Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.
Item 4. Controls and Procedures.
Part II. Other Information
Item 1. Legal Proceedings.
Item 1A. Risk Factors.
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities.
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures.
Item 5. Other Information.
Item 6. Exhibits.
Exhibits
EX-31.1
exhibit311certificationofc.htm
EX-31.2
exhibit312certificationofc.htm
EX-32.1
exhibit321certificationofc.htm
EX-32.2
exhibit322certificationofc.htm
Whitestone REIT Earnings 2019-03-31
WSR 10Q Quarterly Report
Balance Sheet
Income Statement
Cash Flow
10-Q 1 wsr10-q2019x03.htm 10-Q Document
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
[x]
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 or 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2019
OR
[ ]
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from ____________ to ____________
Commission File Number 001-34855
WHITESTONE REIT
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
Maryland
76-0594970
(State or Other Jurisdiction of
Incorporation or Organization)
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
2600 South Gessner, Suite 500
Houston, Texas
77063
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
(Zip Code)
(713) 827-9595
(Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code)
N/A
(Former Name, Former Address and Former Fiscal Year, if Changed Since Last Report)
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. ýYes ¨No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). ýYes ¨No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer ¨ Accelerated filer ý
Non-accelerated filer ¨ Smaller reporting company ¨
Emerging growth company ¨
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). ¨Yes ý No
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class
Trading Symbol(s)
Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Shares of Beneficial Interest, par value $0.001 per share
WSR
New York Stock Exchange
As of May 6, 2019, there were 39,830,023 common shares of beneficial interest, $0.001 par value per share, outstanding.
Accrued rents and accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts
22,746
21,642
Receivable due from related party
965
394
Financed receivable due from related party
5,661
5,661
Unamortized lease commissions and loan costs
9,228
6,698
Prepaid expenses and other assets(1)
7,250
7,306
Total assets
$
1,018,655
$
1,028,872
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Liabilities:
Notes payable
$
622,918
$
618,205
Accounts payable and accrued expenses(2)
29,650
33,729
Payable due to related party
204
58
Tenants' security deposits
6,213
6,130
Dividends and distributions payable
11,617
11,600
Total liabilities
670,602
669,722
Commitments and contingencies:
—
—
Equity:
Preferred shares, $0.001 par value per share; 50,000,000 shares authorized; none issued and outstanding as of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively
—
—
Common shares, $0.001 par value per share; 400,000,000 shares authorized; 39,828,745 and 39,778,029 issued and outstanding as of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively
40
39
Additional paid-in capital
528,815
527,662
Accumulated deficit
(189,938
)
(181,361
)
Accumulated other comprehensive gain
726
4,116
Total Whitestone REIT shareholders' equity
339,643
350,456
Noncontrolling interest in subsidiary
8,410
8,694
Total equity
348,053
359,150
Total liabilities and equity
$
1,018,655
$
1,028,872
See accompanying notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Exchange of noncontrolling interest OP units for common shares
1
—
5
—
—
5
(1
)
(5
)
—
Exchange offer costs
—
—
(6
)
—
—
(6
)
—
—
(6
)
Issuance of shares under dividend reinvestment plan
3
—
34
—
—
34
—
—
34
Repurchase of common shares (1)
(64
)
—
(762
)
—
—
(762
)
—
—
(762
)
Share-based compensation
111
1
1,882
—
—
1,883
—
—
1,883
Distributions - $0.285 per common share / OP unit
—
—
—
(11,351
)
—
(11,351
)
—
(264
)
(11,615
)
Unrealized loss on change in value of cash flow hedge
—
—
—
—
(3,390
)
(3,390
)
—
(80
)
(3,470
)
Net income
—
—
—
2,774
—
2,774
—
65
2,839
Balance, March 31, 2019
39,829
$
40
$
528,815
$
(189,938
)
$
726
$
339,643
928
$
8,410
$
348,053
Accumulated
Additional
Other
Total
Noncontrolling
Common Shares
Paid-In
Accumulated
Comprehensive
Shareholders’
Interests
Total
Shares
Amount
Capital
Deficit
Gain
Equity
Units
Dollars
Equity
Balance, December 31, 2017
39,222
$
38
$
521,314
$
(176,684
)
$
2,936
$
347,604
1,084
$
10,800
$
358,404
Impact of change in accounting principal:
ASU 2014-09(2)
—
—
—
19,119
—
19,119
—
—
19,119
Balance January 1, 2018
39,222
38
521,314
(157,565
)
2,936
366,723
1,084
10,800
377,523
Exchange of noncontrolling interest OP units for common shares
1
—
4
—
—
4
(1
)
(4
)
—
Issuance of shares under dividend reinvestment plan
2
—
33
—
—
33
—
—
33
Repurchase of common shares (1)
(45
)
—
(466
)
—
—
(466
)
—
—
(466
)
Share-based compensation
—
—
1,845
—
—
1,845
—
—
1,845
Distributions - $0.285 per common share / OP unit
—
—
—
(11,197
)
—
(11,197
)
—
(309
)
(11,506
)
Unrealized loss on change in value of cash flow hedge
—
—
—
—
2,574
2,574
—
71
2,645
Unrealized gain on change in fair value of available-for-sale marketable securities
—
—
—
—
18
18
—
—
18
Net income
—
—
—
3,181
—
3,181
—
88
3,269
Balance, March 31, 2018
39,180
$
38
$
522,730
$
(165,581
)
$
5,528
$
362,715
1,083
$
10,646
$
373,361
(1)
During the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, the Company acquired common shares held by employees who tendered owned common shares to satisfy the tax withholding on the lapse of certain restrictions on restricted common shares.
(2)
Represents the impact of change in accounting principal for our modified retrospective adoption of ASU 2014-09.
See accompanying notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
The use of the words “we,” “us,” “our,” “Company” or “Whitestone” refers to Whitestone REIT and our consolidated subsidiaries, except where the context otherwise requires.
1. INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The consolidated financial statements included in this report are unaudited; however, amounts presented in the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2018 are derived from our audited consolidated financial statements as of that date. The unaudited financial statements as of and for the period ended March 31, 2019 have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) for interim financial information on a basis consistent with the annual audited consolidated financial statements and with the instructions to Form 10-Q.
The consolidated financial statements presented herein reflect all adjustments which, in the opinion of management, are necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position of Whitestone and our subsidiaries as of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, and the results of operations for the three month periods ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, the consolidated statements of changes in equity for the three month period ended March 31, 2019 and cash flows for the three month periods ended March 31, 2019 and 2018. All of these adjustments are of a normal recurring nature. The results of operations for the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results expected for a full year. The statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto which are included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018.
Business. Whitestone was formed as a real estate investment trust (“REIT”) pursuant to the Texas Real Estate Investment Trust Act on August 20, 1998. In July 2004, we changed our state of organization from Texas to Maryland pursuant to a merger where we merged directly with and into a Maryland REIT formed for the sole purpose of the reorganization and the conversion of each of the outstanding common shares of beneficial interest of the Texas entity into 1.42857 common shares of beneficial interest of the Maryland entity. We serve as the general partner of Whitestone REIT Operating Partnership, L.P. (the “Operating Partnership”), which was formed on December 31, 1998 as a Delaware limited partnership. We currently conduct substantially all of our operations and activities through the Operating Partnership. As the general partner of the Operating Partnership, we have the exclusive power to manage and conduct the business of the Operating Partnership, subject to certain customary exceptions. As of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, Whitestone wholly-owned 57 commercial properties in and around Austin, Chicago, Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, Phoenix and San Antonio.
These properties consist of:
Consolidated Operating Portfolio
•
51 wholly-owned properties that meet our Community Centered Properties® strategy; and
Redevelopment, New Acquisitions Portfolio
•
six parcels of land held for future development.
As of March 31, 2019, we, through our investment in Pillarstone Capital REIT Operating Partnership LP (“Pillarstone” or “Pillarstone OP”), owned a majority interest in 11 properties that do not meet our Community Centered Property® strategy containing approximately 1.3 million square feet of GLA (the “Pillarstone Properties”). We own 81.4% of the total outstanding units of Pillarstone OP, which we account for using the equity method. We also manage the day-to-day operations of Pillarstone OP.
2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of Consolidation. We are the sole general partner of the Operating Partnership and possess full legal control and authority over the operations of the Operating Partnership. As of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, we owned a majority of the partnership interests in the Operating Partnership. Consequently, the accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Operating Partnership.
Noncontrolling interest in the accompanying consolidated financial statements represents the share of equity and earnings of the Operating Partnership allocable to holders of partnership interests other than us. Net income or loss is allocated to noncontrolling interests based on the weighted-average percentage ownership of the Operating Partnership during the period. Issuance of additional common shares of beneficial interest in Whitestone (the “common shares”) and units of limited partnership interest in the Operating Partnership that are convertible into cash or, at our option, common shares on a one-for-one basis (the “OP units”) changes the percentage of ownership interests of both the noncontrolling interests and Whitestone.
