Hudson Pacific Properties, Inc. (HPP) FY 2024 MD&A
This page reproduces the company's own Item 7 MD&A text from the linked SEC filing. It is filer text, not grepcent analysis, scoring, or investment advice.
ITEM 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The following discussion relates to our consolidated financial statements and should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and the related notes, refer to Part IV, Item 15(a) “Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules.” Statements in this Item 7 contain forward-looking statements. Such statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions and may be affected by known and unknown risks, trends, uncertainties and factors that are beyond our control. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those anticipated, estimated or projected. In particular, information concerning projected future occupancy rates, rental rate increases, property development timing and investment amounts contain forward-looking statements. Furthermore, all of the statements regarding future financial performance (including anticipated funds from operations (“FFO”) market conditions and demographics) are forward-looking statements. Numerous factors will affect our actual results, some of which are beyond our control. These include the strength of commercial and industrial real estate markets, market conditions affecting tenants, competitive market conditions, interest rate levels, volatility in our stock price and capital market conditions. Accordingly, investors should use caution and not place undue reliance on this information, which speaks only as of the date of this report. We expressly disclaim any responsibility to update any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except to the extent we are required to do so in connection with our ongoing requirements under federal securities laws to disclose material information.
For a discussion of important risks related to our business, and related to investing in our securities, including risks that could cause actual results and events to differ materially from results and events referred to in the forward-looking statements refer to Part I, Item 1A “Risk Factors.” In light of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, the forward-looking events discussed in this report might not occur.
Executive Summary
Through our interest in Hudson Pacific Properties, L.P. (our operating partnership) and its subsidiaries, at December 31, 2024, our portfolio of owned real estate included office properties comprising approximately 14.6 million square feet, studio properties comprising approximately 45 sound stages and 1.7 million square feet and land properties comprising approximately 3.2 million square feet of undeveloped density rights. Our production services assets include vehicles, lighting and grip, production supplies and other equipment and the lease rights to 24 sound stages.
As of December 31, 2024, our in-service office portfolio was 78.9% leased (including leases not yet commenced). Our same-store studio properties average percent leased for the twelve months ended December 31, 2024 was 73.8%.
Current Year Highlights
Property Acquisitions
The Company had no acquisitions of real estate during the year ended December 31, 2024.
Property Dispositions
During the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company sold its 3176 Porter Drive property for $24.8 million. Please refer to Part IV, Item 15 (a) “Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules—Note 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements—Investment in Real Estate” for details.
Held for Sale
As of December 31, 2024, the Company had two properties classified as held for sale—Foothill Research Center and Maxwell—as these properties were considered non-strategic to the Company’s portfolio. Please refer to Part IV, Item 15 (a) “Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules—Note 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements—Investment in Real Estate” for details.
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Under Construction and Future Development Projects
The following table summarizes the properties currently under construction and future development pipelines as of December 31, 2024:
| Type | Submarket | Estimated Square Feet(1) | Estimated Completion Date | Estimated Stabilization Date | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Under Construction: | |||||||||||
| New York, New York | |||||||||||
| Sunset Pier 94 Studios(2) | Studio | Manhattan | 232,000 | Q4-2025 | Q3-2026 | ||||||
| TOTAL | 232,000 | ||||||||||
| Recently Completed: | |||||||||||
| Seattle, Washington | |||||||||||
| Washington 1000 | Office | Denny Triangle | 546,000 | Q4-2024 | Q3-2026 | ||||||
| TOTAL | 546,000 | ||||||||||
| Future Development Pipeline: | |||||||||||
| Los Angeles, California | |||||||||||
| Sunset Las Palmas Studios—Development(3) | Studio | Hollywood | 617,581 | TBD | TBD | ||||||
| Sunset Gower Studios—Development(3) | Office/Studio | Hollywood | 478,845 | TBD | TBD | ||||||
| Sunset Bronson Studios Lot D—Development(4) | Residential | Hollywood | 33 units/19,816 | TBD | TBD | ||||||
| Element LA—Development | Office | West Los Angeles | 500,000 | TBD | TBD | ||||||
| 10900/10950 Washington(4) | Residential | West Los Angeles | N/A | TBD | TBD | ||||||
| Vancouver, British Columbia | |||||||||||
| Burrard Exchange(5) | Office | Downtown Vancouver | 450,000 | TBD | TBD | ||||||
| Greater London, United Kingdom | |||||||||||
| Sunset Waltham Cross Studios(6) | Studio | Broxbourne | 1,167,347 | TBD | TBD | ||||||
| TOTAL | 3,233,589 | ||||||||||
| TOTAL UNDER CONSTRUCTION AND FUTURE DEVELOPMENT | 4,011,589 |
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1.Estimated square footage represents management’s estimate of leasable square footage, which may be less or more than the Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) rentable area. Square footage may change over time due to re-measurement or re-leasing. For land properties, square footage represents management’s estimate of developable square footage, the majority of which remains subject to entitlement approvals not yet obtained.
2.We own 25.6% of the ownership interest in the unconsolidated joint venture that owns Sunset Pier 94 Studios.
3.We own 51% of the ownership interests in the consolidated joint venture that owns Sunset Bronson Studios, Sunset Gower Studios and Sunset Las Palmas Studios.
4.Pending entitlement to develop approximately 500 residential units.
5.We own 20% of the ownership interests in the unconsolidated joint venture that owns Burrard Exchange.
6.We own 35% of the ownership interests in the unconsolidated joint venture that owns Sunset Waltham Cross Studios.
Properties are selected for repositioning when an asset or portions of an asset are taken offline for a change of use or if the asset requires significant base building improvements resulting in substantial downtime in occupancy. Subsequently, when the square footage offline for a full building reaches 92.0% occupancy, it would be included in our in-service population.
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The following table summarizes the portions of office and studio projects currently under repositioning as of December 31, 2024:
| Location | Submarket | Square Feet | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Repositioning: | ||||
| 899 Howard | San Francisco | 96,240 | ||
| Page Mill Center | Palo Alto | 79,056 | ||
| Rincon Center | San Francisco | 36,905 | ||
| Sunset Las Palmas Studios | Hollywood | 18,594 | ||
| Palo Alto Square | Palo Alto | 12,740 | ||
| Metro Plaza | North San Jose | 10,382 | ||
| Sunset Gower Studios | Hollywood | 6,650 | ||
| TOTAL REPOSITIONING | 260,567 |
Financings
During the year ended December 31, 2024, there were $128.0 million of borrowings on the unsecured revolving credit facility, net of repayments. The Company generally uses the unsecured revolving credit facility to finance the acquisition of properties and businesses, to provide funds for tenant improvements and capital expenditures and to provide for working capital and other corporate purposes.
On May 3, 2024, the Company entered into an amendment to its unsecured revolving credit facility in order to, among other things, replace CDOR as a referenced rate for Canadian dollar-denominated loans under the Canadian facility with a term CORRA-based rate.
Factors That May Influence Our Operating Results
Business and Strategy
We invest in Class-A office properties in West Coast technology hubs and world-class studio properties and studio-related operating businesses in global media markets. This allows us to attract and retain quality companies as office tenants and/or studio and production services clients, many in the increasingly synergistic technology and media and entertainment sectors. Our focus on value-add opportunities, as well as selective ground-up development further facilitates our growth. We also look to opportunistically recycle capital to enhance our portfolio or to otherwise further our capital allocation goals. Changes in demand for office and/or studio space, capital markets, and other macro-economic factors may impact our business and overall performance.
Rental Revenue
The amount of net rental revenue generated by the properties in our portfolio depends principally on our ability to maintain the occupancy rates of leased space and to lease available space. As of December 31, 2024, the percent leased for our in-service office properties was approximately 78.9% (or 78.3%, excluding leases signed but not commenced as of that date). As of December 31, 2024, the percent leased, based on a 12-month trailing average, was approximately 73.8% for in-service studio properties (excludes Sunset Glenoaks, for which 12-month trailing occupancy data is not yet available). The amount of rental revenue generated by us also depends on our ability to maintain or increase rental rates at our properties. We believe that the average rental rates for our office properties are generally below the current average quoted market rate. We believe the average rental rates for our studio properties are generally equal to current average quoted market rates. Negative trends in one or more of these factors could adversely affect our rental revenue in future periods. Future economic downturns or regional downturns affecting our submarkets or downturns in our tenants’ industries that impair our ability to renew or re-let space and the ability of our tenants to fulfill their lease commitments, as in the case of tenant bankruptcies, could adversely affect our ability to maintain or increase rental rates at our properties. In addition, growth in rental revenue will also partially depend on our ability to acquire additional properties that meet our investment criteria.
Market Conditions
We own real estate primarily in California, the Pacific Northwest and Western Canada. We operate our production services business in key US media markets in California, New Mexico, Atlanta and New York. Positive or negative changes in economic or other conditions in any of the markets in which we own real estate and/or operate, including state budgetary shortfalls, employment rates, natural hazards and other factors, may impact our overall performance.
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Operating Expenses
Our operating expenses generally consist of utilities, cleaning, engineering, administrative, property, ad valorem taxes and site maintenance costs. Increases in these expenses over tenants’ base years are generally passed on to tenants in our full-service gross lease properties and are generally paid in full by tenants in our net lease properties. Certain of our properties have been reassessed for property tax purposes as a result of subsequent acquisition, development, redevelopment and other reassessments that remain pending. In the case of completed reassessments, the amount of property taxes we pay reflects the valuations established with the county assessors for the relevant locations of each property as of IPO or their subsequent acquisition. With respect to pending reassessments, we similarly expect the amount of property taxes we pay to reflect the valuations established with such county assessors.
Taxable REIT Subsidiaries
Hudson Pacific Services, Inc., or our services company, is a Maryland corporation that is wholly-owned by our operating partnership. We have elected, together with our services company and certain of our subsidiaries, to treat our services company and such other subsidiaries as taxable REIT subsidiaries for federal income tax purposes, and we may form additional taxable REIT subsidiaries in the future. Our taxable REIT subsidiaries generally may provide both customary and non-customary services to our tenants and engage in other activities that we may not engage in directly without adversely affecting our qualification as a REIT. Our services company and its subsidiaries provide a number of services to certain tenants at our studio properties and, from time to time, one or more taxable REIT subsidiaries may provide services to our tenants at these and other properties. In addition, our operating partnership has contributed some or all of its interests in certain subsidiaries or their assets to our services company. We currently lease space to subsidiaries of our services company at our studio properties and may, from time to time, enter into additional leases with one or more taxable REIT subsidiaries. Any income earned by our taxable REIT subsidiaries will not be included in our taxable income for purposes of the 75% or 95% gross income tests, except to the extent such income is distributed to us as a dividend, in which case such dividend income will qualify under the 95%, but not the 75%, gross income test. Because a taxable REIT subsidiary is subject to federal income tax, and state and local income tax (where applicable), as a regular C corporation, the income earned by our taxable REIT subsidiaries generally will be subject to an additional level of tax as compared to the income earned by our other subsidiaries.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of commitments and contingencies as of the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate our estimates, including those related to acquiring, developing and assessing the carrying values of our real estate properties, assets acquired and liabilities assumed in business combination transactions, the fair values of our goodwill and intangible assets, determining the incremental borrowing rate used in the present value calculations of our new or modified operating lessee agreements, our accrued liabilities, and our performance-based equity compensation awards. We base our estimates on historical experience, current market conditions, and various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results could materially differ from these estimates. The following critical accounting policies discussion reflects what we believe are the most significant estimates, assumptions and judgments used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements. Refer to Part IV, Item 15(a) “Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules—Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” for details on our significant accounting policies.
Investment in Real Estate Properties
Acquisitions
Our acquisitions of real estate are accounted for using the acquisition method. The results of operations for each of these acquisitions are included in our Consolidated Statements of Operations from the date of acquisition.
We evaluate each acquisition of real estate to determine if the integrated set of assets and activities acquired meet the definition of a business and need to be accounted for as a business combination in accordance with ASC 805, Business Combinations. An integrated set of assets and activities would fail to qualify as a business if either (i) substantially all of the fair value of the gross assets acquired is concentrated in either a single identifiable asset or a group of similar identifiable assets or (ii) the integrated set of assets and activities is lacking, at a minimum, an input and a substantive process that together significantly contribute to the ability to create outputs (i.e., revenue generated before and after the transaction). An acquired process is considered substantive if (i) the process includes an organized workforce (or includes an acquired contract that provides access to an organized workforce), that is skilled, knowledgeable, and experienced in performing the process, (ii) the process cannot be replaced without significant cost, effort, or delay or (iii) the process is considered unique or scarce.
Acquisitions of real estate will generally not meet the definition of a business because substantially all of the fair value is concentrated in a single identifiable asset or group of similar identifiable assets (i.e., land, buildings and improvements and related intangible assets or liabilities) or because the acquisition does not include a substantive process in the form of an acquired workforce or an acquired contract that cannot be replaced without significant cost, effort or delay.
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Acquisitions that do not meet the definition of a business
When we acquire properties that are considered asset acquisitions, the purchase price, which includes transaction-related expenses, is allocated based on relative fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Assets acquired and liabilities assumed include, but are not limited to, land, building and improvements, intangible assets related to above-and below-market leases, intangible assets related to in-place leases, debt and other assumed assets and liabilities. The purchase price accounting is finalized in the period of acquisition.
The fair value of tangible assets of an acquired property considers the value of the property as if it was vacant. The fair value of acquired “above- and below-” market leases are based on the estimated cash flow projections utilizing discount rates that reflect the risks associated with the leases acquired. The amount recorded is based on the present value of the difference between (i) the contractual amounts to be paid pursuant to each in-place lease and (ii) management’s estimate of fair market lease rates for each in-place lease, measured over a period equal to the remaining term of the lease for above-market leases and the initial term plus the extended below-market term for any leases with below-market renewal options. Other intangible assets acquired include amounts for in-place lease values that are based on our evaluation of the specific characteristics of each tenant’s lease. Factors considered include estimates of carrying costs during hypothetical expected lease-up periods, market conditions and costs to execute similar leases. In estimating carrying costs, we include estimates of lost rents at market rates during the hypothetical expected lease-up periods, which are dependent on local market conditions. In estimating costs to execute similar leases, we consider leasing commissions, legal and other related costs. The fair value debt assumed is based on the estimated cash flow projections utilizing interest rates available for the issuance of debt with similar terms and remaining maturities.
The Company applies a cost accumulation and allocation model to acquisitions that meet the definition of an asset acquisition. Under this model, the purchase price is allocated based on the relative fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Additionally, acquisition-related expenses associated with an asset acquisition are capitalized as part of the purchase price.
Acquisitions that meet the definition of a business
For acquisitions that meet the definition of a business, the Company estimates the fair value of the identifiable assets and liabilities of the acquired entity on the acquisition date. We measure goodwill as the excess of consideration transferred over the net of the acquisition date fair values of the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Acquisition-related expenses arising from the transaction are expensed as incurred. The Company includes the results of operations of the businesses that it acquires beginning on the acquisition date.
The Company tests its goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment at least annually, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset may be impaired. The Company first performs a qualitative assessment and will proceed to a quantitative impairment test only if qualitative factors indicate that it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit or intangible asset is less than its carrying amount.
Intangible assets with finite lives are amortized over their estimated useful lives using the straight-line method, which reflects the pattern in which the assets are consumed. The estimated useful lives for acquired intangible assets range from five to seven years. The Company assesses its intangible assets with finite lives for impairment when indicators of impairment are identified.
Cost Capitalization
We capitalize costs associated with development and redevelopment activities, capital improvements, tenant improvements and leasing activity. Costs associated with development and redevelopment that are capitalized include interest, property taxes, insurance and other costs directly related and essential to the acquisition, development or construction of a real estate project. Indirect development costs, including salaries and benefits, office rent, and associated costs for those individuals directly responsible for and who spend their time on development activities are also capitalized and allocated to the projects to which they relate. Construction and development costs are capitalized while substantial activities are ongoing to prepare an asset for its intended use. We consider a construction project as substantially complete and held available for occupancy upon the completion of tenant improvements but no later than one year after cessation of major construction activity. Costs incurred after a project is substantially complete and ready for its intended use, or after development activities have ceased, are expensed as they are incurred. Costs previously capitalized related to abandoned acquisitions or developments are charged to earnings. Expenditures for repairs and maintenance are expensed as they are incurred.
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Operating Properties
The properties are generally carried at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. We compute depreciation and amortization using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets as represented in the table below:
| Asset Description | Estimated Useful Life (Years) | |
|---|---|---|
| Building and improvements | Shorter of the ground lease term or 39 | |
| Land improvements | 15 | |
| Furniture and fixtures | 5 to 7 | |
| Tenant and leasehold improvements | Shorter of the estimated useful life or the lease term |
We amortize above- and below-market lease intangibles over the remaining non-cancellable lease terms and bargain renewal periods, if applicable. The in-place lease intangibles are amortized over the remaining non-cancellable lease term. When tenants vacate prior to the expiration of their lease, the amortization of intangible assets and liabilities is accelerated. We amortize above- and below-market ground lease intangibles over the remaining non-cancellable lease terms.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
In accordance with GAAP, we assess the carrying value of real estate assets and related intangibles for impairment on a quarterly basis and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset or asset group may not be recoverable over the life of the asset or its intended holding period. We evaluate our real estate assets for impairment on a property-by-property basis. Indicators we consider to determine whether an impairment evaluation is necessary include, but are not limited to, deterioration in operating cash flows, low occupancy levels, significant near-term lease expirations, default or bankruptcy by a significant tenant and expectations that, more likely than not, a property will be sold or otherwise disposed of before the end of its previously estimated useful life or hold period.
If impairment indicators are present for a specific real estate asset, we perform a recoverability test by comparing the carrying value of the asset group to the asset group’s estimated undiscounted future cash flows over the anticipated hold period. If the carrying value exceeds the estimated undiscounted future cash flows, we then compare the carrying value to the asset group’s estimated fair value and recognize an impairment loss for the amount by which the carrying value exceeds the fair value. The future cash flows utilized in the evaluation of recoverability and the measurement of fair value are highly subjective and are based on assumptions regarding anticipated hold periods, future occupancy, future rental rates, future capital requirements, discount rates and capitalization rates, which are considered Level 2 and Level 3 inputs within the fair value hierarchy. Given the level of sensitivity in the inputs, a change in the value of any one input, in isolation or in combination, could significantly affect the overall estimation of the undiscounted future cash flows and fair value of an asset group.
Goodwill and Acquired Intangible Assets
Goodwill is an unidentifiable intangible asset and is recognized as a residual, generally measured as the excess of consideration transferred in a business combination over the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Goodwill is assigned to reporting units that are expected to benefit from the synergies of the business combination.
We test our goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment at least annually on December 31st, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset may be impaired. Goodwill is tested for impairment at the reporting unit to which it is assigned, which can be an operating segment or one level below an operating segment. We have three operating segments: the management entity, Office and Studio. The Studio operating segment consists of two reporting units: Sunset Studios and Quixote. The Quixote reporting unit consists of the Zio and Star Waggons businesses acquired during 2021 and the Quixote business acquired during 2022, which have since been integrated as a single business. The assessment of goodwill for impairment may initially be performed based on qualitative factors to determine if it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying value, including goodwill. If so, a quantitative assessment is performed, and to the extent the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, impairment is recognized for the excess up to the amount of goodwill assigned to the reporting unit. Alternatively, the Company may bypass a qualitative assessment and proceed directly to a quantitative assessment.
A qualitative assessment considers various factors such as macroeconomic, industry and market conditions to the extent they affect the earnings performance of the reporting unit, changes in business strategy and/or management of the reporting unit, changes in composition or mix of revenues and/or cost structure of the reporting unit, financial performance and business prospects of the reporting unit, among other factors.
In a quantitative assessment, significant judgment, assumptions and estimates are applied in determining the fair value of reporting units. The Company generally uses the income approach to estimate fair value by discounting the projected net cash flows of the reporting unit, and may corroborate with market-based data where available and appropriate. Projection of future cash flows is based upon various factors, including, but not limited to, our strategic plans in regard to our business and operations, internal forecasts, terminal year residual revenue multiples, operating profit margins, pricing of similar businesses and comparable
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transactions where applicable, and risk-adjusted discount rates to present value future cash flows. Given the level of sensitivity in the inputs, a change in the value of any one input, in isolation or in combination, could significantly affect the overall estimation of fair value of the reporting unit.
Intangible assets with finite lives are amortized over their estimated useful lives using the straight-line method, which reflects the pattern in which the assets are consumed. The estimated useful lives for acquired intangible assets range from five to seven years. The Company assesses its intangible assets with finite lives for impairment when indicators of impairment are identified.
Revenue Recognition
The recognition of revenues related to lease components is governed by ASC 842, Leases (“ASC 842”). The revenue related to non-lease components is subject to ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“ASC 606”).
We capitalize direct incremental costs of signing a lease. Internal direct compensation costs and external legal fees related to the execution of successful lease agreements that do not meet the definition of initial direct costs under ASC 842 are accounted for as office operating expense or studio operating expense in our Consolidated Statements of Operations.
We elected the lessor’s practical expedient to present revenues on the Consolidated Statement of Operations as a single lease component that combines rental, tenant recoveries, and other tenant-related revenues for the office portfolio. For our rentals at the studio properties, total lease consideration is allocated to lease and non-lease components on a relative standalone basis.
We recognize rental revenue from tenants on a straight-line basis over the lease term when collectability is probable and the tenant has taken possession or controls the physical use of the leased asset. If the lease provides for tenant improvements, we determine whether the tenant improvements, for accounting purposes, are owned by the tenant or us. When we are the owner of the tenant improvements, the tenant is not considered to have taken physical possession or have control of the physical use of the leased asset until the tenant improvements are substantially completed. When the tenant is the owner of the tenant improvements, any tenant improvement allowance that is funded is treated as a lease incentive and amortized as a reduction of revenue over the lease term. Tenant improvement ownership is determined based on various factors including, but not limited to:
•whether the lease stipulates how and on what a tenant improvement allowance may be spent;
•whether the tenant or landlord retains legal title to the improvements at the end of the lease term;
•whether the tenant improvements are unique to the tenant or general-purpose in nature; and
•whether the tenant improvements are expected to have any residual value at the end of the lease.
Other property-related revenue is revenue that is derived from the tenants’ use of lighting, equipment rental, parking, power, HVAC and telecommunications (telephone and internet). Other property-related revenue is recognized based on a five-step model and revenue is recognized once all performance obligations are satisfied.
Tenant recoveries related to reimbursement of real estate taxes, insurance, repairs and maintenance, and other operating expenses are recognized as revenue in the period during which the applicable expenses are incurred. The reimbursements are recognized and presented gross, as we are generally the primary obligor with respect to purchasing goods and services from third-party suppliers, have discretion in selecting the supplier and bear the associated credit risk.
We evaluate the sales of real estate based on transfer of control. If a real estate sale contract includes ongoing involvement by the seller with the sold property, we evaluate each promised good or service under the contract to determine whether it represents a performance obligation, constitutes a guarantee or prevents the transfer of control.
Income Taxes
Our property-owning subsidiaries are limited liability companies and are treated as pass-through entities or disregarded entities (or, in the case of the entities that own the 1455 Market, Hill7, Ferry Building and 1918 Eighth properties, REITs) for federal income tax purposes. In the case of the Bentall Centre property and the Sunset Waltham Cross Studios development, the Company owns its interest in the properties through non-U.S. entities treated as taxable REIT subsidiaries (“TRS”) for federal income tax purposes. Accordingly, a provision for foreign income taxes has been recorded in the accompanying consolidated financial statements based on the local tax laws and regulations of the respective tax jurisdictions.
We have elected to be taxed as a REIT under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), commencing with our taxable year ended December 31, 2010. We believe that we have operated in a manner that has allowed us to qualify as a REIT for federal income tax purposes commencing with such taxable year, and we intend to continue operating in such manner. To qualify as a REIT, we are required to distribute at least 90% of our REIT taxable income, excluding net capital gains, to our stockholders and meet the various other requirements imposed by the Code relating to such matters as operating results, asset holdings, distribution levels and diversity of stock ownership.
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Provided that we continue to qualify for taxation as a REIT, we are generally not subject to corporate level income tax on the earnings distributed currently to our stockholders. If we were to fail to qualify as a REIT in any taxable year, and were unable to avail ourselves of certain savings provisions set forth in the Code, all of our taxable income would be subject to federal corporate income tax. Unless entitled to relief under specific statutory provisions, we would be ineligible to elect to be treated as a REIT for the four taxable years following the year for which we lose our qualification. It is not possible to state whether in all circumstances we would be entitled to this statutory relief.
We own and may acquire direct or indirect interests in one or more Subsidiary REITs. A Subsidiary REIT is subject to the various REIT qualification requirements and other limitations described herein that are applicable to us. If a Subsidiary REIT were to fail to qualify as a REIT, then (i) that Subsidiary REIT would become subject to federal income tax, (ii) shares in such REIT would cease to be qualifying assets for purposes of the asset tests applicable to REITs and (iii) it is possible that we would fail certain of the asset tests applicable to REITs, in which event we would fail to qualify as a REIT unless we could avail ourselves of certain relief provisions.
We believe that our operating partnership is properly treated as a partnership for federal income tax purposes. As a partnership, our operating partnership is not subject to federal income tax on its income. Instead, each of its partners, including us, is allocated, and may be required to pay tax with respect to, its share of our operating partnership’s income. As such, no provision for federal income taxes has been included for the operating partnership.
We have elected, together with certain of our subsidiaries, to treat such subsidiaries as TRSs for federal income tax purposes. Certain activities that we may undertake, such as non-customary services for our tenants and holding assets that we cannot hold directly, will be conducted by a TRS. A TRS is subject to federal and, where applicable, state and local income taxes on its net income.
We are subject to the statutory requirements of the states in which we conduct business.
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the net tax effect of temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis. A valuation allowance is recognized when it is determined that it is more likely than not that a deferred tax asset will not be realized.
We periodically evaluate our tax positions to determine whether it is more likely than not that such positions would be sustained upon examination by a tax authority for all open tax years, as defined by the statute of limitations, based on their technical merits. As of December 31, 2024, we have not established a liability for uncertain tax positions.
We and certain of our TRSs file income tax returns with the U.S. federal government and various state and local jurisdictions. We and our TRSs are no longer subject to tax examinations by tax authorities for years prior to 2020. Generally, we have assessed our tax positions for all open years, which as of December 31, 2024 include 2021 to 2023 for Federal purposes and 2020 to 2023 for state purposes, and concluded that there are no material uncertainties to be recognized.
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Results of Operations
The following table summarizes our portfolio as of December 31, 2024 :
| Number of Properties | Rentable Square Feet(1) | Percent Occupied(2) | Percent Leased(2) | Annualized Base Rent per Square Foot(3) | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| OFFICE | |||||||||||||
| Same-store(4) | 39 | 12,794,354 | 77.9 | % | 78.5 | % | $ | 54.31 | |||||
| Stabilized non-same store(5) | 1 | 31,613 | 45.8 | 45.8 | 33.00 | ||||||||
| Total stabilized | 40 | 12,825,967 | 77.8 | 78.4 | 54.27 | ||||||||
| Lease-up(5)(6) | 1 | 724,381 | 86.5 | 87.9 | 61.64 | ||||||||
| Total in-service office | 41 | 13,550,348 | 78.3 | 78.9 | 54.71 | ||||||||
| STUDIO | |||||||||||||
| Same-store(7) | 3 | 1,211,168 | 73.8 | 73.8 | 47.41 | ||||||||
| Non-same-store(5) | 1 | 241,000 | |||||||||||
| Total | 4 | 1,452,168 | |||||||||||
| Repositioning(5)(8) | 1 | 260,567 | — | — | — | ||||||||
| Development(5)(9) | 2 | 778,000 | 0.3 | 0.4 | — | ||||||||
| Held-for-sale(5) | 2 | 298,084 | 85.2 | 85.2 | 72.64 | ||||||||
| Total repositioning and development | 5 | 1,336,651 | |||||||||||
| Total office and studio properties | 50 | 16,339,167 | |||||||||||
| Future development(10) | 7 | 3,233,589 | |||||||||||
| TOTAL | 57 | 19,572,756 |
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1.Determined by management based upon estimated leasable square feet, which may be less or more than the Building Owners and Managers Association (“BOMA”) rentable area. Square footage may change over time due to re-measurement or re-leasing. Represents 100% share of consolidated and unconsolidated joint ventures.
2.Percent occupied for office properties is calculated as (i) square footage under commenced leases as of December 31, 2024, divided by (ii) total square feet, expressed as a percentage. Percent leased for office properties includes uncommenced leases. Percent leased for studio properties is calculated as (i) average square footage under commenced leases for the 12 months ended December 31, 2024, divided by (ii) total square feet, expressed as a percentage.
3.Annualized base rent per square foot for office properties is calculated by multiplying (i) cash base rents under commenced leases excluding tenant reimbursements as of December 31, 2024 by (ii) 12. On a per square foot basis, ABR is divided by square footage under commenced leases as of December 31, 2024. For all expiration years, ABR is calculated as (i) cash base rents at expiration under commenced leases divided by (ii) square footage under commenced leases as of December 31, 2024. The methodology is the same when calculating ABR per square foot either in place or at expiration for uncommenced leases. Rent data is presented without regard to cancellation options. Where applicable, rental rates converted to USD using the foreign currency exchange rate as of December 31, 2024. Annualized base rent per square foot for studio properties reflects actual base rent for the 12 months ended December 31, 2024, excluding tenant reimbursements. ABR per leased square foot calculated as (i) annual base rent divided by (ii) square footage under lease as of December 31, 2024.
4.Includes office properties owned and included in our stabilized portfolio as of January 1, 2023 and still owned and included in the stabilized portfolio as of December 31, 2024.
5.Included in our non-same-store property group.
6.Includes office properties that have not yet reached 92.0% occupancy since the date they were acquired or placed under redevelopment or development as of December 31, 2024.
7.Includes studio properties owned and included in our portfolio as of January 1, 2023 and still owned and included in our portfolio as of December 31, 2024.
8.Refer to Repositioning table in this document for the office and studio projects under repositioning as of December 31, 2024.
9.Includes 546,000 square feet related to the office development Washington 1000 and 232,000 square feet related to Sunset Pier 94 Studios.
10.Includes pending entitlement to develop approximately 500 residential units at 10900-10950 Washington.
All amounts and percentages used in this discussion of our results of operations are calculated using the numbers presented in the financial statements contained in this report rather than the rounded numbers appearing in this discussion. The dollar amounts included in the tables in this discussion of our results of operations are presented in thousands.
48
Comparison of the year ended December 31, 2024 to the year ended December 31, 2023
Net Loss
Net loss increased $210.7 million, or 123%, to $381.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to $170.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. The reasons for the change are discussed below with respect to the decrease in net operating income for the same period.
Net Operating Income
We evaluate performance based upon net operating income (“NOI”). NOI is not a measure of operating results or cash flows from operating activities or cash flows as measured by GAAP and should not be considered an alternative to net income, as an indication of our performance, or as an alternative to cash flows as a measure of liquidity, or our ability to make distributions. All companies may not calculate NOI in the same manner. We consider NOI to be a useful performance measure to investors and management because when compared across periods, NOI reflects the revenues and expenses directly associated with owning and operating our properties and the impact to operations from trends in occupancy rates, rental rates and operating costs, providing a perspective not immediately apparent from net income. We calculate NOI as net income (loss) excluding corporate general and administrative expenses, depreciation and amortization, impairments, gains/losses on sales of real estate, interest expense, transaction-related expenses and other non-operating items. We define NOI as operating revenues (including rental revenues, other property-related revenue, tenant recoveries and other operating revenues), less property-level operating expenses (which includes external management fees, if any, and property-level general and administrative expenses). NOI on a cash basis is NOI adjusted to exclude the effect of straight-line rent and other non-cash adjustments required by GAAP. We believe that NOI on a cash basis is helpful to investors as an additional measure of operating performance because it eliminates straight-line rent and other non-cash adjustments to revenue and expenses.
Management further analyzes NOI by evaluating the performance from the following groups:
•Same-store properties, which include all of the properties owned and included in our stabilized portfolio as of January 1, 2023 and still owned and included in the stabilized portfolio as of December 31, 2024; and
•Non-same-store, which includes:
•Stabilized non-same store properties
•Lease-up properties
•Repositioning properties
•Development properties
•Redevelopment properties
•Held for sale properties
•Operating results from studio service-related businesses
49
The following table reconciles net loss to NOI (in thousands, except percentage change):
| Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | Dollar Change | Percentage Change | ||||||||||||
| NET LOSS | $ | (381,406) | $ | (170,700) | $ | (210,706) | 123.4 | % | |||||||
| Adjustments: | |||||||||||||||
| Loss from unconsolidated real estate entities | 7,308 | 3,902 | 3,406 | 87.3 | |||||||||||
| Fee income | (5,269) | (6,181) | 912 | (14.8) | |||||||||||
| Interest expense | 177,393 | 214,415 | (37,022) | (17.3) | |||||||||||
| Interest income | (2,467) | (2,182) | (285) | 13.1 | |||||||||||
| Management services reimbursement income—unconsolidated real estate entities | (4,119) | (4,125) | 6 | (0.1) | |||||||||||
| Management services expense—unconsolidated real estate entities | 4,119 | 4,125 | (6) | (0.1) | |||||||||||
| Transaction-related expenses | 2,499 | (1,150) | 3,649 | (317.3) | |||||||||||
| Unrealized loss on non-real estate investment | 3,958 | 3,120 | 838 | 26.9 | |||||||||||
| Gain on extinguishment of debt | — | (10,000) | 10,000 | (100.0) | |||||||||||
| Loss on sale of bonds | — | 34,046 | (34,046) | (100.0) | |||||||||||
| Loss (gain) on sale of real estate | 2,453 | (103,202) | 105,655 | (102.4) | |||||||||||
| Impairment loss | 149,664 | 60,158 | 89,506 | 148.8 | |||||||||||
| Other (income) expense | (1,647) | 6 | (1,653) | (27,550.0) | |||||||||||
| Income tax provision | 1,641 | 6,796 | (5,155) | (75.9) | |||||||||||
| General and administrative | 79,451 | 74,958 | 4,493 | 6.0 | |||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 354,425 | 397,846 | (43,421) | (10.9) | |||||||||||
| NOI | $ | 388,003 | $ | 501,832 | $ | (113,829) | (22.7) | % | |||||||
| Same-store NOI | $ | 377,682 | $ | 438,947 | $ | (61,265) | (14.0) | % | |||||||
| Non-same-store NOI | 10,321 | 62,885 | (52,564) | (83.6) | |||||||||||
| NOI | $ | 388,003 | $ | 501,832 | $ | (113,829) | (22.7) | % |
The following table summarizes certain statistics of our consolidated same-store office and studio properties:
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | |||||
| Same-store office | ||||||
| Number of properties | 38 | 38 | ||||
| Rentable square feet | 11,257,195 | 11,257,195 | ||||
| Ending % leased | 77.0 | % | 79.9 | % | ||
| Ending % occupied | 76.5 | % | 78.9 | % | ||
| Average % occupied for the period | 76.9 | % | 82.9 | % | ||
| Average annual rental rate per square foot | $ | 58.31 | $ | 58.51 | ||
| Same-store studio | ||||||
| Number of properties | 3 | 3 | ||||
| Rentable square feet | 1,211,168 | 1,211,168 | ||||
| Average % leased over period(1) | 73.8 | % | 80.4 | % |
_____________
1.Percent leased for same-store studio is the average percent leased for the 12 months ended December 31, 2024.
50
The following table gives further detail on our consolidated NOI (in thousands):
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | |||||||||||||||||
| Same-store | Non-same-store | Total | Same-store | Non-same-store | Total | |||||||||||||
| REVENUES | ||||||||||||||||||
| Office | ||||||||||||||||||
| Rental revenues | $ | 608,289 | $ | 69,331 | $ | 677,620 | $ | 660,606 | $ | 136,489 | $ | 797,095 | ||||||
| Service and other revenues | 14,023 | 633 | 14,656 | 14,704 | 576 | 15,280 | ||||||||||||
| Total office revenues | 622,312 | 69,964 | 692,276 | 675,310 | 137,065 | 812,375 | ||||||||||||
| Studio | ||||||||||||||||||
| Rental revenues | 41,733 | 12,164 | 53,897 | 48,422 | 10,854 | 59,276 | ||||||||||||
| Service and other revenues | 28,440 | 67,469 | 95,909 | 21,981 | 58,665 | 80,646 | ||||||||||||
| Total studio revenues | 70,173 | 79,633 | 149,806 | 70,403 | 69,519 | 139,922 | ||||||||||||
| Total revenues | 692,485 | 149,597 | 842,082 | 745,713 | 206,584 | 952,297 | ||||||||||||
| OPERATING EXPENSES | ||||||||||||||||||
| Office operating expenses | 269,366 | 36,283 | 305,649 | 265,606 | 46,412 | 312,018 | ||||||||||||
| Studio operating expenses | 45,437 | 102,993 | 148,430 | 41,160 | 97,287 | 138,447 | ||||||||||||
| Total operating expenses | 314,803 | 139,276 | 454,079 | 306,766 | 143,699 | 450,465 | ||||||||||||
| Office NOI | 352,946 | 33,681 | 386,627 | 409,704 | 90,653 | 500,357 | ||||||||||||
| Studio NOI | 24,736 | (23,360) | 1,376 | 29,243 | (27,768) | 1,475 | ||||||||||||
| NOI | $ | 377,682 | $ | 10,321 | $ | 388,003 | $ | 438,947 | $ | 62,885 | $ | 501,832 |
51
The following table gives further detail on our change in consolidated NOI (in thousands, except percentage change):
| Year Ended December 31, 2024 as compared to the Year Ended December 31, 2023 | |||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Same-store | Non-same-store | Total | |||||||||||||||
| Dollar change | Percentage change | Dollar change | Percentage change | Dollar change | Percentage change | ||||||||||||
| REVENUES | |||||||||||||||||
| Office | |||||||||||||||||
| Rental revenues | $ | (52,317) | (7.9) | % | $ | (67,158) | (49.2) | % | $ | (119,475) | (15.0) | % | |||||
| Service and other revenues | (681) | (4.6) | 57 | 9.9 | (624) | (4.1) | |||||||||||
| Total office revenues | (52,998) | (7.8) | (67,101) | (49.0) | (120,099) | (14.8) | |||||||||||
| Studio | |||||||||||||||||
| Rental revenues | (6,689) | (13.8) | 1,310 | 12.1 | (5,379) | (9.1) | |||||||||||
| Service and other revenues | 6,459 | 29.4 | 8,804 | 15.0 | 15,263 | 18.9 | |||||||||||
| Total studio revenues | (230) | (.3) | 10,114 | 14.5 | 9,884 | 7.1 | |||||||||||
| Total revenues | (53,228) | (7.1) | (56,987) | (27.6) | (110,215) | (11.6) | |||||||||||
| OPERATING EXPENSES | |||||||||||||||||
| Office operating expenses | 3,760 | 1.4 | (10,129) | (21.8) | (6,369) | (2.0) | |||||||||||
| Studio operating expenses | 4,277 | 10.4 | 5,706 | 5.9 | 9,983 | 7.2 | |||||||||||
| Total operating expenses | 8,037 | 2.6 | (4,423) | (3.1) | 3,614 | 0.8 | |||||||||||
| Office NOI | (56,758) | (13.9) | (56,972) | (62.8) | (113,730) | (22.7) | |||||||||||
| Studio NOI | (4,507) | (15.4) | 4,408 | (15.9) | (99) | (6.7) | |||||||||||
| NOI | $ | (61,265) | (14.0) | % | $ | (52,564) | (83.6) | % | $ | (113,829) | (22.7) | % |
NOI decreased $113.8 million, or 22.7%, for the year ended December 31, 2024 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2023, primarily resulting from:
•a $61.3 million decrease in same-store NOI driven by:
•a decrease in office NOI of $56.8 million primarily due to:
•a $52.3 million decrease in rental revenues related to a decrease in the average occupancy in our same-store portfolio from 82.9% during the year ended December 31, 2023 to 76.9% during the year ended December 31, 2024, primarily driven by lease expirations at several properties in the San Francisco Bay Area during the last twelve months and a straight-line rent reserve related to transitioning a tenant to cash basis reporting; and
•a $3.8 million increase in operating expenses predominantly driven by a prior-period property tax reimbursement at our ICON property in 2023 and higher engineering, utility, insurance and tax expenses at several properties in 2024.
•a decrease in studio NOI of $4.5 million primarily due to:
•a $6.7 million decrease in rental revenues primarily driven by lower occupancy at our Sunset Las Palmas Studios property; and
•a $4.3 million increase in operating expenses driven by increased production activity at our Sunset Gower Studios property; partially offset by
•a $6.5 million increase in service and other revenues related to increased production activity at our Sunset Gower Studios property that was partially offset by decreased activity at our Sunset Las Palmas Studios property.
•a $52.6 million decrease in non-same-store NOI driven by:
•a decrease in office NOI of $57.0 million primarily due to the sales of our One Westside and Westside Two properties in December 2023 and our 604 Arizona and 3401 Exposition properties in August 2023, partially offset by an increase due to new leases commencing at our Metro Center property in 2024; partially offset by
•a $4.4 million increase in studio NOI mainly driven by increased activity at Quixote in 2024 following the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes.
52
Other Income (Expenses)
Loss from unconsolidated real estate entities
Loss from our unconsolidated real estate entities increased by $3.4 million, or 87.3%, to $7.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to $3.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. The change was primarily driven by higher interest expense at the unconsolidated entities in 2024 due to an increase in the average reference rates for variable rate debt and a mark-to-market adjustment for an interest rate swap that does not qualify for hedge accounting.
Fee income
Fee income decreased by $0.9 million, or 14.8%, to $5.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to $6.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. Fee income represents the management fee income earned from the unconsolidated real estate entities. The decrease is primarily due to a decrease in construction activity at our unconsolidated Sunset Waltham Cross development, partially offset by an increase in construction activity at our unconsolidated Pier 94 development.
Interest expense
Comparison of the year ended December 31, 2024 to the year ended December 31, 2023 is as follows (in thousands, except percentage change):
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | Dollar Change | Percentage Change | |||||||||||
| Gross interest expense(1) | $ | 210,022 | $ | 224,801 | $ | (14,779) | (6.6) | % | ||||||
| Capitalized interest | (40,367) | (32,253) | (8,114) | 25.2 | ||||||||||
| Non-cash interest expense(2) | 7,738 | 21,867 | (14,129) | (64.6) | ||||||||||
| TOTAL | $ | 177,393 | $ | 214,415 | $ | (37,022) | (17.3) | % |
_________________
1.Includes interest on the Company’s debt and hedging activities.
2.Includes the amortization of deferred financing costs and fair market value adjustments for our mark-to-market interest rate derivatives.
Gross interest expense decreased by $14.8 million, or 6.6%, to $210.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to $224.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. The decrease was primarily driven by a repayment of the One Westside and Westside Two construction loan in December 2023, the Quixote seller note in April 2023 and the Series E notes in September 2023, as well as a decrease in the average outstanding borrowings on the Company’s unsecured revolving credit facility. The decrease was partially offset by interest on the loan secured by Sunset Glenoaks Studios, which became a consolidated property as of April 1, 2024.
Capitalized interest increased by $8.1 million, or 25.2%, to $40.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to $32.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. The increase was primarily driven by capitalized interest for the Sunset Glenoaks Studios and Washington 1000 development projects.
Non-cash interest expense decreased by $14.1 million, or 64.6% to $7.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to $21.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. The decrease in non-cash interest expense was primarily due to the amortization of mark-to-market gains related to the interest rate cap on our Hollywood Media Portfolio loan during the year ended December 31, 2023. The cap expired in August 2023 and was accounted for under the mark-to-market approach until it was designated as a cash flow hedge in December 2022. Additionally, there was a decrease in deferred financing cost amortization due to the deferred financing costs related to the Hollywood Media Portfolio loan and the One Westside and Westside Two construction loan being fully amortized as of August 2023 and December 2023, respectively.
Transaction-related expenses
During the year ended December 31, 2024, we recorded $2.5 million of expense predominantly related to dead deal costs. During the year ended December 31, 2023, we recorded $1.2 million of income primarily related to the remeasurement of the Zio earnout liability to fair value.
Unrealized loss on non-real estate investments
We recognized an unrealized loss on non-real estate investments of $4.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to an unrealized loss on non-real estate investments of $3.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. The activity in both periods is due to the observable changes in the fair value of the investments.
53
Gain on extinguishment of debt
During the year ended December 31, 2023, we recognized a $10.0 million gain on extinguishment of debt due to the settlement of the Quixote note payable at a discount. No gain or loss on extinguishment of debt was recognized during the year ended December 31, 2024.
Loss on sale of bonds
During the year ended December 31, 2023, we recognized a loss on sale of bonds of $34.0 million in connection with the partial sale of the acquired Hollywood Media Portfolio debt. No gain or loss on sale of bonds was recognized during the year ended December 31, 2024.
Loss (gain) on sale of real estate
During the year ended December 31, 2024, we recognized a $2.5 million loss on sale of real estate attributable to the sale of our 3176 Porter property. During the year ended December 31, 2023, we recognized a $103.2 million gain on sale of real estate attributable to the sales of our Skyway Landing, 604 Arizona, 3401 Exposition, Cloud10, One Westside and Westside Two properties.
Impairment loss
During the year ended December 31, 2024, we recognized an impairment loss of $149.7 million related to the impairment of goodwill associated with the Quixote reporting unit as well as the impairment of certain office properties. The impairment of goodwill was driven by the slow recovery of Los Angeles film and TV production levels following the 2023 strikes of the Writers Guild of America and the Screen Actors Guild. The real estate impairment was attributable to a reduction in the estimated holding periods for certain office properties. During the year ended December 31, 2023, we recognized an impairment loss of $60.2 million due to a reduction in the estimated fair value of one office property.
Other (income) expense
During the year ended December 31, 2024, we recognized other income of $1.6 million compared to other expense of $6 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2023. The increase was primarily driven by the sale of a non-real estate investment during the year ended December 31, 2024.
Income tax provision
During the year ended December 31, 2024, we recorded an income tax provision of $1.6 million primarily related to a valuation allowance recorded against certain deferred tax assets and a change in Canadian tax legislation resulting in an increase in current tax expense. During the year ended December 31, 2023, we recorded an income tax provision of $6.8 million primarily related to a valuation allowance recorded against certain deferred tax assets.
General and administrative expenses
General and administrative expenses increased by $4.5 million, or 6.0%, to $79.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to $75.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. The increase was primarily driven by an increase in non-cash compensation expense and lower capitalization of expenses during the year ended December 31, 2024 due to less development activity as compared to the prior year. The increase was partially offset by lower travel and entertainment and payroll expenses during the year ended December 31, 2024.
Depreciation and amortization expense
Depreciation and amortization expense decreased by $43.4 million, or 10.9%, to $354.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to $397.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. The decrease was primarily related to the sale of our One Westside and Westside Two properties in December 2023, the non-recurring write-off of certain deferred leasing costs and tenant improvements in the third quarter of 2023 due to an early lease termination at our 1455 Market property and impairment charges recorded at several properties during the years ended December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, which decreased the depreciable basis of these properties.
Comparison of the year ended December 31, 2023 to the year ended December 31, 2022
Refer to Part II, Item 7 “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Results of Operations—Comparison of the year ended December 31, 2023 to the year ended December 31, 2022” of the Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023.
54
Liquidity and Capital Resources
We have remained capitalized since our initial public offering through public offerings, private placements, joint ventures and continuous offerings under our at-the-market (“ATM”) program. We currently expect that our principal sources of funds to meet our short-term and long-term liquidity requirements for working capital, strategic acquisitions, capital expenditures, tenant improvements, leasing costs, dividends and distributions, share repurchases and repayments of outstanding debt financing will include:
•cash on hand, cash reserves and net cash provided by operations;
•strategic dispositions of real estate;
•sales of non-real estate investments;
•proceeds from additional equity securities;
•our ATM program;
•borrowings under the operating partnership’s unsecured revolving credit facility;
•proceeds from joint venture partners;
•proceeds from the Sunset Glenoaks construction loan, Sunset Pier 94 Studios construction loan (unconsolidated joint venture) and Bentall Centre loan (unconsolidated joint venture); and
•proceeds from additional secured, unsecured debt financings or offerings.
Liquidity Sources
We had approximately $63.3 million of cash and cash equivalents at December 31, 2024. Our principal source of operating cash flow is related to leasing and operating the properties in our portfolio. Our properties provide a relatively consistent stream of cash flow that provides us with resources to pay operating expenses, debt service and fund quarterly dividend and distribution requirements.
During the year ended December 31, 2024 we completed the strategic disposition of 3176 Porter for gross proceeds of $24.8 million, before certain credits, prorations and closing costs.
Our ability to access the equity capital markets will be dependent on a number of factors as well, including general market conditions for REITs and market perceptions about us.
We have an ATM program that allows us to sell up to $125.0 million of common stock, $65.8 million of which has been sold through December 31, 2024. Any future sales will depend on several factors, including, but not limited to, market conditions, the trading price of our common stock and our capital needs. We have no obligation to sell the remaining shares available for sale under this program.
The following table sets forth our borrowing capacity under various loans as of December 31, 2024 (in thousands):
| Loan | Total Borrowing Capacity | Amount Drawn | Remaining Borrowing Capacity | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unsecured revolving credit facility(1) | $ | 775,000 | $ | 320,000 | $ | 455,000 | |||||
| Sunset Glenoaks construction loan(2) | $ | 50,300 | $ | 49,800 | $ | 500 | |||||
| Bentall Centre(2)(3)(4) | $ | 91,981 | $ | 90,110 | $ | 1,871 | |||||
| Sunset Pier 94 Studios construction loan(2)(3) | $ | 46,810 | $ | 7,610 | $ | 39,200 |
_____________
1.In January 2025, the Company amended its credit facility agreement to adjust certain definitions and covenant calculations beginning with the period ending December 31, 2024. The amendment also resulted in a decrease in the total capacity from $900.0 million to $775.0 million.
2.Amounts are presented at HPP’s share.
3.This loan is held by an unconsolidated joint venture.
4.The loan was transacted in Canadian dollars. Amounts are shown in U.S. dollars using the foreign currency exchange rate as of December 31, 2024.
Our ability to incur additional debt will be dependent on a number of factors, including our degree of leverage, the value of our unencumbered assets and borrowing restrictions that may be imposed by lenders. If we incur additional debt, the risks associated with our leverage, including our ability to service our debt, would increase.
55
The following table sets forth our ratio of debt to total market capitalization (counting series A preferred units as debt) as of December 31, 2024 (in thousands, except percentage):
| Market Capitalization | December 31, 2024 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Unsecured and secured debt(1) | $ | 4,187,667 | |
| Series A redeemable preferred units | 9,815 | ||
| Total consolidated debt | 4,197,482 | ||
| Equity capitalization(2) | 881,851 | ||
| TOTAL CONSOLIDATED MARKET CAPITALIZATION | $ | 5,079,333 | |
| Total consolidated debt/total consolidated market capitalization | 82.6 | % |
_____________
1.Excludes joint venture partner debt and unamortized deferred financing costs and loan discount.
2.Equity capitalization represents the shares of common stock outstanding (including unvested restricted shares), OP and LTIP units outstanding, restricted performance units and dilutive shares multiplied by the closing price of $3.03, as reported by the NYSE, on December 31, 2024 as well as the aggregate value of the Series C preferred stock liquidation preference as of December 31, 2024.
Outstanding Indebtedness
The following table sets forth information as of December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023 with respect to our outstanding indebtedness, excluding unamortized deferred financing costs and loan discounts (in thousands):
| December 31, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unsecured debt | $ | 2,435,000 | $ | 2,307,000 | |||
| Secured debt | $ | 1,752,667 | $ | 1,653,067 | |||
| Joint venture partner debt | $ | 66,136 | $ | 66,136 |
The operating partnership was in compliance with its financial covenants as of December 31, 2024.
Credit Ratings
The following table provides information with respect to our credit ratings at December 31, 2024:
| Agency | Credit Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Moody’s | B2 | |
| Standard and Poor’s | BB- | |
| Fitch | BB- |
Liquidity Uses
Contractual Obligations
The following table provides information with respect to our commitments at December 31, 2024, including any guaranteed or minimum commitments under contractual obligations (in thousands):
| Payments Due by Period | |||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Contractual Obligation | Total | Less than 1 Year | 1-3 Years | 3-5 Years | More than 5 Years | ||||||||||||||
| Principal payments on unsecured and secured debt(1) | $ | 4,187,667 | $ | 741,300 | $ | 2,095,367 | $ | 951,000 | $ | 400,000 | |||||||||
| Principal payments on joint venture partner debt(1) | 66,136 | — | — | — | 66,136 | ||||||||||||||
| Interest payments—fixed rate(1)(2)(3) | 375,416 | 128,974 | 171,251 | 66,433 | 8,758 | ||||||||||||||
| Interest payments—variable rate(1)(2)(4) | 128,620 | 76,775 | 51,845 | — | — | ||||||||||||||
| Operating leases(5) | 712,548 | 42,072 | 83,175 | 78,888 | 508,413 | ||||||||||||||
| TOTAL | $ | 5,470,387 | $ | 989,121 | $ | 2,401,638 | $ | 1,096,321 | $ | 983,307 |
_____________
1.Reflects our projected principal and interest obligations for payments of debt based on maturity dates including the effect of extension options. Certain extension options are available only permitting certain financial covenants are met, whereas other extension options are at the sole discretion of the Company. Refer to Part IV, Item 15(a) “Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules—Note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements—Debt” for details.
2.Interest rates with respect to indebtedness are calculated on the basis of a 360-day year for the actual days elapsed.
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3.Reflects our projected interest obligations for fixed rate debts, including those that are effectively fixed as a result of derivatives. Also includes $11.2 million of projected interest related to our joint venture partner debt and debt that is effectively fixed through the use of interest rate swaps.
4.Reflects our projected interest obligations for variable rate debts, including instances where interest is paid based on an applicable SOFR margin. We used the average December SOFR and the applicable margin as of December 31, 2024.
5.Reflects minimum lease payments through the contractual lease expiration date, including the impact of the extension options which the Company is reasonably certain to exercise. Refer to Part IV, Item 15(a) “Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules—Note 13 to the Consolidated Financial Statements—Future Minimum Base Rents and Lease Payments” for details of our lease agreements.
The Company has entered into a number of construction agreements related to capital improvement activities at various properties. As of December 31, 2024, the Company had $98.6 million in outstanding obligations under the agreements, of which $94.5 million is expected to be incurred within one year from December 31, 2024.
The Company invests in several non-real estate funds with an aggregate commitment to contribute up $51.0 million. As of December 31, 2024, the Company has contributed $41.1 million, net of recallable distributions, with $9.9 million remaining to be contributed.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
Joint Venture Indebtedness
We have investments in unconsolidated real estate entities accounted for using the equity method of accounting. The following table provides information about joint venture indebtedness as of December 31, 2024 (in thousands):
| Ownership Interest | Amount Drawn | Undrawn Capacity | Total Capacity | Interest Rate | Contractual Maturity Date | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bentall Centre(1) | 20 | % | $ | 450,551 | $ | 9,355 | $ | 459,906 | CORRA + 2.30% | 7/1/2027 | ||||||||
| Sunset Pier 94 Studios(2) | 26 | % | 29,783 | 153,417 | 183,200 | SOFR + 4.75% | 9/9/2028 |
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(1)The loan was transacted in Canadian dollars. Amounts are shown in U.S. dollars using the foreign currency exchange rate as of December 31, 2024. This loan is interest-only through its term.
(2)This loan has an initial interest rate of SOFR + 4.75% per annum until stabilization of the project, at which time the effective interest rate will decrease to SOFR + 4.00%. This loan is interest-only through its term. The maturity date includes the effect of extension options.
Cash Flows
Comparison of the cash flow activity for the year ended December 31, 2024 to the year ended December 31, 2023 is as follows (in thousands, except percentage change):
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | Dollar Change | Percentage Change | |||||||||||
| Net cash provided by operating activities | $ | 164,657 | $ | 232,256 | $ | (67,599) | (29.1) | % | ||||||
| Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities | $ | (250,539) | $ | 467,841 | $ | (718,380) | (153.6) | % | ||||||
| Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities | $ | 65,903 | $ | (866,672) | $ | 932,575 | (107.6) | % |
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash were $99.2 million and $119.2 million at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
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Operating Activities
Net cash provided by operating activities decreased by $67.6 million, or 29.1%, to $164.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 as compared to $232.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. The decrease primarily resulted from the property dispositions throughout 2023 and a significant tenant move-out at our 1455 Market property in the third quarter of 2023, as well as an overall decrease in occupancy across our portfolio in 2024, as compared to the prior year. The decrease was partially offset by a decrease in cash paid for interest during 2024 as compared to the prior year, mainly due to debt repayments in 2023 and a decrease in the average outstanding borrowings on the Company’s unsecured revolving credit facility. Refer to Part IV, Item 15(a) “Financial Statement Schedules—Note 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements—Investment in Real Estate” for detail on the dispositions.
Investing Activities
Net cash used in investing activities increased by $718.4 million, or 153.6%, to $250.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 as compared to $467.8 million of cash provided by investing activities for the year ended December 31, 2023. The change primarily resulted from a $821.6 million decrease in proceeds from the sales of real estate, partially offset by a $99.4 million decrease in additions to investment property during the year ended December 31, 2024 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2023.
Financing Activities
Net cash provided by financing activities increased by $932.6 million, or 107.6%, to $65.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 as compared to $866.7 million of cash used in financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2023. The change resulted primarily a $1.2 billion decrease in payments of unsecured and secured debt, partially offset by a $201.6 million decrease in borrowings during the year ended December 31, 2024 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2023, as well as $145.5 million proceeds from the sale of bonds in 2023 that did not recur in 2024. Additionally, the increase was driven by a $78.5 million decrease in distributions to redeemable non-controlling members in consolidated real estate entities, predominantly driven by the One Westside and Westside Two property sale in 2023, a $39.6 million decrease in dividends paid to common stock and unitholders driven by the reduction and eventual suspension of the common stock dividend and a $29.8 million decrease in distributions to non-controlling members in consolidated real estate entities during the year ended December 31, 2024 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2023, partially offset by the $41.0 million purchase of the non-controlling interest in our 1455 Market property in 2024.
Non-GAAP Supplemental Financial Measures
We calculate FFO in accordance with the White Paper issued in December 2018 on FFO approved by the Board of Governors of NAREIT. The White Paper defines FFO as net income or loss calculated in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”), excluding gains and losses from sales of depreciable real estate and impairment write-downs associated with depreciable real estate, plus real estate-related depreciation and amortization (excluding amortization of deferred financing costs and depreciation of non-real estate assets) and after adjustment for unconsolidated partnerships and joint ventures. The calculation of FFO includes the amortization of deferred revenue related to tenant-funded tenant improvements and excludes the depreciation of the related tenant improvement assets. In the December 2018 White Paper, NAREIT provided an option to include value changes in mark-to-market equity securities in the calculation of FFO. We elected this option retroactively during fourth quarter of 2018.
We believe that FFO is a useful supplemental measure of our operating performance. The exclusion from FFO of gains and losses from the sale of operating real estate assets allows investors and analysts to readily identify the operating results of the assets that form the core of our activity and assists in comparing those operating results between periods. Also, because FFO is generally recognized as the industry standard for reporting the operations of REITs, it facilitates comparisons of operating performance to other REITs. However, other REITs may use different methodologies to calculate FFO, and accordingly, our FFO may not be comparable to all other REITs.
Implicit in historical cost accounting for real estate assets in accordance with GAAP is the assumption that the value of real estate assets diminishes predictably over time. Since real estate values have historically risen or fallen with market conditions, many industry investors and analysts have considered presentations of operating results for real estate companies using historical cost accounting alone to be insufficient. Because FFO excludes depreciation and amortization of real estate assets, we believe that FFO along with the required GAAP presentations provides a more complete measurement of our performance relative to our competitors and a more appropriate basis on which to make decisions involving operating, financing and investing activities than the required GAAP presentations alone would provide. We use FFO per share to calculate annual cash bonuses for certain employees.
However, FFO should not be viewed as an alternative measure of our operating performance because it does not reflect either depreciation and amortization costs or the level of capital expenditures and leasing costs necessary to maintain the operating performance of our properties, which are significant economic costs and could materially impact our results from operations.
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The following table presents a reconciliation of net loss to FFO (in thousands):
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | |||||
| Net loss | $ | (381,406) | $ | (170,700) | ||
| Adjustments: | ||||||
| Depreciation and amortization—consolidated | 354,425 | 397,846 | ||||
| Depreciation and amortization—non-real estate assets | (34,716) | (33,389) | ||||
| Depreciation and amortization—HPP’s share from unconsolidated real estate entities | 5,630 | 4,779 | ||||
| Loss (gain) on sale of real estate | 2,453 | (103,202) | ||||
| Loss on sale of bonds | — | 34,046 | ||||
| Impairment loss—real estate assets | 42,049 | 60,158 | ||||
| Unrealized loss on non-real estate investments | 3,958 | 3,120 | ||||
| FFO attributable to non-controlling interests | (12,789) | (42,335) | ||||
| FFO attributable to preferred shares and units | (20,800) | (20,800) | ||||
| FFO TO COMMON STOCKHOLDERS AND UNITHOLDERS | $ | (41,196) | $ | 129,523 |