Exhibit 99.1

LOGO

 

CONTACT:

William T. Camp

Executive Vice President and

  

6110 Executive Blvd., Suite 800

Rockville, Maryland 20852

Tel 301-984-9400

Chief Financial Officer    Fax 301-984-9610
E-Mail: bcamp@writ.com    www.writ.com

April 29, 2010

WASHINGTON REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST ANNOUNCES

FIRST QUARTER FINANCIAL AND OPERATING RESULTS

Washington Real Estate Investment Trust (WRIT) (NYSE: WRE) reported financial and operating results today for the quarter ended March 31, 2010:

 

   

Funds From Operations (FFO)(1) was $0.48 per diluted share compared to $0.64 per diluted share in the same period one year ago. This difference is primarily due to gains on extinguishment of debt in the first quarter of 2009, share dilution from our equity offerings in 2009 and 2010, and snow removal costs in the first quarter of 2010.

 

   

Net income was $0.09 per diluted share compared to $0.20 per diluted share in the same period one year ago. The first quarter 2009 net income included a gain of $0.11 per diluted share related to the extinguishment of debt.

“We continue to see signs of a recovery in real estate fundamentals—leasing activity is up, delinquencies are declining and investment opportunities are increasing. While this recovery may not be a rapid one, we believe an upturn in market conditions has begun and the future looks bright for the Washington region. We are pleased with our first quarter results, which met our expectations, and look forward to potentially increasing performance in the quarters ahead,” stated George “Skip” McKenzie, President and Chief Executive Officer, Washington Real Estate Investment Trust.

Capital Structure

Year to date, WRIT has issued 732,646 common shares through its Sales Agency Financing Agreement with BNY Mellon Capital Markets at an average offering price of $30.18 for gross proceeds of approximately $22.1 million. These proceeds were used to repay a portion of WRIT’s line of credit. As of today, the outstanding balance on the line of credit is $100 million. WRIT also repurchased a total of $1.2 million of its 3.875% convertible notes at an average discounted price of 99.3% of par.

On March 31, 2010, WRIT paid a quarterly dividend of $0.4325 per share for its 193rd consecutive quarterly dividend at equal or increasing rates.

As of March 31, 2010, WRIT had a total market capitalization of $3.1 billion.(2)

Operating Results

Overall portfolio economic occupancy for the first quarter was 91.2%, compared to 92.3% in the same period one year ago and 92.2% in the fourth quarter of 2009. Overall portfolio Net Operating Income (NOI)(3) was $49.0 million compared to $49.7 million in the same period one year ago and $51.4 million in the fourth quarter of 2009. This quarter’s results include non-reimbursable snow removal expenses of $1.2 million.


Washington Real Estate Investment Trust

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Core(4) portfolio economic occupancy for the first quarter was 92.1%, compared to 93.5% in the same period one year ago and 92.5% in the fourth quarter of 2009. Core portfolio NOI for the first quarter decreased 1.9% and rental rate growth was 1.2% compared to the same period one year ago.

 

   

Multifamily properties’ core NOI for the first quarter decreased 1.8% compared to the same period one year ago. The primary driver of NOI decline was snow removal costs in the first quarter of 2010, which offset gains in occupancy at all but one property. Rental rate growth was -2.0% while core economic occupancy for properties included in the results for both the first quarter of 2009 and 2010 increased 270 basis points (bps) to 94.2%. Sequentially, core economic occupancy for properties included in the results for both the fourth quarter of 2009 and the first quarter of 2010 remained unchanged at 94.1% from the fourth quarter of 2009.

 

   

Office properties’ core NOI for the first quarter increased 0.8% compared to the same period one year ago. Rental rate growth was 2.0% while core economic occupancy for properties included in the results for both the first quarter of 2009 and 2010 decreased 130 bps to 92.2%. Sequentially, core economic occupancy for properties included in the results for both the fourth quarter of 2009 and the first quarter of 2010 decreased 110 bps from the fourth quarter of 2009.

 

   

Medical office properties’ core NOI for the first quarter increased 0.7% compared to the same period one year ago. Rental rate growth was 2.8% while core economic occupancy for properties included in the results for both the first quarter of 2009 and 2010 decreased 60 bps to 95.9%. Sequentially, core economic occupancy for properties included in the results for both the fourth quarter of 2009 and the first quarter of 2010 remained unchanged at 91.1% from the fourth quarter of 2009. The difference in occupancy in the year over year comparison versus the sequential comparison is the effect of purchasing Lansdowne Medical Office Building in the third quarter of 2009.

 

   

Retail properties’ core NOI for the first quarter decreased 6.3% compared to the same period one year ago. Rental rate growth was 0.9% while core economic occupancy for properties included in the results for both the first quarter of 2009 and 2010 decreased 390 bps to 91.3%. Sequentially, core economic occupancy for properties included in the results for both the fourth quarter of 2009 and the first quarter of 2010 decreased 310 bps from the fourth quarter of 2009, primarily due to higher vacancy at our Frederick Crossing and Montgomery Village Centers.

 

   

Industrial properties’ core NOI for the first quarter decreased 8.0% compared to the same period one year ago. Rental rate growth was 0.2% while core economic occupancy for properties included in the results for both the first quarter of 2009 and 2010 decreased 540 bps to 85.5%. Sequentially, core economic occupancy for properties included in the results for both the fourth quarter of 2009 and the first quarter of 2010 decreased 160 bps from the fourth quarter of 2009, primarily due to the eviction of several non-paying tenants in the fourth quarter of 2009.

Leasing Activity

During the first quarter, WRIT signed commercial leases for 274,000 square feet with an average rental rate increase of 15.8% over expiring lease rates, an average lease term of 5.5 years, tenant improvement costs of $15.07 per square foot and leasing costs of $9.37 per square foot.

 

   

Rental rates for new and renewed office leases increased 15.3% to $30.97 per square foot, with $17.47 per square foot in tenant improvement costs and $10.38 per square foot in leasing costs.

 

   

Rental rates for new and renewed medical office leases increased 25.5% to $40.38 per square foot, with $24.88 per square foot in tenant improvement costs and $16.73 per square foot in leasing costs.

 

   

Rental rates for new and renewed retail leases increased 21.2% to $31.31 per square foot, with no tenant improvement costs and $1.35 per square foot in leasing costs.

 

   

Rental rates for new and renewed industrial/flex leases increased 1.9% to $9.47 per square foot, with $1.41 per square foot in tenant improvement costs and $2.14 per square foot in leasing costs.


Washington Real Estate Investment Trust

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Conference Call Information

The Conference Call for 1st Quarter Earnings is scheduled for Friday, April 30, 2010 at 11:00 A.M. Eastern time. Conference Call access information is as follows:

 

USA Toll Free Number:    1-877-407-9205
International Toll Number:    1-201-689-8054

The instant replay of the Conference Call will be available until May 14, 2010 at 11:59 P.M. Eastern time. Instant replay access information is as follows:

 

USA Toll Free Number:    1-877-660-6853
International Toll Number:    1-201-612-7415
Account:    286
Conference ID:    347642

The live on-demand webcast of the Conference Call will be available on the Investor section of WRIT’s website at www.writ.com. On-line playback of the webcast will be available at http://www.writ.com for two weeks following the Conference Call.

About WRIT

WRIT is a self-administered, self-managed, equity real estate investment trust investing in income-producing properties in the greater Washington metro region. WRIT owns a diversified portfolio of 90 properties totaling approximately 11 million square feet of commercial space and 2,540 residential units. These 90 properties consist of 27 office properties, 20 industrial/flex properties, 18 medical office properties, 14 retail centers, 11 multifamily properties and land for development. WRIT shares are publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE:WRE).

Note: WRIT’s press releases and supplemental financial information are available on the company website at www.writ.com or by contacting Investor Relations at (301) 984-9400.

Certain statements in this press release are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially. Such risks, uncertainties and other factors include, but are not limited to, the effect of the current credit and financial market conditions, the availability and cost of capital, fluctuations in interest rates, tenants’ financial conditions, the timing and pricing of lease transactions, levels of competition, the effect of government regulation, the impact of newly adopted accounting principles, changes in general and local economic and real estate market conditions, and other risks and uncertainties detailed from time to time in our filings with the SEC, including our 2009 Form 10-K. We assume no obligation to update or supplement forward-looking statements that become untrue because of subsequent events.

 

(1)

Funds From Operations (“FFO”) – The National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts, Inc. (“NAREIT”) defines FFO (April, 2002 White Paper) as net income (computed in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”)) excluding gains (or losses) from sales of property plus real estate depreciation and amortization. FFO is a non-GAAP measure and does not replace net income as a measure of performance or net cash provided by operating activities as a measure of liquidity. We consider FFO to be a standard supplemental measure for equity real estate investment trusts (“REITs”) because it facilitates an understanding of the operating performance of our properties without giving effect to real estate depreciation and amortization, which historically assumes that the value of real estate assets diminishes predictably over time. Since real estate values have instead historically risen or fallen with market conditions, we believe that FFO more accurately provides investors an indication of our ability to incur and service debt, make capital expenditures and fund other needs.

(2)

Total market capitalization is calculated by multiplying the total outstanding common shares at period end times the closing share price on the last trading day of the period, and then adding the book value of the total outstanding debt at period end.

(3)

Net Operating income (“NOI”), defined as real estate rental revenue less real estate expenses, is a non-GAAP measure. We provide NOI as a supplement to net income calculated in accordance with GAAP. As such, it should not be considered an alternative to net income as an indication of our operating performance. It is the primary performance measure we use to assess the results of our operations at the property level. NOI is calculated as net income, less non-real estate revenue and the results of discontinued operations (including the gain on sale, if any), plus interest expense, depreciation and amortization and general and administrative expenses.


Washington Real Estate Investment Trust

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(4)

For purposes of evaluating comparative operating performance, we categorize our properties as “core” or “non-core”. A core property is one that was owned for the entirety of the periods being evaluated. A non-core property is one that was acquired or placed into service during either of the periods being evaluated.

(5)

Funds Available for Distribution (“FAD”) is a non-GAAP measure. It is calculated by subtracting from FFO (1) recurring expenditures, tenant improvements and leasing costs that are capitalized and amortized and are necessary to maintain our properties and revenue stream and (2) straight-line rents, then adding (3) non-real estate depreciation and amortization, (4) amortization of restricted share and unit compensation, and adding or subtracting amortization of lease intangibles, as appropriate. We consider FAD to be a measure of a REIT’s ability to incur and service debt and to distribute dividends to its shareholders. FAD is a non-standardized measure and may be calculated differently by other REITs.

Economic Occupancy Levels by Core Properties (i) and All Properties

 

     Core Properties     All Properties  
Segment    1st QTR
2010
    1st QTR
2009
    1st QTR
2010
    1st QTR
2009
 

Residential

   94.2   91.5   94.1 %(ii)    87.4

Office

   92.2   93.5   91.6   92.6

Medical Office

   95.9   96.5   91.1   96.5

Retail

   91.3   95.2   91.3   95.2

Industrial

   85.5   90.9   85.7   90.4

Overall Portfolio

   92.1   93.5   91.2   92.3

 

(i)

Core properties include all properties that were owned for the entirety of the current and prior year reporting periods. For Q1 2010 and Q1 2009, core properties exclude:

Residential Acquisitions: none;

Office Acquisitions: none;

Medical Office Acquisition: Lansdowne Medical Office Building;

Retail Acquisitions: none;

Industrial Acquisitions: none.

Also excluded from Core Properties in Q1 2010 and Q1, 2009 are:

Sold Properties: Avondale, Brandywine Center, Tech 100 and Crossroads Distribution Center;

Held for Sale Properties: Charleston Business Center, Parklawn Plaza, Lexington and Saratoga;

In Development Properties: Bennett Park, Clayborne Apartments, and Dulles Station.

 

(ii)

Residential occupancy for all properties reflects the completion of Bennett Park and Clayborne Apartments. At 3/31/10, 219 of 224 units were occupied at Bennett Park and 69 of 74 units were occupied at Clayborne Apartments.


Washington Real Estate Investment Trust

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WASHINGTON REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

(In thousands, except per share data)

(Unaudited)

 

     Three Months Ended March 31,  

OPERATING RESULTS

   2010     2009  

Revenue

    

Real estate rental revenue

   $ 76,446      $ 76,580   

Expenses

    

Real estate expenses

     27,401        26,896   

Depreciation and amortization

     23,512        22,958   

General and administrative

     3,838        3,182   
                
     54,751        53,036   
                

Real estate operating income

     21,695        23,544   

Other income (expense):

    

Interest expense

     (17,065     (19,681

Investment income

     289        320   

Gain (loss) on extinguishment of debt

     (42     5,845   
                
     (16,818     (13,516
                

Income from continuing operations

     4,877        10,028   

Discontinued operations:

    

Income from operations of properties held for sale

     388        872   
                

Net income

     5,265        10,900   

Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries

     (49     (49
                

Net income attributable to the controlling interests

   $ 5,216      $ 10,851   
                

Income from continuing operations attributable to the controlling interests

   $ 4,828      $ 9,979   

Continuing operations real estate depreciation and amortization

     23,512        22,958   
                

Funds from continuing operations

   $ 28,340      $ 32,937   
                

Income from discontinued operations before gain on sale

     388        872   

Discontinued operations real estate depreciation and amortization

     96        344   
                

Funds from discontinued operations

     484        1,216   
                

Funds from operations(1)

   $ 28,824      $ 34,153   
                

Non-cash (gain) loss on extinguishment of debt

     42        (5,845

Tenant improvements

     (2,012     (1,066

External and internal leasing commissions capitalized

     (2,268     (1,058

Recurring capital improvements

     (864     (1,174

Straight-line rents, net

     (608     (664

Non-cash fair value interest expense

     776        1,128   

Non real estate depreciation & amortization of debt costs

     993        1,219   

Amortization of lease intangibles, net

     (562     (597

Amortization and expensing of restricted share and unit compensation

     1,633        577   
                

Funds available for distribution(5)

   $ 25,954      $ 26,673   
                

Note: Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current presentation.


Washington Real Estate Investment Trust

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         Three Months Ended March 31,

Per share data attributable to the controlling interests:

       2010    2009

Income from continuing operations

   (Basic)   $ 0.08    $ 0.19
   (Diluted)   $ 0.08    $ 0.19

Net income

   (Basic)   $ 0.09    $ 0.20
   (Diluted)   $ 0.09    $ 0.20

Funds from continuing operations

   (Basic)   $ 0.47    $ 0.62
   (Diluted)   $ 0.47    $ 0.62

Funds from operations

   (Basic)   $ 0.48    $ 0.64
   (Diluted)   $ 0.48    $ 0.64

Dividends paid

     $ 0.4325    $ 0.4325

Weighted average shares outstanding

       59,898      52,914

Fully diluted weighted average shares outstanding

       60,001      52,915


Washington Real Estate Investment Trust

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WASHINGTON REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands, except per share data)

(Unaudited)

 

     March 31,
2010
    December 31,
2009
 

Assets

    

Land

   $ 408,779      $ 408,779   

Income producing property

     1,889,281        1,886,408   
                
     2,298,060        2,295,187   

Accumulated depreciation and amortization

     (488,387     (468,291
                

Net income producing property

     1,809,673        1,826,896   

Development in progress

     25,561        25,031   
                

Total real estate held for investment, net

     1,835,234        1,851,927   

Investment in real estate sold or held for sale

     14,212        14,289   

Cash and cash equivalents

     10,758        11,203   

Restricted cash

     20,465        19,170   

Rents and other receivables, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $7,155 and $6,433, respectively

     52,686        50,441   

Prepaid expenses and other assets

     93,020        97,605   

Other assets related to property sold or held for sale

     601        590   
                

Total assets

   $ 2,026,976      $ 2,045,225   
                

Liabilities

    

Notes payable

   $ 688,358      $ 688,912   

Mortgage notes payable

     404,518        405,451   

Lines of credit

     110,000        128,000   

Accounts payable and other liabilities

     53,628        52,580   

Advance rents

     9,963        11,103   

Tenant security deposits

     9,736        9,668   

Other liabilities related to property sold or held for sale

     502        448   
                

Total liabilities

   $ 1,276,705      $ 1,296,162   
                

Shareholders’ equity

    

Shares of beneficial interest, $0.01 par value; 100,000 Shares authorized;
60,545 and 59,811 shares issued and outstanding, respectively

     607        599   

Additional paid-in capital

     966,952        944,825   

Distributions in excess of net income

     (219,094     (198,412

Accumulated other comprehensive income

     (2,004     (1,757
                

Total shareholders’ equity

     746,461        745,255   

Noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries

     3,810        3,808   
                

Total equity

     750,271        749,063   

Total liabilities and equity

   $ 2,026,976      $ 2,045,225   
                

Note: Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.


Washington Real Estate Investment Trust

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The following tables contain reconciliations of net income to core net operating income for the periods presented:

 

Three months ended March 31, 2010    Multifamily    Office    Medical
Office
    Retail    Industrial    Total  

Core net operating income(4)

   $ 5,606    $ 20,779    $ 7,603      $ 7,217    $ 6,307    $ 47,512   

Add: Net operating income from non-core properties(4)

     1,133      539      (139     —        —        1,533   
                                            

Total net operating income(3)

   $ 6,739    $ 21,318    $ 7,464      $ 7,217    $ 6,307    $ 49,045   

Add/(deduct):

                

Other income

                   289   

Interest expense

                   (17,065

Gain (loss) on extinguishment of debt

                   (42

Depreciation and amortization

                   (23,512

General and administrative expenses

                   (3,838

Income from operations of properties held for sale

                   388   
                      

Net income

                   5,265   

Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries

                (49
                      

Net income attributable to the controlling interests

                 $ 5,216   
                      
Three months ended March 31, 2009    Multifamily    Office    Medical
Office
    Retail    Industrial    Total  

Core net operating income(4)

   $ 5,707    $ 20,616    $ 7,553      $ 7,706    $ 6,859    $ 48,441   

Add: Net operating income from non-core properties(4)

     573      670      —          —        —        1,243   
                                            

Total net operating income(3)

   $ 6,280    $ 21,286    $ 7,553      $ 7,706    $ 6,859    $ 49,684   

Add/(deduct):

                

Other income

                   320   

Interest expense

                   (19,681

Gain (loss) on extinguishment of debt

                   5,845   

Depreciation and amortization

                   (22,958

General and administrative expenses

                   (3,182

Income from operations of properties held for sale

                   872   
                      

Net income

                   10,900   

Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries

                (49
                      

Net income attributable to the controlling interests

                 $ 10,851