10-Q 1 d10q.htm FORM 10-Q Form 10-Q
Table of Contents

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 10-Q

 

 

(Mark One)

x

Quarterly report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2010

OR

 

¨

Transition report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

for the transition period from              to             

Commission file number 000-51262

WELLS REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST II, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Maryland   20-0068852
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)   (I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)

6200 The Corners Parkway

Norcross, Georgia 30092

(Address of principal executive offices)

(Zip Code)

(770) 449-7800

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

N/A

(Former name, former address, and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

Yes  x    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).

[Not yet applicable to registrant.]    Yes  ¨    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer”, and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act (check one).

Large Accelerated filer  ¨    Accelerated filer  ¨    Non-Accelerated filer  x    Smaller reporting company  ¨

(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

Yes  ¨    No  x

Number of shares outstanding of the registrant’s

only class of common stock, as of October 31, 2010: 537,809,595 shares

 

 

 


Table of Contents

 

FORM 10-Q

WELLS REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST II, INC.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

          Page No.  

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

  

Item 1.

  

Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

  
   Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2010 (unaudited) and December 31, 2009      5   
   Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Three Months and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2010 (unaudited) and 2009 (unaudited)      6   
   Consolidated Statements of Equity for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2010 (unaudited) and 2009 (unaudited)      7   
   Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2010 (unaudited) and 2009 (unaudited)      8   
   Condensed Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)      9   

Item 2.

  

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

     22   

Item 3.

  

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

     35   

Item 4T.

  

Controls and Procedures

     36   
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION   

Item 1.

  

Legal Proceedings

     37   

Item 1A.

  

Risk Factors

     37   

Item 2.

  

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

     38   

Item 3.

  

Defaults Upon Senior Securities

     40   

Item 4.

  

RESERVED

     40   

Item 5.

  

Other Information

     40   

Item 6.

  

Exhibits

     40   

 

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CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Certain statements contained in this Form 10-Q of Wells Real Estate Investment Trust II, Inc. (“Wells REIT II,” “we,” “our” or “us”) other than historical facts may be considered forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. We intend for all such forward-looking statements to be covered by the applicable safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements contained in those acts. Such statements include, in particular, statements about our plans, strategies, and prospects and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, including known and unknown risks, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected or anticipated. Therefore, such statements are not intended to be a guarantee of our performance in future periods. Such forward-looking statements can generally be identified by our use of forward-looking terminology such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “believe,” “continue,” or other similar words. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date this report is filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). We make no representations or warranties (express or implied) about the accuracy of any such forward-looking statements contained in this Form 10-Q, and we do not intend to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

Any such forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties, and other factors and are based on a number of assumptions involving judgments with respect to, among other things, future economic, competitive, and market conditions, all of which are difficult or impossible to predict accurately. To the extent that our assumptions differ from actual conditions, our ability to accurately anticipate results expressed in such forward-looking statements, including our ability to generate positive cash flow from operations, make distributions to stockholders, and maintain the value of our real estate properties, may be significantly hindered. See Item 1A in Wells REIT II’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009 and Part II, Item 1A. in this Form 10-Q for a discussion of some of the risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those presented in our forward-looking statements. The risk factors described herein and in our Annual Report are not the only ones we face, but do represent those risks and uncertainties that we believe are material to us. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial may also harm our business.

 

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PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The information furnished in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and related consolidated statements of operations, equity and cash flows reflects all normal and recurring adjustments that are, in management’s opinion, necessary for a fair and consistent presentation of the aforementioned financial statements.

The accompanying consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the condensed noted to Wells REIT II’s financial statements and Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations included in this quarterly report on Form 10-Q and with Wells REIT II’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009. Wells REIT II’s results of operations for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2010 are not necessarily indicative of the operating results expected for the full year.

 

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WELLS REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST II, INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(in thousands, except share and per-share amounts)

 

     (Unaudited)
September  30,
2010
    December 31,
2009
 

Assets:

    

Real estate assets, at cost:

    

Land

   $ 566,548      $ 553,515   

Buildings and improvements, less accumulated depreciation of $386,912 and $314,348 as of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively

     3,216,080        2,991,502   

Intangible lease assets, less accumulated amortization of $363,079 and $320,733 as of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively

     447,638        500,493   

Construction in progress

     8,902        87,073   
                

Total real estate assets

     4,239,168        4,132,583   

Cash and cash equivalents

     53,538        102,725   

Tenant receivables, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $3,705 and $4,117 as of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively

     103,952        97,679   

Prepaid expenses and other assets

     24,943        23,468   

Deferred financing costs, less accumulated amortization of $3,100 and $4,181 as of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively

     10,680        6,300   

Intangible lease origination costs, less accumulated amortization of $214,963 and $184,977 as of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively

     280,354        304,590   

Deferred lease costs, less accumulated amortization of $15,237 and $11,072 as of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively

     43,733        42,719   

Investment in development authority bonds

     646,000        664,000   
                

Total assets

   $ 5,402,368      $ 5,374,064   
                

Liabilities:

    

Line of credit and notes payable

   $ 867,598      $ 946,936   

Accounts payable, accrued expenses, and accrued capital expenditures

     121,395        89,312   

Due to affiliates

     1,785        5,996   

Distributions payable

     —          13,096   

Deferred income

     23,723        23,990   

Intangible lease liabilities, less accumulated amortization of $58,749 and $48,552 as of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively

     91,538        101,529   

Obligations under capital leases

     646,000        664,000   
                

Total liabilities

     1,752,039        1,844,859   

Commitments and Contingencies (Note 5)

     —          —     

Redeemable Common Stock

     178,806        805,844   

Equity:

    

Common stock, $0.01 par value; 900,000,000 shares authorized; 538,665,666 and 499,895,448 shares issued and outstanding as of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively

     5,387        4,999   

Additional paid-in capital

     4,812,911        4,461,980   

Cumulative distributions in excess of earnings

     (1,154,814     (935,019

Redeemable common stock

     (178,806     (805,844

Other comprehensive loss

     (14,738     (8,029
                

Total Wells Real Estate Investment Trust II, Inc. stockholders’ equity

     3,469,940        2,718,087   

Nonredeemable noncontrolling interests

     1,583        5,274   
                

Total equity

     3,471,523        2,723,361   
                

Total liabilities, redeemable common stock, and equity

   $ 5,402,368      $ 5,374,064   
                

See accompanying notes.

 

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WELLS REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST II, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(in thousands, except per-share amounts)

 

     (Unaudited)
Three months  ended
September 30,
    (Unaudited)
Nine months  ended
September 30,
 
     2010     2009     2010     2009  

Revenues:

        

Rental income

   $ 114,523      $ 106,329      $ 333,414      $ 319,902   

Tenant reimbursements

     26,612        25,433        73,215        77,466   

Hotel income

     5,501        5,518        14,900        15,495   

Other property income

     484        514        1,253        994   
                                
     147,120        137,794        422,782        413,857   

Expenses:

        

Property operating costs

     43,362        42,511        125,136        127,269   

Hotel operating costs

     4,499        4,375        12,950        12,561   

Asset and property management fees:

        

Related-party

     8,676        8,358        25,410        25,043   

Other

     1,045        1,052        3,050        3,114   

Depreciation

     26,571        28,221        75,059        72,701   

Amortization

     28,927        30,927        87,250        91,010   

General and administrative

     6,037        7,957        18,432        23,969   

Acquisition fees and expenses

     2,081        3,310        9,749        15,706   
                                
     121,198        126,711        357,036        371,373   
                                

Real estate operating income

     25,922        11,083        65,746        42,484   

Other income (expense):

        

Interest expense

     (22,730     (23,427     (67,590     (68,103

Interest and other income

     11,901        10,015        32,025        30,116   

Loss on foreign currency exchange contract

     —          —          —          (582

Gain (loss) on interest rate swaps

     (9,885     (7,299     (29,068     9,812   
                                
     (20,714     (20,711     (64,633     (28,757
                                

Income (loss) before income tax (expense) benefit

     5,208        (9,628     1,113        13,727   

Income tax (expense) benefit

     (111     (146     105        (69
                                

Income (loss) from continuing operations

     5,097        (9,774     1,218        13,658   

Discontinued operations:

        

Operating (loss) income from discontinued operations

     (246     136        (705     444   

Loss on sale of discontinued operations

     (130     —          (130     —     
                                

(Loss) income from discontinued operations

     (376     136        (835     444   
                                

Net income (loss)

     4,721        (9,638     383        14,102   

Less: net income attributable to nonredeemable noncontrolling interests

     (19     (12     (59     (115
                                

Net income (loss) attributable to the common stockholders of Wells Real Estate Investment Trust II, Inc.

   $ 4,702      $ (9,650   $ 324      $ 13,987   
                                

Per share information – basic and diluted:

        

Income (loss) from continuing operations

   $ 0.01      $ (0.02   $ 0.00      $ 0.03   
                                

Loss from discontinued operations

   $ (0.00   $ 0.00      $ (0.00   $ 0.00   
                                

Net income (loss) attributable to the common stockholders of Wells Real Estate Investment Trust II, Inc.

   $ 0.01      $ (0.02   $ 0.00      $ 0.03   
                                

Weighted-average common shares outstanding – basic and diluted

     536,582        474,700        520,221        460,223   
                                

See accompanying notes.

 

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WELLS REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST II, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY

FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2010 AND 2009 (UNAUDITED)

(in thousands, except per-share amounts)

 

     Stockholders’ Equity              
     Common Stock     Additional
Paid-In
   

Cumulative
Distributions

in Excess of

    Redeemable
Common
    Other
Comprehensive
   

Total Wells Real
Estate Investment
Trust II, Inc.

Stockholders’

   

Nonredeemable

Noncontrolling

    Total  
     Shares     Amount     Capital     Earnings     Stock     Loss     Equity     Interests     Equity  

Balance, December 31, 2009

     499,895      $ 4,999      $ 4,461,980      $ (935,019   $ (805,844   $ (8,029   $ 2,718,087      $ 5,274      $ 2,723,361   

Issuance of common stock

     44,916        449        446,753        —          —          —          447,202        —          447,202   

Redemptions of common stock

     (6,145     (61     (55,094     —          —          —          (55,155     —          (55,155

Decrease in redeemable common stock

     —          —          —          —          627,038        —          627,038        —          627,038   

Distributions to common stockholders ($0.43 per share)

     —          —          —          (220,119     —          —          (220,119     —          (220,119

Distributions to noncontrolling interests

     —          —          —          —          —          —          —          (161     (161

Acquisition of noncontrolling interest in consolidated joint venture

     —          —          (1,989     —          —          —          (1,989     (3,589     (5,578

Commissions and discounts on stock sales and related dealer-manager fees

     —          —          (34,292     —          —          —          (34,292     —          (34,292

Other offering costs

     —          —          (4,447     —          —          —          (4,447     —          (4,447

Components of comprehensive income:

                  

Net income attributable to the common stockholders of Wells Real Estate Investment Trust II, Inc.

     —          —          —          324        —          —          324        —          324   

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests

     —          —          —          —          —          —          —          59        59   

Market value adjustment to interest rate swap

     —          —          —          —          —          (6,709     (6,709     —          (6,709
                                    

Comprehensive loss

     —          —          —          —          —          —          (6,385     59        (6,326
                                                                        

Balance, September 30, 2010

     538,666      $ 5,387      $ 4,812,911      $ (1,154,814   $ (178,806   $ (14,738   $ 3,469,940      $ 1,583      $ 3,471,523   
                                                                        
     Stockholders’ Equity              
     Common Stock     Additional
Paid-In
   

Cumulative
Distributions

in Excess of

    Redeemable
Common
    Other
Comprehensive
    Total Wells Real
Estate Investment
Trust II, Inc.
Stockholders’
   

Nonredeemable

Noncontrolling

    Total  
     Shares     Amount     Capital     Earnings     Stock     Loss     Equity     Interests     Equity  

Balance, December 31, 2008

     442,009      $ 4,420      $ 3,943,266      $ (694,751   $ (661,340   $ (14,812   $ 2,576,783      $ 5,428      $ 2,582,211   

Issuance of common stock

     49,895        499        498,447        —          —          —          498,946        —          498,946   

Redemptions of common stock

     (7,449     (74     (70,940     —          —          —          (71,014     —          (71,014

Increase in redeemable common stock

     —          —          —          —          (63,116     —          (63,116     —          (63,116

Distributions to common stockholders ($0.45 per share)

     —          —          —          (206,385     —          —          (206,385     —          (206,385

Distributions to noncontrolling interests

     —          —          —          —          —          —          —          (221     (221

Commissions and discounts on stock sales and related dealer-manager fees

     —          —          (41,398     —          —          —          (41,398     —          (41,398

Other offering costs

     —          —          (6,532     —          —          —          (6,532     —          (6,532

Components of comprehensive income:

                  

Net income attributable to common stockholders of Wells Real Estate Investment Trust II, Inc.

     —          —          —          13,987        —          —          13,987        —          13,987   

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests

     —          —          —          —          —          —          —          115        115   

Foreign currency translation adjustment

     —          —          —          —          —          251        251        —          251   

Market value adjustment to interest rate swap

     —          —          —          —          —          4,723        4,723        —          4,723   
                                    

Comprehensive income

     —          —          —          —          —          —          18,961        115        19,076   
                                                                        

Balance, September 30, 2009

     484,455      $ 4,845      $ 4,322,843      $ (887,149   $ (724,456   $ (9,838   $ 2,706,245      $ 5,322      $ 2,711,567   
                                                                        

See accompanying notes.

 

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WELLS REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST II, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(in thousands)

 

     (unaudited)
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
     2010     2009  

Cash Flows from Operating Activities:

    

Net income

   $ 383      $ 14,102   

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

    

Straight-line rental income

     (4,261     (7,312

Depreciation

     75,350        73,030   

Amortization

     91,762        98,942   

Loss (gain) on interest rate swaps

     21,945        (16,374

Loss on sale of discontinued operations

     130        —     

Remeasurement gain on foreign currency

     (167     (49

Loss on foreign currency exchange contract

     —          582   

Noncash interest expense

     14,009        12,778   

Changes in assets and liabilities:

    

(Increase) decrease in tenant receivables, net

     (1,296     1,073   

(Increase) decrease in prepaid expenses and other assets

     (5,962     2,757   

Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and accrued expenses

     187        (4,811

Decrease in due to affiliates

     (3,110     (4,510

Decrease in deferred income

     (267     (2,364
                

Net cash provided by operating activities

     188,703        167,844   

Cash Flows from Investing Activities:

    

Net proceeds from the sale of real estate

     15,250        —     

Investment in real estate and earnest money paid

     (269,184     (104,466

Deferred lease costs paid

     (5,448     (3,713
                

Net cash used in investing activities

     (259,382     (108,179

Cash Flows from Financing Activities:

    

Deferred financing costs paid

     (7,314     (3,329

Proceeds from lines of credit and notes payable

     56,000        294,206   

Repayments of lines of credit and notes payable

     (146,264     (542,551

Distributions paid to noncontrolling interests

     (235     (221

Issuance of common stock

     442,678        493,287   

Redemptions of common stock

     (54,883     (67,112

Distributions paid to stockholders

     (110,528     (91,439

Distributions paid to stockholders and reinvested in shares of our common stock

     (122,687     (114,622

Commissions on stock sales and related dealer-manager fees paid

     (29,821     (35,664

Other offering costs paid

     (5,495     (8,035
                

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

     21,451        (75,480
                

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

     (49,228     (15,815

Effect of foreign exchange rate on cash and cash equivalents

     41        436   

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

     102,725        86,334   
                

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

   $ 53,538      $ 70,955   
                

See accompanying notes.

 

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WELLS REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST II, INC.

CONDENSED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2010

(unaudited)

 

1.

Organization

Wells Real Estate Investment Trust II, Inc. (“Wells REIT II”) is a Maryland corporation that has elected to be taxed as a real estate investment trust (“REIT”) for federal income tax purposes. Wells REIT II engages in the acquisition and ownership of commercial real estate properties, including properties that are under construction, are newly constructed, or have operating histories. Wells REIT II was incorporated on July 3, 2003 and commenced operations on January 22, 2004. Wells REIT II conducts business primarily through Wells Operating Partnership II, L.P. (“Wells OP II”), a Delaware limited partnership. Wells REIT II is the sole general partner of Wells OP II and possesses full legal control and authority over the operations of Wells OP II. Wells REIT II owns more than 99.9% of the equity interests in Wells OP II. Wells Capital, Inc. (“Wells Capital”), an affiliate of Wells Real Estate Advisory Services II, LLC (“WREAS II”), the external advisor to Wells REIT II, is the sole limited partner of Wells OP II. Wells OP II acquires, develops, owns, leases, and operates real properties directly, through wholly owned subsidiaries or through joint ventures. References to Wells REIT II herein shall include Wells REIT II and all subsidiaries of Wells REIT II, including consolidated joint ventures, Wells OP II, and Wells OP II’s direct and indirect subsidiaries. See Note 7 for a discussion of the advisory services provided by WREAS II.

As of September 30, 2010, Wells REIT II owned controlling interests in 69 office properties and one hotel, which include 91 operational buildings. These properties are comprised of approximately 21.7 million square feet of commercial space and are located in 23 states, the District of Columbia, and Moscow, Russia. Of these properties, 67 are wholly owned and three are owned through consolidated joint ventures. As of September 30, 2010, the office properties were approximately 95.2% leased.

On December 1, 2003, Wells REIT II commenced its initial public offering of up to 785.0 million shares of common stock, of which 185.0 million shares were reserved for issuance through Wells REIT II’s dividend reinvestment plan (or, “DRP”), pursuant to a Registration Statement filed on Form S-11 with the SEC (the “Initial Public Offering”). Except for continuing to offer shares for sale through its DRP, Wells REIT II stopped offering shares for sale under the Initial Public Offering on November 26, 2005. Wells REIT II raised gross offering proceeds of approximately $2.0 billion from the sale of approximately 197.1 million shares under the Initial Public Offering, including shares sold under the DRP through March 2006. On November 10, 2005, Wells REIT II commenced a follow-on offering of up to 300.6 million shares of common stock, of which 0.6 million shares were reserved for issuance under Wells REIT II’s DRP, pursuant to a Registration Statement filed on Form S-11 with the SEC (the “Follow-On Offering”). On April 14, 2006, Wells REIT II amended the aforementioned registration statements to offer in a combined prospectus 300.6 million shares registered under the Follow-On Offering and 174.4 million unsold shares related to the DRP originally registered under the Initial Public Offering. Wells REIT II raised gross offering proceeds of approximately $2.6 billion from the sale of approximately 257.6 million shares under the Follow-On Offering, including shares sold under the DRP, through November 2008. Wells REIT II stopped offering shares for sale under the Follow-On Offering on November 10, 2008.

On November 11, 2008, Wells REIT II commenced a third offering of up to 375.0 million shares of common stock pursuant to a Registration Statement filed on Form S-11 with the SEC (the “Third Offering”). Under the Third Offering registration statement, as amended, Wells REIT II offered up to 300.0 million shares of common stock in a primary offering for $10 per share, with discounts available to certain categories of purchasers, and up to 75.0 million shares pursuant to its DRP at a purchase price equal to the higher of $9.55 per share or 95% of the estimated value of a share of its common stock. Effective June 30, 2010, Wells REIT II ceased offering shares under the Third Offering. On August 27, 2010, the Third Offering was deregistered under the Form S-11 filing and the shares issuable pursuant to the DRP were registered on Form S-3. As of September 30, 2010, Wells REIT II had raised gross offering proceeds of approximately $1.2 billion from the sale of approximately 122.6 million shares under the Third Offering, including shares sold under the DRP.

 

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As of September 30, 2010, Wells REIT II had raised gross offering proceeds from the sale of common stock under its public offerings of approximately $5.8 billion. After deductions from such gross offering proceeds for selling commissions and dealer-manager fees of approximately $515.3 million, acquisition fees of approximately $114.7 million, other organization and offering expenses of approximately $76.2 million, and common stock redemptions paid pursuant to our share redemption program of approximately $386.7 million, Wells REIT II had received aggregate net offering proceeds of approximately $4.7 billion. Substantially all of Wells REIT II’s net offering proceeds have been invested in real estate.

Wells REIT II’s stock is not listed on a public securities exchange. However, Wells REIT II’s charter requires that in the event Wells REIT II’s stock is not listed on a national securities exchange by October 2015, Wells REIT II must either seek stockholder approval to extend or amend this listing deadline or seek stockholder approval to begin liquidating investments and distributing the resulting proceeds to the stockholders. If Wells REIT II seeks stockholder approval to extend or amend this listing date and does not obtain it, Wells REIT II will then be required to seek stockholder approval to liquidate. In this circumstance, if Wells REIT II seeks and does not obtain approval to liquidate, Wells REIT II will not be required to list or liquidate and could continue to operate indefinitely as an unlisted company.

 

2.

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Presentation

The consolidated financial statements of Wells REIT II have been prepared in accordance with the rules and regulations of the SEC, including the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X, and do not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, the statements for these unaudited interim periods presented include all adjustments, which are of a normal and recurring nature, necessary for a fair and consistent presentation of the results for such periods. Results for these interim periods are not necessarily indicative of a full year’s results. Wells REIT II’s consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Wells REIT II, Wells OP II, and any variable interest entity in which Wells REIT II or Wells OP II was deemed the primary beneficiary. For further information, refer to the financial statements and footnotes included in Wells REIT II’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009.

Redeemable Common Stock

Under Wells REIT II’s share redemption program (“SRP”), the decision to honor redemptions, subject to certain plan requirements and limitations, falls outside of the control of Wells REIT II. As a result, Wells REIT II records redeemable common stock in the temporary equity section of its consolidated balance sheet.

Effective September 10, 2010, Wells REIT II amended the SRP to, among other things, increase the number of shares that may be redeemed under the plan. Total redemptions (including those tendered within two years of a stockholder’s death) are limited to the extent that they would cause both (i) the aggregate amount paid for all redemptions during the then-current calendar year to exceed 100% of the net proceeds of the DRP during such calendar year, and (ii) the total number of shares redeemed during the then-current calendar year to exceed 5% of the weighted-average number of shares outstanding in the prior calendar year. Thus, as of September 30, 2010, Wells REIT II measured redeemable common stock at the greater of (i) and (ii), or 5% of the weighted-average number of shares outstanding in 2009 (467,922,000) multiplied by the maximum price at which shares could be redeemed within two years of a stockholder’s death during the nine months ended September 30, 2010 ($10.00), less the amount incurred to redeem shares during the nine months ended September 30, 2010. Pursuant to an SRP amendment effected April 30, 2010, total redemptions (including those within two years of a stockholder’s death) were previously limited to 100% of the net proceeds of the DRP during such calendar year, less the amount previously incurred to redeem shares in the current calendar year, and redeemable common stock was measured as such as of June 30, 2010. For additional information on Wells REIT II’s Share Redemption Program, see Part II, Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.

 

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As of December 31, 2009, the SRP, as then amended, required Wells REIT II to honor all redemption requests made within two years following the death of a stockholder and required Wells REIT II to honor certain other redemption requests up to the amount of proceeds raised in the current calendar year. Further, at that time, Wells REIT II had an insurance-backed source of funding for the redemption of shares under the SRP in the event that an unusually large number of redemption requests were sought due to the death of its investors. As a result, as of December 31, 2009, Wells REIT II measured redeemable common stock as the sum of (i) the present value of the future estimated deductible amounts under the insurance agreement, and (ii) the amount of net proceeds raised from the sale of shares under the DRP in the current calendar year, less the amount previously incurred to redeem shares in the current calendar year.

Interest Rate Swap Agreements

Wells REIT II enters into interest rate swap contracts to mitigate its interest rate risk on the related financial instruments. Wells REIT II does not enter into derivative or interest rate transactions for speculative purposes; however, certain of its derivatives may not qualify for hedge accounting treatment. Wells REIT II records the fair value of its interest rate swaps either as prepaid expenses and other assets or as accounts payable, accrued expenses, and accrued capital expenditures. Changes in the fair value of the effective portion of interest rate swaps that are designated as hedges are recorded as other comprehensive income (loss), while changes in the fair value of the ineffective portion of a hedge, if any, is recognized currently in earnings. Changes in the fair value of interest rate swaps that do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment are recorded as gain (loss) on interest rate swaps. Amounts received or paid under interest rate swap agreements are recorded as interest expense for contracts that qualify for hedge accounting treatment and as gain (loss) on interest rate swaps for contracts that do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment.

The following tables provide additional information related to Wells REIT II’s interest rate swaps as of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009 (in thousands):

 

          Estimated Fair Value as of  

Instrument Type

  

Balance Sheet Classification

   September 30,
2010
    December 31,
2009
 

Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:

    

Interest rate contracts

  

Accounts payable

   $ (14,822   $ (8,112

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:

    

Interest rate contracts

  

Accounts payable

   $ (49,668   $ (27,723

 

     Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
     2010     2009  

Market value adjustment to interest rate swap designated as a hedge instrument and included in other comprehensive income

   $ (6,709   $ 4,723   
                

(Loss) gain on interest rate swaps recognized through earnings

   $ (29,068   $ 9,812   
                

During the periods presented, there was no hedge ineffectiveness required to be recognized into earnings on the interest rate swaps that qualified for hedge accounting treatment.

For additional information about Wells REIT II’s interest rate swap contracts, see Part I, Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

 

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Investments in Development Authority Bonds and Obligations Under Capital Leases

In connection with the acquisition of certain real estate assets, Wells REIT II has assumed investments in development authority bonds and corresponding obligations under capital leases of land or buildings. The county development authority issued bonds to developers to finance the initial development of these projects, a portion of which was then leased back to the developer under a capital lease. This structure enabled the developer to receive property tax abatements over the concurrent terms of the development authority bonds and capital leases. The remaining property tax abatement benefits transferred to Wells REIT II upon assumption of the bonds and corresponding capital leases at acquisition. The development authority bonds are recorded at net principal value, and the obligations under capital leases at the present value of the expected payments. The related amounts of interest income and expense are recognized as earned in equal amounts and, accordingly, do not impact net income (loss). In connection with the September 2010 sale of New Manchester One, the related development and authority bond and capital lease obligation, both equal to $18.0 million, were transferred to the buyer. See Note 9. Discontinued Operations for additional details.

Foreign Currency Exchange Contract

On October 2, 2007, Wells REIT II entered into a foreign currency exchange contract to hedge its exposure to fluctuations in the U.S. dollar to Russian rouble exchange rate in connection with a Russian rouble denominated contract to purchase Dvintsev Business Center – Tower B upon completion of construction. This contract did not qualify for hedge accounting treatment; accordingly, its estimated fair value was adjusted through earnings until it was settled on April 1, 2009 with a payment of approximately $8.2 million to the counterparty.

Foreign Currency Measurement

Wells REIT II’s Russian subsidiary uses the U.S. dollar as its functional currency and, accordingly, maintains its books and records in U.S. dollars. Gains or losses may result from remeasuring cash or debt denominated in currencies other than our functional currency, and from transactions executed in currencies other than our functional currency due to a difference in the exchange rate in place when the transaction is initiated and the exchange rate in place when the transaction is settled. Such remeasurement gains or losses are included in general and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

Prior to July 1, 2009, Wells REIT II’s Russian subsidiary used the Russian rouble as its functional currency and, accordingly, maintained its books and records in Russian roubles. During this period, Wells REIT II’s Russian subsidiary translated its assets and liabilities into U.S. dollars at the exchange rate in place as of the balance sheet date, and translated its revenues and expenses into U.S. dollars at the average exchange rate for the periods presented. Net exchange gains or losses resulting from the translation of these financial statements from Russian roubles to U.S. dollars were recorded in other comprehensive loss in the accompanying consolidated statements of equity through September 30, 2009.

Fair Value Measurements

Wells REIT II estimates the fair value of its assets and liabilities (where currently required under GAAP) consistent with the provisions of the accounting standard for fair value measurements and disclosures, which became effective for financial assets and liabilities on January 1, 2008. Under this standard, fair value is defined as the price that would be received upon sale of an asset or paid upon transfer of a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. While various techniques and assumptions can be used to estimate fair value depending on the nature of the asset or liability, the accounting standard for fair value measurements and disclosures provides the following fair value technique parameters and hierarchy, depending upon availability:

Level 1 – Assets or liabilities for which the identical term is traded on an active exchange, such as publicly traded instruments or futures contracts.

Level 2 – Assets and liabilities valued based on observable market data for similar instruments.

 

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Level 3 – Assets or liabilities for which significant valuation assumptions are not readily observable in the market. Such assets or liabilities are valued based on the best available data, some of which may be internally developed. Significant assumptions may include risk premiums that a market participant would consider.

Wells REIT II records its interest rate swaps at fair value estimated using Level 2 techniques and assumptions, as defined above. The fair value of Wells REIT II’s interest rate swaps were $64.5 million and $35.8 million at September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively. Please refer to the Interest Rate Swap Agreements disclosure above for additional details.

Income Taxes

Wells REIT II has elected to be taxed as a REIT under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), and has operated as such beginning with its taxable year ended December 31, 2003. To qualify as a REIT, Wells REIT II must meet certain organizational and operational requirements, including a requirement to distribute at least 90% of its REIT taxable income, as defined by the Code, to its stockholders. As a REIT, Wells REIT II generally is not subject to income tax on income it distributes to stockholders. Wells REIT II is subject to certain state and local taxes related to the operations of properties in certain locations, which have been provided for in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

Wells TRS II, LLC (“Wells TRS”) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Wells REIT II and is organized as a Delaware limited liability company and operates, among other things, a full-service hotel. Wells REIT II has elected to treat Wells TRS as a taxable REIT subsidiary. Wells REIT II may perform certain additional, noncustomary services for tenants of its buildings through Wells TRS; however, any earnings related to such services are subject to federal and state income taxes. In addition, for Wells REIT II to continue to qualify as a REIT, Wells REIT II must limit its investments in taxable REIT subsidiaries to 25% of the value of the total assets of Wells REIT II for 2010. Deferred tax assets and liabilities represent temporary differences between the financial reporting basis and the tax basis of assets and liabilities based on the enacted rates expected to be in effect when the temporary differences reverse. Wells REIT II records interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions as general and administrative expense in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

Noncontrolling Interests

Nonredeemable noncontrolling interests represent the equity interests of consolidated subsidiaries that are not owned by Wells REIT II. Nonredeemable noncontrolling interests are adjusted for contributions, distributions, and earning attributable to the nonredeemable noncontrolling interests in the consolidated joint ventures. Pursuant to the terms of the consolidated joint venture agreements, all earnings and distributions are allocated to joint venturers in accordance with the terms of the respective joint venture agreements. Earnings allocated to such nonredeemable noncontrolling interest holders are recorded as net (income) loss attributable to nonredeemable noncontrolling interests in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. In August 2010, Wells REIT II purchased the nonredeemable noncontrolling interest in the joint venture that owns the Three Glenlake Building for $5.6 million, which represents the original cost attributable to this nonredeemable noncontrolling interest in this joint venture at acquisition. Nonredeemable noncontrolling interests are presented separately in the consolidated statements of equity.

Under certain circumstances, Wells REIT II may redeem Wells Capital’s interest in Wells OP II’s partnership units. As such, Wells Capital’s noncontrolling interest in Wells OP II is included in accounts payable, accrued expenses, and accrued capital expenditures in the consolidated balance sheets ($0.1 million as of both September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009), and its allocation of Wells OP II’s earnings (loss) is included in general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of operations.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In January 2010, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) clarified previously issued GAAP and issued new requirements related to Accounting Standards Codification Topic Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (“ASC 820”). The clarification component includes disclosures about inputs and valuation techniques used in determining

 

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fair value, and providing fair value measurement information for each class of assets and liabilities. The new requirements relate to disclosures of transfers between the levels in the fair value hierarchy, as well as the individual components in the rollforward of the lowest level (Level 3) in the fair value hierarchy. This change in GAAP was effective for Wells REIT II beginning January 1, 2010, except for the provision concerning the rollforward of activity of the Level 3 fair value measurement, which will become effective for Wells REIT II on January 1, 2011. The adoption of ASC 820 did not have a material impact on Wells REIT II’s consolidated financial statements or disclosures.

 

3.

Real Estate Acquisitions

 

                                        Intangibles              

Property Name

  City     State     Acquisition
Date
    Land     Buildings
and
Improvements
    Deferred
Lease
Costs
    Intangible
Lease
Assets
    Intangible
Lease
Origination
    Below-
Market
Lease
Liability
    Total
Purchase
Price
    Lease
Details
 

Sterling Commerce Center

    Columbus        OH        3/8/2010      $ 1,793      $ 32,459      $ —        $ 680      $ 2,515      $ (877   $ 36,570        (1)   

550 King Street Buildings

    Boston        MA        4/1/2010        8,632        77,897        —          2,074        5,346        —          93,949        (2)   

Cranberry Woods Drive-Phase II

    Cranberry        PA        6/1/2010        8,303        84,071        4,765        —          —          —          97,139        (3)   

Houston Energy Center I

    Houston        TX        6/28/2010        4,734        81,309        —          2,996        4,961        —          94,000        (4)   

SunTrust Building

    Orlando        FL        8/25/2010        1,222        19,706        —          1,634        938        —          23,500        (5)   
                                                               
        $ 24,684      $ 295,442      $ 4,765      $ 7,384      $ 13,760      $ (877   $ 345,158     
                                                               

 

(1)

100% leased to AT&T with a lease expiration in 2020.

(2)

100% leased to International Business Machines (IBM) with a lease expiration in 2020.

(3)

100% leased to Westinghouse Electric Company with a lease expiration in 2025, with options to extend for three successive periods up to five years for each at then-prevailing market rental rates.

(4)

100% leased to Foster Wheeler USA Corp with a lease expiration in 2018.

(5)

100% leased to SunTrust Bank with a lease expiration in 2019.

Please refer to Part I, Item 2. Application of Critical Accounting Policies for a discussion of the estimated useful life for each asset class.

 

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4.

Line of Credit and Notes Payable

As of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, Wells REIT II had the following indebtedness outstanding (in thousands):

 

Facility

   September 30,
2010
     December 31,
2009
 

222 E. 41st Street Building mortgage note

   $ 161,412       $ 153,130   

100 East Pratt Street Building mortgage note

     105,000         105,000   

Wildwood Buildings mortgage note

     90,000         90,000   

Manhattan Towers Building mortgage note

     75,000         75,000   

Cranberry Woods Drive mortgage note

     63,396         63,396   

80 Park Plaza Building mortgage note

     59,892         56,978   

JP Morgan Chase Bank unsecured revolving debt

     56,000         —     

263 Shuman Boulevard Building mortgage note

     49,000         49,000   

800 North Frederick Building mortgage note

     46,400         46,400   

One West Fourth Street Building mortgage note

     42,015         43,408   

SanTan Corporate Center mortgage notes

     39,000         39,000   

Highland Landmark Building mortgage note

     33,840         33,840   

Three Glenlake Building mortgage note

     25,643         25,414   

215 Diehl Road Building mortgage note

     21,000         21,000   

5 Houston Center Building mortgage note

     —           90,000   

One and Four Robbins Road Buildings mortgage note

     —           23,000   

1580 West Nursery Road Buildings mortgage note

     —           19,786   

Bank Zenit loan (11.61%)

     —           6,633   

Bank Zenit loan (14.00%)

     —           5,951   
                 

Total indebtedness

   $ 867,598       $ 946,936   
                 

On May 7, 2010, Wells REIT II entered into a $500.0 million, three-year, unsecured revolving credit facility with a syndicate of lenders led by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. as administrative agent (the “JPMorgan Chase Credit Facility”) to replace the $245.0 million unsecured revolving financing facility with Wachovia Bank, N.A./Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. At September 30, 2010, Wells OP II had $56.0 million outstanding under the JPMorgan Chase Credit Facility.

The JPMorgan Chase Credit Facility provides for interest to be incurred based on, at the option of Wells REIT II, the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) for one-, two-, three- or six-month periods, plus an applicable margin ranging from 2.60% to 3.40% (the “LIBOR Rate”), or at an alternate base rate, plus an applicable margin ranging from 1.60% to 2.40% (the “Base Rate”). The Base Rate for any day is the greatest of (1) the rate of interest publicly announced by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. as its prime rate in effect in its principal office in New York City for such day; (2) the federal funds rate for such day plus 0.50%; or (3) the one-month LIBOR Rate, for such day plus 1.00%. The margin component of the LIBOR Rate and the Base Rate is determined based on Wells REIT II’s corporate credit rating, as long as it has such a rating, or on Wells REIT II’s leverage ratio, as defined, if it does not have a corporate credit rating. Additionally, Wells REIT II will incur a facility fee on the aggregate revolving commitment ranging from 0.40% to 0.60% per annum, which is also determined based on Wells REIT II’s corporate credit rating, as long as it has such a rating, or on its leverage ratio, if it does not have a corporate credit rating.

Under the JPMorgan Chase Credit Facility, interest on LIBOR Rate loans is payable in arrears on the last day of each interest period; interest on Base Rate loans is payable in arrears, on the first day of each month. Wells REIT II is required to repay all outstanding principal balances and accrued interest by May 7, 2013.

Wells REIT II is subject to a $25.0 million limitation on letters of credit that may be issued under the JPMorgan Chase Credit Facility. In addition, the JPMorgan Chase Credit Facility contains the following restrictive covenants:

 

   

limits the ratio of debt to total asset value, as defined, to 50% or less during the term of the facility;

 

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limits the ratio of secured debt to total asset value, as defined, to 40% or less during the term of the facility;

 

   

requires the ratio of unencumbered asset value, as defined, to total unsecured debt to be at least 2:1 at all times;

 

   

requires maintenance of certain interest and fixed-charge coverage ratios;

 

   

limits the ratio of secured recourse debt to total asset value, as defined, to 10% or less at all times;

 

   

requires maintenance of certain minimum tangible net worth balances; and

 

   

limits investments that fall outside Wells REIT II’s core investments of improved office properties located in the United States.

As of September 30, 2010, Wells REIT II believes it was in compliance with the restrictive covenants on its outstanding debt obligations.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2010, Wells REIT II repaid five mortgage notes totaling $144.7 million using proceeds from the JPMorgan Chase Credit Facility and the net proceeds from the sale of common stock. During the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, Wells REIT II also made interest payments of approximately $31.8 million and $33.9 million, respectively, including amounts capitalized of approximately $0.5 million and $2.3 million, respectively.

The estimated fair value of Wells REIT II’s notes payable as of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009 was approximately $906.7 million and $907.7 million, respectively. Wells REIT II estimated the fair value of its line of credit by obtaining estimates for similar facilities from multiple market participants as of the respective reporting dates. The fair values of all other debt instruments were estimated based on discounted cash flow analyses using the current incremental borrowing rates for similar types of borrowing arrangements as of the respective reporting dates. The discounted cash flow method of assessing fair value results in a general approximation of value, and such value may never actually be realized.

 

5.

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments Under Existing Lease Agreements

Certain lease agreements include provisions that, at the option of the tenant, may obligate Wells REIT II to expend capital to expand an existing property or provide other expenditures for the benefit of the tenant. As of September 30, 2010, no tenants have exercised such options that had not been materially satisfied.

Litigation

From time to time, Wells REIT II is party to legal proceedings, which arise in the ordinary course of its business. Wells REIT II is not currently involved in any legal proceedings of which management would consider the outcome to be reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the results of operations or financial condition of Wells REIT II. Wells REIT II is not aware of any such legal proceedings contemplated by governmental authorities.

 

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6.

Supplemental Disclosures of Noncash Investing and Financing Activities

Outlined below are significant noncash investing and financing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009 (in thousands):

 

     Nine months ended
September 30,
 
     2010     2009  

Real estate acquisitions funded with other assets

   $ —        $ 53,663   
                

Other liabilities assumed upon acquisition of properties

   $ 6,878      $ —     
                

Noncash interest accruing to notes payable

   $ 11,104      $ 10,358   
                

Market value adjustment to interest rate swap that qualifies for hedge accounting treatment

   $ (6,709   $ 4,723   
                

Accrued capital expenditures and deferred lease costs

   $ 1,547      $ 10,138   
                

Accrued redemptions of common stock

   $ 272      $ 3,902   
                

Commissions on stock sales and related dealer-manager fees due to affiliate

   $ —        $ 1,209   
                

Other offering costs due to affiliate

   $ 56      $ 712   
                

Distributions payable to stockholders

   $ —        $ 11,883   
                

Discounts applied to issuance of common stock

   $ 4,524      $ 5,659   
                

(Decrease) increase in redeemable common stock

   $ (627,038   $ 63,116   
                

Transfer of development authority bond and corresponding capital lease in connection with sale of New Manchester One

   $ 18,000      $ —     
                

 

7.

Related-Party Transactions and Agreements

Advisory Agreement

Effective August 1, 2010, Wells REIT II entered into an agreement (the “Advisory Agreement”) with WREAS II to perform certain key functions on behalf of Wells REIT II, including, among others, the investment of capital proceeds and management of day-to-day operations. The Advisory Agreement expires on December 31, 2010 and may be terminated, without cause or penalty, by either party upon providing 60 days’ prior written notice to the other party. WREAS II has executed master services agreements with Wells Capital and Wells Management whereby WREAS II may retain the use of Wells Capital’s and Wells Management’s employees as necessary to perform the services required under the Advisory Agreement, and in return, shall reimburse Wells Capital and Wells Management for the associated personnel costs. Further, under the terms of the Advisory Agreement, WREF guarantees WREAS II’s performance of services and any amounts payable to Wells REIT II in connection therewith.

Under the terms of the Advisory Agreement, Wells REIT II incurs fees and reimbursements payable to WREAS II and its affiliates for services as described below:

 

   

Reimbursement of organization and offering costs paid by WREAS II and its affiliates on behalf of Wells REIT II, not to exceed 2.0% of gross offering proceeds.

 

   

Acquisition fees of 2.0% of gross offering proceeds, subject to certain limitations; Wells REIT II also reimburses WREAS II and its affiliates for expenses it pays to third parties in connection with acquisitions or potential acquisitions.

 

   

Monthly asset management fees equal to one-twelfth of 0.625% of the cost of (i) all properties of Wells REIT II (other than those that fail to meet specified occupancy thresholds) and (ii) investments in joint ventures until the monthly payment equals $2,708,333.33 (or $32.5 million annualized). The monthly payment remains capped at

 

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that amount until the cost of (i) all properties of Wells REIT II (other than those that fail to meet specified occupancy thresholds) and (ii) investments in joint ventures is at least $6.5 billion, after which the monthly asset management fee will equal one-twelfth of 0.5% of the cost of (i) all properties of Wells REIT II (other than those that fail to meet specified occupancy thresholds) and (ii) investments in joint ventures. However, monthly asset management fees shall be assessed on the Lindbergh Center Buildings and the Energy Center I Building, which were acquired on July 1, 2008 and June 28, 2010, respectively, at one-twelfth of 0.5% immediately. The amount of asset management fees paid in any three-month period is limited to 0.25% of the average of the preceding three months’ net asset value calculations less Wells REIT II’s outstanding debt.

 

   

Reimbursement for all costs and expenses WREAS II and its affiliates incurs in fulfilling its duties as the asset portfolio manager, including (i) wages and salaries (but excluding bonuses) and other employee-related expenses of WREAS II and its affiliates employees, who perform a full range of real estate services for Wells REIT II, including management, administration, operations, and marketing, and are billed to Wells REIT II based on the amount of time spent on Wells REIT II by such personnel, provided that such expenses are not reimbursed if incurred in connection with services for which WREAS II and its affiliates receives a disposition fee (described below) or an acquisition fee, and (ii) amounts paid for IRA custodial service costs allocated to Wells REIT II accounts.

 

   

For any property sold by Wells REIT II, other than part of a “bulk sale” of assets, as defined, a disposition fee equal to 1.0% of the sales price, with the limitation that the total real estate commissions (including such disposition fee) for any Wells REIT II property sold may not exceed the lesser of (i) 6.0% of the sales price of each property or (ii) the level of real estate commissions customarily charged in light of the size, type, and location of the property.

 

   

Incentive fee of 10% of net sales proceeds remaining after stockholders have received distributions equal to the sum of the stockholders’ invested capital plus an 8% return of invested capital, which fee is payable only if the shares of common stock of Wells REIT II are not listed on an exchange.

 

   

Listing fee of 10% of the amount by which the market value of the stock plus distributions paid prior to listing exceeds the sum of 100% of the invested capital plus an 8% return on invested capital, which fee will be reduced by the amount of any incentive fees paid as described in the preceding bullet.

Under the terms of the Advisory Agreement, Wells REIT II is required to reimburse WREAS II and its affiliates for certain organization and offering costs up to the lesser of actual expenses or 2% of gross equity proceeds raised. As of September 30, 2010, Wells REIT II has incurred and charged to additional paid-in capital cumulative other offering costs of approximately $76.2 million related to its public offering, which represents approximately 1.3% of cumulative gross proceeds raised by Wells REIT II.

Dealer-Manager Agreement

With respect to the Third Offering, Wells REIT II was party to a dealer-manager agreement (the “Dealer-Manager Agreement”) with Wells Investment Securities, Inc. (“WIS”), whereby WIS, an affiliate of Wells Capital, performs the dealer-manager function for Wells REIT II. For these services, WIS earned a commission of up to 7% of the gross offering proceeds from the sale of the shares of Wells REIT II, of which substantially all is re-allowed to participating broker dealers. Wells REIT II pays no commissions on shares issued under its DRP.

Additionally, with respect to the Third Offering, Wells REIT II was required to pay WIS a dealer-manager fee of 2.5% of the gross offering proceeds from the sale of Wells REIT II’s stock at the time the shares are sold. Under the Dealer-Manager Agreement, up to 1.5% of the gross offering proceeds may be re-allowed by WIS to participating broker dealers. Wells REIT II pays no dealer-manager fees on shares issued under its DRP.

 

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Property Management, Leasing, and Construction Agreement

Wells REIT II and Wells Management Company (“Wells Management”), an affiliate of WREAS II, are party to a Master Property Management, Leasing, and Construction Agreement (the “Management Agreement”) under which Wells Management receives the following fees and reimbursements in consideration for supervising the management, leasing, and construction of certain Wells REIT II properties:

 

   

Property management fees in an amount equal to a percentage negotiated for each property managed by Wells Management of the gross monthly income collected for that property for the preceding month;

 

   

Leasing commissions for new, renewal, or expansion leases entered into with respect to any property for which Wells Management serves as leasing agent equal to a percentage as negotiated for that property of the total base rental and operating expenses to be paid to Wells REIT II during the applicable term of the lease, provided, however, that no commission shall be payable as to any portion of such term beyond ten years;

 

   

Initial lease-up fees for newly constructed properties under the agreement, generally equal to one month’s rent;

 

   

Fees equal to a specified percentage of up to 5% of all construction build-out funded by Wells REIT II, given as a leasing concession, and overseen by Wells Management; and

 

   

Other fees as negotiated with the addition of each specific property covered under the agreement.

Related-Party Costs

Pursuant to the terms of the agreements described above, Wells REIT II incurred the following related-party costs for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively (in thousands):

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30,
     Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
     2010      2009      2010      2009  

Commissions, net of discounts(1)(2)

   $ 3,762       $ 8,523       $ 21,926       $ 26,160   

Asset management fees

     7,802         7,470         22,724         22,382   

Acquisition fees(3)

     1,933         3,297         8,853         9,867   

Dealer-manager fees, net of discounts(1)

     1,380         3,162         7,842         9,579   

Administrative reimbursements, net(4)

     2,682         3,064         9,565         8,850   

Other offering costs(1)

     269         2,040         4,447         6,532   

Property management fees

     874         930         2,686         2,790   

Construction fees(5)

     33         61         157         303   
                                   

Total

   $ 18,735       $ 28,547       $ 78,200       $ 86,463   
                                   

 

(1)

Commissions, dealer-manager fees, and other offering costs are charged against equity as incurred.

(2)

Substantially all commissions were re-allowed to participating broker/dealers during the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009.

(3)

Effective January 1, 2009, pursuant to the accounting standard for business combinations, Wells REIT II began to expense costs incurred in connection with real estate acquisitions, including acquisition fees payable to our advisor WREAS II, as incurred. Prior to this date, acquisition fees were capitalized to prepaid expenses and other assets as incurred and allocated to properties upon using investor proceeds to fund acquisitions or to repay debt used to finance property acquisitions. In connection with adopting this accounting standard, during the nine months ended September 30, 2009, Wells REIT II wrote off approximately $3.5 million of unapplied acquisition fees related to prior periods and incurred additional acquisition fees of approximately $9.9 million related to current-period activity.

 

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(4)

Administrative reimbursements are presented net of reimbursements from tenants of approximately $0.6 million and $0.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively, and approximately $2.0 million and $1.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

(5)

Construction fees are capitalized to real estate assets as incurred.

Wells REIT II incurred no related-party incentive fees, listing fees, disposition fees or leasing commissions during the three months or nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively. Wells REIT II will continue to incur organizational and offering costs and acquisition fees on shares issued under its DRP.

Due to Affiliates

The detail of amounts due to WREAS II and its affiliates is provided below as of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009 (in thousands):

 

     September 30,
2010
     December 31,
2009
 

Administrative reimbursements

   $ 699       $ 1,893   

Commissions and dealer-manager fees

     —           53   

Other offering cost reimbursements

     56         1,104   

Acquisition fees

     631         195   

Asset and property management fees

     399         2,751   
                 
   $ 1,785       $ 5,996   
                 

Economic Dependency

Wells REIT II has engaged WREAS II, Wells Management and WIS, to provide certain services that are essential to Wells REIT II, including asset management services, supervision of the property management and leasing of some properties owned by Wells REIT II, asset acquisition and disposition services, the sale of shares of Wells REIT II’s common stock, as well as other administrative responsibilities for Wells REIT II, including accounting services, stockholder communications, and investor relations. Further, WREAS II has engaged Wells Capital to retain the use of its employees to carry out certain of the services enlisted above. As a result of these relationships, Wells REIT II is dependent upon WREAS II, Wells Capital, Wells Management, and WIS.

WREAS II, Wells Capital, Wells Management, and WIS are owned and controlled by Wells Real Estate Funds, Inc. (“WREF”). Historically, the operations of WREAS II, Wells Capital, Wells Management, and WIS have represented substantially all of the business of WREF. Accordingly, Wells REIT II focuses on the financial condition of WREF when assessing the financial condition of WREAS II, Wells Capital, Wells Management, and WIS. In the event that WREF were to become unable to meet its obligations as they become due, Wells REIT II might be required to find alternative service providers.

Future net income generated by WREF will be largely dependent upon the amount of fees earned by WREF’s subsidiaries based on, among other things, the level of investor proceeds raised and the volume of future acquisitions and dispositions of real estate assets by other WREF-sponsored real estate programs, as well as distribution income earned from equity interests in another REIT. As of September 30, 2010, Wells REIT II has no reason to believe that WREF does not have access to adequate liquidity and capital resources, including cash flow from operations, cash on hand and other investments, necessary to meet its current and future obligations as they become due.

 

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8.

Comprehensive Income (Loss)

The detail of comprehensive income (loss) is provided below for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively (in thousands):

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30,
    Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
     2010     2009     2010     2009  

Net income (loss)

   $ 4,721      $ (9,638   $ 383      $ 14,102   

Foreign currency translation adjustment

     —          —          —          251   

Market value adjustment to interest rate swap

     (2,311     (1,517     (6,709     4,723   
                                

Comprehensive income (loss)

     2,410        (11,155     (6,326     19,076   

Less: comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests

     (18     (12     (59     (115
                                

Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to the common stockholders of Wells Real Estate Investment Trust II, Inc.

   $ 2,392      $ (11,167   $ (6,385   $ 18,961   
                                

 

9.

Discontinued Operations

In accordance with GAAP, the gains and losses from the disposition of certain real estate assets and the related historical operating results are required to be included in a separate section, discontinued operations, in the consolidated statements of operations for all periods presented. On September 15, 2010, Wells REIT II sold New Manchester One, an industrial property with 593,404 square feet, located in Douglasville, Georgia. Wells REIT II received net proceeds of $15.3 million from the sale of this property. The revenue and expenses of New Manchester One are as follows:

 

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     Three Months  Ended
September 30,
    Nine Months  Ended
September 30,
 
     2010     2009     2010     2009  

Revenues:

        

Rental income

   $ —        $ 397      $ —        $ 1,192   

Tenant reimbursements

     —          75        —          207   

Other property income

     —          —          —          —     
                                

Total revenues

     —          472        —          1,399   

Expenses:

        

Property operating costs

     127        67        355        196   

Asset and property management fees

     —          42        —          129   

Depreciation

     72        109        291        329   

Amortization

     —          87        —          261   

General and administrative

     47        31        59        40   
                                

Total expenses

     246        336        705        955   
                                

Real estate operating income

     (246     136        (705     444   

Other income (expense):

        

Interest expense

     (270     (270     (810     (810

Interest and other income

     270        270        810        810   
                                

Operating (loss) income from discontinued operations

     (246     136        (705     444   

Loss on sale of real estate assets

     (130     —          (130     —     
                                

(Loss) income from discontinued operations

   $ (376   $ 136      $ (835   $ 444   
                                

 

10.

Subsequent Events

Wells REIT II has evaluated subsequent events in connection with the preparation of its consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in this report on Form 10-Q and notes the following items in addition to those disclosed elsewhere in this report:

Amendment to SRP

Effective October 23, 2010, the SRP was amended to provide that if a stockholder (or a stockholder’s spouse) is seeking to qualify for federal or state assistance in connection with the payment of the costs of confinement to a long-term care facility, that stockholder may redeem his or her shares on the same special terms that are generally available for redemptions sought within two years of a stockholder’s death or qualifying disability.

Property Acquisition

On October 21, 2010, Wells REIT II purchased an office building with approximately 390,000 rentable square feet located in Columbus, Ohio (“Chase Center”) for approximately $35.5 million, exclusive of closing costs. Chase Center is leased entirely to JP Morgan Chase Bank through 2025 with a 2022 termination option for 138,000 of the leased square feet without penalty upon providing proper prior written notice.

 

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with our accompanying consolidated financial statements and notes thereto. See also “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” preceding Part I, as

 

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well as our consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto and Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009.

Overview

During the periods presented, we have continued to receive investor proceeds under our public offerings and to invest those proceeds in real estate assets and to repay borrowings. These activities have precipitated fluctuations within the results of our property operations. We have closed the Third Offering, which will impact the composition of our capital resources going forward.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Overview

We have concluded our primary offering of shares; however, have continued to offer shares through our dividend reinvestment plan (“DRP”). In the second quarter of 2010, we sought and obtained an investment-grade credit rating from two major ratings agencies and entered into a $500.0 million, three-year replacement credit facility with a syndicate of lenders led by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.

We anticipate using a combination of future debt proceeds, proceeds from the selective sale of properties and residual DRP proceeds to invest in additional properties. In the near-term, as we continue actively seek suitable real estate investment opportunities, we have elected to use a portion of our equity proceeds to repay outstanding borrowings. Pursuant to our amended SRP, we resumed “Ordinary Redemptions” (those sought in cases other than within two years of a stockholder’s death or a “qualifying disability”) in September 2010 at a price currently equal to 60.0% of the price at which the share was originally issued. Going forward, we anticipate using future DRP proceeds to fund future share redemptions (subject to the current limitations of our share redemption program), and to make residual DRP proceeds available to fund capital improvements for our properties and for additional real estate investments.

We expect that our primary source of future operating cash flows will be cash generated from the operations of the properties currently in our portfolio and those to be acquired in the future. The amount of future distributions to be paid to our stockholders will be largely dependent upon the amount of cash generated from our operating activities, our expectations of future operating cash flows, and our determination of near-term cash needs for capital improvements, tenant re-leasing, redemptions of our common stock, and debt repayments.

Short-term Liquidity and Capital Resources

During the nine months ended September 30, 2010, we generated net cash flows from operating activities of $188.7 million, which consists primarily of receipts of rental payments, tenant reimbursements, hotel room fees, and interest earned on cash balances, reduced by payments for operating costs, interest expense, asset and property management fees, general and administrative expenses, and acquisition fees and expenses. Along with other sources of cash, net cash flows from operating activities were used to fund distributions to stockholders of approximately $233.2 million during this period. We expect to use the majority of our future net cash flow from operating activities to fund distributions to stockholders as well. Please refer to the “Distributions” section below for additional information regarding the sources of cash used to fund future distributions to stockholders.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2010, we generated proceeds from the sale of common stock under our public offering, net of commissions, dealer-manager fees, and acquisition fees, offering cost reimbursements, and share redemptions, of $398.5 million, of which $269.2 million was used to fund investments in new and existing properties and $54.9 million was used to redeem shares. We used remaining equity proceeds, along with $15.3 million of net proceeds from the sale of New Manchester One and $56.0 million drawn on the JP Morgan Chase Credit Facility, to repay outstanding mortgage loans of $144.7 million. We are continuing to pursue real estate investment opportunities and intend to use equity proceeds, in combination with additional borrowings, to fund additional real estate investments.

 

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We believe that we have adequate liquidity and capital resources to meet our current obligations as they come due. As of September 30, 2010, we held cash balances in excess of $50.0 million and had access to the borrowing capacity under our JPMorgan Chase Credit Facility of $444.0 million.

Long-term Liquidity and Capital Resources

Over the long term, we expect that our primary sources of capital will include operating cash flows, proceeds from our DRP, proceeds from secured or unsecured borrowings from third-party lenders, and, if and when deemed appropriate, proceeds from strategic property sales. We expect that our primary uses of capital will be for property acquisitions, either directly or through investments in joint ventures, tenant improvements, repaying or refinancing debt, operating expenses, interest expense, distributions, and redemptions of shares of our common stock under our share redemption program.

We have a policy of maintaining our debt level at no more than 50% of the cost of our assets (before depreciation) and, ideally, at significantly less than this 50% debt-to-real-estate asset ratio. This conservative leverage goal could reduce the amount of current income we can generate for our stockholders, but it also reduces their risk of loss. We believe that preserving investor capital while generating stable current income is in the best interest of our stockholders. As of September 30, 2010, our debt-to-real-estate asset ratio was approximately 16.3%.

In determining how and when to allocate cash resources, we initially consider the source of the cash. We expect to use substantially all future net operating cash flows to fund distributions to stockholders. We expect to use a portion of our future DRP proceeds to fund future share redemptions (subject to the limitations of our share redemption program), and to make residual DRP proceeds available to fund capital improvements required for our properties and to fund additional real estate investments.

We believe that we are experiencing a negative trend in our ability to fully cover stockholder distributions with operational cash flow due to, among other factors, recent challenges that we have experienced in locating properties that would meet our investment objectives at prices that would generate the same level of return that our portfolio has generated in the past. While operational cash flow from our properties remain strong, economic downturns in our core markets or in the particular industries in which our tenants operate could adversely impact the ability of our tenants to make lease payments and our ability to re-lease space on favorable terms when leases expire, either of which circumstance could further adversely affect our ability to fund future distributions to stockholders. We are continuing to carefully monitor our cash flows and market conditions and their impact on our earnings and future distribution projections. Rather than to risk compromising the investment objectives of the fund, or to accumulate significant borrowings, our board of directors may elect to lower future stockholder distributions.

Contractual Commitments and Contingencies

Our contractual obligations as of September 30, 2010 will become payable in the following periods (in thousands):

 

Contractual Obligations

   Total      2010      2011-2012      2013-2014      Thereafter  

Debt obligations

   $ 867,598       $ 478       $ 147,969       $ 176,772       $ 542,379   

Interest obligations on debt(1)

     257,893         11,919         91,089         75,274         79,611   

Capital lease obligations(2)

     646,000         —           60,000         466,000         120,000   

Purchase obligations(3)

     2,994         2,994         —           —           —     

Operating lease obligations

     226,788         617         4,980         5,114         216,077   
                                            

Total

   $ 2,001,273       $ 16,008       $ 304,038       $ 723,160       $ 958,067   
                                            

 

(1)

Interest obligations are measured at the contractual rate for fixed-rate date debt, or at the effectively fixed-rate for variable- rate debt with interest rate swaps agreements. See Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk for more information regarding our interest rate swaps.

 

(2)

Amounts include principal obligations only. We made interest payments on these obligations of $30.8 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2010, all of which was funded with interest income earned on the corresponding investments in development authority bonds.

 

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(3)

Represents purchase commitments for Cranberry Woods Drive Phase II, all of which relates to construction overruns that are recoverable from the tenant.

Results of Operations

Overview

As of September 30, 2010, we owned controlling interests in 69 office properties, which were approximately 95.2% leased, and one hotel. Our real estate operating results increased in 2010 primarily due to the full-period impact of properties acquired in 2009 and the partial-period impact of properties in 2010. The majority of our 2009 and 2010 acquisitions were funded with investor proceeds raised in the Third Offering. We ceased making offers under the Third Offering on June 30, 2010. We do not expect future income from continuing operations to change significantly in the near term based on the relative size and health of our real estate portfolio. However, we recognize that a prolonged decline in the U.S. economy or U.S. real estate markets could impact the creditworthiness of our tenants and market rent levels, which could, in turn, negatively impact our results of operations over the long term.

Comparison of the three months ended September 30, 2009 versus the three months ended September 30, 2010

Continuing Operations

Rental income increased from $106.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2009 to $114.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2010, primarily due to properties acquired or placed into service in the second quarter of 2010. Absent changes to the leases currently in place at our properties and future real estate acquisitions, rental income is expected to remain at similar levels consistent in future periods.

Tenant reimbursements and property operating costs increased from $25.4 million and $42.5 million, respectively, for the three months ended September 30, 2009 to $26.6 million and $43.4 million, respectively, for the three months ended September 30, 2010, primarily due to properties acquired or placed in service during 2010. Absent changes to the leases currently in place at our properties and future acquisitions, future tenant reimbursement fluctuations are generally expected to correspond with future property operating cost reimbursements.

Hotel income, net of hotel operating costs, decreased slightly from $1.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2009 to $1.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2010, primarily due to a decrease in food, beverage and banquet sales and additional operating costs related to a quality-of-service initiative. Hotel income and hotel operating costs are primarily driven by the local economic conditions and, as a result, are expected to fluctuate in the future primarily based on changes in the supply of, and demand for, hotel and banquet space in Cleveland, Ohio similar to that offered by the Key Center Marriot hotel.

Asset and property management fees remained relatively stable at $9.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2009, as compared to $9.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2010. We expect asset and property management fees to fluctuate in response to future acquisitions and leasing activities, among other factors. Asset management fees are subject to the ceiling and other limitations outlined in the Advisory Agreement. Please refer to Note 7. Related-Party Transactions and Agreements in the accompanying consolidated financial statements for additional details.

Acquisition fees and expenses decreased from $3.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2009 to $2.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2010, primarily due to closing the Third Offering. Wells REIT II incurs acquisition fees equal to 2.0% of gross offering proceeds raised. Please refer to Note 7. Related-Party Transactions and Agreements in the accompanying consolidated financial statements for additional details. We expect future acquisition fees and expenses to continue to decrease significantly as a result of closing the Third Offering.

Depreciation decreased from $28.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2009 to $26.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2010, primarily due to write-off of tenant improvements recorded in 2009, offset by an increase due to properties acquired or placed into service in the second quarter of 2010. Excluding the impact of future

 

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property acquisitions and changes to leases currently in place at our properties, depreciation is expected to continue to increase slightly in future periods, as compared to historical periods, due to owning new properties for a full period and ongoing capital improvements at our properties.

Amortization remained relatively consistent at $30.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2009, as compared to $28.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2010. Excluding the impact of future property acquisitions and changes to the leases currently in place at our properties, amortization is expected to increase slightly in future periods due to owning new properties for a full period.

General and administrative expenses decreased from $8.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2009 to $6.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2010, primarily due to nonrecurring costs incurred in 2009 in connection with a prospective acquisition that did not close.

Interest expense remained relatively stable at $23.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2009, as compared to $22.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2010. Future interest expense will depend largely upon the timing and availability of opportunities to acquire real estate assets consistent with our investment objectives, our ability to secure financings or refinancings, and changes in market interest rates. We anticipate using additional borrowings, along with equity proceeds on hand, to fund anticipated future acquisitions of real estate.

Interest and other income increased from $10.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2009 to $11.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2010 primarily due to recovering a transfer tax payment made in connection with a prior-period acquisition. Interest income is expected to remain relatively consistent in future periods given that the majority of this activity consists of interest income earned on investments in development authority bonds, which had a weighted-average remaining term of approximately 6.9 years as of September 30, 2010. Interest income earned on investments in development authority bonds is entirely offset by interest expense incurred on the corresponding capital leases.

We recognized losses on interest rate swaps that do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment of $7.3 million and $9.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2009 and 2010, respectively. We anticipate that future gains (losses) on interest rate swaps that do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment will fluctuate, primarily due to changes in the estimated fair value of our interest rate swaps relative to then-current market conditions. Market value adjustments to swaps that qualify for hedge accounting treatment are recorded directly to equity, and therefore do not impact net income (loss).

We recognized net loss attributable to Wells REIT II of $(9.7) million ($0.02 per share) for the three months ended September 30, 2009, as compared to a net income of $4.7 million ($0.01 per share) for the three months ended September 30, 2010. The increase is primarily attributable to an increase in real estate operating income of $14.8 million primarily due to assets placed in service during 2010. Absent future fluctuations in the market value of our interest rate swaps that do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment and the impact of future acquisitions, we expect future net income to remain at a level similar to the third quarter 2010 in future periods. Should the decline in the U.S. economy or U.S. real estate markets continue for a prolonged period of time, the creditworthiness of our tenants and our ability to achieve market rents comparable to the leases currently in place at our properties may suffer and could lead to a decline in net income over the long term.

Discontinued Operations

In accordance with GAAP, we have classified the results of operations related to New Manchester One as discontinued operations for all periods presented. Income (loss) from discontinued operations decreased from $0.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2009 to $(0.4) for the three months ended September 30, 2010 as a result of the sole tenant vacating New Manchester One effective January 1, 2010 and the loss recognized on the sale of this property.

 

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Comparison of the nine months ended September 30, 2009 versus the nine months ended September 30, 2010

Continuing Operations

Rental income increased from $319.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 to $333.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010, primarily due to properties acquired or placed into service in the second quarter of 2010. Absent changes to the leases currently in place at our properties and future real estate acquisitions, rental income is expected to remain at similar levels consistent in future periods.

Tenant reimbursements and property operating costs decreased from $77.5 million and $127.3 million, respectively, for the nine months ended September 30, 2009, to $73.2 million and $125.1 million, respectively, for the nine months ended September 30, 2010, primarily due to 2010 decreases in utility usage and rates, and property taxes, offset slightly by additional property operating costs and tenant reimbursements related to the assets placed in service during 2010. Absent changes to the leases currently in place at our properties and future acquisitions, future tenant reimbursement fluctuations are generally expected to correspond with future property operating cost reimbursements.

Hotel income, net of hotel operating costs, decreased from $2.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 to $2.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 due to decreases in food, beverage and banquet sales and additional operating costs related to a quality-of-service initiative. Hotel income and hotel operating costs are primarily driven by the local economic conditions and, as a result, are expected to fluctuate in the future primarily based on changes in the supply of, and demand for, hotel and banquet space in Cleveland, Ohio similar to that offered by the Key Center Marriot hotel.

Asset and property management fees remained relatively stable at $28.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009, as compared to $28.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010. We expect asset and property management fees to fluctuate in response to future acquisitions and leasing activities, among other factors. Asset management fees are subject to the ceiling and other limitations outlined in the Advisory Agreement. Please refer to Note 7. Related-Party Transactions and Agreements in the accompanying consolidated financial statements for additional details.

Acquisition fees and expenses decreased from $15.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 to $9.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010, primarily due to closing the Third Offering, offset by a 2009 write-off of $5.6 million of unapplied acquisition fees and expenses that related to prior periods in connection with implementing a prospective accounting rule change. We expect future acquisition fees and expenses to continue to decrease significantly as a result of closing the primary offering of shares, as Wells REIT II incurs acquisition fees equal to 2.0% of gross offering proceeds raised. Please refer to Note 7. Related-Party Transactions and Agreements in the accompanying consolidated financial statements for additional details.

Depreciation increased from $72.7 million from the nine months ended September 30, 2009 to $75.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010, primarily due to properties acquired or placed into service in the second quarter of 2010. Excluding the impact of future property acquisitions and changes to leases currently in place at our properties, depreciation is expected to continue to increase slightly in future periods, as compared to historical periods, due to owning new properties for a full period and ongoing capital improvements at our properties.

Amortization remained relatively consistent at $91.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009, as compared to $87.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010. Excluding the impact of future property acquisitions and changes to the leases currently in place at our properties, future amortization is expected to continue to increase slightly in future periods, as compared to historical periods, due to owning new properties for a full period.

General and administrative expenses decreased from $24.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 to $18.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010, primarily due to nonrecurring costs incurred in 2009 in connection with a prospective acquisition that did not close.

 

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Interest expense remained relatively stable at $68.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009, as compared to $67.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010. Future interest expense will depend largely upon the timing and availability of opportunities to acquire real estate assets consistent with our investment objectives, our ability to secure financings or refinancings, and changes in market interest rates. We anticipate using additional borrowings, along with equity proceeds on hand, to fund anticipated future acquisitions of real estate.

Interest and other income increased from $30.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 to $32.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 primarily due to recovering a transfer tax payment made in connection with a prior-period acquisition. Interest income is expected to remain relatively consistent in future periods given that the majority of this activity consists of interest income earned on investments in development authority bonds, which had a weighted-average remaining term of approximately 6.9 years as of September 30, 2010. Interest income earned on investments in development authority bonds is entirely offset by interest expense incurred on the corresponding capital leases.

We recognized a loss on foreign currency exchange contract of $0.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009. Gains (losses) on foreign currency exchange contract are primarily impacted by fluctuations in value of the U.S. dollar compared to the Russian rouble. We settled the foreign currency exchange contract on April 1, 2009 with a payment of $8.2 million.

We recognized a gain on interest rate swaps that do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment of $9.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009, as compared to a loss of $29.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010. We anticipate that future gains (losses) on interest rate swaps that do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment will fluctuate, primarily due to changes in the estimated fair value of our interest rate swaps relative to then-current market conditions. Market value adjustments to swaps that qualify for hedge accounting treatment are recorded directly to equity, and therefore do not impact net income (loss).

We recognized net income attributable to Wells REIT II of $14.0 million ($0.03 per share) for the nine months ended September 30, 2009, as compared to a net income of $0.3 million ($0.00 per share) for the nine months ended September 30, 2010. The decrease is primarily due to recognizing a $9.8 million gain on interest rate swaps for the nine months ended September 30, 2009, as compared to a $29.1 million loss on interest rate swaps for the nine months ended September 30, 2010, partially offset by an increase in real estate operating income as a result of assets placed in service during 2010. Absent future fluctuations in the market value of our interest rate swaps that do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment and the impact of future acquisitions, we expect future net income to remain at levels similar to third quarter 2010. Should the decline in the U.S. economy or U.S. real estate markets continue for a prolonged period of time, the creditworthiness of our tenants and our ability to achieve market rents comparable to the leases currently in place at our properties may suffer and could lead to a decline in net income over the long term.

Discontinued Operations

In accordance with GAAP, we have classified the results of operations related to New Manchester One as discontinued operations for all periods presented. Income from discontinued operations decreased from $0.4 million for the months ended September 30, 2009 to $(0.8) million for the three months ended September 30, 2010 as a result of the sole tenant vacating New Manchester One effective January 1, 2010 and the loss recognized on the sale of this property.

Distributions

The amount of distributions that we pay to our common stockholders is determined by our board of directors and is dependent upon a number of factors, including the funds available for distribution to common stockholders, our financial condition, our capital expenditure requirements, our expectations of future sources of liquidity and the annual distribution requirements necessary to maintain our status as a REIT under the Code.

When evaluating the amount of cash available to fund distributions to stockholders, we consider net cash provided by operating activities (as presented in the accompanying GAAP-basis consolidated statements of cash flows). We also consider certain costs that were incurred for the purpose of generating future earnings and appreciation in value over the

 

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long term, including acquisition-related costs. As provided in the prospectuses for our public offerings, acquisition-related costs are funded with cash generated from the sale of common stock in our public offering and, therefore, do not utilize cash generated from operations. Acquisition-related costs include acquisition fees payable to our advisor (see Note 7 to our accompanying consolidated financial statements), customary third-party costs, such as legal fees and expenses, costs of appraisals, accounting fees and expenses, title insurance premiums and other closing costs, and other miscellaneous costs directly related to our investments in real estate.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2010, we paid total distributions to common stockholders, including $122.7 million reinvested in our common stock pursuant to our DRP, of $233.2 million. During this period, we generated net cash from operating activities of $188.7 million, which has been reduced by $9.8 million for acquisition-related costs that were funded with cash generated from the sale of common stock under our public offerings. Of the remaining $34.7 million of distributions paid to stockholders in 2010, $28.1 million was funded with cumulative operating cash flows generated in prior periods and the remaining $6.6 million was funded with other sources of cash.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2010, we paid stockholder distributions in excess of current period and prior period accumulated operating cash flows (adjusted for certain acquisition-related costs as described above), which reflects a deterioration in our level of such stockholder distribution coverage when compared to previous periods. We believe that this negative trend in our ability to fully cover stockholder distributions with operational cash flow has been precipitated by, among other factors, recent challenges that we have experienced in locating properties that would meet our investment objectives at prices that would generate the same level of return that our portfolio has generated in the past. Further, while operational cash flow from our properties remain strong, economic downturns in our markets or in the particular industries in which our tenants operate, could adversely impact the ability of our tenants to make lease payments and our ability to re-lease space on favorable terms when leases expire, either of which circumstance could further adversely affect our ability to fund future distributions to stockholders. We are continuing to carefully monitor our cash flows and market conditions and to assess their impact on our future earnings and future distribution projections. We expect future operational cash flows to continue to be negatively impacted by the factors described above. Should the gap between our operational cash flow (adjusted for certain acquisition-related costs) and stockholder distributions continue to widen, our board of directors would likely elect to lower future stockholder distributions rather than to risk compromising our investment objectives or to accumulate significant borrowings.

Election as a REIT

We have elected to be taxed as a REIT under the Code, and have operated as such beginning with our taxable year ended December 31, 2003. To qualify as a REIT, we must meet certain organizational and operational requirements, including a requirement to distribute at least 90% of our adjusted taxable income, as defined in the Code, to our stockholders, computed without regard to the dividends-paid deduction and by excluding our net capital gain. As a REIT, we generally will not be subject to federal income tax on income that we distribute to our stockholders. If we fail to qualify as a REIT in any taxable year, we will then be subject to federal income taxes on our taxable income for that year and for the four years following the year during which qualification is lost, unless the Internal Revenue Service grants us relief under certain statutory provisions. Such an event could materially adversely affect our net income and net cash available for distribution to our stockholders. However, we believe that we are organized and operate in such a manner as to qualify for treatment as a REIT for federal income tax purposes.

Wells TRS is a wholly owned subsidiary of Wells REIT II that is organized as a Delaware limited liability company and includes the operations of, among other things, a full-service hotel. We have elected to treat Wells TRS as a taxable REIT subsidiary. We may perform certain additional, noncustomary services for tenants of our buildings through Wells TRS; however, any earnings related to such services are subject to federal and state income taxes. In addition, for us to continue to qualify as a REIT, we must limit our investments in taxable REIT subsidiaries to 25% of the value of our total assets. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are established for temporary differences between the financial reporting basis and the tax basis of assets and liabilities at the enacted rates expected to be in effect when the temporary differences reverse.

No provision for federal income taxes has been made in our accompanying consolidated financial statements, other than the provision relating to Wells TRS, as we made distributions in excess of taxable income for the periods presented. We are subject to certain state and local taxes related to property operations in certain locations, which have been provided for in our accompanying consolidated financial statements.

 

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Inflation

We are exposed to inflation risk, as income from long-term leases is the primary source of our cash flows from operations. There are provisions in the majority of our tenant leases that are intended to protect us from, and mitigate the risk of, the impact of inflation. These provisions include rent steps, reimbursement billings for operating expense pass-through charges, real estate tax and insurance reimbursements on a per-square-foot basis, or in some cases, annual reimbursement of operating expenses above a certain per-square-foot allowance. However, due to the long-term nature of the leases, the leases may not reset frequently enough to fully cover inflation.

Application of Critical Accounting Policies

Our accounting policies have been established to conform with GAAP. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to use judgment in the application of accounting policies, including making estimates and assumptions. These judgments affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the dates of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting periods. If our judgment or interpretation of the facts and circumstances relating to various transactions had been different, it is possible that different accounting policies would have been applied, thus resulting in a different presentation of the financial statements. Additionally, other companies may utilize different estimates that may impact the comparability of our results of operations to those of companies in similar businesses.

Investment in Real Estate Assets

We are required to make subjective assessments as to the useful lives of our depreciable assets. We consider the period of future benefit of the asset to determine the appropriate useful lives. These assessments have a direct impact on net income. The estimated useful lives of our assets by class are as follows:

 

Buildings

  

40 years

Building improvements

  

5-25 years

Site improvements

  

15 years

Tenant improvements

  

Shorter of economic life or lease term

Intangible lease assets

  

Lease term

Evaluating the Recoverability of Real Estate Assets

We continually monitor events and changes in circumstances that could indicate that the carrying amounts of the real estate and related intangible assets of both operating properties and properties under construction, in which we have an ownership interest, either directly or through investments in joint ventures, may not be recoverable. When indicators of potential impairment are present that suggest that the carrying amounts of real estate assets and related intangible assets may not be recoverable, we assess the recoverability of these assets by determining whether the respective carrying values will be recovered through the estimated undiscounted future operating cash flows expected from the use of the assets and their eventual disposition. In the event that such expected undiscounted future cash flows do not exceed the carrying values, we adjust the carrying value of the real estate assets and related intangible assets to the estimated fair values, pursuant to the property, plant, and equipment accounting standard for the impairment or disposal of long-lived assets, and recognize an impairment loss. Estimated fair values are calculated based on the following information, in order of preference, depending upon availability: (i) recently quoted market prices, (ii) market prices for comparable properties, or (iii) the present value of future cash flows, including estimated salvage value. We have determined that there has been no impairment in the carrying value of our real estate assets and related intangible assets to date.

Projections of expected future operating cash flows require that we estimate future market rental income amounts subsequent to the expiration of current lease agreements, property operating expenses, the number of months it takes to re-lease the property, and the number of years the property is held for investment, among other factors. The subjectivity of

 

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assumptions used in the future cash flow analysis, including discount rates, could result in an incorrect assessment of the property’s fair value and could result in the misstatement of the carrying value of our real estate assets and related intangible assets and net income (loss).

Allocation of Purchase Price of Acquired Assets

Upon the acquisition of real properties, we allocate the purchase price of properties to tangible assets, consisting of land and building, site improvements, and identified intangible assets and liabilities, including the value of in-place leases, based in each case on our estimate of their fair values.

The fair values of the tangible assets of an acquired property (which includes land and building) are determined by valuing the property as if it were vacant, and the “as-if-vacant” value is then allocated to land and building based on our determination of the relative fair value of these assets. We determine the as-if-vacant fair value of a property using methods similar to those used by independent appraisers. Factors we consider in performing these analyses include an estimate of carrying costs during the expected lease-up periods considering current market conditions and costs to execute similar leases, including leasing commissions and other related costs. In estimating carrying costs, we include real estate taxes, insurance, and other operating expenses during the expected lease-up periods based on current market demand.

Intangible Assets and Liabilities Arising from In-Place Leases where We are the Lessor

As further described below, in-place leases where we are the lessor may have values related to: direct costs associated with obtaining a new tenant, opportunity costs associated with lost rentals that are avoided by acquiring an in-place lease, tenant relationships, and effective contractual rental rates that are above or below market rates:

 

   

Direct costs associated with obtaining a new tenant, including commissions, tenant improvements and other direct costs, are estimated based on management’s consideration of current market costs to execute a similar lease. Such direct costs are included in intangible lease origination costs in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and are amortized to expense over the remaining terms of the respective leases.

 

   

The value of opportunity costs associated with lost rentals avoided by acquiring an in-place lease is calculated based on the contractual amounts to be paid pursuant to the in-place leases over a market absorption period for a similar lease. Such opportunity costs are included in intangible lease assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and are amortized to expense over the remaining terms of the respective leases.

 

   

The value of tenant relationships is calculated based on expected renewal of a lease or the likelihood of obtaining a particular tenant for other locations. Values associated with tenant relationships are included in intangible lease assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and are amortized to expense over the remaining terms of the respective leases.

 

   

The value of effective rental rates of in-place leases that are above or below the market rates of comparable leases is calculated based on the present value (using a discount rate that reflects the risks associated with the leases acquired) of the difference between (i) the contractual amounts to be received pursuant to the in-place leases and (ii) management’s estimate of fair market lease rates for the corresponding in-place leases, measured over a period equal to the remaining terms of the leases. The capitalized above-market and below-market lease values are recorded as intangible lease assets or liabilities and amortized as an adjustment to rental income over the remaining terms of the respective leases.

 

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As of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, Wells REIT II had the following gross intangible in-place lease assets and liabilities (in thousands):

 

     Intangible Lease Assets      Intangible
Lease
Origination
Costs
     Intangible
Below-Market
In-Place Lease
Liabilities
 
   Above-Market
In-Place  Lease
Assets
     Absorption
Period  Costs
       

September 30, 2010

   $ 148,623       $ 551,422       $ 495,317       $ 150,287   
                                   

December 31, 2009

   $ 153,189       $ 557,365       $ 489,567       $ 150,081   
                                   

For the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and the year ended December 31, 2009, Wells REIT II recognized the following amortization of intangible lease assets and liabilities (in thousands):

 

     Intangible Lease Assets      Intangible
Lease
Origination
Costs
     Intangible
Below-Market
In-Place Lease
Liabilities
 
   Above-Market
In-Place Lease
Assets
     Absorption
Period  Costs
       

For the nine months ended September 30, 2010

   $ 12,832       $ 45,849       $ 37,997       $ 10,868   
                                   

For the year ended December 31, 2009

   $ 17,912       $ 64,108       $ 51,266       $ 14,570   
                                   

The remaining net intangible assets and liabilities as of September 30, 2010 will be amortized as follows (in thousands):

 

     Intangible Lease Assets      Intangible
Lease
Origination
Costs
     Intangible
Below-Market
In-Place Lease

Liabilities
 
   Above-Market
In-Place  Lease
Assets
     Absorption
Period  Costs
       

For the nine months ending December 31, 2010

   $ 4,123       $ 14,854       $ 12,540       $ 3,604   

For the years ending December 31:

           

2011

     14,151         52,885         46,900         14,145   

2012

     10,483         44,534         41,722         13,585   

2013

     8,564         38,904         38,697         13,281   

2014

     7,474         33,600         35,581         12,696   

Thereafter

     15,965         97,756         104,914         34,227   
                                   
   $ 60,760       $ 282,533       $ 280,354       $ 91,538   
                                   

Evaluating the Recoverability of Intangible Assets and Liabilities

The values of intangible lease assets and liabilities are determined based on assumptions made at the time of acquisition and have defined useful lives, which correspond with the lease terms. There may be instances in which intangible lease assets and liabilities become impaired and we are required to write-off the remaining asset or liability immediately or over a shorter period of time. Lease restructurings, including lease terminations and lease extensions, may impact the value and useful life of in-place leases. In-place leases that are terminated, partially terminated, or modified will be evaluated for impairment if the original in-place lease terms have been modified. In the event that the discounted cash flows of the original in-place lease stream do not exceed the discounted modified in-place lease stream, we adjust the carrying value of the intangible lease assets to the discounted cash flows and recognize an impairment loss. For in-place lease extensions that are executed more than one year prior to the original in-place lease expiration date, the useful life of the in-place lease will be extended over the new lease term with the exception of those in-place lease components, such as lease commissions and tenant allowances, which have been renegotiated for the extended term. Renegotiated in-place lease components, such as lease commissions and tenant allowances, will be amortized over the shorter of the useful life of the asset or the new lease term.

 

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Intangible Assets and Liabilities Arising from In-Place Leases where We are the Lessee

In-place ground leases where we are the lessee may have value associated with effective contractual rental rates that are above or below market rates. Such values are calculated based on the present value (using a discount rate that reflects the risks associated with the leases acquired) of the difference between (i) the contractual amounts to be paid pursuant to the in-place lease and (ii) management’s estimate of fair market lease rates for the corresponding in-place lease, measured over a period equal to the remaining terms of the leases. The capitalized above-market and below-market in-place lease values are recorded as intangible lease liabilities or assets and amortized as an adjustment to property operating cost over the remaining term of the respective leases. Wells REIT II had a gross below-market lease asset of approximately $110.7 million and $110.7 million as of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, and recognized amortization of this asset of approximately $1.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and approximately $2.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2009.

As of September 30, 2010, the remaining net below-market lease asset will be amortized as follows (in thousands):

 

For the year ending December 31:

  

2010

   $ 517   

2011

     2,069   

2012

     2,069   

2013

     2,069   

2014

     2,069   

Thereafter

     95,552   
        
   $ 104,345   
        

Related Parties

Transactions and Agreements

We have entered into agreements with our advisor, WREAS II, and its affiliates, whereby we pay certain fees and reimbursements to WREAS II or its affiliates, for acquisition fees, commissions, dealer-manager fees, asset and property management fees, construction fees, reimbursement of other offering costs, and reimbursement of operating costs. See Note 7 to our accompanying consolidated financial statements included herein for a discussion of the various related-party transactions, agreements, and fees.

Assertion of Legal Action Against Related-Parties

On March 12, 2007, a stockholder of Piedmont Office Realty Trust, Inc. (“Piedmont REIT”) filed a putative class action and derivative complaint, presently styled In re Wells Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc. Securities Litigation, in the United States District Court for the District of Maryland against, among others, Piedmont REIT; Leo F. Wells, III, the Chairman of our Board of Directors; Wells Capital; Wells Management, our property manager; certain affiliates of WREF; the directors of Piedmont REIT; and certain individuals who formerly served as officers or directors of Piedmont REIT prior to the closing of the internalization transaction on April 16, 2007.

The complaint alleged, among other things, violations of the federal proxy rules and breaches of fiduciary duty arising from the Piedmont REIT internalization transaction and the related proxy statement filed with the SEC on February 26, 2007, as amended. The complaint sought, among other things, unspecified monetary damages and nullification of the Piedmont REIT internalization transaction.

On June 27, 2007, the plaintiff filed an amended complaint, which attempted to assert class action claims on behalf of those persons who received and were entitled to vote on the Piedmont REIT proxy statement filed with the SEC on February 26, 2007, and derivative claims on behalf of Piedmont REIT.

 

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On March 31, 2008, the Court granted in part the defendants’ motion to dismiss the amended complaint. The Court dismissed five of the seven counts of the amended complaint in their entirety. The Court dismissed the remaining two counts with the exception of allegations regarding the failure to disclose in the Piedmont REIT proxy statement details of certain expressions of interest in acquiring Piedmont REIT. On April 21, 2008, the plaintiff filed a second amended complaint, which alleges violations of the federal proxy rules based upon allegations that the proxy statement to obtain approval for the Piedmont REIT internalization transaction omitted details of certain expressions of interest in acquiring Piedmont REIT. The second amended complaint seeks, among other things, unspecified monetary damages, to nullify and rescind the internalization transaction, and to cancel and rescind any stock issued to the defendants as consideration for the internalization transaction. On May 12, 2008, the defendants answered and raised certain defenses to the second amended complaint.

On June 23, 2008, the plaintiff filed a motion for class certification. On September 16, 2009, the Court granted the plaintiff’s motion for class certification. On September 20, 2009, the defendants filed a petition for permission to appeal immediately the Court’s order granting the motion for class certification with the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals. The petition for permission to appeal was denied on October 30, 2009.

On April 13, 2009, the plaintiff moved for leave to amend the second amended complaint to add additional defendants. The Court denied the plaintiff’s motion for leave to amend on June 23, 2009.

On December 4, 2009, the parties filed motions for summary judgment. On August 2, 2010, the Court entered an order denying the defendants’ motion for summary judgment and granting, in part, the plaintiff’s motion for partial summary judgment. The Court ruled that the question of whether certain expressions of interest in acquiring Piedmont REIT constituted “material” information required to be disclosed in the proxy statement to obtain approval for the Piedmont REIT internalization transaction raises questions of fact that must be determined at trial. A trial date has not been set.

Mr. Wells, Wells Capital, and Wells Management believe that the allegations contained in the complaint are without merit and intend to vigorously defend this action. Any financial loss incurred by Wells Capital, Wells Management, or their affiliates could hinder their ability to successfully manage our operations and our portfolio of investments.

Commitments and Contingencies

We are subject to certain commitments and contingencies with regard to certain transactions. Refer to Note 5 of our accompanying consolidated financial statements for further explanation. Examples of such commitments and contingencies include:

 

   

obligations under operating leases;

 

   

obligations under capital leases;

 

   

commitments under existing lease agreements; and

 

   

litigation.

Subsequent Events

We evaluated subsequent events in connection with the preparation of its consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in this report on Form 10-Q and note the following items in addition to those disclosed elsewhere in this report:

Amendment to SRP

Effective October 23, 2010, the SRP was amended to provide that if a stockholder (or a stockholder’s spouse) is seeking to qualify for federal or state assistance in connection with the payment of the costs of confinement to a long-term care facility, that stockholder may redeem his or her shares on the same special terms that are generally available for redemptions sought within two years of a stockholder’s death or qualifying disability.

 

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Property Acquisition

On October 21, 2010, we purchased an office building with approximately 390,000 rentable square feet located in Columbus, Ohio (“Chase Center”) for approximately $35.5 million, exclusive of closing costs. Chase Center is leased entirely to JP Morgan Chase Bank through 2025 with a 2022 termination option for 138,000 of the leased square feet without penalty upon providing proper prior written notice.

 

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

As a result of our debt facilities, we are exposed to interest rate changes. Our interest rate risk management objectives are to limit the impact of interest rate changes on earnings and cash flow primarily through a low to moderate level of overall borrowings. However, we currently have a substantial amount of debt outstanding. We manage our ratio of fixed- to floating-rate debt with the objective of achieving a mix that we believe is appropriate in light of anticipated changes in interest rates. We closely monitor interest rates and will continue to consider the sources and terms of our borrowing facilities to determine whether we have appropriately guarded ourselves against the risk of increasing interest rates in future periods.

Additionally, we have entered into interest rate swaps, and may enter into other interest rate swaps, caps, or other arrangements to mitigate our interest rate risk on a related financial instrument. We do not enter into derivative or interest rate transactions for speculative purposes; however, certain of our derivatives may not qualify for hedge accounting treatment. All of our debt was entered into for other than trading purposes.

On May 7, 2010, we entered into a $500.0 million, three-year, unsecured revolving credit facility with a syndicate of lenders led by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. as administrative agent (the “JPMorgan Chase Credit Facility”) to replace the $245.0 million unsecured revolving financing facility with Wachovia Bank, N.A./Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., which was scheduled to mature on May 7, 2010. The JPMorgan Chase Credit Facility provides for interest to be incurred based on, at our option, the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) for one-, two-, three- or six-month periods, plus an applicable margin ranging from 2.60% to 3.40% (the “LIBOR Rate”), or at an alternate base rate, plus an applicable margin ranging from 1.60% to 2.40% (the “Base Rate”). The Base Rate for any day is the greatest of (1) the rate of interest publicly announced by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. as its prime rate in effect in its principal office in New York City for such day; (2) the federal funds rate for such day plus 0.50%; or (3) the one-month LIBOR Rate, for such day plus 1.00%. The margin component of the LIBOR Rate and the Base Rate is determined based on our corporate credit rating, as long as we have such a rating, or on our leverage ratio, as defined, if we do not have a corporate credit rating. Additionally, we will incur a facility fee on the aggregate revolving commitment ranging from 0.40% to 0.60% per annum, which is also determined based on our corporate credit rating, as long as we have such a rating, or on our leverage ratio, if we do not have a corporate credit rating. An increase in the variable interest rate on this line of credit constitutes a market risk, as an increase in rates would increase interest incurred and, therefore, decrease cash flows available for distribution to stockholders.

Our financial instruments consist of both fixed-rate and variable-rate debt. Our variable-rate borrowings consist of the JPMorgan Chase Credit Facility, the Cranberry Woods Drive mortgage note, the 222 E. 41st Street Building mortgage note, the 80 Park Plaza Building mortgage note, and the Three Glenlake Building mortgage note. However, only the JPMorgan Chase Credit Facility and the Cranberry Woods Drive mortgage note bear interest at an effectively variable rate, as the variable rates on the 222 E. 41st Street Building mortgage note, the 80 Park Plaza Building mortgage note, and the Three Glenlake Building mortgage note have been effectively fixed through the interest rate swap agreements described below. As of September 30, 2010, we had $56.0 million outstanding under the JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. line of credit; $63.4 million outstanding on the Cranberry Woods Drive variable-rate, term mortgage loan; $161.4 million outstanding on the 222 E. 41st Street Building mortgage note; $59.9 million outstanding on the 80 Park Plaza Building mortgage note; $25.6 million outstanding on the Three Glenlake Building mortgage note; and $501.3 million outstanding on fixed-rate, term mortgage loans. The weighted-average interest rate of all of our debt instruments was 5.49% as of September 30, 2010.

The 80 Park Plaza Building mortgage note was used to purchase the 80 Park Plaza Building. The note bears interest at one-month LIBOR plus 130 basis points (approximately 1.56% per annum as of September 30, 2010) and matures in

 

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September 2016. In connection with obtaining the 80 Park Plaza Building mortgage note, we entered into an interest rate swap agreement to hedge exposure to changing interest rates. The interest rate swap agreement has an effective date of September 22, 2006 and matures September 21, 2016. The terms of the interest rate swap agreement effectively fix our interest rate on the 80 Park Plaza Building mortgage note at 6.575% per annum.

The 222 E. 41st Street Building mortgage note was used to purchase the 222 E. 41st Street Building. The note bears interest at one-month LIBOR plus 120 basis points (approximately 1.46% per annum as of September 30, 2010) and matures in August 2017. In connection with obtaining the 222 E. 41st Street Building mortgage note, we entered into an interest rate swap agreement to hedge exposure to changing interest rates. The interest rate swap agreement has an effective date of August 16, 2007 and matures August 16, 2017. The interest rate swap effectively fixes our interest rate on the 222 E. 41st Street Building mortgage note at 6.675% per annum.

The Three Glenlake Building mortgage note was used to purchase the Three Glenlake Building. The note bears interest at one-month LIBOR plus 90 basis points (approximately 1.16% per annum as of September 30, 2010), and matures in July 2013. The interest rate swap agreement has an effective date of July 31, 2008 and matures July 31, 2013. Interest is due monthly; however, under the terms of the loan agreement, a portion of the monthly debt service amounts accrues and is added to the outstanding balance of the note over the term. The interest rate swap effectively fixes our interest rate on the Three Glenlake Building mortgage note at 5.95% per annum.

Approximately $748.2 million of our total debt outstanding as of September 30, 2010 is subject to fixed rates, either directly or when coupled with an interest rate swap agreement. As of September 30, 2010, these balances incurred interest expense at an average interest rate of 5.70% and have expirations ranging from 2011 through 2018. A change in the market interest rate impacts the net financial instrument position of our fixed-rate debt portfolio; however, it has no impact on interest incurred or cash flows. The amounts outstanding on our variable-rate debt facilities in the future will largely depend upon the level of investor proceeds raised under our public offering and the rate at which we are able to employ such proceeds in acquisitions of real properties.

We do not believe there is any exposure to increases in interest rates related to the capital lease obligations of $646.0 million at September 30, 2010, as the obligations are at fixed interest rates.

Foreign Currency Risk

We are also subject to foreign exchange risk arising from our foreign operations in Russia. Foreign operations represented 1.2% and 1.7% of total assets at September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively, and 0% and 0.1% of total revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively. As compared to rates in effect at September 30, 2010, an increase or decrease in the U.S. dollar to Russian rouble exchange rate by 10% would not materially impact the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

 

ITEM 4T. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Management’s Conclusions Regarding the Effectiveness of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

We carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of management, including the Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based upon that evaluation, the Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this report in providing a reasonable level of assurance that information we are required to disclose in reports that we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods in SEC rules and forms, including providing a reasonable level of assurance that information required to be disclosed by us in such reports is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Principal Executive Officer and our Principal Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

 

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Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

There have been no significant changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended September 30, 2010 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

From time to time, we are party to legal proceedings, which arise in the ordinary course of our business. We are not currently involved in any legal proceedings of which the outcome is reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on our results of operations or financial condition, nor are we aware of any such legal proceedings contemplated by governmental authorities.

 

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

The following risk factor should be read together with the risk factors disclosed under Item 1A. of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009, which includes a comprehensive discussion of some of the risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those presented in our forward-looking statements.

We are dependent upon our advisor and its affiliates to conduct our operations and this offering; thus, adverse changes in their financial health or our relationship with them could cause our operations to suffer.

We are dependent upon our advisor and its affiliates to conduct our operations and this offering. Thus, adverse changes to our relationship with, or the financial health of, our advisor and its affiliates, including changes arising from litigation, could hinder their ability to successfully manage our operations and our portfolio of investments.

Affiliates of our advisor serve as a general partner to many Wells-sponsored limited partnership programs. Those affiliates may have contingent liability for the obligations of such partnerships. Enforcement of such obligations against our advisor’s affiliates could result in a substantial reduction of their net worth. If such liabilities affected the level of services that our advisor could provide, our operations and financial performance could suffer.

In addition, affiliates of our advisor are currently parties to litigation regarding Piedmont REIT’s internalization of entities affiliated with our advisor, which internalization transaction is described above at “Prospectus Summary – What is your relationship to other public REITs sponsored by Wells Real Estate Funds?” Due to the uncertainties inherent in the litigation process, it is not possible for us to predict the ultimate outcome of these matters and, as with any litigation, the risk of financial loss does exist. Affiliates of our advisor have and may continue to incur defense costs associated with the litigation. A summary of the nature and status of the litigation is set forth below.

On March 12, 2007, a stockholder of Piedmont REIT filed a purported class action and derivative complaint, presently styled In re Wells Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc. Securities Litigation, in the United States District Court for the District of Maryland against, among others, Piedmont REIT; Leo F. Wells, III; Wells Capital, Wells Management; and other affiliates of our advisor. The litigation was filed prior to the closing of the internalization transaction on April 16, 2007.

The complaint alleged, among other things, (i) that the consideration to be paid as part of the internalization is excessive; (ii) violations of the federal proxy rules based upon allegations that the proxy statement contains false and misleading statements or omits to state material facts; (iii) that the board of directors and the current and previous advisors breached their fiduciary duties to the class and to Piedmont REIT; and (iv) that the proposed internalization will unjustly enrich certain directors and officers of Piedmont REIT, including Messrs. Wells and Williams. The complaint sought, among other things, unspecified monetary damages and nullification of the Piedmont REIT internalization transaction.

 

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On June 27, 2007, the plaintiff filed an amended complaint, which contained the same counts as the original complaint, described above, with amended factual allegations based primarily on events occurring subsequent to the original complaint and the addition of one of Piedmont REIT’s officers as an individual defendant. On March 31, 2008, the court granted in part the defendants’ motion to dismiss the amended complaint. The court dismissed five of the seven counts of the amended complaint in their entirety. The court dismissed the remaining two counts with the exception of allegations regarding the failure to disclose in the Piedmont REIT proxy statement details of certain expressions of interest in acquiring Piedmont REIT. On April 21, 2008, the plaintiff filed a second amended complaint, which alleges violations of the federal proxy rules based upon allegations that the proxy statement to obtain approval for the Piedmont REIT internalization transaction omitted details of certain expressions of interest in acquiring Piedmont REIT. The second amended complaint seeks, among other things, unspecified monetary damages, to nullify and rescind the internalization transaction, and to cancel and rescind any stock issued to the defendants as consideration for the internalization transaction. On May 12, 2008, the defendants answered and raised certain defenses to the second amended complaint.

On June 23, 2008, the plaintiff filed a motion for class certification. On September 16, 2009, the Court granted the plaintiff’s motion for class certification. On September 20, 2009, the defendants filed a petition for permission to appeal immediately the Court’s order granting the motion for class certification with the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals. The petition for permission to appeal was denied on October 30, 2009.

On April 13, 2009, the plaintiff moved for leave to amend the second amended complaint to add additional defendants. The Court denied the plaintiff’s motion for leave to amend on June 23, 2009.

On December 4, 2009, the parties filed motions for summary judgment. The parties filed their respective responses to the motions for summary judgment on January 29, 2010. The parties’ respective replies to the motions for summary judgment were filed on February 19, 2010. On August 2, 2010, the Court entered an order denying the defendants’ motion for summary judgment and granting, in part, the plaintiff’s motion for partial summary judgment. The Court ruled that the question of whether certain expressions of interest in acquiring Piedmont REIT constituted “material” information required to be disclosed in the proxy statement to obtain approval for the Piedmont REIT internalization transaction raises questions of fact that must be determined at trial. A trial date has not been set.

 

ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

 

(a)

All equity securities sold by us in the quarter ended September 30, 2010 were sold in an offering registered under the Securities Act of 1933.

 

(b)

Not applicable.

 

(c)

During the quarter ended September 30, 2010, we redeemed shares as follows (in thousands, except per-share amounts):

 

Period

   Total Number  of
Shares

Purchased(1)
     Average Price
Paid per Share
     Total Number of
Shares Purchased as

Part of Publicly
Announced Plans or
Programs(2)
    Approximate Dollar
Value of  Shares
Available That May
Yet Be
Redeemed Under

the Program

July 2010

     385       $ 9.95         385      (3)

August 2010

     567       $ 9.94         567      (3)

September 2010

     1,996       $ 7.01         1,996      (3)

 

(1)

All purchases of our equity securities by us in the three months ended September 30, 2010, were made pursuant to our SRP.

 

(2)

We announced the commencement of the program on December 10, 2003 and amendments to the program on April 22, 2004; March 28, 2006; May 11, 2006; August 10, 2006; August 8, 2007; November 13, 2008; March 31, 2009; August 13, 2009; February 18, 2010; July 21, 2010; and September 23, 2010.

 

(3)

We currently limit the dollar value and number of shares that may yet be redeemed under the program as described below.

 

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Effective September 10, 2010, the SRP was amended to, among other things, increase the number and dollar value of shares that may be redeemed under the plan as follows:

 

   

First, we will limit requests for Ordinary Redemptions and those upon the qualifying disability of a stockholder on a pro rata basis so that the aggregate of such redemptions during any calendar year would not exceed 5.0% of the weighted-average number of shares outstanding in the prior calendar year. Requests precluded by this test would not be considered in the test below.

 

   

In addition, if necessary, we will limit all redemption requests, including those sought within two years of a stockholder’s death, on a pro rata basis so that the aggregate of such redemptions during any calendar year would not exceed the greater of 100% of the net proceeds from our DRP during the calendar year or 5.0% of weighted average number of shares outstanding in the prior calendar year.

Some stockholders may, due to financial hardship, need to sell their shares. Given the current illiquidity of our shares, some third parties have sought to exploit these hardships by offering to purchase our shares at prices substantially below the price at which the shares were issued by us. (Third-party tender offers have been conducted at $3.00, $4.00, $4.25 and $4.50 per share during the nine months ended September 30, 2010.) In order to offer stockholders who are facing a financial hardship a liquidity option that is more attractive than the steeply discounted prices recently offered for our shares by third-party tender offerors, we determined to amend the SRP as described below.

Pursuant to our amended SRP, we resumed Ordinary Redemptions in September 30, 2010 at a redemption price equal to 60.0% of the price at which the share was originally issued by us. The new redemption price for Ordinary Redemptions will remain in effect until the date that we publish an estimate of the value of a share of our common stock which estimate is not based on the most recent prices paid in a public offering of our common stock (the “Net Asset Value Publication Date”). As amended, this price will automatically adjust for special distributions and to account for certain recapitalizations. On or after the Net Asset Valuation Date, the Ordinary Redemption price will be 95.0% of the estimated per share value.

When setting the price at which Ordinary Redemptions are to be effected (up to $6.00 per share as described more fully below), we did not conduct a valuation of our portfolio. Rather we chose a redemption price that was substantially higher than the prices offered in recent tender offers for our shares but that was low enough that we could be confident that redemptions at such price would be an attractive use of cash without having to engage an appraiser or another party to value our portfolio. The $6.00 price at which Ordinary Redemptions will generally be effected is not an expression of our view of a value of our shares.

The amendment also limits participation in the SRP to exclude shares purchased from another stockholder if the purchase occurs after the announcement of the amendment. In other words, if shares are transferred for value by a stockholder after July 27, 2010, the transferee and all subsequent holders of such shares are not eligible to participate in the SRP with respect to such shares.

The full text of the Amended and Restated Share Redemption Program was filed as an exhibit to our Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 21, 2010 and filed with the Commission on July 27, 2010.

Effective October 23, 2010, the SRP was amended to provide that if a stockholder (or a stockholder’s spouse) is seeking to qualify for federal or state assistance in connection with the payment of the costs of confinement to a long-term care facility, that stockholder may redeem his or her shares on the same special terms that are generally available for redemptions sought within two years of a stockholder’s death or qualifying disability. The full text of the Amended and Restated Share Redemption Program was filed as an exhibit to our Current Report on Form 8-K dated September 23, 2010 and filed with the Commission on September 23, 2010.

 

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ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

 

(a)

There have been no defaults with respect to any of our indebtedness.

 

(b)

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 4. RESERVED

 

ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION

 

(a)

During the third quarter of 2010, there was no information that was required to be disclosed in a report on Form 8-K that was not disclosed in a report on Form 8-K.

 

(b)

There are no material changes to the procedures by which stockholders may recommend nominees to our board of directors since the filing of our Schedule 14A.

 

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

The exhibits required to be filed with this report are set forth on the Exhibit Index to this quarterly report attached hereto.

 

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 

       

WELLS REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST II, INC.
(Registrant)

Dated: November 10, 2010

   

By:

 

/s/ DOUGLAS P. WILLIAMS

     

Douglas P. Williams

Executive Vice President, Treasurer and

Principal Financial Officer

 

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EXHIBIT INDEX TO

THIRD QUARTER 2010 FORM 10-Q OF

WELLS REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST II, INC.

The following documents are filed as exhibits to this report. Exhibits that are not required for this report are omitted.

 

Exhibit No.  

Description

  3.1   Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Amendment No. 3 to the Registration Statement on Form S-11 (No. 333-107066) filed with the Commission on November 25, 2003).
  3.2   Articles of Amendment of Wells Real Estate Investment Trust II, Inc., effective as of October 1, 2008 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008).
  3.3   Amended and Restated Bylaws (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2007).
  3.4   Amendment No. 1 to Amended and Restated Bylaws (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.3 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2007).
  4.1   Form of Subscription Agreement with Consent to Electronic Delivery (incorporated by reference to Appendix A to the Company’s prospectus dated April 2, 2010 and filed with the Commission on April 29, 2010).
  4.2   Statement regarding restrictions on transferability of shares of common stock (to appear on stock certificate or to be sent upon request and without charge to stockholders issued shares without certificates) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to Amendment No. 2 to the Registration Statement on Form S-11 (No. 333-144414) filed with the Commission on September 22, 2008).
  4.3   Amended and Restated Dividend Reinvestment Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 21, 2010 and filed with the Commission on July 27, 2010).
  4.4   Amended Share Redemption Program (in effect until September 10, 2010) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.5 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009).
  4.5   Amended and Restated Share Redemption Program (effective from September 10, 2010 to October 23, 2010) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 21, 2010 and filed with the Commission on July 27, 2010).
  4.6   Amended and Restated Share Redemption Program (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on September 23, 2010).
10.1   Advisory Agreement between the Company and Wells Real Estate Advisory Services II, LLC dated August 1, 2010 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2010).
10.2   Credit Agreement dated as of May 7, 2010 by and among Wells Operating Partnership II, L.P., as borrower, J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. and PNC Capital Markets LLC, as joint lead arrangers and bookrunners, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent and PNC Bank, N.A., as syndication agent and Regions Bank, U.S. Bank N.A., and BMO Capital Markets as documentation agents and the other financial institutions parties thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2010).
31.1*   Certification of the Principal Executive Officer of the Company, pursuant to Securities Exchange Act Rules 13a-14(a) as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2*   Certification of the Chief Financial Officer of the Company, pursuant to Securities Exchange Act Rules 13a-14(a) as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.1*   Certification of the Principal Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of the Company, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

*

Filed herewith.