First Industrial Realty Trust - 10-K annual report 2014

Washington, D.C. 20549

 _______________________________

Form 10-K

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014

or

For the transition period from            to            

Commission File Number 1-13102

  _______________________________

FIRST INDUSTRIAL REALTY TRUST, INC.

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its Charter)

 

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

(Title of Class)

(Name of exchange on which registered)

None

 _______________________________ 

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

 

The aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting stock held by non-affiliates of the Registrant was approximately $2,041.5 million based on the closing price on the New York Stock Exchange for such stock on June 30, 2014.

At February 24, 2015, 110,717,829 shares of the Registrant’s Common Stock, $0.01 par value, were outstanding.

Part III incorporates certain information by reference to the Registrant’s definitive proxy statement expected to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission no later than 120 days after the end of the Registrant’s fiscal year.

FIRST INDUSTRIAL REALTY TRUST, INC.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

This report may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act"). We intend for such statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are based on certain assumptions and describe future plans, strategies and expectations of the Company. Although we believe the expectations reflected in forward-looking statements are based upon reasonable assumptions, we can give no assurance that our expectations will be attained or that results will not materially differ. Factors which could have a materially adverse effect on our operations and future prospects include, but are not limited to: changes in national, international, regional and local economic conditions generally and real estate markets specifically; changes in legislation/regulation (including changes to laws governing the taxation of real estate investment trusts) and actions of regulatory authorities; our ability to qualify and maintain our status as a real estate investment trust; the availability and attractiveness of financing (including both public and private capital) to us and to our potential counterparties; the availability and attractiveness of terms of additional debt repurchases; interest rates; our credit agency ratings; our ability to comply with applicable financial covenants; competition; changes in supply and demand for industrial properties (including land) in the Company’s current and potential market areas; difficulties in identifying and consummating acquisitions and dispositions; our ability to manage the integration of properties we acquire; risks related to our investments in properties through joint ventures; environmental liabilities; delays in development or lease-up schedules; tenant creditworthiness; higher-than-expected costs; changes in asset valuations and related impairment charges; changes in general accounting principles, policies and guidelines applicable to real estate investment trusts; and those additional factors described in Item 1A, "Risk Factors" and elsewhere in this report and in the Company's other Exchange Act reports. We caution you not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which reflect our outlook only and speak only as of the date of this report. We assume no obligation to update or supplement forward-looking statements. Unless the context otherwise requires, the terms "Company," "we," "us" and "our" refer to First Industrial Realty Trust, Inc., First Industrial, L.P. and their respective controlled subsidiaries. We refer to our operating partnership, First Industrial, L.P., as the "Operating Partnership."

PART I

THE COMPANY

 

First Industrial Realty Trust, Inc. is a Maryland corporation organized on August 10, 1993, and is a real estate investment trust ("REIT") as defined in the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the "Code"). We are a self-administered and fully integrated real estate company which owns, manages, acquires, sells, develops, and redevelops industrial real estate. As of December 31, 2014, our in-service portfolio consisted of 285 light industrial properties, 90 R&D/flex properties, 160 bulk warehouse properties and 99 regional warehouse properties containing approximately 62.4 million square feet of gross leasable area ("GLA") located in 25 states. Our in-service portfolio includes all properties other than developed, redeveloped and acquired properties that have not yet reached stabilized occupancy (generally defined as properties that are 90% leased). Properties which are at least 75% occupied at acquisition are placed in-service. Acquired properties less than 75% occupied are placed in-service upon the earlier of reaching 90% occupancy or one year from the acquisition date. Development properties are placed in-service upon the earlier of reaching 90% occupancy or one year from the date construction is completed. Redevelopments (generally projects which require capital expenditures exceeding 25% of the undepreciated gross book basis of the property) are placed in-service upon the earlier of reaching 90% occupancy or one year from the completion of renovation construction.

Our interests in our properties and land parcels are held through partnerships, corporations, and limited liability companies controlled, directly or indirectly, by the Company, including the Operating Partnership, of which First Industrial Realty Trust, Inc is the sole general partner with an approximate 96.2% and 96.0% ownership interest at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and through its taxable REIT subsidiaries. We also conduct operations through other partnerships (the "Other Real Estate Partnerships") and limited liability companies, the operating data of which, together with that of the Operating Partnership and the taxable REIT subsidiaries, is consolidated with that of the Company as presented herein. First Industrial Realty Trust, Inc. does not have any significant assets or liabilities other than its investment in the Operating Partnership and its 100% ownership interest in the general partners of the Other Real Estate Partnerships.

We also own noncontrolling equity interests in, and provide services to, two joint ventures (the "2003 Net Lease Joint Venture" and the "2007 Europe Joint Venture"; collectively, the "Joint Ventures"). At December 31, 2014, the 2003 Net Lease Joint Venture owned one industrial property comprising approximately 0.8 million square feet of GLA and the 2007 Europe Joint Venture did not own any properties. The Joint Ventures are accounted for under the equity method of accounting. Accordingly, the operating data of our Joint Ventures is not consolidated with that of the Company as presented herein.

We utilize an operating approach which combines the effectiveness of decentralized, locally based property management, acquisition, sales and development functions with the cost efficiencies of centralized acquisition, sales and development support, capital markets expertise, asset management and fiscal control systems. At December 31, 2014, we had 173 employees.

We maintain a website at www.firstindustrial.com. Information on this website shall not constitute part of this Form 10-K. Copies of our annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and amendments to such reports are available without charge on our website as soon as reasonably practicable after such reports are filed with or furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). You may also read and copy any document filed at the public reference facilities of the SEC at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. Please call the SEC at (800) SEC-0330 for further information about the public reference facilities. These documents also may be accessed through the SEC’s Interactive Data Electronic Application via the SEC's home page on the Internet (http://www.sec.gov). In addition, our Corporate Governance Guidelines, Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, Audit Committee Charter, Compensation Committee Charter and Nominating/Corporate Governance Committee Charter, along with supplemental financial and operating information prepared by us, are all available without charge on our website or upon request to us. Amendments to, or waivers from, our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics that apply to our executive officers or directors will also be posted to our website. We also post or otherwise make available on our website from time to time other information that may be of interest to our investors. Please direct requests as follows:

Our fundamental business objective is to maximize the total return to our stockholders through per share distributions and increases in the value of our properties and operations. Our long-term business growth plans include the following elements:

Our ability to pursue our long-term growth plans is affected by market conditions and our financial condition and operating capabilities.

We utilize the following six strategies in connection with the operation of our business:

During the year ended December 31, 2014, we acquired eight industrial properties comprising approximately 1.1 million square feet of GLA and several land parcels for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $95.7 million, excluding costs incurred in conjunction with the acquisitions. Additionally, we placed in-service five developments totaling approximately 1.6 million square feet of GLA for a total cost of approximately $115.2 million. We also sold 29 industrial properties comprising approximately 2.0 million square feet of GLA and several land parcels for total gross sales proceeds of $102.6 million. At December 31, 2014, we owned 634 in-service industrial properties containing approximately 62.4 million square feet of GLA.

During the year ended December 31, 2014, we entered into a seven-year, $200.0 million unsecured loan (the "Unsecured Term Loan") with a syndicate of financial institutions. The Unsecured Term Loan requires interest only payments and bears interest at a variable rate based on LIBOR, as defined in the loan agreement, plus a specified spread based on our leverage ratio or credit ratings. We also entered into four interest rate protection agreements, with an aggregate notional value of $200.0 million, to effectively convert the variable rate to a fixed rate.

During the year ended December 31, 2014, we paid off and retired our 6.420% Notes due 2014 (the "2014 Notes"), at maturity, in the amount of $81.8 million and paid off and retired prior to maturity mortgage loans payable in the amount of $65.6 million. We recognized a loss from retirement of debt on our Consolidated Statement of Operations of $0.7 million.

During the year ended December 31, 2014, we redeemed all 50,000 Depositary Shares, each representing 1/100th of a share of our Series F Flexible Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock, $0.01 par value (the "Series F Preferred Stock"), at a redemption price of $1,000.00 per Depositary Share. We also redeemed all 25,000 Depositary Shares, each representing 1/100th of a share of our 7.236% Series G Flexible Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock, $0.01 par value (the "Series G Preferred Stock"), at a redemption price of $1,000.00 per Depositary Share.

We have acquisition and development programs through which we seek to identify portfolio and individual industrial property acquisitions and developments. We also sell properties based on market conditions and property related factors. As a result, we are currently engaged in negotiations relating to the possible acquisition, development or sale of certain industrial properties in our portfolio.

When evaluating potential industrial property acquisitions and developments, as well as potential industrial property sales, we will consider such factors as: (i) the geographic area and type of property; (ii) the location, construction quality, condition and design of the property; (iii) the terms of tenant leases, including the potential for rent increases; (iv) the potential for economic growth and the general business, tax and regulatory environment of the area in which the property is located; (v) the occupancy and demand by tenants for properties of a similar type in the vicinity; (vi) competition from existing properties and the potential for the construction of new properties in the area; (vii) the potential for capital appreciation of the property; (viii) the ability to improve the property’s performance through renovation; and (ix) the potential for expansion of the physical layout of the property and/or the number of sites.

Industrial properties are typically used for the design, assembly, packaging, storage and distribution of goods and/or the provision of services. As a result, the demand for industrial space in the United States is related to the level of economic output. Accordingly, the competition we face to lease our existing properties and acquire new properties varies with the level of economic output.

Our operations involve various risks that could adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations, cash flow, ability to pay distributions and the market price of our common stock. These risks, among others contained in our other filings with the SEC, include:

From time to time, the capital and credit markets in the United States and other countries experience significant price volatility, dislocations and liquidity disruptions, which can cause the market prices of many securities and the spreads on prospective debt financings to fluctuate substantially. These circumstances can materially impact liquidity in the financial markets, making terms for certain financings less attractive, and in some cases result in the unavailability of financing. A significant amount of our existing indebtedness was issued through capital markets transactions. We anticipate that the capital markets could be a source of refinancing of our existing indebtedness in the future. This source of refinancing may not be available if volatility in or disruption of the capital markets occurs. Furthermore, we could potentially lose access to available liquidity under our Unsecured Credit Facility if one or more participating lenders were to default on their commitments. If our ability to issue additional debt or equity securities or to borrow money under our Unsecured Credit Facility were to be impaired by volatility in or disruption of the capital markets, it could have a material adverse effect on our liquidity and financial condition.

In addition, price volatility in the capital and credit markets could make the valuation of our properties more difficult. There may be significant uncertainty in the valuation, or in the stability of the value, of our properties that could result in a substantial decrease in the value of our properties. As a result, we may not be able to recover the carrying amount of our properties, which may require us to recognize an impairment loss in earnings.

The factors that affect the value of our real estate and the revenues we derive from our properties include, among other things:

Our investments in real estate assets are concentrated in the industrial sector, and the demand for industrial space in the United States is related to the level of economic output. Accordingly, reduced economic output may lead to lower occupancy rates for our properties. In addition, if any of our tenants experiences a downturn in its business that weakens its financial condition, delays lease commencement, fails to make rental payments when due, becomes insolvent or declares bankruptcy, the result could be a termination of the tenant’s lease, which could adversely affect our cash flow from operations. These factors may be amplified by a disruption of financial markets.

Our financial results depend on leasing space to tenants on terms favorable to us. Our income and funds available for distribution to our stockholders will decrease if a significant number of our tenants cannot pay their rent or we are unable to lease properties on favorable terms. In addition, if a tenant does not pay its rent, we may not be able to enforce our rights as landlord without delays and we may incur substantial legal costs. Costs associated with real property, such as real estate taxes and maintenance costs, generally are not reduced when circumstances cause a reduction in income from the property.

We have routinely acquired properties from third parties as conditions warrant and, as part of our business, we intend to continue to do so. The acquisition of properties entails various risks, including risks that our investments may not perform as expected and that our cost estimates for bringing an acquired property up to market standards may prove inaccurate. Further, we face significant competition for attractive investment opportunities from other well-capitalized real estate investors, including publicly-traded REITs and private investors. This competition increases as investments in real estate become attractive relative to other forms of investment. As a result of competition, we may be unable to acquire additional properties and purchase prices may increase. In addition, we expect to finance future acquisitions through a combination of borrowings under the Unsecured Credit Facility, proceeds from equity or debt offerings and debt originations by the Company and proceeds from property sales, which may not be available and which could adversely affect our cash flow. Any of the above risks could adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations, cash flow and ability to pay dividends on, and the market value of, our common stock.

The seller of a property often sells such property in its "as is" condition on a "where is" basis and "with all faults," without any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular use or purpose. In addition, purchase agreements may contain only limited warranties, representations and indemnifications that will only survive for a limited period after the closing. The purchase of properties with limited warranties increases the risk that we may lose some or all of our invested capital in the property as well as the loss of rental income from that property.

Real estate investments generally cannot be sold quickly, which could limit our ability to adjust our property portfolio in response to changes in economic conditions or in the performance of the portfolio. This could adversely affect our financial condition and our ability to service debt and make distributions to our stockholders. In addition, like other companies qualifying as REITs under the Code, our ability to sell assets may be restricted by tax laws that potentially result in punitive taxation on asset sales that fail to meet certain safe harbor rules or other criteria established under case law.

We have routinely sold properties to third parties as conditions warrant and, as part of our business, we intend to continue to do so. However, our ability to sell properties on advantageous terms depends on factors beyond our control, including competition from other sellers and the availability of attractive financing for potential buyers. If we are unable to sell properties on favorable terms or to redeploy the proceeds in accordance with our business strategy, then our financial condition, results of operations, cash flow and ability to pay dividends on, and the market price of, our common stock could be adversely affected. Further, if we sell properties by providing financing to purchasers, defaults by the purchasers would adversely affect our operations and financial condition.

As part of our business, we develop new properties and re-develop existing properties as conditions warrant. This part of our business involves significant risks, including the following:

To the extent these risks result in increased debt service expense, construction costs and delays in budgeted leasing, they could adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations, cash flow and ability to pay dividends on, and the market price of, our common stock.

We are subject to the risks that, upon expiration, leases may not be renewed, the space subject to such leases may not be relet or the terms of renewal or reletting, including the cost of required renovations, may be less favorable than the expiring lease terms. If we were unable to promptly renew a significant number of expiring leases or to promptly relet the spaces covered by such leases, or if the rental rates upon renewal or reletting were significantly lower than the current rates, our financial condition, results of operation, cash flow and ability to pay dividends on, and the market price of, our common stock could be adversely affected.

We intend to operate so as to qualify as a REIT under the Code, and we believe that we are organized and will operate in a manner that allows us to continue to do so. However, qualification as a REIT involves the satisfaction of numerous requirements, some of which must be met on a recurring basis. These requirements are established under highly technical and complex Code provisions. There are only limited judicial and administrative interpretations of these provisions, and they involve the determination of various factual matters and circumstances not entirely within our control.

If we were to fail to qualify as a REIT in any taxable year, we would be subject to federal income tax at corporate rates, including any applicable alternative minimum tax. This could result in a discontinuation or substantial reduction in dividends to stockholders and could reduce the cash available to pay interest and principal on debt securities that we issue. Unless entitled to relief under certain statutory provisions, we would be disqualified from electing treatment as a REIT for the four taxable years following the year during which we failed to qualify. Additionally, since the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS"), the United States Treasury Department and Congress frequently review federal income tax legislation, we cannot predict whether, when or to what extent new federal laws, regulations, interpretations or rulings will be adopted. Any such legislative action may prospectively or retroactively modify our tax treatment and therefore, may adversely affect taxation of us and/or our stockholders.

As part of our business, we sell properties to third parties as opportunities arise. Under the Code, a 100% penalty tax could be assessed on the tax gain recognized from sales of properties that are deemed to be prohibited transactions. The question of what constitutes a prohibited transaction is based on the facts and circumstances surrounding each transaction. The IRS could contend that certain sales of properties by us are prohibited transactions. While we have implemented controls to avoid prohibited transactions, if a dispute were to arise that was successfully argued by the IRS, the 100% penalty tax could be assessed against our profits from these transactions. In addition, any income from a prohibited transaction may adversely affect our ability to satisfy the income tests for qualification as a REIT.

As a REIT, we must distribute to our stockholders at least 90% of our taxable income each year. We could, in certain instances, have taxable income without sufficient cash to enable us to meet this requirement. In that situation, we could be required to borrow funds or sell properties on adverse terms in order to do so. The distribution requirement could also limit our ability to accumulate capital to provide capital resources for our ongoing business, and to satisfy our debt repayment obligations and other liquidity needs, we may be more dependent on outside sources of financing, such as debt financing or issuances of additional capital stock, which may or may not be available on favorable terms. Additional debt financings may substantially increase our leverage and additional equity offerings may result in substantial dilution of stockholders’ interests.

Subject to maintaining our qualification as a REIT, we may seek to manage our exposure to interest rate volatility by using interest rate hedging arrangements, such as interest cap agreements and interest rate swap agreements. These agreements may fail to protect or could adversely affect us because, among other things:

We have adopted a practice relating to the use of derivative financial instruments to hedge interest rate risks related to our borrowings. This practice requires our Board of Directors to authorize our use of derivative financial instruments to manage the interest rates on our variable rate borrowings. Our practice is that we do not use derivatives for speculative or trading purposes and intend only to enter into contracts with major financial institutions based on their credit rating and other factors, but our Board of Directors may choose to change these practices in the future. Hedging may reduce the overall returns on our investments, which could reduce our cash available for distribution to our stockholders. Failure to hedge effectively against interest rate changes may materially adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations and cash flow.

The terms of our agreements governing our indebtedness require that we comply with a number of financial and other covenants, such as maintaining debt service coverage and leverage ratios and maintaining insurance coverage. Complying with such covenants may limit our operational flexibility. Our failure to comply with these covenants could cause a default under the applicable debt agreement even if we have satisfied our payment obligations. Consistent with our prior practice, we will continue to interpret and certify our performance under these covenants in a good faith manner that we deem reasonable and appropriate. However, these financial covenants are complex and there can be no assurance that these provisions would not be interpreted by the noteholders or lenders in a manner that could impose and cause us to incur material costs. Our ability to meet our financial covenants may be adversely affected if economic and credit market conditions limit our ability to reduce our debt

levels consistent with, or result in net operating income below, our current expectations. Under our Unsecured Credit Facility, an event of default can also occur if the lenders, in their good faith judgment, determine that a material adverse change has occurred that could prevent timely repayment or materially impair our ability to perform our obligations under the loan agreement.

Upon the occurrence of an event of default, we would be subject to higher finance costs and fees, and the lenders under our Unsecured Credit Facility will not be required to lend any additional amounts to us. In addition, our indebtedness, together with accrued and unpaid interest and fees, could be accelerated and declared to be immediately due and payable. Furthermore, our Unsecured Credit Facility, our Unsecured Term Loan and the indentures governing our senior unsecured notes contain certain cross-default provisions that may be triggered in the event that our other material indebtedness is in default. These cross-default provisions may require us to repay or restructure our Unsecured Credit Facility, our Unsecured Term Loan or our senior unsecured notes, depending on which is in default, and such restructuring could adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations, cash flow and ability to pay dividends on, and the market price of, our stock. If repayment of any of our indebtedness is accelerated, we cannot provide assurance that we would be able to borrow sufficient funds to refinance such indebtedness or that we would be able to sell sufficient assets to repay such indebtedness. Even if we were able to obtain new financing, it may not be on commercially reasonable terms, or terms that are acceptable to us.

Certain of our mortgages were issued on a cross-collateralized basis. Cross-collateralization makes all of the subject properties available to the lender in order to satisfy the debt. To the extent indebtedness is cross-collateralized, lenders may seek to foreclose upon properties that do not comprise the primary collateral for a loan, which may, in turn, result in acceleration of other indebtedness collateralized by such properties. Foreclosure of properties would result in a loss of income and asset value to us, making it difficult for us to meet both debt payment obligations and the distribution requirements of the REIT provisions of the Code.

We are required to make lump-sum or "balloon" payments under the terms of some of our indebtedness. Our ability to make required payments of principal on outstanding indebtedness, whether at maturity or otherwise, may depend on our ability to refinance the applicable indebtedness or to sell properties. Currently, we have no commitments to refinance any of our indebtedness.

Certain of our mortgages contain, and some future mortgages may contain, substantial prepayment premiums that we would have to pay upon the sale of a property, thereby reducing the net proceeds to us from the sale of any such property. As a result, our willingness to sell certain properties and the price at which we may desire to sell a property may be impacted. If we are unable to sell properties on favorable terms or redeploy the proceeds of property sales in accordance with our business strategy, then our financial condition, results of operations, cash flow and ability to pay dividends on, and the market price of, our common stock could be adversely affected.

We regularly review our real estate assets for impairment indicators, such as a decline in a property’s occupancy rate, decline in general market conditions or a change in the expected hold period of an asset. If we determine that indicators of impairment are present, we review the properties affected by these indicators to determine whether an impairment charge is required. As a result, we may be required to recognize asset impairment, which could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. We use considerable judgment in making determinations about impairments, from analyzing whether there are indicators of impairment, to the assumptions used in calculating the fair value of the investment. Accordingly, our subjective estimates and evaluations may not be accurate, and such estimates and evaluations are subject to change or revision.

The market value of our common stock is based in large part upon the market’s perception of the growth potential of our earnings and cash dividends. The market value of our common stock is also based upon the value of our underlying real estate assets. For this reason, shares of our common stock may trade at prices that are higher or lower than our net asset value per share. To the extent that we retain operating cash flow for investment purposes, working capital reserves, or other purposes, these retained funds, while increasing the value of our underlying assets, may not correspondingly increase the market price of our common stock. Our failure to meet the market’s expectations with regard to future earnings and cash dividends likely would adversely affect the market price of our common stock. Further, the distribution yield on the common stock (as a percentage of the price of the common stock) relative to market interest rates may also influence the price of our common stock. An increase in market interest rates might lead prospective purchasers of our common stock to expect a higher distribution yield, which would adversely affect the market price of our common stock.

Under various federal, state and local laws, ordinances and regulations, we, as an owner or operator of real estate may be liable for the costs of clean-up of certain conditions relating to the presence of hazardous or toxic materials on, in or emanating from a property and any related damages to natural resources. Environmental laws often impose liability without regard to whether the owner or operator knew of, or was responsible for, the presence of hazardous or toxic materials. The presence of such materials, or the failure to address those conditions properly, may adversely affect our ability to rent or sell a property or to borrow using a property as collateral. The disposal or treatment of or arrangement for the disposal or treatment of hazardous or toxic materials may cause us to also be liable for the costs of clean-up of such materials or for related natural resource damages occurring at or emanating from an off-site disposal or treatment facility, whether or not the facility is owned or operated by us. No assurance can be given that existing environmental assessments with respect to any of our properties reveal all environmental liabilities, that any prior owner or operator of any of our properties did not create any material environmental condition not known to us or that a material environmental condition does not otherwise exist as to any of our properties. In addition, changes to existing environmental regulations to address, among other things, climate change, could increase the scope of our potential liabilities.

Real property is subject to casualty risk including damage, destruction, or loss resulting from events that are unusual, sudden and unexpected. Some of our properties are located in areas where casualty risk is higher due to earthquake, wind and/or flood risk. We carry comprehensive insurance coverage to mitigate our casualty risk, in amounts and of a kind that we believe are appropriate for the markets where each of our properties and their business operations are located. Among other coverage, we carry property, boiler & machinery, liability, fire, flood, terrorism, earthquake, extended coverage and rental insurance. Our coverage includes policy specifications and limits customarily carried for similar properties and business activities.  We evaluate our level of insurance coverage and deductibles using analysis and modeling, as is customary in our industry. However, we do not insure against all types of casualty, and we may not fully insure against those casualty types where we do have insurance, either because coverage is not available or because we do not deem it to be economically feasible or prudent to do so. As a result, we could experience a significant loss of capital or revenues, and be exposed to obligations under recourse debt associated with a property. This could occur if an uninsured loss occurs, a loss in excess of insured limits occurs, or a loss is not paid due to insurer insolvency.

Our organizational documents do not limit the amount of available funds that we may invest in joint ventures and we may selectively develop and acquire properties through joint ventures with other persons or entities when we deem such transactions are warranted by the circumstances. Joint venture investments, in general, involve certain risks, including:

The occurrence of one or more of the events described above could adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations, cash flow and ability to pay dividends on, and the market price of, our common stock.

In addition, under the ADA, all places of public accommodation are required to meet certain U.S. federal requirements related to access and use by disabled persons. Noncompliance with the ADA could result in an order to correct any non-complying feature, which could result in substantial capital expenditures. We do not conduct audits or investigations of all of these properties to determine their compliance and we cannot predict the ultimate cost of compliance with the ADA, or other legislation. If one or more of our properties in which we invest is not in compliance with the ADA, or other legislation, then we would be required to incur additional costs to bring the property into compliance. If we incur substantial costs to comply with the ADA or other legislation, our financial condition, results of operations, cash flow, price per share of our common stock and our ability to satisfy debt service obligations and to pay distributions could be adversely affected.

The credit ratings of our senior unsecured notes are based on our operating performance, liquidity and leverage ratios, overall financial position and other factors employed by the credit rating agencies in their rating analyses. Our credit ratings can affect the availability, terms and pricing of any indebtedness and preferred stock that we may incur going forward. There can be no assurance that we will be able to maintain any credit rating, and in the event any credit rating is downgraded, we could incur higher borrowing costs or may be unable to access certain or any capital markets.

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

None.

At December 31, 2014, we owned 634 in-service industrial properties containing an aggregate of approximately 62.4 million square feet of GLA in 25 states, with a diverse base of approximately 1,800 tenants engaged in a wide variety of businesses, including manufacturing, retail, wholesale trade, distribution and professional services. The average annual base rent per square foot on a portfolio basis, calculated at December 31, 2014, was $4.64. The properties are generally located in business parks that have convenient access to interstate highways and/or rail and air transportation. We maintain insurance on our properties that we believe is adequate.

We classify our properties into four industrial categories: light industrial, R&D/flex, bulk warehouse and regional warehouse. While some properties may have characteristics which fall under more than one property type, we use what we believe is the most dominant characteristic to categorize the property.

The following describes, generally, the different industrial categories:

The following tables summarize, by market, certain information as of December 31, 2014, with respect to the in-service properties.

_______________

In-Service Property Summary Totals

_______________

_______________

(b) Project includes the development of two buildings (341,400 square feet and 243,360 square feet).

During the year ended December 31, 2014, we sold 29 industrial properties comprising approximately 2.0 million square feet of GLA, at a weighted average capitalization rate of 6.0%, and several land parcels for total gross sales proceeds of approximately $102.6 million. The capitalization rate for the 29 industrial property sales is calculated by taking revenues of the property (excluding straight-line rent, lease inducement amortization and above and below market lease amortization) less operating expenses of the property for a period of the last twelve full months prior to sale and dividing the sum by the sales price of the property. The properties we sold this year have the following characteristics:

We have a diverse base of approximately 1,800 tenants engaged in a wide variety of businesses including retail, wholesale trade, distribution, manufacturing and professional services. At December 31, 2014, our leases have a weighted average lease length of 6.1 years and provide for periodic rent increases that are either fixed or based on changes in the Consumer Price Index. Industrial tenants typically have net or semi-net leases and pay as additional rent their percentage of the property’s operating costs, including the costs of common area maintenance, property taxes and insurance. As of December 31, 2014, approximately 94% of the GLA of our in-service properties was leased, and no single tenant or group of related tenants accounted for more than 3.1% of our rent revenues, nor did any single tenant or group of related tenants occupy more than 2.2% of the total GLA of our in-service properties.

Leasing Activity

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During the year ended December 31, 2014, 196 new leases with free rent periods during the lease term on 5.1 million square feet of GLA commenced. Total free rent concessions of $6.9 million were associated with these new leases. Additionally, during the year ended December 31, 2014, 22 renewal leases with free rent periods during the lease term on 0.9 million square feet of GLA commenced. Total free rent concessions of $0.7 million were associated with these renewal leases.

Lease Expirations

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We are involved in legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business. All such proceedings, taken together, are not expected to have a material impact on the results of operations, financial position or liquidity of the Company.

None.

PART II

 

The following table sets forth for the periods indicated the high and low closing prices per share and distributions declared per share for our common stock, which trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the trading symbol “FR.”

We had 450 common stockholders of record registered with our transfer agent as of February 24, 2015.

In order to comply with the REIT requirements of the Code, we are generally required to make common share distributions and preferred share distributions (other than capital gain distributions) to our shareholders in amounts that together at least equal i) the sum of a) 90% of our “REIT taxable income” computed without regard to the dividends paid deduction and net capital gains and b) 90% of net income (after tax), if any, from foreclosure property, minus ii) certain excess non-cash income.

Our common share distribution policy is determined by our board of directors and is dependent on multiple factors, including cash flow and capital expenditure requirements, as well as ensuring that we meet the minimum distribution requirements set forth in the Code. We met the minimum distribution requirements with respect to 2014.

During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Operating Partnership did not issue any units of limited partnership interest (“Units”).

