10-QPeriod: Q3 FY2002

SIMON PROPERTY GROUP INC. Quarterly Report for Q3 Ended Sep 30, 2002

Filed November 8, 2002For Securities:SPGSPG-PJ

Summary

Simon Property Group, Inc. (SPG) reported strong performance in the third quarter and first nine months of 2002, driven by significant strategic acquisitions and solid operational growth. The company's total revenue increased by approximately 10% for the nine-month period compared to the prior year, reaching $1.56 billion. This growth was substantially bolstered by the acquisition of Rodamco North America, which added nine new properties to its portfolio and significantly increased its consolidated revenues and operating income. Operationally, SPG demonstrated resilience with an increase in regional mall occupancy to 91.9% and a 4.6% rise in average base rents per square foot. The company also achieved strong leasing spreads and a 3.2% increase in comparable property net operating income. Despite a challenging economic environment, these factors indicate a healthy underlying business. The company also strategically managed its debt, issuing new notes and refinancing existing facilities to lower its weighted average interest rate, showcasing a proactive approach to financial management.

Key Highlights

  • 1Total revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2002, increased to $1.56 billion from $1.48 billion in the same period of 2001, a rise of approximately 5.6%.
  • 2Significant growth driven by the acquisition of Rodamco North America, which added nine new properties and contributed to increased consolidated revenues and operating income.
  • 3Regional mall occupancy improved to 91.9% as of September 30, 2002, up from 90.6% a year prior, indicating strong leasing activity.
  • 4Average base rents for regional malls increased by 4.6% to $30.37 per square foot.
  • 5The company successfully managed its debt, issuing $500 million in senior unsecured notes and refinancing its credit facility, leading to a decrease in the overall weighted average interest rate.
  • 6Net income available to common shareholders for the nine months ended September 30, 2002, was $262.1 million, a substantial increase from $103.9 million in the prior year, reflecting improved operational performance and acquisition benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary drivers of revenue growth were the strategic acquisition of Rodamco North America, which significantly expanded the company's property portfolio, and strong operational performance in its existing regional malls. This included increased occupancy rates, higher average base rents, and positive leasing spreads. The company also benefited from certain property dispositions which generated gains.

The acquisition of Rodamco North America was a major factor in the company's performance. It added nine new properties to its portfolio, leading to a substantial increase in consolidated total revenues and operating income for the nine-month period. The results of operations for these acquired properties have been included in SPG's results since May 3, 2002.

Simon Property Group is actively managing its debt structure. During the first nine months of 2002, the company issued $500 million in senior unsecured notes at a favorable weighted average interest rate of 6.06% to permanently finance part of the Rodamco acquisition and reduced borrowings on its credit facility. It also refinanced its credit facility and issued $394 million in mortgage debt. These actions have contributed to a decrease in the company's overall weighted average interest rate and demonstrate a focus on maintaining financial flexibility and favorable financing costs.

The company acknowledges the normal occurrence of retailer bankruptcies and the pressures on consumer confidence. SPG mitigates these risks through geographical diversity of its portfolio and a diverse tenant mix, ensuring no single retailer represents an overly large portion of its revenue or space. The company also views store closings as opportunities to re-lease spaces at potentially higher rents to retailers with stronger sales performance, leveraging its leasing expertise to maintain occupancy and profitability.