form10q3rdqtr2008.htm


 
United States
Securities And Exchange Commission
Washington, DC  20549

Form 10-Q

[Missing Graphic Reference] QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended July 31, 2008

OR

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


For the transition period from _____to_____

Commission File Number 1-12803
 
 
Urstadt Biddle Properties Inc.
(Exact Name of Registrant in its Charter)

Maryland
04-2458042
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)
 
321 Railroad Avenue, Greenwich, CT
06830
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code:  (203) 863-8200

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes  x  No  o

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

Large accelerated filer o
Accelerated filer x
Non-accelerated filer o
Smaller reporting company  o

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).  Yes  o     No  x

 
As of September 5, 2008, the number of shares of the Registrant's classes of Common Stock and Class A Common Stock was:
7,979,610 Common Shares, par value $.01 per share and 18,328,711 Class A Common Shares, par value $.01 per share



 
1

 



Index
 
 
Urstadt Biddle Properties Inc.
 
 
 
Part I.                      Financial Information
 
Item 1.
Financial Statements (Unaudited)
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
Item 2.
   
Item 3.
   
Item 4.
   
   
Part II.                      Other Information
   
Item 1.
Legal Proceedings
   
Item 2.
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
   
Item 6.
Exhibits
   
Signatures

 
2

 

URSTADT BIDDLE PROPERTIES INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands, except share data)

   
July 31,
   
October 31,
 
ASSETS
 
2008
   
2007
 
   
(Unaudited)
       
Real Estate Investments:
           
Core properties – at cost
  $ 556,006     $ 521,476  
Non-core properties – at cost
    1,383       1,383  
      557,389       522,859  
Less:  Accumulated depreciation
    (90,812 )     (85,555 )
      466,577       437,304  
Mortgage note receivable
    1,258       1,305  
      467,835       438,609  
                 
Cash and cash equivalents
    8,769       4,218  
Restricted cash
    592       589  
Marketable securities
    1,437       1,740  
Tenant receivables
    18,134       16,588  
Prepaid expenses and other assets
    7,960       5,445  
Deferred charges, net of accumulated amortization
    4,658       4,581  
Total Assets
  $ 509,385     $ 471,770  
                 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
               
                 
Liabilities:
               
Secured revolving credit line
  $ -     $ 12,200  
Mortgage notes payable
    106,876       96,282  
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
    2,164       3,970  
Deferred compensation – officers
    1,120       1,191  
Other liabilities
    9,227       7,438  
Total Liabilities
    119,387       121,081  
                 
Minority interests
    9,370       3,739  
                 
Redeemable Preferred Stock, par value $.01 per share; issued and outstanding 2,800,000 and 550,000 shares
    96,203       52,747  
                 
Commitments and Contingencies
               
                 
Stockholders’ Equity:
               
7.5% Series D Senior Cumulative Preferred Stock (liquidation preference of $25 per share);
2,450,000 shares issued and outstanding
    61,250       61,250  
Excess Stock, par value $.01 per share; 10,000,000 shares authorized;
none issued and outstanding
    -       -  
Common Stock, par value $.01 per share; 30,000,000 shares authorized;
               
7,979,610 and 7,773,618 shares issued and outstanding
    80       77  
Class A Common Stock, par value $.01 per share; 40,000,000 shares authorized;
               
18,328,711 and 18,836,778 shares issued and outstanding
    183       188  
Additional paid in capital
    259,110       264,585  
Cumulative distributions in excess of net income
    (36,376 )     (31,077 )
Accumulated other comprehensive income
    178       480  
Officer note receivable
    -       (1,300 )
Total Stockholders’ Equity
    284,425       294,203  
Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
  $ 509,385     $ 471,770  
 
The accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these statements.

 
 
3

 

 
URSTADT BIDDLE PROPERTIES INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (UNAUDITED)
(In thousands, except per share data)
   
Nine Months Ended
   
Three Months Ended
 
   
July 31,
   
July 31,
 
   
2008
   
2007
   
2008
   
2007
 
Revenues
                       
Base rents
  $ 45,527     $ 42,933     $ 15,589     $ 14,468  
Recoveries from tenants
    14,173       13,393       4,481       4,471  
Settlement of lease guaranty obligation
    -       6,000       -       -  
Lease termination income
    58       115       -       -  
Mortgage interest and other
    472       750       165       107  
      60,230       63,191       20,235       19,046  
                                 
Expenses
                               
Property operating
    9,330       9,195       2,779       3,106  
Property taxes
    8,707       8,130       3,035       2,790  
Depreciation and amortization
    10,684       10,001       3,668       3,370  
General and administrative
    4,375       3,843       1,491       1,365  
Directors' fees and expenses
    191       181       53       55  
      33,287       31,350       11,026       10,686  
                                 
Operating Income
    26,943       31,841       9,209       8,360  
Interest expense
    (5,162 )     (5,910 )     (1,695 )     (1,949 )
Interest, dividends and other investment income
    276       397       87       164  
                                 
Income before Minority Interest and Discontinued Operations
    22,057       26,328       7,601       6,575  
Minority interest in joint venture
    (27 )     (152 )     (9 )     (56 )
Income from Continuing Operations before Discontinued Operations
    22,030       26,176       7,592       6,519  
Discontinued Operations:
                               
Income from discontinued operations
    -       252       -       -  
Gain on sale of property
    -       11,385       -       -  
Income from Discontinued Operations
    -       11,637       -       -  
Net Income
    22,030       37,813       7,592       6,519  
Preferred stock dividends
    (8,445 )     (7,007 )     (3,274 )     (2,336 )
Redemption of Preferred Stock
    (660 )     -       -       -  
                                 
Net Income Applicable to Common and Class A Common Stockholders
  $ 12,925     $ 30,806     $ 4,318     $ 4,183  
                                 
Basic earnings per share:
                               
Per Common Share:
                               
Income from continuing operations
  $ 0.48     $ 0.70     $ 0.16     $ 0.15  
Income from discontinued operations
  $ -     $ 0.43     $ -     $ -  
Net Income Applicable to Common Stockholders
  $ 0.48     $ 1.13     $ 0.16     $ 0.15  
Per Class A Common Share:
                               
Income from continuing operations
  $ 0.52     $ 0.78     $ 0.18     $ 0.17  
Income from discontinued operations
  $ -     $ 0.47     $ -     $ -  
Net Income Applicable to Class A Common Stockholders
  $ 0.52     $ 1.25     $ 0.18     $ 0.17  
                                 
Diluted earnings per share:
                               
Per Common Share:
                               
Income from continuing operations
  $ 0.47     $ 0.69     $ 0.16     $ 0.15  
Income from discontinued operations
  $ -     $ 0.42     $ -     $ -  
Net Income Applicable to Common Stockholders
  $ 0.47     $ 1.11     $ 0.16     $ 0.15  
                                 
Per Class A Common Share:
                               
Income from continuing operations
  $ 0.51     $ 0.76     $ 0.17     $ 0.17  
Income from discontinued operations
  $ -     $ 0.46     $ -     $ -  
Net Income Applicable to Class A Common Stockholders
  $ 0.51     $ 1.22     $ 0.17     $ 0.17  
                                 
Dividends per share:
                               
Common
  $ 0.6450     $ 0.6225     $ 0.2150     $ 0.2075  
Class A Common
  $ 0.7125     $ 0.6900     $ 0.2375     $ 0.2300  
 
The accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these statements.
 
