form10k2008.htm


 
 
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

x ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2008
 
o TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the transition period from _____ to _____

Commission File No. 1-12803

URSTADT BIDDLE PROPERTIES INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified 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

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 
Name of each exchange
Title of each class
on which registered
   
Common Stock, par value $.01 per share
New York Stock Exchange
   
Class A Common Stock, par value $.01 per share
New York Stock Exchange
   
8.50 % Series C Senior Cumulative Preferred Stock
New York Stock Exchange
   
7.5 % Series D Senior Cumulative Preferred Stock
New York Stock Exchange
   
Preferred Share Purchase Rights
New York Stock Exchange



 
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Securities registered pursuant to Section 12 (g) of the Act:  None
 
Indicate by check mark if the Registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.
Yes o
No x
 
Indicate by check mark if the Registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Act.
Yes o
No x
 
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 if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of the Registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.  x
 
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 definition 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 Act).
Yes  o
No x
 
The aggregate market value of the voting common stock held by non-affiliates of the Registrant as of April 30, 2008 (price at which the common equity was last sold as of the last business day of the Registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter): Common Shares, par value $.01 per share $53,902,000; Class A Common Shares, par value $.01 per share $295,850,000.
 
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the Registrant's classes of Common Stock and Class A Common Stock, as of January 5, 2009 (latest date practicable): 8,161,020 Common Shares, par value $.01 per share, and 18,245,418 Class A Common Shares, par value $.01 per share.


DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Proxy Statement for Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on March 5, 2009 (certain parts as indicated herein) (Part III).


 
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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Item No.
Page No.
 
PART I
 
     
1.
Business
4
     
1 A.
Risk Factors
9
     
1 B.
Unresolved Staff Comments
14
     
2.
Properties
14
     
3.
Legal Proceedings
15
     
4.
Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
15 
     
 
PART II
 
     
5.
Market for the Registrant's Common Equity, Related
 Shareholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
16 
 
     
6.
Selected Financial Data
18 
     
7.
Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations
19 
 
     
7 A.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
29 
     
8.
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
29 
     
9.
Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants
 on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
29 
 
     
9 A.
Controls and Procedures
29 
     
9 B.
Other Information
32 
     
 
PART III
 
     
10.
Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
32 
     
11.
Executive Compensation
32 
     
12.
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and
Management and Related Stockholder Matters
33 
     
13.
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions and Director Independence
33 
     
14.
Principal Accountant Fees and Services
33 
     
 
PART IV
 
     
15.
Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
34 
     
 
Signatures
59 



 
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PART I
Forward-Looking Statements

This Annual Report on Form 10-K of Urstadt Biddle Properties Inc. (the “Company”) contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.  Such statements can generally be identified by such words as “anticipate”, “believe”, “can”, “continue”, “could”, “estimate”, “expect”, “intend”, “may”, “plan”, “seek”, “should”, “will” or variations of such words or other similar expressions and the negatives of such words.  All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in this report 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 inherently subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which cannot be predicted with accuracy and some of which might not even be anticipated.  Future events and actual results, performance or achievements, financial and otherwise, may differ materially from the results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements.  Risks, uncertainties and other factors that might cause such differences, some of which could be material, include, but are not limited to; economic and other market conditions; financing risks, such as the inability to obtain debt or equity financing on favorable terms; the level and volatility of interest rates; financial stability of tenants; the inability of the Company’s properties to generate revenue increases to offset expense increases; governmental approvals, actions and initiatives; environmental/safety requirements; risks of real estate acquisitions (including the failure of acquisitions to close); risks of disposition strategies; as well as other risks identified in this Annual Report on Form 10-K under Item 1A. Risk Factors and in the other reports filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”).

Item 1.                      Business.

Organization

The Company, a Maryland Corporation, is a real estate investment trust engaged in the acquisition, ownership and management of commercial real estate. The Company was organized as an unincorporated business trust (the “Trust”) under the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts on July 7, 1969. In 1997, the shareholders of the Trust approved a plan of reorganization of the Trust from a Massachusetts business trust to a corporation organized in Maryland.  The plan of reorganization was effected by means of a merger of the Trust into the Company.  As a result of the plan of reorganization, the Trust was merged with and into the Company, the separate existence of the Trust ceased, the Company was the surviving entity in the merger and each issued and outstanding common share of beneficial interest of the Trust was converted into one share of Common Stock, par value $.01 per share, of the Company.

Tax Status – Qualification as a Real Estate Investment Trust

The Company elected to be taxed as a real estate investment trust (“REIT”) under Sections 856-860 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code") beginning with its taxable year ended October 31, 1970.  Pursuant to such provisions of the Code, a REIT which distributes at least 90% of its real estate investment trust taxable income to its shareholders each year and which meets certain other conditions regarding the nature of its income and assets will not be taxed on that portion of its taxable income which is distributed to its shareholders.  Although the Company believes that it qualifies as a real estate investment trust for federal income tax purposes, no assurance can be given that the Company will continue to qualify as a REIT.

Description of Business

The Company's sole business is the ownership of real estate investments, which consist principally of investments in income-producing properties, with primary emphasis on properties 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.  The Company's core properties consist principally of neighborhood and community shopping centers and five office buildings.  The remaining properties consist of two industrial properties.  The Company seeks to identify desirable properties for acquisition, which it acquires in the normal course of business.  In addition, the Company regularly reviews its portfolio and from time to time may sell certain of its properties.

The Company intends to continue to invest substantially all of its assets in income-producing real estate, with an emphasis on neighborhood and community shopping centers, although the Company will retain the flexibility to invest in other types of real property.  While the Company is not limited to any geographic location, the Company's current strategy is to invest primarily in properties located in the northeastern region of the United States with a concentration in Fairfield County, Connecticut, Westchester and Putnam Counties, New York, and Bergen County, New Jersey.


 
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At October 31, 2008, the Company owned or had an equity interest in forty-four properties comprised of neighborhood and community shopping centers, office buildings and industrial facilities located in seven states throughout the United States, containing a total of 3.9 million square feet of gross leasable area (“GLA”). For a description of the Company's individual investments, see Item 2-Properties.

Investment and Operating Strategy

The Company's investment objective is to increase the cash flow and consequently the value of its properties.  The Company seeks growth through (i) the strategic re-tenanting, renovation and expansion of its existing properties, and (ii) the selective acquisition of income-producing properties, primarily neighborhood and community shopping centers, in its targeted geographic region.  The Company may also invest in other types of real estate in the targeted geographic region. For a discussion of key elements of the Company’s growth strategies and operating policies, see Item 7 – Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

The Company invests in properties where cost effective renovation and expansion programs, combined with effective leasing and operating strategies, can improve the properties’ values and economic returns.  Retail properties are typically adaptable for varied tenant layouts and can be reconfigured to accommodate new tenants or the changing space needs of existing tenants.  In determining whether to proceed with a renovation or expansion, the Company considers both the cost of such expansion or renovation and the increase in rent attributable to such expansion or renovation.  The Company believes that certain of its properties provide opportunities for future renovation and expansion.

When evaluating potential acquisitions, the Company considers such factors as (i) economic, demographic, and regulatory conditions in the property’s local and regional market; (ii) the location, construction quality, and design of the property; (iii) the current and projected cash flow of the property and the potential to increase cash flow; (iv) the potential for capital appreciation of the property; (v) the terms of tenant leases, including the relationship between the property’s current rents and market rents and the ability to increase rents upon lease rollover; (vi) the occupancy and demand by tenants for properties of a similar type in the market area; (vii) the potential to complete a strategic renovation, expansion or re-tenanting of the property; (viii) the property’s current expense structure and the potential to increase operating margins; and (ix) competition from comparable properties in the market area.

The Company may from time to time enter into arrangements for the acquisition of properties with unaffiliated property owners through the issuance of units of limited partnership interests in entities that the Company controls.  These units may be redeemable for cash or for shares of the Company’s Common stock or Class A Common stock.  The Company believes that this acquisition method may permit it to acquire properties from property owners wishing to enter into tax-deferred transactions. 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 (“Ferry Plaza”), 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.

Core Properties

The Company considers those properties that are directly managed by the Company, concentrated in the retail sector and located close to the Company's headquarters in Fairfield County, Connecticut, to be core properties.  Of the forty-four properties in the Company's portfolio, forty-two properties are considered core properties, consisting of thirty-seven retail properties and five office buildings (including the Company's executive headquarters).  At October 31, 2008, these properties contained in the aggregate 3.5 million square feet of GLA. The Company's core properties collectively had 505 tenants providing a wide range of products and services.  Tenants include regional supermarkets, national and regional discount department stores, other local retailers and office tenants.  At October 31, 2008, the core properties were 94% leased.  The Company believes the core properties are adequately covered by property and liability insurance.

A substantial portion of the Company's operating lease income is derived from tenants under leases with terms greater than one year.  Certain of the leases provide for the payment of fixed base rentals monthly in advance and for the payment by the tenant of a pro-rata share of the real estate taxes, insurance, utilities and common area maintenance expenses incurred in operating the properties.


 
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For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2008, no single tenant comprised more than 6.0% of the total annual base rents of the Company’s core properties. The following table sets out a schedule of our ten largest tenants by percent of total annual base rent of our core properties as of October 31, 2008.

 
 
Tenant
Number
of
Stores
% of Total
Annual Base Rent of
Core Properties
     
Stop & Shop Supermarket
3
6.0%
A&P Supermarkets
3
2.7%
TJX Companies
3
2.6%
Bed Bath & Beyond
2
2.6%
ShopRite
3
2.4%
Staples
3
2.3%
Toys R Us
2
2.1%
Big Y
2
2.0%
BJ’s
2
1.9%
Shaws
1
1.7%
   
26.3%

See Item 2 Properties for a complete list of the Company’s core properties.

The Company’s single largest real estate investment is its 90% general partnership interest in the Ridgeway Shopping Center (“Ridgeway”).  Ridgeway is located in Stamford, Connecticut and was developed in the 1950’s and redeveloped in the mid 1990’s. The property contains approximately 369,000 square feet of gross leasable space.  It is the dominant grocery anchored center and the largest non-mall shopping center located in the City of Stamford, Fairfield County, Connecticut. For the year ended October 31, 2008, Ridgeway revenues represented approximately 15% of the Company’s total revenues and approximately 17% of the Company’s total assets at October 31, 2008. As of October 31, 2008, Ridgeway was approximately 99% leased. The property’s largest tenants (by base rent) are: The Stop & Shop Supermarket Company (19%), Bed, Bath and Beyond (15%) and Marshall’s Inc., a division of the TJX Companies (10%).  No other tenant accounts for more than 10% of Ridgeway’s annual base rents.

The following table sets out a schedule of the annual lease expirations for retail leases at Ridgeway as of October 31, 2008 for each of the next ten years and thereafter (assuming that no tenants exercise renewal or cancellation options and that there are no tenant bankruptcies or other tenant defaults):

Year of
Expiration
 
Number of
Leases Expiring
   
Square Footage
   
Minimum
Base Rentals
   
Base Rent (%)
 
2009
    3       9,446     $ 199,000       2.2 %
2010
    3       36,415       654,000       6.8 %
2011
    2       4,440       153,000       1.6 %
2012
    4       21,567       760,000       7.9 %
2013
    12       98,392       3,149,000       32.7 %
2014
    3       5,758       200,000       2.1 %
2015
    3       7,635       253,000       2.6 %
2016
    -       -       -       -  
2017
    1       60,000       1,853,000       19.2 %
2018
    2       36,603       1,159,000       12.0 %
Thereafter
    3       65,014       1,253,000       12.9 %
                                 
Total
    36       345,270     $ 9,633,000       100.0 %

Non-Core Properties

In a prior year, the Board of Directors of the Company expanded and refined the strategic objectives of the Company to concentrate the real estate portfolio into one of primarily 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 years given prevailing market conditions and the characteristics of each property.

Through this strategy, the Company seeks to update its property portfolio by disposing of properties which have limited growth potential and redeploying capital into properties in its target geographic region and product type where the Company’s management skills may enhance property values.  The Company may engage from time to time in like-kind property exchanges, which allow the Company to dispose of properties and redeploy proceeds in a tax efficient manner.

At October 31, 2008, the Company's non-core properties consisted of two industrial facilities with a total of 447,000 square feet of GLA.  The non-core properties collectively had 2 tenants and were 100% leased at October 31, 2008.

 
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The two industrial facilities consist of automobile and truck parts distribution warehouses.  The facilities are net leased to Daimler Chrysler Corporation under a lease arrangement whereby the tenant pays all taxes, insurance, maintenance and other operating costs of the property during the term of the lease.  The automobile industry in the United States is currently in distress and although we believe that these two facilities are integral to the operations of DaimlerChrysler and the tenant will continue to service their lease until expiration, we can not be sure.  For the fiscal years ended October 31, 2008, 2007, and 2006 revenues billed and collected under the above leases amounted to approximately $1,776,000, $1,702,000, and $1,664,000, respectively.

At October 31, 2008, the Company also held one fixed rate first mortgage note receivable, secured by a shopping center with a net book value of $1,241,000.

Financing Strategy

The Company intends to continue to finance acquisitions and property improvements and/or expansions with the most advantageous sources of capital which it believes are available to the Company at the time, and which may include the sale of common or preferred equity through public offerings or private placements, the incurrence of additional indebtedness through secured or unsecured borrowings, investments in real estate joint ventures and the reinvestment of proceeds from the disposition of assets.  The Company’s financing strategy is to maintain a strong and flexible financial position by (i) maintaining a prudent level of leverage, and (ii) minimizing its exposure to interest rate risk represented by floating rate debt.

Matters Relating to the Real Estate Business

The Company is subject to certain business risks arising in connection with owning real estate which include, among others, (1) the bankruptcy or insolvency of, or a downturn in the business of, any of its major tenants, (2) the possibility that such tenants will not renew their leases as they expire, (3) vacated anchor space affecting an entire shopping center because of the loss of the departed anchor tenant's customer drawing power, (4) risks relating to leverage, including uncertainty that the Company will be able to refinance its indebtedness, and the risk of higher interest rates, (5) potential liability for unknown or future environmental matters, and (6) the risk of uninsured losses. Unfavorable economic conditions could also result in the inability of tenants in certain retail sectors to meet their lease obligations and otherwise could adversely affect the Company's ability to attract and retain desirable tenants.  The Company believes that its shopping centers are relatively well positioned to withstand adverse economic conditions since they typically are anchored by grocery stores, drug stores and discount department stores that offer day-to-day necessities rather than luxury goods. For a discussion of various business risks, see Item 1A. Risk Factors.

Compliance with Governmental Regulations

The Company, like others in the commercial real estate industry, is subject to numerous environmental laws and regulations.  Although potential liability could exist for unknown or future environmental matters, the Company believes that its tenants are operating in accordance with current laws and regulations.

Competition

The real estate investment business is highly competitive.  The Company competes for real estate investments with investors of all types, including domestic and foreign corporations, financial institutions, other real estate investment trusts, real estate funds, individuals and privately owned companies.  In addition, the Company's properties are subject to local competitors from the surrounding areas.  The Company does not consider its real estate business to be seasonal in nature. The Company's shopping centers compete for tenants with other regional, community or neighborhood shopping centers in the respective areas where Company’s retail properties are located.  The Company's office buildings compete for tenants principally with office buildings throughout the respective areas in which they are located.  Leasing space to prospective tenants is generally determined on the basis of, among other things, rental rates, location, and physical quality of the property and availability of space.

Since the Company's industrial properties are net leased under long-term lease arrangements that are not due to expire in the next twelve months, the Company does not currently face any immediate competitive re-leasing pressures with respect to such properties.

Property Management

The Company actively manages and supervises the operations and leasing at all of its core properties.  The Company's remaining non-core industrial properties are net leased to tenants under long-term lease arrangements, whereby the tenant is obligated to manage the property.

Employees

The Company's executive offices are located at 321 Railroad Avenue, Greenwich, Connecticut.  It occupies approximately 8,000 square feet in a two-story office building owned by the Company. The Company has 33 employees and believes that its relationship with its employees is good.


 
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Company Website

All of the Company’s filings with the SEC, including the Company’s annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, are available free of charge at the Company’s website at www.ubproperties.com as soon as reasonably practicable after the Company electronically files such material with, or furnishes it to, the SEC.  These filings can also be accessed through the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. Alternatively, the Company will provide paper copies of its filings (excluding exhibits) free of charge upon request to its shareholders or to anyone who requests them.

Code of Ethics and Whistleblower Policy

The Company’s Board of Directors has adopted a Code of Ethics for Senior Financial Officers that applies to the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Controller.  The Board also adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics applicable to all employees as well as a “Whistleblower Policy”.  The Company will make paper copies of these documents available free of charge upon request to the Corporate Secretary of the Company.

Financial Information About Industry Segments

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.


 
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Item 1A.     Risk Factors

Risks related to our operations and properties

There are risks relating to investments in real estate and the value of our property interests depends on conditions beyond our control.  Real property investments are illiquid and we may be unable to change our property portfolio on a timely basis in response to changing market or economic conditions.  Yields from our properties depend on their net income and capital appreciation.  Real property income and capital appreciation may be adversely affected by general and local economic conditions, neighborhood values, competitive overbuilding, zoning laws, weather, casualty losses and other factors beyond our control.  Since substantially all of the Company’s income is rental income from real property, the Company’s income and cash flow could be adversely affected if a large tenant is, or a significant number of tenants are, unable to pay rent or if available space cannot be rented on favorable terms.

Operating and other expenses of our properties, particularly significant expenses such as interest, real estate taxes and maintenance costs, generally do not decrease when income decreases and, even if revenues increase, operating and other expenses may increase faster than revenues.

Our business strategy is mainly concentrated in one type of commercial property and in one geographic location. Our primary investment focus is neighborhood and community shopping centers located in the northeastern United States, with a concentration in Fairfield County, Connecticut, Westchester and Putnam Counties, New York and Bergen County, New Jersey.  For the year ended October 31, 2008, approximately 84% of our total revenues were from properties located in these four counties. Various factors may adversely affect a shopping center's profitability.  These factors include circumstances that affect consumer spending, such as general economic conditions, economic business cycles, rates of employment, income growth, interest rates and general consumer sentiment.  These factors could have a more significant localized effect in the areas where our core properties are concentrated.  Changes to the real estate market in our focus areas, such as an increase in retail space or a decrease in demand for shopping center properties, could adversely affect operating results.  As a result, we may be exposed to greater risks than if our investment focus was based on more diversified types of properties and in more diversified geographic areas.

The Company’s single largest real estate investment is its 90% interest in the Ridgeway Shopping Center (“Ridgeway”) located in Stamford, Connecticut.  For the year ended October 31, 2008, Ridgeway revenues represented approximately 15% of the Company’s total revenues and approximately 17% of the Company’s total assets at October 31, 2008.  The loss of this center or a material decrease in revenues from the center could have a material adverse effect on the Company.