Equity Method. For the years prior to December 31, 2017, Pillarstone OP was accounted for under the profit-sharing method. In accordance with the Financial Accounting Standards Board’s (“FASB”) guidance applicable to sales of real estate or interests therein, specifically FASB Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 360-20, “Real Estate Sales,” Topic 606, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers” and ASC 610, “Other Income–Gains and Losses from the Derecognition of Nonfinancial Assets,” we adopted Topic 606 and ASC 610 as of January 1, 2018, resulting in the derecognition of the underlying assets and liabilities associated with the Contribution (defined below) as of January 1, 2018 and the recognition of the Company’s investment in Pillarstone OP under the equity method. See Note 7 for additional disclosure on Pillarstone OP.
Basis of Accounting. Our financial records are maintained on the accrual basis of accounting whereby revenues are recognized when earned and expenses are recorded when incurred.
Use of Estimates. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent liabilities as of the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Significant estimates that we use include the estimated fair values of properties acquired, the estimated useful lives for depreciable and amortizable assets and costs, the estimated allowance for doubtful accounts, the estimated fair value of interest rate swaps and the estimates supporting our impairment analysis for the carrying values of our real estate assets. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Reclassifications. We have reclassified certain prior period amounts in the accompanying consolidated financial statements in order to be consistent with the current period presentation. These reclassifications had no effect on net income, total assets, total liabilities or equity.
Restricted Cash. We classify all cash pledged as collateral to secure certain obligations and all cash whose use is limited as restricted cash. During 2015, pursuant to the terms of our $15.1 million 4.99% Note, due January 6, 2024 (see Note 8), which is collateralized by our Anthem Marketplace property, we were required by the lenders thereunder to establish a cash management account controlled by the lenders to collect all amounts generated by our Anthem Marketplace property in order to collateralize such promissory note.
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities. We utilize derivative financial instruments, principally interest rate swaps, to manage our exposure to fluctuations in interest rates. We have established policies and procedures for risk assessment, and the approval, reporting and monitoring of derivative financial instruments. We recognize our interest rate swaps as cash flow hedges with the effective portion of the changes in fair value recorded in comprehensive income and subsequently reclassified into earnings in the period that the hedged transaction affects earnings. Any ineffective portion of a cash flow hedges’ change in fair value is recorded immediately into earnings. Our cash flow hedges are determined using Level 2 inputs under ASC 820. Level 2 inputs represent quoted prices in active markets for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations whose inputs are observable. As of March 31, 2019, we consider our cash flow hedges to be highly effective.
Development Properties. Land, buildings and improvements are recorded at cost. Expenditures related to the development of real estate are carried at cost which includes capitalized carrying charges and development costs. Carrying charges (interest, real estate taxes, loan fees, and direct and indirect development costs related to buildings under construction), are capitalized as part of construction in progress. The capitalization of such costs ceases when the property, or any completed portion, becomes available for occupancy. For the three months ended March 31, 2019, approximately $117,000 and $87,000 in interest expense and real estate taxes, respectively, were capitalized. For the three months ended March 31, 2018, approximately $144,000 and $103,000 in interest expense and real estate taxes, respectively, were capitalized.
Real Estate Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations. We consider a commercial property to be held for sale when it meets all of the criteria established under ASC 205, “Presentation of Financial Statements.” For commercial properties classified as held for sale, assets and liabilities are presented separately for all periods presented.
In accordance with ASC 205, a discontinued operation may include a component of an entity or a group of components of an entity. A disposal of a component of an entity or a group of components of an entity is reported in discontinued operations if the disposal represents a strategic shift that has (or will have) a major effect on an entity’s operations and financial results when the component of an entity or group of components of an entity is classified as held for sale, disposed of by sale or disposed of other than by sale. In addition, ASC 205 requires us to provide additional disclosures about both discontinued operations and the disposal of an individually significant component of an entity that does not meet the criteria for a discontinued operation.
Share-Based Compensation. From time to time, we grant nonvested restricted common share awards or restricted common share unit awards, which may be converted into common shares, to executive officers and employees under our 2018 Long-Term Equity Incentive Ownership Plan (the “2018 Plan”). The vast majority of the granted shares and units vest when certain performance conditions are met. We recognize compensation expense when achievement of the performance conditions is probable based on management’s most recent estimates using the fair value of the shares as of the grant date. We recognized $1,951,000 and $1,908,000 in share-based compensation for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. We recognize forfeitures as they occur.
Noncontrolling Interests. Noncontrolling interests is the portion of equity in a subsidiary not attributable to a parent. The ownership interests not held by the parent are considered noncontrolling interests. Accordingly, we have reported noncontrolling interests in equity on the consolidated balance sheets but separate from Whitestone’s equity. On the consolidated statements of operations, subsidiaries are reported at the consolidated amount, including both the amount attributable to Whitestone and noncontrolling interests. The consolidated statement of changes in equity is included for quarterly financial statements, including beginning balances, activity for the period and ending balances for shareholders’ equity, noncontrolling interests and total equity.
Accrued Rents and Accounts Receivable. Included in accrued rents and accounts receivable are base rents, tenant reimbursements and receivables attributable to recording rents on a straight-line basis. We review the collectability of charges under our tenant operating leases on a regular basis, taking into consideration changes in factors such as the tenant’s payment history, the financial condition of the tenant, business conditions in the industry in which the tenant operates and economic conditions in the area where the property is located. With the adoption of Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) No. 842, Leases (“Topic 842”) effective January 1, 2019, we will recognize an adjustment to rental revenue if we deem it probable that the receivable will not be collected. Prior to the adoption of Topic 842, we recognized an allowance for doubtful accounts and bad debt expense of the specific rents receivable. Our review of collectability under our operating leases includes any accrued rental revenues related to the straight-line method of reporting rental revenue. As of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, we had an allowance for uncollectible accounts of $10.1 million and $9.7 million, respectively. As of March 31, 2019, we recorded an adjustment to rental revenue in the amount of $0.3 million. As of March 31, 2018, we recorded bad debt expense in the amount of $0.4 million.
Revenue Recognition. All leases on our properties are classified as operating leases, and the related rental income is recognized on a straight-line basis over the terms of the related leases. Differences between rental income earned and amounts due per the respective lease agreements are capitalized or charged, as applicable, to accrued rents and accounts receivable. Percentage rents are recognized as rental income when the thresholds upon which they are based have been met. Recoveries from tenants for taxes, insurance, and other operating expenses are recognized as revenues in the period the corresponding costs are incurred. We combine lease and nonlease components in lease contracts, which includes combining base rent, recoveries, and percentage rents into a single line item, Rental, within the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income. Additionally, we have tenants who pay real estate taxes directly to the taxing authority. We exclude these costs paid directly by the tenant to third parties on our behalf from revenue recognized and the associated property operating expense.
Other property income primarily includes amounts recorded in connection with management fees and lease termination fees. Pillarstone OP pays us management fees for property management, leasing and day-to-day advisory and administrative services. Their obligations are satisfied over time. Pillarstone OP is billed monthly and typically pays quarterly. Revenues are governed by the Management Agreements (as defined in Note 7 (Investment in Real Estate Partnership)). Refer to Note 7 (Investment in Real Estate Partnership) for additional information regarding the Management Agreements with Pillarstone OP. Additionally, we recognize lease termination fees in the year that the lease is terminated and collection of the fee is reasonably assured. Amounts recorded within other property income are accounted for at the point in time when control of the goods or services transfers to the customer and our performance obligation is satisfied.
See our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018 for further discussion on significant accounting policies.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements. In May 2014, the FASB issued guidance, as amended in subsequent updates, establishing a single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers and superseded most of the existing revenue recognition guidance. The standard also required an entity to recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services and also required certain additional disclosures. This guidance became effective for the reporting periods beginning on or after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years. We adopted this guidance on a modified retrospective basis beginning January 1, 2018 and have derecognized the underlying assets and liabilities associated with the Contribution as of January 1, 2018 and have recognized the Company’s investment in Pillarstone OP under the equity method of accounting. The Company made an adjustment which decreased the Company’s accumulated deficit as of January 1, 2018 by $19.1 million.
In February 2016, FASB issued an accounting standard update (“ASU”) that provided the principles for the recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of leases. Additional guidance and targeted improvements to the February 2016 ASU were made through the issuance of supplementary ASUs in July 2018, December 2018 and March 2019.
Effective January 1, 2019, we adopted the new lease accounting guidance in Topic 842. As the lessee and lessor, we have elected the package of practical expedients permitted in Topic 842. Accordingly, we have accounted for our existing operating leases as operating leases under the new guidance, without reassessing (a) whether the contract contains a lease under Topic 842, (b) whether classification of the operating lease would be different in accordance with Topic 842, or (c) whether the unamortized initial direct costs before transition adjustments (as of December 31, 2018) would have met the definition of initial direct costs in Topic 842 at lease commencement. Additionally, as the lessee and lessor we will use hindsight in determining the lease term and in assessing impairment of our right-of-use assets. As a result of the adoption of the new lease accounting guidance, as the lessee, we recognized on January 1, 2019 (a) a lease liability of approximately $1.1 million, which represents the present value of the remaining lease payments of approximately $1.2 million discounted using our incremental borrowing rate of 4.5%, and (b) a right-of-use asset of approximately $1.1 million. The adoption of Topic 842 did not have a material impact to our net income and related per share amounts.
