• | Total revenue increased 63.4% to $5.7 million for the three months ended December 31, 2014. |
• | Property Net Operating Income (“NOI”) increased by $1.2 million for the three months ended December 31, 2014. |
• | Occupancy rate of 95.6% for the 31 leasable properties owned as of December 31, 2014. |
• | Signed a non-binding joint venture agreement with Lightbridge Properties, LLC (“Lightbridge Properties”) and Lightbridge Franchise Company, LLC (“Lightbridge Franchise”), an early education and child care franchisor. |
• | Closed on the acquisition of four properties with a combined acquisition value of $18.5 million. |
• | Entered into a contract to acquire a retail shopping center known as Pierpont Centre, which expanded the Company’s geographic footprint into West Virginia. Subsequent to the quarter end, the Company completed this transaction increasing Wheeler’s gross leasable area by 122,259 square feet. |
• | Acquired the Company’s external operating companies, Wheeler Real Estate, LLC, Wheeler Interests, LLC, and WHLR Management, LLC (the “Operating Companies”), resulting in the internalization of the property management, leasing and acquisition functions. |
• | Subsequent to the end of the quarter, the Company entered into a contract to acquire Butler Square, an 82,400 square foot shopping center in Mauldin, South Carolina. |
• | Total revenue increased 97.1% to $17.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2014. |
• | NOI increased by 77.2% to $12.4 million for the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2014. |
• | Secured a $25 million guidance line of credit facility with KeyBank National Association. |
• | Completed offerings of Series B convertible preferred stock and warrants for combined total net proceeds of $37.2 million. |
• | Opened a regional office in Charleston, South Carolina. |
• | As of December 31, 2014, the Company owned or assumed contracts to acquire an aggregate of 32 properties and five development properties in 10 states with a gross leasable area of 2,036,955 square feet, compared to 23 properties in seven states with a gross leasable area of 1,294,572 square feet as of December 31, 2013. |
• | For the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company declared monthly cash dividends of $0.035 per share. On an annualized basis, this amounted to a dividend of $0.42 per share of common stock and common unit of Wheeler REIT, L.P., the Company’s Operating Partnership (“Operating Partnership Unit” or “OP Unit”), or a 10.6% dividend yield based on the December 31, 2014 closing price of $3.95 per share. |
• | Total revenue for the fourth quarter of 2014 was $5.7 million, representing a 63.4% increase over total revenue of $3.5 million for the same prior year period. |
• | Net loss attributable to Wheeler REIT common shareholders for the three months ended December 31, 2014 was $5.2 million, or a loss of $0.70 per basic and diluted share, compared to a net loss of $275,831 or a loss of $0.04 per basic and diluted share, during the same 2013 period. As a result of the internalization of the Operating Companies, the decrease for the quarter was primarily the result of an increase in general and administrative expenses over the prior year. |
• | Wheeler reported Funds From Operations (“FFO”) available to common shareholders and holders of OP Units for the three months ended December 31, 2014 of ($3.3 million), or ($0.31) share of common stock and OP Unit, compared to $1.2 million, or $0.13 per share of common stock and OP unit for the three months ended December 31, 2013. The decrease in FFO for the fourth quarter 2014 was primarily due to an increase in general and administrative expenses as a result of the internalization of the operating companies. |
• | Total Core FFO for the three months ended December 31, 2014 was ($655,246), or ($0.06) per share of common stock and OP Unit, compared to $1.0 million, or $0.11 per common share and OP Unit for the same period of the prior year. |
• | NOI was $3.9 million for the three months ended December 31, 2014, which represents an increase 42.8% over NOI of $2.7 million for the prior year period. |
• | Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization (“EBITDA”) was $87,983 for the three months ended December 31, 2014, as compared to $2.2 million of EBITDA for the three months ended December 31, 2013. |
• | In November 2014, the Company entered into a non-binding joint venture agreement with Lightbridge Properties, LLC and Lightbridge Franchise Company, LLC. Under the terms of the agreement, Lightbridge Properties will provide the Company with the option to participate in the acquisition and development of any potential properties that Lightbridge Franchise has identified as future sites for its centers. |
• | Total revenue for the twelve months ended December 31, 2014 increased 97.1% to $17.2 million, as compared to total revenue of $8.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. |
• | Net loss attributable to Wheeler REIT common shareholders for the year ended December 31, 2014 was $13.3 million, or a loss of $1.80 per basic and diluted share, compared to a net loss of $3.8 million or $0.82 per basic and diluted share, for the year ended December 31, 2013. |
• | Wheeler reported FFO available to common shareholders and holders of OP Units for the year ended December 31, 2014 of ($6.2 million), or ($0.65) per share of common stock and OP Unit, compared to ($1.1 million), or ($0.16) per share of common stock and OP Unit in the prior year comparable period. |
• | Total Core FFO available to common shareholders and holders of OP Units for the year ended December 31, 2014 was ($1.1 million), or ($0.12) per share of common stock and OP Unit, as compared to $1.6 million or $0.25 per share of common stock and OP Unit, for the year ended December 31, 2013. |
• | Property NOI was $12.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, representing an increase of 77.2% over NOI of $7.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. |
• | EBITDA was $3.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, representing an increase of $1.7 million over the $1.6 million of EBITDA generated for the year ended December 31, 2013. |
• | During the third quarter 2014, the Company opened a regional office in Charleston, South Carolina to provide leasing and property management services to the Company’s properties, as well as future acquisitions, located in the Southeast region of the United States. |
• | In January 2014, the Company acquired Wheeler Development. Wheeler Development specializes in ground up development, the redevelopment of mature centers, Phase Two developments for existing centers and build-to-suit projects for select tenants. To date, Wheeler Development has developed nine properties in four states of which seven are currently owned by the Company. |
• | During 2014, Wheeler acquired eight shopping centers with a combined gross leasable area of 622,792 square feet. The Company also acquired five development properties totaling approximately 64 acres of land, Wheeler Development and the Operating Companies. The combined value of these acquisitions is approximately $71.6 million. |
• | The Company signed ten lease renewals totaling 32,583 square feet at a weighted average increase of $0.31 per square foot for the three months ended December 31, 2014, representing an increase of 5.7% over prior rates. The Company completed one renewal totaling 1,200 square feet at a weighted average increase of $1.22 per square foot for the same period of the prior year. |
• | Renewals for the year ended December 31, 2014 were comprised of thirty-three transactions totaling 139,053 square feet with a weighted average increase of $0.23 per square foot, representing an increase of 6.6% over prior rates. This compares to nineteen renewal leases totaling approximately 152,774 square feet with a weighted average increase of $0.06 for the year ended December 31, 2013. |
• | For the three months ended December 31, 2014, Wheeler executed two new leases totaling approximately 3,600 square feet at a weighted average rate of $10.83 per square foot. The Company did not execute any new leases during the three month period ended December 31, 2013. |
• | During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company executed sixteen new leases totaling 37,596 square feet with a weighted average rate of $12.43 per square foot. In 2013, the Company signed nine new leases that totaled 18,932 square feet at a weighted average rate of $7.63 per square foot. |
• | Approximately 10.14% of Wheeler’s gross leasable area is subject to leases that expire during the twelve months ending December 31, 2015. Based on recent market trends, the Company believes that tenants will renew these leases at amounts and terms comparable to existing lease agreements. |
• | Wheeler’s net investment properties as of December 31, 2014 were valued at $152.3 million, as compared to $101.8 million as of December 31, 2013. |
