The Macerich Company
02/28/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 02/28/2025 07:59
Annual Report for Fiscal Year Ending DECEMBER 31, 2024 (Form 10-K)
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Management's Overview and Summary
The Company is involved in the acquisition, ownership, development, redevelopment, management and leasing of regional and community/power shopping centers located throughout the United States. The Company is the sole general partner of, and owns a majority of the ownership interests in, the Operating Partnership. As of December 31, 2024, the Operating Partnership owned or had an ownership interest in 40 Regional Retail Centers (including office, hotel and residential space adjacent to these shopping centers), two community/power shopping centers and one redevelopment property. These 43 Regional Retail Centers, community/power shopping centers and one redevelopment property consist of approximately 43 million square feet of gross leasable area ("GLA") and are referred to herein as the "Centers". The Centers consist of consolidated Centers ("Consolidated Centers") and unconsolidated joint venture Centers ("Unconsolidated Joint Venture Centers") as set forth in "Item 2. Properties," unless the context otherwise requires. The Company is a self-administered and self-managed REIT and conducts all of its operations through the Operating Partnership and the Management Companies.
The following discussion is based primarily on the consolidated financial statements of the Company for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022. It compares the results of operations and cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2024 to the results of operations and cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2023. Also included is a comparison of the results of operations and cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2023 to the results of operations and cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2022. This information should be read in conjunction with the accompanying consolidated financial statements and notes thereto.
The financial statements reflect the following acquisitions, dispositions and changes in ownership subsequent to the occurrence of each transaction.
Acquisitions:
On August 2, 2022, the Company acquired the remaining 50% ownership interest in two former Sears parcels (Deptford Mall and Vintage Faire Mall) in MS Portfolio LLC, the Company's joint venture with Seritage Growth Properties ("Seritage") for a total purchase price of $24.5 million. Effective as of August 2, 2022, the Company now owns and has consolidated its 100% interest in these two former Sears parcels in its consolidated financial statements (See Note 15-Acquisitions in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements).
On May 18, 2023, the Company acquired Seritage's remaining 50% ownership interest in the MS Portfolio LLC joint venture that owned five former Sears parcels, for a total purchase price of approximately $46.7 million. These parcels are located at Chandler Fashion Center, Danbury Fair Mall, Freehold Raceway Mall, Los Cerritos Center and Washington Square. Effective as of May 18, 2023, the Company now owns and has consolidated its 100% interest in these five former Sears parcels in its consolidated financial statements (See Note 15-Acquisitions in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements).
On November 16, 2023, the Company acquired its joint venture partner's 49.9% ownership interest in Freehold Raceway Mall for $5.6 million and the assumption of its joint venture partner's share of debt. The Company now owns 100% of Freehold Raceway Mall. Prior to November 16, 2023, the Company accounted for its investment in Freehold Raceway Mall as part of a financing arrangement (See Note 12-Financing Arrangement and Note 15-Acquisitions in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements).
On December 9, 2023, the Company acquired its joint venture partner's 50% interest in Fashion District Philadelphia for no consideration, and the Company now owns 100% of this property. Prior to December 9, 2023, due to the Company's joint venture partner having no substantive participation rights, the Company accounted for this joint venture as a consolidated variable interest entity in its consolidated financial statements (See Note 2-Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Note 15-Acquisitions in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements).
On May 14, 2024, the Company acquired its joint venture partner's 40% interest in each of Arrowhead Towne Center and South Plains Mall for a purchase price of $36.4 million and the assumption of its joint venture partner's share of debt for each property. The Company now owns and has consolidated its 100% interests in Arrowhead Towne Center and South Plains Mall (See Note 15-Acquisitions in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements).
On May 17, 2024, the Company acquired the former Sears parcel located at Inland Center for $5.4 million (See Note 15-Acquisitions in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements).
On October 24, 2024, the Company acquired its joint venture partner's 40% interest in the Pacific Premier Retail Trust portfolio, which included Los Cerritos Center, Washington Square and Lakewood Center, for a net purchase price of approximately $122.1 million, which included the assumption of the partner's share of property level indebtedness. The Company now owns and has consolidated its 100% interests in these properties in its consolidated financial statements (See Note 15-Acquisitions in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements).
Dispositions:
For the twelve months ended December 31, 2022, the Company and certain joint venture partners sold various land parcels in separate transactions, resulting in the Company's share of the gain on sale of land of $23.9 million. The Company used its share of the proceeds from these sales of $60.3 million to pay down debt and for other general corporate purposes.
On May 2, 2023, the Company sold The Marketplace at Flagstaff, a 268,000 square foot power center in Flagstaff, Arizona, for $23.5 million, which resulted in a gain on sale of assets of $10.3 million. The Company used the net proceeds to pay down debt.
On July 17, 2023, the Company sold Superstition Springs Power Center, a 204,000 square foot power center in Mesa, Arizona, for $5.6 million, which resulted in a gain on sale of assets of $1.9 million. The Company used the net proceeds to pay down debt.
The Company did not repay the loan on Towne Mall on its maturity date of November 1, 2022, and completed transition of the property to a receiver. On December 4, 2023, Towne Mall was sold by the receiver for $9.5 million, resulting in a gain on extinguishment of debt of $8.2 million.
On December 27, 2023, the Company's joint venture in One Westside sold the property, a 680,000 square foot office property in Los Angeles, California, for $700.0 million. The existing $324.6 million loan on the property was repaid, and $77.6 million of net proceeds were generated at the Company's 25% ownership share, which were used to reduce the Company's revolving loan facility. As a result of this transaction, the Company recognized its share of gain on sale of assets of $8.1 million.
For the twelve months ended December 31, 2023, the Company and certain joint venture partners sold various land parcels in separate transactions, resulting in the Company's share of the gain on sale of land of $10.8 million. The Company used its share of the proceeds from these sales of $16.4 million to pay down debt and for other general corporate purposes.
On June 13, 2024, the partnership agreement between the Company and its joint venture partner was amended and as a result, the Company no longer accounts for its investment in Chandler Fashion Center as a financing arrangement. Effective June 13, 2024, the Company accounts for its investment in Chandler Fashion Center under the equity method of accounting (See Note 12-Financing Arrangement and Note 16-Dispositions in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements).
On June 28, 2024, the Company's joint venture sold Country Club Plaza, a 971,000 square foot regional retail center in Kansas City, Missouri, for $175.6 million. Concurrent with the sale, the remaining amount owed by the joint venture under the $295.5 million loan ($147.7 million at the Company's share) was forgiven by the lender.
On June 28, 2024, the Company sold a former department store parcel at Valle Vista Mall in Harlingen, Texas for $7.1 million. The Company used the net proceeds to pay down debt. The Company recognized a gain on sale of assets of $0.8 million (See Note 16-Dispositions in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements).
On July 31, 2024, the Company sold its 50% interest in Biltmore Fashion Park, a 611,000 square foot regional retail center in Phoenix, Arizona, for $110.0 million. The Company used the net proceeds to pay down debt. As a result of this transaction, the Company recognized a gain of $42.8 million (See "Liquidity and Capital Resources" and Note 4-Investments In Unconsolidated Joint Ventures in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements).
On November 25, 2024, the Company sold Southridge Mall, a 791,000 square foot power center in Des Moines, Iowa, for $4.0 million, which resulted in a loss on sale of assets of $0.9 million. The Company used the net proceeds to pay down debt.
On December 10, 2024, the Company sold The Oaks, a 1,206,000 square foot regional retail center in Thousand Oaks, California, for $157.0 million, which resulted in a loss on sale of assets of $6.9 million. The Company used the net proceeds to pay off the $147.8 million loan on the property.
For the twelve months ended December 31, 2024, the Company and certain joint venture partners sold various land parcels in separate transactions, resulting in the Company's share of the gain on sale of land of $2.8 million. The Company used its share of the proceeds from these sales of $6.1 million to pay down debt and for other general corporate purposes.
The Company is under contract to sell Wilton Mall for $24.8 million, which is expected to close in the first half of 2025, subject to customary closing conditions. This asset is unencumbered.
Financing Activities:
On February 2, 2022, the Company's joint venture in FlatIron Crossing replaced the existing $197.0 million loan on the property with a new $175.0 million loan that bore interest at SOFR plus 3.70% and matured on February 9, 2025. The loan was covered by an interest rate cap agreement that effectively prevented SOFR from exceeding 4.0% through February 15, 2024 and 5.0% through February 9, 2025.
