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ORGANIZATION, BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
6 Months Ended
Apr. 30, 2012
Notes to Financial Statements [Abstract]  
ORGANIZATION, BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
(1) ORGANIZATION, BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Business
Urstadt Biddle Properties Inc. (“Company”), a real estate investment trust (REIT), is engaged in the acquisition, ownership and management of commercial real estate, primarily neighborhood and community shopping centers in the northeastern part of the United States.  Non-core properties include two distribution service facilities.  The Company's major tenants include supermarket chains and other retailers who sell basic necessities.  At April 30, 2012, the Company owned or had equity interests in 54 properties containing a total of 4.9 million square feet of Gross Leasable Area (“GLA”).

Principles of Consolidation and Use of Estimates
The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company, its wholly owned subsidiaries, and joint ventures in which the Company meets certain criteria of a sole general partner in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 810, “Consolidation” and ASC Topic 970-810 “Real Estate-General-Consolidation”.  The Company has determined that such joint ventures should be consolidated into the consolidated financial statements of the Company.  In accordance with ASC Topic 970-323 “Real Estate-General-Equity Method and Joint Ventures”, joint ventures that the Company does not control but otherwise exercises significant influence in, are accounted for under the equity method of accounting.  See Notes 5 and 6 for further discussion of the above.  All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.

The accompanying financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X.  Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP have been omitted.  In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included.  Results of operations for the six month period ended April 30, 2012 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending October 31, 2012. It is suggested that these financial statements be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2011.

The preparation of financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities, the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the periods covered by the financial statements.  The most significant assumptions and estimates relate to the valuation of real estate, depreciable lives, revenue recognition, fair value estimates, and the collectibility of tenant and mortgage notes receivables and other assets.  Actual results could differ from these estimates.  The balance sheet at October 31, 2011 has been derived from audited financial statements at that date.

Federal Income Taxes
The Company has elected to be treated as a REIT under Sections 856-860 of the Internal Revenue Code (Code).  Under those sections, a REIT that, among other things, distributes at least 90% of real estate trust taxable income and meets certain other qualifications prescribed by the Code will not be taxed on that portion of its taxable income that is distributed.  The Company believes it qualifies as a REIT and intends to distribute all of its taxable income for fiscal 2012 in accordance with the provisions of the Code.  Accordingly, no provision has been made for Federal income taxes in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

The Company follows the provisions of ASC Topic 740, “Income Taxes” that, among other things, defines a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. ASC Topic 740 also provides guidance on de-recognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure, and transition.   Based on its evaluation, the Company determined that it has no uncertain tax positions and no unrecognized tax benefits as of April 30, 2012. As of April 30, 2012, the fiscal tax years 2008 through and including 2011 remain open to examination by the Internal Revenue Service.  There are currently no federal tax examinations in progress.

Concentration of Credit Risk
Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, marketable securities, mortgage note receivable and tenant receivables.  The Company places its cash and cash equivalents with high quality financial institutions and the balances at times could exceed federally insured limits.  The Company performs ongoing credit evaluations of its tenants and may require certain tenants to provide security deposits or letters of credit.  Though these security deposits and letters of credit are insufficient to meet the terminal value of a tenant’s lease obligation, they are a measure of good faith and a source of funds to offset the economic costs associated with lost rent and the costs associated with re-tenanting the space.  The Company has no dependency upon any single tenant.

Marketable Securities
Marketable securities consist of short-term investments and marketable equity securities.  Short-term investments (consisting of investments with original maturities of greater than three months when purchased) and marketable equity securities are carried at fair value.  The Company has classified marketable securities as available for sale.  Unrealized gains and losses on available for sale securities are recorded as other comprehensive income (loss) in Stockholders’ Equity.  During the six month and three month periods ended April 30, 2012 the Company sold 24,264 shares of REIT common stocks for an aggregate sales price, net of commissions, of approximately $416,000.  The securities had a purchase cost of approximately $378,000.  The Company realized a gain on the transaction using the specific identification method of $38,000.  The gain is included in Interest, dividends and other investment income in the consolidated statement of income for the six month and three month periods ended April 30, 2012.  There were no sales of marketable securities during the six and three month periods ended April 30, 2011.
 
