FORM 10-K
Table of Contents

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 10-K

 

 

 

x ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007

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 0-50209

 

 

Boston Properties Limited Partnership

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Delaware   04-3372948

(State or other jurisdiction

of incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification Number)

Prudential Center, 800 Boylston Street, Suite 1900

Boston, Massachusetts

  02199-8103
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (617) 236-3300

 

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: None

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: Units of Limited Partnership Interest (Title of Class)

 

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.    Yes  x    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.    Yes  ¨    No  x

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 a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

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

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

As of June 30, 2007, the aggregate market value of the 12,137,897 common units of limited partnership held by non-affiliates of the Registrant was $1,239,643,421 based upon the last reported sale price of $102.13 per share on the New York Stock Exchange on June 29, 2007 of the common stock of Boston Properties, Inc., a real estate investment trust and the sole general partner of the Registrant, for which the common units are redeemable under certain circumstances at the election of Boston Properties, Inc. (For this computation, the Registrant has excluded the market value of all common units reported as beneficially owned by (1) Boston Properties, Inc. and (2) executive officers and directors of Boston Properties, Inc.; such exclusion shall not be deemed to constitute an admission that any such person is an affiliate of the Registrant.)

Certain information contained in Boston Properties, Inc.’s Proxy Statement relating to its Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held May 12, 2008 is incorporated by reference in Items 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14 of Part III. Boston Properties, Inc. intends to file such Proxy Statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission not later than 120 days after the end of its fiscal year ended December 31, 2007.

 

 

 


Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

ITEM NO.

  

DESCRIPTION

   PAGE NO.

PART I

     
1.   

BUSINESS

   1
1A.   

RISK FACTORS

   15
1B.   

UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

   30
2.   

PROPERTIES

   31
3.   

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

   36
4.   

SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

   36

PART II

     
5.   

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

  

37

6.   

SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

   38
7.   

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

  

40

7A.   

QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

  

85

8.   

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

   86
9.   

CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

  

139

9A.   

CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

   139
9B.   

OTHER INFORMATION

   139

PART III

     
10.   

DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

   140
11.   

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

   140
12.   

SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

  

140

13.   

CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

  

141

14.   

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES

   141

PART IV

     
15.   

EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

   142


Table of Contents

PART I

 

Item 1. Business

General

As used herein, the terms “we,” “us,” “our,” “BPLP” and the “Company” refer to Boston Properties Limited Partnership, a Delaware limited partnership, and its subsidiaries, and their respective predecessors, considered as a single enterprise. As used in our financial statements beginning on page 86, the term “Company” refers to BPLP. Boston Properties Limited Partnership is the entity through which Boston Properties, Inc., a fully integrated, self-administered and self-managed real estate investment trust, or “REIT,” and one of the largest owners and developers of office properties in the United States, conducts substantially all of its business and owns (either directly or through subsidiaries) substantially all of its assets. Boston Properties, Inc.’s common stock, par value $0.01 per share, is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “BXP.”

Our properties are concentrated in five markets—Boston, Washington, D.C., midtown Manhattan, San Francisco and Princeton, NJ. At December 31, 2007, we owned or had interests in 139 properties, totaling approximately 33.9 million net rentable square feet and structured parking for vehicles containing approximately 9.9 million square feet. Our properties consisted of:

 

   

135 office properties comprised of 115 Class A office properties (including 13 properties under construction) and 20 Office/Technical properties;

 

   

one hotel; and

 

   

three retail properties.

We own or control undeveloped land totaling approximately 605.2 acres, which will support approximately 13.1 million square feet of development. In addition, we have a minority interest in the Boston Properties Office Value-Added Fund, L.P., which we refer to as the “Value-Added Fund,” which is a strategic partnership with two institutional investors through which we have pursued the acquisition of assets within our existing markets that have deficiencies in property characteristics which provide an opportunity to create value through repositioning, refurbishment or renovation. Our investments through the Value-Added Fund are not included in our portfolio information tables or any other portfolio level statistics. At December 31, 2007, the Value-Added Fund had investments in an office complex in San Carlos, California, and an office property in Chelmsford, Massachusetts. On January 7, 2008, we transferred our Mountain View, California properties to the Value-Added Fund. The Mountain View properties were not included in our property information set forth above as of December 31, 2007.

We consider Class A office properties to be centrally-located buildings that are professionally managed and maintained, attract high-quality tenants and command upper-tier rental rates, and that are modern structures or have been modernized to compete with newer buildings. We consider Office/Technical properties to be properties that support office, research and development, laboratory and other technical uses. Our definitions of Class A office and Office/Technical properties may be different than those used by other companies.

We are a full-service real estate company, with substantial in-house expertise and resources in acquisitions, development, financing, capital markets, construction management, property management, marketing, leasing, accounting, tax and legal services. We are managed by Boston Properties, Inc., in its capacity as our sole general partner. As of December 31, 2007, we had approximately 660 employees. Our thirty-three senior officers have an average of twenty-four years experience in the real estate industry and an average of fifteen years of experience with us. Our principal executive office and Boston regional office is located at The Prudential Center, 800 Boylston Street, Suite 1900, Boston, Massachusetts 02199 and our telephone number is (617) 236-3300. In addition, we have regional offices at 505 9th Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20004; 599 Lexington Avenue, New York, New York 10022; Four Embarcadero Center, San Francisco, California 94111; and 302 Carnegie Center, Princeton, New Jersey 08540.

 

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Boston Properties, Inc., our sole general partner, has a web site located at http://www.bostonproperties.com. On its Web site, you can obtain a free copy of Boston Properties, Inc.’s and Boston Properties Limited Partnership’s annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material with, or furnish it to, the Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC. You may obtain BPLP’s reports by accessing the EDGAR database at the Securities and Exchange Commission’s website at http://www.sec.gov, or we will furnish an electronic or paper copy of these reports free of charge upon written request to: Investor Relations, Boston Properties, Inc., The Prudential Center, 800 Boylston Street, Suite 1900, Boston, Massachusetts. The name “Boston Properties” and our logo (consisting of a stylized “b”) are registered service marks of the Company.

Boston Properties Limited Partnership

As of February 22, 2008, Boston Properties, Inc. was the owner of approximately 84.0% of the economic interests in BPLP. Economic interest was calculated as the number of common partnership units of BPLP owned by Boston Properties, Inc. as a percentage of the sum of (1) the actual aggregate number of outstanding common partnership units of BPLP, (2) the number of common partnership units issuable upon conversion of outstanding preferred partnership units of BPLP and (3) the number of common units issuable upon conversion of all outstanding long term incentive plan units of BPLP, or LTIP units, other than LTIP units issued in the form of 2008 Outperformance Awards, assuming all conditions have been met for the conversion of the LTIP units. An LTIP Unit is generally the economic equivalent of a share of our restricted common stock, although LTIP units issued in the form of 2008 Outperformance Awards are only entitled to receive one-tenth (1/10th) of the regular quarterly distributions (and no special distributions) prior to being earned. See “2008 Outperformance Awards” on page 6. Boston Properties, Inc.’s general and limited partnership interests in BPLP entitle it to share in cash distributions from, and in the profits and losses of, BPLP in proportion to its percentage interest and entitle it to vote on all matters requiring a vote of the limited partners. The other limited partners of BPLP are persons who contributed their direct or indirect interests in properties to BPLP in exchange for common units or preferred units of limited partnership interest in BPLP or recipients of LTIP units pursuant to the Second Amendment and Restatement of the Boston Properties, Inc. 1997 Stock Option and Incentive Plan (the “1997 Plan”). Under the limited partnership agreement of BPLP, unitholders may present their common units of BPLP for redemption at any time (subject to restrictions agreed upon at the time of issuance of the units that may restrict such right for a period of time, generally one year from issuance). Upon presentation of a unit for redemption, BPLP must redeem the unit for cash equal to the then value of a share of the common stock of Boston Properties, Inc. In lieu of cash, however, Boston Properties, Inc., as general partner, may, at its option, choose to acquire any common units so tendered by issuing shares of its common stock in exchange for the common units. If Boston Properties, Inc. so elects, its common stock will be exchanged for common units on a one-for-one basis. This one-for-one exchange ratio is subject to specified adjustments to prevent dilution. We generally expect that Boston Properties, Inc., as our general partner, will elect to issue common stock in connection with each such presentation for redemption rather than having us pay cash. With each such exchange or redemption, Boston Properties, Inc.’s percentage ownership in BPLP will increase. In addition, whenever Boston Properties, Inc. issues shares of its common stock other than to acquire common units of BPLP, it must contribute any net proceeds it receives to us and we must issue to Boston Properties, Inc. an equivalent number of common units. This structure is commonly referred to as an umbrella partnership REIT, or “UPREIT.”

Our preferred units have the rights, preferences and other privileges, including the right to convert into common units, as are set forth in an amendment to our limited partnership agreement. As of December 31, 2007 and February 22, 2008, we had one series of our preferred units outstanding. Our Series Two preferred units have a liquidation preference of $50.00 per unit (or an aggregate of approximately $55.7 million at December 31, 2007 and February 22, 2008). The Series Two preferred units are convertible, at the holder’s election, into common units at a conversion price of $38.10 per common unit (equivalent to a ratio of 1.312336 common units per Series Two preferred unit). Distributions on the Series Two preferred units are payable quarterly and, unless the greater rate described in the next sentence applies, accrue at 7.0% until May 12, 2009 and 6.0% thereafter. If distributions on the number of common units into which the Series Two preferred units are convertible are

 

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greater than distributions calculated using the rates described in the preceding sentence for the applicable quarterly period, then the greater distributions are payable instead. Since May 2005, distributions have been made at the greater rate determined on the basis of distributions paid on the common units into which the Series Two preferred units are convertible. The terms of the Series Two preferred units provide that they may be redeemed for cash in six annual tranches, beginning on May 12, 2009, at our election or at the election of the holders. We also have the right to convert into common units of BPLP any Series Two preferred units that are not redeemed when they are eligible for redemption.

Transactions During 2007

Real Estate Acquisitions/Dispositions

In January 2007, we acquired 6601 and 6605 Springfield Center Drive, consisting of two office/technical properties aggregating approximately 97,000 net rentable square feet located in Springfield, Virginia for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $16.5 million. On April 11, 2007, we acquired an adjacent parcel of land for a purchase price of approximately $25.6 million. The acquisitions were financed with available cash. The acquisition of this property was completed as part of a “like-kind exchange” under Section 1031 of the Internal Revenue Code.

In January and February 2007, we acquired parcels of land located at 250 West 55th Street in New York City, through a majority-owned venture, for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $228.8 million. The acquisitions were financed with a $160.0 million mortgage loan, which bore interest at a variable rate equal to LIBOR plus 0.40% per annum and was scheduled to mature in January 2009, and member capital contributions. The loan was collateralized by mortgages totaling approximately $13.6 million. On February 26, 2007, we entered into an agreement to redeem the outside members’ equity interest in the limited liability company that owns 250 West 55th Street for an aggregate redemption price of approximately $23.4 million, of which approximately $21.0 million has been paid. On May 9, 2007, we used available cash to repay the mortgage loan.

On January 29, 2007, we acquired 103 Fourth Avenue, an approximately 62,000 net rentable square foot office/technical property located in Waltham, Massachusetts, for a purchase price of approximately $14.3 million. The acquisition was financed with available cash. The acquisition of this property was completed as part of a “like-kind exchange” under Section 1031 of the Internal Revenue Code.

On February 15, 2007, we sold the long-term leasehold interest in 5 Times Square in New York City and related credits, for approximately $1.28 billion in cash. 5 Times Square is a Class A office tower that contains approximately 1,101,779 net rentable square feet. Net cash proceeds totaled approximately $1.23 billion, resulting in a gain on sale of approximately $736.2 million. In conjunction with the sale, we agreed to provide to the buyer monthly revenue support from the closing date until December 31, 2008.

On March 23, 2007, we sold the Long Wharf Marriott, a 402-room hotel located in Boston, Massachusetts, for approximately $231.0 million. Net cash proceeds totaled approximately $225.6 million, resulting in a gain on sale of approximately $194.4 million. This property has been categorized as discontinued operations in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations. The sale of this property was completed as part of a “like-kind exchange” under Section 1031 of the Internal Revenue Code.

On March 30, 2007, we acquired Kingstowne Towne Center, a mixed-use property located in Alexandria, Virginia, at a purchase price of approximately $134.0 million. This property is comprised of two Class A office properties totaling approximately 307,000 net rentable square feet and a retail/movie theater complex totaling approximately 88,000 net rentable square feet. The acquisition was financed with the assumption of mortgage indebtedness totaling $65.3 million and available cash. The acquisition of this property was completed as part of a “like-kind exchange” under Section 1031 of the Internal Revenue Code.

 

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On March 30, 2007, we acquired Russia Wharf, a land parcel located in Boston, Massachusetts, for a purchase price of approximately $105.5 million. The acquisition was financed with available cash. The land parcel will support a mixed-use development of approximately 815,000 net rentable square feet, anchored by office space. The acquisition of this property was completed as part of a “like-kind exchange” under Section 1031 of the Internal Revenue Code.

On April 5, 2007, we sold Newport Office Park, an approximately 172,000 net rentable square foot Class A office property located in Quincy, Massachusetts, for approximately $37.0 million. Net cash proceeds totaled approximately $33.7 million, resulting in a gain on sale of approximately $14.3 million.

On April 12, 2007, we entered into an agreement for the sale of a parcel of land located in Washington, D.C. for approximately $33.7 million. In addition, we entered into a development management agreement with the buyer to develop a Class A office property on the parcel totaling approximately 165,000 net rentable square feet. The sale is subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions and there can be no assurance that the sale will be consummated on the terms currently contemplated or at all.

On June 1, 2007, our Value-Added Fund sold Worldgate Plaza located in Herndon, Virginia for approximately $109.0 million. Worldgate Plaza is an office complex consisting of approximately 322,000 net rentable square feet. Net cash proceeds totaled approximately $50.5 million, of which our share was approximately $20.3 million, after the repayment of the mortgage indebtedness of $57.0 million and closing costs of approximately $1.5 million, resulting in a gain on sale of approximately $32.8 million. Our share of the gain on sale was approximately $15.5 million, which amount reflects the achievement of certain return thresholds as provided for in the joint venture agreement.

On July 24, 2007, we acquired 701 Carnegie Center, a land parcel located in Princeton, New Jersey, for a purchase price of approximately $3.1 million with the title transferring pending subdivision approval. The purchase price was financed with available cash. We entered into a lease agreement on June 11, 2007 with The Trustees of Princeton University for a build-to-suit project on the site for approximately 120,000 net rentable square feet of Class A office space. We expect that the building will be complete and available for occupancy during the fourth quarter of 2009.

On August 7, 2007, we sold Democracy Center in Bethesda, Maryland, for approximately $280.5 million. Democracy Center is a Class A office complex that contains an aggregate of approximately 685,000 net rentable square feet. Net cash proceeds totaled approximately $184.5 million, after the repayment of the mortgage indebtedness of approximately $94.6 million and closing costs of approximately $1.4 million, resulting in a gain on sale of approximately $203.2 million. The sale of this property was completed as part of a “like-kind exchange” under Section 1031 of the Internal Revenue Code.

On November 20, 2007, we sold our Orbital Sciences Campus and Broad Run Business Park, Building E properties located in Loudon County, Virginia, for approximately $126.7 million in cash. The Orbital Sciences Campus and Broad Run Business Park, Building E properties are comprised of three Class A office properties aggregating approximately 337,000 net rentable square feet and an office/technical property totaling approximately 127,000 net rentable square feet, respectively. Net cash proceeds totaled approximately $125.4 million, resulting in a gain on sale of approximately $58.2 million.

On November 27, 2007, we acquired Mountain View Research Park for $183.0 million and Mountain View Technology Park for $40.0 million. The Research Park properties are comprised of sixteen Class A office and office/technical properties aggregating approximately 601,000 net rentable square feet located in Mountain View, California. The Technology Park properties are comprised of seven office/technical properties aggregating approximately 135,000 net rentable square feet located in Mountain View, California. The acquisition was financed with available cash. On January 7, 2008, we transferred the properties to our Value-Added Fund for an aggregate of approximately $223.2 million, consisting of approximately $100.2 million of cash and a promissory note having a principal amount of $123.0 million.

 

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On December 13, 2007, we acquired North First Business Park located in San Jose, California, at a purchase price of approximately $71.5 million. This property is comprised of five office properties aggregating approximately 191,000 net rentable square feet and three vacant properties all located on approximately 24 acres of land. The acquisition was financed with available cash. We expect to redevelop this site into approximately 1.3 million net rentable square feet of Class A office space.

Developments

As of December 31, 2007, we had thirteen buildings under construction, which aggregate an estimated total investment of $2.1 billion and 3.9 million square feet. The investment to date and estimated total investment for our properties under construction as of December 31, 2007 is detailed below (in thousands):

 

Properties Under Construction

 

Estimated
Stabilization Date

 

Location

  Investment
to Date(1)
  Estimated Total
Investment(1)

250 West 55th Street

  Fourth Quarter 2010   New York, NY   $ 298,000   $ 910,000

Russia Wharf

  Third Quarter 2011   Boston, MA     127,500     525,000

South of Market (Phase I)

  Third Quarter 2009   Reston, VA     153,300     213,800

Wisconsin Place (66.67% ownership) (2)

  Fourth Quarter 2010   Chevy Chase, MD     40,700     93,500

South of Market (Phase II)

  Third Quarter 2010   Reston, VA     19,400     87,200

77 CityPoint

  First Quarter 2009   Waltham, MA     61,600     79,700

505 9th Street (50% ownership)

  First Quarter 2008   Washington, D.C.     66,200     65,000

One Preserve Parkway

  Fourth Quarter 2009   Rockville, MD     37,700     60,500

701 Carnegie Center

  Third Quarter 2009   Princeton, NJ     6,200     34,000

Annapolis Junction (50% ownership)

  Fourth Quarter 2009   Annapolis, MD     8,600     32,600
               

Total

      $ 819,200   $ 2,101,300
               

 

(1) Represents our share of the investment.
(2) Includes costs associated with the land and infrastructure project in which we have a 23.89% interest.

Equity Transactions

During the year ended December 31, 2007, 606,186 of our Series Two preferred units were converted by the holders into 795,519 common units of limited partnership interest. The common units of limited partnership interest were subsequently presented by the holders for redemption and 794,768 of such common units were redeemed by Boston Properties, Inc. in exchange for 794,768 shares of its common stock and 751 of such common units were redeemed for cash. In addition, during the year ended December 31, 2007, Boston Properties, Inc. acquired an aggregate of 547,458 common units of limited partnership interest, including 653 common units issued upon the conversion of LTIP units, presented by the holders for redemption, in exchange for an equal number of shares of common stock. During the year ended December 31, 2007, we issued 659,798 common units to Boston Properties, Inc. in exchange for the proceeds from the exercises of stock options under the 1997 Plan.

Each time Boston Properties, Inc. issues shares of common stock (other than in exchange for common units upon exercise by limited partners of their redemption right), it contributes the proceeds of such issuance to us in return for an equivalent number of common units.

Exchangeable Notes Offering

On February 6, 2007, we completed an offering of $862.5 million in aggregate principal amount (including $112.5 million as a result of the exercise by the initial purchasers of their over-allotment option) of our 2.875% exchangeable senior notes due 2037. The notes were priced at 97.433333% of their face amount, resulting in an effective interest rate of approximately 3.438% per annum and net proceeds to us of approximately $840.0 million. The notes mature on February 15, 2037, unless earlier repurchased, exchanged or redeemed.

 

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Special Dividend

On December 17, 2007, Boston Properties, Inc., as our general partner, declared a special cash distribution of $5.98 per common partnership unit and LTIP unit which was paid on January 30, 2008 to unitholders of record as of the close of business on December 31, 2007. The decision to declare a special distribution was the result of the sales of assets in 2007, including 5 Times Square, Orbital Sciences Campus, Broad Run Business Park - Building E, Worldgate Plaza and Newport Office Park. We did not make any change in our policy with respect to regular quarterly distributions. The special cash distribution was in addition to the regular quarterly distribution of $0.68 per common unit and LTIP unit resulting in a total payment of $6.66 per common unit and LTIP unit paid on January 30, 2008. Holders of Series Two preferred units will participate in the special cash distribution on an as-converted basis in connection with their regular May 2008 distribution payment as provided for in the Company’s partnership agreement.

2008 Outperformance Awards

On January 24, 2008, the Compensation Committee (the “Committee”) of the Board of Directors of Boston Properties, Inc. approved outperformance awards under the 1997 Plan to officers and key employees of Boston Properties, Inc. These awards (the “2008 OPP Awards”) are part of a new broad-based, long-term incentive compensation program designed to provide our management team at several levels within the organization with the potential to earn equity awards subject to Boston Properties, Inc.’s “outperforming” and creating shareholder value in a pay-for-performance structure. 2008 OPP Awards utilize Boston Properties, Inc.’s total return to shareholders (“TRS”) over a three-year measurement period as the performance metric and include two years of time-based vesting after the end of the performance measurement period (subject to acceleration in certain events) as a retention tool. Recipients of 2008 OPP Awards will share in an outperformance pool if Boston Properties, Inc.’s TRS, including both share appreciation and dividends, exceeds absolute and relative hurdles over a three-year measurement period from February 5, 2008 to February 5, 2011, based on the average closing price of a share of Boston Properties, Inc.’s common stock for the five trading days prior to and including February 5, 2008. The aggregate reward that recipients of all 2008 OPP Awards can earn, as measured by the outperformance pool, is subject to a maximum cap of $110 million, although OPP awards for an aggregate of up to approximately $104.8 million have been allocated to date and were granted on February 5, 2008. The balance remains available for future grants, with OPP awards exceeding a potential reward of $1 million requiring the approval of the Committee (See Note 22 to the Consolidated Financial Statements).

Business and Growth Strategies

Business Strategy

Our primary business objective is to maximize return on investment so as to provide our investors with the greatest possible total return. Our strategy to achieve this objective is:

 

   

to concentrate on a few carefully selected geographic markets, including Boston, Washington, D.C., midtown Manhattan, San Francisco and Princeton, NJ, and to be one of the leading, if not the leading, owners and developers in each of those markets. We select markets and submarkets where tenants have demonstrated a preference for high-quality office buildings and other facilities;

 

   

to emphasize markets and submarkets within those markets where the lack of available sites and the difficulty of receiving the necessary approvals for development and the necessary financing constitute high barriers to the creation of new supply, and where skill, financial strength and diligence are required to successfully develop, finance and manage high-quality office, research and development space as well as selected retail space;

 

   

to take on complex, technically challenging projects, leveraging the skills of our management team to successfully develop, acquire or reposition properties which other organizations may not have the capacity or resources to pursue;

 

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to concentrate on high-quality real estate designed to meet the demands of today’s tenants who require sophisticated telecommunications and related infrastructure and support services, and to manage those facilities so as to become the landlord of choice for both existing and prospective clients;

 

   

to opportunistically acquire assets which increase our penetration in the markets in which we have chosen to concentrate and which exhibit an opportunity to improve or preserve returns through repositioning (through a combination of capital improvements and shift in marketing strategy), changes in management focus and re-leasing as existing leases terminate;

 

   

to explore joint venture opportunities primarily with existing owners of land parcels located in desirable locations, who seek to benefit from the depth of development and management expertise we are able to provide and our access to capital, and/or to explore joint venture opportunities with strategic institutional partners, leveraging our skills as owners, operators and developers of Class A office space as well as partners with expertise in mixed-use opportunities;

 

   

to pursue on a selective basis the sale of properties, including core properties, to take advantage of our value creation and the demand for our premier properties;

 

   

to seek third-party development contracts, which can be a significant source of revenue and enable us to retain and utilize our existing development and construction management staff, especially when our internal development is less active or when new development is less-warranted due to market conditions; and

 

   

to enhance our capital structure through our access to a variety of sources of capital.

Growth Strategies

External Growth

We believe that our development experience and our organizational depth position us to continue to selectively develop a range of property types, including low-rise suburban office properties, high-rise urban developments, mixed-use developments and research and laboratory space, within budget and on schedule. Other factors that contribute to our competitive position include:

 

   

our control of sites (including sites under contract or option to acquire) in our markets that will support approximately 13.1 million square feet of new office, retail, hotel and residential development;

 

   

our reputation gained through 38 years of successful operations and the stability and strength of our existing portfolio of properties;

 

   

our relationships with leading national corporations and public institutions seeking new facilities and development services;

 

   

our relationships with nationally recognized financial institutions that provide capital to the real estate industry;

 

   

our track record and reputation for executing acquisitions efficiently provides comfort to domestic and foreign institutions, private investors and corporations who seek to sell commercial real estate in our market areas;

 

   

our ability to act quickly on due diligence and financing; and

 

   

our relationships with institutional buyers and sellers of high-quality real estate assets.

Opportunities to execute our external growth strategy fall into three categories:

 

   

Development in selected submarkets. We believe the continued development of well-positioned office buildings will be justified in many of our submarkets. We believe in acquiring land after taking into consideration timing factors relating to economic cycles and in response to market conditions that allow

 

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for its development at the appropriate time. While we purposely concentrate in markets with high barriers-to-entry, we have demonstrated throughout our 38-year history, an ability to make carefully timed land acquisitions in submarkets where we can become one of the market leaders in establishing rent and other business terms. We believe that there are opportunities at key locations in our existing and other markets for a well-capitalized developer to acquire land with development potential.

In the past, we have been particularly successful at acquiring sites or options to purchase sites that need governmental approvals for development. Because of our development expertise, knowledge of the governmental approval process and reputation for quality development with local government regulatory bodies, we generally have been able to secure the permits necessary to allow development and to profit from the resulting increase in land value. We seek complex projects where we can add value through the efforts of our experienced and skilled management team leading to attractive returns on investment.

Our strong regional relationships and recognized development expertise have enabled us to capitalize on unique build-to-suit opportunities. We intend to seek and expect to continue to be presented with such opportunities in the near term allowing us to earn relatively significant returns on these development opportunities through multiple business cycles.

 

   

Acquisition of assets and portfolios of assets from institutions or individuals.    We believe that due to our size, management strength and reputation, we are well positioned to acquire portfolios of assets or individual properties from institutions or individuals if valuations meet our criteria. In addition, we believe that our relatively low leverage and our liquidity and access to capital may provide us with a competitive advantage when pursuing acquisitions in the current credit-constrained environment. There may be enhanced opportunities to purchase assets with near-term financing maturities or possibly provide debt on assets at enhanced yields given the limited availability of traditional sources of debt. We may acquire properties for cash, but we are also particularly well-positioned to appeal to sellers wishing to contribute on a tax-deferred basis their ownership of property for equity in a diversified real estate operating company that offers liquidity through access to the public equity markets in addition to a quarterly distribution. Our ability to offer common and preferred units of limited partnership in BPLP to sellers who would otherwise recognize a taxable gain upon a sale of assets for cash or Boston Properties, Inc.’s common stock may facilitate this type of transaction on a tax-efficient basis. In addition, we may consider mergers with and acquisitions of compatible real estate firms.

 

   

Acquisition of underperforming assets and portfolios of assets.    We believe that because of our in-depth market knowledge and development experience in each of our markets, our national reputation with brokers, financial institutions and others involved in the real estate market and our access to competitively-priced capital, we are well-positioned to identify and acquire existing, underperforming properties for competitive prices and to add significant additional value to such properties through our effective marketing strategies and a responsive property management program. We have developed this strategy and program for our existing portfolio, where we provide high-quality property management services using our own employees in order to encourage tenants to renew, expand and relocate in our properties. We are able to achieve speed and transaction cost efficiency in replacing departing tenants through the use of in-house and third-party vendors’ services for marketing, including calls and presentations to prospective tenants, print advertisements, lease negotiation and construction of tenant improvements. Our tenants benefit from cost efficiencies produced by our experienced work force, which is attentive to preventive maintenance and energy management.

Internal Growth

We believe that significant opportunities will exist to increase cash flow from our existing properties because they are of high quality and in desirable locations. In addition, our properties are in markets where, in general, the creation of new supply is limited by the lack of available sites, the difficulty of receiving the necessary approvals for development on vacant land and the difficulty of obtaining financing. Our strategy for

 

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maximizing the benefits from these opportunities is three-fold: (1) to provide high-quality property management services using our employees in order to encourage tenants to renew, expand and relocate in our properties, (2) to achieve speed and transaction cost efficiency in replacing departing tenants through the use of in-house services for marketing, lease negotiation and construction of tenant improvements and (3) to work with new or existing tenants with space expansion and contraction maximizing the cash flow from our assets. We believe that our office properties will add to our internal growth because of their desirable locations and the fact that our in-place rents are currently lower than market rents. We expect to continue our internal growth as a result of our ability to:

 

   

Cultivate existing submarkets and long-term relationships with credit tenants.    In choosing locations for our properties, we have paid particular attention to transportation and commuting patterns, physical environment, adjacency to established business centers, proximity to sources of business growth and other local factors.

We had an average lease term of 7.4 years at December 31, 2007 and continue to cultivate long-term leasing relationships with a diverse base of high quality, financially stable tenants. Based on leases in place at December 31, 2007, leases with respect to 5.5% of the total square feet in our portfolio will expire in calendar year 2008.

 

   

Directly manage properties to maximize the potential for tenant retention.    We provide property management services ourselves, rather than contracting for this service, to maintain awareness of and responsiveness to tenant needs. We and our properties also benefit from cost efficiencies produced by an experienced work force attentive to preventive maintenance and energy management and from our continuing programs to assure that our property management personnel at all levels remain aware of their important role in tenant relations.

 

   

Replace tenants quickly at best available market terms and lowest possible transaction costs.    We believe that we are well-positioned to attract new tenants and achieve relatively high rental rates as a result of our well-located, well-designed and well-maintained properties, our reputation for high-quality building services and responsiveness to tenants, and our ability to offer expansion and relocation alternatives within our submarkets.

 

   

Extend terms of existing leases to existing tenants prior to expiration.    We have also successfully structured early tenant renewals, which have reduced the cost associated with lease downtime while securing the tenancy of our highest quality credit-worthy tenants on a long-term basis and enhancing relationships.

Policies with Respect to Certain Activities

The discussion below sets forth certain additional information regarding our investment, financing and other policies. These policies have been determined by the Board of Directors of Boston Properties, Inc. and, in general, may be amended or revised from time to time by the Board of Directors of Boston Properties, Inc.

Investment Policies

Investments in Real Estate or Interests in Real Estate

Our investment objectives are to provide quarterly cash distributions to our securityholders and to achieve long-term capital appreciation through increases in the value of BPLP. We have not established a specific policy regarding the relative priority of these investment objectives.

We expect to continue to pursue our investment objectives primarily through the ownership of our current properties, development projects and other acquired properties. We currently intend to continue to invest primarily in developments of properties and acquisitions of existing improved properties or properties in need of redevelopment, and acquisitions of land that we believe have development potential, primarily in our markets—Boston, Washington, D.C., midtown Manhattan, San Francisco and Princeton, NJ. Future investment or

 

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development activities will not be limited to a specified percentage of our assets. We intend to engage in such future investment or development activities in a manner that is consistent with the maintenance of Boston Properties, Inc.’s status as a REIT for federal income tax purposes. In addition, we may purchase or lease income-producing commercial and other types of properties for long-term investment, expand and improve the real estate presently owned or other properties purchased, or sell such real estate properties, in whole or in part, when circumstances warrant. We do not have a policy that restricts the amount or percentage of assets that will be invested in any specific property, however, our investments may be restricted by our debt covenants.

We may also continue to participate with third parties in property ownership, through joint ventures or other types of co-ownership, including third parties with expertise in mixed-use opportunities. These investments may permit us to own interests in larger assets without unduly restricting diversification and, therefore, add flexibility in structuring our portfolio.

Equity investments may be subject to existing mortgage financing and other indebtedness or such financing or indebtedness as may be incurred in connection with acquiring or refinancing these investments. Debt service on such financing or indebtedness will have a priority over any distributions with respect to the common stock of Boston Properties, Inc. Investments are also subject to our policy not to be treated as an investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”).

Investments in Real Estate Mortgages

While our current portfolio consists of, and our business objectives emphasize, equity investments in commercial real estate, we may, at the discretion of the Board of Directors of Boston Properties, Inc., invest in mortgages and other types of real estate interests consistent with Boston Properties, Inc.’s qualification as a REIT. Investments in real estate mortgages run the risk that one or more borrowers may default under such mortgages and that the collateral securing such mortgages may not be sufficient to enable us to recoup its full investment. Although we currently do not have any investments in mortgages or deeds of trust, we may invest in participating or convertible mortgages if we conclude that we may benefit from the cash flow or any appreciation in value of the property.

Securities of or Interests in Persons Primarily Engaged in Real Estate Activities

Subject to the percentage of ownership limitations and gross income tests necessary for Boston Properties, Inc.’s REIT qualification, we also may invest in securities of other REITs, other entities engaged in real estate activities or securities of other issuers, including for the purpose of exercising control over such entities.

Dispositions

Our disposition of properties is based upon the periodic review of our portfolio and the determination by the Board of Directors of Boston Properties, Inc. that such action would be in our best interests. Any decision to dispose of a property will be authorized by the Board of Directors of Boston Properties, Inc. or a committee thereof. Some holders of our limited partnership interests, including Mortimer B. Zuckerman and Edward H. Linde, would incur adverse tax consequences upon the sale of certain of our properties that differ from the tax consequences to us and Boston Properties, Inc. Consequently, holders of our limited partnership interests may have different objectives regarding the appropriate pricing and timing of any such sale. Such different tax treatment derives in most cases from the fact that we acquired these properties in exchange for our partnership interests in contribution transactions structured to allow the prior owners to defer taxable gain. Generally this deferral continues so long as we do not dispose of the properties in a taxable transaction. Unless a sale by us of these properties is structured as a like-kind exchange under Section 1031 of the Internal Revenue Code or in a manner that otherwise allows deferral to continue, recognition of the deferred tax gain allocable to these prior owners is generally triggered by the sale. Some of our assets are subject to tax protection agreements, which may limit our ability to dispose of the assets or require us to pay damages to the prior owners in the event of a taxable sale.

 

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Financing Policies

Our agreement of limited partnership and the certificate of incorporation and bylaws of Boston Properties, Inc. do not limit the amount or percentage of indebtedness that we may incur. We do not have a policy limiting the amount of indebtedness that we may incur. However, our mortgages, credit facilities and unsecured debt securities contain customary restrictions, requirements and other limitations on our ability to incur indebtedness. We have not established any limit on the number or amount of mortgages that may be placed on any single property or on our portfolio as a whole.

The Board of Directors of Boston Properties, Inc. will consider a number of factors when evaluating our level of indebtedness and when making decisions regarding the incurrence of indebtedness, including the purchase price of properties to be acquired with debt financing, the estimated market value of our properties upon refinancing, the entering into agreements such as interest rate swaps, caps, floors and other interest rate hedging contracts and the ability of particular properties and BPLP as a whole to generate cash flow to cover expected debt service.

Policies with Respect to Other Activities

Boston Properties, Inc., as our sole general partner, has the authority to issue additional common and preferred units of limited partnership interest of BPLP. Boston Properties, Inc. has in the past, and may in the future, issue common or preferred units of BPLP to persons who contribute their direct or indirect interests in properties to us in exchange for such units. We have not engaged in trading, underwriting or agency distribution or sale of securities of issuers and we do not intend to do so. At all times, we intend to make investments in such a manner as to maintain Boston Properties, Inc.’s qualification as a REIT, unless because of circumstances or changes in the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (or the Treasury Regulations), the Board of Directors of Boston Properties, Inc. determines that it is no longer in the best interest of Boston Properties, Inc. to qualify as a REIT. We may make loans to third parties, including, without limitation, to joint ventures in which we participate. We intend to make investments in such a way that we will not be treated as an investment company under the 1940 Act. Our policies with respect to these and other activities may be reviewed and modified or amended from time to time by the Board of Directors of Boston Properties, Inc.

Energy and Natural Resource Conservation

As one of the largest owners and developers of office properties in the United States, we strive to control our energy and natural resource consumption through active management at our properties. On an annual basis, our property managers identify capital improvement projects and building systems enhancements that have the potential to reduce the use of energy at each property. The identified projects and enhancements are then reviewed with senior management, and the projects and enhancements that offer material energy or resource savings and meet our investment criteria are then implemented.

During 2007, we continued implementing numerous improvement projects and system enhancements, including, without limitation, the following:

 

   

installation of higher efficiency lighting in public spaces, garages, stairways and elevators;

 

   

installation of new, high-efficiency motors, air compressors, chillers and other heating, ventilation and air conditioning (“HVAC”) system components;

 

   

replacing and upgrading energy management systems, including installation of carbon dioxide controls;

 

   

installation of solar reflective window film to reduce solar heat gain, glare and ultraviolet radiation, and adding wall and ceiling insulation to reduce thermal losses;

 

   

modernizing cooling towers with high-efficiency fill and distribution pans;

 

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implementing programs to minimize waste of water and reclaim steam condensate for our cooling towers;

 

   

upgrading water treatment, plumbing and irrigation operations; and

 

   

implementing extensive recycling programs.

In addition to the physical improvements and systems enhancements described above, our property managers also benchmark building energy consumption with the goal of optimizing equipment use and operation, provide training for our property management staff and strive to make our tenants more aware of energy codes and energy saving opportunities. For example, we have worked collaboratively with our tenants at many of our buildings to implement new policies for providing HVAC on weekends only upon request. We also continue to increase the use of shuttle services between certain of our properties and the local bus and subway stations to encourage the use of mass transportation. These management initiatives are intended to not only help reduce energy consumption in the short term, but also heighten awareness of the issue to help ensure energy efficiency over the long term.

We believe our efforts described above have led to a meaningful reduction in the number of kilowatt-hours (“kWh”) used in the operation of our properties and a reduction in our operating expenses. We estimate that the efforts we undertook in 2007 alone will reduce the amount of electrical usage throughout our portfolio by more than 2.4 million kWh per year. Our efforts have also been recognized by third parties as we have achieved the Environmental Protection Agency’s Energy Star® designation at several of our buildings and have earned energy conservation awards and recognition at properties located throughout our portfolio.

In addition to the efforts described above, we participate in utility rebate programs when making significant capital improvements and, when economically practicable, we subscribe to long-term, fixed utility contracts on a regional basis.

On an annual basis, we intend to continue to explore ways of reducing our energy consumption and related expenses, and conserving natural resources, across our portfolio.

Environmentally Sound Development

“Green” buildings are designed, constructed, and operated to provide greater environmental, economic, health and productivity performance than conventional buildings. As a developer, we participate in the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program. The LEED Green Building Rating System® is a voluntary, consensus-based national standard of design guidelines for high-performance, sustainable “Green” buildings. The USGBC’s LEED certification follows a rigorous registration process which evaluates and gives Certified, Silver, Gold, and Platinum ratings to green buildings.

We currently have LEED registered projects under development throughout our portfolio, including the following:

 

   

250 West 55th Street—This 1,000,000 square foot Class A office tower in New York, NY has been pre-certified with a Gold LEED rating.

 

   

Annapolis Junction—This 117,600 square foot Class A office property in Annapolis, MD has been pre-certified with a Gold LEED rating.

 

   

77 CityPoint—This 210,000 square foot Class A office property in Waltham, MA has been pre-certified with a Silver LEED rating.

We also have several other development projects that have been designed to achieve LEED certification. These include Russia Wharf, an 815,000 square foot office tower in Boston, MA, and 701 Carnegie Center, a 120,000 square foot office property in Princeton, NJ. We expect to apply for official LEED pre-certification of

 

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these projects in due course. In addition, we actively seek opportunities to achieve LEED ratings on commercial interiors as tenants build-out or renovate their space. We have numerous commercial interior projects either planned or currently under construction that have been designed to achieve LEED certification, and we have already completed various projects that either already received, or we expect will receive, LEED certifications, including our new headquarters in the Prudential Center in Boston.

Many of the local jurisdictions in which we operate and develop buildings are also making efforts to promote environmentally sound developments by adopting aspects of the LEED program. As a result, we intend to continue to be proactive in evaluating each new development to determine whether it is physically practical and economically feasible to produce a LEED certified building.

Competition

We compete in the leasing of office space with a considerable number of other real estate companies, some of which may have greater marketing and financial resources than are available to us. In addition, our hotel property competes for guests with other hotels, some of which may have greater marketing and financial resources than are available to us and to the manager of our one hotel, Marriott International, Inc.

Principal factors of competition in our primary business of owning, acquiring and developing office properties are the quality of properties, leasing terms (including rent and other charges and allowances for tenant improvements), attractiveness and convenience of location, the quality and breadth of tenant services provided, and reputation as an owner and operator of quality office properties in the relevant market. Additionally, our ability to compete depends upon, among other factors, trends of the national and local economies, investment alternatives, financial condition and operating results of current and prospective tenants, availability and cost of capital, construction and renovation costs, taxes, utilities, governmental regulations, legislation and population trends.

Our Hotel Property

We operate our hotel property through a taxable REIT subsidiary. The taxable REIT subsidiary, our wholly-owned subsidiary, is the lessee pursuant to leases for the hotel property. As lessor, we are entitled to a percentage of gross receipts from the hotel property. The hotel lease allows all the economic benefits of ownership to flow to us. Marriott International, Inc. continues to manage the hotel property under the Marriott name and under terms of the existing management agreements. Marriott has been engaged under a separate long-term incentive management agreement to operate and manage the hotel on behalf of the taxable REIT subsidiary. In connection with these arrangements, Marriott has agreed to operate and maintain our hotel in accordance with its system-wide standard for comparable hotels and to provide the hotel with the benefits of its central reservation system and other chain-wide programs and services. Under a management agreement for the hotel, Marriott acts as the taxable REIT subsidiary’s agent to supervise, direct and control the management and operation of the hotel and receives as compensation base management fees that are calculated as a percentage of the hotel’s gross revenues, and supplemental incentive fees if the hotel exceeds negotiated profitability breakpoints. In addition, the taxable REIT subsidiary compensates Marriott, on the basis of a formula applied to the hotel’s gross revenues, for certain system-wide services provided by Marriott, including central reservations, marketing and training. During 2007, 2006 and 2005, Marriott received an aggregate of approximately $3.2 million, $4.7 million and $4.2, respectively. For the years 2006 and 2005, these amounts include payments related to Long Wharf Marriott and Residence Inn by Marriott hotel properties, as applicable.

 

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Seasonality

Our hotel property traditionally has experienced significant seasonality in its operating income, with the percentage of net operating income by quarter over the year ended December 31, 2007 shown below.

 

First Quarter

  Second Quarter   Third Quarter   Fourth Quarter
7%   29%   24%   40%

Corporate Governance

Our sole general partner, Boston Properties, Inc., is currently managed by a nine member Board of Directors, which is divided into three classes (Class I, Class II and Class III). The Board of Directors of Boston Properties, Inc. is currently composed of three Class I directors (Mortimer B. Zuckerman, Carol B. Einiger and Richard E. Salomon), four Class II directors (Lawrence S. Bacow, Zoë Baird, Alan J. Patricof and Martin Turchin) and two Class III directors (Edward H. Linde and David A. Twardock). As a result of the resignation of William M. Daley in May 2007, there is currently a vacancy in Class III. The members of each class of the Board of Directors of Boston Properties, Inc. serve for staggered three-year terms, and the terms of the current Class I, Class II and Class III directors expire upon the election and qualification of directors at the annual meetings of stockholders of Boston Properties, Inc. held in 2010, 2008 and 2009, respectively. At each annual meeting of stockholders of Boston Properties, Inc., directors will be elected or re-elected for a full term of three years to succeed those directors whose terms are expiring.

Boston Properties, Inc.’s Board of Directors has Audit, Compensation and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committees. The membership of each of these committees is described below.

 

Name of Director

   Audit   Compensation   Nominating and
Corporate
Governance

Lawrence S. Bacow

   X    

Zoë Baird

     X   X*

Carol B. Einiger

   X    

Alan J. Patricof

   X*    

Richard E. Salomon

     X*  

David A. Twardock

     X   X

 

X=Committee member, *=Chair

 

   

The Board of Directors of Boston Properties, Inc. has adopted charters for each of its Audit, Compensation and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committees. The Audit and Compensation Committees are comprised of three (3) independent directors, while the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee is comprised of two (2) independent directors. A copy of each of these charters is available on Boston Properties, Inc.’s website at http://www.bostonproperties.com under the heading “Corporate Governance” and subheading “Committees and Charters.” A copy of each of these charters is also available in print upon written request addressed to Investor Relations, Boston Properties, Inc., The Prudential Center, 800 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02199.

 

   

The Board of Directors of Boston Properties, Inc. has adopted Corporate Governance Guidelines, a copy of which is available on Boston Properties, Inc.’s website at http://www.bostonproperties.com under the heading “Corporate Governance” and subheading “Governance Guidelines.” A copy of these guidelines is also available in print upon written request addressed to Investor Relations, Boston Properties, Inc., The Prudential Center, 800 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02199.

 

   

The Board of Directors of Boston Properties, Inc. has adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, which governs business decisions made and actions taken by the directors, officers and employees of

 

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Boston Properties, Inc. A copy of this code is available on Boston Properties, Inc.’s website at http://www.bostonproperties.com under the heading “Corporate Governance” and subheading “Code of Conduct and Ethics.” We intend to disclose on this website any amendment to, or waiver of, any provision of this Code applicable to the directors and executive officers of Boston Properties, Inc. that would otherwise be required to be disclosed under the rules of the SEC or the New York Stock Exchange. A copy of this Code is also available in print upon written request addressed to Investor Relations, Boston Properties, Inc., The Prudential Center, 800 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02199.

 

   

The Board of Directors of Boston Properties, Inc. has established an ethics reporting system that employees may use to anonymously report possible violations of the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, including concerns regarding questionable accounting, internal accounting controls or auditing matters, by telephone or over the internet.

 

   

On June 6, 2007, Edward H. Linde, Chief Executive Officer of Boston Properties, Inc., submitted to the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”) the Annual CEO Certification required by Section 303A of the Corporate Governance Rules of the NYSE certifying that he was not aware of any violation by Boston Properties, Inc. of NYSE corporate governance listing standards.

 

Item 1A. Risk Factors.

Set forth below are the risks that we believe are material to our investors. We refer to our common, preferred and LTIP units together as our “securities,” and the investors who own our securities as our “securityholders.” This section contains forward-looking statements. You should refer to the explanation of the qualifications and limitations on forward-looking statements beginning on page 40.

Our performance and value are subject to risks associated with our real estate assets and with the real estate industry.

Our economic performance and the value of our real estate assets, and consequently the value of our securities, are subject to the risk that if our office and hotel properties do not generate revenues sufficient to meet our operating expenses, including debt service and capital expenditures, our cash flow and ability to pay distributions to our securityholders will be adversely affected. The following factors, among others, may adversely affect the income generated by our office and hotel properties:

 

   

downturns in the national, regional and local economic conditions (particularly increases in unemployment);

 

   

competition from other office, hotel and commercial buildings;

 

   

local real estate market conditions, such as oversupply or reduction in demand for office, hotel or other commercial space;

 

   

changes in interest rates and availability of attractive financing;

 

   

vacancies, changes in market rental rates and the need to periodically repair, renovate and re-let space;

 

   

increased operating costs, including insurance expense, utilities, real estate taxes, state and local taxes and heightened security costs;

 

   

civil disturbances, earthquakes and other natural disasters, or terrorist acts or acts of war which may result in uninsured or underinsured losses;

 

   

significant expenditures associated with each investment, such as debt service payments, real estate taxes, insurance and maintenance costs which are generally not reduced when circumstances cause a reduction in revenues from a property;

 

   

declines in the financial condition of our tenants and our ability to collect rents from our tenants; and

 

   

decreases in the underlying value of our real estate.

 

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We are dependent upon the economic climates of our markets—Boston, Washington, D.C., midtown Manhattan, San Francisco and Princeton, NJ.

Substantially all of our revenue is derived from properties located in five markets: Boston, Washington, D.C., midtown Manhattan, San Francisco and Princeton, NJ. A downturn in the economies of these markets, or the impact that a downturn in the overall national economy may have upon these economies, could result in reduced demand for office space. Because our portfolio consists primarily of office buildings (as compared to a more diversified real estate portfolio), a decrease in demand for office space in turn could adversely affect our results of operations. Additionally, there are submarkets within our markets that are dependent upon a limited number of industries. For example, in our Washington, D.C. market we focus on leasing office properties to governmental agencies and contractors, as well as legal firms. In our midtown Manhattan market we have historically leased properties to financial, legal and other professional firms. A significant downturn in one or more of these sectors could adversely affect our results of operations.

Our investment in property development may be more costly than anticipated.

We intend to continue to develop and substantially renovate office properties. Our current and future development and construction activities may be exposed to the following risks:

 

   

we may be unable to proceed with the development of properties because we cannot obtain financing on favorable terms or at all;

 

   

we may incur construction costs for a development project which exceed our original estimates due to increases in interest rates and increased materials, labor, leasing or other costs, which could make completion of the project less profitable because market rents may not increase sufficiently to compensate for the increase in construction costs;

 

   

we may be unable to obtain, or face delays in obtaining, required zoning, land-use, building, occupancy, and other governmental permits and authorizations, which could result in increased costs and could require us to abandon our activities entirely with respect to a project;

 

   

we may abandon development opportunities after we begin to explore them and as a result we may lose deposits or fail to recover expenses already incurred;

 

   

we may expend funds on and devote management’s time to projects which we do not complete; and

 

   

we may be unable to complete construction and/or leasing of a property on schedule.

Investment returns from our developed properties may be lower than anticipated.

Our developed properties may be exposed to the following risks:

 

   

we may lease developed properties at rental rates that are less than the rates projected at the time we decide to undertake the development; and

 

   

occupancy rates and rents at newly developed properties may fluctuate depending on a number of factors, including market and economic conditions, and may result in our investments being less profitable than we expected or not profitable at all.

We face risks associated with the development of mixed-use commercial properties.

We may develop properties, either alone or through joint ventures with other persons, that are known as “mixed-use” developments. This means that in addition to the development of office space, the project may also include space for other commercial purposes. We have limited experience in developing and managing non-office and non-retail real estate. As a result, if a development project includes a non-office or non-retail use, we may seek to sell the rights to that component to a third-party developer with experience in that use or we may seek to partner with such a developer. If we are not able to sell the rights or partner with such a developer, or if we choose to develop the other component ourselves, we would be exposed not only to those risks typically

 

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associated with the development of commercial real estate generally, but also to specific risks associated with the development and ownership of non-office and non-retail real estate. In addition, even if we sell the rights to develop the other component or elect to participate in the development through a joint venture, we may be exposed to the risks associated with the failure of the other party to complete the development as expected. These include the risk that the other party would default on its obligations necessitating that we complete the other component ourselves (including providing any necessary financing).

We face risks associated with the use of debt to fund acquisitions and developments, including refinancing risk.

We are subject to the risks normally associated with debt financing, including the risk that our cash flow will be insufficient to meet required payments of principal and interest. We anticipate that only a small portion of the principal of our debt will be repaid prior to maturity. Therefore, we are likely to need to refinance at least a portion of our outstanding debt as it matures. There is a risk that we may not be able to refinance existing debt or that the terms of any refinancing will not be as favorable as the terms of our existing debt. If principal payments due at maturity cannot be refinanced, extended or repaid with proceeds from other sources, such as new equity capital, our cash flow may not be sufficient to repay all maturing debt in years when significant “balloon” payments come due. In addition, we may rely on debt to fund a portion of our new investments such as our acquisition and development activity. There is a risk that we may be unable to finance these activities on favorable terms or at all. This risk is currently heightened because the debt market is experiencing volatility, including reduced liquidity and increased credit risk premiums. These conditions, which increase the cost and reduce the availability of debt, may continue or worsen in the future.

We have agreements with a number of our limited partners who contributed properties in exchange for partnership interests that require us to maintain for specified periods of time secured debt on certain of our assets and/or allocate partnership debt to such limited partners to enable them to continue to defer recognition of their taxable gain with respect to the contributed property. These tax protection and debt allocation agreements may restrict our ability to repay or refinance debt.

An increase in interest rates would increase our interest costs on variable rate debt and could adversely impact our ability to refinance existing debt or sell assets.

As of February 22, 2008, we had approximately $142.3 million of indebtedness that bears interest at variable rates, and we may incur more of such indebtedness in the future. Approximately $96.7 million of this variable rate debt is fixed through an interest rate swap contract at 5.82% per annum through October 2008. If interest rates increase, then so will the interest costs on our unhedged variable rate debt, which could adversely affect our cash flow and our ability to pay principal and interest on our debt and our ability to make distributions to our securityholders. Further, rising interest rates could limit our ability to refinance existing debt when it matures. From time to time, we enter into interest rate swap agreements and other interest rate hedging contracts, including swaps, caps and floors. While these agreements are intended to lessen the impact of rising interest rates on us, they also expose us to the risk that the other parties to the agreements will not perform, we could incur significant costs associated with the settlement of the agreements, the agreements will be unenforceable and the underlying transactions will fail to qualify as highly-effective cash flow hedges under SFAS No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, as amended” (See Note 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements). In addition, an increase in interest rates could decrease the amount third-parties are willing to pay for our assets, thereby limiting our ability to change our portfolio promptly in response to changes in economic or other conditions.

Covenants in our debt agreements could adversely affect our financial condition.

The mortgages on our properties contain customary covenants such as those that limit our ability, without the prior consent of the lender, to further mortgage the applicable property or to discontinue insurance coverage. Our unsecured credit facility, unsecured debt securities and secured loans contain customary restrictions,

 

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requirements and other limitations on our ability to incur indebtedness, including total debt to asset ratios, secured debt to total asset ratios, debt service coverage ratios and minimum ratios of unencumbered assets to unsecured debt, which we must maintain. Our continued ability to borrow under our credit facilities is subject to compliance with our financial and other covenants. In addition, our failure to comply with such covenants could cause a default under the applicable debt agreement, and we may then be required to repay such debt with capital from other sources. Under those circumstances, other sources of capital may not be available to us, or be available only on unattractive terms. Additionally, in the future our ability to satisfy current or prospective lenders’ insurance requirements may be adversely affected if lenders generally insist upon greater insurance coverage against acts of terrorism or losses resulting from earthquakes than is available to us in the marketplace or on commercially reasonable terms.

We rely on debt financing, including borrowings under our unsecured credit facility, issuances of unsecured debt securities and debt secured by individual properties, to finance our acquisition and development activities and for working capital. If we are unable to obtain debt financing from these or other sources, or to refinance existing indebtedness upon maturity, our financial condition and results of operations would likely be adversely affected. If we breach covenants in our debt agreements, the lenders can declare a default and, if the debt is secured, can take possession of the property securing the defaulted loan. In addition, our unsecured debt agreements contain specific cross-default provisions with respect to specified other indebtedness, giving the unsecured lenders the right to declare a default if we are in default under other loans in some circumstances. Defaults under our debt agreements could materially and adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

Our degree of leverage could limit our ability to obtain additional financing or affect the market price of Boston Properties, Inc.’s common stock or debt securities.

On February 22, 2008, we had approximately $5.5 billion in total indebtedness outstanding on a consolidated basis (i.e., excluding unconsolidated joint venture debt). Debt to market capitalization ratio, which measures total debt as a percentage of the aggregate of total debt plus the market value of outstanding equity securities, is often used by analysts to gauge leverage for equity REITs such as Boston Properties, Inc. Our market value is calculated using the price per share of Boston Properties, Inc.’s common stock. Using the closing stock price of $88.06 per share of the common stock of Boston Properties, Inc. on February 22, 2008, multiplied by the sum of (1) the actual aggregate number of outstanding common partnership units (including common partnership units held by Boston Properties, Inc.), (2) the number of common partnership units available upon conversion of all outstanding preferred partnership units and (3) the number of common units issuable upon conversion of all outstanding LTIP units (other than LTIP units issued in the form of 2008 Outperformance Awards) assuming all conditions have been met for conversion of the LTIP units, our debt to total market capitalization ratio was approximately 31% as of February 22, 2008.

Our degree of leverage could affect our ability to obtain additional financing for working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions, development or other general corporate purposes. Our senior unsecured debt is currently rated investment grade by the three major rating agencies. However, there can be no assurance that we will be able to maintain this rating, and in the event our senior debt is downgraded from its current rating, we would likely incur higher borrowing costs and/or difficulty in obtaining additional financing. Our degree of leverage could also make us more vulnerable to a downturn in business or the economy generally. There is a risk that changes in our debt to market capitalization ratio, which is in part a function of the stock price of Boston Properties, Inc., or our ratio of indebtedness to other measures of asset value used by financial analysts may have an adverse effect on the value of our securities.

 

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We face risks associated with property acquisitions.

We have acquired in the past and intend to continue to pursue the acquisition of properties and portfolios of properties, including large portfolios that could increase our size and result in alterations to our capital structure. Our acquisition activities and their success are subject to the following risks:

 

   

even if we enter into an acquisition agreement for a property, we may be unable to complete that acquisition after making a non-refundable deposit and incurring certain other acquisition-related costs;

 

   

we may be unable to obtain financing for acquisitions on favorable terms or at all;

 

   

acquired properties may fail to perform as expected;

 

   

the actual costs of repositioning or redeveloping acquired properties may be greater than our estimates;

 

   

the acquisition agreement will likely contain conditions to closing, including completion of due diligence investigations to our satisfaction or other conditions that are not within our control, which may not be satisfied;

 

   

acquired properties may be located in new markets where we may face risks associated with a lack of market knowledge or understanding of the local economy, lack of business relationships in the area and unfamiliarity with local governmental and permitting procedures; and

 

   

we may be unable to quickly and efficiently integrate new acquisitions, particularly acquisitions of portfolios of properties, into our existing operations, and this could have an adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

We have acquired in the past and in the future may acquire properties or portfolios of properties through tax deferred contribution transactions in exchange for our partnership interests. This acquisition structure has the effect, among others, of reducing the amount of tax depreciation we can deduct over the tax life of the acquired properties, and typically requires that we agree to protect the contributors’ ability to defer recognition of taxable gain through restrictions on our ability to dispose of the acquired properties and/or the allocation of partnership debt to the contributors to maintain their tax bases. These restrictions could limit our ability to sell an asset at a time, or on terms, that would be favorable absent such restrictions.

Acquired properties may expose us to unknown liability.

We may acquire properties subject to liabilities and without any recourse, or with only limited recourse, against the prior owners or other third parties with respect to unknown liabilities. As a result, if a liability were asserted against us based upon ownership of those properties, we might have to pay substantial sums to settle or contest it, which could adversely affect our results of operations and cash flow. Unknown liabilities with respect to acquired properties might include:

 

   

liabilities for clean-up of undisclosed environmental contamination;

 

   

claims by tenants, vendors or other persons against the former owners of the properties;

 

   

liabilities incurred in the ordinary course of business; and

 

   

claims for indemnification by general partners, directors, officers and others indemnified by the former owners of the properties.

Competition for acquisitions may result in increased prices for properties.

We plan to continue to acquire properties as we are presented with attractive opportunities. We may face competition for acquisition opportunities with other investors, and this competition may adversely affect us by subjecting us to the following risks:

 

   

we may be unable to acquire a desired property because of competition from other well-capitalized real estate investors, including publicly traded and private REITs, institutional investment funds and other real estate investors; and

 

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even if we are able to acquire a desired property, competition from other real estate investors may significantly increase the purchase price.

Our use of joint ventures may limit our flexibility with jointly owned investments.

In appropriate circumstances, we intend to develop and acquire properties in joint ventures with other persons or entities when circumstances warrant the use of these structures. We currently have eight joint ventures that are not consolidated with our financial statements. Our share of the aggregate revenue of these joint ventures represented approximately 2.5% of our total revenue (the sum of our total consolidated revenue and our share of such joint venture revenue) for the year ended December 31, 2007. Our participation in joint ventures is subject to the risks that:

 

   

we could become engaged in a dispute with any of our joint venture partners that might affect our ability to develop or operate a property;

 

   

our joint venture partners may default on their obligations necessitating that we fulfill their obligation ourselves;

 

   

our joint venture partners may have different objectives than we have regarding the appropriate timing and terms of any sale or refinancing of properties; and

 

   

our joint venture partners may have competing interests in our markets that could create conflict of interest issues.

Our properties face significant competition.

We face significant competition from developers, owners and operators of office properties and other commercial real estate, including sublease space available from our tenants. Substantially all of our properties face competition from similar properties in the same market. This competition may affect our ability to attract and retain tenants and may reduce the rents we are able to charge. These competing properties may have vacancy rates higher than our properties, which may result in their owners being willing to lease available space at lower rates than the space in our properties.

We face potential difficulties or delays renewing leases or re-leasing space.

We derive most of our income from rent received from our tenants. If a tenant experiences a downturn in its business or other types of financial distress, it may be unable to make timely rental payments. Also, when our tenants decide not to renew their leases or terminate early, we may not be able to re-let the space. Even if tenants decide to renew or lease new space, the terms of renewals or new leases, including the cost of required renovations or concessions to tenants, may be less favorable to us than current lease terms. As a result, our cash flow could decrease and our ability to make distributions to our securityholders could be adversely affected.

We face potential adverse effects from major tenants’ bankruptcies or insolvencies.

The bankruptcy or insolvency of a major tenant may adversely affect the income produced by our properties. Our tenants could file for bankruptcy protection or become insolvent in the future. We cannot evict a tenant solely because of its bankruptcy. On the other hand, a bankrupt tenant may reject and terminate its lease with us. In such case, our claim against the bankrupt tenant for unpaid and future rent would be subject to a statutory cap that might be substantially less than the remaining rent actually owed under the lease, and, even so, our claim for unpaid rent would likely not be paid in full. This shortfall could adversely affect our cash flow and results of operations.

 

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We may have difficulty selling our properties, which may limit our flexibility.

Large and high-quality office and hotel properties like the ones that we own could be difficult to sell. This may limit our ability to change our portfolio promptly in response to changes in economic or other conditions. In addition, federal tax laws limit our ability to sell properties and this may affect our ability to sell properties without adversely affecting returns to our securityholders. These restrictions reduce our ability to respond to changes in the performance of our investments and could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

Our ability to dispose of some of our properties is constrained by their tax attributes. Properties which we developed and have owned for a significant period of time or which we acquired through tax deferred contribution transactions in exchange for our partnership interests often have low tax bases. If we dispose of these properties outright in taxable transactions, we may be required to distribute a significant amount of the taxable gain to our securityholders and to stockholders of Boston Properties, Inc. under the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code for REITs, which in turn would impact our cash flow and increase our leverage. In some cases, without incurring additional costs we may be restricted from disposing of properties contributed in exchange for our partnership interests under tax protection agreements with contributors. To dispose of low basis or tax-protected properties efficiently we from time to time use like-kind exchanges, which qualify for non-recognition of taxable gain, but can be difficult to consummate and result in the property for which the disposed assets are exchanged inheriting their low tax bases and other tax attributes (including tax protection covenants).

Because we own a hotel property, we face the risks associated with the hospitality industry.

Because the lease payments we receive under our hotel lease is based on a participation in the gross receipts of the hotel, if the hotel does not generate sufficient receipts, our cash flow would be decreased, which could reduce the amount of cash available for distribution to our securityholders. The following factors, among others, are common to the hotel industry, and may reduce the receipts generated by our hotel property:

 

   

our hotel property competes for guests with other hotels, a number of which have greater marketing and financial resources than our hotel-operating business partners;

 

   

if there is an increase in operating costs resulting from inflation and other factors, our hotel-operating business partners may not be able to offset such increase by increasing room rates;

 

   

our hotel property is subject to the fluctuating and seasonal demands of business travelers and tourism; and

 

   

our hotel property is subject to general and local economic and social conditions that may affect demand for travel in general, including war and terrorism.

In addition, because our hotel property is located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, it is subject to the Cambridge market’s fluctuations in demand, increases in operating costs and increased competition from additions in supply.

We face risks associated with short-term liquid investments.

We continue to have significant cash balances that we invest in a variety of short-term investments that are intended to preserve principal value and maintain a high degree of liquidity while providing current income. From time to time, these investments may include (either directly or indirectly):

 

   

direct obligations issued by the U.S. Treasury;

 

   

obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or its agencies;

 

   

taxable municipal securities;

 

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obligations (including certificates of deposit) of banks and thrifts;

 

   

commercial paper and other instruments consisting of short-term U.S. dollar denominated obligations issued by corporations and banks;

 

   

repurchase agreements collateralized by corporate and asset-backed obligations;

 

   

both registered and unregistered money market funds; and

 

   

other highly rated short-term securities.

Investments in these securities and funds are not insured against loss of principal. Under certain circumstances we may be required to redeem all or part of our investment, and our right to redeem some or all of our investment may be delayed or suspended. In addition, there is no guarantee that our investments in these securities or funds will be redeemable at par value. A decline in the value of our investment or a delay or suspension of our right to redeem may have a material adverse effect on our results of operations or financial condition.

Failure of Boston Properties, Inc. to qualify as a REIT would have a material adverse effect on BPLP.

We, in general, and the holders of our securities, in particular, must rely on Boston Properties, Inc., as our general partner, to manage our affairs and business. Boston Properties, Inc. is subject to certain risks that may affect its financial and other conditions, including particularly adverse consequences if it fails to qualify as a REIT for federal income tax purposes. While Boston Properties, Inc. intends to operate in a manner that will allow it to continue to qualify as a REIT, we cannot assure you that it will remain qualified as such in the future. This is because qualification as a REIT involves the application of highly technical and complex provisions of the Internal Revenue Code as to which there are only limited judicial and administrative interpretations, and involves the determination of facts and circumstances not entirely within our control. In addition, future legislation, new regulations, administrative interpretations or court decisions may significantly change the tax laws or the application of the tax laws with respect to qualification as a REIT for federal income tax purposes or the federal income tax consequences of such qualification. If Boston Properties, Inc. fails to qualify as a REIT, it will face serious tax consequences which will directly and adversely impact us and may substantially reduce the funds available for payment of distributions to our securityholders, and it will be barred from qualifying as a REIT for the four years following such failure.

In order to maintain the REIT status of our general partner, Boston Properties, Inc., we may be forced to borrow funds during unfavorable market conditions.

In order to maintain the REIT status of our general partner, Boston Properties, Inc., we may need to borrow funds on a short-term basis to meet the REIT distribution requirements, even if the then-prevailing market conditions are not favorable for these borrowings. To qualify as a REIT, Boston Properties, Inc. generally must distribute to its stockholders at least 90% of its net taxable income each year, excluding capital gains. In addition, Boston Properties, Inc. will be subject to a 4% nondeductible excise tax on the amount, if any, by which dividends paid by it in any calendar year are less than the sum of 85% of our ordinary income, 95% of its capital gain net income and 100% of its undistributed income from prior years. Boston Properties, Inc. may need short-term debt or long-term debt or proceeds from asset sales, creation of joint ventures or sales of common stock to fund required distributions as a result of differences in timing between the actual receipt of income and the recognition of income for federal income tax purposes, or the effect of non-deductible capital expenditures, the creation of reserves or required debt or amortization payments. The inability of our cash flows to cover our distribution requirements could have an adverse impact on our ability to raise short- and long-term debt or sell equity securities in order to fund distributions required to maintain Boston Properties, Inc.’s REIT status.

 

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Congress has introduced legislation that, if enacted, could cause Boston Properties Limited Partnership to be taxable as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes under the publicly traded partnership rules.

Legislation was recently introduced in Congress that would treat publicly traded partnerships as corporations for federal income tax purposes if the partnership directly or indirectly derives income from certain investment adviser or asset management services. Because certain of our activities could constitute investment adviser or asset management services as defined for these purposes, unless transfers of ownership of interests are limited in a manner that complies with certain regulatory safe harbors or another exception applies, it is possible that this legislation, if enacted, could cause us to be taxable as a corporation. Classification as a corporation would also cause Boston Properties, Inc. to fail to qualify as a REIT. Under a transitional rule contained in one version of the proposed legislation, we would be exempt from the new rules until the taxable year beginning January 1, 2013. An alternative proposal, however, would shorten the transition period to make the new law applicable to existing publicly-traded partnerships beginning January 1, 2008, and it is possible that any legislation ultimately enacted could be effective immediately, or possibly even retroactively.

Congress is also considering legislative proposals to treat all or part of certain income allocated to a partner by a partnership in respect of certain services provided to or for the benefit of the partnership (“carried interest revenue”) as ordinary income for U.S. federal income tax purposes. While the current legislative proposal provides that such income will nevertheless retain its original character for purposes of the REIT qualification tests, it is not clear what form any such final legislation would take. Furthermore, under the proposed legislation, carried interest revenue could be treated as non-qualifying income for purposes of the “qualifying income” exception to the publicly-traded partnership rules. If enacted, this could result in us being taxable as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes if the amount of any such carried interest revenue plus any other non-qualifying income earned exceeds 10% of our gross income in any taxable year.

Limits on changes in control of Boston Properties, Inc. may discourage takeover attempts beneficial to our securityholders.

Provisions in Boston Properties, Inc.’s certificate of incorporation and bylaws, its shareholder rights agreement and provisions in our agreement of limited partnership, as well as provisions of the Internal Revenue Code and Delaware corporate law, may:

 

   

delay or prevent a change of control over Boston Properties, Inc.or a tender offer, even if such action might be beneficial to our securityholders or the securityholders of Boston Properties, Inc.; and

 

   

limit our securityholders’ opportunity or the opportunity of securityholders of Boston Properties, Inc. to receive a potential premium for their units or shares of common stock over then-prevailing market prices.

Stock Ownership Limit

To facilitate the maintenance of Boston Properties, Inc.’s qualification as a REIT and to otherwise address concerns relating to concentration of capital stock ownership, its certificate of incorporation generally prohibits ownership, directly, indirectly or beneficially, by any single stockholder of more than 6.6% of the number of outstanding shares of any class or series of Boston Properties, Inc.’s common stock. We refer to this limitation as the “ownership limit.” The Board of Directors of Boston Properties, Inc. may waive, in its sole discretion, or modify the ownership limit with respect to one or more persons if it is satisfied that ownership in excess of this limit will not jeopardize Boston Properties, Inc.’s status as a REIT for federal income tax purposes. In addition, under Boston Properties, Inc.’s certificate of incorporation each of Mortimer B. Zuckerman and Edward H. Linde, along with their respective families and affiliates, as well as, in general, pension plans and mutual funds, may actually and beneficially own up to 15% of the number of outstanding shares of any class or series of Boston Properties, Inc.’s equity common stock. Shares of Boston Properties, Inc. owned in violation of the ownership limit will be subject to the loss of rights to distributions and voting and other penalties. The ownership limit may have the effect of inhibiting or impeding a change in control of Boston Properties, Inc.

 

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Agreement of Limited Partnership of BPLP

We have agreed in our agreement of limited partnership agreement that Boston Properties, Inc. will not engage in specified extraordinary transactions, including, among others, business combinations, unless limited partners other than Boston Properties, Inc. receive, or have the opportunity to receive, either (1) the same consideration for their partnership interests as holders of Boston Properties, Inc.’s common stock in the transaction or (2) limited partnership units that, among other things, would entitle the holders, upon redemption of these units, to receive shares of common equity of a publicly traded company or the same consideration as holders of Boston Properties, Inc. common stock received in the transaction. If these limited partners would not receive such consideration, we cannot engage in the transaction unless limited partners holding at least 75% of the common units of limited partnership interest, other than those held by Boston Properties, Inc. or its affiliates, consent to the transaction. In addition, we have agreed in our agreement of limited partnership that Boston Properties, Inc., as our general partner, will not complete specified extraordinary transactions, including among others, business combinations, in which we receive the approval of its common stockholders unless (1) limited partners holding at least 75% of the common units of limited partnership interest, other than those held by Boston Properties, Inc. or its affiliates, consent to the transaction or (2) our limited partners are also allowed to vote and the transaction would have been approved had these limited partners been able to vote as common stockholders on the transaction. Therefore, if Boston Properties, Inc.’s common stockholders approve a specified extraordinary transaction, the partnership agreement requires the following before we can complete the transaction:

 

   

our securityholders must vote on the matter;

 

   

Boston Properties, Inc. must vote its partnership interests in the same proportion as its stockholders voted on the transaction; and

 

   

the result of the vote of our securityholders must be such that had such vote been a vote of stockholders, the business combination would have been approved.

With respect to specified extraordinary transactions, Boston Properties, Inc., as our general partner, has agreed in our partnership agreement to use its commercially reasonable efforts to structure such a transaction to avoid causing our limited partners to recognize gain for federal income tax purposes by virtue of the occurrence of or their participation in such a transaction.

As a result of these provisions, a potential acquirer may be deterred from making an acquisition proposal, and Boston Properties, Inc. may be prohibited by contract from engaging in a proposed extraordinary transaction, including a proposed business combination, even though its stockholders approve of the transaction.

Shareholder Rights Plan

Boston Properties, Inc. has a shareholder rights plan. Under the terms of this plan, Boston Properties, Inc. can in effect prevent a person or group from acquiring more than 15% of the outstanding shares of its common stock because, unless it approves of the acquisition, after the person acquires more than 15% of the outstanding common stock of Boston Properties, Inc., all other stockholders will have the right to purchase securities from Boston Properties, Inc. at a price that is less than their then fair market value. This would substantially reduce the value and influence of the stock owned by the acquiring person. The Board of Directors of Boston Properties, Inc. can prevent the plan from operating by approving the transaction in advance, which gives Boston Properties, Inc. significant power to approve or disapprove of the efforts of a person or group to acquire a large interest in Boston Properties, Inc.

We may change our policies without obtaining the approval of our securityholders.

Our operating and financial policies, including our policies with respect to acquisitions of real estate, growth, operations, indebtedness, capitalization and distributions, are exclusively determined by our sole general partner, Boston Properties, Inc., acting through its Board of Directors. Accordingly, our securityholders do not control these policies.

 

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Our success depends on key personnel whose continued service is not guaranteed.

We depend on the efforts of key personnel, particularly Mortimer B. Zuckerman, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Boston Properties, Inc., Edward H. Linde, the Chief Executive Officer of Boston Properties, Inc., and Douglas T. Linde, the President of Boston Properties, Inc. Among the reasons that Messrs. Zuckerman, E. Linde and D. Linde are important to our success is that each has a national reputation, which attracts business and investment opportunities and assists us in negotiations with lenders. If we lost their services, our relationships with lenders, potential tenants and industry personnel could diminish. Mr. Zuckerman has substantial outside business interests that could interfere with his ability to devote his full time to our business and affairs.

The two Executive Vice Presidents and five Regional Managers of Boston Properties, Inc. also have strong reputations. Their reputations aid us in identifying opportunities, having opportunities brought to us, and negotiating with tenants and build-to-suit prospects. While we believe that we could find replacements for these key personnel, the loss of their services could materially and adversely affect our operations because of diminished relationships with lenders, prospective tenants and industry personnel.

Conflicts of interest exist with holders of our limited partnership interests.

Sales of properties and repayment of related indebtedness will have different effects on certain of our securityholders.

Some holders of our limited partnership interests, including Messrs. Zuckerman and E. Linde, would incur adverse tax consequences upon the sale of certain of our properties and on the repayment of related debt which differ from the tax consequences to us. Consequently, such holders of our limited partnership interests may have different objectives regarding the appropriate pricing and timing of any such sale or repayment of debt. While Boston Properties, Inc. has exclusive authority under our limited partnership agreement to determine when to refinance or repay debt or whether, when, and on what terms to sell a property, subject, in the case of certain properties, to the contractual commitments described below, any such decision would require the approval of the Board of Directors of Boston Properties, Inc. While the Board of Directors of Boston Properties, Inc. has a policy with respect to these matters, as directors and executive officers of Boston Properties, Inc., Messrs. Zuckerman and Linde could exercise their influence in a manner inconsistent with the interests of some of our stockholders, including in a manner which could prevent completion of a sale of a property or the repayment of indebtedness.

Agreement not to sell some properties.

We have entered into tax protection agreements with respect to some properties that we have acquired in exchange for partnership interests in BPLP. Pursuant to those agreements, we have agreed not to sell or otherwise transfer some of our properties, prior to specified dates, in any transaction that would trigger taxable income and we are responsible for the reimbursement of certain tax-related costs to the prior owners if the subject properties are sold in a taxable sale. In general, our obligations to the prior owners are limited in time and only apply to actual damages suffered. As of December 31, 2007, there were a total of 24 wholly-owned properties subject to these restrictions, and those properties are estimated to have accounted for approximately 34% of our total revenue for the year ended December 31, 2007.

We have also entered into agreements providing prior owners of properties with the right to guarantee specific amounts of indebtedness and, in the event that the specific indebtedness they guarantee is repaid or reduced, additional and/or substitute indebtedness. These agreements may hinder actions that we may otherwise desire to take to repay or refinance guaranteed indebtedness because we would be required to make payments to the beneficiaries of such agreements if we violate these agreements.

 

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Messrs. Zuckerman and E. Linde will continue to engage in other activities.

Messrs. Zuckerman and E. Linde have a broad and varied range of investment interests. Either one could acquire an interest in a company which is not currently involved in real estate investment activities but which may acquire real property in the future. However, pursuant to each of their employment agreements, Messrs. Zuckerman and E. Linde will not, in general, have management control over such companies and, therefore, they may not be able to prevent one or more of such companies from engaging in activities that are in competition with our activities.

Compliance or failure to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act or other safety regulations and requirements could result in substantial costs.

The Americans with Disabilities Act generally requires that public buildings, including office buildings and hotels, be made accessible to disabled persons. Noncompliance could result in the imposition of fines by the federal government or the award of damages to private litigants. If, under the Americans with Disabilities Act, we are required to make substantial alterations and capital expenditures in one or more of our properties, including the removal of access barriers, it could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations, as well as the amount of cash available for distribution to our securityholders.

Our properties are subject to various federal, state and local regulatory requirements, such as state and local fire and life safety requirements. If we fail to comply with these requirements, we could incur fines or private damage awards. We do not know whether existing requirements will change or whether compliance with future requirements will require significant unanticipated expenditures that will affect our cash flow and results of operations.

Some potential losses are not covered by insurance.

We carry insurance coverage on our properties of types and in amounts and with deductibles that we believe are in line with coverage customarily obtained by owners of similar properties. In response to the uncertainty in the insurance market following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, the Federal Terrorism Risk Insurance Act (as amended, “TRIA”) was enacted in November 2002 to require regulated insurers to make available coverage for certified acts of terrorism (as defined by the statute). The expiration date of TRIA was extended to December 31, 2014 by the Terrorism Risk Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2007 (“TRIPRA”). Prior to TRIPRA, only acts of foreign terrorism could be “certified” for coverage under TRIA. Under TRIPRA, acts of both foreign and domestic terrorism can be “certified” for coverage under TRIA. Currently, the Company’s property insurance program per occurrence limits are $900 million, including coverage for foreign acts of terrorism “certified” under TRIA and coverage for domestic acts of terrorism up to $500 million per occurrence, and an additional $400 million of coverage for domestic acts of terrorism on a per occurrence and annual aggregate basis. Currently, we also carry nuclear, biological, chemical and radiological terrorism insurance coverage (“NBCR Coverage”) for foreign acts of terrorism “certified” under TRIA, which is provided by IXP, LLC as a direct insurer, excluding our Value-Added Fund properties. The per occurrence limit for NBCR Coverage is $900 million. Under TRIA, after the payment of the required deductible and coinsurance, the NBCR Coverage is backstopped by the Federal Government if the aggregate industry insured losses resulting from a certified act of terrorism exceed a “program trigger.” The program trigger is $100 million and the coinsurance is 10%. Under TRIPRA, if the Federal Government pays out for a loss under TRIA, it is mandatory that the Federal Government recoup the full amount of the loss from insurers offering TRIA coverage after the payment of the loss pursuant to a formula in TRIPRA. We may elect to terminate the NBCR Coverage if the Federal Government seeks recoupment for losses paid under TRIA, if there is a change in our portfolio or for any other reason. We intend to continue to monitor the scope, nature and cost of available terrorism insurance and maintain insurance in amounts and on terms that are commercially reasonable.

We also currently carry earthquake insurance on our properties located in areas known to be subject to earthquakes in an amount and subject to self-insurance that we believe are commercially reasonable. In addition, this insurance is subject to a deductible in the amount of 5% of the value of the affected property. Specifically,

 

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we currently carry earthquake insurance which covers our San Francisco region with a $120 million per occurrence limit and a $120 million annual aggregate limit, $20 million of which is provided by IXP, LLC, as a direct insurer. The amount of our earthquake insurance coverage may not be sufficient to cover losses from earthquakes. In addition, the amount of earthquake coverage could impact our ability to finance properties subject to earthquake risk. We may discontinue earthquake insurance on some or all of our properties in the future if the premiums exceed our estimation of the value of the coverage.

In January 2002, we formed a wholly-owned taxable REIT subsidiary, IXP, Inc., to act as a captive insurance company and be one of the elements of our overall insurance program. On September 27, 2006, IXP, Inc. was merged into IXP, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary, and all insurance policies issued by IXP, Inc. were cancelled and reissued by IXP, LLC. The term “IXP” refers to IXP, Inc. for the period prior to September 27, 2006 and to IXP, LLC for the period on and subsequent to September 27, 2006. IXP acts as a direct insurer with respect to a portion of our earthquake insurance coverage for our Greater San Francisco properties and our NBCR Coverage for foreign acts of terrorism “certified” under TRIA. Insofar as we own IXP, we are responsible for its liquidity and capital resources, and the accounts of IXP are part of our consolidated financial statements. In particular, if a loss occurs which is covered by our NBCR Coverage but is less than the applicable program trigger under TRIA, IXP would be responsible for the full amount of the loss without any backstop by the Federal Government. IXP would also be responsible for any recoupment charges by the Federal Government in the event losses are paid out under TRIA and if IXP maintains the NBCR policy after the payout by the Federal Government. If we experience a loss and IXP is required to pay under its insurance policy, we would ultimately record the loss to the extent of IXP’s required payment. Therefore, insurance coverage provided by IXP should not be considered as the equivalent of third-party insurance, but rather as a modified form of self-insurance.

We continue to monitor the state of the insurance market in general, and the scope and costs of coverage for acts of terrorism in particular, but we cannot anticipate what coverage will be available on commercially reasonable terms in future policy years. There are other types of losses, such as from wars or the presence of mold at our properties, for which we cannot obtain insurance at all or at a reasonable cost. With respect to such losses and losses from acts of terrorism, earthquakes or other catastrophic events, if we experience a loss that is uninsured or that exceeds policy limits, we could lose the capital invested in the damaged properties, as well as the anticipated future revenues from those properties. Depending on the specific circumstances of each affected property, it is possible that we could be liable for mortgage indebtedness or other obligations related to the property. Any such loss could materially and adversely affect our business and financial condition and results of operations.

Actual or threatened terrorist attacks may adversely affect our ability to generate revenues and the value of our properties.

We have significant investments in large metropolitan markets that have been or may be in the future the targets of actual or threatened terrorism attacks, including midtown Manhattan, Washington, D.C., Boston and San Francisco. As a result, some tenants in these markets may choose to relocate their businesses to other markets or to lower-profile office buildings within these markets that may be perceived to be less likely targets of future terrorist activity. This could result in an overall decrease in the demand for office space in these markets generally or in our properties in particular, which could increase vacancies in our properties or necessitate that we lease our properties on less favorable terms or both. In addition, future terrorist attacks in these markets could directly or indirectly damage our properties, both physically and financially, or cause losses that materially exceed our insurance coverage. As a result of the foregoing, our ability to generate revenues and the value of our properties could decline materially. See also “—Some potential losses are not covered by insurance.

We face risks associated with our tenants being designated “Prohibited Persons” by the Office of Foreign Assets Control.

Pursuant to Executive Order 13224 and other laws, the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the United States Department of the Treasury (“OFAC”) maintains a list of persons designated as terrorists or who are otherwise blocked or banned (“Prohibited Persons”). OFAC regulations and other laws prohibit conducting business or

 

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engaging in transactions with Prohibited Persons (the “OFAC Requirements”). Certain of our loan and other agreements require us to comply with OFAC Requirements. We have established a compliance program whereby tenants and others with whom we conduct business are checked against the OFAC list of Prohibited Persons prior to entering into any agreement and on a periodic basis thereafter. Our leases and other agreements require the other party to comply with OFAC Requirements. If a tenant or other party with whom we contract is placed on the OFAC list we may be required by the OFAC Requirements to terminate the lease or other agreement. Any such termination could result in a loss of revenue or a damage claim by the other party that the termination was wrongful.

Potential liability for environmental contamination could result in substantial costs.

Under federal, state and local environmental laws, ordinances and regulations, we may be required to investigate and clean up the effects of releases of hazardous or toxic substances or petroleum products at our properties simply because of our current or past ownership or operation of the real estate. If unidentified environmental problems arise, we may have to make substantial payments, which could adversely affect our cash flow and our ability to make distributions to our securityholders, because:

 

   

as owner or operator we may have to pay for property damage and for investigation and clean-up costs incurred in connection with the contamination;

 

   

the law typically imposes clean-up responsibility and liability regardless of whether the owner or operator knew of or caused the contamination;

 

   

even if more than one person may be responsible for the contamination, each person who shares legal liability under the environmental laws may be held responsible for all of the clean-up costs; and

 

   

governmental entities and third parties may sue the owner or operator of a contaminated site for damages and costs.

These costs could be substantial and in extreme cases could exceed the amount of our insurance or the value of the contaminated property. We currently carry environmental insurance in an amount and subject to deductibles that we believe are commercially reasonable. Specifically, we carry a pollution legal liability policy with a $10 million limit per incident and a policy aggregate limit of $25 million. The presence of hazardous or toxic substances or petroleum products or the failure to properly remediate contamination may materially and adversely affect our ability to borrow against, sell or rent an affected property. In addition, applicable environmental laws create liens on contaminated sites in favor of the government for damages and costs it incurs in connection with a contamination. Changes in laws increasing the potential liability for environmental conditions existing at our properties, or increasing the restrictions on the handling, storage or discharge of hazardous or toxic substances or petroleum products or other actions may result in significant unanticipated expenditures.

Environmental laws also govern the presence, maintenance and removal of asbestos. Such laws require that owners or operators of buildings containing asbestos:

 

   

properly manage and maintain the asbestos;

 

   

notify and train those who may come into contact with asbestos; and

 

   

undertake special precautions, including removal or other abatement, if asbestos would be disturbed during renovation or demolition of a building.

Such laws may impose fines and penalties on building owners or operators who fail to comply with these requirements and may allow third parties to seek recovery from owners or operators for personal injury associated with exposure to asbestos fibers.

Some of our properties are located in urban and previously developed areas where fill or current or historic industrial uses of the areas have caused site contamination. It is our policy to retain independent environmental consultants to conduct Phase I environmental site assessments and asbestos surveys with respect to our

 

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acquisition of properties. These assessments generally include a visual inspection of the properties and the surrounding areas, an examination of current and historical uses of the properties and the surrounding areas and a review of relevant state, federal and historical documents, but do not involve invasive techniques such as soil and ground water sampling. Where appropriate, on a property-by-property basis, our practice is to have these consultants conduct additional testing, including sampling for asbestos, for lead in drinking water, for soil contamination where underground storage tanks are or were located or where other past site usage creates a potential environmental problem, and for contamination in groundwater. Even though these environmental assessments are conducted, there is still the risk that:

 

   

the environmental assessments and updates did not identify all potential environmental liabilities;

 

   

a prior owner created a material environmental condition that is not known to us or the independent consultants preparing the assessments;

 

   

new environmental liabilities have developed since the environmental assessments were conducted; and

 

   

future uses or conditions such as changes in applicable environmental laws and regulations could result in environmental liability for us.

Inquiries about indoor air quality may necessitate special investigation and, depending on the results, remediation beyond our regular indoor air quality testing and maintenance programs. Indoor air quality issues can stem from inadequate ventilation, chemical contaminants from indoor or outdoor sources, and biological contaminants such as molds, pollen, viruses and bacteria. Indoor exposure to chemical or biological contaminants above certain levels can be alleged to be connected to allergic reactions or other health effects and symptoms in susceptible individuals. If these conditions were to occur at one of our properties, we may need to undertake a targeted remediation program, including without limitation, steps to increase indoor ventilation rates and eliminate sources of contaminants. Such remediation programs could be costly, necessitate the temporary relocation of some or all of the property’s tenants or require rehabilitation of the affected property.

We did not obtain new owner’s title insurance policies in connection with properties acquired during Boston Properties, Inc.’s initial public offering.

We acquired many of our properties from our predecessors at the completion of Boston Properties, Inc.’s initial public offering in June 1997. Before we acquired these properties, each of them was insured by a title insurance policy. We did not obtain new owner’s title insurance policies in connection with the acquisition of these properties. However, to the extent we have financed properties after acquiring them in connection with the initial public offering, we have obtained new title insurance policies, however, the amount of these policies may be less than the current or future value of the applicable properties. Nevertheless, because in many instances we acquired these properties indirectly by acquiring ownership of the entity that owned the property and those owners remain in existence as our subsidiaries, some of these title insurance policies may continue to benefit us. Many of these title insurance policies may be for amounts less than the current or future values of the applicable properties. If there was a title defect related to any of these properties, or to any of the properties acquired at the time of the initial public offering of Boston Properties, Inc., that is no longer covered by a title insurance policy, we could lose both our capital invested in and our anticipated profits from such property. We have obtained title insurance policies for all properties that we have acquired after the initial public offering of Boston Properties, Inc., however, these policies may be for amounts less than the current or future values of the applicable properties.

Because of the ownership structure of our hotel property, we face potential adverse effects from changes to the applicable tax laws.

We own one hotel property. However, under the Internal Revenue Code, REITs like Boston Properties, Inc. are not allowed to operate hotels directly or indirectly. Accordingly, we lease our hotel property to one of our taxable REIT subsidiaries. As lessor, we are entitled to a percentage of the gross receipts from the operation of the hotel property. Marriott International, Inc. manages the hotel under the Marriott name pursuant to a

 

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management contract with the taxable REIT subsidiary as lessee. While the taxable REIT subsidiary structure allows the economic benefits of ownership to flow to us, the taxable REIT subsidiary is subject to tax on its income from the operations of the hotel at the federal and state level. In addition, the taxable REIT subsidiary is subject to detailed tax regulations that affect how it may be capitalized and operated. If the tax laws applicable to taxable REIT subsidiaries are modified, we may be forced to modify the structure for owning our hotel property, and such changes may adversely affect the cash flows from our hotel. In addition, the Internal Revenue Service, the United States Treasury Department and Congress frequently review federal income tax legislation, and we cannot predict whether, when or to what extent new federal tax laws, regulations, interpretations or rulings will be adopted. Any of such actions may prospectively or retroactively modify the tax treatment of the taxable REIT subsidiary and, therefore, may adversely affect our after-tax returns from our hotel property.

We face possible adverse changes in tax laws.

From time to time changes in state and local tax laws or regulations are enacted, which may result in an increase in our tax liability. A shortfall in tax revenues for states and municipalities in which we operate may lead to an increase in the frequency and size of such changes. If such changes occur, we may be required to pay additional taxes on our assets or income. These increased tax costs could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations and our ability to make distributions to our security holders.

We face possible state and local tax audits.

Because Boston Properties, Inc. is organized and qualifies as a REIT, it is generally not subject to federal income taxes, but is subject to certain state and local taxes. In the normal course of business, certain entities through which we own real estate either have undergone, or are currently undergoing, tax audits. Although we believe that we have substantial arguments in favor of our positions in the ongoing audits, in some instances there is no controlling precedent or interpretive guidance on the specific point at issue. Collectively, tax deficiency notices received to date from the jurisdictions conducting the ongoing audits have not been material. However, there can be no assurance that future audits will not occur with increased frequency or that the ultimate result of such audits will not have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.

 

Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments.

None.

 

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Item 2. Properties

At December 31, 2007, our portfolio consisted of 139 properties totaling 43.8 million net rentable square feet. Our properties consisted of (1) 135 office properties, comprised of 102 Class A office buildings, including 13 properties under construction, and 20 properties that support both office and technical uses, (2) three retail properties and (3) one hotel. In addition, we own or control 605.2 acres of land for future development. The table set forth below shows information relating to the properties we owned, or in which we had an ownership interest, at December 31, 2007. On January 7, 2008, we transferred the Mountain View properties to the Value-Added Fund. For the year ended December 31, 2007, the financial results of these properties are included in our consolidated financial results, but not included in any of our portfolio information tables or any other portfolio level statistics. Information relating to properties owned by the Value-Added Fund is not included in our portfolio information tables or any other portfolio level statistics because the Value-Added Fund invests in assets within our existing markets that have deficiencies in property characteristics which provide an opportunity to create value through repositioning, refurbishment or renovation. We therefore believe including such information in our portfolio tables and statistics would render the portfolio information less useful to investors. Information relating to the Value-Added Fund is set forth below separately.

 

Properties

  

Location

   % Leased     Number of
Buildings
   Net Rentable
Square Feet

Class A Office

          

399 Park Avenue

   New York, NY    100.0 %   1    1,697,662

Citigroup Center

   New York, NY    99.9 %   1    1,561,486

Times Square Tower

   New York, NY    100.0 %   1    1,238,787

800 Boylston Street—The Prudential Center

   Boston, MA    97.9 %   1    1,190,403

599 Lexington Avenue

   New York, NY    97.6 %   1    1,028,137

Embarcadero Center Four

   San Francisco, CA    93.5 %   1    936,477

111 Huntington Avenue—The Prudential Center

   Boston, MA    99.0 %   1    859,053

Embarcadero Center One

   San Francisco, CA    87.1 %   1    826,901

Embarcadero Center Two

   San Francisco, CA    82.0 %   1    778,737

Embarcadero Center Three

   San Francisco, CA    93.2 %   1    768,124

Capital Gallery

   Washington, DC    94.1 %   1    617,662

Metropolitan Square (51% ownership)

   Washington, DC    100.0 %   1    586,887

3200 Zanker Road

   San Jose, CA    100.0 %   4    543,900

901 New York Avenue (25% ownership)

   Washington, DC    99.4 %   1    539,229

Reservoir Place

   Waltham, MA    87.6 %   1    527,001

601 and 651 Gateway

   San Francisco, CA    99.0 %   2    506,028

101 Huntington Avenue—The Prudential Center

   Boston, MA    100.0 %   1    505,939

Two Freedom Square

   Reston, VA    100.0 %   1    421,676

One Freedom Square

   Reston, VA    100.0 %   1    414,207

One Tower Center

   East Brunswick, NJ    45.4 %   1    412,706

Market Square North (50% ownership)

   Washington, DC    100.0 %   1    401,279

140 Kendrick Street

   Needham, MA    100.0 %   3    380,987

One and Two Discovery Square

   Reston, VA    100.0 %   2    366,990

1333 New Hampshire Avenue

   Washington, DC    100.0 %   1    315,371

One Reston Overlook

   Reston, VA    100.0 %   1    312,685

Waltham Weston Corporate Center

   Waltham, MA    98.1 %   1    306,789

230 CityPoint (formerly Prospect Place)

   Waltham, MA    81.4 %   1    297,695

12310 Sunrise Valley

   Reston, VA    100.0 %   1    263,870

Reston Corporate Center

   Reston, VA    100.0 %   2    261,046

Quorum Office Park

   Chelmsford, MA    100.0 %   2    259,918

 

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Table of Contents

Properties

  

Location

   % Leased     Number of
Buildings
   Net Rentable
Square Feet

New Dominion Technology Park—Building Two

   Herndon, VA    100.0 %   1    257,400

611 Gateway

   San Francisco, CA    100.0 %   1    256,302

12300 Sunrise Valley

   Reston, VA    100.0 %   1    255,244

1330 Connecticut Avenue

   Washington, DC    100.0 %   1    252,136

500 E Street, S. W.

   Washington, DC    100.0 %   1    248,336

200 West Street

   Waltham, MA    100.0 %   1    248,311

Five Cambridge Center

   Cambridge, MA    99.3 %   1    240,480

New Dominion Technology Park—Building One

   Herndon, VA    100.0 %   1    235,201

510 Carnegie Center

   Princeton, NJ    100.0 %   1    234,160

One Cambridge Center

   Cambridge, MA    98.4 %   1    215,385

Sumner Square

   Washington, DC    99.8 %   1    208,665

Four Cambridge Center

   Cambridge, MA    94.6 %   1    198,295

University Place

   Cambridge, MA    100.0 %   1    195,282

North First Business Park (1)

   San Jose, CA    66.3 %   5    190,636

1301 New York Avenue

   Washington, DC    100.0 %   1    188,358

12290 Sunrise Valley

   Reston, VA    100.0 %   1    182,424

2600 Tower Oaks Boulevard

   Rockville, MD    100.0 %   1    178,887

Eight Cambridge Center

   Cambridge, MA    100.0 %   1    177,226

Lexington Office Park

   Lexington, MA    99.5 %   2    166,689

210 Carnegie Center

   Princeton, NJ    89.4 %   1    161,776

206 Carnegie Center

   Princeton, NJ    100.0 %   1    161,763

191 Spring Street

   Lexington, MA    100.0 %   1    158,900

303 Almaden

   San Jose, CA    93.3 %   1    157,537

Kingstowne Two

   Alexandria, VA    98.2 %   1    156,251

10 & 20 Burlington Mall Road

   Burlington, MA    92.9 %   2    153,280

Ten Cambridge Center

   Cambridge, MA    100.0 %   1    152,664

Kingstowne One

   Alexandria, VA    100.0 %   1    150,838

214 Carnegie Center

   Princeton, NJ    78.0 %   1    150,774

212 Carnegie Center

   Princeton, NJ    97.3 %   1    149,398

506 Carnegie Center

   Princeton, NJ    100.0 %   1    136,213

Two Reston Overlook

   Reston, VA    100.0 %   1    134,615

508 Carnegie Center

   Princeton, NJ    81.5 %   1    132,653

202 Carnegie Center

   Princeton, NJ    83.2 %   1    130,582

Waltham Office Center (1)

   Waltham, MA    73.8 %   3    129,041

101 Carnegie Center

   Princeton, NJ    100.0 %   1    123,659

Montvale Center

   Gaithersburg, MD    81.8 %   1    122,866

504 Carnegie Center

   Princeton, NJ    100.0 %   1    121,990

91 Hartwell Avenue

   Lexington, MA    100.0 %   1    121,425

40 Shattuck Road

   Andover, MA    95.6 %   1    120,000

502 Carnegie Center

   Princeton NJ    94.7 %   1    116,855

Three Cambridge Center

   Cambridge, MA    100.0 %   1    108,152

201 Spring Street

   Lexington, MA    100.0 %   1    106,300

104 Carnegie Center

   Princeton, NJ    91.0 %   1    102,827

Bedford Business Park

   Bedford, MA    28.9 %   1    92,207

33 Hayden Avenue

   Lexington, MA    100.0 %   1    80,128

Eleven Cambridge Center

   Cambridge, MA    100.0 %   1    79,616

Reservoir Place North

   Waltham, MA    100.0 %   1    73,258

105 Carnegie Center

   Princeton, NJ    46.9 %   1    70,029

 

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Table of Contents

Properties

  

Location

   % Leased     Number of
Buildings
   Net Rentable
Square Feet

32 Hartwell Avenue

   Lexington, MA    100.0 %   1    69,154

302 Carnegie Center

   Princeton, NJ    85.4 %   1    64,726

195 West Street

   Waltham, MA    100.0 %   1    63,500

100 Hayden Avenue

   Lexington, MA    0.0 %   1    55,924

181 Spring Street

   Lexington, MA    100.0 %   1    55,793

211 Carnegie Center

   Princeton, NJ    100.0 %   1    47,025

92 Hayden Avenue

   Lexington, MA    100.0 %   1    31,100

201 Carnegie Center

   Princeton, NJ    100.0 %   —      6,500
                  

Subtotal for Class A Office Properties

      95.4 %   102    27,306,368
                  

Retail

          

Shops at The Prudential Center

   Boston, MA    97.5 %   1    502,430

Kingstowne Retail

   Alexandria, VA    94.3 %   1    88,288

Shaws Supermarket at The Prudential Center

   Boston, MA    100.0 %   1    57,235
                  

Subtotal for Retail Properties

      97.3 %   3    647,953
                  

Office/Technical Properties

          

Bedford Business Park

   Bedford, MA    62.7 %   2    379,057

Seven Cambridge Center

   Cambridge, MA    100.0 %   1    231,028

7601 Boston Boulevard

   Springfield, VA    100.0 %   1    103,750

7435 Boston Boulevard

   Springfield, VA    100.0 %   1    103,557

8000 Grainger Court

   Springfield, VA    100.0 %   1    88,775

7500 Boston Boulevard

   Springfield, VA    100.0 %   1    79,971

7501 Boston Boulevard

   Springfield, VA    100.0 %   1    75,756

6605 Springfield Center Drive (1)

   Springfield, VA    100.0 %   1    71,000

Fourteen Cambridge Center

   Cambridge, MA    100.0 %   1    67,362

164 Lexington Road

   Billerica, MA    0.0 %   1    64,140

103 Fourth Avenue (1)

   Waltham, MA    58.5 %   1    62,476

7450 Boston Boulevard

   Springfield, VA    100.0 %   1    62,402

7374 Boston Boulevard

   Springfield, VA    100.0 %   1    57,321

8000 Corporate Court

   Springfield, VA    100.0 %   1    52,539

7451 Boston Boulevard

   Springfield, VA    100.0 %   1    47,001

7300 Boston Boulevard

   Springfield, VA    100.0 %   1    32,000

17 Hartwell Avenue

   Lexington, MA    100.0 %   1    30,000

7375 Boston Boulevard

   Springfield, VA    100.0 %   1    26,865

6601 Springfield Center Drive (1)

   Springfield, VA    100.0 %   1    26,388
                  

Subtotal for Office/Technical Properties

      86.1 %   20    1,661,388
                  

Hotel Property

          

Cambridge Center Marriott

   Cambridge, MA    80.0 %(2)   1    330,400
                  

Subtotal for Hotel Property

      80.0 %   1    330,400
                  

Structured Parking

      n/a     —      9,931,853
                  

Subtotal for In-Service Properties

      94.9 %   126    39,877,962
                  

 

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Table of Contents

Properties

 

Location

  % Leased     Number of
Buildings
  Net Rentable
Square Feet

Properties Under Construction

       

250 West 55th

  New York, NY   22 %(3)   1   1,000,000

Russia Wharf

  Boston, MA   0 %(3)   2   815,000

South of Market (Phase I)

  Reston, VA   72 %(3)   3   652,000

505 9th Street (50% ownership) (4)

  Washington, D.C.   100 %(3)   1   323,000

Wisconsin Place (66.67% ownership)

  Chevy Chase, MD   55 %(3)   1   290,000

South of Market (Phase II)

  Reston, VA   77 %(3)   1   225,000

77 CityPoint (formerly 77 Fourth Avenue)

  Waltham, MA   100 %(3)   1   210,000

One Preserve Parkway

  Rockville, MD   20 %(3)   1   183,000

701 Carnegie Center

  Princeton, NJ   100 %(3)   1   120,000

Annapolis Junction (50% ownership)

  Annapolis, MD   0 %(3)   1   117,600
               

Subtotal for Properties Under Construction

    43.5 %   13   3,935,600
               

Total Portfolio

      139   43,813,562
           

Properties Held for Sale at December 31, 2007

       

Mountain View Research Park

  Mountain View, CA   66.4 %   16   600,989

Mountain View Technology Park

  Mountain View, CA   100.0 %   7   135,279
               

Total Properties Held for Sale

    72.6 %   23   736,268
               

 

(1) Property held for redevelopment as of December 31, 2007.
(2) Represents the weighted-average room occupancy for the year ended December 31, 2007. Note that this amount is not included in the calculation of the Total Portfolio occupancy rate for In-Service Properties as of December 31, 2007.
(3) Represents percentage leased as of February 22, 2008.
(4) Property was partially placed in-service on October 1, 2007.

On January 7, 2008, we transferred the Mountain View properties to the Value-Added Fund. For the year ended December 31, 2007, the financial results of these properties are included in our consolidated financial results, but not included in any of our portfolio information tables or any other portfolio level statistics. The following table shows information relating to properties owned through the Value-Added Fund at December 31, 2007:

 

Property

  

Location

   % Leased     Number of
Buildings
   Net Rentable
Square Feet

One and Two Circle Star Way

   San Carlos, CA    87.8 %       2    205,994

300 Billerica Road

   Chelmsford, MA    100.0 %   1    110,882
                  

Total Value-Added Fund

      92.1 %   3    316,876
                  

 

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Table of Contents

Top 20 Tenants by Square Feet

 

     

Tenant

   Square Feet     % of In-Service
Portfolio
 
1   

US Government

   1,657,173 (1)   5.60 %
2   

Lockheed Martin

   1,292,429     4.37 %
3   

Citibank NA

   1,061,701     3.59 %
4   

Genentech

   553,799     1.87 %
5   

Gillette

   484,051     1.63 %
6   

Kirkland & Ellis

   473,161 (2)   1.60 %
7   

Shearman & Sterling

   472,808     1.60 %
8   

Lehman Brothers

   436,723     1.48 %
9   

Parametric Technology

   380,987     1.29 %
10   

Accenture

   378,867     1.28 %
11   

Finnegan Henderson Farabow

   349,146 (3)   1.18 %
12   

Ann Taylor

   338,942     1.14 %
13   

Washington Group International

   332,815     1.12 %
14   

O’Melveny & Myers

   332,467     1.12 %
15   

Northrop Grumman

   327,677     1.11 %
16   

Biogen Idec

   317,904     1.07 %
17   

MIT

   301,591     1.02 %
18   

Bingham McCutchen

   291,415     0.98 %
19   

Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld

   290,132     0.98 %
20   

Bain Capital

   270,789     0.91 %
  

Total % of Portfolio Square Feet

     34.94 %

 

(1) Includes 96,666 square feet of space in properties in which Boston Properties has a 51% and 50% interest.
(2) Includes 218,134 square feet of space in a property in which Boston Properties has a 51% interest.
(3) Includes 251,941 square feet of space in a property in which Boston Properties has a 25% interest.

Lease Expirations

 

  Year of

    Lease

Expiration

   Rentable
Square Feet
Subject to
Expiring
Leases
   Current
Annualized(1)
Contractual
Rent Under
Expiring

Leases
   Current
Annualized(1)
Contractual
Rent Under
Expiring

Leases p.s.f.
   Current
Annualized
Contractual Rent

Under Expiring
Leases With
Future
Step-ups(2)
   Current
Annualized
Contractual Rent
Under Expiring
Leases With
Future Step-ups
p.s.f.(2)
   Percentage
of Total
Square Feet
 

2008

   1,638,891    $ 63,033,630    $ 38.46    $ 63,426,621    $ 38.70    5.5 %

2009

   2,285,825      88,660,432      38.79      90,125,697      39.43    7.7 %

2010

   2,734,234      96,552,833      35.31      99,972,476      36.56    9.2 %

2011

   2,914,090      129,659,642      44.49      134,292,687      46.08    9.8 %

2012

   2,690,195      115,094,794      42.78      120,240,023      44.70    9.1 %

2013

   822,886      35,587,722      43.25      41,800,104      50.80    2.8 %

2014

   2,437,871      86,627,809      35.53      94,457,041      38.75    8.2 %

2015

   1,451,979      61,968,912      42.68      69,894,854      48.20    4.9 %

2016

   2,657,592      155,150,207      58.38      168,301,232      63.33    9.0 %

2017

   2,634,128      162,474,678      61.68      176,819,646      67.13    8.9 %

Thereafter

   5,591,320      275,974,392      49.36      338,048,611      60.46    18.9 %

 

(1) Represents the monthly contractual base rent and recoveries from tenants under existing leases as of December 31, 2007 multiplied by twelve. This amount reflects total rent before any rent abatements and includes expense reimbursements, which may be estimates as of such date.

 

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(2) Represents the monthly contractual base rent under expiring leases with future contractual increases upon expiration and recoveries from tenants under existing leases as of December 31, 2007 multiplied by twelve. This amount reflects total rent before any rent abatements and includes expense reimbursements, which may be estimates as of such date.

 

Item 3. Legal Proceedings

We are subject to various legal proceedings and claims that arise in the ordinary course of business. These matters are generally covered by insurance. Management believes that the final outcome of such matters will not have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or liquidity.

 

Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

None.

 

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PART II

 

Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

(a) There is no established public trading market for the common units. On February 22, 2008, there were approximately 293 holders of record and 139,760,383 common units outstanding, 119,489,042 of which were held by Boston Properties, Inc. The following table sets forth the quarterly distributions per common unit for the periods presented.

 

Quarter Ended

   Distributions  

December 31, 2007

   $ 6.66 (1)

September 30, 2007

     .68  

June 30, 2007

     .68  

March 31, 2007

     .68  

December 31, 2006

     6.08 (2)

September 30, 2006

     .68  

June 30, 2006

     .68  

March 31, 2006

     .68  

 

(1) Paid on January 30, 2008 to common and LITP unitholders of record as of the close of business on December 31, 2007. Amount includes a $5.98 per common unit special distribution.
(2) Paid on January 30, 2007 to common and LTIP unitholders of record as of the close of business on December 29, 2006. Amount includes a $5.40 per common unit special distribution.

In order to maintain Boston Properties, Inc.’s qualification as a REIT, it must make annual distributions to its stockholders of at least 90% of its taxable income (not including net capital gains). Boston Properties, Inc. has adopted a policy of paying regular quarterly dividends on its common stock, and we have adopted a policy of paying regular quarterly distributions on our common units. Cash distributions have been paid on the common stock of Boston Properties, Inc. and our common units since the initial public offering of Boston Properties, Inc. Distributions are declared at the discretion of the Board of Directors of Boston Properties, Inc. and depend on actual and anticipated cash from operations, our financial condition, capital requirements, the annual distribution requirements under the REIT provisions of the Internal Revenue Code and other factors Boston Properties, Inc.’s Board of Directors may consider relevant.

Each time Boston Properties, Inc. issues shares of stock (other than in exchange for OP Units when such OP Units are presented for redemption), it contributes the proceeds of such issuance to us in return for an equivalent number of partnership units with rights and preferences analogous to the shares issued. During the fourth quarter 2007, in connection with issuance of common stock by Boston Properties, Inc. pursuant to exercises of stock options under the Second Amendment and Restatement of the Boston Properties, Inc. 1997 Stock Option and Incentive Plan, we issued an aggregate of approximately 234,515 OP Units to Boston Properties, Inc. in exchange for approximately $9.0 million, the aggregate proceeds of the common stock issuances by Boston Properties, Inc. Such units were issued in reliance on an exemption from registration under Section 4(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

(b) None.

(c) None.

 

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Item 6. Selected Financial Data

The following table sets forth our selected financial and operating data on a historical basis, which has been revised for the reclassification of (1) losses from early extinguishments of debt in accordance with SFAS No. 145, (2) the restatement of earnings per unit to include the effects of participating securities in accordance with EITF 03-6 and (3) the disposition of qualifying properties during 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004 and 2003 which have been reclassified as discontinued operations, for the periods presented, in accordance with SFAS No. 144. Refer to Note 20 of the Consolidated Financial Statements. The following data should be read in conjunction with our financial statements and notes thereto and Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations included elsewhere in this Form 10-K.

Our historical operating results may not be comparable to our future operating results.

 

    For the year ended December 31,  
    2007     2006     2005     2004     2003  
    (in thousands, except per unit data)  

Statement of Operations Information:

         

Total revenue

  $ 1,482,289     $ 1,417,627     $ 1,382,866     $ 1,334,225     $ 1,234,563  
                                       

Expenses:

         

Rental operating

    455,840       437,705       434,353       412,604       390,355  

Hotel operating

    27,765       24,966       22,776       21,709       20,206  

General and administrative

    69,882       59,375       55,471       53,636       45,359  

Interest

    285,887       298,260       308,091       306,170       299,409  

Depreciation and amortization

    278,249       266,411       258,332       242,864       200,590  

Net derivative losses

    —         —         —         —         1,038  

Losses from early extinguishments of debt

    3,417       32,143       12,896       6,258       1,474  
                                       

Income before income from unconsolidated joint ventures and minority interests in property partnerships

    361,249       298,767       290,947       290,984       276,132  

Income from unconsolidated joint ventures

    20,428       24,507       4,829       3,380       6,016  

Minority interests in property partnerships

    (84 )     2,013       6,017       4,685       1,827  
                                       

Income before gains on sales of real estate and other assets

    381,593       325,287       301,793       299,049       283,975  

Gains on sales of real estate

    957,406       727,131       188,546       9,822       70,627  
                                       

Income before discontinued operations

    1,338,999       1,052,418       490,339       308,871       354,602  

Discontinued operations

    274,091       19,081       76,272       53,062       118,699  
                                       

Income before cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle

    1,613,090       1,071,499       566,611       361,933       473,301  

Cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle

    —         —         (5,043 )     —         —    
                                       

Income before preferred distributions and allocation of undistributed earnings

    1,613,090       1,071,499       561,568       361,933       473,301  

Preferred distributions and allocation of undistributed earnings

    (15,014 )     (22,814 )     (26,780 )     (17,133 )     (31,165 )
                                       

Net income available to common unitholders

  $ 1,598,076     $ 1,048,685     $ 534,788     $ 344,800     $ 442,136  
                                       

Basic earnings per common unit:

         

Income available to common unitholders before discontinued operations and cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle

  $ 9.50     $ 7.58     $ 3.49     $ 2.28     $ 2.73  

Discontinued operations

    1.97       0.14       0.57       0.41       1.01  

Cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle

    —         —         (0.04 )     —         —    
                                       

Net income available to common unitholders

  $ 11.47     $ 7.72     $ 4.02     $ 2.69     $ 3.74  
                                       

Weighted average number of common units outstanding

    139,290       135,923       132,881       128,313       118,087  
                                       

Diluted earnings per common unit:

         

Income available to common unitholders before discontinued operations and cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle

  $ 9.38     $ 7.44     $ 3.44     $ 2.23     $ 2.70  

Discontinued operations

    1.94       0.14       0.56       0.41       0.99  

Cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle

    —         —         (0.04 )     —         —    
                                       

Net income available to common unitholders

  $ 11.32     $ 7.58     $ 3.96     $ 2.64     $ 3.69  
                                       

Weighted average number of common and common equivalent units outstanding

    141,231       138,279       135,166       130,617       119,673  
                                       

 

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     December 31,  
     2007     2006     2005     2004     2003  
     (in thousands)  

Balance Sheet information:

          

Real estate, gross

   $ 9,831,390     $ 9,211,351     $ 9,001,776     $ 9,171,944     $ 8,919,234  

Real estate, net

     8,316,195       7,828,431       7,742,677       8,032,166       7,919,665  

Cash and cash equivalents

     1,506,921       725,788       261,496       239,344       22,686  

Total assets

     10,790,644       9,363,050       8,758,943       8,947,536       8,488,940  

Total indebtedness

     5,492,166       4,600,937       4,826,254       5,011,814       5,004,720  

Minority interests in property partnerships

     25,805       12,454       17,954       26,912       27,627  

Redeemable preferred units

     2,057,287       2,639,799       1,973,040       1,751,225       1,419,360  

Partners’ capital

     1,837,632       862,509       1,522,195       1,828,572       1,721,149  
     For the year ended December 31,  
     2007     2006     2005     2004     2003  
     (in thousands, except per unit data)  

Other Information:

          

Funds from operations (1)

   $ 656,649     $ 593,740     $ 572,877     $ 553,829     $ 499,663  

Funds from operations, as adjusted (1)

     659,324       625,184       583,918       553,829       502,175  

Distributions per common unit

     8.70       8.12       5.19       2.58       2.50  

Cash flow provided by operating activities

     629,378       527,979       472,249       429,506       488,275  

Cash flow provided by (used in) investing activities

     576,931       229,756       356,605       (171,014 )     97,496  

Cash flow provided by (used in) financing activities

     (425,176 )     (293,443 )     (806,702 )     (41,834 )     (618,360 )

Total square feet at end of year

     43,814       43,389       42,013       44,117       43,894  

Leased rate at end of year

     94.9 %     94.2 %     93.8 %     92.1 %     92.1 %

 

(1) Pursuant to the revised definition of Funds from Operations adopted by the Board of Governors of the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts (“NAREIT”), we calculate Funds from Operations, or “FFO,” by adjusting net income (loss) (computed in accordance with GAAP, including non-recurring items) for gains (or losses) from sales of properties, real estate related depreciation and amortization, and after adjustment for unconsolidated partnerships, joint ventures and preferred distributions. FFO is a non-GAAP financial measure. The use of FFO, combined with the required primary GAAP presentations, has been fundamentally beneficial in improving the understanding of operating results of REITs among the investing public and making comparisons of REIT operating results more meaningful. Management generally considers FFO to be a useful measure for reviewing our comparative operating and financial performance because, by excluding gains and losses related to sales of previously depreciated operating real estate assets and excluding real estate asset depreciation and amortization (which can vary among owners of identical assets in similar condition based on historical cost accounting and useful life estimates), FFO can help one compare the operating performance of a company’s real estate between periods or as compared to different companies. Our computation of FFO may not be comparable to FFO reported by other REITs or real estate companies that do not define the term in accordance with the current NAREIT definition or that interpret the current NAREIT definition differently.

In addition to presenting FFO in accordance with the NAREIT definition, we also disclose FFO, as adjusted, for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006, 2005 and 2003 which excludes the effects of the losses from early extinguishments of debt associated with the sales of real estate and adjustments for net derivative losses related to non-qualifying derivative contracts.

The adjustment to exclude losses from early extinguishments of debt results when the sale of real estate encumbered by debt requires us to pay the extinguishment costs prior to the debt’s stated maturity and to write-off unamortized loan costs at the date of the extinguishment. Such costs are excluded from the gains on sales of real estate reported in accordance with GAAP. However, we view the losses from early extinguishments of debt associated with the sales of real estate as an incremental cost of the sale transactions because we extinguished the debt in connection with the consummation of the sale transactions and we had no intent to extinguish the debt absent such transactions. We believe that this supplemental adjustment more appropriately reflects the results of our operations exclusive of the impact of our sale transactions.

The adjustments for net derivative losses related to non-qualifying derivative contracts for the year ended December 31, 2003 resulted from interest rate contracts we entered into prior to the effective date of SFAS No. 133 to limit our exposure to fluctuations in interest rates with respect to variable rate debt associated with real estate projects under development. Upon transition to SFAS No. 133 on January 1, 2001, the impacts of these contracts were recorded in current earnings, while prior to that time they were capitalized. Although these adjustments were attributable to a single hedging program, the underlying contracts extended over multiple reporting periods and therefore resulted in adjustments through the third quarter of 2003. Management presents FFO before the impact of non-qualifying derivative contracts because economically this interest rate hedging program was consistent with our risk management objective of limiting our exposure to interest rate volatility and the change in accounting under GAAP did not correspond to a substantive difference. Management does not currently anticipate structuring future hedging programs in a manner that would give rise to this kind of adjustment.

Although our FFO, as adjusted, clearly differs from NAREIT’s definition of FFO, and may not be comparable to that of other REITs and real estate companies, we believe it provides a meaningful supplemental measure of our operating performance because we believe that,

 

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by excluding the effects of the losses from early extinguishments of debt associated with the sales of real estate and adjustments for non-qualifying derivative contracts, management and investors are presented with an indicator of our operating performance that more closely achieves the objectives of the real estate industry in presenting FFO.

Neither FFO, nor FFO as adjusted, should be considered as an alternative to net income available to common unitholders (determined in accordance with GAAP) as an indication of our performance. Neither FFO nor FFO, as adjusted, represent cash generated from operating activities determined in accordance with GAAP and is not a measure of liquidity or an indicator of our ability to make cash distributions. We believe that to further understand our performance, FFO and FFO, as adjusted should be compared with our reported net income and considered in addition to cash flows in accordance with GAAP, as presented in our Consolidated Financial Statements.

A reconciliation of FFO, and FFO, as adjusted, to net income available to common unitholders computed in accordance with GAAP is provided under the heading of “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Funds from Operations.”

 

Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto appearing elsewhere in this report.

Forward-Looking Statements

This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws, principally, but not only, under the captions “Business-Business and Growth Strategies,” “Risk Factors” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.” We caution investors that any forward-looking statements in this report, or which management may make orally or in writing from time to time, are based on management’s beliefs and on assumptions made by, and information currently available to, management. When used, the words “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “might,” “plan,” “project,” “result” “should,” “will,” and similar expressions which do not relate solely to historical matters are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions and are not guarantees of future performance, which may be affected by known and unknown risks, trends, uncertainties and factors that are beyond our control. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may differ materially from those anticipated, estimated or projected by the forward-looking statements. We caution you that, while forward-looking statements reflect our good faith beliefs when we make them, they are not guarantees of future performance and are impacted by actual events when they occur after we make such statements. We expressly disclaim any responsibility to update our forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Accordingly, investors should use caution in relying on past forward-looking statements, which are based on results and trends at the time they are made, to anticipate future results or trends.

Some of the risks and uncertainties that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by forward-looking statements include, among others, the following:

 

   

general risks affecting the real estate industry (including, without limitation, the inability to enter into or renew leases, dependence on tenants’ financial condition, and competition from other developers, owners and operators of real estate);

 

   

failure to manage effectively our growth and expansion into new markets and sub-markets or to integrate acquisitions and developments successfully;

 

   

risks and uncertainties affecting property development and construction (including, without limitation, construction delays, cost overruns, inability to obtain necessary permits and public opposition to such activities);

 

   

risks associated with the availability and terms of financing and the use of debt to fund acquisitions and developments, including the risk associated with interest rates impacting the cost and/or availability of financing;

 

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risks associated with forward interest rate contracts and the effectiveness of such arrangements;

 

   

risks associated with downturns in the national and local economies, increases in interest rates, and volatility in the securities markets;

 

   

risks associated with actual or threatened terrorist attacks;

 

   

costs of compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and other similar laws;

 

   

potential liability for uninsured losses and environmental contamination;

 

   

risks associated with Boston Properties, Inc.’s potential failure to qualify as a REIT under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended;

 

   

possible adverse changes in tax and environmental laws;

 

   

the impact of newly adopted accounting principles on our accounting policies and on period-to-period comparisons of financial results;

 

   

risks associated with possible state and local tax audits; and

 

   

risks associated with our dependence on key personnel whose continued service is not guaranteed.

The risks included here are not exhaustive. Other sections of this report, including “Part I, Item 1A- Risk Factors,” include additional factors that could adversely affect our business and financial performance. Moreover, we operate in a very competitive and rapidly changing environment. New risk factors emerge from time to time and it is not possible for management to predict all such risk factors, nor can we assess the impact of all such risk factors on our business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. Given these risks and uncertainties, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements as a prediction of actual results. Investors should also refer to our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q for future periods and current reports on Form 8-K as we file them with the SEC, and to other materials we may furnish to the public from time to time through current reports on Form 8-K or otherwise.

Overview

Boston Properties Limited Partnership is the entity through which Boston Properties, Inc. conducts substantially all of its business and owns (either directly or through subsidiaries) all of its assets. Our properties are concentrated in five markets—Boston, midtown Manhattan, Washington, D.C., San Francisco and Princeton, NJ. We generate revenue and cash primarily by leasing our Class A office space to our tenants. Factors we consider when we lease space include the creditworthiness of the tenant, the length of the lease, the rental rate to be paid, the costs of tenant improvements, current and anticipated operating costs and real estate taxes, our current and anticipated vacancy, current and anticipated future demand for office space generally and general economic factors. We also generate cash through the sale of assets, which may be either non-core assets or core assets that command premiums from real estate investors.

The impact of the current state of the economy, including rising unemployment and constrained capital, on our company is unknown. Our core strategy has always been to operate in supply constrained markets with high barriers to entry and to focus on executing long-term leases with financially strong tenants. Historically, this combination has tended to reduce our exposure to down cycles and, based on our current occupancy and recent leasing success, lack of available supply in our markets and limited lease rollover, we believe we are well positioned to withstand a slowing economy. The state of the debt capital markets is continuing to deteriorate with many lenders, including CMBS providers, out of the market and others such as banks and life insurance companies tightening their credit standards and cautiously allocating capital. We believe our current liquidity, including our cash balances and the availability under our $605 million line of credit, is sufficient to meet our foreseeable capital needs and helps to insulate us from the difficulties in the capital markets. In fact, we believe that, given our strong balance sheet and liquidity, we will have opportunities to capitalize on the current environment and we intend to seek acquisitions of high-quality real estate at attractive returns.

 

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Although we intend to pursue such acquisitions, we continue to believe that the returns we can generate from developments will be greater than those we can expect from acquisitions. Since the beginning of 2005 we have completed over $4.3 billion of asset sales and have redeployed a significant amount of the proceeds into our development pipeline. We started approximately $1.7 billion of developments in 2007, including commencing construction on our approximately 1.0 million square foot office tower in New York City at 250 West 55th Street and on our 815,000 square foot mixed-use Russia Wharf development in Boston. We entered 2008 with an active development program of approximately $2.1 billion, and although we will consider additional asset sales, we do not expect our sales volume to be comparable to that of prior years and we currently do not have any assets on the market. We believe our focus on new development will enhance our long-term return on equity and earnings growth as these developments are placed in-service in 2009, 2010 and 2011.

Update on Recent Regulatory Initiatives

On August 31, 2007, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) issued proposed FASB Staff Position No. APB 14-a “Accounting for Convertible Debt Instruments That May Be Settled in Cash upon Conversion (Including Partial Cash Settlement)” (the “proposed FSP”) that would require the liability and equity components of convertible debt instruments that may be settled in cash upon conversion (including partial cash settlement) to be separately accounted for in a manner that reflects the issuer’s nonconvertible debt borrowing rate. The proposed FSP, if issued as currently contemplated, would require that the initial debt proceeds from the sale of our $862.5 million of 2.875% exchangeable senior notes due 2037 and $450.0 million of 3.75% exchangeable senior notes due 2036 be allocated between a liability component and an equity component in a manner that reflects interest expense at the interest rate of similar nonconvertible debt. The resulting debt discount would be amortized over the period during which the debt is expected to be outstanding (i.e., through the first optional redemption dates) as additional non-cash interest expense. The proposed FSP would be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2007 and interim periods within those fiscal years, and it would be applied retrospectively to our outstanding exchangeable senior notes for all periods presented. Based on our current understanding of the application of the proposed FSP, this would result in an aggregate of approximately $18 million (net of incremental capitalized interest) of additional non-cash interest expense for fiscal 2008. Excluding the impact of capitalized interest, the additional non-cash interest expense would be approximately $20 million to $22 million, and this amount (before netting) will increase in subsequent reporting periods through the first optional redemption dates as the debt accretes to its par value over the same period. There can be no assurance that the proposed FSP will be issued in the form currently contemplated by the FASB, or at all, and therefore its ultimate impact on our interest expense may differ materially from the aforementioned estimate.

Critical Accounting Policies

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, or GAAP, requires management to use judgment in the application of accounting policies, including making estimates and assumptions. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. 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 resulting in a different presentation of our financial statements. From time to time, we evaluate our estimates and assumptions. In the event estimates or assumptions prove to be different from actual results, adjustments are made in subsequent periods to reflect more current information. Below is a discussion of accounting policies that we consider critical in that they may require complex judgment in their application or require estimates about matters that are inherently uncertain.

 

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Real Estate

Upon acquisitions of real estate, we assess the fair value of acquired tangible and intangible assets, including land, buildings, tenant improvements, “above-” and “below-market” leases, origination costs, acquired in-place leases, other identified intangible assets and assumed liabilities in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 141, “Business Combinations” and allocate the purchase price to the acquired assets and assumed liabilities, including land at appraised value and buildings at replacement cost. We assess and consider fair value based on estimated cash flow projections that utilize discount and/or capitalization rates that we deem appropriate, as well as available market information. Estimates of future cash flows are based on a number of factors including the historical operating results, known and anticipated trends, and market and economic conditions. The fair value of the tangible assets of an acquired property considers the value of the property as if it were vacant. We also consider an allocation of purchase price of other acquired intangibles, including acquired in-place leases that may have a customer relationship intangible value, including (but not limited to) the nature and extent of the existing relationship with the tenants, the tenants’ credit quality and expectations of lease renewals. Based on our acquisitions to date, our allocation to customer relationship intangible assets has been immaterial.

We record acquired “above-” and “below-market” leases at their fair values (using a discount rate which reflects the risks associated with the leases acquired) equal to the difference between (1) the contractual amounts to be paid pursuant to each in-place lease and (2) management’s estimate of fair market lease rates for each corresponding in-place lease, measured over a period equal to the remaining term of the lease for above-market leases and the initial term plus the term of any below-market fixed rate renewal options for below-market leases. Other intangible assets acquired include amounts for in-place lease values that are based on our evaluation of the specific characteristics of each tenant’s lease. Factors to be considered include estimates of carrying costs during hypothetical 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 rentals at market rates during the expected lease-up periods, depending on local market conditions. In estimating costs to execute similar leases, we consider leasing commissions, legal and other related expenses.

Real estate is stated at depreciated cost. The cost of buildings and improvements includes the purchase price of property, legal fees and other acquisition costs. Costs directly related to the development of properties are capitalized. Capitalized development costs include interest, internal wages, property taxes, insurance, and other project costs incurred during the period of development.

Management reviews its long-lived assets used in operations for impairment when there is an event or change in circumstances that indicates an impairment in value. An impairment loss is recognized if the carrying amount of its assets is not recoverable and exceeds its fair value. If such impairment is present, an impairment loss is recognized based on the excess of the carrying amount of the asset over its fair value. The evaluation of anticipated cash flows is highly subjective and is based in part on assumptions regarding future occupancy, rental rates and capital requirements that could differ materially from actual results in future periods. Since cash flows on properties considered to be “long-lived assets to be held and used” as defined by SFAS No. 144 “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets,” (“SFAS No. 144”) are considered on an undiscounted basis to determine whether an asset has been impaired, our established strategy of holding properties over the long term directly decreases the likelihood of recording an impairment loss. If our strategy changes or market conditions otherwise dictate an earlier sale date, an impairment loss may be recognized and such loss could be material. If we determine that impairment has occurred, the affected assets must be reduced to their fair value. No such impairment losses have been recognized to date.

SFAS No. 144 requires that qualifying assets and liabilities and the results of operations that have been sold, or otherwise qualify as “held for sale,” be presented as discontinued operations in all periods presented if the property operations are expected to be eliminated and we will not have significant continuing involvement following the sale. The components of the property’s net income that is reflected as discontinued operations

 

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include the net gain (or loss) upon the disposition of the property held for sale, operating results, depreciation and interest expense (if the property is subject to a secured loan). We generally consider assets to be “held for sale” when the transaction has been approved by Boston Properties, Inc.’s Board of Directors, or a committee thereof, and there are no known significant contingencies relating to the sale, such that the property sale within one year is considered probable. Following the classification of a property as “held for sale,” no further depreciation is recorded on the assets.

A variety of costs are incurred in the acquisition, development and leasing of properties. After the determination is made to capitalize a cost, it is allocated to the specific component of a project that is benefited. Determination of when a development project is substantially complete and capitalization must cease involves a degree of judgment. Our capitalization policy on development properties is guided by SFAS No. 34 “Capitalization of Interest Cost” and SFAS No. 67 “Accounting for Costs and the Initial Rental Operations of Real Estate Projects.” The costs of land and buildings under development include specifically identifiable costs. The capitalized costs include pre-construction costs essential to the development of the property, development costs, construction costs, interest costs, real estate taxes, salaries and related costs and other costs incurred during the period of development. We consider a construction project as substantially completed and held available for occupancy upon the completion of tenant improvements, but no later than one year from cessation of major construction activity. We cease capitalization on the portion (1) substantially completed and (2) occupied or held available for occupancy, and we capitalize only those costs associated with the portion under construction.

Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures

Except for ownership interests in variable interest entities, we account for our investments in joint ventures under the equity method of accounting because we exercise significant influence over, but do not control, these entities. These investments are recorded initially at cost, as Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures, and subsequently adjusted for equity in earnings and cash contributions and distributions. Any difference between the carrying amount of these investments on our balance sheet and the underlying equity in net assets is amortized as an adjustment to equity in earnings of unconsolidated joint ventures over the life of the related asset. Under the equity method of accounting, our net equity is reflected within the Consolidated Balance Sheets, and our share of net income or loss from the joint ventures is included within the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The joint venture agreements may designate different percentage allocations among investors for profits and losses, however, our recognition of joint venture income or loss generally follows the joint venture’s distribution priorities, which may change upon the achievement of certain investment return thresholds. For ownership interests in variable interest entities, we consolidate those in which we are the primary beneficiary. Our investments in unconsolidated joint ventures are reviewed for impairment, periodically, if events or circumstances change indicating that the carrying amount of our investments may not be recoverable. The ultimate realization of our investment in unconsolidated joint ventures is dependent on a number of factors, including the performance of each investment and market conditions. We will record an impairment charge if we determine that a decline in the value of an unconsolidated joint venture is other than temporary.

Revenue Recognition

Base rental revenue is reported on a straight-line basis over the terms of our respective leases. In accordance with SFAS No. 141, we recognize rental revenue of acquired in-place “above-” and “below-market” leases at their fair values over the terms of the respective leases. Accrued rental income as reported on the Consolidated Balance Sheets represents rental income recognized in excess of rent payments actually received pursuant to the terms of the individual lease agreements.

 

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Our leasing strategy is generally to secure creditworthy tenants that meet our underwriting guidelines. Furthermore, following the initiation of a lease, we continue to actively monitor the tenant’s creditworthiness to ensure that all tenant related assets are recorded at their realizable value. When assessing tenant credit quality, we:

 

   

review relevant financial information, including:

 

   

financial ratios;

 

   

net worth;

 

   

debt to market capitalization; and

 

   

liquidity;

 

   

evaluate the depth and experience of the tenant’s management team; and

 

   

assess the strength/growth of the tenant’s industry.

As a result of the underwriting process, tenants are then categorized into one of three categories:

 

  (1) low risk tenants;

 

  (2) the tenant’s credit is such that we require collateral, in which case we:

 

   

require a security deposit; and/or

 

   

reduce upfront tenant improvement investments; or

 

  (3) the tenant’s credit is below our acceptable parameters.

We maintain a rigorous process of monitoring the credit quality of our tenant base. We provide an allowance for doubtful accounts arising from estimated losses that could result from the tenant’s inability to make required current rent payments and an allowance against accrued rental income for future potential losses that we deem to be unrecoverable over the term of the lease.

Tenant receivables are assigned a credit rating of 1-4 with a rating of 1 representing the highest possible rating with no allowance recorded and a rating of 4 representing the lowest credit rating, recording a full reserve against the receivable balance. Among the factors considered in determining the credit rating include:

 

   

payment history;

 

   

credit status and change in status (credit ratings for public companies are used as a primary metric);

 

   

change in tenant space needs (i.e., expansion/downsize);

 

   

tenant financial performance;

 

   

economic conditions in a specific geographic region; and

 

   

industry specific credit considerations.

If our estimates of collectibility differ from the cash received, the timing and amount of our reported revenue could be impacted. The average remaining term of our in-place tenant leases was approximately 7.4 years as of December 31, 2007. The credit risk is mitigated by the high quality of our existing tenant base, reviews of prospective tenants’ risk profiles prior to lease execution and frequent monitoring of our portfolio to identify potential problem tenants.

Recoveries from tenants, consisting of amounts due from tenants for common area maintenance, real estate taxes and other recoverable costs, are recognized as revenue in the period the expenses are incurred. Tenant reimbursements are recognized and presented in accordance with Emerging Issues Task Force, or EITF, Issue

 

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99-19 “Reporting Revenue Gross as a Principal versus Net as an Agent,” or Issue 99-19. Issue 99-19 requires that these reimbursements be recorded on a gross basis, as we are generally the primary obligor with respect to purchasing goods and services from third-party suppliers, have discretion in selecting the supplier and have credit risk. We also receive reimbursement of payroll and payroll related costs from third parties which we reflect on a net basis in accordance with Issue 99-19.

Our hotel revenues are derived from room rentals and other sources such as charges to guests for long-distance telephone service, fax machine use, movie and vending commissions, meeting and banquet room revenue and laundry services. Hotel revenues are recognized as earned.

We receive management and development fees from third parties. Management fees are recorded and earned based on a percentage of collected rents at the properties under management, and not on a straight-line basis, because such fees are contingent upon the collection of rents. We review each development agreement and record development fees on a straight-line basis or percentage of completion depending on the risk associated with each project. Profit on development fees earned from joint venture projects is recognized as revenue to the extent of the third party partners’ ownership interest.

Gains on sales of real estate are recognized pursuant to the provisions of SFAS No. 66, “Accounting for Sales of Real Estate.” The specific timing of the sale is measured against various criteria in SFAS No. 66 related to the terms of the transactions and any continuing involvement in the form of management or financial assistance associated with the properties. If the sales criteria are not met, we defer gain recognition and account for the continued operations of the property by applying the finance, installment or cost recovery methods, as appropriate, until the sales criteria are met.

Depreciation and Amortization

We compute depreciation and amortization on our properties using the straight-line method based on estimated useful asset lives. In accordance with SFAS No. 141, we allocate the acquisition cost of real estate to land, building, tenant improvements, acquired “above-” and “below-market” leases, origination costs and acquired in-place leases based on an assessment of their fair value and depreciate or amortize these assets over their useful lives. The amortization of acquired “above-” and “below-market” leases and acquired in-place leases is recorded as an adjustment to revenue and depreciation and amortization, respectively, in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

For purposes of disclosure, we calculate the fair value of our mortgage notes payable and unsecured senior notes. We discount the spread between the future contractual interest payments and future interest payments on our mortgage debt and unsecured notes based on a current market rate. In determining the current market rate, we add our estimate of a market spread to the quoted yields on federal government treasury securities with similar maturity dates to our own debt. Because our valuations of our financial instruments are based on these types of estimates, the fair value of our financial instruments may change if our estimates do not prove to be accurate.

Results of Operations

The following discussion is based on our Consolidated Financial Statements for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005.

At December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, we owned or had interests in a portfolio of 139, 131 and 121 properties, respectively (the “Total Property Portfolio”). As a result of changes within our Total Property Portfolio, the financial data presented below shows significant changes in revenue and expenses from period-to-period. Accordingly, we do not believe that our period-to-period financial data with respect to the Total

 

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Property Portfolio are necessarily meaningful. Therefore, the comparisons of operating results for the years ended 2007, 2006 and 2005 show separately the changes attributable to the properties that were owned by us throughout each period compared (the “Same Property Portfolio”) and the changes attributable to the properties included in Properties Acquired, Sold, Repositioned and Placed-in Service.

In our analysis of operating results, particularly to make comparisons of net operating income between periods meaningful, it is important to provide information for properties that were in-service and owned by us throughout each period presented. We refer to properties acquired or placed in-service prior to the beginning of the earliest period presented and owned by us through the end of the latest period presented as our Same Property Portfolio. The Same Property Portfolio therefore excludes properties placed in-service, acquired or repositioned after the beginning of the earliest period presented or disposed of prior to the end of the latest period presented.

Net operating income, or “NOI,” is a non-GAAP financial measure equal to net income available to common unitholders, the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure, plus cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle, losses from early extinguishments of debt, depreciation and amortization, interest expense, general and administrative expense, less gains on sales of real estate from discontinued operations, income from discontinued operations, gains on sales of real estate and other assets, income from unconsolidated joint ventures, minority interest in property partnerships, interest and other income and development and management services revenue. We use NOI internally as a performance measure and believe NOI provides useful information to investors regarding our financial condition and results of operations because it reflects only those income and expense items that are incurred at the property level. Therefore, we believe NOI is a useful measure for evaluating the operating performance of our real estate assets.

Our management also uses NOI to evaluate regional property level performance and to make decisions about resource allocations. Further, we believe NOI is useful to investors as a performance measure because, when compared across periods, NOI reflects the impact on operations from trends in occupancy rates, rental rates, operating costs and acquisition and development activity on an unleveraged basis, providing perspective not immediately apparent from net income. NOI excludes certain components from net income in order to provide results that are more closely related to a property’s results of operations. For example, interest expense is not necessarily linked to the operating performance of a real estate asset and is often incurred at the corporate level as opposed to the property level. In addition, depreciation and amortization, because of historical cost accounting and useful life estimates, may distort operating performance at the property level. NOI presented by us may not be comparable to NOI reported by other REITs that define NOI differently. We believe that in order to facilitate a clear understanding of our operating results, NOI should be examined in conjunction with net income as presented in our consolidated financial statements. NOI should not be considered as an alternative to net income as an indication of our performance or to cash flows as a measure of liquidity or ability to make distributions.

Comparison of the year ended December 31, 2007 to the year ended December 31, 2006

The table below shows selected operating information for the Same Property Portfolio and the Total Property Portfolio. The Same Property Portfolio consists of 102 properties, including properties acquired or placed in-service on or prior to January 1, 2006 and owned through December 31, 2007, totaling approximately 25.5 million net rentable square feet of space (excluding square feet of structured parking). The Total Property Portfolio includes the effects of the other properties either placed in-service, acquired or repositioned after January 1, 2006 or disposed of on or prior to December 31, 2007. Properties Placed In-Service includes our 505 9th Street joint venture project. In connection with partially placing this property in-service, we consolidated the joint venture entity that owns the property as of October 1, 2007 due to the involvement we have in the venture once the property is operational. The Same Property Portfolio includes our Cambridge Center Marriott hotel property, but does not include the Long Wharf Marriott hotel property, which was sold on March 23, 2007. This table includes a reconciliation from the Same Property Portfolio to the Total Property Portfolio by also providing information for the year ended December 31, 2007 and 2006 with respect to the properties which were acquired, placed in-service, repositioned or sold.

 

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    Same Property Portfolio     Properties Sold   Properties
Acquired
    Properties
Placed
In-Service
  Properties
Repositioned
  Total Property Portfolio  
(dollars in thousands)   2007   2006   Increase/
(Decrease)
    %
Change
    2007   2006   2007     2006     2007   2006   2007   2006   2007     2006     Increase/
(Decrease)
    %
Change
 

Rental Revenue:

                               

Rental Revenue

  $ 1,196,883   $ 1,142,388   $ 54,495     4.77 %   $ 21,902   $ 124,828   $ 48,940     $ 8,244     $ 32,313   $ 24,117   $ 27,199   $ 20,402   $ 1,327,237     $ 1,319,979     $ 7,258     0.55 %

Termination Income

    6,882     6,999     (117 )   (1.67 )%     —       1,138     100       —         —       —       —       —       6,982       8,137       (1,155 )   (14.19 )%
                                                                                                           

Total Rental Revenue

    1,203,765     1,149,387     54,378     4.73 %     21,902     125,966     49,040       8,244       32,313     24,117     27,199     20,402     1,334,219       1,328,116       6,103     0.50 %
                                                                                                           

Real Estate Operating Expenses

    419,054     389,872     29,182     7.49 %     6,369     35,439     14,964       2,239       7,995     4,731     7,458     5,424     455,840       437,705       18,135     4.14 %
                                                                                                           

Net Operating Income, excluding hotel

    784,711     759,515     25,196     3.32 %     15,533     90,527     34,076       6,005       24,318     19,386     19,741     14,978     878,379       890,411       (12,032 )   (1.35 )%
                                                                                                           

Hotel Net Operating Income (1)

    10,046     8,048     1,998     24.83 %     —       —       —         —         —       —       —       —       10,046       8,048       1,998     24.83 %
                                                                                                           

Consolidated Net Operating Income (1)

    794,757     767,563     27,194     3.54 %     15,533     90,527     34,076       6,005       24,318     19,386     19,741     14,978     888,425       898,459       (10,034 )   (1.12 )%
                                                                                                           

Other Revenue:

                               

Development and Management Services

    —       —       —       —         —       —       —         —         —       —       —       —       20,553       19,820       733     3.70 %

Interest and Other

    —       —       —       —         —       —       —         —         —       —       —       —       89,706       36,677       53,029     144.58 %
                                                                                                           

Total Other Revenue

    —       —       —       —         —       —       —         —         —       —       —       —       110,259       56,497       53,762     95.16 %

Other Expenses:

                               

General and administrative expense

    —       —       —       —         —       —       —         —         —       —       —       —       69,882       59,375       10,507     17.70 %

Interest Expense

    —       —       —       —         —       —       —         —         —       —       —       —       285,887       298,260       (12,373 )   (4.15 )%

Depreciation and amortization

    238,235     234,434     3,801     1.62 %     2,767     18,049     24,155       3,531       8,731     7,365     4,361     3,032     278,249       266,411       11,838     4.44 %

Loss from early extinguishments of debt

    —       —       —       —         —       —       —         —         —       —       —       —       3,417       32,143       (28,726 )   (89.37 )%
                                                                                                           

Total Other Expenses

    238,235     234,434     3,801     1.62 %     2,767     18,049     24,155       3,531       8,731     7,365     4,361     3,032     637,435       656,189       (18,754 )   (2.86 )%

Income before minority interests

  $ 556,522   $ 533,129   $ 23,393     4.39 %   $ 12,766   $ 72,478   $ 9,921     $ 2,474     $ 15,587   $ 12,021   $ 15,380   $ 11,946   $ 361,249     $ 298,767     $ 62,482     20.91 %

Income from unconsolidated joint ventures

  $ 5,799   $ 7,230   $ (1,431 )   (19.79 )%   $ 15,125   $ 17,455   $ (496 )   $ (178 )   $ —     $ —     $ —     $ —       20,428       24,507       (4,079 )   (16.64 )%

Income from discontinued operations

  $ —     $ —     $ —       —       $ 7,274   $ 19,081   $       $       $ —     $ —     $ —     $ —       7,274       19,081       (11,807 )   (61.88 )%

Minority interest in property partnership

                            (84 )     2,013       (2,097 )   (104.17 )%

Gains on sales of real estate

                            957,406       727,131       230,275     31.67 %

Gains on sales of real estate from discontinued operations

                            266,817       —         266,817     100.0 %

Preferred distributions and allocation of undistributed earnings

                            (15,014 )     (22,814 )     (7,800 )   (34.19 )%
                                                     

Net Income available to common unitholders

                          $ 1,598,076     $ 1,048,685     $ 549,391     52.39 %
                                                     

 

(1) For a detailed discussion of NOI, including the reasons management believes NOI is useful to investors, see page 47. Hotel Net Operating Income for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006 is comprised of Hotel Revenue of $37,811 and $33,014, respectively, less Hotel Expenses of $27,765 and $24,966, respectively, per the Consolidated Income Statement.

 

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Rental Revenue

The increase of approximately $7.3 million in the Total Property Portfolio Rental Revenue is comprised of increases and decreases within the five categories that comprise our Total Property Portfolio. Rental revenue from the Same Property Portfolio increased approximately $4.5 million, Properties Sold decreased approximately $102.9 million, Properties Acquired increased approximately $40.7 million, Properties Placed In-Service increased approximately $8.2 million and Properties Repositioned increased approximately $6.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2007 compared to the year ended December 31, 2006.

We incur certain tenant specific property costs for which we are reimbursed from our tenants. Starting in 2007, we have included these reimbursements in rental revenue and included the tenant specific operating cost within real estate operating expenses. This income and expense classification in 2007 results in a presented increase to comparable rental revenue and real estate operating expenses, however does not impact our consolidated net operating income. For the year ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, the rental income and real estate operating expense gross up was approximately $8.9 million and $12.0 million, respectively.

Rental revenue from the Same Property Portfolio increased approximately $54.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2007 compared to 2006. Included in the Same Property Portfolio rental revenue is an overall increase in base rental revenue of approximately $39.1 million, offset by a decrease of approximately $7.3 million in straight-line rents. Approximately $18.8 million of the increase from the Same Property Portfolio was due to an increase in recoveries from tenants which correlates with the increase in operating expenses. Approximately $3.9 million of the increase from the Same Property Portfolio was due to an increase in parking and other income.

The increase in rental revenue from Properties Placed In-Service relates to partially placing in-service our 505 9th Street development project in the fourth quarter of 2007, placing in-service our Seven Cambridge Center development project in the first quarter of 2006 and 12290 Sunrise Valley in the second quarter of 2006. Rental revenue from Properties Placed In-Service increased approximately $8.2 million, as detailed below:

 

Property

  

Date Placed In-Service

   Rental Revenue
for the year ended December 31
          2007            2006            Change    
          (in thousands)

Seven Cambridge Center

   First Quarter, 2006    $ 22,138    $ 19,939    $ 2,199

12290 Sunrise Valley

   Second Quarter, 2006      6,338      4,178      2,160

505 9th Street

   Fourth Quarter, 2007      3,837      —        3,837
                       

Total

      $ 32,313    $ 24,117    $ 8,196
                       

 

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The acquisition of 6601 & 6605 Springfield Center Drive, 103 Fourth Avenue, Kingstowne Towne Center, the Mountain View Properties and North First Business Park in 2007, and 303 Almaden Boulevard, 3200 Zanker Road and Four and Five Cambridge Center in 2006, increased revenue from Properties Acquired by approximately $40.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2007 as detailed below:

 

Property

   Date Acquired    Rental Revenue
for the year ended December 31
          2007            2006            Change    
          (in thousands)

Four and Five Cambridge Center

   November 30, 2006    $ 18,605    $ 1,265    $ 17,340

Kingstowne Towne Center

   March 30, 2007      10,631      —        10,631

3200 Zanker Road

   August 10, 2006      10,520      3,839      6,681

303 Almaden Boulevard

   June 30, 2006      6,402      3,140      3,262

Mountain View Properties

   November 27, 2007      1,275      —        1,275

103 Fourth Avenue

   January 29, 2007      720      —        720

6601 & 6605 Springfield Center Drive

   January, 2007      685      —        685

North First Business Park

   December 13, 2007      102      —        102
                       

Total

      $ 48,940    $ 8,244    $ 40,696
                       

Rental revenue from Properties Repositioned for the year ended December 31, 2007 increased approximately $6.8 million over the year ended December 31, 2006. Our Capital Gallery expansion project is included in Properties Repositioned for the year ended December 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006. In April 2006, tenants began to take occupancy and we placed our Capital Gallery expansion project in-service in July 2006.

The aggregate increase in rental revenue was offset by the sales of Democracy Center and 5 Times Square in 2007 and 280 Park Avenue in 2006. These properties have not been classified as discontinued operations due to our continuing involvement as the property manager for each property through agreements entered into at the time of sale. Rental Revenue from Properties Sold decreased by approximately $102.9 million, as detailed below:

 

Property

   Date Sold    Rental Revenue
for the year ended December 31
 
          2007            2006            Change      
          (in thousands)  

Democracy Center

   August 7, 2007    $ 12,016    $ 17,825    $ (5,809 )

5 Times Square

   February 15, 2007      9,886      74,795      (64,909 )

280 Park Avenue

   June 6, 2006      —        32,208      (32,208 )
                         

Total

      $ 21,902    $ 124,828    $ (102,926 )
                         

Termination Income

Termination income for the year ended December 31, 2007 was related to multiple tenants across the Total Property Portfolio that terminated their leases, and we recognized termination income totaling approximately $7.0 million. This compared to termination income of $8.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2006. We expect to recognize approximately $6 million of termination income for the year 2008.

Real Estate Operating Expenses

The $18.1 million increase in property operating expenses (real estate taxes, utilities, insurance, repairs and maintenance, cleaning and other property-related expenses) in the Total Property Portfolio is comprised of increases and decreases within five categories that comprise our Total Property Portfolio. Operating expenses for the Same Property Portfolio increased approximately $29.2 million, Properties Sold decreased approximately $29.1 million, Properties Acquired increased approximately $12.7 million, Properties Placed In-Service increased approximately $3.3 million and Properties Repositioned increased approximately $2.0 million.

 

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Operating expenses from the Same Property Portfolio increased approximately $29.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2007 compared to 2006. Included in Same Property Portfolio operating expenses is an increase in utility expenses of approximately $2.5 million, which represents an increase of approximately 3% over the prior year to date. In addition, real estate taxes increased approximately $10.7 million due to increased real estate tax assessments and repairs and maintenance increased approximately $8.4 million. The remaining $7.6 million increase in the Same Property Portfolio operating expenses is related to an increase in cleaning contracts and other general and administrative items.

The acquisition of 6601 & 6605 Springfield Center Drive, 103 Fourth Avenue, Kingstowne Towne Center, the Mountain View Properties and North First Business Park in 2007, and 303 Almaden Boulevard, 3200 Zanker Road and Four and Five Cambridge Center in 2006, increased operating expenses from Properties Acquired by approximately $12.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2007 as detailed below:

 

Property

   Date Acquired    Real Estate Operating Expense
for the year ended December 31
          2007            2006            Change    
          (in thousands)

Four and Five Cambridge Center

   November 30, 2006    $ 6,871    $ 519    $ 6,352

Kingstowne Towne Center

   March 30, 2007      2,591      —        2,591

303 Almaden Boulevard

   June 30, 2006      2,345      1,223      1,122

3200 Zanker Road

   August 10, 2006      1,837      497      1,340

103 Fourth Avenue

   January 29, 2007      606      —        606

Mountain View Properties

   November 27, 2007      412      —        412

6601 & 6605 Springfield Center Drive

   January, 2007      256      —        256

North First Business Park

   December 13, 2007      46      —        46
                       

Total

      $ 14,964    $ 2,239    $ 12,725
                       

The increase in operating expenses from Properties Placed In-Service relates to partially placing in-service our 505 9th Street development project in the fourth quarter of 2007, placing in-service our Seven Cambridge Center development project in the first quarter of 2006 and 12290 Sunrise Valley in the second quarter of 2006. Operating expenses from Properties Placed In-Service increased approximately $3.3 million, as detailed below:

 

Property

  

Date Placed In-Service

   Real Estate Operating Expenses
for the year ended December 31
          2007            2006            Change    
          (in thousands)

Seven Cambridge Center

   First Quarter, 2006    $ 5,521    $ 4,277    $ 1,244

12290 Sunrise Valley

   Second Quarter, 2006      1,278      454      824

505 9th Street

   Fourth Quarter, 2007      1,196      —        1,196
                       

Total

      $ 7,995    $ 4,731    $ 3,264
                       

Operating expenses from Properties Repositioned for the year ended December 31, 2007 increased approximately $2.0 million over the year ended December 31, 2006. Our Capital Gallery expansion project is included in Properties Repositioned for the year ended December 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006. In April 2006, tenants began to take occupancy and during July 2006, we placed our Capital Gallery expansion project in-service.

 

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A decrease of approximately $29.1 million in the Total Property Portfolio operating expenses was due to the sales of Democracy Center and 5 Times Square in 2007 and 280 Park Avenue in 2006, as detailed below:

 

Property

  

Date Sold

   Real Estate Operating Expenses
for the year ended December 31
 
          2007            2006            Change      
          (in thousands)  

Democracy Center

   August 7, 2007    $ 4,204    $ 6,144    $ (1,940 )

5 Times Square

   February 15, 2007      2,165      14,988      (12,823 )

280 Park Avenue

   June 6, 2006      —        14,307      (14,307 )
                         

Total

      $ 6,369    $ 35,439    $ (29,070 )
                         

We continue to review and monitor the impact of rising energy costs, as well as other factors, on our operating budgets for fiscal year 2008. Because some operating expenses are not recoverable from tenants, an increase in operating expenses due to one or more of the foregoing factors could have an adverse effect on our results of operations.

Hotel Net Operating Income

Net operating income for our hotel property increased approximately $2.0 million, a 24.8% increase for the year ended December 31, 2007 as compared to 2006. For the year ended December 31, 2006, the operations of the Long Wharf Marriott was included as part of discontinued operations due to its sale on March 23, 2007.

The following reflects our occupancy and rate information for our Cambridge Center Marriott hotel property for the year ended December 31, 2007 and 2006:

 

     2007     2006     Percentage
Change
 

Occupancy

     80.0 %     75.1 %   6.5 %

Average daily rate

   $ 217.23     $ 194.52     11.7 %

Revenue per available room, REVPAR

   $ 173.80     $ 146.15     18.9 %

Development and Management Services

Development and Management Services income increased approximately $0.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2007 compared to 2006. We have maintained management contracts following the sales of Democracy Center and 5 Times Square in 2007 as well as the sale of 280 Park Avenue on June 6, 2006 which contributed to an increase of approximately $1.1 million in management fees. A decrease of approximately $0.4 million was attributed to reduced work order income. We expect third-party fee income for the year 2008 to be between $19 million and $20 million, a slight increase due to leasing and management fees we are projecting to earn at 280 Park Avenue as well as fees generated from the additional investment in the Value-Added Fund.

Interest and Other Income

Interest and other income increased by approximately $53.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2007 compared to 2006 as a result of higher overall interest rates and increased cash balances. In February 2007, we issued $862.5 million of 2.875% unsecured exchangeable senior notes. On February 15, 2007, we completed the sale of our long-term leasehold interest in 5 Times Square in New York City for approximately $1.23 billion in cash. On March 23, 2007, we completed the sale of the Long Wharf Marriott for approximately $225.6 million in cash. On April 5, 2007, we completed the sale of Newport Office Park for approximately $33.7 million in cash.

 

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On August 7, 2007, we completed the sale of Democracy Center for approximately $184.5 million in cash and on November 20, 2007, we completed the sale of Orbital Sciences Campus and Broad Run Business Park Building E properties for an aggregate of approximately $125.4 million in cash.

We paid our special distribution and regular distribution payments totaling $6.66 per share on January 30, 2008. Our current cash balance, after the distributions and our purchase of the Mountain View Properties and North First Business Park, is approximately $750 million. As the Federal Reserve has cut interest rates, short-term investment returns have decreased significantly and therefore we anticipate interest income to be between approximately $22 million to $25 million for the year 2008.

Other Expenses

General and Administrative

General and administrative expenses increased approximately $10.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2007 compared to 2006. An overall increase of approximately $2.6 million was attributed to bonuses and salaries for the year ended December 31, 2007 compared to 2006 as well as an increase in long-term compensation expense of approximately $3.5 million. For the year ended December 31, 2007, we recognized additional expenses related to abandoned project costs of approximately $4.5 million. We anticipate our general and administrative expenses to be between $74 million and $75 million for the year 2008. A significant portion of the expected increase results from the inclusion of the 2008 OPP Awards described below, which adds approximately $4.9 million in 2008.

On January 24, 2008, Boston Properties, Inc.’s compensation committee approved outperformance awards under the 1997 Plan to officers and employees of Boston Properties, Inc. These awards (the “2008 OPP Awards”) are part of a new broad-based long-term incentive compensation program designed to provide our management team at several levels within the organization with the potential to earn equity awards subject to “outperforming” and creating shareholder value in a pay-for-performance structure. 2008 OPP Awards utilize Boston Properties, Inc.’s total return to shareholders (“TRS”) over a three-year measurement period as the performance metric and include two years of time-based vesting after the end of the performance measurement period (subject to acceleration in certain events) as a retention tool. Recipients of 2008 OPP Awards will share in an outperformance pool if Boston Properties, Inc.’s TRS, including both share appreciation and dividends, exceeds absolute and relative hurdles over a three-year measurement period from February 5, 2008 to February 5, 2011, based on the average closing price of a share of Boston Properties, Inc.’s common stock of $92.8240 for the five trading days prior to and including February 5, 2008. The aggregate reward that recipients of all 2008 OPP Awards can earn, as measured by the outperformance pool, is subject to a maximum cap of $110 million, although OPP awards for an aggregate of up to approximately $104.8 million have been allocated to date and were granted on February 5, 2008. The balance remains available for future grants. We expect that under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123(R) “Share-Based Payment” the 2008 OPP Awards will have an aggregate value of approximately $19.7 million which amount will generally be amortized into earnings over the five-year plan period (although awards for retirement-eligible employees will be amortized over a three-year period). Because the 2008 OPP Awards requires a sustained price target to achieve the threshold stock price, unless the target has actually been met by the end of the applicable reporting period, we will exclude all contingently issueable shares from the diluted EPS calculation. See Note 22 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Commencing in 2003, Boston Properties, Inc. issues restricted stock and/or LTIP Units, as opposed to granting stock options and restricted stock, under the 1997 Plan as its primary vehicle for employee equity compensation. An LTIP Unit is generally the economic equivalent of a share of Boston Properties, Inc.’s restricted stock. Employees vest in restricted stock and LTIP Units over a four- or five-year term (for awards granted between 2003 and November 2006, vesting is over a five-year term with annual vesting of 0%, 0%, 25%, 35% and 40%; and for awards granted after November 2006, vesting will occur in equal annual installments over a four-year term). Restricted stock and LTIP Units are valued based on observable market prices for similar

 

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instruments. Such value is recognized as an expense ratably over the corresponding employee service period. LTIP Units that were issued in January 2005 and any future LTIP Unit awards will be valued using an option pricing model in accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 123R. To the extent restricted stock or LTIP Units are forfeited prior to vesting, the corresponding previously recognized expense is reversed as an offset to “stock-based compensation.” Stock-based compensation associated with approximately $27.6 million of restricted stock and LTIP Units granted in February 2008 and approximately $18.5 million of restricted stock and LTIP Units granted in January 2007 will be incurred ratably over the four-year vesting period. Stock-based compensation associated with approximately $11.3 million of restricted stock and LTIP Units granted in April 2006 will be incurred ratably over the five-year vesting period.

Interest Expense

Interest expense for the Total Property Portfolio decreased approximately $12.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2007 compared to 2006. The decrease is due to (1) the repayment of outstanding mortgage debt in connection with the sale of Democracy Center in August 2007 and 280 Park Avenue in June 2006, which decreased interest expense by $11.2 million, (2) the repayment of our mortgage loans collateralized by Capital Gallery, 191 Spring Street, 101 Carnegie Center, Seven Cambridge Center, Embarcadero Center Three and Embarcadero Center Four, 504, 506, 508 and 510 Carnegie Center Properties, which decreased interest expense by approximately $15.9 million, and (3) an increase in capitalized interest costs which results in a decrease of interest expense of approximately $18.5 million. These decreases were offset by (1) an increase of approximately $4.4 million related to interest paid on $450 million unsecured exchangeable senior notes issued in the second quarter of 2006 at a per annum interest rate of 3.75%, (2) an increase of approximately $26.2 million related to interest paid on our $862.5 million unsecured exchangeable senior notes issued in the first quarter of 2007 at an effective per annum interest rate of 3.438% and (3) an increase of approximately $4.3 million related to the acquisition of Kingstowne Towne Center on March 30, 2007 as well as the consolidation of our 505 9th joint venture property due to the involvement we now have because the property is operational. The remaining decrease is attributed to scheduled loan amortization on our outstanding debt.

At December 31, 2007, our variable rate debt consisted of our construction loan at South of Market. The following summarizes our outstanding debt as of December 31, 2007 compared with December 31, 2006:

 

     December 31,  
     2007     2006  
     (dollars in thousands)  

Debt Summary:

    

Balance

    

Fixed rate

   $ 5,369,243     $ 3,889,447  

Variable rate

     122,923       711,490  
                

Total

   $ 5,492,166     $ 4,600,937  
                

Percent of total debt:

    

Fixed rate

     97.76 %     84.54 %

Variable rate

     2.24 %     15.46 %
                

Total

     100.00 %     100.00 %
                

GAAP Weighted average interest rate at end of period:

    

Fixed rate

     5.58 %     6.19 %

Variable rate

     6.11 %     5.80 %
                

Total

     5.60 %     6.13 %
                

 

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Depreciation and Amortization

Depreciation and amortization expense for the Total Property Portfolio increased approximately $11.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2007 compared to 2006. The increase in depreciation and amortization consisted of approximately $20.6 million related to the 2007 acquisitions compared with the 2006 activity, approximately $0.7 million related to partially placing in-service 505 9th Street in the fourth quarter of 2007, approximately $1.3 million related to placing Capital Gallery into service during the third quarter of 2006, and approximately $0.7 million was due to the placing in-service of our Seven Cambridge Center development project in the first quarter of 2006 and 12290 Sunrise Valley in the second quarter of 2006. The increase was offset by reductions in depreciation and amortization resulting from the sales of Democracy Center and 5 Times Square in 2007 compared with 280 Park Avenue in 2006, which resulted in an aggregate decrease of approximately $15.3 million. Depreciation and amortization in the Same Property Portfolio increased approximately $3.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2007 compared to 2006.

Capitalized Costs

Costs directly related to the development of rental properties are not included in our operating results. These costs are capitalized and included in real estate assets on our Consolidated Balance Sheets and amortized over their useful lives. Capitalized development costs include interest, wages, property taxes, insurance and other project costs incurred during the period of development. Capitalized wages for the year ended December 31, 2007 and 2006 were $11.0 million and $7.0 million, respectively. These costs are not included in the general and administrative expenses discussed above. We expect capitalized wages to increase proportionately with our increased development activity and increased wages into 2008. Interest capitalized for the year ended December 31, 2007 and 2006 was $31.0 million and $5.9 million, respectively. These costs are not included in the interest expense referenced above.

Losses from early extinguishments of debt

On February 12, 2007, we refinanced our mortgage loan collateralized by 599 Lexington Avenue located in New York City. The new mortgage financing totaling $750.0 million bears interest at a fixed interest rate of 5.57% per annum and matures on March 1, 2017. The net proceeds of the new loan were used to refinance the $225.0 million mortgage loan on 599 Lexington Avenue and the $475.0 million mortgage loan on Times Square Tower. In connection with the refinancing, the lien of the Times Square Tower mortgage was spread to 599 Lexington Avenue and released from Times Square Tower so that Times Square Tower is no longer encumbered by any mortgage debt. There was no prepayment penalty associated with the repayment. We recognized a loss from early extinguishment of debt totaling approximately $0.7 million consisting of the write-off of unamortized deferred financing costs.

In conjunction with the sale of Democracy Center in Bethesda, Maryland on August 7, 2007, we repaid the mortgage financing collateralized by the property totaling approximately $94.6 million. We paid a prepayment fee of approximately $2.6 million associated with the repayment. We recognized a loss from early extinguishment of debt totaling approximately $2.7 million consisting of the prepayment fee and the write-off of unamortized deferred financing costs.

For the year ended December 31, 2006, in connection with the sale of 280 Park Avenue, we legally defeased the mortgage indebtedness collateralized by the property, totaling approximately $254.4 million. In connection with the legal defeasance of the mortgage indebtedness at 280 Park Avenue, we recognized a loss from early extinguishment of debt totaling approximately $31.4 million consisting of the difference between the value of the U.S. Treasuries and the principal balance of the mortgage loan totaling approximately $28.2 million and the write-off of unamortized deferred financing costs totaling approximately $3.2 million. In addition, we repaid construction financing collateralized by our Seven Cambridge Center property. The construction financing at Seven Cambridge Center totaling approximately $112.5 million was repaid using approximately $7.5 million of available cash and $105.0 million drawn under our Unsecured Line of Credit. There was no prepayment penalty associated with the repayment for Seven Cambridge Center. We recognized losses from early extinguishments of

 

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debt totaling approximately $0.5 million consisting of the write-off of unamortized deferred financing costs. We repaid the construction and permanent financing at Capital Gallery totaling approximately $34.0 million and $49.7 million using available cash. We recognized a loss from early extinguishment of debt totaling approximately $0.2 million comprised of a prepayment penalty and the write-off of unamortized deferred finance costs.

Income from Unconsolidated Joint Ventures

For the year ended December 31, 2007, income from unconsolidated joint ventures decreased approximately $4.1 million. On June 1, 2007, our Value-Added Fund sold Worldgate Plaza located in Herndon, Virginia for approximately $109.0 million. Worldgate Plaza is an office complex consisting of approximately 322,000 net rentable square feet. Net cash proceeds totaled approximately $50.5 million, of which our share was approximately $20.3 million, after the repayment of the mortgage indebtedness of $57.0 million. Our share of the gain, which is included as income from joint ventures, was approximately $15.5 million which amount reflects the achievement of certain return thresholds as provided for in the joint venture agreement. On October 1, 2007, our 505 9th Street joint venture project, a 323,000 net rentable square foot Class A office property located in Washington, D.C was partially placed in-service. In connection with partially placing this property in-service, we consolidated this entity as of October 1, 2007 due to the involvement we have in the venture once the property is operational.

On September 15, 2006, a joint venture in which we had a 35% interest sold 265 Franklin Street located in Boston, Massachusetts, at a sale price of approximately $170.0 million. Net cash proceeds totaled approximately $108.3 million, of which our share was approximately $37.9 million, after the repayment of mortgage indebtedness of approximately $60.8 million and unfunded tenant obligations and other closing costs of approximately $0.9 million. The venture recognized a gain on sale of real estate of approximately $51.4 million, of which our share was approximately $18.0 million, and a loss from early extinguishment of debt of approximately $0.2 million, of which our share was $0.1 million.

Income from discontinued operations

For the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, Orbital Sciences Campus and Broad Run Business Park, Building E, Newport Office Park and Long Wharf Marriott were included as part of income from discontinued operations.

Minority interests in property partnerships

Minority interests in property partnerships for the year ended December 31, 2007 consists of the outside equity interests in the venture that owns our Wisconsin Place Office Property as well as our 505 9th Street project. In connection with partially placing 505 9th Street in-service, we consolidated this entity as of October 1, 2007 due to the involvement we have in the venture once the property is operational.

For the year ended December 31, 2006, minority interest in property partnership includes our outside equity interest in Citigroup Center. This venture was consolidated with our financial results because we exercised control over the entity. Due to the redemption of the minority interest holder at Citigroup Center on May 31, 2006, minority interest in property partnership no longer reflects an allocation to the minority interest holder.

Preferred distributions and allocation of undistributed earnings

Preferred distributions and Allocation of Undistributed Earnings decreased approximately $7.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2007, compared to the year ended December 31, 2006. The decrease is due to an increase in the allocation of undistributed earnings of approximately $4.6 million, offset by a decrease of approximately $12.4 million in preferred distributions. As a result of the special distribution declared in

 

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December 2007, we accrued approximately $8.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2007 related to the special cash distribution payable to holders of the Series Two Preferred Units and have allocated earnings to the Series Two Preferred Units of approximately $8.7 million. In connection with the special distribution declared in December 2006, we recognized an adjustment of approximately $3.1 million in 2007 to the special cash distribution accrual and allocation of earnings to the Series Two Preferred Units, as a result of conversions of Series Two Preferred Units. This compares to approximately $12.2 million special in 2006. The remaining decrease relates to a decrease in quarterly preferred distribution as a result of conversions.