• | The Company’s total fixed-rate debt was $141.5 million at December 31, 2014, compared to $94.6 million at December 31, 2013. The increase is primarily due to acquisitions made during 2014, and also from the issuance of senior non-convertible notes in January 2014. Wheeler’s weighted average interest rate and term of the Company’s fixed-rate debt was 5.14% and 5.96 years, respectively, at December 31, 2014, compared to 5.31% and 5.61 years, respectively, at December 31, 2013. |
• | For the three months ended December 31, 2014, the Company distributed $1.2 million to common shareholders and holders of OP Units, as compared to $954,700 for the same period of the prior year. |
• | For the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company distributed $4.1 million to common shareholders and holders of OP Units, as compared to $2.9 million distributed for the same period of the prior year. |
• | The Company has distributed $1.2 million in quarterly dividends to holders of preferred stock for the three months ended December 31, 2014, as compared to $40,703 distributed for the same period of the prior year. The increase in dividend payments was due to the Company’s issuances of Series B preferred stock in April and September of 2014. |
• | For the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company distributed $2.7 million in quarterly dividends to holders of preferred stock, as compared to $141,400 distributed for the prior year. The increase in dividend payments were due to the issuances of the Series B preferred stock, as mentioned above. |
• | On January 14, 2015, the Company completed the acquisition of Pierpont Centre, a 122,259 square foot shopping center location in Morgantown, West Virginia, for $13.89 million. Consideration for the acquisition consisted of a combination of cash and debt. The property is currently 100% leased, and its major tenants include GNC, Hallmark, Michael’s, Ruby Tuesday and Outback Steakhouse. |
• | On February 15, 2015, the Company announced it had signed a contract to acquire Butler Square, an 82,400 square foot shopping center located in Mauldin, South Carolina, for $9.4 million. Consideration for the acquisition of the center will be a combination of cash and debt. The property is 100% leased, and its major tenants are Bi-Lo and Dollar Tree. |
• | the imposition of federal taxes if the Company fails to qualify as a REIT in any taxable year or opts to forego an opportunity to ensure REIT status; |
• | uncertainties related to the national economy, the real estate industry in general and in our specific markets; |
• | legislative or regulatory changes, including changes to laws governing REITs; |
• | adverse economic or real estate developments in Virginia, Florida, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, New Jersey, Tennessee, Kentucky, West Virginia or Oklahoma; |
• | increases in interest rates and operating costs; |
• | inability to obtain necessary outside financing; |
• | litigation risks; |
• | lease-up risks; |
• | inability to obtain new tenants upon the expiration of existing leases; |
• | inability to generate sufficient cash flows due to market conditions, competition, uninsured losses, changes in tax or other applicable laws; and |
• | the need to fund tenant improvements or other capital expenditures out of operating cash flow. |
CONTACT: -OR- | INVESTOR RELATIONS: |
Wheeler Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc. | The Equity Group Inc. |
Robin Hanisch | Terry Downs |
Corporate Secretary | Associate |
(757) 627-9088 | (212) 836-9615 |
robin@whlr.us | tdowns@equityny.com |
Laura Nguyen | Adam Prior |
Director of Marketing | Senior Vice-President |
(757) 627-9088 | (212)836-9606 |
lnguyen@whlr.us | aprior@equityny.com |
Wheeler Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc. and Subsidiaries Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Three Months Ended December 31, | Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||
2014 | 2013 | 2014 | 2013 | ||||||||||||||||||||
(unaudited) | (unaudited) | (unaudited) | |||||||||||||||||||||
REVENUE: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Rental revenues | $ | 4,202,175 | $ | 2,533,937 | $ | 13,598,681 | $ | 7,158,549 | |||||||||||||||
Asset management fees | 296,290 | - | 296,290 | - | |||||||||||||||||||
Commissions | 158,876 | - | 158,876 | - | |||||||||||||||||||
Tenant reimbursement and other revenues | 1,036,235 | 950,207 | 3,105,405 | 1,548,943 | |||||||||||||||||||
Total Revenue | 5,693,576 | 3,484,144 | 17,159,252 | 8,707,492 | |||||||||||||||||||
OPERATING EXPENSES: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Property operations | 1,326,714 | 745,111 | 4,314,599 | 1,713,957 | |||||||||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 2,493,700 | 1,262,058 | 8,220,490 | 3,466,957 | |||||||||||||||||||
Provision for credit losses | 42,099 | 36,908 | 60,841 | 106,828 | |||||||||||||||||||
Corporate general & administrative | 4,236,780 | 530,873 | 9,495,711 | 5,297,166 | |||||||||||||||||||
Total Operating Expenses | 8,099,293 | 2,574,950 | 22,091,641 | 10,584,908 | |||||||||||||||||||
Operating Income (Loss) | (2,405,717 | ) | 909,194 | (4,932,389 | ) | (1,877,416 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Interest expense | (2,187,016 | ) | (909,864 | ) | (6,813,426 | ) | (2,497,810 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Net Loss | (4,592,733 | ) | (670 | ) | (11,745,815 | ) | (4,375,226 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Less: Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests | (539,573 | ) | 235,292 | (1,195,560 | ) | (714,972 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Net Loss Attributable to Wheeler REIT | (4,053,160 | ) | (235,962 | ) | (10,550,255 | ) | (3,660,254 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Preferred stock dividends | (1,165,937 | ) | (39,869 | ) | (2,718,257 | ) | (141,418 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Net Loss Attributable to Wheeler REIT | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Common Shareholders | $ | (5,219,097 | ) | $ | (275,831 | ) | $ | (13,268,512 | ) | $ | (3,801,672 | ) | |||||||||||
Loss per share: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Basic and Diluted | $ | (0.70 | ) | $ | (0.04 | ) | $ | (1.80 | ) | $ | (0.82 | ) | |||||||||||
Weighted-average number of shares: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Basic and Diluted | 7,460,109 | 7,121,000 | 7,352,433 | 4,620,600 |
Wheeler Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc. and Subsidiaries Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet | |||||||||||||||
December 31, | |||||||||||||||
2014 | 2013 | ||||||||||||||
(unaudited) | |||||||||||||||
ASSETS: | |||||||||||||||
Investment properties, net | $ | 152,250,986 | $ | 101,772,335 | |||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | 9,969,748 | 1,155,083 | |||||||||||||
Rents and other tenant receivables, net | 1,985,466 | 1,594,864 | |||||||||||||
Goodwill | 7,004,072 | - | |||||||||||||
Deferred costs and other assets, net | 29,272,096 | 20,847,984 | |||||||||||||
Total Assets | $ | 200,482,368 | $ | 125,370,266 | |||||||||||
LIABILITIES: | |||||||||||||||
Loans payable | $ | 141,450,143 | $ | 94,562,503 | |||||||||||
Below market lease intangible, net | 778,173 | 2,674,566 | |||||||||||||
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities | 5,130,625 | 2,526,388 | |||||||||||||
Total Liabilities | 147,358,941 | 99,763,457 | |||||||||||||
Commitments and contingencies | - | - | |||||||||||||
EQUITY: | |||||||||||||||
Series A preferred stock (no par value, 4,500 shares authorized, | |||||||||||||||
1,809 and no shares issued and outstanding, respectively) | 1,458,050 | 1,458,050 | |||||||||||||
Series B preferred stock (no par value, 3,000,000 shares authorized, | |||||||||||||||
1,648,900 and no shares issued and outstanding, respectively) | 37,620,254 | - | |||||||||||||
Common stock ($0.01 par value, 75,000,000 shares authorized, | |||||||||||||||
7,512,979 and 7,121,000 shares issued and outstanding, | |||||||||||||||
respectively | 75,129 | 71,210 | |||||||||||||
Additional paid-in capital | 31,077,060 | 28,169,693 | |||||||||||||
Accumulated deficit | (27,660,234 | ) | (11,298,253 | ) | |||||||||||
Total Shareholders' Equity | 42,570,259 | 18,400,700 | |||||||||||||
Noncontrolling interests | 10,553,168 | 7,206,109 | |||||||||||||
Total Equity | 53,123,427 | 25,606,809 | |||||||||||||
Total Liabilities and Equity | $ | 200,482,368 | $ | 125,370,266 |
Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Same Stores | New Stores | Total | Period Over Period Changes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2014 | 2013 | 2014 | 2013 | 2014 | 2013 | $ | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net income (loss) | $ | (5,181,170 | ) | $ | (2,526,591 | ) | $ | (6,564,645 | ) | $ | (1,848,635 | ) | $ | (11,745,815 | ) | $ | (4,375,226 | ) | $ | (7,370,589 | ) | (168.46 | )% | |||||||||
Depreciation of real estate assets | 1,973,012 | 2,683,581 | 6,247,478 | 783,376 | 8,220,490 | 3,466,957 | 4,753,533 | 137.11 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Total FFO | (3,208,158 | ) | 156,990 | (317,167 | ) | (1,065,259 | ) | (3,525,325 | ) | (908,269 | ) | (2,617,056 | ) | (288.14 | )% | |||||||||||||||||
Three Months Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Same Stores | New Stores | Total | Period Over Period Changes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2014 | 2013 | 2014 | 2013 | 2014 | 2013 | $ | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net income (loss) | $ | (1,920,045 | ) | $ | 404,545 | $ | (2,672,688 | ) | $ | (405,215 | ) | $ | (4,592,733 | ) | $ | (670 | ) | $ | (4,592,063 | ) | (685,382.54 | )% | ||||||||||
Depreciation of real estate assets | 436,559 | 729,484 | 2,057,141 | 532,574 | 2,493,700 | 1,262,058 | 1,231,642 | 97.59 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Total FFO | $ | (1,483,486 | ) | $ | 1,134,029 | $ | (615,547 | ) | $ | 127,359 | $ | (2,099,033 | ) | $ | 1,261,388 | $ | (3,360,421 | ) | (266.41 | )% |
Three Months Ended December 31, | Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||||
2014 | 2013 | 2014 | 2013 | |||||||||||||||||
Total FFO | $ | (2,099,033 | ) | $ | 1,261,388 | $ | (3,525,325 | ) | $ | (908,269 | ) | |||||||||
Preferred stock dividends | (1,165,937 | ) | (39,869 | ) | (2,718,257 | ) | (141,418 | ) | ||||||||||||
Total FFO available to common shareholders and common unitholders | (3,264,970 | ) | 1,221,519 | (6,243,582 | ) | (1,049,687 | ) | |||||||||||||
Legal and accounting costs for acquisitions | 1,882,900 | 815,000 | 3,787,900 | 2,856,000 | ||||||||||||||||
Share-based compensation | 266,988 | - | 456,988 | - | ||||||||||||||||
Perimeter accrual | - | (856,000 | ) | - | 267,000 | |||||||||||||||
Other noncash adjustments | 459,836 | (152,602 | ) | 873,036 | (473,142 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Total Core FFO | $ | (655,246 | ) | $ | 1,027,917 | $ | (1,125,658 | ) | $ | 1,600,171 | ||||||||||
Weighted Average Common Shares: Basic and Diluted | 7,460,109 | 7,121,000 | 7,352,433 | 4,620,600 | ||||||||||||||||
Weighted Average Common Units | 3,191,209 | 2,037,287 | 2,275,888 | 1,893,421 | ||||||||||||||||
Total Common Shares and Units | 10,651,318 | 9,158,287 | 9,628,321 | 6,514,021 | ||||||||||||||||
FFO per Common Share and Common Unit | $ | (0.31 | ) | $ | 0.13 | $ | (0.65 | ) | $ | (0.16 | ) | |||||||||
Core FFO per Common Share and Common Unit | $ | (0.06 | ) | $ | 0.11 | $ | (0.12 | ) | $ | 0.25 |
Wheeler Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc. and Subsidiaries Property Net Operating Income | ||||||||||||||||||||
Three Months Ended December 31, | Years Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||||
2014 | 2013 | 2014 | 2013 | |||||||||||||||||
Property Revenues | $ | 5,238,410 | $ | 3,484,144 | $ | 16,704,086 | $ | 8,707,492 | ||||||||||||
Property Expenses | 1,326,714 | 745,111 | 4,314,599 | 1,713,957 | ||||||||||||||||
Property Net Operating Income | 3,911,696 | 2,739,033 | 12,389,487 | 6,993,535 | ||||||||||||||||
Asset Management and Commission Revenue | 455,166 | - | 455,166 | - | ||||||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 2,493,700 | 1,262,058 | 8,220,490 | 3,466,957 | ||||||||||||||||
Provision for credit losses | 42,099 | 36,908 | 60,841 | 106,828 | ||||||||||||||||
Corporate general & administrative | 4,236,780 | 530,873 | 9,495,711 | 5,297,166 | ||||||||||||||||
Total Other Operating Expenses | 6,772,579 | 1,829,839 | 17,777,042 | 8,870,951 | ||||||||||||||||
Interest Expense | 2,187,016 | 909,864 | 6,813,426 | 2,497,810 | ||||||||||||||||
Net Loss | $ | (4,592,733 | ) | $ | (670 | ) | $ | (11,745,815 | ) | $ | (4,375,226 | ) |
Wheeler Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc. and Subsidiaries Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization - EBITDA | ||||||||||||||||||||
Three Months Ended December 31, | Years Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||||
2014 | 2013 | 2014 | 2013 | |||||||||||||||||
Net Loss | $ | (4,592,733 | ) | $ | (670 | ) | $ | (11,745,815 | ) | $ | (4,375,226 | ) | ||||||||
Add back: Depreciation and amortization | 2,493,700 | 1,262,058 | 8,220,490 | 3,466,957 | ||||||||||||||||
Interest Expense | 2,187,016 | 909,864 | 6,813,426 | 2,497,810 | ||||||||||||||||
EBITDA | $ | 87,983 | $ | 2,171,252 | $ | 3,288,101 | $ | 1,589,541 | ||||||||||||