As of April 30, 2012, all of the Company’s marketable securities consisted of REIT Common and Preferred Stocks.  At April 30, 2012, the Company has recorded a net unrealized gain on available for sale securities in the amount of $10,000.  The Company deems unrealized losses to be temporary.  If and when the Company deems the unrealized losses to be other than temporary, unrealized losses will be realized and reclassified into earnings.  The net unrealized gain at April 30, 2012 is detailed below (In thousands):

Description:
 
Fair Market Value
  
Cost
Basis
  
Net Unrealized Gain/(Loss)
  
Gross
Unrealized Gains
  
Gross Unrealized (Loss)
 
                 
REIT Common and Preferred Stocks
 $908  $898  $10  $10  $- 
                      

Derivative Financial Instruments
The Company occasionally utilizes derivative financial instruments, such as interest rate swaps, to manage its exposure to fluctuations in interest rates. The Company has established policies and procedures for risk assessment, and the approval, reporting and monitoring of derivative financial instruments. Derivative financial instruments must be effective in reducing the Company’s interest rate risk exposure in order to qualify for hedge accounting. When the terms of an underlying transaction are modified, or when the underlying hedged item ceases to exist, all changes in the fair value of the instrument are marked-to-market with changes in value included in net income for each period until the derivative instrument matures or is settled. Any derivative instrument used for risk management that does not meet the hedging criteria is marked-to-market with the changes in value included in net income. The Company has not entered into, and does not plan to enter into, derivative financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes. Additionally, the Company has a policy of entering into derivative contracts only with major financial institutions.

As of April 30, 2012, the Company believes it has no significant risk associated with non-performance of the financial institution, which is the counterparty to its derivative contract.  At April 30, 2012, the Company had approximately $11.6 million borrowed under its unsecured revolving line of credit subject to an interest rate swap. Such interest rate swap converted the LIBOR-based variable rate on the unsecured line of credit to a fixed annual rate of 1.22% per annum. As of April 30, 2012, the Company had accrued liabilities of $83,000 (included in accounts payable and accrued expenses on the consolidated balance sheet) relating to the fair value of the Company’s interest rate swap applicable to the unsecured revolving line of credit.  Charges and/or credits relating to the changes in fair values of such interest rate swaps are made to accumulated other comprehensive income as the swap is deemed effective and is classified as a cash flow hedge.

Comprehensive Income
Comprehensive income is comprised of net income applicable to Common and Class A Common stockholders and other comprehensive income (loss). Other comprehensive income (loss) includes items that are otherwise recorded directly in stockholders’ equity, such as unrealized gains or losses on marketable securities and unrealized gains and losses on interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges. At April 30, 2012, accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) consisted of net unrealized gains on marketable securities of approximately $10,000 and net unrealized losses on an interest rate swap agreement of approximately $83,000.  At April 30, 2011, accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) consisted of net unrealized gains on marketable securities of approximately $24,000 and net unrealized losses on an interest rate swap agreement of approximately $139,000. Unrealized gains and losses included in other comprehensive income (loss) will be reclassified into earnings as gains and losses are realized.

Comprehensive income consisted of the following (In thousands):
 
   
Six Months
  
Six Months
  
Three Months
  
Three Months
 
   
Ended
  
Ended
  
Ended
  
Ended
 
   
April 30,
  
April 30,
  
April 30,
  
April 30,
 
   
2012
  
2011
  
2012
  
2011
 
Net income applicable to Common and Class A Common Stockholders
 $7,164  $10,515   $3,400  $3,639 
                  
Change in unrealized gains/(losses) in marketable equity securities
  37   50   (10)  53 
                  
Change in unrealized loss on interest rate swap
  44   64   26   (9)
                  
Total comprehensive income
 $7,245  $10,629  $3,416  $3,683 
 
Asset Impairment
On a periodic basis, management assesses whether there are any indicators that the value of its real estate investments may be impaired.  A property value is considered impaired when management’s estimate of current and projected operating cash flows (undiscounted and without interest) of the property over its remaining useful life is less than the net carrying value of the property.  Such cash flow projections consider factors such as expected future operating income, trends and prospects, as well as the effects of demand, competition and other factors.  To the extent impairment has occurred, the loss is measured as the excess of the net carrying amount of the property over the fair value of the asset.  Changes in estimated future cash flows due to changes in the Company’s plans or market and economic conditions could result in recognition of impairment losses which could be substantial.  Management does not believe that the value of any of its real estate investments is impaired at April 30, 2012.

Property Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations
The Company follows the provisions of ASC Topic 360, “Property, Plant, and Equipment,” and ASC Topic 205, “Presentation of Financial Statements”.  ASC Topic 360 and ASC Topic 205 require, among other things, that the assets and liabilities and the results of operations of the Company’s properties that have been sold or otherwise qualify as held for sale be classified as discontinued operations and presented separately in the Company’s consolidated financial statements.  If significant to financial statement presentation, the Company classifies properties as held for sale that are under contract for sale and are expected to be sold within the next 12 months.

Revenue Recognition

Revenues from operating leases include revenues from core properties and non-core properties. Rental income is generally recognized based on the terms of leases entered into with tenants.  In those instances in which the Company funds tenant improvements and the improvements are deemed to be owned by the Company, revenue recognition will commence when the improvements are substantially completed and possession or control of the space is turned over to the tenant.  When the Company determines that the tenant allowances are lease incentives, the Company commences revenue recognition when possession or control of the space is turned over to the tenant for tenant work to begin.  Minimum rental income from leases with scheduled rent increases is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term.  At April 30, 2012 and October 31, 2011, approximately $12,978,000 and $12,752,000, respectively, has been recognized as straight-line rents receivable (representing the current net cumulative rents recognized prior to when billed and collectible as provided by the terms of the leases), all of which is included in tenant receivables in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.  Percentage rent is recognized when a specific tenant’s sales breakpoint is achieved.  Property operating expense recoveries from tenants of common area maintenance, real estate taxes and other recoverable costs are recognized in the period the related expenses are incurred.  Lease incentives are amortized as a reduction of rental revenue over the respective tenant lease terms.  Lease termination amounts are recognized in operating revenues when there is a signed termination agreement, all of the conditions of the agreement have been met, the tenant is no longer occupying the property and the termination consideration is probable of collection. Lease termination amounts are paid by tenants who want to terminate their lease obligations before the end of the contractual term of the lease by agreement with the Company. There is no way of predicting or forecasting the timing or amounts of future lease termination fees.  Interest income is recognized as it is earned.  Gains or losses on disposition of properties are recorded when the criteria for recognizing such gains or losses under U.S. GAAP have been met.

The Company provides an allowance for doubtful accounts against the portion of tenant receivables (including an allowance for future tenant credit losses of approximately 10% of the deferred straight-line rents receivable) which is estimated to be uncollectible.  Such allowances are reviewed periodically.  At April 30, 2012 and October 31, 2011, tenant receivables in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets are shown net of allowances for doubtful accounts of $3,479,000 and $3,229,000, respectively.  During the six month periods ended April 30, 2012 and 2011, the Company provided $252,000 and $539,000 respectively, for uncollectible amounts, which is recorded in the accompanying consolidated statement of income as a reduction of base rental revenue.

Real Estate

Land, buildings, property improvements, furniture/fixtures and tenant improvements are recorded at cost. Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are charged to operations as incurred.  Renovations and/or replacements, which improve or extend the life of the asset, are capitalized and depreciated over their estimated useful lives.

The amounts to be capitalized as a result of an acquisition and the periods over which the assets are depreciated or amortized are determined based on estimates as to fair value and the allocation of various costs to the individual assets. The Company allocates the cost of an acquisition based upon the estimated fair value of the net assets acquired.  The Company also estimates the fair value of intangibles related to its acquisitions.  The valuation of the fair value of intangibles involves estimates related to market conditions, probability of lease renewals and the current market value of in-place leases.  This market value is determined by considering factors such as the tenant’s industry, location within the property and competition in the specific region in which the property operates.  Differences in the amount attributed to the intangible assets can be significant based upon the assumptions made in calculating these estimates.

The Company is required to make subjective assessments as to the useful life of its properties for purposes of determining the amount of depreciation.  These assessments have a direct impact on the Company’s net income.
 
Properties are depreciated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets.  The estimated useful lives are as follows:

Buildings
30-40 years
Property Improvements
10-20 years
Furniture/Fixtures
3-10 years
Tenant Improvements
Shorter of lease term or their useful life

Earnings Per Share
The Company calculates basic and diluted earnings per share in accordance with the provisions of ASC Topic 260, “Earnings Per Share.”  Basic earnings per share (“EPS”) excludes the impact of dilutive shares and is computed by dividing net income applicable to Common and Class A Common stockholders by the weighted average number of Common shares and Class A Common shares outstanding for the period.  Diluted EPS reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue Common shares or Class A Common shares were exercised or converted into Common shares or Class A Common shares and then shared in the earnings of the Company.  Since the cash dividends declared on the Company’s Class A Common stock are higher than the dividends declared on the Common Stock, basic and diluted EPS have been calculated using the “two-class” method.  The two-class method is an earnings allocation formula that determines earnings per share for each class of common stock according to the weighted average of the dividends declared, outstanding shares per class and participation rights in undistributed earnings.

The following table sets forth the reconciliation between basic and diluted EPS (in thousands):

   
Six Months Ended
  
Three Months Ended
 
   
April 30,
  
April 30,
 
   
2012
  
2011
  
2012
  
2011
 
Numerator
            
Net income applicable to common stockholders – basic
 $1,761  $2,569  $836  $890 
Effect of dilutive securities:
                
Restricted Stock awards
  118   135   64   52 
Net income applicable to common stockholders – diluted
 $1,879  $2,704  $900  $942 
                  
Denominator
                
Denominator for basic EPS – weighted average common shares
  7,368   7,295   7,369   7,303 
Effect of dilutive securities:
                
Restricted stock awards
  745   586   868   661 
Denominator for diluted EPS – weighted average common equivalent shares
  8,113   7,881   8,237   7,964 
                  
Numerator
                
Net income applicable to Class A common stockholders-basic
 $5,403  $7,946  $2,564  $2,749 
Effect of dilutive securities:
                
Restricted Stock awards
  (118)  (135)  (64)  (52)
Net income applicable to Class A common stockholders – diluted
 $5,285  $7,811  $2,500  $2,697 
                  
Denominator
                
Denominator for basic EPS – weighted average Class A common shares
  20,553   20,492   20,554   20,494 
Effect of dilutive securities:
                
Restricted stock awards
  195   187   232   215 
Denominator for diluted EPS – weighted average Class A common equivalent shares
  20,748   20,679   20,786   20,709 


Segment Reporting
The Company operates in one industry segment, ownership of commercial real estate properties which are located principally in the northeastern United States.  The Company does not distinguish its property operations for purposes of measuring performance.  Accordingly, the Company believes it has a single reportable segment for disclosure purposes.

Stock-Based Compensation
The Company accounts for its stock-based compensation plans under the provisions of ASC Topic 718, “Stock Compensation”, which requires that compensation expense be recognized, based on the fair value of the stock awards less estimated forfeitures.  The fair value of stock awards is equal to the fair value of the Company’s stock on the grant date.

Reclassifications
Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current period’s presentation.
 
New Accounting Standards

Newly Adopted

In May 2011, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU") 2011-04, “Fair Value Measurement (ASC Topic 820): Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”)”.  The pronouncement was issued to provide a uniform framework for fair value measurements and related disclosures between U.S. GAAP and IFRS.  ASU 2011-04 changes certain fair value measurement principles and enhances the disclosure requirements particularly for Level 3 fair value measurements. This pronouncement became effective for us in the second quarter of 2012 and did not have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements.

To be adopted

In June 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-05, “Comprehensive Income (ASC Topic 220): Presentation of Comprehensive Income.” ASU 2011-05 eliminates the option to present components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of shareholders’ equity and requires the presentation of components of net income and components of other income either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. This pronouncement is effective for us in the first quarter of 2013 and is not expected to have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements.