Our operating expenses generally consist of utilities, property and ad valorem taxes, insurance and site maintenance costs. Increases in these expenses over tenants’ base years (until the base year is reset at expiration) are generally passed along to tenants in our full-service gross leased properties and are generally paid in full by tenants in our net leased properties.
Conditions in Our Markets
Positive or negative changes in economic or other conditions in the markets we operate in, including state budgetary shortfalls, employment rates, natural hazards and other factors, may impact our overall performance. While we generally expect the trend of population and economic growth outperformance in our cities to continue, there is no way for us to predict whether these trends will continue, especially in light of inflation and rising interest rates as well as the potential changes in tax policy, fiscal policy and monetary policy. In addition, it is uncertain and impossible to estimate the potential impact that the
COVID-19
pandemic will have on the short- and long-term demand for office space in our markets.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
The interim condensed consolidated financial statements follow the same policies and procedures as outlined in the audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2021 included in our Annual Report on Form
10-K
for the year ended December 31, 2021 except for the adoption of Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”)
2021-05,
Leases (Topic 842) as outlined in Note 2 of the condensed consolidated financial statements.
Comparison of Three Months Ended September 30, 2022 to Three Months Ended September 30, 2021
Rental and Other Revenues.
Revenue includes net rental income, including parking, signage and other income, as well as the recovery of operating costs and property taxes from tenants. Rental and other revenues increased $0.6 million, or 1%, to $45.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2022 compared to $44.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2021. Of this increase, the acquisitions of Block 23, The Terraces and Bloc 83 in December 2021 contributed increases of $2.7 million, $2.7 million and $4.8 million, respectively. Offsetting these increases, the disposition of Sorrento Mesa in December 2021 and Lake Vista Pointe in June 2022 decreased revenue by $3.5 million and $1.1 million, respectively. Revenue also decreased at Park Tower by $5.0 million due to a termination fee recognized in the prior period associated with an early tenant departure. The remaining properties’ rental and other revenues were relatively unchanged in comparison to the prior period.
Total Operating Expenses.
Total operating expenses consist of property operating expenses, general and administrative expenses and depreciation and amortization. Total operating expenses decreased by $1.2 million, or 3%, to $36.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2022, from $37.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2021. General and administrative expenses decreased by $4.4 million over the prior period primarily due to a
one-time
$5.0 million bonus accrual incurred as a result of the Sorrento Mesa sale transaction announced during the third quarter of 2021. Further, the disposition of Sorrento Mesa and Lake Vista Pointe decreased total operating expenses by $2.1 million and $0.5 million, respectively. Offsetting these decreases, the acquisitions of Block 23, The Terraces and Bloc 83 in December 2021 contributed increases of $1.7 million, $1.8 million and $2.9 million, respectively. The remaining properties’ expenses decreased a combined $0.6 million in comparison to the prior period.
Property Operating Expenses.
Property operating expenses are comprised mainly of building common area and maintenance expenses, insurance, property taxes, property management fees, as well as certain expenses that are not recoverable from tenants, the majority of which are related to costs necessary to maintain the appearance and marketability of vacant space. In the normal course of business, property expenses fluctuate and are impacted by various factors including, but not limited to, occupancy levels, weather, utility costs, repairs, maintenance and
re-leasing
costs. Property operating expenses increased by $2.2 million, or 15%, to $17.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2022, from $15.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2021. Of this increase, the acquisitions of Block 23, The Terraces and Bloc 83 in December 2021 contributed increases of $0.7 million, $0.8 million and $1.2 million, respectively. An increase of $0.2 million was attributable to the Ingenuity Drive property within the Florida Research Park portfolio as that property was converted from a single tenant property where the tenant paid for its own operating expenses into a multi-tenant property where expenses are paid by the landlord and reimbursements are charged to the tenants. Offsetting these increases, the disposition of Sorrento Mesa and Lake Vista Pointe decreased property operating expenses by $0.8 million and $0.3 million, respectively. The remaining properties’ expenses increased a combined $0.4 million.