Global Net Lease, Inc. (GNL)
SIC breadcrumb: Finance, Insurance, And Real Estate > Holding And Other Investment Offices > SIC 6798 Real Estate Investment Trusts
SEC company page: https://www.sec.gov/edgar/browse/?CIK=1526113. Latest filing source: 0001628280-26-011696.
Informational only - descriptive public-record data, not investment advice.
Business
Read GNL's verbatim Item 1 Business section from its latest 10-K: Business.
Risk Factors
Read GNL's verbatim Item 1A Risk Factors from its latest 10-K: Risk Factors.
Selected Fundamentals
| Metric | Value | Unit | FY | Filed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue | 495,286,000 | USD | 2025 | 2026-02-25 |
| Net income | -225,457,000 | USD | 2025 | 2026-02-25 |
| Assets | 4,347,203,000 | USD | 2025 | 2026-02-25 |
Financials
Annual standardized facts from SEC companyfacts as of latest extracted filing date 2026-02-25. Source: https://data.sec.gov/api/xbrl/companyfacts/CIK0001526113.json. Derived margins, ratios, and free cash flow are computed from the extracted annual SEC facts.
| Metric | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue | 214,174,000 | 259,295,000 | 282,207,000 | 306,214,000 | 330,104,000 | 391,228,000 | 378,857,000 | 445,761,000 | 569,793,000 | 495,286,000 | |
| Net income | 47,577,000 | 23,586,000 | 10,897,000 | 46,476,000 | 10,778,000 | 11,366,000 | 12,023,000 | -211,910,000 | -131,572,000 | -225,457,000 | |
| Operating income | 73,623,000 | 87,137,000 | 68,020,000 | 114,895,000 | 99,243,000 | 111,913,000 | 100,543,000 | -15,293,000 | 188,119,000 | 110,983,000 | |
| Diluted EPS | 0.30 | 0.01 | 0.39 | -0.09 | -0.20 | -0.09 | -1.71 | -0.76 | -1.21 | ||
| Operating cash flow | 114,394,000 | 130,954,000 | 144,597,000 | 145,999,000 | 176,851,000 | 192,493,000 | 181,820,000 | 143,743,000 | 299,470,000 | 222,790,000 | |
| Dividends paid | 120,386,000 | 142,739,000 | 147,444,000 | 150,779,000 | 155,059,000 | 156,218,000 | 166,837,000 | 206,994,000 | 272,435,000 | 192,061,000 | |
| Share buybacks | 2,313,000 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 156,000 | 686,000 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 120,279,000 | |
| Assets | 2,891,467,000 | 3,038,595,000 | 3,309,478,000 | 3,701,605,000 | 3,967,014,000 | 4,182,956,000 | 3,961,826,000 | 8,098,977,000 | 6,955,764,000 | 4,347,203,000 | |
| Liabilities | 1,535,486,000 | 1,624,352,000 | 1,880,732,000 | 1,991,647,000 | 2,412,735,000 | 2,556,321,000 | 2,507,907,000 | 5,459,828,000 | 4,768,806,000 | 2,683,705,000 | |
| Stockholders' equity | 1,347,778,000 | 1,413,166,000 | 1,425,488,000 | 1,697,631,000 | 1,532,519,000 | 1,620,720,000 | 1,439,021,000 | 2,637,752,000 | 2,186,958,000 | 1,663,498,000 | |
| Cash and cash equivalents | 102,425,000 | 100,324,000 | 270,302,000 | 124,245,000 | 89,668,000 | 103,335,000 | 121,566,000 | 159,698,000 | 180,114,000 |
Ratios
| Metric | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net margin | 22.21% | 9.10% | 3.86% | 15.18% | 3.27% | 2.91% | 3.17% | -47.54% | -23.09% | -45.52% | |
| Operating margin | 34.38% | 33.61% | 24.10% | 37.52% | 30.06% | 28.61% | 26.54% | -3.43% | 33.02% | 22.41% | |
| Return on equity | 3.53% | 1.67% | 0.76% | 2.74% | 0.70% | 0.70% | 0.84% | -8.03% | -6.02% | -13.55% | |
| Return on assets | 1.65% | 0.78% | 0.33% | 1.26% | 0.27% | 0.27% | 0.30% | -2.62% | -1.89% | -5.19% | |
| Liabilities / equity | 1.14 | 1.15 | 1.32 | 1.17 | 1.57 | 1.58 | 1.74 | 2.07 | 2.18 | 1.61 |
Industry Peer Context
Net margin peer context
Operating margin peer context
ROE peer context
ROA peer context
Financial Charts
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001628280-26-011696; filed 2026-02-25. Concept: Revenues. Source concepts: us-gaap:Revenues.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001628280-26-011696; filed 2026-02-25. Concept: ProfitLoss. Source concepts: us-gaap:ProfitLoss.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001628280-26-011696; filed 2026-02-25. Concept: OperatingIncomeLoss. Source concepts: us-gaap:OperatingIncomeLoss.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001628280-26-011696; filed 2026-02-25. Concept: EarningsPerShareDiluted. Source concepts: us-gaap:EarningsPerShareDiluted.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001628280-26-011696; filed 2026-02-25. Concept: NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities. Source concepts: us-gaap:NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001628280-26-011696; filed 2026-02-25. Concept: PaymentsOfDividendsCommonStock. Source concepts: us-gaap:PaymentsOfDividendsCommonStock.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001628280-26-011696; filed 2026-02-25. Concept: PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock. Source concepts: us-gaap:PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001628280-26-011696; filed 2026-02-25. Concept: Assets. Source concepts: us-gaap:Assets.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001628280-26-011696; filed 2026-02-25. Concept: Liabilities. Source concepts: us-gaap:Liabilities.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001628280-26-011696; filed 2026-02-25. Concept: StockholdersEquity. Source concepts: us-gaap:StockholdersEquity.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001628280-26-011696; filed 2026-02-25. Concept: CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue. Source concepts: us-gaap:CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue.
Quarterly
Quarterly standardized facts from SEC companyfacts as of latest extracted filing date 2026-05-06. Source: https://data.sec.gov/api/xbrl/companyfacts/CIK0001526113.json.
| Quarter | End Date | Revenue | Net Income | Diluted EPS | Method |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022-Q2 | 2022-06-30 | -0.06 | reported discrete quarter | ||
| 2022-Q3 | 2022-09-30 | 0.09 | reported discrete quarter | ||
| 2023-Q1 | 2023-03-31 | -0.06 | reported discrete quarter | ||
| 2023-Q2 | 2023-06-30 | 95,844,000 | -26,258,000 | -0.30 | reported discrete quarter |
| 2023-Q3 | 2023-09-30 | 118,168,000 | -136,184,000 | -1.11 | reported discrete quarter |
| 2023-Q4 | 2023-12-31 | 206,726,000 | -48,578,000 | derived Q4 = FY annual - nine-month YTD | |
| 2024-Q1 | 2024-03-31 | 206,045,000 | -23,751,000 | -0.15 | reported discrete quarter |
| 2024-Q2 | 2024-06-30 | 203,286,000 | -35,664,000 | -0.20 | reported discrete quarter |
| 2024-Q3 | 2024-09-30 | 196,564,000 | -65,635,000 | -0.33 | reported discrete quarter |
| 2024-Q4 | 2024-12-31 | 199,115,000 | -6,522,000 | derived Q4 = FY annual - nine-month YTD | |
| 2025-Q1 | 2025-03-31 | 132,415,000 | -189,379,000 | -0.87 | reported discrete quarter |
| 2025-Q2 | 2025-06-30 | 124,905,000 | -24,143,000 | -0.16 | reported discrete quarter |
| 2025-Q3 | 2025-09-30 | 121,013,000 | -60,116,000 | -0.32 | reported discrete quarter |
| 2025-Q4 | 2025-12-31 | 116,953,000 | 48,181,000 | derived Q4 = FY annual - nine-month YTD | |
| 2026-Q1 | 2026-03-31 | 109,286,000 | -5,078,000 | -0.08 | reported discrete quarter |
Quarterly Charts
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2026 ended 2026-03-31; accession 0001628280-26-031288; filed 2026-05-06. Concept: Revenues. Source concepts: us-gaap:Revenues.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2026 ended 2026-03-31; accession 0001628280-26-031288; filed 2026-05-06. Concept: ProfitLoss. Source concepts: us-gaap:ProfitLoss.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2026 ended 2026-03-31; accession 0001628280-26-031288; filed 2026-05-06. Concept: EarningsPerShareDiluted. Source concepts: us-gaap:EarningsPerShareDiluted.