Upon adoption of the Topic 842, lessees and lessors are required to apply a modified retrospective transition approach. Reporting entities are permitted to choose one of two methods to recognize and measure leases within the scope of Topic 842:
•
Apply Topic 842 to each lease that existed at the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented in the financial statements as well as leases that commenced after that date. Under this method, prior comparative periods presented are adjusted. For leases that commenced prior to the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented, a cumulative-effect adjustment is recognized at that date.
•
Apply the guidance to each lease that had commenced as of the beginning of the reporting period in which the entity first applies the leases standard with a cumulative-effect adjustment as of that date. Prior comparative periods would not be adjusted under this method.
We have elected an optional transition method that allows entities to initially apply Topic 842 at January 1, 2019, the date of adoption, and to recognize a cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings in the period of adoption. As the lessor, we have not assessed unamortized legal costs as part of the package of practical expedients, and we will
not make any adjustment to retained earnings at the date of adoption to write off unamortized legal costs. We will continue to amortize unamortized legal costs as of December 31, 2018 over the life of the respective leases. We did not have a cumulative-effect adjustment as of the adoption date. Additionally, the optional transition method does allow us to not have to apply the new standard (including disclosure requirements) to comparative periods presented. Those periods can continue to be presented in accordance with prior generally accepted accounting principles.
Topic 842 requires lessors to account for leases using an approach that is substantially equivalent to existing guidance for sales-type leases and operating leases. Based on our election of the package of practical expedients, our existing commercial leases, where we are the lessor, continue to be accounted for as operating leases under the new standard. However, Topic 842 changed certain requirements regarding the classification of leases that could result in us recognizing certain long-term leases entered into or modified after January 1, 2019 as sales-type leases or finance leases, as opposed to operating leases. We will continue to monitor our leases following the adoption date to ensure that they are classified in accordance with the new lease standards.
We elected a practical expedient which allows lessors to not separate non-lease components from the lease component when the timing and pattern of transfer for the lease components and non-lease components are the same and if the lease component is classified as an operating lease. As a result, we now present all rentals and reimbursements from tenants as a single line item, Rental, within the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income. For the three months ended March 31, 2019, we had rent revenues of $21.8 million and rental recoveries of $7.6 million compared to $21.7 million and $7.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018, respectively.
We review the collectability of charges under our tenant operating leases on a regular basis, taking into consideration changes in factors such as the tenant’s payment history, the financial condition of the tenant, business conditions in the industry in which the tenant operates and economic conditions in the area where the property is located. With the adoption of Topic 842, we will recognize an adjustment to rental revenue if we deem it probable that the receivable will not be collected. Prior to the adoption of Topic 842, we recognized an allowance for doubtful accounts and bad debt expense of the specific rents receivable. Our review of collectability under our operating leases includes any accrued rental revenues related to the straight-line method of reporting rental revenue.
In November 2016, the FASB issued guidance requiring that the statement of cash flows explain the change during the period in the total cash, cash equivalents, and amounts generally described as restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents. Therefore, amounts generally described as restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents should be included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning-of-period and end-of-period total amounts shown on the statement of cash flows. This guidance became effective for the reporting periods beginning on or after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years. We adopted this guidance effective January 1, 2018, and we have reconciled cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents on a retrospective basis, whereas under the previous guidance, we reported restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents under cash flows from financing activities.
In January 2017, the FASB issued guidance clarifying the definition of a business with the objective of adding guidance to assist entities with evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions (or dispositions) of assets or businesses. This guidance became effective for the reporting periods beginning on or after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years. We adopted this guidance on a prospective basis beginning January 1, 2018 and believe the majority of our future acquisitions will qualify as asset acquisitions and the associated transaction costs will be capitalized as opposed to expensed under previous guidance.
In February 2017, the FASB issued guidance clarifying the scope of asset derecognition guidance, adding guidance for partial sales of nonfinancial assets and clarifying recognizing gains and losses from the transfer of nonfinancial assets in contracts with noncustomers. This guidance became effective for the reporting periods beginning on or after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years. We adopted this guidance on a modified retrospective basis beginning January 1, 2018 and have derecognized the underlying assets and liabilities associated with the Contribution as of January 1, 2018 and have recognized the Company’s investment in Pillarstone OP under the equity method of accounting. The Company made an adjustment which decreased the Company’s accumulated deficit as of January 1, 2018 by $19.1 million.
As a Lessor. All leases on our properties are classified as noncancelable operating leases, and the related rental income is recognized on a straight-line basis over the terms of the related leases. Differences between rental income earned and amounts due per the respective lease agreements are capitalized or charged, as applicable, to accrued rents and accounts receivable. Percentage rents are recognized as rental income when the thresholds upon which they are based have been met. Recoveries from tenants for taxes, insurance, and other operating expenses are recognized as revenues in the period the corresponding costs are incurred. We combine lease and nonlease components in lease contracts, which includes combining base rent, recoveries, and percentage rents into a single line item, Rental, within the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income.
A summary of minimum future rents to be received (exclusive of renewals, tenant reimbursements, contingent rents, and collectability adjustments under Topic 842) under noncancelable operating leases in existence as of March 31, 2019 is as follows (in thousands):
Years Ended December 31,
Minimum Future Rents(1)
2019
$
61,446
2020
72,397
2021
61,237
2022
50,039
2023
38,702
Thereafter
124,188
Total
$
408,009
(1) These amounts do not reflect future rental revenues from the renewal or replacement of existing leases and exclude reimbursements of operating expenses and rental increases that are not fixed.
As a Lessee. We have office space, automobile, and office machine leases, which qualify as operating leases, with remaining lease terms of one to four years.
The following table summarizes the fixed, future minimum rental payments, excluding variable costs, which are discounted by our weighted average incremental borrowing rates to calculate the lease liabilities for our operating leases in which we are the lessee (in thousands):
Years Ended December 31,
March 31, 2019
2019
$
363
2020
373
2021
225
2022
6
Total undiscounted rental payments
967
Less imputed interest
51
Total lease liabilities
$
916
For the three months ended March 31, 2019, the total lease costs was $244,000. The weighted average remaining lease term for our operating leases was 2.3 years at March 31, 2019. We do not include renewal options in the lease term for calculating the lease liability unless we are reasonably certain we will exercise the option or the lessor has the sole ability to exercise the option. The weighted average incremental borrowing rate was 4.5% at March 31, 2019.
4. MARKETABLE SECURITIES
In January 2018, we sold all of our remaining marketable securities and had no marketable securities as of March 31, 2019. All of our marketable securities were classified as available-for-sale securities as of December 31, 2017.
During the three months ended March 31, 2018, available-for-sale securities were sold for total proceeds of $30,000. The gross realized loss on these sales during the three months ended March 31, 2018 was $20,000. For purposes of determining gross realized gains and losses, the cost of securities sold is based on specific identification.
5. ACCRUED RENTS AND ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE, NET
Accrued rents and accounts receivable, net consists of amounts accrued, billed and due from tenants, allowance for doubtful accounts and other receivables as follows (in thousands):
March 31, 2019
December 31, 2018
Tenant receivables
$
16,036
$
14,686
Accrued rents and other recoveries
16,618
16,423
Allowance for doubtful accounts
(10,146
)
(9,746
)
Other receivables
238
279
Total
$
22,746
$
21,642
6. UNAMORTIZED LEASE COMMISSIONS, LEGAL FEES AND LOAN COSTS
Costs which have been deferred consist of the following (in thousands):
On December 8, 2016, we, through our Operating Partnership, entered into a Contribution Agreement (the “Contribution Agreement”) with Pillarstone OP and Pillarstone Capital REIT (“Pillarstone REIT”) pursuant to which we contributed all of the equity interests in four of our wholly-owned subsidiaries: Whitestone CP Woodland Ph. 2, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“CP Woodland”); Whitestone Industrial-Office, LLC, a Texas limited liability company (“Industrial-Office”); Whitestone Offices, LLC, a Texas limited liability company (“Whitestone Offices”); and Whitestone Uptown Tower, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Uptown Tower,” and together with CP Woodland, Industrial-Office and Whitestone Offices, the “Entities”) that own 14 non-core properties that do not fit our Community Centered Property® strategy (the “Pillarstone Properties”), to Pillarstone OP for aggregate consideration of approximately $84 million, consisting of (1) approximately $18.1 million of Class A units representing limited partnership interests in Pillarstone OP (“Pillarstone OP Units”), issued at a price of $1.331 per Pillarstone OP Unit; and (2) the assumption of approximately $65.9 million of liabilities, consisting of (a) approximately $15.5 million of our liability under the 2018 Facility (as defined in Note 8); (b) an approximately $16.3 million promissory note of Uptown Tower under the Loan Agreement, dated as of September 26, 2013, between Uptown Tower, as borrower, and U.S. Bank, National Association, as successor to Morgan Stanley Mortgage Capital Holdings LLC, as lender; and (c) an approximately $34.1 million promissory note (the “Industrial-Office Promissory Note”) of Industrial-Office issued under the Loan Agreement, dated as of November 26, 2013 (the “Industrial-Office Loan Agreement”), between Industrial-Office, as borrower, and Jackson National Life Insurance Company, as lender (collectively, the “Contribution”).
In connection with the Contribution, on December 8, 2016, the Operating Partnership entered into an OP Unit Purchase Agreement (the “OP Unit Purchase Agreement”) with Pillarstone REIT and Pillarstone OP pursuant to which the Operating Partnership agreed to purchase up to an aggregate of $3.0 million of Pillarstone OP Units at a price of $1.331 per Pillarstone OP Unit over the two-year term of the OP Unit Purchase Agreement on the terms set forth therein. The OP Unit Purchase Agreement contains customary closing conditions and the parties have made certain customary representations, warranties and indemnifications to each other in the OP Unit Purchase Agreement. In addition, pursuant to the OP Unit Purchase Agreement, in the event of a Change of Control (as defined therein) of the Company, Pillarstone OP shall have the right, but not the obligation, to repurchase the Pillarstone OP Units issued thereunder from the Operating Partnership at their initial issue price of $1.331 per Pillarstone OP Unit.
In connection with the Contribution, (1) with respect to each Pillarstone Property (other than Uptown Tower), Whitestone TRS, Inc., a subsidiary of the Company (“Whitestone TRS”), entered into a Management Agreement with the Entity that owns such Pillarstone Property and (2) with respect to Uptown Tower, Whitestone TRS entered into a Management Agreement with Pillarstone OP (collectively, the “Management Agreements”). Pursuant to the Management Agreements with respect to each Pillarstone Property (other than Uptown Tower), Whitestone TRS agreed to provide certain property management, leasing and day-to-day advisory and administrative services to such Pillarstone Property in exchange for (x) a monthly property management fee equal to 5.0% of the monthly revenues of such Pillarstone Property and (y) a monthly asset management fee equal to 0.125% of GAV (as defined in each Management Agreement as, generally, the purchase price of the respective Pillarstone Property based upon the purchase price allocations determined pursuant to the Contribution Agreement, excluding all indebtedness, liabilities or claims of any nature) of such Pillarstone Property. Pursuant to the Management Agreement with respect to Uptown Tower, Whitestone TRS agreed to provide certain property management, leasing and day-to-day advisory and administrative services to Pillarstone OP in exchange for (x) a monthly property management fee equal to 3.0% of the monthly revenues of Uptown Tower and (y) a monthly asset management fee equal to 0.125% of GAV of Uptown Tower. The initial term of each Management Agreement expired on December 31, 2017, after which each Management Agreement became automatically renewable on a month to month basis; provided that each Management Agreement can be terminated by either party thereto upon not less than thirty days’ prior written notice to the other party. None of the Management Agreements had been terminated as of March 31, 2019.
In connection with the Contribution, on December 8, 2016, the Operating Partnership entered into a Tax Protection Agreement with Pillarstone REIT and Pillarstone OP pursuant to which Pillarstone OP agreed to indemnify the Operating Partnership for certain tax liabilities resulting from its recognition of income or gain prior to December 8, 2021 if such liabilities result from a transaction involving a direct or indirect taxable disposition of all or a portion of the Pillarstone Properties or if Pillarstone OP fails to maintain and allocate to the Operating Partnership for taxation purposes minimum levels of liabilities as specified in the Tax Protection Agreement, the result of which causes such recognition of income or gain and the Company incurs taxes that must be paid to maintain its REIT status for federal income tax purposes.
As a result of the adoption of Topic 606 and ASC 610, the Company derecognized the underlying assets and liabilities associated with the Contribution as of January 1, 2018 and recognized the Company’s investment in Pillarstone OP under the equity method.
The table below presents the real estate partnership investment in which the Company holds an ownership interest (in thousands):
The Company’s Investment as of
March 31, 2019
December 31, 2018
Real estate partnership
Ownership Interest
Pillarstone OP(1)
81.4%
$
26,138
$
26,236
Total real estate partnership(2)
$
26,138
$
26,236
(1) The Company manages these real estate partnership investments and, where applicable, earns acquisition fees, leasing commissions, property management fees, and asset management fees.
(2) Representing 11 property interests and 1.3 million square feet of GLA, as of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018.
The table below presents the Company’s share of net income from its investment in the real estate partnership which is included in equity in earnings of real estate partnership, net on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (in thousands):
Three Months Ended March 31,
2019
2018
Pillarstone OP
$
492
$
674
Summarized financial information for the Company’s investment in real estate partnership is as follows (in thousands):
March 31,
December 31,
2019
2018
Assets:
Real estate, net
$
72,488
$
72,661
Other assets
6,656
6,617
Total assets
79,144
79,278
Liabilities and equity:
Notes payable
41,143
47,064
Other liabilities
9,801
4,322
Equity
28,200
27,892
Total liabilities and equity
79,144
79,278
Company’s share of equity
22,952
22,717
Cost of investment in excess of the Company’s share of underlying net book value
3,186
3,519
Carrying value of investment in real estate partnership
The amortization of the basis difference between the cost of investment and the Company's share of underling net book value for both of the three months periods ended March 31, 2019 and 2018 is $27,000. The Company amortized the difference into equity in earnings of real estate partnership on the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income.
The Company has evaluated its guarantee to Pillarstone OP pursuant to ASC 460, Guarantees, and has determined the guarantee to be a performance guarantee, for which ASC 460 contains initial recognition and measurement requirements, and related disclosure requirements. The Company is obligated in two respects: (i) a noncontingent liability, which represents the Company’s obligation to stand ready to perform under the terms of the guarantee in the event that the specified triggering event(s) occur; and (ii) the contingent liability, which represents the Company’s obligation to make future payments if those triggering events occur. The fair value of our loan guarantee to Pillarstone OP is estimated on a Level 3 basis (as provided by ASC 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures”), using a probability-weighted discounted cash flow analysis based on a discount rate, discounting the loan balance. The Company recognized a noncontingent liability of $462,000 at the inception of the guarantee at fair value which is recorded on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets, net of accumulated amortization. The Company will amortize the guarantee liability into income over seven years. For the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, the amortization of the guarantee liability was $93,000 and $18,000, respectively.
8. DEBT
Certain subsidiaries of Whitestone are the borrowers under various financing arrangements. These subsidiaries are separate legal entities, and their respective assets and credit are not available to satisfy the debt of Whitestone or any of its other subsidiaries.
Debt consisted of the following as of the dates indicated (in thousands):
Description
March 31, 2019
December 31, 2018
Fixed rate notes
$10.5 million, 4.85% Note, due September 24, 2020 (1)
$
9,440
$
9,500
$50.0 million, 1.75% plus 1.35% to 1.90% Note, due October 30, 2020 (2)
—
50,000
$50.0 million, 1.50% plus 1.35% to 1.90% Note, due January 29, 2021 (3)
—
50,000
$100.0 million, 1.73% plus 1.35% to 1.90% Note, due October 30, 2022 (4)
100,000
100,000
$165.0 million, 2.24% plus 1.35% to 1.90% Note, due January 31, 2024 (5)
165,000
—
$80.0 million, 3.72% Note, due June 1, 2027
80,000
80,000
$6.5 million 3.80% Note, due January 1, 2019
—
5,657
$19.0 million 4.15% Note, due December 1, 2024
19,000
19,000
$20.2 million 4.28% Note, due June 6, 2023
18,900
18,996
$14.0 million 4.34% Note, due September 11, 2024
13,658
13,718
$14.3 million 4.34% Note, due September 11, 2024
14,300
14,300
$15.1 million 4.99% Note, due January 6, 2024
14,583
14,643
$2.6 million 5.46% Note, due October 1, 2023
2,419
2,430
$50.0 million, 5.09% Note, due March 22, 2029
50,000
—
$50.0 million, 5.17% Note, due March 22, 2029
50,000
—
$1.2 million 4.35% Note, due November 28, 2019
990
—
Floating rate notes
Unsecured line of credit, LIBOR plus 1.40% to 1.90%, due January 1, 2023(6)
86,000
241,200
Total notes payable principal
624,290
619,444
Less deferred financing costs, net of accumulated amortization
(1,372
)
(1,239
)
Total notes payable
$
622,918
$
618,205
(1)
Promissory note includes an interest rate swap that fixed the interest rate at 3.55% for the duration of the term through September 24, 2018 and 4.85% beginning September 24, 2018 through September 24, 2020.
(2)
Promissory note includes an interest rate swap that fixed the LIBOR portion of Term Loan 1 (as defined below) at 0.84% through February 3, 2017 and 1.75% beginning February 3, 2017 through October 30, 2020.
(3)
Promissory note includes an interest rate swap that fixed the LIBOR portion of Term Loan 2 (as defined below) at 1.50%.
(4)
Promissory note includes an interest rate swap that fixed the LIBOR portion of the interest rate at 1.73% through October 30, 2022.
(5)
Promissory note includes an interest rate swap that fixed the LIBOR portion of the interest rate at an average rate of 2.24% for the duration of the term through January 31, 2024.
(6)
Unsecured line of credit includes certain Pillarstone Properties as of December 31, 2018, in determining the amount of credit available under the 2018 Facility (as defined and described in more detail below).
On March 22, 2019, we, through our Operating Partnership, entered into a Note Purchase and Guarantee Agreement (the “Note Agreement”) together with certain subsidiary guarantors as initial guarantor parties thereto (the “Subsidiary Guarantors”) and The Prudential Insurance Company of America and the various other purchasers named therein (collectively, the “Purchasers”) providing for the issuance and sale of $100 million of senior unsecured notes of the Operating Partnership, of which (i) $50 million are designated as 5.09% Series A Senior Notes due March 22, 2029 (the “Series A Notes”) and (ii) $50 million are designated as 5.17% Series B Senior Notes due March 22, 2029 (the “Series B Notes” and, together with the Series A Notes, the “Notes”) pursuant to a private placement that closed on March 22, 2019 (the “Private Placement”). Obligations under the Notes are unconditionally guaranteed by the Company and by the Subsidiary Guarantors.
