Quarterlytics / Real Estate / REIT - Retail / Realty Income / FY2008 Annual Report

Realty Income
Annual Report 2008

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Employees 201-500
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FY2008 Annual Report · Realty Income
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why
do we
exist?

why
are we
here?

what
the heck is
going on
these days?

T H E M O N T H LY D I V I D E N D C O M P A N Y ®

R E A LT Y I N C O M E 2 0 0 8 A N N U A L R E P O R T

N Y S E ” O ”

w h y d o w e e x i s t ?

monthly dividends
.....
monthly dividends
.....
monthly dividends

monthly dividends
.....
monthly dividends
.....
monthly dividends

monthly dividends
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monthly dividends
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monthly dividends

w h y a r e w e h e r e ?

monthly dividends
.....
monthly dividends
.....
monthly dividends

monthly dividends
.....
monthly dividends
.....
monthly dividends

w h a t

t h e h e c k i s

g o i n g o n t h e s e d a y s ?

monthly dividends
.....
monthly dividends
.....
monthly dividends

These are strange times in the economic world.
Just about everybody has been surprised by the scope and
magnitude of the credit crisis and confidence in the
financial markets has been severely weakened.

However,

we just wanted you to know . . .
We are OK.

We’re doing OK because:
• We are liquid—$46.8 million in cash on hand and
$355 million available on our credit facility
• We have no debt maturing until 2013
• We have no mortgages on any of our properties
• Our portfolio of 2,348 properties, under
long-term leases, provides solid cash
flow to support dividend payments
• We have a commitment that compels
us to continue to work hard for the
benefit of our shareholders

What is that Commitment?

We are The Monthly Dividend Company®
Monthly dividends are . . .

Our Mission.

Our Passion.
Our Reason to Be.

Why?

Monthly dividends give

our shareholders the freedom to
Reinvent Themselves.
Engage Others.
Pursue their Dreams.

O L D B U S I N E S S P L A N

> Pay 12 Monthly Dividends

> Raise the Dividend

> Maintain a Conservative Balance Sheet

> Maintain High Portfolio Occupancy

> Acquire Additional Properties

> Tell More People About

The Monthly Dividend Company®

> Remain Conservative

N E W R E C E S S I O N A N D C R E D I T C R I S I S P L A N

Pay 12 Monthly Dividends <

Raise the Dividend <

Maintain a Conservative Balance Sheet <

Maintain High Portfolio Occupancy <

Acquire Additional Properties <

Tell More People About

The Monthly Dividend Company® <

Remain Conservative <

H i s t o r i c a l F i n a n c i a l P e r f o r m a n c e

For the Years Ended December 31,

2008

2007

2006

Total revenue (1)

Net income available to

common stockholders

Funds from operations (“FFO”) (2)

Dividends paid to

common stockholders

Special dividend paid

AT Y E A R E N D

Real estate at cost, before

$

331,701,000

$

297,396,000

$ 240,626,000

$ 107,588,000

$ 185,524,000

$ 116,156,000

$ 189,675,000

$

99,419,000

$ 155,799,000

$

169,655,000

$ 157,659,000

$ 129,667,000

accumulated depreciation (3)

$ 3,408,910,000

$ 3,238,794,000

$ 2,743,973,000

Number of properties

Gross leasable square feet

Properties acquired (4)

2,348

19,106,700

108

2,270

18,504,800

357

1,955

16,740,100

378

Cost of properties acquired (4)

$ 189,627,000

$

533,726,000

$ 769,900,000

Properties sold

Number of retail industries

Number of states

Portfolio occupancy rate

Remaining weighted average

lease term in years

P E R C O M M O N S H A R E D ATA(5)

Net income (diluted)

Funds from operations (“FFO”) (2)

Dividends paid

Special dividend

Annualized dividend amount (6)

Common shares outstanding

I N V E S T M E N T R E S U LT S

Closing price on December 31,

Dividend yield (7) (8) (9)

Total return to stockholders (9) (10)

29

30

49

97.0%

11.9

1.06

1.83

1.662

1.701

104,211,541

23.15

6.1%

–8.2%

$

$

$

$

$

10

30

49

97.9%

13.0

1.16

1.89

1.560

1.641

101,082,717

27.02

5.6%

3.2%

$

$

$

$

$

13

29

48

98.7%

12.9

1.11

1.73

1.437

1.518

100,746,226

27.70

6.7%

34.8%

$

$

$

$

$

(1) Total revenue includes amounts reclassified to income from discontinued operations, but excludes revenue from Crest Net Lease, a subsidiary of Realty Income.
(2) Refer to Management’s Discussion and Analysis for FFO definition and reconciliation to net income available to common stockholders.
(3) Does not include properties held for sale.
(4) Includes properties acquired by Realty Income and Crest Net Lease.
(5) All share and per share amounts reflect the 2-for-1 stock split on December 31, 2004.

2005

2004

2003

2002

$

197,751,000

$ 177,606,000

$

150,370,000

$ 137,600,000

$

$

$

89,716,000

129,647,000

$

90,168,000

$ 118,181,000

108,575,000

$

97,420,000

$

$

$

76,722,000

103,366,000

83,842,000

$

$

$

68,954,000

93,539,000

78,042,000

$ 2,096,156,000

$ 1,691,283,000

$ 1,533,182,000

$ 1,285,900,000

1,646

13,448,600

156

1,533

11,986,100

194

1,404

11,350,800

302

1,197

9,997,700

111

$

486,553,000

$ 215,314,000

$

371,642,000

$ 139,433,000

23

29

48

98.5%

12.4

1.12

1.62

1.346

1.395

83,696,647

21.62

5.3%

–9.2%

$

$

$

$

$

43

30

48

97.9%

12.0

1.15

1.50

1.241

1.32

79,301,630

25.29

6.2%

32.7%

$

$

$

$

$

35

28

48

98.1%

11.8

1.08

1.45

1.181

1.20

75,818,172

20.00

6.7%

21.0%

$

$

$

$

$

35

26

48

97.7%

10.9

1.01

1.38

1.151

1.17

69,749,654

17.50

7.8%

26.9%

$

$

$

$

$

(6) Annualized dividend amount reflects the December declared dividend rate per share multiplied by twelve.
(7) Dividend yield was calculated by dividing the dividend paid per share, during the year, by the closing share price on December 31 of the previous year.
(8) Dividend yield excludes special dividends.

2001

2000

1999

121,081,000

$

116,310,000

$

104,510,000

57,846,000

76,378,000

64,871,000

$

$

$

45,076,000

67,239,000

58,262,000

$

$

$

41,012,000

65,917,000

55,925,000

$

$

$

$

1998

85,132,000

41,304,000

62,799,000

52,301,000

$

$

$

$

$ 1,178,162,000

$ 1,073,527,000

$ 1,017,252,000

$ 889,835,000

1,124

9,663,000

117

1,068

9,013,200

22

1,076

8,648,000

110

970

7,824,100

149

$

156,472,000

$

98,559,000

$

181,376,000

$ 193,436,000

35

25

48

98.2%

10.4

0.99

1.30

1.121

1.14

21

24

46

97.7%

9.8

0.84

1.26

1.091

1.11

3

24

45

98.4%

10.7

0.76

1.23

1.043

1.08

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

5

22

45

99.5%

10.2

0.78

1 . 1 8

0.983

1.02

$

$

$

$

65,658,222

53,127,038

53,644,328

53,634,206

14.70

9.0%

27.2%

$

12.4375

$

10.3125

$

12.4375

10.6%

31.2%

8.4%

–8.7%

7.7%

5.5%

$

$

$

$

$

(9) The 1994 dividend yield is based on the annualized dividends for the period from August 15, 1994 (the date of the consolidation of
the predecessors to the Company) to December 31, 1994. The 1994 total return is based on the price change from the opening on
October 18, 1994 (the Company’s first day of trading) to December 31, 1994 plus the annualized dividend yield.

(10)Total return was calculated by dividing the net change in the share price, during the year, plus the dividends paid per share, during the

year, by the closing share price on December 31 of the preceding year.

1

1997

1996

1995

1994

$ 67,897,000

$

56,957,000

$ 51,555,000

$ 48,863,000

$ 34,770,000

$ 52,188,000

$ 32,223,000

$ 47,139,000

$ 25,600,000

$ 40,414,000

$ 15,224,000

$ 39,050,000

$ 44,367,000

$ 42,794,000

$

5,285,000

$ 36,710,000

$ 38,816,000

$

5,850,000

$ 699,797,000

$ 564,540,000

$ 515,426,000

$ 450,703,000

826

6,302,300

96

740

5,226,700

62

685

4,673,700

58

630

4,064,800

4

$ 142,287,000

$ 55,517,000

$

65,393,000

$

3,273,000

10

14

43

99.2%

9.8

0.74

1 . 1 1

0.946

0.96

7

8

42

99.1%

9.5

0.70

1.04

0.931

0.23

0.95

$

$

$

$

$

51,396,928

45,959,074

12.719

7.9%

14.5%

$

11.9375

8.3%

15.4%

$

$

$

$

$

3

7

42

99.3%

9.2

0.63

1.00

0.913

0.93

45,952,474

11.25

10.7%

42.0%

$

$

$

$

$

5

5

41

99.4%

9.5

0.39

0.98

0.300

0.90

39,004,182

8.5625

9.9%

28.5%

$

$

$

$

$

C E O L e t t e r t o S h a r e h o l d e r s

Dear fellow shareholders,

I am very pleased to report . . . On second thought, let’s just say I’m kind of pleased to

report . . . Well, to be frank, I’m actually more relieved than anything else, to report our

results for 2008. In an extraordinarily challenging economic environment, we are doing

OK. Our numbers aren’t quite as good as last year, which was our best year ever (though

they’re pretty close), but relative to what is being reported by the majority of other

public companies, we are just fine.

H I G H L I G H T S O F 2 0 0 8
( A S C O M PA R E D T O 2 0 0 7 )
• Revenue rose 12.2% to $330.2 million

shareholders who purchased shares ten years

ago (12/31/98), now enjoy a current yield on the

original cost of their shares of 13.7% and have

• Funds from operations (FFO) decreased 2.2%

received back 103.2% of their original dollars invested

to $185.5 million

because of consistent and increasing dividend payments

• Core FFO increased 2.9% to $184.2 million

(See “The Magic of Rising Dividends Over Time” table

• Common stock dividends paid increased 7.6%

on the next page).

to $169.7 million

During 2008, the price of Realty Income’s shares

• Portfolio occupancy was 97.0% at year-end

decreased $3.87, or 14.3%, from $27.02 to $23.15.

• Maintained a large and diverse portfolio of 2,348

When you add to that the $1.662 in dividends we paid

properties located in 49 states occupied by 119

last year, that works out to a total return to share-

different retailers in 30 different retail industries

holders of –8.2%. While this is disappointing, I think it

• Same store rents increased 1.1%

is useful to look at our “relative performance” versus

• 108 new properties were acquired for $189.6 million

other real estate companies and the overall stock

• Zero balance on our $355 million credit facility

market. The total return, including dividends, on the

Dow Jones Industrial average for 2008 was –31.9%, for

Total Returns
(for the year ended December 31, 2008)

and $46.8 million in cash on hand

• No mortgages on any of our properties

• No debt maturities due until 2013

I N V E S T O R R E T U R N S
During 2008, we paid 12 monthly dividends on our

common stock and increased the amount of the divi-

Dow Jones Industrial Average

dend five times. Dividends paid per share increased

Standard & Poor’s 500 Average

6.5% and shareholders who owned our stock for the

NASDAQ Composite

entire year received $1.662 per share in dividends

during 2008, compared to $1.560 per share in 2007.

Investors who have owned Realty Income for many

years also benefited from the regular payment of

dividends and dividend increases. For example,

Equity REIT Index

Realty Income

12

–31.9%

–37.0%

–40.5%

–37.7%

–8.2%

the Standard & Poor’s 500 index it was –37.0%, for the

NASDAQ it was -40.5% and for the Equity REIT Index

(other real estate companies) it was –37.7%. I think it

W H AT W E N E E D T O TA L K
A B O U T T H I S Y E A R
Now that I’ve gone over the highlights of 2008 and

is safe to say that we held up much better than most

provided some perspective on our investment results

other public companies during 2008. However, I would

for the year, let’s turn to what, I believe, is of chief

also note that, while I actually know how to put stock

concern to our shareholders. That is, how the current

gains and cash dividends in my pocket, I still haven’t

credit crisis, rapidly decelerating economy, and the

figured out how to pay my bills with “relative performance.”

dramatic changes in the financial markets have impacted

As such, we prefer the stock price to go up along with

us this year and how these factors might affect us going

the increases we have had in our dividends.

forward.

The Magic of Rising Dividends Over Time
(through December 31, 2008)

Yield on Cost

The Cumulative Dividend Effect

1,000 Shares
Purchase Date

Original
Investment

Original
Dividends(1)

Original
Yield

Current Yield
on Cost (2)

Dividends
Received to Date

% of Original
Investment Paid Back

900.00

11.3%

900.00

10.5%

10/18/94

$ 8,000.00

12/31/94

$ 8,562.50

12/31/95

$ 11,250.00

12/31/96

$ 11,937.50

12/31/97

$ 12,719.00

$

$

$

$

$

930.00

945.00

960.00

12/31/98

$ 12,437.50

$ 1,020.00

8.3%

7.9%

7.5%

8.2%

12/31/99

$ 10,312.50

$ 1,080.00

10.5%

12/31/00

$ 12,437.50

$ 1,110.00

12/31/01

$ 14,700.00

$ 1,140.00

12/31/02

$ 17,500.00

$ 1,170.00

12/31/03

$ 20,000.00

$ 1,200.00

12/31/04

$ 25,290.00

$ 1,320.00

12/31/05

$ 21,620.00

$ 1,395.00

12/31/06

$ 27,700.00

$ 1,518.00

12/31/07

$ 27,020.00

$ 1,641.00

12/31/08

$ 23,150.00

$ 1,701.00

8.9%

7.8%

6.7%

6.0%

5.2%

6.5%

5.5%

6.1%

7.3%

(1) Based on annualized dividend amount on purchase date
(2) Based on annualized dividend amount of $1.701 per share on 12/31/08

21.3%

19.9%

15.1%

14.2%

13.4%

13.7%

16.5%

13.7%

11.6%

9.7%

8.5%

6.7%

7.9%

6.1%

6.3%

7.3%

$ 17,022.25

$ 16,722.25

$ 15,809.75

$ 14,763.50

$ 13,817.25

$ 12,834.75

$ 11,792.25

$ 10,701.00

$ 9,579.75

$ 8,428.50

$ 7,247.25

$ 6,006.00

$ 4,659.75

$ 3,222.50

$ 1,662.25

212.8%

195.3%

140.5%

123.7%

108.6%

103.2%

114.3%

86.0%

65.2%

48.2%

36.2%

23.7%

21.6%

11.6%

6.2%

13

Here’s what we will cover:

today. Let’s take a moment to review what we were

1. We will examine the current credit crisis, the

thinking and what we did about

the economic

economy, and its impact on your Company,

environment we thought might be coming.

2. We will review our operations during 2008,

Since our business is to provide capital to other

3. We will give our view of what we believe the future

businesses by buying their real estate and leasing it back

holds for your Company and,

to them, we are, in essence, a provider of credit. That

4. Most importantly, we will renew our commitment

means our competition is often other sources of capital,

to the ideals of The Monthly Dividend Company®

such as the debt markets, and we try to maintain an

and assure you, once again, that we are passionate

awareness of what is going on in those markets. From

about providing monthly dividends for all of us as

2003 to 2006, we noticed that less creditworthy

shareholders.

borrowers were being charged rates of interest very close

to the interest rates being charged to the best borrowers,

1 . T h e C r e d i t C r i s i s a n d R e a l t y I n c o m e

which was unusual. This encouraged the more risky

In last year’s Annual Report, we said, “We believe

borrowers to add a significant amount of debt to their

that many companies (us included) have had a fairly

operations. We observed this not only in the retail industry,

easy operating environment in recent years. Interest

but also throughout the overall economy. There seemed

rates have been historically low, which has allowed

to be too much leverage (borrowed dollars) in almost all

businesses, consumers and investors to finance their

areas of the economy. Additionally, living in San Diego,

purchasesofassetswithhigherlevelsofdebt.Thishas

we had a front row seat to view the incredible increases

led to increased values in the stock market, bond

in the prices of residential real estate. We observed that

market, residential real estate, commercial real estate

a lot of the real estate being bought and sold in our

and almost all other asset classes. At the same time,

community was being financed by “nothing down,”

wehaveseenhistoricallylowdefaultratesonmortgages,

“interest-only,” “sub-prime,” “limited documentation,”

bonds,consumerloans,andvirtuallyallothertypesof

and “negative amortization” mortgages. As a result, we

credit. It has been our experience that all ‘good runs’

came to believe that a housing market bubble was

eventuallyend,assetvaluesgetabitoverdoneand,at

building very quickly. However, we also knew, from

somepoint,thingsslowdown.Wewouldn’tbesurprised

experience, that excesses in any market can last a long

if2008isayearthat,atbest,weallmovetowardsamore

time and our ability to time the end of the cycle is limited.

normaloperatingenvironment,and,atworst,wefacemore

In late 2006, we also came to believe we might be

challengingconditionsthroughoutthe economy.Webelieve

at the beginning of the end of the rapid rise in the

wearepreparedforsuchanenvironmentandshouldbeable

housing market. “Grant’s Interest Rate Advisor,” a great

tomakeprogressinouroperationsin2008.”

publication to which I subscribe, noted that the cost

That’s an understatement! As a conservative

for an institution to insure against a default in a

Company, we were becoming very concerned with what

$100 million residential mortgage bond was only about

we were observing in the financial markets and where

40 basis points (4/10 of 1%), or $400,000. In a matter

we thought the economy might be headed. Thinking

of a few weeks, the pricing for the insurance went to over

that there might be substantial excesses in the overall

300+ basis points ($3 million), and by February it went

market, we made a number of moves, over the past

to over 1,000 basis points ($10 million), which meant

couple of years, that are serving us extremely well

that one or more institutions in the market thought they

14

needed insurance on their residential mortgage bonds

By August 2007, the bond market had, for the most

and were willing to pay up for that insurance. “Grant’s”

part, effectively closed. We thought we might be at the

very accurately interpreted these, and other events, as the

beginning of a very restrictive securities market, and

end of the housing bubble, and I thought their analysis

so we decided (with our Board’s strong support) to try to

made sense. This also caused us to speculate that, if the

access the bond market and raise capital.

residential mortgage bond market collapsed, the

Over the last 10 years or so, whenever we issued

commercial mortgage bond market might not be far

bonds to raise capital, the demand for our bonds usually

behind, and then the REIT bond market might soon

exceeded the amount we wanted to sell. We could have

follow. Eventually, the overall debt market could be

used this position to shave a little interest off of our

negatively impacted and so it occurred to us that capital

borrowing costs, or reduced the covenant protections

might become more difficult to obtain in the future.

for our bond buyers and sold to a few more marginal

Based on these events, in early 2007, we began to

buyers, which would have lessened the protection for

plan what we should be doing to protect the Company.

all of our bond buyers. Instead, we sought the best

At the time, we felt a potential risk could exist for us

quality holders of our bonds, kept the terms of the

with Crest Net Lease, Inc. (Crest), our subsidiary that

bonds very attractive and allocated the majority of the

buys and sells properties to other investors. Most Crest

available bonds to these good buyers. Most of the

buyers are investors who have sold properties for a gain

buyers were large insurance companies that tended to

and want to reinvest the proceeds in tax deferred

buy bonds all the time and hold them to maturity. We

exchanges. We thought that if financing became difficult

thought that if we took care of them during the good

for Crest buyers, lease rates might rise, prices might

times, they might be more likely to buy our bonds and

decline and, with a lot of properties held for sale, we

give us fresh capital during tougher markets.

might have a large inventory of properties that would be

Thus, when we went to the market with our bonds in

difficult to sell. Unlike the properties we hold for long

August 2007, (during a very difficult market) we were

term investment, if the value of the properties we hold

trying to see if we could raise $100 million. We went to

for sale were to decline, the accounting rules would

these same insurance companies and were very gratified

force us to write down the values against our earnings.

to learn that they did, indeed, remember we had taken

That is a long-winded way to say we could have

care of them. We launched our bond offering in the

taken some hefty losses on what is really only a small part

morning and, by midday, had almost $1 billion in demand

of our business, if the market slowed substantially. We had

for the bonds. Ultimately, we were able to increase the

about $120 million in inventory in Crest at that time, and

transaction size to raise $550 million of 12-year, senior

so we decided that we would stop buying any additional

unsecured notes at a 6.75% interest rate. This very

properties in Crest, sell the properties we had, and close

attractively priced capital has served us well during the

down Crest’s operations. As a result, over the last two years,

last 18 months of this credit crisis, and we have been

we have taken inventory from $120 million down to about

able to put all of it to work. Today, it would be quite difficult

$6 million, effectively exiting that small part of our

to do the same transaction and, if you could, the interest

business, for now. This cost us $0.10 per share in funds from

rate would likely be over 12.0%, or an additional

operations during 2008, but we believe this was the right

$29 million per year in interest. (Think of what that would

action to take. Had we not undertaken these changes, we

mean to your bottom line if you were an investment grade

would feel a lot worse about the state of our business today.

company looking to refinance debt today.)

15

By February of 2008, we felt that, after a brief

confidence in our business and continued support.

opening of the debt market in the fall, albeit at higher

Today, the bank credit facility market, for many

prices, the debt market was really starting to fall apart.

companies, is very limited, or closed, and so we are quite

As such, we felt much stronger about the fact that the

relieved to have our new facility in place. Additionally,

property market would cool, which would result in

for the time being, we have also decided to maintain a

property prices dropping. That led us to temporarily

zero balance on the credit facility so that we have

shut down our efforts to acquire properties for long-

maximum liquidity in this market (all $355 million if

term investment because we felt that potential property

we need it).

purchases would be cheaper later. We continue to view

Last September, we saw an opportunity to issue

potential acquisitions in this way, and I believe this has

common stock to build cash, which was used to pay

served us well. In addition, the selling off of Crest’s

off the $100 million of notes we had coming due in

inventory and ceasing all new property acquisitions in

November and the $20 million of notes due in January

Crest has also contributed to our current, fortunate

2009. We quickly raised the capital by issuing common

position of being awash in liquidity in a market where

stock priced at $26.82 per share. Our success with this

liquidity is highly valued.

offering, and the subsequent repayment of debt, leaves

Another decision we made was to sell some assets

us with no debt maturities whatsoever until 2013. This

out of our core portfolio to both increase our level

is likely one of our most favorable attributes in this

of liquidity, and to reduce our restaurant exposure. In

environment. Again, we would like to thank Raymond

2008, we sold 29 properties for $27.8 million at

James & Associates, UBS Securities LLC, Robert W.

attractive lease rates, with the majority of the property

Baird & Co. Incorporated, Credit Suisse Securities

sales occurring earlier in the year. Towards the end of

(USA) LLC, J.P. Morgan Securities Inc., RBC Capital

2008, and into 2009, it has becoming increasingly

Markets Corporation, Stifel Nicolaus & Company

difficult to sell properties at attractive lease rates, so

Incorporated, Janney Montgomery Scott LLC and

our timing turned out to be fortunate.

Morgan Keegan & Company, Inc. for helping us to raise

In March of last year, we also began to see limitations

this capital in a very difficult market.

in the market for bank credit facilities. In light of this, we

Finally, over the last few years, with the real estate

decided to restructure our credit facility early. Some banks,

and securities markets becoming

increasingly

at the time, suggested that the interest we would have to

overheated, we have sought to acquire the more prof-

pay would be higher than during the last few years and,

itable stores of our retailers, since this is our primary

if we just extended the existing agreement for a year, the

protection and “margin of safety” in our real estate

pricing might be better in 2009. Feeling the economy

investments, should the retailers in our portfolio see

and credit markets were further eroding, we elected to

their sales decline. That margin of safety is turning

push ahead and we were able to obtain a new, three-

out to be absolutely invaluable, as almost all retailers

year credit facility (plus two, one-year extension

today are suffering from a marked decline in consumer

options) with borrowing capacity of up to $355 million

spending.

(plus a $100 million expansion feature). We are grateful

To say the least, all of these activities have

to our banks (Wells Fargo Bank, Bank of America,

significantly enhanced Realty Income’s position in this

Regions Bank, The Bank of New York, Wachovia Bank,

very difficult economy and credit crisis. Quite frankly,

Raymond James Bank, and Chevy Chase Bank) for their

I don’t know how I would sleep at night had we not

16

recognized what was going on and actually taken the

environment, though, no public company seems to be

steps we have taken to mitigate a good part of the

immune to the economic turbulence. Let’s take a look

impact on Realty Income. I am reminded of the Noah

at how we fared during the year.

rule: “It is not enough to know it’s going to rain, you

actually have to build the ark!”

2 . O p e r a t i n g a n d F i n a n c i a l

With that said, seeing now the severity of the

P e r f o r m a n c e R e s u l t s f o r 2 0 0 8

economic downturn, I wish we could have done even

REAL ESTATE PORTFOLIO PERFORMANCE AND OUTLOOK

more to prepare the Company for this extraordinarily

Our portfolio of net-leased retail properties continues

difficult economy and market. I do believe we did

to provide the lease revenue from which we pay

enough so that today we are well positioned financially,

monthly dividends. As of December 31, 2008, portfolio

and we are certainly in a better position than many other

occupancy was 97.0% (yes, that surprises me too) with

companies. To summarize our strengths in this very

just 70 properties available for lease or sale. The

difficult economy:

weighted average remaining lease term for properties

Balance Sheet: Our balance sheet is very strong

in our portfolio was approximately 11.9 years. In

and we are rated by industry analysts as one of the top

addition, our portfolio continues to be well diversified

10 real estate companies for balance sheet health. We

by individual retail chain, retail

industry and by

have no mortgage debt on any of our 2,348 properties

geographic region. At the end of December 2008, we

and have no near-term debt maturities or requirement

owned 2,348 properties located in 49 states leased

to access the credit markets for several years.

to 119 different retail chains doing business in 30

Liquidity: We also have cash on hand, which is

separate retail industries.

where you want to be in this environment, and we have

Same store rents on 1,772 properties under lease,

a zero balance on our $355 million credit facility,

for 2008, increased 1.1% to $258.7 million from

which further contributes to our liquidity. This provides

$255.9 million in 2007. To break down the same store

us with a great deal of flexibility and the potential fire

rent increases during 2008, we had 23 industries with

power we would need should compelling investment

increases in rents, two with flat same store rents, and

opportunities arise.

five with declining same store rents. The increase

Occupancy: Our occupancy was 97%, at the end

in same store rents in 2008 was a bit smaller than in

of the year, and the vast majority of the retailers in

2007. That is not surprising given the state of the

our portfolio continue to pay us full rents and provide

economy and the retail environment, and I think you

us with dependable lease revenue. It’s important to

should expect more moderate increases again in 2009.

note that these properties generate a great deal of cash

We also selectively

sold 29 properties

for

($330 million) from which to pay dividends.