Macro Cross-References
- CPIAUCSL - Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers: All Items in U.S. City Average
- UNRATE - Unemployment Rate
- FEDFUNDS - Federal Funds Effective Rate
- CES0500000003 - Average Hourly Earnings of All Employees, Total Private
- DFEDTARU - Federal Funds Target Range - Upper Limit
- DFEDTARL - Federal Funds Target Range - Lower Limit
- DGS3MO - Market Yield on U.S. Treasury Securities at 3-Month Constant Maturity
- DGS2 - Market Yield on U.S. Treasury Securities at 2-Year Constant Maturity
- DGS10 - Market Yield on U.S. Treasury Securities at 10-Year Constant Maturity
- DGS30 - Market Yield on U.S. Treasury Securities at 30-Year Constant Maturity
- T10Y2Y - 10-Year Treasury Constant Maturity Minus 2-Year Treasury Constant Maturity
- CPILFESL - Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers: All Items Less Food and Energy
- CPIUFDSL - Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers: Food
- CPIENGSL - Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers: Energy
- CUSR0000SAH1 - Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers: Shelter
- PCEPI - Personal Consumption Expenditures: Chain-type Price Index
- PCEPILFE - Personal Consumption Expenditures Excluding Food and Energy: Chain-type Price Index
- PPIACO - Producer Price Index by Commodity: All Commodities
- T10YIE - 10-Year Breakeven Inflation Rate
- U6RATE - Total Unemployed, Plus All Marginally Attached Workers Plus Total Employed Part Time for Economic Reasons
- PAYEMS - All Employees, Total Nonfarm
- CIVPART - Labor Force Participation Rate
- EMRATIO - Employment-Population Ratio
- UNEMPLOY - Unemployed
- CE16OV - Employment Level
- ICSA - Initial Claims
- JTSJOL - Job Openings: Total Nonfarm
- JTSQUR - Quits: Total Nonfarm
- GDPC1 - Real Gross Domestic Product
- A191RL1Q225SBEA - Real Gross Domestic Product: Percent Change from Preceding Period
- INDPRO - Industrial Production: Total Index
- TCU - Capacity Utilization: Total Index
- HOUST - New Privately-Owned Housing Units Started: Total Units
- PERMIT - New Privately-Owned Housing Units Authorized in Permit-Issuing Places: Total Units
- RSAFS - Advance Retail Sales: Retail Trade
- PCE - Personal Consumption Expenditures
- DSPIC96 - Real Disposable Personal Income
- PSAVERT - Personal Saving Rate
- M2SL - M2
- BOPGSTB - U.S. International Trade in Goods and Services: Balance
- MSPUS - Median Sales Price of Houses Sold for the United States
- HSN1F - New One Family Houses Sold: United States
- RHORUSQ156N - Homeownership Rate in the United States
- TTLCONS - Total Construction Spending: Total Construction in the United States
- RRVRUSQ156N - Rental Vacancy Rate in the United States
- TOTALSL - Total Consumer Credit Owned and Securitized
- REVOLSL - Revolving Consumer Credit Owned and Securitized
- DRCCLACBS - Delinquency Rate on Credit Card Loans, All Commercial Banks
- GDP - Gross Domestic Product
- GPDI - Gross Private Domestic Investment
- GCE - Government Consumption Expenditures and Gross Investment
- PCEC - Personal Consumption Expenditures
- NETEXP - Net Exports of Goods and Services
- GFDEBTN - Federal Debt: Total Public Debt
- GFDEGDQ188S - Federal Debt: Total Public Debt as Percent of Gross Domestic Product
- FYFSD - Federal Surplus or Deficit
- FGRECPT - Federal Government Current Receipts
- FGEXPND - Federal Government: Current Expenditures
- MANEMP - All Employees, Manufacturing
- USCONS - All Employees, Construction
- USTRADE - All Employees, Retail Trade
- USFIRE - All Employees, Financial Activities
- USGOVT - All Employees, Government
- AWHAETP - Average Weekly Hours of All Employees, Total Private
- DGORDER - Manufacturers' New Orders: Durable Goods
- NEWORDER - Manufacturers' New Orders: Nondefense Capital Goods Excluding Aircraft
- BUSINV - Total Business Inventories
- EXPGS - Exports of Goods and Services
- IMPGS - Imports of Goods and Services
- IR - Import Price Index (End Use): All Commodities
- PPIFIS - Producer Price Index by Commodity: Final Demand
Latest quarter (10-Q)
Latest 10-Q source: 0001628280-26-031288.
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the accompanying consolidated financial statements of Global Net Lease, Inc. and the notes thereto. As used herein, the terms “Company,” “we,” “our” and “us” refer to Global Net Lease, Inc., a Maryland corporation, including, as required by context, Global Net Lease Operating Partnership, L.P. (the “OP”), a Delaware limited partnership, and its subsidiaries.
Forward-Looking Statements
This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains “forward-looking statements”, as that term is defined under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (“PSLRA”), Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). Forward-looking statements include statements regarding the intent, belief or current expectations of Global Net Lease, Inc. (“we,” “our,” or “us”) and members of our management team, as well as the assumptions on which such statements are based, and generally are identified by the use of words such as “may,” “will,” “seeks,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “projects,” “potential,” “predicts,” “expects,” “plans,” “intends,” “would,” “could,” “should” or similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Actual results may differ materially from those contemplated by such forward-looking statements. We believe these forward-looking statements are reasonable; however, you should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which are based on current expectations. Further, forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and we undertake no obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements to reflect changed assumptions, the occurrence of unanticipated events or changes to future operating results over time, unless required by law. We intend that all forward-looking statements be subject to the safe-harbor provisions of the PSLRA.
These forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are outside of our control, which could cause actual results to differ materially from the results contemplated by the forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include the risks that any potential future acquisition or disposition by the Company is subject to market conditions, capital availability and timing considerations and may not be identified or completed on favorable terms, or at all. Some of the additional risks and uncertainties, although not all risks and uncertainties, that could cause the Company’s actual results to differ materially from those presented in its forward-looking statements are set forth in the “Risk Factors” and “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025, this and our other Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and our other filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), as such risks, uncertainties and other important factors may be updated from time to time in the Company’s subsequent reports.
39
Overview
We are a real estate investment trust for United States (“U.S.”) federal income tax purposes (“REIT”) that focuses on acquiring and managing a global portfolio of income producing net lease assets across the U.S., and Western and Northern Europe.
As of March 31, 2026, we owned 809 properties consisting of 40.3 million rentable square feet, which were 97% leased, with a weighted-average remaining lease term of 5.9 years. Based on the percentage of annualized rental income on a straight-line basis as of March 31, 2026, approximately 74% of our properties were located in the U.S. and Canada and approximately 26% were located in Europe. In addition, as of March 31, 2026, our portfolio was comprised of 47% Industrial & Distribution properties, 27% Retail properties and 26% Office properties. The percentages are calculated using annualized straight-line rent converted from local currency into the U.S. Dollar (“USD”) as of March 31, 2026. The straight-line rent includes amounts for tenant concessions.
Our portfolio is leased to primarily “Investment Grade” rated tenants in well-established markets in the U.S. and Europe. A total of 64.4% of our rental income on an annualized straight-line basis for leases in place as of March 31, 2026 was derived from Investment Grade rated tenants, comprised of 33.5% leased to tenants with an actual investment grade rating and 30.9% leased to tenants with an implied investment grade rating. For our purposes, “Investment Grade” includes both actual investment grade ratings of the tenant or guarantor, if available, or implied investment grade. Implied investment grade may include actual ratings of the tenant parent, guarantor parent (regardless of whether or not the parent has guaranteed the tenant’s obligation under the lease) or tenants that are identified as investment grade by using a proprietary Moody’s Analytics tool, which generates an implied rating by measuring an entity’s probability of default. Ratings information is as of March 31, 2026.
Agreement and Plan of Merger
On May 3, 2026, the Company, together with its direct and indirect subsidiaries, REIT Merger Sub, the OP and Opco Merger Sub entered into the Merger Agreement with the Modiv Parties. Pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Merger Agreement, upon the closing, Modiv will merge with and into REIT Merger Sub with REIT Merger Sub continuing as the surviving entity. Contemporaneously therewith or immediately following the Modiv Merger, OpCo Merger Sub will merge with and into the Modiv Operating Partnership, with the Modiv Operating Partnership being the surviving entity.
Pursuant to the terms and subject to the conditions of the Merger Agreement, at the date and time the Modiv Merger becomes effective, (i) each outstanding share of Class C common stock, $0.001 par value per share, of Modiv (other than the Excluded Shares (as defined in the Merger Agreement)) will be converted into the right to receive 1.975 shares of Common Stock, without interest, subject to adjustment as set forth in the Merger Agreement, and cash in lieu of fractional shares, and (ii) each outstanding share of Modiv’s 7.375% Series A Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Stock, $0.001 par value per share, will be converted into the right to receive an amount in cash equal to $25.00, plus any accrued and unpaid dividends thereon, if any, to but not including, the closing date of the Mergers. Immediately prior to the time the OpCo Merger becomes effective, subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the Merger Agreement, each outstanding unit of Class X limited partnership interest in the Modiv Operating Partnership will immediately vest in full and be converted into one Modiv Operating Partnership Class C Unit in the Modiv Operating Partnership and each outstanding Modiv Operating Partnership Class C Unit (other than the parties to the Merger Agreement and their respective affiliates) will be converted into the right to receive 1.975 OP Units, plus the right to receive cash in lieu of any fractional OP Units, if any, without interest.
The Merger Agreement contains customary covenants, representations, and warranties, as well as certain customary termination rights for us and Modiv, in each case, as more fully described in the Merger Agreement.
In addition, the Merger Agreement requires, among other things, that the Company file with the Securities and Exchange Commission a Registration Statement on Form S-4 registering the issuance of the Modiv Common Stock Merger Consideration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, which will contain a prospectus of the Company for the issuance of the Modiv Common Stock Merger Consideration and a proxy statement of Modiv with respect to its special meeting of Modiv’s stockholders convened for purposes of obtaining the approval of the Modiv Merger.
Completion of the Mergers, which is expected in the third quarter of 2026, is subject to customary closing conditions, including the approval of Modiv stockholders. No approval of the Company’s stockholders will be required in connection with the Mergers.
Critical Accounting Estimates
For a discussion about our critical accounting estimates and policies, see the “Significant Accounting Estimates and Accounting Policies” section of our 2025 Annual Report on Form 10-K. Except for those required by new accounting pronouncements discussed in the section referenced below, there have been no material changes from these critical accounting estimates and policies.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
See Note 2 — Basis of Presentation — Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements to our consolidated financial statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for further discussion.
40
Table of Contents
Properties
The following table represents a summary by segment of our portfolio of real estate properties as of March 31, 2026:
| Annualized Straight-Line Rent | Annualized Base Rent | Square Feet | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Segment | Number of Properties | Amount | % | Amount | % | Amount | % | Occupancy | Weighted-Average Remaining Lease Term (Years) (1) | |||||||||||||||||||
| (In thousands) | (In thousands) | (In thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Industrial & Distribution | 185 | $ | 187,485 | 47 | % | $ | 185,339 | 47 | % | 28,211 | 70 | % | 97 | % | 6.0 | |||||||||||||
| Retail | 573 | 109,345 | 27 | % | 107,498 | 27 | % | 6,547 | 16 | % | 97 | % | 6.7 | |||||||||||||||
| Office | 51 | 105,872 | 26 | % | 105,014 | 26 | % | 5,517 | 14 | % | 99 | % | 4.2 | |||||||||||||||
| Total | 809 | $ | 402,702 | 100 | % | $ | 397,851 | 100 | % | 40,275 | 100 | % | 97 | % | 5.9 |
__________
(1) If the portfolio has multiple properties with varying lease expirations, average remaining lease term is calculated on a weighted-average basis. Weighted average remaining lease term in years is calculated based on square feet as of March 31, 2026.
Results of Operations
We have three remaining reportable segments based on property type: (1) Industrial & Distribution, (2) Retail and (3) Office (for additional information, see Note 15 — Segment Reporting to our consolidated financial statements included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q).
