Choice Properties Real Estate Investment Trust Reports Solid Results for the First Quarter of 2017 and Announces 4.2% Increase to Annual Distributions

Choice Properties Real Estate Investment Trust Reports Solid Results for the First Quarter of 2017 and Announces 4.2% Increase to Annual Distributions

Canada NewsWire

TORONTO, April 24, 2017 /CNW/ - Choice Properties Real Estate Investment Trust ("Choice Properties" or the "Trust") (TSX: CHP.UN) today announced its condensed consolidated financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2017.  Choice Properties also announced it will increase its annual distribution to $0.74 per unit or by 4.2% effective for the May 31, 2017 distribution payable on June 15, 2017.  The Trust's Quarterly Report will be available in the Investor Relations section of the Trust's website at www.choicereit.ca, filed with SEDAR and available at www.sedar.com.

Quarter Highlights:

  • Reported rental revenue of $203.4 million, an increase of $11.2 million or 5.8% compared with $192.2 million in the first quarter of 2016;
  • Reported net income of $24.3 million, an increase of $156.9 million compared with a net loss of $132.6 million in the first quarter of 2016. The first quarter of 2017 included a net fair value adjustment loss of $26.0 million (2016 - net loss of $180.7 million);
  • Reported Funds from Operations ("FFO")(1) per unit diluted of $0.264, an increase of $0.013, or 5.2%, compared with $0.251 in the first quarter of 2016;
  • Acquired two investment properties, from third-party vendors, adding approximately 92,000 square feet of ancillary gross leasable area ("GLA") with future redevelopment potential, for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $9.8 million, at a weighted average capitalization rate of 7.6%;
  • Constructed 24,000 square feet of GLA, for 2017 projects, delivering 9 new retail spaces, primarily at greenfield sites in Surrey, British Columbia and Barrie, Ontario;
  • Maintained ancillary occupancy and increased organic Net Operating Income ("NOI")(1) for the quarter by 2.7% to $135.6 million from $132.0 million in 2016; and
  • Redeemed, at par, $200.0 million Series 6 senior unsecured debentures, with an original maturity date of April 20, 2017.

"Choice Properties' performance during the first quarter of 2017 provided us a strong start to the year. The quarter delivered solid results and we are pleased to announce an increase in our distributions to Unitholders," said John Morrison, President and Chief Executive Officer.  "During the quarter, we maintained a steadfast focus on execution and continued our progress to expand our portfolio and create value for all of our stakeholders. I look forward to leading the Choice Properties' team as we continue to strengthen our business and toward broadening our growth opportunities as we embark on our mixed-use development program to build for the future."

(1)

See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" beginning on page 5.

 

Financial and Operational Summary

As at or for the three months ended March 31






($ thousands except where otherwise indicated)






(unaudited)



2017


2016

Number of properties



536


519

Gross Leasable Area ("GLA") (in millions of square feet)



43.7


41.6

Occupancy



98.8%


98.7%

Rental revenue


$

203,433

$

192,238

Net Operating Income ("NOI")(1)


$

142,424

$

132,445

Net Income (loss)(i)


$

24,250

$

(132,655)

Net Income (loss)(i) per unit diluted


$

0.059

$

(0.324)

Funds from Operations ("FFO")(1) per unit diluted


$

0.264

$

0.251

Adjusted Cash Flow from Operations ("ACFO")(1)


$

90,776

$

78,354

Adjusted Cash Flow from Operations(1) payout ratio



80.3%


87.3%

Distribution declared per unit


$

0.1775

$

0.1675

Total assets (in millions)


$

9,380

$

8,730

Debt to total assets(ii)



46.3%


45.9%

Debt service coverage(ii)



3.6x


3.6x

 

(i)   

Net income included a negative adjustment of $117,656 and a negative adjustment of $180,753 for the fair value of Exchangeable Units, and a positive adjustment of $92,843 and a negative adjustment of $13,623 for the fair value of investment properties, and a negative adjustment of $1,250 and a positive adjustment of $13,640 for the fair value of investment property held in equity accounted joint venture for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and March 31, 2016, respectively. Net income before adjustments to fair value(1) was $50,313 and $48,081 for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and March 31, 2016, respectively.

