Sovran Self Storage Reports First Quarter Results; Acquires $22 Million of Properties; Increases Guidance for 2013

Uncle Bob's Self Storage operates 21 self storage facilities in Atlanta, GA (Photo: Business Wire)

BUFFALO, N.Y.--()--Sovran Self Storage, Inc. (NYSE: SSS), a self storage real estate investment trust (REIT), reported operating results for the quarter ended March 31, 2013.

Net income available to common shareholders for the first quarter of 2013 was $14.3 million or $0.47 per fully diluted share. For the same period in 2012, net income available to common shareholders was $11.1 million, or $0.39 per fully diluted common share.

Funds from operations (FFO) for the quarter were $0.82 per fully diluted common share compared to $0.75 for the same period last year. The Company incurred net acquisition costs of $0.5 million in connection with its property purchases in the first quarter of 2013; in the first quarter of 2012, it incurred an immaterial amount of acquisition costs. Absent these acquisition charges, FFO per share was $0.84 and $0.75 for the first quarter of 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Improved occupancies and the reduced use of move-in incentives contributed to the increase in FFO for the first quarter of 2013.

David Rogers, the Company’s CEO, commented, “We enjoyed another strong quarter. Occupancy levels grew even during our traditionally slowest season as a result of our web marketing initiatives, revenue management system and our focus on the customer experience. As we enter the peak rental season, we feel increasingly optimistic that 2013 should continue to be a prosperous one.”

OPERATIONS:

Revenues for the 362 stores wholly owned by the Company for the entire quarter of each year increased 8.1% from those of the first quarter of 2012, the result of a 530 basis point increase in average occupancy to 87.4%, reduced move-in incentives and strong growth in insurance commissions.

Same store operating expenses increased 3.3% for the first quarter of 2013 compared to the prior year period, mainly as a result of increased snow removal costs, property taxes and credit card fees.

Consequently, same store net operating income increased 10.6% this period over the first quarter of 2012.

Total revenues increased 17% over last year’s first quarter, while operating costs increased 14.9%, resulting in an NOI(3) increase of 18.1%. Overall occupancy averaged 85.7% for the period and rental rates improved to an average of $10.76 per sq. ft.

General and administrative expenses grew by approximately $1.2 million over the same period in 2012, primarily due to increased salaries and internet advertising associated with the net 35 stores added to the Company’s platform since January 1st of last year.

During the first quarter of 2013, the Company experienced positive same store revenue growth in all but one of the states in which it operates. The stores with the strongest revenue impact include those in Texas, Florida, New York and North Carolina.

PROPERTIES:

The Company acquired three self storage properties late in the first quarter of 2013: one each in San Antonio, TX; Boston, MA; and Long Island, NY. The stores were acquired via two separate transactions at a total cost of $22 million and were funded with the proceeds of the Company’s “at the market” (ATM) offering.

The properties total approximately 131,000 square feet and complement the Company’s existing portfolio as all are located in markets in which the Company already has a presence.

During the three months ended March 31, 2013, the Company also added seven stores to its Uncle Bob’s Management platform.

In February, 2013, the Company sold its equity interest and mortgage note in a formerly consolidated joint venture for $4.4 million, resulting in a gain on the sale of $0.4 million. This joint venture’s assets consisted of one storage facility.

CAPITAL TRANSACTIONS:

Illustrated below are key financial ratios at March 31, 2013:

        -   Debt to Enterprise Value (at $64.49/share)         24.3 %
- Debt to Book Cost of Storage Facilities 36.9 %
- Debt to EBITDA Ratio 4.7x
- Debt Service Coverage 3.1x
 

At March 31, 2013, the Company had approximately $6.9 million of cash on hand, and $99 million available on its line of credit (without considering the additional $75 million available under the expansion feature).

During the quarter, the Company issued 822,000 shares of its common stock via its previously announced ATM program. The shares were sold at an average price of $62.04 and the net proceeds of $50.2 million were used to fund the aforementioned property purchases and to pay down its line of credit balance.

