Primaris REIT Announces Strong Q4/23 and Full Year 2023 Results

TORONTO--()--Primaris Real Estate Investment Trust (“Primaris” or “the Trust”) (TSX: PMZ.UN) announced today financial and operating results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2023.

Quarterly Financial and Operating Results Highlights

  • $113.8 million total rental revenue;
  • +5.7% Same Properties Cash Net Operating Income** ("Cash NOI**") growth;
  • 94.2% committed occupancy, 92.4% in-place occupancy, and 89.0% long-term occupancy;
  • +1.5% weighted average spread on renewing rents across 391,000 square feet;
  • +3.8% Fund from Operations** ("FFO**") per average diluted unit growth to $0.402;
  • $3.9 billion total assets;
  • 52.1% FFO Payout Ratio**;
  • 5.6x Average Net Debt** to Adjusted EBITDA**;
  • 38.3% Total Debt** to Total Assets**;
  • $654.3 million in liquidity;
  • $3.4 billion in unencumbered assets; and
  • $21.54 Net Asset Value** ("NAV**") per unit outstanding.

Annual Financial and Operating Results Highlights

  • +5.4% Same Properties Cash NOI** growth;
  • +4.6% weighted average spread on renewing rents across 1,353,000 square feet;
  • $672 same stores sales productivity;
  • +0.5% FFO** per average diluted unit growth to $1.588; and
  • 52.1% FFO Payout Ratio**.

Business Update Highlights

  • Completed the acquisition of the Halifax Shopping Complex in Halifax, Nova Scotia adding 1.16 million square feet to GLA;
  • Increased commitment on the unsecured syndicated revolving credit facility from $400 million to $600 million and extended the term one year;
  • Issued $400 million aggregate principal amount of senior unsecured debentures;
  • Total NCIB activity since inception of 8,425,800 Trust Units repurchased at an average price of $13.82, or a discount to NAV** per unit of approximately 35.8%; and
  • Published inaugural Annual ESG Report.

"Our business is performing very well with significant runway for internal growth over the next few years. As the largest owner operator of enclosed shopping centres in Canada, we enjoy several competitive advantages as we partner with retailers on multiple location leasing deals, building deeper and more collaborative relations," said Patrick Sullivan, President and Chief Operating Officer. "The macro environment for malls, including declining supply of retail GLA, population growth, rising tenant sales and increasing tenant demand for space, creates the significant opportunity to drive rent growth and higher occupancy to quality tenants with the ability to pay increasing rents over time, driving NOI growth."

Chief Financial Officer, Rags Davloor added, “We continued to focus on our unsecured debt program with a $400 million unsecured debenture offering completed in late November, providing permanent financing for the Halifax acquisition. Then in December, we upsized our unsecured revolving credit facility to $600 million, ensuring excellent liquidity and financial capacity for opportunities we see in the market."

"Our differentiated financial model has allowed us to deliver positive FFO per unit growth despite absorbing approximately $0.12 per unit of higher interest expense, while also executing on our corporate strategy, materially enhancing value for our Unitholders," said Alex Avery, Chief Executive Officer. "We completed the acquisition of two exceptional properties in 2023, both perfectly illustrative of the type of acquisitions Primaris is focused on, being market leading malls in medium-sized, high growth Canadian markets. Demonstrating disciplined capital allocation is a cornerstone of our strategy and how we make decisions, with the measurement of success being per unit growth in value and cash flow."

2024 Financial Outlook

Disciplined capital allocation is a key pillar to Primaris' strategy. To this end, Primaris reiterates its established targets for managing the Trust's financial condition.

 

Targets

Average Net Debt** to Adjusted EBITDA**1

4.0x – 6.0x

FFO Payout Ratio**

45% - 50%

Secured debt to Total Debt**

<40%

** Denotes a non-GAAP measure. See Section 1, "Basis of Presentation" – "Use of Non-GAAP Measures” and Section 12, "Non-GAAP Measures" in the Management's Discussion and Analysis ("MD&A").

1 The debt ratios are non-GAAP ratios calculated on the basis described in the trust indenture and supplemental indentures that govern the Trust's senior unsecured debentures (the "Trust Indentures"). See Section 10.4, "Capital Structure" in the MD&A.

Guidance: In the MD&A for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2023, Primaris provided guidance for the full year of 2024. This previously published guidance has been reproduced again and has not changed.

(unaudited)

 

2024 Guidance

 

Additional Notes

 

MD&A Section Reference

Occupancy

 

Increase of 0.8% to 1.0%

 

 

 

Section 8.1, "Occupancy"

Contractual rent steps in rental revenue

 

$3.0 to $3.2 million

 

1.25% to 1.50% of 2023 base rent

 

Section 9.1, "Components of Net Income (Loss)"

Straight-line rent in rental revenue

 

$3.3 to $3.6 million

 

 

 

Section 9.1, "Components of Net Income (Loss)"

Same Properties Cash NOI** Growth

 

3.0% to 4.0%

 

Same Properties total 34, excludes Northland Village (under redevelopment) and Conestoga Mall

 

Section 9.1, "Components of Net Income (Loss)"

Cash NOI**

 

$263 - $268 million

 

 

 

Section 9.1, "Components of Net Income (Loss)"

General and administrative expenses

 

$30 to $32 million

 

 

 

Section 9.1, "Components of Net Income (Loss)"

Operating capital expenditures

 

Recoverable Capital $16 to $18 million

Leasing Capital $28 to $30 million

 

 

 

Section 8.7, "Operating Capital Expenditures "

Redevelopment capital expenditures

 

$30 to $40 million

 

Primarily attributable to Northland Village and Devonshire Mall

 

Section 7.4, "Redevelopment and Development"

FFO** per unit1

 

$1.60 to $1.63 per unit fully diluted

 

 

 

Section 9.2, "FFO** and AFFO**"

** Denotes a non-GAAP measure. See Section 1, "Basis of Presentation" – "Use of Non-GAAP Measures” and Section 12, "Non-GAAP Measures" in the MD&A.

1 Units outstanding and weighted average units outstanding assumes the exchange of Convertible Preferred LP Units for Trust Units. See Section 10.6, "Unit Equity and Distributions".

Readers are cautioned that there is a significant risk that actual results for the year ending December 31, 2024 will vary from the financial outlook statements provided in this MD&A and that such variations may be material. See Section 2, "Forward-Looking Statements and Future-Oriented Financial Information" in the MD&A for further cautions on material factors, assumptions, risks and uncertainties that could impact the financial outlook statements.

Select Financial and Operational Metrics

As at or for the three months ended December 31,

(in thousands of Canadian dollars unless otherwise indicated)
(unaudited)

2023

 

2022

 

Change

 

 

 

 

 

 

Number of investment properties

 

39

 

 

 

35

 

 

 

4

 

Gross leasable area (in millions of square feet)

 

12.5

 

 

 

10.9

 

 

 

1.6

 

In-place occupancy

 

92.4

%

 

 

91.1

%

 

 

1.3

%

Committed occupancy

 

94.2

%

 

 

91.5

%

 

 

2.7

%

Weighted average net rent per occupied square foot1

$

25.14

 

 

$

24.23

 

 

$

0.91

 

Same stores sales productivity1

$

672

 

 

$

589

 

 

$

83

 

Total assets

$

3,899,634

 

 

$

3,201,781

 

 

$

697,853

 

Total liabilities

$

1,795,707

 

 

$

1,114,152

 

 

$

681,555

 

Total rental revenue

$

113,810

 

 

$

99,804

 

 

$

14,006

 

Cash flow from (used in) operating activities

$

42,144

 

 

$

36,928

 

 

$

5,216

 

Distributions per Trust Unit

$

0.207

 

 

$

0.202

 

 

$

0.005

 

Cash Net Operating Income** ("Cash NOI")

$

63,509

 

 

$

53,593

 

 

$

9,916

 

Same Properties Cash NOI** growth

 

5.7

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

$

13,853

 

 

$

(25,770

)

 

$

39,623

 

Net income (loss) per unit2

$

0.131

 

 

$

(0.264

)

 

$

0.395

 

Funds from Operations** ("FFO") per unit2 - average diluted

$

0.402

 

 

$

0.387

 

 

$

0.015

 

FFO Payout Ratio**

 

52.1

%

 

 

52.1

%

 

 

%

Adjusted Funds from Operations** ("AFFO") per unit2 - average diluted

$

0.249

 

 

$

0.271

 

 

$

(0.022

)

AFFO Payout Ratio**

 

84.0

%

 

 

74.5

%

 

 

9.5

%

Weighted average units outstanding2 - diluted (in thousands)

 

102,659

 

 

 

98,945

 

 

 

3,714

 

Net Asset Value** ("NAV") per unit outstanding

$

21.54

 

 

$

21.49

 

 

$

0.05

 

Total Debt** to Total Assets**3

 

38.3

%

 

 

31.5

%

 

 

6.8

%

Average Net Debt** to Adjusted EBITDA**3

5.6x

 

5.0x

 

0.6x

Interest Coverage**3

3.6x

 

5.3x

 

(1.7x)

Liquidity

$

654,323

 

 

$

176,954

 

 

$

477,369

 

Unencumbered Assets

$

3,362,901

 

 

$

2,863,844

 

 

$

499,057

 

Unencumbered assets to unsecured debt

2.8x

 

3.6x

 

(0.8x)

Secured debt to Total Debt**

 

19.7

%

 

 

21.4

%

 

 

(1.7

)%

Fixed rate debt as a percent of Total Debt**

 

100.0

%

 

 

75.8

%

 

 

24.2

%

Weighted average term to debt maturity of Total Debt** (in years)

 

3.6

 

 

 

3.2

 

 

 

0.4

 

Weighted average interest rate of Total Debt**

 

5.11

%

 

 

4.87

%

 

 

0.24

%

** Denotes a non-GAAP measure. See Section 1, "Basis of Presentation" – "Use of Non-GAAP Measures” and Section 12, "Non-GAAP Measures" in the MD&A.

1 Supplementary financial measure, see Section 1, "Basis of Presentation" - "Use of Operating Metrics" in the MD&A.

2 Weighted average units outstanding and distributions per unit assumes the exchange of Convertible Preferred LP Units to Trust Units. See Section 10.6, "Unit Equity and Distributions" in the MD&A.

3 The debt ratios are non-GAAP ratios calculated on the basis described in the indentures for the Series A, Series B and Series C debentures (the "Trust Indentures"). See Section 10.4, "Capital Structure" in the MD&A.

Operating Results

Same Properties Cash NOI** for the three month ended December 31, 2023 was $3.0 million, or 5.7%, higher than the same period of the prior year. Cash NOI** from Same Properties shopping centres increased $2.7 million, or 5.5%, over the same period of the prior year. The increase in Cash NOI** from the shopping centres' operations was primarily driven by higher revenues from base rent, percentage rent, and net operating cost recoveries, partially offset by a decline in percentage rent in lieu of base rent. Completed redevelopment projects contributed $0.5 million incremental base rent to the shopping centres (see Section 7.4, "Redevelopment and Development" of the MD&A).

The below table compares the composition of FFO** and AFFO** and calculates the drivers of the changes for the three months ended December 31, 2023 as compared to the same period in 2022.

For the three months ended

December 31,

 

($ thousands except per unit amounts) (unaudited)

2023

 

2022

 

Change

Contribution

 

per unit1

 

Contribution

 

per unit1

 

Contribution

 

per unit1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NOI** from:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Same Properties2

$

56,784

 

 

$

0.553

 

 

$

53,934

 

 

$

0.545

 

 

$

2,850

 

 

$

0.029

 

Acquisition

 

7,052

 

 

 

0.069

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7,052

 

 

 

0.071

 

Property under redevelopment

 

1,576

 

 

 

0.015

 

 

 

1,124

 

 

 

0.011

 

 

 

452

 

 

 

0.005

 

Interest and other income

 

2,263

 

 

 

0.022

 

 

 

1,002

 

 

 

0.010

 

 

 

1,261

 

 

 

0.013

 

Net interest and other financing charges (excluding distributions on Convertible Preferred LP Units)

 

(17,687

)

 

 

(0.172

)

 

 

(10,518

)

 

 

(0.106

)

 

 

(7,169

)

 

 

(0.072

)

General and administrative expenses (net of internal expenses for leases)

 

(6,240

)

 

 

(0.061

)

 

 

(6,859

)

 

 

(0.069

)

 

 

619

 

 

 

0.006

 

Impairment of long term asset

 

(2,115

)

 

 

(0.020

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(2,115

)

 

 

(0.021

)

Amortization

 

(398

)

 

 

(0.004

)

 

 

(375

)

 

 

(0.004

)

 

 

(23

)

 

 

 

Impact from variance of units outstanding

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(0.015

)

FFO** and FFO** per unit - average diluted

$

41,235

 

 

$

0.402

 

 

$

38,308

 

 

$

0.387

 

 

$

2,927

 

 

$

0.015

 

FFO*

$

41,235

 

 

$

0.402

 

 

$

38,308

 

 

$

0.387

 

 

$

2,927

 

 

$

0.030

 

Internal expenses for leases

 

(2,331

)

 

 

(0.023

)

 

 

(1,606

)

 

 

(0.016

)

 

 

(725

)

 

 

(0.007

)

Straight-line rent

 

(1,509

)

 

 

(0.015

)

 

 

(639

)

 

 

(0.006

)

 

 

(870

)

 

 

(0.009

)

Recoverable and non-recoverable costs

 

(6,984

)

 

 

(0.068

)

 

 

(5,934

)

 

 

(0.060

)

 

 

(1,050

)

 

 

(0.011

)

Tenant allowances and leasing costs

 

(4,832

)

 

 

(0.047

)

 

 

(3,347

)

 

 

(0.034

)

 

 

(1,485

)

 

 

(0.015

)

Impact from variance of units outstanding

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(0.010

)

AFFO** and AFFO** per unit - average diluted

$

25,579

 

 

$

0.249

 

 

$

26,782

 

 

$

0.271

 

 

$

(1,203

)

 

$

(0.022

)

** Denotes a non-GAAP measure. See Section 1, "Basis of Presentation" – "Use of Non-GAAP Measures” and Section 12, "Non-GAAP Measures" in the MD&A.

1 Per weighted average diluted unit. Weighted average units outstanding assumes the exchange of Convertible Preferred LP Units for Trust Units. See Section 10.6, "Unit Equity and Distributions" of the MD&A.

2 Properties owned throughout the entire 24 months ended December 31, 2023, excluding properties under development or major redevelopment, are referred to as "Same Properties".

FFO** for the three months ended December 31, 2023 was $0.015 per unit higher, or +3.8%, than the same period of the prior year. NOI** from Same Properties increased $0.029 per unit and NOI** from Acquisitions increased $0.071 per unit. These increases were partially offset by the $0.072 per unit decrease due to higher net interest and other financing charges and a $0.015 per unit decrease due to the net change in the units outstanding (unit issuance for the Acquisitions partially offset by NCIB activity).

The fourth quarter of 2023 included an expense of $0.021 per unit as a result of subletting a portion of Primaris' excess head office space and an expense of $0.009 per unit as a result of amending and restating the unsecured revolving credit facility (see Section 9.1, "Components of Net Income (Loss)"). Excluding these expenses, FFO** per unit would have been $0.431 and the FFO Payout Ratio** for the quarter would have been 48.5%, within Primaris' established target.

Occupancy and Leasing Results

Primaris’ leasing activities are focused on driving value by actively managing the tenant and merchandising mix at its investment properties. Due to seasonality, fourth quarter occupancy is typically higher as retailers benefit from holiday shopping. Portfolio in-place occupancy at December 31, 2023 increased 1.3% from December 31, 2022.

As at

 

Committed occupancy

In-place occupancy

Count

December 31, 2023

December 31, 2023

December 31, 2022

 

 

 

 

 

Shopping centres1

22

93.7

%

92.6

%

90.9

%

Acquisition2

4

96.2

%

90.1

%

 

Other properties3

13

95.0

%

95.6

%

92.7

%

Portfolio occupancy

39

94.2

%

92.4

%

91.1

%

1 Shopping centres include 21 enclosed malls and 1 open air centre, Highstreet Shopping Centre in Abbotsford, BC.

2 Acquisitions includes 2 enclosed malls and 2 other properties (see Section 7.3, "Acquisitions" in the MD&A).

3 Other properties include 9 plazas, 3 office buildings and 1 industrial building. Other properties above includes the property under redevelopment.

Impact of remeasurements: During the year, GLA was impacted by remeasurements including a reduction of 185,000 square feet in anticipation of the demolition of the former Sears space at Devonshire Mall in Windsor, Ontario. Portfolio occupancy, excluding the impact of GLA remeasurements, would have been 91.0% and occupancy for Same Properties shopping centres would have been 90.7%. Portfolio committed occupancy, excluding the impact of GLA remeasurements, would have been 92.8%.

Impact of short -term leases: Primaris includes short-term and percentage rent in lieu leases in the calculation of occupied GLA.

 

 

December 31, 2023

December 31, 2022

 

 

 

 

In-place occupancy

 

92.4

%

91.1

%

Short-term leases1

 

3.4

%

3.5

%

Long-term occupancy

 

89.0

%

87.6

%

1 Leases with an original term of less than one year.

In the quarter, Primaris completed 178 leasing deals totaling 0.5 million square feet. Overall renewal rents were up 1.5% comprised of commercial retail unit ("CRU") renewals of 1.5%, and large format renewals of 0.7%.

Included in the leasing activity for the quarter were 39 new leases that were for a lease term of less than one year, or for percentage rent in lieu of base rent. While these lease structures have always been a tool to manage tenant relocations and the timing of development plans, during the pandemic, leases structured as percentage rent in lieu of base rent were more prevalent to assist tenants and to maintain occupancy rates. As these leases mature, management anticipates moving tenants back to traditional lease structures. At December 31, 2023, percentage rent in lieu of base rent leases were in place for 0.6 million square feet of GLA, or 4.8% as a percentage of in-place leases with an average remaining lease term of 2.1 years.

Percentage Rent in Lieu of Base Rent Leases

As at

Number of Leases

Portion of Leases by Count1

December 31, 20232

122

4.8

%

December 31, 2022

169

7.7

%

March 31, 2022

184

8.5

%

1 Lease count excludes short term leases.

2 Includes 6 leases from the Halifax Shopping Complex acquisition and 10 leases from the Conestoga Mall acquisition.

Robust Liquidity and Differentiated Financial Model

Primaris’ differentiated financial model is core to its overall strategy, providing a best-in-class capital structure upon which to build the business, providing on-going financial stability and strength. The following table summarizes key metrics relating to Primaris' unencumbered assets and unsecured debt.

($ thousands) (unaudited)

As at

Target Ratio

December 31, 2023

 

December 31, 2022

 

Change

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unencumbered assets - number

 

 

33

 

 

30

 

 

3

Unencumbered assets - value

 

$

3,362,901

 

$

2,863,844

 

$

499,057

Unencumbered assets as a percentage of the investment properties

 

 

88.8 %

 

 

91.8 %

 

 

(3.0) %

Secured debt to Total Debt**

<40%

 

19.7 %

 

 

21.4 %

 

 

(1.7) %

Unsecured Debt

 

$

1,200,000

 

$

794,000

 

$

406,000

Unencumbered assets to unsecured debt

 

2.8x

 

3.6x

 

(0.8)x

Unencumbered assets in excess of unsecured debt

 

$

2,162,901

 

$

2,069,844

 

$

93,057

Percent of Cash NOI** generated by unencumbered assets

 

 

85.4 %

 

 

90.2 %

 

 

(4.8) %

** Denotes a non-GAAP measure. See Section 1, "Basis of Presentation" – "Use of Non-GAAP Measures” and Section 12, "Non-GAAP Measures" in the MD&A.

On December 22, 2023, Primaris amended and restated its unsecured syndicated revolving term facility increasing the commitment to $600 million (from $400 million) and extending the maturity date by one year to January 4, 2027.

On November 22, 2023, Primaris issued $300 million aggregate principal amount of Series D senior unsecured debentures due June 30, 2029 with interest at a fixed annual rate of 6.374% and $100 million aggregate principal amount reopening of the Series A senior unsecured debentures at a price equal to $952.30 per thousand principal amount with an effective yield to maturity of 6.325%.

Liquidity at quarter end was $654.3 million, or 43.8% of Total Debt**.

Primaris' NAV** per unit outstanding at quarter end was $21.54.

Subsequent Events

Subsequent to December 31, 2023, Primaris purchased additional 131,000 Trust Units under the ASPP for consideration of $1.8 million as of February 14, 2024.

Subsequent to December 31, 2023, Primaris repaid the mortgage on Cataraqui Town Centre in Kingston, Ontario that matured in January 2024, with the intention to place new debt on the property.

Conference Call and Webcast

Date: Thursday, February 15, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. (ET)

Webcast link: Please go to the Investor Relations section on Primaris’ website or click here.

Conference call details:

Dial:

1-833-470-1428

Passcode:

547025

The call will be accessible for replay until February 29, 2024, by dialing 1-866-813-9403 with access code 841929, or on the Investor Relations section of the website.

About Primaris Real Estate Investment Trust

Primaris is Canada’s only enclosed shopping centre focused REIT, with ownership interests primarily in leading enclosed shopping centres located in growing mid-sized markets. The current portfolio totals 12.5 million square feet valued at approximately $3.8 billion at Primaris’ share. Economies of scale are achieved through its fully internal, vertically integrated, full-service national management platform. Primaris is very well-capitalized and is exceptionally well positioned to take advantage of market opportunities at an extraordinary moment in the evolution of the Canadian retail property landscape.

Forward-Looking Statements and Future Oriented Financial Information Disclaimer

Certain statements included in this news release constitute ‘‘forward-looking information’’ or “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of applicable securities laws. The words “will”, “expects”, “plans”, "estimates", “intends” and similar expressions are often intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Specific forward-looking statements made or implied in this news release include but are not limited to statements regarding: growth opportunities, estimated growth of Same Properties Cash NOI**, expected future distributions, the Trust’s development activities, expected benefits from the Trust's normal course issuer bid activity, occupancy improvement, increasing rental rates, future acquisitions, reinvestment in select shopping centres, internal NOI** growth opportunity, refinancing risk, the Trust’s targets for managing its financial condition, the recovery of tenant sales, and the movement of tenants back to traditional lease structures. Forward-looking statements are provided for the purpose of presenting information about management’s current expectations and plans relating to the future and readers are cautioned that such statements may not be appropriate for other purposes. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and are based on estimates and assumptions that are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties, Primaris cautions that although it is believed that the assumptions are reasonable in the circumstances, actual results, performance or achievements of Primaris may differ materially from the expectations set out in the forward-looking statements. Material risk factors and assumptions include those set out in the MD&A which will be available on SEDAR, and in Primaris’ other materials filed with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities from time to time. Given these risks, undue reliance should not be placed on these forward-looking statements, which apply only as of their dates. Other than as specifically required by law, Primaris undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect new information, subsequent or otherwise.

Readers are cautioned that there is a significant risk that actual results for the year ending December 31, 2024 will vary from the financial outlook statements provided in this news release and MD&A and that such variations may be material.

Certain forward-looking information included in this news release may also be considered “future-oriented financial information” or “financial outlook” for purposes of applicable securities laws (collectively, “FOFI”). FOFI about the Trust’s prospective results of operations including, without limitation, anticipated FFO** per unit, anticipated NOI** growth, impact on rental revenue of contractual rent-steps, anticipated general and administrative expense levels, and anticipated capital spending, is subject to the same assumptions, risk factors, limitations and qualifications set out in the MD&A which will be available on SEDAR, and in Primaris’ other materials filed with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities from time to time. The Trust and management believe that such FOFI have been prepared on a reasonable basis, reflecting management’s best estimates and judgments. However, because this information is subjective and subject to numerous risks, it should not be relied on as necessarily indicative of future results. FOFI contained in this news release was made as of the date of this news release and was provided for the purpose of providing further information about the Trust’s prospective results of operations. Readers are cautioned that the FOFI contained herein should not be used for purposes other than for which it is disclosed herein.

Readers are also urged to examine the Trust’s materials filed with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities from time to time as they may contain discussions on risks and uncertainties which could cause the actual results and performance of Primaris to differ materially from the forward-looking statements contained in this news release. All forward-looking statements in this news release are qualified by these cautionary statements. These forward-looking statements are made as of February 14, 2024 and Primaris, except as required by applicable securities laws, assumes no obligation to update or revise them to reflect new information or the occurrence of future events or circumstances.

Non-GAAP Measures

Information in this news release is a select summary of results. This news release should be read in conjunction with the Trust’s MD&A and the Trust's unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes (together the “Financial Statements”) for the three months and years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022.

The Financial Statements are prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”). However, Primaris also uses a number of measures which do not have a standardized meaning prescribed under generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) in accordance with IFRS. These non-GAAP measures, which are denoted in this news release by the suffix “**” include non-GAAP financial measures and non-GAAP ratios, each as defined in National Instrument 52-112, Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures Disclosure ("NI 52-112"). None of these non-GAAP measures should be construed as an alternative to financial measures calculated in accordance with GAAP. Furthermore, these non-GAAP measures may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other real estate entities and should not be construed as an alternative to financial measures determined in accordance with IFRS. A definition of each non-GAAP measure used herein and an explanation of management's reasons as to why it believes the measure is useful to investors can be found in the section entitled “Non-GAAP Measures” in the MD&A, which section is incorporated by reference into this news release, and a reconciliation to the most directly comparable financial measure in the Financial Statements, in each case, can be found below. The MD&A is available on the Trust’s profile on SEDAR at www.sedarplus.ca.

Use of Operating Metrics

Primaris uses certain operating metrics to monitor and measure the operational performance of its portfolio. Operating metrics in this news release include, among others, investment property count, gross leasable area (“GLA”), in-place occupancy, committed occupancy, long-term occupancy and weighted average net rent per occupied square foot. Certain of these operating metrics, including weighted average net rent per occupied square foot, may constitute supplementary financial measures as defined in NI 52-112. These supplementary measures are not derived from directly comparable measures contained in the Financial Statements but may be used by management and disclosed on a periodic basis to depict the historical or future expected financial performance, financial position or cash flow of the Trust. For an explanation of the composition of weighted average net rent per occupied square foot, see Section 8.2, "Weighted Average Net Rent" and Section 8.7, "Operating Capital Expenditures " in the MD&A, respectively, which sections are incorporated by reference into this news release.

Reconciliations of Non-GAAP Measures

The following table reconciles NOI** to rental revenue and property operating costs as presented in the Financial Statements.

For the periods ended December 31,

($ thousands) (unaudited)

Three months

 

Year End

2023

 

 

2022

 

 

2023

 

 

2022

 

Rental Revenue

$

113,810

 

 

$

99,804

 

 

$

410,970

 

 

$

380,064

 

Property operating costs

 

(48,398

)

 

 

(44,746

)

 

 

(177,345

)

 

 

(168,277

)

Net Operating Income**

 

65,412

 

 

 

55,058

 

 

 

233,625

 

 

 

211,787

 

Exclude:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Straight-line rent

 

(1,509

)

 

 

(639

)

 

 

(3,456

)

 

 

(4,492

)

Lease surrender revenue

 

(394

)

 

 

(826

)

 

 

(3,047

)

 

 

(1,238

)

Cash Net Operating Income**

$

63,509

 

 

$

53,593

 

 

$

227,122

 

 

$

206,057

 

** Denotes a non-GAAP measure. See Section 1, "Basis of Presentation" – "Use of Non-GAAP Measures” and Section 12, "Non-GAAP Measures" in the MD&A.

The following table is a further analysis of Cash NOI** above.

For the periods ended December 31,

($ thousands) (unaudited)

Three months

 

Year End

2023

 

 

2022

 

 

2023

 

 

2022

 

Same Properties NOI**

$

56,784

 

 

$

53,934

 

 

$

217,786

 

 

$

206,988

 

Exclude:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Straight-line rent

 

(951

)

 

 

(655

)

 

 

(2,749

)

 

 

(4,554

)

Lease surrender revenue

 

(394

)

 

 

(826

)

 

 

(3,047

)

 

 

(1,238

)

Same Properties1 Cash NOI**

 

55,439

 

 

 

52,453

 

 

 

211,990

 

 

 

201,196

 

Same Properties Growth

 

5.7

%

 

 

 

 

5.4

%

 

 

Cash NOI** from:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Acquisitions

 

6,893

 

 

 

 

 

 

10,437

 

 

 

 

Property under redevelopment

 

1,177

 

 

 

1,140

 

 

 

4,695

 

 

 

4,861

 

Cash NOI**

$

63,509

 

 

$

53,593

 

 

$

227,122

 

 

$

206,057

 

** Denotes a non-GAAP measure. See Section 1, "Basis of Presentation" – "Use of Non-GAAP Measures” and Section 12, "Non-GAAP Measures" in the MD&A.

1 Properties owned for the entire 24 months ended December 31, 2023, excluding properties under development or major redevelopment, are referred to as "Same Properties".

The following table reconciles net income, as determined in accordance with GAAP, to FFO**.

For the periods ended December 31,

($ thousands except per unit amounts) (unaudited)

Three months

 

Year End

2023

 

 

2022

 

 

2023

 

 

2022

 

Net income (loss)

$

13,853

 

 

$

(25,770

)

 

$

102,271

 

 

$

(12,080

)

Reverse:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Distribution on Convertible Preferred LP Units

 

1,845

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,908

 

 

 

 

Adjustments to fair value of derivative instruments

 

8,590

 

 

 

240

 

 

 

540

 

 

 

240

 

Adjustments to fair value of unit-based compensation

 

267

 

 

 

890

 

 

 

(901

)

 

 

(827

)

Adjustments to fair value of Convertible Preferred LP Units

 

4,842

 

 

 

 

 

 

5,066

 

 

 

 

Adjustments to fair value of land held for development

 

33,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

33,000

 

 

 

 

Adjustments to fair value of investment properties

 

(23,493

)

 

 

61,342

 

 

 

7,431

 

 

 

165,743

 

Internal expenses for leases

 

2,331

 

 

 

1,606

 

 

 

8,017

 

 

 

5,861

 

Funds from Operations**

$

41,235

 

 

$

38,308

 

 

$

158,332

 

 

$

158,937

 

FFO** per unit1 - average basic

$

0.405

 

 

$

0.390

 

 

$

1.602

 

 

$

1.589

 

FFO** per unit1 - average diluted

$

0.402

 

 

$

0.387

 

 

$

1.588

 

 

$

1.580

 

FFO Payout Ratio** - Target 45% - 50%

 

52.1

%

 

 

52.1

%

 

 

52.1

%

 

 

50.7

%

Distributions declared per Trust Unit

$

0.207

 

 

$

0.202

 

 

$

0.822

 

 

$

0.802

 

Distributions declared per Convertible Preferred LP Unit

 

0.002

 

 

 

 

 

 

0.005

 

 

 

 

Total distributions declared per unit1

$

0.209

 

 

$

0.202

 

 

$

0.827

 

 

$

0.802

 

Weighted average units outstanding2 - basic (in thousands)

 

101,743

 

 

 

98,296

 

 

 

98,861

 

 

 

100,047

 

Weighted average units outstanding2 - diluted (in thousands)

 

102,659

 

 

 

98,945

 

 

 

99,714

 

 

 

100,597

 

Number of units outstanding2 - end of period (in thousands)

 

106,058

 

 

 

97,713

 

 

 

106,058

 

 

 

97,713

 

1 Distributions declared per unit used in the FFO* Payout Ratios include distributions declared on Convertible Preferred LP Units at 6% per annum. See Section 10.6, "Unit Equity and Distributions" in the MD&A.

2 Units outstanding and weighted average units outstanding assumes the exchange of Convertible Preferred LP Units to Trust Units. See Section 10.6, "Unit Equity and Distributions" in the MD&A.

** Denotes a non-GAAP measure. See Section 1, "Basis of Presentation" – "Use of Non-GAAP Measures” and Section 12, "Non-GAAP Measures" in the MD&A.

The following table reconciles FFO** to AFFO**.

For the periods ended December 31,

($ thousands except per unit amounts) (unaudited)

Three months

 

Year End

2023

 

 

2022

 

 

2023

 

 

2022

 

Funds from Operations**

$

41,235

 

 

$

38,308

 

 

$

158,332

 

 

$

158,937

 

Reverse:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Internal expenses for leases

 

(2,331

)

 

 

(1,606

)

 

 

(8,017

)

 

 

(5,861

)

Straight-line rent

 

(1,509

)

 

 

(639

)

 

 

(3,456

)

 

 

(4,492

)

Deduct:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Recoverable and non-recoverable costs

 

(6,984

)

 

 

(5,934

)

 

 

(16,222

)

 

 

(11,496

)

Tenant allowances and external leasing costs

 

(4,832

)

 

 

(3,347

)

 

 

(18,106

)

 

 

(13,741

)

Adjusted Funds from Operations**

$

25,579

 

 

$

26,782

 

 

$

112,531

 

 

$

123,347

 

AFFO** per unit1 - average basic

$

0.251

 

 

$

0.272

 

 

$

1.138

 

 

$

1.233

 

AFFO** per unit1 - average diluted

$

0.249

 

 

$

0.271

 

 

$

1.129

 

 

$

1.226

 

AFFO Payout Ratio**

 

84.0

%

 

 

74.5

%

 

 

73.3

%

 

 

65.4

%

Distributions declared per Trust Unit

$

0.207

 

 

$

0.202

 

 

$

0.822

 

 

$

0.802

 

Distributions declared per Convertible Preferred LP Unit

 

0.002

 

 

 

 

 

 

0.005

 

 

 

 

Total distributions declared per unit1

$

0.209

 

 

$

0.202

 

 

$

0.827

 

 

$

0.802

 

Weighted average units outstanding2 - basic (in thousands)

 

101,743

 

 

 

98,296

 

 

 

98,861

 

 

 

100,047

 

Weighted average units outstanding2 - diluted (in thousands)

 

102,659

 

 

 

98,945

 

 

 

99,714

 

 

 

100,597

 

Number of units outstanding2 - end of period (in thousands)

 

106,058

 

 

 

97,713

 

 

 

106,058

 

 

 

97,713

1 Distributions declared per unit used in the AFFO* Payout Ratios include distributions declared on Convertible Preferred LP Units at 6% per annum. See Section 10.6, "Unit Equity and Distributions" in the MD&A.

2 Units outstanding and weighted average units outstanding assumes the exchange of Convertible Preferred LP Units to Trust Units. See Section 10.6, "Unit Equity and Distributions" in the MD&A.

** Denotes a non-GAAP measure. See Section 1, "Basis of Presentation" – "Use of Non-GAAP Measures” and Section 12, "Non-GAAP Measures" in the MD&A.

The following tables illustrate the calculation of NAV** per unit outstanding.

($ thousands) (unaudited)

As at

December 31, 2023

 

December 31, 2022

 

Change

 

Change per
unit

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investment Properties

$

3,695,435

 

 

$

3,118,590

 

 

$

576,845

 

 

$

5.90

 

Investment properties classified as held for sale

 

89,912

 

 

 

 

 

 

89,912

 

 

 

0.92

 

Cash

 

44,323

 

 

 

10,954

 

 

 

33,369

 

 

 

0.34

 

Other assets

 

69,964

 

 

 

72,237

 

 

 

(2,273

)

 

 

(0.02

)

Total assets

 

3,899,634

 

 

 

3,201,781

 

 

 

697,853

 

 

 

7.14

 

Mortgages payable

 

(293,803

)

 

 

(215,680

)

 

 

(78,123

)

 

 

(0.80

)

Senior unsecured debentures

 

(1,000,000

)

 

 

(350,000

)

 

 

(650,000

)

 

 

(6.65

)

Unsecured credit facilities

 

(200,000

)

 

 

(444,000

)

 

 

244,000

 

 

 

2.50

 

Total Debt**

 

(1,493,803

)

 

 

(1,009,680

)

 

 

(484,123

)

 

 

(4.95

)

Other liabilities

 

(122,754

)

 

 

(104,472

)

 

 

(18,282

)

 

 

(0.19

)

Reverse: Obligation for purchase of Trust Units under automatic share purchase plan1

 

1,800

 

 

 

12,508

 

 

 

(10,708

)

 

 

(0.11

)

Impact from variance of units outstanding

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1.84

)

Net Asset Value**

$

2,284,877

 

 

$

2,100,137

 

 

$

184,740

 

 

$

0.05

 

Net Asset Value** per unit outstanding

$

21.54

 

 

$

21.49

 

 

$

0.05

 

 

 

Debt to Total Assets**2

 

38.3

%

 

 

31.5

%

 

 

6.8

%

 

 

Number of units outstanding3 - end of period (in thousands)

 

106,058

 

 

 

97,713

 

 

 

8,345

 

 

 

** Denotes a non-GAAP measure. See Section 1, "Basis of Presentation" – "Use of Non-GAAP Measures” and Section 12, "Non-GAAP Measures" in the MD&A.

1 Liability recorded for the obligation to purchase Trust Units during the blackout period after September 30, 2022 under the automatic share purchase plan, but respective Units not yet cancelled.

2 The debt ratios are non-GAAP ratios calculated based on the Trust Indentures.

3 Units outstanding assumes the exchange of Convertible Preferred LP Units to Trust Units. See Section 10.6, "Unit Equity and Distributions" in the MD&A.

The following table illustrates the calculation of financial ratios for Average Net Debt** to Adjusted EBITDA**, Interest Coverage** and Debt Service Coverage**.

($ thousands) (unaudited)

For the years ended December 31,

2023

 

2022

 

Change

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjusted EBITDA**

$

206,242

 

$

187,541

 

$

18,701

Average Net Debt**

$

1,153,843

 

$

937,150

 

$

216,692

Average Net Debt** to Adjusted EBITDA**3 Target 4.0x - 6.0x

5.6x

 

5.0x

 

0.6x

Interest expense1

$

57,922

 

$

35,668

 

 

22,254

Interest Coverage**2

3.6x

 

5.3x

 

(1.7x)

Principal repayments

$

6,877

 

$

16,106

 

$

(9,229)

Interest expense1

$

57,922

 

$

35,668

 

$

22,254

Debt Service Coverage**2

3.2x

 

3.6x

 

(0.4x)

** Denotes a non-GAAP measure. See Section 1, "Basis of Presentation" – "Use of Non-GAAP Measures” and Section 12, "Non-GAAP Measures" in the MD&A.

1 Interest expense includes interest on senior unsecured debentures, mortgages, and unsecured credit facilities. See Section 9.1, "Components of Net Income (Loss)".

2 The debt ratios are non-GAAP ratios calculated on the basis described in the Trust Indentures.

The following table reconciles net income (loss) to Adjusted EBITDA** for the three months and years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022.

($ thousands) (unaudited)

Three months

 

Year end

For the periods ended December 31,

2023

 

 

2022

 

 

2023

 

 

2022

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

$

13,853

 

 

$

(25,770

)

 

$

102,271

 

 

$

(12,080

)

Interest income1

 

(775

)

 

 

(35

)

 

 

(2,143

)

 

 

(77

)

Net interest and other financing charges

 

19,532

 

 

 

10,518

 

 

 

59,457

 

 

 

33,400

 

Amortization

 

398

 

 

 

375

 

 

 

1,521

 

 

 

1,142

 

Adjustments to fair value of derivative instruments

 

8,590

 

 

 

240

 

 

 

540

 

 

 

240

 

Adjustments to fair value of unit-based compensation

 

267

 

 

 

890

 

 

 

(901

)

 

 

(827

)

Adjustments to fair value of Convertible Preferred LP Units

 

4,842

 

 

 

 

 

 

5,066

 

 

 

 

Adjustments to fair value of land held for development

 

33,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

33,000

 

 

 

 

Adjustments to fair value of investment properties

 

(23,493

)

 

 

61,342

 

 

 

7,431

 

 

 

165,743

 

Adjusted EBITDA**

$

56,214

 

 

$

47,560

 

 

$

206,242

 

 

$

187,541

 

** Denotes a non-GAAP measure. See Section 1, "Basis of Presentation" – "Use of Non-GAAP Measures” and Section 12, "Non-GAAP Measures" in the MD&A.

1 Interest income earned on cash balances.

The following tables illustrate Adjusted EBITDA** for the years ended December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022.

($ thousands) (unaudited)

 

Year ended

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the period

 

December 31, 2023

 

Q4 2023

 

Q3 2023

 

Q2 2023

 

Q1 2023

Adjusted EBITDA**

 

$

206,242

 

56,214

 

54,649

 

48,964

 

46,415

($ thousands) (unaudited)

 

Year ended

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the period

 

December 31, 2022

 

Q4 2022

 

Q3 2022

 

Q2 2022

 

Q1 2022

Adjusted EBITDA**

 

$

187,541

 

47,560

 

48,840

 

47,388

 

43,753

The following table illustrates Average Net Debt** for the years ended December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022.

($ thousands) (unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As at

December 31, 2023

 

September 30, 2023

 

June 30, 2023

 

March 31, 2023

 

December 31, 2022

Total Debt**

$

1,493,803

 

 

$

1,227,544

 

 

$

1,097,270

 

 

$

1,098,982

 

 

$

1,009,680

 

less: Cash

 

(44,323

)

 

 

(1,282

)

 

 

(42,206

)

 

 

(59,301

)

 

 

(10,954

)

Net Debt**

$

1,449,480

 

 

$

1,226,262

 

 

$

1,055,064

 

 

$

1,039,681

 

 

$

998,726

 

Average Net Debt**

$

1,153,843

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

($ thousands) (unaudited)

 

As at

 

December 31, 2022

 

September 30, 2022

 

June 30, 2022

 

March 31, 2022

 

December 31, 2021

Total Debt**

 

$

1,009,680

 

 

$

940,158

 

 

$

926,178

 

$

924,924

 

 

$

923,210

 

less: Cash

 

 

(10,954

)

 

 

(14

)

 

 

 

 

(21,795

)

 

 

(5,636

)

Net Debt**

 

$

998,726

 

 

$

940,144

 

 

$

926,178

 

$

903,129

 

 

$

917,574

 

Average Net Debt**

 

$

937,150

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The following tables illustrate interest expense, for the calculation of the Interest Coverage** and Debt Service Coverage** ratios, for the years ended December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022.

($ thousands) (unaudited)

Year ended

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the periods

December 31, 2023

 

Q4 2023

 

Q3 2023

 

Q2 2023

 

Q1 2023

Interest expense1

$

57,922

 

17,161

 

14,911

 

13,414

 

12,436

($ thousands) (unaudited)

 

Year ended

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the periods

 

December 31, 2022

 

Q4 2022

 

Q3 2022

 

Q2 2022

 

Q1 2022

Interest expense1

 

$

35,668

 

11,215

 

9,292

 

8,577

 

6,584

1 Interest expense includes interest on senior unsecured debentures, mortgages, and unsecured credit facilities. See Section 9.1, "Components of Net Income (Loss)" in the MD&A.

The following tables illustrate principal repayments, for the calculation of the Debt Service Coverage** ratio, for the years ended December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022.

($ thousands) (unaudited)

Year ended

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the periods

December 31, 2023

 

Q4 2023

 

Q3 2023

 

Q2 2023

 

Q1 2023

Principal repayments

$

6,877

 

1,741

 

1,726

 

1,712

 

1,698

($ thousands) (unaudited)

 

Year ended

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the periods

 

December 31, 2022

 

Q4 2022

 

Q3 2022

 

Q2 2022

 

Q1 2022

Principal repayments

 

$

16,106

 

2,866

 

3,889

 

4,275

 

5,076

 

Contacts

For more information:
TSX: PMZ.UN
www.primarisreit.com
www.sedarplus.ca

Alex Avery
Chief Executive Officer
416-642-7837
aavery@primarisreit.com

Rags Davloor
Chief Financial Officer
416-645-3716
rdavloor@primarisreit.com

Claire Mahaney
VP, Investor Relations & ESG
647-949-3093
cmahaney@primarisreit.com

Timothy Pire
Chair of the Board
chair@primarisreit.com

Contacts

For more information:
TSX: PMZ.UN
www.primarisreit.com
www.sedarplus.ca

Alex Avery
Chief Executive Officer
416-642-7837
aavery@primarisreit.com

Rags Davloor
Chief Financial Officer
416-645-3716
rdavloor@primarisreit.com

Claire Mahaney
VP, Investor Relations & ESG
647-949-3093
cmahaney@primarisreit.com

Timothy Pire
Chair of the Board
chair@primarisreit.com