The principal of the Series A Notes will begin to amortize on March 22, 2023 with annual principal payments of approximately $7.1 million. The principal of the Series B Notes will begin to amortize on March 22, 2025 with annual principal payments of $10.0 million. The Notes will pay interest quarterly on the 22nd day of March, June, September and December in each year until maturity.
The Operating Partnership may prepay at any time all, or from time to time part of, the Notes, in an amount not less than $1,000,000 in the case of a partial prepayment, at 100% of the principal amount so prepaid, plus a make-whole amount. The make-whole amount is equal to the excess, if any, of the discounted value of the remaining scheduled payments with respect to the Notes being prepaid over the aggregate principal amount of such Notes (as described in the Note Agreement). In addition, in connection with a Change of Control (as defined in the Note Purchase Agreement), the Operating Partnership is required to offer to prepay the Notes at 100% of the principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon.
The Note Agreement contains representations, warranties, covenants, terms and conditions customary for transactions of this type and substantially similar to the Operating Partnership’s existing senior revolving credit facility, including limitations on liens, incurrence of investments, acquisitions, loans and advances and restrictions on dividends and certain other restricted payments. In addition, the Note Agreement contains certain financial covenants substantially similar to the Operating Partnership’s existing senior revolving credit facility, including the following:
•
maximum total indebtedness to total asset value ratio of 0.60 to 1.00;
•
maximum secured debt to total asset value ratio of 0.40 to 1.00;
•
minimum EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization or extraordinary items) to fixed charges ratio of 1.50 to 1.00;
•
maximum other recourse debt to total asset value ratio of 0.15 to 1.00; and
•
maintenance of a minimum tangible net worth (adjusted for accumulated depreciation and amortization) of $372 million plus 75% of the net proceeds from additional equity offerings (as defined therein).
In addition, the Note Agreement contains a financial covenant requiring that maximum unsecured debt not exceed the lesser of (i) an amount equal to 60% of the aggregate unencumbered asset value and (ii) the debt service coverage amount (as described in the Note Agreement). That covenant is substantially similar to the borrowing base concept contained in the Operating Partnership’s existing senior revolving credit facility.
The Note Agreement also contains default provisions, including defaults for non-payment, breach of representations and warranties, insolvency, non-performance of covenants, cross-defaults with other indebtedness and guarantor defaults. The occurrence of an event of default under the Note Agreement could result in the Purchasers accelerating the payment of all obligations under the Notes. The financial and restrictive covenants and default provisions in the Note Agreement are substantially similar to those contained in the Operating Partnership’s existing credit facility.
Net proceeds from the Private Placement will be used to refinance existing indebtedness. The Notes have not been and will not be registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act. The Notes were sold in reliance on the exemption from registration provided by Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act.
On January 31, 2019, we, through our Operating Partnership, entered into an unsecured credit facility (the “2019 Facility”) with the lenders party thereto, Bank of Montreal, as administrative agent (the “Agent”), SunTrust Robinson Humphrey, as syndication agent, and BMO Capital Markets Corp., U.S. Bank National Association, SunTrust Robinson Humphrey and Regions Capital Markets, as co-lead arrangers and joint book runners. The 2019 Facility amended and restated the 2018 Facility (as defined below).
The 2019 Facility is comprised of the following three tranches:
•
$250.0 million unsecured revolving credit facility with a maturity date of January 1, 2023 (the “2019 Revolver”);
•
$165.0 million unsecured term loan with a maturity date of January 31, 2024 (“Term Loan A”); and
•
$100.0 million unsecured term loan with a maturity date of October 30, 2022 (“Term Loan B” and together with Term Loan A, the “2019 Term Loans”).
Borrowings under the 2019 Facility accrue interest (at the Operating Partnership's option) at a Base Rate or an Adjusted LIBOR plus an applicable margin based upon our then existing leverage. As of March 31, 2019, the interest rate on the 2019 Revolver was 4.14%. The applicable margin for Adjusted LIBOR borrowings ranges from 1.40% to 1.90% for the 2019 Revolver and 1.35% to 1.90% for the 2019 Term Loans. Base Rate means the higher of: (a) the Agent’s prime commercial rate, (b) the sum of (i) the average rate quoted by the Agent by two or more federal funds brokers selected by the Agent for sale to the Agent at face value of federal funds in the secondary market in an amount equal or comparable to the principal amount for which such rate is being determined, plus (ii) 1/2 of 1.00%, and (c) the LIBOR rate for such day plus 1.00%. Adjusted LIBOR means LIBOR divided by one minus the Eurodollar Reserve Percentage. The Eurodollar Reserve Percentage means the maximum reserve percentage at which reserves are imposed by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System on eurocurrency liabilities. Pursuant to the 2019 Facility, in the event of certain circumstances that result in the unavailability of LIBOR, including but not limited to LIBOR no longer being a widely recognized benchmark rate for newly originated dollar loans in the U.S. market, the Operating Partnership and the Agent will establish an alternate interest rate to LIBOR giving due consideration to prevailing market conventions and will amend the 2019 Facility to give effect to such alternate interest rate.
The 2019 Facility includes an accordion feature that will allow the Operating Partnership to increase the borrowing capacity by $200.0 million, upon the satisfaction of certain conditions. As of March 31, 2019, $351.0 million was drawn on the 2019 Facility and our unused borrowing capacity was $164.0 million, assuming that we use the proceeds of the 2019 Facility to acquire properties, or to repay debt on properties, that are eligible to be included in the unsecured borrowing base. The Company used $446.2 million of proceeds from the 2019 Facility to repay amounts outstanding under the 2018 Facility and intends to use the remaining proceeds from the 2019 Facility for general corporate purposes, including property acquisitions, debt repayment, capital expenditures, the expansion, redevelopment and re-tenanting of properties in its portfolio and working capital.
The Company, each direct and indirect material subsidiary of the Operating Partnership and any other subsidiary of the Operating Partnership that is a guarantor under any unsecured ratable debt will serve as a guarantor for funds borrowed by the Operating Partnership under the 2019 Facility. The 2019 Facility contains customary terms and conditions, including, without limitation, customary representations and warranties and affirmative and negative covenants including, without limitation, information reporting requirements, limitations on investments, acquisitions, loans and advances, mergers, consolidations and sales, incurrence of liens, dividends and restricted payments. In addition, the 2019 Facility contains certain financial covenants including the following:
•
maximum total indebtedness to total asset value ratio of 0.60 to 1.00;
•
maximum secured debt to total asset value ratio of 0.40 to 1.00;
•
minimum EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization or extraordinary items) to fixed charges ratio of 1.50 to 1.00;
•
maximum other recourse debt to total asset value ratio of 0.15 to 1.00; and
maintenance of a minimum tangible net worth (adjusted for accumulated depreciation and amortization) of $372 million plus 75% of the net proceeds from additional equity offerings (as defined therein).
We serve as the guarantor for funds borrowed by the Operating Partnership under the 2019 Facility. The 2019 Facility contains customary terms and conditions, including, without limitation, affirmative and negative covenants such as information reporting requirements, maximum secured indebtedness to total asset value, minimum EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization or extraordinary items) to fixed charges, and maintenance of a minimum net worth. The 2019 Facility also contains customary events of default with customary notice and cure, including, without limitation, nonpayment, breach of covenant, misrepresentation of representations and warranties in a material respect, cross-default to other major indebtedness, change of control, bankruptcy and loss of REIT tax status.
On November 7, 2014, we, through our Operating Partnership, entered into an unsecured revolving credit facility (the “2014 Facility”) with the lenders party thereto, with BMO Capital Markets Corp., Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated and U.S. Bank, National Association, as co-lead arrangers and joint book runners, and Bank of Montreal, as administrative agent (the “Agent”). The 2014 Facility amended and restated our previous unsecured revolving credit facility. On October 30, 2015, we, through our Operating Partnership, entered into the First Amendment to the 2014 Facility (the “First Amendment”) with the guarantors party thereto, the lenders party thereto and the Agent. We refer to the 2014 Facility, as amended by the First Amendment, as the “2018 Facility.”
Pursuant to the First Amendment, the Company made the following amendments to the 2014 Facility:
•
extended the maturity date of the $300 million unsecured revolving credit facility under the 2014 Facility (the “2018 Revolver”) to October 30, 2019 from November 7, 2018;
•
converted $100 million of outstanding borrowings under the Revolver to a new $100 million unsecured term loan under the 2014 Facility (“Term Loan 3”) with a maturity date of October 30, 2022;
•
extended the maturity date of the first $50 million unsecured term loan under the 2014 Facility (“Term Loan 1”) to October 30, 2020 from February 17, 2017; and
•
extended the maturity date of the second $50 million unsecured term loan under the 2014 Facility (“Term Loan 2” and together with Term Loan 1 and Term Loan 3, the “2018 Term Loans”) to January 29, 2021 from November 7, 2019.