On April 29, 2022, the Company replaced the existing $110.6 million loan on Pacific View with a new $72.0 million loan that bears interest at a fixed rate of 5.29% and matures on May 6, 2032.
On May 6, 2022, the Company closed on a two-year extension for The Oaks loan to June 5, 2024, at a new fixed interest rate of 5.25%. The Company repaid $5.0 million of the outstanding loan balance at closing.
On July 1, 2022, the Company further extended the loan maturity on Danbury Fair Mall to July 1, 2023. The interest rate remained unchanged at 5.5%, and the Company repaid $10.0 million of the outstanding loan balance at closing.
On November 14, 2022, the Company's joint venture in Washington Square extended the maturity date on the $503.0 million loan on the property to November 1, 2026, including extension options. The loan bore interest at a floating interest rate of SOFR plus 4.0%, subject to an interest rate cap agreement that effectively prevented SOFR from exceeding 4.0% through November 1, 2024. The joint venture repaid $15.0 million ($9.0 million at the Company's pro rata share) of the loan at closing.
On December 9, 2022, the Company extended the maturity date on the $300.0 million loan on Santa Monica Place to December 9, 2025, including extension options. The loan previously bore interest at a floating interest rate of LIBOR plus 1.48% and converted to 1-month Term SOFR plus 1.52% effective July 9, 2023.
On January 3, 2023, the Company replaced the existing $363.0 million of combined loans on Green Acres Mall and Green Acres Commons, both of which were scheduled to mature during the first quarter of 2023, with a $370.0 million loan that bears interest at a fixed rate of 5.90%, is interest only during the entire loan term and matures on January 6, 2028.
On January 20, 2023, the Company exercised its one-year extension option of the loan on Fashion District Philadelphia to January 22, 2024. The interest rate was SOFR plus 3.60% and the Company repaid $26.1 million of the outstanding loan balance at closing.
On March 3, 2023, the Company's joint venture in Scottsdale Fashion Square replaced the existing $403.9 million mortgage loan on the property with a new $700.0 million loan that bears interest at a fixed rate of 6.21%, is interest only during the entire loan term and matures on March 6, 2028.
On March 22, 2023, the Company executed the one-year extension option on its credit facility to April 14, 2024. Effective March 13, 2023, the credit facility converted from LIBOR to 1-month Term SOFR.
On April 25, 2023, the Company's joint venture in Deptford Mall closed on a three-year maturity date extension for the existing loan of $159.9 million to April 3, 2026, including extension options. The Company's joint venture repaid $10.0 million ($5.1 million at the Company's pro rata share) of the outstanding loan balance at closing. The interest rate on the loan remains unchanged at 3.73%.
Effective May 9, 2023, the Company's joint venture in Country Club Plaza defaulted on the $295.2 million ($147.6 million at the Company's pro rata share) non-recourse loan on the property. The Company's joint venture subsequently sold the property on June 28, 2024 and the remaining amount owed by the joint venture was forgiven by the lender.
On June 27, 2023, the Company closed on a one-year extension on the $133.5 million loan on Danbury Fair Mall to July 1, 2024. The Company repaid $10.0 million of the outstanding loan balance at closing and the amended interest rate was 7.5% as of July 1, 2023 and incrementally increased to 8.0% as of October 1, 2023, 8.5% as of January 1, 2024 and 9.0% as of April 1, 2024.
On September 11, 2023, the Company and Operating Partnership entered into an amended and restated credit agreement, which amended and restated their prior $525.0 million credit agreement, and provides for an aggregate $650.0 million revolving loan facility that matures on February 1, 2027, with a one-year extension option. Concurrently with the entry into the amended and restated credit agreement, the Company drew $152.0 million of the amount available under the revolving loan facility and used the proceeds to repay in full amounts outstanding under the Company's prior credit facility. (See "Liquidity and Capital Resources").
Effective October 6, 2023, the Company's $86.5 million loan on Fashion Outlets of Niagara Falls was in default. On March 19, 2024, the Company closed a three-year extension of the $84.7 million loan on Fashion Outlets of Niagara Falls. The scheduled outstanding $1.8 million principal payments were applied at closing. The extended loan bears the same fixed interest rate of 5.90%, and matures on October 6, 2026.
On December 4, 2023, the Company's joint venture in Tysons Corner Center replaced the existing $666.5 million mortgage loan on the property with a new $710.0 million loan that bears interest at a fixed rate of 6.60%, is interest only during the entire loan term and matures on December 6, 2028.
On January 10, 2024, the Company's joint venture in Boulevard Shops replaced the existing $23.0 million mortgage loan on the property with a new $24.0 million loan that bears interest at a variable rate of SOFR plus 2.50%, is interest only during the entire loan term and matures on December 5, 2028. The new loan has a required interest rate cap throughout the term of the loan at a strike rate of 7.5%.
On January 22, 2024, the Company repaid the majority of the mortgage loan on Fashion District Philadelphia. The remaining $8.2 million was scheduled to mature on April 21, 2024 and was paid in full prior to maturity.
On January 25, 2024, the Company replaced the existing $116.9 million mortgage loan on Danbury Fair Mall with a new $155.0 million loan that bears interest at a fixed rate of 6.39%, is interest only during the majority of the loan term and matures on February 6, 2034.
On April 9, 2024, the Company defaulted on the $300.0 million loan on Santa Monica Place. The Company is in negotiations with the lender on the terms of this non-recourse loan.
On May 24, 2024, the Company closed a two-year extension of the $149.9 million loan on The Oaks, which was scheduled to mature on June 5, 2026. The interest rate during the first year of the extended term was 7.5% and would have increased to 8.5% during the second year of the extended term. On December 10, 2024, the Company repaid in full the $147.8 million loan with the net proceeds from the sale of the property (See "Dispositions").
On June 27, 2024, the Company's joint venture in Chandler Fashion Center replaced the existing $256.0 million loan on the property with a new $275.0 million loan that bears interest at 7.06%, is interest only during the entire loan term and matures on July 1, 2029. The Company received a distribution of $17.7 million in connection with the refinancing.
On August 22, 2024, the Company closed an $85.0 million, ten-year refinance of the loan on The Mall of Victor Valley. The new loan bears interest at a fixed rate of 6.72%, is interest only during the entire loan term and matures on September 6, 2034.
On October 28, 2024, the Company closed a $525.0 million, five-year refinance of the loan on Queens Center, which matures on November 6, 2029. The new loan replaced the existing $600.0 million loan, bears interest at a fixed rate of 5.37% and is interest only during the entire loan term.
On December 2, 2024, the Company repaid in full the $478.0 million loan on Washington Square with the net proceeds received from the Company's public stock offering, which closed on November 27, 2024, together with cash on hand (See "Other Transactions and Events"). The mortgage loan on the property was scheduled to mature on November 1, 2026. The Company recognized a gain on extinguishment of debt of $14.4 million upon the repayment of the loan.
On February 7, 2025, the Company's joint venture in Flatiron Crossing repaid in full the $14.5 million mezzanine loan and $14.5 million of the first mortgage, and obtained a 90-day extension for the remaining $140.5 million of the first mortgage. The mezzanine loan had an interest rate of SOFR plus 12.25% and the first mortgage has an interest rate of SOFR plus 2.90% for a weighted average aggregate interest rate of SOFR plus 3.70%. The interest rate on the first mortgage is SOFR plus 2.90% during the extension period.
Redevelopment and Development Activities:
The Company has a 50/50 joint venture with Simon Property Group, which was initially formed to develop Los Angeles Premium Outlets, a premium outlet center in Carson, California. During the first quarter of 2024, the Company evaluated its investment and concluded that due to certain conditions, the Company should not continue to invest capital in this development project. As a result, the Company wrote-off its share of the investment in the three months ended March 31, 2024. At the time of the write-off, the Company had funded $39.5 million of the total $78.9 million incurred by the joint venture (See Note 4 - Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements).
The Company's joint venture in Scottsdale Fashion Square, a 1,875,000 square foot regional retail center in Scottsdale, Arizona, is redeveloping a two-level Nordstrom wing with luxury-focused retail and restaurant uses. The total cost of the
project is estimated to be between $84.0 million and $90.0 million, with $42.0 million to $45.0 million estimated to be the Company's pro rata share. The Company has incurred $25.9 million of the total $51.8 million incurred by the joint venture as of December 31, 2024. The opening will be in phases which began in 2024, with anticipated completion in 2025.
The Company is redeveloping the northeast quadrant of Green Acres Mall, a 2,058,000 square foot regional retail center in Valley Stream, New York. The project will include new exterior shops and facade totaling approximately 385,000 square feet of leasing, including new grocery use, redevelopment of a vacant anchor building and demolition of another vacant anchor building. The total cost of the project is estimated to be between $120.0 million and $140.0 million. The Company has incurred approximately $19.7 million as of December 31, 2024. The anticipated opening is in 2026.
The Company's joint venture in FlatIron Crossing, a 1,390,000 square foot regional retail center in Broomfield, Colorado, is developing luxury, multi-family residential units, new/repurposed retail and food and beverage uses, and a community plaza, in addition to the redevelopment of the vacant former Nordstrom store located on the property. The Company's ownership percentage is expected to be 43.4% in the residential portion of the development and 51.0% in the remainder of the property. The total cost of the project is estimated to be between $240.0 million and $260.0 million, with $120.0 million to $130.0 million estimated to be the Company's pro rata share. The Company has incurred $9.1 million of the total $17.9 million incurred by the joint venture as of December 31, 2024. The anticipated opening will be in phases beginning in 2027.
Other Transactions and Events:
The Company declared a cash dividend of $0.17 per share of its common stock for each quarter in the year ended December 31, 2024. On February 14, 2025, the Company announced a first quarter cash dividend of $0.17 per share of its common stock, which will be paid on March 18, 2025 to stockholders of record on March 4, 2025. The dividend amount will be reviewed by the Board on a quarterly basis.
In connection with the commencement of an "at the market" offering program on March 26, 2021, which is referred to as the "2021 ATM Program," the Company entered into an equity distribution agreement with certain sales agents pursuant to which the Company may issue and sell shares of its common stock having an aggregate offering price of up to $500.0 million. During the twelve months ended December 31, 2024, the Company sold 9.4 million shares of common stock for approximately $148.6 million of net proceeds through the 2021 ATM Program at a weighted average share price of $15.81. The 2021 ATM Program was fully utilized as of September 30, 2024 and is no longer active.
In connection with the commencement of a separate "at the market" offering program on November 12, 2024, which is referred to as the "2024 ATM Program," the Company entered into an equity distribution agreement with certain sales agents pursuant to which the Company may issue and sell shares of its common stock having an aggregate offering price of up to $500.0 million. During the twelve months ended December 31, 2024, the Company sold 3.7 million shares of common stock for approximately $69.1 million of net proceeds through the 2024 ATM Program at a weighted average price of $18.68. As of December 31, 2024, the Company had approximately $429.3 million of gross sales of its common stock available under the 2024 ATM Program.
On November 27, 2024, the Company completed a public offering of 23.0 million shares of its common stock at a price per share of $19.75, which includes the underwriters' full exercise of their option to purchase an additional 3.0 million shares, for gross proceeds of approximately $454.3 million. The net proceeds of the offering were approximately $439.5 million after deducting the underwriting discount and offering costs of approximately $14.8 million. The Company used the proceeds from the offering, together with cash on hand, to repay the mortgage loan secured by its Washington Square property.
See "Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations-Liquidity and Capital Resources" for a further discussion of the Company's anticipated liquidity needs, and the measures taken by the Company to meet those needs.
Inflation:
Most of the leases at the Centers have rent adjustments periodically throughout the lease term. These rent increases are either in fixed increments or based on using an annual multiple of increases in the Consumer Price Index. In addition, the routine expiration of leases for spaces 10,000 square feet and under each year (See "Item 1. Business of the Company-Lease Expirations"), enables the Company to replace existing leases with new leases at higher base rents if the rents of the existing leases are below the then existing market rate. The Company has generally entered into leases that require tenants to pay a stated amount for operating expenses, generally excluding property taxes, regardless of the expenses actually incurred at any Center, which places the burden of cost control on the Company. Additionally, most leases require the tenants to pay their pro rata share of property taxes and utilities. Inflation had a negative impact on the Company's costs in 2024 and is expected to continue to have a negative impact on the Company's costs in 2025.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
The preparation of financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America ("GAAP") requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Some of these estimates and assumptions include judgments on revenue recognition, estimates for common area maintenance and real estate tax accruals, provisions for uncollectible accounts, impairment of long-lived assets, the allocation of purchase price between tangible and intangible assets, capitalization of costs and fair value measurements. The Company's significant accounting policies and estimates are described in more detail in Note 2-Summary of Significant Accounting Policies in the Company's Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements. However, the following policies are deemed to be critical:
Acquisitions:
Upon the acquisition of real estate properties, the Company evaluates whether the acquisition is a business combination or asset acquisition. For both business combinations and asset acquisitions, the Company allocates the purchase price of properties to acquired tangible assets and intangible assets and liabilities. For asset acquisitions, the Company capitalizes transaction costs and allocates the purchase price using a relative fair value method allocating all accumulated costs. For business combinations, the Company expenses transaction costs incurred and allocates purchase price based on the estimated fair value of each separately identified asset and liability. The Company allocates the estimated fair value of acquisitions to land, building, tenant improvements and identified intangible assets and liabilities, based on their estimated fair values. In addition, any assumed mortgage notes payable are recorded at their estimated fair values. The estimated fair value of the land and buildings is determined utilizing an "as if vacant" methodology. Tenant improvements represent the tangible assets associated with the existing leases valued on a fair value basis at the acquisition date prorated over the remaining lease terms. The tenant improvements are classified as an asset under property and are depreciated over the remaining lease terms. Identifiable intangible assets and liabilities relate to the value of in-place operating leases which come in three forms: (i) leasing commissions and legal costs, which represent the value associated with "cost avoidance" of acquiring in-place leases, such as lease commissions paid under terms generally experienced in the Company's markets; (ii) value of in-place leases, which represents the estimated loss of revenue and of costs incurred for the period required to lease the "assumed vacant" property to the occupancy level when purchased; and (iii) above or below-market value of in-place leases, which represents the difference between the contractual rents and market rents at the time of the acquisition, discounted for tenant credit risks. Leasing commissions and legal costs are recorded in deferred charges and other assets and are amortized over the remaining lease terms. The value of in-place leases are recorded in deferred charges and other assets and amortized over the remaining lease terms plus any below-market fixed rate renewal options. Above or below-market leases are classified in deferred charges and other assets or in other accrued liabilities, depending on whether the contractual terms are above or below-market, and the asset or liability is amortized to minimum rents over the remaining terms of the leases. The remaining lease terms of below-market leases may include certain below-market fixed-rate renewal periods. In considering whether or not a lessee will execute a below-market fixed-rate lease renewal option, the Company evaluates economic factors and certain qualitative factors at the time of acquisition such as tenant mix in the Center, the Company's relationship with the tenant and the availability of competing tenant space.
Remeasurement gains are recognized when the Company becomes the primary beneficiary of an existing equity method investment that is a variable interest entity to the extent that the fair value of the existing equity investment exceeds the carrying value of the investment, and remeasurement losses are recognized to the extent the carrying value of the investment exceeds the fair value. The fair value is determined based on a discounted cash flow model, with the significant unobservable inputs including discount rate, terminal capitalization rate and market rents.
Asset Impairment:
The Company assesses whether an indicator of impairment in the value of its properties exists by considering expected future operating income, trends and prospects, as well as the effects of demand, competition and other economic factors. Such factors include projected rental revenue, operating costs and capital expenditures as well as capitalization rates and estimated holding periods. The Company generally holds and operates its properties long-term, which decreases the likelihood of their carrying values not being recoverable. Changes in events or changes in circumstances may alter the expected hold period of an asset or asset group, which may result in an impairment loss and such loss could be material to the Company's financial condition or operating performance. If the carrying value of the property exceeds the estimated undiscounted cash flows, an impairment loss is recognized equal to the excess of carrying value over its estimated fair value. Properties classified as held for sale are measured at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less cost to sell.
The estimated fair value of a property is typically determined through a discounted cash flow analysis or based upon a contracted sales price. The discounted cash flow method includes significant unobservable inputs including the discount rate, terminal capitalization rate and market rents. Cash flow projections and rates are subject to management's judgment and changes in those assumptions could impact the estimation of fair value.
The Company's investments in unconsolidated joint ventures apply the same accounting model for property level impairment as described above. Further, the Company reviews its investments in unconsolidated joint ventures for a series of operating losses and other factors that may indicate that a decrease in the value of its investments has occurred which is other-than-temporary. The investment in each unconsolidated joint venture is evaluated periodically, and as deemed necessary, for recoverability and valuation declines that are other-than-temporary. The Company records any such impairment up to the extent of its investment.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments:
The fair value hierarchy distinguishes between market participant assumptions based on market data obtained from sources independent of the reporting entity and the reporting entity's own assumptions about market participant assumptions.
Level 1 inputs utilize quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access. Level 2 inputs are inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. Level 2 inputs may include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, as well as inputs that are observable for the asset or liability (other than quoted prices), such as interest rates, foreign exchange rates and yield curves that are observable at commonly quoted intervals. Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs for the asset or liability, which is typically based on an entity's own assumptions, as there is little, if any, related market activity. In instances where the determination of the fair value measurement is based on inputs from different levels of the fair value hierarchy, the level in the fair value hierarchy within which the entire fair value measurement falls is based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. The Company's assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment, and considers factors specific to the asset or liability.
The Company calculates the fair value of financial instruments and includes this additional information in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements when the fair value is different than the carrying value of those financial instruments. When the fair value reasonably approximates the carrying value, no additional disclosure is made.
The Company recorded its financing arrangement (See Note 12-Financing Arrangement in the Company's Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements) obligation at fair value on a recurring basis with changes in fair value being recorded as interest income or expense in the Company's consolidated statements of operations. The fair value was determined based on a discounted cash flow model, with the significant unobservable inputs including discount rate, terminal capitalization rate, and market rents. The fair value of the financing arrangement obligation was sensitive to these significant unobservable inputs and a change in these inputs may result in a significantly higher or lower fair value measurement.
Results of Operations
Many of the variations in the results of operations, discussed below, occurred because of the transactions affecting the Company's properties described above, including those related to the Redevelopment Properties, the JV Transition Centers and the Disposition Properties (each as defined below).
For purposes of the discussion below, the Company defines "Same Centers" as those Centers that are substantially complete and in operation for the entirety of both periods of the comparison. Non-Same Centers for comparison purposes include those Centers or properties that are going through a substantial redevelopment often resulting in the closing of a portion of the Center ("Redevelopment Properties"), those properties that have recently transitioned to or from equity method joint ventures to or from consolidated assets ("JV Transition Centers") and properties that have been disposed of ("Disposition Properties"). The Company moves a Center in and out of Same Centers based on whether the Center is substantially complete and in operation for the entirety of both periods of the comparison. Accordingly, the Same Centers consist of all Consolidated Centers, excluding the Redevelopment Properties, the JV Transition Centers, Santa Monica Place and the Disposition Properties for the periods of comparison. Santa Monica Place is excluded from Same Centers due to the Company's default on the non-recourse loan on April 9, 2024.
For the comparison of the year ended December 31, 2024 to the year ended December 31, 2023, the Redevelopment Properties are Green Acres Mall and Fashion District Philadelphia. For the comparison of the year ended December 31, 2023 to the year ended December 31, 2022, there are no Redevelopment Properties.
For the comparison of the year ended December 31, 2024 to the year ended December 31, 2023, the JV Transition Centers are Arrowhead Towne Center, Chandler Fashion Center, Lakewood Center, Los Cerritos Center, Washington Square,
South Plains Mall and the five former Sears parcels located at Chandler Fashion Center, Danbury Fair Mall, Freehold Raceway Mall, Los Cerritos Center and Washington Square (See "Acquisitions" in Management's Overview and Summary), and for the comparison of the year ended December 31, 2023 to the year ended December 31, 2022, the JV Transition Centers are the two former Sears parcels at Deptford Mall and Vintage Faire Mall, the five former Sears parcels at Chandler Fashion Center, Danbury Fair Mall, Freehold Raceway Mall, Los Cerritos Center and Washington Square.
For the comparison of the year ended December 31, 2024 to the year ended December 31, 2023, the Disposition Properties are The Oaks, The Marketplace at Flagstaff, Southridge Mall, Superstition Springs Power Center, Towne Mall and a former department store parcel at Valle Vista Mall (See "Dispositions" in Management's Overview and Summary), and for the comparison of the year ended December 31, 2023 to the year ended December 31, 2022, the Disposition Properties are The Marketplace at Flagstaff, Superstition Springs Power Center and Towne Mall.
Unconsolidated joint ventures are reflected using the equity method of accounting. The Company's pro rata share of the results from these Centers is reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Operations as equity in loss of unconsolidated joint ventures.
The Company considers tenant annual sales, occupancy rates (excluding large retail stores or "Anchors") and releasing spreads (i.e. a comparison of initial average base rent per square foot on leases executed during the trailing twelve months to average base rent per square foot at expiration for the leases expiring during the trailing twelve months based on the spaces 10,000 square feet and under) to be key performance indicators of the Company's internal growth.
During the trailing twelve months ended December 31, 2024, comparable tenant sales for spaces less than 10,000 square feet across the portfolio decreased by 0.4% relative to the twelve months ended December 31, 2023. The leased occupancy rate of 94.1% at December 31, 2024 represented a 0.6% increase from 93.5% at December 31, 2023 and a 0.4% sequential increase compared to the 93.7% occupancy rate at September 30, 2024. Releasing spreads increased as the Company executed leases at an average rent of $67.74 for new and renewal leases executed compared to $62.27 on leases expiring, resulting in a releasing spread increase of $5.47 per square foot, or 8.8%, for the trailing twelve months ended December 31, 2024. This was the Company's thirteenth consecutive quarter of positive base rent leasing spreads.
The Company continues to renew or replace leases that are scheduled to expire in 2025, however, due to a variety of factors, the Company cannot be certain of its ability to sign, renew or replace leases expiring in 2025 or beyond. These leases that are scheduled to expire represent approximately 1.4 million square feet of the Centers, accounting for 23.25% of the GLA of mall stores and freestanding stores, for spaces 10,000 square feet and under, as of December 31, 2024. These calculations exclude Centers under development or redevelopment and property dispositions (See "Acquisitions," "Dispositions" and "Redevelopment and Development Activities" in Management's Overview and Summary), and include square footage of Centers owned by joint ventures at the Company's share.
As of December 31, 2024, the Company has executed renewal leases or commitments on 47% of its square footage expiring in 2025, which leases are expected to commence throughout 2025 and 2026 and another 32% of such expiring space is in the letter of intent stage. Excluding those leases, the remaining leases expiring in 2025, which represent approximately 600,000 square feet of the Centers, are in the prospecting stage.
The Company has entered into 91 leases for new stores totaling approximately 0.9 million square feet that have opened or are planned for opening in 2025, and another 13 leases for new stores totaling approximately 300,000 square feet opening after 2025. In total, through 2028, new store leases are expected to produce total rent of approximately $66 million (at the Company's pro-rata share) in excess of the rent generated from prior uses in those same spaces. While there may be additional new space openings in 2025, any such leases are not yet executed.
During the trailing twelve months ended December 31, 2024, the Company signed 229 new leases and 651 renewal leases comprising approximately 3.7 million square feet of GLA, of which 2.2 million square feet is related to the consolidated Centers. The average tenant allowance was $17.02 per square foot.
Outlook
During the second quarter of 2024, the Company unveiled the Path Forward Plan, which is a multi-pronged strategy to improve the Company's balance sheet, while also making inward-facing enhancements to both bolster company culture and improve key business processes to gain operating efficiencies. Essential goals of the Path Forward Plan include:
•Deleverage the capital structure, with a focus on reducing the Company's Net Debt to Adjusted EBITDA leverage ratio over the next three to four years;
•Invest in and fortify the Company's key assets in the portfolio;
•Proactively consolidate selected joint venture assets over time that are core to the Company's overall strategy;
•Deliver a post-deleveraging Funds From Operations ("FFO") launch point goal over the next three to four years;
•Achieve outstanding operational results through rigorous internal process improvements; and
•Position the Company to take an offensive stance on acquisitions, reinvestment and selected development.
The Company may achieve these goals through a variety of methods and the timing, extent and impact of any transactions that the Company has or will undertake while implementing the Path Forward Plan may vary and evolve. In order to deleverage its capital structure, the Company may pursue asset dispositions and acquisitions, experience organic growth in EBITDA as tenants in its lease pipeline open for business, be selective about undertaking new development and redevelopment projects, and/or issue common stock. Asset sales will focus on whether a property is core to the Company's strategy and may include defaulting on certain mortgage debts on the Company's properties and giving possession of such secured properties to the lender.
Further, the Company has a long-term four-pronged business strategy that focuses on the acquisition, leasing and management, redevelopment and development of regional retail centers. Although the majority of the key performance indicators at the Centers continued to improve during 2024, operating results have been and are expected to continue to be negatively impacted by certain external factors, including sustained inflation and elevated interest rates, as well as the impact from the 2024 bankruptcy of Express and any future tenant bankruptcies.
Traffic levels at the Company's Centers for 2024 increased 1.6% over 2023 levels. Comparable tenant sales from spaces less than 10,000 square feet across the portfolio for the trailing twelve months ended December 31, 2024 decreased by 0.4% compared to the same period in 2023. Portfolio tenant sales per square foot for spaces less than 10,000 square feet for the trailing twelve months ended December 31, 2024 were $837 compared to $836 for the twelve months ended December 31, 2023.
During 2024, the Company signed 880 new and renewal leases for approximately 3.7 million square feet, compared to 763 leases and 3.8 million square feet signed during 2023. This leasing volume represented a 15.3% increase in the number of leases and a 3.9% decrease in the amount of square footage leased compared to the same period in 2023 on a comparable basis.
The Company believes that diversity of use within its tenant base has been, and will continue to be, a prominent internal growth catalyst at its Centers going forward, as new uses enhance the productivity and diversity of the tenant mix and have the potential to significantly increase customer traffic at the applicable Centers. During the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company signed leases for new stores with new-to-Macerich portfolio uses for over 225,000 square feet, with another 200,000 square feet of such new-to-Macerich portfolio leases currently in negotiation as of the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
As of December 31, 2024, the leased occupancy rate increased to 94.1%, a 0.6% increase compared to the leased occupancy rate of 93.5% at December 31, 2023 and a 0.4% sequential increase compared to the leased occupancy rate of 93.7% at September 30, 2024.
Many of the Company's leases contain co-tenancy clauses. Certain Anchor or small tenant closures have become permanent, whether caused by the pandemic or otherwise, and co-tenancy clauses within certain leases may be triggered as a result. The Company does not anticipate that the negative impact of such clauses on lease revenue will be significant.
The pace of bankruptcy filings involving the Company's tenants has remained steady in recent years but is substantially lower than 2021 levels. For the year ended December 31, 2024, there were 13 bankruptcy filings involving the Company's tenants, including the bankruptcy of Express announced on April 22, 2024, totaling 54 leases and representing approximately 369,000 square feet of leased space and $21.7 million of annual leasing revenue at the Company's share. Based on current information and market data, the Company expects that the pace of bankruptcy filings in 2025 will continue to be lower than the average bankruptcy rate over the last decade.
During 2025, the Company expects to generate positive cash flow after recurring operating capital expenditures, leasing capital expenditures and payment of dividends. This assumption does not include any potential capital generated from dispositions, refinancings or issuances of common stock. To the extent available, any excess cash flow may be used to fund the Company's development and redevelopment pipeline and/or to de-lever the Company's balance sheet.
The Company continues to actively address its near-term, non-recourse loan maturities, with eight completed transactions since the beginning of 2024. Since January 1, 2024, the Company has refinanced or extended eight loans totaling approximately $1.4 billion, or approximately $1.2 billion at the Company's pro rata share. For additional information on the Company's financing transactions in 2024 through the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, see "Financing Activities" and "Liquidity and Capital Resources".
On April 9, 2024, the Company defaulted on the $300.0 million loan on Santa Monica Place and the Company is in negotiations with the lender on the terms of this non-recourse loan.
Elevated interest rates have increased, and may continue to increase, the cost of the Company's borrowings due to its outstanding floating-rate debt and have led, and may continue to lead, to higher interest rates on new fixed-rate debt. While interest rates have begun to decrease, they remain elevated and the Company expects to incur increased interest expense from the refinancing or extension of loans that may currently carry below-market interest rates. In certain cases, the Company has limited, and may continue to limit, its exposure to interest rate fluctuations related to a portion of its floating-rate debt by using interest rate cap and swap agreements. Such agreements, subject to current market conditions, allow the Company to replace floating-rate debt with fixed-rate debt in order to achieve its desired ratio of floating-rate to fixed-rate debt. However, any interest rate cap or swap agreements that the Company enters into may not be effective in reducing its exposure to interest rate changes.
Comparison of Years Ended December 31, 2024 and 2023
Revenues:
Leasing revenue increased by $41.4 million, or 5.1%, from 2023 to 2024. The increase in leasing revenue is attributed to increases of $61.3 million from the JV Transition Centers offset in part by decreases of $7.1 million from the Disposition Properties and $12.3 million from the Redevelopment Properties. Leasing revenue includes the amortization of above and below-market leases, the amortization of straight-line rents, lease termination income, percentage rent and the recovery of bad debts. The amortization of above and below-market leases increased from $3.1 million in 2023 to $5.3 million in 2024. The amortization of straight-line rents increased from $(4.6) million in 2023 to $(0.8) million in 2024. Lease termination income decreased from $10.5 million in 2023 to $2.9 million in 2024. Percentage rent decreased from $38.2 million in 2023 to $34.3 million in 2024 primarily from conversions from variable rent to fixed rent structures on lease renewals of expiring space. (Provisions for) recovery of bad debts increased from $2.7 million in 2023 to $(6.2) million in 2024.
Other income decreased from $44.9 million in 2023 to $37.9 million in 2024. This decrease is primarily due to a decrease in parking income related to the Same Centers and other non-recurring income in 2023 compared to 2024.
Shopping Center and Operating Expenses:
Shopping center and operating expenses increased $18.5 million, or 6.4%, from 2023 to 2024. The increase in shopping center and operating expenses is attributed to increases of $12.1 million from the JV Transition Centers and $8.3 million from the Same Centers, which is primarily due to increased insurance, maintenance, utilities and snow removal costs, offset in part by decreases of $2.0 million from the Disposition Properties and $1.6 million from the Redevelopment Properties. Additionally, $1.7 million of the increase is attributable to Santa Monica Place.
Leasing Expenses:
Leasing expenses increased from $36.4 million in 2023 to $41.3 million in 2024 due to an increase in compensation expense.
Management Companies' Operating Expenses:
Management Companies' operating expenses increased $12.0 million from 2023 to 2024 due to anincrease in compensation expense, including employee severance costs of $5.5 million.
REIT General and Administrative Expenses:
REIT general and administrative expenses decreased by $1.1 million due primarily to a decrease in compensation expense.
Depreciation and Amortization:
Depreciation and amortization increased $12.4 million from 2023 to 2024. The increase in depreciation and amortization is attributed to increases of $21.8 million from the JV Transition Centers and $1.0 million from the Redevelopment Centers offset in part by decreases of $7.6 million from the Same Centers and $6.1 million from the Disposition Properties. Additionally, $3.3 million of the increase is attributable to Santa Monica Place.
Interest Expense:
Interest expense increased $47.1 million from 2023 to 2024. The increase in interest expense is attributed to increases of $31.3 million from the JV Transition Centers, $12.9 million from the financing arrangement (See Note 12-Financing Arrangement in the Company's Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements), $2.5 million from the Same Centers and $0.4 million from higher interest rates and outstanding balances on the Company's revolving line of credit, offset in part by a decrease of $7.8 million from the Redevelopment Centers. Additionally, $7.8 million of the increase is attributable to Santa Monica Place, which includes default interest expense of $8.9 million. The decrease in interest income from the financing arrangement is primarily due to the change in fair value of the underlying properties and the mortgage notes payable on the underlying properties and Chandler Freehold no longer being accounted for as a financing arrangement (See Note 12-Financing Arrangement in the Company's Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements).
The above interest expense items are net of capitalized interest, which increased from $20.5 million in 2023 to $22.6 million in 2024.
Equity in Loss of Unconsolidated Joint Ventures:
Equity in loss of unconsolidated joint ventures increased $40.4 million from 2023 to 2024. The increase in equity in loss of unconsolidated joint ventures is primarily due to the write-down of the Company's investment in Los Angeles Premium Outlets of $57.7 million in 2024 and impairment losses of $121.1 million recognized in 2024 as a result of the shortening of holding periods on certain joint venture assets as compared to impairment losses in 2023 of $51.4 million at MS Portfolio LLC and $107.7 million at Country Club Plaza, as a result of the reduction in the estimated holding periods (See Note 4-Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures in the Company's Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements).
Gain (Loss) on Sale or Write Down of Assets, net:
Gain (loss) on sale or write down of assets, net increased $173.5 million from 2023 to 2024. The increase is primarily due to the gains recognized in 2024 of $334.3 million relating to the Company no longer accounting for its investment in Chandler Fashion Center as a financing arrangement (See Note 12 - Financing Arrangement and Note 16 - Dispositions in the Company's Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements) and $42.8 million from the sale of the Company's ownership interest in Biltmore Fashion Park offset in part by impairment losses in 2024 of $334.3 million recognized as a result of the reduction in the estimated holding periods of certain properties, including Fashion District Philadelphia, The Oaks, Santa Monica Place and Wilton Mall, as compared to an impairment loss of $144.7 million recognized in 2023 as a result of the reduction in the estimated holding period of Fashion Outlets of Niagara Falls.
Net Loss:
Net loss decreased $80.4 million from 2023 to 2024. The decrease in net loss is primarily due to the gain on sale of assets discussed above offset in part by impairment losses recognized as a result of the reduction in the estimated holding periods of certain consolidated properties and properties held by unconsolidated joint ventures, including Fashion District Philadelphia, Santa Monica Place, Los Angeles Premium Outlets, The Oaks and Wilton Mall in 2024 and by the 2023 write-down of assets as a result of the reduction in the estimated holding period at MS Portfolio LLC and Country Club Plaza, along with the other variances noted above.
Funds From Operations ("FFO"):
Primarily as a result of the factors mentioned above, FFO attributable to common stockholders and unit holders-diluted, excluding financing expense in connection with Chandler Freehold, gain or loss on extinguishment of debt, net, accrued default interest expense and loss on non-real estate investments decreased 11.6% from $413.2 million in 2023 to $365.3 million in 2024. For a reconciliation of net (loss) income attributable to the Company, the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure, to FFO attributable to common stockholders and unit holders-basic and diluted, and FFO attributable to common stockholders and unit holders, excluding financing expense in connection with Chandler Freehold, (gain) loss on extinguishment of debt, net, accrued default interest expense and loss (gain) on non-real estate investments-diluted, see "Funds From Operations ("FFO")" below.
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Cash provided by operating activities decreased $12.1 million from 2023 to 2024. The decrease is primarily due to the changes in assets and liabilities and the results, as discussed above.
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Cash provided by investing activities decreased $32.8 million from 2023 to 2024. The decrease in cash provided by investing activities is primarily attributed to a decrease in distributions from unconsolidated joint ventures of $206.9 million, increases in the acquisitions of property of $124.1 million and development, redevelopment and renovation of $31.4 million offset in part by increases in proceeds from the sale of assets of $246.6 million and $49.0 million in cash acquired from acquisitions of unconsolidated joint ventures, and decreases in contributions to unconsolidated joint ventures of $32.2 million and property improvements of $16.2 million. The decrease in distributions from unconsolidated joint ventures is primarily due to the distribution of net loan proceeds from the Scottsdale Fashion Square refinance in 2023 (See "Financing Activities" in Management's Overview and Summary).
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Cash used in financing activities decreased $22.8 million from 2023 to 2024. The decrease in cash used in financing activities is primarily due to increases in proceeds from stock offerings of $657.0 million and proceeds from mortgages, bank and other notes payable of $506.0 million and a decrease in deferred financing costs of $20.1 million offset in part by an increase in payments on mortgages, bank and other notes payable of $1.2 billion.
Comparison of Years Ended December 31, 2023 and 2022
Discussion of the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the year ended December 31, 2022 was included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 on page 48 under Part II, Item 7, "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations", which was filed with the SEC on February 26, 2024.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
The Company anticipates meeting its liquidity needs for its operating expenses, debt service and dividend requirements for the next twelve months and beyond through cash generated from operations, distributions from unconsolidated joint ventures, working capital reserves and/or borrowings under its revolving loan facility.
Additionally, the Company is focused on implementing the Path Forward Plan, including its goal to reduce its Net Debt to Adjusted EBITDA leverage ratio to a lower level over the next three to four years. The Company may achieve this goal, and other goals set in connection with the Path Forward Plan, through a variety of methods and the timing, extent and impact of any transactions that the Company has or will undertake while implementing the Path Forward Plan may vary and evolve. In order to deleverage its capital structure, the Company may pursue asset dispositions and acquisitions, experience organic growth in EBITDA as tenants in its lease pipeline open for business, be selective about undertaking new development and redevelopment projects, and/or issue common stock. Asset sales will focus on whether a property is core to the Company's strategy and may include defaulting on certain mortgage debts on the Company's properties and giving possession of such secured properties to the lender.
Uses of Capital
The following tables summarize capital expenditures and lease acquisition costs incurred at the Centers (at the Company's pro rata share) for the years ended December 31:
| (Dollars in thousands) | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||||||
| Consolidated Centers: | |||||||||||||||||
| Acquisitions of property, building improvement and equipment(1) | $ | 214,059 | $ | 83,025 | $ | 49,459 | |||||||||||
| Development, redevelopment, expansion and renovation of Centers | 104,513 | 94,601 | 55,493 | ||||||||||||||
| Tenant allowances | 20,615 | 27,083 | 25,045 | ||||||||||||||
| Deferred leasing charges | 4,442 | 5,595 | 2,443 | ||||||||||||||
| $ | 343,629 | $ | 210,304 | $ | 132,440 | ||||||||||||
| Joint Venture Centers (at the Company's pro rata share): | |||||||||||||||||
| Acquisitions of property, building improvement and equipment | $ | 14,440 | $ | 17,628 | $ | 13,222 | |||||||||||
| Development, redevelopment, expansion and renovation of Centers | 39,759 | 58,091 | 74,592 | ||||||||||||||
| Tenant allowances | 20,972 | 18,533 | 16,757 | ||||||||||||||
| Deferred leasing charges | 5,628 | 4,644 | 4,057 | ||||||||||||||
| $ | 80,799 | $ | 98,896 | $ | 108,628 | ||||||||||||
_______________________________________________________________________________
(1) For the twelve months ended December 31, 2024, this includes cash paid of $129.0 million, excluding the assumption of the partner's share of certain cash balances, on October 24, 2024, for the Company's acquisition of its joint venture partner's 40% interest in Lakewood Center, Los Cerritos Center and Washington Square. The total purchase price also included the assumption of the partner's share of debt. The Company now owns 100% of these regional retail centers. In addition, for the twelve months ended December 31, 2024, this includes cash paid of $36.4 million on May 14, 2024, for the Company's acquisition of its joint venture partner's 40% interest in Arrowhead Towne Center and South Plains Mall. The total purchase price also included the assumption of the partner's share of debt. The Company now owns 100% of these regional retail centers.
For the twelve months ended December 31, 2023, this includes the Company's acquisition of its joint venture partner's (Seritage) 50% interest in five former Sears parcels on May 18, 2023, for $46.7 million. The Company now owns 100% of these five parcels located at Chandler Fashion Center, Danbury Faire Mall, Freehold Raceway Mall, Los Cerritos Center and Washington Square.
The Company expects amounts to be incurred during the next twelve months for tenant allowances and deferred leasing charges to be approximately $50.0 million to $75.0 million. The Company expects to incur approximately $250.0 million to $300.0 million during 2025 for development, redevelopment, expansion and renovations, which includes Scottsdale Fashion Square, Green Acres Mall and FlatIron Crossing (See "Redevelopment and Development Activities" in Management's Overview and Summary). Capital for these expenditures, developments and/or redevelopments has been, and is expected to continue to be, obtained from a combination of cash on hand, cash generated from operations, asset sales, debt or equity financings, which may include borrowings under the Company's revolving loan facility and sales of common stock, from property financings and construction loans, each to the extent available. The Company will be very selective in undertaking any future development or redevelopment projects and may choose to pause existing projects if the Company believes they are no longer economically viable.
Sources of Capital
The Company has also generated liquidity in the past, and may continue to do so in the future, through equity offerings and issuances, property refinancings, joint venture transactions and the sale of non-core assets. Asset sales will focus on whether a property is core to the Company's strategy and may include defaulting on certain mortgage debts on the Company's properties and giving possession of such secured properties to the lender. For example, since implementing the Path Forward Plan in the second quarter of 2024, the Company's joint venture sold Country Club Plaza in Kansas City, Missouri on June 28, 2024 and the Company sold its 50% interest in Biltmore Fashion Park in Phoenix, Arizona on July 31, 2024. Additionally, on November 25, 2024, the Company sold Southridge Mall in Des Moines, Iowa and on December 10, 2024, the Company sold The Oaks in Thousand Oaks, California. The Company used its share of proceeds from these transactions to pay down its revolving loan facility and other debt obligations. In addition, the Company is under contract to sell Wilton Mall, which is expected to close in the first half of 2025, subject to customary closing conditions. During the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company and certain joint venture partners sold various land parcels in separate transactions for aggregate proceeds of $6.1 million (at the Company's share), which the Company used to pay down debt and for other general corporate purposes.
Furthermore, the Company has filed a shelf registration statement, which registered an unspecified amount of common stock, preferred stock, depositary shares, debt securities, warrants, rights, stock purchase contracts and units that may be sold from time to time by the Company.
On November 27, 2024, the Company completed a public offering of 23.0 million shares of its common stock at a price per share of $19.75, which includes the underwriters' full exercise of their option to purchase an additional 3.0 million shares, for gross proceeds of approximately $454.3 million. The net proceeds of the offering were approximately $439.5 million after deducting the underwriting discount and offering costs of approximately $14.8 million. The Company used the proceeds from the offering, together with cash on hand, to repay the mortgage loan secured by its Washington Square property.
On each of March 26, 2021 and November 12, 2024, the Company registered separate "at the market" offering programs, pursuant to which the Company may issue and sell shares of its common stock having an aggregate offering price of up to $500.0 million under each of the 2021 ATM Program and the 2024 ATM Program, in each case, in amounts and at times to be determined by the Company. The 2021 ATM Program was fully utilized as of September 30, 2024 and is no longer active. During the twelve months ended December 31, 2023, no shares were issued under the ATM Programs. During the twelve months ended December 31, 2024, 13.1 million shares of common stock were issued under the ATM Programs. As of December 31, 2024, the Company had approximately $429.3 million of gross sales of its common stock available under the 2024 ATM Program. The following table sets forth certain information with respect to issuances made under each of the ATM Programs as of December 31, 2024.
| (Dollars and shares in thousands) | 2021 ATM Program | 2024 ATM Program | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| For the Three Months Ended: | Number of Shares Issued | Net Proceeds | Sales Commissions | Number of Shares Issued | Net Proceeds | Sales Commissions | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| March 31, 2024 | - | $ | - | $ | - | - | $ | - | $ | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| June 30, 2024 | - | - | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| September 30, 2024 | 9,402 | 148,558 | 3,030 | - | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| December 31, 2024 | - | - | - | 3,709 | 69,057 | 1,412 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 9,402 | $ | 148,558 | $ | 3,030 | 3,709 | $ | 69,057 | $ | 1,412 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The capital and credit markets can fluctuate and, at times, limit access to debt and equity financing for companies. The Company has been able to access capital; however, there is no assurance the Company will be able to do so in future periods or on similar terms and conditions. Many factors impact the Company's ability to access capital, such as its overall debt level, interest rates, interest coverage ratios and prevailing market conditions, including periods of economic slowdown or recession.
For example, the credit markets have experienced and may continue to experience a slowdown stemming from broader market issues pertaining to various factors, including among others, the health of regional banks, prevailing market sentiment regarding various commercial real estate sectors and interest rate increases imposed by the Federal Reserve. While interest rates have begun to decrease, they remain elevated and the Company expects to incur increased interest expense from the refinancing or extension of loans that may carry below-market interest rates. In addition, increases in the Company's proportion of floating rate debt will cause it to be subject to interest rate fluctuations in the future.
The Company's total outstanding loan indebtedness, which includes mortgages and other notes payable, at December 31, 2024 was $6.65 billion (consisting of $4.99 billion of consolidated debt, less $0.03 billion of noncontrolling interests, plus $1.69 billion of its pro rata share of unconsolidated joint venture debt). The majority of the Company's debt consists of fixed-rate conventional mortgage notes collateralized by individual properties. The Company expects that all of the maturities during the next twelve months will be refinanced, restructured, extended and/or paid off from the Company's revolving loan facility or cash on hand, with the exception of Santa Monica Place (See "-Financing Activities" in Management's Overview and Summary).
The Company believes that the pro rata debt provides useful information to investors regarding its financial condition because it includes the Company's share of debt from unconsolidated joint ventures and, for consolidated debt, excludes the Company's partners' share from consolidated joint ventures, in each case presented on the same basis. The Company has several significant joint ventures and presenting its pro rata share of debt in this manner can help investors better understand the Company's financial condition after taking into account the Company's economic interest in these joint ventures. The Company's pro rata share of debt should not be considered as a substitute for the Company's total consolidated debt determined in accordance with GAAP or any other GAAP financial measures and should only be considered together with and as a supplement to the Company's financial information prepared in accordance with GAAP.
The Company accounts for its investments in joint ventures that it does not have a controlling interest or is not the primary beneficiary using the equity method of accounting and those investments are reflected on the consolidated balance sheets of the Company as investments in unconsolidated joint ventures.
Additionally, as of December 31, 2024, the Company was contingently liable for $6.1 million in letters of credit guaranteeing performance by the Company of certain obligations relating to the Centers. As of December 31, 2024, $5.9 million of these letters of credit were secured by restricted cash. The Company does not believe that these letters of credit will result in a liability to the Company.
The Company continues to actively address its near-term, non-recourse loan maturities, with eight completed transactions since the beginning of 2024. Since January 1, 2024, the Company has refinanced or extended eight loans totaling approximately $1.4 billion, or approximately $1.2 billion at the Company's pro rata share. For additional information on the Company's financing transactions in 2024 through the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, see "Financing Activities" in Management's Overview and Summary.
On September 11, 2023, the Company and the Operating Partnership entered into an amended and restated credit agreement, which amended and restated their prior credit agreement, and provides for an aggregate $650.0 million revolving loan facility that matures on February 1, 2027, with a one-year extension option. The revolving loan facility can be expanded up to $950.0 million, subject to receipt of lender commitments and other conditions. Concurrently with the entry into the amended and restated credit agreement, the Company drew $152.0 million of the amount available under the revolving loan facility and used the proceeds to repay in full amounts outstanding under its prior credit facility. All obligations under the credit facility are guaranteed unconditionally by the Company and are secured in the form of mortgages on certain wholly-owned assets and pledges of equity interests held by certain of the Company's subsidiaries. The new credit facility bears interest, at the Operating Partnership's option, at either the base rate (as defined in the credit agreement) or adjusted term SOFR (as defined in the credit agreement) plus, in both cases, an applicable margin. The applicable margin depends on the Company's overall leverage ratio and ranges from 1.00% to 2.50% over the selected index rate. As of December 31, 2024, the borrowing rate was SOFR plus a spread of 2.35%. As of December 31, 2024, borrowings under the credit facility were $110.0 million less unamortized deferred finance costs of $11.7 million for the revolving loan facility at a total effective interest rate of 7.59%. As of December 31, 2024, the Company's availability under the revolving loan facility for additional borrowings was $539.8 million.
Cash dividends and distributions for the twelve months ended December 31, 2024 were $161.3 million (including distributions from consolidated joint ventures of $2.8 million), which were funded by operations.
At December 31, 2024, the Company was in compliance with all applicable loan covenants under its agreements.
At December 31, 2024, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of $89.9 million.
Material Cash Commitments:
The following is a schedule of material cash commitments as of December 31, 2024 for the Consolidated Centers over the periods in which they are expected to be paid (in thousands):
| Payment Due by Period | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash Commitments | Total |
Less than 1 year |
1 - 3 years | 3 - 5 years |
More than five years |
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| Long-term debt obligations (includes expected interest payments)(1) | $ | 6,001,289 | $ | 774,167 | $ | 1,794,323 | $ | 2,192,033 | $ | 1,240,766 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Lease obligations(2) | 123,046 | 13,271 | 24,138 | 15,690 | 69,947 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| $ | 6,124,335 | $ | 787,438 | $ | 1,818,461 | $ | 2,207,723 | $ | 1,310,713 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
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(1)Interest payments on floating rate debt were based on rates in effect at December 31, 2024.
(2)See Note 8-Leases in the Company's Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Funds From Operations ("FFO")
The Company uses FFO in addition to net (loss) income to report its operating and financial results and considers FFO and FFO-diluted as supplemental measures for the real estate industry and a supplement to GAAP measures. The National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts defines FFO as net (loss) income (computed in accordance with GAAP), excluding gains (or losses) from sales of properties, plus real estate related depreciation and amortization, impairment write-downs of real estate and write-downs of investments in an affiliate where the write-downs have been driven by a decrease in the value of real estate held by the affiliate and after adjustments for unconsolidated joint ventures. Adjustments for unconsolidated joint ventures are calculated to reflect FFO on the same basis.
Prior to June 13, 2024, the Company accounted for its joint venture in Chandler Freehold as a financing arrangement. In connection with this treatment, the Company recognized financing expense on (i) the changes in fair value of the financing arrangement obligation, (ii) any payments to the joint venture partner equal to their pro rata share of net income and (iii) any payments to the joint venture partner less than or in excess of their pro rata share of net income. The Company excludes from its definition of FFO the noted expenses related to the changes in fair value and for the payments to the joint venture partner less than or in excess of their pro rata share of net income. On November 16, 2023, the Company acquired its joint venture partner's 49.9% ownership interest in Freehold Raceway Mall and as a result, this property is no longer part of the financing arrangement and is 100% owned by the Company. On June 13, 2024, the partnership agreement between the Company and its partner was amended. As a result, the Company no longer accounts for its investment in Chandler Fashion Center as a financing arrangement. Effective June 13, 2024, the Company accounts for its investment in Chandler Fashion Center under the equity method of accounting (See Note 12 - Financing Arrangement and Note 16 - Dispositions in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements). References to Chandler Freehold for the period November 16, 2023 through June 13, 2024 shall be deemed to only refer to Chandler Fashion Center.
The Company also presents FFO excluding financing expense in connection with Chandler Freehold, gain or loss on extinguishment of debt, accrued default interest expense and gain or loss on non-real estate investments.
FFO and FFO on a diluted basis are useful to investors in comparing operating and financial results between periods. This is especially true since FFO excludes real estate depreciation and amortization, as the Company believes real estate values fluctuate based on market conditions rather than depreciating in value ratably on a straight-line basis over time. The Company believes that such a presentation also provides investors with a more meaningful measure of its operating results in comparison to the operating results of other REITs. In addition, the Company believes that FFO excluding financing expense in connection with Chandler Freehold, impact associated with extinguishment of debt, accrued default interest expense and impact of non-cash changes in the market value of non-real estate investments provides useful supplemental information regarding the Company's performance as it shows a more meaningful and consistent comparison of the Company's operating performance and allows investors to more easily compare the Company's results. On March 19, 2024, the Company closed on a three-year extension of the Fashion Outlets of Niagara Falls non-recourse loan and all default interest expense was reversed. Effective April 9, 2024, default interest expense has been accrued on the non-recourse loan on Santa Monica Place. GAAP requires that the Company accrue default interest expense, which is not expected to be paid and is expected to be reversed once a loan is modified or once title to the mortgaged loan collateral is transferred. The Company believes that the accrual of default interest on non-recourse loans, and the related reversal thereof should be excluded. The Company holds certain non-real estate investments that are subject to mark to market changes every quarter. These investments are not core to the Company's business, and the changes to market value and the related gain or loss are entirely non-cash in nature. As a result, the Company believes that the gain or loss on non-real estate investments should be excluded. In the first quarter of 2024, the Company updated its presentation to exclude gain or loss on non-real estate investments for the reasons noted above. The Company recast the presentation for prior periods to reflect this change.
The Company believes that FFO does not represent cash flow from operations as defined by GAAP, should not be considered as an alternative to net (loss) income as defined by GAAP, and is not indicative of cash available to fund all cash flow needs. The Company also cautions that FFO, as presented, may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other real estate investment trusts.
Management compensates for the limitations of FFO by providing investors with financial statements prepared according to GAAP, along with this detailed discussion of FFO and a reconciliation of net (loss) income to FFO and FFO-diluted. Management believes that to further understand the Company's performance, FFO should be compared with the Company's reported net (loss) income and considered in addition to cash flows in accordance with GAAP, as presented in the Company's consolidated financial statements. The following reconciles net (loss) income attributable to the Company to FFO attributable to common stockholders and unit holders-basic and diluted and FFO attributable to common stockholders and unit holders-basic and diluted, excluding financing expense in connection with Chandler Freehold, (gain) loss on extinguishment of debt, net, accrued default interest expense and loss (gain) on non-real estate investments for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021 and 2020 (dollars and shares in thousands):
| 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net (loss) income attributable to the Company | $ | (194,120) | $ | (274,065) | $ | (66,068) | $ | 14,263 | $ | (230,203) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income attributable to the Company to FFO attributable to common stockholders and unit holders-basic and diluted: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership | (8,766) | (11,389) | (2,660) | 714 | (16,822) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (Gain) loss on sale or write down of consolidated assets, net | (38,959) | 134,523 | (7,698) | (75,740) | 68,112 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Loss on remeasurement of consolidated assets | - | - | - | - | 163,298 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Add: gain on undepreciated asset sales or write-down from consolidated assets | 1,130 | 3,705 | 16,091 | 19,461 | 7,777 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Less: loss on write-down of non-real estate sales or write-down of assets-consolidated assets | - | - | (2,000) | (2,200) | (4,154) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Add: noncontrolling interests share of gain (loss) on sale or write-down of assets-consolidated assets | 330 | 2,224 | 6,287 | 9,732 | (120) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Loss (gain) on sale or write down of assets-unconsolidated joint ventures(1) | 180,089 | 136,377 | 19,397 | 4,931 | (6) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Add: gain on sale of undepreciated assets-unconsolidated joint ventures(1) | 1,643 | 7,102 | 7,794 | 93 | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization on consolidated assets | 294,780 | 282,361 | 291,612 | 311,129 | 319,619 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Less: noncontrolling interests in depreciation and amortization-consolidated assets | (4,382) | (11,938) | (21,592) | (29,239) | (15,517) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization-unconsolidated joint ventures(1) | 148,740 | 170,199 | 176,303 | 182,956 | 199,680 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Less: depreciation on personal property | (6,801) | (7,987) | (12,834) | (12,955) | (15,734) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| FFO attributable to common stockholders and unit holders-basic and diluted | 373,684 | 431,112 | 404,632 | 423,145 | 475,930 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Financing expense in connection with Chandler Freehold | (12,829) | (26,311) | 32,902 | (955) | (136,425) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| FFO attributable to common stockholders and unit holders, excluding financing expense in connection with Chandler Freehold-basic and diluted | 360,855 | 404,801 | 437,534 | 422,190 | 339,505 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (Gain) loss on extinguishment of debt, net-consolidated assets | (14,403) | (8,208) | - | 1,007 | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Accrued default interest expense | 7,856 | 6,417 | - | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Loss (gain) on non-real estate investments | 11,027 | 10,203 | 9,560 | (20,158) | 3,962 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| FFO attributable to common stockholders and unit holders excluding financing expense in connection with Chandler Freehold, (gain) loss on extinguishment of debt, net, accrued default interest expense and loss (gain) on non-real estate investments-diluted | $ | 365,335 | $ | 413,213 | $ | 447,094 | $ | 403,039 | $ | 343,467 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Weighted average number of FFO shares outstanding for: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| FFO attributable to common stockholders and unit holders-basic(2) | 231,864 | 224,501 | 223,678 | 207,991 | 156,920 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Adjustments for the impact of dilutive securities in computing FFO-diluted: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Share and unit-based compensation plans | - | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| FFO attributable to common stockholders and unit holders-diluted(3) | 231,864 | 224,501 | 223,678 | 207,991 | 156,920 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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(1)Unconsolidated assets are presented at the Company's pro rata share.
(2)Calculated based upon basic net income as adjusted to reach basic FFO. During the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021 and 2020, there were 10.0 million, 9.0 million, 8.6 million, 9.9 million and 10.7 million OP Units outstanding, respectively.
(3)The computation of FFO-diluted shares outstanding includes the effect of share and unit-based compensation plans and the convertible senior notes using the treasury stock method. It also assumes the conversion of MACWH, LP common and preferred units to the extent that they are dilutive to the FFO-diluted computation.