$27.8 million during 2008. These are properties that

Dividends: We’ve paid 461 consecutive monthly

had been targeted for sale based on specific asset

dividends, as of the end of the year and, during 2008,

sale criteria. In general, Realty Income’s business

we increased the dividend five times and paid share-

model is to hold properties for the long-term cash that

holders $1.662 in dividends per share.

is generated to pay dividends. However, we like to

In short, we are in pretty decent shape at the end

sell properties out of the portfolio when we believe:

of the year and are faring better than most other

1. Reinvesting sale proceeds will generate higher

companies in our

industry.

In today’s operating

returns, 2. Asset sales will enhance the credit quality of

17

our real estate portfolio, 3. Asset sales will extend our

their more profitable properties, is the key to keeping

average remaining lease term, or 4. Specific tenant or

the buildings leased whenever the consumer reduces

industry concentration levels will be reduced.

spending, or the retailer hits a tough patch. We work

With respect to lease expirations during 2008,

very hard on the initial underwritings on our properties

the portfolio management group handled 168 lease

and it is in times like these where the margin of safety

expirations, of which 127 of the leases were the result

we build into our underwriting process gets tested.

of normal lease expiration and the remaining 41

Having the right properties really pays off. It is also

were the result of properties that had to be re-leased

pretty evident, by the way, when we miss something

as a result of tenant financial difficulties. Needless to

because we end up with vacant buildings. We inevitably

say, this was a much tougher year to lease vacant

make some mistakes and a market like this one

space. I think our portfolio management group did

does a good job of pointing these mistakes out to us.

a great job, that resulted in 97% occupancy at the

I suspect there may be a fair amount of “pointing out”

end of the year, and my thanks go out to Dawn

to us in 2009.

Nguyen, Elizabeth Cate, Kristin Ferrell, Janeen

As part of the due diligence process, and our

Bedard, and the rest of the staff, for the hustle they

ability to generate a margin of safety, before we pur-

showed in 2008. Wisely, their boss, Richard Collins,

chase any property, we send our real estate research

mostly just tells them how great they are and tries to

people to analyze every location. This provides us with

stay out of their way. Good job, Richard!

a first-hand analysis of operations and a feel for the

I think this solid portfolio performance is particularly

likelihood of long-term profitability in a particular trade

noteworthy given the stress in the consumer retail

area. Each site and its surrounding area is video-taped

market during the year. The downward spiral of

so that our

Investment Committee can see the

consumer spending continues into 2009 and our

property while they listen to the analyst’s presentation

portfolio management team is working overtime to

on the area demographics, economics, property

proactively manage lease expirations and selectively

values, traffic flow and a host of other information. All

prune out weaker performers from the portfolio. As we

of this data is carefully considered prior to moving

begin 2009, we continue to monitor the operations of

forward with any real estate transaction.

our retailers, looking for the areas of weakness that may

The depth of our research and the strength of our

need to be addressed so that our real estate portfolio

underwriting processes do not mean, however, that

performs as well as possible. It is a tough market out

we’ve found a recession-proof methodology for acquiring

there. I hope we get a little lucky again this year, in this

properties. Trust me on this one, folks! But it does

part of the business.

mean that we make every attempt to underwrite our

Keeping the vast majority of the buildings leased,

properties sensibly so as to moderate the degree to

year after year, is the key to generating dependable

which our lease revenue is impacted during difficult

lease revenue.

I believe our ability to maintain

financial times.

consistently high occupancy has largely been the result

A key metric we use when determining whether or

of rigorous due diligence and careful initial under-

not a property makes economic sense is a property’s

writing. Since we rely on the retailers, with whom we do

cash flow coverage ratio. The equation for this is:

business, to make lease payments for 15 to 20 years,

cash flow of the store we buy ÷ rent. This metric helps

we know that finding the right tenants, and owning

us determine our “margin of safety,” or how bad things

18

have to get before the operations of a particular retail

PORTFOLIO ACQUISITIONS AND OUTLOOK

location won’t be able to support rent payments. We

During 2008, we acquired 108 properties for

have seen a few of our retail tenants come under

$190 million, with an initial weighted average lease

financial pressure this past year, but, fortunately, the

yield of 8.7%. The 108 new properties are located

majority of the properties we owned were some of their

in 14 states and are 100% leased under net-lease

most profitable locations, so our lease revenue has

agreements with an initial average lease length of

not been impacted as much as it might have been.

20.6 years. They are leased to eight different retail

We also believe that the diversification of our retail

chains in seven separate industries.

tenant base, by both industry and the individual retail

The 2008 portfolio acquisitions were lower than

chain, provides us with another measure of protection.

in prior years. This is because we had decided early

When all of these factors are combined, we believe

on in the year that, with the uncertainty in the

that the odds of profitably managing our portfolio,

commercial retail real estate market, it would be

during recessionary periods like this, are markedly

prudent for us to wait on the sidelines for most of the

enhanced.

Portfolio Occupancy
(as of the end of each year)

2008

2007

2006

2005

2004

2003

2002

2001

2000

1999

1998

1997

1996

1995

1994

97.0%

97.9%

98.7%

98.5%

97.9%

98.1%

97.7%

98.2%

97.7%

98.4%

99.5%

99.2%

99.1%

99.3%

99.4%

1969–1993

>99.0%

year. As we observed the market throughout the

year, we saw property prices continue to decline and

lease rates rise. We believed that by being patient we

would very likely be rewarded with more attractively

priced retail real estate in the future. We continue in

that stance today.

The retail consumer continues to struggle as

I write this letter and the outlook for the near-term

growth of

the majority of our

retailers appears

challenging. Come to think of it, I think most of them

would be very happy with just moderate declines in

their sales, given the exodus of the US consumer

from the market. Though the future may seem

somewhat bleak for a lot of the retail chains out there

today, we believe there are retail chains, with solid

operating concepts, that will need to access capital

in the near future. We think they may find that

capital difficult to obtain through the traditional

debt and equity markets. Some of these retailers

may look to unlock the capital they have tied up in

their real estate through a sale-leaseback transaction.

Since our efforts have focused this past year on

strengthening our balance sheet and increasing

our liquidity, we believe we are in a very good

financial position to capitalize on some of

the

more attractive opportunities down the road. But for

19

now, we are being patient and have our capital where

AS WE END 2008

we can keep an eye on it.

We are doing OK. Your Company continues to perform

pretty well and begins 2009 with:

ACCESS TO CAPITAL

• A strong balance sheet with just 33% debt to total

In an environment where access to capital is mostly

capitalization, no debt maturities until 2013 and

non-existent for the majority of companies, we are

no mortgages on any properties

pleased to report the following transactions:

• Good liquidity with ample cash on hand from

• Just the other day, we paid off $20 million in

operations and a zero balance on our $355 million

8.0% Senior Notes due January 2009. Prior to

credit facility

that, in November 2008, we retired $100 million

• Occupancy at the end of 2008 of 97%

in 8.25% Monthly Income Senior Notes due

• $330 million in lease revenue

November 2008. Both of these notes were retired

• A solid dividend track record:

with cash on hand from operations and property

- Dividends paid per common share during 2008

sales, as well as from proceeds received from

increased 6.5%

securities offerings.

- The amount of the monthly dividend was

• In September of 2008, we issued 2,925,000

increased five times during 2008

shares of common stock, raising approximately

- We’ve paid 461 consecutive monthly dividends

$74 million in net proceeds to fund the retirement

through 2008

of our senior notes and for other corporate purposes.

- We’ve paid over $1.5 billion in dividends since

Despite challenges in the stock market at the time

1969.

of the offering, our shares were very well received

by the firms that participated in the offering.

3 . W h a t t h e F u t u r e H o l d s f o r Yo u r C o m p a n y

Again, thanks to our investment bankers and a

Oh, ok, I know I have to take a shot at this. Let me

bit of good fortune with the timing on this one.

be perfectly frank. We are in the midst of a terrible

• In May of 2008, we announced a new and

recession and a continuing, significant, credit crisis.

expanded $355 million acquisition credit facility

that replaced our $300 million credit facility,

which was due to expire in October 2008. It was

our belief, at that time, that the credit markets

would become more difficult and perhaps might

ultimately be closed to companies seeking to

extend their credit lines. Thus, we elected to

restructure our credit facility well ahead of its

scheduled expiration date.

These capital market activities have reduced the

amount of debt on our balance sheet and increased our

liquidity. Balance sheet health and liquidity are the two

areas that are most carefully scrutinized in the current

investment environment.

20

Dividend Yields
(as of December 31, 2008)

Dow Jones Utility Index

Standard & Poor’s 500

10-Year Treasury

1-year CD

Realty Income*

4.4%

3.2%

2.8%

1.7%

7.4%

*Based on annualized dividend amount of $1.701 per share

on 12/31/08

Job losses are mounting, the consumer has reduced

likely to have periods of both economic growth and

spending and many retailers are struggling. The

recession, easy access to capital and periods when the

Government (that’s you and me) is spending a huge

capital markets are closed, high inflation and low inflation,

amount of money trying to bring some sense of

high interest rates and low interest rates, and periods of

normalcy to the credit markets, capital markets and our

time when events that few expected would occur in our

banking system and, through that, attempting to stem

economy, suddenly do occur. We believe quite strongly

the tide of a downward spiral in the economy. I believe

that it is our job to operate the Company in a manner

it is going to take awhile to right our economic ship and

where we can accomplish our mission of paying monthly

I don’t see an ebullient environment returning for quite

dividends in all of these environments. This is not

awhile. The amount of debt that has permeated our

to say that when the 100-year flood hits it won’t be

economy, in recent years, will need to be reduced and

uncomfortable for us. We operate in the same economy

that reduction will likely continue to inflict pain on our

as everyone else, and the current environment will

economy. In past reports, I have spoken about one of

certainly make our task much more difficult during

our core beliefs at Realty Income. It is that we own

2009. However, we continue to believe that your

our properties under leases that typically last 15 to 20

Company is positioned to withstand this market and

years and seek to pay monthly dividends to our share-

succeed in future years. Very thankfully, we are well

holders over many years.

capitalized, quite liquid, have high occupancy, and a well

As such, we take a long-term view of the business. We

diversified portfolio. As such, I believe we should weather

realize that, over the long terms of these leases, we are

the storm better than many others.

Annualized Dividends and Dividend Increases*
• 461 Consecutive Monthly Dividends Paid

$0.90
94

$0.93
95

$0.95
96

$0.96
97

$1.02
98

$1.08
99

$1.11
00

$1.14
01

$1.17
02

$1.20
03

$1.32
04

$1.395 $1.518 $1.641 $1.701

05

06

07

08

*as of December 31 of each year

1.8

1.6

1.4

1.2

1.0

0.8

0.6

0.4

0.2

0

21

4 . M o n t h l y D i v i d e n d s a r e o u r P a s s i o n ! . . .

economic need, and because of the sheer number

O u r C o m m i t m e n t a n d P o i n t o f Vi e w

of people who will be looking for income in the

I think it is important to reiterate both our commitment

coming years.

to providing monthly dividends, as well as our point

of view concerning the payment of dividends to our

shareholders. First of all, we are The Monthly Dividend

I N C L O S I N G
2008 was a challenging year, and I believe 2009 will be

Company®! We’ve been The Monthly Dividend Company®

at least as challenging, and maybe more so. As we have

ever since the Company was founded in 1969. The only

said many times, we are committed to our objective of

reason for us to be in business is to pay monthly

paying you monthly dividends that increase over time.

dividends to our shareholders by owning properties,

Once again, we are grateful for the support of the

holding them, collecting rent, and then using the cash

thousands of loyal shareholders who, like us, have

flow to pay dividends. We’re not in the business of trading

enjoyed years of monthly dividends. As always, there

real estate or maximizing long term growth at the

are no guarantees we will be successful in our efforts

expense of current cash flow. Our primary goal is to

during 2009 and we recommend that all investors

manage our real estate assets that generate the revenue

remain diversified and rely on us for only a portion of

from which we pay dividends and, secondarily, to

their income needs. We will do our best to operate your

increase the number of assets we own and their cash

Company in a prudent fashion so that the monthly

flow so that we can, hopefully, increase the amount of

dividends just keep on coming.

dividends we pay over time.

Sounds simple, perhaps even boring, but believe

Sincerely,

me, we are passionate about this. Since we’re all share-

holders, we’ve experienced for ourselves the benefit

of having that monthly dividend check show up in our

Tom A. Lewis

mailbox, or deposited directly into our account.

Chief Executive Officer

Producing these dividends over the long term is why

Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors

we are here, period. We will continue to operate the

Company for those shareholders that are seeking a

monthly dividend.

We also think the demand for that income will

continue to grow. As the first members of the Baby

Boomer generation approach 65, the traditional age

when one begins to examine retirement options, there

is increasing interest in how and where to get income.

While many Baby Boomers may not be able to retire

completely from the workforce, they may decide to

pursue other interests and need to replace salaried

income in order to do so. For these and other reasons,

we believe our focus on providing monthly income

is good business, both because it fulfills an unmet

22

R E A L T Y I N C O M E C O R P O R A T I O N A N D S U B S I D I A R I E S
I n f o r m a t i o n
F i n a n c i a l

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Statements of Income

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Consolidated Quarterly Financial Data

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Business Description

Properties

Forward-Looking Statements

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

General

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Results of Operations

Funds from Operations Available to Common Stockholders (FFO)

Impact of Inflation

Impact of Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Selected Financial Data

Controls and Procedures

Market for the Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters

and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities, including Total Return Performance

No, no, nothing in here for anyone
who paid down their mortgage, saved
their money, paid their taxes and
adequately saved for retirement.

24

25

26

27

28

45

46

47

56

61

62

62

62

67

73

74

74

74

76

77

78

23

R E A L T Y I N C O M E C O R P O R A T I O N A N D S U B S I D I A R I E S
C o n s o l i d a t e d B a l a n c e S h e e t s
(dollars in thousands, except per share data)

December 31,

Assets

Real estate, at cost:

Land

Buildings and improvements

Less accumulated depreciation and amortization

Net real estate held for investment

Real estate held for sale, net

Net real estate

Cash and cash equivalents

Accounts receivable

Goodwill

Other assets, net

Total assets

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

Distributions payable

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

Other liabilities

Lines of credit payable

Notes payable

Total liabilities

Commitments and contingencies

Stockholders’ equity:

2008

2007

$ 1,157,885

2,251,025

3,408,910

(553,417)

2,855,493

6,660

2,862,153

46,815

10,624

17,206

57,381

$ 1,110,897

2,127,897

3,238,794

(470,695)

2,768,099

56,156

2,824,255

193,101

7,142

17,206

35,648

$ 2,994,179

$ 3,077,352

$

16,793

38,027

14,698

—

1,370,000

1,439,518

$

15,844

38,112

15,304

—

1,470,000

1,539,260

Preferred stock and paid in capital, par value $1.00 per share,
20,000,000 shares authorized, 13,900,000 shares issued
and outstanding in 2008 and 2007

Common stock and paid in capital, par value $1.00 per share,

200,000,000 shares authorized, 104,211,541 and 101,082,717
shares issued and outstanding in 2008 and 2007, respectively

Distributions in excess of net income

Total stockholders’ equity

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

337,790

337,790

1,624,622

(407,751)

1,554,661

$ 2,994,179

1,545,037

(344,735)

1,538,092

$ 3,077,352

The accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these statements.

24

R E A L T Y I N C O M E C O R P O R A T I O N A N D S U B S I D I A R I E S
C o n s o l i d a t e d S t a t e m e n t s o f
(dollars in thousands, except per share data)

I n c o m e

Years Ended December 31,

2008

2007

2006

Revenue

Rental

Other

Expenses

Interest
Depreciation and amortization

General and administrative

Property

Income taxes

Loss on extinguishment of debt

Income from continuing operations

Income from discontinued operations:

Real estate acquired for resale by Crest

Real estate held for investment

Net income

Preferred stock cash dividends

Net income available to common stockholders

$ 328,266

1,934

330,200

93,956
90,732

21,618

5,818

1,230

—

213,354

116,846

575

14,420

14,995

131,841

(24,253)

$ 107,588

$ 287,965

6,352

294,317

64,331
76,686

22,694

3,471

1,392

—

168,574

125,743

10,703

3,963

14,666

140,409

(24,253)

$ 116,156

Amounts available to common stockholders per common share:

Income from continuing operations:

Basic

Diluted

Net income, basic and diluted

Weighted average common shares outstanding:

Basic

Diluted

$

$

$

0.92

0.91

1.06

$

$

$

1.01

1.01

1.16

101,178,191

101,209,883

100,195,031

100,333,966

The accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these statements.

$ 235,374

2,042

237,416

51,363
58,783

17,539

3,300

747

1,555

133,287

104,129

1,402

5,250

6,652

110,781

(11,362)

$ 99,419

$

$

$

1.03

1.03

1.11

89,766,714

89,917,554

25

R E A L T Y I N C O M E C O R P O R A T I O N A N D S U B S I D I A R I E S
C o n s o l i d a t e d S t a t e m e n t s o f S t o c k h o l d e r s ’ E q u i t y
(dollars in thousands)

Years Ended December 31,
2008, 2007 and 2006

Shares of
Preferred
stock

Shares of
Common
stock

Preferred
stock and
paid in
capital

Common
stock and
paid in
capital

Distributions
in excess of
net income

Total

Balance, December 31, 2005

5,100,000

83,696,647

$ 123,804

$ 1,134,300

$ (268,890) $ 989,214

Net income

Distributions paid and payable

Shares issued in stock offerings,

—

—

—

—

net of offering costs of $20,911

— 16,815,000

Shares issued in stock offering,

—

—

—

net of offering costs of $6,023

8,800,000

—

213,977

Share-based compensation

—

234,579

—

—

—

110,781

110,781

(144,045)

(144,045)

402,745

—

3,320

—

—

—

402,745

213,977

3,320

Balance, December 31, 2006

13,900,000 100,746,226

337,781

1,540,365

(302,154)

1,575,992

Net income
Distributions paid and payable

Preferred stock issuance cost

Share-based compensation

—
—

—

—

—
—

—

336,491

—
—

9

—

—
—

—

4,672

140,409
(182,990)

140,409
(182,990)

—

—

9

4,672

Balance, December 31, 2007

13,900,000 101,082,717

337,790

1,545,037

(344,735)

1,538,092

Net income

Distributions paid and payable

Shares issued in stock offering,

net of offering costs of $4,024

Share-based compensation

—

—

—

—

—

—

2,925,000

203,824

—

—

—

—

—

—

131,841

131,841

(194,857)

(194,857)

74,425

5,160

—

—

74,425

5,160

Balance, December 31, 2008

13,900,000 104,211,541

$ 337,790

$ 1,624,622

$ (407,751) $ 1,554,661

The accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these statements.

World Financial System

Well that was unexpected . . .

26

R E A L T Y I N C O M E C O R P O R A T I O N A N D S U B S I D I A R I E S
C o n s o l i d a t e d S t a t e m e n t s o f C a s h F l o w s
(dollars in thousands)

2008

2007

2006

$ 131,841

$ 140,409

$ 110,781

90,732

76,686

58,783

Years Ended December 31,

Cash Flows from Operating Activities

Net income

Adjustments to net income:

Depreciation and amortization

Income from discontinued operations:

Real estate acquired for resale

Real estate held for investment
Gain on sales of land and improvements

Gain on reinstatement of property carrying value

Amortization of share-based compensation

Provisions for impairment on real estate held for investment

Cash provided by (used in) discontinued operations:

Real estate acquired for resale
Real estate held for investment

Investment in real estate acquired for resale

Proceeds from sales of real estate acquired for resale

Collection of notes receivable by Crest

Change in assets and liabilities:

Accounts receivable and other assets

Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities

Net cash provided by operating activities

Cash Flows from Investing Activities

Proceeds from sales of investment properties:

Continuing operations

Discontinued operations

Acquisition of and improvements to investment properties

(575)

(14,420)
(236)

—

5,049

—

78
1,408

(9)

31,455

87

(930)

1,675

246,155

439

24,191

(194,106)

Intangibles acquired in connection with acquisitions of investment properties

(397)

Restricted escrow funds acquired in connection with

acquisitions of investment properties

Net cash used in investing activities

Cash Flows from Financing Activities

Cash distributions to common stockholders

Cash dividends to preferred stockholders

Proceeds from common stock offerings, net

Credit facility origination costs

Principal payment on notes payable

Proceeds from notes issued, net

Borrowings from lines of credit

Payments under lines of credit

Proceeds from preferred stock offerings, net

Proceeds from other stock issuances

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year

—

(169,873)

(169,655)

(24,253)

74,425

(3,196)

(100,000)

—

—

—

—

111

(222,568)

(146,286)

193,101

(10,703)

(3,963)
(1,835)

—

3,857

138

(1,610)
3,009

(29,886)

119,790

651

(49)

21,675

318,169

4,370

7,014

(506,360)

(997)

(2,648)

(498,621)

(157,659)

(24,583)

—

—

—

544,397

407,800

(407,800)

9

816

362,980

182,528

10,573

(1,402)

(5,250)
—

(716)

2,951

—

371
3,055

(113,166)

22,405

1,333

4,418

3,382

86,945

2

9,804

(654,149)

(937)

—

(645,280)

(129,667)

(9,403)

402,745

—

(110,000)

271,883

523,200

(659,900)

213,977

369

503,204

(55,131)

65,704

Cash and cash equivalents, end of year

$ 46,815

$ 193,101

$ 10,573

For supplemental disclosures, see note 13.
The accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these statements.

27

R E A L T Y I N C O M E C O R P O R A T I O N A N D S U B S I D I A R I E S
N o t e s t o C o n s o l i d a t e d F i n a n c i a l S t a t e m e n t s
December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006

1. ORGANIZATION AND OPERATION
Realty Income Corporation (“Realty Income,” the “Company,”

“we” or “our”) is organized as a Maryland corporation. We invest

2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
Federal Income Taxes. We have elected to be taxed as a real estate

in commercial retail real estate and have elected to be taxed as

investment trust (“REIT”) under the Tax Code. We believe we

a real estate investment trust (“REIT”).

have qualified and continue to qualify as a REIT. Under the REIT

At December 31, 2008, we owned 2,348 properties, located

operating structure, we are permitted to deduct distributions

in 49 states, containing over 19.1 million leasable square feet,

paid to our stockholders and generally will not be required to

along with five properties owned by our wholly-owned taxable REIT

pay federal corporate income taxes on such income. Accordingly,

subsidiary, Crest Net Lease, Inc. (“Crest”). Crest was created to

no provision has been made for federal income taxes in the

buy and sell properties, primarily to individual investors who are

accompanying consolidated financial statements, except for

involved in tax-deferred exchanges under Section 1031 of the

federal income taxes of Crest, which totaled $181,000 in 2008,

Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Tax Code”).

$2.5 million in 2007 and $396,000 in 2006 and are included in

Information with respect to number of properties, square feet,

discontinued operations.

average initial lease term and weighted average contractual lease
rate is unaudited.

Earnings and profits that determine the taxability of distribu-
tions to stockholders differ from net income reported for financial

reporting purposes due to differences in the estimated useful lives

and methods used to compute depreciation and the carrying value

(basis) of the investments in properties for tax purposes, among

other things.

The following reconciles our net income available to common stockholders to taxable income (dollars in thousands):

Net income available to common stockholders

$ 107,588

$ 116,156

$ 99,419

2008 (1)

2007

2006

Preferred dividends

Depreciation and amortization timing differences

Tax gain on the sales of real estate less than book gain

Tax loss on the sale of real estate less than book gain

Dividends received from Crest

Elimination of net revenue and expenses from Crest

Adjustment for share-based compensation

Adjustment for straight-line rent

Adjustment for an increase (decrease) in prepaid rent

Other adjustments

24,253

28,624

(3,925)

—

2,500

270

2,270

(1,997)

(1,226)

(358)

24,583

22,668

—

(3,839)

3,300

(6,677)

314

(1,217)

5,608

(453)

11,362

16,612

—

(3,529)

500

2,440

(63)

(1,515)

(1,681)

(718)

Taxable net income, before our dividends paid deduction

$ 157,999

$ 160,443

$ 122,827

(1) The 2008 information presented is a reconciliation of our net income available to common stockholders to estimated taxable net income.

This doesn’t look like
much of an ark.

That’s OK, the CEO isn’t
much of a Noah either.

28

In June 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board

C corporation that owned real property. At the time of acquisition,

(“FASB”) issued Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty

the C corporation became a Qualified REIT Subsidiary, was

in Income Taxes, an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109.

deemed to be liquidated for Federal income tax purposes, and the

Interpretation No. 48 applies to all tax positions accounted for

real property was deemed to be transferred to us with a carryover

under Statement No. 109 and clarifies the accounting for uncer-

tax basis. As of December 31, 2008, we have built-in gains of

tainty in income taxes by defining criteria that a tax position on an

$59 million with respect to such property. We do not expect that

individual matter must meet before that position is recognized in

we will be required to pay income tax on the built-in gains in these

the financial statements. We were subject to the provisions of

properties during the ten-year period ending August 28, 2017.

