10-QPeriod: Q1 FY2002

SIMON PROPERTY GROUP INC. Quarterly Report for Q1 Ended Mar 31, 2002

Filed May 15, 2002For Securities:SPGSPG-PJ

Summary

Simon Property Group, Inc. (SPG) reported its first-quarter 2002 financial results, showcasing stable revenue and a slight increase in net income compared to the prior year. Total revenue for the combined entities reached $494.9 million, a modest increase from $490.7 million in Q1 2001. Net income available to common shareholders was $30.0 million, down slightly from $30.9 million in the prior year's comparable period, resulting in diluted earnings per paired share of $0.17 for both periods. The company continues to manage its debt effectively, with interest expense decreasing due to lower interest rates. SPG also successfully closed a significant acquisition of Rodamco North America, N.V. on May 3, 2002, which will add substantial properties to its portfolio. The company also announced an increase in its quarterly dividend, signaling confidence in its ongoing financial performance and ability to generate cash flow. Investors should note the company's strategic divestitures, including the planned sale of its five value-oriented super-regional malls, and its focus on acquiring high-quality, market-dominant regional malls. Despite a generally soft retail environment, SPG's occupancy levels remained strong at 90.9%, and average base rent per square foot increased, demonstrating the resilience of its core portfolio.

Key Highlights

  • 1Total revenue for the combined entities was $494.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2002, a slight increase from $490.7 million in the prior year.
  • 2Net income available to common shareholders was $30.0 million, with diluted earnings per paired share of $0.17 for the three months ended March 31, 2002.
  • 3Interest expense decreased by 6.4% to $147.8 million, primarily due to lower interest rates.
  • 4The company successfully closed the $5.4 billion acquisition of Rodamco North America, N.V. on May 3, 2002, expanding its property portfolio.
  • 5Simon Property Group announced an increase in its annual dividend rate to $2.20 per Paired Share, effective in the second quarter of 2002.
  • 6Occupancy for regional malls remained strong at 90.9%, with an average base rent per square foot increasing to $29.51.
  • 7The company is strategically divesting non-retail holdings and certain retail assets, including five value-oriented super-regional malls.

Frequently Asked Questions

For the three months ended March 31, 2002, Simon Property Group reported total revenue of $494.9 million, a slight increase from $490.7 million in the same period of 2001. This growth was driven by an increase in minimum rents and tenant reimbursements, partially offset by lower overage rents.

Interest expense decreased significantly by 6.4% in Q1 2002 compared to Q1 2001, largely due to lower interest rates. Simon Property Group also successfully refinanced its $1.25 billion unsecured corporate credit facility, extending its maturity to April 2005. The company has strong credit ratings and anticipates that cash generated from operations will fund its short- and long-term needs, with access to public equity and debt markets for larger initiatives.

Simon Property Group, along with partners Westfield America Trust and The Rouse Company, completed the $5.4 billion acquisition of Rodamco North America, N.V. on May 3, 2002. SPG's share of this acquisition was $1.59 billion, which includes acquiring remaining interests in four existing joint venture assets and new interests in nine additional properties. This significant transaction is expected to enhance the company's portfolio of market-dominant regional malls.

Simon Property Group has a policy of distributing at least 90% of its taxable income to shareholders. For the first quarter of 2002, the company declared a dividend of $0.525 per share. Reflecting confidence in its financial performance, on May 8, 2002, the company approved an increase in the annual distribution rate to $2.20 per Paired Share, effective in the second quarter of 2002.