Gladstone Commercial Corporation Reports Results for the Fourth Quarter and Year Ended December 31, 2023
- Positive: Increased FFO and Core FFO for Q4 show operational efficiency and growth potential.
- Positive: Successful acquisition and sale of properties demonstrate strategic investment decisions.
- Negative: Decrease in FFO and Core FFO for FY 2023 indicates challenges in rental income and expenses.
- Negative: Impairment charges and loss on extinguishment affected net income for the year.
- No significant negative points identified in the press release.
Insights
Gladstone Commercial Corporation's financial results reveal a nuanced picture of the company's performance. Notably, the increase in Funds from Operations (FFO) by 10.2% and Core FFO by 6.5% on a quarterly basis is a positive signal to investors, as these metrics are key indicators of a real estate investment trust's (REIT) operating performance. FFO adjustments reflect the company's operational capacity to generate cash flow, which is critical for maintaining and potentially increasing dividend payments. However, the year-over-year decrease in FFO and Core FFO by 3.1% signals a potential concern for long-term growth and sustainability.
From an investment perspective, the consistent payment of dividends, as indicated by the maintained cash dividend rate, suggests a stable income stream for shareholders. However, the reported net loss attributable to common stockholders for the year, despite being offset by non-cash items like depreciation and impairment charges, raises questions about the company's profitability. The capital recycling strategy, which involves selling non-core properties, could be seen as a strategic move to optimize the asset portfolio and reduce debt, but it requires careful monitoring to ensure it does not negatively affect the company's revenue base in the long term.
Examining Gladstone Commercial's strategy, the acquisition of properties at a weighted average cap rate of 9.56% is noteworthy. Cap rates are a measure of investment yield and in the current economic environment, a cap rate above 9% is attractive, suggesting that the company is securing high-yield assets. The company's focus on industrial properties aligns with broader market trends favoring this asset class due to its resilience and growth driven by e-commerce.
However, the reported impairment charges on properties and the gain on sales of real estate indicate asset revaluation and divestment, which are significant activities that can impact the balance sheet and investor perceptions. The company's ability to maintain a high occupancy rate of 96.8% is a positive indicator of asset quality and management effectiveness, which are critical for REITs. The deleveraging efforts and extension of mortgage debt maturities suggest a prudent approach to financial management, which is essential for maintaining investor confidence, especially in a rising interest rate environment.
The real estate market, particularly for REITs, is sensitive to changes in interest rates. Gladstone Commercial's results reflect the broader economic conditions, including significant inflation and rising SOFR rates that have increased the cost of variable-rate debt. Investors should consider the company's exposure to these macroeconomic factors, as they can affect profitability through higher interest expenses. The company's mention of challenges stemming from the pandemic, inflation and geopolitical tensions underscores the need for resilience and adaptability in their business model.
Given the competitive landscape of the REIT sector, Gladstone Commercial's performance should be benchmarked against its peers. The company's strategy of acquiring assets in target markets and divesting non-core properties must be evaluated for its effectiveness in enhancing shareholder value. The capital gains from property sales are a positive outcome, but reliance on such gains can be unsustainable if not complemented by organic revenue growth. Investors would benefit from insights into the company's long-term strategic plan to mitigate risks and capitalize on market opportunities.
Please note that the limited information that follows in this press release is not adequate to make an informed investment judgment.
MCLEAN, VA / ACCESSWIRE / February 21, 2024 / Gladstone Commercial Corporation (Nasdaq:GOOD) ("Gladstone Commercial" or the "Company") today reported financial results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2023. A description of funds from operations, or FFO, FFO as adjusted for comparability, and Core FFO, all three non-GAAP (generally accepted accounting principles in the United States) financial measures, are located at the end of this press release. All per share references are to fully-diluted weighted average shares of common stock and Non-controlling OP Units, unless otherwise noted. For further detail, please also refer to both the quarterly financial supplement and the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K, which can be found on the Investors section of our website at www.gladstonecommercial.com.
Summary Information (dollars in thousands, except per share data):
As of and for the three months ended | ||||||||||||||||||
December 31, 2023 | September 30, 2023 | $ Change | % Change | |||||||||||||||
Operating Data: | ||||||||||||||||||
Total operating revenue | $ | 35,908 | $ | 36,464 | $ | (556 | ) | (1.5) | % | |||||||||
Total operating expenses | (28,136 | ) | (1) | (29,587 | ) | (4) | 1,451 | (4.9) | % | |||||||||
Other expense, net | (3,221 | ) | (2) | (5,085 | ) | (5) | 1,864 | (36.7) | % | |||||||||
Net income | $ | 4,551 | $ | 1,792 | $ | 2,759 | 154.0 | % | ||||||||||
Less: Dividends attributable to preferred stock | (3,106 | ) | (3,099 | ) | (7 | ) | 0.2 | % | ||||||||||
Less: Dividends attributable to senior common stock | (107 | ) | (108 | ) | 1 | (0.9) | % | |||||||||||
Add/Less: Gain (loss) on extinguishment of Series F preferred stock | 1 | (1 | ) | 2 | (200.0) | % | ||||||||||||
Net income (loss) available (attributable) to common stockholders and Non-controlling OP Unitholders | $ | 1,339 | $ | (1,416 | ) | $ | 2,755 | (194.6) | % | |||||||||
Add: Real estate depreciation and amortization | 13,731 | 12,485 | 1,246 | 10.0 | % | |||||||||||||
Add: Impairment charge | 5,719 | 6,754 | (1,035 | ) | (15.3) | % | ||||||||||||
Less: Gain on sale of real estate, net | (3,492 | ) | (4,696 | ) | 1,204 | (25.6) | % | |||||||||||
Less: Gain on debt extinguishment, net | (2,830 | ) | - | (2,830 | ) | 100.0 | % | |||||||||||
Funds from operations available to common stockholders and Non-controlling OP Unitholders - basic | $ | 14,467 | $ | 13,127 | $ | 1,340 | 10.2 | % | ||||||||||
Add: Convertible senior common distributions | 107 | 108 | (1 | ) | (0.9) | % | ||||||||||||
Funds from operations available to common stockholders and Non-controlling OP Unitholders - diluted | $ | 14,574 | $ | 13,235 | $ | 1,339 | 10.1 | % | ||||||||||
Funds from operations available to common stockholders and Non-controlling OP Unitholders - basic | $ | 14,467 | $ | 13,127 | $ | 1,340 | 10.2 | % | ||||||||||
Add: Asset retirement obligation expense | 32 | 31 | 1 | 3.2 | % | |||||||||||||
Add: Loan defeasance costs | - | 130 | (130 | ) | (100.0) | % | ||||||||||||
Add: Realized loss on interest rate hedging instruments | - | 326 | (326 | ) | (100.0) | % | ||||||||||||
Core funds from operations available to common stockholders and Non-controlling OP Unitholders - basic | $ | 14,499 | $ | 13,614 | $ | 885 | 6.5 | % | ||||||||||
Add: Convertible senior common distributions | 107 | 108 | (1 | ) | (0.9) | % | ||||||||||||
Core funds from operations available to common stockholders and Non-controlling OP Unitholders - diluted | $ | 14,606 | $ | 13,722 | $ | 884 | 6.4 | % | ||||||||||
Share and Per Share Data: | ||||||||||||||||||
Net income (loss) available (attributable) to common stockholders and Non-controlling OP Unitholders - basic and diluted | 0.03 | (0.04 | ) | 0.07 | (175.0) | % | ||||||||||||
FFO available to common stockholders and Non-controlling OP Unitholders - basic | 0.36 | 0.33 | 0.03 | 9.1 | % | |||||||||||||
FFO available to common stockholders and Non-controlling OP Unitholders - diluted | 0.36 | 0.33 | 0.03 | 9.1 | % | |||||||||||||
Core FFO available to common stockholders and Non-controlling OP Unitholders - basic | 0.36 | 0.34 | 0.02 | 5.9 | % | |||||||||||||
Core FFO available to common stockholders and Non-controlling OP Unitholders - diluted | 0.36 | 0.34 | 0.02 | 5.9 | % | |||||||||||||
Weighted average shares of common stock and Non-controlling OP Units outstanding - basic | 40,309,714 | 40,309,463 | 251 | - | % | |||||||||||||