YEAR 2013 EARNINGS GUIDANCE:

Management is encouraged by greater customer traffic and increasing rental rates in most markets. The following assumptions covering operations have been utilized in formulating updated guidance for the second quarter and full year 2013:

             

Same Store

Projected Increases Over 2012

   

2Q 2013

Full Year 2013

 
Revenue 6.5 – 7.5% 5.25 – 6.25%
 
Operating Cost (excluding property taxes) 4.0 – 5.0% 3.5 – 4.5%
Property Taxes

3.5 – 4.0%

4.5 – 5.0%

Total Operating Expenses 4.0 – 5.0% 4.0 – 4.75%
 
Net Operating Income 8.0 – 9.0% 6.0 – 7.0%
 

The Company intends to spend up to $25 million on its expansion and enhancement program. It has also budgeted $13 million to provide for recurring capitalized expenditures including roofing, paving, and office renovations.

Prospective purchases of properties made for the remainder of 2013 are not expected to significantly impact guidance inasmuch as the Company expects to invest in both low occupancy turn-around opportunities as well as stabilized properties. Accordingly, neither the net operating income nor the acquisition costs relating to any acquisitions that may be made in the last three quarters of 2013 are included in guidance.

General and administrative expenses are expected to increase to approximately $34 million due to the need for additional personnel required for recent acquisitions, income taxes on its taxable REIT subsidiaries, and the Company’s plans to continue expanding its internet marketing presence and revenue management program.

At March 31, 2013, all but $76 million of the Company’s debt is either fixed rate or covered by rate swap contracts that essentially fix the rate. Subsequent borrowings that may occur will be pursuant to the Company’s line of Credit agreement at a floating rate of LIBOR plus 2.0%.

At March 31, 2013, the Company had 31.4 million shares of common stock outstanding and 0.2 million Operating Partnership Units outstanding.

As a result of the above assumptions, management expects funds from operations for the full year 2013 to be approximately $3.54 to $3.58 per share, and between $0.88 and $0.90 per share for the second quarter of 2013.

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS:

When used within this news release, the words “intends,” “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” and similar expressions are intended to identify “forward looking statements” within the meaning of that term in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, and in Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to, the effect of competition from new self storage facilities, which could cause rents and occupancy rates to decline; the Company’s ability to evaluate, finance and integrate acquired businesses into the Company’s existing business and operations; the Company’s existing indebtedness may mature in an unfavorable credit environment, preventing refinancing or forcing refinancing of the indebtedness on terms that are not as favorable as the existing terms; interest rates may fluctuate, impacting costs associated with the Company’s outstanding floating rate debt; the Company’s ability to comply with debt covenants; the future ratings on the Company’s debt instruments; the regional concentration of the Company’s business may subject it to economic downturns in the states of Florida and Texas; the Company’s ability to effectively compete in the industries in which it does business; the Company’s reliance on its call center; the Company’s cash flow may be insufficient to meet required payments of principal, interest and dividends; and tax law changes which may change the taxability of future income.

CONFERENCE CALL:

Sovran Self Storage will hold its First Quarter Earnings Release Conference Call at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time on Thursday, May 2, 2013. To access the conference call, dial 877.407.8033 (domestic), or 201.689.8033 (international). Management will accept questions from registered financial analysts after prepared remarks; all others are encouraged to listen to the call via webcast by accessing the investor relations tab at www.unclebobs.com/company/.

The webcast will be archived for a period of 90 days; a telephone replay will also be available for 72 hours by calling 877.660.6853 and entering conference ID 412346.

Sovran Self Storage, Inc. is a self-administered and self-managed equity REIT that is in the business of acquiring and managing self storage facilities. The Company operates 471 self storage facilities in 25 states under the name “Uncle Bob’s Self Storage”®. For more information, visit www.unclebobs.com, like us on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter.

SOVRAN SELF STORAGE, INC.
BALANCE SHEET DATA
 
      (unaudited)  
March 31, December 31,
(dollars in thousands)     2013   2012
Assets
Investment in storage facilities:
Land $       302,930 $       299,544
Building, equipment and construction in progress         1,473,722           1,456,410  
1,776,652 1,755,954
Less: accumulated depreciation         (339,102 )         (328,952 )
Investment in storage facilities, net 1,437,550 1,427,002
Cash and cash equivalents 6,916 7,255
Accounts receivable 3,116 3,450
Receivable from joint venture 740 856
Investment in joint venture 34,263 34,255
Prepaid expenses 7,234 4,947
Intangible asset - in-place customer leases (net of accumulated
amortization of $11,159 in 2013 and $10,337 in 2012) 2,321 2,891
Other assets         3,400           3,785  
Total Assets $       1,495,540   $       1,484,441  
 
Liabilities
Line of credit $ 76,000 $ 105,000
Term notes 575,000 575,000
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 22,031 36,667
Deferred revenue 6,847 6,416
Fair value of interest rate swap agreements 14,013 15,707
Mortgages payable         4,206           4,251  
Total Liabilities 698,097 743,041
 
Noncontrolling redeemable Operating Partnership Units at redemption value 12,591 12,670
 
Equity
Common stock 325 316
Additional paid-in capital 998,739 943,604
Accumulated deficit (173,334 ) (172,773 )
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (13,703 ) (15,242 )
Treasury stock at cost         (27,175 )         (27,175 )
Total Shareholders' Equity         784,852           728,730  
Total Liabilities and Equity $       1,495,540   $       1,484,441  
 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(unaudited)
 
      January 1, 2013   January 1, 2012
to to
(dollars in thousands, except share data) March 31, 2013   March 31, 2012
 
Revenues
Rental income $     59,995 $     51,213
Other operating income 3,367 2,808
Management fee income 973 806
Acquisition fee income       -         146  
Total operating revenues 64,335 54,973
 
Expenses
Property operations and maintenance 15,283 13,435
Real estate taxes 6,461 5,484
General and administrative 8,793 7,565
Acquisition related costs 486 7
Depreciation and amortization 10,359 9,012
Amortization of in-place customer leases       931         882  
Total operating expenses       42,313         36,385  
 
Income from operations 22,022 18,588
 
Other income (expense)
Interest expense (A) (8,457 ) (8,253 )
Interest income - 3
Gain on sale of real estate 421 -
Equity in income of joint ventures       386         68  
 
Income from continuing operations 14,372 10,406
Income from discontinued operations       -         863  
Net income 14,372 11,269
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests       (92 )       (131 )
Net income attributable to common shareholders $     14,280   $     11,138  
 
Earnings per common share attributable to common shareholders - basic
Continuing operations $ 0.47 $ 0.36
Discontinued operations $     -   $     0.03  
Earnings per share - basic $     0.47   $     0.39  
 
Earnings per common share attributable to common shareholders - diluted
Continuing operations $ 0.47 $ 0.36
Discontinued operations $     -   $     0.03  
Earnings per share - diluted $     0.47   $     0.39  
 
Common shares used in basic
earnings per share calculation 30,488,853 28,785,663
 
Common shares used in diluted
earnings per share calculation 30,654,495 28,877,736
 
Dividends declared per common share $     0.4800   $     0.4500  
 
 
(A) Interest expense for the three months ending March 31 consists of the following
Interest expense $ 8,248 $ 8,044
Amortization of deferred financing fees       209         209  
Total interest expense $     8,457   $     8,253  
 

COMPUTATION OF FUNDS FROM OPERATIONS (FFO) (1) - (unaudited)
 
    January 1, 2013   January 1, 2012
to to
(dollars in thousands, except share data) March 31, 2013   March 31, 2012
 
Net income attributable to common shareholders $     14,280 $     11,138
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests 92 131
Depreciation of real estate and amortization of intangible
assets exclusive of deferred financing fees 11,090 9,801
Depreciation of real estate included in discontinued operations - 352
Depreciation and amortization from unconsolidated joint ventures 375 390
Gain on sale of real estate (421 ) -
Funds from operations allocable to noncontrolling
interest in Operating Partnership       (162 )       (254 )
Funds from operations available to common shareholders       25,254         21,558  
FFO per share - diluted $ 0.82 $ 0.75
 
Non-recurring Adjustments to FFO
Acquisition costs expensed 486 7
Company's share of acquisition costs expensed by Sovran HHF Storage Holdings II - 147
Funds from operations resulting from non-recurring items allocable to noncontrolling
interest in Operating Partnership       (3 )       (146 )
Adjusted funds from operations available to common shareholders       25,737         21,566  
Adjusted FFO per share - diluted $ 0.84 $ 0.75
 
Common shares - diluted 30,654,495 28,877,736
 
(1) We believe that Funds from Operations (“FFO”) provides relevant and meaningful information about our operating performance that is necessary, along with net earnings and cash flows, for an understanding of our operating results. FFO adds back historical cost depreciation, which assumes the value of real estate assets diminishes predictably in the future. In fact, real estate asset values increase or decrease with market conditions. Consequently, we believe FFO is a useful supplemental measure in evaluating our operating performance by disregarding (or adding back) historical cost depreciation.
 
Funds from operations is defined by the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts, Inc. (“NAREIT”) as net income available to common shareholders computed in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”), excluding gains or losses on sales of properties, plus impairment of real estate assets, plus depreciation and amortization and after adjustments to record unconsolidated partnerships and joint ventures on the same basis. We believe that to further understand our performance, FFO should be compared with our reported net income and cash flows in accordance with GAAP, as presented in our consolidated financial statements.
 
Our computation of FFO may not be comparable to FFO reported by other REITs or real estate companies that do not define the term in accordance with the current NAREIT definition or that interpret the current NAREIT definition differently. FFO does not represent cash generated from operating activities determined in accordance with GAAP, and should not be considered as an alternative to net income (determined in accordance with GAAP) as an indication of our performance, as an alternative to net cash flows from operating activities (determined in accordance with GAAP) as a measure of our liquidity, or as an indicator of our ability to make cash distributions.
 
QUARTERLY SAME STORE DATA (2) *             January 1, 2013   January 1, 2012              
to to Percentage
(dollars in thousands) March 31, 2013   March 31, 2012 Change   Change
 
Revenues:
Rental income $ 55,048 $ 51,071 $         3,977 7.8 %
Tenant insurance commissions 1,641 1,263 378 29.9 %
Other operating income   1,152   1,185           (33 )

-2.8

%

Total operating revenues 57,841 53,519 4,322 8.1 %
 
Expenses:
Payroll and benefits 5,724 5,664 60 1.1 %
Real estate taxes 5,666 5,452 214 3.9 %
Utilities 2,280 2,200 80 3.6 %
Repairs and maintenance 2,307 2,087 220 10.5 %
Office and other operating expense 2,145 2,015 130 6.5 %
Insurance 918 841 77 9.2 %
Advertising & yellow pages   373   530           (157 )

-29.6

%

Total operating expenses   19,413   18,789           624  

3.3

%

 
Net operating income (3) $ 38,428 $ 34,730 $         3,698  

10.6

%
 
 
QTD Same store move ins 36,037 37,591 (1,554 )

 

 

 
QTD Same store move outs 34,483 33,385 1,098

 

 

 
(2) Includes the 362 stores owned and/or managed by the Company for the entire periods presented that are consolidated in our financial statements. Does not include unconsolidated joint ventures or other stores managed by the Company.
 
(3) Net operating income or "NOI" is a non-GAAP (generally accepted accounting principles) financial measure that we define as total continuing revenues less continuing property operating expenses. NOI also can be calculated by adding back to net income: interest expense, impairment and casualty losses, depreciation and amortization expense, acquisition related costs, general and administrative expense, and deducting from net income: income from discontinued operations, interest income, gain on sale of real estate, and equity in income of joint ventures. We believe that NOI is a meaningful measure of operating performance, because we utilize NOI in making decisions with respect to capital allocations, in determining current property values, and comparing period-to-period and market-to-market property operating results. NOI should be considered in addition to, but not as a substitute for, other measures of financial performance reported in accordance with GAAP, such as total revenues, operating income and net income.
 
* See exhibit A for supplemental quarterly same store data.
 

OTHER DATA   Same Store (2)       All Stores (4)

2013

 

2012

2013

 

2012

 
Weighted average quarterly occupancy     87.4 %     82.1 %               85.7 %               81.8 %
 
Occupancy at March 31 87.6 % 82.9 % 86.0 % 82.6 %
 
Rent per occupied square foot $ 10.61 $ 10.57 $ 10.76 $ 10.49
 
(4) Does not include unconsolidated joint venture stores managed by the Company
 
 

Investment in Storage Facilities:

The following summarizes activity in storage facilities during the three months ended March 31, 2013:
 
Beginning balance $ 1,755,954
Property acquisitions 21,939
Improvements and equipment additions:
Expansions 3,731
Roofing, paving, and equipment:
Stabilized stores 1,385
Recently acquired stores 226
Change in construction in progress (Total CIP $6.4 million) (2,024 )
Dispositions and Impairments       (4,559 )
Storage facilities at cost at period end $     1,776,652  
 
 

Comparison of Selected G&A Costs

Quarter Ended

March 31, 2013

March 31, 2012

 
Management and administrative salaries and benefits 4,626 3,782
Internet advertising & marketing 1,054 850
Training 434 320
Call center 382 377
Uncle Bob's Management costs 186 140
Income taxes 332 407
Other administrative expenses (5)       1,779         1,689  
$     8,793   $     7,565  
 
(5) Other administrative expenses include professional fees, office rent, travel expense, investor relations and miscellaneous other expenses.
 
 

March 31, 2013

March 31, 2012

 
Common shares outstanding 31,376,265 28,982,918
Operating Partnership Units outstanding 199,163 339,025
 

Exhibit A
 
Sovran Self Storage, Inc.
 
Same Store Performance Summary
Three Months Ended March 31, 2013
(unaudited)
 
     

Avg Qtrly

 

Avg Quarterly Occupancy

 

Revenue

   

Expenses

   

NOI

 

Rent per

for the Three Months Ended

for the Three Months

for the Three Months

for the Three Months

Square

 

Occupied

March 31,

Ended March 31,

   

Ended March 31,

   

Ended March 31,

   
State   Stores  

Feet

 

Square Foot

  2013   2012 2013   2012   % Change 2013   2012   % Change 2013   2012   % Change
       
Alabama 22 1,648 $ 7.81 84.0 % 78.3 % $ 2,918 $ 2,715 7.48 % $ 959 $ 941 1.91 % $ 1,959 $ 1,774 10.43 %
Arizona 9 537 10.13 83.9 % 87.6 % 1,238 1,226 0.98 % 386 389 -0.77 % 852 837 1.79 %
Connecticut 5 295 17.18 93.0 % 89.1 % 1,212 1,152 5.21 % 424 389 9.00 % 788 763 3.28 %
Florida 54 3,542 10.14 86.8 % 79.8 % 8,244 7,689 7.22 % 2,705 2,781 -2.73 % 5,539 4,908 12.86 %
Georgia 23 1,492 9.81 86.5 % 81.5 % 3,346 3,139 6.59 % 1,079 1,055 2.27 % 2,267 2,084 8.78 %
Louisiana 14 818 10.73 88.2 % 85.7 % 2,028 1,904 6.51 % 544 518 5.02 % 1,484 1,386 7.07 %
Maine 2 113 12.29 87.8 % 76.9 % 319 277 15.16 % 119 117 1.71 % 200 160 25.00 %
Maryland 3 139 15.98 89.1 % 87.9 % 511 504 1.39 % 162 166 -2.41 % 349 338 3.25 %
Massachusetts 12 656 13.14 90.5 % 82.7 % 2,048 1,895 8.07 % 769 734 4.77 % 1,279 1,161 10.16 %
Mississippi 12 918 9.18 87.1 % 81.6 % 1,936 1,830 5.79 % 567 556 1.98 % 1,369 1,274 7.46 %
Missouri 8 501 11.03 89.5 % 84.8 % 1,289 1,204 7.06 % 482 458 5.24 % 807 746 8.18 %
New Hampshire 4 261 10.72 89.5 % 81.1 % 655 617 6.16 % 218 215 1.40 % 437 402 8.71 %
New Jersey 2 121 16.30 79.4 % 80.9 % 410 433 -5.31 % 216 188 14.89 % 194 245 -20.82 %
New York 28 1,677 13.94 85.4 % 83.9 % 5,233 4,872 7.41 % 1,898 1,793 5.86 % 3,335 3,079 8.31 %
North Carolina 18 1,058 9.32 87.5 % 75.1 % 2,275 1,942 17.15 % 700 691 1.30 % 1,575 1,251 25.90 %
Ohio 17 1,148 9.46 86.8 % 83.9 % 2,448 2,268 7.94 % 821 828 -0.85 % 1,627 1,440 12.99 %
Pennsylvania 4 220 9.85 88.0 % 83.4 % 494 473 4.44 % 164 162 1.23 %

330

311 6.11 %
Rhode Island 4 207 12.44 83.8 % 80.9 % 577 492 17.28 % 230 206 11.65 % 347 286 21.33 %
South Carolina 8 451 9.80 85.3 % 84.9 % 997 956 4.29 % 365 364 0.27 % 632 592 6.76 %
Tennessee 4 291 9.69 90.0 % 90.4 % 661 609 8.54 % 249 241 3.32 % 412 368 11.96 %
Texas 91 6,491 10.73 89.8 % 83.9 % 16,243 14,751 10.11 % 5,443 5,177 5.14 % 10,800 9,574 12.81 %
Virginia 18 1,188 10.73 82.8 % 76.8 % 2,759 2,571 7.31 % 913 820 11.34 % 1,846 1,751 5.43 %
                                                   
Same Store Total   362   23,772   $ 10.61   87.4 %   82.1 % $ 57,841   $ 53,519   8.08 % $ 19,413   $ 18,789   3.32 % $ 38,428   $ 34,730   10.65 %
 
Dollars in thousands except for average quarterly rent per occupied square foot. Square feet in thousands.
362 wholly owned same stores.
 

Exhibit B

 
Sovran Self Storage, Inc.
 
Debt Maturity Schedule
March 31, 2013
(unaudited)
 
      Current              
Maturity Basis of Interest
(dollars in thousands)   Date   Rate   Rate (1)   2013   2014   2015   2016   2017   Thereafter   Total
 
Line of credit Aug-2016 Variable 2.20 % $   - $     - $       - $     76,000 $         - $   - $   76,000
 
Term note Sep-2013 Swapped to fixed 5.94 % 20,000 - - - - - 20,000
Term note Sep-2013 Fixed 6.26 % 80,000 - - - - - 80,000
Mortgage note Sep-2013 Fixed 6.76 % 889 - - - - - 889
Mortgage note Mar-2014 Fixed 6.35 % 25 949 - - - - 974
Term note Apr-2016 Fixed 6.38 % - - - 150,000 - - 150,000
Term note Aug-2018 Swapped to fixed 4.37 % - - - - - 125,000 125,000
Term note Aug-2018 Swapped to fixed 3.61 % - - - - - 100,000 100,000
Term note Aug-2021 Fixed 5.54 % - - - - - 100,000 100,000
Mortgage note May-2026 Fixed 5.99 % 90 126 134 142 151 1,700 2,343
   

 

                   
$ 101,004 $ 1,075 $ 134 $ 226,142 $ 151 $ 326,700 $ 655,206

(1) Rate as of March 31, 2013 based on existing debt rating. Interest rates shown do not include amortization of financing fees and facility fees which are expected to be $1.2 million in 2013.

Contacts

Sovran Self Storage, Inc
Diane Piegza, 716-650-6115
Vice President-Corporate Communications

Release Summary

Sovran Self Storage, Inc. increases same store revenue by 8.1% for the quarter ending March 31, 2013. The Company operates over 470 self storage facilities under the name Uncle Bob’s Self Storage.

Contacts

Sovran Self Storage, Inc
Diane Piegza, 716-650-6115
Vice President-Corporate Communications