(ii)   

Debt ratios include Class C LP Units but exclude Exchangeable Units. The ratios are non-GAAP financial measures calculated based on the trust indentures, as supplemented.

 

Financial Results for the Quarter:

  • Rental Revenue - First quarter rental revenue totalled $203.4 million, an increase of $11.2 million or 5.8% compared with $192.2 million in the first quarter of 2016. Properties owned throughout both comparative periods contributed $6.6 million to the increase.
  • Net Operating Income(1) - NOI(1) for the first quarter of 2017 was $142.4 million, an increase of $10.0 million, or 7.5%, compared with the first quarter of 2016. The increase in NOI(1) was primarily driven by $3.1 million from properties acquired subsequent to December 31, 2015 and $3.3 million from new developments. Excluding NOI(1) from acquisitions and developments, NOI(1) was $135.6 million, $3.6 million, or 2.7%, higher than the $132.0 million achieved in the first quarter of 2016. This improvement was primarily driven by growth in capital recoveries, improved ancillary occupancy, higher average rents per square foot on new ancillary leases and rent steps in Loblaw leases.
  • Net Income (Loss) - Net income for the first quarter of 2017 was $24.3 million compared to a net loss of $132.6 million in the first quarter of 2016. Adjustments to fair value measures were the primary cause of the variance between these comparative periods.
  • Net Income before Adjustments to Fair Value(1) - First quarter net income before adjustments to fair value(1) of $50.3 million compared with $48.1 million reported in the first quarter of 2016. The increase was driven by an increase of net property income, partially offset by an increase to net interest expense and other financing charges, including distributions on Exchangeable Units.
  • Funds from Operations(1) - FFO(1) for the first quarter of 2017 was $108.8 million or $0.264 per unit diluted, compared with $102.8 million or $0.251 per unit diluted in the first quarter of 2016. The year-over-year improvement in FFO(1) of $0.013 per unit diluted was primarily driven by growth in net property income partially offset by higher net interest expense, excluding distributions on Exchangeable Units.
  • Adjusted Cash Flow from Operations(1) - ACFO(1) for the first quarter of 2017 was $90.8 million, representing an excess of $17.9 million over distributions paid during the quarter, which is an increase of $7.9 million compared to an excess of $10.0 million in the first quarter of 2016. The year-over-year improvement in ACFO(1) is indicative of minor fluctuations in timing of cash flows from working capital.
  • Distributions - Distributions per unit declared during the quarter totalled $0.1775, for an ACFO(1) payout ratio of 80.3% (2016 - $0.1675 and 87.3%, respectively). With continued expectations for sustainable increases in cash flows, Choice Properties' Board of Trustees approved a 4.2% increase in annual distributions to $0.74 per unit effective for the May 31, 2017 distribution payable on June 15, 2017.

 

(1)

See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" beginning on page 5.

 

Operational Results for the Quarter:

  • Accretive Acquisitions
    • On February 1, 2017, Choice Properties acquired a retail property in Winkler, Manitoba from a third-party vendor, for a purchase price of $2.7 million, excluding acquisition costs. The acquisition added approximately 12,000 square feet of ancillary GLA on a site adjacent to an existing Choice Properties owned site, which is anchored by a Loblaw food store. The acquired property was immediately accretive, with a capitalization rate of 8.5%, based on an estimated stabilized NOI(1) of approximately $0.2 million. Upon acquisition, the property was combined with the adjacent Choice Properties owned site and re-categorized as a multi-tenant property.
    • On March 16, 2017, Choice Properties acquired a retail property in Selkirk, Manitoba from a third-party vendor, for a purchase price of $7.1 million, excluding acquisition costs. The acquisition added approximately 80,000 square feet of GLA including a 23,620 square foot Loblaw food store. The acquired property was immediately accretive, with a capitalization rate of 7.2%, based on an estimated stabilized NOI(1) of approximately $0.5 million. The acquired site is expected to be redeveloped, with an expected capitalization rate of 9.0% upon completion(2).
  • Development Progress - In the first quarter of 2017, Choice Properties constructed 24,000 square feet of GLA for 2017 projects, delivering 8 new retail spaces for third-party tenants, primarily in greenfield sites in Surrey, British Columbia and Barrie, Ontario, and one Loblaw liquor store in Alberta. Approximately 80% of the remaining development for the 2017 projects is already pre-leased.
  • Leasing Activity - In the first quarter of 2017, Choice Properties entered into leases for approximately 92,000 square feet of GLA with an average lease term of 7.5 years. This total included approximately 35,000 square feet of lease renewals, with an average increase over expiring base rent rates of 6.3%.
  • Occupancy - At March 31, 2017, the Trust's portfolio occupancy rate was 98.8%, compared to 98.7% as at March 31, 2016.