Borrowings under the 2018 Facility accrued interest (at the Operating Partnership's option) at a Base Rate or an Adjusted LIBOR plus an applicable margin based upon our then existing leverage. The applicable margin for Adjusted LIBOR borrowings ranged from 1.40% to 1.95% for the 2018 Revolver and 1.35% to 2.25% for the 2018 Term Loans. Base Rate means the higher of: (a) the Agent’s prime commercial rate, (b) the sum of (i) the average rate quoted by the Agent by two or more federal funds brokers selected by the Agent for sale to the Agent at face value of federal funds in the secondary market in an amount equal or comparable to the principal amount for which such rate is being determined, plus (ii) 1/2 of 1.00%, and (c) the LIBOR rate for such day plus 1.00%. Adjusted LIBOR means LIBOR divided by one minus the Eurodollar Reserve Percentage. The Eurodollar Reserve Percentage means the maximum reserve percentage at which reserves are imposed by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System on eurocurrency liabilities.
Proceeds from the 2018 Facility were used for general corporate purposes, including property acquisitions, debt repayment, capital expenditures, the expansion, redevelopment and re-tenanting of properties in our portfolio and working capital.
On May 26, 2017, we, through our subsidiary, Whitestone BLVD Place LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, issued a $80.0 million promissory note to American General Life Insurance Company (the “BLVD Note”). The BLVD Note has a fixed interest rate of 3.72% and a maturity date of June 1, 2027. Proceeds from the BLVD Note were used to fund a portion of the purchase price of the acquisition of BLVD Place.
On December 8, 2016, in connection with the Contribution, the Operating Partnership entered into the Second Amendment to the 2018 Facility and Reaffirmation of Guaranties (the “Second Amendment”) with Pillarstone OP, the Company and the other Guarantors party thereto, the lenders party thereto and the Agent. Pursuant to the Second Amendment, following the Contribution, Whitestone Offices, LLC and Whitestone CP Woodland Ph. 2, LLC were permitted to remain Material Subsidiaries (as defined in the 2018 Facility) and Guarantors under the 2018 Facility and their respective Pillarstone Properties were each permitted to remain an Eligible Property (as defined in the 2018 Facility) and be included in the Borrowing Base (as defined in the 2018 Facility) under the 2018 Facility. In addition, on December 8, 2016, Pillarstone OP entered into the Limited Guarantee (the “Limited Guarantee”) with the Agent, pursuant to which Pillarstone OP agreed to be joined as a party to the 2018 Facility to provide a limited guarantee up to the amount of availability generated by the Pillarstone Properties owned by Whitestone Offices, LLC and Whitestone CP Woodland Ph. 2, LLC.
As of March 31, 2019, our $172.3 million in secured debt was collateralized by 8 properties with a carrying value of $273.0 million. Our loans contain restrictions that would require the payment of prepayment penalties for the acceleration of outstanding debt and are secured by deeds of trust on certain of our properties and by assignment of the rents and leases associated with those properties. In 2018, we were not in compliance with respect to the tangible Net Worth covenant as defined in the 2018 Facility and had received two waivers in 2018. Had we been unable to obtain a waiver or other suitable relief from the lenders under the 2018 Facility, an Event of Default (as defined in the 2018 Facility) would have occurred, permitting the lenders holding a majority of the commitments under the 2018 Facility to, among other things, accelerate the outstanding indebtedness, which would make it immediately due and payable. The 2019 Facility contains a similar tangible Net Worth covenant that resets at a new threshold and changes the definition of Net Worth to add back accumulated depreciation. However, we can make no assurances that we will be in compliance with this covenant or other covenants under the 2019 Facility in future periods or, if we are not in compliance, that we will be able to obtain a waiver. As of March 31, 2019, we were in compliance with all loan covenants.
Scheduled maturities of our outstanding debt as of March 31, 2019 were as follows (in thousands):
Year
Amount Due
2019
$
2,044
2020
10,801
2021
1,611
2022
101,683
2023
113,863
Thereafter
394,288
Total
$
624,290
9. DERIVATIVES AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES
The fair value of our interest rate swaps is as follows (in thousands):
On January 31, 2019, we, through our Operating Partnership, entered into an interest rate swap of $65 million with Bank of Montreal that fixed the LIBOR portion of Term Loan A under the 2019 Facility at 2.43%. Pursuant to the terms of the agreement governing the interest rate swap, Bank of Montreal assigned $12.9 million of the swap to U.S. Bank, National Association, $11.6 million of the swap to Regions Bank, $15.7 million of the swap to SunTrust Bank, and $5.9 million of the swap to Associated Bank. See Note 8 for additional information regarding the 2019 Facility. The swap began on February 7, 2019 and will mature on November 9, 2020. We have designated the interest rate swap as a cash flow hedge with the effective portion of the changes in fair value to be recorded in comprehensive income and subsequently reclassified into earnings in the period that the hedged transaction affects earnings. The ineffective portion of the change in fair value, if any, will be recognized directly in earnings. The Company does not expect any amount of the existing gains or losses to be reclassified into earnings within the next 12 months.
On January 31, 2019, we, through our Operating Partnership, entered into an interest rate swap of $115 million with Bank of Montreal that fixed the LIBOR portion of Term Loan A under the 2019 Facility at 2.43%. Pursuant to the terms of the agreement governing the interest rate swap, Bank of Montreal assigned $22.7 million of the swap to U.S. Bank, National Association, $20.5 million of the swap to Regions Bank, $27.9 million of the swap to SunTrust Bank, and $10.5 million of the swap to Associated Bank. See Note 8 for additional information regarding the 2019 Facility. The swap will begin on November 9, 2020 and will mature on February 8, 2021. We have designated the interest rate swap as a cash flow hedge with the effective portion of the changes in fair value to be recorded in comprehensive income and subsequently reclassified into earnings in the period that the hedged transaction affects earnings. The ineffective portion of the change in fair value, if any, will be recognized directly in earnings. The Company does not expect any amount of the existing gains or losses to be reclassified into earnings within the next 12 months.
On January 31, 2019, we, through our Operating Partnership, entered into an interest rate swap of $165 million with Bank of Montreal that fixed the LIBOR portion of Term Loan A under the 2019 Facility at 2.43%. Pursuant to the terms of the agreement governing the interest rate swap, Bank of Montreal assigned $32.6 million of the swap to U.S. Bank, National Association, $29.4 million of the swap to Regions Bank, $40.0 million of the swap to SunTrust Bank, and $15.0 million of the swap to Associated Bank. See Note 8 for additional information regarding the 2019 Facility. The swap will begin on February 8, 2021 and will mature on January 31, 2024. We have designated the interest rate swap as a cash flow hedge with the effective portion of the changes in fair value to be recorded in comprehensive income and subsequently reclassified into earnings in the period that the hedged transaction affects earnings. The ineffective portion of the change in fair value, if any, will be recognized directly in earnings. The Company does not expect any amount of the existing gains or losses to be reclassified into earnings within the next 12 months.
On September 5, 2018, we, through our Operating Partnership, entered into an interest rate swap with Bank of America that fixed the LIBOR portion of the $9.6 million extension loan on the Whitestone Terravita Marketplace property at 2.85%. The swap began on September 24, 2018 and will mature on September 24, 2020. We have designated the interest rate swap as a cash flow hedge with the effective portion of the changes in fair value to be recorded in comprehensive income and subsequently reclassified into earnings in the period that the hedged transaction affects earnings. The ineffective portion of the change in fair value, if any, will be recognized directly in earnings. The Company does not expect any amount of the existing gains or losses to be reclassified into earnings within the next 12 months.
On November 19, 2015, we, through our Operating Partnership, entered into an interest rate swap with Bank of Montreal that fixed the LIBOR portion of Term Loan B at 1.73%. In the fourth quarter of 2015, pursuant to the terms of the agreement governing the interest rate swap, Bank of Montreal assigned $35.0 million of the swap to U.S. Bank, National Association, and $15.0 million of the swap to SunTrust Bank. See Note 8 for additional information regarding the 2018 Facility. The swap began on November 30, 2015 and will mature on October 28, 2022. We have designated the interest rate swap as a cash flow hedge with the effective portion of the changes in fair value to be recorded in comprehensive income and subsequently reclassified into earnings in the period that the hedged transaction affects earnings. The ineffective portion of the change in fair value, if any, will be recognized directly in earnings. The Company does not expect any amount of the existing gains or losses to be reclassified into earnings within the next 12 months.
On November 19, 2015, we, through our Operating Partnership, entered into an interest rate swap of $50 million with Bank of Montreal that fixed the LIBOR portion of Term Loan A at 1.75%. In the fourth quarter of 2015, pursuant to the terms of the agreement governing the interest rate swap, Bank of Montreal assigned $3.8 million of the swap to Regions Bank, $6.5 million of the swap to U.S. Bank, National Association, $14.0 million of the swap to Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, $14.0 million of the swap to Bank of America, N.A., and $5.0 million of the swap to SunTrust Bank. The swap began on February 3, 2017 and will mature on October 30, 2020. We have designated the interest rate swap as a cash flow hedge with the effective portion of the changes in fair value to be recorded in comprehensive income and subsequently reclassified into earnings in the period that the hedged transaction affects earnings. The ineffective portion of the change in fair value, if any, will be recognized directly in earnings. The Company does not expect any amount of the existing gains or losses to be reclassified into earnings within the next 12 months.