In our Industrial & Distribution, Retail and Office segments, we own, manage and lease single-tenant properties where in addition to base rent, our tenants are required to pay for their property operating expenses or reimburse us for property operating expenses that we incur (primarily property insurance and real estate taxes). However, some limited property operating expenses that are not the responsibility of the tenant are absorbed by us. The main exceptions are properties leased to the Government Services Administration, which do not require the tenant to reimburse the costs.
Due to the classification of the 100 multi-tenant retail properties that were sold in 2025 (the “Multi-Tenant Retail Portfolio”) as a discontinued operation, the tables below do not include the results of the Multi-Tenant Retail Portfolio, which are classified within loss from discontinued operations in our consolidated statements of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2026 and 2025 (for additional information, see Note 3 — Multi-Tenant Retail Disposition to our consolidated financial statements included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q).
Comparison of the Three Months Ended March 31, 2026 and 2025
Net Loss Attributable to Common Stockholders
Net loss
[Excerpt truncated for page length; source filing is linked above.]
Latest 10-K MD&A
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the accompanying financial statements. The following information contains forward-looking statements, which are subject to risks and uncertainties. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Please see “Forward-Looking Statements” elsewhere in this report for a description of these risks and uncertainties.
Overview
We are an internally managed real estate investment trust for United States (“U.S.”) federal income tax purposes (“REIT”) that focuses on acquiring and managing a global portfolio of income producing net lease assets across the U.S. and Western and Northern Europe.
As of December 31, 2025, we owned 820 properties consisting of 40.7 million rentable square feet, which were 97% leased, with a weighted-average remaining lease term of 6.1 years. Based on the percentage of annualized rental income on a straight-line basis as of December 31, 2025, approximately 74% of our properties were located in the U.S. and Canada and approximately 26% were located in Europe. In addition, as of December 31, 2025, our portfolio was comprised of 46% Industrial & Distribution properties, 27% Retail properties and 27% Office properties. These represent our three reportable segments and the percentages are calculated using annualized straight-line rent converted from local currency into the U.S. Dollar (“USD”) as of December 31, 2025. The straight-line rent includes amounts for tenant concessions.
Our properties are leased to primarily “Investment Grade” rated tenants in well established markets in the U.S. and Europe. For our purposes, “Investment Grade” includes both actual investment grade ratings of the tenant or guarantor, if available, or implied investment grade. Implied investment grade may include actual ratings of the tenant parent, guarantor parent (regardless of whether or not the parent has guaranteed the tenant’s obligation under the lease) or tenants that are identified as investment grade by using a proprietary Moody’s Analytics tool, which generates an implied rating by measuring an entity’s probability of default. Ratings information is as of December 31, 2025. A total of 66% of our rental income on an annualized straight-line basis for leases in place as of December 31, 2025 was derived from Investment Grade rated tenants, comprised of 34% leased to tenants with an actual investment grade rating and 32% leased to tenants with an implied investment grade rating.
The Multi-Tenant Retail Disposition
During the six months ended June 30, 2025, we completed the Multi-Tenant Retail Disposition (as discussed above). The results of operations of the Multi-Tenant Retail Portfolio are currently reported as part of discontinued operations (see Note 2 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Note 3 — Multi-Tenant Retail Disposition to our consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information).
The Acquisition of The Necessity Retail REIT and the Internalization
On the Acquisition Date, the REIT Merger and the Internalization Merger were consummated (collectively, the “Mergers”). See Note 4 — The Mergers to our consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information.
Significant Accounting Estimates and Accounting Policies
Set forth below is a summary of the significant accounting estimates and accounting policies that management believes are important to the preparation of our financial statements. Certain of our accounting estimates are particularly important for an understanding of our financial position and results of operations, and require the application of significant judgment by our management. As a result, these estimates are subject to a degree of uncertainty. These significant accounting estimates and accounting policies include:
Entry into the purchase and sale agreement, dated as of February 25, 2025 (the “Multi-Tenant Retail PSA”) to sell the Multi-Tenant Retail Portfolio to RCG (as discussed above) represented a strategic shift in our business which initially met the held-for-sale and discontinued operations accounting criteria as of March 31, 2025 and continued to do so as of December 31, 2025. Accordingly, we are separately reporting the results of these properties as discontinued operations in its consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023 and are presenting the related assets and liabilities separately in its consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2025 and 2024 (see Note 3 — Multi-Tenant Retail Disposition to our consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information on the Multi-Tenant Retail Disposition). Additionally, all other disclosures have been updated to conform to the discontinued operations presentation, where applicable.
Revenue Recognition
Our revenues, which are derived primarily from lease contracts, which include rents that each tenant pays in accordance with the terms of each lease agreement and are reported on a straight-line basis over the initial term of the lease. As of December 31, 2025, these leases had a weighted-average remaining lease term of 6.1 years. Because many of our leases provide for rental increases at specified intervals, straight-line basis accounting requires us to record a receivable for, and include in revenues, unbilled rent receivables that we will only receive if the tenant makes all rent payments required through the
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expiration of the initial term of the lease. As of December 31, 2025 and 2024, our cumulative straight-line rents receivable in the consolidated balance sheets was $72.9 million, and $89.8 million, respectively. For the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023, our revenue from tenants included the impact of unbilled rental revenue of $3.0 million, $11.8 million and $8.1 million, respectively, to adjust contractual rent to straight-line rent.
For new leases after acquisition of property, the commencement date is considered to be the date the lease modification is executed. We defer the revenue related to lease payments received from tenants in advance of their due dates. When we acquire a property, the acquisition date is considered to be the commencement date for purposes of this calculation for all leases in place at the time of acquisition. In our Industrial & Distribution, Retail and Office segments, in addition to base rent, our lease agreements generally require tenants to pay for their property operating expenses or reimburse us for property operating expenses that we incur (primarily insurance costs and real estate taxes). However, some limited property operating expenses that are not the responsibility of the tenant are absorbed by us. Prior to the Multi-Tenant Retail Disposition, we owned, managed and leased 100 multi-tenant properties where we generally paid for the property operating expenses for those properties and most of our tenants were required to pay their pro rata share of property operating expenses. Under ASC 842, we elected to report combined lease and non-lease components in a single line “Revenue from tenants.” For expenses paid directly by the tenant, under both ASC 842 and 840, we reflected them on a net basis. As noted above, the results of these 100 properties are being reported within discontinued operations in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023.
We continually review receivables related to rent and unbilled rent receivables and determine collectability by taking into consideration the tenant’s payment history, the financial condition of the tenant, business conditions in the industry in which the tenant operates and economic conditions in the area in which the property is located. Under lease accounting rules, we are required to assess, based on credit risk only, if it is probable that we will collect virtually all of the lease payments at the lease commencement date and we must continue to reassess collectability periodically thereafter based on new facts and circumstances affecting the credit risk of the tenant. Partial reserves, or the ability to assume partial recovery are not permitted. If we determine that it is probable that we will collect virtually all of the lease payments (rent and contractually reimbursable property operating expenses), the lease will continue to be accounted for on an accrual basis (i.e. straight-line). However, if we determine it is not probable that we will collect virtually all of the lease payments, the lease will be accounted for on a cash basis and a full reserve would be recorded on previously accrued amounts in cases where it was subsequently concluded that collection was not probable. Cost recoveries from tenants are included in Revenue from tenants on the accompanying consolidated statements of operations in the period the related costs are incurred, as applicable.
In accordance with lease accounting rules, we record uncollectible amounts as reductions in revenue form tenants. Amounts recorded as reductions of revenue during the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023 totaled and $2.6 million, $3.4 million, and $3.5 million, respectively.
Investments in Real Estate
Investments in real estate are recorded at cost. Improvements and replacements are capitalized when they extend the useful life of the asset. Costs of repairs and maintenance are expensed as incurred.
At the time an asset is acquired, we evaluate the inputs, processes and outputs of the asset acquired to determine if the transaction is a business combination or asset acquisition. If an acquisition qualifies as a business combination, the related transaction costs are recorded as an expense in the consolidated statements of operations. If an acquisition qualifies as an asset acquisition, the related transaction costs are generally capitalized and subsequently amortized over the useful life of the acquired assets. See “Purchase Price Allocation” below for a discussion of the initial accounting for investments in real estate.
Disposal of real estate investments representing a strategic shift in operations that will have a major effect on our operations and financial results are required to be presented as discontinued operations in our consolidated statements of operations. As discussed above, the Multi-Tenant Retail Disposition is presented as discontinued operations as of December 31, 2025 and 2024 and for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023.
Properties that are intended to be sold are designated as “held for sale” on our consolidated balance sheets at the lesser of carrying amount or fair value less estimated selling costs when they meet specific criteria to be presented as held for sale, most significantly that the sale is probable within one year. We evaluate probability of sale based on specific facts including whether a sales agreement is in place and the buyer has made significant non-refundable deposits. Properties are no longer depreciated when they are classified as held for sale. As of December 31, 2025 and 2024, we had six and 13 properties classified as held for sale, respectively.
Purchase Price Allocation
In both a business combination and an asset acquisition, we allocate the purchase price of acquired properties to tangible and identifiable intangible assets or liabilities based on their respective fair values. Tangible assets may include land, land improvements, buildings, fixtures and tenant improvements on an as- if vacant basis. Intangible assets may include the value of in-place leases, and above- and below- market leases and other identifiable assets or liabilities based on lease or property
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specific characteristics. In addition, any assumed mortgages receivable or payable and any assumed or issued non-controlling interests (in a business combination) are recorded at their estimated fair values. In allocating the fair value to assumed mortgages, amounts are recorded to debt premiums or discounts based on the present value of the estimated cash flows, which is calculated to account for either above- or below-market interest rates. In a business combination, the difference between the purchase price and the fair value of identifiable net assets acquired is either recorded as goodwill or as a bargain purchase gain. In an asset acquisition, the difference between the acquisition price (including capitalized transaction costs) and the fair value of identifiable net assets acquired is allocated to the non-current assets. Other than the Mergers, which were accounted for as a business combination, all of the other acquisitions during the year ended December 31, 2023 were asset acquisitions. There were no acquisitions during the years ended December 31, 2025 or 2024.
For acquired properties with leases classified as operating leases, we allocate the purchase price of acquired properties to tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed, based on their respective fair values. In making estimates of fair values for purposes of allocating purchase price, we utilize a number of sources, including independent appraisals that may be obtained in connection with the acquisition or financing of the respective property and other market data. We also consider information obtained about each property as a result of our pre-acquisition due diligence in estimating the fair value of the tangible and intangible assets acquired and intangible liabilities assumed.
We utilize various estimates, processes and information to determine the as-if vacant property value. Estimates of value are made using customary methods, including data from appraisals, comparable sales, discounted cash flow, direct capitalization and other methods. Fair value estimates are also made using significant assumptions such as capitalization rates, discount rates, market rent, and land values per square foot. Identifiable intangible assets include amounts allocated to acquire leases for above- and below-market lease rates, and the value of in-place leases, as applicable.
Factors considered in the analysis of the in-place lease intangibles include an estimate of carrying costs during the expected lease-up period for each property, taking into account 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 contract rates during the expected lease-up period, which typically ranges from 12 to 18 months. We also estimate costs to execute similar leases including leasing commissions, legal and other related expenses.
Above-market and below-market lease values for acquired properties are initially recorded based on the present value (using a discount rate which reflects the risks associated with the leases acquired) of the difference between (i) the contractual amounts to be paid pursuant to each in-place lease, and (ii) management’s estimate of market rent for each corresponding in-place lease, measured over a period equal to the remaining initial term of the lease for above-market leases and the remaining term plus the term of any below-market fixed rate renewal options for below-market leases.
Accounting for Leases
Lessor Accounting
In accordance with the lease accounting standard, all of our leases as lessor prior to adoption of ASC 842 were accounted for as operating leases and we continued to account for them as operating leases under the transition guidance. We evaluate new leases originated after the adoption date (by us or by a predecessor lessor/owner) pursuant to the new guidance where a lease for some or all of a building is classified by a lessor as a sales-type lease if the significant risks and rewards of ownership reside with the tenant. This situation is met if, among other things, there is an automatic transfer of title during the lease, a bargain purchase option, the non-cancelable lease term is for more than major part of remaining economic useful life of the asset (e.g., equal to or greater than 75%), if the present value of the minimum lease payments represents substantially all (e.g., equal to or greater than 90%) of the leased property’s fair value at lease inception, or if the asset so specialized in nature that it provides no alternative use to the lessor (and therefore would not provide any future value to the lessor) after the lease term. Further, such new leases would be evaluated to consider whether they would be failed sale-leaseback transactions and accounted for as financing transactions by the lessor. As of December 31, 2025, we did not have any leases as a lessor that would be considered as sales-type leases or financings.
As a lessor of real estate, we have elected, by class of underlying assets, to account for lease and non-lease components (such as tenant reimbursements of property operating expenses) as a single lease component as an operating lease because (a) the non-lease components have the same timing and pattern of transfer as the associated lease component; and (b) the lease component, if accounted for separately, would be classified as an operating lease. Additionally, only incremental direct leasing costs may be capitalized under the accounting guidance. Indirect leasing costs in connection with new or extended tenant leases, if any, are being expensed as incurred.
For additional information on our leases as lessor, see Note 13 - Leases to our consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Lessee Accounting
For lessees, the accounting standard requires the application of a dual lease classification approach, classifying leases as either operating or finance leases based on the principle of whether or not the lease is effectively a financed purchase by the
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lessee. Lease expense for operating leases is recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease, while lease expense for finance leases is recognized based on an effective interest method over the term of the lease. Also, lessees must recognize a right-of-use asset (“ROU”) and a lease liability for all leases with a term of greater than 12 months regardless of their classification. Further, certain transactions where at inception of the lease the buyer-lessor accounted for the transaction as a purchase of real estate and a new lease may now be required to have symmetrical accounting to the seller-lessee if the transaction was not a qualified sale-leaseback and accounted for as a financing transaction. For additional information and disclosures related to the Company’s operating leases, see Note 13 - Leases to our consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information.
We are the lessee under certain land leases which were previously classified prior to adoption of ASC 842 and will continue to be classified as operating leases under transition elections unless subsequently modified, as well as land leases and other operating leases. These leases are reflected on the balance sheet as right of use assets and operating lease liabilities and the rent expense is reflected on a straight-line basis over the lease term.
Impairment
We assess each of our real estate properties for indicators of impairment quarterly or when circumstances indicate that the property may be impaired. When indicators of potential impairment are present that suggest that the carrying amounts may not be recoverable, we assess the recoverability by determining whether the carrying values will be recovered through the estimated undiscounted future operating cash flows expected from the use of the assets and their eventual disposition over an estimated hold period of ten years in most cases. If we believe there is a significant possibility that we might dispose of the assets earlier, we assess the recoverability using a probability weighted analysis of the estimated undiscounted future cash flows over the various possible holding periods. The estimation of undiscounted future cash flows is subjective and is based on various assumptions, including but not limited to market rental rates, capitalization rates, and hold periods. If a recoverability assessment indicates that the carrying value of the real estate investment is not recoverable from the estimated undiscounted future cash flows, we will record an impairment to the extent that the carrying value of the property exceeds its estimated fair value.
Fair values are estimated based on contract prices for properties to be disposed, discounted cash flows or market comparable transactions. The estimation of future discounted cash flows is subjective and is based on various assumptions, including but not limited to market rental rates, capitalization rates, hold periods, and discount rates. Determining the appropriate capitalization or discount rate requires significant judgment and is typically based on many factors, including the prevailing rate for the market or submarket, as well as the quality and location of the real estate property.
Properties held for sale are carried at the lower of their carrying values or estimated fair values less costs to sell. The estimates of fair value typically consider contracts or the results of negotiations with prospective purchasers. These estimates are subject to revision as market conditions, and our assessment of such conditions, change. These assessments have a direct impact on net income because recording an impairment loss results in an immediate negative adjustment to net earnings.
Gains and Losses on Dispositions of Real Estate Investments
Gains on sales of rental real estate are not considered sales to customers and are generally recognized pursuant to the provisions included in ASC 610-20, Gains and Losses from the Derecognition of Nonfinancial Assets (“ASC 610-20”).
Depreciation and Amortization
We are required to make subjective assessments as to the useful lives of the components of our real estate investments for purposes of determining the amount of depreciation to record on an annual basis. These assessments have a direct impact on our results from operations because if we were to shorten the expected useful lives of our real estate investments, we would depreciate these investments over fewer years, resulting in more depreciation expense and lower earnings on an annual basis.
Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of up to 40 years for buildings, 15 years for land and building improvements, five years for fixtures and improvements and the shorter of the useful life or the remaining lease term for tenant improvements and leasehold interests.
The value of in-place leases, exclusive of the value of above-market and below-market in-place leases, is amortized to expense over the remaining periods of the respective leases.
If the tenant terminated its lease, the unamortized portion of the in-place lease value and customer relationship intangibles is accelerated through the termination date or the date of the tenant vacates the space to expense.
Assumed mortgage premiums or discounts are amortized as an increase or reduction to interest expense over the remaining terms of the respective mortgages.
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Deferred leasing commissions are recorded over the terms of the related leases. The amortization expense related to leasing commissions incurred from third parties are recorded in depreciation and amortization. Prior to the Mergers, amortization expense related to leasing commissions incurred from Global Net Lease Advisors, LLC (the “Advisor”) were recorded within operating fees to related parties in the consolidated statements of operations. As a result of the Mergers, we no longer pay any leasing commissions to the former Advisor.
Above and Below-Market Lease Amortization
Capitalized above-market lease values are amortized as a reduction of revenue from tenants over the remaining terms of the respective leases and the capitalized below-market lease values are amortized as an increase to revenue from tenants over the remaining initial terms plus the terms of any below-market fixed rate renewal options of the respective leases. If a tenant with a below-market rent renewal does not renew, any remaining unamortized amount will be taken into income at that time.
Above-market intangibles and below-market intangibles will also be treated in the same way as in-place intangibles upon a lease termination.
If a tenant modifies its lease, the unamortized portion of the in-place lease value, customer relationship intangibles, above-market leases and below market leases are assessed to determine whether their useful lives need to be amended (generally accelerated). Generally, we would not extend the useful lives of their intangible values upon a modification that is an extension.
The amortization associated with our ROUs is recorded in property operating expenses on a straight-line basis over the terms of the leases.
Multi-Tenant Disposition Receivable, Net
At the time of the Closings (as defined in Note 3 — Multi-Tenant Retail Disposition to our consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K), we recorded receivables for the expected consideration to be received from RCG, which comprise the multi-tenant disposition receivable, net. As part of the portfolio sold, there were leases that had not yet commenced at the time of the Closings. As part of the Multi-Tenant Retail Disposition, we agreed to receive proceeds attributed to each of those leases when the respective tenants move to open and operating status. The multi-tenant disposition receivable, net was recorded at fair value and classified as Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. In calculating the fair value, our methodology applied probability weighting, using a range of probabilities, relating to the likelihood of the tenants moving to open and operating status, and a discount rate. For additional details related to the multi-tenant disposition receivable, net, see Note 3 —Multi-Tenant Retail Disposition and Note 9 — Fair Value of Financial Instruments to our consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Goodwill
We evaluate goodwill for impairment at least annually or upon the occurrence of a triggering event. The First Closing (as defined in Note 3 — Multi-Tenant Retail Disposition to our consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K) of the Multi-Tenant Retail Disposition was considered a triggering event, requiring us to perform a reassessment of the Multi-Tenant Retail segment’s goodwill as of March 31, 2025 since all of the segment’s properties (with the exception of one) were expected to be, and were ultimately, sold by the end of the second quarter of 2025 as part of the Multi-Tenant Retail Disposition. Based on this assessment, we determined that goodwill was impaired and recorded an impairment charge of $7.1 million in the first quarter of 2025, which represented a write off of the entire segment’s goodwill. This amount is presented in the goodwill impairment line item of the consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2025.
We also performed our annual impairment evaluation in the fourth quarter of 2025 to determine whether it was more likely than not that the fair value of each of our reporting units were less than their carrying value. For purposes of this assessment, an operating segment is a reporting unit. Based on our assessment, we determined that no additional goodwill was impaired as of December 31, 2025.
We will continue to assess for triggering events. A triggering event is an occurrence or circumstance that indicates it is more likely than not that goodwill may be impaired. In such cases, an interim impairment test is required before the next annual evaluation. Should any triggering event occur, we would evaluate the carrying value of its goodwill by segment through an impairment test. If impairment is warranted, the charge would be recorded through the consolidated statement of operations as a reduction to earnings.
Derivative Instruments
We may use derivative financial instruments, including interest rate swaps, caps, options, floors and other interest rate derivative contracts, to hedge all or a portion of the interest rate risk associated with its borrowings. In addition, all foreign currency denominated borrowings under our Revolving Credit Facility are designated as net investment hedges. Certain of our foreign operations expose us to fluctuations of foreign interest rates and exchange rates. These fluctuations may impact the value of our cash receipts and payments in our functional currency, the USD. We enter into derivative financial instruments to protect the value or fix the amount of certain obligations in terms of the applicable obligation’s functional currency.
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We record all derivatives on the consolidated balance sheets at fair value. The accounting for changes in the fair value of derivatives depends on the intended use of the derivative, whether we have elected to designate a derivative in a hedging relationship and apply hedge accounting and whether the hedging relationship has satisfied the criteria necessary to apply hedge accounting. Derivatives designated and qualifying as a hedge of the exposure to changes in the fair value of an asset, liability, or firm commitment attributable to a particular risk, such as interest rate risk, are considered fair value hedges. Derivatives designated and qualifying as a hedge of the exposure to variability in expected future cash flows, or other types of forecasted transactions, are considered cash flow hedges. Derivatives may also be designated as hedges of the foreign currency exposure of a net investment in foreign operations. Hedge accounting generally provides for the matching of the timing of gain or loss recognition on the hedging instrument with the recognition of the changes in the fair value of the hedged asset or liability that are attributable to the hedged risk in a fair value hedge or the earnings effect of the hedged forecasted transactions in a cash flow hedge. We may enter into derivative contracts that are intended to economically hedge certain risk, even though hedge accounting does not apply or we elect not to apply hedge accounting.
The accounting for subsequent changes in the fair value of these derivatives depends on whether each has been designed and qualifies for hedge accounting treatment. If we elect not to apply hedge accounting treatment (or for derivatives that do not qualify as hedges), any changes in the fair value of these derivative instruments is recognized immediately in gains (losses) on derivative instruments in the consolidated statements of operations. If a derivative is designated and qualifies for cash flow hedge accounting treatment, the change in the estimated fair value of the derivative is recorded in other comprehensive income (loss) in the consolidated statements of comprehensive (loss) income to the extent that it is effective. Any ineffective portion of a change in derivative fair value is immediately recorded in earnings.
Equity-Based Compensation
We have stock-based incentive plans under which our directors, officers, employees, consultants or entities that provide services to us are, or have historically been, eligible to receive awards. Awards granted thereunder are accounted for under the guidance for employee share-based payments. The cost of services received in exchange for a stock award is measured at the grant date fair value of the award and the expense for such awards is included in equity-based compensation in the consolidated statements of operations and is recognized over the vesting period or when the requirements for exercise of the award have been met.
We have historically issued restricted shares of Common Stock (“Restricted Shares”), restricted stock units in respect of shares of Common Stock (“RSUs”), and performance stock units (“PSUs”). Also, although none remain outstanding as of December 31, 2025 or 2024, we historically had issued long-term incentive plan units of limited partner interest in the OP . For additional information on all of the equity-based compensation awards issued by us, see Note 15 — Equity-Based Compensation to our consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
See Note 2 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies — Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements to our consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further discussion.
Results of Operations
Below is a discussion of our results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024. Please see the “Results of Operations” section beginning on page 47 under Item 7 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024 for a discussion of our results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2024 and year-to-year comparisons between 2024 and 2023.
In our Industrial & Distribution, Retail and Office segments, we own, manage and lease single-tenant properties where in addition to base rent, our tenants are required to pay for their property operating expenses or reimburse us for property operating expenses that we incur (primarily property insurance and real estate taxes). However, some limited property operating expenses that are not the responsibility of the tenant are absorbed by us. The main exceptions are properties leased to the Government Services Administration, which do not require the tenant to reimburse the costs.
Due to the classification of the Multi-Tenant Retail Portfolio as a discontinued operation, the tables below do not include the results of the Multi-Tenant Retail Portfolio, which are classified within loss from discontinued operations in our consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023 (for additional information, see Note 3 — Multi-Tenant Retail Disposition to our consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K).
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Comparison of the Year Ended December 31, 2025 to the Year Ended December 31, 2024
Net Loss Attributable to Common Stockholders
Net loss attributable to common stockholders was $269.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2025, as compared to $175.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2024. The change in net loss attributable to common stockholders is discussed in detail for each line item of the consolidated statements of operations in the sections that follow.
Revenue from Tenants
Consolidated revenue from tenants, detailed by reportable segment, is as follows:
| Year Ended December 31, | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (In thousands) | 2025 | 2024 | |||||
| Revenue From Tenants: | |||||||
| Industrial & Distribution | $ | 225,665 | $ | 237,645 | |||
| Retail (1) | 132,783 | 165,595 | |||||
| Office | 136,838 | 143,571 | |||||
| Multi-Tenant Retail (2) | — | 22,982 | |||||
| Total Consolidated Revenue From Tenants | $ | 495,286 | $ | 569,793 |
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(1) Amounts in the Retail segment reflect the reclassification and inclusion of one property that was previously part of the Multi-Tenant Retail segment, which was not included in the Multi-Tenant Retail Disposition.
(2) Reflects former Multi-Tenant Retail properties that were sold individually prior to December 31, 2024. Does not include the Multi-Tenant Retail Portfolio which is presented as a discontinued operation (see Note 3 — Multi-Tenant Retail Disposition to our consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K).
Industrial & Distribution
Revenue from tenants in our Industrial & Distribution segment was $225.7 million and $237.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. The decrease in revenue from tenants was due to the loss of revenue of approximately $10.3 million from dispositions and lower revenue of approximately $1.6 million from other properties. The loss of revenue from dispositions primarily resulted from the sale of two groups of properties that were leased by two of our former tenants, which comprised $9.4 million of the total decrease in revenue from dispositions. There was minimal impact from the year-over-year change in average exchange rates during the year ended December 31, 2025, when compared to the year ended December 31, 2024.
Retail
Revenue from tenants in our Retail segment was $132.8 million and $165.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. The decrease was primarily driven by the loss of revenue of approximately $31.9 million from dispositions and approximately $0.9 million from other properties. The loss of revenue from dispositions was primarily related to six tenants which comprised approximately $27.0 million of the decrease. There was minimal impact from the year-over-year change in average exchange rates during the year ended December 31, 2025, when compared to the year ended December 31, 2024.
Office
Revenue from tenants in our Office segment was $136.8 million and $143.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. The decrease was primarily driven by the net loss of revenue of $10.2 million from dispositions, partially offset by higher revenue from properties owned in both periods of $3.4 million. The net loss of revenue from dispositions was primarily related to eight properties, which comprised approximately $8.9 million of the decrease. The year-over-year change in foreign exchange rates had a minimal impact.
Total office revenue for the year ended December 31, 2025 included write offs of straight-line rent of $2.6 million and the impact of termination fees recorded of approximately $6.9 million.
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Property Operating Expenses
Consolidated property operating expenses, detailed by reportable segment, is as follows:
| Year Ended December 31, | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (In thousands) | 2025 | 2024 | |||||
| Property Operating Expenses: | |||||||
| Industrial & Distribution | $ | 18,990 | $ | 21,820 | |||
| Retail (1) | 14,763 | 16,095 | |||||
| Office | 17,453 | 18,865 | |||||
| Multi-Tenant Retail (2) | — | 7,544 | |||||
| Total Consolidated Property Operating Expenses | $ | 51,206 | $ | 64,324 |
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(1) Amounts in the Retail segment reflect the reclassification and inclusion of one property that was previously part of the Multi-Tenant Retail segment, which was not included in the Multi-Tenant Retail Disposition.
(2) Reflects former Multi-Tenant Retail properties that were sold individually prior to December 31, 2024. Does not include the Multi-Tenant Retail Portfolio which is presented as a discontinued operation (see Note 3 — Multi-Tenant Retail Disposition to our consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K).
Industrial & Distribution
Property operating expenses in our Industrial & Distribution segment were $19.0 million and $21.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. The decrease was due to lower costs of $2.5 million from dispositions and lower costs of $0.3 million from other properties due to the timing of our reimbursable costs. There was minimal impact from the year-over-year change in average foreign exchange rates during the year ended December 31, 2025, when compared to the year ended December 31, 2024.
Retail
Property operating expenses in our Retail segment were $14.8 million and $16.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. The decrease was primarily driven by lower costs of $3.9 million from properties sold, partially offset by an increase of approximately $2.6 million from properties owned in both periods due to higher costs absorbed by us at one of our properties located in Europe. There was minimal impact from the year-over-year change in average exchange rates during the year ended December 31, 2025, when compared to the year ended December 31, 2024.
Office
Property operating expenses in our Office segment were $17.5 million and $18.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. The decrease was due to lower costs of approximately $1.9 million from properties sold, partially offset by higher costs of approximately $0.5 million from properties owned in each period. There was minimal impact from the year-over-year change in average exchange rates during the year ended December 31, 2025, when compared to the year ended December 31, 2024.
Impairment Charges
During the year ended December 31 , 2025, we determined that the fair values of 106 of our properties (99 located in the U.S., five located in the U.K. and two located in Europe) had an estimated fair value that was lower than the carrying value of the properties, based on the estimated selling price of such properties less selling costs as applicable, and as a result, the Company recorded impairment charges totaling approximately $157.5 million.
During the year ended December 31, 2024, we determined that the fair values of 56 of our properties (54 in the U.S. and two in the U.K) had an estimated fair value that was lower than the carrying value of the properties. The estimated fair values for 54 of the properties were based on the estimated selling price of such properties and the remainder were based on market comparable transactions, and, as a result, we recorded impairment charges, including impairments to intangible assets of approximately $90.4 million. 48 of the 56 properties that were impaired during the year ended 2024 were acquired in the REIT Merger.
Merger, Transaction and Other Costs
We recognized $6.7 million and $6.0 million of acquisition, transaction and other costs during the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. Merger costs are only reflected in the year ended December 31, 2024.
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General and Administrative Expense
General and administrative expenses were relatively flat at $52.8 million and $52.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively, primarily consisting of employee compensation/payroll expenses, professional fees including audit and taxation related services, board member compensation, and directors’ and officers’ liability insurance.
Equity-Based Compensation
During the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024, we recognized equity-based compensation expense of $12.5 million and $8.9 million, respectively. Equity-based compensation in both periods consisted of (i) amortization of Restricted Shares granted to employees of the former Advisor or its affiliates who were involved in providing services to us prior to the Internalization, (ii) amortization of RSUs granted to our employees and our independent directors, and (iii) amortization expense related to PSUs. The period over period increase in expense was attributable to RSUs and PSUs granted in late 2024 and early 2025.
For additional information related to our equity-based compensation, including with respect to the RSUs and PSUs granted in late 2024 and early 2025, see Note 15 — Equity-Based Compensation to our consolidated financial statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Depreciation and Amortization
Depreciation and amortization expense was $191.2 million and $216.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. Lower depreciation and amortization due to dispositions during 2025 and 2024 was partially offset by higher amortization expense of approximately $11.1 million from the accelerated amortization of in-place lease intangibles during the year ended December 31, 2025.
Gain (Loss) on Dispositions of Real Estate Investments
During the year ended December 31, 2025, we sold 200 properties, (19 Industrial and Distribution properties, 170 Retail properties and 11 Office properties), not including the properties sold as part of the Multi-Tenant Retail Disposition (see Note 3 — Multi-Tenant Retail Disposition to our consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K), and as a result, recorded a net gain of $94.7 million.
During the year ended December 31, 2024, we sold 178 properties, 164 of which were acquired in the REIT Merger, and recorded an aggregate gain of approximately $57.1 million.
Interest Expense
Interest expense was $194.7 million and $255.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. The decrease was due to lower gross debt outstanding and a lower weighted-average effective interest rate during the year ended December 31, 2025. Our total gross debt outstanding was $2.6 billion as of December 31, 2025 as compared to $4.7 billion ($4.2 billion not including two mortgages classified in discontinued operations) as of December 31, 2024.
The weighted-average effective interest rate of our total debt was 4.2% as of December 31, 2025 and 4.8% as of December 31, 2024.
The decrease in interest expense was also impacted by the year-over-year change in average foreign exchange rates during the year ended December 31, 2025, when compared to the year ended December 31, 2024. As of the year ended December 31, 2025, approximately 15% of our total debt outstanding was denominated in EUR. As of December 31, 2024, approximately 11% of our total debt outstanding was denominated in EUR, 9% of our total debt outstanding was denominated in GBP, and 1% was denominated in CAD.
We view a combination of secured and unsecured financing as an efficient and accretive means to acquire properties and manage working capital. As of December 31, 2025, approximately 50% of our total debt outstanding was secured and 50% was unsecured, the latter including amounts outstanding under our Revolving Credit Facility and Senior Notes. The availability of borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility is based on the value of a pool of eligible unencumbered real estate assets owned by us and compliance with various ratios related to those assets. Our interest expense in future periods will vary based on interest rates, the level of future borrowings, which will depend on refinancing needs and acquisition activity, and changes in currency exchange rates.
Loss on Extinguishment and Modification of Debt
The loss on extinguishment and modification of debt of $11.2 million during the year ended December 31, 2025 primarily related to the accelerated amortization of deferred financing costs related to our Prior Credit Agreement (as defined below) which was terminated in August 2025 (see Note 7 — Revolving Credit Facility to our consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K), as well as the accelerated amortization and fees related to the repayment of one of our mortgages in May of 2025.
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The loss on extinguishment and modification of debt of $15.9 million during the year ended December 31, 2024 was due to cash payments made upon repaying certain mortgage loans, primarily related to the fee required to be paid upon repayment of the mortgage loan in the second quarter of 2024 that encumbered our former McLaren Campus in the U.K.
(Loss) Gain on Derivative Instruments
The (loss) gain on derivative instruments was a loss of $10.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2025 and a gain of $4.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2024. These amounts reflect the marked-to-market impact from foreign currency and interest rate derivative instruments used to hedge the investment portfolio from currency and interest rate movements, and was mainly impacted by currency rate changes in the GBP and EUR compared to the USD. For the year ended December 31, 2025, the loss on derivative instruments consisted of unrealized losses of $6.3 million and realized losses of $4.4 million. For the year ended December 31, 2024, the loss on derivative instruments consisted of unrealized gains of $3.4 million and realized gains of $0.8 million. The overall gain (or loss) on derivative instruments directly impact our results of operations since they are recorded on the gain on derivative instruments line item in our consolidated results of operations. However, only the realized gains are included in AFFO (as defined below).
As a result of our foreign investments in Europe, and, to a lesser extent, our investments in Canada, we are subject to risk from the effects of exchange rate movements in the EUR, GBP and CAD, which may affect costs and cash flows in our functional currency, the USD. We generally manage foreign currency exchange rate movements by matching our debt service obligation to the lender and the tenant’s rental obligation to us in the same currency. This reduces our overall exposure to currency fluctuations. In addition, we may use currency hedging to further reduce the exposure to our net cash flow. We are generally a net receiver of these currencies (we receive more cash than we pay out), and therefore our results of operations of our foreign properties benefit from a weaker USD, and are adversely affected by a stronger USD, relative to the foreign currency. Conversely, realized gains from derivatives would generally be lower from a weaker USD, and higher from a stronger USD.
Unrealized (Losses) Gains on Undesignated Foreign Currency Advances and Other Hedge Ineffectiveness
We recorded losses of $12.6 million and gains of $3.2 million on undesignated foreign currency advances and other hedge ineffectiveness, related to the accelerated reclassification of amounts in other comprehensive income to earnings as a result of certain hedged forecasted transactions becoming probable not to occur.
Income Tax Expense
Although as a REIT we generally do not pay U.S. federal income taxes on the amount of REIT taxable income that is distributed to shareholders, we recognize income tax (expense) benefit domestically for state taxes and local income taxes incurred, if any, and also in foreign jurisdictions in which we own properties. In addition, we perform an analysis of potential deferred tax or future tax benefit and expense as a result of book and tax differences and timing differences in taxes across jurisdictions. Income tax expense was $21.8 million and $4.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. This increase was primarily due to deferred tax expense of $12.7 million recorded in 2025 related to the gain recorded on the disposition of the McLaren Campus in December 2025. For additional information, see Note 18 — Income Taxes to our consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Preferred Stock Dividends
Preferred Stock dividends were $43.7 million during years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024. The amounts in both periods represent the dividends that are attributable to holders of Series A Preferred Stock, Series B Preferred Stock, Series D Preferred Stock and Series E Preferred Stock.
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
The level of cash flows provided by operating activities is driven by, among other things, rental income received, property operating expenses and interest payments on outstanding borrowings.
During the year ended December 31, 2025, net cash provided by operating activities was $222.8 million. Cash flows provided by operating activities during the year ended December 31, 2025 reflect net loss of $225.5 million, adjusted for non-cash items of $516.7 million (primarily depreciation, amortization of intangibles, amortization of deferred financing costs, amortization of mortgage discounts, amortization of above- and below-market lease and ground lease assets and liabilities, amortization of right of use assets, amortization of lease incentives and commissions, unbilled straight-line rent, equity-based compensation, unrealized gains on foreign currency transactions, derivatives and other non-cash items). In addition, operating cash flow was impacted by lease incentive and commission payments of $9.1 million and a net decrease of $26.6 million in working capital items due to a decrease in prepaid expenses and other assets of $4.2 million, a decrease in accounts payable and accrued expenses of $30.4 million and a decrease in prepaid rent of $0.5 million.
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During the year ended December 31, 2024, net cash provided by operating activities was $299.5 million. Cash flows provided by operating activities during the year ended December 31, 2024 reflect net loss of $131.6 million, adjusted for non- cash items of $514.0 million (primarily depreciation, amortization of intangibles, amortization of deferred financing costs, amortization of mortgage discounts, amortization of above- and below-market lease and ground lease assets and liabilities, amortization of right of use assets, amortization of lease incentives and commissions, unbilled straight-line rent, equity-based compensation, unrealized gains on foreign currency transactions, derivatives and other non-cash items). In addition, operating cash flow was impacted by lease incentive and commission payments of $7.8 million and a net decrease of $30.8 million in working capital items due to a decrease in prepaid expenses and other assets of $6.2 million, a decrease in accounts payable and accrued expenses of $22.2 million and a decrease in prepaid rent of $15.5 million.
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
Net cash provided by investing activities during the year ended December 31, 2025 of $1.8 billion primarily consisted of net proceeds from dispositions of $1.8 billion, principally from the Multi-Tenant Retail Disposition, and cash received from the multi-tenant disposition receivable of $81.2 million, partially offset by capital expenditures of $33.4 million.
Net cash provided by investing activities during the year ended December 31, 2024 of $759.9 million primarily consisted of net proceeds from dispositions of $803.4 million, partially offset by capital expenditures of $45.6 million.
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
Net cash used in financing activities of $2.1 billion during the year ended December 31, 2025 was primarily a result of net paydowns of borrowings under our Revolving Credit Facility of $1.1 billion, net payments of principal on mortgage notes payable of $546.5 million, dividends paid to common stockholders of $192.1 million, dividends paid to holders of our Series A Preferred Stock of $12.3 million, dividends paid to holders of our Series B Preferred Stock of $8.1 million, dividends paid to holders of our Series D Preferred Stock of $14.9 million, dividends paid to holders of our Series E Preferred Stock of $8.5 million and repurchases of common stock of $120.3 million. In addition, cash used in financing activities was impacted by cash paid for financing costs of $15.3 million and penalties and charges related to repayments and early repayments of debt of $4.6 million.
Net cash used in financing activities of $995.4 million during the year ended December 31, 2024 was a result of net payments of principal on mortgage notes payable of $332.2 million, net paydowns of borrowings under our Revolving Credit Facility of $322.4 million, dividends paid to common stockholders of $272.4 million, dividends paid to holders of our Series A Preferred Stock of $12.3 million, dividends paid to holders of our Series B Preferred Stock of $8.1 million, dividends paid to holders of our Series D Preferred Stock of $14.9 million, dividends paid to holders of our Series E Preferred Stock of $8.5 million, penalties and charges related to repayments and early repayments of debt of $15.9 million and cash paid for financing costs of $7.6 million.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Our principal future needs for cash and cash equivalents includes the purchase of additional properties or other investments, payment of related acquisition costs, improvement costs, operating and administrative expenses, repayment of certain debt obligations, which includes our continuing debt service obligations and dividends to holders of our Common Stock and Preferred Stock as well as to any future class or series of preferred stock we may issue. As of December 31, 2025 and 2024, we had cash and cash equivalents of $180.1 million and $159.7 million, respectively. See discussion above our how our cash flows from various sources impacted our cash.
Management expects that cash generated from operations, supplemented by our existing cash, will be sufficient to fund, in the near and long term, the payment of quarterly dividends to our common stockholders and holders of our Preferred Stock, as well as anticipated capital expenditures. During the year ended December 31, 2025, cash generated from operations covered 94% of our dividends paid. In addition, we plan to continue to manage our leverage by using proceeds from strategic or opportunistic dispositions to reduce our debt, and we currently have entered into purchase and sale agreements (“PSAs”) and non-binding letters of intent (“LOIs”) totaling an aggregate of $68.7 million. The PSAs and LOIs are subject to conditions and there can be no assurance we will be able to complete these dispositions on their contemplated terms, or at all.
Our other sources of capital, which we have used and may use in the future, include proceeds received from our Revolving Credit Facility, proceeds from secured or unsecured financings (which may include note issuances), proceeds from our offerings of equity securities (including Common Stock and Preferred Stock), proceeds from any future sales of properties and undistributed cash flows from operations, if any.
Acquisitions and Dispositions
We are in the business of acquiring real estate properties and leasing the properties to tenants. Generally, we fund our acquisitions through a combination of cash and cash equivalents, proceeds from offerings of equity securities, borrowings under our Revolving Credit Facility and proceeds from mortgage or other debt secured by the acquired or other assets at the time of acquisition or at some later point. In addition, to the extent we dispose of properties, we have used and may continue to use the
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net proceeds from the dispositions (after repayment of any mortgage debt, if any) for future acquisitions or other general corporate purposes.
Acquisitions and Dispositions — Year Ended December 31, 2025
As disclosed above, during the six months ended June 30, 2025, we completed the Multi-Tenant Retail Disposition (for additional information, see Note 3 — Multi-Tenant Retail Disposition to our consolidated financial statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K).
During the year ended December 31, 2025, we sold 200 additional properties, for a contract price of $711.7 million.
We did not acquire any properties during the year ended December 31, 2025.
Dispositions Subsequent to December 31, 2025
Subsequent to December 31, 2025, we disposed of 7 properties for an aggregate price of $57.3 million.
In addition, we’ve signed PSAs to dispose of 8 properties for an aggregate sale price of $42.5 million and we have signed LOIs to dispose of 3 properties for an aggregate sale price of $26.3 million.
Equity Offerings
Common Stock
In November 2025, we entered into a new “at-the-market” equity offering program under which we may sell shares of Common Stock, from time to time, through our sales agents (the “2025 Common Stock ATM Program”), and filed a prospectus supplement to our current shelf registration statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-286918) covering the 2025 Common Stock ATM Program, having an aggregate offering amount of up to $300.0 million. In connection with the establishment of the 2025 Common Stock ATM Program, we terminated our prior common stock (the “2019 Common Stock ATM Program”) and Series B Preferred Stock “at-the-market” offering programs, each of which we established in 2019. The prior registration statement had an aggregate offering amount of up to $285.0 million.
Under the 2025 Common Stock ATM Program, we may sell shares of our Common Stock (i) through our sales agents, acting as sales agents, (ii) directly to the sales agents, acting as principals, or (iii) through forward purchasers, acting as agents in connection with forward sale agreements.
•We did not sell any shares of Common Stock or enter into any forward sale agreements under the 2025 Common Stock ATM Program during the year ended December 31, 2025.
•We did not sell any shares of Common Stock under the 2019 Common Stock ATM Program during the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 or 2023.
Preferred Stock
In November 2025, we terminated our “at-the-market” equity offering program for our Series B Preferred Stock (the “Series B Preferred Stock ATM Program”), which had been established in December 2019, and had an aggregate offering price of up to $170.0 million. During the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023, we did not sell any shares of its Series B Preferred Stock through the Series B Preferred Stock ATM Program.
Share Repurchase Program
On February 20, 2025, our Board authorized a share repurchase program for up to an aggregate amount of $300 million of shares of Common Stock (the “Share Repurchase Program”). Under the Share Repurchase Program, which does not have a stated expiration date, the Company may repurchase shares of Common Stock from time to time through open market purchases, including pursuant to Rule 10b5-1 pre-set trading plans and under Rule 10b-18 of the Exchange Act, privately negotiated transactions, accelerated share repurchase transactions entered into with one or more counterparties or otherwise, in compliance with applicable securities laws and other legal requirements. The timing, volume, and nature of repurchases are subject to market conditions, applicable securities laws, and other factors, and the program may be amended, suspended or discontinued at any time. During the year ended December 31, 2025, we purchased 15,434,195 shares of Common Stock for $120.3 million, or an average share price of $7.77, leaving $180.1 million available under the Share Repurchase Program.
Borrowings
As of December 31, 2025 and 2024, we had total gross debt outstanding of $2.6 billion and $4.7 billion ($4.2 billion not including two mortgages classified in discontinued operations), respectively, bearing interest at a weighted-average interest rate per annum equal to 4.2% and 4.8%, respectively.
As of December 31, 2025, 98% of our total debt outstanding either bore interest at fixed rates, or was swapped to a fixed rate, which bore interest at a weighted-average interest rate of 4.2% per annum. As of December 31, 2025, 2% of our total debt outstanding was variable-rate debt, which bore interest at a weighted- average interest rate of 4.9% per annum. The total gross carrying value of unencumbered assets as of December 31, 2025 was $3.61 billion, of which approximately $3.57 billion was
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included in the unencumbered asset pool comprising the borrowing base under the Revolving Credit Facility and therefore is not available to serve as collateral for future borrowings.
Our debt leverage ratio was 55.2% and 63.8% (total debt as a percentage of total purchase price of real estate investments, based on the exchange rate at the time of purchase) as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. As of December 31, 2025 the weighted-average maturity of our indebtedness was 3.0 years (including the two additional six-month extension options on our Revolving Credit Facility). We believe we have the ability to service our debt obligations as they come due.
As noted above, we plan on continuing to manage our leverage by using proceeds from strategic or opportunistic dispositions to reduce our debt, and we currently have entered into PSAs and LOIs totaling an aggregate of $68.7 million.
Senior Notes
Both the 3.75% and the 4.50% Senior Notes do not require any principal payments prior to maturity. As of December 31, 2025, the carrying amount of the outstanding Senior Notes on our balance sheets totaled $928.2 million which is net of $71.8 million of deferred financing costs and discounts, and as of December 31, 2024 the carrying amount of the outstanding Senior Notes on our balance sheets totaled $906.1 million, which is net of $93.9 million of deferred financing costs and discounts. See Note 8 — Senior Notes, Net to our consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further discussion on the Senior Notes and related covenants.
Mortgage Notes Payable
As of December 31, 2025 and 2024, we had secured mortgage notes payable of $1.3 billion and $1.8 billion, respectively, net of mortgage discounts and deferred financing costs. All of our current mortgage loans require payment of interest-only with the principal due at maturity. As of December 31, 2024, the following mortgages, which were assumed by RCG in the second quarter of 2025 as part of the Multi-Tenant Retail Disposition, were classified within discontinued operations on our consolidated balance sheets; (a) a mortgage for 12 properties secured by a $210.0 million mortgage from Société Générale and UBS AG, and (b) a mortgage for 29 properties secured by a $260.0 million mortgage from Barclays Capital Real Estate Inc., Société Générale, KeyBank and Bank of Montreal. We have $94.8 million of principal payments due on our mortgages during the year ending December 31, 2026 (see Note 6 — Mortgage Notes Payable, Net to our consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information).
Credit Facility
On August 5, 2025, the OP, as borrower, together with us and certain subsidiaries of the OP acting as guarantors, entered into a credit agreement (the “Credit Agreement” and the credit facilities provided thereunder, collectively, the “Revolving Credit Facility”) with BMO Bank N.A. (“BMO”), as agent, and the other lender parties thereto. The proceeds of the transaction were used, in part, to prepay in full and terminate the previous credit agreement, with KeyBank National Association, as agent, and the other lenders party thereto which was originally entered into on July 24, 2017 and had been amended from time to time (the “Prior Credit Agreement”). The Prior Credit Agreement consisted solely of a senior unsecured multi-currency revolving credit facility (the “Prior Revolving Credit Facility”). The total amount we paid off related to the Prior Revolving Credit Facility was $732.7 million, and also, as a result of the termination of the Prior Credit Agreement, we recorded a loss on extinguishment of debt of approximately $2.6 million in the third quarter of 2025 related to the accelerated amortization of deferred financing costs.
As of December 31, 2025 and 2024, outstanding borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility and the Prior Revolving Credit Facility were $324.2 million and $1.4 billion, respectively. During the year ended December 31, 2025, we made net additional paydowns of $1.1 billion on the Revolving Credit Facility and the Prior Revolving Credit Facility combined. As of December 31, 2025, approximately $781.7 million was available for future borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility.
The Revolving Credit Facility consists solely of a senior unsecured multi-currency revolving credit facility similar to the Prior Revolving Credit Facility, and the aggregate total commitments under the Revolving Credit Facility are $1.8 billion ($100.0 million of which can only be used for U.S. dollar loans), with a $75.0 million sublimit for letters of credit. The Credit Facility includes an uncommitted “accordion feature” whereby, so long as no default or event of default has occurred and is continuing, the Company has the right to increase the commitments under the Revolving Credit Facility, allocated to either or both the Revolving Credit Facility or a new term loan facility, by up to an additional $1.185 billion, subject to obtaining commitments from new lenders or additional commitments from participating lenders and certain customary conditions. The Revolving Credit Facility matures on August 5, 2029, subject to the OP’s right, subject to customary conditions, to extend the maturity date by up to two additional six-month terms.
See Note 7 — Revolving Credit Facility to our consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further discussion on the Revolving Credit Facility and related covenants under such facilities.