Capital Structure:

  • Strengthened Financial Flexibility by reducing Refinancing and Liquidity Risk - On January 23, 2017, Choice Properties redeemed, at par, $200,000 Series 6 senior unsecured debentures with an original maturity date of April 20, 2017.
  • Capacity to Invest for Further Growth - As at March 31, 2017, the Trust's debt service coverage ratio(3) was 3.6 times. With stable cash flows from operations and access to several funding sources; including $750 million from two senior unsecured committed revolving credit facilities, the Trust believes it has the financial capacity to meet ongoing obligations and invest for further growth.

Outlook

Choice Properties continues to drive value creation through accretive acquisitions, strategic development and active management of its portfolio of properties.  This strategy supports the Trust's goal to expand its asset base and increase monthly distributions to unitholders.

Choice Properties is well positioned to meet its current obligations and to invest for future growth.  The Trust's competitive advantages include: a sizable asset base that is geographically diverse across Canada; long-term leases and a strategic alliance with Loblaw; and an existing development pipeline, supported by sound financial management focused on maintaining a solid balance sheet and its investment grade credit ratings.

In 2017, Choice Properties expects to:

  • Acquire additional properties from Loblaw and third-party vendors on an accretive basis when opportunities arise;
  • Invest approximately $192 million in development projects, including mixed-use projects, expected to be completed in 2017 and future years;
  • Complete the development of approximately 337,000 square feet of GLA with an expected yield ranging from 7% to 9%;
  • Maintain a total occupancy rate of approximately 98%, with the occupancy rate for ancillary GLA in the 90% range; and
  • Continue to align growth in distributions with stable, growing cash flows.

 

(1)

See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" beginning on page 5.

(2)

To be read in conjunction with "Forward-Looking Statements".

(3)

Debt ratios include Class C LP Units but exclude Exchangeable Units. The ratios are non-GAAP financial measures calculated based on the trust indentures, as supplemented.

 

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements about Choice Properties' objectives, outlook, plans, goals, aspirations, strategies, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows, performance, prospects and opportunities. Specific statements with respect to anticipated future results can be found in various sections of this press release and in the MD&A of Choice Properties' First Quarter 2017 Report. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as "expect", "anticipate", "believe", "foresee", "could", "estimate", "goal", "intend", "plan", "seek", "strive" , "will", "may", "should" and similar expressions, as they relate to Choice Properties and its management.

Forward-looking statements reflect Choice Properties' current estimates, beliefs and assumptions, which are based on management's perception of historic trends, current conditions, outlook and expected future developments, as well as other factors it believes are appropriate in the circumstances. Choice Properties' expectation of operating and financial performance is based on certain assumptions, including assumptions about future growth potential, prospects and opportunities, industry trends, future levels of indebtedness, current tax laws, current economic conditions and no new competition in the market that leads to reduced revenues and profitability. Management's estimates, beliefs and assumptions are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive and other uncertainties and contingencies regarding future events and as such, are subject to change. Choice Properties can give no assurance that such estimates, beliefs and assumptions will prove to be correct.

Numerous risks and uncertainties could cause Choice Properties' actual results to differ materially from those expressed, implied or projected in the forward-looking statements, including, those described in Section 12, "Enterprise Risks and Risk Management", in the MD&A of Choice Properties' 2016 Annual Report. Such risks and uncertainties include:

  • changes in economic conditions, including changes in interest rates, and the rate of inflation;
  • the inability of Choice Properties to maintain and leverage its relationship with Loblaw, including in respect of: (i) Loblaw's retained interest in Choice Properties; (ii) the services to be provided to Choice Properties (whether directly or indirectly) by Loblaw; (iii) expected transactions to be entered into between Loblaw and Choice Properties (including Choice Properties' acquisition of certain properties held by Loblaw); and (iv) the Strategic Alliance Agreement between Choice Properties and Loblaw;
  • changes in Loblaw's business, activities or circumstances which may impact Choice Properties, including Loblaw's inability to make rent payments or perform its obligations under its leases;
  • failure to manage its growth effectively in accordance with its growth strategy or acquire assets on an accretive basis;
  • changes in timing to obtain municipal approvals, development costs, and tenant leasing and occupancy of properties under development, redevelopment, or intensification;
  • changes in Choice Properties' capital expenditure and fixed cost requirements;
  • the inability of Choice Properties Limited Partnership to make distributions or other payments or advances;
  • the inability of Choice Properties to obtain financing;
  • changes in Choice Properties' degree of financial leverage;
  • changes in laws or regulatory regimes, which may affect Choice Properties, including changes in the tax treatment of the Trust and its distributions to Unitholders or the inability of the Trust to continue to qualify as a "mutual fund trust" and as a "real estate investment trust", as such terms are defined in the Income Tax Act (Canada); and
  • changes in Choice Properties' competitiveness in the real estate market or the unavailability of desirable commercial real estate assets.

This is not an exhaustive list of the factors that may affect Choice Properties' forward-looking statements. Other risks and uncertainties not presently known to Choice Properties could also cause actual results or events to differ materially from those expressed in its forward-looking statements. Additional risks and uncertainties are discussed in Choice Properties' materials filed with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities from time to time, including the Trust's 2016 Annual Information Form. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which reflect Choice Properties' expectations only as of the date of this press release. Except as required by applicable law, Choice Properties does not undertake to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Choice Properties reports non-GAAP financial measures, including, but not limited to, Net Operating Income ("NOI"), Net Income before Adjustments to Fair Value, Funds from Operations ("FFO"), and Adjusted Cash Flow from Operations ("ACFO"). The Trust believes these non-GAAP financial measures provide useful information to both management and investors in measuring the financial performance and financial condition of the Trust for the reasons outlined below.

Management uses these and other non-GAAP financial measures to exclude the impact of certain expenses and income that must be recognized under IFRS when analyzing operating performance, as the excluded items are not necessarily reflective of Choice Properties' underlying operating performance or impact the comparability of financial performance between periods.

These measures do not have a standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS and therefore they may not be comparable to similarly titled measures presented by other publicly traded REITs, and should not be construed as an alternative to other financial measures determined in accordance with IFRS.

A comprehensive list of non-GAAP measures are defined and discussed in the Trust's 2016 Annual Report.

Net Operating Income  NOI is defined as rental revenue, excluding straight-line rent, from investment properties less property operating costs. NOI is a key performance indicator as it evaluates the operating performance of the portfolio and represents a measure over which management has control. It is also a key input in determining the fair value of the portfolio. The Trust's method of calculating NOI may differ from other issuers' methods and, accordingly, may not be comparable to NOI reported by other issuers.

Net Income before Adjustments to Fair Value  Net Income (or net loss) as calculated under IFRS excluding adjustments to fair value of Exchangeable Units, investment properties and investment property held in equity-accounted joint venture.

Funds from Operations FFO is not a term defined under IFRS and may not be comparable to similar measures used by other real estate entities. Except as otherwise noted, Choice Properties calculates its FFO in accordance with the Real Property Association of Canada's White Paper on Funds from Operations & Adjusted Funds from Operations for IFRS issued in February 2017. The purpose of the White Paper was to provide reporting issuers and investors with greater guidance on the definition of FFO, and to help promote more consistent disclosure from reporting issuers.

Choice Properties calculates FFO by adjusting net income (or net loss) for items that do not arise from operating activities, such as adjustments to fair value.

Funds from Operations Payout Ratio  FFO Payout ratio is calculated as the distributions declared per unit, divided by the FFO per unit diluted.

Adjusted Cash Flow from Operations  ACFO is not a term defined under IFRS and may not be comparable to similar measures used by other real estate entities. Except as otherwise noted, Choice Properties calculates its ACFO in accordance with the Real Property Association of Canada's White Paper on Adjusted Cashflow from Operations (ACFO) for IFRS issued in February 2017.  The purpose of the White Paper was to provide reporting issuers and investors with greater guidance on the definitions of ACFO and to help promote more consistent disclosure from reporting issuers.

Choice Properties considers ACFO an input to determining the appropriate level of distributions to Unitholders as it adjusts cash flows from operations for other sustainable economic cash flows.

Adjusted Cash Flow from Operations Payout Ratio  ACFO Payout ratio is calculated as the total distributions declared, divided by the ACFO.

Choice Properties Real Estate Investment Trust
Calculation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

For the three months ended March 31





(in thousands of Canadian dollars, except per unit amounts)





(unaudited)


2017


2016

Rental revenue

$

203,433

$

192,238

Reverse - Straight-line rental revenue


(9,298)


(8,883)

Property operating costs


(51,711)


(50,910)

Net Operating Income(1)

$

142,424

$

132,445

Net Income (Loss)

$

24,250

$

(132,655)

Adjustment to fair value of Exchangeable Units


117,656


180,753

Adjustment to fair value of investment properties


(92,843)


13,623

Adjustment to fair value of investment property held in equity accounted
joint venture


1,250


(13,640)

Net Income before Adjustments to Fair Value(1)


50,313


48,081

Adjustment to fair value of unit-based compensation


1,254


1,033

Interest otherwise capitalized for development in equity accounted
joint venture(2)


93


Distributions on Exchangeable Units


56,443


53,115

Amortization of tenant improvement allowances


174


102

Internal expenses for leasing


559


468

Funds from Operations(1)

$

108,836

$

102,799

FFO(1) per unit - diluted

$

0.264

$

0.251

FFO(1) payout ratio - diluted


67.2%


66.7%

Distribution declared per unit

$

0.1775

$

0.1675

Weighted average Units outstanding - basic


410,766,421


408,264,351

Weighted average Units outstanding - diluted


412,164,820


409,095,647

Number of Units outstanding, end of period


410,957,673


408,459,152

 

(1)

See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" beginning on page 5.

(2)

Interest expensed in the Trust, relating to qualifying development projects underway in the equity accounted joint venture, was eligible to be added back to FFO(1) in accordance with the Real Property Association of Canada White Paper on Funds from Operations & Adjusted Funds from Operations for IFRS issued in February 2017.

 

For the three months ended March 31,






($ thousands)






(unaudited)



2017


2016

Cash flows from operating activities(1)


$

37,954

$

30,053


Interest paid



(92,696)


(85,549)

Cash flows from operating activities less interest paid



(54,742)


(55,496)

Add (deduct) impact of the following:







Net interest expensed and other financing charges in excess of
interest paid(2)



(3,465)


(1,781)


Distributions on Exchangeable Units included in net interest expense
and other financing charges



56,443


53,115


Gain on settlement of bond forward contracts




(2,682)


Interest income in excess or interest received(2)



47


536


Interest otherwise capitalized for development in equity
accounted joint venture



93



Share of interest income from joint venture



60



Portion of internal expenses for leasing relating to development activity



280


234


Property capital expenditures - incurred



(360)


(16)


Property and leasing capital expenditures - normalized(3)



(10,890)


(9,984)


Leasing capital expenditures - incurred



(1,390)


(1,444)

Adjustment for changes in non-cash operating working capital items which
are not indicative of sustainable cash flows(4)



104,700


95,872

Adjusted Cash Flow from Operations(5)


$

90,776

$

78,354

Total distributions declared


$

72,922

$

68,394

ACFO(5) payout ratio



80.3%


87.3%

 

(1)

Presentation of the prior period has been updated to exclude leasing capital expenditures.

(2)

The timing of the recognition of interest expense and income differs from the payment and collection. The ACFO calculations for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and March 31, 2016 were adjusted for this factor to make the quarters more comparable.

(3)

Seasonality impacts the timing of capital expenditures.  The ACFO calculations for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and March 31, 2016 were adjusted for this factor to make the quarters more comparable.

(4)

ACFO was adjusted to remove fluctuations in non-cash operating working capital due to the timing of transactions for capital expenditure accruals, realty taxes prepaid or payable, prepaid insurance, and construction inventory. These fluctuations generally net over the course of the year. ACFO was also adjusted to remove the variability created when rent was received in advance from Loblaw and the related sales taxes payable.

(5)

See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" beginning on page 5.

 

Selected Financial Information

The following includes quarterly financial information prepared by management in accordance with IFRS and based on the Trust's First Quarter 2017 Report. This financial information does not contain all disclosures required by IFRS, and accordingly should be read in conjunction with the Trust's 2016 Annual Report, which is available in the Investor Relations section of the Trust's website at www.choicereit.ca.

Choice Properties Real Estate Investment Trust
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets









(unaudited)





As at


As at

(in thousands of Canadian dollars)




March 31, 2017

December 31, 2016

Assets








Non-current Assets









Investment properties




$

9,196,000

$

9,098,000


Equity accounted joint venture





18,880


19,070


Accounts receivable and other assets





5,724


5,888


Notes receivable





2,407


2,360







9,223,011


9,125,318

Current Assets









Accounts receivable and other assets





20,916


14,882


Notes receivable





94,441


290,009


Assets held for sale





35,000



Cash and cash equivalents





6,772


5,113







157,129


310,004

Total Assets




$

9,380,140

$

9,435,322









Liabilities and Unitholders' Equity








Non-current Liabilities









Long term debt and Class C LP Units




$

3,727,869

$

3,726,991


Credit facilities





493,000


172,000


Exchangeable Units





4,400,960


4,283,304


Trade payables and other liabilities





2,590


1,397







8,624,419


8,183,692

Current Liabilities









Long term debt and Class C LP Units





967


201,723


Trade payables and other liabilities





164,451


472,762







165,418


674,485

Total Liabilities





8,789,837


8,858,177









Equity









Unitholders' equity





582,532


569,374


Non-controlling interests





7,771


7,771

Total Equity





590,303


577,145

Total Liabilities and Equity




$

9,380,140

$

9,435,322

 

Choice Properties Real Estate Investment Trust
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) and Comprehensive Income (Loss)





(unaudited)


Three months ended

Three months ended

(in thousands of Canadian dollars)


March 31, 2017

March 31, 2016

Net Property Income







Rental revenue from investment properties


$

203,433

$

192,238


Property operating costs



(51,711)


(50,910)




151,722


141,328

Other Income and Expenses







General and administrative expenses



(5,996)


(6,416)


Property management fee charged to related party



150


150


Amortization of other assets



(233)


(223)


Net interest expense and other financing charges



(96,161)


(87,330)


Interest Income



771


572


Share of income (loss) from joint venture



(1,190)


13,640


Adjustment to fair value of Exchangeable Units(1)



(117,656)


(180,753)


Adjustment to fair value of investment properties



92,843


(13,623)

Net Income (Loss) and Comprehensive Income (Loss)


$

24,250

$

(132,655)

(1)

The Class B LP Units of the Trust's subsidiary, Choice Properties Limited Partnership, are exchangeable into Trust Units at the option of the holder. Loblaw holds all of the Exchangeable Units. These Exchangeable Units are considered puttable instruments and are required to be classified as financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss. The distributions paid on the Exchangeable Units are accounted for as interest expense.

