Post Properties, Inc. (NYSE: PPS), an Atlanta-based real estate
investment trust, today announced that its Board of Directors has
reduced the quarterly dividend rate on its common stock to $0.20 per
share for the fourth quarter of 2008. The Board of Directors currently
anticipates maintaining this dividend rate throughout 2009, for an
annualized dividend level of $0.80 per share. However, the amount of
dividends to be paid by the Company will continue to be determined
quarterly by the Board of Directors. The dividend is payable on January
15, 2009 to all common stock shareholders of record as of January 2,
2009.
"We believe that reducing the dividend level on the common stock is in
the best interests of our shareholders,” said David P. Stockert,
President and Chief Executive Officer. "Along with continuing to reduce
costs, adjusting the dividend is an important part of our strategy to
maintain the strength of our balance sheet and to provide financial
flexibility through uncertain economic times. We expect that taking this
step will help us preserve capital and improve our competitive position
through the current business cycle.”
Post also announced today that Thomas D. Senkbeil, Executive Vice
President and Chief Investment Officer, will leave the Company,
effective on December 31, 2008. Mr. Senkbeil's responsibilities will be
assumed by other members of Post’s Investment Group. The Company expects
to record a charge in the fourth quarter related to contractual
arrangements with Mr. Senkbeil.
Said Mr. Stockert, "With his considerable background and experience in
real estate, Tom Senkbeil has made substantial contributions to Post,
and attracted talented individuals to the Company. We appreciate his
many accomplishments and wish him every continued success.”
Post also announced regular quarterly dividends for its 8.5 percent
Series A Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock and its 7 5/8 percent
Series B Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock. On its 8.5 percent
Series A Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock, Post declared a regular
quarterly dividend of $1.0625 per share for the fourth quarter. The
dividend is payable on December 31, 2008 to all Series A preferred stock
shareholders of record as of December 15, 2008. On its 7 5/8 percent
Series B Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock, Post declared a regular
quarterly dividend of $0.47656 per share for the fourth quarter. The
dividend is payable on December 31, 2008 to all Series B preferred stock
shareholders of record as of December 15, 2008. Dividends on the
Company’s Series A and Series B preferred stock are unchanged from prior
quarterly dividend levels.
Post also announced today that its Board of Directors adopted a new
stock repurchase program under which Post may repurchase up to $200
million of common stock or preferred stock at market prices from time to
time until December 31, 2010. Under its previous stock repurchase
program which expires on December 31, 2008, Post repurchased
approximately $3.7 million of common stock during 2007 and 2008. The
Board of Directors also authorized Post’s management to explore
opportunistic repurchases of debt in open market transactions from time
to time.
Forward Looking Statement:
Certain statements made in this press release may constitute
"forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the federal
securities laws. Statements regarding future events and developments and
the Company’s future performance, as well as management’s expectations,
beliefs, plans, estimates or projections relating to the future, are
forward-looking statements within the meaning of these laws. Examples of
such statements in this press release include expectations with respect
to the anticipated future dividend rate and capital preservation. All
forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and
uncertainties that could cause actual events to differ materially from
those projected. Management believes that these forward-looking
statements are reasonable; however, you should not place undue reliance
on such statements. These statements are based on current expectations
and speak only as of the date of such statements. In particular, the
Company notes that there can be no assurance that the current dividend
level will maintained in future periods. The Company undertakes no
obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement,
whether as a result of future events, new information or otherwise.
The following are some of the factors that could cause the Company’s
actual expectations to differ materially from those described in the
Company’s forward-looking statements: the success of the Company’s
business strategies discussed in its Annual Report on Form 10-K dated
December 31, 2007, as amended and in previous filings with the SEC;
future conditions in the global capital markets, including changes in
the availability of credit and liquidity; future local and national
economic conditions, including changes in levels of employment, interest
rates, the availability of mortgage and other financing and related
factors; uncertainties associated with the timing and amount of asset
sales, the market for asset sales and the resulting gains/losses
associated with such asset sales; conditions affecting ownership of
residential real estate and general conditions in the multifamily
residential real estate market. Other important risk factors regarding
the Company are included under the caption "Risk Factors” in the
Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
December 31, 2007, as amended, and under the caption "Risk Factors” in
the Company’s quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended
September 30, 2008 and may be discussed in subsequent filings with the
SEC. The risk factors discussed in Form 10-K, as amended, and Form 10-Q
under the caption "Risk Factors” are specifically incorporated by
reference into this press release.
About Post Properties
Post Properties, founded more than 36 years ago, is one of the largest
developers and operators of upscale multifamily communities in the
United States. The Company’s mission is delivering superior satisfaction
and value to its residents, associates, and investors, with a vision of
being the first choice in quality multifamily living. Operating as a
real estate investment trust ("REIT”), the Company focuses on developing
and managing Post® branded resort-style garden and high
density urban apartments. In addition, the Company develops high-quality
condominiums and converts existing apartments to for-sale multifamily
communities. Post Properties is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, and
has operations in ten markets across the country.
Post Properties owns 21,396 apartment homes in 59 communities, including
1,747 apartment units in five communities held in unconsolidated
entities and 1,736 apartment units in five communities currently under
construction and/or in lease-up. The Company is also developing and
selling 506 for-sale condominium homes in four communities (including
129 units in one community held in an unconsolidated entity) and is
converting apartment units in two communities initially consisting of
349 units into for-sale condominium homes through a taxable REIT
subsidiary.