4


URSTADT BIDDLE PROPERTIES INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)
(In thousands)

   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
             July 31,
 
   
2008
   
2007
 
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
           
Net income
  $ 22,030     $ 37,813  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
               
Depreciation and amortization from continuing operations
    10,684       10,001  
Depreciation and amortization from discontinued operations
    -       42  
Straight-line rent adjustments
    (453 )     (797 )
Gain on sale of property
    -       (11,385 )
Change in value of deferred compensation arrangement
    (70 )     (64 )
Restricted stock compensation expense
    1,295       1,577  
Minority interest
    27       152  
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
               
Tenant receivables
    (1,093 )     1,610  
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
    1,373       (331 )
Other assets and other liabilities, net
    72       (1,562 )
Restricted cash
    (3 )     (1 )
                 
Net Cash Flow Provided by Operating Activities
    33,862       37,055  
                 
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
               
Acquisitions of real estate investments
    (16,953 )     (21,311 )
Deposits on real estate investments
    (1,250 )     -  
Net proceeds from sale of property
    -       13,200  
Improvements to properties and deferred charges
    (8,431 )     (3,939 )
Payments received on mortgage notes receivable
    47       41  
Distributions to limited partner of  joint venture
    (27 )     (152 )
Redemption (Purchases) of marketable securities – net
    -       133  
                 
Net Cash Flow (Used in) Investing Activities
    (26,614 )     (12,028 )
                 
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
               
Net proceeds from issuance of Series E Preferred Stock
    57,972       -  
Redemption of Series B Preferred Stock
    (15,000 )     -  
Proceeds from revolving credit line borrowings
    13,000       5,000  
Repayments of revolving credit line borrowings
    (25,200 )     (2,000 )
Dividends paid - Common and Class A Common Stock
    (18,224 )     (17,801 )
Dividends paid - Preferred Stock
    (8,445 )     (7,007 )
Repurchase of shares of Class A Common Stock
    (7,504 )     (45 )
Sales of additional shares of Common and Class A Common Stock
    732       599  
Repayment of officer note receivable
    1,300       -  
Principal repayments of mortgage notes payable
    (1,328 )     (3,449 )
                 
Net Cash Flow (Used in) Financing Activities
    (2,697 )     (24,703 )
                 
Net Increase In Cash and Cash Equivalents
    4,551       324  
                 
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period
    4,218       2,800  
                 
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period
  $ 8,769     $ 3,124  
                 
Supplemental Cash Flow Disclosures:
               
Interest Paid
  $ 5,168     $ 5,889  

The accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these statements.

 
5

 

URSTADT BIDDLE PROPERTIES INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (UNAUDITED)
(In thousands, except shares and per share data)

   
7.5% Series D
                     
Additional
   
Cumulative
Distributions
   
Accumulated Other
   
Officer
   
Total
 
   
Preferred Stock
   
Common Stock
   
Class A Common Stock
   
Paid In
   
In Excess of
   
Comprehensive
   
Note
   
Stockholders’
 
   
Issued
   
Amount
   
Issued
   
Amount
   
Issued
   
Amount
   
Capital
   
Net Income
   
Income
   
Receivable
   
Equity
 
Balances – October 31, 2007
    2,450,000     $ 61,250       7,773,618     $ 77       18,836,778     $ 188     $ 264,585     $ (31,077 )   $ 480     $ (1,300 )   $ 294,203  
Comprehensive Income:
                                                                                       
Net income applicable to Common
                                                                                       
and Class A common stockholders
    -       -       -       -       -       -       -       12,925       -       -       12,925  
Change in unrealized gains in marketable securities
    -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       (302 )     -       (302 )
Total comprehensive income
    -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       12,623  
Cash dividends paid :
    -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -  
Common stock ($.6450 per share)
    -       -       -       -       -       -       -       (5,132 )     -       -       (5,132 )
Class A common stock ($.7125 per share)
    -       -       -       -       -       -       -       (13,092 )     -       -       (13,092 )
Issuance of shares under dividend reinvestment plan
    -       -       33,126       1       11,180       -       695       -       -       -       696  
Forfeiture of restricted stock
    -       -       -       -       (70,000 )     -       -       -       -       -       -  
Shares issued under restricted stock plan
    -       -       170,900       2       59,900       1       (3 )     -       -       -       -  
Stock options exercised
    -       -       1,966       -       1,953       -       36       -       -       -       36  
Restricted stock compensation
    -       -       -       -       -       -       1,295       -       -       -       1,295  
Repurchase of Class A common Stock
    -       -       -       -       (511,100 )     (6 )     (7,498 )     -       -       -       (7,504 )
Repayment of officer note receivable
    -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       1,300       1,300  
Balances – July 31, 2008
    2,450,000     $ 61,250       7,979,610     $ 80       18,328,711     $ 183     $ 259,110     $ (36,376 )   $ 178     $ -     $ 284,425  
 
The accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these statements.

 
6

 
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(1) ORGANIZATION, BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF  SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Business
Urstadt Biddle Properties Inc. (“Company”), a real estate investment trust (REIT), is engaged in the acquisition, ownership and management of commercial real estate, primarily neighborhood and community shopping centers in the northeastern part of the United States.  Non-core properties include two distribution service facilities.  The Company's major tenants include supermarket chains and other retailers who sell basic necessities.  At July 31, 2008, the Company owned or had interests in 43 properties containing a total of 3.8 million square feet of Gross Leasable Area (“GLA”).

Principles of Consolidation and Use of Estimates
The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company, its wholly owned subsidiaries, and joint ventures in which the Company meets certain criteria of a sole general partner in accordance with Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) Issue 04-5, “Determining Whether a General Partner, or the General Partners as a Group, Controls a Limited Partnership or Similar Entity When the Limited Partners Have Certain Rights.”  The Company has determined that such joint ventures should be consolidated into the consolidated financial statements of the Company.  All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.

The accompanying financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X.  Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles have been omitted.  In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included.  Results of operations for the nine month period ended July 31, 2008 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending October 31, 2008.  It is suggested that these financial statements be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2007.

The preparation of financial statements 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 valuation of real estate, depreciable lives, revenue recognition and the collectibility of tenant and mortgage notes receivables.  Actual results could differ from these estimates.  The balance sheet at October 31, 2007 has been derived from audited financial statements at that date.

Reclassifications
Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.

Federal Income Taxes
The Company has elected to be treated as a real estate investment trust under Sections 856-860 of the Internal Revenue Code (Code).  Under those sections, a REIT that, among other things, distributes at least 90% of real estate trust taxable income and meets certain other qualifications prescribed by the Code will not be taxed on that portion of its taxable income that is distributed.  The Company believes it qualifies as a REIT and intends to distribute all of its taxable income for fiscal 2008 in accordance with the provisions of the Code.  Accordingly, no provision has been made for Federal income taxes in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

In June 2006, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes – an interpretation of SFAS No. 109” (“FIN No. 48”), 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.  FIN No. 48 also provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure, and transition.   The Company adopted FIN No. 48 as of November 1, 2007.  Based on its evaluation, the Company determined that it has no uncertain tax positions and no unrecognized tax benefits as of the adoption date or as of July 31, 2008.   As such, the adoption of FIN 48 did not have any effect on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations.  The Company records interest and penalties relating to unrecognized tax benefits, if any, as interest expense.  As of July 31, 2008, the tax years 2004 through and including 2007 remain open to examination by the Internal Revenue Service.  There are currently no federal tax examinations in progress.

Concentration of Credit Risk
Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, mortgage notes receivable 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 may require certain tenants to provide security deposits or letters of credit.  Though these security deposits and letters of credit are insufficient to meet the terminal value of a tenant’s lease obligation, they are a measure of good faith and a source of funds to offset the economic costs associated with lost rent and the costs associated with retenanting the space.  The Company has no dependency upon any single tenant.


 
7

 


Marketable Securities
Marketable securities consist of short-term investments and marketable equity securities.  Short-term investments (consisting of investments with original maturities of greater than three months when purchased) and marketable equity securities are carried at fair value.  The Company has classified marketable securities as available for sale.  Unrealized gains and losses on available for sale securities are recorded as other comprehensive income in Stockholders’ Equity.   There were no significant sales of marketable securities during the nine month periods ended July 31, 2008 and 2007.

Comprehensive Income
Comprehensive income is comprised of net income and other comprehensive income (loss). Other comprehensive income (loss) includes items that are otherwise recorded directly in stockholders’ equity, such as unrealized gains or losses on marketable securities.  At July 31, 2008, other comprehensive income consisted of net unrealized gains on marketable securities of approximately $178,000.  Unrealized gains included in other comprehensive income will be reclassified into earnings as gains are realized.

Earnings Per Share
The Company calculates basic and diluted earnings per share in accordance with SFAS No. 128, “Earnings Per Share.” Basic earnings per share (“EPS”) excludes the impact of dilutive shares and is computed by dividing net income applicable to Common and Class A Common stockholders by the weighted number of Common shares and Class A Common shares outstanding for the period.  Diluted EPS reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue Common shares or Class A Common shares were exercised or converted into Common shares or Class A Common shares and then shared in the earnings of the Company.  Since the cash dividends declared on the Company’s Class A Common stock are higher than the dividends declared on the Common Stock, basic and diluted EPS have been calculated using the “two-class” method.  The two-class method is an earnings allocation formula that determines earnings per share for each class of common stock according to the weighted average of the dividends declared, outstanding shares per class and participation rights in undistributed earnings.

The following table sets forth the reconciliation between basic and diluted EPS (in thousands):

   
Nine Months Ended
   
Three Months Ended
 
   
July 31,
   
July 31,
 
   
2008
   
2007
   
2008
   
2007
 
Numerator
                       
Net income applicable to common stockholders – basic
  $ 3,319     $ 7,731     $ 1,117     $ 1,051  
Effect of dilutive securities:
                               
Stock awards and operating partnership units
    99       348       41       58  
Net income applicable to common stockholders – diluted
  $ 3,418     $ 8,079     $ 1,158     $ 1,109  
                                 
Denominator
                               
Denominator for basic EPS weighted average common shares
    6,986       6,841       6,996       6,849  
Effect of dilutive securities:
                               
Restricted stock and other awards
    352       446       424       452  
Operating partnership units
    -       55       -       55  
Denominator for diluted EPS – weighted average common equivalent shares
    7,338       7,342       7,420       7,356  
                                 
Numerator
                               
Net income applicable to Class A common stockholders-basic
  $ 9,606     $ 23,075     $ 3,201     $ 3,132  
Effect of dilutive securities:
                               
Stock awards and operating partnership units
    (99 )     (197 )     (41 )     (2 )
Net income applicable to Class A common stockholders – diluted
  $ 9,507     $ 22,878     $ 3,160     $ 3,130  
                                 
Denominator
                               
Denominator for basic EPS – weighted average Class A common shares
    18,296       18,423       18,143       18,412  
Effect of dilutive securities:
                               
Restricted stock and other awards
    179       278       188       261  
Operating partnership units
    -       55       -       55  
Denominator for diluted EPS – weighted average Class A common equivalent shares
    18,475       18,756       18,331       18,728  

Segment Reporting
The Company operates in one industry segment, ownership of commercial real estate properties which are located principally in the northeastern United States.  The Company does not distinguish its property operations for purposes of measuring performance.  Accordingly, the Company believes it has a single reportable segment for disclosure purposes.


 
8

 

Stock-Based Compensation
The Company accounts for its stock-based compensation plans under FASB Statement No. 123R, “Share-Based Payment” (“SFAS No. 123R”), which requires that compensation expense be recognized based on the fair value of the stock awards less estimated forfeitures.  The fair value of stock awards is equal to the fair value of the Company’s stock on the grant date.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, “Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements,” which, among other things, provides guidance and establishes amended accounting and reporting standards for a parent company’s noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary.  The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting the statement, which is effective for fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2008.

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141R, “Business Combinations,” (“SFAS No. 141R”) which replaces SFAS No. 141 Business Combinations.  SFAS No. 141R, among other things, establishes principles and requirements for how an acquirer entity recognizes and measures in its financial statements the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed (including intangibles) and any noncontrolling interests in the acquired entity.  The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting the statement, which is effective for fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2008.

In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements.”  This statement defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”), and expands disclosures about fair value measurements.  The statement applies to accounting pronouncements that require or permit fair value measurements, except for share-based payment transactions under SFAS No. 123 and is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007.  In February 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position No. FAS 157-2, “Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 157”, which deferred the effective date of SFAS 157 for all nonrecurring fair value measurements of non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities until fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008.  The Company does not believe SFAS No. 157 will have a material effect on its financial statements once adopted.

(2)  CORE PROPERTIES

In December 2007, the Company acquired a 20,000 square foot retail property located in Waldwick, New Jersey for $6.3 million including closing costs.  The property is net-leased to a single tenant under a long term lease arrangement.

In February 2008, the Company acquired two retail properties, containing approximately 5,500 square feet of GLA in Westchester County, New York for a cash purchase price of $2.3 million including closing costs.

In April 2008, the Company through a subsidiary, which is the sole general partner, acquired a 60% interest in UB Ironbound, LP, (“Ironbound”), a newly formed limited partnership that acquired by contribution a 101,000 square foot shopping center in Newark, New Jersey, valued at $26.3 million, including transaction costs of approximately $297,000 and the assumption of an existing first mortgage loan on the property at its estimated fair value of $11.9 million at a fixed interest rate of 6.15%.  The Company’s net investment in Ironbound amounted to $8.6 million.  The partnership agreement provides for the partners to receive an annual cash preference from available cash of the partnership. Any unpaid preferences accumulate and are paid from future available cash, if any.  The general partner’s cash preferences are paid after the limited partner's preferences are satisfied.  The balance of available cash, if any, is distributed in accordance with the respective partners' interests. Upon liquidation, proceeds from the sale of partnership assets are to be distributed in accordance with the respective partners' interests.  The limited partner is not obligated to make any additional capital contributions to the partnership.  Ironbound has a defined termination date of December 31, 2099.  The Company has retained an affiliate of the limited partner to provide management and leasing services for the property through October 2016 for an annual fee equal to two percent of rental income collected.

The assumption of the $11.9 million first mortgage loan represents a non-cash financing activity and is therefore not included in the accompanying 2008 consolidated statement of cash flows.  The limited partner interests in Ironbound are reflected in the accompanying consolidated 2008 balance sheet as Minority Interests in the amount of $5.6 million, which approximates the fair market value of the limited partner interest in Ironbound at July 31, 2008.

In May 2008, the Company paid a $750,000 deposit on a contract to purchase a yet to be determined equity interest in a joint venture which owns a 237,000 square foot shopping center in Westchester County, New York.

In May 2008, the Company entered into a contract to purchase a 78,000 square foot shopping center in Litchfield County, CT for a purchase price of $10.4 million, subject to the assumption of a first mortgage payable on the property, in the amount of $3.6 million. In connection with the contract the Company paid a deposit in the amount of $500,000.  The Company completed the purchase of the property in August of 2008.


 
9

 

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 building improvements), and identified intangible assets and liabilities (consisting of above-market and below-market leases and in-place leases), in accordance with SFAS No. 141 “Business Combinations”.  The Company utilizes methods similar to those used by independent appraisers in estimating the fair value of acquired assets and liabilities.  The fair value of the tangible assets of an acquired property considers the value of the property “as-if-vacant”.  The fair value reflects the depreciated replacement cost of the asset.  In allocating purchase price to identified intangible assets and liabilities of an acquired property, the value of above-market and below-market leases are estimated based on the differences between (i) contractual rentals and the estimated market rents over the applicable lease term discounted back to the date of acquisition utilizing a discount rate adjusted for the credit risk associated with the respective tenants and (ii) the estimated cost of acquiring such leases giving effect to the Company’s history of providing tenant improvements and paying leasing commissions, offset by a vacancy period during which such space would be leased.  The aggregate 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,” determined as set forth above.

The Company has completed its evaluation of the leases at the Waldwick, New Jersey property and the two Westchester, New York properties and, as a result of its evaluation, determined that no allocation was required to adjust the net fair value assigned to any leases acquired.  The Company is currently in the process of analyzing the fair value of in-place leases for the Newark, New Jersey Property.  Consequently, no value has yet been assigned to the leases.  Accordingly, the purchase price allocation is preliminary and may be subject to change.

For the nine months ended July 31, 2008 and 2007 the net amortization of above-market and below-market leases was approximately $52,000 and $150,000 respectively, which amounts are included in base rents in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.

The Company is the general partner in another consolidated limited partnership which owns a shopping center.  The limited partnership has a defined termination date of December 31, 2097.  Upon liquidation of the partnership, proceeds from the sale of partnership assets are to be distributed in accordance with the respective partnership interests.  If termination of the partnership occurred on July 31, 2008 the amount payable to the limited partners is estimated to be $4,400,000.  The limited partner interests are reflected in the accompanying consolidated financial statements as Minority Interests.

(3)  MORTGAGE NOTES PAYABLE AND BANK LINES OF CREDIT

The Company has a $50 million Unsecured Revolving Credit Agreement (the “Facility”) with The Bank of New York Mellon and Wells Fargo Bank N.A.  The facility gives the Company the option, under certain conditions, to increase the Facility’s borrowing capacity up to $100 million.  The maturity date of the Facility is February 11, 2011 with two one year extensions at the Company’s option.  Borrowings under the Facility can be used for, among other things, acquisitions, working capital, capital expenditures, repayment of other indebtedness and the issuance of letters of credit (up to $10 million).  Borrowings will bear interest at the Company’s option of Eurodollar plus 0.85% or The Bank of New York Mellon’s prime lending rate plus 0.50%.  The Company will pay an annual fee on the unused commitment amount of up to 0.175% based on outstanding borrowings during the year.  The Facility contains certain representations, financial and other covenants typical for this type of facility.  The Company’s ability to borrow under the Facility is subject to its compliance with the covenants and other restrictions on an ongoing basis.  The principal financial covenants limit the Company’s level of secured and unsecured indebtedness and additionally require the Company to maintain certain debt coverage ratios.