Gains on sales of real estate

On August 7, 2007, we sold Democracy Center in Bethesda, Maryland, for approximately $280.5 million. Net cash proceeds totaled approximately $184.5 million, after the repayment of the mortgage indebtedness of approximately $94.6 million and closing costs of approximately $1.4 million, resulting in a gain on sale of approximately $203.2 million. Due to our continuing involvement through an agreement with the buyer to manage the property for a fee after the sale, this property has not been categorized as discontinued operations.

On February 15, 2007, we sold the long-term leasehold interest in 5 Times Square in New York City and related credits, for approximately $1.28 billion in cash. Net cash proceeds totaled approximately $1.23 billion, resulting in a gain on sale of approximately $736.2 million. Due to our continuing involvement through an agreement with the buyer to manage the property for a fee after the sale, this property has not been categorized as discontinued operations.

On June 6, 2006, we sold 280 Park Avenue, a 1,179,000 net rentable square foot Class A office property located in midtown Manhattan, New York, for approximately $1.2 billion. Net proceeds totaled approximately $875 million after legal defeasance of indebtedness secured by the property (consisting of approximately $254.4 million of principal indebtedness and approximately $28.2 million of related defeasance costs) and the payment of transfer taxes, brokers’ fees and other customary closing costs. We recognized at closing a gain on sale of approximately $699.8 million. Due to our continuing involvement through an agreement with the buyer to manage the property for a fee after the sale, this property has not been categorized as discontinued operations.

In January 2006, we recognized a $5.7 million gain on the sale of a parcel of land at the Prudential Center located in Boston, Massachusetts which had been accounted for previously as a financing transaction. During January 2006, the transaction qualified as a sale for financial reporting purposes.

Gains on sales of real estate from discontinued operations

Gains on sales of real estate from discontinued operations for the year ended December 31, 2007 in the Total Property Portfolio relate to the sales of Orbital Sciences Campus and Broad Run Business Park, Building E, Newport Office Park resulting in a gain of approximately $58.2 million and Long Wharf Marriott during 2007 resulting in a gain of approximately $194.4 million.

Comparison of the year ended December 31, 2006 to the year ended December 31, 2005

The table below shows selected operating information for the Same Property Portfolio and the Total Property Portfolio. The Same Property Portfolio consists of 101 properties, including properties acquired or placed in-service on or prior to January 1, 2005 and owned through December 31, 2006, totaling approximately 25.2 million net rentable square feet of space (excluding square feet of structured parking). The Total Property Portfolio includes the effects of the other properties either placed in-service, acquired or repositioned after January 1, 2005 or disposed of on or prior to December 31, 2006. The Same Property Portfolio includes our Cambridge Center Marriott hotel property, but does not include the Long Wharf Marriott hotel property, which was sold on March 23, 2007. This table includes a reconciliation from the Same Property Portfolio to the Total Property Portfolio by also providing information for the year ended December 31, 2006 and 2005 with respect to the properties which were acquired, placed in-service, repositioned or sold.

 

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    Same Property Portfolio     Properties Sold   Properties
Acquired
  Properties Placed
In-Service
  Properties
Repositioned
  Total Property Portfolio  
(dollars in thousands)   2006   2005   Increase/
(Decrease)
    %
Change
    2006   2005   2006     2005   2006   2005   2006   2005   2006     2005     Increase/
(Decrease)
    %
Change
 

Rental Revenue:

                               

Rental Revenue

  $ 1,227,755   $ 1,194,483   $ 33,272     2.79 %   $ 32,207   $ 104,431   $ 15,498     $ 28   $ 24,117   $ 412   $ 20,402   $ 13,094   $ 1,319,979     $ 1,312,448     $ 7,531     0.57 %

Termination Income

    8,137     5,416     2,721     50.24 %     —       6,064     —         —       —       —       —       —       8,137       11,480       (3,343 )   (29.12 )%
                                                                                                         

Total Rental Revenue

    1,235,892     1,199,899     35,993     3.00 %     32,207     110,495     15,498       28     24,117     412     20,402     13,094     1,328,116       1,323,928       4,188     0.32 %
                                                                                                         

Real Estate Operating Expenses

    407,377     385,972     21,405     5.55 %     14,307     44,818     5,866       18     4,731     122     5,424     3,423     437,705       434,353       3,352     0.77 %
                                                                                                         

Net Operating Income, excluding hotel

    828,515     813,927     14,588     1.79 %     17,900     65,677     9,632       10     19,386     290     14,978     9,671     890,411       889,575       836     0.09 %
                                                                                                         

Hotel Net Operating Income (1)

    8,048     6,874     1,174     17.08 %     —       —       —         —       —       —       —       —       8,048       6,874       1,174     17.08 %
                                                                                                         

Consolidated Net Operating Income (1)

    836,563     820,801     15,762     1.92 %     17,900     65,677     9,632       10     19,386     290     14,978     9,671     898,459       896,449       2,010     0.22 %
                                                                                                         

Other Revenue:

                               

Development and Management Services

    —       —       —       —         —       —       —         —       —       —       —       —       19,820       17,310       2,510     14.50 %

Interest and Other

    —       —       —       —         —       —       —         —       —       —       —       —       36,677       11,978       24,699     206.20 %
                                                                                                         

Total Other Revenue

    —       —       —       —         —       —       —         —       —       —       —       —       56,497       29,288       27,209     92.90 %

Other Expenses:

                               

General and administrative expense

    —       —       —       —         —       —       —         —       —       —       —       —       59,375       55,471       3,904     7.04 %

Interest Expense

    —       —       —       —         —       —       —         —       —       —       —       —       298,260       308,091       (9,831 )   (3.19 )%

Depreciation and amortization

    248,484     238,889     9,595     4.02 %     3,502     17,694     6,758       —       7,365     94     3,032     1,655     266,411       258,332       8,079     3.13 %

Loss from early extinguishments of debt

    —       —       —       —         —       —       —         —       —       —       —       —       32,143       12,896       19,247     149.25 %
                                                                                                         

Total Other Expenses

    248,484     238,889     9,595     4.02 %     3,502     17,694     6,758       —       7,365     94     3,032     1,655     656,189       634,790       21,399     3.37 %

Income before minority interests

  $ 588,079   $ 589,912   $ (1,833 )   (31.08 )%   $ 14,398   $ 47,983   $ 2,874     $ 10   $ 12,021   $ 196   $ 11,946   $ 8,016   $ 298,767     $ 290,947     $ 7,820     2.69 %

Income from unconsolidated joint ventures

  $ 3,324   $ 2,012   $ 1,312     65.21 %   $ 17,816   $ 693   $ (540 )   $ —     $ 3,907   $ 2,124   $ —     $ —       24,507       4,829       19,678     407.50 %
                                                                                   

Income from discontinued operations

  $ 5,189   $ 4,973   $ 216     4.34 %   $ 10,915   $ 10,354   $       $     $ —     $ —     $ —     $ —       19,081       18,303       778     4.25 %

Minority interest in property partnership

                            2,013       6,017       (4,004 )   (66.54 )%

Gains on sales of real estate

                            727,131       188,546       454,510     299.25 %

Gains on sales of real estate from discontinued operations

                            —         57,969       (57,969 )   100.0 %

Preferred distributions and allocation of undistributed earnings

                            (22,814 )     (26,780 )     (3,966 )   (14.81 )%

Cumulative effect of a change in accounting

                            —         (5,043 )     5,043     100.0 %
                                                     

Net Income available to common unitholders

                          $ 1,048,685     $ 534,788     $ 513,897     96.09 %
                                                     

 

(1) For a detailed discussion of NOI, including the reasons management believes NOI is useful to investors, see page 47. Hotel Net Operating Income for the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2005 is comprised of Hotel Revenue of $33,014 and $29,650, respectively, less Hotel Expenses of $24,966 and $22,776, respectively, per the Consolidated Income Statement.

 

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Rental Revenue

The increase of approximately $7.5 million in the Total Property Portfolio Rental Revenue is comprised of increases and decreases within the five categories that comprise our Total Property Portfolio. Rental revenue from the Same Property Portfolio increased approximately $33.3 million, Properties Sold decreased approximately $72.2 million, Properties Acquired increased approximately $15.5 million, Properties Placed In-Service increased approximately $23.7 million and Properties Repositioned increased approximately $7.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2006 compared to the year ended December 31, 2005.

Rental revenue from the Same Property Portfolio increased approximately $33.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2006 compared to 2005. Included in the Same Property Portfolio rental revenue is an overall increase in base rental revenue of approximately $35.5 million, offset by a decrease of approximately $17.5 million in straight-line rents, primarily due to the reduction of free rent at Times Square Tower during the prior year. Approximately $14.2 million of the increase from the Same Property Portfolio was due to an increase in recoveries from tenants which correlates with the increase in operating expenses. Approximately $1.0 million of the increase from the Same Property Portfolio was due to an increase in parking and other income.

The increase in rental revenue from Properties Placed In-Service relates to placing in-service our Seven Cambridge Center development project in the first quarter of 2006 and 12290 Sunrise Valley in the second quarter of 2006. During the fourth quarter of 2005, we placed our West Garage phase of our Seven Cambridge Center development into service which is included as part of Seven Cambridge Center below. Rental revenue from Properties Placed In-Service increased approximately $23.7 million, as detailed below:

 

Property

   Date Placed In-
Service
   Rental Revenue
for the year ended December 31
          2006            2005            Change    
          (in thousands)

Seven Cambridge Center

   First Quarter, 2006    $ 19,940    $ 412    $ 19,528

12290 Sunrise Valley

   Second Quarter, 2006      4,177      —        4,177
                       

Total

      $ 24,117    $ 412    $ 23,705
                       

The acquisition of Prospect Place on December 30, 2005, 303 Almaden Boulevard on June 30, 2006, 3200 Zanker Road on August 10, 2006 and Four and Five Cambridge Center on November 30, 2006, increased revenue from Properties Acquired by approximately $15.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2006 as detailed below:

 

Property

   Date Acquired    Rental Revenue
for the year ended December 31
          2006            2005            Change    
          (in thousands)

Prospect Place

   December 30, 2005    $ 7,253    $ 28    $ 7,225

303 Almaden Boulevard

   June 30, 2006      3,141      —        3,141

3200 Zanker Road

   August 10, 2006      3,839      —        3,839

Four and Five Cambridge Center

   November 30, 2006      1,265      —        1,265
                       

Total

      $ 15,498    $ 28    $ 15,470
                       

Rental revenue from Properties Repositioned for the year ended December 31, 2006 increased approximately $7.3 million over the year ended December 31, 2005. Our Capital Gallery expansion project is included in Properties Repositioned for the year ended December 31, 2006 and December 31, 2005. In April 2006, tenants began to take occupancy and we placed our Capital Gallery expansion project in-service in July 2006.

 

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The aggregate increase in rental revenue was offset by the sales of 280 Park Avenue in June 2006 and Embarcadero Center West Tower, Riverfront Plaza and 100 East Pratt Street during 2005. These properties have not been classified as discontinued operations due to our continuing involvement as the property manager for each property through agreements entered into at the time of sale. Rental Revenue from Properties Sold decreased by approximately $72.2 million, as detailed below:

 

Property

   Date Sold    Rental Revenue
for the year ended December 31
 
          2006            2005            Change      
          (in thousands)  

280 Park Avenue

   June 6, 2006    $ 32,207    $ 72,184    $ (39,977 )

Riverfront Plaza

   May 16, 2005      —        8,760      (8,760 )

100 East Pratt Street

   May 12, 2005      —        8,406      (8,406 )

Embarcadero Center West Tower

   December 14, 2005      —        15,081      (15,081 )
                         

Total

      $ 32,207    $ 104,431    $ (72,224 )
                         

Termination Income

Termination income for the year ended December 31, 2006 was related to multiple tenants across the Total Property Portfolio that terminated their leases, and we recognized termination income totaling approximately $8.1 million. This compared to termination income of $11.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2005 related to twenty-three tenants.

Real Estate Operating Expenses

The $3.4 million increase in property operating expenses (real estate taxes, utilities, insurance, repairs and maintenance, cleaning and other property-related expenses) in the Total Property Portfolio is comprised of increases and decreases within five categories that comprise our Total Property Portfolio. Operating expenses for the Same Property Portfolio increased approximately $21.4 million, Properties Sold decreased approximately $30.5 million, Properties Acquired increased approximately $5.8 million, Properties Placed In-Service increased approximately $4.6 million and Properties Repositioned increased approximately $2.0 million.

Operating expenses from the Same Property Portfolio increased approximately $21.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2006 compared to 2005. Included in Same Property Portfolio operating expenses is an increase in utility expenses of approximately $5.4 million, which represents an increase of approximately 7% over the prior year to date. In addition, real estate taxes increased approximately $8.5 million due to increased real estate tax assessments, with more than half of this increase specifically attributed to properties located in New York City. The remaining $10.2 million increase in the Same Property Portfolio operating expenses is related to an increase in repairs and maintenance.

The acquisitions of Prospect Place on December 30, 2005, 303 Almaden Boulevard on June 30, 2006, 3200 Zanker Road on August 10, 2006 and Four and Five Cambridge Center on November 30, 2006 increased operating expenses from Properties Acquired by approximately $5.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2006 as detailed below:

 

Property

   Date Acquired    Real Estate Operating Expenses
for the year ended December 31
          2006            2005            Change    
          (in thousands)

Prospect Place

   December 30, 2005    $ 3,627    $ 18    $ 3,609

303 Almaden Boulevard

   June 30, 2006      1,223      —        1,223

3200 Zanker Road

   August 10, 2006      497      —        497

Four and Five Cambridge Center

   November 30, 2006      519         519
                       

Total

      $ 5,866    $ 18    $ 5,848
                       

 

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The increase in operating expenses from Properties Placed In-Service relates to placing in-service our Seven Cambridge Center development project in the first quarter of 2006 and 12290 Sunrise Valley in the second quarter of 2006. During the fourth quarter of 2005, we placed our West Garage phase of our Seven Cambridge Center development into service and it is included as part of Seven Cambridge Center below. Operating expenses from Properties Placed In-Service increased approximately $4.6 million, as detailed below:

 

Property

   Date Placed In-
Service
   Real Estate Operating Expenses
for the year ended December 31
          2006            2005            Change    
          (in thousands)

Seven Cambridge Center

   First Quarter, 2006    $ 4,277    $ 122    $ 4,155

12290 Sunrise Valley

   Second Quarter, 2006      454      —        454
                       

Total

      $ 4,731    $ 122    $ 4,609
                       

Operating expenses from Properties Repositioned for the year ended December 31, 2006 increased approximately $2.0 million over the year ended December 31, 2005. Our Capital Gallery expansion project is included in Properties Repositioned for the year ended December 31, 2006 and December 31, 2005. In April 2006, tenants began to take occupancy and during July 2006, we placed our Capital Gallery expansion project in-service.

A decrease of approximately $30.5 million in the Total Property Portfolio operating expenses was due to the sales of 280 Park Avenue in June 2006 and Embarcadero Center West Tower, 100 East Pratt Street and Riverfront Plaza in 2005, as detailed below:

 

Property

   Date Sold    Real Estate Operating Expenses
for the year ended December 31
 
          2006            2005            Change      
          (in thousands)  

280 Park Avenue

   June 6, 2006    $ 14,307    $ 32,418    $ (18,111 )

100 East Pratt Street

   May 12, 2005      —        3,019      (3,019 )

Riverfront Plaza

   May 16, 2005      —        2,864      (2,864 )

Embarcadero Center West Tower

   December 14, 2005      —        6,517      (6,517 )
                         

Total

      $ 14,307    $ 44,818    $ (30,511 )
                         

Hotel Net Operating Income

Net operating income for the hotel properties increased approximately $1.2 million, a 17.08% increase for the year ended December 31, 2006 as compared to 2005. For the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2005, the operations of the Long Wharf Marriott have been included as part of discontinued operations due to its sale on March 23, 2007. For the year ended December 31, 2005 the operations of the Residence Inn by Marriott has been included as part of discontinued operations due to its sale on November 4, 2005.

The following reflects our occupancy and rate information for our Cambridge Center Marriott hotel property for the year ended December 31, 2006 and 2005:

 

     2006     2005     Percentage
Change
 

Occupancy

     75.1 %     73.7 %   1.9 %

Average daily rate

   $ 194.52     $ 176.98     9.9 %

Revenue per available room, REVPAR

   $ 146.15     $ 130.47     12.0 %

 

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Development and Management Services

Development and Management Services income increased approximately $2.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2006 compared to 2005. Management Service income has increased approximately $1.6 million due to management contracts following the sales of 100 East Pratt Street, Riverfront Plaza and Embarcadero Center West Tower in 2005, as well as the sale of 280 Park Avenue on June 6, 2006. Approximately $0.5 million of the increase related to tenant improvement construction management fees earned, the majority of which was in San Francisco. An increase in development income of approximately $0.4 million was due to the increasing development activity at our 505 9th Street joint venture project.

Interest and Other Income

Interest and other income increased by approximately $24.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2006 compared to 2005 as a result of higher overall interest rates and increased cash balances. During the second quarter of 2006, we issued $450 million of 3.75% exchangeable senior notes due 2036. On June 6, 2006, we completed the sale of 280 Park Avenue for net cash proceeds of approximately $875 million.

Other Expenses

General and Administrative

General and administrative expenses increased approximately $3.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2006 compared to 2005. An overall increase of approximately $4.7 million was attributed to bonuses and salaries for the year ended December 31, 2006 compared to 2005 and approximately $1.5 million related to tax savings during 2005. These increases were offset by approximately $2.1 million of decreased accounting- and legal-related expenses, and other overall decreases aggregating approximately $0.2 million.

Commencing in 2003, Boston Properties, Inc. issues restricted stock and/or LTIP Units, as opposed to granting stock options and restricted stock, under the 1997 Plan as its primary vehicle for employee equity compensation. An LTIP Unit is generally the economic equivalent of a share of Boston Properties, Inc.’s restricted stock. Employees generally vest in restricted stock and LTIP Units over a five-year term (for awards granted prior to 2003, vesting is in equal annual installments; for those granted in 2003 through 2006, vesting occurs over a five-year term with annual vesting of 0%, 0%, 25%, 35% and 40%; and for awards granted in 2007, vesting will occur in equal annual installments over a four-year term). Restricted stock and LTIP Units are valued based on observable market prices for similar instruments. Such value is recognized as an expense ratably over the corresponding employee service period. LTIP Units that were issued in January 2005 and all subsequent LTIP Unit awards will be valued using an option pricing model in accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 123R. To the extent restricted stock or LTIP Units are forfeited prior to vesting, the corresponding previously recognized expense is reversed as an offset to “stock-based compensation.” Stock-based compensation associated with approximately $11.4 million of restricted stock and LTIP Units granted in January 2005 and approximately $11.3 million of restricted stock and LTIP Units granted in April 2006 will be incurred ratably as such restricted stock and LTIP Units vest.

Interest Expense

Interest expense for the Total Property Portfolio decreased approximately $9.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2006 compared to 2005. The majority of the decreases are due to (1) the repayment of outstanding mortgage debt in connection with the sales of 280 Park Avenue in June 2006, Riverfront Plaza and 100 East Pratt Street in the second quarter of 2005, and Embarcadero Center West Tower in October 2005, which collectively decreased interest expense by $20.4 million and (2) the repayment of our mortgage loans collateralized by Capital Gallery, Montvale Center, 101 Carnegie Center, 191 Spring Street and 601 and 651 Gateway Boulevard, which decreased interest expense approximately $8.2 million. These decreases were offset by (1) increases of approximately $8.6 million at Times Square Tower due to increasing interest rates (5.85% on December 31, 2006

 

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and 4.87% on December 31, 2005) and the increased principal balance due to the refinancing of the mortgage loan in June 2005, (2) an increase of approximately $12.3 million related to interest paid on $450 million of 3.75% exchangeable senior notes due 2036 issued in the second quarter of 2006 and (3) a net increase of approximately $1.2 million due to the interest imputed on the unpaid redemption price related to the redemption of the outside members’ equity interest at Citigroup Center to reflect the fair value of debt as well as the impact of placing Seven Cambridge Center into service prior to the repayment of debt. The remaining decrease is attributed to scheduled loan amortization on our outstanding debt.

At December 31, 2006, our variable rate debt consisted of our construction loan at Times Square Tower, South of Market and our secured borrowings under our unsecured line of credit. The following summarizes our outstanding debt as of December 31, 2006 compared with December 31, 2005:

 

     December 31,  
     2006     2005  
     (dollars in thousands)  

Debt Summary:

    

Balance

    

Fixed rate

   $ 3,889,447     $ 3,952,151  

Variable rate

     711,490       874,103  
                

Total

   $ 4,600,937     $ 4,826,254  
                

Percent of total debt:

    

Fixed rate

     84.54 %     81.89 %

Variable rate

     15.46 %     18.11 %
                

Total

     100.00 %     100.00 %
                

GAAP Weighted average interest rate at end of period:

    

Fixed rate

     6.19 %     6.61 %

Variable rate

     5.80 %     4.96 %
                

Total

     6.13 %     6.31 %
                

Depreciation and Amortization

Depreciation and amortization expense for the Total Property Portfolio increased approximately $8.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2006 compared to 2005. The increase in depreciation and amortization consisted of approximately $7.3 million due to the placing in-service of our Seven Cambridge Center development project in the first quarter of 2006 and 12290 Sunrise Valley in the second quarter of 2006, approximately $6.8 million related to the acquisition of Prospect Place on December 30, 2005, 303 Almaden Boulevard on June 30, 2006, 3200 Zanker Road on August 10, 2006 and Four and Five Cambridge Center in November 2006, and approximately $1.4 million related to placing Capital Gallery into service during the third quarter. The increase was offset by reductions in depreciation and amortization resulting from the sales of 280 Park Avenue in June 2006 and Embarcadero Center West Tower, 100 East Pratt Street and Riverfront Plaza in 2005, which resulted in an aggregate decrease of approximately $14.2 million. Depreciation and amortization in the Same Property Portfolio increased approximately $9.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2006 compared to 2005.

Capitalized Costs

Costs directly related to the development of rental properties are not included in our operating results. These costs are capitalized and included in real estate assets on our Consolidated Balance Sheets and amortized over their useful lives. Capitalized development costs include interest, wages, property taxes, insurance and other project costs incurred during the period of development. Capitalized wages for the year ended December 31, 2006 and 2005 were $7.0 million and $5.9 million, respectively. These costs are not included in the general and

 

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administrative expenses discussed above. Interest capitalized for the year ended December 31, 2006 and 2005 was $5.9 million and $5.7 million, respectively. These costs are not included in the interest expense referenced above.

Losses from early extinguishments of debt

For the year ended December 31, 2006, in connection with the sale of 280 Park Avenue, we legally defeased the mortgage indebtedness collateralized by the property, totaling approximately $254.4 million. In connection with the legal defeasance of the mortgage indebtedness at 280 Park Avenue, we recognized a loss from early extinguishment of debt totaling approximately $31.4 million consisting of the difference between the value of the U.S. Treasuries and the principal balance of the mortgage loan totaling approximately $28.2 million and the write-off of unamortized deferred financing costs totaling approximately $3.2 million. In addition, we repaid construction financing collateralized by our Seven Cambridge Center property. The construction financing at Seven Cambridge Center totaling approximately $112.5 million was repaid using approximately $7.5 million of available cash and $105.0 million drawn under our Unsecured Line of Credit. There was no prepayment penalty associated with the repayment for Seven Cambridge Center. We recognized losses from early extinguishments of debt totaling approximately $0.5 million consisting of the write-off of unamortized deferred financing costs. We repaid the construction and permanent financing at Capital Gallery totaling approximately $34.0 million and $49.7 million using available cash. We recognized a loss from early extinguishment of debt totaling approximately $0.2 million comprised of a prepayment penalty and the write-off of unamortized deferred finance costs. During 2006, we also repaid the mortgage loan collateralized by our Embarcadero Center Three property located in San Francisco, California totaling approximately $133.4 million, the mortgage loan collateralized by our 191 Spring Street property located in Lexington, Massachusetts totaling approximately $17.9 million, the mortgage loan collateralized by our Montvale Center property located in Gaithersburg, Maryland totaling approximately $6.6 million and the mortgage loan collateralized by our 101 Carnegie Center property located in Princeton, New Jersey totaling approximately $6.6 million. There were no significant prepayment penalties or write-offs of unamortized deferred financing costs related to these repayments.

In connection with the sales of 100 East Pratt Street and Riverfront Plaza in May 2005, we repaid the mortgage loans collateralized by the properties totaling approximately $188 million. For the year ended December 31, 2005, we recognized a loss from early extinguishment of debt totaling approximately $11.0 million, consisting of prepayment fees of approximately $10.8 million and the write-off of unamortized deferred financing costs of approximately $0.2 million. We also recognized a $1.9 million loss from early extinguishment of debt, which relates to the refinancing of our Times Square Tower mortgage loan and the modification on our Unsecured Line of Credit.

Income from Unconsolidated Joint Ventures

On September 15, 2006, a joint venture in which we had a 35% interest sold 265 Franklin Street located in Boston, Massachusetts, at a sale price of approximately $170.0 million. Net cash proceeds totaled approximately $108.3 million, of which our share was approximately $37.9 million, after the repayment of mortgage indebtedness of approximately $60.8 million and unfunded tenant obligations and other closing costs of approximately $0.9 million. The venture recognized a gain on sale of real estate of approximately $51.4 million, of which our share was approximately $18.0 million, and a loss from early extinguishment of debt of approximately $0.2 million, of which our share was $0.1 million.

Income from discontinued operations

For the year ended December 31, 2006, the Orbital Sciences Campus, Broad Run, Building E, Long Wharf Marriott and Newport Office Park were included as part of income from discontinued operations. Properties included in discontinued operations for the year ended December 31, 2005 consisted of the Orbital Science Campus, Broad Run, Building E, Long Wharf Marriott, Newport Office Park, 40-46 Harvard Street, the Residence Inn by Marriott and Old Federal Reserve.

 

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Minority interest in property partnership

Minority interest in property partnership consists of the outside equity interests in the venture that owns Citigroup Center. This venture was consolidated with our financial results because we exercised control over the entity. Due to the redemption of the minority interest holder’s interest at Citigroup Center on May 31, 2006, minority interest in property partnership will no longer reflect an allocation to the minority interest holder.

Preferred distributions and allocation of undistributed earnings

Preferred distributions and Allocation of Undistributed Earnings decreased approximately $4.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2006, compared to the year ended December 31, 2005. In connection with the special cash distribution declared in July 2005, holders of Series Two Preferred Units participated in the special distribution on as converted basis in connection with their regular February 2006 distribution payment as provided for in our partnership agreement. In connection with the special cash distribution declared in December 2006, holders of Series Two Preferred Units participated in the special distribution on an as converted basis in connection with their regular May 2007 distribution payment. As a result, we accrued approximately $12.2 million and $12.1 million related to the special cash distribution payable to holders of the Series Two Preferred Units and allocated earnings to the Series Two Preferred Units of approximately $12.2 million and $12.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively, which amount has been reflected in Preferred Distributions and Allocation of Undistributed Earnings for the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2005. This increase was offset by a reduction in the preferred distributions due to conversions of Series Two Preferred Units and a reduction in the allocation of undistributed earnings.

Gains on sales of real estate

On June 6, 2006, we sold 280 Park Avenue, a 1,179,000 net rentable square foot Class A office property located in midtown Manhattan, New York, for approximately $1.2 billion. Net proceeds totaled approximately $875 million after legal defeasance of indebtedness secured by the property (consisting of approximately $254.4 million of principal indebtedness and approximately $28.2 million of related defeasance costs) and the payment of transfer taxes, brokers’ fees and other customary closing costs. We recognized at closing a gain on sale of approximately $699.8 million. Due to our continuing involvement through an agreement with the buyer to manage the property for a fee after the sale, this property has not been categorized as discontinued operations.

In January 2006, we recognized a $5.7 million gain on the sale of a parcel of land at the Prudential Center located in Boston, Massachusetts which had been accounted for previously as a financing transaction. During January 2006, the transaction qualified as a sale for financial reporting purposes.

Gains on sales of real estate for the year ended December 31, 2005 in the Total Property Portfolio primarily relate to the sales of Riverfront Plaza and 100 East Street which are not included in discontinued operations due to our continuing involvement in the management, for a fee, of these properties after the sales. In addition, the sale of Decoverly Four and Five, consisting of two undeveloped land parcels located in Rockville, Maryland are included in gains on sales of real estate and other assets for the year ended December 31, 2005. Due to our continuing involvement through an agreement with the buyer to manage the property for a fee after the sale, this property has not been categorized as discontinued operations.

Gains on sales of real estate from discontinued operations

Gains on sales of real estate from discontinued operations for the year ended December 31, 2005 in the Total Property Portfolio relate to the sale of Old Federal Reserve in April 2005, Residence Inn by Marriott and 40-46 Harvard Street, both which were sold in November 2005.

 

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Cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle

In March 2005, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 47, “Accounting for Conditional Asset Retirement Obligations, an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 143” (“FIN 47”). FIN 47 clarifies that the term “conditional asset retirement obligation” as used in FASB Statement No. 143, “Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations,” refers to a legal obligation to perform an asset retirement activity in which the timing and/or method of settlement are conditional on a future event that may or may not be within the control of the entity. At December 31, 2005, we recognized a liability for the fair value of the asset retirement obligation aggregating approximately $7.1 million, which amount is included in “Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses” on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. In addition, we have recognized the cumulative effect of adopting FIN 47, totaling approximately $5.0 million, which amount is included in “Cumulative Effect of a Change in Accounting Principle” on our Consolidated Statements of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2005.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

General

Our principal liquidity needs for the next twelve months are to:

 

   

fund normal recurring expenses;

 

   

meet debt service and principal repayment obligations including balloon payments on maturing debt;

 

   

fund capital expenditures, including tenant improvements and leasing costs;

 

   

fund current development costs not covered under construction loans;

 

   

fund the costs associated with the settlement of our hedge agreements at maturity;

 

   

fund possible property acquisitions; and

 

   

make the minimum distribution required to maintain Boston Properties, Inc.’s REIT qualification under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

On December 17, 2007, Boston Properties, Inc., as our general partner, declared a special cash distribution of $5.98 per common unit and LTIP unit that was paid on January 30, 2008 to unitholders of record as of the close of business on December 31, 2007. The decision to declare a special distribution was the result of the sales of assets in 2007, including 5 Times Square, Orbital Sciences Campus, Broad Run Business Park - Building E, Worldgate Plaza and Newport Office Park. The Board of Directors of Boston Properties, Inc. did not make any change in our policy with respect to regular quarterly distributions. The payment of the regular quarterly distribution of $0.68 per unit and the special distribution of $5.98 per unit resulted in a total payment of $6.66 per unit paid on January 30, 2008.

We believe that our liquidity needs during 2008, including approximately $451.0 million of estimated development costs, will be satisfied using our approximately $750 million of cash on hand, cash flows generated by operations, availability under our line of credit (currently $582.9 million) and cash flows provided by other financing activities. We may also generate cash from asset sales. Base rental revenue, recovery income from tenants, other income from operations, available cash balances, draws on our unsecured line of credit and refinancing of maturing indebtedness are our principal sources of capital used to pay operating expenses, debt service, recurring capital expenditures and the minimum distribution required to maintain Boston Properties, Inc.’s REIT qualification. We seek to increase income from our existing properties by maintaining quality standards for our properties that promote high occupancy rates and permit increases in rental rates while reducing tenant turnover and controlling operating expenses. Our sources of revenue also include third-party fees generated by our office real estate management, leasing, development and construction businesses. Consequently, we believe our revenue, together with proceeds from financing activities, will continue to provide the necessary funds for our short-term liquidity

 

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needs. However, material changes in these factors may adversely affect our net cash flows. Such changes, in turn, could adversely affect our ability to fund distributions, debt service payments and tenant improvements. In addition, a material adverse change in our cash provided by operations may affect our ability to comply with the financial performance covenants under our unsecured line of credit and unsecured senior notes.

Our principal liquidity needs for periods beyond twelve months are for the costs of developments, possible property acquisitions, scheduled debt maturities, major renovations, expansions and other non-recurring capital improvements. We expect to satisfy these needs using one or more of the following:

 

   

construction loans;

 

   

long-term secured and unsecured indebtedness (including unsecured exchangeable indebtedness);

 

   

income from operations;

 

   

income from joint ventures;

 

   

sales of real estate;

 

   

issuances of additional common units and/or preferred units; and

 

   

our unsecured revolving line of credit or other short-term bridge facilities.

We draw on multiple financing sources to fund our long-term capital needs. Our unsecured line of credit is utilized primarily as a bridge facility to fund acquisition opportunities, to refinance outstanding indebtedness and to meet short-term development and working capital needs. We generally fund our development projects with construction loans that we may partially guarantee until project completion or lease-up thresholds are achieved.

To the extent that we sell assets and cannot efficiently use the proceeds for either our development activities or attractive acquisitions, we would, at the appropriate time, decide whether it is better to declare a special distribution, adopt a stock repurchase program, reduce our indebtedness or retain the cash for future investment opportunities. Such a decision will depend on many factors including, among others, the timing, availability and terms of development and acquisition opportunities, our then-current and anticipated leverage, the price of Boston Properties, Inc.’s common stock and REIT distribution requirements. At a minimum, we expect that we would distribute at least that amount of proceeds necessary for Boston Properties, Inc. to avoid paying corporate level tax on the applicable gains realized from any asset sales.

Cash Flow Summary

The following summary discussion of our cash flows is based on the consolidated statements of cash flows in “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” and is not meant to be an all-inclusive discussion of the changes in our cash flows for the periods presented below.

Cash and cash equivalents were $1.5 billion and $725.8 million at December 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006, respectively, representing an increase of $781.1 million. The increase was a result of the following increases and decreases in cash flows:

 

     Years ended December 31,
     2007     2006     Increase
(Decrease)
     (in thousands)

Net cash provided by operating activities

   $ 629,378     $ 527,979     $ 101,399

Net cash provided by investing activities

   $ 576,931     $ 229,756     $ 347,175

Net cash used in financing activities

   $ (425,176 )   $ (293,443 )   $ 131,773

 

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Our principal source of cash flow is related to the operation of our office properties. The average term of our tenant leases is approximately 7.4 years with occupancy rates historically in the range of 92% to 98%. Our properties provide a relatively consistent stream of cash flow that provides us with resources to pay operating expenses, debt service and fund quarterly dividend and distribution payment requirements. In addition, over the past two years, we have raised capital through the sale of some of our properties and raised proceeds from secured and unsecured borrowings.

In 2007, our total distributions exceeded our cash flow from operating activities due to the special distribution which was declared in December 2006 and paid to common unitholders and LTIP holders on January 30, 2007. The cash flows distributed were generated from sales of real estate assets and proceeds from the sales are included as part of cash flows from investment activities. We expect that in 2008 our total distributions will exceed our cash flow from operating activities due to the special distribution declared in December 2007 and paid in January 2008. Distributions will generally exceed cash flows from operating activities during periods in which we sell significant real estate assets and distribute gains on sale that would otherwise be taxable.

Cash is used in investing activities to fund acquisitions, development and recurring and nonrecurring capital expenditures. We selectively invest in new projects that enable us to take advantage of our development, leasing, financing and property management skills and invest in existing buildings that meet our investment criteria. Cash provided by investing activities for the year ended December 31, 2007 consisted of the following:

 

     (in thousands)  

Net proceeds from the sales of real estate

   $ 1,897,988  

Cash recorded upon consolidation

     3,232  

The cash provided by these investing activities is offset by:

  

Net investments in unconsolidated joint ventures

     (7,790 )

Investments in securities

     (22,584 )

Recurring capital expenditures

     (35,506 )

Planned non-recurring capital expenditures associated with acquisition properties

     (1,490 )

Hotel improvements, equipment upgrades and replacements

     (1,127 )

Net Proceeds from the sale of real estate placed in escrow

     (161,321 )

Acquisitions/additions to real estate

     (1,094,471 )
        

Net cash provided by investing activities

   $ 576,931  
        

Cash used in financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2007 totaled approximately $425.2 million. This consisted primarily of the $840 million of net proceeds from our offering of 2.875% unsecured exchangeable senior notes and proceeds from mortgage notes payable, offset by the repayment of our Embarcadero Center Four mortgage loan, Times Square Tower mortgage loan and other mortgage notes payable, our secured draw under our Unsecured Line of Credit, as well as the payments of distributions to our unitholders. Future debt payments are discussed below under the heading “Debt Financing.”

Capitalization

At December 31, 2007, our total consolidated debt was approximately $5.5 billion. The GAAP weighted-average annual interest rate on our consolidated indebtedness was 5.60% and the weighted-average maturity was approximately 5.2 years.

Debt to total market capitalization ratio, defined as total consolidated debt as a percentage of the market value of our outstanding equity securities plus our total consolidated debt, is a measure of leverage commonly used by analysts in the REIT sector. Our total market capitalization was approximately $18.5 billion at December 31, 2007. Total market capitalization was calculated using the December 31, 2007 closing stock price of $91.81 per common share of Boston Properties, Inc. and the following: (1) 139,773,826 outstanding common units of limited partnership (including 119,502,485 common units held by Boston Properties, Inc.), (2) an aggregate of 1,460,688 common units issuable upon conversion of all outstanding preferred units of partnership

 

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interest, (3) an aggregate of 676,067 common units issuable upon conversion of all outstanding LTIP units, assuming all conditions have been met for the conversion of the LTIP units, and (4) our consolidated debt totaling approximately $5.5 billion. Our total consolidated debt at December 31, 2007 represented approximately 29.66% of our total market capitalization. This percentage will fluctuate with changes in the value of our common units and therefore with changes in the value of Boston Properties, Inc.’s common stock and does not necessarily reflect our capacity to incur additional debt to finance our activities or our ability to manage our existing debt obligations. However, for a company like ours, whose assets are primarily income-producing real estate, the debt to total market capitalization ratio may provide investors with an alternate indication of leverage, so long as it is evaluated along with other financial ratios and the various components of our outstanding indebtedness.

Debt Financing

As of December 31, 2007, we had approximately $5.5 billion of outstanding indebtedness, representing 29.66% of our total market capitalization as calculated above consisting of (1) $1.472 billion (net of discount) in publicly traded unsecured debt having a weighted-average interest rate of 5.95% per annum and maturities in 2013 and 2015; (2) $450 million of publicly traded exchangeable unsecured debt having an interest rate of 3.75% per annum, an initial optional redemption date in 2013 and maturity in 2036; (3) $844.1 million (net of discount) of publicly traded exchangeable unsecured debt having an interest rate of 2.875% per annum (an effective rate of 3.438% per annum) having an initial optional redemption in 2012 and maturing in 2037; and (4) $2.7 billion of property-specific mortgage debt having a GAAP weighted-average interest rate of 6.32% per annum and weighted-average term of 5.1 years. The table below summarizes our mortgage notes payable, our senior unsecured notes and our Unsecured Line of Credit at December 31, 2007 and 2006:

 

     December 31,  
     2007     2006  
     (dollars in thousands)  

DEBT SUMMARY:

    

Balance

    

Fixed rate

   $ 5,369,243     $ 3,889,447  

Variable rate

     122,923       711,490  
                

Total

   $ 5,492,166     $ 4,600,937  
                

Percent of total debt:

    

Fixed rate

     97.76 %     84.54 %

Variable rate

     2.24 %     15.46 %
                

Total

     100.00 %     100.00 %
                

GAAP Weighted average interest rate at end of period:

    

Fixed rate

     5.58 %     6.19 %

Variable rate

     6.11 %     5.80 %
                

Total

     5.60 %     6.13 %
                

The variable rate debt shown above bears interest based on various spreads over the London Interbank Offered Rate or Eurodollar rates. As of December 31, 2007, the interest rate on our variable rate debt was LIBOR/Eurodollar plus 1.25% per annum. On September 27, 2007, we entered into an interest rate swap contract to fix the one-month LIBOR index rate at 5.82% per annum on a notional amount of $96.7 million. On February 12, 2007, we repaid $700 million of variable rate indebtedness which was outstanding at December 31, 2006 consisting of (1) the $225.0 million draw on our Unsecured Line of Credit, which draw was collateralized by 599 Lexington Avenue, and (2) the mortgage loan collateralized by Times Square Tower totaling $475.0 million. The variable rate indebtedness was repaid with proceeds from a new mortgage financing secured by 599 Lexington Avenue totaling $750.0 million, which bears interest at a fixed interest rate of 5.57% per annum and matures on March 1, 2017. On December 19, 2006, we terminated our forward-starting interest rate swap

 

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contracts that we had entered into in connection with the expected new mortgage financing and received approximately $10.9 million, which amount will reduce our interest expense over the ten-year term of the financing, resulting in an effective interest rate of 5.38% per annum.

Unsecured Line of Credit

On August 3, 2006, we modified our $605.0 million unsecured revolving credit facility (the “Unsecured Line of Credit”) by extending the maturity date from October 30, 2007 to August 3, 2010, with a provision for a one-year extension at our option, subject to certain conditions, and by reducing the per annum variable interest rate on outstanding balances from Eurodollar plus 0.65% to Eurodollar plus 0.55% per annum. Under the Unsecured Line of Credit, a facility fee equal to 15 basis points per annum is payable in quarterly installments. The interest rate and facility fee are subject to adjustment in the event of a change in our unsecured debt ratings. Based on our current debt ratings, the per annum variable interest rate is Eurodollar plus 0.475%. In addition, we pay a facility fee payable quarterly of 0.125% per annum. The Unsecured Line of Credit involves a syndicate of lenders. The Unsecured Line of Credit contains a competitive bid option that allows banks that are part of the lender consortium to bid to make loan advances to the Company at a negotiated LIBOR-based rate. The Unsecured Line of Credit is available to fund working capital and general corporate purposes, including, without limitation, to fund development of properties, land and property acquisitions and to repay or reduce indebtedness. The Unsecured Line of Credit is a recourse obligation of BPLP.

Our ability to borrow under our Unsecured Line of Credit is subject to our compliance with a number of customary financial and other covenants on an ongoing basis, including:

 

   

a leverage ratio not to exceed 60%, however the leverage ratio may increase to no greater than 65% provided that it is reduced back to 60% within 180 days;

 

   

a secured debt leverage ratio not to exceed 55%;

 

   

a fixed charge coverage ratio of at least 1.40;

 

   

an unsecured leverage ratio not to exceed 60%, however the leverage ratio may increase to no greater than 65% provided that it is reduced back to 60% within 180 days;

 

   

a minimum net worth requirement;

 

   

an unsecured debt interest coverage ratio of at least 1.75; and

 

   

limitations on permitted investments.

We believe we are in compliance with the financial and other covenants listed above.

As of December 31, 2007, we had no amount outstanding under the Unsecured Line of Credit with the ability to borrow $582.9 million. As of February 22, 2008, we had have no borrowings outstanding under our Unsecured Line of Credit.

Unsecured Senior Notes

The following summarizes the unsecured senior notes outstanding as of December 31, 2007 (dollars in thousands):

 

     Coupon/
Stated Rate
    Effective
Rate(1)
    Principal
Amount
   

Maturity Date(2)

10 Year Unsecured Senior Notes

   6.250 %   6.296 %   $ 750,000     January 15, 2013

10 Year Unsecured Senior Notes

   6.250 %   6.280 %     175,000     January 15, 2013

12 Year Unsecured Senior Notes

   5.625 %   5.636 %     300,000     April 15, 2015

12 Year Unsecured Senior Notes

   5.000 %   5.075 %     250,000     June 1, 2015
              

Total principal

         1,475,000    

Net discount

         (3,087 )  
              

Total

       $ 1,471,913    
              

 

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(1) Yield on issuance date including the effects of discounts on the notes.
(2) No principal amounts are due prior to maturity.

Our unsecured senior notes are redeemable at our option, in whole or in part, at a redemption price equal to the greater of (1) 100% of their principal amount or (2) the sum of the present value of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest discounted at a rate equal to the yield on U.S. Treasury securities with a comparable maturity plus 35 basis points (or 25 basis points in the case of the $250 million 12 Year Unsecured Senior Notes that mature on June 1, 2015), in each case plus accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date. The indenture under which our senior unsecured notes were issued contains restrictions on incurring debt and using our assets as security in other financing transactions and other customary financial and other covenants, including (1) a leverage ratio not to exceed 60%, (2) a secured debt leverage ratio not to exceed 50%, (3) an interest coverage ratio of 1.5, and (4) unencumbered asset value to be no less than 150% of our unsecured debt. As of December 31, 2007, we were in compliance with each of these financial restrictions and requirements.

The investment grade ratings on our senior unsecured notes are as follows:

 

Rating Organization

  

Rating

Moody’s

   Baa2 (stable)

Standard & Poor’s

   A- (stable)

FitchRatings

   BBB (stable)

The security rating is not a recommendation to buy, sell or hold securities, as it may be subject to revision or withdrawal at any time by the rating organization. Each rating should be evaluated independently of any other rating.

Unsecured exchangeable senior notes

3.75% Exchangeable Senior Notes due 2036

On April 6, 2006, we completed a public offering of $400 million in aggregate principal amount of our 3.75% exchangeable senior notes due 2036. On May 2, 2006, we issued an additional $50 million aggregate principal amount of the notes as a result of the exercise by the underwriter of our over-allotment option. The notes mature on May 15, 2036, unless earlier repurchased, exchanged or redeemed.

Upon the occurrence of specified events, holders of the notes may exchange their notes prior to the close of business on the scheduled trading day immediately preceding May 18, 2013 into cash and, at our option, shares of Boston Properties, Inc.’s common stock at an exchange rate of 10.0066 shares per $1,000 principal amount of notes (or an exchange price of approximately $99.93 per share of Boston Properties, Inc. common stock). The initial exchange rate of 8.9461 shares per $1,000 principal amount of notes and the initial exchange price of approximately $111.78 per share of Boston Properties, Inc.’s common stock were adjusted to 9.3900 and $106.50, respectively, effective as of December 29, 2006 in connection with the special distribution declared on December 15, 2006. In connection with the special distribution declared on December 17, 2007, the exchange rate was further adjusted from 9.3900 to 10.0066 shares per $1,000 principal amount of notes effective as of December 31, 2007, resulting in the current exchange price of approximately $99.93 per share of Boston Properties, Inc.’s common stock. On and after May 18, 2013, the notes will be exchangeable at any time prior to the close of business on the scheduled trading day immediately preceding the maturity date at the option of the holder at the applicable exchange rate. The exchange rate is subject to adjustment in certain circumstances.

Prior to May 18, 2013, we may not redeem the notes except to preserve Boston Properties, Inc.’s status as a REIT. On or after May 18, 2013, we may redeem all or a portion of the notes for cash at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest. We must make at least 12 semi-annual interest payments (including interest payments on November 15, 2006 and May 15, 2013) before redeeming any notes at

 

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our option. Note holders may require us to repurchase all or a portion of the notes on May 18, 2013 and May 15 of 2016, 2021, 2026 and 2031 at a purchase price equal to 100% of the principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest up to, but excluding, the repurchase date. We will pay cash for all notes so repurchased.

If we undergo a “fundamental change,” note holders will have the option to require us to purchase all or any portion of the notes at a purchase price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the notes to be purchased plus any accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the fundamental change purchase date. We will pay cash for all notes so purchased. In addition, if a fundamental change occurs prior to May 18, 2013, we will increase the exchange rate for a holder who elects to exchange our notes in connection with such a fundamental change under certain circumstances.

2.875% Exchangeable Senior Notes due 2037

On February 6, 2007, we completed an offering of $862.5 million in aggregate principal amount (including $112.5 million as a result of the exercise by the initial purchasers of their over-allotment option) of our 2.875% exchangeable senior notes due 2037. The notes were priced at 97.433333% of their face amount, resulting in an effective interest rate of approximately 3.438% per annum and net proceeds to us of approximately $840.0 million. The notes mature on February 15, 2037, unless earlier repurchased, exchanged or redeemed.

Upon the occurrence of specified events, holders of the notes may exchange their notes prior to the close of business on the scheduled trading day immediately preceding February 20, 2012 into cash and, at our option, shares of Boston Properties, Inc.’s common stock at an exchange rate of 7.0430 shares per $1,000 principal amount of notes (or an exchange price of approximately $141.98 per share of Boston Properties, Inc.’s common stock). In connection with the special distribution declared on December 17, 2007, the initial exchange rate of 6.6090 was adjusted to 7.0430 shares per $1,000 principal amount of notes effective as of December 31, 2007, resulting in an exchange price of approximately $141.98 per share of Boston Properties, Inc.’s common stock. On and after February 20, 2012, the notes will be exchangeable at any time prior to the close of business on the scheduled trading day immediately preceding the maturity date at the option of the holder at the applicable exchange rate. The initial exchange rate is subject to adjustment in certain circumstances.

Prior to February 20, 2012, we may not redeem the notes except to preserve Boston Properties, Inc.’s status as a REIT. On or after February 20, 2012, we may redeem all or a portion of the notes for cash at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest. Note holders may require us to repurchase all or a portion of the notes on February 15 of 2012, 2017, 2022, 2027 and 2032 at a purchase price equal to 100% of the principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest up to, but excluding, the repurchase date. We will pay cash for all notes so repurchased.

If we undergo a “fundamental change,” note holders will have the option to require us to purchase all or any portion of the notes at a purchase price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the notes to be purchased plus any accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the fundamental change purchase date. We will pay cash for all notes so purchased. In addition, if a fundamental change occurs prior to February 20, 2012, we will increase the exchange rate for a holder who elects to exchange its notes in connection with such a fundamental change under certain circumstances.

We offered and sold the notes to the initial purchasers in reliance on the exemption from registration provided by Section 4(2) of the Securities Act of 1933. The initial purchasers then sold the notes to qualified institutional buyers pursuant to the exemption from registration provided by Rule 144A under the Securities Act.

In connection with the closing, we and Boston Properties, Inc. entered into a Registration Rights Agreement (the “Registration Rights Agreement”) with the initial purchasers, under which we agreed, for the benefit of the holders of the notes, to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission and maintain a shelf registration statement providing for the sale by the holders of the notes and Boston Properties, Inc.’s common stock, if any,

 

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issuable upon exchange of the notes. We will be required to pay liquidated damages in the form of specified additional interest to the holders of the notes if we fail to comply with these obligations; provided that we will not be required to pay liquidated damages with respect to any note after it has been exchanged for any of Boston Properties, Inc.’s common stock. On March 13, 2007, we and Boston Properties, Inc. filed with the SEC a registration statement covering the resale of the notes and shares of Boston Properties, Inc.’s common stock issuable upon exchange of the notes. The registration statement was declared effective by the SEC on April 20, 2007.

Mortgage Debt

The following represents the outstanding principal balances due under the mortgages notes payable at December 31, 2007:

 

Properties

   GAAP
Interest Rate(1)
    Principal Amount     Maturity Date
           (in thousands)      

599 Lexington Avenue

   5.41 %   $ 750,000 (2)   March 1, 2017

Citigroup Center

   7.24 %     485,303 (3)   May 11, 2011

Embarcadero Center One and Two

   6.74 %     278,912     December 10, 2008

Prudential Center

   6.73 %     259,706     July 1, 2008

505 9th Street

   5.87 %     130,000     November 1, 2017

South of Market

   6.11 %     122,923 (4)(5)   November 21, 2009

One Freedom Square

   5.34 %     75,886 (6)   June 30, 2012

New Dominion Tech Park, Bldg. Two

   5.58 %     63,000 (5)   October 1, 2014

202, 206 & 214 Carnegie Center

   8.22 %     58,216     October 1, 2010

140 Kendrick Street

   5.25 %     57,035 (7)   July 1, 2013

New Dominion Tech. Park, Bldg. One

   7.84 %     54,042     January 15, 2021

1330 Connecticut Avenue

   4.74 %     52,750 (8)   February 26, 2011

Reservoir Place

   5.84 %     50,349 (9)   July 1, 2009

Kingstowne Two and Retail

   5.61 %     43,119 (10)   January 1, 2016

10 and 20 Burlington Mall Road

   7.31 %     35,514 (11)   October 1, 2011

Ten Cambridge Center

   8.35 %     31,436     May 1, 2010

Sumner Square

   7.54 %     26,936     September 1, 2013

Montvale Center

   6.07 %     25,000 (5)   June 6, 2012

Eight Cambridge Center

   7.74 %     24,486     July 15, 2010

1301 New York Avenue

   7.24 %     23,410 (12)   August 15, 2009

Reston Corporate Center

   6.56 %     20,523 (13)   May 1, 2008

Kingstowne One

   5.68 %     20,381 (14)   May 5, 2013

University Place

   6.99 %     20,340     August 1, 2021

Bedford Business Park

   8.60 %     16,860     December 10, 2008
            

Total

     $ 2,726,127    
            

 

(1) GAAP interest rate differs from the stated interest rate due to the inclusion of the amortization of financing charges and adjustments required by EITF 98-1. All adjustments related to EITF 98-1 are noted below.
(2) On December 19, 2006, we terminated our forward-starting interest rate swap contracts and received approximately $10.9 million, which amount will reduce our interest expense for this mortgage over the term of the financing, resulting in an effective interest rate of 5.38% per annum for the financing. The stated interest rate is 5.57% per annum. The mortgage loan requires interest only payments with a balloon payment due at maturity.
(3) In accordance with EITF 98-1, the principal amount and interest rate shown were adjusted upon redemption of the outside members’ equity interest in the limited liability company that owns the property to reflect the fair value of the note. The stated principal balance at December 31, 2007 was $483.3 million and the stated interest rate was 7.19%.

 

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(4) The construction financing bears interest at a variable rate equal to LIBOR plus 1.25% per annum.
(5) The mortgage loan requires interest only payments with a balloon payment due at maturity.
(6) In accordance with EITF 98-1, the principal amount and interest rate shown were adjusted upon acquisition of the property to reflect the fair value of the note. The stated principal balance at December 31, 2007 was $70.9 million and the stated interest rate was 7.75% per annum.
(7) In accordance with EITF 98-1, the principal amount and interest rate shown were adjusted upon acquisition of the property to reflect the fair value of the note. The stated principal balance at December 31, 2007 was $52.8 million and the stated interest rate was 7.51% per annum.
(8) In accordance with EITF 98-1, the principal amount and interest rate shown were adjusted upon acquisition of the property to reflect the fair value of the note. The stated principal balance at December 31, 2007 was $48.7 million and the stated interest rate was 7.58% per annum.
(9) In accordance with EITF 98-1, the principal amount and interest rate shown were adjusted upon acquisition of the property to reflect the fair value of the note. The stated principal balance at December 31, 2007 was $49.5 million and the stated interest rate was 7.0% per annum.
(10) In accordance with EITF 98-1, the principal amount and interest rate shown were adjusted upon acquisition of the property to reflect the fair value of the note. The stated principal balance at December 31, 2007 was $42.1 million and the stated interest rate was 5.99% per annum.
(11) Includes outstanding indebtedness secured by 91 Hartwell Avenue.
(12) Includes outstanding principal in the amounts of $18.0 million, $3.8 million and $1.6 million which bear interest at fixed rates of 6.70%, 8.54% and 6.75% per annum, respectively.
(13) On February 1, 2008, we repaid the mortgage loan secured by this property.
(14) In accordance with EITF 98-1, the principal amount and interest rate shown were adjusted upon acquisition of the property to reflect the fair value of the note. The stated principal balance at December 31, 2007 was $20.0 million and the stated interest rate was 5.96% per annum.

Combined aggregate principal payments of mortgage notes payable at December 31, 2007 are as follows (in thousands):

 

Year

   Principal Payments

2008

   $ 598,606

2009

     214,345

2010

     130,807

2011

     544,688

2012

     100,393

Thereafter

     1,119,725

Market Risk

Market risk is the risk of loss from adverse changes in market prices and interest rates. Our future earnings, cash flows and fair values relevant to financial instruments are dependent upon prevalent market interest rates. Our primary market risk results from our indebtedness, which bears interest at fixed and variable rates. The fair value of our debt obligations are affected by changes in the market interest rates. We manage our market risk by matching long-term leases with long-term, fixed-rate, non-recourse debt of similar duration. We continue to follow a conservative strategy of generally pre-leasing development projects on a long-term basis to creditworthy tenants in order to achieve the most favorable construction and permanent financing terms. Approximately 98% of our outstanding debt has fixed interest rates, which minimizes the interest rate risk through the maturity of such outstanding debt. We also manage our market risk by entering into hedging arrangements with financial institutions. Our primary objectives when undertaking hedging transactions and derivative positions is to reduce our floating rate exposure and to fix a portion of the interest rate for anticipated financing and refinancing transactions. This in turn, reduces the risks that the variability of cash flows imposes on variable rate debt. Our strategy protects us against future increases in interest rates.