Interpretation No. 48 since January 2007 and from that time we

It is our intent, and we have the ability, to defer any dispositions

have analyzed our various federal and state filing positions. We

of these properties to periods when the related gains would not be

believe that our income tax positions would more likely than not

subject to the built-in gain income tax or otherwise to defer the

be sustained upon examination by all relevant taxing authorities.

recognition of the built-in gain related to these properties.

Therefore, no reserves for uncertain income tax positions have

However, our plans could change and it may be necessary to

been recorded pursuant to Interpretation No. 48 and we did not

dispose of one or more of these properties in a taxable transaction

record a cumulative effect adjustment related to its adoption.

before August 28, 2017, in which case we would be required to

Absent an election to the contrary, if a REIT acquires property

pay corporate level tax with respect to the built-in gains on these

that is or has been owned by a C corporation in a transaction in

properties as described above.

which the tax basis of the property in the hands of the REIT is

determined by reference to the tax basis of the property in the

Net Income Per Common Share. Basic net income per common

hands of the C corporation, and the REIT recognizes gain on the

share is computed by dividing net income available to common

disposition of such property during the 10 year period beginning

stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares

on the date on which it acquired the property, then the REIT will

outstanding during each period. Diluted net income per common

be required to pay tax at the highest regular corporate tax rate

share is computed by dividing net income available to common

on this gain to the extent of the excess of the fair market value

stockholders for the period by the weighted average number of

of the property over the REIT’s adjusted basis in the property, in

common shares that would have been outstanding assuming the

each case determined as of the date the REIT acquired the

issuance of common shares for all potentially dilutive common

property. In August 2007, we acquired 100% of the stock of a

shares outstanding during the reporting period.

The following is a reconciliation of the denominator of the basic net income per common share computation to the denominator of

the diluted net income per common share computation:

Weighted average shares used for the basic net income

per share computation

Incremental shares from share-based compensation

Adjusted weighted average shares used for diluted net income

2008

2007

2006

101,178,191

100,195,031

31,692

138,935

89,766,714

150,840

per share computation

101,209,883

100,333,966

89,917,554

Unvested shares from share-based compensation

that were anti-dilutive

614,917

243,631

235,035

No stock options were anti-dilutive in 2008, 2007 or 2006.

29

Discontinued Operations. In accordance with FASB Statement

sale, adjusted for any depreciation expense that would have

No. 144, Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-

been recognized had the property been continuously classified

Lived Assets, Realty Income’s operations from two investment

as held for investment, and (ii) the fair value at the date of the

properties classified as held for sale at December 31, 2008,

subsequent decision not to sell.

plus properties sold in 2008, 2007 and 2006, are reported as

The following is a summary of Crest’s “income from discontinued

discontinued operations. Their respective results of operations

operations, real estate acquired for resale” on our consolidated

have been reclassified to “income from discontinued operations,

statements of income (dollars in thousands):

Crest’s income from
discontinued operations,
real estate acquired for resale

2008

2007

2006

Gain on sales of real estate
acquired for resale

$ 4,642

$ 12,319

$ 2,219

real estate held for investment” on our consolidated statements of

income. We do not depreciate properties once they are classified

as held for sale.

Crest acquires properties with the intention of reselling them

rather than holding them for investment and operating the

properties. Consequently, we typically classify properties acquired

by Crest as held for sale at the date of acquisition and do not

depreciate them. In accordance with Statement No. 144, the

operations of Crest’s properties are classified as “income from

Rental revenue

Other revenue
Interest expense

General and

discontinued operations, real estate acquired for resale by Crest”

administrative expense

on our consolidated statements of income.

No debt was assumed by buyers of our investment properties

or repaid as a result of our investment property sales, and we do

not allocate interest expense to discontinued operations related to

real estate held for investment. We allocate interest expense

related to borrowings specifically attributable to Crest’s properties.

The interest expense amounts allocated to the Crest properties

held for sale are included in “income from discontinued opera-

Property expenses

Provisions for impairment
Depreciation (1)
Income taxes

Income from discontinued
operations, real estate
acquired for resale
by Crest

1,830

914
(1,797)

(511)

(133)

(3,374)

(771)

(225)

8,165

190
(6,201)

(691)

(40)

—

—

(3,039)

5,065

15
(3,708)

(440)

(67)

(1,188)

—

(494)

$ 575

$ 10,703

$ 1,402

tions, real estate acquired for resale by Crest” on our consolidated

(1) Depreciation was recorded on one property that was classified as held for

statements of income.

If circumstances arise, which were previously considered

unlikely and, as a result, we decide not to sell a property previously

classified as held for sale, the property is reclassified as real

estate held for investment. A property that is reclassified to held

for investment is measured and recorded at the lower of (i) its

carrying amount before the property was classified as held for

Turns out leverage works both ways.

investment. This property was sold in 2008.

The following is a summary of Realty Income’s “income from

discontinued operations, from real estate held for investment”

on our consolidated statements of income (dollars in thousands):

Realty Income’s income
from discontinued operations,
real estate held for investment

Gain on sales of

2008

2007

2006

investment properties $ 13,314

$ 1,724

$ 3,036

Rental revenue

Other revenue

Depreciation and
amortization

Property expenses

Provisions for impairment

1,461

40

3,075

4

3,177

34

(302)

(93)

—

(636)

(70)

(134)

(825)

(156)

(16)

Income from discontinued
operations, real estate
held for investment $ 14,420

$ 3,963

$ 5,250

30

The following is a summary of our total income from discontinued

Cash Equivalents. We consider all short-term, highly liquid

operations (dollars in thousands, except per share data):

investments that are readily convertible to cash and have an

Total discontinued operations

2008

2007

2006

Real estate acquired for

resale by Crest

$

575

$ 10,703

$ 1,402

original maturity of three months or less at the time of purchase to

be cash equivalents. Our cash equivalents are primarily investments

in United States Treasury or government money market funds.

Real estate held for
investment

Income from discontinued

14,420

3,963

5,250

Gain on Sales of Properties. We recognize gains on sales of properties

in accordance with FASB Statement No. 66, Accounting for Sales

of Real Estate.

operations

$ 14,995

$ 14,666

$ 6,652

Per common share,

basic and diluted

$

0.15

$

0.15

$ 0.07

The per share amounts for “income from discontinued opera-

tions” above and the “income from continuing operations” and

“net income” reported on the consolidated statements of income

Allocation of the Purchase Price of Real Estate Acquisitions. When

we acquire a property for investment purposes, we allocate the

purchase price to the various components of the acquisition

based upon the fair value of each component. The components

typically include (i) land, (ii) building and improvements, (iii)

intangible assets related to above and below market leases, and

have each been calculated independently.

(iv) value of costs to obtain tenants.

Revenue Recognition and Accounts Receivable. All leases are

accounted for as operating leases. Under this method, lease

payments that have fixed and determinable rent increases are

recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Any rental

revenue contingent upon a tenant’s sales is recognized only after

the tenant exceeds their sales breakpoint. Rental increases based

upon changes in the consumer price indexes are recognized only

after the changes in the indexes have occurred and are then

applied according to the lease agreements.

We recognize an allowance for doubtful accounts relating

to accounts receivable for amounts deemed uncollectible. We

consider tenant specific issues, such as financial stability and

ability to pay rent, when determining collectibility of accounts

receivable and appropriate allowances to record. The allowance

for doubtful accounts was $637,000 at December 31, 2008

and $795,000 at December 31, 2007.

Depreciation and Amortization. Land, buildings and improvements

are recorded and stated at cost. Major replacements and

betterments, which improve or extend the life of the asset, are

capitalized and depreciated over their estimated useful lives,

while ordinary repairs and maintenance are expensed as incurred.

Buildings and improvements that are under redevelopment, or are

being developed, are carried at cost and no depreciation is

recorded on these assets. Additionally, amounts essential to the

development of the property, such as pre-construction, development,

construction, interest and any other costs incurred during the

period of development are capitalized. We cease capitalization

when the property is available for occupancy upon substantial

completion of tenant improvements, but in any event no later

than one year from the completion of major construction activity.

Properties are depreciated using the straight-line method

over the estimated useful lives of the assets. The estimated useful

Other revenue includes non-operating interest earned from

lives are as follows:

investments in money market funds and other notes of $1.4 million

in 2008, $3.6 million in 2007 and $1.2 million in 2006.

Buildings

25 years

Building improvements

4 to 15 years

Principles of Consolidation. The accompanying consolidated

financial statements include the accounts of Realty Income, Crest

Tenant improvements and
lease commissions

The shorter of the term of the
related lease or useful life

and other entities for which we make operating and financial

Acquired in-place

decisions (i.e. control), after elimination of all material inter-

operating leases

Remaining terms of the
respective leases

company balances and transactions. All of Realty Income’s and

Crest’s subsidiaries are wholly-owned. We have no unconsolidated

or off-balance sheet investments in variable interest entities.

31

Provisions for Impairment. We review long-lived assets for

The fair value of the tangible assets of an acquired property

impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances

(which includes land and buildings/improvements) is determined

indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be

by valuing the property as if it were vacant, and the “as-if-vacant”

recoverable. Generally, a provision is made for impairment

value is then allocated to land and buildings/improvements based

if estimated future operating cash flows (undiscounted and

on our determination of the relative fair value of these assets. Our

without interest charges) plus estimated disposition proceeds

determinations are based on a real estate appraisal for each

(undiscounted) are less than the current book value. Impairment

property, generated by an independent appraisal firm, and consider

loss is measured as the amount by which the current book value

estimates of carrying costs during the expected lease-up periods,

of the asset exceeds the fair value of the asset. If a property is

current market conditions, as well as costs to execute similar

held for sale, it is carried at the lower of cost or estimated fair

leases. In allocating the fair value to identified intangibles for

value, less estimated cost to sell. In 2008, Crest recorded

above-market or below-market leases, an amount is recorded

provisions for impairment of $3.4 million on three retail

based on the present value of the difference between (i) the

properties, which were held for sale at December 31, 2008.

contractual amount to be paid pursuant to the in-place lease

These provisions for impairment are included in “income from

and (ii) our estimate of fair market lease rate for the corresponding

discontinued operations, real estate acquired for resale by Crest”

in-place lease, measured over a period equal to the remaining

on our consolidated statements of income.

term of the lease.

In 2007, we recorded a provision for impairment of $134,000

Capitalized above-market lease values are amortized as a

on one retail investment property in the motor vehicle industry.

reduction of rental income over the remaining terms of the

This provision for impairment is included in “income from

respective leases. Capitalized below-market lease values are

discontinued operations, real estate held for investment” on our

amortized as an increase to rental income over the remaining

consolidated statement of income (“Discontinued Operations”).

terms of the respective leases and expected below-market renewal

In 2007, we also recorded a provision for impairment of

option periods.

$138,000 on one retail investment property in the consumer

The aggregate value of other acquired intangible assets

electronics industry. This provision for impairment is included

consists of the value of in-place leases and tenant relationships.

in property expense on our consolidated statement of income.

These are measured by the excess of the purchase price paid for

No provisions for impairment were recorded by Crest in 2007.

a property, after adjusting for above or below-market lease

In 2006, we recorded a provision for impairment of $16,000

value, less the estimated fair value of the property “as if vacant,”

on one retail investment property in the restaurant industry. This

determined as set forth above. The value of in-place leases,

provision for impairment is included in Discontinued Operations.

exclusive of the value of above-market and below-market in-place

Additionally, in 2006, Crest recorded provisions for impairment of

leases, is amortized to expense over the remaining periods of the

$1.2 million on three retail properties. One was sold in 2007

respective leases. If a lease were to be terminated prior to its

and two were sold in 2008. The provisions for impairment

stated expiration, all unamortized amounts relating to that lease

recorded by Crest are included in “income from discontinued

would be recorded to revenue or expense as appropriate.

operations, real estate acquired for resale by Crest” on our

consolidated statements of income.

Share-based Compensation. Effective January 1, 2006, we

The provisions for impairment recorded in 2008, 2007 and

adopted FASB Statement No. 123R, Share-Based Payments.

2006 reduced the carrying values to the estimated fair-market

Statement No. 123R requires companies to recognize in the

value of those properties, net of estimated selling costs.

income statement the grant-date fair value of stock options and

Acquired In-place Leases. In accordance with FASB Statement

January 1, 2002, we adopted the fair value recognition provisions

No. 141, Business Combinations, the fair value of the real estate

of FASB Statement No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based

acquired with in-place operating leases is allocated to the

Compensation, and starting January 1, 2002 expensed costs for

acquired tangible assets, consisting of land, building and

all stock option awards granted, modified, or settled.

other equity-based compensation issued to employees. Effective

improvements, and identified intangible assets and liabilities,

consisting of the value of above-market and below-market leases,

Goodwill. Goodwill is tested for impairment during the second

the value of in-place leases and tenant relationships, based in

quarter of each year as well as when events or circumstances

each case on their fair values.

occur indicating that our goodwill might be impaired. We did not

record any new goodwill or impairment on our existing goodwill

during 2008, 2007 or 2006.

32

Other Assets. Other assets consist of the following (dollars in

Sales Taxes. We collect and remit sales taxes assessed by different

thousands) at:

December 31,

governmental authorities that are both imposed on and concurrent

with a revenue-producing transaction between us and our tenants.

2008

2007

We report the collection of these taxes on a net basis (excluded

Notes receivable issued in conjunction

from revenues). The amounts of these taxes are not significant

with Crest property sales

$ 22,344

$ 3,132

Deferred bond financing costs, net

13,249

14,940

Value of in-place and above-market

leases, net

Prepaid expenses

10,534

4,244

11,211

3,803

Escrow deposits for Section 1031

tax-deferred exchanges

Credit facility organization costs, net

Corporate assets, net of accumulated
depreciation and amortization

Settlements on treasury lock agreements

Other items

3,174

2,552

1,277
—

7

—

434

1,356
759

13

$ 57,381

$ 35,648

Distributions Payable. Distributions payable consist of the following

declared distributions (dollars in thousands) at:

December 31,

2008

2007

Common stock distributions

$ 14,772

$ 13,823

Preferred stock dividends

2,021

2,021

to our financial position or results of operations.

Use of Estimates. The consolidated financial statements were

prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting

principles, which requires management to make estimates and

assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and

liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the

date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of

revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results

could differ from those estimates.

Impact of Recent Accounting Pronouncements. In September 2006,

the FASB issued Statement No. 157, Fair Value Measurements.

Statement No. 157 sets out a framework for measuring fair value,

and requires additional disclosures about fair-value measurements.

Statement No. 157 became effective for us at the beginning of

2008 and did not have an impact on our financial position or

results of operations. In February 2008, the FASB delayed the

effective date of Statement No. 157 for non-financial assets and

non-financial liabilities, except for items that are recognized or

$ 16,793

$ 15,844

disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring

basis, to the beginning of 2009. For additional discussion of

Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses. Accounts payable and

Statement No. 157, see note 12.

accrued expenses consist of the following (dollars in thousands) at:

In February 2007, the FASB issued Statement No. 159, The

December 31,

2008

2007

including an Amendment of FASB Statement No. 115. Statement

Bond interest payable

$ 26,706

$ 24,987

No. 159 permits entities to choose to measure many financial

Other items

11,321

13,125

instruments and certain other items at fair value. We have elected

$ 38,027

$ 38,112

not to use the fair value measurement provisions of Statement

Fair Value option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities—

Other Liabilities. Other liabilities consist of the following (dollars in

thousands) at:

December 31,

Rent received in advance

Security deposits

Value of in-place below-market

leases, net

2008

2007

$ 9,083

$ 10,626

3,937

2,818

1,678

1,860

$ 14,698

$ 15,304

No. 159.

In December 2007, the FASB issued Statement No. 141R

(revised 2007), Business Combinations. Effective January 1,

2009, Statement No. 141R changes the accounting treatment

and disclosures for certain specific items in a business combi-

nation. Under Statement No. 141R, a company that acquires

another entity is required to recognize all the assets acquired

and liabilities assumed at the acquisition-date fair value with

limited exceptions. Statement 141R requires transaction costs to

be expensed as incurred, rather than capitalized. Statement

No. 141R is not expected to have a significant impact on our

financial position or results of operations.

33

In December 2007, the FASB issued Statement No. 160,

Of the $533.7 million invested during 2007, Realty Income

Noncontrolling Interest in Consolidated Financial Statements.

invested $503.8 million in 325 new retail properties and

Effective January 1, 2009, Statement No. 160 clarifies that a

properties under development with an initial weighted average

noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary is an ownership interest in

contractual lease rate of 8.6%. These 325 properties are located

the consolidated entity that should be reported as equity in the

in 38 states, contain over 1.8 million leasable square feet, and

consolidated financial statements. This statement also requires

are 100% leased with an average lease term of 19.2 years.

consolidated net income to be reported at amounts that include

the amounts attributable to both the parent and the noncontrolling

B. During 2008, Crest did not invest in any new retail properties.

interest and requires disclosure, on the face of the consolidated

In comparison, during 2007, Crest invested $29.9 million in 32

statement of income, of the amounts of the consolidated net

retail properties.

income attributable to the parent and to the noncontrolling

interest. We currently do not have any minority or noncontrolling

C. Crest’s property inventory at December 31, 2008 consisted

interest in a subsidiary, and, therefore, Statement No. 160 will

of five properties for $6.0 million and at December 31, 2007

not have an impact on our consolidated financial statements.

consisted of 30 properties for $56.2 million. These amounts are

In June 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position (“FSP”)

included on our consolidated balance sheets in “real estate held

EITF No. 03-6-1, Determining Whether Instruments Granted in

for sale, net.”

Share-Based Payment Transactions Are Participating Securities.

Effective January 1, 2009, FSP EITF No. 03-6-1 clarifies

D. Of the $189.6 million invested by Realty Income in 2008,

that all outstanding nonvested share-based payment awards

$10.0 million was used to acquire two retail properties with

that contain rights to nonforfeitable dividends are considered

existing leases. In accordance with FASB Statement No. 141,

“participating securities,” as defined by FSP EITF No. 03-6-1,

Business Combinations, Realty Income recorded $397,000 as

which requires the two-class method of computing basic and

the intangible value of the in-place leases. This amount is

diluted earnings per share to be applied. FSP EITF No. 03-6-1

recorded to “other assets” on our consolidated balance sheets

is not expected to have a significant impact on our calculation of

and amortized over the life of the respective leases.

basic and diluted earnings per share.

Of the $533.7 million invested in 2007, $14.7 million was

used to acquire five properties with existing leases already in-place

Reclassifications. Certain of the 2007 and 2006 balances have

with retail tenants. In accordance with Statement No. 141, Realty

been reclassified to conform to the 2008 presentation.

Income recorded $1.8 million as the intangible value of the in-place

3. RETAIL PROPERTIES ACQUIRED
We acquire land, buildings and improvements that are used by

leases. These amounts are recorded to “other assets” and “other

liabilities,” respectively, on our consolidated balance sheets and

retail operators.

are amortized over the life of the respective leases.

leases and $784,000 as the intangible value of below-market

A. During 2008, Realty Income invested $189.6 million in 108

new retail properties and properties under development with an

4. CREDIT FACILITY
In May 2008, we entered into a new $355 million acquisition

initial weighted average contractual lease rate of 8.7%. These

credit facility which replaced our existing $300 million acquisi-

108 properties are located in 14 states, contain over 714,000

tion credit facility that was scheduled to expire in October 2008.

leasable square feet, and are 100% leased with an average lease

The term of the new credit facility is for three years, until May

term of 20.6 years. The initial weighted average contractual lease

2011, plus two, one-year extension options. Under the new credit

rate is computed by dividing the estimated aggregate base rent

facility, our investment grade credit ratings provide for financing

for the first year of each lease by the estimated total cost of

at LIBOR (London Interbank Offered Rate) plus 100 basis points

the properties.

with a facility commitment fee of 27.5 basis points, for all-in

In comparison, during 2007, Realty Income and Crest

drawn pricing of 127.5 basis points over LIBOR. We also have

invested $533.7 million, in aggregate, in 357 new retail

other interest rate options available to us. Our credit facility is

properties and properties under development. These 357 retail

unsecured and accordingly, we have not pledged any assets as

properties are located in 38 states, contain over 1.9 million

collateral for this obligation.

leasable square feet, and are 100% leased with an average lease

In May 2008, as a result of entering into our new credit

term of 19.3 years.

34

facility, we incurred $3.2 million of credit facility origination costs

which were capitalized to other assets. Also, we expensed

$235,000 of unamortized credit facility origination costs from

our prior credit facility, which are included in interest expense.

We did not utilize our credit facility during 2008. Our effective borrowing rate at December 31, 2008 was 1.4% and at December 31,

2007 was 5.2%. Our average borrowing rate on our credit facility during 2007 was 6.0%, compared to 5.7% in 2006. Our current

and prior credit facilities are subject to various leverage and interest coverage ratio limitations. We are and have been in compliance with

these covenants.

5. NOTES PAYABLE
A. General

Our senior unsecured note obligations consist of the following, sorted by maturity date, (dollars in millions):

December 31,

8.25% notes, issued in October 1998 and due in November 2008

$

8% notes, issued in January 1999 and due in January 2009

5.375% notes, issued in March 2003 and due in March 2013

5.5% notes, issued in November 2003 and due in November 2015

5.95% notes, issued in September 2006 and due in September 2016

5.375% notes, issued in September 2005 and due in September 2017

6.75% notes, issued in September 2007 and due in August 2019

5.875% bonds, issued in March 2005 and due in March 2035

2008

—

20.0

100.0

150.0

275.0

175.0

550.0

100.0

2007

$ 100.0

20.0

100.0

150.0

275.0

175.0

550.0

100.0

$ 1,370.0

$ 1,470.0

The following table summarizes the maturity of our notes

Interest incurred on all of the notes for 2008 was $91.2 million,

payable as of December 31, 2008 (dollars in millions):

for 2007 was $67.1 million and for 2006 was $49.6 million. The

Year of Maturity (1)

2009 (2)
2013

After 2013

Totals

(1) There are no maturities in 2010, 2011 and 2012.
(2) $20.0 million matured and was paid off in January 2009.

Notes

20.0

$

100.0

1,250.0

$ 1,370.0

interest rate on each of these notes is fixed.

Our outstanding notes are unsecured and; accordingly, we

have not pledged any assets as collateral for these or any other

obligations. Interest on all of the senior note obligations is paid

semiannually.

All of these notes contain various covenants, including: (i) a

limitation on incurrence of any debt which would cause our debt

to total adjusted assets ratio to exceed 60%; (ii) a limitation on

incurrence of any secured debt which would cause our secured

It’s either a light at the
end of the tunnel or . . .

Don’t even say it.

35

Everybody trying to get in
on this Federal Bailout TARP
program, sounds fishy to me.

The Federal Reserve announced today that
Mrs. Paul’s Fish Sticks has become a bank holding
company and will be accessing funds from the
Federal Bailout TARP program.

debt to total adjusted assets ratio to exceed 40%; (iii) a limitation

on incurrence of any debt which would cause our debt service

coverage ratio to be less than 1.5 times; and (iv) the maintenance

at all times of total unencumbered assets not less than 150% of

our outstanding unsecured debt. We have been in compliance

with these covenants since each of the notes were issued.

B. Note Redemptions

In January 2009 on their maturity date, we redeemed all of our

outstanding 8.00% notes issued in January 1999 at a redemption

price equal to 100% of the principal amount, plus accrued and

unpaid interest using cash on hand.

In November 2008 on their maturity date, we redeemed all

of our outstanding 8.25% senior notes issued in October 1998

(the “2008 Notes”) at a redemption price equal to 100% of the

principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest, using

proceeds from our September 2008 common stock offering and

cash on hand.

In May 1998, we entered into a treasury interest rate lock

agreement associated with the 2008 Notes. In settlement of the

agreement, we made a payment of $8.7 million in 1998. The

payment on the agreement was amortized over 10 years (the life

of the notes) as a yield adjustment to interest expense. After

taking into effect the results of the treasury lock settlement, the

effective rate to us on the 2008 Notes was 9.12%.

In September 2006, we redeemed all of our outstanding

2007 Notes at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal

amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest and a make-whole

payment of $1.6 million. The make-whole payment was recorded

as a “loss on extinguishment of debt” on our 2006 consolidated

statement of income. For 2006, the make-whole payment

represented approximately $0.017 per share.

C. Note Issuances

In September 2007, we issued $550 million in aggregate

principal amount of 6.75% senior unsecured notes due 2019

(the “2019 Notes”). The price to the investor for the 2019 Notes

was 99.827% of the principal amount for an effective yield of

6.772%. The net proceeds of approximately $544.4 million from

this offering were used to fund certain property acquisitions,

repay borrowings under our acquisition credit facility and

for general corporate purposes, including additional property

acquisitions.

In September 2006, we issued $275 million in aggregate

principal amount of 5.95% senior unsecured notes due 2016

(the “2016 Notes”). The price to the investor for the 2016 Notes

was 99.74% of the principal amount for an effective yield of

5.985%. The net proceeds of approximately $271.9 million from

this offering were used for general corporate purposes and to

redeem the outstanding $110 million 7.75% unsecured notes due

May 2007 (the “2007 Notes”), which were issued in May 1997.

36

6. COMMON STOCK OFFERINGS
A. In September 2008, we issued 2.925 million shares of

2007, we paid twelve monthly dividends to holders of our

Class E preferred stock totaling $1.725 per share, or $15.2 million.

common stock at a price of $26.82 per share. The net proceeds

In January 2007, we paid the first Class E preferred dividend of

of approximately $74.4 million were used, along with our

$0.178125 per share, which covered a period of 38 days.

available cash on hand, to redeem the $100 million outstanding

principal amount of our 2008 Notes in November 2008.

8. DISTRIBUTIONS PAID AND PAYABLE
A. Common Stock

B. In October and November 2006, we issued an aggregate of

We pay monthly distributions to our common stockholders. The

6.9 million shares of common stock at a price of $26.40 per

following is a summary of monthly distributions paid per common

share. The net proceeds of approximately $173.2 million were

share for the years:

used to fund new property acquisitions and for other general

corporate purposes.

C. In September 2006, we issued 4.715 million shares of
common stock at a price of $24.32 per share. The net proceeds

of approximately $109 million from this offering were used to

fund new property acquisitions, repay borrowings under our credit

facility and for other general corporate purposes.

D. In March 2006, we issued 5.2 million shares of common stock

at a price of $24.39 per share. The net proceeds of approximately

$120.5 million were used to fund new property acquisitions and

for other general corporate purposes.

7. PREFERRED STOCK
A. In 2004, we issued 5.1 million shares of 7.375% Monthly

Income Class D cumulative redeemable preferred stock. The net

proceeds of $123.8 million from this issuance were used to

Month

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

2008

2007

2006

$ 0.136750

$ 0.126500

$ 0.116250

0.136750

0.136750

0.137375

0.137375

0.137375

0.138000

0.138000

0.140500

0.141125

0.141125

0.141125

0.126500

0.126500

0.127125

0.127125

0.127125

0.127750

0.127750

0.135500

0.136125

0.136125

0.136125

0.116250

0.116250

0.116875

0.116875

0.116875

0.117500

0.117500

0.125250

0.125875

0.125875

0.125875

Total

$ 1.662250

$ 1.560250

$ 1.437250

The following presents the federal income tax characterization

of distributions paid or deemed to be paid per common share for

redeem a portion of the outstanding Class B and Class C preferred

stock, repay borrowings outstanding under our acquisition credit

the years:

facility and for other general corporate purposes. Beginning

May 27, 2009, the Class D preferred shares are redeemable, at

our option, for $25 per share. During 2008, 2007 and 2006,

Ordinary income $ 1.2681285 $ 1.3847719 $ 1.2945466

2008

2007

2006

Nontaxable

we paid twelve monthly dividends to holders of our Class D

distributions

0.3121490

0.1754781

0.1427034

preferred stock totaling $1.8437508 per share, or $9.4 million,

Capital gain

0.0819725

—

—

and at December 31, 2008 a monthly dividend of $0.1536459

per share was payable and was paid in January 2009.

Totals

$ 1.6622500 $ 1.5602500 $ 1.4372500

At December 31, 2008, a distribution of $0.14175 per

common share was payable and was paid in January 2009. At

December 31, 2007, a distribution of $0.13675 per common

share was payable and was paid in January 2008.

B. In 2006, we issued 8.8 million shares of 6.75% Monthly

Income Class E cumulative redeemable preferred stock. The net

proceeds of $214 million from this issuance were used to repay

borrowings under our credit facility and for other general corporate

purposes. Beginning December 7, 2011, the Class E preferred

shares are redeemable, at our option, for $25 per share. During

2008, we paid twelve monthly dividends to holders of our Class E

preferred stock totaling $1.6875 per share, or $14.9 million,

and at December 31, 2008 a monthly dividend of $0.140625

per share was payable and was paid in January 2009. During

37

B. Class D Preferred Stock

Dividends of $0.1536459 per share are paid monthly in arrears

9. OPERATING LEASES
A. At December 31, 2008, we owned 2,348 properties in

on the Class D preferred stock. We declared dividends to holders

49 states, plus an additional five properties owned by Crest. Of

of our Class D preferred stock totaling $9.4 million in 2008,

the 2,348 properties, 2,337, or 99.5%, are single-tenant, retail

$9.4 million in 2007, and $9.8 million in 2006.

properties and the remaining 11 are multi-tenant properties. At

The following presents the federal income tax characterization

December 31, 2008, 70 properties were vacant and available

of dividends paid per share to our Class D preferred stockholders

for lease or sale.

for the years:

2008

2007

2006

Substantially all leases are net leases where the tenant

pays property taxes and assessments, maintains the interior

and exterior of the building and leased premises, and carries

Ordinary income $ 1.7528280 $ 1.8437508 $ 1.8437508

insurance coverage for public liability, property damage, fire and

Capital gain

0.0909228

—

—

extended coverage.

Totals

$ 1.8437508 $ 1.8437508 $ 1.8437508

Rent based on a percentage of a tenants’ gross sales

(percentage rents) for 2008 was $1.3 million, for 2007 was
$851,000 and for 2006 was $1.1 million, including amounts

recorded to discontinued operations.

At December 31, 2008, minimum future annual rents to be

received on the operating leases for the next five years and there-

after are as follows (dollars in thousands):

C. Class E Preferred Stock

Dividends of $0.140625 per share are paid monthly in arrears

on the Class E preferred stock. We declared dividends to holders

of our Class E preferred stock totaling $14.9 million in 2008,

$14.9 million in 2007 and $1.6 million in 2006. The first

Class E dividend was paid in January 2007.

The following presents the federal income tax characterization

of dividends paid per share to our Class E preferred stockholders

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2008

2007

$ 1.6042824 $ 1.7250000

Thereafter

0.0832176

—

Total

$ 1.6875000 $ 1.7250000

$ 318,175

307,087

297,390

285,142

269,336

2,416,358

$ 3,893,488

B. Major Tenants – No individual tenant’s rental revenue,

including percentage rents, represented more than 10% of our

total revenue for each of the years ended December 31, 2008,

2007 or 2006.

I think I saw him on CNBC once.

for the years:

Ordinary income

Capital gain

Totals

Everything is
just fine . . .

38

10. GAIN ON SALES OF REAL ESTATE ACQUIRED
FOR RESALE BY CREST
In 2008, Crest sold 25 properties for $50.7 million, which

discontinued operations. Additionally, we received proceeds of

$439,000 from the sale of excess land from one property, which

resulted in a gain of $236,000. This gain is included in “other

resulted in a gain of $4.6 million. As part of two sales during

revenue” on our consolidated statements of income because this

2008, Crest provided partial financing to the buyers of $19.2 million.

excess land was associated with a property that continues to be

In 2007, Crest sold 62 properties for $123.6 million, which

owned as part of our core operations.

resulted in a gain of $12.3 million. In 2007, as part of two sales,

In 2007, we sold ten investment properties for $7.0 million,

Crest provided partial financing to the buyer of $3.8 million, of

which resulted in a gain of $1.7 million. The results of operations

which $619,000 was paid in full in November 2007. In 2006,

for these properties have been reclassified as discontinued

Crest sold 13 properties for $22.4 million, which resulted in a

operations. In addition, we sold excess land and improvements

gain of $2.2 million. Partial buyer financing of $1.3 million,

from five properties for an aggregate of $4.4 million, which

related to one 2005 property sale, was paid in full in February

resulted in a gain of $1.8 million. This gain from the land and

2006. Crest’s gains on sales are reported before income taxes and

improvements sales is reported in “other revenue” on our

are included in discontinued operations.

11. GAIN ON SALES OF INVESTMENT PROPERTIES
BY REALTY INCOME
In 2008, we sold 29 investment properties for an aggregate of

consolidated statements of income because these improvements
and excess land were associated with properties that continue to

be owned as part of our core operations.

In 2006, we sold or exchanged 13 investment properties for

$10.7 million, which resulted in a gain of $3.0 million which is

$27.4 million, which resulted in a gain of $13.3 million. The

included in discontinued operations.

results of operations for these properties have been reclassified as

12. FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
Statement No. 157 defines fair value as the price that would be received from the sale of an asset or paid to transfer a liability in

an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date, and establishes a framework for measuring fair value.

Statement No. 157 also establishes a three-level valuation hierarchy for disclosure of fair value measurements. The valuation hierarchy

is based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability as of the measurement date. A financial instrument’s

categorization within this hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. This statement

applies to fair value measurements and disclosures that are already required or permitted by most existing FASB accounting standards.

We believe that the carrying values reflected in the consolidated balance sheets, at December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively,

reasonably approximate the fair values for cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, and all liabilities, due to their short-term

nature, except for the notes payable and the notes receivable issued in conjunction with Crest property sales, which are disclosed

below (dollars in millions):

At December 31, 2008

Notes receivable issued in conjunction with Crest property sales

Notes payable

At December 31, 2007

Notes receivable issued in conjunction with Crest property sales

Notes payable

Carrying value per
balance sheet

$

22.3

$ 1,370.0

Carrying value per
balance sheet

$

3.1

$ 1,470.0

Estimated fair
market value

$

21.9

$ 949.4

Estimated fair
market value

$

2.8

$ 1,412.5

The estimated fair value of the notes receivable issued in conjunction with Crest property sales has been calculated by discounting

the future cash flows using an interest rate based upon the current 7-year or 10-year Treasury Yield Curve plus an applicable credit-

adjusted spread. Because this methodology includes unobservable inputs that reflect our own internal assumptions and calculations, the

measurement of fair value related to these notes receivable issued in conjunction with Crest property sales is categorized as level 3 on

the three-level valuation hierarchy as defined by Statement No. 157.

39

The estimated fair value of the notes payable is based upon

These asset retirement obligations account for the difference

the closing market price per note or indicative price per note.

between our obligations to the landlord under the two land leases

Because these note prices represent inputs that are less observ-

and our subtenant’s obligations to us under the subleases.

able by the public and are not necessarily reflected in active

markets, the measurement of the fair value related to these notes

G. In connection with the acquisition of seven properties during

payable is categorized as level 2 on the three-level valuation

2007, we acquired restricted escrow funds totaling $2.6 million.

hierarchy as defined by Statement No. 157.

During the remainder of 2007, all of these funds were invested in

improvements to these properties.

13. SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF
CASH FLOW INFORMATION
Interest paid in 2008 was $90.3 million,

H. In 2006, we exchanged one of our properties for a different

in 2007 was

property that was leased to the same tenant. As part of this trans-

$56.7 million and in 2006 was $52.4 million.

action, accumulated depreciation was reduced by $67,000 and

Interest capitalized to properties under development in

a gain of $67,000 was recorded. The original cost of and the

2008 was $92,000, in 2007 was $993,000 and in 2006 was

value received for the property exchanged was $900,000. This

$2.2 million.

transaction had no impact on land or building and improvements.

Income taxes paid by Realty Income and Crest in 2008 were

$1.7 million, in 2007 were $4.3 million and in 2006 were

I. In 2006, we received shares of a public company as settle-

$775,000.

ment of a bankruptcy claim associated with a former tenant. We

recorded a value of $207,000, which is in “other revenue” on our

The following non-cash investing and financing activities are

2006 consolidated income statement. The shares were sold in

included in the accompanying consolidated financial statements:

January 2007.

A. Share-based compensation expense for 2008 was $5.0 million,

J. Accrued costs on properties under development resulted in an

for 2007 was $3.9 million and for 2006 was $3.0 million.

increase in buildings and improvements and accounts payable of

$1.7 million in 2006.

B. See “Provisions for Impairment” in note 2 for a discussion of

impairments recorded by Realty Income and Crest.

K. In 2004, we recorded an impairment of $716,000 on one

property to reduce its carrying value to zero. This loss was the

C. In 2008, Crest sold two properties for $23.5 million and

result of a dispute with the original owner and tenant in their

received notes totaling $19.2 million from the buyers, which are

bankruptcy proceeding. Our title insurance company failed to

included in “other assets” on our consolidated balance sheet at

timely record the deed on this property upon our original acqui-

December 31, 2008.

sition, which resulted in a claim by the bankruptcy trustee that

Realty Income did not have legal title to the property. In the

D. In 2007, Crest sold two properties for an aggregate of

second quarter of 2006, this issue was resolved and we obtained

$5.5 million and received notes totaling $3.8 million from

title to the property. At that time we reinstated the original

the buyers, of which $619,000 was paid in full in November

carrying value adjusted for depreciation on our balance sheet

2007. The remaining note is included in “other assets” on

and recorded other revenue of $716,000. We also reversed

our consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 2008 and

accrued liabilities and property expenses of $133,000 associated

December 31, 2007.

with this property. As part of the settlement, these costs became

the responsibility of the title insurance company.

E. At December 31, 2008, Realty Income has escrow deposits of

$3.2 million held for tax-deferred exchanges under Section 1031

of the Tax Code. The $3.2 million is included in “other assets” on

14. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLAN
We have a 401(k) plan covering substantially all of our

our consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2008.

employees. Under our 401(k) plan, employees may elect to make

F. In accordance with FASB Statement No. 143, Accounting for

compensation, subject to limits under the IRS Code. We match

Asset Retirement Obligations, we recorded an additional $335,000

50% of our employee’s contributions, up to 3% of the employee’s

in 2008 of estimated legal obligations related to asset retire-

compensation. Our aggregate matching contributions each year

ment obligations on two land leases and an additional $239,000

have been immaterial to our results of operations.

in 2007 of estimated legal obligations on these two land leases.

contributions to the plan up to a maximum of 60% of their

40

15. COMMON STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN
In 2003, our Board of Directors adopted, and stockholders approved, the 2003 Incentive Award Plan of Realty Income Corporation

(the “Stock Plan”) to enable us to attract and retain the services of directors, employees and consultants, considered essential to our

long-term success. The Stock Plan offers our directors, employees and consultants an opportunity to own stock in Realty Income and/or

rights that will reflect our growth, development and financial success. The Stock Plan was amended and restated by our Board of

Directors in February 2006 and in May 2007. Under the terms of this plan, the aggregate number of shares of our common stock subject

to options, stock purchase rights (SPR), stock appreciation rights (SAR) and other awards will be no more than 3,428,000 shares. The

maximum number of shares that may be subject to options, stock purchase rights, stock appreciation rights and other awards granted

under the plan to any individual in any calendar year may not exceed 1,600,000 shares. This plan has a term of 10 years from the

date it was adopted by our Board of Directors, which was March 12, 2003. To date, we have not issued any SPR or SAR.

The amount of share-based compensation costs charged against income during 2008 was $5.0 million, during 2007 was

$3.9 million and during 2006 was $3.0 million.

No stock options were granted after January 1, 2002 and all outstanding options were fully vested as of December 31, 2006.

Stock options were granted with an exercise price equal to the underlying stock’s fair market value at the date of grant. Stock options
expire ten years from the date they are granted and vested over service periods of one, three, four or five years.

The following table summarizes our stock option activity for the years:

2008

2007

2006

Number of
shares

45,007

(23,713)

—

Weighted
average
exercise price

$ 12.71

12.15

—

Number of
shares

106,368

(61,361)

—

Weighted
average
exercise price

$ 13.06

13.32

—

Number of
shares

135,348

(28,696)

(284)

Weighted
average
exercise price

$ 13.02

12.86

14.70

Outstanding options, beginning of year

Options exercised

Options forfeited

Outstanding and exercisable options,

end of year

21,294

$ 13.33

45,007

$ 12.71

106,368

$ 13.06

At December 31, 2008, the options outstanding and exercisable had exercise prices ranging from $11.78 to $14.70, with a weighted

average price of $13.33, and expiration dates ranging from May 2009 to December 2011 with a weighted average remaining term of

3.8 years.

The intrinsic value of a stock option is the amount by which the market value of the underlying stock at December 31 of each year

exceeds the exercise price of the option. The market value of the Company’s stock was $23.15, $27.02 and $27.70 at December 31,

2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively. The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007

and 2006 was $319,000, $904,000 and $268,000, respectively. The total intrinsic value of options vested during the year ended

December 31, 2006 was $143,000. The aggregate intrinsic value of options outstanding and exercisable was $209,000, $644,000

and $1.6 million at December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

The following table summarizes our common stock grant activity under our Stock Plan for the years 2008, 2007 and 2006. Our

common stock grants vest over periods ranging from immediately to 10 years.

Outstanding nonvested shares,

beginning of year

Shares granted

Shares vested
Shares forfeited

2008

2007

2006

Number of
shares

994,572

249,447

(188,215)
(61,351)

Weighted
average
price (1)

$ 19.46

26.63

21.96
22.13

Number of
shares

868,726

276,631

(149,284)
(1,501)

Weighted
average
price (1)

$ 17.96

27.64

20.94
24.81

Number of
shares

788,722

210,332

(125,879)
(4,449)

Weighted
average
price (1)

$ 17.83

21.72

20.39
21.35

Outstanding nonvested shares, end of year 994,453

$ 19.70

994,572

$ 19.46

868,726

$ 17.96

(1) Grant date fair value.

41

During 2008, we issued 249,447 shares of common stock

In addition, after they have been employed for six full months,

under our Stock Plan. These shares vest over the following service

all non-executive employees receive 200 shares of nonvested

periods: 24,350 vested immediately, 16,000 vest over a service

stock which vests over a five year period.

period of one year, 156 vest over a service period of two years,

As of December 31, 2008, the remaining unamortized share-

12,000 vest over a service period of three years, 3,681 vest over

based compensation expense totaled $19.6 million, which is being

a service period of four years, 92,553 vest over a service period of

amortized on a straight-line basis over the service period of each

five years and 100,707 vest over a service period of 10 years.

applicable award. The amount of share-based compensation is

The vesting schedule for shares granted to non-employee

based on the fair value of the stock at the grant date. We define

directors is as follows:

the grant date as the date the recipient and Realty Income have

• Shares vest in 33.33% increments on each of the first

a mutual understanding of the key terms and condition of the

three anniversaries of the date the shares of stock are

award and the recipient of the grant begins to benefit from, or

granted to directors with less than six years of service at

be adversely affected by, subsequent changes in the price of

the date of grant;

the shares.

• Shares vest in 50% increments on each of the first two

The effect of pre-vesting forfeitures on our recorded expense

anniversaries of the date the shares of stock are granted

has historically been negligible. Any future pre-vesting forfeitures

to directors with six years of service at the date of grant;

are also expected to be negligible and we will record the benefit

• Shares are 100% vested on the first anniversary of the

related to such forfeitures as they occur. Under the terms of our

date the shares of stock are granted to directors with seven

Stock Plan, we pay non-refundable dividends to the holders of our

years of service at the date of grant; and

nonvested shares. Under Statement No. 123R, the dividends

• There is immediate vesting as of the date the shares of

paid to holders of these nonvested shares should be charged as

stock are granted to directors with eight or more years of

compensation expense to the extent that they relate to nonvested

service at the date of grant.

shares that do not or are not expected to vest. Given the negligi-

ble historical and prospective forfeiture rate determined by us,

The vesting schedule for shares granted to employees in 2008

we did not record any amount to compensation expense related to

is as follows:

dividends paid in 2008, 2007 or 2006.

Somehow if the check keeps showing up every
month, I think we are all going to be ok.

• For employees age 49 and below at the grant date, shares

vest in 10% increments on each of the first ten anniver-

saries of the grant date;

• For employees age 50 through 55 at the grant date, shares

vest in 20% increments on each of the first five anniver-

saries of the grant date;

• For employees age 56 at the grant date, shares vest in

25% increments on each of the first four anniversaries of

the grant date;

• For employees age 57 at the grant date, shares vest in

33.33% increments on each of the first three anniver-

saries of the grant date;

• For employees age 58 at the grant date, shares vest in

50% increments on each of the first two anniversaries of

the grant date;

• For employees age 59 at the grant date, shares are 100%

vested on the first anniversary of the grant date; and

• For employees age 60 and above at the grant date, shares

vest immediately on the grant date.

42

16. SEGMENT INFORMATION
We evaluate performance and make resource allocation decisions on an industry by industry basis. For financial reporting purposes, we

have grouped our tenants into 31 industry and activity segments (including properties owned by Crest that are grouped together as a

segment). All of the properties are incorporated into one of the applicable segments. Because almost all of our leases require the

tenant to pay operating expenses, revenue is the only component of segment profit and loss we measure.

The following tables set forth certain information regarding the properties owned by us, classified according to the business of the

respective tenants as of December 31, 2008 (dollars in thousands):

Assets, as of December 31:

Segment net real estate:

Automotive service

Automotive tire services

Child care

Convenience stores
Drug stores

Health and fitness

Home furnishings

Home improvement

Motor vehicle dealerships

Restaurants

Theaters
20 non-reportable segments

Total segment net real estate

Other intangible assets – Automotive tire service

Other intangible assets – Drug stores

Other intangible assets – Grocery stores

Other intangible assets – Theaters

Goodwill – Automotive service

Goodwill – Child care

Goodwill – Convenience stores

Goodwill – Home furnishings

Goodwill – Restaurants

Goodwill – non reportable segments

Other corporate assets

Total assets

2008

2007

$ 106,581

$ 110,100

208,770

85,120

472,588
145,919

167,658

51,910

57,664

105,087

751,466

299,690
409,700

212,747

90,757

408,119
100,154

169,109

55,503

59,497

101,887

776,715

267,413
472,254

2,862,153

2,824,255

706

6,727

911

2,190

1,338

5,353

2,074

1,557

3,779

3,105

765

6,988

962

2,496

1,338

5,353

2,074

1,557

3,779

3,105

104,286

$ 2,994,179

224,680

$ 3,077,352

I don’t understand this
currency thing. Toyota’s
prices go down and BMW’s
go up?

I think it means
somebody had a Yen
for a Deutschmark.

43

For the Years Ended
For the Years Ended December 31,

Segment rental revenue (1):
Automotive service

Automotive tire services

Child care

Convenience stores

Drug stores
Health and fitness

Home furnishings

Home improvement

Motor vehicle dealerships

Restaurants

Theaters

20 non-reportable segments

Total rental revenue

Other revenue

Total revenue

2008

Revenue

2007

2006

$ 15,819

$ 15,051

$ 16,415

22,165

24,848

52,027

13,323
18,390

7,879

6,108

10,358

71,508

29,640

56,201

328,266

1,934

$ 330,200

21,235

23,895

40,727

7,830
14,874

7,786

6,116

9,540

59,585

26,121

55,205

287,965

6,352

$ 294,317

14,501

24,207

38,283

6,986
10,212

7,629

7,127

7,890

26,945

22,905

52,274

235,374

2,042

$ 237,416

(1) Crest’s revenue appears in “income from discontinued operations, real estate acquired for resale by Crest” and is not included in this table, which covers revenue

but does not include revenue classified as part of income from discontinued operations.

17. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
In the ordinary course of our business, we are party to various legal actions which we believe are routine in nature and incidental to

the operation of our business. We believe that the outcome of the proceedings will not have a material adverse effect upon our

consolidated financial position or results of operations.

At December 31, 2008, we have committed $208,000 under construction contracts. These costs are expected to be paid in the next

six months. In addition, we also have contingent payments for tenant improvements and leasing costs of $977,000.

We have certain properties that are subject to ground leases which are accounted for as operating leases. At December 31, 2008,

minimum future rental payments for the next five years and thereafter are as follows (dollars in thousands):

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

Thereafter

Total

Ground Leases
Paid by
Realty Income (1)

$

92

82

69

69

69

900

$ 1,281

Ground Leases
Paid by Our
Tenants (2)

$ 3,791

3,680

3,667

3,563

3,420

40,801

$ 58,922

Total

$ 3,883

3,762

3,736

3,632

3,489

41,701

$ 60,203

(1) Realty Income currently pays the ground lessors directly for the rent under the ground leases. A majority of this rent is reimbursed to Realty Income as additional

rent from our tenants.

(2) Our tenants, who are generally sub-tenants under the ground leases, are responsible for paying the rent under these ground leases. In the event a tenant fails to

pay the ground lease rent, we are primarily responsible.

44

R E A L T Y I N C O M E C O R P O R A T I O N A N D S U B S I D I A R I E S
C o n s o l i d a t e d Q u a r t e r l y F i n a n c i a l D a t a
(dollars in thousands, except per share data)

(not covered by Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm)

Dividends paid per common share

0.410250

0.412125

0.416500

0.423375

0.24

0.27

0.29

0.27

1.06

1.66225

2008 (1)
Total revenue

Interest expense

Depreciation and amortization expense

Other expenses
Income from continuing operations

Income from discontinued operations

Net income

Net income available to

common stockholders

Net income per common share:

Basic and diluted

2007 (1)
Total revenue

Interest expense

Depreciation and amortization expense

Other expenses

Income from continuing operations

Income from discontinued operations

Net income

Net income available to

common stockholders

Net income per common share:

Basic and diluted

First
Quarter

Second
Quarter

Third
Quarter

Fourth
Quarter

Year (2)

$ 82,776

$ 82,177

$ 82,521

$ 82,726

$ 330,200

23,386

22,848

7,188
29,354

407

29,761

23,929

22,080

7,237
28,931

4,120

33,051

23,915

22,869

7,170
28,567

6,130

34,697

22,726

22,935

7,071
29,994

4,338

34,332

93,956

90,732

28,666
116,846

14,995

131,841

23,698

26,988

28,634

28,269

107,588

$ 70,642

$ 70,030

$ 73,530

$ 80,115

$ 294,317

12,420

17,956

6,193

34,073

2,250

36,323

13,029

18,349

7,148

31,504

5,432

36,936

16,163

19,433

7,442

30,492

3,481

33,973

22,719

20,948

6,774

29,674

3,502

33,176

64,331

76,686

27,557

125,743

14,666

140,409

30,260

30,873

27,910

27,113

116,156

Dividends paid per common share

0.379500

0.381375

0.391000

0.408375

0.30

0.31

0.28

0.27

1.16

1.56025

(1) The consolidated quarterly financial data includes revenues and expenses from our continuing and discontinued operations. The results of operations related
to certain properties, that have been classified as held for sale or have been disposed of, have been reclassified to income from discontinued operations.
Therefore, some of the information may not agree to our previously filed 10-Qs.

(2) Amounts for each period are calculated independently. The sum of the quarters may differ from the annual amount.

All he said is that he
wanted to be where his
portfolio is now.

45

R E A L T Y I N C O M E C O R P O R A T I O N A N D S U B S I D I A R I E S
R e p o r t o f
P u b l i c A c c o u n t i n g F i r m

I n d e p e n d e n t R e g i s t e r e d

The Board of Directors and Stockholders

Realty Income Corporation:

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets

reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial

of Realty Income Corporation and subsidiaries as of December 31,

statements for external purposes in accordance with generally

2008 and 2007, and the related consolidated statements of

accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over

income, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years

financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that

in the three-year period ended December 31, 2008. We have

(1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable

also audited Realty Income Corporation’s internal control over

detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispo-

financial reporting as of December 31, 2008, based on criteria

sitions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable

established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by

assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit

the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway

preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally

Commission (COSO). Realty Income Corporation’s management is

accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expendi-

responsible for these consolidated financial statements, for

tures of the company are being made only in accordance with

maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and

authorizations of management and directors of the company;

for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over

and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or

financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s

timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition

Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our respon-

of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the

sibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial

financial statements.

statements and on Realty Income Corporation’s internal control

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over

over financial reporting based on our audits.

financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also,

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of

projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are

the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States).

subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because

Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to

of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with

obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial state-

the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

ments are free of material misstatement and whether effective

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred

internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all

to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial

material respects. Our audits of the consolidated financial state-

position of Realty Income Corporation and subsidiaries as of

ments included examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting

December 31, 2008 and 2007, and the results of their operations

the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assess-

and their cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period

ing the accounting principles used and significant estimates

ended December 31, 2008, in conformity with U.S. generally

made by management, and evaluating the overall financial state-

accepted accounting principles. Also in our opinion, Realty

ment presentation. Our audit of internal control over financial

Income Corporation maintained, in all material respects, effective

reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control

internal control over financial reporting as of December 31,

over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weak-

2008, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated

ness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating

Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations

effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our

of the Treadway Commission.

audits also included performing such procedures as we consid-

ered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits

/

provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a

San Diego, California

process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the

February 10, 2009

46

R E A L T Y I N C O M E C O R P O R A T I O N A N D S U B S I D I A R I E S
B u s i n e s s D e s c r i p t i o n

THE COMPANY
Realty Income Corporation, The Monthly Dividend Company®, is a
Maryland corporation organized to operate as an equity real estate

In addition, at December 31, 2008, our wholly-owned taxable

REIT subsidiary, Crest Net Lease, Inc. (“Crest”), had an inventory

of five properties with a carrying value of $6.0 million, which are

investment trust, or REIT. Our primary business objective is to

classified as held for sale. Crest was created to buy and sell

generate dependable monthly cash distributions from a consistent

properties, primarily to individual investors who are involved in

and predictable level of funds from operations, or FFO per share.

tax-deferred exchanges under Section 1031 of the Internal

Our monthly distributions are supported by the cash flow from our

Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Tax Code”). We

portfolio of retail properties leased to regional and national retail

anticipate Crest will not acquire any properties in 2009.

chains. We have in-house acquisition, leasing, legal, retail and

We typically acquire retail store properties under long-term

real estate research, portfolio management and capital markets

leases with retail chain store operators. These transactions

expertise. Over the past 39 years, Realty Income and its prede-

generally provide capital to owners of retail real estate and retail

cessors have been acquiring and owning freestanding retail

chains for expansion or other corporate purposes. Our acquisition

properties that generate rental revenue under long-term lease

and investment activities are concentrated in well-defined target

agreements (primarily 15 to 20 years).

markets and generally focus on retail chains providing goods and

In addition, we seek to increase distributions to common

services that satisfy basic consumer needs.

stockholders and FFO per share through both active portfolio

Our net-lease agreements generally:

management and the acquisition of additional properties. Our

• Are for initial terms of 15 to 20 years;

portfolio management focus includes:

• Contractual rent increases on existing leases;

• Require the tenant to pay minimum monthly rent and

property operating expenses (taxes,

insurance and

• Rent increases at the termination of existing leases, when

maintenance); and

market conditions permit; and

• Provide for future rent increases based on increases in

• The active management of our property portfolio, including

the consumer price index (typically subject to ceilings),

re-leasing vacant properties, and selectively selling

fixed increases, or to a lesser degree, additional rent

properties, thereby mitigating our exposure to certain

calculated as a percentage of the tenants’ gross sales

tenants and markets.

above a specified level.

In acquiring additional properties, we adhere to a focused

We commenced operations as a REIT on August 15, 1994

strategy of primarily acquiring properties that are:

• Freestanding, single-tenant, retail locations;

through the merger of 25 public and private real estate limited

partnerships. Each of the partnerships was formed between 1970

• Leased to regional and national retail chains; and

and 1989 for the purpose of acquiring and managing long-term,

• Leased under long-term, net-lease agreements.

net-leased properties.

The eight senior officers of Realty Income owned 1.2% of our

At December 31, 2008, we owned a diversified portfolio:

outstanding common stock with a market value of $25.9 million at

• Of 2,348 retail properties;

February 9, 2009. The directors and eight senior officers of Realty

• With an occupancy rate of 97.0%, or 2,278 properties

Income, as a group, owned 2.5% of our outstanding common stock

occupied of the 2,348 properties in the portfolio;

with a market value of $52.1 million at February 9, 2009.

• With only 70 properties available for lease;

Our common stock is listed on The New York Stock Exchange

• Leased to 119 different retail chains doing business in

(“NYSE”) under the ticker symbol “O” with a cusip number of

30 separate retail industries;

• Located in 49 states;

756109-104. Our central index key number is 726728.

Our Class D cumulative redeemable preferred stock is listed

• With over 19.1 million square feet of leasable space; and

on the NYSE under the ticker symbol “OprD” with a cusip number

• With an average leasable retail space per property of

of 756109-609.

approximately 8,130 square feet.

Our Class E cumulative redeemable preferred stock is listed

on the NYSE under the ticker symbol “OprE” with a cusip number

Of the 2,348 properties in the portfolio, 2,337, or 99.5%, are

of 756109-708.

single-tenant, retail properties and the remaining 11 are multi-

In February 2009, we had 69 permanent employees as

tenant, distribution and office properties. At December 31, 2008,

compared to 75 permanent employees in February 2008.

2,268 of the 2,337 single-tenant properties were leased with a

weighted average remaining lease term (excluding extension

options) of approximately 11.9 years.

47

We maintain an Internet website at www.realtyincome.com.

Our 2008 portfolio acquisitions were lower than in recent years

On our website we make available, free of charge, copies of our

primarily due to uncertainty in the commercial retail real estate

annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q,

market. Property prices continued to decline and lease rates rose

current reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports,

throughout 2008. We continue to monitor the acquisition market

as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file these

carefully and will acquire properties for long-term investment when

reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC.

we believe the transactions are accretive to our shareholders.

None of the information on our website is deemed to be part of

The initial weighted average contractual

lease rate is

this report.

RECENT DEVELOPMENTS
Increases in Monthly Distributions to Common Stockholders
We continue our 39-year policy of paying distributions monthly.

computed as estimated contractual net operating income (in a

net-leased property this is equal to the base rent or, in the case of

properties under development, the estimated base rent under

the lease) for the first year of each lease, divided by the estimated

total costs. Since it is possible that a tenant could default on

Monthly distributions per share increased in January 2009 by

the payment of contractual rent, we cannot assure you that the

$0.000625 to $0.14175. The increase in January 2009 was

actual return on the funds invested will remain at the percentages

our 45th consecutive quarterly increase and the 52nd increase

listed above.

in the amount of our dividend since our listing on the NYSE in

1994. In 2008, we paid three monthly cash distributions

per share in the amount of $0.13675, three in the amount of

Investments in Existing Properties
In 2008, we capitalized costs of $2.8 million on existing

$0.137375, two in the amount of $0.138, one in the amount

properties in our portfolio, consisting of $956,000 for re-leasing

of $0.1405 and three in the amount of $0.141125, totaling

costs and $1.5 million for building improvements.

$1.66225. In December 2008 and January 2009, we declared

distributions of $0.14175 per share, which were paid in January

2009 and will be paid in February 2009, respectively.

$355 Million Acquisition Credit Facility
In May 2008, we entered into a new $355 million acquisition

The monthly distribution of $0.14175 per share represents a

credit facility which replaced our existing $300 million acquisi-

current annualized distribution of $1.701 per share, and an

tion credit facility that was scheduled to expire in October 2008.

annualized distribution yield of approximately 8.4% based on

The term of the new credit facility is for three years until May

the last reported sale price of our common stock on the NYSE of

2011, plus two, one-year extension options. Under the new credit

$20.19 on February 9, 2009. Although we expect to continue our

facility, our investment grade credit ratings provide for financing

policy of paying monthly distributions, we cannot guarantee that

at the London Interbank Offered Rate, commonly referred to as

we will maintain our current level of distributions, that we will

LIBOR, plus 100 basis points with a facility fee of 27.5 basis

continue our pattern of increasing distributions per share, or what

points, for all-in drawn pricing of 127.5 basis points over LIBOR.

our actual distribution yield will be in any future period.

We also have other interest rate options available to us.

Acquisitions During 2008
During 2008, Realty Income invested $189.6 million in 108 new

Issuance of Common Stock
In September 2008, we issued 2,925,000 shares of common

retail properties and properties under development with an initial

stock at a price of $26.82 per share. The net proceeds of

weighted average contractual lease rate of 8.7%. $181.4 million

$74.4 million were used, along with our available cash on hand,

of these acquisitions occurred in the first quarter of 2008 while

to repay the $100 million outstanding principal amount of

only $8.2 million was invested during the remainder of 2008.

our 8.25% Monthly Income Senior Notes (“2008 Notes”) in

These 108 properties are located in 14 states, contain over

November 2008 and the $20 million outstanding principal

714,000 leasable square feet, and are 100% leased with an

amount of our 8% Notes (“2009 Notes”) in January 2009.

average lease term of 20.6 years. The 108 new properties

acquired by Realty Income are net-leased to eight different retail

chains in the following seven industries: automotive tire service,

Note Redemptions
In November 2008, we redeemed the $100 million outstanding

convenience store, drug store, financial services, motor vehicle

principal amount of our 2008 Notes. In January 2009, we

dealership, restaurant and theater. There were no acquisitions by

redeemed the $20 million outstanding principal amount of our

Crest in 2008.

48

2009 Notes. The 2008 Notes and 2009 Notes were redeemed

at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount,

plus accrued and unpaid interest. We now have no debt maturities

until 2013.

Retirement of Chairman of the Board of Directors
William E. Clark, our previous non-executive chairman, retired

Crest’s Property Inventory
Crest’s had an inventory of five properties with a carrying value

from the Board of Directors effective February 10, 2009. Our

of $6.0 million at December 31, 2008, which is included in “real

Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee recommended,

estate held for sale, net” on our consolidated balance sheet.

and the Board of Directors elected, Donald R. Cameron as the

new non-executive chairman effective upon Mr. Clark’s retirement.

Mr. Cameron has served on Realty Income’s Board of Directors

DISTRIBUTION POLICY
Distributions are paid monthly to our common, Class D preferred

since 1994, and has been Realty Income’s lead independent

and Class E preferred stockholders if, and when, declared by our

director since May 2004.

Board of Directors.

In order to maintain our tax status as a REIT for federal

Net Income Available to Common Stockholders
Net income available to common stockholders was $107.6 million

income tax purposes, we generally are required to distribute

dividends to our stockholders aggregating annually at least 90%

in 2008 versus $116.2 million in 2007, a decrease of $8.6 million.

of our REIT taxable income (determined without regard to the

On a diluted per common share basis, net income was $1.06
per share in 2008 as compared to $1.16 per share in 2007.

dividends paid deduction and excluding net capital gains), and
we are subject to income tax to the extent we distribute less than

The calculation to determine net income available to common

100% of our REIT taxable income (including net capital gains).

stockholders includes gains from the sales of properties. The

In 2008, our cash distributions totaled $193.9 million, or

amount of gains varies from period to period based on the timing

approximately 122.7% of our estimated REIT taxable income of

of property sales and can significantly impact net income

$158.0 million. Our estimated REIT taxable income reflects

available to common stockholders.

non-cash deductions for depreciation and amortization. Our

The gain recognized during 2008 from the sales of investment

estimated REIT taxable income is presented to show our compli-

properties and from the additional proceeds received from a sale

ance with REIT distribution requirements and is not a measure

of excess land was $13.6 million, as compared to a $3.6 million

of our liquidity or performance.

gain recognized from the sales of investment properties and

We intend to continue to make distributions to our stock-

excess land during 2007.

holders that are sufficient to meet this distribution requirement

and that will reduce our exposure to income taxes. Our 2008 cash

Funds from Operations (FFO)
In 2008, our FFO decreased by $4.2 million, or 2.2%, to

distributions to common stockholders totaled $169.7 million,

representing 91.5% of our funds from operations available to

$185.5 million versus $189.7 million in 2007. On a diluted per

common stockholders of $185.5 million.

common share basis, FFO was $1.83 in 2008 compared to $1.89

in 2007, a decrease of $0.06, or 3.2%.

See our discussion of FFO in the section entitled “Manage-

ment’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and

Results of Operations” in this annual report, which includes a

reconciliation of net income available to common stockholders

to FFO.

Crest’s Property Sales
During 2008, Crest sold 25 properties from its inventory for

an aggregate of $50.7 million, which resulted in a gain of

$4.6 million. Crest’s gains are included in “income from

discontinued operations, real estate acquired for resale by Crest”

on our consolidated statements of income.

I think this is gonna be my definition
of an early retirement.

49

The Class D preferred stockholders receive cumulative

distributions at a rate of 7.375% per annum on the $25 per share

liquidation preference (equivalent to $1.84375 per annum per

BUSINESS PHILOSOPHY AND STRATEGY
Investment Philosophy
We believe that owning an actively managed, diversified portfolio

share). The Class E preferred stockholders receive cumulative

of retail properties under long-term, net leases produces consistent

distributions at a rate of 6.75% per annum on the $25 per

and predictable income. Net leases typically require the tenant to

share liquidation preference (equivalent to $1.6875 per annum

be responsible for monthly rent and property operating expenses

per share).

including property taxes, insurance and maintenance. In addition,

Future distributions will be at the discretion of our Board of

tenants are typically responsible for future rent increases based on

Directors and will depend on, among other things, our results of

increases in the consumer price index (typically subject to ceilings),

operations, FFO, cash flow from operations, financial condition

fixed increases or, to a lesser degree, additional rent calculated

and capital requirements, the annual distribution requirements

as a percentage of the tenants’ gross sales above a specified level.

under the REIT provisions of the Tax Code, our debt service

We believe that a portfolio of properties under long-term leases,

requirements and any other factors the Board of Directors may

coupled with the tenant’s responsibility for property expenses,

deem relevant. In addition, our credit facility contains financial

covenants that could limit the amount of distributions payable

generally produces a more predictable income stream than many
other types of real estate portfolios, while continuing to offer the

by us in the event of a deterioration in our results of operations

potential for growth in rental income.

or financial condition, and which prohibit the payment of

distributions on the common or preferred stock in the event that

we fail to pay when due (subject to any applicable grace period)

Investment Strategy
In identifying new properties for acquisition, our focus is generally

any principal or interest on borrowings under our credit facility.

on providing capital to retail chain owners and operators by

Distributions of our current and accumulated earnings and

acquiring, then leasing back, retail store locations. We catego-

profits for federal income tax purposes generally will be taxable to

rize retail tenants as: 1) venture market, 2) middle market, and

stockholders as ordinary income, except to the extent that we

3) upper market. Venture companies typically offer a new retail

recognize capital gains and declare a capital gains dividend, or

concept in one geographic region of the country and operate

that such amounts constitute “qualified dividend income”

between five and 50 retail locations. Middle market retail chains

subject to a reduced tax rate. The maximum tax rate of non-

typically have 50 to 500 retail locations, operations in more than

corporate taxpayers for “qualified dividend income” has generally

one geographic region, have been successful through one or more

been reduced to 15% (until it “sunsets” or reverts to the

economic cycles, and have a proven, replicable concept. The

provisions of prior law, which under current law will occur with

upper market retail chains typically consist of companies with

respect to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2010). In

500 or more locations, operating nationally, in a proven, mature

general, dividends payable by REITs are not eligible for the

retail concept. Upper market retail chains generally have strong

reduced tax rate on corporate dividends, except to the extent the

operating histories and access to several sources of capital.

REIT’s dividends are attributable to dividends received from

We primarily focus on acquiring properties leased to middle

taxable corporations (such as our taxable REIT subsidiary, Crest),

market retail chains that we believe are attractive for investment

to income that was subject to tax at the corporate or REIT level

because:

(for example, if we distribute taxable income that we retained and

• They generally have overcome many of the operational

paid tax on in the prior taxable year) or, as discussed above,

and managerial obstacles that can adversely affect venture

dividends properly designated by us as “capital gain dividends.”

retailers;

Distributions in excess of earnings and profits generally will be

• They typically require capital to fund expansion but have

treated as a non-taxable reduction in the stockholders’ basis in

more limited financing options than upper market retail

their stock. Distributions above that basis, generally, will be

chains;

taxable as a capital gain to stockholders who hold their shares as

• They generally have provided us with attractive risk-

a capital asset. Approximately 18.8% of the distributions to our

adjusted returns over time since their financial strength

common stockholders, made or deemed to have been made in

has, in many cases, tended to improve as their businesses

2008, were classified as a return of capital for federal income

have matured;

tax purposes. We are unable to predict the portion of future

• Their relatively large size allows them to spread corporate

distributions that may be classified as a return of capital.

expenses across a greater number of stores; and

• Middle market retailers typically have the critical mass to

survive if a number of locations are closed due to under-

performance.

50

We also focus on, and have selectively made investments in,

We believe the principal financial obligations of most retailers

properties of upper market retail chains. We believe upper market

typically include their bank and other debt, payment obligations

retail chains can be attractive for investment because:

to suppliers and real estate lease obligations. Because we

• They typically are of a higher credit quality;

typically own the land and building in which a tenant conducts its

• They usually are larger public and private retailers with

retail business, we believe the risk of default on a retailers’ lease

more commonly recognized brand names;

obligations is less than the retailers’ unsecured general obliga-

• They utilize a larger building ranging in size from 10,000

tions. It has been our experience that since retailers must retain

to 50,000 square feet; and

their profitable retail locations in order to survive, in the event of

• They are able to grow because access to capital facilitates

reorganization they are less likely to reject a lease for a profitable

larger transaction sizes.

location because this would terminate their right to use the

property. Thus, as the property owner, we believe we will fare

While our investment strategy focuses primarily on acquiring

better than unsecured creditors of the same retailer in the event

properties leased to middle and upper market retail chains, we

of reorganization. If a property is rejected by the tenant during

also selectively seek investment opportunities with venture

reorganization, we own the property and can either lease it to a

market retail chains. Periodically, venture market opportunities

new tenant or sell the property. In addition, we believe that the

arise where we feel that the real estate used by the tenant is high

risk of default on the real estate leases can be further mitigated

quality and can be purchased at favorable prices. To meet our

by monitoring the performance of the retailers’ individual unit

stringent investment standards, however, venture retail companies

locations and considering whether to sell locations that are

must have a well-defined retailing concept and strong financial

weaker performers.

prospects. These opportunities are examined on a case by case

In order to qualify for inclusion in our portfolio, new property

basis and we are highly selective in making investments in

acquisitions must meet stringent investment and credit require-

this area.

ments. The properties must generate attractive current yields

Historically, our investment focus has been on retail indus-

and the tenant must meet our credit profile. We have established

tries that have a service component because we believe the lease

a three-part analysis that examines each potential investment

revenue from these types of businesses is more stable. Because

based on:

of this investment focus, for the quarter ended December 31,

•

Industry, company, market conditions and credit profile;

2008, approximately 83.2% of our rental revenue was derived

• Store profitability, if profitability data is available; and

from retailers with a service component in their business.

• Overall real estate characteristics, including property value

Furthermore, we believe these service-oriented businesses would

and comparative rental rates.

be difficult to duplicate over the Internet and that our proper-

ties continue to perform well relative to competition from

The typical profile of companies whose properties have

Internet businesses.

been approved for acquisition are those with 50 or more retail

Credit Strategy
We generally provide sale-leaseback financing to less than invest-

locations. Generally the properties:

• Are located in highly visible areas;

• Have easy access to major thoroughfares; and

ment grade retail chains. We typically acquire and lease back

• Have attractive demographics.

properties to regional and national retail chains and believe that

within this market we can achieve an attractive risk-adjusted

return on the financing we provide to retailers. Since 1970, our

overall weighted average occupancy rate at the end of each year

has been 98.4%, and the occupancy rate at the end of each year

has never been below 97%.

51

Acquisition Strategy
We seek to invest in industries in which several, well-organized,

Portfolio Management Strategy
The active management of the property portfolio is an essential

regional and national retail chains are capturing market share

component of our long-term strategy. We continually monitor our

through service, quality control, economies of scale, advertising

portfolio for any changes that could affect the performance of

and the selection of prime retail locations. We execute our

the industries, tenants and locations in which we have invested.

acquisition strategy by acting as a source of capital to regional

We also regularly analyze our portfolio with a view toward

and national retail chain store owners and operators, doing

optimizing its returns and enhancing its credit quality. Our

business in a variety of industries, by acquiring and leasing back

executives review industry research, tenant research, property due

retail store locations. We undertake thorough research and

diligence and significant portfolio management activities. This

analysis to identify appropriate industries, tenants and property

monitoring typically includes regular review and analysis of:

locations for investment. Our research expertise is instrumental to

• The performance of various retail industries; and

uncovering net-lease opportunities in markets where our real

• The operation, management, business planning and

estate financing program adds value. In selecting real estate for

financial condition of the tenants.

potential investment, we generally seek to acquire properties
that have the following characteristics:

We have an active portfolio management program that

• Freestanding, commercially-zoned property with a single

incorporates the sale of assets when we believe the reinvestment

tenant;

of the sale proceeds will generate higher returns, enhance the

• Properties that are important retail locations for regional

credit quality of our real estate portfolio, or extend our average

and national retail chains;

remaining lease term. At December 31, 2008, we classified real

• Properties that we deem to be profitable for the retailers;

estate with a carrying amount of $6.7 million as held for sale on

• Properties that are located within attractive demographic

our balance sheet, which includes $6.0 million for properties

areas relative to the business of their tenants, with high

owned by Crest. Additionally, we anticipate selling investment

visibility and easy access to major thoroughfares; and

properties in our portfolio that have not yet been specifically

• Properties that can be purchased with the simultaneous

identified, from which we anticipate receiving between $10 million

execution or assumption of long-term, net-lease agree-

and $35 million in proceeds during the next 12 months. We

ments, offering both current income and the potential for

intend to invest these proceeds into new property acquisitions.

rent increases.

However, we cannot guarantee that we will sell properties during

Tell me, o swami, what
2 investment rules
work in every market?

The ball says, #1, it is
always something and,
#2, you never know.

52

the next 12 months.

Universal Shelf Registration
In April 2006, we filed a shelf registration statement with the

SEC, which is effective for a term of three years. In accordance

with the SEC rules, the amount of securities to be issued pursuant

to this shelf registration statement was not specified when it was

filed. The securities covered by this registration statement include

common stock, preferred stock, debt securities, or any combina-

tion of such securities. We may periodically offer one or more of

these securities in amounts, prices and on terms to be announced

when and if the securities are offered. The specifics of any future

offerings, along with the use of proceeds of any securities offered,

will be described in detail in a prospectus supplement, or other

offering materials, at the time of any offering. There is no specific

limit to the dollar amount of new securities that can be issued

under this shelf registration before it expires in April 2009, and

our common stock, preferred stock and notes issued after April

2006 were all issued pursuant to this universal shelf registration

statement. Our plan is to file a new shelf registration statement

prior to April 2009, when our existing shelf registration state-

ment expires.

Conservative Capital Structure
We believe that our stockholders are best served by a conservative

We expect to use our credit facility to acquire additional retail

properties and for other corporate purposes. Any additional

capital structure. Therefore, we seek to maintain a conservative

borrowings will increase our exposure to interest rate risk. We

debt level on our balance sheet and solid interest and fixed

have the right to request an increase in the borrowing capacity

charge coverage ratios. At February 9, 2009, our total outstanding

of the credit facility up to $100 million, to a total borrowing

borrowings were $1.35 billion of senior unsecured notes, or approx-

capacity of $455 million. Any increase in the borrowing capacity

imately 35.5% of our total market capitalization of $3.80 billion.

is subject to the approval of our credit facility’s lending banks.

We had no borrowings on our $355 million credit facility.

We use our credit facility for the short-term financing of

We define our total market capitalization at February 9, 2009

new property acquisitions. When outstanding borrowings under

as the sum of:

the credit facility reach a certain level (generally in the range of

• Shares of our common stock outstanding of 104,319,051

$100 million to $200 million) and capital is available on accept-

multiplied by the last reported sales price of our common

able terms, we generally seek to refinance those borrowings with

stock on the NYSE of $20.19 per share on February 9,

the net proceeds of long-term or permanent financing, which may

2009, or $2.11 billion;

include the issuance of common stock, preferred stock, convert-

• Aggregate liquidation value (par value of $25 per share)

ible preferred stock, debt securities or convertible debt securities.

of the Class D preferred stock of $127.5 million;

We cannot assure you, however, that we will be able to obtain

• Aggregate liquidation value (par value of $25 per share)

any such refinancing or that market conditions prevailing at

of the Class E preferred stock of $220 million; and

the time of refinancing will enable us to issue equity or debt

• Outstanding notes of $1.35 billion.

securities upon acceptable terms.

Historically, we have met our long-term capital needs through

the issuance of common stock, preferred stock and long-term

Credit Agency Ratings
We are currently assigned investment grade corporate credit

unsecured notes and bonds. Over the long term, we believe that

ratings on our senior unsecured notes. Fitch Ratings has assigned

common stock should be the majority of our capital structure,

a rating of BBB+, Moody’s Investors Service has assigned a rating

however, we may issue additional preferred stock or debt

of Baa1 and Standard & Poor’s Ratings Group has assigned a

securities from time to time. We may issue common stock when

rating of BBB to our senior notes. All of these ratings have

we believe that our share price is at a level that allows for the

“stable” outlooks.

proceeds of any offering to be accretively invested into additional

We have also been assigned credit ratings on our preferred

properties.

In addition, we may issue common stock to

stock. Fitch Ratings has assigned a rating of BBB, Moody’s has

permanently finance properties that were financed by our credit

assigned a rating of Baa2 and Standard & Poor’s has assigned a

facility or debt securities. However, we cannot assure you that

rating of BB+ to our preferred stock. All of these ratings have

we will have access to the capital markets at terms that are

“stable” outlooks.

acceptable to us.

The credit ratings assigned to us could change based upon,

among other things, our results of operations and financial

$355 Million Acquisition Credit Facility
In May 2008, we entered into a new $355 million revolving,

condition. These ratings are subject to ongoing evaluation by

credit rating agencies and we cannot assure you that our ratings

unsecured credit facility which replaced our existing $300 million

will not be changed or withdrawn by a rating agency in the future

acquisition credit facility that was scheduled to expire in October

if, in its judgment, circumstances warrant. Moreover, a rating is

2008. The term of the new credit facility is for three years until

not a recommendation to buy, sell or hold our debt securities,

May 2011, plus two, one-year extension options. Under the new

preferred stock or common stock.

credit facility, our investment grade credit ratings provided for

financing at the London Interbank Offered Rate, commonly

referred to as LIBOR, plus 100 basis points with a facility fee of

27.5 basis points, for all-in drawn pricing of 127.5 basis points

over LIBOR. We also have other interest rate options available

to us. At February 9, 2009, we had a borrowing capacity of

$355 million available on our new credit facility and no

outstanding balance.

Mortgage Debt
We have no mortgage debt on any of our properties.

53

No Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements or
Unconsolidated Investments
We have no unconsolidated or off-balance sheet investments in

• INVESTMENT IN NEW RETAIL INDUSTRIES: Though we
specialize in single-tenant properties, we will seek to

further diversify our portfolio among a variety of retail

“variable interest entities” or off-balance sheet financing, nor do

industries. We believe diversification will allow us to invest

we engage in trading activities involving energy or commodity

in retail industries that currently are growing and have

contracts or other derivative instruments.

characteristics we find attractive. These characteristics

As we have no joint ventures, off-balance sheet entities, or

include, but are not limited to, retail industries that are

mandatory redeemable preferred stock, our financial position or

dominated by local store operators where regional and

results of operations are currently not affected by Financial

national chain store operators can increase market share

Accounting Standards Board Interpretation No. 46R, Consolida-

and dominance by consolidating local operators and

tion of Variable Interest Entities and Statement of Financial

streamlining their operations, as well as capitalizing on

Accounting Standards No. 150, Accounting for Certain Financial

major demographic shifts in a population base.

Instruments with Characteristics of both Liabilities and Equity.

• DIVERSIFICATION: Diversification of the portfolio by retail

Competitive Strategy
We believe that to successfully pursue our investment philosophy

industry type, tenant, and geographic location is key to our

objective of providing predictable investment results for

our stockholders; therefore, further diversification of our

and strategy, we must seek to maintain the following competitive

portfolio is a continuing objective. At December 31, 2008,

advantages:

our retail property portfolio consisted of 2,348 properties

• SIZE AND TYPE OF INVESTMENT PROPERTIES: We believe

located in 49 states, leased to 119 retail chains doing

smaller ($500,000 to $10,000,000) net-leased retail

business in 30 industry segments. Each of the 30 industry

properties represent an attractive investment opportunity

segments, represented in our property portfolio, individu-

in today’s real estate environment. Due to the complexities

ally accounted for no more than 20.8% of our rental

of acquiring and managing a large portfolio of relatively

revenue for the quarter ended December 31, 2008.

small assets, we believe these types of properties have

• MANAGEMENT SPECIALIZATION: We believe that our

not experienced significant institutional ownership interest

management’s specialization in single-tenant

retail

or the corresponding yield reduction experienced by larger

properties, operated under net-lease agreements, is

income-producing properties. We believe the less intensive

important to meeting our objectives. We plan to maintain

day-to-day property management required by net-lease

this specialization and will seek to employ and train

agreements, coupled with the active management of a

high-quality professionals in this specialized area of real

large portfolio of smaller properties, is an effective invest-

estate ownership, finance and management.

ment strategy. The tenants of our freestanding retail

• TECHNOLOGY: We intend to stay at the forefront of

properties generally provide goods and services that satisfy

technology in our efforts to efficiently and economically

basic consumer needs. In order to grow and expand, they

carry out our operations. We maintain sophisticated

generally need capital. Since the acquisition of real estate

information systems that allow us to analyze our portfolio’s

is typically the single largest capital expenditure of many

performance and actively manage our investments. We

of these retailers, our method of purchasing the property

believe that technology and information-based systems will

and then leasing it back, under a net-lease arrangement,

play an increasingly important role in our competitiveness

allows the retail chain to free up capital.

as an investment manager and source of capital to a

variety of industries and tenants.

54

Description of Leasing Structure
At December 31, 2008, 2,268 of our 2,348 retail properties were

Certain Properties under Development
Of the 108 properties Realty Income acquired in 2008, four were

leased under net-lease agreements. Our net-lease agreements

development properties, all of which were occupied and paying rent

generally:

at December 31, 2008. In the case of development properties, we

• Are for initial terms of 15 to 20 years;

either enter into an agreement with a retail chain where the retailer

• Require the tenant to pay minimum monthly rents and property

retains a contractor to construct the building and we fund the

operating expenses (taxes, insurance and maintenance); and

costs of that development, or we fund a developer who constructs

• Provide for future rent increases based on increases in the

the building. In either case, there is an executed lease with a

consumer price index (typically subject to ceilings), fixed

retail tenant at the time of the land purchase (with a fixed rent

increases, or to a lesser degree, additional rent calculated

commencement date) and there is a requirement to complete the

as a percentage of the tenants’ gross sales above a speci-

construction in a timely basis and within a specific budget, typically

fied level. Where leases provide for rent increases based on

within eight months after we purchase the land. The tenant or

increases in the consumer price index, generally these

developer generally is required to pay construction cost overruns

increases become part of the new permanent base rent.
Where leases provide for percentage rent, this additional

to the extent that they exceed the construction budget by more than
a predetermined amount. We also enter into a lease with the tenant

rent is typically payable only if the tenants’ gross sales,

at the time we purchase the land, which generally requires the

for a given period (usually one year), exceed a specified

tenant to begin paying base rent when the store opens for business.

level and is then typically calculated as a percentage of

The base rent is calculated by multiplying a predetermined

only the amount of gross sales in excess of that level.

capitalization rate by our total investment in the property including

I am restocking
shelves for the new
era in investing.

the land cost for the property, construction costs and capitalized

interest. Crest did not acquire any development property in 2008.

Both Realty Income and Crest will continue to pursue develop-

ment opportunities under similar arrangements in the future.

RISK FACTORS
For a full description of the risk factors associated with the

Company, see Item 1A “Risk Factors” in our Form 10-K for the

fiscal year ended December 31, 2008.

UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
There are no unresolved staff comments.

55

R E A L T Y I N C O M E C O R P O R A T I O N A N D S U B S I D I A R I E S
P r o p e r t i e s

At December 31, 2008, we owned a diversified portfolio:

At December 31, 2008, 2,268 of our 2,348 retail properties

• Of 2,348 retail properties;

were leased under net-lease agreements. A net lease typically

• With an occupancy rate of 97.0%, or 2,278 properties

requires the tenant to be responsible for minimum monthly rent

occupied of the 2,348 properties in the portfolio;

and property operating expenses including property taxes,

• With only 70 properties available for lease;

insurance and maintenance. In addition, our tenants are typically

• Leased to 119 different retail chains doing business in

responsible for future rent increases based on increases in

30 separate retail industries;

• Located in 49 states;

the consumer price index (typically subject to ceilings), fixed

increases or, to a lesser degree, additional rent calculated as a

• With over 19.1 million square feet of leasable space; and

percentage of the tenants’ gross sales above a specified level.

• With an average leasable retail space per property of

Our net-leased retail properties primarily are leased to regional

approximately 8,130 square feet.

and national retail chain store operators. Most buildings are

In addition to our real estate portfolio, our subsidiary, Crest

modate peak retail traffic periods. The properties tend to be on

had an inventory of five properties located in five states at

major thoroughfares with relatively high traffic counts, adequate

December 31, 2008. These properties have a carrying value of

access and proximity to a sufficient population base to consti-

$6.0 million and are classified as held for sale.

tute a suitable market or trade area for the retailer’s business.

single-story structures with adequate parking on site to accom-

It says here a recession is
two or more quarters of
declining economic activity.

I think a recession is when a decline
in economic activity causes you to
have two or less quarters.

56

Industry Diversification
The following table sets forth certain information regarding Realty Income’s property portfolio (excluding properties owned by Crest)

classified according to the business of the respective tenants, expressed as a percentage of our total rental revenue:

Industries

Apparel stores

Automotive collision services

Automotive parts

Automotive service

Automotive tire services

Book stores
Business services

Child care

Consumer electronics

Convenience stores

Crafts and novelties

Distribution and office

Drug stores

Entertainment

Equipment rental services

Financial services

General merchandise

Grocery stores

Health and fitness

Home furnishings

Home improvement

Motor vehicle dealerships

Office supplies

Pet supplies and services

Private education

Restaurants

Shoe stores

Sporting goods

Theaters

Travel plazas

Video rental
Other

Totals

For the
Quarter Ended
December 31,
2008

Percentage of Rental Revenue (1)

For the Years Ended

Dec 31,
2008

Dec 31,
2007

Dec 31,
2006

Dec 31,
2005

Dec 31,
2004

Dec 31,
2003

1.1%

1.1%

1.2%

1.7%

1.6%

1.8%

2.1%

1.0

1.6

4.7

6.8

0.2
*

7.5

0.8

1.0

1.6

4.8

6.7

0.2
*

7.6

0.8

1.1

2.1

5.2

7.3

0.2
0.1

8.4

0.9

16.4

15.8

14.0

0.3

1.0

4.2

1.2

0.2

0.3

0.8

0.7

5.7

2.6

1.8

3.1

1.0

0.9

0.8

0.3

1.0

4.1

1.2

0.2

0.2

0.8

0.7

5.6

2.4

1.9

3.1

1.0

0.8

0.8

0.3

0.6

2.7

1.4

0.2

0.2

0.7

0.7

5.1

2.6

2.1

3.1

1.1

0.9

0.8

1.3

2.8

6.9

6.1

0.2
0.1

10.3

1.1

16.1

0.4

—

2.9

1.6

0.2

0.1

0.6

0.7

4.3

3.1

3.4

3.4

1.3

1.1

0.8

20.8

21.8

21.2

11.9

—

2.3

9.1

0.2

1.0
1.9

—

2.3

9.0

0.2

1.1
1.9

—

2.6

9.0

0.2

1.7
2.3

—

2.9

9.6

0.3

2.1
2.7

1.3

3.4

7.6

7.2

0.3
0.1

12.7

1.3

18.7

0.4

—

2.8

2.1

0.4

0.1

0.5

0.7

3.7

3.7

1.1

2.6

1.5

1.3

0.8

9.4

0.3

3.4

5.2

0.3

2.5
3.0

1.0

3.8

7.7

7.8

0.3
0.1

14.4

2.1

19.2

0.5

—

0.1

2.3

0.3

0.1

0.4

0.8

4.0

4.1

1.0

0.6

1.6

1.4

1.1

9.7

0.3

3.4

3.5

0.4

2.8
3.4

0.3

4.5

8.3

3.1

0.4
0.1

17.8

3.0

13.3

0.6

—

0.2

2.6

0.2

—

0.5

0.4

3.8

4.9

1.1

—

1.9

1.7

1.2

11.8

0.9

3.8

4.1

0.3

3.3
3.8

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

*Less than 0.1%
(1) Includes rental revenue for all properties owned by Realty Income at the end of each period presented, including revenue from properties reclassified as

discontinued operations.

57

Service Category Diversification
The following table sets forth certain information regarding the properties owned by Realty Income (excluding properties owned by Crest)

at December 31, 2008, classified according to the retail business types and the level of services they provide (dollars in thousands):

Industry

Tenants Providing Services

Automotive collision services

Automotive service

Child care

Entertainment

Equipment rental services

Financial services

Health and fitness
Private education

Theaters
Other

Tenants Selling Goods and Services

Automotive parts (with installation)

Automotive tire services

Business services

Convenience stores

Distribution and office

Home improvement

Motor vehicle dealerships

Pet supplies and services

Restaurants

Travel plazas

Video rental

Tenants Selling Goods

Apparel stores

Automotive parts

Book stores

Consumer electronics

Crafts and novelties

Drug stores

General merchandise

Grocery stores

Home furnishings

Home improvement

Office supplies

Pet supplies
Sporting goods

Totals

Number of
Properties

Rental Revenue for
the Quarter Ended
December 31, 2008 (1)

Percentage
of Rental
Revenue

13

235

263

8

3

13

26
7

34
9

611

26

155

1

574

3

3

21

10

642

1

32

1,468

6

51

2

13

5

51

33

9

44

29

10

2
14

269

2,348

$

852

1.0%

3,908

6,201

999

158

209

4,685
631

7,507
1,557

26,707

510

5,647

13

13,518

847

108

2,603

666

17,217

187

829

42,145

902

842

156

686

242

3,481

694

577

2,127

1,420

788

43
1,877

4.7

7.5

1.2

0.2

0.3

5.7
0.8

9.1
1.9

32.4

0.6

6.8

*

16.4

1.0

0.1

3.1

0.8

20.8

0.2

1.0

50.8

1.1

1.0

0.2

0.8

0.3

4.2

0.8

0.7

2.6

1.7

1.0

0.1
2.3

13,835

$ 82,687

16.8

100.0%

* Less than 0.1%
(1) Includes rental revenue for all properties owned by Realty Income at December 31, 2008, including revenue from properties reclassified as discontinued operations of $44.

58

Lease Expirations
The following table sets forth certain information regarding Realty Income’s property portfolio (excluding properties owned by Crest)

regarding the timing of the lease term expirations (excluding extension options) on our 2,268 net leased, single-tenant retail properties

as of December 31, 2008 (dollars in thousands):

Total Portfolio

Initial Expirations (3)

Subsequent Expirations (4)

Rental
Revenue for
the Quarter
Ended
of Leases December 31,
2008 (2)
Expiring (1)

Number

% of
Total
Rental
Revenue

148

102

105

113
140

55

108

114

49

42

100

82

170

101

245

62

70

122

152

82

45

20

27

2

7

2

2
1

$ 3,084

3.9%

2,197

3,137

2,681
5,316

2,125

2,857

2,015

1,894

1,888

4,856

2,987

7,503

2,951

7,754

1,815

5,466

6,866

4,622

4,009

1,099

924

649

57

422

230

354
13

2.7

3.9

3.3
6.7

2.7

3.6

2.5

2.4

2.4

6.1

3.7

9.4

3.7

9.7

2.3

6.9

8.6

5.8

5.0

1.4

1.2

0.8

0.1

0.5

0.3

0.4
*

Rental
Revenue for
the Quarter
Ended
of Leases December 31,
2008

Expiring

Number

% of
Total
Rental
Revenue

Rental
Revenue for
the Quarter
Ended
of Leases December 31,
2008

Expiring

Number

% of
Total
Rental
Revenue

36

48

57

75
99

36

85

112

41

34

94

79

169

100

243

62

66

120

151

80

45

20

27

2

7

2

2
—

$

787

1.0%

112

$ 2,297

2.9%

1,227

2,055

1,864
4,329

1,780

2,318

1,987

1,745

1,689

4,526

2,923

7,448

2,903

7,680

1,815

5,398

6,809

4,605

3,938

1,099

924

649

57

422

230

354
—

1.5

2.6

2.3
5.4

2.2

2.9

2.5

2.2

2.1

5.7

3.6

9.3

3.6

9.6

2.3

6.8

8.5

5.8

4.9

1.4

1.2

0.8

0.1

0.5

0.3

0.4
—

54

48

38
41

19

23

2

8

8

6

3

1

1

2

—

4

2

1

2

—

—

—

—

—

—

—
1

970

1,082

817
987

345

539

28

149

199

330

64

55

48

74

—

68

57

17

71

—

—

—

—

—

—

—
13

1.2

1.3

1.0
1.3

0.5

0.7

*

0.2

0.3

0.4

0.1

0.1

0.1

0.1

—

0.1

0.1

*

0.1

—

—

—

—

—

—

—
*

2,268

$ 79,771

100.0%

1,892

$ 71,561

89.5%

376

$ 8,210

10.5%

Year

2009

2010

2011

2012
2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

2024

2025

2026

2027

2028

2029

2030

2031

2032

2033

2034

2037
2043

Totals

* Less than 0.1%
(1) Excludes ten multi-tenant properties and 70 vacant unleased properties, one of which is a multi-tenant property. The lease expirations for properties under

construction are based on the estimated date of completion of those properties.

(2) Includes rental revenue of $44 from properties reclassified as discontinued operations and excludes revenue of $2,916 from ten multi-tenant properties and from

70 vacant and unleased properties at December 31, 2008.

(3) Represents leases to the initial tenant of the property that are expiring for the first time.
(4) Represents lease expirations on properties in the portfolio, which have previously been renewed, extended or re-tenanted.

59

State Diversification
The following table sets forth certain state-by-state information regarding Realty Income’s property portfolio (excluding properties owned

by Crest) as of December 31, 2008 (dollars in thousands):

Approximate
Leasable
Square Feet

Rental Revenue for
the Quarter Ended
December 31, 2008 (1)

Percentage
of Rental
Revenue

State

Alabama
Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
Florida
Georgia
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
North Carolina
North Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Vermont
Virginia
Washington
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Wyoming

Totals/Average

Number of
Properties

63
2
80
18
64
53
24
17
168
132
13
74
82
22
33
22
33
3
29
66
52
21
71
62
2
19
15
14
33
8
40
96
6
137
25
18
99
3
100
9
135
214
5
4
104
35
2
20
1

Percent
Leased

98%

100
98
100
100
96
100
100
98
98
92
97
96
95
94
100
94
100
97
100
98
100
97
97
100
100
93
100
100
100
95
99
100
98
96
100
100
100
98
100
96
92
80
100
99
91
100
90
100

425,400
128,500
395,800
98,500
1,160,700
486,300
276,600
33,300
1,449,300
926,900
85,400
877,800
689,600
296,100
579,100
110,600
190,400
22,500
271,200
580,400
257,300
392,100
347,600
640,100
30,000
196,300
191,000
109,900
261,300
56,400
502,700
548,300
36,600
852,200
145,900
297,300
683,800
11,000
374,400
24,900
635,500
2,241,700
30,600
12,700
637,100
230,300
23,000
248,100
4,200

$ 1,893
277
2,418
417
4,505
1,902
1,310
428
6,786
3,992
338
4,211
3,213
1,006
1,121
673
877
161
1,587
2,618
1,243
1,572
1,478
2,076
76
645
883
557
1,930
191
2,493
2,865
73
3,377
582
885
3,527
57
2,190
102
2,920
7,814
87
125
3,496
792
121
774
23

$ 82,687

2.3%
0.3
2.9
0.5
5.4
2.3
1.6
0.5
8.2
4.8
0.4
5.1
3.9
1.2
1.4
0.8
1.1
0.2
1.9
3.2
1.5
1.9
1.8
2.5
0.1
0.8
1.1
0.7
2.3
0.2
3.0
3.5
0.1
4.1
0.7
1.1
4.3
0.1
2.6
0.1
3.5
9.5
0.1
0.2
4.2
1.0
0.1
0.9
*

100.0%

2,348

97%

19,106,700

* Less than 0.1%
(1) Includes rental revenue for all properties owned by Realty Income at December 31, 2008, including revenue from properties reclassified as discontinued operations of $44.

60

R E A L T Y I N C O M E C O R P O R A T I O N A N D S U B S I D I A R I E S
F o r w a r d - L o o k i n g S t a t e m e n t s

This annual report contains forward-looking statements within the

Additional factors that may cause risks and uncertainties

meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and

include those discussed in the sections entitled “Business”, “Risk

Section 21E of the Exchange Act of 1934. When used in this

Factors” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial

annual report, the words “estimated”, “anticipated”, “expect”,

Condition and Results of Operations” in this annual report.

“believe”, “intend” and similar expressions are intended to

Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-

identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements

looking statements, which speak only as of the date that this

are subject to risks, uncertainties, and assumptions about Realty

annual report was filed with the SEC. We undertake no obligation

Income Corporation, including, among other things:

to publicly release the results of any revisions to these forward-

• Our anticipated growth strategies;

looking statements that may be made to reflect events or

• Our intention to acquire additional properties and the

circumstances after the date of this annual report or to reflect the

timing of these acquisitions;

occurrence of unanticipated events. In light of these risks and

• Our intention to sell properties and the timing of these

uncertainties, the forward-looking events discussed in this annual

property sales;

report might not occur.

• Our intention to re-lease vacant properties;

• Anticipated trends in our business, including trends in

the market for long-term net-leases of freestanding, single-

tenant retail properties;

• Future expenditures for development projects; and

• Profitability of our subsidiary, Crest Net Lease, Inc. (“Crest”).

Future events and actual results, financial and otherwise, may

differ materially from the results discussed in the forward-looking

statements. In particular, some of the factors that could cause

actual results to differ materially are:

• Our continued qualification as a real estate investment trust;

• General business and economic conditions;

• Competition;

• Fluctuating interest rates;

• Access to debt and equity capital markets;

• Continued volatility and uncertainty in the credit markets

and broader financial markets;

• Other risks inherent in the real estate business including

tenant defaults, potential liability relating to environmental

matters, illiquidity of real estate investments, and potential

damages from natural disasters;

•

Impairments in the value of our real estate assets;

• Changes in the tax laws of the United States of America;

• The outcome of any legal proceedings to which we are a

party; and

• Acts of terrorism and war.

It says here they are bringing
“Jeopardy” back on TV as a
financial show.

61

R E A L T Y I N C O M E C O R P O R A T I O N A N D S U B S I D I A R I E S
M a n a g e m e n t ’ s D i s c u s s i o n a n d A n a l y s i s o f
F i n a n c i a l C o n d i t i o n a n d R e s u l t s o f O p e r a t i o n s

GENERAL
Realty Income Corporation, The Monthly Dividend Company®, is a
Maryland corporation organized to operate as an equity real estate

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Cash Reserves
We are organized to operate as an equity REIT that acquires and

investment trust, or REIT. Our primary business objective is to

leases properties and distributes to stockholders, in the form of

generate dependable monthly cash distributions from a consistent

monthly cash distributions, a substantial portion of our net cash

and predictable level of funds from operations, or FFO per share.

flow generated from leases on our retail properties. We intend

The monthly distributions are supported by the cash flow from our

to retain an appropriate amount of cash as working capital. At

portfolio of retail properties leased to regional and national retail

December 31, 2008, we had cash and cash equivalents totaling

chains. We have in-house acquisition, leasing, legal, retail

$46.8 million. We used $20 million of this amount to retire our

research and real estate research, portfolio management and

8.0% notes that matured in January 2009.

capital markets expertise. Over the past 39 years, Realty Income

We believe that our cash and cash equivalents on hand, cash

and its predecessors have been acquiring and owning freestanding
retail properties that generate rental revenue under long-term lease

provided from operating activities and borrowing capacity is
sufficient to meet our liquidity needs for the foreseeable future.

agreements (primarily 15 to 20 years).

We intend, however, to use additional sources of capital to fund

In addition, we seek to increase distributions to stockholders

property acquisitions and to repay future borrowings under our

and FFO per share through both active portfolio management

credit facility.

and the acquisition of additional properties. At December 31,

2008, we owned a diversified portfolio:

• Of 2,348 retail properties;

$355 Million Acquisition Credit Facility
In May 2008, we entered into a new $355 million revolving,

• With an occupancy rate of 97.0%, or 2,278 properties

unsecured credit facility which replaced our existing $300 million

occupied of the 2,348 properties in the portfolio;

acquisition credit facility that was scheduled to expire in October

• With only 70 properties available for lease;

2008. The term of the new credit facility is for three years until

• Leased to 119 different retail chains doing business in

May 2011, plus two, one-year extension options. Under the new

30 separate retail industries;

• Located in 49 states;

credit facility, our investment grade credit ratings provide for

financing at the London Interbank Offered Rate, commonly

• With over 19.1 million square feet of leasable space; and

referred to as LIBOR, plus 100 basis points with a facility fee of

• With an average leasable retail space per property of

27.5 basis points, for all-in drawn pricing of 127.5 basis points

approximately 8,130 square feet.

over LIBOR. We also have other interest rate options available

to us. At February 9, 2009, we had a borrowing capacity of

Of the 2,348 properties in the portfolio, 2,337, or 99.5%, are

$355 million available on our new credit facility and no

single-tenant, retail properties and the remaining 11 are multi-

outstanding balance.

tenant properties. At December 31, 2008, 2,268 of the 2,337

We expect to use the credit facility to acquire additional retail

single-tenant properties were leased with a weighted average

properties and for other corporate purposes. Any additional

remaining lease term (excluding extension options) of approxi-

borrowings will increase our exposure to interest rate risk. We

mately 11.9 years.

have the right to request an increase in the borrowing capacity

In addition, at December 31, 2008, our wholly-owned taxable

of the credit facility up to $100 million, to a total borrowing

REIT subsidiary, Crest Net Lease, Inc. (“Crest”), had an inventory

capacity of $455 million. Any increase in the borrowing capacity

of five properties with a carrying value of $6.0 million, which are

is subject to approval by the lending banks on our credit facility.

classified as held for sale. Crest was created to buy and sell

properties, primarily to individual investors who are involved

in tax-deferred exchanges under Section 1031 of the Internal

Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Tax Code”). In addition

to the five properties, Crest also holds notes receivable of

$22.3 million at December 31, 2008. We anticipate Crest will

not acquire any properties in 2009.

62

Issuance of Common Stock
In September 2008, we issued 2,925,000 shares of common

We define our total market capitalization at February 9, 2009

as the sum of:

stock at a price of $26.82 per share. The net proceeds of

• Shares of our common stock outstanding of 104,319,051

$74.4 million were used, along with our available cash on hand,

multiplied by the last reported sales price of our common

to repay the $100 million outstanding principal amount of

stock on the NYSE of $20.19 per share on February 9,

our 8.25% Monthly Income Senior Notes (“2008 Notes”) in

2009, or $2.11 billion;

November 2008 and the $20 million outstanding principal

• Aggregate liquidation value (par value of $25 per share)

amount of our 8% Notes (“2009 Notes”) in January 2009.

of the Class D preferred stock of $127.5 million;

Note Redemptions
In November 2008, we redeemed the $100 million outstanding

principal amount of our 2008 Notes. In January 2009, we

• Aggregate liquidation value (par value of $25 per share)

of the Class E preferred stock of $220 million; and

• Outstanding notes of $1.35 billion.

redeemed the $20 million outstanding principal amount of our

Historically, we have met our long-term capital needs through

2009 Notes. The 2008 Notes and 2009 Notes were redeemed
at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount,

the issuance of common stock, preferred stock and long-term

unsecured notes and bonds. Over the long term, we believe that

plus accrued and unpaid interest. We now have no debt maturities

common stock should be the majority of our capital structure;

until 2013.

Mortgage Debt
We have no mortgage debt on any of our properties.

however, we may issue additional preferred stock or debt securi-

ties from time to time. We may issue common stock when we

believe that our share price is at a level that allows for the

proceeds of any offering to be accretively invested into additional

properties. In addition, we may issue common stock to perma-

Universal Shelf Registration
In April 2006, we filed a shelf registration statement with the SEC,

nently finance properties that were financed by our credit facility

or debt securities. However, we cannot assure you that we will

which is effective for a term of three years. In accordance with the

have access to the capital markets at terms that are acceptable

SEC rules, the amount of securities to be issued pursuant to this

to us.

shelf registration statement was not specified when it was filed. The

securities covered by this registration statement include common

stock, preferred stock, debt securities, or any combination of such

Credit Agency Ratings
We are currently assigned investment grade corporate credit

securities. We may periodically offer one or more of these securities

ratings on our senior unsecured notes. Fitch Ratings has assigned

in amounts, prices and on terms to be announced when and if the

a rating of BBB+, Moody’s Investors Service has assigned a rating

securities are offered. The specifics of any future offerings, along

of Baa1 and Standard & Poor’s Ratings Group has assigned

with the use of proceeds of any securities offered, will be described

a rating of BBB to our senior notes. All of these ratings have

in detail in a prospectus supplement, or other offering materials,

“stable” outlooks.

at the time of any offering. There is no specific limit to the dollar

We have also been assigned credit ratings on our preferred

amount of new securities that can be issued under this shelf reg-

stock. Fitch Ratings has assigned a rating of BBB, Moody’s has

istration before it expires in April 2009, and our common stock,

assigned a rating of Baa2 and Standard & Poor’s has assigned a

preferred stock and notes issued after April 2006 were all issued

rating of BB+ to our preferred stock. All of these ratings have

pursuant to this universal shelf registration statement. Our plan is

“stable” outlooks.

to file a new shelf registration statement prior to April 2009, when

The credit ratings assigned to us could change based upon,

our existing shelf registration statement expires.

Conservative Capital Structure
We believe that our stockholders are best served by a conservative

among other things, our results of operations and financial

condition. These ratings are subject to ongoing evaluation by

credit rating agencies and we cannot assure you that our ratings

will not be changed or withdrawn by a rating agency in the future

capital structure. Therefore, we seek to maintain a conservative

if, in its judgment, circumstances warrant. Moreover, a rating

debt level on our balance sheet and solid interest and fixed charge

is not a recommendation to buy, sell or hold our debt securities,

coverage ratios. At February 9, 2009, our total outstanding credit

preferred stock or common stock.

facility borrowings and outstanding notes were $1.35 billion

or approximately 35.5% of our total market capitalization of

$3.80 billion.

63

Notes Outstanding
Our senior unsecured note obligations consist of the following as of December 31, 2008, sorted by maturity date (dollars in millions):

8% notes, issued in January 1999 and due in January 2009 (1)
5.375% notes, issued in March 2003 and due in March 2013

5.5% notes, issued in November 2003 and due in November 2015

5.95% notes, issued in September 2006 and due in September 2016

5.375% notes, issued in September 2005 and due in September 2017

6.75% notes, issued in September 2007 and due in August 2019

5.875% bonds, issued in March 2005 and due in March 2035

$

20.0

100.0

150.0

275.0

175.0

550.0

100.0

$ 1,370.0

(1) In January 2009, the 8% notes were paid off and the balance of our outstanding notes was reduced to $1.35 billion.

All of our outstanding notes and bonds have fixed interest rates.

Interest on all of the senior note obligations is paid semiannually. All of these notes contain various covenants, including: (i) a

limitation on incurrence of any debt which would cause our debt to total adjusted assets ratio to exceed 60%; (ii) a limitation on

incurrence of any secured debt which would cause our secured debt to total adjusted assets ratio to exceed 40%; (iii) a limitation on

incurrence of any debt which would cause our debt service coverage ratio to be less than 1.5 times; and (iv) the maintenance at all times

of total unencumbered assets not less than 150% of our outstanding unsecured debt. We have been in compliance with these covenants

since each of the notes were issued.

The following is a summary of the key financial covenants to our senior unsecured notes, as defined and calculated per the terms

of our notes. These calculations, which are not based on GAAP measurements, are presented to investors to show our ability to incur

additional debt under the terms of our notes only and are not measures of our liquidity or performance. The actual amounts as of

December 31, 2008 are:

Note Covenants

Limitation on incurrence of total debt

Limitation on incurrence of secured debt

Debt service coverage (trailing 12 months)

Maintenance of total unencumbered assets

Required

≤ 60%
≤ 40%
≥ 1.5 x
≥ 150% of unsecured debt

Actual

39.0%

0.0%

3.4 x

256%

64

The following table summarizes the maturity of each of our obligations as of December 31, 2008 (dollars in millions):

Table of Obligations

Year of
Maturity

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

Thereafter

Totals

Credit
Facility (1)

Notes (2)

$ —

$

20.0

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

100.0

1,250.0

$ —

$ 1,370.0

Interest (3)

$ 82.5

82.4

82.4

82.4

78.1

427.9

$ 835.7

Ground
Leases
Paid by
Realty
Income (4)

$ 0.1

0.1

0.1

0.1

0.1

0.9

$ 1.4

Ground
Leases
Paid by
Our
Tenants (5)

$ 3.8

3.7

3.7

3.6

3.4

40.8

$ 59.0

Other (6)

$ 1.2

Totals

$ 107.6

—

—

—

—

—

86.2

86.2

86.1

181.6

1,719.6

$ 1.2

$ 2,267.3

(1) There was no outstanding credit facility balance on February 9, 2009.
(2) The $20.0 million outstanding principal amount of our 8% notes was paid off in January 2009.
(3) Interest on the credit facility and notes has been calculated based on outstanding balances as of December 31, 2008 through their respective maturity dates.
(4) Realty Income currently pays the ground lessors directly for the rent under the ground leases. A majority of this rent is reimbursed to Realty Income as additional

rent from our tenants.

(5) Our tenants, who are generally sub-tenants under the ground leases, are responsible for paying the rent under these ground leases. In the event a tenant fails to

pay the ground lease rent, we are primarily responsible.

(6) “Other” consists of $208,000 of commitments under construction contracts and $977,000 of contingent payments for tenant improvements and leasing costs.

Our credit facility and note obligations are unsecured. Accordingly, we have not pledged any assets as collateral for these obligations.

Dad, what’s an oxymoron?

You know, 2 things that probably
shouldn’t go together like jumbo shrimp,
found missing, unbiased opinion, original
copies, act naturally, real estate loan.

65

Preferred Stock Outstanding
In 2004, we issued 5.1 million shares of 7.375% Class D

The initial weighted average contractual

lease rate is

computed as estimated contractual net operating income (in a

cumulative redeemable preferred stock. Beginning May 27,

net-leased property that is equal to the base rent or, in the case of

2009, shares of Class D preferred stock are redeemable at our

properties under development, the estimated base rent under

option for $25 per share, plus any accrued and unpaid dividends.

the lease) for the first year of each lease, divided by the estimated

Dividends on shares of Class D preferred stock are paid monthly

total costs. Since it is possible that a tenant could default on

in arrears.

the payment of contractual rent, we cannot assure you that the

In December 2006, we issued 8.8 million shares of 6.75%

actual return on the funds invested will remain at the percentages

Class E cumulative redeemable preferred stock. Beginning

listed above.

December 7, 2011, shares of Class E preferred stock are

redeemable at our option for $25 per share, plus any accrued and

unpaid dividends. Dividends on shares of Class E preferred stock

Increases in Monthly Distributions to Common Stockholders
We continue our 39-year policy of paying distributions monthly.

are paid monthly in arrears.

Monthly distributions per share were increased in January 2009

by $0.000625 to $0.14175. The increase in January 2009 was

No Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
or Unconsolidated Investments
We have no unconsolidated or off-balance sheet investments in

our 45th consecutive quarterly increase and the 52nd increase in

the amount of our dividend since our listing on the New York

Stock Exchange, or NYSE, in 1994. In 2008, we paid three

“variable interest entities” or off-balance sheet financing, nor do

monthly cash distributions per share in the amount of $0.13675,

we engage in trading activities involving energy or commodity

three in the amount of $0.137375, two in the amount of $0.138,

contracts or other derivative instruments.

one in the amount of $0.1405 and three in the amount of

As we have no joint ventures, off-balance sheet entities, or

$0.141125, totaling $1.66225. In December 2008 and January

mandatory redeemable preferred stock, our financial position or

2009, we declared distributions of $0.14175 per share, which

results of operations are currently not affected by Financial

were paid in January 2009 and will be paid in February 2009,

Accounting Standard Board Interpretation No. 46R, Consolida-

respectively.

tion of Variable Interest Entities and Statement of Financial

The monthly distribution of $0.14175 per share represents a

Accounting Standard No. 150, Accounting for Certain Financial

current annualized distribution of $1.701 per share, and an

Instruments with Characteristics of both Liabilities and Equity.

annualized distribution yield of approximately 8.4% based on

Acquisitions During 2008
During 2008, Realty Income invested $189.6 million in 108 new

the last reported sale price of our common stock on the NYSE of

$20.19 on February 9, 2009. Although we expect to continue our

policy of paying monthly distributions, we cannot guarantee that

retail properties and properties under development with an initial

we will maintain our current level of distributions, that we will

weighted average contractual lease rate of 8.7%. $181.4 million

continue our pattern of increasing distributions per share, or what

of these acquisitions occurred in the first quarter of 2008 while

our actual distribution yield will be in any future period.

only $8.2 million was invested during the remainder of 2008.

These 108 properties are located in 14 states, contain over

714,000 leasable square feet, and are 100% leased with an

average lease term of 20.6 years. The 108 new properties

acquired by Realty Income are net-leased to eight different retail

chains in the following seven industries: automotive tire service,

convenience store, drug store, financial services, motor vehicle

dealership, restaurant and theater. There were no acquisitions by

Crest in 2008.

Our 2008 portfolio acquisitions were lower than in recent

years primarily due to uncertainty in the commercial retail real

estate market. Property prices continued to decline and lease

rates rose throughout 2008. We continue to monitor the acquisi-

tion market carefully and will acquire properties for long-term

investment when we believe the transactions are accretive to our

shareholders.

66

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Critical Accounting Policies
Our consolidated financial statements have been prepared in

accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles

(“GAAP”). Our consolidated financial statements are the basis for

The following is a comparison of our results of operations
for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006.

Rental Revenue
Rental

revenue was $328.3 million for 2008 versus

our discussion and analysis of financial condition and results

$288.0 million for 2007, an increase of $40.3 million, or 14.0%.

of operations. Preparing our consolidated financial statements

Rental revenue was $235.4 million in 2006. The increase in rental

requires us to make a number of estimates and assumptions that

revenue in 2008 compared to 2007 is primarily attributable to:

affect the reported amounts and disclosures in the consolidated

• The 108 retail properties acquired by Realty Income in

financial statements. We believe that we have made these esti-

2008, which generated $13.1 million of rent in 2008;

mates and assumptions in an appropriate manner and in a way

• The 325 retail properties acquired by Realty Income

that accurately reflects our financial condition. We continually

in 2007, which generated $41.1 million of rent in

test and evaluate these estimates and assumptions using our

2008 compared to $13.6 million in 2007, an increase of

historical knowledge of the business, as well as other factors, to
ensure that they are reasonable for reporting purposes. However,

$27.5 million;

• Same store rents generated on 1,772 properties during

actual results may differ from these estimates and assumptions.

the entire years of 2008 and 2007, which includes rent

In order to prepare our consolidated financial statements

modifications on some of the 104 leases to Buffets, Inc.,

according to the rules and guidelines set forth by GAAP, many

increased by $2.7 million, or 1.1%, to $258.7 million

subjective judgments must be made with regard to critical

from $255.9 million; and

accounting policies. One of these judgments is our estimate for

• An increase in straight-line rent and other non-cash

useful lives in determining depreciation expense for our proper-

adjustments to rent of $766,000 in 2008 as compared

ties. Depreciation of buildings and improvements is generally

to 2007; net of

computed using the straight–line method over an estimated use-

• A net decrease of $3.9 million relating to the aggregate

ful life of 25 years. If we use a shorter or longer estimated useful

of (i) development properties acquired before 2007 that

life it could have a material impact on our results of operations.

started paying rent in 2007, (ii) properties that were

We believe that 25 years is an appropriate estimate of useful

vacant during part of 2008 or 2007, (iii) properties sold

life. No depreciation has been recorded on properties that are

during 2008 and 2007 and (iv) lease termination settle-

classified as held for sale.

ments. These items totaled $13.24 million, in aggregate,

When we acquire a property for investment purposes, we

in 2008 compared to $17.18 million in 2007.

allocate the purchase price to the various components of

the acquisition based upon the fair value of each component. The

Excluding 104 leases with Buffets Holdings, Inc., same store

components typically include (i) land, (ii) building and improve-

rents generated on 1,668 properties during the entire years of

ments, (iii) intangible assets related to above and below market

2008 and 2007 increased in 2008 by $3.2 million, or 1.4%, to

leases, and (iv) value of costs to obtain tenants.

$237.1 million from $233.9 million in 2007.

Another significant judgment must be made as to if, and

Of the 2,348 properties in the portfolio at December 31, 2008,

when, impairment losses should be taken on our properties when

2,337, or 99.5%, are single-tenant properties and the remaining

events or a change in circumstances indicate that the carrying

11 are multi-tenant properties. Of the 2,337 single-tenant

amount of the asset may not be recoverable. Generally, a provision

properties, 2,268, or 97.0%, were net leased with a weighted

is made for impairment loss if estimated future operating cash

average remaining lease term (excluding rights to extend a

flows (undiscounted and without interest charges) plus estimated

lease at the option of the tenant) of approximately 11.9 years

disposition proceeds (undiscounted) are less than the current

at December 31, 2008. Of our 2,268 leased single-tenant

book value. Impairment losses are measured as the amount by

properties, 2,066 or 91.1% were under leases that provide for

which the current book value of the asset exceeds the fair value of

increases in rents through:

the asset. If a property is held for sale, it is carried at the lower

• Primarily base rent increases tied to a consumer price

of carrying cost or estimated fair value, less cost to sell. The

index (typically subject to ceilings);

carrying value of our real estate is the largest component of our

• Fixed increases;

consolidated balance sheet. If events should occur that require

• To a lesser degree, overage rent based on a percentage of

us to reduce the carrying value of our real estate by recording

the tenants’ gross sales; or

provisions for impairment losses, it could have a material impact

• A combination of two or more of the above rent provisions.

on our results of operations.

67

Percentage rent, which is included in rental revenue, was

3% of our property portfolio will be unleased at any given time;

$1.3 million in 2008, $831,000 in 2007 and $1.1 million in

however, we cannot assure you that the number of properties

2006. Percentage rent in 2008 was less than 1% of rental

available for lease will not exceed these levels.

revenue and we anticipate percentage rent to be less than 1% of

rental revenue in 2009.

Our portfolio of retail real estate, leased primarily to regional

Interest Expense
Interest expense was $94.0 million in 2008 versus $64.3 million

and national chains under net leases, continues to perform well

in 2007 and $51.4 million in 2006. Interest expense increased

and provide dependable lease revenue supporting the payment

in 2008 primarily due to higher average senior notes outstand-

of monthly dividends to our stockholders. At December 31, 2008,

ing and, to a lesser extent, due to higher interest rates. We issued

our portfolio of 2,348 retail properties was 97.0% leased with 70

$550 million of 12-year notes in September 2007, which

properties available for lease, one of which is a multi-tenant

contributed to the increase in average outstanding balances and

property.

higher average interest rates on our debt.

As of February 9, 2009, transactions to lease or sell 13 of

In May 2008, as a result of entering into our new credit

the 70 properties available for lease at December 31, 2008 were

facility, we incurred $3.2 million of credit facility origination

underway or completed. We anticipate these transactions will be

costs which were capitalized to other assets. Also, we expensed

completed during the next several months, although we cannot

$235,000 of unamortized credit facility origination costs from

guarantee that all of these properties can be leased or sold within

our prior credit facility, which are included in amortization of

this period. It has been our experience that approximately 1% to

credit facility origination costs in the table below.

The following is a summary of the components of our interest expense (dollars in thousands):

Interest on our credit facility and notes

Interest included in discontinued operations from

real estate acquired for resale by Crest

Amortization of settlements on treasury lock agreement

Credit facility commitment fees

Amortization of credit facility origination costs and

deferred bond financing costs

Interest capitalized

Interest expense

2008

$ 91,213

2007

$ 67,964

2006

$ 54,068

(1,797)

759

795

3,078

(92)

(6,201)

870

456

2,235

(993)

(3,708)

717

456

2,014

(2,184)

$ 93,956

$ 64,331

$ 51,363

Credit facility and notes outstanding

Average outstanding balances (dollars in thousands)

Average interest rates

2008

$ 1,457,222

6.26%

2007

$ 1,111,914

6.11%

2006

$ 881,669

6.13%

At February 9, 2009, the weighted average interest rate on our notes payable of $1.35 billion was 6.10% and the average interest

rate on our credit line was 1.45%. There was no outstanding balance on our credit line at February 9, 2009.

68

Interest Coverage Ratio
Our interest coverage ratio for 2008 was 3.2 times and for 2007 and 2006 was 4.1 times. Interest coverage ratio is calculated as: the

interest coverage amount (as calculated in the following table) divided by interest expense, including interest recorded as discontinued

operations. We consider interest coverage ratio to be an appropriate supplemental measure of a company’s ability to meet its interest

expense obligations. Our calculation of interest coverage ratio may be different from the calculation used by other companies and,

therefore, comparability may be limited. This information should not be considered as an alternative to any GAAP liquidity measures.

The following is a reconciliation of net cash provided by operating activities on our consolidated statements of cash flow to our

interest coverage amount (dollars in thousands):

Net cash provided by operating activities

Interest expense
Interest expense included in discontinued operations (1)
Income taxes
Income taxes included in discontinued operations (1)
Investment in real estate acquired for resale (1)
Proceeds from sales of real estate acquired for resale (1)
Collection of a note receivable by Crest (1)
Crest provisions for impairment (1)
Gain on sales of real estate acquired for resale (1)
Amortization of share-based compensation

Changes in assets and liabilities:

Accounts receivable and other assets

Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities

Interest coverage amount
Divided by interest expense (2)

Interest coverage ratio

2008

$ 246,155

93,956

1,797

1,230
225

9

(31,455)

(87)

(3,374)

4,642

(5,049)

930

(1,675)

$ 307,304

$ 95,753

3.2

2007

$ 318,169

64,331

6,201

1,392
3,039

29,886

(119,790)

(651)

—

12,319

(3,857)

49

(21,675)

$ 289,413

$ 70,532

4.1

2006

$ 86,945

51,363

3,708

747
494

113,166

(22,405)

(1,333)

(1,188)

2,219

(2,951)

(4,418)

(3,208)

$ 223,139

$ 55,071

4.1

(1) Crest activities.
(2) Includes interest expense recorded to “income from discontinued operations, real estate acquired for resale by Crest” on our consolidated statements of income.

Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio
Our fixed charge coverage ratio for 2008 was 2.6 times, for 2007 was 3.1 times and for 2006 was 3.4 times. Fixed charge coverage

ratio is calculated in exactly the same manner as interest coverage ratio, except that preferred stock dividends are also added to

the denominator. We consider fixed charge coverage ratio to be an appropriate supplemental measure of a company’s ability to make

its interest and preferred stock dividend payments. Our calculation of the fixed charge coverage ratio may be different from the

calculation used by other companies and, therefore, comparability may be limited. This information should not be considered as an

alternative to any GAAP liquidity measures.

Interest coverage amount divided by interest expense plus preferred stock dividends (dollars in thousands):

Interest coverage amount
Divided by interest expense plus preferred stock dividends (1)

Fixed charge coverage ratio

2008

$ 307,304

$ 120,006

2.6

2007

$ 289,413

$ 94,785

3.1

2006

$ 223,139

$ 66,433

3.4

(1) Includes interest expense recorded to “income from discontinued operations, real estate acquired for resale by Crest” on our consolidated statements of income.

69

Depreciation and Amortization
Depreciation and amortization was $90.7 million in 2008 versus

Income Taxes
Income taxes were $1.2 million in 2008 as compared to

$76.7 million in 2007 and $58.8 million in 2006. The increases

$1.4 million in 2007 and $747,000 in 2006. These amounts are

in depreciation and amortization in 2008 and 2007 were due to

for city and state income taxes paid by Realty Income.

the acquisition of properties in 2008, 2007 and 2006, which was

In addition, Crest incurred state and federal income taxes of

partially offset by property sales in these years. As discussed in

$225,000 in 2008 as compared to $3.0 million in 2007 and

the section entitled “Funds from Operations Available to Common

$494,000 in 2006. These amounts are included in “income from

Stockholders,” depreciation and amortization is a non-cash item

discontinued operations, real estate acquired for resale by Crest”

that is excluded from our calculation of FFO.

on our consolidated statements of income.

General and Administrative Expenses
General and administrative expenses decreased by $1.1 million to

Loss on Extinguishment of Debt
In September 2006, we redeemed all of our outstanding

$21.6 million in 2008 as compared to $22.7 million in 2007.

$110 million, 7.75%, unsecured notes due May 2007 (the

General and administrative expenses were $17.5 million in 2006.
In 2008, general and administrative expenses as a percentage

“2007 Notes”). The 2007 Notes were redeemed at a redemp-
tion price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the 2007

of total revenue were 6.5% as compared to 7.7% in 2007 and

Notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest, as well as a make-whole

7.4% in 2006. General and administrative expenses decreased

payment of $1.6 million. The make-whole payment was recorded

during 2008 primarily due to decreases in employee costs.

as a loss on extinguishment of debt on our 2006 consolidated

In February 2009, we had 69 permanent employees as

statement of income. For 2006, the make-whole payment

compared to 75 permanent employees in February 2008.

represented approximately $0.017 per share.

Property Expenses
Property expenses are broken down into costs associated with

Discontinued Operations
Crest acquires properties with the intention of reselling them

non-net leased multi-tenant properties, unleased single-tenant

rather than holding them as investments and operating the

properties and general portfolio expenses. Expenses related to the

properties. Consequently, we classify properties acquired by Crest

multi-tenant and unleased single-tenant properties include, but

as held for sale at the date of acquisition and do not depreciate

are not limited to, property taxes, maintenance, insurance,

them. The operation of Crest’s properties is classified as “income

utilities, property inspections, bad debt expense and legal fees.

from discontinued operations, real estate acquired for resale by

General portfolio costs include, but are not limited to, insurance,

Crest” on our consolidated statements of income.

legal, bad debt expense, property inspections and title search

If we decide not to sell a property previously classified as

fees. At December 31, 2008, 70 properties were available for

held for sale, the property is reclassified as real estate held for

lease, as compared to 48 at December 31, 2007 and 26 at

investment. A property that is reclassified to held for investment

December 31, 2006.

is measured and recorded at the lower of (i) its carrying amount

Property expenses were $5.8 million in 2008, $3.5 million

before the property was classified as held for sale, adjusted for

in 2007 and $3.3 million in 2006. The increase in property

any depreciation expense that would have been recognized had

expenses in 2008 is primarily attributable to an increase in

the property been continuously classified as held for investment,

property taxes, maintenance, utilities, legal fees and bad debt

and (ii) the fair value at the date of the subsequent decision not

expense associated with properties available for lease. In 2007,

to sell.

property expenses included provisions for

impairment of

$138,000 recorded for one property.

70

The following is a summary of Crest’s “income from discontinued operations, real estate acquired for resale” on our consolidated

statements of income (dollars in thousands, except per share data):

Crest’s income from discontinued operations,
real estate acquired for resale

Gain on sales of real estate acquired for resale

Rental revenue

Other revenue

Interest expense

General and administrative expense

Property expenses

Provisions for impairment
Depreciation (1)
Income taxes

Income from discontinued operations, real estate

acquired for resale by Crest

Per common share, basic and diluted

2008

$ 4,642

1,830

914

(1,797)

(511)

(133)

(3,374)

(771)

(225)

$ 575

$ 0.01

2007

$ 12,319

8,165

190

(6,201)

(691)

(40)

—

—

(3,039)

$ 10,703

$

0.11

2006

$ 2,219

5,065

15

(3,708)

(440)

(67)

(1,188)

—

(494)

$ 1,402

$ 0.02

(1) Depreciation was recorded on one property that was classified as held for investment. This property was sold in 2008.

Realty Income’s operations from two investment properties classified as held for sale at December 31, 2008, plus properties sold

in 2008, 2007 and 2006 have been classified as discontinued operations. The following is a summary of Realty Income’s “income from

discontinued operations, real estate held for investment” on our consolidated statements of income (dollars in thousands, except per

share data):

Realty Income’s income from discontinued operations,
real estate held for investment

Gain on sales of investment properties

Rental revenue

Other revenue

Depreciation and amortization

Property expenses

Provisions for impairment

Income from discontinued operations, real estate

held for investment

Per common share, basic and diluted

2008

$ 13,314

1,461

40

(302)

(93)

—

$ 14,420

$

0.14

2007

$ 1,724

3,075

4

(636)

(70)

(134)

$ 3,963

$ 0.04

2006

$ 3,036

3,177

34

(825)

(156)

(16)

$ 5,250

$ 0.06

The following is a summary of our total income from discontinued operations (dollars in thousands, except per share data):

Real estate acquired for resale by Crest

Real estate held for investment

Income from discontinued operations

Per common share, basic and diluted

2008

575

$

14,420

$ 14,995

$

0.15

2007

$ 10,703

3,963

$ 14,666

$

0.15

2006

$ 1,402

5,250

$ 6,652

$ 0.07

The above per share amounts have each been calculated independently.

71

Crest’s Property Sales
In 2008, Crest sold 25 properties for $50.7 million, which

We have an active portfolio management program that

incorporates the sale of assets when we believe the reinvestment

resulted in a gain of $4.6 million. As part of two sales during 2008,

of the sale proceeds will generate higher returns, enhance the

Crest provided partial financing to the buyers of $19.2 million. In

credit quality of our real estate portfolio or extend our average

2007, Crest sold 62 properties for $123.6 million, which

remaining lease term. At December 31, 2008, we classified real

resulted in a gain of $12.3 million. In 2007, as part of two sales,

estate with a carrying amount of $6.7 million as held for sale on

Crest provided partial financing to the buyer of $3.8 million, of

our balance sheet, which includes five properties owned by Crest,

which $619,000 was paid in full in November 2007. In 2006,

with a carrying value of $6.0 million. Additionally, we anticipate

Crest sold 13 properties for $22.4 million, which resulted in a

selling investment properties from our portfolio that we have not

gain of $2.2 million. In 2005, as part of one sale, Crest provided

yet been specifically identified, from which we anticipate

partial buyer financing of $1.3 million, which was paid in full in

receiving between $10 million and $35 million in proceeds

February 2006. Crest’s gains on sales are reported before income

during the next 12 months. We intend to invest these proceeds

taxes and are included in discontinued operations.

into new property acquisitions. However, we cannot guarantee

that we will sell properties during the next 12 months.

Crest’s Property Inventory
At December 31, 2008, Crest had an inventory of five properties

with a carrying value of $6.0 million, all of which are classified as

held for sale. At December 31, 2007, Crest had a property inven-

Provisions for Impairment on Real Estate
Acquired for Resale by Crest
In 2008, provisions for impairment of $3.4 million were recorded

tory of 30 properties with a carrying value of $56.2 million.

by Crest on three properties held for sale. In February 2008,

Gain on Sales of Investment Properties by Realty Income
In 2008, we sold 29 investment properties for an aggregate of

Buffets Holdings elected to reject the leases for two of these three

properties. No provisions for impairment were recorded by Crest

in 2007. In 2006, provisions for impairment of $1.2 million were

$27.4 million, which resulted in a gain of $13.3 million. The

recorded by Crest on three properties. One of the three proper-

results of operations for these properties have been reclassified as

ties was sold in 2007 and the other two properties were sold in

discontinued operations. Additionally, we received proceeds of

2008. The above provisions for impairment reduced the carrying

$439,000 from the sale of excess land from one property, which

costs to the estimated fair-market value of those properties, net of

resulted in a gain of $236,000. This gain is included in “other

estimated selling costs, and are included in “income from

revenue” on our consolidated statements of income because this

discontinued operations, real estate acquired for resale by Crest.”

excess land was associated with a property that continues to be

owned as part of our core operations.

In 2007, we sold ten investment properties for $7.0 million,

which resulted in a gain of $1.7 million. The results of operations

Provisions for Impairment on Realty Income
Investment Properties
No provisions for impairment were recorded in 2008. In 2007, we

for these properties have been reclassified as discontinued oper-

recorded a provision for impairment of $134,000 on one property,

ations. In addition, we sold excess land and improvements from

which is included in “income from discontinued operations, real

five properties for an aggregate of $4.4 million, which resulted

estate held for investment” on our consolidated statements of

in a gain of $1.8 million. This gain from the land and improve-

income, as the property was subsequently sold. Additionally, we

ments sales is reported in “other revenue” on our consolidated

recorded a provision for impairment of $138,000 on another

statements of income because these improvements and excess

property in 2007, which is included in property expense on our

land were associated with properties that continue to be owned as

consolidated statements of income. In 2006, we recorded a

part of our core operations.

provision for impairment of $16,000 on one property, which is

In 2006, we sold or exchanged 13 investment properties for

included in “income from discontinued operations, real estate

$10.7 million, which resulted in a gain of $3.0 million, which is

held for investment.”

included in discontinued operations.

Preferred Stock Dividends
Preferred stock cash dividends totaled $24.3 million in 2008 and

2007 as compared to $11.4 million in 2006.

72

Net Income Available to Common Stockholders
Net income available to common stockholders was $107.6 million

During 2008, the gain recognized from the sales of invest-

ment properties and from the additional proceeds received from a

in 2008, a decrease of $8.6 million as compared to $116.2 million

sale of excess land was $13.6 million, as compared to gains

in 2007. Net income available to common stockholders in 2006

recognized from the sales of investment properties of $3.6 million

was $99.4 million.

during 2007 and $3.0 million during 2006. Crest’s gain recog-

The calculation to determine net income available to com-

nized from the sale of properties during 2008 was $4.6 million

mon stockholders includes gains from the sales of properties. The

as compared to $12.3 million during 2007 and $2.2 million

amount of gains varies from period to period based on the timing

during 2006.

of property sales and can significantly impact net income avail-

able to common stockholders.

FUNDS FROM OPERATIONS AVAILABLE TO COMMON STOCKHOLDERS (FFO)
FFO for 2008 decreased by $4.2 million, or 2.2%, to $185.5 million as compared to $189.7 million in 2007 and $155.8 million in

2006. The following is a reconciliation of net income available to common stockholders (which we believe is the most comparable GAAP
measure) to FFO. Also presented is information regarding distributions paid to common stockholders and the weighted average number

of shares used for the basic and diluted computation per share (dollars in thousands, except per share amounts):

Net income available to common stockholders

Depreciation and amortization:

Continuing operations

Discontinued operations

Depreciation of furniture, fixtures and equipment

Gain on sales of land and investment properties:

Continuing operations

Discontinued operations

2008

$ 107,588

2007

$ 116,156

2006

$ 99,419

90,732

1,073

(319)

(236)

(13,314)

76,686

636

(244)

(1,835)

(1,724)

58,783

825

(192)

—

(3,036)

FFO available to common stockholders

$ 185,524

$ 189,675

$ 155,799

FFO per common share:

Basic

Diluted

Distributions paid to common stockholders

FFO in excess of distributions paid to

$

$

1.83

1.83

$ 169,655

$

$

1.89

1.89

$ 157,659

$

$

1.74

1.73

$ 129,667

common stockholders

$ 15,869

$ 32,016

$ 26,132

Weighted average number of common shares

used for computation per share:

Basic

Diluted

101,178,191

101,209,883

100,195,031

100,333,966

89,766,714

89,917,554

We define FFO, a non-GAAP measure, consistent with the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trust’s definition, as net

income available to common stockholders, plus depreciation and amortization of real estate assets, reduced by gains on sales of

investment properties and extraordinary items.

We consider FFO to be an appropriate supplemental measure of a REIT’s operating performance as it is based on a net income

analysis of property portfolio performance that excludes non-cash items such as depreciation. The historical accounting convention used

for real estate assets requires straight-line depreciation of buildings and improvements, which implies that the value of real estate assets

diminishes predictably over time. Since real estate values historically rise and fall with market conditions, presentations of operating

results for a REIT, using historical accounting for depreciation, could be less informative. The use of FFO is recommended by the REIT

industry as a supplemental performance measure. In addition, FFO is used as a measure of our compliance with the financial covenants

of our credit facility.

73

Presentation of this information is intended to assist the reader in comparing the operating performance of different REITs,

although it should be noted that not all REITs calculate FFO the same way, so comparisons with other REITs may not be meaningful.

Furthermore, FFO is not necessarily indicative of cash flow available to fund cash needs and should not be considered as an alternative

to net income as an indication of our performance. In addition, FFO should not be considered as an alternative to reviewing our cash

flows from operating, investing and financing activities as a measure of liquidity, of our ability to make cash distributions or of our

ability to pay interest payments.

Other Non-Cash Items and Capitalized Expenditures
The following information includes non-cash items and capitalized expenditures on existing properties in our portfolio. These items are

not included in the adjustments to net income available to common stockholders to arrive at FFO. Analysts and investors often request

this supplemental information.

(dollars in thousands)

Amortization of settlements on treasury lock agreements (1)
Amortization of deferred note financing costs (2)
Amortization of share-based compensation

Capitalized leasing costs and commissions

Capitalized building improvements
Straight-line rent revenue (3)
Provisions for impairment

Crest provisions for impairment

Gain on reinstatement of property carrying value

2008

$ 759

1,748

5,049

(956)

(1,498)

(1,997)

—

3,374

—

2007

$ 870

1,494

3,857

(614)

(1,258)

(1,217)

272

—

—

2006

$ 717

1,287

2,951

(761)

(203)

(1,515)

16

1,188

(716)

(1) The settlement on the treasury lock agreements resulted from an interest rate risk prevention strategy that we used in 1997 and 1998, which correlated to

pending issuances of senior note securities. We have not employed this strategy since 1998.

(2) Amortization of deferred note financing costs includes the amortization of costs incurred and capitalized when our notes were issued in May 1997, October 1998,
January 1999, March 2003, November 2003, March 2005, September 2005, September 2006 and September 2007. These costs are being amortized over the
lives of these notes. No costs associated with our credit facility agreements or annual fees paid to credit rating agencies have been included.

(3) A negative amount indicates that our straight-line rent was greater than our actual cash rent collected.

IMPACT OF INFLATION
Tenant leases generally provide for limited increases in rent as

a result of increases in the tenants’ sales volumes, increases in

QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES
ABOUT MARKET RISK
We are exposed to interest rate changes primarily as a result of

the consumer price index (typically subject to ceilings), and/or

our credit facility and long-term notes used to maintain liquidity

fixed increases. We expect that inflation will cause these lease

and expand our real estate investment portfolio and operations.

provisions to result in rent increases over time. During times when

Our interest rate risk management objective is to limit the impact

inflation is greater than increases in rent, as provided for in the

of interest rate changes on earnings and cash flow and to lower

leases, rent increases may not keep up with the rate of inflation.

our overall borrowing costs. To achieve these objectives we issue

Approximately 96.6% or 2,268 of our 2,348 retail properties

long-term notes, primarily at fixed rates, and may selectively enter

in the portfolio are leased to tenants under net leases where the

into derivative financial instruments, such as interest rate lock

tenant is responsible for property expenses. Net leases tend to

agreements, interest rate swaps and caps in order to mitigate our

reduce our exposure to rising property expenses due to inflation.

interest rate risk on a related financial instrument. We were not a

Inflation and increased costs may have an adverse impact on our

party to any derivative financial instruments at December 31,

tenants if increases in their operating expenses exceed increases

2008. We do not enter into any derivative transactions for specu-

in revenue.

lative or trading purposes.

IMPACT OF RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
For information on the impact of recent accounting pronounce-

ments on our business, see note 2 of the Notes to Consolidated

Financial Statements.

74

Our interest rate risk is monitored using a variety of techniques. The following table presents by year of expected maturity, the

principal amounts, average interest rates and fair values as of December 31, 2008. This information is presented to evaluate the

expected cash flows and sensitivity to interest rate changes (dollars in millions):

Expected Maturity Data

Year of maturity

2009 (1)
2010
2011(2)
2012
2013 (3)
Thereafter (4)

Totals

Fair Value(5)

Average
interest rate on
fixed rate debt

8.000%

—

—

—

5.375

6.162

6.131%

Fixed rate debt

$

20.0

—

—

—

100.0

1,250.0

$ 1,370.0

$ 949.4

Average
interest rate on
variable rate debt

—%

—

—

—

—

—

—%

Variable
rate debt

$ —

—

—

—

—

—

$ —

$ —

(1) $20 million matured and was retired in January 2009.
(2) The credit facility expires in May 2011. There was no outstanding credit facility balance as of February 9, 2009.
(3) $100 million matures in March 2013.
(4) $150 million matures in November 2015, $275 million matures in September 2016, $175 million matures in September 2017, $550 million matures in

August 2019 and $100 million matures in March 2035.

(5) We base the fair value of the fixed rate debt at December 31, 2008 on the closing market price or indicative price per each note.

The table incorporates only those exposures that exist as of December 31, 2008. It does not consider those exposures or positions

that could arise after that date. As a result, our ultimate realized gain or loss, with respect to interest rate fluctuations, would depend

on the exposures that arise during the period, our hedging strategies at the time, and interest rates.

All of our outstanding notes and bonds have fixed interest rates. Our credit facility interest rate is variable. At December 31, 2008,

our credit facility balance was zero; however, we intend to borrow funds on our credit facility in the future. Based on a hypothetical credit

facility borrowing of $50 million, a 1% change in interest rates would change our interest costs by $500,000 per year.

The article says “Hedge Fund,”
Arthur, not “Hedge Fun.”

75

R E A L T Y I N C O M E C O R P O R A T I O N A N D S U B S I D I A R I E S
S e l e c t e d F i n a n c i a l D a t a
(not covered by Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm)

(dollars in thousands, except for per share data)

As of or for the years ended December 31,

2008

2007

2006

2005

2004

Total assets (book value)

Cash and cash equivalents

Lines of credit and notes payable

Total liabilities

Total stockholders’ equity

Net cash provided by operating activities
Net change in cash and cash equivalents

Total revenue

Income from continuing operations

Income from discontinued operations

Net income

Preferred stock cash dividends
Excess of redemption value over carrying
value of preferred shares redeemed

Net income available to common

$ 2,994,179

$ 3,077,352

$ 2,546,508

$ 1,920,988

$ 1,442,315

46,815

1,370,000

1,439,518

1,554,661

246,155
(146,286)

330,200

116,846

14,995

131,841

193,101

1,470,000

1,539,260

1,538,092

318,169
182,528

294,317

125,743

14,666

140,409

(24,253)

(24,253)

10,573

920,000

970,516

1,575,992

86,945
(55,131)

237,416

104,129

6,652

110,781

(11,362)

65,704

891,700

931,774

989,214

109,557
63,563

193,285

86,784

12,335

99,119

(9,403)

2,141

503,600

528,580

913,735

178,337
(2,696)

170,474

79,663

23,734

103,397

(9,455)

—

—

—

—

(3,774)

stockholders

107,588

116,156

99,419

89,716

90,168

Cash distributions paid to common

stockholders

169,655

157,659

129,667

108,575

97,420

Basic and diluted net income per

common share

1.06

Cash distributions paid per common share

1.66225

Cash distributions declared per

1.16

1.56025

1.11

1.43725

1.12

1.34625

1.15

1.24125

common share

1.66725

1.57050

1.44750

1.35250

1.25125

Basic weighted average number of

common shares outstanding

101,178,191

100,195,031

89,766,714

79,950,255

78,518,296

Diluted weighted average number

of common shares outstanding

101,209,883

100,333,966

89,917,554

80,208,593

78,598,788

76

R E A L T Y I N C O M E C O R P O R A T I O N A N D S U B S I D I A R I E S
C o n t r o l s a n d P r o c e d u r e s

CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS
ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
We have had no disagreements with our independent registered

(3) Provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely

detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the

Company’s assets that could have a material effect on the

public accounting firm on accountancy or financial disclosure, nor

financial statements.

have we changed accountants in the two most recent fiscal years.

Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining

adequate internal control over financial reporting for the Company.

CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures. We maintain

Management has used the framework set forth in the report

entitled “Internal Control—Integrated Framework” published

disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Securities

by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations (“COSO”) of

Exchange Act 1934 Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) that are

the Treadway Commission to evaluate the effectiveness of the

designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our

Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Management

Exchange Act reports is recorded, processed, summarized and

has concluded that the Company’s internal control over financial

reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and

reporting was effective as of the end of the most recent fiscal year.

Exchange Commission’s rules and forms, and that such information
is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our

Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate,

KPMG LLP has issued an attestation report on the effectiveness of

the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. In designing

Submitted on February 10, 2009 by,

and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, management

Thomas A Lewis,

recognized that any controls and procedures, no matter how well

Chief Executive Officer and Vice Chairman

designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of

Paul M. Meurer, Chief Financial Officer,

achieving the desired control objectives, and management necessarily

Executive Vice President and Treasurer

was required to apply its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit

relationship of possible controls and procedures.

Changes in Internal Controls. There have not been any significant

As of and for the year ended December 31, 2008, we carried

changes in our internal controls or in other factors that could

out an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation

significantly affect these controls subsequent to the date of their

of our disclosure controls and procedures, under the supervision

evaluation. There were no material weaknesses in our internal

and with the participation of management, including our Chief

controls, and therefore no corrective actions were taken.

Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer. Based on the

foregoing, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer

Limitations on the Effectiveness of Controls. Internal control over

concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective

financial reporting cannot provide absolute assurance of achieving

and were operating at a reasonable assurance level.

financial reporting objectives because of its inherent limitations.

MANAGEMENT’S REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL
OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING
Internal control over financial reporting refers to the process

Internal control over financial reporting is a process that involves

human diligence and compliance and is subject to lapses in judg-

ment and breakdowns resulting from human failures. Internal control

over financial reporting also can be circumvented by collusion or

designed by, or under the supervision of, our Chief Executive

improper management override. Because of such limitations, there

Officer and Chief Financial Officer, and effected by our board

is a risk that material misstatements may not be prevented or

of directors, management and other personnel, to provide

detected on a timely basis by internal control over financial report-

reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial

ing. However, these inherent limitations are known features of the

reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external

financial reporting process. Therefore, it is possible to design into

purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting

the process safeguards to reduce, though not eliminate, this risk.

principles, and includes those policies and procedures that:

(1) Pertain to the maintenance of records that in reasonable detail

certified to the NYSE in 2008, pursuant to Section 303A. 12(a)

accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of

of the NYSE’s Listing Standards, that he was not aware of any

Certifications. Tom Lewis, Realty Income’s Chief Executive Officer,

the assets of the Company;

violation of the NYSE corporate governance listing standards

by Realty Income. Furthermore, Realty Income filed with the SEC,

(2) Provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as

as exhibits to its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended

necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance

December 31, 2008, the certifications by Tom Lewis and

with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and

Paul Meurer, Realty Income’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief

expenditures of the Company are being made only in accordance with

Financial Officer, respectively, required under Section 302 of

authorizations of management and directors of the Company; and

the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.

77

R E A L T Y I N C O M E C O R P O R A T I O N A N D S U B S I D I A R I E S
M a r k e t
R e l a t e d S t o c k h o l d e r M a t t e r s a n d I s s u e r
P u r c h a s e s o f E q u i t y S e c u r i t i e s

f o r t h e R e g i s t r a n t ’ s C o m m o n E q u i t y ,

Our common stock is traded on the NYSE under the ticker symbol “O.” The following table shows the high and low sales prices per share

for our common stock as reported by the NYSE, and distributions declared per share of common stock for the periods indicated.

Price Per Share of Common Stock

2008

First quarter

Second quarter

Third quarter

Fourth quarter

Total

2007

First quarter

Second quarter

Third quarter

Fourth quarter

Total

High

$ 27.16

28.15

34.86

26.50

$ 30.36

29.13

28.79

30.70

Low

Distributions Declared (1)

$ 20.27

22.67

21.38

15.00

$ 26.02

24.53

22.87

26.31

$ 0.410875

0.412750

0.419625

0.424000

$ 1.667250

$ 0.380125

0.382000

0.399375

0.409000

$ 1.570500

(1) Common stock cash distributions currently are declared monthly by us based on financial results for the prior months. At December 31, 2008, a distribution of

$0.14175 per common share had been declared and was paid in January 2009.

There were 9,046 registered holders of record of our common stock as of January 1, 2009. We estimate that our total number of

shareholders is approximately 80,000 when we include both registered and beneficial holders of our common stock.

TOTAL RETURN PERFORMANCE

200

175

150

125

e
u
l
a
V
x
e
d
n
I

(cid:2)

100

75

(cid:4)
(cid:3)
(cid:1)
(cid:2)

(cid:3)

(cid:1)
(cid:2)
(cid:4)

(cid:3)

(cid:1)

(cid:4)

(cid:2)

(cid:4)
(cid:1)

(cid:3)
(cid:2)

(cid:4)

(cid:1)

(cid:3)
(cid:2)

(cid:4)
(cid:2)

(cid:3)

(cid:1)

Realty Income Corporation

Russell 2000

Realty Income Peer Group*

SNL Triple Net REIT Index

12/31/03

12/31/04

12/31/05

12/31/06

12/31/07

12/31/08

Index

Realty Income Corporation

Russell 2000

Realty Income Peer Group*

SNL Triple Net REIT Index

12/31/03

100.00

100.00

100.00

100.00

12/31/04

133.90

118.33

129.62

125.61

12/31/05

121.24

123.72

141.94

130.77

12/31/06

164.89

146.44

191.13

173.45

12/31/07

170.31

144.15

147.75

160.92

12/31/08

156.42

95.44

101.19

110.99

*Realty Income Peer Group consists of twenty-eight companies (excluding Realty Income) with an implied market capitalization between $1.5 billion to $3 billion

Period Ending

as of September 30, 2008.

78

C o m p a n y I n f o r m a t i o n

BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Front row: Donald R. Cameron, Dr. Kathleen R. Allen, Thomas A. Lewis,
Priya Cherian Huskins, Roger P. Kuppinger, William E. Clark, Jr.
Back row: Gregory T. McLaughlin, Ronald L. Merriman,
Michael D. McKee, Willard H Smith Jr

SENIOR MANAGEMENT TEAM
Front row: Gary M. Malino, Laura S. King, Thomas A. Lewis
Back row: Michael K. Press, Robert J. Israel, Richard G. Collins,
Paul M. Meurer, Michael R. Pfeiffer

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
Thomas A. Lewis
Vice Chairman
of the Board of Directors,
Chief Executive Officer

Gary M. Malino
President and
Chief Operating Officer

Paul M. Meurer
Executive Vice President,
Chief Financial Officer
and Treasurer

Michael R. Pfeiffer
Executive Vice President,
General Counsel and
Secretary

Richard G. Collins
Executive Vice President,
Portfolio Management

OTHER OFFICERS
Robert J. Israel
Senior Vice President,
Research

Laura S. King
Senior Vice President,
Assistant General Counsel
and Assistant Secretary

Michael K. Press
Senior Vice President,
Head of Acquisitions

Theresa M. Casey
Vice President,
Information Technologies

Gregory J. Fahey
Vice President,
Controller

Tere H. Miller
Vice President,
Corporate Communications

Dawn Nguyen
Vice President,
Portfolio Management

MDG (Monthly Dividend Girl)
Vice President,
Corporate Cheerleader

Stephen D. Burchett
Associate Vice President,
Senior Legal Counsel

Elizabeth Cate
Associate Vice President,
Portfolio Management

Jill M. Cossaboom
Associate Vice President,
Assistant Controller

Kristin K. Ferrell
Associate Vice President,
Portfolio Management

Benjamin N. Fox
Associate Vice President,
Director, Strategic Initiatives

Teresa M. Glenn
Associate Vice President,
Human Resources & Operations

Mark Manheimer
Associate Vice President,
Research

Sean P. Nugent
Associate Vice President,
Accounting Manager

Jenette S. O’Brien
Associate Vice President,
Senior Legal Counsel

SUBSIDIARY COMPANY
Crest Net Lease, Inc.

Cary J. Wenthur
President and Chief
Operating Officer

A
I

N
R
O
F
I
L
A
C

,
O
G
E
I
D

N
A
S

,
A
R
E
T
A
P

Y
B

D
E
C
U
D
O
R
P

D
N
A

D
E
N
G

I

S
E
D

DIRECTORS
Donald R. Cameron
Chairman of the Board
of Directors and President,
Cameron, Murphy & Spangler, Inc.

INDEPENDENT REGISTERED
PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
KPMG LLP
San Diego, California

TRANSFER AGENT
Wells Fargo Shareowner Services
P.O. Box 64873
St. Paul, MN 55164

For shareholder administration and
account information please visit
Wells Fargo’s website at:
www.shareowneronline.com
or call this toll-free number:
1-877-218-2434 or email your
questions to:
stocktransfer@wellsfargo.com

FOR ADDITIONAL
CORPORATE INFORMATION
For automated shareholder information
call the Realty Income Investor
Hotline at: 888-811-2001

Visit the Realty Income corporate
web site at: www.realtyincome.com

Contact your financial advisor, or
contact Realty Income at:
telephone: 760-741-2111
email: ir@realtyincome.com

Copies of Realty Income’s Annual
Report on Form 10-K are available
upon written request to:

Realty Income Corporation
Attention: Investor Relations
600 La Terraza Boulevard
Escondido, CA 92025

Thomas A. Lewis
Vice Chairman of the
Board of Directors and
Chief Executive Officer,
Realty Income Corporation

Kathleen R. Allen, Ph.D.
Director, Center of Technology
Commercialization,
Marshall School of Business
University of Southern California

Priya Cherian Huskins
Partner,
Woodruff-Sawyer & Co.

Roger P. Kuppinger
Private Investment Banker
and Financial Advisor

Michael D. McKee
Former Vice Chairman,
Chief Executive Officer,
The Irvine Company

Gregory T. McLaughlin
President,
Tiger Woods Foundation

Ronald L. Merriman
Consultant,
Merriman Partners

Willard H Smith Jr
Retired Managing Director,
Merrill Lynch & Co.

William E. Clark
Retired Chairman of the
Board of Directors

600 La Terraza Boulevard, Escondido, CA 92025
www.realtyincome.com