 )     (1,422 )
Dividends paid on restricted shares
    -       -       -       (125 )     -       (125 )
Consolidation of variable interest entity
    -       -       -       -       2,900       2,900  
Other comprehensive income adjustment
    -       -       1,769       -       144       1,913  
Net income (loss)
    -       -       -       (28,466 )     (4,131 )     (32,597 )
                                                 
BALANCE, SEPTEMBER 30, 2010
  $ 379     $ 562,934     $ (380 )   $ (163,587 )   $ 36,823     $ 436,169  
 
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

 
 
Page 5 of 43

 

 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
 
For the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009
 
(In thousands)
 
(Unaudited)
 
             
   
Nine months ended September 30,
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
           
Net income (loss)
  $ (32,597 )   $ 15,245  
    Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
               
         Depreciation and amortization
    22,864       23,219  
         Amortization of deferred financing fees
    1,843       528  
         Earnings (loss) from unconsolidated joint ventures
    662       (1,349 )
         Distributions received from operations of unconsolidated joint ventures
    1,859       3,131  
    Provision for impairment
    28,787       -  
    Impairment charge on unconsolidated joint ventures
    2,653       -  
    Discontinued operations
    11       (274 )
    Gain on sale of real estate
    (2,132 )     (5,011 )
    Share-based compensation expense
    765       1,058  
Changes in assets and liabilities:
               
    Accounts and other receivables
    2,257       1,072  
    Other assets
    3,301       986  
    Accounts payable and accrued expenses
    (3,233 )     4,036  
Net cash provided by continuing operating activities
    27,040       42,641  
Operating cash from discontinued operations
    26       352  
(Gain) loss on sale of discontinued operations
    2,050       (2,886 )
Net cash provided by operating activities
    29,116       40,107  
                 
 INVESTING ACTIVITIES
               
    Additions to real estate, net
  $ (36,108 )   $ (17,662 )
    Proceeds from sale of real estate
    3,226       22,985  
    Increase in restricted cash
    (4,131 )     (177 )
    Notes receivable from unconsolidated joint ventures
    (16,824 )     (4,264 )
    Investment in unconsolidated joint ventures
    (13,208 )     (4,568 )
Net cash used in continuing investing activities
    (67,045 )     (3,686 )
    Investing cash provided by discontinued operations
    797       5,037  
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities
    (66,248 )     1,351  
                 
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
               
    Proceeds of mortgages and notes payable
  $ 99,200     $ 58,000  
    Repayments of mortgages and notes payable
    (122,079 )     (177,084 )
    Payment of deferred financing costs
    (1,058 )     (145 )
    Proceeds from issuance of common stock
    75,693       96,302  
    Repayment of capital lease obligation
    (211 )     (199 )
    Distributions paid to noncontrolling interests
    -       (54 )
    Dividends paid to common shareholders
    (16,305 )     (12,953 )
    Distributions paid to operating partnership unit holders
    (1,427 )     (2,026 )
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
    33,813       (38,159 )
                 
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    (3,319 )     3,299  
    Cash from consolidated variable interest entity
    44       -  
    Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the period
    8,800       5,295  
    Cash and cash equivalents at end of the period
  $ 5,525     $ 8,594  
                 
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION
               
    Cash paid for interest (net of capitalized interest of $1,059 and $1,331 in 2010 and 2009, respectively)
  $ 22,138     $ 20,580  
    Cash paid for federal income taxes
    3       376  
    Increase in fair value of interest rate swaps
    1,913       836  
    Reclassification of notes receivable from unconsolidated joint venture
    -       6,716  
                 
The Company acquired income producing property as follows:
               
    Fair value of income producing property
  $ 15,200     $ -  
    Assumption of mortgage notes payable
    -       -  
    Cash paid for income producing property
  $ 15,200     $ -  
                 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
         
 
 
 

 
 
Page 6 of 43

 
 
RAMCO-GERSHENSON PROPERTIES TRUST
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)


 
1.
Organization and Basis of Presentation

Organization

Ramco-Gershenson Properties Trust, together with its subsidiaries (the “Company”), is a real estate investment trust (“REIT”) engaged in the business of owning, developing, acquiring, managing and leasing community shopping centers, regional malls and single tenant retail properties. At September 30, 2010, the Company owned and managed a portfolio of 88 shopping centers, with approximately 20.0 million square feet of gross leaseable area (“GLA”), of which 15.4 million is owned by the Company or its joint ventures.  The shopping centers are located in the Midwestern, Southeastern and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States and are typically anchored by discount department stores, supermarkets or other national and regional retail chains. The Company’s credit risk, therefore, is concentrated in the retail industry.

The economic performance and value of the Company’s real estate assets are subject to all the risks associated with owning and operating real estate, including risks related to adverse changes in national, regional and local economic and market conditions. The economic condition of each of the Company’s markets may be dependent on one or more industries. An economic downturn in one of these industries may result in a business downturn for the Company’s tenants, and as a result, these tenants may fail to make rental payments, decline to extend leases upon expiration, delay lease commencements or declare bankruptcy.

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company, its majority owned subsidiary, the Operating Partnership, Ramco-Gershenson Properties, L.P. (92.9% and 91.4% owned by the Company at September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively), all wholly-owned subsidiaries, and all entities in which the Company has a controlling financial interest, including where the Company has been determined to be a primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity (“VIE”) or meets certain criteria of a sole general partner or managing member in accordance with the consolidation guidance of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”).  Ramco-Gershenson, Inc. has elected to be a taxable REIT subsidiary for federal income tax purposes.  All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The information furnished is unaudited and reflects all adjustments which are, in the opinion of management, necessary to reflect a fair statement of the results for the interim periods presented, and all such adjustments are of a normal recurring nature. These Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with the Company's 2009 Annual Report on Form 10−K.

Reclassifications

Certain reclassifications of prior period amounts have been made in the condensed consolidated financial statements in order to conform to the current presentation.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In June 2009, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 167 (“SFAS 167”), “Amendments to FASB Interpretation No. 46(R)”, which was codified in ASU 2009-17.  This standard amends guidance surrounding a company’s analysis to determine whether any of its variable interests constitute controlling financial interests in a variable interest entity.  This analysis identifies the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity as the enterprise that has both of the following characteristics; a) the power to direct the activities of a variable interest entity that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance, and b) the obligation to absorb losses of the entity that could potentially be significant to the variable interest entity or the right to receive benefits from the entity that could potentially be significant to the variable interest entity.  Additionally, an enterprise is required to assess whether it has an implicit financial responsibility to ensure that a variable interest entity operates as designed when determining whether it has the power to direct the activities of the variable interest entity that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance.  The new guidance also requires ongoing reassessments of whether an enterprise is the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity. The guidance was effective for the first annual reporting period beginning after November 15, 2009.
 
 
 
Page 7 of 43

 

 
The Company consolidated the Ramco RM Hartland SC LLC joint venture prospectively, effective January 1, 2010.  The consolidation of the variable interest entity did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.  Refer to Note 7 of the notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements for more information on the consolidation of the variable interest entity.

In January 2010, the FASB updated ASC 820 “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures” with ASU 2010-06, which requires additional disclosures and clarification of existing fair value measurement disclosures.   The update was effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2009.  The Company adopted the provisions of this Update in the first quarter of 2010.  The new and clarified disclosures did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.  Refer to Note 10 of the notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements for more information on fair value measurements.

2.  Accounts Receivable, Net

The Company provides for bad debt expense based upon the allowance method of accounting.  The Company monitors the collectability of its accounts receivable (billed and unbilled, including straight-line) from specific tenants, and analyzes historical bad debts, customer credit worthiness, current economic trends and changes in tenant payment terms when evaluating the adequacy of the allowance for doubtful accounts.  When tenants are in bankruptcy, the Company makes estimates of the expected recovery of pre-petition and post-petition claims.  The ultimate resolution of these claims can be delayed for one year or longer.  Accounts receivable in the accompanying balance sheets includes amounts billed to tenants and accrued expense recoveries due from tenants and is shown net of an allowance for doubtful accounts of $4,240 and $3,288 (including the amounts related to the allowance for straight-line rent receivables discussed below) at September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively.

Accounts receivable includes $18,029 and $17,114 of unbilled straight-line rent receivables, net of an allowance for doubtful accounts of $421 and $360 at September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively.

3.  Net Real Estate

Included in the Company’s net real estate is income producing shopping center properties that are recorded at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization.

Land held for development or sale represents projects where vertical construction has yet to commence, but which have been identified by the Company and are available for future development if and when market conditions dictate the demand for a new shopping center.  Land held for development or sale was $89,011 and $69,936 at September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively.  The increase in land held for development or sale from December 31, 2009 to September 30, 2010 was primarily attributable to the consolidation of the Ramco RM Hartland SC LLC variable interest entity.  Refer to Note 7 of the notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements for information on the consolidation of the Ramco RM Hartland SC LLC joint venture.  Additionally, refer to Note 5 of the notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements for information on the provision for impairment recorded in the third quarter of 2010.

Construction in progress represents existing development and redevelopment projects. When projects are substantially complete and ready for their intended use, balances are transferred to land or buildings and improvements as appropriate.  Construction in progress was $1,698 and $8,225 at September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively.  The decrease in construction in progress from December 31, 2009 to September 30, 2010 was due primarily to a substantially completed redevelopment property being transferred to income producing.

4. Acquisitions and Dispositions
 
The following table provides a summary of income producing property acquisition activity for the three months ended September 30, 2010:
 

 
 
Page 8 of 43

 
 
 
             
Purchase
   
Mortgage
 
 Date Purchased
Property Name
Property Location
 
Square Feet
   
Price
   
Assumed
 
                       
                       
August 10, 2010
Liberty Square
Wauconda, IL
    107,369     $ 15,200     $ -  
                             
                             

 
During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, we recognized approximately $110 of acquisition-related costs in connection with the property acquisition, which are recorded in general and administrative expense in the condensed consolidated statements of operations.

Dispositions:

In September 2010, the Company sold an outparcel in Duluth, Georgia for $1,825 in net proceeds. The sale resulted in a net gain of $1,607.

In September 2010, the Company sold an outparcel in Hartland, Michigan for $360 in net proceeds. The sale resulted in a net gain of $26.

In June 2010, the Company sold an outparcel in Jacksonville, Florida for $1,041 in net proceeds. The sale resulted in a net gain of $499.

In May 2010, the Company sold the Ridgeview Crossing Shopping Center in Elkin, North Carolina for $900 in net proceeds. The sale resulted in a net loss of $2,050.  Income from operations and the loss on sale relating to Ridgeview Crossing are classified in discontinued operations on the condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income for all the periods presented.

5.  Impairment Charges

The Company established provisions for impairment during the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, on the following consolidated assets and unconsolidated joint venture investments:
 
 
                         
 
  Three Months Ended    
Nine Months Ended
 
 
 
September 30,
   
September 30,
 
 
 
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
                         
Land held for development or sale (1)
  $ 12,574     $ -     $ 12,574     $ -  
The Town Center at Aquia (2)
    16,213               16,213       -  
Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures (3)
    -       -       2,653       -  
Total
  $ 28,787     $ -     $ 31,440     $ -  
                                 
 

 
(1)
The impairment charges were triggered by the Company’s decision made during the three months ended September 30, 2010 to market certain land parcels for sale at several of our development projects. As of September 30, 2010, there were two land parcels under contract that were not classified as held for sale due to substantive contingencies associated with the respective contracts.  Refer to Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation under Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets for a discussion of inputs used in determining the fair value of long-lived assets.

 
(2)
Amounts reported in the third quarter of 2010 relate to buildings and other improvements located in Stafford County, Virginia that the Company intends to demolish in order to prepare the site for a mixed-use project.  During the third quarter of 2010, the Company determined that it would market for sale all components of the project to various buyers and/or joint ventures.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company expects to retain an interest in certain parcels through participation in one or more joint ventures.  Refer to Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation under Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets for a discussion of inputs used in determining the fair value of long-lived assets.
 
