Form 10-K
Table of Contents

 
 
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
     
þ   ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010
or
     
o   TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from                      to                     .
Commission file number: 001-13779
(W. P. CAREY & CO. LLC LOGO)
W. P. CAREY & CO. LLC
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
     
Delaware   13-3912578
(State of incorporation)   (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
     
50 Rockefeller Plaza    
New York, New York   10020
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip code)
Registrant’s telephone numbers, including area code:
Investor Relations (212) 492-8920
(212) 492-1100
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
     
Title of each class   Name of exchange on which registered
Listed Shares, No Par Value   New York Stock Exchange
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes o No þ
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes o No þ
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 þ No o
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 (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes þ No o
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. o
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.
             
Large accelerated filer þ   Accelerated filer o   Non-accelerated filer o   Smaller reporting company o
        (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 Act). Yes o No þ
As of June 30, 2010, the aggregate market value of the registrants’ Listed Shares held by non-affiliates was $743.6 million.
As of February 14, 2011, there are 39,505,273 Listed Shares of registrant outstanding.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
The registrant incorporates by reference its definitive Proxy Statement with respect to its 2011 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days following the end of its fiscal year, into Part III of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
 
 

 

 


 

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 Exhibit 21.1
 Exhibit 23.1
 Exhibit 31.1
 Exhibit 31.2
 Exhibit 32
 EX-101 INSTANCE DOCUMENT
 EX-101 SCHEMA DOCUMENT
 EX-101 CALCULATION LINKBASE DOCUMENT
 EX-101 LABELS LINKBASE DOCUMENT
 EX-101 PRESENTATION LINKBASE DOCUMENT
 EX-101 DEFINITION LINKBASE DOCUMENT
Forward-Looking Statements
This Annual Report on Form 10-K, including Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in Item 7 of Part II of this Report, contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. These forward-looking statements generally are identified by the words “believe,” “project,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “intend,” “strategy,” “plan,” “may,” “should,” “will,” “would,” “will be,” “will continue,” “will likely result,” and similar expressions. It is important to note that our actual results could be materially different from those projected in such forward-looking statements. You should exercise caution in relying on forward-looking statements as they involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may materially affect our future results, performance, achievements or transactions. Information on factors which could impact actual results and cause them to differ from what is anticipated in the forward-looking statements contained herein is included in this Report as well as in our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), including but not limited to those described in Item 1A. Risk Factors of this Report. We do not undertake to revise or update any forward-looking statements. Additionally, a description of our critical accounting estimates is included in the Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations section of this Report.
W. P. Carey 2010 10-K 1

 

 


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PART I
Item 1.   Business.
(a) General Development of Business
Overview:
W. P. Carey & Co. LLC (“W. P. Carey” and, together with its consolidated subsidiaries and predecessors, “we”, “us” or “our”) provides long-term sale-leaseback and build-to-suit transactions for companies worldwide and manages a global investment portfolio. We invest primarily in commercial properties domestically and internationally that are each triple-net leased to single corporate tenants, which requires each tenant to pay substantially all of the costs associated with operating and maintaining the property. We also earn revenue as the advisor to publicly owned, non-actively traded real estate investment trusts (“REITs”), which are sponsored by us under the Corporate Property Associates brand name (the “CPA® REITs”) and that invest in similar properties. We are currently the advisor to the following CPA® REITs: Corporate Property Associates 14 Incorporated (“CPA®:14”), Corporate Property Associates 15 Incorporated (“CPA®:15”), Corporate Property Associates 16 — Global Incorporated (“CPA®:16 — Global”) and Corporate Property Associates 17 — Global Incorporated (“CPA®:17 — Global”).
We are also the advisor to Carey Watermark Investors Incorporated (“Carey Watermark”), which we formed in March 2008 for the purpose of acquiring interests in lodging and lodging-related properties. A registration statement to sell up to $1.0 billion of common stock of Carey Watermark was declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) in September 2010. We are currently fundraising for Carey Watermark, however Carey Watermark has had no investments or significant operating activity as of the date of this Report.
Most of our properties were either acquired as a result of our consolidation with certain affiliated Corporate Property Associates limited partnerships or subsequently acquired from other CPA® REIT programs in connection with the provision of liquidity to shareholders of those REITs, as further described below. Because our advisory agreements with each of the existing CPA® REITs require that we use our best efforts to present to them a continuing and suitable program of investment opportunities that meet their investment criteria, we generally provide investment opportunities to these funds first and earn revenues from transaction and asset management services performed on their behalf. Our principal focus on our owned real estate portfolio in recent years has therefore been on enhancing the value of our existing properties.
Under the advisory agreements with the CPA® REITs, we manage the CPA® REITs’ portfolios of real estate investments, for which we earn asset-based management and performance revenue, and we structure and negotiate investments and debt placement transactions for them, for which we earn structuring revenue. We also receive a percentage of distributions of available cash from CPA®:17 — Global’s operating partnership. In addition, we earn incentive and disposition revenue and receive other compensation in connection with providing liquidity alternatives to CPA® REIT shareholders. The CPA® REITs also reimburse us for certain costs, primarily broker-dealer commissions paid on their behalf and marketing and personnel costs. As a result of electing to receive certain payments for services in shares, we also hold ownership interests in the CPA® REITs.
We were formed as a limited liability company under the laws of Delaware on July 15, 1996. We commenced operations on January 1, 1998 by combining the limited partnership interests of nine CPA® partnerships, at which time we listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “WPC.” As a limited liability company, we are not subject to federal income taxation as long as we satisfy certain requirements relating to our operations and pass through any tax liabilities or benefits to our shareholders; however, certain of our subsidiaries are engaged in investment management operations and are subject to United States (“U.S.”) federal, state and local income taxes, and some of our subsidiaries may also be subject to foreign taxes.
Our principal executive offices are located at 50 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10020, and our telephone number is (212) 492-1100. At December 31, 2010, we employed 170 individuals through our wholly-owned subsidiaries.
Significant Developments during 2010 include:
Acquisition Activity — During 2010, we structured investments on behalf of the CPA® REITs totaling $1.0 billion and entered into several investments for our owned real estate portfolio totaling $76.8 million. International investments comprised 43% of these investments. Amounts are based on the exchange rate of the foreign currency at the date of acquisition, as applicable.
Fundraising Activities — Since beginning fundraising for CPA®:17 — Global in December 2007, we have raised more than $1.4 billion on its behalf through the date of this Report. Included in this amount is $593.1 million that we raised during 2010 and $84.8 million that we have raised so far in 2011 through the date of this Report. We earn a wholesaling fee of up to $0.15 per share sold, which we use, along with any retained portion of selected dealer revenue, to cover underwriting costs incurred in connection with CPA®:17 — Global’s offering and are reimbursed for marketing and personnel costs incurred in raising capital on behalf of CPA®:17 — Global, subject to certain limitations.
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CPA®:17 — Global has filed a registration statement with the SEC for a possible continuous public offering of up to an additional $1.0 billion of common stock, which we currently expect will commence after the initial public offering terminates. We refer to the possible public offering as the “follow-on offering.” There can be no assurance that CPA®:17 — Global will actually commence the follow-on offering or successfully sell the full number of shares registered. The initial public offering for CPA®:17 — Global will terminate on the earlier of the date on which the registration statement for the follow-on offering becomes effective or May 2, 2011.
Financing Activity — During 2010, we obtained mortgage financing totaling $626.1 million on behalf of the CPA® REITs and $70.3 million for our owned real estate portfolio, including financing for new transactions and refinancing of maturing debt. Amounts are based on the exchange rate of the foreign currency at the date of financing, as applicable.
Impairment Charges — During 2010, we recorded impairment charges on our owned portfolio totaling $15.4 million. We currently estimate that the CPA® REITs will record impairment charges aggregating approximately $40.7 million of which our proportionate share is $3.0 million for 2010. Our cash distributions from the CPA® REITs are not affected by the impairment charges recognized by them.
Proposed Merger of Affiliates — On December 13, 2010, two of the CPA® REITs we manage, CPA®:14 and CPA®:16 — Global, entered into a definitive agreement pursuant to which CPA®:14 will merge with and into a subsidiary of CPA®:16 — Global, subject to the approval of the shareholders of CPA®:14 (the “Proposed Merger”). In connection with this Proposed Merger, CPA®:16 — Global filed a registration statement with the SEC, which has not been declared effective by the SEC as of the date of this Report. Special shareholder meetings for both CPA®:14 and CPA®:16 — Global are currently expected to be scheduled during the first half of 2011 to obtain CPA®:14 shareholder approval of the Proposed Merger and the alternate merger described below, and CPA®:16 — Global shareholder approval of the alternate merger, the UPREIT reorganization described below, and a charter amendment to increase the number of authorized shares of CPA®:16 — Global in order to ensure that it will have sufficient shares to issue in the Proposed Merger. The alternate merger is intended to provide an alternate tax-efficient transaction if the amount of cash to be received by CPA®:14 shareholders in the Proposed Merger could cause the Proposed Merger to be a taxable transaction. The closing of the Proposed Merger is also subject to customary closing conditions, as well as the closing of the CPA®:14 asset sales described below. If the Proposed Merger is approved, we currently expect that the closing will occur in the second quarter of 2011, although there can be no assurance of such timing.
In connection with the Proposed Merger, we have agreed to purchase three properties from CPA®:14, in which we already have a joint venture interest, for an aggregate purchase price of $32.1 million, plus the assumption of approximately $64.7 million of indebtedness. These properties all have remaining lease terms of less than 8 years, which are shorter than the average lease term of CPA®:16 — Global’s portfolio of properties. Consequently, CPA®:16 — Global required that these assets be sold by CPA®:14 prior to the Proposed Merger. This asset sale to us and the sale of three other properties to another affiliate, CPA®:17 — Global (the “CPA®:14 Asset Sales”), are contingent upon the approval of the Proposed Merger by the shareholders of CPA®:14.
If the Proposed Merger is consummated, we expect to earn revenues of $31.2 million in connection with the termination of the advisory agreements with CPA®:14 and $21.3 million of subordinated disposition revenues. In addition, based on our ownership of 8,018,456 shares of CPA®:14 at December 31, 2010, we expect to receive approximately $8.0 million as a result of a special $1.00 cash distribution to be paid by CPA®:14 to its shareholders, in part from the proceeds of the CPA®:14 Asset Sales, immediately prior to the Proposed Merger, as described below. We have agreed to elect to receive stock of CPA®:16 — Global in respect of our shares of CPA®:14 if the Proposed Merger is consummated. Carey Asset Management (“CAM”), our subsidiary that acts as the advisor to the CPA® REITs, has also agreed to waive any acquisition fees payable by CPA®:16 — Global under its advisory agreement with CAM in respect of the properties being acquired in the Proposed Merger and has also agreed to waive any disposition fees that may subsequently be payable by CPA®:16 — Global upon a sale of such assets.
In the Proposed Merger, CPA®:14 shareholders will be entitled to receive $11.50 per share, the "Merger Consideration," which is equal to the estimated net asset value ("NAV") of CPA®:14 as of September 30, 2010. The Merger Consideration will be paid to shareholders of CPA®:14, at their election, in either cash or a combination of the $1.00 per share special cash distribution and 1.1932 shares of CPA®:16 - Global common stock, which equates to $10.50 based on the $8.80 per share NAV of CPA®:16 - Global as of September 30, 2010. We computed these NAVs internally, relying in part upon a third-party valuation of each company’s real estate portfolio and indebtedness as of September 30, 2010. The board of directors of each of CPA®:16 — Global and CPA®:14 have the ability, but not the obligation, to terminate the transaction if more than 50% of the shareholders of CPA®:14 elect to receive cash in the Proposed Merger. Assuming that holders of 50% of CPA®:14’s outstanding stock elect to receive cash in the Proposed Merger, then the maximum cash required by CPA®:16 — Global to purchase these shares would be approximately $416.1 million, based on the total shares of CPA®:14 outstanding at December 31, 2010. If the cash on hand and available to CPA®:14 and CPA®:16 — Global, including the proceeds of the CPA®:14 Asset Sales and a new $300.0 million senior credit facility of CPA®:16 — Global, is not sufficient to enable CPA®:16 — Global to fulfill cash elections in the Proposed Merger by CPA®:14 shareholders, we have agreed to purchase a sufficient number of shares of CPA®:16 — Global stock from CPA®:16 — Global to enable it to pay such amounts to CPA®:14 shareholders.
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We currently expect to receive our $31.2 million termination fee in shares of CPA®:14, which will then be exchanged at our election into shares of CPA®:16 — Global in order to facilitate this transaction. In addition, we currently expect to use the special $1.00 per share cash distribution received from our ownership of CPA®:14 shares, the post-tax proceeds from the disposition revenues, cash on hand, and amounts available under our line of credit to finance our potential obligations in connection with the Proposed Merger and the CPA®:14 Asset Sales, as necessary.
In connection with the Proposed Merger, CPA®:16 — Global proposes to implement an UPREIT reorganization. The proposed UPREIT reorganization is an internal reorganization of CPA®:16 — Global into an umbrella partnership real estate investment trust, known as an UPREIT, to hold substantially all of its assets in an operating partnership, which is how CPA®:17 — Global is currently structured. While the asset management fees to be paid by CPA®:16 — Global to CAM are expected to decline as a result of the UPREIT reorganization, the pre-tax fees will be paid in a more tax-efficient manner and will result in a higher level of after-tax cash flow received by CAM.
(b) Financial Information About Segments
Refer to Note 18 in the accompanying consolidated financial statements for financial information about segments.
(c) Narrative Description of Business
Business Objectives and Strategy
We have two primary business segments, investment management and real estate ownership. These segments are each described below. Our objective is to increase shareholder value and earnings through expansion of our investment management operations and prudent management of our owned real estate assets.
Investment Management
We earn revenue as the advisor to the CPA® REITs. Under the advisory agreements with the CPA® REITs, we perform various services, including but not limited to the day-to-day management of the CPA® REITs and transaction-related services. The advisory agreements allow us to elect to receive restricted stock for any revenue due from a CPA® REIT.
Because of limitations on the amount of non-real estate-related income that may be earned by a limited liability company that is taxed as a publicly traded partnership, our investment management operations are currently conducted primarily through taxable subsidiaries.
From time to time, we explore alternatives for expanding our investment management operations beyond advising the CPA® REITs. Any such expansion could involve the purchase of properties or other investments as principal, either for our owned portfolio or with the intention of transferring such investments to a newly-created fund, as well as the sponsorship of one or more funds to make investments other than primarily net lease investments.
Asset Management Revenue
Under the terms of the advisory agreements for CPA®:14, CPA®:15 and CPA®:16 — Global, we earn asset management revenue totaling 1% per annum of average invested assets, which is calculated according to the advisory agreements for each CPA® REIT. A portion of this asset management revenue is contingent upon the achievement of specific performance criteria for each CPA® REIT, which is generally defined to be a cumulative distribution return for shareholders of the CPA® REIT. For CPA®:14, CPA®:15 and CPA®:16 — Global, this performance revenue is generally equal to 0.5% of the average invested assets of the CPA® REIT. For CPA®:17 — Global, we earn asset management revenue ranging from 0.5% of average market value for long-term net leases and certain other types of real estate investments up to 1.75% of average equity value for certain types of securities. For CPA®:17 — Global, we do not earn performance revenue, but we receive up to 10% of distributions of available cash from its operating partnership. If CPA®:16 — Global’s UPREIT reorganization is approved, we will no longer earn performance revenue from CPA®:16 — Global but will instead receive up to 10% of distributions of available cash from its newly-formed operating partnership. We seek to increase our asset management revenue and performance revenue by increasing real estate-related assets under management, both as the CPA® REITs make new investments and from organizing new investment entities. Such revenue may also increase, or decrease, based on changes in the appraised value of the real estate assets of the individual CPA® REITs. Assets under management, and the resulting revenue earned by us, may also decrease if investments are disposed of, either individually or in connection with the liquidation of a CPA® REIT.
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Structuring Revenue
Under the terms of the advisory agreements, we earn revenue in connection with structuring and negotiating investments for the CPA® REITs, which we call acquisition revenue. Under each of the advisory agreements, we may receive acquisition revenue of up to an average of 4.5% of the total cost of all investments made by each CPA® REIT. A portion of this revenue (generally 2.5%) is paid to us when the transaction is completed, while the remainder (generally 2%) is payable to us in equal annual installments ranging from three to eight years, provided the relevant CPA® REIT meets its performance criterion. Unpaid installments bear interest at annual rates ranging from 5% to 7%. For certain types of non-long term net lease investments acquired on behalf of CPA®:17 — Global, initial acquisition revenue may range from 0% to 1.75% of the equity invested plus the related acquisition revenue, with no deferred acquisition revenue being earned. We may also be entitled, subject to CPA® REIT board approval, to loan refinancing revenue of up to 1% of the principal amount refinanced in connection with structuring and negotiating investments. This loan refinancing revenue, together with the acquisition revenue, is referred to as structuring revenue.
Other Revenue
We may also earn revenue related to the disposition of properties, subject to subordination provisions, which will only be recognized as the relevant conditions are met. Such revenue may include subordinated disposition revenue of no more than 3% of the value of any assets sold, payable only after shareholders have received back their initial investment plus a specified preferred return, and subordinated incentive revenue of 15% of the net cash proceeds distributable to shareholders from the disposition of properties, after recoupment by shareholders of their initial investment plus a specified preferred return. We may also, in connection with the termination of the advisory agreements for CPA®:14, CPA®:15 and CPA®:16 — Global, be entitled to a termination payment based on the amount by which the fair value of a CPA® REITs’ properties, less indebtedness, exceeds investors’ capital plus a specified preferred return. CPA®:17 — Global and, if the UPREIT reorganization is approved by CPA®:16 — Global’s shareholders, CPA®:16 — Global, will have the right, but not the obligation, upon certain terminations to repurchase our interests in their operating partnerships at fair market value. We will not receive a termination payment in circumstances where we receive subordinated incentive revenue.
In past years, we have earned substantial disposition and incentive or termination revenue in connection with providing liquidity to CPA® REIT shareholders. In general, we begin evaluating liquidity alternatives for CPA® REIT shareholders about eight years after a CPA® REIT has substantially invested the net proceeds received in its initial public offering. These liquidity alternatives may include listing the CPA® REITs shares on a national securities exchange, selling the assets of the CPA® REIT or merging the affected CPA® REIT with another entity, which could include another CPA® REIT. However, the timing of liquidity events depends on market conditions and may also depend on other factors, including approval of the proposed course of action by the independent directors, and in some instances the shareholders, of the affected CPA® REIT, and may occur well after the eighth anniversary of the date that the net proceeds of an offering have been substantially invested. Because of these factors, CPA® REIT liquidity events have not typically taken place every year. In consequence, given the relatively substantial amounts of disposition revenue, as compared with the ongoing revenue earned from asset management and structuring investments, income from this business segment may be significantly higher in those years where a liquidity event takes place. If the Proposed Merger between CPA®:14 and CPA®:16 — Global is approved by the shareholders and the other closing conditions are satisfied, we currently expect that the transaction will be completed in the second quarter of 2011, although there can be no assurance of such timing.
The CPA® REITs reimburse us for certain costs, primarily broker-dealer commissions paid on behalf of the CPA® REITs and marketing and personnel costs. The CPA® REITs also reimburse us for many of our costs associated with the evaluation of transactions on their behalf that are not completed. Marketing and personnel costs are apportioned based on the assets of each entity. These reimbursements may be substantial. These reimbursements, together with asset management revenue payable by a specific CPA® REIT, may be subject to deferral or reduction if they exceed a specified percentage of that CPA® REITs income or invested assets. We also earn a wholesaling fee from CPA®:17 — Global of up to $0.15 per share sold, which we use, along with any retained portion of the selected dealer revenue, to cover other underwriting costs incurred in connection with CPA®:17 — Global’s offering.
Effective September 15, 2010, we entered into an advisory agreement with Carey Watermark to perform certain services, including managing Carey Watermark’s offering and its overall business, identification, evaluation, negotiation, purchase and disposition of lodging-related properties and the performance of certain administrative duties. We are currently fundraising for Carey Watermark; however, as of December 31, 2010, Carey Watermark had no investments or significant operating activity. Costs incurred on behalf of Carey Watermark totaled $3.4 million through December 31, 2010. We anticipate being reimbursed for all or a portion of these costs in accordance with the terms of the advisory agreement if the minimum offering proceeds are raised.
Equity Investments in CPA® REITs
As discussed above, we may elect to receive certain of our revenues from the CPA® REITs in restricted shares of those entities. At December 31, 2010, we owned 9.2% of the outstanding shares of CPA®:14, 7.1% of the outstanding shares of CPA®:15, 5.6% of the outstanding shares of CPA®:16 — Global and 0.6% of the outstanding shares of CPA®:17 — Global.
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Real Estate Ownership
We own and invest in commercial properties in the U.S. and the European Union that are then leased to companies, primarily on a single-tenant, triple-net leased basis. While our acquisition of new properties is constrained by our obligation to provide a continuing and suitable investment program to the CPA® REITs, we seek to maximize the value of our existing portfolio through prudent management of our real estate assets, which may involve follow-on transactions, dispositions and favorable lease modifications, as well as refinancing of existing debt. In connection with providing liquidity alternatives to CPA® REIT shareholders, we may acquire additional properties from the liquidating CPA® REIT, as we did during 2006 and plan to do in 2011 with the CPA®:14 Asset Sales in connection with the Proposed Merger of CPA®:14 and CPA®:16 — Global. We have also acquired properties and interests in properties through tax-free exchanges and as part of joint ventures with the CPA® REITs. We may also, in the future, seek to increase our portfolio by making investments, including non-net lease investments and investments in emerging markets, that may not meet the investment criteria of the CPA® REITs, particularly investments that are not current-income oriented. See Our Portfolio below for an analysis of our portfolio at December 31, 2010.
No tenant at any of our consolidated investments represented more than 10% of our total lease revenues from our real estate ownership during 2010.
The Investment Strategies, Financing Strategies, Asset Management, Competition and Environmental Matters sections described below pertain to both our investment management and real estate ownership segments.
Investment Strategies
The following description of our investment process applies to investments we make on behalf of the CPA® REITs. In general, we would expect to follow a similar process in connection with any investments in triple-net lease, single-tenant commercial properties we may make directly, but we are not required to do so.
In analyzing potential investments, we review all aspects of a transaction, including tenant and real estate fundamentals, to determine whether a potential investment and lease can be structured to satisfy the CPA® REITs’ investment criteria. In evaluating net lease transactions, we generally consider, among other things, the following aspects of each transaction:
Tenant/Borrower Evaluation — We evaluate each potential tenant or borrower for its creditworthiness, typically considering factors such as management experience, industry position and fundamentals, operating history, and capital structure, as well as other factors that may be relevant to a particular investment. We seek opportunities in which we believe the tenant may have a stable or improving credit profile or credit potential that has not been recognized by the market. In evaluating a possible investment, the creditworthiness of a tenant or borrower often will be a more significant factor than the value of the underlying real estate, particularly if the underlying property is specifically suited to the needs of the tenant; however, in certain circumstances where the real estate is attractively valued, the creditworthiness of the tenant may be a secondary consideration. Whether a prospective tenant or borrower is creditworthy will be determined by our investment department and the investment committee, as described below. Creditworthy does not mean “investment grade.”
Properties Important to Tenant/Borrower Operations — We generally will focus on properties that we believe are essential or important to the ongoing operations of the tenant. We believe that these properties provide better protection generally as well as in the event of a bankruptcy, since a tenant/borrower is less likely to risk the loss of a critically important lease or property in a bankruptcy proceeding or otherwise.
Diversification — We attempt to diversify the CPA® REIT portfolios to avoid dependence on any one particular tenant, borrower, collateral type, geographic location or tenant/borrower industry. By diversifying these portfolios, we seek to reduce the adverse effect of a single under-performing investment or a downturn in any particular industry or geographic region. While we have not endeavored to maintain any particular standard of diversity in our owned portfolio, we believe that our owned portfolio is reasonably well diversified (see Our Portfolio below).
Lease Terms — Generally, the net leased properties in which the CPA® REITs and we invest will be leased on a full recourse basis to the tenants or their affiliates. In addition, we seek to include a clause in each lease that provides for increases in rent over the term of the lease. These increases are fixed or tied generally to increases in indices such as the Consumer Price Index (“CPI”). In the case of retail stores and hotels, the lease may provide for participation in gross revenues of the tenant at the property above a stated level. Alternatively, a lease may provide for mandated rental increases on specific dates, and we may adopt other methods in the future.
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Collateral Evaluation — We review the physical condition of the property, and conduct a market evaluation to determine the likelihood of replacing the rental stream if the tenant defaults or of a sale of the property in such circumstances. We also generally engage a third party to conduct, or require the seller to conduct, Phase I or similar environmental site assessments (including a visual inspection for the potential presence of asbestos) in an attempt to identify potential environmental liabilities associated with a property prior to its acquisition. If potential environmental liabilities are identified, we generally require that identified environmental issues be resolved by the seller prior to property acquisition or, where such issues cannot be resolved prior to acquisition, require tenants contractually to assume responsibility for resolving identified environmental issues post-closing and provide indemnification protections against any potential claims, losses or expenses arising from such matters. Although we generally rely on our own analysis in determining whether to make an investment on behalf of the CPA® REITs, each real property to be purchased by them will be appraised by an independent appraiser. The contractual purchase price (plus acquisition fees, but excluding acquisition expenses, for properties acquired on behalf of the CPA® REITs) for a real property we acquire for ourselves or on behalf of a CPA® REIT will not exceed its appraised value. The appraisals may take into consideration, among other things, the terms and conditions of the particular lease transaction, the quality of the lessee’s credit and the conditions of the credit markets at the time the lease transaction is negotiated. The appraised value may be greater than the construction cost or the replacement cost of a property, and the actual sale price of a property if sold may be greater or less than the appraised value. In cases of special purpose real estate, a property is examined in light of the prospects for the tenant/borrower’s enterprise and the financial strength and the role of that asset in the context of the tenant’s overall viability. Operating results of properties and other collateral may be examined to determine whether or not projected income levels are likely to be met. We will also consider factors particular to the laws of foreign countries, in addition to the risks normally associated with real property investments, when considering an investment outside the U.S.
Transaction Provisions to Enhance and Protect Value — We attempt to include provisions in the leases that we believe may help protect an investment from changes in the operating and financial characteristics of a tenant that may affect its ability to satisfy its obligations to the CPA® REIT or reduce the value of the investment. Such provisions include requiring our consent to specified tenant activity, requiring the tenant to provide indemnification protections, and requiring the tenant to satisfy specific operating tests. We may also seek to enhance the likelihood of a tenant’s lease obligations being satisfied through a guaranty of obligations from the tenant’s corporate parent or other entity or a letter of credit. This credit enhancement, if obtained, provides additional financial security. However, in markets where competition for net lease transactions is strong, some or all of these provisions may be difficult to negotiate. In addition, in some circumstances, tenants may retain the right to repurchase the property leased by the tenant. The option purchase price is generally the greater of the contract purchase price and the fair market value of the property at the time the option is exercised.
Other Equity Enhancements — We may attempt to obtain equity enhancements in connection with transactions. These equity enhancements may involve warrants exercisable at a future time to purchase stock of the tenant or borrower or their parent. If warrants are obtained, and become exercisable, and if the value of the stock subsequently exceeds the exercise price of the warrant, equity enhancements can help achieve the goal of increasing investor returns.
As other opportunities arise, we may also seek to expand the CPA® REIT portfolios to include other types of real estate-related investments, such as:
    equity investments in real properties that are not long-term net leased to a single-tenant and may include partially leased properties, multi-tenanted properties, vacant or undeveloped properties and properties subject to short-term net leases, among others;
    mortgage loans secured by commercial real properties;
    subordinated interests in first mortgage real estate loans, or B Notes;
    mezzanine loans related to commercial real estate, which are senior to the borrower’s equity position but subordinated to other third-party financing;
    commercial mortgage-backed securities, or CMBS; and
    equity and debt securities (including preferred equity and other higher-yielding structured debt and equity investments) issued by companies that are engaged in real-estate-related businesses, including other REITs.
To date, our investments on behalf of the CPA® REITs have not included significant amounts of these types of investments.
Investment Committee — We have an investment committee that provides services to the CPA® REITs and may provide services to us. Our investment department, under the oversight of our chief investment officer, is primarily responsible for evaluating, negotiating and structuring potential investment opportunities. Before a property is acquired by a CPA® REIT, the transaction is generally reviewed by the investment committee. The investment committee is not directly involved in originating or negotiating potential investments but instead functions as a separate and final step in the investment process. We place special emphasis on having experienced individuals serve on our investment committee and, subject to limited exceptions, generally do not invest in a transaction on behalf of the CPA® REITs unless the investment committee approves it. The investment committee may delegate its authority, such as to investment advisory committees with specialized expertise in the particular geographic market, like our Asia Advisory Committee for potential investments in China. However, we do not currently expect that the investments delegated to these advisory committees will account for a significant portion of the investments we make in the near term.
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In addition, the investment committee may at the request of our board of directors or executive committee also review any initial investment in which we propose to engage directly, although it is not required to do so. Our board of directors or executive committee may also determine that certain investments that may not meet the CPA® REITs’ investment criteria (particularly transactions in emerging markets and investments that are not current income oriented) may be acceptable to us. For transactions that meet the investment criteria of more than one CPA® REIT, our chief investment officer may allocate the investment to one of the CPA® REITs or among two or more of the CPA® REITs. In cases where two or more CPA® REITs (or one or more CPA® REITs and us) will hold the investment, a majority of the independent directors of each CPA® REIT investing in the property must also approve the transaction.
The following people currently serve on our investment committee:
    Nathaniel S. Coolidge, Chairman — Former senior vice president and head of the bond and corporate finance department of John Hancock Mutual Life Insurance (currently known as John Hancock Life Insurance Company). Mr. Coolidge’s responsibilities included overseeing its entire portfolio of fixed income investments.
    Axel K.A. Hansing — Currently serving as a senior partner at Coller Capital, Ltd., a global leader in the private equity secondary market, and responsible for investment activity in parts of Europe, Turkey and South Africa.
    Frank J. Hoenemeyer — Former vice chairman and chief investment officer of the Prudential Insurance Company of America. As chief investment officer, he was responsible for all of Prudential Insurance Company of America’s investments including stocks, bonds and real estate.
    Jean Hoysradt — Currently serving as the chief investment officer of Mousse Partners Limited, an investment office based in New York.
    Dr. Lawrence R. Klein — Currently serving as professor emeritus of economics and finance at the University of Pennsylvania and its Wharton School. Recipient of the 1980 Nobel Prize in economic sciences and former consultant to both the Federal Reserve Board and the President’s Council of Economic Advisors.
    Richard C. Marston — Currently the James R.F. Guy professor of economics and finance at the University of Pennsylvania and its Wharton School.
    Nick J.M. van Ommen — Former chief executive officer of the European Public Real Estate Association (EPRA), currently serves on the supervisory boards of several companies, including Babis Vovos International Construction SA, a listed real estate company in Greece, Intervest Retail and Intervest Offices, listed real estate companies in Belgium, BUWOG / ESG, a residential leasing and development company in Austria and IMMOFINANZ, a listed real estate company in Austria.
    Dr. Karsten von Köller — Currently chairman of Lone Star Germany GMBH, a US private equity firm, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Düsseldorfer Hypothekenbank AG and Vice Chairman of the Supervisory Boards of IKB Deutsche Industriebank AG, Corealcredit Bank AG and MHB Bank AG.
Messrs. Coolidge, Klein and von Köller also serve as members of our board of directors.
We are required to use our best efforts to present a continuing and suitable investment program to the CPA® REITs but we are not required to present to the CPA® REITs any particular investment opportunity, even if it is of a character which, if presented, could be taken by one or more of the CPA® REITs.
Self-Storage Investments
In November 2006, we formed a subsidiary, Carey Storage Management LLC (“Carey Storage”), for the purpose of investing in self-storage real estate properties and their related businesses within the U.S. In January 2009, Carey Storage completed a transaction whereby it received cash proceeds, plus a commitment to invest additional equity, from a third party (the “Investor”) to fund the purchase of self-storage assets in the future in exchange for a 60% interest in its self-storage portfolio. During 2010, Carey Storage amended its agreement with the Investor to, among other things; remove a contingent purchase option held by Carey Storage to repurchase the Investor’s interest in the venture at fair value. Further information about current Carey Storage activity is described in Part II, Item 8, Note 4. Net Investments in Properties — Operating Real Estate.
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Our Portfolio
At December 31, 2010, we owned and managed 955 properties domestically and internationally, including our owned portfolio. Our portfolio was comprised of our full or partial ownership interest in 164 properties, substantially all of which were triple-net leased to 75 tenants, and totaled approximately 14 million square feet (on a pro rata basis) with an occupancy rate of approximately 89%. Our portfolio has the following property and lease characteristics:
Geographic Diversification
Information regarding the geographic diversification of our properties at December 31, 2010 is set forth below (dollars in thousands):
                                 
    Consolidated Investments     Equity Investments in Real Estate (b)  
    Annualized     % of Annualized     Annualized     % of Annualized  
    Contractual     Contractual     Contractual     Contractual  
    Minimum     Minimum     Minimum     Minimum  
Region   Base Rent (a)     Base Rent     Base Rent (a)     Base Rent  
United States
                               
South
  $ 24,897       37 %   $ 3,019       12 %
West
    19,002       28       2,113       8  
Midwest
    10,755       16       1,630       6  
East
    5,984       8       6,575       26  
 
                       
Total U.S.
    60,638       89       13,337       52  
 
                       
International
                               
Europe (c)
    7,423       11       12,446       48  
 
                       
Total
  $ 68,061       100 %   $ 25,783       100 %
 
                       
 
     
(a)   Reflects annualized contractual minimum base rent for the fourth quarter of 2010.
 
(b)   Reflects our pro rata share of annualized contractual minimum base rent for the fourth quarter of 2010 from equity investments in real estate.
 
(c)   Represents investments in France, Germany, Poland and Spain.
Property Diversification
Information regarding our property diversification at December 31, 2010 is set forth below (dollars in thousands):
                                 
    Consolidated Investments     Equity Investments in Real Estate (b)  
    Annualized     % of Annualized     Annualized     % of Annualized  
    Contractual     Contractual     Contractual     Contractual  
    Minimum     Minimum     Minimum     Minimum  
Property Type   Base Rent (a)     Base Rent     Base Rent (a)     Base Rent  
Office
  $ 25,472       38 %   $ 9,717       38 %
Industrial
    20,656       30       5,254       20  
Warehouse/Distribution
    11,252       17       7,520       29  
Retail
    5,725       8              
Other Properties (c)
    4,956       7       3,292       13  
 
                       
Total
  $ 68,061       100 %   $ 25,783       100 %
 
                       
 
     
(a)   Reflects annualized contractual minimum base rent for the fourth quarter of 2010.
 
(b)   Reflects our pro rata share of annualized contractual minimum base rent for the fourth quarter of 2010 from equity investments in real estate.
 
(c)   Other properties include education and childcare, healthcare, hospitality, land and leisure properties.
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Tenant Diversification
Information regarding our tenant diversification at December 31, 2010 is set forth below (dollars in thousands):
                                 
    Consolidated Investments     Equity Investments in Real Estate (b)  
    Annualized     % of Annualized     Annualized     % of Annualized  
    Contractual     Contractual     Contractual     Contractual  
    Minimum     Minimum     Minimum     Minimum  
Tenant Industry (c)   Base Rent (a)     Base Rent     Base Rent (a)     Base Rent  
Retail Stores
  $ 8,770       13 %   $ 7,464       29 %
Business and Commercial Services
    8,409       12       3,332       13  
Telecommunications
    7,957       12              
Beverages, Food, and Tobacco
    4,949       7              
Aerospace and Defense
    4,907       7              
Healthcare, Education and Childcare
    4,420       7       3,292       13  
Forest Products and Paper
    4,034       6              
Banking
    3,861       6              
Electronics
    3,701       5       1,270       5  
Transportation — Personal
    3,524       5              
Consumer Goods
    2,438       4              
Media: Printing and Publishing
    2,337       3       4,358       17  
Hotels and Gaming
    1,810       3              
Federal, State and Local Government
    1,170       2              
Chemicals, Plastics, Rubber, and Glass
    1,150       2              
Mining, Metals, and Primary Metal Industries
    529       1       948       3  
Transportation — Cargo
    325             2,869       11  
Machinery
    190             2,250       9  
Other (d)
    3,580       5              
 
                       
Total
  $ 68,061       100 %   $ 25,783       100 %
 
                       
 
     
(a)   Reflects annualized contractual minimum base rent for the fourth quarter of 2010.
 
(b)   Reflects our pro rata share of annualized contractual minimum base rent for the fourth quarter of 2010 from equity investments in real estate.
 
(c)   Based on the Moody’s Investors Service, Inc.’s classification system and information provided by the tenant.
 
(d)   Includes revenue from tenants in our consolidated investments in the following industries: automobile (1%), construction (1%), grocery (1%), leisure (1%) and textiles (1%).
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Lease Expirations
At December 31, 2010, lease expirations of our properties are as follows (dollars in thousands):
                                 
    Consolidated Investments     Equity Investments in Real Estate (b)  
    Annualized     % of Annualized     Annualized     % of Annualized  
    Contractual     Contractual     Contractual     Contractual  
    Minimum     Minimum     Minimum     Minimum  
Year of Lease Expiration   Base Rent (a)     Base Rent     Base Rent (a)     Base Rent  
2011
  $ 7,216       11 %   $ 554       2 %
2012
    8,898       13              
2013
    5,563       8              
2014
    11,313       17              
2015
    6,297       9       6,440       25  
2016
    5,247       8       1,584       6  
2017
    5,841       8              
2018
    3,808       6              
2019 – 2023
    6,455       9       9,649       38  
2024 – 2029
    1,171       2       7,556       29  
2030
    6,252       9              
 
                       
Total
  $ 68,061       100 %   $ 25,783       100 %
 
                       
 
     
(a)   Reflects annualized contractual minimum base rent for the fourth quarter of 2010.
 
(b)   Reflects our pro rata share of annualized contractual minimum base rent for the fourth quarter of 2010 from equity investments in real estate.
Financing Strategies
Consistent with our investment policies, we use leverage when available on terms we believe are favorable. Substantially all of our mortgage loans, as well as those of the CPA® REITs, are non-recourse and bear interest at fixed rates, or have been converted to fixed rates through interest rate caps or swap agreements. We may refinance properties or defease a loan when a decline in interest rates makes it profitable to prepay an existing mortgage loan, when an existing mortgage loan matures or if an attractive investment becomes available and the proceeds from the refinancing can be used to purchase such investment. The benefits of the refinancing may include an increased cash flow resulting from reduced debt service requirements, an increase in distributions from proceeds of the refinancing, if any, and/or an increase in property ownership if some refinancing proceeds are reinvested in real estate. The prepayment of loans may require us to pay a yield maintenance premium to the lender in order to pay off a loan prior to its maturity.
A lender on non-recourse mortgage debt generally has recourse only to the property collateralizing such debt and not to any of our other assets, while full recourse financing would give a lender recourse to all of our assets. The use of non-recourse debt, therefore, helps us to limit the exposure of all of our assets to any one debt obligation. Lenders may, however, have recourse to our other assets in limited circumstances not related to the repayment of the indebtedness, such as under an environmental indemnity or in the case of fraud.
We also have an unsecured line of credit that can be used in connection with refinancing existing debt and making new investments, as well as to meet other working capital needs. Our line of credit is discussed in detail in the Cash Resources section of Part II, Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Financial Condition.
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Some of our financing may require us to make a lump-sum or “balloon” payment at maturity. We are actively seeking to refinance loans that mature within the next several years but believe we have sufficient financing alternatives and/or cash resources to make these payments, if necessary. At December 31, 2010, scheduled balloon payments for the next five years are as follows (in thousands):
         
2011
  $ 169,075 (a) (b)
2012
    28,260  
2013
     
2014
    (a)
2015
    40,253  
 
     
(a)   Excludes our pro rata share of mortgage obligations of equity investments in real estate totaling $9.2 million in 2011 and $68.7 million in 2014.
 
(b)   Includes amounts that will be due upon maturity of our unsecured revolving line of credit in June 2011. At December 31, 2010, we had drawn $141.8 million from this line of credit. We intend to extend this line by an additional year. See Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Financial Condition — Cash Resources.
Asset Management
We believe that effective management of our assets is essential to maintain and enhance property values. Important aspects of asset management include restructuring transactions to meet the evolving needs of current tenants, re-leasing properties, refinancing debt, selling properties and knowledge of the bankruptcy process.
We monitor, on an ongoing basis, compliance by tenants with their lease obligations and other factors that could affect the financial performance of any of our properties. Monitoring involves receiving assurances that each tenant has paid real estate taxes, assessments and other expenses relating to the properties it occupies and confirming that appropriate insurance coverage is being maintained by the tenant. For international compliance, we often rely on third party asset managers. We review financial statements of tenants and undertake regular physical inspections of the condition and maintenance of properties. Additionally, we periodically analyze each tenant’s financial condition, the industry in which each tenant operates and each tenant’s relative strength in its industry.
Competition
In raising funds for investment by the CPA® REITs and Carey Watermark, we face active competition from other funds with similar investment objectives that seek to raise funds from investors through publicly registered, non-traded funds, publicly-traded funds and private funds, such as hedge funds. In addition, we face broad competition from other forms of investment. Currently, we raise substantially all of our funds for investment in the CPA® REITs and Carey Watermark within the U.S.; however, in the future we may seek to raise funds for investment from outside the U.S.
We face active competition from many sources for investment opportunities in commercial properties net leased to major corporations both domestically and internationally. In general, we believe that our management’s experience in real estate, credit underwriting and transaction structuring should allow us to compete effectively for commercial properties. However, competitors may be willing to accept rates of return, lease terms, other transaction terms or levels of risk that we may find unacceptable.
Environmental Matters
We and the CPA® REITs have invested, and expect to continue to invest, in properties currently or historically used as industrial, manufacturing and commercial properties. Under various federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations, current and former owners and operators of property may have liability for the cost of investigating, cleaning-up or disposing of hazardous materials released at, on, under, in or from the property. These laws typically impose responsibility and liability without regard to whether the owner or operator knew of or was responsible for the presence of hazardous materials or contamination, and liability under these laws is often joint and several. Third parties may also make claims against owners or operators of properties for personal injuries and property damage associated with releases of hazardous materials. As part of our efforts to mitigate these risks, we typically engage third parties to perform assessments of potential environmental risks when evaluating a new acquisition of property and we frequently obtain contractual protection (indemnities, cash reserves, letters of credit or other instruments) from property sellers, tenants, a tenant’s parent company or another third party to address known or potential environmental issues.
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(d) Financial Information About Geographic Areas
See Our Portfolio above and Note 18 of the consolidated financial statements for financial data pertaining to our geographic operations.
(e) Available Information
All filings we make with the SEC, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K, our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and our current reports on Form 8-K, and any amendments to those reports, are available for free on our website, www.wpcarey.com, as soon as reasonably practicable after they are filed or furnished to the SEC. Our SEC filings are available to be read or copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. Information regarding the operation of the Public Reference Room can be obtained by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. Our filings can also be obtained for free on the SEC’s Internet site at http://www.sec.gov. We are providing our website address solely for the information of investors. We do not intend our website to be an active link or to otherwise incorporate the information contained on our website into this report or other filings with the SEC. We will supply to any shareholder, upon written request and without charge, a copy of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010 as filed with the SEC. Generally, we also post the dates of our upcoming scheduled financial press releases, telephonic investor calls and investor presentations on the Investor Relations portion of our website at least ten days prior to the event. Our investor calls are open to the public and remain available on our website for at least two weeks thereafter.
Item 1A.   Risk Factors.
Our business, results of operations, financial condition and ability to pay distributions at the current rate could be materially adversely affected by various risks and uncertainties, including the conditions below. These risk factors may have affected, and in the future could affect, our actual operating and financial results and could cause such results to differ materially from those in any forward-looking statements. You should not consider this list exhaustive. New risk factors emerge periodically, and we cannot assure you that the factors described below list all material risks to us at any later time.
The recent financial and economic crisis adversely affected our business, and the continued uncertainty in the global economic environment may adversely affect our business in the future.
Although we have seen signs of modest improvement in the global economy following the significant distress in 2008 and 2009, the economic recovery remains weak, and our business in still dependent on the speed and strength of that recovery, which cannot be predicted at the present time. To date, its effects on our business have been somewhat limited, primarily in that a number of tenants, particularly in the portfolios of the CPA® REITs, have experienced increased levels of financial distress, with several having filed for bankruptcy protection, although our experience in 2010 reflected an improvement from 2008 and 2009.
Depending on how long and how severe this crisis is, we could in the future experience a number of additional effects on our business, including higher levels of default in the payment of rent by our tenants, additional bankruptcies and impairments in the value of our property investments, as well as difficulties in refinancing existing loans as they come due. Any of these conditions may negatively affect our earnings, as well as our cash flow and, consequently, our ability to sustain the payment of dividends at current levels.
Our managed funds may also be adversely affected by these conditions, and their earnings or cash flow may also be adversely affected by other events, such as increases in the value of the U.S. Dollar relative to other currencies in which they receive rent, as well as the need to expend cash to fund increased redemptions. Additionally, the ability of CPA®:17 — Global to make new investments will be affected by the availability of financing as well as its ability to raise new funds. Decreases in the value of the assets held by the CPA® REITs will affect the asset management revenues payable to us, as well as the value of the stock we hold in the CPA® REITs, and decreases in these funds’ earnings or ability to pay distributions may also affect their ability to make the payments due to us, as well as our income and cash flow from CPA® REIT distribution payments.
Earnings from our investment management operations are subject to volatility.
Growth in revenue from our investment management operations is dependent in large part on future capital raising in existing or future managed entities, as well as on our ability to make investments that meet the investment criteria of these entities, both of which are subject to uncertainty, including with respect to capital market and real estate market conditions. This uncertainty creates volatility in our earnings because of the resulting fluctuation in transaction-based revenue. Asset management revenue may be affected by factors that include not only our ability to increase the CPA® REITs’ portfolio of properties under management, but also changes in valuation of those properties, as well as sales of CPA® REIT properties. In addition, revenue from our investment management operations, including our ability to earn performance revenue, as well as the value of our holdings of CPA® REIT interests and dividend income from those interests, may be significantly affected by the results of operations of the CPA® REITs. Each of the CPA® REITs has invested substantially all of its assets (other than short-term investments) in triple-net leased properties substantially similar to those we hold, and consequently the results of operations of, and cash available for distribution by, each of the CPA® REITs, is likely to be substantially affected by the same market conditions, and subject to the same risk factors, as the properties we own. Four of the sixteen CPA® funds temporarily reduced the rate of distributions to their investors as a result of adverse developments involving tenants.
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Each of the CPA® REITs we currently manage may incur significant debt. This significant debt load could restrict their ability to pay revenue owed to us when due, due to either liquidity problems or restrictive covenants contained in their borrowing agreements. In addition, the revenue payable under each of our current investment advisory agreements is subject to a variable annual cap based on a formula tied to the assets and income of that CPA® REIT. This cap may limit the growth of our management revenue. Furthermore, our ability to earn revenue related to the disposition of properties is primarily tied to providing liquidity events for CPA® REIT investors. Our ability to provide that liquidity, and to do so under circumstances that will satisfy the applicable subordination requirements noted above in Item 1, Business — Other Revenue, will depend on market conditions at the relevant time, which may vary considerably over a period of years. In any case, liquidity events typically occur several years apart, and income from our investment management operations is likely to be significantly higher in those years in which such events occur. If the Proposed Merger between CPA®:14 and CPA®:16 — Global is approved by the shareholders and the other closing conditions are satisfied, we currently expect that the transaction will be completed in the second quarter of 2011, although there can be no assurance of such timing.
The revenue streams from the investment advisory agreements with the CPA® REITs are subject to limitation or cancellation.
The agreements under which we provide investment advisory services may generally be terminated by each CPA® REIT upon 60 days’ notice, with or without cause. There can be no assurance that these agreements will not be terminated. A termination without cause may, however, entitle us to termination revenue, equal to 15% of the amount by which the net fair value of the relevant CPA® REITs assets exceeds the remaining amount necessary to provide investors with total distributions equal to their investment plus a preferred return. For CPA®:17 — Global, and CPA®:16 — Global if the UPREIT reorganization is approved by CPA®:16 — Global’s shareholders, they have the right, but not the obligation, upon certain terminations to repurchase our interests in their operating partnerships at fair market value. If such right is not exercised, we would remain as a limited partner of the operating partnerships. Nonetheless, any such termination could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Changes in investor preferences or market conditions could limit our ability to raise funds or make new investments.
Substantially all of our and the CPA® REITs’ current investments, as well as the majority of the investments we expect to originate for the CPA® REITs in the near term, are investments in single-tenant commercial properties that are subject to triple-net leases. In addition, we have relied predominantly on raising funds from individual investors through the sale by participating selected dealers to their customers of publicly-registered, non-traded securities of the CPA® REITs. Although we have increased the number of broker-dealers we use for fundraising, historically the majority of our fundraising efforts have been through one major selected dealer. If, as a result of changes in market receptivity to investments that are not readily liquid and involve high selected dealer fees, or for other reasons, this capital raising method were to become less available as a source of capital, our ability to raise funds for CPA® REIT programs and Carey Watermark, and consequently our ability to make investments on their behalf, could be adversely affected. While we are not limited to this particular method of raising funds for investment (and, among other things, the CPA® REITs and Carey Watermark may themselves be able to borrow additional funds to invest), our experience with other means of raising capital is limited. Also, many factors, including changes in tax laws or accounting rules, may make these types of investments less attractive to potential sellers and lessees, which could negatively affect our ability to increase the amount of assets of this type under management.
We face active competition.
In raising funds for investment by the CPA® REITs and Carey Watermark, we face competition from other funds with similar investment objectives that seek to raise funds from investors through publicly registered, non-traded funds, publicly-traded funds and private funds. This competition could adversely affect our ability to make acquisitions and to raise funds for future investments, which in turn could ultimately reduce, or limit the growth of, revenues from our investment management operations.
We face active competition for our investments from many sources, including insurance companies, credit companies, pension funds, private individuals, financial institutions, finance companies and investment companies, among others. These institutions may accept greater risk or lower returns, allowing them to offer more attractive terms to prospective tenants. In addition, our evaluation of the acceptability of rates of return on behalf of the CPA® REITs is affected by such factors as the cost of raising capital, the amount of revenue we can earn and the performance hurdle rates of the relevant CPA® REITs. Thus, the effect of the cost of raising capital and the revenue we can earn may be to limit the amount of new investments we make on behalf of the CPA® REITs, which will in turn limit the growth of revenues from our investment management operations.
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A substantial amount of our leases will expire within the next three years, and we may have difficulty in re-leasing or selling our properties if tenants do not renew their leases.
Within the next three years, approximately 32% of our leases, based on annualized contractual minimum base rent, are due to expire. If these leases are not renewed, or if the properties cannot be re-leased on terms that yield payments comparable to those currently being received, then our lease revenues could be substantially adversely affected. The terms of any new or renewed leases of these properties may depend on market conditions prevailing at the time of lease expiration. In addition, if properties are vacated by the current tenants, we may incur substantial costs in attempting to re-lease such properties. We may also seek to sell these properties, in which event we may incur losses, depending upon market conditions prevailing at the time of sale.
Real estate investments generally lack liquidity compared to other financial assets, and this lack of liquidity will limit our ability to quickly change our portfolio in response to changes in economic or other conditions. Some of our net leases are for properties that are specially suited to the particular needs of the tenant. With these properties, we may be required to renovate the property or to make rent concessions in order to lease the property to another tenant. In addition, if we are forced to sell the property, we may have difficulty selling it to a party other than the tenant due to the special purpose for which the property may have been designed. These and other limitations may affect our ability to re-lease or sell properties without adversely affecting returns to shareholders.
International investments involve additional risks.
We have invested in and may continue to invest in properties located outside the U.S. These investments may be affected by factors particular to the laws of the jurisdiction in which the property is located. These investments may expose us to risks that are different from and in addition to those commonly found in the U.S., including:
    Foreign currency risk due to potential fluctuations in exchange rates between foreign currencies and the U.S. dollar;
    Changing governmental rules and policies;
    Enactment of laws relating to the foreign ownership of property and laws relating to the ability of foreign entities to remove invested capital or profits earned from activities within the country to the United States;
    Expropriation;
    Legal systems under which the ability to enforce contractual rights and remedies may be more limited than would be the case under U.S. law;
    The difficulty in conforming obligations in other countries and the burden of complying with a wide variety of foreign laws;
    Adverse market conditions caused by changes in national or local economic or political conditions;
    Tax requirements vary by country and we may be subject to additional taxes as a result of our international investments;
    Changes in relative interest rates;
    Changes in the availability, cost and terms of mortgage funds resulting from varying national economic policies;
    Changes in real estate and other tax rates and other operating expenses in particular countries;
    Changes in land use and zoning laws; and
    More stringent environmental laws or changes in such laws.
Also, we may rely on third-party asset managers in international jurisdictions to monitor compliance with legal requirements and lending agreements with respect to properties we own or manage on behalf of the CPA® REITs. Failure to comply with applicable requirements may expose us or our operating subsidiaries to additional liabilities.
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Our portfolio growth is constrained by our obligations to offer property transactions to the CPA® REITs.
Under our investment advisory agreements with the CPA® REITs, we are required to use our best efforts to present a continuing and suitable investment program to them. In recent years, new property investment opportunities have generally been made available by us to the CPA® REITs. While the allocation of new investments to the CPA® REITs fulfills our duty to present a continuing and suitable investment program and enhances the revenues from our investment management operations, it also restricts the potential growth of revenues from our real estate ownership and our ability to diversify our portfolio.
We may recognize substantial impairment charges on our properties.
Historically, we have incurred substantial impairment charges, which we are required to recognize whenever we sell a property for less than its carrying value or we determine that the carrying amount of the property is not recoverable and exceeds its fair value (or, for direct financing leases, that the unguaranteed residual value of the underlying property has declined). By their nature, the timing or extent of impairment charges are not predictable. We may incur impairment charges in the future, which may reduce our net income, although it will not necessarily affect our cash flow from operations.
Our use of debt to finance investments could adversely affect our cash flow.
Most of our investments are made by borrowing a portion of the total investment and securing the loan with a mortgage on the property. If we are unable to make our debt payments as required, a lender could foreclose on the property or properties securing its debt. This could cause us to lose part or all of our investment, which in turn could cause the value of our portfolio, and revenues available for distribution to our shareholders, to be reduced. We generally borrow on a non-recourse basis to limit our exposure on any property to the amount of equity invested in the property.
Some of our financing may also require us to make a lump-sum or “balloon” payment at maturity. Our ability to make balloon payments on debt will depend upon our ability either to refinance the obligation when due, invest additional equity in the property or to sell the related property. When the balloon payment is due, we may be unable to refinance the balloon payment on terms as favorable as the original loan or sell the property at a price sufficient to make the balloon payment. Our ability to accomplish these goals will be affected by various factors existing at the relevant time, such as the state of the national and regional economies, local real estate conditions, available mortgage rates, our equity in the mortgaged properties, our financial condition, the operating history of the mortgaged properties and tax laws. A refinancing or sale could affect the rate of return to shareholders.
Our leases may permit tenants to purchase a property at a predetermined price, which could limit our realization of any appreciation or result in a loss.
In some circumstances, we grant tenants a right to repurchase the property they lease from us. The purchase price may be a fixed price or it may be based on a formula or the market value at the time of exercise. If a tenant exercises its right to purchase the property and the property’s market value has increased beyond that price, we could be limited in fully realizing the appreciation on that property. Additionally, if the price at which the tenant can purchase the property is less than our purchase price or carrying value (for example, where the purchase price is based on an appraised value), we may incur a loss.
We do not fully control the management of our properties.
The tenants or managers of net leased properties are responsible for maintenance and other day-to-day management of the properties. If a property is not adequately maintained in accordance with the terms of the applicable lease, we may incur expenses for deferred maintenance expenditures or other liabilities once the property becomes free of the lease. While our leases generally provide for recourse against the tenant in these instances, a bankrupt or financially troubled tenant may be more likely to defer maintenance and it may be more difficult to enforce remedies against such a tenant. In addition, to the extent tenants are unable to conduct their operation of the property on a financially successful basis, their ability to pay rent may be adversely affected. Although we endeavor to monitor, on an ongoing basis, compliance by tenants with their lease obligations and other factors that could affect the financial performance of our properties, such monitoring may not in all circumstances ascertain or forestall deterioration either in the condition of a property or the financial circumstances of a tenant.
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The value of our real estate is subject to fluctuation.
We are subject to all of the general risks associated with the ownership of real estate. While the revenues from our leases and those of the CPA® REITs are not directly dependent upon the value of the real estate owned, significant declines in real estate values could adversely affect us in many ways, including a decline in the residual values of properties at lease expiration; possible lease abandonments by tenants; a decline in the attractiveness of REIT investments that may impede our ability to raise new funds for investment by CPA® REITs and a decline in the attractiveness of triple-net lease transactions to potential sellers. We also face the risk that lease revenue will be insufficient to cover all corporate operating expenses and debt service payments on indebtedness we incur. General risks associated with the ownership of real estate include:
    Adverse changes in general or local economic conditions,
    Changes in the supply of or demand for similar or competing properties,
    Changes in interest rates and operating expenses,
    Competition for tenants,
    Changes in market rental rates,
    Inability to lease or sell properties upon termination of existing leases,
    Renewal of leases at lower rental rates,
    Inability to collect rents from tenants due to financial hardship, including bankruptcy,
    Changes in tax, real estate, zoning and environmental laws that may have an adverse impact upon the value of real estate,
    Uninsured property liability, property damage or casualty losses,
    Unexpected expenditures for capital improvements or to bring properties into compliance with applicable federal, state and local laws; and
    Acts of God and other factors beyond the control of our management.
The inability of a tenant in a single-tenant property to pay rent will reduce our revenues.
Most of our properties are occupied by a single tenant and, therefore, the success of our investments is materially dependent on the financial stability of these tenants. Revenues from several of our tenants/guarantors constitute a significant percentage of our lease revenues. Our five largest tenants/guarantors represented approximately 32%, 30% and 28% of total lease revenues in 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively. Lease payment defaults by tenants negatively impact our net income and reduce the amounts available for distributions to shareholders. As our tenants generally may not have a recognized credit rating, they may have a higher risk of lease defaults than if our tenants had a recognized credit rating. In addition, the bankruptcy of a tenant could cause the loss of lease payments as well as an increase in the costs incurred to carry the property until it can be re-leased or sold. We have had tenants file for bankruptcy protection. In the event of a default, we may experience delays in enforcing our rights as landlord and may incur substantial costs in protecting the investment and re-leasing the property. If a lease is terminated, there is no assurance that we will be able to re-lease the property for the rent previously received or sell the property without incurring a loss.
We are subject to possible liabilities relating to environmental matters.
We own commercial properties and are subject to the risk of liabilities under federal, state and local environmental laws. These responsibilities and liabilities also exist for properties owned by the CPA® REITs and if they become liable for these costs, their ability to pay for our services could be materially affected. Some of these laws could impose the following on us:
    Responsibility and liability for the cost of investigation and removal or remediation of hazardous substances released on our property, generally without regard to our knowledge of or responsibility for the presence of the contaminants;
 
    Liability for the costs of investigation and removal or remediation of hazardous substances at disposal facilities for persons who arrange for the disposal or treatment of such substances;
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    Potential liability for common law claims by third parties based on damages and costs of environmental contaminants; and
    Claims being made against us by the CPA® REITs for inadequate due diligence.
Our costs of investigation, remediation or removal of hazardous or toxic substances, or for third-party claims for damages, may be substantial. The presence of hazardous or toxic substances at any of our properties, or the failure to properly remediate a contaminated property, could give rise to a lien in favor of the government for costs it may incur to address the contamination or otherwise adversely affect our ability to sell or lease the property or to borrow using the property as collateral. While we attempt to mitigate identified environmental risks by contractually requiring tenants to acknowledge their responsibility for complying with environmental laws and to assume liability for environmental matters, circumstances may arise in which a tenant fails, or is unable, to fulfill its contractual obligations. In addition, environmental liabilities, or costs or operating limitations imposed on a tenant to comply with environmental laws, could affect its ability to make rental payments to us. Also, and although we endeavor to avoid doing so, we may be required, in connection with any future divestitures of property, to provide buyers with indemnification against potential environmental liabilities.
A potential change in U.S. accounting standards regarding operating leases may make the leasing of facilities less attractive to our potential domestic tenants, which could reduce overall demand for our leasing services.
Under current authoritative accounting guidance for leases, a lease is classified by a tenant as a capital lease if the significant risks and rewards of ownership are considered to reside with the tenant. This situation is considered to be met if, among other things, the non-cancellable lease term is more than 75% of the useful life of the asset or if the present value of the minimum lease payments equals 90% or more of the leased property’s fair value. Under capital lease accounting for a tenant, both the leased asset and liability are reflected on their balance sheet. If the lease does not meet any of the criteria for a capital lease, the lease is considered an operating lease by the tenant and the obligation does not appear on the tenant’s balance sheet; rather, the contractual future minimum payment obligations are only disclosed in the footnotes thereto. Thus, entering into an operating lease can appear to enhance a tenant’s balance sheet in comparison to direct ownership. In response to concerns caused by a 2005 SEC study that the current model does not have sufficient transparency, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) and the International Accounting Standards Board conducted a joint project to re-evaluate lease accounting. In August 2010, the FASB issued a Proposed Accounting Standards Update titled “Leases,” providing its views on accounting for leases by both lessees and lessors. The FASB’s proposed guidance may require significant changes in how leases are accounted for by both lessees and lessors. As of the date of this Report, the FASB has not finalized its views on accounting for leases. Changes to the accounting guidance could affect both our and the CPA® REITs’ accounting for leases as well as that of our and the CPA® REITs’ tenants. These changes may affect how the real estate leasing business is conducted both domestically and internationally. For example, if the accounting standards regarding the financial statement classification of operating leases are revised, then companies may be less willing to enter into leases in general or desire to enter into leases with shorter terms because the apparent benefits to their balance sheets could be reduced or eliminated. This in turn could make it more difficult for the company to enter leases on terms the company finds favorable.
Proposed legislation may prevent us from qualifying for treatment as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes, which may significantly increase our tax liability and may affect the market value of our shares.
Members of the U. S. Congress have introduced legislation that would, if enacted, preclude us from qualifying for treatment as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes under the publicly traded partnership rules. If this or any similar legislation or regulation were to be enacted and to apply to us, we would incur a material increase in our tax liability and the market value of our shares could decline materially.
We depend on key personnel for our future success.
We depend on the efforts of our executive officers and key employees. The loss of the services of these executive officers and key employees could have a material adverse effect on our operations.
Our governing documents and capital structure may discourage a takeover.
Wm. Polk Carey, Chairman, is the beneficial owner of approximately 30% of our outstanding shares at December 31, 2010. The provisions of our Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement and the share ownership of Mr. Carey may discourage a tender offer for our shares or a hostile takeover, even though these may be attractive to shareholders.
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Item 1B.   Unresolved Staff Comments.
None.
Item 2.   Properties.
Our principal corporate offices are located at 50 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10020 and our primary international investment offices are located in London and Amsterdam. We also have office space domestically in Dallas, Texas and internationally in Shanghai. We lease all of these offices and believe these leases are suitable for our operations for the foreseeable future.
See Item 1, Business — Our Portfolio for a discussion of the properties we hold for rental operations and Part II, Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplemental Data — Schedule III — Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation for a detailed listing of such properties.
Item 3.   Legal Proceedings.
At December 31, 2010, we were not involved in any material litigation.
Various claims and lawsuits arising in the normal course of business are pending against us. The results of these proceedings are not expected to have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.
Item 4.   Removed and Reserved.
PART II
Item 5.   Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.
Listed Shares and Distributions
Our common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol “WPC.” At December 31, 2010 there were 29,095 holders of our common stock. The following table shows the high and low prices per share and quarterly cash distributions declared for the past two fiscal years:
                                                 
    2010     2009  
                    Cash                     Cash  
                    Distributions                     Distributions  
Period   High     Low     Declared     High     Low     Declared  
First quarter
  $ 30.32     $ 24.69     $ 0.504     $ 24.00     $ 16.15     $ 0.496  
Second quarter
    31.00       26.61       0.506       29.89       19.75       0.498  
Third quarter
    30.86       26.49       0.508       30.67       22.50       0.500  
Fourth quarter
    33.97       28.83       0.510       29.80       25.50       0.502 (a)
 
     
(a)   Excludes a special distribution of $0.30 per share that was paid in January 2010 to shareholders of record at December 31, 2009. The special distribution was approved by our board of directors as a result of an increase in our 2009 taxable income.
Our line of credit contains covenants that restrict the amount of distributions that we can pay. See Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Financial Condition — Cash Resources.
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Stock Price Performance Graph
The graph below provides an indicator of cumulative total shareholder returns for our common stock for the period December 31, 2005 to December 31, 2010 compared with the S&P 500 Index and the FTSE NAREIT Equity REITs Index. The graph assumes a $100 investment on December 31, 2005, together with the reinvestment of all dividends.
(PERFORMANCE GRAPH)
                                                 
    As of December 31,  
    2005     2006     2007     2008     2009     2010  
W. P. Carey & Co. LLC
  $ 100.00     $ 126.68     $ 149.41     $ 113.39     $ 146.22     $ 177.06  
S&P 500 Index
    100.00       115.79       122.16       76.96       97.33       111.99  
FTSE NAREIT Equity REITs Index
    100.00       135.06       113.87       70.91       90.76       116.13  
The stock price performance included in this graph is not necessarily indicative of future stock price performance.
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Item 6.   Selected Financial Data.
The following selected financial data should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes in Item 8 (in thousands, except per share data):
                                         
    Years ended December 31,  
    2010     2009     2008     2007     2006  
Operating Data (a)
                                       
Revenues from continuing operations (b)
  $ 273,910     $ 232,350     $ 234,700     $ 253,867     $ 259,010  
 
                                       
Income from continuing operations
    79,579       65,345       70,193       68,559       81,057  
 
                                       
Net income
    74,951       70,568       78,605       88,789       87,115  
Add: Net loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests
    314       713       950       (4,781 )     220  
Less: Net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests
    (1,293 )     (2,258 )     (1,508 )     (4,756 )     (1,032 )
Net income attributable to W. P. Carey members
    73,972       69,023       78,047       79,252       86,303  
 
                                       
Basic Earnings Per Share:
                                       
Income from continuing operations attributable W. P. Carey members
    1.98       1.61       1.77       1.55       2.13  
Net income attributable to W. P. Carey members
    1.86       1.74       1.98       2.08       2.29  
 
                                       
Diluted Earnings Per Share:
                                       
Income from continuing operations attributable W. P. Carey members
    1.98       1.61       1.74       1.55       2.07  
Net income attributable to W. P. Carey members
    1.86       1.74       1.95       2.05       2.22  
 
                                       
Cash distributions declared per share
    2.03       2.00 (c)     1.96       1.88 (c)     1.82  
 
                                       
Balance Sheet Data
                                       
Net investments in real estate (d)
  $ 946,975     $ 884,460     $ 918,741     $ 918,734     $ 850,107  
Total assets
    1,172,326       1,093,336       1,111,136       1,153,284       1,093,010  
Long-term obligations (e)
    396,982       326,330       326,874       316,751       279,314  
 
                                       
Other Information
                                       
Cash provided by operating activities
  $ 86,417     $ 74,544     $ 63,247     $ 47,471     $ 119,940  
Cash distributions paid
    92,591       78,618       87,700       71,608       68,615  
Payment of mortgage principal (f)
    14,324       9,534       9,678       16,072       11,742  
 
     
(a)   Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified from continuing operations to discontinued operations.
 
(b)   For 2007, includes revenue earned in connection with CPA®:16 — Global meeting its performance criterion, and for 2006, includes revenue earned in connection with a CPA® REIT merger transaction.
 
(c)   Excludes special distributions of $0.30 per share and $0.27 per share paid in January 2010 and January 2008 to shareholders of record at December 31, 2009 and December 31, 2007, respectively.
 
(d)   Net investments in real estate consists of net investments in properties, net investments in direct financing leases, equity investments in real estate and CPA® REITs and assets held for sale, as applicable.
 
(e)   Represents mortgage and note obligations.
 
(f)   Represents scheduled mortgage principal payment.
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Item 7.   Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
Management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations (“MD&A”) is intended to provide the reader with information that will assist in understanding our financial statements and the reasons for changes in certain key components of our financial statements from period to period. MD&A also provides the reader with our perspective on our financial position and liquidity, as well as certain other factors that may affect our future results. The discussion also provides information about the financial results of the segments of our business to provide a better understanding of how these segments and their results affect our financial condition and results of operations.
Business Overview
As described in more detail in Item 1 of this Report, we operate in two operating segments, investment management and real estate ownership. Within our investment management segment, we are currently the advisor to the following affiliated publicly-owned, non-actively traded real estate investment trusts: CPA®:14, CPA®:15, CPA®:16 — Global and CPA®:17 — Global.
Financial Highlights
(in thousands)
                         
    Years ended December 31,  
    2010     2009     2008  
Total revenue (excluding reimbursed costs from affiliates)
  $ 213,887     $ 184,816     $ 193,600  
Net income attributable to W. P. Carey members
    73,972       69,023       78,047  
Cash flow from operating activities
    86,417       74,544       63,247  
Total revenue increased in 2010 as compared to 2009, primarily due to the impact of increased investment volume on our investment management and real estate ownership segments.
Net income increased in 2010 as compared to 2009. Results from operations in our investment management segment were significantly higher in 2010, primarily due to the increased volume of investments structured on behalf of the CPA® REITs as well as lower impairment charges recognized by the CPA® REITs. Results from operations in our real estate ownership segment were significantly lower, however, primarily as a result of impairment charges taken in connection with the sale or potential sale of certain properties.
Cash flow from operating activities increased in 2010 as compared to 2009, primarily due to increases in net income as a result of the higher volume of investments structured on behalf of the CPA® REITs, partially offset by lower cash flow in our real estate ownership segment and a decline in the amount of deferred acquisition revenue received.
Current Trends
General Economic Environment
We and our managed funds are impacted by macro-economic environmental factors, the capital markets, and general conditions in the commercial real estate market, both in the U.S. and globally. As of the date of this Report, we have seen signs of modest improvement in the global economy following the significant distress experienced in 2008 and 2009. Our experience during 2010 reflects increased investment volume over the prior year, as well as an improved financing and fundraising environment. While these factors reflect favorably on our business, the economic recovery remains weak, and our business remains dependent on the speed and strength of the recovery, which cannot be predicted at this time. Nevertheless, as of the date of this Report, the impact of current financial and economic trends on our business, and our response to those trends, is presented below.
Foreign Exchange Rates
We have foreign investments and, as a result, are subject to risk from the effects of exchange rate movements. Our results of foreign operations benefit from a weaker U.S. dollar and are adversely affected by a stronger U.S. dollar relative to foreign currencies. During 2010, the Euro weakened primarily as a result of sovereign debt issues in several European countries. Investments denominated in the Euro accounted for approximately 11% of our annualized contractual minimum base rent and 29% of aggregate annualized contractual minimum base rent for the CPA® REITs for 2010. During 2010, the U.S. dollar strengthened against the Euro, as the average conversion rate for the U.S. dollar in relation to the Euro decreased by 5% in comparison to 2009. Additionally, the end-of-period conversion rate of the Euro at December 31, 2010 decreased 8% to $1.3253 from $1.4333 at December 31, 2009. This strengthening had a negative impact on our balance sheet at December 31, 2010 as compared to our balance sheet at December 31, 2009. While we actively manage our foreign exchange risk, a significant unhedged decline in the value of the Euro could have a material negative impact on our net asset values, future results, financial position and cash flows. Such a decline would particularly impact the CPA® REITs, which have higher levels of international investments than we have in our owned portfolio.
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Capital Markets
We have recently seen evidence of a gradual improvement in capital market conditions, including new issuances of CMBS debt. Capital inflows to both commercial real estate debt and equity markets have helped increase the availability of mortgage financing and asset prices have begun to recover from their credit crisis lows. Over the past few quarters, there has been continued improvement in the availability of financing; however, lenders remain cautious and are employing more conservative underwriting standards. We have seen commercial real estate capitalization rates begin to narrow from credit crisis highs, especially for higher-quality assets or assets leased to tenants with strong credit. The improvement in financing conditions combined with a stabilization of asset prices has helped to increase transaction activity, and our market has seen an increase in competition from both public and private investors.
Investment Opportunities
We earn structuring revenue on the investments we structure on behalf of the CPA® REITs. Our ability to complete these investments, and thereby earn structuring revenue, fluctuates based on the pricing and availability of transactions and the pricing and availability of financing, among other factors.
As a result of the recent improving economic conditions and increasing seller optimism, we have seen an increased number of investment opportunities that we believe will allow us to structure transactions on behalf of the CPA® REITs on favorable terms. Although capitalization rates have remained compressed over the past few quarters compared to their credit crisis highs, we believe that the investment environment remains attractive and that we will be able to achieve the targeted returns of our managed funds. We believe that the significant amount of corporate debt that remains outstanding in the marketplace, which will need to be refinanced over the next several years, will provide attractive investment opportunities for net lease investors such as W. P. Carey and the CPA® REITs. To the extent that these trends continue, we believe that investment volume will benefit. However, we have recently seen an increasing level of competition for investments, both domestically and internationally, and further capital inflows into the marketplace could put additional pressure on the returns that we can generate from investments.
We structured investments on behalf of the CPA® REITs totaling $1.0 billion during 2010 and entered into several investments for our owned real estate portfolio totaling $76.8 million, and based on current conditions, we expect that in 2011 we will be able to continue to take advantage of the investment opportunities we are seeing in both the U.S. and Europe. International investments comprised 43% of total investments during 2010. We currently expect that international transactions will continue to form a significant portion of the investments we structure, although the relative portion of international investments in any given period will vary.
Financing Conditions
We have recently seen a gradual improvement in both the credit and real estate financing markets. During 2010, we saw an increase in the number of lenders for both domestic and international investments as market conditions improved compared to prior years. However, during the fourth quarter of 2010, the cost of debt rose, but we anticipate that this may be recoverable either through deal pricing or if lenders adjust their spreads, which had been unusually high during the crisis. The increase was primarily a result of a rise in the 10-year treasury rates for domestic deals and due to the impact of the sovereign debt issues in Europe. During 2010, we obtained non-recourse mortgage financing totaling $626.1 million on behalf of the CPA® REITs and $70.3 million for our owned real estate portfolio.
Real Estate Sector
As noted above, the commercial real estate market is impacted by a variety of macro-economic factors, including but not limited to growth in gross domestic product, unemployment, interest rates, inflation, and demographics. Since the beginning of the credit crisis, these macro-economic factors have persisted, negatively impacting commercial real estate market fundamentals, which has resulted in higher vacancies, lower rental rates, and lower demand for vacant space. While more recently there have been some indications of stabilization in asset values and slight improvements in occupancy rates, general uncertainty surrounding commercial real estate fundamentals and property valuations continues. We and the CPA® REITs are chiefly affected by changes in the appraised values of our properties, tenant defaults, inflation, lease expirations, and occupancy rates.
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Net Asset Values of the CPA® REITs
We own shares in each of the CPA® REITs and earn asset management revenue based on a percentage of average invested assets for each CPA® REIT. As such, we benefit from rising investment values and are negatively impacted when these values decrease. As a result of continued weakness in the economy and a weakening of the Euro versus the dollar during 2010 and 2009, the NAVs for CPA®:14 and CPA®:16 — Global at September 30, 2010, which were calculated in connection with the Proposed Merger, were lower than the NAVs at December 31, 2009, and we currently expect that the NAV for CPA®:15 at December 31, 2010, which is not yet available, will also be lower. However, the negative impact on our asset management revenue related to tenant defaults during 2009 was substantially offset by asset management revenues earned related to new investments structured on behalf of CPA ®:17 — Global during 2010.
The following table presents recent NAVs per share for these CPA® REITs:
                                 
    September 30,     December 31,  
    2010     2009     2008     2007  
CPA®:14
  $ 11.50     $ 11.80     $ 13.00     $ 14.50  
CPA®:15
    N/A       10.70       11.50       12.20  
CPA®:16 — Global
    8.80       9.20       9.80       10.00  
The NAVs of the CPA® REITs are based on a number of variables, including individual tenant credits, lease terms, lending credit spreads, foreign currency exchange rates, and tenant defaults, among others. We do not control these variables and, as such, cannot predict how they will change in the future.
Tenant Defaults
As a net lease investor, we are exposed to credit risk within our tenant portfolio, which can reduce our results of operations and cash flow from operations if our tenants are unable to pay their rent. Within our managed CPA® REIT portfolios, tenant defaults can reduce our asset management revenue if they lead to a decline in the appraised value of the assets of the CPA® REITs and can also reduce our income from equity investments in the CPA® REITs. Tenants experiencing financial difficulties may become delinquent on their rent and/or default on their leases and, if they file for bankruptcy protection, may reject our lease in bankruptcy court resulting in reduced cash flow which may negatively impact net asset values and require us or the CPA® REITs to incur impairment charges. Even where a default has not occurred and a tenant is continuing to make the required lease payments, we may restructure or renew leases on less favorable terms, or the tenant’s credit profile may deteriorate, which could affect the value of the leased asset and could in turn require us or the CPA® REITs to incur impairment charges.
As of the date of this Report, we have no significant exposure to tenants operating under bankruptcy protection in our owned portfolio, while in the CPA® REIT portfolios, tenants operating under bankruptcy protection, administration or receivership account for less than 1% of aggregate annualized contractual minimum base rent, a decrease from levels experienced during the crisis. During 2008 and 2009, the CPA® REITs experienced a significant increase in tenant defaults as companies across many industries experienced financial distress due to the economic downturn and the seizure in the credit markets. Our experience for 2010 reflected an improvement from the unusually high level of tenant defaults experienced during 2008 and 2009 due to the economic downturn. We have observed that many of our tenants have benefited from continued improvements in general business conditions, which we anticipate will result in reduced tenant defaults going forward; however, it is possible that additional tenants may file for bankruptcy or default on their leases during 2011 and that economic conditions may again deteriorate.
To mitigate these risks, we have historically looked to invest in assets that we believe are critically important to a tenant’s operations and have attempted to diversify the portfolios by tenant, tenant industry and geography. We also monitor tenant performance through review of rent delinquencies as a precursor to a potential default, meetings with tenant management and review of tenants’ financial statements and compliance with any financial covenants. When necessary, our asset management process includes restructuring transactions to meet the evolving needs of tenants, re-leasing properties, refinancing debt and selling properties, as well as protecting our rights when tenants default or enter into bankruptcy.
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Inflation
Our leases and those of the CPA® REITs generally have rent adjustments that are either fixed or based on formulas indexed to changes in the CPI or other similar indices for the jurisdiction in which the property is located. Because these rent adjustments may be calculated based on changes in the CPI over a multi-year period, changes in inflation rates can have a delayed impact on our results of operations. Rent adjustments during 2009 and, to a lesser extent, 2010 generally benefited from increases in inflation rates during the years prior to the scheduled rent adjustment date. However, despite recent signs of inflationary pressure, we continue to expect that rent increases in our owned portfolio and in the portfolios of the CPA® REITs will be significantly lower in coming years as a result of the current historically low inflation rates in the U.S. and the Euro zone.
Lease Expirations and Occupancy
We actively manage our owned real estate portfolio and the portfolios of the CPA® REITs and begin discussing options with tenants in advance of the scheduled lease expiration. In certain cases, we obtain lease renewals from our tenants; however, tenants may elect to move out at the end of their term or may elect to exercise purchase options, if any, in their leases. In cases where tenants elect not to renew, we may seek replacement tenants or try to sell the property. As of the date of this Report, 9% of the annualized contractual minimum base rent in our owned portfolio is scheduled to expire in the next twelve months. For those leases that we believe will be renewed, we expect that renewed rents may be below the tenants’ existing contractual rents and that lease terms may be shorter than historical norms, reflecting current market conditions.
The occupancy rate for our owned real estate portfolio declined from 94% at December 31, 2009 to 90% as of the date of this Report, primarily reflecting the impact of two tenants who vacated during 2010.
Fundraising
Fundraising trends for non-traded REITs overall include an increase in average monthly volume during 2010 compared to 2009. Additionally, the number of offerings has increased over 2009 levels. Consequently, there has been an increase in the competition for investment dollars.
We are currently fundraising for CPA®:17 — Global. While fundraising trends are difficult to predict, our recent fundraising continues to be strong. We raised $593.1 million for CPA®:17 — Global’s initial public offering in 2010 and, through the date of this Report, have raised more than $1.4 billion on its behalf since beginning fundraising in December 2007. We have made a concerted effort to broaden our distribution channels and are seeing a greater portion of our fundraising come from an expanded network of broker-dealers as a result of these efforts.
CPA®:17 — Global has filed a registration statement with the SEC for a possible continuous public offering of up to an additional $1.0 billion of common stock, which we currently expect will commence after the initial public offering terminates. There can be no assurance that CPA®:17 — Global will actually commence the follow-on offering or successfully sell the full number of shares registered. The initial public offering for CPA®:17 — Global will terminate on the earlier of the date on which the registration statement for the follow-on offering becomes effective or May 2, 2011.
We are currently fundraising for Carey Watermark, which has filed a registration statement to sell up to $1.0 billion of common stock in an initial public offering for the purpose of acquiring interests in lodging and lodging-related properties.
Proposed Accounting Changes
The International Accounting Standards Board and FASB have issued an Exposure Draft on a joint proposal that would dramatically transform lease accounting from the existing model. These changes would impact most companies but are particularly applicable to those that are significant users of real estate. The proposal outlines a completely new model for accounting by lessees, whereby their rights and obligations under all leases, existing and new, would be capitalized and recorded on the balance sheet. For some companies, the new accounting guidance may influence whether or not, or the extent to which, they may enter into the type of sale-leaseback transactions in which we specialize. At this time, the proposed guidance has not been finalized and as such we are unable to determine whether this proposal will have a material impact on our business.
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The Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) of the FASB discussed the accounting treatment for deconsolidating subsidiaries in situations other than a sale or transfer at its September 2010 meeting. While the EITF did not reach a consensus for exposure, the EITF determined that further research was necessary to more fully understand the scope and implications of the matter, prior to issuing a consensus for exposure. If the EITF reaches a consensus for exposure, we will evaluate the impact on such conclusion on our financial statements. During 2010, each of CPA®:14, CPA®:15 and CPA®:16 — Global deconsolidated a subsidiary and recognized a net gain on deconsolidation of $12.9 million, $12.8 million and $7.1 million, respectively.
How We Evaluate Results of Operations
We evaluate our results of operations with a primary focus on increasing and enhancing the value, quality and amount of assets under management by our investment management segment and seeking to increase value in our real estate ownership segment. We focus our efforts on improving underperforming assets through re-leasing efforts, including negotiation of lease renewals, or selectively selling assets in order to increase value in our real estate portfolio. The ability to increase assets under management by structuring investments on behalf of the CPA® REITs is affected, among other things, by the CPA® REITs’ ability to raise capital and our ability to identify and enter into appropriate investments and financing.
Our evaluation of operating results includes our ability to generate necessary cash flow in order to fund distributions to our shareholders. As a result, our assessment of operating results gives less emphasis to the effects of unrealized gains and losses, which may cause fluctuations in net income for comparable periods but have no impact on cash flows, and to other non-cash charges such as depreciation and impairment charges. We do not consider unrealized gains and losses resulting from short-term foreign currency fluctuations when evaluating our ability to fund distributions. Our evaluation of our potential for generating cash flow includes an assessment of the long-term sustainability of both our real estate portfolio and the assets we manage on behalf of the CPA® REITs.
We consider cash flows from operating activities, cash flows from investing activities, cash flows from financing activities and certain supplemental metrics that are not defined by GAAP (“non-GAAP”) performance metrics to be important measures in the evaluation of our results of operations, liquidity and capital resources. Cash flows from operating activities are sourced primarily by revenues earned from structuring investments and providing asset-based management services on behalf of the CPA® REITs we manage and long-term lease contracts from our real estate ownership. Our evaluation of the amount and expected fluctuation of cash flows from operating activities is essential in evaluating our ability to fund operating expenses, service debt and fund distributions to shareholders.
We consider cash flows from operating activities plus cash distributions from equity investments in real estate and CPA® REITs in excess of equity income as a supplemental measure of liquidity in evaluating our ability to sustain distributions to shareholders. We consider this measure useful as a supplemental measure to the extent the source of distributions in excess of equity income is the result of non-cash charges, such as depreciation and amortization, because it allows us to evaluate the cash flows from consolidated and unconsolidated investments in a comparable manner. In deriving this measure, we exclude cash distributions from equity investments in real estate and CPA® REITs that are sourced from sales of equity investee’s assets or refinancing of debt because they are deemed to be returns on our investment.
We focus on measures of cash flows from investing activities and cash flows from financing activities in our evaluation of our capital resources. Investing activities typically consist of the acquisition or disposition of investments in real property and the funding of capital expenditures with respect to real properties. Financing activities primarily consist of the payment of distributions to shareholders, borrowings and repayments under our lines of credit and the payment of mortgage principal amortization.
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Results of Operations
A summary of comparative results of these business segments is as follows:
Investment Management (in thousands)
                                                 
    Years ended December 31,  
    2010     2009     Change     2009     2008     Change  
Revenues
                                               
Asset management revenue
  $ 76,246     $ 76,621     $ (375 )   $ 76,621     $ 80,714     $ (4,093 )
Structuring revenue
    44,525       23,273       21,252       23,273       20,236       3,037  
Wholesaling revenue
    11,096       7,691       3,405       7,691       5,208       2,483  
Reimbursed costs from affiliates
    60,023       47,534       12,489       47,534       41,100       6,434  
 
                                   
 
    191,890       155,119       36,771       155,119       147,258       7,861  
 
                                   
 
                                               
Operating Expenses
                                               
General and administrative
    (69,007 )     (58,819 )     (10,188 )     (58,819 )     (55,587 )     (3,232 )
Reimbursable costs
    (60,023 )     (47,534 )     (12,489 )     (47,534 )     (41,100 )     (6,434 )
Depreciation and amortization
    (4,652 )     (3,807 )     (845 )     (3,807 )     (4,515 )     708  
 
                                   
 
    (133,682 )     (110,160 )     (23,522 )     (110,160 )     (101,202 )     (8,958 )
 
                                   
 
                                               
Other Income and Expenses
                                               
Other interest income
    1,145       1,538       (393 )     1,538       2,261       (723 )
Income (loss) from equity investments in CPA® REITs
    14,948       (340 )     15,288       (340 )     6,211       (6,551 )
Other income and (expenses)
    334       4,099       (3,765 )     4,099       1,850       2,249  
 
                                   
 
    16,427       5,297       11,130       5,297       10,322       (5,025 )
 
                                   
Income from continuing operations before income taxes
    74,635       50,256       24,379       50,256       56,378       (6,122 )
Provision for income taxes
    (25,052 )     (21,038 )     (4,014 )     (21,038 )     (22,432 )     1,394  
 
                                   
Net income from investment management
    49,583       29,218       20,365       29,218       33,946       (4,728 )
Add: Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests
    2,372       2,374       (2 )     2,374       2,420       (46 )
Less: Net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests
    (1,293 )     (2,258 )     965       (2,258 )     (1,508 )     (750 )
 
                                   
Net income from investment management attributable to W. P. Carey members
  $ 50,662     $ 29,334     $ 21,328     $ 29,334     $ 34,858     $ (5,524 )
 
                                   
Asset Management Revenue
We earn asset-based management and performance revenue from the CPA® REITs based on the value of their real estate-related assets under management. This asset management revenue may increase or decrease depending upon (i) increases in the CPA® REIT asset bases as a result of new investments; (ii) decreases in the CPA® REIT asset bases as a result of sales of investments; (iii) increases or decreases in the appraised value of the real estate-related assets in the CPA® REIT investment portfolios; and (iv) whether the CPA® REITs are meeting their performance criteria. Each CPA® REIT met its performance criteria for all periods presented. The availability of funds for new investments is substantially dependent on our ability to raise funds for investment by the CPA® REITs.
2010 vs. 2009 — For the year ended December 31, 2010 as compared to 2009, asset management revenue decreased by $0.4 million. Asset management revenue from the CPA® REITs decreased by $3.1 million as a result of declines in the appraised value of the real estate-related assets of CPA®:14, CPA®:15 and CPA®:16 — Global at December 31, 2009. This decrease was substantially offset by an increase in revenue of $2.6 million from CPA®:17 — Global as a result of new investments entered into during 2009 and 2010.
2009 vs. 2008 — For the year ended December 31, 2009 as compared to 2008, asset management revenue decreased by $4.1 million, primarily due to declines in the appraised value of the real estate-related assets of CPA®:14, CPA®:15 and CPA®:16 — Global at December 31, 2008.
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Structuring Revenue
We earn structuring revenue when we structure and negotiate investments and debt placement transactions for the CPA® REITs. Structuring revenue is dependent on investment activity, which is subject to significant period-to-period variation. Investment volume on behalf of the CPA® REITs was $1.0 billion in 2010, $507.7 million in 2009 and $457.3 million in 2008. Included in the 2010 and 2008 investment activity were $91.7 million of real estate-related loans originated by us and $20.0 million of CMBS, respectively, acquired on behalf of CPA®:17 — Global, for which we earned structuring revenues of 1% compared to an average of 4.5% that we generally earn for structuring long-term net lease investments.
2010 vs. 2009 — For the year ended December 31, 2010 as compared to 2009, structuring revenue increased by $21.3 million, primarily due to higher investment volume in 2010 compared to 2009.
2009 vs. 2008 — For the year ended December 31, 2009 as compared to 2008, structuring revenue increased by $3.0 million, primarily due to higher investment volume in 2009 compared to 2008.
Wholesaling Revenue
We earn wholesaling revenue based on the number of shares sold in connection with CPA®:17 — Global’s initial public offering. Wholesaling revenue earned is offset by underwriting costs incurred in connection with the offering, which are included in general and administrative expenses.
2010 vs. 2009 — For the year ended December 31, 2010 as compared to 2009, wholesaling revenue increased by $3.4 million primarily due to an increase in the number of shares sold related to CPA®:17 — Global’s initial public offering in 2010 compared to 2009. As described in Current Trends — Fundraising above, we have made a concerted effort over the past two years to broaden our distribution channels, which has led to stronger fundraising results in each year.
2009 vs. 2008 — For the year ended December 31, 2009 as compared to 2008, wholesaling revenue increased by $2.5 million primarily due to an increase in the number of shares sold related to CPA®:17 — Global’s initial public offering in 2009 compared to 2008.
Reimbursed and Reimbursable Costs
Reimbursed costs from affiliates (revenue) and reimbursable costs (expenses) represent costs incurred by us on behalf of the CPA® REITs, consisting primarily of broker-dealer commissions and marketing and personnel costs, which are reimbursed by the CPA® REITs. Revenue from reimbursed costs from affiliates is offset by corresponding charges to reimbursable costs and therefore has no impact on net income.
2010 vs. 2009 — For the year ended December 31, 2010 as compared to 2009, reimbursed and reimbursable costs increased by $12.5 million, primarily due to a higher level of commissions paid to broker-dealers related to CPA®:17 — Global’s initial public offering related to a corresponding increase in funds raised.
2009 vs. 2008 — For the year ended December 31, 2009 as compared to 2008, reimbursed and reimbursable costs increased by $6.4 million, primarily due to a higher level of commissions paid to broker-dealers related to CPA®:17 — Global’s initial public offering related to a corresponding increase in funds raised.
General and Administrative
2010 vs. 2009 — For the year ended December 31, 2010 as compared to 2009, general and administrative expenses increased by $10.2 million, primarily due to increases in compensation-related costs of $5.8 million, underwriting costs of $3.7 million and business development costs of $0.9 million. Compensation-related costs were $6.8 million higher in 2010 primarily due to an increase in commissions to investment officers and our expected bonus payout as a result of the higher investment volume during 2010, partially offset by a $2.0 million decrease in stock-based compensation expense due to the resignations of two senior officers during 2010. Underwriting costs related to CPA®:17 — Global’s offering are generally offset by wholesaling revenue, which we earn based on the number of shares of CPA®:17 — Global sold.
2009 vs. 2008 — For the year ended December 31, 2009 as compared to 2008, general and administrative expenses increased by $3.2 million, primarily due to increases in compensation-related costs of $4.8 million and underwriting costs of $2.3 million. These increases were partially offset by decreases in professional fees of $2.9 million and business development costs of $1.4 million.
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Compensation-related costs were higher in 2009 due to several factors, including an increase of $2.3 million in the amortization of stock-based compensation to key officers and directors, which reflected two years of grants under a new long-term incentive program initiated in 2008, and a $1.7 million increase in bonuses resulting primarily from higher investment volume in 2009 as compared to 2008. Professional fees primarily represent auditing, tax, legal and consulting services. Professional fees overall were lower in 2009 primarily due to the write-off in 2008 of previously capitalized offering costs totaling $1.6 million related to the proposed offering of Carey Watermark (Note 2) and fees incurred in 2008 in connection with a settlement we entered into with the SEC with respect to a previously disclosed investigation (Note 9) and the opening of our asset management office in Amsterdam. These decreases in professional fees were partially offset by transaction-related costs of $1.0 million incurred in connection with a Carey Storage transaction during 2009 (Note 4).
Income (Loss) from Equity Investments in CPA® REITs
Income or loss from equity investments in CPA® REITs represents our proportionate share of net income or loss (revenues less expenses) from our investments in the CPA® REITs in which, because of the shares we elect to receive from them for revenue due to us, we have a noncontrolling interest but exercise significant influence. The net income of the CPA® REITs fluctuates based on the timing of transactions, such as new leases and property sales, as well as the level of impairment charges.
2010 vs. 2009 — For the year ended December 31, 2010, we recognized income from equity investments in the CPA® REITs of $14.9 million, compared to a loss of $0.3 million in 2009, primarily due to a reduction in impairment charges recognized by the CPA® REITs, which are estimated to total approximately $40.7 million in 2010, compared to $170.0 million in 2009. In addition, CPA®:14’s results of operations during 2010 included a gain on extinguishment of debt of $11.4 million and a gain on deconsolidation of a subsidiary of $12.9 million. CPA®:15 and CPA®:16 — Global’s results of operations during 2010 each also included a gain on the deconsolidation of a subsidiary of $12.8 million and $7.1 million, respectively. For CPA®:17 — Global, we receive up to 10% of distributions of available cash from its operating partnership. For 2010 and 2009, we received $4.5 million and $2.2 million, respectively, in cash under this provision.
2009 vs. 2008 — For the year ended December 31, 2009, loss from equity investments in the CPA® REITs was $0.3 million, compared to income of $6.2 million in 2008, primarily due to higher impairment charges recognized by the CPA® REITs, which totaled $170.0 million in 2009, compared to $40.4 million in 2008. In addition, the CPA® REITs recognized income totaling $20.0 million during 2008 related to the SEC Settlement. These factors were partially offset by an increase in net gains on sales of properties totaling $25.8 million recognized by the CPA® REITs in 2009 over 2008 as well as the $2.2 million cash distribution received in 2009 from CPA®:17 — Global’s operating partnership.
Other Income and (Expenses)
2010 — During 2010, we recognized other income of $0.3 million primarily due to gains realized on foreign currency transactions for the repatriation of cash from foreign countries.
2009 — During 2009, we recognized other income of $4.1 million primarily related to a settlement of a dispute with a vendor regarding certain fees we paid in prior years for services they performed.
2008 — We recognized other income of $1.9 million during 2008 primarily related to an insurance reimbursement of certain professional services costs incurred in connection with the now settled SEC investigation.
Provision for Income Taxes
2010 vs. 2009 — For the year ended December 31, 2010 as compared to 2009, our provision for income taxes increased by $4.0 million, primarily due to an increase in income from continuing operations before income taxes.
2009 vs. 2008 — For the year ended December 31, 2009 as compared to 2008, our provision for income taxes decreased by $1.4 million, primarily due to a reduction in income from continuing operations before income taxes.
Net Income from Investment Management Attributable to W. P. Carey Members
2010 vs. 2009 — For the year ended December 31, 2010 as compared to 2009, the resulting net income from investment management attributable to W. P. Carey members increased by $21.3 million.
2009 vs. 2008 — For the year ended December 31, 2009 as compared to 2008, the resulting net income from investment management attributable to W. P. Carey members decreased by $5.5 million.
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Real Estate Ownership (in thousands)
                                                 
    Years ended December 31,  
    2010     2009     Change     2009     2008     Change  
Revenues
                                               
Lease revenues
  $ 63,450     $ 62,324     $ 1,126     $ 62,324     $ 66,784     $ (4,460 )
Other real estate income
    18,570       14,907       3,663       14,907       20,658       (5,751 )
 
                                   
 
    82,020       77,231       4,789       77,231       87,442       (10,211 )
 
                                   
 
                                               
Operating Expenses
                                               
Depreciation and amortization
    (19,317 )     (18,631 )     (686 )     (18,631 )     (18,567 )     (64 )
Property expenses
    (10,888 )     (7,113 )     (3,775 )     (7,113 )     (6,496 )     (617 )
General and administrative
    (4,422 )     (5,000 )     578       (5,000 )     (7,082 )     2,082  
Other real estate expenses
    (8,121 )     (7,308 )     (813 )     (7,308 )     (8,196 )     888  
Impairment charges
    (9,512 )     (3,516 )     (5,996 )     (3,516 )     (473 )     (3,043 )
 
                                   
 
    (52,260 )     (41,568 )     (10,692 )     (41,568 )     (40,814 )     (754 )
 
                                   
 
                                               
Other Income and Expenses
                                               
Other interest income
    123       175       (52 )     175       622       (447 )
Income from equity investments in real estate
    16,044       13,765       2,279       13,765       7,987       5,778  
Gain on sale of investment in direct financing lease
                            1,103       (1,103 )
Other income and (expenses)
    1,073       3,258       (2,185 )     3,258       (406 )     3,664  
Interest expense
    (16,234 )     (14,979 )     (1,255 )     (14,979 )     (18,598 )     3,619  
 
                                   
 
    1,006       2,219       (1,213 )     2,219       (9,292 )     11,511  
 
                                   
Income from continuing operations before income taxes
    30,766       37,882       (7,116 )     37,882       37,336       546  
Provision for income taxes
    (770 )     (1,755 )     985       (1,755 )     (1,089 )     (666 )
 
                                   
Income from continuing operations
    29,996       36,127       (6,131 )     36,127       36,247       (120 )
(Loss) income from discontinued operations
    (4,628 )     5,223       (9,851 )     5,223       8,412       (3,189 )
 
                                   
Net income from real estate ownership
    25,368       41,350       (15,982 )     41,350       44,659       (3,309 )
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
    (2,058 )     (1,661 )     (397 )     (1,661 )     (1,470 )     (191 )
 
                                   
Net income from real estate ownership attributable to W. P. Carey members
  $ 23,310     $ 39,689     $ (16,379 )   $ 39,689     $ 43,189     $ (3,500 )
 
                                   
W. P. Carey 2010 10-K 30

 

 


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The following table presents the components of our lease revenues (in thousands):
                         
    Years ended December 31,  
    2010     2009     2008  
Rental income
  $ 53,356     $ 51,705     $ 55,856  
Interest income from direct financing leases
    10,094       10,619       10,928  
 
                 
 
  $ 63,450     $ 62,324     $ 66,784  
 
                 
The following table sets forth the net lease revenues (i.e., rental income and interest income from direct financing leases) that we earned from lease obligations through our direct ownership of real estate (in thousands):
                         
    Years ended December 31,  
Lessee   2010     2009     2008  
CheckFree Holdings, Inc. (a)
  $ 5,103     $ 4,964     $ 4,829  
The American Bottling Company
    4,390       4,591       4,563  
Bouygues Telecom, S.A. (a) (b) (c) (d)
    3,852       6,410       6,215  
Orbital Sciences Corporation (e)
    3,611       2,771       2,939  
JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A. (f)
    3,448              
Titan Corporation
    2,912       2,912       2,912  
AutoZone, Inc.
    2,241       2,228       2,210  
Unisource Worldwide, Inc. (g)
    1,923       1,668       1,678  
Quebecor Printing, Inc.
    1,916       1,919       1,941  
Sybron Dental Specialties Inc. (d)
    1,816       1,953       1,770  
Jarden Corporation
    1,614       1,614       1,625  
BE Aerospace, Inc.
    1,580       1,580       1,580  
Eagle Hardware & Garden, a subsidiary of Lowe’s Companies
    1,568       1,574       1,486  
Omnicom Group Inc. (h)
    1,518       1,251       1,251  
CSS Industries, Inc.
    1,516       1,570       1,570  
Career Education Corporation
    1,502       1,502       1,502  
Sprint Spectrum, L.P.
    1,425       1,425       1,425  
Enviro Works, Inc. (c)
    1,255       1,426       1,421  
Other (a) (b)
    20,260       20,966       25,867  
 
                 
 
  $ 63,450     $ 62,324     $ 66,784  
 
                 
 
     
(a)   These revenues are generated in consolidated ventures, generally with our affiliates, and on a combined basis, include lease revenues applicable to noncontrolling interests totaling $3.8 million, $3.7 million and $3.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively.
 
(b)   Amounts are subject to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. The average rate for the U.S. dollar in relation to the Euro during both 2010 and 2009 strengthened by approximately 5% in comparison to the respective prior years, resulting in a negative impact on lease revenues for our Euro-denominated investments in 2010 and 2009.
 
(c)   The decrease in 2010 was due to lease restructuring in January 2010.
 
(d)   The increase in 2009 was due to CPI-based (or equivalent) rent increase.
 
(e)   The increase in 2010 was due to an expansion at this facility completed in January 2010.
 
(f)   We acquired this investment in February 2010.
 
(g)   The increase in 2010 was due to a rent increase as a result of a lease renewal in October 2009.
 
(h)   The increase in 2010 reflects the accelerated amortization of below-market rent intangibles as a result of the tenant not renewing its lease with us.
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We recognize income from equity investments in real estate, of which lease revenues are a significant component. The following table sets forth the net lease revenues earned by these ventures. Amounts provided are the total amounts attributable to the ventures and do not represent our proportionate share (dollars in thousands):
                                 
    Ownership        
    Interest at     Years ended December 31,  
Lessee   December 31, 2010     2010     2009     2008  
The New York Times Company (a)
    18 %   $ 26,768     $ 21,751     $  
Carrefour France, SAS (b)
    46 %     19,618       21,481       21,387  
Federal Express Corporation
    40 %     7,121       7,044       6,967  
Medica — France, S.A. (b)
    46 %     6,447       6,917       7,169  
Schuler A.G. (b)
    33 %     6,208       6,568       6,802  
U. S. Airways Group, Inc. (c)
    75 %     4,421       4,356        
Information Resources, Inc. (d)
    33 %     4,164       4,973       4,972  
Amylin Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (e)
    50 %     4,027       3,635       3,343  
Hologic, Inc.
    36 %     3,528       3,387       3,317  
Consolidated Systems, Inc.
    60 %     1,831       1,831       1,831  
Childtime Childcare, Inc.
    34 %     1,303       1,332       1,248  
The Retail Distribution Group (f)
    40 %     206       1,020       808  
 
                       
 
          $ 85,642     $ 84,295     $ 57,844  
 
                       
 
     
(a)   We acquired our interest in this investment in March 2009.
 
(b)   Amounts are subject to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. The average rate for the U.S. dollar in relation to the Euro during both 2010 and 2009 strengthened by approximately 5% in comparison to the respective prior years, resulting in a negative impact on lease revenues for our Euro-denominated investments in 2010 and 2009.
 
(c)   In 2009, we recorded an adjustment to record this entity under the equity method. This entity had previously been accounted for under the proportionate consolidation method (Note 2). During 2008, this entity recorded lease revenue of $3.1 million.
 
(d)   The decrease in 2010 was due to lease restructuring in 2010.
 
(e)   The increase in 2010 was due to a CPI-based (or equivalent) rent increase and lease restructuring.
 
(f)   In March 2010, this venture completed the sale of this property and we have no further economic interest in this venture. The increase in 2009 was due to CPI-based (or equivalent) rent increase.
The above table does not reflect our share of interest income from our 5% interest in a venture that has a note receivable. The venture recognized interest income of $24.2 million, $27.1 million and $37.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively. This amount represents the total amount attributable to the entire venture, not our proportionate share, and is subject to fluctuations in the exchange rate of the Euro.
Lease Revenues
Our net leases generally have rent adjustments based on formulas indexed to changes in the CPI or other similar indices for the jurisdiction in which the property is located, sales overrides or other periodic increases, which are intended to increase lease revenues in the future. We own international investments, and therefore lease revenues from these investments are subject to fluctuations in exchange rates in foreign currencies.
2010 vs. 2009 — For the year ended December 31, 2010 as compared to 2009, lease revenues increased by $1.1 million, primarily due to $6.0 million in lease revenue from investments we entered into and an expansion we placed into service during 2010, which was substantially offset by the impact of recent tenant activity (including lease restructurings, lease expirations and property sales), which reduced lease revenues by $5.2 million.
2009 vs. 2008 — For the year ended December 31, 2009 as compared to 2008, lease revenues decreased by $4.5 million, primarily due to the impact of recent tenant activity (including lease restructurings, lease expirations and property sales), which resulted in a reduction to lease revenues of $3.4 million. In addition, the reclassification of the U.S. Airways Group, Inc. property to an equity investment in real estate in 2009 resulted in a decrease of $3.1 million to lease revenues. These decreases were partially offset by scheduled rent increases at several properties totaling $1.6 million.
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Other Real Estate Income
Other real estate income generally consists of revenue from Carey Storage, a subsidiary that invests in domestic self-storage properties, and Livho, Inc. (“Livho”), a subsidiary that operates a hotel franchise in Livonia, Michigan. Other real estate income also includes lease termination payments and other non-rent related revenues from real estate ownership including, but not limited to, settlements of claims against former lessees. We receive settlements in the ordinary course of business; however, the timing and amount of settlements cannot always be estimated.
2010 vs. 2009 — For the year ended December 31, 2010 as compared to 2009, other real estate income increased by $3.7 million, primarily due to increases in reimbursable tenant costs of $2.7 million as well as income of $1.5 million from the eight properties that Carey Storage acquired in the third quarter of 2010. These increases were partially offset by a decrease in lease termination income of $1.0 million. Reimbursable tenant costs are recorded as both revenue and expenses and therefore have no impact on our results of operations.
2009 vs. 2008 — For the year ended December 31, 2009 as compared to 2008, other real estate income decreased by $5.8 million, primarily due to lower lease termination income recognized in 2009. In 2008, we recorded lease termination fees totaling $7.5 million, partially offset by the write-off of certain intangible assets totaling $1.0 million. Increases in reimbursable tenant costs were substantially offset by a reduction in income from Livho, whose operations were impacted by the economic downturn.
Depreciation and Amortization
2010 vs. 2009 — For the year ended December 31, 2010 as compared to 2009, depreciation and amortization increased by $0.7 million primarily due to depreciation and amortization of $2.3 million related to investments we entered into and an expansion we placed into service during 2010, partially offset by a $1.0 million write-off of intangible assets as a result of a lease termination in June 2009, resulting in higher amortization in 2009, and a $0.5 million decrease in depreciation and amortization as a result of several assets becoming fully depreciated or amortized.
2009 vs. 2008 — For the year ended December 31, 2009 as compared to 2008, depreciation and amortization increased by $0.1 million. The $1.0 million write-off of intangible assets in 2009 was substantially offset by a decrease in depreciation and amortization of $0.7 million as a result of a reclassification of a property in 2009 to an equity investment that had previously been accounted for under the proportionate consolidation method.
Property Expenses
2010 vs. 2009 — For the year ended December 31, 2010 as compared to 2009, property expenses increased by $3.8 million primarily due to an increase in reimbursable tenant costs of $2.7 million. The remainder of the increase in property expenses was due to two tenants vacating properties during 2010.
2009 vs. 2008 — For the year ended December 31, 2009 as compared to 2008, property expenses increased by $0.6 million primarily due to increases in reimbursable tenant costs.
General and Administrative
General and administrative expenses were $4.4 million, $5.0 million and $7.1 million in 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively. The $2.1 million decrease in general and administrative expenses for the year ended December 31, 2009 as compared to 2008 was primarily due to decreases in professional expenses of $1.1 million and business development costs of $0.5 million. Professional fees in 2008 reflected costs incurred in connection with opening our asset management office in Amsterdam.
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Impairment Charges
For the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, we recorded impairment charges related to our continuing real estate ownership operations totaling $9.5 million, $3.5 million and $0.5 million, respectively. The table below summarizes the impairment charges recorded for the past three fiscal years for both continuing and discontinued operations (in thousands):
                                 
Lessee   2010     2009     2008     Triggering Events  
The American Bottling Company
  $     $ 1,571     $     Decline in unguaranteed residual value of properties
Brown Institute Ltd.
    5,623                 Tenant not renewing lease and debt maturing
Faurecia Exhaust Systems, Inc.
          49           Decline in unguaranteed residual value of property
Penberthy Inc.
    481                 Tenant not renewing lease; potential sale
Sybron Dental Specialties Inc.
    1,140       996       473     Decline in unguaranteed residual value of properties
Sam’s East Inc.
    2,268                 Potential sale
Winn-Dixie Montgomery, Inc.
          900           Tenant vacated; potential sale
 
                         
Impairment charges from continuing operations
  $ 9,512     $ 3,516     $ 473          
 
                         
Affiliated Foods Southwest, Inc.
  $ 308     $ 1,200     $     Properties sold for less than carrying value
BellSouth Telecommunications, Inc.
          3,138           Property sold for less than carrying value
PPD Development, L. P.
    5,561                 Properties sold for less than carrying value
Tranco Logistics LLC
          580       538     Property sold for less than carrying value
Vertafore Inc.
          1,990           Property sold for less than carrying value
 
                         
Impairment charges from discontinued operations
  $ 5,869     $ 6,908     $ 538          
 
                         
Income from Equity Investments in Real Estate
Income from equity investments in real estate represents our proportionate share of net income (revenue less expenses) from investments entered into with affiliates or third parties in which we have a noncontrolling interest but over which we exercise significant influence.
2010 vs. 2009 — For the year ended December 31, 2010 as compared to 2009, income from equity investments in real estate increased by $2.3 million, primarily due to income of $2.5 million recognized by us from a venture, Retail Distribution, in connection with selling its property in March 2010, as well as an increase in income of $0.7 million in 2010 due to higher foreign taxes incurred in 2009 on our international ventures. In addition, income from the Amylin venture increased by $0.4 million as a result of its purchase accounting adjustment becoming fully amortized as well as higher rental income recognized in connection with a lease restructuring in 2009. These increases were partially offset by the other-than-temporary impairment charge of $1.4 million recognized during 2010 on the Schuler venture to reflect the decline in the estimated fair value of the venture’s underlying net assets in comparison with the carrying value of our interest.
2009 vs. 2008 — For the year ended December 31, 2009 as compared to 2008, income from equity investments in real estate increased by $5.8 million, primarily due to our investment in The New York Times transaction in March 2009, which contributed income of $3.5 million in 2009. In addition, during 2009 we recorded income of $1.6 million from an equity investment that had previously been accounted for under the proportionate consolidation method (Note 2).
Gain on Sale of Investment in Direct Financing Lease
During the year ended December 31, 2008, we sold our investment in a direct financing lease for $5.0 million, net of selling costs, and recognized a gain on sale of $1.1 million.
Other Income and (Expenses)
Other income and (expenses) consists primarily of gains and losses on foreign currency transactions and derivative instruments as well as the Investor’s profit-sharing interest in income or losses from Carey Storage. We and certain of our foreign consolidated subsidiaries have intercompany debt and/or advances that are not denominated in the entity’s functional currency. When the intercompany debt or accrued interest thereon is remeasured against the functional currency of the entity, a gain or loss may result. For intercompany transactions that are of a long-term investment nature, the gain or loss is recognized as a cumulative translation adjustment in other comprehensive income. We also recognize gains or losses on foreign currency transactions when we repatriate cash from our foreign investments.
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2010 vs. 2009 — For the year ended December 31, 2010 as compared to 2009, other income decreased by $2.2 million. Results for 2009 included a $7.0 million gain recognized by Carey Storage on the repayment of the $35.0 million outstanding balance on its secured credit facility for $28.0 million, partially offset by the Investor’s profit-sharing interest in the gain totaling $4.2 million.
2009 vs. 2008 — For the year ended December 31, 2009, we recognized other income of $3.3 million, compared to other expenses of $0.4 million in 2008. The other income in 2009 was primarily comprised of the net gain recognized by Carey Storage as described above. The other expenses in 2008 were primarily due to foreign currency transactions. Fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates did not have a significant impact in 2009.
Interest Expense
2010 vs. 2009 — For the year ended December 31, 2010 as compared to 2009, interest expense increased by $1.3 million, primarily as a result of mortgage financing obtained in connection with our investment activities during 2010.
2009 vs. 2008 — For the year ended December 31, 2009 as compared to 2008, interest expense decreased by $3.6 million, including $1.8 million resulting from Carey Storage’s repayment of its $35.0 million outstanding balance on its secured credit facility in January 2009. In addition, interest expense on our line of credit decreased by $1.1 million compared to 2008, primarily due to a lower average annual interest rate, partially offset by a higher average outstanding balance during 2009. The weighted average annual interest rate on advances on the line of credit at December 31, 2009 was 1.3%, compared to 2.6% at December 31, 2008. An out-of-period adjustment as described in Note 2 also resulted in a reduction of $1.1 million in interest expense for 2009.
(Loss) Income from Discontinued Operations
2010 — For the year ended December 31, 2010, loss from discontinued operations was $4.6 million, primarily due to impairment charges recognized of $5.9 million. These charges were partially offset by income generated from the operations of these properties of $0.8 million and a net gain on the sales of these properties of $0.5 million.
2009 — For the year ended December 31, 2009, we earned income from discontinued operations of $5.2 million. During 2009, we sold five domestic properties and recognized a net gain of $7.7 million. We also recognized income generated from the operations of these properties of $4.4 million. These increases in income were partially offset by impairment charges recognized on these properties of $6.9 million.
2008 — For the year ended December 31, 2008, we earned income from discontinued operations of $8.4 million, which primarily consisted of income generated from the operations of properties that were sold of $5.1 million and proceeds received from a former tenant in payment of a $3.8 million legal judgment in our favor, partially offset by a $0.5 million impairment charge.
Impairment charges relating to our continuing operations for 2010, 2009 and 2008 are described in Impairment Charges above.
Net Income from Real Estate Ownership Attributable to W. P. Carey Members
2010 vs. 2009 — For the year ended December 31, 2010 as compared to 2009, the resulting net income from real estate ownership attributable to W. P. Carey members decreased by $16.4 million.
2009 vs. 2008 — For the year ended December 31, 2009 as compared to 2008, the resulting net income from real estate ownership attributable to W. P. Carey members decreased by $3.5 million.
Financial Condition
Sources and Uses of Cash during the Year
Our cash flows fluctuate period to period due to a number of factors, which may include, among other things, the nature and timing of receipts of transaction-related and performance revenue, the performance of the CPA® REITs relative to their performance criteria, the timing of purchases and sales of real estate, the timing of proceeds from non-recourse mortgage loans and receipt of lease revenue, the timing and characterization of distributions from equity investments in real estate and the CPA® REITs, the timing of certain payments, and the receipt of the annual installment of deferred acquisition revenue and interest thereon in the first quarter from certain of the CPA® REITs, and changes in foreign currency exchange rates. Despite this fluctuation, we believe that we will generate sufficient cash from operations and from equity distributions in excess of equity income in real estate to meet our short-term and long-term liquidity needs. We may also use existing cash resources, the proceeds of non-recourse mortgage loans, unused capacity on our line of credit and the issuance of additional equity securities to meet these needs. We assess our ability to access capital on an ongoing basis. Our sources and uses of cash during the year are described below.
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Operating Activities
Cash flow from operating activities increased in 2010 as compared to 2009. Increases in net income, which were driven primarily by revenues earned in connection with higher investment volume on behalf of the CPA® REITs, were partially offset by a decline in the amount of deferred acquisition revenue received and lower cash flow in our real estate ownership segment.
During 2010, we received revenue of $40.3 million in cash from providing asset-based management services to the CPA® REITs as compared to $42.1 million in 2009. This amount does not include revenue received from the CPA® REITs in the form of shares of their restricted common stock rather than cash (see below). During 2010, we received revenue of $25.4 million in connection with structuring investments and debt refinancing on behalf of the CPA® REITs as compared to $13.1 million in 2009. Deferred acquisition revenue received was lower during 2010 as compared to 2009, primarily due to a shift in the timing of when deferred acquisition revenue is received as well as lower investment volume by the CPA® REITs in prior year periods. For CPA®:14, CPA®:15 and CPA®:16 — Global, we receive deferred acquisition revenue in annual installments each January. For CPA®:17 — Global, such revenue is received annually based on the quarter that a transaction is completed.
During 2010, our real estate ownership segment provided cash flows (contractual lease revenues, net of property-level debt service) of approximately $49.9 million, which represents a decrease of $7.0 million from 2009, primarily due to lower contractual lease revenues received in 2010 as a result of recent tenant activity (including lease restructurings, lease expirations and property sales).
In 2010, we elected to continue to receive all performance revenue from CPA®:16 — Global as well as asset management revenue from CPA®:17 — Global in restricted shares of their common stock rather than cash, while for CPA®:14 and CPA®:15, we elected to receive 80% of all performance revenue in their restricted shares, with the remaining 20% payable in cash.
In addition to cash flow from operating activities, we may use the following sources to fund distributions to shareholders: distributions received from equity investments in excess of equity income, net contributions from noncontrolling interests, borrowings under our line of credit and existing cash resources.
Investing Activities
Our investing activities are generally comprised of real estate-related transactions (purchases and sales) and capitalized property-related costs. During 2010, we used $96.9 million to acquire several investments, including $47.6 million for a domestic investment, $27.2 million for an investment in Spain and $22.1 million for Carey Storage’s investments in eight self-storage properties. We partially funded the domestic investment with $36.1 million from the escrowed proceeds of a sale of a property in December 2009. In connection with the Spain investment, we paid foreign valued-added taxes of $4.2 million, which we expect to recover in the future. Cash inflows during 2010 included $18.8 million in distributions from equity investments in real estate and the CPA® REITs in excess of cumulative equity income, inclusive of distributions of $5.5 million from the Federal Express venture as a result of refinancing its maturing debt and $3.6 million received from the Retail Distribution venture in connection with the sale of its property. We also received proceeds of $14.6 million from the sale of seven properties in 2010.
Financing Activities
During 2010, we paid distributions to shareholders of $92.6 million, inclusive of a special distribution of $0.30 per share, or $11.8 million, that was paid in January 2010 to shareholders of record at December 31, 2009, and paid distributions of $5.1 million to affiliates who hold noncontrolling interests in various entities with us and an Investor who holds a profit-sharing interest in Carey Storage. We also made scheduled mortgage principal payments of $14.3 million and received mortgage loan proceeds totaling $56.8 million, including $35.0 million obtained for an investment we entered into in February 2010 and $15.5 million obtained in connection with Carey Storage’s investment in eight self-storage facilities in 2010. Borrowings under our line of credit increased overall by $30.8 million since December 31, 2009 and were comprised of gross borrowings of $83.3 million and repayments of $52.5 million. Borrowings under our line of credit were used primarily to finance our portion of the investments we acquired in 2010 and to fund distributions to shareholders. In addition, we received contributions of $18.0 million from holders of noncontrolling interests and a profit-sharing interest, including the $9.6 million received in connection with the investment in Spain and $3.7 million received in connection with the self-storage investments. During 2010, we also received $3.7 million from the issuance of shares of our common stock in connection with our stock-based compensation plans.
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Summary of Financing
The table below summarizes our non-recourse long-term debt and credit facility (dollars in thousands):
                 
    December 31,  
    2010     2009  
Balance
               
Fixed rate
  $ 147,872     $ 147,060  
Variable rate (a)
    249,110       179,270  
 
           
 
  $ 396,982     $ 326,330  
 
           
Percent of total debt
               
Fixed rate
    37 %     45 %
Variable rate (a)
    63 %     55 %
 
           
 
    100 %     100 %
 
           
Weighted average interest rate at end of year
               
Fixed rate
    6.0 %     6.2 %
Variable rate (a)
    2.5 %     2.9 %
 
     
(a)   Variable rate debt at December 31, 2010 included (i) $141.8 million outstanding under our line of credit, (ii) $48.0 million that had been effectively converted to fixed rates through interest rate swap derivative instruments and (iii) $54.4 million in mortgage obligations that bore interest at fixed rates but which have interest rate reset features that may change the interest rates to then-prevailing market fixed rates (subject to specified caps) at certain points during their term.
Cash Resources
At December 31, 2010, our cash resources consisted of the following:
    Cash and cash equivalents totaling $64.7 million. Of this amount, $7.1 million, at then current exchange rates, was held in foreign bank accounts, and we could be subject to restrictions or significant costs should we decide to repatriate these amounts;
    A line of credit with unused capacity of $108.3 million. The line of credit is available to us and may also be used to loan funds to our affiliates. Our lender has issued letters of credit totaling $6.8 million on our behalf in connection with certain contractual obligations, which reduce amounts that may be drawn under this facility. In addition, in January 2011, we made a $90.0 million short-term loan due in March of 2011 to an affiliate for the purpose of acquiring an investment, which we funded with proceeds from our line of credit; and
    We also had unleveraged properties that had an aggregate carrying value of $232.6 million, although given the current economic environment, there can be no assurance that we would be able to obtain financing for these properties.
Our cash resources can be used for working capital needs and other commitments and may be used for future investments. We continue to evaluate fixed-rate financing options, such as obtaining non-recourse financing on our unleveraged properties. Any financing obtained may be used for working capital objectives and/or may be used to pay down existing debt balances.
Line of Credit
A summary of our line of credit is provided below (in thousands):
                                 
    December 31, 2010     December 31, 2009  
    Outstanding     Maximum     Outstanding     Maximum  
    Balance     Available     Balance     Available  
Line of credit
  $ 141,750     $ 250,000     $ 111,000     $ 250,000  
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We have a $250.0 million unsecured revolving line of credit that is scheduled to mature in June 2011. Pursuant to the terms of the credit agreement, the line of credit can be increased up to $300.0 million at the discretion of the lenders. Additionally, as long as there has been no default, we may extend the line of credit at our discretion, within 90 days of, but not less than 30 days prior to, expiration, for an additional year. Such extension is subject to the payment of an extension fee equal to 0.125% of the total commitments under the facility at that time. We currently intend to extend this line for an additional year.
The line of credit provides for an annual interest rate, at our election, of either (i) London inter-bank offered rate (“LIBOR”) plus a spread that ranges from 75 to 120 basis points depending on our leverage, or (ii) the greater of the lender’s prime rate and the Federal Funds Effective Rate plus 50 basis points. In addition, we pay an annual fee ranging between 12.5 and 20 basis points of the unused portion of the line of credit, depending on our leverage ratio. Based on our leverage ratio at December 31, 2010, we pay interest at LIBOR, or 0.25%, plus 90 basis points and pay 15 basis points on the unused portion of the line of credit.
The credit agreement stipulates six financial covenants that require us to maintain the following ratios and benchmarks at the end of each quarter (the quoted variables are specifically defined in the credit agreement):
(i)   a “maximum leverage” ratio, which requires us to maintain a ratio for “total outstanding indebtedness” to “total value” of 60% or less;
(ii)   a “maximum secured debt” ratio, which requires us to maintain a ratio for “total secured outstanding indebtedness” (inclusive of permitted “indebtedness of subsidiaries”) to “total value” of 50% or less;
(iii)   a “minimum combined equity value,” which requires us to maintain a “total value” less “total outstanding indebtedness” of at least $550.0 million. This amount must be adjusted in the event of any securities offering by adding 85% of the “fair market value of all net offering proceeds”;
(iv)   a “minimum fixed charge coverage ratio,” which requires us to maintain a ratio for “adjusted total EBITDA” to “fixed charges” of 1.75 to 1.0;
(v)   a “maximum dividend payout,” which requires us to ensure that the total of “restricted payments” made in the current quarter, when added to the total for the three preceding fiscal quarters, shall not exceed 90% of “adjusted total EBITDA” for the four preceding fiscal quarters. “Restricted payments” include quarterly dividends and the total amount of shares repurchased by us in excess of $10.0 million per year; and
(vi)   a limitation on “recourse indebtedness,” which prohibits us from incurring additional secured indebtedness other than “non-recourse indebtedness” or indebtedness that is recourse to us that exceeds $50.0 million or 5% of the “total value,” whichever is greater.
We were in compliance with these covenants at December 31, 2010.
Cash Requirements
During 2011, we expect that cash payments will include paying distributions to shareholders and to our affiliates who hold noncontrolling interests in entities we control and making scheduled mortgage principal payments, including mortgage balloon payments totaling $27.3 million, as well as other normal recurring operating expenses. In addition, our share of balloon payments during the next twelve months on our unconsolidated ventures totals $9.2 million. See below for cash requirements related to the Proposed Merger.
We expect to fund future investments, any capital expenditures on existing properties and scheduled debt maturities on non-recourse mortgage loans through use of our cash reserves or unused amounts on our line of credit.
Expected Impact of Proposed Merger and Asset Sale
If approved, we currently expect the Proposed Merger of CPA®:14 and CPA®:16 — Global and the asset sale from CPA®:14 to us to have the following impact on our liquidity and results of operations; however there can be no assurance that these transactions will be completed.
In connection with the Proposed Merger, we expect to earn $52.5 million in disposition and termination fees from CPA®:14. We currently expect to receive our $31.2 million termination fee in shares of CPA®:14, which will then be exchanged at our election into shares of CPA®:16–Global in order to facilitate this transaction. Based on our ownership of CPA®:14 common stock as of December 31, 2010, we also expect to receive distributions totaling approximately $8.0 million, as part of the special $1.00 per share cash distribution to CPA®:14 shareholders. We have agreed to purchase three properties from CPA®:14, in which we already have a joint venture interest, for an aggregate purchase price of $32.1 million, plus the assumption of approximately $64.7 million of indebtedness. These properties all have remaining lease terms of less than 8 years, which are shorter than the average lease term of CPA® :16–Global’s portfolio of properties. Consequently, CPA®:16–Global required that these assets be sold by CPA®:14 prior to the Proposed Merger.
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The board of directors of each of CPA®:16 — Global and CPA®:14 have the ability, but not the obligation, to terminate the transaction if more than 50% of the shareholders of CPA®:14 elect to receive cash in the Proposed Merger. Assuming that holders of 50% of CPA®:14’s outstanding stock elect to receive cash in the Proposed Merger, then the maximum cash required by CPA®:16 — Global to purchase these shares would be approximately $416.1 million, based on the total shares of CPA®:14 outstanding at December 31, 2010. If the cash on hand and available to CPA®:14 and CPA®:16 — Global, including the proceeds of the CPA®:14 Asset Sales and the $300.0 million senior credit facility of CPA®:16 — Global, is not sufficient to enable CPA®:16 — Global to fulfill cash elections in the Proposed Merger by CPA®:14 shareholders, we have agreed to purchase a sufficient number of shares of CPA®:16 — Global stock from CPA®:16 — Global to enable it to pay such amounts to CPA®:14 shareholders.
We currently expect to use the special $1.00 per share cash distribution received from our ownership of CPA®:14 shares, the post-tax proceeds from the disposition revenues, cash on hand, and amounts available under our line of credit to finance our potential obligations in connection with the Proposed Merger and the CPA®:14 Asset Sales, as necessary.
We currently estimate that the properties to be acquired from CPA®:14 will generate annual lease revenue and cash flow totaling approximately $8.8 million and $4.0 million, respectively. This additional cash flow will be partially offset by lower annual asset management revenue approximating $1.0 million, lower annual equity income of approximately $0.9 million, and interest expense incurred related to any borrowing under our credit facility to finance this transaction and the interest payments on the existing non-recourse mortgages relating to the properties to be acquired. Each of these properties has its lease expiration between December 2015 and July 2024, renewable at the tenant’s option. There are no scheduled balloon payments on any of the properties to be acquired from CPA®:14 until July 2017.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements and Contractual Obligations
The table below summarizes our debt, off-balance sheet arrangements and other contractual obligations at December 31, 2010 and the effect that these arrangements and obligations are expected to have on our liquidity and cash flow in the specified future periods (in thousands).
                                         
            Less than                     More than  
    Total     1 Year     1-3 Years     3-5 Years     5 years  
Non-recourse debt — Principal
  $ 255,232     $ 34,688     $ 41,742     $ 52,863     $ 125,939  
Line of credit — Principal
    141,750       141,750                    
Interest on borrowings (a)
    78,987       14,753       23,441       20,160       20,633  
Operating and other lease commitments (b)
    10,790       1,042       2,065       2,013       5,670  
Property improvements
    1,716       1,716                    
Other commitments (c)
    53       53                    
 
                             
 
  $ 488,528     $ 194,002     $ 67,248     $ 75,036     $ 152,242  
 
                             
 
     
(a)   Interest on un-hedged variable rate debt obligations was calculated using the applicable variable interest rates and balances outstanding at December 31, 2010.
 
(b)   Operating and other lease commitments consist primarily of the total minimum rents payable on the lease for our principal offices. We are reimbursed by affiliates for their share of the future minimum rents under an office cost-sharing agreement. These amounts are allocated among the entities based on gross revenues and are adjusted quarterly. The table above excludes the rental obligation under a ground lease of a venture in which we own a 46% interest. This obligation totals approximately $2.9 million over the lease term through January 2063.
 
(c)   Represents a commitment to contribute capital to an investment in India.
Amounts in the table above related to our foreign operations are based on the exchange rate of the Euro at December 31, 2010. At December 31, 2010, we had no material capital lease obligations for which we are the lessee, either individually or in the aggregate.
Proposed Merger of Affiliates
Assuming that holders of 50% of CPA®:14’s outstanding stock elect to receive cash in the Proposed Merger, then the maximum cash required by CPA®:16 — Global to purchase these shares would be approximately $416.1 million, based on the total shares of CPA®:14 outstanding at December 31, 2010. If the cash on hand and available to CPA®:14 and CPA®:16 — Global, including the proceeds of the CPA®:14 Asset Sales and a new $300.0 million senior credit facility of CPA®:16 — Global, is not sufficient to enable CPA®:16 — Global to fulfill cash elections in the Proposed Merger by CPA®:14 shareholders, we have agreed to purchase a sufficient number of shares of CPA®:16 — Global stock from CPA®:16 — Global to enable it to pay such amounts to CPA®:14 shareholders.
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In connection with the Proposed Merger, we entered into a sale and purchase agreement with CPA®:14 pursuant to which we have agreed to purchase CPA®:14’s interests in three properties for an aggregate purchase price of $32.1 million, plus the assumption of approximately $64.7 million of debt. The purchase price was determined by us, relying in part upon a valuation of the properties as of September 30, 2010 performed by a third-party valuation firm. The completion of the sale of assets to us is a condition to the closing of the Proposed Merger. The closing of the CPA®:14 Asset Sales is subject to the closing of the Proposed Merger.
In connection with the Proposed Merger, CAM has agreed to indemnify CPA®:16 — Global if it suffers certain losses arising out of a breach by CPA®:14 of its representations and warranties under the merger agreement and having a material adverse effect on CPA®:16 — Global after the Proposed Merger, up to the amount of fees received by CAM in connection with the Proposed Merger. We have evaluated the exposure related to this indemnification and determined the exposure to be minimal. We have also agreed to pay the expenses of CPA®:14 and CPA®:16 — Global if the merger agreement is terminated under certain circumstances up to a maximum of $4.0 million and $5.0 million, respectively.
Equity Investments in Real Estate
We have investments in unconsolidated ventures that own single-tenant properties net leased to corporations. Generally, the underlying investments are jointly owned with our affiliates. Summarized financial information for these ventures and our ownership interest in the ventures at December 31, 2010 are presented below. Summarized financial information provided represents the total amounts attributable to the ventures and does not represent our proportionate share (dollars in thousands):
                                 
    Ownership                      
    Interest at             Total Third        
Lessee   December 31, 2010     Total Assets     Party Debt     Maturity Date  
Information Resources, Inc. (a)
    33 %   $ 46,033     $ 21,222       1/2011  
Childtime Childcare, Inc. (b)
    34 %     9,335       6,276       1/2011  
U. S. Airways Group, Inc.
    75 %     29,724       18,310       4/2014  
The New York Times Company
    18 %     241,846       116,684       9/2014  
Carrefour France, SAS (c)
    46 %     136,315       103,876       12/2014  
Consolidated Systems, Inc.
    60 %     16,794       11,369       11/2016  
Amylin Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    50 %     36,617       35,197       7/2017  
Medica — France, S.A. (c)
    46 %     45,277       36,474       10/2017  
Federal Express Corporation (d)
    40 %     43,203       54,000       1/2020  
Hologic, Inc.
    36 %     26,627       14,143       5/2023  
Schuler A.G. (c)
    33 %     68,198             N/A  
 
                           
 
          $ 699,969     $ 417,551          
 
                           
 
     
(a)   In January 2011, this venture refinanced its existing non-recourse mortgage debt for new non-recourse financing of $15.0 million.
 
(b)   In January 2011, this venture repaid its maturing non-recourse mortgage loan.
 
(c)   Dollar amounts shown are based on the exchange rate of the Euro at December 31, 2010.
 
(d)   In December 2010, this venture refinanced its existing non-recourse mortgage debt with new non-recourse financing of $54.0 million based on the appraised value of the underlying real estate of the venture at that time and distributed the proceeds to the venture partners.
The table above does not reflect our 5% interest in a venture (“Lending Venture”) that holds a note receivable (the “Note Receivable”) from the holder (the “Partner”) of a 75.3% interest in a limited partnership (“Partnership”) owning 37 properties throughout Germany at a total cost of $336.0 million. Concurrently, our affiliates also acquired an interest in a second venture (the “Property Venture”) that acquired the remaining 24.7% ownership interest in the Partnership as well as an option to purchase an additional 75% interest from the Partner by December 2010. Also in connection with this transaction, the Lending Venture obtained non-recourse financing of $284.9 million having a fixed annual interest rate of 5.5%, a term of 10 years and is collateralized by the 37 German properties. In November 2010, the Property Venture exercised a portion of its call option via the Lending Venture whereby the Partner exchanged a 70% interest in the Partnership for a $295.7 million reduction in the Note Receivable. Subsequent to the exercise of the option, the Property Venture now owns a 94.7% interest in the Partnership and retains options to purchase the remaining 5.3% interest from the Partner by December 2012. All dollar amounts are based on the exchange rates of the Euro at the dates of the transactions, and dollar amounts provided represent the total amounts attributable to the ventures and do not represent our proportionate share.
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Environmental Obligations
In connection with the purchase of many of our properties, we required the sellers to perform environmental reviews. We believe, based on the results of these reviews, that our properties were in substantial compliance with Federal and state environmental statutes at the time the properties were acquired. However, portions of certain properties have been subject to some degree of contamination, principally in connection with leakage from underground storage tanks, surface spills or other on-site activities. In most instances where contamination has been identified, tenants are actively engaged in the remediation process and addressing identified conditions. Tenants are generally subject to environmental statutes and regulations regarding the discharge of hazardous materials and any related remediation obligations. In addition, our leases generally require tenants to indemnify us from all liabilities and losses related to the leased properties with provisions of such indemnification specifically addressing environmental matters. The leases generally include provisions that allow for periodic environmental assessments, paid for by the tenant, and allow us to extend leases until such time as a tenant has satisfied its environmental obligations. Certain of our leases allow us to require financial assurances from tenants, such as performance bonds or letters of credit, if the costs of remediating environmental conditions are, in our estimation, in excess of specified amounts. Accordingly, we believe that the ultimate resolution of environmental matters should not have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, liquidity or results of operations.
Critical Accounting Estimates
Our significant accounting policies are described in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements. Many of these accounting policies require judgment and the use of estimates and assumptions when applying these policies in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements. On a quarterly basis, we evaluate these estimates and judgments based on historical experience as well as other factors that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. These estimates are subject to change in the future if underlying assumptions or factors change. Certain accounting policies, while significant, may not require the use of estimates. Those accounting policies that require significant estimation and/or judgment are listed below.
Classification of Real Estate Assets
We classify our directly-owned leased assets for financial reporting purposes at the inception of a lease, or when significant lease terms are amended, as either real estate leased under operating leases or net investment in direct financing leases. This classification is based on several criteria, including, but not limited to, estimates of the remaining economic life of the leased assets and the calculation of the present value of future minimum rents. We estimate remaining economic life relying in part upon third-party appraisals of the leased assets. We calculate the present value of future minimum rents using the lease’s implicit interest rate, which requires an estimate of the residual value of the leased assets as of the end of the non-cancelable lease term. Estimates of residual values are generally determined by us relying in part upon third-party appraisals. Different estimates of residual value result in different implicit interest rates and could possibly affect the financial reporting classification of leased assets. The contractual terms of our leases are not necessarily different for operating and direct financing leases; however, the classification is based on accounting pronouncements that are intended to indicate whether the risks and rewards of ownership are retained by the lessor or substantially transferred to the lessee. We believe that we retain certain risks of ownership regardless of accounting classification. Assets classified as net investment in direct financing leases are not depreciated but are written down to expected residual value over the lease term. Therefore, the classification of assets may have a significant impact on net income even though it has no effect on cash flows.
Identification of Tangible and Intangible Assets in Connection with Real Estate Acquisitions
In connection with our acquisition of properties accounted for as operating leases, we allocate purchase costs to tangible and intangible assets and liabilities acquired based on their estimated fair values. We determine the value of tangible assets, consisting of land and buildings, as if vacant, and record intangible assets, including the above- and below-market value of leases, the value of in-place leases and the value of tenant relationships, at their relative estimated fair values.
We determine the value attributed to tangible assets in part using a discounted cash flow model that is intended to approximate both what a third party would pay to purchase the vacant property and rent at current estimated market rates. In applying the model, we assume that the disinterested party would sell the property at the end of an estimated market lease term. Assumptions used in the model are property-specific where this information is available; however, when certain necessary information is not available, we use available regional and property-type information. Assumptions and estimates include a discount rate or internal rate of return, marketing period necessary to put a lease in place, carrying costs during the marketing period, leasing commissions and tenant improvements allowances, market rents and growth factors of these rents, market lease term and a cap rate to be applied to an estimate of market rent at the end of the market lease term.
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We acquire properties subject to net leases and determine the value of above-market and below-market lease intangibles based on the difference between (i) the contractual rents to be paid pursuant to the leases negotiated and in place at the time of acquisition of the properties and (ii) our estimate of fair market lease rates for the property or a similar property, both of which are measured over a period equal to the estimated market lease term. We discount the difference between the estimated market rent and contractual rent to a present value using an interest rate reflecting our current assessment of the risk associated with the lease acquired, which includes a consideration of the credit of the lessee. Estimates of market rent are generally determined by us relying in part upon a third-party appraisal obtained in connection with the property acquisition and can include estimates of market rent increase factors, which are generally provided in the appraisal or by local brokers.
We evaluate the specific characteristics of each tenant’s lease and any pre-existing relationship with each tenant in determining the value of in-place lease and tenant relationship intangibles. To determine the value of in-place lease intangibles, we consider estimated market rent, estimated carrying costs of the property during a hypothetical expected lease-up period, current market conditions and costs to execute similar leases. Estimated carrying costs include real estate taxes, insurance, other property operating costs and estimates of lost rentals at market rates during the hypothetical expected lease-up periods, based on assessments of specific market conditions. In determining the value of tenant relationship intangibles, we consider the expectation of lease renewals, the nature and extent of our existing relationship with the tenant, prospects for developing new business with the tenant and the tenant’s credit profile. We also consider estimated costs to execute a new lease, including estimated leasing commissions and legal costs, as well as estimated carrying costs of the property during a hypothetical expected lease-up period. We determine these values using our estimates or by relying in part upon third-party appraisals.
Basis of Consolidation
When we obtain an economic interest in an entity, we evaluate the entity to determine if it is deemed a variable interest entity (“VIE”) and, if so, whether we are deemed to be the primary beneficiary and are therefore required to consolidate the entity. Significant judgment is required to determine whether a VIE should be consolidated. We review the contractual arrangements provided for in the partnership agreement or other related contracts to determine whether the entity is considered a VIE under current authoritative accounting guidance, and to establish whether we have any variable interests in the VIE. We then compare our variable interests, if any, to those of the other variable interest holders to determine which party is the primary beneficiary of a VIE based on whether the entity (i) has the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of the VIE, and (ii) has the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits of the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE.
For an entity that is not considered to be a VIE, the general partners in a limited partnership (or similar entity) are presumed to control the entity regardless of the level of their ownership and, accordingly, may be required to consolidate the entity. We evaluate the partnership agreements or other relevant contracts to determine whether there are provisions in the agreements that would overcome this presumption. If the agreements provide the limited partners with either (a) the substantive ability to dissolve or liquidate the limited partnership or otherwise remove the general partners without cause or (b) substantive participating rights, the limited partners’ rights overcome the presumption of control by a general partner of the limited partnership, and, therefore, the general partner must account for its investment in the limited partnership using the equity method of accounting.
When we obtain an economic interest in an entity that is structured at the date of acquisition as a tenant-in-common interest, we evaluate the tenancy-in-common agreements or other relevant documents to ensure that the entity does not qualify as a VIE and does not meet the control requirement required for consolidation. We also use judgment in determining whether the shared decision-making involved in a tenant-in-common interest investment creates an opportunity for us to have significant influence on the operating and financial decisions of these investments and thereby creates some responsibility by us for a return on our investment. We account for tenancy-in-common interests under the equity method of accounting.
Impairments
We periodically assess whether there are any indicators that the value of our long-lived assets, including goodwill, may be impaired or that their carrying value may not be recoverable. These impairment indicators include, but are not limited to, the vacancy of a property that is not subject to a lease; a lease default by a tenant that is experiencing financial difficulty; the termination of a lease by a tenant; or the rejection of a lease in a bankruptcy proceeding. We may incur impairment charges on long-lived assets, including real estate, direct financing leases, assets held for sale and equity investments in real estate. We may also incur impairment charges on marketable securities and goodwill. Estimates and judgments used when evaluating whether these assets are impaired are presented below.
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Real Estate
For real estate assets in which an impairment indicator is identified, we follow a two-step process to determine whether an asset is impaired and to determine the amount of the charge. First, we compare the carrying value of the property to the future net undiscounted cash flow that we expect the property will generate, including any estimated proceeds from the eventual sale of the property. The undiscounted cash flow analysis requires us to make our best estimate of market rents, residual values and holding periods. We estimate market rents and residual values using market information from outside sources such as broker quotes or recent comparable sales. In cases where the available market information is not deemed appropriate, we perform a future net cash flow analysis discounted for inherent risk associated with each asset to determine an estimated fair value. As our investment objective is to hold properties on a long-term basis, holding periods used in the undiscounted cash flow analysis generally range from five to ten years. Depending on the assumptions made and estimates used, the future cash flow projected in the evaluation of long-lived assets can vary within a range of outcomes. We consider the likelihood of possible outcomes in determining the best possible estimate of future cash flows. If the future net undiscounted cash flow of the property is less than the carrying value, the property is considered to be impaired. We then measure the loss as the excess of the carrying value of the property over its estimated fair value. The property’s estimated fair value is primarily determined using market information from outside sources such as broker quotes or recent comparable sales.
Direct Financing Leases
We review our direct financing leases at least annually to determine whether there has been an other-than-temporary decline in the current estimate of residual value of the property. The residual value is our estimate of what we could realize upon the sale of the property at the end of the lease term, based on market information from outside sources such as broker quotes or recent comparable sales. If this review indicates that a decline in residual value has occurred that is other-than-temporary, we recognize an impairment charge and revise the accounting for the direct financing lease to reflect a portion of the future cash flow from the lessee as a return of principal rather than as revenue. While we evaluate direct financing leases if there are any indicators that the residual value may be impaired, the evaluation of a direct financing lease can be affected by changes in long-term market conditions even though the obligations of the lessee are being met.
Assets Held for Sale
We classify real estate assets that are accounted for as operating leases as held for sale when we have entered into a contract to sell the property, all material due diligence requirements have been satisfied and we believe it is probable that the disposition will occur within one year. When we classify an asset as held for sale, we calculate its estimated fair value as the expected sale price, less expected selling costs. We base the expected sale price on the contract and the expected selling costs on information provided by brokers and legal counsel. We then compare the asset’s estimated fair value to its carrying value, and if the estimated fair value is less than the property’s carrying value, we reduce the carrying value to the estimated fair value. We will continue to review the initial impairment for subsequent changes in the estimated fair value, and may recognize an additional impairment charge if warranted.
If circumstances arise that we previously considered unlikely and, as a result, we decide not to sell a property previously classified as held for sale, we reclassify the property as held and used. We measure and record a property that is reclassified as held and used at the lower of (a) its carrying amount before the property was classified as held for sale, adjusted for any depreciation expense that would have been recognized had the property been continuously classified as held and used, or (b) the estimated fair value at the date of the subsequent decision not to sell.
Equity Investments in Real Estate and CPA® REITs
We evaluate our equity investments in real estate and in the CPA® REITs on a periodic basis to determine if there are any indicators that the value of our equity investment may be impaired and to establish whether or not that impairment is other-than-temporary. To the extent impairment has occurred, we measure the charge as the excess of the carrying value of our investment over its estimated fair value, which is determined by multiplying the estimated fair value of the underlying venture’s net assets by our ownership interest percentage. For our unconsolidated ventures in real estate, we calculate the estimated fair value of the underlying venture’s real estate or net investment in direct financing lease as described in Real Estate and Direct Financing Leases above. The fair value of the underlying venture’s debt, if any, is calculated based on market interest rates and other market information. The fair value of the underlying venture’s other financial assets and liabilities (excluding net investment in direct financing leases) have fair values that approximate their carrying values. For our investments in the CPA® REITs, we calculate the estimated fair value of our investment using the most recently published NAV of each CPA® REIT.
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Marketable Securities
We evaluate our marketable securities for impairment if a decline in estimated fair value below cost basis is considered other-than-temporary. In determining whether the decline is other-than-temporary, we consider the underlying cause of the decline in value, the estimated recovery period, the severity and duration of the decline, as well as whether we plan to sell the security or will more likely than not be required to sell the security before recovery of its cost basis. If we determine that the decline is other-than-temporary, we record an impairment charge to reduce our cost basis to the estimated fair value of the security. Beginning in 2009, the credit component of an other-than-temporary impairment is recognized in earnings while the non-credit component is recognized in Other comprehensive income (“OCI”). Prior to 2009, all portions of other-than-temporary impairments were recorded in earnings.
Goodwill
We evaluate goodwill recorded by our investment management segment for possible impairment at least annually using a two-step process. To identify any impairment, we first compare the estimated fair value of our investment management segment with its carrying amount, including goodwill. We calculate the estimated fair value of the investment management segment by applying a multiple, based on comparable companies, to earnings. If the fair value of the investment management segment exceeds its carrying amount, we do not consider goodwill to be impaired and no further analysis is required. If the carrying amount of the investment management segment exceeds its estimated fair value, we then perform the second step to measure the amount of the impairment charge.
For the second step, we determine the impairment charge by comparing the implied fair value of the goodwill with its carrying amount and record an impairment charge equal to the excess of the carrying amount over the implied fair value. We determine the implied fair value of the goodwill by allocating the estimated fair value of the investment management segment to its assets and liabilities. The excess of the estimated fair value of the investment management segment over the amounts assigned to its assets and liabilities is the implied fair value of the goodwill.
Provision for Uncollected Amounts from Lessees
On an ongoing basis, we assess our ability to collect rent and other tenant-based receivables and determine an appropriate allowance for uncollected amounts. Because we have a limited number of lessees (18 lessees represented 68% of lease revenues during 2010), we believe that it is necessary to evaluate the collectability of these receivables based on the facts and circumstances of each situation rather than solely using statistical methods. Therefore, in recognizing our provision for uncollected rents and other tenant receivables, we evaluate actual past due amounts and make subjective judgments as to the collectability of those amounts based on factors including, but not limited to, our knowledge of a lessee’s circumstances, the age of the receivables, the tenant’s credit profile and prior experience with the tenant. Even if a lessee has been making payments, we may reserve for the entire receivable amount from the lessee if we believe there has been significant or continuing deterioration in the lessee’s ability to meet its lease obligations.
Determination of Certain Asset-Based Management and Performance Revenue
We earn asset-based management and performance revenue for providing property management, leasing, advisory and other services to the CPA® REITs. For certain CPA® REITs, this revenue is based on third-party annual estimated valuations of the underlying real estate assets of the CPA® REIT. The valuation uses estimates, including but not limited to market rents, residual values and increases in the CPI and discount rates. Differences in the assumptions applied would affect the amount of revenue that we recognize. The effect of any changes in the annual valuations will affect both revenue and compensation expense and therefore the determination of net income.
Income Taxes
Real Estate Ownership Operations
We have elected to be treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes. As partnerships, we and our partnership subsidiaries were generally not directly subject to tax and the taxable income or loss of these operations was included in the income tax returns of the members; accordingly, no provision for income tax expense or benefit related to these partnerships was reflected in the consolidated financial statements. Subsequent to September 30, 2007, our real estate operations have been conducted through a subsidiary REIT. In order to maintain its qualification as a REIT, the subsidiary is required to, among other things, distribute at least 90% of its REIT net taxable income to its shareholders (excluding net capital gains) and meet certain tests regarding the nature of its income and assets. As a REIT, the subsidiary is not subject to U.S. federal income tax with respect to the portion of its income that meets certain criteria and is distributed annually to its shareholders. Accordingly, no provision has been made for U.S. federal income taxes related to the REIT subsidiary in the consolidated financial statements. We believe we have operated, and we intend to continue to operate, in a manner that allows the subsidiary to continue to meet the requirements for taxation as a REIT. Many of these requirements, however, are highly technical and complex. If we were to fail to meet these requirements, the subsidiary would be subject to U.S. federal income tax. These operations are subject to certain state, local and foreign taxes and a provision for such taxes is included in the consolidated financial statements.
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Investment Management Operations
We conduct our investment management operations primarily through taxable subsidiaries. These operations are subject to federal, state, local and foreign taxes, as applicable. Our financial statements are prepared on a consolidated basis including these taxable subsidiaries and include a provision for current and deferred taxes on these operations.
Our consolidated effective income tax rate is influenced by tax planning opportunities available to us in the various jurisdictions in which we operate. Significant judgment is required in determining our effective tax rate and in evaluating our tax positions. We establish tax reserves in accordance with current authoritative accounting guidance for uncertainty in income taxes. This guidance is based on a benefit recognition model, which we believe could result in a greater amount of benefit (and a lower amount of reserve) being initially recognized in certain circumstances. Provided that the tax position is deemed more likely than not of being sustained, the guidance permits a company to recognize the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being ultimately realized upon settlement. The tax position must be derecognized when it is no longer more likely than not of being sustained.
Future Accounting Requirements
In December 2010, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2010-28, which clarifies when step two of the goodwill impairment test must be performed for entities whose reporting units have a negative carrying value. This ASU will be applicable to us for our annual goodwill impairment evaluation beginning with the year ending December 31, 2011. We do not anticipate that it will have a material impact on our financial position or results of operations.
Subsequent Event
In January 2011, we made a $90.0 million loan to CPA®:17 — Global to fund acquisitions that were closed within the first two weeks of the year. The principal and accrued interest thereon at 1.15% per annum are due to us no later than March 11, 2011. We funded the loan with proceeds from our line of credit.
Item 7A.   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.
Market Risks
Market risk is the exposure to loss resulting from changes in interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates and equity prices. The primary risks to which we are exposed are interest rate risk and foreign currency exchange risk. We are also exposed to market risk as a result of concentrations in certain tenant industries.
We do not generally use derivative financial instruments to manage foreign currency exchange rate risk exposure and do not use derivative instruments to hedge credit/market risks or for speculative purposes.
Interest Rate Risk
The value of our real estate and related fixed rate debt obligations is subject to fluctuations based on changes in interest rates. The value of our real estate is also subject to fluctuations based on local and regional economic conditions and changes in the creditworthiness of lessees, all of which may affect our ability to refinance property-level mortgage debt when balloon payments are scheduled. Interest rates are highly sensitive to many factors, including governmental monetary and tax policies, domestic and international economic and political conditions, and other factors beyond our control. An increase in interest rates would likely cause the value of our owned and managed assets to decrease, which would create lower revenues from managed assets and lower investment performance for the managed funds. Increases in interest rates may also have an impact on the credit profile of certain tenants.
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We are exposed to the impact of interest rate changes primarily through our borrowing activities. To limit this exposure, we attempt to obtain mortgage financing on a long-term, fixed rate basis. However, from time to time, we or our venture partners may obtain variable rate non-recourse mortgage loans and, as such, may enter into interest rate swap agreements or interest rate cap agreements with lenders that effectively convert the variable rate debt service obligations of the loan to a fixed rate. Interest rate swaps are agreements in which one party exchanges a stream of interest payments for a counterparty’s stream of cash flow over a specific period, and interest rate caps limit the effective borrowing rate of variable rate debt obligations while allowing participants to share in downward shifts in interest rates. These interest rate swaps and caps are derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges on the forecasted interest payments on the debt obligation. The notional, or face, amount on which the swaps or caps are based is not exchanged. Our objective in using these derivatives is to limit our exposure to interest rate movements. At December 31, 2010, we estimate that the fair value of our interest rate swaps and interest rate caps, which are included in Other assets, net and Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities in the consolidated financial statements, was a net liability of $0.7 million (Note 12).
At December 31, 2010, a significant portion (approximately 63%) of our long-term debt either bore interest at fixed rates, was swapped or capped to a fixed rate, or bore interest at fixed rates that were scheduled to convert to then-prevailing market fixed rates at certain future points during their term. The estimated fair value of these instruments is affected by changes in market interest rates. The annual interest rates on our fixed rate debt at December 31, 2010 ranged from 3.1% to 7.8%. The annual interest rates on our variable rate debt at December 31, 2010 ranged from 1.2% to 7.3%. Our debt obligations are more fully described in Financial Condition above. The following table presents principal cash flows based upon expected maturity dates of our debt obligations at December 31, 2010 (in thousands):
                                                                 
    2011     2012     2013     2014     2015     Thereafter     Total     Fair value  
Fixed rate debt
  $ 26,986     $ 32,556     $ 3,466     $ 3,280     $ 39,155     $ 42,429     $ 147,872     $ 148,106  
Variable rate debt
  $ 149,452     $ 2,778     $ 2,942     $ 3,134     $ 7,294     $ 83,510     $ 249,110     $ 247,954  
The estimated fair value of our fixed rate debt and our variable rate debt that currently bears interest at fixed rates or has effectively been converted to a fixed rate through the use of interest rate swaps or caps is affected by changes in interest rates. A decrease or increase in interest rates of 1% would change the estimated fair value of such debt at December 31, 2010 by an aggregate increase of $13.6 million or an aggregate decrease of $12.8 million, respectively. Annual interest expense on our unhedged variable-rate debt that does not bear interest at fixed rates at December 31, 2010 would increase or decrease by $1.5 million for each respective 1% change in annual interest rates. As more fully described in Financial Condition — Summary of Financing in Item 7 above, a portion of the debt classified as variable-rate debt in the tables above bore interest at fixed rates at December 31, 2010 but has interest rate reset features that will change the fixed interest rates to then-prevailing market fixed rates at certain points during their term. Such debt is generally not subject to short-term fluctuations in interest rates.
Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk
We own investments in the European Union and as a result are subject to risk from the effects of exchange rate movements, primarily in the Euro, which may affect future costs and cash flows. We manage foreign currency exchange rate movements by generally placing both our debt obligations to the lender and the tenant’s rental obligations to us in the same currency. We are generally a net receiver of the foreign currency (we receive more cash than we pay out), and therefore our foreign operations benefit from a weaker U.S. dollar, and are adversely affected by a stronger U.S. dollar, relative to the Euro. For the year ended December 31, 2010, we recognized net realized and unrealized foreign currency transaction losses of $0.1 million and $0.3 million, respectively. These losses are included in Other income and (expenses) in the consolidated financial statements and were primarily due to changes in the value of the Euro on accrued interest on notes receivable from wholly-owned subsidiaries.
Through the date of this Report, we had not entered into any foreign currency forward exchange contracts to hedge the effects of adverse fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. We have obtained non-recourse mortgage financing in the local currency. To the extent that currency fluctuations increase or decrease rental revenues as translated to dollars, the change in debt service, as translated to dollars, will partially offset the effect of fluctuations in revenue and, to some extent, mitigate the risk from changes in foreign currency rates.
Scheduled future minimum rents, exclusive of renewals, under non-cancelable operating leases and scheduled payments for mortgage notes payable (principal and interest) for our foreign real estate operations during each of the next five years and thereafter are as follows (in thousands):
                                                         
    2011     2012     2013     2014     2015     Thereafter     Total  
Future minimum rents (a)
  $ 6,621     $ 6,380     $ 3,603     $ 3,377     $ 3,377     $ 44,525     $ 67,883  
Mortgage notes payable (a) (b)
  $ 3,483     $ 3,408     $ 3,413     $ 3,438     $ 6,356     $ 18,327     $ 38,425  
 
     
(a)   Based on the exchange rate of the Euro at December 31, 2010.
 
(b)   Interest on unhedged variable debt obligations was calculated using the applicable annual interest rates and balances outstanding at December 31, 2010.
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Item 8.   Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
The following financial statements and schedule are filed as a part of this Report:
         
    48  
 
       
    49  
 
       
    50  
 
       
    51  
 
       
    52  
 
       
    53  
 
       
    55  
 
       
    92  
 
       
    96  
Financial statement schedules other than those listed above are omitted because the required information is given in the financial statements, including the notes thereto, or because the conditions requiring their filing do not exist.
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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of W. P. Carey & Co. LLC:
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements listed in the accompanying index present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of W. P. Carey & Co. LLC and its subsidiaries at December 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2010 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. In addition, in our opinion, the financial statement schedule listed in the accompanying index presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein when read in conjunction with the related consolidated financial statements. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2010, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). The Company’s management is responsible for these financial statements and financial statement schedule, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included under Item 9A. Our responsibility is to express opinions on these financial statements, on the financial statement schedule, and on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our integrated audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audits of the financial statements included examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
New York, New York
February 25, 2011
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W. P. CAREY & CO. LLC
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands, except share amounts)
                 
    December 31,  
    2010     2009  
Assets
               
Investments in real estate:
               
Real estate, at cost (inclusive of amounts attributable to consolidated variable interest entities (“VIEs”) of $39,718 and $52,625, respectively)
  $ 560,592     $ 525,607  
Operating real estate, at cost (inclusive of amounts attributable to consolidated VIEs of $25,665 and $25,665, respectively)
    109,851       85,927  
Accumulated depreciation (inclusive of amounts attributable to consolidated VIEs of $20,431 and $25,650, respectively)
    (122,312 )     (112,286 )
 
           
Net investments in properties
    548,131       499,248  
Net investments in direct financing leases
    76,550       80,222  
Equity investments in real estate and CPA® REITs
    322,294       304,990  
 
           
Net investments in real estate
    946,975       884,460  
Cash and cash equivalents (inclusive of amounts attributable to consolidated VIEs of $86 and $108, respectively)
    64,693       18,450  
Due from affiliates
    38,793       35,998  
Intangible assets and goodwill, net
    87,768       85,187  
Other assets, net (inclusive of amounts attributable to consolidated VIEs of $1,845 and $1,504, respectively)
    34,097       69,241  
 
           
Total assets
  $ 1,172,326     $ 1,093,336  
 
           
 
               
Liabilities and Equity
               
Liabilities:
               
Non-recourse debt (inclusive of amounts attributable to consolidated VIEs of $9,593 and $9,850, respectively)
  $ 255,232     $ 215,330  
Line of credit
    141,750       111,000  
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities (inclusive of amounts attributable to consolidated VIEs of $2,275 and $2,286, respectively)
    40,808       51,710  
Income taxes, net
    41,443       43,831  
Distributions payable
    20,073       31,365  
 
           
Total liabilities
    499,306       453,236  
 
           
Redeemable noncontrolling interest
    7,546       7,692  
 
           
Commitments and contingencies (Note 8)
               
Equity:
               
W. P. Carey members’ equity:
               
Listed shares, no par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized; 39,454,847 and 39,204,605 shares issued and outstanding, respectively
    763,734       754,507  
Distributions in excess of accumulated earnings
    (145,769 )     (138,442 )
Deferred compensation obligation
    10,511       10,249  
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
    (3,463 )     (681 )
 
           
Total W. P. Carey members’ equity
    625,013       625,633  
Noncontrolling interests
    40,461       6,775  
 
           
Total equity
    665,474       632,408  
 
           
Total liabilities and equity
  $ 1,172,326     $ 1,093,336  
 
           
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
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W. P. CAREY & CO. LLC
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
                         
    Years ended December 31,  
    2010     2009     2008  
Revenues
                       
Asset management revenue
  $ 76,246     $ 76,621     $ 80,714  
Structuring revenue
    44,525       23,273       20,236  
Wholesaling revenue
    11,096       7,691       5,208  
Reimbursed costs from affiliates
    60,023       47,534       41,100  
Lease revenues
    63,450       62,324       66,784  
Other real estate income
    18,570       14,907       20,658  
 
                 
 
    273,910       232,350       234,700  
 
                 
Operating Expenses
                       
General and administrative
    (73,429 )     (63,819 )     (62,669 )
Reimbursable costs
    (60,023 )     (47,534 )     (41,100 )
Depreciation and amortization
    (23,969 )     (22,438 )     (23,082 )
Property expenses
    (10,888 )     (7,113 )     (6,496 )
Other real estate expenses
    (8,121 )     (7,308 )     (8,196 )
Impairment charges
    (9,512 )     (3,516 )     (473 )
 
                 
 
    (185,942 )     (151,728 )     (142,016 )
 
                 
Other Income and Expenses
                       
Other interest income
    1,268       1,713       2,883  
Income from equity investments in real estate and CPA® REITs
    30,992       13,425       14,198  
Gain on sale of investment in direct financing lease
                1,103  
Other income and (expenses)
    1,407       7,357       1,444  
Interest expense
    (16,234 )     (14,979 )     (18,598 )
 
                 
 
    17,433       7,516       1,030  
 
                 
Income from continuing operations before income taxes
    105,401       88,138       93,714  
Provision for income taxes
    (25,822 )     (22,793 )     (23,521 )
 
                 
Income from continuing operations
    79,579       65,345       70,193  
 
                 
Discontinued Operations
                       
Income from operations of discontinued properties
    781       4,430       8,950  
Gains on sale of real estate, net
    460       7,701        
Impairment charges
    (5,869 )     (6,908 )     (538 )
 
                 
(Loss) income from discontinued operations
    (4,628 )     5,223       8,412  
 
                 
Net Income
    74,951       70,568       78,605  
Add: Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests
    314       713       950  
Less: Net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests
    (1,293 )     (2,258 )     (1,508 )
 
                 
Net Income Attributable to W. P. Carey Members
  $ 73,972     $ 69,023     $ 78,047  
 
                 
Basic Earnings Per Share
                       
Income from continuing operations attributable to W. P. Carey members
  $ 1.98     $ 1.61     $ 1.77  
(Loss) income from discontinued operations attributable to W. P. Carey members
    (0.12 )     0.13       0.21  
 
                 
Net income attributable to W. P. Carey members
  $ 1.86     $ 1.74     $ 1.98  
 
                 
Diluted Earnings Per Share
                       
Income from continuing operations attributable to W. P. Carey members
  $ 1.98     $ 1.61     $ 1.74  
(Loss) income from discontinued operations attributable to W. P. Carey members
    (0.12 )     0.13       0.21  
 
                 
Net income attributable to W. P. Carey members
  $ 1.86     $ 1.74     $ 1.95  
 
                 
Weighted Average Shares Outstanding
                       
Basic
    39,514,746       39,019,709       39,202,520  
 
                 
Diluted
    40,007,894       39,712,735       40,221,112  
 
                 
Amounts Attributable to W. P. Carey Members
                       
Income from continuing operations, net of tax
  $ 78,600     $ 63,800     $ 69,635  
(Loss) income from discontinued operations, net of tax
    (4,628 )     5,223       8,412  
 
                 
Net income
  $ 73,972     $ 69,023     $ 78,047  
 
                 
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
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W. P. CAREY & CO. LLC
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(in thousands)
                         
    Years ended December 31,  
    2010     2009     2008  
Net Income
  $ 74,951     $ 70,568     $ 78,605  
Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income:
                       
Foreign currency translation adjustment
    (1,227 )     619       (3,199 )
Unrealized loss on derivative instruments
    (757 )     (482 )     (419 )
Change in unrealized appreciation on marketable securities
    6       53       (29 )
 
                 
 
    (1,978 )     190       (3,647 )
 
                 
Comprehensive Income
    72,973       70,758       74,958  
 
                 
 
                       
Amounts Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests:
                       
Net loss
    314       713       950  
Foreign currency translation adjustment
    (816 )     (31 )     81  
 
                 
Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests
    (502 )     682       1,031  
 
                 
 
                       
Amounts Attributable to Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests:
                       
Net income
    (1,293 )     (2,258 )     (1,508 )
Foreign currency translation adjustment
    12       (12 )      
 
                 
Comprehensive income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests
    (1,281 )     (2,270 )     (1,508 )
 
                 
 
                       
Comprehensive Income Attributable to W. P. Carey Members
  $ 71,190     $ 69,170     $ 74,481  
 
                 
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
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W. P. CAREY & CO. LLC
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY
For the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
                                                                 
    W. P. Carey Members                    
                    Distributions             Accumulated                    
                    in Excess of     Deferred     Other     Total              
            Listed     Accumulated     Compensation     Comprehensive     W. P. Carey     Noncontrolling        
    Shares     Shares     Earnings     Obligation     Income (Loss)     Members     Interests     Total  
Balance at January 1, 2008
    39,216,493     $ 740,873     $ (117,051 )   $     $ 2,738     $ 626,560     $ 6,150     $ 632,710  
Cash proceeds on issuance of shares, net
    961,648       23,133                               23,133               23,133  
Shares issued in connection with services rendered
    7,128       217                               217               217  
Shares issued under share incentive plans
    50,400                                                      
Contributions
                                                  2,582       2,582  
Forfeitures of shares
    (12,565 )     (8 )                             (8 )             (8 )
Distributions declared ($1.96 per share)
                    (77,986 )                     (77,986 )             (77,986 )
Distributions to noncontrolling interest
                                                  (1,469 )     (1,469 )
Windfall tax benefits — share incentive plans
            2,156                               2,156               2,156  
Stock-based compensation expense
            7,285                               7,285               7,285  
Repurchase and retirement of shares
    (633,510 )     (15,413 )                             (15,413 )             (15,413 )
Redemption value adjustment
            (322 )                             (322 )             (322 )
Net income
                    78,047                       78,047       (950 )     77,097  
Change in other comprehensive loss
                                    (3,566 )     (3,566 )     (81 )     (3,647 )
 
                                               
Balance at December 31, 2008
    39,589,594       757,921       (116,990 )           (828 )     640,103       6,232       646,335  
 
                                               
Cash proceeds on issuance of shares, net
    84,283       1,507                               1,507               1,507  
Grants issued in connection with services rendered
                            787               787               787  
Shares issued under share incentive plans
    222,600                       9,462               9,462               9,462  
Contributions
            102                               102       2,845       2,947  
Forfeitures of shares
    (2,528 )     (77 )                             (77 )             (77 )
Distributions declared ($2.00 per share) (a)
                    (90,475 )                     (90,475 )             (90,475 )
Distributions to noncontrolling interest
                                                  (1,661 )     (1,661 )
Windfall tax benefits — share incentive plans
            143                               143               143  
Stock-based compensation expense
            8,626                               8,626               8,626  
Repurchase and retirement of shares
    (689,344 )     (11,759 )                             (11,759 )             (11,759 )
Redemption value adjustment
            (6,773 )                             (6,773 )             (6,773 )
Tax impact of purchase of WPCI interest
            4,817                               4,817               4,817  
Net income
                    69,023                       69,023       (713 )     68,310  
Change in other comprehensive income
                                    147       147       72       219  
 
                                               
Balance at December 31, 2009
    39,204,605       754,507       (138,442 )     10,249       (681 )     625,633       6,775       632,408  
 
                                               
Cash proceeds on issuance of shares, net
    196,802       3,724                               3,724               3,724  
Grants issued in connection with services rendered
                          450               450               450  
Shares issued under share incentive plans
    368,012                                                    
Contributions
                                                  14,261       14,261  
Forfeitures of shares
    (47,214 )     (1,517 )                             (1,517 )             (1,517 )
Distributions declared ($2.03 per share)
                    (81,299 )                     (81,299 )             (81,299 )
Distributions to noncontrolling interest
                                                  (3,305 )     (3,305 )
Windfall tax benefits — share incentive plans
            2,354                               2,354               2,354  
Stock-based compensation expense
            8,149               (188 )             7,961               7,961  
Repurchase and retirement of shares
    (267,358 )     (2,317 )                             (2,317 )             (2,317 )
Redemption value adjustment
            471                               471               471  
Tax impact of purchase of WPCI interest
            (1,637 )                             (1,637 )             (1,637 )
Reclassification of the Investor’s interest in Carey Storage (Note 4)
                                                  22,402       22,402  
Net income
                    73,972                       73,972       (314 )     73,658  
Change in other comprehensive income
                                    (2,782 )     (2,782 )     642       (2,140 )
 
                                               
Balance at December 31, 2010
    39,454,847     $ 763,734     $ (145,769 )   $ 10,511     $ (3,463 )   $ 625,013     $ 40,461     $ 665,474  
 
                                               
 
     
(a)   Distributions declared per share excludes special distribution of $0.30 per share declared in December 2009 (Note 14).
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
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W. P. CAREY & CO. LLC
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands)
                         
    Years ended December 31,  
    2010     2009     2008  
Cash Flows — Operating Activities
                       
Net income
  $ 74,951     $ 70,568     $ 78,605  
Adjustments to net income:
                       
Depreciation and amortization including intangible assets and deferred financing costs
    24,443       24,476       27,197  
(Income) loss from equity investments in real estate and CPA® REITs in excess of distributions received
    (4,920 )     (2,258 )     1,866  
Straight-line rent and financing lease adjustments
    286       2,223       2,227  
Gain on sale of real estate and investment in direct financing lease
    (460 )     (7,701 )     (1,103 )
Gain on extinguishment of debt
          (6,991 )      
Gain on lease termination (a)
                (4,998 )
Allocation of (loss) earnings to profit-sharing interest
    (781 )     3,900        
Management income received in shares of affiliates
    (35,235 )     (31,721 )     (40,717 )
Unrealized loss (gain) on foreign currency transactions and others
    300       (174 )     2,656  
Realized gain on foreign currency transactions and others
    (731 )     (257 )     (2,250 )
Impairment charges
    15,381       10,424       1,011  
Stock-based compensation expense
    7,082       9,336       7,278  
Deferred acquisition revenue received
    21,204       25,068       48,266  
Increase in structuring revenue receivable
    (20,237 )     (11,672 )     (10,512 )
Decrease in income taxes, net
    (1,288 )     (9,276 )     (8,079 )
Decrease in settlement provision
                (29,979 )
Net changes in other operating assets and liabilities
    6,422       (1,401 )     (8,221 )
 
                 
Net cash provided by operating activities
    86,417       74,544       63,247  
 
                 
 
   
Cash Flows — Investing Activities
                       
Distributions received from equity investments in real estate and CPA® REITs in excess of equity income
    18,758       39,102       19,852  
Capital contributions to equity investments
          (2,872 )     (1,769 )
Purchases of real estate and equity investments in real estate
    (96,884 )     (39,632 )     (201 )
VAT paid in connection with acquisition of real estate
    (4,222 )            
VAT refunded in connection with acquisition of real estate
                3,189  
Capital expenditures
    (5,135 )     (7,775 )     (14,051 )
Proceeds from sale of real estate, net investment in direct financing lease and securities
    14,591       43,487       5,062  
Funds placed in escrow in connection with the sale of property
    (1,571 )     (36,132 )      
Funds released from escrow in connection with the sale of property
    36,620             636  
Proceeds from transfer of profit-sharing interest
          21,928        
Payment of deferred acquisition revenue to affiliate
                (120 )
 
                 
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities
    (37,843 )     18,106       12,598  
 
                 
 
   
Cash Flows — Financing Activities
                       
Distributions paid
    (92,591 )     (78,618 )     (87,700 )
Contributions from noncontrolling interests
    14,261       2,947       2,582  
Distributions to noncontrolling interests
    (4,360 )     (5,505 )     (5,607 )
Contributions from profit-sharing interest
    3,694              
Distributions to profit-sharing interest
    (693 )     (5,645 )      
Purchase of noncontrolling interest
          (15,380 )      
Scheduled payments of non-recourse debt
    (14,324 )     (9,534 )     (9,678 )
Prepayments of non-recourse debt
          (13,974 )      
Proceeds from non-recourse debt financing
    56,841       42,495       10,137  
Proceeds from line of credit
    83,250       150,500       129,300  
Prepayments of line of credit
    (52,500 )     (148,518 )     (111,572 )
Proceeds from loans from affiliates
          1,625        
Repayments of loans from affiliates
          (1,770 )     (7,569 )
Payment of financing costs
    (1,204 )     (862 )     (375 )
Funds placed in escrow in connection with financing
                (400 )
Proceeds from issuance of shares (b)
    3,724       1,507       23,350  
Windfall tax benefits associated with stock-based compensation awards
    2,354       143       2,156  
Repurchase and retirement of shares
          (10,686 )     (15,413 )
 
                 
Net cash used in financing activities
    (1,548 )     (91,275 )     (70,789 )
 
                 
 
                       
Change in Cash and Cash Equivalents During the Year
                       
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
    (783 )     276       (394 )
 
                 
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
    46,243       1,651       4,662  
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year
    18,450       16,799       12,137  
 
                 
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year
  $ 64,693     $ 18,450     $ 16,799  
 
                 
(Continued)
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W. P. CAREY & CO. LLC
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS , CONTINUED
Non-cash activities
(a)   In October 2008, we terminated the lease on a domestic property in exchange for a gross termination fee of $7.5 million. The termination fee consisted of tenant’s assumption of the existing $6.0 million debt balance by substituting one of their owned assets as collateral and a $1.5 million cash payment. In connection with the lease termination, we wrote off $0.8 million of straight line rent adjustments and $0.2 million of unamortized leasing commission.
(b)   We issued restricted shares valued at $0.5 million in 2010, $0.8 million in 2009 and $0.2 million in 2008, to certain directors in consideration of service rendered. Stock-based awards (net of adjustment — Note 15) valued at $10.2 million, $6.7 million and $9.6 million in 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively, were issued to officers and employees and were recorded to Listed shares, of which $1.5 million, $0.1 million and less than $0.1 million, respectively, was forfeited in 2010, 2009 and 2008.
Supplemental cash flows information (in thousands)
                         
    Years ended December 31,  
    2010     2009     2008  
Interest paid, net of amounts capitalized
  $ 15,351     $ 14,845     $ 18,753  
 
                 
Income taxes paid
  $ 24,307     $ 35,039     $ 33,280  
 
                 
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 1. Business
W. P. Carey, its consolidated subsidiaries and predecessors provides long-term financing via sale-leaseback and build-to-suit transactions for companies worldwide and manages a global investment portfolio. We invest primarily in commercial properties domestically and internationally that are each triple-net leased to single corporate tenants, which requires each tenant to pay substantially all of the costs associated with operating and maintaining the property. We also earn revenue as the advisor to publicly owned, non-listed CPA® REITs that invest in similar properties. We are currently the advisor to the following CPA® REITs: CPA®:14, CPA®:15, CPA®:16 — Global and CPA®:17 — Global. At December 31, 2010, we owned and managed 955 properties domestically and internationally. Our owned portfolio was comprised of our full or partial ownership interest in 164 properties, substantially all of which were net leased to 75 tenants, and totaled approximately 14 million square feet (on a pro rata basis) with an occupancy rate of approximately 89%.
Primary Business Segments
Investment Management — We structure and negotiate investments and debt placement transactions for the CPA® REITs, for which we earn structuring revenue, and manage their portfolios of real estate investments, for which we earn asset-based management and performance revenue. We earn asset-based management and performance revenue from the CPA® REITs based on the value of their real estate-related assets under management. As funds available to the CPA® REITs are invested, the asset base from which we earn revenue increases. In addition, we also receive a percentage of distributions of available cash from CPA®:17 — Global’s operating partnership. We may also earn incentive and disposition revenue and receive other compensation in connection with providing liquidity alternatives to CPA® REIT shareholders.
Real Estate Ownership — We own and invest in commercial properties in the U.S. and the European Union that are then leased to companies, primarily on a triple-net leased basis. We may also invest in other properties if opportunities arise.
Organization
We commenced operations on January 1, 1998 by combining the limited partnership interests of nine CPA® partnerships, at which time we listed on the New York Stock Exchange. On June 28, 2000, we acquired the net lease real estate management operations of Carey Management LLC (“Carey Management”) from Wm. Polk Carey, our Chairman and then Chief Executive Officer, subsequent to receiving the approval of the transaction by our shareholders. The assets acquired included the advisory agreements with four affiliated CPA® REITs, our management agreement, the stock of an affiliated broker-dealer, investments in the common stock of the CPA® REITs, and certain office furniture, fixtures, equipment and employees required to carry on the business operations of Carey Management.
Note 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Basis of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements reflect all of our accounts, including those of our majority-owned and/or controlled subsidiaries. The portion of equity in a subsidiary that is not attributable, directly or indirectly, to us is presented as noncontrolling interests. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. We hold investments in tenant-in-common interests, which we account for as equity investments in real estate under current authoritative accounting guidance.
We formed Carey Watermark in March 2008 for the purpose of acquiring interests in lodging and lodging-related properties. In April 2010, we filed a registration statement with the SEC to sell up to $1.0 billion of common stock of Carey Watermark in an initial public offering plus up to an additional $237.5 million of its common stock under a dividend reinvestment plan. This registration statement was declared effective by the SEC in September 2010. As of and during the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, the financial statements of Carey Watermark, which had no significant assets, liabilities or operations during either period, were included in our consolidated financial statements, as we owned all of Carey Watermark’s outstanding common stock.
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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
In June 2009, the FASB issued amended guidance related to the consolidation of VIEs. The amended guidance affects the overall consolidation analysis, changing the approach taken by companies in identifying which entities are VIEs and in determining which party is the primary beneficiary, and requires an enterprise to qualitatively assess the determination of the primary beneficiary of a VIE based on whether the entity (i) has the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of the VIE, and (ii) has the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits of the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE. The amended guidance changes the consideration of kick-out rights in determining if an entity is a VIE, which may cause certain additional entities to now be considered VIEs. Additionally, the guidance requires an ongoing reconsideration of the primary beneficiary and provides a framework for the events that trigger a reassessment of whether an entity is a VIE. We adopted this amended guidance on January 1, 2010, which did not require consolidation of any additional VIEs, but we have disclosed the assets and liabilities related to previously consolidated VIEs, of which we are the primary beneficiary and which we consolidate, separately in our consolidated balance sheets for all periods presented. The adoption of this amended guidance did not have a material impact on our financial position and results of operations.
Additionally, in February 2010, the FASB issued further guidance, which provided a limited-scope deferral for an interest in an entity that meets all of the following conditions: (a) the entity has all the attributes of an investment company as defined under the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants’ (“AICPA”) Audit and Accounting Guide, Investment Companies, or does not have all the attributes of an investment company but is an entity for which it is acceptable based on industry practice to apply measurement principles that are consistent with the AICPA Audit and Accounting Guide, Investment Companies, (b) the reporting entity does not have explicit or implicit obligations to fund any losses of the entity that could potentially be significant to the entity, and (c) the entity is not a securitization entity, asset-based financing entity or an entity that was formerly considered a qualifying special-purpose entity. We evaluated our involvement with the CPA® REITs and concluded that all three of the above conditions were met for the limited scope deferral. Accordingly, we continued to perform our consolidation analysis for the CPA® REITs in accordance with previously issued guidance on VIEs.
In connection with the adoption of the amended guidance on the consolidation of VIEs, we performed an analysis of all of our subsidiary entities, including our venture entities with other parties, to determine whether they qualify as VIEs and whether they should be consolidated or accounted for as equity investments in an unconsolidated venture. As a result of our quantitative and qualitative assessment to determine whether these entities are VIEs, we identified four entities that were deemed to be VIEs. Three of these entities were deemed VIEs as the third-party tenant that leases property from each entity has the right to repurchase the property during the term of their lease at a fixed price. The fourth entity was deemed a VIE as a third party was deemed to have the right to receive the expected residual returns of the entity. The nature of operations and organizational structure of these four VIEs are consistent with our other entities (Note 1) except for the repurchase and residual returns rights of these entities.
After making the determination that these entities were VIEs, we performed an assessment as to which party would be considered the primary beneficiary of each entity and would be required to consolidate each entity’s balance sheet and results of operations. This assessment was based upon which party (i) had the power to direct activities that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance and (ii) had the obligation to absorb the expected losses of or right to receive benefits from the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE. Based on our assessment, it was determined that we would continue to consolidate the four VIEs. Activities that we considered significant in our assessment included which entity had control over financing decisions, leasing decisions and ability to sell the entity’s assets. In September 2010, one of these entities amended its lease with the third-party tenant to remove the tenant’s right to repurchase the property at a fixed price during the term of the lease. As a result of the lease amendment, this entity is no longer considered a VIE. We will continue to consolidate this entity.
Because we generally utilize non-recourse debt, our maximum exposure to any VIE is limited to the equity we have invested in each VIE. We have not provided financial or other support to any VIE, and there were no guarantees or other commitments from third parties that would affect the value of or risk related to our interest in these entities.
Out-of-Period Adjustment
During the third quarter of 2009, we recorded an adjustment to record an entity on the equity method that had been incorrectly accounted for under a proportionate consolidation method since its acquisition in 1989. This adjustment was recorded as a reduction to Real estate and Non-recourse debt of approximately $23.3 million and $15.0 million, respectively, and an increase to Equity investment in real estate and CPA® REITs of $7.8 million on our consolidated balance sheet at September 30, 2009, and an adjustment to classify approximately $1.2 million of net earnings to income from equity investments in real estate and CPA® REITs for the nine months ended September 30, 2009, respectively, which did not result in any change to previously reported net income attributable to W. P. Carey members. We have concluded that the effect of this adjustment was not material to any of our previously issued financial statements, nor was it material to the quarter or fiscal year in which it was recorded. As such, this adjustment was recorded in our consolidated balance sheets and statements of income at September 30, 2009 and for the nine months ended September 30, 2009. Prior period financial statements have not been revised in the current filing, nor will such amounts be revised in subsequent filings.
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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts and the disclosure of contingent amounts in our consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Reclassifications and Revisions
Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified from continuing operations to discontinued operations and to conform to the current year presentation.
Purchase Price Allocation
When we acquire properties accounted for as operating leases, we allocate the purchase costs to the tangible and intangible assets and liabilities acquired based on their estimated fair values. We determine the value of the tangible assets, consisting of land and buildings, as if vacant, and record intangible assets, including the above-market and below-market value of leases, the value of in-place leases and the value of tenant relationships, at their relative estimated fair values. See Real Estate Leased to Others and Depreciation below for a discussion of our significant accounting policies related to tangible assets. We include the value of below-market leases in Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities in the consolidated financial statements.
We record above-market and below-market lease values for owned properties based on the present value (using an interest rate reflecting the risks associated with the leases acquired) of the difference between (i) the contractual amounts to be paid pursuant to the leases negotiated and in place at the time of acquisition of the properties and (ii) our estimate of fair market lease rates for the property or equivalent property, both of which are measured over a period equal to the estimated market lease term. We amortize the capitalized above-market lease value as a reduction of rental income over the estimated market lease term. We amortize the capitalized below-market lease value as an increase to rental income over the initial term and any fixed rate renewal periods in the respective leases.
We allocate the total amount of other intangibles to in-place lease values and tenant relationship intangible values based on our evaluation of the specific characteristics of each tenant’s lease and our overall relationship with each tenant. The characteristics we consider in allocating these values include estimated market rent, the nature and extent of the existing relationship with the tenant, the expectation of lease renewals, estimated carrying costs of the property if vacant and estimated costs to execute a new lease, among other factors. We determine these values using our estimates or by relying in part upon third-party appraisals. We amortize the capitalized value of in-place lease intangibles to expense over the remaining initial term of each lease. We amortize the capitalized value of tenant relationships to expense over the initial and expected renewal terms of the lease. No amortization period for intangibles will exceed the remaining depreciable life of the building.
If a lease is terminated, we charge the unamortized portion of each intangible, including above-market and below-market lease values, in-place lease values and tenant relationship values, to expense.
Operating Real Estate
We carry land and buildings and personal property at cost less accumulated depreciation. We capitalize improvements, while we expense replacements, maintenance and repairs that do not improve or extend the lives of the respective assets as incurred.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
We consider all short-term, highly liquid investments that are both readily convertible to cash and have a maturity of three months or less at the time of purchase to be cash equivalents. Items classified as cash equivalents include commercial paper and money-market funds. Our cash and cash equivalents are held in the custody of several financial institutions, and these balances, at times, exceed federally insurable limits. We seek to mitigate this risk by depositing funds only with major financial institutions.
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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Other Assets and Liabilities
We include prepaid expenses, deferred rental income, tenant receivables, deferred charges, escrow balances held by lenders, restricted cash balances, marketable securities, derivative assets and corporate fixed assets in Other assets. We include derivative instruments; miscellaneous amounts held on behalf of tenants; and deferred revenue, including unamortized below-market rent intangibles in Other liabilities. Other liabilities at December 31, 2009 also included our profit-sharing obligation related to our Carey Storage subsidiary. The profit-sharing obligation was reclassified to Noncontrolling interest in 2010 as a result of Carey Storage amending its agreement with the third-party investor (Note 4). Deferred charges are costs incurred in connection with mortgage financings and refinancings that are amortized over the terms of the mortgages and included in Interest expense in the consolidated financial statements. Deferred rental income is the aggregate cumulative difference for operating leases between scheduled rents that vary during the lease term, and rent recognized on a straight-line basis. Marketable securities are classified as available-for-sale securities and reported at fair value with unrealized gains and losses on these securities reported as a component of OCI until realized.
Real Estate Leased to Others
We lease real estate to others primarily on a triple-net leased basis, whereby the tenant is generally responsible for all operating expenses relating to the property, including property taxes, insurance, maintenance, repairs, renewals and improvements. We charge expenditures for maintenance and repairs, including routine betterments, to operations as incurred. We capitalize significant renovations that increase the useful life of the properties. For the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, although we are legally obligated for payment, lessees were responsible for the direct payment to the taxing authorities of real estate taxes of approximately $7.7 million, $8.8 million and $9.3 million, respectively.
We diversify our real estate investments among various corporate tenants engaged in different industries, by property type and by geographic area. Substantially all of our leases provide for either scheduled rent increases, periodic rent adjustments based on formulas indexed to changes in the CPI or similar indices or percentage rents. CPI-based adjustments are contingent on future events and are therefore not included in straight-line rent calculations. We recognize rents from percentage rents as reported by the lessees, which is after the level of sales requiring a rental payment to us is reached.
We account for leases as operating or direct financing leases, as described below:
Operating leases — We record real estate at cost less accumulated depreciation; we recognize future minimum rental revenue on a straight-line basis over the term of the related leases and charge expenses (including depreciation) to operations as incurred (Note 4).
Direct financing method — We record leases accounted for under the direct financing method at their net investment (Note 5). We defer and amortize unearned income to income over the lease term so as to produce a constant periodic rate of return on our net investment in the lease.
On an ongoing basis, we assess our ability to collect rent and other tenant-based receivables and determine an appropriate allowance for uncollected amounts. Because we have a limited number of lessees (18 lessees represented 68% of lease revenues during 2010), we believe that it is necessary to evaluate the collectibility of these receivables based on the facts and circumstances of each situation rather than solely using statistical methods. Therefore, in recognizing our provision for uncollected rents and other tenant receivables, we evaluate actual past due amounts and make subjective judgments as to the collectability of those amounts based on factors including, but not limited to, our knowledge of a lessee’s circumstances, the age of the receivables, the tenant’s credit profile and prior experience with the tenant. Even if a lessee has been making payments, we may reserve for the entire receivable amount if we believe there has been significant or continuing deterioration in the lessee’s ability to meet its lease obligations.
Acquisition Costs
In accordance with the FASB’s revised guidance for business combinations, which we adopted on January 1, 2009, we immediately expense all acquisition costs and fees associated with transactions deemed to be business combinations, but we capitalize these costs for transactions deemed to be acquisitions of an asset. We are impacted by the revised guidance through both the investments we make for our owned portfolio as well as our equity interests in the CPA® REITs. To the extent we make investments for our owned portfolio or on behalf of the CPA® REITs that are deemed to be business combinations, our results of operations will be negatively impacted by the immediate expensing of acquisition costs and fees incurred in accordance with the revised guidance, whereas in the past such costs and fees would generally have been capitalized and allocated to the cost basis of the acquisition. Subsequent to the acquisition, there will be a positive impact on our results of operations through a reduction in depreciation expense over the estimated life of the properties.
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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Revenue Recognition
We earn structuring revenue and asset management revenue in connection with providing services to the CPA® REITs. We earn structuring revenue for services we provide in connection with the analysis, negotiation and structuring of transactions, including acquisitions and dispositions and the placement of mortgage financing obtained by the CPA® REITs. Asset management revenue consists of property management, leasing and advisory revenue. Receipt of the incentive revenue portion of the asset management revenue (“performance revenue”), however, is subordinated to the achievement of specified cumulative return requirements by the shareholders of the CPA® REITs. At our option, the performance revenue may be collected in cash or shares of the CPA® REIT (Note 3).
We recognize all revenue as earned. We earn structuring revenue upon the consummation of a transaction and asset management revenue when services are performed. We recognize revenue subject to subordination only when the performance criteria of the CPA® REIT is achieved and contractual limitations are not exceeded.
We are also reimbursed for certain costs incurred in providing services, including broker-dealer commissions paid on behalf of the CPA® REITs, marketing costs and the cost of personnel provided for the administration of the CPA® REITs. We record reimbursement income as the expenses are incurred, subject to limitations on a CPA® REIT’s ability to incur offering costs.
We earn wholesaling revenue of $0.15 per share sold in connection with CPA®:17 — Global’s initial public offering. This revenue is used to cover the cost of wholesaling activities.
Depreciation
We compute depreciation of building and related improvements using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the properties (generally 40 years) and furniture, fixtures and equipment (generally up to seven years). We compute depreciation of tenant improvements using the straight-line method over the lesser of the remaining term of the lease or the estimated useful life.
Impairments
We periodically assess whether there are any indicators that the value of our long-lived assets, including goodwill, may be impaired or that their carrying value may not be recoverable. These impairment indicators include, but are not limited to, the vacancy of a property that is not subject to a lease; a lease default by a tenant that is experiencing financial difficulty; the termination of a lease by a tenant; or the rejection of a lease in a bankruptcy proceeding. We may incur impairment charges on long-lived assets, including real estate, direct financing leases, assets held for sale and equity investments in real estate. We may also incur impairment charges on marketable securities and goodwill. Our policies for evaluating whether these assets are impaired are presented below.
Real Estate
For real estate assets in which an impairment indicator is identified, we follow a two-step process to determine whether an asset is impaired and to determine the amount of the charge. First, we compare the carrying value of the property to the future net undiscounted cash flow that we expect the property will generate, including any estimated proceeds from the eventual sale of the property. The undiscounted cash flow analysis requires us to make our best estimate of market rents, residual values and holding periods. Depending on the assumptions made and estimates used, the future cash flow projected in the evaluation of long-lived assets can vary within a range of outcomes. We consider the likelihood of possible outcomes in determining the best possible estimate of future cash flows. If the future net undiscounted cash flow of the property is less than the carrying value, the property is considered to be impaired. We then measure the loss as the excess of the carrying value of the property over its estimated fair value.
Direct Financing Leases
We review our direct financing leases at least annually to determine whether there has been an other-than-temporary decline in the current estimate of residual value of the property. The residual value is our estimate of what we could realize upon the sale of the property at the end of the lease term, based on market information. If this review indicates that a decline in residual value has occurred that is other-than-temporary, we recognize an impairment charge and revise the accounting for the direct financing lease to reflect a portion of the future cash flow from the lessee as a return of principal rather than as revenue. While we evaluate direct financing leases if there are any indicators that the residual value may be impaired, the evaluation of a direct financing lease can be affected by changes in long-term market conditions even though the obligations of the lessee are being met.
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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Assets Held for Sale
We classify real estate assets that are accounted for as operating leases as held for sale when we have entered into a contract to sell the property, all material due diligence requirements have been satisfied and we believe it is probable that the disposition will occur within one year. When we classify an asset as held for sale, we calculate its estimated fair value as the expected sale price, less expected selling costs. We then compare the asset’s estimated fair value to its carrying value, and if the estimated fair value is less than the property’s carrying value, we reduce the carrying value to the estimated fair value. We will continue to review the initial impairment for subsequent changes in the estimated fair value, and may recognize an additional impairment charge if warranted.
If circumstances arise that we previously considered unlikely and, as a result, we decide not to sell a property previously classified as held for sale, we reclassify the property as held and used. We measure and record a property that is reclassified as held and used at the lower of (a) its carrying amount before the property was classified as held for sale, adjusted for any depreciation expense that would have been recognized had the property been continuously classified as held and used, or (b) the estimated fair value at the date of the subsequent decision not to sell.
Equity Investments in Real Estate and CPA® REITs
We evaluate our equity investments in real estate and in the CPA® REITs on a periodic basis to determine if there are any indicators that the value of our equity investment may be impaired and whether or not that impairment is other-than-temporary. To the extent impairment has occurred, we measure the charge as the excess of the carrying value of our investment over its estimated fair value. For equity investments in real estate, we calculate estimated fair value by multiplying the estimated fair value of the underlying venture’s net assets by our ownership interest percentage. For our investments in the CPA® REITs, we calculate the estimated fair value of our investment using the most recently published net asset value of each CPA® REIT.
Marketable Securities
We evaluate our marketable securities for impairment if a decline in estimated fair value below cost basis is considered other-than-temporary. In determining whether the decline is other-than-temporary, we consider the underlying cause of the decline in value, the estimated recovery period, the severity and duration of the decline, as well as whether we plan to sell the security or will more likely than not be required to sell the security before recovery of its cost basis. If we determine that the decline is other-than-temporary, we record an impairment charge to reduce our cost basis to the estimated fair value of the security. Beginning in 2009, the credit component of an other-than-temporary impairment is recognized in earnings while the non-credit component is recognized in OCI. Prior to 2009, all portions of other-than-temporary impairments were recorded in earnings.
Goodwill
We evaluate goodwill recorded by our investment management segment for possible impairment at least annually using a two-step process. To identify any impairment, we first compare the estimated fair value of our investment management segment with its carrying amount, including goodwill. We calculate the estimated fair value of the investment management segment by applying a multiple, based on comparable companies, to earnings. If the fair value of the investment management segment exceeds its carrying amount, we do not consider goodwill to be impaired and no further analysis is required. If the carrying amount of the investment management segment exceeds its estimated fair value, we then perform the second step to measure the amount of the impairment charge.
For the second step, we determine the impairment charge by comparing the implied fair value of the goodwill with its carrying amount and record an impairment charge equal to the excess of the carrying amount over the implied fair value. We determine the implied fair value of the goodwill by allocating the estimated fair value of the investment management segment to its assets and liabilities. The excess of the estimated fair value of the investment management segment over the amounts assigned to its assets and liabilities is the implied fair value of the goodwill.
Stock-Based Compensation
We have granted restricted shares, stock options, restricted share units (“RSUs”) and performance share units (“PSUs”) to certain employees and independent directors. Grants were awarded in the name of the recipient subject to certain restrictions of transferability and a risk of forfeiture. The forfeiture provisions on the awards generally expire annually, over their respective vesting periods. We granted stock options to certain employees during 2008 and prior years. Stock-based compensation expense for all stock-based compensation awards is based on the grant date fair value estimated in accordance with current accounting guidance for share-based payments. We recognize these compensation costs for only those shares expected to vest on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period of the award. We include stock-based compensation within the listed shares caption of equity.
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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Foreign Currency Translation
We have interests in real estate investments in the European Union for which the functional currency is the Euro. We perform the translation from the Euro to the U.S. dollar for assets and liabilities using current exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date and for revenue and expense accounts using a weighted average exchange rate during the period. We report the gains and losses resulting from such translation as a component of OCI in equity. At December 31, 2010 and 2009, the cumulative foreign currency translation adjustment (losses) gains were ($1.9) million and $0.2 million, respectively.
Foreign currency transactions may produce receivables or payables that are fixed in terms of the amount of foreign currency that will be received or paid. A change in the exchange rates between the functional currency and the currency in which a transaction is denominated increases or decreases the expected amount of functional currency cash flows upon settlement of that transaction. That increase or decrease in the expected functional currency cash flows is an unrealized foreign currency transaction gain or loss that generally will be included in determining net income for the period in which the exchange rate changes. Likewise, a transaction gain or loss (measured from the transaction date or the most recent intervening balance sheet date, whichever is later), realized upon settlement of a foreign currency transaction generally will be included in net income for the period in which the transaction is settled. Foreign currency transactions that are (i) designated as, and are effective as, economic hedges of a net investment and (ii) inter-company foreign currency transactions that are of a long-term nature (that is, settlement is not planned or anticipated in the foreseeable future), when the entities to the transactions are consolidated or accounted for by the equity method in our financial statements, are not included in determining net income but are accounted for in the same manner as foreign currency translation adjustments and reported as a component of OCI in equity. International equity investments in real estate were funded in part through subordinated intercompany debt.
Foreign currency intercompany transactions that are scheduled for settlement, consisting primarily of accrued interest and the translation to the reporting currency of subordinated intercompany debt with scheduled principal payments, are included in the determination of net income. We recognized net unrealized (losses) gains of ($0.3) million, $0.2 million and ($2.4) million from such transactions for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively. For the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, we recognized net realized (losses) gains of ($0.1) million, less than $0.1 million and $2.3 million, respectively, on foreign currency transactions in connection with the transfer of cash from foreign operations of subsidiaries to the parent company.
Derivative Instruments
We measure derivative instruments at fair value and record them as assets or liabilities, depending on our rights or obligations under the applicable derivative contract. Derivatives that are not designated as hedges must be adjusted to fair value through earnings. If a derivative is designated as a hedge, depending on the nature of the hedge, changes in the fair value of the derivative will either be offset against the change in fair value of the hedged asset, liability, or firm commitment through earnings, or recognized in OCI until the hedged item is recognized in earnings. For cash flow hedges, the ineffective portion of a derivative’s change in fair value will be immediately recognized in earnings.
Income Taxes
We have elected to be treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Deferred income taxes are recorded for the corporate subsidiaries based on earnings reported. The provision for income taxes differs from the amounts currently payable because of temporary differences in the recognition of certain income and expense items for financial reporting and tax reporting purposes. Income taxes are computed under the asset and liability method. The asset and liability method requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between tax bases and financial bases of assets and liabilities (Note 16).
Real Estate Ownership Operations
Our real estate operations are conducted through a subsidiary REIT. As a REIT, our real estate operations are generally not subject to federal tax, and accordingly, no provision has been made for U.S. federal income taxes in the consolidated financial statements for these operations. These operations are subject to certain state, local and foreign taxes, as applicable.
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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
In October 2007, we transferred our real estate assets from a wholly-owned subsidiary into Carey REIT II, Inc. (“Carey REIT II”), a newly-formed wholly-owned REIT subsidiary. On January 1, 2008, we merged our subsidiary Carey REIT, Inc. (“Carey REIT”) into Carey REIT II with Carey REIT II as the survivor. Carey REIT held certain properties, including certain properties acquired from Corporate Property Associates 12 Incorporated in 2006. To the extent that the fair value of Carey REIT property in the merger exceeded its tax basis at the time of the merger, Carey REIT II would be subject to corporate level taxes to the extent of this “built-in-gain” if the properties were to be sold in a taxable transaction within ten years from the date of the merger. At the time of the merger, Carey REIT owned three properties whose tax values were not significantly different from their fair values. We do not expect to trigger any “built-in-gains” nor do we expect any significant “built-in-gains” tax if triggered.
Carey REIT II elected to be taxed as a REIT under Sections 856 through 860 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), with the filing of its 2007 return. We believe we have operated, and we intend to continue to operate, in a manner that allows Carey REIT II to continue to qualify as a REIT. Under the REIT operating structure, Carey REIT II is permitted to deduct distributions paid to our shareholders and generally will not be required to pay U.S. federal income taxes. Accordingly, no provision has been made for U.S. federal income taxes related to Carey REIT II in the consolidated financial statements.
Investment Management Operations
We conduct our investment management operations primarily through taxable subsidiaries. These operations are subject to federal, state, local and foreign taxes, as applicable. Our financial statements are prepared on a consolidated basis including these taxable subsidiaries and include a provision for current and deferred taxes on these operations.
Earnings Per Share
Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing net income available to common shareholders, as adjusted for unallocated earnings attributable to the unvested RSUs by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share reflects potentially dilutive securities (options, restricted shares and RSUs) using the treasury stock method, except when the effect would be anti-dilutive.
Future Accounting Requirements
In December 2010, the FASB issued ASU 2010-28, which clarifies when step two of the goodwill impairment test must be performed for entities whose reporting units have a negative carrying value. This ASU will be applicable to us for our annual goodwill impairment evaluation beginning with the year ending December 31, 2011. We do not anticipate that it will have a material impact on our financial position or results of operations.
Note 3. Agreements and Transactions with Related Parties
Advisory Agreements with the CPA® REITs
We have advisory agreements with each of the CPA® REITs pursuant to which we earn certain fees. The advisory agreements were renewed for an additional year pursuant to their terms effective October 1, 2010. The following table presents a summary of revenue earned and cash received from the CPA® REITs in connection with providing services as the advisor to the CPA® REITs (in thousands):
                         
    Years ended December 31,  
    2010     2009     2008  
Asset management revenue
  $ 76,246     $ 76,621     $ 80,714  
Structuring revenue
    44,525       23,273       20,236  
Wholesaling revenue
    11,096       7,691       5,208  
Reimbursed costs from affiliates
    60,023       47,534       41,100  
Distributions of available cash (CPA®:17 — Global only)
    4,468       2,160        
 
                 
 
  $ 196,358     $ 157,279     $ 147,258  
 
                 
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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Asset Management Revenue
We earn asset management revenue totaling 1% per annum of average invested assets, which is calculated according to the advisory agreements for each CPA® REIT. A portion of this asset management revenue is contingent upon the achievement of specific performance criteria for each CPA® REIT, which is generally defined to be a cumulative distribution return for shareholders of the CPA® REIT. For CPA®:14, CPA®:15 and CPA®:16 — Global, this performance revenue is generally equal to 0.5% of the average invested assets of the CPA® REIT. For CPA®:17 — Global, we earn asset management revenue ranging from 0.5% of average market value for long-term net leases and certain other types of real estate investments up to 1.75% of average equity value for certain types of securities. For CPA®:17 — Global, we do not earn performance revenue, but we receive up to 10% of distributions of available cash from its operating partnership. Distributions of available cash from CPA®:17 — Global’s operating partnership are recorded as income from equity investments in CPA® REITs within the investment management segment.
Under the terms of the advisory agreements, we may elect to receive cash or shares of restricted stock for any revenue due from each CPA® REIT. In both 2010 and 2009, we elected to receive all asset management revenue in cash, with the exception of CPA®:17 — Global’s asset management revenue, which we elected to receive in restricted shares. For both 2010 and 2009, we also elected to receive performance revenue from CPA®:16 — Global in restricted shares, while for CPA®:14 and CPA®:15 we elected to receive 80% of all performance revenue in restricted shares, with the remaining 20% payable in cash.
Structuring Revenue
We earn revenue in connection with structuring and negotiating investments and related mortgage financing for the CPA® REITs. We may receive acquisition revenue of up to an average of 4.5% of the total cost of all investments made by each CPA® REIT. A portion of this revenue (generally 2.5%) is paid when the transaction is completed, while the remainder (generally 2%) is payable in equal annual installments ranging from three to eight years, provided the relevant CPA® REIT meets its performance criterion. Unpaid deferred installments totaled $30.5 million and $31.0 million at December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively, and were included in Due from affiliates in the consolidated financial statements (Note 5). Unpaid installments bear interest at annual rates ranging from 5% to 7%. Interest earned on unpaid installments was $1.1 million, $1.5 million and $2.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively. For certain types of non-long term net lease investments acquired on behalf of CPA®:17 — Global, initial acquisition revenue may range from 0% to 1.75% of the equity invested plus the related acquisition revenue, with no deferred acquisition revenue being earned. We may also be entitled, subject to CPA® REIT board approval, to fees for structuring loan refinancings of up to 1% of the principal amount. This loan refinancing revenue, together with the acquisition revenue, is referred to as structuring revenue. In addition, we may also earn revenue related to the sale of properties, subject to subordination provisions. We will only recognize this revenue if we meet the subordination provisions.
Reimbursed Costs from Affiliates and Wholesaling Revenue
The CPA® REITs reimburse us for certain costs, primarily broker-dealer commissions paid on behalf of the CPA® REITs and marketing and personnel costs. In addition, under the terms of a sales agency agreement between our wholly-owned broker-dealer subsidiary and CPA®:17 — Global, we earn a selling commission of up to $0.65 per share sold, selected dealer revenue of up to $0.20 per share sold and/or wholesaling revenue for selected dealers or investment advisors of up to $0.15 per share sold. We re-allow all or a portion of the selling commissions to selected dealers participating in CPA®:17 — Global’s offering and may re-allow up to the full selected dealer revenue to selected dealers. If needed, we will use any retained portion of the selected dealer revenue together with the wholesaling revenue to cover other underwriting costs incurred in connection with CPA®:17 — Global’s offering. Total underwriting compensation earned in connection with CPA®:17 — Global’s offering, including selling commissions, selected dealer revenue, wholesaling revenue and reimbursements made by us to selected dealers, cannot exceed the limitations prescribed by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority. The limit on underwriting compensation is currently 10% of gross offering proceeds. We may also be reimbursed up to an additional 0.5% of the gross offering proceeds for bona fide due diligence expenses.
Other Transactions with Affiliates
Proposed Merger of Affiliates
On December 13, 2010, two of the CPA® REITs we manage, CPA®:14 and CPA®:16 — Global, entered into a definitive agreement pursuant to which CPA®:14 will merge with and into a subsidiary of CPA®:16 — Global, subject to the approval of the shareholders of CPA®:14. The closing of the Proposed Merger is also subject to customary closing conditions, as well as the closing of the CPA®:14 Asset Sales. If the Proposed Merger is approved, we currently expect that the closing will occur in the second quarter of 2011, although there can be no assurance of such timing.
In connection with the Proposed Merger, we have agreed to purchase three properties from CPA®:14, in which we already have a joint venture interest, for an aggregate purchase price of $32.1 million, plus the assumption of approximately $64.7 million of indebtedness. These properties all have remaining lease terms of less than 8 years, which are shorter than the average lease term of CPA®:16 — Global’s portfolio of properties. Consequently, CPA®:16 — Global required that these assets be sold by CPA®:14 prior to the Proposed Merger. This asset sale to us is contingent upon the approval of the Proposed Merger by the shareholders of CPA®:14.
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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
If the Proposed Merger is consummated, we expect to earn revenues of $31.2 million in connection with the termination of the advisory agreements with CPA®:14 and $21.3 million of subordinated disposition revenues. We currently expect to receive our termination fee in shares of CPA®:14, which will then be exchanged into shares of CPA®:16 — Global in order to facilitate this transaction. In addition, based on our ownership of 8,018,456 shares of CPA®:14 at December 31, 2010, we will receive approximately $8.0 million as a result of a special $1.00 cash distribution to be paid by CPA®:14 to its shareholders, in part from the proceeds of the CPA®:14 Asset Sales, immediately prior to the Proposed Merger, as described below. We have agreed to elect to receive stock of CPA®:16 — Global in respect of our shares of CPA®:14 if the Proposed Merger is consummated. CAM has also agreed to waive any acquisition fees payable by CPA®:16 — Global under its advisory agreement with CAM in respect of the properties being acquired in the Proposed Merger and has also agreed to waive any disposition fees that may subsequently be payable by CPA®:16 — Global upon a sale of such assets.
In the Proposed Merger, CPA®:14 shareholders will be entitled to receive $11.50 per share, which is equal to the NAV of CPA®:14 as of September 30, 2010. The Merger Consideration will be paid to shareholders of CPA®:14, at their election, in either cash or a combination of the $1.00 per share special cash distribution and 1.1932 shares of CPA®:16 - Global common stock, which equates to $10.50 based on the $8.80 per share NAV of CPA®:16 - Global as of September 30, 2010. We computed these NAVs internally, relying in part upon a third-party valuation of each company’s real estate portfolio and indebtedness as of September 30, 2010. The board of directors of each of CPA®:16 — Global and CPA®:14 have the ability, but not the obligation, to terminate the transaction if more than 50% of the shareholders of CPA®:14 elect to receive cash in the Proposed Merger. Assuming that holders of 50% of CPA®:14’s outstanding stock elect to receive cash in the Proposed Merger, then the maximum cash required by CPA®:16 — Global to purchase these shares would be approximately $416.1 million, based on the total shares of CPA®:14 outstanding at December 31, 2010. If the cash on hand and available to CPA®:14 and CPA®:16 — Global, including the proceeds of the CPA®:14 Asset Sales and a new $300.0 million senior credit facility of CPA®:16 — Global, is not sufficient to enable CPA®:16 — Global to fulfill cash elections in the Proposed Merger by CPA®:14 shareholders, we have agreed to purchase a sufficient number of shares of CPA®:16 — Global stock from CPA®:16 — Global to enable it to pay such amounts to CPA®:14 shareholders.
Other
We are the general partner in a limited partnership (which we consolidate for financial statement purposes) that leases our home office space and participates in an agreement with certain affiliates, including the CPA® REITs, for the purpose of leasing office space used for the administration of our operations and the operations of our affiliates and for sharing the associated costs. This limited partnership does not have any significant assets, liabilities or operations other than its interest in the office lease. During each of the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, we recorded income from noncontrolling interest partners of $2.4 million, in each case related to reimbursements from these affiliates. The average estimated minimum lease payments on the office lease, inclusive of noncontrolling interests, at December 31, 2010 approximates $3.0 million annually through 2016.
We own interests in entities ranging from 5% to 95%, including jointly-controlled tenant-in-common interests in properties, with the remaining interests generally held by affiliates, and own common stock in each of the CPA® REITs and Carey Watermark. We consolidate certain of these investments and account for the remainder under the equity method of accounting.
One of our directors and officers is the sole shareholder of Livho, a subsidiary that operates a hotel investment. We consolidate the accounts of Livho in our consolidated financial statements in accordance with current accounting guidance for consolidation of VIEs because it is a VIE and we are its primary beneficiary.
Family members of one of our directors have an ownership interest in certain companies that own noncontrolling interests in one of our French majority-owned subsidiaries. These ownership interests are subject to substantially the same terms as all other ownership interests in the subsidiary companies.
An officer owns a redeemable noncontrolling interest in W. P. Carey International LLC (“WPCI”), a subsidiary company that structures net lease transactions on behalf of the CPA® REITs outside of the U.S., as well as certain related entities.
Included in Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets at each of December 31, 2010 and 2009 are amounts due to affiliates totaling $0.9 million.
In December 2007, we received a loan totaling $7.6 million from two affiliated ventures in which we have interests that are accounted for under the equity method of accounting. The loan was used to fund the acquisition of certain tenancy-in-common interests in Europe and was repaid in March 2008. During the year ended December 31, 2008, we incurred interest expense of $0.1 million in connection with this loan.
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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Advisory Agreement with Carey Watermark
Effective September 15, 2010, we entered into an advisory agreement with Carey Watermark to perform certain services, including managing Carey Watermark’s offering and its overall business, identification, evaluation, negotiation, purchase and disposition of lodging-related properties and the performance of certain administrative duties. We are currently fundraising for Carey Watermark; however, as of December 31, 2010, Carey Watermark had no investments or significant operating activity. Costs incurred on behalf of Carey Watermark totaled $3.4 million through December 31, 2010. We anticipate being reimbursed for all or a portion of these costs in accordance with the terms of the advisory agreement if the minimum offering proceeds are raised.
Note 4. Net Investments in Properties
Real Estate
Real estate, which consists of land and buildings leased to others, at cost, and accounted for as operating leases, is summarized as follows (in thousands):
                 
    December 31,  
    2010     2009  
Land
  $ 111,660     $ 98,971  
Buildings
    448,932       426,636  
Less: Accumulated depreciation
    (108,032 )     (100,247 )
 
           
 
  $ 452,560     $ 425,360  
 
           
Real Estate Acquired
In February 2010, we entered into a domestic investment that was deemed to be a real estate asset acquisition at a total cost of $47.6 million and capitalized acquisition-related costs of $0.1 million. We funded the investment with the escrowed proceeds of $36.1 million from a sale of property in December 2009 in an exchange transaction under Section 1031 of the Code, and $11.5 million from our line of credit. In July 2010, we obtained non-recourse mortgage financing of $35.0 million for this investment at an annual interest rate of LIBOR plus 2.5% that has been fixed at 5.5% through the use of an interest rate swap. This financing has a term of 10 years.
In June 2010, a venture in which we and an affiliate hold 70% and 30% interests, respectively, and which we consolidate, entered into an investment in Spain for a total cost of $27.2 million, inclusive of a noncontrolling interest of $8.4 million. We funded our share of the purchase price with proceeds from our line of credit. In connection with this transaction, which was deemed to be a real estate asset acquisition, we capitalized acquisition-related costs and fees totaling $1.0 million, inclusive of amounts attributable to a noncontrolling interest of $0.6 million. Dollar amounts are based on the exchange rate of the Euro on the date of acquisition.
Operating Real Estate
Operating real estate, which consists primarily of our self-storage investments through Carey Storage and our Livho subsidiary, at cost, is summarized as follows (in thousands):
                 
    December 31,  
    2010     2009  
Land
  $ 24,030     $ 16,257  
Buildings
    85,821       69,670  
Less: Accumulated depreciation
    (14,280 )     (12,039 )
 
           
 
  $ 95,571     $ 73,888  
 
           
In January 2009, Carey Storage completed a transaction whereby it received cash proceeds of $21.9 million, plus a commitment to invest up to a further $8.1 million of equity, from the Investor to fund the purchase of self-storage assets in the future in exchange for a 60% interest in its self-storage portfolio (“Carey Storage venture”). We reflect the Carey Storage venture’s operations in our real estate ownership segment. Costs totaling $1.0 million incurred in structuring the transaction and bringing in the Investor into these operations are reflected in General and administrative expenses in our investment management segment during 2009. Prior to September 2010, we accounted for this transaction under the profit-sharing method because Carey Storage had a contingent option to repurchase this interest from the Investor at fair value. During the third quarter of 2010, Carey Storage amended its agreement with the Investor to, among other matters, remove the contingent purchase option in the original agreement. However, Carey Storage retained a controlling interest in the Carey Storage venture. As of September 30, 2010, we have reclassified the Investor’s interest from Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities to Noncontrolling interests on our consolidated balance sheet.
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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
In connection with the January 2009 transaction, the Carey Storage venture repaid in full, the $35.0 million outstanding balance on its secured credit facility at a discount for $28.0 million, terminated the facility, and recognized a gain of $7.0 million on the repayment of this debt, inclusive of the Investor’s interest of $4.2 million. The debt repayment was financed with a portion of the proceeds from the exchange of the 60% interest and non-recourse debt with a new lender totaling $25.0 million, which is secured by individual mortgages on, and cross-collateralized by, the thirteen properties in the Carey Storage portfolio at the time of the January 2009 transaction. The new financing bears interest at a fixed rate of 7% per annum and has a 10-year term with a rate reset after 5 years. The $7.0 million gain recognized on the debt repayment and the Investor’s $4.2 million interest in this gain are both reflected in Other income and (expenses) in the consolidated financial statements.
In August 2009, the Carey Storage venture borrowed an additional $3.5 million that is collateralized by individual mortgages on, and cross-collateralized by, seven properties in the Carey Storage portfolio and distributed the proceeds to its profit-sharing interest holders. This loan has an annual fixed interest rate of 7.25% and a term of 9.6 years with a rate reset after 5 years. As part of this transaction, the Carey Storage venture distributed $1.9 million to the Investor, which has been reflected as a reduction of the profit-sharing obligation.
During 2010, the Carey Storage venture acquired seven self-storage properties in the U.S. at a total cost of $19.2 million, inclusive of amounts attributable to the Investor’s interest of $11.5 million. These investments were deemed to be business combinations, and as a result, the venture expensed acquisition-related costs of $0.4 million, inclusive of amounts attributable to the Investor’s interest of $0.2 million. In connection with these investments, the Carey Storage venture obtained new non-recourse mortgage financing and assumed existing mortgage loans from the sellers totaling $13.7 million, inclusive of amounts attributable to the Investor’s interest of $8.2 million. The mortgage loans have a weighted-average annual fixed interest rate and term of 6.3% and 8.2 years, respectively.
During 2010, an entity owned 100% by Carey Storage acquired another self-storage property in the U.S. for $2.8 million that was deemed to be a business combination, and as a result, it expensed acquisition-related costs of less than $0.1 million. In connection with this investment, Carey Storage obtained new non-recourse mortgage financing of $1.9 million with an annual fixed interest rate of 6.3% and a term of 10 years.
Scheduled Future Minimum Rents
Scheduled future minimum rents, exclusive of renewals and expenses paid by tenants and future CPI-based increases under non-cancelable operating leases, at December 31, 2010 are as follows (in thousands):
         
Years ending December 31,        
2011
  $ 51,326  
2012
    43,477  
2013
    39,050  
2014
    36,851  
2015
    31,231  
Thereafter through 2030
    141,716  
Percentage rent revenue was approximately $0.1 million in each of 2010, 2009 and 2008.
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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Note 5. Finance Receivables
Assets representing rights to receive money on demand or at fixed or determinable dates are referred to as finance receivables. Our finance receivable portfolios consist of direct financing leases and deferred acquisition fees. Operating leases are not included in finance receivables as such amounts are not recognized as an asset in the consolidated balance sheets.
Net Investment in Direct Financing Leases
Net investment in direct financing leases is summarized as follows (in thousands):
                 
    December 31,  
    2010     2009  
Minimum lease payments receivable
  $ 57,380     $ 64,201  
Unguaranteed residual value
    75,595       78,526  
 
           
 
    132,975       142,727  
Less: unearned income
    (56,425 )     (62,505 )
 
           
 
  $ 76,550     $ 80,222  
 
           
During 2008, we sold our net investment in a direct financing lease for $5.0 million, net of selling costs, and recognized a net gain on sale of $1.1 million. During the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, in connection with our annual reviews of the estimated residual values of our properties, we recorded impairment charges related to four direct financing leases of $1.1 million, $2.6 million and $0.5 million, respectively. Impairment charges relate primarily to other-than-temporary declines in the estimated residual values of the underlying properties due to market conditions (see Note 13). At both December 31, 2010 and 2009, Other assets included $0.3 million of accounts receivable, net of allowance for uncollectible accounts of less than $0.1 million, related to amounts billed under these direct financing leases.
Scheduled future minimum rents, exclusive of renewals and expenses paid by tenants, percentage of sales rents and future CPI-based adjustments, under non-cancelable direct financing leases at December 31, 2010 are as follows (in thousands):
         
Years ending December 31,        
2011
  $ 10,607  
2012
    10,488  
2013
    10,093  
2014
    7,518  
2015
    4,599  
Thereafter through 2022
    14,075  
Percentage rent revenue approximated $0.1 million in each of 2010, 2009 and 2008.
Deferred Acquisition Fees Receivable
As described in Note 3, we earn revenue in connection with structuring and negotiating investments and related mortgage financing for the CPA® REITs. A portion of this revenue is due in equal annual installments ranging from three to eight years, provided the relevant CPA® REIT meets its performance criterion. Unpaid deferred installments, including accrued interest, from all of the CPA® REITs totaled $31.4 million and $32.4 million at December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively, and were included in Due from affiliates in the consolidated financial statements. Unpaid installments bear interest at annual rates ranging from 5% to 7%.
Credit Quality of Finance Receivables
We generally seek investments in facilities that are critical to the tenant’s business and that we believe have a low risk of tenant defaults. At December 31, 2010, none of the balances of our finance receivables were past due and we had not established any allowances for credit losses. Additionally, there have been no modifications of finance receivables. We evaluate the credit quality of our tenant receivables utilizing an internal 5-point credit rating scale, with 1 representing the highest credit quality and 5 representing the lowest. The credit quality evaluation of our tenant receivables was last updated in the fourth quarter of 2010. We believe the credit quality of our deferred acquisition fees receivable falls under category 1, as all of the CPA® REITs are expected to have the available cash to make such payments.
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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
A summary of our tenant receivables by internal credit quality rating at December 31, 2010 is as follows (in thousands):
                         
                    Net Investments in  
            Number     Direct Financing  
Internal Credit Quality Rating           of Tenants     Leases  
1
            9     $ 49,533  
2
            5       24,447  
3
            0        
4
            1       2,570  
5
            0        
 
                     
 
                  $ 76,550  
 
                     
Note 6. Equity Investments in Real Estate and CPA ® REITs
Our equity investments in real estate for our investments in the CPA® REITs and for our interests in unconsolidated real estate investments are summarized below.
CPA® REITs
We own interests in the CPA® REITs and account for these interests under the equity method because, as their advisor, we do not exert control but have the ability to exercise significant influence. Shares of the CPA® REITs are publicly registered and the CPA® REITs file periodic reports with the SEC, but the shares are not listed on any exchange and are not actively traded. We earn asset management and performance revenue from the CPA® REITs and have elected, in certain cases, to receive a portion of this revenue in the form of restricted common stock of the CPA® REITs rather than cash.
The following table sets forth certain information about our investments in the CPA® REITs (dollars in thousands):
                                 
    % of Outstanding Shares at     Carrying Amount of Investment at  
    December 31,     December 31,  
Fund   2010     2009     2010 (a)     2009 (a)  
CPA®:14
    9.2 %     8.5 %   $ 87,209     $ 79,906  
CPA®:15
    7.1 %     6.5 %     87,008       78,816  
CPA®:16 — Global
    5.6 %     4.7 %     62,682       53,901  
CPA®:17 — Global(b)
    0.6 %     0.4 %     8,156       3,328  
 
                           
 
                  $ 245,055     $ 215,951  
 
                           
 
     
(a)   Includes asset management fee receivable at period end for which shares will be issued during the subsequent period.
 
(b)   CPA®:17 — Global has been deemed to be a VIE of which we are not the primary beneficiary (Note 2).
The following tables present combined summarized financial information for the CPA® REITs. Amounts provided are the total amounts attributable to the CPA® REITs and do not represent our proportionate share (in thousands):
                 
    December 31,  
    2010     2009  
Assets
  $ 8,533,899     $ 8,468,955  
Liabilities
    (4,632,709 )     (4,638,552 )
 
           
Shareholders’ equity
  $ 3,901,190     $ 3,830,403  
 
           
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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
                         
    Years ended December 31,  
    2010     2009     2008  
Revenues
  $ 774,861     $ 757,780     $ 730,207  
Expenses
    (588,137 )     (759,378 )     (633,492 )
 
                 
Net income
  $ 186,724     $ (1,598 )   $ 96,715  
 
                 
We recognized income (loss) from our equity investments in the CPA® REITs of $14.9 million, ($0.3) million and $6.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively. Our proportionate share of income or loss recognized from our equity investments in the CPA® REITs is impacted by several factors, including impairment charges recorded by the CPA® REITs. During 2010, 2009 and 2008, the CPA® REITs recognized impairment charges totaling approximately $40.7 million, $170.0 million and $40.4 million, respectively, which based upon our proportionate ownership reduced the income we earned from these investments by $3.0 million, $11.5 million and $2.1 million, respectively.
Interests in Unconsolidated Real Estate Investments
We own interests in single-tenant net leased properties leased to corporations through noncontrolling interests in (i) partnerships and limited liability companies that we do not control but over which we exercise significant influence, and (ii) as tenants-in-common subject to common control. Generally, the underlying investments are jointly owned with affiliates. We account for these investments under the equity method of accounting (i.e., at cost, increased or decreased by our share of earnings or losses, less distributions, plus contributions and other adjustments required by equity method accounting, such as basis differences from other-than-temporary impairments).
The following table sets forth our ownership interests in our equity investments in real estate and their respective carrying values (dollars in thousands):
                         
    Ownership     Carrying Value at  
    Interest at     December 31,  
Lessee   December 31, 2010     2010     2009  
Schuler A.G. (a) (b) (c)
    33 %   $ 20,493     $ 23,755  
The New York Times Company
    18 %     20,191       19,740  
Carrefour France, SAS (a)
    46 %     18,274       17,570  
U. S. Airways Group, Inc. (b) (d)
    75 %     7,934       8,927  
Medica — France, S.A. (a)
    46 %     5,232       6,160  
Hologic, Inc. (b)
    36 %     4,383       4,388  
Consolidated Systems, Inc. (b)
    60 %     3,388       3,395  
Information Resources, Inc. (e)
    33 %     3,375       2,270  
Childtime Childcare, Inc.
    34 %     1,862       1,843  
Hellweg Die Profi-Baumarkte GmbH & Co. KG (a)
    5 %     1,086       2,639  
The Retail Distribution Group (f)
    40 %           1,099  
Federal Express Corporation (g)
    40 %     (4,272 )     1,976  
Amylin Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (h)
    50 %     (4,707 )     (4,723 )
 
                 
 
          $ 77,239     $ 89,039  
 
                 
 
     
(a)   The carrying value of the investment is affected by the impact of fluctuations in the exchange rate of the Euro.
 
(b)   Represents tenant-in-common interest.
 
(c)   In 2010, we recognized an other-than-temporary impairment charge of $1.4 million to reflect the decline in the estimated fair value of the investment’s underlying net assets in comparison with the carrying value of our interest in the investment.
 
(d)   The decrease in carrying value was due to cash distributions made to us by the venture.
 
(e)   The increase in carrying value was due to operating contributions we made to the venture.
 
(f)   In March 2010, this venture sold its property and distributed the proceeds to the venture partners. We have no further economic interest in this venture.
 
(g)   In 2010, this venture refinanced its maturing non-recourse mortgage debt with new non-recourse financing and distributed the net proceeds to the venture partners. Our share of the distribution was $5.5 million, which exceeded our total investment in the venture at that time.
 
(h)   In 2007, this venture refinanced its existing non-recourse mortgage debt with new non-recourse financing based on the appraised value of its underlying real estate and distributed the proceeds to the venture partners. Our share of the distribution was $17.6 million, which exceeded our total investment in the venture at that time.
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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
As discussed in Note 2, we adopted the FASB’s amended guidance on the consolidation of VIEs effective January 1, 2010. Upon adoption of the amended guidance, we re-evaluated our existing interests in unconsolidated entities and determined that we should continue to account for our interests in The New York Times and Hellweg ventures using the equity method of accounting primarily because the partners in each of these ventures has the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance, including disposal rights of the property. Carrying amounts related to these VIEs are noted in the table above. Because we generally utilize non-recourse debt, our maximum exposure to either VIE is limited to the equity we have in each VIE. We have not provided financial or other support to either VIE, and there are no guarantees or other commitments from third parties that would affect the value or risk of our interest in such entities.
The following tables present combined summarized financial information of our venture properties. Amounts provided are the total amounts attributable to the venture properties and do not represent our proportionate share (in thousands):
                 
    December 31,  
    2010     2009  
Assets
  $ 1,151,859     $ 1,452,103  
Liabilities
    (818,238 )     (714,558 )
 
           
Partners’/members’ equity
  $ 333,621     $ 737,545  
 
           
                         
    Years ended December 31,  
    2010     2009     2008  
Revenues
  $ 146,214     $ 119,265     $ 88,713  
Expenses
    (79,665 )     (61,519 )     (65,348 )
 
                 
Net income
  $ 66,549     $ 57,746     $ 23,365  
 
                 
We recognized income from these equity investments in real estate of $16.0 million, $13.8 million and $8.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively. Income from equity investments in real estate represents our proportionate share of the income or losses of these ventures as well as certain depreciation and amortization adjustments related to purchase accounting and other-than-temporary impairment charges.
We have a 5% interest in a Lending Venture that made a loan, the Note Receivable, to the Partner who held a 75.3% interest in the Partnership owning 37 properties throughout Germany at a total cost of $336.0 million. Concurrently, our affiliates also acquired an interest in a Property Venture that acquired the remaining 24.7% ownership interest in the Partnership as well as an option to purchase an additional 75% interest from the Partner by December 2010. Also in connection with this transaction, the Lending Venture obtained non-recourse financing of $284.9 million having a fixed annual interest rate of 5.5%, a term of 10 years and is collateralized by the 37 German properties. In November 2010, the Property Venture exercised a portion of its call option via the Lending Venture whereby the Partner exchanged a 70% interest in the limited partnership for a $295.7 million reduction in the Note Receivable due to the Lending Venture. Subsequent to the exercise of the option, the Property Venture now owns a 94.7% interest in the Partnership and retains options to purchase the remaining 5.3% interest from the Partner by December 2012. All dollar amounts are based on the exchange rates of the Euro at the dates of the transactions, and dollar amounts provided represent the total amounts attributable to the ventures and do not represent our proportionate share.
Equity Investment in Direct Financing Lease Acquired
In March 2009, an entity in which we, CPA®:16 — Global and CPA®:17 — Global hold 17.75%, 27.25% and 55% interests, respectively, completed a net lease financing transaction with respect to a leasehold condominium interest, encompassing approximately 750,000 rentable square feet, in the office headquarters of The New York Times Company for approximately $233.7 million. Our share of the purchase price was approximately $40.0 million, which we funded with proceeds from our line of credit. We account for this investment under the equity method of accounting, as we do not have a controlling interest in the entity but exercise significant influence over it. In connection with this investment, which was deemed a direct financing lease, the venture capitalized costs and fees totaling $8.7 million. In August 2009, the venture obtained mortgage financing on the New York Times property of $119.8 million at an annual interest rate of LIBOR plus 4.75% that has been capped at 8.75% through the use of an interest rate cap. This financing has a term of five years.
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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Note 7. Intangible Assets and Goodwill
In connection with our acquisition of properties, we have recorded net lease intangibles of $41.1 million, which are being amortized over periods ranging from approximately one year to 40 years. Amortization of below-market and above-market rent intangibles is recorded as an adjustment to lease revenues, while amortization of in-place lease and tenant relationship intangibles is included in Depreciation and amortization. Below-market rent intangibles are included in Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities in the consolidated financial statements.
Intangibles and goodwill are summarized as follows (in thousands):
                 
    December 31,  
    2010     2009  
Amortized Intangibles Assets
               
Management contracts
  $ 32,765     $ 32,765  
Less: accumulated amortization
    (29,035 )     (26,262 )
 
           
 
    3,730       6,503  
 
           
Lease Intangibles:
               
In-place lease
    23,028       18,614  
Tenant relationship
    10,251       9,816  
Above-market rent
    9,737       8,085  
Less: accumulated amortization
    (26,560 )     (25,413 )
 
           
 
    16,456       11,102  
 
           
Unamortized Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets
               
Goodwill
    63,607       63,607  
Trade name
    3,975       3,975  
 
           
 
    67,582       67,582  
 
           
 
  $ 87,768     $ 85,187  
 
           
Amortized Below-Market Rent Intangible
               
Below-market rent
  $ (1,954 )   $ (2,009 )
Less: accumulated amortization
    1,270       641  
 
           
 
  $ (684 )   $ (1,368 )
 
           
Net amortization of intangibles was $5.6 million, $6.6 million and $7.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively.
Based on the intangible assets at December 31, 2010, annual net amortization of intangibles for each of the next five years is as follows: 2011 — $3.1 million, 2012 — $2.6 million, 2013 — $2.3 million, 2014 — $1.1 million, and 2015 — $0.9 million.
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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Note 8. Debt
Scheduled debt principal payments during each of the next five years following December 31, 2010 and thereafter are as follows (in thousands):
         
Years ending December 31,   Total  
2011(a)
  $ 176,438  
2012
    35,334  
2013
    6,408  
2014
    6,414  
2015
    46,449  
Thereafter through 2021
    125,939  
 
     
Total
  $ 396,982  
 
     
 
     
(a)   Includes $141.8 million outstanding under our line of credit, which is scheduled to mature in June 2011. We currently intend to extend this line for an additional year.
Non-recourse debt
Non-recourse debt consists of mortgage notes payable, which are collateralized by the assignment of real property and direct financing leases, with an aggregate carrying value of $367.5 million at December 31, 2010. Our mortgage notes payable had fixed annual interest rates ranging from 3.1% to 7.8% and variable annual interest rates ranging from 1.2% to 7.3%, with maturity dates ranging from 2011 to 2021 at December 31, 2010.
In January 2009, Carey Storage repaid, in full, the $35.0 million outstanding under its $105.0 credit facility at a discount for $28.0 million and terminated the facility.
Line of credit
We have a $250.0 million unsecured revolving line of credit that is scheduled to mature in June 2011. Pursuant to the terms of the credit agreement, the line of credit can be increased up to $300.0 million at the discretion of the lenders. Additionally, as long as there has been no default, we may extend the line of credit at our discretion, within 90 days of, but not less than 30 days prior to, expiration, for an additional year. Such extension is subject to the payment of an extension fee equal to 0.125% of the total commitments under the facility at that time. We currently intend to extend this line for an additional year.
The line of credit provides for an annual interest rate, at our election, of either (i) LIBOR plus a spread that ranges from 75 to 120 basis points depending on our leverage, or (ii) the greater of the lender’s prime rate and the Federal Funds Effective Rate plus 50 basis points. In addition, we pay an annual fee ranging between 12.5 and 20 basis points of the unused portion of the line of credit, depending on our leverage ratio. Based on our leverage ratio at December 31, 2010, we pay interest at LIBOR, or 0.25%, plus 90 basis points and pay 15 basis points on the unused portion of the line of credit.
The credit agreement stipulates six financial covenants that require us to maintain the following ratios and benchmarks at the end of each quarter (the quoted variables are specifically defined in the credit agreement):
(i)   a “maximum leverage” ratio, which requires us to maintain a ratio for “total outstanding indebtedness” to “total value” of 60% or less;
(ii)   a “maximum secured debt” ratio, which requires us to maintain a ratio for “total secured outstanding indebtedness” (inclusive of permitted “indebtedness of subsidiaries”) to “total value” of 50% or less;
(iii)   a “minimum combined equity value,” which requires us to maintain a “total value” less “total outstanding indebtedness” of at least $550.0 million. This amount must be adjusted in the event of any securities offering by adding 85% of the “fair market value of all net offering proceeds”;
(iv)   a “minimum fixed charge coverage ratio,” which requires us to maintain a ratio for “adjusted total EBITDA” to “fixed charges” of 1.75 to 1.0;
(v)   a “maximum dividend payout,” which requires us to ensure that the total of “restricted payments” made in the current quarter, when added to the total for the three preceding fiscal quarters, shall not exceed 90% of “adjusted total EBITDA” for the four preceding fiscal quarters. “Restricted payments” include quarterly dividends and the total amount of shares repurchased by us in excess of $10.0 million per year; and
(vi)   a limitation on “recourse indebtedness,” which prohibits us from incurring additional secured indebtedness other than “non-recourse indebtedness” or indebtedness that is recourse to us that exceeds $50.0 million or 5% of the “total value,” whichever is greater.
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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
We were in compliance with these covenants at December 31, 2010.
Note 9. Settlement of SEC Investigation
In March 2008, we entered into a settlement with the SEC with respect to all matters relating to a previously disclosed investigation. In anticipation of this settlement, we recognized a charge of $30.0 million and an offsetting $9.0 million tax benefit in the fourth quarter of 2007. As a result, the settlement is reflected as Decrease in settlement provision in our Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the year ended December 31, 2008. We also recognized a gain of $1.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2008 related to an insurance reimbursement of certain professional services costs incurred in connection with the SEC investigation.
Note 10. Commitments and Contingencies
At December 31, 2010, we were not involved in any material litigation.
Various claims and lawsuits arising in the normal course of business are pending against us. The results of these proceedings are not expected to have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.
We have provided certain representations in connection with divestitures of certain of our properties. These representations address a variety of matters including environmental liabilities. We are not aware of any claims or other information that would give rise to material payments under such representations.
Proposed Merger of Affiliates
As discussed in Note 3, in connection with the Proposed Merger, we have agreed to purchase three properties from CPA®:14, in which we already have a joint venture interest, for an aggregate purchase price of $32.1 million, plus the assumption of approximately $64.7 million of indebtedness.
If the cash on hand and available to CPA®:14 and CPA®:16 — Global, including the proceeds of the CPA®:14 Asset Sales and a new $300.0 million senior credit facility of CPA®:16 — Global, is not sufficient to enable CPA®:16 — Global to fulfill cash elections in the Proposed Merger by CPA®:14 shareholders, we have agreed to purchase a sufficient number of shares of CPA®:16 — Global stock from CPA®:16 — Global to enable it to pay such amounts to CPA®:14 shareholders. Assuming that holders of 50% of CPA®:14’s outstanding stock elect to receive cash in the Proposed Merger, then the maximum cash required by CPA®:16 — Global to purchase these shares would be approximately $416.1 million, based on the total shares of CPA®:14 outstanding at December 31, 2010.
The merger agreement also contains certain termination rights for both CPA®:14 and CPA®:16. If the merger agreement is terminated because the closing condition that CPA®:16 — Global obtain funding pursuant to the debt financing and, if applicable, the equity financing described above is not satisfied or waived, we have agreed to pay CPA®:16 — Global’s and CPA®:14’s out-of-pocket expenses up to $5.0 million and $4.0 million, respectively. We have also agreed to pay CPA®:14’s out-of-pocket expenses if the merger agreement is terminated due to more than 50% of CPA®:14’s shareholders electing to receive cash in the Proposed Merger or CPA®:14 failing to obtain the requisite shareholder approval. Costs incurred by CPA®:14 and CPA®:16 — Global related to the Proposed Merger totaled approximately $1.2 million and $1.8 million, respectively, through December 31, 2010.
In connection with the Proposed Merger, CAM has agreed to indemnify CPA®:16 — Global if it suffers certain losses arising out of a breach by CPA®:14 of its representations and warranties under the merger agreement and having a material adverse effect on CPA®:16 — Global after the Proposed Merger, up to the amount of fees received by CAM in connection with the Proposed Merger. We have evaluated the exposure related to this indemnification and believe the exposure to be minimal.
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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Note 11. Fair Value Measurements
Under current authoritative accounting guidance for fair value measurements, the fair value of an asset is defined as the exit price, which is the amount that would either be received when an asset is sold or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The guidance establishes a three-tier fair value hierarchy based on the inputs used in measuring fair value. These tiers are: Level 1, for which quoted market prices for identical instruments are available in active markets, such as money market funds, equity securities and U.S. Treasury securities; Level 2, for which there are inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the instrument, such as certain derivative instruments including interest rate caps and swaps; and Level 3, for which little or no market data exists, therefore requiring us to develop our own assumptions, such as certain securities.
Items Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instrument:
Money Market Funds — Our money market funds consisted of government securities and treasury bills. These funds were classified as Level 1 as we used quoted prices from active markets to determine their fair values.
Derivative Assets and Liabilities — Our derivative assets and liabilities primarily comprised of interest rate swaps or caps. These derivative instruments were measured at fair value using readily observable market inputs, such as quotations on interest rates. Our derivative instruments were classified as Level 2 as these instruments are custom, over-the-counter contracts with various bank counterparties that are not traded in an active market.
Other Securities — Our other securities primarily comprised of our investment in an India growth fund and our interest in a commercial mortgage loan securitization. These funds are not traded in an active market. We estimated the fair value of these securities using internal valuation models that incorporate market inputs and our own assumptions about future cash flows. We classified these assets as Level 3.
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest — We account for the noncontrolling interest in WPCI as redeemable noncontrolling interest. We determined the valuation of redeemable noncontrolling interest using widely accepted valuation techniques, including discounted cash flow on the expected cash flows of the investment as well as the income capitalization approach, which considers prevailing market capitalization rates. We classified this liability as Level 3.
The following tables set forth our assets and liabilities that were accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis at December 31, 2010 and 2009 (in thousands):
                                 
            Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2010 Using:  
            Quoted Prices in              
            Active Markets for     Significant Other     Unobservable  
            Identical Assets     Observable Inputs     Inputs  
Description   Total     (Level 1)     (Level 2)     (Level 3)  
Assets:
                               
Money market funds
  $ 37,154     $ 37,154     $     $  
Other securities
    1,726                   1,726  
Derivative assets
    312             312        
 
                       
Total
  $ 39,192     $ 37,154     $ 312     $ 1,726  
 
                       
 
   
Liabilities:
                               
Derivative liabilities
  $ 969     $     $ 969     $  
Redeemable noncontrolling interest
    7,546                   7,546  
 
                       
Total
  $ 8,515     $     $ 969     $ 7,546  
 
                       
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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
                                 
            Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2009 Using:  
            Quoted Prices in              
            Active Markets for     Significant Other     Unobservable  
            Identical Assets     Observable Inputs     Inputs  
Description   Total     (Level 1)     (Level 2)     (Level 3)  
Assets:
                               
Money market funds
  $ 4,283     $ 4,283     $     $  
Other securities
    1,687                   1,687  
 
                       
Total
  $ 5,970     $ 4,283     $     $ 1,687  
 
                       
 
   
Liabilities:
                               
Derivative liabilities
  $ 634     $     $ 634     $  
Redeemable noncontrolling interest
    7,692                   7,692  
 
                       
Total
  $ 8,326     $     $ 634     $ 7,692  
 
                       
Assets and liabilities presented above exclude assets and liabilities owned by unconsolidated ventures.
                                 
    Fair Value Measurements Using  
    Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3 Only)  
    Year ended December 31, 2010     Year ended December 31, 2009  
    Assets     Liabilities     Assets     Liabilities  
          Redeemable           Redeemable  
    Other     Noncontrolling     Other     Noncontrolling  
    Securities     Interest     Securities     Interest  
Beginning balance
  $ 1,687     $ 7,692     $ 1,628     $ 18,085  
Total gains or losses (realized and unrealized):
                               
Included in earnings
    4       1,293       (2 )     2,258  
Included in other comprehensive income (loss)
    12       (12 )     16       12  
Purchases
    23             45          
Settlements
                        (15,380 )
Distributions paid
          (956 )           (4,056 )
Redemption value adjustment
          (471 )           6,773  
 
                       
Ending balance
  $ 1,726     $ 7,546     $ 1,687     $ 7,692  
 
                       
 
                               
The amount of total gains or losses for the period included in earnings (or changes in net assets) attributable to the change in unrealized gains or losses relating to assets still held at the reporting date
  $ 4     $     $ (2 )   $  
 
                       
We did not have any transfers into or out of Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 measurements during the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009. Gains and losses (realized and unrealized) included in earnings for other securities are reported in Other income and (expenses) in the consolidated financial statements.
Our other financial instruments had the following carrying values and fair values as of the dates shown (in thousands):
                                 
    December 31, 2010     December 31, 2009  
    Carrying Value     Fair Value     Carrying Value     Fair Value  
Deferred acquisition fees receivable
  $ 31,419     $ 32,485     $ 32,386     $ 32,800  
Non-recourse debt
    255,232       255,460       215,330       201,774  
Line of credit
    141,750       140,600       111,000       108,900  
We determine the estimated fair value of our debt instruments using a discounted cash flow model with rates that take into account the credit of the tenants and interest rate risk. We estimate that our other financial assets and liabilities (excluding net investment in direct financing leases) had fair values that approximated their carrying values at both December 31, 2010 and 2009.
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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Items Measured at Fair Value on a Non-Recurring Basis
We perform an assessment, when required, of the value of certain of our real estate investments in accordance with current authoritative accounting guidance. As part of that assessment, we determined the valuation of these assets using widely accepted valuation techniques, including expected discounted cash flows or an income capitalization approach, which considers prevailing market capitalization rates. We reviewed each investment based on the highest and best use of the investment and market participation assumptions. We determined that the significant inputs used to value these investments fall within Level 3. We calculated the impairment charges recorded during the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008 based on contracted or expected selling prices. The valuation of real estate is subject to significant judgment and actual results may differ materially if market conditions change.
The following table presents information about our nonfinancial assets that were measured on a fair value basis for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009. All of the impairment charges were measured using unobservable inputs (Level 3) (in thousands):
                                                                
    Year ended December 31, 2010     Year ended December 31, 2009     Year ended December 31, 2008  
    Total Fair Value     Total Impairment     Total Fair Value     Total Impairment     Total Fair Value     Total Impairment  
    Measurements     Charges     Measurements     Charges     Measurements     Charges  
Impairment Charges From Continuing Operations:
                                               
Real estate
  $ 6,271     $ 8,372     $ 823     $ 900     $     $  
Net investments in direct financing leases
    3,548       1,140       23,571       2,616       4,201       473  
Equity investments in real estate
    22,846       1,394                          
 
                                   
 
    32,665       10,906       24,394       3,516       4,201       473  
 
                                               
Impairment Charges From Discontinued Operations:
                                               
Real estate
    5,391       5,869       9,719       6,908       3,751       538  
 
                                   
 
  $ 38,056     $ 16,775     $ 34,113     $ 10,424     $ 7,952     $ 1,011  
 
                                   
Note 12. Risk Management and Use of Derivative Financial Instruments
Risk Management
In the normal course of our ongoing business operations, we encounter economic risk. There are three main components of economic risk: interest rate risk, credit risk and market risk. We are subject to interest rate risk on our interest-bearing liabilities. Credit risk is the risk of default on our operations and tenants’ inability or unwillingness to make contractually required payments. Market risk includes changes in the value of our properties and related loans, as well as changes in the value of our other securities and the shares we hold in the CPA® REITs due to changes in interest rates or other market factors. In addition, we own investments in the European Union and are subject to the risks associated with changing foreign currency exchange rates.
Foreign Currency Exchange
We are exposed to foreign currency exchange rate movements, primarily in the Euro. We manage foreign currency exchange rate movements by generally placing both our debt obligation to the lender and the tenant’s rental obligation to us in the same currency, but we are subject to foreign currency exchange rate movements to the extent of the difference in the timing and amount of the rental obligation and the debt service. We also face challenges with repatriating cash from our foreign investments. We may encounter instances where it is difficult to repatriate cash because of jurisdictional restrictions or because repatriating cash may result in current or future tax liabilities. Realized and unrealized gains and losses recognized in earnings related to foreign currency transactions are included in Other income and (expenses) in the consolidated financial statements.
Use of Derivative Financial Instruments
When we use derivative instruments, it is generally to reduce our exposure to fluctuations in interest rates. We have not entered, and do not plan to enter into, financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes. In addition to derivative instruments that we enter into on our own behalf, we may also be a party to derivative instruments that are embedded in other contracts, and we may own common stock warrants, granted to us by lessees when structuring lease transactions, that are considered to be derivative instruments. The primary risks related to our use of derivative instruments are that a counterparty to a hedging arrangement could default on its obligation or that the credit quality of the counterparty may be downgraded to such an extent that it impairs our ability to sell or assign our side of the hedging transaction. While we seek to mitigate these risks by entering into hedging arrangements with counterparties that are large financial institutions that we deem to be creditworthy, it is possible that our hedging transactions, which are intended to limit losses, could adversely affect our earnings. Furthermore, if we terminate a hedging arrangement, we may be obligated to pay certain costs, such as transaction or breakage fees. We have established policies and procedures for risk assessment and the approval, reporting and monitoring of derivative financial instrument activities.
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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
We measure derivative instruments at fair value and record them as assets or liabilities, depending on our rights or obligations under the applicable derivative contract. Derivatives that are not designated as hedges must be adjusted to fair value through earnings. If a derivative is designated as a hedge, depending on the nature of the hedge, changes in the fair value of the derivative will either be offset against the change in fair value of the hedged asset, liability, or firm commitment through earnings, or recognized in OCI until the hedged item is recognized in earnings. For cash flow hedges, the ineffective portion of a derivative’s change in fair value will be immediately recognized in earnings.
The following table sets forth certain information regarding our derivative instruments at December 31, 2010 and 2009 (in thousands):
                                     
        Asset Derivatives Fair Value     Liability Derivatives Fair Value  
Derivatives designated as       at December 31,     at December 31,  
hedging instruments   Balance Sheet Location   2010     2009     2010     2009  
Interest rate swaps
  Other assets, net   $ 312     $     $     $  
Interest rate swaps
  Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities                 (969 )     (634 )
The following table presents the impact of derivative instruments on OCI within our consolidated financial statements (in thousands):
                         
    Amount of (Loss) Gain Recognized in  
    OCI on Derivative (Effective Portion)  
    Years ended December 31,  
Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships   2010     2009     2008  
Interest rate swaps (a)
  $ (45 )   $ (243 )   $ (419 )
 
     
(a)   During the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, no gains or losses were reclassified from OCI into income related to effective or ineffective portions of hedging relationships or to amounts excluded from effectiveness testing.
See below for information on our purposes for entering into derivative instruments and for information on derivative instruments owned by unconsolidated ventures, which are excluded from the tables above.
Interest Rate Swaps and Caps
We are exposed to the impact of interest rate changes primarily through our borrowing activities. To limit this exposure, we attempt to obtain mortgage financing on a long-term, fixed-rate basis. However, from time to time, we or our venture partners may obtain variable rate non-recourse mortgage loans and, as a result, may enter into interest rate swap agreements or interest rate cap agreements with counterparties. Interest rate swaps, which effectively convert the variable rate debt service obligations of the loan to a fixed rate, are agreements in which one party exchanges a stream of interest payments for a counterparty’s stream of cash flow over a specific period. The notional, or face, amount on which the swaps are based is not exchanged. Interest rate caps limit the effective borrowing rate of variable rate debt obligations while allowing participants to share in downward shifts in interest rates. Our objective in using these derivatives is to limit our exposure to interest rate movements.
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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
The interest rate swap derivative instruments that we had outstanding at December 31, 2010 were designated as cash flow hedges and are summarized as follows (dollars in thousands):
                                                 
            Notional     Effective     Effective     Expiration        
    Type     Amount     Interest Rate     Date     Date     Fair Value  
3-Month Euribor (a)
  “Pay-fixed” swap     $ 8,522       4.2 %     3/2008       3/2018     $ (757 )
1-Month Libor
  “Pay-fixed” swap       4,681       3.0 %     4/2010       4/2015       (212 )
1-Month Libor
  “Pay-fixed” swap       34,804       3.0 %     7/2010       7/2020       312  
 
                                             
 
                                          $ (657 )
 
                                             
 
     
(a)   Amounts are based upon the Euro exchange rate at December 31, 2010.
The interest rate cap derivative instruments that our unconsolidated ventures had outstanding at December 31, 2010 were designated as cash flow hedges and are summarized as follows (dollars in thousands):
                                                                 
    Ownership Interest                                                  
    in Venture at             Notional                     Effective     Expiration        
    December 31, 2010     Type     Amount     Cap Rate (a)     Spread     Date     Date     Fair Value  
3-Month LIBOR
    17.75 %   Interest rate cap     $ 116,684       4.0 %     4.8 %     8/2009       8/2014     $ 733  
1-Month LIBOR
    78.95 %   Interest rate cap       18,310       3.0 %     4.0 %     9/2009       4/2014       122  
 
                                                             
 
                                                          $ 855  
 
                                                             
 
     
(a)   The applicable interest rates of the related loans were 5.0% and 4.3% at December 31, 2010; therefore, the interest rate caps were not being utilized at that date.
Other
Amounts reported in OCI related to derivatives will be reclassified to interest expense as interest payments are made on our non-recourse variable-rate debt. At December 31, 2010, we estimate that an additional $1.3 million will be reclassified as interest expense during the next twelve months.
Some of the agreements we have with derivative counterparties contain certain credit contingent provisions that could result in a declaration of default against us regarding our derivative obligations if we either default or are capable of being declared in default on certain of our indebtedness. At December 31, 2010, we had not been declared in default on any of our derivative obligations. The estimated fair value of our derivatives that were in a net liability position was $0.8 million at December 31, 2010, which includes accrued interest but excludes any adjustment for nonperformance risk. If we had breached any of these provisions at December 31, 2010, we could have been required to settle our obligations under these agreements at their termination value of $0.9 million.
Portfolio Concentration Risk
Concentrations of credit risk arise when a group of tenants is engaged in similar business activities or is subject to similar economic risks or conditions that could cause them to default on their lease obligations to us. We regularly monitor our portfolio to assess potential concentrations of credit risk. While we believe our portfolio is reasonably well diversified, it does contain concentrations in excess of 10% of current annualized lease revenues in certain areas, as described below. The percentages in the paragraph below represent our directly-owned real estate properties and do not include our pro rata share of equity investments.
At December 31, 2010, the majority of our directly-owned real estate properties were located in the U.S. (89%), with Texas (20%), California (14%), Arizona (11%) and Georgia (11%) representing the most significant geographic concentrations, based on percentage of our annualized contractual minimum base rent for the fourth quarter of 2010. At December 31, 2010, our directly-owned real estate properties contained concentrations in the following asset types: office (38%), industrial (30%) and warehouse/distribution (17%); and in the following tenant industries: retail stores (13%), business and commercial services (12%) and telecommunications (12%).
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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Note 13. Impairment Charges
We periodically assess whether there are any indicators that the value of our real estate investments may be impaired or that their carrying value may not be recoverable. For investments in real estate in which an impairment indicator is identified, we follow a two-step process to determine whether the investment is impaired and to determine the amount of the charge. First, we compare the carrying value of the real estate to the future net undiscounted cash flow that we expect the real estate will generate, including any estimated proceeds from the eventual sale of the real estate. If this amount is less than the carrying value, the real estate is considered to be impaired, and we then measure the loss as the excess of the carrying value of the real estate over the estimated fair value of the real estate, which is primarily determined using market information such as recent comparable sales or broker quotes. If relevant market information is not available or is not deemed appropriate, we then perform a future net cash flow analysis discounted for inherent risk associated with each investment.
The following table summarizes impairment charges recognized during the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008 (in thousands):
                         
    Years ended December 31,  
    2010     2009     2008  
Real estate
  $ 8,372     $ 900     $  
Net investments in direct financing leases
    1,140       2,616       473  
 
                 
Total impairment charges included in expenses
    9,512       3,516       473  
Equity investments in real estate (a)
    1,394              
 
                 
Total impairment charges included in continuing operations
    10,906       3,516       473  
Impairment charges included in discontinued operations
    5,869       6,908       538  
 
                 
Total impairment charges
  $ 16,775     $ 10,424     $ 1,011  
 
                 
 
     
(a)   Impairment charges on our equity investments in real estate are included in Income from equity investments in real estate and CPA® REITs within the consolidated financial statements.
Impairment Charges on Real Estate
During the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009, we recognized impairment charges on various properties totaling $8.4 million and $0.9 million, respectively. These impairments were primarily the result of writing down the properties’ carrying values to their respective estimated fair values in connection with potential sales due to tenants vacating or not renewing their leases.
Impairment Charges on Direct Financing Leases
In connection with our annual review of the estimated residual values on our properties classified as net investments in direct financing leases, we determined that an other-than-temporary decline in estimated residual value had occurred at various properties due to market conditions, and the accounting for these direct financing leases was revised using the changed estimates. The changes in estimates resulted in the recognition of impairment charges totaling $1.1 million, $2.6 million and $0.5 million in 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively.
Impairment Charges on Equity Investments in Real Estate
During the year ended December 31, 2010, we recognized an other-than-temporary impairment charge of $1.4 million on a venture to reflect the decline in the estimated fair value of the venture’s underlying net assets in comparison with the carrying value of our interest in the venture.
Impairment Charges on Properties Sold
During the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, we recognized impairment charges on properties sold totaling $5.9 million, $6.9 million and $0.5 million, respectively. These impairment charges, which are included in discontinued operations, were the result of reducing these properties’ carrying values to their estimated fair values (Note 17).
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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Note 14. Equity
Distributions Payable
We declared a quarterly distribution of $0.510 per share in December 2010, which was paid in January 2011 to shareholders of record at December 31, 2010; and a quarterly distribution of $0.502 per share and a special distribution of $0.30 per share in December 2009, which were paid in January 2010 to shareholders of record at December 31, 2009. The special distribution was approved by our board of directors as a result of an increase in our 2009 taxable income.
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest
We account for the noncontrolling interest in WPCI held by one of our officers as a redeemable noncontrolling interest, as we have an obligation to repurchase the interest from that officer, subject to certain conditions. The officer’s interest is reflected at estimated redemption value for all periods presented. Redeemable noncontrolling interests, as presented on the consolidated balance sheets, reflect adjustments of ($0.5) million, $6.8 million and $0.3 million at December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively, to present the officer’s interest at redemption value. See Note 15.
The following table presents a reconciliation of redeemable noncontrolling interest (in thousands):
                         
    2010     2009     2008  
Balance at beginning of year
  $ 7,692     $ 18,085     $ 20,394  
Redemption value adjustment
    (471 )     6,773       322  
Net income
    1,293       2,258       1,508  
Distributions
    (956 )     (4,056 )     (4,139 )
Purchase of noncontrolling interests
          (15,380 )      
Change in other comprehensive (loss) income
    (12 )     12        
 
                 
Balance at end of year
  $ 7,546     $ 7,692     $ 18,085  
 
                 
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
The following table presents accumulated other comprehensive loss reflected in equity, net of tax. Amounts include our proportionate share of other comprehensive income or loss from our unconsolidated investments (in thousands):
                 
    December 31,  
    2010     2009  
Unrealized gain on marketable securities
  $ 48     $ 42  
Unrealized loss on derivative instruments
    (1,658 )     (901 )
Foreign currency translation adjustment
    (1,853 )     178  
 
           
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
  $ (3,463 )   $ (681 )
 
           
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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Earnings Per Share
Under current authoritative guidance for determining earnings per share, all unvested share-based payment awards that contain non-forfeitable rights to distributions are considered to be participating securities and therefore are included in the computation of earnings per share under the two-class method. The two-class method is an earnings allocation formula that determines earnings per share for each class of common shares and participating security according to dividends declared (or accumulated) and participation rights in undistributed earnings. Our unvested RSUs contain rights to receive non-forfeitable distribution equivalents, and therefore we apply the two-class method of computing earnings per share. The calculation of earnings per share below excludes the income attributable to the unvested RSUs from the numerator. The following table summarizes basic and diluted earnings per share for the periods indicated (in thousands, except share amounts):
                         
    Years ended December 31,  
    2010     2009     2008  
Net income attributable to W. P. Carey members
  $ 73,972     $ 69,023     $ 78,047  
Allocation of distributions paid on unvested RSUs in excess of net income
    (440 )     (1,127 )     (295 )
 
                 
Net income — basic
    73,532       67,896       77,752  
Income effect of dilutive securities, net of taxes
    724       1,250       840  
 
                 
Net income — diluted
  $ 74,256     $ 69,146     $ 78,592  
 
                 
 
                       
Weighted average shares outstanding — basic
    39,514,746       39,019,709       39,202,520  
Effect of dilutive securities
    493,148       693,026       1,018,592  
 
                 
Weighted average shares outstanding — diluted
    40,007,894       39,712,735       40,221,112  
 
                 
Securities included in our diluted earnings per share determination consist of stock options, warrants and restricted stock. Securities totaling 1.8 million shares, 2.6 million shares and 2.4 million shares for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008, respectively, were excluded from the earnings per share computations above as their effect would have been anti-dilutive.
Share Repurchase Programs
In June 2007, our board of directors approved a share repurchase program through December 31, 2007 that was later extended through March 2008. During the term of the program, we repurchased a total of $30.7 million of our common stock. In October 2008, the Executive Committee of our board of directors (the “Executive Committee”) approved a program to repurchase up to $10.0 million of our common stock through December 15, 2008. During the term of this program, we repurchased a total of $8.5 million of our common stock. In December 2008, the Executive Committee approved a further program to repurchase up to $10.0 million of our common stock through March 4, 2009 or the date the maximum was reached, if earlier. During the term of this program, we repurchased a total of $9.3 million of our common stock. In March 2009, the Executive Committee approved an additional program to repurchase up to $3.5 million of our common stock through March 27, 2009 or the date the maximum was reached, if earlier. During the term of this program, we repurchased a total of $2.8 million of our common stock.
Note 15. Stock-Based and Other Compensation
Stock-Based Compensation
At December 31, 2010, we maintained several stock-based compensation plans as described below. The total compensation expense (net of forfeitures) for these plans was $7.4 million, $9.3 million and $7.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively. Total stock-based compensation expense for the year ended December 31, 2010 included net forfeitures of $2.0 million as a result of the resignation of two senior officers. The tax benefit recognized by us related to these plans totaled $3.3 million, $4.2 million and $3.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively.
2009 Incentive Plan and 1997 Incentive Plans
We maintain the 1997 Share Incentive Plan (as amended, the “1997 Incentive Plan”), which authorized the issuance of up to 6,200,000 shares of our common stock. In June 2009, our shareholders approved the 2009 Share Incentive Plan (the “2009 Incentive Plan”) to replace the 1997 Incentive Plan, except with respect to outstanding contractual obligations under the 1997 Incentive Plan, so that no further awards can be made under that plan. The 2009 Incentive Plan authorizes the issuance of up to 3,600,000 shares of our common stock, of which 218,644 were issued or reserved for issuance upon vesting of RSUs and PSUs at December 31, 2010. The 1997 Incentive Plan provided for the grant of (i) share options, which may or may not qualify as incentive stock options under the Code, (ii) performance shares or PSUs, (iii) dividend equivalent rights and (iv) restricted shares or RSUs. The 2009 Incentive Plan provides for the grant of (i) share options, (ii) restricted shares or RSUs, (iii) performance shares or PSUs, and (iv) dividend equivalent rights. The vesting of grants under both plans is accelerated upon a change in our control and under certain other conditions. During 2010, grants under our long-term incentive program (the “LTIP”) were made under the 2009 Incentive Plan.
W. P. Carey 2010 10-K 81

 

 


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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
In December 2007, the Compensation Committee approved the LTIP and terminated further contributions to the Partnership Equity Unit Plan described below. In 2008, the Compensation Committee approved long-term incentive awards consisting of 153,900 RSUs and 148,250 PSUs under the LTIP through the 1997 Incentive Plan. In 2009, the Compensation Committee granted 126,050 RSUs and 152,000 PSUs under the LTIP through the 1997 Incentive Plan. In 2010, the Compensation Committee granted 140,050 RSUs and 159,250 PSUs under the LTIP through the 2009 Incentive Plan.
As a result of issuing these awards, we currently expect to recognize compensation expense totaling approximately $18.1 million over the vesting period, of which $5.7 million, $4.2 million and $2.4 million was recognized during 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively.
2009 Non-Employee Directors Incentive Plan and 1997 Non-Employee Directors’ Plan
We maintain the 1997 Non-Employee Directors’ Plan (the “1997 Directors’ Plan”), which authorized the issuance of up to 300,000 shares of our Common Stock. In June 2007, the 1997 Director’s Plan, which had been due to expire in October 2007, was extended through October 2017. In June 2009, our shareholders approved the 2009 Non-Employee Directors’ Incentive Plan (the “2009 Directors’ Plan”) to replace the 1997 Directors’ Plan, except with respect to outstanding contractual obligations under the predecessor plan, so that no further awards can be made under that plan. The 1997 Directors’ Plan provided for the grant of (i) share options, which may or may not qualify as incentive stock options, (ii) performance shares, (iii) dividend equivalent rights and (iv) restricted shares. The 2009 Directors’ Plan authorizes the issuance of 325,000 shares of our common stock in the aggregate and initially provided for the automatic annual grant of RSUs with a total value of $50,000 to each director. In the discretion of our board of directors, the awards may also be in the form of share options or restricted shares, or any combination of the permitted awards. Grants under the 2009 Directors Plan totaled 47,565 RSUs at December 31, 2010.
Employee Share Purchase Plan
We sponsor an Employee Share Purchase Plan (“ESPP”) pursuant to which eligible employees may contribute up to 10% of compensation, subject to certain limits, to purchase our common stock. Employees can purchase stock semi-annually at a price equal to 85% of the fair market value at certain plan defined dates. The ESPP is not material to our results of operations. Compensation expense under this plan for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008 was $0.2 million, $0.4 million and $0.1 million, respectively.
Carey Management Warrants
In January 1998, the predecessor of Carey Management was granted warrants to purchase 2,284,800 shares of our common stock exercisable at $21 per share and warrants to purchase 725,930 shares exercisable at $23 per share as compensation for investment banking services in connection with structuring the consolidation of the CPA® Partnerships. During the year ended December 31, 2008, a corporation wholly-owned by our Chairman, Wm. Polk Carey, exercised warrants under a 1998 grant (the “Carey Management Warrants”) to purchase a total of 695,930 shares of our common stock at $23 per share, for which we received proceeds of $16.1 million. All other Carey Management Warrants were exercised prior to 1998 or expired without value.
Partnership Equity Unit Plan
During 2003, we adopted a non-qualified deferred compensation plan (the “Partnership Equity Plan”, or “PEP”) under which a portion of any participating officer’s cash compensation in excess of designated amounts was deferred and the officer was awarded Partnership Equity Plan Units (“PEP Units”). The value of each PEP Unit was intended to correspond to the value of a share of the CPA® REIT designated at the time of such award. During 2005, further contributions to the initial PEP were terminated and it was succeeded by a second PEP. As amended, payment under these plans will occur at the earlier of December 16, 2013 (in the case of the initial PEP) or twelve years from the date of award. The award is fully vested upon grant. Each of the PEPs is a deferred compensation plan and is therefore considered to be outside the scope of current accounting guidance for stock-based compensation and subject to liability award accounting. The value of each PEP Unit will be adjusted to reflect the underlying appraised value of the designated CPA® REIT. Additionally, each PEP Unit will be entitled to distributions equal to the distribution rate of the CPA® REIT. All issuances of PEP Units, changes in the fair value of PEP Units and distributions paid are included in our compensation expense.
W. P. Carey 2010 10-K 82

 

 


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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
The value of the plans is reflected at fair value each quarter and is subject to changes in the fair value of the PEP units. Compensation expense under these Plans for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008 was $0.1 million, $0.2 million and $0.9 million, respectively. Further contributions to the second PEP were terminated at December 31, 2007; however, this termination did not affect any awardees’ rights pursuant to awards granted under this plan. In December 2008, participants in the PEPs were required to make an election to either (i) remain in the PEPs, (ii) receive cash for their PEP Units (available to former employees only) or (iii) convert their PEP Units to fully vested RSUs (available to current employees only) to be issued under the 1997 Incentive Plan on June 15, 2009. Substantially all of the PEP participants elected to receive cash or convert their existing PEP Units to RSUs. In January 2009, we paid $2.0 million in cash to former employee participants who elected to receive cash for their PEP Units. As a result of the election to convert PEP Units to RSUs, we derecognized $9.3 million of our existing PEP liability and recorded a deferred compensation obligation within W. P. Carey members’ equity in the same amount during the second quarter of 2009. The PEP participants that elected RSUs received a total of 356,416 RSUs, which was equal to the total value of their PEP Units divided by the closing price of our common stock on June 15, 2009. The PEP participants electing to receive RSUs were required to defer receipt of the underlying shares of our common stock for a minimum of two years. While employed by us, these participants are entitled to receive dividend equivalents equal to the amount of dividends paid on the underlying common stock during the deferral period. At December 31, 2010, we are obligated to issue 356,416 shares of our common stock underlying these RSUs, which is recorded within W. P. Carey members’ equity as a Deferred compensation obligation of $10.5 million. The remaining PEP liability pertaining to participants who elected to remain in the plans was $0.8 million at December 31, 2010.
WPCI Stock Options
On June 30, 2003, WPCI granted an incentive award to two officers of WPCI consisting of 1,500,000 restricted units, representing an approximate 13% interest in WPCI, and 1,500,000 options for WPCI units with a combined fair value of $2.5 million at that date. Both the options and restricted units vested ratably over five years, with full vesting occurring December 31, 2007. During 2008, the officers exercised all of their 1,500,000 options to purchase 1,500,000 units of WPCI at $1 per unit. Upon the exercise of the WPCI options, the officers had a total interest of approximately 23% in WPCI. The terms of the vested restricted units and units received in connection with the exercise of options of WPCI by noncontrolling interest holders provided that the units could be redeemed, commencing December 31, 2012 and thereafter, solely in exchange for our shares and that any redemption would be subject to a third party valuation of WPCI. In connection with a reorganization of WPCI into three separate entities in 2008, the officers also owned equivalent interests in the three new entities.
In December 2009, one of those officers resigned from W. P. Carey, WPCI and all affiliated entities pursuant to a mutually agreed separation. As part of this separation, we effected the purchase of all of the interests in WPCI and certain related entities held by that officer for cash, at a negotiated fair market value of $15.4 million. The tax effect of approximately $4.8 million relating to the acquisition of this interest, which resulted in an increase in contributed capital, was recorded as an adjustment to Listed shares in the consolidated balance sheets. The remaining officer currently has a total interest of approximately 7.7% in each of WPCI and the related entities.
Stock Options
Option and warrant activity at December 31, 2010 and changes during the year ended December 31, 2010 were as follows:
                                 
                    Weighted        
                    Average        
            Weighted     Remaining        
            Average     Contractual     Aggregate  
    Shares     Exercise Price     Term (in Years)     Intrinsic Value  
Outstanding at beginning of year
    2,255,604     $ 27.55                  
Granted
                           
Exercised
    (399,507 )     22.26                  
Forfeited / Expired
    (156,396 )     30.24                  
 
                           
Outstanding at end of year
   </