 

Choice Properties Real Estate Investment Trust
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows




(unaudited)

Three months ended

Three months ended

(in thousands of Canadian dollars)

March 31, 2017

March 31, 2016

Operating Activities






Net income (loss)

$

24,250

$

(132,655)


Straight-line rental revenue


(9,298)


(8,883)


Amortization of tenant improvement allowances


174


102


Amortization of other assets


233


223


Net interest expense and other financing charges


96,161


87,330


Interest income


(771)


(572)


Value of unit-based compensation granted


2,181


1,847


Share of loss (income) from joint venture


1,190


(13,640)


Adjustment to fair value of Exchangeable Units


117,656


180,753


Adjustment to fair value of investment properties


(92,843)


13,623


Interest received


724


36


Net change in non-cash working capital


(101,703)


(98,111)

Cash Flows from Operating Activities


37,954


30,053

Investing Activities






Acquisitions of investment properties


(9,834)



Additions to investment properties


(20,554)


(21,626)


Additions to fixtures and equipment


(72)


(2)


Equity investment distribution (contribution)


(1,000)


Cash Flows used in Investing Activities


(31,460)


(21,628)

Financing Activities






Long term debt







Issued - Senior unsecured debentures, net of debt placement costs



348,356



Principal repayments - Senior unsecured debentures


(200,000)


(300,000)



Principal repayments - Mortgage


(315)


(295)


Gain on settlement of bond forward contracts



2,682


Credit facilities







Net advancements


321,000


16,000


Notes receivable







Issued to related party


(68,006)


(64,150)



Repaid by related party


263,574


248,463


Cash received on exercise of options



64


Interest paid


(92,696)


(85,549)


Distributions paid on Exchangeable Units


(217,324)


(202,204)


Distributions paid to Unitholders


(11,068)


(10,654)

Cash Flows used in Financing Activities


(4,835)


(47,287)

Change in cash and cash equivalents


1,659


(38,862)

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period


5,113


44,354

Cash and Cash Equivalents, end of period

$

6,772

$

5,492

 

Management Discussion and Analysis and Financial Statements and Notes

Information appearing in this news release is a consolidated select summary of results. This news release should be read in conjunction with Choice Properties' First Quarter 2017 Report to Unitholders, which includes the unaudited interim period condensed consolidated financial statements and MD&A for the Trust and is available at www.choicereit.ca and on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

Conference Call and Webcast

Senior management will host a conference call to discuss the results on April 25, 2017 at 10:00AM (ET). To access via teleconference, please dial (647) 427-7450. A playback will be made available two hours after the event at (416) 849-0833, access code: 82435261. To access the conference call via webcast, a link is available at www.choicereit.ca in the "Events and Webcast" section under "News and Events".

Annual Meeting of Unitholders

Choice Properties' Annual Meeting of Unitholders will take place on April 25, 2017 at 11:00AM (ET), at the St. Andrew's Club & Conference Centre, 150 King Street West, 16th Floor, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. A simultaneous audio webcast of the event will be available in the "Events and Webcast" section under "News and Events" of www.choicereit.ca. To access via teleconference, please dial (647) 427-7450. Playback will be available two hours after the event at (416) 849-0833, access code: 88410728.

About Choice Properties Real Estate Investment Trust

Choice Properties Real Estate Investment Trust is an owner, manager and developer of well-located retail and other commercial real estate across Canada. Choice Properties' portfolio spans approximately 43.7 million square feet of gross leasable area and consists of 536 properties primarily focused on supermarket and drug store anchored shopping centres and stand-alone supermarkets and drug stores. Choice Properties' strategy is to create value by enhancing and optimizing its portfolio through accretive acquisitions, strategic development and active property management. Choice Properties' principal tenant and largest Unitholder is Loblaw Companies Limited, Canada's largest retailer. Choice Properties' strong alliance with Loblaw positions it well for future growth. For more information, visit Choice Properties' website at www.choicereit.ca and Choice Properties' issuer profile at www.sedar.com.

SOURCE Choice Properties Real Estate Investment Trust

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