 
 
 
Page 9 of 43

 

 
 
(3)
In the first quarter of 2010, the Company recorded an impairment charge of $2,653 resulting from other than-temporary declines in the fair market value of various equity investments in unconsolidated joint ventures.  Refer to Note 6 of the notes to condensed consolidated financial statements and Off Balance Sheet Arrangements in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation for a discussion of inputs used in determining the fair value of its investments in unconsolidated joint ventures.

The Company’s impairment provisions were based upon the difference between the present value of estimated sales prices of the available-for-sale parcels and the Company’s allocated basis of those parcels.  Future sales prices were estimated based upon comparable market transactions for similar land parcels, market rates of return, and other market data relevant to valuing developable land.  Based on these inputs the Company determined that its valuation in these investments was classified within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.

6.    Equity Investments in and Notes Receivable from Unconsolidated Entities

The combined condensed financial information for the Company’s unconsolidated entities is summarized as follows:

             
             
   
September 30,
   
December 31,
 
Balance Sheets
 
2010
   
2009
 
ASSETS
           
Investment in real estate, net
  $ 958,343     $ 1,010,216  
Other assets
    47,146       42,858  
   Total Assets
  $ 1,005,489     $ 1,053,074  
LIABILITIES AND OWNERS' EQUITY
               
Mortgage notes payable
  $ 470,686     $ 537,732  
Other liabilities
    21,367       25,657  
Owners' equity
    513,436       489,685  
   Total Liabilities and Owners' Equity
  $ 1,005,489     $ 1,053,074  
                 
   Company's equity investments in unconsolidated entities
  $ 103,822     $ 97,506  
                 
   Company's notes receivable from unconsolidated entities
  $ 16,824     $ 12,566  
                 
                 


The note receivable from unconsolidated entities at September 30, 2010, consisted of the note purchased by the Company for $16,824 relating to the Merchants’ Square Shopping Center in Carmel, Indiana.  For additional information refer to the debt section of this footnote.  The $12,566 note receivable from unconsolidated entities at December 31, 2009 related primarily to the Ramco RM Hartland SC LLC joint venture that is developing Hartland Towne Square, in Hartland, Michigan.  Effective January 1, 2010, the Company prospectively consolidated the Ramco RM Hartland SC LLC joint venture. For additional information on the consolidation of the Ramco RM Hartland SC LLC joint venture refer to Note 7 of the notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements.


 
Page 10 of 43

 
 
                         
                         
   
Three Months Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
 
Statements of Operations
 
September 30,
   
September 30,
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
                         
Total Revenue
  $ 22,924     $ 24,413     $ 71,204     $ 72,790  
Total Expenses
    20,900       22,312       66,423       67,135  
      2,024       2,101       4,781       5,655  
Impairment of long-lived assets (1)
    9,102       -       9,102       -  
Net income (loss)
  $ (7,078 )   $ 2,101     $ (4,321 )   $ 5,655  
Company's share of earnings (loss)
                               
    from unconsolidated entities
  $ (1,362 )   $ 492     $ (662 )   $ 1,349  
                                 
                                 
 
(1)
The impairment of long-lived assets relates to the Merchants’ Square shopping center and is based on the joint venture’s preliminary assessment of fair value. The Company’s share of the impairment, which represents its entire equity investment in the shopping center, was $1,820 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010.
 
Refer to Note 16.
 
 
As of September 30, 2010, the Company had investments in the following unconsolidated entities:
 
                   
         
Total Assets
   
Total Assets
 
   
Ownership as of
   
as of
   
as of
 
Entity Name
 
September 30, 2010
   
September 30, 2010
   
December 31, 2009
 
                   
S-12 Associates
    50 %   $ 648     $ 644  
Ramco/West Acres LLC
    40 %     9,620       9,610  
Ramco/Shenandoah LLC
    40 %     15,378       15,164  
Ramco/Lion Venture LP
    30 %     529,253       534,348  
Ramco 450 Venture LLC
    20 %     348,289       364,347  
Ramco 191 LLC
    20 %     24,419       23,975  
Ramco RM Hartland SC LLC
    20 %     -       25,630  
Ramco HHF KL LLC
    7 %     51,234       50,991  
Ramco HHF NP LLC
    7 %     26,648       27,086  
Ramco Jacksonville North Industrial LLC (1)
    100 %     -       1,279  
            $ 1,005,489     $ 1,053,074  
                         
(1) In the second quarter of 2010, the Company purchased its partner’s 95% interest in the Ramco Jacksonville North Industrial LLC joint venture.
 
 

In the first quarter 2010, the Company recorded a non-cash impairment charge of $2,653 resulting from other-than-temporary declines in the fair market value of various equity investments in unconsolidated joint ventures.
 
 
 
Page 11 of 43

 

 
Debt

The Company’s unconsolidated entities had the following debt outstanding at September 30, 2010 (unaudited):
 
                 
                 
   
Balance
   
Interest
     
Entity Name
 
Outstanding
   
Rate
   
Maturity Date
                 
S-12 Associates
  $ 734     5.9 %  
May 2016   (1)
Ramco/West Acres LLC
    8,401     13.1 %  
April 2030  (2)
Ramco/Shenandoah LLC
    11,727     7.3 %  
February 2012
Ramco/Lion Venture LP
    225,022     5.0% - 8.2 %  
Various       (3)
Ramco 450 Venture LLC
    216,139     5.3% - 6.5 %  
Various       (4)
Ramco 191 LLC
    8,663     1.8 %  
June 2012
    $ 470,686            
                   


 
(1)
Interest rate resets annually per formula.
 
(2)
Default interest rate, effective July, 1, 2010.
 
(3)
Interest rates range from 5.0% to 8.2% with maturities ranging from August 2011 to June 2020.
 
(4)
Interest rates range from 5.3% to 6.5% with maturities ranging from February 2011 to January 2018.

On September 3, 2010, the Company acquired the $32,700 note securing the Merchants’ Square Shopping Center located in Carmel, Indiana for $16,824.  The joint venture that owns this property anticipates transferring the property to us during the fourth quarter of 2010 in exchange for release of its obligations under the note.  The joint venture recorded an asset impairment loss of $9,102 on the pending transfer. The Company recorded a $1,820 loss in the third quarter to reflect its share of the impairment charge which is included in earnings (loss) from unconsolidated joint ventures in the Company’s condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010.

Upon the closing of the transaction, the Company will determine the fair value of the property and will report its financial results on a consolidated basis in the fourth quarter of 2010.

At September 30, 2010, the Ramco/West Acres LLC joint venture in which the Company has a 40% ownership interest was in default on its $8,401 loan.  The joint venture has been in discussions with the lender to restructure the loan.  The joint venture is currently accruing interest at a default rate of 13.1%.  Based upon the 40% ownership interest in the joint venture, the Company’s share of the debt was $3,360 at September 30, 2010.
In September 2010, RLV Marketplace LP, an entity in the Ramco/Lion Venture LP joint venture in which the Company has a 30% ownership interest, paid off its $16,226 non-recourse loan.  The Company’s share of the debt was $4,868.

In August 2010, RLV Oriole Plaza LP, an entity in the Ramco/Lion Venture LP joint venture in which the Company has a 30% ownership interest, paid off its $11,512 non-recourse loan.  The Company’s share of the debt was $3,454.

In June 2010, RLV Cypress Point LP, an entity in the Ramco/Lion Venture LP joint venture in which the Company has a 30% ownership interest, paid off its $14,500 non-recourse loan.  The Company’s share of the debt was $4,350.

Joint Venture Management and Other Fee Income

Under the terms of agreements with certain joint ventures, the Company is the manager of the joint ventures and earns fees for acquisitions, development, management, leasing, and financing.  The fees earned by the Company, which are reported in the consolidated statements of operations as fees and management income, are summarized as follows:
 
 
 
Page 12 of 43

 
 
                         
                         
   
Three Months Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
September 30,
   
September 30,
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
                         
Management fees
  $ 702     $ 707     $ 2,126     $ 2,148  
Leasing fees
    287       223       707       639  
Development fees
    44       215       205       486  
Financing fees
    29       4       29       72  
Total
  $ 1,062     $ 1,149     $ 3,067     $ 3,345  
                                 


7.   Consolidated Variable Interest Entity

The Ramco RM Hartland SC LLC joint venture was formed primarily to acquire certain land parcels and for a retail shopping center development called Hartland Towne Square, in Hartland Township, Michigan.  The entity was established with approximately $3,100 of equity, of which 80% was contributed by an independent joint venture partner.  The Company contributed the remaining 20%.  In addition, at September 30, 2010, the Company had advanced a mezzanine loan of $19,807.  The Company is also the manager of the entity and is responsible for the development, leasing and management of the project.

The Company re-evaluated its interests in entities for the period beginning January 1, 2010 to determine if the interests are variable and that the entities are reflected properly in the financial statements as investments or consolidated entities. As a result of the qualitative and quantitative analysis performed, the Company determined that the Ramco RM Hartland SC LLC joint venture is a variable interest entity and that the Company has a controlling financial interest in the variable interest entity.

During the first quarter 2010, a loan to the joint venture from a third party lender was reduced by $3,900 to $4,605. As a result of the reduction in third-party financing and additional costs incurred related to the development of the project, the Company increased the mezzanine loan balance to the joint venture to $18,100 resulting in the Company providing the substantial majority of the entity’s capital. The combination of the reduction of the third party loan, the need for the Company to advance additional funds to the joint venture, and the inability of the entity to obtain additional independent construction or mezzanine financing, transferred the responsibility of financial control to the Company. The Company concluded that the joint venture entity met the criteria of a variable interest entity under the current accounting definition.

The Company also determined that it had the obligation to absorb losses that could potentially be significant through its equity interest and its mezzanine loan to the joint venture entity.  Therefore the power to direct the significant activities of the entity made the Company the primary beneficiary of the variable interest entity and was required to consolidate the joint venture entity in its consolidated financial statements. The Company consolidated the Ramco RM Hartland SC LLC joint venture prospectively, effective January 1, 2010.
 
 
 
Page 13 of 43

 

Included in consolidated balances after appropriate eliminations were amounts related to the Ramco RM Hartland SC LLC joint venture VIE at September 30, 2010 as follows:
 
       
       
   
September 30,
 
   
2010
 
Assets
     
Construction in progress and land held for development or sale
  $ 25,832  
Other assets
    49  
   Total Assets
  $ 25,881  
         
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
       
Mortgages and notes payable
  $ 4,605  
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
    488  
Noncontrolling interest
    993  
   Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
  $ 6,086  
         


The mortgage note payable of $4,605 at September 30, 2010, is non-recourse, subject to certain exceptions.  Therefore, the lender would not have recourse to the general credit of the Company if any loan losses were to be incurred.

Construction in progress and land held for development or sale of $25,832 related to the consolidated VIE comprises approximately 2.6% of the Company’s consolidated total assets at September 30, 2010. Mortgages and notes payable of $4,605 and noncontrolling interest of $993 related to the consolidated VIE, comprise less than 1.0% of the Company’s consolidated total debt and total equity, respectively at September 30, 2010.

8.   Other Assets, Net

       Other assets consisted of the following:
 
             
             
   
September 30,
   
December 31,
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
             
Deferred leasing costs
  $ 42,396     $ 40,922  
Deferred financing costs
    11,500       10,525  
Intangible assets
    6,714       5,836  
Other
    6,329       6,162  
      66,939       63,445  
Less: accumulated amortization
    (42,062 )     (37,766 )
 
    24,877       25,679  
Prepaid expenses and other
    12,777       13,373  
Other assets, net
  $ 37,654     $ 39,052  
                 

Intangible assets at September 30, 2010 included $5,235 of lease origination costs and $1,479 of above market leases. These assets are being amortized over the lives of the applicable leases as reductions to minimum rent revenue, as appropriate, over the initial terms of the respective leases.
 

 
 
Page 14 of 43

 
At September 30, 2010 and 2009, $2,411 and $1,634, respectively, of intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $4,303 and $4,120, respectively, were included in other assets in the condensed consolidated balance sheets.  Included in net intangible assets at September 30, 2010 and 2009, were approximately $1,935 and $1,276, respectively, of lease origination costs and $476 and $358, respectively, of above market leases. Included in accounts payable and accrued expenses at September 30, 2010 and 2009 were intangible liabilities related to below market leases of $1,146 and $586, respectively, and an adjustment to increase debt to fair market value in the amount of $92 and $358, respectively. The lease-related intangible assets and liabilities are being amortized or accreted over the terms of the acquired leases, which resulted in additional expense of approximately $102 and $92, respectively, and an increase in revenue of $294 and $120, respectively, for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009.

The average amortization period for intangible assets attributable to lease origination costs and for above market leases are 7.3 years and 8.8 years, respectively.

Deferred financing costs, net of accumulated amortization were $7,212 at September 30, 2010, compared to $8,056 at December 31, 2009.  The Company recorded amortization of deferred financing costs of $1,843 and $528, respectively, during the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009. This amortization has been recorded as interest expense in the Company’s condensed consolidated statements of operations.

9.  Mortgages and Notes Payable

The following table summarizes our mortgages and notes payable as of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009:
 
             
             
    September 30,    
December 31,
 
Mortgages and Notes Payable
 
2010
   
2009
 
             
Fixed rate mortgages
  $ 357,958     $ 330,963  
Variable rate mortgages
    22,594       14,427  
Secured Revolving Credit Facility
    99,500       92,036  
Secured Term Loan Facility
    30,000       67,000  
Revolving Credit Facility, securing The Town Center at Aquia
    -       20,000  
Junior subordinated notes, 7.9%, unsecured
    28,125       28,125  
    $ 538,177     $ 552,551  
                 

The Company’s fixed rate mortgages have interest rates ranging from 4.8% to 7.6%, and are due at various dates from November 2010 through April 2020.  The Company’s variable rate mortgages have interest rates ranging from 5.3% to 6.0%, and are due at various dates from November 2010 through April 2020.  The mortgage notes, both fixed rate and variable rate, are secured by mortgages on properties that have an approximate net book value of $426,508 as of September 30, 2010.
 
The Company has a $180,000 secured credit facility, (the “Credit Facility”) consisting of a $150,000 secured revolving credit facility and a $30,000 secured term loan facility.  The Credit Facility provides that the secured revolving credit facility may be increased by up to $50,000 at the Company’s request, dependent upon there being one or more lenders willing to fund the additional commitments, for a total secured credit facility commitment of $230,000.  The secured revolving credit facility matures in December 2012 and bears interest at LIBOR plus 350 basis points with a 2% LIBOR floor. The secured term loan facility matures in June 2011 and bears interest at LIBOR plus 350 basis points with a 2% LIBOR floor. The Credit Facility is secured by mortgages on various properties that have an approximate net book value of $275,975 as of September 30, 2010.
 
The revolving credit facility secured by The Town Center at Aquia bears interest at LIBOR plus 350 basis points with a 2% LIBOR floor and matures in December 2010.  The balance of this facility was zero at September 30, 2010. However, the Company retains availability under the facility but at a reduced commitment of $4,050 dependent upon lender approval.
 
 
 
Page 15 of 43

 
 
In May 2010, the Company completed an equity offering of 6.9 million common shares, which included 0.9 million shares purchased pursuant to an over-allotment option granted to the underwriters.  The offering generated net proceeds of approximately $75,700.  The net proceeds from the offering were used to repay debt and other corporate matters.

Also in May 2010, the Company closed on a $14,700 loan secured by the newly-constructed office building occupied by Northrop Grumman at The Town Center at Aquia.  The loan bears interest at a fixed rate of 5.8% and matures in June 2015.  Net proceeds from the loan were used primarily to pay down the Company’s revolving lines of credit.

It is anticipated that funds borrowed under the aforementioned credit facilities will be used for general corporate purposes, including working capital, capital expenditures, the repayment of indebtedness or other corporate activities.

At September 30, 2010, outstanding letters of credit issued under the Credit Facility, not reflected in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets, were $4,623. These letters of credit reduce the availability under the Credit Facility.
 
 
The Credit Facility contains financial covenants relating to total leverage, fixed charge coverage ratio, tangible net worth and various other calculations. As of September 30, 2010, the Company was in compliance with the covenant terms.

The mortgage loans encumbering the Company’s properties, including properties held by its unconsolidated joint ventures, are generally non-recourse, subject to certain exceptions for which the Company would be liable for any resulting losses incurred by the lender.  These exceptions vary from loan to loan but generally include fraud or a material misrepresentation, misstatement or omission by the borrower, intentional or grossly negligent conduct by the borrower that harms the property or results in a loss to the lender, filing of a bankruptcy petition by the borrower, either directly or indirectly, and certain environmental liabilities.  In addition, upon the occurrence of certain events, such as fraud or filing of a bankruptcy petition by the borrower, the Company would be liable for the entire outstanding balance of the loan, all interest accrued thereon and certain other costs, including penalties and expenses. At September 30, 2010, the mortgage debt of $11,000 at Peachtree Hill, a shopping center owned by Ramco 450 Venture LLC, a joint venture in which the Company has 20% ownership interest, is recourse debt.  The loan is secured by unconditional guarantees of payment and performance by Ramco 450 Venture LLC, the Company, and the Operating Partnership.

We have entered into mortgage loans which are secured by multiple properties and contain cross-collateralization and cross-default provisions. Cross-collateralization provisions allow a lender to foreclose on multiple properties in the event that we default under the loan. Cross-default provisions allow a lender to foreclose on the related property in the event a default is declared under another loan.

Under terms of various debt agreements, the Company may be required to maintain interest rate swap agreements to reduce the impact of changes in interest rates on its floating rate debt.  The Company had interest rate swap agreements with an aggregate notional amount of $90,000 at September 30, 2010.  Based on rates in effect at September 30, 2010, the agreements provide for fixed rates ranging from 6.4% to 6.7% and expire December 2010.
 
 
 
Page 16 of 43

 

 
The following table presents scheduled principal payments on mortgages and notes payable as of September 30, 2010 (unaudited):
 
       
       
Year Ending December 31,
     
       
     2010 (October 1 - December 31)
  $ 5,992  
     2011
    83,318  
     2012
    134,354  
     2013
    34,436  
     2014
    33,086  
     Thereafter
    246,991  
       Total
  $ 538,177  
         

With respect to the various fixed rate mortgages due in 2010 and 2011, the Company is pursuing several options to repay or refinance these mortgages and notes payable, including, but not limited to using availability under the Company’s secured revolving credit facility or using proceeds from the financings of unencumbered assets.  However, there can be no assurance that the Company will be able to refinance its debt on commercially reasonable or any other terms.

10.   Fair Value

The Company utilizes fair value measurements to record fair value adjustments to certain assets and liabilities and to determine fair value disclosures.  Derivative instruments (interest rate swaps) are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis. Additionally, the Company, from time to time, may be required to record certain assets, such as impaired real estate assets, at fair value on a nonrecurring basis.

Fair Value Hierarchy

As required by accounting guidance for fair value measurements, the Company groups assets and liabilities at fair value in three levels, based on the markets in which the assets and liabilities are traded and the reliability of the assumptions used to determine fair value.

These levels are:
 
 
Level 1
Valuation is based upon quoted prices for identical instruments traded in active markets.
   
Level 2
Valuation is based upon quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active, and model-based valuation techniques for which all significant assumptions are observable in the market.
   
Level 3
Valuation is generated from model-based techniques that use at least one significant assumption not observable in the market. These unobservable assumptions reflect estimates of assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability.
 

The following is a description of valuation methodologies used for the Company’s assets and liabilities recorded at fair value on a recurring basis:


 
Page 17 of 43

 
 
Derivative Assets and Liabilities

All derivative instruments held by the Company are interest rate swaps for which quoted market prices are not readily available.  For those derivatives, the Company measures fair value on a recurring basis using valuation models that use primarily market observable inputs, such as yield curves. The Company classifies derivative instruments as recurring Level 2.  Refer to Note 11 of the notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements for additional information on the Company’s derivative financial instruments.

The table below presents the recorded amount of liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2010 (in thousands).  The Company did not have any material assets that were required to be measured at fair value on a recurring basis at September 30, 2010.
 
 
                         
                         
   
Total
                   
   
Fair Value
   
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
 
Liabilities
                       
Derivative liabilities (1)
  $ (604 )   $ -     $ (604 )   $ -  
                                 
(1) Interest rate swaps.
                               
                                 


The following is a description of valuation methodologies used for the Company’s assets and liabilities recorded at fair value on a nonrecurring basis:

Net Real Estate

The Company’s net real estate, including any identifiable intangible assets, are subject to impairment testing on a nonrecurring basis.  To estimate fair value, the company uses discounted cash flow models that include assumptions of the discount rates that market participants would use in pricing the asset. To the extent impairment has occurred, the Company charges to expense the excess of the carrying value of the property over its estimated fair value.  The Company classifies impaired real estate assets as nonrecurring Level 3.

Equity Investments in Unconsolidated Entities

The Company’s equity investments in unconsolidated joint venture entities are subject to impairment testing on a nonrecurring basis if a decline in the fair value of the investment below the carrying amount is determined to be a decline that is other-than-temporary.  To estimate the fair value of properties held by unconsolidated entities, the company uses cash flow models, discount rates, and capitalization rates based upon assumptions of the rates that market participants would use in pricing the asset.  To the extent other-than-temporary impairment has occurred, the Company charges to expense the excess of the carrying value of the equity investment over its estimated fair value.  The Company classifies other-than-temporarily impaired equity investments in unconsolidated entities as nonrecurring Level 3.

The table below presents the recorded amount of assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis as of September 30, 2010 (in thousands).  The Company did not have any material liabilities that were required to be measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis at September 30, 2010.
 
 
 
Page 18 of 43

 
 
                               
                               
   
Total
                     
Total
 
Assets
 
Fair Value
   
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
   
(Losses)
 
                               
                               
Long-lived assets:
                             
                               
      Land held for development or sale
  $ 49,395     $ -     $ -     $ 49,395     $ (28,787 )
      Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures
    99,922       -       -       99,922       (4,473 )
Total
  $ 149,317     $ -     $ -     $ 149,317     $ (33,260 )
                                         

 11.  Derivative Financial Instruments

As of September 30, 2010, the Company had interest rate swap agreements with an aggregate notional amount of $90,000.  Under the terms of certain debt agreements, the Company is required to maintain interest rate swap agreements in an amount necessary to ensure that the Company’s variable rate debt does not exceed 25% of its assets, as computed under the agreements, to reduce the impact of changes in interest rates on its variable rate debt.  Based on rates in effect at September 30, 2010, the agreements provide for fixed rates ranging from 6.4% to 6.7% on a portion of the Company’s secured credit facility and expire December 2010.

On the date the Company enters into an interest rate swap agreement for risk management purposes, the derivative is designated as a hedge against the variability of cash flows that are to be paid in connection with a recognized liability.  Subsequent changes in the fair value of a derivative designated as a cash flow hedge that is determined to be highly effective are recorded in other comprehensive income (“OCI”) until earnings are affected by the variability of cash flows of the hedged transaction. The differential between fixed and variable rates to be paid or received is accrued, as interest rates change, and recognized currently as interest expense in the condensed consolidated statements of operations.  Refer to Note 10 of the notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements for additional information on the fair value measurement of the Company’s derivative financial instruments.

The following table summarizes the notional values and fair values of the Company’s derivative financial instruments as of September 30, 2010:
 
                           
                           
   
Hedge
 
Notional
 
Fixed
   
Fair
   
Expiration
 
Underlying Debt
 
Type
 
Value
 
Rate
   
Value
   
Date
 
                           
Credit Facility
 
Cash Flow
  $ 20,000     6.4 %   $ (128 )   12/2010  
Credit Facility
 
Cash Flow
    10,000     6.6 %     (66 )   12/2010  
Credit Facility
 
Cash Flow
    10,000     6.6 %     (66 )   12/2010  
Credit Facility
 
Cash Flow
    10,000     6.6 %     (58 )   12/2010  
Credit Facility
 
Cash Flow
    20,000     6.7 %     (143 )   12/2010  
Credit Facility
 
Cash Flow
    20,000     6.7 %     (143 )   12/2010  
        $ 90,000           $ (604 )      
                                 

 
 
 
Page 19 of 43

 

 
The following table presents the fair values of derivative financial instruments in the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheets as of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively:

                   
                   
   
Liability Derivatives
 
   
September 30, 2010
 
December 31, 2009
 
Derivatives Designated
 
Balance Sheet
 
Fair
 
Balance Sheet
 
Fair
 
as Hedging Instruments
 
Location
 
Value
 
Location
 
Value
 
                   
    Interest rate contracts
 
Accounts payable and
 
Accounts payable and
     
   
accrued expenses
  $ (604 )
accrued expenses
  $ (2,517 )
                       
          Total
      $ (604 )     $ (2,517 )
                       
                       


 
The effect of derivative financial instruments on the Company’s condensed consolidated statements of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009 is summarized as follows:

                           
                           
             
Location of
 
Amount of Gain (Loss)
 
   
Amount of Gain (Loss)
 
Gain (Loss)
 
Reclassified from
 
   
Recognized in OCI on Derivative
 
Reclassified from
 
Accumulated OCI into
 
Derivatives in
 
(Effective Portion)
 
Accumulated OCI
 
Income (Effective Portion)
 
Cash Flow Hedging
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
into Income
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
Relationship
 
2010
   
2009
 
(Effective Portion)
 
2010
   
2009
 
                           
Interest rate contracts
  $ 1,913     $ 836  
Interest Expense
  $ (2,181 )   $ (2,108 )
                                   
    Total
  $ 1,913     $ 836       $ (2,181 )   $ (2,108 )
                                   

 
 
Page 20 of 43

 

 
12.   Earnings Per Common Share

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per common share (“EPS”) (in thousands, except per share data):
 
                         
                         
 
 
Three Months Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
 
 
 
September 30,
   
September 30,
 
 
 
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
   
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
Numerator:
                       
  Income (loss) from continuing operations before noncontrolling interest
  $ (29,450 )   $ 7,536     $ (30,536 )   $ 12,085  
  Noncontrolling interest from continuing operations
    2,702       (907 )     3,986       (1,679 )
  Income (loss) from continuing operations available to common shareholders
    (26,748 )     6,629       (26,550 )     10,406  
  Discontinued operations, net of noncontrolling interest:
                               
    Income (loss) on sale of real estate
    -       2,497       (1,905 )     2,494  
    Income (loss) from operations
    7       198       (11 )     237  
  Net income (loss) available to common shareholders
  $ (26,741 )   $ 9,324     $ (28,466 )   $ 13,137  
                                 
                                 
Denominator:
                               
  Weighted-average common shares for basic EPS
    38,020       20,548       34,497       19,292  
  Dilutive effect of securities:
                               
    Options outstanding
    -       -       -       -  
  Weighted-average common shares for diluted EPS
    38,020       20,548       34,497       19,292  
                                 
Basic EPS:
                               
  Income (loss) from continuing operations
  $ (0.70 )   $ 0.32     $ (0.77 )   $ 0.54  
  Income (loss) from discontinued operations
    -       0.13       (0.06 )     0.14  
  Net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders
  $ (0.70 )   $ 0.45     $ (0.83 )   $ 0.68  
                                 
Diluted EPS:
                               
  Income (loss) from continuing operations
  $ (0.70 )   $ 0.32     $ (0.77 )   $ 0.54  
  Income (loss) from discontinued operations
    -       0.13       (0.06 )     0.14  
  Net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders
  $ (0.70 )   $ 0.45     $ (0.83 )   $ 0.68  
                                 


13.  Shareholders’ Equity

In May 2010, the Company completed an equity offering of 6.9 million common shares, which included 0.9 million shares purchased pursuant to an over-allotment option granted to the underwriters.  The offering price was $11.50 per common share (par value $0.01 per share) generating net proceeds of approximately $75,700.  The net proceeds from the offering were used to repay debt and for other corporate purposes.

14.  Restructuring Costs and Other Items

The following table presents a summary of the charges recorded in restructuring costs and other items:
 
                         
                         
 
 
Three Months Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
 
 
 
September 30,
   
September 30,
 
 
 
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
                         
  Strategic review and proxy contest expenses
  $ -     $ 335     $ -     $ 1,171  
  Restructuring expense
    -       -       -       380  
        Total
  $ -     $ 335     $ -     $ 1,551  
                                 

In 2009, the Company’s Board of Trustees completed their review of financial and strategic alternatives.  Also during 2009, the Company resolved a proxy contest.  Costs incurred for the strategic review and proxy contest were $335 for the three months ended September 30, 2009 and $1,171 for the nine months ended September 30, 2009.
 
 
 
Page 21 of 43

 

 
Restructuring expense included severance and other salary-related costs for employees who were terminated during the quarter ended March 31, 2009.  The Company’s liability for restructuring costs consisted of the following for the nine months ended September 30, 2010:

       
       
   
Balance
 
       
Liability for restructuring costs at January 1, 2010
  $ 1,112  
Restructuring expenses incurred during the period
    -  
Severance payments made to employees
    (502 )
         
Liability for restructuring costs at September 30, 2010
  $ 610  
         

 
 
15. Commitments and Contingencies

Construction Costs

In connection with the development and redevelopment of various shopping centers, as of September 30, 2010 the Company had entered into agreements for construction costs of approximately $961.

Litigation

We are currently involved in certain litigation arising in the ordinary course of business.

In December 2008, John Carlo, Inc. (“Carlo”) filed a lawsuit against the Company and J. Raymond Construction Company (“JRCC”) in the Circuit Court of the Fourth Judicial Circuit in Duval, Florida related to concrete and road work for a development project in Florida.  In July 2009, Carlo transmitted a “Claim” submission to JRCC and the Company seeking additional compensation and damages for purported impacts to Carlo’s work on the project.
 
In February 2009, JRCC and the Company each filed motions seeking the dismissal of all or portions of the litigation, which both remain pending.
 
In July 2010, the case was moved from the Circuit Court to the Business Court in Orlando, Florida.  On July 15, 2010, the Company filed a motion with the court for dismissal.
 
On August 5, 2010, the Company and its attorneys attended a case management conference held before the Court, along with counsel and representatives for the Plaintiff and Defendant JRCC.  The Court set various discovery and motion deadlines, along with scheduling the trial of the matter to occur during the Court’s trial period beginning September 26, 2011 and ordering the parties to participate in mediation prior to January 31, 2011.

Due to a court ruling and arguments posed by JRCC in motions to dismiss, Plaintiff has recently filed its Third Amended Complaint.  In response, both the Company and JRCC have filed Motions to Dismiss.  On October 28, 2010, the Court ruled in favor of most of the Company’s and JRCC’s motions to dismiss.  Written discovery by Carlo and JRCC and the production of written records by the parties and various third parties have occurred. 

Management of the Company is currently unable to predict the outcome of this litigation proceeding, but believes the current status of the litigation proceeding against the Company and JRCC does not warrant accrual under the guidance of ASC 450-20 “Loss Contingencies”, since the amount of any liability is neither probable nor reasonably estimable.  As such, no amounts have been accrued in the financial statements.  The Company intends to vigorously defend the claims asserted against the Company and JRCC and certain of its subsidiaries by Carlo and its affiliates.


 
Page 22 of 43

 

Leases

The Company has an operating lease for its corporate office space in Michigan for a term expiring in 2014. The Company also has operating leases for office space in Florida and land at one of its shopping centers.  In addition, the Company has a capitalized ground lease.  Total amounts expensed relating to these leases were $1,197 and $1,186 for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

16. Subsequent Events

The Company has evaluated subsequent events through the date that the condensed consolidated financial statements were issued.

On November 4, 2010, the Company executed an agreement with its joint venture partner that transferred the interest in the Merchants’ Square Shopping Center in relation to the Company’s purchase of the $32,700 note securing the property for $16,824.  The Company will engage a third party to determine the fair value of the property and will report its financial results on a consolidated basis in the fourth quarter of 2010.

On November 4, 2010, the Company paid off a mortgage note of $4,713 on one of its properties.
 
 
 
Page 23 of 43

 

 
Item 2.  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

The following discussion and analysis of the financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with the condensed consolidated financial statements, including the respective notes thereto, which are included in this Form 10-Q.

Overview

We are a fully integrated, self-administered, publicly-traded REIT which owns, develops, acquires, manages and leases community shopping centers in the Midwestern, Southeastern and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States.  At September 30, 2010, we owned interests in 88 shopping centers, comprised of 65 community centers, 21 power centers, one single tenant property, and one enclosed regional mall, totaling approximately 20.0 million square feet of gross leaseable area (“GLA”).  We and our joint venture partners own approximately 15.4 million square feet of such GLA, with the remaining GLA owned by various anchor stores.  The Company’s overall portfolio, which includes joint venture properties and properties under redevelopment, was 91.1% leased at September 30, 2010.

Economic Outlook

The retail shopping center sector has been negatively affected by general economic conditions that have impacted our tenants’ retail operations.  These conditions have forced weaker retailers, in some cases, to declare bankruptcy and/or close stores. Certain retailers have sought rent relief from us as and/or announced store closings even though they have not filed for bankruptcy protection. Any reduction in our tenants’ abilities to pay base rent, percentage rent or other charges, may adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations. Further, our ability to re-lease vacant spaces may be negatively impacted by the slow economic recovery. While we believe the locations of our centers and diverse tenant base should mitigate the negative impact of the economic environment, we may continue to see an increase in vacancy that will have a negative impact on our revenue and bad debt expense. We continue to monitor our tenants’ operating performances as well as trends in the retail industry to evaluate any future impact.

Business Strategy

The Company intends to maximize shareholder value through a well-defined business strategy that incorporates the following elements:

 
Leasing and managing our shopping centers to increase occupancy, maximize rental income, and control operating expenses and capital expenditures;
 
Redeveloping our centers to increase gross leasable area, reconfigure space for credit tenants, create outparcels, sell excess land, and generally make the centers more desirable for our tenants and their shoppers;
 
Acquiring new shopping centers that are located in targeted metropolitan markets and that provide opportunities to add value through intensive leasing, management, or redevelopment;
 
Developing our land held for development into income-producing investment property, subject to market demand, availability of capital and adequate returns on our incremental capital;
 
Selling available-for-sale land parcels and using the proceeds to pay down debt or reinvest in our business;
 
Maintaining a strong and flexible balance sheet by capitalizing our Company with a moderate ratio of debt to equity and by financing our investment activities with various forms and sources of capital; and
 
Managing our overall enterprise to create an efficient organization with a strong corporate culture and transparent disclosure for all stakeholders.
 
The Company periodically reviews its performance on these endeavors and adjusts its operational and financial tactics accordingly.

Although the current retail real estate environment remains challenging, the Company was able to execute upon its strategy and accomplish the following activity for 2010:
 
 
 
Page 24 of 43

 

 
Significant Transactions

Activity generated during the third quarter:

 
Acquired Liberty Square, a 107,369 square foot grocery-anchored shopping center located in suburban Chicago, IL., for $15.2 million;
 
Purchased the $32.7 million note securing the Merchants’ Square shopping center located in Carmel, Indiana for $16.8 million;
 
Repaid two mortgage loans for two of our joint venture properties with our pro rata share totaling $8.3 million; and
 
Sold two land outparcels located in Duluth, Georgia and Hartland, Michigan for aggregate net sales proceeds of $2.2 million generating a combined net gain of $1.6 million.

Activity during the first half of 2010:

 
Issued 6.9 million of our common shares in an underwritten public offering generating net proceeds of approximately $75.7 million which were used to repay indebtedness and other corporate purposes;
 
Closed on a $31.3 million loan secured by mortgages on two of our properties which bears interest at a fixed rate of 6.5% and matures in April 2020;
 
Closed on a $14.7 million loan secured by a newly constructed office building located in Stafford County, Virginia which bears interest at a fixed rate of 5.8% and matures in June 2015;
 
Sold Ridgeview Crossing Shopping Center located in Elkin, North Carolina for $0.9 million in net proceeds generating a net loss of $2.1 million;
 
Sold one outparcel located in Jacksonville, Florida for $1.0 million in net proceeds generating a net gain of $0.5 million; and
 
Acquired our partner’s 95% interest in a parcel of land located in Jacksonville, Florida for $0.5 million.

Leasing Activity

Activity during the third quarter:

 
Executed 25 new leases comprised of 160,930 square feet with an average rental rate of $10.37 per square foot, a 1.6% decrease over the average expiring rate; and
 
Executed 53 renewal leases totaling 357,368 square feet with an average rental rate of $12.56 per square foot, a 0.3% increase over the average expiring rate.

Activity during the first half of 2010:

 
Executed 49 leases aggregating 292,194 square feet with an average base rent of $12.13 per square foot, a decrease 3.1% over expiring rents; and
 
Executed 137 renewal leases totaling 1,081,203 square feet, a decrease of 9.6% over expiring rents.

Redevelopment Activity

For the quarter ended September 30, 2010, the Company completed two redevelopment projects located in Roswell, Georgia and Cartersville, Georgia for a total investment of approximately $7.1 million.

As of September 30, 2010, the Company has two redevelopment projects in progress.  The Company’s share of costs to date is $13.1 million.  Our share of the remaining costs to complete these projects is approximately $2.4 million. The majority of the remaining work on these projects involves the leasing up of small shop space, which includes costs for tenant and site improvements.  The Company expects that the redevelopment projects will be substantially complete in the fourth quarter of 2010.
 
 
 
Page 25 of 43

 

 
Land Held for Development or Sale

At September 30, 2010, the Company had four named projects under pre-development.  During the quarter, the Company made the decision to market certain land parcels for sale at these projects which triggered an impairment provision of $12.6 million.  Also during the third quarter, the Company determined that it would market for sale all components of a mixed-use development project located in Stafford County, Virginia.  The Company’s change in plan triggered an additional impairment charge of $16.2 million for buildings and other improvements that the Company intends to demolish in order to ready the asset for sale and subsequent development.

The Company also reevaluated its development plans for the three projects we intend to develop and operate.  The analysis incorporated revisions to assumptions such as declines in lease up periods, lower rental rates, and higher capitalization rates as a result of weaker operating environments in the markets in which these properties are located.  The results of the analysis did not result in additional impairments.  However an impairment provision may be required if future market conditions deteriorate and impact the factors used to estimate fair value at September 30, 2010, or if the Company reduces its holding periods.

For a detailed discussion of these projects, refer to Note 5 of the condensed consolidated financial statements.

At September 30, 2010, the Company’s land held for development or sale consisted of:
 
           
Property Name
City, State
Project Description
 
Cost to
Date as of
9/30/10
 
           
Hartland Towne Square  (1)
Hartland Twp. , MI
550,000 SF shopping center project
  $ 32.5  
The Town Center at Aquia
Stafford Co., VA
Phased mixed-use project
    17.4  
Gateway Commons
Lakeland, FL
375,000 SF shopping center project
    21.0  
Parkway Shops
Jacksonville, FL
350,000 SF shopping center project
    10.0  
Other
Various
Various parcels near existing assets
    8.1  
        $ 89.0  
             


 
(1)
The Company owns a controlling 20% interest in the Ramco RM Hartland SC LLC joint venture that owns a portion of Hartland Towne Square.  In the first quarter of 2010, the Company consolidated the Ramco RM Hartland SC LLC joint venture in accordance with accounting guidance for variable interest entities.  For further information on the consolidation of the Ramco RM Hartland SC LLC joint venture, refer to Note 7 of the condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
It is the Company’s policy to start vertical construction on new development projects only after the project has received entitlements, significant anchor commitments, construction financing and joint venture partner commitments, if appropriate.  We are in the entitlement and pre-leasing phases at the development projects listed above.  The Company does not expect to secure financing and to identify joint venture partners until the entitlement and pre-leasing phases are complete.
 
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations is based upon our condensed consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”).  The preparation of these condensed financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities.  Management bases its estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Management has discussed the development, selection and disclosure of these estimates with the Audit Committee of our Board of Trustees.  Actual results could differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.
 
 
 
Page 26 of 43

 

 
Critical accounting policies are those that are both significant to the overall presentation of our financial condition and results of operations and require management to make difficult, complex or subjective judgments.   For example, significant estimates and assumptions have been made with respect to useful lives of assets, capitalization of development and leasing costs, recoverable amounts of receivables and initial valuations and related amortization periods of deferred costs and intangibles.  The following discussion relates to what we believe to be our most critical accounting policies that require our most subjective or complex judgment.
 
Allowance for Bad Debts

We provide for bad debt expense based upon the allowance method of accounting. We continuously monitor the collectability of our accounts receivable (billed and unbilled, including straight-line) from specific tenants, analyze historical bad debts, customer credit worthiness, current economic trends and changes in tenant payment terms when evaluating the adequacy of the allowance for bad debts.  When tenants are in bankruptcy, we make estimates of the expected recovery of pre-petition and post-petition claims.  The period to resolve these claims can exceed one year.  Management believes the allowance is adequate to absorb currently estimated bad debts.  However, if we experience bad debts in excess of the allowance we have established, our operating income would be reduced.

Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

Investments in Real Estate

The Company reviews its investment in real estate, including any related intangible assets, for impairment on a property-by-property basis whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the remaining estimated useful lives of those assets may warrant revision or that the carrying value of the property may not be recoverable.  For operating properties, these changes in circumstances include, but are not limited to, changes in occupancy, rental rates, tenant sales, net operating income, geographic location, real estate values, and management’s intentions related to the operating properties.  For development projects, including land held for development or sale, these changes in circumstances include, but are not limited to, changes in construction costs, absorption rates, market rents, the market for land sales, real estate values, and management’s intentions related to the projects.

The Company recognizes an impairment of an investment in real estate when the estimated undiscounted cash flow is less than the net carrying value of the property.  If it is determined that an investment in real estate is impaired, then the Company’s carrying value is reduced to the estimated fair value as determined by cash flow models and discount rates or comparable sales in accordance with our fair value measurement policy.

Determining whether an investment in real estate is impaired and, if so, the amount of the impairment requires considerable management judgment.  In the event that management changes its intended holding period for an investment in real estate, impairment may result even without any other event or change in circumstances related to that investment.  For example, a determination to sell land held for development rather than to develop the land and hold the developed asset may result in impairment.   Under certain circumstances, management may use probability-weighted scenarios related to an investment in real estate, and the use of such analysis may also result in impairment.  Impairments resulting from any event or change in circumstances, including changes in management’s intentions or management’s analysis of varying scenarios, could be material to our consolidated financial statements.
 
At September 30, 2010, the Company had four named projects under pre-development.  During the quarter, the Company made the decision to market certain land parcels for sale at these projects which triggered an impairment provision of $12.6 million.  Also during the third quarter, the Company determined that it would market for sale all components of a mixed-use development project located in Stafford County, Virginia.  The Company’s change in plan triggered an additional impairment charge of $16.2 million for buildings and other improvements that the Company intends to demolish in order to ready the asset for sale and subsequent development.

At September 30, 2010, the Company prepared undiscounted cash flow projections for nine shopping center properties that met management’s criteria for impairment testing.  In all instances, the undiscounted cash flows exceeded the properties carrying amounts therefore no impairment provision was required.
 
 
 
Page 27 of 43

 
 
In determining the estimated useful lives of intangible assets with finite lives, we consider the nature, life cycle position, and historical and expected future operating cash flows of each asset, as well as our commitment to support these assets through continued investment.

Revenue Recognition

Shopping center space is generally leased to retail tenants under leases which are accounted for as operating leases. We recognize minimum rents using the straight-line method over the terms of the leases commencing when the tenant takes possession of the space and when construction of landlord funded improvements is substantially complete. Certain of the leases also provide for additional revenue based on contingent percentage income which is recorded on an accrual basis once the specified target that triggers this type of income is achieved. The leases also provide for recoveries from tenants of common area maintenance, real estate taxes and other operating expenses. These recoveries are estimated and recognized as revenue in the period the recoverable costs are incurred or accrued.  Revenues from fees and management income are recognized in the period in which the services have been provided and the earnings process is complete. Lease termination income is recognized when a lease termination agreement is executed by the parties and the tenant vacates the space.

Share-Based Compensation

All share-based payments to employees, including grants of employee stock options, are recognized in the financial statements as compensation expense based upon the fair value on the grant date. We determine fair value of stock option awards using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The Black-Scholes option pricing model incorporates certain assumptions such as the risk-free interest rate, the expected volatility, the expected dividend yield and the expected life of options, in order to arrive at a fair value estimate. Expected volatilities are based on the historical volatility of the price of our common shares.  Expected lives of options are based on an allowable assumption of the holding period which is typically less than the term of the options granted. The risk-free interest rate is based upon quoted market yields for U.S. Treasury securities of comparable terms.  The expected dividend yield is based on our common share dividend rate at the time options are granted.

Off Balance Sheet Arrangements

The Company has eight equity investments in unconsolidated joint venture entities in which we own 50% or less of the total ownership interest.  Because the Company can influence but not control these joint ventures, these investments are accounted for under the equity method of accounting. The Company provides leasing, development, asset and property management services to these joint ventures for which we are paid fees.  Refer to Note 6 of the notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements for further information.

The Company reviews its equity investments in unconsolidated entities for impairment on a venture-by-venture basis whenever events of changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the equity investment may not be recoverable.  These changes in circumstances include, but are not limited to, declines in real estate values in general, increases in interest rates in general, or decreases net operating income and occupancy of the properties held in the unconsolidated joint venture. The Company records an impairment charge when it determines that a decline in value is other than temporary.  In the first quarter of 2010, the Company recorded a non-cash impairment charge of $2.7 million resulting from other-than-temporary declines in the fair market value of various equity investments in unconsolidated joint ventures.

In testing for impairment of equity investments in unconsolidated entities, the Company uses cash flow models, discount rates, and capitalization rates to estimate fair values of properties held in joint ventures, and marks the debt of the joint ventures to market.  Determining whether an equity investment in an unconsolidated entity is impaired and, if so, the amount of the impairment requires considerable management judgment. Changes to assumptions regarding cash flows, discount rates, or capitalization rates could be material to our consolidated financial statements.
 

 
 
Page 28 of 43

 

Comparison of three months ended September 30, 2010 to 2009

The following summarizes certain line items from our unaudited condensed statements of income which we believe are important in understanding our operations and/or those items which have significantly changed in the three months ended September 30, 2010 as compared to the same period in 2009:
 
                   
                   
   
Three Months Ended
 
   
September 30,
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
% Change
 
                   
Total revenue
  $ 28,416     $ 29,527       -3.8 %
Recoverable property operating expense
    7,343       7,803       -5.9 %
Other non-recoverable operating expense
    940       428       119.6 %
Depreciation and amortization
    7,546       7,602       -0.7 %
General and administrative expense
    4,552       3,395       34.1 %
Other income (expense)
    (388 )     227       -270.9 %
Gain on sale of real estate
    1,633       4,610       -64.6 %
Earnings (loss) from unconsolidated joint ventures
    (1,362 )     492       -376.8 %
Interest expense
    8,581       7,757       10.6 %
Provision for impairment
    28,787       -       100.0 %
Restructuring costs and other items
    -       335       -100.0 %
Income from discontinued operations
    8       3,115       -99.7 %
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling intererst
    (2,701 )     1,327       -303.5 %
Net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders
  $ (26,741 )   $ 9,324       -386.8 %
                         

Total revenue decreased $1.1 million, or 3.8%, to $28.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2010 from $29.5 million in 2009. The decrease is primarily attributable to lower recovery income from tenants of approximately $0.8 million related to lower real estate tax expense and a decrease in development fees of approximately $0.3 million due to the completion of construction projects at several of our joint venture properties.

Property operating expense decreased by $0.5 million, or 5.9%, to $7.3 million in 2010 from $7.8 million in 2009. The decrease primarily consists of lower real estate tax expense.

Other non-recoverable operating expenses increased $0.5 million or 119.6%, to $0.9 million in 2010 from $0.4 million. The increase was primarily due to higher bad debt expense and tenant legal costs associated with tenants in bankruptcy.

General and administrative expenses increased by $1.2 million, or 34.1%, to $4.6 million in 2010 from $3.4 million in 2009. The increase in 2010 was primarily related to the following:

 
an increase of $0.3 million related to a reclassification of other operating expense included in 2009;
 
an increase in legal fees of $0.2 million related to our defense against a lawsuit with a subcontractor;
 
an increase in trustee fees of $0.2 million;
 
an increase of $0.2 million due to a positive business taxes adjustment in 2009;
 
an increase in acquisition costs of $0.1 million related to the purchase of Liberty Square;
 
an increase of $0.1 million associated with general office and business expenses; and
 
an increase in share-based compensation expense of $0.1 million.

Other income decreased $0.6 million, or 270.9%, to $(0.4) million in 2010 from $0.2 in 2009. The decrease was primarily related to real estate tax expense being capitalized in 2009 on development projects that were temporarily placed on hold in 2010 due to the slowdown of anchor and mid-box tenant demand.
 
 
 
Page 29 of 43

 

 
Gain on sale of real estate decreased $3.0 million, or 64.6%, to $1.6 million in 2010 from $4.6 million in 2009. The decrease is mostly attributable to 2009, which includes the sale of two outparcels as compared to one in 2010.

Interest expense increased $0.8 million, or 10.6%, to $8.6 million in 2010 from $7.8 million in 2009 due to the following:

 
amortization of deferred financing costs increased by approximately $0.5 million related to our new credit and term loan facilities which closed in the fourth quarter of 2009; and
 
lower capitalized interest of $0.3 million due to the temporary deferment of our development projects.

A non-cash impairment provision of $28.8 million was recorded in the third quarter of 2010.  During the quarter, the Company made the decision to market certain land parcels for sale at these projects which triggered an impairment provision of $12.6 million.  Also during the third quarter, the Company determined that it would market for sale all components of a mixed-use development project located in Stafford County, Virginia.  The Company’s change in plan triggered an additional impairment charge of $16.2 million for buildings and other improvements that the Company intends to demolish in order to ready the asset for sale and subsequent development.

Restructuring costs and other items included $0.3 million of severance and other compensation-related costs associated with employees who were terminated in the first quarter of 2009.

For the three months ended September 30, 2009, our discontinued operations resulted in net income of approximately $3.1 million primarily related to the sale of Taylor Plaza, a stand-alone Home Depot in Taylor, Michigan.

Noncontrolling interest represents the portion of the Operating Partnership and 80% of the Ramco RM Hartland SC LLC joint venture not owned by us.  The loss attributable to noncontrolling interest in the third quarter of 2010 of $2.7 million compares to income of $1.3 million for the third quarter of 2009.  The decrease of $4.0 million reflects the noncontrolling interest’s proportionate share of the Company’s net loss in the third quarter 2010 as compared to net income in the same period in 2009, as well as the noncontrolling interest’s share of the net loss related to the Ramco RM Hartland SC LLC joint venture developing a portion of Hartland Towne Square.  The Company consolidated this variable interest entity joint venture effective January 1, 2010 and properly attributes 80% of the net loss in the joint venture to the noncontrolling interest.  The noncontrolling interest in the joint venture has no obligation to fund its share of losses beyond the equity it has already contributed to the joint venture, either at present or at a future period when its equity in the joint venture may be reduced below zero.  We expect to continue to attribute 80% of any net loss from this joint venture to the noncontrolling interest until such time as our ownership interest in the joint venture may change.  For additional information on the consolidation of the Ramco RM Hartland SC LLC joint venture refer to Note 7 of the notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
Comparison of nine months ended September 30, 2010 to 2009

The following summarizes certain line items from our unaudited condensed statements of income which we believe are important in understanding our operations and/or those items which have significantly changed in the nine months ended September 30, 2010 as compared to the same period in 2009:
 
 
 
Page 30 of 43

 
 

 
                   
                   
   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
September 30,
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
% Change
 
                   
Total revenue
  $ 89,199     $ 92,914       -4.0 %
Recoverable property operating expense
    23,714       25,211       -5.9 %
Other non-recoverable operating expense
    2,809       1,960       43.3 %
Depreciation and amortization
    22,864       23,219       -1.5 %
General and administrative expense
    13,150       12,041       9.2 %
Other income (expense)
    (1,021 )     558       -283.0 %
Gain on sale of real estate
    2,132       5,011       -57.5 %
Earnings (loss) from unconsolidated joint ventures
    (662 )     1,349       -149.1 %
Interest expense
    26,207       23,765       10.3 %
Provision for impairment
    31,440       -       100.0 %
Restructuring costs and other items
    -       1,551       -100.0 %
Income (loss) from discontinued operations
    (2,061 )     3,160       -165.2 %
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling intererst
    (4,131 )     2,108       -296.0 %
Net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders
  $ (28,466 )   $ 13,137       -316.7 %
                         


Total revenue decreased $3.7 million, or 4.0%, to $89.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 from $92.9 million in 2009. The decrease is primarily attributable to the following:

 
a decrease in minimum rent of $1.8 million due primarily to the sale of two net leased Wal-Marts in 2009 and tenant vacancies, tenant bankruptcies, rent relief and other concessions granted in 2010;
 
a decrease in recovery income from tenants of approximately $2.4 million due to lower real estate tax expense;
 
a decrease of $0.5 million in development fees earned in 2010 due to completed construction at our joint venture properties; partially offset by
 
an increase of $0.8 million in lease termination fees in 2010.

Property operating expenses decreased by $1.5 million, or 5.9%, to $23.7 million in 2010 from $25.2 million in 2009, primarily due to a $1.0 million decrease of in real estate tax expense.

Other non-recoverable operating expenses increased $0.8 million, or 43.3%, to $2.8 million in 2010 from $2.0 million due to higher bad debt expense.

General and administrative expenses increased by $1.1 million, or 9.2%, to $13.1 million in 2010 from $12.0 million in 2009. The increase in 2010 was primarily related to the following:

 
an increase in legal fees of $0.8 million primarily related to our defense against a lawsuit with a subcontractor;
 
an increase in acquisition costs of $0.1 million related to the purchase of Liberty Square;
 
an increase of $0.2 million associated with lower capitalization of leasing and development salary and related costs;
 
an increase of $0.1 million related to recruitment fees associated with the hire of one new executive; partially offset by
 
a decrease of $0.2 million related to lower personnel related costs.

Other income (expense) decreased $1.6 million, or 283.0%, to $(1.0) million in 2010 from $0.6 million in 2009. The decrease was primarily related to real estate tax expense being capitalized in 2009 on development projects that were temporarily placed on hold in 2010 due to the slowdown of anchor and mid-box tenant demand.
 
 
 
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Gain on sale of real estate decreased $2.9 million, or 57.5%, to $2.1 million in 2010 from $5.0 million in 2009. The decrease is mostly attributable to the sale of two net leased Wal-Mart pads at Northwest Crossing and Taylors Square shopping centers in 2009.

Earnings (loss) from unconsolidated joint ventures decreased in 2010 primarily due to our equity in a $9.1 million impairment loss at a property in one of our joint ventures.  In the fourth quarter of 2010, the property’s interest will be transferred to us.  Refer to Note 7 of the notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements for more information.

Interest expense increased $2.4 million, or 10.3%, to $26.2 million in 2010 from $23.8 million in 2009 attributable to the following:

 
amortization of deferred financing costs increased by approximately $1.3 million related to our new credit and term loan facilities which closed in the fourth quarter of 2009;
 
the consolidation of Hartland Towne Square increased interest expense by approximately $0.4 million;
 
an increase of $0.4 million associated with higher interest expense and unused line fees associated with our new credit facilities which closed in the fourth quarter of 2009; and
 
lower capitalized interest of $0.3 million due to the temporary deferment of our development projects.

A non-cash impairment provision of $28.8 million was recorded in the third quarter of 2010 related to the marketing of certain land parcels for sale at several of our development properties.  Refer to Note 5 of the notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements for a detailed discussion of these charges.

Also, in the first quarter of 2010, the Company recorded a non-cash impairment charge of $2.6 million resulting from other-than-temporary declines in the fair market value of various equity investments in unconsolidated joint ventures.

Restructuring costs and other items included $0.8 million related to the Company’s strategic review and proxy contest in the second quarter of 2009 and $0.7 million of severance and other compensation-related costs associated with employees who were terminated in the first quarter of 2009.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2010, the Company recorded a net loss of $2.1 million from discontinued operations related to the sale of one income producing property, as compared to a net gain of $3.2 million for the same period in 2009 related to the sale of Taylor Plaza, a stand-alone Home Depot in Taylor, Michigan.

Noncontrolling interest represents the portion of the Operating Partnership and 80% of the Ramco RM Hartland SC LLC joint venture not owned by us.  The loss attributable to noncontrolling interest in the nine months ended September 30, 2010 of $4.1 million compares to income of $2.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009.  The decrease of $6.0 million reflects the noncontrolling interest’s proportionate share of the Company’s net loss in the first nine months of 2010 as compared to net income in the same period in 2009, as well as the noncontrolling interest’s share of the net loss related to the Ramco RM Hartland SC LLC joint venture developing a portion of Hartland Towne Square.  The Company consolidated this variable interest entity joint venture effective January 1, 2010 and properly attributes 80% of the net loss in the joint venture to the noncontrolling interest.  The noncontrolling interest in the joint venture has no obligation to fund its share of losses beyond the equity it has already contributed to the joint venture, either at present or at a future period when its equity in the joint venture may be reduced below zero.  We expect to continue to attribute 80% of any net loss from this joint venture to the noncontrolling interest until such time as our ownership interest in the joint venture may change.  For additional information on the consolidation of the Ramco RM Hartland SC LLC joint venture refer to Note 7 of the notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements.

Liquidity and Capital Resources
 
The majority of our cash is generated from operations and is dependent on the rents that we are able to charge and collect from our tenants. The principal uses of our liquidity and capital resources are for operations, developments, redevelopments, including expansion and renovation programs, acquisitions, and debt repayment, as well as dividend payments in accordance with REIT requirements for distributing the substantial majority of our taxable income on an annual basis.  We anticipate that the combination of cash on hand and cash retained from operations, the availability under our credit facilities, additional financings, equity offerings, and the sale of existing properties will satisfy our expected working capital requirements through at least the next 12 months.  Although we believe that the combination of factors discussed above will provide sufficient liquidity, no such assurance can be given.
 

 
 
Page 32 of 43

 
 
At September 30, 2010, the Company had $5.5 million and $8.0 million in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash, respectively.  Restricted cash was comprised primarily of funds held in escrow to pay real estate taxes, insurance premiums and certain capital expenditures.

Short-Term Liquidity Requirements

Our short-term liquidity needs consist primarily of funds necessary to pay operating expenses associated with our operating properties, interest and scheduled principal payments on our debt, expected dividend payments (including distributions to OP unit holders) and capital expenditures related to tenant improvements and redevelopment activities.

In the fourth quarter of 2010, we have one debt maturity due in the amount of $4.7 million and one commitment of $3.0 million secured by a letter of credit, both of which we intend to fund with our available cash and/or borrowings under our credit facility.  We continually search for acquisition and joint venture opportunities that may require additional capital and/or liquidity.  As of September 30, 2010, we had no proposed property acquisitions under contract.

Long-Term Liquidity Requirements
 
 
Our long-term liquidity needs consist primarily of funds necessary to pay indebtedness at maturity, potential acquisitions of properties, redevelopment of existing properties, the development of land held and non-recurring capital expenditures.

As of September 30, 2010, the Company has a $180.0 million secured credit facility consisting of a $150.0 million secured revolving credit facility and a $30.0 million secured term loan facility, of which $45.9 million was available to be drawn subject to certain covenants that may affect availability.  The Company can borrow up to an additional $50 million on the credit facility dependent upon there being one or more lenders willing to fund the additional commitment.  The secured revolving credit facility and the secured term loan facility are scheduled to mature in December 2012 and June 2011, respectively.

As opportunities arise and market conditions permit, we will continue to pursue the strategy of selling mature properties or non-core assets that have less potential for increase cash flow or are not viable for redevelopment.  Our ability to obtain acceptable selling prices and satisfactory terms and financing will impact the timing of future sales.  The Company anticipates using net proceeds from the sale of properties to reduce outstanding debt.

The following is a summary of our cash flow activities (dollars in thousands):
 
             
             
 
 
Nine Months Ended
 
 
 
September 30,
 
 
 
2010
   
2009
 
             
Cash provided from operations
  $ 29,116     $ 40,107  
Cash (used in) provided by investing activities
    (66,248 )     1,351  
Cash provided by (used in) financing activities
    33,813       (38,159 )
                 
 

For the nine months ended September 30, 2010, the Company generated $29.1 million in cash flows from operating activities, as compared to $40.1 million for the same period in 2009.  Cash flows from operating activities were lower during the nine months ended September 30, 2010 mainly due to higher net cash outflows for accounts payable and accrued expenses.  For the nine months ended September 30, 2010, investing activities used $66.2 million of cash flows, as compared to $1.4 million provided by investing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2009. Cash flows used in investing activities were higher in the first nine months of 2010, due to higher investments in real estate, including the $15.2 million acquisition of the Liberty Square shopping center and investments in unconsolidated entities primarily made to pay off joint venture loans.  Additionally, the Company paid $16.8 million to purchase the note securing the Merchants’ Square shopping center in the third quarter of 2010.  During the nine months ended September 30, 2010, cash flows provided by financing activities were $33.8 million, as compared to cash used of $38.2 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2009.  For the nine months ended September 30, 2010, the Company generated $75.6 million in proceeds from the issuance of common shares, which it used primarily to pay down debt.  In the third quarter of 2009, the Company generated $96.3 million in proceeds from the issuance of common shares, which it used primarily to pay down debt. As a result, the Company repaid more mortgage and notes payable in 2009 as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2010.
 
 
 
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Dividends

Under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (“the Code”), as a REIT we must distribute annually to our shareholders at least 90% of our REIT taxable income, excluding net capital gain.  Distributions paid are at the discretion of our Board of Trustees and depend on our actual net income available to common shareholders, cash flow, financial condition, capital requirements, restrictions in financing arrangements, the annual distribution requirements under REIT provisions of the Code and such other factors as our Board of Trustees deems relevant.

We declared a quarterly cash dividend distribution of $0.16325 per common share paid to shareholders of record on September 20, 2010, unchanged from the dividend paid of $0.16325 per share in the comparable quarter of 2009.  To strengthen the Company’s liquidity position, the Board of Trustees elected to keep the aggregate distribution dollars constant when additional common shares were issued in September 2009.  Therefore, the distribution per common share was reduced in proportion to the new common shares issued, to $0.16325 per common share in the third quarter of 2009. Our dividend policy has not changed in that we expect to continue making distributions to shareholders of at least 90% of our REIT taxable income, excluding net capital gain, in order to maintain qualification as a REIT. On an annualized basis, our current dividend is above our estimated minimum required distribution.

Distributions paid by the Company are funded from cash flows from operating activities.  To the extent that cash flows from operating activities were insufficient to pay total distributions for any period, alternative funding sources are used as shown in the following table.  Examples of alternative funding sources may include proceeds from sales of real estate and bank borrowings.  Although the Company may use alternative sources of cash to fund distributions in a given period, we expect that distribution requirements for an entire year will be met with cash flows from operating activities.
 
             
             
   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
September 30,
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
             
Cash provided by operating activities
  $ 29,116     $ 40,107  
                 
Cash distributions to common shareholders
    (16,305 )     (12,953 )
Cash distributions to operating partnership unit holders
    (1,427 )     (2,026 )
Distributions to noncontrolling partners
    -       (54 )
    Total distributions
    (17,732 )     (15,033 )
                 
Surplus (deficiency)
  $ 11,384     $ 25,074  
Alternative sources of funding for distributions:
               
  Net borrowings on mortgages and notes payable
    n/a       n/a  
    Total sources of alternative funding for distributions
    n/a       n/a  
                 
  n/a - Not applicable
               
                 
 

Debt

In the second quarter of 2010, the Company used funds borrowed under its secured revolving credit facility to acquire the Liberty Square shopping center in Wauconda, Illinois for $15.2 million, and to purchase the $32.7 million note securing the Merchants’ Square shopping center in Carmel, Indiana for $16.8 million.  Also in the second quarter, the Company repaid two mortgage loans for two of our joint venture properties with our pro rata share totaling $8.3 million.
 
 
 
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In May 2010, the Company used the net proceeds from its equity offering to reduce the balance of its secured term loan facility by $37.0 million, to pay off two fixed rate mortgages of $15.8 million in aggregate and to reduce outstanding borrowings under the secured revolving credit facilities.

Also in May 2010, the Company closed on a $14.7 million loan secured by the newly-constructed office building occupied by Northrop Grumman at The Town Center at Aquia located in Stafford County, Virginia.  The loan bears interest at a fixed rate of 5.8% and matures in June 2015.  Net proceeds from the loan were used primarily to pay down the Company’s revolving lines of credit.

It is anticipated that funds borrowed under the Company’s credit facilities will be used for general corporate purposes, including working capital, capital expenditures, the repayment of indebtedness or other corporate activities.  For further information on the credit facilities and other debt refer to Note 9 of the condensed consolidated financial statements.

Under terms of various debt agreements, we may be required to maintain interest rate swap agreements to reduce the impact of changes in interest rates on our floating rate debt.  We have interest rate swap agreements with an aggregate notional amount of $90.0 million at September 30, 2010. Based on rates in effect at September 30, 2010, the agreements provide for fixed rates ranging from 6.4% to 6.7% and expire December 2010.

After taking into account the impact of converting our variable rate debt into fixed rate debt by use of the interest rate swap agreements, at September 30, 2010 our variable rate debt accounted for approximately $62.1 million of outstanding debt with a weighted average interest rate of 5.6%. Variable rate debt accounted for approximately 11.5% of our total debt and 6.4% of our total market capitalization.

We have $380.6 million of mortgage loans, both fixed and floating rate, encumbering our consolidated properties.  Such mortgage loans are generally non-recourse, subject to certain exceptions for which we would be liable for any resulting losses incurred by the lender.  These exceptions vary from loan to loan but generally include fraud or a material misrepresentation, misstatement or omission by the borrower, intentional or grossly negligent conduct by the borrower that harms the property or results in a loss to the lender, filing of a bankruptcy petition by the borrower, either directly or indirectly, and certain environmental liabilities.  In addition, upon the occurrence of certain of such events, such as fraud or filing of a bankruptcy petition by the borrower, we would be liable for the entire outstanding balance of the loan, all interest accrued thereon and certain other costs, penalties and expenses.

Off Balance Sheet Debt

The unconsolidated joint ventures in which the Operating Partnership owns an interest, and which are accounted for by the equity method of accounting, are subject to mortgage indebtedness, which in most instances is non-recourse.  At September 30, 2010, mortgage debt for the unconsolidated joint ventures was $470.7 million, of which our pro rata share was $120.9 million with a weighted average interest rate of 5.7%. Fixed rate debt for the unconsolidated joint ventures was $451.0 million at September 30, 2010.  Our pro rata share of fixed rate debt for the unconsolidated joint ventures amounted to $117.0 million.  Fixed rate debt represented 96.7% of our total pro rata share of debt from unconsolidated entities at September 30, 2010.  The mortgage debt of $11.0 million at Peachtree Hill, a shopping center owned by our Ramco 450 Venture LLC, is recourse debt.  The loan is secured by unconditional guarantees of payment and performance by Ramco 450 Venture LLC, the Company, and the Operating Partnership.
 
 
 
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Contractual Obligations

The following are our contractual cash obligations as of September 30, 2010 (dollars in thousands):

 
                               
   
Payments due by period
 
                               
Contractual Obligations
 
Total
   
Less than 1 year (1)
   
1-3 years
   
3-5 years
   
More than
5 years
 
   
(In thousands)
 
                               
Mortgages and  notes payable:
                             
Scheduled amortization
  $ 27,160     $ 1,302     $ 10,323     $ 7,724     $ 7,811  
Payments due at maturity
    511,017       4,690       207,350       59,797       239,180  
  Total mortgage obligations
    538,177       5,992       217,673       67,521       246,991  
                                         
Employment contracts
    2,054       211       1,483       360       -  
Capital lease
    8,155       169       1,354       6,632       -  
Operating leases
    4,558       227       1,854       1,658       819  
Construction commitments
    961       961       -       -       -  
Total contractual obligations
  $ 553,905     $ 7,560     $ 222,364     $ 76,171     $ 247,810  
                                         
                                         
(1) Amounts represent balance of obligation for the remainder of 2010.
                         
 

We anticipate that the combination of cash on hand, cash provided from operating activities, the availability under the Credit Facility ($45.9 million at September 30, 2010 subject to covenants, plus up to an additional $50 million dependent upon there being one or more lenders willing to fund the additional commitment), our access to the capital markets and the sale of existing properties will satisfy our expected working capital requirements through at least the next 12 months. Although we believe that the combination of factors discussed above will provide sufficient liquidity, no assurance can be given.

Planned Capital Spending

The Company is focusing on its core strengths of enhancing the value of our existing portfolio of shopping centers through successful leasing efforts and completing those redevelopment projects in 2010 that are currently in process.  In addition, in the third quarter of 2010, the Company acquired the Liberty Square shopping center in Wauconda, Illinois for $15.2 million.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2010, we spent approximately $16.8 million on capital expenditures including tenant allowances, leasing commissions paid to third-party brokers, legal costs related to lease documents, capitalized leasing and construction costs, renovations, and roof and parking lot repairs.

For the remainder of 2010, we anticipate spending approximately $5.9 million for capital expenditures, including approximately $0.6 million for redevelopment projects.

Capitalization

At September 30, 2010, our total market capitalization was $976.9 million. Our market capitalization consisted of $539.4 million of net debt (including property-specific mortgages, a secured Credit Facility consisting of a secured term loan credit facility and a secured revolving credit facility, the secured revolving credit facility on The Town Center at Aquia, and Junior Subordinated Notes), and $437.5 million of Operating Partnership Units and common shares (based on the closing price of $10.71 per share at September 30, 2010).  Our net debt to total market capitalization was 55.2% at September 30, 2010, as compared to 62.8% at December 31, 2009.  The decrease in total net debt to market capitalization was due primarily to the impact of the May 18, 2010 equity offering and the increase in the price per common share from $9.54 at December 31, 2009 to $10.71 at September 30, 2010.  After taking into account the impact of converting our variable rate debt into fixed rate debt by use of interest rate swap agreements, our outstanding debt at September 30, 2010 had a weighted average interest rate of 6.0%, and consisted of $476.1 million of fixed rate debt and $62.1 million of variable rate debt. Outstanding letters of credit issued under the credit facility totaled approximately $4.6 million at September 30, 2010.
 

 
 
Page 36 of 43

 
 
At September 30, 2010, the noncontrolling interest in the Operating Partnership represented a 7.1% ownership in the Operating Partnership.  The OP Units may, under certain circumstances, be exchanged for our common shares of beneficial interest on a one-for-one basis.  We, as sole general partner of the Operating Partnership, have the option, but not the obligation, to settle exchanged OP Units held by others in cash based on the current trading price of our common shares of beneficial interest.  Assuming the exchange of all OP Units, there would have been 40,848,703 of our common shares of beneficial interest outstanding at September 30, 2010, with a market value of approximately $437.5 million.
 
Inflation

Inflation has been low in recent years and has not had a significant detrimental impact on the results of our operations.  Should inflation rates increase in the future, substantially all of our tenant leases contain provisions designed to partially mitigate the negative impact of inflation in the near term.  Such lease provisions include clauses that require our tenants to reimburse us for real estate taxes and many of the operating expenses we incur.  Also, many of our leases provide for periodic increases in base rent which are either of a fixed amount or based on changes in the consumer price index and/or percentage rents (where the tenant pays us rent based on a percentage of its sales).  Significant inflation rates over a prolonged period of time may have a material adverse impact on our business.

Funds from Operations

We consider funds from operations, also known as “FFO,” an appropriate supplemental measure of the financial performance of an equity REIT. Under the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts (NAREIT) definition, FFO represents net income attributable to common shareholders, excluding extraordinary items (as defined under GAAP) and gains (losses) on sales of depreciable property, plus real estate related depreciation and amortization (excluding amortization of financing costs), and after adjustments for unconsolidated partnerships and joint ventures.  FFO is intended to exclude GAAP historical cost depreciation and amortization of real estate investments, which assumes that the value of real estate assets diminishes ratably over time.  Historically, however, real estate values have risen or fallen with market conditions and many companies utilize different depreciable lives and methods.  Because FFO adds back depreciation and amortization unique to real estate, and excludes gains and losses from depreciable property dispositions and extraordinary items, it provides a performance measure that, when compared year over year, reflects the impact on operations from trends in occupancy rates, rental rates, operating costs, acquisition and development activities and interest costs, which provides a perspective of our financial performance not immediately apparent from net income attributable to common shareholders determined in accordance with GAAP.  In addition, FFO does not include the cost of capital improvements, including capitalized interest.

For the reasons described above we believe that FFO provides us and our investors with an important indicator of our operating performance.  This measure of performance is used by us for several business purposes and for REITs it provides a recognized measure of performance other than GAAP net income attributable to common shareholders, which may include non-cash items.  Other real estate companies may calculate FFO in a different manner.

We recognize FFO’s limitations when compared to GAAP net income attributable to common shareholders.  FFO does not represent amounts available for needed capital replacement or expansion, debt service obligations, or other commitments and uncertainties.  In addition, FFO does not represent cash generated from operating activities in accordance with GAAP and is not necessarily indicative of cash available to fund cash needs, including the payment of dividends.  FFO should not be considered as an alternative to net income attributable to common shareholders (computed in accordance with GAAP) or as an alternative to cash flow as a measure of liquidity.  FFO is simply used as an additional indicator of our operating performance.
 
 
 
 
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The following table illustrates the calculation of FFO (in thousands, except per share data):
 
                         
                         
   
Three Months Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
September 30,
   
September 30,
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
                         
Net income (loss) attributable to RPT common shareholders (1)
  $ (26,741 )   $ 9,324     $ (28,466 )   $ 13,137  
Add:
                               
  Rental property depreciation and amortization expense
    7,342       7,501       22,293       22,770  
  Pro rata share of real estate depreciation from unconsolidated joint ventures
    1,702       1,677       5,081       5,012  
  Loss (gain) on sale of depreciable real estate
    -       (7,496 )     2,050       (7,479 )
  Noncontrolling interest in Operating Partnership
    (2,041 )     1,327       (2,215 )     2,108  
                                 
Funds from operations
  $ (19,738 )   $ 12,333     $ (1,257 )   $ 35,548  
                                 
Weighted average common shares
    38,020       20,548       34,497       19,292  
Shares issuable upon conversion of Operating Partnership Units
    2,902       2,919       2,902       2,919  
Dilutive effect of securities
    -       -       -       -  
Weighted average equivalent shares outstanding, diluted
    40,922       23,467       37,399       22,211  
                                 
Net income per diluted share to FFO per diluted
                               
  share reconciliation:
                               
  Net income (loss) attributable to RPT common shareholders per diluted share
  $ (0.70 )   $ 0.45     $ (0.83 )   $ 0.68  
Add:
                               
  Rental property depreciation and amortization expense
    0.18       0.32       0.60       1.03  
  Pro rata share of real estate depreciation from unconsolidated joint ventures
    0.04       0.07       0.14       0.23  
  Loss (gain) on sale of depreciable real estate
    -       (0.32 )     0.05       (0.34 )
  Noncontrolling interest in Operating Partnership
    (0.05 )     0.06       (0.06 )     0.09  
Less:
                               
  Assuming conversion of OP Units
    0.05       (0.05 )     0.07       (0.09 )
                                 
Funds from operations per diluted share
  $ (0.48 )   $ 0.53     $ (0.03 )   $ 1.60  
                                 
                                 
(1)  Includes: Gain on sale of nondepreciable real estate
  $ 1,633     $ -     $ 2,132     $ 418  
                                 
Impairment charges
  $ 28,787     $ -     $ 31,440     $ -  
                                 

Forward Looking Statements

This document contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.  These forward-looking statements represent our expectations, plans or beliefs concerning future events and may be identified by terminology such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “believe,” “expect,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “continue,” “predict” or similar terms. Although the forward-looking statements made in this document are based on our good faith beliefs, reasonable assumptions and our best judgment based upon current information, certain factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements, including: our success or failure in implementing our business strategy; economic conditions generally and in the commercial real estate and finance markets specifically; our cost of capital, which depends in part on our asset quality, our relationships with lenders and other capital providers; our business prospects and outlook; changes in governmental regulations, tax rates and similar matters; our continuing to qualify as a REIT; and other factors discussed elsewhere in this document and our other filings with the SEC, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009.  Given these uncertainties, you should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements.  Except as required by law, we assume no obligation to update these forward-looking statements, even if new information becomes available in the future.
 
Item 3.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

We have exposure to interest rate risk on our variable rate debt obligations.  We are not subject to any foreign currency exchange rate risk or commodity price risk, or other material rate or price risks.  Based on our debt and interest rates and the interest rate swap agreements in effect at September 30, 2010, a 100 basis point change in interest rates would affect our annual earnings and cash flows by between approximately $0.6 million and $1.3 million.
 
 
 
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Under the terms of various debt agreements, we may be required to maintain interest rate swap agreements to reduce the impact of changes in interest rate on our floating rate debt.  We have interest rate swap agreements with an aggregate notional amount of $90.0 million at September 30, 2010.  Based on rates in effect at September 30, 2010, the agreements provide for fixed rates ranging from 6.4% to 6.7% and expire December 2010.

The following table presents information as of September 30, 2010 concerning our long-term debt obligations, including principal cash flows by scheduled maturity, weighted average interest rates of maturing amounts and fair market value (dollars in thousands).

 
                                                 
                                                 
                                             
Estimated
 
   
2010
   
2011
   
2012
   
2013
   
2014
   
Thereafter
   
Total
   
Fair Value
 
                                                 
Fixed-rate debt
  $ 5,869     $ 60,847     $ 94,854     $ 34,436     $ 33,086     $ 246,991     $ 476,083     $ 481,648  
Average interest
                                                               
  rate
    6.9 %     7.0 %     6.6 %     5.6 %     5.5 %     5.8 %     6.1 %        
Variable-rate
                                                               
  debt
  $ 123     $ 22,471     $ 39,500     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ 62,094     $ 62,094  
Average interest
                                                               
  rate
    5.4 %     5.6 %     5.6 %     -       -       -       5.6 %        
                                                                 
                                                                 
                                                                 

 
We estimated the fair value of fixed rate mortgages using a discounted cash flow analysis, based on our incremental borrowing rates for similar types of borrowing arrangements with the same remaining maturity.  Considerable judgment is required to develop estimated fair values of financial instruments.  The table incorporates only those exposures that existed at September 30, 2010 and does not consider those exposures or positions which could arise after that date or firm commitments as of such date.  Therefore, the information presented therein has limited predictive value.  Our actual interest rate fluctuations will depend on the exposures that arise during the period and interest rates.
 
 
 
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Item 4. Controls and Procedures

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

We maintain disclosure controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our reports under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (“Exchange Act”), such as this report on Form 10-Q,  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 our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.  In designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the designed control objectives, and therefore management is required to apply its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures.

We carried out an assessment as of September 30, 2010 of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures. This assessment was done under the supervision and with the participation of management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer.  Based on such evaluation, our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, concluded that such disclosure controls and procedures were effective at the reasonable assurance level as of September 30, 2010.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

During the quarter ended September 30, 2010, there were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
 
 
 
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PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.   Legal Proceedings

For a description of the litigation with a subcontractor, see to Note 15 of the notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements.  There are no material pending governmental proceedings, other than the IRS Examination, against or involving us or our properties.  For a description of the IRS Examination, see our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009 (Note 21 to the consolidated financial statements).

Item 1A.  Risk Factors

You should review our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009, and Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2010 which contains a detailed description of risk factors that may materially affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.
 

 
 
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Item 6.  Exhibits
 
 
Exhibit No.
Description
 
 
10.1*
Amended and Restated Secured Master Loan Agreement, dated as of December 11, 2009, by and among Ramco-Gershenson Properties L.P., as Borrower, Ramco-Gershenson Properties Trust, as Guarantor,  KeyBank National Association, as Agent, KeyBanc Capital Markets, as Sole Lead Manager and Arranger, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. and Bank of America, N.A., as Co-Syndication Agents, Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as Documentation Agent, and other specified banks which are a Party or may become Parties to such Agreement, including all exhibits and schedules thereto.

 
10.2*
First Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Agreement, dated as of December 11, 2009, by and among Ramco-Gershenson Properties L.P., as Borrower, Ramco-Gershenson Properties Trust, as Guarantor, Ramco Virginia Properties, L.L.C., KeyBank National Association, as Agent, KeyBanc Capital Markets, as Sole Lead Manager and Arranger, and other specified banks which are a Party or may become Parties to such Agreement, including all exhibits and schedules thereto.

 
12.1*
Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges.

 
31.1*
Certification of CEO pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 
31.2*
Certification of CFO pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 
32.1*
Certification of CEO pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 
32.2*
Certification of CFO pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
 
_______________
 
* filed herewith
 
 
 
 
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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.



 
RAMCO-GERSHENSON PROPERTIES TRUST
   
   
Date:  November 5, 2010
By: /s/ Dennis Gershenson
 
Dennis Gershenson
 
President and Chief Executive Officer
 
(Principal Executive Officer)
   
Date:  November 5, 2010
By: /s/ Gregory R. Andrews
 
Gregory R. Andrews
 
Chief Financial Officer
 
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

 
 
 
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