Weighted average shares of common stock and Non-controlling OP Units outstanding - diluted | 40,654,846 | 40,654,595 | 251 | - | % | |||||||||||||
Cash dividends declared per common share and Non-controlling OP Unit | $ | 0.30 | $ | 0.30 | $ | - | - | % | ||||||||||
Financial Position | ||||||||||||||||||
Real estate, before accumulated depreciation | $ | 1,261,715 | (3) | $ | 1,279,332 | (6) | $ | (17,617 | ) | (1.4) | % | |||||||
Total assets | $ | 1,133,471 | $ | 1,167,156 | $ | (33,685 | ) | (2.9) | % | |||||||||
Mortgage notes payable, net, borrowings under revolver, and borrowings under term loan, net | $ | 738,861 | $ | 749,009 | $ | (10,148 | ) | (1.4) | % | |||||||||
Total equity and mezzanine equity | $ | 324,307 | $ | 346,627 | $ | (22,320 | ) | (6.4) | % | |||||||||
Properties owned | 135 | (3) | 135 | (6) | - | - | % | |||||||||||
Square feet owned | 17,059,269 | (3) | 17,160,398 | (6) | (101,129 | ) | (0.6) | % | ||||||||||
Square feet leased | 96.8 | % | 96.6 | % | 0.2 | % | 0.2 | % |
(1) Includes a
(2) Includes a
(3) Includes three properties classified as held for sale of
(4) Includes a
(5) Includes a
(6) Includes four properties classified as held for sale of
As of and for the year ended | ||||||||||||||||||
December 31, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | $ Change | % Change | |||||||||||||||
Operating Data: | ||||||||||||||||||
Total operating revenue | $ | 147,584 | $ | 148,981 | $ | (1,397 | ) | (0.9) | % | |||||||||
Total operating expenses | (116,103 | ) | (1) | (116,248 | ) | (4) | 145 | (0.1) | % | |||||||||
Other expense, net | (26,559 | ) | (2) | (21,951 | ) | (5) | (4,608 | ) | 21.0 | % | ||||||||
Net income | $ | 4,922 | $ | 10,782 | $ | (5,860 | ) | (54.3) | % | |||||||||
Less: Dividends attributable to preferred stock | (12,285 | ) | (11,903 | ) | (382 | ) | 3.2 | % | ||||||||||
Less: Dividends attributable to senior common stock | (430 | ) | (458 | ) | 28 | (6.1) | % | |||||||||||
Less: Loss on extinguishment of Series F preferred stock | (11 | ) | (10 | ) | (1 | ) | 10.0 | % | ||||||||||
Add: Gain on repurchase of Series G preferred stock | 3 | 37 | (34 | ) | (91.9) | % | ||||||||||||
Net loss attributable to common stockholders and Non-controlling OP Unitholders | $ | (7,801 | ) | $ | (1,552 | ) | $ | (6,249 | ) | 402.6 | % | |||||||
Add: Real estate depreciation and amortization | 57,856 | 60,154 | (2,298 | ) | (3.8) | % | ||||||||||||
Add: Impairment charge | 19,296 | 12,092 | 7,204 | 59.6 | % | |||||||||||||
Less: Gain on sale of real estate, net | (7,737 | ) | (10,052 | ) | 2,315 | (23.0) | % | |||||||||||
Less: Gain on debt extinguishment, net | (2,830 | ) | - | (2,830 | ) | 100.0 | % | |||||||||||
Funds from operations available to common stockholders and Non-controlling OP Unitholders - basic | $ | 58,784 | $ | 60,642 | $ | (1,858 | ) | (3.1) | % | |||||||||
Add: Convertible senior common distributions | 430 | 458 | (28 | ) | (6.1) | % | ||||||||||||
Funds from operations available to common stockholders and Non-controlling OP Unitholders - diluted | $ | 59,214 | $ | 61,100 | $ | (1,886 | ) | (3.1) | % | |||||||||
Funds from operations available to common stockholders and Non-controlling OP Unitholders - basic | $ | 58,784 | $ | 60,642 | $ | (1,858 | ) | (3.1) | % | |||||||||
Add: Write off deferred financing fees | - | 434 | (434 | ) | (100.0) | % | ||||||||||||
Add: Write off shelf registration statement costs and prepaid ATM costs | 110 | 177 | (67 | ) | (37.9) | % | ||||||||||||
Add: Asset retirement obligation expense | 126 | 100 | 26 | 26.0 | % | |||||||||||||
Add: Loan defeasance costs | 130 | - | 130 | 100.0 | % | |||||||||||||
Add: Realized loss on interest rate hedging instruments | 326 | - | 326 | 100.0 | % | |||||||||||||
Core funds from operations available to common stockholders and Non-controlling OP Unitholders - basic | $ | 59,476 | $ | 61,353 | $ | (1,877 | ) | (3.1) | % | |||||||||
Add: Convertible senior common distributions | 430 | 458 | (28 | ) | (6.1) | % | ||||||||||||
Core funds from operations available to common stockholders and Non-controlling OP Unitholders - diluted | $ | 59,906 | $ | 61,811 | $ | (1,905 | ) | (3.1) | % | |||||||||
Share and Per Share Data: | ||||||||||||||||||
Net loss attributable to common stockholders and Non-controlling OP Unitholders - basic & diluted | (0.19 | ) | (0.04 | ) | (0.15 | ) | 375.0 | % | ||||||||||
FFO available to common stockholders and Non-controlling OP Unitholders - basic | 1.46 | 1.55 | (0.09 | ) | (5.8) | % | ||||||||||||
FFO available to common stockholders and Non-controlling OP Unitholders - diluted | 1.46 | 1.54 | (0.08 | ) | (5.2) | % | ||||||||||||
Core FFO available to common stockholders and Non-controlling OP Unitholders - basic | 1.47 | 1.56 | (0.09 | ) | (5.8) | % | ||||||||||||
Core FFO available to common stockholders and Non-controlling OP Unitholders - diluted | 1.47 | 1.56 | (0.09 | ) | (5.8) | % | ||||||||||||
Weighted average shares of common stock and Non-controlling OP Units outstanding - basic | 40,325,730 | 39,245,675 | 1,080,055 | 2.8 | % | |||||||||||||
Weighted average shares of common stock and Non-controlling OP Units outstanding - diluted | 40,670,862 | 39,608,921 | 1,061,941 | 2.7 | % | |||||||||||||
Cash dividends declared per common share and Non-controlling OP Unit | $ | 1.2000 | $ | 1.5048 | $ | (0.3048 | ) | (20.3) | % | |||||||||
Financial Position | ||||||||||||||||||
Real estate, before accumulated depreciation | $ | 1,261,715 | (3) | $ | 1,299,570 | (6) | $ | (37,855 | ) | (2.9) | % | |||||||
Total assets | $ | 1,133,471 | $ | 1,202,633 | $ | (69,162 | ) | (5.8) | % | |||||||||
Mortgage notes payable, net, borrowings under revolver, and borrowings under term loan, net | $ | 738,861 | $ | 749,206 | $ | (10,345 | ) | (1.4) | % | |||||||||
Total equity and mezzanine equity | $ | 324,307 | $ | 375,750 | $ | (51,443 | ) | (13.7) | % | |||||||||
Properties owned | 135 | (3) | 137 | (6) | (2 | ) | (1.5) | % | ||||||||||
Square feet owned | 17,059,269 | (3) | 17,179,951 | (6) | (120,682 | ) | (0.7) | % | ||||||||||
Square feet leased | 96.8 | % | 96.8 | % | - | % | - | % |
(1) Includes a
(2) Includes a
(3) Includes three properties classified as held for sale of
(4) Includes a
(5) Includes a
(6) Includes one property classified as held for sale of
Highlights of Fiscal Year 2023:
- Acquired properties: Purchased five fully-occupied properties, with an aggregate of approximately 0.3 million square feet of rental space, for
$29.5 million , at a weighted average cap rate of9.56% ; - Sold properties: Sold seven non-core properties as part of our capital recycling strategy for
$39.6 million ; - Collected
100% of 2023 base rent: Collected100% of 2023 base rental charges owed to us throughout the year; - Issued common stock under ATM Program: Issued 0.2 million shares for net proceeds of
$4.1 million ; - Issued Series F Preferred Stock: Issued 246,775 shares of our
6.00% Series F Preferred Stock for net proceeds of$5.6 million ; - Issued new debt: Borrowed
$9.0 million in fixed rate mortgage debt at a weighted average interest rate of6.1% , all with maturity dates of September 1, 2028; - Repaid debt: Repaid
$58.9 million in fixed rate mortgage debt, with a weighted average interest rate of4.7% , with cash on hand and borrowings from our line of credit; - Extended mortgage debt maturity date: Extended the maturity date of
$8.8 million fixed rate note for an additional year; - Leased vacant space: Leased 40,041 square feet of previously vacant space with lease terms ranging from 5.4 to 10.0 years at two of our properties;
- Renewed leases: Renewed 1,388,789 square feet with remaining lease terms ranging from 3.3 to 18.7 years at 12 of our properties;
- Paid distributions: Paid monthly cash distributions for the year totaling
$1.20 per share on our common stock and Non-controlling OP Units,$1.65 6252 per share on our Series E Preferred Stock,$1.50 per share on our Series F Preferred Stock,$1.50 per share on our Series G Preferred Stock, and$1.05 per share on our senior common stock.
Fourth Quarter 2023 Results: FFO available to common shareholders and Non-controlling OP Unitholders for the quarter ended December 31, 2023, was
Fiscal Year 2023 Results: FFO available to common stockholders and Non-controlling OP Unitholders for the year ended December 31, 2023, was
Net income (loss) available (attributable) to common stockholders and Non-controlling OP Unitholders for the three months and year ended December 31, 2023 was
Subsequent to the end of the quarter:
- Issued Series F Preferred Stock: Issued 7,580 shares for net proceeds of
$0.2 million ; - Sold properties: Sold one non-core property as part of our capital recycling strategy for
$4.5 million ; and - Declared distributions: Declared monthly cash distributions for January, February, and March 2024, totaling
$0.30 per share on our common stock and Non-controlling OP Units,$0.41 4063 per share on our Series E Preferred Stock,$0.37 5 per share on our Series F Preferred Stock,$0.37 5 per share on our Series G Preferred Stock, and$0.26 25 per share on our senior common stock.
Comments from Gladstone Commercial's President, Buzz Cooper: "Our financial results reflect consistent performance and stabilized revenues from our tremendous same store property occupancy, rent collection and growth, accretive real estate investments made during 2023 and 2022, and our ability to renew tenants, as well as our deleveraging and capital recycling programs. We believe we had an excellent 2023, by investing
Conference Call: Gladstone Commercial will hold a conference call on Thursday, February 22, 2024, at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time to discuss its earnings results. Please call (877) 407-9045 (or (201) 389-0934) to enter the conference call. An operator will monitor the call and set a queue for questions. A conference call replay will be available beginning one hour after the call and will be accessible through February 29, 2024. To hear the replay, please dial (877) 660-6853 (or (201) 612-7415) and use playback conference number 13742738. The live audio broadcast of the Company's quarterly conference call will also be available on the investors section of our website, www.gladstonecommercial.com.
About Gladstone Commercial: Gladstone Commercial Corporation is a real estate investment trust focused on acquiring, owning, and operating net leased industrial and office properties across the United States. Including payments through January 2024, Gladstone Commercial has paid 229 consecutive monthly cash distributions on its common stock. Prior to paying distributions on a monthly basis, Gladstone Commercial paid five consecutive quarterly cash distributions. Gladstone Commercial has never skipped or deferred a distribution since its inception in 2003. Further information can be found at www.gladstonecommercial.com.
About the Gladstone Companies: Information on the business activities of all the Gladstone family of funds can be found at www.gladstonecompanies.com.
Investor Relations: For Investor Relations inquiries related to any of the monthly distribution-paying Gladstone family of funds, please visit www.gladstonecompanies.com.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures:
FFO: The National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts ("NAREIT") developed FFO as a relative non-GAAP supplemental measure of operating performance of an equity REIT in order to recognize that income-producing real estate historically has not depreciated on the basis determined under GAAP. FFO, as defined by NAREIT, is net income (computed in accordance with GAAP), excluding gains (or losses) from sales of property and impairment losses on property, plus depreciation and amortization of real estate assets, and after adjustments for unconsolidated partnerships and joint ventures. FFO does not represent cash flows from operating activities determined in accordance with GAAP and should not be considered an alternative to net income as an indication of its performance or to cash flow from operations as a measure of liquidity or ability to make distributions. The Company believes that FFO per share and unit provides investors with an additional context for evaluating its financial performance and as a supplemental measure to compare it to other REITs; however, comparisons of its FFO to the FFO of other REITs may not necessarily be meaningful due to potential differences in the application of the NAREIT definition used by such other REITs.
FFO as adjusted for comparability: FFO as adjusted for comparability is FFO adjusted for certain items that are not indicative of the results provided by the Company's operating portfolio and affect the comparability of the Company's period-over-period performance. These items include the adjustment for non-recurring expense adjustments related to the write off of offering costs pertaining to redeemed securities. Although the Company's calculation of FFO as adjusted for comparability differs from NAREIT's definition of FFO and may not be comparable to that of other REITs, the Company believes it is a meaningful supplemental measure of its operating performance. Accordingly, FFO as adjusted for comparability should be considered a supplement to net income computed in accordance with GAAP as a measure of our performance.
Core FFO: Core FFO is FFO adjusted for certain items that are not indicative of the results provided by the Company's operating portfolio and affect the comparability of the Company's period-over-period performance. These items include the adjustment for acquisition related expenses, gains or losses from early extinguishment of debt and any other non-recurring expense adjustments. Although the Company's calculation of Core FFO differs from NAREIT's definition of FFO and may not be comparable to that of other REITs, the Company believes it is a meaningful supplemental measure of its operating performance. Accordingly, Core FFO should be considered a supplement to net income computed in accordance with GAAP as a measure of our performance.
The Company's presentation of FFO, as defined by NAREIT, FFO as adjusted for comparability, or presentation of Core FFO, does not represent cash flows from operating activities determined in accordance with GAAP and should not be considered an alternative to net income as an indication of its performance or to cash flow from operations as a measure of liquidity or ability to make distributions.
The statements in this press release regarding the forecasted stability of Gladstone Commercial's income, its ability, plans or prospects to re-lease its unoccupied properties, and grow its portfolio are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These forward-looking statements inherently involve certain risks and uncertainties, although they are based on Gladstone Commercial's current plans that are believed to be reasonable as of the date of this press release. Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from these forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, Gladstone Commercial's ability to raise additional capital; availability and terms of capital and financing, both to fund its operations and to refinance its indebtedness as it matures; downturns in the current economic environment; the performance of its tenants; the impact of competition on its efforts to renew existing leases or re-lease space; and significant changes in interest rates. Additional factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those stated or implied by its forward-looking statements are disclosed under the caption "Risk factors" of its Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, as filed with the SEC on February 21, 2024. Gladstone Commercial cautions readers not to place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. Gladstone Commercial undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.
CONTACT:
Gladstone Commercial Corporation
(703) 287-5893
SOURCE: Gladstone Commercial Corporation
View the original press release on accesswire.com
FAQ
What was the percentage change in FFO for Q4 2023 compared to Q3 2023?
How did Core FFO perform for FY 2023 compared to FY 2022?
What were the key highlights of fiscal year 2023 for Gladstone Commercial?
What factors contributed to the decrease in Core FFO for FY 2023?