UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION 

Washington, DC 20549 

FORM 10-K

 

[X] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014

 

or

 

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

For the transition period from           to         .

 

RETAIL OPPORTUNITY INVESTMENTS CORP. 

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter

Commission file number:  001-33749

 

RETAIL OPPORTUNITY INVESTMENTS PARTNERSHIP, LP
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)  

Commission file number:  333-189057-01

 

Maryland (Retail Opportunity Investments Corp.) 

Delaware (Retail Opportunity Investments Partnership, LP)

(State or other jurisdiction of 

incorporation or organization)

8905 Towne Centre Drive, Suite 108

San Diego, CA

(Address of principal executive offices)

26-0500600 (Retail Opportunity Investments Corp.) 

94-2969738 (Retail Opportunity Investments Partnership, LP) 

(I.R.S. Employer 

Identification No.)

92122

(Zip code)

 

  

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: 

(858) 677-0900

Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

Title of Each Class   Name of Exchange on Which Registered

Common Stock, $0.0001 par value per share

 

 

The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC

 

Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

 

Retail Opportunity Investments Corp.                                None

Retail Opportunity Investments Partnership, LP               None

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.  

 

Retail Opportunity Investments Corp. Yes ☒   No ☐  

Retail Opportunity Investments Partnership, LP

Yes ☐   No ☒  

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.  

 

Retail Opportunity Investments Corp. Yes ☒   No ☐  
Retail Opportunity Investments Partnership, LP Yes ☒   No ☐  

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  

 

Retail Opportunity Investments Corp. Yes ☒   No ☐  
Retail Opportunity Investments Partnership, LP Yes ☒   No ☐  

 

1
 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).  

 

Retail Opportunity Investments Corp. Yes ☒   No ☐  
Retail Opportunity Investments Partnership, LP Yes ☒   No ☐  

 

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.  ☐

 

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

 

Retail Opportunity Investments Corp.

 

Large accelerated filer ☒ Accelerated filer ☐ Non-accelerated filer ☐
(Do not check if a smaller
reporting company)
Smaller reporting company ☐

 

Retail Opportunity Investments Partnership, LP

 

Large accelerated filer ☐ Accelerated filer ☐ Non-accelerated filer ☒
(Do not check if a smaller
reporting company)
Smaller reporting company ☐

  

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a Shell Company (as defined in rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).  

 

Retail Opportunity Investments Corp. Yes ☐   No ☒  
Retail Opportunity Investments Partnership, LP Yes ☐   No ☒  

 

The aggregate market value of the common equity held by non-affiliates of Retail Opportunity Investments Corp. as of June 30, 2014, the last business day of its most recently completed second fiscal quarter, was $1.4 billion (based on the closing sale price of $15.73 per share of Retail Opportunity Investments Corp. common stock on that date as reported on the NASDAQ Global Select Market).

 

There is no public trading market for the operating partnership units of Retail Opportunity Investments Partnership, LP. As a result the aggregate market value of common equity securities held by non-affiliates of this registrant cannot be determined.

 

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock as of the latest practicable date: 93,306,923 shares of common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, of Retail Opportunity Investments Corp. outstanding as of February 20, 2015

 

 

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

 

Portions of Retail Opportunity Investments Corp.’s definitive proxy statement for its 2015 Annual Meeting, to be filed within 120 days after its fiscal year, are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

2
 

EXPLANATORY PARAGRAPH

 

This report combines the annual reports on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014 of Retail Opportunity Investments Corp., a Maryland corporation (“ROIC”), and Retail Opportunity Investments Partnership, LP, a Delaware limited partnership (the “Operating Partnership”) of which Retail Opportunity Investments Corp. is the parent company and through its wholly owned subsidiary, acts as general partner. Unless otherwise indicated or unless the context requires otherwise, all references in this report to “the Company,” “we,” “us,” “our,” or “our company” refer to ROIC together with its consolidated subsidiaries, including Retail Opportunity Investments Partnership, LP. Unless otherwise indicated or unless the context requires otherwise, all references in this report to the Operating Partnership refer to Retail Opportunity Investments Partnership, LP together with its consolidated subsidiaries.

 

ROIC operates as a real estate investment trust (“REIT”) and as of December 31, 2014, ROIC owned an approximate 95.9% partnership interest in the Operating Partnership. Retail Opportunity Investments GP, LLC, ROIC’s wholly-owned subsidiary, is the sole general partner of the Operating Partnership. Through this subsidiary, ROIC has full and complete authority and control over the Operating Partnership’s business.

 

The Company believes that combining the annual reports on Form 10-K of ROIC and the Operating Partnership into a single report will result in the following benefits:

 

 • facilitate a better understanding by the investors of ROIC and the Operating Partnership by enabling them to view the business as a whole in the same manner as management views and operates the business
   
 • remove duplicative disclosures and provide a more straightforward presentation in light of the fact that a substantial portion of the disclosure applies to both ROIC and the Operating Partnership; and
   
 • create time and cost efficiencies through the preparation of one combined report instead of two separate reports.

 

Management operates ROIC and the Operating Partnership as one enterprise. The management of ROIC and the Operating Partnership are the same.

 

There are few differences between ROIC and the Operating Partnership, which are reflected in the disclosures in this report. The Company believes it is important to understand the differences between ROIC and the Operating Partnership in the context of how these entities operate as an interrelated consolidated company. ROIC is a REIT, whose only material assets are its direct or indirect partnership interests in the Operating Partnership and membership interest in Retail Opportunity Investments GP, LLC, which is the sole general partner of the Operating Partnership. As a result, ROIC does not conduct business itself, other than acting as the parent company and through Retail Opportunity Investments Partnership GP, LLC as the sole general partner of the Operating Partnership. The Operating Partnership holds substantially all the assets of the Company and directly or indirectly holds the ownership interests in the Company’s real estate ventures. The Company conducts its business through the Operating Partnership, which is structured as a partnership with no publicly traded equity. Except for net proceeds from warrants exercised and equity issuances by ROIC, which are contributed to the Operating Partnership, the Operating Partnership generates the capital required by the Company’s business through the Operating Partnership’s operations, by the Operating Partnership’s incurrence of indebtedness (directly and through subsidiaries) or through the issuance of operating partnership units (“OP Units”) of the Operating Partnership.

 

Non-controlling interests is the primary difference between the Consolidated Financial Statements for ROIC and the Operating Partnership. The OP Units in the Operating Partnership that are not owned by ROIC are accounted for as partners’ capital in the Operating Partnership’s financial statements and as non-controlling interests in ROIC’s financial statements. Accordingly, this report presents the Consolidated Financial Statements for ROIC and the Operating Partnership separately, as required, as well as Earnings Per Share / Earnings Per Unit and Capital of the Partnership.

 

This report also includes separate Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Liquidity and Capital Resources, Item 9A. Controls and Procedures sections and separate Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer certifications for each of ROIC and the Operating Partnership as reflected in Exhibits 31 and 32.

3
 

 

 

RETAIL OPPORTUNITY INVESTMENTS CORP.  
       
TABLE OF CONTENTS  
       
      Page
PART I 6
Item 1.   Business 6
Item 1A.   Risk Factors 10
Item 1B.   Unresolved Staff Comments 21
Item 2.   Properties 21
Item 3.   Legal Proceedings 24
Item 4.   Mine Safety Disclosures. 24
PART II 25
Item 5.   Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities 25
Item 6.   Selected Financial Data 28
Item 7.   Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 29
Item 7A.   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk 42
Item 8.   Financial Statements and Supplementary Data 44
Item 9.   Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure 76
Item 9A.   Controls and Procedures 76
Item 9B.   Other Information 77
PART III 77
Item 10.   Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance 77
Item 11.   Executive Compensation 77
Item 12.   Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters 77
Item 13.   Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence 77
Item 14.   Principal Accounting Fees and Services 77
PART IV 78
Item 15.    Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules 78
SIGNATURES 81

 

 

4
 

Statements Regarding Forward-Looking Information

 

When used in this discussion and elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, the words “believes,” “anticipates,” “projects,” “should,” “estimates,” “expects,” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements with the meaning of that term in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and in Section 21F of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”).  Actual results may differ materially due to uncertainties including:

 

the Company’s ability to identify and acquire retail real estate that meet its investment standards in its markets;
   
the level of rental revenue the Company achieves from its assets;
   
the market value of the Company’s assets and the supply of, and demand for, retail real estate in which it invests;
   
the state of the U.S. economy generally, or in specific geographic regions;
   
the impact of economic conditions on the Company’s business;
   
the conditions in the local markets in which the Company operates and its concentration in those markets, as well as changes in national economic and market conditions;
   
consumer spending and confidence trends;
   
the Company’s ability to enter into new leases or to renew leases with existing tenants at the properties it owns or acquires at favorable rates;
   
the Company’s ability to anticipate changes in consumer buying practices and the space needs of tenants;
   
the competitive landscape impacting the properties the Company owns or acquires and their tenants;
   
the Company’s relationships with its tenants and their financial condition and liquidity;
   
ROIC’s ability to continue to qualify as a real estate investment trust (a “REIT”) for U.S. federal income tax purposes;
   
the Company’s use of debt as part of its financing strategy and its ability to make payments or to comply with any covenants under its senior unsecured notes, its unsecured credit facility or other debt facilities it currently has or subsequently obtains;
   
the Company’s level of operating expenses, including amounts it is required to pay to its management team;
   
changes in interest rates that could impact the market price of ROIC’s common stock and the cost of the Company’s borrowings; and
   
legislative and regulatory changes (including changes to laws governing the taxation of REITs).

 

Forward-looking statements are based on estimates as of the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.  The Company disclaims any obligation to publicly release the results of any revisions to these forward-looking statements reflecting new estimates, events or circumstances after the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

5
 

The risks included here are not exhaustive.  Other sections of this Annual Report on Form 10-K may include additional factors that could adversely affect the Company’s business and financial performance.  Moreover, the Company operates in a very competitive and rapidly changing environment.  New risk factors emerge from time to time and it is not possible for management to predict all such risk factors, nor can it assess the impact of all such risk factors on the Company’s business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements.  Given these risks and uncertainties, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements as a prediction of actual results.

 

PART I

 

In this Annual Report on Form 10-K, unless otherwise indicated or the context requires otherwise, all references to “the Company,” “we,” “us,” “our,” or “our company” refer to ROIC together with its consolidated subsidiaries, including the Operating Partnership.

 

Item 1.  Business

 

Overview

 

Retail Opportunity Investments Corp., a Maryland corporation (“ROIC”) commenced operations in October 2009 as a fully integrated, self-managed real estate investment trust (“REIT”), and as of December 31, 2014, ROIC owned an approximate 95.9% partnership interest and other limited partners owned the remaining 4.1% partnership interest in the Operating Partnership.  The Company specializes in the acquisition, ownership and management of necessity-based community and neighborhood shopping centers on the west coast of the United States, anchored by supermarkets and drugstores.  

 

From the commencement of its operations through December 31, 2014, the Company has completed approximately $1.7 billion of shopping center investments.  As of December 31, 2014, the Company’s portfolio consisted of 61 retail properties totaling approximately 7.3 million square feet of gross leasable area (“GLA”).

 

ROIC is organized in a traditional umbrella partnership real estate investment trust (“UpREIT”) format pursuant to which Retail Opportunity Investments GP, LLC, its wholly-owned subsidiary, serves as the sole general partner of, and ROIC conducts substantially all of its business through, its operating partnership, Retail Opportunity Investments Partnership, LP, a Delaware limited partnership (the “Operating Partnership”), together with its subsidiaries.

 

ROIC’s only material assets are its direct or indirect partnership interests in the Operating Partnership and membership interest in Retail Opportunity Investments GP, LLC, which is the sole general partner of the Operating Partnership. As a result, ROIC does not conduct business itself, other than acting as the parent company and through this subsidiary, acts as the sole general partner of the Operating Partnership. The Operating Partnership holds substantially all the assets of the Company and directly or indirectly holds the ownership interests in the Company’s real estate ventures. The Operating Partnership conducts the operations of the Company’s business and is structured as a partnership with no publicly traded equity. Except for net proceeds from warrant exercises and equity issuances by ROIC, which are contributed to the Operating Partnership, the Operating Partnership generates the capital required by the Company’s business through the Operating Partnership’s operations, by the Operating Partnership’s incurrence of indebtedness (directly and through subsidiaries) or through the issuance of operating partnership units (“OP Units”) of the Operating Partnership.

 

Investment Strategy

 

The Company seeks to acquire shopping centers located in densely populated, supply-constrained metropolitan markets in the western regions of the United States, which exhibit income and population growth and high barriers to entry.  The Company’s senior management team has operated in the Company’s markets for over 25 years and has established an extensive network of relationships in these markets with key institutional and private property owners, brokers and financial institutions and other real estate operators.  The Company’s in-depth local and regional market knowledge and expertise provides a distinct competitive advantage in identifying and accessing attractive acquisition opportunities, including properties that are not widely marketed.

 

The Company seeks to acquire high quality necessity-based community and neighborhood shopping centers anchored by national and regional supermarkets and drugstores that are well-leased, with stable cash flows.  Additionally, the Company acquires shopping centers which it believes are candidates for attractive near-term retenanting or present other value-enhancement opportunities.

 

Upon acquiring a shopping center, the Company normally commences leasing initiatives aimed at enhancing long-term value through re-leasing below market space and improving the tenant mix.  The Company focuses on leasing to retailers that provide necessity-based, non-discretionary goods and services, catering to the basic and daily needs of the surrounding community.  The Company believes necessity-based retailers draw consistent, regular traffic to its shopping centers, which results in stronger sales for its tenants and a more consistent revenue base.  Additionally, the Company seeks to maintain a strong and diverse tenant base with a balance of large, long-term leases to major national and regional retailers, including supermarkets, drugstores and discount stores, with small, shorter-term leases to a broad mix of national, regional and local retailers.  The Company believes the long-term anchor tenants provide a reliable, stable base of rental revenue, while the shorter-term leases afford the Company the opportunity to drive rental growth, as well as the ongoing flexibility to adapt to evolving consumer trends.

 

6
 

The Company believes that the current market environment continues to present opportunities for it to further build its portfolio and add additional necessity-based community and neighborhood shopping centers that meet its investment profile.  The Company’s long-term objective is to prudently build and maintain a diverse portfolio of necessity-based community and neighborhood shopping centers aimed at providing stockholders with sustainable, long-term growth and value through all economic cycles.

 

In implementing its investment strategy and selecting an asset for acquisition, the Company analyzes the fundamental qualities of the asset, the inherent strengths and weaknesses of its market, sub-market drivers and trends, and potential risks and risk mitigants facing the property.  The Company believes that its acquisition process and operational expertise provide it with the capability to identify and properly underwrite investment opportunities.

 

The Company’s aim is to seek to provide diversification of assets, tenant exposures, lease terms and locations as its portfolio expands.  In order to capitalize on the changing sets of investment opportunities that may be present in the various points of an economic cycle, the Company may expand or refocus its investment strategy.  The Company’s investment strategy may be amended from time to time, if approved by its board of directors.  The Company is not required to seek stockholder approval when amending its investment strategy.

 

Transactions During 2014

 

Investing Activity

 

Property Acquisitions

 

On February 18, 2014, the Company acquired the property known as Tigard Marketplace located in Tigard, Oregon, within the Portland metropolitan area, for a purchase price of approximately $25.1 million. Tigard Marketplace is approximately 137,000 square feet and is anchored by H-Mart Supermarket. The property was acquired with borrowings under the Company’s credit facility.

 

On February 28, 2014, the Company acquired the property known as Creekside Plaza located in Poway, California, within the San Diego metropolitan area, for a purchase price of approximately $44.0 million. Creekside Plaza is approximately 129,000 square feet and is anchored by Stater Brothers Supermarket. The property was acquired with borrowings under the Company’s credit facility.

 

On April 30, 2014, the Company acquired the property known as North Park Plaza located in San Jose, California, within the San Francisco Bay Area metropolitan area, for a purchase price of approximately $27.8 million. North Park Plaza is approximately 77,000 square feet and is anchored by SF Supermarket. The property was acquired with borrowings under the Company’s credit facility and available cash.

 

On May 22, 2014, the Company acquired the property known as Aurora Square II located in Shoreline, Washington, within the Seattle metropolitan area, for a purchase price of approximately $15.8 million. Aurora Square II is approximately 66,000 square feet and is contiguous to an existing ROIC grocery-anchored shopping center, Aurora Square. Aurora Square II, together with Aurora Square, aggregate 104,000 square feet and are anchored by Marshall’s (Aurora Square II) and Central Supermarket (Aurora Square). The property was acquired with borrowings under the Company’s credit facility and available cash.

 

On June 13, 2014, the Company acquired the property known as Fallbrook Shopping Center located in West Hills, California, within the Los Angeles metropolitan area, for a purchase price of approximately $210.0 million. Fallbrook Shopping Center has approximately 1.1 million square feet of GLA of which approximately 756,000 square feet is owned by the Company. Key tenants include Trader Joe’s, Sprouts Market, Home Depot, Kohl’s, TJ Maxx, Ross Dress For Less, AMC Theaters and 24 Hour Fitness. Fallbrook Shopping Center also features Target, Walmart and Kroger (Ralph’s) Supermarket, which occupy substantially all of the GLA not owned by the Company. The property was acquired with borrowings under the Company’s credit facility and available cash.

 

On December 3, 2014, the Company acquired the property known as Moorpark Town Center located in Moorpark, California, within the Los Angeles metropolitan area, for a purchase price of approximately $27.3 million. Moorpark Town Center is approximately 134,000 square feet and is anchored by Kroger (Ralph’s) Supermarket and CVS Pharmacy. The property was acquired with borrowings under the Company’s credit facility.

 

On December 4, 2014, the Company acquired the property known as Mission Foothill Marketplace located in Mission Viejo, California, within the Orange County metropolitan area, for a purchase price of approximately $29.0 million. Mission Foothill Marketplace is approximately 111,000 square feet and is anchored by Haggen Supermarket and CVS Pharmacy. The property was acquired with borrowings under the Company’s credit facility.

 

On December 11, 2014, the Company acquired the property known as Wilsonville Town Center located in Wilsonville, Oregon, within the Portland metropolitan area, for an adjusted purchase price of approximately $35.6 million. Wilsonville Town Center is approximately 168,000 square feet and is anchored by Thriftway Supermarket, Rite Aid Pharmacy and Dollar Tree. The acquisition was funded through approximately $19.4 million in cash and the issuance of 989,272 OP Units with a fair value of approximately $16.3 million.

 

7
 

Property Dispositions

 

On June 5, 2014, the Company sold Phillips Village Shopping Center, a non-core shopping center located in Pomona, California with an occupancy rate of approximately 10.4% as of May 31, 2014. The sales price of this property of approximately $16.0 million, less costs to sell, resulted in net proceeds to the Company of approximately $15.6 million. Accordingly, the Company recorded a gain on sale of approximately $3.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 related to this property.

 

On August 25, 2014, the Company sold the Oregon City Point Shopping Center, a non-core shopping center located in Oregon City, Oregon. The sales price of this property of approximately $12.4 million, less costs to sell, resulted in net proceeds of approximately $12.0 million. Accordingly, the Company recorded a gain on sale of approximately $1.6 million for year ended December 31, 2014 related to this property.

 

Financing Activities

 

The Company employs prudent amounts of leverage and uses debt as a means of providing funds for the acquisition of its properties and the diversification of its portfolio.  The Company seeks to primarily utilize unsecured debt in order to maintain liquidity and flexibility in its capital structure.

 

Senior Notes Due 2024

 

On December 3, 2014, the Operating Partnership completed a registered underwritten public offering of $250.0 million aggregate principal amount of 4.000% Senior Notes due 2024 (the “Senior Notes Due 2024”), fully and unconditionally guaranteed by ROIC. The Senior Notes Due 2024 pay interest semi-annually on June 15 and December 15, commencing on June 15, 2015, and mature on December 15, 2024, unless redeemed earlier by the Operating Partnership. The Senior Notes Due 2024 are part of the Operating Partnership’s senior unsecured obligations that rank equally in right of payment with the Operating Partnership’s other unsecured indebtedness, and effectively junior to (i) all of the indebtedness and other liabilities, whether secured or unsecured, and any preferred equity of the Operating Partnership’s subsidiaries, and (ii) all of the Operating Partnership’s indebtedness that is secured by its assets, to the extent of the value of the collateral securing such indebtedness outstanding. ROIC fully and unconditionally guaranteed the Operating Partnership’s obligations under the Senior Notes Due 2024 on a senior unsecured basis, including the due and punctual payment of principal of, and premium, if any, and interest on, the notes, whether at stated maturity, upon acceleration, notice of redemption or otherwise. The guarantee is a senior unsecured obligation of ROIC and ranks equally in right of payment with all other senior unsecured indebtedness of ROIC. ROIC’s guarantee of the Senior Notes Due 2024 is effectively subordinated in right of payment to all liabilities, whether secured or unsecured, and any preferred equity of its subsidiaries (including the Operating Partnership and any entity ROIC accounts for under the equity method of accounting).

 

Credit Facility

 

The Operating Partnership has a revolving credit facility (the “credit facility”) with several banks. Previously, the credit facility provided for borrowings of up to $350.0 million. Effective December 12, 2014, the Company entered into a fourth amendment to the amended and restated credit agreement pursuant to which the borrowing capacity was increased to $500.0 million. Additionally, the credit facility contains an accordion feature, which was amended to allow the Operating Partnership to increase the facility amount up to an aggregate of $1.0 billion, subject to lender consents and other conditions. The maturity date of the credit facility has been extended to January 31, 2019 subject to a further one-year extension option, which may be exercised by the Operating Partnership upon satisfaction of certain conditions.

 

The Operating Partnership previously had a term loan agreement with several banks which provided for a loan of $200.0 million. In connection with the fourth amendment to the credit facility, effective December 12, 2014, the term loan agreement was retired.

 

The Company obtained investment grade credit ratings from Moody’s Investors Service (Baa2) and Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services (BBB-) during the second quarter of 2013. Borrowings under the credit facility accrue interest on the outstanding principal amount at a rate equal to an applicable rate based on the credit rating level of the Company, plus, as applicable, (i) a LIBOR rate determined by reference to the cost of funds for dollar deposits for the relevant period (the “Eurodollar Rate”), or (ii) a base rate determined by reference to the highest of (a) the federal funds rate plus 0.50%, (b) the rate of interest announced by KeyBank, National Association at its “prime rate,” and (c) the Eurodollar Rate plus 1.00% (the “Base Rate”). Additionally, the Operating Partnership is obligated to pay a facility fee at a rate based on the credit rating level of the Company, currently 0.20%, and a fronting fee at a rate of 0.125% per year with respect to each letter of credit issued under the credit facility. The credit facility contains customary representations, financial and other covenants. The Operating Partnership’s ability to borrow under the credit facility is subject to its compliance with financial covenants and other restrictions on an ongoing basis. The Operating Partnership was in compliance with such covenants at December 31, 2014.

 

As of December 31, 2014, $156.5 million was outstanding under the credit facility.  The average interest rate on the credit facility during the twelve months ended December 31, 2014 was 1.3%.  The Company had $343.5 million available to borrow under the credit facility at December 31, 2014.

 

8
 

Mortgage Notes Payable

 

During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company repaid the outstanding principal balance on the Euclid Plaza and Country Club Gate mortgage notes payable of $8.0 million and $12.0 million, respectively, without penalty, in accordance with the prepayment provisions of the notes.

 

Equity Issuance

 

On June 18, 2014, ROIC issued 14,375,000 shares of common stock in a registered public offering, including shares issued upon the exercise in full of the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares, resulting in net proceeds of approximately $205.5 million, after deducting the underwriters’ discounts and commissions and offering expenses.

 

ATM Equity Offering

 

On September 19, 2014, ROIC entered into four separate Sales Agreements (the “2014 sales agreements”) with Jefferies LLC, KeyBanc Capital Markets Inc., MLV & Co. LLC and Raymond James & Associates, Inc. (each individually, an “Agent” and collectively, the “Agents”) pursuant to which ROIC may sell, from time to time, shares of ROIC’s common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, having an aggregate offering price of up to $100.0 million through the Agents either as agents or principals. During the year ended December 31, 2014, ROIC did not sell any shares under the 2014 sales agreements.

 

The Company plans to finance future acquisitions through a combination of cash, borrowings under its credit facility, the assumption of existing mortgage debt, the issuance of equity securities including OP Units, and equity and debt offerings.

 

Business Segments

 

The Company’s primary business is the ownership, management, and redevelopment of retail real estate properties. The Company reviews operating and financial information for each property on an individual basis and therefore, each property represents an individual operating segment. The Company evaluates financial performance using property operating income, defined as operating revenues (base rent and recoveries from tenants), less property and related expenses (property operating expenses and property taxes). The Company has aggregated the properties into one reportable segment as the properties share similar long-term economic characteristics and have other similarities including the fact that they are operated using consistent business strategies, are typically located in major metropolitan areas, and have similar tenant mixes.

 

Regulation

 

The following discussion describes certain material U.S. federal laws and regulations that may affect the Company’s operations and those of its tenants.  However, the discussion does not address state laws and regulations, except as otherwise indicated.  These state laws and regulations, like the U.S. federal laws and regulations, could affect the Company’s operations and those of its tenants.

 

Generally, real estate properties are subject to various laws, ordinances and regulations.  Changes in any of these laws or regulations, such as the Comprehensive Environmental Response and Compensation Liability Act, increase the potential liability for environmental conditions or circumstances existing or created by tenants or others on the properties.  In addition, laws affecting development, construction, operation, upkeep, safety and taxation requirements may result in significant unanticipated expenditures, loss of real estate property sites or other impairments, which would adversely affect its cash flows from operating activities.

 

Under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (the “Americans with Disabilities Act”) all places of public accommodation are required to meet certain U.S. federal requirements related to access and use by disabled persons.  A number of additional U.S. federal, state and local laws also exist that may require modifications to properties, or restrict certain further renovations thereof, with respect to access thereto by disabled persons.  Noncompliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act could result in the imposition of fines or an award of damages to private litigants and also could result in an order to correct any non-complying feature and in substantial capital expenditures.  To the extent the Company’s properties are not in compliance, the Company may incur additional costs to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

 

Property management activities are often subject to state real estate brokerage laws and regulations as determined by the particular real estate commission for each state.

 

Environmental Matters

 

Pursuant to U.S. federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations, a current or previous owner or operator of real property may be required to investigate, remove and/or remediate a release of hazardous substances or other regulated materials at or emanating from such property.  Further, under certain circumstances, such owners or operators of real property may be held liable for property damage, personal injury and/or natural resource damage resulting from or arising in connection with such releases.  Certain of these laws have been interpreted to be joint and several unless the harm is divisible and there is a reasonable basis for allocation of responsibility.  The failure to properly remediate the property may also adversely affect the owner’s ability to lease, sell or rent the property or to borrow funds using the property as collateral.

 

9
 

In connection with the ownership, operation and management of the Company’s current properties and any properties that it may acquire and/or manage in the future, the Company could be legally responsible for environmental liabilities or costs relating to a release of hazardous substances or other regulated materials at or emanating from such property.  In order to assess the potential for such liability, the Company conducts an environmental assessment of each property prior to acquisition and manages its properties in accordance with environmental laws while it owns or operates them.  All of its leases contain a comprehensive environmental provision that requires tenants to conduct all activities in compliance with environmental laws and to indemnify the owner for any harm caused by the failure to do so.  In addition, the Company has engaged qualified, reputable and adequately insured environmental consulting firms to perform environmental site assessments of its properties and is not aware of any environmental issues that are expected to materially impact the operations of any property.

 

Competition

 

The Company believes that competition for the acquisition, operation and development of retail properties is highly fragmented.  The Company competes with numerous owners, operators and developers for acquisitions and development of retail properties, including institutional investors, other REITs and other owner-operators of necessity-based community and neighborhood shopping centers, primarily anchored by supermarkets and drugstores, some of which own or may in the future own properties similar to the Company’s in the same markets in which its properties are located.  The Company also faces competition in leasing available space to prospective tenants at its properties.  The actual competition for tenants varies depending upon the characteristics of each local market (including current economic conditions) in which the Company owns and manages property.  The Company believes that the principal competitive factors in attracting tenants in its market areas are location, demographics, price, the presence of anchor stores and the appearance of properties.

 

Many of the Company’s competitors are substantially larger and have considerably greater financial, marketing and other resources than the Company.  Other entities may raise significant amounts of capital, and may have investment objectives that overlap with those of the Company, which may create additional competition for opportunities to acquire assets.  In the future, competition from these entities may reduce the number of suitable investment opportunities offered to the Company or increase the bargaining power of property owners seeking to sell.  Further, as a result of their greater resources, such entities may have more flexibility than the Company does in their ability to offer rental concessions to attract tenants.  If the Company’s competitors offer space at rental rates below current market rates, or below the rental rates the Company currently charges its tenants, the Company may lose potential tenants and it may be pressured to reduce its rental rates below those it currently charges in order to retain tenants when its tenants’ leases expire.

 

Employees

 

As of December 31, 2014, the Company had 65 employees, including three executive officers, one of whom is also a member of its board of directors.

 

Available Information

 

The Company files its annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and all amendments to those reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”).  You may obtain copies of these documents by visiting the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549, or by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330.  The SEC also maintains a website (www.sec.gov) that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC.  The Company’s website is www.roireit.net.  The Company’s reports on Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K, and all amendments to those reports are available free of charge on its Website as soon as reasonably practicable after the reports and amendments are electronically filed with or furnished to the SEC.  The contents of the Company’s website are not incorporated by reference herein.

 

Item 1A.  Risk Factors

 

Risks Related to the Company’s Business and Operations

 

There are risks relating to investments in real estate.

 

Real property investments are subject to varying degrees of risk.  Real estate values are affected by a number of factors, including:  changes in the general economic climate, local conditions (such as an oversupply of space or a reduction in demand for real estate in an area), the quality and philosophy of management, competition from other available space, the ability of the owner to provide adequate maintenance and insurance and to control variable operating costs.  Shopping centers, in particular, may be affected by changing perceptions of retailers or shoppers regarding the safety, convenience and attractiveness of the shopping center, increasing consumer purchases through online retail websites and catalogs, the ongoing consolidation in the retail sector and by the overall climate for the retail industry generally.  Real estate values are also affected by such factors as government regulations, interest rate levels, the availability of financing and potential liability under, and changes in, environmental, zoning, tax and other laws.  A significant portion of the Company’s income is derived from rental income from real property.  The Company’s income, cash flow, results of operations, financial condition, liquidity and ability to service its debt obligations could be materially and adversely affected if a significant number of its tenants were unable to meet their obligations, or if it were unable to lease on economically favorable terms a significant amount of space in its properties.  In the event of default by a tenant, the Company may experience delays in enforcing, and incur substantial costs to enforce, its rights as a landlord.  In addition, certain significant expenditures associated with each equity investment (such as mortgage payments, real estate taxes and maintenance costs) are generally not reduced when circumstances cause a reduction in income from the investment.

 

10
 

The Company operates in a highly competitive market and competition may limit its ability to acquire desirable assets and to attract and retain tenants.

 

The Company operates in a highly competitive market.  The Company’s profitability depends, in large part, on its ability to acquire its assets at favorable prices and on trends impacting the retail industry in general, national, regional and local economic conditions, financial condition and operating results of current and prospective tenants and customers, availability and cost of capital, construction and renovation costs, taxes, governmental regulations, legislation and population trends.  Many of the Company’s competitors are substantially larger and have considerably greater financial, marketing and other resources than it does.  Other entities may raise significant amounts of capital, and may have investment objectives that overlap with the Company’s.  In addition, the properties that the Company acquires may face competition from similar properties in the same market, as well as from e-commerce websites.  At the time of the commencement of the Company’s operations, conditions in the capital markets and the credit markets reduced competitors’ ability to finance acquisitions. As access to capital and credit have improved and the number of competitors operating in the Company’s markets have increased, the Company has faced increased competition for opportunities to acquire assets and to attract and retain tenants. The presence of competitive alternatives affects the Company's ability to lease space and the level of rents it can obtain. New construction, renovations and expansions at competing sites could also negatively affect the Company's properties.

 

The Company may change any of its strategies, policies or procedures without stockholder consent, which could materially and adversely affect its business.

 

The Company may change any of its strategies, policies or procedures with respect to acquisitions, asset allocation, growth, operations, indebtedness, financing strategy and distributions, including those related to maintaining its REIT qualification, at any time without the consent of its stockholders, which could result in making acquisitions that are different from, and possibly riskier than, the types of acquisitions described in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.  A change in the Company’s strategy may increase its exposure to real estate market fluctuations, financing risk, default risk and interest rate risk.  Furthermore, a change in the Company’s asset allocation could result in the Company making acquisitions in asset categories different from those described in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.  These changes could materially and adversely affect the Company’s income, cash flow, results of operations, financial condition, liquidity, the ability to service its debt obligations, the market price of its common stock and its ability to pay dividends and other distributions to its securityholders.

 

The Company’s directors are subject to potential conflicts of interest.

 

The Company’s executive officers and directors face conflicts of interest.  Except for Messrs. Tanz, Haines and Schoebel, none of the Company’s executive officers or directors are required to commit their full time to its affairs and, accordingly, they may have conflicts of interest in allocating management time among various business activities.  In addition, except for Mr. Tanz, each of the Company’s directors (including the Company’s non-Executive Chairman) is engaged in several other business endeavors.  In the course of their other business activities, the Company’s directors may become aware of investment and business opportunities that may be appropriate for presentation to the Company as well as the other entities with which they are affiliated.  They may have conflicts of interest in determining to which entity a particular business opportunity should be presented.

 

As a result of multiple business affiliations, the Company’s non-management directors may have legal obligations relating to presenting opportunities to acquire one or more properties, portfolios or real estate-related debt investments to other entities.  The Company’s non-management directors (including the Company’s non-executive Chairman) may present such opportunities to the other entities to which they owe pre-existing fiduciary duties before presenting such opportunities to the Company.  In addition, conflicts of interest may arise when the Company’s board of directors evaluates a particular opportunity.

 

Capital markets and economic conditions can materially affect the Company’s financial condition, its results of operations and the value of its assets.

 

There are many factors that can affect the value of the Company’s assets, including the state of the capital markets and economy.  The great recession negatively affected consumer spending and retail sales, which adversely impacted the performance and value of retail properties in most regions in the United States.  In addition, loans backed by real estate were difficult to obtain and that difficulty, together with a tightening of lending policies, resulted in a significant contraction in the amount of debt available to fund retail properties.  Although there has been improvement in the credit and real estate markets, any reduction in available financing may materially and adversely affect the Company’s ability to achieve its financial objectives.  Concern about the stability of the markets generally may limit the Company’s ability and the ability of its tenants to timely refinance maturing liabilities and access the capital markets to meet liquidity needs.  Although the Company will factor in these conditions in acquiring its assets, its long term success depends in part on general economic conditions and the stability and dependability of the financing market for retail real estate.  If the national economy or the local economies in which the Company operates continue to experience uncertainty, or if general economic conditions were to worsen, the Company’s income, cash flow, results of operations, financial condition, liquidity, the ability to service its debt obligations, the market price of its common stock and its ability to pay dividends and other distributions to its securityholders could be materially and adversely affected.

 

11
 

Bankruptcy or insolvency of tenants may decrease the Company’s revenues and available cash.

 

In the case of many retail properties, the bankruptcy or insolvency of a major tenant could cause the Company to suffer lower revenues and operational difficulties, and could allow other tenants to exercise so-called “kick-out” clauses in their leases and terminate their lease or reduce their rents prior to the normal expiration of their lease terms.  As a result, the bankruptcy or insolvency of major tenants could materially and adversely affect the Company’s income, cash flow, results of operations, financial condition, liquidity, the ability to service its debt obligations, the market price of its common stock and its ability to pay dividends and other distributions to its securityholders.

 

Inflation or deflation may materially and adversely affect the Company’s income, cash flow, results of operations, financial condition, liquidity, the ability to service its debt obligations, the market price of its common stock and its ability to pay dividends and distributions to its securityholders.

 

Increased inflation could have a pronounced negative impact on the Company’s property operating expenses and general and administrative expenses, as these costs could increase at a rate higher than the Company’s rents.  Inflation could also have an adverse effect on consumer spending which could impact the Company’s tenants’ sales and, in turn, the Company’s percentage rents, where applicable, and the willingness and ability of tenants to enter into or renew leases and/or honor their obligations under existing leases.  Conversely, deflation could lead to downward pressure on rents and other sources of income.

 

Compliance or failure to comply with safety regulations and requirements could result in substantial costs.

 

The Company’s properties are subject to various federal, state and local regulatory requirements, such as state and local fire and life safety requirements.  If the Company fails to comply with these requirements, it could incur fines or private damage awards.  The Company does not know whether compliance with the requirements will require significant unanticipated expenditures that could affect its income, cash flow, results of operations, financial condition, liquidity, prospects and ability to service its debt obligations, the market price of its common stock and its ability to pay dividends and other distributions to its securityholders.

 

The Company expects to acquire additional properties and this may create risks.

 

The Company expects to acquire additional properties consistent with its investment strategies.  The Company may not, however, succeed in consummating desired acquisitions on time, within budget or at all.  In addition, the Company may face competition in pursuing acquisition opportunities, which could result in increased acquisition costs.  When the Company does pursue a project or acquisition, it may not succeed in leasing newly acquired properties at rents sufficient to cover its costs of acquisition.  Difficulties in integrating acquisitions may prove costly or time-consuming and could result in poorer than anticipated performance.  The Company may also abandon acquisition opportunities that it has begun pursuing and consequently fail to recover expenses already incurred.  Furthermore, acquisitions of new properties will expose the Company to the liabilities of those properties, including, for example, liabilities for clean-up of disclosed or undisclosed environmental contamination, claims by persons in respect of events transpiring or conditions existing before the Company’s acquisition and claims for indemnification by general partners, directors, officers and others indemnified by the former owners of properties.

 

Factors affecting the general retail environment could adversely affect the financial condition of the Company’s retail tenants and the willingness of retailers to lease space in its shopping centers, and in turn, materially and adversely affect the Company.

 

The Company’s properties are focused on the retail real estate market.  This means that the performance of the Company’s properties will be impacted by general retail market conditions, including the level of consumer spending and consumer confidence, the threat of terrorism and increasing competition from online retail websites and catalog companies.  These conditions could adversely affect the financial condition of the Company’s retail tenants and the willingness and ability of retailers to lease space, or renew existing leases, in the Company’s shopping centers and to honor their obligations under existing leases, and in turn, materially and adversely affect the Company.

 

The Company’s growth depends on external sources of capital, which may not be available in the future.

 

In order to maintain its qualification as a REIT, the Company is required under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), to annually distribute at least 90% of its REIT taxable income, determined without regard to the dividends paid deduction and excluding any net capital gain.  After the Company invests its cash on hand, it expects to depend primarily on its credit facility and other external financing (including debt and equity financings) to fund the growth of its business.  The Company’s access to debt or equity financing depends on the willingness of third parties to lend or make equity investments and on conditions in the capital markets generally.  As a result of changing economic conditions, the Company may be limited in its ability to obtain additional financing or to refinance existing debt maturities on favorable terms or at all and there can be no assurances as to when financing conditions will improve.

 

12
 

The Company does not have a formal policy limiting the amount of debt it may incur and its board of directors may change its leverage policy without stockholder consent, which could result in a different risk profile.

 

Although the Company’s Charter and Bylaws do not limit the amount of indebtedness the Company can incur, the Company’s policy is to employ prudent amounts of leverage and use debt as a means of providing additional funds for the acquisition of its assets and the diversification of its portfolio.  The amount of leverage the Company will deploy for particular investments will depend upon its management team’s assessment of a variety of factors, which may include the anticipated liquidity and price volatility of the assets in its portfolio, the potential for losses, the availability and cost of financing the assets, the Company’s opinion of the creditworthiness of its financing counterparties, the health of the U.S. economy and commercial mortgage markets, the Company’s outlook for the level, slope and volatility of interest rates, the credit quality of the tenants occupying space at the Company’s properties, and the need for the Company to comply with financial covenants contained in the Company’s credit facility.  The Company’s board of directors may change its leverage policies at any time without the consent of its stockholders, which could result in an investment portfolio with a different risk profile.

 

The Company could be adversely affected if it or any of its subsidiaries are required to register as an investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940 as amended (the “1940 Act”).

 

The Company conducts its operations so that neither it, nor the Operating Partnership nor any of the Company’s other subsidiaries, is required to register as investment companies under the 1940 Act.  If the Company, the Operating Partnership or the Company’s other subsidiaries are required to register as an investment company but fail to do so, the unregistered entity would be prohibited from engaging in certain business, and criminal and civil actions could be brought against such entity.  In addition, the contracts of such entity would be unenforceable unless a court required enforcement, and a court could appoint a receiver to take control of the entity and liquidate its business.

 

Real estate investments’ value and income fluctuate due to conditions in the general economy and the real estate business, which may materially and adversely affect the Company’s ability to service its debt and expenses.

 

The value of real estate fluctuates depending on conditions in the general and local economy and the real estate business.  These conditions may also limit the Company’s revenues and available cash.  The rents the Company receives and the occupancy levels at its properties may decline as a result of adverse changes in conditions in the general economy and the real estate business.  If rental revenues and/or occupancy levels decline, the Company generally would expect to have less cash available to pay indebtedness and for distribution to its securityholders.  In addition, some of the Company’s major expenses, including mortgage payments, real estate taxes and maintenance costs, generally do not decline when the related rents decline.

 

The lack of liquidity of the Company’s assets could materially and adversely affect the Company’s income, cash flow, results of operations, financial condition, liquidity, the ability to service its debt obligations, the market price of its common stock and its ability to pay dividends and other distributions to its securityholders, and could materially and adversely affect the Company’s ability to value and sell its assets.

 

Real estate investments are relatively difficult to buy and sell quickly.  As a result, the Company expects many of its investments will be illiquid and if it is required to liquidate all or a portion of its portfolio quickly, it may realize significantly less than the value at which it had previously recorded its investments.

 

The Company depends on leasing space to tenants on economically favorable terms and collecting rent from tenants, some of whom may not be able to pay.

 

The Company’s financial results depend significantly on leasing space in its properties to tenants on economically favorable terms.  In addition, as a substantial majority of the Company’s revenue comes from renting real property, the Company’s income, cash flow, results of operations, financial condition, liquidity, the ability to service its debt obligations, the market price of its common stock and its ability to pay dividends and other distributions to its securityholders could be materially and adversely affected if a significant number of its tenants cannot pay their rent or if the Company is not able to maintain occupancy levels on favorable terms.  If a tenant does not pay its rent, the Company may not be able to enforce its rights as landlord without delays and may incur substantial legal costs.

 

Some of the Company’s properties depend on anchor stores or major tenants to attract shoppers and could be materially and adversely affected by the loss of or a store closure by one or more of these tenants.

 

The Company’s shopping centers are primarily anchored by national and regional supermarkets and drug stores.  The value of the retail properties the Company acquires could be materially and adversely affected if these tenants fail to comply with their contractual obligations, seek concessions in order to continue operations or cease their operations.  Adverse economic conditions may result in the closure of existing stores by tenants which may result in increased vacancies at the Company’s properties.  If there are periods of significant vacancies for the Company’s properties they could materially and adversely impact the Company’s income, cash flow, results of operations, financial condition, liquidity, the ability to service its debt obligations, the market price of its common stock and its ability to pay dividends and other distributions to its securityholders.

 

13
 

Loss of revenues from major tenants could reduce the Company’s income, cash flow, results of operations, financial condition, liquidity, the ability to service its debt obligations, the market price of its common stock and its ability to pay dividends and other distributions to its securityholders.

 

The Company derives significant revenues from anchor tenants such as Safeway, Inc., Kroger and Rite Aid Pharmacy.  As of December 31, 2014, these tenants are the Company’s three largest tenants and accounted for 3.9%, 2.9% and 2.3% respectively, of its annualized base rent on a pro-rata basis.  The Company’s income, cash flow, results of operations, financial condition, liquidity, the ability to service its debt obligations, the market price of its common stock and its ability to pay dividends and other distributions to its securityholders could be materially and adversely affected by the loss of revenues in the event a major tenant becomes bankrupt or insolvent, experiences a downturn in its business, materially defaults on its leases, does not renew its leases as they expire, or renews at lower rental rates.

 

The Company’s Common Area Maintenance (“CAM”) contributions may not allow it to recover the majority of its operating expenses from tenants.

 

CAM costs typically include allocable energy costs, repairs, maintenance and capital improvements to common areas, janitorial services, administrative, property and liability insurance costs and security costs.  The Company may acquire properties with leases with variable CAM provisions that adjust to reflect inflationary increases or leases with a fixed CAM payment methodology which fixes its tenants’ CAM contributions.  With respect to both variable and fixed payment methodologies, the amount of CAM charges the Company bills to its tenants based on the terms of the respective lease agreements may not allow it to recover or pass on all these operating expenses to tenants, which may reduce operating cash flow from its properties.  Such a reduction could result in a material and adverse effect on the Company’s income, cash flow, results of operations, financial condition, liquidity, the ability to service its debt obligations, the market price of its common stock and its ability to pay dividends and other distributions to its securityholders.

 

The Company may incur costs to comply with environmental laws.

 

The Company’s operations and properties are subject to various federal, state and local laws and regulations concerning the protection of the environment, including air and water quality, hazardous or toxic substances and health and safety.  Under some environmental laws, a current or previous owner or operator of real estate may be required to investigate and clean up hazardous or toxic substances released at a property.  The owner or operator may also be held liable to a governmental entity or to third parties for property damage or personal injuries and for investigation and clean-up costs incurred by those parties because of the contamination.  These laws often impose liability without regard to whether the owner or operator knew of the release of the substances or caused the release.  The presence of contamination or the failure to remediate contamination may impair the Company’s ability to sell or lease real estate or to borrow using the real estate as collateral.  Other laws and regulations govern indoor and outdoor air quality including those that can require the abatement or removal of asbestos-containing materials in the event of damage, demolition, renovation or remodeling and also govern emissions of and exposure to asbestos fibers in the air.  The maintenance and removal of lead paint and certain electrical equipment containing polychlorinated biphenyls (“PCBs”) and underground storage tanks are also regulated by federal and state laws.  The Company is also subject to risks associated with human exposure to chemical or biological contaminants such as molds, pollens, viruses and bacteria which, above certain levels, can be alleged to be connected to allergic or other health effects and symptoms in susceptible individuals.  The Company could incur fines for environmental compliance and be held liable for the costs of remedial action with respect to the foregoing regulated substances or tanks or related claims arising out of environmental contamination or human exposure to contamination at or from its properties.  Identification of compliance concerns or undiscovered areas of contamination, changes in the extent or known scope of contamination, discovery of additional sites, human exposure to the contamination or changes in cleanup or compliance requirements could result in significant costs to the Company.

 

The Company faces risks associated with security breaches through cyber attacks, cyber intrusions or otherwise, as well as other significant disruptions of its information technology (IT) networks and related systems. 

 

The Company faces risks associated with security breaches, whether through cyber attacks or cyber intrusions over the Internet, malware, computer viruses, attachments to e-mails, persons inside the Company or persons with access to systems inside the Company, and other significant disruptions of the Company’s IT networks and related systems. The risk of a security breach or disruption, particularly through cyber attack or cyber intrusion, including by computer hackers, foreign governments and cyber terrorists, has generally increased as the number, intensity and sophistication of attempted attacks and intrusions from around the world have increased. The Company’s IT networks and related systems are essential to the operation of its business and its ability to perform day-to-day operations (including managing its building systems), and, in some cases, may be critical to the operations of certain of its tenants. There can be no assurance that the Company’s efforts to maintain the security and integrity of these types of IT networks and related systems will be effective or that attempted security breaches or disruptions would not be successful or damaging. A security breach or other significant disruption involving the Company’s IT networks and related systems could materially and adversely impact the Company’s income, cash flow, results of operations, financial condition, liquidity, the ability to service its debt obligations, the market price of its common stock and its ability to pay dividends and other distributions to its securityholders.

 

14
 

A prolonged economic slowdown, a lengthy or severe recession or declining real estate values could impair the Company’s assets and have a material and adverse effect on its income, cash flow, results of operations, financial condition, liquidity, the ability to service its debt obligations, the market price of its common stock and its ability to pay dividends and other distributions to its securityholders.

 

The Company believes the risks associated with its business will be more severe during periods of economic slowdown or recession if these periods are accompanied by declining real estate values.  Declines in real estate values, among other factors, could result in a determination that the Company's assets have been impaired. If the Company determines that an impairment has occurred, the Company would be required to make an adjustment to the net carrying value of the asset which could have an adverse effect on its results of operations in the period in which the impairment charge is recorded. Although the Company will take current economic conditions into account in acquiring its assets, the Company’s long term success, and the value of its assets, depends in part on general economic conditions and other factors beyond the Company's control.  If the national economy or the local economies in which the Company operates experience uncertainty, or if general economic conditions were to worsen, the value of the Company's properties could decline, and the Company’s income, cash flow, results of operations, financial condition, liquidity, the ability to service its debt obligations, the market price of its common stock and its ability to pay dividends and other distributions to its securityholders, could be materially and adversely affected.

 

Loss of key personnel could harm the Company’s operations.

 

The Company is dependent on the efforts of certain key personnel of its senior management team.  While the Company has employment contracts with each of Messrs. Tanz, Haines and Schoebel, the loss of the services of any of these individuals could harm the Company’s operations and have a material and adverse effect on its income, cash flow, results of operations, financial condition, liquidity, the ability to service its debt obligations, the market price of its common stock and its ability to pay dividends and other distributions to its securityholders.

 

Under their employment agreements, certain members of the Company’s senior management team will have certain rights to terminate their employment and receive severance in connection with a change in control of the Company.

 

The Company’s employment agreements with each of Messrs. Tanz, Haines and Schoebel, which provide that, upon termination of his employment (i) by the applicable officer within 12 months following the occurrence of a change in control (as defined in the employment agreement), (ii) by the Company without cause (as defined in the employment agreement), (iii) by the applicable officer for good reason (as defined in the employment agreement), (iv) by non-renewal of the applicable officer’s employment agreement or (v) by reason of the applicable officer’s death or disability (as defined in the employment agreement), such executive officers would be entitled to certain termination or severance payments made by the Company (which may include a lump sum payment equal to defined percentages of annual salary and prior years’ average bonuses, paid in accordance with the terms and conditions of the respective agreement).  In addition, the vesting of all his outstanding unvested equity-based incentives and awards would accelerate.  These provisions make it costly to terminate their employment and could delay or prevent a transaction or a change in control of the Company that might involve a premium paid for shares of its common stock or otherwise be in the best interests of its stockholders.

 

Joint venture investments could be materially and adversely affected by the Company’s lack of sole decision-making authority or reliance on a joint venture partner’s financial condition.

 

The Company may enter into joint venture arrangements in the future.  Investments in joint ventures involve risks that are not otherwise present with properties which the Company owns entirely.  In a joint venture investment, the Company may not have exclusive control or sole decision-making authority over the development, financing, leasing, management and other aspects of these investments.  As a result, the joint venture partner might have economic or business interests or goals that are inconsistent with the Company’s goals or interests, take action contrary to the Company’s interests or otherwise impede the Company’s objectives.  Joint venture investments involve risks and uncertainties, including the risk of the joint venture partner failing to provide capital and fulfill its obligations, which may result in certain liabilities to the Company for guarantees and other commitments, the risk of conflicts arising between the Company and its partners and the difficulty of managing and resolving such conflicts, and the difficulty of managing or otherwise monitoring such business arrangements.  The joint venture partner also might become insolvent or bankrupt, which may result in significant losses to the Company.  Further, although the Company may own a controlling interest in a joint venture and may have authority over major decisions such as the sale or refinancing of investment properties, the Company may have fiduciary duties to the joint venture partners or the joint venture itself that may cause, or require, it to take or refrain from taking actions that it would otherwise take if it owned the investment properties outright.

 

Uninsured losses or a loss in excess of insured limits could materially and adversely affect the Company.

 

The Company carries comprehensive general liability, fire, extended coverage, loss of rent insurance, and environmental liability where applicable on its properties, with policy specifications and insured limits customarily carried for similar properties.  However, with respect to those properties where the leases do not provide for abatement of rent under any circumstances, the Company generally does not maintain loss of rent insurance.  In addition, there are certain types of losses, such as losses resulting from wars, terrorism or acts of God that generally are not insured because they are either uninsurable or not economically insurable.  Should an uninsured loss or a loss in excess of insured limits occur, the Company could lose capital invested in a property, as well as the anticipated future revenues from a property, while remaining obligated for any mortgage indebtedness or other financial obligations related to the property.  Any loss of these types could materially and adversely affect the Company’s income, cash flow, results of operations, financial condition, liquidity, prospects and ability to service its debt obligations, the market price of its common stock and its ability to pay dividends and other distributions to its securityholders.

 

15
 

The Company could be materially and adversely affected by poor market conditions where its properties are geographically concentrated.

 

The Company’s performance depends on the economic conditions in markets in which its properties are concentrated.  During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company’s properties in California, Oregon and Washington accounted for 64%, 13% and 23%, respectively, of its consolidated property operating income.  The Company’s income, cash flow, results of operations, financial condition, liquidity, the ability to service its debt obligations, the market price of its common stock and its ability to pay dividends and other distributions to its securityholders could be materially and adversely affected by this geographic concentration if market conditions, such as an oversupply of space or a reduction in demand for real estate in an area, deteriorate in California, Oregon and Washington.

 

Should the Company decide at some point in the future to expand into new markets, it may not be successful, which could materially and adversely affect its business, financial condition, liquidity and results of operations.

 

The Company's properties are concentrated in California, Oregon and Washington. If the opportunity arises, the Company may explore acquisitions of properties in new markets inside or outside of these states. Each of the risks applicable to the Company's ability to successfully acquire, integrate and operate properties in its current markets may also apply to its ability to successfully acquire, integrate and operate properties in new markets. In addition to these risks, the Company's management team may not possess the same level of knowledge with respect to market dynamics and conditions of any new market in which the Company may attempt to expand, which could materially and adversely affect its ability to operate in any such markets. The Company may be unable to obtain the desired returns on its investments in these new markets, which could materially and adversely affect the Company’s income, cash flow, results of operations, financial condition, liquidity, prospects and ability to service its debt obligations, the market price of its common stock and its ability to pay dividends and other distributions to its securityholders.

 

Risks Related to Financing

 

The Company’s credit facility and unsecured senior notes contain restrictive covenants relating to its operations, which could limit the Company’s ability to respond to changing market conditions and its ability to pay dividends and other distributions to its securityholders.

 

The Company’s credit facility and unsecured senior notes contain restrictive covenants which are described in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Conditions and Results of Operations-Liquidity and Capital Resources”.  These or other limitations, including those that may apply to future company borrowings, may materially and adversely affect the Company’s flexibility and its ability to achieve its operating plans and could result in the Company being limited in the amount of dividends and distributions it would be permitted to pay to its securityholders.

 

In addition, failure to comply with these covenants could cause a default under the applicable debt instrument, and the Company may then be required to repay such debt with capital from other sources.  Under those circumstances, other sources of capital may not be available to the Company, or may be available only on unattractive terms.

 

Certain of the Company’s mortgage financing arrangements and other indebtedness contain provisions that could limit the Company’s operating flexibility.

 

The Company’s existing mortgage financing contains, and future mortgage financing may in the future contain, customary covenants and provisions that limit the Company’s ability to pre-pay such mortgages before their scheduled maturity date or to transfer the underlying asset. Additionally, the Company’s ability to satisfy prospective mortgage lenders’ insurance requirements may be materially and adversely affected if lenders generally insist upon greater insurance coverage against certain risks than is available to the Company in the marketplace or on commercially reasonable terms.  In addition, because a mortgage is secured by a lien on the underlying real property, mortgage defaults subject the Company to the risk of losing the property through foreclosure.

 

The Company’s access to financing may be limited and thus its ability to potentially enhance its returns may be materially and adversely affected.

 

The Company intends, when appropriate, to employ prudent amounts of leverage and use debt as a means of providing additional funds for the acquisition of its assets and the diversification of its portfolio.  To the extent market conditions improve and markets stabilize over time, the Company expects to increase its borrowing levels.  As of December 31, 2014, the Company’s outstanding mortgage indebtedness was approximately $91.5 million, and the Company may incur significant additional debt to finance future acquisition and development activities.  The Company’s credit facility consists of a $500.0 million unsecured revolving credit facility, of which $156.5 million was outstanding as of December 31, 2014.

 

16
 

In addition, the Operating Partnership issued $250.0 million aggregate principal amount of unsecured senior notes in December 2013 and $250.0 million aggregate principal amount of unsecured senior notes in December 2014, each of which were fully and unconditionally guaranteed by ROIC.

 

The Company’s access to financing will depend upon a number of factors, over which it has little or no control, including:

 

 • general market conditions;
   
 • the market’s view of the quality of the Company’s assets;
   
 • the market’s perception of the Company’s growth potential;
   
 • the Company’s eligibility to participate in and access capital from programs established by the U.S. government;
   
 • the Company’s current and potential future earnings and cash distributions; and
   
 • the market price of the shares of the Company’s common stock.

 

Although there has been improvement in the credit markets and real estate, any reduction in available financing may materially and adversely affect the Company’s ability to achieve its financial objectives.  Concern about the stability of the markets generally could adversely affect one or more private lenders and could cause one or more private lenders to be unwilling or unable to provide the Company with financing or to increase the costs of that financing.  In addition, if regulatory capital requirements imposed on the Company’s private lenders change, they may be required to limit, or increase the cost of, financing they provide to the Company.  In general, this could potentially increase the Company’s financing costs and reduce its liquidity or require it to sell assets at an inopportune time or price.

 

During times when interest rates on mortgage loans are high or financing is otherwise unavailable on a timely basis, the Company has and may continue to purchase certain properties for cash or equity securities, including OP Units, or a combination thereof.  Consequently, depending on market conditions at the relevant time, the Company may have to rely more heavily on additional equity issuances, which may be dilutive to its stockholders, or on less efficient forms of debt financing that require a larger portion of its cash flow from operations, thereby reducing funds available for its operations, future business opportunities, cash distributions to its securityholders and other purposes.  The Company cannot assure you that it will have access to such equity or debt capital on favorable terms (including, without limitation, cost and term) at the desired times, or at all, which may cause it to curtail its asset acquisition activities and/or dispose of assets, which could materially and adversely affect its income, cash flow, results of operations, financial condition, liquidity, the ability to service its debt obligations, the market price of its common stock and its ability to pay dividends and other distributions to its securityholders.

 

Increases in interest rates could increase the amount of the Company's debt payments and materially and adversely affect its business, financial condition, liquidity and results of operations.

 

Interest the Company pays could reduce cash available for distributions. As of December 31, 2014, the Company had approximately $156.5 million outstanding under the Company’s $500.0 million unsecured revolving credit facility that bears interest at a variable rate. In addition, the Company may incur variable rate debt in the future, including mortgage debt, borrowings under the unsecured revolving credit facility or new credit facilities. An increase in interest rates would increase the Company's interest costs, which could adversely affect the Company's cash flow, results of operations, ability to pay principal and interest on debt and pay dividends and other distributions to its securityholders, and reduce the Company's access to capital markets. In addition, if the Company needs to repay existing debt during periods of rising interest rates, it may be required to incur additional indebtedness at higher rates. From time to time, the Company may enter into interest rate swap agreements and other interest rate hedging contracts with the intention of lessening the impact of rising interest rates. However, increased interest rates may increase the risk that the counterparties to such agreements may not be able to fulfill their obligations under these agreements, and there can be no assurance that these arrangements will be effective in reducing the Company's exposure to interest rate changes.   These risks could materially and adversely affect the Company’s cash flow, results of operations, financial condition, liquidity, the ability to service its debt obligations, the market price of its common stock and its ability to pay dividends and other distributions to its securityholders.

 

Financing arrangements that the Company may use to finance its assets may require it to provide additional collateral or pay down debt.

 

The Company, when appropriate, uses traditional forms of financing including secured debt.  In the event the Company utilizes such financing arrangements, they would involve the risk that the market value of its assets which are secured may decline in value, in which case the lender may, in connection with a refinancing, require it to provide additional collateral, provide additional equity, or to repay all or a portion of the funds advanced.  The Company may not have the funds available to repay its debt or provide additional equity at that time, which would likely result in defaults unless it is able to raise the funds from alternative sources, which it may not be able to achieve on favorable terms or at all.  Providing additional collateral or equity would reduce the Company’s liquidity and limit its ability to leverage its assets.  If the Company cannot meet these requirements, the lender could accelerate the Company’s indebtedness, increase the interest rate on advanced funds and terminate its ability to borrow funds from them, which could materially and adversely affect the Company’s income, cash flow, results of operations, financial condition, liquidity, the ability to service its debt obligations, the market price of its common stock and its ability to pay dividends and other distributions to its securityholders.  The providers of secured debt may also require the Company to maintain a certain amount of cash or set aside assets sufficient to maintain a specified liquidity position.  As a result, the Company may not be able to leverage its assets as fully as it would choose which could reduce its return on assets.  There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to utilize such arrangements on favorable terms, or at all.

 

17
 

A downgrade in the Company’s or the Operating Partnership’s credit ratings could materially adversely affect the Company’s business and financial condition. 

 

The credit ratings assigned to the Company’s obligations or to the debt securities of the Operating Partnership could change based upon, among other things, the Company’s and the Operating Partnership’s results of operations and financial condition. These ratings are subject to ongoing evaluation by credit rating agencies, and there can be no assurance that any rating will not be changed or withdrawn by a rating agency in the future if, in its judgment, circumstances warrant. Moreover, these credit ratings do not apply to the Company’s common stock and are not recommendations to buy, sell or hold any other securities. If any of the credit rating agencies that have rated the obligations of the Company or the debt securities of the Operating Partnership downgrades or lowers its credit ratings, or if any credit rating agency indicates that it has placed any such rating on a so-called “watch list” for a possible downgrading or lowering or otherwise indicates that its outlook for that rating is negative, it could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s costs and availability of capital, which could in turn materially and adversely impact the Company’s income, cash flow, results of operations, financial condition, liquidity, the ability to service its debt obligations, the market price of its common stock and its ability to pay dividends and other distributions to its securityholders.

 

Risks Related to the Company’s Organization and Structure

 

The Company depends on dividends and distributions from its direct and indirect subsidiaries.  The creditors and any preferred equity holders of these subsidiaries are entitled to amounts payable to them by the subsidiaries before the subsidiaries may pay any dividends or distributions to the Company.

 

Substantially all of the Company’s assets are held through the Operating Partnership, which holds substantially all of the Company’s properties and assets through subsidiaries.  The Operating Partnership’s cash flow is dependent on cash distributions to it by its subsidiaries, and in turn, substantially all of the Company’s cash flow is dependent on cash distributions to it by the Operating Partnership.  The creditors and any preferred equity holders of the Company’s direct and indirect subsidiaries are entitled to payment of that subsidiary’s obligations to them, when due and payable, before distributions may be made by that subsidiary to its common equity holders.  Thus, the Operating Partnership’s ability to make distributions to the Company and therefore the Company’s ability to make distributions to its stockholders will depend on its subsidiaries’ ability first to satisfy their obligations to creditors and any preferred equity holders and then to make distributions to the Operating Partnership.

 

In addition, the Company’s participation in any distribution of the assets of any of its direct or indirect subsidiaries upon the liquidation, reorganization or insolvency, is only after the claims of the creditors, including the holders of the unsecured senior notes and trade creditors, and preferred equity holders are satisfied.

 

Certain provisions of Maryland law may limit the ability of a third party to acquire control of the Company.

 

Certain provisions of the Maryland General Corporation Law, or the MGCL, may have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a transaction or a change in control of the Company that might involve a premium price for holders of the Company’s common stock or otherwise be in their best interests, including:

 

 • “business combination” provisions that, subject to certain limitations, prohibit certain business combinations between the Company and an “interested stockholder” (defined generally as any person who beneficially owns 10% or more of the voting power of the Company’s shares or an affiliate thereof) for five years after the most recent date on which the stockholder becomes an interested stockholder, and thereafter impose special minimum price provisions and special stockholder voting requirements on these combinations; and
   
 • “control share” provisions that provide that “control shares” of the Company (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 the Company’s 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.

 

However, the provisions of the MGCL relating to business combinations do not apply to business combinations that are approved or exempted by the Company’s board of directors prior to the time that the interested stockholder becomes an interested stockholder.  In addition, the Company’s Bylaws contain a provision exempting from the control share acquisition statute any and all acquisitions by any person of shares of the Company’s common stock.  There can be no assurance that such exemption will not be amended or eliminated at any time in the future.

 

18
 

 

Additionally, Title 3, Subtitle 8 of the MGCL permits the Company’s board of directors, without stockholder approval and regardless of what is currently provided in the Company’s charter or bylaws, to take certain actions that may have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a transaction or a change in control of the Company that might involve a premium to the market price of its common stock or otherwise be in the stockholders’ best interests.  These provisions of the MGCL permit the Company, by provision in its charter or bylaws or a resolution of its board of directors and notwithstanding any contrary provision in the charter or bylaws, to adopt:

 

 • a classified board;
   
 • a two-thirds vote requirement for removing a director;
   
 • a requirement that the number of directors be fixed only by vote of the board of directors;
   
 • a requirement that a vacancy on the board be filled only by the remaining directors in office and (if the board is classified) for the remainder of the full term of the class of directors in which the vacancy occurred; and
   
 • a majority requirement for the calling of a stockholder-requested special meeting of stockholders.

 

The authorized but unissued shares of preferred stock and the ownership limitations contained in the Company’s Charter may prevent a change in control.

 

The Charter authorizes the Company to issue authorized but unissued shares of preferred stock.  In addition, the Charter provides that the Company’s board of directors has the power, without stockholder approval, to authorize the Company to issue any authorized but unissued shares of stock, to classify any unissued shares of preferred stock and to reclassify any unissued shares of common stock or previously-classified shares of preferred stock into other classes or series of stock.  As a result, the Company’s board of directors may establish a series of shares of preferred stock or use such preferred stock to create a stockholder’s rights plan or so-called “poison pill” that could delay or prevent a transaction or a change in control that might involve a premium price for shares of the Company’s common stock or otherwise be in the best interests of the Company’s stockholders.

 

In addition, the Company’s Charter contains restrictions limiting the ownership and transfer of shares of the Company’s common stock and other outstanding shares of capital stock.  The relevant sections of the Company’s Charter provide that, subject to certain exceptions, ownership of shares of the Company’s common stock by any person is limited to 9.8% by value or by number of shares, whichever is more restrictive, of the outstanding shares of common stock (the common share ownership limit), and no more than 9.8% by value or number of shares, whichever is more restrictive, of the outstanding capital stock (the aggregate share ownership limit).  The common share ownership limit and the aggregate share ownership limit are collectively referred to herein as the “ownership limits.”  These provisions will restrict the ability of persons to purchase shares in excess of the relevant ownership limits.  The Company’s board of directors has established exemptions from this ownership limit which permit certain institutional investors to hold additional shares of the Company’s common stock.  The Company’s board of directors may in the future, in its sole discretion, establish additional exemptions from this ownership limit.

 

The Company’s failure to qualify as a REIT would subject it to U.S. federal income tax and potentially increased state and local taxes, which would reduce the amount of cash available for distribution to its stockholders.

 

The Company intends to operate in a manner that will enable it to continue to qualify as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes.  The Company has not requested and does not intend to request a ruling from the IRS that it will continue to qualify as a REIT.  The U.S. federal income tax laws governing REITs are complex.  The complexity of these provisions and of the applicable U.S. Treasury Department regulations that have been promulgated under the Code (“Treasury Regulations”) is greater in the case of a REIT that holds assets through a partnership, such as the Company, and judicial and administrative interpretations of the U.S. federal income tax laws governing REIT qualification are limited.  To qualify as a REIT, the Company must meet, on an ongoing basis, various tests regarding the nature of its assets and its income, the ownership of its outstanding shares, and the amount of its distributions.  Moreover, new legislation, court decisions or administrative guidance, in each case possibly with retroactive effect, may make it more difficult or impossible for the Company to qualify as a REIT.  Thus, while the Company believes that it has operated and intends to continue to operate so that it will qualify as a REIT, given the highly complex nature of the rules governing REITs, the ongoing importance of factual determinations, and the possibility of future changes in the Company’s circumstances, no assurance can be given that it has qualified or will continue to so qualify for any particular year.

 

If the Company fails to qualify as a REIT in any taxable year, and does not qualify for certain statutory relief provisions, it would be required to pay U.S. federal income tax on its taxable income, and distributions to its stockholders would not be deductible by it in determining its taxable income.  In such a case, the Company might need to borrow money or sell assets in order to pay its taxes.  The Company’s payment of income tax would decrease the amount of its income available for distribution to its stockholders.  Furthermore, if the Company fails to maintain its qualification as a REIT, it would no longer be required to distribute substantially all of its net taxable income to its stockholders.  In addition, unless the Company were eligible for certain statutory relief provisions, it would not be eligible to re-elect to qualify as a REIT for four taxable years following the year in which it failed to qualify as a REIT.

 

19
 

Failure to make required distributions would subject the Company to tax, which would reduce the cash available for distribution to its stockholders.

 

In order to qualify as a REIT, the Company must distribute to its stockholders each calendar year at least 90% of its REIT taxable income, determined without regard to the deduction for dividends paid and excluding net capital gain.  To the extent that the Company satisfies the 90% distribution requirement, but distributes less than 100% of its taxable income, it is subject to U.S. federal corporate income tax on its undistributed income.  In addition, the Company will incur a 4% non-deductible excise tax on the amount, if any, by which its distributions in any calendar year are less than a minimum amount specified under U.S. federal income tax laws.  The Company intends to distribute its net income to its stockholders in a manner intended to satisfy the REIT 90% distribution requirement and to avoid the 4% non-deductible excise tax.

 

The Company’s taxable income may exceed its net income as determined by the U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) because, for example, realized capital losses will be deducted in determining its GAAP net income, but may not be deductible in computing its taxable income.  In addition, the Company may invest in assets that generate taxable income in excess of economic income or in advance of the corresponding cash flow from the assets.  For example, the Company may be required to accrue interest income on mortgage loans or other types of debt securities or interests in debt securities before it receives any payments of interest or principal on such assets.  Similarly, some of the debt securities that the Company acquires may have been issued with original issue discount.  The Company will be required to report such original issue discount based on a constant yield method.  As a result of the foregoing, the Company may generate less cash flow than taxable income in a particular year.  To the extent that the Company generates such non-cash taxable income in a taxable year, it may incur corporate income tax and the 4% non-deductible excise tax on that income if it does not distribute such income to stockholders in that year.  In that event, the Company may be required to use cash reserves, incur debt or liquidate assets at rates or times that it regards as unfavorable or make a taxable distribution of its shares in order to satisfy the REIT 90% distribution requirement and to avoid U.S. federal corporate income tax and the 4% non-deductible excise tax in that year.

 

To maintain its REIT qualification, the Company may be forced to borrow funds during unfavorable market conditions.

 

In order to qualify as a REIT and avoid the payment of income and excise taxes, the Company may need to borrow funds on a short-term basis, or possibly on a long-term basis, to meet the REIT distribution requirements even if the then prevailing market conditions are not favorable for these borrowings.  These borrowing needs could result from, among other things, a difference in timing between the actual receipt of cash and inclusion of income for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the effect of non-deductible capital expenditures, the creation of reserves or required debt amortization payments.

 

Even if the Company qualifies as a REIT, it may be required to pay certain taxes.

 

Even if the Company qualifies for taxation as a REIT, it may be subject to certain U.S. federal, state and local taxes on its income and assets, including taxes on any undistributed income, tax on income from some activities conducted as a result of a foreclosure and state or local income, franchise, property and transfer taxes, including mortgage recording taxes.  In addition, the Company may hold some of its assets through taxable REIT subsidiary (“TRS”) corporations.  Any TRSs or other taxable corporations in which the Company owns an interest will be subject to U.S. federal, state and local corporate taxes.  Payment of these taxes generally would materially and adversely affect the Company’s income, cash flow, results of operations, financial condition, liquidity, the ability to service its debt obligations, the market price of its common stock and its ability to pay dividends and other distributions to its securityholders.

 

Dividends payable by REITs generally do not qualify for the reduced tax rates on dividend income from regular corporations, which could materially and adversely affect the value of the Company’s shares.

 

The maximum U.S. federal income tax rate for certain qualified dividends payable to domestic stockholders that are individuals, trusts and estates is 20%.  Dividends payable by REITs, however, are generally not eligible for the reduced rates and therefore may be subject to a 39.6% maximum U.S. federal income tax rate on ordinary income.  Although the reduced U.S. federal income tax rate applicable to dividend income from regular corporate dividends does not adversely affect the taxation of REITs or dividends paid by REITs, the more favorable rates applicable to regular corporate dividends could cause investors who are individuals, trusts and estates 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 value of the shares of REITs, including the Company’s shares.

 

The Company may be subject to adverse legislative or regulatory tax changes that could reduce the market price of its shares of common stock.

 

At any time, the U.S. federal income tax laws or regulations governing REITs or the administrative interpretations of those laws or regulations may be changed, possibly with retroactive effect.  The Company cannot predict if or when any new U.S. federal income tax law, regulation or administrative interpretation, or any amendment to any existing U.S. federal income tax law, regulation or administrative interpretation, will be adopted, promulgated or become effective or whether any such law, regulation or interpretation may take effect retroactively.  The Company and its stockholders could be materially and adversely affected by any such change in, or any new, U.S. federal income tax law, regulation or administrative interpretation.

 

20
 

In certain circumstances, the Company may be liable for certain tax obligations of certain limited partners.

 

In certain circumstances, the Company may be liable for certain tax obligations of certain limited partners. The Company has entered into tax protection agreements under which it has agreed to minimize the tax consequences to certain limited partners resulting from the sale or other disposition of certain of the Company’s assets. The obligation to indemnify such limited partners against adverse tax consequences is expected to continue until 2025. During the period of these obligations, the Company’s flexibility to dispose of the related assets will be limited. In addition, the indemnification obligations may be significant.

 

The Company cannot assure you of its ability to pay distributions in the future.

 

The Company intends to pay quarterly distributions and to make distributions to its stockholders in an amount such that it distributes all or substantially all of its REIT taxable income in each year, subject to certain adjustments.  The Company’s ability to pay distributions may be materially and adversely affected by a number of factors, including the risk factors described in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.  All distributions will be made, subject to Maryland law (or Delaware law, in the case of distributions by the Operating Partnership), at the discretion of the Company’s board of directors and will depend on the Company’s earnings, its financial condition, any debt covenants, maintenance of its REIT qualification and other factors as its board of directors may deem relevant from time to time.  The Company believes that a change in any one of the following factors could materially and adversely affect its income, cash flow, results of operations, financial condition, liquidity, the ability to service its debt obligations, the market price of its common stock and its ability to pay distributions to its securityholders:

 

the profitability of the assets acquired;
   
the Company’s ability to make profitable acquisitions;
   
margin calls or other expenses that reduce the Company’s cash flow;
   
defaults in the Company’s asset portfolio or decreases in the value of its portfolio; and
   
the fact that anticipated operating expense levels may not prove accurate, as actual results may vary from estimates.

 

The Company cannot assure you that it will achieve results that will allow it to make a specified level of cash distributions or year-to-year increases in cash distributions in the future.  In addition, some of the Company’s distributions may include a return of capital.

 

Item 1B.  Unresolved Staff Comments

 

None.

 

Item 2.  Properties

 

The Company maintains its executive office at 8905 Towne Centre Drive, Suite 108, San Diego, CA 92122.

 

As of December 31, 2014, the Company’s portfolio consisted of 61 retail properties totaling approximately 7.3 million square feet of gross leasable area which were approximately 97.6% leased.  During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company leased or renewed a total of 864,000 square feet in its portfolio. The Company has committed approximately $3.4 million, or $7.74 per square foot, in tenant improvements for new leases that occurred during the year ended December 31, 2014. The Company has committed approximately $1.1 million, or $2.42 per square foot, in leasing commissions, for the new leases that occurred during the year ended December 31, 2014. Additionally, the Company has committed approximately $109,000, or $0.26 per square foot, in tenant improvements for renewed leases that occurred during the year ended December 31, 2014. Leasing commission commitments for renewed leases were not material for the year ended December 31, 2014.

 

21
 

The following table provides information regarding the Company’s properties as of December 31, 2014.

 

Property, State  

Year

Completed/

Renovated

 

Year

Acquired

 

Gross

Leasable

Sq. Feet

 

Number

of

Tenants

 

%

Leased

  Principal Tenants
Northern California                              
Norwood Shopping Center, CA   1993   2010   88,851   14   95.5%   Viva Supermarket, Rite Aid Pharmacy, Citi Trends
Pleasant Hill Marketplace, CA   1980   2010   69,715   3   100.0%   Buy Buy Baby, Office Depot, Basset Furniture
Pinole Vista Shopping Center, CA   1981/2012   2011   165,025   30   98.7%   Kmart, SaveMart (Lucky) Supermarket (1)
Mills Shopping Center, CA   1955/1988   2011   239,081   28   84.6%   Save Maxx Foods Supermarket, Dollar Tree, Planet Fitness
Morada Ranch, CA   2006   2011   101,842   16   96.0%   Raleys Supermarket
Country Club Gate Center, CA   1974/2012   2011   109,331   29   94.5%   SaveMart (Lucky) Supermarket, Rite Aid Pharmacy
Round Hill Square, NV   1998   2011   115,984   24   95.8%   Safeway Supermarket, Dollar Tree, US Postal Service
Marlin Cove Shopping Center, CA   1972/2001   2012   73,186   25   100.0%   99 Ranch Market
Green Valley Station, CA   2006/2007   2012   52,245   12   82.0%   CVS Pharmacy
The Village at Novato, CA   2006   2012   20,043   3   90.6%   Trader Joe’s
Santa Teresa Village, CA   1974-79 / 2013   2012   125,162   34   92.0%   Raleys (Nob Hill) Supermarket
Granada Shopping Center, CA   1962/1994   2013   69,325   15   100.0%   SaveMart (Lucky) Supermarket
Country Club Village, CA   1995   2013   111,172   23   99.5%   Walmart Neighborhood Market, CVS Pharmacy
North Park Plaza, CA   1997   2014   76,697   15   100.0%   SF Supermarket
                                
Southern California                              
Paramount Plaza, CA   1966/2010   2009   95,062   14   100.0%   99¢ Only Stores, Rite Aid Pharmacy, TJ Maxx
Santa Ana Downtown Plaza, CA   1987/2010   2010   100,305   28   100.0%   Kroger (Food 4 Less) Supermarket, Marshall’s
Claremont Promenade, CA   1982/2011   2010   91,529   24   95.7%   Super King Supermarket
Sycamore Creek, CA   2008   2010   74,198   18   100.0%   Safeway (Vons) Supermarket, CVS Pharmacy (1)
Gateway Village, CA   2003/2005   2010   96,959   26   92.5%   Sprouts Market
Marketplace Del Rio, CA   1990/2004   2011   177,136   44   96.0%   Stater Brothers Supermarket, Walgreens
Desert Springs Marketplace, CA   1993-94 / 2013    2011   105,157   17   98.5%   Kroger (Ralph’s) Supermarket, Rite Aid Pharmacy
Renaissance Towne Centre, CA   1991/2011   2011   53,074   28   100.0%   CVS Pharmacy
Euclid Plaza, CA   1982/2012   2012   77,044   10   100.0%   Vallarta Supermarket, Walgreens
Seabridge Marketplace, CA   2006   2012   93,630   21   100.0%   Safeway (Vons) Supermarket
Glendora Shopping Center, CA   1992/2012   2012   106,535   22   99.3%   Albertson’s Supermarket
Bay Plaza, CA   1986/2013   2012   73,324   28   91.0%   Seafood City Supermarket
Cypress Center West, CA   1970/1978 / 2014   2012   106,451   34   100.0%   Kroger (Ralph’s) Supermarket, Rite Aid Pharmacy
Redondo Beach Plaza, CA   1993/2004   2012   110,509   16   100.0%   Safeway (Von’s) Supermarket, Petco
Harbor Place Center, CA   1994   2012   119,821   10   100.0%   AA Supermarket, Ross Dress for Less
Diamond Bar Town Center, CA   1981   2013   100,342   23   100.0%   National grocery tenant, Crunch Fitness
Bernardo Heights Plaza, CA   1983/2006   2013   37,729   5   100.0%   Sprouts Market 
Diamond Hills Plaza, CA   1973/2008   2013   139,505   38   100.0%   H-Mart Supermarket, Rite Aid Pharmacy
Hawthorne Crossings, CA   1993-1999   2013   141,288   18   100.0%   Mitsuwa Supermarket, Ross Dress for Less, Staples 
Five Points Plaza, CA   1961-62 / 2012    2013   160,906   36   100.0%   Trader Joes, Old Navy, Pier 1
Peninsula Marketplace, CA   2000   2013   95,416   16   100.0%   Kroger (Ralph’s) Supermarket
Plaza de la Canada, CA   1968/2000   2013   100,408   14   100.0%   Gelson’s Supermarket, TJ Maxx, Rite Aid Pharmacy
Creekside Plaza, CA   1993/2005   2014   128,852   27   100.0%   Stater Brothers Supermarket, DigiPlex Theatre
Fallbrook Shopping Center, CA   1966/1986/ 2003   2014   756,040   44   100.0%   Sprouts Market, Trader Joe’s, Kroger (Ralph’s) Supermarket (1), TJ Maxx
Moorpark Town Center, CA   1984/2014   2014   133,538   26   88.2%   Kroger (Ralph’s) Supermarket, CVS Pharmacy
Mission Foothill Marketplace, CA   1996   2014   110,678   19   92.9%   Haggen Supermarket, CVS Pharmacy
                                
Portland Metropolitan                              
Vancouver Market Center, WA   1996/2012   2010   118,385   17   97.3%   Albertson’s Supermarket
Happy Valley Town Center, OR   2007   2010   138,696   37   100.0%   New Seasons Supermarket
Wilsonville Old Town Square, OR   2011   2012   49,937   21   100.0%   Kroger (Fred Meyer) Supermarket (1)
Cascade Summit, OR   2000   2010   95,508   31   100.0%   Safeway Supermarket
Heritage Market Center, WA   2000   2010   107,468   18   100.0%   Safeway Supermarket, Dollar Tree
Division Crossing, OR   1992   2010   104,089   19   97.5%   Ross Dress For Less, Rite Aid Pharmacy, Ace Hardware 

 

22
 

 

Halsey Crossing, OR   1992   2010   99,428   16   97.3%   Safeway Supermarket, Dollar Tree
Hillsboro Market Center, OR   2001-2002   2011   156,021   21   99.3%   Albertson’s Supermarket, Dollar Tree, Marshall’s
Robinwood Shopping Center, OR   1980 / 2012   2013   70,831   15   96.6%   Walmart Neighborhood Market
Tigard Marketplace, OR   1988/2005   2014   136,889   18   99.1%   H-Mart Supermarket, Bi-Mart Pharmacy
Wilsonville Town Center, OR   1991   2014   167,829   35   94.1%   Thriftway Supermarket, Rite Aid Pharmacy, Dollar Tree
                                
Seattle Metropolitan                              
Meridian Valley Plaza, WA   1978/2011   2010   51,597   12   83.2%   Kroger (QFC) Supermarket
The Market at Lake Stevens, WA   2000   2010   74,130   9   100.0%   Haggen Supermarket
Canyon Park, WA   1980/2012   2011   123,627   23   100.0%   Albertson’s Supermarket, Rite Aid Pharmacy
Hawks Prairie, WA   1988/2012   2011   154,781   20   98.6%   Safeway Supermarket, Dollar Tree, Big Lots
Kress Building, WA   1924/2005   2011   74,819   8   100.0%   IGA Supermarket, TJ Maxx
Gateway Shopping Center, WA   2007   2012   106,104   16   97.1%   WinCo Foods (1), Rite Aid Pharmacy, Ross Dress for Less
Aurora Square, WA   1980   2012   38,030   4   100.0%   Central Supermaket
Canyon Crossing, WA   2008-2009   2013   120,510   22   94.3%   Safeway Supermarket
Crossroads Shopping Center, WA (2)    1962/2004   2010/2013   463,436   90   100.0%   Kroger (QFC) Supermarket, Bed Bath & Beyond, Sports Authority
Aurora Square II, WA   1987   2014   65,680   11   100.0%   Marshall’s, Pier 1 Imports

 _______________

(1)Retailer owns their own space and is not a tenant of the Company.

(2)The Company acquired a 49% interest in Crossroads in December 2010 and acquired the remaining 51% in September 2013.

 

As illustrated by the following tables, the Company’s shopping centers are substantially diversified by both tenant mix and by the staggering of its major tenant lease expirations.  For the year ended December 31, 2014, no single tenant comprised more than 3.9% of the total annual base rent of the Company’s portfolio.

 

The following table sets forth a summary schedule of the Company’s ten largest tenants by percent of total annual base rent, as of December 31, 2014.

 

Tenant   Number of Leases  

% of Total Annual  

Base Rent(1)

Safeway Supermarket   9   3.9%
Kroger Supermarket   7   2.9%
Rite Aid Pharmacy   11   2.3%
Marshall’s / TJMaxx   7   2.2%
Sprouts Market   3   1.5%
JP Morgan Chase   14   1.4%
Ross Dress for Less   5   1.4%
CVS Pharmacy   6   1.2%
H-Mart Supermarket   2   1.2%
Haggen Supermarket   2   1.1%
    66   19.1%

___________________

 (1)   Annual base rent is equal to the annualized cash rent for all leases in place as of December 31, 2014 (including initial cash rent for new leases). 

 

23
 

The following table sets forth a summary schedule of the annual lease expirations for leases in place across the Company’s total portfolio at December 31, 2014.

 

Year of Expiration 

Number

of

Leases

Expiring(1)

  Square
Footage
 

Annual Base  

Rent(2)

  Annual
Base
Rent%
2015   209    461,142   $10,378,455    8.2%
2016   232    802,544    14,298,315    11.3%
2017   243    799,715    16,274,017    12.8%
2018   197    895,871    18,526,942    14.6%
2019   164    717,277    14,371,115    11.3%
2020   67    667,384    9,013,242    7.1%
2021   41    274,458    4,351,246    3.4%
2022   51    442,323    8,118,124    6.4%
2023   33    337,417    6,585,817    5.2%
2024   45    332,200    4,626,449    3.6%
Thereafter   67    1,410,106    20,491,932    16.1%
Total   1,349    7,140,437   $127,035,654    100.0%

___________________

(1)Assumes no tenants exercise renewal options or cancellation options.

(2)Annual base rent is equal to the annualized cash rent for all leases in place as of December 31, 2014 (including initial cash rent for new leases). 

 

The following table sets forth a summary schedule of the annual lease expirations for leases in place with the Company’s anchor tenants at December 31, 2014.  Anchor tenants are tenants with leases occupying at least 15,000 square feet or more.

 

Year of Expiration 

Number of

Leases

Expiring(1)

  Square
Footage
 

Annual
Base

Rent(2)

  Annual
Base
Rent %
2015   1    21,211   $339,376    0.3%
2016   10    357,717    3,251,126    2.6%
2017   9    275,066    2,708,792    2.1%
2018   16    459,155    7,041,785    5.5%
2019   13    362,208    5,458,393    4.3%
2020   13    473,930    4,764,895    3.7%
2021   4    138,289    1,177,151    0.9%
2022   10    297,340    4,296,125    3.4%
2023   6    245,991    4,154,052    3.3%
2024   4    207,789    1,770,758    1.4%
Thereafter   25    1,179,120    15,205,891    12.0%
Total   111    4,017,816   $50,168,344    39.5%

____________________

(1)Assumes no tenants exercise renewal or cancellation options.

(2)Annual base rent is equal to the annualized cash rent for all leases in place as of December 31, 2014 (including initial cash rent for new leases). 

 

Item 3.  Legal Proceedings

 

In the normal course of business, from time to time, the Company is involved in routine legal actions incidental to its business of the ownership and operations of its properties.  In management’s opinion, the liabilities, if any, that ultimately may result from such legal actions are not expected to have a material adverse effect on the consolidated financial position, results of operations or liquidity of the Company.

 

Item 4.  Mine Safety Disclosures

 

Not applicable.

 

24
 

PART II

 

Item 5.  Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

 

ROIC Market Information

 

ROIC’s common stock trades on the NASDAQ Global Select Market (“NASDAQ”) under the symbol “ROIC”. The following table sets forth, for the period indicated, the high and low sales price for ROIC’s common stock as reported by the NASDAQ and the per share dividends declared:

 

Period  High  Low  Dividends
Declared
2014               
First Quarter  $15.18   $13.85   $0.16 
Second Quarter  $16.30   $14.82   $0.16 
Third Quarter  $16.26   $14.50   $0.16 
Fourth Quarter  $17.22   $14.61   $0.16 
2013               
First Quarter  $14.02   $12.63   $0.15 
Second Quarter  $15.79   $12.78   $0.15 
Third Quarter  $14.23   $12.60   $0.15 
Fourth Quarter  $15.20   $13.57   $0.15 

 

On February 20, 2015, the closing price of ROIC’s common stock as reported by the NASDAQ was $16.93.

 

Dividends Declared on Common Stock and Tax Status

 

ROIC intends to make regular quarterly distributions to holders of its common stock.  U.S. federal income tax law generally requires that a REIT distribute annually at least 90% of its REIT taxable income, without regard to the deduction for dividends paid and excluding net capital gains, and that it pay U.S. federal income tax at regular corporate rates to the extent that it annually distributes less than 100% of its net taxable income.  ROIC intends to pay regular quarterly dividends to stockholders in an amount not less than its net taxable income, including capital gains, if any, if and to the extent authorized by its board of directors.  Before ROIC pays any dividend, whether for U.S. federal income tax purposes or otherwise, it must first meet both its operating requirements and its debt service on debt.  If ROIC’s cash available for distribution is less than its net taxable income, it could be required to sell assets or borrow funds to make cash distributions or it may make a portion of the required distribution in the form of a taxable stock distribution or distribution of debt securities.

 

The following table sets forth the dividends declared per share of ROIC’s common stock and the tax status for U.S. federal income tax purposes of such dividends declared during the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013:

 

Year Ended December 31, 2014

 

Record Date   Payable Date  

Total

Dividend per

Share

 

Ordinary

Income per  

Share (1)

 

Return of

Capital per  

Share

Total Capital  

Gain per Share 

Section 1250
Recapture per
Share
3/14/2014   3/28/2014   $0.160000   $0.09568   $0.04423 $0.02009 $0.00127
6/13/2014   6/27/2014   $0.160000   $0.09568   $0.04423 $0.02009 $0.00127
9/15/2014   9/29/2014   $0.160000   $0.09568   $0.04423 $0.02009 $0.00127
12/15/2014   12/29/2014   $0.160000   $0.09568   $0.04423 $0.02009 $0.00127

_________________

(1)Ordinary Income per Share is non-qualified dividend income.

 

Year Ended December 31, 2013

 

Record Date   Payable Date  

Total Dividend per  

Share

 

Ordinary Income per  

Share (1)

 

Return of Capital per

Share

3/15/2013   3/29/2013   $0.150000   $0.05934   $0.09066
6/14/2013   6/28/2013   $0.150000   $0.05934   $0.09066
9/16/2013   9/30/2013   $0.150000   $0.05934   $0.09066
12/16/2013   12/30/2013   $0.150000   $0.05934   $0.09066

_________________

(1)Ordinary Income per Share is non-qualified dividend income.

 

25
 

As of December 31, 2014, 95.9% of the outstanding interests in the Operating Partnership were owned by the Company.

 

Holders

 

As of February 20, 2015, ROIC had 51 registered holders.  Such information was obtained through the registrar and transfer agent.

 

Operating Partnership

 

There is no established trading market for the Operating Partnership's OP Units. The following table sets forth the distributions per OP Unit with respect to the periods indicated:

 

Period  Distributions
2014     
First Quarter  $0.16 
Second Quarter  $0.16 
Third Quarter  $0.16 
Fourth Quarter  $0.16 
2013     
First Quarter  $0.15 
Second Quarter  $0.15 
Third Quarter  $0.15 
Fourth Quarter  $0.15 

 

The Operating Partnership intends to make regular quarterly distributions to holders of OP Units, to the extent authorized by ROIC's board of directors. As of December 31, 2014, the Operating Partnership had 25 registered holders, including Retail Opportunity Investments GP, LLC.

 

Stockholder Return Performance

 

 

 

The above graph compares the cumulative total return on the Company’s common stock with that of the Standard and Poor’s 500 Stock Index (“S&P 500”) and the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts Equity Index (“FTSE NAREIT Equity REITs”) from December 31, 2009 through December 31, 2014.  The stock price performance graph assumes that an investor invested $100 in each of ROIC and the indices, and the reinvestment of any dividends.  The comparisons in the graph are provided in accordance with the SEC disclosure requirements and are not intended to forecast or be indicative of the future performance of ROIC’s shares of common stock. ROIC commenced its operations as a REIT on October 20, 2009. Prior to October 20, 2009, ROIC operated as a special purpose acquisition company in pursuit of an initial business combination.

 

26
 
  Period Ending
Index  12/31/09  12/31/10  12/31/11  12/31/12  12/31/13  12/31/14
Retail Opportunity Investments Corp.   100.00    100.07    123.83    140.36    167.97    199.62 
S&P500   100.00    115.06    117.49    136.30    180.44    205.14 
FTSE NAREIT Equity REITs   100.00    127.96    138.57    163.60    167.63    218.16 

 

Except to the extent that the Company specifically incorporates this information by reference, the foregoing Stockholder Return Performance information shall not be deemed incorporated by reference by any general statement incorporating by reference this Annual Report on Form 10-K into any filing under the Securities Act or under the Exchange Act.  This information shall not otherwise be deemed filed under such Acts.

 

Securities Authorized For Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans

 

During 2009, ROIC adopted the 2009 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2009 Plan”).  For a description of the 2009 Plan, see Note 9 to the consolidated financial statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

The following table presents certain information about the Company’s equity compensation plans as of December 31, 2014:

 

Plan Category 

Number of securities

to be issued upon  

exercise of  

outstanding options,  

warrants and rights(1)

  Weighted-average  
exercise price of  
outstanding
options,  
warrants and
rights
  Number of securities remaining
available for future issuance  
under equity compensation
plans (excluding securities
reflected in the first column of
this table)
Equity compensation plans approved by stockholders   284,000   $10.81    2,202,833 
Equity compensation plans not approved by stockholders            
Total   284,000   $10.81    2,202,333 

_________________

(1)Includes 3,000, 8,000, and 49,500 options granted during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

 

During the three months ended December 31, 2014, ROIC purchased the following:

 

Period  Total
Number
of Shares
Purchased (1)
  Weighted
Average
Price Paid
Per Share
  Total Number of
Shares 
Purchased as Part 
of Publicly
Announced 
Plans or Programs
  Dollar Value of 
Shares that May Yet 
Be Purchased Under 
the Program
October 1, 2014 through October 31, 2014      $         
November 1, 2014 through November 30, 2014      $         
December 1, 2014 through December 31, 2014   2,597   $16.75         
Total   2,597   $16.75         

 

(1)  Represents shares repurchased by ROIC in connection with the net share settlement to cover the minimum taxes on vesting of restricted stock issued under ROIC’s 2009 Equity Incentive Plan that vested.  

 

Sales of Unregistered Equity Securities

 

On December 11, 2014, the Operating Partnership acquired Wilsonville Town Center, a shopping center comprising approximately 168,000 square feet of rentable space located in Wilsonville, Oregon, for an adjusted purchase price of approximately $35.6 million, with approximately $19.4 million paid in cash and the remaining consideration paid through the issuance of 989,272 OP Units. The OP Units are exchangeable for cash, or at the election of the Company, into shares of common stock of the Company on a one-for-one basis, subject to the terms of the Operating Partnership’s partnership agreement. The OP Units were issued in a private placement in reliance on Section 4(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

 

27
 

Item 6.  Selected Financial Data

 

The following tables set forth selected financial and operating information on a historical basis for ROIC and the Operating Partnership, and should be read in conjunction with Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Conditions and Results of Operations” and the Company’s financial statements, including the notes, included elsewhere herein.

 

RETAIL OPPORTUNITY INVESTMENTS CORP. 

CONSOLIDATED HISTORICAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

   Year Ended December 31,
Retail Opportunity Investments Corp.  2014  2013  2012  2011  2010
Statement of Operations Data:               
Total revenues  $155,863,511   $111,232,031   $75,095,687   $51,737,512   $16,328,969 
Operating expenses   112,089,583    83,456,857    63,541,899    46,782,558    21,642,505 
Operating income(loss)   43,773,928    27,775,174    11,553,788    4,954,954    (5,313,536)
Gain on consolidation of joint venture       20,381,849    2,144,696         
Gain on bargain purchase           3,864,145    9,449,059    2,216,824 
Gain on sale of real estate   4,868,553                 
Interest income           11,861    19,143    1,108,507 
Interest expense   27,593,259    15,854,978    11,379,857    6,225,084    324,126 
Income (loss) from continuing operations   21,049,222    34,691,982    7,892,613    9,656,321    (400,921)
Loss from discontinued operations       (713,529)            
Net income (loss)   21,049,222    33,978,453    7,892,613    9,656,321    (400,921)
Net income (loss) attributable to Retail Opportunity Investments Corp.   20,301,045    33,813,561    7,892,613    9,656,321    (400,921)
Weighted average shares outstanding- Basic:   83,411,230    67,419,497    51,059,408    42,477,007    41,582,401 
Weighted average shares outstanding- Diluted:   87,453,409    71,004,380    52,371,168    42,526,288    41,582,401 
Income (loss) per share – Basic:                         
Income (loss) from continuing operations  $0.24   $0.51   $0.15   $0.23   $(0.01)
Net income (loss) attributable to Retail Opportunity Investments Corp.  $0.24   $0.50   $0.15   $0.23   $(0.01)
Income (loss) per share – Diluted:                         
Income (loss) from continuing operations  $0.24   $0.49   $0.15   $0.23   $(0.01)
Net income (loss) attributable to Retail Opportunity Investments Corp.  $0.24   $0.48   $0.15   $0.23   $(0.01)
Dividends per common share  $0.64   $0.60   $0.53   $0.39   $0.18 
Balance Sheet Data:                         
Real estate investments, net  $1,697,724,972   $1,314,933,668   $864,624,046   $602,623,893   $344,212,083 
Cash and cash equivalents  $10,773,406   $7,919,697   $4,692,230   $34,317,588   $84,736,410 
Total assets  $1,851,696,385   $1,439,089,843   $950,911,527   $694,432,627   $464,192,502 
Total liabilities  $888,914,167   $733,679,777   $484,369,456   $243,943,573   $73,668,932 
Total equity  $962,782,218   $705,410,066   $466,542,071   $450,489,054   $390,523,570 

 

28
 

RETAIL OPPORTUNITY INVESTMENTS PARTNERSHIP, LP  

CONSOLIDATED HISTORICAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

   Year Ended December 31,
Retail Opportunity Investments Partnership, LP  2014  2013  2012  2011  2010
Statement of Operations Data:               
Total revenues  $155,863,511   $111,232,031   $75,095,687   $51,737,512   $16,328,969 
Operating expenses   112,089,583    83,456,857    63,541,899    46,782,558    21,642,505 
Operating income (loss)   43,773,928    27,775,174    11,553,788    4,954,954    (5,313,536)
Gain on consolidation of joint venture       20,381,849    2,144,696         
Gain on bargain purchase           3,864,145    9,449,059    2,216,824 
Gain on sale of real estate   4,868,553                 
Interest income           11,861    19,143    1,108,507 
Interest expense   27,593,259    15,854,978    11,379,857    6,225,084    324,126 
Income (loss) from continuing operations   21,049,222    34,691,982    7,892,613    9,656,321    (400,921)
Loss from discontinued operations       (713,529)            
Net income (loss)   21,049,222    33,978,453    7,892,613    9,656,321    (400,921)
Net income (loss) attributable to the Operating Partnership   21,049,222    33,813,561    7,892,613    9,656,321    (400,921)
Weighted average units outstanding- Basic:   83,411,230    67,419,497    51,059,408    42,477,007    41,582,401 
Weighted average units outstanding- Diluted:   87,453,409    71,004,380    52,371,168    42,526,288    41,582,401 
Income (loss) per unit – Basic:                         
Income from continuing operations  $0.24   $0.51   $0.15   $0.23   $(0.01)
Net income (loss) attributable to the Operating Partnership  $0.24   $0.50   $0.15   $0.23   $(0.01)
Income (loss) per unit – Diluted:                         
Income from continuing operations  $0.24   $0.49   $0.15   $0.23   $(0.01)
Net income attributable to the Operating Partnership  $0.24   $0.48   $0.15   $0.23   $(0.01)
Distributions per unit  $0.64   $0.60   $0.53   $0.39   $0.18 
Balance Sheet Data:                         
Real estate investments, net  $1,697,724,972   $1,314,933,668   $864,624,046   $602,623,893   $344,212,083 
Cash and cash equivalents  $10,773,406   $7,919,697   $4,692,230   $34,317,588   $84,736,410 
Total assets  $1,851,696,385   $1,439,089,843   $950,911,527   $694,432,627   $464,192,502 
Total liabilities  $888,914,167   $733,679,777   $484,369,456   $243,943,573   $73,668,932 
Total capital  $962,782,218   $705,410,066   $466,542,071   $450,489,054   $390,523,570 

 

Item 7.  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

 

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the Retail Opportunity Investments Corp. Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto appearing elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.  The Company makes statements in this section that are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws.  For a complete discussion of forward-looking statements, see the section in this Annual Report on Form 10-K entitled “Statements Regarding Forward-Looking Information.”  Certain risk factors may cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the following discussion.  For a discussion of such risk factors, see the section in this Annual Report on Form 10-K entitled “Risk Factors.”

 

Overview

 

ROIC commenced operations in October 2009 as a fully integrated and self-managed REIT, and as of December 31, 2014, ROIC owned an approximate 95.9% partnership interest and other limited partners owned the remaining 4.1% partnership interest in the Operating Partnership. ROIC specializes in the acquisition, ownership and management of necessity-based community and neighborhood shopping centers on the west coast of the United States, anchored by supermarkets and drugstores.

 

From the commencement of its operations through December 31, 2014, the Company has completed approximately $1.7 billion of shopping center investments. As of December 31, 2014, the Company’s portfolio consisted of 61 retail properties totaling approximately 7.3 million square feet of GLA.

 

As of December 31, 2014, the Company’s portfolio was approximately 97.6% leased. During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company leased and renewed approximately 441,000 and 423,000 square feet, respectively, in its portfolio.

 

29
 

The table below provides a reconciliation of beginning of year vacant space to end of year vacant space as of December 31, 2014.

 

   Vacant Space
Square Footage
Vacant space at December 31, 2013   293,271 
Square footage vacated   133,939 
Vacant space in acquired properties   64,680 
Square footage leased   (238,667)
Vacant space at December 31, 2014   253,223 

 

The Company has committed approximately $3.4 million, or $7.74 per square foot, in tenant improvements for new leases that occurred during the year ended December 31, 2014. The Company has committed approximately $1.1 million, or $2.42 per square foot, in leasing commissions for the new leases that occurred during the year ended December 31, 2014. Additionally, the Company has committed approximately $109,000, or $0.26 per square foot, in tenant improvements for renewed leases that occurred during the year ended December 31, 2014. Leasing commission commitments for renewed leases were not material for the year ended December 31, 2014.

 

ROIC is organized in an UpREIT format pursuant to which Retail Opportunity Investments GP, LLC, its wholly-owned subsidiary, serves as the general partner of, and ROIC conducts substantially all of its business through, its Operating Partnership, Retail Opportunity Investments Partnership, LP, a Delaware limited partnership, together with its subsidiaries. ROIC reincorporated as a Maryland corporation on June 2, 2011. ROIC elected to be taxed as a REIT, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, commencing with the year ended December 31, 2010.

 

Results of Operations

 

At December 31, 2014, the Company had 61 properties, all of which are consolidated (“consolidated properties”) in the accompanying financial statements. The Company believes, because of the location of the properties in densely populated areas, the nature of its investments provides for relatively stable revenue flows even during difficult economic times. The Company has a strong capital structure with manageable debt as of December 31, 2014. The Company expects to continue to actively explore acquisition opportunities consistent with its business strategy.

 

Property operating income is a non-GAAP financial measure of performance. The Company defines property operating income as operating revenues (base rent, recoveries from tenants and other income), less property and related expenses (property operating expenses and property taxes). Property operating income excludes general and administrative expenses, mortgage interest income, depreciation and amortization, acquisition transaction costs, other expense, interest expense, gains and losses from property acquisitions and dispositions, equity in earnings from unconsolidated joint ventures, extraordinary items, tenant improvements and leasing commissions. Other REITs may use different methodologies for calculating property operating income, and accordingly, the Company’s property operating income may not be comparable to other REITs.

 

Property operating income is used by management to evaluate and compare the operating performance of the Company’s properties, to determine trends in earnings and to compute the fair value of the Company’s properties as this measure is not affected by the cost of our funding, the impact of depreciation and amortization expenses, gains or losses from the acquisition and sale of operating real estate assets, general and administrative expenses or other gains and losses that relate to our ownership of our properties. The Company believes the exclusion of these items from net income is useful because the resulting measure captures the actual revenue generated and actual expenses incurred in operating the Company’s properties as well as trends in occupancy rates, rental rates and operating costs.

 

Property operating income is a measure of the operating performance of the Company’s properties but does not measure the Company’s performance as a whole. Property operating income is therefore not a substitute for net income or operating income as computed in accordance with GAAP.

 

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Results of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to the year ended December 31, 2013.

 

Property Operating Income

 

The table below provides a reconciliation of consolidated operating income, in accordance with GAAP, to consolidated property operating income for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013.

 

   Year Ended December 31,
   2014  2013
Operating income per GAAP   $43,773,928   $27,775,174 
Plus:       Depreciation and amortization   58,434,981    40,397,895 
                General and administrative expenses    11,199,632    10,058,669 
                Acquisition transaction costs   961,167    1,688,521 
                Other expenses    504,828    314,833 
Less:       Mortgage interest income        (623,793)
Property operating income   $114,874,536   $79,611,299 

 

The following comparison for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to the year ended December 31, 2013, makes reference to the effect of the same-store properties. Same-store properties, which totaled 41 of the Company’s 61 properties as of December 31, 2014, represent all operating properties owned by the Company during the entirety of both periods presented and consolidated into the Company’s financial statements during such periods.

 

The table below provides a reconciliation of consolidated operating income in accordance with GAAP to property operating income for the year ended December 31, 2014 related to the 41 same-store properties owned by the Company during the entirety of both the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 and consolidated into the Company’s financial statements during such periods.

 

   Year Ended December 31, 2014
   Same-Store  Non Same-Store  Total
Operating income per GAAP   $36,473,754   $7,300,174   $43,773,928 
Plus:      Depreciation and amortization    32,105,414    26,329,567    58,434,981 
          General and administrative expenses (1)        11,199,632    11,199,632 
          Acquisition transaction costs    5,638    955,529    961,167 
          Other expenses (1)        504,828    504,828 
Property operating income   $68,584,806   $46,289,730   $114,874,536 

 

______________________

1 For illustration purposes, general and administrative expenses and other expenses are included in non same-store because the Company does not allocate these types of expenses between same-store and non same-store.

 

The table below provides a reconciliation of consolidated operating income in accordance with GAAP to property operating income for the year ended December 31, 2013 related to the 41 same-store properties owned by the Company during the entirety of both the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 and consolidated into the Company’s financial statements during such periods.

 

 

   Year Ended December 31, 2013
   Same-Store  Non Same-Store  Total
Operating income per GAAP  $35,757,054   $(7,981,880)  $27,775,174 
Plus:      Depreciation and amortization   31,487,242    8,910,653    40,397,895 
               General and administrative expenses (1)         10,058,669    10,058,669 
               Acquisition transaction costs   229,434    1,459,087    1,688,521 
               Other expenses (1)        314,833    314,833 
Less:      Mortgage interest income       (623,793)   (623,793)
 Property operating income  $67,473,730   $12,137,569   $79,611,299 

 

______________________

1 For illustration purposes, general and administrative expenses and other expenses are included in non same-store because the Company does not allocate these types of expenses between same-store and non same-store.

 

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During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company generated property operating income of approximately $114.9 million compared to property operating income of $79.6 million generated during the year ended December 31, 2013. Property operating income increased by $35.3 million during the year ended December 31, 2014 primarily as a result of an increase in the number of properties owned by the Company in 2014 compared to 2013 and an increase in same-store properties’ operating income.  As of December 31, 2014, the Company owned 61 consolidated properties as compared to 55 properties at December 31, 2013. The properties acquired during 2014 and 2013 increased property operating income in 2014 by approximately $34.2 million. The 41 same-store properties increased property operating income by approximately $1.1 million.

 

Mortgage interest income

 

The Company generated interest income from mortgage notes receivable during the year ended December 31, 2013 of approximately $624,000 and no comparable income was recorded during the year ended December 31, 2014. This decrease was a result of the cancellation of the Company’s loan to the Crossroads joint venture in connection with the Company’s acquisition of the remaining partnership interests in the Crossroads Shopping Center from its joint venture partner in September 2013. As of December 31, 2014, the Company has no remaining investments in mortgage loans on real estate.

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

The Company incurred depreciation and amortization expenses during the year ended December 31, 2014 of approximately $58.4 million compared to $40.4 million incurred during the year ended December 31, 2013. Depreciation and amortization expenses were higher in 2014 as a result of an increase in the number of properties owned by the Company in 2014 compared to 2013.

 

General and administrative expenses

 

The Company incurred general and administrative expenses during the year ended December 31, 2014 of approximately $11.2 million compared to $10.1 million incurred during the year ended December 31, 2013. General and administrative expenses increased approximately $1.1 million primarily as a result of an increase in compensation-related expenses.

 

Acquisition transaction costs

 

The Company incurred property acquisition costs during the year ended December 31, 2014 of approximately $961,000 compared to $1.7 million incurred during the year ended December 31, 2013. Property acquisition costs were lower in 2014 primarily due to decreased legal and other professional fees incurred related to acquisition activity in 2014 compared to 2013, as well as a reduction in the number of assets acquired period over period.

 

Interest expense and other finance expenses

 

During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company incurred approximately $27.6 million of interest expense compared to approximately $15.9 million during the year ended December 31, 2013. Interest expense increased approximately $11.7 million primarily due to a higher debt level as a result of acquisitions, interest incurred related to the Senior Notes Due 2023 issued in December 2013 and the Senior Notes Due 2024 issued in December 2014, slightly offset be a decrease in interest related to the Company’s interest rate swaps, as the Company’s remaining swaps were cash settled in 2014.

 

Gain on consolidation of joint venture

 

During the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company acquired the remaining partnership interests in Terranomics Crossroads Associates from its joint venture partner. Prior to the acquisition date, the Company accounted for its 49% interest in the Terranomics Crossroads Associates, LP as an equity method investment.  In accordance with the authoritative accounting guidance for business combinations, as the Company obtained control of the Crossroads joint venture, the Company determined that it should re-measure the fair value of its previously held equity interest. The Company, with the assistance of a third party valuation firm, calculated the fair value of its historical ownership interest in the Crossroads joint venture to be $36.0 million based on the $13.79 value per OP Unit issued as of the date the Company obtained control of Crossroads on September 27, 2013. In accordance with the accounting guidance for business combinations, the Company then compared the fair value of the equity of $36.0 million to the carrying value of its investment in Crossroads of $15.6 million, which resulted in a gain of $20.4 million that was included in earnings on the date the acquisition closed.   There was no comparable gain recorded during the year ended December 31, 2014.

 

Equity in earnings from unconsolidated joint venture

 

During the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company recorded equity in earnings from unconsolidated joint venture of approximately $2.4 million and no comparable income was recorded during the year ended December 31, 2014. This decrease was a result of the consolidation of Crossroads Shopping Center in September 2013. As of December 31, 2014, the Company has no remaining unconsolidated joint ventures.

 

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Gain on sale of property

 

On June 5, 2014, the Company sold Phillips Village Shopping Center, a non-core shopping center located in Pomona, California with an occupancy rate of approximately 10.4% as of May 31, 2014. The sales price of this property of approximately $16.0 million, less costs to sell, resulted in net proceeds to the Company of approximately $15.6 million. The Company recorded a gain on sale of approximately $3.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2014. Additionally, on August 25, 2014, the Company sold the Oregon City Point Shopping Center, a non-core shopping center located in Oregon City, Oregon. The sales price of this property of approximately $12.4 million, less costs to sell, resulted in net proceeds of approximately $12.0 million. The Company recorded a gain on sale of approximately $1.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2014. There were no comparable gains recorded during the year ended December 31, 2013.

 

Loss from discontinued operations

 

In June 2013, the Company sold the Nimbus Village Shopping Center, a non-grocery anchored, non-core shopping center located in Rancho Cordova, California. The sales price of this property of approximately $6.3 million, less costs to sell, resulted in proceeds to the Company of approximately $5.6 million. Accordingly, the Company recorded a loss on sale of property of approximately $714,000 for the year ended December 31, 2013, which has been included in discontinued operations. There was no comparable loss recorded during the year ended December 31, 2014.

 

Results of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2013 compared to the year ended December 31, 2012.

 

Property Operating Income

 

The table below provides a reconciliation of consolidated operating income, in accordance with GAAP, to consolidated property operating income for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012.

 

   Year Ended December 31,
   2013  2012
Operating income per GAAP   $27,775,174   $11,553,788 
Plus:     Depreciation and amortization    40,397,895    29,074,709 
              General and administrative expenses    10,058,669    12,734,254 
              Acquisition transaction costs    1,688,521    1,347,611 
              Other expenses    314,833    324,354 
Less:     Mortgage interest income    (623,793)   (1,106,089)
Property operating income   $79,611,299   $53,928,627 

 

The following comparison for the year ended December 31, 2013 compared to the year ended December 31, 2012, makes reference to the effect of the same-store properties. Same-store properties, which totaled 29 of the Company’s 55 properties as of December 31, 2013, represent all operating properties owned by the Company during the entirety of both periods presented and consolidated into the Company’s financial statements during such periods.

 

The table below provides a reconciliation of consolidated operating income in accordance with GAAP to property operating income for the year ended December 31, 2013 related to the 29 same-store properties owned by the Company during the entirety of both the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 and consolidated into the Company’s financial statements during such periods.

 

   Year Ended December 31, 2013
   Same-Store  Non Same-Store  Total
Operating income per GAAP   $25,195,308   $2,579,866   $27,775,174 
Plus:     Depreciation and amortization    21,515,014    18,882,881    40,397,895 
              General and administrative expenses (1)        10,058,669    10,058,669 
              Acquisition transaction costs    6,997    1,681,524    1,688,521 
              Other expenses (1)        314,833    314,833 
Less:     Mortgage interest income        (623,793)   (623,793)
Property operating income   $46,717,319   $32,893,980   $79,611,299 

 

______________________

1 For illustration purposes, general and administrative expenses and other expenses are included in non same-store because the Company does not allocate these types of expenses between same-store and non same-store.

 

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The table below provides a reconciliation of consolidated operating income in accordance with GAAP to property operating income for the year ended December 31, 2012 related to the 29 same-store properties owned by the Company during the entirety of both the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 and consolidated into the Company’s financial statements during such periods.

 

   Year Ended December 31, 2012
   Same-Store  Non Same-Store  Total
Operating income per GAAP   $21,367,666   $(9,813,878)  $11,553,788 
Plus:    Depreciation and amortization    24,628,922    4,445,787    29,074,709 
             General and administrative expenses (1)        12,734,254    12,734,254 
             Acquisition transaction costs    57,720    1,289,891    1,347,611 
             Other expenses (1)        324,354    324,354 
Less:    Mortgage interest income        (1,106,089)   (1,106,089)
Property operating income   $46,054,308   $7,874,319   $53,928,627 

 

______________________

1 For illustration purposes, general and administrative expenses and other expenses are included in non same-store because the Company does not allocate these types of expenses between same-store and non same-store.

 

During the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company generated property operating income of approximately $79.6 million compared to property operating income of $53.9 million generated during the year ended December 31, 2012. Property operating income increased by $25.7 million during the year ended December 31, 2013 primarily as a result of an increase in the number of properties owned by the Company in 2013 compared to 2012 and an increase in same-store properties’ operating income.  As of December 31, 2013, the Company owned 55 consolidated properties as compared to 44 properties at December 31, 2012. The properties acquired during 2013 and 2012 increased property operating income in 2013 by approximately $25.0 million. The 29 same-store properties increased property operating income by approximately $663,000.

 

Mortgage interest income

 

The Company generated interest income from mortgage notes receivable during the year ended December 31, 2013 of approximately $624,000 compared to $1.1 million during the year ended December 31, 2012. Mortgage interest income decreased by approximately $482,000 as a result of the cancellation of the Company’s loan to the Crossroads joint venture in connection with the Company’s acquisition of the remaining partnership interests in the Crossroads Shopping Center from its joint venture partner in September 2013 and loans in the prior year that were eliminated when the Company obtained the remaining ownership interests. As of December 31, 2013, the Company had no remaining investments in mortgage loans on real estate.

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

The Company incurred depreciation and amortization expenses during the year ended December 31, 2013 of approximately $40.4 million compared to $29.1 million incurred during the year ended December 31, 2012. Depreciation and amortization expenses were higher in 2013 as a result of an increase in the number of properties owned by the Company in 2013 compared to 2012.

 

General and administrative expenses

 

The Company incurred general and administrative expenses during the year ended December 31, 2013 of approximately $10.1 million compared to $12.7 million incurred during the year ended December 31, 2012. General and administrative expenses decreased approximately $2.7 million primarily as a result of approximately $2.8 million incurred in 2012 related to severance costs and the cost for moving the Company’s corporate headquarters from White Plains, New York to San Diego, California, for which there were no comparable expenses in 2013.

 

Acquisition transaction costs

 

The Company incurred property acquisition costs during the year ended December 31, 2013 of approximately $1.7 million compared to $1.3 million incurred during the year ended December 31, 2012. Property acquisition costs were higher in 2013 due to additional legal and other professional fees incurred related to acquisition activity.

 

Interest expense and other finance expenses

 

During the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company incurred approximately $15.9 million of interest expense compared to approximately $11.4 million during the year ended December 31, 2012. The increase was due to higher net borrowings on the term loan and credit facility, interest incurred on loans assumed for Santa Teresa Village, Bernardo Heights and Crossroads and interest incurred related to the Senior Notes Due 2023 issued in December 2013, slightly offset by lower borrowing costs on the credit facility and term loan during 2013 as compared to 2012.

 

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Gain on consolidation of joint venture

 

During the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company acquired the remaining partnership interests in Terranomics Crossroads Associates from its joint venture partner. Prior to the acquisition date, the Company accounted for its 49% interest in the Terranomics Crossroads Associates, LP as an equity method investment.  In accordance with the authoritative accounting guidance for business combinations, as the Company obtained control of the Crossroads joint venture, the Company determined that it should re-measure the fair value of its previously held equity interest. The Company, with the assistance of a third party valuation firm, calculated the fair value of its historical ownership interest in the Crossroads joint venture to be $36.0 million based on the $13.79 value per OP Unit issued as of the date the Company obtained control of Crossroads on September 27, 2013. In accordance with the accounting guidance for business combinations, the Company then compared the fair value of the equity of $36.0 million to the carrying value of its investment in Crossroads of $15.6 million, which resulted in a gain of $20.4 million that was included in earnings on the date the acquisition closed.

 

During the year ended December 31, 2012, the Company acquired the remaining partnership interests in Wilsonville Old Town Square from its joint venture partner. The Company recorded a gain of approximately $2.1 million when determining the fair value of the property at the time of the purchase of the remaining interest in the property.

 

Gain on bargain purchase

 

During the year ended December 31, 2012, the Company recorded a gain on bargain purchase of approximately $3.9 million when recording the fair values of two properties that were acquired during the period through Conveyance in Lieu of Foreclosure Agreements. There was no comparable gain recorded during the year ended December 31, 2013.

 

Equity in earnings from unconsolidated joint venture

 

During the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company recorded equity in earnings from unconsolidated joint venture of approximately $2.4 million compared to $1.7 million during the year ended December 31, 2012. The increase of approximately $0.7 million was primarily due to the recognition of the earned preferred return of approximately $2.0 million on the Company’s initial 49% investment in the Crossroads Shopping Center in connection with the acquisition of the remaining partnership interests during the year ended December 31, 2013 for which there was no comparable preferred return in the prior year. This increase was offset by the reduction in regular earnings from the Company’s partnership interests in Wilsonville Old Town Square that were consolidated on August 1, 2012, and Crossroads Shopping Center that were consolidated on September 27, 2013. As of December 31, 2013, the Company had no remaining unconsolidated joint ventures.

 

Loss from discontinued operations

 

In June 2013, the Company sold the Nimbus Village Shopping Center, a non-grocery anchored, non-core shopping center located in Rancho Cordova, California. The sales price of this property of approximately $6.3 million, less costs to sell, resulted in proceeds to the Company of approximately $5.6 million. Accordingly, the Company recorded a loss on sale of property of approximately $714,000 for the year ended December 31, 2013, which has been included in discontinued operations. There was no comparable loss recorded during the year ended December 31, 2012.

 

Funds From Operations

 

Funds from operations (“FFO”), is a widely-recognized non-GAAP financial measure for REITs that the Company believes when considered with financial statements presented in accordance with GAAP, provides additional and useful means to assess its financial performance. FFO is frequently used by securities analysts, investors and other interested parties to evaluate the performance of REITs, most of which present FFO along with net income as calculated in accordance with GAAP.

 

The Company computes FFO in accordance with the “White Paper” on FFO published by the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts (“NAREIT”), which defines FFO as net income attributable to common stockholders (determined in accordance with GAAP) excluding gains or losses from debt restructuring, sales of depreciable property, and impairments, plus real estate related depreciation and amortization, and after adjustments for partnerships and unconsolidated joint ventures.

 

However, FFO:

 

·does not represent cash flows from operating activities in accordance with GAAP (which, unlike FFO, generally reflects all cash effects of transactions and other events in the determination of net income); and

 

·should not be considered an alternative to net income as an indication of our performance.

 

FFO as defined by the Company may not be comparable to similarly titled items reported by other REITs due to possible differences in the application of the NAREIT definition used by such REITs.

 

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The Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) guidance relating to business combinations requires, among other things, an acquirer of a business (or investment property) to expense all acquisition costs related to the acquisition, the amount of which will vary based on each specific acquisition and the volume of acquisitions. Accordingly, the costs of acquisitions will reduce our FFO. For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, the Company expensed $1.0 million, $1.7 million and $1.3 million, respectively, relating to real estate acquisitions.

 

While the Company does not have any joint ventures as of December 31, 2014, in the future, the Company may acquire the remaining interests from its joint venture partners it does not already own. At that time, a gain or loss may be recorded, in accordance with GAAP, based on the Company’s determination of the fair value of the properties at the time of any such purchase of the remaining interests in the properties. Accordingly, the amount of the gain or loss will increase or decrease, respectively, our FFO. During the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company acquired the remaining interests from certain of its joint venture partners. The gains recorded upon consolidation of joint ventures for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 were approximately $20.4 million and $2.1 million, respectively. The Company did not record any such gain or loss during the year ended December 31, 2014.

 

In the future, the Company may make real estate-related debt investments where the primary focus is to capitalize on opportunities to acquire control positions that will enable the Company to obtain the underlying property should a default occur. The Company’s bargain purchase gains are primarily associated with these types of investments. Accordingly, the amount of the gain will increase our FFO. Currently the Company does not have any real estate-related debt investments. The Company recognized a bargain purchase gain of approximately $3.9 million during year ended December 31, 2012. The Company did not recognize any such gain during the years ended December 31, 2014 or 2013.

 

The table below provides a reconciliation of net income applicable to stockholders in accordance with GAAP to FFO for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012.

 

   Year Ended December 31,
   2014  2013  2012
Net income attributable to ROIC   $20,301,045   $33,813,561   $7,892,613 
Plus:  Depreciation and amortization    58,434,981    40,397,895    29,074,709 
Depreciation and amortization attributable to unconsolidated joint ventures        1,059,761    2,174,877 
Gain on sale of real estate    (4,868,553)        
Loss from discontinued operations        713,529     
Funds from operations - basic    73,867,473    75,984,746    39,142,199 
Net income attributable to non-controlling interests    748,177    165,892     
Funds from operations - diluted   $74,615,650   $76,150,638   $39,142,199 

 

Critical Accounting Estimates

 

Critical accounting estimates are those that are both important to the presentation of the Company’s financial condition and results of operations and require management’s most difficult, complex or subjective judgments.  Set forth below is a summary of the accounting estimates that management believes are critical to the preparation of the consolidated financial statements.  This summary should be read in conjunction with the more complete discussion of the Company’s accounting policies included in Note 1 to the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

Revenue Recognition

 

The Company records base rents on a straight-line basis over the term of each lease.  The excess of rents recognized over amounts contractually due pursuant to the underlying leases is included in tenant and other receivables on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.  Most leases contain provisions that require tenants to reimburse a pro-rata share of real estate taxes and certain common area expenses.  Adjustments are also made throughout the year to tenant and other receivables and the related cost recovery income based upon the Company’s best estimate of the final amounts to be billed and collected.  In addition, the Company also provides an allowance for future credit losses in connection with the deferred straight-line rent receivable.

 

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

 

The allowance for doubtful accounts is established based on a quarterly analysis of the risk of loss on specific accounts.  The analysis places particular emphasis on past-due accounts and considers information such as the nature and age of the receivables, the payment history of the tenants or other debtors, the financial condition of the tenants and any guarantors and management’s assessment of their ability to meet their lease obligations, the basis for any disputes and the status of related negotiations, among other things.  Management’s estimates of the required allowance is subject to revision as these factors change and is sensitive to the effects of economic and market conditions on tenants, particularly those at retail properties.  Estimates are used to establish reimbursements from tenants for common area maintenance, real estate tax and insurance costs.  The Company analyzes the balance of its estimated accounts receivable for real estate taxes, common area maintenance and insurance for each of its properties by comparing actual recoveries versus actual expenses and any actual write-offs.  Based on its analysis, the Company may record an additional amount in its allowance for doubtful accounts related to these items.  In addition, the Company also provides an allowance for future credit losses in connection with the deferred straight-line rent receivable.

 

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Real Estate Investments

 

Land, buildings, property improvements, furniture/fixtures and tenant improvements are recorded at cost.  Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are charged to operations as incurred.  Renovations and/or replacements, which improve or extend the life of the asset, are capitalized and depreciated over their estimated useful lives.

 

Upon the acquisition of real estate properties, the fair value of the real estate purchased is allocated to the acquired tangible assets (consisting of land, buildings and improvements), and acquired intangible assets and liabilities (consisting of above-market and below-market leases and acquired in-place leases).  Acquired lease intangible assets include above-market leases and acquired in-place leases, and acquired lease intangible liabilities represent below-market leases, in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.  The fair value of the tangible assets of an acquired property is determined by valuing the property as if it were vacant, which value is then allocated to land, buildings and improvements based on management’s determination of the relative fair values of these assets.  In valuing an acquired property’s intangibles, factors considered by management include an estimate of carrying costs during the expected lease-up periods, and estimates of lost rental revenue during the expected lease-up periods based on its evaluation of current market demand.  Management also estimates costs to execute similar leases, including leasing commissions, tenant improvements, legal and other related costs.  

 

The value of in-place leases is measured by the excess of (i) the purchase price paid for a property after adjusting existing in-place leases to market rental rates, over (ii) the estimated fair value of the property as if vacant.  Above-market and below-market lease values are recorded based on the present value (using a discount rate which reflects the risks associated with the leases acquired) of the difference between the contractual amounts to be received and management’s estimate of market lease rates, measured over the terms of the respective leases that management deemed appropriate at the time of acquisition.  Such valuations include a consideration of the non-cancellable terms of the respective leases as well as any applicable renewal periods.  The fair values associated with below-market rental renewal options are determined based on the Company’s experience and the relevant facts and circumstances that existed at the time of the acquisitions.  The value of the above-market and below-market leases associated with the original lease term is amortized to rental income, over the terms of the respective leases. The value of in-place leases are amortized to expense over the remaining non-cancellable terms of the respective leases.  If a lease were to be terminated prior to its stated expiration, all unamortized amounts relating to that lease would be recognized in operations at that time.  The Company may record a bargain purchase gain if it determines that the purchase price for the acquired assets was less than the fair value.  The Company will record a liability in situations where any part of the cash consideration is deferred.  The amounts payable in the future are discounted to their present value.  The liability is subsequently re-measured to fair value with changes in fair value recognized in the consolidated statements of operations.  If, up to one year from the acquisition date, information regarding fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed is received and estimates are refined, appropriate property adjustments are made to the purchase price allocation on a retrospective basis.

 

The Company is required to make subjective assessments as to the useful life of its properties for purposes of determining the amount of depreciation.  These assessments have a direct impact on its net income.

 

Properties are depreciated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets.  The estimated useful lives are as follows:

 

    Buildings 39-40 years
    Property Improvements 10-20 years
    Furniture/Fixtures 3-10 years
    Tenant Improvements Shorter of lease term or their useful life

 

Asset Impairment

 

The Company reviews long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of the asset to aggregate future net cash flows (undiscounted and without interest) expected to be generated by the asset. If such assets are considered impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceed the fair value. Management does not believe that the value of any of the Company’s real estate investments was impaired at December 31, 2014.

 

REIT Qualification Requirements

 

The Company elected to be taxed as a REIT under the Internal Revenue Code (the “Code”), and believes that it has been organized and has operated in a manner that will allow it to continue to qualify for taxation as a REIT under the Code.

 

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The Company is subject to a number of operational and organizational requirements to qualify and then maintain qualification as a REIT.  If the Company does not qualify as a REIT, its income would become subject to U.S. federal, state and local income taxes at regular corporate rates that would be substantial and the Company may not be permitted to re-elect to qualify as a REIT for four taxable years following the year that it failed to qualify as a REIT.  The resulting adverse effects on the Company’s results of operations, liquidity and amounts distributable to stockholders would be material.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources of the Company

 

In this “Liquidity and Capital Resources of the Company” section and in the “Liquidity and Capital Resources of the Operating Partnership” section, the term “the Company” refers to Retail Opportunity Investments Corp. on an unconsolidated basis, excluding the Operating Partnership.

 

The Company’s business is operated primarily through the Operating Partnership, of which the Company is the parent company, and which it consolidates for financial reporting purposes. Because the Company operates on a consolidated basis with the Operating Partnership, the section entitled “Liquidity and Capital Resources of the Operating Partnership” should be read in conjunction with this section to understand the liquidity and capital resources of the Company on a consolidated basis and how the Company is operated as a whole.

 

The Company issues public equity from time to time, but does not otherwise generate any capital itself or conduct any business itself, other than incurring certain expenses in operating as a public company. The Company itself does not hold any indebtedness other than guarantees of indebtedness of the Operating Partnership, and its only material assets are its ownership of direct or indirect partnership interests in the Operating Partnership and membership interest in Retail Opportunity Investments GP, LLC, the sole general partner of the Operating Partnership. Therefore, the consolidated assets and liabilities and the consolidated revenues and expenses of the Company and the Operating Partnership are the same on their respective financial statements. However, all debt is held directly or indirectly by the Operating Partnership. The Company’s principal funding requirement is the payment of dividends on its common stock. The Company’s principal source of funding for its dividend payments is distributions it receives from the Operating Partnership.

 

As the parent company of the Operating Partnership, the Company, indirectly, has the full, exclusive and complete responsibility for the Operating Partnership’s day-to-day management and control. The Company causes the Operating Partnership to distribute such portion of its available cash as the Company may in its discretion determine, in the manner provided in the Operating Partnership’s partnership agreement.

 

The Company is a well-known seasoned issuer with an effective shelf registration statement filed in June 2013 that allows the Company to register unspecified various classes of debt and equity securities. As circumstances warrant, the Company may issue equity from time to time on an opportunistic basis, dependent upon market conditions and available pricing. Any proceeds from such equity issuances would be contributed to the Operating Partnership. The Operating Partnership may use the proceeds to acquire additional properties, pay down debt, and for general working capital purposes.

 

Liquidity is a measure of the Company’s ability to meet potential cash requirements, including ongoing commitments to repay borrowings, fund and maintain its assets and operations, make distributions to its stockholders and meet other general business needs.  The liquidity of the Company is dependent on the Operating Partnership’s ability to make sufficient distributions to the Company. The primary cash requirement of the Company is its payment of dividends to its stockholders.

 

During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company’s primary source of cash was proceeds from the issuance of common stock, distributions from the Operating Partnership, and proceeds from the exercise of warrants. Effective October 2014, all remaining outstanding warrants expired. As of December 31, 2014, the Company has determined that it has adequate working capital to meet its dividend funding obligations for the next twelve months.

 

On June 18, 2014, the Company issued 14,375,000 shares of common stock in a registered public offering, including shares issued upon the exercise in full of the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares, resulting in net proceeds of approximately $205.5 million, after deducting the underwriters’ discounts and commissions and offering expenses.

 

On September 19, 2014, the Company entered into four separate Sales Agreements (the “2014 sales agreements”) with Jefferies LLC, KeyBanc Capital Markets Inc., MLV & Co. LLC and Raymond James & Associates, Inc. (each individually, an “Agent” and collectively, the “Agents”) pursuant to which the Company may sell, from time to time, shares of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, having an aggregate offering price of up to $100.0 million through the Agents either as agents or principals. During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company did not sell any shares under the 2014 sales agreements.

 

For the year ended December 31, 2014, dividends paid to stockholders totaled approximately $53.6 million. Additionally, for the year ended December 31, 2014, the Operating Partnership made distributions of approximately $2.0 million to the non-controlling interest OP Unitholders. On a consolidated basis, cash flows from operations for the same period totaled approximately $65.2 million.  For the year ended December 31, 2013, dividends paid to stockholders totaled approximately $42.5 million.  Additionally, for the year ended December 31, 2013, the Operating Partnership made distributions of approximately $470,000 to the non-controlling interest OP Unitholders. On a consolidated basis, cash flows from operations for the same period totaled approximately $37.8 million.  The deficiency of $5.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 was funded through borrowings by the Operating Partnership under the credit facility. In the future, it is expected that the cash flows from stabilized properties will be sufficient to cover the dividends paid to stockholders.

 

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Potential future sources of capital include debt and equity issuances, and distributions from the Operating Partnership.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources of the Operating Partnership

 

In this “Liquidity and Capital Resources of the Operating Partnership” section, the terms the “Operating Partnership,” “we”, “our” and “us” refer to the Operating Partnership together with its consolidated subsidiaries or the Operating Partnership and the Company together with their respective consolidated subsidiaries, as the context requires.

 

During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Operating Partnership’s primary sources of cash were (i) proceeds from the issuance of senior unsecured debt, (ii) proceeds from bank borrowings, (iii) proceeds from the equity offering and from warrant exercises that were contributed to the Operating Partnership, and (iv) cash flow from operations. As of December 31, 2014, the Operating Partnership has determined that it has adequate working capital to meet its debt obligations and operating expenses for the next twelve months.

 

The Operating Partnership has a revolving credit facility (the “credit facility”) with several banks. Previously, the credit facility provided for borrowings of up to $350.0 million. Effective December 12, 2014, the Company entered into a fourth amendment to the amended and restated credit agreement pursuant to which the borrowing capacity was increased to $500.0 million. Additionally, the credit facility contains an accordion feature, which was amended to allow the Operating Partnership to increase the facility amount up to an aggregate of $1.0 billion, subject to lender consents and other conditions. The maturity date of the credit facility has been extended to January 31, 2019 subject to a further one-year extension option, which may be exercised by the Operating Partnership upon satisfaction of certain conditions.

 

The Operating Partnership previously had a term loan agreement with several banks which provided for a loan of $200.0 million. In connection with the fourth amendment to the credit facility, effective December 12, 2014, the term loan agreement was retired.

 

As of December 31, 2014, $156.5 million was outstanding under the credit facility.  The average interest rate on the credit facility during the twelve months ended December 31, 2014 was 1.3%.  The Company had $343.5 million available to borrow under the credit facility at December 31, 2014.

 

The Company obtained investment grade credit ratings from Moody’s Investors Service (Baa2) and Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services (BBB-) during the second quarter of 2013. Borrowings under the credit facility accrue interest on the outstanding principal amount at a rate equal to an applicable rate based on the credit rating level of the Company, plus, as applicable, (i) a LIBOR rate determined by reference to the cost of funds for dollar deposits for the relevant period (the “Eurodollar Rate”), or (ii) a base rate determined by reference to the highest of (a) the federal funds rate plus 0.50%, (b) the rate of interest announced by KeyBank, National Association at its “prime rate,” and (c) the Eurodollar Rate plus 1.00% (the “Base Rate”). Additionally, the Operating Partnership is obligated to pay a facility fee at a rate based on the credit rating level of the Company, currently 0.20%, and a fronting fee at a rate of 0.125% per year with respect to each letter of credit issued under the credit facility. The credit facility contains customary representations, financial and other covenants. The Operating Partnership’s ability to borrow under the credit facility is subject to its compliance with financial covenants and other restrictions on an ongoing basis. The Operating Partnership was in compliance with such covenants at December 31, 2014.

 

The Operating Partnership issued $250.0 million aggregate principal amount of unsecured senior notes in December 2014 and $250.0 million aggregate principal amount of unsecured senior notes in December 2013, each of which were fully and unconditionally guaranteed by the Company.

 

While the Operating Partnership generally intends to hold its assets as long term investments, certain of its investments may be sold in order to manage the Operating Partnership’s interest rate risk and liquidity needs, meet other operating objectives and adapt to market conditions.  The timing and impact of future sales of its investments, if any, cannot be predicted with any certainty.

 

Cash Flows

 

The following table summarizes, for the periods indicated, selected items in our consolidated statements of cash flows:

 

   Year ended December 31,
   2014  2013  2012
Net Cash Provided by (Used in):               
Operating activities   $65,206,927   $37,752,465   $24,720,566 
Investing activities   $(399,855,825)  $(344,977,110)  $(261,574,478)
Financing activities   $337,502,607   $310,452,112   $207,228,554 

 

39
 

Net Cash Flows from:

 

Operating Activities

 

Increase in cash flows provided by operating activities from 2013 to 2014:

 

Net cash flows provided by operating activities amounted to $65.2 million during the year ended December 31, 2014, compared to $37.8 million during the year ended December 31, 2013. During the year ended December 31, 2014, cash flows provided by operating activities increased by approximately $27.5 million primarily due to an increase in property operating income of approximately $35.3 million, the decrease of approximately $5.5 million related to the settlement of the Company’s interest rate swaps year over year, offset by an increase in interest expense of approximately $11.7 million due to higher borrowing amounts in 2014 as compared to 2013.

 

Increase in cash flows provided by operating activities from 2012 to 2013:

 

Net cash flows provided by operating activities amounted to $37.8 million during the year ended December 31, 2013, compared to $24.7 million during the year ended December 31, 2012. During the year ended December 31, 2013, cash flows provided by operating activities increased by approximately $13.0 million primarily due to an increase in property operating income of approximately $25.7 million, offset by an increase in interest expense of approximately $4.5 million due to higher borrowing amounts in 2013 as compared to 2012, and the cash settlement of two of the Company’s interest rate swaps in 2013 for approximately $8.7 million.

 

Investing Activities

 

Increase in cash flows used in investing activities from 2013 to 2014:

 

Net cash flows used by investing activities amounted to $399.9 million during the year ended December 31, 2014, compared to $345.0 million during the year ended December 31, 2013. During the year ended December 31, 2014, cash flows used in investing activities increased approximately $54.9 million, primarily due to the increase in investments in real estate of approximately $65.4 million, an increase in improvements to properties of approximately $7.1 million, and an increase in deposits on real estate acquisitions of approximately $5.0 million, offset by an increase in proceeds from the sale of real estate of approximately $22.0 million.

 

Increase in cash flows used in investing activities from 2012 to 2013:

 

Net cash flows used by investing activities amounted to $345.0 million during the year ended December 31, 2013, compared to $261.6 million during the year ended December 31, 2012. During the year ended December 31, 2013, cash flows used in investing activities increased approximately $83.4 million, primarily due to the increase in investments in real estate and acquisitions of entities of approximately $76.9 million, and an increase in improvements to properties of approximately $7.7 million, offset by proceeds from the sale of real estate of approximately $5.6 million. Additionally, in 2012, the Company recorded approximately $8.7 million for the return of capital from unconsolidated joint ventures, for which there was no activity recorded in the year ended December 31, 2013.

 

Financing Activities

 

Increase in cash flows provided by financing activities from 2013 to 2014:

 

Net cash flows provided by financing activities amounted to $337.5 million during the year ended December 31, 2014, compared to $310.5 million during the year ended December 31, 2013. During the year ended December 31, 2014, cash flows provided by financing activities increased approximately $27.0 million, primarily due to the receipt of $205.5 million of net proceeds from the issuance of common stock and a reduction in payments made to acquire warrants of approximately $32.8 million. These increases were offset by a decrease in proceeds from the exercise of warrants of approximately $155.8 million, an increase in net payments on the credit facility and term loan of approximately $38.4 million, an increase in dividends paid to shareholders of approximately $11.1 million, and a $7.1 million increase in the principal repayment on mortgages primarily due to the principal repayments on two mortgage notes.

 

Increase in cash flows provided by financing activities from 2012 to 2013:

 

Net cash flows provided by financing activities amounted to $310.5 million during the year ended December 31, 2013, compared to $207.2 million during the year ended December 31, 2012. During the year ended December 31, 2013, cash flows provided by financing activities increased approximately $103.2 million, primarily due to the receipt of $226.5 million of proceeds from the exercise of warrants, and proceeds of approximately $245.8 million from the issuance of senior unsecured bonds. These increases were offset by an increase in net payments on the credit facility of approximately $271.1 million, payments made to acquire warrants of approximately $32.8 million, an increase in dividends paid to shareholders of approximately $15.5 million, a $7.0 million increase in the principal repayment on mortgages due to the principal repayments on two mortgage notes, and approximately $37.8 million in proceeds received during 2012 related to the sale of common stock under the ATM program, for which no activity occurred during 2013.

 

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Contractual Obligations

 

The following table presents the Company’s operating lease obligations and the principal and interest amounts of the Company’s long-term debt maturing each year, including amortization of principal based on debt outstanding, at December 31, 2014:

 

   2015  2016  2017  2018  2019  Thereafter  Total
Contractual obligations:                                   
Mortgage Notes Payable Principal (1)  $65,287,726   $7,582,838   $8,460,412   $10,136,577   $   $   $91,467,553 
Mortgage Notes Payable Interest   4,375,959    1,317,579    910,889    104,635            6,709,062 
Credit facility (2)                   156,500,000        156,500,000 
Senior Notes Due 2023 (3)   12,500,000    12,500,000    12,500,000    12,500,000    12,500,000    300,000,000    362,500,000 
Senior Notes Due 2024 (3)   10,333,333    10,000,000    10,000,000    10,000,000    10,000,000    300,000,000    350,333,333 
Operating lease obligations   910,164    980,650    1,048,825    1,053,877    1,058,807    37,271,404    42,323,727 
Total  $93,407,182   $32,381,067   $32,920,126   $33,795,089   $180,058,807   $637,271,404   $1,009,833,675 

__________________

 

(1)Does not include unamortized mortgage premium of $2.7 million as of December 31, 2014.

(2)For the purpose of the above table, the Company has assumed that borrowings under the credit facility accrue interest at the average interest rate on the credit facility during the year ended December 31, 2014 which was 1.3%. Borrowings under the credit facility bear interest at a rate equal to an applicable rate based on the credit rating level of the Company, plus, as applicable (i) a LIBOR rate determined by reference to the cost of funds for dollar deposits for the relevant period, or (ii) a base rate determined by reference to the highest of (a) the federal funds rate plus 0.50%, (b) the rate of interest announced by KeyBank, National Association at its “prime rate,” and (c) the Eurodollar Rate plus 1.00%.

(3)Represents payments of interest only in years 2015 through 2019 and payments of both principal and interest thereafter.

 

The Company has committed approximately $3.5 million and $1.1 million in tenant improvements and leasing commissions, respectively, for the new leases and renewals that occurred during the year ended December 31, 2014. As of December 31, 2014, the Company did not have any capital lease obligations.

 

The Company has entered into several lease agreements with an officer of the Company. Pursuant to the lease agreements, the Company is provided the use of storage space.

 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

As of December 31, 2014, the Company does not have any off-balance sheet arrangements.

 

Real Estate Taxes

 

The Company’s leases generally require the tenants to be responsible for a pro rata portion of the real estate taxes.

 

Inflation

 

The Company’s long-term leases contain provisions to mitigate the adverse impact of inflation on its operating results.  Such provisions include clauses entitling the Company to receive (a) scheduled base rent increases and (b) percentage rents based upon tenants’ gross sales which generally increase as prices rise.  In addition, many of the Company’s non-anchor leases are for terms of less than ten years, which permits the Company to seek increases in rents upon renewal at then-current market rates if rents provided in the expiring leases are below then-existing market rates.  Most of the Company’s leases require tenants to pay a share of operating expenses, including common area maintenance, real estate taxes, insurance and utilities, thereby reducing the Company’s exposure to increases in costs and operating expenses resulting from inflation.

 

Leverage Policies

 

The Company employs prudent amounts of leverage and uses debt as a means of providing additional funds for the acquisition of its properties and the diversification of its portfolio. The Company seeks to primarily utilize unsecured debt in order to maintain liquidity and flexibility in its capital structure.

 

41
 

The Operating Partnership has a revolving credit facility with several banks. Previously, the credit facility provided for borrowings of up to $350.0 million. Effective December 12, 2014, the Company entered into a fourth amendment to the amended and restated credit agreement pursuant to which the borrowing capacity was increased to $500.0 million. Additionally, the credit facility contains an accordion feature, which was amended to allow the Operating Partnership to increase the facility amount up to an aggregate of $1.0 billion subject to lender consents and other conditions. The maturity date of the credit facility has been extended to January 31, 2019, subject to a further one-year extension option, which may be exercised by the Operating Partnership upon satisfaction of certain conditions.

 

The Operating Partnership previously had a term loan agreement with several banks which provided for a loan of $200.0 million. In connection with the fourth amendment to the credit facility, effective December 12, 2014, the term loan agreement was retired.

 

In addition, the Operating Partnership issued $250.0 million aggregate principal amount of unsecured senior notes in December 2014 and $250.0 million aggregate principal amount of unsecured senior notes in December 2013, each of which were fully and unconditionally guaranteed by ROIC.

 

The Company may borrow on a non-recourse basis or at the corporate level or Operating Partnership level. Non-recourse indebtedness means the indebtedness of the borrower or its subsidiaries is secured only by specific assets without recourse to other assets of the borrower or any of its subsidiaries. Even with non-recourse indebtedness, however, a borrower or its subsidiaries will likely be required to guarantee against certain breaches of representations and warranties such as those relating to the absence of fraud, misappropriation, misapplication of funds, environmental conditions and material misrepresentations. Because non-recourse financing generally restricts the lender’s claim on the assets of the borrower, the lender generally may only proceed against the asset securing the debt. This may protect the Company’s other assets.

 

The Company plans to evaluate each investment opportunity and determine the appropriate leverage on a case-by-case basis and also on a Company-wide basis. The Company may seek to refinance indebtedness, such as when a decline in interest rates makes it beneficial to prepay an existing mortgage, when an existing mortgage matures or if an attractive investment becomes available and the proceeds from the refinancing can be used to purchase the investment.

 

The Company plans to finance future acquisitions through a combination of cash, borrowings under its credit facility, the assumption of existing mortgage debt, the issuance of OP Units, and equity and debt offerings. In addition, the Company may acquire retail properties indirectly through joint ventures with third parties as a means of increasing the funds available for the acquisition of properties.

 

Distributions

 

The Operating Partnership and ROIC intend to make regular quarterly distributions to holders of their OP Units and common stock, respectively. The Operating Partnership pays distributions to ROIC directly as a holder of units of the Operating Partnership, and indirectly to ROIC through distributions to Retail Opportunity Investments GP, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of ROIC.  U.S. federal income tax law generally requires that a REIT distribute annually at least 90% of its REIT taxable income, without regard to the deduction for dividends paid and excluding net capital gains, and that it pay U.S. federal income tax at regular corporate rates to the extent that it annually distributes less than 100% of its net taxable income.  ROIC intends to pay regular quarterly dividends to its stockholders in an amount not less than its net taxable income, if and to the extent authorized by its board of directors.  If ROIC’s cash available for distribution is less than its net taxable income, ROIC could be required to sell assets or borrow funds to make cash distributions or the Company may make a portion of the required distribution in the form of a taxable stock distribution or distribution of debt securities.

 

Item 7A.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 

The Company’s primary market risk exposure is to changes in interest rates related to its debt.  There is inherent rollover risk for borrowings as they mature and are renewed at current market rates.  The extent of this risk is not quantifiable or predictable because of the variability of future interest rates and the Company’s future financing requirements.

 

As of December 31, 2014, the Company had $156.5 million of variable rate debt outstanding.  The Company has primarily used fixed-rate debt and forward starting interest rate swaps to manage its interest rate risk.  See the discussion under Note 12, “Derivative and Hedging Activities,” to the accompanying consolidated financial statements for certain quantitative details related to the interest rate swaps.

 

The Company previously entered into five interest rate swaps in order to economically hedge against the risk of rising interest rates that would affect the Company’s interest expense related to its future anticipated debt issuances as part of its overall borrowing program.  During the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company settled three and two of its interest rate swaps in accordance with their settlement dates, respectively, and there are no interest rate swaps outstanding as of December 31, 2014.

 

42
 

See Note 12 of the accompanying consolidated financial statements for a discussion on how the Company values derivative financial instruments.  The Company calculates the value of its interest rate swaps based upon the present value of the future cash flows expected to be paid and received on each leg of the swap.  The cash flows on the fixed leg of the swap are agreed to at inception and the cash flows on the floating leg of a swap change over time as interest rates change.  To estimate the floating cash flows at each valuation date, the Company utilizes a forward curve which is constructed using LIBOR fixings, Eurodollar futures, and swap rates, which are observable in the market.  Both the fixed and floating legs’ cash flows are discounted at market discount factors.  For purposes of adjusting its derivative valuations, the Company incorporates the nonperformance risk for both itself and its counterparties to these contracts based upon management’s estimates of credit spreads, credit default swap spreads (if available) or Moody’s KMV ratings in order to derive a curve that considers the term structure of credit.

 

As a corporation that has elected to qualify as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes, commencing with its taxable year ended December 31, 2010, ROIC’s future income, cash flows and fair values relevant to financial instruments are dependent upon prevailing market interest rates.  Market risk refers to the risk of loss from adverse changes in market prices and interest rates.  The Company will be exposed to interest rate changes primarily as a result of long-term debt used to acquire properties.  The Company’s interest rate risk management objectives will be to limit the impact of interest rate changes on earnings and cash flows and to lower overall borrowing costs.  To achieve these objectives, the Company expects to borrow primarily at fixed rates or variable rates with the lowest margins available and, in some cases, with the ability to convert variable rates to fixed rates.  In addition, the Company can use derivative financial instruments to manage interest rate risk.  The Company will not use derivatives for trading or speculative purposes and will only enter into contracts with major financial institutions based on their credit rating and other factors.  Currently the Company has no interest rate swaps outstanding. See Note 12 of the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

 

43
 

 

 

Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

 

Index to Consolidated Financial Statements and Financial Statement Schedules

 

  Page
Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm 45
   
Consolidated Financial Statements of Retail Opportunity Investments Corp.:  
Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2014 and 2013 48
Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 49
Consolidated Statements of Equity for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 50
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 51
   
Consolidated Financial Statements of Retail Opportunity Investments Partnership, LP:  
Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2014 and 2013 52
Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 53
Consolidated Statements of Partners Capital for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 54
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 55
   
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 56
   
Schedules  
   
III Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation – December 31, 2014 74
   
IV   Mortgage Loans on Real Estate – December 31, 2014 75

 

All other schedules for which provision is made in the applicable accounting regulation of the Securities and Exchange Commission are not required under the related instructions or are inapplicable and therefore have been omitted.

 

44
 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

The Board of Directors and Stockholders of

Retail Opportunity Investments Corp.

 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Retail Opportunity Investments Corp. (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income (loss), equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2014.  Our audits also included the financial statement schedules listed in the Index at Item 8.  These financial statements and schedules are the responsibility of the Company’s management.  Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and schedules 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 financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Retail Opportunity Investments Corp. at December 31, 2014 and 2013, and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2014, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.  Also, in our opinion, the related financial statement schedules, when considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole, present 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), Retail Opportunity Investments Corp.’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 Framework) and our report dated February 25, 2015 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

 

As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company changed its reporting of discontinued operations as a result of the adoption of the amendments to the FASB Accounting Standards Codification resulting from Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-08, “Presentation of Financial Statements (Topic 205) and Property, Plant, and Equipment (Topic 360), Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity”.

 

 

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

 

San Diego, California

February 25, 2015

 

45
 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

The Board of Directors and Stockholders of

Retail Opportunity Investments Corp.

 

We have audited Retail Opportunity Investments Corp.’s (the “Company”) internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 Framework) (the COSO criteria).  Retail Opportunity Investments Corp.’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 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, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and 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, Retail Opportunity Investments Corp. maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014, based on the COSO criteria.

 

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of Retail Opportunity Investments Corp. as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income (loss), equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2014 of Retail Opportunity Investments Corp. and our report dated February 25, 2015 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

 

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

 

San Diego, California

February 25, 2015

 

46
 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

The Partners of Retail Opportunity Investments Partnership, LP

 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Retail Opportunity Investments Partnership, LP (the “Operating Partnership”) as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income (loss), Partners’ capital, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2014.  Our audits also included the financial statement schedules listed in the Index at Item 8.  These financial statements and schedules are the responsibility of the Operating Partnership’s management.  Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and schedules 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 financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Retail Opportunity Investments Partnership, LP at December 31, 2014 and 2013, and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2014, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Also, in our opinion, the related financial statement schedules, when considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole, present fairly in all material respects the information set forth therein.

 

As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, the Operating Partnership changed its reporting of discontinued operations as a result of the adoption of the amendments to the FASB Accounting Standards Codification resulting from Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-08, “Presentation of Financial Statements (Topic 205) and Property, Plant, and Equipment (Topic 360), Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity”.

 

 

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

 

San Diego, California

February 25, 2015

 

47
 

RETAIL OPPORTUNITY INVESTMENTS CORP.

Consolidated Balance Sheets

 

  

December 31,

2014

 

December 31,

2013

ASSETS          
Real Estate Investments:          
Land   $550,078,150   $458,252,028 
Building and improvements    1,235,820,156    914,181,620 
    1,785,898,306    1,372,433,648 
Less: accumulated depreciation    88,173,334    57,499,980 
Real Estate Investments, net    1,697,724,972    1,314,933,668 
Cash and cash equivalents    10,773,406    7,919,697 
Restricted cash    513,918    1,298,666 
Tenant and other receivables, net    23,024,678    20,389,068 
Deposits    4,500,100    775,000 
Acquired lease intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization    71,432,664    55,887,471 
Prepaid expenses    2,454,341    1,371,296 
Deferred charges, net of accumulated amortization    39,730,973    33,121,980 
Other    1,541,333    3,392,997 
Total assets   $1,851,696,385   $1,439,089,843 
           
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY          
Liabilities:          
Term loan   $   $200,000,000 
Credit facility    156,500,000    56,950,000 
Senior Notes Due 2023    246,173,927    245,845,320 
Senior Notes Due 2024    246,521,114     
Mortgage notes payable    94,183,258    118,903,258 
Acquired lease intangible liabilities, net of accumulated amortization    118,358,661    85,283,882 
Accounts payable and accrued expenses    12,173,382    11,923,998 
Tenants’ security deposits    3,960,699    3,422,910 
Other liabilities    11,043,126    11,350,409 
Total liabilities    888,914,167    733,679,777 
           
Commitments and contingencies
        
           
Equity:          
Preferred stock, $.0001 par value 50,000,000 shares authorized; none issued and outstanding         
Common stock, $.0001 par value 500,000,000 shares authorized; and 92,991,333 and 72,445,767 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively    9,293    7,238 
Additional paid-in-capital    1,013,561,443    732,701,858 
Dividends in excess of earnings    (80,975,650)   (47,616,570)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss    (8,882,417)   (8,969,137)
Total Retail Opportunity Investments Corp. stockholders' equity    923,712,669    676,123,389 
Non-controlling interests    39,069,549    29,286,677 
Total equity    962,782,218    705,410,066 
Total liabilities and equity   $1,851,696,385   $1,439,089,843 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

48
 

RETAIL OPPORTUNITY INVESTMENTS CORP.

Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income

 

   Year Ended December 31,
   2014  2013  2012
Revenues               
Base rents  $119,841,623   $86,194,511   $59,218,635 
Recoveries from tenants   32,945,321    22,497,745    13,483,825 
Mortgage interest income       623,793    1,106,089 
Other income   3,076,567    1,915,982    1,287,138 
Total revenues   155,863,511    111,232,031    75,095,687 
                
Operating expenses               
Property operating   25,035,765    19,749,972    12,779,758 
Property taxes   15,953,210    11,246,967    7,281,213 
Depreciation and amortization   58,434,981    40,397,895    29,074,709 
General and administrative expenses   11,199,632    10,058,669    12,734,254 
Acquisition transaction costs   961,167    1,688,521    1,347,611 
Other expenses   504,828    314,833    324,354 
Total operating expenses   112,089,583    83,456,857    63,541,899 
                
Operating income    43,773,928    27,775,174    11,553,788 
Non-operating income (expenses)               
Interest expense and other finance expenses   (27,593,259)   (15,854,978)   (11,379,857)
Gain on consolidation of joint venture       20,381,849    2,144,696 
Gain on bargain purchase           3,864,145 
Equity in earnings from unconsolidated joint ventures       2,389,937    1,697,980 
Gain on sale of real estate   4,868,553         
Interest income           11,861 
Income from continuing operations   21,049,222    34,691,982    7,892,613 
Loss from discontinued operations       (713,529)    
Net income   21,049,222    33,978,453    7,892,613 
Net income attributable to non-controlling interest   (748,177)   (164,892)    
Net Income Attributable to Retail Opportunity Investments Corp.  $20,301,045   $33,813,561   $7,892,613 
                
Net income per share - basic:               
Income from continuing operations  $0.24   $0.51   $0.15 
Loss from discontinued operations       (0.01)    
Net income per share  $0.24   $0.50   $0.15 
                
Net income per share - diluted:               
Income from continuing operations  $0.24   $0.49   $0.15 
Loss from discontinued operations       (0.01)    
Net income per share  $0.24   $0.48   $0.15 
                
Dividends per common share  $0.64   $0.60   $0.53 
                
Comprehensive income:               
Net income.  $21,049,222   $33,978,453   $7,892,613 
Other comprehensive income (loss)               
Unrealized gain (loss) on swap derivative               
Unrealized swap derivative (loss) gain arising during the period    (3,131,969)   4,564,248    (7,859,264)
Reclassification adjustment for amortization of interest expense included in net income   3,218,689    4,621,227    3,799,482 
Other comprehensive income (loss)    86,720    9,185,475    (4,059,782)
Comprehensive income   21,135,942    43,163,928    3,832,831 
Comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling interests    (748,177)   (164,892)    
Comprehensive income attributable to Retail Opportunity Investments Corp.  $20,387,765   $42,999,036   $3,832,831 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

49
 

RETAIL OPPORTUNITY INVESTMENTS CORP.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY

 

   Common Stock               
   Shares  Amount  Additional paid-in capital  Retained earnings (Accumulated deficit)  Accumulated other comprehensive loss  Non-controlling interests  Equity
Balance at December 31, 2011   49,375,738   $4,938   $484,194,434   $(19,617,877)  $(14,094,830)  $2,389   $450,489,054 
Shares issued under the 2009 Plan   224,067    22                    22 
Repurchase of common stock   (55,496)   (6)   (708,170)               (708,176)
Stock based compensation expense           3,393,439                3,393,439 
Proceeds from the sale of stock   3,051,445    306    37,811,352                37,811,658 
Registration expenditures           (1,162,787)               (1,162,787)
Proceeds from the exercise of warrants   1,000        12,000                12,000 
Cash dividends ($0.53 per share)               (27,057,495)           (27,057,495)
Dividends payable to officers               (68,475)            (68,475)
Net income attributable to Retail Opportunity Investments Corp.               7,892,613            7,892,613 
Other comprehensive loss                   (4,059,782)       (4,059,782)
Balance at December 31, 2012   52,596,754    5,260    523,540,268    (38,851,234)   (18,154,612)   2,389    466,542,071 
Shares issued under the 2009 Plan   313,364    31    (31)                
Repurchase of common stock   (30,333)   (3)   (406,539)               (406,542)
Retirement of options           (274,830)               (274,830)
Stock based compensation expense           2,856,391                2,856,391 
Proceeds from the exercise of warrants   18,877,482    1,882    226,527,896                226,529,778 
Exercise of Sponsor warrants   688,500    68    (68)                
Buyback of warrants           (32,785,921)               (32,785,921)
Issuance of OP Units to non-controlling interests                       45,372,731    45,372,731 
Distributions to non-controlling interests                       (277,424)   (277,424)
Cash redemption for non-controlling interests                       (2,189,779)   (2,189,779)
Adjustment to non-controlling interests ownership in Operating Partnership           13,313,937            (13,313,937)    
Purchase of non-controlling interests                       (2,389)   (2,389)
Registration expenditures           (69,245)               (69,245)
Cash dividends ($0.60 per share)               (42,468,897)       (469,806)   (42,938,703)
Dividends payable to officers               (110,000)           (110,000)
Net income attributable to Retail Opportunity Investments Corp.               33,813,561            33,813,561 
Net income attributable to non-controlling interests                       164,892    164,892 
Other comprehensive income                   9,185,475        9,185,475 
Balance at December 31, 2013   72,445,767    7,238    732,701,858    (47,616,570)   (8,969,137)   29,286,677    705,410,066 
Shares issued under the 2009 Plan   340,621    34    (34)                
Repurchase of common stock   (42,438)   (4)   (630,891)               (630,895)
Cancellation of restricted stock   (5,833)                        
Stock based compensation expense           3,662,034                3,662,034 
Proceeds from the exercise of warrants   5,878,216    587    70,538,004                70,538,591 
Issuance of OP Units to non-controlling interests                       16,342,775    16,342,775 
Cash redemption for non-controlling interests                       (3,280,000)   (3,280,000)
Adjustment to non-controlling interests ownership in Operating Partnership           2,019,444            (2,019,444)    
Proceeds from the issuance of common stock   14,375,000    1,438    214,904,813                214,906,251 
Registration expenditures           (9,633,785)               (9,633,785)
Cash dividends ($0.64 per share)               (53,522,261)       (2,008,636)   (55,530,897)
Dividends payable to officers               (137,864)           (137,864)
Net income attributable to Retail Opportunity Investments Corp.               20,301,045            20,301,045 
Net income attributable to non-controlling interests                       748,177    748,177 
Other comprehensive income                   86,720        86,720 
Balance at December 31, 2014   92,991,333   $9,293   $1,013,561,443   $(80,975,650)  $(8,882,417)  $39,069,549   $962,782,218 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

50
 

RETAIL OPPORTUNITY INVESTMENTS CORP.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 

   Year Ended December 31,
   2014  2013  2012
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES               
Net income   $21,049,222   $33,978,453   $7,892,613 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities:               
Depreciation and amortization    58,434,981    40,397,895    29,074,709 
Amortization of deferred financing costs and mortgage premiums, net    (432,327)   (144,313)   494,843 
Gain on consolidation of joint venture        (20,381,849)   (2,144,696)
Gain on bargain purchase            (3,864,145)
Straight-line rent adjustment    (3,794,936)   (3,733,913)   (3,040,510)
Amortization of above and below market rent    (6,944,572)   (4,444,117)   (3,659,011)
Amortization relating to stock based compensation    3,662,034    2,856,391    3,393,439 
Provisions for tenant credit losses    2,315,972    1,621,940    1,160,568 
Equity in earnings from unconsolidated joint ventures        (2,389,937)   (1,697,980)
Other noncash interest expense    1,847,640         
Gain on sale of real estate    (4,868,553)        
Loss on sale of discontinued operations        713,529     
Settlement of interest rate swap agreements    (3,230,000)   (8,750,000)    
Distribution of cumulative earnings from unconsolidated joint ventures            686,017 
Other        792,244     
Change in operating assets and liabilities                
Restricted cash    190,011    74,083    (225,245)
Tenant and other receivables    (1,604,811)   (4,820,044)   (3,679,442)
Prepaid expenses    (1,106,227)   (104,814)   (573,099)
Accounts payable and accrued expenses    (1,164,032)   2,942,797    (1,912,490)
Other assets and liabilities, net    852,525    (855,880)   2,814,995 
Net cash provided by operating activities    65,206,927    37,752,465    24,720,566 
                
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES               
Investments in real estate    (398,205,203)   (289,399,034)   (255,851,952)
Acquisition of entities        (43,378,106)    
Proceeds from sale of real estate and land    27,622,089    5,607,612     
Investments in mortgage notes receivables        (294,000)    
Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures            (735,000)
Return of capital from unconsolidated joint ventures            8,661,211 
Improvements to properties    (26,142,347)   (19,066,525)   (11,404,098)
Deposits on real estate acquisitions, net    (3,725,100)   1,225,000    (2,000,000)
Construction escrows and other    594,736    327,943    (244,639)
Net cash used in investing activities    (399,855,825)   (344,977,110)   (261,574,478)
                
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES               
Principal repayments on mortgages    (21,981,922)   (14,902,386)   (7,874,618)
Proceeds from draws on term loan/credit facility    549,300,000    342,950,000    209,000,000 
Payments on credit facility    (449,750,000)   (405,000,000)    
Payments on term loan    (200,000,000)        
Proceeds from issuance of Senior Notes Due 2023        245,825,000     
Proceeds from issuance of Senior Notes Due 2024    246,500,000         
Payment of contingent consideration        (1,864,370)    
Proceeds from exercise of warrants    70,723,391    226,529,778    12,000 
Payments to acquire warrants        (32,785,921)    
Proceeds from the sale of stock    214,906,251        37,811,658 
Purchase of non-controlling interest        (2,389)    
Redemption of Operating Partnership Units    (3,280,000)   (2,189,779)    
Distributions to Operating Partnership    (2,008,636)   (747,230)    
Deferred financing and other costs    (3,188,618)   (4,097,377)   (2,792,050)
Registration expenditures    (9,512,944)   (69,245)   (1,162,787)
Dividends paid to common shareholders    (53,574,020)   (42,512,597)   (27,057,495)
Repurchase of common stock    (630,895)   (406,542)   (708,176)
Common shares issued under the 2009 Plan            22 
Retirement of options        (274,830)    
Net cash provided by financing activities    337,502,607    310,452,112    207,228,554 
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents    2,853,709    3,227,467    (29,625,358)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period    7,919,697    4,692,230    34,317,588 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period   $10,773,406   $7,919,697   $4,692,230 
Supplemental disclosure of cash activities:               
Cash paid on gross receipts and income for federal and state purposes   $331,902   $241,603   $310,406 
Interest paid   $26,005,827   $14,579,450   $10,910,587 
                
Other non-cash investing and financing activities – increase (decrease):               
Issuance of OP Units in connection with acquisitions   $16,342,775   $45,372,731   $ 
Assumed mortgage at fair value   $   $62,749,675   $19,668,352 
Intangible lease liabilities   $44,287,149   $35,039,360   $16,280,503 
Transfer of equity investment in property to real estate investment   $   $15,990,769   $4,008,350 
Interest rate swap asset   $(1,948,243)  $1,948,243   $ 
Interest rate swap liabilities   $(2,528,703)  $6,733,812   $4,156,096 
Accrued real estate improvement costs   $1,372,626   $591,671   $837,312 

 

 See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

51
 

RETAIL OPPORTUNITY INVESTMENTS PARTNERSHIP, LP

Consolidated Balance Sheets

 

  

December 31,

2014

 

December 31,

2013

ASSETS          
Real Estate Investments:          
Land   $550,078,150   $458,252,028 
Building and improvements    1,235,820,156    914,181,620 
    1,785,898,306    1,372,433,648 
Less: accumulated depreciation    88,173,334    57,499,980 
Real Estate Investments, net    1,697,724,972    1,314,933,668 
Cash and cash equivalents    10,773,406    7,919,697 
Restricted cash    513,918    1,298,666 
Tenant and other receivables, net    23,024,678    20,389,068 
Deposits    4,500,100    775,000 
Acquired lease intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization    71,432,664    55,887,471 
Prepaid expenses    2,454,341    1,371,296 
Deferred charges, net of accumulated amortization    39,730,973    33,121,980 
Other    1,541,333    3,392,997 
Total assets   $1,851,696,385   $1,439,089,843 
           
LIABILITIES AND CAPITAL          
Liabilities:          
Term loan   $   $200,000,000 
Credit facility    156,500,000    56,950,000 
Senior Notes Due 2023    246,173,927    245,845,320 
Senior Notes Due 2024    246,521,114     
Mortgage notes payable    94,183,258    118,903,258 
Acquired lease intangible liabilities, net of accumulated amortization    118,358,661    85,283,882 
Accounts payable and accrued expenses    12,173,382    11,923,998 
Tenants’ security deposits    3,960,699    3,422,910 
Other liabilities    11,043,126    11,350,409 
Total liabilities    888,914,167    733,679,777 
           
Commitments and contingencies
        
           
Capital:          
Partners’ capital, unlimited partnership units authorized:          
ROIC capital (consists of general and limited partnership interests held by ROIC)    932,595,086    685,092,526 
Limited partners’ capital (consists of limited partnership interests held by third parties)    39,069,549    29,286,677 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss    (8,882,417)   (8,969,137)
Total capital    962,782,218    705,410,066 
Total liabilities and capital   $1,851,696,385   $1,439,089,843 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

52
 

RETAIL OPPORTUNITY INVESTMENTS PARTNERSHIP, LP

Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income

 

   Year Ended December 31,
   2014  2013  2012
Revenues               
Base rents   $119,841,623   $86,194,511   $59,218,635 
Recoveries from tenants    32,945,321    22,497,745    13,483,825 
Mortgage interest income        623,793    1,106,089 
Other income    3,076,567    1,915,982    1,287,138 
Total revenues    155,863,511    111,232,031    75,095,687 
                
Operating expenses               
Property operating    25,035,765    19,749,972    12,779,758 
Property taxes    15,953,210    11,246,967    7,281,213 
Depreciation and amortization    58,434,981    40,397,895    29,074,709 
General and administrative expenses    11,199,632    10,058,669    12,734,254 
Acquisition transaction costs    961,167    1,688,521    1,347,611 
Other expenses    504,828    314,833    324,354 
Total operating expenses    112,089,583    83,456,857    63,541,899 
                
Operating income    43,773,928    27,775,174    11,553,788 
Non-operating income (expenses)               
Interest expense and other finance expenses    (27,593,259)   (15,854,978)   (11,379,857)
Gain on consolidation of joint venture        20,381,849    2,144,696 
Gain on bargain purchase            3,864,145 
Equity in earnings from unconsolidated joint ventures        2,389,937    1,697,980 
Gain on sale of real estate    4,868,553         
Interest income            11,861 
Income from continuing operations    21,049,222    34,691,982    7,892,613 
Loss from discontinued operations        (713,529)    
Net Income Attributable to Retail Opportunity Investments Partnership, LP  $21,049,222   $33,978,453   $7,892,613 
                
Net income per unit - basic:               
Income from continuing operations  $0.24   $0.51   $0.15 
Loss from discontinued operations       (0.01)    
Net income per unit   $0.24   $0.50   $0.15 
                
Net income per unit - diluted:               
Income from continuing operations  $0.24   $0.49   $0.15 
Loss from discontinued operations       (0.01)    
Net income per unit  $0.24   $0.48   $0.15 
Distributions per unit  $0.64   $0.60   $0.53 
                
Comprehensive income:               
Net income attributable to Retail Opportunity Investments Partnership, LP  $21,049,222   $33,978,453   $7,892,613 
Other comprehensive income (loss)               
Unrealized gain (loss) on swap derivative               
Unrealized swap derivative (loss) gain arising during the period   (3,131,969)   4,564,248    (7,859,264)
Reclassification adjustment for amortization of interest expense included in net income   3,218,689    4,621,227    3,799,482 
Other comprehensive income (loss)   86,720    9,185,475    (4,059,782)
Comprehensive income attributable to Retail Opportunity Investments Partnership, LP  $21,135,942   $43,163,928   $3,832,831 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

53
 

RETAIL OPPORTUNITY INVESTMENTS PARTNERSHIP, LP

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF PARTNERS’ CAPITAL

 

   Limited Partner’s Capital (1)  ROIC Capital (2)         
   Units  Amount  Units  Amount  Accumulated other comprehensive loss  Non- controlling interests  Capital
Balance at December 31, 2011      $    49,375,738   $464,581,495   $(14,094,830)  $2,389   $450,489,054 
OP Units issued under the 2009 Plan           224,067    22            22 
Repurchase of OP Units           (55,496)   (708,176)           (708,176)
Stock based compensation expense               3,393,439            3,393,439 
Proceeds from the sale of OP Units           3,051,445    37,811,658            37,811,658 
Registration expenditures               (1,162,787)           (1,162,787)
Issuance of OP Units upon exercise of warrants           1,000    12,000            12,000 
Cash distributions ($0.53 per unit)               (27,057,495)           (27,057,495)
Dividends payable to officers               (68,475)           (68,475)
Net income attributable to Retail Opportunity Investments Partnership, LP               7,892,613            7,892,613 
Other comprehensive loss                   (4,059,782)       (4,059,782)
Balance at December 31, 2012           52,596,754    484,694,294    (18,154,612)   2,389    466,542,071 
OP Units issued under the 2009 Plan           313,364                 
Repurchase of OP Units           (30,333)   (406,542)           (406,542)
Retirement of options               (274,830)           (274,830)
Stock based compensation expense               2,856,391            2,856,391 
Issuance of OP Units upon exercise of warrants           18,877,482    226,529,778            226,529,778 
Issuance of OP Units upon exercise of Sponsor warrants           688,500                 
Repurchase of warrants               (32,785,921)           (32,785,921)
Issuance of OP Units in connection with acquisition   3,290,263    45,372,731                    45,372,731 
Limited Partner distributions       (277,424)                   (277,424)
Cash redemption of OP Units   (158,221)   (2,189,779)                   (2,189,779)
Adjustment to non-controlling interests       (13,313,937)       13,313,937             
Purchase of non-controlling interests                       (2,389)   (2,389)
Registration expenditures               (69,245)           (69,245)
Cash distributions ($0.60 per unit)       (469,806)       (42,468,897)           (42,938,703)
Dividends payable to officers               (110,000)           (110,000)
Net income attributable to Retail Opportunity Investments Partnership, LP       164,892        33,813,561            33,978,453 
Other comprehensive income                   9,185,475        9,185,475 
Balance at December 31, 2013   3,132,042   29,286,677    72,445,767   685,092,526   (8,969,137)     705,410,066 
OP Units issued under the 2009 Plan           340,621                 
Repurchase of OP Units           (42,438)   (630,895)           (630,895)
Cancellation of OP Units           (5,833)                
Stock based compensation expense               3,662,034            3,662,034 
Issuance of OP Units upon exercise of warrants           5,878,216    70,538,591            70,538,591 
Issuance of OP Units in connection with acquisition   989,272    16,342,775                    16,342,775 
Cash redemption of OP Units   (200,000)   (3,280,000)                   (3,280,000)
Adjustment to non-controlling interests       (2,019,444)       2,019,444             
Issuance of OP Units in connection with common stock offering           14,375,000    214,906,251            214,906,251 
Registration expenditures               (9,633,785)           (9,633,785)
Cash distributions ($0.64 per unit)       (2,008,636)       (53,522,261)           (55,530,897)
Dividends payable to officers               (137,864)           (137,864)
Net income attributable to Retail Opportunity Investments Partnership, LP       748,177        20,301,045            21,049,222 
Other comprehensive income                   86,720        86,720 
Balance at December 31, 2014   3,921,314   $39,069,549    92,991,333   $932,595,086   $(8,882,417)  $   $962,782,218 

_______________________________

(1)Consists of limited partnership interests held by third parties.

(2)Consists of general and limited partnership interests held by ROIC.

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

54
 

RETAIL OPPORTUNITY INVESTMENTS PARTNERSHIP, LP

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS 

 

   Year Ended December 31,
   2014  2013  2012
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES               
Net income  $21,049,222   $33,978,453   $7,892,613 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities:               
Depreciation and amortization    58,434,981    40,397,895    29,074,709 
Amortization of deferred financing costs and mortgage premiums, net    (432,327)   (144,313)   494,843 
Gain on consolidation of joint venture        (20,381,849)   (2,144,696)
Gain on bargain purchase            (3,864,145)
Straight-line rent adjustment    (3,794,936)   (3,733,913)   (3,040,510)
Amortization of above and below market rent    (6,944,572)   (4,444,117)   (3,659,011)
Amortization relating to stock based compensation    3,662,034    2,856,391    3,393,439 
Provisions for tenant credit losses    2,315,972    1,621,940    1,160,568 
Equity in earnings from unconsolidated joint ventures        (2,389,937)   (1,697,980)
Other noncash interest expense    1,847,640         
Gain on sale of real estate    (4,868,553)        
Loss on sale of discontinued operations        713,529     
Settlement of interest rate swap agreements    (3,230,000)   (8,750,000)    
Distribution of cumulative earnings from unconsolidated joint ventures            686,017 
Other        792,244     
Change in operating assets and liabilities                
Restricted cash    190,011    74,083    (225,245)
Tenant and other receivables    (1,604,811)   (4,820,044)   (3,679,442)
Prepaid expenses    (1,106,227)   (104,814)   (573,099)
Accounts payable and accrued expenses    (1,164,032)   2,942,797    (1,912,490)
Other assets and liabilities, net    852,525    (855,880)   2,814,995 
Net cash provided by operating activities    65,206,927    37,752,465    24,720,566 
                
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES               
Investments in real estate    (398,205,203)   (289,399,034)   (255,851,952)
Acquisition of entities        (43,378,106)    
Proceeds from sale of real estate and land    27,622,089    5,607,612     
Investments in mortgage notes receivables        (294,000)    
Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures            (735,000)
Return of capital from unconsolidated joint ventures            8,661,211 
Improvements to properties    (26,142,347)   (19,066,525)   (11,404,098)
Deposits on real estate acquisitions, net    (3,725,100)   1,225,000    (2,000,000)
Construction escrows and other    594,736    327,943    (244,639)
Net cash used in investing activities    (399,855,825)   (344,977,110)   (261,574,478)
                
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES               
Principal repayments on mortgages    (21,981,922)   (14,902,386)   (7,874,618)
Proceeds from draws on term loan/credit facility    549,300,000    342,950,000    209,000,000 
Payments on credit facility    (449,750,000)   (405,000,000)    
Payments on term loan    (200,000,000)        
Proceeds from issuance of Senior Notes Due 2023        245,825,000     
Proceeds from issuance of Senior Notes Due 2024    246,500,000         
Payment of contingent consideration        (1,864,370)    
Proceeds from exercise of warrants    70,723,391    226,529,778    12,000 
Payments to acquire warrants        (32,785,921)    
Proceeds from the sale of stock    214,906,251        37,811,658 
Purchase of non-controlling interest        (2,389)    
Redemption of Operating Partnership Units    (3,280,000)   (2,189,779)    
Distributions to Operating Partnership    (2,008,636)   (747,230)    
Deferred financing and other costs    (3,188,618)   (4,097,377)   (2,792,050)
Registration expenditures    (9,512,944)   (69,245)   (1,162,787)
Dividends paid to common shareholders    (53,574,020)   (42,512,597)   (27,057,495)
Repurchase of common stock    (630,895)   (406,542)   (708,176)
Common shares issued under the 2009 Plan            22 
Retirement of options        (274,830)    
Net cash provided by financing activities    337,502,607    310,452,112    207,228,554 
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents    2,853,709    3,227,467    (29,625,358)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period    7,919,697    4,692,230    34,317,588 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period   $10,773,406   $7,919,697   $4,692,230 
Supplemental disclosure of cash activities:               
Cash paid on gross receipts and income for federal and state purposes   $331,902   $241,603   $310,406 
Interest paid   $26,005,827   $14,579,450   $10,910,587 
Other non-cash investing and financing activities:               
Issuance of OP Units in connection with acquisitions of entities   $16,342,775   $45,372,731   $ 
Assumed mortgage at fair value   $   $62,749,675   $19,668,352 
Intangible lease liabilities   $44,287,149   $35,039,360   $16,280,503 
Transfer of equity investment in property to real estate investment   $   $15,990,769   $4,008,350 
Interest rate swap asset   $(1,948,243)  $1,948,243   $ 
Interest rate swap liabilities   $(2,528,703)  $6,733,812   $4,156,096 
Accrued real estate improvement costs   $1,372,626   $591,671   $837,312 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

55
 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

1.  Organization, Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

 

Business

 

Retail Opportunity Investments Corp., a Maryland corporation (“ROIC”), is a fully integrated and self-managed real estate investment trust (“REIT”). ROIC specializes in the acquisition, ownership and management of necessity-based community and neighborhood shopping centers on the west coast of the United States anchored by supermarkets and drugstores.

 

ROIC is organized in a traditional umbrella partnership real estate investment trust (“UpREIT”) format pursuant to which Retail Opportunity Investments GP, LLC, its wholly-owned subsidiary, serves as the general partner of, and ROIC conducts substantially all of its business through, its operating partnership subsidiary, Retail Opportunity Investments Partnership, LP, a Delaware limited partnership (the “Operating Partnership”), together with its subsidiaries. Unless otherwise indicated or unless the context requires otherwise, all references to the “Company”, “we,” “us,” “our,” or “our company” refer to ROIC together with its consolidated subsidiaries, including the Operating Partnership.

 

With the approval of its stockholders, ROIC reincorporated as a Maryland corporation on June 2, 2011. ROIC began operations as a Delaware corporation, known as NRDC Acquisition Corp., which was incorporated on July 10, 2007, for the purpose of acquiring assets or operating businesses through a merger, capital stock exchange, stock purchase, asset acquisition or other similar business combination with one or more assets or control of one or more operating businesses. On October 20, 2009, ROIC’s stockholders and warrantholders approved each of the proposals presented at the special meetings of stockholders and warrantholders, respectively, in connection with the transactions contemplated by the Framework Agreement (the “Framework Agreement”) ROIC entered into on August 7, 2009 with NRDC Capital Management, LLC, which, among other things, sets forth the steps to be taken by ROIC to continue its business as a corporation that has elected to qualify as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

 

ROIC’s only material asset is its ownership of direct or indirect partnership interests in the Operating Partnership and membership interest in Retail Opportunity Investments GP, LLC, which is the sole general partner of the Operating Partnership. As a result, ROIC does not conduct business itself, other than acting as the parent company and issuing equity from time to time. The Operating Partnership holds substantially all the assets of the Company and directly or indirectly holds the ownership interests in the Company’s real estate ventures. The Operating Partnership conducts the operations of the Company’s business and is structured as a partnership with no publicly traded equity. Except for net proceeds from warrants exercised and equity issuances by ROIC, which are contributed to the Operating Partnership, the Operating Partnership generates the capital required by the Company’s business through the Operating Partnership’s operations, by the Operating Partnership’s incurrence of indebtedness (directly and through subsidiaries) or through the issuance of operating partnership units (“OP Units”) of the Operating Partnership.

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

In April 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued an Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) that raises the threshold for a disposal to qualify as a discontinued operation and requires new disclosures of both discontinued operations and certain other disposals that do not meet the definition of a discontinued operation. This guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning on or after December 15, 2014, with early adoption permitted.  The Company elected to early adopt the provisions of this guidance effective January 1, 2014. The adoption will result in most individual property disposals not qualifying for discontinued operations presentation, and accordingly, the results of the individual property disposals that occurred during 2014 remained in “Income from continuing operations.”

 

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers.” The pronouncement was issued to clarify the principles for recognizing revenue and to develop a common revenue standard and disclosure requirements for U.S. GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards. The pronouncement is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. The Company is in the process of evaluating the impact this pronouncement will have on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

Principles of Consolidation

 

The accompanying consolidated financial statements are prepared on the accrual basis in accordance with GAAP.  The consolidated financial statements include the accounts and those of its subsidiaries, which are wholly-owned or controlled by the Company.  Entities which the Company does not control through its voting interest and entities which are variable interest entities (“VIEs”), but where it is not the primary beneficiary, are accounted for under the equity method.  All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.

 

The Company follows the FASB guidance for determining whether an entity is a VIE and requires the performance of a qualitative rather than a quantitative analysis to determine the primary beneficiary of a VIE.  Under this guidance, an entity would be required to consolidate a VIE if it has (i) the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance and (ii) the obligation to absorb losses of the VIE or the right to receive benefits from the VIE that could be significant to the VIE.

 

A non-controlling interest in a consolidated subsidiary is defined as the portion of the equity (net assets) in a subsidiary not attributable, directly or indirectly, to a parent.  Non-controlling interests are required to be presented as a separate component of equity in the consolidated balance sheet and modifies the presentation of net income by requiring earnings and other comprehensive income to be attributed to controlling and non-controlling interests.

 

56
 

Use of Estimates

 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities, the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the periods covered by the financial statements.  The most significant assumptions and estimates relate to the purchase price allocations, depreciable lives, revenue recognition and the collectability of tenant receivables, other receivables, notes receivables, the valuation of performance-based restricted stock, stock options and derivatives.  Actual results could differ from these estimates.

 

Federal Income Taxes

 

The Company has elected to qualify as a REIT under Sections 856-860 of the Internal Revenue Code (the “Code”).  Under those sections, a REIT that, among other things, distributes at least 90% of its REIT taxable income (determined without regard to the dividends paid deduction and excluding net capital gains) and meets certain other qualifications prescribed by the Code will not be taxed on that portion of its taxable income that is distributed.

 

Although it may qualify as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the Company is subject to state income or franchise taxes in certain states in which some of its properties are located.  In addition, taxable income from non-REIT activities managed through the Company’s taxable REIT subsidiary (“TRS”), if any, is fully subject to U.S. federal, state and local income taxes. For all periods from inception through September 26, 2013 the Operating Partnership has been an entity disregarded from its sole owner, ROIC, for U.S. federal income tax purposes and as such has not been subject to federal income taxes. Effective September 27, 2013, the Operating Partnership issued 3,290,263 OP Units in connection with the acquisitions of Crossroads Shopping Center and Five Points Plaza, which are described under Note 2 below. Accordingly, the Operating Partnership ceased being a disregarded entity and instead is being treated as a partnership for federal income tax purposes.    

 

The Company follows the FASB guidance that defines a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return.  The FASB also provides guidance on de-recognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure, and transition.  The Company records interest and penalties relating to unrecognized tax benefits, if any, as interest expense. As of December 31, 2014, the statute of limitations for tax years 2011 through and including 2013 remain open for examination by the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) and state taxing authorities.  During the year ended December 31, 2011, the IRS conducted an examination of the Company’s 2009 federal tax return.  During the year ended December 31, 2012 the Company reached a settlement with the IRS in which the Company paid to the IRS approximately $122,000.

 

ROIC intends to make regular quarterly distributions to holders of its common stock.  U.S. federal income tax law generally requires that a REIT distribute annually at least 90% of its REIT taxable income, without regard to the deduction for dividends paid and excluding net capital gains, and that it pay U.S. federal income tax at regular corporate rates to the extent that it annually distributes less than 100% of its net taxable income.  ROIC intends to pay regular quarterly dividends to stockholders in an amount not less than its net taxable income, if and to the extent authorized by its board of directors.  Before ROIC pays any dividend, whether for U.S. federal income tax purposes or otherwise, it must first meet both its operating requirements and its debt service on debt.  If ROIC’s cash available for distribution is less than its net taxable income, it could be required to sell assets or borrow funds to make cash distributions or it may make a portion of the required distribution in the form of a taxable stock distribution or distribution of debt securities.

 

Real Estate Investments

 

All costs related to the improvement or replacement of real estate properties are capitalized.  Additions, renovations and improvements that enhance and/or extend the useful life of a property are also capitalized.  Expenditures for ordinary maintenance, repairs and improvements that do not materially prolong the normal useful life of an asset are charged to operations as incurred.  The Company expenses transaction costs associated with business combinations in the period incurred.  During the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, capitalized costs related to the improvements or replacement of real estate properties were approximately $27.5 million and $19.2 million, respectively.

 

Upon the acquisition of real estate properties, the fair value of the real estate purchased is allocated to the acquired tangible assets (consisting of land, buildings and improvements), and acquired intangible assets and liabilities (consisting of above-market and below-market leases and acquired in-place leases). Acquired lease intangible assets include above-market leases and acquired in-place leases, and acquired lease intangible liabilities represent below-market leases, in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The fair value of the tangible assets of an acquired property is determined by valuing the property as if it were vacant, which value is then allocated to land, buildings and improvements based on management's determination of the relative fair values of these assets. In valuing an acquired property's intangibles, factors considered by management include an estimate of carrying costs during the expected lease-up periods, and estimates of lost rental revenue during the expected lease-up periods based on management’s evaluation of current market demand. Management also estimates costs to execute similar leases, including leasing commissions, tenant improvements, legal and other related costs. Leasing commissions, legal and other related costs (“lease origination costs”) are classified as deferred charges in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

 

57
 

The value of in-place leases is measured by the excess of (i) the purchase price paid for a property after adjusting existing in-place leases to market rental rates, over (ii) the estimated fair value of the property as if vacant. Above-market and below-market lease values are recorded based on the present value (using a discount rate which reflects the risks associated with the leases acquired) of the difference between the contractual amounts to be received and management's estimate of market lease rates, measured over the terms of the respective leases that management deemed appropriate at the time of acquisition. Such valuations include a consideration of the non-cancellable terms of the respective leases as well as any applicable renewal periods. The fair values associated with below-market rental renewal options are determined based on the Company's experience and the relevant facts and circumstances that existed at the time of the acquisitions. The value of the above-market and below-market leases is amortized to rental income, over the terms of the respective leases including option periods, if applicable. The value of in-place leases are amortized to expense over the remaining non-cancellable terms of the respective leases. If a lease were to be terminated prior to its stated expiration, all unamortized amounts relating to that lease would be recognized in operations at that time. The Company may record a bargain purchase gain if it determines that the purchase price for the acquired assets was less than the fair value. The Company will record a liability in situations where any part of the cash consideration is deferred. The amounts payable in the future are discounted to their present value. The liability is subsequently re-measured to fair value with changes in fair value recognized in the consolidated statements of operations. If, up to one year from the acquisition date, information regarding fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed is received and estimates are refined, appropriate property adjustments are made to the purchase price allocation on a retrospective basis.

 

In conjunction with the Company’s pursuit and acquisition of real estate investments, the Company expensed acquisition transaction costs during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 of approximately $1.0 million, $1.7 million and $1.3 million, respectively.

 

Regarding certain of the Company’s 2014 and 2013 property acquisitions (see Note 2), the fair value of in-place leases and other intangibles have been allocated to intangible asset and liability accounts.

 

Sales of real estate are recognized only when sufficient down payments have been obtained, possession and other attributes of ownership have been transferred to the buyer and the Company has no significant continuing involvement. The application of these criteria can be complex and requires the Company to make assumptions. Management has determined that all of these criteria were met for all real estate sold during the periods presented.

 

In June 2014, the Company sold the Phillips Village Shopping Center, a non-core shopping center located in Pomona, California with an occupancy rate of approximately 10.4% as of May 31, 2014. The sales price of this property of approximately $16.0 million, less costs to sell, resulted in net proceeds to the Company of approximately $15.6 million. The Company recorded a gain on sale of property of approximately $3.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2014.

 

In August 2014, the Company sold the Oregon City Point Shopping Center, a non-core shopping center located in Oregon City, Oregon. The sales price of this property of approximately $12.4 million, less costs to sell, resulted in net proceeds of approximately $12.0 million. The Company recorded a gain on sale of property of approximately $1.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2014.

 

Any reference to square footage or occupancy is unaudited and outside the scope of our independent registered public accounting firm’s audit of the Company’s financial statements in accordance with the standards of the United States Public Company Accounting Oversight Board.

 

Asset Impairment

 

The Company reviews long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of the asset to aggregate future net cash flows (undiscounted and without interest) expected to be generated by the asset. If such assets are considered impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceed the fair value. Management does not believe that the value of any of the Company’s real estate investments was impaired at December 31, 2014.

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents

 

The Company considers all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents.  Cash and cash equivalents are maintained at financial institutions and, at times, balances may exceed the federally insured limit by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.  The Company has not experienced any losses related to these balances.

 

Restricted Cash

 

The terms of several of the Company’s mortgage loans payable require the Company to deposit certain replacement and other reserves with its lenders.  Such “restricted cash” is generally available only for property-level requirements for which the reserves have been established and is not available to fund other property-level or Company-level obligations.

 

58
 

Revenue Recognition

 

Management has determined that all of the Company’s leases with its various tenants are operating leases.  Rental income is generally recognized based on the terms of leases entered into with tenants.  In those instances in which the Company funds tenant improvements and the improvements are deemed to be owned by the Company, revenue recognition will commence when the improvements are substantially completed and possession or control of the space is turned over to the tenant.  When the Company determines that the tenant allowances are lease incentives, the Company commences revenue recognition and lease incentive amortization when possession or control of the space is turned over to the tenant for tenant work to begin.  Minimum rental income from leases with scheduled rent increases is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term.  Percentage rent is recognized when a specific tenant’s sales breakpoint is achieved.  Property operating expense recoveries from tenants of common area maintenance, real estate taxes and other recoverable costs are recognized in the period the related expenses are incurred.  Lease incentives are amortized as a reduction of rental revenue over the respective tenant lease terms.

 

Termination fees (included in rental revenue) are fees that the Company has agreed to accept in consideration for permitting certain tenants to terminate their lease prior to the contractual expiration date.  The Company recognizes termination fees in accordance with Securities and Exchange Commission’s guidance when the following conditions are met:  (a) the termination agreement is executed; (b) the termination fee is determinable; (c) all landlord services pursuant to the terminated lease have been rendered; and (d) collectivity of the termination fee is assured.  Interest income is recognized as it is earned.  Gains or losses on disposition of properties are recorded when the criteria for recognizing such gains or losses under generally accepted accounting principles have been met.

 

The Company must make estimates as to the collectability of its accounts receivable related to base rent, straight-line rent, expense reimbursements and other revenues.  Management analyzes accounts receivable and the allowance for bad debts by considering tenant creditworthiness, current economic trends, and changes in tenants’ payment patterns when evaluating the adequacy of the allowance for doubtful accounts receivable.  The Company also provides an allowance for future credit losses of the deferred straight-line rents receivable.  The provision for doubtful accounts at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 was approximately $3.6 million and $3.2 million, respectively.

 

Depreciation and Amortization

 

The Company uses the straight-line method for depreciation and amortization.  Buildings are depreciated over the estimated useful lives which the Company estimates to be 39-40 years.  Property improvements are depreciated over the estimated useful lives that range from 10 to 20 years.  Furniture and fixtures are depreciated over the estimated useful lives that range from 3 to 10 years.  Tenant improvements are amortized over the shorter of the life of the related leases or their useful life.

 

Deferred Charges

 

Deferred charges consist principally of leasing commissions and acquired lease origination costs (which are amortized ratably over the life of the tenant leases) and financing fees (which are amortized over the term of the related debt obligation).  Deferred charges in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets are shown at cost, net of accumulated amortization of approximately $18.8 million and $14.9 million, as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

 

The unamortized balances of deferred charges as of December 31, 2014 that will be charged to future operations are as follows:

 

  Lease Origination
Costs
  Financing Costs  Total
2015  $6,655,924   $1,722,372   $8,378,296 
2016   5,366,837    1,668,862    7,035,699 
2017   4,212,704    1,627,525    5,840,229 
2018   3,128,972    1,607,781    4,736,753 
2019   2,379,626    576,295    2,955,921 
Thereafter   8,621,371    2,162,704    10,784,075 
   $30,365,434   $9,365,539   $39,730,973 

 

Internal Capitalized Leasing Costs

 

The Company capitalizes a portion of payroll-related costs related to its leasing personnel associated with new leases and lease renewals. These costs are amortized over the life of the respective leases. During the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, the Company capitalized approximately $947,000, $742,000 and $695,000, respectively, of such payroll-related costs.

 

Concentration of Credit Risk

 

Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents and tenant receivables.  The Company places its cash and cash equivalents in excess of insured amounts with high quality financial institutions.  The Company performs ongoing credit evaluations of its tenants and requires tenants to provide security deposits.

 

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Earnings Per Share

 

Basic earnings (loss) per share (“EPS”) excludes the impact of dilutive shares and is computed by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding for the period.  Diluted EPS reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue shares of common stock were exercised or converted into shares of common stock and then shared in the earnings of the Company.

 

During the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, the effect of approximately 41,400,000 warrants to purchase the Company’s common stock  (the “Public Warrants”) issued in connection with the Company’s initial public offering (the “IPO”), and the 8,000,000 warrants (the “Private Placement Warrants”) purchased by NRDC Capital Management, LLC simultaneously with the consummation of the IPO, for the time these were outstanding during these periods, were included in the calculation of diluted EPS since the weighted average share price was greater than the exercise price during these periods.  

 

For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, basic EPS was determined by dividing net income allocable to common stockholders for the applicable period by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during such period. Net income during the applicable period is also allocated to the time-based unvested restricted stock as these grants are entitled to receive dividends and are therefore considered a participating security. Time-based unvested restricted stock is not allocated net losses and/or any excess of dividends declared over net income; such amounts are allocated entirely to the common stockholders other than the holders of time-based unvested restricted stock. The performance-based restricted stock grants awarded under the 2009 Plan described in Note 9 are excluded from the basic EPS calculation, as these units are not participating securities.

 

The following table sets forth the reconciliation between basic and diluted EPS for ROIC:

 

   Year Ended December 31,
   2014  2013  2012
Numerator:               
Income from continuing operations  $21,049,222   $34,691,982   $7,892,613 
Less income from continuing operations attributable to non-controlling interests   (748,177)   (164,892)    
Less earnings allocated to unvested shares   (159,489)   (78,361)   (213,361)
Income from continuing operations available for common shareholders, basic   20,141,556    34,448,729    7,679,252 
Loss from discontinued operations available to common shareholders, basic       (713,529)    
Net income available to common stockholders, basic  $20,141,556   $33,735,200   $7,679,252 
                
Numerator:               
Income from continuing operations  $21,049,222   $34,691,982   $7,892,613 
Less earnings allocated to unvested shares   (159,489)   (78,361)   (213,361)
Income from continuing operations available for common shareholders, diluted   20,889,733    34,613,621    7,679,252 
Loss from discontinued operations available to common shareholders, diluted       (713,529)    
Net income available to common stockholders, diluted  $20,889,733   $33,900,092   $7,679,252 
                
Denominator:               
Denominator for basic EPS – weighted average common shares   83,411,230    67,419,497    51,059,408 
Warrants    631,086    2,568,822    1,165,663 
OP Units   3,162,658    838,508     
Restricted stock awards - performance-based   162,327    113,066    95,466 
Stock Options   86,108    64,487    50,631 
Denominator for diluted EPS – weighted average common equivalent shares   87,453,409    71,004,380    52,371,168 

 

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Earnings Per Unit

 

The following table sets forth the reconciliation between basic and diluted earnings per unit for the Operating Partnership:

 

   Year Ended December 31,
   2014  2013  2012
Numerator:               
Income from continuing operations  $21,049,222   $34,691,982   $7,892,613 
Less earnings allocated to unvested units   (159,489)   (78,361)   (213,361)
Income from continuing operations available for unitholders, basic and diluted   20,889,733    34,613,621    7,679,252 
Loss from discontinued operations available to unitholders, basic and diluted       (713,529)    
Net income available to unitholders, basic and diluted  $20,889,733   $33,900,092   $7,679,252 
                
Denominator:               
Denominator for basic EPS – weighted average common units   86,573,888    68,258,005    51,059,408 
Warrants    631,086    2,568,822    1,165,663 
Restricted stock awards - performance-based   162,327    113,066    95,466 
Stock Options   86,108    64,487    50,631 
Denominator for diluted EPS – weighted average common equivalent units   87,453,409    71,004,380    52,371,168 

 

Stock-Based Compensation

 

The Company has a stock-based employee compensation plan, which is more fully described in Note 9.

 

The Company accounts for its stock-based compensation plans based on the FASB guidance which requires that compensation expense be recognized based on the fair value of the stock awards less estimated forfeitures.  Restricted stock grants vest based upon the completion of a service period (“time-based grants”) and/or the Company meeting certain established financial performance criteria (“performance-based grants”).  Time-based grants are valued according to the market price for the Company’s common stock at the date of grant.  For performance-based grants, a Monte Carlo valuation model is used, taking into account the underlying contingency risks associated with the performance criteria.  It is the Company’s policy to grant options with an exercise price equal to the quoted closing market price of stock on the grant date.  Awards of stock options and time-based grants of stock are expensed as compensation on a straight-line basis over the vesting period.  Awards of performance-based grants are expensed as compensation under an accelerated method and are recognized in income regardless of the results of the performance criteria.

 

Derivatives

 

The Company records all derivatives on the balance sheet at fair value.  The accounting for changes in the fair value of derivatives depends on the intended use of the derivative, whether the Company has elected to designate a derivative in a hedging relationship and apply hedge accounting and whether the hedging relationship has satisfied the criteria necessary to apply hedge accounting.  Derivatives designated and qualifying as a hedge of the exposure to changes in the fair value of an asset, liability, or firm commitment attributable to a particular risk, such as interest rate risk, are considered fair value hedges.  Derivatives designated and qualifying as a hedge of the exposure to variability in expected future cash flows, or other types of forecasted transactions, are considered cash flow hedges.  Hedge accounting generally provides for the matching of the timing of gain or loss recognition on the hedging instrument with the recognition of the changes in the fair value of the hedged asset or liability that are attributable to the hedged risk in a fair value hedge or the earnings effect of the hedged forecasted transactions in a cash flow hedge. When the Company terminates a derivative for which cash flow hedging was being applied, the balance which was recorded in Other Comprehensive Income is amortized to interest expense over the remaining contractual term of the swap. The Company includes cash payments made to terminate interest rate swaps as an operating activity on the statement of cash flows, given the nature of the underlying cash flows that the derivative was hedging.

 

Segment Reporting

 

The Company’s primary business is the ownership, management, and redevelopment of retail real estate properties. The Company reviews operating and financing information for each property on an individual basis and therefore, each property represents an individual operating segment. The Company evaluates financial performance using property operating income, defined as operating revenues (base rent and recoveries from tenants), less property and related expenses (property operating expenses and property taxes). The Company has aggregated the properties into one reportable segment as the properties share similar long-term economic characteristics and have other similarities including the fact that they are operated using consistent business strategies, are typically located in major metropolitan areas, and have similar tenant mixes.

 


61
 

Reclassifications

 

Certain reclassifications have been made to the prior period consolidated financial statements and notes to conform to the current year presentation.

 

2.  Real Estate Investments

 

The following real estate investment transactions occurred during the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013.

 

Property Acquisitions in 2014

 

On February 18, 2014, the Company acquired the property known as Tigard Marketplace located in Tigard, Oregon, within the Portland metropolitan area, for a purchase price of approximately $25.1 million. Tigard Marketplace is approximately 137,000 square feet and is anchored by H-Mart Supermarket. The property was acquired with borrowings under the Company’s credit facility.

 

On February 28, 2014, the Company acquired the property known as Creekside Plaza located in Poway, California, within the San Diego metropolitan area, for a purchase price of approximately $44.0 million. Creekside Plaza is approximately 129,000 square feet and is anchored by Stater Brothers Supermarket. The property was acquired with borrowings under the Company’s credit facility.

 

On April 30, 2014, the Company acquired the property known as North Park Plaza located in San Jose, California, within the San Francisco Bay Area metropolitan area, for a purchase price of approximately $27.8 million. North Park Plaza is approximately 77,000 square feet and is anchored by SF Supermarket. The property was acquired with borrowings under the Company’s credit facility and available cash.

 

On May 22, 2014, the Company acquired the property known as Aurora Square II located in Shoreline, Washington, within the Seattle metropolitan area, for a purchase price of approximately $15.8 million. Aurora Square II is approximately 66,000 square feet and is contiguous to an existing ROIC grocery-anchored shopping center, Aurora Square. Aurora Square II, together with Aurora Square, aggregate 104,000 square feet and are anchored by Marshall’s (Aurora Square II) and Central Supermarket (Aurora Square). The property was acquired with borrowings under the Company’s credit facility and available cash.

 

On June 13, 2014, the Company acquired the property known as Fallbrook Shopping Center located in West Hills, California, within the Los Angeles metropolitan area, for a purchase price of approximately $210.0 million. Fallbrook Shopping Center has approximately 1.1 million square feet of gross leasable area (“GLA”) of which approximately 756,000 square feet is owned by the Company. Key tenants include Trader Joe’s, Sprouts Market, Home Depot, Kohl’s, TJ Maxx, Ross Dress For Less, AMC Theaters and 24 Hour Fitness. Fallbrook Shopping Center also features Target, Walmart and Kroger (Ralph’s) Supermarket, which occupy substantially all of the GLA not owned by the Company. The property was acquired with borrowings under the Company’s credit facility and available cash.

 

On December 3, 2014, the Company acquired the property known as Moorpark Town Center located in Moorpark, California, within the Los Angeles metropolitan area, for a purchase price of approximately $27.3 million. Moorpark Town Center is approximately 134,000 square feet and is anchored by Kroger (Ralph’s) Supermarket and CVS Pharmacy. The property was acquired with borrowings under the Company’s credit facility.

 

On December 4, 2014, the Company acquired the property known as Mission Foothill Marketplace located in Mission Viejo, California, within the Orange County metropolitan area, for a purchase price of approximately $29.0 million. Mission Foothill Marketplace is approximately 111,000 square feet and is anchored by Haggen Supermarket and CVS Pharmacy. The property was acquired with borrowings under the Company’s credit facility.

 

On December 11, 2014, the Company acquired the property known as Wilsonville Town Center located in Wilsonville, Oregon, within the Portland metropolitan area, for an adjusted purchase price of approximately $35.6 million. Wilsonville Town Center is approximately 168,000 square feet and is anchored by Thriftway Supermarket, Rite Aid Pharmacy and Dollar Tree. The acquisition was funded through approximately $19.4 million in cash and the issuance of 989,272 OP Units with a fair value of approximately $16.3 million.

 

Property Acquisitions in 2013

 

During the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company acquired 10 properties throughout the west coast with a total of approximately 1.0 million square feet for a net purchase price of approximately $297.6 million

 

Acquisitions of Property-Owning Entities in 2013

 

On September 27, 2013, the Company acquired the remaining 51% of the partnership interests in the Terranomics Crossroads Associates, LP from its joint venture partner. The purchase of the remaining interest was funded through the issuance of 2,639,632 OP Units with a fair value of approximately $36.4 million and the assumption of a $49.6 million mortgage loan on the property. Prior to the acquisition date, the Company accounted for its 49% interest in the Terranomics Crossroad Associates, LP as an equity method investment. The acquisition-date fair value of the previous equity interest was $36.0 million and is included in the measurement of the consideration transferred. The Company recognized a gain of $20.4 million as a result of remeasuring its prior equity interest in the venture held before the acquisition. The gain is included in the line item Gain on consolidation of joint venture in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income. The primary asset of Terranomics Crossroads Associates is Crossroads Shopping Center located in Bellevue, Washington, within the Seattle metropolitan area. Crossroads Shopping Center is approximately 464,000 square feet and is anchored by Kroger (QFC) Supermarket, Sports Authority and Bed Bath and Beyond.

 

62
 

On September 27, 2013, the Company acquired 100% of the membership interests in SARM Five Points Plaza, LLC for an adjusted purchase price of approximately $52.6 million. The primary asset of SARM Five Points Plaza, LLC is Five Points Plaza located in Huntington Beach, California. Five Points Plaza is approximately 161,000 square feet and is anchored by Trader Joes, Old Navy and Pier 1. The purchase of the membership interests was funded through approximately $43.6 million in cash using borrowings under the Company’s credit facility (of which approximately $17.2 million was used by the seller to pay off the existing financing) and the issuance of 650,631 OP Units with a fair value of approximately $9.0 million.

 

The financial information set forth below summarizes the Company’s preliminary purchase price allocation for the properties acquired during the year ended December 31, 2014 and the final purchase price allocation for the properties acquired during the year ended December 31, 2013.

 

  

December 31,

2014

 

December 31,

2013

ASSETS          
Land   $98,897,045   $176,977,162 
Building and improvements    317,400,652    310,098,731 
Cash and cash equivalents        552,213 
Acquired lease intangible asset    32,201,585    28,332,445 
Deferred charges    10,335,846    12,041,794 
Tenant receivables and other assets        1,132,232 
Assets acquired   $458,835,128   $529,134,577 
LIABILITIES          
Acquired lease intangible liability   $44,287,149   $35,039,360 
Mortgage notes assumed        62,749,675 
Accrued expenses and other liabilities        4,282,450 
Liabilities assumed   $44,287,149   $102,071,485 

 

With respect to these acquisitions, the fair value of in-place leases and other intangibles have been allocated to intangible asset and liability accounts. All allocations are preliminary and may be adjusted as final information becomes available.

 

Pro Forma Financial Information

 

The pro forma financial information set forth below is based upon the Company’s historical consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, adjusted to give effect to these transactions at the beginning of 2013.

 

The pro forma financial information is presented for informational purposes only and may not be indicative of what actual results of operations would have been had the transactions occurred at the beginning of each year, nor does it purport to represent the results of future operations.

 

   Year Ended December 31,
Statement of operations:  2014  2013
Revenues  $171,900,319   $169,032,796 
Property operating and other expenses   83,532,767    59,987,450 
Depreciation and amortization   64,650,002    64,885,935 
Net income attributable to Retail Opportunity Investments Corp.  $23,717,550   $44,159,411 

 

The following table summarizes the operating results included in the Company’s historical consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2014 for the properties acquired during the year ended December 31, 2014.

 

   Year Ended December 31, 2014
Statement of operations:     
Revenues   $16,234,264 
Property operating and other expenses    4,643,335 
Depreciation and amortization    7,673,714 
Net income attributable to Retail Opportunity Investments Corp.   $3,917,215 

 

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The following table summarizes the operating results included in the Company’s historical consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2013 for the properties acquired during the year ended December 31, 2013.

 

   Year Ended December 31, 2013
Statement of operations:     
Revenues   $15,813,152 
Property operating and other expenses    6,010,175 
Depreciation and amortization    7,655,138 
Net income attributable to Retail Opportunity Investments Corp.   $2,147,839 

 

Property Dispositions

 

On June 5, 2014, the Company sold Phillips Village Shopping Center, a non-core shopping center located in Pomona, California with an occupancy rate of approximately 10.4% as of May 31, 2014. The sales price of this property of approximately $16.0 million, less costs to sell, resulted in net proceeds to the Company of approximately $15.6 million. Accordingly, the Company recorded a gain on sale of approximately $3.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 related to this property.

 

On August 25, 2014, the Company sold the Oregon City Point Shopping Center, a non-core shopping center located in Oregon City, Oregon. The sales price of this property of approximately $12.4 million, less costs to sell, resulted in net proceeds of approximately $12.0 million. Accordingly, the Company recorded a gain on sale of approximately $1.6 million for year ended December 31, 2014 related to this property.

 

Unconsolidated Joint Ventures

 

At December 31, 2012, investment in and advances to unconsolidated joint venture consisted of a 49% ownership in Terranomics Crossroads Associates, LP of $15.3 million. On September 27, 2013, the Company acquired the remaining interests in Terranomics Crossroads Associates, LP from its joint venture partner. The purchase of its remaining interest was funded through the issuance of 2,639,632 OP Units with a fair value of approximately $36.4 million and the assumption of a $49.6 million mortgage loan on the property. Upon the acquisition of the remaining interest in the property, the Company reclassified approximately $16.0 million from “Investment in and advances to unconsolidated joint ventures” to “Real estate investments” in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The acquisition-date fair value of the previous equity interest was $36.0 million and is included in the measurement of the consideration transferred. The Company recognized a gain of $20.4 million as a result of remeasuring its prior equity interest in the venture held before the acquisition. The gain is included in the line item Gain on consolidation of joint venture in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income.

 

As of December 31, 2014, the Company has no remaining unconsolidated joint ventures.

 

3.  Acquired Lease Intangibles

 

Intangible assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 consisted of the following:

 

  

December 31,

2014

 

December 31,

2013

Assets:          
In-place leases  $78,548,975   $71,846,161 
Accumulated amortization   (25,482,306)   (27,413,310)
Above-market leases   26,197,169    18,191,431 
Accumulated amortization   (7,831,174)   (6,736,811)
Acquired lease intangible assets, net  $71,432,664   $55,887,471 
           
Liabilities:          
Below-market leases  $141,552,303   $104,092,901 
Accumulated amortization   (23,193,642)   (18,809,019)
Acquired lease intangible liabilities, net  $118,358,661   $85,283,882 

 

For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, the net amortization of acquired lease intangible assets and acquired lease intangible liabilities for above and below market leases was $6.9 million, $4.4 million and $3.7 million, respectively, which amounts are included in base rents in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income.  For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, the net amortization of in-place leases was $12.5 million, $10.3 million and $8.1 million, respectively, which amounts are included in depreciation and amortization in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income.

 

64
 

The scheduled future amortization of acquired lease intangible assets as of December 31, 2014 is as follows:

 

Year ending December 31:   
2015  $14,563,383 
2016   11,074,212 
2017   8,839,630 
2018   6,450,192 
2019   4,460,270 
Thereafter   26,044,977 
Total future amortization of acquired lease intangible assets  $71,432,664 

 

The scheduled future amortization of acquired lease intangible liabilities as of December 31, 2014 is as follows:

 

Year ending December 31:   
2015  $10,630,084 
2016   9,084,320 
2017   8,257,567 
2018   7,623,632 
2019   6,956,023 
Thereafter   75,807,035 
Total future amortization of acquired lease intangible liabilities  $118,358,661 

 

4.  Tenant Leases

 

Space in the Company’s shopping centers is leased to various tenants under operating leases that usually grant tenants renewal options and generally provide for additional rents based on certain operating expenses as well as tenants’ sales volume.

 

Future minimum rents to be received under non-cancellable leases as of December 31, 2014 are summarized as follows:

 

Year ending December 31:   
2015  $117,472,132 
2016   106,814,051 
2017   92,470,433 
2018   75,006,572 
2019   59,197,187 
Thereafter   287,159,418 
Total minimum lease payments  $738,119,793 

 

5. Discontinued Operations

 

On June 5, 2013, the Company sold the Nimbus Village Shopping Center, a non-grocery anchored, non-core shopping center located in Rancho Cordova, California. The sales price of this property of approximately $6.3 million, less costs to sell, resulted in proceeds to the Company of approximately $5.6 million. Accordingly, the Company recorded a loss on sale of property of approximately $714,000 for the year ended December 31, 2013, which has been included in discontinued operations. The carrying value of the property as of December 31, 2012 was approximately $6.3 million.

 

6.  Mortgage Notes Payable, Credit Facility and Senior Notes

 

ROIC does not hold any indebtedness. All debt is held directly or indirectly by the Operating Partnership, however, ROIC has guaranteed the Operating Partnership’s revolving credit facility, carve-out guarantees on property-level debt, the Senior Notes Due 2023 and the Senior Notes Due 2024.

 

65
 

Mortgage Notes Payable

 

The mortgage notes payable collateralized by respective properties and assignment of leases at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, were as follows:

 

Property  Maturity Date  Interest Rate  December 31, 2014  December 31, 2013
Euclid Plaza   November 2014   5.23%  $    8,158,676 
Country Club Gate Center   January 2015   5.04%       12,236,374 
Renaissance Towne Centre   June 2015   5.13%   16,204,826    16,489,812 
Crossroads Shopping Center   September 2015   6.50%   48,581,419    49,413,976 
Gateway Village III   July 2016   6.10%   7,270,256    7,368,521 
Bernardo Heights Plaza   July 2017   5.70%   8,581,168    8,748,605 
Santa Teresa Village   February 2018   6.20%   10,829,884    11,033,511 
           $91,467,553   $113,449,475 
Mortgage Premium            2,715,705    5,453,783 
Total mortgage notes payable           $94,183,258   $118,903,258 

 

The combined aggregate principal maturities of mortgage notes payable during the next five years and thereafter are as follows:

 

  Principal Repayments  Scheduled Amortization  Mortgage Premium  Total
2015  $64,051,173   $1,236,553   $1,793,132   $67,080,858 
2016   7,120,172    462,666    515,867    8,098,705 
2017   8,099,320    361,092    380,470    8,840,882 
2018   10,094,220    42,357    26,236    10,162,813 
   $89,364,885   $2,102,668   $2,715,705   $94,183,258 

 

During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company repaid the outstanding principal balance on the Euclid Plaza and Country Club Gate mortgage notes payable of $8.0 million and $12.0 million, respectively, without penalty, in accordance with the prepayment provisions of the notes.

 

Credit Facility

 

The Operating Partnership has a revolving credit facility with several banks. Previously, the credit facility provided for borrowings of up to $350.0 million. Effective December 12, 2014, the Company entered into a fourth amendment to the amended and restated credit agreement pursuant to which the borrowing capacity was increased to $500.0 million. Additionally, the credit facility contains an accordion feature, which allows the Operating Partnership to increase the facility amount up to an aggregate of $1.0 billion, subject to lender consents and other conditions. The maturity date of the credit facility has been extended to January 31, 2019, subject to a further one-year extension option, which may be exercised by the Operating Partnership upon satisfaction of certain conditions.

 

The Operating Partnership previously had a term loan agreement with several banks which provided for a loan of $200.0 million. In connection with the fourth amendment to the credit facility, effective December 12, 2014, the term loan agreement was retired.

 

The Company obtained investment grade credit ratings from Moody’s Investors Service (Baa2) and Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services (BBB-) during the second quarter of 2013. Borrowings under the credit facility accrue interest on the outstanding principal amount at a rate equal to an applicable rate based on the credit rating level of the Company, plus, as applicable, (i) a LIBOR rate determined by reference to the cost of funds for dollar deposits for the relevant period (the “Eurodollar Rate”), or (ii) a base rate determined by reference to the highest of (a) the federal funds rate plus 0.50%, (b) the rate of interest announced by KeyBank, National Association at its “prime rate,” and (c) the Eurodollar Rate plus 1.00% (the “Base Rate”). Additionally, the Operating Partnership is obligated to pay a facility fee at a rate based on the credit rating level of the Company, currently 0.20%, and a fronting fee at a rate of 0.125% per year with respect to each letter of credit issued under the credit facility. The credit facility contains customary representations, financial and other covenants. The Operating Partnership’s ability to borrow under the credit facility is subject to its compliance with financial covenants and other restrictions on an ongoing basis. The Operating Partnership was in compliance with such covenants at December 31, 2014.

 

As of December 31, 2014, $156.5 million was outstanding under the credit facility. The average interest rate on the credit facility during the year ended December 31, 2014 was 1.3%. The Company had $343.5 million available to borrow under the credit facility at December 31, 2014.

 

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Senior Notes Due 2024

 

The carrying value of the Company’s Senior Notes Due 2024 is as follows:

 

  

December 31,

2014

 

December 31,

2013

Principal amount  $250,000,000   $ 
Unamortized debt discount   (3,478,886)    
Senior Notes Due 2024:  $246,521,114   $ 
           

 

On December 3, 2014, the Operating Partnership completed a registered underwritten public offering of $250.0 million aggregate principal amount of 4.000% Senior Notes due 2024 (the “Senior Notes Due 2024”), fully and unconditionally guaranteed by ROIC. The Senior Notes Due 2024 pay interest semi-annually on June 15 and December 15, commencing on June 15, 2015, and mature on December 15, 2024, unless redeemed earlier by the Operating Partnership. The Senior Notes Due 2024 are the Operating Partnership’s senior unsecured obligations that rank equally in right of payment with the Operating Partnership’s other unsecured indebtedness, and effectively junior to (i) all of the indebtedness and other liabilities, whether secured or unsecured, and any preferred equity of the Operating Partnership’s subsidiaries, and (ii) all of the Operating Partnership’s indebtedness that is secured by its assets, to the extent of the value of the collateral securing such indebtedness outstanding. ROIC fully and unconditionally guaranteed the Operating Partnership’s obligations under the Senior Notes Due 2024 on a senior unsecured basis, including the due and punctual payment of principal of, and premium, if any, and interest on, the notes, whether at stated maturity, upon acceleration, notice of redemption or otherwise. The guarantee is a senior unsecured obligation of ROIC and ranks equally in right of payment with all other senior unsecured indebtedness of ROIC. ROIC’s guarantee of the Senior Notes Due 2024 is effectively subordinated in right of payment to all liabilities, whether secured or unsecured, and any preferred equity of its subsidiaries (including the Operating Partnership and any entity ROIC accounts for under the equity method of accounting). The interest expense recognized on the Senior Notes Due 2024 during the year ended December 31, 2014 includes $750,000 and approximately $21,000 for the contractual coupon interest and the accretion of the debt discount, respectively.

 

In connection with the Senior Notes Due 2024 offering, the Company incurred approximately $2.2 million of deferred financing costs which are being amortized over the term of the Senior Notes Due 2024.

 

Senior Notes Due 2023

 

The carrying value of the Company’s Senior Notes Due 2023 is as follows:

 

  

December 31,

2014

 

December 31,

2013

Principal amount  $250,000,000   $250,000,000 
Unamortized debt discount   (3,826,073)   (4,154,680)
Senior Notes Due 2023:  $246,173,927   $245,845,320 

 

On December 9, 2013, the Operating Partnership completed a registered underwritten public offering of $250.0 million aggregate principal amount of 5.000% Senior Notes due 2023 (the “Senior Notes Due 2023”), fully and unconditionally guaranteed by ROIC. The Senior Notes Due 2023 pay interest semi-annually on June 15 and December 15, commencing on June 15, 2014, and mature on December 15, 2023, unless redeemed earlier by the Operating Partnership. The Senior Notes Due 2023 are the Operating Partnership’s senior unsecured obligations that rank equally in right of payment with the Operating Partnership’s other unsecured indebtedness, and effectively junior to (i) all of the indebtedness and other liabilities, whether secured or unsecured, and any preferred equity of the Operating Partnership’s subsidiaries, and (ii) all of the Operating Partnership’s indebtedness that is secured by its assets, to the extent of the value of the collateral securing such indebtedness outstanding. ROIC fully and unconditionally guaranteed the Operating Partnership’s obligations under the Senior Notes Due 2023 on a senior unsecured basis, including the due and punctual payment of principal of, and premium, if any, and interest on, the notes, whether at stated maturity, upon acceleration, notice of redemption or otherwise. The guarantee is a senior unsecured obligation of ROIC and will rank equally in right of payment with all other senior unsecured indebtedness of ROIC. ROIC’s guarantee of the Senior Notes Due 2023 is effectively subordinated in right of payment to all liabilities, whether secured or unsecured, and any preferred equity of its subsidiaries (including the Operating Partnership and any entity ROIC accounts for under the equity method of accounting). The interest expense recognized on the Senior Notes Due 2023 during the year ended December 31, 2014 includes approximately $12.4 million and approximately $329,000 for the contractual coupon interest and the accretion of the debt discount, respectively. The interest expense recognized on the Senior Notes Due 2023 during the year ended December 31, 2013 includes approximately $800,000 and $20,000 for the contractual coupon interest and the accretion of the debt discount, respectively.

 

In connection with the Senior Notes Due 2023 offering, the Company incurred approximately $2.6 million of deferred financing costs which are being amortized over the term of the Senior Notes Due 2023.

 

7.  Preferred Stock of ROIC

 

The Company is authorized to issue 50,000,000 shares of preferred stock with such designations, voting and other rights and preferences as may be determined from time to time by the board of directors.  As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, there were no shares of preferred stock outstanding.

 

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8.  Common Stock and Warrants of ROIC

 

ATM

 

During the year ended December 31, 2011, ROIC entered into an ATM Equity OfferingSM Sales Agreement (the “sales agreement”) with Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated to sell shares of ROIC’s common stock par value $0.0001 per share, having aggregate sales proceeds of $50.0 million from time to time, through an “at the market” equity offering program under which Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated acts as sales (agent) and/or principal agent. During the year ended December 31, 2014, ROIC did not sell any shares under the sales agreement. Additionally, the registration statement related to the sales agreement expired, and accordingly, the Company will not issue any additional shares under this program. Through December 31, 2014, ROIC had sold a total of 3,183,245 shares under the sales agreement, which resulted in gross proceeds of approximately $39.3 million and commissions of approximately $687,600 paid to the agent.

 

On September 19, 2014, ROIC entered into four separate Sales Agreements (the “2014 sales agreements”) with Jefferies LLC, KeyBanc Capital Markets Inc., MLV & Co. LLC and Raymond James & Associates, Inc. (each individually, an “Agent” and collectively, the “Agents”) pursuant to which ROIC may sell, from time to time, shares of ROIC’s common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, having an aggregate offering price of up to $100.0 million through the Agents either as agents or principals. During the year ended December 31, 2014, ROIC did not sell any shares under the 2014 sales agreements.

 

Warrants

 

Simultaneously with the consummation of the IPO, NRDC Capital Management, LLC purchased 8,000,000 Private Placement Warrants at a purchase price of $1.00 per warrant.  The Private Placement Warrants were identical to the Public Warrants except that the Private Placement Warrants were exercisable on a cashless basis as long as they were still held by NRDC Capital Management, LLC or its members, members of its members’ immediate family or their controlled affiliates. The purchase price of the Private Placement Warrants approximated the fair value of such warrants at the purchase date.

 

On February 4, 2013, NRDC exercised the outstanding 8,000,000 Private Placement Warrants on a cashless basis pursuant to which ROIC issued 688,500 shares to NRDC.

 

ROIC had the right to redeem all of the outstanding warrants it issued in the IPO, at a price of $0.01 per warrant upon 30 days’ notice while the warrants were exercisable, only in the event that the last sale price of the common stock is at least a specified price. The terms of the warrants were as follows:

 

·The exercise price of the warrants was $12.00.

 

·The price at which ROIC’s common stock must trade before ROIC was able to redeem the warrants it issued in the IPO was $18.75.

 

·To provide that a warrantholder’s ability to exercise warrants was limited to ensure that such holder’s “Beneficial Ownership” or “Constructive Ownership,” each as defined in ROIC’s charter, did not exceed the restrictions contained in the charter limiting the ownership of shares of ROIC’s common stock.

 

ROIC had reserved 53,400,000 shares for the exercise of the Public Warrants and the Private Placement Warrants, and issuance of shares under ROIC’s 2009 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2009 Plan”). During the year ended December 31, 2014, the third-party warrant holders exercised a total of 5,878,216 Public Warrants, resulting in approximately $70.5 million of proceeds. During the year ended December 31, 2013, the third-party warrant holders exercised a total of 18,877,482 Public Warrants, resulting in approximately $226.5 million of proceeds.

 

In May 2010, ROIC’s board of directors authorized a warrant repurchase program to repurchase up to a maximum of $40.0 million of ROIC’s warrants. During the year ended December 31, 2013, ROIC repurchased 744,850 warrants under the program in open market transactions for approximately $1.4 million. During the year ended December 31, 2013, ROIC repurchased an additional 15,834,000 warrants in privately negotiated transactions for approximately $31.3 million. No such repurchases occurred during the year ended December 31, 2014.

 

On October 23, 2014, ROIC's remaining outstanding warrants expired and 64,452 warrants expired unexercised.

 

Stock Repurchase Program

 

On July 31, 2013, ROIC’s board of directors authorized a stock repurchase program to repurchase up to a maximum of $50.0 million of the Company’s common stock. During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company did not repurchase any shares of common stock under this program.

 

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Equity Issuance

 

On June 18, 2014, ROIC issued 14,375,000 shares of common stock in a registered public offering, including shares issued upon the exercise in full of the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares, resulting in net proceeds of approximately $205.5 million, after deducting the underwriters’ discounts and commissions and offering expenses.

 

9.  Stock Compensation and Other Benefit Plans for ROIC

 

The Company follows the FASB guidance related to stock compensation which establishes financial accounting and reporting standards for stock-based employee compensation plans, including all arrangements by which employees receive shares of stock or other equity instruments of the employer, or the employer incurs liabilities to employees in amounts based on the price of the employer’s stock.  The guidance also defines a fair value-based method of accounting for an employee stock option or similar equity instrument.

 

During 2009, the Company adopted the 2009 Plan.  The 2009 Plan provides for grants of restricted common stock and stock option awards up to an aggregate of 7.5% of the issued and outstanding shares of the Company’s common stock at the time of the award, subject to a ceiling of 4,000,000 shares.

 

Restricted Stock

 

During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company awarded 320,500 shares of restricted common stock under the 2009 Plan, of which 118,750 shares are performance-based grants and the remainder of the shares are time based grants.  The performance-based grants vest in three equal annual tranches, based on pre-defined market-specific performance criteria with vesting dates on January 1, 2015, 2016 and 2017.

 

A summary of the status of the Company’s non-vested restricted stock awards as of December 31, 2014, and changes during the year ended December 31, 2014 are presented below:

 

   Shares  Weighted Average
Grant Date Fair Value
Non-vested at December 31, 2013   440,650   $11.40 
Granted   320,500   $13.42 
Vested   (192,459)  $12.76 
Forfeited   (9,333)  $13.65 
Non-vested at December 31, 2014   559,358   $11.51 

 

As of December 31, 2014, there remained a total of $3.4 million of unrecognized restricted stock compensation related to outstanding non-vested restricted stock grants awarded under the 2009 Plan.  Restricted stock compensation is expected to be expensed over a remaining weighted average period of 1.7 years (irrespective of achievement of the performance conditions). The total fair value of restricted stock that vested during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $2.9 million, $2.4 million and $2.5 million, respectively.

 

Stock Based Compensation Expense

 

For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, the amounts charged to expense for all stock based compensation totaled approximately $3.7 million, $2.9 million and $3.4 million, respectively.

 

Profit Sharing and Savings Plan

 

During 2011, the Company established a profit sharing and savings plan (the “401K Plan”), which permits eligible employees to defer a portion of their compensation in accordance with the Code.  Under the 401K Plan, the Company made matching contributions on behalf of eligible employees.  The Company made contributions to the 401K Plan of approximately $25,000, $20,000 and $17,000 for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

 

10. Capital of the Operating Partnership

 

As of December 31, 2014, the Operating Partnership had 96,912,647 OP Units outstanding. The Company owned 95.9% of the Operating Partnership at December 31, 2014. As of December 31, 2014, the Company had outstanding 92,991,333 shares of ROIC common stock and 3,921,314 OP Units (excluding OP Units owned by ROIC). A share of ROIC’s common stock and the OP Units have essentially the same economic characteristics as they share equally in the total net income or loss and distributions of the Operating Partnership.

 

During the year ended December 31, 2013, in connection with the acquisition of the remaining interests in Crossroads Shopping Center from its joint venture partner, the Company issued a total of 2,639,632 OP Units to limited partners. Additionally, during the year ended December 31, 2013, in connection with the acquisition of the membership interests in SARM Five Points Plaza, LLC, the Company issued a total of 650,631 OP Units to limited partners. On December 11, 2014, in connection with the acquisition of Wilsonville Town Center, the Company issued a total of 989,272 OP Units to limited partners.

 

69
 

Subject to certain exceptions, holders may redeem their OP Units, at the option of ROIC, for cash or for shares of ROIC common stock on a one-for-one basis. If cash is paid in the redemption, the redemption price is equal to the average closing price on the NASDAQ Stock Market for shares of ROIC’s common stock over the ten consecutive trading days immediately preceding the date a redemption notice is received by ROIC.

 

On October 17, 2013, the Company received notices of redemption for 158,221 OP Units. The Company elected to redeem the OP Units in cash, and accordingly, a total of $2.2 million was paid on October 31, 2013 to the holders of the respective OP Units. Further, on November 14, 2014, the Company received notices of redemption for 200,000 OP Units. The Company elected to redeem the OP Units in cash, and accordingly, a total of $3.3 million was paid on December 1, 2014 to the holders of the respective OP Units. In accordance with the Second Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of the Operating Partnership, the redemption values were calculated based on the average closing price of the Company’s common stock on the NASDAQ Stock Market for the ten consecutive trading days immediately preceding the date of receipt of the notices of redemption.

 

Retail Opportunity Investments GP, LLC, ROIC’s wholly-owned subsidiary, is the sole general partner of the Operating Partnership, and as the parent company, ROIC has the full and complete authority over the Operating Partnership’s day-to-day management and control. As the sole general partner of the Operating Partnership, ROIC effectively controls the ability to issue common stock of ROIC upon redemption of any OP Units. The redemption provisions that permit ROIC to settle in either cash or common stock, at the option of ROIC, are further evaluated in accordance with applicable accounting guidance to determine whether temporary or permanent equity classification on the balance sheet is appropriate. The Company evaluated this guidance, including the requirement to settle in unregistered shares, and determined that the OP Units meet the requirements to qualify for presentation as permanent equity.

 

The redemption value of the OP Units owned by the limited partners, not including ROIC, had such units been redeemed at December 31, 2014, was approximately $65.8 million based on the average closing price on the NASDAQ Stock Market of ROIC common stock for the ten consecutive trading days immediately preceding December 31, 2014, which amounted to $16.79 per share.

 

11.  Fair Value of Financial Instruments

 

The Company follows the FASB guidance that defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements.  The guidance applies to reported balances that are required or permitted to be measured at fair value under existing accounting pronouncements; accordingly, the standard does not require any new fair value measurements of reported balances.

 

The guidance emphasizes that fair value is a market-based measurement, not an entity-specific measurement.  Therefore, a fair value measurement should be determined based on the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability.  As a basis for considering market participant assumptions in fair value measurements, the guidance establishes a fair value hierarchy that distinguishes between market participant assumptions based on market data obtained from sources independent of the reporting entity (observable inputs that are classified within Levels 1 and 2 of the hierarchy) and the reporting entity’s own assumptions about market participant assumptions (unobservable inputs classified within Level 3 of the hierarchy).

 

Level 1 inputs utilize quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access.  Level 2 inputs are inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly.  Level 2 inputs may include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, as well as inputs that are observable for the asset or liability (other than quoted prices), such as interest rates, foreign exchange rates, and yield curves that are observable at commonly quoted intervals.  Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs for the asset or liability, which are typically based on an entity’s own assumptions, as there is little, if any, related market activity.  In instances where the determination of the fair value measurement is based on inputs from different levels of the fair value hierarchy, the level in the fair value hierarchy within which the entire fair value measurement falls is based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety.  The Company’s 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 following disclosures of estimated fair value were determined by management, using available market information and appropriate valuation methodologies as discussed in Note 1.  Considerable judgment is necessary to interpret market data and develop estimated fair value.  Accordingly, the estimates presented herein are not necessarily indicative of the amounts realizable upon disposition of the financial instruments.  The use of different market assumptions or estimation methodologies may have a material effect on the estimated fair value amounts.

 

The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, tenant and other receivables, deposits, prepaid expenses, other assets, accounts payable and accrued expenses are reasonable estimates of their fair values because of the short-term nature of these instruments. The carrying value of the revolving credit facility is deemed to be at fair value since the outstanding debt is directly tied to monthly LIBOR contracts.  The fair value, based on inputs not quoted on active markets, but corroborated by market data, or Level 2, of the outstanding Senior Notes Due 2023 at December 31, 2014 is approximately $269.7 million. The fair value, based on inputs not quoted on active markets, but corroborated by market data, or Level 2, of the outstanding Senior Notes Due 2024 at December 31, 2014 is approximately $249.4 million. Mortgage notes payable were recorded at their fair value at the time they were assumed and are estimated to have a fair value of approximately $94.7 million with an interest rate range of 2.8% to 3.6% and a weighted average interest rate of 2.9% as of December 31, 2014. These fair value measurements fall within level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.

 

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12.  Derivative and Hedging Activities

 

During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company cash settled the remaining outstanding interest rate swaps, and accordingly, none are outstanding as of December 31, 2014. The Company’s objectives in using interest rate derivatives historically were to add stability to interest expense and to manage its exposure to interest rate movements.  To accomplish this objective, the Company used interest rate swaps as part of its interest rate risk management strategy.  Interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges involve the receipt of variable-rate amounts from a counterparty in exchange for the Company making fixed-rate payments over the life of the agreements without exchange of the underlying notional amount.

 

The effective portion of changes in the fair value of derivatives that are designated as cash flow hedges are recorded in AOCI and will be subsequently reclassified into earnings during the period in which the hedged forecasted transaction affects earnings.

 

The valuation of these instruments is 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, and implied volatilities.  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.

 

The Company incorporated credit valuation adjustments to appropriately reflect both its own non-performance risk and the respective counterparty’s non-performance risk in the fair value measurements.  In adjusting the fair value of its derivative contract for the effect of non-performance risk, the Company considered the impact of netting and any applicable credit enhancements, such as collateral postings, thresholds, mutual puts, and guarantees.

 

Although the Company had determined that the majority of the inputs used to value its derivatives fall within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy, the credit valuation adjustments associated with its derivatives utilize Level 3 inputs, such as estimates of current credit spreads to evaluate the likelihood of default by itself and its counterparties.  However, as of December 31, 2013 the Company assessed the significance of the impact of the credit valuation adjustments on the overall valuation of its derivative position and determined that the credit valuation adjustments were not significant to the overall valuation of its derivatives.  As a result, the Company determined that its derivative valuation in its entirety is classified in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

 

The table below presents the Company’s liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis, aggregated by the level in the fair value hierarchy within which those measurements fall.

 

   Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical Assets
and Liabilities
(Level 1)
  Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs (Level 2)
  Significant
Unobservable
Inputs (Level 3)
  Total
December 31, 2013:                    
Assets                    
Derivative financial instruments   $   $1,948,243   $   $1,948,243 
Liabilities                    
Derivative financial instruments  $   $(2,528,703)  $   $(2,528,703)

 

Amounts reported in accumulated other comprehensive income related to derivatives will be reclassified to interest expense as interest expense is recognized on the hedged debt. During the next twelve months, the Company estimates that $2.1 million will be reclassified as an increase to interest expense.

 

The table below presents the fair value of the Company’s derivative financial instruments as well as their classification on the balance sheet as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively:

 

Derivatives designed as hedging instruments  Balance sheet
location
  December 31, 2014
Fair Value
  December 31, 2013
Fair Value
Interest rate products   Other assets  $   $1,948,243 
Interest rate products   Other liabilities  $   $(2,528,703)

 

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Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships

 

The table below details the location in the financial statements of the gain or loss recognized on interest rate derivatives designated as cash flow hedges for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 respectively.    Amounts reclassified from other comprehensive income (“OCI”) due to ineffectiveness are recognized as interest expense.

 

   Year Ended December 31, 2014  Year Ended December 31, 2013  Year Ended December 31, 2012
Amount of (loss) gain recognized in OCI on derivative  $(3,131,969)  $4,564,248   $(7,859,264)
Amount of  loss reclassified from accumulated OCI into interest  $3,218,689   $4,621,227   $3,799,482 
Amount of gain (loss) recognized in income on derivative (ineffective portion and amount excluded from effectiveness testing)  $112   $3,172   $(7,534)

 

13.  Commitments and Contingencies

 

In the normal course of business, from time to time, the Company is involved in legal actions relating to the ownership and operations of its properties.  In management’s opinion, the liabilities, if any, that ultimately may result from such legal actions are not expected to have a material adverse effect on the consolidated financial position, results of operations or liquidity of the Company.

 

The Company has signed several ground leases for certain properties. For financial reporting purposes, rent expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. Accordingly, rent expense recognized in excess of rent paid is reflected as a liability in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Rent expense, for both ground leases and corporate office space, was approximately $1.2 million, $1.1 million, and $780,000 for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

 

The following table represents the Company’s future minimum annual lease payments under operating leases as of December 31, 2014:

 

   Operating
Leases
2015  $910,164 
2016   980,650 
2017   1,048,825 
2018   1,053,877 
2019   1,058,807 
Thereafter    37,271,404 
Total minimum lease payments   $42,323,727 

 

Tax Protection Agreements

 

In connection with the acquisition of the remaining 51% of the partnership interests in the Terranomics Crossroads Associates, LP and the acquisition of 100% of the equity interest in SARM Five Points Plaza LLC in 2013 and the acquisition of Wilsonville Town Center in 2014 (all more fully discussed in Footnote 2), the Company entered into Tax Protection Agreements with certain limited partners of the Operating Partnership. The Tax Protection Agreements require the Company, subject to certain exceptions, to indemnify the respective Sellers receiving OP Units against certain tax liabilities incurred by them, as calculated pursuant to the respective Tax Protection Agreements. If the Company were to trigger the tax protection provisions under these agreements, the Company would be required to pay damages in the amount of the taxes owed by these limited partners (plus additional damages in the amount of the taxes incurred as a result of such payment). The Tax Protection periods for Terranomics Crossroads Associates, LP and SARM Five Points Plaza LLC, and Wilsonville, were provided for twelve and ten years, respectively.

 

 14.  Related Party Transactions

 

The Company has entered into several lease agreements with an officer of the Company, whereby pursuant to the lease agreements, the Company is provided the use of storage space.  For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, the Company incurred approximately $37,000, $25,000 and $9,500, respectively, of expenses relating to the agreements which were included in general and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations and other comprehensive income.

 

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15.  Quarterly Results of Operations (Unaudited)

 

The unaudited quarterly results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 for ROIC are as follows:

 

   Year Ended December 31, 2014
   March 31  June 30  September 30  December 31
Total revenues  $36,350,136   $36,914,834   $40,855,871   $41,742,670 
Net income   $3,266,243   $6,050,762   $6,980,696   $4,751,521 
Net income attributable to ROIC  $3,131,685   $5,833,750   $6,748,847   $4,586,763 
Basic income per share  $0.04   $0.08   $0.07   $0.05 
Diluted income per share  $0.04   $0.07   $0.07   $0.05 

   Year Ended December 31, 2013
   March 31  June 30  September 30  December 31
Total revenues  $24,384,449   $26,063,466   $27,147,631   $33,636,485 
Net income   $2,289,886   $2,471,012   $25,262,291   $3,955,264 
Net income attributable to ROIC  $2,289,886   $2,471,012   $25,262,291   $3,790,372 
Basic income per share  $0.04   $0.04   $0.35   $0.05 
Diluted income per share  $0.04   $0.03   $0.34   $0.05 

 

The unaudited quarterly results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 for the Operating Partnership are as follows:

 

   Year Ended December 31, 2014
   March 31  June 30  September 30  December 31
Total revenues  $36,350,136   $36,914,834   $40,855,871   $41,742,670 
Net income attributable to the Operating Partnership  $3,266,243   $6,050,762   $6,980,696   $4,751,521 
Basic income per unit  $0.04   $0.07   $0.07   $0.05 
Diluted income per unit  $0.04   $0.07   $0.07   $0.05 

   Year Ended December 31, 2013
   March 31  June 30  September 30  December 31
Total revenues  $24,384,449   $26,063,466   $27,147,631   $33,636,485 
Net income attributable to the Operating Partnership  $2,289,886   $2,471,012   $25,262,291   $3,955,264 
Basic income per unit  $0.04   $0.04   $0.35   $0.05 
Diluted income per unit  $0.04   $0.03   $0.34   $0.05 

 

16.  Subsequent Events

 

On January 6, 2015, the Company acquired the property known as Ontario Plaza located in Ontario, California, for a purchase price of approximately $31.0 million. Ontario Plaza is approximately 150,000 square feet and is anchored by El Super Supermarket and Rite Aid Pharmacy. The property was acquired with borrowings under the Company’s credit facility.

 

On January 6, 2015, the Company acquired the property known as Park Oaks Shopping Center located in Thousand Oaks, California, for a purchase price of approximately $47.7 million. Park Oaks Shopping Center is approximately 110,000 square feet and is anchored by Safeway (Vons) Supermarket. The property was acquired with borrowings under the Company’s credit facility.

 

On January 7, 2015, the Company acquired the property known as Winston Manor Shopping Center located in South San Francisco, California, for a purchase price of approximately $20.5 million. Winston Manor Shopping Center is approximately 50,000 square feet and is anchored by Grocery Outlet Supermarket. The property was acquired with borrowings under the Company’s credit facility.

 

The purchase price allocations have not been finalized and are expected to be completed during the first quarter of 2015.

 

On February 24, 2015, the Company’s board of directors declared a cash dividend on its common stock of $0.17 per share, payable on March 30, 2015 to holders of record on March 16, 2015.

 

Subsequent to December 31, 2014, the Company sold 247,722 shares under the 2014 sales agreement, which resulted in gross proceeds of approximately $4.5 million and commissions of approximately $67,000 paid to the agent.

 

73
 

SCHEDULE III – REAL ESTATE AND ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION

December 31, 2014

 

        Initial Cost to Company  Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition  Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period         
                                 
 
 
 
Description and Location
 
 
 
Encumbrances
 
 
 
Land
 
 
Building &
Improvements
 
 
 
Land
 
 
Building &
Improvements
 
 
 
Land
 
 
Building &
Improvements
 
 
 
Total (a)
 
 
Accumulated
Depreciation (b)(1)
 
 
Date of
Acquisition
                                                   
  Paramount Plaza, CA  $   $6,346,871   $10,274,425   $94,202   $1,300,527   $6,441,073   $11,574,952    18,016,025   $1,636,418   12/22/2009
  Santa Ana Downtown Plaza, CA       7,895,272    9,890,440        1,013,833    7,895,272    10,904,273    18,799,545    1,623,119   1/26/2010
  Meridian Valley Plaza, WA       1,880,637    4,794,789        304,352    1,880,637    5,099,141    6,979,778    857,027   2/1/2010
  The Market at Lake Stevens, WA       3,086,933    12,397,178        28,045    3,086,933    12,425,223    15,512,156    1,828,016   3/16/2010
  Norwood Shopping Center, CA       3,031,309    11,534,239        616,789    3,031,309    12,151,028    15,182,337    1,750,339   4/5/2010
  Pleasant Hill Marketplace, CA       6,359,471    6,927,347        741,054    6,359,471    7,668,401    14,027,872    1,251,013   4/8/2010
  Vancouver Market Center, WA       4,080,212    6,912,155        417,874    4,080,212    7,330,029    11,410,241    932,838   6/17/2010
  Happy Valley Town Center, OR       11,678,257    27,011,054        1,658,102    11,678,257    28,669,156    40,347,413    4,084,559   7/14/2010
  Cascade Summit, OR       8,852,543    7,731,944        317,464    8,852,543    8,049,408    16,901,951    1,298,293   8/20/2010
  Heritage Market Center, WA       6,594,766    17,399,233        450,562    6,594,766    17,849,795    24,444,561    2,345,418   9/23/2010
  Claremont Center, CA (2)       5,975,391    1,018,505    183,362    4,262,940    6,158,753    5,281,445    11,440,198    1,151,120   9/23/2010
  Shops At Sycamore Creek, CA       3,747,011    11,583,858        818,932    3,747,011    12,402,790    16,149,801    2,061,442   9/30/2010
  Gateway Village, CA   7,270,256    5,916,530    27,298,339        63,677    5,916,530    27,362,016    33,278,546    3,220,700   12/16/2010
  Division Crossing, OR       3,705,536    8,327,097        5,582,839    3,705,536    13,909,936    17,615,472    1,300,209   12/22/2010
  Halsey Crossing, OR (2)           7,773,472        533,823        8,307,295    8,307,295    1,086,018   12/22/2010
  Marketplace Del Rio,CA       13,420,202    22,251,180        1,180,925    13,420,202    23,432,105    36,852,307    3,187,779   1/3/2011
  Pinole Vista, CA       9,233,728    17,553,082        1,935,156    9,233,728    19,488,238    28,721,966    2,694,503   1/6/2011
  Desert Spring Marketplace, CA       8,517,225    18,761,350    (159,973)   1,368,969    8,357,252    20,130,319    28,487,571    2,570,171   2/17/2011
  Mills Shopping Center, CA       4,083,583    16,833,059        4,483,090    4,083,583    21,316,149    25,399,732    2,820,007   2/17/2011
  Morada Ranch, CA       2,503,605    19,546,783        344,846    2,503,605    19,891,629    22,395,234    2,344,922   5/20/2011
  Renaissance, CA   16,204,826    8,640,261    13,848,388        453,255    8,640,261    14,301,643    22,941,904    1,538,941   8/3/2011
  Country Club Gate, CA       6,487,457    17,340,757        761,367    6,487,457    18,102,124    24,589,581    2,057,986   7/8/2011
  Canyon Park, WA       9,352,244    11,291,210        1,317,512    9,352,244    12,608,722    21,960,966    1,829,222   7/29/2011
  Hawks Prairie, WA       5,334,044    20,693,920        418,156    5,334,044    21,112,076    26,446,120    2,344,695   9/8/2011
  Kress Building, WA       5,692,748    20,866,133        4,411,012    5,692,748    25,277,145    30,969,893    2,427,821   9/30/2011
  Round Hill Square, CA       6,358,426    17,734,397        784,336    6,358,426    18,518,733    24,877,159    2,003,528   8/23/2011
  Hillsboro, OR  (2)           18,054,929        524,993        18,579,922    18,579,922    1,826,652   11/23/2011
  Gateway Shopping Center, WA (2)       6,241,688    23,461,824        36,902    6,241,688    23,498,726    29,740,414    2,027,163   2/16/2012
  Euclid Plaza, CA       7,407,116    7,752,767        2,718,623    7,407,116    10,471,390    17,878,506    1,052,527   3/28/2012
  Green Valley, CA       1,684,718    8,999,134        259,758    1,684,718    9,258,892    10,943,610    920,097   4/2/2012
  Aurora Square, WA       3,002,147    1,692,681            3,002,147    1,692,681    4,694,828    286,108   5/3/2012
  Marlin Cove, CA       8,814,850    6,797,289        1,353,773    8,814,850    8,151,062    16,965,912    776,448   5/4/2012
  Seabridge, CA       5,098,187    17,164,319        540,926    5,098,187    17,705,245    22,803,432    1,581,515   5/31/2012
  Novato, CA       5,329,472    4,411,801        629,040    5,329,472    5,040,841    10,370,313    364,275   7/24/2012
  Glendora, CA       5,847,407    8,758,338        157,145    5,847,407    8,915,483    14,762,890    808,081   8/1/2012
  Wilsonville, WA       4,180,768    15,394,342        230,572    4,180,768    15,624,914    19,805,682    1,183,988   8/1/2012
  Bay Plaza, CA       5,454,140    14,857,031        1,023,146    5,454,140    15,880,177    21,334,317    1,182,562   10/5/2012
  Santa Theresa, CA   10,829,884    14,964,975    17,162,039        2,031,796    14,964,975    19,193,835    34,158,810    1,453,022   11/8/2012
  Cypress West, CA       15,479,535    11,819,089        1,924,075    15,479,535    13,743,164    29,222,699    938,737   12/7/2012
  Redondo Beach, CA       16,241,947    13,624,837        84,973    16,241,947    13,709,810    29,951,757    956,869   12/28/2012
  Harbor Place, CA       16,506,423    10,527,092        333,180    16,506,423    10,860,272    27,366,695    645,918   12/28/2012
  Diamond Bar Town Center, CA       9,540,204    16,794,637        3,976,039    9,540,204    20,770,676    30,310,880    1,159,965   2/1/2013
  Bernardo Heights, CA   8,581,168    3,191,950    8,939,685        51,868    3,191,950    8,991,553    12,183,503    531,355   2/6/2013
  Canyon Crossing, WA       7,940,521    24,659,249        2,311,882    7,940,521    26,971,131    34,911,652    1,495,164   4/15/2013
  Diamond Hills, CA       15,457,603    29,352,602        360,963    15,457,603    29,713,565    45,171,168    1,707,176   4/22/2013
  Granada Shopping Center, CA       3,673,036    13,459,155        62,418    3,673,036    13,521,573    17,194,609    760,336   6/27/2013
  Hawthorne Crossings, CA       10,382,740    29,277,254        270,950    10,382,740    29,548,204    39,930,944    1,426,033   6/27/2013
  Robinwood, CA       3,996,984    11,317,359        273,267    3,996,984    11,590,626    15,587,610    520,197   8/23/2013
  Five Points Plaza, CA       18,419,733    36,965,189        339,524    18,419,733    37,304,713    55,724,446    1,346,888   9/27/2013
  Crossroads Shopping Center, CA   48,581,419    68,366,245    67,755,526        1,636,435    68,366,245    69,391,961    137,758,206    3,100,476   9/27/2013
  Peninsula Marketplace, CA       14,730,088    19,213,763        232,920    14,730,088    19,446,683    34,176,771    770,754   11/1/2013
  Country Club Village, CA       9,985,749    26,578,916        1,270,337    9,985,749    27,849,253    37,835,002    1,065,833   11/26/2013
  Plaza de la Canada, CA       10,351,028    24,819,026        331,346    10,351,028    25,150,372    35,501,400    798,279   12/13/2013
  Tigard Marketplace, CA       13,586,729    9,603,492        257,816    13,586,729    9,861,308    23,448,037    386,341   2/18/2014
  Creekside Plaza, CA       14,806,966    29,475,850        8,024    14,806,966    29,483,874    44,290,840    918,875   2/28/2014
  North Park Plaza, CA       13,592,522    17,733,266            13,592,522    17,733,266    31,325,788    355,356   4/30/2014
  Aurora Square II, WA       6,861,740    9,797,749        4,113    6,861,740    9,801,862    16,663,602    249,028   5/22/2014
  Fallbrook Shopping Center (2)       21,232,016    186,197,471        2,409,052    21,232,016    188,606,523    209,838,539    3,200,972   6/13/2014
  Moorpark Town Center, CA       7,062,639    19,693,955            7,062,639    19,693,955    26,756,594    44,277   12/3/2014
  Mission Foothill Marketplace, CA       11,414,592    17,782,506            11,414,592    17,782,506    29,197,098    38,956   12/4/2014
  Wilsonville Town Center, OR       10,339,839    27,116,367            10,339,839    27,116,367    37,456,206    47,007   12/11/2014
     $91,467,553   $549,960,559   $1,174,604,863   $117,591   $61,215,293   $550,078,150   $1,235,820,156   $1,785,898,306   $88,173,334    

 

74
 

(a) RECONCILIATION OF REAL ESTATE – OWNED SUBJECT TO OPERATING LEASES

 

   Year Ended December 31,
   2014  2013  2012
Balance at beginning of period:  $1,372,433,648   $871,693,595   $580,832,410 
Property improvements during the year   27,514,974    19,513,924    12,264,027 
Properties acquired during the year   416,297,696    487,309,488    278,597,158 
Properties sold during the year   (23,675,678)   (6,083,359)    
Assets written off during the year   (6,672,334)        
Balance at end of period:  $1,785,898,306   $1,372,433,648   $871,693,595 

 

(b) RECONCILIATION OF ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION

 

   Year Ended December 31,
   2014  2013  2012
Balance at beginning of period:  $57,499,980   $32,364,772   $14,451,032 
Depreciation expenses   38,890,425    25,653,359    17,913,740 
Properties sold during the year   (2,081,460)   (433,342)    
Property assets fully depreciated and written off   (6,135,611)   (84,809)    
Balance at end of period:  $88,173,334   $57,499,980   $32,364,772 

 

 (1)Depreciation and investments in building and improvements reflected in the consolidated statement of operations is calculated over the estimated useful life of the assets as follows:

 

Building:  39-40 years

Property Improvements:  10-20 years

 

(2)Property is subject to a ground lease.

 

(3)The aggregate cost for Federal Income Tax Purposes for real estate was approximately $1.7 billion at December 31, 2014.

 

SCHEDULE IV – MORTGAGE LOANS ON REAL ESTATE

December 31, 2014

 

The Company has no remaining mortgage loans on real estate as of December 31, 2014.

 

(a) RECONCILIATION OF MORTGAGE LOANS ON REAL ESTATE

 

   Year Ended December 31,
   2014  2013  2012
Balance at beginning of period:  $   $10,000,000   $10,000,000 
Mortgage loans eliminated upon consolidation of joint venture       (10,000,000)    
Balance at end of period:  $   $   $10,000,000 

 

75
 

Item 9.  Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

 

None

 

Item 9A.  Controls and Procedures

 

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures (Retail Opportunity Investments Corp.)

 

ROIC maintains disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in its reports filed under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission's rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to its management, including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. In designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, ROIC's management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives, and its management is required to apply its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures.

 

ROIC's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, based on their evaluation of ROIC's disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) required by paragraph (b) of Rule 13a-15 or Rule 15d-15, have concluded that as of the end of the period covered by this report, ROIC's disclosure controls and procedures were effective to give reasonable assurances to the timely collection, evaluation and disclosure of information relating to ROIC that would potentially be subject to disclosure under the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

 

During the year ended December 31, 2014, there was no change in ROIC's internal control over financial reporting that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, ROIC's internal control over financial reporting.

 

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures (Retail Opportunity Investments Partnership, LP)

 

The Operating Partnership maintains disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in its reports filed under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission's rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to its management, including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. In designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, the Operating Partnership's management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives, and its management is required to apply its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures.

 

The Company's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, based on their evaluation of the Operating Partnership's disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) required by paragraph (b) of Rule 13a-15 or Rule 15d-15, have concluded that as of the end of the period covered by this report, the Operating Partnership's disclosure controls and procedures were effective to give reasonable assurances to the timely collection, evaluation and disclosure of information relating to the Operating Partnership that would potentially be subject to disclosure under the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

 

During the year ended December 31, 2014, there was no change in the Operating Partnership's internal control over financial reporting that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Operating Partnership's internal control over financial reporting.

 

Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting (Retail Opportunity Investments Corp.)

 

Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f).  Under the supervision and with the participation of ROIC’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, ROIC conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014 based on the framework in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 Framework).  Based on that evaluation, Management concluded that its internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2014.

 

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 or procedures may deteriorate.

 

The effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014, has been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in its report which appears on page 46 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

76
 

Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting (Retail Opportunity Investments Partnership, LP)

 

Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f).  Under the supervision and with the participation of the Operating Partnership’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of ROIC, the Operating Partnership conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014 based on the framework in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 Framework).  Based on that evaluation, Management concluded that its internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2014.

 

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 or procedures may deteriorate.

 

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

 

There was no change in ROIC’s or the Operating Partnership’s internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f)) that occurred during its most recent quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, its internal control over financial reporting.

 

Item 9B.  Other Information

 

None.

 

PART III

 

Item 10.  Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

 

Information required by this Item is hereby incorporated by reference to the material appearing in the Proxy Statement for the Company’s 2014 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be filed within 120 days after December 31, 2014.

 

Item 11.  Executive Compensation

 

Information required by this Item is hereby incorporated by reference to the material appearing in the Proxy Statement for the Company’s 2014 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be filed within 120 days after December 31, 2014.

 

Item 12.  Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

 

Information required by this Item is hereby incorporated by reference to the material appearing in the Proxy Statement for the Company’s 2014 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be filed within 120 days after December 31, 2014.

 

Item 13.  Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

 

Information required by this Item is hereby incorporated by reference to the material appearing in the Proxy Statement for the Company’s 2014 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be filed within 120 days after December 31, 2014.

 

Item 14.  Principal Accounting Fees and Services

 

Information required by this Item is hereby incorporated by reference to the material appearing in the Proxy Statement for the Company’s 2014 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be filed within 120 days after December 31, 2014.

 

77
 

PART IV

 

Item 15.  Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

 

(a)(1) and (2) Financial Statements and Schedules

 

Please refer to the Index to Consolidated Financial Statements included under Part II, Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

 

(a)(3) Exhibits

 

2.1Articles of Merger, by and between Retail Opportunity Investments Corp., a Delaware corporation, and Retail Opportunity Investments Corp., a Maryland corporation, as survivor, dated as of June 1, 2011 (3)

 

3.1Articles of Amendment and Restatement (3)

 

3.2Bylaws (3)

 

3.3Second Amended and Restated Limited Partnership Agreement of Retail Opportunity Investments Partnership, LP, by and among Retail Opportunity Investments GP, LLC as general partner, Retail Opportunity Investments Corp. and the other limited partners thereto, dated as of September 27, 2013 (9)

 

4.1Specimen Unit Certificate (1)

 

4.2Specimen Common Stock Certificate (1)

 

4.3Indenture, by and among Retail Opportunity Investments Corp., Retail Opportunity Investments Partnership, LP and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, dated as of December 9, 2013 (10)

 

4.4First Supplemental Indenture, by and among Retail Opportunity Investments Partnership, LP, Retail Opportunity Investments Corp. and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, dated as of December 9, 2013 (10)

 

4.55.000% Senior Notes due 2023 of Retail Opportunity Investments Partnership, LP, guaranteed by Retail Opportunity Investments Corp., dated as of December 9, 2013 (11)

 

4.6Second Supplemental Indenture, by and among Retail Opportunity Investments Partnership, LP, Retail Opportunity Investments Corp. and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association (including Form of 4.000% Senior Notes due 2024 of Retail Opportunity Investments Partnership, LP, guaranteed by Retail Opportunity Investments Corp.), dated as of December 3, 2014 (13)

 

10.1Employment Agreement, by and between NRDC Acquisition Corp. and Stuart Tanz, dated as of October 20, 2009 (1)

 

10.22009 Equity Incentive Plan (1)

 

10.3Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement under 2009 Equity Incentive Plan (1)

 

10.4Form of Option Award Agreement under 2009 Equity Incentive Plan (1)

 

10.5Employment Agreement, by and between Retail Opportunity Investments Corp. and Richard K. Schoebel, dated as of December 9, 2009 (2)

 

10.6Letter Agreement, by and between Retail Opportunity Investments Corp. and Richard A. Baker, dated as of April 2, 2012 (5)

 

10.7First Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, by and among Retail Opportunity Investments Partnership, LP, as the Borrower, Retail Opportunity Investments Corp., as the Parent Guarantor, certain subsidiaries of the Parent Guarantor identified therein, as the Subsidiary Guarantors, KeyBank National Association, as Administrative Agent, Swing Line Lender and L/C Issuer, Bank of America, N.A., as the Syndication Agent, PNC Bank, National Association and U.S. Bank National Association, as Co-Documentation Agents, and the other lenders party thereto, dated as of August 29, 2012 (6)

 

10.8First Amended and Restated Term Loan Agreement, by and among Retail Opportunity Investments Partnership, LP, as the Borrower, Retail Opportunity Investments Corp., as the Parent Guarantor, certain subsidiaries of the Parent Guarantor identified therein, as the Subsidiary Guarantors, KeyBank National Association, as Administrative Agent, Bank of America, N.A., as the Syndication Agent, PNC Bank, National Association and U.S. Bank National Association, as Co-Documentation Agents, and the other lenders party thereto, dated as of August 29, 2012 (6)

 

78
 

10.9Employment Contract, by and between Retail Opportunity Investments Corp. and Michael B. Haines, dated as of November 19, 2012 (7)

 

10.10Letter Agreement, by and between Retail Opportunity Investments Corp. and Laurie Sneve, dated as of October 24, 2012 (8)

 

10.11Third Amendment to the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, by and among Retail Opportunity Investments Partnership, LP, as the Borrower, Retail Opportunity Investments Corp., as the Parent Guarantor, certain subsidiaries of the Parent Guarantor identified therein, as the Subsidiary Guarantors, KeyBank National Association, as Administrative Agent and the other lenders party thereto, dated as of September 26, 2013 (9)

 

10.12Third Amendment to the Amended and Restated Term Loan, by and among Retail Opportunity Investments Partnership, LP, as the Borrower, Retail Opportunity Investments Corp., as the Parent Guarantor, certain subsidiaries of the Parent Guarantor identified therein, as the Subsidiary Guarantors, KeyBank National Association, as Administrative Agent, and the other lenders party thereto, dated as of September 26, 2013 (9)

 

10.13Contribution Agreement, by and among Retail Opportunity Investments Corp., Retail Opportunity Investments Partnership, LP and the sellers identified therein, dated as of September 27, 2013 (9)

 

10.14Contribution Agreement, by and among Retail Opportunity Investments Corp., Retail Opportunity Investments Partnership, LP and the sellers identified therein, dated as of September 27, 2013 (9)

 

10.15Tax Protection Agreement, by and among Retail Opportunity Investments Corp., Retail Opportunity Investments Partnership, LP and the protected partners identified therein, dated as of September 27, 2013 (9)

 

10.16Tax Protection Agreement, by and among Retail Opportunity Investments Corp., Retail Opportunity Investments Partnership, LP and the protected partners identified therein, dated as of September 27, 2013 (9)

 

10.17Registration Rights Agreement, by and among Retail Opportunity Investments Corp. and the holders named therein, dated as of September 27, 2013 (9)

 

10.18Registration Rights Agreement, by and among Retail Opportunity Investments Corp. and the holders named therein, dated as of September 27, 2013 (9)

 

10.19Sales Agreements, by and among Retail Opportunity Investments Corp., Retail Opportunity Investments Partnership, LP and each of Jefferies LLC, KeyBanc Capital Markets, Inc., MLV & Co. and Raymond James & Associates, Inc., each dated as of September 19, 2014 (12)

 

10.20Fourth Amendment to the First Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, by and among Retail Opportunity Investments Partnership, LP, as the Borrower, Retail Opportunity Investments Corp., as the Parent Guarantor, KeyBank National Association, as Administrative Agent and the other lenders party thereto, dated as of December 12, 2014 (14)

 

10.21*Tax Protection Agreement, by and among Retail Opportunity Investments Corp., Retail Opportunity Investments Partnership, LP and the protected partners identified therein, dated as of December 11, 2014

 

10.22*Registration Rights Agreement, by and among Retail Opportunity Investments Corp. and the holder named therein, dated as of December 11, 2014

 

21.1List of Subsidiaries of Retail Opportunity Investments Corp.

 

23.1Consent of Ernst & Young LLP for Retail Opportunity Investments Corp.

 

23.2Consent of Ernst & Young LLP for Retail Opportunity Investments Partnership, LP

 

31.1Certification by the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of Retail Opportunity Investments Corp.

 

31.2Certification by the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of Retail Opportunity Investments Partnership, LP

 

31.3Certification by the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of Retail Opportunity Investments Corp.

 

31.4Certification by the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act

 

32.1Certifications pursuant to Section 1350

 

79
 

101 INS XBRL Instance Document
   
101 SCH XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema
   
101 CAL XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Database
   
101 DEF Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase
   
101 LAB XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase
   
101 PRE XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase

 

________________________

 

   
(1) Incorporated by reference to the Company’s current report on Form 8-K filed on October 26, 2009 (File No. 001-33479)
(2) Incorporated by reference to the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009, filed on March 12, 2010 (File No. 001-33749)
(3) Incorporated by reference to the Company’s current report on Form 8-K filed on June 2, 2011
(4) Incorporated by reference to the Company’s current report on Form 8-K, filed on June 23, 2011
(5) Incorporated by reference to the Company’s current report on Form 8-K filed on April 5, 2012
(6) Incorporated by reference to the Company’s current report on Form 8-K filed on September 5, 2012
(7) Incorporated by reference to the Company’s current report on Form 8-K filed on November 30, 2012
(8) Incorporated by reference to the Company’s current report on Form 8-K filed on January 2, 2013
(9) Incorporated by reference to the Company’s current report on Form 8-K filed on October 2, 2013
(10) Incorporated by reference to the Company’s current report on Form 8-K filed on December 9, 2013
(11) Incorporated by reference to the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013, filed on February 25, 2014
(12) Incorporated by reference to the Company’s current report on Form 8-K filed on September 24, 2014
(13) Incorporated by reference to the Company’s current report on Form 8-K filed on December 3, 2014
(14) Incorporated by reference to the Company’s current report on Form 8-K filed on December 17, 2014
* Filed herewith

 

 

 

80
 

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

 

RETAIL OPPORTUNITY INVESTMENTS CORP.

 

Registrant

 

Date:  February 25, 2015 By:  /s/ Stuart A. Tanz
  Stuart A. Tanz
  President and Chief Executive Officer
  (Principal Executive Officer)

 

 

 

 

 

81
 

POWER OF ATTORNEY

 

KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Stuart A. Tanz and Michael B. Haines, and each of them, with full power to act without the other, such person’s true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him or her and in his or her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign this Form 10-K and any and all amendments thereto, and to file the same, with exhibits and schedules thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing necessary or desirable to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as he or she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of them, or their or his or her substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

Date:  February 25, 2015 /s/ Richard A. Baker
  Richard A. Baker
  Non-Executive Chairman of the Board

Date:  February 25, 2015 /s/ Stuart A. Tanz
  Stuart A. Tanz
  President, Chief Executive Officer and Director
  (Principal Executive Officer)

Date:  February 25, 2015 /s/ Michael B. Haines
  Michael B. Haines
  Chief Financial Officer
 

(Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)

 

Date:  February 25, 2015 /s/ Laurie  A. Sneve
  Laurie A.  Sneve
  Chief Accounting Officer
   
Date:  February 25, 2015 /s/ Michael J. Indiveri
  Michael J. Indiveri
  Director
   
Date:  February 25, 2015 /s/ Edward H. Meyer
  Edward H. Meyer
  Director

Date:  February 25, 2015 /s/ Lee S. Neibart
  Lee S. Neibart
  Director

 

Date:  February 25, 2015 /s/ Charles J. Persico
  Charles J. Persico
  Director

Date:  February 25, 2015 /s/ Laura H. Pomerantz
  Laura H. Pomerantz
  Director

Date:  February 25, 2015 /s/ Eric S. Zorn
  Eric S. Zorn
  Director

82
 

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

 

RETAIL OPPORTUNITY INVESTMENTS PARTNERSHIP, LP, by Retail Opportunity Investments GP, LLC, its sole general partner

Registrant

 

Date:  February 25, 2015 By:  /s/ Stuart A. Tanz
  Stuart A. Tanz
  President and Chief Executive Officer
  (Principal Executive Officer)

 

 

 

 

 

83
 

POWER OF ATTORNEY

 

KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Stuart A. Tanz and Michael B. Haines, and each of them, with full power to act without the other, such person’s true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him or her and in his or her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign this Form 10-K and any and all amendments thereto, and to file the same, with exhibits and schedules thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing necessary or desirable to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as he or she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of them, or their or his or her substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

Date:  February 25, 2015 /s/ Richard A. Baker
  Richard A. Baker
  Non-Executive Chairman of the Board

 

Date:  February 25, 2015 /s/ Stuart A. Tanz
  Stuart A. Tanz
  President, Chief Executive Officer and Director
  (Principal Executive Officer)

 

Date:  February 25, 2015 /s/ Michael B. Haines
  Michael B. Haines
  Chief Financial Officer
 

(Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)

 

Date:  February 25, 2015 /s/ Laurie  A. Sneve
  Laurie A.  Sneve
  Chief Accounting Officer
   
Date:  February 25, 2015 /s/ Michael J. Indiveri
  Michael J. Indiveri
  Director
   
Date:  February 25, 2015 /s/ Edward H. Meyer
  Edward H. Meyer
  Director

 

Date:  February 25, 2015 /s/ Lee S. Neibart
  Lee S. Neibart
  Director

 

Date:  February 25, 2015 /s/ Charles J. Persico
  Charles J. Persico
  Director

 

Date:  February 25, 2015 /s/ Laura H. Pomerantz
  Laura H. Pomerantz
  Director

 

Date:  February 25, 2015 /s/ Eric S. Zorn
  Eric S. Zorn
  Director

Exhibit 10.21

Tax Protection Agreement

This TAX PROTECTION AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) is entered into as of December 11, 2014, by and among Retail Opportunity Investments Corp., a Maryland corporation (the “REIT”), Retail Opportunity Investments Partnership, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership (the “Operating Partnership”), and each Protected Partner identified as a signatory on Schedule I, as amended from time to time.

RECITALS

WHEREAS, pursuant to that certain Purchase and Sale Agreement dated July 16, 2014, between the REIT, the Operating Partnership and the “Seller” signatory thereto (the “Purchase Agreement”), the REIT intends cause the Operating Partnership or its assignee to purchase the real property and improvements commonly known as the Wilsonville Town Center located at 8235 SW Wilsonville Road, Wilsonville, Oregon (the “Property”) from the Seller;

WHEREAS, in connection with the Purchase Agreement, the REIT and the Operating Partnership shall enter into this Agreement with WS Harrison, LLC, sole owner of the Seller, who is electing to receive common units of partnership interest in the Operating Partnership (“OP Units”) in exchange for a portion of the purchase price for the Property pursuant to the Purchase Agreement;

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the promises and mutual agreements contained herein and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows:

ARTICLE I - DEFINED TERMS

Capitalized terms employed herein and not otherwise defined shall have the meanings assigned to them in the Purchase Agreement. Otherwise, for purposes of this Agreement the following definitions shall apply:

Section 1.1 Intentionally omitted.

Section 1.2 “Agreement” has the meaning set forth in the preamble.

Section 1.3 “Closing Date” means the closing of the Operating Partnership’s or its assignee's purchase of the Property pursuant to the Purchase Agreement.

Section 1.4 “Code” means the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

Section 1.5 Intentionally omitted

Section 1.6 Intentionally omitted

 

 

Section 1.7 Intentionally omitted

Section 1.8 “Exchange” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.1(b) of this Agreement.

Section 1.9 “Fundamental Transaction” means a merger, consolidation or other combination of the Operating Partnership with or into any other entity, a transfer of all or substantially all of the assets of the Operating Partnership, any reclassification, recapitalization or change of the outstanding equity interests of the Operating Partnership, or a conversion of the Operating Partnership into another form of entity. Notwithstanding the above, a Fundamental Transaction shall not include any transaction to the extent that a Protected Party is provided with an opportunity to participate in such transaction in a manner that does not result in the recognition of taxable income or gain by such Protected Partner under Section 704(c) of the Code, regardless of whether such Protected Partner elects to participate in such transaction in such manner or otherwise.

Section 1.10 “Gross Up Amount” has the meaning set forth in Section 1.15 under the definition of “Make Whole Amount.”

Section 1.11 Intentionally omitted

Section 1.12 Intentionally omitted

Section 1.13 Intentionally omitted

Section 1.14 Intentionally omitted

Section 1.15 “Make Whole Amount” means, with respect to any Protected Partner that recognizes gain under Section 704(c) of the Code as a result of a Tax Protection Period Transfer, the sum of (i) the product of (x) the income and gain recognized by such Protected Partner under Section 704(c) of the Code in respect of such Tax Protection Period Transfer (taking into account any adjustments under Section 743 of the Code to which such Protected Partner is entitled) multiplied by (y) the Make Whole Tax Rate, plus (ii) an amount equal to the combined Federal, applicable state and local income taxes (calculated using the Make Whole Tax Rate) imposed on such Protected Partner as a result of the receipt by such Protected Partner of a payment under Section 2.2 (the “Gross Up Amount”); provided, however, that the Gross Up Amount shall be computed without regard to any losses, credit, or other tax attributes that such Protected Partner might have that would reduce its actual tax liability.

 

For purposes of calculating the amount of Section 704(c) gain that is allocated to a Protected Partner, any “reverse Section 704(c) gain” allocated to such partner pursuant to Treasury Regulations § 1.704-3(a)(6) shall not be taken into account; provided that the total amount of 704(c) gain and income taken into account for purpose of calculating the Make Whole Amount shall not exceed the initial Section 704(c) gain amount as of the Closing Date (as set forth on Exhibit A).

 

 

 

Section 1.16 “Make Whole Tax Rate” means, with respect to a Protected Partner who is entitled to receive a payment under Section 2.2, the highest combined statutory Federal, state and local tax rate in respect of the income or gain that gave rise to such payment, taking into account the character of the income and gain in the hands of such Protected Partner, as applicable (reduced, in the case of Federal taxes, assuming a full deduction is allowed for income taxes paid to a state or locality), for the taxable year in which the event that gave rise to such payment under Section 2.2 occurred.

Section 1.17 “OP Agreement” means the Agreement of Limited Partnership of Retail Opportunity Investments Partnership, L.P., as amended from time to time.

Section 1.18 “Partners’ Representative” means WS Harrison, LLC and its executors, administrators or permitted assigns.

Section 1.19 “Pass Through Entity” means a partnership, grantor trust, or S corporation for Federal income tax purposes.

Section 1.20 “Permitted Disposition” means a sale, exchange or other disposition of OP Units (i) by a Protected Partner: (a) to such Protected Partner’s children, spouse or issue; (b) to a trust for such Protected Partner or such Protected Partner’s children, spouse or issue; (c) in the case of a trust which is a Protected Partner, to its beneficiaries, or any of them, whether current or remainder beneficiaries; (d) to a revocable inter vivos trust of which such Protected Partner is a trustee; (e) in the case of any partnership or limited liability company which is a Protected Partner, to its partners or members; and/or (f) in the case of any corporation which is a Protected Partner, to its shareholders, and (ii) by a party described in clauses (a), (b), (c) or (d) to a partnership, limited liability company or corporation of which the only partners, members or shareholders, as applicable, are parties described in clauses (a), (b), (c) or (d); provided, that for purposes of the definition of Tax Protection Period, such Protected Partner shall be treated as continuing to own any OP Units which were subject to a Permitted Disposition unless and until there has been a sale, exchange or other disposition of such OP Units by a permitted transferee which is not another Permitted Disposition.

Section 1.21 “Person” means an individual or a corporation, partnership, trust, unincorporated organization, association, limited liability company or other entity.

Section 1.22 “Protected Partner” means: (i) each signatory on Schedule I attached hereto, as amended from time to time; (ii) any person who holds OP Units and who acquired such OP Units from another Protected Partner in a transaction in which such person’s adjusted basis in such OP Units, as determined for Federal income tax purposes, is determined, in whole or in part, by reference to the adjusted basis of the other Protected Partner in such OP Units; and (iii) with respect to a Protected Partner that is Pass Through Entity, and solely for purposes of computing the amount to be paid under Section 2.2 with respect to such Protected Partner, any person who (y) holds an interest in such Protected Partner, either directly or through one or more Pass Through Entities, and (z) is required to include all or a portion of the income of such Protected Partner in its own gross income.

Section 1.23 “Protected Property” means that certain project commonly known as the Wilsonville Town Center in the City of Wilsonville, County of Clackamas, State of Oregon, with street address of 8235 SW Wilsonville Road, Wilsonville, Oregon, and related personal property, and any property acquired in Exchange for the Protected Property as set forth in Section 2.1(b).

 
 

Section 1.24 Intentionally omitted

Section 1.25 Intentionally omitted

Section 1.26 Intentionally omitted

Section 1.27 “Tax Protection Period” means the period beginning on the Closing Date after the Operating Partnership’s or its assignee's purchase of the Property pursuant to the Purchase Agreement and ending ten (10) years after the Closing Date; provided, however, that such period shall end with respect to any Protected Partner to the extent that such Partner owns less than fifty percent (50%) of the OP Units originally owned by the Protected Partner as of the Closing Date, disregarding the sale, exchange or other disposition of any such OP Units sold, exchanged or otherwise disposed of by the Protected Partner in a Permitted Disposition.

Section 1.28 “Tax Protection Period Transfer” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.1(a) of this Agreement.

Section 1.29 “Transfer” means any direct or indirect sale, exchange, transfer or other disposition, whether voluntary or involuntary.

Section 1.30 “Treasury Regulations” means the income tax regulations under the Code, whether such regulations are in proposed, temporary or final form, as such regulations may be amended from time to time (including corresponding provisions of succeeding regulations).

ARTICLE II - TAX PROTECTIONS

Section 2.1 Taxable Transfers.

(a) Unless the Partners’ Representative expressly consents in writing to a Tax Protection Period Transfer, during the Tax Protection Period, the Operating Partnership shall indemnify the Protected Partners as set forth in Section 2.2 if the Operating Partnership or any entity in which the Operating Partnership holds a direct or indirect interest shall cause or permit: (i) any Transfer of all or any portion of the Protected Property (including any interest in the Protected Property or in any entity owning, directly or indirectly, an interest in the Protected Property, other than the Operating Partnership) in a transaction that results in the recognition of taxable income or gain by any Protected Partner under Section 704(c) of the Code with respect to the Protected Property; or (ii) any Fundamental Transaction that results in the recognition of taxable income or gain by any Protected Partner under Section 704(c) of the Code with respect to the Protected Property (such a Transfer or Fundamental Transaction, a “Tax Protection Period Transfer”).

(b) Section 2.1(a) shall not apply to any Tax Protection Period Transfer of the Protected Property (including any interest therein or in the entity owning, directly or indirectly, the Protected Property): (i) in a transaction in which no gain is required to be recognized by a Protected Partner (an “Exchange”), including a transaction qualifying under Section 1031 or Section 721 (or any successor statutes) of the Code; provided, however, that any property acquired by the Operating Partnership in the Exchange shall remain subject to the provisions of this Article II in place of the exchanged Protected Property for the remainder of the Tax Protection Period; (ii) as a result of the condemnation or other taking of the Protected Property by a governmental entity in an eminent domain proceeding or otherwise, provided that the Operating Partnership shall use commercially reasonable efforts to structure such disposition as either a tax-free like-kind exchange under Section 1031 or a tax-free reinvestment of proceeds under Section 1033, provided that in no event shall the Operating Partnership be obligated to acquire or invest in any property that it otherwise would not have acquired or invested in.

 
 

Section 2.2 Indemnification for Taxable Transfers.

(a) In the event of a Tax Protection Period Transfer described in Section 2.1(a), each Protected Partner shall receive from the Operating Partnership an amount of cash equal to the Make Whole Amount applicable to such Tax Protection Period Transfer. Any Make Whole Payments required under this Section 2.2(a) shall be made to each Protected Partner on or before April 15 of the year following the year in which the Tax Protection Period Transfer took place; provided that, if the Protected Partner is required to make estimated tax payments that would include such gain, the Operating Partnership shall make payment to such Protected Partner on or before the due date for such estimated tax payment and such payment from the Operating Partnership shall be in an amount that corresponds to the estimated tax being paid by the Protected Partner at such time.

(b) Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, the sole and exclusive rights and remedies of any Protected Partner under Section 2.1(a) shall be a claim against the Operating Partnership for the Make Whole Amount as set forth in this Section 2.2, and no Protected Partner shall be entitled to pursue a claim for specific performance of the covenants set forth in Section 2.1(a) or bring a claim against any person that acquires the Protected Property from the Operating Partnership in violation of Section 2.1(a).

(c) The parties acknowledge that one or more Protected Partners may recognize taxable gain in connection with the transfer of the Protected Property to the Operating Partnership and the pay off of the Seller Loan (as defined in the Purchase Agreement). The parties acknowledge that notwithstanding any provision hereof, any such recognized gain, as well as any gain recognized as a result of a transfer of an interest in the Seller in connection with the transfer of the Protected Property to the Operating Partnership, shall not be subject to the indemnification provisions of this Agreement and shall not be included in the calculation of Section 704(c) gain.

Section 2.3 Section 704(c) Gains. The initial amount of Section 704(c) gain allocable to each Protected Partner as of the Closing Date is set forth on Exhibit A hereto. The parties acknowledge that the initial amount of such Section 704(c) gain may be adjusted over time as required by Section 704(c) of the Code and the Regulations promulgated thereunder.

Section 2.4 Intentionally omitted

Section 2.5 Dispute Resolution. Any controversy, dispute, or claim of any nature arising out of, in connection with, or in relation to the interpretation, performance, enforcement or breach of this Agreement (and any closing document executed in connection herewith) shall be governed by Section 18.13 of the Purchase Agreement.

 
 

ARTICLE III - GENERAL PROVISIONS

Section 3.1 Notices. All notices, demands, declarations, consents, directions, approvals, instructions, requests and other communications required or permitted by the terms of this Agreement shall be given in the same manner as in the OP Agreement.

Section 3.2 Titles and Captions. All Article or Section titles or captions in this Agreement are for convenience only. They shall not be deemed part of this Agreement and in no way define, limit, extend or describe the scope or intent of any provisions hereof. Except as specifically provided otherwise, references to “Articles” and “Sections” are to Articles and Sections of this Agreement.

Section 3.3 Pronouns and Plurals. Whenever the context may require, any pronoun used in this Agreement shall include the corresponding masculine, feminine or neuter forms, and the singular form of nouns, pronouns and verbs shall include the plural and vice versa.

Section 3.4 Further Action. The parties shall execute and deliver all documents, provide all information and take or refrain from taking action as may be necessary or appropriate to achieve the purposes of this Agreement.

Section 3.5 Binding Effect. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their heirs, executors, administrators, successors, legal representatives and permitted assigns.

Section 3.6 Creditors. Other than as expressly set forth herein, none of the provisions of this Agreement shall be for the benefit of, or shall be enforceable by, any creditor of the Operating Partnership.

Section 3.7 Waiver. No failure by any party to insist upon the strict performance of any covenant, duty, agreement or condition of this Agreement or to exercise any right or remedy consequent upon a breach thereof shall constitute waiver of any such breach or any covenant, duty, agreement or condition.

Section 3.8 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, all of which together shall constitute one agreement binding on all of the parties hereto, notwithstanding that all such parties are not signatories to the original or the same counterpart. Each party shall become bound by this Agreement immediately upon affixing its signature hereto.

Section 3.9 Applicable Law. This Agreement shall be construed and enforced in accordance with and governed by the laws of the State of California, without regard to the principles of conflicts of law.

Section 3.10 Invalidity of Provisions. If any provision of this Agreement is or becomes invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect, the validity, legality or enforceability of other remaining provisions contained herein shall not be affected thereby.

 
 

Section 3.11 Entire Agreement. This Agreement contains the entire understanding and agreement among the Partners with respect to the subject matter hereof and amends, restates and supersedes the OP Agreement and any other prior written or oral understandings or agreements among them with respect thereto.

Section 3.12 No Rights as Stockholders. Nothing contained in this Agreement shall be construed as conferring upon the holders of the OP Units any rights whatsoever as stockholders of the REIT, including, without limitation, any right to receive dividends or other distributions made to stockholders of the REIT or to vote or to consent or to receive notice as stockholders in respect of any meeting of stockholders for the election of directors of the REIT or any other matter.

Section 3.13 Tax Advice and Cooperation. Each party hereto acknowledges and agrees that it has not received and is not relying upon tax advice from any other party hereto, and that it has and will continue to consult its own tax advisors. Each party hereto agrees to cooperate to the extent reasonably requested by any other party in connection with the filing of any tax returns or any audit, litigation or other proceeding related to taxes associated with the matters described herein, such cooperation shall include the retention and, upon request, provision of records and information that are relevant to such matters, and making employees available on a mutually convenient basis to provide such additional information as may reasonably be requested.

[Remainder of Page Left Blank Intentionally]

 
 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the date first above written.

REIT:

RETAIL OPPORTUNITY INVESTMENTS CORP.,

a Maryland corporation

By: /s/ Michael B. Haines                                               

Name: Michael B. Haines

Title: Chief Financial Officer

 

OPERATING PARTNERSHIP:

RETAIL OPPORTUNITY INVESTMENTS

PARTNERSHIP, LP,

a Delaware limited partnership

  By:

Retail Opportunity Investments GP, LLC,

its general partner

 
       
       
   

By: /s/ Michael B. Haines                                   
Name: Michael B. Haines
Title: Authorized Person

 
       

 

 

PROTECTED PARTNER:

WS Harrison, LLC

 

By: ___/s/ Derek Harrison__________________________

Derek Harrison, Authorized Member

 

 
 

 

SCHEDULE I

PROTECTED PARTNERS

WS Harrison, LLC

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 

 

EXHIBIT A

704(C) GAIN

WS Harrison, LLC $11,462,207.72

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 10.22

Registration Rights Agreement

This REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”), dated as of December 11, 2014, is made and entered into by and between Retail Opportunity Investments Corp., a Maryland corporation (the “Company”), and WS Harrison, LLC, an Oregon limited liability company, in its capacity as a holder of the Registrable Securities (as defined below), the “Holder”).

WITNESSETH:

WHEREAS, the operating partnership of the Company, Retail Opportunity Investments Partnership, LP, a Delaware limited partnership (“ROIP”), and the Holder have entered into a Contribution Agreement, dated December 11, 2014 (the “Contribution Agreement”), pursuant to which the Holder contributed the real property and improvements commonly known as the Wilsonville Town Center located at 8235 SW Wilsonville Road, Wilsonville, Oregon, to ROIP in exchange for 989,272 operating partnership units of ROIP (such units in the aggregate, the “OP Units”), which such OP Units upon presentation for redemption by the Holder in accordance with the provisions of the First Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of ROIP, may be redeemed for shares of common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, of the Company (the “Common Stock”); and

WHEREAS, the Company desires to enter into this Agreement with the Holder in order to grant the Holder the registration rights contained herein.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the mutual promises and covenants contained in this Agreement, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto hereby agree as follows:

Section 1. Definitions. As used in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the following meanings:

Affiliate shall mean, when used with reference to a specified Person, (i) any Person that directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, Controls or is Controlled by or is under common Control with the specified Person; (ii) any Person who, from time to time, is a member of the Immediate Family of a specified Person; (iii) any Person who, from time to time, is an officer or director or manager of a specified Person; or (iv) any Person who, directly or indirectly, is the beneficial owner of 50% or more of any class of equity securities or other ownership interests of the specified Person, or of which the specified Person is directly or indirectly the owner of 50% or more of any class of equity securities or other ownership interests.

Agreement shall mean this Registration Rights Agreement as originally executed and as amended, supplemented or restated from time to time.

Board shall mean the Board of Directors of the Company.

 
 

Business Day shall mean each day other than a Saturday, a Sunday or any other day on which banking institutions in the State of California are authorized or obligated by law or executive order to be closed.

Commission shall mean the Securities and Exchange Commission and any successor thereto.

Common Stock shall have the meaning set forth in the Recitals hereof.

Company shall have the meaning set forth in the introductory paragraph hereof.

Contribution Agreement shall have the meaning set forth in the Recitals hereof.

Control (including the terms “Controlling,” “Controlled by” and “under common Control with”) shall mean the possession, direct or indirect, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of a Person through the ownership of Voting Power, by contract or otherwise.

Controlling Person shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5 hereof.

Exchange Act shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (or any corresponding provision of succeeding law) and the rules and regulations thereunder.

Holder shall have the meaning set forth in the introductory paragraph hereof.

OP Units shall have the meaning set forth in the Recitals hereof.

Person shall mean any individual, partnership, corporation, limited liability company, joint venture, association, trust, unincorporated organization or other governmental or legal entity.

Registrable Securities shall mean the Common Stock that may be acquired by the Holder in connection with the exercise by such Holder of the redemption rights associated with the OP Units; provided, however, such Registrable Securities shall cease to be Registrable Securities upon the occurrence of the earliest of the following: (i) the date on which a registration statement with respect to the sale of such Registrable Securities shall have become effective under the Securities Act and all such Registrable Securities shall have been sold, transferred, disposed of or exchanged in accordance with such registration statement, (ii) the date on which such Registrable Securities shall have been sold and all transfer restrictions and restrictive legends with respect to such Registrable Securities are removed upon the consummation of such sale, (iii) the date on which such Registrable Securities become eligible to be publicly sold pursuant to Rule 144 (or any successor provision) under the Securities Act, or (iv) such Registrable Securities have ceased to be outstanding.

Registration Expenses shall mean (i) the fees and disbursements of counsel and independent public accountants for the Company incurred in connection with the Company’s performance of or compliance with this Agreement, including the expenses of any special audits or “comfort” letters required by or incident to such performance and compliance, and any premiums and other costs of policies of insurance obtained by the Company against liabilities arising out of the sale of any securities and (ii) all registration, filing and stock exchange fees, all fees and expenses of complying with securities or “blue sky” laws, all fees and expenses of custodians, transfer agents and registrars, and all printing expenses, messenger and delivery expenses; provided, however, “Registration Expenses” shall not include any out-of-pocket expenses of the Holder, transfer taxes, underwriting or brokerage commissions or discounts associated with effecting any sales of Registrable Securities that may be offered.

 
 

ROIP shall have the meaning set forth in the Recitals hereof.

Securities Act shall mean the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (or any successor corresponding provision of succeeding law), and the rules and regulations thereunder.

Shelf Registration Statement shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2(a) hereof.

Underwritten Offering shall mean a sale of securities of the Company to an underwriter or underwriters for reoffering to the public.

Voting Power shall mean voting securities or other voting interests ordinarily (and apart from rights accruing under special circumstances) having the right to vote in the election of board members or Persons performing substantially equivalent tasks and responsibilities with respect to a particular entity.

Section 2. Shelf Registrations.

a. Shelf Registration. The Company agrees to use commercially reasonable efforts to file with the Commission a registration statement under the Securities Act for the offering on a continuous or delayed basis in the future covering resales of the Registrable Securities (the “Shelf Registration Statement”), such filing to be made (subject to Section 3) no later than the date that is one-year after the date on which the OP Units were issued as provided in the Contribution Agreement. Subject to Section 3, the Company shall use commercially reasonable efforts to cause such Shelf Registration Statement to be declared effective by the Commission as soon as practicable thereafter. The Shelf Registration Statement shall be on an appropriate form and the registration statement and any form of prospectus included therein (or prospectus supplement relating thereto) shall reflect the plan of distribution or method of sale as the Holder may from time to time notify the Company.

b. Effectiveness. The Company shall use commercially reasonable efforts to keep the Shelf Registration Statement continuously effective for the period beginning on the date on which the Shelf Registration Statement is declared effective and ending on the date that all of the Registrable Securities registered under the Shelf Registration Statement cease to be Registrable Securities. During the period that the Shelf Registration Statement is effective, the Company shall supplement or make amendments to the Shelf Registration Statement, if required by the Securities Act or if reasonably requested by the Holder (whether or not required by the form on which the securities are being registered), including to reflect any specific plan of distribution or method of sale, and shall use commercially reasonable efforts to have such supplements and amendments declared effective, if required, as soon as practicable after filing.

 
 

Section 3. Black-Out Periods.

Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Company shall have the right to postpone the filing of a registration statement and the right, exercisable from time to time by delivery of a notice authorized by the Board at such times as the Company in its good faith judgment may reasonably determine is necessary and advisable, to require the Holder not to sell pursuant to a registration statement or similar document under the Securities Act filed pursuant to Section 2 or to suspend the use or effectiveness thereof if at the time of the delivery of such notice (i) it has determined that the use of any registration statement or similar document under the Securities Act filed pursuant to Section 2 would require the disclosure of material information that the Company has a bona fide business purpose for preserving as confidential or the disclosure of which would impede the Company’s ability to consummate a significant transaction, and that the Company is not otherwise required by applicable securities laws or regulations to disclose, (ii) all reports required to be filed by the Company pursuant to the Exchange Act have not been filed by the required date without regard to any extension, or (iii) the consummation of any business combination by the Company has occurred or is probable for purposes of Rule 3-05, Rule 3-14 or Article 11 of Regulation S-X under the Securities Act or (iv) the Company is not eligible to use Form S-3 for purposes of registering the resale of the Registrable Securities. The Company, as soon as practicable, shall (i) give the Holder prompt written notice in the event that the Company has suspended sales of Registrable Securities pursuant to this Section 3, (ii) give the Holder prompt written notice of the termination of such suspension of sales of the Registrable Securities and (iii) promptly file any amendment or reports necessary for any registration statement or prospectus of the Holder in connection with the completion of such event.

The Holder agrees by acquisition of the Registrable Securities that upon receipt of any notice from the Company of the happening of any event of the kind described in this Section 3, the Holder will forthwith discontinue its disposition of Registrable Securities pursuant to the registration statement relating to such Registrable Securities until the Holder’s receipt of the notice of completion of such event.

Section 4. Registration Procedures.

a. In connection with the filing of any registration statement as provided in this Agreement, the Company shall use commercially reasonable efforts to, as expeditiously as reasonably practicable:

(i) prepare and file with the Commission the requisite registration statement (including a prospectus therein and any supplement thereto) to effect such registration and use commercially reasonable efforts to cause such registration statement to become effective; provided, however, that before filing such registration statement or any amendments or supplements thereto, the Company will furnish copies of all such documents proposed to be filed to counsel for the sellers of Registrable Securities covered by such registration statement and provide reasonable time for such sellers and their counsel to comment upon such documents if so requested by the Holder;

 
 

(ii) prepare and file with the Commission such amendments and supplements to such registration statement and the prospectus used in connection therewith as may be necessary to maintain the effectiveness of such registration and to comply with the provisions of the Securities Act with respect to the disposition of all securities covered by such registration statement during the period in which such registration statement is required to be kept effective; (iii) furnish to the Holder, without charge, such number of conformed copies of such registration statement and of each such amendment and supplement thereto (in each case including all exhibits other than those which are being incorporated into such registration statement by reference), such number of copies of the prospectus contained in such registration statements (including each complete prospectus and any summary prospectus) and any other prospectus filed under Rule 424 under the Securities Act in conformity with the requirements of the Securities Act, and such other documents, as the Holder may reasonably request;

(iii) register or qualify all Registrable Securities under such other securities or “blue sky” laws of such jurisdictions as the Holder and the underwriters of the securities being registered, if any, shall reasonably request, to keep such registration or qualification in effect for so long as such registration statement remains in effect, and take any other action which may be reasonably necessary or advisable to enable the Holder to consummate the disposition in such jurisdiction of the securities owned by the Holder, except that the Company shall not for any such purpose be required to qualify generally to do business as a foreign company or to register as a broker or dealer in any jurisdiction where it would not otherwise be required to qualify but for this Section 4(a)(iv), or to consent to general service of process in any such jurisdiction, or to be subject to any material tax obligation in any such jurisdiction where it is not then so subject;

(iv) immediately notify the Holder at any time when the Company becomes aware that a prospectus relating thereto is required to be delivered under the Securities Act, of the happening of any event as a result of which the prospectus included in such registration statement, as then in effect, includes an untrue statement of a material fact or omits to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading in light of the circumstances under which they were made, and, at the request of the Holder, promptly prepare and furnish to the Holder a reasonable number of copies of a supplement to or an amendment of such prospectus as may be necessary so that, as thereafter delivered to the purchasers of such securities, such prospectus shall not include an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading in the light of the circumstances under which they were made;

(v) comply or continue to comply in all material respects with the Securities Act and the Exchange Act and with all applicable rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder so as to enable the Holder to sell its Registrable Securities pursuant to Rule 144 promulgated under the Securities Act, as further agreed to in Section 6 hereof;

(vi) provide a transfer agent and registrar for all Registrable Securities covered by such registration statement not later than the effective date of such registration statement;

(viii) cooperate with the Holder to facilitate the timely preparation and delivery of certificates representing Registrable Securities to be sold and not bearing any Securities Act legend; and enable certificates for such Registrable Securities to be issued for such number of shares and registered in such names as the Holder may reasonably request in writing at least three (3) Business Days prior to any sale of Registrable Securities;

 
 

(vii) list all Registrable Securities covered by such registration statement on any securities exchange or national quotation system on which any such class of securities is then listed or quoted and cause to be satisfied all requirements and conditions of such securities exchange or national quotation system to the listing or quoting of such securities that are reasonably within the control of the Company including, without limitation, registering the applicable class of Registrable Securities under the Exchange Act, if appropriate, and using commercially reasonable efforts to cause such registration to become effective pursuant to the rules of the Commission;

(viii) in connection with any sale, transfer or other disposition by the Holder of any Registrable Securities pursuant to Rule 144 promulgated under the Securities Act, cooperate with the Holder to facilitate the timely preparation and delivery of certificates representing the Registrable Securities to be sold and not bearing any Securities Act legend, and enable certificates for such Registrable Securities to be issued for such number of shares and registered in such names as the Holder may reasonably request in writing at least three (3) Business Days prior to any sale of Registrable Securities;

(ix) notify the Holder, promptly after it shall receive notice thereof, of the time when such registration statement, or any post-effective amendments to the registration statement, shall have become effective, or a supplement to any prospectus forming part of such registration statement has been filed;

(x) notify the Holder of any request by the Commission for the amendment or supplement of such registration statement or prospectus for additional information; and

(xi) advise the Holder, promptly after it shall receive notice or obtain knowledge thereof, of (A) the issuance of any stop order, injunction or other order or requirement by the Commission suspending the effectiveness of such registration statement or the initiation or threatening of any proceeding for such purpose, and use commercially reasonable efforts to prevent the issuance of any stop order, injunction or other order or requirement or to obtain its withdrawal if such stop order, injunction or other order or requirement should be issued, (B) the suspension of the registration of the subject shares of the Registrable Securities in any state jurisdiction and (C) the removal of any such stop order, injunction or other order or requirement or proceeding or the lifting of any such suspension.

b. In connection with the filing of any registration statement covering Registrable Securities and as a condition to Holder’s participation in the registration, the Holder shall furnish in writing to the Company such information regarding the Holder (and any of its Affiliates), the Registrable Securities to be sold, the intended method of distribution of such Registrable Securities and such other information requested by the Company as is necessary or advisable for inclusion in the registration statement relating to such offering pursuant to the Securities Act. Such writing shall expressly state that it is being furnished to the Company for use in the preparation of a registration statement, preliminary prospectus, supplementary prospectus, final prospectus or amendment or supplement thereto, as the case may be.

 
 

The Holder agrees by acquisition of the Registrable Securities that (i) upon receipt of any notice from the Company of the happening of any event of the kind described in Section 4(a)(v), the Holder will forthwith discontinue its disposition of Registrable Securities pursuant to the registration statement relating to such Registrable Securities until the Holder’s receipt of the copies of the supplemented or amended prospectus contemplated by Section 4(a)(v); (ii) upon receipt of any notice from the Company of the happening of any event of the kind described in clause (A) of Section 4(a)(xiii), the Holder will discontinue its disposition of Registrable Securities pursuant to such registration statement until the Holder’s receipt of the notice described in clause (C) of Section 4(a)(xiii); and (iii) upon receipt of any notice from the Company of the happening of any event of the kind described in clause (B) of Section 4(a)(xiii), the Holder will discontinue its disposition of Registrable Securities pursuant to such registration statement in the applicable state jurisdiction(s) until the Holder’s receipt of the notice described in clause (C) of Section 4(a)(xiii).

Section 5. Indemnification.

a. Indemnification by the Company. The Company agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Holder, its partners, officers, directors, employees, agents and representatives, and each Person (a “Controlling Person”), if any, who controls the Holder (within the meaning of the Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act), against any losses, claims, damages, and expenses (including, without limitation, reasonable attorneys’ fees), arising out of or are based upon any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of any material fact contained in the registration statement under which such Registrable Securities were registered and sold under the Securities Act, any preliminary prospectus, final prospectus or summary prospectus contained therein, or any amendment or supplement thereto, or arising out of or based upon any omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, and the Company will reimburse the Holder for any reasonable legal or any other expenses reasonably incurred by it in connection with investigating or defending any such loss, claim, liability, action or proceedings; provided, however, that the Company shall not be liable in any such case to the extent that any such loss, claim, damage, liability (or action or proceeding in respect thereof) or expense arises out of or is based upon an untrue statement or alleged statement or omission or alleged omission made in such registration statement, any such preliminary prospectus, final prospectus, summary prospectus, amendment or supplement in reliance upon and in conformity with written information furnished to the Company by the Holder specifically stating that it is for use in the preparation thereof. Such indemnity shall remain in full force and effect regardless of any investigation made by or on behalf of the Holder or any such controlling Person and shall survive the transfer of such securities by the Holder.

b. Indemnification by the Holder. The Holder agrees to indemnify and hold harmless (in the same manner and to the same extent as set forth in Section 5(a)) the Company, each member of the Board, each officer, employee, agent and representative of the Company and each of their respective Controlling Persons, with respect to any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact in or omission or alleged omission to state a material fact from such registration statement, any preliminary prospectus, final prospectus or summary prospectus contained therein, or any amendment or supplement thereto, if such untrue statement or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission was made in reliance upon and in conformity with written information furnished to the Company by the Holder regarding the Holder giving such indemnification specifically stating that it is for use in the preparation of such registration statement, preliminary prospectus, final prospectus, summary prospectus, amendment or supplement. Such indemnity shall remain in full force and effect regardless of any investigation made by or on behalf of the Company or any such Board member, officer, employee, agent, representative or Controlling Person and shall survive the transfer of such securities by the Holder.

 
 

c. Notices of Claims, etc. Promptly as reasonably practicable after receipt by an indemnified party of notice of the commencement of any action or proceeding involving a claim referred to in the preceding paragraphs of this Section 5, such indemnified party will, if a claim in respect thereof is to be made against an indemnifying party, give written notice to the latter of the commencement of such action; provided, however, that the failure of any indemnified party to give notice as provided herein shall not relieve the indemnifying party of its obligations under the preceding paragraphs of this Section 5, except to the extent that the indemnifying party is actually prejudiced by such failure to give notice. In case any such action is brought against an indemnified party, unless in such indemnified party’s reasonable judgment a conflict of interest between such indemnified and indemnifying parties may exist in respect of such claim, the indemnifying party shall be entitled to assume the defense thereof, for itself, if applicable, together with any other indemnified party similarly notified, and after notice from the indemnifying party to such indemnified party of its election so to assume the defense thereof, the indemnifying party shall not be liable to the indemnified party for any legal or other expenses subsequently incurred by the latter in connection with the defense thereof.

d. Indemnification Payments. To the extent that the indemnifying party does not assume the defense of an action brought against the indemnified party as provided in Section(c)(c), the indemnified party (or parties if there is more than one) shall be entitled to the reasonable legal expenses of common counsel for the indemnified party (or parties). In such event, however, the indemnifying party will not be liable for any settlement effected without the written consent of such indemnifying party, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld. The indemnification required by this Section 5 shall be made by periodic payments of the amount thereof during the course of an investigation or defense, as and when bills are received or expense, loss, damage or liability is incurred. No indemnifying party shall, without the prior written consent of the indemnified party, consent to entry of judgment or effect any settlement of any claim or pending or threatened proceeding in respect of which the indemnified Party is or could have been a party and indemnity could have been sought hereunder by such indemnified party, unless such judgment or settlement includes an unconditional release of such indemnified party from all liability arising out of such claim or proceeding.

e. Contribution. If, for any reason, the foregoing indemnity is unavailable, or is insufficient to hold harmless an indemnified party, then the indemnifying party shall contribute to the amount paid or payable by the indemnified party as a result of the expense, loss, damage or liability, (i) in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative fault of the indemnifying party on the one hand and the indemnified party on the other (determined by reference to, among other things, whether the untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact or omission relates to information supplied by the indemnifying party or the indemnified party and the parties’ relative intent, knowledge, access to information and opportunity to correct or prevent such untrue statement or omission) or (ii) if the allocation provided by subclause (i) above is not permitted by applicable law or provides a lesser sum to the indemnified party than the amount hereinafter calculated, in the proportion as is appropriate to reflect not only the relative fault of the indemnifying party and the indemnified party, but also the relative benefits received by the indemnifying party on the one hand and the indemnified party on the other, as well as any other relevant equitable considerations.

 
 

No indemnified party guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the Securities Act) shall be entitled to contribution from any indemnifying party who was not guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation, and the liability for contribution of the Holder of Registrable Securities will be in proportion to and limited in all events to the net amount received by the Holder from the sale of Registrable Securities pursuant to such registration statement.

Section 6. Covenants Relating To Rule 144. At such times as the Company becomes obligated to file reports in compliance with either Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, the Company covenants that it will file any reports required to be filed by it under the Securities Act and the Exchange Act and that it will take such further action as the Holder may reasonably request, all to the extent required from time to time to enable Holder to sell Registrable Securities without registration under the Securities Act within the limitation of the exemptions provided by (a) Rule 144 under the Securities Act, as such rule may be amended from time to time or (b) any similar rule or regulation hereafter adopted by the Commission.

Section 7. Market Stand-Off Agreement. The Holder hereby agrees that it shall not, directly or indirectly sell, offer to sell (including without limitation any short sale), pledge, contract to sell, sell any option or contract to purchase, purchase any option or contract to sell, grant any option, right or warrant for the sale of or otherwise dispose of or transfer any Registrable Securities or other Common Stock or any securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for Common Stock then owned by the Holder (other than to permitted transferees of the Holder who agree to be similarly bound) for up to 180 days following the date of an underwriting agreement with respect to an underwritten public offering of the Company’s securities; provided, however, that all officers and directors of the Company then holding Common Stock or securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for Common Stock enter into similar agreements for not less than the entire time period required of the Holder hereunder.

In order to enforce the foregoing covenant, the Company shall have the right to place restrictive legends on the certificates representing the securities subject to this Section 7 and to impose stop transfer instructions with respect to the Registrable Securities and such other securities of the Holder (and the securities of every other Person subject to the foregoing restriction) until the end of such period.

Section 8. Miscellaneous.

 
 

a. Termination; Survival. The rights of the Holder under this Agreement shall terminate upon the date that all of the Registrable Securities held by the Holder may be sold during any three-month period in a single transaction or series of transactions without volume limitations under Rule 144 (or any successor provision) under the Securities Act. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the obligations of the parties under Section 5 and paragraphs (d), (e) and (g) of this Section 8 shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

b. Expenses. All Registration Expenses incurred in connection with any Shelf Registration under Section 2 shall be borne by the Company, whether or not any registration statement related thereto becomes effective.

c. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, all of which shall be considered one and the same agreement, and shall become effective when one or more such counterparts have been signed by each of the parties and delivered to each of the other parties.

d. Applicable Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York.

e. Prior Agreement; Construction; Entire Agreement. This Agreement, including the exhibits and other documents referred to herein (which form a part hereof), constitutes the entire agreement of the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof, and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings between the parties except the Purchase Agreement, and all such prior agreements and understandings are merged herein and shall not survive the execution and delivery hereof.

f. Notices. All notices or other communications required or permitted to be given hereunder shall be in writing and shall be delivered by hand or sent, postage prepaid, by registered, certified or express mail or reputable overnight courier service or by telecopier and shall be deemed given when so delivered by hand or, if mailed, three (3) Business Days after mailing (one Business Day in the case of express mail or overnight courier service), addressed as follows:

If to the Holder:

WS Harrison, LLC

33855 Van Duyn Road

Eugene, Oregon 97408

 
     

If to the Company:

Retail Opportunity Investments Corp.

8905 Towne Centre Drive, Suite 108

San Diego, CA 92122

Attn: Chief Financial Officer

 

 

g. Successors and Assigns. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the successors and permitted assigns of each of the parties and shall inure to the benefit of the Holder. The Company may assign its rights or obligations hereunder to any successor to the Company’s business or with the prior written consent of the Holder. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no assignee of the Company shall have any of the rights granted under this Agreement until such assignee shall acknowledge its rights and obligations hereunder by a signed written agreement pursuant to which such assignee accepts such rights and obligations.

 
 

h. Headings. Headings are included solely for convenience of reference and if there is any conflict between headings and the text of this Agreement, the text shall control.

i. Amendments And Waivers. The provisions of this Agreement may be amended or waived at any time only by the written agreement of the Company and the Holder. Any waiver, permit, consent or approval of any kind or character on the part of the Holder of any provision or condition of this Agreement must be made in writing and shall be effective only to the extent specifically set forth in writing. Any amendment or waiver effected in accordance with this paragraph shall be binding upon the Holder and the Company.

j. Interpretation; Absence Of Presumption. For the purposes hereof, (i) words in the singular shall be held to include the plural and vice versa and words of one gender shall be held to include the other gender as the context requires, (ii) the terms “hereof,” “herein,” and “herewith” and words of similar import shall, unless otherwise stated, be construed to refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular provision of this Agreement, and Section, paragraph or other references are to the Sections, paragraphs, or other references to this Agreement unless otherwise specified, (iii) the word “including” and words of similar import when used in this Agreement shall mean “including, without limitation,” unless the context otherwise requires or unless otherwise specified, (iv) the word “or” shall not be exclusive and (v) provisions shall apply, when appropriate, to successive events and transactions.

This Agreement shall be construed without regard to any presumption or rule requiring construction or interpretation against the party drafting or causing any instruments to be drafted.

k. Severability. If any provision of this Agreement shall be or shall be held or deemed by a final order by a competent authority to be invalid, inoperative or unenforceable, such circumstance shall not have the effect of rendering any other provision or provisions herein contained invalid, inoperative or unenforceable, but this Agreement shall be construed as if such invalid, inoperative or unenforceable provision had never been contained herein so as to give full force and effect to the remaining such terms and provisions.

l. Specific Performance; Other Rights. The parties recognize that various other rights rendered under this Agreement are unique and, accordingly, the parties shall, in addition to such other remedies as may be available to them at law or in equity, have the right to enforce the rights under this Agreement by actions for injunctive relief and specific performance.

m. Further Assurances. In connection with this Agreement, as well as all transactions and covenants contemplated by this Agreement, each party hereto agrees to execute and deliver or cause to be executed and delivered such additional documents and instruments and to perform or cause to be performed such additional acts as may be necessary or appropriate to effectuate, carry out and perform all of the terms, provisions and conditions of this Agreement and all such transactions and covenants contemplated by this Agreement.

 
 

n. No Waiver. The waiver of any breach of any term or condition of this Agreement shall not operate as a waiver of any other breach of such term or condition or of any other term or condition, nor shall any failure to enforce any provision hereof operate as a waiver of such provision or of any other provision hereof.

[SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS]

 

 

 
 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Agreement to be duly executed as of the date first written above.

COMPANY:

RETAIL OPPORTUNITY INVESTMENTS CORP.,

a Maryland corporation

By: /s/ Michael B. Haines                                                   

Name: Michael B. Haines

Title: Chief Financial Officer

 

HOLDER:

WS Harrison, LLC

 

By: _/s/ Derek Harrison________________________

Derek Harrison, Authorized Member

 

 

 

EXHIBIT 21.1

 

LIST OF SUBSIDIARIES OF RETAIL OPPORTUNITY INVESTMENTS CORP.

 

Company  

Jurisdiction of

Organization

Retail Opportunity Investments Partnership, LP   Delaware
Retail Opportunity Investments GP, LLC   Delaware
ROIC Paramount Plaza, LLC                                                                                                       Delaware
ROIC Phillips Ranch, LLC                                                                                                       Delaware
ROIC Phillips Ranch, TRS                                                                                                       Delaware
ROIC Santa Ana, LLC                                                                                                       Delaware
ROIC Washington, LLC                                                                                                       Delaware
ROIC Oregon, LLC                                                                                                       Delaware
ROIC California, LLC                                                                                                       Delaware
ROIC Gateway III, LLC                                                                                                       Delaware
ROIC Gateway Holding III, LLC                                                                                                       Delaware
ROIC Crossroads GP, LLC                                                                                                       Delaware
ROIC Crossroads LP, LLC                                                                                                       Delaware
ROIC Pinole Vista, LLC                                                                                                       Delaware
ROIC RTC, LLC                                                                                                       Delaware
ROIC RTC Holding I, LLC                                                                                                       Delaware
ROIC RTC Holding II, LLC                                                                                                       Delaware
ROIC Zephyr Cove, LLC                                                                                                       Delaware
ROIC Hillsboro, LLC                                                                                                       Delaware
ROIC STV, LLC                                                                                                       Delaware
ROIC Cypress West, LLC                                                                                                       Delaware
ROIC Redondo Beach Plaza, LLC                                                                                                       Delaware
ROIC DBTC, LLC                                                                                                       Delaware
Terranomics Crossroads Associates, LP   Delaware
SARM Five Points Plaza, LLC   Delaware
ROIC BHP, LLC   Delaware
ROIC BHP Holding I, LLC   Delaware
ROIC BHP Holding II, LLC   Delaware
ROIC Robinwood, LLC   Delaware
ROIC Creekside Plaza, LLC   Delaware
ROIC Park Oaks, LLC   Delaware

 

EXHIBIT 23.1

 

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the following Registration Statements:

(1)Registration Statement  (Form S-8 No. 333-170692) pertaining to the 2009 Equity Incentive Plan of Retail Opportunity Investments Corp.,

 

(2)Registration Statement (Form S-3 ASR No. 333-189057), and the related Prospectus, of Retail Opportunity Investments Corp. and Retail Opportunity Investments Partnership, LP, and

 

(3)Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Form S-1/MEF on Registration Statement (Form S-3 No. 333-146777), and in the related Prospectus, of Retail Opportunity Investments Corp;

 

of our reports dated February 25, 2015, with respect to the consolidated financial statements and schedules of Retail Opportunity Investments Corp. and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting of Retail Opportunity Investments Corp., included in this Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 2014.

 

 

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

San Diego, California

February 25, 2015

 

EXHIBIT 23.2

 

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement (Form S-3 ASR No. 333-189057-01) of Retail Opportunity Investments Corp. and Retail Opportunity Investments Partnership, LP, and in the related Prospectus, of our report dated February 25, 2015, with respect to the consolidated financial statements and schedules of Retail Opportunity Investments Partnership, LP, included in this Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 2014.

 

 

 

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

San Diego, California

February 25, 2015

EXHIBIT 31.1

 

RETAIL OPPORTUNITY INVESTMENTS CORP.

CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

 

I, Stuart A. Tanz, certify that:

 

1.I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Retail Opportunity Investments Corp.;

 

2.Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

 

3.Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

 

4.The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

 

(a)Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

 

(b)Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, 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;

 

(c)Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

 

(d)Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 

5.The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

 

(a)All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

 

(b)Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

Date:  February 25, 2015 By:  

/s/ Stuart A. Tanz                                    

Name:  Stuart A. Tanz

Title:    Chief Executive Officer

 

 

 

 

 

RETAIL OPPORTUNITY INVESTMENTS PARTNERSHIP, LP

CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

 

I, Stuart A. Tanz, certify that:

 

1.I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Retail Opportunity Investments Partnership, LP;

 

2.Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

 

3.Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

 

4.The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

 

(a)Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

 

(b)Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, 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;

 

(c)Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

 

(d)Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 

5.The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

 

(a)All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

 

(b)Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

Date:  February 25, 2015 By:  

/s/ Stuart A. Tanz                                    

Name:  Stuart A. Tanz

Title:    Chief Executive Officer

 

EXHIBIT 31.2

 

RETAIL OPPORTUNITY INVESTMENTS CORP.

CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

 

I, Michael B. Haines, certify that:

 

1.I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Retail Opportunity Investments Corp.;

 

2.Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

 

3.Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

 

4.The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

 

(a)Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

 

(b)Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, 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;

 

(c)Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

 

(d)Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 

5.The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

 

(a)All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

 

(b)Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

Date:  February 25, 2015  By:  

/s/ Michael B. Haines                              

Name:  Michael B. Haines

Title:    Chief Financial Officer

 

 

 

 

RETAIL OPPORTUNITY INVESTMENTS PARTNERSHIP, LP

CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

 

I, Michael B. Haines, certify that:

 

1.I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Retail Opportunity Investments Partnership, LP;

 

2.Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

 

3.Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

 

4.The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

 

(a)Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

 

(b)Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, 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;

 

(c)Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

 

(d)Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 

5.The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

 

(a)All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

 

(b)Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

Date:  February 25, 2015  By:  

/s/ Michael B. Haines                              

Name:  Michael B. Haines

Title:    Chief Financial Officer

 

 

EXHIBIT 32.1

 

RETAIL OPPORTUNITY INVESTMENTS CORP.

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

 

The undersigned, the Chief Executive Officer of Retail Opportunity Investments Corp. (the “Company”), hereby certifies to the best of his knowledge on the date hereof, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350(a), as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014 (the “Form 10-K”), filed concurrently herewith by the Company, fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and that the information contained in the Form 10-K fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

 

Date:  February 25, 2015  By:  

/s/ Stuart A. Tanz                                      

Name:  Stuart A. Tanz

Title:    Chief Executive Officer

 

The undersigned, the Chief Financial Officer of Retail Opportunity Investments Corp. (the “Company”), hereby certifies to the best of his knowledge on the date hereof, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350(a), as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014 (the “Form 10-K”), filed concurrently herewith by the Company, fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and that the information contained in the Form 10-K fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

 

Date:  February 25, 2015  By:  

/s/ Michael B. Haines                              

Name:  Michael B. Haines

Title:    Chief Financial Officer

 

Pursuant to the Securities and Exchange Commission release 33-8238 dated June 5, 2003, this certification is being furnished and shall not be deemed filed by the Company for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended or incorporated by reference in any registration statement of the Company filed under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

 

A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to the Company and will be retained by the Company and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.

 

 

 

 

 

RETAIL OPPORTUNITY INVESTMENTS PARTNERSHIP, LP

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

 

The undersigned, the Chief Executive Officer of Retail Opportunity Investments GP, LLC, the sole general partner of Retail Opportunity Investments Partnership, LP (the “Operating Partnership”), hereby certifies to the best of his knowledge on the date hereof, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350(a), as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014 (the “Form 10-K”), filed concurrently herewith by the Operating Partnership, fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and that the information contained in the Form 10-K fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Operating Partnership.

 

Date:  February 25, 2015  By:  

/s/ Stuart A. Tanz                                      

Name:  Stuart A. Tanz

Title:    Chief Executive Officer

 

The undersigned, the Chief Financial Officer of Retail Opportunity Investments GP, LLC, the sole general partner of Retail Opportunity Investments Partnership, LP (the “Operating Partnership”), hereby certifies to the best of his knowledge on the date hereof, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350(a), as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014 (the “Form 10-K”), filed concurrently herewith by the Operating Partnership, fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and that the information contained in the Form 10-K fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Operating Partnership.

 

Date:  February 25, 2015  By:  

/s/ Michael B. Haines                              

Name:  Michael B. Haines

Title:    Chief Financial Officer

 

Pursuant to the Securities and Exchange Commission release 33-8238 dated June 5, 2003, this certification is being furnished and shall not be deemed filed by the Operating Partnership for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended or incorporated by reference in any registration statement of the Operating Partnership filed under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

 

A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to the Operating Partnership and will be retained by the Operating Partnership and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.