In April 2008, borrowings under the Facility were used to refinance an existing mortgage note payable, which was secured by the Company’s Staples property in the amount of $7.9 million.  In conjunction with that transaction, the mortgage was assigned to the lender of the Facility and as a result the $7.9 million outstanding balance on the Facility is shown as a mortgage note payable on the accompanying July 31, 2008 consolidated balance sheet.  Interest on outstanding borrowings under the Facility is currently accruing at approximately 3.35% per annum.

The Company also has a Secured Revolving Credit Facility with the Bank of New York Mellon (the “Secured Credit Facility”).  The Secured Credit Facility provides for borrowings of up to $30 million.  The maturity date of the Facility is April 15, 2011 and is collateralized by first mortgage liens on two of the Company’s properties.  Interest on outstanding borrowings is at prime plus 0.50% or the Eurodollar rate plus 1.75%.  The Secured Credit Facility requires the Company to maintain certain debt service coverage ratios during its term.  The Company pays an annual fee of 0.25% on the unused portion of the Secured Credit Facility.  The Secured Credit Facility is available to fund acquisitions, capital expenditures, mortgage repayments, working capital and other general corporate purposes.

(4)  DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

The Company has adopted the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets” (SFAS No. 144).  SFAS No. 144 requires, among other things, that the results of operations of properties sold or that otherwise qualify as held for sale be classified as discontinued operations and presented separately in the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In fiscal 2007, the Company sold a non-core retail property in Tempe, Arizona for a sale price of $13.2 million, resulting in a gain on sale of the property of approximately $11.4 million in fiscal 2007.

The operating results for the sold property have been classified as discontinued operations in the accompanying consolidated financial statements for the nine months ended July 31, 2007.  Revenues from discontinued operations were approximately $320,000 for the nine month period ended July 31, 2007.


 
10

 

(5)  REDEEMABLE PREFERRED STOCK

The Company is authorized to issue up to 20,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock.  At July 31, 2008, the Company had issued and outstanding 400,000 shares of Series C Senior Cumulative Preferred Stock (Series C Preferred Stock) and 2,450,000 shares of Series D Senior Cumulative Preferred Stock (Series D Preferred Stock) (see Note 6) and 2,400,000 shares of Series E Senior Cumulative Preferred Stock (Series E Preferred Stock).

The following table sets forth the details of the Company’s redeemable preferred stock as of July 31, 2008 and October 31, 2007 (amounts in thousands, except share data):  

   
July 31,
2008
   
October 31,
 2007
 
8.99% Series B Senior Cumulative Preferred Stock; liquidation preference of $100 per share; issued and outstanding  -0- and 150,000 shares
  $ -     $ 14,341  
8.50% Series C Senior Cumulative Preferred Stock; liquidation preference of $100 per share; issued and outstanding  400,000 shares
    38,406       38,406  
8.50% Series E Senior Cumulative Preferred Stock; liquidation preference of $25 per share; issued and outstanding  2,400,000 and -0- shares
    57,797       -  
Total Redeemable Preferred Stock
  $ 96,203     $ 52,747  

On March 13, 2008, the Company sold 2,400,000 shares of a new issue of 8.50% Series E Senior Cumulative Preferred Stock (“Series E Preferred Stock”) for net proceeds of $57.8 million.  The Series E Preferred Stock entitles the holders thereof to cumulative cash dividends payable quarterly in arrears at the rate of 8.5% per annum on the $25 per share liquidation preference.

In conjunction with the sale of the Series E Preferred Stock on March 14, 2008 the Company redeemed all 150,000 shares outstanding of its Series B Preferred Stock for the redemption price in the amount of $15.0 million.  As a result of the redemption, the $660,000 excess of the redemption price of the preferred shares paid over the carrying amount of the shares is included in the accompanying consolidated statement of income for the nine month period ended July 31, 2008 as a reduction of income available to Common and Class A Common shareholders.

The Series E Preferred Stock and Series C Preferred Stock have no stated maturity, are not subject to any sinking fund or mandatory redemption and are not convertible into other securities or property of the Company.  Commencing May 2010 (Series C Preferred Stock) and March 2013 (Series E Preferred Stock), the Company, at its option, may redeem the preferred stock issues, in whole or in part, at a redemption price equal to the liquidation preference per share, plus all accrued and unpaid dividends.

Upon a change in control of the Company (as defined), each holder of Series C Preferred Stock and Series E Preferred Stock has the right, at such holder’s option, to require the Company to repurchase all or any part of such holder’s stock for cash at a repurchase price equal to the liquidation preference per share plus all accrued and unpaid dividends.

The Series C Preferred Stock and Series E Preferred Stock contain covenants that require the Company to maintain certain financial coverages relating to fixed charge and capitalization ratios.  Shares of both Preferred Stock series are non-voting; however, under certain circumstances (relating to non-payment of dividends or failure to comply with the financial covenants) the preferred stockholders will be entitled to elect two directors.  The Company was in compliance with such covenants at July 31, 2008.

As the holders of the Series C Preferred Stock and Series E Preferred Stock only have a contingent right to require the Company to repurchase all or part of such holders shares upon a change of control of the Company (as defined), the Series C Preferred Stock and Series E Preferred Stock are classified as redeemable equity instruments as a change in control is not certain to occur.

(6)  STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Restricted Stock Plan
In fiscal 2008, the stockholders of the Company approved an amendment to the restricted stock plan for key employees and directors of the Company.  The restricted stock plan (“Plan”) provides for the grant of up to 2,350,000 shares of the Company’s common equity consisting of 350,000 Common shares, 350,000 Class A Common shares and 1,650,000 shares, which at the discretion of the Company’s compensation committee, may be awarded in any combination of Class A Common shares or Common shares.

Prior to November 1, 2005, the grant date fair value of nonvested restricted stock awards was expensed over the explicit stock award vesting periods.  Such awards provided for continued vesting after retirement.  Upon adoption of SFAS No. 123R, the Company changed its policy for recognizing compensation expense for restricted stock awards to the earlier of the explicit vesting period or the date a participant first becomes eligible for retirement.  For nonvested restricted stock awards granted prior to the adoption of SFAS No. 123R, the Company continues to recognize compensation expense over the explicit vesting periods and accelerates any remaining unrecognized compensation cost when a participant actually retires.

Had compensation expense for nonvested restricted stock awards issued prior to the adoption of SFAS 123R been determined based on the date a participant first becomes eligible for retirement, restricted stock compensation would have decreased in the nine months and three months ended July 31, 2008 and  2007 by approximately $231,000 and $320,000, respectively.
 
 
11


In January 2008, the Company awarded 170,900 shares of Common Stock and 59,900 shares of Class A Common Stock to participants in the Plan.  The grant date fair value of restricted stock grants awarded to participants in 2008 was approximately $3.4 million.

A summary of the status of the Company’s non vested Common and Class A Common shares as of July 31, 2008, and changes during the nine months ended July 31, 2008 are presented below:

   
Common Shares
   
Class A Common Shares
 
Non vested Shares
 
Shares
   
Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value
   
Shares
   
Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value
 
Non vested at November 1, 2007
    897,400     $ 14.16       423,350     $ 13.90  
Granted
    170,900     $ 14.77       59,900     $ 15.20  
Vested
    (106,550 )   $ 11.73       (80,050 )   $ 11.03  
Forfeited
    -       -       (70,000 )   $ 16.51  
Non vested at July 31, 2008
    961,750     $ 14.54       333,200     $ 14.27  

As of July 31, 2008, there was $11.7 million of unamortized restricted stock compensation related to nonvested restricted stock grants awarded under the Plan.  The remaining unamortized expense is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 5.99 years.  For the nine months ended July 31, 2008 and 2007 amounts charged to compensation expense totaled $1,295,000 and $1,577,000, respectively.

Stock Option Plan
In connection with the exercise of stock options granted to an officer under the Company’s stock option plan (terminated in 2007), the officer executed a full recourse promissory note equal to the purchase price of the shares. The note receivable in the amount of $1,300,000 was repaid in full in December 2007.

Share Repurchase Program
In a prior year, the Board of Directors of the Company approved a share repurchase program (“Program”) for the repurchase of up to 500,000 shares of Common Stock and Class A Common Stock in the aggregate.  On March 6, 2008, the Board of Directors amended the Program to allow the Company to repurchase up to 1,000,000 shares of Common and Class A Common stock in the aggregate.  As of July 31, 2008, the Company had repurchased 3,600 shares of Common Stock and 573,700 shares of Class A Common Stock, (including 511,100 shares of Class A Common Stock that were repurchased at an average price of $14.64 during the nine month period ended July 31, 2008).