We are dependent on anchor tenants in many of our retail properties. Most of our retail properties are dependent on a major or anchor tenant.  If we are unable to renew any lease we have with the anchor tenant at one of these properties upon expiration of the current lease, or to re-lease the space to another anchor tenant of similar or better quality upon departure of an existing anchor tenant on similar or better terms, we could experience material adverse consequences such as higher vacancy, re-leasing on less favorable economic terms, reduced net income, reduced funds from operations and reduced property values.  Vacated anchor space also could adversely affect an entire shopping center because of the loss of the departed anchor tenant's customer drawing power.  Loss of customer drawing power also can occur through the exercise of the right that some anchors have to vacate and prevent re-tenanting by paying rent for the balance of the lease term.  In addition, vacated anchor space could, under certain circumstances, permit other tenants to pay a reduced rent or terminate their leases at the affected property, which could adversely affect the future income from such property.  There can be no assurance that our anchor tenants will renew their leases when they expire or will be willing to renew on similar economic terms.  See Item 1 – Business – Core Properties in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information on our ten largest tenants by percent of total annual base rent of our core properties.

Similarly, if one or more of our anchor tenants goes bankrupt, we could experience material adverse consequences like those described above.  Under bankruptcy law, tenants have the right to reject their leases.  In the event a tenant exercises this right, the landlord generally may file a claim for lost rent equal to the greater of either one year's rent (including tenant expense reimbursements) or 15% of the rent remaining under the balance of the lease term, not to exceed three years.  Actual amounts received in satisfaction of those claims will be subject to the tenant's final plan of reorganization and the availability of funds to pay its creditors.

We face potential difficulties or delays in renewing leases or re-leasing space.  We derive most of our income from rent received from our tenants.  Although substantially all of our properties currently have favorable occupancy rates, we cannot predict that current tenants will renew their leases upon the expiration of their terms.  In addition, if current tenants might attempt to terminate their leases prior to the scheduled expiration of such leases or might have difficulty in continuing to pay rent in full, if at all, in the event of a severe economic downturn.  If this occurs, we may not be able to promptly locate qualified replacement tenants and, as a result, we would lose a source of revenue while remaining responsible for the payment of our obligations.  Even if tenants decide to renew their leases, the terms of renewals or new leases, including the cost of required renovations or concessions to tenants, may be less favorable than current lease terms.

In some cases, our tenant leases contain provisions giving the tenant the exclusive right to sell particular types of merchandise or provide specific types of services within the particular retail center, or limit the ability of other tenants within the center to sell that merchandise or provide those services.  When re-leasing space after a vacancy by one of these tenants, such provisions may limit the number and types of prospective tenants for vacant space.  The failure to re-lease space or to re-lease space on satisfactory terms could adversely affect our results from operations.  Additionally, properties we may acquire in the future may not be fully leased and the cash flow from existing operations may be insufficient to pay the operating expenses and debt service associated with that property until the property is fully leased. As a result, our net income, funds from operations and ability to pay dividends to stockholders could be adversely affected.

 
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Competition may adversely affect acquisition of properties and leasing operations. We compete for the purchase of commercial property with many entities, including other publicly traded REITs.  Many of our competitors have substantially greater financial resources than ours.  In addition, our competitors may be willing to accept lower returns on their investments.  If our competitors prevent us from buying the properties that we have targeted for acquisition, we may not be able to meet our property acquisition and development goals.  We may incur costs on unsuccessful acquisitions that we will not be able to recover.  The operating performance of our property acquisitions may also fall short of our expectations, which could adversely affect our financial performance.

If our competitors offer space at rental rates below our current rates or the market rates, we may lose current or potential tenants to other properties in our markets and we may need to reduce rental rates below our current rates in order to retain tenants upon expiration of their leases.  As a result, our results of operations and cash flow may be adversely affected.  In addition, our tenants face increasing competition from internet commerce, outlet malls, discount retailers, warehouse clubs and other sources which could hinder our ability to attract and retain tenants and/or cause us to reduce rents at our properties.

We face risks associated with the use of debt to fund acquisitions and developments, including refinancing risk.  We have incurred, and expect to continue to incur, indebtedness to advance our objectives. The only restrictions on the amount of indebtedness we may incur are certain contractual restrictions and financial covenants contained in our unsecured revolving credit agreement and certain financial ratios and covenants contained in the terms of our Series C and Series E preferred stock.   Using debt to acquire properties, whether with recourse to us generally or only with respect to a particular property, creates an opportunity for increased net income, but at the same time creates risks.  We use debt to fund investments only when we believe it will enhance our risk-adjusted returns.  However, we cannot be sure that our use of leverage will prove to be beneficial.  Moreover, when our debt is secured by our assets, we can lose those assets through foreclosure if we do not meet our debt service obligations.  Incurring substantial debt may adversely affect our business and operating results by:

·  
requiring us to use a substantial portion of our cash flow to pay interest, which reduces the amount available for distributions, acquisitions and capital expenditures;
·  
making us more vulnerable to economic and industry downturns and reducing our flexibility in response to changing business and economic conditions; or
·  
requiring us to agree to less favorable terms, including higher interest rates, in order to incur additional debt; and otherwise limiting our ability to borrow for operations, capital or to finance acquisitions in the future.

We are obligated to comply with financial and other covenants in our debt that could restrict our operating activities, and that failure to comply could result in defaults that accelerate the payment under our debt.  Our secured and unsecured revolving credit agreements contain financial and other covenants which may limit our ability, without our lenders’ consent, to engage in operating or financial activities that we may believe desirable.  Our mortgage notes payable and our secured revolving credit facility contain customary covenants for such agreements, including, among others, provisions:

·  
relating to the maintenance of the property securing the debt;
·  
restricting our ability to assign or further encumber the properties securing the debt; and
·  
restricting our ability to enter into certain new leases or to amend or modify certain existing leases without obtaining consent of the lenders.

Our unsecured revolving credit facility contains, among others, provisions restricting our ability to:

·  
incur additional unsecured debt;
·  
create certain liens;
·  
increase our overall secured and unsecured borrowing beyond certain levels;
·  
consolidate, merge or sell all or substantially all of our assets;
·  
permit secured debt at any fiscal quarter end to be more than 35% of gross asset value, as defined in the agreement; or
·  
permit the value of our unencumbered assets to be less than 50% of eligible real estate asset value as defined in the agreement.

In addition, the unsecured revolving credit facility’s covenants limit the amount of debt we may incur (i) as a percentage of gross asset value, as defined in the agreement, to less than 50% (leverage ratio) and (ii) so that fixed charge coverage will exceed 2.0 to 1 at the end of each fiscal quarter.

If we were to breach any of our debt covenants and did not cure the breach within any applicable cure period, our lenders could require us to repay the debt immediately, and, if the debt is secured, could immediately begin proceedings to take possession of the property securing the loan.  As a result, a default under our debt covenants could have an adverse effect on our financial condition, our results of operations, our ability to meet our obligations and the market value of our shares.

 
10

 

Our ability to grow will be limited if we cannot obtain additional capital.
Our growth strategy includes the redevelopment of properties we already own and the acquisition of additional properties.  Because we are required to distribute to our stockholders at least 90% of our taxable income each year to continue to qualify as a real estate investment trust, or REIT, for federal income tax purposes, in addition to our undistributed operating cash flow, we rely upon the availability of debt or equity capital to fund our growth, which financing may or may not be available on favorable terms or at all.  The debt could include mortgage loans form third parties or the sale of debt securities.  Equity capital could include our common stock or preferred stock.  Additional financing, refinancing or other capital may not be available in the amounts we desire or on favorable terms.
 
Our access to debt or equity capital depends on a number of factors, including the general state of the capital markets, the market’s perception of our growth potential, our ability to pay dividends, and our current and potential future earnings.  Depending on the outcome of these factors, we could experience delay or difficulty in implementing our growth strategy on satisfactory terms, or be unable to implement this strategy.

Market interest rates could adversely affect the share price of our stock and increase the cost of refinancing debt.  A variety of factors may influence the price of our common equities in the public trading markets.  We believe that investors generally perceive REITs as yield-driven investments and compare the annual yield from dividends by REITs with yields on various other types of financial instruments.  An increase in market interest rates may lead purchasers of stock to seek a higher annual dividend rate from other investments, which could adversely affect the market price of the shares.  In addition, we are subject to the risk that we will not be able to refinance existing indebtedness on our properties.  We anticipate that a portion of the principal of our debt will not be repaid prior to maturity.  Therefore, we likely will need to refinance at least a portion of our outstanding debt as it matures.  A change in interest rates may increase the risk that we will not be able to refinance existing debt or that the terms of any refinancing will not be as favorable as the terms of the existing debt.

If principal payments due at maturity cannot be refinanced, extended or repaid with proceeds from other sources, such as new equity capital or sales of properties, our cash flow will not be sufficient to repay all maturing debt in years when significant "balloon" payments come due.  As a result, our ability to retain properties or pay dividends to stockholders could be adversely affected and we may be forced to dispose of properties on unfavorable terms, which could adversely affect our business and net income.

Construction and renovation risks could adversely affect our profitability. We currently are renovating some of our properties and may in the future renovate other properties, including tenant improvements required under leases.  Our renovation and related construction activities may expose us to certain risks.  We may incur renovation costs for a property which exceed our original estimates due to increased costs for materials or labor or other costs that are unexpected.  We also may be unable to complete renovation of a property on schedule, which could result in increased debt service expense or construction costs.  Additionally, some tenants may have the right to terminate their leases if a renovation project is not completed on time.  The time frame required to recoup our renovation and construction costs and to realize a return on such costs can often be significant.

We are dependent on key personnel. We depend on the services of our existing senior management to carry out our business and investment strategies.  We do not have employment agreements with any of our existing senior management.  As we expand, we may continue to need to recruit and retain qualified additional senior management.  The loss of the services of any of our key management personnel or our inability to recruit and retain qualified personnel in the future could have an adverse effect on our business and financial results.

Uninsured and underinsured losses may affect the value of, or return from, our property interests. We maintain comprehensive insurance on our properties, including the properties securing our loans, in amounts which we believe are sufficient to permit replacement of the properties in the event of a total loss, subject to applicable deductibles.  There are certain types of losses, such as losses resulting from wars, terrorism, earthquakes, floods, hurricanes or other acts of God that may be uninsurable or not economically insurable.  Should an uninsured loss or a loss in excess of insured limits occur, we could lose capital invested in a property, as well as the anticipated future revenues from a property, while remaining obligated for any mortgage indebtedness or other financial obligations related to the  property.  In addition, changes in building codes and ordinances, environmental considerations and other factors might make it impracticable for us to use insurance proceeds to replace a damaged or destroyed property.  If any of these or similar events occur, it may reduce our return from an affected property and the value of our investment.

Properties with environmental problems may create liabilities for us.  Under various federal, state and local environmental laws, statutes, ordinances, rules and regulations, as an owner of real property, we may be liable for the costs of removal or remediation of certain hazardous or toxic substances at, on, in or under our properties, as well as certain other potential costs relating to hazardous or toxic substances (including government fines and penalties and damages for injuries to persons and adjacent property).  These laws may impose liability without regard to whether we knew of, or were responsible for, the presence or disposal of those substances.  This liability may be imposed on us in connection with the activities of an operator of, or tenant at, the property.  The cost of any required remediation, removal, fines or personal or property damages and our liability therefore could exceed the value of the property and/or our aggregate assets.  In addition, the presence of those substances, or the failure to properly dispose of or remove those substances, may adversely affect our ability to sell or rent that property or to borrow using that property as collateral, which, in turn, would reduce our revenues and ability to make distributions.

A property can be adversely affected either through direct physical contamination or as the result of hazardous or toxic substances or other contaminants that have or may have emanated from other properties.  Although our tenants are primarily responsible for any environmental damages and claims related to the leased premises, in the event of the bankruptcy or inability of any of our tenants to satisfy any obligations with respect to the property leased to that tenant, we may be required to satisfy such obligations.  In addition, we may be held directly liable for any such damages or claims irrespective of the provisions of any lease.

 
11

 

Prior to the acquisition of any property and from time to time thereafter, we obtain Phase I environmental reports and, when warranted, Phase II environmental reports concerning the Company’s properties.  Management is not aware of any environmental condition with respect to any of our property interests that we believe 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 that 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 our tenants, which could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

Some of the stocks in our REIT marketable securities portfolio are currently trading below our cost and might not recover their value.  The Company has unrealized losses of $439,000 in its REIT securities portfolio as of October 31, 2008.  The Company currently deems these unrealized losses to be temporary.   The REIT securities market has recently been driven to unusually low prices and high investment yields.  The dividends received from our marketable securities investments continue to meet our expectations.  It is our intent to hold these securities for the long-term.  If and when the losses are deemed to be other than temporary unrealized losses will be realized and reclassified into earnings.

Risks Related to our Organization and Structure

We will be taxed as a regular corporation if we fail to maintain our REIT status. Since our founding in 1969, we have operated, and intend to continue to operate, in a manner that enables us to qualify as a REIT for federal income tax purposes.  However, the federal income tax laws governing REITs are complex.  The determination that we qualify as a REIT requires an analysis of various factual matters and circumstances that may not be completely within our control.  For example, to qualify as a REIT, at least 95% of our gross income must come from specific passive sources, such as rent, that are itemized in the REIT tax laws.  In addition, to qualify as a REIT, we cannot own specified amounts of debt and equity securities of some issuers.  We also are required to distribute to our stockholders at least 90% of our REIT taxable income (excluding capital gains) each year. Our continued qualification as a REIT depends on our satisfaction of the asset, income, organizational, distribution and stockholder ownership requirements of the Internal Revenue Code on a continuing basis. At any time, new laws, interpretations or court decision may change the federal tax laws or the federal tax consequences of qualification as a REIT.  If we fail to qualify as a REIT in any taxable year and do not qualify for certain Internal Revenue Code relief provisions, we will be subject to federal income tax, including any applicable alternative minimum tax, on our taxable income at regular corporate rates.  In addition, distributions to stockholders would not be deductible in computing our taxable income.  Corporate tax liability would reduce the amount of cash available for distribution to stockholders which, in turn, would reduce the market price of our stock.  Unless entitled to relief under certain Internal Revenue Code provisions, we also would be disqualified from taxation as a REIT for the four taxable years following the year during which we ceased to qualify as a REIT.

We will pay federal taxes if we do not distribute 100% of our taxable income. To the extent that we distribute less than 100% of our taxable income, we will be subject to federal corporate income tax on our undistributed income.  In addition, we will incur a 4% nondeductible excise tax on the amount, if any, by which our distributions in any year are less than the sum of:

·  
  85% of our ordinary income for that year;
·  
  95% of our capital gain net income for that year; and
·  
  100% of our undistributed taxable income from prior years.

We have paid out, and intend to continue to pay out, our income to our stockholders in a manner intended to satisfy the distribution requirement and to avoid corporate income tax and the 4% nondeductible excise tax.  Differences in timing between the recognition of income and the related cash receipts or the effect of required debt amortization payments could require us to borrow money or sell assets to pay out enough of our taxable income to satisfy the distribution requirement and to avoid corporate income tax and the 4% excise tax in a particular year.

Gain on disposition of assets deemed held for sale in the ordinary course of business is subject to 100% tax. If we sell any of our assets, the IRS may determine that the sale is a disposition of an asset held primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of a trade or business.  Gain from this kind of sale generally will be subject to a 100% tax.  Whether an asset is held "primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of a trade or business" depends on the particular facts and circumstances of the sale.  Although we will attempt to comply with the terms of safe-harbor provisions in the Internal Revenue Code prescribing when asset sales will not be so characterized, we cannot assure you that we will be able to do so.

Our ownership limitation may restrict business combination opportunities.
To qualify as a REIT under the Internal Revenue Code, no more than 50% in value of our outstanding capital stock may be owned, directly or indirectly, by five or fewer individuals during the last half of each taxable year.  To preserve our REIT qualification, our charter generally prohibits any person from owning shares of any class with a value of more than 7.5% of the value of all of our outstanding capital stock and provides that:

·  
a transfer that violates the limitation is void;
·  
shares transferred to a stockholder in excess of the ownership limitation are automatically converted, by the terms of our charter, into shares of "Excess Stock;"
·  
a purported transferee gets no rights to the shares that violate the limitation except the right to designate a transferee of the Excess Stock held in trust; and
·  
the Excess Stock will be held by us as trustee of a trust for the exclusive benefit of future transferees to whom the shares of capital stock ultimately will be transferred without violating the ownership limitation.

 
12

 


We may also redeem Excess Stock at a price which may be less than the price paid by a stockholder.  Pursuant to authority under our charter, our board of directors has determined that the ownership limitation does not apply to Mr. Charles J. Urstadt, our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, who beneficially owns 39.5% of our outstanding common stock and 1.6% of our outstanding Class A common stock as of the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.  Such holdings represent approximately 35.7% of our outstanding voting interests.  In addition, our directors and executive officers, as a group, hold approximately 56.4% of our outstanding voting interests through their beneficial ownership of our common stock and Class A common stock.  The ownership limitation may discourage a takeover or other transaction that our stockholders believe to be desirable.

Certain provisions in our charter and bylaws and Maryland law may prevent or delay a change of control or limit our stockholders from receiving a premium for their shares. Among the provisions contained in our charter and bylaws and Maryland law are the following:

·  
Our board of directors is divided into three classes, with directors in each class elected for three-year staggered terms.
·  
Our directors may be removed only for cause upon the vote of the holders of two-thirds of the voting power of our common equity securities.
·  
Our stockholders may call a special meeting of stockholders only if the holders of a majority of the voting power of our common equity securities request such a meeting in writing.
·  
Any consolidation, merger, share exchange or transfer of all or substantially all of our assets must be approved by (a) a majority of our directors who are currently in office or who are approved or recommended by a majority of our directors who are currently in office (the "Continuing Directors") and (b) the holders of two-thirds of the voting power of our common equity securities.
 · 
Certain provisions of our charter may only be amended by (a) a vote of a majority of our Continuing Directors and (b) the holders of two-thirds of the voting power of our common equity securities. These provisions relate to the election, classification and removal of directors, the ownership limit and the stockholder vote required for certain business combination transactions.
·  
The number of directors may be increased or decreased by a vote of our board of directors.

In addition, we are subject to various provisions of Maryland law that impose restrictions and require affected persons to follow specified procedures with respect to certain takeover offers and business combinations, including combinations with persons who own 10% or more of our outstanding shares.  These provisions of Maryland law could delay, defer or prevent a transaction or a change of control that our stockholders might deem to be in their best interests.  Furthermore, shares acquired in a control share acquisition have no voting rights, except to the extent approved by the affirmative vote of two-thirds of all votes entitled to be cast on the matter, excluding all interested shares.  Under Maryland law, "control shares" are those which, when aggregated with any other shares held by the acquiror, allow the acquiror to exercise voting power within specified ranges.  The control share provisions of Maryland law also could delay, defer or prevent a transaction or a change of control which our stockholders might deem to be in their best interests.  As permitted by Maryland law, our charter and bylaws provide that the "control shares" and "business combinations" provisions of Maryland law described above will not apply to acquisitions of those shares by Mr. Charles J. Urstadt or to transactions between the Company and Mr. Urstadt or any of his affiliates.  Consequently, unless such exemptions are amended or repealed, we may in the future enter into business combinations or other transactions with Mr. Urstadt or any of his affiliates without complying with the requirements of Maryland anti-takeover laws.  In view of the common equity securities controlled by Mr. Charles J. Urstadt, Mr. Urstadt may control a sufficient percentage of the voting power of our common equity securities to effectively block approval of any proposal which requires a vote of our stockholders.

Our stockholder rights plan could deter a change of control. We have adopted a stockholder rights plan.  This plan may deter a person or a group from acquiring more than 10% of the combined voting power of our outstanding shares of common stock and Class A common stock because, after (i) the person or group acquires more than 10% of the combined voting power of our outstanding common stock and Class A common stock, or (ii) the commencement of a tender offer or exchange offer by any person (other than us, any one of our wholly owned subsidiaries or any of our employee benefit plans, or certain exempt persons), if, upon consummation of the tender offer or exchange offer, the person or group would beneficially own 30% or more of the combined voting power of our outstanding shares of common stock and Class A common stock, all other stockholders will have the right to purchase securities from us at a price that is less than their fair market value.  This would substantially reduce the value of the stock owned by the acquiring person.  Our board of directors can prevent the plan from operating by approving the transaction and redeeming the rights.  This gives our board of directors significant power to approve or disapprove of the efforts of a person or group to acquire a large interest in us.  The rights plan exempts acquisitions of common stock and Class A common stock by Mr. Charles J. Urstadt, members of his family and certain of his affiliates.


 
13

 

Item 1B.     Unresolved Staff Comments

Not Applicable

Item 2.     Properties.

Core Properties

The following table sets forth information concerning each core property at October 31, 2008.  Except as otherwise noted, all core properties are 100% owned by the Company.

 
 
Year
Renovated
 
Year Completed
 
Year Acquired
Gross
Leasable
Sq Feet
 
 
Acres
Number
of Tenants
 
%
Leased
 
 
Principal Tenant
Retail Properties:
                 
Stamford, CT (1)
1997
1950
2002
369,000
13.6
36
99%
 
Stop & Shop Supermarket
Springfield, MA
1996
1970
1970
326,000
26.0
29
91%
 
Big Y Supermarket
Meriden, CT
2001
1989
1993
316,000
29.2
24
96%
 
ShopRite Supermarket
Stratford, CT
1988
1978
2005
269,000
29.0
17
90%
 
Stop & Shop Supermarket
Yorktown, NY
1997
1973
2005
200,000
16.4
9
97%
 
Staples
Danbury, CT
-
1989
1995
194,000
19.3
22
99%
 
Christmas Tree Shops
White Plains, NY
1994
1958
2003
185,000
  3.5
11
100%
 
Toys “R” Us
Ossining, NY
2000
1978
1998
137,000
11.4
23
88%
 
Stop & Shop Supermarket
Somers, NY
-
2002
2003
135,000
26.0
25
99%
 
Home Goods
Carmel, NY
1999
1983
1995
129,000
19.0
17
98%
 
ShopRite Supermarket
Wayne, NJ
1992
1959
1992
102,000
9.0
37
89%
 
A&P Supermarket
Newington, NH
1994
1975
1979
102,000
14.3
7
86%
 
Linens ‘N Things
Newark, NJ (1)
-
1995
2008
101,000
8.4
15
100%
 
Pathmark
Darien, CT
1992
1955
1998
95,000
9.5
19
100%
 
Shaw’s Supermarket
Emerson, NJ
-
1981
2007
92,000
7.0
17
97%
 
ShopRite Supermarket
New Milford, CT
-
1966
2008
79,000
7.6
6
100%
 
Big Y Supermarket
Somers, NY
-
1991
1999
78,000
10.8
32
94%
 
CVS
Orange, CT
-
1990
2003
78,000
10.0
10
87%
 
Trader Joe’s Supermarket
Eastchester, NY
2002
1978
1997
70,000
4.0
10
82%
 
Food Emporium
Ridgefield, CT
1999
1930
1998
51,000
2.1
35
90%
 
Chico’s
Rye, NY (4 buildings)
-
Various
2004
40,000
1.0
17
83%
 
Cosi
Westport, CT
-
1986
2003
39,000
3.0
10
100%
 
Pier One Imports
Ossining, NY
-
1975
2001
38,000
1.0
18
88%
 
Dress Barn
Danbury, CT
-
1988
2002
33,000
2.7
5
100%
 
Fortunoff,  Sleepys’
Ossining, NY
2001
1981
1999
29,000
4.0
4
100%
 
Westchester Community College
Pelham, NY
-
1975
2006
26,000
1.0
9
100%
 
Gristede’s Supermarket
Queens, NY (2 buildings)
-
1960
2006
24,000
1.0
13
84%
 
Melodya
Waldwick, NJ
-
1961
2008
20,000
1.8
1
100%
 
RiteAid
Somers, NY
-
1987
1992
19,000
4.9
10
82%
 
Putnam County Savings Bank
Monroe, CT
-
2005
2007
10,000
2.0
4
71%
 
Starbucks
Bank Branches, NY
-
1960
2008
6,000
0.7
-
-
 
-
Office Properties:
                 
Greenwich, CT
(5 buildings)
-
various
various
59,000
2.8
13
73%
 
Tutor Time
       
3,451,000
 
505
     

(1) The Company is the sole general partner in the partnership that owns this property.
 
Non-Core Properties

In a prior year, the Board of Directors of the Company expanded and refined the strategic objectives of the Company to concentrate the real estate portfolio into one of primarily 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 years given prevailing market conditions and the characteristics of each property.

At October 31, 2008, the Company's non-core properties consisted of two industrial facilities with a total of 447,000 square feet of GLA.  The non-core properties collectively had 2 tenants and were 100% leased at October 31, 2008.

14

 
The following table sets forth information concerning each non-core property at October 31, 2008.  The non-core properties are 100% owned by the Company.

 
Location
Year Renovated
Year Completed
Year Acquired
Rentable Square Feet
 
Acres
# of Tenants
 
Leased
 
Principal Tenant
                 
Dallas, TX
1989
1970
1970
255,000
14.5
1
100%
DaimlerChrysler Corporation
                 
St. Louis, MO
2000
1970
1970
192,000
16.0
1
100%
DaimlerChrysler Corporation
                 
       
447,000
 
2
   
                 
Total Portfolio
     
3,898,000
 
507
   

Lease Expirations – Total Portfolio

The following table sets forth a summary schedule of the annual lease expirations for the core and non-core properties for leases in place as of October 31, 2008, assuming that none of the tenants exercise renewal or cancellation options, if any, at or prior to the scheduled expirations.

Year of Lease Expiration
Number of Leases Expiring
Square Footage of Expiring Leases
Percentage of Total
Leased Square Feet
       
2009 (1)
87
254,000
6.74%
2010
62
265,000
7.02%
2011
64
449,000
11.91%
2012
71
700,000
18.58%
2013
54
319,000
8.48%
2014
38
308,000
8.18%
2015
28
272,000
7.21%
2016
30
127,000
3.36%
2017
27
218,000
5.80%
2018
21
167,000
4.44%
Thereafter
25
689,000
18.28%
Total
507
3,768,000
100.00%

(1)  
Represents lease expirations from November 1, 2008 to October 31, 2009 and month-to-month leases.

Item  3.     Legal Proceedings.

In the ordinary course of business, the Company is involved in legal proceedings.  However, there are no material legal proceedings presently pending against the Company.

Item 4.     Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.

No matter was submitted to a vote of security holders during the fourth quarter of the fiscal year ended October 31, 2008.


 
15

 



 
PART II

Item 5.     Market for the Registrant's Common Equity, Related Shareholder Matters and Issuers Purchases of Equity Securities.

(a) Market Information
Shares of Common Stock and Class A Common Stock of the Company are traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbols "UBP" and “UBA”, respectively.  The following table sets forth the high and low closing sales prices for the Company's Common Stock and Class A Common Stock during the fiscal years ended October 31, 2008 and 2007 as reported on the New York Stock Exchange:

Common shares:
Fiscal Year Ended
October 31, 2008
Fiscal Year Ended
October 31, 2007
 
Low
High
Low
High
First Quarter
$13.69
$18.38
$16.70
$18.25
Second Quarter
$14.10
$17.84
$17.02
$18.46
Third Quarter
$14.76
$18.14
$16.35
$18.45
Fourth Quarter
$12.91
$18.41
$16.15
$18.31

Class A Common shares:
Fiscal Year Ended
October 31, 2008
Fiscal Year Ended
October 31, 2007
 
Low
High
Low
High
First Quarter
$13.75
$18.13
$17.82
$19.43
Second Quarter
$13.38
$17.71
$17.81
$19.62
Third Quarter
$14.42
$17.64
$15.10
$18.81
Fourth Quarter
$12.79
$19.04
$14.97
$17.91

(b) Approximate Number of Equity Security Holders

At January 5, 2009 (latest date practicable), there were 1,054 shareholders of record of the Company's Common Stock and 1,063 shareholders of record of the Class A Common Stock.

(c) Dividends Declared on Common Stock and Class A Common Stock and Tax Status

The following tables set forth the dividends declared per Common share and Class A Common share and tax status for Federal income tax purposes of the dividends paid during the fiscal years ended October 31, 2008 and 2007:

Dividend Payment Date
Gross Dividend
Paid Per Share
Ordinary Income
Non-Taxable Portion
 
Gross Dividend
Paid Per Share
Ordinary Income
Non-Taxable Portion
January 18, 2008
$.2150
$.159
$.056
 
$.2375
$.175
$.0625
April 18, 2008
$.2150
$.159
$.056
 
$.2375
$.175
$.0625
July 18, 2008
$.2150
$.159
$.056
 
$.2375
$.175
$.0625
October 17, 2008
$.2150
$.159
$.056
 
$.2375
$.175
$.0625
 
$.86
$.636
$.224
 
$.95
$.70
$.25
 

 
Dividend Payment Date
Gross Dividend Paid Per Share
Ordinary Income
 
Gross Dividend Paid Per Share
Ordinary Income
January 19, 2007
$.2075
$.2075
 
$.23
$.23
April 20, 2007
$.2075
$.2075
 
$.23
$.23
July 20, 2007
$.2075
$.2075
 
$.23
$.23
October 19, 2007
$.2075
$.2075
 
$.23
$.23
 
$.83
$.83
 
$.92
$.92

The Company has paid quarterly dividends since it commenced operations as a real estate investment trust in 1969.  During the fiscal year ended October 31, 2008, the Company made distributions to stockholders aggregating $0.86 per Common share and $0.95 per Class A Common share. On December 10, 2008, the Company’s Board of Directors approved the payment of a quarterly dividend payable January 20, 2009 to stockholders of record on January 6, 2009. The quarterly dividend rates were declared in the amounts of $0.2175 per Common share and $0.2400 per Class A Common share.

 
16

 


 
Although the Company intends to continue to declare quarterly dividends on its Common shares and Class A Common shares, no assurances can be made as to the amounts of any future dividends.  The declaration of any future dividends by the Company is within the discretion of the Board of Directors and will be dependent upon, among other things, the earnings, financial condition and capital requirements of the Company, as well as any other factors deemed relevant by the Board of Directors.  Two principal factors in determining the amounts of dividends are (i) the requirement of the Internal Revenue Code that a real estate investment trust distribute to shareholders at least 90% of its real estate investment trust taxable income, and (ii) the amount of the Company's available cash.

Each share of Common Stock entitles the holder to one vote.  Each share of Class A Common Stock entitles the holder to 1/20 of one vote per share.  Each share of Common Stock and Class A Common Stock have identical rights with respect to dividends except that each share of Class A Common Stock will receive not less than 110% of the regular quarterly dividends paid on each share of Common Stock.

The Company has a Dividend Reinvestment and Share Purchase Plan (“DRIP”) that allows shareholders to acquire additional shares of Common Stock and Class A Common Stock by automatically reinvesting dividends.  Shares are acquired pursuant to the DRIP at a price equal to the higher of 95% of the market price of such shares on the dividend payment date or 100% of the average of the daily high and low sales prices for the five trading days ending on the day of purchase without payment of any brokerage commission or service charge.  As of October 31, 2008, 1,016,308 shares of Common Stock and 183,180 shares of Class A Common Stock have been issued under the DRIP.

(d)  Issuer Repurchase

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.  In December 2008, the Board of Directors further amended the Program to allow the Company to repurchase up to 1,500,000 shares of Common and Class A Common Stock in the aggregate.  In addition the Board of Directors amended the Program to allow the Company to repurchase shares of the Company’s Series C and Series D Senior Cumulative Preferred Stock (Preferred Stock) in open market transactions.  During fiscal 2008 and 2007 the Company repurchased 623,278 shares of Class A Common Stock at an aggregate purchase price of $9.0 million and 21,200 shares of Class A Common Stock at an aggregate purchase price of $317,000, respectively.  As of October 31, 2008, the Company had repurchased 3,600 shares of Common Stock and 685,878 shares of Class A Common Stock under the repurchase program. The Company has not yet repurchased any Preferred Stock under the Program.

The following table sets forth the shares repurchased by the Company during the three month period ended October 31, 2008:

Period
Total Number
of Shares
Purchased
Average Price
Per Share
Purchased
Total Number
Shares Re-
purchased as
Part of Publicly
Announced
Plan or
Program
Maximum
Number of
Shares That
May be
Purchased
Under the Plan
or Program (1)
August 1, 2008 – August 31, 2008
-
-
-
422,700
September 1, 2008 – September 30, 2008
-
-
-
422,700
October 1, 2008 – October 31, 2008
112,178
$13.38
112,178
310,522

(1)  Taking into account the 500,000 share increase authorized in December 2008, the maximum number would have been 810,522 on a pro-forma a basis.




 
17

 



Item 6.     Selected Financial Data.
(In thousands, except per share data)

Year Ended October 31,
 
2008
   
2007
   
2006
   
2005
   
2004
 
Balance Sheet Data:
                             
Total Assets
  $ 506,117     $ 471,770     $ 451,350     $ 464,439     $ 394,917  
                                         
Mortgage Notes Payable
  $ 104,954     $ 96,282     $ 104,341     $ 111,786     $ 107,443  
                                         
Redeemable Preferred Stock
  $ 96,203     $ 52,747     $ 52,747     $ 52,747     $ 52,747  
                                         
Operating Data:
                                       
Total Revenues
  $ 80,856     $ 81,880     $ 72,302     $ 68,371     $ 60,650  
                                         
Total Expenses and Minority Interest
  $ 52,649     $ 49,630     $ 48,708     $ 46,134     $ 39,729  
                                         
Income from Continuing Operations before Discontinued Operations
  $ 28,525     $ 32,751     $ 24,544     $ 22,968     $ 21,408  
                                         
Per Share Data:
                                       
Net Income from Continuing Operations - Basic:
                                       
Class A Common Stock
  $ .66     $ .95     $ .63     $ .66     $ .69  
Common Stock
  $ .60     $ .86     $ .56     $ .60     $ .63  
                                         
Net Income from Continuing Operations - Diluted:
                                       
Class A Common Stock
  $ .64     $ .93     $ .61     $ .64     $ .68  
Common Stock
  $ .58     $ .83     $ .55     $ .58     $ .62  
                                         
Cash Dividends on:
                                       
Class A Common Stock
  $ .95     $ .92     $ .90     $ .88     $ .86  
Common Stock
  $ .86     $ .83     $ .81     $ .80     $ .78  
Total
  $ 1.81     $ 1.75     $ 1.71     $ 1.68     $ 1.64  
                                         
Other Data:
                                       
                                         
Net Cash Flow Provided by (Used in):
                                       
Operating Activities
  $ 44,997     $ 49,307     $ 35,429     $ 35,505     $ 30,744  
                                         
Investing Activities
  $ (33,694 )   $ (19,457 )   $ (20,129 )   $ (61,348 )   $ (2,416 )
                                         
Financing  Activities
  $ (13,857 )   $ (28,432 )   $ (38,994 )   $ 26,397     $ (24,837 )
                                         
Funds from Operations (Note 1)
  $ 30,444     $ 37,062     $ 28,848     $ 29,355     $ 29,813  

Note 1: The Company has adopted the definition of Funds from Operations (FFO) suggested by the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts (NAREIT) and defines FFO as net income (computed in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles), excluding gains (or losses) from sales of properties plus real estate related depreciation and amortization and after adjustments for unconsolidated joint ventures.  For a reconciliation of net income and FFO, see Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations on page 19.  FFO does not represent cash flows from operating activities in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and should not be considered an alternative to net income as an indicator of the Company’s operating performance.  The Company 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.  However, comparison of the Company’s presentation of FFO, using the NAREIT definition, to similarly titled  measures for other REITs may not necessarily be meaningful due to possible differences in the application of the NAREIT definition used by such REITs.  For a further discussion of FFO, see Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations on page 19.


 


 
18

 

Item 7.     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 7 includes certain statements that may be deemed to be “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.  All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in this Item 7 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, including among other things, 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. Many of these risks are discussed in Item 1A. Risk Factors.  Any forward-looking 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 October 31, 2008, the Company owned or had interests in 44 properties containing a total of 3.9 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.  The Company is experiencing and, in fiscal 2009, expects that it will continue to experience increased vacancy rates at some of its shopping centers and a lengthening in the time required for releasing of vacant space, as the current economic downturn continues to negatively affect retail companies.  However, the Company believes it is well positioned to weather these difficulties.  Notwithstanding the increase in vacancy rates at various properties, approximately 95% of the Company’s portfolio remains leased.  The Company has a strong capital structure with, by industry standards, a small amount of debt maturing in the next 12 months that the Company believes it can refinance or repay with available cash or borrowings under its credit facilities.  The Company expects to continue to explore acquisition opportunities that might present themselves during this economic downturn consistent with its business strategy.

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


 
19

 

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.

Revenue Recognition

The Company records base rents on a straight-line basis over the term of each lease. The excess of rents recognized over amounts contractually due pursuant to the underlying leases is included in tenant 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.  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 the real estate properties 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 rental properties is impaired at October 31, 2008.
 
20

Liquidity and Capital Resources
At October 31, 2008, the Company had unrestricted cash and cash equivalents of $1.7 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.

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 fiscal 2009 and to meet its dividend requirements necessary to maintain its REIT status. In fiscal 2008, 2007 and 2006, net cash flow provided by operations amounted to $45.0 million, $49.3 million and $35.4 million, respectively.  Cash dividends paid on common and preferred shares increased to $36.0 million in fiscal 2008 compared to $33.1 million in fiscal 2007 and $32.4 million in fiscal 2006.

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 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 $45.0 million in fiscal 2008, compared to $49.3 million in fiscal 2007 and $35.4 million in fiscal 2006. The changes in operating cash flows were primarily due to increases in the net operating results generated from the Company’s properties and operating cash flows from new properties acquired during those periods and, in 2007, the receipt of a $6 million settlement of a lease guarantee obligation.

Investing Activities

Net cash flows used in investing activities were $33.7 million in fiscal 2008, $19.5 million in fiscal 2007 and $20.1 million in fiscal 2006. The net cash flows in each of these years were principally due to the acquisition of properties consistent with the Company’s strategic plan to acquire properties in the northeast. The Company acquired five properties in fiscal 2008, two properties in fiscal 2007 and three properties in fiscal 2006. In fiscal 2007, the Company also acquired the remaining limited partnership interest in its Eastchester property for $2.8 million.  In fiscal 2007, the Company sold one property for $13.2 million.  Sale proceeds were used to purchase an additional property in the northeast.  The Company also 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 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 fiscal 2008.  The Company borrowed $18.1 million, $14.2 million, and $3.0 million from its revolving lines of credit in fiscal 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively, primarily to finance property acquisitions and to repurchase Class A Common Stock.  During the fiscal year ended 2008, 2007 and 2006, the Company repaid borrowings under its revolving lines of credit in the amount of $25.2 million, $2.0 million and $ 3.0 million, respectively.  Net cash used in financing activities in each of the fiscal years 2008, 2007 and 2006 reflect distributions to its shareholders each year of $36.0 million in fiscal 2008, $33.1 million in fiscal 2007 and $32.4 million in fiscal 2006.  Cash used in financing activities also included $9.0 million in fiscal 2008 and $317,000 in fiscal 2007 for the repurchase of the Company’s shares of Class A Common Stock.  Cash used in financing activities for required principal payments on mortgages totaled $1.7 million in fiscal 2008, $2.3 million in fiscal 2007 and $2.4 million in fiscal 2006.  The Company repaid mortgages payable totaling $5.3 million in fiscal 2008, $5.7 million in fiscal 2007 and $5.0 million in fiscal 2006.


 
21

 

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), 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.

Financings and Debt

During fiscal 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 from the sale of the Series E Preferred Stock to repay variable rate debt and for 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 $105.0 million consist principally of fixed rate mortgage loan indebtedness with a weighted average interest rate of 6.1% at October 31, 2008. The mortgage loans are secured by 11 properties with a net book value of $199 million and primarily have fixed rates of interest ranging from 5.09% to 7.78%.  The Company made principal payments of $7.0 million (including the repayment of $5.3 million in mortgages that matured) in fiscal 2008 compared to $8.1 million (including the repayment of $5.7 million in mortgages that matured) in fiscal 2007 and $7.4 million (including the repayment of $5.0 million in mortgages that matured) in fiscal 2006.  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 fiscal 2007, the Company entered into an agreement with a bank to extend the non-recourse mortgage note payable on the Ridgeway Shopping Center in Stamford, Connecticut with an outstanding principal balance of approximately $52.5 million for a 10-year term and reset the fixed interest rate from 7.54% to 5.52% commencing October 1, 2007.

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 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 October 31, 2008, the Company was in compliance with such covenants in the Unsecured Facility and in the Secured Facility discussed below.

On April 15, 2008, the Company renewed its secured revolving credit facility with The Bank of New York Mellon (the “Secured Facility”) which provides for borrowings of up to $30 million for an additional three years to April 2011.  The Secured Facility is collateralized by first mortgage liens on two of the Company’s properties.  Interest on outstanding borrowings is at The Bank of New York Mellon’s prime lending rate 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.



 
22

 

Contractual Obligations

The Company’s contractual payment obligations as of October 31, 2008 were as follows (amounts in thousands):

Payments Due by Period
 
                                           
   
Total
   
2009
   
2010
   
2011
   
2012
   
2013
   
Thereafter
 
Mortgage notes payable
  $ 104,954     $ 17,182     $ 6,607     $ 13,291     $ 5,154     $ 4,449     $ 58,271  
Tenant obligations*
    1,186       1,186       -       -       -       -       -  
Total Contractual Obligations
  $ 106,140     $ 18,368     $ 6,607     $ 13,291     $ 5,154     $ 4,449     $ 58,271  


*Committed tenant-related obligations based on executed leases as of October 31, 2008.

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 years ended October 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 fiscal 2008, the Company paid approximately $8.7 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 $3.5 million for anticipated capital and tenant improvements and leasing costs in fiscal 2009. These expenditures are expected to be funded from operating cash flows or bank borrowings.

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 (Waldwick) 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 (Ferry Plaza), 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.

In August 2008, the Company acquired a 79,000 square foot shopping center in Litchfield County, Connecticut for a purchase price of $10.4 million, including the assumption of a first mortgage loan.  The Company recorded the assumption of the mortgage loan at its estimated fair value which approximated $3.7 million.

In May 2008, the Company paid a $750,000 deposit on a contract to purchase an equity interest in a joint venture which owns a 237,000 square foot shopping center in Westchester County, New York.  In November 2008, the Company negotiated a termination of the contract and forfeited $150,000 of the contract deposit.  The $150,000 plus capitalized acquisition costs in the amount of $66,000 have been expensed in the fiscal 2008 consolidated statement of income.

 
23

 


In October 2008, the Company paid a $500,000 deposit on a contract to purchase an office building in Greenwich, Connecticut.  In November of 2008, the Company terminated the contract during the due diligence period and received its contract deposit back in December of 2008.

In January 2007, the Company acquired a 10,100 square foot shopping center located in Monroe, Connecticut (“Monroe”) for $3.8 million, including closing costs.

In April 2007, the Company acquired the Emerson Shopping Plaza (“Emerson”), a 92,000 square foot shopping center located in Emerson, New Jersey for a purchase price of approximately $17.5 million, including closing costs.

In August 2007, the Company purchased all of the limited partner operating partnership units (OPU’s) in a consolidated partnership that owned The Shoppes at Eastchester, in Eastchester, New York for $2.8 million.  Prior to the purchase, the Company was the sole general partner in the partnership.  As a result of the purchase, the partnership terminated and the property is now directly owned by the Company.

In January 2007, the Company entered into a lease with a wholesale club to lease approximately 107,000 square feet of space at The Dock Shopping Center, in Stratford, Connecticut, 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 obligation was guaranteed through 2016 by a corporate guarantor previously affiliated with the former tenant.  In February 2007, the Company executed a settlement agreement with the guarantor whereby the guarantor was released from its obligations in exchange for a payment to the Company of $6 million that was received in fiscal 2007.

In May 2007, the Company formed a limited liability company (“LLC”) to acquire by contribution a 20% economic interest in a general partnership which owns a retail/office property in Westchester County, New York.  Simultaneously, the Company contributed one of its wholly-owned retail properties in Westchester County, New York into the LLC.  As a result of the contributions, the Company owns approximately 76% of the LLC, the accounts of which are included in the accompanying consolidated financial statements at October 31, 2008.  The Company has recorded the non-controlling member’s share of the net assets of the LLC of $546,000 in minority interests in the accompanying October 31, 2008 consolidated balance sheet.  The Company has, among other things, guaranteed a preferential return to the other member of the LLC of approximately $38,000 per annum.

In fiscal 2006, the Company acquired three retail properties totaling 50,000 square feet of GLA at an aggregate purchase price of $16.6 million.

Sales of Properties

In fiscal 2007, the Company sold its Tempe, Arizona property for a sale price of $13.2 million.  The proceeds were used to complete the acquisition of the Emerson, New Jersey property.  The Company recorded a gain on sale of approximately $11.4 million in fiscal 2007.  There were no sales in fiscal 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 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 its 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.  In fiscal 2007, the Company sold its Tempe, Arizona property, a non-core property, for $13.2 million and recorded a gain on sale of the property of $11.4 million.  There were no sales of non-core properties in fiscal 2008.  At October 31, 2008, the two remaining non-core properties have a net book value of approximately $630,000.

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.

 
24

 

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.

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 three years in the period ended October 31, 2008 (amounts in thousands).

   
Year Ended October 31,
 
   
2008
   
2007
   
2006
 
Net Income Applicable to Common and Class A Common Stockholders
  $ 16,147     $ 35,046     $ 15,690  
                         
Plus:  Real property depreciation
    10,966       10,530       9,981  
Amortization of tenant improvements and allowances
    2,822       2,267       2,450  
Amortization of deferred leasing costs
    509       564       557  
Depreciation and amortization on discontinued operations
    -       40       170  
Less:  Gains on sales of properties
    -       (11,385 )     -  
                         
Funds from Operations Applicable to Common and Class A Common Stockholders
  $ 30,444     $ 37,062     $ 28,848  
                         
Net Cash Provided by (Used in):
                       
Operating Activities
  $ 44,997     $ 49,307     $ 35,429  
Investing Activities
  $ (33,694 )   $ (19,457 )   $ (20,129 )
Financing Activities
  $ (13,857 )   $ (28,432 )   $ (38,994 )

FFO amounted to $30.4 million in fiscal 2008 compared to $37.1 million in fiscal 2007, compared to $28.8 million in fiscal 2006.  The decrease in FFO in fiscal 2008, when compared with fiscal 2007, 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 fiscal 2008 as a result of the Company’s $60 million preferred stock sale in March 2008, 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 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.

The increase in FFO in fiscal 2007 when compared with fiscal 2006 reflects an increase in operating income from properties owned during the period and property acquisitions in fiscal 2007 and fiscal 2006 and the receipt of $6 million from the settlement of a lease guarantee on a tenant space in The Dock shopping center in Stratford, Connecticut.  See more detailed explanations which follow.


 
25

 
 
Results of Operations

Fiscal 2008 vs. Fiscal 2007

The following information summarizes the Company’s results of operations for the year ended October 31, 2008 and 2007 (amounts in thousands):

   
Year Ended
                         
   
October 31,
               
Change Attributable to:
 
Revenues
 
2008
   
2007
   
Increase
(Decrease)
   
%
Change
   
Property
Acquisitions
   
Properties Held In Both Periods
 
Base rents
  $ 61,008     $ 57,260     $ 3,748       6.5 %   $ 2,276     $ 1,472  
Recoveries from tenants
    18,938       17,660       1,278       7.2 %     620       658  
Mortgage interest and other
    849       845       4       0.5 %     2       2  
                                                 
Operating Expenses
                                               
Property operating
    12,937       12,109       828       6.8 %     747       81  
Property taxes
    12,059       10,926       1,133       10.4 %     455       678  
Depreciation and amortization
    14,374       13,442       932       6.9 %     656       276  
General and administrative
    5,853       4,979       874       17.6 %     n/a       n/a  
                                                 
Non-Operating Income/Expense
                                               
Interest expense
    7,012       7,773       (761 )     (9.8 %)     441       (1,202 )
Interest, dividends, and other investment income
    318       501       (183 )     (36.7 %)     n/a       n/a  

Revenues
Base rents increased by 6.5% to $61.0 million in fiscal 2008 as compared with $57.3 million in the comparable period of 2007.  The increase in base rentals during each period was attributable to:

Property Acquisitions:

In fiscal 2008, the Company purchased or acquired interests in five properties totaling 205,500 square feet of GLA (compared to two retail properties totaling 102,100 square feet of GLA acquired in fiscal 2007).  These properties accounted for all of the revenue and expense changes attributable to property acquisitions during the fiscal year ended 2008.

Properties Held in Both Periods:

The increase in base rents for properties held in both periods during the fiscal year ended October 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 fiscal 2008 at several of the Company’s core properties.  During fiscal 2008, the Company leased or renewed approximately 303,000 square feet (or approximately 8.0% of total property leasable area) at an approximate rental rate increase of 11%.  At October 31, 2008, the Company’s core properties were approximately 94% leased.  The overall core property occupancy rate decreased from 95.4% at October 31, 2007 to 92.7% at October 31, 2008.

For the fiscal year ended 2008, recoveries from tenants for properties owned in both periods (which represents reimbursements from tenants for operating expenses and property taxes) increased by $658,000 when compared to the same period in fiscal 2007.  The increase 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 caused by an approximate 6.3% increase in property tax expense in properties held in both periods.  Recoveries from tenants for common area maintenance were relatively unchanged in fiscal 2008 when compared with fiscal 2007.

The Company’s single largest real estate investment is the Ridgeway Shopping Center located in Stamford, Connecticut (which is owned by a consolidated joint venture in which the Company has a 90% controlling interest).  Ridgeway’s revenues represented approximately $12.0 million or 15% of total revenues in fiscal 2008 compared to $11.0 million or 14.0% of total revenues in fiscal 2007.  At October 31, 2008, the property was approximately 99% leased. No other property in the Company’s portfolio comprised more than 10% of the Company’s consolidated revenues in fiscal 2008.


 
26

 

Operating Expenses

Operating expense increases were a result of property acquisitions as discussed above and properties held in both periods as more fully discussed below:

Property operating expenses for properties held in both periods were relatively unchanged in the fiscal year ended October 31, 2008 when compared to fiscal 2007.

Property taxes for properties held in both periods increased by $678,000 or 6.3% in fiscal 2008 from higher real estate tax assessment rates at some of the Company’s properties.

Depreciation and amortization expense increased as a result of depreciation on the two properties acquired in fiscal 2007 and the five properties purchased in fiscal 2008.

General and administrative expenses increased by $874,000 in fiscal 2008 compared fiscal 2007 primarily due to an increase in employee compensation costs, professional fees of $276,000 and employment placement fees of $79,000.

Non-Operating Income/Expense

Interest, dividends and other investment income decreased by $183,000 in fiscal 2008 compared to fiscal 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 share repurchase program.

Interest expense decreased $761,000 in fiscal 2008 when compared to 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 repayment of mortgage notes of $5.7 million during 2007.

Fiscal 2007 vs. Fiscal 2006

   
Year Ended
                         
   
October 31,
               
Change Attributable to:
 
Revenues
 
2007
   
2006
   
Increase
(Decrease)
   
%
Change
   
Property
Acquisitions
   
Properties Held In Both Periods
 
Base rents
  $ 57,260     $ 54,862     $ 2,398       4.4 %   $ 1,216     $ 1,182  
Recoveries from tenants
    17,660       16,957       703       4.1 %     483       220  
Mortgage interest and other
    845       408       437       107.1 %     11       426  
                                                 
Operating Expenses
                                               
Property operating
    12,109       11,666       443       3.8 %     253       190  
Property taxes
    10,926       10,262       664       6.5 %     270       394  
Depreciation and amortization
    13,442       13,073       369       2.8 %     407       (38 )
General and administrative
    4,979       4,981       (2 )     -       n/a       n/a  
                                                 
Non-Operating Income/Expense
                                               
Interest expense
    7,773       8,287       (514 )     (6.2 %)     -       (514 )
Interest, dividends, and other investment income
    501       950       (449 )     (47.3 %)     n/a       n/a  

Revenues
Base rents increased by 4.4% to $57.3 million in fiscal 2007 as compared with $54.9 million in the comparable period of 2006.  The increase in base rentals was attributable to the property acquisitions and properties held in both periods as discussed below.

Property Acquisitions:

In fiscal 2007, the Company acquired two properties totaling 102,100 square feet of GLA (compared with three properties totaling 50,000 square feet of GLA in Fiscal 2006).  These properties accounted for all of the revenue, operating expense, property tax, and depreciation and amortization changes attributable to property acquisitions during the fiscal year ended 2007.


 
27

 

Properties Held in Both Periods:

The increase in base rents for properties held during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2007 reflects an increase in rental rates for in-place leases over the period.  In fiscal 2007, the Company leased or renewed approximately 553,000 square feet (or approximately 15% of total property leasable area).  At October 31, 2007, the Company’s core properties were approximately 96% leased.  Overall core property occupancy rates increased from 93.3% at October 31, 2006 to 95.4% at October 31, 2007.

For the fiscal year ended 2007, recoveries from tenants for properties owned in both periods (which represents reimbursements from tenants for operating expenses and property taxes) increased by $220,000 compared to the same period in fiscal 2006.  This increase was a result of an increase in real estate tax recoveries caused by an approximate 4.0% increase in property tax expense in properties held in both periods and higher property tax recovery rates at certain properties.  Recoveries from tenants for common area maintenance was unchanged in fiscal 2007 when compared with fiscal 2006.

During fiscal 2007, the Company executed a settlement agreement with the corporate guarantor of a former tenant’s lease obligations whereby the guarantor was released from its obligations to the Company in exchange for a payment of $6 million.  The payment and release of guaranty were subject to certain conditions contained in the agreement.  The conditions were satisfied on April 15, 2007 and the payment was recorded as income from a settlement of lease guaranty obligation in the fiscal year ended October 31,  2007.

Operating Expenses

Operating expense increases were a result of property acquisitions as discussed above and properties held in both periods as more fully discussed below:

Property operating expenses for properties held in both periods increased $190,000 in the fiscal year ended October 31, 2007 primarily as a result of increased utility costs and repairs to utility systems, landscaping at some of the Company’s properties, and parking area maintenance expenses.

Property taxes for properties held in both periods increased by $394,000 or 4.0% in fiscal 2007 from higher real estate tax assessment rates at the Company’s properties.

There was relatively no change in depreciation and amortization for properties held in both periods for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2007 when compared to fiscal 2006.

General and administrative expenses were unchanged for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2007.

Non-Operating Income/Expense

Interest, dividends and other investment income decreased by $449,000 in the fiscal period ended October 31, 2007.  The decrease in this component of income reflects the use of available cash in 2006 that was invested in highly liquid securities for the purchase of properties during fiscal 2006 and 2007.

Interest expense decreased by $514,000 in fiscal 2007 from scheduled principal payments on mortgage notes, the repayments of mortgage notes of $5,700,000 and $4,975,000 during fiscal 2007 and 2006, respectively, and a decrease in credit line facility fees after the termination of the Company’s unsecured revolving bank credit line in June 2006.

Discontinued Operations

In fiscal 2007, the Company sold its Tempe, Arizona property for a sale price of $13.2 million.  Accordingly, the operating results for this property were classified as discontinued operations in the accompanying consolidated statements of income for the year ended October 31, 2007 and 2006.  In connection with the sale of the property, the Company recorded a gain on sale of approximately $11.4 million in fiscal 2007.

Revenues from discontinued operations were $320,000 and $747,000 for the years ended October 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

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.


 
28

 

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 could adversely affect the Company’s financial condition and results of operations.

Item 7A.     Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market 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.

The following table sets forth the Company’s long term debt obligations by principal cash payments and maturity dates, weighted average fixed interest rates and estimated fair value at October 31, 2008 (amounts in thousands, except weighted average interest rate):
 
For the years ended October 31,
 
   
2009
   
2010
   
2011
   
2012
   
2013
   
Thereafter
   
Total
   
Estimated Fair Value
 
Mortgage notes payable
  $ 17,182     $ 6,607     $ 13,291     $ 5,154     $ 4,449     $ 58,271     $ 104,954     $ 102,440  
Weighted average interest rate for debt maturing
    6.866 %     7.780 %     7.250 %     6.578 %     6.25 %     5.671 %                


During the year ended October 31, 2008, the weighted average interest rate on variable rate debt outstanding during the period was approximately 5.5%.  A hypothetical increase of 1% in interest rates would have had an immaterial effect on the Company’s interest expense.  At October 31, 2008, the Company had $13.0 million in outstanding variable rate debt.

The Company believes that its weighted average fixed interest rate of 6.1% on its debt is not materially different from current market interest rates for debt instruments with similar risks and maturities.

The Company has not planned, and does not plan, to enter into any derivative financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes.

Item 8.        Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

The consolidated financial statements required by this Item, together with the reports of the Company's independent registered public accounting firm thereon and the supplementary financial information required by this Item are included under Item 15 of this Annual Report.

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

There were no changes in, nor any disagreements with, the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm on accounting principles and practices or financial disclosure, during the years ended October 31, 2008 and 2007.

Item 9A.     Controls and Procedures.

At the end of the period covered by this report, the Company carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the Company's management, including the Company's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e).  Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company's disclosure controls and procedures are effective. During the fourth quarter of 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.


 
29

 



(a)  Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

Management of the Company is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.  The Company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer and effected by the Company’s Board of Directors, management and other personnel, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

The Company’s internal control over financial reporting includes policies and procedures that: relate to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of assets of the Company; provide reasonable assurance of the recording of all transactions necessary to permit the preparation of the Company’s consolidated financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and the proper authorization of receipts and expenditures in accordance with authorization of the Company’s management and directors; and provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the Company’s assets that could have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements.  Also, projection of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods is subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies and procedures may deteriorate.

Management assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of October 31, 2008. In making this assessment, management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”) in Internal Control – Integrated Framework.  Based on its assessment, management determined that the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective as of October 31, 2008.  The Company’s independent registered public accounting firm, PKF, has issued an attestation report regarding the Company’s internal control over financial reporting, which report is included in (b) below.


 
30

 

(b)  Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
 
The Board of Directors and Stockholders of Urstadt Biddle Properties Inc.
 
We have audited Urstadt Biddle Properties Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of October 31, 2008, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (the “COSO criteria”). Urstadt Biddle Properties Inc.’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.
 
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles; (3) that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (4) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
 
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
 
In our opinion, Urstadt Biddle Properties Inc. maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of October 31, 2008 based on the COSO criteria.
 
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheet of Urstadt Biddle Properties Inc. as of October 31, 2008 and 2007, and the related consolidated statements of income, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years then ended and our report dated January 9, 2009 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
 


New York, New York
/s/ PKF
January 9, 2009
Certified Public Accountants
 
A Professional Corporation


 
31

 



Item 9B.     Other Information.


Not applicable.

PART III

Item 10.     Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance.

The Company will file its definitive Proxy Statement for its Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on March 5, 2009 within the period required under the applicable rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission.  The additional information required by this Item is included under the captions "ELECTION OF DIRECTORS" and “COMPENSATION AND TRANSACTIONS WITH MANAGEMENT AND OTHERS” of such Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.

Executive Officers of the Registrant.

The following sets forth certain information regarding the executive officers of the Company:

Name
Age
Offices Held
     
Charles J. Urstadt
80
Chairman (since 1986) and Chief Executive Officer (since September 1989); Mr. Urstadt has been a Director since 1975.
     
Willing L. Biddle
47
President and Chief Operating Officer (since December 1996); Executive Vice President (March 1996 to December 1996); Senior Vice President – Management  (June 1995 to March 1996); Vice President – Retail (April 1993 to June 1995); Mr. Biddle has been a director since 1997.
     
John T. Hayes
42
Senior Vice President, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer (since July 2008); Vice President and Controller (March 2007 to June 2008).
     
Thomas D. Myers
57
Senior Vice President, Secretary and Chief Legal Officer (since August 2008); Senior Vice President (since 2003); Secretary (since 2000); Co-Counsel (2007-2008) Vice President (1995-2003); Associate Counsel (1995-2007).

The Directors elect officers of the Company annually.

The Company has adopted a code of ethics that applies to the chief executive officer and senior financial officers. In the event of any amendment to, or waiver from, the code of ethics, the Company will promptly disclose the amendment or waiver as required by law or regulation of the SEC on Form 8-K.

Item 11.     Executive Compensation.

The Company will file its definitive Proxy Statement for its Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on March 5, 2009 within the period required under the applicable rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission.  The information required by this Item is included under the caption "ELECTION OF DIRECTORS” and “COMPENSATION AND TRANSACTIONS WITH MANAGEMENT AND OTHERS” of such Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.


 
32

 



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

The Company will file its definitive Proxy Statement for its Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on March 5, 2009 within the period required under the applicable rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission.  The information required by this Item is included under the caption “ELECTION OF DIRECTORS - Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management” and “COMPENSATION AND TRANSACTIONS WITH MANAGEMENT AND OTHERS - Equity Compensation Plan Information” of such Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.

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

The Company will file its definitive Proxy Statement for its Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on March 5, 2009 within the period required under the applicable rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission.  The information required by this Item is included under the caption “ELECTION OF DIRECTORS” and “COMPENSATION AND TRANSACTIONS WITH MANAGEMENT AND OTHERS” of such Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 14.     Principal Accountant Fees and Services.

The Company will file its definitive Proxy Statement for its Annual meeting of Stockholders to be held on March 5, 2009 within the period required under the applicable rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission.  The information required by this Item is included under the caption “FEES BILLED BY INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM” of such Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.




 
33

 



PART IV

Item 15.                      Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
   
A.
Index to Financial Statements and Financial Statement Schedules
   
 
1. Financial Statements
   
 
The consolidated financial statements listed in the accompanying index to financial statements on Page 38 are filed as part of this Annual Report.
   
 
2.  Financial Statement Schedules --
   
 
The financial statement schedules required by this Item are filed with this report and are listed in the accompanying index to financial statements on Page 38.  All other financial statement schedules are not applicable.
   
B.
Exhibits.
   
Listed below are all Exhibits filed as part of this report.  Certain Exhibits are incorporated by reference to documents previously filed by the Company with the SEC pursuant to Rule 12b-32 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
   
Exhibit
 
(3).
Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws
   
 
3.1
(a) Amended Articles of Incorporation of the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Amendment No. 1 to Company’s Statement on Form S-4/A filed January 23, 1997 (SEC File No. 333-19113)).
   
   
(b) Articles Supplementary of the Company (incorporated by reference to Annex A of Exhibit 4.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated August 3, 1998 (SEC File No. 001-12803)).
     
   
(c) Articles Supplementary of the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated January 8, 1998 (SEC File No. 001-12803)).
     
   
(d) Articles Supplementary of the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 of the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-3 filed on August 8, 2003 (SEC File No. 333-107803)).
     
   
(e)  Articles Supplementary of the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated April 11, 2005 (SEC File No. 001-12803)).
     
   
(f)  Certificate of Correction to the Articles Supplementary of the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated May 3, 2005 (SEC File No. 001-12803)).
     
   
(g)  Articles Supplementary of the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 7, 2005 (SEC File No. 001-12803)).
     
   
(h)  Articles Supplementary of the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q dated June 6, 2008 (SEC File No. 001-12803)).
     
 
3.2
Bylaws of the Company, Amended and Restated as of December 12, 2007 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 18, 2007 (SEC File No. 001-12803).

 
34

 


(4)
Instruments Defining the Rights of Security Holders, Including Indentures.
     
 
4.1
Common Stock:  See Exhibits 3.1 (a)-(h) hereto.
     
 
4.2
Series B Preferred Shares:  See Exhibits 3.1 (a)-(h) hereto.
     
 
4.3
Series C Preferred Shares: See Exhibits 3.1 (a)-(h) and 10.7 hereto.
     
 
4.4
Series D Preferred Shares:  See Exhibits 3.1 (a)-(h).
     
 
4.5
Series E Preferred Shares:  See Exhibits 3.1 (a)-(h) and 10.18 hereto.
     
 
4.6
Series A Preferred Share Purchase Rights:  See Exhibits 3.1 (a)-(h) and 10.20 hereto.


 
35

 



(10)
Material Contracts.
     
 
10.1
Form of Indemnification Agreement entered into between the Company and each of its Directors and for future use with Directors and officers of the Company (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended October 31, 1989 (SEC File No. 001-12803)). 1
     
 
10.2
Form of Supplemental Agreement with Stock Option Plan Participants (non-statutory options) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6.2 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended October 31, 1998 (SEC File No. 001-12803)). 1
     
 
10.3
Amended and Restated Dividend Reinvestment and Share Purchase Plan (incorporated herein by reference to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-3 (SEC File No. 333-64381).
     
 
10.4
Excess Benefit and Deferred Compensation Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.10 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended October 31, 1998 (SEC File No. 001-12803)). 1
     
 
10.5
Purchase and Sale Agreement, dated September 9, 1998, by and between Goodwives Center Limited Partnership, as seller, and UB Darien, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, as purchaser (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated September 23, 1998 (SEC File No. 001-12803)).
     
 
10.6
Amended and Restated Stock Option Plan adopted June 28, 2000 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.19 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended October 31, 2000 (SEC File No. 001-12803)). 1
     
 
10.7
Registration Rights Agreement dated as of May 29, 2003 by and between the Company and Ferris, Baker Watts, Incorporated (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-3 (SEC File No. 333-107803)).  
     
 
10.8
Amended and Restated Restricted Stock Award Plan as approved by the Company’s stockholders on March 10, 2004 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.24 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended October 31, 2004 (SEC File No. 001-12803)). 1
     
 
10.8.1
Forms of Restricted Stock Award Agreement with Restricted Stock Plan Participants (Non-EmployeeDirectors, Employee Directors and Employees), effective as of November 1, 2006 (incorporated by reference to Exhibits 10.24.1, 10.24.2 and 10.24.3 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended October 31, 2006) 1
     
 
10.9
Purchase and Sale Agreement between UB Railside, LLC and The Dock, Incorporated (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K/A dated March 11, 2005 (SEC File No. 001-12803)).
     
 
10.10
Purchase and Sale Agreement between UB Dockside, LLC and The Dock, Incorporated (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K/A dated March 11, 2005 (SEC File No. 001-12803)).
     
 
10.11
Form of Amended and Restated Change of Control Agreements dated as of December 19, 2007 between the Company and Charles J. Urstadt, Willing L. Biddle, James R. Moore, Raymond P. Argila and Thomas D. Myers (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 26, 2007).¹
     
 
10.12
Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement with Restricted Stock Plan Participants (Employees) effective as of November 7, 2007 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.18 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended October 31, 2007 (SEC File No. 001-12803)).¹
     
 
10.13
Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement with Restricted Stock Plan Participants (Non-Employee Directors) effective as of November 7, 2007 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.19 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended October 31, 2007 (SEC File No. 001-12803)).¹
     
 
10.14
Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement with Restricted Stock Plan Participants (Employee Directors) effective as of November 7, 2007 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.20 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended October 31, 2007 (SEC File No. 001-12803)).¹

 
36

 


 
10.15
Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement with Restricted Stock Plan Participants (Employee Directors – Alternative Version) effective as of November 7, 2007 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.21 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended October 31, 2007 (SEC File No. 001-12803)).¹
     
 
10.16
Unsecured Credit Agreement dated February 11, 2008 among the Company, lenders thereto (The Bank of New York and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.) and The Bank of New York as Administrative Agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q dated March 7, 2008 (SEC File No. 001-12803)).
     
 
10.17
Investment Agreement between the Company and WFC Holdings Corporation dated March 13, 2008 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q dated June 6, 2008 (SEC File No. 001-12803)).
     
 
10.18
Registration Rights Agreement between the Company and WFC Holdings Corporation dated March 13, 2008 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q dated June 6, 2008 (SEC File No. 001-12803)).
     
 
10.19
Consulting Agreement dated April 11, 2008 between the Company and James R. Moore (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q dated June 6, 2008 (SEC File No. 001-12803)). ¹
     
 
10.20
 
Rights Agreement between the Company and The Bank of New York, as Rights Agent, dated as of July 18, 2008 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 24, 2008 (SEC File No. 001-12803)).
     
 
10.21
Severance Agreement dated June 5, 2008 between the Company and Raymond P. Argila (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated September 5, 2008 (SEC File No. 001-12803)). ¹
     
 
10.22
Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement with Restricted Stock Plan Participants (Non-Director Employees) effective as of December 10, 2008. ¹
     
 
10.23
Amended and Restated Excess Benefit and Deferred Compensation Plan dated December 10, 2008 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 15, 2008 (SEC File No. 001-12803)). ¹
     
 
10.24
Change of Control Agreement dated December 16, 2008 between the Company and John T. Hayes (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 17, 2008 (SEC File No. 001-12803)). ¹
     
1 Management contract, compensatory plan or arrangement.
     
(14)
Code of Ethics for Chief Executive Officer and Senior Financial Officers (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 14 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended October 31, 2003 (SEC File No. 001-12803)).
   
(21)
List of Company's subsidiaries
     
(23)
Consent of PKF, Certified Public Accountants, A Professional Corporation
     
(31.1)
 
Certification pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, signed and dated by Charles J. Urstadt.
     
(31.2)
 
Certification pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, signed and dated by John T. Hayes.
     
(32)
 
Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted, pursuant to section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, signed and dated by Charles J. Urstadt and John T. Hayes.


 
37

 



 
URSTADT BIDDLE PROPERTIES INC.
 
Item 15A.
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND
FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
Page
     
 
Consolidated Balance Sheets at October 31, 2008 and 2007
39 
     
 
Consolidated Statements of Income for each of the three years in the period ended October 31, 2008
40 
     
 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for each of the three years in the period ended October 31, 2008
41 
     
 
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity for each of the three years in the period ended October 31, 2008
42 
     
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
43 
     
 
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
55 
     
Schedules
   
     
III
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation - October 31, 2008
56 
     
IV
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate - October 31, 2008
58 
     
All other schedules for which provision is made in the applicable accounting regulation of the Securities and Exchange Commission are not required under the related instructions or are inapplicable and therefore have been omitted.


 
38

 



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

   
October 31,
 
ASSETS
 
2008
   
2007
 
             
Real Estate Investments:
           
Core properties – at cost
  $ 566,889     $ 521,476  
Non-core properties – at cost
    1,383       1,383  
      568,272       522,859  
Less:  Accumulated depreciation
    (94,328 )     (85,555 )
      473,944       437,304  
Mortgage note receivable
    1,241       1,305  
      475,185       438,609  
                 
Cash and cash equivalents
    1,664       4,218  
Restricted cash
    519       589  
Marketable securities
    897       1,740  
Tenant receivables
    17,782       16,588  
Prepaid expenses and other assets
    5,603       5,445  
Deferred charges, net of accumulated amortization
    4,467       4,581  
Total Assets
  $ 506,117     $ 471,770  
                 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
               
                 
Liabilities:
               
Unsecured revolving credit line
  $ 5,100     $ -  
Secured revolving credit line
    -       12,200  
Mortgage notes payable
    104,954       96,282  
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
    606       3,970  
Deferred compensation – officers
    1,074       1,191  
Other liabilities
    8,513       7,438  
Total Liabilities
    120,247       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;
               
7,990,120 and 7,773,618 shares issued and outstanding
    80       77  
Class A Common Stock, par value $.01 per share; 40,000,000 shares authorized;
               
18,208,118 and 18,836,778 shares issued and outstanding
    183       188  
Additional paid in capital
    258,235       264,585  
Cumulative distributions in excess of net income
    (39,181 )     (31,077 )
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
    (270 )     480  
Officer note receivable
    -       (1,300 )
Total Stockholders’ Equity
    280,297       294,203  
Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
  $ 506,117     $ 471,770  
The accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these statements.

 
39

 


URSTADT BIDDLE PROPERTIES INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(In thousands, except per share data)
   
Year Ended October 31,
 
   
2008
   
2007
   
2006
 
Revenues
                 
Base rents
  $ 61,008     $ 57,260     $ 54,862  
Recoveries from tenants
    18,938       17,660       16,957  
Settlement of lease guarantee obligation
    -       6,000       -  
Lease termination income
    61       115       75  
Mortgage interest and other
    849       845       408  
Total Revenues
    80,856       81,880       72,302  
                         
Operating Expenses
                       
Property operating
    12,937       12,109       11,666  
Property taxes
    12,059       10,926       10,262  
Depreciation and amortization
    14,374       13,442       13,073  
General and administrative
    5,853       4,979       4,981  
Directors' fees and expenses
    256       240       250  
Total Operating Expenses
    45,479       41,696       40,232  
                         
Operating Income
 
    35,377       40,184       32,070  
Non-Operating Income (Expense):
                       
Interest expense
    (7,012 )     (7,773 )     (8,287 )
Interest, dividends and other investment income
    318       501       950  
Minority Interests
    (158 )     (161 )     (189 )
Income from Continuing Operations before Discontinued Operations
    28,525       32,751       24,544  
Discontinued Operations:
                       
Income from discontinued operations
    -       252       488  
Gains on sales of properties
    -       11,385       -  
Income from Discontinued Operations
    -       11,637       488  
                         
Net Income
    28,525       44,388       25,032  
Preferred stock dividends
    (11,718 )     (9,342 )     (9,342 )
Redemption of Preferred Stock
    (660 )     -       -  
                         
Net Income Applicable to Common and Class A Common Stockholders
  $ 16,147     $ 35,046     $ 15,690  
                         
Basic Earnings Per Share:
                       
Per Common Share:
                       
Income from continuing operations
  $ .60     $ .86     $ .56  
Income from discontinued operations
  $ -     $ .43     $ .02  
Net Income Applicable to Common Stockholders
  $   .60     $ 1.29     $ .58  
Per Class A Common Share:
                       
Income from continuing operations
  $ .66     $ .95     $ .63  
Income from discontinued operations
  $   -     $ .47     $ .02  
Net Income Applicable to Class A Common Stockholders
  $   .66     $ 1.42     $ .65  
                         
Diluted Earnings Per Share:
                       
Per Common Share:
                       
Income from continuing operations
  $ .58     $ .83     $ .55  
Income from discontinued operations
  $    -     $ .42     $ .02  
Net Income Applicable to Common Stockholders
  $   .58     $ 1.25     $ .57  
                         
Per Class A Common Share:
                       
Income from continuing operations
  $ .64     $ .93     $ .61  
Income from discontinued operations
  $   -     $ .46     $   .02  
Net Income Applicable to Class A Common Stockholders
  $   .64     $ 1.39     $ .63  
Dividends Per Share:
                       
Common
  $   .86     $ .83     $ .81  
Class A Common
  $   .95     $ .92     $ .90  

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

40

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

   
Year Ended October 31,
 
   
2008
   
2007
   
2006
 
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
                 
Net income
  $ 28,525     $ 44,388     $ 25,032  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided
                       
by operating activities:
                       
Depreciation and amortization from continuing operations
    14,374       13,442       13,073  
Depreciation and amortization from discontinued operations
    -       40       170  
Straight-line rent adjustments
    (738 )     (889 )     (1,227 )
Provisions for tenant credit losses
    749       539       200  
Restricted stock compensation expense
    1,713       2,071       2,007  
Change in value of deferred compensation arrangement
    (116 )     (9 )     71  
Gains on sale of properties
    -       (11,385 )     -  
Gain on repayment of mortgage note receivable
    -       -       (102 )
Minority interests
    158       161       189  
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
                       
Tenant receivables
    (1,204 )     896       (1,707 )
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
    (187 )     (1,170 )     (2,391 )
Other assets and other liabilities, net
    1,654       1,223       116  
Restricted cash
    69       -       (2 )
Net Cash Flow Provided by Operating Activities
    44,997       49,307       35,429  
                         
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
                       
Acquisitions of real estate investments
    (23,893 )     (21,314 )     (16,628 )
Acquisition of limited partner interests in consolidated joint venture
    -       (2,849 )     -  
Deposit on acquisitions of real estate investment
    (1,100 )     (424 )     -  
Improvements to properties and deferred charges
    (8,691 )     (8,098 )     (5,251 )
Net proceeds from sales of properties
    -       13,200       -  
Distributions to limited partners of consolidated joint ventures
    (158 )     (161 )     (189 )
Payments received on mortgage notes receivable
    63       56       765  
Redemption of marketable securities – net
    85       133       561  
Refund of escrow funds
    -       -       613  
Net Cash Flow (Used in) Investing Activities
    (33,694 )     (19,457 )     (20,129 )
                         
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
    18,100       14,200       3,000  
Repayments on revolving credit line borrowings
    (25,200 )     (2,000 )     (3,000 )
Sales of additional shares of  Common and Class A Common Stock
    943       809       876  
Principal repayments on mortgage notes payable
    (6,994 )     (8,059 )     (7,445 )
Repayment of officer note receivable
    1,300       -       -  
Dividends paid - Common and Class A Common Stock
    (24,251 )     (23,723 )     (23,083 )
Dividends paid - Preferred Stock
    (11,718 )     (9,342 )     (9,342 )
Repurchase of shares of Class A  Common Stock
    (9,009 )     (317 )     -  
Net Cash Flow (Used in) Financing Activities
    (13,857 )     (28,432 )     (38,994 )
                         
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents
    (2,554 )     1,418       (23,694 )
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Year
    4,218       2,800       26,494  
                         
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Year
  $ 1,664     $ 4,218     $ 2,800  

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

 
41

 
URSTADT BIDDLE PROPERTIES INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(In thousands, except shares and per share data)
       
Additional Paid In Capital
Cumulative Distributions In Excess of
Net Income
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income
Unamortized
Restricted Stock
Compensation
and Officer Note
Receivable
Total
Stockholders’
Equity
 
7.5% Series D
Preferred Stock
Common Stock
Class A Common Stock
Issued
Amount
Issued
Amount
Issued
Amount
Balances – October 31, 2005
2,450,000
$61,250
7,429,331
$ 74
18,705,800
$187
$267,365
$(35,007)
$499
$(9,521)
$284,847
Reversal of unamortized stock compensation upon adoption of SFAS No. 123R
-
-
-
-
-
-
(8,221)
-
-
8,221
-
Comprehensive Income:
                     
Net income applicable to Common
                     
and Class A common stockholders
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
15,690
-
-
15,690
Change in unrealized gains in marketable securities
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
119
-
119
Total comprehensive income
                   
15,809
Cash dividends paid :
                     
Common stock ($0.81 per share)
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
(6,168)
-
-
(6,168)
Class A common stock ($0.90 per share)
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
(16,915)
-
-
(16,915)
Issuance of shares under dividend
                     
reinvestment plan
-
-
30,810
-
15,431
-
769
-
-
-
769
Exercise of stock options
-
-
9,500
-
4,500
-
107
-
-
-
107
Shares issued under restricted stock plan
-
-
165,800
2
79,050
1
(3)
-
-
-
-
Restricted stock compensation
              -
         -
              -
            -
-
          -
2,007
            -
-
              -
2,007
Balances – October 31, 2006
2,450,000
61,250
7,635,441
76
18,804,781
188
262,024
(42,400)
618
(1,300)
280,456
Comprehensive Income:
                     
Net income applicable to Common
                     
and Class A common stockholders
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
35,046
-
-
35,046
Change in unrealized gains in marketable securities
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
(138)
-
(138)
Total comprehensive income
                   
34,908
Cash dividends paid :
                     
Common stock ($0.83 per share)
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
(6,435)
-
-
(6,435)
Class A common stock ($0.92 per share)
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
(17,288)
-
-
(17,288)
Issuance of shares under dividend
                     
reinvestment plan
-
-
32,377
-
12,444
-
790
-
-
-
790
Exercise of stock options
-
-
-
-
1,953
-
17
-
-
-
17
Shares issued under restricted stock plan
-
-
105,800
1
70,300
-
-
-
-
-
1
Restricted stock compensation
-
-
-
-
-
-
2,071
-
-
-
2,071
Repurchases of Class A common stock
-
-
-
-
(21,200)
-
(317)
-
-
-
(317)
Forfeiture of restricted stock
           -
          -
              -
   -
(31,500)
     -
           -
            -
     -
         -
             -
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
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
16,147
-
-
16,147
Change in unrealized gains in marketable securities
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
(750)
-
(750)
Total comprehensive income
                   
15,397
Cash dividends paid :
                     
Common stock ($0.86 per share)
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
(6,848)
-
-
(6,848)
Class A common stock ($0.95 per share)
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
(17,403)
-
-
(17,403)
Issuance of shares under dividend
                     
reinvestment plan
-
-
43,636
1
14,765
-
907
-
-
-
908
Exercise of stock options
-
-
1,966
-
1,953
-
36
-
-
-
36
Shares issued under restricted stock plan
-
-
170,900
2
59,900
1
(3)
-
-
-
-
Restricted stock compensation
-
-
-
-
-
-
1,713
-
-
-
1,713
Repurchases of Class A common stock
-
-
-
-
(623,278)
(6)
(9,003)
-
-
-
(9,009)
Forfeiture of restricted stock
-
-
-
-
(82,000)
-
-
-
-
-
-
Repayment of officer note receivable
           -
           -
           -
           -
           -
        -
           -
           -
           -
1,300
1,300
Balances – October 31, 2008
2,450,000
$61,250
7,990,120
$80
18,208,118
$183
$258,235
$(39,181)
$(270)
$        -
$280,297
                       
The accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these statements.

 
 
42

 

URSTADT BIDDLE PROPERTIES INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
October 31, 2008

(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. The Company's major tenants include supermarket chains and other retailers who sell basic necessities.  At October 31, 2008, the Company owned or had interests in 44 properties containing a total of 3.9 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 are prepared on the accrual basis in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”).  The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities, the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the periods covered by the financial statements.  The most significant assumptions and estimates related to the valuation of real estate, depreciable lives, revenue recognition and the collectibility of tenant and notes receivable.  Actual results could differ from these estimates.

Federal Income Taxes
The Company has elected to be treated as a REIT 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 has distributed all of its taxable income for the fiscal years through 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 48”), that defines a recognition threshold and measurement attributable for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return.  FIN 48 also provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure, and transition.  The Company adopted FIN 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 October 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 October 31, 2008, the tax years 2004 through and including 2008 remain open to examination by the Internal Revenue Service.  There are currently no federal tax examinations in progress.

Real Estate Investments
All capitalizable costs related to the improvement or replacement of real estate properties are capitalized. Additions, renovations and improvements that enhance and/or extend the useful life of a property are also capitalized. Expenditures for ordinary maintenance, repairs and improvements that do not materially prolong the normal useful life of an asset are charged to operations as incurred.

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.

 
43

 


Above and below-market leases acquired are recorded at their fair value.  The capitalized above-market lease values are amortized as a reduction of rental revenue over the remaining term of the respective leases and the capitalized below-market lease values are amortized as an increase to rental revenue over the remaining term of the respective leases. The value of in-place leases is based on the Company’s evaluation of the specific characteristics of each tenant’s lease.  Factors considered include estimates of carrying costs during expected lease-up periods, current market conditions, and costs to execute similar leases.  The value of in-place leases are amortized over the remaining term of the respective leases.  If a tenant vacates its space prior to its contractual expiration date, any unamortized balance of their related intangible asset is recorded in the consolidated statement of income.

Depreciation and Amortization
The Company uses the straight-line method for depreciation and amortization. Core and non-core properties are depreciated over the estimated useful lives of the properties, which range from 30 to 40 years.  Property improvements are depreciated over the estimated useful lives that range from 10 to 20 years.  Furniture and fixtures are depreciated over the estimated useful lives that range from 3 to 10 years. Tenant improvements are amortized over the shorter of the life of the related leases or their useful life.

Property Held for Sale
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 assets and liabilities and the results of operations of the Company’s properties that have been sold or otherwise qualify as held for sale be classified as discontinued operations and presented separately in the Company’s consolidated financial statements.  If significant to financial statement presentation, the Company classifies properties as held for sale that are under contract for sale and are expected to be sold within the next 12 months.

Deferred Charges
Deferred charges consist principally of leasing commissions (which are amortized ratably over the life of the tenant leases) and financing fees (which are amortized over the terms of the respective agreements). Deferred charges in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets are shown at cost, net of accumulated amortization of $3,001,000 and $2,708,000 as of October 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

Asset Impairment
The Company reviews long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable.  Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of the asset to aggregate future net cash flows (undiscounted and without interest) expected to be generated by the asset.  If such assets are considered impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying amounts of the assets exceed the fair value.

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.  Minimum rental income from leases with scheduled rent increases is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term.  At October 31, 2008 and 2007, approximately $10,817,000 and $10,078,000, respectively, has been recognized as straight-line rents receivable (representing the current net cumulative rents recognized prior to when billed and collectible as provided by the terms of the leases), all of which is included in tenant receivables in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.  Percentage rent is recognized when a specific tenant’s sales breakpoint is achieved.  Property operating expense recoveries from tenants of common area maintenance, real estate taxes and other recoverable costs are recognized in the period the related expenses are incurred.  Lease incentives are amortized as a reduction of rental revenue over the respective tenant lease terms.  Lease termination amounts received by the Company from its tenants are recognized as income in the period received.  Interest income is recognized as it is earned.  Gains or losses on disposition of properties are recorded when the criteria for recognizing such gains or losses under generally accepted accounting principles have been met.

The Company provides an allowance for doubtful accounts against the portion of tenant receivables (including an allowance for future tenant credit losses of approximately 10% of the deferred straight-line rents receivable) which is estimated to be uncollectible.  Such allowances are reviewed periodically.  At October 31, 2008 and 2007, tenant receivables in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets are shown net of allowances for doubtful accounts of $2,177,000 and $1,946,000, respectively.  During the years ended October 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, the Company provided $749,000, $539,000 and $200,000, respectively, for uncollectible amounts, which is recorded in the accompanying consolidated statement of income as a reduction of base rental revenue.

Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash in banks and short-term investments with original maturities of less than three months.

Restricted Cash
Restricted cash consists of those tenant security deposits and replacement and other reserves required by agreement with certain of the Company’s mortgage lenders for property level capital requirements that are required to be held in separate bank accounts.

 
44

 

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 (loss) in stockholders’ equity.  For the year ended October 31, 2006, gains on sales of marketable securities, determined based on specific identification, amounted to $122,000 (none in fiscal 2008 and 2007).

As of October 31, 2008, all of the Company’s marketable securities consisted of REIT Common and Preferred Stocks.  At October 31, 2008, the Company has recorded a net unrealized loss on available for sale securities in the amount of $270,000.  The Company deems this loss to be temporary.  If and when the Company deems the unrealized losses to be other than temporary, unrealized losses will be realized and reclassified into earnings.  The net unrealized loss at October 31, 2008 is detailed below (In thousands):

Description:
 
Fair Market Value
   
Cost
Basis
   
Net Unrealized Gain/(Loss)
   
Gross
Unrealized Gains
   
Gross Unrealized (Loss)
 
Period securities have been in loss position
                                 
REIT Common and Preferred Stocks
  $ 897     $ 1,167     $ (270 )   $ 169     $ (439 )
Less than 12 months

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 October 31, 2008 and 2007, other comprehensive income (loss) consists of net unrealized gains (losses) of $(270,000) and of $480,000, respectively.  Unrealized gains and losses included in other comprehensive income will be reclassified into earnings as gains and losses are realized.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, tenant receivables, prepaid expenses and other assets, accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities are reasonable estimates of their fair values because of the short-term nature of these instruments.

The estimated fair value of mortgage notes receivable collateralized by real property is based on discounting the future cash flows at a year-end risk adjusted lending rate that the Company would utilize for loans of similar risk and duration. At October 31, 2008 and 2007, the estimated aggregate fair value of the mortgage notes receivable was $814,000 and $959,000, respectively.

The estimated fair value of mortgage notes payable was $102,440,000 and $94,780,000 at October 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively. The estimated fair value of mortgage notes payable is based on discounting the future cash flows at a year-end risk adjusted borrowing rate currently available to the Company for issuance of debt with similar terms and remaining maturities.

Although management is not aware of any factors that would significantly affect the estimated fair value amounts, such amounts have not been comprehensively revalued for purposes of these financial statements since that date and current estimates of fair value may differ significantly from the amounts presented herein.

Concentration of Credit Risk
Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, and tenant receivables.  The Company places its cash and cash equivalents in excess of insured amounts with high quality financial institutions.  The Company performs ongoing credit evaluations of its tenants and 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.  There is no dependence upon any single tenant.

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 average 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.


 
45

 


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

   
Year Ended October 31,
 
   
2008
   
2007
   
2006
 
Numerator
                 
Net income applicable to common stockholders – basic
  $ 4,162     $ 8,800     $ 3,871  
Effect of dilutive securities:
                       
Stock awards and operating partnership units
    125       324       220  
Net income applicable to common stockholders – diluted
  $ 4,287     $ 9,124     $ 4,091  
Denominator
                       
Denominator for basic EPS-weighted average common shares
    6,990       6,845       6,662  
Effect of dilutive securities:
                       
Restricted stock and other awards
    361       448       482  
Operating partnership units
    -       -       55  
Denominator for diluted EPS – weighted average common equivalent shares
    7,351       7,293       7,199  
                         
Numerator
                       
Net income applicable to Class A common stockholders – basic
  $ 11,985     $ 26,246     $ 11,819  
Effect of dilutive securities:
                       
Stock awards and operating partnership units
    (125 )     (324 )     -  
Net income applicable to Class A common stockholders – diluted
  $ 11,860     $ 25,922     $ 11,819  
                         
Denominator
                       
Denominator for basic EPS – weighted average Class A common shares
    18,223       18,419       18,312  
Effect of dilutive securities:
                       
Restricted stock and other awards
    185       275       306  
Operating partnership units
    -       -       55  
Denominator for diluted EPS – weighted average Class A common
                       
equivalent shares
    18,408       18,694       18,673  

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.

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.

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 payments transactions under SFAS No. 123R and is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007.  The Company does not believe adoption of SFAS No. 157 will have a material effect on its financial statements.

 
46

 


In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities” (“SFAS No. 159”), which provides companies with an option to report selected financial assets and liabilities at fair value.  SFAS No. 159 also establishes presentation and disclosure requirements designed to facilitate comparisons between companies that choose different measurement attributes from similar types of assets and liabilities.  The statement does not eliminate the disclosure requirements of other accounting standards, including requirements for disclosures about fair value measurements in SFAS No. 107, “Disclosure About Fair Value of Financial Instruments,” and SFAS No. 157.  The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting the statement, which becomes effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007.

(2) REAL ESTATE INVESTMENTS

The Company’s investments in real estate, net of depreciation, were composed of the following at October 31, 2008 and 2007 (in thousands):

   
Core Properties
   
Non-Core Properties
   
Mortgage Notes Receivable
   
2008
Totals
   
2007
Totals
 
Retail
  $ 465,690     $ -     $ 1,241     $ 466,931     $ 430,482  
Office
    7,621       -       -       7,621       7,401  
Industrial
     -       633       -       633       726  
    $ 473,311     $ 633     $ 1,241     $ 475,185     $ 438,609  

The Company’s investments at October 31, 2008 consisted of equity interests in 44 properties, which are located in various regions throughout the United States and one mortgage note receivable.  The Company’s primary investment focus is neighborhood and community shopping centers located in the northeastern United States. These properties are considered core properties of the Company. The remaining properties are located outside of the northeastern United States and are considered non-core properties.  Since a significant concentration of the Company’s properties are in the northeast, market changes in this region could have an effect on the Company’s leasing efforts and ultimately its overall results of operations.  The following is a summary of the geographic locations of the Company’s investments at October 31, 2008 and 2007 (in thousands):

   
2008
   
2007
 
Northeast
  $ 473,311     $ 436,578  
Midwest
    633       726  
Southwest
    1,241       1,305  
    $ 475,185     $ 438,609  

(3) CORE PROPERTIES

The components of core properties were as follows (in thousands):

   
2008
   
2007
 
Land
  $ 104,032     $ 94,930  
Buildings and improvements
    462,857       426,546  
      566,889       521,476  
Accumulated depreciation
    (93,578 )     (84,898 )
    $ 473,311     $ 436,578  

Space at the Company’s core properties is generally leased to various individual tenants under short and intermediate-term leases which are accounted for as operating leases.

Minimum rental payments on non-cancelable operating leases totaling $397,310,000 become due as follows: 2009 -$57,955,000; 2010 - $53,968,000; 2011 - $49,946,000; 2012 - $44,045,000; 2013 - $34,960,000 and thereafter – $156,436,000.

Certain of the Company’s leases provide for the payment of additional rent based on a percentage of the tenant’s revenues. Such additional percentage rents are included in operating lease income and were less than 1% of consolidated revenues in each of the three years ended October 31, 2008.

Owned Properties
In December 2007, the Company acquired a 20,000 square foot retail property located in Waldwick, New Jersey (Waldwick) 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.


 
47

 

In August 2008, the Company acquired a 79,000 square foot shopping center in Litchfield County, Connecticut (Veteran’s Plaza) for a purchase price of $10.4 million, including the assumption of a first mortgage loan.  The Company recorded the assumption of the mortgage loan at its estimated fair value which approximated $3.7 million.  The assumption of the mortgage loan represents a non-cash financing activity and is therefore not included in the accompanying 2008 consolidated cash flow statement.

In May 2008, the Company paid a $750,000 deposit on a contract to purchase an equity interest in a joint venture which owns a 237,000 square foot shopping center in Westchester County, New York.  In November 2008, the Company negotiated a termination of the contract and forfeited $150,000 of the contract deposit.  The $150,000 plus capitalized acquisition costs in the amount of $66,000 have been expensed in the fiscal 2008 consolidated statement of income.

In October 2008, the Company paid a $500,000 deposit on a contract to purchase an office building in Greenwich, Connecticut.  In November of 2008 the Company terminated the contract during the due diligence period and received its contract deposit back in December of 2008.

In January 2007, the Company acquired a 10,100 square foot shopping center located in Monroe, Connecticut (“Monroe”) for approximately  $3.8 million, including closing costs.

In April 2007, the Company acquired the Emerson Shopping Plaza (“Emerson”), a 92,000 square foot shopping center located in Emerson, New Jersey for a purchase price of approximately $17.5 million, including closing costs.

In January 2007, the Company entered into a lease with a wholesale club to lease approximately 107,000 square feet of space at The Dock Shopping Center, Stratford, Connecticut, 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 2016 by a corporate guarantor whereby the guarantor was released from its obligations in exchange for a payment of $6 million.  The payment and release of guaranty were subject to certain conditions contained in the agreement.  The conditions were satisfied on April 15, 2007 and the Company recorded the guaranty payment as income in fiscal 2007.

In May 2007, the Company acquired, by contribution, a 20% economic interest in a general partnership which owns a retail/office property in Westchester County, New York.  Simultaneously, the Company contributed one of its wholly-owned retail properties into a newly formed limited liability company (“LLC”).  As a result of the contributions, the Company owns approximately 76% of the LLC, the accounts of which are included in the accompanying consolidated financial statements at October 31, 2008.  The Company has recorded the non- controlling member’s share of the net assets of the LLC of $546,000 in Minority Interests, in the accompanying October 31, 2008 consolidated balance sheet.  The amount recorded for minority interest represents a non-cash investing activity and is therefore not included in the accompanying 2007 consolidated statement of cash flows.  The Company has among other things, guaranteed a preferential return to the other member of the LLC of $38,000 per annum.

In March 2006, the Company acquired three retail properties totaling 50,000 square feet of GLA located in Pelham, New York and Queens, New York (“Pelham Properties”).  The three properties were acquired for an aggregate purchase price of $16.6 million.

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.  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 above-market and below-market lease intangibles are amortized to rental income over the remaining non-cancelable terms of the respective leases.  If a lease were to be terminated prior to its stated expiration, all unamortized amounts relating to the lease would be immediately recognized in operations.

During fiscal 2008, the Company completed its evaluation of the acquired leases at Waldwick and Ferry Plaza.  As a result of its evaluations, the Company has allocated a total of $94,000 to an asset associated with the net fair value assigned to the acquired leases at the properties, which amount represents a non-cash investing activity and is therefore not included in the accompanying 2008 consolidated statement of cash flows.  The Company is currently in the process of analyzing the fair value of in-place leases for Veteran’s Plaza.  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 years ended October 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, the net amortization of above-market and below-market leases amounted to $50,000, $241,000 and $211,000, respectively, which amounts are included in base rents in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.

In fiscal 2008, the Company incurred costs of approximately $8.7 million related to capital improvements to its properties and leasing costs.


 
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Consolidated Joint Ventures
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 (Ferry Plaza), 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 October 31, 2008.

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.  The partners are entitled to receive an annual cash preference payable from available cash of the partnership.  Any unpaid preferences accumulate and are paid from future cash, if any.  The limited partners’ cash preferences are paid after the general partner’s preferences are satisfied.  The balance of available cash, if any, is distributed in accordance with the respective partner’s interests.  Upon liquidation of the partnership, proceeds from the sale of partnership assets are to be distributed in accordance with the respective partnership interests.  The partners are not obligated to make any additional capital contributions to the partnership.  The Company had retained an affiliate of one of the limited partners to provide management and leasing services to the property at an annual fee of $125,000 through June 2007.  The limited partner interest is reflected in the accompanying consolidated financial statements as Minority Interests.

In August 2007, the Company purchased all of the limited partner interests in another consolidated partnership, in which the Company was the sole general partner for $2.8 million.  As a result of the purchase, the partnership was terminated and the property is now directly owned by the Company.

The Company adopted the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 150, “Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of both Liabilities and Equity” (“SFAS No. 150”).  SFAS No. 150 establishes standards for classifying and measuring as liabilities certain financial instruments that embody obligations of the issuer and have characteristics of both liabilities and equity. The FASB deferred the classification and measurement provisions of SFAS No. 150 that apply to certain mandatory redeemable non-controlling interests.  This deferral is expected to remain in effect while these provisions are further evaluated by the FASB.  The Company has two finite life joint ventures, which contain mandatory redeemable non-controlling interests. At October 31, 2008, the estimated fair value of the minority interests was approximately $10 million.  The joint ventures have termination dates of December 31, 2097 and December 31, 2099.

(4) NON-CORE PROPERTIES

At October 31, 2008, the non-core properties consist of two industrial properties located outside of the Northeast region of the United States. The Board of Directors has authorized management, subject to its approval of any contract for sale, to sell the non-core properties of the Company over a period of several years in furtherance of the Company’s objectives to focus on northeast properties.

The components of non-core properties were as follows (in thousands):

   
2008
   
2007
 
Land
  $ 450     $ 450  
Buildings and improvements
    934       933  
      1,384       1,383  
Accumulated depreciation
    (751 )     (657 )
    $ 633     $ 726  

Minimum rental payments on non-cancelable operating leases of the non-core properties totaling $5,573,000 become due as follows:
2009 - $1,840,000; 2010 - $1,840,000; 2011 - $1,266,000; 2012 - $627,000.

(5)  DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

The Company has adopted the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards 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.

 
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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.

The operating results for the sold property have been classified as discontinued operations in the accompanying fiscal 2007 and 2006 consolidated financial statements.  Revenues from discontinued operations were approximately $320,000 and $747,000 for the years ended October 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

(6) MORTGAGE NOTES RECEIVABLE

At October 31, 2008, mortgage notes receivable consisted of one fixed rate mortgage with a contractual interest rate of 9%.  The mortgage note matures in 2013 and is secured by a retail property.  Interest is recognized on the effective yield method.  The mortgage note is recorded at a discounted amount which reflects the market interest rate at the time of acceptance of the note.  At October 31, 2008, the remaining unamortized discount was $115,000.

At October 31, 2008, principal payments on the mortgage note receivable become due as follows: 2009 - $98,000; 2010 - $108,000; 2011 – $118,000; 2012 - $129,000; and thereafter - $903,000.

(7)  MORTGAGE NOTES PAYABLE AND BANK LINES OF CREDIT

At October 31, 2008, mortgage notes payable are due in installments over various periods to fiscal 2019 at effective rates of interest ranging from 5.09% to 7.78% and are collateralized by real estate investments having a net carrying value of $199,087,000.

Combined aggregate principal maturities of mortgage notes payable during the next five years and thereafter are as follows (in thousands):

   
Scheduled
Amortization
   
Principal
Repayments
   
Total
 
2009
  $ 1,780     $ 15,402     $ 17,182  
2010
    1,452       5,155       6,607  
2011
    1,474       11,817       13,291  
2012
    1,364       3,790       5,154  
2013
    1,259       3,190       4,449  
Thereafter
    6,027       52,244       58,271  
    $ 13,356     $ 91,598     $ 104,954  

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 $7.9 million of the outstanding balance of $13.0 million on the Facility is shown as a mortgage note payable on the accompanying October 31, 2008 consolidated balance sheet.  Interest on outstanding borrowings under the Facility is currently accruing at approximately 1.35%  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 The Bank of New York Mellon’s prime lending rate 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.  At October 31, 2008, there were no outstanding borrowings under the Secured Credit Facility.

Interest paid in the years ended October 31, 2008, 2007, and 2006 was approximately $7.0 million, $7.8 million and $8.5 million, respectively.


 
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(8) REDEEMABLE PREFERRED STOCK

The Company is authorized to issue up to 20,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock.  At October 31, 2008, the Company had issued and outstanding 400,000 shares of Series C Senior Cumulative Preferred Stock (Series C Preferred Stock), 2,450,000 shares of Series D Senior Cumulative Preferred Stock (Series D Preferred Stock) (see Note 9) 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 October 31, 2008 and 2007 (amounts in thousands, except share data):  

   
October 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 year ended October 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 October 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 holder’s 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.

(9) STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

The Series D Preferred Stock has no maturity and is not convertible into any other security of the Company.  The Series D Preferred Stock is redeemable at the Company’s option on or after April 12, 2010 at a price of $25 per share plus accrued and unpaid dividends.  Underwriting commissions and costs incurred in connection with the sale of the Series D Preferred Stock are reflected as a reduction of additional paid in capital.

The Class A Common Stock entitles the holder to 1/20 of one vote per share.  The Common Stock entitles the holder to one vote per share.  Each share of Common Stock and Class A Common Stock have identical rights with respect to dividends except that each share of Class A Common Stock will receive not less than 110% of the regular quarterly dividends paid on each share of Common Stock.

The Company has a Dividend Reinvestment and Share Purchase Plan as amended (the “DRIP”), that  permits stockholders to acquire additional shares of Common Stock and Class A Common Stock by automatically reinvesting dividends.  During fiscal 2008, the Company issued 43,636 shares of Common Stock and 14,765 shares of Class A Common Stock (32,377 shares of Common Stock and 12,444 shares of Class A Common Stock in fiscal 2007) through the DRIP.  As of October 31, 2008, there remained 133,692 shares of common stock and 466,820 shares of Class A common stock available for issuance under the DRIP.

 
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The Company has a stockholder rights agreement that expires on November 11, 2018.  The rights are not currently exercisable. When they are exercisable, the holder will be entitled to purchase from the Company one one-hundredth of a share of a newly-established Series A Participating Preferred Stock at a price of $65 per one one-hundredth of a preferred share, subject to certain adjustments. The distribution date for the rights will occur 10 days after a person or group either acquires or obtains the right to acquire 10% (“Acquiring Person”) or more of the combined voting power of the Company’s Common Shares, or announces an offer, the consummation of which would result in such person or group owning 30% or more of the then outstanding Common Shares. Thereafter, shareholders other than the Acquiring Person will be entitled to purchase original common shares of the Company having a value equal to two times the exercise price of the right.

If the Company is involved in a merger or other business combination at any time after the rights become exercisable, and the Company is not the surviving corporation or 50% or more of the Company assets are sold or transferred, the rights agreement provides that the holder other than the Acquiring Person will be entitled to purchase a number of shares of common stock of the acquiring company having a value equal to two times the exercise price of each right.

The Company’s articles of incorporation provide that if any person acquires more than 7.5% of the aggregate value of all outstanding stock, except, among other reasons, as approved by the Board of Directors, such shares in excess of this limit automatically shall be exchanged for an equal number of shares of Excess Stock.  Excess Stock has limited rights, may not be voted and is not entitled to any dividends.  In March 2008, the Board of Directors of the Company granted an irrevocable waiver to the 7.5% limit to the purchaser and any subsequent owners of the Series E Preferred Stock.

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.  In December 2008, the Board of Directors further amended the Program to allow the Company to repurchase up to 1,500,000 shares of Common and Class A Common stock in the aggregate.  In addition, the Board of Directors amended the Program to allow the Company to repurchase shares of the Company’s Series C and Series D Senior Cumulative Preferred Stock (Preferred Stock) in open-market transactions.  During fiscal 2008 and 2007, the Company repurchased 623,278 shares of Class A Common Stock at an aggregate price of $9.0 million and 21,200 shares of Class A Common Shares at an aggregate repurchase price of $317,000, respectively.  As of October 31, 2008, the Company had repurchased 3,600 shares of Common Stock and 685,878 shares of Class A Common Stock under the repurchase program.  The Company has yet to repurchase any Preferred Stock under the Program.

(10) STOCK COMPENSATION AND OTHER BENEFIT PLANS

Restricted Stock Plan
In March 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.


 
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Had compensation expense for nonvested restricted stock awards issued prior to November 1, 2005 been determined based on the date a participant first becomes eligible for retirement, the Company’s income from continuing operations in the three-year period ended October 31, 2008 would have been as follows (amounts in thousands, except per share):

   
Year Ended October 31,
 
   
2008
   
2007
   
2006
 
Income from continuing operations, as reported
  $ 16,147     $ 23,409     $ 15,202  
                         
Adjustment to compensation expense had SFAS No. 123R been adopted prior to November 1, 2005
    295       428       551  
Pro forma income from continuing operations
  $ 16,442     $ 23,837     $ 15,753  
                         
Pro forma earnings per share from continuing operations:
                       
Basic:
                       
Common share
  $ .61     $ .87     $ .58  
Class A Common share
  $ .67     $ .97     $ .65  
Diluted:
                       
Common share
  $ .59     $ .85     $ .57  
Class A Common share
  $ .66     $ .94     $ .64  

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 was $3.4 million. As of October 31, 2008, there remained a total of $11.1 million of unrecognized restricted stock compensation related to outstanding nonvested restricted stock grants awarded under the Plan and outstanding at that date.  Restricted stock compensation is expected to be expensed over a remaining weighted average period of 5.8 years.  For the years ended October 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, amounts charged to compensation expense totaled $1,713,000, $2,071,000 and $2,007,000, respectively.

A summary of the status of the Company’s nonvested restricted stock awards as of October 31, 2008, and changes during the year ended October 31, 2008 are presented below:

   
Common Shares
   
Class A Common Shares
 
   
Shares
   
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value
   
Shares
   
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value
 
Nonvested 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
    -     $ -       (82,000 )   $ 16.40  
Nonvested at October 31, 2008
    961,750     $ 14.54       321,200     $ 14.21  

Stock Option Plan
Prior to December 2007, the Company had a stock option plan whereby shares of Common Stock and Class A Common Stock were reserved for issuance to key employees and Directors of the Company.  In December 2007, the Board of Directors approved the termination of the stock option plan.  There were no grants of stock options in each of the three years ended October 31, 2008.  At October 31, 2008, there were outstanding stock options to purchase 2,000 shares of Common Stock and 2,000 shares of Class A Common Stock.

In connection with the exercise in a prior year 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.

Profit Sharing and Savings Plan
The Company has a profit sharing and savings plan (the “401K Plan”), which permits eligible employees to defer a portion of their compensation in accordance with the Internal Revenue Code.  Under the 401K Plan, the Company made contributions on behalf of eligible employees.  For the years ended October 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, the Company made contributions to the 401K Plan of $140,000, $140,000 and $149,000, respectively.  The Company also has an Excess Benefit and Deferred Compensation Plan that allows eligible employees to defer benefits in excess of amounts provided under the Company’s 401K Plan and a portion of the employee’s current compensation.


 
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(11) COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

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

At October 31, 2008, the Company had commitments of approximately $1,186,000 for tenant-related obligations.

(12) QUARTERLY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)

The unaudited quarterly results of operations for the years ended October 31, 2008 and 2007 are as follows (in thousands, except per share data):

   
Year Ended October 31, 2008
   
Year Ended October 31, 2007
 
   
Quarter Ended
   
Quarter Ended
 
   
Jan 31
   
Apr 30
   
July 31
   
Oct 31
   
Jan 31
   
Apr 30
   
July 31
   
Oct 31
 
                                                 
Revenues (1)
  $ 19,431     $ 20,564     $ 20,235     $ 20,626     $ 19,310     $ 25,163     $ 19,138     $ 18,269  
                                                                 
Income from Continuing Operations
  $ 6,828     $ 7,610     $ 7,592     $ 6,495     $ 7,149     $ 12,624     $ 6,519     $ 6,459  
                                                                 
Net Income
  $ 6,828     $ 7,610     $ 7,592     $ 6,495     $ 7,149     $ 24,168     $ 6,519     $ 6,552  
                                                                 
Preferred Stock Dividends
    (2,336 )     (2,835 )     (3,274 )     (3,273 )     (2,336 )     (2,335 )     (2,336 )     (2,335 )
                                                                 
Redemption of Preferred Stock
    -       (660 )     -       -       -       -       -       -  
                                                                 
Net Income Applicable to Common and Class A Common Stockholders (2)
  $ 4,492     $ 4,115     $ 4,318     $ 3,222     $ 4,813     $ 21,833     $ 4,183     $ 4,217  
                                                                 
Per Share Data:
                                                               
Net Income from Continuing Operations- Basic:
                                                               
Class A Common Stock
  $ .18     $ .17     $ .18     $ .13     $ .20     $ .42     $ .17     $ .16  
Common Stock
  $ .16     $ .15     $ .16     $ .12     $ .18     $ .38     $ .15     $ .15  
                                                                 
Net Income from Continuing Operations- Diluted:
                                                               
Class A Common Stock
  $ .18     $ .16     $ .17     $ .13     $ .19     $ .41     $ .17     $ .16  
Common Stock
  $ .16     $ .15     $ .16     $ .12     $ .17     $ .37     $ .15     $ .14  

(1)  
Includes settlement of lease guarantee obligation of $6 million in quarter ended April 30, 2007.
(2)  
Includes gains on sales of properties of $11.4 million in quarter ended April 30, 2007.

(13)  SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

On December 10, 2008, the Board of Directors of the Company declared cash dividends of $0.2175 for each share of Common Stock and $0.24 for each share of Class A Common Stock.  The dividends are payable on January 20, 2009 to stockholders of record on January 6, 2009. The Board of Directors also ratified the actions of the Company’s compensation committee authorizing the awards of 170,900 shares of Common Stock and 63,200 shares of Class A Common Stock to certain key officers and directors of the Company effective January 2, 2009 pursuant to the Company’s restricted stock plan.  The fair value of the shares awarded totaling $3.4 million will be charged to expense over the respective vesting periods.



 
54

 


Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
 
The Board of Directors and Stockholders of Urstadt Biddle Properties Inc.
 
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Urstadt Biddle Properties Inc. (the “Company”) as of October 31, 2008 and 2007 and the related consolidated statements of income, stockholders' equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended October 31, 2008.  Our audits also included the financial statement schedules listed in the Index at Item 15(a).  These financial statements and schedules are the responsibility of the Company's management.  Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and schedules based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Urstadt Biddle Properties Inc. at October 31, 2008 and 2007, and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended October 31, 2008, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.  Also, in our opinion, the related financial statement schedules, when considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole, present fairly in all material respects, the information set forth therein.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of October 31, 2008 based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated January 9, 2009 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.


New York, New York
/s/ PKF
January 9, 2009
Certified Public Accountants
 
A Professional Corporation
 

 
55

 

URSTADT BIDDLE PROPERTIES INC.
 
OCTOBER 31, 2008
 
SCHEDULE III - REAL ESTATE AND ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION
 
(In thousands)
 
COL. A
 
COL. B
   
COL. C
   
COL. D
   
COL. E
   
COL. F
 
COL. G/H
 
COL. I
 
         
Initial Cost to Company
   
Cost Capitalized Subsequent
to Acquisition
   
Amount at which Carried at Close of Period
     
Life on which depreciation for building and
 
Description
and Location
 
Encumbrances
   
Land
   
Building &
Improvements
   
Land
   
Building &
Improvements
   
Land
   
Building &
Improvements
   
TOTAL (a)
   
Accumulated Depreciation
(Note (b))
 
Date Constructed/
Acquired
 
improvements in latest income statement is computed (Note (c))
 
Real Estate Subject to Operating Leases (Note (a) (e)):
Office Buildings:
                                                             
Greenwich, CT
    -     $ 708     $ 1,641     $ -     $ 93     $ 708     $ 1,734     $ 2,442     $ 326  
2001
    31.5  
Greenwich, CT
    -       488       1,139       -       67       488       1,206       1,694       240  
2000
    31.5  
Greenwich, CT
    -       570       2,359       -       455       570       2,814       3,384       676  
1998
    31.5  
Greenwich, CT
    -       199       795       -       300       199       1,095       1,294       291  
1993
    31.5  
Greenwich, CT
    -       111       444       -       -       111       444       555       216  
1994
    31.5  
      -       2,076       6,378       -       915       2,076       7,293       9,369       1,749            
Retail Properties:
                                                                                 
New Milford, CT
    3,719       2,114       8,456       -       -       2,114       8,456       10,570       36  
2008
    39.0  
Newark, NJ
    11,813       5,252       21,023       -       -       5,252       21,023       26,275       270  
2008
    39.0  
Briarcliff, NY
    -       279       1,117       -       -       279       1,117       1,396       19  
2008
    39.0  
Eastchester, NY
    -       185       740       -       -       185       740       925       12  
2008
    39.0  
Waldwick, NJ
    -       1,266       5,064       -       -       1,266       5,064       6,330       119  
2007
    39.0  
Emerson NJ
    -       3,633       14,531       -       52       3,633       14,583       18,216       560  
2007
    39.0  
Monroe, CT
    -       765       3,060       -       -       765       3,060       3,825       144  
2007
    39.0  
Queens,NY
    -       951       3,802       -       6       951       3,808       4,759       251  
2006
    39.0  
Queens,NY
    -       826       3,304       -       -       826       3,304       4,130       216  
2006
    39.0  
Pelham,NY
    -       1,694       6,843       -       -       1,694       6,843       8,537       458  
2006
    39.0  
Stratford, CT
    -       10,173       40,794       7       7,666       10,180       48,460       58,640       4,363  
2005
    39.0  
Yorktown Heights, NY
    7,865       5,786       23,221       -       174       5,786       23,395       29,181       2,003  
2005
    39.0  
Rye, NY
    319       909       3,637       -       108       909       3,745       4,654       419  
2004
    39.0  
Rye, NY
    1,759       483       1,930       -       6       483       1,936       2,419       223  
2004
    39.0  
Rye, NY
    799       239       958       -       7       239       965       1,204       110  
2004
    39.0  
Rye, NY
    1,486       695       2,782       -       -       695       2,782       3,477       320  
2004
    39.0  
Somers, NY
    -       4,318       17,268       -       486       4,318       17,754       22,072       2,538  
2003
    39.0  
Westport, CT
    -       2,076       8,305       -       188       2,076       8,493       10,569       1,273  
2003
    39.0  
White Plains, NY
    -       8,065       32,258       -       6,333       8,065       38,591       46,656       5,572  
2003
    39.0  
Orange, CT
    -       2,320       10,564       -       1,168       2,320       11,732       14,052       1,727  
2003
    39.0  
Stamford, CT
    51,760       17,965       71,859       -       5,678       17,965       77,537       95,502       12,743  
2002
    39.0  
Danbury, CT
    -       2,459       4,566       -       491       2,459       5,057       7,516       946  
2002
    39.0  
Briarcliff, NY
    3,495       2,222       5,185       -       33       2,222       5,218       7,440       973  
2001
    40.0  
Somers, NY
    5,395       1,833       7,383       -       376       1,833       7,759       9,592       2,191  
1999
    31.5  
Briarcliff, NY
    -       380       1,531       -       2,357       380       3,888       4,268       2,007  
1999
    40.0  
Briarcliff, NY
    -       2,300       9,708       15       3,487       2,315       13,195       15,510       3,295  
1998
    40.0  
Ridgefield, CT
    -       900       3,793       -       299       900       4,092       4,992       1,232  
1998
    40.0  
Darien, CT
    12,201       4,260       17,192       -       633       4,260       17,825       22,085       4,668  
1998
    40.0  
Eastchester, NY
    -       1,500       6,128       -       1,419       1,500       7,547       9,047       1,846  
1997
    31.0  
Danbury, CT  *     -       3,850       15,811       -       4,423       3,850       20,234       24,084       7,363  
1995
    31.5  
Carmel, NY
    4,343       1,488       5,973       -       1,887       1,488       7,860       9,348       2,860  
1995
    31.5  
Meriden, CT
    -       5,000       20,309       -       6,304       5,000       26,613       31,613       13,589  
1993
    31.5  
Somers, NY
    -       821       2,600       -       -       821       2,600       3,421       1,083  
1992
    31.5  
Wayne, NJ  *     -       2,492       9,966       -       361       2,492       10,327       12,819       4,110  
1992
    31.0  
Newington, NH
    -       728       1,997       -       3,200       728       5,197       5,925       3,793  
1979
    40.0  
Springfield, MA
    -       1,372       3,656       337       11,106       1,709       14,762       16,471       8,496  
1970
    40.0  
      104,954       101,599       397,314       359       58,248       101,958       455,562       557,520       91,828            
Industrial Distribution Centers
                                                                                 
Dallas, TX
    -       217       -       -       -       217       -       217       -  
1970
    40.0  
St. Louis, MO
    -       233       933       -       -       233       933       1,166       751  
1970
    40.0  
      -       450       933       -       -       450       933       1,383       751            
                                                                                   
                                                                                   
                                                                                   
Total
  $ 104,954     $ 104,125     $ 404,625     $ 359     $ 59,163     $ 104,484     $ 463,788     $ 568,272     $ 94,328            
                                                                                   
* Properties secure a $30 million secured revolving credit line. At October 31, 2008 there were no outstanding borrowings.

 
56

 

URSTADT BIDDLE PROPERTIES INC.
OCTOBER 31, 2008
SCHEDULE III - REAL ESTATE AND ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION - CONTINUED
(In thousands)


   
Year Ended October 31
 
NOTES:
 
2008
   
2007
   
2006
 
                   
(a) RECONCILIATION OF REAL ESTATE -
OWNED SUBJECT TO OPERATING LEASES
                 
                   
Balance at beginning of year
  $ 522,859     $ 495,543     $ 474,827  
Property improvements during the year
    5,015       12,219       3,915  
Properties acquired during the year
    45,423       21,314       17,398  
Properties sold during the year
    ---       (4,156 )     ---  
Property assets fully written off
    (5,025 )     (2,061 )     (597 )
Balance at end of year
  $ 568,272     $ 522,859     $ 495,543  
                         
                         
(b) RECONCILIATION  OF ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION
                       
                         
Balance at beginning of year
  $ 85,555     $ 77,258     $ 65,253  
Provision during the year charged to income
    13,798       12,838       12,602  
Property sold during the year
    ---       (2,480 )     ---  
Property assets fully written off
    (5,025 )     (2,061 )     (597 )
Balance at end of year
  $ 94,328     $ 85,555     $ 77,258  
                         
                         
                         
(c) Tenant improvement costs are depreciated over the life of the related leases, which range from 5 to 20 years.
 
(d) The depreciation provision represents the expense calculated on real property only.
 
(e) The aggregate cost for Federal Income Tax purposes for real estate subject to operating leases was approximately $457 million at October 31, 2008.
 

 

 
57

 

URSTADT BIDDLE PROPERTIES INC.
OCTOBER 31, 2008
SCHEDULE IV - MORTGAGE LOANS ON REAL ESTATE
(In thousands)
COL. A
COL. B
COL. C
COL. D
COL. E
COL. F
           
   
Interest Rate
       
 
Description
 
Coupon
 
Effective
 
Final Maturity Date
 
Periodic Payment Terms
 
Remaining Face Amount
of Mortgages (Note (b)) (In Thousands)
 
Carrying Amount of Mortgage (Note (a)) (In Thousands)
FIRST MORTGAGE LOANS ON BUSINESS PROPERTIES (Notes (c) and (d)):
           
             
Retail Store:
           
  Riverside, CA
9%
12%
15-Jan-13
Payable in quarterly installments of Principal and Interest of  $54
1,356
1,241
             
             
TOTAL MORTGAGE LOANS ON REAL ESTATE
 
$1,356
$1,241
 

URSTADT BIDDLE PROPERTIES INC.
 
OCTOBER 31, 2008
 
SCHEDULE IV - MORTGAGE LOANS ON REAL ESTATE (Continued)
 
(In thousands)
 
       
       
NOTES TO SCHEDULE IV
 
Year Ended October 31
 
                   
(a) Reconciliation of Mortgage Loans on Real Estate
                 
   
2008
   
2007
   
2006
 
                   
Balance at beginning of period:
  $ 1,305     $ 1,361     $ 2,024  
                         
 Deductions during the current period:
                       
       Collections of principal and amortization of discounts
    (64 )     (56 )     (663 )
                         
Balance at end of period:
  $ 1,241     $ 1,305     $ 1,361  
                         
(b) The aggregate cost basis for Federal income tax purposes is equal to the face amount of the mortgages
 
(c) At October 31, 2008 no mortgage loans were delinquent in payment of currently due principal or interest.
 
(d) There are no prior liens for any of the Mortgage Loans on Real Estate.
 

 
58

 

 
Item 16.  Signatures




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

 
URSTADT BIDDLE PROPERTIES INC.
 
 (Registrant)
   
  /s/ Charles J. Urstadt
 
Charles J. Urstadt
 
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
   
   
  /s/ John T. Hayes
 
John T. Hayes
 
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
 
(Principal Financial Officer
Dated: January 12, 2009
and Principal Accounting Officer)


 
59

 




Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the date indicated have signed this Report below.

/s/ Charles J. Urstadt
Charles J. Urstadt
Chairman and Director
(Principal Executive Officer)
January 12, 2009
   
/s/ Willing L. Biddle
Willing L. Biddle
President and Director
January 12, 2009
   
/s/ John T. Hayes
John T. Hayes
Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer
and Principal Accounting Officer)
January 12, 2009
   
/s/ E. Virgil Conway
E. Virgil Conway
Director
January 12, 2009
   
/s/ Robert R. Douglass
Robert R. Douglass
Director
January 12, 2009
   
/s/ Peter Herrick
Peter Herrick
Director
January 12, 2009
   
/s/ George H.C. Lawrence
George H. C. Lawrence
Director
January 12, 2009
   
/s/ Robert J. Mueller
Robert J. Mueller
Director
January 12, 2009
   
/s/ Charles D. Urstadt
Charles D. Urstadt
Director
January 12, 2009
   
/s/ George J. Vojta
George J. Vojta
Director
January 12, 2009
   
/s/ Kevin J. Bannon
Kevin J. Bannon
Director
January 12, 2009
   



 
60

 

Exhibit Index

 
Exhibit
 
(3).
Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws
   
 
3.1
(a) Amended Articles of Incorporation of the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Amendment No. 1 to Company’s Statement on Form S-4/A filed January 23, 1997 (SEC File No. 333-19113)).
     
   
(b) Articles Supplementary of the Company (incorporated by reference to Annex A of Exhibit 4.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated August 3, 1998 (SEC File No. 001-12803)).
     
   
(c) Articles Supplementary of the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated January 8, 1998 (SEC File No. 001-12803)).
     
   
(d) Articles Supplementary of the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 of the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-3 filed on August 8, 2003 (SEC File No. 333-107803)).
     
   
(e)  Articles Supplementary of the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated April 11, 2005 (SEC File No. 001-12803)).
     
   
(f)  Certificate of Correction to the Articles Supplementary of the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated May 3, 2005 (SEC File No. 001-12803)).
     
   
(g)  Articles Supplementary of the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 7, 2005 (SEC File No. 001-12803)).
     
   
(h)  Articles Supplementary of the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q dated June 6, 2008 (SEC File No. 001-12803)).
     
 
3.2
Bylaws of the Company, Amended and Restated as of December 12, 2007 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 18, 2007 (SEC File No. 001-12803).
(4)
Instruments Defining the Rights of Security Holders, Including Indentures.
     
 
4.1
Common Stock:  See Exhibits 3.1 (a)-(h) hereto.
     
 
4.2
Series B Preferred Shares:  See Exhibits 3.1 (a)-(h) hereto.
     
 
4.3
Series C Preferred Shares: See Exhibits 3.1 (a)-(h) and 10.7 hereto.
     
 
4.4
Series D Preferred Shares:  See Exhibits 3.1 (a)-(h).
     
 
4.5
Series E Preferred Shares:  See Exhibits 3.1 (a)-(h) and 10.18 hereto.
     
 
4.6
Series A Preferred Share Purchase Rights:  See Exhibits 3.1 (a)-(h) and 10.20 hereto.
(10)
Material Contracts.
     
 
10.1
Form of Indemnification Agreement entered into between the Company and each of its Directors and for future use with Directors and officers of the Company (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended October 31, 1989 (SEC File No. 001-12803)). 1
     
 
10.2
Form of Supplemental Agreement with Stock Option Plan Participants (non-statutory options) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6.2 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended October 31, 1998 (SEC File No. 001-12803)). 1
     
 
10.3
Amended and Restated Dividend Reinvestment and Share Purchase Plan (incorporated herein by reference to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-3 (SEC File No. 333-64381).
     
 
10.4
Excess Benefit and Deferred Compensation Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.10 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended October 31, 1998 (SEC File No. 001-12803)). 1
 

 
61

 


     
 
10.5
Purchase and Sale Agreement, dated September 9, 1998, by and between Goodwives Center Limited Partnership, as seller, and UB Darien, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, as purchaser (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated September 23, 1998 (SEC File No. 001-12803)).
     
 
10.6
Amended and Restated Stock Option Plan adopted June 28, 2000 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.19 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended October 31, 2000 (SEC File No. 001-12803)). 1
     
 
10.7
Registration Rights Agreement dated as of May 29, 2003 by and between the Company and Ferris, Baker Watts, Incorporated (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-3 (SEC File No. 333-107803)).  
     
 
10.8
Amended and Restated Restricted Stock Award Plan as approved by the Company’s stockholders on March 10, 2004 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.24 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended October 31, 2004 (SEC File No. 001-12803)). 1
     
 
10.8.1
Forms of Restricted Stock Award Agreement with Restricted Stock Plan Participants (Non-EmployeeDirectors, Employee Directors and Employees), effective as of November 1, 2006 (incorporated by reference to Exhibits 10.24.1, 10.24.2 and 10.24.3 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended October 31, 2006) 1
     
 
10.9
Purchase and Sale Agreement between UB Railside, LLC and The Dock, Incorporated (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K/A dated March 11, 2005 (SEC File No. 001-12803)).
     
 
10.10
Purchase and Sale Agreement between UB Dockside, LLC and The Dock, Incorporated (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K/A dated March 11, 2005 (SEC File No. 001-12803)).
     
 
10.11
Form of Amended and Restated Change of Control Agreements dated as of December 19, 2007 between the Company and Charles J. Urstadt, Willing L. Biddle, James R. Moore, Raymond P. Argila and Thomas D. Myers (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 26, 2007).¹
     
 
10.12
Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement with Restricted Stock Plan Participants (Employees) effective as of November 7, 2007 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.18 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended October 31, 2007 (SEC File No. 001-12803)).¹
     
 
10.13
Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement with Restricted Stock Plan Participants (Non-Employee Directors) effective as of November 7, 2007 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.19 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended October 31, 2007 (SEC File No. 001-12803)).¹
     
 
10.14
Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement with Restricted Stock Plan Participants (Employee Directors) effective as of November 7, 2007 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.20 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended October 31, 2007 (SEC File No. 001-12803)).¹
 
10.15
Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement with Restricted Stock Plan Participants (Employee Directors – Alternative Version) effective as of November 7, 2007 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.21 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended October 31, 2007 (SEC File No. 001-12803)).¹
     
 
10.16
Unsecured Credit Agreement dated February 11, 2008 among the Company, lenders thereto (The Bank of New York and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.) and The Bank of New York as Administrative Agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q dated March 7, 2008 (SEC File No. 001-12803)).
     
 
10.17
Investment Agreement between the Company and WFC Holdings Corporation dated March 13, 2008 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q dated June 6, 2008 (SEC File No. 001-12803)).
     
 
10.18
Registration Rights Agreement between the Company and WFC Holdings Corporation dated March 13, 2008 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q dated June 6, 2008 (SEC File No. 001-12803)).
     
 
10.19
Consulting Agreement dated April 11, 2008 between the Company and James R. Moore (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q dated June 6, 2008 (SEC File No. 001-12803)). ¹

 
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10.20
 
Rights Agreement between the Company and The Bank of New York, as Rights Agent, dated as of July 18, 2008 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 24, 2008 (SEC File No. 001-12803)).
     
 
10.21
Severance Agreement dated June 5, 2008 between the Company and Raymond P. Argila (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated September 5, 2008 (SEC File No. 001-12803)). ¹
     
 
10.22
Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement with Restricted Stock Plan Participants (Non-Director Employees) effective as of December 10, 2008. ¹
     
 
10.23
Amended and Restated Excess Benefit and Deferred Compensation Plan dated December 10, 2008 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 15, 2008 (SEC File No. 001-12803)). ¹
     
 
10.24
Change of Control Agreement dated December 16, 2008 between the Company and John T. Hayes (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 17, 2008 (SEC File No. 001-12803)). ¹
     
 
1 Management contract, compensatory plan or arrangement.
     
(14)
Code of Ethics for Chief Executive Officer and Senior Financial Officers (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 14 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended October 31, 2003 (SEC File No. 001-12803)).
     
(21)
List of Company's subsidiaries
     
(23)
Consent of PKF, Certified Public Accountants, A Professional Corporation
     
(31.1)
 
Certification pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, signed and dated by Charles J. Urstadt.
     
(31.2)
 
Certification pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, signed and dated by John T. Hayes.
     
(32)
 
Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted, pursuant to section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, signed and dated by Charles J. Urstadt and John T. Hayes.