 

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In July and August 2007, we entered into nine interest rate contracts, known as “treasury locks,” which fix the 10-year treasury rate at a weighted-average rate of 4.74% per annum on notional amounts aggregating $325.0 million. The treasury locks fix the 10-year treasury rate for a long-term fixed-rate financing commencing in April 2008 and expiring in April 2018. We expect to settle the interest rate contracts at the time we lock the rate on long-term fixed-rate financing. If the 10-year treasury rate is below the fixed strike rate at the time we settle each contract, we would be required to make a payment to the contract counterparties; if the 10-year treasury rate is above the fixed strike rate at the time we cash settle each contract, we would receive a payment from the contract counterparties. The amount that we either pay or receive will equal the present value of the basis point differential between the applicable fixed strike rate and the 10-year treasury rate at the time we settle each contract. These treasury locks qualify as highly-effective cash flow hedges under SFAS No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities,” as amended.

In August and September 2007, we entered into four forward-starting interest rate swap contracts to lock in the 10-year treasury rate and 10-year swap spread. The swaps fixed the 10-year swap rate for a financing in July 2008 at a weighted-average rate of 5.21% per annum on notional amounts aggregating $125.0 million. The 10-year treasury rate is a component of the 10-year swap rate and the swap contracts effectively fixed the 10-year treasury rate at a weighted-average interest rate of 4.53% per annum. The forward-starting swaps fix the 10-year swap rate for a long-term fixed-rate financing commencing in July 2008 and expiring in July 2018. We expect to settle the interest rate contracts in cash at the time we lock the rate on long-term fixed-rate financing. If the 10-year swap rate is below the fixed strike rate at the time we settle each contract, we would be required to make a payment to the contract counter-parties; if the 10-year swap rate is above the fixed strike rate at the time we cash settle each contract, we would receive a payment from the contract counterparties. The amount that we either pay or receive will equal the present value of the basis point differential between the applicable fixed strike rate and the 10-year swap rate at the time we settle each contract. We believe that these swaps qualify as highly-effective cash flow hedges under SFAS No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities,” as amended.

On November 2, 2007, we entered into a forward-starting interest rate swap contract to lock the 10-year LIBOR swap rate on a notional amount of $25.0 million at a forward-starting 10-year swap rate of 5.05% per annum. The 10-year treasury rate is a component of the 10-year swap rate and the referenced contract effectively fixed the 10-year treasury rate at 4.38%. The swap contract goes into effect on July 31, 2008 and expires on July 31, 2018. On November 9, 2007 and November 16, 2007, we entered into treasury locks to fix the 10-year treasury rate at 4.33% per annum on a notional amount of $25 million and 4.24% per annum on a notional amount of $25.0 million, respectively. The treasury locks mature on July 31, 2008.

We have effectively fixed the 10-year treasury rate at a weighted average interest rate of 4.63% per annum on notional amounts aggregating $525.0 million with our interest rate hedging program.

On September 27, 2007, we entered into an interest rate swap contract to fix the one-month LIBOR index rate (including a 1.25% spread), at 5.82% per annum on a notional amount of $96.7 million. The swap contract went into effect on October 22, 2007 and expires on October 29, 2008.

We have recorded the changes in fair value of the treasury lock and swap contracts related to the effective portion of the interest rate contracts executed during 2007 totaling a liability of approximately $25.7 million in Other Liabilities and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) within our Consolidated Balance Sheets. We expect that within the next twelve months we will reclassify into earnings as interest expense approximately $2.1 million of the amounts recorded within Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) relating to the treasury lock contracts and forward-starting interest rate swap contracts.

During 2005, we entered into twelve forward-starting interest rate swap contracts to lock in the 10-year treasury rate and 10-year swap spreads. On December 19, 2006, we entered into an interest rate lock agreement with a lender for a fixed interest rate of 5.57% per annum on a ten-year mortgage financing totaling $750.0

 

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million to be collateralized by our 599 Lexington Avenue property in New York City. We closed on the mortgage financing on February 12, 2007. In conjunction with the interest rate lock agreement, we terminated the forward-starting interest rate swap contracts and received approximately $10.9 million, which amount will reduce our interest expense over the ten-year term of the financing, resulting in an effective interest rate of 5.38% per annum. Over the next twelve months we will reclassify into earnings as a reduction of interest expense approximately $1.1 million of the amounts recorded within Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) relating to the forward-starting interest rate swap contracts.

At December 31, 2007, our outstanding variable rate debt based off LIBOR totaled approximately $122.9 million, of which approximately $96.7 million is fixed at 5.82% due to the interest rate swap contract we entered into on September 27, 2007. At December 31, 2007, the interest rate on our unhedged variable rate debt was approximately 5.88%. If market interest rates on our variable rate debt had been 100 basis points greater, total interest would have increased approximately $0.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2007.

At December 31, 2006, our outstanding variable rate debt based off LIBOR totaled approximately $711 million. At December 31, 2006, the average interest rate on variable rate debt was approximately 5.80%. If market interest rates on our variable rate debt had been 100 basis points greater, total interest would have increased approximately $7.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2006.

These amounts were determined solely by considering the impact of hypothetical interest rates on our financial instruments. Due to the uncertainty of specific actions we may undertake to minimize possible effects of market interest rate increases, this analysis assumes no changes in our financial structure.

Funds from Operations

Pursuant to the revised definition of Funds from Operations adopted by the Board of Governors of the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts (“NAREIT”), we calculate Funds from Operations, or “FFO,” by adjusting net income (loss) available to common unitholders (computed in accordance with GAAP, including non-recurring items) for gains (or losses) from sales of properties, real estate related depreciation and amortization, and after adjustment for unconsolidated partnerships, joint ventures and preferred distributions. FFO is a non-GAAP financial measure. The use of FFO, combined with the required primary GAAP presentations, has been fundamentally beneficial in improving the understanding of operating results of REITs among the investing public and making comparisons of REIT operating results more meaningful. Management generally considers FFO to be a useful measure for reviewing our comparative operating and financial performance because, by excluding gains and losses related to sales of previously depreciated operating real estate assets and excluding real estate asset depreciation and amortization (which can vary among owners of identical assets in similar condition based on historical cost accounting and useful life estimates), FFO can help one compare the operating performance of a company’s real estate between periods or as compared to different companies. Our computation of FFO may not be comparable to FFO reported by other REITs or real estate companies that do not define the term in accordance with the current NAREIT definition or that interpret the current NAREIT definition differently.

In addition to presenting FFO in accordance with the NAREIT definition, we also disclose FFO, as adjusted, for the year ended December 31, 2007, 2006, 2005 and 2003 which excludes the effects of the losses from early extinguishments of debt associated with the sales of real estate and net derivative losses related to non-qualifying derivative contracts.

The adjustment to exclude losses from early extinguishments of debt results when the sale of real estate encumbered by debt requires us to pay the extinguishment costs prior to the debt’s stated maturity and to write-off unamortized loan costs at the date of the extinguishment. Such costs are excluded from the gains on sales of real estate reported in accordance with GAAP. However, we view the losses from early extinguishments of debt associated with the sales of real estate as an incremental cost of the sale transactions because we extinguished the debt in connection with the consummation of the sale transactions and we had no intent to

 

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extinguish the debt absent such transactions. We believe that this supplemental adjustment more appropriately reflects the results of our operations exclusive of the impact of our sale transactions.

The adjustment for net derivative losses related to non-qualifying derivative contracts for the year ended December 31, 2003 resulted from interest rate contracts we entered into prior to the effective date of SFAS No. 133 to limit our exposure to fluctuations in interest rates with respect to variable rate debt associated with real estate projects under development. Upon transition to SFAS No. 133 on January 1, 2001, the impacts of these contracts were recorded in current earnings, while prior to that time they were capitalized. Although these adjustments were attributable to a single hedging program, the underlying contracts extended over multiple reporting periods and therefore resulted in adjustments through the third quarter of 2003. Management presents FFO before the impact of non-qualifying derivative contracts because economically this interest rate hedging program was consistent with our risk management objective of limiting our exposure to interest rate volatility and the change in accounting under GAAP did not correspond to a substantive difference. Management does not currently anticipate structuring future hedging programs in a manner that would give rise to this kind of adjustment.

Although our FFO, as adjusted, clearly differs from NAREIT’s definition of FFO, and may not be comparable to that of other REITs and real estate companies, we believe it provides a meaningful supplemental measure of our operating performance because we believe that, by excluding the effects of the losses from early extinguishments of debt associated with the sales of real estate and adjustments for non-qualifying derivative contracts, management and investors are presented with an indicator of our operating performance that more closely achieves the objectives of the real estate industry in presenting FFO.

Neither FFO, nor FFO as adjusted, should be considered as an alternative to net income (determined in accordance with GAAP) as an indication of our performance. Neither FFO nor FFO, as adjusted, represent cash generated from operating activities determined in accordance with GAAP and is not a measure of liquidity or an indicator of our ability to make cash distributions. We believe that to further understand our performance, FFO and FFO, as adjusted should be compared with our reported net income and considered in addition to cash flows in accordance with GAAP, as presented in our Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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The following table presents a reconciliation of net income available to common unitholders to FFO and FFO, as adjusted, for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004 and 2003:

 

    Year ended December 31,
    2007     2006   2005   2004   2003
    (in thousands)

Net income available to common unitholders

  $ 1,598,076     $ 1,048,685   $ 534,788   $ 344,800   $ 442,136

Add:

         

Preferred distributions and allocation of undistributed earnings

    15,014       22,814     26,780     17,133     31,165

Cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle

    —         —       5,043     —       —  

Less:

         

Gains on sales of real estate from discontinued operations

    266,817       —       57,969     33,427     91,942

Income from discontinued operations

    7,274       19,081     18,303     19,635     26,757

Gains on sales of real estate and other assets

    957,406       727,131     188,546     9,822     70,627

Income from unconsolidated joint ventures

    20,428       24,507     4,829     3,380     6,016

Minority interests in property partnerships

    (84 )     2,013     6,017     4,685     1,827
                               

Income before minority interests in property partnerships, income from unconsolidated joint ventures, gains on sales of real estate and other assets, discontinued operations, cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle and preferred distributions and allocation of undistributed earnings

    361,249       298,767     290,947     290,984     276,132

Add:

         

Real estate depreciation and amortization (1)

    287,854       279,199     271,829     255,594     215,135

Income from discontinued operations

    7,274       19,081     18,303     19,843     27,087

Income from unconsolidated joint ventures (2)

    4,975       6,590     4,829     3,380     6,016

Less:

         

Minority interests in property partnerships’ share of funds from operations

    437       479     113     922     3,458

Preferred distributions (3)

    4,266       9,418     12,918     15,050     21,249
                               

Funds from operations

    656,649       593,740     572,877     553,829     499,663

Add(subtract):

         

Losses from early extinguishments of debt associated with the sales of real estate

    2,675       31,444     11,041     —       1,474

Net derivative losses (SFAS No. 133)

    —         —       —       —       1,038
                               

Funds from operations available to common unitholders after supplemental adjustments to exclude losses from early extinguishments of debt associated with the sales of real estate and net derivative losses (SFAS No. 133)

  $ 659,324     $ 625,184   $ 583,918   $ 553,829   $ 502,175
                               

Weighted average units outstanding—basic

    139,290       135,923     132,881     128,313     118,087
                               

 

(1) Real estate depreciation and amortization consists of depreciation and amortization from the Consolidated Statements of Operations of $278,249, $266,411, $258,332, $242,864 and $200,590, our share of unconsolidated joint venture real estate depreciation and amortization of $8,247, $9,087, $8,554, $6,814 and $8,475, and depreciation and amortization from discontinued operations of $2,948, $6,197, $6,662, $8,352 and $8,787, less corporate related depreciation and amortization of $1,590, $1,584, $1,719, $2,436 and $2,717 and adjustment of asset retirement obligations of $0, $912, $0, $0 and $0 for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively.

 

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(2) Excludes approximately $15.5 million related to our share of the gain on sale and related loss from early extinguishment of debt associated with the sale of Worldgate Plaza for the year ended December 31, 2007. Excludes approximately $17.9 million related to our share of the gain on sale and related loss from early extinguishment of debt associated with the sale of 265 Franklin Street for the year ended December 31, 2006.
(3) Excludes approximately $5.6 million, $12.2 million and $12.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively, of income allocated to the holders of Series Two Preferred Units to account for their right to participate on an as-converted basis in the special distributions that followed previously completed sales of real estate.

Reconciliation to Diluted Funds from Operations:

 

    For the years ended December 31,
    2007   2006   2005   2004   2003
    Income
(Numerator)
  Shares/Units
(Denominator)
  Income
(Numerator)
  Shares/Units
(Denominator)
  Income
(Numerator)
  Shares/Units
(Denominator)
  Income
(Numerator)
  Shares/Units
(Denominator)
  Income
(Numerator)
  Shares/Units
(Denominator)

Basic funds from operations after supplemental adjustments to exclude losses from early extinguishments of debt associated with the sales of real estate and net derivative losses (SFAS No. 133)

  $ 659,324   139,290   $ 625,184   135,923   $ 583,918   132,881   $ 553,829   128,313   $ 502,175   118,087

Effect of Dilutive Securities:

                   

Convertible Preferred Units (1)

    4,266   1,674     9,418   3,629     12,918   5,163     15,050   6,054     21,249   8,375

Stock Options and other (2)

    —     1,941     —     2,356     —     2,285     —     2,303     —      1,586
                                                 

Diluted funds from operations after supplemental adjustments to exclude losses from early extinguishments of debt associated with the sales of real estate and net derivative losses (SFAS No. 133)

  $ 663,590   142,905   $ 634,602   141,908   $ 596,836   140,329   $ 568,879   136,670   $ 523,424   128,048
                                                 

 

(1) Excludes approximately $5.6 million, $12.2 million and $12.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively, of income allocated to the holders of Series Two Preferred Units to account for their right to participate on an as-converted basis in the special distributions that followed previously completed sales of real estate.
(2) Stock options are related to Boston Properties, Inc.

 

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Net Operating Income

Net operating income, or “NOI,” is a non-GAAP financial measure equal to net income available to common unitholders, the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure, plus net derivative losses, losses from early extinguishments of debt, cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle, preferred distributions and allocation of undistributed earnings, depreciation and amortization, interest expense and general and administrative expense, less gains on sales of real estate from discontinued operations, income from discontinued operations, gains on sales of real estate and other assets, income from unconsolidated joint ventures, minority interests in property partnerships, interest and other income and development and management services revenue. We use NOI internally as a performance measure and believe NOI provides useful information to investors regarding our financial condition and results of operations because it reflects only those income and expense items that are incurred at the property level. Therefore, we believe NOI is a useful measure for evaluating the operating performance of our real estate assets.

Our management also uses NOI to evaluate regional property level performance and to make decisions about resource allocations. Further, we believe NOI is useful to investors as a performance measure because, when compared across periods, NOI reflects the impact on operations from trends in occupancy rates, rental rates, operating costs and acquisition and development activity on an unleveraged basis, providing perspective not immediately apparent from net income. NOI excludes certain components from net income in order to provide results that are more closely related to a property’s results of operations. For example, interest expense is not necessarily linked to the operating performance of a real estate asset and is often incurred at the corporate level as opposed to the property level. In addition, depreciation and amortization, because of historical cost accounting and useful life estimates, may distort operating performance at the property level. NOI presented by us may not be comparable to NOI reported by other REITs and real estate companies that define NOI differently. We believe that in order to facilitate a clear understanding of our operating results, NOI should be examined in conjunction with net income as presented in our Consolidated Financial Statements. NOI should not be considered as an alternative to net income as an indication of our performance or to cash flows as a measure of liquidity or ability to make distributions.

The following sets forth a reconciliation of NOI to net income available to common unitholders for the fiscal years 2003 through 2007.

 

    Years ended December 31,
    2007     2006   2005   2004   2003

Net operating income

  $ 888,425     $ 898,459   $ 896,449   $ 869,138   $ 803,659

Add:

         

Development and management services

    20,553       19,820     17,310     20,440     17,332

Interest and other

    89,706       36,677     11,978     10,334     3,011

Minority interests in property partnerships

    (84 )     2,013     6,017     4,685     1,827

Income from unconsolidated joint ventures

    20,428       24,507     4,829     3,380     6,016

Gains on sales of real estate and other assets

    957,406       727,131     188,546     9,822     70,627

Income from discontinued operations

    7,274       19,081     18,303     19,635     26,757

Gains on sales of real estate from discontinued operations

    266,817       —       57,969     33,427     91,942

Less:

         

General and administrative

    69,882       59,375     55,471     53,636     45,359

Interest expense

    285,887       298,260     308,091     306,170     299,409

Depreciation and amortization

    278,249       266,411     258,332     242,864     200,590

Net derivative losses

    —         —       —       —       1,038

Losses from early extinguishments of debt

    3,417       32,143     12,896     6,258     1,474

Cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle

    —         —       5,043     —       —  

Preferred distributions and allocation of undistributed earnings

    15,014       22,814     26,780     17,133     31,165
                               

Net income available to common unitholders

  $ 1,598,076     $ 1,048,685   $ 534,788   $ 344,800   $ 442,136
                               

 

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Contractual Obligations

As of December 31, 2007, we were subject to contractual payment obligations as described in the table below.

 

    Payments Due by Period
    Total   2008   2009   2010   2011   2012   Thereafter
    (Dollars in thousands)

Contractual Obligations:

             

Long-term debt

             

Mortgage debt (1)

  $ 4,671,111   $ 887,196   $ 468,276   $ 370,285   $ 756,251   $ 292,168   $ 1,896,935

Unsecured senior notes (1)

    2,013,284     87,188     87,188     87,188     87,188     87,188     1,577,344

Unsecured senior exchangeable notes (1)

    1,508,642     41,672     41,672     41,672     41,672     885,574     456,380

Unsecured line of credit

    —       —       —       —       —       —       —  

Ground leases

    44,179     2,332     2,275     2,300     2,324     2,350     32,598

Tenant obligations (2)

    173,195     83,683     10,456     68,507     9,402     866     281

Construction contracts on development projects

    1,151,358     451,025     346,796     266,969     86,568     —       —  

Other Obligations (3)

    56,724     32,709     2,111     2,111     2,434     2,822     14,537
                                         

Total Contractual Obligations

  $ 9,618,493   $ 1,585,805   $ 958,774   $ 839,032   $ 985,839   $ 1,270,968   $ 3,978,075
                                         

 

(1) Amounts include principal and interest payments.
(2) Committed tenant-related obligations based on executed leases as of December 31, 2007 (tenant improvements and lease commissions).
(3) Represents revenue support obligations and master lease obligations related to the sales of 5 Times Square in February 2007 and 280 Park in June 2006 as well as the remaining obligation related to our redemption of partnership interests in Citigroup Center.

We have various standing or renewable service contracts with vendors related to our property management. In addition, we have certain other utility contracts we enter into in the ordinary course of business that may extend beyond one year and that vary based on usage. These contracts are not included as part of our contractual obligations because they include terms that provide for cancellation with insignificant or no cancellation penalties. Contract terms are generally one year or less.

 

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Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

Joint Ventures

We have investments in eight unconsolidated joint ventures (including our investment in the Value-Added Fund) with our effective ownership interests ranging from 23.89% to 51%, all of which have mortgage indebtedness. We exercise significant influence over, but do not control, these entities and therefore they are presently accounted for using the equity method of accounting. See also Note 5 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. At December 31, 2007, the debt related to these ventures was equal to approximately $565.6 million. The table below summarizes the outstanding debt of these joint venture properties at December 31, 2007:

 

Properties

   Venture
Ownership
%
    GAAP
Interest Rate
    Principal
Amount
(in thousands)
   

Maturity

Date

Metropolitan Square

   51 %   8.23 %   $ 128,726     May 1, 2010

Market Square North

   50 %   7.74 %     87,951     December 19, 2010

Eighth Avenue and 46th Street

   50 %   8.34 %     23,600 (1)   May 8, 2008

Annapolis Junction

   50 %   6.27 %     14,372     September 12, 2010

901 New York Avenue

   25 %   5.27 %     170,000     January 1, 2015

Circle Star

   25 %   6.57 %     42,000 (2)   September 1, 2013

300 Billerica Road

   25 %   5.69 %     7,500 (2)   January 1, 2016

Wisconsin Place

   23.89 %   6.86 %     51,057 (3)   March 11, 2009 (3)

Wisconsin Place

   23.89 %   4.38 %     7,473 (4)   January 1, 2008 (4)

Wisconsin Place Retail

   5 %   6.62 %     32,889 (5)   March 29, 2010 (5)
              

Total

       $ 565,568    
              

 

(1) The financing bears interest at a variable rate equal to LIBOR plus 2.25% per annum.
(2) This property is owned by the Value-Added Fund.
(3) Amount represents outstanding construction financing under a $96.5 million loan commitment (of which our share is $23.1 million) at a variable rate equal to LIBOR plus 1.50% per annum with a maturity in March 2009. The mortgage debt requires interest only payments with a balloon payment due at maturity. On March 29, 2007, the entity executed an amendment to its construction loan agreement. The outstanding balance on the construction loan was approximately $53.6 million of the $96.5 million commitment. The amended agreement provides for a reduction in the loan commitment amount to $69.1 million. The reduction relates to the repayment of the retail portion of the outstanding balance totaling approximately $15.9 million and an additional reduction in the borrowing capacity of approximately $11.5 million with a corresponding release of collateral in conjunction with the retail entity obtaining new construction financing. On January 29, 2008, the Wisconsin Place joint venture entity that owns and is developing the office component of the project obtained construction financing totaling approximately $115.0 million collateralized by the office property. The construction financing bears interest at a variable rate equal to LIBOR plus 1.25% per annum and matures on January 29, 2011 with two, one-year extension options.
(4) In accordance with EITF 98-1, the principal amount and interest rates shown were adjusted to reflect the fair value of the note using an effective interest rate of 4.38% per annum. This note is non-interest bearing with a stated principal balance of $7.5 million and matures in January 2008. On February 1, 2008 the joint venture repaid this loan.
(5) Amount represents outstanding construction financing under a $66.0 million loan commitment collateralized by the retail entity of Wisconsin Place. Wisconsin Place is a mixed-use development project consisting of office, retail and residential properties located in Chevy Chase, Maryland. The construction financing bears interest at a variable rate equal to LIBOR plus 1.375% per annum and matures on March 29, 2010 with two one-year extension options.

 

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Environmental Matters

It is our policy to retain independent environmental consultants to conduct or update Phase I environmental assessments (which generally do not involve invasive techniques such as soil or ground water sampling) and asbestos surveys in connection with our acquisition of properties. These pre-purchase environmental assessments have not revealed environmental conditions that we believe will have a material adverse effect on our business, assets, financial condition, results of operations or liquidity, and we are not otherwise aware of environmental conditions with respect to our properties that we believe would have such a material adverse effect. However, from time to time environmental conditions at our properties have required and may in the future require environmental testing and/or regulatory filings, as well as remedial action.

In February 1999, we (through a joint venture) acquired from Exxon Corporation a property in Massachusetts that was formerly used as a petroleum bulk storage and distribution facility and was known by the state regulatory authority to contain soil and groundwater contamination. We developed an office park on the property. We engaged a specially licensed environmental consultant to oversee the management of contaminated soil and groundwater that was disturbed in the course of construction. Under the property acquisition agreement, Exxon agreed to (1) bear the liability arising from releases or discharges of oil and hazardous substances which occurred at the site prior to our ownership, (2) continue monitoring and/or remediating such releases and discharges as necessary and appropriate to comply with applicable requirements, and (3) indemnify us for certain losses arising from preexisting site conditions. Any indemnity claim may be subject to various defenses, and there can be no assurance that the amounts paid under the indemnity, if any, would be sufficient to cover the liabilities arising from any such releases and discharges.

Environmental investigations at some of our properties and certain properties owned by our affiliates have identified groundwater contamination migrating from off-site source properties. In each case we engaged a licensed environmental consultant to perform the necessary investigations and assessments, and to prepare any required submittals to the regulatory authorities. In each case the environmental consultant concluded that the properties qualify under the regulatory program or the regulatory practice for a status which eliminates certain deadlines for conducting response actions at a site. We also believe that these properties qualify for liability relief under certain statutory provisions or regulatory practices regarding upgradient releases. Although we believe that the current or former owners of the upgradient source properties may bear responsibility for some or all of the costs of addressing the identified groundwater contamination, we will take necessary further response actions (if any are required). Other than periodic testing at some of these properties, no such additional response actions are anticipated at this time.

Some of our properties and certain properties owned by our affiliates are located in urban, industrial and other previously developed areas where fill or current or historical uses of the areas have caused site contamination. Accordingly, it is sometimes necessary to institute special soil and/or groundwater handling procedures and/or include particular building design features in connection with development, construction and other property operations in order to achieve regulatory closure and/or ensure that contaminated materials are addressed in an appropriate manner. In these situations it is our practice to investigate the nature and extent of detected contamination and estimate the costs of required response actions and special handling procedures. We then use this information as part of our decision-making process with respect to the acquisition and/or development of the property. For example, we own a parcel in Massachusetts, formerly used as a quarry/asphalt batching facility, which we may develop in the future. Pre-purchase testing indicated that the site contains relatively low levels of certain contaminants. We have engaged a specially licensed environmental consultant to monitor environmental conditions at the site and prepare necessary regulatory submittals based on the results of an environmental risk characterization. A submittal has been made to the regulatory authorities in order to achieve regulatory closure at this site. The submittal included an environmental deed restriction that mandates compliance with certain protective measures in a portion of the site where low levels of residual soil contamination have been left in place in accordance with applicable laws.

 

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We expect that resolution of the environmental matters relating to the above will not have a material impact on our business, assets, financial condition, results of operations or liquidity. However, we cannot assure you that we have identified all environmental liabilities at our properties, that all necessary remediation actions have been or will be undertaken at our properties or that we will be indemnified, in full or at all, in the event that such environmental liabilities arise.

Newly Issued Accounting Standards

In June 2006, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, an Interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109” (“FIN No. 48”). FIN No. 48 clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in a company’s financial statements and prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. FIN No. 48 also provides guidance on description, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition. FIN No. 48 was effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006. FIN No. 48, which we adopted effective January 1, 2007, did not have a material impact on our cash flows, results of operations, financial position or liquidity.

In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (“SFAS No. 157”). SFAS No. 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS No. 157 does not require any new fair value measurements. SFAS No. 157 applies under other accounting pronouncements that require or permit fair value measurements. SFAS No. 157 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. In February 2008, the FASB deferred the effective date of SFAS No. 157 for one year for nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a nonrecurring basis. The FASB also removed certain leasing transactions from the scope of SFAS No. 157. We do not expect the adoption of SFAS No. 157 to have a material impact on our cash flows, results of operations, financial position or liquidity.

In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities—Including an amendment of FASB Statement No. 115” (“SFAS No. 159”). SFAS No. 159 permits entities to choose, at specified election dates, to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value that are not currently required to be measured at fair value. Unrealized gains and losses shall be reported on items for which the fair value option has been elected in earnings at each subsequent reporting date. SFAS No. 159 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. We are currently evaluating and assessing the impact of this statement.

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141 (revised 2007), “Business Combinations” (“SFAS No. 141(R)”), which establishes principles and requirements for how the acquirer shall recognize and measure in its financial statements the identifiable assets acquired, liabilities assumed, any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree and goodwill acquired in a business combination. SFAS No. 141(R) is effective for business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning on or after December 15, 2008. We are currently assessing the potential impact that the adoption of SFAS No. 141(R) will have on our financial position and results of operations.

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, “Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements—an Amendment of ARB No. 51” (“SFAS No. 160”), which establishes and expands accounting and reporting standards for minority interests, which will be recharacterized as noncontrolling interests, in a subsidiary and the deconsolidation of a subsidiary. SFAS No. 160 is effective for business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning on or after December 15, 2008. This statement is effective for fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2008. We are currently assessing the potential impact that the adoption of SFAS No. 160 will have on our financial position and results of operations.

 

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Inflation

Substantially all of our leases provide for separate real estate tax and operating expense escalations over a base amount. In addition, many of our leases provide for fixed base rent increases or indexed increases. We believe that inflationary increases in costs may be at least partially offset by the contractual rent increases and operating expense escalations.

 

Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

As of December 31, 2007, approximately $5.4 billion of our borrowings bore interest at fixed rates, and therefore the fair value of these instruments is affected by changes in the market interest rates. The following table presents our aggregate fixed rate debt obligations as of December 31, 2007 with corresponding weighted-average interest rates sorted by maturity date and our aggregate variable rate debt obligations sorted by maturity date. The GAAP weighted average interest rate on the variable rate debt as of December 31, 2007 was 6.11% per annum.

 

    2008     2009     2010     2011     2012     2013+     Total     Fair Value
    (dollars in thousands)

Secured debt

               

Fixed Rate

  $ 603,303     $ 95,599     $ 134,812     $ 547,210     $ 101,850     $ 1,120,431     $ 2,603,205     $ 2,675,583

Average Interest Rate

    6.78 %     6.38 %     7.83 %     7.02 %     5.62 %     5.64 %     6.33 %  

Variable Rate

    —       $ 122,923       —         —         —         —       $ 122,923     $ 122,923

Unsecured debt

               

Fixed Rate

    —         —         —         —         —       $ 1,471,912     $ 1,471,912     $ 1,463,747

Average Interest Rate

    —         —         —         —         —         5.95 %     5.95 %  

Variable Rate

    —         —         —         —         —         —         —         —  

Unsecured exchangeable debt

               

Fixed Rate

    —         —         —         —       $ 844,126     $ 450,000     $ 1,294,126     $ 1,289,625

Average Interest Rate

    —         —         —         —         3.46 %     3.79 %     3.55 %  

Variable Rate

    —         —         —         —         —         —         —         —  
                                                             

Total Debt

  $ 603,303     $ 218,522     $ 134,812     $ 547,210     $ 945,976     $ 3,042,343     $ 5,492,166     $ 5,551,878
                                                             

Additional disclosure about market risk is incorporated herein by reference from “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Liquidity and Capital Resources—Market Risk.”

 

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Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

BOSTON PROPERTIES LIMITED PARTNERSHIP

INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

     Page

Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

   87

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

   88

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2007 and 2006

   89

Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005

   90

Consolidated Statements of Partners’ Capital for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005

   91

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005

   92

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005

   93

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

   95

Financial Statement Schedule—Schedule III

   142

All other schedules for which a provision is made in the applicable accounting regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission are not required under the related instructions or are inapplicable, and therefore have been omitted.

 

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Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

Management of Boston Properties, Inc., the sole general partner of Boston Properties Limited Partnership (“the Company”), is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting for the Company. The Company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed under the supervision of the principal executive officer and principal financial officer of Boston Properties, Inc. to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of the Company’s financial statements for external reporting purposes in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

As of the end of the Company’s 2007 fiscal year, management conducted assessments of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over 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 these assessments, management has determined that the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2007 was effective.

Our internal control over financial reporting includes policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect transactions and dispositions of our assets; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and the 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 our financial statements.

The effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2007 has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report appearing on page 88, which expresses an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2007.

 

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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Partners of

Boston Properties Limited Partnership:

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements listed in the accompanying index present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Boston Properties Limited Partnership and its subsidiaries (the “Company”) at December 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2007 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. In addition, in our opinion, the financial statement schedule listed in the accompanying index presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein when read in conjunction with the related consolidated financial statements. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2007, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). The Company’s management is responsible for these financial statements and financial statement schedule, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting appearing on page 87. Our responsibility is to express opinions on these financial statements, on the financial statement schedule, and on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our integrated 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 audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audits of the financial statements included examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.

As discussed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, in the fourth quarter of 2005, the Company adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board Interpretation No. 47, “Accounting for Conditional Asset Retirement Obligations, an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 143.”

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 (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (iii) 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.

/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Boston, Massachusetts

February 29, 2008

 

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BOSTON PROPERTIES LIMITED PARTNERSHIP

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 

     December 31,
2007
    December 31,
2006
 
    

(in thousands, except for unit

amounts)

 
ASSETS     

Real estate, at cost:

   $ 9,831,390     $ 9,211,351  

Less: accumulated depreciation

     (1,515,195 )     (1,382,920 )
                

Total real estate

     8,316,195       7,828,431  

Cash and cash equivalents

     1,506,921       725,788  

Cash held in escrows

     186,839       25,784  

Investment in securities

     22,584       —    

Tenant and other receivables (net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $1,901 and $2,682, respectively)

     58,074       57,052  

Accrued rental income (net of allowance of $829 and $783, respectively)

     300,594       327,337  

Deferred charges, net

     287,199       274,079  

Prepaid expenses and other assets

     30,566       40,868  

Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures

     81,672       83,711  
                

Total assets

   $ 10,790,644     $ 9,363,050  
                

LIABILITIES, REDEEMABLE PARTNERSHIP UNITS AND PARTNERS’ CAPITAL

    

Liabilities:

    

Mortgage notes payable

   $ 2,726,127     $ 2,679,462  

Unsecured senior notes (net of discount of $3,087 and $3,525, respectively)

     1,471,913       1,471,475  

Unsecured exchangeable senior notes (net of discount of $18,374 and $0, respectively)

     1,294,126       450,000  

Unsecured line of credit

     —         —    

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

     145,692       102,934  

Distributions payable

     944,870       857,892  

Accrued interest payable

     54,487       47,441  

Other liabilities

     232,705       239,084  
                

Total liabilities

     6,869,920       5,848,288  
                

Commitments and contingencies

     —         —    
                

Minority interests in property partnerships

     25,805       12,454  
                

Redeemable partnership units—1,113,044 and 1,719,230 preferred units outstanding (1,460,688 and 2,256,208 common units at redemption value, if converted) at December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively, and 20,271,341 and 20,817,587 common units and 676,067 and 521,119 long term incentive units outstanding at redemption value at December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively

     2,057,287       2,639,799  
                

Partners’ capital—1,404,499 and 1,388,422 general partner units and 118,097,986 and 116,115,120 limited partner units outstanding at December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively (such amounts are inclusive of accumulated other comprehensive loss of $29,191 and $3,323 at December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively)

     1,837,632       862,509  
                

Total liabilities, redeemable partnership units and partners’ capital

   $ 10,790,644     $ 9,363,050  
                

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

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BOSTON PROPERTIES LIMITED PARTNERSHIP

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

 

    For the Year Ended December 31,  
    2007     2006     2005  
    (In thousands, except for per unit
amounts)
 

Revenue

     

Rental:

     

Base rent

  $ 1,084,308     $ 1,092,545     $ 1,098,444  

Recoveries from tenants

    184,929       178,491       170,232  

Parking and other

    64,982       57,080       55,252  
                       

Total rental revenue

    1,334,219       1,328,116       1,323,928  

Hotel revenue

    37,811       33,014       29,650  

Development and management services

    20,553       19,820       17,310  

Interest and other

    89,706       36,677       11,978  
                       

Total revenue

    1,482,289       1,417,627       1,382,866  
                       

Expenses

     

Operating

     

Rental

    455,840       437,705       434,353  

Hotel

    27,765       24,966       22,776  

General and administrative

    69,882       59,375       55,471  

Interest

    285,887       298,260       308,091  

Depreciation and amortization

    278,249       266,411       258,332  

Losses from early extinguishments of debt

    3,417       32,143       12,896  
                       

Total expenses

    1,121,040       1,118,860       1,091,919  
                       

Income before minority interests in property partnerships, income from unconsolidated joint venures, gains on sales of real estate and other assets, discontinued operations, cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle and preferred distributions and allocation of undistributed earnings

    361,249       298,767       290,947  

Minority interests in property partnerships

    (84 )     2,013       6,017  

Income from unconsolidated joint ventures

    20,428       24,507       4,829  
                       

Income before gains on sales of real estate and other assets, discontinued operations, cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle and preferred distributions and allocation of undistributed earnings

    381,593       325,287       301,793  

Gains on sales of real estate and other assets

    957,406       727,131       188,546  
                       

Income before discontinued operations, cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle and preferred distributions and allocation of undistributed earnings

    1,338,999       1,052,418       490,339  

Discontinued operations:

     

Income from discontinued operations

    7,274       19,081       18,303  

Gains on sales of real estate from discontinued operations

    266,817       —         57,969  
                       

Income before cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle and preferred distributions and allocation of undistributed earnings

    1,613,090       1,071,499       566,611  

Cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle

    —         —         (5,043 )
                       

Income before preferred distributions and allocation of undistributed earnings

    1,613,090       1,071,499       561,568  

Preferred distributions and allocation of undistributed earnings

    (15,014 )     (22,814 )     (26,780 )
                       

Net income available to common unitholders

  $ 1,598,076     $ 1,048,685     $ 534,788  
                       

Basic earnings per common unit:

     

Income available to common unitholders before discontinued operations and cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle

  $ 9.50     $ 7.58     $ 3.49  

Discontinued operations

    1.97       0.14       0.57  

Cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle

    —         —         (0.04 )
                       

Net income available to common unitholders

  $ 11.47     $ 7.72     $ 4.02  
                       

Weighted average number of common units outstanding

    139,290       135,923       132,881  
                       

Diluted earnings per common unit:

     

Income available to common unitholders before discontinued operations and cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle

  $ 9.38     $ 7.44     $ 3.44  

Discontinued operations

    1.94       0.14       0.56  

Cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle

    —         —         (0.04 )
                       

Net income available to common unitholders

  $ 11.32     $ 7.58     $ 3.96  
                       

Weighted average number of common and common equivalent units outstanding

    141,231       138,279       135,166  
                       

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

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BOSTON PROPERTIES LIMITED PARTNERSHIP

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF PARTNERS’ CAPITAL

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2007, 2006 AND 2005

(dollars in thousands)

 

     Total
Partners’
Capital
 

Balance at December 31, 2004

   $ 1,828,572  

Contributions

     48,674  

Net income allocable to general and limited partner units

     447,830  

Distributions

     (581,639 )

Accumulated other comprehensive income

     6,756  

Unearned compensation

     1,102  

Conversion of redeemable partnership units

     22,653  

Adjustment to reflect redeemable partnership units at redemption value

     (251,753 )
        

Balance at December 31, 2005

     1,522,195  

Contributions

     63,093  

Net income allocable to general and limited partner units

     885,091  

Distributions

     (947,585 )

Accumulated other comprehensive income

     5,558  

Unearned compensation

     3,806  

Conversion of redeemable partnership units

     87,347  

Adjustment to reflect redeemable partnership units at redemption value

     (756,996 )
        

Balance at December 31, 2006

     862,509  

Contributions

     24,226  

Net income allocable to general and limited partner units

     1,363,431  

Distributions

     (1,038,521 )

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

     (25,868 )

Unearned compensation

     1,916  

Conversion of redeemable partnership units

     30,590  

Adjustment to reflect redeemable partnership units at redemption value

     619,349  
        

Balance at December 31, 2007

   $ 1,837,632  
        

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

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BOSTON PROPERTIES LIMITED PARTNERSHIP

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF

COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

 

     For the year ended December 31,
     2007     2006    2005
     (in thousands)

Income before preferred distributions and allocation of undistributed earnings

   $ 1,613,090     $ 1,071,499    $ 561,568

Other comprehensive income (loss):

       

Effective portion of interest rate contracts

     (25,656 )     4,860      6,058

Amortization of interest rate contracts

     (212 )     698      698
                     

Other comprehensive income (loss)

     (25,868 )     5,558      6,756
                     

Comprehensive income

   $ 1,587,222     $ 1,077,057    $ 568,324
                     

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

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BOSTON PROPERTIES LIMITED PARTNERSHIP

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 

     For the year ended December 31,  
     2007     2006     2005  
     (in thousands)  

Cash flows from operating activities:

      

Net income before preferred distributions and allocation of undistributed earnings

   $ 1,613,090     $ 1,071,499     $ 561,568  

Adjustments to reconcile net income before preferred distributions and allocation of undistributed earnings to net cash provided by operating activities

      

Depreciation and amortization

     281,197       272,608       264,994  

Non-cash portion of interest expense

     9,397       7,111       5,370  

Non-cash compensation expense

     12,358       8,578       7,389  

Minority interest in property partnerships

     84       (2,013 )     (6,017 )

Distributions (earnings) in excess of earnings (distributions) from unconsolidated joint ventures

     (13,271 )     (16,302 )     2,350  

Gains on sales of real estate and other assets

     (1,224,223 )     (727,131 )     (246,515 )

Losses from early extinguishments of debt

     838       31,877       2,042  

Loss from investment in joint venture

     —         —         342  

Cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle

     —         —         5,043  

Change in assets and liabilities:

      

Cash held in escrows

     (2,564 )     (166 )     (3,828 )

Tenant and other receivables, net

     (1,341 )     (7,051 )     (31,378 )

Accrued rental income, net

     (38,303 )     (53,989 )     (64,742 )

Prepaid expenses and other assets

     10,686       4,319       2,011  

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

     3,833       (2,502 )     4,148  

Accrued interest payable

     7,046       (470 )     (2,759 )

Other liabilities

     5,318       (9,735 )     9,305  

Tenant leasing costs

     (34,767 )     (48,654 )     (37,074 )
                        

Total adjustments

     (983,712 )     (543,520 )     (89,319 )
                        

Net cash provided by operating activities

     629,378       527,979       472,249  
                        

Cash flows from investing activities:

      

Acquisitions/additions to real estate

     (1,132,594 )     (642,024 )     (394,757 )

Investments in securities

     (22,584 )     (282,764 )     (37,500 )

Proceeds from sale of securities

     —         —         37,500  

Net investments in unconsolidated joint ventures

     (7,790 )     23,566       2,313  

Cash recorded upon consolidation

     3,232       —         —    

Net proceeds from the sale/financing of real estate placed in escrow

     (161,321 )     (872,063 )     —    

Net proceeds from the sale of real estate released from escrow

     —         872,063       —    

Net proceeds from the sales of real estate and other assets

     1,897,988       1,130,978       749,049  
                        

Net cash provided by investing activities

     576,931       229,756       356,605  
                        

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

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BOSTON PROPERTIES LIMITED PARTNERSHIP

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 

     For the year ended December 31,  
     2007     2006     2005  
     (in thousands)  

Cash flows from financing activities:

      

Borrowings on unsecured line of credit

     260,000       195,000       68,000  

Repayments of unsecured line of credit

     (260,000 )     (253,000 )     (10,000 )

Repayments of mortgage notes payable

     (1,196,618 )     (408,139 )     (1,088,690 )

Proceeds from mortgage notes payable

     1,097,369       41,887       844,751  

Proceeds from unsecured exchangeable senior notes

     840,363       450,000       —    

Proceeds from real estate financing transactions

     1,610       21,195       48,972  

Payments on real estate financing transactions

     (10,610 )     (5,987 )     —    

Distributions

     (1,143,470 )     (391,613 )     (702,989 )

Partner contributions

     23,479       63,418       45,020  

Contributions from minority interest holders

     4,304       11,404       —    

Redemption of OP Units

     —         —         (1,846 )

Distributions to minority interest holders

     —         —         (5,426 )

Redemption of minority interest

     (35,625 )     (14,891 )     —    

Deferred financing costs

     (5,978 )     (2,717 )     (4,494 )
                        

Net cash used in financing activities

     (425,176 )     (293,443 )     (806,702 )
                        

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

     781,133       464,292       22,152  

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

     725,788       261,496       239,344  
                        

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

   $ 1,506,921     $ 725,788     $ 261,496  
                        

Supplemental disclosures:

      

Cash paid for interest

   $ 300,490     $ 297,541     $ 311,198  
                        

Interest capitalized

   $ 31,046     $ 5,921     $ 5,718  
                        

Non-cash investing and financing activities:

      

Additions to real estate included in accounts payable

   $ 3,827     $ 4,419     $ 10,223  
                        

Mortgage notes payable assumed in connection with the acquisition of real estate

   $ 65,224     $ —       $ —    
                        

Real estate recorded upon consolidation

   $ 120,213     $ —       $ —    
                        

Mortgage note payable recorded upon consolidation

   $ 79,064     $ —       $ —    
                        

Minority interest recorded upon consolidation

   $ 19,588     $ —       $ —    
                        

Distributions declared but not paid

   $ 944,870     $ 857,892     $ 107,643  
                        

Conversions of redeemable partnership units to partners’ capital

   $ 30,590     $ 87,347     $ 22,653  
                        

Marketable securities transferred in connection with the legal defeasance of mortgage note payable

   $ —       $ 282,764     $ —    
                        

Mortgage note payable legally defeased

   $ —       $ 254,385     $ —    
                        

Financing incurred in connection with the acquisition of real estate

   $ —       $ 45,559     $ —    
                        

Issuance of restricted units to employees

   $ 17,658     $ 11,279     $ 11,680  
                        

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

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1. Organization and Basis of Presentation

Organization

Boston Properties Limited Partnership (the “Company”), a Delaware limited partnership, is the entity through which Boston Properties, Inc., a self-administered and self-managed real estate investment trust (“REIT”), conducts substantially all of its business and owns (either directly or through subsidiaries) substantially all of its assets. Boston Properties, Inc. is the sole general partner of the Company and at December 31, 2007 owned an approximate 84.2% (83.3% at December 31, 2006) general and limited partnership interest in the Company. Partnership interests in the Company are denominated as “common units of partnership interest” (also referred to as “OP Units”), “long term incentive units of partnership interest” (also referred to as “LTIP Units”) or “preferred units of partnership interest” (also referred to as “Preferred Units”).

Unless specifically noted otherwise, all references to OP Units exclude units held by Boston Properties, Inc. A holder of an OP Unit may present such OP Unit to the Company for redemption at any time (subject to restrictions agreed upon at the time of issuance of OP Units to particular holders that may restrict such redemption right for a period of time, generally one year from issuance). Upon presentation of an OP Unit for redemption, the Company must redeem such OP Unit for cash equal to the then value of a share of common stock of Boston Properties, Inc. (“Common Stock”). In lieu of a cash redemption, Boston Properties, Inc. may elect to acquire such OP Unit for one share of Common Stock. Because the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding at all times equals the number of OP Units that Boston Properties, Inc. owns, one share of Common Stock is generally the economic equivalent of one OP Unit, and the quarterly distribution that may be paid to the holder of an OP Unit equals the quarterly dividend that may be paid to the holder of a share of Common Stock. An LTIP Unit is generally the economic equivalent of a share of restricted common stock of Boston Properties, Inc. LTIP Units, whether vested or not, will receive the same quarterly per unit distributions as OP Units, which equal per share dividends on Common Stock (See Note 18).

At December 31, 2007, there was one series of Preferred Units outstanding (i.e., Series Two Preferred Units). The Series Two Preferred Units bear a distribution that is set in accordance with an amendment to the partnership agreement of the Company. Preferred Units may also be converted into OP Units at the election of the holder thereof or the Company in accordance with the amendment to the partnership agreement (See Note 12).

All references to the Company refer to Boston Properties Limited Partnership and its consolidated subsidiaries, collectively, unless the context otherwise requires.

Properties

At December 31, 2007, the Company owned or had interests in a portfolio of 139 commercial real estate properties (131 properties at December 31, 2006) (the “Properties”) aggregating approximately 43.8 million net rentable square feet (approximately 43.4 million net rentable square feet at December 31, 2006), including 13 properties under construction totaling approximately 3.9 million net rentable square feet, and structured parking for approximately 32,054 vehicles containing approximately 9.9 million square feet. At December 31, 2007, the Properties consist of:

 

   

135 office properties, including 115 Class A office properties (including 13 properties under construction) and 20 Office/Technical properties;

 

   

one hotel; and

 

   

three retail properties.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

The Company owns or controls undeveloped land parcels totaling approximately 605.2 acres. In addition, at December 31, 2007, the Company had a 25% interest in the Boston Properties Office Value-Added Fund, L.P. (the “Value-Added Fund”), which is a strategic partnership with two institutional investors through which the Company has pursued the acquisition of value-added investments in assets within its existing markets. The Company’s investments through the Value-Added Fund are not included in its portfolio information or any other portfolio level statistics. At December 31, 2007, the Value-Added Fund had investments in an office property in Chelmsford, Massachusetts and an office complex in San Carlos, California.

The Company considers Class A office properties to be centrally located buildings that are professionally managed and maintained, that attract high-quality tenants and command upper-tier rental rates, and that are modern structures or have been modernized to compete with newer buildings. The Company considers Office/Technical properties to be properties that support office, research and development, laboratory and other technical uses. Net rentable square feet amounts are unaudited.

Basis of Presentation

Boston Properties, Inc. does not have any other significant assets, liabilities or operations, other than its investment in the Company, nor does it have employees of its own. The Company, not Boston Properties, Inc., executes all significant business relationships. All majority-owned subsidiaries and affiliates over which the Company has financial and operating control and variable interest entities (“VIE”s) in which the Company has determined it is the primary beneficiary are included in the consolidated financial statements. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The Company accounts for all other unconsolidated joint ventures using the equity method of accounting. Accordingly, the Company’s share of the earnings of these joint ventures and companies is included in consolidated net income.

In January 2003, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued FASB Interpretation No. 46, “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities” (“FIN 46”). In December 2003, the FASB issued FIN 46R, “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities,” which amended FIN 46. FIN 46R was effective immediately for arrangements entered into after January 31, 2003, and became effective during the first quarter of 2004 for all arrangements entered into before February 1, 2003. FIN 46R requires existing unconsolidated VIEs to be consolidated by their primary beneficiaries. The primary beneficiary of a VIE is the party that absorbs a majority of the entity’s expected losses or receives a majority of its expected residual returns, or both, as a result of holding variable interests, which are the ownership interests, contractual interests, or other pecuniary interests in an entity that change with changes in the fair value of the entity’s net assets excluding variable interests. Prior to FIN 46R, the Company included an entity in its consolidated financial statements only if it controlled the entity through voting interests.

 

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Real Estate

Upon acquisitions of real estate, the Company assesses the fair value of acquired tangible and intangible assets (including land, buildings, tenant improvements, “above-” and “below-market” leases, origination costs, acquired in-place leases, other identified intangible assets and assumed liabilities in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 141, “Business Combinations”), and allocates the purchase price to the acquired assets and assumed liabilities, including land at appraised value and buildings at replacement cost. The Company assesses and considers fair value based on estimated cash flow projections that utilize discount and/or capitalization rates that we deem appropriate, as well as available market information. Estimates of future cash flows are based on a number of factors including the historical operating results, known

 

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and anticipated trends, and market and economic conditions. The fair value of the tangible assets of an acquired property considers the value of the property as if it were vacant. The Company also considers an allocation of purchase price of other acquired intangibles, including acquired in-place leases that may have a customer relationship intangible value, including (but not limited to) the nature and extent of the existing relationship with the tenants, the tenant’s credit quality and expectations of lease renewals. Based on its acquisitions to date, the Company’s allocation to customer relationship intangible assets has been immaterial.

The Company records acquired “above-” and “below-market” leases at their fair value (using a discount rate which reflects the risks associated with the leases acquired) equal to the difference between (1) the contractual amounts to be paid pursuant to each in-place lease and (2) management’s estimate of fair market lease rates for each corresponding in-place lease, measured over a period equal to the remaining term of the lease for above-market leases and the initial term plus the term of any below-market fixed rate renewal options for below-market leases. Other intangible assets acquired include amounts for in-place lease values that are based on the Company’s evaluation of the specific characteristics of each tenant’s lease. Factors to be considered include estimates of carrying costs during hypothetical expected lease-up periods considering current market conditions, and costs to execute similar leases. In estimating carrying costs, the Company includes real estate taxes, insurance and other operating expenses and estimates of lost rentals at market rates during the expected lease-up periods, depending on local market conditions. In estimating costs to execute similar leases, the Company considers leasing commissions, legal and other related expenses.

Real estate is stated at depreciated cost. The cost of buildings and improvements includes the purchase price of property, legal fees and other acquisition costs. Costs directly related to the development of properties are capitalized. Capitalized development costs include interest, internal wages, property taxes, insurance, and other project costs incurred during the period of development.

The Company reviews its long-lived assets used in operations for impairment when there is an event or change in circumstances that indicates an impairment in value. An impairment loss is recognized if the carrying amount of its assets is not recoverable and exceeds its fair value. If such impairment is present, an impairment loss is recognized based on the excess of the carrying amount of the asset over its fair value. The evaluation of anticipated cash flows is highly subjective and is based in part on assumptions regarding future occupancy, rental rates and capital requirements that could differ materially from actual results in future periods. Since cash flows on properties considered to be “long-lived assets to be held and used,” as defined by SFAS No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets,” (“SFAS No. 144”) are considered on an undiscounted basis to determine whether an asset has been impaired, the Company’s established strategy of holding properties over the long term directly decreases the likelihood of recording an impairment loss. If the Company’s strategy changes or market conditions otherwise dictate an earlier sale date, an impairment loss may be recognized and such loss could be material. If the Company determines that impairment has occurred, the affected assets must be reduced to their fair value. No such impairment losses have been recognized to date.

SFAS No. 144, requires that qualifying assets and liabilities and the results of operations that have been sold, or otherwise qualify as “held for sale,” be presented as discontinued operations in all periods presented if the property operations are expected to be eliminated and the Company will not have significant continuing involvement following the sale. The components of the property’s net income that is reflected as discontinued operations include the net gain (or loss) upon the disposition of the property held for sale, operating results, depreciation and interest expense (if the property is subject to a secured loan). The Company generally considers assets to be “held for sale” when the transaction has been approved by the Board of Directors, or a committee thereof, and there are no known significant contingencies relating to the sale, such that the property sale within one year is considered probable. Following the classification of a property as “held for sale,” no further depreciation is recorded on the assets.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

A variety of costs are incurred in the acquisition, development and leasing of properties. After determination is made to capitalize a cost, it is allocated to the specific component of a project that is benefited. Determination of when a development project is substantially complete and capitalization must cease involves a degree of judgment. The Company’s capitalization policy on development properties is guided by SFAS No. 34 “Capitalization of Interest Cost” and SFAS No. 67 “Accounting for Costs and the Initial Rental Operations of Real Estate Projects.” The costs of land and buildings under development include specifically identifiable costs. The capitalized costs include pre-construction costs essential to the development of the property, development costs, construction costs, interest costs, real estate taxes, salaries and related costs and other costs incurred during the period of development. The Company considers a construction project as substantially completed and held available for occupancy upon the completion of tenant improvements, but no later than one year from cessation of major construction activity. The Company ceases capitalization on the portion (1) substantially completed and (2) occupied or held available for occupancy, and capitalizes only those costs associated with the portion under construction. Interest costs capitalized for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 were $31.0 million, $5.9 million and $5.7 million, respectively. Salaries and related costs capitalized for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 were $6.9 million, $4.2 million and $3.9 million, respectively.

Expenditures for repairs and maintenance are charged to operations as incurred. Significant betterments are capitalized. When assets are sold or retired, their costs and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts with the resulting gains or losses reflected in net income or loss for the period.

Certain of the Company’s real estate assets contain asbestos. Although the asbestos is appropriately encapsulated, in accordance with current environmental regulations, the Company’s practice is to remediate the asbestos upon the renovation or redevelopment of its properties. In March 2005, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 47, “Accounting for Conditional Asset Retirement Obligations, an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 143” (“FIN 47”). FIN 47 clarifies that the term “conditional asset retirement obligation” as used in FASB Statement No. 143, “Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations,” refers to a legal obligation to perform an asset retirement activity in which the timing and/or method of settlement are conditional on a future event that may or may not be within the control of the entity. The legal obligation to perform the asset retirement activity is unconditional even though uncertainty exists about the timing and/or method of settlement. FIN 47 requires an entity to recognize a liability for the fair value of a conditional asset retirement obligation if the fair value of the liability can be reasonably estimated. The fair value of a liability for the conditional asset retirement obligation should be recognized when incurred—generally upon the acquisition, construction, or development and/or through the normal operation of an asset. FIN 47 also clarifies when an entity would have sufficient information to reasonably estimate the fair value of an asset retirement obligation. FIN 47 became effective and was adopted by the Company on December 31, 2005. Upon adoption, the Company recognized the cumulative effect of adopting FIN 47, totaling approximately $5.0 million, which amount is included in “Cumulative Effect of A Change in Accounting Principle” on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2005.

The Company computes depreciation and amortization on properties using the straight-line method based on estimated useful asset lives. In accordance with SFAS No. 141, the Company allocates the acquisition cost of real estate to land, building, tenant improvements, acquired “above-” and “below-market” leases, origination costs and acquired in-place leases based on an assessment of their fair value and depreciates or amortizes these assets (or liabilities) over their useful lives. The amortization of acquired “above-” and “below-market” leases and acquired in-place leases is recorded as an adjustment to revenue and depreciation and amortization, respectively, in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

Depreciation is computed on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets as follows:

 

Land improvements

   25 to 40 years

Buildings and improvements

   10 to 40 years

Tenant improvements

   Shorter of useful life or terms of related lease

Furniture, fixtures, and equipment

   3 to 7 years

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash on hand and investments with maturities of three months or less from the date of purchase. The majority of the Company’s cash and cash equivalents are held at major commercial banks which may at times exceed the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation limit of $100,000. The Company has not experienced any losses to date on its invested cash.

Cash Held in Escrows

Escrows include amounts established pursuant to various agreements for security deposits, property taxes, insurance and other costs.

Investment in Securities

The Company accounts for investments in trading securities at fair value, with gains or losses resulting from changes in fair value recognized currently in earnings. The designation of trading securities is generally determined at acquisition. At December 31, 2007, investment in securities is comprised of an investment in an unregistered money market fund. The investment was previously included in Cash and Cash Equivalents. In December 2007, the fund suspended cash redemptions by investors; investors may elect in-kind redemptions of the underlying securities or maintain their investment in the fund and receive distributions as the underlying securities mature or are liquidated by the fund sponsor. As a result, the Company expects to retain this investment for a longer term than originally intended, and the valuation of the Company’s investment is subject to changes in market conditions. Because interests in this fund are now valued at less than their $1.00 par value, the Company has recognized a loss of approximately $0.3 million on its investment during the fourth quarter of 2007.

Tenant and other receivables

Tenant and other accounts receivable, other than accrued rents receivable, are expected to be collected within one year.

Deferred Charges

Deferred charges include leasing costs and financing fees. Leasing costs include an allocation for acquired intangible in-place lease values and direct and incremental fees and costs incurred in the successful negotiation of leases, including brokerage, legal, internal leasing employee salaries and other costs which have been deferred and are being amortized on a straight-line basis over the terms of the respective leases. Internal leasing salaries and related costs capitalized for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 were $4.1 million, $2.8 million and $2.0 million, respectively. External fees and costs incurred to obtain long-term financing have been deferred and are being amortized over the terms of the respective loans on a basis that approximates the effective interest method and are included with interest expense. Unamortized financing and leasing costs are charged to

 

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expense upon the early repayment or significant modification of the financing or upon the early termination of the lease, respectively. Fully amortized deferred charges are removed from the books upon the expiration of the lease or maturity of the debt.

Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures

Except for ownership interests in variable interest entities for which the Company is the primary beneficiary, the Company accounts for its investments in joint ventures under the equity method of accounting because it exercises significant influence over, but does not control, these entities. These investments are recorded initially at cost, as Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures, and subsequently adjusted for equity in earnings and cash contributions and distributions. Any difference between the carrying amount of these investments on the balance sheet and the underlying equity in net assets is amortized as an adjustment to equity in earnings of unconsolidated joint ventures over the life of the related asset. Under the equity method of accounting, the net equity investment of the Company is reflected within the Consolidated Balance Sheets, and the Company’s share of net income or loss from the joint ventures is included within the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The joint venture agreements may designate different percentage allocations among investors for profits and losses, however, the Company’s recognition of joint venture income or loss generally follows the joint venture’s distribution priorities, which may change upon the achievement of certain investment return thresholds. For ownership interests in variable interest entities, the Company consolidates those in which it is the primary beneficiary. The Company’s investments in unconsolidated joint ventures are reviewed for impairment, periodically, if events or circumstances change indicating that the carrying amount of the investments may not be recoverable. The ultimate realization of the investment in unconsolidated joint ventures is dependent on a number of factors, including the performance of each investment and market conditions. The Company will record an impairment charge if it determines that a decline in the value of an unconsolidated joint venture is other than temporary.

To the extent that the Company contributes assets to a joint venture, the Company’s investment in the joint venture is recorded at the Company’s cost basis in the assets that were contributed to the joint venture. To the extent that the Company’s cost basis is different than the basis reflected at the joint venture level, the basis difference is amortized over the life of the related asset and included in the Company’s share of equity in net income of the joint venture. In accordance with the provisions of Statement of Position 78-9 “Accounting for Investments in Real Estate Ventures,” the Company will recognize gains on the contribution of real estate to joint ventures, relating solely to the outside partner’s interest, to the extent the economic substance of the transaction is a sale.

Revenue Recognition

Base rental revenue is reported on a straight-line basis over the terms of the respective leases. The impact of the straight-line rent adjustment increased revenue by approximately $39.1 million, $53.7 million and $66.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively, as the revenue recorded exceeded amounts billed. In accordance with SFAS No. 141, the Company recognizes rental revenue of acquired in-place “above-” and “below-market” leases at their fair values over the terms of the respective leases. Accrued rental income, as reported on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, represents rental income earned in excess of rent payments received pursuant to the terms of the individual lease agreements. The Company maintains an allowance against accrued rental income for future potential tenant credit losses. The credit assessment is based on the estimated accrued rental income that is recoverable over the term of the lease. The Company also maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of tenants to make required rent payments. The computation of this allowance is based on the tenants’ payment history and current

 

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credit status, as well as certain industry or geographic specific credit considerations. If the Company’s estimates of collectibility differ from the cash received, then the timing and amount of the Company’s reported revenue could be impacted. The credit risk is mitigated by the high quality of the Company’s existing tenant base, reviews of prospective tenant’s risk profiles prior to lease execution and continual monitoring of the Company’s portfolio to identify potential problem tenants.

Recoveries from tenants, consisting of amounts due from tenants for common area maintenance, real estate taxes and other recoverable costs are recognized as revenue in the period the expenses are incurred. Tenant reimbursements are recognized and presented in accordance with EITF Issue 99-19 “Reporting Revenue Gross as a Principal versus Net as an Agent” (“Issue 99-19”). Issue 99-19 requires that these reimbursements be recorded on a gross basis, as the Company is generally the primary obligor with respect to purchasing goods and services from third- party suppliers, has discretion in selecting the supplier and has credit risk. The Company also receives reimbursement of payroll and payroll related cost from third parties which we reflect on a net basis in accordance with Issue 99-19.

The Company’s hotel revenues are derived from room rentals and other sources such as charges to guests for long-distance telephone service, fax machine use, movie and vending commissions, meeting and banquet room revenue and laundry services. Hotel revenues are recognized as earned.

The Company receives management and development fees from third parties. Management fees are recorded and earned based on a percentage of collected rents at the properties under management, and not on a straight-line basis, because such fees are contingent upon the collection of rents. The Company reviews each development agreement and records development fees on a straight-line basis or percentage of completion depending on the risk associated with each project. Profit on development fees earned from joint venture projects is recognized as revenue to the extent of the third party partners’ ownership interest.

Gains on sales of real estate are recognized pursuant to the provisions of SFAS No. 66 “Accounting for Sales of Real Estate.” The specific timing of a sale is measured against various criteria in SFAS No. 66 related to the terms of the transaction and any continuing involvement in the form of management or financial assistance associated with the properties. If the sales criteria are not met, the Company defers gain recognition and accounts for the continued operations of the property by applying the finance, installment or cost recovery methods, as appropriate, until the sales criteria are met.

Interest Expense and Interest Rate Protection Agreements

From time to time, the Company enters into interest rate protection agreements to reduce the impact of changes in interest rates on its variable rate debt or in anticipation of issuing fixed rate debt. The fair value of these agreements is reflected on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Changes in the fair value of these agreements would be recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Operations if the agreements were not effective for accounting purposes.

Earnings Per Common Unit

Basic earnings per common unit is computed by dividing net income available to common unitholders, as adjusted for unallocated earnings (if any) of certain securities issued by the Company, by the weighted average number of common units outstanding during the year. Diluted earnings per common unit reflects the potential dilution that could occur from units issuable under Boston Properties, Inc.’s stock-based compensation plans, including upon the exercise of stock options, and conversion of preferred units of the Company.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, marketable securities, escrows, receivables, accounts payable, accrued expenses and other assets and liabilities are reasonable estimates of their fair values because of the short maturities of these instruments.

For purposes of disclosure, the Company calculates the fair value of mortgage notes payable and unsecured senior notes. The Company discounts the spread between the future contractual interest payments and future interest payments on mortgage debt and unsecured notes based on a current market rate. In determining the current market rate, the Company adds its estimation of a market spread to the quoted yields on federal government treasury securities with similar maturity dates to its debt. Because the Company’s valuations of its financial instruments are based on these types of estimates, the fair value of its financial instruments may change if the Company’s estimates do not prove to be accurate. The fair value of the Company’s long-term indebtedness exceeds the aggregate carrying value by approximately $59.7 million at December 31, 2007.

Income Taxes

The partners are required to report their respective share of the Company’s taxable income or loss on their respective tax returns and are liable for any related taxes thereon. Accordingly, the only provision for federal income taxes in the accompanying consolidated financial statements relates to the Company’s consolidated taxable REIT subsidiaries. The Company’s taxable REIT subsidiaries did not have significant tax provisions or deferred income tax items.

In January 2002, the Company formed a taxable REIT subsidiary, IXP, Inc. (IXP) which acts as a captive insurance company and is one of the elements of its overall insurance program. On September 27, 2006, IXP, Inc. was merged into IXP, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary, and all insurance policies issued by IXP, Inc. were cancelled and reissued by IXP, LLC. The accounts of IXP are consolidated within the Company. IXP, Inc. was a captive TRS that was subject to tax at the federal and state level. Accordingly, the Company has recorded a tax provision in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2005.

Effective July 1, 2002, the Company restructured the leases with respect to its ownership of its hotel properties by forming a taxable REIT subsidiary. The hotel taxable REIT subsidiary, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, is the lessee pursuant to leases for each of the hotel properties. As lessor, the Company is entitled to a percentage of gross receipts from the hotel properties. Marriott International, Inc. continues to manage the hotel properties under the Marriott name and under terms of the existing management agreements. In connection with the restructuring, the revenue and expenses of the hotel properties are being reflected in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations. The hotel taxable REIT subsidiary is subject to tax at the federal and state level and, accordingly, the Company has recorded a tax provision in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005.

The net difference between the tax basis and the reported amounts of the Company’s assets and liabilities is approximately $374 million and $362 million as of December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

Certain entities included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements are subject to certain state and local taxes. These taxes are recorded as operating expenses in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

The following reconciles GAAP net income to taxable income:

 

     For the year ended December 31,  
     2007     2006     2005  
     (in thousands)  

Income before preferred distributions and allocation of undistributed earnings

   $ 1,613,090     $ 1,071,499     $ 561,568  

Straight-line rent adjustments

     (43,531 )     (57,713 )     (65,563 )

Book/Tax differences from depreciation and amortization

     49,813       69,842       74,108  

Book/Tax differences on gains/losses from capital transactions

     (356,606 )     76,442       61,608  

Book/Tax differences from stock-based compensation

     (52,109 )     (119,189 )     (42,561 )

Other book/tax differences, net

     (15,490 )     (31,541 )     (16,982 )
                        

Taxable income

   $ 1,195,167     $ 1,009,340     $ 572,178  
                        

Stock-based employee compensation plans

At December 31, 2007, Boston Properties, Inc. has a stock-based employee compensation plan. Effective January 1, 2005, the Company adopted the fair value recognition provisions of Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation,” as amended by SFAS No. 148, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation—Transition and Disclosure, an amendment of FASB Statement No. 123,” using the modified prospective application method for stock compensation awards. In addition, effective January 1, 2005, the Company adopted early SFAS No. 123 (revised) (“SFAS No. 123R”), “Share-Based Payment,” which revised the fair value based method of accounting for share-based payment liabilities, forfeitures and modifications of stock-based awards and clarified SFAS No. 123’s guidance in several areas, including measuring fair value, classifying an award as equity or as a liability and attributing compensation cost to reporting periods.

Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. These estimates include such items as depreciation and allowances for doubtful accounts. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

3. Real Estate

Real estate consisted of the following at December 31 (in thousands):

 

     2007     2006  

Land

   $ 1,742,872     $ 1,661,823  

Land held for future development

     246,094       179,498  

Real estate held for sale, net

     221,606       410,860  

Buildings and improvements

     6,129,138       6,110,668  

Tenant improvements

     770,444       707,909  

Furniture, fixtures and equipment

     20,474       24,964  

Development in process

     700,762       115,629  
                

Total

     9,831,390       9,211,351  

Less: Accumulated depreciation

     (1,515,195 )     (1,382,920 )
                
   $ 8,316,195     $ 7,828,431  
                

 

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Acquisitions

In January 2007, the Company acquired 6601 and 6605 Springfield Center Drive, consisting of two office/technical properties aggregating approximately 97,000 net rentable square feet located in Springfield, Virginia for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $16.5 million. On April 11, 2007, the Company acquired an adjacent parcel of land for a purchase price of approximately $25.6 million. The acquisitions were financed with available cash.

In January and February 2007, the Company acquired parcels of land located at 250 West 55th Street in New York City, through a majority-owned venture, for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $228.8 million. The acquisitions were financed with a $160.0 million mortgage loan, which bore interest at a variable rate equal to LIBOR plus 0.40% per annum and was scheduled to mature in January 2009, and member capital contributions. The loan was collateralized by mortgages totaling approximately $13.6 million. On February 26, 2007, the Company entered into an agreement to redeem the outside members’ equity interest in the limited liability company that owns 250 West 55th Street for an aggregate redemption price of approximately $23.4 million (See Note 11). On May 9, 2007, the Company used available cash to repay the mortgage loan.

On January 29, 2007, the Company acquired 103 Fourth Avenue, an approximately 62,000 net rentable square foot office/technical property located in Waltham, Massachusetts, for a purchase price of approximately $14.3 million. The acquisition was financed with available cash.

On March 30, 2007, the Company acquired Kingstowne Towne Center, a mixed-use property located in Alexandria, Virginia, at a purchase price of approximately $134.0 million. This property is comprised of two Class A office properties totaling approximately 307,000 net rentable square feet and a retail/movie theater complex totaling approximately 88,000 net rentable square feet. The acquisition was financed with the assumption of mortgage indebtedness totaling $65.3 million (See Note 6) and available cash.

On March 30, 2007, the Company acquired Russia Wharf, a land parcel located in Boston, Massachusetts, for a purchase price of approximately $105.5 million. The acquisition was financed with available cash.

On July 24, 2007, the Company acquired 701 Carnegie Center, a land parcel located in Princeton, New Jersey for a purchase price of approximately $3.1 million with the title transferring pending subdivision approval. The purchase price was financed with available cash. The Company entered into a lease agreement on June 11, 2007 with The Trustees of Princeton University for a build-to-suit project on the site with approximately 120,000 net rentable square feet of Class A office space.

On November 27, 2007, the Company acquired Mountain View Research Park for $183.0 million and Mountain View Technology Park for $40.0 million. The Research Park properties are comprised of sixteen Class A office and office/technical properties aggregating approximately 601,000 net rentable square feet located in Mountain View, California. The Technology Park properties are comprised of seven office/technical properties aggregating approximately 135,000 net rentable square feet located in Mountain View, California. The acquisition was financed with available cash. On January 7, 2008, the Company transferred the properties to its Value-Added Fund for an aggregate of approximately $223.2 million (See Note 23). Due to the Company’s continuing involvement through its ownership interest in the Value-Added Fund, these properties have not been categorized as discontinued operations in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations (See Note 20). At December 31, 2007, the Company had categorized Mountain View Research Park and Mountain View Technology Park as “Held for Sale” in its Consolidated Balance Sheets (See Note 20).

On December 13, 2007, the Company acquired North First Business Park located in San Jose, California, at a purchase price of approximately $71.5 million. This property is comprised of five office properties aggregating

 

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approximately 191,000 net rentable square feet and three vacant properties all located on approximately 24 acres of land. The acquisition was financed with available cash.

Development

During the year ended December 31, 2007, the Company commenced the following development projects:

 

   

the Offices at Wisconsin Place, a Class A office project with approximately 290,000 net rentable square feet located in Chevy Chase, Maryland (through a joint venture in which the Company owns a 66.7% interest);

 

   

701 Carnegie Center, a Class A office project with approximately 120,000 net rentable square feet located in Princeton, New Jersey;

 

   

South of Market Phase II, a Class A office project with approximately 225,000 net rentable square feet located in Reston, Virginia;

 

 

 

250 West 55th Street, a Class A office project with approximately 1,000,000 net rentable square feet located in New York City; and

 

   

Russia Wharf, a mixed-use project with approximately 580,000 net rentable square feet of Class A office space and approximately 235,000 square feet of residential space for rent or for sale located in Boston, Massachusetts.

Dispositions

On February 15, 2007, the Company sold the long-term leasehold interest in 5 Times Square in New York City and related credits, for approximately $1.28 billion in cash. 5 Times Square is a fully-leased Class A office tower that contains approximately 1,101,779 net rentable square feet. Net cash proceeds totaled approximately $1.23 billion, resulting in a gain on sale of approximately $736.2 million. In conjunction with the sale, the Company agreed to provide to the buyer monthly revenue support from the closing date until December 31, 2008. The aggregate amount of the revenue support payments was approximately $1.6 million and has been recorded as a purchase price adjustment and included in Other Liabilities within the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. As of December 31, 2007, the remaining revenue support obligation totaled approximately $0.1 million. As part of the transaction, the buyer has agreed to engage the Company as the property manager for 5 Times Square for a five-year term. Either party will have the right to terminate this relationship at any time after four years upon giving the other party six months advance notice. If not terminated, the agreement will automatically renew for successive one-year terms unless terminated by either party upon ninety (90) days advance notice. The Company will recognize management fees on a fair value basis over the term of the agreement. As a result, the recognized gain on sale of the property has been reduced by approximately $4.7 million, representing the difference between the management fees to be received by the Company and the fair value of the management fees. Such amount has been deferred and recorded in Other Liabilities in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets and will be recognized as management services revenue over the term of the management agreement. Due to the Company’s continuing involvement through an agreement with the buyer to manage the property for a fee after the sale and the financial obligations discussed above, this property has not been categorized as discontinued operations in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations (See Note 20).

On March 23, 2007, the Company sold the Long Wharf Marriott, a 402-room hotel located in Boston, Massachusetts, for approximately $231.0 million. Net cash proceeds totaled approximately $225.6 million, resulting in a gain on sale of approximately $194.4 million. This property has been categorized as discontinued operations in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations (See Note 20).

 

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On April 5, 2007, the Company sold Newport Office Park, an approximately 172,000 net rentable square foot Class A office property located in Quincy, Massachusetts, for approximately $37.0 million. Net cash proceeds totaled approximately $33.7 million, resulting in a gain on sale of approximately $14.3 million. This property has been categorized as discontinued operations in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations (See Note 20).

On April 12, 2007, the Company entered into an agreement for the sale of a parcel of land located in Washington, D.C. for approximately $33.7 million. In addition, the Company entered into a development management agreement with the buyer to develop a Class A office property on the parcel totaling approximately 165,000 net rentable square feet. The sale is subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions and there can be no assurance that the sale will be consummated on the terms currently contemplated or at all.

On August 7, 2007, the Company sold Democracy Center in Bethesda, Maryland, for approximately $280.5 million. Democracy Center is a Class A office complex that contains an aggregate of approximately 685,000 net rentable square feet. Net cash proceeds totaled approximately $184.5 million, after the repayment of the mortgage indebtedness of approximately $94.6 million and closing costs of approximately $1.4 million, resulting in a gain on sale of approximately $203.2 million. Due to the Company’s continuing involvement through an agreement with the buyer to manage the property for a fee after the sale, this property has not been categorized as discontinued operations in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations (See Note 20).

On November 20, 2007, the Company sold its Orbital Sciences Campus and Broad Run Business Park, Building E properties located in Loudon County, Virginia, for approximately $126.7 million. The Orbital Sciences Campus and Broad Run Business Park, Building E properties are comprised of three Class A office properties aggregating approximately 337,000 net rentable square feet and an office/technical property totaling approximately 127,000 net rentable square feet, respectively. Net cash proceeds totaled approximately $125.4 million, resulting in a gain on sale of approximately $58.2 million. These properties have been categorized as discontinued operations in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations (See Note 20).

During the year ended December 31, 2007, the Company signed a new qualifying lease for approximately 22,000 net rentable square feet of its remaining 47,659 net rentable square foot master lease obligation related to the 2006 sale of 280 Park Avenue resulting in the recognition of approximately $18.0 million as additional gain on sale of real estate. The Company had deferred approximately $67.3 million of the gain on sale of 280 Park Avenue, which amount represented the maximum obligation under the master lease. As of December 31, 2007, the remaining master lease obligation totaled approximately $26.1 million.

 

4. Deferred Charges

Deferred charges consisted of the following at December 31, (in thousands):

 

     2007     2006  

Leasing costs

   $ 375,004     $ 355,290  

Financing costs

     55,580       69,608  
                
     430,584       424,898  

Less: Accumulated amortization

     (143,385 )     (150,819 )
                
   $ 287,199     $ 274,079  
                

 

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5. Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures

The investments in unconsolidated joint ventures consists of the following at December 31, 2007:

 

Entity

  

Properties

  Nominal %
Ownership
 

Square 407 Limited Partnership

   Market Square North   50.0 %

The Metropolitan Square Associates LLC

   Metropolitan Square   51.0 %(1)

BP/CRF 901 New York Avenue LLC

   901 New York Avenue   25.0 %(2)

KEG Associates I, LLC

   505 9th Street   50.0 %(3)

Wisconsin Place Entities

   Wisconsin Place   23.9 %(3)(4)

Eighth Avenue and 46th Street Entities

   Eighth Avenue and 46th Street   50.0 %(3)

Boston Properties Office Value-Added Fund, L.P.

  

300 Billerica Road and

One & Two Circle Star Way

  25.0 %(2)

Annapolis Junction NFM, LLC

   Annapolis Junction   50.0 %(3)

 

(1) This joint venture is accounted for under the equity method due to participatory rights of the outside partner.
(2) The Company’s economic ownership can increase based on the achievement of certain return thresholds.
(3) These properties are not in operation (i.e., under construction or assembled land).
(4) Represents the Company’s effective ownership interest. The Company has a 66.67%, 5% and 0% interest in the office, retail and residential joint venture entities, respectively, which each own a 33.33% interest in the entity developing and owning the land and infrastructure of the project.

Certain of the Company’s joint venture agreements include provisions whereby, at certain specified times, each partner has the right to initiate a purchase or sale of its interest in the joint ventures at an agreed upon fair value. Under these provisions, the Company is not compelled to purchase the interest of its outside joint venture partners.

On March 29, 2007, the Wisconsin Place joint venture entity that owns and is developing the retail component of the project (the “Retail Entity”) (a joint venture entity in which the Company owns a 5% interest) obtained construction financing totaling $66.0 million collateralized by the retail property. Wisconsin Place is a mixed-use development project consisting of office, retail and residential properties located in Chevy Chase, Maryland. The construction financing bears interest at a variable rate equal to LIBOR plus 1.375% per annum and matures on March 29, 2010 with two, one-year extension options. On March 29, 2007, the Wisconsin Place joint venture entity that owns and is developing the land and infrastructure components of the project (the “Land and Infrastructure Entity”) (a joint venture entity in which the Company owns an effective interest of approximately 23.89%) executed an amendment to its construction loan agreement. The construction financing consisted of a $96.5 million commitment, bearing interest at a per annum variable rate equal to LIBOR plus 1.50% and maturing on March 11, 2009. The outstanding balance on the construction loan was approximately $53.6 million on the $96.5 million commitment. The amended agreement provides for a reduction in the loan commitment amount to $69.1 million. The reduction relates to the repayment of the retail portion of the outstanding balance totaling approximately $15.9 million and an additional reduction in the borrowing capacity of approximately $11.5 million with a corresponding release of collateral in conjunction with the retail entity obtaining new construction financing.

On June 1, 2007, the Company’s Value-Added Fund sold Worldgate Plaza located in Herndon, Virginia for approximately $109.0 million. Worldgate Plaza is an office complex consisting of approximately 322,000 net rentable square feet. Net cash proceeds totaled approximately $50.5 million, of which the Company’s share was approximately $20.3 million, after the repayment of the mortgage indebtedness of $57.0 million and closing costs of approximately $1.5 million, resulting in a gain on sale of approximately $32.8 million. The Company’s share

 

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of the gain on sale was approximately $15.5 million, which amount reflects the achievement of certain return thresholds as provided for in the joint venture agreement. The Company’s share of the gain on sale has been included in Income from Unconsolidated Joint Ventures in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations. In connection with the repayment of the mortgage indebtedness on the property, the joint venture recognized a loss from early extinguishment of debt totaling approximately $0.1 million, consisting of the write-off of unamortized deferred financing costs. The mortgage loan bore interest at a variable rate equal to LIBOR plus 0.89% per annum and was scheduled to mature on December 1, 2007.

On June 22, 2007, a joint venture in which the Company has a 50% interest entered into agreements to complete the assemblage for its development site at Eighth Avenue and 46th Street in New York, New York consisting of an approximately 840,000 net rentable square foot Class A office property.

On July 16, 2007, the Company entered into a joint venture with an unrelated third party to develop Annapolis Junction, a Class A office complex aggregating approximately 425,000 net rentable square feet located in Anne Arundel County, Maryland. The joint venture partner contributed the land for a 50% interest in the joint venture and the Company will contribute cash of approximately $14.9 million for its 50% interest. The joint venture has commenced construction on an approximately 117,600 net rentable square foot Class A office property on the site. On September 13, 2007, the joint venture entity obtained construction financing totaling $45.5 million. The construction financing bears interest at a variable rate equal to LIBOR plus 1.20% per annum and matures in September 2010, with two, one-year extension options.

On October 1, 2007, a joint venture in which the Company has a 50% interest, partially placed in-service 505 9th Street, a 325,000 net rentable square foot Class A office property located in Washington, D.C. Effective October 1, 2007, the Company has consolidated the accounts of this joint venture due to its control over the operations of the property. On October 17, 2007, the construction financing on the property was converted to a ten-year fixed rate loan. The construction financing was comprised of (1) a $60.0 million loan commitment, which bore interest at a fixed rate of 5.73% per annum, with an outstanding balance of approximately $50.5 million, and (2) a $35.0 million loan commitment, which bore interest at a variable rate equal to LIBOR plus 1.25% per annum, with an outstanding balance of approximately $29.0 million. The new mortgage financing totaling $130.0 million bears interest at a fixed interest rate of 5.73% per annum and matures on November 1, 2017. Approximately $43.3 million of the excess loan proceeds have been placed in escrow with the lender until the completion of construction.

The combined summarized financial information of the unconsolidated joint ventures is as follows (in thousands):

 

     December 31,

Balance Sheets

   2007    2006

Real estate and development in process, net

   $ 700,646    $ 760,139

Other assets

     109,318      87,759
             

Total assets

   $ 809,964    $ 847,898
             

Mortgage and Notes payable (1)

   $ 565,568    $ 630,254

Other liabilities

     39,290      36,991

Members’/Partners’ equity

     205,106      180,653
             

Total liabilities and members’/partners’ equity

   $ 809,964    $ 847,898
             

Company’s share of equity

   $ 79,074    $ 81,053

Basis differential (2)

     2,598      2,658
             

Carrying value of the Company’s investments in unconsolidated joint ventures

   $ 81,672    $ 83,711
             

 

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(1) The Company and its third-party joint venture partners in the Wisconsin Place Entities have guaranteed the seller financing totaling $7.5 million related to the acquisition of the land by the Land and Infrastructure Entity. The fair value of the Company’s stand-ready obligations related to the issuance of these guarantees is immaterial.
(2) This amount represents the aggregate difference between the Company’s historical cost basis and the basis reflected at the joint venture level, which is typically amortized over the life of the related asset. Basis differentials occur primarily upon the transfer of assets that were previously owned by the Company into a joint venture. In addition, certain acquisition, transaction and other costs may not be reflected in the net assets at the joint venture level.

 

Statements of Operations

   Year Ended December 31,
     2007    2006    2005
     (in thousands)

Total revenue

   $ 95,064    $ 103,050    $ 96,189

Expenses

        

Operating

     35,546      33,595      31,354

Interest

     31,883      34,899      32,469

Depreciation and amortization

     21,386      23,959      22,354

Loss from early extinguishment of debt

     146      205      —  
                    

Total expenses

     88,961      92,658      86,177
                    

Income before gain on sale of real estate

     6,103      10,392      10,012

Gain on sale of real estate

     32,777      51,384      —  
                    

Net income

   $ 38,880    $ 61,776    $ 10,012
                    

Company’s share of net income

   $ 20,428    $ 24,507    $ 4,829
                    

 

6. Mortgage Notes Payable

The Company had outstanding mortgage notes payable totaling approximately $2.7 billion as of December 31, 2007 and 2006, each collateralized by one or more buildings and related land included in real estate assets. The mortgage notes payable are generally due in monthly installments and mature at various dates through August 1, 2021.

Fixed rate mortgage notes payable totaled approximately $2.6 billion and $2.0 billion at December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively, with contractual interest rates ranging from 5.55% to 8.54% per annum (averaging 6.55% and 7.08% at December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively).

Variable rate mortgage notes payable (including construction loans payable) totaled approximately $122.9 million and $711.5 million at December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively, with an interest rate of 1.25% above the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) in 2007 and ranging from 0.25% to 1.25% above LIBOR in 2006. As of December 31, 2007 and 2006, the LIBOR rate was 4.60% and 5.32%, respectively.

On January 9, 2007, in connection with the acquisition of land parcels located at or adjacent to 250 West 55th Street in New York City, the Company obtained financing totaling $160.0 million. The loan was collateralized by mortgages totaling approximately $13.6 million. The mortgage loan bore interest at a variable rate equal to LIBOR plus 0.40% per annum and was scheduled to mature on January 9, 2009 with two, six-month extension options. On May 9, 2007, the Company used available cash to repay the mortgage loan.

 

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On February 12, 2007, the Company refinanced its mortgage loan collateralized by 599 Lexington Avenue located in New York City. The new mortgage financing totaling $750.0 million bears interest at a fixed interest rate of 5.57% per annum and matures on March 1, 2017. On December 19, 2006, the Company had terminated its forward-starting interest rate swap contracts (discussed below) and received approximately $10.9 million, which amount will reduce the Company’s interest expense over the ten-year term of the financing, resulting in an effective interest rate of 5.38% per annum for the financing. The net proceeds of the new loan were used to refinance the $225.0 million mortgage loan on 599 Lexington Avenue and the $475.0 million mortgage loan on Times Square Tower. In connection with the refinancing, the lien of the Times Square Tower mortgage was spread to 599 Lexington Avenue and released from Times Square Tower so that Times Square Tower is no longer encumbered by any mortgage debt. The Times Square Tower mortgage loan bore interest at a variable rate equal to LIBOR plus 0.50% per annum and was scheduled to mature on July 9, 2008. There was no prepayment penalty associated with the repayment. The Company recognized a loss from early extinguishment of debt totaling approximately $0.7 million consisting of the write-off of unamortized deferred financing costs.

In connection with the acquisition of Kingstowne Towne Center in Alexandria, Virginia on March 30, 2007, the Company assumed two mortgage loans collateralized by the properties aggregating approximately $65.3 million. Pursuant to the provisions of Financial Accounting Standards Board’s (“FASB”) Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 141 “Business Combinations” (“SFAS No. 141”), the assumed mortgage loans of approximately $44.9 million and $20.4 million, which bear contractual interest at fixed rates of 5.99% and 5.96% and mature on January 1, 2016 and May 5, 2013, respectively, were recorded at their fair values of approximately $46.2 million and $20.8 million, respectively, using an effective interest rate of 5.50% per annum.

On May 17, 2007, the Company obtained mortgage financing totaling $25.0 million collateralized by its Montvale Center property located in Gaithersburg, Maryland. Montvale Center is a Class A office property consisting of approximately 123,000 net rentable square feet. The mortgage financing requires interest-only payments at a fixed rate equal to 5.93% per annum until maturity and matures on June 6, 2012.

On August 6, 2007, the Company used available cash to repay the mortgage loan collateralized by its Embarcadero Center Four property located in San Francisco, California totaling approximately $131.2 million. There was no prepayment penalty associated with the repayment. The mortgage loan bore interest at a fixed rate of 6.79% per annum and was scheduled to mature on February 1, 2008.

In conjunction with the sale of Democracy Center in Bethesda, Maryland on August 7, 2007, the Company repaid the mortgage financing collateralized by the property totaling approximately $94.6 million. The Company paid a prepayment fee of approximately $2.6 million associated with the repayment. The Company recognized a loss from early extinguishment of debt totaling approximately $2.7 million consisting of the prepayment fee and the write-off of unamortized deferred financing costs. The mortgage loan bore interest at a fixed rate equal to 7.05% per annum and was scheduled to mature on April 1, 2009.

On October 1, 2007, the Company used available cash to repay the mortgage loans collateralized by its 504, 506, 508 and 510 Carnegie Center properties located in Princeton, New Jersey totaling approximately $65.0 million. There was no prepayment penalty associated with the repayment. The mortgage loans bore interest at a fixed rate of 7.39% per annum and were scheduled to mature on January 1, 2008.

On October 17, 2007, the consolidated joint venture entity that owns 505 9th Street, in which the Company has a 50% interest, converted the construction financing on the property to a ten-year fixed rate loan. The construction financing was comprised of (1) a $60.0 million loan commitment, which bore interest at a fixed rate of 5.73% per annum, with an outstanding balance of approximately $50.5 million, and (2) a $35.0 million loan commitment, which bore interest at a variable rate equal to LIBOR plus 1.25% per annum, with an outstanding

 

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balance of approximately $29.0 million. The new mortgage financing totaling $130.0 million bears interest at a fixed interest rate of 5.73% per annum and matures on November 1, 2017. Approximately $43.3 million of the excess loan proceeds have been placed in escrow with the lender until the completion of construction. At December 31, 2007, the escrow account balance was $40.3 million.

On July 27, 2007, the Company commenced an interest rate hedging program for its expected financing activity in 2008. The Company has since entered into 11 treasury locks based on a weighted-average 10-year treasury rate of 4.68% per annum on notional amounts aggregating $375.0 million. Nine of the treasury locks with notional amounts aggregating $325.0 million mature on April 1, 2008. The remaining two treasury locks with notional amounts aggregating $50.0 million mature on July 31, 2008. In addition, the Company has entered into five forward-starting interest rate swap contracts to lock the 10-year LIBOR swap rate on notional amounts aggregating $150.0 million at a weighted-average forward-starting 10-year swap rate of 5.19% per annum. The 10-year treasury rate is a component of the 10-year swap rate and the swap contracts effectively fixed the 10-year treasury rate at a weighted-average interest rate of 4.51% per annum. The swap contracts go into effect on July 31, 2008 and expire on July 31, 2018. The contracts have effectively fixed the 10-year treasury rate at a weighted average interest rate of 4.63% per annum on notional amounts aggregating $525.0 million. The Company entered into the treasury locks and interest rate swap contracts designated and qualifying as cash flow hedges to reduce its exposure to the variability in future cash flows attributable to changes in the hedged rate in contemplation of obtaining ten-year fixed-rate financings in 2008. SFAS No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities” (“SFAS No. 133”), as amended and interpreted, establishes accounting and reporting standards for derivative instruments. The Company has formally documented all of its relationships between hedging instruments and hedged items, as well as its risk-management objective and strategy for undertaking various hedge transactions. The Company also assesses and documents, both at the hedging instrument’s inception and on an ongoing basis, whether the derivatives that are used in hedging transactions are highly effective in offsetting changes in cash flows associated with the hedged items. All components of the treasury locks and forward-starting interest rate swap contracts were included in the assessment of hedge effectiveness. On September 27, 2007, the Company entered into an interest rate swap to fix the one-month LIBOR index rate at 4.57% per annum on a notional amount of $96.7 million. The interest rate swap went into effect on October 22, 2007 and expires on October 29, 2008. The Company has recorded the changes in fair value of the treasury lock and swap contracts related to the effective portion totaling approximately $25.7 million in Other Liabilities and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss within the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company expects that within the next twelve months it will reclassify into earnings as an increase in interest expense approximately $2.1 million of the amounts recorded within Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss relating to the treasury locks and forward-starting interest rate swap contracts.

During 2005, the Company had entered into forward-starting interest rate swap contracts to lock the 10-year treasury rate and 10-year swap spread in contemplation of obtaining long-term fixed-rate financing to refinance existing debt that is expiring or freely prepayable prior to February 2007. Based on swap spreads at each trade date, the swaps fixed the 10-year treasury rate for a financing in February 2007 at a weighted average of 4.34% per annum on notional amounts aggregating $500.0 million. The swaps were to go into effect in February 2007 and expire in February 2017. The Company entered into the interest rate swap contracts designated and qualifying as a cash flow hedges to reduce its exposure to the variability in future cash flows attributable to changes in the Treasury rate in contemplation of obtaining ten-year fixed-rate financing in early 2007. SFAS No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities” (“SFAS No. 133”), as amended and interpreted, establishes accounting and reporting standards for derivative instruments. The Company has formally documented all of its relationships between hedging instruments and hedged items, as well as its risk-management objective and strategy for undertaking various hedge transactions. The Company also assesses and documents, both at the hedging instrument’s inception and on an ongoing basis, whether the derivatives that are used in hedging transactions are highly effective in offsetting changes in cash flows associated with the hedged

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

items. All components of the forward-starting interest rate swap contracts were included in the assessment of hedge effectiveness. On December 19, 2006, the Company entered into an interest rate lock agreement with a lender for a fixed interest rate of 5.57% per annum on a ten-year mortgage financing totaling $750.0 million to be collateralized by the Company’s 599 Lexington Avenue property in New York City. On February 12, 2007, the Company closed on the mortgage financing (discussed above). In conjunction with the interest rate lock agreement, the Company terminated its forward-starting interest rate swap contracts and received approximately $10.9 million, which amount will reduce the Company’s interest expense over the ten-year term of the financing, resulting in an effective interest rate of 5.38% per annum. The Company has recorded the changes in fair value of the swap contracts related to the effective portion of the interest rate contracts totaling approximately $10.9 million in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) within the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company expects that within the next twelve months it will reclassify into earnings as a reduction to interest expense approximately $1.1 million of the amounts recorded within Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) relating to the forward-starting interest rate swap contracts.

Seven mortgage loans totaling approximately $357.6 million at December 31, 2007 and five mortgage loans totaling approximately $300.7 million at December 31, 2006 have been accounted for at their fair values on the date the mortgage loans were assumed. The impact of recording the mortgage loans at fair value resulted in a decrease to interest expense of $4.2 million, $3.7 million and $3.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively. The cumulative liability related to the fair value adjustments was $17.6 million and $20.1 million at December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively, and is included in mortgage notes payable.

Combined aggregate principal payments of mortgage notes payable at December 31, 2007 are as follows:

 

     (in thousands)

2008

   $ 598,606

2009

     214,345

2010

     130,807

2011

     544,688

2012

     100,393

Thereafter

     1,119,725

 

7. Unsecured Senior Notes

The following summarizes the unsecured senior notes outstanding as of December 31, 2007 (dollars in thousands):

 

     Coupon/
Stated Rate
    Effective
Rate (1)
    Principal
Amount
    Maturity
Date (2)

10 Year Unsecured Senior Notes

   6.250 %   6.296 %   $ 750,000     01/15/13

10 Year Unsecured Senior Notes

   6.250 %   6.280 %     175,000     01/15/13

12 Year Unsecured Senior Notes

   5.625 %   5.636 %     300,000     04/15/15

12 Year Unsecured Senior Notes

   5.000 %   5.075 %     250,000     06/01/15
              

Total principal

         1,475,000    

Net discount

         (3,087 )  
              

Total

       $ 1,471,913    
              

 

(1) Yield on issuance date including the effects of discounts on the notes.
(2) No principal amounts are due prior to maturity.

 

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The indenture relating to the unsecured senior notes contains certain financial restrictions and requirements, including (1) a leverage ratio not to exceed 60%, (2) a secured debt leverage ratio not to exceed 50%, (3) an interest coverage ratio of greater than 1.50, and (4) an unencumbered asset value of not less than 150% of unsecured debt. At December 31, 2007 and 2006, the Company was in compliance with each of these financial restrictions and requirements.

 

8. Unsecured Exchangeable Senior Notes

3.75% Exchangeable Senior Notes due 2036

On April 6, 2006, the Company completed a public offering of $400 million in aggregate principal amount of its 3.75% exchangeable senior notes due 2036. On May 2, 2006, the Company issued an additional $50 million aggregate principal amount of the notes as a result of the exercise by the underwriter of its over-allotment option. The notes mature on May 15, 2036, unless earlier repurchased, exchanged or redeemed.

Upon the occurrence of specified events, holders of the notes may exchange their notes prior to the close of business on the scheduled trading day immediately preceding May 18, 2013 into cash and, at the Company’s option, shares of Boston Properties, Inc.’s common stock at an exchange rate of 10.0066 shares per $1,000 principal amount of notes (or an exchange price of approximately $99.93 per share of common stock). The initial exchange rate of 8.9461 shares per $1,000 principal amount of notes and the initial exchange price of approximately $111.78 per share of Boston Properties, Inc.’s common stock were adjusted to an exchange rate of 9.3900 shares per $1,000 principal amount of notes and an exchange price of approximately $106.50 per share of common stock of Boston Properties, Inc. effective as of December 29, 2006 in connection with the special distribution declared on December 15, 2006. The exchange rate and exchange price were further adjusted to the current exchange rate of 10.0066 shares per $1,000 principal amount of notes and the current exchange price of approximately $99.93 per share of common stock of Boston Properties, Inc. effective as of December 31, 2007 in connection with the special distribution declared on December 17, 2007. On and after May 18, 2013, the notes will be exchangeable at any time prior to the close of business on the scheduled trading day immediately preceding the maturity date at the option of the holder at the applicable exchange rate. The exchange rate is subject to adjustment in certain circumstances.

Prior to May 18, 2013, the Company may not redeem the notes except to preserve Boston Properties, Inc.’s status as a REIT. On or after May 18, 2013, the Company may redeem all or a portion of the notes for cash at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest. The Company must make at least 12 semi-annual interest payments (including interest payments on November 15, 2006 and May 15, 2013) before redeeming any notes at the option of the Company. Note holders may require the Company to repurchase all or a portion of the notes on May 18, 2013 and May 15 of 2016, 2021, 2026 and 2031 at a purchase price equal to 100% of the principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest up to, but excluding, the repurchase date. The Company will pay cash for all notes so repurchased.

If the Company undergoes a “fundamental change,” note holders will have the option to require the Company to purchase all or any portion of the notes at a purchase price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the notes to be purchased plus any accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the fundamental change purchase date. The Company will pay cash for all notes so purchased. In addition, if a fundamental change occurs prior to May 18, 2013, the Company will increase the exchange rate for a holder who elects to exchange its notes in connection with such a fundamental change under certain circumstances. The notes are senior unsecured obligations of the Company and will rank equally in right of payment to all existing and future senior unsecured indebtedness and senior to any future subordinated indebtedness of the Company. The notes will effectively rank junior in right of payment to all existing and future secured indebtedness of the Company. The notes will be structurally subordinated to all liabilities of the subsidiaries of the Company.

 

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2.875% Exchangeable Senior Notes due 2037

On February 6, 2007, the Company completed an offering of $862.5 million in aggregate principal amount (including $112.5 million as a result of the exercise by the initial purchasers of their over-allotment option) of its 2.875% exchangeable senior notes due 2037. The notes were priced at 97.433333% of their face amount, resulting in an effective interest rate of approximately 3.438% per annum and net proceeds to the Company of approximately $840.0 million. The notes mature on February 15, 2037, unless earlier repurchased, exchanged or redeemed.

Upon the occurrence of specified events, holders of the notes may exchange their notes prior to the close of business on the scheduled trading day immediately preceding February 20, 2012 into cash and, at the Company’s option, shares of Boston Properties, Inc.’s common stock at an exchange rate of 7.0430 shares per $1,000 principal amount of notes (or an exchange price of approximately $141.98 per share of Boston Properties, Inc.’s common stock). The initial exchange rate of 6.6090 shares per $1,000 principal amount of notes and the initial exchange price of approximately $151.31 per share of Boston Properties, Inc.’s common stock were adjusted to the current exchange rate and exchange price effective as of December 31, 2007 in connection with the special distribution declared on December 17, 2007. On and after February 20, 2012, the notes will be exchangeable at any time prior to the close of business on the scheduled trading day immediately preceding the maturity date at the option of the holder at the applicable exchange rate. The exchange rate is subject to adjustment in certain circumstances.

Prior to February 20, 2012, the Company may not redeem the notes except to preserve Boston Properties, Inc.’s status as a REIT. On or after February 20, 2012, the Company may redeem all or a portion of the notes for cash at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest. Note holders may require the Company to repurchase all or a portion of the notes on February 15 of 2012, 2017, 2022, 2027 and 2032 at a purchase price equal to 100% of the principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest up to, but excluding, the repurchase date. The Company will pay cash for all notes so repurchased.

If the Company undergoes a “fundamental change,” note holders will have the option to require the Company to purchase all or any portion of the notes at a purchase price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the notes to be purchased plus any accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the fundamental change purchase date. The Company will pay cash for all notes so purchased. In addition, if a fundamental change occurs prior to February 20, 2012, the Company will increase the exchange rate for a holder who elects to exchange its notes in connection with such a fundamental change under certain circumstances. The notes are senior unsecured obligations of the Company and will rank equally in right of payment to all existing and future senior unsecured indebtedness and senior to any future subordinated indebtedness of the Company. The notes will effectively rank junior in right of payment to all existing and future secured indebtedness of the Company. The notes will be structurally subordinated to all liabilities of the subsidiaries of the Company.

In connection with the closing, the Company and Boston Properties, Inc. entered into a Registration Rights Agreement (the “Registration Rights Agreement”) with the initial purchasers, under which the Company and Boston Properties, Inc. agreed, for the benefit of the holders of the notes, to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission and maintain a shelf registration statement providing for the sale by the holders of the notes and Boston Properties, Inc.’s common stock, if any, issuable upon exchange of the notes. The Company and Boston Properties, Inc. will be required to pay liquidated damages in the form of specified additional interest to the holders of the notes if they fail to comply with these obligations; provided that the Company will not be required to pay liquidated damages with respect to any note after it has been exchanged for any of Boston Properties, Inc.’s common stock. On March 13, 2007, the Company and Boston Properties, Inc. filed with the SEC a registration statement covering the resale of the notes and shares of common stock issuable upon exchange of the notes. The registration statement was declared effective by the SEC on April 20, 2007.

 

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9. Unsecured Line of Credit

On August 3, 2006, the Company modified its $605.0 million unsecured revolving credit facility (the “Unsecured Line of Credit”) by extending the maturity date from October 30, 2007 to August 3, 2010, with a provision for a one-year extension at the option of the Company, subject to certain conditions, and by reducing the per annum variable interest rate on outstanding balances from Eurodollar plus 0.65% to Eurodollar plus 0.55% per annum. The Unsecured Line of Credit is a recourse obligation of the Company. Under the Unsecured Line of Credit, a facility fee equal to 15 basis points per annum is payable in quarterly installments. The interest rate and facility fee are subject to adjustment in the event of a change in the Company’s unsecured debt ratings. Effective March 22, 2007, the per annum variable interest rate was reduced to Eurodollar plus 0.475% and the facility fee was reduced to 12.5 basis points per annum as a result of an increase in the Company’s unsecured debt rating. The Unsecured Line of Credit involves a syndicate of lenders. The Unsecured Line of Credit contains a competitive bid option that allows banks that are part of the lender consortium to bid to make loan advances to the Company at a negotiated LIBOR-based rate. The Company had an outstanding balance on the Unsecured Line of Credit of $225.0 million at December 31, 2006, which was collateralized by the Company’s 599 Lexington Avenue property and therefore was included in Mortgage Notes Payable in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. On February 12, 2007, the Company repaid the $225.0 million draw that was collateralized by the Company’s 599 Lexington Avenue. As of December 31, 2007, there were no outstanding borrowings under the Unsecured Line of Credit. The weighted-average balance outstanding was approximately $30.1 million and $240.4 million (including the $225.0 million collateralized by 599 Lexington Avenue) during the year ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively. The weighted-average interest rate on amounts outstanding was approximately 5.64% and 5.38% during the year ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

The terms of the Unsecured Line of Credit require that the Company maintain a number of customary financial and other covenants on an ongoing basis, including: (1) a leverage ratio not to exceed 60%, however, the leverage ratio may increase to no greater than 65% provided that it is reduced back to 60% within 180 days, (2) a secured debt leverage ratio not to exceed 55%, (3) a fixed charge coverage ratio of at least 1.40, (4) an unsecured debt leverage ratio not to exceed 60%, however, the unsecured debt leverage ratio may increase to no greater than 65% provided that it is reduced back to 60% within 180 days, (5) a minimum net worth requirement, (6) an unsecured debt interest coverage ratio of at least 1.75 and (7) limitations on permitted investments, development, partially owned entities, business outside of commercial real estate and commercial non-office properties. At December 31, 2007 and 2006, the Company was in compliance with each of these financial and other covenant requirements.

 

10. Commitments and Contingencies

General

In the normal course of business, the Company guarantees its performance of services or indemnifies third parties against its negligence.

The Company has letter of credit and performance obligations of approximately $28.0 million related to lender and development requirements.

The Company and its third-party joint venture partners have guaranteed the seller financing totaling $7.5 million related to the acquisition of land by WP Project Developer LLC, the Land and Infrastructure Entity of the Wisconsin Place joint venture entities. The seller financing was repaid on February 1, 2008.

 

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Certain of the Company’s joint venture agreements include provisions whereby, at certain specified times, each partner has the right to initiate a purchase or sale of its interest in the joint ventures. Under these provisions, the Company is not compelled to purchase the interest of its outside joint venture partners.

Concentrations of Credit Risk

Management of the Company performs ongoing credit evaluations of tenants and may require tenants to provide some form of credit support such as corporate guarantees and/or other financial guarantees. Although the Company’s properties are geographically diverse and the tenants operate in a variety of industries, to the extent the Company has a significant concentration of rental revenue from any single tenant, the inability of that tenant to make its lease payments could have an adverse effect on the Company.

Some potential losses are not covered by insurance.

The Company carries insurance coverage on its properties of types and in amounts and with deductibles that it believes are in line with coverage customarily obtained by owners of similar properties. In response to the uncertainty in the insurance market following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, the Federal Terrorism Risk Insurance Act (as amended, “TRIA”) was enacted in November 2002 to require regulated insurers to make available coverage for certified acts of terrorism (as defined by the statute). The expiration date of TRIA was extended to December 31, 2014 by the Terrorism Risk Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2007 (“TRIPRA”). Prior to TRIPRA, only acts of foreign terrorism could be “certified” for coverage under TRIA. Under TRIPRA, acts of both foreign and domestic terrorism can be “certified” for coverage under TRIA. Currently, the Company’s property insurance program per occurrence limits are $900 million, including coverage for foreign acts of terrorism “certified” under TRIA and coverage for domestic acts of terrorism up to $500 million per occurrence, and an additional $400 million of coverage for domestic acts of terrorism on a per occurrence and annual aggregate basis. Currently, the Company also carries nuclear, biological, chemical and radiological terrorism insurance coverage (“NBCR Coverage”) for foreign acts of terrorism “certified” under TRIA, which is provided by IXP, LLC as a direct insurer, excluding the Company’s Value-Added Fund properties. The per occurrence limit for NBCR Coverage is $900 million. Under TRIA, after the payment of the required deductible and coinsurance, the NBCR Coverage is backstopped by the Federal Government if the aggregate industry insured losses resulting from a certified act of terrorism exceed a “program trigger.” The program trigger is $100 million and the coinsurance is 10%. Under TRIPRA, if the Federal Government pays out for a loss under TRIA, it is mandatory that the Federal Government recoup the full amount of the loss from insurers offering TRIA coverage after the payment of the loss pursuant to a formula in TRIPRA. The Company may elect to terminate the NBCR Coverage if the Federal Government seeks recoupment for losses paid under TRIA, if there is a change in its portfolio or for any other reason. The Company intends to continue to monitor the scope, nature and cost of available terrorism insurance and maintain insurance in amounts and on terms that are commercially reasonable.

The Company also currently carries earthquake insurance on its properties located in areas known to be subject to earthquakes in an amount and subject to self-insurance that the Company believes are commercially reasonable. In addition, this insurance is subject to a deductible in the amount of 5% of the value of the affected property. Specifically, the Company currently carries earthquake insurance which covers its San Francisco region with a $120 million per occurrence limit and a $120 million annual aggregate limit, $20 million of which is provided by IXP, LLC, as a direct insurer. The amount of the Company’s earthquake insurance coverage may not be sufficient to cover losses from earthquakes. In addition, the amount of earthquake coverage could impact the Company’s ability to finance properties subject to earthquake risk. The Company may discontinue earthquake insurance on some or all of its properties in the future if the premiums exceed the Company’s estimation of the value of the coverage.

 

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In January 2002, the Company formed a wholly-owned taxable REIT subsidiary, IXP, Inc., to act as a captive insurance company and be one of the elements of the Company’s overall insurance program. On September 27, 2006, IXP, Inc. was merged into IXP, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary, and all insurance policies issued by IXP, Inc. were cancelled and reissued by IXP, LLC. The term “IXP” refers to IXP, Inc. for the period prior to September 27, 2006 and to IXP, LLC for the period on and subsequent to September 27, 2006. IXP acts as a direct insurer with respect to a portion of the Company’s earthquake insurance coverage for its Greater San Francisco properties and the Company’s NBCR Coverage for foreign acts of terrorism “certified” under TRIA. Insofar as the Company owns IXP, it is responsible for its liquidity and capital resources, and the accounts of IXP are part of the Company’s consolidated financial statements. In particular, if a loss occurs which is covered by the Company’s NBCR Coverage but is less than the applicable program trigger under TRIA, IXP would be responsible for the full amount of the loss without any backstop by the Federal Government. IXP would also be responsible for any recoupment charges by the Federal Government in the event losses are paid out under TRIA and if IXP maintains the NBCR policy after the payout by the Federal Government. If the Company experiences a loss and IXP is required to pay under its insurance policy, the Company would ultimately record the loss to the extent of IXP’s required payment. Therefore, insurance coverage provided by IXP should not be considered as the equivalent of third-party insurance, but rather as a modified form of self-insurance.

The Company continues to monitor the state of the insurance market in general, and the scope and costs of coverage for acts of terrorism in particular, but the Company cannot anticipate what coverage will be available on commercially reasonable terms in future policy years. There are other types of losses, such as from wars or the presence of mold at the Company’s properties, for which the Company cannot obtain insurance at all or at a reasonable cost. With respect to such losses and losses from acts of terrorism, earthquakes or other catastrophic events, if the Company experiences a loss that is uninsured or that exceeds policy limits, the Company could lose the capital invested in the damaged properties, as well as the anticipated future revenues from those properties. Depending on the specific circumstances of each affected property, it is possible that the Company could be liable for mortgage indebtedness or other obligations related to the property. Any such loss could materially and adversely affect the Company’s business and financial condition and results of operations.

Legal Matters

The Company is subject to various legal proceedings and claims that arise in the ordinary course of business. These matters are generally covered by insurance. Management believes that the final outcome of such matters will not have a material adverse effect on the financial position, results of operations or liquidity of the Company.

State and Local Tax Matters

Because the Company is organized as a limited partnership, it is generally not subject to federal income taxes, but is subject to certain state and local taxes. In the normal course of business, certain entities through which the Company owns real estate either have undergone, or are currently undergoing, tax audits. Although the Company believes that it has substantial arguments in favor of its positions in the ongoing audits, in some instances there is no controlling precedent or interpretive guidance on the specific point at issue. Collectively, tax deficiency notices received to date from the jurisdictions conducting the ongoing audits have not been material. However, there can be no assurance that future audits will not occur with increased frequency or that the ultimate result of such audits will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations.

 

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Environmental Matters

It is the Company’s policy to retain independent environmental consultants to conduct or update Phase I environmental assessments (which generally do not involve invasive techniques such as soil or ground water sampling) and asbestos surveys in connection with the Company’s acquisition of properties. These pre-purchase environmental assessments have not revealed environmental conditions that the Company believes will have a material adverse effect on its business, assets, financial condition, results of operations or liquidity, and the Company is not otherwise aware of environmental conditions with respect to its properties that the Company believes would have such a material adverse effect. However, from time to time environmental conditions at the Company’s properties have required and may in the future require environmental testing and/or regulatory filings, as well as remedial action.

In February 1999, the Company (through a joint venture) acquired from Exxon Corporation a property in Massachusetts that was formerly used as a petroleum bulk storage and distribution facility and was known by the state regulatory authority to contain soil and groundwater contamination. The Company developed an office park on the property. The Company engaged a specially licensed environmental consultant to oversee the management of contaminated soil and groundwater that was disturbed in the course of construction. Under the property acquisition agreement, Exxon agreed to (1) bear the liability arising from releases or discharges of oil and hazardous substances which occurred at the site prior to the Company’s ownership, (2) continue monitoring and/or remediating such releases and discharges as necessary and appropriate to comply with applicable requirements, and (3) indemnify the Company for certain losses arising from preexisting site conditions. Any indemnity claim may be subject to various defenses, and there can be no assurance that the amounts paid under the indemnity, if any, would be sufficient to cover the liabilities arising from any such releases and discharges.

Environmental investigations at some of the Company’s properties and certain properties owned by affiliates of the Company have identified groundwater contamination migrating from off-site source properties. In each case the Company engaged a licensed environmental consultant to perform the necessary investigations, and assessments and to prepare any required submittals to the regulatory authorities. In each case the environmental consultant concluded that the properties qualify under the regulatory program or the regulatory practice for a status which eliminates certain deadlines for conducting response actions at a site. The Company also believes that these properties qualify for liability relief under certain statutory provisions or regulatory practices regarding upgradient releases. Although the Company believes that the current or former owners of the upgradient source properties may bear responsibility for some or all of the costs of addressing the identified groundwater contamination, the Company will take necessary further response actions (if any are required). Other than periodic testing at some of these properties, no such additional response actions are anticipated at this time.

Some of the Company’s properties and certain properties owned by the Company’s affiliates are located in urban, industrial and other previously developed areas where fill or current or historical uses of the areas have caused site contamination. Accordingly, it is sometimes necessary to institute special soil and/or groundwater handling procedures and/or include particular building design features in connection with development, construction and other property operations in order to achieve regulatory closure and/or ensure that contaminated materials are addressed in an appropriate manner. In these situations it is the Company’s practice to investigate the nature and extent of detected contamination and estimate the costs of required response actions and special handling procedures. The Company then uses this information as part of its decision-making process with respect to the acquisition and/or development of the property. For example, the Company owns a parcel in Massachusetts, formerly used as a quarry/asphalt batching facility, which we may develop in the future. Pre-purchase testing indicated that the site contains relatively low levels of certain contaminants. We have engaged a specially licensed environmental consultant to monitor environmental conditions at the site and

 

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prepare necessary regulatory submittals based on the results of an environmental risk characterization. A submittal has been made to the regulatory authorities in order to achieve regulatory closure at this site. The submittal included an environmental deed restriction that mandates compliance with certain protective measures in a portion of the site where low levels of residual soil contamination have been left in place in accordance with applicable law.

The Company expects that resolution of the environmental matters relating to the above will not have a material impact on its business, assets, financial condition, results of operations or liquidity. However, the Company cannot assure you that it has identified all environmental liabilities at its properties, that all necessary remediation actions have been or will be undertaken at the Company’s properties or that the Company will be indemnified, in full or at all, in the event that such environmental liabilities arise.

Tax Protection Obligations

In connection with the acquisition or contribution of 24 properties, the Company entered into agreements for the benefit of the selling or contributing parties which specifically state that until specified dates ranging from February 2008 to January 2009, or such time as the contributors do not hold at least a specified percentage of the OP Units owned by such person following the contribution of the properties, the Company will not sell or otherwise transfer the properties in a taxable transaction. If the Company does sell or transfer the properties in a taxable transaction, it would be liable to the contributors for contractual damages.

 

11. Minority Interests in Property Partnerships

The minority interests in property partnerships consist of the outside equity interests in ventures that are consolidated with the financial results of the Company because the Company exercises control over the entities that own the properties. The equity interests in these ventures that are not owned by the Company, totaling approximately $25.8 million and $12.5 million at December 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006, respectively, are included in Minority Interests in Property Partnerships on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets.

On February 26, 2007, the Company entered into an agreement to redeem the outside members’ equity interest in the limited liability company that owns 250 West 55th Street for an aggregate redemption price of approximately $23.4 million. The Company paid $17.0 million on February 26, 2007, with $3.0 million paid on February 26, 2008 and the balance of approximately $3.4 million payable in monthly installments from March 1, 2007 through August 1, 2009. The redemption was accounted for using the purchase method in accordance with SFAS No. 141 “Business Combinations” (“SFAS No. 141”). The difference between the aggregate book value of the outside members’ equity interest totaling approximately $10.6 million and the purchase price increased the recorded value of the property’s net assets.

On May 31, 2007 and June 15, 2007, the Company paid an aggregate of $25.0 million in connection with the agreement entered into in May 2006 to redeem the outside members’ equity interests in the limited liability company that owns Citigroup Center. The remaining unpaid redemption price, which is to be paid on May 31, 2008, is reflected at its fair value in Other Liabilities in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets and totaled $24.4 million at December 31, 2007.

 

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12. Redeemable Partnership Units

The following table reflects the activity for redeemable partnership units for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005:

 

Balance at December 31, 2004

   $ 1,751,225  

Contributions

     24,670  

Net income

     113,738  

Distributions

     (137,565 )

Conversion of redeemable partnership units

     (24,499 )

Unearned compensation

     (6,282 )

Adjustments to reflect redeemable partnership units at redemption value

     251,753  
        

Balance at December 31, 2005

     1,973,040  

Contributions

     10,098  

Net income

     186,408  

Distributions

     (194,277 )

Conversion of redeemable partnership units

     (87,347 )

Unearned compensation

     (5,119 )

Adjustments to reflect redeemable partnership units at redemption value

     756,996  
        

Balance at December 31, 2006

     2,639,799  

Contributions

     17,148  

Net income

     249,659  

Distributions

     (192,164 )

Conversion of redeemable partnership units

     (30,590 )

Unearned compensation

     (7,216 )

Adjustments to reflect redeemable partnership units at redemption value

     (619,349 )
        

Balance at December 31, 2007

   $ 2,057,287  
        

Operating Partnership Units

Pursuant to the Company’s Partnership Agreement, certain limited partners in the Company have the right to redeem all or any portion of their interest for cash from the Company. However, Boston Properties, Inc. may elect to acquire the interest by issuing common stock in exchange for their interest. The amount of cash to be paid to the limited partner if the redemption right is exercised and the cash option is elected is based on the trading price of Boston Properties, Inc.’s common stock at that time. Due to the redemption option existing outside the control of the Company, such limited partners’ units are not included in Partners’ Capital. The value of the OP Units (not owned by Boston Properties, Inc. and including LTIP Units assuming that all conditions have been met for the conversion thereof) had such units been redeemed at December 31, 2007 was approximately $1.9 billion based on the closing price of Boston Properties, Inc.’s common stock of $91.81 per share.

During the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, 1,342,226 and 3,161,265 OP Units, respectively, were presented by the holders for redemption and were redeemed by Boston Properties, Inc. in exchange for an equal number of shares of Common Stock. The aggregate book value of the OP Units that were redeemed, as measured for each OP Unit on the date of its redemption, was approximately $30.6 million and $87.3 million during the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

 

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Preferred Units

The Preferred Units at December 31, 2007 consist solely of 1,113,044 Series Two Preferred Units, which bear a preferred distribution equal to the greater of (1) the distribution which would have been paid in respect of the Series Two Preferred Unit had such Series Two Preferred Unit been converted into an OP Unit (including both regular and special distributions) or (2) an increasing rate, ranging from 5.00% to 7.00% per annum (7.00% for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005) on a liquidation preference of $50.00 per unit, and are convertible into OP Units at a rate of $38.10 per Preferred Unit (1.312336 OP Units for each Preferred Unit). Distributions to holders of Preferred Units are recognized on a straight-line basis that approximates the effective interest method.

During the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, 606,186 and 1,982,105 Series Two Preferred Units of the Company, respectively, were converted by the holders into 795,520 and 2,601,132 OP Units, respectively. In addition, the Company paid the accrued preferred distributions due to the holders of Preferred Units that were converted.

Due to the redemption option and the conversion option existing outside the control of the Company, such Preferred Units are not included in Partners’ Capital and are reflected in the consolidated balance sheets at an amount equivalent to the value of such units had such units been redeemed at December 31, 2007 and 2006. The value of the Series Two Preferred Units had such units been redeemed at December 31, 2007 was approximately $134.1 million based on the closing price of Boston Properties, Inc.’s common stock of $91.81 per share. Included in preferred distributions and allocation of undistributed earnings in the Consolidated Statements of Operations is accretion of approximately $0.6 million, $1.2 million and $1.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively, which represents the accretion of Preferred Units from the value at issuance to the liquidation value.

On December 17, 2007, Boston Properties, Inc., as general partner of the Company, declared a special cash distribution on the OP Units and LTIP Units in the amount of $5.98 per unit which was paid on January 30, 2008 to unitholders of record as of the close of business on December 31, 2007. The special cash distribution was in addition to the regular quarterly distributions of $0.68 per unit which were declared by Boston Properties, Inc., as general partner of the Company, during the year ended December 31, 2007. Holders of Series Two Preferred Units will participate in the $5.98 per unit special cash distribution on an as-converted basis in connection with their regular May 2008 distribution payment as provided for in the Company’s partnership agreement. At December 31, 2007, the Company accrued approximately $8.7 million related to the $5.98 per unit special cash distribution payable to holders of the Series Two Preferred Units and allocated earnings to the Series Two Preferred Units of approximately $8.7 million, which amount has been reflected in Preferred Distributions and Allocation of Undistributed Earnings within the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2007.

On December 15, 2006, Boston Properties, Inc., as general partner of the Company, declared a special cash distribution on the OP Units and LTIP Units in the amount of $5.40 per unit which was paid on January 30, 2007 to unitholders of record as of the close of business on December 29, 2006. The special cash distribution was in addition to the regular quarterly distributions of $0.68 per unit which were declared by Boston Properties, Inc., as general partner of the Company, during the year ended December 31, 2006. Holders of Series Two Preferred Units participated in the $5.40 per unit special cash distribution on an as-converted basis in connection with their regular May 2007 distribution payment as provided for in the Company’s partnership agreement. At December 31, 2006, the Company accrued approximately $12.2 million related to the $5.40 per unit special cash distribution payable to holders of the Series Two Preferred Units and allocated earnings to the Series Two Preferred Units of approximately $12.2 million, which amount has been reflected in Preferred Distributions and

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

Allocation of Undistributed Earnings within the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2006. During the year ended December 31, 2007, the Company recognized an adjustment of approximately $3.1 million to the special cash distribution accrual and allocation of earnings to the Series Two Preferred Units, as a result of conversions of Series Two Preferred Units, which amount has been reflected in Preferred Distributions and Allocation of Undistributed Earnings within the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

 

13. Partners’ Capital

The following table presents the changes in the issued and outstanding partners’ capital units since January 1, 2005:

 

     General
Partner
Units
   Limited
Partner Units
   Total
Partners’
Capital Units

Outstanding at January 1, 2005

   1,320,425    109,000,060    110,320,485

Units issued to Boston Properties, Inc. related to Common Stock issued for the conversion of Preferred Units

   5,082    494,918    500,000

Units issued to Boston Properties, Inc. related to Common Stock issued under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan

   76    7,416    7,492

Units issued to Boston Properties, Inc. related to Common Stock issued under the Stock Option and Incentive Plan

   13,105    1,276,204    1,289,309

Units issued to Boston Properties, Inc. related to Common Stock issued in exchange for OP Units

   4,320    420,656    424,976
              

Outstanding at December 31, 2005

   1,343,008    111,199,254    112,542,262

Units issued to Boston Properties, Inc. related to Common Stock issued for the conversion of Preferred Units

   23,810    2,577,322    2,601,132

Units issued to Boston Properties, Inc. related to Common Stock issued under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan

   70    7,563    7,633

Units issued to Boston Properties, Inc. related to Common Stock issued under the Stock Option and Incentive Plan

   16,407    1,775,975    1,792,382

Units issued to Boston Properties, Inc. related to Common Stock issued in exchange for OP Units

   5,127    555,006    560,133
              

Outstanding at December 31, 2006

   1,388,422    116,115,120    117,503,542

Units issued to Boston Properties, Inc. related to Common Stock issued for the conversion of Preferred Units

   6,392    788,376    794,768

Units issued to Boston Properties, Inc. related to Common Stock issued under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan

   50    6,116    6,166

Units issued to Boston Properties, Inc. related to Common Stock issued under the Stock Option and Incentive Plan

   5,232    645,319    650,551

Units issued to Boston Properties, Inc. related to Common Stock issued in exchange for OP Units

   4,403    543,055    547,458
              

Outstanding at December 31, 2007

   1,404,499    118,097,986    119,502,485
              

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

14. Future Minimum Rents

The Properties are leased to tenants under net operating leases with initial term expiration dates ranging from 2008 to 2049. The future minimum lease payments to be received (excluding operating expense reimbursements) by the Company as of December 31, 2007, under non-cancelable operating leases which expire on various dates through 2049, are as follows:

 

Years Ending December 31,

   (in thousands)

2008

   $ 1,061,991

2009

     1,045,559

2010

     981,681

2011

     929,031

2012

     844,426

Thereafter

     4,989,423

No single tenant represented more than 10.0% of the Company’s total rental revenue for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005.

 

15. Segment Reporting

The Company’s segments are based on the Company’s method of internal reporting which classifies its operations by both geographic area and property type. The Company’s segments by geographic area are Greater Boston, Greater Washington, D.C., Midtown Manhattan, Greater San Francisco and New Jersey. Segments by property type include: Class A Office, Office/Technical and Hotels.

Asset information by segment is not reported because the Company does not use this measure to assess performance. Therefore, depreciation and amortization expense is not allocated among segments. Interest and other income, development and management services, general and administrative expenses, interest expense, depreciation and amortization expense, losses from early extinguishments of debt, minority interests in property partnerships, income from unconsolidated joint ventures, preferred distributions and allocation of undistributed earnings, gains on sales of real estate and other assets, income from discontinued operations, gains on sales of real estate from discontinued operations and cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle are not included in Net Operating Income as the internal reporting addresses these items on a corporate level.

Net Operating Income is not a measure of operating results or cash flows from operating activities as measured by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, and it is not indicative of cash available to fund cash needs and should not be considered an alternative to cash flows as a measure of liquidity. All companies may not calculate Net Operating Income in the same manner. The Company considers Net Operating Income to be an appropriate supplemental measure to net income because it helps both investors and management to understand the core operations of the Company’s properties.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

Information by geographic area and property type (dollars in thousands):

For the year ended December 31, 2007:

 

    Greater
Boston
    Greater
Washington,
D.C.
    Midtown
Manhattan
    Greater
San
Francisco
    New
Jersey
    Total  

Rental Revenue:

           

Class A Office

  $ 336,974     $ 240,413     $ 443,382     $ 203,450     $ 67,582     $ 1,291,801  

Office/Technical

    28,085       14,333       —         —         —         42,418  

Hotels

    37,811       —         —         —         —         37,811  
                                               

Total

    402,870       254,746       443,382       203,450       67,582       1,372,030  

% of Grand Totals

    29.35 %     18.57 %     32.32 %     14.83 %     4.93 %     100.0 %

Rental Expenses:

           

Class A Office

    129,643       68,749       137,404       78,597       29,422       443,815  

Office/Technical

    8,831       3,194       —         —         —         12,025  

Hotels

    27,765       —         —         —         —         27,765  
                                               

Total

    166,239       71,943       137,404       78,597       29,422       483,605  

% of Grand Totals

    34.38 %     14.88 %     28.41 %     16.25 %     6.08 %     100.0 %
                                               

Net operating income

  $ 236,631     $ 182,803     $ 305,978     $ 124,853     $ 38,160     $ 888,425  
                                               

% of Grand Totals

    26.63 %     20.58 %     34.44 %     14.05 %     4.30 %     100.0 %

For the year ended December 31, 2006:

 

    Greater
Boston
    Greater
Washington,
D.C.
    Midtown
Manhattan
    Greater
San
Francisco
    New
Jersey
    Total  

Rental Revenue:

           

Class A Office

  $ 305,576     $ 214,245     $ 515,401     $ 188,009     $ 64,717     $ 1,287,948  

Office/Technical

    26,973       13,195       —         —         —         40,168  

Hotels

    33,014       —         —         —         —         33,014  
                                               

Total

    365,563       227,440       515,401       188,009       64,717       1,361,130  

% of Grand Totals

    26.86 %     16.71 %     37.87 %     13.81 %     4.75 %     100.0 %

Rental Expenses:

           

Class A Office

    117,377       57,477       154,957       71,809       28,221       429,841  

Office/Technical

    6,446       1,418       —         —         —         7,864  

Hotels

    24,966       —         —         —         —         24,966  
                                               

Total

    148,789       58,895       154,957       71,809       28,221       462,671  

% of Grand Totals

    32.16 %     12.73 %     33.49 %     15.52 %     6.10 %     100.0 %
                                               

Net operating income

  $ 216,774     $ 168,545     $ 360,444     $ 116,200     $ 36,496     $ 898,459  
                                               

% of Grand Totals

    24.13 %     18.76 %     40.12 %     12.93 %     4.06 %     100.0 %

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

For the year ended December 31, 2005:

 

    Greater
Boston
    Greater
Washington,
D.C.
    Midtown
Manhattan
    Greater
San
Francisco
    New
Jersey
    Total  

Rental Revenue:

           

Class A Office

  $ 291,903     $ 214,144     $ 531,481     $ 198,404     $ 66,502     $ 1,302,434  

Office/Technical

    8,527       12,967       —         —         —         21,494  

Hotels

    29,650       —         —         —         —         29,650  
                                               

Total

    330,080       227,111       531,481       198,404       66,502       1,353,578  

% of Grand Totals

    24.39 %     16.78 %     39.26 %     14.66 %     4.91 %     100.00 %

Rental Expenses:

           

Class A Office

    106,587       57,106       165,500       73,105       27,448       429,746  

Office/Technical

    1,939       2,668       —         —         —         4,607  

Hotels

    22,776       —         —         —         —         22,776  
                                               

Total

    131,302       59,774       165,500       73,105       27,448       457,129  

% of Grand Totals

    28.72 %     13.08 %     36.20 %     16.00 %     6.00 %     100.00 %
                                               

Net operating income

  $ 198,778     $ 167,337     $ 365,981     $ 125,299     $ 39,054     $ 896,449  
                                               

% of Grand Totals

    22.17 %     18.67 %     40.83 %     13.98 %     4.35 %     100.00 %

The following is a reconciliation of net operating income to net income available to common unitholders (in thousands):

 

     Years ended December 31,
     2007     2006    2005

Net operating income

   $ 888,425     $ 898,459    $ 896,449

Add:

       

Development and management services

     20,553       19,820      17,310

Interest and other

     89,706       36,677      11,978

Minority interests in property partnerships

     (84 )     2,013      6,017

Income from unconsolidated joint ventures

     20,428       24,507      4,829

Gains on sales of real estate and other assets

     957,406       727,131      188,546

Gains on sales of real estate from discontinued operations

     266,817       —        57,969

Income from discontinued operations

     7,274       19,081      18,303

Less:

       

General and administrative

     69,882       59,375      55,471

Interest expense

     285,887       298,260      308,091

Depreciation and amortization

     278,249       266,411      258,332

Losses from early extinguishments of debt

     3,417       32,143      12,896

Cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle

     —         —        5,043

Preferred distributions and allocation of undistributed earnings

     15,014       22,814      26,780
                     

Net income available to common unitholders

   $ 1,598,076     $ 1,048,685    $ 534,788
                     

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

16. Earnings Per Common Unit

Earnings per common unit has been computed pursuant to the provisions of SFAS No. 128. The following table provides a reconciliation of both the net income and the number of common units used in the computation of basic earnings per common unit, which is calculated by dividing net income available to common unitholders by the weighted-average number of common units outstanding during the period. During 2004, the Company adopted EITF 03-6 “Participating Securities and the Two-Class Method under FASB 128” (“EITF 03-6”), which provides further guidance on the definition of participating securities. Pursuant to EITF 03-6, the Company’s Series Two Preferred Units, which are reflected as Redeemable Partnership Units in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets, are considered participating securities and are included in the computation of basic and diluted earnings per common unit of the Company if the effect of applying the if-converted method is dilutive. The terms of the Series Two Preferred Units enable the holders to obtain OP Units of the Company. Accordingly, for the reporting periods in which the Company’s net income is in excess of distributions paid on the OP Units, LTIP Units and Series Two Preferred Units, such income is allocated to the OP Units, LTIP Units and Series Two Preferred Units in proportion to their respective interests and the impact is included in the Company’s consolidated basic and diluted earnings per common unit computation. For the year ended December 31, 2007, approximately $4.6 million was allocated to the Series Two Preferred Units in excess of distributions paid during the reporting period and is included in the Company’s computation of basic and diluted earnings per common unit. There were no amounts required to be allocated to the Series Two Preferred Units for the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2005. Other potentially dilutive common units and the related impact on earnings, are considered when calculating diluted earnings per common unit. Included in the number of units (the denominator) below are approximately 20,451,000, 21,202,000 and 21,607,000 redeemable common units for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively.

 

    For the year ended December 31, 2007
(in thousands, except for per unit amounts)
 
    Income
(Numerator)
  Units
(Denominator)
  Per Unit
Amount
 

Basic Earnings:

     

Income available to common unitholders before discontinued operations

  $ 1,323,985   139,290   $ 9.50  

Discontinued operations

    274,091   —       1.97  
                 

Net income available to common unitholders

    1,598,076   139,290     11.47  

Effect of Dilutive Securities:

     

Stock Based Compensation

    —     1,763     (0.14 )

Exchangeable Senior Notes

    —     178     (0.01 )

Diluted Earnings:

     
                 

Net income

  $ 1,598,076   141,231   $ 11.32  
                 
    For the year ended December 31, 2006
(in thousands, except for per unit amounts)
 
    Income
(Numerator)
  Units
(Denominator)
  Per Unit
Amount
 

Basic Earnings:

     

Income available to common unitholders before discontinued operations

  $ 1,029,604   135,923   $ 7.58  

Discontinued operations

    19,081   —       0.14  
                 

Net income available to common unitholders

    1,048,685   135,923     7.72  

Effect of Dilutive Securities:

     

Stock Based Compensation

    —     2,356     (0.14 )

Diluted Earnings:

     
                 

Net income

  $ 1,048,685   138,279   $ 7. 58  
                 

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

     For the year ended December 31, 2005
(in thousands, except for per unit amounts)
 
     Income
(Numerator)
    Units
(Denominator)
   Per Unit
Amount
 

Basic Earnings:

       

Income available to common unitholders before discontinued operations and cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle

   $ 463,559     132,881    $ 3.49  

Discontinued operations

     76,272     —        0.57  

Cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle

     (5,043 )   —        (0.04 )
                     

Net income available to common unitholders

     534,788     132,881      4.02  

Effect of Dilutive Securities:

       

Stock Based Compensation

     —       2,285      (0.06 )

Diluted Earnings:

       
                     

Net income

   $ 534,788     135,166    $ 3.96  
                     

 

17. Employee Benefit Plans

Effective January 1, 1985, the predecessor of the Company adopted a 401(k) Savings Plan (the “Plan”) for its employees. Under the Plan, as amended, employees, as defined, are eligible to participate in the Plan after they have completed three months of service. Upon formation, the Company adopted the Plan and the terms of the Plan.

Effective January 1, 2000, the Company amended the Plan by increasing the Company’s matching contribution to 200% of the first 3% from 200% of the first 2% of participant’s eligible earnings contributed (utilizing earnings that are not in excess of an amount established by the IRS ($220,000 in 2006 and $225,000 in 2007), indexed for inflation) and by eliminating the vesting requirement. The Company’s aggregate matching contribution for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 was $2.1 million, $2.2 million and $2.1 million, respectively.

Effective January 1, 2001, the Company amended the Plan to provide a supplemental retirement contribution to employees who have at least ten years of service on January 1, 2001, and who are 40 years of age or older as of January 1, 2001. The maximum supplemental retirement contribution will not exceed the annual limit on contributions established by the Internal Revenue Service. The Company will record an annual supplemental retirement credit for the benefit of each participant. The Company’s supplemental retirement contribution and credit for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 was $178,000, $191,000 and $189,000, respectively.

The Company also maintains a deferred compensation plan that is designed to allow officers of the Company to defer a portion of their current income on a pre-tax basis and receive a tax-deferred return on these deferrals. The Company’s obligation under the plan is that of an unsecured promise to pay the deferred compensation to the plan participants in the future. At December 31, 2007 and 2006, the Company has funded approximately $8.3 million and $6.9 million, respectively, into a separate account, which is not restricted as to its use. The Company’s liability under the plan is equal to the total amount of compensation deferred by the plan participants and earnings on the deferred compensation pursuant to investments elected by the plan participants. The Company’s liability as of December 31, 2007 and 2006 was $8.3 million and $6.6 million, respectively, which are included in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

18. Stock Option and Incentive Plan and Stock Purchase Plan

Boston Properties, Inc. has established a stock option and incentive plan for the purpose of attracting and retaining qualified employees and rewarding them for superior performance in achieving the Company’s business goals and enhancing stockholder value.

At the Company’s 2007 annual meeting of stockholders held on May 15, 2007, the Company’s stockholders approved an amendment and restatement of the Company’s 1997 Stock Option and Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) that, among other things, (1) increased the limit on full value shares (i.e., awards other than stock options) that may be issued under the Plan by 2,500,000 shares, (2) extended the term of the Plan to May 15, 2017 and (3) added provisions that allow the Company to qualify certain grants under the Plan as “performance-based compensation” under Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Under the amended plan, the maximum number of shares of Common Stock of Boston Properties, Inc. that may be issued available for issuance is 4,019,174 shares. At December 31, 2007, the number of shares available for issuance under the plan was 3,876,184, of which a maximum of 3,423,348 shares may be granted as awards other than stock options.

Options granted under the plan became exercisable over a two-, three- or five-year period and have terms of ten years, as determined at the time of the grant. All options were granted at the fair market value of Boston Properties, Inc.’s Common Stock at the dates of grant. As of January 17, 2005, all outstanding options had become fully vested and exercisable.

Boston Properties, Inc. issued 6,536, 9,182 and 12,317 shares of restricted stock and the Company issued 156,161, 147,845 and 211,408 LTIP Units under the plan during the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively. The shares of restricted stock were valued at approximately $0.8 million ($125.46 per share weighted-average), $0.8 million ($89.03 per share weighted-average) and $0.7 million ($57.99 per share weighted-average) for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively. LTIP Units were valued using an option pricing model in accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 123R. LTIP Units issued during the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 were valued at approximately $18.0 million, $11.2 million and $10.5 million, respectively. The weighted-average per unit fair value of LTIP Unit grants in 2007, 2006 and 2005 was $115.47, $75.64 and $49.59, respectively. The per unit fair value of each LTIP Unit granted in 2007, 2006 and 2005 was estimated on the date of grant using the following assumptions; an expected life of 5.3 years, 6.5 years and 8 years, a risk-free interest rate of 4.82%, 4.97% and 3.96% and an expected price volatility of 18.00%, 17.84% and 20.00%, respectively. An LTIP Unit is generally the economic equivalent of a share of restricted stock in Boston Properties, Inc. The aggregate value of the LTIP Units is included in Redeemable Partnership Units in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The restricted stock and LTIP Units granted to employees between January 1, 2005 and November 21, 2006 vest over a five-year term. Grants of restricted stock and LTIP Units made on and after November 22, 2006 vest in four equal annual installments. Restricted stock and LTIP Units are measured at fair value on the date of grant based on the number of shares or units granted, as adjusted for forfeitures and the price of Boston Properties, Inc.’s Common Stock on the date of grant as quoted on the New York Stock Exchange. Such value is recognized as an expense ratably over the corresponding employee service period. Dividends paid on both vested and unvested shares of restricted stock are charged directly to Partners’ Capital and Redeemable Partnership Units, respectively, in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Stock-based compensation expense associated with restricted stock and LTIP Units was approximately $11.4 million, $7.7 million and $6.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively. In addition, in accordance with the modified prospective application transition provisions of SFAS No. 123R, the Company has recognized compensation expense of approximately $50,000 relating to its unvested stock options for the year ended December 31, 2005. At December 31, 2007, there was $25.5 million of unrecognized compensation

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

cost related to unvested restricted stock and LTIP Units that is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately 2.7 years.

In connection with the declaration of the special cash distributions of $5.98 per unit paid on January 30, 2008 to unitholders of record on December 31, 2007, $5.40 per unit paid on January 30, 2007 to unitholders of record on December 29, 2006 and $2.50 per unit paid on October 31, 2005 to unitholders of record on September 30, 2005, the Board of Directors of Boston Properties, Inc. approved adjustments to all its outstanding stock option awards that were intended to ensure that its employees, directors and other persons who held such stock options were not disadvantaged by the special cash distribution. The exercise prices and number of all outstanding options were adjusted as of the close of business on the last trading day prior to the related “ex-dividend” date such that each option had the same fair value to the holder before and after giving effect to the payment of the special cash distributions. Accordingly, pursuant to the provisions of SFAS No. 123R, no compensation cost has been recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Operations in connection with such adjustments. As a result, effective as of the close of business on December 26, 2007, 2,131,556 outstanding stock options with a weighted-average exercise price of $37.42 were adjusted to 2,264,535 outstanding options with a weighted-average exercise price of $35.22, and effective as of the close of business on December 26, 2006, 2,655,275 outstanding stock options with a weighted-average exercise price of $39.37 were adjusted to 2,788,634 outstanding options with a weighted-average exercise price of $37.49, and effective as of the close of business on September 27, 2005, 4,325,656 outstanding stock options with a weighted-average exercise price of $38.96 were adjusted to 4,481,864 outstanding options with a weighted-average exercise price of $37.61. There were no other adjustments to the terms of the outstanding stock option awards.

A summary of the status of Boston Properties, Inc.’s stock options as of December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 and changes during the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 are presented below:

 

     Shares     Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price

Outstanding at December 31, 2004

   5,599,874     $ 38.08

Granted

   —         —  

Exercised

   (1,270,436 )   $ 35.06

Canceled

   (34,158 )   $ 35.78

Special Dividend Adjustment

   156,208     $ 37.61
            

Outstanding at December 31, 2005

   4,451,488     $ 37.63

Granted

   —         —  

Exercised

   (1,793,418 )   $ 35.05

Canceled

   (75 )   $ 28.31

Special Dividend Adjustment

   133,359     $ 37.49
            

Outstanding at December 31, 2006

   2,791,354     $ 37.49

Granted

   —         —  

Exercised

   (659,798 )   $ 37.71

Canceled

   —         —  

Special Dividend Adjustment

   132,979     $ 35.22
            

Outstanding at December 31, 2007

   2,264,535     $ 35.22
            

 

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The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding at December 31, 2007:

 

Options Outstanding

 

Options Exercisable

Range of Exercise

Prices

 

Number
Outstanding at

12/31/07

 

Weighted-Average
Remaining
Contractual Life

 

Weighted-Average
Exercise Price

 

Number Exercisable

at 12/31/07

 

Weighted-Average
Exercise Price

$26.34-$36.45

  2,264,535   3.3 Years   $35.22   2,264,535   $35.22

The total intrinsic value of the outstanding and exercisable stock options as of December 31, 2007 was approximately $128.1 million. In addition, the Company had 2,791,354 and 4,451,488 options exercisable at weighted-average exercise prices of $37.49 and $37.63 at December 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively.

Boston Properties, Inc. adopted the 1999 Non-Qualified Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the “Stock Purchase Plan”) to encourage the ownership of Common Stock by eligible employees. The Stock Purchase Plan became effective on January 1, 1999 with an aggregate maximum of 250,000 shares of Common Stock available for issuance. The Stock Purchase Plan provides for eligible employees to purchase on the business day immediately following the end of the biannual purchase periods (i.e., January 1-June 30 and July 1-December 31) shares of Common Stock at a purchase price equal to 85% of the average closing prices of the Common Stock during the last ten business days of the purchase period. The Company issued 6,166, 7,633 and 7,492 shares with the weighted average purchase price equal to $90.98 per share, $69.02 per share and $56.56 per share under the Stock Purchase Plan during the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively.

 

19. Selected Interim Financial Information (unaudited)

The tables below reflect the Company’s selected quarterly information for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006. Total revenue and income from continuing operations amounts have been reclassified for properties qualifying for discontinued operations presentation under SFAS No. 144.

 

    2007 Quarter Ended
    March 31,   June 30,   September 30,   December 31,
    (in thousands, except for per unit amounts)

Total revenue

  $ 360,703   $ 372,213   $ 368,584   $ 380,790

Income from continuing operations

  $ 83,450   $ 108,032   $ 88,433   $ 101,678

Net income available to common unitholders

  $ 1,023,970   $ 122,519   $ 289,723   $ 150,998

Income available to common unitholders per unit—basic

  $ 7.37   $ 0.88   $ 2.08   $ 1.08

Income available to common unitholders per unit—diluted

  $ 7.24   $ 0.87   $ 2.05   $ 1.07

 

    2006 Quarter Ended
    March 31,   June 30,   September 30,   December 31,
    (in thousands, except for per unit amounts)

Total revenue

  $ 344,745   $ 355,174   $ 356,646   $ 361,062

Income from continuing operations

  $ 76,245   $ 51,722   $ 104,567   $ 92,753

Net income available to common unitholders

  $ 81,431   $ 730,853   $ 128,406   $ 86,287

Income available to common unitholders per unit—basic

  $ 0.61   $ 5.41   $ 0.94   $ 0.66

Income available to common unitholders per unit—diluted

  $ 0.60   $ 5.32   $ 0.92   $ 0.62

 

20. Held for Sale/Discontinued Operations

The Company applies the provisions of SFAS No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets.” SFAS No. 144 requires that long-lived assets that are to be disposed of by sale be measured

 

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at the lesser of (1) book value or (2) fair value less cost to sell. In addition, it requires that one accounting model be used for long-lived assets to be disposed of by sale and broadens the presentation of discontinued operations to include more disposal transactions.

On November 27, 2007, the Company acquired Mountain View Research Park for $183.0 million and Mountain View Technology Park for $40.0 million (See Note 3). On January 7, 2008, the Company transferred the properties to its Value-Added Fund for an aggregate of approximately $223.2 million (See Note 23). At December 31, 2007, the Company had categorized Mountain View Research Park and Mountain View Technology Park as “Held for Sale” in its Consolidated Balance Sheets. Due to the Company’s continuing involvement through its ownership interest in the Value-Added Fund, these properties have not been categorized as discontinued operations in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations.

During the year ended December 31, 2007, the Company sold the following operating properties:

 

   

Orbital Sciences Campus and Broad Run Business Park, Building E, comprised of three Class A office properties aggregating approximately 337,000 net rentable square feet and an office/technical property totaling approximately 127,000 net rentable square feet, respectively, located in Loudon County, Virginia;

 

   

Democracy Center, a Class A office complex totaling approximately 685,000 net rentable square feet located in Bethesda, Maryland;

 

   

Newport Office Park, a Class A office property totaling approximately 172,000 net rentable square feet located in Quincy, Massachusetts;

 

   

Long Wharf Marriott, a 402-room hotel located in Boston, Massachusetts; and

 

   

5 Times Square, a Class A office property totaling approximately 1,102,000 net rentable square feet located in New York City (The Company had categorized 5 Times Square as “held for sale” in its Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2006).

During the year ended December 31, 2006, the Company sold 280 Park Avenue, a Class A office property totaling approximately 1,179,000 net rentable square feet located in midtown Manhattan.

During the year ended December 31, 2005, the Company sold the following operating properties:

 

   

Old Federal Reserve, a Class A office property totaling approximately 150,000 net rentable square feet located in San Francisco, California;

 

   

100 East Pratt Street, a Class A office property totaling approximately 639,000 net rentable square feet located in Baltimore, Maryland;

 

   

Riverfront Plaza, a Class A office property totaling approximately 910,000 net rentable square feet located in Richmond, Virginia;

 

   

Residence Inn by Marriott, a 221-room extended-stay hotel property located in Cambridge, Massachusetts;

 

   

40-46 Harvard Street, an industrial property totaling approximately 152,000 net rentable square feet located in Westwood, Massachusetts; and

 

   

Embarcadero Center West Tower, a Class A office property totaling approximately 475,000 net rentable square feet located in San Francisco, California.

 

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Due to the Company’s continuing involvement in the management, for a fee, of 280 Park Avenue and 5 Times Square through agreements with the buyers and other financial obligations to the buyers as discussed in Note 3, 280 Park Avenue and 5 Times Square have not been categorized as discontinued operations in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations. Due to the Company’s continuing involvement in the management, for a fee, of the Democracy Center, 100 East Pratt Street, Riverfront Plaza and Embarcadero Center West Tower properties through agreements with the buyers which were entered into at closing, these properties are not categorized as discontinued operations in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations. As a result, the gains on sales related to these properties have been reflected under the caption “Gains on sales of real estate and other assets” in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The Company has presented the other properties listed above as discontinued operations in its Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, as applicable.

The following table summarizes income from discontinued operations and the related realized gains on sales of real estate from discontinued operations for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005:

 

     For the Year Ended December 31,  
     2007     2006     2005  
     (in thousands)  

Total revenue

   $ 19,665     $ 59,959     $ 64,169  

Operating expenses

     (9,443 )     (34,681 )     (39,204 )

Depreciation and Amortization

     (2,948 )     (6,197 )     (6,662 )
                        

Income from discontinued operations

   $ 7,274     $ 19,081     $ 18,303  
                        

Realized gains on sales of real estate

   $ 266,817     $ —       $ 57,969  
                        

The Company’s application of SFAS No. 144 results in the presentation of the net operating results of these qualifying properties sold or designated as “held for sale” during 2007, 2006 and 2005, as income from discontinued operations for all periods presented. In addition, SFAS No. 144 results in the gains on sale of these qualifying properties totaling approximately $266.8 million and $58.0 million to be reflected as gains on sales of real estate from discontinued operations in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2005, respectively. The application of SFAS No. 144 does not have an impact on net income available to common unitholders. SFAS No. 144 only impacts the presentation of these properties within the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

 

21. Newly Issued Accounting Standards

In June 2006, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, an Interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109” (“FIN No. 48”). FIN No. 48 clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in a company’s financial statements and prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. FIN No. 48 also provides guidance on description, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition. FIN No. 48 was effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006. FIN No. 48, which was adopted by the Company effective January 1, 2007, did not have a material impact on the Company’s cash flows, results of operations, financial position or liquidity.

In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (“SFAS No. 157”). SFAS No. 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS No. 157 does not require any

 

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new fair value measurements. SFAS No. 157 applies under other accounting pronouncements that require or permit fair value measurements. SFAS No. 157 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. In February 2008, the FASB deferred the effective date of SFAS No. 157 for one year for nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a nonrecurring basis. The FASB also removed certain leasing transactions from the scope of SFAS No. 157. The Company does not expect the adoption of SFAS No. 157 to have a material impact on the Company’s cash flows, results of operations, financial position or liquidity.

In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities—Including an amendment of FASB Statement No. 115” (“SFAS No. 159”). SFAS No. 159 permits entities to choose, at specified election dates, to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value that are not currently required to be measured at fair value. Unrealized gains and losses shall be reported on items for which the fair value option has been elected in earnings at each subsequent reporting date. SFAS No. 159 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. The Company does not expect the adoption of SFAS No. 159 to have a material impact on the Company’s cash flows, results of operations, financial position or liquidity.

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141 (revised 2007), “Business Combinations” (“SFAS No. 141(R)”), which establishes principles and requirements for how the acquirer shall recognize and measure in its financial statements the identifiable assets acquired, liabilities assumed, any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree and goodwill acquired in a business combination. SFAS No. 141(R) is effective for business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning on or after December 15, 2008. The Company is currently assessing the potential impact that the adoption of SFAS No. 141(R) will have on its financial position and results of operations.

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, “Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements—an Amendment of ARB No. 51” (“SFAS No. 160”), which establishes and expands accounting and reporting standards for minority interests, which will be recharacterized as noncontrolling interests, in a subsidiary and the deconsolidation of a subsidiary. SFAS No. 160 is effective for business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning on or after December 15, 2008. This statement is effective for fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2008. The Company is currently assessing the potential impact that the adoption of SFAS No. 160 will have on its financial position and results of operations.

 

22. Related Party Transactions

The Company paid Applied Printing Technologies, a printing company affiliated with Mr. Mortimer B. Zuckerman, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Boston Properties, Inc., approximately $0, $0 and $67,000 during the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively, for printing services principally relating to the printing of Boston Properties, Inc.’s annual report to shareholders.

An entity controlled by Mr. Zuckerman owned an office building located at 2400 N Street, N.W. in Washington, D.C., in which a company affiliated with Mr. Zuckerman leased 100% of the building. The Company had entered into an agreement with an entity controlled by Mr. Zuckerman to manage this property on terms comparable with other third-party property management agreements that the Company had in place. The disinterested members of the Board of Directors of Boston Properties, Inc. had approved the management agreement between the Company and Mr. Zuckerman’s affiliate. Under the management agreement, the Company had also agreed to provide consulting services and assistance in connection with a possible sale of

 

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this property in exchange for a fee of $100,000 payable upon the closing of the sale of the property. During the year ended December 31, 2005, the Company received approximately $329,000 for reimbursements of building operating costs and earned $66,000 in management fees under the management agreement. During the year ended December 31, 2005, the entity controlled by Mr. Zuckerman closed on the sale of the property and pursuant to the management agreement the Company received and recognized $100,000 for consulting services and assistance in connection with the sale.

On October 26, 2005, the Company entered into an agreement with an entity owned by Mr. Zuckerman. Under the agreement, which was approved by the disinterested members of the Board of Directors of Boston Properties, Inc., the Company renders project management services to such entity in exchange for a fee. The Company extended its services under a letter dated October 10, 2006. Under the agreement, as extended, the Company earned $80,000, $57,000 and $0 during the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively.

A firm controlled by Mr. Raymond A. Ritchey’s brother was paid aggregate leasing commissions of approximately $848,000, $559,000 and $0 for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively, related to certain exclusive leasing arrangements for certain Northern Virginia properties. Mr. Ritchey is an Executive Vice President of Boston Properties, Inc.

Mr. Martin Turchin, a member of the Board of Directors of Boston Properties, Inc., is a non-executive/non-director Vice Chairman of CB Richard Ellis (“CBRE”). Through an arrangement with CBRE and its predecessor, Insignia/ESG, Inc. that has been in place since 1985, Mr. Turchin and Turchin & Associates, an entity owned by Mr. Turchin (95%) and his son (5%), participate in brokerage activities for which CBRE is retained as leasing agent, some of which involve leases for space within buildings owned by the Company. Additionally, Mr. Turchin’s son is employed by CBRE and works on transactions for which CBRE earns commission income from the Company. Mr. Turchin’s son’s compensation from CBRE is in the form of salary and bonus, neither of which is directly tied to CBRE’s transactions with the Company. For the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, Mr. Turchin, directly and through Turchin & Associates, received commission income of $95,000, $19,000 and $194,000, respectively, from commissions earned by CBRE and its predecessor, Insignia/ESG, Inc., from the Company. Pursuant to its arrangement with CBRE, Turchin & Associates has confirmed to the Company that it is paid on the same basis with respect to properties owned by the Company as it is with respect to properties owned by other clients of CBRE. Mr. Turchin does not participate in any discussions or other activities relating to the Company’s contractual arrangements with CBRE either in his capacity as a member of the Board of Directors of Boston Properties, Inc. or as a Vice Chairman of CBRE.

On June 30, 1998, the Company acquired from entities controlled by Mr. Alan B. Landis, a former director, a portfolio of properties known as the Carnegie Center Portfolio and Tower Center One and related operations and development rights (collectively, the “Carnegie Center Portfolio”). In connection with the acquisition of the Carnegie Center Portfolio, the Company entered into a development agreement (the “Development Agreement”) with affiliates of Mr. Landis providing for up to approximately 2,000,000 square feet of development in or adjacent to the Carnegie Center office complex. An affiliate of Mr. Landis was entitled to a purchase price for each parcel developed under the Development Agreement calculated on the basis of $20 per rentable square foot of property developed. Another affiliate of Mr. Landis was eligible to earn a contingent payment for each developed property that achieves a stabilized return in excess of a target annual return ranging between 10.5% and 11%. The Development Agreement also provided that upon negotiated terms and conditions, the Company and Mr. Landis would form a development company to provide development services for these development projects and would share the expenses and profits, if any, of this new company. In addition, in connection with the acquisition of the Carnegie Center Portfolio, Mr. Landis became a director of Boston Properties, Inc. pursuant

 

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to an Agreement Regarding Directorship, dated as of June 30, 1998, with Boston Properties, Inc. (the “Directorship Agreement”). Under the Directorship Agreement, Boston Properties, Inc. agreed to nominate Mr. Landis for re-election as a director at each annual meeting of stockholders of Boston Properties, Inc. in a year in which his term expires, provided that specified conditions are met.

On October 21, 2004, the Company entered into an agreement (the “2004 Agreement”) to modify several provisions of the Development Agreement. Under the terms of the 2004 Agreement, the Company and affiliates of Mr. Landis amended the Development Agreement to limit the rights of Mr. Landis and his affiliates to participate in the development of properties under the Development Agreement. Among other things, Mr. Landis agreed that (1) Mr. Landis and his affiliates will have no right to participate in any entity formed to acquire land parcels or the development company formed by the Company to provide development services under the Development Agreement, (2) Mr. Landis will have no right or obligation to play a role in development activities engaged in by the development company formed by the Company under the Development Agreement or receive compensation from the development company and (3) the affiliate of Mr. Landis will have no right to receive a contingent payment for developed properties based on stabilized returns. In exchange, the Company (together with Boston Properties, Inc.) agreed to:

 

   

effective as of June 30, 1998, pay Mr. Landis $125,000 on January 1 of each year until the earlier of (A) January 1, 2018, (B) the termination of the Development Agreement or (C) the date on which all development properties under the Development Agreement have been conveyed pursuant to the Development Agreement, with $750,000, representing payments of this annual amount from 1998 to 2004, being paid upon execution of the 2004 Agreement; and

 

   

pay an affiliate of Mr. Landis, in connection with the development of land parcels acquired under the Development Agreement, an aggregate fixed amount of $10.50 per rentable square foot of property developed (with a portion of this amount (i.e., $5.50) being subject to adjustment, in specified circumstances, based on future increases in the Consumer Price Index) in lieu of a contingent payment based on stabilized returns, which payment could have been greater or less than $10.50 per rentable square foot of property developed.

The Company also continues to be obligated to pay an affiliate of Mr. Landis the purchase price of $20 per rentable square foot of property developed for each land parcel acquired as provided in the original Development Agreement. During the 20-year term of the Development Agreement, until such time, if any, as the Company elects to acquire a land parcel, an affiliate of Mr. Landis will remain responsible for all carrying costs associated with such land parcel. On July 24, 2007, the Company acquired from Mr. Landis 701 Carnegie Center, a land parcel located in Princeton, New Jersey for a purchase price of approximately $3.1 million with the title transferring pending subdivision approval.

In addition, in connection with entering into the 2004 Agreement, Mr. Landis resigned as a director of Boston Properties, Inc. effective as of May 11, 2005 and agreed that Boston Properties, Inc. had no future obligation to nominate Mr. Landis as a director of Boston Properties, Inc. under the Directorship Agreement or otherwise. Mr. Landis did not resign because of a disagreement with Boston Properties, Inc. on any matter relating to its operations, policies or practices. Mitchell S. Landis, the Senior Vice President and Regional Manager of the Company’s Princeton, New Jersey region, is the brother of Alan B. Landis.

In accordance with Boston Properties, Inc.’s 1997 Plan, and as approved by the Board of Directors of Boston Properties, Inc., each non-employee director has made an election to receive deferred stock units in lieu of cash fees. The deferred stock units will be settled in shares of common stock upon the cessation of such director’s service on the Board of Directors of Boston Properties, Inc. As a result of these elections, the aggregate

 

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cash fees otherwise payable to a non-employee director during a fiscal quarter are converted into a number of deferred stock units equal to the aggregate cash fees divided by the last reported sales price of a share of Boston Properties, Inc.’s common stock on the last trading of the applicable fiscal quarter. The deferred stock units are also credited with dividend equivalents. At December 31, 2007 and 2006, Boston Properties, Inc. had outstanding 59,015 and 54,157 deferred stock units, respectively, with an aggregate value of approximately $3.5 million and $3.0 million, respectively, which amounts are included in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets.

23. Subsequent Events

On January 7, 2008, the Company transferred its Mountain View, California properties to its Value-Added Fund for an aggregate of approximately $223.2 million, consisting of approximately $100.2 million of cash and a promissory note having a principal amount of $123.0 million. The note bears interest at a rate of 7% per annum and matures in April 2008, subject to extension at the option of the Value-Added Fund (with the Company’s approval) until April 2009. In connection with the transfer of the Research Park and Technology Park properties to the Value-Added Fund, the Company and its partners agreed to certain modifications to the Value-Added Fund’s original terms, including bifurcating the Value-Added Fund’s promote structure such that Research Park and Technology Park will be accounted for separately from the non-Mountain View properties owned by the Value-Added Fund (i.e., Circle Star and 300 Billerica Road). As a result of the modifications, the Company’s interest in the Mountain View properties is approximately 39.5% and its interest in the non-Mountain View properties is 25%. This investment completes the investment commitments from the Value-Added Fund partners.

On January 24, 2008, the Compensation Committee (the “Committee”) of the Board of Directors (the “Board”) of Boston Properties, Inc. approved outperformance awards under the 1997 Plan to officers and key employees of Boston Properties, Inc. These awards (the “2008 OPP Awards”) are part of a new broad-based, long-term incentive compensation program designed to provide the Company’s management team at several levels within the organization with the potential to earn equity awards subject to Boston Properties, Inc. “outperforming” and creating shareholder value in a pay-for-performance structure. 2008 OPP Awards utilize total return to shareholders (“TRS”) over a three-year measurement period as the performance metric and include two years of time-based vesting after the end of the performance measurement period (subject to acceleration in certain events) as a retention tool. Recipients of 2008 OPP Awards will share in an outperformance pool if Boston Properties, Inc.’s TRS, including both share appreciation and dividends, exceeds absolute and relative hurdles over a three-year measurement period from February 5, 2008 to February 5, 2011, based on the average closing price of a share of Boston Properties, Inc.’s common stock (a “REIT Share”) of $92.8240 for the five trading days prior to and including February 5, 2008. The aggregate reward that recipients of all 2008 OPP Awards can earn, as measured by the outperformance pool, is subject to a maximum cap of $110 million, although OPP awards for an aggregate of up to approximately $104.8 million have been allocated and will be granted on February 5, 2008. The balance remains available for future grants, with OPP awards exceeding a potential reward of $1 million requiring the Committee’s approval.

The outperformance pool will consist of (i) three percent (3%) of the excess total return above a cumulative absolute TRS hurdle of 30% over the full three-year measurement period (the “Absolute TRS Component”) and (ii) three percent (3%) of the excess or deficient excess total return above or below a relative TRS hurdle equal to the total return of the SNL Equity REIT Index over the three-year measurement period (the “Relative TRS Component”). In the event that the Relative TRS Component is potentially positive because Boston Properties, Inc.’s TRS is higher than the total return of the SNL Equity REIT Index, but Boston Properties, Inc. achieves a cumulative absolute TRS below 30% over the three-year measurement period (equivalent to 10% per annum), the actual contribution to the outperformance pool from the Relative TRS Component will be subject to a sliding scale factor as follows: (i) 100% of the potential Relative TRS Component will be earned if Boston Properties, Inc.’s TRS

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

is equal to or greater than a cumulative 30% over three years (equivalent to 10% per annum), (ii) 0% will be earned if Boston Properties, Inc.’s TRS is equal to or less than a cumulative 21% over three years (equivalent to 7% per annum), and (iii) a percentage from 0% to 100% calculated by linear interpolation will be earned if Boston Properties, Inc.’s cumulative TRS over three years is between 21% and 30%. The potential Relative TRS Component before application of the sliding scale factor will be capped at $110 million (or such lesser amount as corresponds to the OPP awards actually granted). In the event that the Relative TRS Component is negative because Boston Properties, Inc.’s TRS is less than the total return of the SNL Equity REIT Index, any outperformance reward potentially earned under the Absolute TRS Component will be reduced dollar for dollar, provided that the potential Absolute TRS Component before reduction for any negative Relative TRS Component will be capped at $110 million (or such lesser amount as corresponds to the OPP awards actually granted). The algebraic sum of the Absolute TRS Component and the Relative TRS Component determined as described above will never exceed $110 million (or such lesser amount as corresponds to the OPP awards actually granted).

Each employee’s 2008 OPP Award will be designated as a specified percentage of the aggregate outperformance pool. Assuming the applicable absolute and/or relative TRS thresholds are achieved at the end of the measurement period, the algebraic sum of the Absolute TRS Component and the Relative TRS Component will be calculated and then allocated among the 2008 OPP Award recipients in accordance with each individual’s percentage. Rewards earned with respect to 2008 OPP Awards will vest 25% on February 5, 2011, 25% on February 5, 2012, and 50% on February 5, 2013, based on continued employment. Vesting will be accelerated in the event of a change of control of Boston Properties, Inc., termination of employment by Boston Properties, Inc. without cause, termination of employment by the award recipient for good reason, death, disability or retirement, although restrictions on transfer will continue to apply in certain of these situations. 2008 OPP Awards will be in the form of LTIP units of limited partnership interest of the Company. LTIP Units were issued prior to the determination of the outperformance pool, but will remain subject to forfeiture depending on the extent of rewards earned with respect to 2008 OPP Awards. The number of LTIP Units issued initially to recipients of the 2008 OPP Awards was an estimate of the maximum number of LTIP Units that they could earn, based on certain assumptions. The number of LTIP Units actually earned by each award recipient will be determined at the end of the performance measurement period by dividing his or her share of the outperformance pool by the average closing price of a REIT Share for the 15 trading days immediately preceding the measurement date. Total return for Boston Properties, Inc. and for the SNL Equity REIT Index over the three-year measurement period and other circumstances will determine how many LTIP Units are earned by each recipient; if they are fewer than the number issued initially, the balance will be forfeited as of the performance measurement date. Prior to the measurement date, LTIP units issued on account of 2008 OPP Awards will be entitled to receive per unit distributions equal to one-tenth (10%) of the regular quarterly distributions payable on a common unit of limited partnership interest in the Company, but will not be entitled to receive any special distributions. After the measurement date, the number of LTIP Units, both vested and unvested, which 2008 OPP Award recipients have earned based on the establishment of an outperformance pool, will be entitled to receive distributions in an amount per unit equal to distributions, both regular and special, payable on a Common Unit.

On January 29, 2008, the Wisconsin Place joint venture entity that owns and is developing the office component of the project (the “Office Entity”) (a joint venture entity in which the Company owns a 66.67% interest) obtained construction financing totaling $115.0 million collateralized by the office property. Wisconsin Place is a mixed-use development project consisting of office, retail and residential properties located in Chevy Chase, Maryland. The construction financing bears interest at a variable rate equal to LIBOR plus 1.25% per annum and matures on January 29, 2011 with two, one-year extension options. On January 29, 2008, the Wisconsin Place joint venture entity that owns and is developing the land and infrastructure components of the project (the “Land and Infrastructure Entity”) (a joint venture entity in which the Company owns an effective interest of approximately 23.89%) executed a second amendment to its construction loan agreement. The

 

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BOSTON PROPERTIES LIMITED PARTNERSHIP

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

construction financing consisted of a $69.1 million commitment, bearing interest at a per annum variable rate equal to LIBOR plus 1.50% and maturing on March 11, 2009. The outstanding balance on the construction loan was approximately $52.6 million on the $69.1 million commitment. The amended agreement provides for a reduction in the loan commitment amount to $36.9 million. The reduction relates to the repayment of the office portion of the outstanding balance totaling approximately $24.9 million and an additional reduction in the borrowing capacity of approximately $7.3 million with a corresponding release of collateral in conjunction with the Office Entity obtaining new construction financing.

On February 1, 2008, the Company used available cash to repay the mortgage loan collateralized by its Reston Corporate Center property located in Reston, Virginia totaling approximately $20.5 million. There was no prepayment penalty associated with the repayment. The mortgage loan bore interest at a fixed rate of 6.56% per annum and was scheduled to mature on May 1, 2008.

On February 5, 2008, the Company executed a 60-year ground lease with The George Washington University for the redevelopment of a site at Pennsylvania Avenue and Washington Circle in the District of Columbia as a mixed-use project comprised of approximately 440,000 gross square feet of office, 84,000 gross square feet of retail and 328,000 gross square feet of residential space.

 

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Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

None.

 

Item 9A. Controls and Procedures

As of the end of the period covered by this report, an evaluation was carried out by the management of Boston Properties, Inc., with the participation of its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934). Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of Boston Properties, Inc. concluded that these disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this report. In addition, no change in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) occurred during the fourth quarter of our fiscal year ended December 31, 2007 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting is set forth on page 87 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 9B. Other Information

None.

 

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PART III

 

Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

We are managed by Boston Properties, Inc. in its capacity as our general partner. The information concerning Boston Properties, Inc.’s directors and executive officers required by Item 10 will be included in Boston Properties, Inc.’s Proxy Statement to be filed relating to its 2008 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and is incorporated herein by reference.

Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires the executive officers and directors of Boston Properties, Inc., our general partner, and persons who own more than ten percent of a registered class our equity securities to file reports of ownership and changes in ownership with the SEC and the New York Stock Exchange. Officers, directors and greater than ten percent beneficial owners are required by SEC regulations to furnish us with copies of all Section 16(a) forms they file. To our knowledge, based solely on our review of the copies of such reports furnished to us and written representations that no other reports were required during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007, all Section 16(a) filing requirements applicable to the executive officers, directors and greater than ten percent beneficial owners of BPLP were satisfied.

The Board of Directors of Boston Properties, Inc. adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, which governs business decisions made and actions taken by the directors, officers and employees of Boston Properties, Inc. A copy of this code is available on Boston Properties, Inc.’s website at http://www.bostonproperties.com under the heading “Corporate Governance.” Boston Properties, Inc. intends to disclose on this website any amendment to, or waiver of, any provision of this Code applicable to its directors and executive officers that would otherwise be required to be disclosed under the rules of the SEC or the New York Stock Exchange. A copy of this Code is also available in print upon written request addressed to Investor Relations, Boston Properties, Inc., The Prudential Center, 800 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02199.

 

Item 11. Executive Compensation

We are managed by Boston Properties, Inc., in its capacity as our general partner. The information concerning our executive compensation required by Item 11 will be included in Boston Properties, Inc.’s Proxy Statement to be filed relating to its 2008 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

Boston Properties, Inc. maintains the Second Amendment and Restatement of the Boston Properties, Inc. 1997 Stock Option and Incentive Plan and the Boston Properties, Inc. 1999 Non-Qualified Employee Stock Purchase Plan. The following table provides information about these plans as of December 31, 2007.

 

    Equity Compensation Plan Information

Plan category

  Number of securities to be
issued upon exercise of
outstanding options,
warrants and rights
    Weighted-average exercise
price of outstanding
options, warrants and rights
    Number of securities
remaining available for
future issuance under
equity compensation plans
(excluding securities
reflected in column (a))
    (a)     (b)     (c)

Equity compensation plans approved by security holders (1)

  2,999,434 (2)   $ 35.22 (2)   3,876,184

Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders (3)

  N/A       N/A     171,847
                 

Total

  2,999,434     $ 35.22     4,048,031
                 

 

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(1) Includes information related to Boston Properties, Inc.’s 1997 Stock Option and Incentive Plan, as amended.
(2) Includes (a) 2,264,535 shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of outstanding options, (b) 676,067 LTIP units that, upon the satisfaction of certain conditions, are convertible into common units, which may then be presented to Boston Properties for redemption and acquired by Boston Properties for shares of common stock and (c) 59,014 deferred stock units which were granted pursuant to an election by each of our non-employee directors to defer all cash compensation to be paid to such director and to receive his or her deferred cash compensation in shares of Boston Properties common stock upon the director’s retirement from our Board of Directors. Does not include 96,287 shares of restricted stock, as they have been reflected in our total shares outstanding. Because there is no exercise price associated with LTIP units or deferred stock units, such shares are not included in the weighed-average exercise price calculation.
(3) Includes information related to the 1999 Non-Qualified Employee Stock Purchase Plan.

The 1999 Non-Qualified Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the “ESPP”)

The ESPP was adopted by the Board of Directors of Boston Properties, Inc. on October 29, 1998. The ESPP has not been approved by the stockholders of Boston Properties, Inc. The ESPP is available to all employees that are employed on the first day of the purchase period. Under the ESPP, each eligible employee may purchase shares of Boston Properties, Inc.’s common stock at semi-annual intervals each year at a purchase price equal to 85% of the average closing prices of Boston Properties, Inc.’s common stock on the New York Stock Exchange during the last ten business days of the purchase period. Each eligible employee may contribute no more than $10,000 per year to purchase Boston Properties, Inc.’s common stock under the ESPP.

Additional information concerning Security Ownership of Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters required by Item 12 will be included in Boston Properties, Inc.’s Proxy Statement to be filed relating to its 2008 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

The information concerning certain relationships and related transactions required by Item 13 will be included in Boston Properties, Inc.’s Proxy Statement to be filed relating to its 2008 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services

The information concerning our principal accounting fees and services required by Item 14 will be included in Boston Properties, Inc.’s Proxy Statement to be filed relating to its 2008 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

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PART IV

 

Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules

(a) Financial Statement Schedule

 

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Boston Properties Limited Partnership

Schedule 3—Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation

December 31, 2007

(dollars in thousands)

 

Property Name

  Type   Location   Encumbrances   Original   Costs
Capitalized
Subsequent

to
Acquisition
    Land
and

Improve-
ments
  Building
and

Improve-
ments
  Land
Held for
Development
  Develop-
ment and
Construction
in Progress
  Total   Accumulated
Depreciation
  Year(s)
Built/
Renovated
  Depreciable
Lives
(Years)
        Land   Building                  

Embarcadero Center

  Office   San Francisco, CA   $ 278,912   $ 179,697   $ 847,410   $ 170,659     $ 180,409   $ 1,017,357   $ —     $ —     $ 1,197,766   $ 247,340   1970/1989   (1)

399 Park Avenue

  Office   New York, NY     —       339,200     700,358     10,643       339,200     711,001     —       —       1,050,201     93,532   1961   (1)

Prudential Center

  Office   Boston, MA     259,706     92,077     734,594     194,559       92,327     914,039     13,714     1,150     1,021,230     210,626   1965/1993/2002   (1)

Citigroup Center

  Office   New York, NY     485,303     241,600     494,782     115,872       279,281     572,973     —       —       852,254     89,910   1977/1997   (1)

Times Square Tower

  Office   New York, NY     —       165,413     380,438     47,521       163,277     430,095     —       —       593,372     50,438   2004   (1)

Carnegie Center

  Office   Princeton, NJ     58,216     101,772     349,089     37,877       95,396     388,842     28     4,472     488,738     96,188   1983-1999   (1)

599 Lexington Avenue

  Office   New York, NY     750,000     81,040     100,507     85,006       81,040     185,513     —       —       266,553     114,811   1986   (1)

Gateway Center

  Office   San Francisco, CA     —       28,255     139,245     38,756       29,029     177,227     —       —       206,256     36,769   1984/1986/2002   (1)

Reservoir Place

  Office   Waltham, MA     50,349     18,605     92,619     20,983       18,729     113,478     —       —       132,207     31,803   1955/1987   (1)

Kingstowne Towne Center

  Office   Alexandria, VA     63,500     18,021     109,038     —         18,021     109,038     —       —       127,059     3,580   2003-2006   (1)

3200 Zanker Road

  Office   San Jose, CA     —       36,705     82,863     5,695       36,705     87,712     846     —       125,263     3,215   1988   (1)

505 9th Street

  Office   Washington, DC     130,000     38,885     83,719     —         38,885     83,719     —       —       122,604     568   2007   (1)

1333 New Hampshire Avenue

  Office   Washington, DC     —       34,032     85,660     578       34,032     86,238     —       —       120,270     14,040   1996   (1)

1330 Connecticut Avenue

  Office   Washington, DC     52,750     25,982     82,311     9,680       25,982     91,991     —       —       117,973     10,265   1984   (1)

Capital Gallery

  Office   Washington, DC     —       4,725     29,560     73,743       6,128     101,900     —       —       108,028     29,959   1981/2006   (1)

One Freedom Square

  Office   Reston, VA     75,886     9,929     84,504     7,251       9,883     91,801     —       —       101,684     24,029   2000   (1)

Seven Cambridge Center

  Office   Cambridge, MA     —       3,457     97,136     129       3,457     97,265     —       —       100,722     11,585   2006   (1)

Two Freedom Square

  Office   Reston, VA     —       13,930     77,739     5,890       13,866     83,693     —       —       97,559     16,406   2001   (1)

One and Two Reston Overlook

  Office   Reston, VA     —       16,456     66,192     4,267       16,456     70,459     —       —       86,915     18,097   1999   (1)

140 Kendrick Street

  Office   Needham, MA     57,035     18,095     66,905     251       18,095     67,156     —       —       85,251     6,370   2000   (1)

Discovery Square

  Office   Reston, VA     —       11,198     71,782     762       11,146     72,596     —       —       83,742     14,801   2001   (1)

12310 Sunrise Valley Drive

  Office   Reston, VA     —       9,367     67,431     5,397       10,542     71,653     —       —       82,195     17,071   1987/1988   (1)

Waltham Weston Corporate Center

  Office   Waltham, MA     —       10,385     60,694     5,004       10,350     65,733     —       —       76,083     14,576   2003   (1)

Five Cambridge Center

  Office   Cambridge, MA     —       18,863     53,346     3,081       18,863     56,427     —       —       75,290     2,494   1981/1996   (1)

12300 Sunrise Valley Drive

  Office   Reston, VA     —       9,062     58,884     5,394       10,235     63,105     —       —       73,340     14,951   1987/1988   (1)

Four Cambridge Center

  Office   Cambridge, MA     —       19,104     52,078     483       19,104     52,561     —       —       71,665     2,261   1983/1998   (1)

North First Business Park

  Office   San Jose, CA     —       58,402     13,069     —         23,371     13,069     35,031     —       71,471     80   1981   (1)

Prospect Place

  Office   Waltham, MA     —       13,189     49,823     5,589       13,189     55,412     —       —       68,601     4,129   1992   (1)

Reston Corporate Center

  Office   Reston, VA     20,523     9,135     50,857     1,710       9,496     52,206     —       —       61,702     11,933   1984   (1)

New Dominion Technology Park, Bldg. Two

  Office   Herndon, VA     63,000     5,584     51,868     (16 )     5,574     51,862     —       —       57,436     5,839   2004   (1)

191 Spring Street

  Office   Lexington, MA     —       2,850     27,166     21,151       2,850     48,317     —       —       51,167     26,084   1971/1995   (1)

303 Almaden Boulevard

  Office   San Jose, CA     —       10,836     35,606     3,255       10,836     38,861     —       —       49,697     1,811   1995   (1)

New Dominion Technology Park, Bldg. One

  Office   Herndon, VA     54,042     3,880     43,227     947       3,880     44,174     —       —       48,054     9,915   2001   (1)

1301 New York Avenue

  Office   Washington, DC     23,410     9,250     18,750     18,027       9,250     36,777     —       —       46,027     10,453   1983/1998   (1)

Sumner Square

  Office   Washington, DC     26,936     624     28,745     12,739       958     41,150     —       —       42,108     12,481   1985   (1)

200 West Street

  Office   Waltham, MA     —       16,148     24,983     796       16,148     25,779     —       —       41,927     8,027   1999   (1)

University Place

  Office   Cambridge, MA     20,340     —       37,091     4,134       27     41,198     —       —       41,225     12,145   1985   (1)

 

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Property Name

  Type   Location   Encumbrances   Original   Costs
Capitalized
Subsequent

to
Acquisition
    Land
and

Improve-
ments
  Building
and

Improve-
ments
  Land
Held for
Development
  Develop-
ment and
Construction
in Progress
  Total   Accumulated
Depreciation
  Year(s)
Built/
Renovated
  Depreciable
Lives
(Years)
 
        Land   Building                  

Quorum Office Park

  Office   Chelmsford, MA   —     3,750   32,454   3,475     4,762   34,917   —     —     39,679   6,437   2001   (1)  

2600 Tower Oaks Boulevard

  Office   Rockville, MD   —     4,243   31,125   2,158     4,244   33,282   —     —     37,526   9,120   2001   (1)  

12290 Sunrise Valley Drive

  Office   Reston, VA   —     3,594   32,977   (286 )   3,594   32,691   —     —     36,285   2,295   2006   (1)  

One Cambridge Center

  Office   Cambridge, MA   —     134   25,110   8,286     134   33,396   —     —     33,530   16,970   1987   (1)  

Bedford Business Park

  Office   Bedford, MA   16,860   534   3,403   29,485     1,773   31,649   —     —     33,422   15,887   1980   (1)  

500 E Street

  Office   Washington, DC   —     109   22,420   6,480     1,569   27,440   —     —     29,009   14,976   1987   (1)  

Eight Cambridge Center

  Office   Cambridge, MA   24,486   850   25,042   108     822   25,178   —     —     26,000   5,415   1999   (1)  

10 and 20 Burlington Mall Road

  Office   Burlington, MA   19,533   930   6,928   11,702     652   18,908   —     —     19,560   10,254   1984-1989/

95-96

  (1)  

201 Spring Street

  Office   Lexington, MA   —     2,849   15,303   392     2,849   15,695   —     —     18,544   6,102   1997   (1)  

Ten Cambridge Center

  Office   Cambridge, MA   31,436   1,299   12,943   4,003     1,868   16,377   —     —     18,245   7,605   1990   (1)  

Montvale Center

  Office   Gaithersburg, MD   25,000   1,574   9,786   6,432     2,399   15,393   —     —     17,792   7,971   1987   (1)  

40 Shattuck Road

  Office   Andover, MA   —     709   14,740   1,095     709   15,835   —     —     16,544   3,342   2001   (1)  

6601 & 6605 Springfield Center Drive

  Office   Springfield, VA   —     14,041   2,375   —       13,875   2,375   166   —     16,416   471   1990   (1)  

Three Cambridge Center

  Office   Cambridge, MA   —     174   12,200   3,376     174   15,576   —     —     15,750   7,847   1987   (1)  

Lexington Office Park

  Office   Lexington, MA   —     998   1,426   12,314     1,073   13,665   —     —     14,738   7,968   1982   (1)  

103 4th Avenue

  Office   Waltham, MA   —     11,911   2,507   —       11,911   2,507   —     —     14,418   833   1961   (1)  

181 Spring Street

  Office   Lexington, MA   —     1,066   9,520   2,559     1,066   12,079   —     —     13,145   2,851   1999   (1)  

92-100 Hayden Avenue

  Office   Lexington, MA   —     594   6,748   3,553     619   10,276   —     —     10,895   5,722   1985   (1)  

7501 Boston Boulevard, Building Seven

  Office   Springfield, VA   —     665   9,273   39     665   9,312   —     —     9,977   2,407   1997   (1)  

91 Hartwell Avenue

  Office   Lexington, MA   15,981   784   6,464   2,498     784   8,962   —     —     9,746   4,981   1985   (1)  

195 West Street

  Office   Waltham, MA   —     1,611   6,652   953     1,611   7,605   —     —     9,216   3,813   1990   (1)  

Waltham Office Center

  Office   Waltham, MA   —     422   2,719   6,010     425   7,980   —     746   9,151   5,375   1968-1970/

87-88

  (1)  

33 Hayden Avenue

  Office   Lexington, MA   —     266   3,234   5,309     266   8,543   —     —     8,809   4,210   1979   (1)  

Eleven Cambridge Center

  Office   Cambridge, MA   —     121   5,535   2,870     121   8,405   —     —     8,526   4,786   1984   (1)  

7450 Boston Boulevard, Building Three

  Office   Springfield, VA   —     1,165   4,681   1,359     1,327   5,878   —     —     7,205   1,803   1987   (1)  

8000 Grainger Court, Building Five

  Office   Springfield, VA   —     366   4,282   2,292     453   6,487   —     —     6,940   3,580   1984   (1)  

7435 Boston Boulevard, Building One

  Office   Springfield, VA   —     392   3,822   2,215     486   5,943   —     —     6,429   3,814   1982   (1)  

7300 Boston Boulevard, Building Thirteen

  Office   Springfield, VA   —     608   4,773   —       608   4,773   —     —     5,381   1,814   2002   (1)  

32 Hartwell Avenue

  Office   Lexington, MA   —     168   1,943   3,260     168   5,203   —     —     5,371   4,971   1968-
1979/1987
  (1)  

7500 Boston Boulevard, Building Six

  Office   Springfield, VA   —     138   3,749   1,455     273   5,069   —     —     5,342   2,863   1985   (1)  

7601 Boston Boulevard, Building Eight

  Office   Springfield, VA   —     200   878   4,163     378   4,863   —     —     5,241   2,596   1986   (1)  

Fourteen Cambridge Center

  Office   Cambridge, MA   —     110   4,483   569     110   5,052   —     —     5,162   2,951   1983   (1)  

8000 Corporate Court, Building Eleven

  Office   Springfield, VA   —     136   3,071   593     687   3,113   —     —     3,800   1,592   1989   (1)  

7375 Boston Boulevard, Building Ten

  Office   Springfield, VA   —     23   2,685   771     47   3,432   -   -   3,479   1,777   1988   (1 )

7374 Boston Boulevard, Building Four

  Office   Springfield, VA   —     241   1,605   1,038     303   2,581   —     —     2,884   1,398   1984   (1 )

7451 Boston Boulevard, Building Two

  Office   Springfield, VA   —     249   1,542   1,000     535   2,256   —     —     2,791   1,664   1982   (1 )

164 Lexington Road

  Office   Billerica, MA   —     592   1,370   212     592   1,582   —     —     2,174   527   1982   (1 )

17 Hartwell Avenue

  Office   Lexington, MA   —     26   150   652     26   802   —     —     828   786   1968   (1 )

Cambridge Center Marriott

  Hotel   Cambridge, MA   —     478   37,918   20,500     478   58,418   —     —     58,896   27,463   1986   (1 )

Cambridge Center East Garage

  Garage   Cambridge, MA   —     —     35,035   444     —     35,479   —     —     35,479   952   1984   (1 )

Cambridge Center West Garage

  Garage   Cambridge, MA   —     1,256   15,697   —       1,256   15,697   —     —     16,953   875   2006   (1 )

 

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Property Name

  Type   Location   Encumbrances   Original   Costs
Capitalized
Subsequent

to
Acquisition
  Land and
Improve-
ments
  Building
and

Improve-
ments
  Land
Held for
Development
  Develop-
ment and
Construction
in Progress
  Total   Accumulated
Depreciation
  Year(s)
Built/
Renovated
  Depreciable
Lives
(Years)
 
        Land   Building                  

Cambridge Center North Garage

  Garage   Cambridge, MA     —       1,163     11,633     898     1,163     12,531     —       —       13,694     5,637   1990   (1 )

Mountain View Research/Technology Parks

  Held For Sale   Mountain View, CA     —         221,606     —       —       221,606     —       —       221,606     —     1970-1973   (1 )

250 West 55th Street

  Development   New York, NY     —       —       —       287,126     —       —       —       287,126     287,126     —     Various   N/A  

South of Market

  Development   Reston, VA     122,923     —       —       166,144     —       —       —       166,144     166,144     —     Various   N/A  

Russia Wharf

  Development   Boston, MA     —       —       —       127,546     —       —       —       127,546     127,546     —     Various   N/A  

77 CityPoint

  Development   Waltham, MA     —       —       —       61,386     —       —       —       61,386     61,386     —     Various   N/A  

One Preserve Parkway

  Development   Rockville, MD     —       —       —       37,423     —       —       —       37,423     37,423     —     Various   N/A  

Wisconsin Place

  Development   Chevy Chase, MD     —       —       —       7,931     —       —       —       7,931     7,931     —     Various   N/A  

George Washington University

  Development   Washington, DC     —       —       —       4,004     —       —       —       4,004     4,004     —     Various   N/A  

Plaza at Almaden

  Land   San Jose, CA     —       —       —       32,411     —       —       32,411     —       32,411     —     Various   N/A  

Tower Oaks Master Plan

  Land   Rockville, MD     —       —       —       28,882     —       —       28,882     —       28,882     —     Various   N/A  

Springfield Metro Center

  Land   Springfield, VA     —       —       —       27,113     —       —       27,113     —       27,113     —     Various   N/A  

Weston Corporate Center

  Land   Weston, MA     —       —       —       24,101     —       —       24,101     —       24,101     —     Various   N/A  

Prospect Hill

  Land   Waltham, MA     —       —       —       23,404     —       —       23,404     —       23,404     —     Various   N/A  

Washingtonian North

  Land   Gaithersburg, MD     —       —       —       17,493     —       —       17,493     —       17,493     —     Various   N/A  

Reston Eastgate

  Land   Reston, VA     —       —       —       9,227     —       —       9,227     —       9,227     —     Various   N/A  

Reston Gateway

  Land   Reston, VA     —       —       —       9,207     —       —       9,207     —       9,207     —     Various   N/A  

Crane Meadow

  Land   Marlborough, MA     —       —       —       8,717     —       —       8,717     —       8,717     —     Various   N/A  

Broad Run Business Park

  Land   Loudon County, VA     —       —       —       7,276     —       —       7,276     —       7,276     —     Various   N/A  

20 F Street

  Land   Washington, DC     —       —       —       5,356     —       —       5,356     —       5,356     —     Various   N/A  

Cambridge Master Plan

  Land   Cambridge, MA     —       —       —       4,819     —       —       1,985     2,834     4,819     —     Various   N/A  

30 Shattuck Road

  Land   Andover, MA     —       —       —       1,137     —       —       1,137     —       1,137     —     Various   N/A  
                                                                   
      $ 2,726,127   $ 1,736,292   $ 6,111,876   $ 1,962,748   $ 1,742,872   $ 7,121,188   $ 246,094   $ 700,762   $ 9,810,916   $ 1,503,283    
                                                                   

 

The aggregate cost and accumulated depreciation for tax purposes was approximately $8.9 billion and $1.6 billion, respectively.

(1) Depreciation of the buildings and improvements are calculated over lives ranging from the life of the lease to 40 years.

 

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Boston Properties Limited Partnership

Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation

December 31, 2007

(dollars in thousands)

A summary of activity for real estate and accumulated depreciation is as follows:

 

     2007     2006     2005  

Real Estate:

      

Balance at the beginning of the year

   $ 9,226,711     $ 8,977,413     $ 9,137,354  

Additions to/improvements of real estate

     1,313,962       678,667       413,370  

Assets sold/written-off

     (729,757 )     (429,369 )     (573,311 )
                        

Balance at the end of the year

   $ 9,810,916     $ 9,226,711     $ 8,977,413  
                        

Accumulated Depreciation:

      

Balance at the beginning of the year

   $ 1,406,407     $ 1,244,031     $ 1,119,215  

Depreciation expense

     237,296       232,732       229,143  

Assets sold/written-off

     (140,420 )     (70,356 )     (104,327 )
                        

Balance at the end of the year

   $ 1,503,283     $ 1,406,407     $ 1,244,031  
                        

Note: Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation amounts do not include Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment.

 

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(b) Exhibits

 

3.1    Form of Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Boston Properties, Inc. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Boston Properties, Inc.’s Registration Statement on Form S-11, File No. 333-25279.)
3.2    Form of Amended and Restated Bylaws of Boston Properties, Inc. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to Boston Properties, Inc.’s Registration Statement on Form S-11, File No. 333-25279.)
3.3    Amendment No. 1 to Amended and Restated Bylaws of Boston Properties, Inc. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.3 to Boston Properties, Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on March 24, 2000.)
3.4    Amendment No. 2 to Amended and Restated Bylaws of Boston Properties, Inc. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.4 to Boston Properties, Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on February 26, 2004.)
3.5    Amendment No. 3 to Amended and Restated By-Laws of Boston Properties, Inc. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Boston Properties, Inc.’s Form 8-K filed on October 19, 2007.)
3.6    Amended and Restated Certificate of Designations of Series E Junior Participating Cumulative Preferred Stock of Boston Properties, Inc. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Boston Properties, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 18, 2007.)
4.1    Shareholder Rights Agreement, dated as of June 18, 2007, between Boston Properties, Inc. and Computershare Trust Company, N.A., as Rights Agent. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Boston Properties, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 18, 2007.)
4.2    Form of Certificate of Designations for Series A Preferred Stock of Boston Properties, Inc. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.26 to Boston Properties, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 25, 1998.)
4.3    Form of Common Stock Certificate of Boston Properties, Inc. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to Boston Properties, Inc.’s Registration Statement on Form S-11, File No. 333-25279.)
4.4    Indenture, dated as of December 13, 2002, by and between Boston Properties Limited Partnership and The Bank of New York, as Trustee. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Boston Properties, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K/A filed on December 13, 2002.)
4.5    Supplemental Indenture No. 1, dated as of December 13, 2002, by and between Boston Properties Limited Partnership and The Bank of New York, as Trustee, including a form of the 6.25% Senior Note due 2013. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to Boston Properties, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K/A filed on December 13, 2002.)
4.6    Supplemental Indenture No. 2, dated as of January 17, 2003, by and between Boston Properties Limited Partnership and The Bank of New York, as Trustee, including a form of the 6.25% Senior Note due 2013. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Boston Properties, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 23, 2003.)
4.7    Supplemental Indenture No. 3, dated as of March 18, 2003, by and between Boston Properties Limited Partnership and The Bank of New York, as Trustee, including a form of the 5.625% Senior Note due 2015. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.6 to Boston Properties Limited Partnership’s Amendment No. 3 to Form 10 filed on May 13, 2003.)
4.8    Supplemental Indenture No. 4, dated as of May 22, 2003, by and between Boston Properties Limited Partnership and The Bank of New York, as Trustee, including a form of the 5.00% Senior Note due 2015. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to Boston Properties Limited Partnership’s Form S-4 filed on June 13, 2003, File No. 333-106127.)

 

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4.9    Supplemental Indenture No. 5, dated as of April 6, 2006, by and between Boston Properties Limited Partnership and The Bank of New York Trust Company, N.A., as Trustee, including a form of the 3.75% Exchangeable Senior Note due 2036. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Boston Properties, Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on May 10, 2006.)
4.10    Supplemental Indenture No. 6, dated February 6, 2007, by and between Boston Properties Limited Partnership and The Bank of New York Trust Company, N.A., as Trustee, including a form of the 2.875% Exchangeable Senior Note due 2037. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Current Report on Form 8-K of Boston Properties Limited Partnership filed on February 6, 2007.)
4.11    Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of February 6, 2007, among Boston Properties Limited Partnership, Boston Properties, Inc., JP Morgan Securities Inc. and Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of Boston Properties Limited Partnership filed on February 6, 2007.)
10.1    Purchase Agreement, dated as of January 31, 2007, among Boston Properties Limited Partnership, Boston Properties, Inc. (solely for purposes of Sections 4(k), 4(p) and 5(k) therein), JP Morgan Securities Inc. and Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Current Report on Form 8-K of Boston Properties Limited Partnership filed on February 6, 2007.)
10.2    Second Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Boston Properties Limited Partnership, dated as of June 29, 1998. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to Boston Properties, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 15, 1998.)
10.3    Certificate of Designations for the Series Two Preferred Units, dated November 12, 1998, constituting an amendment to the Second Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Boston Properties Limited Partnership. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.24 to Boston Properties, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 25, 1998.)
10.4*    Forty-Seventh Amendment to the Second Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Boston Properties Limited Partnership, dated as of April 11, 2003, by Boston Properties, Inc., as general partner. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Boston Properties, Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on August 14, 2003.)
10.5*    Seventy-Seventh Amendment to the Second Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Boston Properties Limited Partnership, dated as of January 24, 2008, by Boston Properties, Inc., as general partner. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to Boston Properties, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 29, 2008.)
10.6*    Second Amendment and Restatement of Boston Properties, Inc. 1997 Stock Option and Incentive Plan. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit A to Boston Properties, Inc.’s Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A filed on April 6, 2007.)
10.7*    Form of 2008 Outperformance Award Agreement. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Boston Properties, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 29, 2008.)
10.8*    Boston Properties, Inc. 1999 Non-Qualified Employee Stock Purchase Plan. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.59 to Boston Properties, Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on March 15, 2005.)
10.9*    First Amendment to the Boston Properties, Inc. 1999 Non-Qualified Employee Stock Purchase Plan. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.60 to Boston Properties, Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on March 15, 2005.)
10.10*    Second Amendment to the Boston Properties, Inc. 1999 Non-Qualified Employee Stock Purchase Plan. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.61 to Boston Properties, Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on March 15, 2005.)

 

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10.11*    Form of Employee Long Term Incentive Unit Vesting Agreement under the Boston Properties, Inc. Amended and Restated 1997 Stock Option and Incentive Plan. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.68 to Boston Properties, Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on February 26, 2004.)
10.12*    Form of Long Term Incentive Plan Unit Vesting Agreement between each of Messrs. Mortimer B. Zuckerman and Edward H. Linde and Boston Properties, Inc. and Boston Properties Limited Partnership. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.69 to Boston Properties, Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on February 26, 2004.)
10.13*    Form of Director Long Term Incentive Plan Unit Vesting Agreement under the Boston Properties, Inc. Amended and Restated 1997 Stock Option and Incentive Plan. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Boston Properties, Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on August 14, 2003.)
10.14*    Form of Employee Restricted Stock Award Agreement under the Boston Properties, Inc. 1997 Stock Option and Incentive Plan. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Boston Properties, Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on November 9, 2004.)
10.15*    Form of Director Restricted Stock Award Agreement under the Boston Properties, Inc. Amended and Restated 1997 Stock Option and Incentive Plan. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Boston Properties, Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on November 9, 2004.)
10.16*    Boston Properties Deferred Compensation Plan effective, March 1, 2002. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Boston Properties, Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on May 15, 2002.)
10.17*    Employment Agreement by and between Mortimer B. Zuckerman and Boston Properties, Inc. dated as of January 17, 2003. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to Boston Properties, Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on February 27, 2003.)
10.18*    First Amendment to Employment Agreement, dated as of November 1, 2007, by and between Boston Properties, Inc. and Mortimer B. Zuckerman. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Boston Properties, Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on November 9, 2007.)
10.19*    Amended and Restated Employment Agreement by and between Edward H. Linde and Boston Properties, Inc. dated as of November 29, 2002. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to Boston Properties, Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on February 27, 2003.)
10.20*    First Amendment to Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, dated as of November 1, 2007, by and between Boston Properties, Inc. and Edward H. Linde. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Boston Properties, Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on November 9, 2007.)
10.21*    Employment Agreement by and between Douglas T. Linde and Boston Properties, Inc. dated as of November 29, 2002. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.12 to Boston Properties, Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on February 27, 2003.)
10.22*    First Amendment to Employment Agreement, dated as of November 1, 2007, by and between Boston Properties, Inc. and Douglas T. Linde. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to Boston Properties, Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on November 9, 2007.)
10.23*    Amended and Restated Employment Agreement by and between Raymond A. Ritchey and Boston Properties, Inc. dated as of November 29, 2002. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.15 to Boston Properties, Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on February 27, 2003.)
10.24*    First Amendment to Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, dated as of November 1, 2007, by and between Boston Properties, Inc. and Raymond A. Ritchey. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to Boston Properties, Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on November 9, 2007.)
10.25*    Amended and Restated Employment Agreement by and between E. Mitchell Norville and Boston Properties, Inc. dated as of August 25, 2005. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Boston Properties, Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on November 9, 2005.)

 

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10.26*    First Amendment to Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, dated as of November 1, 2007, by and between Boston Properties, Inc. and E. Mitchell Norville. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to Boston Properties, Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on November 9, 2007.)
10.27*    Employment Agreement by and between Michael E. LaBelle and Boston Properties, Inc. dated as of January 24, 2008. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Boston Properties, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 29, 2008.)
10.28*    Employment Agreement by and between Peter D. Johnston and Boston Properties, Inc. dated as of August 25, 2005. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Boston Properties, Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on November 9, 2005.)
10.29*    First Amendment to Employment Agreement, dated as of November 1, 2007, by and between Boston Properties, Inc. and Peter D. Johnston. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to Boston Properties, Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on November 9, 2007.)
10.30*    Employment Agreement by and between Bryan J. Koop and Boston Properties, Inc. dated as of November 29, 2002. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.10 to Boston Properties, Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on February 27, 2003.)
10.31*    First Amendment to Employment Agreement, dated as of November 1, 2007, by and between Boston Properties, Inc. and Bryan J. Koop. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to Boston Properties, Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on November 9, 2007.)
10.32*    Amended and Restated Employment Agreement by and between Robert E. Selsam and Boston Properties, Inc. dated as of November 29, 2002. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.16 to Boston Properties, Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on February 27, 2003.)
10.33*    First Amendment to Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, dated as of November 1, 2007, by and between Boston Properties, Inc. and Robert E. Selsam. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to Boston Properties, Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on November 9, 2007.)
10.34*    Compensation Agreement between Boston Properties, Inc. and Robert E. Selsam, dated as of August 10, 1995 relating to 90 Church Street. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.26 to Boston Properties, Inc.’s Registration Statement on Form S-11, File No. 333-25279.)
10.35*    Employment Agreement by and between Robert E. Pester and Boston Properties, Inc. dated as of December 16, 2002. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.14 to Boston Properties, Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on February 27, 2003.)
10.36*    First Amendment to Employment Agreement, dated as of November 1, 2007, by and between Boston Properties, Inc. and Robert E. Pester. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 to Boston Properties, Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on November 9, 2007.)
10.37*    Employment Agreement by and between Mitchell S. Landis and Boston Properties, Inc. dated as of November 26, 2002. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.11 to Boston Properties, Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on February 27, 2003.)
10.38*    First Amendment to Employment Agreement, dated as of November 1, 2007, by and between Boston Properties, Inc. and Mitchell S. Landis. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.10 to Boston Properties, Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on November 9, 2007.)
10.39*    Senior Executive Severance Agreement by and among Boston Properties, Inc., Boston Properties Limited Partnership and Mortimer B. Zuckerman. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.17 to Boston Properties, Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on February 27, 2003.)
10.40*    First Amendment to the Senior Executive Severance Agreement, dated as of November 1, 2007, by and among Boston Properties, Inc., Boston Properties Limited Partnership and Mortimer B. Zuckerman. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.11 to Boston Properties, Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on November 9, 2007.)

 

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10.41*    Senior Executive Severance Agreement by and among Boston Properties, Inc., Boston Properties Limited Partnership and Edward H. Linde. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.18 to Boston Properties, Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on February 27, 2003.)
10.42*    First Amendment to the Senior Executive Severance Agreement, dated as of November 1, 2007, by and among Boston Properties, Inc., Boston Properties Limited Partnership and Edward H. Linde. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.12 to Boston Properties, Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on November 9, 2007.)
10.43*    Boston Properties, Inc. Senior Executive Severance Plan. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.19 to Boston Properties, Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on February 27, 2003.)
10.44*    First Amendment to the Boston Properties, Inc. Senior Executive Severance Plan, dated as of October 18, 2007. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.13 to Boston Properties, Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on November 9, 2007.)
10.45*    Boston Properties, Inc. Executive Severance Plan, dated as of July 30, 1998. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.20 to Boston Properties, Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on February 27, 2003.)
10.46*    First Amendment to the Boston Properties, Inc. Executive Severance Plan, dated as of October 18, 2007. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.14 to Boston Properties, Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on November 9, 2007.)
10.47*    Boston Properties, Inc. Officer Severance Plan, dated as of July 30, 1998. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.15 to Boston Properties, Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on November 9, 2007.)
10.48*    First Amendment to the Boston Properties, Inc. Officer Severance Plan, dated as of October 18, 2007. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.16 to Boston Properties, Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on November 9, 2007.)
10.49*    Form of Indemnification Agreement by and among Boston Properties, Inc., Boston Properties Limited Partnership and certain officers and directors of the Company. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Boston Properties, Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on August 9, 2004.)
10.50*    Omnibus Option Agreement by and among Boston Properties Limited Partnership and the Grantors named therein, dated as of April 9, 1997. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to Boston Properties, Inc.’s Registration Statement on Form S-11, File No. 333-25279.)
10.51    Fifth Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Agreement, dated as of August 3, 2006, among Boston Properties Limited Partnership and the banks identified therein and Bank of America, N.A. as administrative agent, swingline lender and fronting bank, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. as syndication agent, and Eurohypo AG-New York Branch, Keybank National Association, Wells Fargo Bank National Association as documentation agents, with The Bank of New York, Citicorp North America, Inc., Citizens Bank of Massachusetts, Deutsche Bank Trust Company, PNC Bank-National Association as co-managing agents and J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. and Banc of America Securities LLC acting as joint lead arrangers and joint bookrunners. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Boston Properties, Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on August 9, 2006.)
10.52    Contribution and Conveyance Agreement concerning the Carnegie Portfolio, dated June 30, 1998, by and among Boston Properties, Inc., Boston Properties Limited Partnership, and the parties named therein as Landis Parties. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.3 to Boston Properties, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 15, 1998.)
10.53    Contribution Agreement, dated June 30, 1998, by and among Boston Properties, Inc., Boston Properties Limited Partnership, and the parties named therein as Landis Parties. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.4 to Boston Properties, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 15, 1998.)

 

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10.54    Agreement, dated as of October 21, 2004, by and among Boston Properties Limited Partnership, Boston Properties, Inc., Alan B. Landis, The Landis Group, ABL Capital Corp. and Princeton Land Partners, L.L.C. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to Boston Properties, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on October 25, 2004.)
10.55    Development Agreement, dated as of June 30, 1998, by and among Boston Properties Limited Partnership, ABL Capital Corp. and Princeton Land Partners, L.L.C. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.2 to Boston Properties, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on October 25, 2004.)
10.56    First Amendment to Development Agreement, dated as of October 21, 2004, by and among Boston Properties Limited Partnership, ABL Capital Corp. and Princeton Land Partners, L.L.C. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.3 to Boston Properties, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on October 25, 2004.)
10.57    Purchase and Sale Agreement, dated as of November 12, 1998, by and between Two Embarcadero Center West and BP OFR LLC. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to Boston Properties, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 25, 1998.)
10.58    Contribution Agreement, dated as of November 12, 1998, by and among Boston Properties, Inc., Boston Properties Limited Partnership, Embarcadero Center Investors Partnership and the partners in Embarcadero Center Investors Partnership listed on Exhibit A thereto. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.2 to Boston Properties, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 25, 1998.)
10.59    Contribution Agreement, dated as of November 12, 1998, by and among Boston Properties, Inc., Boston Properties Limited Partnership, Three Embarcadero Center West and the partners in Three Embarcadero Center West listed on Exhibit A thereto. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.3 to Boston Properties, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 25, 1998.)
10.60    Three Embarcadero Center West Redemption Agreement, dated as of November 12, 1998, by and among Three Embarcadero Center West, Boston Properties Limited Partnership, BP EC West LLC, The Prudential Insurance Company of America, PIC Realty Corporation and Prudential Realty Securities II, Inc. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.4 to Boston Properties, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 25, 1998.)
10.61    Three Embarcadero Center West Property Contribution Agreement, dated as of November 12, 1998, by and among Three Embarcadero Center West, The Prudential Insurance Company of America, PIC Realty Corporation, Prudential Realty Securities II, Inc., Boston Properties Limited Partnership, Boston Properties, Inc. and BP EC West LLC. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.5 to Boston Properties, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 25, 1998.)
10.62    Master Agreement by and between New York State Common Retirement Fund and Boston Properties Limited Partnership, dated as of May 12, 2000. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.54 to Boston Properties, Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on March 30, 2001.)
10.63    Contract of Sale, dated as of February 6, 2001, by and between Dai-Ichi Life Investment Properties, Inc., as seller, and Skyline Holdings LLC, as purchaser. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to Boston Properties, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 10, 2001.)
10.64    Agreement to Enter into Assignment and Assumption of Unit Two Contract of Sale, dated as of February 6, 2001, by and between Dai-Ichi Life Investment Properties, Inc., as assignor, and Skyline Holdings II LLC, as assignee. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.2 to Boston Properties, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 10, 2001.)
10.65    Contract of Sale, dated as of November 22, 2000, by and between Citibank, N.A., as seller, and Dai-Ichi Life Investment Properties, Inc., as purchaser. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.3 to Boston Properties, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 10, 2001.)
10.66    Assignment and Assumption Agreement, dated as of April 25, 2001, by and between Skyline Holdings LLC, as assignor, and BP/CGCenter I LLC, as assignee. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.4 to Boston Properties, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 10, 2001.)

 

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10.67    Assignment and Assumption Agreement, dated as of April 25, 2001, by and between Skyline Holdings II LLC, as assignor, and BP/CGCenter II LLC, as assignee. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.5 to Boston Properties, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 10, 2001.)
10.68    Assignment and Assumption of Contract of Sale, dated as of April 25, 2001, by and among Dai-Ichi Life Investment Properties, Inc., as assignor, BP/CGCenter II LLC, as assignee, and Citibank, N.A., as seller. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.6 to Boston Properties, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 10, 2001.)
10.69    Amended and Restated Operating Agreement of BP/CGCenter Acquisition Co. LLC, a Delaware limited liability company. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.7 to Boston Properties, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 10, 2001.)
10.70    Purchase and Sale Agreement between BP 280 Park Avenue LLC and Istithmar Building FZE dated April 25, 2006. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Boston Properties, Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on May 10, 2006.)
10.71    Purchase and Sale Agreement, dated as of November 17, 2006, between No. 5 Times Square Development LLC and AVR Crossroads LLC. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to Boston Properties, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 16, 2007.)
10.72    Amendment to Purchase and Sale Agreement, dated as of February 15, 2007, between No. 5 Times Square Development LLC and AVR Crossroads LLC. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.2 to Boston Properties, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 16, 2007.)
10.73    ESAC Receivable Sale Agreement, dated as of November 17, 2006, between No. 5 Times Square Development LLC and AVR Crossroads LLC. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.3 to Boston Properties, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 16, 2007.)
10.74    Amendment to ESAC Receivable Sale Agreement, dated as of February 15, 2007, between No. 5 Times Square Development LLC and AVR Crossroads LLC. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.4 to Boston Properties, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 16, 2007.)
12.1    Statement re Computation of Ratios. (Filed herewith.)
21.1    Subsidiaries of Boston Properties Limited Partnership (Filed herewith.)
23.1    Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting firm. (Filed herewith.)
31.1    Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Chief Executive Officer of Boston Properties, Inc. pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. (Filed herewith.)
31.2    Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Chief Financial Officer of Boston Properties, Inc. pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. (Filed herewith.)
32.1    Section 1350 Certification of Chief Executive Officer of Boston Properties, Inc. pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. (Furnished herewith.)
32.2    Section 1350 Certification of Chief Financial Officer of Boston Properties, Inc. pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. (Furnished herewith.)

 

* Indicates management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement required to be filed or incorporated by reference as an exhibit to this Form 10-K pursuant to Item 15(b) of Form 10-K.

 

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant, Boston Properties Limited Partnership, has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

   

BOSTON PROPERTIES LIMITED PARTNERSHIP

            By: Boston Properties, Inc., its General Partner

Date:    
February 29, 2008   By:  

/s/    MICHAEL E. LABELLE        

    Michael E. LaBelle
    Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant, and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

February 29, 2008    
  By:  

/s/    MORTIMER B. ZUCKERMAN        

    Mortimer B. Zuckerman
    Chairman of the Board of Directors
 

By:

 

/s/    EDWARD H. LINDE        

    Edward H. Linde
    Chief Executive Officer and Director
 

By:

 

/s/    LAWRENCE S. BACOW        

    Lawrence S. Bacow
    Director
 

By:

 

/s/    Z BAIRD        

    Zoë Baird
    Director
 

By:

 

/s/    CAROL B. EINIGER        

    Carol B. Einiger
    Director
 

By:

 

/s/    ALAN J. PATRICOF        

    Alan J. Patricof
    Director
 

By:

 

/s/    RICHARD E. SALOMON        

    Richard E. Salomon
    Director
 

By:

 

/s/    MARTIN TURCHIN        

    Martin Turchin
    Director

 

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By:

 

/s/    DAVID A. TWARDOCK        

    David A. Twardock
    Director
 

By:

 

/s/    MICHAEL E. LABELLE        

    Michael E. LaBelle
    Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Principal Financial Officer
 

By:

 

/s/    ARTHUR S. FLASHMAN        

    Arthur S. Flashman
   

Vice President, Controller and Principal Accounting

Officer

 

155

STATEMENT RE COMPUTATION OF RATIOS

EXHIBIT 12.1

BOSTON PROPERTIES LIMITED PARTNERSHIP

CALCULATION OF RATIOS OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES

CALCULATION OF RATIOS OF EARNINGS TO COMBINED FIXED

CHARGES AND PREFERRED DISTRIBUTIONS

Boston Properties Limited Partnership’s ratios of earnings to fixed charges and ratios of earnings to combined fixed charges and preferred distributions for the five years ended December 31, 2007 were as follows:

 

    Year Ended December 31,  
    2007     2006     2005     2004     2003  
    (dollars in thousands)  

Earnings:

         

Add:

         

Income before minority interests in property partnerships, income from unconsolidated joint ventures, gains on sales of real estate and other assets, discontinued operations, cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle and preferred distributions and allocation of undistributed earnings

  $ 361,249     $ 298,767     $ 290,947     $ 290,984     $ 276,132  

Gains on sales of real estate and other assets

    957,406       727,131       188,546       9,822       70,627  

Amortization of interest capitalized

    2,394       3,387       3,298       2,845       2,640  

Distributions from unconsolidated joint ventures

    7,157       8,206       7,179       6,663       8,412  

Combined fixed charges and preferred distributions (see below)

    327,362       326,995       340,589       334,082       342,244  

Subtract:

         

Interest capitalized

    (31,046 )     (5,921 )     (5,718 )     (10,849 )     (19,200 )

Preferred distributions

    (10,429 )     (22,814 )     (26,780 )     (17,063 )     (23,608 )
                                       

Total earnings

  $ 1,614,093     $ 1,335,751     $ 798,061     $ 616,484     $ 657,247  
                                       

Fixed charges:

         

Interest expensed

  $ 285,887     $ 298,260     $ 308,091     $ 306,170     $ 299,436  

Interest capitalized

    31,046       5,921       5,718       10,849       19,200  
                                       

Total fixed charges

  $ 316,933     $ 304,181     $ 313,809     $ 317,019     $ 318,636  
                                       

Preferred distributions

    10,429       22,814       26,780       17,063       23,608  
                                       

Total combined fixed charges and preferred distributions

  $ 327,362     $ 326,995     $ 340,589     $ 334,082     $ 342,244  
                                       

Ratio of earnings to fixed charges

    5.09       4.39       2.54       1.94       2.06  
                                       

Ratio of earnings to combined fixed charges and preferred distributions

    4.93       4.08       2.34       1.85       1.92  
                                       
SUBSIDIARIES OF BOSTON PROPERTIES LIMITED PARTNERSHIP

Exhibit 21.1

 

Subsidiary

  

State of

Organization

101 Carnegie Center Associates    New Jersey
17M Associates    District of Columbia
191 Spring Street Trust    Massachusetts
206 Associates Limited Partnership    New Jersey
210 Associates Limited Partnership    New Jersey
211 Associates Limited Partnership    New Jersey
30 Shattuck Road LLC    Delaware
40-46 Harvard Street Trust    Massachusetts
46th & Eighth Associates LLC    Delaware
90 Church Street Limited Partnership    Delaware
91 Hartwell Avenue Trust    Massachusetts
92 Hayden Avenue Trust    Massachusetts
738 Eighth Avenue LLC    Delaware
AJ Lot 2R Financing LLC    Delaware
AJ Lot 2R LLC    Delaware
AJ Lot 3R Financing LLC    Delaware
AJ Lot 3R LLC    Delaware
AJ Lot 4R Financing LLC    Delaware
AJ Lot 4R LLC    Delaware
Annapolis Junction NFM LLC    Delaware
Big Apple Associates Limited Partnership    Delaware
Billerica Road LLC    Delaware
Billerica Road Member LLC    Delaware
Boston Properties LLC    Delaware
Boston Properties Management, Inc.    Delaware
Boston Properties Management LLC    Delaware
Boston Properties Office Value-Added Fund, L.P.    Delaware
Boston Properties TRS, Inc.    Delaware
BP-AJ LLC    Delaware
BP 103 Fourth Avenue LLC    Delaware
BP 111 Huntington Ave LLC    Delaware
BP 1330 Connecticut Avenue LLC    Delaware
BP 1333 New Hampshire Avenue LLC    Delaware
BP 140 Kendrick Street LLC    Delaware
BP 140 Kendrick Street Property LLC    Delaware
BP 20 F Street Limited Partnership    Delaware
BP 201 Spring Street LLC    Delaware
BP 280 Park Avenue LLC    Delaware
BP 280 Park Avenue Mezzanine LLC    Delaware
BP 303 Almaden Associates LLC    Delaware
BP 399 Park Avenue LLC    Delaware
BP 599 Lexington Avenue LLC    Delaware
BP 99 Third Avenue LLC    Delaware
BP Almaden Associates LLC    Delaware
BP Atlantic Blvd LLC    Delaware
BP Belvidere LLC    Delaware
BP Cambridge Center Residential LLC    Delaware
BP Crane Meadow, L.L.C.    Delaware
BP East Garage LLC    Delaware
BP EC1 Holdings LLC    Delaware


Subsidiary

  

State of

Organization

BP EC2 Holdings LLC    Delaware
BP EC3 Holdings LLC    Delaware
BP EC4 Holdings LLC    Delaware
BP Five CC LLC    Delaware
BP Four CC LLC    Delaware
BP Fourth Avenue, L.L.C.    Delaware
BP Gateway Center LLC    Delaware
BP Hotel LLC    Delaware
BP II LLC    Delaware
BP III LLC    Delaware
BP Kingstowne Office Building K LLC    Delaware
BP Kingstowne Office Building T LLC    Delaware
BP Kingstowne Theatre LLC    Delaware
BP Management Sub LLC    Delaware
BP Management, L.P.    Delaware
BP MV Research Park LLC    Delaware
BP MV Technology Park LLC    Delaware
BP New Dominion Technology Office Park II, LLC    Delaware
BP North First LLC    Delaware
BP Office Fund REIT, Inc.    Maryland
BP Office Value-Added LLC    Delaware
BP Prospect Place LLC    Delaware
BP Prucenter Acquisition LLC    Delaware
BP Prucenter Development LLC    Delaware
BP Prucenter Exeter LLC    Delaware
BP Prucenter Fairfield LLC    Delaware
BP Realty New Jersey LLC    New Jersey
BP Realty Washington LLC    Delaware
BP Reston Eastgate LLC    Delaware
BP Russia Wharf LLC    Delaware
BP Seven Cambridge Center LLC    Delaware
BP Supermarket LLC    Delaware
BP Third Avenue LLC    Delaware
BP Times Square Tower Mezzanine LLC    Delaware
BP Weston Quarry LLC    Delaware
BP Zanker Road LLC    Delaware
BP/CG Member I LLC    Delaware
BP/CG Member II LLC    Delaware
BP/CG Member III LLC    Delaware
BP/CGCenter Acquisition Co. LLC    Delaware
BP/CGCenter I LLC    Delaware
BP/CGCenter II LLC    Delaware
BP/CGCenter MM LLC    Delaware
BP/CGCenter MM2 LLC    Delaware
BP/CRF 901 New York Avenue LLC    Delaware
BP/DC Properties, Inc.    Maryland
BP/DC REIT LLC    Delaware
Broad Run Building E LLC    Delaware
Cambridge Center North Trust    Massachusetts
Cambridge Center West Garage LLC    Delaware
Cambridge Center West Trust    Massachusetts
Carnegie 214 Associates Limited Partnership    New Jersey


Subsidiary

  

State of

Organization

Carnegie 504 Associates    New Jersey
Carnegie 506 Associates    New Jersey
Carnegie 508 Associates    New Jersey
Carnegie 510 Associates, L.L.C.    Delaware
Carnegie Center Associates    New Jersey
Circle Star LLC    Delaware
CRF Met Square LLC    Delaware
Discovery Square, L.L.C.    Delaware
Downtown Boston Properties Trust    Massachusetts
Elandzee Trust    Massachusetts
Eleven Cambridge Center Trust    Massachusetts
Embarcadero Center Associates    California
Embarcadero Center, Inc.    California
Four Embarcadero Center Venture    California
Fourteen Cambridge Center Trust    Massachusetts
Gateway Center LLC    Delaware
Gladden Properties LLC    Delaware
Hayden Office Trust    Massachusetts
IXP, LLC    Vermont
Jones Road Development Associates LLC    Delaware
KEG I Associates, LLC    Delaware
Lexreal Associates Limited Partnership    New York
LKE BP Fourth Avenue Limited Partnership    Massachusetts
Mall Road Trust    Massachusetts
Market Square North Associates Limited Partnership    Delaware
MBZ-Lex Trust    Massachusetts
MGA Virginia 85-1 Limited Partnership    Virginia
MGA Virginia 86-1 Limited Partnership    Virginia
MGA Virginia 86-2 Limited Partnership    Virginia
Montgomery Village Avenue Joint Venture Limited Partnership    Maryland
Montvale LLC    Maryland
New Dominion Technology Corp.    Delaware
New Dominion Technology Park II LLC    Delaware
New Dominion Technology Park LLC    Delaware
North First EAT LLC    Delaware
No. 1 Times Square Development LLC    Delaware
No. 5 Times Square Development LLC    Delaware
Ocean View Development Company Limited Partnership    District of Columbia
One Cambridge Center Trust    Massachusetts
One Embarcadero Center Venture    California
One Freedom Square, L.L.C.    Delaware
Princeton 202 Associates Limited Partnership    New Jersey
Princeton Childcare Associates Limited Partnership    New Jersey
RBP 45th Associates LLC    New York
Reston Corporate Center Limited Partnership    Virginia
Reston Streets LLC    Delaware
Reston Town Center Office Park Phase One Limited Partnership    Virginia
Reston VA 939, L.L.C.    Delaware
Russia Wharf Ground Tenant LLC    Delaware
School Street Associates Limited Partnership    District of Columbia
SCV Partners    New Jersey
South of Market LLC    Delaware


Subsidiary

  

State of

Organization

South of Market Garage LLC    Delaware
Springfield 6601 LLC    Delaware
Springfield Metro Center II, LLC    Delaware
Springfield Parcel C LLC    Delaware
Square 407 Limited Partnership    District of Columbia
Stony Brook Associates LLC    Delaware
Ten Cambridge Center Trust    Massachusetts
The Double B Partnership    Massachusetts
The Double B Trust    Massachusetts
The Metropolitan Square Associates LLC    District of Columbia
Three Cambridge Center Trust    Massachusetts
Three Embarcadero Center Venture    California
Times Square Tower Associates LLC    Delaware
Tower Oaks Financing LLC    Delaware
Tracer Lane Trust II    Massachusetts
Two Cambridge Center Trust    Massachusetts
Two Freedom Square, L.L.C.    Delaware
Washingtonian North Associates Limited Partnership    Maryland
Wisconsin Place Office Borrower LLC    Delaware
Wisconsin Place Office LLC    Delaware
Wisconsin Place Office Manager LLC    Delaware
Wisconsin Place Retail LLC    Delaware
Worldgate Member LLC    Delaware
Worldgate Plaza LLC    Delaware
WP Borrower LLC    Delaware
WP Trust    Massachusetts
WP Project Developer LLC    Delaware
Zee Bee Trust II    Massachusetts
Zee Em Trust II    Massachusetts
CONSENT OF PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP

Exhibit 23.1

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements on Form S-3 (File Numbers 333-144859, 333-141257 and 333-107792) and on Form S-8 (File Numbers 333-148926 and 333-112109) of Boston Properties Limited Partnership of our report dated February 29, 2008 relating to the financial statements, financial statement schedule, and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, which appears in this Form 10-K.

/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Boston, MA

February 29, 2008

CERTIFICATION OF CEO PURSUANT TO SECTION 302

Exhibit 31.1

CERTIFICATION

I, Edward H. Linde, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Boston Properties Limited Partnership;

2. Based on my knowledge, this 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 report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this 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 report;

4. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-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 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 report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

(d) Disclosed in this 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 an 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 officer(s) 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 (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which 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.

Date: February 29, 2008

 

/s/    EDWARD H. LINDE        

Edward H. Linde

Chief Executive Officer of Boston Properties, Inc., sole

general partner of Boston Properties Limited Partnership

CERTIFICATION OF CFO PURSUANT TO SECTION 302

Exhibit 31.2

CERTIFICATION

I, Michael E. LaBelle, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Boston Properties Limited Partnership;

2. Based on my knowledge, this 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 report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this 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 report;

4. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-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 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 report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

(d) Disclosed in this 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 an 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 officer(s) 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 (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which 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.

Date: February 29, 2008

 

/s/    MICHAEL E. LABELLE        

Michael E. LaBelle

Chief Financial Officer of Boston Properties, Inc., sole

general partner of Boston Properties Limited Partnership

CERTIFICATION OF CEO PURSUANT TO SECTION 906

Exhibit 32.1

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350, AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

The undersigned officer of Boston Properties, Inc., the sole general partner of Boston Properties Limited Partnership (the “Company”), hereby certifies to my knowledge that the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2007 (the “Report”), as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof, fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d), as applicable, of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and that the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company. This certification shall not be deemed “filed” for any purpose, nor shall it be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 regardless of any general incorporation language in such filing.

Date: February 29, 2008

 

/s/    EDWARD H. LINDE        

Edward H. Linde

Chief Executive Officer of Boston Properties, Inc., sole

general partner of Boston Properties Limited Partnership

CERTIFICATION OF CFO PURSUANT TO SECTION 3906

Exhibit 32.2

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350, AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

The undersigned officer of Boston Properties, Inc., the sole general partner of Boston Properties Limited Partnership (the “Company”), hereby certifies to my knowledge that the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2007 (the “Report”), as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof, fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d), as applicable, of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and that the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company. This certification shall not be deemed “filed” for any purpose, nor shall it be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 regardless of any general incorporation language in such filing.

Date: February 29, 2008

 

/s/    MICHAEL E. LABELLE        

Michael E. LaBelle

Chief Financial Officer of Boston Properties, Inc., sole

general partner of Boston Properties Limited Partnership