Item 1. Business.
Our Company
Campus Crest Communities, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, referred to herein as the "Company," "we," "us," "our," and "Campus Crest," is a self-managed, self-administered and vertically-integrated REIT focused on developing, building, owning and managing a diversified portfolio of high-quality, residence life student housing properties. We were incorporated in the State of Maryland on March 1, 2010. On October 19, 2010, we completed an initial public offering (the "Offering") of our common stock. As a result of the Offering and certain formation transactions entered into in connection therewith (the "Formation Transactions"), we currently own the sole general partner interest and own limited partner interests in Campus Crest Communities Operating Partnership, LP (the "Operating Partnership"). We hold substantially all of our assets, and conduct substantially all of our business, through the Operating Partnership. The Offering and Formation Transactions were designed to (i) continue the operations of Campus Crest Communities Predecessor (the "Predecessor"), (ii) reduce outstanding mortgage and construction loan indebtedness, (iii) enable us to acquire additional interests in certain of our student housing properties, (iv) fund development costs, (v) fund joint venture capital requirements, and (vi) establish sufficient working capital for general corporate purposes. The exchange of entities or interests in the Predecessor for units of limited partnership interests in the Operating Partnership ("OP units") has been accounted for as a reorganization of entities under common control. As a result, our assets and liabilities have been reflected at their historical cost basis.
We are one of the largest vertically-integrated developers, builders, owners and managers of high-quality, residence life focused student housing properties in the United States, based on beds owned and under management. As of December 31, 2012, we owned interests in 39 operating student housing properties containing approximately 7,670 apartment units and 20,884 beds. Thirty-two of our properties are wholly-owned and seven of our properties are owned through joint ventures with Harrison Street Real Estate Capital ("HSRE"). As of December 31, 2012, our portfolio is as follows:
As of December 31, 2012, the average occupancy for our 39 properties was approximately 90.4% and the average monthly total revenue per occupied bed was approximately $498. Our operating properties are located in 18 states, contain modern apartment units with many resort-style amenities, and have an average age of approximately 3.4 years as of December 31, 2012. Our properties are primarily located in medium-sized college and university markets, which we define as markets located outside of major U.S. cities that have nearby schools generally with overall enrollment of approximately 5,000 to 20,000 students. We believe such markets are underserved and are generally experiencing enrollment growth.
We and our Predecessor have developed, built and managed all of our properties, which are based upon a common prototypical residential building design. We believe that our use of this prototypical building design, which we have built approximately 570 times at our 39 student housing properties (approximately 15 of such residential buildings comprise one student housing property), allows us to efficiently deliver a uniform and proven student housing product in multiple markets. All of our properties operate under The Grove® brand, and we believe that our brand and the associated lifestyle are effective differentiators that create higher visibility and appeal for our properties within their markets both with the student as well as the Universities we serve.
In addition to our existing properties, we actively seek new organic growth opportunities. We commenced building six new student housing properties in 2012, three of which are wholly owned by us, three of which are owned by a joint venture with HSRE in which we own a 20% interest. We commenced building one new student housing property in 2013 which is owned by a joint venture with HSRE and Brandywine Realty Trust ("Brandywine") in which we own a 30% interest and act as the co-developer. The following is a summary of these developments.
(1) Estimated project cost amounts are in millions.
For each of these projects, we conducted significant pre-development activities and obtained necessary zoning and site plan approvals. In total, we have identified over 250 markets and approximately 80 specific sites within these markets as potential future development opportunities.
REIT Status and Taxable REIT Subsidiaries
We have made an election to qualify, and we believe we are operating so as to qualify, as a REIT under Sections 856 through 859 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Internal Revenue Code"), commencing with our taxable year ended on December 31, 2010. As a REIT, we generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax to the extent that we meet the organizational and operational requirements and our distributions equal or exceed 90% of our REIT taxable income. For all periods subsequent to the REIT election, we have met the organizational and operational requirements and distributions have exceeded 90% of our REIT taxable income.
We have elected to treat Campus Crest TRS Holdings, Inc. ("TRS Holdings"), our wholly-owned subsidiary, as a taxable REIT subsidiary ("TRS"). TRS Holdings holds the development, construction and management companies that provide services to entities in which we do not own 100% of the equity interests. As a TRS, the operations of TRS Holdings and its subsidiaries are generally subject to federal, state and local income and franchise taxes.
Our Business and Growth Strategies
Our objective is to maximize total returns to our stockholders through the pursuit of the following business and growth strategies:
Utilize Our Vertically-Integrated Platform. Our vertically-integrated platform performs each key function in the student housing value chain: project development, project construction, property management and asset management. Campus Crest Development, LLC, a North Carolina limited liability company ("Campus Crest Development"), identifies markets, selects sites and acquires all entitlements; Campus Crest Construction, LLC, a North Carolina limited liability company ("Campus Crest Construction"), oversees the design and construction of each project; The Grove Student Properties, LLC, a North Carolina limited liability company doing business as Campus Crest Real Estate Management ("The Grove Student Properties"), serves as our marketing, leasing and property management arm; and Campus Crest Asset Management, a division of Campus Crest Group ("Campus Crest Asset Management"), oversees our capital structure, investment underwriting and investor relations. Our vertically-integrated platform allows us to become familiar with every facet of our student housing properties. We believe that the ongoing feedback and accountability facilitated by our vertically-integrated platform allow us to improve efficiency, reduce costs, control project timing and enhance the overall quality of our properties.
Target Attractive Markets. Prior to investing in a market, we conduct detailed due diligence to assess the market’s attractiveness (e.g., demographics and student population trends), as well as the available supply of on- and off-campus housing alternatives. We utilize a proprietary underwriting model to evaluate the relative attractiveness of each potential development market. While our market strategy considers a variety of factors, we generally focus on markets where: (i) total student enrollment exceeds 5,000; (ii) a majority of the student population resides off-campus; and (iii) sites that are in close proximity to campus can be purchased or leased at a reasonable cost. Our due diligence process is designed to identify markets in which we can operate successfully.
Optimize Our Properties and Brand Value. A key element of our strategy is to optimize the student lifestyle experience at our properties and enhance the value and recognition of our brand, The Grove®, through a consistent set of operating principles. We strive to offer properties that are designed to meet the unique needs of student-tenants, and to offer a variety of social activities and other programs that build a sense of community at our properties. Our property management group, The Grove Student Properties, continually works with our Community Assistant teams to design student lifestyle programs involving social, cultural, outreach, recreational, educational and sustainability activities, which we refer to as our "SCORES" program. We believe that our focus on student lifestyle which promotes a sense of community at our properties which in turn improves occupancy and reduces demand elasticity.
Development Growth. We believe that our vertically-integrated platform generally allows us to generate more favorable returns by developing new properties as compared to acquiring existing properties from third parties. Our current business plan contemplates the development of approximately six to eight new student housing properties per year.
Acquisition Growth. We may also seek to grow by selectively acquiring student housing properties and established multi-property portfolios from third parties and by making strategic investments in other student housing companies. As part of our investment strategy, we evaluate whether any properties acquired from third parties would meet our investment criteria for development properties and fit into our overall strategy in terms of property quality, proximity to campus, bed-bath parity, availability of amenities and return on investment. In addition, we may also seek to make opportunistic acquisitions of properties that we believe we can purchase at attractive pricing, reposition and operate successfully.
Property Management and Monitoring
We maintain an on-site staff at each property, including a General Manager, Sales Manager and Facilities Manager. The on-site staff is responsible for all aspects of the property’s operations, including marketing, leasing administration, business administration, ongoing property maintenance, capital projects and residence life and student development. In addition, each property typically has nine student-tenants that live on-site and work for us on a part-time basis. These individuals, who we refer to as "Community Assistants" or "CAs," assist in developing lifestyle programming, among other things. We provide oversight to each property on an area basis, with each "area" typically comprised of six properties. Each area is staffed with an Area Manager and Area Sales Manager. The roles of our various staff members are described in greater detail below.
General Managers, Sales Managers and Facilities Managers. The General Manager is responsible for all facets of a property’s operation, including the development and implementation of student lifestyle programs, annual budgeting, collection of rents, administration of accounts payable, implementation of the annual marketing plan, administration of all leasing and marketing functions, coordination of property maintenance, asset preservation and capital improvement projects. The General Manager also supervises the residence life program and conducts all hiring, termination, and staff development of on-site personnel. The Sales Manager supports the General Manager and focuses on the leasing and lifestyle programs at the property. The Facilities Manager is responsible for coordinating all maintenance activity at the property and serving as a liaison for larger capital projects in concert with our in-house facilities group.
CAs. At each of our properties, we also have a work/live program, typically consisting of nine part-time positions for student staff members. At each property we generally maintain a ratio of 50-70 students per CA. Our CAs are selected by our management based upon a set of criteria, including interpersonal skills, leadership capabilities, responsibility, maturity and willingness to meet the challenges and expectations of the position. We use these positions to interface on a peer basis with our student-tenants and to assist with various duties at the properties. Further, we use this position as a feeder for us, which allows us to evaluate these part-time employees for potential full-time managerial positions with us after they graduate. It is a position that fits well with many students’ academic goals while affording them opportunities for personal growth and leadership development. The CAs perform the duties of their position in exchange for their room and a stipend. CAs are trained to provide support and assistance to our student-tenants on a variety of issues. The CAs act as community facilitators by developing an atmosphere that promotes a sense of belonging, support and affiliation. In addition, the CAs participate actively in developing and implementing the property’s programs and events in connection with our SCORES program. At all times, our CAs are expected to be role models and maintain the highest standards of personal conduct. Through observation and interaction with the community, the CAs help to identify potential problems and make appropriate referrals so that students may overcome obstacles to their academic achievement. Through their efforts to provide timely, accurate and thorough information in the appropriate format, CAs contribute to the smooth and effective operations of our properties. We believe that this position is critical to the success of our properties.
Area Managers and Area Sales Managers. The Area Manager is responsible for all facets of the operations of properties in his or her area, typically six properties per area. He or she monitors the performance of the properties and the compliance of each of the General Managers with our programs and policies to preserve operational standards across all of the properties in his or her area. The Area Manager is the conduit between centralized planning at our corporate level and decentralized execution at each of the properties. Similar to the property-level Sales Manager, the Area Sales Manager provides support for leasing and lifestyle programming at all the properties in his or her area. As the corporate marketing department’s liaison to area and property operations, the Area Sales Manager monitors the consistency of The Grove® brand across the properties and collaborates with the Area and General Managers to market each property effectively.
Leasing and Marketing
Student housing properties are typically leased by the bed on an individual lease liability basis, unlike multi-family housing where leasing is by the unit. Individual lease liability limits each student-tenant’s liability to his or her own rent without liability for a roommate’s rent. A parent or guardian is required to execute each lease as a guarantor unless the student-tenant provides adequate proof of income. The number of lease contracts that we administer is therefore equivalent to the number of beds occupied rather than the number of units occupied.
Unlike traditional multi-family housing, most of our leases commence and terminate on the same dates each year. In the case of our typical 11.5-month lease, these dates coincide with the commencement of the universities’ fall academic term and typically terminate at the completion of the last summer school session. As such, we must re-lease each property in its entirety each year, resulting in significant turnover in our tenant population from year to year. As a result, we are highly dependent upon the effectiveness of our marketing and leasing efforts during the annual leasing season, which typically begins each October and ends in September of the following year. As of the start of the fall term for the 2012-2013 and 2011-2012 academic years, we had approximately 41.9% and 40.7%, respectively, of our current tenants renew their previous lease for the upcoming term.
Each year we implement a marketing and leasing plan to re-lease each property. We advertise through various media, including print advertising in newspapers, magazines and trade publications; direct mailers; radio advertising; promotional events and public relation campaigns. We typically compete in the off-campus student housing market on the basis of:
·the quality of our facilities, including their proximity to campus, as well as our properties’ physical location, the size and layout of units and the types of amenities offered;
·rental terms, including price, which varies based on the market in which the property is located, and per-bed rental (individual lease liability), which allows individual student-tenants to avoid responsibility for the rental of an entire apartment unit;
·community environment, including community facilities, amenities and programming, which is overseen by our staff of CAs; and
·our relationships with colleges and universities, which may result in our properties being recommended or listed in recruiting and admissions literature provided to incoming and prospective students.
Student Programming / SCORES Program
We believe that our success has been driven, in part, by our focus on student lifestyle programming, including our SCORES program. Our SCORES program is designed to enhance the student lifestyle by facilitating activities at our properties in the following areas:
·Social: parties, group events, movie nights, bonfires, concerts, tavern/game nights, tailgating and homecoming events;
·Cultural: attending plays, concerts, readings, art galleries and open microphone nights;
·Outreach: blood drives, big brother/big sister programs, mentoring, food drives/themed activities;
·Recreational: intramural sports teams and volleyball and basketball tournaments;
·Educational: CPR training, resume writing workshops, nutrition classes, self-defense training and job interview 	rehearsals; and
·Sustainability: recycling drives, tree planting initiatives, beautification and restoration projects, green living tips and 	green cleaning programs.
We believe that our student programming enhances the lifestyle of our student-tenants and helps to create an environment that is conducive to academic and social success. We do not approach our properties as simply a place for students to live, but rather we seek to assist our student-tenants in building connections with their fellow student-tenants, their communities and the colleges and universities that they attend. We believe that our focus on student lifestyle programming differentiates us from our competitors and makes our properties more attractive to prospective student-tenants and their parents.
NEXT
NEXT is our commitment to the triple bottom line: people, planet and prosperity; a business philosophy that balances economic success with social and environmental stewardship. We believe we can do well by doing good, and we do well when we focus on people, planet and prosperity. NEXT is our one-word commitment to fearless progress, to a renewed future. Together, we are whole-heartedly embracing the sustainable change that transforms our world for the better.
·Building Innovation: One of our largest areas of impact is in the buildings we construct. We’re committed to continually improving our building design, construction and operations by sustainable standards in order to maximize resident comfort, health, efficiency and safety.
·Growing Greener Lifestyles: Change without proper education is like planting a tree and never watering it. That’s why we provide comprehensive educational programming, designed to empower residents and employees to make healthy, sustainable choices in their own lives.
·Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: Improving our impact begins with the choices we make about the resources we use. We live and work by the “reduce, reuse, recycle” imperative. This means we have adopted high-level education, maintenance, and purchasing decisions that reduce waste and conserve resources at all of our properties. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle is a message we take very seriously.
·Improving Communities: We are committed to leaving our communities better than we found them, and for us, that commitment stretches beyond the environment. Giving back is an important part of doing good, so we use our resources to improve communities and lives through philanthropic social initiatives.
·Healthy Lifestyles: We cannot strive for the best if our team isn’t at their best. By empowering employees to lead strong and healthy lifestyles, we will develop a team that’s ready to grow. Our commitment to better health includes everything from offering corporate yoga classes to healthy diet information.
GO Team (Grove Outreach)
The Grove Outreach Team ("GO Team") is our service program that supports the various charitable initiatives that we implement at our properties and our corporate office. GO Teams are groups of student-tenants and non-student-tenants (including but not limited to security guards) that support charitable work in the communities in which we operate. We believe that the GO Team creates emotional attachments to our communities through service while contributing to the areas in which we operate.
Business Segments
We have identified two reportable business segments: (i) student housing operations and (ii) development, construction and management services. We evaluate the performance of our operating segments based on operating income (loss). All inter-segment sales pricing is based on current market conditions. Operating segments that do not individually meet the aggregation criteria described in the accounting guidance may be combined with other operating segments that do not individually meet the aggregation criteria to form a separate reportable segment. Unallocated corporate amounts include general expenses associated with managing our two reportable operating segments.
Competition
Competition from Universities and Colleges
We are subject to competition for student-tenants from on-campus housing owned by universities and colleges. On-campus student housing has inherent advantages over off-campus student housing (such as the majority of our properties) in integration with the academic community, which may cause student-tenants to prefer on-campus housing to off-campus housing. Additionally, colleges and universities may have financial advantages that allow them to provide student housing on more attractive terms than we are able to. For example, colleges and universities can generally avoid real estate taxes and borrow funds at lower interest rates than private, for profit real estate concerns, such as us. However, residence halls owned and operated by the primary colleges and universities in the markets in which we operate typically charge lower rental rates but offer fewer amenities than those offered at our properties.
Despite the inherent advantages of on-campus housing, most universities are able to house only a small percentage of their overall enrollment, and are therefore highly dependent on the off-campus market to provide housing for their students. High-quality and well run off-campus student housing can therefore be a critical component of an institution’s ability to attract and retain students. Accordingly, universities and colleges often have an interest in encouraging and facilitating the construction of modern off-campus housing alternatives.
Competition from Private Owners
We also compete with other regional and national owner-operators of off-campus student housing in a number of markets as well as with smaller local owner-operators. Currently, the industry is fragmented with no participant holding a dominant market share. There are a number of student housing properties that are located near or in the same general vicinity of many of our properties and that compete directly with our properties. We believe that a number of other large national companies with substantial financial and marketing resources may be potential entrants in the student housing business. The activities of any of these companies could cause an increase in competition for student-tenants and for the acquisition, development and management of other student housing properties, which could reduce the demand for our properties.
Insurance
We carry comprehensive liability, fire, extended coverage, terrorism and rental loss insurance covering all of the properties in our portfolio. Our insurance includes coverage for earthquake damage to properties located in seismically active areas, windstorm damage to properties exposed to hurricanes, and terrorism insurance on all of our properties. Our insurance policies are subject to coverage limits and applicable deductibles, and if we suffer a substantial loss, our coverage may be insufficient. All insurance policies are also subject to coverage extensions that we believe are typical for our business. We do not carry insurance for generally uninsured losses such as loss from riots or acts of God.
Regulation
General
Student housing properties are subject to various laws, ordinances and regulations, including regulations relating to common areas. We believe that each of our operating properties has the necessary permits and approvals to operate its business. In addition, apartment community properties are subject to various laws, ordinances and regulations, including regulations relating to recreational facilities, such as swimming pools, activity centers and other common areas.
Americans With Disabilities Act
Our properties must comply with Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended (the "ADA"), to the extent that such properties are "public accommodations" as defined by the ADA. The ADA may require removal of structural barriers to access by persons with disabilities in certain public areas of our properties where such removal is readily achievable.
Fair Housing Act
The Fair Housing Act (the "FHA"), its state law counterparts and the regulations promulgated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development ("HUD") and various state agencies, prohibit discrimination in housing on the basis of race or color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status (including children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18) or handicap (disability) and, in some states, on financial capability.
Environmental Matters
Some of our properties contain, or may have contained, or are adjacent to or near other properties that have contained or currently contain storage tanks for the storage of petroleum products or other hazardous or toxic substances. These operations create a potential for the release of petroleum products or other hazardous or toxic substances. Third parties may be permitted by law to seek recovery from owners or operators for personal injury or property damages arising from releases from such tanks. Additionally, third parties may be permitted by law to seek recovery from owners or operators for personal injury or property damage associated with exposure to other contaminants that may be present on, at or under the properties, including, but not limited to, petroleum products and hazardous or toxic substances. Also, some of the properties include regulated wetlands on undeveloped portions of such properties and mitigated wetlands on or near our properties, the existence of which can delay or impede development or require costs to be incurred to mitigate the impact of any disturbance. Absent appropriate permits, we can be held responsible for restoring wetlands and be required to pay fines and penalties.
When excessive moisture accumulates in buildings or on building materials, mold growth may occur, particularly if the moisture problem remains undiscovered or is not addressed over a period of time. Some molds may produce airborne toxins or irritants. Concern about indoor exposure to mold has been increasing as exposure to mold may cause a variety of adverse health effects and symptoms, including allergic or other reactions. Some of our properties may contain microbial matter such as mold and mildew. The presence of significant mold at any of our properties could require us to undertake a costly remediation program to contain or remove the mold from the affected property. The presence of significant mold could expose us to liability from student-tenants, employees and others if property damage or health concerns arise.
If any property in our portfolio is not properly connected to a water or sewer system, or if the integrity of such systems is breached, microbial matter or other contamination can develop. If this were to occur, we could incur significant remedial costs and we may also be subject to private damage claims and awards, which could be material. If we become subject to claims in this regard, it could materially and adversely affect us and our insurability for such matters in the future.
Employees
As of December 31, 2012, we had approximately 650 employees. Our employees are not represented by a labor union.
Offices and Website
Our principal executive offices are located at 2100 Rexford Road, Suite 414, Charlotte, NC 28211. We also have management offices at each of our properties.
Our website is located at www.campuscrest.com. We make available free of charge through our website our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and amendments to these reports filed or furnished pursuant to Sections 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material with, or furnish it to, the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC’). Our website also contains copies of our Corporate Governance Guidelines and Code of Business Ethics, as well as the charters of our Nominating and Corporate Governance, Audit, and Compensation Committees. The information on our website is not part of this report.
Item 1A.
Item 1A. Risk Factors.
You should carefully consider the following risk factors, the occurrence of any of which may materially and adversely affect us. The risks described below are not the only ones we face. Additional risks not presently known to us or that we may currently deem immaterial also may impair our financial condition or operations or otherwise harm us.
Risks Related to Our Business and Properties
Developing properties will expose us to risks beyond those associated with owning and operating student housing properties, and could materially and adversely affect our profitability.
Our future growth will depend, in part, upon our ability to complete successfully our current properties under development and to identify, plan and execute on additional development opportunities. Our development activities may be adversely affected by:
·abandonment of development opportunities after expending significant cash and other resources to determine feasibility, requiring us to expense costs incurred in connection with the abandoned project;
·construction costs of a project exceeding our original estimates;
·failure to complete development projects in conformity with building plans and specifications;
·failure to complete construction and lease-up of development projects on schedule, resulting in increased construction and financing costs and a decrease in expected revenues;
·lower than anticipated occupancy and rental rates at a newly completed property, which rates may not be sufficient to make the property profitable;
·failure to obtain or delays in obtaining construction financing on favorable terms or at all, which could result in delays in closing on acquisitions of undeveloped land; and
·failure to obtain, or delays in obtaining, necessary zoning, land use, building, occupancy and other required governmental permits and authorizations.
The construction activities at our student housing properties expose us to liabilities and risks beyond those associated with the ownership and operation of student housing properties, which could materially and adversely affect our profitability.
The construction of our student housing properties, including our current properties under development, involves risks associated with construction activities, including liability for workplace safety, such as injuries and accidents to persons and property occurring during the construction process. Construction activities also subject us to obligations relating to environmental compliance, such as management of storm water discharge and run-off, material handling, on-site storage of construction materials and off-site disposal of construction materials. These risks are in addition to those associated with owning or operating student housing properties.
Our development activities are subject to delays and cost overruns, which could materially and adversely affect our results of operations and inhibit growth.
Our development activities, including those related to our properties currently under development, may be adversely affected by circumstances beyond our control, including: work stoppages; labor disputes; shortages of qualified trades people, such as carpenters, roofers, electricians and plumbers; changes in laws or other governmental regulations, such as those relating to union organizing activity; lack of adequate utility infrastructure and services; our reliance on local subcontractors, who may not be adequately capitalized or insured; inclement weather; and shortages, delay in availability, or fluctuations in prices of building materials. Any of these circumstances could give rise to delays in the start or completion of, or could increase the cost of, developing one or more of our properties. If we are unable to deliver development properties on schedule or to recover these increased costs by raising our lease rates, our financial performance and liquidity could be materially and adversely affected. Additionally, if we do not complete the construction of properties on schedule, we may be required to provide alternative housing to the student-tenants with whom we have signed leases. We generally do not make any arrangements for such alternative housing for these properties and we would likely incur significant expenses in the event we had to provide such housing. If construction is not completed on schedule, student-tenants may attempt to break their leases and our occupancy at such properties for that academic year may suffer.
We may not realize a return on our development activities in a timely manner, which could materially and adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.
Due to the amount of time required for planning, constructing and leasing of development properties, we may not realize a significant cash return for many years. Therefore, if any of our development activities are subject to delays or cost overruns, our growth may be hindered and our results of operations and cash flows may be adversely affected. In addition, new development activities, regardless of whether or not they are ultimately successful, typically require substantial time and attention from management. Furthermore, maintaining our development capabilities involves significant expense, including compensation expense for our development personnel and related overhead. To the extent we cease or limit our development activity, this expense will not be offset by revenues from our development activity. Therefore, if we do not realize a return on our development activities in a timely manner in order to offset these costs and expenses, we could be materially and adversely affected.
Adverse economic conditions and dislocation in the credit markets have had a material and adverse effect on us and may continue to materially and adversely affect us.
We experienced unprecedented levels of volatility in the capital markets, a reduction in the availability of credit and intense recessionary pressures, which had an adverse effect on our results of operations and our ability to borrow funds from 2007 through 2010. For example, lenders were generally imposing more stringent lending standards and applying more conservative valuations to properties. This limited the amount of indebtedness we were able to obtain and impeded our ability to develop new properties and to replace construction financing with permanent financing. If these conditions were to develop again in the future, our business and our growth strategy may be materially and adversely affected. Although our business strategy contemplates access to debt financing (including our revolving credit facility, term loans and construction debt) to fund future development and working capital requirements, there can be no assurance that we will be able to obtain such financing on favorable terms or at all. We entered into our second amended and restated credit agreement on January 8, 2013. As of January 9, 2013, we had approximately $51.0 million outstanding under our revolving credit facility and $50.0 million outstanding under the related term loan. The amounts outstanding under our revolving credit facility and term loan will reduce the amount that we may be able to borrow under this facility for other purposes. As of January 9, 2013, we had approximately $99.7 million in borrowing capacity under our revolving credit facility, and amounts borrowed under the facility will be due at its maturity in January 2017, subject to a one-year extension which we may exercise at our option, provided we comply with certain terms and conditions, including the payment of an extension fee. This indebtedness, as well as our mortgage, construction and other debt of approximately $293.7 million as of December 31, 2012, will subject us to risks associated with debt financing as described below under "-Our indebtedness exposes us to a risk of default and reduces our free cash flow, which could materially and adversely affect us."
A subsequent recession or challenging economic environment may adversely affect us by, among other things, limiting or eliminating our access to financing, which would adversely affect our ability to develop and refinance properties and pursue acquisition opportunities. Significantly more stringent lending standards and higher interest rates may reduce our returns on investment and increase our interest expense, which could adversely affect our financial performance and liquidity. Additionally, limited availability of financing may reduce the value of our properties, limit our ability to borrow against such properties and, should we choose to sell a property, impair our ability to dispose of such property at an attractive price or at all, which could materially and adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.
Certain of our properties may be subject to liens or other claims, which could materially and adversely affect our profitability.
We may be subject to liens or claims for materials or labor relating to disputes with subcontractors or other parties that are or were involved in the development and construction process. There can be no assurance that we will not be required to pay amounts greater than currently recorded liabilities in order to settle these claims.
Failure to succeed in new markets, or with new brands and community formats, may materially and adversely affect us.
We may develop or acquire properties in markets in which we do not currently operate, including our properties currently under development. We may be exposed to a variety of risks if we choose to enter new markets, including an inability to accurately evaluate local student housing market conditions, an inability to obtain land for development or to identify appropriate acquisition opportunities, an inability to hire and retain key personnel and lack of familiarity with local governmental and permitting procedures. To the extent we choose to develop or acquire properties in new markets, we will not possess the same level of familiarity with development or operation in these markets, as we do in our current markets, which could adversely affect our ability to develop such properties successfully or at all or to achieve expected performance. Any of the above risks could adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
As of December 31, 2012, all of our properties had been developed, built and managed generally based upon a common prototypical building design, which we have built approximately 570 times at our 39 student housing properties (approximately 15 of such residential buildings comprise one student housing property). In addition, as of December 31, 2012, all of our properties operate under The Grove® brand. In the future, we may develop properties using new building designs (including high rise buildings) and new brands of communities to target various customer preferences. We cannot assure that these new building designs or brands will be successful or that our costs in developing and implementing the new building designs or brands will result in incremental revenue and earnings.
We rely on our relationships with the colleges and universities from which our properties draw student-tenants and on the policies and reputations of these schools; any deterioration in our relationships with such schools or changes in the schools’ admissions or residency policies or reputations could materially and adversely affect our results of operations.
We rely on our relationships with colleges and universities for referrals of prospective student-tenants or for mailing lists of prospective student-tenants and their parents. The failure to maintain good relationships with these schools could therefore have a material adverse effect on us. Many of these schools own and operate on-campus student housing which competes with our properties for student-tenants, and if schools refuse to provide us with referrals or to make lists of prospective student-tenants and their parents available to us or increase the cost of these lists, the lack of such referrals, lists or increased cost could have a material adverse effect on us.
Changes in admission and housing policies could adversely affect us. For example, if a school reduces the number of student admissions or requires that a certain class of students (e.g., freshman) live in on-campus housing, the demand for beds at our properties may be reduced and our occupancy rates may decline. While we may engage in marketing efforts to compensate for any such policy changes, we may not be able to effect such marketing efforts prior to the commencement of the annual lease-up period, or our additional marketing efforts may not be successful, which could reduce the demand for our properties and materially and adversely affect us.
It is also important that the schools from which our properties draw student-tenants maintain good reputations and are able to attract the desired number of incoming students. Any degradation in a school’s reputation could inhibit its ability to attract students and reduce the demand for our properties.
Competition from other student housing properties, including on-campus housing and traditional multi-family housing located in close proximity to the colleges and universities from which we draw student-tenants may reduce the demand for our properties, which could materially and adversely affect our cash flows, financial condition and results of operations.
Our properties compete with properties owned by universities, colleges, national and regional student housing businesses and local real estate concerns. On-campus student housing has inherent advantages over off-campus student housing (such as the majority of our properties), due to its physical location on the campus and integration into the academic community, which may cause student-tenants to prefer on-campus housing to off-campus housing. Additionally, colleges and universities may have financial advantages that allow them to provide student housing on terms more attractive than our terms. For example, colleges and universities can generally avoid real estate taxes and borrow funds at lower interest rates than private, for-profit real estate concerns, such as our company.
There are a number of student housing properties located near or in the same general vicinity of many of our properties that compete directly with our properties. Such competing student housing properties may be newer, located closer to campus, charge less rent, possess more attractive amenities, offer more services or offer shorter lease terms or more flexible lease terms than our properties. Competing properties could reduce demand for our properties and materially and adversely affect our rental income.
Revenue at a particular property could also be adversely affected by a number of other factors, including the construction of new on-campus and off-campus housing, decreases in the general levels of rents for housing at competing properties, decreases in the number of students enrolled at one or more of the colleges or universities from which the property draws student-tenants and other general economic conditions.
Although we believe no participant in the student housing industry holds a dominant market share, we compete with larger national companies, colleges and universities with greater resources and superior access to capital. Furthermore, a number of other large national companies with substantial financial and marketing resources may enter the student housing business. The activities of any of these companies, colleges or universities could cause an increase in competition for student-tenants and for the acquisition, development and management of other student housing properties, which could reduce the demand for our properties.
Our results of operations are subject to risks inherent in the student housing industry, such as an annual leasing cycle and limited leasing period, which could materially and adversely affect us.
We generally lease our properties for 11.5-month terms, and the related leases provide for 12 equal monthly payments of rent. Therefore, our properties must be entirely re-leased each year, exposing us to more leasing risk than property lessors that lease their properties for longer terms. Student housing properties are also typically leased during a limited leasing period that generally begins each October and ends in September of the following year. We are therefore highly dependent on the effectiveness of our marketing and leasing efforts and personnel during this leasing period. We will be subject to heightened leasing risk at properties under development and at properties we may acquire in the future due to our lack of experience leasing such properties. Any significant difficulty in leasing our properties would adversely affect our results of operations, financial condition and ability to pay distributions on our securities and would likely have a negative impact on the trading price of our securities. As of the start of the fall term for the 2012-2013 and 2011-2012 academic years, we had approximately 41.9% and 40.7%, respectively, of our current tenants renew their previous lease for the upcoming term.
Additionally, student-tenants may be more likely to default on their lease obligations during the summer months, which could further reduce our revenues during this period. Although we typically require a student-tenant’s lease obligations to be guaranteed by a parent, we may have to spend considerable effort and expense in pursuing payment upon a defaulted lease, and our efforts may not be successful.
Our success depends on key personnel whose continued service is not guaranteed.
We are dependent upon the efforts of our key personnel, particularly those of Ted W. Rollins, our co-chairman and chief executive officer, and Michael S. Hartnett, our co-chairman and chief investment officer. These individuals have extensive experience in our business, including sourcing attractive investment opportunities, development activities, financing activities, university relations and leasing. Messrs. Rollins and Hartnett have directed the operations of our predecessor entities and each has over 25 years of experience in providing service-enriched housing and approximately eight years of student housing experience. The loss of the services of either Mr. Rollins or Mr. Hartnett could materially and adversely affect our business and financial results.
The current economic environment could reduce enrollments and limit the demand for our properties, which could materially and adversely affect our cash flows, profitability and results of operations.
A continuation of ongoing economic conditions that adversely affect household disposable income, such as high unemployment levels, weak business conditions, reduced access to credit, increasing tax rates and high fuel and energy costs, could reduce overall student leasing or cause student-tenants to shift their leasing practices as students may determine to forego college or live at home and commute to college.
In addition, as a result of general economic weakness, many students may be unable to obtain student loans on favorable terms. If student loans are not available or their costs are prohibitively high, enrollment numbers for schools from which we draw student-tenants may decrease, resulting in a decrease in the demand for, and consequently the occupancy rates at and rental revenue from, our properties. Accordingly, the continuation or deterioration of current economic conditions could materially and adversely affect our cash flows, profitability and results of operations.
In the past, we have experienced significant net losses; if this trend continues, we could be materially and adversely affected.
For the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, we incurred significant net losses. These results have had a negative impact on our financial condition. While we experienced net income for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, and believe that we are adequately capitalized and able to continue our development activity, there can be no assurance that our business will be profitable in the future and additional losses will not be incurred. If the trend of incurring significant net losses reoccurs in the future, our financial performance, liquidity and our ability to operate our business as a going concern could be materially and adversely affected.
If we are unable to acquire properties on favorable terms, our future growth could be materially and adversely affected.
Our future growth will depend, in part, upon our ability to acquire new properties on favorable terms. Acquisition opportunities may not be available to us on terms that we deem acceptable, and we may be unsuccessful in consummating acquisition opportunities. Our ability to acquire properties on favorable terms and successfully operate them may be adversely affected by:
·an inability to obtain financing on attractive terms or at all;
·increased purchase prices and decreased expected yields due to competition from other potential acquirers and real estate investors;
·the need to make significant and unexpected capital expenditures to improve or renovate acquired properties;
·an inability to quickly and efficiently integrate acquisitions, particularly any acquisitions of portfolios of properties, into our existing operations;
·market conditions resulting in higher than expected vacancy rates and lower than expected rental rates at acquired properties; and
·acquisition of properties subject to liabilities but without any recourse, or with only limited recourse, to the sellers, or with liabilities that are unknown to us, such as liabilities for clean-up of undisclosed environmental contamination, claims by tenants, vendors or other persons dealing with the former owners of our properties.
Our failure to identify and consummate property acquisitions on attractive terms or the failure of any acquired properties to meet our expectations could materially and adversely affect our future growth.
Our business strategy contemplates expansion through acquisitions and we may not be able to adapt our management and operational systems (including leasing and property management) to successfully integrate new properties into our portfolio without unanticipated disruption or expense, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial conditions.
Our business strategy contemplates expansion through the acquisition of student housing properties and established multi-property portfolios as well as through strategic investments in other student housing companies. The size of our portfolio could meaningfully increase as we execute our business plan. As we increase the size of our portfolio, we cannot assure you that we will be able to adapt our management, administrative, accounting and operational systems, or hire and retain sufficient operational staff to integrate new properties into our portfolio or manage any future acquisitions of properties without operating disruptions or unanticipated costs. In particular, we cannot assure you that our leasing and property management functions will successfully and efficiently lease and operate properties we acquire. Our acquisitions of properties will generate additional operating expenses that we will be required to pay. Our past growth has required, and our growth will continue to require, increased investment in management personnel, professional fees, other personnel, financial and management systems and controls and facilities, which could cause our operating margins to decline from historical levels, especially in the absence of revenue growth. As we acquire additional properties, we will be subject to risks associated with managing new properties, including tenant retention and mortgage default. Our failure to successfully integrate acquisitions into our portfolio and manage our growth could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.
Our strategy of investing in properties located in medium-sized college and university markets may not be successful, which could materially and adversely affect us.
Our business strategy involves investing in properties located in medium-sized college and university markets, which are smaller than larger educational markets. Larger educational markets, such as Boston, Massachusetts or Washington, D.C., often have multiple colleges and universities that have larger enrollments than schools located in medium-sized college and university markets and attract students nationally and internationally. The colleges and universities that our properties draw student-tenants from typically have smaller enrollments than schools in larger educational markets and tend to attract students from within the region in which the school is located. If the schools in our markets experience reduced enrollment, for example due to adverse economic conditions, or are unable to attract sufficient students to achieve a desired class size, the pool of prospective student-tenants for our properties will be reduced. This could have the result of reducing our occupancy and lowering the revenue from our properties, which could materially and adversely affect our financial performance and liquidity.
Our indebtedness exposes us to a risk of default and reduces our free cash flow, which could materially and adversely affect us.
As of December 31, 2012, our total consolidated indebtedness was approximately $293.7 million. Our debt service obligations expose us to the risk of default and reduce cash available to invest in our business or pay distributions that are necessary to qualify and remain qualified as a REIT. Although we intend to limit the sum of the outstanding principal amount of our consolidated indebtedness to not more than 50% of our total market capitalization, our board of directors may modify or eliminate this limitation at any time without the approval of our stockholders. Furthermore, our charter does not contain any limitation on the amount of indebtedness that we may incur. In the future we may incur substantial indebtedness in connection with the development or acquisition of additional properties and for other working capital needs, or to fund the payment of distributions to our stockholders.
In addition, a tax protection agreement to which we are a party requires us to maintain a minimum level of indebtedness of $56.0 million throughout a 10-year tax protection period, which ends in October 2020, in order to allow a sufficient amount of debt to be allocable to MXT Capital, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company ("MXT Capital"), which is wholly owned and controlled by Ted W. Rollins, our co-chairman and chief executive officer, and Michael S. Hartnett, our co-chairman and chief investment officer, and certain members of their families, to avoid certain adverse tax consequences. If we fail to maintain such minimum indebtedness throughout the 10-year tax protection period, we will be required to make indemnifying payments to MXT Capital, in an amount equal to the federal, state and local taxes, if any, imposed on its members as a result of any income or gain recognized by them by reason of such failure. The amount of such taxes will be computed based on the highest applicable federal, state and local marginal tax rates, as well as any "grossed up" taxes imposed on such payments. This requirement may restrict our ability to reduce leverage when we otherwise might wish to do so and generally reduce our flexibility in managing our capital structure.
Our indebtedness and the limitations imposed on us by our indebtedness could have significant adverse consequences, including the following:
·we may be unable to borrow additional funds as needed or on favorable terms;
·we may be unable to renew, repay or refinance our indebtedness at maturity or the renewal or refinancing terms may be less favorable than the terms of the indebtedness being renewed or refinanced;
·we may be forced to dispose of certain of our properties, possibly on disadvantageous terms;
·we may default on our payment or other obligations as a result of insufficient cash flow or otherwise, which may result in a cross-default on our other obligations, and the lenders or mortgagees may foreclose on our properties that secure their loans and receive an assignment of rents and leases;
·to the extent that we incur unhedged floating rate debt, we will have exposure to interest rate risk; and
·foreclosures could create taxable income without accompanying cash proceeds, a circumstance which could hinder our ability to meet the distribution requirements necessary to enable us to qualify and remain qualified for taxation as a REIT.
Compliance with the provisions of our debt agreements, including financial and other covenants, such as the maintenance of specified financial ratios, could limit our flexibility, and a default under these agreements could result in a requirement that we repay indebtedness, which could severely affect our liquidity and increase our financing costs, which could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Our revolving credit facility restricts our ability to engage in some business activities.
Our revolving credit facility contains customary negative covenants and other financial and operating covenants that, among other things:
·restrict our ability to incur certain additional indebtedness;
·restrict our ability to make certain investments;
·restrict our ability to effect certain mergers;
·restrict our ability to make distributions to stockholders; and
·require us to maintain certain financial coverage ratios.
These limitations restrict our ability to engage in some business activities, which could adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations, cash flow and the per share trading price of our securities. In addition, failure to comply with any of these covenants, including the financial coverage ratios, could cause an event of default under and/or accelerate some or all of our indebtedness, which would have a material adverse effect on us. Furthermore, our revolving credit facility contains certain cross-default provisions with respect to specified other indebtedness, giving the lenders the right to declare a default if we are in default under other loans in some circumstances.
Variable rate debt is subject to interest rate risk.
As of December 31, 2012, approximately $123.6 million of our aggregate indebtedness (approximately 42.1% of total indebtedness) was subject to variable interest rates. In addition, we may incur additional variable rate debt in the future. Unless we make arrangements that hedge the risk of rising interest rates, increases in interest rates on variable rate debt would increase our interest expense, which would adversely affect net income and cash available for payment of our debt obligations and distributions to stockholders.
Joint venture investments could be materially and adversely affected by our lack of sole decision-making authority, our reliance on our co-venturers’ financial condition and disputes between our co-venturers and us.
Our properties located in Lawrence, Kansas, San Angelo, Texas, and Conway, Arkansas, comprising approximately 7.2% of our beds, are held in a joint venture with HSRE, in which we own a 49.9% interest. Our property located in Denton, Texas, comprising approximately 2.8% of our beds, is held in a joint venture with HSRE, in which we own a 20.0% interest. Our properties located in Fayetteville, Arkansas, Laramie, Wyoming and Stillwater, Oklahoma, comprising approximately 8.9% of our beds, are held in a joint venture with HSRE, in which we own a 10.0% interest. Additionally, we entered into a joint venture with HSRE in 2012, in which we own a 20.0% interest and through which we are developing three properties with completion targeted for the 2013-2014 academic year. In January 2013, we commenced building a property which is owned by a joint venture that we established with HSRE and Brandywine in which we own a 30% interest. We are currently targeting completion of this property for the 2014-2015 academic year. We anticipate that we may enter into other joint ventures with other parties in the future. We may not have a controlling interest in a joint venture and may share responsibility with our co-venturer for managing the property held by the joint venture. Under such circumstances, we may not have sole decision-making authority regarding the joint venture’s property. Investments in joint ventures, under certain circumstances, involve risks not present when we invest in a property without the involvement of a third party. For example, our co-venturer may have economic or other business interests or goals that are inconsistent with our business interests or goals, and may be in a position to take actions contrary to our preferences, policies or objectives. Additionally, it is possible that our co-venturer might become bankrupt, fail to fund its share of required capital contributions or block or delay decisions that we believe are necessary. Such investments may also have the potential risk of impasses on decisions, such as sales, because neither we nor our co-venturers may have full control over the joint venture. Disputes between us and our co-venturer may result in litigation or arbitration that would increase our expenses and divert the attention of our officers and directors from other aspects of our business. Consequently, actions by or disputes with our co-venturers might result in subjecting properties owned by the joint venture to additional risk. In addition, we may in certain circumstances be liable for the actions of our third-party co-venturers. Any of the foregoing factors could materially and adversely affect the financial condition and results of operations of our joint-venture investments.
We could be negatively impacted by the condition of Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac.
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are a major source of secured financing to the student housing industry and we have used Freddie Mac for a portion of our financing needs. In February 2011, the U.S. Treasury along with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development released a report calling for the winding down of the role that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac play in the mortgage market. In February 2012, the Federal Housing Finance Agency delivered a strategic plan to Congress to wind down Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac over the next several years. This proposal includes building a new infrastructure for the secondary mortgage market, continuing to shrink Fannie Mae’s and Freddie Mac’s operations by eliminating the direct funding of mortgages and shifting mortgage credit risk to private investors, In addition, in August 2012, the U.S. Treasury announced further steps to expedite the winding down of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac by accelerating the rate at which Fannie Mae’s and Freddie Mac’s investment portfolios will be reduced to target levels agreed to with the U.S. Treasury. Pursuant to these steps, Fannie Mae’s and Freddie Mac’s investment portfolios must be reduced to the agreed target four years earlier than previously scheduled. A final decision by the government to eliminate Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac or reduce their acquisitions or guarantees of student housing property loans may adversely affect interest rates, capital availability, and the value of student housing properties. If we are unable to react effectively and quickly to changes in the mortgage industry, our business could be harmed.
We have a limited operating history as a REIT and as a publicly traded company and may not be able to successfully operate as a REIT or a publicly traded company.
We have a limited operating history as a REIT and as a publicly traded company. We cannot assure you that the past experience of our senior management team will be sufficient to successfully operate our company as a REIT or a publicly traded company, including the requirements to timely meet disclosure requirements of the SEC and comply with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Since our initial public offering, we have been subject to various requirements related to REITs and publicly traded companies, including requirements to develop and implement control systems and procedures in order to qualify and maintain our qualification as a REIT and satisfy our periodic and current reporting requirements under applicable SEC regulations and comply with New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") listing standards. Our continued compliance with these requirements could place a significant strain on our management systems, infrastructure and other resources. Failure to operate successfully as a public company or qualify and maintain our qualification as a REIT would have an adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations, cash flow and the per share trading price of our securities.
If we fail to maintain an effective system of integrated internal controls, we may not be able to accurately report our financial results.
Effective internal and disclosure controls are necessary for us to provide reliable financial reports and effectively prevent fraud and to operate successfully as a public company. If we cannot provide reliable financial reports or prevent fraud, our reputation and operating results would be harmed. As part of our ongoing monitoring of internal controls we may discover material weaknesses or significant deficiencies in our internal controls. As a result of weaknesses that may be identified in our internal controls, we may also identify certain deficiencies in some of our disclosure controls and procedures that we believe require remediation. If we discover weaknesses, we will make efforts to improve our internal and disclosure controls. However, there is no assurance that we will be successful. Any failure to maintain effective controls or timely effect any necessary improvement of our internal and disclosure controls could harm operating results or cause us to fail to meet our reporting obligations, which could affect our ability to remain listed with the NYSE. Ineffective internal and disclosure controls could also cause investors to lose confidence in our reported financial information, which would likely have a negative effect on the per share trading price of our securities.
Breaches of our data security could materially harm our business and reputation.
We collect and retain certain personal information provided by our student-tenants and employees. While we have implemented a variety of security measures to protect the confidentiality of this information and periodically review and improve our security measures, there can be no assurance that we will be able to prevent unauthorized access to this information. Any breach of our data security measures and loss of this information may result in legal liability and costs (including damages and penalties), as well as damage to our reputation, that could materially and adversely affect our business and financial performance.
Our investment in properties subject to ground leases with unaffiliated third parties exposes us to the potential loss of such properties upon the expiration or termination of the ground leases, and the realization of such loss could materially and adversely affect us. Our properties at the University of South Alabama are also subject to a right of first refusal that may inhibit our ability to sell them.
Our properties located on the campuses of the University of South Alabama and Colorado State University are subject to ground leases with unaffiliated third parties. In addition, we may invest in additional properties that are subject to ground leases with unaffiliated third parties. As the lessee under a ground lease with an unaffiliated third party, we are exposed to the possibility of losing our leasehold interest in the land on which our buildings are located. A ground lease may not be renewed upon the expiration of its current term or terminated by the lessor pursuant to the terms of the lease if we do not meet our obligations thereunder.
In the event of an uncured default under any of our existing ground leases, the lessor may terminate our leasehold interest in the land on which our buildings are located. Any termination of our existing ground leases with unaffiliated third parties, unless in conjunction with the exercise of a purchase option, would also result in termination of our management agreement relating to the property. If we lose the leasehold interest in any of our properties, we could be materially and adversely affected.
Our properties located at the University of South Alabama and Colorado State University are also subject to a right of first refusal pursuant to which the ground lessor entity related to the land has a right to purchase our leasehold interest in the relevant property in the event we decide to accept an offer to sell either property to a third party. This may inhibit our ability to sell these properties. Further, our right to transfer one of the on-campus properties is subject to the consent of the ground lessor, which consent may not be unreasonably withheld.
We may incur losses on interest rate swap and hedging arrangements, which could materially and adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.
We currently use, and may in the future enter into additional interest rate swap and hedging agreements. Although these agreements may partially protect against rising interest rates, they also may reduce the benefits to us if interest rates decline. If an arrangement is not indexed to the same rate as the indebtedness that is hedged, we may be exposed to losses to the extent the rate governing the indebtedness and the rate governing the hedging arrangement change independently of each other. Finally, nonperformance by the other party to the arrangement may subject us to increased credit risks. The occurrence of any of the foregoing could materially and adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.
Our inability to pass-through increases in taxes or other real estate costs to our student-tenants could materially and adversely affect our financial performance and liquidity.
Each of our properties is subject to real and personal property taxes. These taxes may increase as tax rates change and as the properties are assessed or reassessed by taxing authorities. We generally are not able to pass through to our student-tenants under existing leases any increases in taxes, including real estate and income taxes, or other real estate related costs, such as insurance or maintenance. Consequently, unless we are able to off-set any such increases with sufficient revenues, we may be materially and adversely affected by any such increases.
The prior performance of our properties may not be indicative of our future performance.
All of our properties have been acquired or developed by us and/or our predecessor entities within the past eight years and have limited operating histories. Consequently, the historical operating results of our properties and the financial data we have disclosed may not be indicative of our future performance. The operating performance of the properties may decline and we could be materially and adversely affected.
Reporting of on-campus crime statistics required of colleges and universities may negatively impact our properties.
Federal and state laws require colleges and universities to publish and distribute reports of on-campus crime statistics, which may result in negative publicity and media coverage associated with crimes occurring in the vicinity of, or on the premises of, our on-campus properties. Reports of crime or other negative publicity regarding the safety of the students residing on, or near, our properties may have an adverse effect on both our on-campus and off-campus properties.
We may be subject to liabilities from litigation, which could materially and adversely affect our financial condition or results of operations.
We have been involved in legal proceedings in connection with our business, and may become involved in additional legal proceedings, including consumer, employment, tort or commercial litigation that, if decided adversely to or settled by us and not adequately covered by insurance, could result in liabilities that could materially and adversely affect our financial condition or results of operations.
We face risks associated with land holdings.
We hold land for future development and may in the future acquire additional land holdings. The risks inherent in owning or purchasing and developing land increase as demand for student housing, or rental rates, decrease. As a result, we hold certain land and may in the future acquire additional land in our development pipeline at a cost we may not be able to recover fully or on which we cannot build and develop into a profitable student housing project. In addition, real estate markets are highly uncertain and, as a result, the value of undeveloped land has fluctuated significantly and may continue to increase as a result of changing market conditions. Further, carrying costs associated with land holdings can be significant and can result in losses or reduced margins in a poorly performing project. Under current market conditions, we may have impairments of our land held for development.
Risks Related to the Real Estate Industry
Our performance and the value of our properties are subject to risks associated with real estate and with the real estate industry, which could materially and adversely affect our cash flows, financial condition and results of operations.
Our ability to make distributions to our stockholders depends on our ability to generate cash revenues in excess of our expenses, including expenses associated with our development activities, indebtedness and capital expenditure requirements. The occurrence of certain events and conditions that are generally applicable to owners and operators of real estate, many of which are beyond our control, could materially and adversely affect us. These events and conditions include:
·adverse national, regional and local economic conditions;
·rising interest rates;
·oversupply of student housing in our markets, increased competition for student-tenants or reduction in demand for student housing;
·inability to collect rent from student-tenants;
·vacancies at our properties or an inability to lease our properties on favorable terms;
·inability to finance property development and acquisitions on favorable terms;
·increased operating costs, including insurance premiums, utilities and real estate taxes;
·the need for capital expenditures at our properties;
·costs of complying with changes in governmental regulations;
·the relative illiquidity of real estate investments; and
·civil unrest, acts of God, including earthquakes, floods, hurricanes and other natural disasters, which may result in uninsured losses, and acts of war or terrorism.
In addition, periods of economic slowdown or recession, such as the one the global economy experienced from 2007 through 2011, rising interest rates or declining demand for real estate, or the public perception that any of these events may occur, could result in a general decline in occupancy rates and rental revenue or an increased incidence of defaults under our existing leases, which could impair the value of our properties or reduce our cash flow.
Illiquidity of real estate investments could significantly impede our ability to sell our properties or otherwise respond to adverse changes in the performance of our properties, which could materially and adversely affect us.
From time to time, we may determine that it is in our best interest to sell one or more of our properties. However, because real estate investments are relatively illiquid, we may encounter difficulty in finding a buyer in a timely manner should we desire to sell one of our properties, especially if market conditions are poor at such time. Selling real estate has been difficult recently, since the availability of credit has become more limited, and as lending standards have become more stringent. As a result, potential buyers have experienced difficulty in obtaining financing necessary to purchase a property. In addition, our properties are specifically designed for use as student housing, which could limit their marketability or affect their values for alternative uses. Consequently, should we desire to sell one or more of our properties, our ability to do so promptly or on terms that we deem to be acceptable may be limited, which could materially and adversely affect our cash flows, financial condition, results of operations and ability to pay distributions on our securities and would likely have a negative impact on the trading price of our securities.
We also may be required to expend funds to correct defects or to make improvements before a property can be sold. We cannot assure you that we will have funds available to correct any such defects or to make any such improvements. In connection with any future property acquisitions, we may agree to provisions that materially restrict our ability to sell the property for a period of time or impose other restrictions, such as a limitation on the amount of debt that can be secured by or repaid with respect to such property.
In addition, our ability to sell properties may be limited by our need to avoid the 100% prohibited transactions tax that is imposed on gain recognized by a REIT from the sale of property characterized as dealer property. Any such limitation may cause us to incur losses, thereby reducing our cash flows. See "Federal Income Tax Risk Factors-The tax imposed on REITs engaging in "prohibited transactions" may limit our ability to engage in transactions which would be treated as sales for federal income tax purposes." These factors and any others that would impede our ability to respond to adverse changes in the performance of any of our properties or a need for liquidity could materially and adversely affect our cash flows, financial condition, results of operations and ability to pay distributions on our securities and would likely have a negative impact on the trading price of our securities.
We could incur significant costs related to government regulation and private litigation over environmental matters, which could materially and adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.
Under various environmental laws, including the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act ("CERCLA"), a current or previous owner or operator of real estate may be liable for contamination resulting from the release or threatened release of hazardous or toxic substances or petroleum at that property. Additionally, an entity that arranges for the disposal or treatment of a hazardous or toxic substance or petroleum at another property may be held jointly and severally liable for the cost of investigating and cleaning up such property or other affected property. Such parties are known as potentially responsible parties ("PRPs"). These environmental laws often impose liability regardless of whether the PRP knew of, or was responsible for, the presence of the contaminants, and the costs of any required investigation or cleanup of these substances can be substantial. PRPs may also be liable to parties who have claims for contribution in connection with any such contamination, such as other PRPs or state and federal governmental agencies. The liability is generally not limited under such laws and therefore could easily exceed the property’s value and the assets of the liable party.
The presence of contamination, hazardous materials or environmental issues, or the failure to remediate such conditions, at a property may expose us to third-party liability for personal injury or property damage, remediation costs or adversely affect our ability to sell, lease or develop the property or to borrow using the property as collateral, which could materially and adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.
Environmental laws also impose ongoing compliance requirements on owners and operators of real estate. Environmental laws potentially affecting us address a wide variety of matters, including, but not limited to, asbestos-containing building materials ("ACBMs"), storage tanks, storm water and wastewater discharges, lead-based paint, radon, wetlands and hazardous wastes. Failure to comply with these laws could result in fines and penalties or expose us to third-party liability, which could materially and adversely affect us. Some of our properties may have conditions that are subject to these requirements and we could be liable for such fines or penalties or could be liable to third parties.
The conditions at some of our properties may expose us to liability and remediation costs related to environmental matters, which could materially and adversely affect us.
Certain of our properties may contain, or may have contained, ACBMs. Environmental laws require that ACBMs be properly managed and maintained, and may impose fines and penalties on building owners and operators for failure to comply with these requirements. Also, some of our properties may contain, or may have contained, or are adjacent to or near other properties that may contain or may have contained storage tanks for the storage of petroleum products or other hazardous or toxic substances. Any of these conditions create the potential for the release of these contaminants. Third parties may be permitted by law to seek recovery from owners or operators for personal injury or property damage arising from such tanks. Additionally, third parties may be permitted by law to seek recovery from owners or operators for personal injury or property damage associated with exposure to these or other contaminants that may be present on, at or under the properties. Furthermore, some of our properties include regulated wetlands on undeveloped portions of such properties and mitigated wetlands on or near our properties, the existence of which can delay or impede development or require costs to be incurred to mitigate the impact of any disturbance. Absent appropriate permits, we can be held responsible for restoring wetlands and be required to pay fines and penalties, which could materially and adversely affect our cash flows, financial condition, results of operations and ability to pay distributions on our securities.
Over the past several years there have been an increasing number of lawsuits against owners and operators of properties alleging personal injury and property damage caused by the presence of mold in real estate. Mold growth can occur when excessive moisture accumulates in buildings or on building materials, particularly if the moisture problem remains undiscovered or is not addressed over a period of time. Concern about indoor exposure to mold has been increasing as some molds have been shown to produce airborne toxins and irritants and exposure to these and other types of molds may lead to adverse health effects and symptoms, including allergic or other reactions. Some of our properties may contain microbial matter such as mold and mildew. The presence of significant mold at any of our properties could require us to undertake a costly remediation program to contain or remove the mold from the affected property and could expose us to liability from student-tenants, employees and others if property damage or health concerns arise, which could materially and adversely affect our cash flows, financial condition, results of operations and ability to pay distributions on our securities.
If any of our properties are not properly connected to a water or sewer system, or if the integrity of such systems is breached, microbial matter or other contamination can develop. If this were to occur, we could incur significant remedial costs and we could also be subject to private damage claims and awards, which could be material. If we become subject to claims in this regard, it could materially and adversely affect our business and our insurability for such matters in the future.
Independent environmental consultants have conducted Phase I environmental site assessments on all of our properties. These Phase I environmental site assessments are intended to evaluate information regarding the environmental condition of the surveyed property and surrounding properties based generally on visual observations, interviews and the review of publicly available information. These assessments do not typically take into account all environmental issues including, but not limited to, testing of soil or groundwater, a comprehensive asbestos survey or an invasive inspection for the presence of lead-based paint, radon or mold contamination. As a result, these assessments may have failed to reveal all environmental conditions, liabilities, or other compliance issues affecting our properties. Material environmental conditions, liabilities, or compliance issues may have arisen after the assessments were conducted or may arise in the future.
In addition, future laws, ordinances or regulations may impose material additional environmental liabilities. We cannot assure you that the cost of future environmental compliance or remedial measures will not affect our ability to make distributions to our stockholders or that such costs or other remedial measures will not be material to us.
We may incur significant costs complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Fair Housing Act and similar laws, which could materially and adversely affect us.
Under the ADA, all public accommodations must meet various federal requirements related to access and use by disabled persons. Compliance with the ADA’s requirements may require modifications to our properties, such as the removal of access barriers or restrict our ability to renovate or develop our properties in the manner we desire. Additional federal, state and local laws may also require us to make similar modifications or impose similar restrictions on us. For example, the FHA requires apartment properties first occupied after March 13, 1990 to be accessible to the handicapped.
We have not conducted an audit or investigation of all of our properties to determine our compliance with present requirements of the ADA, FHA or any similar laws. Noncompliance with any of these laws could result in us incurring significant costs to make substantial modifications to our properties or in the imposition of fines or an award or damages to private litigants. We cannot predict the ultimate amount of the cost of compliance with the ADA, FHA or other legislation. If we incur substantial costs to comply with the ADA, FHA or any other legislation, our results of operations or financial condition and our ability to make distributions on our securities could be materially and adversely affected.
We may incur significant costs complying with other regulatory requirements, which could materially and adversely affect us.
Our properties are subject to various federal, state and local regulatory requirements, such as state and local fire and life safety requirements. If we fail to comply with these various requirements, we might incur governmental fines or private damage awards. Furthermore, existing requirements could change and require us to make significant unanticipated expenditures, which could materially and adversely affect our results of operations or financial condition and our ability to make distributions on our securities.
Uninsured losses or losses in excess of insured limits could materially and adversely affect us.
We carry comprehensive liability, fire, extended coverage, terrorism and rental loss insurance covering all of the properties in our portfolio. Our insurance includes coverage for earthquake damage to properties located in seismically active areas, windstorm damage to properties exposed to hurricanes, and terrorism insurance on all of our properties. Our insurance policies are subject to coverage limits and applicable deductibles, and if we suffer a substantial loss, our coverage may be insufficient. All insurance policies are also subject to coverage extensions that we believe are typical for our business. We do not carry insurance for generally uninsured losses such as loss from riots or other acts of God.
In the event we experience a loss which is uninsured or which exceeds our policy limits, we could lose the capital invested in the damaged property as well as the anticipated future cash flows from such property. In addition, we might nevertheless remain obligated for any mortgage debt or other financial obligations related to the property. Inflation, changes in building codes and ordinances, environmental considerations and other factors might also keep us from using insurance proceeds to replace or renovate a property after it has been damaged or destroyed. Under such circumstances, the insurance proceeds we receive might be inadequate to restore our economic position with respect to the damaged or destroyed property. Furthermore, in the event of a substantial loss at one or more of our properties that is covered by one or more policies, the remaining insurance under these policies, if any, could be insufficient to adequately insure our other properties. In such event, securing additional insurance policies, if possible, could be significantly more expensive than our current policies. Any loss of these types may materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Future terrorist attacks in the United States or an increase in incidents of violence on college campuses could reduce the demand for, and the value of, our properties, which could materially and adversely affect us.
Future terrorist attacks in the United States, such as the attacks that occurred in New York and Washington, D.C. on September 11, 2001, and acts of war, or threats of the same, could reduce the demand for, and the value of, our properties. Any such event in any of the markets in which our properties are located would make it difficult for us to maintain the affected property’s occupancy or to re-lease the property at rates equal to or above historical rates, which could materially and adversely affect our results of operations and the market price of our capital stock and could also materially adversely affect our ability to make distributions on our securities.
Incidents of violence on college campuses could pose similar problems, if such an incident were to occur on a college campus in one of our markets. Such an event in any of our markets could not only adversely affect our occupancy rates, but would also likely lead to increased operating expenses for such properties due to increased security costs, which would likely be necessary to reassure our student-tenants in the wake of such an incident. Any such increase in operating expenses may have a material adverse effect on the results of operations of the affected property.
In addition, terrorist attacks or violent incidents could directly impact the value of our properties through damage, destruction or loss and the availability of insurance for such acts may be limited or prohibitively expensive. If we receive casualty proceeds, we may not be able to reinvest such proceeds profitably or at all, and we may be forced to recognize taxable gain on the affected property, which could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Risks Related to Our Company and Structure
Provisions of our charter allow our board of directors to authorize the issuance of additional securities, which may limit the ability of a third party to acquire control of us through a transaction that our stockholders believe to be in their best interest.
Our charter authorizes our board of directors to issue up to 90,000,000 shares of common stock and up to 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock. In addition, subject to the rights of holders of Series A Preferred Stock to approve the classification or issuance of any class or series of stock ranking senior to the Series A Preferred Stock, our board of directors may, without stockholder approval, amend our charter to increase the aggregate number of our shares or the number of shares of any class or series that we have the authority to issue and to classify or reclassify any unissued common stock or preferred stock and to set the preferences, rights and other terms of the classified or reclassified stock. As a result, our board of directors may authorize the issuance of additional stock or establish a series of common or preferred stock that may have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a change in control of us, including through a transaction at a premium over the market price of our securities, even if our stockholders believe that a change in control through such a transaction is in their best interest.
Provisions of Maryland law may limit the ability of a third party to acquire control of us, which, in turn, may negatively affect our stockholders’ ability to realize a premium over the market price of our securities.
Certain provisions of the Maryland General Corporation Law (the "MGCL") may have the effect of inhibiting a third party from making a proposal to acquire us or of impeding a change in control under circumstances that otherwise could provide our stockholders with the opportunity to realize a premium over the market price of our securities, including:
·The Maryland Business Combination Act, which, subject to limitations, prohibits certain business combinations between us and an "interested stockholder" (defined generally as any person who beneficially owns 10% or more of the voting power of our voting capital stock) or an affiliate of any interested stockholder for five years after the most recent date on which the stockholder becomes an interested stockholder, and thereafter imposes special appraisal rights and special stockholder voting requirements on these combinations; and
·The Maryland Control Share Acquisition Act, which provides that our "control shares" (defined as shares which, when aggregated with other shares controlled by the stockholder, entitle the stockholder to exercise one of three increasing ranges of voting power in electing directors) acquired in a "control share acquisition" (defined as the direct or indirect acquisition of ownership or control of "control shares") have no voting rights except to the extent approved by our stockholders by the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of all the votes entitled to be cast on the matter, excluding all interested shares.
By resolution of our board of directors, we have opted out of the business combination provisions of the MGCL and provided that any business combination between us and any other person is exempt from the business combination provisions of the MGCL, provided that the business combination is first approved by our board of directors (including a majority of directors who are not affiliates or associates of such persons). Pursuant to a provision in our bylaws, we have opted out of the control share provisions of the MGCL. However, our board of directors may by resolution elect to opt into the business combination provisions of the MGCL and we may, by amendment to our bylaws, opt into the control share provisions of the MGCL in the future.
Additionally, Title 3, Subtitle 8 of the MGCL permits our board of directors, without stockholder approval and regardless of what is currently provided in our charter or bylaws, to implement certain takeover defenses, such as a classified board, some of which we do not yet have. These provisions may have the effect of inhibiting a third party from making an acquisition proposal for us or of delaying, deferring or preventing a change in control of us that otherwise could provide our stockholders with the opportunity to realize a premium over the market price of our securities.
The ownership limitations in our charter may restrict or prevent you from engaging in certain transfers of our securities, which may delay or prevent a change in control of us that our stockholders believe to be in their best interest.
In order for us to qualify as a REIT, no more than 50% in value of the outstanding shares of our capital stock may be owned, directly or indirectly, by five or fewer individuals (as defined in the federal income tax laws to include various kinds of entities) during the last half of any taxable year. Attribution rules in the Internal Revenue Code determine if any individual or entity actually or constructively owns our capital stock under this requirement. Additionally, at least 100 persons must beneficially own shares of our capital stock during at least 335 days of each taxable year. To assist us in qualifying as a REIT, our charter contains a stock ownership limit which provides that, subject to certain exceptions, no person or entity may beneficially own, or be deemed to own by virtue of the applicable constructive ownership provisions of the Internal Revenue Code, more than 9.8% by vote or value, whichever is more restrictive, of either our outstanding common stock or our outstanding capital stock in the aggregate. In addition, the Series A Preferred Stock articles supplementary provide generally that no person may own, or be deemed to own by virtue of the attribution provisions of the Internal Revenue Code, more than 9.8% in value or in number of shares, whichever is more restrictive, of our outstanding Series A Preferred Stock. Generally, any of our shares of capital stock owned by affiliated owners will be added together for purposes of the stock ownership limits.
If anyone transfers shares of our stock in a way that would violate the stock ownership limits or prevent us from qualifying as a REIT under the federal income tax laws, those shares instead will be transferred to a trust for the benefit of a charitable beneficiary and will be either redeemed by us or sold to a person whose ownership of the shares will not violate the stock ownership limits or we will consider the transfer to be null and void from the outset, and the intended transferee of those shares will be deemed never to have owned the shares. Anyone who acquires securities in violation of the stock ownership limits or the other restrictions on transfer in our charter bears the risk of suffering a financial loss when the shares are redeemed or sold if their market price falls between the date of purchase and the date of redemption or sale.
The constructive ownership rules under the Internal Revenue Code are complex and may cause stock owned actually or constructively by a group of related individuals or entities to be owned constructively by one individual or entity. As a result, the acquisition of less than 9.8% of our stock (or the acquisition of an interest in an entity that owns, actually or constructively, our stock) by an individual or entity, could, nevertheless cause that individual or entity, or another individual or entity, to own constructively in excess of 9.8% of our outstanding stock and therefore would subject the individual or entity to the stock ownership limits. However, under certain circumstances, our charter provides that our board of directors shall make an exception to this limitation if our board determines that such exception will not jeopardize our tax status as a REIT.
In addition, the stock ownership limits and the other restrictions on transfer in our charter may have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a third party from acquiring control of us, whether such a transaction involved a premium price for our securities or otherwise was in the best interest of our stockholders.
Our rights and the rights of our stockholders to take action against our directors and officers are limited, which could limit the recourse available in the event actions are taken that are not in the best interest of our stockholders.
Maryland law provides that a director has no liability in connection with the director’s management of the business and affairs of a corporation if he or she performs his or her duties in good faith, in a manner he or she reasonably believes to be in the best interests of the corporation and with the care that an ordinarily prudent person in a like position would use under similar circumstances. In addition, our charter exculpates our directors and officers from liability to us and our stockholders for money damages except for liability resulting from actual receipt of an improper benefit in money, property or services or active and deliberate dishonesty established by a final judgment and which is material to the cause of action. Our charter authorizes us to indemnify our directors and officers for actions taken by them in those capacities to the maximum extent permitted by Maryland law. Our bylaws require us to indemnify each director or officer, to the maximum extent permitted by Maryland law, in the defense of any proceeding to which he or she is made, or threatened to be made, a party by reason of his or her service to us. In addition, we may be obligated to fund the defense costs incurred by our directors and officers. As a result, we and our stockholders may have more limited rights against our directors and officers, which could limit the recourse available in the event actions are taken that are not in our stockholders’ best interest.
Our charter contains provisions that make removal of our directors difficult, which could make it difficult for our stockholders to effect changes to our management that our stockholders believe to be in their best interest.
Our charter provides that a director may be removed only for cause (as defined in our charter) and then only by the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of the votes entitled to be cast generally in the election of directors. Our charter also provides that vacancies on our board of directors may be filled only by a majority of the remaining directors in office, even if less than a quorum. These requirements prevent stockholders from removing directors except for cause and with a substantial affirmative vote and from replacing directors with their own nominees. As a result, a change in our management that our stockholders believe is in their best interest may be delayed, deferred or prevented.
Our board of directors has approved very broad investment guidelines for us and does not review or approve each investment decision made by our management team.
Our management team is authorized to follow broad investment guidelines and, therefore, has great latitude in determining which investments are proper for us, as well as in making the individual investment decisions. Our management team may make investments with lower rates of return than those anticipated under current market conditions and/or may make investments with greater risks to achieve those anticipated returns.
The ability of our board of directors to change some of our policies without the consent of our stockholders may lead to the adoption of policies that are not in the best interest of our stockholders.
Our major policies, including our policies with respect to investments, leverage, financing, growth, debt and capitalization, are determined by our board of directors or those committees or officers to whom our board of directors may delegate such authority. Our board of directors also establishes the form, timing and/or amount of any dividends or distributions that we may pay to our stockholders. Our board of directors or the committees or officers to which such decisions may be delegated have the ability to amend or revise these and our other policies at any time without stockholder vote. Accordingly, our stockholders may not have control over changes in our policies, and we may adopt policies that may not prove to be in the best interests of our stockholders.
Members of our management and board of directors are holders of OP units, and their interests may differ from those of our stockholders.
Members of our management and board of directors are direct or indirect holders of OP units. As holders of OP units, they may have conflicting interests with our stockholders. For example, they may have different tax positions from our stockholders, which could influence their decisions regarding whether and when to dispose of assets, whether and when to incur new indebtedness or refinance existing indebtedness and how to structure future transactions. As a result, our management and board of directors may implement policies or make decisions that are not in the best interest of our stockholders.
We have entered into employment agreements with certain of our executive officers that require us to make payments in the event such officer’s employment is terminated by us without cause or by such officer for good reason. This may make it difficult for us to effect changes to our management or limit the ability of a third party to acquire control of us when it would otherwise be in the best interest of our stockholders.
The employment agreements that we entered into with certain of our executive officers provide benefits under certain circumstances that could make it more difficult for us to terminate these officers. Therefore, even if we sought to replace these officers, it may not be economically viable for us to do so. Furthermore, because an acquiring company would likely seek to replace these officers with their own personnel, these employment agreements could have the effect of delaying, deterring or preventing a change in control of us that would otherwise be in the best interest of our stockholders.
Our primary assets are our general partnership interest in the Operating Partnership and OP units and, as a result, we depend on distributions from the Operating Partnership to pay dividends and expenses.
We are a holding company and have no material assets other than our general partnership interest and OP units. We intend to cause the Operating Partnership to make distributions to its limited partners, including us, in an amount sufficient to allow us to qualify as a REIT for federal income tax purposes and to pay all our expenses. To the extent we need funds and the Operating Partnership is restricted from making distributions under applicable law, agreement or otherwise, or if the Operating Partnership is otherwise unable to provide such funds, the failure to make such distributions could adversely affect our liquidity and financial condition and our ability to make distributions to our stockholders.
We operate through a partnership structure, which could materially and adversely affect us.
Our primary property-owning vehicle is the Operating Partnership, of which we are the sole general partner. Our acquisition of properties through the Operating Partnership in exchange for OP units may permit certain tax deferral advantages to the sellers of those properties. If properties contributed to the Operating Partnership have unrealized gain attributable to the difference between the fair market value and adjusted tax basis in such properties prior to contribution, then the sale of such properties could cause material and adverse tax consequences to the limited partners who contributed such properties. Although we, as the sole general partner of the Operating Partnership, generally have no obligation to consider the tax consequences of our actions to any limited partner, in connection with our formation transactions, we agreed to indemnify MXT Capital for certain tax consequences related to our properties. There can be no assurance that the Operating Partnership will not acquire properties in the future subject to material restrictions designed to minimize the adverse tax consequences to the limited partners who contribute such properties. Such restrictions could result in significantly reduced flexibility to manage our properties, which could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We have fiduciary duties as the sole general partner of the Operating Partnership which may result in conflicts of interest in representing your interests as our stockholders.
Conflicts of interest could arise in the future as a result of the relationship between us, on the one hand, and the Operating Partnership or any partner thereof, on the other. We, as the sole general partner of the Operating Partnership, have fiduciary duties to the other limited partners in the Operating Partnership under Delaware law. At the same time, our directors and officers have duties to us and our stockholders under applicable Maryland law in connection with their management of us. Our duties as the sole general partner of the Operating Partnership may come in conflict with the duties of our directors and officers to us and our stockholders. For example, those persons holding OP units will have the right to vote on certain amendments to the partnership agreement (which require approval by a majority in interest of the limited partners, including us) and individually to approve certain amendments that would adversely affect their rights. These voting rights may be exercised in a manner that conflicts with the interests of our stockholders. We are unable to modify the rights of limited partners to receive distributions as set forth in the partnership agreement in a manner that adversely affects their rights without their consent, even though such modification might be in the best interest of our stockholders. Our partnership agreement provides that if there is a conflict between the interests of our stockholders, on one hand, and the interests of the limited partners, on the other, we will endeavor in good faith to resolve the conflict in a manner not adverse to either our stockholders or the limited partners; provided, however, that for so long as we own a controlling interest in the Operating Partnership, we have agreed to resolve any conflict that cannot be resolved in a manner not adverse to either our stockholders or the limited partners in favor of our stockholders.
Changes in accounting rules, assumptions and/or judgments could materially and adversely affect us.
Accounting rules and interpretations for certain aspects of our operations are highly complex and involve significant assumptions and judgment. These complexities could lead to a delay in the preparation and public dissemination of our financial statements. Furthermore, changes in accounting rules and interpretations or in our accounting assumptions and/or judgments, such as those described in the our summary of significant accounting policies in the notes to the consolidated and combined financial statements, could significantly impact the actual results included in our financial statements. Under any of these circumstances, we our financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.
We may not be able to maintain our distribution rate, and we may be required to fund the minimum distribution necessary to qualify for taxation as a REIT from sources that could reduce our cash flows.
Our ability to fund any distributions will depend, in part, upon continued successful leasing of our existing portfolio, successful development activity and fee income from development, construction and management services. To the extent these sources are insufficient, we may use our working capital or borrowings under our revolving credit facility to fund distributions. If we need to fund future distributions with borrowings under our revolving credit facility or from working capital, or if we reduce our distribution rate, our stock price may be adversely affected. In addition, to the extent that we fund any distributions with borrowings under our revolving credit facility or from working capital, our cash available for investment in our business, including for property development and acquisition purposes, will decrease.
In addition, in order to qualify for taxation as a REIT, among other requirements, we must make distributions to stockholders aggregating annually to at least 90% of our REIT taxable income, excluding net capital gains. To the extent that, in respect of any calendar year, cash available for distribution to our stockholders is less than our REIT taxable income, we would be required to fund the minimum distribution necessary to qualify for taxation as a REIT from other sources, which could include asset sales or borrowings. Funding a distribution through asset sales or borrowings could reduce our cash flow from operations, increase our interest expense and decrease our cash available for investment in our business. We may also choose to meet this distribution requirement by distributing a combination of cash and shares of our common stock. See "Federal Income Tax Risk Factors-We may pay taxable dividends of our common stock and cash, in which case stockholders may sell shares of our common stock to pay tax on such dividends, placing downward pressure on the market price of our common stock."
Any distributions in excess of our current and accumulated earnings and profits will not be taxable to a holder to the extent that they do not exceed the holder’s adjusted basis in the shares of stock in respect of which the distributions were made, but rather, will reduce the adjusted basis of these shares. To the extent that such distributions exceed the adjusted basis of a stockholder’s shares, they will generally be included in income as capital gains.
The market price of our securities may be volatile due to numerous circumstances, some of which are beyond our control.
The market price of our securities may be highly volatile and subject to wide fluctuations. Our financial performance, government regulatory action, tax laws, interest rates and market conditions in general could have a significant impact on the market price of our securities. Some of the factors that could negatively affect the market price or result in fluctuations in the market price of our securities include:
·actual or anticipated variations in our quarterly operating results;
·changes in our financial performance or earnings estimates;
·increases in market interest rates (which, among other consequences, may lead purchasers of our securities to require a higher dividend yield to make or maintain an investment);
·changes in market valuations of similar companies;
·adverse market reaction to any indebtedness we incur in the future;
·additions or departures of key personnel;
·actions by our stockholders;
·speculation in the press or investment community;
·general market, economic and political conditions, including the recent economic slowdown and dislocation in the global credit markets;
·our issuance of additional shares of common stock or other securities;
·availability of outstanding shares of our common stock, including sales of a substantial number of shares of our common stock in the public market (including shares held by our directors, officers or their affiliates);
·the performance of other similar companies;
·changes in accounting principles;
·passage of legislation or other regulatory developments that adversely affect us or our industry; and
·the potential impact of the recent economic slowdown on the student housing industry and related budgets of colleges and universities.
Future offerings of debt securities, which would be senior to our common stock upon liquidation, or equity securities, which would dilute our existing stockholders and may be senior to our common stock for the purposes of distributions, may limit our operating and financial flexibility and adversely affect the market price of our securities.
Our common stock is ranked junior to our Series A Preferred Stock. Our outstanding Series A Preferred Stock also has a preference upon our dissolution, liquidation or winding up in respect of assets available for distribution to our stockholders. Holders of our common stock are not entitled to preemptive rights or other protections against dilution. In the future, we may attempt to increase our capital resources by making additional offerings of debt or equity securities, including commercial paper, medium-term notes, senior or subordinated notes and classes of preferred or common stock. Upon liquidation, holders of our debt securities and shares of preferred stock and lenders with respect to other borrowings will receive a distribution of our available assets prior to the holders of our common stock. Additional equity offerings may dilute the holdings of our existing stockholders or reduce the market price of our securities or both. In addition, it is possible that these securities or indebtedness will be governed by an indenture or other instrument containing covenants restricting our operating flexibility and limiting our ability to make distributions to our stockholders. Because our decision to issue debt or equity securities in any future offering or otherwise incur indebtedness will depend on then-current market conditions and other factors beyond our control, we cannot predict or estimate the amount, timing or nature of our future offerings or financings. Thus, our stockholders bear the risk of our future offerings reducing the market price of our securities and diluting their proportionate ownership.
Federal Income Tax Risk Factors
Our failure to remain qualified as a REIT could have a material and adverse effect on us and on the value of our securities.
We intend to continue to operate in a manner that will allow us to continue to qualify as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes under the Internal Revenue Code. If we lose our qualification as a REIT, we will face serious tax consequences that would substantially reduce the funds available for distribution to our stockholders for each of the years involved because:
·we would not be allowed a deduction for distributions to stockholders in computing our taxable income and we would be subject to U.S. federal income tax at regular corporate rates;
·we also could be subject to the U.S. federal alternative minimum tax and possibly increased state and local taxes; and
·unless we are entitled to relief under applicable statutory provisions, we could not elect to be taxed as a REIT for four taxable years following a year during which we were disqualified.
In addition, if we lose our qualification as a REIT, we will not be required to make distributions to stockholders, and all distributions to our stockholders will be subject to tax as regular corporate dividends to the extent of our current and accumulated earnings and profits. This means that our U.S. individual stockholders would be taxed on our dividends at the current maximum U.S. federal income tax rate currently of 20%, and our corporate stockholders generally would be entitled to the dividends received deduction with respect to such dividends, subject, in each case, to applicable limitations under the Internal Revenue Code.
Qualification as a REIT involves the application of highly technical and complex Internal Revenue Code provisions and regulations promulgated thereunder for which there are only limited judicial and administrative interpretations. Even a technical or inadvertent violation could jeopardize our ability to qualify as a REIT. The complexity of these provisions and of the applicable U.S. Treasury Department regulations ("Treasury Regulations") that have been promulgated under the Internal Revenue Code is greater in the case of a REIT that, like us, holds its assets through a partnership. The determination of various factual matters and circumstances not entirely within our control may affect our ability to qualify as a REIT. In order to continue to qualify as a REIT, we must satisfy a number of requirements on a continuing basis, including requirements regarding the composition of our assets, sources of our gross income and stockholder ownership. Also, we must make distributions to stockholders aggregating annually at least 90% of our REIT taxable income, excluding net capital gains.
As a result of these factors, our failure to continue to qualify as a REIT could materially and adversely affect us and the market price of our securities.
To remain qualified as a REIT, we will likely rely on the availability of equity and debt capital to fund our business.
To remain qualified as a REIT, we generally must distribute to our stockholders at least 90% of our REIT taxable income each year, excluding net capital gains, and we will be subject to regular corporate income taxes to the extent that we distribute less than 100% of our REIT taxable income each year. In addition, we will be subject to a 4% nondeductible excise tax on the amount, if any, by which distributions paid by us in any calendar year are less than the sum of 85% of our ordinary income, 95% of our capital gain net income and 100% of our undistributed income from prior years. Because of REIT distribution requirements, we may be unable to fund capital expenditures, such as our developments, future acquisitions or property upgrades or renovations from operating cash flow. Therefore, we may be dependent on the public equity and debt capital markets and private lenders to fund our growth and other capital expenditures. However, we may not be able to obtain this capital on favorable terms or at all. Our access to third-party sources of capital depends, in part, on:
·general market conditions;
·our current debt levels and the number of properties subject to encumbrances;
·our current performance and the market’s perception of our growth potential;
·our cash flow and cash dividends; and
·the market price of our securities.
If we cannot obtain capital from third-party sources, we may not be able to acquire or develop properties when strategic opportunities exist, satisfy our debt service obligations or make the cash distributions to our stockholders, including those necessary to maintain our qualification as a REIT, which could materially and adversely affect us.
Even if we remain qualified as a REIT, we may face other tax liabilities that have a material and adverse effect on us.
Even if we continue to qualify for taxation as a REIT, we may be subject to certain federal, state and local taxes on our income and assets, including taxes on any undistributed income, taxes on income from some activities conducted as a result of a foreclosure, and state or local income, property and transfer taxes. Any of these taxes would cause our operating costs to increase, and therefore our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.
In particular, various services provided at our properties are not permitted to be provided directly by the Operating Partnership, but must be provided through TRSs that are treated as fully taxable corporations.
To remain qualified as a REIT, we may be forced to limit the activities of our TRSs, which could materially and adversely affect our business and results of operations.
To remain qualified as a REIT, no more than 25% of the value of our total assets may consist of the securities of one or more TRSs. Certain of our activities, such as our third-party development, construction, management and leasing services, must be conducted through our TRSs for us to qualify or remain qualified as a REIT. In addition, certain non-customary services must be provided by a TRS or an independent contractor. If the revenues from such activities create a risk that the value of our TRSs, based on revenues or otherwise, approaches the 25% threshold, we will be forced to curtail such activities or take other steps to remain under the 25% threshold. Since the 25% threshold is based on value, it is possible that the IRS could successfully contend that the value of our TRSs exceeds the 25% threshold even if our TRSs account for less than 25% of our consolidated revenues, income or cash flow. Our third-party services generally are performed by our TRSs. Consequently, income earned from our third-party services and non-customary services will be subject to regular federal income taxation and state and local income taxation where applicable, thus reducing the amount of cash available for distribution to our stockholders.
A TRS is not permitted to directly or indirectly operate or manage a "hotel, motel or other establishment more than one-half of the dwelling units in which are used on a transient basis." We have been advised by counsel that the method of operating our TRSs will not be considered to constitute such an activity. However, future Treasury Regulations or other guidance interpreting the applicable provisions might adopt a different approach, or the IRS might disagree with the conclusion of our counsel. In such event we might be forced to change our method of operating our TRSs, or one or more of the TRSs could fail to qualify as a TRS, which could cause us to fail to qualify as a REIT. Any of the foregoing circumstances could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
If the Operating Partnership fails to qualify as a partnership for federal income tax purposes, we would cease to qualify as a REIT and we could be materially and adversely affected.
We believe that the Operating Partnership qualifies to be treated as a partnership for federal income tax purposes. As a partnership, the Operating Partnership is not subject to federal income tax on its income. Instead, each of its partners, including us, is required to pay tax on its allocable share of the Operating Partnership’s income. No assurance can be provided, however, that the IRS, will not challenge its status as a partnership for federal income tax purposes, or that a court would not sustain such a challenge. If the IRS were successful in treating the Operating Partnership as a corporation for tax purposes, we would fail to meet the gross income tests and certain of the asset tests applicable to REITs and, accordingly, cease to qualify as a REIT. The failure of the Operating Partnership to qualify as a partnership would also cause it to become subject to federal state and corporate income tax, which would reduce significantly the amount of cash available for debt service and for distribution to its partners, including us.
Dividends payable by REITs do not qualify for the reduced tax rates available for some dividends, which could materially and adversely affect the market price of our securities.
The maximum tax rate applicable to "qualified dividend income" payable to U.S. stockholders that are taxed at individual rates is 20%. Dividends payable by REITs, however, generally are not eligible for the reduced rates on qualified dividend income. Although this does not adversely affect the taxation of REITs or dividends payable by REITs, the more favorable rates applicable to regular corporate qualified dividends could cause investors taxed at individual rates to perceive investments in REITs to be relatively less attractive than investments in the stocks of non-REIT corporations that pay dividends, which could materially and adversely affect the market price of the stock of REITs, including our securities.
We may pay taxable dividends of in the form our common stock and cash, in which case stockholders may sell shares of our common stock to pay tax on such dividends, placing downward pressure on the market price of our common stock.
We may distribute taxable dividends that are payable in cash and common stock at the election of each stockholder. The IRS has issued private letter rulings to other REITs treating certain distributions that are paid partly in cash and partly in stock as taxable dividends that would satisfy the REIT annual distribution requirement and qualify for the dividends paid deduction for federal income tax purposes. Those rulings may be relied upon only by taxpayers to whom they were issued, but we could request a similar ruling from the IRS. In addition, the IRS previously issued a revenue procedure authorizing publicly traded REITs to make elective cash/stock dividends, but that revenue procedure does not apply to our 2012 and future taxable years. Accordingly, it is unclear whether and to what extent we will be able to make taxable dividends payable in cash and common stock.
If we made a taxable dividend payable in cash and common stock, taxable stockholders receiving such dividends will be required to include the full amount of the dividend as ordinary income to the extent of our current and accumulated earnings and profits, as determined for federal income tax purposes. As a result, stockholders may be required to pay income tax with respect to such dividends in excess of the cash dividends received. If a U.S. stockholder sells the common stock that it receives as a dividend in order to pay this tax, the sales proceeds may be less than the amount included in income with respect to the dividend, depending on the market price of our common stock at the time of the sale. Furthermore, with respect to certain non-U.S. stockholders, we may be required to withhold federal income tax with respect to such dividends, including in respect of all or a portion of such dividend that is payable in common stock. If we made a taxable dividend payable in cash and our common stock and a significant number of our stockholders determine to sell shares of our common stock in order to pay taxes owed on such dividends, it may be viewed as economically equivalent to a dividend reduction and put downward pressure on the trading price of our common stock. We do not currently intend to pay taxable dividends in the form of our common stock and cash, although we may choose to do so in the future.
Complying with REIT requirements may limit our ability to hedge effectively and may cause us to incur tax liabilities, which could materially and adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.
The REIT provisions of the Internal Revenue Code substantially limit our ability to hedge our liabilities. Any income from a hedging transaction we enter into to manage risk of interest rate changes with respect to borrowings made or to be made to acquire or carry real estate assets will not constitute "gross income" for purposes of the 75% gross income test or the 95% gross income test, if certain requirements are not met. To the extent that we enter into other types of hedging transactions, the income from those transactions is likely to be treated as non-qualifying income for purposes of both of the gross income tests. As a result, we might have to limit our use of advantageous hedging techniques or implement those hedges through a TRS. This could increase the cost of our hedging activities because a domestic TRS would be subject to tax on gains or expose us to greater risks associated with changes in interest rates than we would otherwise want to bear. In addition, losses in our TRSs will generally not provide any tax benefit, except for being carried forward against future taxable income in the respective TRS. These increased costs could materially and adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.
The tax imposed on REITs engaging in "prohibited transactions" may limit our ability to engage in transactions which would be treated as sales for federal income tax purposes.
A REIT’s net income from prohibited transactions is subject to a 100% penalty tax. In general, prohibited transactions are sales or other dispositions of property, other than foreclosure property, held in inventory primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of business. Although we do not intend to hold any properties that would be characterized as inventory held for sale to customers in the ordinary course of our business, subject to certain statutory safe harbors, such characterization is a factual determination and no guarantee can be given that the IRS would agree with our characterization of our properties or that we will always be able to make use of the available safe harbors.
Re-characterization of sale-leaseback transactions may cause us to lose our REIT status.
We may purchase properties and lease them back to the sellers of such properties. While we will use our best efforts to structure any such sale-leaseback transaction so that the lease will be characterized as a "true lease," thereby allowing us to be treated as the owner of the property for federal income tax purposes, the IRS could challenge such characterization. In the event that any sale-leaseback transaction is challenged and re-characterized as a financing transaction or loan for federal income tax purposes, deductions for depreciation and cost recovery relating to such property would be disallowed. If a sale-leaseback transaction were so re-characterized, we might fail to satisfy the REIT qualification "asset tests" or the "income tests" and, consequently, lose our REIT status effective with the year of re-characterization. Alternatively, the amount of our REIT taxable income could be recalculated, which might also cause us to fail to meet the distribution requirement for a taxable year.
Liquidation of assets may jeopardize our REIT status.
To continue to qualify as a REIT, we must comply with requirements regarding our assets and our sources of income. If we are compelled to liquidate our investments to satisfy our obligations to our lenders, we may be unable to comply with these requirements, ultimately jeopardizing our status as a REIT, or we may be subject to a 100% tax on any resultant gain if we sell assets treated as dealer property or inventory.
Complying with REIT requirements may cause us to liquidate otherwise attractive investments or to forgo otherwise attractive investment opportunities, which could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
To continue to qualify as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes, we continually must satisfy tests concerning, among other things, the sources of our income, the type and diversification of our assets, the amounts we distribute to our stockholders and the ownership of our stock. If we fail to comply with these requirements at the end of any calendar quarter, we must correct such failure within 30 days after the end of the calendar quarter to avoid suffering adverse tax consequences, including potentially losing our REIT status. As a result, we may be required to liquidate otherwise attractive investments, which could materially and adversely affect us. In addition, we may be unable to pursue investments that would be otherwise advantageous to us in order to satisfy the source-of-income, asset-diversification or distribution requirements for qualifying as a REIT. Thus, compliance with the REIT requirements may hinder our ability to make certain attractive investments, which could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
The ability of our board of directors to revoke our REIT election without stockholder approval may cause adverse consequences to our stockholders.
Our charter provides that our board of directors may revoke or otherwise terminate our REIT election, without the approval of our stockholders, if it determines that it is no longer in our best interests to continue to qualify as a REIT. If we cease to qualify as a REIT, we would become subject to federal income tax on our taxable income and would no longer be required to distribute most of our taxable income to our stockholders, which may have adverse consequences on the total return to our stockholders.
New legislation, regulation or administrative or judicial action, in each instance potentially with retroactive effect, could make it more difficult or impossible for us to qualify as a REIT.
The present U.S. federal income tax treatment of REITs may be modified, possibly with retroactive effect, by legislative, regulatory, administrative or judicial action at any time, which could affect the U.S. federal income tax treatment of an investment in our stock. The U.S. federal income tax rules that affect REITs are under constant review by persons involved in the legislative process, the IRS and the U.S. Treasury Department, which results in statutory changes as well as frequent revisions to regulations and interpretations. Revisions in U.S. federal tax laws and interpretations thereof could cause us to change our investments and commitments, which could also affect the tax considerations of an investment in our stock.
Item 1B.
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments.
None.
Item 2.
Item 2. Properties.
We own interests in 39 operating properties. All of our properties are less than eight years old and more than half of our properties are less than four years old. No single property accounts for more than 5% of our total assets or gross revenue as of December 31, 2012 or 2011 or for the years then ended.
We focus our investment activities on properties located in medium-sized college and university markets where we believe the overall market dynamics are favorable. We believe that 11 of our properties are the only purpose-built student housing properties serving the schools from which they draw student-tenants. All of our properties are modern facilities with private baths for each bedroom and are largely uniform throughout the portfolio, with each property having a similar appearance and amenities package along with The Grove® branding. We own and maintain federal trademark registrations on The Grove® and The Grove Fully Loaded College Living®, each of which we registered on November 20, 2007. All of our properties are operated under the brand The Grove®. Our brand provides an identity for our marketing and selling activities, our operations and other on-site activities. The brand figures prominently on our web site, promotional materials and local signage and all of our properties, in general, have been based upon our common prototypical design.
Amenities at our properties generally include a resort style swimming pool, basketball courts, beach volleyball courts, fire pits and barbeque areas and a large clubhouse featuring a 24-hour fitness center, library and computer center, tavern style game room with billiards and other games, tanning beds, coffee shop and study areas. All of our properties are fully furnished with ultra suede upholstered couches and chairs and durable wood case goods, and have full kitchens as well as washers and dryers.
Each student-tenant at our properties executes an individual lease agreement with us that is generally guaranteed by a parent or guardian. Lease terms are generally 11.5 months, which provides us with approximately two weeks to prepare a unit for a new tenant if the current tenant is vacating upon the expiration of the lease. Rent is payable monthly in 12 equal installments. In addition to unlimited use of all the property amenities listed above, each tenant is entitled to cable, water/sewer and a $30 per month electricity allowance. Student-tenants are prohibited from subletting units without our prior written consent, which is conditional on, among other things, the payment of a transfer fee. Student-tenants are responsible for the outstanding lease obligations in the event that they are denied admission to, withdraw from or are placed on academic suspension or dismissed by, the college or university that our property services.
The following table presents certain summary information about our operating properties:
(1)Represents executed leases in place for the 2012-2013 academic year.
(2)Total revenue (rental and service) for the year ended December 31, 2012 divided by the sum of leased beds at the properties per month.
(3)Properties subject to a ground lease with an unaffiliated third-party.
(4)Represents the median distance of the properties within the grouping.
(5)Weighted average by number of leased beds as of December 31, 2012.
(6)Joint venture properties include three properties in which we own a 49.9% interest, three properties in which we own a 10% interest, and one property in which we own a 20% interest.
(7)Enrollment based on latest available data (Fall 2011 enrollment).
Expected Development Properties
We commenced building three properties for our own account, with completion targeted for the 2013-2014 academic year. Information with respect to these wholly owned developments is included in the following table:
(1)Property subject to a ground lease with an unaffiliated third-party.
(2)Represents an average of the properties within the grouping.
(3)Enrollment based on latest available data (Fall 2011 enrollment).
(4)Represents the median distance of the properties within this grouping.
As of December 31, 2012, our three wholly-owned properties under construction had costs incurred of $10.5 million and budgeted costs of approximately $82.8 million.
We also commenced building three properties which are owned by a joint venture that we established with HSRE in May 2012 and in which we own a 20% interest. We are currently targeting completion of these three properties for the 2013-2014 academic year. Information with respect to these joint venture developments is included in the following table:
(1)Represents an average of the properties within the grouping.
(2)Represents the median distance of the properties within this grouping.
As of December 31, 2012, these three joint venture properties under development described above had costs incurred of $17.9 million and budgeted costs of approximately $80.0 million.
In January 2013, we commenced building a property which is owned by a joint venture that we established with HSRE and Brandywine Realty Trust in which we own a 30% interest. We are currently targeting completion of this property for the 2014-2015 academic year. Information with respect to this joint venture development is included in the following table:
(1)Represents an average of the Universities within the grouping.
(2)Enrollment based on latest available data (Fall 2011 enrollment).
(3)Represents an average of the Universities within the grouping
(4)Represents the median distance of the properties within this grouping.
As of December 31, 2012, this joint venture property under development had zero costs incurred and budgeted costs of approximately $158.5 million.
Development and construction activities involve significant risks and uncertainties, including risks of delays, cost overruns and the potential expenditure of funds on projects that are not ultimately completed. For each of our expected 2013 development properties, we commenced construction subsequent to conducting significant pre-development activities and acquiring the land, or obtaining rights to the land as in a ground lease, necessary for the development of these properties. No assurance can be given that these developments will be completed in accordance with our current expectations, including those with respect to targeted completion and estimated cost. In addition, with respect to any properties developed through the joint venture that we established exclusively with HSRE, we will be responsible for funding the amount by which actual development costs for a project pursued by the venture exceed the budgeted development costs of such project (without any increase in our interest in the project). Moreover, no assurance can be given that these properties, if completed, will perform in accordance with our expectations. See "Risk Factors-Risks Related to Our Business and Properties-Developing properties will expose us to risks beyond those associated with owning and operating student housing properties, and could materially and adversely affect us"; "-The construction activities at our student housing properties expose us to liabilities and risks beyond those associated with the ownership and operation of student housing properties, which could materially and adversely affect us"; "-Our development activities are subject to delays and cost overruns, which could materially and adversely affect us"; "-We may not realize a return on our development activities in a timely manner, which could materially and adversely affect us"; "-Adverse economic conditions and dislocation in the credit markets have had a material and adverse effect on us and may continue to materially and adversely affect us"; "-Developing or acquiring properties in new markets may materially and adversely affect us"; and "-Joint venture investments could be materially and adversely affected by our lack of sole decision-making authority, our reliance on our co-ventures' financial condition and disputes between our co-ventures and us."
As we actively seek new development opportunities, our current business plan contemplates the development of approximately six to eight new student housing properties per year. As part of this plan, we purchase land on which to build our properties. In addition to the projects under development at December 31, 2012, we owned four land parcels that could be used for the development of four properties (within either our wholly-owned portfolio or as contributions to joint venture projects) with an aggregate bed count ranging from approximately 1,600 to 2,000.
Item 3.
Item 3. Legal Proceedings.
In the normal course of business, we are subject to claims, lawsuits and legal proceedings. While it is not possible to ascertain the ultimate outcome of all such matters, management believes that the aggregate amount of such liabilities, if any, in excess of amounts provided or covered by insurance, will not have a material adverse effect on our financial position or results of operations. Other than routine litigation arising in the ordinary course of business and after taking into account insurance coverage, we are not involved in any material litigation nor, to management's knowledge, is any material litigation currently threatened against us or our properties or subsidiaries.
Item 4.
Item 4. 	Mine Safety Disclosures
Not Applicable.
PART II.
Item 5.
Item 5.	Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.
Information about our 2010 Equity Incentive Compensation Plan is incorporated by reference to our definitive Proxy Statement for our 2013 annual meeting of stockholders (the "Proxy Statement").
Market Information
Our common stock has been listed and is traded on the NYSE under the symbol "CCG". The following table sets forth, for the quarterly periods indicated, the high and low sale prices per share reported on the NYSE and declared dividends per share for our common stock:
(1)Paid January 11, 2012, to stockholders of record on December 28, 2011.
(2)Paid January 9, 2013, to stockholders of record on December 26, 2012.
(3)Paid January 15, 2013, to stockholders of record on December 26, 2012.
On December 12, 2012, we announced that our Board of Directors declared a fourth quarter 2012 dividend of $0.16 per common share and OP Unit that was paid in cash on January 9, 2013, to stockholders of record on December 26, 2012. The common stock dividends of $0.64 per share are classified for income tax purposes as 2.8% taxable ordinary dividend, 0.2% qualified dividend and 97.0% return of capital.
On December 12, 2012, the Board of Directors also declared a cash dividend of $0.50 per share of Series A Preferred Stock for the fourth quarter of 2012 that was paid in cash on January 15, 2013, to stockholders of record on December 26, 2012. The Preferred Series A stock dividends of $1.87 per share are classified for income tax purposes as 92.7% taxable ordinary dividend and 7.3% qualified dividend.
Performance Graph
The following graph provides a comparison of the cumulative total return on our common stock from October 19, 2010 (first day of trading for our common stock) to the NYSE closing price per share on December 31, 2012 with the cumulative total return on the Standard & Poor’s 500 Composite Stock Price Index (the "S&P 500 Index") and the FTSE ERPA/NAREIT United States Index ("FTSE ERPA/NAREIT US Index"). Total return values were calculated assuming a $100 investment on October 19, 2010 with the reinvestment of all dividends in (i) our common stock, (ii) the S&P 500 Index and (iii) the FTSE ERPA/NAREIT US Index.
The actual returns on the graph above are as follows:
Holders
As of December 31, 2012, there were approximately 39 holders of record of our common stock and 38,558,048 shares of common stock outstanding.
Distributions
We intend to continue to declare quarterly distributions on our common stock. The actual amount, timing and form of payment of distributions, however, will be at the discretion of our Board of Directors and will depend upon our financial condition in addition to the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code, and no assurance can be given as to the amounts, timing or form of payment of future distributions. The payment of distributions is subject to restrictions under our corporate-level debt described in Note 6 to the Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements in Item 15 and discussed in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in Item 7 under "Liquidity and Capital Resources".
Item 6.
Item 6.	Selected Financial Data.
You should read the following selected financial and operating data in conjunction with the Notes to Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements in Item 15 and Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations included in Item 7.
Item 7. 	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
In this section, references to the Company, "we," "us" and "our" with respect to the period before consummation of the initial public offering of Campus Crest Communities, Inc. on October 19, 2010, refer to the business of Campus Crest Communities, Inc.’s predecessor entities through which Campus Crest Group, LLC carried out the development, construction, ownership and management of the properties that Campus Crest Communities, Inc. acquired upon completion of the Offering and the Formation Transactions.
Overview
Our Company
We are a self-managed, self-administered and vertically-integrated REIT focused on developing, building, owning and managing a diversified portfolio of high-quality, residence life focused student housing properties. We were incorporated in the State of Maryland on March 1, 2010. On October 19, 2010, we completed an initial public offering (the "Offering") of our common stock. As a result of the Offering and certain formation transactions entered into in connection therewith (the "Formation Transactions"), we currently own the sole general partner interest and own limited partner interests in Campus Crest Communities Operating Partnership, LP (the "Operating Partnership"). As of December 31, 2012, we owned a 98.9% limited partnership interest in the Operating Partnership. We hold substantially all of our assets, and conduct substantially all of our business, through the Operating Partnership.
As of December 31, 2012, we owned interests in 39 operating student housing properties containing approximately 7,670 apartment units and 20,884 beds. All of our properties are recently built, with an average age of approximately 3.4 years as of December 31, 2012, and contain modern apartment units with many resort-style amenities. As of December 31, 2012, our portfolio consisted of the following:
We derive substantially all of our revenue from student housing rental, student housing services, construction and development services and management services. As of December 31, 2012, the average occupancy for our 39 operating properties was approximately 90.4% and the average monthly total revenue per occupied bed was approximately $498. Our properties are primarily located in medium-sized college and university markets, which we define as markets located outside of major U.S. cities that have nearby schools generally with overall enrollment of approximately 5,000 to 20,000 students. We believe such markets are underserved and are generally experiencing enrollment growth.
We intend to pay regular quarterly distributions to our common stockholders in amounts that meet or exceed the requirements for our qualification as a REIT. Although we currently anticipate making distributions to our common stockholders in cash to the extent cash is available for such purpose, we may, in the sole discretion of our board of directors, make a distribution of capital or of assets or a taxable distribution of our stock (as part of a distribution in which stockholders may elect to receive stock or, subject to a limit measured as a percentage of the total distribution, cash). For the year ended December 31, 2012, we declared and paid common stock dividends totaling $0.64 per share.
Our Relationship With HSRE
We are a party to active joint venture arrangements with HSRE, a real estate private equity firm founded in 2005 that has significant real estate asset holdings, including student housing properties, senior housing/assisted living units, self-storage units, boat storage facilities and medical office space. As of December 31, 2012, we have developed 11 properties and are in the process of developing four additional properties in partnership with HSRE, including one joint venture project where we are partners with both HSRE and Brandywine Realty Trust.
HSRE I. Our first joint venture with HSRE, HSRE-Campus Crest I, LLC ("HSRE I"), indirectly owned 100% of the interests in the following three properties at December 31, 2012: The Grove at Conway, The Grove at Lawrence and The Grove at San Angelo. On July 5, 2012, we completed the purchase of HSRE's 50.1% interest in The Grove at Moscow, which was included in HSRE I prior to that date. On December 29, 2011, we completed the purchase of HSRE's 50.1% interests in The Grove at Huntsville and The Grove at Statesboro, which were included in HSRE I prior to that date. At December 31, 2012, we owned a 49.9% interest in HSRE I and HSRE owned the remaining 50.1%. Prior to the Offering and the Formation Transactions, on October 19, 2010, HSRE I indirectly owned a 100% interest in a seventh property, The Grove at San Marcos. Prior to March 26, 2010, we owned a 10% interest in HSRE I and HSRE owned the remaining 90%.
In general, we are responsible for the day-to-day management of HSRE I’s business and affairs, provided that major decisions must be approved by us and HSRE. In addition to distributions to which we are entitled as an investor in HSRE I, we receive or have in the past received fees for providing services to the properties held by HSRE I pursuant to development and construction agreements and property management agreements. We granted to an entity related to HSRE I a right of first opportunity with respect to certain development or acquisition opportunities identified by us. This right of first opportunity was to terminate at such time as HSRE had provided at least $40 million of equity funding to HSRE I and/or certain related ventures. This right of first opportunity was amended in conjunction with the formation of HSRE IV as discussed below. HSRE I will dissolve upon the disposition of substantially all of its assets or the occurrence of certain events specified in the agreement between us and HSRE.
HSRE IV. In January 2011, we entered into a joint venture with HSRE, HSRE-Campus Crest IV, LLC ("HSRE IV") to develop and operate additional purpose-built student housing properties. HSRE IV completed two new student housing properties in August 2011 for the 2011-2012 academic year. The properties, located in Denton, Texas, and Valdosta, Georgia, contain an aggregate of approximately 1,168 beds and cost approximately $45.7 million. We own a 20% interest in this venture and affiliates of HSRE own the balance. On July 5, 2012, we completed the purchase of HSRE's 80% interest in The Grove at Valdosta, which was included in HSRE IV prior to that date.
HSRE V. In October 2011, we entered into a joint venture with HSRE, HSRE-Campus Crest V, LLC ("HSRE V"), to develop and operate additional purpose-built student housing properties. HSRE V completed three new student housing properties in August 2012 for the 2012-2013 academic year. The properties, located in Fayetteville, Arkansas, Laramie, Wyoming, and Stillwater, Oklahoma, contain an aggregate of approximately 1,856 beds and cost approximately $72.1 million. We own a 10% interest in this venture and affiliates of HSRE own the balance.
HSRE VI. In March 2012, we entered into a joint venture with HSRE, HSRE-Campus Crest VI, LLC ("HSRE VI"), to develop and operate additional purpose-built student housing properties. HSRE VI is currently building three new student housing properties with completion targeted for the 2013-2014 academic year. The properties, located in Norman, Oklahoma, State College, Pennsylvania and Indiana, Pennsylvania, will contain an aggregate of approximately 1,784 beds and have an estimated cost of approximately $80.0 million. We own a 20% interest in this venture and affiliates of HSRE own the balance.
In general, we are responsible for the day-to-day management of HSRE IV’s, HSRE V’s and HSRE VI's business and affairs, provided that major decisions (including deciding to pursue a particular development opportunity) must be approved by us and HSRE. In addition to distributions to which we are entitled as an investor in HSRE IV, HSRE V and HSRE VI, we will receive fees for providing services to HSRE IV, HSRE V and HSRE VI pursuant to development and construction agreements and property management agreements. In general, we will earn development fees equal to approximately 4% of the total cost of each property developed by HSRE IV, HSRE V and HSRE VI (excluding the cost of land and financing costs), construction fees equal to approximately 5% of the construction costs of each property developed by HSRE IV, HSRE V and HSRE VI and management fees equal to approximately 3% of the gross revenues and 3% of the net operating income of operating properties held by HSRE IV, HSRE V and HSRE VI. In addition, we will receive a reimbursement of a portion of our overhead relating to each development project at a negotiated rate. Under certain circumstances, we will be responsible for funding the amount by which actual development costs for a project pursued by HSRE IV, HSRE V or HSRE VI exceed the budgeted development costs of such project (without any increase in our interest in the project), which could materially and adversely affect the fee income realized from any such project.
HSRE IX. In January 2013, we entered into a joint venture with HSRE and Brandywine, HSRE-Campus Crest IX, LLC ("HSRE IX"), to develop and operate additional purpose-built student housing properties. HSRE IX is currently building one new student housing property, The Grove at Cira Centre South, with completion targeted for the 2014-2015 academic year. The property, located in the University City submarket of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, will contain approximately 850 beds and has an estimated cost of approximately $158.5 million. We own a 30% interest in this venture, Brandywine owns 30% and affiliates of HSRE own the balance.
In general, we, along with Brandywine, are responsible for the day-to-day management of HSRE IX’s business and affairs, provided that major decisions (including deciding to pursue a particular development opportunity) must be approved by us, HSRE, and Brandywine. In addition to distributions to which we are entitled as an investor in HSRE IX, we, along with Brandywine, will receive fees for providing services to HSRE IX pursuant to a development agreement and property management agreement. In general, we, along with Brandywine, will earn development fees equal to approximately 4% of the total cost of each property developed by HSRE IX (excluding the cost of land and financing costs) and we will earn management fees equal to approximately 3% of the gross revenues and 2% of the net operating income of operating properties held by HSRE IX. In addition, we, along with Brandywine, will receive a reimbursement of a portion of our overhead relating to each development project at a negotiated rate. Under certain circumstances, we, along with Brandywine, will be responsible for funding the amount by which actual development costs for a project pursued by HSRE IX exceed the budgeted development costs of such project (without any increase in our interest in the project), which could materially and adversely affect the fee income realized from any such project.
We amended HSRE’s right of first opportunity, originally granted with respect to HSRE I, to develop all future student housing development opportunities identified by us that are funded in part with equity investments by parties unaffiliated with us, until such time as affiliates of HSRE have invested an aggregate $50 million in HSRE IV, HSRE V, HSRE VI and HSRE IX or caused HSRE IV, HSRE V, HSRE VI and HSRE IX to decline three development opportunities in any calendar year. As of December 31, 2012, HSRE had funded approximately $38 million of the $50 million right of first opportunity. The terms of this venture do not prohibit us from developing a wholly owned student housing property for our own account.
Critical Accounting Policies
Set forth below is a summary of the accounting policies that management believes are critical to the preparation of the consolidated and combined financial statements. Certain of these accounting policies are particularly important for an understanding of the financial position and results of operations presented in the consolidated and combined financial statements set forth elsewhere in this report. These policies require the application of judgment and assumptions by management and, as a result, are subject to a degree of uncertainty. Actual results could differ as a result of such judgment and assumptions.
Our consolidated and combined financial statements include the accounts of all investments, which include joint ventures in which we have a controlling interest, and our consolidated subsidiaries and the combined subsidiaries of the Predecessor. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect amounts reported in our historical consolidated and combined financial statements and related notes. In preparing these financial statements, management has utilized all available information, including its past history, industry standards and the current economic environment, among other factors, in forming its estimates and judgments of certain amounts included in the historical consolidated and combined financial statements, giving due consideration to materiality. Our estimates may not be ultimately realized. Application of the critical accounting policies below involves the exercise of judgment and use of assumptions as to future uncertainties and, as a result, actual results will differ from these estimates. In addition, other companies in similar businesses may utilize different estimation policies and methodologies, which may impact the comparability of our results of operations and financial condition to those companies.
Valuation of Investment in Real Estate
Investment in real estate is recorded at historical cost. Pre-development expenditures include items such as entitlement costs, architectural fees and deposits associated with the pursuit of partially-owned and wholly owned development projects. These costs are capitalized until such time that management believes it is no longer probable that a contract will be executed and/or construction will commence. Management evaluates the status of projects where we have not yet acquired the target property or where we have not yet commenced construction on a periodic basis and writes off any pre-development costs related to projects whose current status indicates the commencement of construction is not probable. Such write-offs are included within operating expenses in the accompanying consolidated and combined statements of operations.
Management assesses whether there has been impairment in the value of our investment in real estate whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of investment in real estate is assessed by a comparison of the carrying amount of a student housing property to the estimated future undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by the property. Impairment is recognized when estimated future undiscounted cash flows are less than the carrying value of the property. The estimation of expected future undiscounted cash flows is inherently uncertain and relies on assumptions regarding current and future economics and market conditions. If such conditions change, then an adjustment reducing the carrying value of our long-lived assets could occur in the future period in which conditions change. To the extent that a property is impaired, the excess of the carrying amount of the property over its estimated fair value is charged to operating earnings. Fair value is determined based upon the discounted cash flows of the property, quoted market prices or independent appraisals, as considered necessary.
Investment in Unconsolidated Entities
Under the equity method, investments in unconsolidated entities are initially recognized in the balance sheet at cost and are subsequently adjusted to reflect our proportionate share of net earnings or losses of the entity, distributions received, contributions, and certain other adjustments, as appropriate. Any difference between the carrying amount of these investments on our balance sheet and the underlying equity in net assets is amortized as an adjustment to equity in earnings (loss) of unconsolidated entities. When circumstances indicate there may have been a loss in value of an equity method investment, and we determine the loss in value is other than temporary, we recognize an impairment charge to reflect the investment at fair value.
Development, Construction and Management Services
Development and construction service revenue is recognized using the percentage of completion method, as determined by construction costs incurred relative to total estimated construction costs. Any changes in significant judgments and/or estimates used in determining construction and development revenue could significantly change the timing or amount of construction and development revenue recognized.
Development and construction service revenues are recognized for contracts with entities we do not consolidate. For projects where revenue is based on a fixed price, any cost overruns incurred during construction, as compared to the original budget, will reduce the net profit ultimately recognized on those projects. Profit derived from these projects is eliminated to the extent of our interest in the unconsolidated entity. Any incentive fees, net of the impact of our ownership interest, are recognized when the project is complete and performance has been agreed upon by all parties, or when performance has been verified by an independent third party. When total development or construction costs at completion exceed the fixed price set forth within the related contract, such cost overruns are recorded as additional investment in the unconsolidated entity to the extent these amounts are determined to be realizable. Entitlement fees, where applicable, are recognized when earned based on the terms of the related contract.
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
Allowances for student receivables are established when management determines that collections of such receivables are doubtful. Balances are considered past due when payment is not received on the contractual due date. When management has determined receivables are uncollectible, they are written off against the allowance for doubtful accounts.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The carrying value of cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash, student receivables and accounts payable are representative of their respective fair values due to the short-term nature of these instruments. The estimated fair value of our revolving line of credit approximates the outstanding balance due to the frequent market based re-pricing of the underlying variable rate index. The estimated fair values of mortgages and construction loans are determined by comparing current borrowing rates and risk spreads offered in the market to the stated interest rates and spreads on our current mortgages and construction loans.
Fair value guidance for financial assets and liabilities that are recognized and disclosed in the consolidated financial statements on a recurring basis and nonfinancial assets on a nonrecurring basis establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to measurements involving significant unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurements). The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are as follows:
Level 1 - Observable inputs, such as quoted prices in active markets at the measurement date for identical, unrestricted assets or liabilities.
Level 2 - Other inputs that are observable directly or indirectly, such as quoted prices in markets that are not active or inputs which are observable, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the asset or liability.
Level 3 - Unobservable inputs for which there is little or no market data and which we make our own assumptions about how market participants would price the asset or liability.
Fair value is defined as the price that would be received when selling an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (exit price). In instances where inputs used to measure fair value fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy, the level in the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement in its entirety has been determined is based on the lowest level input significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. Our assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment and considers factors specific to the asset or liability.
Income Taxes
We have made an election to qualify, and believe we are operating so as to qualify, as a REIT under Sections 856 through 859 of the Internal Revenue Code. Our qualification as a REIT depends upon our ability to meet on a continuing basis, through actual investment and operating results, various complex requirements under the Internal Revenue Code relating to, among other things, the sources of our gross income, the composition and values of our assets, our distribution levels and the diversity of ownership of our stock. We believe that we are organized in conformity with the requirements for qualification and taxation as a REIT under the Internal Revenue Code and that our intended manner of operation will enable us to meet the requirements for qualification and taxation as a REIT.
As a REIT, we generally are not subject to U.S. federal income tax on taxable income that we distribute currently to our stockholders. If we fail to qualify as a REIT in any taxable year and do not qualify for certain statutory relief provisions, we will be subject to U.S. federal income tax at regular corporate rates and generally will be precluded from qualifying as a REIT for the subsequent four taxable years following the year during which we lost our REIT qualification. Accordingly, our failure to qualify as a REIT could materially and adversely affect us, including our ability to make distributions to our stockholders in the future.
We have made the election to treat TRS Holdings, our subsidiary which holds our development, construction and management companies that provide services to entities in which we do not own 100% of the equity interests, as a TRS. As a TRS, the operations of TRS Holdings and its subsidiaries are generally subject to federal, state and local income and franchise taxes. Our TRS accounts for its income taxes in accordance with U.S. GAAP, which includes an estimate of the amount of taxes payable or refundable for the current year and deferred tax liabilities and assets for the future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in our financial statements or tax returns. Deferred tax assets and liabilities of the TRS entities are recognized based on the difference between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates in effect in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to reverse.
We follow a two-step approach for evaluating uncertain tax positions. Recognition (step one) occurs when we conclude that a tax position, based solely on its technical merits, is more-likely-than-not (a likelihood of more than 50 percent) to be sustained upon examination. Measurement (step two) determines the amount of benefit that more-likely-than-not will be realized upon settlement. Derecognition of a tax position that was previously recognized would occur when we subsequently determined that a tax position no longer met the more-likely-than-not threshold of being sustained. The use of a valuation allowance as a substitute for derecognition of tax positions is prohibited.
Property Acquisitions
We allocate the purchase price of acquired properties to net tangible and identified intangible assets based on relative fair values. Fair value estimates are based on information obtained from independent appraisals, other market data, information obtained during due diligence and information related to the marketing and leasing at the specific property. The value of in-place leases is based on the difference between (i) the property valued with existing in-place leases adjusted to market rental rates and (ii) the property valued "as-if" vacant. As lease terms are typically one year or less, rates on in-place leases generally approximate market rental rates. Factors considered in the valuation of in-place leases include an estimate of the carrying costs during the expected lease-up period considering current market conditions, nature of the tenancy and costs to execute similar leases. Carrying costs include estimates of lost rentals at market rates during the expected lease-up period, net of variable operating expenses. The value of in-place leases is amortized over the remaining initial term of the respective leases, generally less than one year. The purchase price of property acquisitions is not expected to be allocated to tenant relationships, considering the terms of the leases and the expected levels of renewals. Acquisition-related costs such as due diligence, legal and accounting fees are expensed as incurred and not applied in determining the fair value of an acquired property.
Changes in Financial Condition
In February 2012, we completed an underwritten public offering of approximately 2.3 million shares of our 8.0% Series A Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock ("Series A Preferred Stock"), including approximately 0.3 million shares issued and sold pursuant to the exercise of the underwriters’ overallotment option in full. The shares of Series A Preferred Stock were issued at a public offering price of $25.00 per share, resulting in net proceeds of approximately $54.9 million after deducting the underwriting discount and other offering costs. We used a portion of the net proceeds to repay approximately $48.9 million of indebtedness outstanding under two construction loans, which had been used to partially fund the four properties that were delivered for the 2011-2012 academic year (see Note 6 to the accompanying consolidated and combined financial statements). We used the remaining proceeds for general corporate purposes, including funding properties currently under development.
In July 2012, we completed an underwritten public offering of approximately 7.5 million shares of common stock, including approximately 1.0 million shares issued and sold pursuant to the full exercise of the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares, resulting in net proceeds of approximately $72.2 million. The net proceeds were used to: (1) acquire the remaining ownership interests in The Grove at Moscow, Idaho and The Grove at Valdosta, Georgia that we did not already own, and to repay the mortgage debt secured by these properties; and (2) to reduce borrowings outstanding under the Credit Facility. Remaining net proceeds were used for general corporate purposes.
In January 2013, we entered into the second amended and restated credit agreement (the "Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement") with Citibank, N.A. and certain other lenders (see Note 6 and Note 15 to the accompanying consolidated and combined financial statements). The Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement provides for a senior unsecured revolving credit facility (the "Revolving Credit Facility") of up to $250.0 million, with sub-limits of $30.0 million for swing line loans and $15.0 million for letters of credit. The Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement also provides for a term loan of $50.0 million (the "Term Loan," and together with the Revolving Credit Facility, the "Amended Credit Facility"). Unless otherwise terminated pursuant to the terms of the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, the Amended Credit Facility will mature on January 8, 2017, subject to a one-year extension which we may exercise at our option, pursuant to certain terms and conditions, including the payment of an extension fee. The Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement had the effect of retroactively applying the amended terms, including interest rates, covenants and borrowing capacity limits, to December 31, 2012. For additional information regarding the Credit Facility, please refer to "-Liquidity and Capital Resources-Principal Capital Resources" below.
REIT Qualification Requirements
We have elected to be treated as a REIT under Sections 856 through 859 of the Internal Revenue Code. Our continued qualification as a REIT depends upon our ability to meet on a continuing basis, through actual investment and operating results, various complex requirements under the Internal Revenue Code relating to, among other things, the sources of our gross income, the composition and values of our assets, our distribution levels and the diversity of ownership of our stock. We believe that our intended manner of operation will enable us to meet the requirements for qualification and taxation as a REIT. As a REIT, we generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on taxable income that we distribute currently to our stockholders.
Factors Expected to Affect Our Operating Results
Unique Leasing Characteristics
Student housing properties are typically leased by the bed on an individual lease liability basis, unlike multi-family housing where leasing is by the unit. Individual lease liability limits each student-tenant’s liability to his or her own rent without liability for a roommate’s rent. A parent or guardian is required to execute each lease as a guarantor unless the student-tenant provides adequate proof of income. The number of lease contracts that we administer is therefore equivalent to the number of beds occupied rather than the number of units.
Due to our predominantly private bedroom accommodations, the high level of student-oriented amenities offered at our properties and the individual lease liability for our student-tenants and their parents, we believe that we typically command higher per-unit and per-square foot rental rates than many multi-family properties located in the markets in which we operate. We are also typically able to charge higher rental rates than on-campus student housing, which generally offers fewer amenities.
Unlike traditional multi-family housing, most of our leases commence on the same date. In the case of our typical 11.5-month leases (which provide for 12 equal monthly payments), this date coincides with the commencement of the fall academic term and typically terminates at the completion of the last summer school session. As such, we must re-lease each property in its entirety each year, resulting in significant turnover in our tenant population from year to year. As a result, we are highly dependent upon the effectiveness of our marketing and leasing efforts during the annual leasing season, which typically begins each October and ends in September of the following year. As of the start of the fall term for the 2012-2013 and 2011-2012 academic years, we had approximately 41.9% and 40.7%, respectively, of our current tenants renew their previous lease for the upcoming term.
Development, Construction and Management Services
The amount and timing of revenues from development, construction and management services will typically be contingent upon the number and size of development projects that we are able to successfully structure and finance in our current and future unconsolidated joint ventures. In particular, we entered into joint ventures HSRE VI and HSRE IX (described above) that are currently building three student housing properties with completion targeted for the 2013-2014 academic year and one student housing property with completion targeted for the 2014-2015 academic year, respectively. We will receive fees for providing development and construction services to HSRE VI and receive management fees for managing properties owned by HSRE VI once they are placed in service. We will share in the receipt of fees for providing development services to HSRE IX and share in the receipt of management fees for managing the property owned by HSRE IX once it is placed in service. No assurance can be given that HSRE VI or HSRE IX will be successful in developing student housing properties as currently contemplated or those currently under construction.
Results of Operations
Our Business Segments
Management evaluates operating performance through the analysis of results of operations of two distinct business segments: (i) student housing operations and (ii) development, construction and management services. Management evaluates each segment’s performance by net operating income, which we define as operating income before depreciation and amortization. The accounting policies of our reportable business segments are described in more detail in the summary of significant accounting policies footnote (Note 2) to our consolidated and combined financial statements. Intercompany fees are reflected at the contractually stipulated amounts, as adjusted to reflect our proportionate ownership of unconsolidated entities.
Student Housing Operations
Our student housing operations are comprised of rental and other service revenues, such as application fees, pet fees and late payment fees. We opened our first student housing property in Asheville, North Carolina in 2005 for the 2005-2006 academic year. We subsequently opened three additional properties in 2006 for the 2006-2007 academic year, six additional properties in 2007 for the 2007-2008 academic year and nine additional properties in 2008 for the 2008-2009 academic year. In 2009, we opened one additional property that was consolidated by our Predecessor and four additional properties that were owned by a real estate venture in which we have a noncontrolling interest. In August 2010, we opened three additional properties for the 2010-2011 academic year that were owned by the same real estate venture. Concurrent with the Offering, in October 2010 we purchased the noncontrolling interest in one of the properties owned by this real estate venture. In December 2011, we purchased the controlling interest in two properties that were opened in August 2010. In August 2011, we opened four wholly owned properties and an additional two properties that are owned in real estate ventures in which we have a noncontrolling interest. In July 2012, we purchased the controlling interest in two properties that were opened in August 2010 and August 2011. In August 2012 and September 2012, we opened three wholly owned properties and an additional three properties that are owned in a real estate ventures in which we have a noncontrolling interest. Due to the continuous opening of new properties in consecutive years and annual lease terms that do not coincide with our reported fiscal (calendar) years, the comparison of our consolidated financial results from period to period may not provide a meaningful measure of our operating performance. For this reason, we divide the results of operations in our student housing operations segment between new property operations and "same-store" operations, which we believe provides a more meaningful indicator of comparative historical performance.
"Same store" properties are our wholly-owned operating properties acquired or placed in-service prior to the beginning of the earliest period presented and owned by us and remaining in service through the end of the latest period presented or period being analyzed. "New properties" are our wholly-owned operating properties that we acquired or placed in service after the beginning of the earliest period presented or period being analyzed.
We monitor net operating income ("NOI") of our student housing properties, which is a non-GAAP financial measure. In general terms, we define NOI as student housing rental revenue less student housing operating expenses including real estate taxes related to our properties. We believe this measure provides an operating perspective not immediately apparent from GAAP operating income (loss) or net income (loss). We use NOI to evaluate performance on a community-by-community basis because it allows management to evaluate the impact that factors such as lease structure, lease rates and tenant base, which vary by locality, have on our financial performance. To help make comparisons of NOI between periods more meaningful, we distinguish NOI from our properties that are wholly-owned and that were in service throughout each period presented (that is, our "same store" properties) from NOI from our other wholly-owned properties.
We specifically calculate NOI by adding back to (or subtracting from) net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders the following expenses or charges: income tax expense, other expense, interest expense, equity in loss of unconsolidated entities, depreciation and amortization, ground lease expense, general and administrative expense, development, construction and management services expenses and other non-recurring costs or expenses. The following income or gains are then deducted from net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders, adjusted for add backs of expenses or charges: other income, change in fair value of interest rate derivatives, development, construction and management services revenues and non-recurring income or gains.
NOI excludes multiple components of net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders (computed in accordance with GAAP) and captures neither the changes in the value of our properties that result from use or market conditions nor the level of capital expenditures necessary to maintain the operating performance of our properties, all of which have real economic effects and could materially and adversely impact our results of operations. Therefore, the utility of NOI as a measure of our performance is limited. Additionally, other companies, including other equity REITs, may use different methodologies for calculating NOI and, accordingly, NOI as disclosed by such other companies may not be comparable to NOI published herein. We believe that in order to facilitate a clear understanding of our historical operating results, NOI should be examined in conjunction with net income (loss) as presented in the consolidated and combined financial statements accompanying this report. NOI should not be considered as an alternative to net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders as an indicator of our properties’ financial performance or to cash flow from operating activities (computed in accordance with GAAP) as an indicator of our liquidity, nor is it indicative of funds available to fund our cash needs, including our ability to pay dividends or make distribution.
Development, Construction and Management Services
Development and Construction Services. In addition to our wholly owned properties, all of which were developed and built by us, we also provide development and construction services to unconsolidated joint ventures in which we have an ownership interest. We act as a general contractor on all of our construction projects. When building properties for our own account (i.e., for entities that are consolidated in our financial statements), construction revenues and expenses are eliminated for accounting purposes and construction costs are ultimately reflected as capital additions. Thus, building properties for our own account does not generate any revenues or expenses in our development, construction and management services segment on a consolidated basis. Alternatively, when performing these services for unconsolidated joint ventures, we recognize construction revenues based on the costs that have been contractually agreed to with the joint venture for the construction of the property and expenses based on the actual costs incurred. Construction revenues are recognized using the percentage of completion method, as determined by construction costs incurred relative to total estimated construction costs, as adjusted to eliminate our proportionate ownership of each entity. Actual construction costs are expensed as incurred and are likewise adjusted to eliminate our proportionate ownership of each entity. Operating income generated by our development and construction activities generally reflects the development fee and construction fee income that is realized by providing these services to unconsolidated joint ventures (i.e., the "spread" between the contractual cost of construction and the actual cost of construction).
Management Services. In addition to our wholly owned properties, all of which are managed by us, we also provide management services to unconsolidated joint ventures in which we have an ownership interest. We recognize management fees from these entities as earned in accordance with the property management agreement with these entities, as adjusted to eliminate our proportionate ownership of each entity.
We have set forth a discussion comparing the consolidated results for year ended December 31, 2012 to the consolidated results of our operations for the year ended December 31, 2011. Additionally, we have set forth a discussion comparing consolidated results for year ended December 31, 2011 to the combined operating results of our operations for the period from October 19, 2010 through December 31, 2010, and the Predecessor’s historical results of operations for the period from January 1, 2010 through October 18, 2010. The historical results of operations presented below should be reviewed in conjunction with the notes to the consolidated and combined financial statements included elsewhere in this report.
Comparison of Years Ended December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011
As of December 31, 2012, our property portfolio consisted of 32 consolidated operating properties, containing approximately 6,248 apartment units and 16,936 beds and seven operating properties held in three unconsolidated joint ventures, containing approximately 1,422 apartment units and 3,948 beds.
The following table presents our results of operations for the periods presented, including the amount and percentage change in these results between the periods (in thousands):
Student Housing Operations
Revenues in the student housing operations segment (which include student housing rental and student housing service revenues) increased by approximately $23.4 million and operating expenses in the student housing operations segment increased by approximately $9.6 million in 2012, as compared to 2011. The increase in revenues was primarily due to the opening of three new properties in August 2012, the acquisitions of The Grove at Valdosta and The Grove at Moscow in July 2012, the acquisitions of The Grove at Huntsville and The Grove at Statesboro in December 2011, the inclusion of operating results for our August 2011 deliveries for a full calendar year in 2012 as well as increases in occupancy and monthly revenue per bed at our "same store" properties. The increase in operating expenses was primarily due to the aforementioned activity as well as an increase in "same store" property-level payroll and taxes which was partially offset by a decrease in same store property-level utilities and in general office expenses.
New Property Operations. In August 2012, we began operations at The Grove at Auburn, The Grove at Flagstaff and The Grove at Orono, which contributed approximately $3.9 million in NOI for the year ended December 31, 2012 compared to no contribution for the year ended December 31, 2011. In July 2012, we acquired the remaining ownership interests in The Grove at Valdosta and The Grove at Moscow which contributed approximately $1.7 million of NOI for the year ended December 31, 2012, compared to no contribution for the year ended December 31, 2011. Prior to the acquisition of these interests, we accounted for our ownership in this property under the equity method. In December 2011, we acquired the remaining ownership interests in The Grove at Huntsville and The Grove at Statesboro which contributed approximately $3.0 million of NOI for the year ended December 31, 2012, as compared to an immaterial amount of NOI for the year ended December 31, 2011. Prior to the acquisition of these interests, we accounted for our ownership in this property under the equity method. In August 2011, we began operations at The Grove at Ames, The Grove at Clarksville, The Grove at Columbia and The Grove at Fort Wayne which contributed approximately $6.3 million in NOI for the year ended December 31, 2012, as compared to approximately $3.0 million in NOI for the year ended December 31, 2011.
"Same-Store" Property Operations. Our 21 "same-store" properties contributed approximately $30.4 million of NOI for the year ended December 31, 2012, as compared to approximately $28.6 million of NOI for the year ended December 31, 2011. The increase in revenue at our "same-store" properties was due to an increase in the average occupancy to approximately 91.7% for the year ended December 31, 2012 from approximately 89.6% for the year ended December 31, 2011 and an increase in average monthly revenue per occupied bed ("RevPOB") to $492 for the year ended December 31, 2012 from $486 for the year ended December 31, 2011. The increase in operating expenses were primarily due to property-level payroll and taxes which was partially offset by decreases in same store property-level utilities and general office expenses.
The following is a reconciliation of our net income attributable to common stockholders to NOI for the periods presented, including our same store and new properties (in thousands):
Development, Construction and Management Services
Revenues and operating expenses in the development, construction and management services segment increased by approximately $19.2 million and approximately $19.4 million, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2012 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2011. Our development, construction and management services segment recognizes revenues and operating expenses for development, construction and management services provided to unconsolidated joint ventures in which we have an ownership interest. We eliminate revenue and related expenses on such transactions with our unconsolidated entities to the extent of our ownership interest. The increase in development, construction and management services revenue and operating expenses were primarily due to a higher volume of unconsolidated service activity and the timing of that service activity. During the year ended December 31, 2012, we completed construction on three joint venture projects for which we had a 10% ownership interest and began construction on three additional joint venture projects for which we had a 20% ownership interest. During the year ended December 31, 2011, we completed construction on two joint venture projects for which we had a 20% ownership interest and began construction on three additional joint venture projects for which we had a 10% ownership interest. Although we remain in the early stages of our construction cycle for our current round of developments, we believe our current round of developments will be materially in line with our expectations.
General and Administrative
General and administrative expenses increased from approximately $6.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 to approximately $8.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2012. The $2.0 million increase was primarily due to an increase in number of employees and travel expenses resulting from our growth.
Depreciation and Amortization
Depreciation and amortization expense increased from approximately $20.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 as compared to approximately $23.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2012. This increase was primarily due to the increased number of aforementioned operating properties.
Equity in Earnings (Loss) of Unconsolidated Entities
Equity in earnings (loss) of unconsolidated entities, which represents our share of the net income (loss) from entities in which we have a noncontrolling interest, increased to a gain of approximately $0.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2012 from a loss of approximately $1.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2011. This increase was primarily due to the addition of three unconsolidated properties commencing operations in August 2012 and two unconsolidated properties commencing operations in August 2011, offset by our acquisition of the remaining ownership interests in The Grove at Valdosta and The Grove at Moscow in July 2012 and The Grove at Huntsville and The Grove at Statesboro in December 2011. The increase was also due to refinancing initiatives during the fourth quarter 2011 that resulted in lower interest expense and an increase in return on our preferred investments.
Nonoperating Income (Expense)
Interest Expense. Interest expense increased approximately $4.6 million to approximately $11.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2012 as compared to approximately $6.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2011. This increase was primarily due to an increase in outstanding indebtedness during 2012 as compared to 2011 resulting from an increase in the number of operating properties as well as an increase in write-offs of deferred financing costs due to re-financing activities.
Change in Fair Value of Interest Rate Derivatives. The fair value of interest rate derivatives decreased to a loss of approximately $0.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2012 as compared to a gain of approximately $0.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2011. This decrease was primarily due to a decrease in non-cash mark-to-market adjustments of approximately $0.3 million combined with an increase in monthly net cash settlements of approximately $0.2 million.
Other Income/(Expense). Other income/(expense) decreased approximately $0.6 million from a gain of approximately $0.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 to a loss of approximately $0.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2012. This decrease was primarily due to interest income earned in 2011 on cash balances, which was not earned in 2012.
Gain on Purchase of Previously Unconsolidated Interests. The gain for the year ended December 31, 2012 was due to our acquisition of the remaining ownership interests in The Grove at Valdosta and The Grove at Moscow and our associated re-measurement of those interests. The gain for the year ended December 31, 2011 was due to our acquisition of the remaining ownership interests in The Grove at Huntsville and The Grove at Statesboro and our associated re-measurement of those interests.
Income Taxes
Income tax expense in 2012 was relatively unchanged compared to 2011 at approximately $0.4 million and approximately $0.5 million, respectively, due to comparable levels in service activity by our TRSs. We managed seven unconsolidated joint venture properties during 2012 as compared to nine unconsolidated joint venture properties during the same period in the prior year.
Dividends on Preferred Stock
Dividends on preferred stock increased to approximately $4.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2012 compared to zero for the year ended December 31, 2011. We had preferred stock outstanding during the year ended December 31, 2012 whereas no such equity was outstanding during the year ended December 31, 2011.
Cash Flows
Net cash provided by operating activities was approximately $29.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2012 as compared to approximately $22.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2011, an increase of approximately $6.7 million. Approximately $4.9 million was used by working capital purposes for the year ended December 31, 2012 as compared to approximately $2.0 million used by working capital accounts for the year ended December 31, 2011, an increase of approximately $2.9 million. The increase in net cash provided by operating activities was primarily due to the payments into restricted cash accounts required by our lenders and an increase in construction related receivables, partially offset by an increase in outstanding accounts payable and accrued expenses. We also added three wholly owned and three joint venture properties for the year ended December 31, 2012 along with receiving a full year benefit of the four wholly owned and two joint venture deliveries from 2011. We also acquired two joint venture properties in December 2011 and two additional joint venture properties in July 2012. These factors, along with increased occupancy at our existing properties contributed to the increase in cash flows of operating activities.
Net cash used in investing activities totaled approximately $133.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2012 as compared to net cash used of approximately $126.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2011, an increase of approximately $6.2 million. This increase was primarily due to expenditures on development projects, contributions to joint ventures and the acquisition of The Grove at Valdosta and The Grove at Moscow during 2012.
Net cash provided by financing activities totaled approximately $98.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2012 as compared to net cash provided of approximately $112.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2011, a decrease of approximately $13.8 million. This decrease was primarily due to the net financing activity resulting from increased draws and the repayment of our line of credit, mortgage and construction notes, partially offset by the proceeds from the sale of preferred and common stock.
Comparison of Years Ended December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010
As of December 31, 2011, our property portfolio consisted of 27 consolidated operating properties, containing approximately 5,156 apartment units and 13,884 beds and six operating properties held in two unconsolidated joint ventures, containing approximately 1,168 apartment units and 3,180 beds.
The following table presents our results of operations for the periods presented, including the amount and percentage change in these results between the periods (in thousands):
Student Housing Operations
Revenues in the student housing operations segment (which include student housing rental and student housing service revenues) increased by approximately $8.2 million and operating expenses in the student housing operations segment increased by approximately $0.6 million, in 2011 as compared to 2010. The increase in revenues was primarily due to the opening of four new properties in August 2011,the inclusion of operating results for The Grove at San Marcos for a full calendar year 2011, as well as increases in occupancy and RevPOB at our other consolidated properties. This increase was partially offset by decreases in property-level marketing expenses, repairs and maintenance and payroll.
New Property Operations. In December 2011, we acquired the remaining ownership interests in The Grove at Huntsville and The Grove at Statesboro which contributed an immaterial amount of NOI for the year ended December 31, 2011. Prior to the acquisition of these interests, we accounted for our ownership in this property under the equity method. In August 2011, we began operations at The Grove at Ames, The Grove at Clarksville, The Grove at Columbia and The Grove at Fort Wayne which contributed approximately $3.0 million in NOI for the year ended December 31, 2011, as compared to no contribution to NOI for the year ended December 31, 2010. In October 2010, we acquired the remaining ownership interests in The Grove at San Marcos which contributed approximately $1.9 million of NOI for the year ended December 31, 2011, as compared to approximately $0.4 million in NOI for the period from October 19, 2010 to December 31, 2010. Prior to the acquisition of these interests, we accounted for our ownership in this property under the equity method.
"Same-Store" Property Operations. Our 20 "same-store" properties contributed approximately $26.7 million of NOI for the year ended December 31, 2011, as compared to approximately $23.5 million of NOI for the year ended December 31, 2010. The increase in revenue at our "same-store" properties was due to an increase in the average occupancy to approximately 89.0% for the year ended December 31, 2011 from approximately 88% for the year ended December 31, 2010 and an increase in RevPOB to $482 for the year ended December 31, 2011 from $480 for the year ended December 31, 2010. The decrease in operating expenses was primarily due to decreased property level marketing expense, repairs and maintenance, payroll and the success realized from our real estate tax appeal program.
The following is a reconciliation of our net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders and Predecessor to NOI for the periods presented, including our same store and new properties (in thousands):
Development, Construction and Management Services
Revenues and operating expenses in the development, construction and management services segment decreased by approximately $0.7 million and approximately $2.4 million, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2011 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2010. Our development, construction and management services segment recognizes revenues and operating expenses for development, construction and management services provided to unconsolidated joint ventures in which we have an ownership interest. We eliminate revenue and related expenses on such transactions with our unconsolidated entities to the extent of our ownership interest. The decrease in development, construction and management services revenues and operating expenses in 2011 was primarily due to decreased construction activity in 2011 as compared to 2010 as we had construction activity on two unconsolidated joint venture properties in 2011 in which we owned a 20% interest compared to three unconsolidated joint venture properties through October 2010, in which we owned a 10% interest. This decrease was only partially offset by the fourth quarter 2011 construction activity for three additional unconsolidated joint venture properties, in which we own a 10% interest.
General and Administrative
General and administrative expenses in for the year ended December 31, 2011 were relatively unchanged compared to the year ended December 31, 2010 at $6.9 million and $6.8 million, respectively.
Write-off of Pre-Development Costs
Write-off of pre-development costs were zero for the year ended December 31, 2011 and $0.5 million in for the year ended December 31, 2010 as a result of events that occurred in 2010 which led management to conclude that certain pre-development projects would not result in either the acquisition of a site or commencement of construction. As of December 31, 2011, all pre-development prospects remained probable.
Depreciation and Amortization
Depreciation and amortization expense increased approximately $1.3 million, from approximately $18.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2010 to approximately $20.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2011. This increase was primarily due to an increase in the number of our operating properties described above.
Equity in Loss of Unconsolidated Entities
Equity in loss of unconsolidated entities, which represents our share of the net loss from entities in which we have a noncontrolling interest, increased from a loss of approximately $0.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2010 to a loss of approximately $1.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2011. This $0.8 million increase was primarily due to an increase in our ownership interest to 49.9% in HSRE I upon the completion of the Offering in October 2010, the addition of three new properties owned by HSRE I that commenced operations in August 2010 and had a full year of operations during 2011, two additional properties owned by HSRE IV that commenced operations in August 2011 and interest in our preferred investments. These losses were primarily driven by the ventures’ depreciation expense.
Nonoperating Income (Expense)
Interest Expense. Interest expense decreased approximately $16.5 million, from approximately $23.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2010 to approximately $6.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 primarily due to a decrease in outstanding indebtedness during 2011, which resulted from the change in our capital structure as a result of the Offering and Formation transactions in October 2010.
Change in Fair Value of Interest Rate Derivatives. Change in fair value of interest rate derivatives decreased from a gain of approximately $1.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2010 to a gain of approximately $0.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2011. This decrease was primarily due to a decrease in non-cash mark-to-market adjustments of approximately $4.8 million, offset by a decrease in monthly net cash settlements of approximately $4.0 million.
Other Income/(Expense) Other income/(expense) increased approximately $0.4 million, from approximately $0.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2010 to approximately $0.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2011. This increase was primarily due to interest income earned on preferred investments for a full year. The remaining increase was related to interest income earned in 2011 on cash balances.
Gain on Purchase of Previously Unconsolidated Interests. The gain for the year ended December 31, 2011 is due to our acquisition of the remaining ownership interests in The Grove at Huntsville and The Grove at Statesboro and our associated re-measurement of those interests. The gain for the year ended December 31, 2010 was due to our acquisition of the remaining ownership interest in The Grove at San Marcos and our associated re-measurement of that interest.
Income Taxes
Income tax expense increased $0.4 million to $0.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 as compared to zero for the year ended December 31, 2010. The increase was primarily due to construction, development and management activity at our TRSs for services rendered to nine unconsolidated joint venture properties during 2011 as compared to no construction and development activity on unconsolidated joint venture properties during the period from October 19, 2010 to December 31, 2010.
Cash Flows
Net cash provided by operating activities was approximately $22.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 as compared to a use of approximately $6.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2010, an increase of approximately $29.7 million. Approximately $2.0 million was used by working capital accounts for the year ended December 31, 2011 as compared to approximately $7.5 million used by working capital accounts for the year ended December 31, 2010, a decreased use of approximately $5.5 million. This change was driven by the payment of aged outstanding accounts payable and accrued expenses subsequent to the completion of the Offering in 2010.
Net cash used in investing activities totaled approximately $126.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 as compared to net cash used of approximately $59.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2010, an increase of approximately $67.0 million. This increase was primarily due to the purchase of four development sites, expenditures on development projects and the acquisition of The Grove at Huntsville and The Grove at Statesboro during 2011.
Net cash provided by financing activities totaled approximately $112.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 as compared to net cash provided of approximately $66.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2010, an increase of approximately $46.3 million. This increase was primarily due to increased net financing proceeds associated with our development projects for the 2012-2013 academic year.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Our capital resources include accessing the public debt and equity markets, when available, mortgage and construction loan financing and immediate access to the Amended Credit Facility (discussed below).
As a REIT, we generally must distribute annually at least 90% of our REIT taxable income, excluding any net capital gain, in order for corporate income tax not to apply to earnings that we distribute. To the extent that we satisfy this distribution requirement, but distribute less than 100% of our REIT taxable income, we will be subject to U.S. federal corporate income tax on our undistributed taxable income. In addition, we will be subject to a 4% nondeductible excise tax if the actual amount that we distribute to our stockholders in a calendar year is less than a minimum amount specified under U.S. federal income tax laws. We intend to make distributions to our stockholders to comply with the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code and to avoid paying corporate tax on undistributed income. Additionally, we intend to make distributions that exceed these requirements. We may need to obtain financing to meet our distribution requirements because:
·our income may not be matched by our related expenses at the time the income is considered received for purposes of determining taxable income; and
·non-deductible capital expenditures, creation of reserves or debt service requirements may reduce available cash but not taxable income.
In these circumstances, we may be forced to obtain third-party financing on terms we might otherwise find unfavorable, and we cannot provide assurance that we will be able to obtain such financing. Alternatively, if we are unable or unwilling to obtain third-party financing on the available terms, we could choose to pay a portion of our distributions in stock instead of cash, or we may fund distributions through asset sales.
Principal Capital Resources
In January 2013, we entered into the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement with Citibank, N.A. and certain other lenders (see Note 6 in the accompanying Notes to Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements in this Form 10-K). The Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement provides for the Revolving Credit Facility of up to $250.0 million, with sub-limits of $30.0 million for swing line loans and $15.0 million for letters of credit. The Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement also provides for the Term Loan of $50.0 million.
As of January 9, 2013, we had approximately $51.0 million outstanding under our Revolving Credit Facility and $50.0 million outstanding under the Term Loan. The amounts outstanding under our Revolving Credit Facility and Term Loan, as well as outstanding letters of credit, will reduce the amount that we may be able to borrow under this facility for other purposes. As of January 9, 2013, we had approximately $99.7 million in borrowing capacity under our revolving credit facility, and amounts borrowed under the facility will be due at its maturity in January 2017, subject to a one-year extension, which we may exercise at our option, pursuant to certain terms and conditions, including the payment of an extension fee. The amount available for us to borrow under the Amended Credit Facility is based on the sum of (a) the lesser of (i) 60.0% of the "as-is" appraised value of our properties that form the borrowing base of the Amended Credit Facility and (ii) the amount that would create a debt service coverage ratio of not less than 1.5, and (b) 50% of the aggregate of the lesser of (i) the book value of each of our development assets (as such term is defined in the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement) and (ii) the "as-is" appraised value of each of our development assets, subject to certain limitations in the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement.
Additionally, the Amended Credit Facility has an accordion feature that allows us to request an increase in the total commitments from $300.0 million to $600.0 million, subject to conditions. Amounts outstanding under the Amended Credit Facility bear interest at a floating rate equal to, at our election, the Eurodollar Rate or the Base Rate (each as defined in the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement) plus a spread that depends upon our leverage ratio. The spread for borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility ranges from 1.75% to 2.50% for Eurodollar Rate based borrowings and from 0.75% to 1.50% for Base Rate based borrowings, and the spread for the Term Loan ranges from 1.70% to 2.45% for Eurodollar Rate based borrowings and from 0.70% to 1.45% for Base Rate based borrowings.
Our ability to borrow under the Amended Credit Facility is subject to its ongoing compliance with a number of customary financial covenants, including:
·a maximum leverage ratio of not greater than 0.60:1.00;
·a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio of not less than 1.50:1.00;
·a minimum ratio of fixed rate debt and debt subject to hedge agreements to total debt of not less than 66.67%;
·a maximum secured recourse debt ratio of not greater than 20%;
·a minimum tangible net worth of not less than the sum of $330,788,250 plus an amount equal to 75% of the net proceeds of any additional equity issuances; and
·a maximum secured debt ratio of not greater than 50% through February 17, 2013 and not greater than 45% on any date thereafter.
Pursuant to the terms of the Amended Credit Facility, we may not pay distributions that exceed the greater of (i) 95.0% of our funds from operations, or (ii) the minimum amount required for us to qualify and maintain our status as a REIT. If a default or event of default occurs and is continuing, we also may be precluded from making certain distributions (other than those required to allow us to qualify and maintain our status as a REIT).
We and certain of our subsidiaries guarantee the obligations under the Amended Credit Facility and we and certain of our subsidiaries have provided a negative pledge against specified assets (including real property), stock and other interests.
As of December 31, 2012, we were in compliance with the above financial covenants with respect to our Amended Credit Facility.
In February 2013, we amended the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement held with Citibank, N.A. and certain other lenders to provide for certain exclusions related to our investments in joint ventures as well as the treatment of certain other investments within the compliance calculation of our secured debt ratio and certain negative covenants.
In November 2011, we filed a shelf registration statement which was declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") on December 8, 2011 and provides for the ability to issue up to $750.0 million of debt and equity securities.
In February 2012, we completed an underwritten public offering of approximately 2.3 million shares of our Series A Preferred Stock, including approximately 0.3 million shares issued and sold pursuant to the exercise of the underwriters’ overallotment option in full (see Note 9 in the accompanying Notes to Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements in this Form 10-K).
In July 2012, we issued approximately 7.5 million shares of common stock, including the full exercise of the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares (see Note 9 in the accompanying Notes to Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements in this Form 10-K).
Short-Term Liquidity Needs
We believe that we will have sufficient capital resources as a result of operations and the borrowings in place to fund ongoing operations and distributions required to maintain REIT compliance. We anticipate using our cash flow from continuing operations, cash and cash equivalents, and Amended Credit Facility availability to fund our business operations, cash dividends and distributions, debt amortization, and recurring capital expenditures. Capital requirements for significant acquisitions and development projects may require funding from borrowings and/or equity offerings.
Recurring Capital Expenditures
Our properties require periodic investments of capital for general maintenance. These recurring capital expenditures vary in size annually based upon the nature of the maintenance required for that time period. For example, recently developed properties typically do not require major maintenance such as the replacement of a roof. In addition, capital expenditures associated with newly acquired or developed properties are capitalized as part of their acquisition price or development budget, so that such properties typically begin to require recurring capital expenditures only following their first year of ownership.
Our historical recurring capital expenditures at our consolidated properties are set forth below (in thousands, except Average Per Bed amount):
(1)	Total number of beds as of January 1 of the year indicated, excluding beds at consolidated properties that commenced operations during the year indicated, as they did not require material recurring capital expenditures.
We invested approximately $104.0 million, $107.3 million and $19.7 million in wholly-owned developments for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively. In 2012, we completed construction on three development projects and began construction on another three projects targeted for completion in the third quarter of 2013. In 2011, we completed construction on four development projects and began construction on another three projects targeted for completion in the third quarter of 2012. In 2010, we began construction on four projects targeted for completion in the third quarter of 2011. We have increased the number of projects under construction over time as our access to capital has increased. Going forward, our scope and number of projects will be contingent upon our access to capital among other factors.
We invested approximately $22.5 million, $17.3 million and $30.0 million in our operating properties for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively. In 2012, we acquired the remaining ownership interests in two previously unconsolidated joint ventures (Campus Crest at Valdosta GP, LLC and Campus Crest at Moscow, LLC) for approximately $15.4 million with the remainder for various capital improvements at our wholly-owned properties. In 2011, we acquired the remaining ownership interests in three previously unconsolidated joint ventures (Campus Crest at Huntsville I GP, LLC, Campus Crest at Huntsville II GP, LLC and Campus Crest at Statesboro, LLC) for approximately $13.5 million with the remainder for various capital improvements at our wholly-owned properties. In 2010, we acquired the remaining ownership interest in a previously unconsolidated joint venture (Campus Crest at San Marcos GP, LLC) for approximately $24.2 million with the remainder for various capital improvements. Capital improvements at our wholly-owned properties include betterments to buildings, clubhouse renovations, parking lots, solar panel installations and other capital improvements.
We expect to consider acquiring additional joint venture ownership interests going forward. We also expect our capital improvements and recurring capital expenditures to increase over time as our portfolio expands.
Development Expenditures
Our development activities have historically required us to fund pre-development expenditures such as architectural fees, engineering fees and earnest deposits. Because the closing of a development project’s financing is often subject to various delays, we cannot always predict accurately the liquidity needs of these activities. We frequently incur these pre-development expenditures before a financing commitment has been obtained and, accordingly, bear the risk of the loss of these pre-development expenditures if financing cannot ultimately be arranged on acceptable terms.
We are building six new student housing properties, three of which are wholly owned by us and three of which are owned by HSRE VI, a joint venture that we established with HSRE, and in which we own a 20% interest. We are currently targeting completion of these six properties for the 2013-2014 academic year. For each of these projects, we commenced construction subsequent to conducting significant pre-development activities. We estimate that the cost to complete all three wholly owned properties will be approximately $72.3 million. Additionally, we will be obligated to fund our pro rata portion of the development costs of our joint venture with HSRE, and we estimate that the cost to complete the three joint venture properties will be approximately $62.1 million and our net pro rata share of equity will be approximately $12.4 million. No assurance can be given that we will complete construction of these six properties in accordance with our current expectations (including the estimated cost thereof). During 2012, we closed on all financing necessary for our six 2013-2014 development projects. We intend to finance our share of the remaining construction costs through the Revolving Credit Facility.
We are also building one new student housing property of which is owned by HSRE IX, a joint venture that we established with HSRE and Brandywine, in which we own a 30% interest. We are currently targeting completion of this property for the 2014-2015 academic year. We estimate that the cost to complete this joint venture property to be approximately $158.5 million and our net pro rata share of equity will be approximately $47.6 million. No assurance can be given that we will complete construction of this property in accordance with our current expectations (including the estimated cost thereof). During January 2013, we closed on our financing necessary for this development project. We intend to finance our share of the construction costs through the revolving credit facility.
Long-Term Liquidity Needs
Our long-term liquidity needs consist primarily of funds necessary to pay for long-term development activities, non-recurring capital expenditures, potential acquisitions of properties and payments of debt at maturity. Long-term liquidity needs may also include the payment of unexpected contingencies, such as remediation of unknown environmental conditions at our properties or at additional properties that we develop or acquire, or renovations necessary to comply with the ADA or other regulatory requirements. We do not expect that we will have sufficient funds on hand to cover all of our long-term liquidity needs. We will therefore seek to satisfy these needs through cash flow from operations, additional long-term secured and unsecured debt, including borrowings under our revolving credit facility, the issuance of debt securities, the issuance of equity securities and equity-related securities (including OP units), property dispositions and joint venture transactions. We believe that we will have access to these sources of capital to fund our long-term liquidity requirements, but we cannot make any assurance that this will be the case, especially in difficult market conditions.
Commitments
The following table summarizes our contractual commitments as of December 31, 2012 (including future interest payments) (in thousands):
(1)Obligations relate to subcontracts executed by Campus Crest Construction to complete projects under construction at December 31, 2012.
(2)Excludes joint venture debt of approximately $24.0 million and $9.8 million that matures in November 2013 and January 2014, respectively, of which we are a 49.9% owner, approximately $17.0 million and $0.7 million that matures in December 2013 and December 2015, respectively, of which we are a 20.0% owner, and approximately $41.0 million that matures between December 2014 and January 2015, of which we are a 10.0% owner. We are the guarantor of these loans.
(3)Includes our Credit Facility. In January 2013, we amended our Credit Facility, thereby extending the maturity date to January 2017, subject to a one-year extension option. See Note 6 to the accompanying consolidated and combined financial statements.
Long-Term Indebtedness Outstanding
See Note 6 in the accompanying Notes to Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements in this Form 10-K for our outstanding consolidated indebtedness.
The weighted average annual interest rate on our total long-term indebtedness as of December 31, 2012 was approximately 3.99%. At December 31, 2012 our ratio of debt to total market capitalization was approximately 35.4%, excluding indebtedness encumbering our current and future joint venture properties. However, we expect to incur additional indebtedness, consistent with our financing policy, in connection with our development activities.
At December 31, 2012 we were in compliance with all financial covenants with respect to our Amended Credit Facility.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
HSRE Joint Ventures
We have investments in real estate ventures with HSRE, which are not consolidated by us and were not combined by our Predecessor. These joint ventures are engaged primarily in developing, constructing, owning and managing student housing properties in the United States. Along with the joint venture partners, we hold joint approval rights for major decisions, including those regarding property acquisition and disposition as well as property operations. As such, we hold noncontrolling interests in these joint ventures and account for them under the equity method of accounting.
We are a guarantor of the construction and mortgage debt of these ventures. Detail of our unconsolidated investments at December 31, 2012 is presented in the following table (in thousands):
(1)Variable interest rates.
(2)Comprised of one fixed rate loan.
See "Our Relationship with HSRE" for additional information about each joint venture with HSRE.
Funds From Operations (FFO)
FFO is used by industry analysts and investors as a supplemental operating performance measure for REITs. We calculate FFO in accordance with the definition that was adopted by the Board of Governors of NAREIT. FFO, as defined by NAREIT, represents net income (loss) determined in accordance with GAAP, excluding extraordinary items as defined under GAAP and gains or losses from sales of previously depreciated operating real estate assets, plus specified non-cash items, such as real estate asset depreciation and amortization, and after adjustments for unconsolidated partnerships and joint ventures. In addition, in October 2011, NAREIT communicated to its members that the exclusion of impairment write-downs of depreciable real estate is consistent with the definition of FFO.
We use FFO as a supplemental performance measure because, in excluding real estate-related depreciation and amortization and gains and losses from property dispositions, it provides a performance measure that, when compared year over year, captures trends in occupancy rates, rental rates and operating expenses. We also believe that, as a widely recognized measure of the performance of equity REITs, FFO will be used by investors as a basis to compare our operating performance with that of other REITs. However, because FFO excludes depreciation and amortization and captures neither the changes in the value of our properties that result from use or market conditions nor the level of capital expenditures necessary to maintain the operating performance of our properties, all of which have real economic effects and could materially and adversely impact our results of operations, the utility of FFO as a measure of our performance is limited.
While FFO is a relevant and widely used measure of operating performance of equity REITs, other equity REITs may use different methodologies for calculating FFO and, accordingly, FFO as disclosed by such other REITs may not be comparable to FFO published herein. Therefore, we believe that in order to facilitate a clear understanding of our historical operating results, FFO should be examined in conjunction with net income (loss) as presented in the consolidated and combined financial statements accompanying this report. FFO should not be considered as an alternative to net income (loss) (computed in accordance with GAAP) as an indicator of our properties’ financial performance or to cash flow from operating activities (computed in accordance with GAAP) as an indicator of our liquidity, nor is it indicative of funds available to fund our cash needs, including our ability to pay dividends or make distributions.
The following table presents a reconciliation of our FFO to our net income (loss) for the periods presented (in thousands):
(1)For 2012, gain is from the purchase of our joint venture partner’s interest in The Grove at Moscow and The Grove at Valdosta; for 2011, gain is from the purchase of our joint venture partner’s interest in The Grove at Huntsville and The Grove at Statesboro; for 2010, gain is from the purchase of our joint venture partner’s interest in The Grove at San Marcos.
In addition to FFO, we believe it is also a meaningful measure of our performance to adjust FFO to exclude the change in fair value of interest rate derivatives, write-off of unamortized deferred financing fees and the write-off of development costs. Excluding the change in fair value of interest rate derivatives, write-off of unamortized deferred financing fees and development cost write-offs adjusts FFO to be more reflective of operating results prior to capital replacement or expansion, debt service obligations or other commitments and contingencies. This measure is referred to herein as FFOA.
(1) Includes only the noncash portion of the change in unhedged derivatives.
Inflation
Our student housing leases typically do not have terms that extend beyond 12 months. Accordingly, although on a short-term basis we would be required to bear the impact of rising costs resulting from inflation, we have the opportunity to raise rental rates at least annually to offset any rising costs. However, our ability to raise rental rates could be limited by a weak economic environment, declining student enrollment at our principal colleges and universities or competition in the marketplace.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
See Note 2 in the accompanying Notes to Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements in this Form 10-K.
Item 7A.
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.
As of December 31, 2012, our Revolving Credit Facility bears interest at a floating rate equal to, at our election, the Eurodollar Rate or the Base Rate (each as defined in our revolving credit facility) plus a spread. The spread depends upon our leverage ratio and ranges from 1.75% to 2.50% for Eurodollar Rate based borrowings and from 0.75% to 1.50% for Base Rate based borrowings. At December 31, 2012, the spread on our Revolving Credit Facility was 2.25%.
Interest Rate Sensitivity
The table below provides information about financial instruments that are sensitive to changes in interest rates, including mortgage obligations, bonds and lines of credit. For debt obligations, the table presents scheduled maturities and related weighted average interest rates by expected maturity dates (in thousands):
(1)In January 2013, we amended our Credit Facility, thereby extending the maturity date to January 2017, subject to a one-year extension option. See Note 6 to the accompanying consolidated and combined financial statements.
The table above presents the principal amount of debt maturing each year through December 31, 2017 and thereafter and weighted average interest rates for the debt maturing in each specified period. This table reflects indebtedness outstanding as of December 31, 2012 and does not reflect indebtedness incurred after that date. Our ultimate exposure to interest rate fluctuations depends on the amount of indebtedness that bears interest at variable rates, the time at which the interest rate is adjusted, the amount of adjustment, the ability to prepay or refinance variable rate indebtedness and hedging strategies used to reduce the impact of any increases in rates. As of December 31, 2012, the estimated fair value of our construction loans and fixed rate mortgage debt was $227.0 million.
We are exposed to market risk from changes in interest rates. We seek to limit the impact of interest rate changes on earnings and cash flows and to lower the overall borrowing costs by closely monitoring our variable rate debt and converting such debt to fixed rates when we deem such conversion advantageous. As of December 31, 2012, approximately $123.6 million of our aggregate indebtedness (42.1% of total indebtedness) was subject to variable interest rates.
If market rates of interest on our variable rate long-term debt fluctuate by 1.0%, interest cost would increase or decrease, depending on rate movement, future earnings and cash flows by approximately $1.2 million annually. This assumes that the amount outstanding under our variable rate debt remains at $123.6 million, the balance as of December 31, 2012.
We do and may in the future, continue to use derivative financial instruments to manage, or hedge, interest rate risks related to such variable rate borrowings. We do not, and do not expect to, use derivatives for trading or speculative purposes, and we expect to enter into contracts only with major financial institutions.
Item 8.
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
The information required herein is included as set forth in Item 15 - Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules.
Item 9.
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure.
None.
Item 9A.
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures.
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
As required by SEC Rule 13a-15(b), our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, performed an evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures, which have been designed to permit us to effectively identify and timely disclose important information. Our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, concluded that the controls and procedures were effective as of December 31, 2012 to ensure that material information required to be disclosed by us in reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act was accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Changes in Internal Control over financial reporting
There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting identified in connection with the evaluation required by Rule 13a-15(d) and 15d-15(d) of the Exchange Act that occurred during our most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) promulgated under the Exchange Act as amended. Our internal control over financial reporting is 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.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. 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 may deteriorate.
Our management conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012 using the criteria issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal Control-Integrated Framework. Based on that evaluation, management believes that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2012.
KPMG LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, has issued an attestation report on the effectiveness our internal control over financial reporting. The report is included in Item 15 under the heading Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.
Item 9B.
Item 9B. Other Information
None.
PART III.
Item 10.
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
The information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the material in the Proxy Statement.
Item 11.
Item 11. Executive Compensation
The information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the material in the Proxy Statement.
Item 12.
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
The information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the material in the Proxy Statement.
Item 13.
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
The information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the material in the Proxy Statement.
Item 14.
Item 14.	 Principal Accountant Fees and Services
The information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the material in the Proxy Statement.
PART IV.
Item 15.
Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
All other schedules for which provision is made in Regulation S-X are either not required to be included herein under the related instructions or are inapplicable or the related information is included in the footnotes to the applicable financial statement and, therefore, have been omitted.
3. Exhibits
The following exhibits are filed as part of this annual report on Form 10-K:
Exhibit Number
Description of Document
3.1
Articles of Amendment and Restatement of Campus Crest Communities, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the registrant’s registration statement on Form S-11 (No. 333-166834) initially filed on May 14, 2010).
3.2
Articles Supplementary designating Campus Crest Communities, Inc.’s 8.00% Series A Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the registrant’s current report on Form 8-K filed on February 9, 2012).
3.3
Bylaws of Campus Crest Communities, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the registrant’s registration statement on Form S-11 (No. 333-166834) initially filed on May 14, 2010).
4.1
Form of Certificate for Common Stock of Campus Crest Communities, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the registrant’s registration statement on Form S-11 (No. 333-166834) initially filed on May 14, 2010).
4.2
Form of Certificate for 8.00% Series A Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock of Campus Crest Communities, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the registrant’s registration statement on Form 8-A filed on February 7, 2012).
10.1
Second Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Campus Crest Communities Operating Partnership, LP (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the registrant’s current report on Form 8-K filed on February 9, 2012).
10.2
Campus Crest Communities, Inc. Amended and Restated Equity Incentive Compensation Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the registrant’s annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010).*
10.3
Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the registrant’s registration statement on Form S-8 (No. 333-169958) filed on October 15, 2010).*
10.4
Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 to the registrant’s registration statement on Form S-8 (No. 333-169958) filed on October 15, 2010).*
10.5
Form of Indemnification Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the registrant’s current report on Form 8-K filed on October 21, 2010).*
10.6
Employment Agreement by and between Campus Crest Communities, Inc. and Ted W. Rollins (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the registrant’s annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011).*
10.7
Employment Agreement by and between Campus Crest Communities, Inc. and Michael S. Hartnett (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to the registrant’s annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011).*
10.8
Employment Agreement by and between Campus Crest Communities, Inc. and Earl C. Howell (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to the registrant’s annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011)*
10.9
Amended Employment Agreement by and between Campus Crest Communities, Inc. and Earl C. Howell (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the registrant’s current report on Form 10-K filed on August 16, 2012).*
10.10
Employment Agreement by and between Campus Crest Communities, Inc. and Donald L. Bobbitt, Jr. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 to the registrant’s annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011).*
10.11
Employment Agreement by and between Campus Crest Communities, Inc. and Shannon N. King (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.10 to the registrant’s annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011).*
10.12
Employment Agreement by and between Campus Crest Communities, Inc. and Robert Dann (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the registrant’s quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2011).*
10.13
Confidentiality and Noncompetition Agreement by and between Campus Crest Communities, Inc. and Ted W. Rollins (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.12 to the registrant’s annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011).*
10.14
Confidentiality and Noncompetition Agreement by and between Campus Crest Communities, Inc. and Michael S. Hartnett (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.13 to the registrant’s annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011).*
10.15
Confidentiality and Noncompetition Agreement by and between Campus Crest Communities, Inc. and Earl C. Howell (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.14 to the registrant’s annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011).*
10.16
Confidentiality and Noncompetition Agreement by and between Campus Crest Communities, Inc. and Donald L. Bobbitt, Jr. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.15 to the registrant’s annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011).*
10.17
Confidentiality and Noncompetition Agreement by and between Campus Crest Communities, Inc. and Shannon N. King (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.16 to the registrant’s annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011).*
10.18
Confidentiality and Noncompetition Agreement by and between Campus Crest Communities, Inc. and Robert Dann (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the registrant’s quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2011).*
10.19
Release and Addendum to Release by and between Campus Crest Communities, Inc. and Shannon N. King (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1to the registrant’s quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2010).*
10.20
Tax Protection Agreement by and among Campus Crest Communities, Inc., Campus Crest Communities Operating Partnership, LP, and MXT Capital, LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the registrant’s current report on Form 8-K filed on October 21, 2010).
10.21
Registration Rights Agreement by and among Campus Crest Communities, Inc., Campus Crest Communities Operating Partnership, LP, MXT Capital, LLC and certain other parties thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.17 to the registrant’s registration statement on Form S-11 (No. 333-166834) initially filed on May 14, 2010).
10.22
Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, by and among Campus Crest Communities Operating Partnership, LP, Campus Crest Communities, Inc., Citibank, N.A. and the other parties thereto, dated as of January 8, 2013 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the registrant’s current report on Form 8-K filed on January 1, 2013).
10.23
Construction Loan and Security Agreement by and between Campus Crest Communities, Inc., The PrivateBank and Trust Company and certain other parties thereto, dated as of November 19, 2010 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the registrant’s quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2010).
10.24
Amended and Restated Operating Agreement of HSRE-Campus Crest I, LLC, dated as of October 19, 2010 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the registrant’s current report on Form 8-K filed on October 21, 2010).
10.25
Operating Agreement of HRSE-Campus Crest IV, LLC, dated as of January 20, 2011 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.68 to the registrant’s annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010).
10.26
Amended and Restated Operating Agreement of HRSE-Campus Crest V, LLC, dated as of December 20, 2011 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.55 to the registrant’s annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011).
10.27
Contribution and Distribution Agreement by and among HSRE-Campus Crest IA, LLC, Campus Crest Ventures III, LLC, HSRE-Campus Crest I, LLC and Campus Crest Properties, LLC, dated as of December 29, 2011 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the registrant’s current report on Form 8-K filed on January 5, 2012).
10.28
Form of Aircraft Lease (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.43 to the registrant’s registration statement on Form S-11 (No. 333-166834) initially filed on May 14, 2010).
12.1
Computation of Ratios of Earnings to Combined Fixed Charges and Preferred Stock Dividends
21.1
List of Subsidiaries of the registrant.
23.1
Consent of KPMG LLP.
31.1
Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2
Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.1
Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
100.1
The following materials from Campus Crest Communities, Inc.’ Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012 formatted in XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language): (i) the Consolidated Balance Sheets of Campus Crest Communities, Inc., (ii) the Consolidated and Combined Statements of Operations of Campus Crest Communities, Inc. and Campus Crest Communities Predecessor, (iii) the Consolidated and Combined Statements of Changes in Equity (Deficit) and Comprehensive Income (Loss) of Campus Crest Communities, Inc. and Campus Crest Communities Predecessor, (iv) the Consolidated and Combined Statements of Cash Flows of Campus Crest Communities, Inc. and Campus Crest Communities Predecessor, and (v) related notes to the Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements of Campus Crest Communities, Inc. and Campus Crest Communities Predecessor, tagged as blocks of text.
As provided in Rule 406T of Regulation S-T, this information is furnished and not filed for purposes of Sections 11 and 12 of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
*Represents management contract or compensatory plan or agreement.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that we, the undersigned officers and directors of Campus Crest Communities, Inc., hereby severally constitute Ted W. Rollins and Donald L. Bobbitt, Jr., and each of them singly, our true and lawful attorneys with full power to them, and each of them singly, to sign for us and in our names in the capacities indicated below, the Form 10-K filed herewith and any and all amendments to said Form 10-K, and generally to do all such things in our names and in our capacities as officers and directors to enable Campus Crest Communities, Inc. to comply with the provisions of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and all requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission, hereby ratifying and confirming our signatures as they may be signed by our said attorneys, or any of them, to said Form 10-K and any and all amendments thereto.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
Name
Title
Date
/s/ Ted W. Rollins
Co-Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer and Director (Principal Executive Officer)
February 26, 2013
Ted W. Rollins
/s/ Michael S. Hartnett
Co-Chairman of the Board, Chief Investment Officer and Director
February 26, 2013
Michael S. Hartnett
/s/ Donald L. Bobbitt, Jr.
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)
February 26, 2013
Donald L. Bobbitt, Jr.
/s/ N. Anthony Coles
Director
February 26, 2013
N. Anthony Coles
/s/ Richard S. Kahlbaugh
Director
February 26, 2013
Richard S. Kahlbaugh
/s/ Denis McGlynn
Director
February 26, 2013
Denis McGlynn
Name
Title
Date
/s/ William G. Popeo
Director
February 26, 2013
William G. Popeo
/s/ Daniel L. Simmons
Director
February 26, 2013
Daniel L. Simmons
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
The Board of Directors and Stockholders
Campus Crest Communities, Inc.:
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Campus Crest Communities, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, and the related consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss), and changes in equity (deficit) of Campus Crest Communities, Inc. and subsidiaries for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 and for period from October 19, 2010 (commencement of operations) through December 31, 2010, the related combined statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss), and changes in equity (deficit) of Campus Crest Communities Predecessor for the period from January 1, 2010 through October 18, 2010, the related consolidated statements of cash flows of Campus Crest Communities, Inc. and subsidiaries for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, and the related combined statement of cash flows of Campus Crest Communities, Inc. and subsidiaries and Campus Crest Communities Predecessor for the year ended December 31, 2010. In connection with our audits of the consolidated and combined financial statements, we also have audited financial statement Schedule III. These consolidated and combined financial statements and financial statement Schedule III are the responsibility of Campus Crest Communities, Inc.’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated and combined financial statements and financial statement Schedule III based on our 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 audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated and combined financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Campus Crest Communities, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, the consolidated results of operations of Campus Crest Communities, Inc. and subsidiaries for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 and for period from October 19, 2010 (commencement of operations) through December 31, 2010, the combined results of operations of Campus Crest Communities Predecessor for the period from January 1, 2010 through October 18, 2010, the consolidated cash flows of Campus Crest Communities, Inc. and subsidiaries for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, and the combined cash flows of Campus Crest Communities, Inc. and subsidiaries and Campus Crest Communities Predecessor for the year ended December 31, 2010, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Also in our opinion, the related financial statement Schedule III, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), Campus Crest Communities, Inc. and subsidiaries’ internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO), and our report dated February 26, 2013 expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of Campus Crest Communities, Inc. and subsidiaries’ internal control over financial reporting.
/s/ KPMG LLP
Charlotte, North Carolina
February 26, 2013
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
The Board of Directors and Stockholders
Campus Crest Communities, Inc.:
We have audited Campus Crest Communities, Inc. and subsidiary’s (the Company) internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012, 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 maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of 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.
In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of Campus Crest Communities, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, and the related consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss), and changes in equity (deficit) of Campus Crest Communities, Inc. and subsidiaries for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 and for period from October 19, 2010 (commencement of operations) through December 31, 2010, the related combined statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss), and changes in equity (deficit) of Campus Crest Communities Predecessor for the period from January 1, 2010 through October 18, 2010, the related consolidated statements of cash flows of Campus Crest Communities, Inc. and subsidiaries for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, the related combined statement of cash flows of Campus Crest Communities, Inc. and subsidiaries and Campus Crest Communities Predecessor for the year ended December 31, 2010, and financial statement Schedule III, and our report dated February 26, 2013 expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated and combined financial statements and financial statement Schedule III.
/s/ KPMG LLP
Charlotte, North Carolina
February 26, 2013
CAMPUS CREST COMMUNITIES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands, except per share data)
See accompanying notes to consolidated and combined financial statements.
CAMPUS CREST COMMUNITIES, INC. AND
CAMPUS CREST COMMUNITIES PREDECESSOR
CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
(In thousands, except per share data)
See accompanying notes to consolidated and combined financial statements.
CAMPUS CREST COMMUNITIES, INC. AND
CAMPUS CREST COMMUNITIES PREDECESSOR
CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY (DEFICIT)
(In thousands)
See accompanying notes to consolidated and combined financial statements.
CAMPUS CREST COMMUNITIES, INC. AND
CAMPUS CREST COMMUNITIES PREDECESSOR
CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)
See accompanying notes to consolidated and combined financial statements.
CAMPUS CREST COMMUNITIES, INC. AND
CAMPUS CREST COMMUNITIES PREDECESSOR
CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (CONTINUED)
(In thousands)
See accompanying notes to consolidated and combined financial statements.
CAMPUS CREST COMMUNITIES, INC. AND
CAMPUS CREST COMMUNITIES PREDECESSOR
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. Organization and Description of Business
Campus Crest Communities, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, referred to herein as the “Company,” “we,” “us,” “our,” and “Campus Crest,” is a self-managed, self-administered and vertically-integrated real estate investment trust (“REIT”) focused on developing, building, owning and managing a diversified portfolio of high-quality, residence life focused student housing properties. We were incorporated in the State of Maryland on March 1, 2010. On October 19, 2010, we completed an initial public offering (the “Offering”) of our common stock. As a result of the Offering and certain formation transactions entered into in connection therewith (the “Formation Transactions”), we currently own the sole general partner interest and own limited partner interests in Campus Crest Communities Operating Partnership, LP (the “Operating Partnership”). We hold substantially all of our assets, and conduct substantially all of our business, through the Operating Partnership.
The Offering and Formation Transactions continued the operations of Campus Crest Communities Predecessor (the “Predecessor”). The Predecessor is not a legal entity, but rather a combination of certain vertically integrated operating companies under common ownership. The Predecessor reflects the historical combination of all facets of the vertically integrated business operations of our student housing related entities prior to our ownership of these entities. As part of the Formation Transactions, the owner of the Predecessor and certain third-party investors were granted limited partnership interests in the Operating Partnership (“OP Units”). The exchange of entities or interests in the Predecessor for OP Units has been accounted for as a reorganization of entities under common control. As a result, our assets and liabilities have been reflected at their historical cost basis.
We have made an election to qualify, and we believe we are operating so as to qualify, as a REIT under Sections 856 through 859 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Internal Revenue Code”). As a REIT, we generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax to the extent that we meet the organizational and operational requirements and our distributions equal or exceed 90.0% of REIT taxable income. For all periods subsequent to the REIT election, we have met the organizational and operational requirements and distributions have exceeded net taxable income.
We have made the election to treat Campus Crest TRS Holdings, Inc. (“TRS Holdings”), our wholly-owned subsidiary, as a taxable REIT subsidiary (“TRS”). TRS Holdings holds the development, construction and management companies that provide services to entities in which we do not own 100% of the equity interests. As a TRS, the operations of TRS Holdings and its subsidiaries are generally subject to federal, state and local income and franchise taxes.
At December 31, 2012, we had ownership interest in 39 operating properties comprising approximately 20,884 beds. At December 31, 2012 we had 3 consolidated and 3 unconsolidated properties under construction comprising approximately 1,780 and 1,784 beds, respectively. Our portfolio consists of the following:
(1)For the 2013-2014 academic year, consolidated entities under construction include The Grove at Fort Collins, Colorado, The Grove at Muncie, Indiana and The Grove at Pullman, Washington, and unconsolidated entities under construction include The Grove at Norman, Oklahoma, The Grove at State College, Pennsylvania, and The Grove at Indiana, Pennsylvania.
2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Basis of Presentation
The accompanying consolidated and combined financial statements of the Company and the Predecessor, respectively, have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) and represent our financial position, results of operations and cash flows. Third-party equity interests in the Operating Partnership are reflected as noncontrolling interests in the consolidated and combined financial statements. The consolidated and combined financial statements reflect the Predecessor, including ventures in which the Predecessor had a controlling interest. Interests in combined entities held by an entity other than the Predecessor are reflected as noncontrolling interests in the consolidated and combined financial statements. The Company and Predecessor also have interests in unconsolidated real estate ventures which have ownership in several property owning entities that are accounted for under the equity method. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated. Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation.
CAMPUS CREST COMMUNITIES, INC. AND
CAMPUS CREST COMMUNITIES PREDECESSOR
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
We were incorporated on March 1, 2010, and had no operations for the period from our formation through October 18, 2010, as our primary purpose upon formation was to facilitate completion of the Offering and, upon completion, continue the operations of the Predecessor. Since the Predecessor’s combined results of operations reflect the operations of us prior to our ownership of the entities which conduct these operations, the Predecessor’s combined results of operations have been prepared and presented for the period from January 1, 2010 through October 18, 2010.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of consolidated and combined financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Significant assumptions and estimates are used by management in recognizing construction and development revenue under the percentage of completion method, useful lives of student housing properties, valuation of investment in real estate, initial valuation and underlying allocation of purchase price to newly acquired student housing properties, determination of fair value for impairment assessments, fair value of financial assets and liabilities, including derivatives and allowance for doubtful accounts. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Investment in Real Estate
Investment in real estate is recorded at historical cost. Major improvements that extend the life of an asset are capitalized and depreciated over a period equal to the shorter of the life of the improvement or the remaining useful life of the asset. The cost of ordinary repairs and maintenance are charged to expense when incurred. Depreciation and amortization are recorded on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets as follows:
The cost of buildings and improvements includes all pre-development, entitlement and project costs directly associated with the development and construction of a real estate project, which include interest, property taxes and the amortization of deferred financing costs recognized while the project is under construction, as well as certain internal costs related to the development and construction of our student housing properties. All costs are capitalized as development in process until the asset is ready for its intended use, which is typically at the completion of the project. Upon completion, costs are transferred into the applicable asset category and depreciation commences. Interest totaling approximately $2.4 million, $2.0 million, $0.1 million and $0.1 million was capitalized during the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, the period from October 19, 2010 through December 31, 2010, and the period from January 1, 2010 through October 18, 2010, respectively.
We capitalize costs during the development of assets beginning with the determination that development of a future asset is probable until the asset, or a portion of the asset, is delivered and is ready for its intended use. During development efforts we capitalize all direct costs and indirect costs that have been incurred as a result of the development. These costs include interest and related loan fees, property taxes as well as other direct and indirect costs. We capitalize interest costs for debt incurred for project specific financing and for capital contributions to equity method investees who utilize such funds for construction-related activities. Indirect project costs, which include personnel and office and administrative costs that are clearly associated with our development and redevelopment efforts, are capitalized. Indirect costs not clearly related to the acquisition, development, redevelopment and construction activity, including general and administrative expenses, are expensed in the period incurred. Capitalized indirect costs associated with our development activities were $7.4 million, $6.8 million, $1.3 million and $0.6 million, respectively, for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, the period from October 19, 2010 through December 31, 2010, and the period from January 1, 2010 through October 18, 2010, respectively. All such costs are capitalized as development in process until the asset is delivered and ready for its intended use, which is typically at the completion of the project. Upon completion, costs are transferred into the applicable asset category and depreciation commences.
Pre-development costs are capitalized until such time that management believes it is no longer probable that a contract will be executed and/or construction will commence. Because we frequently incur these pre-development expenditures before a financing commitment and/or required permits and authorizations have been obtained, we bear the risk of loss of these pre-development expenditures if financing cannot ultimately be arranged on acceptable terms or we are unable to successfully obtain the required permits and authorizations. As such, management evaluates the status of projects where we have not yet acquired the target property or where we have not yet commenced construction on a periodic basis and write-off any pre-development costs related to projects whose current status indicates the acquisition or commencement of construction is not probable. Such write-offs are included within operating expenses in the accompanying consolidated and combined statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss). As of December 31, 2012 and 2011, we have deferred approximately $8.1 million and $2.7 million, respectively, in pre-development costs related to development projects for which construction has not commenced. Included within the December 31, 2012 balance were four land parcels that could be used for the development of four properties. Such costs are included in development in process on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
CAMPUS CREST COMMUNITIES, INC. AND
CAMPUS CREST COMMUNITIES PREDECESSOR
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
Management assesses whether there has been impairment in the value of our investment in real estate whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of investment in real estate is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of a student housing property to the estimated future undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by the property. Impairment is recognized when estimated future undiscounted cash flows, including proceeds from disposition, are less than the carrying value of the property. The estimation of future undiscounted cash flows is inherently uncertain and relies on assumptions regarding current and future economics and market conditions. If such conditions change, then an adjustment reducing the carrying value of our long-lived assets could occur in the future period in which conditions change. To the extent that a property is impaired, the excess of the carrying amount of the property over its estimated fair value is recorded as an impairment charge. Fair value is determined based upon the discounted cash flows of the property, quoted market prices or independent appraisals, as considered necessary. There was no impairment of long-lived assets for any period presented in the consolidated balance sheets.
Property Acquisitions
We allocate the purchase price of acquired properties to net tangible and identified intangible assets and liabilities based on relative fair values of these assets and liabilities. Fair value estimates are based on information obtained from independent appraisals, market data, information obtained during due diligence and information related to the marketing and leasing at the specific property. The value of in-place leases is based on the difference between (i) the property valued with existing in-place leases adjusted to market rental rates and (ii) the property valued “as-if” vacant. As lease terms are typically one year or less, rates on in-place leases generally approximate market rental rates. Factors considered in the valuation of in-place leases include an estimate of the carrying costs during the expected lease-up period considering current market conditions, nature of the tenancy and costs to execute similar leases. Carrying costs include estimates of lost rentals at market rates during the expected lease-up period, net of variable operating expenses. The value of in-place leases is amortized on a straight-line basis over the remaining initial term of the respective leases, generally less than one year. The purchase price of property acquisitions is not expected to be allocated to tenant relationships, considering the terms of the leases and the expected levels of renewals. Acquisition-related costs such as due diligence, legal and accounting fees are expensed as incurred and not applied in determining the fair value of an acquired property.
Ground Leases
Ground lease expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the related lease.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
We consider all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Restricted cash is excluded from cash for the purpose of preparing the consolidated statements of cash flows. We maintain cash balances in various banks. At times our balances may exceed the amount insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”).
Restricted Cash
Restricted cash includes escrow accounts held by lenders, for the purpose of paying taxes, insurance and funding capital improvements. In certain instances, restricted cash consists of funds, required by a counter-party to our derivative contracts, to serve as collateral for future settlements of those derivative contracts. These funds are held in an interest bearing account covered under FDIC insurance.
Deferred Financing Costs
We defer costs incurred in obtaining financing and amortize the costs using the straight-line method, which approximates the effective interest method, over the expected terms of the related loans. Upon repayment of the underlying debt agreement, any unamortized costs are charged to earnings. Deferred financing costs, net of accumulated amortization, are included in other assets, net in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
Noncontrolling Interests
Noncontrolling interests represent the portion of equity in our consolidated subsidiaries and the Predecessor’s combined companies which are not attributable to the stockholders or the owner. Accordingly, noncontrolling interests are reported as a component of equity, separate from stockholder's equity, in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. On the consolidated and combined statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss), operating results are reported at their consolidated and combined amounts, including both the amount attributable to us and to noncontrolling interests (see Note 9).
CAMPUS CREST COMMUNITIES, INC. AND
CAMPUS CREST COMMUNITIES PREDECESSOR
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
Real Estate Ventures
We hold interests in all properties, both under development and in operation, through interests in both consolidated and unconsolidated real estate ventures. We assess our investments in real estate ventures to determine if a venture is a variable interest entity (“VIE”). We consolidate any VIEs for which we are the primary beneficiary. In instances where we are not the primary beneficiary, we use the equity method of accounting. Entities that are not VIEs are consolidated when we are the general partner (or the equivalent) and the limited partners (or the equivalent) of such entities do not have rights which would preclude control.
For entities where we are the general partner (or the equivalent) but do not control the real estate venture, as the other partners (or the equivalent) hold substantive participating rights, we use the equity method of accounting. For entities where we are a limited partner (or the equivalent), management considers factors such as ownership interest, voting control, authority to make decisions and contractual and substantive participating rights of the partners (or the equivalent) to determine if the presumption that the general partner controls the entity is overcome. In instances where these factors indicate we control the entity, we consolidate the entity; otherwise we record our investment using the equity method of accounting.
Under the equity method, investments are initially recognized in the consolidated balance sheet at cost and are subsequently adjusted to reflect our proportionate share of net earnings or losses of the entity, distributions received, contributions and certain other adjustments, as appropriate. Any difference between the carrying amount of these investments on our balance sheet and the underlying equity in net assets is amortized as an adjustment to equity in earnings (loss) of unconsolidated entities. When circumstances indicate there may have been a loss in value of an equity method investment, and we determine the loss in value is other than temporary, we recognize an impairment charge to reflect the investment at fair value.
Segments
We have identified two reportable business segments: (i) student housing operations and (ii) development, construction and management services. We evaluate the performance of our operating segments based on operating income (loss). All inter-segment sales pricing is based on current market conditions. Operating segments that do not individually meet the aggregation criteria described in the accounting guidance may be combined with other operating segments that do not individually meet the aggregation criteria to form a separate reportable segment. Unallocated corporate amounts include general expenses associated with managing our two reportable operating segments.
Student Housing Revenue
Students are required to execute lease contracts with payment schedules that vary from annual to monthly payments. We recognize revenues on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease contracts. Generally, each executed contract is required to be accompanied by a signed parental guaranty. Amounts received in advance of the occupancy period or prior to the contractual due date are recorded as deferred revenues and included in other liabilities on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Service revenue is recognized when earned.
Development, Construction and Management Services
Development and construction service revenue is recognized using the percentage of completion method, as determined by construction costs incurred relative to total estimated construction costs. Any changes in significant judgments and/or estimates used in determining construction and development revenue could significantly change the timing or amount of construction and development revenue recognized.
Development and construction service revenue is recognized for contracts with entities we do not consolidate. For projects where revenue is based on a fixed price, any cost overruns incurred during construction, as compared to the original budget, will reduce the net profit ultimately recognized on those projects. Profit derived from these projects is eliminated to the extent of our interest in the unconsolidated entity. Any incentive fees, net of the impact of our ownership interest, are recognized when the project is complete and performance has been agreed upon by all parties, or when performance has been verified by an independent third party. When total development or construction costs at completion exceed the fixed price set forth within the related contract, such cost overruns are recorded as additional investment in the unconsolidated entity to the extent these amounts are determined to be realizable. Entitlement fees, where applicable, are recognized when earned based on the terms of the related contracts.
Management fees, net of elimination to the extent of our ownership in an unconsolidated entity, are recognized when earned in accordance with each management contract. Incentive management fees are recognized when the incentive criteria are met.
CAMPUS CREST COMMUNITIES, INC. AND
CAMPUS CREST COMMUNITIES PREDECESSOR
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
Allowance for doubtful accounts
Allowances for student receivables are established when management determines that collections of such receivables are doubtful. Balances are considered past due when payment is not received on the contractual due date. When management has determined that receivables are uncollectible, they are written off against the allowance for doubtful accounts.
The allowance for doubtful accounts is summarized as follows (in thousands):
Marketing and Advertising Costs
Marketing and advertising costs are expensed during the period incurred and included in general and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated and combined statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss). Marketing and advertising expenses were $1.3 million $0.7 million, $0.2 million and $1.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, the period from October 19, 2010 through December 31, 2010 and the period from January 1, 2010 through October 18, 2010, respectively.
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities
We enter into interest rate cap and interest rate swap agreements to manage floating interest rate exposure with respect to amounts borrowed, or forecasted to be borrowed, under credit facilities. These contracts effectively exchange existing or forecasted obligations to pay interest based on floating rates for obligations to pay interest based on fixed rates. We do not enter into or hold derivatives for trading or speculative purposes.
All derivative instruments are recognized as either assets or liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets at their respective fair values. Changes in fair value are recognized either in earnings or as accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), depending on whether the derivative has been designated as a cash flow hedge and whether it qualifies as part of a hedging relationship, the nature of the exposure being hedged and how effective the derivative is at offsetting movements in underlying exposure. We discontinue hedge accounting when: (i) we determine that the derivative is no longer effective in offsetting changes in the cash flows of a hedged item; (ii) the derivative expires or is sold, terminated or exercised; (iii) it is no longer probable that the forecasted transaction will occur; or (iv) management determines that designating the derivative as a hedging instrument is no longer appropriate. In situations in which hedge accounting is not initially designated, or is discontinued and a derivative remains outstanding, gains and losses related to changes in the fair value of the derivative instrument are recorded in current-period earnings as a component of the change in fair value of interest rate derivatives line item on the accompanying consolidated and combined statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss). Also included within this line item are any required monthly settlements on the swaps as well as all cash settlements paid.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
Financial instruments consist primarily of cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash, student receivables, interest rate caps, interest rate swaps, accounts payable, mortgages, construction loans and the line of credit. The carrying value of cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash, student receivables and accounts payable are representative of their respective fair values due to the short-term nature of these instruments. The estimated fair value of our revolving line of credit approximates the outstanding balance due to the frequent market based re-pricing of the underlying variable rate index. The estimated fair values of mortgages and construction loans are determined by comparing current borrowing rates and risk spreads offered in the market to the stated interest rates and spreads on our current mortgages and construction loans. The fair values of mortgage and construction loans are disclosed in Note 6.
The fair value of the interest rate caps and swaps are determined using widely accepted valuation techniques including discounted cash flow analysis on the expected cash flows of the derivative. This analysis reflects the contractual terms of the derivative, including the period to maturity, and uses observable market-based inputs, including interest rate curves, implied volatilities and counterparty creditworthiness. Fair value guidance for financial assets and liabilities that are recognized and disclosed in the consolidated financial statements on a recurring basis and nonfinancial assets on a nonrecurring basis establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to measurements involving significant unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurements). The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are as follows:
CAMPUS CREST COMMUNITIES, INC. AND
CAMPUS CREST COMMUNITIES PREDECESSOR
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
Level 1 - Observable inputs, such as quoted prices in active markets at the measurement date for identical, unrestricted assets or liabilities.
Level 2 - Other inputs that are observable directly or indirectly, such as quoted prices in markets that are not active or inputs which are observable, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the asset or liability.
Level 3 - Unobservable inputs for which there is little or no market data and which we make our own assumptions about how market participants would price the asset or liability.
Fair value is defined as the price that would be received when selling an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (exit price). In instances where inputs used to measure fair value fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy, the level in the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement in its entirety has been determined is based on the lowest level input significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. Our assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment and considers factors specific to the asset or liability.
The fair value of our interest rate caps and interest rate swaps are disclosed in Note 7. All of our nonrecurring valuations made in connection with property acquisitions in Note 4 used significant unobservable inputs and, therefore, fall under Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.
Commitments and Contingencies
Liabilities for loss contingencies, arising from claims, assessments, litigation, fines, penalties and other sources, are recorded when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the assessment can be reasonably estimated. Legal costs incurred in connection with loss contingencies are expensed as incurred.
Income Taxes
We have made an election to qualify, and believe we are operating so as to qualify, as a REIT under Sections 856 through 859 of the Internal Revenue Code. Our qualification as a REIT depends upon our ability to meet on a continuing basis, through actual investment and operating results, various complex requirements under the Internal Revenue Code relating to, among other things, the sources of our gross income, the composition and values of our assets, our distribution levels and the diversity of ownership of our stock. We believe that we are organized in conformity with the requirements for qualification and taxation as a REIT under the Internal Revenue Code and that our intended manner of operation will enable us to meet the requirements for qualification and taxation as a REIT.
As a REIT, we generally will not be subject to U.S. federal and state income tax on taxable income that we distribute currently to our stockholders. If we fail to qualify as a REIT in any taxable year and do not qualify for certain statutory relief provisions, we will be subject to U.S. federal income tax at regular corporate rates and generally will be precluded from qualifying as a REIT for the subsequent four taxable years following the year during which we lost our REIT qualification. Accordingly, our failure to qualify as a REIT could materially and adversely affect us, including our ability to make distributions to our stockholders in the future.
We have made the election to treat TRS Holdings, our subsidiary which holds our development, construction and management companies that provide services to entities in which we do not own 100% of the equity interests, as a TRS. As a TRS, the operations of TRS Holdings and its subsidiaries are generally subject to federal, state and local income and franchise taxes. Our TRS accounts for its income taxes in accordance with U.S. GAAP, which includes an estimate of the amount of taxes payable or refundable for the current year and deferred tax liabilities and assets for the future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in our financial statements or tax returns. Deferred tax assets and liabilities of the TRS entities are recognized based on the difference between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates in effect in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to reverse.
We follow a two-step approach for evaluating uncertain tax positions. Recognition (step one) occurs when we conclude that a tax position, based solely on its technical merits, is more-likely-than-not (a likelihood of more than 50 percent) to be sustained upon examination. Measurement (step two) determines the amount of benefit that more-likely-than-not will be realized upon settlement. Derecognition of a tax position that was previously recognized would occur when we subsequently determined that a tax position no longer met the more-likely-than-not threshold of being sustained. The use of a valuation allowance as a substitute for derecognition of tax positions is prohibited.
CAMPUS CREST COMMUNITIES, INC. AND
CAMPUS CREST COMMUNITIES PREDECESSOR
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
Comprehensive Income (loss)
Comprehensive income (loss) includes net income (loss) and other comprehensive income (loss), which consists of unrealized gains (losses) on derivative instruments. Comprehensive income (loss) is presented in the accompanying consolidated and combined statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss), and accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) is displayed as a separate component of stockholders’ equity.
Stock-Based Compensation
We grant restricted stock and restricted OP Unit awards that typically vest over either a three or five year period. A restricted stock or OP Unit award is an award of shares of our common stock or OP Units that are subject to restrictions on transferability and other restrictions determined by our compensation committee at the date of grant. A grant date is established for a restricted stock award or restricted OP Unit award upon approval from our compensation committee and Board of Directors. The restrictions may lapse over a specified period of employment or the satisfaction of pre-established criteria as our compensation committee may determine. Except to the extent restricted under the award agreement, a participant awarded restricted stock or OP Units has all the rights of a stockholder or OP Unit holder as to these shares or units, including the right to vote and the right to receive dividends or distributions on the shares or units. The fair value of the award is determined based on the market value of our common stock on the grant date and is recognized on a straight-line basis over the applicable vesting period for the entire award with cost recognized at the end of any period being at least equal to the shares that were then vested.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In January 2012, we adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") guidance which eliminates the option to report other comprehensive income (loss) and its components in the statement of changes in equity. Entities are now required to present the components of net income (loss) and other comprehensive income (loss) in either a single continuous statement or two separate consecutive statements. The standard did not change the recognition or measurement of net income (loss) or comprehensive income (loss), and we elected to present the components of net income (loss) and other comprehensive income (loss) as a single continuous statement. In February 2013, the FASB issued updated guidance to improve the reporting of reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). The guidance requires an entity to present, either on the face of the statement of operations or in the notes, separately for each component of comprehensive income (loss), the current period reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) by the respective line items of net income (loss) affected by the reclassification. The updated guidance is effective prospectively for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2012. The updated guidance will not have any effect on our results of operations, financial position or liquidity.
3. Student Housing Properties
The following is a summary of our student housing properties, net for the periods presented (in thousands):
Other assets includes approximately $3.1 million and $0.5 million, net of accumulated depreciation, related to corporate leasehold improvements and furniture, fixtures and equipment at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Depreciation expense related to other assets was $0.3 million, $0.3 million, $0.1 million and $0.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, the period from October 19, 2010 through December 31, 2010, and the period from January 1, 2010 through October 18, 2010, respectively.
4. Property Acquisitions
Operating Property Acquisition
In July 2012, we acquired the remaining ownership interests in The Grove at Moscow, Idaho, and The Grove at Valdosta, Georgia, for approximately $16.8 million, and repaid the mortgage debt secured by these properties. Prior to this transaction, The Grove at Moscow, Idaho, was owned by HSRE-Campus Crest I, LLC, of which we owned 49.9% and Harrison Street Real Estate Capital (“HSRE”) owned the remaining 50.1%, and The Grove at Valdosta, Georgia, was owned by HSRE-Campus Crest IV, LLC, of which we owned 20.0% and HSRE owned the remaining 80.0%. Prior to this transaction, we accounted for our ownership interest in the two properties under the equity method. In connection with recording our purchase of the remaining interests in the properties, we recognized a net gain of approximately $6.6 million related to the re-measurement of our previously held equity interests in the properties at the acquisition date. The gain is included in the gain on purchase of previously unconsolidated entities line item in the accompanying consolidated and combined statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss).
CAMPUS CREST COMMUNITIES, INC. AND
CAMPUS CREST COMMUNITIES PREDECESSOR
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
The following table is an allocation of the purchase price for The Grove at Moscow and The Grove at Valdosta (in thousands):
In December 2011, we acquired from HSRE the remaining interest in Campus Crest at Huntsville I GP, LLC and Campus Crest at Huntsville II GP, LLC which own The Grove at Huntsville, Texas and Campus Crest at Statesboro, LLC, which owns The Grove at Statesboro, Georgia for approximately $13.6 million, and repaid the mortgage debt secured by these properties. Prior to this transaction, The Grove at Huntsville and The Grove at Statesboro were wholly owned by a real estate venture of which we owned 49.9% and HSRE owned the remaining 50.1%. Prior to the acquisition of this interest, we accounted for our ownership interest in the two properties under the equity method. Subsequent to our acquisition of these interests, we consolidated the results of operations of The Grove at Huntsville and The Grove at Statesboro. In connection with recording our purchase of the remaining interests in the properties, we recognized a gain of approximately $3.2 million related to the re-measurement of our previously held equity interests in the properties at the acquisition date. The gain is included in gain on purchase of previously unconsolidated entities in the accompanying consolidated and combined statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss).
The following table is an allocation of the purchase price for The Grove at Huntsville and The Grove at Statesboro (in thousands):
In-place lease intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over the average remaining term of the underlying leases. Amortization expense was approximately $1.0 million, $0.9 million and $0.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 and for the period from October 19, 2010 through December 31, 2010, respectively. The amortization of intangible assets is included in depreciation and amortization expense in the accompanying consolidated and combined statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss).
Acquisition of Properties Under Development
During the year ended December 31, 2012, we acquired land at three project sites that are currently under construction. The purchase price for these three sites totaled approximately $6.3 million. The project sites are located in Muncie, Indiana, Pullman, Washington and Indiana, Pennsylvania. The consideration paid for these sites is recorded as development in process on the accompanying consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2012.
During the year ended December 31, 2011, we acquired land at four project sites. The purchase price for these four sites totaled approximately $15.9 million. The project sites are located in Fayetteville, Arkansas, Laramie, Wyoming, Auburn, Alabama and Flagstaff, Arizona. In December 2011, the Company contributed its investment in the land, development and construction in the Fayetteville, Arkansas and Laramie, Wyoming projects to a joint venture with HSRE (see Note 5).
CAMPUS CREST COMMUNITIES, INC. AND
CAMPUS CREST COMMUNITIES PREDECESSOR
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
5. Investments in Unconsolidated Entities
We have investments in real estate ventures with HSRE which we do not consolidate and were not combined by our Predecessor. These joint ventures are engaged primarily in developing, constructing, owning and managing student housing properties. Both we and our joint venture partners hold joint approval rights for major decisions, including those regarding property acquisition and disposition as well as property operation. As such, we hold noncontrolling interests in these joint ventures and account for them under the equity method of accounting.
We act as the operating member and day-to-day manager for these joint ventures and as such are entitled to receive fees for providing development and construction services (as applicable) and management services. We recognized revenues of approximately $54.3 million, $35.1 million, $0.1 million and $35.7 million in fees for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, the period from October 19, 2010 through December 31, 2010, and the period from January 1, 2010 through October 18, 2010, respectively, for services provided to the ventures, which are reflected in Development, Construction and Management Services in the accompanying consolidated and combined statements of operations.
We are the guarantor of the construction and mortgage debt of these ventures. Detail of our unconsolidated investments at December 31, 2012 is presented in the following table (in thousands):
(1)Variable interest rates.
(2)Comprised of one fixed rate loan.
We recorded equity in earnings (loss) from these ventures for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, for the period from October 19, 2010 through December 31, 2010 and the period from January 1, 2010 through October 18, 2010 of approximately $0.4 million, $(1.2) million, $(0.2) million and $(0.3) million, respectively.
CAMPUS CREST COMMUNITIES, INC. AND
CAMPUS CREST COMMUNITIES PREDECESSOR
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
The following is a summary of the financial position of our unconsolidated entities in their entirety, not only our interest in the entities, for the periods presented (in thousands):
(1)As of December 31, 2012, we had a Class B member interest in The Grove at San Angelo, The Grove at Indiana, and The Grove at Conway of approximately $2.7 million, $2.7 million and $6.4 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2011, we had a Class B member interest in The Grove at San Angelo, The Grove at Moscow, The Grove at Valdosta and The Grove at Conway of approximately $2.7 million, $3.0 million, $1.1 million and $6.4 million, respectively. These preferred interests entitle us to a 9.0% return on our investment and do not change our effective ownership interest in these properties.
(2)This amount represents the aggregate difference between our historical cost basis and the basis reflected at the entity level, which is typically amortized over the life of the related asset. The basis differential occurs primarily due to the difference between the allocated value to acquired entity interests and the venture’s basis in those interests, the capitalization of additional investment in the unconsolidated entity and the elimination of service related revenue to the extent of our percentage ownership.
The following is a summary of the operating results for our unconsolidated entities in their entirety, not only our interest in the entities, for the periods presented (in thousands):
(1)Amount differs from net loss multiplied by our ownership percentage due to the amortization of the aggregate difference between our historical cost basis and our basis reflected at the entity level, elimination of management fees, and income on preferred investments.
CAMPUS CREST COMMUNITIES, INC. AND
CAMPUS CREST COMMUNITIES PREDECESSOR
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
6. Debt
A detail of our construction and mortgage loans, line of credit, and other debt is presented below (in thousands):
The estimated fair value of our construction loans and fixed rate mortgage loans at December 31, 2012 and 2011 was approximately $227.3 and $185.2 million, respectively. These estimated fair values were determined by comparing current borrowing rates and risk spreads to the stated interest rates and risk spreads. The weighted average interest rate for all borrowings was 3.99% and 4.07% at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
Mortgage and Construction Loans
Mortgage and construction loans are collateralized by properties and their related revenue streams. Mortgage loans are not cross-defaulted or cross-collateralized with any other indebtedness. Our mortgage loans generally may not be prepaid prior to maturity; however, in certain cases, prepayment is allowed subject to prepayment penalties. Our construction note agreements contain representations, warranties, covenants (including financial covenants upon commencement of operations) and other terms that are customary for construction financing. Construction loans are generally secured by a first deed of trust or mortgage on each property, primary UCC filings, and an assignment of rents, leases and profits from the respective property. Mortgage and construction loans for the periods presented consisted of the following (in thousands):
CAMPUS CREST COMMUNITIES, INC. AND
CAMPUS CREST COMMUNITIES PREDECESSOR
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
(1)The construction loan matures on June 30, 2014, but can be extended until December 31, 2015, subject to certain conditions.
(2)The construction loan matures on July 22, 2014, but can be extended until October 22, 2015, subject to certain conditions.
(3)The construction loan matures on December 9, 2014, but can be extended until April 9, 2015, subject to certain conditions.
(4)The construction loan matures on July 3, 2015, but can be extended until July 3, 2016 and/or July 3, 2017, subject to certain conditions.
(5)The construction loan matures on July 13, 2015, but can be extended until July 13, 2016 and/or July 13, 2017, subject to certain conditions.
(6)The construction loan matures on September 5, 2015, but can be extended until September 5, 2016 and/or September 5, 2017, subject to certain conditions.
(7)Not applicable as the loan was paid off during the first quarter of 2012.
(8)Loans require interest only payments, plus certain reserves and escrows, that are payable monthly for a period of five years. Monthly payments of principal and interest, plus certain reserve and escrow amounts, are due thereafter until maturity when all principal is due.
(9)Amounts were originally combined in December 31, 2011.
(10)Loan was paid off during the first quarter of 2013.
(11)Interest only for the first two years, followed by 30 year amortization.
(12)Loan requires interest only payments, plus certain reserves and escrows payable monthly through August 2014, thereafter, principal and interest, plus certain reserves and escrows that are payable monthly until maturity.
(13)Loan requires monthly payments of principal and interest, plus certain reserve and escrows, are due thereafter until maturity when all principal is due.
Line of Credit
At December 31, 2012, we held a revolving credit facility (the “Credit Facility”) with Citibank, N.A. and certain other parties thereto. The Credit Facility provided for borrowing capacity of up to $200.0 million and included an accordion feature that allowed us to request an increase in the total commitments of an additional $125.0 million to a total commitment of $325.0 million. The Credit Facility was to mature in August 2014 and provided us a one-year extension option, subject to certain terms and conditions. Amounts outstanding under the Credit Facility bore interest at a floating rate equal to, at our election, the Eurodollar Rate or the Base Rate (each as defined in the Credit Facility) plus a spread. The spread depended upon our leverage ratio and ranges from 1.75% to 2.50% for Eurodollar Rate based borrowings and from 0.75% to 1.50% for Base Rate based borrowings. At December 31, 2012, the interest rate on the Credit Facility was 2.49%.
In January 2013, we entered into the second amended and restated credit agreement (the "Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement") with Citibank, N.A. and certain other lenders (see Note 15). The Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement provides for a senior unsecured revolving credit facility (the "Revolving Credit Facility") of up to $250.0 million, with a sub-limits of $30 million for swing line loans and $15.0 million for letters of credit. The Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement also provides for a term loan of $50.0 million (the “Term Loan,” and together with the Revolving Credit Facility, the “Amended Credit Facility”). Unless otherwise terminated pursuant to the terms of the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, the Amended Credit Facility will mature on January 8, 2017, subject to a one-year extension which we may exercise at our option, pursuant to certain terms and conditions, including the payment of an extension fee.
The amount available for us to borrow under the Amended Credit Facility is based on the sum of (a) the lesser of (i) 60.0% of the “as-is” appraised value of our properties that form the borrowing base of the Amended Credit Facility and (ii) the amount that would create a debt service coverage ratio of not less than 1.5, and (b) 50% of the aggregate of the lesser of (i) the book value of each of our development assets (as such term is defined in the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement) and (ii) the “as-is” appraised value of each of our development assets, subject to certain limitations in the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement.
Additionally, the Amended Credit Facility has an accordion feature that allows us to request an increase in the total commitments from $300 million to $600 million, subject to conditions. Amounts outstanding under the Amended Credit Facility bear interest at a floating rate equal to, at our election, the Eurodollar Rate or the Base Rate (each as defined in the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement) plus a spread that depends upon our leverage ratio. The spread for borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility ranges from 1.75% to 2.50% for Eurodollar Rate based borrowings and from 0.75% to 1.50% for Base Rate based borrowings, and the spread for the Term Loan ranges from 1.70% to 2.45% for Eurodollar Rate based borrowings and from 0.70% to 1.45% for Base Rate based borrowings.
Our ability to borrow under the Amended Credit Facility is subject to its ongoing compliance with a number of customary financial covenants, including:
·a maximum leverage ratio of not greater than 0.60:1.00;
CAMPUS CREST COMMUNITIES, INC. AND
CAMPUS CREST COMMUNITIES PREDECESSOR
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
·a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio of not less than 1.50:1.00;
·a minimum ratio of fixed rate debt and debt subject to hedge agreements to total debt of not less than 66.67%;
·a maximum secured recourse debt ratio of not greater than 20%;
·a minimum tangible net worth of not less than the sum of $330,788,250 plus an amount equal to 75% of the net proceeds of any additional equity issuances; and
·a maximum secured debt ratio of not greater than 50% through February 17, 2013 and not greater than 45% on any date thereafter.
Pursuant to the terms of the Amended Credit Facility, we may not pay distributions that exceed the greater of (i) 95.0% of our funds from operations, or (ii) the minimum amount required for us to qualify and maintain our status as a REIT. If a default or event of default occurs and is continuing, we also may be precluded from making certain distributions (other than those required to allow us to qualify and maintain our status as a REIT).
We and certain of our subsidiaries guarantee the obligations under the Amended Credit Facility and we and certain of our subsidiaries have provided a negative pledge against specified assets (including real property), stock and other interests.
The Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement had the effect of retroactively applying the amended terms, including interest rates, covenants and borrowing capacity limits, to December 31, 2012. At December 31, 2012, we had approximately $134.9 million of borrowing capacity under the Amended Credit Facility and $2.8 million of availability was restricted related to outstanding letters of credit. As of December 31, 2012, we had approximately $72.0 million outstanding under the Amended Credit Facility and were in compliance with the above financial covenants with respect to our Amended Credit Facility.
In February 2013, we amended the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement held with Citibank, N.A. and certain other lenders to provide for certain exclusions related to our investments in joint ventures as well as the treatment of certain other investments within the compliance calculation of our secured debt ratio and certain negative covenants.
Schedule of Debt Maturities
Scheduled debt maturities for each of the five years subsequent to December 31, 2012 and thereafter, are as follows (in thousands):
(1)Includes our Credit Facility. In January 2013, we amended our Credit Facility, thereby extending the maturity date to January 2017, subject to a one-year extension option.
Amortization of deferred financing costs approximated $2.8 million, $1.3 million, $1.6 million, and $0.8 million, for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, for the period from October 19, 2010 through December 31, 2010, and the period from January 1, 2010 through October 18, 2010.
7. Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities
We use variable rate debt to finance our construction of student housing properties. These debt obligations expose us to variability in cash flows due to fluctuations in interest rates. We use derivative instruments to limit variability for a portion of our interest payments and to manage exposure to interest rate risk.
As of December 31, 2012 and 2011, the fair value of derivative contracts is recorded within other assets and other liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The effective portion of changes in fair value of derivatives designated and that qualify as cash flow hedges is recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and is subsequently reclassified to earnings in the period that the hedged forecasted transaction affects earnings. The ineffective portion of changes in fair value of derivatives designated and that qualify as cash flow hedges is recorded in earnings. If a derivative is either not designated as a hedge or if hedge accounting is discontinued, all changes in fair value of the derivative are recorded in earnings.
The fair value of interest rate swaps is determined using the market standard methodology of netting the discounted future fixed cash receipts (or payments) and the discounted expected variable cash payments (or receipts). The variable cash payments (or receipts) are based on an expectation of future interest rates (forward curves) derived from observable market interest rate curves. We incorporate credit valuation adjustments to appropriately reflect our own nonperformance risk and the respective counterparty’s nonperformance risk in the fair value measurements. In adjusting the fair value of derivative contracts for the effect of nonperformance risk, we consider the impact of netting and any applicable credit enhancements, such as collateral postings, thresholds and guarantees.
CAMPUS CREST COMMUNITIES, INC. AND
CAMPUS CREST COMMUNITIES PREDECESSOR
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
The following is a summary of the derivative instruments we entered into for the periods presented (in thousands):
The tables below reflect the effect of interest rate derivative instruments on other comprehensive income and on the consolidated and combined statements of operations for the periods presented (in thousands):
For the year ended December 31, 2012 there was $(0.2) million reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to income related to an interest rate swap.
CAMPUS CREST COMMUNITIES, INC. AND
CAMPUS CREST COMMUNITIES PREDECESSOR
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
Interest rate caps and interest rate swaps measured at fair value for the periods presented are as follows (in thousands):
8. Earnings per Share
Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders by the weighted average number of shares of our common stock outstanding during the period. All unvested stock-based payment awards are included in the computation of basic earnings per share. The computation of diluted earnings per share includes common stock issuable upon the conversion of OP Units and restricted OP Units and other potentially dilutive securities in the weighted average shares. Net income (loss) attributable to these noncontrolling interests is added back to net income (loss) available to common stockholders in the computation of diluted earnings per share.
Computations of basic and diluted income (loss) per share for the periods presented are as follows (in thousands, except per share data):
CAMPUS CREST COMMUNITIES, INC. AND
CAMPUS CREST COMMUNITIES PREDECESSOR
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
9. Equity
Preferred Stock
In February 2012, we closed an underwritten public offering of approximately 2.3 million shares of our 8.0% Series A Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock (“Series A Preferred Stock”), including approximately 0.3 million shares issued and sold pursuant to the exercise of the underwriters’ overallotment option in full. The shares of Series A Preferred Stock were issued at a public offering price of $25.00 per share, for net proceeds of approximately $54.9 million after deducting the underwriting discount and other offering costs. We used the net proceeds to repay approximately $48.9 million of indebtedness outstanding under two construction loans which had been used as partial funding for the four properties that were delivered for the 2011-2012 academic year (see Note 6). We used the remaining proceeds for general corporate purposes, including funding properties currently under development.
We will pay cumulative dividends on the Series A Preferred Stock from the date of original issue at a rate of 8.00% per annum of the $25.00 liquidation preference per share (equivalent to the fixed annual rate of $2.00 per share). Dividends on the Series A Preferred Stock will be payable quarterly in arrears on or about the 15th day of January, April, July and October of each year. The Series A Preferred Stock will rank senior to our common stock with respect to dividend rights and rights upon the voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our affairs.
We may not redeem the Series A Preferred Stock prior to February 9, 2017, except in limited circumstances relating to our ability to qualify as a REIT. On or after February 9, 2017, we may, at our option, redeem the Series A Preferred Stock, in whole or in part, at any time or from time to time, for cash at a redemption price of $25.00 per share, plus all accrued and unpaid dividends on such Series A Preferred Stock to, but not including, the date of redemption. The Series A Preferred Stock has no maturity date and is not subject to mandatory redemption or any sinking fund. Holders of shares of the Series A Preferred Stock will generally have no voting rights except for limited voting rights if we fail to pay dividends for six or more quarterly periods (whether or not consecutive) and in certain other circumstances.
Common Shares and OP Units
An OP Unit and a share of our common stock have essentially the same economic characteristics as they share equally in the net income (loss) and distributions of the Operating Partnership. An OP Unit may be tendered for redemption for cash; however, we have sole discretion and a sufficient amount of authorized common stock to exchange OP Units for shares of common stock on a one-for-one basis. No OP Units have been exchanged or redeemed since our initial public offering.
In July 2012, we closed an underwritten public offering of approximately 7.5 million shares of common stock, including approximately 1.0 million shares issued and sold pursuant to the full exercise of the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares, resulting in net proceeds of approximately $72.2 million. The net proceeds were used to: (1) acquire the remaining ownership interests in The Grove at Moscow, Idaho and The Grove at Valdosta, Georgia that we did not already own, and to repay the mortgage debt secured by these properties; and (2) to reduce borrowings outstanding under the Credit Facility. Remaining net proceeds were used for general corporate purposes.
As of December 31, 2012, there were approximately 39.0 million OP Units outstanding, of which approximately 38.6 million, or 98.9%, were owned by us and approximately 0.4 million, or 1.1%, were owned by other partners, including certain of our executive officers. As of December 31, 2012, the fair market value of the OP Units not owned by us was $5.3 million, based on a market value of $12.26 per unit, which was the closing stock price of our shares on December 31, 2012.
The following is a summary of changes of our common shares for the periods shown (in thousands):
CAMPUS CREST COMMUNITIES, INC. AND
CAMPUS CREST COMMUNITIES PREDECESSOR
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
Dividends and Distributions
For the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, we declared dividends of $0.64 per share totaling approximately $22.3 million and dividends of $0.64 per share totaling approximately $19.6 million, respectively.
On December 12, 2012, we announced that our Board of Directors declared a fourth quarter 2012 dividend of $0.16 per common share and OP Unit. The dividend was paid on January 9, 2013, to stockholders of record on December 26, 2012. At December 31, 2012, we accrued approximately $6.2 million related to our common dividend in accounts payable and accrued expenses in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
On December 12, 2012, the Board of Directors also declared a cash dividend of $0.50 per share of Series A Preferred Stock for the fourth quarter of 2012. The preferred share dividend was paid on January 15, 2013, to stockholders of record on December 26, 2012. At December 31, 2012, we accrued approximately $1.0 million related to our preferred dividend in accounts payable and accrued expenses in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
Predecessor Noncontrolling Interests - Third-Party Venture Partners
Prior to completion of the Offering, the Predecessor combined real estate ventures which wholly owned 20 operating properties. Each of these real estate ventures had third-party partners other than the Predecessor or its affiliates. The third-party owners’ share of the income or loss of the entities is reported on the accompanying combined statements of operations for the period January 1, 2010 through October 18, 2010 as net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests.
10. Incentive Plans
We have adopted the 2010 Equity Incentive Compensation Plan (the “Incentive Plan”) which permits the grant of incentive awards to executive officers, employees, consultants and non-employee directors. The aggregate number of awards approved under the Incentive Plan is 2.5 million. As of December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, 1.2 million and 1.9 million shares, respectively, were available for issuance under the Incentive Plan.
Restricted Stock Awards
Awards to executive officers and employees vest over a three year period and are subject to restriction based upon employment in good standing with the Company. Awards to non-employee directors vest over a five year period and are subject to restriction based upon continued service on our Board of Directors.
At December 31, 2012, total unrecognized compensation cost was approximately $3.3 million and is expected to be recognized over a remaining weighted average period of 4.3 years. During the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, we recognized stock compensation expense of approximately $1.2 million and $0.3 million, respectively, in the accompanying consolidated financial statements, and capitalized $1.0 million and $0.5 million, respectively.
Restricted OP Units
At December 31, 2012, total unrecognized compensation cost was approximately $0.5 million and is expected to be recognized over a remaining weighted average period of 0.8 years. During the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, we recognized stock compensation expense related to the vesting of restricted OP Units of approximately $0.2 million and $0.1 million, respectively, in the accompanying consolidated financial statements, and capitalized $0.4 million and $0.5 million, respectively.
CAMPUS CREST COMMUNITIES, INC. AND
CAMPUS CREST COMMUNITIES PREDECESSOR
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
The following is a summary of our plan activity for the periods shown (in thousands, except weighted average grant price):
11. Related Party Transactions
We lease aircraft from entities in which two of our executive officers have an ownership interest. For the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, the period from October 19, 2010 through December 31, 2010 and the period from January 1, 2010 through October 18, 2010, we and our Predecessor incurred travel costs to these entities of approximately $0.2 million, $0.2 million, $0.1 million and $0.1 million, respectively.
In 2011, we engaged an entity affiliated with one of our board members to perform certain information technology services. The total contract value was approximately $0.3 million and was fully paid as of December 31, 2012.
12. Segments
The operating segments in which management assesses performance and allocates resources are student housing operations and development, construction and management services. Our segments reflect management’s resource allocation and performance assessment in making decisions regarding the Company. Our student housing rental and student housing services revenues are aggregated within the student housing operations segment and our third-party services of development, construction and management are aggregated within the development, construction and management services segment.
CAMPUS CREST COMMUNITIES, INC. AND
CAMPUS CREST COMMUNITIES PREDECESSOR
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
The following tables set forth our segment information for the periods presented (in thousands):
CAMPUS CREST COMMUNITIES, INC. AND
CAMPUS CREST COMMUNITIES PREDECESSOR
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
13. Commitments and Contingencies
Commitments
In the normal course of business, we enter into various development and construction related purchase commitments with parties that provide development and construction related goods and services. In the event we were to terminate development or construction services prior to the completion of projects, we could potentially be committed to satisfy outstanding or uncompleted purchase orders with such parties. At December 31, 2012, management does not anticipate any material deviations from schedule or budget related to development projects currently in progress.
In the ordinary course of business, certain liens related to the construction of the student housing real estate property may be attached to our assets by contractors or suppliers. Campus Crest Construction, LLC is responsible as the general contractor for resolving these liens. There can be no assurance that we will not be required to pay amounts greater than currently recorded liabilities to settle these claims.
We have properties that are subject to long-term ground leases. Typically, these properties are located on the campuses of colleges or universities. We have the right to encumber our leasehold interests with specific property mortgages for the purposes of constructing, remodeling or making improvements on or to these properties. Title to all improvements paid for and constructed on the land remains with us until the earlier of termination or expiration of the lease at which time the title of any buildings constructed on the land will revert to the landlord. Should we decide to sell our leasehold interests during the initial or any renewal terms, the landlord has a right of first refusal to purchase the interests for the same purchase price under the same terms and conditions as contained in our offer to sell our leasehold interests.
We lease space for our corporate headquarters office. Rent expense is recognized on a straight-line basis and included in general and administrative expense. Future minimum payments over the life of our corporate office lease and long-term ground leases subsequent to December 31, 2012 are as follows (in thousands):
Contingencies
In the normal course of business, we are subject to claims, lawsuits and legal proceedings. While it is not possible to ascertain the ultimate outcome of all such matters, management believes that the aggregate amount of such liabilities, if any, in excess of amounts provided or covered by insurance, will not have a material adverse effect on the consolidated financial position or consolidated and combined results of operations of the Company or the combined results of operations of the Predecessor. We are not involved in any material litigation nor, to management’s knowledge, is any material litigation currently threatened against us or our properties or subsidiaries, other than routine litigation arising in the ordinary course of business.
We are not aware of any environmental liability with respect to the properties that could have a material adverse effect on our business, assets or results of operations. However, there can be no assurance that such a material environmental liability does not exist. The existence of any such material environmental liability could have an adverse effect on our results of operations and cash flows.
CAMPUS CREST COMMUNITIES, INC. AND
CAMPUS CREST COMMUNITIES PREDECESSOR
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
14. Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited)
The information presented below represents the consolidated financial results for the periods presented. The results below may differ from previously disclosed quarterly results due to certain reclassifications of previously unaudited quarterly results. The sum of the quarterly income (loss) per share amounts may not equal the annual income per share amounts due primarily to changes in the number of common shares outstanding from quarter to quarter (in thousands, except per share data):
15. Subsequent Events
Events occurring subsequent to the date of our consolidated balance sheet have been evaluated for potential recognition or disclosure in our consolidated and combined financial statements through the date our consolidated financial statements were available to be issued.
In January 2013, we amended our Credit Facility to 1) increase the borrowing amount under the unsecured revolving credit facility to $250 million, with a sub-limits of $30 million for swing line loans and $15 million for letters of credit, 2) include a $50.0 million Term Loan, and 3) set the maturity to a four-year term plus an additional one year extension option (upon satisfaction of certain conditions). See Note 6 for further discussion.
Schedule III - Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation as of December 31, 2012
(1)The life to compute depreciation on buildings is 40 years. Furniture, fixtures, equipment and building improvements are depreciated over periods of up to 20 years.
NOTES TO SCHEDULE III
Schedule III - Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation as of December 31, 2012
The changes in our investment in real estate and related accumulated depreciation for each of the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 are as follows (in thousands):