10-QPeriod: Q1 FY2008

REALTY INCOME CORP Quarterly Report for Q1 Ended Mar 31, 2008

Filed May 2, 2008For Securities:O

Summary

Realty Income Corporation's (O) first quarter 2008 report shows a decrease in net income available to common stockholders to $23.7 million ($0.24 per diluted share) from $30.3 million ($0.30 per diluted share) in the prior year's first quarter. This decline was primarily influenced by lower gains from property sales and a significant increase in interest expense, partially offset by strong rental revenue growth of 18.5%, driven by recent acquisitions. The company expanded its property portfolio significantly, investing $181.4 million in 106 new retail properties, a substantial increase from the $60.9 million invested in 11 properties during the same period last year. Despite the decrease in net income, Funds From Operations (FFO) remained relatively stable at $45.9 million ($0.46 per diluted share), compared to $46.5 million ($0.46 per diluted share) in Q1 2007, indicating resilient operating performance. The company continues its consistent monthly dividend payment policy, increasing its common stock dividend by $0.000625 to $0.137375 per share in April 2008, marking its 42nd consecutive quarterly increase. Realty Income maintains a strong liquidity position with a $300 million credit facility, of which none was drawn as of the report date, and solid credit ratings, positioning it to fund future acquisitions.

Key Highlights

  • 1Net income available to common stockholders decreased by 21.5% to $23.7 million in Q1 2008 compared to $30.3 million in Q1 2007, primarily due to lower property sale gains and increased interest expense.
  • 2Total rental revenue increased by 18.5% to $82.0 million in Q1 2008, driven by significant property acquisitions in 2008 and 2007.
  • 3Realty Income significantly expanded its portfolio in Q1 2008, acquiring 106 properties for $181.4 million, compared to 11 properties for $60.9 million in Q1 2007.
  • 4Funds From Operations (FFO) remained stable, at $45.9 million ($0.46 per diluted share) in Q1 2008, compared to $46.5 million ($0.46 per diluted share) in Q1 2007.
  • 5The company continued its dividend growth policy, increasing its monthly common stock dividend to $0.137375 per share, representing its 42nd consecutive quarterly increase.
  • 6Interest expense increased substantially to $23.5 million in Q1 2008 from $12.5 million in Q1 2007, largely due to higher average outstanding debt balances from recent note issuances.
  • 7The company had a strong liquidity position with $13.3 million in cash and cash equivalents and an undrawn $300 million credit facility.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary driver for the decrease in net income available to common stockholders to $23.7 million in Q1 2008 from $30.3 million in Q1 2007 was a significant decrease in gains from property sales, which were $0.66 million in Q1 2008 compared to $1.8 million in Q1 2007, and a substantial increase in interest expense from $12.5 million to $23.5 million.

Realty Income significantly expanded its property portfolio by acquiring 106 new retail properties for $181.4 million in the first quarter of 2008. This represents a substantial increase compared to the 11 properties acquired for $60.9 million in the same period of 2007. The new acquisitions are net-leased with an average lease term of 20.6 years.

Realty Income continues to uphold its policy of paying monthly dividends and has increased its common stock dividend for the 42nd consecutive quarter. In April 2008, the dividend was increased to $0.137375 per share. The company aims to maintain this policy but notes that future distributions are at the discretion of the Board of Directors and depend on various factors including financial performance and REIT distribution requirements.

Realty Income maintains a conservative capital structure with approximately 32.3% of its market capitalization in debt as of April 23, 2008. The company has a $300 million revolving credit facility, which was undrawn as of the report date, providing significant liquidity. All outstanding notes carry fixed interest rates, mitigating immediate exposure to rising interest rates, though they anticipate using the credit facility for future acquisitions and to repay upcoming debt maturities.