On November 19, 2015, we, through our Operating Partnership, entered into an interest rate swap of $50 million with Bank of Montreal that fixed the LIBOR portion of Term Loan A at 1.50%. In the fourth quarter of 2015, pursuant to the terms of the agreement governing the interest rate swap, Bank of Montreal assigned $3.8 million of the swap to Regions Bank, $6.5 million of the swap to U.S. Bank, National Association, $14.0 million of the swap to Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, $14.0 million of the swap to Bank of America, N.A., and $5.0 million of the swap to SunTrust Bank. The swap began on December 7, 2015 and will mature on January 29, 2021. We have designated the interest rate swap as a cash flow hedge with the effective portion of the changes in fair value to be recorded in comprehensive income and subsequently reclassified into earnings in the period that the hedged transaction affects earnings. The ineffective portion of the change in fair value, if any, will be recognized directly in earnings. The Company does not expect any amount of the existing gains or losses to be reclassified into earnings within the next 12 months.
A summary of our interest rate swap activity is as follows (in thousands):
Amount Recognized as Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Location of Income (Loss) Recognized in Earnings
Amount of Income (Loss) Recognized in Earnings (1)
Three months ended March 31, 2019
$
(3,470
)
Interest expense
$
428
Three months ended March 31, 2018
$
2,645
Interest expense
$
(35
)
(1)
There was no ineffective portion of our interest rate swaps to recognize in earnings for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018.
10. EARNINGS PER SHARE
Basic earnings per share for our common shareholders is calculated by dividing income from continuing operations excluding the net income attributable to unvested restricted common shares and the net income attributable to noncontrolling interests, by our weighted average common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share is computed by dividing the net income attributable to common shareholders, excluding the net income attributable to unvested restricted common shares and the net income attributable to noncontrolling interests, by the weighted average number of common shares including any dilutive unvested restricted common shares.
Certain of our performance-based restricted common shares are considered participating securities that require the use of the two-class method for the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share. During the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, 928,070 and 1,083,359 OP units, respectively, were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share because their effect would be anti-dilutive.
For the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, distributions of $41,000 and $45,000, respectively, were made to holders of certain restricted common shares, $4,000 of which were charged against earnings for the three months ended March 31, 2018. See Note 13 for information related to restricted common shares under the 2008 Plan.
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
(65
)
(88
)
Distributions paid on unvested restricted shares
(41
)
(41
)
Net income attributable to common shareholders excluding amounts attributable to unvested restricted shares
$
2,733
$
3,140
Denominator:
Weighted average number of common shares - basic
39,649
39,066
Effect of dilutive securities:
Unvested restricted shares
977
1,022
Weighted average number of common shares - dilutive
40,626
40,088
Earnings Per Share:
Basic:
Net income attributable to common shareholders excluding amounts attributable to unvested restricted shares
$
0.07
$
0.08
Diluted:
Net income attributable to common shareholders excluding amounts attributable to unvested restricted shares
$
0.07
$
0.08
11. INCOME TAXES
With the exception of our taxable REIT subsidiaries, federal income taxes are generally not provided because we intend to and believe we continue to qualify as a REIT under the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), and because we have distributed and intend to continue to distribute all of our taxable income to our shareholders. As a REIT, we must distribute at least 90% of our REIT taxable income to our shareholders and meet certain income sources and investment restriction requirements. In addition, REITs are subject to a number of organizational and operational requirements. If we fail to qualify as a REIT in any taxable year, we will be subject to federal income tax (including any applicable alternative minimum tax) on our taxable income at regular corporate tax rates.
We are subject to the Texas Margin Tax, which is computed by applying the applicable tax rate (0.75% for us) to the profit margin, which generally will be determined for us as total revenue less a 30% standard deduction. Although the Texas Margin Tax is not an income tax, FASB ASC 740, “Income Taxes” applies to the Texas Margin Tax. For the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, we recognized approximately $118,000 and $96,000 in margin tax provision, respectively.
12. EQUITY
Common Shares
Under our declaration of trust, as amended, we have authority to issue up to 400,000,000 common shares of beneficial interest, $0.001 par value per share, and up to 50,000,000 preferred shares of beneficial interest, $0.001 par value per share.
On June 4, 2015, we entered into nine amended and restated equity distribution agreements for an at-the-market equity distribution program (the “2015 equity distribution agreements”) providing for the issuance and sale of up to an aggregate of $50 million of our common shares pursuant to our Registration Statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-203727), which expired on April 29, 2018. Actual sales depended on a variety of factors determined by us from time to time, including (among others) market conditions, the trading price of our common shares, capital needs and our determinations of the appropriate sources of funding for us, and were made in transactions that will be deemed to be “at-the-market” offerings as defined in Rule 415 under the Securities Act. We had no obligation to sell any of our common shares and could at any time suspend offers under the 2015 equity distribution agreements or terminate the 2015 equity distribution agreements. We did not sell any common shares under the 2015 equity distribution agreements during the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018.
Operating Partnership Units
Substantially all of our business is conducted through our Operating Partnership. We are the sole general partner of the Operating Partnership. As of March 31, 2019, we owned a 97.7% interest in the Operating Partnership.
Limited partners in the Operating Partnership holding OP units have the right to redeem their OP units for cash or, at our option, common shares at a ratio of one OP unit for one common share. Distributions to OP unit holders are paid at the same rate per unit as distributions per share to holders of Whitestone common shares. As of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, there were 40,635,879 and 40,585,688 OP units outstanding, respectively. We owned 39,707,905 and 39,657,207 OP units as of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively. The balance of the OP units is owned by third parties, including certain members of our board of trustees. Our weighted average share ownership in the Operating Partnership was approximately 97.7% and 97.3% for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. During the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, 507 and 377 OP units, respectively, were redeemed for an equal number of common shares.
Distributions
The following table summarizes the cash distributions paid or payable to holders of common shares and to holders of noncontrolling OP units during each quarter of 2018 and the three months ended March 31, 2019 (in thousands, except per share/per OP unit data):
On July 29, 2008, our shareholders approved the 2008 Plan. On December 22, 2010, our board of trustees amended the 2008 Plan to allow for awards in or related to Class B common shares pursuant to the 2008 Plan. On June 27, 2012, our Class B common shares were redesignated as “common shares.” The 2008 Plan, as amended, expired on July 29, 2018 and provided that awards may be made with respect to common shares of Whitestone or OP units, which may be redeemed for cash or, at our option, common shares of Whitestone. The maximum aggregate number of common shares issuable under the 2008 Plan was increased upon each issuance of common shares by Whitestone so that at any time the maximum number of common shares issuable under the 2008 Plan equaled 12.5% of the aggregate number of common shares of Whitestone and OP units issued and outstanding (other than common shares and/or OP units issued to or held by Whitestone).
The Compensation Committee of our board of trustees administered the 2008 Plan, except with respect to awards to non-employee trustees, for which the 2008 Plan was administered by our board of trustees. The Compensation Committee is authorized to grant share options, including both incentive share options and non-qualified share options, as well as share appreciation rights, either with or without a related option. The Compensation Committee is also authorized to grant restricted common shares, restricted common share units, performance awards and other share-based awards.
On April 2, 2014, the Compensation Committee approved the modification of the vesting provisions with respect to awards of an aggregate of 633,704 restricted common shares and restricted common share units granted under the 2008 Plan to certain of our employees. The modified time-based shares vested annually in three equal installments. The modified performance-based restricted common shares and restricted common share units were modified to include performance-based vesting based on achievement of certain absolute financial goals, as well as one to two years of time-based vesting post achievement of financial goals. Continued employment was required through the applicable vesting date. Additionally, 2,049,116 restricted performance-based common share units were granted with the same vesting conditions as the modified performance-based grants described above. The performance targets were not met prior to December 31, 2018, any unvested performance-based restricted common shares and restricted common share units were forfeited.
The Compensation Committee approved the grant of an aggregate of 320,000 and 143,000 time-based restricted common share units under the 2008 Plan on June 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively, to James C. Mastandrea and David K. Holeman.
At the Company’s annual meeting of shareholders on May 11, 2017, its shareholders voted to approve the 2018 Long-Term Equity Incentive Ownership Plan (the “2018 Plan”). The 2018 Plan provides for the issuance of up to 3,433,831 common shares and OP units pursuant to awards under the 2018 Plan. The 2018 Plan became effective on July 30, 2018, which was the day after the 2008 Plan expired.
The Compensation Committee administers the 2018 Plan, except with respect to awards to non-employee trustees, for which the 2018 Plan is administered by the Board of Trustees. The Compensation Committee is authorized to grant share options, including both incentive share options and non-qualified share options, as well as share appreciation rights, either with or without a related option. The Compensation Committee is also authorized to grant restricted common shares, restricted common share units, performance awards and other share-based awards.
On September 6, 2017, the Compensation Committee approved the grant of an aggregate of 267,783 performance-based restricted common share units under the 2008 Plan with market-based vesting conditions (the “TSR Units”) to certain of our employees. Vesting is contingent upon achieving Total Shareholder Return relative to the peer group defined in the TSR Unit award agreements over a three-year performance period. At the end of the performance period, the number of common shares awarded for each vested TSR Unit will vary from 0% to 200% depending on the Company’s ranking in the peer group (the “TSR Peer Group Ranking”). Continued employment is required through the vesting date. The grant date fair value for each TSR Unit of $12.37 was determined using the Monte Carlo simulation method and is being recognized as share-based compensation expense ratably from the September 30, 2017 grant date to the end of the performance period, December 31, 2019. The Monte Carlo simulation model utilizes multiple input variables that determine the probability of satisfying the market condition stipulated in the award grant and calculates the fair value of the award. Expected volatilities utilized in the model were estimated using a historical period consistent with the performance period of approximately three years. The risk-free interest rate was based on the United States Treasury rate for a term commensurate with the expected life of the grant.
On September 6, 2017, the Compensation Committee approved the grant of an aggregate of 965,000 performance-based restricted common share units under the 2008 Plan which only vest immediately prior to the consummation of a Change in Control (as defined in the 2008 Plan) that occurs on or before September 30, 2024 (the “CIC Units”) to certain of our employees. Continued employment is required through the vesting date. If a Change in Control does not occur on or before September 30, 2024, the CIC Units shall be immediately forfeited. The Company considers a Change in Control on or before September 30, 2024 to be improbable, and no expense has been recognized for the CIC Units. If a Change in Control occurs, any outstanding CIC Units would be expensed immediately on the date of the Change in Control using the grant date fair value. The grant date fair value for each CIC Unit of $13.05 was determined based on the Company’s closing share price on the grant date.
On March 16, 2018, the Compensation Committee approved the grant of an aggregate of 387,499 time-based restricted common share units under the 2008 Plan, which vest annually in three equal installments, and 4,300 performance-based restricted common share units to certain of our employees.
On December 1, 2018, the Compensation Committee approved the grant of an aggregate of 229,684 TSR Units under the 2018 Plan to certain of our employees. Vesting is contingent upon achieving Total Shareholder Return relative to the peer group defined in the TSR Unit award agreements over a three-year performance period. At the end of the performance period, the number of common shares awarded for each vested TSR Unit will vary from 0% to 200% depending on the Company’s TSR Peer Group Ranking. Continued employment is required through the vesting date. The grant date fair value for each TSR Unit of $14.89 was determined using the Monte Carlo simulation method and is being recognized as share-based compensation expense ratably from the December 1, 2018 grant date to the end of the performance period, December 31, 2020. The Monte Carlo simulation model utilizes multiple input variables that determine the probability of satisfying the market condition stipulated in the award grant and calculates the fair value of the award. Expected volatilities utilized in the model were estimated using a historical period consistent with the performance period of approximately three years. The risk-free interest rate was based on the United States Treasury rate for a term commensurate with the expected life of the grant.
A summary of the share-based incentive plan activity as of and for the three months ended March 31, 2019 is as follows:
Shares
Weighted Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
Non-vested at January 1, 2019
1,923,382
$
12.41
Granted
—
—
Vested
(260,069
)
11.61
Forfeited
(55,863
)
12.80
Non-vested at March 31, 2019
1,607,450
$
12.53
Available for grant at March 31, 2019
3,187,933
A summary of our non-vested and vested shares activity for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 is presented below:
Total compensation recognized in earnings for share-based payments was $1,951,000 and $1,908,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.
Based on our current financial projections, we expect approximately 100% of the unvested awards, exclusive of 895,000 CIC Units, to vest over the next 30 months. As of March 31, 2019, there was approximately $3.7 million in unrecognized compensation cost related to outstanding non-vested TSR Units, which are expected to vest over a period of 22 months, and approximately $2.2 million in unrecognized compensation cost related to outstanding non-vested time-based shares, which are expected to be recognized over a period of approximately 30 months beginning on April 1, 2019.
We expect to record approximately $4.9 million in non-cash share-based compensation expense in 2019 and $2.9 million subsequent to 2019. The unrecognized share-based compensation cost is expected to vest over a weighted average period of 20 months. The dilutive impact of the performance-based shares will be included in the denominator of the earnings per share calculation beginning in the period that the performance conditions are expected to be met. The dilutive impact of the TSR Units is based on the Company’s TSR Peer Group Ranking as of the reporting date and weighted according to the number of days outstanding in the period. As of March 31, 2019, the TSR Peer Group Ranking called for 150% attainment for the shares issued in 2017 and 50% attainment for the shares issued in 2018. The dilutive impact of the CIC Units is based on the probability of a Change in Control. Because the Company considers a Change in Control on or before September 30, 2024 to be improbable, no CIC Units are included in the Company’s dilutive shares.
14. GRANTS TO TRUSTEES
On December 28, 2018, each of our six independent trustees and one trustee emeritus were granted 3,000 common shares, which vest immediately and are prorated based on date appointed. The 21,000 common shares granted to our trustees had a grant fair value of $12.42 per share. On December 28, 2018, two of our independent trustees each elected to receive a total of 4,186 common shares with a grant date fair value of $12.42 in lieu of cash for board fees. The fair value of the shares granted during the year ended December 31, 2018 was determined using quoted prices available on the date of grant.
On December 12, 2017, each of our six independent trustees and one trustee emeritus were granted 3,000 common shares, which vested immediately and were prorated based on date appointed. The 16,281 common shares granted to our trustees had a grant date fair value of $14.46 per share. On December 12, 2017, three of our independent trustees each elected to receive a total of 2,320 common shares with a grant date fair value of $14.46 in lieu of cash for board fees. The fair value of the shares granted were determined using quoted prices available on the date of grant.
15. SEGMENT INFORMATION
Historically, our management has not differentiated results of operations by property type or location and, therefore, does not present segment information.
16. REAL ESTATE
Property dispositions. On September 24, 2018, we completed the sale of Torrey Square, located in Houston, Texas, for $8.7 million. We recorded a gain on sale of $4.4 million. We have not included Torrey Square in discontinued operations as it did not meet the definition of discontinued operations.
On February 27, 2018, we completed the sale of Bellnott Square, located in Houston, Texas, for $4.7 million. We recorded a gain on sale of $0.3 million. We have not included Bellnott Square in discontinued operations as it did not meet the definition of discontinued operations.
17. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Pillarstone OP. For the periods prior to December 31, 2017, Pillarstone OP was accounted for under the profit-sharing method and related party transactions between the Company and Pillarstone OP were eliminated. As a result of the adoption of Topic 606 and ASC 610 as of January 1, 2018, the Company derecognized the underlying assets and liabilities associated with the Contribution as of January 1, 2018 and recognized the Company’s investment in Pillarstone OP under the equity method.
During the ordinary course of business, we have transactions with Pillarstone OP that include, but are not limited to, rental income, interest expense, general and administrative costs, commissions, management and asset management fees, and property expenses.
The following table presents the revenue and expenses with Pillarstone OP included in our consolidated statements of operations for the year ended March 31, 2019 (in thousands):
Location of Revenue (Expense)
Rent
Operating and maintenance
$
(167
)
Property management fee income
Management, transaction, and other fees
$
66
Interest income
Interest, dividend and other investment income
$
56
On December 8, 2016, we received a $15.4 million financed receivable from Pillarstone OP to provide the financing for the ordinary course of business transactions for Pillarstone OP. The financed receivable has a interest rate of 1.4%-1.95% plus Libor and a maturity date of December 31, 2019. As of March 31, 2019, the balance of the financed receivable is $5.7 million.
18. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
On April 16, 2019, a purported shareholder of the Company filed a class action lawsuit in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas against the Company, James C. Mastandrea, and David K. Holeman, entitled Clark v. Whitestone REIT, et al., Case 4:19-cv-01379. The complaint alleges, among other things, that the Company and the individual defendants violated certain federal securities laws by making materially false and misleading statements in the Company’s Forms 10-Q for the first three quarterly periods of the year ended December 31, 2018 as a result of the accounting errors that required the restatement of our consolidated financial statements for the first three quarterly periods of the year ended December 31, 2018. The purported class period runs from May 9, 2018 through February 27, 2019. The complaint seeks, among other things, compensatory damages in an amount to be proven at trial, plus interest, attorneys’ fees, and costs. The Company and the individual defendants believe that the claims asserted in the lawsuit are without merit and intend to vigorously defend against these claims.
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
You should read the following discussion of our financial condition and results of operations in conjunction with our unaudited consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (the “Report”), and the consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018. For more detailed information regarding the basis of presentation for the following information, you should read the notes to the unaudited consolidated financial statements included in this Report.
This Report contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws, including discussion and analysis of our financial condition, pending acquisitions and the impact of such acquisitions on our financial condition and results of operations, anticipated capital expenditures required to complete projects, amounts of anticipated cash distributions to our shareholders in the future and other matters. These forward-looking statements are not historical facts but are the intent, belief or current expectations of our management based on its knowledge and understanding of our business and industry. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by the use of terms such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “potential,” “predicts,” “anticipates,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “seeks,” “estimates” or the negative of such terms and variations of these words and similar expressions, although not all forward-looking statements include these words. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, some of which are beyond our control, are difficult to predict and could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or forecasted in the forward-looking statements.
Forward-looking statements that were true at the time made may ultimately prove to be incorrect or false. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which reflect our management’s view only as of the date of this Report. We undertake no obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements to reflect changed assumptions, the occurrence of unanticipated events or changes to future operating results. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from any forward-looking statements made in this Report include: