For The Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2004
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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 


 

FORM 10-K

 


 

(Mark One)

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

 

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004

 

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 0-25739

 


 

WELLS REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 


 

Maryland   58-2328421

(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)

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code (770) 449-7800

 


 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12 (b) of the Act:

 

Title of each class


 

Name of exchange on which registered


NONE   NONE

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12 (g) of the Act:

 

COMMON STOCK

(Title of Class)

 

COMMON STOCK

(Title of Class)

 


 

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 if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of Registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.    x

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).     Yes  x    No  ¨

 

Aggregate market value of the voting stock held by nonaffiliates:             

 

While there is no established market for the Registrant’s shares of voting stock, the Registrant has offered and sold shares of its voting stock pursuant to a Form S-11 Registration Statement under the Securities Act of 1933 at a price of $10 per share. The number of shares of common stock outstanding as of February 28, 2005 was approximately 473,508,123.

 

Documents Incorporated by Reference:

 

Registrant incorporates by reference portions of the Wells Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc. Definitive Proxy Statement for the 2005 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (Items 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14 of Part III) to be filed no later than April 30, 2005.

 


 

 


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CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

Certain statements contained in this Form 10-K of Wells Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc. (“Wells REIT”) 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 safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements contained in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as applicable by law. Such statements include, in particular, statements about our plans, strategies, and prospects and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, as well as 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 Securities and Exchange Commission. We make no representation or warranty (express or implied) about the accuracy of any such forward-looking statements contained in this Form 10-K, 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 unknown 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 results, our ability to meet such forward-looking statements, including our ability to generate positive cash flow from operations, provide dividends to stockholders, and maintain the value of our real estate properties, may be significantly hindered. Following are some of the risks and uncertainties, although not all risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those presented in our forward-looking statements:

 

General economic risks

 

    Adverse changes in general economic conditions or local conditions;

 

    Adverse economic conditions affecting the particular industry of one or more of our tenants;

 

Real estate risks

 

    Our ability to achieve appropriate occupancy levels resulting in sufficient rental amounts;

 

    Supply of or demand for similar or competing rentable space which may impact our ability to retain or obtain new tenants at lease expiration at acceptable rental amounts;

 

    Tenant ability or willingness to satisfy obligations relating to our lease agreements;

 

    Higher than expected property operating expenses, including property taxes, insurance, property management fees, and other costs at our properties;

 

    Our ability to secure adequate insurance at reasonable and appropriate rates to avoid uninsured losses or losses in excess of insured amounts;

 

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    Discovery of previously undetected environmentally hazardous or other undetected defects or adverse conditions at our properties;

 

    Our ability to invest dividend reinvestment plan proceeds to acquire properties at appropriate amounts that provide acceptable returns;

 

    Our potential need to fund tenant improvements, lease-up costs, or other capital expenditures out of operating cash flow;

 

    Unexpected costs of capital expenditures, including those related to tenant build-out projects;

 

    Our ability to sell a property when desirable at an acceptable return, including the ability of the purchaser to satisfy any continuing obligations to us;

 

Financing and equity risks

 

    Our continued access to adequate credit facilities or other debt financing and refinancing as appropriate;

 

    Our ability to pay amounts to our lenders before any distributions to our stockholders;

 

    Changes in interest rates related to our variable rate debt;

 

    Lender-required restrictive covenants relating to our operations, and our ability to satisfy such restrictions;

 

    Possible limitations on our ability to borrow funds in the future that may result from our participation in the Section 1031 Exchange Program sponsored by affiliates of Wells Capital, Inc. (“Wells Capital”);

 

    Future demand for our equity securities through our dividend reinvestment plan;

 

    Potential changes to our share redemption program or dividend reinvestment plan;

 

    The amount of redemptions or prices paid in future periods for redeemed shares under the share redemption program, approved by our board of directors;

 

Other operational risks

 

    Our ability to continue to qualify as a REIT for tax purposes;

 

    Our dependency on Wells Capital and its affiliates and their key personnel for various administrative services;

 

    Our reliance on third-parties to appropriately manage our properties;

 

    Wells Capital’s ability to attract and retain high quality personnel who can provide acceptable service levels and generate economies of scale over time;

 

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    Higher than expected administrative operating expenses, including expenses associated with operating as a public company;

 

    Changes in governmental, tax, real estate, environmental, and zoning laws and regulations and the related costs of compliance;

 

    Our ability to comply with any governmental, tax, real estate, environmental, and zoning laws and regulations; and

 

    Our ability to generate sufficient cash flow from operations to be able to maintain our dividend at its current level.

 

[THE REMAINDER OF THIS PAGE IS INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]

 

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PART I

ITEM 1. BUSINESS

 

General

 

Wells REIT is a Maryland corporation formed on July 3, 1997, which commenced operations on June 5, 1998 and qualifies as a real estate investment trust (“REIT”). Substantially all of our business is conducted through Wells Operating Partnership, L.P. (“Wells OP”), a Delaware limited partnership, or Wells OP’s subsidiaries. Wells REIT is the sole general partner of Wells OP. Wells OP owns properties directly or through wholly-owned subsidiaries, and Wells OP has also entered into certain joint ventures with real estate limited partnership programs sponsored by Wells Capital, Inc. (“Wells Capital”) or its affiliates, as well as certain joint ventures with parties not otherwise affiliated with Wells Capital or us. We do not consolidate the joint ventures with affiliates of Wells Capital based on the terms of the joint venture agreements and the lack of control. The joint ventures with those not otherwise affiliated with us or Wells Capital are consolidated in the accompanying consolidated financial statements, as we control these ventures. References to Wells REIT, we, us, or our herein shall include all subsidiaries of Wells REIT including Wells OP, its subsidiaries, and the consolidated joint ventures.

 

Our stock is not listed on a national exchange. However, our articles of incorporation currently require that we begin the process of liquidating our investments and distributing the resulting proceeds to our stockholders if our shares are not listed on a national exchange by January 30, 2008. Our articles of incorporation can only be amended by a proxy vote of our stockholders.

 

We engage in the acquisition and ownership of commercial real estate properties primarily consisting of high grade office and industrial buildings leased to large corporate tenants located throughout the United States, including properties that are under construction, are newly constructed or have operating histories. As of December 31, 2004, all properties currently owned by us are office buildings, warehouses, and manufacturing facilities or some combination thereof. However, we are not limited to such investments.

 

As of December 31, 2004, we owned interests in 112 properties, either directly or through joint ventures, comprising approximately 25.4 million square feet of commercial office space located in 26 states and the District of Columbia. As of December 31, 2004, these properties were approximately 97.4% leased.

 

Real Estate Investment Objectives

 

Our primary investment objectives are to maximize cash dividends paid to our investors; to preserve, protect, and return our investors’ capital contributions; and to realize growth in the value of our properties upon our ultimate sale of such properties.

 

In determining the appropriateness of an investment in real estate, we consider the quality of the creditworthiness of the tenants, the real estate, and the impact of the acquisition on our portfolio as a whole with regard to diversification by geography, tenants, industry group of tenants, and timing of lease expirations. The location of the property, its appropriateness for any development contemplated or in progress, its income producing capacity, and the prospects for long-range appreciation and liquidity are each considered in evaluating the quality of the real estate.

 

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We have developed specific standards for determining creditworthiness of tenants of buildings being considered for acquisition or at the time of signing a new lease at an existing building. Creditworthy tenants of the type we target have become highly valued in the marketplace and, accordingly, there is increased competition in acquiring properties with these creditworthy tenants. Although authorized to enter into leases with any type of tenant, a majority of our tenants are large corporations or other entities which have a net worth in excess of $100 million or whose lease obligations were guaranteed by another corporation or entity with a net worth in excess of $100 million.

 

As a result of the continued focus on quality real estate and creditworthy tenants in the market, the purchase prices for such properties have increased with corresponding reductions in cap rates and returns on investment. We have remained steadfast in our commitment to invest in quality properties that will produce quality income for our stockholders.

 

Our investment philosophy emphasizes diversification of our portfolio for geographic locations, industry group of tenants and timing of lease expirations. Prior to acquisition we perform an assessment to ensure that our portfolio is diversified with regard to these criteria to minimize the impact on our portfolio of significant factors affecting a single geographic area, type of property or industry group of tenants. Additionally, we analyze annual lease expirations in an attempt to minimize the impact on the cash flows from operations of the portfolio as a whole for properties that may be vacant until released.

 

We anticipate that in future periods we will continue to acquire additional properties which meet our investment objectives with regard to quality and dispose of certain properties in order to continue to position the portfolio at an acceptable range of diversification for criterion; however, the number and mix of properties we acquire will largely depend upon the real estate and market conditions and other circumstances existing at the time we acquire the properties. We anticipate that future funds for acquisitions will come from a variety of sources, including cash flows after dividends paid, proceeds we receive from our dividend reinvestment plan, net proceeds from property dispositions and additional borrowings.

 

Generally, we are responsible for the replacement of specific structural components of a property such as the roof of the building or the parking lot. However, the majority of our leases are generally what we refer to as “economically net” leases. An “economically net” lease provides that in addition to making its lease payments, the tenant is required to pay directly or to reimburse us for real estate taxes, sales and use taxes, special assessments, utilities, insurance and building repairs, and other building operation and management costs. “Economically net” leases help protect us from rising costs. Upon expiration of leases at our properties, our objective is to negotiate our leases so they also will be “economically net” leases; however, the conditions in each of our markets could dictate different outcomes and may result in less favorable reimbursement rates.

 

Financing Objectives

 

To date we have financed our acquisitions through a combination of equity raised in our public offerings and debt we incurred or assumed upon the acquisition of certain properties. We anticipate that future acquisitions will be funded primarily through existing or future debt arrangements, proceeds we raise pursuant to our dividend reinvestment plan and net proceeds we receive from the sale of existing properties.

 

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Our articles of incorporation limit borrowings to 50% of the aggregate value of all properties. While we do not intend to reach this leverage limit, we do intend to maintain amounts outstanding under long-term debt arrangements or lines of credit so more funds will be available for investment in properties, which provides a more diversified portfolio. Currently, management intends to operate at a debt ratio well below the 50% limit. However, this range may change depending upon various factors to be considered in the sole discretion of our board of directors, including but not limited to, our ability to pay dividends in accordance with our investment objectives, the composition of our portfolio, the availability of properties meeting our investment criteria, the availability of debt or changes in the cost of debt financing.

 

During 2004, we obtained new debt facilities to replace our outstanding lines of credit existing throughout the year in order to move towards a greater percentage of fixed rate debt along with a smaller line of credit at a variable rate used primarily for short-term working capital needs. These agreements will result in higher interest rates in certain periods of lower interest rates, but will decrease our exposure to potential increases in interest rates in the future.

 

Operating Objectives

 

As we have completed our initial acquisition phase, our operational performance of the portfolio becomes of greater importance. As such, we will be focusing on a number of key initiatives, such as:

 

    Evaluating selective property dispositions that will improve the overall quality and economic performance of our portfolio over the long term;

 

    Negotiating strategic renewals or lease extensions that expire in either the next few years or at times in which we believe it is important to make adjustments to our lease expiration exposure;

 

    Ensuring that we enter into leases at market rents, upon lease expiration and with regard to currently vacant space at our properties, so that we receive the maximum returns on our properties as permitted by the market;

 

    Considering appropriate actions, for expirations in future periods, to ensure that we can position the property appropriately to retain the tenants at lease expiration or negotiate lease amendments lengthening the term of the lease resulting in the receipt of increased rents over the long term as allowed by the market; and

 

    Reducing operating expenses as a percentage of revenues as we take advantage of certain economies of scale.

 

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Employees

 

Wells REIT has no direct employees. Under the terms of various agreements with Wells REIT, Wells Capital and Wells Management Company, Inc. (“Wells Management”) billed Wells REIT for their services based on time spent by administrative personnel to perform a variety of services outlined in the various agreements. These expenses are included in general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of income. These expenses totaled $8.4 million, $3.9 million, and $2.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

 

Insurance

 

We believe that our properties are adequately insured.

 

Competition

 

As the leasing of real estate is highly competitive, we will experience competition for tenants from owners and managers of competing projects. As a result, we may be required to provide rent concessions, incur charges for tenant improvements and other inducements, or we may not be able to timely lease the space, all of which would adversely impact our results of operations. At the time we elect to acquire additional properties, we will compete with other buyers who are interested in the property, which may result in an increase in the cost that we pay for the property or may result in us ultimately not being able to acquire the property. At the time we elect to dispose of one or more of our properties, we will be in competition with sellers of similar properties to locate suitable purchasers for properties, which may result in us receiving lower proceeds from the disposal or result in us not being able to dispose of the property due to the lack of an acceptable return.

 

Economic Dependency

 

We have engaged Wells Management and Wells Capital to provide asset management and advisory services, to supervise the management and leasing of our properties, and to assume various other administrative responsibilities for us including accounting services, shareholder communications, and investor relations. Refer to Note 11 of the accompanying consolidated financial statements included in this report for details of the fees paid to Wells Management and Wells Capital during the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002.

 

As a result of the above relationships, we are dependent upon Wells Management, Wells Capital and other affiliates of Wells Capital to provide certain services, which are essential to us including certain asset management and property management services, asset acquisition and disposition services and other administrative responsibilities under agreements, all of which have terms of one year.

 

Wells Capital and Wells Management are both owned and controlled by Wells Real Estate Funds, Inc. (“WREF”). The operations of Wells Capital, Wells Management and Wells Investment Securities, Inc. (“WIS”) represent substantially all of the business of WREF. In light of their common ownership and their importance to WREF, we focus on the financial condition of WREF when assessing the financial condition of Wells Capital and Wells Management. In the event that WREF were to become unable to meet its obligations as they become due, we might be required to find alternative service providers.

 

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For the six months ended December 31, 2004, operating revenues for WREF on a consolidated basis exceeded operating expenses by approximately $5.8 million, and WREF is also expecting revenues to exceed expenses during 2005. For the year ended December 31, 2004, operating expenses for WREF exceeded operating revenues by $11.6 million. WREF believes it has adequate cash availability from funds on hand in order to meet its obligations. In the first two quarters of 2004, WREF incurred net losses primarily as a result of revenues from acquisition, advisory, asset management services and property management services being less than the costs to provide such services. In planning for 2004, WREF anticipated it would incur short-term losses and reserved adequate funds to cover any shortfall in revenues due to the fact that Wells Real Estate Investment Trust II, Inc. (“Wells REIT II”), another sponsored product of WREF, was a new product that would generate revenues to WREF significantly less than those realized in 2003.

 

Additionally, we are dependent upon the ability of our current tenants to pay their contractual rent amounts as the rents become due. The inability of a tenant to pay future rental amounts would have a negative impact on our results of operations. As of December 31, 2004, no tenant represents more than 10% of our future rental income under non-cancelable leases or 10% of our current year rent revenues. We are not aware of any reason that our current tenants will not be able to pay their contractual rental amounts, in all material respects, as they become due. If certain situations prevent our tenants from paying contractual rents, this could result in a material adverse impact on our results of operations.

 

Litigation Against Related Parties

 

During early 2004, a putative class action complaint was filed against, among others, Leo. F. Wells, III, the president and a director of Wells REIT, Wells Capital, and Wells Management. The Court granted the plaintiffs’ motion to permit voluntary dismissal of this suit, and it was dismissed without prejudice. In November 2004, the same plaintiffs filed a second putative class action complaint against, among others, Mr. Wells, Wells Capital, and Wells Management. On January 28, 2005, the defendants filed motions to dismiss the plaintiffs’ claims. The Court has not yet ruled on those motions. The details of both complaints are outlined below.

 

As a matter of background, on or about March 12, 2004, a putative class action complaint (the “Original Complaint”) was filed by four individuals (the “plaintiffs”) against Wells Real Estate Fund I (“Wells Fund I”), and Wells Fund I’s general partners, Wells Capital and Leo F. Wells, III, who is the president and a director of Wells REIT, as well as Wells Management and WIS (Hendry et al. v. Leo F. Wells, III et al., Superior Court of Gwinnett County, Georgia, Civil Action No. 04-A-2791 2). Wells Fund I is a public limited partnership. The plaintiffs filed the Original Complaint purportedly on behalf of all limited partners holding B units of Wells Fund I as of January 15, 2003. The Original Complaint alleged, among other things, that (a) the general partners, WIS, and Wells Fund I negligently and fraudulently made false statements and material omissions in connection with the initial sale (September 6, 1984 - September 5, 1986) of the B units to investors of Wells Fund I by making false statements and omissions in sales literature relating to the distribution of net sale proceeds to holders of B units, among other things; (b) the general partners and Wells Fund I negligently and fraudulently misrepresented and concealed disclosure of, among other things, alleged discrepancies between such statements and provisions in the partnership agreement for a period of time in order to delay such investors from taking any legal, equitable or other action to protect their investments in Wells Fund I, among other reasons; (c) Mr. Wells and Wells Management breached an alleged contract arising out of a June 2000 consent solicitation to the limited partners; and (d) the general partners and Wells Fund I breached fiduciary duties to the limited partners. On June 3, 2004, the Court granted the plaintiffs’ motion to permit voluntary dismissal, and the Original Complaint was dismissed without prejudice.

 

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On or about November 24, 2004, the plaintiffs filed a second putative class action complaint (the “Complaint”) against Mr. Wells, Wells Capital, Wells Management, and Wells Fund I (Hendry et al. v. Leo F. Wells, III et al., Superior Court of Gwinnett County, Georgia, Civil Action No. 04A-13051 6). The plaintiffs filed the Complaint purportedly on behalf of all limited partners holding B units of Wells Fund I as of January 9, 2002. The Complaint alleges, among other things, that the general partners breached their fiduciary duties to the limited partners by, among other things, (a) failing to timely disclose alleged inconsistencies between sales literature and the partnership agreement relating to the distribution of net sale proceeds; (b) engaging in a scheme to fraudulently conceal alleged inconsistencies between sales literature and the partnership agreement relating to the distribution of net sale proceeds; and (c) not accepting a settlement offer proposed by a holder of A units and a holder of A and B units in other litigation naming Wells Fund I as a defendant, in which other litigation the court subsequently granted summary judgment in favor of Wells Fund I. The Complaint also alleges that misrepresentations and omissions in an April 2002 consent solicitation to the limited partners caused that consent solicitation to be materially misleading. In addition, the Complaint alleges, among other things, that the general partners and Wells Management breached an alleged contract arising out of a June 2000 consent solicitation to the limited partners relating to an alleged waiver of deferred management fees.

 

The plaintiffs seek, among other remedies, the following: judgment against the general partners of Wells Fund I, jointly and severally, in an amount to be proven at trial; punitive damages; disgorgement of fees earned by the general partners directly or through their affiliates; a declaration that the consent obtained as a result of an April 2002 consent solicitation is null and void; enforcement of an alleged contract arising out of the June 2000 consent solicitation to waive Wells Management’s deferred management fees; and an award to plaintiffs of their attorneys’ fees, costs and expenses. The Complaint states that Wells Fund I is named only as a necessary party defendant and that the plaintiffs seek no money from or relief at the expense of Wells Fund I. On January 28, 2005, the defendants filed motions to dismiss the plantiffs’ claims. The Court has not yet ruled on those motions. Due to the uncertainties inherent in the litigation process, it is not possible to predict the ultimate outcome of this matter at this time. However, an adverse outcome could adversely affect the ability of Wells Capital, Wells Management, WIS, and Mr. Wells to fulfill their duties under the agreements and relationships they have with us.

 

Web Site Address

 

Access to copies of each of our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, proxy statements, and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), including any amendments to such filings, may be obtained free of charge from the following website, http://www.wellsref.com, through a link to the http://www.sec.gov website. These filings are available promptly after we file them with, or furnish them to, the SEC.

 

ITEM 2. PROPERTIES

 

As of December 31, 2004, we own interests in 112 properties. Of these properties, 93 are wholly-owned and three properties are owned through consolidated joint ventures. All of these properties are included in our consolidated financial statements. The remaining 16 properties are owned through joint ventures with affiliates of Wells Capital. The majority of assets are commercial office buildings located in 26 states and the District of Columbia. As of December 31, 2004, our properties were approximately 97.4% leased with an average lease term remaining of approximately 7.1 years.

 

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Property Statistics

 

The following table shows lease expirations of our portfolio as of December 31, 2004, during each of the next ten years and thereafter, assuming no exercise of renewal options or termination rights.

 

Year of

Lease

Expiration


 

2004 Annualized

Gross Base Rent

(in thousands)


 

Rentable Square

Feet Expiring

(in thousands)


 

Percentage of 2004

Annualized Gross

Base Rent


 

Vacant

  $ 0   675   0 %

2005

    17,179   655   3 %

2006

    30,643   942   5 %

2007

    31,169   1,117   5 %

2008

    27,810   1,124   5 %

2009

    45,210   1,688   8 %

2010

    84,112   3,776   14 %

2011

    83,698   4,839   14 %

2012

    89,860   3,686   15 %

2013

    71,568   2,724   12 %

2014

    31,910   1,230   5 %

Thereafter

    67,859   2,916   14 %
   

 
 

    $ 581,018   25,372   100 %
   

 
 

 

The following table shows the geographic diversification of our portfolio as of December 31, 2004.

 

Location


  

2004 Annualized

Gross Base Rents

(in thousands)


  

Rentable Square

Feet

(in thousands)


  

Percentage of 2004

Annualized Gross
Base Rents


 

Chicago

   $ 130,610    4,640    22 %

Washington, D.C.

     79,059    2,208    14 %

N. New Jersey

     38,704    1,617    7 %

Minneapolis

     33,083    1,230    6 %

Detroit

     26,257    1,097    5 %

Dallas

     25,967    1,450    4 %

New York

     25,424    986    4 %

Boston

     23,964    586    4 %

Atlanta

     23,767    992    4 %

Los Angeles

     20,822    682    4 %

Orange Co.

     18,039    1,089    3 %

Other*

     135,322    8,795    23 %
    

  
  

     $ 581,018    25,372    100 %
    

  
  


* - None more than 3%

 

 

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The following table shows the tenant industry diversification of our portfolio as of December 31, 2004.

 

Industry


  

2004 Annualized

Gross Base Rent

(in thousands)


  

Rentable

Square Feet

(in thousands)


  

Percentage of 2004

Annualized Gross
Base Rent


 

Business Services

   $ 71,454    3,301    12 %

Depository Institutions

     48,423    1,851    8 %

Nondepository Institutions

     37,603    1,979    6 %

Insurance Carriers

     35,399    1,661    6 %

Legal Services

     34,277    1,068    6 %

Electronic & Other Electric Equipment

     28,174    1,599    5 %

Communication

     26,995    1,058    5 %

Transportation Equipment

     22,205    1,011    4 %

Administration Of Economic Programs

     21,879    599    4 %

Insurance Agents, Brokers, & Service

     21,656    610    4 %

Finance, Taxation, & Monetary Policy

     20,410    548    4 %

Food And Kindred Products

     19,065    631    3 %

Other*

     193,478    9,456    33 %
    

  
  

     $ 581,018    25,372    100 %
    

  
  


* - None more than 3%

 

The following table shows the tenant diversification of our portfolio as of December 31, 2004.

 

Location


   2004 Annualized
Gross Base Rent
(in thousands)


  

Percentage of 2004
Annualized Gross

Base Rent


 

BP Amoco

   $ 28,890    5 %

NASA

     21,685    4 %

Leo Burnett

     19,742    3 %

US Bancorp

     19,348    3 %

Nestle

     15,921    3 %

OCC

     14,547    3 %

Independence Blue Cross

     12,904    2 %

Winston & Strawn

     12,761    2 %

Kirkland & Ellis

     12,304    2 %

Nokia

     12,243    2 %

State of New York

     11,041    2 %

Aventis

     10,299    2 %

Zurich

     9,693    2 %

Cingular

     9,208    2 %

DDB Needham

     8,909    2 %

State Street Bank

     8,264    1 %

US National Park Service

     8,236    1 %

Caterpillar Financial

     8,219    1 %

Bank of America

     7,574    1 %

Lockheed Martin

     7,422    1 %

Other

     321,808    56 %
    

  

     $ 581,018    100 %
    

  


* - None more than 2%

 

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Certain Restrictions Related to our Properties

 

Control of certain properties is limited to a certain extent because the properties are owned through joint ventures with affiliates of Wells Capital or others not otherwise affiliated with Wells Capital or us. Refer to the sections below discussing the joint ventures for restrictions related to the operations and other investment decisions.

 

Certain properties we own are subject to ground leases. Refer to Schedule III listed in the index of Item 15(a) of this report, which details properties subject to ground leases as of December 31, 2004.

 

Certain properties are held as collateral for debt. Refer to Schedule III listed in the index of Item 15(a) of this report, which details properties held as collateral for debt facilities as of December 31, 2004.

 

Unconsolidated Joint Ventures With Affiliates of Wells Capital

 

As of December 31, 2004, through our ownership in Wells OP, we own interests in certain properties through unconsolidated joint ventures with affiliates of Wells Capital as outlined below:

 

Joint Venture


  

Joint Venture Partners


  

Ownership
Percentage


  

Properties Held by Joint Venture


Fund XIII-REIT Joint Venture

  

Wells OP

Wells Real Estate Fund XIII, L.P.

   72%   

AmeriCredit Phoenix Building

ADIC Building

John Wiley Indianapolis Building

AIU Chicago Building

Fund XII-REIT Joint Venture

  

Wells OP

Wells Real Estate Fund XII, L.P.

   55%   

Siemens Building

AT&T Oklahoma Buildings

Comdata Building

Fund XI-XII-REIT Joint Venture

  

Wells OP

Wells Real Estate Fund XI, L.P.

Wells Real Estate Fund XII, L.P.

   57%   

111 Southchase Boulevard Building (f/k/a EYBL CarTex)

Sprint Building

Gartner Building (1)

Fund IX-X-XI-REIT Joint Venture

  

Wells OP

Wells Real Estate Fund IX, L.P.

Wells Real Estate Fund X, L.P.

Wells Real Estate Fund XI, L.P.

   4%   

Alstom Power Knoxville Building

Ohmeda Building

Interlocken Building

Avaya Building

Iomega Building

Wells/Freemont Associates Joint Venture (the “Freemont Joint Venture”)

  

Wells OP

Fund X-XI Joint Venture

   78%    Fairchild Building

Fund VIII-IX-REIT Joint Venture

  

Wells OP

Fund VIII-IX Joint Venture

   16%    (2)

(1) Fund XI-XII-REIT Joint Venture sold its interest in the Johnson Matthey Building on October 5, 2004 for approximately $10.0 million resulting in a gain of approximately $2.4 million, with approximately $1.4 million being allocated to Wells OP. The initial purchase price of the building was approximately $8.0 million. The sale proceeds allocable to Wells OP were approximately $5.5 million.

 

(2) Fund VIII-IX-REIT Joint Venture sold its interest in the 15253 Bake Parkway Building (formerly the Quest Building) on December 2, 2004 for approximately $12.4 million resulting in a gain of approximately $3.0 million, with approximately $0.5 million being allocated to Wells OP. The initial purchase price of the building was approximately $7.2 million. Proceeds from the sale were distributed to the respective partners resulting in minimal assets and liabilities remaining in Fund VIII-IX-REIT Joint Venture. The net sale proceeds allocable to Wells OP were approximately $1.9 million.

 

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The investment objectives of each joint venture above in which Wells OP is a partner with affiliates of Wells Capital are primarily consistent with our investment objectives. Through Wells OP, we are acting as the initial administrative venturer, as defined in the respective agreements, of each of the joint ventures included above, and as such, are responsible for establishing policies and operating procedures with respect to the business and affairs of each of these joint ventures with affiliates of Wells Capital. However, approval of the other joint venture partners is required for any major decision or any action that materially affects these joint ventures or their real property investments.

 

ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

We are from time to time a party to other legal proceedings which arise in the ordinary course of our business. We are not currently involved in any litigation the outcome of which would, in management’s judgment based on information currently available, have a material adverse effect on the results of operations or financial condition of us, nor is management aware of any such litigation threatened against us.

 

On October 9, 2003, Stephen L. Flood, the Luzerne County Controller, and the Luzerne County Retirement Board (“Luzerne Board”) on behalf of the Luzerne County Employee Retirement System (“Plan”) filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court, Middle District of Pennsylvania against 26 separate defendants, including us, WIS, and WREF, (collectively, the “Wells Defendants”).

 

On October 27, 2004, this lawsuit against the Wells Defendants was dismissed with prejudice. The dismissal was the result of a settlement agreement and release between the plantiffs and the Wells Defendants where we agreed to repurchase from the Plan all of the 1,346,754 shares of its common stock held by the Plan for approximately $12.8 million, the price originally paid for such stock, in exchange for a release by the plantiffs of all claims and counts against the Wells Defendants. These shares were not repurchased pursuant to our existing share redemption program.

 

ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

 

No matters were submitted to a vote of our stockholders during the fourth quarter of 2004.

 

(THE REMAINDER OF THIS PAGE IS INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK)

 

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PART II

 

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

 

As of February 28, 2005, we had approximately 473.5 million shares of common stock outstanding held by a total of approximately 117,000 stockholders. The number of stockholders is based on the records of Wells Capital, who serves as our registrar and transfer agent. Under our articles of incorporation, certain restrictions are imposed on the ownership and transfer of shares.

 

In order for NASD members and their associated persons to have participated in the offering and sale of shares of common stock pursuant to the fourth offering or to participate in any future offering of our shares, we are required pursuant to NASD Rule 2710(c)(6) to disclose in each annual report distributed to stockholders a per share estimated value of the shares, the method by which it was developed and the date of the data used to develop the estimated value. In addition, our Advisor must prepare annual statements of estimated share values to assist fiduciaries of retirement plans subject to the annual reporting requirements of ERISA in the preparation of their reports relating to an investment in our shares. For these purposes, the estimated value of the shares was deemed to be $10 per share as of December 31, 2004. The basis for this valuation is the fact that we recently completed a public offering of our shares at the price of $10 per share and, as set forth below, most of our shares redeemed in 2004 pursuant to our share redemption program were redeemed for $10 per share. However, as set forth below, there is no significant public trading market for the shares at this time, and there can be no assurance that stockholders could receive $10 per share if such a market did exist and they sold their shares or that they will be able to receive such amount for their shares in the future. Moreover, we have not performed an evaluation of our properties; as such, this valuation is not based upon the value of the properties, nor does it represent the amount stockholders would receive if our properties were sold and the proceeds distributed to our stockholders in a liquidation, which amount would most likely be less than $10 per share, because at the time we were purchasing our properties, the amount of funds available for investment in properties was reduced by approximately 14% of offering proceeds raised, which were used to pay selling commissions and dealer manager fees, organization and offering costs and acquisition and advisory fees and expenses, as described in more detail in the notes to our consolidated financial statements included in this report. As a result, it would be expected that, in the absence of other factors affecting property values, our aggregate net asset value would be less than the proceeds of our offerings and may not be the best indicator of the value of shares purchased as a long-term income-producing investment. Instead, we believe that, for a certain period after significant amounts of shares are sold to investors, the price paid by such investors may better reflect the estimated value of the shares. Our Prospectus provided that, for a period of three full fiscal years after we have ceased to sell significant amounts of shares, we expect to continue to use the latest offering price of our shares ($10 per common share) as the estimated per share value reported in our Annual Reports on Form 10-K. Because of this, we expect that the first estimated per share value will not be provided until after December 31, 2006. In addition, we believe that the fact that the vast majority of the shares redeemed in 2004 pursuant to our share redemption program were redeemed for $10 per share provides further support for the use of $10 per share as our estimated per share value.

 

As our stock is currently not listed on a national exchange, there is no significant public trading market for our stock. Consequently, there is the risk that a stockholder may not be able to sell our

 

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stock at a time or price acceptable to the stockholder. Our board of directors has authorized a share redemption program for investors who have held their shares for more than one year, subject to the limitation that (i) during any calendar year, we will not redeem in excess of 3% (increasing to 5% in 2005) of the weighted average common shares outstanding during the prior calendar year, and (ii) in no event shall the aggregate amount of redemptions under our share redemption program exceed aggregate proceeds received from the sale of shares pursuant to our dividend reinvestment plan.

 

Any shares we redeem pursuant to our share redemption program are purchased at the lesser of $10 per share or the purchase price paid by the stockholder. We are under no obligation to redeem shares under our share redemption program, and our board of directors may amend or terminate the share redemption program at any time upon 30 days’ notice.

 

On December 29, 2004, our board of directors suspended our share redemption program until March 2005. Then, on February 23, 2005, our board of directors amended the share redemption program to, among other things, increase the limitation on the dollar value of share redemptions beginning in 2005 from 3% of the value of weighted average shares outstanding for the previous year to 5%. For further discussion of this change, see Item 7, “Short-Term Liquidity and Capital Resources”, and Item 7, “Subsequent Events”.

 

Distributions

 

We intend to make distributions each taxable year (not including a return of capital for federal income tax purposes) equal to at least 90% of our taxable income. We intend to pay regular quarterly dividend distributions to our stockholders. Dividends will be made to those stockholders who are stockholders as of the dividend record dates.

 

Quarterly dividend distributions made to stockholders during 2003 and 2004 were as follows:

 

Distribution for Quarter Ended


  

Total Cash

Distributed

(in thousands)


  

Per Share

Investment

Income


  

Per Share

Return of

Capital


  

Per Share

Capital
Gains


March 31, 2003

   $ 39,650    $ 0.123    $ 0.052    $ —  

June 30, 2003

     47,955      0.123      0.052      —  

September 30, 2003

     59,437      0.123      0.052      —  

December 31, 2003

     72,079      0.123      0.052      —  

March 31, 2004

     81,400      0.123      0.047      .005

June 30, 2004

     81,300      0.123      0.047      .005

September 30, 2004

     81,573      0.123      0.047      .005

December 31, 2004

     82,099      0.123      0.047      .005

 

The fourth quarter 2004 dividends declared for stockholders of record as of December 15, 2004, were paid to stockholders in December 2004.

 

Approximately 70%, 70% and 77% of the dividends paid during the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively, were taxable to the investor as ordinary taxable income with the remaining amount tax deferred. The amount of dividends paid and taxable portion in prior periods are not necessarily indicative or predictive of amounts anticipated in future periods.

 

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Redemptions

 

During the quarter ended December 31, 2004, we redeemed shares pursuant to our share redemption program (in thousands, except per share data) as follows:

 

Period


   Approximate
Number of Shares
Redeemed (1)


  

Approximate
Average Price

Paid per Share


  

Maximum Approximate Dollar Value
of Shares Available that May Yet Be

Redeemed Under the Plan (2)


October 2004

   284    $ 10.00    $ 672

November 2004

   6    $ 10.00      617

December 2004

   19    $ 10.00      431

(1) All shares redeemed were redeemed under our share redemption program, as amended.
(2) See Note 7 to our consolidated financial statements for a description of the limits on redemptions under our share redemption program.

 

Shares Repurchased Outside of Share Redemption Program

 

As discussed under “Legal Proceedings” above, on October 27, 2004 we repurchased 1,346,754 shares of common stock for approximately $12.8 million, the price originally paid for such stock, in exchange for the settlement of a legal proceeding. These shares were not repurchased pursuant to our share redemption program.

 

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ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

 

The following sets forth a summary of our selected financial data for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001 and 2000 in thousands, except for per share data.

 

     2004

    2003

    2002

    2001

    2000

 

Total assets

   $ 5,123,689     $ 4,925,292     $ 2,229,727     $ 752,281     $ 398,550  

Total stockholders’ equity

     3,686,870       3,962,406       1,835,950       709,343       265,342  

Outstanding debt

     890,182       612,514       248,195       8,124       127,663  

Outstanding long-term debt

     888,622       500,167       152,038       469       26,191  

Obligations under capital leases

     64,500       64,500       54,500       22,000       —    

Total revenues (1)

     622,092       377,555       124,441       47,743       19,368  

Income from continuing operations

     197,432       119,639       58,438       20,449       7,146  

Discontinued operations (1)

     12,290       1,046       1,416       1,275       1,407  

Net income

   $ 209,722     $ 120,685     $ 59,854     $ 21,724     $ 8,553  

Funds from operations (2)

   $ 364,992     $ 240,752     $ 101,798     $ 40,584     $ 17,500  

Cash flows from operations

     328,873       247,231       111,960       46,588       10,849  

Cash flows used in investing activities

     (252,667 )     (2,217,442 )     (1,369,926 )     (278,845 )     (252,846 )

Cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities

     (89,548 )     1,989,216       1,227,844       303,544       243,365  

Dividends paid

     (326,372 )     (219,121 )     (104,996 )     (36,737 )     (16,971 )

Per share data:

                                        

Earnings per share - basic and diluted

   $ 0.45     $ 0.37     $ 0.41     $ 0.43     $ 0.40  

Funds from operations per share

   $ 0.78     $ 0.74     $ 0.70     $ 0.79     $ 0.81  

Dividends declared

   $ 0.70     $ 0.70     $ 0.76     $ 0.76     $ 0.73  

(1) Prior period amounts adjusted to conform with current income statement groupings, as well as presentation of revenues from sold properties in discontinued operations, for all periods presented.
(2) Refer to Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations for information regarding why we present funds from operations and for a reconciliation of this non-GAAP financial measure to net income.

 

ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the Selected Financial Data and our accompanying consolidated financial statements and notes thereto.

 

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Overview

 

We are a real estate investment company engaged in the investment and management of commercial real estate located throughout the United States. We operate as a real estate investment trust for federal income tax purposes. We have no paid employees and are externally advised and managed by Wells Capital and Wells Management.

 

During the years ended December 31, 2002 and 2003, we were raising capital through the issuance of common stock and investing the proceeds in income producing commercial real estate properties. In 2002, we raised approximately $1.3 billion and acquired 38 properties for approximately $1.4 billion. In 2003, we raised approximately $2.5 billion and acquired properties for approximately $2.7 billion. Our public offering of common stock ended in December 2003; however, we continued to raise capital though the sale of shares pursuant to our dividend reinvestment plan in 2004 and acquired six properties for approximately $298.8 million and sold one property for net proceeds of $30.6 million.

 

As of December 31, 2004, we owned and operated 112 properties directly or through joint ventures comprising approximately 25.4 million square feet located in 26 states and the District of Columbia. These properties were approximately 97.4% leased.

 

Our results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002 reflect growing revenues and expenses associated with the increase in the number of properties that we owned during those periods.

 

General Economic and Real Estate Market Commentary

 

Management reviews a number of economic forecasts and market commentaries in order to evaluate general economic conditions and formulate a view the current environment’s effect on the real estate markets in which we operate.

 

Management believes that the U.S. economy is continuing on the path of slow, but steady recovery. Job growth is improving, with 2.2 million jobs created in 2004, and with another 2.4 to 2.8 million projected to be added in 2005. GDP growth and renewed business confidence are fueling the job growth. However, uncertainty still exists in the economy, primarily due to high oil prices, the war in Iraq, the trade deficit, and other global issues.

 

The U.S. office real estate market has begun to show modest improvement. The strength of the overall economy is having a positive impact on office real estate fundamentals. Positive absorption of office space combined with a decline in new construction has contributed to the increase in office occupancy rates for three consecutive quarters. Although occupancy rates have increased, management does not expect that they will rise by more than 200 basis points annually. As a result, management anticipates that it could be a minimum of two to three years before vacancy rates reach the equilibrium level of ten to twelve percent. Average asking rates stabilized in the second half of 2004. Management believes that renewed employment growth should benefit the office market; however, the uncertainty that still exists in the economy is causing many firms to continue to be more cautious with their investment and hiring decisions. Importantly, management believes the pace and strength of the recovery for office real estate will vary by market. Market conditions vary widely by geographical region, metropolitan area, submarket, and property.

 

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The real estate capital transaction market continues to be very active. Capitalization rates (“cap rates”) have continued to decline in spite of the fact that the Federal Reserve increased the Federal Funds Rate five times in 2004. Management believes that the decline in cap rates is predominately driven by increased capital flows into real estate. The spread between average cap rates and 10-year U.S. Treasuries narrowed in 2004; however, this was primarily due to a drop in cap rates rather than a rise in 10-year U.S. Treasuries. In management’s opinion, absent a significant move in interest rates or a significant decrease in the number of parties interested in acquiring real estate, cap rates are not expected to increase significantly from their current levels in 2005.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

From the commencement of our initial public offering in January 1998 through December 31, 2003, we raised significant funds through the sale of our common stock in four public offerings. Proceeds from these sales of common stock, net of offering costs and expenses, were used primarily for the acquisition of real estate properties and for certain capital expenditures identified at the time of acquiring certain properties. We do not anticipate receiving significant proceeds in the future from the sale of our common stock as all remaining shares under the fourth and final offering were sold during the year ended December 31, 2003. We expect to continue to receive proceeds from the sale of shares issued under our dividend reinvestment plan; however, a significant portion of these funds may be used to fund redemptions of our shares of common stock.

 

We expect that our primary source of future cash flows will be cash provided by operating activities that are primarily generated from the operations of our properties and distributions from our unconsolidated joint ventures. Additionally, we expect to generate cash through the selective and strategic sale of certain operating properties. The amount of dividends we pay to our stockholders will be dependent upon the amount of cash we generate from operating activities and on our expectations of future cash flows and determination of near term cash needs for capital improvements, tenant re-leasing, share redemptions and debt repayments. However, special dividends may be paid to distribute some or all of the net proceeds from property sales to our stockholders.

 

Short–Term Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

During the year ended December 31, 2004, we generated approximately $328.9 million of cash flow from operating activities. This cash was generated primarily from revenues at our properties and cash flow distributions from our unconsolidated joint ventures net of cash paid for direct property operating expenses, management and advisory fees, general administrative expenses, and interest expense. From cash flows from operating activities, we paid dividends to stockholders of approximately $326.4 million. Other than dividends paid to stockholders, our most significant use of cash during the year ended December 31, 2004 was the purchase of six properties and capital expenditures at existing properties totaling approximately $271.6 million. We funded the purchase of these properties with (1) proceeds from the issuance of common stock under our dividend reinvestment plan, net of commissions and selling expenses and net of amounts used to redeem shares under our share redemption program; (2) net new borrowings under lines of credit and notes payable; and (3) proceeds from the sale of assets.

 

With respect to the cash generated from issuance of common stock, we raised $194.9 million from the dividend reinvestment plan and paid approximately $32.9 million in commissions and

 

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offering costs, a portion of which relates to the payment of fees accrued at December 31, 2003. During the year ended December 31, 2004, we redeemed approximately $96.8 million in shares under the terms of our share redemption program and paid approximately $12.8 million to repurchase shares from an investor in settlement of a pending lawsuit. (See “Litigation” below.)

 

With respect to net new borrowings in 2004, we received approximately $1.0 billion in gross proceeds from lines of credit and notes payable, and repaid approximately $825.1 million. Included in the new borrowings were three secured loans. On April 20, 2004, we closed on a $200 million 10-year term loan collateralized by the AON Center Chicago Building; on May 25, 2004, we obtained a $350 million 10-year term loan facility with Morgan Stanley; and on December 9, 2004 we closed on a $35.7 million term loan secured by the 3100 Clarendon Boulevard Building. The $350 million 10-year term loan is non-recourse to Wells REIT and is secured by first priority mortgages against certain properties as discussed in Note 4 of the accompanying notes to our consolidated financial statements. In connection with these three new loans, we paid approximately $10.2 million in fees and expenses associated therewith. We used a substantial portion of the proceeds from the $200 million and $350 million 10-year term loans to repay in full and terminate our existing $500 million credit facility with Bank of America N.A. and reduce our exposure under other lines of credit.

 

During December 2004, we entered into a new $85 million secured revolving credit facility with SouthTrust Bank, N.A (“SouthTrust”) at LIBOR plus 1.5% maturing in December 2007. Our other existing secured revolving credit facility is a $50 million facility with Bank of America, N.A. (“Bank of America”) at LIBOR plus 1.75% maturing in June 2005. Each facility is secured by a pool of properties and the combined capacity on the facilities should provide us with additional financial flexibility to meet future capital needs such as funding of capital expenditures at properties and financing future repurchases of shares under our share redemption program.

 

In addition, we generated $30.6 million in proceeds from the sale of a four-story office building and 5.2 acres of adjacent land in Tampa, Florida. This property was acquired in December 1998 for approximately $21.2 million.

 

During 2005, we have contracted to sell 27 properties, some of which are owned jointly with affiliated entities, for a gross sales price of approximately $786.0 million pursuant to a contract with a third-party purchaser. Wells REITs share of the $786.0 million in gross sales price is approximately $760.3. The board of directors has considered several options for how to best use the net proceeds should the potential sale of these properties be successful. These options included, but are not limited to: (1) making a special distribution to stockholders in the form of a return of invested capital; (2) retaining the proceeds as cash for operating expenses; and (3) reinvesting the proceeds in properties or new property developments. While each of these options remains a viable possibility, due to the various contingencies and variables relating to this transaction, the board of directors has not yet made a final decision on this matter. However, the board of directors is strongly considering making a special distribution of net sales proceeds from this transaction to the stockholders as a return of their invested capital. As a result of this sale, the amount of cash generated by properties is expected to decrease and the amount available for quarterly dividends will decrease. We, therefore, expect the gross dollar value of dividends declared per share to decrease in future quarterly periods as compared to the gross dollar value of dividends declared before the sale of properties noted above. However, we currently anticipate that our dividend yield, as a percentage of stockholders’ remaining investment (after reduction by the amount of such special distribution, if made), will remain at 7% for the foreseeable future. Because we do not anticipate reducing debt with the proceeds of this sale and the amount of assets held will decrease as a result of the sale, we expect our ratio of debt to total assets to increase from approximately 17% as of December 31, 2004 to approximately 24% following the closing of this potential sale and potential special distribution of net sales proceeds to our stockholders.

 

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On February 23, 2005, we modified our share redemption program to increase the limitation on the dollar value of share redemptions in 2005 from 3% of the value of weighted average shares outstanding for the previous year to 5%. Of this amount, 15% will be reserved for redemptions upon the death of a stockholder and required minimum distributions under qualified defined contribution plans. Subject to these limitations, we expect to fulfill all outstanding redemption requests at the end of March 2005. We expect to fund these redemption payments with the use of additional debt, which may include obtaining one or more 10-year term loans secured by currently unencumbered properties. As a result of (1) a successful completion of the potential property sale transaction described above, and (2) the anticipated use of additional debt to fund redemptions under our share redemption plan, our debt as a percentage of total assets will increase, interest expense will increase, but shares outstanding will decrease as a result of redemptions under our share redemption program, allowing cash available for dividends per share to increase as the interest expense on the additional debt incurred is expected to be less than the dividends that would have been payable on the redeemed shares. (See “Subsequent Events” below.)

 

In 2005, we expect to use cash on hand or debt to fund capital expenditures at existing properties as we expect to pay substantially all of our cash generated from operating activities in dividends to stockholders.

 

Long–Term Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

We expect that our future sources of capital will be derived from net cash flows from property operations, proceeds from secured or unsecured financings from banks and other lenders, shares issued under our dividend reinvestment plan, net of proceeds used for share redemptions, and the selective and strategic sale of properties.

 

We anticipate our future long-term liquidity requirements will include, but not be limited to, scheduled debt maturities, renovations, expansions and other significant capital improvements at our properties and property acquisitions and investments in real estate ventures.

 

We expect substantially all net cash from operations will be used to pay dividends. To the extent that capital expenditures at our existing properties exceed excess operating cash flow, we may borrow to fund these capital expenditures. We are currently projecting that capital expenditures necessary at our existing properties will total approximately $304 million, including tenant improvements, leasing commissions, and building capital, over the next five years. To the degree that cash flows provided by operations are lower due to lower returns on properties, dividends paid may be lower. Proceeds raised from sales of shares under our dividend reinvestment plan in excess of amounts used to fund share redemptions may be utilized for capital improvements or expansion at our properties or to fund or partially fund new property acquisitions. Our cash flow from operations depends significantly on market rents and the ability of tenants to make rental payments. We believe that the diversity of our tenant base and the focus placed on relatively high credit quality tenants helps mitigate the risk of tenant bankruptcies. Conversely, economic downturns in general or in one or more of our core markets 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. In the event of either situation, our cash flow and consequently our ability to meet capital needs could adversely affect our ability to pay dividends at expected levels.

 

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The following table summarizes the scheduled aggregate principal repayment obligations, for the five years subsequent to December 31, 2004 (in thousands):

 

     Amount

2005

   $ 1,560

2006

     14,593

2007

     125,483

2008

     34,627

2009

     998

Thereafter

     712,921
    

Total

   $ 890,182
    

 

With respect to maturing obligations, we will evaluate various alternatives and select the best available options based on market conditions at the time. There can be no assurance, however, that the debt or equity capital markets will be favorable in the future.

 

Results of Operations

 

As of December 31, 2004, we owned interests in 112 real estate properties that were approximately 97.4% leased. Our results of operations have changed significantly for each period presented primarily as a result of the additional properties acquired each year from 2001 forward. We expect virtually all components of the statement of income will decrease in future periods as a result of the potential disposition of properties noted above, offset partially by a full year’s operations on assets acquired during the year ended December 31, 2004. However, we do not expect that the operating results of the remaining individual properties will change significantly in the near term as the rental revenues are generally based on long-term leases that do not allow for significant increases in rental income and the majority of our in-place leases do not expire in the near term. Additionally, we generally do not expect a significant increase in operating expenses at the remaining properties, but to the extent that operating expenses do increase, the majority of our in-place leases have clauses that require the tenant to bear the economic burden of such increases.

 

Comparison of the year ended December 31, 2004 vs. the year ended December 31, 2003

 

Rental income increased by $189.1 million to $485.1 million from $296.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2004. Of this increase, $182.2 million relates to properties acquired or developed subsequent to December 31, 2002. Tenant reimbursements increased by $48.4 million to $128.9 million from $80.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2004. Substantially all of this increase relates to properties acquired or developed subsequent to December 31, 2002. Rental income and tenant reimbursements in future periods as compared to historical periods are expected to decrease as a result of the potential disposition of properties noted above, offset slightly by a full year’s benefit from our 2004 property acquisitions.

 

Lease termination income was $8.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2004 as compared to $1.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2003. The income for the year ended 2004 primarily relates to one transaction, the termination of a portion of the Metris Direct, Inc. lease at

 

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the 10900 Wayzata Boulevard Building (f/k/a the Metris Minnesota Building). At the time of the lease termination, a new long-term lease was executed with Siemens Real Estate, Inc. for all of the vacated space. Lease termination income for the year ended 2003 relates primarily to PricewaterhouseCooper’s lease termination in the AON Center Chicago Building. Lease termination income for the year ended December 31, 2004 is not expected to be comparable to future periods as such income will be dependent upon the execution of such agreements that are deemed in the best interest of the portfolio over the long-term.

 

Property operating expenses were $186.2 million and $110.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively. Substantially all of the $75.9 million increase relates to properties acquired subsequent to December 31, 2002. Property operating costs represented 30% and 29% of the sum of the rental income and tenant reimbursements revenue amounts for the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively. Property operating expenses in future periods as compared to historical periods are expected to decrease as a result of the potential disposition of properties noted above, offset slightly by a full year’s effect from our 2004 property acquisitions.

 

Asset and property management fees increased by $12.1 million to $26.9 million from $14.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2004, and 2003, respectively. Of this increase, $9.6 million related to properties acquired or developed subsequent to December 31, 2002. The remaining increase was the result of our beginning to pay asset and management fees to Wells Management on buildings having government tenants and third-party management fees that were previously paid by Wells Management. These charges were pursuant to an agreement between Wells Management and us. Asset and property management fees represent approximately 4% of the sum of the rental income and tenant reimbursements revenue amounts in each year. Asset and property management fees in future periods as compared to historical periods are expected to decrease as a result of the potential disposition of properties noted above, offset slightly by a full year’s effect from our 2004 property acquisitions.

 

General and administrative costs were $17.2 million and $9.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively, representing approximately 3% of total revenues for the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003. General and administrative expenses are expected to remain relatively consistent in future periods in total and increase as a percentage of total revenues as a result of the potential disposition of properties noted above.

 

Depreciation expense decreased by $9.0 million to $97.2 million from $106.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively. The decrease is primarily due to that fact that we changed depreciable lives for building assets from 25 years to 40 years effective January 1, 2004, offset by a $47.6 million increase in depreciation expense related to properties acquired or developed subsequent to December 31, 2002. The change in depreciable lives during the year ended December 31, 2004 resulted in approximately $56.8 million less depreciation than if no change in depreciable lives had occurred, as disclosed in Note 2 of the consolidated financial statements. Depreciation expense in future periods as compared to historical periods is expected to decrease as a result of the potential disposition of properties noted above, offset slightly by a full year’s effect from our 2004 property acquisitions. However; depreciation expense as a percentage of rental income should remain relatively consistent.

 

Amortization increased by $55.9 million to $65.2 million from $9.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively. The increase is primarily due to additional property acquisitions after the adoption of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 141, “Business Combinations” (“FAS 141”), resulting in more acquired assets being classified as

 

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intangible lease assets and lease origination assets compared to prior periods resulting in additional amortization expense, as well as the signing of second-generation leases at some of our properties and initial leases at recently developed properties. It is expected that amortization of deferred leasing costs and intangible lease assets will not be affected materially by the potential disposition of properties noted above, as the majority of the properties were purchased before the adoption of FAS 141. Therefore, we expect amortization of deferred lease costs and intangibles to increase in future periods as compared to the same periods in 2004 as a full period of amortization expense is recognized relating to our 2004 property acquisitions and as more second-generation leases are entered into in future periods.

 

Interest expense increased by $26.2 million to $42.7 million from $16.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively, due to significantly higher average amounts of borrowings outstanding during the two periods. Interest expense in the future will be dependent upon the amount of borrowings outstanding, current interest rates, and the deferred financing costs associated with obtaining debt facilities. However, interest expense in future quarters is expected to be comparable to the three months ended December 31, 2004 as we have entered into certain long-term debt facilities that have fixed interest rates, as compared to variable rate debt that was in place during the first quarter of the year under our lines of credit. Having only a small balance currently outstanding under our lines of credit mitigates our exposure to rising interest rates.

 

Interest and other income increased by $1.8 million to $6.8 million from $5.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively. Interest income of approximately $4.4 million in each period was attributable to interest on the bonds related to the Ingram Micro Building and ISS Atlanta Buildings for the year ended December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively. The remainder in each period represents interest earned on cash generated from operations. The level of interest income in future periods will primarily be dependent upon the amount of operating cash on hand and is not expected to be significant or change significantly from the amount earned during the year ended December 31, 2004. In addition to interest income, during the year ended December 31, 2004, we earned approximately $0.9 million of take-out fees related to our participation in the Advisor’s 1031 Program which may not be indicative of amounts earned in future periods as such income is dependent upon the continuation and growth of the program and our continued involvement.

 

Equity in income of unconsolidated joint ventures increased by $1.8 million to $6.6 million from $4.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively. This increase of $1.8 million is primarily related to the disposition of two properties held in joint ventures. We would expect the equity in income of joint ventures to fluctuate in future periods as properties are sold and proceeds are distributed as opposed to being reinvested in additional real estate assets.

 

Loss on extinguishment of debt increased by $0.1 million to $2.1 million from $2.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003. In May 2004, we repaid in full and terminated our $500 million credit facility with Bank of America, N.A. and charged $1.7 million in associated unamortized financing costs to earnings. In addition, $0.4 million of unamortized loan costs associated with the Nestle debt was charged to earnings as the debt was repaid in full. In April 2003, we terminated our $110 million credit facility with Bank of America, N.A. and charged $0.5 million in associated unamortized deferred financing costs to earnings. Additionally, we charged $1.5 million in loan assumption fees acquired to earnings as part of the Leo Burnett Building debt refinancing in December 2003. Loss on extinguishment of debt for the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003 is not expected to be indicative of amounts in future periods as such costs are generally dependent upon altering our financing structure and we have no plans for significantly changing our current financing structure.

 

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Discontinued operations were $12.3 million and $1.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively, and consisted entirely of operations and the disposition of the 5104 Eisenhower Boulevard Building on June 3, 2004. Net operations of the property for the period from January 1, 2004 through the date of sale, and the year ended December 31, 2003 were $0.7 million and $1.0 million, respectively. The gain recognized on the sale of the property was $11.6 million. There were no dispositions for the year ended December 31, 2003.

 

Earnings per share for the year ended December 31, 2004 was $0.42 compared to $0.37 for the year ended December 31, 2003. This increase is primarily a result of the recognition of lease termination income related to the Metris lease termination, and the gain on sale of the 5104 Eisenhower Boulevard Building occurring during the second quarter 2004, which together generated approximately $0.05 net income per share. Earnings per share for the year ended December 31, 2004 reflects the change in depreciable lives of real estate assets from 25 years to 40 years which resulted in an increase in earnings of approximately $0.12 per share, that was essentially offset by the impact of the increased amortization during the year ended December 31, 2004 as a result of additional property acquisitions after the adoption of FAS 141. Other than these items, our operations remained relatively consistent on a per share basis. However, we expect our earnings per share to decrease in future periods as a result of the potential disposition of properties noted above.

 

Comparison of the year ended December 31, 2003 vs. the year ended December 31, 2002

 

Rental income increased by $190.8 million, during the year ended December 31, 2003 to $296.0 million from $105.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2002. Tenant reimbursements were $80.5 million and $17.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively, for an increase of $62.7 million. These increases were primarily due to the rental income and tenant reimbursements for properties acquired subsequent to December 31, 2001, which totaled $229.6 million and $64.8 million, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2003 and $43.0 million and $4.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2002. Tenant reimbursements were equivalent to 73% and 72% of the property operating expenses for the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

 

Property operating expenses were $110.3 million and $24.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively. The $85.5 million increase in property operating costs was primarily due to the property operating costs associated with the properties acquired subsequent to December 31, 2001, which totaled $94.1 million and $8.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively. Property operating costs represented 29% and 20% of the sum of the rental income and tenant reimbursements revenue amounts for the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively. The increase in property operating costs as a percentage of the sum of rental income and tenant reimbursements was primarily due to the acquisition of certain full service multi-tenant properties in 2003 that have a significantly higher ratio of property operating costs to revenues.

 

Asset and property management fees expenses were $14.8 million and $5.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2003, and 2002, respectively, representing approximately 4% and 5%, respectively, of the sum of rental income and tenant reimbursements revenue amounts in each year. The increase in the asset and property management fees was primarily due to the fees associated with properties acquired subsequent to December 31, 2001, which totaled $10.0 million and $1.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

 

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General and administrative costs were $9.4 million and $4.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively, representing approximately 3% of total revenues for the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002. General and administrative expenses are expected to remain relatively consistent in future periods as a percentage of total revenues.

 

Depreciation expense was $106.2 million and $38.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively. The increase of $68.2 million in depreciation expense was primarily due to the acquisition of properties since December 31, 2001. Depreciation expense related to assets acquired after December 31, 2001, was $85.5 million and $17.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively. Depreciation expense represented 36% of rental income for the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002.

 

Amortization was $9.3 million and $0.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively. The increase was due to the adoption of FAS 141 resulting in more acquired assets being classified as intangible lease assets compared to prior periods resulting in additional amortization expense, as well as the signing of second-generation leases at some of our properties during the year ended December 31, 2003. In 2004, Wells REIT changed the presentation of the amortization of the fair values of in-place leases, including opportunity costs associated with lost rentals that are avoided by acquiring in-place leases and tenant relationships as amortization expense, as opposed to an adjustment to rental income, in the consolidated statements of income. As such, we reclassified such amortization from rental income to amortization expense for all periods presented.

 

Interest expense, including amortization of deferred financing costs, was $16.5 million and $4.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively. Of this amount, $3.9 million and $2.8 million was attributable to interest on the bonds related to the Ingram Micro and ISS Buildings for the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively, which is offset by the related interest income associated with the bonds, as noted below. Interest expense paid to third parties (excluding the interest on the bonds and amortization of deferred financing costs) for the year ended December 31, 2003, increased as compared to the year ended December 31, 2002, due to higher average amounts of borrowings outstanding during the years and comparable interest rates during the two years.

 

Interest and other income was $5.0 million and $6.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively. Any funds received from stockholders that have not yet been invested in real estate asset investments and cash generated from operations between distribution payments were invested in short-term investments resulting in interest income. At certain times during the year ended December 31, 2002, we held a significant amount of cash on hand that had not been invested in real estate asset investments resulting in a higher amount of interest income. Of the total amount of interest and other income, $3.9 million and $2.8 million was attributable to interest on the bonds related to the Ingram Micro and ISS Buildings for the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively, which is offset by the related interest expense associated with the bonds resulting in no net impact to our net income.

 

Equity in income of unconsolidated joint ventures was $4.8 million and $4.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively. This change was primarily due to the additional investments in the Fund XIII-REIT joint venture in December 2002 and September 2003. These additional investments were partially offset by the sale of one property in September 2003.

 

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Loss on extinguishment of debt was $2.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2003. In April 2003, we terminated our $110 million credit facility with Bank of America, N.A. and charged $0.5 million in associated unamortized deferred financing costs to earnings. Additionally, we charged $1.5 million in loan assumption fees acquired to earnings as part of the Leo Burnett Building debt refinancing in December 2003.

 

Discontinued operations was $1.0 million and $1.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively. On June 3, 2004, we sold a property, the 5104 Eisenhower Boulevard Building. In accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 144 “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets” (“SFAS 144”), we reclassified the historical operating results of this property into discontinued operations in the consolidated statements of income for all periods presented. Net operations of the property in 2003 decreased as a result of a lease cancellation by the tenant, and subsequent release to a new tenant with less favorable terms.

 

Earnings per share for the year ended December 31, 2003 was $0.37 compared to $0.41 for the year ended December 31, 2002. This decrease was primarily a result of the higher cost of investments in the real estate assets we acquired relative to returns on those investments and allocation of purchase consideration to shorter-lived intangible assets, due to the implementation of FAS 141, resulting in lower per share earnings in 2003, as compared to 2002.

 

Portfolio Information

 

As of December 31, 2004, we own interests in 112 properties. Of these properties, 93 are wholly-owned and three properties are owned through consolidated joint ventures. All of these properties are included in our consolidated financial statements. The remaining 16 properties are owned through joint ventures with affiliates of Wells Capital. While we have limited industrial warehouse assets in our portfolio, the majority of our assets are commercial office buildings located in 26 states and the District of Columbia. At December 31, 2004, our properties were approximately 97.4% leased with an average lease term remaining of approximately 7.1 years.

 

As of December 31, 2004, our five largest geographic concentrations were as follows:

 

Location


   2004 Annualized
Gross Base Rents
(in thousands)


  

Rentable Square
Feet

(in thousands)


   Percentage of 2004
Annualized Gross
Base Rents


 

Chicago

   $ 130,610    4,640    22 %

Washington, D.C.

     79,059    2,208    14 %

N. New Jersey

     38,704    1,617    7 %

Minneapolis

     33,083    1,230    6 %

Detroit

     26,257    1,097    5 %
    

  
  

     $ 307,713    10,792    54 %
    

  
  

 

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As of December 31, 2004, our five largest industry concentrations were as follows:

 

Location


  

2004 Annualized
Gross Base Rents

(in thousands)


  

Rentable Square

Feet

(in thousands)


  

Percentage of 2004

Annualized Gross
Base Rents


 

Business Services

   $ 71,454    3,301    12 %

Depository Institutions

     48,423    1,851    8 %

Nondepository Institutions

     37,603    1,979    6 %

Insurance Carriers

     35,399    1,661    6 %

Legal Services

     34,277    1,068    6 %
    

  
  

     $ 227,156    9,860    38 %
    

  
  

 

As of December 31, 2004, our five largest tenants were as follows:

 

Location


  

2004 Annualized

Gross Base Rents

( in thousands)


  

Percentage of 2004

Annualized Gross

Base Rents


 

BP Corporation

   $ 28,890    5 %

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

     21,685    4 %

Leo Burnett USA, Inc.

     19,742    3 %

US Bancorp Piper Jaffray Companies, Inc.

     19,348    3 %

Nestle USA, Inc.

     15,921    3 %
    

  

     $ 105,586    18 %
    

  

 

For more information on our portfolio diversification statistics, see Item II above.

 

Funds from Operations

 

We believe that funds from operations (“FFO”) is a beneficial indicator of the performance of any equity REIT. Because FFO calculations exclude such factors as depreciation and amortization of real estate assets and gains or losses from sales of operating real estate assets (which can vary among owners of identical assets in similar conditions based on historical cost accounting and useful-life estimates), they facilitate comparisons of operating performance between periods and between other REITs. Our management believes that accounting for real estate assets in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”) implicitly assumes that the value of real estate assets diminishes predictability over time. Since real estate values have historically risen or fallen with market conditions, many industry investors and analysts have considered the presentation of operating results for real estate companies that use historical cost accounting to be insufficient by themselves. As a result, we believe that the use of FFO, together with the required GAAP presentations, provide a more complete understanding of our performance relative to our competitors and a more informed and appropriate basis on which to make decisions involving operating, financing, and investing

 

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activities. Other REITs may not define FFO in accordance with the current National Association of Real Estate Investment Trust’s (“NAREIT”) definition (as we do) or may interpret the current NAREIT definition differently than we do.

 

FFO is a non-GAAP financial measure and does not represent net income as defined by GAAP. Net income as defined by GAAP is the most relevant measure in determining our operating performance because FFO includes adjustments that investors may deem subjective, such as adding back expenses such as depreciation and amortization. Accordingly, FFO should not be considered as an alternative to net income as an indicator of our operating performance.

 

Our calculation of FFO, which excludes the cost of capital improvements and related capitalized interest, is presented in the following table, in thousands, for the years ended:

 

     2004

    2003

   2002

Net income

   $ 209,722     $ 120,685    $ 59,854

Add:

                     

Depreciation of real assets

     97,425       107,012      38,780

Amortization of deferred leasing costs

     65,314       9,325      303

Depreciation and amortization– unconsolidated partnerships

     4,160       3,730      2,861

Gain on sale

     (11,629 )     —        —  
    


 

  

FFO

   $ 364,992     $ 240,752    $ 101,798
    


 

  

Weighted average shares outstanding

     466,061       324,092      145,633
    


 

  

 

Through 2003, Wells REIT and its unconsolidated joint ventures reported the amortization of the fair values of in-place leases, including opportunity costs associated with lost rentals that are avoided by acquiring in-place leases and tenant relationships, as an adjustment to rental income in the consolidated statements of income. In 2004, Wells REIT began presenting this amortization as amortization expense in the consolidated statements of income, and have reclassified such amortization from rental income to amortization expense for all periods previously presented. The period of amortization continues to be the term of the respective lease and results in no change in previously reported net income, but does result in an increase in FFO of approximately $40.2 million and $5.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively. The primary purpose of this change is to more closely align our presentation of such costs with similar costs as classified by other companies in the real estate industry.

 

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Set forth below is additional information (often considered in conjunction with FFO) that may be helpful in assessing our operating results:

 

    In accordance with GAAP, we recognized straight-line rental revenue of $28.0 million, $16.2 million and $7.6 million during the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

 

    The amortization of deferred financing costs in the accompanying consolidated statements of income totaled approximately $4.6 million, $4.6 million and $0.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively. Additionally, the loss on extinguishment of debt in the accompanying consolidated statements of income totaled approximately $2.1 million and $2.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively. No loss on extinguishment of debt was incurred during the year ended December 31, 2002.

 

    The amortization of intangible lease assets and intangible lease liabilities recorded as a net increase in revenues in the accompanying consolidated statements of income totaled approximately $2.8 million and $1.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively. No amortization of intangible assets or intangible lease liabilities was recorded during the year ended December 31, 2002.

 

Election as a REIT

 

We have elected to be taxed as a REIT under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and have operated as such beginning with our taxable year ended December 31, 1998. To qualify as a REIT, we must meet certain organizational and operational requirements, including a requirement to distribute at least 90% of our ordinary taxable income to our stockholders. As a REIT, we generally will not be subject to federal income tax on taxable income that we distribute to our stockholders. If we fail to qualify as a REIT in any taxable year, we will be subject to federal income taxes on our taxable income for 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 stockholders. However, we believe that we are organized and operate in such a manner as to qualify for treatment as a REIT and intend to continue to operate in the foreseeable future in such a manner that we will remain qualified as a REIT for federal income tax purposes. No provision for federal income taxes has been made in our accompanying consolidated financial statements, as we made distributions in excess of taxable income for the periods presented. We are subject to certain state and local taxes related to the operations of properties in certain locations, which have been provided for in our accompanying consolidated financial statements.

 

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 would protect us from 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 readjust their reimbursement rates frequently enough to cover inflation.

 

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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 us 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 comparability of our results of operations to those of companies in similar businesses.

 

The critical accounting policies outlined below have been discussed with members of the audit committee of the board of directors.

 

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. All assets are depreciated on a straight line basis. The estimated useful lives of our assets by class are as follows:

 

Buildings        40 years
Building improvements        5-25 years
Land improvements        20-25 years
Tenant improvements        Lease term
Intangible lease assets        Lease term

 

In the first quarter of 2004, Wells REIT completed a review of its real estate depreciation by performing an analysis of the components of each property type in an effort to determine weighted average composite useful lives of its real estate assets. As a result of this review, Wells REIT changed its estimate of the weighted average composite useful lives for building assets. Effective January 1, 2004, for all building assets, Wells REIT extended the weighted average composite useful life to 40 years from 25 years. The change resulted in an increase to net income of approximately $56.8 million or $0.12 per share for the year ended December 31, 2004. Wells REIT believes the change more appropriately reflects the estimated useful lives of the building assets and is consistent with prevailing industry practice.

 

In the event that inappropriate useful lives or methods are used for depreciation and amortization, our net income would be misstated.

 

Allocation of Purchase Price of Acquired Assets

 

Upon the acquisition of real properties, it is our policy to allocate the purchase price of properties to acquired tangible assets, consisting of land and building, and identified intangible assets and liabilities, consisting of the value of above-market and below-market leases, other value of in-place leases and value of tenant relationships, based in each case on their fair values.

 

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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 considered by us 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. In estimating carrying costs, we include real estate taxes, insurance, and other operating expenses and estimates of lost rental revenue during the expected lease-up periods based on current market demand. We also estimate the cost to execute similar leases including leasing commissions, legal and other related costs.

 

The fair values of above-market and below-market in-place lease values is recorded based on the present value (using an interest rate which reflects the risks associated with the leases acquired) of the difference between (i) the contractual amounts to be paid pursuant to the in-place leases and (ii) our estimate of fair market lease rates for the corresponding in-place leases, measured over a period equal to the remaining non-cancelable term of the lease. The above-market and below-market lease values are capitalized as intangible lease assets and liabilities and amortized as an adjustment of rental income over the remaining terms of the respective leases.

 

The fair values of in-place leases include direct costs associated with obtaining a new tenant, opportunity costs associated with lost rentals that are avoided by acquiring an in-place lease, and tenant relationships. Direct costs associated with obtaining a new tenant include commissions, tenant improvements and other direct costs and are estimated based on management’s consideration of current market costs to execute a similar lease. These direct costs are included in deferred lease 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 is calculated using the contractual amounts to be paid pursuant to the in-place leases over a market absorption period for a similar lease. Customer relationships are valued based on expected renewal of a lease or the likelihood of obtaining a particular tenant for other locations. These lease intangibles 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. Prior to the nine months ended December 31, 2004, these lease intangibles were amortized as an adjustment to rental income rather than to expense. As such, the related amortization has been reclassified from an adjustment to rental income to expense in the consolidated statements of income for the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003.

 

Estimates of the fair values of the tangible and intangible assets require us to estimate market lease rates, property operating expenses, carrying costs during lease-up periods, discount rates, market absorption periods and the number of years the property is held for investment. The use of inappropriate estimates would result in an incorrect assessment of our purchase price allocations, which could impact the amount of our reported net income.

 

Valuation 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, 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 which indicate that the carrying amounts of real estate and related intangible assets may not be recoverable, we assess the recoverability of these assets by determining whether the carrying value will be recovered through the undiscounted future operating cash flows expected

 

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from the use of the asset and its eventual disposition. In the event that such expected undiscounted future cash flows do not exceed the carrying value, we adjust the real estate and related intangible assets to the fair value and recognize an impairment loss.

 

Projections of expected future cash flows require that we estimate future market rental income amounts subsequent to the expiration of current lease agreements, property operating expenses, discount rates, 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 use of inappropriate assumptions in the future cash flow analysis would result in an incorrect assessment of the property’s future cash flows and fair value, and could result in the misstatement of the carrying value of our real estate and related intangible assets and our net income.

 

Contractual Commitments and Contingencies

 

Our contractual obligations (in thousands) as of December 31, 2004 are as follows:

 

     Payments Due by Period

Contractual Obligations


   Total

  

Less than

1 year


   1-3 years

   4-5 years

   More than
5 years


Outstanding debt

   $ 890,182    $ 1,560    $ 140,076    $ 35,625    $ 712,921

Capital lease obligations

     133,608      4,523      9,046      9,046      110,993

Operating lease obligations

     94,544      726      1,452      1,452      90,914
    

  

  

  

  

Total

   $ 1,118,334    $ 6,809    $ 150,574    $ 46,123    $ 914,828
    

  

  

  

  

 

We are subject to certain contingent liabilities with regard to certain transactions as discussed in the following paragraphs.

 

Take-Out Purchase and Escrow Agreement

 

Wells Capital and its affiliates have developed a program (the “Wells Section 1031 Program”) involving the acquisition by a subsidiary of Wells Management (“Wells Exchange”) of income-producing commercial properties and the formation of a series of single member limited liability companies for the purpose of facilitating the resale of co-tenancy interests in such real estate properties to be owned in co-tenancy arrangements with persons (“1031 Participants”) who are seeking to invest the proceeds from a sale of real estate held for investment in another real estate investment for purposes of qualifying for like-kind exchange treatment under Section 1031 of the Internal Revenue Service Code. The acquisition of each of the properties acquired by Wells Exchange is generally financed by a combination of permanent first mortgage financing and interim loan financing obtained from institutional lenders.

 

Following the acquisition of each property, Wells Exchange attempts to sell co-tenancy interests to 1031 Participants, the proceeds of which are used to repay a pro-rata portion of the interim

 

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financing. In consideration for the payment of a take-out fee to us and following approval of the potential property acquisition by our board of directors, it is anticipated that we may enter into a take-out purchase and escrow agreement or similar contract providing that, if Wells Exchange is unable to sell all of the co-tenancy interests in that particular property to 1031 Participants, we would be obligated to purchase, at Wells Exchange’s cost, any co-tenancy interests remaining unsold at the end of the offering period.

 

As of December 31, 2004, co-tenancy interests in three programs with which we have previously been involved are still yet to be sold, all with expiration dates in February 2005. If these interests are not sold, or if the programs are not extended, we may have to purchase the unsold co-tenancy interests in the future.

 

On February 14, 2005, we agreed to an extension of these offering periods through May 2005, in consideration for additional take-out fees of approximately $188,000.

 

Letters of Credit

 

At December 31, 2004, Wells REIT had two unused letters of credit totaling approximately $28.4 million from financial institutions. One of these letters of credit in the amount of approximately $400,000 expires in February 2005, and the other letter of credit expires in December 2005. These letters of credit were required by unrelated third parties to ensure completion of Wells REIT’s obligations under certain earn-out and related construction agreements.

 

Commitments Under Existing Lease Agreements

 

Certain lease agreements include provisions that, at the option of the tenant, may obligate Wells REIT to expand an existing property, construct on adjacent property or provide other expenditures for the benefit of the tenant, in favor of additional rental revenue. At December 31, 2004, no tenants have exercised such options, which have not been fully satisfied as of that date.

 

Additionally, Wells REIT executed one lease extension with a tenant for the acquisition of an adjacent land parcel and subsequent construction of a surface parking lot. The lease extension provides for additional rental revenue related to the expanded parking. Construction of the parking expansion has not yet begun; however, the land parcel was purchased as of December 31, 2004.

 

Earn-out Agreements

 

As part of the acquisition of the 60 Broad Street New York Building, Wells REIT entered into an agreement to pay to the seller an amount for securing a qualifying lease agreement or renewal relating to specified space, which is currently occupied. In the event that the seller is successful in securing a qualifying lease for the specified space, Wells REIT will be required to pay the seller an amount based on the net present value of the rental income over the term of the lease. As of December 31, 2004, no amounts are due under this agreement.

 

Litigation

 

Wells REIT is from time to time a party to other legal proceedings which arise in the ordinary course of its business. Wells REIT is not currently involved in any litigation the outcome of which would, in management’s judgment based on information currently available, have a material adverse effect on the results of operations or financial condition of Wells REIT, nor is management aware of any such litigation threatened against the Wells REIT.

 

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On October 9, 2003, Stephen L. Flood, the Luzerne County Controller, and the Luzerne County Retirement Board (“Luzerne Board”) on behalf of the Luzerne County Employee Retirement System (“Plan”) filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court, Middle District of Pennsylvania against 26 separate defendants, including Wells REIT, Wells Investment Securities, Inc., and Wells Real Estate Funds, Inc., (collectively, the “Wells Defendants”).

 

On October 27, 2004, this lawsuit against the Wells Defendants was dismissed with prejudice. The dismissal was the result of a settlement agreement and release between the plantiffs and the Wells Defendants where the Wells REIT agreed to repurchase from the Plan all of the 1,346,754 shares of its common stock held by the Plan for approximately $12.8 million, the price originally paid for such stock, in exchange for a release by the plantiffs of all claims and counts against the Wells Defendants. These shares were not repurchased pursuant to Wells REIT’s existing share redemption program.

 

Related Party Transactions and Agreements

 

We have entered into agreements with Wells Capital, Wells Management and their affiliates, whereby we pay certain fees or reimbursements to Wells Capital, Wells Management and their affiliates for acquisition and advisory fees and acquisition expenses, sales commissions, asset and property management fees, and reimbursement of operating costs. See Notes 10 and 11 to our consolidated financial statements included in this report for a discussion of the various related party transactions, agreements and fees.

 

Conflicts of Interest

 

Wells Capital is also a general partner in or advisor to Wells REIT II and various public real estate limited partnerships sponsored by Wells Capital. As such, there are conflicts of interest where Wells Capital, while serving in the capacity as general partner or advisor for another Wells-sponsored program, may be in competition with us in connection with property acquisitions or for tenants in similar geographic markets. The compensation arrangements between Wells Capital and these other Wells Real Estate Funds could influence its advice to us.

 

Additionally, certain members of our board of directors also serve on the board of Wells REIT II and may encounter certain conflicts of interest regarding investment and operations decisions.

 

Subsequent Events

 

Sale of Portfolio of Real Estate Assets

 

On February 25, 2005, we, along with various Wells-affiliated entities, entered into a definitive purchase and sale agreement (“Agreement”) to sell 27 properties from our existing portfolio for a gross sale price of $786.0 million, excluding closing costs and brokerage fees, to Lexington Corporate Properties Trust (“Purchaser”), an unaffiliated third-party. Our share of the $786.0 million in gross sales price is approximately $760.3. The Agreement contemplates the closing of this transaction to occur no earlier than March 25, 2005 (the “Primary Closing Date”). Both the Purchaser and the selling entities have the right under the Agreement, however, to extend the Primary Closing Date until no later than April 29, 2005, if one or more conditions for a property

 

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or properties are not satisfied, by giving written notice to the other party no later than March 22, 2005. While the Agreement contemplates the sale of 27 properties, in order for the sale to be consummated, a number of conditions relating to each property must be satisfied. Accordingly, both the timing of the property closings and the actual number of properties to ultimately be sold to the Purchaser pursuant to the Agreement is unclear at this time. There are still a significant number of conditions required to be satisfied with respect to the properties included in this transaction. In addition, the sole remedy against the Purchaser for failure to close is a forfeiture of the earnest money under the Agreement. Accordingly, there are no assurances all conditions relating to all 27 properties can be satisfied prior to the outside closing date, or that the Purchaser will actually perform under the Agreement and close this anticipated transaction. Our net book value of the properties is approximately $566.7 million. Our share of the gain to be recorded upon the close of the potential transaction, exclusive of closing costs, is estimated at approximately $193.6 million.

 

In accordance with the terms of our current Asset Management Advisory Agreement with Wells Management, our Asset Advisor, in the event that Wells Management provides substantial services in connection with the sale of properties, as determined and approved by our board of directors, we may be required to pay Wells Management a subordinated disposition fee equal to the lesser of one-half of the market-based real estate commission or 3.0% of the sale price of such properties, contingent upon our stockholders having first received total dividends in an amount equal to the sum of all of the capital the stockholders have invested in Wells REIT (reduced by prior dividends attributable to net sales proceeds) plus an amount sufficient to provide the stockholders with an annualized, noncumulative return of 8.0% (the “Subordinated Conditions”). While this fee may be in addition to real estate commissions paid to third parties, the total real estate commissions (including such disposition fee) may not exceed the lesser of (i) 6.0% of the sales price of the properties or (ii) the level of real estate commissions customarily charged in light of the size, type, and location of the properties.

 

On February 21, 2005, our board of directors approved a subordinated disposition fee of 0.33% of the gross sale price of the properties sold to be paid to Wells Management as a result of the closing of this transaction. Since the Subordinated Conditions have not been met at this time, this fee will not be paid at closing but will be paid only in the event and at the time that the Subordinated Conditions are satisfied in accordance with the terms of our Asset Management Advisory Agreement.

 

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Properties Involved in Potential Sale

 

Under the Agreement, we intend to sell up to 23 properties that are wholly owned. Of the $786.0 million gross sale price, approximately $714.9 million relates to these 23 properties, which Wells REIT originally purchased for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $555.1 million. The names and locations of the properties are listed below.

 

Property Name


  

Property Location


   Building Square Footage

Bank of America Orange County

   Brea, CA    637,503

Capital One Richmond

   Glen Allen, VA    225,220

Daimler Chrysler Dallas

   Westlake, TX    130,290

Allstate Indianapolis

   Indianapolis, IN    89,956

EDS Des Moines

   Des Moines, IA    405,000

Kraft Atlanta

   Suwanee, GA    87,219

Kerr-McGee

   Houston, TX    101,111

PacifiCare San Antonio

   San Antonio, TX    142,500

ISS Atlanta

   Atlanta, GA    289,000

Experian/TRW

   Allen, TX    292,700

Travelers Express Denver

   Lakewood, CO    68,165

Dana Kalamazoo

   Kalamazoo, MI    150,945

Dana Detroit

   Farmington Hills, MI    112,480

Transocean Houston

   Houston, TX    155,991

Lucent

   Cary, NC    120,000

Ingram Micro

   Millington, TN    701,819

Nissan

   Irving, TX    268,445

IKON

   Houston, TX    157,790

ASML

   Tempe, AZ    95,133

Dial

   Scottsdale, AZ    129,689

Metris Tulsa

   Tulsa, OK    101,100

Alstom Power Richmond

   Midlothian, VA    99,057

AT&T Pennsylvania

   Harrisburg, PA    81,859

 

In addition, we intend to sell up to four properties that are owned through joint ventures with affiliates. Approximately $71.1 million of the $786.0 million gross sale price relates to these four properties, which were originally purchased for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $54.6 million. Our share of the approximately $71.1 million of gross sale price attributable to these four properties is approximately $45.4 million. Our share of the approximately $54.6 million original purchase price for these four properties was approximately $32.0 million. The names and locations of these four properties, along with the name of the joint venture affiliate and the percentage ownership of Wells REIT in each of these properties are listed below.

 

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Property Name


  

Property Location


   %
Owned


 

Joint Venture Affiliate


   Building
Square
Footage


John Wiley Indianapolis

   Fishers, IN    71.9%   Wells Real Estate Fund XIII, L.P.    141,047

AmeriCredit

   Orange Park, FL    71.9%   Wells Real Estate Fund XIII, L.P.    85,000

AT&T Oklahoma

   Oklahoma City, OK    55.0%   Wells Real Estate Fund XII, L.P.    128,500

Gartner

   Ft. Myers, FL    56.8%  

Wells Real Estate Fund XI, L.P.

Wells Real Estate Fund XII, L.P.

   62,400

 

Effects of the Potential Property Sale on the Diversification of our Portfolio

 

As stated above, the completion of this transaction is currently subject to, among other things, various conditions and closing requirements. Accordingly, there are no assurances that this transaction will be completed in whole or in part; however, the following information discloses the effects of the potential property sale on the diversification of our portfolio if all of these properties remain a part of this transaction and a final sale is completed.

 

Currently, we own interests in 112 buildings either directly or through joint ventures. Of these buildings, 93 buildings are wholly owned and 19 buildings are owned through joint ventures with affiliates and others. While we have limited industrial warehouse assets in our portfolio, the majority of assets are commercial office buildings located in 26 states and the District of Columbia. If Wells REIT successfully sells all 27 properties (30 buildings) as described above pursuant to this potential property sale, we will own interests in 82 buildings either directly or through joint ventures. Of these buildings, 67 buildings will be wholly owned, and 15 buildings will be owned through joint ventures with affiliates and others.

 

Currently, our properties are approximately 97% leased with an average lease term remaining of approximately 7.1 years. If Wells REIT successfully sells all 27 properties as described above pursuant to this potential property sale, our properties will be approximately 97% leased with an average lease term remaining of approximately 6.9 years.

 

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Lease Expirations – Current Portfolio

 

The following table shows the lease expirations of our current portfolio, during each of the next ten years and thereafter, assuming no exercise of renewal options or termination rights.

 

Year of Lease

Expiration


   2004 Annualized
Gross Base Rent
(in thousands)


  

Percentage of 2004
Annualized Gross

Base Rent


   

Rentable Square Feet

Expiring

(in thousands)


Vacant

   $ 0    0 %   675

2005

     17,179    3 %   655

2006

     30,643    5 %   942

2007

     31,169    5 %   1,117

2008

     27,810    5 %   1,124

2009

     45,210    8 %   1,688

2010

     84,112    14 %   3,776

2011

     83,698    14 %   4,839

2012

     89,860    15 %   3,686

2013

     71,568    12 %   2,724

2014

     31,910    5 %   1,230

Thereafter

     67,859    14 %   2,916
    

  

 
     $ 581,018    100 %   25,372
    

  

 

 

Lease Expirations – Post-Closing Portfolio

 

The following table shows lease expirations of our remaining portfolio if we successfully sell all 27 properties as described above pursuant to this potential sale transaction, during each of the next ten years and thereafter, assuming no exercise of renewal options or termination rights.

 

Year of Lease

Expiration


   2004 Annualized
Gross Base Rent
(in thousands)


  

Percentage of 2004
Annualized Gross

Base Rent


   

Rentable Square Feet

Expiring

(in thousands)


Vacant

   $ 0    0 %   675

2005

     16,889    3 %   642

2006

     29,186    6 %   865

2007

     31,169    6 %   1,117

2008

     24,734    5 %   898

2009

     42,357    8 %   1,546

2010

     73,168    14 %   3,034

2011

     73,036    14 %   3,722

2012

     75,495    15 %   2,412

2013

     55,027    11 %   1,878

2014

     27,604    5 %   1,029

Thereafter

     63,484    13 %   2,642
    

  

 
     $ 512,149    100 %   20,460
    

  

 

 

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Geographic Diversification – Current Portfolio

 

The following table shows the geographic diversification of our current portfolio.

 

Location


  

2004 Annualized

Gross Base Rents
(in thousands)


  

Percentage of 2004
Annualized Gross

Base Rents


    Rentable Square Feet
(in thousands)


Chicago

   $ 130,610    22 %   4,640

Washington, D.C.

     79,059    14 %   2,208

N. New Jersey

     38,704    7 %   1,617

Minneapolis

     33,083    6 %   1,230

Detroit

     26,257    5 %   1,097

Dallas

     25,967    4 %   1,450

New York

     25,424    4 %   986

Boston

     23,964    4 %   586

Atlanta

     23,767    4 %   992

Los Angeles

     20,822    4 %   682

Orange Co.

     18,039    3 %   1,089

Other*

     135,322    23 %   8,795
    

  

 
     $ 581,018    100 %   25,372
    

  

 

* None more than 3%

 

Geographic Diversification – Post-Closing Portfolio

 

The following table shows geographic diversification of our remaining portfolio if we successfully sell all 27 properties as described above pursuant to this potential sale transaction.

 

Location


   2004 Annualized
Gross Base Rents
(in thousands)


   Percentage of 2004
Annualized Gross
Base Rents


    Rentable Square Feet
(in thousands)


Chicago

   $ 130,610    26 %   4,640

Washington, D.C.

     79,059    15 %   2,208

N. New Jersey

     38,704    8 %   1,617

Minneapolis

     33,083    6 %   1,230

New York

     25,424    5 %   986

Boston

     23,964    5 %   586

Detroit

     23,927    5 %   984

Los Angeles

     20,822    4 %   682

Dallas

     18,196    4 %   889

Atlanta

     15,552    3 %   616

Other*

     102,808    19 %   6,022
    

  

 
     $ 512,149    100 %   20,460
    

  

 

* None more than 3%

 

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Tenant Industry Diversification – Current Portfolio

 

The following table shows the tenant industry diversification of our current portfolio.

 

Industry


  

2004 Annualized

Gross Base Rent
(in thousands)


  

Percentage of 2004
Annualized Gross

Base Rent


    Rentable Square Feet
(in thousands)


Business Services

   $ 71,454    12 %   3,301

Depository Institutions

     48,423    8 %   1,851

Nondepository Institutions

     37,603    6 %   1,979

Insurance Carriers

     35,399    6 %   1,661

Legal Services

     34,277    6 %   1,068

Electronic & Other Electric Equipment

     28,174    5 %   1,599

Communication

     26,995    5 %   1,058

Transportation Equipment

     22,205    4 %   1,011

Administration of Economic Programs

     21,879    4 %   599

Insurance Agents, Brokers, & Service

     21,656    4 %   610

Finance, Taxation, & Monetary Policy

     20,410    4 %   548

Food and Kindred Products

     19,065    3 %   631

Other*

     193,478    33 %   9,456
    

  

 
     $ 581,018    100 %   25,372
    

  

 

* None more than 3%

 

Tenant Industry Diversification – Post-Closing Portfolio

 

The following table shows tenant industry diversification of our remaining portfolio if we successfully sell all 27 properties as described above pursuant to this potential sale transaction.

 

Industry


   2004 Annualized
Gross Base Rent
(in thousands)


   Percentage of 2004
Annualized Gross
Base Rent


    Rentable Square Feet
(in thousands)


Business Services

   $ 56,456    11 %   2,195

Depository Institutions

     48,423    9 %   1,851

Legal Services

     34,277    7 %   1,068

Insurance Carriers

     31,329    6 %   1,429

Electronic & Other Electric Equipment

     26,250    5 %   1,479

Communication

     24,621    5 %   920

Administration of Economic Programs

     21,879    4 %   599

Insurance Agents, Brokers, & Service

     21,656    4 %   610

Finance, Taxation, & Monetary Policy

     20,410    4 %   548

Nondepository Institutions

     20,162    4 %   814

Transportation Equipment

     18,032    4 %   747

Food and Kindred Products

     17,751    3 %   558

Other*

     170,903    34 %   7,642
    

  

 
     $ 512,149    100 %   20,460
    

  

 

 


* None more than 3%

 

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Top 20 Tenants – Current Portfolio

 

The following table shows the top 20 tenants by percentage of annual gross revenues of our current portfolio.

 

Location


   2004 Annualized
Gross Base Rent
(in thousands)


  

Percentage of 2004
Annualized Gross

Base Rent


 

BP Amoco

   $ 28,890    5 %

NASA

     21,685    4 %

Leo Burnett

     19,742    3 %

US Bancorp

     19,348    3 %

Nestle

     15,921    3 %

OCC

     14,547    3 %

Independence Blue Cross

     12,904    2 %

Winston & Strawn

     12,761    2 %

Kirkland & Ellis

     12,304    2 %

Nokia

     12,243    2 %

State of New York

     11,041    2 %

Aventis

     10,299    2 %

Zurich

     9,693    2 %

Cingular

     9,208    2 %

DDB Needham

     8,909    2 %

State Street Bank

     8,264    1 %

US National Park Service

     8,236    1 %

Caterpillar Financial

     8,219    1 %

Bank of America

     7,574    1 %

Lockheed Martin

     7,422    1 %

Other

     321,808    56 %
    

  

     $ 581,018    100 %
    

  

 

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Top 20 Tenants – Post-Closing Portfolio

 

The following table shows the top 20 tenants by percentage of annual gross revenues of our remaining portfolio if we successfully sell all 27 properties as described above pursuant to this potential sale transaction.

 

Location


  

2004 Annualized

Gross Base Rent

(in thousands)


  

Percentage of 2004

Annualized Gross

Base Rent


 

BP Amoco

   $ 28,890    6 %

NASA

     21,685    4 %

Leo Burnett

     19,742    4 %

US Bancorp

     19,348    4 %

Nestle

     15,921    3 %

OCC

     14,547    3 %

Independence Blue Cross

     12,904    3 %

Winston & Strawn

     12,761    2 %

Kirkland & Ellis

     12,304    2 %

Nokia

     12,243    2 %

State of New York

     11,041    2 %

Aventis

     10,299    2 %

Zurich

     9,693    2 %

Cingular

     9,208    2 %

DDB Needham

     8,909    2 %

State Street Bank

     8,264    2 %

US National Park Service

     8,236    2 %

Caterpillar Financial

     8,219    2 %

Lockheed Martin

     7,422    1 %

Department of Defense

     7,028    1 %

Other

   $ 253,485    49 %
    

  

     $ 512,149    100 %
    

  

 

Revisions to the Dividend Reinvestment Plan

 

On February 21, 2005, our board of directors approved an amendment to the dividend reinvestment plan effective for dividends declared and paid after March 10, 2005, to clarify that distributions attributable to net sales proceeds will be excluded from dividends which may be reinvested in shares under the dividend reinvestment plan. Accordingly, in the event that proceeds attributable to the potential sale transaction described above are distributed to stockholders as a special distribution, such amounts may not be reinvested in shares of Wells REIT pursuant to its dividend reinvestment plan.

 

Revisions to the Share Redemption Program

 

On February 23, 2005, our board of directors approved the following revisions to the current share redemption program effective for redemptions of shares beginning in March 2005: (i) an increase to the limit of the number of shares that can be redeemed in 2005 from 3.0% of the weighted-average number of shares outstanding during the prior calendar year to 5.0% of the weighted-average number of shares outstanding during the prior calendar year; (ii) a decrease in the percentage of funds to be reserved in calendar year 2005 for (a) redemptions upon the death of

 

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a stockholder, and (b) redemptions for certain stockholders to satisfy required minimum distribution requirements as set forth under Sections 401(a)(9), 403(b)(10), 408(a)(6), 408(b)(3), and 408(A)(c)(5) of the Internal Revenue Code from 20% to 15% of the amount available for redemption; and (iii) the price at which shares will be redeemed will be reduced by any amounts previously distributed to stockholders which were attributable to net sales proceeds from the sale of our properties.

 

Extension of Line of Credit

 

On March 4, 2005, we extended our $50 Million Secured Line of Credit, originally maturing in June 2005, through June 2006. In addition to extending the maturity of the facility, the borrowing base properties (Experian/TRW Building, Kraft Atlanta Building, and IKON Building) were replaced by the Cingular Atlanta Building. All other material terms of the facility, such as interest rate and covenant restrictions, remain unchanged from the terms of the facility at December 31, 2004.

 

Dividend Declaration

 

On March 9, 2005, our board of directors declared dividends for the first quarter of 2005 in the amount of $0.175 (17.5 cents) per share on our outstanding common stock to all stockholders of record of such shares as shown on our books at the close of business on March 15, 2005.

 

ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISKS

 

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. Currently, a significant portion of our debt is based on fixed interest rates in order to take advantage of locking in lower rates available in the current interest rate environment; in order to ensure that we have appropriately guarded ourselves against the risk of increasing interest rates in future periods.

 

Additionally, we have entered into an interest rate swap, and may enter into other arrangements in order to mitigate our interest rate risk on a related financial instrument. We do not enter into derivative or interest rate transactions for speculative purposes.

 

Our financial instruments consist of both fixed and variable rate debt. As of December 31, 2004, our consolidated debt consisted of the following:

 

     2005

    2006

    2007

    2008

    2009

    Thereafter

 

Maturing debt:

                                                

Variable rate debt

     —       $ 12,984     $ 9,500       —         —         —    

Fixed rate debt

   $ 1,560     $ 1,609     $ 115,983     $ 34,627     $ 998     $ 712,921  

Average interest rate on debt:

                                                

Variable rate debt

     —         3.26 %     3.91 %     —         —         —    

Fixed rate debt

     7.11 %     7.15 %     4.43 %     6.45 %     8.34 %     5.08 %

 

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As of December 31, 2003, our consolidated debt consisted of the following:

 

     2004

    2005

    2006

    2007

    2008

   Thereafter

 

Maturing debt:

                                             

Variable rate debt

   $ 112,347     $ 175,000     $ 90,000       —       —        —    

Fixed rate debt

     —         —         —       $ 115,167     —      $ 120,000  

Average interest rate on debt:

                                             

Variable rate debt

     4.0 %*     4.0 %     2.31 %     —       —        —    

Fixed rate debt

     —         —         —         4.40 %   —        5.10 %

* This debt is an interest-free note that was repaid in January 2004 at maturity, with proceeds from the line of credit. We have included the interest rate for the line of credit as of December 31, 2003 since we know that we do not have the continuing option of borrowing the funds at an interest-free rate.

 

As of December 31, 2004 and 2003, the estimated fair value of lines of credit and notes payable above, was $881.7 million and $612.5 million, respectively.

 

Approximately $22.5 million of our total debt outstanding as of December 31, 2004 is subject to variable rates, with a weighted average interest rate of approximately 3.5% per annum. The variable rate debt is based on LIBOR plus a specified margin or prime as elected by us at certain intervals. An increase in the variable interest rate on the variable rate facilities constitutes a market risk as a change in rates would increase or decrease interest incurred and therefore cash flows available for distribution to stockholders. However, approximately $13.0 million of this variable rate debt is subject to an interest rate swap, which effectively locks our interest rate at 2.75% per annum.

 

Approximately $867.7 million of our total debt outstanding as of December 31, 2004 is subject to fixed rates, with an average interest rate of approximately 5.1% per annum with termination dates ranging from 2005 to 2028. A change in the interest rate on the fixed portion of our debt portfolio impacts the net financial instrument position but has no impact on interest incurred or cash flows.

 

As of December 31, 2004, a 1% increase in interest rates would result in additional interest expense of approximately $8.8 million per year with a 1% decrease in interest rates resulting in a decrease in interest expense of approximately $8.8 million.

 

We do not believe that there is any exposure to increases in interest rate risk related to the obligations under capital leases of $64.5 million at December 31, 2004 and 2003, as the obligations are at fixed interest rates and we own the related bonds. Consequently, these amounts have been excluded from the tables above.

 

During the current year, we obtained new debt facilities to replace our outstanding lines of credit in order to move towards a greater percentage of fixed rate debt along with a smaller line of credit at a variable rate used primarily for short-term working capital needs. These agreements will result in higher interest rates in certain periods of lower interest rates, but will decrease our exposure to potential increases in interest rates in the future.

 

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ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

 

The financial statements and supplementary data filed as part of this report are set forth on page F-1 of this report.

 

ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

 

There were no disagreements with our independent registered public accountants during the years ended December 31, 2004 or 2003.

 

ITEM 9A. 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 15d-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 annual 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 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.

 

Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

 

Management of Wells Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc. (the company) is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. The company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by or under the supervision of our Chief Financial Officer and effected by the Board of Directors, management and other personnel. The company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance or records that, in reasonable detail, accurately reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that the receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

 

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Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

 

At the end of the company’s 2004 fiscal year, management conducted an assessment of the effectiveness of the company’s internal control over the financial reporting based on the framework established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Based on this assessment, management has determined that the company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004 is effective.

 

Management’s assessment of the effectiveness of the company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004 has been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report included in this Form 10-K, which expresses unqualified opinions on management’s assessment and on the effectiveness of the company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004.

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

 

The Board of Directors and Stockholders

of Wells Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc.

 

We have audited management’s assessment, included in Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting included in Item 9A of this Form 10-K, that Wells Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc. maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (the COSO criteria). Wells Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc.’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on management’s assessment and an opinion on the effectiveness of the company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

 

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, evaluating management’s assessment, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance

 

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with generally accepted accounting principles, and that the receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

 

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

 

In our opinion, management’s assessment that Wells Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc. maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004 is fairly stated, in all material respects, based on the COSO criteria. Also, in our opinion, Wells Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc. maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004, based on the COSO criteria.

 

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of Wells Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc. as of December 31, 2004 and 2003 and the related consolidated statements of income, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2004 and our report dated March 10, 2005 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

 

LOGO

 

Atlanta, GA

March 10, 2005

 

 

 

ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION

 

For the quarter ended December 31, 2004, all items required to be disclosed on Form 8-K were reported on Form 8-K.

 

(THE REMAINDER OF THIS PAGE IS INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK)

 

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PART III

 

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF WELLS REIT

 

We have adopted a Code of Ethics that applies to all of our executive officers and directors, including but not limited to, our principal executive officer and principal financial officer. Our Code of Ethics may be found at the following website, http://www.wellsref.com.

 

The other information required by this Item is incorporated by reference to our definitive proxy statement to be filed with the Commission for our annual stockholders’ meeting to be held on July 19, 2005.

 

ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

 

The information required by this Item is incorporated by reference to our definitive proxy statement to be filed with the Commission for our annual stockholders’ meeting to be held on July 19, 2005.

 

ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED SHAREHOLDER MATTERS

 

The information required by this Item is incorporated by reference to our definitive proxy statement to be filed with the Commission for our annual stockholders’ meeting to be held on July 19, 2005.

 

ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

 

The information required by this Item is incorporated by reference to our definitive proxy statement to be filed with the Commission for our annual stockholders’ meeting to be held on July 19, 2005.

 

ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES

 

The information required by this Item is incorporated by reference to our definitive proxy statement to be filed with the Commission for our annual stockholders’ meeting to be held on July 19, 2005.

 

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PART IV

 

ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

 

(a) 1. The financial statements are contained on pages F-2 through F-36 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, and the list of the financial statements contained herein is set forth on page F-1, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

 

(a) 2. Schedule II – Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

 

Schedule III – Real Estate Assets and Accumulated Depreciation

 

Information with respect to this item begins on page S-1 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. All other schedules for which provision is made in the applicable accounting regulations of the SEC are not required under the related instructions or are not applicable and therefore have been omitted.

 

(b) The Exhibits filed in response to Item 601 of Regulation S-K are listed on the Exhibit Index attached hereto.

 

(c) See (a) 2 above.

 

 

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SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of Sections 13 or 15(d) 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 this 11th day of March 2005.

 

Wells Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc.

(Registrant)

By:

 

/s/ Leo F. Wells, III


   

Leo F. Wells, III

   

President, Principal Executive Officer and

Director

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following person on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacity as and on the date indicated.

 

Signature


  

TITLE


 

Date


/s/ Michael R. Buchanan


        

Michael R. Buchanan

   Independent Director   March 11, 2005

/s/ Richard W. Carpenter


        

Richard W. Carpenter

   Independent Director   March 11, 2005

/s/ Bud Carter


        

Bud Carter

   Independent Director   March 11, 2005

/s/ Donald S. Moss


        

Donald S. Moss

   Independent Director   March 11, 2005

/s/ Neil H. Strickland


        

Neil H. Strickland

   Independent Director   March 11, 2005

/s/ Williams H. Keogler, Jr.


        

William H. Keogler, Jr.

   Independent Director   March 11, 2005

/s/ Walter W. Sessoms


        

Walter W. Sessoms

   Independent Director   March 11, 2005

/s/ W. Wayne Woody


        

W. Wayne Woody

   Independent Director   March 11, 2005

/s/ Leo F. Wells, III


        

Leo F. Wells, III

  

President and Director

(Principal Executive Officer)

  March 11, 2005

/s/ Douglas P. Williams


        

Douglas P. Williams

  

Executive Vice President and Director

(Principal Financial Officer)

  March 11, 2005

 

 

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EXHIBIT INDEX

TO

2004 FORM 10-K

OF

WELLS REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST, INC.

 

The following documents are filed as exhibits to this report. Those exhibits previously filed and incorporated herein by reference are identified below by an asterisk. For each such asterisked exhibit, there is shown below the description of the previous filing. Exhibits which are not required for this report are omitted.

 

Exhibit

Number


  

Description of Document


*3.1    Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of Wells Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc. (Exhibit 3.1 to Form S-11 Registration Statement of Wells Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc., as amended to date, Commission File No. 333-83933)
*3.2    Bylaws of Wells Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc. (Exhibit 3.2 to Form S-11 Registration Statement of Wells Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc., as amended to date, Commission File No. 333-32099)
*3.3    Amendment No. 1 to Bylaws of Wells Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc. (Exhibit 3.3 to Form S-11 Registration Statement of Wells Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc., as amended to date, Commission File No. 333-32099)
*10.1    Amended and Restated Joint Venture Agreement of The Fund IX, Fund X, Fund XI and REIT Joint Venture dated June 11, 1998 (Exhibit 10.4 to Form S-11 Registration Statement of Wells Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc., as amended to date, Commission File No. 333-32099)
*10.2    Joint Venture Agreement of Wells/Fremont Associates (the “Fremont Joint Venture”) dated July 15, 1998 between Wells Development Corporation and Wells Operating Partnership, L.P. (Exhibit 10.17 to Form S-11 Registration Statement of Wells Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc., as amended to date, Commission File No. 333-32099)
*10.3    Agreement for the Purchase and Sale of Joint Venture Interest relating to the Fremont Joint Venture dated July 17, 1998 between Wells Development Corporation and the Fund X-XI Joint Venture (Exhibit 10.19 to Form S-11 Registration Statement of Wells Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc., as amended to date, Commission File No. 333-32099)
*10.4    Amended and Restated Loan Agreement dated December 31, 1998 between Wells Operating Partnership, L.P. and SouthTrust Bank, National Association (Exhibit 10.39 to Form S-11 Registration Statement of Wells Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc., as amended to date, Commission File No. 333-32099)
*10.5    Amended and Restated Joint Venture Partnership Agreement of The Wells Fund XI - Fund XII - REIT Joint Venture (Exhibit 10.28 to Form S-11 Registration Statement of Wells Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc., as amended to date, Commission File No. 333-83933)
*10.6    Agreement of Limited Partnership of Wells Operating Partnership, L.P. as Amended and Restated as of January 1, 2000 (Exhibit 10.64 to Form 10-K of Wells Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc. for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2000, Commission File No. 0-25739)

 

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*10.7    Joint Venture Partnership Agreement of Wells Fund XII-REIT Joint Venture Partnership (Exhibit 10.11 to Form S-11 Registration Statement of Wells Real Estate Fund XII, L.P., as amended to date, Commission File No. 33-66657)
*10.8    Joint Venture Partnership Agreement of Fund VIII-IX-REIT Joint Venture (Exhibit 10.47 to Form S-11 Registration Statement of Wells Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc., as amended to date, Commission File No. 333-44900)
*10.9    Joint Venture Partnership Agreement of Wells Fund XIII-REIT Joint Venture Partnership (Exhibit 10.85 to Form S-11 Registration Statement of Wells Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc., as amended to date, Commission File No. 333-44900)
*10.10    Purchase Agreement for the ADIC Buildings (Exhibit 10.6 to Form S-11 Registration Statement of Wells Real Estate Fund XIII, L.P., as amended to date, Commission File No. 333-48984)
*10.11    Purchase Agreement for the land immediately adjacent to the ADIC Buildings (Exhibit 10.7 to the Form S-11 Registration Statement of Wells Real Estate Fund XIII, L.P., as amended to date, Commission File No. 333-48984)
*10.12    Agreement for Purchase and Sale of the Windy Point Buildings (Exhibit 10.114 to Form S-11 Registration Statement of Wells Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc., as amended to date, Commission File No. 333-44900)
*10.13    Purchase and Sale Agreement for the Experian/TRW Buildings (Exhibit 10.66 to Form S-11 Registration Statement of Wells Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc., as amended to date, Commission File No. 333-85848)
*10.14    Purchase and Sale Agreement and Escrow Instructions for the Agilent Boston Building (Exhibit 10.69 to Form S-11 Registration Statement of Wells Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc., as amended to date, Commission File No. 333-85848)
*10.15    Purchase and Sale Agreement for the TRW Denver Building (Exhibit 10.71 to Form S-11 Registration Statement of Wells Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc., as amended to date, Commission File No. 333-85848)
*10.16    Purchase and Sale Agreement for the MFS Phoenix Building (Exhibit 10.73 to Form S-11 Registration Statement of Wells Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc., as amended to date, Commission File No. 333-85848)
*10.17    Purchase and Sale Agreement for the ISS Atlanta Buildings Exhibit 10.75 to Form S-11 Registration Statement of Wells Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc., as amended to date, Commission File No. 333-85848)
*10.18    Purchase and Sale Agreement for the Nokia Dallas Buildings (Exhibit 10.79 to Form S-11 Registration Statement of Wells Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc., as amended to date, Commission File No. 333-85848)
*10.19    Lease Agreement for Building No. 1 of the Nokia Dallas Buildings (Exhibit 10.80 to Form S-11 Registration Statement of Wells Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc., as amended to date, Commission File No. 333-85848)
*10.20    Amendment to Lease Agreement for Building No. 1 of the Nokia Dallas Buildings (Exhibit 10.81 to Form S-11 Registration Statement of Wells Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc., as amended to date, Commission File No. 333-85848)

 

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*10.21    Lease Agreement for Building No. 2 of the Nokia Dallas Buildings (Exhibit 10.82 to Form S-11 Registration Statement of Wells Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc., as amended to date, Commission File No. 333-85848)
*10.22    Amendment to Lease Agreement for Building No. 2 of the Nokia Dallas Buildings (Exhibit 10.83 to Form S-11 Registration Statement of Wells Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc., as amended to date, Commission File No. 333-85848)
*10.23    Lease Agreement for Building No. 3 of the Nokia Dallas Buildings (Exhibit 10.84 to Form S-11 Registration Statement of Wells Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc., as amended to date, Commission File No. 333-85848)
*10.24    Amendment to Lease Agreement for Building No. 3 of the Nokia Dallas Buildings (Exhibit 10.85 to Form S-11 Registration Statement of Wells Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc., as amended to date, Commission File No. 333-85848)
*10.25    Agreement of Sale for the KeyBank Parsippany Building Exhibit 10.86 to Form S-11 Registration Statement of Wells Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc., as amended to date, Commission File No. 333-85848)
*10.26    Purchase and Sale Agreement for NASA Buildings (Exhibit 10.90 to Form S-11 Registration Statement of Wells Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc., as amended to date, Commission File No. 333-85848)
*10.27    Lease Agreement with the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency and amendments thereto (Exhibit 10.91 to Form S-11 Registration Statement of Wells Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc., as amended to date, Commission File No. 333-85848)
*10.28    Lease Agreement with the United States of America (NASA) and amendments thereto (Exhibit 10.92 to Form S-11 Registration Statement of Wells Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc., as amended to date, Commission File No. 333-85848)
*10.29    Agreement of Purchase and Sale for Nestle Building (Exhibit 10.93 to Form S-11 Registration Statement of Wells Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc., as amended to date, Commission File No. 333-85848)
*10.30    Lease Agreement for Nestle Building (Exhibit 10.95 to Form S-11 Registration Statement of Wells Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc., as amended to date, Commission File No. 333-85848)
*10.31    Various amendments to Lease Agreement for Nestle Building (Exhibit 10.96 to Form S-11 Registration Statement of Wells Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc., as amended to date, Commission File No. 333-85848)
*10.32    Agreement of Purchase and Sale for 150 West Jefferson Detroit Building (Exhibit 10.97 to Form S-11 Registration Statement of Wells Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc., as amended to date, Commission File No. 333-85848)
*10.33    Real Estate Sale Agreement for US Bancorp Minneapolis Building (Exhibit 10.99 to Form S-11 Registration Statement of Wells Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc., as amended to date, Commission File No. 333-85848)

 

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*10.34    Lease Agreement with US Bancorp Piper Jaffray Companies, Inc. and amendments thereto for a portion of US Bancorp Minneapolis Building (Exhibit 10.100 to Form S-11 Registration Statement of Wells Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc., as amended to date, Commission File No. 333-85848)
*10.35    Agreement of Purchase and Sale for Aon Center Chicago Building (Exhibit 10.101 to Form S-11 Registration Statement of Wells Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc., as amended to date, Commission File No. 333-85848)
*10.36    Lease Agreement with BP Corporation North America, Inc. and amendments thereto for a portion of the Aon Center Chicago Building (Exhibit 10.102 to Form S-11 Registration Statement of Wells Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc., as amended to date, Commission File No. 333-85848)
*10.37    Lease Agreement for Cingular Atlanta Building (Exhibit 10.103 to Form S-11 Registration Statement of Wells Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc., as amended to date, Commission File No. 333-85848)
*10.38    Lease Agreement for Aventis Northern NJ Building (Exhibit 10.104 to Form S-11 Registration Statement of Wells Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc., as amended to date, Commission File No. 333-85848)
*10.39    Purchase and Sale Agreement for 35 W. Wacker Venture, L.P. (Leo Burnett Chicago Building) (Exhibit 10.105 to Form S-11 Registration Statement of Wells Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc., as amended to date, Commission File No. 333-85848)
*10.40    Second Amended and Restated Limited Partnership Agreement of 35 W. Wacker Venture, L.P. (Exhibit 10.106 to Form S-11 Registration Statement of Wells Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc., as amended to date, Commission File No. 333-85848)
*10.41    First Amendment to Second Amended and Restated Limited Partnership Agreement of 35 W. Wacker Venture, L.P. (Exhibit 10.107 to Form S-11 Registration Statement of Wells Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc., as amended to date, Commission File No. 333-85848)
*10.42    Amended and Restated Limited Partnership Agreement of Wells-Buck Venture, L.P. (Exhibit 10.108 to Form S-11 Registration Statement of Wells Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc., as amended to date, Commission File No. 333-85848)
*10.43    Lease Agreement with Leo Burnett USA, Inc. for a portion of Leo Burnett Chicago Building (Exhibit 10.112 to Form S-11 Registration Statement of Wells Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc., as amended to date, Commission File No. 333-85848)
*10.44    Lease Agreement with Winston & Strawn, LLP for a portion of Leo Burnett Chicago Building (Exhibit 10.113 to Form S-11 Registration Statement of Wells Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc., as amended to date, Commission File No. 333-85848)
*10.45    Purchase and Sale Agreement for Washington, DC Portfolio (Exhibit 10.114 to Form S-11 Registration Statement of Wells Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc., as amended to date, Commission File No. 333-85848)
*10.46    Promissory Note in favor of Metropolitan Life Insurance Company relating to Washington, DC Portfolio (US Park Service Building) (Exhibit 10.115 to Form S-11 Registration Statement of Wells Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc., as amended to date, Commission File No. 333-85848)

 

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*10.47    Deed of Trust, Security Agreement and Fixture Filing relating to US Park Service Building (Exhibit 10.116 to Form S-11 Registration Statement of Wells Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc., as amended to date, Commission File No. 333-85848)
*10.48    Promissory Note in favor of Metropolitan Life Insurance Company relating to Washington, DC Portfolio (Exhibit 10.117 to Form S-11 Registration Statement of Wells Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc., as amended to date, Commission File No. 333-85848)
*10.49    Deed of Trust, Security Agreement and Fixture Filing relating to 1225 Eye Street Building (Exhibit 10.118 to Form S-11 Registration Statement of Wells Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc., as amended to date, Commission File No. 333-85848)
*10.50    Limited Liability Company Agreement for 1201 Eye Street, N.W. Associates, LLC (Exhibit 10.119 to Form S-11 Registration Statement of Wells Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc., as amended to date, Commission File No. 333-85848)
*10.51    First Amendment to Limited Liability Company Agreement for 1201 Eye Street, N.W. Associates, LLC (Exhibit 10.120 to Form S-11 Registration Statement of Wells Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc., as amended to date, Commission File No. 333-85848)
*10.52    Limited Liability Company Agreement for 1225 Eye Street, N.W. Associates, LLC (Exhibit 10.121 to Form S-11 Registration Statement of Wells Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc., as amended to date, Commission File No. 333-85848)
*10.53    First Amendment to Limited Liability Company Associates for 1225 Eye Street, N.W. Associates, LLC (Exhibit 10.122 to Form S-11 Registration Statement of Wells Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc., as amended to date, Commission File No. 333-85848)
*10.54    US Park Service Lease Agreement for a portion of US Park Service Building (Exhibit 10.123 to Form S-11 Registration Statement of Wells Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc., as amended to date, Commission File No. 333-85848)
*10.55    Amendment to and Clarification of Joint Venture Partnership Agreement of Fund VIII-IX-REIT Joint Venture and Agency Agreement (Exhibit 10(ss) to Form 10-K of Wells Real Estate Fund VIII, L.P. for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003, Commission File No. 0-27888)
*10.56    Bank of America Lease Agreement for Bank of America Orange County Building (Exhibit 10.125 to Form S-11 Registration Statement of Wells Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc., as amended to date, Commission File No. 333-85848)
*10.57    Purchase and Sale Agreement for 1901 Market Street Philadelphia Building (Exhibit 10.126 to Form S-11 Registration Statement of Wells Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc., as amended to date, Commission File No. 333-85848
*10.58    Amended and Restated Promissory Note from Wells 1901 Market, LLC to Wells Operating Partnership, L.P. relating to 1901 Market Street Philadelphia Building (Exhibit 10.127 to Form S-11 Registration Statement of Wells Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc., as amended to date, Commission File No. 333-85848)
*10.59    Independence Blue Cross Agreement of Lease for 1901 Market Street Philadelphia Building (Exhibit 10.128 to Form S-11 Registration Statement of Wells Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc., as amended to date, Commission File No. 333-85848)

 

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*10.60    Agreement of Purchase and Sale of Property for 60 Broad Street New York Building (Exhibit 10.129 to Form S-11 Registration Statement of Wells Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc., as amended to date, Commission File No. 333-85848)
*10.61    State of New York Agreement of Lease for a portion of the 60 Broad Street New York Building (Exhibit 10.130 to Form S-11 Registration Statement of Wells Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc., as amended to date, Commission File No. 333-85848)
*10.62    $200 Million Promissory Note dated April 20, 2004 between Wells REIT-Chicago Center Owner, LLC and Metropolitan Life Insurance Company (Exhibit 10.174 to Form 10-Q of Wells Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc., for the quarter ended June 30, 2004, Commission File No. 0-25739)
*10.63    Mortgage, Security Agreement and Fixture Filing between Wells REIT-Chicago Center Owner, LLC and Metropolitan Life Insurance Company (Exhibit 10.175 to Form 10-Q of Wells Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc., for the quarter ended June 30, 2004, Commission File No. 0-25739)
*10.64    $175.7 Million Loan Agreement among Wells REIT-Austin, TX, L.P., Wells REIT - Multi-State Owner, LLC, Wells REIT-Nashville, TN, LLC and Wells REIT – Bridgewater, NJ, LLC; and Morgan Stanley Mortgage Capital Inc. (Exhibit 10.176 to Form 10-Q of Wells Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc., for the quarter ended June 30, 2004, Commission File No. 0-25739)
*10.65    $163.6 Million Loan Agreement between Wells REIT-Independence Square, LLC and Morgan Stanley Mortgage Capital Inc. (Exhibit 10.177 to Form 10-Q of Wells Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc., for the quarter ended June 30, 2004, Commission File No. 0-25739)
*10.66    $10.7 Million Loan Agreement between Wells REIT-Orange County, CA, LP and Morgan Stanley Mortgage Capital Inc. (Exhibit 10.178 to Form 10-Q of Wells Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc., for the quarter ended June 30, 2004, Commission File No. 0-25739)
10.67    Acquisition Advisory Agreement between Wells Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc. and Wells Capital, Inc. effective as of January 1, 2005
10.68    Asset Management Advisory Agreement among Wells Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc., Wells Operating Partnership, L.P. and Wells Management Company, Inc. effective as of January 1, 2005
10.69    Master Property Management, Leasing and Construction Management Agreement among Wells Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc., Wells Operating Partnership, L.P. and Wells Management Company, Inc. effective as of January 1, 2005
31.1    Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
31.2    Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.1    Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

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INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

     Page

Financial Statements

    

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on the Consolidated Financial Statements

   F-2

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2004 and 2003

   F-3

Consolidated Statements of Income for the Years Ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002

   F-4

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for the Years Ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002

   F-5

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002

   F-6

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

   F-7

 

F-1


Table of Contents

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

ON THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Board of Directors and Stockholders

Wells Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc.

 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Wells Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc. as of December 31, 2004 and 2003, and the related consolidated statements of income, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2004. Our audits also included the financial statement schedules listed in the index at Item 15(a). These financial statements and schedules are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and schedules based on our audits.

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Wells Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc. at December 31, 2004 and 2003, and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2004, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Also, in our opinion, the related financial statement schedules, when considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole, present fairly in all material respects the information set forth therein.

 

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the effectiveness of Wells Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated March 10, 2005 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

 

In 2002, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 141, “Business Combinations” and No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets”.

 

LOGO

 

Atlanta, Georgia

March 10, 2005

 

F-2


Table of Contents

WELLS REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST, INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

 

     December 31,

 
     2004

    2003

 

Assets:

                

Real estate assets, at cost:

                

Land

   $ 687,451     $ 649,788  

Buildings and improvements, less accumulated depreciation of $265,213 and $172,106 at December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively

     3,579,059       3,483,409  

Intangible lease assets, less accumulated amortization of $62,331 and $10,041 at December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively

     313,803       297,595  

Construction in progress

     27,916       2,609  
    


 


Total real estate assets

     4,608,229       4,433,401  

Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures

     93,979       102,832  

Cash and cash equivalents

     51,127       64,469  

Tenant receivables, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $1,044 and $444 at December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively

     93,269       56,175  

Due from affiliates

     1,479       3,072  

Prepaid expenses and other assets

     2,788       5,686  

Deferred financing costs, less accumulated amortization of $3,317 and $3,624 at December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively

     11,077       5,472  

Deferred lease costs, less accumulated amortization of $29,438 and $4,741 at December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively

     197,241       189,685  

Investment in bonds

     64,500       64,500  
    


 


Total assets

   $ 5,123,689     $ 4,925,292  
    


 


Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity:

                

Lines of credit and notes payable

   $ 890,182     $ 612,514  

Obligations under capital leases

     64,500       64,500  

Intangible lease liabilities, less accumulated amortization of $20,536 and $5,998 at December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively

     120,451       132,464  

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

     84,142       74,500  

Due to affiliates

     1,430       32,520  

Dividends payable

     12,730       13,562  

Deferred rental income

     32,468       28,025  
    


 


Total liabilities

     1,205,903       958,085  

Commitments and Contingencies

     —         —    

Minority Interest

     4,961       4,801  

Redeemable common shares

     225,955       —    

Stockholders’ Equity:

                

Preferred stock, $.01 par value; 100,000,000 shares authorized; none outstanding

     —         —    

Common stock, $.01 par value; 900,000,000 shares authorized; 473,486,397 and 465,049,864 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively

     4,735       4,650  

Additional paid-in capital

     4,203,918       4,138,017  

Cumulative distributions in excess of earnings

     (295,914 )     (180,261 )

Redeemable common shares

     (225,955 )     —    

Other comprehensive loss

     86       —    
    


 


Total stockholders’ equity

     3,686,870       3,962,406  
    


 


Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

   $ 5,123,689     $ 4,925,292  
    


 


 

See accompanying notes

 

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Table of Contents

WELLS REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

     Years Ended December 31,

 
     2004

    2003

    2002

 

Revenues:

                        

Rental income

   $ 485,073     $ 296,017     $ 105,234  

Tenant reimbursements

     128,930       80,474       17,798  

Lease termination income

     8,089       1,064       1,409  
    


 


 


       622,092       377,555       124,441  

Expenses:

                        

Property operating costs

     186,197       110,339       24,820  

Asset and property management fees:

                        

Related party

     23,065       13,114       4,837  

Other

     3,807       1,665       891  

General and administrative expense

     17,199       9,449       4,196  

Depreciation

     97,238       106,175       37,956  

Amortization

     65,238       9,280       303  
    


 


 


       392,744       250,022       73,003  
    


 


 


Real estate operating income

     229,348       127,533       51,438  

Other income (expense):

                        

Interest expense

     (42,677 )     (16,532 )     (4,553 )

Interest and other income

     6,800       5,001       6,853  

Equity in income of unconsolidated joint ventures

     6,634       4,751       4,700  

Loss on extinguishment of debt

     (2,101 )     (1,956 )     —    
    


 


 


       (31,344 )     (8,736 )     7,000  
    


 


 


Income from continuing operations before minority interest

     198,004       118,797       58,438  

Minority interest in earnings of consolidated entities

     (572 )     842       —    
    


 


 


Income from continuing operations

     197,432       119,639       58,438  

Discontinued operations:

                        

Income from operations

     661       1,046       1,416  

Gain on sale

     11,629       —         —    
    


 


 


Income from discontinued operations

     12,290       1,046       1,416  
    


 


 


Net income

   $ 209,722     $ 120,685     $ 59,854  
    


 


 


Per common share data- basic and diluted

                        

Income from continuing operations

   $ 0.42     $ 0.37     $ 0.40  

Income from discontinued operations

     0.03       0.00       0.01  
    


 


 


Net income

   $ 0.45     $ 0.37     $ 0.41  
    


 


 


Weighted average shares outstanding- basic and diluted

     466,061       324,092       145,633  
    


 


 


 

See accompanying notes.

 

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Table of Contents

WELLS REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

     Common Stock

   

Additional

Paid-In

Capital


   

Cumulative
Distributions in
Excess

of Earnings


   

Redeemable
Common

Shares


   

Other
Comprehensive

Income


   

Total

Stockholders’

Equity


 
     Shares

    Amount

           

Balance, December 31, 2001

   83,206     $ 832     $ 732,692     $ (24,181 )   $ —       $ —       $ 709,343  

Issuance of common stock

   134,030       1,340       1,338,953       —         —         —         1,340,293  

Redemptions of common stock

   (1,536 )     (15 )     (15,347 )     —         —         —         (15,362 )

Dividends ($0.76 per share)

   —         —         —         (109,983 )     —         —         (109,983 )

Commissions on stock sales and related dealer manager fees

   —         —         (127,332 )     —         —         —         (127,332 )

Other offering costs

   —                 (20,476 )     —         —         —         (20,476 )

Components of comprehensive income:

                                                      

Net income

   —         —         —         59,854       —         —         59,854  

Change in value of interest rate swap

   —         —         —         —         —         (387 )     (387 )
                                                  


Comprehensive income

                                                   59,467  
    

 


 


 


 


 


 


Balance, December 31, 2002

   215,700       2,157       1,908,490       (74,310 )     —         (387 )     1,835,950  

Issuance of common stock

   253,719       2,537       2,534,655       —         —         —         2,537,192  

Redemptions of common stock

   (4,369 )     (44 )     (43,646 )     —         —         —         (43,690 )

Dividends ($0.70 per share)

   —         —         —         (226,636 )     —         —         (226,636 )

Commissions on stock sales and related dealer manager fees

   —         —         (239,949 )     —         —         —         (239,949 )

Other offering costs

   —         —         (21,533 )     —         —         —         (21,533 )

Components of comprehensive income:

                                                      

Net income

   —         —         —         120,685       —         —         120,685  

Change in value of interest rate swap

   —         —         —         —         —         387       387  
                                                  


Comprehensive income

                                                   121,072  
    

 


 


 


 


 


 


Balance, December 31, 2003

   465,050       4,650       4,138,017       (180,261 )     —         —         3,962,406  

Issuance of common stock

   19,494       195       194,747       —         —         —         194,942  

Redemptions of common stock

   (9,711 )     (97 )     (97,018 )     —         —         —         (97,115 )

Dividends ($0.70 per share)

   —         —         —         (325,375 )     —         —         (325,375 )

Commissions on stock sales and related dealer manager fees

   —         —         (17,617 )     —         —         —         (17,617 )

Other offering costs

   —         —         (757 )     —         —         —         (757 )

Redeemable common shares

   —         —         —         —         (225,955 )     —         (225,955 )

Shares repurchased upon settlement

   (1,347 )     (13 )     (13,454 )                             (13,467 )

Components of comprehensive income:

                                                      

Net income

   —         —         —         209,722       —         —         209,722  

Change in value of interest rate swap

   —         —         —         —         —         86       86  
                                                  


Comprehensive income

                                                   209,808  
    

 


 


 


 


 


 


Balance, December 31, 2004

   473,486     $ 4,735     $ 4,203,918     $ (295,914 )   $ (225,955 )   $ 86       3,686,870  
    

 


 


 


 


 


 


 

See accompanying notes.

 

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Table of Contents

WELLS REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(in thousands)

 

     Years Ended December 31,

 
     2004

    2003

    2002

 

Cash Flows from Operating Activities:

                        

Net income

   $ 209,722     $ 120,685     $ 59,854  

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

                        

Equity in income of unconsolidated joint ventures

     (6,634 )     (4,751 )     (4,700 )

Minority interest in earnings of consolidated entities

     572       (842 )     —    

Depreciation

     97,425       107,012       38,780  

Amortization

     64,022       10,371       1,148  

Loss on extinguishment of debt

     2,101       1,956       —    

Land received in lease termination

     —         —         (430 )

Gain on sale- discontinued operations

     (11,629 )     —         —    

Changes in assets and liabilities:

                        

Tenant receivables

     (37,708 )     (20,823 )     (13,318 )

Due to/from affiliates

     428       (359 )     (289 )

Prepaid expenses and other assets, net

     2,301       (2,532 )     (3,248 )

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

     (9,063 )     9,977       15,853  

Deferred rental income

     7,750       16,441       10,922  

Distributions received from joint ventures

     9,586       10,096       7,388  
    


 


 


Total adjustments

     119,151       126,546       52,106  
    


 


 


Net cash provided by operating activities

     328,873       247,231       111,960  

Cash Flows from Investing Activities:

                        

Investment in real estate and related assets

     (271,568 )     (2,094,772 )     (1,321,219 )

Contributions to joint ventures

     (395 )     (24,059 )     (8,910 )

Other assets acquired upon business acquisition

     —         (12,811 )     —    

Acquisition and advisory fees paid

     (21,210 )     (75,800 )     (39,797 )

Proceeds from sale

     40,506       —         —    

Investment in bonds

     —         (10,000 )     —    
    


 


 


Net cash used in investing activities

     (252,667 )     (2,217,442 )     (1,369,926 )

Cash Flows from Financing Activities:

                        

Proceeds from lines of credit and notes payable

     1,019,952       915,601       212,906  

Repayments of lines of credit and notes payable

     (825,072 )     (941,647 )     (62,835 )

Issuance of bonds

     —         10,000       —      

Dividends paid to stockholders

     (326,372 )     (219,121 )     (104,996 )

Issuance of common stock

     194,942       2,537,192       1,340,293  

Redemptions of common stock

     (96,806 )     (43,690 )     (15,362 )

Sales commissions and dealer manager fees paid

     (18,795 )     (244,310 )     (127,332 )

Other offering costs paid

     (14,082 )     (16,463 )     (13,156 )

Repurchase of shares upon settlement

     (12,842 )     —         —    

Deferred financing costs paid

     (10,227 )     (8,346 )     (1,674 )

Other

     (246 )     —         —    
    


 


 


Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

     (89,548 )     1,989,216       1,227,844  
    


 


 


Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents

     (13,342 )     19,005       (30,122 )

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year

     64,469       45,464       75,586  
    


 


 


Cash and cash equivalents, end of year

   $ 51,127     $ 64,469     $ 45,464  
    


 


 


 

See accompanying notes.

 

F-6


Table of Contents

WELLS REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST, INC.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

DECEMBER 31, 2004, 2003 AND 2002

 

1. ORGANIZATION

 

Wells Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc. (“Wells REIT”) is a Maryland corporation that engages in the acquisition and ownership of commercial real estate properties throughout the United States, including properties that are under construction, are newly constructed, or have operating histories. Wells REIT was incorporated in 1997, commenced operations on June 5, 1998, and qualifies as a real estate investment trust (“REIT”) for federal income tax purposes. Wells REIT conducts business primarily through Wells Operating Partnership, L.P. (“Wells OP”), a Delaware limited partnership, or through Wells OP’s subsidiaries. Wells REIT is the sole general partner of Wells OP and Wells Capital, Inc. (“Wells Capital”) is the sole limited partner of Wells OP. See Note 10 included herein for a further discussion of Wells Capital. Wells OP owns properties directly or through wholly owned subsidiaries and has also entered into certain joint ventures with real estate limited partnerships sponsored by Wells Capital, as well as certain joint ventures with parties not otherwise affiliated with Wells REIT or Wells Capital. References to Wells REIT herein include all subsidiaries of Wells REIT, including Wells OP, its subsidiaries and any consolidated joint ventures.

 

Since its inception, Wells REIT has completed four public offerings of common stock at $10 per share. Combined with the dividend reinvestment program, such offerings have provided approximately $4.9 billion in total offering proceeds. Out of these proceeds, Wells REIT incurred costs associated with the offerings of (1) approximately $166.5 million in acquisition and advisory fees and acquisition expenses, (2) approximately $463.9 million in selling commissions and dealer manager fees, and (3) approximately $62.3 million in organization and other offering costs. In addition, Wells REIT used approximately $175.2 million to redeem shares pursuant to Wells REIT’s share redemption program. The remaining offering proceeds of approximately $4.0 billion were primarily used to fund the purchase of real estate assets. As of July 25, 2004, no additional shares will be sold under these four prior public offerings.

 

Wells REIT registered 100 million shares of common stock with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) for issuances pursuant to its dividend reinvestment plan under a Registration Statement on Form S-3 (Commission File No. 333-114212), which was filed and became effective with the SEC on April 5, 2004.

 

Wells REIT’s stock is not listed on a national exchange. Wells REIT’s articles of incorporation currently require Wells REIT to begin the process of liquidating its investments and distributing the resulting proceeds to its stockholders if its shares are not listed on a national exchange by January 30, 2008. Wells REIT’s articles of incorporation can only be amended by a proxy vote of Wells REIT’s stockholders.

 

At December 31, 2004, Wells REIT owned interests in 112 properties either directly or through joint ventures comprising approximately 25.4 million square feet of commercial office and industrial space located in 26 states and the District of Columbia. At December 31, 2004, these properties were approximately 97.4% leased.

 

F-7


Table of Contents

2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation

 

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Wells REIT, Wells OP and any other entities for which Wells REIT or Wells OP has a controlling financial interest or is deemed to be the primary beneficiary. In determining whether a controlling financial interest exists, Wells REIT considers ownership of voting interests, protective rights and participatory rights of the investors. Any intercompany balances and transactions are eliminated upon consolidation. Financial statements of consolidated entities are prepared using accounting policies consistent with Wells REIT.

 

Use of Estimates

 

The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures

 

Wells REIT accounts for its investments in joint ventures in which it exercises significant influence, but not control, using the equity method of accounting. Under the equity method of accounting, original investments are recorded at cost, and are subsequently adjusted for contributions, distributions, and the investor’s share of income or losses of the joint ventures. Allocations of income and loss and distributions by the joint ventures are made in accordance with the terms of the individual joint venture agreements. These items are allocated in proportion to the partners’ respective ownership interests, which approximates economic ownership. Generally, cash distributions are made from the joint ventures to the investor on a quarterly basis.

 

Real Estate Assets

 

Real estate assets are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation. Amounts capitalized to real estate assets consist of the cost of acquisition or construction, application of acquisition and advisory fees incurred, and any tenant improvements or major improvements and betterments, which extend the useful life of the related asset. All repairs and maintenance are expensed as incurred. Additionally, Wells REIT capitalizes interest when development of a real estate asset is in progress. Approximately $89,000, $728,000, and $809,000 of interest was capitalized for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

 

Wells REIT’s real estate assets are depreciated using the straight-line method over the useful lives of the assets by class as follows:

 

Buildings

   40 years

Building improvements

   5-25 years

Land improvements

   20-25 years

Tenant improvements

   Lease term

Intangible lease assets

   Lease term

 

The related depreciation and amortization is recorded in the consolidated statements of income, including the depreciation related to assets subject to capital lease obligations.

 

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Table of Contents

Management continually monitors events and changes in circumstances that could indicate that carrying amounts of real estate and related intangible assets may not be recoverable. When indicators of potential impairment are present, management assesses the recoverability of the assets by determining whether the carrying value of the real estate and related intangible assets will be recovered through the undiscounted future cash flows expected from the use and eventual disposition of the asset. In the event the expected undiscounted future cash flows do not exceed the carrying value, management adjusts the real estate and intangible assets to the fair value and recognizes an impairment loss. Management has determined that there has been no impairment in the carrying value of real estate assets held by Wells REIT or any unconsolidated joint ventures during the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003, and 2002.

 

In the first quarter of 2004, Wells REIT completed a review of its real estate depreciation by performing an analysis of the components of each property type in an effort to determine weighted average composite useful lives of its real estate assets. As a result of this review, Wells REIT changed its estimate of the weighted average composite useful lives for building assets. Effective January 1, 2004, for all building assets, Wells REIT extended the weighted average composite useful life to 40 years from 25 years. The change resulted in an increase to net income of approximately $56.8 million or $0.12 per share for the year ended December 31, 2004. Wells REIT believes the change more appropriately reflects the estimated useful lives of the building assets and is consistent with prevailing industry practice.

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents

 

Wells REIT considers all highly liquid investments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Cash equivalents include cash and short-term investments. Short-term investments are stated at cost, which approximates fair value, and consist of investments in money market accounts.

 

Tenant Receivables

 

Tenant accounts receivable are recognized and carried at original amount earned less an allowance for any uncollectible amounts, which approximates fair value. The allowance for doubtful accounts is adjusted based upon management’s judgment about the collectibility of individual account balances. Wells REIT recorded a provision for bad debts of $658,000 and $383,000 for the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively.

 

Tenant receivables also includes notes receivable from tenants to fund certain expenditures related to the property and are recorded at the face amount, less any principal payments through the date of the consolidated balance sheet. These notes bear interest at rates comparable to tenants with similar borrowing characteristics; therefore, the carrying amount approximates the fair value of the notes as of the date of the consolidated balance sheets.

 

Prepaid Expenses and Other Assets

 

Prepaid expenses and other assets include prepaid property operating expenses, earnest money amounts, and purchase price escrows.

 

Deferred Financing Costs

 

Deferred financing costs are capitalized and amortized to interest expense on a straight-line basis over the terms of the related financing arrangement. Amortization of deferred financing costs for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002 was $2.5 million, $2.6 million and $845,000, respectively. Amortization of deferred financing costs is recorded in interest expense on the consolidated statements of income.

 

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Table of Contents

Deferred Lease Costs

 

Costs incurred to acquire operating leases, including those identified as part of the purchase price allocation process, are capitalized and amortized on a straight-line basis over the terms of the related lease. Amortization of deferred lease costs was $24.9 million, $3.9 million, and $303,000 for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003, and 2002, respectively.

 

Allocation of Purchase Price of Acquired Assets

 

Upon the acquisition of real properties, Wells REIT allocates the purchase price of properties to acquired tangible assets, consisting of land and building, and identified intangible assets and liabilities, consisting of the value of above-market and below-market leases and the value of in-place leases, based in each case on their estimated 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 management’s determination of the relative fair value of these assets. Management determines the as-if-vacant fair value of a property using methods similar to those used by independent appraisers. Factors considered by management 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, management includes real estate taxes, insurance, and other operating expenses during the expected lease-up periods based on current market demand.

 

The fair values of above-market and below-market in-place leases are recorded based on the present value (using an interest rate which reflects the risks associated with the leases acquired) of the difference between (i) the contractual amounts to be paid 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.

 

The fair values of in-place leases include direct costs associated with obtaining a new tenant, opportunity costs associated with lost rentals that are avoided by acquiring an in-place lease, and tenant relationships. Direct costs associated with obtaining a new tenant include commissions, tenant improvements and other direct costs and are estimated based on management’s consideration of current market costs to execute a similar lease. These direct costs are included in deferred lease 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 is calculated using the contractual amounts to be paid pursuant to the in-place leases over a market absorption period for a similar lease. Customer relationships are valued based on expected renewal of a lease or the likelihood of obtaining a particular tenant for other locations. These lease intangibles 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. Prior to the nine months ended December 31, 2004, these lease intangibles were amortized as an adjustment to rental income rather than to expense. As such, the related amortization has been reclassified from an adjustment to rental income to expense in the consolidated statements of income for the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003.

 

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As of December 31, 2004, approximately $85.7 million and approximately $290.4 million was recognized as the value of above-market in-place leases and intangible absorption period costs, respectively, and included in real estate assets in the consolidated balance sheets as intangible lease assets. As of December 31, 2004, approximately $141.0 million was recognized as the value of below-market in-place leases and presented in the consolidated balance sheets as intangible lease liabilities, and approximately $201.2 million was recognized as intangible lease origination costs and included in deferred lease costs in the consolidated balance sheets.

 

During the year ended December 31, 2004, Wells REIT recorded $63.6 million in amortization expense related to intangible lease origination costs and intangible absorption period costs, and approximately $2.8 million of amortization relating to above-market and below-market in-place leases that was recorded as a net increase in rental revenues in the consolidated statement of operations.

 

The remaining unamortized balance for these intangible assets will be amortized as follows (in thousands):

 

    

Intangible

Lease Asset
Amortization


   Intangible
Lease
Liability
Amortization


   Intangible
Lease
Origination
Costs
Amortization


   Intangible
Lease
Absorption
Period
Amortization


For the year ending December 31:

                           

2005

   $ 12,354    $ 14,081    $ 24,670    $ 44,339

2006

     11,081      12,817      24,297      42,245

2007

     10,170      12,139      23,650      37,949

2008

     8,099      12,050      20,342      31,077

2009

     7,594      11,960      18,029      24,409

Thereafter

     19,971      57,404      64,742      64,515
    

  

  

  

     $ 69,269    $ 120,451    $ 175,730    $ 244,534
    

  

  

  

Weighted Average Amortization Period

     7 years      11 years      9 years      7 years

 

Investments in Bonds and Obligations Under Capital Leases

 

As a result of the purchase of certain real estate assets, Wells REIT has acquired investments in bonds and certain obligations under capital leases. Wells REIT records the bonds and obligations under capital leases at the amounts Wells REIT expects to pay and receive. Because Wells REIT is obligated to pay the indebtedness evidenced by the bonds, Wells REIT has recorded these obligations as liabilities; however, since Wells REIT is also the owner of the bonds, the bonds are carried on Wells REIT’s books as assets. In each occurrence that Wells REIT has acquired certain obligations under capital leases, Wells REIT has also acquired an offsetting investment in bonds. The related amounts of interest are recorded as interest income and interest expense in the period that the amounts accrue.

 

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Dividends

 

As a REIT, Wells REIT is required by the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), to make distributions to stockholders each taxable year equal to at least 90% of its taxable income excluding capital gains.

 

Dividends to be distributed to the stockholders are determined by the board of directors of Wells REIT and are dependent upon a number of factors relating to Wells REIT, including funds available for payment of dividends, financial condition, the timing of property acquisitions, capital expenditure requirements and annual distribution requirements in order to maintain Wells REIT’s status as a REIT under the Code.

 

Offering and Related Costs

 

Costs associated with the issuance of common stock, including legal and accounting fees, printing costs, sales and promotional costs and expenses, and sales commissions, are accounted for as a reduction of equity.

 

Minority Interest

 

Minority interest in earnings of consolidated entities in the consolidated statements of income represents earnings allocated to minority interests of the consolidated partnerships held by third parties throughout the year. Minority interest in the consolidated balance sheets represents the economic equity interests of consolidated partnerships that are not owned by Wells REIT.

 

Redeemable Common Shares

 

Wells REIT records redeemable common shares pursuant to Accounting Series Release No. 268, Presentation in Financial Statements Redeemable Preferred Stock (“ASR 268”). Under ASR 268, redeemable shares whose redemptions are outside the control of the issuer are required to be classified as mezzanine or temporary equity. During 2004, the Wells REIT share redemption program was amended and as of December 31, 2004 had no discretionary feature for the approval of redemption requests; however, aggregate redemptions are limited to, among other things, aggregate proceeds received from Wells REIT’s dividend reinvestment plan. Therefore, as of December 31, 2004, Wells REIT has recorded redeemable common shares on the consolidated balance sheet equal to the difference between the aggregate proceeds received from the dividend reinvestment plan in excess of aggregate payments made to redeem shares pursuant to the share redemption program.

 

Revenue Recognition

 

All leases on real estate assets held by Wells REIT are classified as operating leases, and the related base rental income is generally recognized on a straight-line basis over the terms of the respective leases. Tenant reimbursements are recognized as revenue in the period that the related operating cost is incurred. Rents collected in advance are deferred to future periods.

 

Lease termination income is recognized at the time the tenant loses the right to lease the space and when Wells REIT has satisfied all obligations under the related lease or lease termination agreement.

 

Wells REIT records the sale of real estate assets pursuant to the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 66, “Accounting for Sales of Real Estate” (“Statement 66”).

 

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Accordingly, gains are recognized upon completing the sale and, among other things, determining the sale price and transferring all of the risks and rewards of ownership without significant continuing involvement with the seller. Recognition of all or a portion of the gain would be deferred until both of these conditions are met. Losses are recognized in full as of the sale date.

 

Stock-Based Compensation

 

As permitted by the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 “Accounting and Disclosure for Stock-Based Compensation” (“Statement 123”), Wells REIT applies Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25 “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees” (“APB 25”) and the related interpretations in accounting for its stock options accordingly. Wells REIT does not recognize compensation cost in the consolidated statements of income based upon the fair value of stock based compensation but instead provides pro forma disclosure of the compensation expense in the notes to the consolidated financial statements. For the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003, and 2002, stock option grants did not have any impact on the consolidated statements of income as the fair value at the date of issue for each grant is estimated at $0.

 

Earnings Per Share

 

Earnings per share are calculated based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during each period. Outstanding stock options and warrants have been excluded from the diluted earnings per share calculation as their impact would be anti-dilutive using the treasury stock method, because the exercise price of the options and warrants exceed the fair value of the stock.

 

Financial Instruments

 

Wells REIT considers its cash, accounts receivable, accounts payable, bonds, obligations under capital leases, and notes payable to meet the definition of financial instruments. At December 31, 2004 and 2003, the carrying value of cash, accounts receivable, accounts payable, bonds, and obligations under capital leases approximated their fair value. At December 31, 2004 and 2003, the estimated fair value of lines of credit and notes payable was $881.7 million and $612.5 million, respectively.

 

Interest Rate Swap Agreements

 

Wells REIT has entered into interest rate swap agreements to hedge its exposure to changing interest rates on certain variable rate notes payable. Wells REIT accounts for its interest rate swap agreements in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 133 “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities” (“Statement 133”). Accordingly, Wells REIT records the fair value of the interest rate swap agreements on its balance sheet in either prepaid expenses and other assets or accounts payable and accrued expenses and records any changes in fair value in other comprehensive income. Net amounts received or paid under interest rate swap agreements are recorded as adjustments to interest expense each period.

 

Income Taxes

 

Wells REIT has elected to be taxed as a REIT under the Code, and has operated as such beginning with its taxable year ended December 31, 1998. To qualify as a REIT, Wells REIT must meet certain organizational and operational requirements, including a requirement to distribute at least 90% of its annual REIT taxable income (excluding capital gains) to its

 

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stockholders. As a REIT, Wells REIT is generally not subject to federal income taxes. Accordingly, no provision for federal income taxes has been made in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. Wells REIT is subject to certain state and local taxes related to the operations of properties in certain locations, which has been provided for in the accompanying financial statements.

 

Reclassifications

 

Certain prior period amounts, as reported, have been reclassified to conform to the current period financial statement presentation.

 

Through 2003, Wells REIT and its unconsolidated joint ventures reported the amortization of the fair values of in-place leases, including opportunity costs associated with lost rentals that are avoided by acquiring in-place leases and tenant relationships, as an adjustment to rental income in the consolidated statements of income. In 2004, Wells REIT began presenting this amortization as amortization expense in the consolidated statements of income, and has reclassified such amortization from rental income to amortization expense for all periods previously presented. The period of amortization continues to be the term of the respective lease and results in no change in previously reported net income. Additionally, in the consolidated balance sheets, the intangible lease liabilities have historically been netted with the intangible lease assets. In 2004, Wells REIT began presenting below-market leases separately in the consolidated balance sheets as intangible lease liabilities and reclassified these liabilities for all prior periods.

 

3. INVESTMENTS IN UNCONSOLIDATED JOINT VENTURES

 

At December 31, 2004 and 2003, Wells REIT owned interests in certain unconsolidated joint ventures with affiliates of Wells Capital as outlined below (in thousands):

 

     December 31,

     2004

   2003

     Amount

   Amount

Fund XIII and REIT Joint Venture

   $ 48,099    $ 50,560

Fund XII and REIT Joint Venture

     27,548      28,320

Fund XI, XII and REIT Joint Venture

     11,260      15,667

Wells/Freemont Associates

     5,884      6,087

Fund IX, X, XI and REIT Joint Venture

     1,183      1,191

Fund VIII, IX and REIT Joint Venture

     5      990

Wells/Orange County Associates

     —        17
    

  

     $ 93,979    $ 102,832
    

  

 

Fund XIII and REIT Joint Venture is a joint venture between Wells OP and Wells Real Estate Fund XIII, L.P., in which Wells OP owns a 72% interest. As of December 31, 2004, this joint venture owned four office buildings totaling approximately 568,000 square feet. These properties are located in Orange Park, Florida; Parker, Colorado; Fishers, Indiana; and Hoffman Estates, Illinois.

 

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Fund XII and REIT Joint Venture is a joint venture between Wells OP and Wells Real Estate Fund XII, L.P. in which Wells OP owns a 55% interest. As of December 31, 2004, this joint venture owned three office buildings totaling approximately 407,000 square feet. These properties are located in Troy, Michigan; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; and Brentwood, Tennessee.

 

Fund XI, XII and REIT Joint Venture is a joint venture among Wells OP, Wells Real Estate Fund XI, L.P., and Wells Real Estate Fund XII, L.P. in which Wells OP owns a 57% interest. As of December 31, 2004, this joint venture owned two office buildings totaling approximately 132,000 square feet in Leawood, Kansas and Ft. Myers, Florida. This joint venture also owns a manufacturing and office building totaling approximately 170,000 square feet in Greenville, South Carolina. During 2004, this joint venture sold a warehouse and office building, totaling approximately 130,000 square feet, in Wayne, Pennsylvania.

 

Wells/Freemont Associates is a joint venture between Wells OP and Fund X-XI Joint Venture in which Wells OP owns a 78% interest. As of December 31, 2004, this joint venture owned one warehouse and office building totaling approximately 58,000 square feet located in Fremont, California.

 

Fund IX, X, XI and REIT Joint Venture is a joint venture among Wells OP, Wells Real Estate Fund IX, L.P., Wells Real Estate Fund X, L.P. and Wells Real Estate Fund XI, L.P. in which Wells OP owns a 4% interest. As of December 31, 2004, this joint venture owned five properties totaling approximately 409,000 square feet. The properties are located in Knoxville, Tennessee; Broomfield, Colorado; Ogden, Utah; Louisville, Colorado; and Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

 

Fund VIII, IX and REIT Joint Venture is a joint venture between Wells OP and Fund VIII-IX Joint Venture in which Wells OP owns a 16% interest. During 2004, this joint venture sold its only property and, as of December 31, 2004, holds approximately $95,800 in cash.

 

Wells/Orange County Associates is a joint venture between Wells OP and Fund X-XI Joint Venture in which Wells OP owns a 44% interest. During 2003, this joint venture sold its only property and, as of December 31, 2004, holds no assets.

 

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4. LINES OF CREDIT AND NOTES PAYABLE

 

As of December 31, 2004, and 2003, Wells REIT had lines of credit and notes payable outstanding as follows (in thousands):

 

     December 31,

     2004

   2003

Secured Pooled Facility

   $ 350,000    $ —  

AON Center Chicago Mortgage Note

     200,000      —  

Leo Burnett Building Mortgage Note

     120,000      120,000

WDC Mortgage Note

     115,167      115,167

3100 Clarendon Boulevard Building Mortgage Note

     35,716      —  

One Brattle Square Building Mortgage Note

     30,143      —  

1075 West Entrance Building Mortgage Note

     16,672      —  

Merck Construction Loan

     12,984      —  

$85 Million Secured Line of Credit

     9,500      —  

$500 Million Unsecured Line of Credit

     —        175,000

$81.6 Million Secured Line of Credit

     —        —  

$50 Million Secured Line of Credit

     —        —  

Nestle Building Mortgage Note

     —        90,000

AON Center Purchase Mortgage Note

     —        112,347
    

  

     $ 890,182    $ 612,514
    

  

 

The Secured Pooled Facility represents a non-recourse mortgage note secured by nine properties with a net book value of approximately $783.1 million. The note requires monthly payments of interest at a fixed rate of 4.84% per annum and payment of principal at maturity (June 2014). All properties securing the note are held in a bankruptcy remote, special purpose entity.

 

The AON Center Chicago, Leo Burnett Building and WDC Mortgage Notes represent non-recourse loans secured by specific assets. The aggregate book value of properties securing these loans is approximately $1.0 billion. All of these mortgage notes require monthly payment of interest at fixed rates ranging from 4.4% to 5.1% per annum and principal is due upon maturity. The AON Center Chicago and Leo Burnett Building mortgage loans mature in 2014. The WDC Mortgage loan matures in 2007.

 

The One Brattle Square, 1075 West Entrance and 3100 Clarendon Boulevard Building Mortgage Notes were assumed in 2004 in connection with the purchase of the respective properties and are secured by the assets purchased. The aggregate book value of properties securing these loans is approximately $185.6 million. These loans require monthly payment of principal and interest through maturity (2028 for Brattle Square, 2012 for 1075 West Entrance and 2008 for 3100 Clarendon). Upon assumption, Wells REIT recorded these loans at fair value and the average effective fixed rate of these loans is 4.59% per annum.

 

The Merck Construction Loan represents a construction loan to fund up to $21.1 million of the costs to build an office building in Lebanon, New Jersey. The loan accrues interest at LIBOR plus 0.85% per annum (3.26% at December 31, 2004) and matures in 2006, at which time all principal and interest are due. Wells REIT entered into an interest rate swap to hedge the term loan, resulting in Wells REIT paying a fixed rate of 2.75% per annum of the balance outstanding at each payment date. The interest rate swap expires in July 2005.

 

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The $85 Million Secured Line of Credit represents a revolving credit facility secured by a pool of borrowing base properties. Under the terms of the facility, Wells REIT may borrow the lesser of (1) an amount equal to 75% of the aggregate appraised value of lender approved borrowing base properties or (2) $85 million. As of December 31, 2004, the borrowing base properties included three properties with an aggregate book value of $116.7 million; and based on the value of these properties, Wells REIT was able to borrow up to the full $85 million. Interest on the $85 Million Secured Line of Credit accrues at a per annum rate of LIBOR plus 1.5% per annum (3.91% at December 31, 2004). The $85 Million Secured Line of Credit matures in December 2007.

 

The $50 Million Secured Line of Credit represents a revolving credit facility secured by a pool of borrowing base properties. Under the terms of the facility, Wells REIT may borrow the lesser of (1) an amount equal to 75% of the aggregate appraised value of lender approved borrowing base properties or (2) $50 million. As of December 31, 2004, the borrowing base properties included three properties with an aggregate book value of $65.0 million; and based on the value of these properties, Wells REIT was able to borrow up to the full $50 million. Interest on the $50 million Secured Line of Credit accrues at a per annum rate of LIBOR plus 1.75% per annum (4.16% at December 31, 2004). This facility contains covenants that, among other things, restrict Wells REIT’s debt to total assets to 50%. The $50 Million Secured Line of Credit matures in June 2005.

 

During 2004, the $81.6 Million Secured Line of Credit and the AON Center Purchase Mortgage Note matured. In addition, Wells REIT terminated and paid in full amounts outstanding under the $500 Million Unsecured Line of Credit and the Nestle Building Mortgage Note. In connection with the termination of the $500 Million Unsecured Line of Credit, Wells REIT charged $1.7 million in unamortized deferred financing costs to earnings.

 

Wells REIT’s weighted average interest rate at December 31, 2004 and 2003 for the aforementioned borrowings was approximately 5.02% and 4.05%, respectively. Cash paid for interest, including amounts capitalized was $39.9 million and $12.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively.

 

The following table summarizes the scheduled aggregate principal repayments, for the five years subsequent to December 31, 2004 (in thousands):

 

     Amount

2005

   $ 1,560

2006

     14,593

2007

     125,483

2008

     34,627

2009

     998

Thereafter

     712,921
    

Total

   $ 890,182
    

 

5. DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

 

On June 3, 2004, Wells REIT sold a four-story office building and 5.2 acres of adjacent land in Tampa, Florida, for gross sales proceeds of approximately $31.2 million. The property, 5104 Eisenhower Boulevard, was acquired in December 1998 for approximately $21.2 million. The carrying value at the time of disposition was approximately $19.0 million. The transaction resulted in a gain of approximately $11.6 million.

 

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In accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 144 “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets” (“Statement 144”), Wells REIT has reclassified the historical operating results of this property into discontinued operations in the consolidated statements of income for all periods presented.

 

6. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

 

Take-out Purchase and Escrow Agreement

 

As of December 31, 2004, Wells REIT had commitments outstanding under three Take-out Purchase and Escrow Agreements (the “Take-out Agreements”). Under the terms of the Take-out Agreements, Wells REIT has committed to purchase any unsold co-tenancy interests in properties acquired by subsidiaries of Wells Management Company, Inc. (“Wells Management”), an affiliate of Wells Capital (see Note 10 below), by the Offering Period End Date, as defined (see table below). Wells Management acquired these properties with the intent of selling co-tenancy interests in each property to persons seeking qualified replacement property pursuant to Section 1031 of the Code.

 

Information on the Take-out Agreements at December 31, 2004 is as follows (in thousands):

 

Location of Property


 

Property

Acquisition

Date


 

Offering Period

End Date


 

Initial Maximum
Exposure


 

Remaining

Exposure at

December 31,

2004


 

Fee

Earned


Orlando, FL   May 19, 2004   February 19, 2005 (1)   $ 12,650   $ 6,240   $ 158
Vernon Hills, IL   August 19, 2004   February 19, 2005 (1)   $ 23,100   $ 23,100   $ 289
Livermore, CA   August 20, 2004   February 20, 2005 (2)   $ 19,600   $ 19,600   $ 245

(1) On February 14, 2005, Wells REIT agreed to an extension of this offering period through May 19, 2005, in consideration for an additional take-out fee of approximately $105.
(2) On February 14, 2005, Wells REIT agreed to an extension of this offering period through May 20, 2005, in consideration for an additional take-out fee of approximately $83.

 

Letters of Credit

 

At December 31, 2004, Wells REIT had two unused letters of credit totaling approximately $28.4 million from financial institutions. One of these letters of credit in the amount of approximately $383,000 expires in February 2005, and the other letter of credit expires in December 2005. These letters of credit were required by unrelated third parties to ensure completion of Wells REIT’s obligations under certain earn-out and related construction agreements.

 

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Properties Under Construction

 

As of December 31, 2004, Wells REIT had three executed construction agreements with unrelated third parties for the purpose of constructing two buildings (“Merck New Jersey”) and (“Citigroup Fort Mill”), and one building expansion (“TRW Denver”). As of December 31, 2004, Wells REIT had approximately $32.6 million in costs remaining to be incurred under these contracts.

 

Commitments Under Existing Lease Agreements

 

Certain lease agreements include provisions that, at the option of the tenant, may obligate Wells REIT to expand an existing property, construct on adjacent property or provide other expenditures for the benefit of the tenant, in favor of additional rental revenue. At December 31, 2004, no tenants have exercised such options, which have not been fully satisfied as of that date.

 

Additionally, Wells REIT executed one lease extension with a tenant which requires Wells REIT to acquire an adjacent land parcel and construct a surface parking lot. The lease extension provides for additional rental revenue related to the expanded parking. Construction of the parking expansion has not yet begun; however, the land parcel was purchased as of December 31, 2004.

 

Earn-out Agreement

 

As part of the acquisition of the 60 Broad Street New York Building, Wells REIT entered into an agreement to pay to the seller an amount for securing a qualifying lease agreement or renewal relating to specified space, which is currently occupied. In the event that the seller is successful in securing a qualifying lease for the specified space, Wells REIT will be required to pay the seller an amount based on the net present value of the rental income over the term of the lease. As of December 31, 2004, no amounts are due under this agreement.

 

Operating Lease Obligations

 

Certain properties are subject to certain ground leases with expiration dates ranging between 2049 and 2083. Required payments, under the terms of these operating leases are as follows at December 31, 2004 (in thousands):

 

     Amount

2005

   $ 726

2006

     726

2007

     726

2008

     726

2009

     726

Thereafter

     90,914
    

Total

   $ 94,544
    

 

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Ground rent expense for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002 was approximately $754,000, $758,000 and $722,000, respectively. The net book value of the related real estate subject to operating leases is approximately $126.8 million at December 31, 2004.

 

Capital Lease Obligations

 

Certain properties are subject to leases meeting the qualifications as a capital lease. Each obligation requires interest only payments and payment of the obligations under capital leases in full at maturity, which range from 2015 until 2026 with certain prepayment options. Required payments under the terms of the leases are as follows as of December 31, 2004 (in thousands):

 

     Amount

 

2005

   $ 4,523  

2006

     4,523  

2007

     4,523  

2008

     4,523  

2009

     4,523  

Thereafter

     110,993  
    


Total

     133,608  

Amounts representing interest

     (69,108 )
    


     $ 64,500  
    


 

Interest expense incurred related to the capital lease obligations totaled $4.5 million, $3.9 million and $2.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively, which also equals the interest income related to the bonds on the same properties resulting in no net cash outflow as a result of these capital lease obligations. The net book value of the related assets subject to capital lease obligations is $66.8 million at December 31, 2004.

 

Litigation

 

Wells REIT is from time to time a party to other legal proceedings, which arise in the ordinary course of its business. Wells REIT is not currently involved in any litigation the outcome of which would, in management’s judgment based on information currently available, have a material adverse effect on the results of operations or financial condition of Wells REIT, nor is management aware of any such litigation threatened against the Wells REIT.

 

On October 9, 2003, Stephen L. Flood, the Luzerne County Controller, and the Luzerne County Retirement Board (“Luzerne Board”) on behalf of the Luzerne County Employee Retirement System (“Plan”) filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court, Middle District of Pennsylvania against 26 separate defendants, including Wells REIT, Wells Investment Securities, Inc. (“WIS”), and Wells Real Estate Funds, Inc, (collectively, the “Wells Defendants”).

 

On October 27, 2004, this lawsuit against the Wells Defendants was dismissed with prejudice. The dismissal was the result of a settlement agreement and release between the plantiffs and the Wells Defendants where the Wells REIT agreed to repurchase from the Plan all of the 1,346,754 shares of its common stock held by the Plan for approximately $12.8 million, the price originally paid for such stock, in exchange for a release by the plantiffs of all claims and counts against the Wells Defendants. These shares were not repurchased pursuant to Wells REIT’s existing share redemption program.

 

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7. STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

2000 Employee Stock Option Plan

 

On June 28, 2000, the stockholders approved the 2000 Employee Stock Option Plan of Wells Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc. (the “Employee Option Plan”), which provides for grants of non-qualified stock options to be made to selected employees of Wells Capital and Wells Management, subject to the discretion of the compensation committee and the limitations of the Employee Option Plan. A total of 750,000 shares have been authorized and reserved for issuance under the Employee Option Plan. At December 31, 2004, no stock options have been granted or exercised under the Employee Option Plan.

 

Under the Employee Option Plan, the exercise price for options shall be the greater of (1) $11.00 per share, or (2) the Fair Market Value, as defined in the Employee Option Plan, of the shares on the date the option is granted. The compensation committee has the authority to set the term and vesting period of the stock option except that no option shall have a term greater than five years from the later of (1) the date Wells REIT’s shares are listed on a national securities exchange, or (2) the date the stock option is granted. In the event that the compensation committee determines that the potential benefits of the stock options may be inappropriately diluted or enlarged as a result of a certain corporate transaction or event, the compensation committee may adjust the number and kind of shares or the exercise price with respect to any option. Upon exercise, the employee agrees to remain in the employment of Wells Capital or Wells Management for a period of one year after the date of grant. No stock option may be exercised if such exercise would jeopardize Wells REIT’s status as a REIT under the Internal Revenue Code. No option may be sold, pledged, assigned or transferred by an employee in any manner other than by will or the laws of descent or distribution.

 

Independent Director Stock Option Plan

 

On June 16, 1999, the stockholders approved the Wells Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc. Independent Director Stock Option Plan (the “Independent Director Plan”), which provides for grants of stock to be made to independent non-employee directors of Wells REIT. A total of 100,000 shares have been authorized and reserved for issuance under the Independent Director Plan.

 

Under the Independent Director Plan, options to purchase 2,500 shares of common stock at the greater of (1) $12 per share or (2) the Fair Market Value, as defined, are granted upon initially becoming an independent director of Wells REIT. Of these shares, 20% are exercisable immediately on the date of grant. An additional 20% of these shares become exercisable on each anniversary following the date of grant for a period of four years. Additionally, effective on the date of each annual meeting of stockholders of Wells REIT, each independent director will be granted an option to purchase 1,000 additional shares of common stock. These options are 100% exercisable at the completion of two years of service after the date of grant. All options granted under the Independent Director Plan expire no later than the date immediately following the tenth anniversary of the date of grant and may expire sooner in the event of the disability or death of the independent director or if the independent director ceases to serve as a director. In the event

 

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that the potential benefits of the stock options may be inappropriately diluted or enlarged as a result of a certain corporate transaction or event, a corresponding adjustment to the consideration payable with respect to all stock options shall be made. No option may be sold, pledged, assigned or transferred by an independent director in any manner other than by will or the laws of descent or distribution.

 

A summary of Wells REIT’s stock option activity under its Independent Director Plan during for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003, and 2002 is as follows:

 

     Number

   

Exercise

Price


   Exercisable

Outstanding at December 31, 2001

   31,500     $ 12    10,500

Granted in 2002

   9,500       12     
    

          

Outstanding at December 31, 2002

   41,000       12    21,500

Forfeited in 2003

   (6,500 )     12     

Granted in 2003

   10,500       12     
    

          

Outstanding at December 31, 2003

   45,000       12    28,500

Granted in 2004

   8,000       12     
    

          

Outstanding at December 31, 2004

   53,000       12    35,500
    

          

 

As of December 31, 2004, 40,500 shares are available for grant under the Independent Director Plan. In accordance with Statement 123, the fair value of each stock option for 2004, 2003, and 2002 has been estimated as of the date of the grant using the Black-Scholes minimum value method. The weighted average risk-free interest rates assumed for 2004, 2003 and 2002 were 4.26%, 3.98% and 4.57%, respectively. Projected future dividend yields of 7.0% were estimated for the options granted in 2004, 2003, and 2002, respectively. The expected life of an option was assumed to be six years for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003, and 2002, respectively. Based on these assumptions, the fair value of the options granted during the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003, and 2002 is $0. The weighted average contractual remaining life for options that are exercisable at December 31, 2004 was approximately 6 years.

 

Independent Director Warrant Plan

 

The Independent Director Warrant Plan (the “Independent Director Warrant Plan”), was approved by the stockholders on June 28, 2000, providing for the issuance of one warrant to purchase common stock for every 25 shares of common stock purchased by the independent director. A total of 500,000 warrants have been authorized and reserved for issuance under the Independent Director Warrant Plan. The exercise price of the warrants is $12 per share. The warrants are exercisable until the dissolution, liquidation, or merger or consolidation of Wells REIT where Wells REIT is not the surviving corporation. No warrant may be sold, pledged, assigned or transferred by an independent director in any manner other than by the laws of descent or distribution. At December 31, 2004, approximately 6,000 warrants have been earned and issued under the Independent Director Warrant Plan. As the warrants have an exercise price of $12 per share, the warrants have no fair value as of December 31, 2004.

 

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Dividend Reinvestment Plan

 

Wells REIT’s board of directors authorized a dividend reinvestment plan (the “DRP”), pursuant to which common stockholders may elect to reinvest an amount equal to the dividends declared on their common shares into additional shares of Wells REIT’s common stock in lieu of receiving cash dividends. The shares may be purchased at a fixed price per share and participants in the DRP may purchase fractional shares so that 100% of the dividends will be used to acquire shares of Wells REIT’s stock. With respect to such shares, Wells REIT currently pays selling commissions of 5%, acquisition and advisory fees and acquisition expenses of 3.5% of the DRP proceeds, except to the extent such proceeds are used to fund share repurchases under Wells REIT’s share redemption program, which is consistent with the costs paid in connection with the most recent public offering of shares of Wells REIT’s common stock. The board of directors, by majority vote, may amend or terminate the DRP for any reason upon 10 days’ notice to the participants of the DRP.

 

Share Redemption Program

 

As Wells REIT’s stock is currently not listed on a national exchange, there is no market for Wells REIT’s stock. As a result, there is risk that a stockholder may not be able to sell Wells REIT’s stock at a time or price acceptable to the stockholder. During 2000, Wells REIT’s board of directors authorized a common stock redemption program, as amended, for investors who held the shares for more than one year, subject to the limitation that (i) during any calendar year, Wells REIT may not redeem in excess of 3% of the weighted average common shares outstanding during the prior calendar year, and (ii) in no event shall the aggregate amount of redemptions under the Wells REIT share redemption program exceed aggregate proceeds received from the sale of shares pursuant to the Wells REIT dividend reinvestment plan. The one-year period may be waived by the board of directors in certain circumstances including death or bankruptcy of the stockholder. Wells REIT purchases shares redeemed under the share redemption program at the amount contributed by the stockholder, including any commissions paid at issuance. During 2004, 2003 and 2002, Wells REIT redeemed 9.7 million, 4.4 million and 1.5 million, respectively, of its own common shares at an aggregate cost of $97.1 million, $43.7 million and $15.3 million, respectively. The board of directors, by majority vote, may amend or terminate Wells REIT’s share redemption program at any time upon 30 days’ notice.

 

On December 29, 2004, the Board of Directors temporarily suspended the Share Redemption Program until March 31, 2005. (See “Subsequent Events” below).

 

Dealer Warrant Plan

 

Under the terms of each offering of Wells REIT’s stock, warrants to purchase shares of Wells REIT’s stock were delivered to WIS. Currently such warrants are issued in book form only and warrant certificates are not issued. For each warrant, the warrant-holder has the right to purchase one share of Wells REIT’s common stock at a price of $12 during the time period beginning one year from the effective date of the respective offering and ending on the date five years after the effective date. Warrants outstanding as of December 31, 2004 for the third and fourth offerings are approximately 4.8 million and 5.8 million, respectively, which have expiration dates of December 20, 2005 and July 26, 2007, respectively. As of December 31, 2004, all warrants related to the first and second offering have expired, and no warrants have been exercised under the plan.

 

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8. SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF NON-CASH ACTIVITIES

 

Outlined below are significant non-cash investing and financing transactions for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003, and 2002 (in thousands):

 

     2004

   2003

   2002

Acquisition and advisory fees applied to investments

   $ 3,370    $ 88,771    $ 47,873
    

  

  

Acquisition and advisory fees due to affiliate

   $ 1,408    $ 19,185    $ 7,708
    

  

  

Other offering expenses due to affiliate

   $ —      $ 13,334    $ 8,263
    

  

  

Assumption of obligation under capital lease and related bonds

   $ —      $ —      $ 32,500
    

  

  

Assumption of loan upon acquisition of property

   $ 83,815    $ 390,364    $ 90,000
    

  

  

Other liabilities assumed at property acquisition

   $ —      $ 38,688    $ —  
    

  

  

Acquisition of intangible lease liability

   $ 2,782    $ 33,477    $ 32,697
    

  

  

Dividends payable

   $ 12,730    $ 13,562    $ 6,046
    

  

  

Due from affiliates

   $ 1,479    $ 2,531    $ 1,774
    

  

  

Accrued capital expenditures

   $ 11,429    $ 5,617    $ —  
    

  

  

Redeemable common shares

   $ 225,955    $ —      $ —  
    

  

  

 

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9. INCOME TAX BASIS NET INCOME

 

Wells REIT’s income tax basis net income for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002 is calculated as follows (in thousands):

 

     2004

    2003

    2002

 

GAAP basis financial statement net income

   $ 209,722     $ 120,685     $ 59,854  

Increase (decrease) in net income resulting from:

                        

Depreciation and amortization expense for financial reporting purposes in excess of amounts for income tax purposes

     40,386       43,817       17,160  

Rental income accrued for income tax purposes in excess of (less than) amounts for financial reporting purposes

     (22,038 )     (3,946 )     3,578  

FAS 141 expense accrued for financial reporting purposes in excess of amounts for income tax purposes

     1,131       6,410       —    

Expenses for financial reporting purposes, in excess of (less than) amounts for income tax purposes

     273       (13,466 )     (71 )

Gain on sale of property for financial reporting purposes in excess of amounts for income tax purposes

     (4,140 )     —         —    

Income for Wells Washington Properties, Inc. in excess of amount for financial reporting purposes

     5,336       11       —    
    


 


 


Income tax basis net income, prior to dividends paid deduction

   $ 230,670     $ 153,511     $ 80,521  
    


 


 


 

For income tax purposes, dividends to common stockholders are characterized as ordinary income, capital gains, or as a return of a stockholder’s invested capital. Wells REIT’s distributions per common share are summarized as follows:

 

     2004

    2003

    2002

 

Ordinary income

   70 %   70 %   77 %

Capital gains

   3 %   —       —    

Return of capital

   27 %   30 %   23 %
    

 

 

     100 %   100 %   100 %
    

 

 

 

At December 31, 2004, the tax basis carrying value of Wells REIT’s total assets was approximately $5.02 billion.

 

10. AGREEMENTS WITH WELLS CAPITAL AND WELLS MANAGEMENT

 

On December 30, 2004, Wells REIT entered into three agreements with certain affiliates, effective January 1, 2005: (1) Asset Management Advisory Agreement (the “2005 Asset Advisory Agreement”), (2) Acquisition Advisory Agreement (the “2005 Acquisition Advisory Agreement”), and (3) Master Property Management, Leasing and Construction Management

 

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Agreement (the “2005 Property Management Agreement”). These agreements replaced an existing Advisory Agreement, covering the period from January 30, 2004 though December 31, 2004 and an existing Asset/Property Management Agreement dated June 17, 2003 (the “2004 Asset/Property Management Agreement”).

 

The 2005 Asset Advisory Agreement is an agreement between Wells REIT and Wells Management. Under the terms of the 2005 Asset Advisory Agreement, Wells REIT will pay asset advisory fees to Wells Management for, among other things: (i) serving as Wells REIT’s investment and financial advisor; (ii) managing the day-to-day operations of Wells REIT; (iii) formulating and implementing strategies to administer, promote, manage, operate, maintain, improve, finance and refinance, market, lease, and dispose of properties; and (iv) providing certain accounting, SEC compliance and other administrative services for Wells REIT. The fee for these services will be payable monthly in an amount equal to one-twelfth of 0.5% of the fair market value of all properties owned by Wells REIT plus its interest in properties held through joint ventures. This fee is reduced by (i) tenant reimbursed property management fees paid to Wells Management, and (ii) in the event that Wells Management retains an independent third-party property manager to manage one or more properties currently being managed by Wells Management, the amount of property management fees paid to such third-party property managers. At the option of Wells Management, up to ten percent of such monthly fee may be paid in shares of common stock of Wells REIT.

 

Additionally, per the 2005 Asset Advisory Agreement, Wells Management is entitled to earn the following disposition and incentive fees, which are similar in nature to previous agreements:

 

    For any property sold by Wells REIT, a disposition fee of the lesser of 50% of a competitive real estate commission or 3.0% of the sales price of the property, subordinated to the payment of dividends to stockholders equal to the sum of the stockholders’ invested capital plus an 8% return on invested capital;

 

    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; and

 

    Listing fee of 10% of the excess by which the market value of the stock plus dividends paid prior to listing exceeds the sum of 100% of the invested capital plus an 8% return on invested capital.

 

The 2005 Asset Advisory Agreement has a one-year term and automatically renews unless either side gives notice of its intent not to renew. In addition, either party may terminate the 2005 Asset Advisory Agreement upon 60 days written notice. If the Wells REIT terminates the 2005 Asset Advisory Agreement, the Wells REIT will be required to pay Wells Management a subordinated performance fee. The subordinated performance fee will be equal to (i) 10% of the amount, if any, by which (a) the appraised value of the properties at the termination date, less the amount of all indebtedness secured by such properties, plus total dividends distributed to the stockholders through the termination date, exceeds the sum of (b) all of the capital the stockholders have invested plus the amount that would be required to be paid to the stockholders to provide an annualized, non-cumulative return of 8.0% from inception through the termination date, less (ii) any prior payments to Wells Management of its subordinated share of net sales proceeds.

 

The 2005 Acquisition Advisory Agreement is an agreement between Wells REIT and Wells Capital. Under the terms of the Acquisition Advisory Agreement, Wells REIT will pay a fee to

 

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Wells Capital for services relating to, among other things, capital raising functions; the investigation, selection and acquisition of properties; and certain transfer agent and stockholder communication functions. The fee payable to Wells Capital under the Acquisition Advisory Agreement will be 3.5% of aggregate gross proceeds raised from the sale of shares of Wells REIT, exclusive of proceeds received from the Wells REIT’s dividend reinvestment plan which are used to fund repurchases of shares of common stock pursuant to the Wells REIT’s share redemption program.

 

The 2005 Acquisition Advisory Agreement commences on January 1, 2005, has a one-year term and automatically renews unless either side gives notice of its intent not to renew. In addition, either party may terminate the 2005 Acquisition Advisory Agreement upon 60 days written notice.

 

The 2005 Property Management Agreement is an agreement between Wells REIT and Wells Management. The 2005 Property Management Agreement retains Wells Management to manage, coordinate the leasing of, and manage construction activities related to certain properties of Wells REIT. Any amounts paid under the 2005 Property Management Agreement for properties being managed by Wells Management on December 31, 2004 under the 2004 Asset/Property Management Agreement (the “Existing Portfolio Properties”) will have the economic effect of reducing amounts payable for asset advisory services with respect to such properties under the 2005 Asset Advisory Agreement. Management and leasing fees payable to Wells Management for properties to be acquired in the future shall be specified in an amendment to the 2005 Property Management Agreement, which must be approved by Wells REIT’s board of directors and will be payable in addition to fees payable pursuant to the 2005 Asset Advisory Agreement. Wells REIT anticipates that fees for the management and leasing of properties other than Existing Portfolio Properties will be generally consistent with the descriptions set forth below:

 

    For properties for which Wells Management will provide property management services, it is anticipated that Wells REIT will pay Wells Management a market-based property management fee generally based on gross monthly income of the property.

 

    For properties for which Wells Management provides leasing agent services, it is anticipated that Wells REIT will pay (i) a one-time initial lease-up fee in an amount not to exceed one-month’s rent for the initial rent-up of a newly-constructed building, (ii) a market-based commission based on the net rent payable during the term of a new lease (not to exceed ten years), (iii) a market-based commission based on the net rent payable during the term of any renewal or extension of any tenant lease, and (iv) a market-based commission based on the net rent payable with respect to expansion space for the remaining portion of the initial lease term.

 

    For properties for which Wells Management provides construction management services, it is anticipated that Wells REIT will pay (i) for planning and coordinating the construction of tenant directed improvements, that portion of lease concessions for tenant directed improvements as is specified in the lease or lease renewal, subject to a limit of 5% of such lease concessions, and (ii) for other construction management services, a construction management fee to be determined and agreed to in an appropriate contract amendment.

 

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The 2005 Property Management Agreement has a one-year term and automatically renews unless either side gives notice of its intent not to renew. In addition, either party may terminate the 2005 Property Management Agreement upon 60 days written notice.

 

Under the 2005 Asset Advisory Agreement, the 2005 Acquisition Advisory Agreement and the 2005 Property Management Agreement, Wells REIT is required to reimburse each service provider for various costs and expenses incurred in connection with the performance of its duties under such agreements, including reasonable wages and salaries and other employee related expenses such as taxes, insurance, and benefits of employees of the service provider who are directly engaged in providing services for or on behalf of Wells REIT. Under these agreements, reimbursements for such employee related expenses may not exceed $8,240,000 in the aggregate during any fiscal year.

 

Economic Dependency

 

Wells REIT has engaged Wells Management and Wells Capital to provide asset management and advisory services, to supervise the management and leasing of properties owned by Wells REIT, and to assume various other administrative responsibilities for Wells REIT including accounting services, shareholder communications, and investor relations. As a result of these relationships, Wells REIT is dependent upon Wells Management, Wells Capital and other affiliates of Wells Capital to provide certain services which are essential to Wells REIT including certain asset management and property management services, asset acquisition and disposition services and other administrative responsibilities under agreements, all of which have terms of one year.

 

Wells Capital and Wells Management are both owned and controlled by Wells Real Estate Funds (“WREF”). The operations of Wells Capital, Wells Management and WIS represent substantially all of the business of WREF. In light of their common ownership and their importance to WREF, Wells REIT focuses on the financial condition of WREF when assessing the financial condition of Wells Capital and Wells Management. In the event that WREF were to become unable to meet its obligations as they become due, Wells REIT might be required to find alternative service providers.

 

For the six months ended December 31, 2004, operating revenues for WREF on a consolidated basis exceeded operating expenses by approximately $5.8 million, and WREF is also expecting revenues to exceed expenses during 2005. For the year ended December 31, 2004, operating expenses for WREF exceeded operating revenues by $11.6 million. WREF believes it has adequate cash availability from funds on hand and in order to meet its obligations. In the first two quarters of 2004, WREF incurred net losses primarily as a result of revenues from acquisition, advisory, asset management services and property management services being less than the costs to provide such services. In planning for 2004, WREF anticipated it would incur short-term losses and reserved adequate funds to cover any shortfall in revenues due to the fact that Wells Real Estate Investment Trust II, Inc. (“Wells REIT II”), another sponsored product of WREF, was a new product that would generate revenues to WREF significantly less than those realized in 2003.

 

Litigation Against Related Parties

 

During early 2004, a putative class action complaint was filed against, among others, Leo. F. Wells, III, the president and a director of Wells REIT, Wells Capital, and Wells Management. The Court granted the plaintiffs’ motion to permit voluntary dismissal of this suit, and it was dismissed without prejudice. In November 2004, the same plaintiffs filed a second putative class

 

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action complaint against, among others, Mr. Wells, Wells Capital, and Wells Management. On January 28, 2005, the defendants filed motions to dismiss the plaintiffs’ claims. The Court has not yet ruled on those motions. The details of both complaints are outlined below.

 

As a matter of background, on or about March 12, 2004, a putative class action complaint (the “Original Complaint”) was filed by four individuals (the “plaintiffs”) against Wells Real Estate Fund I (“Wells Fund I”), and Wells Fund I’s general partners, Wells Capital and Leo F. Wells, III, who is the president and a director of Wells REIT, as well as Wells Management and WIS (Hendry et al. v. Leo F. Wells, III et al., Superior Court of Gwinnett County, Georgia, Civil Action No. 04-A-2791 2). Wells Fund I is a public limited partnership. The plaintiffs filed the Original Complaint purportedly on behalf of all limited partners holding B units of Wells Fund I as of January 15, 2003. The Original Complaint alleged, among other things, that (a) the general partners, WIS, and Wells Fund I negligently and fraudulently made false statements and material omissions in connection with the initial sale (September 6, 1984 - September 5, 1986) of the B units to investors of Wells Fund I by making false statements and omissions in sales literature relating to the distribution of net sale proceeds to holders of B units, among other things; (b) the general partners and Wells Fund I negligently and fraudulently misrepresented and concealed disclosure of, among other things, alleged discrepancies between such statements and provisions in the partnership agreement for a period of time in order to delay such investors from taking any legal, equitable or other action to protect their investments in Wells Fund I, among other reasons; (c) Mr. Wells and Wells Management breached an alleged contract arising out of a June 2000 consent solicitation to the limited partners; and (d) the general partners and Wells Fund I breached fiduciary duties to the limited partners. On June 3, 2004, the Court granted the plaintiffs’ motion to permit voluntary dismissal, and the Original Complaint was dismissed without prejudice.

 

On or about November 24, 2004, the plaintiffs filed a second putative class action complaint (the “Complaint”) against Mr. Wells, Wells Capital, Wells Management, and Wells Fund I (Hendry et al. v. Leo F. Wells, III et al., Superior Court of Gwinnett County, Georgia, Civil Action No. 04A-13051 6). The plaintiffs filed the Complaint purportedly on behalf of all limited partners holding B units of Wells Fund I as of January 9, 2002. The Complaint alleges, among other things, that the general partners breached their fiduciary duties to the limited partners by, among other things, (a) failing to timely disclose alleged inconsistencies between sales literature and the partnership agreement relating to the distribution of net sale proceeds; (b) engaging in a scheme to fraudulently conceal alleged inconsistencies between sales literature and the partnership agreement relating to the distribution of net sale proceeds; and (c) not accepting a settlement offer proposed by a holder of A units and a holder of A and B units in other litigation naming Wells Fund I as a defendant, in which other litigation the court subsequently granted summary judgment in favor of Wells Fund I. The Complaint also alleges that misrepresentations and omissions in an April 2002 consent solicitation to the limited partners caused that consent solicitation to be materially misleading. In addition, the Complaint alleges, among other things, that the general partners and Wells Management breached an alleged contract arising out of a June 2000 consent solicitation to the limited partners relating to an alleged waiver of deferred management fees.

 

The plaintiffs seek, among other remedies, the following: judgment against the general partners of Wells Fund I, jointly and severally, in an amount to be proven at trial; punitive damages; disgorgement of fees earned by the general partners directly or through their affiliates; a declaration that the consent obtained as a result of an April 2002 consent solicitation is null and void; enforcement of an alleged contract arising out of the June 2000 consent solicitation to waive Wells Management’s deferred management fees; and an award to plaintiffs of their attorneys’ fees, costs and expenses. The Complaint states that Wells Fund I is named only as a necessary

 

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party defendant and that the plaintiffs seek no money from or relief at the expense of Wells Fund I. On January 28, 2005, the defendants filed motions to dismiss the plantiffs’ claims. The Court has not yet ruled on those motions. Due to the uncertainties inherent in the litigation process, it is not possible to predict the ultimate outcome of this matter at this time. However, an adverse outcome could adversely affect the ability of Wells Capital, Wells Management, WIS, and Mr. Wells to fulfill their duties under the agreements and relationships they have with us.

 

11. TRANSACTIONS WITH WELLS CAPITAL, WELLS MANAGEMENT

 

Advisory Agreement

 

During the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, Wells REIT maintained an Advisory Agreement with Wells Capital, which entitled Wells Capital to specified fees in consideration for certain services with regard to the offering of shares to the public and investment of funds in real estate projects.

 

Under the terms of the Advisory Agreement, Wells REIT was required to pay Wells Capital the following for services rendered:

 

    Acquisition and advisory fees and acquisition expenses of 3.5% of gross offering proceeds, subject to certain limitations;

 

    Reimbursement of organization and offering costs paid by Wells Capital on behalf of Wells REIT, not to exceed 3% of gross offering proceeds;

 

    For any property sold by Wells REIT, a disposition fee of the lesser of 50% of a competitive real estate commission or 3.0% of the sales price of the property, subordinated to the payment of dividends to stockholders equal to the sum of the stockholders’ invested capital plus an 8% return on invested capital;

 

    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; and

 

    Listing fee of 10% of the excess by which the market value of the stock plus dividends paid prior to listing exceeds the sum of 100% of the invested capital plus an 8% return on invested capital.

 

Acquisition and advisory fees and acquisition expenses, as well as organizational and offering costs are shown below for the periods presented (in thousands):

 

     Year Ended December 31,

     2004

   2003

   2002

Acquisition and advisory fees & acquisition expenses

   $ 6,759    $ 87,300    $ 46,400

Organizational and offering costs

   $ 757    $ 21,500    $ 20,500

 

Wells REIT incurred no disposition, incentive or listing fees during the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 or 2002.

 

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Wells Capital agreed to reduce acquisition and advisory fees by the amounts attributable to shares redeemed pursuant to the share redemption program, as shown below for the periods presented (in thousands):

 

     Year Ended December 31,

     2004

   2003

   2002

Redemptions

   $ 97,115    $ 43,690    $ 15,362

Reduction of acquisition & advisory fee

   $ 3,388    $ 1,529    $ 538

 

Administrative Services Reimbursement

 

Wells REIT has no direct employees. Under the terms of various agreements with Wells REIT, Wells Capital and Wells Management billed Wells REIT for their services based on time spent by administrative personnel to perform a variety of services outlined in the various agreements. These expenses are included in general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of income. These expenses totaled $8.4 million, $3.9 million, and $2.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

 

Asset and Property Management Agreement

 

During the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, Wells REIT entered into various agreements with Wells Management related to asset and property management services. Over this period, Wells REIT generally paid fees to Wells Management an amount equal to 4.5% of gross revenues on properties owned by Wells REIT. These expenses totaled $23.1 million, $13.3 million, and $4.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003, and 2002, respectively.

 

Dealer Manager Agreement

 

During the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, Wells REIT maintained a dealer manager agreement with WIS, whereby WIS performed dealer manager services for offerings of Wells REIT during its four public offerings. For these services, WIS earned selling commissions of approximately 7% of the gross proceeds from the sale of the shares of Wells REIT, the majority of which were reallowed to participating broker-dealers. Once the fourth offering was closed, Wells REIT lowered the selling commissions paid to WIS to 5% of gross dividend reinvestment proceeds raised. The amount of such commissions is shown below for the periods presented (in thousands):

 

     2004

    2003

    2002

 

Commissions

   $ 10,947     $ 177,600     $ 94,200  

Portion of commissions reallowed

     In excess of 99 %     In excess of 99 %     In excess of 99 %

 

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Additionally, WIS earned a dealer manager fee of 2.5% of the gross offering proceeds at the time the shares were sold under the four public offerings. Once the fourth offering closed, Wells REIT eliminated the 2.5% dealer manager fee. Under the dealer manager agreement, up to 1.5% of gross offering proceeds was potentially reallowed to participating broker-dealers. In addition, until the fourth offering closed, WIS refunded the 2.5% dealer manager fee for shares redeemed under the Share Redemption Program. The amount of these fees, reductions, and reallowances is shown below for the periods presented (in thousands):

 

     2004

   2003

   2002

Dealer manager fees

   $ 2,322    $ 63,400    $ 33,500

Reallowance of fees to broker dealers

   $ 1,259    $ 29,600    $ 14,600

Fees refunded related to share redemption

   $ 0    $ 1,100    $ 400

 

12. DUE FROM AFFILIATES

 

Substantially all of the amounts due from affiliates included in the consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 2004 and 2003 represent Wells REIT’s share of the cash to be distributed from its unconsolidated joint venture investments. Amounts outstanding as of December 31, 2004 and 2003 were as follows (in thousands):

 

     December 31,

     2004

   2003

Fund XII and REIT Joint Venture

   $ 704    $ 684

Fund XIII and REIT Joint Venture

     596      1,146

Wells/Fremont Associates

     130      170

Fund IX, X, XI and REIT Joint Venture

     28      35

Affiliates of Wells Capital

     21      541

Fund XI, XII and REIT Joint Venture

     —        452

Fund VIII, IX and REIT Joint Venture

     —        44

Wells/Orange County Associates

     —        —  
    

  

     $ 1,479    $ 3,072
    

  

 

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13. OPERATING LEASES

 

Virtually all of Wells REIT’s real estate assets are leased to tenants under operating leases for which the terms and expirations vary. The leases frequently have provisions to extend the lease term, options for early termination after paying a specified penalty, and other terms and conditions as negotiated. Wells REIT retains substantially all of the risks and benefits of ownership of the real estate assets leased to tenants. Amounts required as security deposits vary depending upon the terms of the respective leases and the creditworthiness of the tenant, but generally are not significant amounts. Therefore, exposure to credit risk is limited to the extent that the receivables exceed this amount. Security deposits related to tenant leases are included in accounts payable and accrued expenses in the consolidated balance sheets.

 

Wells REIT’s tenants are generally of “investment grade” quality and there are no significant concentrations of credit risk within any particular tenant or any industry. Wells REIT’s properties are located in 26 states and the District of Columbia. As of December 31, 2004, approximately 18.4% and 17.5% of Wells REIT’s total real estate assets are located in metropolitan Chicago and metropolitan Washington, D.C., respectively.

 

The future minimum rental income from Wells REIT’s investment in real estate assets under non-cancelable operating leases, excluding properties under development, at December 31, 2004 is as follows (in thousands):

 

     Amount

Year ending December 31:

      

2005

   $ 456,910

2006

     448,123

2007

     435,601

2008

     416,296

2009

     390,278

Thereafter

     1,208,187
    

Total

   $ 3,355,395
    

 

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14. QUARTERLY RESULTS (unaudited)

 

Presented below is a summary of the unaudited quarterly financial information for the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003, in thousands, except per share data:

 

     2004

     First

   Second

   Third

   Fourth

Revenues (1)

   $ 151,736    $ 160,662    $ 153,493    $ 156,201

Discontinued operations

   $ 385    $ 11,905      —        —  

Net income

   $ 52,624    $ 65,045    $ 44,066    $ 47,987

Basic and diluted earnings per share (2)

   $ 0.11    $ 0.14    $ 0.09    $ 0.10

Dividends per share (2)

   $ 0.18    $ 0.18    $ 0.18    $ 0.18
     2003

     First

   Second

   Third

   Fourth

Revenues (1)

   $ 62,026    $ 84,680    $ 106,075    $ 124,774

Discontinued operations

     385      249      269      143

Net income

   $ 24,364    $ 27,985    $ 33,820    $ 34,516

Basic and diluted earnings per share (2)

   $ 0.10    $ 0.10    $ 0.10    $ 0.08

Dividends per share (2)

   $ 0.18    $ 0.18    $ 0.18    $ 0.18

(1) Through the first quarter 2004, Wells REIT reported the amortization of the fair values of in-place leases, including opportunity costs associated with lost rentals that are avoided by acquiring in-place leases and tenant relationships, as an adjustment to rental income in the consolidated statement of operations. In the second quarter 2004, Wells REIT began presenting this amortization as amortization expense in its consolidated statements of operations, and has reclassified such amortization from rental income to amortization expense for all periods previously presented. The period of amortization continues to be the term of the respective lease and results in no change in net income as previously reported.

 

(2) The totals of the four quarterly amounts for the years ended December 31, 2004, and 2003, do not equal the totals for the years then ended. This difference results from rounding differences between quarters.

 

15. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

 

Sale of Portfolio of Real Estate Assets

 

On February 25, 2005, Wells REIT, along with various Wells-affiliated entities, entered into a definitive purchase and sale agreement (“Agreement”) to sell 27 properties from our existing portfolio for a gross sale price of $786.0 million, excluding closing costs and brokerage fees, to Lexington Corporate Properties Trust (“Purchaser”), an unaffiliated third-party. Wells REIT’s share of the $786.0 million in gross sales price is approximately $760.3. The Agreement contemplates the closing of this transaction to occur no earlier than March 25, 2005 (the “Primary Closing Date”). Both the Purchaser and the selling entities have the right under the Agreement, however, to extend the Primary Closing Date until no later than April 29, 2005, if one or more

 

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conditions for a property or properties are not satisfied, by giving written notice to the other party no later than March 22, 2005. While the Agreement contemplates the sale of 27 properties, in order for the sale to be consummated, a number of conditions relating to each property must be satisfied. Accordingly, both the timing of the property closings and the actual number of properties to ultimately be sold to the Purchaser pursuant to the Agreement is unclear at this time. There are still a significant number of conditions required to be satisfied with respect to the properties included in this transaction. In addition, the sole remedy against the Purchaser for failure to close is a forfeiture of the earnest money under the Agreement. Accordingly, there are no assurances all conditions relating to all 27 properties can be satisfied prior to the outside closing date, or that the Purchaser will actually perform under the Agreement and close this anticipated transaction. Wells REIT’s net book value of the properties is approximately $566.7 million. Wells REIT’s share of the gain to be recorded upon the close of the potential transaction, exclusive of closing costs, is estimated at approximately $193.6 million.

 

In accordance with the terms of the current Asset Management Advisory Agreement with Wells Management, Wells REIT’s Asset Advisor, in the event that Wells Management provides substantial services in connection with the sale of properties, as determined and approved by Wells REIT’s board of directors, Wells REIT may be required to pay Wells Management a subordinated disposition fee equal to the lesser of one-half of the market-based real estate commission or 3.0% of the sale price of such properties, contingent upon our stockholders having first received total dividends in an amount equal to the sum of all of the capital the stockholders have invested in Wells REIT (reduced by prior dividends attributable to net sales proceeds) plus an amount sufficient to provide the stockholders with an annualized, noncumulative return of 8.0% (the “Subordinated Conditions”). While this fee may be in addition to real estate commissions paid to third parties, the total real estate commissions (including such disposition fee) may not exceed the lesser of (i) 6.0% of the sales price of the properties or (ii) the level of real estate commissions customarily charged in light of the size, type, and location of the properties.

 

On February 21, 2005, the board of directors of Wells REIT approved a subordinated disposition fee of 0.33% of the gross sale price of the properties sold to be paid to Wells Management as a result of the closing of this transaction. Since the Subordinated Conditions have not been met at this time, this fee will not be paid at closing but will be paid only in the event and at the time that the Subordinated Conditions are satisfied in accordance with the terms of the Asset Management Advisory Agreement.

 

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Revisions to the Dividend Reinvestment Plan

 

On February 21, 2005, the board of directors of Wells REIT approved an amendment to the dividend reinvestment plan effective for dividends declared and paid after March 10, 2005, to clarify that distributions attributable to net sales proceeds will be excluded from dividends which may be reinvested in shares under the dividend reinvestment plan. Accordingly, in the event that proceeds attributable to the potential sale transaction described above are distributed to stockholders as a special distribution, such amounts may not be reinvested in shares of Wells REIT pursuant to its dividend reinvestment plan.

 

Revisions to the Share Redemption Program

 

On February 23, 2005, the board of directors of Wells REIT approved the following revisions to the current share redemption program effective for redemptions of shares beginning in March 2005: (i) an increase to the limit of the number of shares that can be redeemed in 2005 from 3.0% of the weighted-average number of shares outstanding during the prior calendar year to 5.0% of the weighted-average number of shares outstanding during the prior calendar year; (ii) a decrease in the percentage of funds to be reserved in calendar year 2005 for (a) redemptions upon the death of a stockholder, and (b) redemptions for certain stockholders to satisfy required minimum distribution requirements as set forth under Sections 401(a)(9), 403(b)(10), 408(a)(6), 408(b)(3), and 408(A)(c)(5) of the Internal Revenue Code from 20% to 15% of the amount available for redemption; and (iii) the price at which shares will be redeemed will be reduced by any amounts previously distributed to stockholders which were attributable to net sales proceeds from the sale of Wells REIT’s properties.

 

Extension of Line of Credit

 

On March 4, 2005, Wells REIT extended its $50 Million Secured Line of Credit, originally maturing in June 2005, through June 2006. In addition to extending the maturity of the facility, the borrowing base properties (Experian/TRW Building, Kraft Atlanta Building, and IKON Building) were replaced by the Cingular Atlanta Building. All other material terms of the facility, such as interest rate and covenant restrictions, remain unchanged from the terms of the facility at December 31, 2004.

 

Dividend Declaration

 

On March 9, 2005, the board of directors of Wells REIT declared dividends for the first quarter of 2005 in the amount of $0.175 (17.5 cents) per share on our outstanding common stock to all stockholders of record of such shares as shown on our books at the close of business on March 15, 2005.

 

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WELLS REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST, INC.

 

SCHEDULE II

VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2004, 2003 AND 2002

(Thousands of dollars)

 

    

Balance at

Beginning of

Period


   Additions

   Deductions

  

Balance

At End

Of Period


       

Charged to

Costs and

Expenses


  

Charged to

Other

Accounts


   Write-Offs and
Reclassifications


  
December 31, 2004                             

Allowances deducted from assets to which they apply

                            

Allowances for doubtful accounts

   $ 444    600    —      —      $ 1,044
December 31, 2003                             

Allowances deducted from assets to which they apply

                            

Allowances for doubtful accounts

   $ 0    444    —      —      $ 444
December 31, 2002                             

Allowances deducted from assets to which they apply

                            

Allowances for doubtful accounts

   $ 0    —      —      —      $ 0

 

 

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Wells Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc.

Schedule III - Real Estate Assets and Accumulated Depreciation

 

December 31, 2004

(in thousands)

 

Description


 

Location


  Ownership
Percentage


  Encumbrances

  Initial Cost

  Costs Capitalized
Subsequent to
Acquisition


  Gross Amount at Which Carried
at December 31, 2004


 

Accumulated
Depreciation


 

Date of
Construction


  Date
Acquired


 

Life on which
Depreciation is

Computed (i)


        Land

  Buildings and
Improvements


  Total

    Land

  Buildings and
Improvements


  Total

       

AT&T PENNSYLVANIA

  Harrisburg, PA   100   None   $ 662   $ 11,836   $ 12,498   $ 676   $ 690   $ 12,484   $ 13,174   $ 2,698   1998   2/4/1999   0 to 40 years

MATSUSHITA

  Lake Forest, CA   100   None     4,577     0     4,577     13,965     4,768     13,774     18,542     5,014   1999   3/15/1999   0 to 40 years

ALSTOM POWER RICHMOND

  Midlothian, VA   100   None     948     0     948     9,963     988     9,923     10,911     2,667   1999   7/22/1999   0 to 40 years

VIDEOJET TECHNOLOGY

  Wood Dale, IL   100   None     5,000     28,162     33,162     1,381     5,208     29,335     34,543     5,765   1991   9/10/1999   0 to 40 years

CINEMARK

  Plano, TX   100   None     1,456     20,377     21,833     908     1,517     21,224     22,741     3,961   1999   12/21/1999   0 to 40 years

METRIS TULSA

  Tulsa, OK   100   None     1,150     11,570     12,720     541     1,198     12,063     13,261     2,169   2000   2/11/2000   0 to 40 years

DIAL

  Scottsdale, AZ   100   None     3,500     10,785     14,285     602     3,646     11,241     14,887     1,984   1997   3/29/2000   0 to 40 years

ASML

  Tempe, AZ   100   (j)     0     17,393     17,393     731     0     18,124     18,124     3,189   1995   3/29/2000   0 to 40 years

MOTOROLA TEMPE

  Tempe, AZ   100   (j)     0     16,036     16,036     679     0     16,715     16,715     2,947   1998   3/29/2000   0 to 40 years

AVNET

  Tempe, AZ   100   (j)     0     13,272     13,272     551     0     13,823     13,823     2,299   2000   6/12/2000   0 to 40 years

DELPHI

  Troy, MI   100   None     2,160     16,776     18,936     1,811     2,250     18,497     20,747     3,491   2000   6/29/2000   0 to 40 years

MOTOROLA PLAINFIELD

  South Plainfield, NJ   100   None     9,653     20,495     30,148     5,857     10,055     25,950     36,005     5,690   2000   11/1/2000   0 to 40 years

STONE & WEBSTER

  Houston, TX   100   None     7,100     37,915     45,015     1,905     7,396     39,524     46,920     5,782   1994   12/21/2000   0 to 40 years

METRIS MINNESOTA

  Minnetonka, MN   100   None     7,700     45,154     52,854     6,374     8,021     51,207     59,228     7,016   2000   12/21/2000   0 to 40 years

STATE STREET

  Quincy, MA   100   20,200     11,042     40,666     51,708     2,176     11,042     42,842     53,884     5,529   1990   7/30/2001   0 to 40 years

IKON

  Houston, TX   100   (b)     2,847     18,793     21,640     0     2,847     18,793     21,640     2,206   2000   9/7/2001   0 to 40 years

NISSAN

  Irving, TX   100   None     5,546     0     5,546     32,973     5,795     32,724     38,519     2,568   2002   9/19/2001   0 to 40 years

INGRAM MICRO

  Millington, TN   100   22,000 (c)     333     21,590     21,923     0     333     21,590     21,923     2,539   1997   9/26/2001   0 to 40 years

LUCENT

  Cary, NC   100   None     7,276     11,485     18,760     0     7,276     11,485     18,760     1,348   2000   9/28/2001   0 to 40 years

CONVERGYS

  Tamarac, FL   100   None     3,642     10,404     14,047     0     3,642     10,404     14,047     1,119   2001   12/21/2001   0 to 40 years

WINDY POINT I

  Schaumburg, IL   100   None     4,537     31,847     36,384     0     4,537     31,847     36,384     3,420   1999   12/31/2001   0 to 40 years

WINDY POINT II

  Schaumburg, IL   100   None     3,746     55,026     58,772     0     3,746     55,026     58,772     5,913   2001   12/31/2001   0 to 40 years

VERTEX SARASOTA

  Sarasota, FL   100   None     1,767     20,533     22,301     1,224     2,203     21,321     23,525     2,192   1999   1/11/2002   0 to 40 years

TRANSOCEAN HOUSTON

  Houston, TX   100   None     879     22,049     22,928     0     879     22,049     22,928     2,154   1999   3/15/2002   0 to 40 years

NOVARTIS ATLANTA

  Duluth, GA   100   None     2,080     13,572     15,653     0     2,080     13,572     15,653     1,325   2001   3/28/2002   0 to 40 years

DANA DETROIT

  Farmington Hills, MI   100   None     2,298     22,583     24,881     3     2,298     22,586     24,884     2,205   1999   3/29/2002   0 to 40 years

DANA KALAMAZOO

  Kalamazoo, MI   100   None     1,002     18,250     19,253     3     1,002     18,253     19,256     1,949   1999   3/29/002   0 to 40 years

TRAVELERS EXPRESS DENVER

  Lakewood, CO   100   None     1,548     9,446     10,993     0     1,548     9,446     10,993     891   2002   4/10/2002   0 to 40 years

AGILENT ATLANTA

  Alpharetta, GA   100   None     1,561     14,207     15,768     0     1,561     14,207     15,768     1,339   2001   4/18/2002   0 to 40 years

BELLSOUTH FT. LAUDERDALE

  Ft. Lauderdale, FL   100   (j)     0     7,172     7,172     0     0     7,172     7,172     676   2001   4/18/2002   0 to 40 years

EXPERIAN/TRW

  Allen, TX   100   (b)     4,163     32,985     37,147     0     4,163     32,985     37,147     3,002   1982   5/1/2002   0 to 40 years

AGILENT BOSTON

  Boxborough, MA   100   None     3,642     29,497     33,140     3,378     3,642     32,875     36,518     3,432   2002   5/3/2002   0 to 40 years

TRW DENVER

  Aurora, CO   100   None     1,397     20,568     21,964     5,078     1,397     25,646     27,042     3,963   1997   5/29/2002   0 to 40 years

MFS PHOENIX

  Phoenix, AZ   100   None     2,602     24,333     26,935     11     2,602     24,344     26,945     2,134   2001   6/4/2002   0 to 40 years

ISS ATLANTA

  Atlanta, GA   100   32,500 (d)     2,810     39,614     42,424     0     2,810     39,614     42,424     3,344   2001   7/1/2002   0 to 40 years

PACIFICARE SAN ANTONIO

  San Antonio, TX   100   None     2,550     12,738     15,288     0     2,550     12,738     15,288     1,075   2000   7/12/2002   0 to 40 years

KERR MCGEE

  Houston, TX   100   None     1,738     0     1,738     12,344     2,205     11,877     14,082     739   2003   7/29/2002   0 to 40 years

BMG DIRECT GREENVILLE

  Duncan, SC   100   None     1,002     15,709     16,711     9     1,002     15,718     16,720     1,327   1987   7/31/2002   0 to 40 years

BMG MUSIC GREENVILLE

  Duncan, SC   100   None     663     10,914     11,577     0     663     10,914     11,577     912   1987   7/31/2002   0 to 40 years

KRAFT ATLANTA

  Suwanee, GA   100   (b)     2,810     9,341     12,151     0     2,810     9,341     12,151     758   2001   7/31/2002   0 to 40 years

NOKIA DALLAS I

  Irving, TX   100   None     3,157     38,447     41,604     4     3,157     38,451     41,608     3,119   1999   8/15/2002   0 to 40 years

NOKIA DALLAS II

  Irving, TX   100   None     3,157     38,447     41,604     4     3,157     38,451     41,608     3,119   1999   8/15/2002   0 to 40 years

NOKIA DALLAS III

  Irving, TX   100   None     3,157     38,447     41,604     4     3,157     38,451     41,608     3,119   1999   8/15/2002   0 to 40 years

HARCOURT AUSTIN

  Austin, TX   100   16,500     6,098     34,492     40,591     0     6,098     34,492     40,591     2,798   2001   8/15/2002   0 to 40 years

AMERICREDIT PHOENIX

  Chandler, AZ   100   None     2,632     0     2,632     22,573     2,779     22,426     25,205     1,583   2003   9/12/2002   0 to 40 years

IRS LONG ISLAND

  Holtsville, NY   100   None     4,375     48,213     52,587     1,027     4,376     49,238     53,614     6,963   2000   9/16/2002   0 to 40 years

KEYBANK PARSIPPANY

  Parsippany, NJ   100   42,700     9,054     96,722     105,776     20     9,054     96,743     105,796     7,531   1985   9/27/2002   0 to 40 years

FEDEX COLORADO SPRINGS

  Colorado Springs, CO   100   None     2,185     24,964     27,149     5     2,185     24,969     27,154     1,943   2001   9/27/2002   0 to 40 years

EDS DES MOINES

  Des Moines, IA   100   None     885     26,774     27,659     0     885     26,774     27,659     2,083   2002   9/27/2002   0 to 40 years

INTUIT DALLAS

  Plano, TX   100   None     3,153     24,602     27,755     4     3,153     24,606     27,759     1,915   2001   9/27/2002   0 to 40 years

ALLSTATE INDIANAPOLIS

  Indianapolis, IN   100   None     1,327     10,071     11,398     0     1,327     10,071     11,398     784   2001   9/27/2002   0 to 40 years

DAIMLER CHRYSLER DALLAS

  Westlake, TX   100   None     2,689     23,494     26,183     24     2,689     23,518     26,207     1,829   2001   9/30/2002   0 to 40 years

NASA

  Washington, DC   100   105,800     52,711     202,702     255,412     2,294     52,711     204,996     257,706     14,429   1991   11/22/2002   0 to 40 years

OCC

  Washington, DC   100   57,800     29,765     104,815     134,580     1,278     30,562     105,296     135,858     7,467   1991   11/22/2002   0 to 40 years

CATERPILLAR NASHVILLE

  Nashville, TN   100   26,800     4,908     59,010     63,918     2,430     5,101     61,247     66,348     4,331   2000   11/26/2002   0 to 40 years

CAPITAL ONE RICHMOND I

  Glen Allen, VA   100   None     460     8,342     8,802     188     479     8,511     8,990     636   1999   11/26/2002   0 to 40 years

CAPITAL ONE RICHMOND II

  Glen Allen, VA   100   None     1,305     8,620     9,925     540     1,358     9,107     10,465     745   1999   11/26/2002   0 to 40 years

CAPITAL ONE RICHMOND III

  Glen Allen, VA   100   None     1,090     8,838     9,928     446     1,135     9,240     10,374     695   1999   11/26/2002   0 to 40 years

NESTLE LOS ANGELES

  Glendale, CA   100   None     23,605     136,284     159,889     300     23,608     136,582     160,189     9,289   1990   12/20/2002   0 to 40 years

EASTPOINT INDIANAPOLIS

  Mayfield Heights, OH   100   (a)     2,720     20,263     22,983     1,826     2,720     22,090     24,810     1,640   2000   1/9/2003   0 to 40 years

150 WEST JEFFERSON

  Detroit, MI   100   None     9,759     88,364     98,123     2,150     9,759     91,350     100,273     5,714   1989   3/31/2003   0 to 40 years

 

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Table of Contents

Wells Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc.

Schedule III - Real Estate Assets and Accumulated Depreciation

 

December 31, 2004

(in thousands)

 

Description


 

Location


  Ownership
Percentage


  Encumbrances

    Initial Cost

  Costs Capitalized
Subsequent to
Acquisition


    Gross Amount at Which Carried at
December 31, 2004


  Accumulated
Depreciation


  Date of
Construction


  Date
Acquired


  Life on which
Depreciation is
Computed (i)


        Land

  Buildings and
Improvements


  Total

    Land

  Buildings and
Improvements


  Total

       

CITICORP ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS, NJ

  Englewood Cliffs, NJ   100   29,300     $ 10,424   $ 61,319   $ 71,744   $ 2,045     $ 10,803   $ 62,986   $ 73,789   $ 3,446   1953   4/30/2003   0 to 40 years

US BANCORP MINNEAPOLIS

  Minneapolis, MN   100   None       11,138     175,628     186,766     577       11,138     176,205     187,343     9,133   2000   5/1/2003   0 to 40 years

AON CENTER CHICAGO

  Chicago, IL   100   200,000       23,267     472,489     495,756     27,455       23,966     499,246     523,211     26,024   1972   5/9/2003   0 to 40 years

GMAC DETROIT

  Auburn Hills, MI   100   None       1,978     16,570     18,548     1,279       1,978     17,849     19,827     863   2001   5/9/2003   0 to 40 years

IBM RESTON I

  Reston, VA   100   None       2,711     17,890     20,601     521       2,711     18,411     21,122     1,271   1985   6/27/2003   0 to 40 years

TELLABS RESTON

  Reston, VA   100   None       1,218     8,038     9,256     269       1,218     8,307     9,525     798   1984   6/27/2003   0 to 40 years

ISS ATLANTA III

  Atlanta, GA   100   10,000 (e)     989     7,830     8,819     0       989     7,830     8,819     477   2003   7/1/2003   0 to 40 years

LOCKHEED MARTIN ROCKVILLE I

  Rockville, MD   100   None       3,019     21,984     25,002     (435 )     3,019     21,548     24,567     1,997   1985   7/30/2003   0 to 40 years

LOCKHEED MARTIN ROCKVILLE II

  Rockville, MD   100   None       3,019     21,984     25,002     (435 )     3,019     21,548     24,567     1,997   1985   7/30/2003   0 to 40 years

CINGULAR ATLANTA

  Atlanta, GA   100   None       6,662     69,031     75,693     242       6,662     69,272     75,934     7,290   2000   8/1/2003   0 to 40 years

AVENTIS NORTHERN NEW JERSEY

  Bridgewater, NJ   100   40,200       8,182     84,160     92,342     1,773       8,328     85,787     94,115     6,650   2002   8/14/2003   0 to 40 years

APPLERA PASADENA

  Pasadena, CA   100   None       6,495     30,265     36,760     1,009       6,495     31,274     37,770     3,136   2001   8/22/2003   0 to 40 years

CONTINENTAL CASUALTY ORANGE COUNTY

  Brea, CA   100   10,700       7,110     15,600     22,710     397       7,110     15,997     23,107     1,173   2003   8/29/2003   0 to 40 years

POLO RALPH LAUREN NEWARK

  Lyndhurst, NJ   100   None       6,974     38,714     45,689     495       6,974     39,210     46,184     4,306   1986   9/5/2003   0 to 40 years

1901 MAIN STREET IRVINE

  Irvine, CA   100   None       6,246     36,455     42,700     17       6,246     36,471     42,717     3,024   2001   9/17/2003   0 to 40 years

IBM RHIEN PORTLAND

  Beaverton, OR   100   None       1,015     6,425     7,440     99       1,015     6,524     7,539     424   1988   10/9/2003   0 to 40 years

IBM DESCHUTES PORTLAND

  Beaverton, OR   100   None       1,072     6,361     7,433     114       1,072     6,474     7,546     504   1989   10/9/2003   0 to 40 years

IBM WILLIAMETTE PORTLAND

  Beaverton, OR   100   None       1,085     6,211     7,296     100       1,085     6,311     7,396     600   1990   10/9/2003   0 to 40 years

1345 BURLINGTON DRIVE PORTLAND

  Beaverton, OR   100   None       1,546     7,630     9,176     2,130       1,546     9,760     11,306     267   1999   10/9/2003   0 to 40 years

15757 JAY STREET PORTLAND

  Beaverton, OR   100   None       499     427     925     0       499     427     925     15   1979   10/9/2003   0 to 40 years

IBM PORTLAND LAND PARCELS

  Beaverton, OR   100   None       5,522     0     5,522     (2,287 )     3,235     0     3,235     0   N/A   10/9/2003   0 to 40 years

LEO BURNETT CHICAGO (f)

  Chicago, Il   95   120,000       54,949     218,757     273,706     27,199       55,116     245,788     300,905     15,198   1989   11/6/2003   0 to 40 years

4250 N FAIRFAX ARLINGTON

  Arlington, VA   100   None       13,636     70,918     84,554     4,310       13,636     75,227     88,864     2,950   1998   11/19/2003   0 to 40 years

400 VIRGINIA AVENUE

  Washington, DC   100   None       22,146     49,739     71,886     1,545       22,146     51,284     73,431     3,165   1985   11/19/2003   0 to 40 years

US PARK SERVICE (g)

  Washington, DC   50   67,561       31,985     63,140     95,124     7,120       31,985     70,259     102,244     3,331   2001   11/19/2003   0 to 40 years

1225 EYE STREET (h)

  Washington, DC   50   47,607       21,959     47,601     69,560     1,664       21,959     49,265     71,224     2,815   1985   11/19/2003   0 to 40 years

BOEING SEATTLE

  Issaquah, WA   100   None       4,351     25,899     30,250     41       4,351     25,940     30,291     4,063   2001   12/10/2003   0 to 40 years

BANK OF AMERICA

  Brea, CA   100   None       9,785     82,945     92,730     199       15,302     77,627     92,929     6,172   1983   12/18/2003   0 to 40 years

1901 MARKET STREET
PHILADELPHIA

  Philadelphia, PA   100   160,000       13,584     166,682     180,267     137       20,829     159,575     180,404     5,268   1990   12/18/2003   0 to 40 years

60 BROAD STREET NEW YORK

  New York, NY   100   None       32,522     168,986     201,508     4,704       60,708     145,504     206,213     8,118   1962   12/31/2003   0 to 40 years

1414
MASSACHUSSETS AVENUE

  Cambridge, MA   100   (a )     4,210     35,821     40,031     1,757       4,365     37,423     41,788     1,386   1873   1/8/2004   0 to 40 years

FRANK RUSSELL

  Tacoma, WA   100   (a )     2,600     42,683     45,283     1,342       2,664     43,960     46,625     1,504   1988   1/9/2004   0 to 40 years

ONE BRATTLE SQUARE

  Cambridge, MA   100   26,906       6,974     64,939     71,913     356       6,974     65,295     72,269     5,140   1991   2/26/2004   0 to 40 years

MERCK NEW JERSEY

  Lebanon, NJ   100   12,984       3,934     0     3,934     9,966       3,934     9,966     13,899     0   2004   3/16/2004   0 to 40 years

1075 WEST ENTRANCE

  Auburn Hills, MI   100   14,413       5,200     22,957     28,157     0       5,200     22,957     28,157     429   2001   7/7/2004   0 to 40 years

GARTNER PARKING DECK

  Ft. Myers, FL   100   None       933     0     933     0       933     0     933     0   2004   9/30/2004   0 to 40 years

CITIGROUP FORT MILL

  Fort Mill, SC   100   None       2,994     0     2,994     638       2,994     638     3,632     0   2004   10/28/2004   0 to 40 years

3100 CLARENDON BOULEVARD

  Arlington, VA   100   33,500       11,700     69,705     81,405     0       11,700     69,705     81,405     122   1986   12/9/2004   0 to 40 years

SHADY GROVE V

  Rockville, MD   100   None       3,730     16,608     20,338     0       3,730     16,608     20,338     28   1982   12/29/2004   0 to 40 years
                 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

           

Total - REIT Properties

                $ 642,939   $ 4,057,398   $ 4,700,337   $ 234,600     $ 687,451   $ 4,248,322   $ 4,935,773     327,544            
                 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

           

ALSTOM POWER KNOXVILLE

  Knoxville, TN   4   None       583     744     1,327     6,990       608     7,709     8,317     3,005   1997   3/26/1997   0 to 40 years

AVAYA

  Oklahoma City, OK   4   None       1,003     4,386     5,389     242       1,051     4,580     5,631     1,166   1998   6/24/1998   0 to 40 years

OHMEDA

  Louisville, CO   4   None       2,614     7,762     10,376     528       2,747     8,158     10,904     2,184   1998   2/13/1998   0 to 40 years

INTERLOCKEN

  Broomfield, CO   4   None       1,570     6,734     8,304     948       1,650     7,601     9,251     1,947   1996   3/20/1998   0 to 40 years

IOMEGA

  Ogden, UT   4   None       597     4,675     5,272     876       642     5,506     6,148     1,360   1998   7/1/1998   0 to 40 years

FAIRCHILD

  Fremont, CA   78   None       2,130     6,853     8,983     374       2,219     7,138     9,357     1,793   1998   7/21/1998   0 to 40 years

111 SOUTH CHASE BLVD

  Fountain Inn, SC   57   None       330     4,792     5,122     228       344     5,006     5,350     1,094   1998   5/18/1999   0 to 40 years

SPRINT

  Leawood, KS   57   None       1,696     7,851     9,547     411       1,767     8,191     9,958     1,729   1998   7/2/1999   0 to 40 years

GARTNER

  Ft. Myers, FL   57   None       896     7,452     8,348     816       933     8,230     9,163     1,604   1998   9/20/1999   0 to 40 years

SIEMENS

  Troy, MI   55   None       2,144     9,984     12,128     2,760       2,233     12,655     14,888     2,782   2000   5/10/2000   0 to 40 years

AT&T OKLAHOMA

  Oklahoma City, OK   55   None       2,100     13,233     15,333     640       2,188     13,786     15,973     2,138   1998   12/28/2000   0 to 40 years

COMDATA

  Brentwood, TN   55   None       4,300     20,702     25,002     1,200       4,479     21,723     26,202     2,987   1986   5/15/2001   0 to 40 years

AMERICREDIT

  Orange Park, FL   72   None       1,610     10,931     12,541     522       1,677     11,386     13,063     1,502   2001   7/16/2001   0 to 40 years

ADIC

  Parker, CO   72   None       1,954     11,216     13,170     542       2,048     11,664     13,712     1,345   2001   12/21/2001   0 to 40 years

JOHN WILEY
INDIANAPOLIS

  Fishers, IN   72   None       1,300     15,042     16,342     1,968       1,354     16,957     18,310     1,853   1999   12/12/2002   0 to 40 years

AIU CHICAGO

  Hoffman Estate, IL   72   None       600     22,682     23,282     1,471       624     24,129     24,753     2,147   1999   9/19/2003   0 to 40 years
                 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

           

Total - JV Properties

                $ 25,426   $ 155,039   $ 180,465   $ 20,518     $ 26,563   $ 174,420   $ 200,983   $ 30,637            

Total - All Properties

                $ 668,365   $ 4,212,437   $ 4,880,802   $ 255,118     $ 714,014   $ 4,422,742   $ 5,136,756   $ 358,181            
                 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

           

 

S-3


Table of Contents

Wells Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc.

Schedule III - Real Estate Assets and Accumulated Depreciation

 

December 31, 2004

(in thousands)

 

(a) These properties collateralize the $85.0 million SouthTrust Bank line of credit that accrues interest at LIBOR plus 150 basis points (3.91% at December 31,2004). $9.5 million was outstanding as of 12/31/2004.
(b) These properties collateralize the $50 million Bank of America line of credit that accrues interest at LIBOR plus 175 basis points (4.16% at December 31,2004). $0 was outstanding as of 12/31/2004.
(c) As a result of the acquisition of Ingram Micro, Wells REIT I acquired investments in bonds and certain obligations under capital leases in the amount of $22.0 million.
(d) As a result of the acquisition of ISS Atlanta, Wells REIT I acquired investments in bonds and certain obligations under capital leases in the amount of $32.5 million.
(e) As a result of the acquisition of ISS Atlanta III, Wells REIT I acquired investments in bonds and certain obligations under capital leases in the amount of $10.0 million.
(f) Wells REIT I acquired an approximate 95.01% interest in the Leo Burnett Chicago Building through two joint ventures. As the general partner, Wells REIT I is deemed to have control of the partnerships and, as such, consolidates the joint ventures.
(g) Wells REIT I purchased all of the membership interest in 1201 Equity, LLC, which own a 49.5% membership interest in 1201 Eye Street, N.W. Associates, which owns the US Park Service Building. As a result of its ownership of 1201 Equity, LLC, Wells owns an approximate 49.5% in the US Park Service Building. As the controlling member, Wells REIT I is deemed to have control of the entities and, as such, consolidates the joint ventures.
(h) Wells REIT I purchased all of the membership interest in 1225 Equity, LLC, which own a 49.5% membership interest in 1225 Eye Street, N.W. Associates, which owns the 1225 Eye Street Building. As a result of its ownership of 1225 Equity, LLC, Wells owns an approximate 49.5% in the 1225 Eye Street Building. As the controlling member, Wells REIT I is deemed to have control of the entities and, as such, consolidates the joint ventures.
(i) Wells REIT I assets are depreciated or amortized using the straight-lined method over the useful lives of the assets by class. Generally, Tenant Improvements and Lease Intangibles are amortized over the respective lease term, Building Improvements are depreciated over 5 - 25 years, Land Improvements are depreciated over 20 - 25 years and Buildings are depreciated over 40 years.
(j) Property is owned subject to a long-term ground lease.
(k) These properties collateralize the $350.0 million secured pooled debt facility with Morgan Stanley that accrues interest at 4.84% and matures in June 2014.

 

S-4


Table of Contents

Wells Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc.

 

Schedule III —Real Estate Assets and Accumulated Depreciation

 

December 31, 2004

(dollars in thousands)

 

     Cost

    Accumulated
Depreciation


 

Balance at December 31, 2001

   $ 768,308     $ 37,785  

2002 Additions

     1,497,206       45,290  
    


 


Balance at December 31, 2002

     2,265,514       83,075  

2003 Additions

     2,500,389       125,778  

2003 Dispostions

     (6,852 )     (915 )
    


 


Balance at December 31, 2003

     4,759,051       207,938  

2004 Additions

     417,556       157,074  

2004 Dispositions

     (39,851 )     (6,831 )
    


 


Balance at December 31, 2004

   $ 5,136,756     $ 358,181  
    


 


 

S-5

Acquisition Advisory Agreement

Exhibit 10.67

 

ACQUISITION ADVISORY AGREEMENT

 

THIS ACQUISITION ADVISORY AGREEMENT (“Agreement”) is made and entered into as of the 1st day of January, 2005, by and between WELLS REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST, INC., a Maryland corporation (the “Wells REIT”), and WELLS CAPITAL, INC., a Georgia corporation (the “Acquisition Advisor”).

 

W I T N E S S E T H

 

WHEREAS, Wells REIT has issued shares of its common stock, par value $.01, to the public, has registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission certain additional shares of its common stock to be offered to the public (“Shares”) and may subsequently issue securities other than such Shares (“Securities”);

 

WHEREAS, Wells REIT intends to continue to qualify as a REIT (as defined below), and to invest its funds in investments permitted by the terms of Wells REIT’s Articles of Incorporation and Sections 856 through 860 of the Code (as defined below);

 

WHEREAS, Wells OP was organized to acquire, own, operate, lease and manage real estate properties on behalf of Wells REIT;

 

WHEREAS, Wells REIT desires to avail itself of the experience, sources of information, advice, assistance and certain facilities available to the Acquisition Advisor and to have the Acquisition Advisor undertake the duties and responsibilities hereinafter set forth, on behalf of, and subject to the supervision of, the Board of Directors of Wells REIT all as provided herein; and

 

WHEREAS, Acquisition Advisor is willing to undertake to render such services, subject to the supervision of the Board of Directors, on the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto, intending to be legally bound hereby, do hereby agree as follows:

 

1. Definitions. Except as otherwise specified or as the context may otherwise require, the following terms have the respective meanings set forth below for all purposes of this Agreement, and the definitions of such terms are equally applicable both to the singular and plural forms thereof:

 

Acquisition Advisor. Wells Capital, Inc., a Georgia corporation, or any person or entity to which Wells Capital, Inc. or any successor advisor assigns or subcontracts substantially all of its functions hereunder.

 

Acquisition and Advisory Fees. Any and all fees and commissions, exclusive of Acquisition Expenses, paid by any person or entity to any other person or entity (including any fees or commissions paid by or to any Affiliate of Wells REIT or the Acquisition Advisor) in connection with purchase, development or construction of any Property, including, without limitation, real estate commissions, acquisition fees, finder’s fees, selection fees, nonrecurring management fees, consulting fees, loan fees, points, or any other fees or commissions of a similar nature.


Acquisition Expenses. Any and all expenses incurred by Wells REIT, the Acquisition Advisor, or any Affiliate of either in connection with the selection, acquisition or development of any Property, whether or not acquired, including, without limitation, legal fees and expenses, travel and communications expenses, costs of appraisals, nonrefundable option payments on property not acquired, accounting fees and expenses, and title insurance premiums.

 

Affiliate or Affiliated. As to any individual, corporation, partnership, trust, limited liability company or other legal entity, (i) any Person or entity directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries controlling, controlled by, or under common control with another Person or entity; (ii) any Person or entity, directly or indirectly owning, controlling, or holding with power to vote ten percent (10%) or more of the outstanding voting securities of another Person or entity; (iii) any officer, director, general partner or trustee of such Person or entity; (iv) any Person ten percent (10%) or more of whose outstanding voting securities are directly or indirectly owned, controlled or held, with power to vote, by such other Person; and (v) if such other Person or entity is an officer, director, general partner, or trustee of a Person or entity, the Person or entity for which such Person or entity acts in any such capacity.

 

Articles of Incorporation. The Articles of Incorporation of Wells REIT under Title 2 of the Corporations and Associations Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland, as amended from time to time.

 

Average Invested Assets. For a specified period, the average of the aggregate book value of the assets of Wells REIT invested, directly or indirectly, in Properties and loans secured by real estate before reserves for depreciation or bad debts or other similar non-cash reserves, computed by taking the average of such values at the end of each month during such period.

 

Board of Directors or Board. The persons holding such office, as of any particular time, under the Articles of Incorporation of Wells REIT, whether they be the Directors named therein or additional or successor Directors.

 

Bylaws. The bylaws of Wells REIT, as the same are in effect from time to time.

 

Cause. With respect to the termination of this Agreement, fraud, criminal conduct, willful misconduct or willful or negligent breach of fiduciary duty by the Acquisition Advisor or material breach of this Agreement.

 

Code. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time, or any successor statute thereto. Reference to any provision of the Code shall mean such provision as in effect from time to time, as the same may be amended, and any successor provision thereto, as interpreted by any applicable regulations as in effect from time to time.

 

Competitive Real Estate Commission. A real estate or brokerage commission for the purchase of property which is reasonable, customary, and competitive in light of the size, type, and location of the property.

 

2


Director. A member of the Board of Directors of Wells REIT.

 

Employee Expenses. Employee Expenses is defined in Section 9(a)(vi).

 

Equity Interest. The stock of or other interests in, or warrants or other rights to purchase the stock of or other interests in, any entity that has borrowed money from Wells REIT or that is a tenant of Wells REIT or that is a parent or controlling Person of any such borrower or tenant.

 

Equity Shares. Transferable shares of beneficial interest of Wells REIT of any class or series, including common shares or preferred shares.

 

Existing Portfolio Properties. All Properties owned by Wells REIT, Wells OP or any subsidiary thereof, or in which any such entity owns an interest, on December 31, 2004.

 

Gross Proceeds. The aggregate purchase price of all Shares sold for the account of Wells REIT through an Offering, without deduction for selling commissions, volume discounts, any dealer manager or marketing support fees, due diligence expense reimbursements or Organization and Offering Expenses.

 

Improvements. Buildings, structures, equipment from time to time located on the Properties and all parking and common areas located on the Properties.

 

Independent Director. A Director who is not and within the last two years has not been directly or indirectly associated with the Acquisition Advisor by virtue of (i) ownership of an interest in the Acquisition Advisor or its Affiliates, (ii) employment by the Acquisition Advisor or its Affiliates, (iii) service as an officer or director of the Acquisition Advisor or its Affiliates, (iv) performance of services, other than as a Director, for Wells REIT, (v) service as a director or trustee of more than three real estate investment trusts advised by the Acquisition Advisor, or (vi) maintenance of a material business or professional relationship with the Acquisition Advisor or any of its Affiliates. A business or professional relationship is considered material if the gross revenue derived by the Director from the Acquisition Advisor and Affiliates exceeds 5.0% of either the Director’s annual gross revenue during either of the last two years or the Director’s net worth on a fair market value basis. An indirect relationship shall include circumstances in which a Director’s spouse, parents, children, siblings, mothers- or fathers-in-law, sons- or daughters-in-law, or brothers- or sisters-in-law is or has been associated with the Acquisition Advisor, any of its Affiliates, or Wells REIT.

 

Joint Ventures. Any joint venture or general partnership arrangements established to acquire Properties in which Wells REIT or Wells OP, or any subsidiary thereof, is a co-venturer, general partner or joint venture partner with another Person.

 

Listing. The listing of the Shares of Wells REIT on a national securities exchange or over-the-counter market.

 

Managing Dealer. Wells Investment Securities, Inc., an Affiliate of Wells REIT, or such entity selected by the Board of Directors to act as the managing dealer for an Offering. Wells Investment Securities, Inc. is a member of NASD, Inc.

 

3


Net Income. For any period, the total revenues applicable to such period, less the total expenses applicable to such period excluding additions to reserves for depreciation, bad debts or other similar non-cash reserves; provided, however, Net Income for purposes of calculating total allowable Operating Expenses (as defined herein) shall exclude the gain from the sale of Wells REIT’s assets.

 

Offering. Any public offering of Shares which is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including Shares offered and sold pursuant to Wells REIT’s dividend reinvestment plan.

 

Operating Expenses. All costs and expenses incurred by Wells REIT, as determined under generally accepted accounting principles, which in any way are related to the operation of Wells REIT or to Wells REIT business, including advisory fees, but excluding (i) the expenses of raising capital such as Organizational and Offering Expenses, legal, audit, accounting, underwriting, brokerage, listing, registration, and other fees, printing and other such expenses and tax incurred in connection with the issuance, distribution, transfer, registration and Listing of the Shares, (ii) interest payments, (iii) taxes, (iv) non-cash expenditures such as depreciation, amortization and bad loan reserves, (v) Acquisition and Advisory Fees and Acquisition Expenses, and other expenses connected with the acquisition of real estate interests, mortgage loans or other property and (vi) real estate commissions on the sale of Property, and other expenses connected with the acquisition and ownership of real estate interests, mortgage loans, or other property (such as the costs of foreclosure, insurance premiums, legal services, maintenance, repair, and improvement of property).

 

Organizational and Offering Expenses. Any and all actual legal, accounting, printing and other accountable Offering costs and expenses, other than selling commissions and the dealer manager fee, including amounts to reimburse the Acquisition Advisor for all marketing related costs and expenses, including, but not limited to, salaries and direct expenses of the Acquisition Advisor’s employees while engaged in registering and marketing the Shares and other marketing and organization costs, technology costs and expenses attributable to an Offering, costs and expenses of conducting educational conferences and seminars, payment or reimbursement of bona fide due diligence expenses, and costs and expenses incurred by the Acquisition Advisor or any Affiliate for attending retail seminars conducted by broker-dealers. The Organizational and Offering Expenses paid by Wells REIT in connection with any Offering will not exceed 3.0% of the Gross Proceeds raised in such Offering.

 

Person. An individual, corporation, partnership, estate, trust (including a trust qualified under Section 401(a) or 501(c) (17) of the Code), a portion of a trust permanently set aside for or to be used exclusively for the purposes described in Section 642(c) of the Code, association, private foundation within the meaning of Section 509(a) of the Code, joint stock company or other entity, or any government or any agency or political subdivision thereof.

 

Property or Properties. All real estate properties, or interests in real estate properties, owned by Wells OP or Wells REIT, or any subsidiary thereof, or in which Wells OP, Wells REIT or any subsidiary thereof owns an interest, and all tracts acquired by Wells OP or Wells REIT, or any subsidiary thereof in the future or in which Wells OP, Wells REIT or any subsidiary thereof owns an interest, containing income-producing Improvements or on which Wells OP or Wells REIT, or any subsidiary thereof, will construct income-producing Improvements.

 

4


Prospectus. “Prospectus” has the meaning set forth in Section 2(10) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), including a preliminary Prospectus, an offering circular as described in Rule 256 of the General Rules and Regulations under the Securities Act or, in the case of an intrastate offering, any document by whatever name known, utilized for the purpose of offering and selling securities to the public.

 

Registration Statement. The most currently filed Registration Statement on Form S-11, or other applicable Form, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, of which the Prospectus is a part.

 

REIT. A “real estate investment trust” under Sections 856 through 860 of the Code.

 

Securities. Any Equity Shares, as such term is defined in Wells REIT’s Articles of Incorporation, any other stock, shares or other evidences of equity or beneficial or other interests, voting trust certificates, bonds, debentures, notes or other evidences of indebtedness, secured or unsecured, convertible, subordinated or otherwise, or in general any instruments commonly known as “securities” or any certificates of interest, shares or participations in, temporary or interim certificates for, receipts for, guarantees of, or warrants, options or rights to subscribe to, purchase or acquire, any of the foregoing.

 

Shares. Any shares of Wells REIT’s common stock, par value $.01 per share, which are issued and currently outstanding.

 

Stockholders. The record holders of Wells REIT’s Shares as maintained in Wells REIT’s books and records.

 

Termination Date. The date of termination of the Agreement.

 

2%/25% Guidelines. The requirement pursuant to the guidelines of the North American Securities Administrators Association, Inc. that, in any 12 month period, total Operating Expenses not exceed the greater of 2% of Wells REIT’s Average Invested Assets during such 12 month period or 25% of Wells REIT’s Net Income over the same 12 month period.

 

Wells OP. Wells Operating Partnership, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership formed to own and operate properties on behalf of Wells REIT.

 

Wells REIT. Wells Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc., a corporation organized under the laws of the State of Maryland.

 

2. Appointment of Acquisition Advisor. Wells REIT hereby appoints the Acquisition Advisor to serve as its advisor on the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement, and the Acquisition Advisor hereby accepts such appointment on the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth.

 

3. Duties of the Acquisition Advisor. The Acquisition Advisor undertakes to use its best efforts to present to Wells REIT potential investment opportunities and to provide a continuing and suitable investment program consistent with the investment objectives and policies of Wells REIT as determined and adopted from time to time by the Board. In

 

5


performance of this undertaking, subject to the supervision of the Board and consistent with the provisions of the Prospectus, Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws of Wells REIT, the Acquisition Advisor shall, either directly or by engaging an Affiliate engage in the following activities:

 

  (a) Capital Raising Functions.

 

  (i) Manage and supervise any Offering;

 

  (ii) Manage and supervise the preparation of all Offering and related registrations and documents, and obtain all required regulatory approvals of such documents, including but not limited to approvals from the Securities and Exchange Commission, the NASD and any other applicable regulatory agencies;

 

  (iii) Manage and supervise the coordination of the due diligence process relating to participating broker-dealers and their review of the Prospectus and other Offering documents;

 

  (iv) Coordinate with Wells Investment Securities, Inc., or any successor dealer manager, under any applicable dealer manager agreement;

 

  (v) Review and accept subscription agreements from investors on behalf of Wells REIT; and

 

  (vi) Prepare confirmations of sales of Shares to Stockholders.

 

  (b) Property Related Functions.

 

  (i) Investigate, select, and, on behalf of Wells REIT, engage and conduct business with such Persons as the Acquisition Advisor deems necessary to the proper performance of its obligations hereunder, including but not limited to consultants, accountants, correspondents, lenders, technical advisors, attorneys, brokers, underwriters, corporate fiduciaries, escrow agents, depositaries, custodians, agents for collection, insurers, insurance agents, banks, builders, developers, property owners, mortgagors, and any and all agents for any of the foregoing, including Affiliates of the Acquisition Advisor, and Persons acting in any other capacity deemed by the Acquisition Advisor necessary or desirable for the performance of any of the foregoing services, including but not limited to entering into contracts in the name of Wells REIT with any of the foregoing;

 

  (ii) Consult with the officers and the Board of Wells REIT and assist the Board in the formulation and implementation of Wells REIT’s

 

6


financial policies, and, as necessary, furnish the Board with advice and recommendations with respect to the making of investments consistent with the investment objectives and policies of Wells REIT and in connection with any borrowings proposed to be undertaken by Wells REIT;

 

  (iii) Locate, analyze and select potential investments in Properties; structure and negotiate the terms and conditions of transactions pursuant to which investment in Properties will be made; recommend investments in Properties on behalf of Wells REIT or Wells OP in compliance with the investment objectives and policies of Wells REIT; and arrange for financing, loan assumptions or loan modifications relating to the acquisition of Properties and make other changes in the asset or capital structure of Properties;

 

  (iv) Provide the Board with periodic reports regarding prospective investments in Properties;

 

  (v) Obtain reports (which may be prepared by the Acquisition Advisor or its Affiliates), where appropriate, concerning the value of investments or contemplated investments of Wells REIT in Properties;

 

  (vi) Obtain the prior approval of the Board (including a majority of the Independent Directors) for investments in Properties;

 

  (vii) Deliver to or maintain on behalf of Wells REIT copies of all appraisals obtained in connection with the investments in Properties; and

 

  (viii) Notify the Board of all proposed material transactions before they are completed.

 

  (c) Transfer Agent Functions.

 

  (i) Maintain and preserve the stock books and records of Wells REIT, reflecting a record of the Stockholders and their ownership of Wells REIT’s uncertificated Shares and acting as transfer agent for Wells REIT’s uncertificated Shares; and

 

  (ii) Administer, manage and maintain stock transfers in a diligent, careful and vigilant manner in accordance with the Exchange Act rules and regulations applicable to registered transfer agents, and the services shall be of the scope and quality of those generally performed by professional transfer agents of other similar corporate entities.

 

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  (d) Stockholder Communications Functions.

 

  (i) Manage communications with Stockholders, including answering phone calls, preparing and sending written and electronic reports and other communications to Stockholders; and

 

  (ii) Establish technology infrastructure to assist in providing Stockholder support and service.

 

  (e) Other Functions.

 

  (i) From time to time, or at any time reasonably requested by the Board, make reports to the Board on the Acquisition Advisor’s performance of services to Wells REIT under this Agreement; and

 

  (ii) Do all things necessary to assure its ability to render the services described in this Agreement.

 

(f) Right to Subcontract. Acquisition Advisor shall have the right to subcontract any of its duties or obligations to provide services to Wells REIT hereunder to an Affiliate or independent third-party provider at no additional cost or expense to Wells REIT.

 

4. Authority of Acquisition Advisor.

 

(a) Pursuant to the terms of this Agreement (including the restrictions included in this Section 4 and in Section 6), and subject to the continuing and exclusive authority of the Board over the management of Wells REIT, the Board hereby delegates to the Acquisition Advisor the authority to (1) locate, analyze and recommend investment opportunities, (2) structure the terms and conditions of transactions pursuant to which investments will be made or acquired for Wells REIT or Wells OP, (3) acquire Properties in compliance with the investment objectives and policies of Wells REIT, and (4) arrange for financing of Properties.

 

(b) Notwithstanding the foregoing, any investment in Properties, including any acquisition of Property by Wells REIT or Wells OP (as well as any financing acquired by Wells REIT or Wells OP in connection with such acquisition), will require the prior approval of the Board.

 

(c) If a transaction requires approval by the Independent Directors, the Acquisition Advisor will deliver to the Independent Directors all documents required by them to properly evaluate the proposed investment in the Property.

 

The prior approval of a majority of the Independent Directors and a majority of the Board not otherwise interested in the transaction will be required for each transaction with the Acquisition Advisor or its Affiliates.

 

8


The Board may, at any time upon the giving of notice to the Acquisition Advisor, modify or revoke the authority set forth in this Section 4. If and to the extent the Board so modifies or revokes the authority contained herein, the Acquisition Advisor shall henceforth submit to the Board for prior approval such proposed transactions involving investments in Properties as thereafter require prior approval, provided however, that such modification or revocation shall be effective upon receipt by the Acquisition Advisor and shall not be applicable to investment transactions to which the Acquisition Advisor has committed Wells REIT prior to the date of receipt by the Acquisition Advisor of such notification.

 

5. Other Services. Should the Board request that the Acquisition Advisor or any director, officer or employee thereof render services for Wells REIT other than set forth in Section 3 and Section 4 hereof, such services shall be separately compensated at such rates and in such amounts as are agreed by the Acquisition Advisor and the Independent Directors of Wells REIT, subject to the limitations contained in the Articles of Incorporation, and shall not be deemed to be services pursuant to the terms of this Agreement.

 

6. Limitations on Activities. Anything else in this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, the Acquisition Advisor shall refrain from taking any action which, in its sole judgment made in good faith, would (a) adversely affect the status of Wells REIT as a REIT, (b) subject Wells REIT to regulation under the Investment Wells REIT Act of 1940, as amended, or (c) violate any law, rule, regulation or statement of policy of any governmental body or agency having jurisdiction over Wells REIT, its Shares or its Securities, or otherwise not be permitted by the Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws of Wells REIT, except if such action shall be ordered by the Board, in which case the Acquisition Advisor shall notify promptly the Board of the Acquisition Advisor’s judgment of the potential impact of such action and shall refrain from taking such action until it receives further clarification or instructions from the Board. In such event the Acquisition Advisor shall have no liability for acting in accordance with the specific instructions of the Board so given. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Acquisition Advisor, its directors, officers, employees and stockholders, and stockholders, directors and officers of the Acquisition Advisor’s Affiliates shall not be liable to Wells REIT or to the Board or Stockholders for any act or omission by the Acquisition Advisor, its directors, officers or employees, or stockholders, directors or officers of the Acquisition Advisor’s Affiliates, except as provided in Sections 20 and 21 of this Agreement.

 

7. Other Activities of the Acquisition Advisor. Nothing herein contained shall prevent the Acquisition Advisor from engaging in other activities, including, without limitation, the rendering of advice to other Persons (including other REITs) and the management of other programs advised, sponsored or organized by the Acquisition Advisor or its Affiliates; nor shall this Agreement limit or restrict the right of any director, officer, employee, or stockholder of the Acquisition Advisor or its Affiliates to engage in any other business or to render services of any kind to any other partnership, corporation, firm, individual, trust or association. The Acquisition Advisor may, with respect to any investment in which Wells REIT is a participant, also render advice and service to each and every other participant therein. The Acquisition Advisor shall report to the Board the existence of any condition or circumstance, existing or anticipated, of which it has knowledge, which creates or is anticipated to create a conflict of interest between the Acquisition Advisor’s obligations to Wells REIT and its obligations to or its interest in any other partnership, corporation, firm, individual, trust or association. The Acquisition Advisor or

 

9


its Affiliates shall promptly disclose to the Board knowledge of such condition or circumstance. If Acquisition Advisor or its Affiliates have sponsored other investment programs with similar investment objectives which have investment funds available at the same time as Wells REIT, it shall be the duty of the Board (including the Independent Directors) to adopt the method set forth in the Registration Statement or another reasonable method by which properties are to be allocated to the competing investment entities and to use their best efforts to apply such method fairly to Wells REIT.

 

The Acquisition Advisor shall be required to use its best efforts to present a continuing and suitable investment program to Wells REIT which is consistent with the investment policies and objectives of Wells REIT, but neither the Acquisition Advisor nor any Affiliate of the Acquisition Advisor shall be obligated generally to present any particular investment opportunity to Wells REIT even if the opportunity is of character which, if presented to Wells REIT, could be taken by Wells REIT. In the event that the Acquisition Advisor or its Affiliates is presented with a potential investment which might be made by Wells REIT and by another investment entity which the Acquisition Advisor or its Affiliates advises or manages, the Acquisition Advisor shall consider the investment portfolio of each entity, cash flow of each entity, the effect of the acquisition on the diversification of each entity’s portfolio, rental payments during any renewal period, the estimated income tax effects of the purchase on each entity, the policies of each entity relating to leverage, the funds of each entity available for investment and the length of time such funds have been available for investment. In the event that an investment opportunity becomes available which is suitable for both Wells REIT and a public or private entity which the Acquisition Advisor or its Affiliates are Affiliated, then the entity which has had the longest period of time elapse since it was offered an investment opportunity will first be offered the investment opportunity.

 

8. Fees. The Acquisition Advisor shall receive, as compensation payable by Wells REIT for services rendered in connection with the investigation, selection and acquisition (by purchase, investment or exchange) of Properties, Acquisition and Advisory Fees and reimbursement of Acquisition Expenses in an amount equal to 3.5% of Gross Proceeds (exclusive of Gross Proceeds received from Wells REIT’s dividend reinvestment plan which are used to fund share repurchases pursuant to Wells REIT’s share redemption program).

 

9. Expenses.

 

(a) Except as otherwise specifically provided, all costs and expenses incurred hereunder by Acquisition Advisor in fulfilling its duties to Wells OP shall be on behalf of Wells OP or Wells REIT. In addition to the compensation paid to the Acquisition Advisor pursuant to Section 8 hereof, Wells REIT shall pay directly or reimburse the Acquisition Advisor for all of the expenses paid or incurred by the Acquisition Advisor in connection with the services it provides to Wells REIT pursuant to this Agreement, including, but not limited to:

 

  (i) Wells REIT’s Organizational and Offering Expenses; provided, however, that within 60 days after the end of the month in which an Offering terminates, the Acquisition Advisor shall reimburse Wells REIT for any Organizational and Offering Expenses reimbursement received by the Acquisition Advisor pursuant to

 

10


this Section 9, to the extent that such reimbursement exceeds 3.0% of the Gross Proceeds. The Acquisition Advisor shall be responsible for the payment of all Wells REIT’s Organizational and Offering Expenses in excess of 3.0% of the Gross Proceeds;

 

  (ii) Acquisition Expenses actually incurred in connection with the selection and acquisition of Properties;

 

  (iii) Actual cost of goods and services used by Wells REIT and obtained from entities not affiliated with the Acquisition Advisor, other than Acquisition Expenses, including brokerage fees paid in connection with the purchase and sale of securities;

 

  (iv) Expenses associated with the issuance and distribution of Shares and Securities, such as selling commissions and fees, advertising expenses, taxes, legal and accounting fees, registration fees, and other Organization and Offering Expenses;

 

  (v) Expenses of maintaining communications with Stockholders, including the cost of preparation, printing, and mailing annual reports and other Stockholder reports, proxy statements and other reports required by governmental entities;

 

  (vi) Reasonable wages and salaries and other employee-related expenses of employees of Acquisition Advisor who are directly engaged in performing any services provided to Wells REIT pursuant to this Agreement, including taxes, insurance and benefits relating to such employees (“Employee Expenses”); and

 

  (vii) Legal, travel and other out-of-pocket expenses which are directly related to services performed under this Agreement.

 

The determination as to whether a cost or expense is of a type or nature that is reimbursable by Wells REIT shall be made in a manner consistent with the practices in effect as of the effective date hereof, except for costs or expenses otherwise specifically approved for reimbursement by a majority of the Independent Directors of Wells REIT.

 

(b) Notwithstanding the above, and except for reimbursement of additional Employees Expenses otherwise specifically approved for reimbursement by a majority of the Independent Directors of Wells REIT, the sum of (i) reimbursements to the Acquisition Advisor for Employee Expenses; plus (ii) reimbursements of Employee Expenses to the Asset Advisor pursuant to Section 9 of that certain Asset Management Advisory Agreement of even date herewith; plus (iii) reimbursements to Wells Management Company, Inc. of Employee Expenses under Section 3.1 of that certain Master Property Management, Leasing and Construction Management Agreement of even date herewith, but only to the extent that such Employee Expenses under said Master Property Management, Leasing and Construction Management Agreement relate specifically to Existing Portfolio Properties which are being managed by Wells Management Company, Inc. on the effective date hereof, shall not exceed $8,240,000 in the aggregate in any fiscal year.

 

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(c) Expenses incurred by the Acquisition Advisor on behalf of Wells REIT and payable pursuant to this Section 9 shall be reimbursed no less than monthly to the Acquisition Advisor. The Acquisition Advisor shall prepare a statement documenting the expenses of Wells REIT during each quarter, and shall deliver such statement to Wells REIT within 45 days after the end of each quarter.

 

10. Fidelity Bond. Acquisition Advisor shall maintain a fidelity bond for the benefit of Wells REIT which bond shall insure Wells REIT from losses of up to $5,000,000 per occurrence and shall be of the type customarily purchased by entities performing services similar to those provided to Wells REIT by the Acquisition Advisor.

 

11. Reimbursement to the Acquisition Advisor. Wells REIT shall not reimburse the Acquisition Advisor and its Affiliates at the end of any fiscal quarter Operating Expenses that, in the four consecutive fiscal quarters then ended (the “Expense Year”) exceed (the “Excess Amount”) the greater of 2% of Average Invested Assets or 25% of Net Income (the “2%/25% Guidelines”) for such year. Any Excess Amount paid to the Acquisition Advisor during a fiscal quarter shall be repaid to Wells REIT. If there is an Excess Amount in any Expense Year and the Independent Directors determine that such excess was justified, based on unusual and nonrecurring factors which they deem sufficient, the Excess Amount may be carried over and included in Operating Expenses in subsequent Expense Years, and reimbursed to the Acquisition Advisor in one or more of such years, provided that Operating Expenses in any Expense Year, including any Excess Amount to be paid to the Acquisition Advisor, shall not exceed the 2%/25% Guidelines. Within 60 days after the end of any fiscal quarter of Wells REIT for which total Operating Expenses for the Expense Year exceed the 2%/25% Guidelines, there shall be sent to the stockholders a written disclosure of such fact, together with an explanation of the factors the Independent Directors considered in determining that such excess expenses were justified. Such determination shall be reflected in the minutes of the meetings of the Board of Directors. Wells REIT will not reimburse the Acquisition Advisor or its Affiliates for services for which the Acquisition Advisor or its Affiliates are entitled to compensation in the form of a separate fee. All figures used in the foregoing computation shall be determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles applied on a consistent basis.

 

12. Term; Termination of Agreement.

 

(a) Term. This Agreement shall commence effective January 1, 2005, and shall continue until terminated in accordance with the earliest to occur of the following:

 

  (i) One year from the date of the commencement of the term hereof. However, this Agreement will be automatically extended for an additional one-year period at the end of each year unless Wells REIT or Acquisition Advisor gives sixty (60) days written notice of its intention to terminate the Agreement; or

 

  (ii) Immediately upon the occurrence of any of the following:

 

  a) A decree or order is rendered by a court having jurisdiction (1) adjudging Acquisition Advisor as bankrupt or insolvent, or (2) approving as properly filed a petition seeking

 

12


reorganization, readjustment, arrangement, composition or similar relief for Acquisition Advisor under the federal bankruptcy laws or any similar applicable law or practice, or (3) appointing a receiver or liquidator or trustee or assignee in bankruptcy or insolvency of Acquisition Advisor or a substantial part of the property of Acquisition Advisor, or for the winding up or liquidation of its affairs; or

 

  b) Acquisition Advisor (1) institutes proceedings to be adjudicated a voluntary bankrupt or an insolvent, (2) consents to the filing of a bankruptcy proceeding against it, (3) files a petition or answer or consent seeking reorganization, readjustment, arrangement, composition or relief under any similar applicable law or practice, (4) consents to the filing of any such petition, or to the appointment of a receiver or liquidator or trustee or assignee in bankruptcy or insolvency for it or for a substantial part of its property, (5) makes an assignment for the benefit of creditors, (6), is unable to or admits in writing its inability to pay its debts generally as they become due unless such inability shall be the fault of Wells REIT, or (7) takes corporate or other action in furtherance of any of the aforesaid purposes.

 

Upon termination, the obligations of the parties hereto shall cease, provided that Acquisition Advisor shall comply with the provisions hereof applicable in the event of termination and shall be entitled to receive all compensation which may be due Acquisition Advisor hereunder up to the date of such termination, and provided, further, that if this Agreement terminates pursuant to clause (ii) above, Wells REIT shall have other remedies as may be available at law or in equity.

 

13. Termination by Either Party. This Agreement may be terminated upon 60 days written notice without cause or penalty, by either party (upon approval of a majority of the Independent Directors of Wells REIT in the case of termination of this Agreement by Wells REIT).

 

14. Payments to and Duties of Acquisition Advisor upon Termination.

 

(a) After the Termination Date, Acquisition Advisor shall not be entitled to compensation for further services hereunder except it shall be entitled to receive from Wells REIT within 30 days after the effective date of such termination all unpaid reimbursements of expenses and all earned but unpaid fees payable to Acquisition Advisor prior to termination of this Agreement.

 

(b) The Acquisition Advisor shall promptly upon termination:

 

  (i) Pay over to Wells REIT all money collected and held for the account of Wells REIT pursuant to this Agreement, after deducting any accrued compensation and reimbursement for its expenses to which it is then entitled;

 

13


  (ii) Deliver to the Board a full accounting, including a statement showing all payments collected by it and a statement of all money held by it, covering the period following the date of the last accounting furnished to the Board;

 

  (iii) Deliver to the Board all assets and documents of Wells REIT then in the custody of the Acquisition Advisor;

 

  (iv) Transfer and assign to Wells REIT, or its designee, all service contracts and personal property relating to the services provided under this Agreement; and

 

  (v) Cooperate with Wells REIT to provide an orderly management transition.

 

15. Relationship with Directors. Directors, officers and employees of the Acquisition Advisor or an Affiliate of the Acquisition Advisor or any corporate parents of an Affiliate, or directors, officers or stockholders of any director, officer or corporate parent of an Affiliate may serve as a Director and as officers of Wells REIT, except that no director, officer or employee of the Acquisition Advisor or its Affiliates who also is a Director or officer of Wells REIT shall receive any compensation from Wells REIT for serving as a Director or officer other than reasonable reimbursement for travel and related expenses incurred in attending meetings of the Board.

 

16. Relationship of Acquisition Advisor and Wells REIT. Wells REIT and the Acquisition Advisor are not partners or joint venturers with each other, and nothing in this Agreement shall be construed to make them such partners or joint venturers or impose any liability as such on either of them, and neither shall have the power to bind or obligate the other except as set forth herein. In all respects, the status of Acquisition Advisor under this Agreement is that of an independent contractor.

 

17. Bank Accounts. The Acquisition Advisor may establish and maintain one or more bank accounts in its own name for the account of Wells REIT or in the name of Wells REIT and may collect and deposit into any such account or accounts, and disburse from any such account or accounts, any money on behalf of Wells REIT, under such terms and conditions as the Board may approve, provided that no funds shall be commingled with the funds of the Acquisition Advisor; and the Acquisition Advisor shall from time to time render appropriate accountings of such collections and payments to the Board and to the auditors of Wells REIT.

 

18. Records; Access. The Acquisition Advisor shall maintain appropriate records of all its activities hereunder and make such records available for inspection by the Board and by counsel, auditors and authorized agents of Wells REIT, at any time or from time to time during normal business hours. The Acquisition Advisor shall at all reasonable times have access to the books and records of Wells REIT.

 

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19. Assignment. The Acquisition Advisor shall have the right to assign this Agreement to a successor organization which carries on the affairs of and assumes the duties and obligations of the Acquisition Advisor hereunder, and provided that following such assignment, the persons who control the operations of the Acquisition Advisor immediately prior to such assignment also control the operations of such successor organization, including the performance of its duties under this Agreement. In addition, for the purpose of obtaining financing, Acquisition Advisor may collaterally assign its right to receive fees under this Agreement and, upon the receipt of written notice from any such assignee that Acquisition Advisor is in default pursuant to the terms of any such financing, Wells OP shall pay any fees otherwise payable to Acquisition Advisor pursuant to Section 8 of this Agreement to such assignee. Except as set forth above, this Agreement may not be assigned by the Acquisition Advisor without the written consent of Wells REIT. This Agreement may not be assigned by Wells REIT without the written consent of the Acquisition Advisor, except in the case of an assignment by Wells REIT to a corporation, trust or other organization which is a successor in interest to Wells REIT. Any assignment of this Agreement shall be binding upon the assignee in the same manner and the assignor is bound hereunder.

 

20. Indemnification by Wells REIT. Wells REIT shall indemnify and hold harmless the Acquisition Advisor and its Affiliates, including their respective officers, directors, partners and employees, from all liability, claims, damages or losses arising in the performance of their duties hereunder, and related expenses, including reasonable attorneys’ fees, to the extent such liability, claims, damages or losses and related expenses are not fully reimbursed by insurance, subject to any limitations imposed by the laws of the State of Maryland or the Articles of Incorporation of Wells REIT. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Acquisition Advisor shall not be entitled to indemnification or be held harmless pursuant to this Section 20 for any activity which the Acquisition Advisor shall be required to indemnify or hold harmless Wells REIT pursuant to Section 21. Any indemnification of the Acquisition Advisor may be made only out of the net assets of Wells REIT and not from Stockholders.

 

21. Indemnification by Acquisition Advisor. The Acquisition Advisor shall indemnify and hold harmless Wells REIT from contract or other liability, claims, damages, taxes or losses and related expenses including attorneys’ fees, to the extent that such liability, claims, damages, taxes or losses and related expenses are not fully reimbursed by insurance and are incurred by reason of the Acquisition Advisor’s bad faith, fraud, willful misfeasance, misconduct, negligence or reckless disregard of its duties; provided, however, that the Acquisition Advisor shall not be held responsible for any action of the Board of Directors in following or declining to follow any advice or recommendation given by the Acquisition Advisor.

 

22. Notices. All notices, approvals, consents and other communications hereunder shall be in writing, and, except when receipt is required to start the running of a period of time, shall be deemed given when delivered in person or on the fifth day after its mailing by either party by registered or certified United States mail, postage prepaid and return receipt requested, to the other party, at the addresses set forth after their respect name below or at such different addresses as either party shall have theretofore advised the other party in writing in accordance with this Section 22.

 

15


To the Board and to Wells REIT:    Wells Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc.
     6200 The Corners Parkway
     Norcross, Georgia 30092-3365
To Acquisition Advisor:    Wells Capital, Inc.
     6200 The Corners Parkway
     Norcross, Georgia 30092-3365

 

Either party may at any time give notice in writing to the other party of a change in its address for the purposes of this Section 22.

 

23. Governing Law. The provisions of this Agreement shall be construed and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of Georgia.

 

24. Modification. This Agreement shall not be changed, modified, terminated, or discharged, in whole or in part, except by an instrument in writing signed by both parties hereto, or their respective successors or assignees.

 

25. Severability. The provisions of this Agreement are independent of and severable from each other, and no provision shall be affected or rendered invalid or unenforceable by virtue of the fact that for any reason any other or others of them may be invalid or unenforceable in whole or in part.

 

26. Entire Agreement. This Agreement contains the entire agreement and understanding among the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof, and supersedes all prior and contemporaneous agreements, understandings, inducements and conditions, express or implied, oral or written, of any nature whatsoever with respect to the subject matter hereof. The express terms hereof control and supersede any course of performance and/or usage of the trade inconsistent with any of the terms hereof. This Agreement may not be modified or amended other than by an agreement in writing.

 

27. Indulgences, not Waivers. Neither the failure nor any delay on the part of a party to exercise any right, remedy, power or privilege under this Agreement shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any right, remedy, power or privilege preclude any other or further exercise of the same or of any other right, remedy, power or privilege, nor shall any waiver of any right, remedy, power or privilege with respect to any occurrence be construed as a waiver of such right, remedy, power or privilege with respect to any other occurrence. No waiver shall be effective unless it is in writing and is signed by the party asserted to have granted such waiver.

 

28. Disputes. If there shall be a dispute between the parties relating to this Agreement resulting in litigation, the prevailing party(ies) in such litigation shall be entitled to recover from the other party(ies) to such litigation such amount as the court shall fix as reasonable attorneys’ fees.

 

29. Activities of Acquisition Advisor. The obligations of Acquisition Advisor pursuant to the terms and provisions of this Agreement shall not be construed to preclude Acquisition Advisor from engaging in other activities or business ventures, whether or not such other activities or ventures are in competition with Wells REIT or the business of Wells REIT.

 

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30. Gender. Words used herein regardless of the number and gender specifically used, shall be deemed and construed to include any other number, singular or plural, and any other gender, masculine, feminine or neuter, as the context requires.

 

31. Titles not to Affect Interpretation. The titles of Sections and Subsections contained in this Agreement are for convenience only, and they neither form a part of this Agreement nor are they to be used in the construction or interpretation hereof.

 

32. Execution in Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original as against any party whose signature appears thereon, and all of which shall together constitute one and the same instrument. This Agreement shall become binding when one or more counterparts hereof, individually or taken together, shall bear the signatures of all of the parties reflected hereon as the signatories.

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Acquisition Advisory Agreement on the 30th day of December, 2004, to be effective as of the date first above written.

 

WELLS REIT
WELLS REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST, INC.
By:  

 


    Leo F. Wells, III
    President
ACQUISITION ADVISOR:
WELLS CAPITAL, INC.
By:  

 


    Douglas P. Williams
    Senior Vice President

 

17

Asset Management Advisory Agreement

Exhibit 10.68

 

ASSET MANAGEMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT

 

THIS ASSET MANAGEMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT (“Agreement”) is made and entered into as of the 1st day of January, 2005, by and among WELLS REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST, INC., a Maryland corporation (“Wells REIT”), WELLS OPERATING PARTNERSHIP, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership (“Wells OP”), and WELLS MANAGEMENT COMPANY, INC., a Georgia corporation (“Asset Advisor”).

 

W I T N E S S E T H

 

WHEREAS, Wells REIT has issued shares of its common stock, par value $.01, to the public, has registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission certain additional shares of its common stock to be offered to the public (“Shares”) and may subsequently issue securities other than such Shares (“Securities”);

 

WHEREAS, Wells REIT intends to continue to qualify as a REIT (as defined below), and to invest its funds in investments permitted by the terms of Wells REIT’s Articles of Incorporation and Sections 856 through 860 of the Code (as defined below);

 

WHEREAS, Wells OP was organized to acquire, own, operate, lease and manage real estate properties on behalf of Wells REIT;

 

WHEREAS, Wells REIT desires to avail itself of the experience, sources of information, advice, assistance and certain facilities available to the Asset Advisor and to have the Asset Advisor undertake the duties and responsibilities hereinafter set forth, on behalf of, and subject to the supervision of, the Board of Directors of Wells REIT all as provided herein; and

 

WHEREAS, the Asset Advisor is willing to undertake to render such services, subject to the supervision of the Board of Directors, on the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto, intending to be legally bound hereby, do hereby agree as follows:

 

1. Definitions. Except as otherwise specified or as the context may otherwise require, the following terms have the respective meanings set forth below for all purposes of this Agreement, and the definitions of such terms are equally applicable both to the singular and plural forms thereof:

 

Acquisition Advisor. Wells Capital, Inc., a Georgia corporation, or any person or entity to which Wells Capital, Inc. or any successor advisor assigns or subcontracts substantially all of its functions.

 

Acquisition and Advisory Fees. Any and all fees and commissions, exclusive of Acquisition Expenses, paid by any person or entity to any other person or entity (including any fees or commissions paid by or to any Affiliate of Wells REIT or the Acquisition Advisor) in connection with purchase, development or construction of any Property, including, without limitation, real estate commissions, acquisition fees, finder’s fees, selection fees, nonrecurring management fees, consulting fees, loan fees, points, or any other fees or commissions of a similar nature.


Acquisition Expenses. Any and all expenses incurred by Wells REIT, the Acquisition Advisor, or any Affiliate of either in connection with the selection, acquisition or development of any Property, whether or not acquired, including, without limitation, legal fees and expenses, travel and communications expenses, costs of appraisals, nonrefundable option payments on property not acquired, accounting fees and expenses, and title insurance premiums.

 

Affiliate or Affiliated. As to any individual, corporation, partnership, trust, limited liability company or other legal entity, (i) any Person or entity directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries controlling, controlled by, or under common control with another Person or entity; (ii) any Person or entity, directly or indirectly owning, controlling, or holding with power to vote ten percent (10%) or more of the outstanding voting securities of another Person or entity; (iii) any officer, director, general partner or trustee of such Person or entity; (iv) any Person ten percent (10%) or more of whose outstanding voting securities are directly or indirectly owned, controlled or held, with power to vote, by such other Person; and (v) if such other Person or entity is an officer, director, general partner, or trustee of a Person or entity, the Person or entity for which such Person or entity acts in any such capacity.

 

Aggregate Share Trading Value. Aggregate Share Trading Value is defined in Section 8(b) hereof.

 

Appraised Value. Value according to an appraisal made by an Independent Appraiser.

 

Articles of Incorporation. The Articles of Incorporation of Wells REIT under Title 2 of the Corporations and Associations Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland, as amended from time to time.

 

Asset Advisor. Wells Management Company, Inc., a Georgia corporation, or any person or entity to which Wells Management Company, Inc. or any successor advisor assigns or subcontracts substantially all of its functions hereunder.

 

Asset Advisory Fees. Asset Advisory Fees are defined in Section 8(a) hereof.

 

Average Invested Assets. For a specified period, the average of the aggregate book value of the assets of Wells REIT invested, directly or indirectly, in Properties and loans secured by real estate before reserves for depreciation or bad debts or other similar non-cash reserves, computed by taking the average of such values at the end of each month during such period.

 

Board of Directors or Board. The persons holding such office, as of any particular time, under the Articles of Incorporation of Wells REIT, whether they be the Directors named therein or additional or successor Directors.

 

Bylaws. The bylaws of Wells REIT, as the same are in effect from time to time.

 

Cash from Financings. Net cash proceeds realized by Wells REIT, Wells OP or any subsidiary thereof from the financing of any Property or Properties or from the refinancing of any indebtedness of Wells REIT, Wells OP or any subsidiary thereof.

 

Cash from Sales. Net cash proceeds realized by Wells REIT, Wells OP or any subsidiary thereof from the Sale, exchange or other disposition of any of their respective assets after deduction of all expenses incurred in connection therewith. Cash from Sales shall not include Cash from Financings.

 

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Cash from Sales and Financings. The total sum of Cash from Sales and Cash from Financings.

 

Cause. With respect to the termination of this Agreement, fraud, criminal conduct, willful misconduct or willful or negligent breach of fiduciary duty by the Asset Advisor or material breach of this Agreement.

 

Code. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time, or any successor statute thereto. Reference to any provision of the Code shall mean such provision as in effect from time to time, as the same may be amended, and any successor provision thereto, as interpreted by any applicable regulations as in effect from time to time.

 

Competitive Real Estate Commission. A real estate or brokerage commission for the purchase or sale of property which is reasonable, customary, and competitive in light of the size, type, and location of the property.

 

Contract Sales Price. Total consideration received by Wells REIT, Wells OP or any subsidiary thereof, for a Sale of a Property.

 

Director. A member of the Board of Directors of Wells REIT.

 

Dividends. Any dividends or other distributions of money or other property by Wells REIT to its Stockholders, including distributions that may constitute a return of capital for federal income tax purposes.

 

Employee Expenses. Employee Expenses is defined in Section 9(a)(i).

 

Existing Portfolio Properties. All Properties owned by Wells REIT, Wells OP or any subsidiary thereof, or in which any such entity owns an interest, on December 31, 2004.

 

Fair Market Value. The gross purchase price of Properties acquired by Wells REIT, Wells OP or any subsidiary thereof, including any debt attributable to such investments, or the pro rata share of the gross purchase price held by Joint Ventures in which Wells REIT or Wells OP invests, until such time as Wells REIT has begun estimating the value of all interests Wells REIT holds in Properties or Joint Ventures to assist ERISA fiduciaries in fulfilling their annual valuation and reporting responsibilities; and after such time, “Fair Market Value” shall mean the aggregate value of Wells REIT’s interest in the Properties and Joint Ventures as established in connection with the most recent estimated ERISA valuation, without reducing such evaluation by any debt.

 

Independent Director. A Director who is not and within the last two years has not been directly or indirectly associated with the Asset Advisor by virtue of (i) ownership of an interest in the Asset Advisor or its Affiliates, (ii) employment by the Asset Advisor or its Affiliates, (iii) service as an officer or director of the Asset Advisor or its Affiliates, (iv) performance of services, other than as a Director, for Wells REIT, (v) service as a director or trustee of more than three real estate investment trusts advised by the Asset Advisor, or (vi) maintenance of a material business or professional relationship with the Asset Advisor or any of its Affiliates. A business or professional relationship is considered material if the gross revenue derived by the Director from the Asset Advisor and Affiliates exceeds 5.0% of either the Director’s annual gross revenue during either of the last two years or the Director’s net worth on a fair market value basis. An indirect relationship shall include circumstances in which a Director’s spouse, parents, children, siblings, mothers- or fathers-in-law, sons- or daughters-in-law, or brothers- or sisters-in-law is or has been associated with the Asset Advisor, any of its Affiliates, or Wells REIT.

 

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Improvements. Buildings, structures, equipment from time to time located on the Properties and all parking and common areas located on the Properties.

 

Independent Appraiser. A qualified appraiser of real estate as determined and selected by the Board. Membership in a nationally recognized appraisal society such as the American Institute of Real Estate Appraisers (“M.A.I.”) or the Society of Real Estate Appraisers (“S.R.E.A.”) shall be conclusive evidence of such qualification.

 

Invested Capital. The amount calculated by multiplying the total number of Shares purchased by Stockholders by the issue price paid to Wells REIT for such Shares, reduced by the portion of any Dividends that are attributable to Net Sales Proceeds and by any amounts paid by Wells REIT to repurchase or redeem Shares from its Stockholders.

 

Joint Ventures. Any joint venture or general partnership arrangements established to acquire Properties in which Wells REIT or Wells OP, or any subsidiary thereof, is a co-venturer, general partner or joint venture partner with another Person.

 

Lease. Unless the context otherwise requires, any lease or sublease for any portion of a Property.

 

Listing. The listing of the Shares of Wells REIT on a national securities exchange or over-the-counter market.

 

Net Income. For any period, the total revenues applicable to such period, less the total expenses applicable to such period excluding additions to reserves for depreciation, bad debts or other similar non-cash reserves; provided, however, Net Income for purposes of calculating total allowable Operating Expenses (as defined herein) shall exclude the gain from the sale of Wells REIT’s assets.

 

Net Sales Proceeds. In the case of a transaction described in clause (i) (A) of the definition of Sale, the proceeds of any such transaction less the amount of all real estate commissions and closing costs paid by Wells REIT, Wells OP, or any subsidiary thereof. In the case of a transaction described in clause (i) (B) of such definition, Net Sales Proceeds means the proceeds of any such transaction less the amount of any legal and other selling expenses incurred in connection with such transaction. In the case of a transaction described in clause (i) (C) of such definition, Net Sales Proceeds means the proceeds of any such transaction actually distributed to Wells REIT or Wells OP from the Joint Venture. In the case of a transaction or series of transactions described in clause (i) (D) of the definition of Sale, Net Sales Proceeds means the proceeds of any such transaction less the amount of all commissions and closing costs paid by Wells REIT, Wells OP, or any subsidiary thereof. In the case of a transaction described in clause (ii) of the definition of Sale, Net Sales Proceeds means the proceeds of such transaction or series of transactions less all amounts generated thereby and reinvested in one or more Properties within 180 days thereafter and less the amount of any real estate commissions, closing costs, and legal and other selling expenses incurred by or allocated to Wells REIT or Wells OP in connection with such transaction or series of transactions. Net Sales Proceeds shall also include, in the case of any lease of a Property consisting of a building only, any amounts from tenants,

 

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borrowers or lessees that Wells REIT determines, in its discretion, to be economically equivalent to proceeds of a Sale. Net Sales Proceeds shall not include, as determined by Wells REIT in its sole discretion, any amounts used to reinvest in Properties, to repay outstanding indebtedness, or to establish reserves.

 

Operating Expenses. All costs and expenses incurred by Wells REIT, as determined under generally accepted accounting principles, which in any way are related to the operation of Wells REIT or to Wells REIT business, including advisory fees, but excluding (i) the expenses of raising capital such as Organizational and Offering Expenses, legal, audit, accounting, underwriting, brokerage, listing, registration, and other fees, printing and other such expenses and tax incurred in connection with the issuance, distribution, transfer, registration and Listing of the Shares, (ii) interest payments, (iii) taxes, (iv) non-cash expenditures such as depreciation, amortization and bad loan reserves, (v) Acquisition and Advisory Fees and Acquisition Expenses, and other expenses connected with the acquisition of real estate interests, mortgage loans or other property and (vi) real estate commissions on the Sale of Property, and other expenses connected with the acquisition and ownership of real estate interests, mortgage loans, or other property (such as the costs of foreclosure, insurance premiums, legal services, maintenance, repair, and improvement of property).

 

Partnership Agreements. Partnership Agreement defined in Section 3(b)(x) hereof.

 

Person. An individual, corporation, partnership, estate, trust (including a trust qualified under Section 401(a) or 501(c) (17) of the Code), a portion of a trust permanently set aside for or to be used exclusively for the purposes described in Section 642(c) of the Code, association, private foundation within the meaning of Section 509(a) of the Code, joint stock company or other entity, or any government or any agency or political subdivision thereof.

 

Property or Properties. All real estate properties, or interests in real estate properties, owned by Wells OP or Wells REIT, or any subsidiary thereof, or in which Wells OP, Wells REIT or any subsidiary thereof owns an interest, and all tracts acquired by Wells OP or Wells REIT, or any subsidiary thereof in the future or in which Wells OP, Wells REIT or any subsidiary thereof owns an interest, containing income-producing Improvements or on which Wells OP or Wells REIT, or any subsidiary thereof, will construct income-producing Improvements.

 

Property Manager. Any entity that has been retained to perform and carry out at one or more of the Properties the property management services.

 

Prospectus. “Prospectus” has the meaning set forth in Section 2(10) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), including a preliminary Prospectus, an offering circular as described in Rule 256 of the General Rules and Regulations under the Securities Act or, in the case of an intrastate offering, any document by whatever name known, utilized for the purpose of offering and selling securities to the public.

 

Registration Statement. The most currently filed Registration Statement on Form S-11, or other applicable Form, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, of which the Prospectus is a part.

 

REIT. A “real estate investment trust” under Sections 856 through 860 of the Code.

 

Sale or Sales. (i) Any transaction or series of transactions whereby: (A) Wells REIT or the Wells OP, or any subsidiary thereof, sells, grants, transfers, conveys, or relinquishes its ownership of any Property or portion thereof, including the lease of any Property consisting of

 

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the building only, and including any event with respect to any Property which gives rise to a significant amount of insurance proceeds or condemnation awards; (B) Wells REIT or Wells OP, or any subsidiary thereof, sells, grants, transfers, conveys, or relinquishes its ownership of all or substantially all of the interest of Wells REIT or Wells OP in any Joint Venture in which it is a co-venturer or partner; or (C) any Joint Venture in which Wells REIT or Wells OP, or any subsidiary thereof, as a co-venturer or partner sells, grants, transfers, conveys, or relinquishes its ownership of any Property or portion thereof, including any event with respect to any Property which gives rise to insurance claims or condemnation awards, but (ii) not including any transaction or series of transactions specified in clause (i) (A), (i) (B), or (i) (C) above in which the proceeds of such transaction or series of transactions are reinvested in one or more Properties within 180 days thereafter.

 

Shares. Any shares of Wells REIT’s common stock, par value $.01 per share, which are issued and currently outstanding.

 

Stockholders. The record holders of Wells REIT’s Shares as maintained in Wells REIT’s books and records.

 

Stockholders’ 8.0% Return. As of each date, an aggregate amount equal to an 8.0% cumulative, noncompounded annual return on Invested Capital.

 

Subordinated Disposition Fee. The Subordinated Disposition Fee is defined in Section 8(b).

 

Subordinated Incentive Fee. The Subordinated Incentive Fee is defined in Section 8(d).

 

Subordinated Performance Fee Due Upon Termination. Subordinated Performance Fee Due Upon Termination means a fee equal to (1) 10% of the amount, if any, by which (a) the Appraised Value of the Properties at the Termination Date, less amounts of all indebtedness secured by the Properties, plus total Dividends distributed to Stockholders through the Termination Date exceeds (b) the sum of Invested Capital, plus Dividends distributed which were attributable to Net Sales Proceeds, plus total Dividends which would be required to be made to Stockholders in order to pay the Stockholders’ 8.0% Return from inception through the Termination Date less (2) any prior payment to the Asset Advisor of a Subordinated Share of Net Sales Proceeds.

 

Subordinated Share of Net Sales Proceeds. The Subordinated Share of Net Sales Proceeds is defined in Section 8(c).

 

Termination Date. The date of termination of the Agreement.

 

2%/25% Guidelines. The requirement pursuant to the guidelines of the North American Securities Administrators Association, Inc. that, in any 12 month period, total Operating Expenses not exceed the greater of 2% of Wells REIT’s Average Invested Assets during such 12 month period or 25% of Wells REIT’s Net Income over the same 12 month period.

 

Wells OP. Wells Operating Partnership, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership formed to own and operate properties on behalf of Wells REIT.

 

Wells REIT. Wells Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc., a corporation organized under the laws of the State of Maryland.

 

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2. Appointment of Asset Advisor. Wells REIT hereby engages and retains Asset Advisor as its Asset Advisor and sole and exclusive asset manager of the portfolio of Properties, and Asset Advisor hereby accepts such appointment on the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth.

 

3. Duties of the Asset Advisor. Asset Advisor undertakes to use its best efforts to performing its duties hereunder to administer, promote, manage, operate, maintain, improve and lease the Properties in a diligent, careful and vigilant manner. The services of Asset Advisor performed pursuant to this Agreement are to be of scope and quality not less than those services generally performed by professional asset managers of other similar real estate portfolios. Asset Advisor shall make available to Wells REIT and Wells OP the full benefit of the judgment, experience and advice of the members of Asset Advisor’s organization and staff with respect to the policies to be pursued by Wells OP relating to the management, operation and leasing of the Properties. Asset Advisor shall also obtain Property Managers, which may include Affiliates of the Asset Advisor, to manage, promote and lease the Properties. In performance of these undertakings, subject to the supervision of the Board and consistent with the provisions of the Prospectus, Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws of Wells REIT, the Asset Advisor shall, either directly or by engaging an Affiliate, engage in the following activities:

 

  (a) Advisory Functions.

 

  (i) Serve as Wells REIT’s investment and financial advisor and provide research and economic and statistical data in connection with Wells REIT’s investment policies;

 

  (ii) Provide the daily management of Wells REIT and perform and supervise the various administrative functions reasonably necessary for the management of the day-to-day operations of Wells REIT;

 

  (iii) Consult with the officers and the Board of Wells REIT and assist the Board in the formulation and implementation of Wells REIT’s financial policies, and, as necessary, furnish the Board with advice and recommendations with respect to the making of investments consistent with the investment objectives and policies of Wells REIT and in connection with any borrowings proposed to be undertaken by Wells REIT; and

 

  (iv) Maintain and preserve the books and records of Wells REIT.

 

  (b) Asset Management Functions.

 

  (i) Formulate and oversee the implementation of strategies for the administration, promotion, management, operation, maintenance, improvement, financing and refinancing, leasing and disposition of Properties on an overall portfolio basis;

 

  (ii) Oversee the performance of the Property Managers of their duties, including collection and proper deposits of rental payments and payment of Property expenses and maintenance;

 

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  (iii) Conduct periodic on-site property visits to some or all (as the Asset Advisor deems reasonably necessary) of the Properties to inspect the physical condition of the Properties and to evaluate the performance of the related Property Manager of its duties;

 

  (iv) Review, analyze and comment upon the operating budgets, capital budgets and leasing plans prepared and submitted by the Property Manager of each Property;

 

  (v) Negotiate with banks or lenders with respect to financings and the refinancing of loans made to Wells REIT, Wells OP, or any subsidiary thereof, including but not limited to, lines of credit, loan assumptions, loan modifications and construction loans, but in no event in such a way so that the Asset Advisor shall be acting as broker-dealer or underwriter; provided that any fees and costs payable to third parties incurred by the Asset Advisor in connection with the foregoing shall be the responsibility of Wells REIT;

 

  (vi) Consult with the Board and assist the Board in evaluating and obtaining adequate insurance coverage based upon risk management determinations;

 

  (vii) Investigate, select, and, on behalf of Wells REIT, engage and conduct business with such Persons as the Asset Advisor deems necessary to the proper performance of its obligations hereunder, including but not limited to consultants, accountants, correspondents, lenders, technical advisors, attorneys, brokers, underwriters, corporate fiduciaries, escrow agents, depositaries, custodians, agents for collection, insurers, insurance agents, banks, builders, developers, property owners, mortgagors, and any and all agents for any of the foregoing, including Affiliates of the Asset Advisor, and Persons acting in any other capacity deemed by the Asset Advisor necessary or desirable for the performance of any of the foregoing services, including but not limited to entering into contracts in the name of Wells REIT with any of the foregoing;

 

  (viii) Review and analyze on-going financial information pertaining to each Property and the overall portfolio of Properties;

 

  (ix) Forward to Wells REIT promptly upon receipt all notices of violation or other notices from any governmental authority, and board of fire underwriters or any insurance company, and shall make such recommendations regarding compliance with such notice as shall be appropriate;

 

  (x)

Receive copies of agreements of limited partnership, joint venture partnership agreements and operating agreements of Wells OP and its Affiliates (the “Partnership Agreements”) and become familiar with the terms thereof. Asset Advisor shall use reasonable care to

 

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avoid any act or omission which, in the performance of its duties hereunder, shall in any way conflict with the terms of the Partnership Agreements; and

 

  (xi) Recommend the disposal of, reinvestment of the proceeds from the sale of, or otherwise deal with the investments in Properties.

 

  (c) Accounting, SEC Compliance and Administrative Services.

 

  (i) Maintain accounting systems, records and data and any other information requested concerning the activities of Wells REIT as required and prepare and file periodic financial reports and returns required to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and any other regulatory agency, including annual financial statements;

 

  (ii) Provide financial and operational planning services and portfolio management functions;

 

  (iii) Coordinate with Wells REIT’s independent accountants and auditors to prepare and deliver to Wells REIT’s audit committee an annual report covering the Asset Advisor’s compliance with certain material aspects of this Agreement;

 

  (iv) Provide tax and compliance services and coordinate with appropriate third parties, including independent accountants and other consultants, on related tax matters;

 

  (v) Provide the Board with timely updates related to the overall regulatory environment affecting Wells REIT, as well as managing compliance with such matters, including but not limited to compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002; and

 

  (vi) Perform all reporting, record keeping, internal controls and similar matters in a manner to allow Wells REIT to comply with applicable law including the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

  (d) Other Functions.

 

  (i) From time-to-time, or at any time reasonably requested by the Board, make reports to the Board on the Asset Advisor’s performance of services to Wells REIT under this Agreement;

 

  (ii) Provide or arrange for administrative services and items, legal and other services, office space, office furnishings, personnel and other overhead items necessary and incidental to Wells REIT’s business and operations;

 

  (iii) Provide Wells REIT and Wells OP with all necessary cash management services; and

 

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  (iv) Do all things necessary to assure its ability to render the services described in this Agreement.

 

(e) Approval of Leases, Contracts, Etc. In fulfilling its duties to Wells REIT and Wells OP, Asset Advisor may and hereby is authorized to enter into any property management agreements, leases, contracts or agreements on behalf of the Wells OP or Wells REIT, as the case may be, in the ordinary course of the management, operation, maintenance and leasing of the Properties.

 

(f) Right to Subcontract. Asset Advisor shall have the right to subcontract any of its duties or obligations to provide services to Wells REIT hereunder to an Affiliate or independent third-party provider at no additional cost or expense to Wells REIT.

 

4. Authority of Asset Advisor.

 

(a) Pursuant to the terms of this Agreement (including the restrictions included in this Section 4 and in Section 6), and subject to the continuing and exclusive authority of the Board over the management of Wells REIT, the Board hereby delegates to the Asset Advisor the authority to (1) supervise the management of Properties, (2) structure the terms and conditions of transactions pursuant to which investments will be managed for Wells REIT or Wells OP, and (3) arrange for financing and refinancing of Properties.

 

(b) If a transaction requires approval by the Independent Directors, the Asset Advisor will deliver to the Independent Directors all documents required by them to properly evaluate the proposed investment in the Property.

 

The prior approval of a majority of the Independent Directors and a majority of the Board not otherwise interested in the transaction will be required for each transaction with the Asset Advisor or its Affiliates.

 

The Board may, at any time upon the giving of notice to the Asset Advisor, modify or revoke the authority set forth in this Section 4. If and to the extent the Board so modifies or revokes the authority contained herein, the Asset Advisor shall henceforth submit to the Board for prior approval such proposed transactions involving Properties as thereafter require prior approval, provided however, that such modification or revocation shall be effective upon receipt by the Asset Advisor and shall not be applicable to transactions to which the Asset Advisor has committed Wells REIT prior to the date of receipt by the Asset Advisor of such notification.

 

5. Other Services. Should the Board request that the Asset Advisor or any director, officer or employee thereof render services for Wells REIT other than set forth in Section 3 and Section 4 hereof, such services shall be separately compensated at such rates and in such amounts as are agreed by the Asset Advisor and the Independent Directors of Wells REIT, subject to the limitations contained in the Articles of Incorporation, and shall not be deemed to be services pursuant to the terms of this Agreement.

 

6. Limitations on Activities. Anything else in this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, the Asset Advisor shall refrain from taking any action which, in its sole judgment made in good faith, would (a) adversely affect the status of Wells REIT as a REIT, (b) subject Wells REIT to regulation under the Investment Wells REIT Act of 1940, as amended, or

 

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(c) violate any law, rule, regulation or statement of policy of any governmental body or agency having jurisdiction over Wells REIT, its Shares or its Securities, or otherwise not be permitted by the Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws of Wells REIT, except if such action shall be ordered by the Board, in which case the Asset Advisor shall notify promptly the Board of the Asset Advisor’s judgment of the potential impact of such action and shall refrain from taking such action until it receives further clarification or instructions from the Board. In such event the Asset Advisor shall have no liability for acting in accordance with the specific instructions of the Board so given. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Asset Advisor, its directors, officers, employees and stockholders, and stockholders, directors and officers of the Asset Advisor’s Affiliates shall not be liable to Wells REIT or to the Board or Stockholders for any act or omission by the Asset Advisor, its directors, officers or employees, or stockholders, directors or officers of the Asset Advisor’s Affiliates, except as provided in Sections 20 and 21 of this Agreement.

 

7. Other Activities of the Asset Advisor. Nothing herein contained shall prevent the Asset Advisor from engaging in other activities, including, without limitation, the rendering of advice to other Persons (including other REITs) and the management of other programs advised, sponsored or organized by the Asset Advisor or its Affiliates; nor shall this Agreement limit or restrict the right of any director, officer, employee, or stockholder of the Asset Advisor or its Affiliates to engage in any other business or to render services of any kind to any other partnership, corporation, firm, individual, trust or association. The Asset Advisor may, with respect to any investment in which Wells REIT is a participant, also render advice and service to each and every other participant therein. The Asset Advisor shall report to the Board the existence of any condition or circumstance, existing or anticipated, of which it has knowledge, which creates or is anticipated to create a conflict of interest between the Asset Advisor’s obligations to Wells REIT and its obligations to or its interest in any other partnership, corporation, firm, individual, trust or association. The Asset Advisor or its Affiliates shall promptly disclose to the Board knowledge of such condition or circumstance. If the Asset Advisor or its Affiliates have sponsored other investment programs with similar investment objectives which have investment funds available at the same time as Wells REIT, it shall be the duty of the Board (including the Independent Directors) to adopt the method set forth in the Registration Statement or another reasonable method by which properties are to be allocated to the competing investment entities and to use their best efforts to apply such method fairly to Wells REIT.

 

The Asset Advisor shall be required to use its best efforts to present a continuing and suitable investment program to Wells REIT which is consistent with the investment policies and objectives of Wells REIT, but neither the Asset Advisor nor any Affiliate of the Asset Advisor shall be obligated generally to present any particular investment opportunity to Wells REIT even if the opportunity is of character which, if presented to Wells REIT, could be taken by Wells REIT. In the event that the Asset Advisor or its Affiliates is presented with a potential investment which might be made by Wells REIT and by another investment entity which the Asset Advisor or its Affiliates advises or manages, the Asset Advisor shall consider the investment portfolio of each entity, cash flow of each entity, the effect of the acquisition on the diversification of each entity’s portfolio, rental payments during any renewal period, the estimated income tax effects of the purchase on each entity, the policies of each entity relating to leverage, the funds of each entity available for investment and the length of time such funds have been available for investment. In the event that an investment opportunity becomes available

 

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which is suitable for both Wells REIT and a public or private entity which the Asset Advisor or its Affiliates are Affiliated, then the entity which has had the longest period of time elapse since it was offered an investment opportunity will first be offered the investment opportunity.

 

8. Fees.

 

(a) Asset Advisory Fees. Wells OP shall pay Asset Advisor on an annual basis, as compensation for the services provided under this Agreement, Asset Advisory Fees equal to 0.5% (50 basis points) of Fair Market Value of the Properties. Asset Advisory Fees shall be payable as follows:

 

  (i) An amount equal to one-twelfth of 0.45% (45 basis points) of Fair Market Value of the Properties determined as of the last day of the previous calendar year shall be paid by Wells REIT in cash to Asset Advisor on the last business day of each month, such amounts to be reduced by amounts, if any, equal to (A) tenant reimbursed property management fees actually paid to Wells Management Company, Inc. with respect to Existing Portfolio Properties which are being managed by Wells Management Company, Inc. on the effective date of this Agreement; and (B) in the event that Asset Advisor retains an independent third-party property manager to manage one or more of the Existing Portfolio Properties which are being managed by Wells Management Company, Inc. on the effective date of this Agreement, the amount of property management fees payable by Wells OP to said third-party property manager or managers; and

 

  (ii) An amount equal to one-twelfth of 0.05% (5 basis points) of Fair Market Value of the Properties determined as of the last day of the previous calendar year shall be paid by Wells REIT on the last business day of each month in cash; or, at the option of Asset Advisor, in Shares issued to a trust within the meaning of subpart E, part I, subchapter J, chapter 1, subtitle A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, pursuant to a form of trust agreement to be mutually agreed upon by Asset Advisor and Wells REIT. The value of the Shares for purposes of this Section 8(a)(ii) shall be deemed to be $10 per Share, reduced on a per share basis by any Dividends previously paid which were attributable to Net Sales Proceeds.

 

(b) Subordinated Disposition Fee. If Asset Advisor or an Affiliate thereof provides a substantial amount of the services (as determined by a majority of the Independent Directors) in connection with the Sale of one or more Properties sold, including Properties sold prior to January 1, 2005, the Asset Advisor or its Affiliate shall receive a Subordinated Disposition Fee equal to the lesser of (i) one-half of a Competitive Real Estate Commission or (ii) 3.0% of the sale price of such Property or Properties sold. The Subordinated Disposition Fee will be paid only if Stockholders have received total Dividends in an amount equal to the sum of their aggregate Invested Capital and their aggregate Stockholders’ 8.0% Return. To the extent that Subordinated Disposition Fees are not paid by Wells REIT on a current basis due to the foregoing limitation, the unpaid fees will be accrued and paid at such time as the subordination

 

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conditions have been satisfied. The Subordinated Disposition Fee may be paid in addition to real estate commissions paid to non-Affiliates, provided that the total real estate commissions paid to all persons by Wells REIT shall not exceed an amount equal to the lesser of (i) 6.0% of the Contract Sales Price of a Property or (ii) the Competitive Real Estate Commission. Upon Listing, if the Asset Advisor has accrued but not been paid such Subordinated Disposition Fee, then for purposes of determining whether the subordination conditions have been satisfied, Stockholders will be deemed to have received Dividends in the amount equal to the product of the total number of Shares outstanding and the average closing price or average of bid and asked price, as the case may be, over a period of 30 days during which the stock is traded, with such period beginning 180 days after Listing (the “Aggregate Share Trading Value”).

 

In the event this Agreement is terminated prior to such time as the Stockholders have received total Dividends in an amount equal to 100% of Invested Capital plus an amount sufficient to pay the Stockholders’ 8.0% Return through the Termination Date, an appraisal of the Properties then owned by Wells REIT shall be made and the Subordinated Disposition Fee on Properties previously sold will be deemed earned if the Appraised Value of the Properties then owned by Wells REIT, Wells OP and their subsidiaries plus total Dividends received prior to the Termination Date equals 100% of Invested Capital plus an amount sufficient to pay the Stockholders’ 8.0% Return through the Termination Date.

 

(c) Subordinated Share of Net Sales Proceeds. The Subordinated Share of Net Sales Proceeds shall be payable to the Asset Advisor in an amount equal to 10% of Net Sales Proceeds remaining, if any, after the Stockholders have received Dividends equal to the sum of the Stockholders’ 8.0% Return and 100% of Invested Capital. Following Listing, no Subordinated Share of Net Sales Proceeds will be paid to the Asset Advisor.

 

(d) Subordinated Incentive Fee. Upon Listing, Asset Advisor shall be entitled to the Subordinated Incentive Fee in an amount equal to 10.0% of the amount by which (i) the market value of the outstanding stock of Wells REIT, measured by taking the Aggregate Share Trading Value, plus the total of all Dividends paid to Stockholders from Wells REIT’s inception until the date of Listing, exceeds (ii) the sum of (A) 100% of Invested Capital and (B) the total Dividends which would be required to be paid to the Stockholders in order to pay the Stockholders’ 8.0% Return from inception through the date of Listing. The Subordinated Incentive Fee shall be paid in cash or, at the option of Wells REIT, may be paid in Shares; provided, that in the event Wells REIT elects to pay all or some portion of the Subordinated Incentive Fee in Shares, the Asset Advisor shall have the right to cause such Shares to be registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to the terms of a registration rights agreement in such form as shall be negotiated between the parties and mutually agreed upon by both Wells REIT and Asset Advisor prior to the issuance of such Shares. If some or all of the Subordinated Incentive Fee is paid in Shares, the value of such Shares shall be determined by using the average closing price or average of bid and asked price, as the case may be, over a period of 30 days during which the stock is traded, with such period beginning 180 days after Listing. The Subordinated Incentive Fee will be reduced by the amount of any prior payment to Asset Advisor of a deferred Subordinated Share of Net Sales Proceeds from a Sale or Sales of Property. In the event the Subordinated Incentive Fee is paid to Asset Advisor following Listing, no other performance fee will be paid to Asset Advisor.

 

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(e) Changes to Fee Structure. In the event of Listing, Wells REIT and the Asset Advisor shall negotiate in good faith to establish a fee structure appropriate for a perpetual-life entity. A majority of the Independent Directors must approve the new fee structure negotiated with the Asset Advisor. In negotiating a new fee structure, the Independent Directors shall consider all of the factors they deem relevant, including, but not limited to: (i) the amount of the advisory fee in relation to the asset value, composition and profitability of the Properties; (ii) the success of the Asset Advisor in generating opportunities that meet the investment objectives of Wells REIT; (iii) the rates charged to other REITs and to investors other than REITs by advisors performing the same or similar services; (iv) additional revenues realized by the Asset Advisor and its Affiliates through their relationship with Wells REIT, including loan administration, underwriting or broker commissions, servicing, engineering, inspection and other fees, whether paid by Wells REIT or by others with whom Wells REIT does business; (v) the quality and extent of service and advice furnished by the Asset Advisor; (vi) the performance of the Properties, including income, conversion or appreciation of capital, and number and frequency of problem investments; and (vii) the quality of the Properties in relationship to the investments generated by the Asset Advisor for its own account. The new fee structure can be no more favorable to the Asset Advisor than the current fee structure.

 

(f) Loans from Affiliates. If any loans are made to Wells REIT or Wells OP by the Asset Advisor or any Affiliate of the Asset Advisor, the terms of any such loans shall be no less favorable than the terms available between non-Affiliated Persons for similar commercial loans and must be approved by a majority of Directors, including a majority of Independent Directors.

 

9. Expenses.

 

(a) Expenses. Except as otherwise specifically provided, all costs and expenses incurred hereunder by Asset Advisor in fulfilling its duties to Wells OP shall be on behalf of Wells OP or Wells REIT. In addition to the compensation paid to the Asset Advisor pursuant to Section 8 hereof, Wells REIT shall pay directly or reimburse the Asset Advisor for all of the expenses paid or incurred by the Asset Advisor in connection with the services it provides to Wells REIT or Wells OP pursuant to this Agreement, including, but not limited to:

 

  (i) Reasonable wages and salaries and other employee-related expenses of employees of Asset Advisor who are directly engaged in the operation, management, maintenance and leasing or access control of the Properties or any other services provided to Wells REIT or Wells OP pursuant to this Agreement, including taxes, insurance and benefits relating to such employees (“Employee Expenses”);

 

  (ii) Legal, travel and other out-of-pocket expenses which are directly related to services performed under this Agreement;

 

  (iii) Taxes and assessments on income or Property and taxes as an expense of doing business;

 

  (iv) Expenses of managing and operating Properties, whether payable to an Affiliate of Asset Advisor or a non-affiliated person;

 

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  (v) Interest and other costs for borrowed money, including discounts, points and other similar fees;

 

  (vi) Costs associated with insurance required in connection with the business of Wells OP, Wells REIT or by the Board;

 

  (vii) Expenses in connection with payments to the Board and meetings of the Board and Stockholders;

 

  (viii) Audit, accounting and legal fees;

 

  (ix) Expenses connected with payments of Dividends in cash or otherwise made or caused to be made by Wells REIT to the Stockholders;

 

  (x) Expenses of merging, liquidating or dissolving Wells REIT or of amending the Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws;

 

  (xi) Expenses associated with Listing and, if applicable, the issuance and distribution of Shares and Securities in connection therewith such as selling commissions and fees, advertising expenses, taxes, legal and accounting fees, Listing and registration fees, and other Organizational and Offering Expenses; and

 

  (xii) Out of pocket costs in order for Wells OP or Wells REIT to comply with all applicable laws, regulations and ordinances.

 

The determination as to whether a cost or expense is of a type or nature that is reimbursable by Wells REIT or Wells OP shall be made in a manner consistent with the practices in effect as of the effective date hereof, except costs or expenses otherwise specifically approved for reimbursement by a majority of the Independent Directors of Wells REIT.

 

(b) Notwithstanding the above, and except for reimbursement of additional Employee Expenses otherwise specifically approved for reimbursement by a majority of the Independent Directors of Wells REIT, the sum of (i) reimbursements to the Asset Advisor for Employee Expenses; plus (ii) reimbursements of Employee Expenses to the Acquisition Advisor pursuant to Section 9 of that certain Acquisition Advisory Agreement of even date herewith; plus (iii) reimbursements to Wells Management Company, Inc. of Employee Expenses under Section 3.1 of that certain Master Property Management, Leasing and Construction Management Agreement of even date herewith, but only to the extent that such Employee Expenses under said Master Property Management, Leasing and Construction Management Agreement relate specifically to Existing Portfolio Properties which are being managed by Wells Management Company, Inc. on the effective date hereof, shall not exceed $8,240,000 in the aggregate in any fiscal year.

 

(c) Expenses incurred by the Asset Advisor on behalf of Wells OP or Wells REIT and payable pursuant to this Section 9 shall be reimbursed no less than monthly to the Asset Advisor. The Asset Advisor shall prepare a statement documenting the expenses of Wells REIT during each quarter, and shall deliver such statement to Wells REIT within 45 days after the end of each quarter.

 

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10. Fidelity Bond. Asset Advisor shall maintain a fidelity bond for the benefit of Wells OP and Wells REIT which bond shall insure Wells OP and Wells REIT from losses of up to $5,000,000 per occurrence and shall be of the type customarily purchased by entities performing services similar to those provided to Wells OP and Wells REIT by the Asset Advisor.

 

11. Reimbursement to the Asset Advisor. Wells REIT shall not reimburse the Asset Advisor and its Affiliates at the end of any fiscal quarter Operating Expenses that, in the four consecutive fiscal quarters then ended (the “Expense Year”) exceed (the “Excess Amount”) the greater of 2% of Average Invested Assets or 25% of Net Income (the “2%/25% Guidelines”) for such year. Any Excess Amount paid to the Asset Advisor during a fiscal quarter shall be repaid to Wells REIT. If there is an Excess Amount in any Expense Year and the Independent Directors determine that such excess was justified, based on unusual and nonrecurring factors which they deem sufficient, the Excess Amount may be carried over and included in Operating Expenses in subsequent Expense Years, and reimbursed to the Asset Advisor in one or more of such years, provided that Operating Expenses in any Expense Year, including any Excess Amount to be paid to the Asset Advisor, shall not exceed the 2%/25% Guidelines. Within 60 days after the end of any fiscal quarter of Wells REIT for which total Operating Expenses for the Expense Year exceed the 2%/25% Guidelines, there shall be sent to the stockholders a written disclosure of such fact, together with an explanation of the factors the Independent Directors considered in determining that such excess expenses were justified. Such determination shall be reflected in the minutes of the meetings of the Board of Directors. Wells REIT will not reimburse the Asset Advisor or its Affiliates for services for which the Asset Advisor or its Affiliates are entitled to compensation in the form of a separate fee. All figures used in the foregoing computation shall be determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles applied on a consistent basis.

 

12. Term, Termination.

 

(a) Term. This Agreement shall commence effective January 1, 2005, and shall continue until terminated in accordance with the earliest to occur of the following:

 

  (i) One year from the date of the commencement of the term hereof. However, this Agreement will be automatically extended for an additional one-year period at the end of each year unless Wells OP or Asset Advisor gives sixty (60) days written notice of its intention to terminate the Agreement; or

 

  (ii) Immediately upon the occurrence of any of the following:

 

  a) A decree or order is rendered by a court having jurisdiction (1) adjudging Asset Advisor as bankrupt or insolvent, or (2) approving as properly filed a petition seeking reorganization, readjustment, arrangement, composition or similar relief for Asset Advisor under the federal bankruptcy laws or any similar applicable law or practice, or (3) appointing a receiver or liquidator or trustee or assignee in bankruptcy or insolvency of Asset Advisor or a substantial part of the property of Asset Advisor, or for the winding up or liquidation of its affairs; or

 

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  b) Asset Advisor (1) institutes proceedings to be adjudicated a voluntary bankrupt or an insolvent, (2) consents to the filing of a bankruptcy proceeding against it, (3) files a petition or answer or consent seeking reorganization, readjustment, arrangement, composition or relief under any similar applicable law or practice, (4) consents to the filing of any such petition, or to the appointment of a receiver or liquidator or trustee or assignee in bankruptcy or insolvency for it or for a substantial part of its property, (5) makes an assignment for the benefit of creditors, (6), is unable to or admits in writing its inability to pay its debts generally as they become due unless such inability shall be the fault of Wells OP, or (7) takes corporate or other action in furtherance of any of the aforesaid purposes.

 

Upon termination, the obligations of the parties hereto shall cease, provided that Asset Advisor shall comply with the provisions hereof applicable in the event of termination and shall be entitled to receive all compensation which may be due Asset Advisor hereunder up to the date of such termination, and provided, further, that if this Agreement terminates pursuant to clause (ii) above, Wells REIT shall have other remedies as may be available at law or in equity.

 

13. Termination by Either Party. This Agreement may be terminated upon 60 days written notice without Cause or penalty, by either party (upon approval of a majority of the Independent Directors of Wells REIT in the case of termination of this Agreement by Wells REIT).

 

14. Payments to and Duties of Asset Advisor upon Termination.

 

(a) After the Termination Date, Asset Advisor shall not be entitled to compensation for further services hereunder except it shall be entitled to receive from Wells REIT within 30 days after the effective date of such termination the following:

 

  (i) All unpaid reimbursements of expenses and all earned but unpaid fees payable to Asset Advisor prior to termination of this Agreement; and

 

  (ii) The Subordinated Performance Fee Due Upon Termination, provided that no Subordinated Performance Fee Due Upon Termination will be paid if Wells REIT has paid or is obligated to pay the Subordinated Incentive Fee.

 

(b) Asset Advisor shall promptly upon termination:

 

  (i) Pay over to Wells REIT all money collected and held for the account of Wells REIT pursuant to this Agreement, after deducting any accrued compensation and reimbursement for its expenses to which it is then entitled;

 

  (ii) Deliver to the Board a full accounting, including a statement showing all payments collected by it and a statement of all money held by it, covering the period following the date of the last accounting furnished to the Board;

 

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  (iii) Deliver to the Board all assets and documents of Wells REIT then in the custody of the Asset Advisor;

 

  (iv) Transfer and assign to Wells REIT, or its designee, all service contracts and personal property relating to the services provided under this Agreement; and

 

  (v) Cooperate with Wells REIT to provide an orderly management transition.

 

15. Relationship with Directors. Directors, officers and employees of the Asset Advisor or an Affiliate of the Asset Advisor or any corporate parents of an Affiliate, or directors, officers or stockholders of any director, officer or corporate parent of an Affiliate may serve as a Director and as officers of Wells REIT, except that no director, officer or employee of the Asset Advisor or its Affiliates who also is a Director or officer of Wells REIT shall receive any compensation from Wells REIT for serving as a Director or officer other than reasonable reimbursement for travel and related expenses incurred in attending meetings of the Board.

 

16. Relationship of Asset Advisor, Wells OP and Wells REIT. Asset Advisor is not a partner or joint venturer with Wells REIT or Wells OP, and nothing in this Agreement shall be construed to make them such partners or joint venturers or impose any liability as such on any of them, and neither shall have the power to bind or obligate the other except as set forth herein. In all respects, the status of Asset Advisor under this Agreement is that of an independent contractor.

 

17. Bank Accounts. The Asset Advisor may establish and maintain one or more bank accounts in its own name for the account of Wells REIT or Wells OP or in the name of Wells REIT or Wells OP and may collect and deposit into any such account or accounts, and disburse from any such account or accounts, any money on behalf of Wells REIT or Wells OP, under such terms and conditions as the Board may approve, provided that no funds shall be commingled with the funds of the Asset Advisor; and the Asset Advisor shall from time to time render appropriate accountings of such collections and payments to the Board and to the auditors of Wells REIT.

 

18. Records; Access. The Asset Advisor shall maintain appropriate records of all its activities hereunder and make such records available for inspection by the Board and by counsel, auditors and authorized agents of Wells REIT, at any time or from time to time during normal business hours. The Asset Advisor shall at all reasonable times have access to the books and records of Wells REIT.

 

19. Assignment. The Asset Advisor shall have the right to assign this Agreement to a successor organization which carries on the affairs of and assumes the duties and obligations of the Asset Advisor hereunder, and provided that following such assignment, the persons who control the operations of the Asset Advisor immediately prior to such assignment also control the operations of such successor organization, including the performance of its duties under this Agreement. In addition, for the purpose of obtaining financing, Asset Advisor may collaterally assign its right to receive fees under this Agreement and, upon the receipt of written notice from

 

18


any such assignee that Asset Advisor is in default pursuant to the terms of any such financing, Wells OP shall pay any Asset Advisory Fees otherwise payable to Asset Advisor pursuant to Section 8(a) of this Agreement to such assignee. Except as set forth above, this Agreement may not be assigned by the Asset Advisor without the written consent of Wells REIT. This Agreement may not be assigned by Wells REIT without the written consent of the Asset Advisor, except in the case of an assignment by Wells REIT to a corporation, trust or other organization which is a successor in interest to Wells REIT. Any assignment of this Agreement shall be binding upon the assignee in the same manner and the assignor is bound hereunder.

 

20. Indemnification by Wells OP and Wells REIT. Wells OP and Wells REIT shall jointly, and severally, indemnify and hold harmless the Asset Advisor and its Affiliates, including their respective officers, directors, partners and employees, from all liability, claims, damages or losses arising in the performance of their duties hereunder, and related expenses, including reasonable attorneys’ fees, to the extent such liability, claims, damages or losses and related expenses are not fully reimbursed by insurance, subject to any limitations imposed by the laws of the State of Maryland or the Articles of Incorporation of Wells REIT. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Asset Advisor shall not be entitled to indemnification or be held harmless pursuant to this Section 20 for any activity which the Asset Advisor shall be required to indemnify or hold harmless Wells OP or Wells REIT pursuant to Section 21. Any indemnification of the Asset Advisor may be made only out of the net assets of Wells OP or Wells REIT and not from Stockholders.

 

21. Indemnification by Asset Advisor. The Asset Advisor shall indemnify and hold harmless Wells OP and Wells REIT from contract or other liability, claims, damages, taxes or losses and related expenses including attorneys’ fees, to the extent that such liability, claims, damages, taxes or losses and related expenses are not fully reimbursed by insurance and are incurred by reason of the Asset Advisor’s bad faith, fraud, willful misfeasance, misconduct, negligence or reckless disregard of its duties; provided, however, that the Asset Advisor shall not be held responsible for any action of the Board of Directors in following or declining to follow any advice or recommendation given by the Asset Advisor.

 

22. Notices. All notices, approvals, consents and other communications hereunder shall be in writing, and, except when receipt is required to start the running of a period of time, shall be deemed given when delivered in person or on the fifth day after its mailing by either party by registered or certified United States mail, postage prepaid and return receipt requested, to the other party, at the addresses set forth after their respect name below or at such different addresses as either party shall have theretofore advised the other party in writing in accordance with this Section 22.

 

Wells OP:   

Wells Operating Partnership, L.P.

c/o Wells Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc.

6200 The Corners Parkway

Norcross, Georgia 30092-3365

Wells REIT:   

Wells Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc.

6200 The Corners Parkway

Norcross, Georgia 30092-3365

 

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Asset Advisor:    Wells Management Company, Inc.
     6200 The Corners Parkway
     Norcross, Georgia 30092-3365

 

23. Governing Law. The provisions of this Agreement shall be construed and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of Georgia.

 

24. Modification. This Agreement shall not be changed, modified, terminated, or discharged, in whole or in part, except by an instrument in writing signed by both parties hereto, or their respective successors or assignees.

 

25. Severability. The provisions of this Agreement are independent of and severable from each other, and no provision shall be affected or rendered invalid or unenforceable by virtue of the fact that for any reason any other or others of them may be invalid or unenforceable in whole or in part.

 

26. Entire Agreement. This Agreement contains the entire agreement and understanding among the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof, and supersedes all prior and contemporaneous agreements, understandings, inducements and conditions, express or implied, oral or written, of any nature whatsoever with respect to the subject matter hereof. The express terms hereof control and supersede any course of performance and/or usage of the trade inconsistent with any of the terms hereof. This Agreement may not be modified or amended other than by an agreement in writing.

 

27. Indulgences, not Waivers. Neither the failure nor any delay on the part of a party to exercise any right, remedy, power or privilege under this Agreement shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any right, remedy, power or privilege preclude any other or further exercise of the same or of any other right, remedy, power or privilege, nor shall any waiver of any right, remedy, power or privilege with respect to any occurrence be construed as a waiver of such right, remedy, power or privilege with respect to any other occurrence. No waiver shall be effective unless it is in writing and is signed by the party asserted to have granted such waiver.

 

28. Disputes. If there shall be a dispute between the parties relating to this Agreement resulting in litigation, the prevailing party(ies) in such litigation shall be entitled to recover from the other party(ies) to such litigation such amount as the court shall fix as reasonable attorneys’ fees.

 

29. Activities of Asset Advisor. The obligations of Asset Advisor pursuant to the terms and provisions of this Agreement shall not be construed to preclude Asset Advisor from engaging in other activities or business ventures, whether or not such other activities or ventures are in competition with the Wells OP, Wells REIT or the business of Wells OP or Wells REIT.

 

30. Gender. Words used herein regardless of the number and gender specifically used, shall be deemed and construed to include any other number, singular or plural, and any other gender, masculine, feminine or neuter, as the context requires.

 

31. Titles not to Affect Interpretation. The titles of Sections and Subsections contained in this Agreement are for convenience only, and they neither form a part of this Agreement nor are they to be used in the construction or interpretation hereof.

 

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32. Execution in Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original as against any party whose signature appears thereon, and all of which shall together constitute one and the same instrument. This Agreement shall become binding when one or more counterparts hereof, individually or taken together, shall bear the signatures of all of the parties reflected hereon as the signatories.

 

33. The “Wells” Name. It is acknowledged and agreed that Asset Advisor and its Affiliates have a proprietary interest in the name “Wells.” The Asset Advisor hereby grants to Wells REIT a non-transferable, non-assignable, non-exclusive royalty-free right and license to use the name “Wells” during the term of this Agreement. Accordingly, and in recognition of this right, if at any time Wells REIT ceases to retain Asset Advisor or an Affiliate thereof to perform the services of Asset Advisor, Wells REIT will, promptly after receipt of written request from Asset Advisor, cease to conduct business under or use the name “Wells” or any derivative thereof and Wells REIT shall change the name of the company to a name that does not contain the name “Wells” or any other word or words that might, in the reasonable discretion of the Asset Advisor, be susceptible of indication of some form of relationship between Wells REIT and the Asset Advisor or any Affiliate thereof. At such time, Wells REIT will also make any changes to any trademarks, servicemarks or other marks necessary to remove any references to the word “Wells.” Consistent with the foregoing, it is specifically recognized that the Asset Advisor or one or more of its Affiliates has in the past and may in the future organize, sponsor or otherwise permit to exist other investment vehicles (including vehicles for investment in real estate) and financial and service organizations having “Wells” as a part of their name, all without the need for any consent (and without the right to object thereto) by Wells REIT.

 

[Signatures appear on next page]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Asset Management Advisory Agreement on the 30th day of December, 2004, to be effective as of the date first above written.

 

WELLS REIT:
WELLS REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST, INC.
By:  

 


    Leo F. Wells, III
    President
WELLS OP:
WELLS OPERATING PARTNERSHIP, L.P.
By:   Wells Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc.
    (As General Partner of Wells Operating
    Partnership, L.P.)
    By:  

 


        Douglas P. Williams
        Executive Vice President
ASSET ADVISOR:
WELLS MANAGEMENT COMPANY, INC.
By:  

 


    M. Scott Meadows
    Senior Vice President

 

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Master Property Management, Leasing and Construction Management Agreement

Exhibit 10.69

 

Master Property Management, Leasing

and Construction Management Agreement

 

This Master Property Management, Leasing and Construction Management Agreement (“Agreement”) is made and entered into as of the 1st day of January, 2005, by and among Wells Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc., a Maryland corporation (“Wells REIT”), Wells Operating Partnership, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership (“Wells OP”), and Wells Management Company, Inc., a Georgia corporation (“Manager”).

 

Background

 

Wells OP was organized to acquire, own, operate, lease and manage real estate properties on behalf of Wells REIT. Owner (as defined below) intends to retain Manager to manage, coordinate the leasing of, and manage construction activities related to, some of the real estate properties acquired for the benefit of Wells REIT under the terms and conditions set forth herein.

 

Agreement

 

Now, Therefore, in consideration of the premises and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties agree as follows:

 

1. Definitions. Except as otherwise specified or as the context may otherwise require, the following terms have the respective meanings set forth below for all purposes of this Agreement, and the definitions of such terms are equally applicable both to the singular and plural forms thereof:

 

  1.1. Asset Advisor” means Wells Management Company, Inc., a Georgia corporation, or any person or entity to which Wells Management Company, Inc. or any successor advisor transfers, assigns or subcontracts substantially all of its functions under that certain Asset Management Advisory Agreement of even date herewith.

 

  1.2. Affiliate” of another Person includes only the following: (i) any Person directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by, or under common control with such other Person; (ii) any Person directly or indirectly owning, controlling, or holding with the power to vote 10% or more of the outstanding voting securities of such other Person; (iii) any legal entity for which such Person acts as an executive officer, director, trustee, or general partner; (iv) any Person 10% or more of whose outstanding voting securities are directly or indirectly owned, controlled, or held, with power to vote, by such other Person; and (v) any executive officer, director, trustee, or general partner of such other Person. The Manager shall not be deemed to control or be under common control with another Wells-sponsored program unless (i) the Manager owns 10% or more of the voting equity interests of such program or (ii) a majority of the board (or equivalent governing body) of such program is comprised of Affiliates of the Manager.


  1.3. Improvements” means buildings, structures, and equipment from time to time located on the Properties and all parking and common areas located on the Properties.

 

  1.4. Lease” means, unless the context otherwise requires, any lease or sublease made by Owner or Owner JV as landlord or by its predecessor.

 

  1.5. Management Fees” has the meaning set forth in Section 4 hereof.

 

  1.6. Owner” means Wells OP, Wells REIT, and each of their direct and indirect subsidiaries.

 

  1.7. Owner JV” means any joint venture, limited liability company or other Affiliate of Owner in which Owner owns an interest and which owns, in whole or in part, any Properties or Improvements.

 

  1.8. Ownership Agreements” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.3.B hereof.

 

  1.9. Person” means any natural persons, partnership, corporation, association, trust, limited liability company or other legal entity.

 

  1.10. Properties” means all real estate properties owned by Owner or Owner JV and all tracts acquired by Owner or Owner JV in the future containing income-producing Improvements or on which Owner or Owner JV will construct income-producing Improvements that are designated as being managed by Manager as of December 31, 2004 on Exhibit A hereto or identified on a Property Amendment to this Agreement (but does not include real estate property owned by Owner or Owner JV that is not designated as being managed by Manager as of December 31, 2004 on Exhibit A hereto or identified on a Property Amendment agreed to by Owner and Manager).

 

  1.11. Property Amendment” means an amendment to this Agreement describing a parcel of real estate and an Improvement thereon (or, in the case of construction management services provided pursuant to Section 2.6, an Improvement or a planned Improvement, as the case may be) and describing the services to be provided by Manager to Owner or an Owner JV under this Agreement.

 

2. Appointment Of Manager; Services To Be Performed.

 

  2.1. Appointment of Manager. Owner hereby engages and retains Manager as the sole and exclusive manager of the Properties to perform such functions as are specified on the Property Amendment related to each Property and as set forth herein. Manager hereby accepts such appointment on the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth. It being understood that this Agreement causes Manager to be, at law, Owner’s and Owner JV’s agent with respect to the Properties but only for the limited purposes set forth on the Property Amendments and otherwise expressly set forth herein upon the terms contained herein. Owner represents that it has authority to grant such agency power. Nothing herein shall obligate Owner to enter into any Property Amendment.

 

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  2.2. Dealings with Asset Advisor. Unless Owner specifically informs Manager to the contrary, Asset Advisor may perform any of the obligations or exercise any of the rights of Owner or Owner JV under this Agreement; provided that any actions that Asset Advisor takes on behalf of Owner pursuant hereto are subject to the terms of the agreements between Asset Advisor and Owner, and this Section 2.2 does not expand or modify the authority of Asset Advisor to act on behalf of Owner. No Property amendment shall be entered into by Owner without the approval of Wells REIT’s Board of Directors (or a committee of the board authorized to give such approval).

 

  2.3. General.

 

  A. Efforts of Manager. Manager agrees to perform its duties under this agreement and to use reasonable commercial efforts to enhance the Properties’ ability to generate income. Manager’s services are to be of scope and quality not less than those generally performed by professional managers of other similar properties in the areas in which Properties are located. Manager shall make available to Owner and any Owner JVs the full benefit of the judgment, experience and advice of the members of Manager’s organization and staff with respect to the policies to be pursued by Owner and Owner JVs relating to the management, operation, leasing, construction and/or buildout of the Properties.

 

  B. Ownership Agreements. Manager has received copies of agreements of limited partnership, joint venture partnership agreements and operating agreements of Owner and its Affiliates as well as the articles of incorporation and bylaws of Wells REIT (collectively, the “Ownership Agreements”) and mortgages on all Properties and is familiar with the terms thereof. Manager will use reasonable care to avoid any act or omission which, in the performance of its duties hereunder, in any way conflicts with the terms of the Ownership Agreements or the mortgages in the absence of the express direction of the Board of Directors of Wells REIT, and Manager shall promptly notify Owner if any such conflict arises.

 

  2.4. Specific Duties as Property Manager. Manager’s duties as property manager for any of the Properties designated as being managed by Manager as of December 31, 2004 on Exhibit A hereto or identified on a Property Amendment as being subject to the management services as provided herein include the following:

 

  A. Monies Collected. Manager will collect all rent and other monies from tenants and any sums otherwise due Owner or Owner JV with respect to the Properties in the ordinary course of business in accordance with the terms and conditions of all leases and other agreements for the use and

 

3


occupancy of the Properties, including any other charges that may become due at any time from any tenant or from others for services provided in connection with the use and occupancy of the Properties. In collecting such monies, Manager will inform tenants of the Properties that all remittances are to be in the form of a check, money order or wire transfer. Owner authorizes Manager to request, demand, collect and receipt for all such rent and other monies and to institute legal proceedings in the name of Owner or Owner JV for the collection thereof and for the dispossession of any tenant in default under its Lease. All monies so collected shall be deposited in an Account (as defined in Section 2.4.K(1)). Manager shall not write-off any income items without the prior approval of Owner.

 

  B. Lease and Mortgage Obligations. Manager will perform all duties of the landlord under all Leases insofar as such duties relate to operation, maintenance, and day-to-day management. Manager will also provide or cause to be provided, at Owner’s or Owner JV’s (as appropriate) expense, all services normally provided to tenants of like premises, including where applicable and without limitation, gas, electricity or other utilities required to be furnished to tenants under leases, normal repairs and maintenance, and cleaning and janitorial service. Manager shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to comply with the terms and conditions of all Leases and shall promptly advise Owner of any material breaches. Manager shall also perform all covenants and obligations required to be performed under the provisions of all mortgages, deeds of trust, deeds to secure debt or other like instrument to the extent that the performance of such covenants and obligations are within the day-to-day control of Manager or as may be requested by Owner.

 

  C. Building Inspections. Conduct complete inspections of the Properties and the surrounding common areas and all of their mechanical facilities as is prudent to determine that the same are in good order and repair, but no less frequently than once per calendar quarter during the term of this Agreement; provided, however, that any Properties subject to triple-net leases need only be inspected semi-annually.

 

  D. Maintenance. Manager will cause the Properties to be maintained in the same manner as similar properties in the area. Manager’s duties and supervision in this respect include, without limitation, cleaning of the interior and the exterior of the Improvements and the public common areas on the Properties and the making and supervision of repairs, alterations, and decoration of the Improvements, subject to and in strict compliance with this Agreement and the Leases.

 

  E. Limitations on Expenditures. Manager will not incur any costs other than those estimated in any approved budget or approved pro forma statements or as otherwise specified in a Property Amendment except for:

 

  (1) costs incurred in emergency situations in which action is immediately necessary for the preservation or safety of a Property, or for the safety of occupant or other person (or to avoid the suspension of any necessary service of the Property);

 

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  (2) expenditures for real estate taxes and assessments that exceed the amount budgeted but only to the extent that such additional amounts are the result of a tax rate increase, property value reassessment or other assessment that occurs after the preparation of the budget;

 

  (3) maintenance and repair costs that are individually under $10,000 so long as such costs in the aggregate do not exceed the amount budgeted for such items by more than 5%; and

 

  (4) maintenance supplies calling for an aggregate purchase price of less than $5,000, unless a different amount is specified in a Property Amendment.

 

  F. Notice of Violations. Manager will forward to Owner promptly upon receipt all notices of violation or other notices from any governmental authority, and board of fire underwriters or any insurance company, and shall make such recommendations regarding compliance with such notice as shall be appropriate.

 

  G. Personnel. Any personnel Manager hires to maintain and operate a Property shall be the employees or independent contractors of Manager and not of Owner or Owner JV. Manager agrees to use due care in the selection and supervision of such employees or independent contractors. Manager is responsible for the preparation of and shall timely file all payroll tax reports and timely make payments of all withholding and other payroll taxes with respect to each employee.

 

  H. Utilities and Supplies. Manager shall enter into or renew contracts for electricity, gas, steam, landscaping, fuel, oil, maintenance and other services as are customarily furnished or rendered in connection with the operation of similar properties in the area and shall order all necessary supplies and equipment required for the proper operation, maintenance and repair of the Properties;

 

  I. Tenant Complaints. Manager shall maintain business-like relations with the tenants of the Properties and respond to tenant complaints in a prudent, businesslike manner. Manager shall maintain a record of all tenant complaints and Manager’s response to such complaints which record shall be available for review by Owner.

 

  J. Signs. Manager shall place and remove, or cause to be placed and removed, such signs upon the Properties as Manager deems appropriate, subject, however, to the terms and conditions of the Leases and to any applicable ordinances and regulations.

 

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  K. Banking Accommodations.

 

  (1) Operating and Maintaining Bank Accounts. Manager shall establish and maintain one or more separate checking accounts (each, an “Account”) in the Owner’s or Owner JV’s (as appropriate) name for funds relating to the Properties. All monies deposited from time to time in each Account shall be and remain the property of Owner or Owner JV (as appropriate) and shall be withdrawn and disbursed by Manager for the account of Owner or Owner JV (as appropriate) only as expressly permitted by this Agreement for the purposes of performing the obligations of Manager hereunder. No monies collected by Manager on Owner’s or Owner JV’s behalf shall be commingled with funds of Manager. Each Account shall be maintained, and monies shall be deposited therein and withdrawn therefrom, in accordance with the following:

 

  (a) All sums received from rents and other income from the Properties shall be promptly deposited by Manager in an Account. All checks drawn to the order of Owner, Owner JV, or Asset Advisor should be endorsed by Manager for deposit only and deposited in an Account.

 

  (b) Manager shall have the right to designate two or more persons who shall be authorized to draw against each Account, but only for purposes authorized by this Agreement. Manager may not under any circumstances write a check on an Account payable to or in favor of Manager or any Affiliate of Manager other than (i) to reimburse itself for expenditures made on behalf of the Properties, and (ii) to pay itself the Management Fees payable hereunder, provided that any such expenditure, reimbursement or Management Fee shall be reflected in the monthly operating statement provided with respect to the month in which such expenditure or reimbursement is paid, and all proper procedures for payment have been followed.

 

  (c) All sums due to Manager hereunder, whether for compensation, reimbursement for expenditures, or otherwise, as herein provided, shall be a charge against the operating revenues of the Properties and shall be paid and/or withdrawn by Manager from an Account in accordance with the terms of the approved budgets or pro formas and to the extent funds are available therefor after

 

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taking into account other required expenses of the Properties; provided, that if Manager has received a notice in accordance with Section 7.1 that it is in default of any material provision hereof and has not cured such default within ten (10) business days, then Manager shall refrain from and be prohibited from withdrawing funds from an Account pursuant to this Subsection 2.4.K(1)(c) until such default is cured and Owner has consented to a normal resumption of the activity provided for in this Subsection 2.4.K(1)(c). In the event that Manager determines that there are insufficient funds in the Accounts for the Properties to pay sums due to Manager hereunder and to pay the other expenses of the Properties, then Manager shall notify Owner in writing and Owner shall promptly make sufficient funds available to satisfy such obligations.

 

  (d) Unless otherwise directed by Owner, by the 30th day of the first month following each calendar quarter, Manager shall forward to Owner or Owner JV net operating proceeds from the preceding quarter, retaining at all times, however a reserve for each Property as specified on the Property Amendment related thereto, in addition to any amounts otherwise provided in the budget as approved by the Owner to meet unbudgeted contingencies.

 

  (2) Closing Bank Accounts. All items relating to bank account closings are to be coordinated through Owner. Manager is required to process cash activity in accordance with any applicable termination agreement, purchase and sale agreement, merger agreement, etc. Manager is responsible for final bank account reconciliation at the time of close out or transfer of the account.

 

  (3) Bank Account Statements & Reconciliation.

 

  (a) Bank account statements will be delivered (via U.S. Mail) to a mailing address stipulated by Manager directly from the banking institution to the Manager’s accounting offices.

 

  (b) Manager should reconcile all bank accounts in a timely manner and make available such reconciliation(s) on request. Manager shall provide explanations for any large, unusual or recurring reconciling items along with an indication as to when they will be resolved. Bank reconciliations must be reviewed, approved, and initialed by at least one accounting supervisor independent from the individual preparing the bank reconciliation

 

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  (c) Any issues relating to timely receipt of the monthly bank account statement (based on the established bank account statement cut-off date) should be directed towards the banking institution. Recurring problems relating to the timely receipt of statements should be brought to the attention of Owner.

 

  (d) Unless Owner specifically requires otherwise, bank account service charges/fees will be set up to be billed (by the banking institution) directly to the account.

 

  (e) Outstanding checks (over 6 months old) should be researched and resolved in accordance with instructions from Owner.

 

  (4) Failure of Depository Institution at which an Account is Located. Manager shall have no liability to Owner for any amounts in an Account which are lost or not covered by insurance if the depository institution at which the Account is maintained fails or is otherwise placed in the control of a governmental or quasi governmental authority and the assets of the Account are thereby forfeited in whole or in part, provided such depository institution was selected with reasonable care.

 

  L. Expenses. Manager shall analyze all bills received for services, work and supplies in connection with the maintaining and operating the Properties, pay all such bills, and pay utility and water charges, sewer rent and assessments, and any other amount payable in respect to the Properties. Manager shall use reasonable commercial efforts to pay all bills within the time required to obtain discounts, if any. Owner may from time to time request that Manager forward certain bills to Owner promptly after receipt, and Manager shall comply with any such request. It is understood that the payment of real property taxes and assessment and insurance premiums will be paid out of an Account by Manager. All expenses shall be billed at net cost (i.e., less all commissions, discounts and allowances, however designed, but excluding rebates). Additionally, Manager will be held responsible for all Property 1099 reporting to the IRS. 1099’s must be filed under Manager name and Manager taxpayer identification number (TIN), listing Manager as the “payer”. Manager will provide annually a signed declaration indicating compliance with 1099 reporting; Manager will provide this declaration to Owner with the February Reporting Package. Penalties for misfilings are not to be charged to the property, but are payable by Manager.

 

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  M. Other Cash Management Items.

 

  (1) To the extent funds are available in an Account, Manager shall pay the operating expenses of the Properties (including, without limitation, sums due Manager under this Agreement) and any other payments relative to the Properties as required by the terms of this Agreement.

 

  (2) Any interest or other income earned on the assets of an Account shall be re-deposited in the Account, and shall for federal and state income tax purposes be deemed to be income of the Owner or Owner JV.

 

  (3) Unless the bank account structure utilizes an automated cash concentration to the Owner (e.g., zero balance account structure), amounts held in reserve should be forecasted for significant expenditures (e.g. real estate tax payments) and must be held in interest bearing vehicles until the funds are disbursed.

 

  (4) If a Property has petty cash, it is the Manager’s responsibility to ensure that petty cash is reconciled to general ledger and replenished on a monthly basis.

 

  N. Books and Records.

 

  (1) General. Manager shall cause to be kept account books and records for the Properties. Books and records must show all receipts, expenditures and all other records necessary or convenient for the recording of the results of operations of the Properties. Such account books and records shall be kept in a secure location at the office(s) where Manager normally keeps all of its records and shall be open to inspection by Owner and its representatives at any reasonable time. Upon the effective date of expiration or termination of this Agreement, all such books and records shall be forthwith turned over to Owner so as to ensure the orderly continuance of the operations of the Properties. Manager shall take necessary measures to ensure such control over accounting and financial transactions as is reasonably required to protect Owner’s and Owner JV’s assets, from theft, error or fraudulent activity on the part of Manager’s employees or other agents. Manager shall indemnify and hold Owner and Owner JV harmless from all such losses, including, but not limited to, the following:

 

  (a) Theft of assets by Manager’s employees or other agents;

 

  (b) Penalties and interest due to delay in payment of invoices, bills or other like charges if funds of Owner or Owner JV

 

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or funds in an Account were available to make said payments and delays were not the result of any action or inaction on the part of the Owner;

 

  (c) Overpayment or duplicate payment of invoices arising from either fraud or error;

 

  (d) Overpayment of labor costs arising from either fraud or error;

 

  (e) A sum equal to the value of any form of payment from purveyors to Manager’s employees or associates arising from the purchase of goods or services for the Properties; and

 

  (f) Unauthorized use of facilities by Manager’s employees or associates.

 

  (2) Charts of Accounts. The format of all financial reports, documents and other statements prepared by Manager pursuant to this Agreement shall utilize the format required by Owner, as the same may be changed by Owner from time to time.

 

  (3) Fixed Asset Accounting. For Properties in portfolios requiring maintenance of fixed asset accounting detail and related depreciation (as specified in the Accounting Policies), Manager will be required to maintain and submit to Owner on a monthly basis, a detailed schedule of all fixed asset additions and the related depreciation/amortization and accumulated depreciation/ amortization utilizing the useful lives and various depreciation methods specified within the Accounting Policies. All such schedules shall agree to the amounts posted within the general ledger. Manager shall not be responsible for any errors in data made prior to Manager’s involvement with the data.

 

  (4) Periodic Meetings. As reasonably required by Owner, Manager and other personnel engaged or involved in the management and operation of the Properties shall meet to discuss the historical results of operations and to consider deviations from budget.

 

  (5) Right to Conduct Audit. Owner shall have the right to conduct an audit of the Properties’ operations by using its own internal auditors or by employing independent auditors. Costs associated with conducting such audits by internal or independent auditors shall be borne by Owner or Owner JV. Should such audits result in the discovery of either weaknesses in internal control or errors in record keeping, these shall be communicated to the Manager in writing. Manager shall correct such discrepancies either upon

 

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discovery or within a reasonable period of time after notification. Manager shall inform Owner in writing of the action taken and to be taken to correct such audit discrepancies. If any audit conducted by or on behalf of Owner or Owner JV reveals a discrepancy in excess of ten percent (10%), and greater than $10,000, for any material line item (i.e. base rent, operating escalation income, total cleaning, total repairs and maintenance, etc.), Manager shall be responsible for the reasonable expenses of such audit.

 

  (6) Ownership of Books and Records. The books of accounts and all other records relating to or reflecting the operations of the Properties shall at all times be the property of Owner or Owner JV, as applicable.

 

  O. Accounting Policies. Manager shall use the accrual method of accounting with GAAP adjustments shown below (unless and until GAAP changes):

 

  (1) Straight-Line Rent Adjustment– Record straight-line rent over the entire lease period on a lease by lease basis

 

  (2) Free Rent Adjustment – Recognize any Free Rent as part of the straight-line rent calculation on a lease by lease basis

 

  (3) Capitalization Policy – Capitalize any expenditure that replace, improve, or otherwise extend the economic life of an asset in excess of $5,000 for any given project. This includes tenant improvements and lease acquisition costs (leasing commissions, space planning fees, legal fees, etc) that are in excess of $5,000

 

  (4) Depreciation Expense – Record monthly depreciation expense on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of a given asset

 

  (5) Amortization Expense – Record monthly amortization expense on a straight-line basis over the life of the lease for which the cost was incurred

 

  (6) Other – Adopt such other accounting policies as Owner may direct from time to time with written notice to Manager.

 

  P. Reporting.

 

  (1) Monthly Financial Reporting Package. Not later than the 20th day of each month, Manager shall cause to be delivered to Owner at least two copies of the standard reporting package and the specific financial and property information and reports set forth on Exhibit B hereto. Manager acknowledges that the transmittal and specific financial statements and/ or schedules required by Owner are

 

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subject to change from time to time and may vary based on specific Property or portfolio requirements. All such reports shall be in a form prescribed by the Owner. In addition, Manager shall prepare any forms required by Owner to facilitate the input of financial information into Owner’s accounting system.

 

  (2) Quarterly Reports. On or before the 30th day of the first month following each calendar quarter for which such report or statement is prepared and during the term of this Agreement, Manager shall prepare and submit to the Owner the reports and statements detailed on Exhibit C hereto.

 

  (3) Final Accounting. Following the expiration or earlier termination of this Agreement, by virtue of the termination of this Agreement by Owner or Owner JV for cause or otherwise, Manager shall nonetheless be responsible for preparing a final accounting within sixty (60) days of said expiration or earlier termination for any or all Properties subject to such termination or expiration. Such final accounting shall set forth all current income, all current expenses and all other expenses contracted for on Owner’s or Owner JV’s behalf but not yet incurred in connection with the applicable Property(ies). The final accounting shall also include all other items reasonably requested by Owner.

 

  (4) Certification. All financial statements other than those audited by the Owner’s or Owner JV’s independent public accounting firm shall be certified by an officer of Manager as true and correct in all respects and fairly presenting the financial results of the operation of the Properties.

 

  (5) Other Reports and Statements. Manager will furnish to Owner, at Manager’s expense, as promptly as practicable, such other reports, statements and other information with respect to the operations of the Properties as Owner may reasonably request from time to time.

 

  Q. Budgets and Leasing Plans. Not later than October 1 of each calendar year, Manager shall prepare and submit to the Owner for its approval an operating budget and, if Manager is also the leasing agent, a marketing and leasing plan on the Properties for the calendar year immediately following such submission. The budget and leasing plan shall be in the form of the budget and plan approved by the Owner prior to the date thereof and shall note (1) how the property will be managed and leased, (2) market conditions, (3) demographics, (4) annual planned maintenance schedule, (5) major leasing assumptions, (6) detail schedules for all revenue and expense items with assumptions, and (7) capital expenditure plans. As often as reasonably necessary during the period covered by any such budget, Manager may submit to the Owner for its approval an

 

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updated budget or plan incorporating such changes as shall be necessary to reflect cost over-runs and the like during such period. If the Owner does not disapprove any such budget within 30 days after receipt thereof by the Owner, such budget shall be deemed approved. If the Owner shall disapprove any such budget or plan, it shall so notify Manager within said 30-day period and explain the reasons therefor.

 

  R. Governmental Approvals. Obtain all governmental approvals and permits necessary for the operation of the Properties and recommend to Owner such actions or steps as are necessary to cause the Properties to comply with any and all applicable laws, regulations, ordinances, orders and directives of federal, state or local governmental authorities;

 

  S. Coordination with Property Manager. To the extent Manager is not also the leasing agent performing the functions described in Section 2.5, Manager will coordinate and cooperate with the leasing agent of the respective Property(ies) to ensure the full leasing and efficient operation of the Properties.

 

  T. Other Actions. Manager will take such other action and perform such other functions as Manager or Owner deems advisable or necessary for the efficient and economic management, operation and maintenance of the Properties.

 

  2.5. Specific Duties as Leasing Agent. Manager’s duties as leasing agent for any of the Properties designated as being managed by Manager as of December 31, 2004 on Exhibit A hereto or Properties identified on a Property Amendment (and only such Properties) as being subject to the leasing agent services as provided herein include the following:

 

  A. Leasing Functions. Manager will coordinate the leasing of the Properties and negotiate and use reasonable commercial efforts to secure executed leases from qualified tenants for available space in the Properties. Such leases must be consistent with form and terms approved by Owner. Manager will use its reasonable commercial efforts to bring about complete leasing of the Properties. Manager shall be responsible for the hiring of all leasing agents, as necessary for the leasing of the Properties, and to otherwise oversee and manage the leasing process on behalf of the Owner. Such duties include, without limitation, (1) the preparation and distribution of listings to potential tenants in the market, as well as to reputable and active real estate agents within a reasonable effective area surrounding each Property and (2) the supplying of sufficient information to cooperating agents to enable them at all times to promote the rental of the Properties. Owner, and Owner JV agree to refer to Manager all offerings and inquiries it receives regarding leasing activity at the Properties.

 

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  B. Advertising. Owner authorizes Manager to advertise and to place signage on the Properties regarding the leasing, provided, that, such signage complies with all applicable governmental laws, regulations and requirements. Manager, at its expense, will provide its marketing package, signage and a two-sided flyer. Any additional advertising and promotion will be done at Owner’s (or Owner JV’s) expense pursuant to a program and budget agreed upon by Owner and Manager.

 

  C. Payments. Manager will pay such other reimbursable expenses and costs as Owner has approved and deems advisable or necessary for the efficient and economic leasing of the Properties.

 

  D. Coordination with Property Manager. To the extent Manager is not also the property manager performing the functions described in Section 2.4, Manager will coordinate and cooperate with the property manager of the respective Property(ies) to ensure the full leasing and efficient operation of the Properties.

 

  E. Other Actions. Manager will take such other action and perform such other functions as Manager or Owner deems reasonably advisable or necessary for the efficient and economic leasing of the Properties.

 

  2.6. Specific Duties as Construction Manager. Manager’s duties as construction manager for any of the Properties designated as being managed by Manager as of December 31, 2004 on Exhibit A hereto or Properties identified on a Property Amendment (and only such Properties) as being subject to the construction management services as provided herein include the following:

 

  A. General.

 

  (1) The Manager shall secure or assist in securing all licenses, registrations, or permits required by law and shall comply with all ordinances, laws, orders, codes, rules, and regulations pertaining to building of an Improvement or the services described herein.

 

  (2) In the event a project is suspended for a period of more than thirty (30) days, Manager shall have the right to re-assign the personnel managing such project to other projects, and upon resumption of the project, the Manager shall be given a reasonable amount of time to assign new personnel to the management of the project. In addition, the compensation of the Manager shall be equitably adjusted to account for the suspension of services. If the project is abandoned at any time for any reason, Owner shall give Manager written notice of such decision, and Owner shall pay the Manager for amounts due under this Agreement through the date of abandonment, and for any costs, expenses and damages incurred by Manager as a result of the abandonment of the project.

 

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  B. Duties with Respect to New Construction, Tenant Improvements, and Redevelopments. Manager will perform the following duties for construction of Improvements on undeveloped land (“New Construction”) and for construction of Improvements that are to be made at the direction of, or in conformity with Lease obligations to, tenants (“Tenant Improvements”) or for the improvement to Improvements that change the size or nature of such Improvements or for the redevelopment of Improvements (collectively, “Redevelopments”):

 

  (1) Provide updated and detailed project budgets to the Owner.

 

  (2) Arrange for, coordinate, supervise and advise the Owner with respect to the selection of architects, contractors, design firms and consultants, and the execution of design, construction and consulting contracts.

 

  (3) Review design documents, and drafts thereof, submitted by the architect or other consultants, and notify Owner in writing of any mistakes, errors or omissions that the Manager observes in the documents and any recommendations it may have with respect to such mistakes, errors or omissions.

 

  (4) Evaluate and make recommendations to the Owner concerning cost estimates prepared by others.

 

  (5) Review and evaluate proposed schedules for construction.

 

  (6) Procure subcontractors through a minimum of three quotes for any jobs estimated to involve in excess of $50,000.

 

  (7) Coordinate the work of subcontractors.

 

  (8) Monitor the progress of construction.

 

  (9) Endeavor to identify any deficiencies in the work performed by subcontractors.

 

  (10) Provide Owner with monthly written status reports.

 

  (11) Advise the Owner with respect to alterations and modifications in any design documents submitted by the architect or other consultants that may be in the Owner’s interest, including obtaining advantages in terms of cost savings, scheduling, leasing, operation and maintenance issues and other matters affecting the overall benefit of the project.

 

  (12) Review and advise Owner on change order proposals and requests for additional services submitted to the Owner.

 

  (13) Schedule, coordinate, and attend necessary or appropriate project meetings.

 

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  (14) Monitor and coordinate punch list preparation and resolution by the subcontractors.

 

  (15) Make recommendations to Owner concerning, and monitor, the use of the site by subcontractors, particularly as it relates to staging and storage, ingress and egress, temporary signage, fencing, barricades, restrictions on hours of operation, safety considerations and similar considerations.

 

  (16) Coordinate, monitor, supervise and advise the Owner with respect to preparation, execution, completion and filing of project-related documents, including, but not limited to, contracts, permit applications, licenses, certifications, zoning requirements, land use restrictions, governmental filings applicable to the Project and any other similar documents.

 

  (17) Review and advise the Owner with respect to draw requests submitted on the project.

 

  (18) Upon completion of construction, walk the completed New Construction, Tenant Improvements, or Redevelopments with the Owner to ensure that everything has been completed in accordance with the specifications. Manager shall cause the subcontractors to repair or replace any items that are determined to be deficient during this walk.

 

  (19) As instructed by the Owner, perform additional related project management functions.

 

  (20) Collect warranties and operation manuals, certificates, guarantees, as-builts and any similar documentation for the benefit of the Owner.

 

  C. Duties with Respect to New Construction and Redevelopments. Manager will perform the following duties with respect to New Construction and Redevelopments:

 

  (1) Provide Owner with a budget for each Improvement to be built prior to beginning construction of the respective Improvement.

 

  (2) Meet on a regular basis with Owner’s leasing agents and representatives of prospective tenants.

 

  (3) Arrange for, coordinate, supervise and advise the Owner with respect to various development services prior to design and construction of the Project, including due diligence, site investigations, land use and zoning matters, and similar development services.

 

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  D. Duties with Respect to Tenant Improvements. Manager will perform the following duties related to Tenant Improvements:

 

  (1) Arrange for and supervise the performance of all installations and improvements in space leased to any tenant which are either expressly required under the terms of a Lease of such space or which are customarily provided to tenants.

 

  (2) Meet with tenants and prospective tenants and their architects, engineers, consultants and contractors to facilitate design and construction of leasehold improvements.

 

  (3) Maintain separate files as to each tenant, and thereby document the entire design and construction process for each tenant.

 

  (4) Compile and disseminate such data regarding each tenant as Owner may reasonably require.

 

  E. Duties with Respect to Tenant Directed Improvements. Manager will perform the following duties for construction of Improvements that are to be made by or under the supervision of tenants (“Tenant Directed Improvements”)

 

  (1) Schedule, coordinate, and attend necessary or appropriate project meetings.

 

  (2) Review and evaluate lease exhibit language that identifies the scope and nature of tenant construction of the Tenant Directed Improvements.

 

  (3) Meet with tenants and prospective tenants and their architects, engineers, consultants and contractors to facilitate design and construction of Tenant Directed Improvements.

 

  (4) Review tenant construction documents for compliance with landlord criteria and requirements applicable to the Tenant Directed Improvements.

 

  (5) Review and evaluate proposed schedules for tenant construction.

 

  (6) Coordinate delivery of shell space to tenants for construction of Tenant Directed Improvements.

 

  (7) Observe tenant construction with attention to adherence of actual construction with construction documents.

 

  (8) Evaluate and make recommendations to Owner concerning the coordination of tenant work and any landlord work.

 

  (9) Make recommendations to Owner concerning, and monitor, the use of the site by tenant contractors, particularly as it relates to staging and storage, ingress and egress, temporary signage, fencing, barricades, restrictions on hours of operation, safety considerations and similar considerations.

 

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  (10) Monitor the progress of tenant construction, and verify such key aspects of tenant construction such as compliance with scheduling requirements, compliance with rules and regulations of the Owner, verifying the tenant has obtained proper permits, etc.

 

  (11) Serve as an information conduit to the Owner from the tenants’ consultants and contractors when questions arise as to matters at the project site, and ensure that questions and issues are being addressed in a timely manner.

 

  (12) Ensure that tenant design and construction properly ties into building systems and does not adversely affect their proper operation.

 

  (13) Review and make recommendations to Owner concerning any requests by tenants for draws against allowances established by Owner or Owner JV.

 

  (14) Maintain separate files as to each tenant, and thereby document the entire design and construction process for each tenant.

 

  (15) Compile and disseminate such data regarding each tenant as Owner may reasonably require.

 

3. Expenses.

 

  3.1. Owner’s Expenses. Except as otherwise specifically provided, all costs and expenses incurred hereunder by Manager in fulfilling its duties to Owner and Owner JV shall be for the account of and on behalf of Owner and Owner JV. Such costs and expenses may include reasonable wages and salaries and other employee-related expenses of all on-site and off-site employees of Manager who are directly engaged in the operation, management, maintenance, leasing, construction, or access control of the Properties, including taxes, insurance and benefits relating to such employees (“Employee Expenses”), along with legal, travel and other out-of-pocket expenses which are directly related to the management of specific Properties. Manager shall also allocate a portion of its office, administrative and supplies expense to the extent directly related to the foregoing reimbursable expenses. All costs and expenses for which Owner or Owner JV is responsible under this Agreement shall be paid by Manager out of an Account. In the event said Account does not contain sufficient funds to pay all said expenses, Owner or Owner JV shall fund all sums necessary to meet such additional costs and expenses. Expenses reimbursed pursuant to this Section 3.1 shall be made in a manner consistent with the practices in effect as of the effective date hereof, unless otherwise specifically approved for reimbursement by a majority of the Independent Directors of Wells REIT.

 

  3.2. Manager’s Expenses. Manager shall, out of its own funds, pay all of its general overhead and administrative expenses not appropriately allocable pursuant to the second or third sentence of the preceding Section 3.1.

 

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4. Manager’s Compensation. For the services provided related to each Property included on a Property Amendment, Owner will pay Manager a fee (collectively, the “Management Fees”) as provided in this Section 4. Notwithstanding the foregoing, for Properties being managed by Manager on behalf of Owner or Owner JV as of December 31, 2004 (the “Existing Portfolio Properties”), which Properties are listed on Exhibit A hereto, Manager shall perform the services and duties set forth herein at the same level of services required to be provided under existing agreements with Manager as of December 31, 2004 for no additional consideration, it being hereby acknowledged and agreed that the compensation for such services is intended to be included in the fees payable to the Asset Advisor pursuant to the terms of that certain Asset Management Advisory Agreement of even date herewith. No additional fees shall be charged for the management or leasing of the Existing Portfolio Properties unless such fees are specifically approved by a majority of the Independent Directors of Wells REIT.

 

  4.1. Property Management Fee. For each Property for which Manager provides property management services, Owner shall pay Manager a management fee as set forth in the Property Amendment which will be based on the gross monthly income actually collected from each Property for the preceding month. For all purposes hereof, “gross monthly income” shall mean the total gross monthly collections received from a Property, including, without limitation, rents (and any interest or penalties accrued thereon), and miscellaneous gross income items of Owner, as applicable; provided, however, “gross monthly income” specifically excludes:

 

  A. Interest paid on any depository accounts, including all Accounts and any Accounts holding security deposits;

 

  B. Security deposits unless and not until such deposits are applied as rental income upon termination of a lease;

 

  C. Parking revenues when a third party operator is engaged, sales taxes, taxes paid in lieu of ad valorem taxes, and termination payments, except to the extent of previously uncollected rent or termination payments based in part on and to the extent of the remaining rent payable pursuant to a lease terminated prior to its stated expiration date;

 

  D. Imputed revenue related to employee occupied Improvements or spaces and space allocated or utilized for administrative purposes such as office use or model Improvements;

 

  E. Rents paid in advance of the due date until the month in which such payments are to apply as rental income;

 

  F. Monies collected for any capital items that are paid by tenants (such as tenant finish or other improvements); and

 

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  G. Proceeds from a sale, refinancing, condemnation, hazard or liability insurance, title insurance, tax abatement awards of all or any portion of a Property, other than rental loss insurance payments.

 

Unless otherwise directed by Owner, Manager shall be entitled to withdraw its compensation pursuant to this Section directly from an Account monthly in arrears, on the tenth (10th) day of each calendar month, except for the reporting period during which this Agreement is terminated, in which case Owner will pay Manager the prorated fees due to Manager for the month of termination.

 

  4.2. Leasing Commissions. For each Property for which Manager provides leasing agent services, Owner shall pay Manager fees as follows:

 

  A. Initial Lease-Up Fee. Manager shall be entitled to receive a separate fee for the one-time initial rent-up or leasing-up of New Construction in an amount not to exceed one-month’s rent. For this purpose, a Redevelopment constituting a total rehabilitation shall be included in the term “New Construction.”

 

  B. Leasing Commissions.

 

  (1) New Lease Commission. For each Property for which Manager serves as leasing agent, Owner will pay Manager, for each new tenant lease entered into during the term hereof, a commission equal to the percentage specified in the related Property Amendment of the Net Rent payable during the term (not to exceed ten (10) years). No commission shall be payable as to any portion of the initial term beyond ten (10) years. As used herein, “Net Rent” is defined as the total base rental and operating expenses (but excluding future increases in operating expenses) actually to be paid to Owner by the tenant during the applicable term of the lease; and the calculation of the total base rental specifically incorporates, at a value of zero, any installments of base rental that the tenant is not required to pay as an inducement to enter into the lease (i.e. free rent). Payments shall be as negotiated between the Owner and Manager and as set forth on the Property Amendment.

 

  (2) Renewal Commissions. Owner shall pay to Manager a commission equal to the percentage specified in the related Property Amendment of the Net Rent to be paid by the tenant during the term of any renewal or extension of any tenant lease; provided, however, that no commission shall be payable as to any portion of such renewal or extension term beyond ten (10) years. For purposes of this subsection 4.2.B(2), a renewal shall include (i) a renewal of any tenant lease in a Property pursuant to a new

 

20


agreement that is executed during the term of this Agreement and (ii) a renewal of an existing tenant lease pursuant to a new agreement that is executed during the term of this Agreement and prior to the expiration of the term of the existing tenant lease. Renewal commissions shall be paid out within thirty (30) days of the execution of the applicable renewal or extension.

 

  (3) Expansion Commissions. Owner shall pay to Manager a commission equal to the percentage specified in the related Property Amendment of the Net Rent to be paid by the tenant with respect to expansion space in a Property for the remaining portion of the initial lease term; provided, however, that no commission shall be payable as to any portion of the remainder of such lease term beyond ten (10) years. For purposes of this subsection 4.2.B(3), an expansion shall include (i) an expansion of any tenant lease in the Property pursuant to a new agreement that is executed during the term of this Agreement and (ii) an expansion of an existing tenant lease pursuant to a new agreement that is executed during the term of this Agreement and prior to the expiration of the term of the existing tenant lease. Expansion commissions shall be paid out within thirty (30) days of the execution of such expansion.

 

  (4) Co-Brokerage. As the exclusive leasing agent for the Properties, Manager shall cooperate with any independent, affiliated or non-affiliated licensed real estate brokers or agents and may offer co-agency but not sub-agencies with respect to the leasing of the Properties. Notwithstanding any language to the contrary contained in this Section 4.2 providing for a fee or commission to be paid to Manager, in the event that any such independent, affiliated or non-affiliated brokers participates, in good faith (and has a rightful claim to a brokerage commission), as a procuring cause of a tenant lease or any renewal, extension, expansion or other modification of any tenant lease with respect to which Manager would otherwise be due a commission pursuant to subsections 4.2.B(1) through 4.2.B(3), above (such broker or agent being hereinafter referred to as “Co-Agent”), then the commission payable by Owner shall only be as set forth on the Property Amendment under “Co-Brokerage Commissions.” Any such commissions shall be shared between Manager and Co-Agent as they shall agree.

 

  C. Pending Leases. Within fifteen (15) days after the expiration or earlier termination of this Agreement, Manager shall deliver to Owner a list of all parties to whom Manager has presented a bona fide “Letter of Proposal” or has otherwise taken substantial and material steps evidenced in a manner acceptable to Owner, in Owner’s reasonable discretion, with respect to a good faith effort to enter into a lease at a Property during the

 

21


term of this Agreement regarding the possible leasing of space in a Property, or a possible renewal, extension or of any existing tenant lease covering space in a Property. Owner agrees that it will pay the commission that would otherwise be due in accordance with Section 4.2.B hereof in the event Owner or its successor or assign enters into any lease with any tenant validly included in Manager’s list or any affiliate thereof, or enters into any renewal, extension or expansion of an existing tenant lease included in Manager’s list so long as negotiations commence and are a final written agreement is executed by all necessary parties during one hundred eighty (180) days after such expiration or termination of this Agreement. Owner covenants and agrees that it shall not delay entering into any lease, or any renewal, extension or expansion thereof, for the purpose of depriving Manager of any commission due Manager pursuant to this Section 4.2.C.

 

  4.3. Construction Management Fees. For each Property for which Manager provides construction management services, Manager shall be entitled to fees as follows:

 

  A. Tenant Directed Improvements. For planning and coordinating the construction of any tenant directed improvements pursuant to lease concessions in new leases or lease renewals, including tenant-paid finish-out or improvements, Manager shall be entitled to receive from Owner or Owner JV that portion of such lease concessions as are specified in such lease or lease renewal, subject to a limit of 5% of such lease concessions, and, in addition, Owner or Owner JV shall ensure that any lease or lease renewal contains a provision requiring tenant to pay Manager the same percentage for any tenant-paid finish-out or improvements not covered by such lease concessions (i.e., paid by tenant).

 

  B. Other Management Fees for Construction Management Services. The Owner agrees to pay Contractor a management fee as specified in the appropriate Property Amendment.

 

  4.4. Audit Adjustment. If any audit of the records, books or accounts relating to the Properties discloses an overpayment or underpayment of Management Fees, Owner, Owner JV, or Manager shall promptly pay to the other party the amount of such overpayment or underpayment, as the case may be. If such audit discloses an overpayment of Management Fees for any fiscal year of more 10% of the correct aggregate Management Fees for such fiscal year, Manager shall bear the cost of such audit.

 

5. Insurance And Indemnification.

 

  5.1. Insurance to be Carried.

 

  A. Manager shall obtain and keep in full force and effect, or cause to be obtained and kept in full force and effect, at Owner’s or Owner JV’s expense insurance, unless paid directly by a tenant at a Property, (1) on the

 

22


Properties and (2) on activities at the properties against such hazards as Owner and Manager shall deem appropriate. In any event, Manager shall procure, for the Properties for which Manager is property manager, insurance sufficient to comply with the Leases and the Ownership Agreements. All liability policies shall provide sufficient insurance satisfactory to both Owner and Manager and shall contain waivers of subrogation for the benefit of Manager and the applicable Owner or Owner JV.

 

  B. Manager shall obtain and keep in full force and effect, in accordance with the laws of the state in which each Property is located, worker’s compensation insurance covering all employees of Manager at the Properties and all persons engaged in the performance of any work required hereunder. Manager shall also obtain and keep in full force and effect, in accordance with the laws of the state in which each Property is located, employer’s liability, employee theft, commercial general liability, and umbrella insurance, and Manager shall furnish Owner certificates of insurers naming Asset Advisor, Owner and/or Owner JV as co-insureds and evidencing that such insurance is in effect. If any work under this Agreement is subcontracted as permitted herein, Manager shall include in each subcontract a provision that the subcontractor shall also furnish Owner and/or Owner JV, as appropriate, with such a certificate evidencing coverage (and any other coverage Manager deems appropriate in the circumstances) and the naming of Asset Advisor, Owner and/or Owner JV as co-insureds and evidencing that such insurance is in effect, as well as indemnification as is customary in the discretion of the Manager. The cost of such insurance procured by Manager shall be reimbursable to the same extent as provided in Section 3.1.

 

  5.2. Cooperation with Insurers. Manager shall cooperate with and provide reasonable access to the Properties to representatives of insurance companies and insurance brokers or agents with respect to insurance which is in effect or for which application has been made. Manager shall use its best efforts to comply with all requirements of insurers.

 

  5.3. Accidents and Claims. With respect to Properties for which Manager is property manager, and with respect to Properties for which manager is construction manager, Manager shall promptly investigate and shall report in detail to Owner and insurance carriers as applicable all accidents, claims for damage relating to the ownership, operation or maintenance of the Properties, and any damage or destruction to the Properties and the estimated costs of repair thereof, and shall prepare for approval by Owner all reports required by an insurance company in connection with any such accident, claim, damage, or destruction. Such reports shall be given to Owner promptly and any report not so given within 10 days after the occurrence of any such accident, claim, damage or destruction shall be noted in the monthly report delivered to Owner pursuant to Section 2.4.P(1). Manager is authorized to settle any claim against an insurance company arising out of any policy and, in connection with such claim, to execute proofs of loss and adjustments of loss and to collect and receipt for loss proceeds.

 

23


  5.4. Indemnification.

 

  A. Wells OP shall indemnify and hold harmless the Manager and its Affiliates, including their respective officers, directors, partners and employees, from all liability, claims, damages or losses arising in the performance of their duties hereunder, and related expenses, including reasonable attorneys’ fees, to the extent such liability, claims, damages or losses and related expenses are not fully reimbursed by insurance, subject to any limitations imposed by the laws of the State of Delaware, the limited partnership agreement of Wells OP, or as specifically provided otherwise in this Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Manager shall not be entitled to indemnification or be held harmless pursuant to this Section 5.4.A for any activity for which the Manager shall be required to indemnify or hold harmless Wells OP pursuant to Paragraph 5.4.B or pursuant to another specific provision of this Agreement. Any indemnification of the Manager may be made only out of the net assets of Wells OP and not from the partners of Wells OP.

 

  B. The Manager shall indemnify and hold harmless the Owner and Owner JV from contract or other liability, claims, damages, taxes or losses and related expenses including attorneys’ fees, to the extent that such liability, claims, damages, taxes or losses and related expenses are not fully reimbursed by insurance and are incurred by reason of the Manager’s bad faith, fraud, willful misfeasance, misconduct, reckless disregard of its duties, gross negligence, or material breaches of this Agreement.

 

6. Term, Termination.

 

  6.1. Term. This Agreement shall commence on the date first above written and shall continue until terminated in accordance with the earliest to occur of the following:

 

  A. One year from the date of the commencement of the term hereof. However, this Agreement will be automatically extended for an additional one-year period at the end of each year unless Owner or Manager gives sixty (60) days written notice of its intention to terminate the Agreement;

 

  B. Sixty (60) days after prior written notice of intention to terminate the Agreement given by Owner or Manager; or

 

  C. Immediately upon the occurrence of any of the following:

 

  (1) A decree or order is rendered by a court having jurisdiction (A) adjudging Manager as bankrupt or insolvent, or (B) approving as properly filed a petition seeking reorganization, readjustment, arrangement, composition or similar relief for Manager under the federal bankruptcy laws or any similar applicable law or practice,

 

24


or (C) appointing a receiver or liquidator or trustee or assignee in bankruptcy or insolvency of Manager or a substantial part of the property of Manager, or for the winding up or liquidation of its affairs, or

 

  (2) Manager (A) institutes proceedings to be adjudicated a voluntary bankrupt or an insolvent, (B) consents to the filing of a bankruptcy proceeding against it, (C) files a petition or answer or consent seeking reorganization, readjustment, arrangement, composition or relief under any similar applicable law or practice, (D) consents to the filing of any such petition, or to the appointment of a receiver or liquidator or trustee or assignee in bankruptcy or insolvency for it or for a substantial part of its property, (E) makes an assignment for the benefit of creditors, (F), is unable to or admits in writing its inability to pay its debts generally as they become due unless such inability shall be the fault of Owner, or (G) takes corporate or other action in furtherance of any of the aforesaid purposes.

 

Upon termination, the obligations of the parties hereto shall cease, provided that Manager shall comply with the provisions hereof applicable in the event of termination and shall be entitled to receive all compensation which may be due Manager up to the date of such termination and as may otherwise be provided in this Agreement, and provided, further, that if this Agreement terminates pursuant to Section 6.1.C above, Owner shall have other remedies as may be available at law or in equity.

 

  6.2. Manager’s Obligations after Termination. Upon the termination of this Agreement, Manager shall have the following duties:

 

  A. Manager shall deliver to Owner, or its designee, all books and records (including data files in magnetic or other similar storage media but specifically excluding any licensed software) with respect to the Properties.

 

  B. Manager shall transfer and assign to Owner (or Owner JV, if applicable), or its designee, all service contracts and personal property relating to or used in the operation and maintenance of the Properties, except personal property paid for and owned by Manager. Manager shall also, for a period of sixty (60) days immediately following the date of such termination, make itself available to consult with and advise Owner, or its designee, regarding the operation, maintenance and leasing of the Properties.

 

  C. Manager shall render to Owner an accounting of all funds of Owner and Owner JV in its possession and shall deliver to Owner a statement of Management Fees claimed to be due Manager and shall cause funds of Owner and Owner JV held by Manager relating to the Properties to be paid to Owner and Owner JV or their designees and shall assist in the transferring of approved signatories on all Accounts.

 

25


7. Miscellaneous.

 

  7.1. Notices. All notices, approvals, consents and other communications hereunder shall be in writing, and, except when receipt is required to start the running of a period of time, shall be deemed given when delivered in person or on the fifth day after its mailing by either party by registered or certified United States mail, postage prepaid and return receipt requested, to the other party, at the addresses set forth after their respect name below or at such different addresses as either party shall have theretofore advised the other party in writing in accordance with this Section 7.1.

 

Wells REIT:

   WELLS REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST, INC.
     6200 The Corners Parkway
     Norcross, Georgia 30092-3365

Wells OP:

   WELLS OPERATING PARTNERSHIP, L.P.
     C/O WELLS REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST, INC.
     6200 The Corners Parkway
     Norcross, Georgia 30092-3365
With copy to Asset Advisor:    WELLS MANAGEMENT COMPANY, INC.
     Attn: Managing Director, Asset Management
     6200 The Corners Parkway
     Norcross, Georgia 30092-3365

Manager:

   WELLS MANAGEMENT COMPANY, INC.
     Attn: Managing Director, Property Services
     6200 The Corners Parkway
     Norcross, Georgia 30092-3365

 

  7.2. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Georgia.

 

  7.3. Assignment. Manager may delegate partially or in full its duties and rights under this Agreement but only with the prior written consent of Owner. Except as provided in the immediately preceding sentence, this Agreement shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of the parties and their respective successors and assigns.

 

  7.4. No Waiver. The failure of Owner to seek redress for violation or to insist upon the strict performance of any covenant or condition of this Agreement shall not constitute a waiver thereof for the future.

 

  7.5. Amendments. This Agreement may be amended only by an instrument in writing signed by the party against whom enforcement of the amendment is sought.

 

  7.6. Headings. The headings of the various subdivisions of this Agreement are for reference only and shall not define or limit any of the terms or provisions hereof.

 

26


  7.7. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, and it shall not be necessary in making proof of this Agreement to produce or account for more than one such counterpart.

 

  7.8. Entire Agreement. This Agreement and the related Property Amendments and Exhibits hereto contains the entire understanding and all agreements between Owner and Manager respecting the management of the Properties. There are no representations, agreements, arrangements or understandings, oral or written, between Owner and Manager relating to the management of the Properties that are not fully expressed herein.

 

  7.9. Disputes. If there shall be a dispute between Owner and Manager relating to this Agreement resulting in litigation, the prevailing party in such litigation shall be entitled to recover from the other party to such litigation such amount as the court shall fix as reasonable attorneys’ fees.

 

  7.10. Other Activities of Manager.

 

  A. General. Nothing herein contained shall prevent the Manager from engaging in other activities or business ventures, whether or not such other activities or ventures are in competition with Owner or the business of Owner, including, without limitation, property management activities for other Persons (including other REITs) and the provision of services to other programs advised, sponsored or organized by the Manager or its Affiliates; nor shall this Agreement limit or restrict the right of any director, officer, employee, or stockholder of the Manager or its Affiliates to engage in any other business or to render services of any kind to any other partnership, corporation, firm, individual, trust or association. The Manager may, with respect to any investment in which the Owner is a participant, also render advice and service to each and every other participant therein. The Manager shall report to the board of directors of Wells REIT the existence of any condition or circumstance, existing or anticipated, of which it has knowledge, which creates or could create a conflict of interest between the Manager’s obligations to Owner and its obligations to or its interest in any other partnership, corporation, firm, individual, trust or association.

 

  B. Policy with Respect to Allocation of Tenant Rental Opportunities. Before the Manager markets leasable space owned by an Affiliate of Owner to a prospective tenant, the needs of which would in the Manager’s judgment be met by leasable space owned by Owner, the Manager shall determine in its sole discretion that the prospective tenant’s needs would be better met by leasable space owned by another owner. In the event that the Manager is marketing to a prospective tenant whose needs would, in the sole discretion of the Manager, equally be met by leasable space owned by Owner and another Wells-sponsored program, then the Manager may more aggressively market the leasable space owned by the other program

 

27


if it has had the longest period of time elapse since space owned by it was aggressively marketed by Manager. The Manager will use its reasonable efforts to fairly allocate prospective tenant opportunities in accordance with such allocation method and will promptly disclose any material deviation from such policy or the establishment of a new policy, which shall be allowed provided (1) the Board of Directors of Wells REIT is provided with notice of such policy at least 60 days prior to such policy becoming effective and (2) such policy provides for the reasonable allocation of prospective tenant marketing opportunities among such programs. The Manager shall provide the Board of Directors of Wells REIT with any information reasonably requested so that the Board of Directors of Wells REIT can insure that the allocation of prospective tenant marketing opportunities is applied fairly. Nothing herein shall be deemed to prevent the Manager or an Affiliate from marketing leasable space that it may own rather than aggressively marketing space owned by Owner or an Affiliate of Owner so long as the Manager is fulfilling its obligation to market vacant space owned by Owner in a manner consistent with the policies and objectives of the Owner.

 

  7.11. Severability. If any term, covenant or condition of this Agreement or the application thereof to any Person or circumstance shall, to any extent, be held to be invalid or unenforceable, then the remainder of this Agreement, or the application of such term, covenant or condition to persons or circumstances other than those as to which it is held to be invalid or unenforceable, shall not be affected thereby, and each term, covenants or condition of this Agreement shall be valid and shall be enforced to the fullest extent permitted by law.

 

[Signatures appear on next page]

 

28


In Witness Whereof, the parties have executed this Master Property Management, Leasing and Construction Management Agreement as of the date first above written.

 

WELLS REIT:

 

WELLS REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST, INC.

By:

 

 


       

Leo F. Wells, III

       

President

WELLS OP:

 

WELLS OPERATING PARTNERSHIP, L.P.

By: Wells Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc. (as

General Partner of Wells Operating Partnership, L.P.)

    By:  

 


       

Douglas P. Williams

Executive

       

Vice President

MANAGER:

 

WELLS MANAGEMENT COMPANY, INC.

By:

 

 


       

M. Scott Meadows

       

Senior Vice President

 

29


Exhibit A

 

List of the Properties being managed

by Wells Management Company, Inc.

As of December 31, 2004


Exhibit B

Monthly Reporting Package Contents

 

For the current month and year to date, statements presenting, on a comparative basis, actual to budget (and/or forecast or other projections), including variance explanations for material variances:

 

1. Executive Summary (operations, leasing, capital, tenant/market issues, other)

 

2. Balance Sheet

 

3. Income Statement

 

4. Trial Balance - Month Activity

 

5. Trial Balance - YTD Balances

 

6. General Ledger

 

7. Copies of all bank statements & reconciliations

 

8. Aged Receivables and Delinquencies Report

 

9. Check Register

 

10. Rent Roll

 

11. Schedule of Capital Additions.

 

12. Schedule of Depreciation

 

13. Schedule of Tenant Security Deposits

 

14. Support Schedules for Asset & Liability accounts (Accrued Receivables, Prepaid Expenses, Other Assets, Accrued Operating Expenses, Accrued Real Estate Taxes, Accrued Interest, Other Liabilities, etc.)

 

15. MTD & YTD variance report with explanations

 

16. All reports should be provided using the Wells Chart of Accounts

 

17. List of any material accrual adjustment that may have been missed on the last business day of each month


Exhibit C

Quarterly Reporting Package

 

1. All items in the monthly reporting package with quarterly variances and explanations of material variances;

 

2. Rental collection record;

 

3. Quarterly operating statement;

 

4. Copy of cash disbursements ledger entries for such period, if requested;

 

5. Copy of cash receipts ledger entries for such period, if requested;

 

6. The original copies of all contracts entered into by Manager on behalf of Owner or Owner JV during such period, if requested; and

 

7. Copy of ledger entries for such period relating to security deposits maintained by Manager, if requested.

 

Reforecast information is due to the Owner within 35 days after each quarter end as follows:

 

Quarter


 

Due Date


1st Quarter reforecast

  February 5

2nd Quarter reforecast

  May 5

3rd Quarter reforecast

  August 5

4th Quarter reforecast

  November 5


Form of Property Amendment

 

Property Description:________________________________________________________________________________

 

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

Services to be Provided:

 

  Property management services as specified in Section 2.4 of the Master Property Management, Leasing and Construction Management Agreement except as specified below:

 

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

Reserve for Property $                     (per Section 2.4.K(1)(d) of Agreement)

Maintenance or repair costs threshold (if other than $10,000): $                     (per Section 2.4.E(3))

Maintenance supplies aggregate purchase price threshold (if other than $5,000): $                     (per Section 2.4.E(4))

 

  Leasing duties as specified in Section 2.5 of the Master Property Management, Leasing and Construction Management Agreement except as specified below:

 

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

  Construction management services as specified in Section 2.6 of the Master Property Management, Leasing and Construction Management Agreement except as specified below. In particular, the construction management will include the following (add attachments as necessary):

 

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

_________________________________________________________________________________________________


Property Amendment (continued)

 

Fees

 

  Property Management Fee:                     %, as specified in Section 4.1

 

  Property Management Fee (other calculation):                                         

 

  Leasing Fees and Commissions:

 

    Initial Lease-Up Fee (see Section 4.2.A):                                         

 

    New Lease Commission Percentage (see Section 4.2.B(1)):                                         

 

    Renewal Commission Percentage (see Section 4.2.B(2)):                                         

 

    Expansion Commission Percentage (see Section 4.2.B(3)):                                         

 

    Co-Brokerage Commissions (see Section 4.2.B(4)):                                                                                               

 

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

    Payment terms (if other than specified in Section 4.2):                                         

 

  Construction Management Fees:

 

 

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

Examples:

 

  Owner agrees to pay Manager a management fee in the amount of $                     within fifteen (15) days of acceptance of the Improvement by Owner.

 

  As payment for the services to be performed by Manager hereunder, Owner shall pay Manager a fee of $                     , to be paid on the first day of each month of the term of the project in equal monthly installments of $                    , plus reimbursable expenses referenced in Section 3 of the Master Property Management, Leasing and Construction Management Agreement.

 

  Manager agrees to collect and provide Owner with invoices for the work completed on the Improvement on a monthly basis unless Owner and Manager agree to a more frequent basis. Upon delivery of such invoices, Owner will be solely responsible for promptly paying the company or companies performing the work. The contract form used by Owner shall specify that Manager has no responsibility for payment. Reimbursable expenses as described in Section 3 of this Agreement shall be reimbursed to the Manager at cost plus ten percent (10%) and shall be billed on a monthly basis.
Section 302 PEO Certification

EXHIBIT 31.1

 

PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICER CERTIFICATION

PURSUANT TO

SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

 

I, Leo F. Wells, III, certify that:

 

  1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Wells Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc.;

 

  2. Based on my knowledge, this annual report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this annual report;

 

  3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this annual report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this annual report;

 

  4. The registrant’s other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13(a)-15(e) and 15(d)-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a- 15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

 

  a) designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this annual report is being prepared;

 

  b) designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

 

  c) evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this annual report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this annual report based on such evaluation; and

 

  d) disclosed in this annual report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of this annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 

  5. The registrant’s other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors:

 

  a) all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting that are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

 

  b) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

Dated: March 11, 2005

 

By:  

/s/ Leo F. Wells, III


    Leo F. Wells, III
    Principal Executive Officer

 

- 59 -

Section 302 PFO Certification

EXHIBIT 31.2

 

PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL OFFICER CERTIFICATION

PURSUANT TO

SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

 

I, Douglas P. Williams, certify that:

 

  1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Wells Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc;

 

  2. Based on my knowledge, this annual report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this annual report;

 

  3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this annual report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this annual report;

 

  4. The registrant’s other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13(a)-15(e) and 15(d)-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a- 15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

 

  a. designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this annual report is being prepared;

 

  b. designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

 

  c. evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this annual report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this annual report based on such evaluation; and

 

  d. disclosed in this annual report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of this annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 

  5. The registrant’s other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors:

 

  a. all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting that are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

 

  b. any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

Dated: March 11, 2005

 

By:  

/s/ Douglas P. Williams


    Douglas P. Williams
    Principal Financial Officer

 

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Section 906 PEO & PFO Certification

EXHIBIT 32.1

 

CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER AND CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

PURSUANT TO

SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002 (18 U.S.C. 1350)

 

In connection with the Annual Report of Wells Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc. (the “Registrant”) on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Report”), the undersigned, Leo F. Wells, III, Chief Executive Officer of the Registrant, and Douglas P. Williams, Chief Financial Officer of the Registrant, hereby certify, pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (18 U.S.C. 1350) that, to the best of our knowledge and belief:

 

(1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

 

(2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Registrant.

 

By:  

/s/ Leo F. Wells, III


    Leo F. Wells, III
    Chief Executive Officer
    March 11, 2005

 

By:  

/s/ Douglas P. Williams


    Douglas P. Williams
    Chief Financial Officer
    March 11, 2005

 

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