Preferred Stock
The Series D Preferred Stock has no maturity and is not convertible into any other security of the Company and is redeemable at the Company’s option on or after April 12, 2010 at a price of $25.00 per share plus accrued and unpaid dividends.

(7)  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 may ultimately 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.

At July 31, 2008, the Company had commitments of approximately $1,329,000 for tenant related obligations.

(8)  SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

In August 2008, the Company completed the acquisition of a 78,000 square foot shopping center in Litchfield County, CT for a purchase price of $10.4 million.  The property was subject to a first mortgage payable of approximately $3.6 million, which has been assumed by the Company in conjunction with the purchase.  The acquisition was funded with available cash remaining from the Company’s preferred stock offering completed in March of 2008.

On September 9, 2008, the Board of Directors of the Company declared cash dividends of $.2150 for each share of Common Stock and $.2375 for each share of Class A Common Stock.  The dividends are payable on October 17, 2008.


 
12

 


Item 2.                      Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements of the Company and the notes thereto included elsewhere in this report.

Forward Looking Statements
This Item 2 contains certain forward-looking statements that within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act, as amended, and Section 21E of the Exchange Act. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in this Item 2 that address activities, events or developments that the Company expects, believes or anticipates will or may occur in the future, including such matters as future capital expenditures, dividends and acquisitions (including the amount and nature thereof), business strategies, expansion and growth of the Company’s operations and other such matters are forward-looking statements. These statements are based on certain assumptions and analyses made by the Company in light of its experience and its perception of historical trends, current conditions, expected future developments and other factors it believes are appropriate. Such statements are subject to a number of assumptions, risks and uncertainties, general economic and business conditions, the business opportunities that may be presented to and pursued by the Company, changes in laws or regulations and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. For a discussion of some of these factors, see the risk factors set forth in “Item 1A Risk Factors” of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2007.  Any such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements.

Executive Summary
The Company, a REIT, is a fully integrated, self-administered real estate company, engaged in the acquisition, ownership and management of commercial real estate, primarily neighborhood and community shopping centers in the northeastern part of the United States. Other real estate assets include office and industrial properties. The Company’s major tenants include supermarket chains and other retailers who sell basic necessities. At July 31, 2008, the Company owned or had interests in 43 properties containing a total of 3.8 million square feet of GLA of which approximately 95% was leased.

The Company derives substantially all of its revenues from rents and operating expense reimbursements received pursuant to long-term leases and focuses its investment activities on community and neighborhood shopping centers, anchored principally by regional supermarket chains.  The Company believes, because of the need of consumers to purchase food and other staple goods and services generally available at supermarket-anchored shopping centers, that the nature of its investments provide for relatively stable revenue flows even during difficult economic times.  Primarily as a result of recent property acquisitions, the Company’s financial data shows increases in total revenues and expenses from period to period.

The Company focuses on increasing cash flow, and consequently the value of its properties, and seeks continued growth through strategic re-leasing, renovations and expansion of its existing properties and selective acquisition of income producing properties, primarily neighborhood and community shopping centers in the northeastern part of the United States.

Key elements of the Company’s growth strategies and operating policies are to:

§  
Acquire neighborhood and community shopping centers in the northeastern part of the United States with a concentration in Fairfield County, Connecticut; Westchester and Putnam Counties, New York; and Bergen County, New Jersey
§  
Hold core properties for long-term investment and enhance their value through regular maintenance, periodic renovation and capital improvement
§  
Selectively dispose of non-core and underperforming properties and re-deploy the proceeds into properties located in the  northeast region
§  
Increase property values by aggressively marketing available GLA and renewing existing leases
§  
Renovate, reconfigure or expand existing properties to meet the needs of existing or new tenants
§  
Negotiate and sign leases which provide for regular or fixed contractual increases to minimum rents
§  
Control property operating and administrative costs

Critical Accounting Policies
Critical accounting policies 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 policies 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 consolidated financial statements of the Company for the year ended October 31, 2007 included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for year ended October 31, 2007.

Revenue Recognition

Revenues from operating leases include revenues from core properties and non-core properties.  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 when possession or control of the space is turned over to the tenant for tenant work to begin.

 
13

 


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 receivables on the accompanying 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 receivables and the related cost recovery income based upon the Company’s best estimate of the final amounts to be billed and collected.

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.  For the nine month periods ended July 31, 2008 and 2007 the Company increased its allowance for doubtful accounts by $329,000 and $317,000, respectively.  It is also the Company’s policy to maintain an allowance of approximately 10% of the deferred straight-line rents receivable balance for future tenant credit losses.

Real Estate

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.

The amounts to be capitalized as a result of an acquisition and the periods over which the assets are depreciated or amortized are determined based on estimates as to fair value and the allocation of various costs to the individual assets.  The Company allocates the cost of an acquisition based upon the estimated fair value of the net assets acquired.  The Company also estimates the fair value of intangibles related to its acquisitions.  The valuation of the fair value of intangibles involves estimates related to market conditions, probability of lease renewals and the current market value of in-place leases.  This market value is determined by considering factors such as the tenant’s industry, location within the property and competition in the specific region in which the property operates.  Differences in the amount attributed to the intangible assets can be significant based upon the assumptions made in calculating these estimates.

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 the Company’s 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
30-40 years
Property Improvements
10-20 years
Furniture/Fixtures
3-10 years
Tenant Improvements
Shorter of lease term or their useful life

Asset Impairment

On a periodic basis, management assesses whether there are any indicators that the value of its real estate investments may be impaired.  A property value is considered impaired when management’s estimate of current and projected operating cash flows (undiscounted and without interest) of the property over its remaining useful life is less than the net carrying value of the property.  Such cash flow projections consider factors such as expected future operating income, trends and prospects, as well as the effects of demand, competition and other factors.  To the extent impairment has occurred, the loss is measured as the excess of the net carrying amount of the property over the fair value of the asset.  Changes in estimated future cash flows due to changes in the Company’s plans or market and economic conditions could result in recognition of impairment losses which could be substantial.  Management does not believe that the value of any of its real estate investments is impaired at July 31, 2008.

Liquidity and Capital Resources
At July 31, 2008, the Company had unrestricted cash and cash equivalents of $8.8 million compared to $4.2 million at October 31, 2007.  The Company's sources of liquidity and capital resources include its cash and cash equivalents, proceeds from bank borrowings and long-term mortgage debt, capital financings and sales of real estate investments. Payments of expenses related to real estate operations, debt service, management and professional fees, and dividend requirements place demands on the Company's short-term liquidity.


 
14

 

Cash Flows

The Company expects to meet its short-term liquidity requirements primarily by generating net cash from the operations of its properties.  The Company believes that its net cash provided by operations will be sufficient to fund its short-term liquidity requirements for the balance of fiscal 2008 and to meet its dividend requirements necessary to maintain its REIT status.

The Company expects to continue paying regular dividends to its stockholders.  These dividends will be paid from operating cash flows which are expected to increase due to property acquisitions and growth in operating income in the existing portfolio and from other sources. The Company derives substantially all of its revenues from base rents under existing leases at its properties. The Company’s operating cash flow therefore depends on the rents that it is able to charge to its tenants, and the ability of its tenants to make rental payments. The Company believes that the nature of the properties in which it typically invests ― primarily grocery-anchored neighborhood and community shopping centers ― provides a more stable revenue flow in uncertain economic times, in that consumers still need to purchase basic staples and convenience items. However, even in the geographic areas in which the Company owns properties, general economic downturns may adversely impact the ability of the Company’s tenants to make lease payments and the Company’s ability to re-lease space as leases expire. In either of these cases, the Company’s cash flow could be adversely affected.

Net Cash Flows from:

Operating Activities

Net cash flows provided by operating activities amounted to $33.9 million in the nine months ended July 31, 2008, compared to $37.0 million in the comparable period of fiscal 2007. The net decrease in operating cash flows was a result of:  a) an increase in the net operating results of the Company’s properties owned during both periods and recently acquired properties in fiscal 2008 and b) the absence of a $6 million payment received in connection with a settlement of a lease guarantor’s obligation in fiscal 2007.

Investing Activities

Net cash flows used in investing activities were $26.6 million in the nine months ended July 31, 2008 compared to $12.0 million in the comparable period of fiscal 2007.  The net cash flows during both periods were principally due to the acquisition of properties consistent with the Company’s strategic plan to acquire properties in the northeast.  The Company purchased or acquired interests in four properties in the first nine months of fiscal 2008 for an aggregate cost of $17.2 million compared with two properties purchased at an aggregate cost of $21.3 million in the comparable period of fiscal 2007.  The Company incurred $8.4 million and $3.9 million for improvements to properties and deferred charges for the nine months ended July 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.  In the first nine months of fiscal 2007 the Company received cash proceeds of $13.2 million from the sale of one non-core property. The Company invests in its properties and regularly pays for capital expenditures for property improvements, tenant costs and leasing commissions.

Financing Activities

The Company generated net cash from financing activities in the first nine months of fiscal 2008 primarily from the sale of 2,400,000 shares of 8.5% Series E Senior Cumulative Preferred Stock (“Series E Preferred Stock”) in the net amount of $58.0 million.  The Company redeemed all of the outstanding shares of 8.99% Series B Senior Cumulative Preferred Stock (“Series B Preferred Stock”) for $15.0 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2008.  During the first nine months of fiscal 2008 the Company borrowed $13.0 million on its revolving credit facilities as compared with $5.0 million in the same period of fiscal 2007.  The Company also repaid borrowings on its revolving lines of credit in the first nine months of fiscal 2008 in the amount of $25.2 million compared to $2.0 million during the same period of fiscal 2007. In fiscal 2008 the Company also received payment of a $1.3 million note receivable from an officer in connection with stock options exercised in a prior year.  Net cash used in both periods to pay dividends to stockholders amounted to $26.7 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2008 as compared with $24.8 million in the comparable period of 2007.  Cash used in the first nine months of fiscal 2008 to repurchase Class A Common stock amounted to $7.5 million.  Net cash used in both periods to make required principal payments on mortgages was $1.3 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2008 as compared with $3.4 million in the same period of fiscal 2007, which included the repayment of a mortgage note payable in the amount of $1.6 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2007.

Capital Resources

The Company expects to fund its long-term liquidity requirements such as property acquisitions, repayment of indebtedness and capital expenditures through other long-term indebtedness (including indebtedness assumed in acquisitions), borrowings on its unsecured and secured credit facilities, proceeds from sales of properties and/or the issuance of equity securities. The Company believes that these sources of capital will continue to be available to it in the future to fund its long-term capital needs; however, there are certain factors that may have a material adverse effect on its access to capital sources. The Company’s ability to incur additional debt is dependent upon its existing leverage, the value of its unencumbered assets and borrowing limitations imposed by existing lenders. The Company’s ability to raise funds through sales of equity securities is dependent on, among other things, general market conditions for REITs, market perceptions about the Company and its stock price in the market. The Company’s ability to sell properties in the future to raise cash will be dependent upon market conditions at the time of sale.


 
15

 

Financings and Debt

On March 13, 2008, the Company sold 2,400,000 shares of Series E Preferred Stock for net proceeds of $58.0 million.  The Series E Preferred Stock entitles the holders thereof to cumulative cash dividends payable quarterly in arrears at the rate of 8.5% per annum on the $25 per share liquidation preference.

In conjunction with the sale of the Series E Preferred Stock the Company redeemed all 150,000 shares of its Series B Preferred Stock, for the redemption price, as defined, in the amount of $15.0 million.  The Company used a portion of the proceeds to repay variable rate debt and for property acquisitions.  The remainder of the proceeds are invested in short term investments pending its use to fund additional property acquisitions.

The Company is exposed to interest rate risk primarily through its borrowing activities. 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.  Mortgage notes payable of $106.9 million consist principally of fixed rate mortgage loan indebtedness with a weighted average interest rate of 6.1% at July 31, 2008. The mortgage loans with fixed interest rates are secured by 14 properties with a net book value of $172 million and have fixed rates of interest ranging from 5.52% to 7.78%.  The Company has one variable rate mortgage loan in the amount of $7.9 million for which interest is currently accruing at approximately 3.35%.  The Company made principal payments of $1.3 million in the nine months ended July 31, 2008 compared to $3.4 million in the comparable period of fiscal 2007.  In the first nine months of fiscal 2007, the Company repaid a mortgage note payable in the amount of $1.6 million.  The Company may refinance its mortgage loans, at or prior to scheduled maturity, through replacement mortgage loans.  The ability to do so, however, is dependent upon various factors, including the income level of the properties, interest rates and credit conditions within the commercial real estate market. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that such refinancings can be achieved.

In February 2008, the Company entered into a new $50 Million Unsecured Revolving Credit Agreement (the “Unsecured Facility”) with The Bank of New York Mellon and Wells Fargo Bank N.A. The agreement gives the Company the option, under certain conditions, to increase the Facility’s borrowing capacity up to $100 million.  The maturity date of the Unsecured Facility is February 11, 2011 with two one year extensions at the Company’s option.  Borrowings under the Unsecured Facility can be used for, among other things, acquisitions, working capital, capital expenditures, repayment of other indebtedness and the issuance of letters of credit (up to $10 million).  Borrowings will bear interest at the Company’s option of Eurodollar plus 0.85% or The Bank of New York Mellon’s prime lending rate plus 0.50%.  The Company pays an annual fee on the unused commitment amount of up to 0.175% based on outstanding borrowings during the year. The Unsecured Facility contains certain representations, financial and other covenants typical for this type of facility.  The Company’s ability to borrow under the Unsecured Facility is subject to its compliance with the covenants and other restrictions on an ongoing basis.  The principal financial covenants limit the Company’s level of secured and unsecured indebtedness and additionally require the Company to maintain certain debt coverage ratios.  As of July 31, 2008, the Company was in compliance with such covenants on the Secured Facility discussed below and Unsecured Facility.

On April 15, 2008, the Company renewed its secured revolving credit facility with a commercial bank (the “Secured Facility”) which provides for borrowings of up to $30 million for an additional three years to April 2011.  The Secured Facility was due to expire in April 2008. The Secured Facility is collateralized by first mortgage liens on two of the Company’s properties.  Interest on outstanding borrowings is at prime plus 0.50% or Eurodollar plus 1.75%.  The Secured Facility requires the Company to maintain certain debt service coverage ratios during its term.  The Company pays an annual fee of 0.25% on the unused portion of the Secured Facility.  The Secured Facility is available to fund acquisitions, capital expenditures, mortgage repayments, working capital and other general corporate purposes.

In February 2008 outstanding borrowings on the Secured Facility of $23.2 million were satisfied by transfer to the Unsecured Facility.  In March 2008, outstanding borrowings under the Unsecured Facility in the amount of $25.2 million were repaid from a portion of the proceeds of the Company’s sale of Series E Preferred Stock.

At July 31, 2008 the Company has approximately $72.1 million available to be drawn down under its two revolving credit facilities.

The Company has various standing or renewable service contracts with vendors related to its property management. In addition, the Company also has certain other utility contracts entered into in the ordinary course of business which may extend beyond one year, which vary based on usage.  These contracts include terms that provide for cancellation with insignificant or no cancellation penalties.  Contract terms are generally one year or less.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

During the nine month periods ended July 31, 2008 and 2007, the Company did not have any material off-balance sheet arrangements.

Capital Expenditures

The Company invests in its existing properties and regularly incurs capital expenditures in the ordinary course of business to maintain its properties. The Company believes that such expenditures enhance the competitiveness of its properties. In the nine months ended July 31, 2008, the Company paid approximately $8.4 million for property improvements, tenant improvement and leasing commission costs. The amounts of these expenditures can vary significantly depending on tenant negotiations, market conditions and rental rates.  The Company expects to incur approximately $845,000 for anticipated capital improvements and leasing costs during the balance of fiscal 2008. These expenditures are expected to be funded from operating cash flows or bank borrowings.

 
16

 

Acquisitions and Significant Property Transactions

The Company seeks to acquire properties which are primarily shopping centers located in the northeastern part of the United States with a concentration in Fairfield County, Connecticut, Westchester and Putnam Counties, New York and Bergen County, New Jersey.

In December 2007, the Company acquired a 20,000 square foot retail property located in Waldwick, New Jersey for $6.3 million including closing costs.  The purchase was financed from available cash and borrowings under the Secured Facility.

In February 2008, the Company acquired two retail properties, containing approximately 5,500 square feet of GLA in Westchester County, New York for $2.3 million.  The acquisitions were funded from available cash and borrowings from the Secured Facility.

In April 2008, the Company, through an affiliate, which is the sole general partner, acquired a 60% equity interest in UB Ironbound, LP (“Ironbound”), a newly formed limited partnership that acquired by contribution a 101,000 square foot shopping center in Newark, New Jersey, for a total purchase price of $26.3 million, including transaction costs of approximately $297,000 and the assumption of an existing first mortgage loan on the property at an estimated fair value of $11.9 million at a fixed interest rate of 6.15%.  The Company’s net investment in Ironbound amounted to $8.6 million and was funded from the proceeds generated from the Company’s sale of Series E Preferred Stock in the second quarter of fiscal 2008.

In May 2008, the Company paid a $750,000 deposit on a contract to purchase a yet to be determined equity interest in a joint venture which owns a 237,000 square foot shopping center in Westchester County, New York.  The Company plans on funding the purchase with available cash or borrowings under its lines of credit.

In May 2008, the Company entered into a contract to purchase a 78,000 square foot shopping center in Litchfield County, CT for a purchase price of $10.4 million, subject to the assumption of a first mortgage payable on the property, in the amount of $3.6 million. In connection with the contract the Company paid a deposit in the amount of $500,000.  The Company completed the purchase of this property in August 2008.  The balance of the purchase price in the amount of approximately $6.8 million was funded with available cash remaining from the Company’s successful preferred stock offering in March 2008.

Non-Core Properties
In a prior year, the Company's Board of Directors expanded and refined the strategic objectives of the Company to refocus its real estate portfolio into one of self-managed retail properties located in the northeast and authorized the sale of the Company’s non-core properties in the normal course of business over a period of several years.  The Company’s current non-core properties consist of two distribution service facilities (both of which are located outside of the northeast region of the United States).

The Company intends to sell these two remaining non-core properties as opportunities become available.  The Company’s ability to generate cash from asset sales is dependent upon market conditions and will be limited if market conditions make such sales unattractive.  At July 31, 2008, the two remaining non-core properties have a net book value of approximately $656,000.

Funds from Operations
The Company considers Funds from Operations (“FFO”) to be an additional measure of an equity REIT’s operating performance.  The Company reports FFO in addition to its net income applicable to common stockholders and net cash provided by operating activities.  Management has adopted the definition suggested by The National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts (“NAREIT”) and defines FFO to mean net income (computed in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”)) excluding gains or losses from sales of property, plus real estate related depreciation and amortization and after adjustments for unconsolidated joint ventures.

Management considers FFO a meaningful, additional measure of operating performance because it primarily excludes the assumption that the value of its real estate assets diminishes predictably over time and industry analysts have accepted it as a performance measure.  FFO is presented to assist investors in analyzing the performance of the Company.  It is helpful as it excludes various items included in net income that are not indicative of the Company’s operating performance, such as gains (or losses) from sales of property and deprecation and amortization.

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 the Company’s performance.


 
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FFO as defined by us may not be comparable to similarly titled items reported by other real estate investment trusts due to possible differences in the application of the NAREIT definition used by such REITs.  The table below provides a reconciliation of net income applicable to Common and Class A Common Stockholders in accordance with GAAP to FFO for each of the nine months and three months ended July 31, 2008 and 2007 (amounts in thousands).

   
Nine Months Ended
   
Three Months Ended
 
   
July 31,
   
July 31,
 
   
2008
   
2007
   
2008
   
2007
 
                         
Net Income Applicable to Common and Class A Common Stockholders
  $ 12,925     $ 30,806     $ 4,318     $ 4,183  
                                 
Plus:  Real property depreciation
    8,222       7,548       2,858       2,365  
Amortization of tenant improvements and allowances
    2,008       2,018       682       870  
Amortization of deferred leasing costs
    395       416       106       123  
Less:  Gain on sale of property
    -       (11,385 )       -       -  
                                 
Funds from Operations Applicable to Common and Class A Common Stockholders
  $ 23,550     $ 29,403     $ 7,964     $ 7,541  
                                 
Net Cash Provided by (Used in):
                               
Operating Activities
  $ 33,862     $ 37,055     $ 12,762     $ 10,322  
Investing Activities
  $ (26,614 )   $ (12,028 )   $ (2,960 )   $ (1,733 )
Financing Activities
  $ (2,697 )   $ (24,703 )   $ (12,249 )   $ (10,738 )

FFO amounted to $23.6 million in the first nine months of 2008 compared to $29.4 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2007.  The net decrease in FFO in fiscal 2008 is attributable, among other things, to: a) the one time receipt of a settlement of a lease guarantee obligation in the second quarter of fiscal 2007 in the amount of $6 million, b) an increase in general and administrative expenses, c) an increase in preferred stock dividends in the second and third quarters of fiscal 2008 as a result of the Company’s recent $60 million preferred stock sale, d) the one time expense of offering costs, which were deferred by the Company, on the redemption of the Company’s Series B Preferred Stock in the second quarter of fiscal 2008 and e) a decrease in other income; offset by f) an increase in operating income as a result of property acquisitions in fiscal 2007 and the first nine months of fiscal 2008 and g) a decrease in interest expense principally from the mortgage refinancing of one of the Company’s properties at a lower interest rate in October 2007.  See more detailed explanations which follow.

Results of Operations

The following information summarizes the Company’s results of operations for the nine month and three month periods ended July 31, 2008 and 2007 (amounts in thousands):

   
Nine Months Ended
             
   
July 31,
         
Change Attributable to:
 
Revenues
 
2008
   
2007
   
Increase
(Decrease)
   
%
 Change
   
Property Acquisitions
   
Properties Held
In Both Periods
 
Base rents
  $ 45,527     $ 42,933     $ 2,594       6.0     $ 1,576     $ 1,018  
Recoveries from tenants
    14,173       13,393       780       5.8       450       330  
Mortgage interest and other
    472       750       (278 )     (37.1 )     -       (278 )
                                                 
Operating Expenses
                                               
Property operating expenses
    9,330       9,195       135       1.5       380       (245 )
Property taxes
    8,707       8,130       577       7.1       293       284  
Depreciation and amortization
    10,684       10,001       683       6.8       444       239  
General and administrative expenses
    4,375       3,843       532       13.8       n/a       n/a  
                                                 
Other Income/Expenses
                                               
Interest expense
    5,162       5,910       (748 )     (12.7 )     209       (957 )
Interest, dividends and other investment income
    276       397       (121 )     (30.5 )     n/a       n/a  
                                                 

 
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Three Months Ended
             
   
July 31,
         
Change Attributable to:
 
Revenues
 
2008
   
2007
   
Increase
(Decrease)
   
%
Change
   
Property
Acquisitions
   
Properties Held In Both Periods
 
Base rents
  $ 15,589     $ 14,468     $ 1,121       7.7     $ 663     $ 458  
Recoveries from tenants
    4,481       4,471       10       0.2       70       (60 )
Mortgage interest and other
    165       107       58       54.2       -       58  
                                                 
Operating Expenses
                                               
Property operating
    2,779       3,106       (327 )     (10.5 )     158       (485 )
Property taxes
    3,035       2,790       245       8.8       122       123  
Depreciation and amortization
    3,668       3,370       298       8.8       183       115  
General and administrative
    1,491       1,365       126       9.2       n/a       n/a  
                                                 
Non-Operating Income/Expense
                                               
Interest expense
    1,695       1,949       (254 )     (13.0 )     183       (437 )
Interest, dividends, and other investment income
    87       164       (77 )     (47.0 )     n/a       n/a  

Revenues
Base rents increased by 6.0% to $45.5 million for the first nine months of fiscal 2008 as compared with $42.9 million in the comparable period of 2007.  Base rents increased by 7.7% to $15.6 million for the three month period ended July 31, 2008 as compared with $14.5 million in the comparable period of 2007.  The increase in base rentals during each period was attributable to:

Property Acquisitions:

In the first nine months of fiscal 2008 the Company purchased or acquired interests in four properties totaling 126,500 square feet of GLA (compared to two retail properties totaling 104,000 square feet acquired in fiscal 2007).  These properties accounted for all of the revenue and expense changes attributable to property acquisitions during the nine month and three month periods ended July 31, 2008.

Properties Held in Both Periods:

The increase in base rents for properties held in both periods during the nine month and three month periods ended July 31, 2008 compared to the same periods in fiscal 2007 reflects an increase in rental rates for in place leases and new leases entered into over the periods offset by an increase in vacancies occurring during fiscal 2007 and the first three quarters of 2008 at several of the Company’s core properties.  For the first nine months of fiscal 2008, the Company leased or renewed approximately 265,000 square feet (or approximately 6.9% of total property leasable area).  At July 31, 2008 the Company’s core properties were approximately 94.53% leased.  Overall core property occupancy decreased to 92.62% at July 31, 2008 from 94.8% at July 31, 2007.

In the nine months and three months period ended July 31, 2008, recoveries from tenants for properties owned in both periods (which represents reimbursements from tenants for operating expenses and property taxes) increased by $330,000 for the nine months ended July 31, 2008 and decreased $60,000 for the three months ended July 31, 2008, when compared to the same periods in fiscal 2007.  The net increase in the nine month period ended July 31, 2008 was a result of an increase in property tax expense recoverable from tenants for the period when compared to the corresponding period of the prior year offset slightly by an overall savings in property operating expenses specifically related to utilities and repairs and maintenance.  The net decrease for the three month period ended July 31, 2008 was a result of a decrease in the aforementioned operating expenses offset by a slight increase in real estate tax expense recoverable from tenants.

During the quarter ended January 31, 2007, the Company entered into a lease with a wholesale club to rent approximately 107,000 sf of space at The Dock Shopping Center, in Stratford, CT, subject to certain conditions.  In connection with the new lease, the Company agreed to provide up to $6.75 million toward the costs of redeveloping the space that previously had been occupied by a tenant who, in a prior year, filed a petition in bankruptcy and vacated the space.  The former tenant’s lease obligations were guaranteed through fiscal 2016 by a corporate guarantor previously affiliated with the former tenant.  In February 2007, the Company executed a settlement agreement whereby the guarantor was released from its lease guaranty obligation upon satisfaction of certain conditions and in exchange for a payment of $6 million.  In April 2007, the conditions were satisfied and payment was received.  Accordingly, the Company recorded the settlement of lease guaranty obligation in the amount of $6 million in the accompanying consolidated statement of income in the second quarter of fiscal 2007.

Other income decreased in the nine month and three month periods ended July 31, 2008 when compared to the same period in fiscal 2007 as a result of the Company receiving an easement fee from a utility company in the second quarter of fiscal 2007 in the amount of $352,000.


 
19

 

Interest, dividends and other investment income decreased by $121,000 in the nine month period ended July 31, 2008 compared to the same period in 2007.  This decrease is a result of the use of available cash in 2008 primarily for property acquisitions as well as the repurchase of Class A Common Stock under the Company’s Stock Repurchase Plan.

Expenses

Property operating expenses for properties held in both periods decreased $245,000 and $485,000 in the nine month and three month periods ended July 31, 2008, compared to the same periods in the prior year primarily as a result of decreased utilities and repairs and maintenance  costs.

Property taxes for properties held in both periods increased during the nine month and three month periods ended July 31, 2008 compared to the same periods a year ago as a result of increased assessments and municipal tax rates on certain of the Company’s properties.

Interest expense decreased $748,000 and $254,000 in the nine month and three month periods ended July 31, 2008, respectively, compared to the same periods in fiscal 2007 as a result of scheduled principal payments on mortgage notes, the refinancing of an approximately $53 million mortgage at the Company’s Ridgeway property at a lower rate of interest in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2007 and the repayments of mortgage notes of $1,579,000 during 2007.

Depreciation and amortization expense from properties held in both periods increased during the nine month and three month period ended July 31, 2008 compared to the same periods a year ago as a result of depreciation on the $3.9 million in property improvements in fiscal 2007 and $8.4 million in property and tenant improvements in the first three quarters of fiscal 2008.

General and administrative expenses increased by $532,000 and $126,000 for nine month and three month period ended July 31, 2008, respectively, compared to the same periods in fiscal 2007 primarily due to an increase in employee compensation costs,  professional fees of $134,000 and employment placement fees of $36,000 for the nine month period ended July 31, 2008.

Discontinued Operations
During the second quarter of fiscal 2007 the Company sold its non core retail property in Tempe, Arizona.  In accordance with SFAS No. 144 “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-lived Assets” the results of operations of the property that was sold has been reclassified as discontinued operations for the nine month period ended July 31, 2007.

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.

Environmental Matters
Based upon management’s ongoing review of its properties, management is not aware of any environmental condition with respect to any of the Company’s properties that would be reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company. There can be no assurance, however, that (a) the discovery of environmental conditions, which were previously unknown, (b) changes in law, (c) the conduct of tenants or (d) activities relating to properties in the vicinity of the Company’s properties, will not expose the Company to material liability in the future. Changes in laws increasing the potential liability for environmental conditions existing on properties or increasing the restrictions on discharges or other conditions may result in significant unanticipated expenditures or may otherwise adversely affect the operations of the Company’s tenants, which would adversely affect the Company’s financial condition and results of operations.


 
20

 

Item 3.                                Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

Market risk is the exposure to loss resulting from changes in interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates, commodity prices and equity prices.  The primary market risk to which the Company is exposed is interest rate risk, which is sensitive to many factors, including governmental monetary and tax policies, domestic and international economic and political considerations and other factors that are beyond the Company’s control.

Interest Rate Risk

The Company is exposed to interest rate risk primarily through its borrowing activities.  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 July 31, 2008, the Company had $7.9 million in outstanding variable rate debt.  The Company does not enter into any derivative financial instrument transactions for speculative or trading purposes.  The Company believes that its weighted average interest rate of 6.1% on its fixed rate debt is not materially different from current fair market interest rates for debt instruments with similar risks and maturities.

Item 4.                                Controls and Procedures

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
The Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) as of the end of the period covered by this report.  Based on such evaluation, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of the end of such period, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective.

Changes in Internal Controls
During the quarter ended July 31, 2008, there were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.



 
21

 



PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.                   Legal Proceedings

The Company is not involved in any litigation, nor to its knowledge is any litigation threatened against the Company or its subsidiaries, that in management’s opinion, would result in a material adverse effect on the Company’s ownership, management or operation of its properties, or which is not covered by the Company’s liability insurance.

Item 2.                   Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

In October 2005, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a share repurchase program (“Program”) of up to 500,000 shares, in the aggregate, of the Company’s Common and Class A Common Stock.  The Program does not have a specific expiration date and may be discontinued at any time.  On March 6, 2008, the Board of Directors approved an increase in the Program of up to an additional 500,000 shares in the aggregate, of the Company’s Common and Class A Common stock.

The following table sets forth Class A Common shares repurchased by the Company during the three months ended July 31, 2008 (the Company did not repurchase any Common shares during the three months ended July 31, 2008):


Month
 
Total Number
of Shares
Purchased
   
Average Price
Per Share
   
Total Number
Shares Purchased as
Part of Publicly
Announced
Plan or
Program
   
Maximum
Number of
Shares That
May be
Purchased
Under the Plan
or Program
 
 May 2008
    -     $ -       -       -  
June 2008
    15,000     $ 14.98       15,000       585,400  
July 2008
    162,700     $ 14.85       162,700       422,700  

There is no assurance that the Company will repurchase the full amount of shares authorized.  Any combination of Common or Class A Common may be repurchased under the program.



 
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Item 6.             Exhibits


4.1
Rights Agreement, dated as of July 18, 2008, between Urstadt Biddle Properties Inc. and The Bank of New York, as Rights Agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the Registrant’s current Report on Form 8-K dated July 24, 2008 (SEC File No. 001-12803)).
   
10.1
Severance Agreement dated June 5, 2008 between Urstadt Biddle Properties Inc. and Raymond P. Argila (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 of the Registrant’s current Report on Form 8-K dated September 5, 2008 (SEC File No.  001-12803)).
   
31.1
Certification of the Chief Executive Officer of Urstadt Biddle Properties Inc. pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
   
31.2
Certification of the Chief Financial Officer of Urstadt Biddle Properties Inc. pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
   
32
Certification of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of Urstadt Biddle Properties Inc. pursuant to Section 906 of Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.




S I G N A T U R E S



Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 
URSTADT BIDDLE PROPERTIES INC.
 
 (Registrant)
   
 
By: /s/ Charles J. Urstadt
 
Charles J. Urstadt
 
Chairman and
 
Chief Executive Officer
   
 
By : /s/ John T. Hayes
 
John T. Hayes
 
Senior Vice President &
 
Chief Financial Officer
 
(Principal Financial Officer
Dated: September 9, 2008
and Principal Accounting Officer)

 
23

 




EXHIBIT INDEX


Exhibit No.

4.1
Rights Agreement, dated as of July 18, 2008, between Urstadt Biddle Properties Inc. and The Bank of New York, as Rights Agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the Registrant’s current Report on Form 8-K dated July 24, 2008 (SEC File No. 001-12803)).
   
10.1
Severance Agreement dated June 5, 2008 between Urstadt Biddle Properties Inc. and Raymond P. Argila (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 of the Registrant’s current Report on Form 8-K dated September 5, 2008 (SEC File No.  001-12803)).
   
31.1
Certification of the Chief Executive Officer of Urstadt Biddle Properties Inc. pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
   
31.2
Certification of the Chief Financial Officer of Urstadt Biddle Properties Inc. pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
   
32
Certification of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of Urstadt Biddle Properties Inc. pursuant to Section 906 of Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002