Subject to lock-up periods and certain adjustments, Units of the Operating Partnership are redeemable for common stock of the Company on a one-for-one basis or cash at the option of the Company.

The following table sets forth information regarding our equity compensation plans as of December 31, 2014.

 

Performance Graph

The following graph provides a comparison of the cumulative total stockholder return among the Company, the FTSE NAREIT Equity REIT Total Return Index (the “NAREIT Index”) and the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index (“S&P 500”). The historical information set forth below is not necessarily indicative of future performance.

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The following sets forth selected financial and operating data for the Company on a consolidated basis. The following selected consolidated financial data should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto and Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations included elsewhere in this Form 10-K. All consolidated financial data has been restated, as appropriate, to reflect the impact of activity classified as discontinued operations for all periods presented.

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with "Selected Financial Data" and the Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto appearing elsewhere in this Form 10-K.

In addition, the following discussion may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, and Section 21E of the Exchange Act. We intend for such forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are based on certain assumptions and describe future plans, strategies and expectations of the Company. Although we believe the expectations reflected in forward-looking statements are based upon reasonable assumptions, we can give no assurance that our expectations will be attained or that results will not materially differ. Factors which could have a materially adverse effect on our operations and future prospects include, but are not limited to: changes in national, international, regional and local economic conditions generally and real estate markets specifically; changes in legislation/regulation (including changes to laws governing the taxation of REITs) and actions of regulatory authorities; our ability to qualify and maintain our status as a REIT; the availability and attractiveness of financing (including both public and private capital) to us and to our potential counterparties; the availability and attractiveness of terms of additional debt repurchases; interest rates; our credit agency ratings; our ability to comply with applicable financial covenants; competition; changes in supply and demand for industrial properties (including land) in the Company’s current and potential market areas; difficulties in identifying and consummating acquisitions and dispositions; our ability to manage the integration of properties we acquire; risks related to our investments in properties through joint ventures; environmental liabilities; delays in development or lease-up schedules; tenant creditworthiness; higher-than-expected costs; changes in asset valuations and related impairment charges; changes in general accounting principles, policies and guidelines applicable to REITs; and those additional factors described in Item 1A, "Risk Factors" and elsewhere in this report and in the Company's other Exchange Act reports. We caution you not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which reflect our outlook only and speak only as of the date of this report. We assume no obligation to update or supplement forward-looking statements.

The Company was organized in the state of Maryland on August 10, 1993. We are a REIT, as defined in the Code. We began operations on July 1, 1994. Our interests in our properties and land parcels are held through partnerships, corporations, and limited liability companies controlled, directly or indirectly, by us, including the Operating Partnership, of which we are the sole general partner, and through our taxable REIT subsidiaries. We also conduct operations through the Other Real Estate Partnerships and limited liability companies, the operating data of which, together with that of the Operating Partnership and the taxable REIT subsidiaries, is consolidated with that of the Company, as presented herein. First Industrial Realty Trust, Inc. does not have any significant assets or liabilities other than its investment in the Operating Partnership and its 100% ownership interest in the general partner of the Other Real Estate Partnerships.

We also own noncontrolling equity interests in, and provide various services to, two joint ventures (the 2003 Net Lease Joint Venture and the 2007 Europe Joint Venture). At December 31, 2014, the 2003 Net Lease Joint Venture owned one industrial property comprising approximately 0.8 million square feet of GLA and the 2007 Europe Joint Venture did not own any properties. The Joint Ventures are accounted for under the equity method of accounting. Accordingly, the operating data of our Joint Ventures is not consolidated with that of the Company as presented herein.

We believe our financial condition and results of operations are, primarily, a function of our performance in four key areas: leasing of industrial properties, acquisition and development of additional industrial properties, disposition of industrial properties and access to external capital.

We generate revenue primarily from rental income and tenant recoveries from operating leases of our industrial properties. Such revenue is offset by certain property specific operating expenses, such as real estate taxes, repairs and maintenance, property management, utilities and insurance expenses, along with certain other costs and expenses, such as depreciation and amortization costs and general and administrative and interest expenses. Our revenue growth is dependent, in part, on our ability to (i) increase rental income, through increasing either or both occupancy rates and rental rates at our properties, (ii) maximize tenant recoveries and (iii) minimize operating and certain other expenses. Revenues generated from rental income and tenant recoveries are a significant source of funds, in addition to income generated from gains/losses on the sale of our properties (as discussed below), for our liquidity. The leasing of property, in general, and occupancy rates, rental rates, operating expenses and certain non-operating expenses, in particular, are impacted, variously, by property specific, market specific, general economic and other conditions, many of which are beyond our control. The leasing of property also entails various risks, including the risk of tenant default. If we were unable to maintain or increase occupancy rates and rental rates at our properties or to maintain tenant recoveries and operating and certain other expenses consistent with historical levels and proportions, our revenue would decline. Further, if a significant number of our tenants were unable to pay rent (including tenant recoveries) or if we were unable to rent our properties on favorable terms, our financial condition, results of operations, cash flow and ability to pay dividends on, and the market price of, our common stock would be adversely affected.

Our revenue growth is also dependent, in part, on our ability to acquire existing, and develop new industrial properties on favorable terms. The Company seeks to identify opportunities to acquire existing industrial properties on favorable terms, and, when conditions permit, also seeks to acquire and develop new industrial properties on favorable terms. Existing properties, as they are acquired, and acquired and developed properties, as they are leased, generate revenue from rental income, tenant recoveries and fees, income from which, as discussed above, is a source of funds for our distributions. The acquisition and development of properties is impacted, variously, by property specific, market specific, general economic and other conditions, many of which are beyond our control. The acquisition and development of properties also entails various risks, including the risk that our investments may not perform as expected. For example, acquired existing and acquired and developed new properties may not sustain and/or achieve anticipated occupancy and rental rate levels. With respect to acquired and developed new properties, we may not be able to complete construction on schedule or within budget, resulting in increased debt service expense and construction costs and delays in leasing the properties. Also, we face significant competition for attractive acquisition and development opportunities from other well-capitalized real estate investors, including publicly-traded REITs and private investors. Further, as discussed below, we may not be able to finance the acquisition and development opportunities we identify. If we were unable to acquire and develop sufficient additional properties on favorable terms, or if such investments did not perform as expected, our revenue growth would be limited and our financial condition, results of operations, cash flow and ability to pay dividends on, and the market price of, our common stock would be adversely affected.

We also generate income from the sale of our properties (including existing buildings, buildings which we have developed or re-developed on a merchant basis and land). The gain/loss on, and fees from, the sale of such properties are included in our income and can be a significant source of funds, in addition to revenues generated from rental income and tenant recoveries. Proceeds from sales are being used to repay outstanding debt and, market conditions permitting, may be used to fund the acquisition of existing, and the acquisition and development of new, industrial properties. The sale of properties is impacted, variously, by property specific, market specific, general economic and other conditions, many of which are beyond our control. The sale of properties also entails various risks, including competition from other sellers and the availability of attractive financing for potential buyers of our properties. Further, our ability to sell properties is limited by safe harbor rules applying to REITs under the Code which relate to the number of properties that may be disposed of in a year, their tax bases and the cost of improvements made to the properties, along with other tests which enable a REIT to avoid punitive taxation on the sale of assets. If we are unable to sell properties on favorable terms, our income growth would be limited and our financial condition, results of operations, cash flow and ability to pay dividends on, and the market price of, our common stock could be adversely affected.

We utilize a portion of the net sales proceeds from property sales, borrowings under our Unsecured Credit Facility, and proceeds from the issuance, when and as warranted, of additional debt and equity securities to refinance debt and finance future acquisitions and developments. Access to external capital on favorable terms plays a key role in our financial condition and results of operations, as it impacts our cost of capital and our ability and cost to refinance existing indebtedness as it matures and to fund acquisitions and developments. Our ability to access external capital on favorable terms is dependent on various factors, including general market conditions, interest rates, credit ratings on our debt, the market’s perception of our growth potential, our current and potential future earnings and cash distributions and the market price of our capital stock. If we were unable to access external capital on favorable terms, our financial condition, results of operations, cash flow and ability to pay dividends on, and the market price of, our common stock could be adversely affected.

Our significant accounting policies are described in more detail in Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. We believe the following critical accounting policies relate to the more significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements.

Our net income available to First Industrial Realty Trust, Inc.’s common stockholders and participating securities was $46.6 million and $25.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Basic and diluted net income available to First Industrial Realty Trust, Inc.’s common stockholders was $0.42 per share and $0.24 per share for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

The tables below summarize our revenues, property expenses and depreciation and other amortization by various categories for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013. Same store properties are properties owned prior to January 1, 2013 and held as an in-service property through December 31, 2014 and developments and redevelopments that were placed in service prior to January 1, 2013 or were substantially completed for the 12 months prior to January 1, 2013. Properties which are at least 75% occupied at acquisition are placed in service. Acquisitions (that are less than 75% occupied at the date of acquisition), developments and redevelopments are placed in service as they reach the earlier of a) stabilized occupancy (generally defined as 90% occupied), or b) one year subsequent to acquisition or development/redevelopment construction completion. Properties are moved from the same store classification to the redevelopment classification when capital expenditures for a project are estimated to exceed 25% of the undepreciated gross book value of the property. Acquired properties are properties that were acquired subsequent to December 31, 2012 and held as an operating property through December 31, 2014. Sold properties are properties that were sold subsequent to December 31, 2012. (Re)Developments and land are land parcels and developments and redevelopments that were not: a) substantially complete 12 months prior to January 1, 2013 or b) stabilized prior to January 1, 2013. Other revenues are derived from the operations of our maintenance company, fees earned from our Joint Ventures and other miscellaneous revenues. Other expenses are derived from the operations of our maintenance company and other miscellaneous regional expenses.

Our future financial condition and results of operations, including rental revenues, may be impacted by the future acquisition and sale of properties. Our future revenues and expenses may vary materially from historical rates.