On October 17, 2025 we announced that Fitch Ratings upgraded our corporate credit rating to investment-grade BBB- from BB+, and as a result, subject to ongoing maintenance of an investment grade credit rating from at least one rating agency (as defined in the Credit Agreement), the subsidiary guarantees of the Revolving Credit Facility have been released (provided, with respect to each former subsidiary guarantor, such subsidiary does not become the primary obligor under, or provides a guaranty
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to any holder of, unsecured indebtedness) and the financial maintenance covenants with respect to maximum secured recourse debt and minimum net worth no longer apply.
Covenants
As of December 31, 2025, we were in compliance with the covenants under the indenture governing the 3.75% Senior Notes, the indenture governing the 4.50% Senior Notes and the Credit Agreement (see Note 7 — Revolving Credit Facility and Note 8 — Senior Notes, Net to our consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further discussion on the Credit Facility and Senior Notes and the related covenants).
As of December 31, 2025, we were in compliance with all property-level debt covenants with the exception of two property-level debt instruments. For those two property-level debt instruments, we either (a) implemented a cure to the underlying noncompliance trigger by providing a letter of credit, or (b) permitted excess net cash flow after debt service from the impacted properties to become restricted, in each case in accordance with the terms of the applicable debt instrument. Each letter of credit, for so long as it is outstanding, represents a dollar-for-dollar reduction to availability for future borrowings under our Revolving Credit Facility. While the restricted cash cannot be used for general corporate purposes, it is available to fund operations of the underlying assets. These matters did not have a material impact on our ability to operate the impacted assets and do not constitute events of default under the applicable debt instruments.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
This section discusses the non-GAAP financial measures we use to evaluate our performance including Funds from Operations (“FFO”), Core Funds from Operations (“Core FFO”) and Adjusted Funds from Operations (“AFFO”). A description of these non-GAAP measures and reconciliations to the most directly comparable GAAP measure, which is net income, is provided below.
Use of Non-GAAP Measures
FFO, Core FFO, and AFFO should not be construed to be more relevant or accurate than the current GAAP methodology in calculating net income or in its applicability in evaluating our operating performance. The method utilized to evaluate the value and performance of real estate under GAAP should be construed as a more relevant measure of operational performance and considered more prominently than the non-GAAP FFO, Core FFO and AFFO measures. Other REITs may not define FFO in accordance with the current NAREIT (as defined below) definition (as we do), or may interpret the current NAREIT definition differently than we do, or may calculate Core FFO or AFFO differently than we do. Consequently, our presentation of FFO, Core FFO and AFFO may not be comparable to other similarly-titled measures presented by other REITs.
We consider FFO, Core FFO and AFFO useful indicators of our performance. Because FFO, Core FFO and AFFO calculations exclude such factors as depreciation and amortization of real estate assets and gain or loss from sales of operating real estate assets (which can vary among owners of identical assets in similar conditions based on historical cost accounting and useful-life estimates), FFO, Core FFO and AFFO presentations can facilitate comparisons of operating performance between periods and between other REITs in our peer group.
As a result, we believe that the use of FFO, Core FFO and AFFO, together with the required GAAP presentations, provide a more complete understanding of our operating performance including relative to our peers and a more informed and appropriate basis on which to make decisions involving operating, financing, and investing activities. However, FFO, Core FFO and AFFO are not indicative of cash available to fund ongoing cash needs, including the ability to make cash distributions. Investors are cautioned that FFO, Core FFO and AFFO should only be used to assess the sustainability of our operating performance excluding these activities, as they exclude certain costs that have a negative effect on our operating performance during the periods in which these costs are incurred.
Funds from Operations, Core Funds from Operations and Adjusted Funds from Operations
Funds From Operations
Due to certain unique operating characteristics of real estate companies, as discussed below, the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts (“NAREIT”), an industry trade group, has promulgated a measure known as FFO, which we believe to be an appropriate supplemental measure to reflect the operating performance of a REIT. FFO is not equivalent to net income or loss as determined under GAAP.
We calculate FFO, a non-GAAP measure, consistent with the standards established over time by the Board of Governors of NAREIT, as restated in a White Paper approved by the Board of Governors of NAREIT effective in December 2018 (the “White Paper”). The White Paper defines FFO as net income or loss computed in accordance with GAAP, excluding depreciation and amortization related to real estate, gain and loss from the sale of certain real estate assets, gain and loss from change in control and impairment write-downs of certain real estate assets and investments in entities when the impairment is directly attributable to decreases in the value of depreciable real estate held by the entity. Our FFO calculation complies with NAREIT’s definition.
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The historical accounting convention used for real estate assets requires straight-line depreciation of buildings and improvements, and straight-line amortization of intangibles, which implies that the value of a real estate asset diminishes predictably over time. We believe that, because real estate values historically rise and fall with market conditions, including inflation, interest rates, unemployment and consumer spending, presentations of operating results for a REIT using historical accounting for depreciation and certain other items may be less informative. Historical accounting for real estate involves the use of GAAP. Any other method of accounting for real estate such as the fair value method cannot be construed to be any more accurate or relevant than the comparable methodologies of real estate valuation found in GAAP. Nevertheless, we believe that the use of FFO, which excludes the impact of real estate related depreciation and amortization, among other things, provides a more complete understanding of our performance to investors and to management, and, when compared year over year, reflects the impact on our operations from trends in occupancy rates, rental rates, operating costs, general and administrative expenses, and interest costs, which may not be immediately apparent from net income.
Core Funds From Operations
In calculating Core FFO, we start with FFO, then we exclude certain non-core items such as merger, transaction and other costs, as well as certain other costs that are considered to be non-core, such as debt extinguishment or modification costs. The purchase of properties, and the corresponding expenses associated with that process, is a key operational feature of our core business plan to generate operational income and cash flows in order to make dividend payments to stockholders. In evaluating investments in real estate, we differentiate the costs to acquire the investment from the subsequent operations of the investment. We also add back non-cash write-offs of deferred financing costs, prepayment penalties and certain other costs incurred with the early extinguishment or modification of debt which are included in net income but are considered financing cash flows when paid in the statement of cash flows. We consider these write-offs and prepayment penalties to be capital transactions and not indicative of operations. By excluding expensed acquisition, transaction and other costs as well as non-core costs, we believe Core FFO provides useful supplemental information that is comparable for each type of real estate investment and is consistent with management’s analysis of the investing and operating performance of our properties.
Adjusted Funds From Operations
In calculating AFFO, we start with Core FFO, then we exclude certain income or expense items from AFFO that we consider more reflective of investing activities, other non-cash income and expense items and the income and expense effects of other activities or items, including items that were paid in cash that are not a fundamental attribute of our business plan or were one time or non-recurring items. These items include early extinguishment or modification of debt and other items excluded in Core FFO as well as unrealized gain and loss, which may not ultimately be realized, such as gain or loss on derivative instruments, gain or loss on foreign currency transactions, and gain or loss on investments. In addition, by excluding non-cash income and expense items such as amortization of above-market and below-market leases intangibles, amortization of deferred financing costs, straight-line rent and equity-based compensation from AFFO, we believe we provide useful information regarding income and expense items which have a direct impact on our ongoing operating performance. We also exclude revenue attributable to the reimbursement by third parties of financing costs that we originally incurred because these revenues are not, in our view, related to operating performance. We also include the realized gain or loss on foreign currency exchange contracts for AFFO as such items are part of our ongoing operations and affect our current operating performance.
In calculating AFFO, we also exclude certain expenses which under GAAP are treated as operating expenses in determining operating net income. All paid and accrued acquisition, transaction and other costs (including prepayment penalties for debt extinguishments or modifications and merger related expenses) and certain other expenses, including expenses related to our European tax restructuring and transition costs related to the Mergers, negatively impact our operating performance during the period in which expenses are incurred or properties are acquired and will also have negative effects on returns to investors, but are excluded by us as we believe they are not reflective of on-going performance. Further, under GAAP, certain contemplated non-cash fair value and other non-cash adjustments are considered operating non-cash adjustments to net income. In addition, as discussed above, we view gain and loss from fair value adjustments as items which are unrealized and may not ultimately be realized and not reflective of ongoing operations and are therefore typically adjusted for when assessing operating performance. Excluding income and expense items detailed above from our calculation of AFFO provides information consistent with management’s analysis of our operating performance. Additionally, fair value adjustments, which are based on the impact of current market fluctuations and underlying assessments of general market conditions, but can also result from operational factors such as rental and occupancy rates, may not be directly related or attributable to our current operating performance. By excluding such changes that may reflect anticipated and unrealized gain or loss, we believe AFFO provides useful supplemental information. By providing AFFO, we believe we are presenting useful information that can be used to, among other things, assess our performance without the impact of transactions or other items that are not related to our portfolio of properties. AFFO presented by us may not be comparable to AFFO reported by other REITs that define AFFO differently. Furthermore, we believe that in order to facilitate a clear understanding of our operating results, AFFO should be examined in conjunction with net income (loss) calculated in accordance with GAAP as presented in our consolidated financial statements. AFFO should not be considered as an alternative to net income (loss) as an indication of our performance or to cash flows as a measure of our liquidity or ability to make distributions.
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| Year Ended December 31, | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (In thousands) | 2025 | 2024 | |||||
| Net loss attributable to common stockholders (in accordance with GAAP) | $ | (269,200) | $ | (175,316) | |||
| Impairment charges | 157,532 | 90,310 | |||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 191,189 | 216,820 | |||||
| Gain on dispositions of real estate investments | (94,687) | (57,091) | |||||
| Discontinued operations FFO adjustments | 80,574 | 133,299 | |||||
| FFO (as defined by NAREIT) attributable to common stockholders | 65,408 | 208,022 | |||||
| Merger, transaction and other costs (1) | 6,662 | 6,022 | |||||
| Loss on extinguishment and modification of debt | 11,222 | 15,877 | |||||
| Discontinued operations Core FFO adjustments | 15,183 | 4 | |||||
| Core FFO attributable to common stockholders | 98,475 | 229,925 | |||||
| Non-cash equity-based compensation | 12,514 | 8,931 | |||||
| Non-cash portion of interest expense | 9,627 | 9,980 | |||||
| Amortization related to above and below-market lease intangibles and right-of-use assets, net | 3,627 | 7,503 | |||||
| Straight-line rent | (5,538) | (19,150) | |||||
| Unrealized gains on undesignated foreign currency advances and other hedge ineffectiveness | 12,644 | (3,249) | |||||
| Eliminate unrealized (gains) losses on foreign currency transactions (2) | 6,268 | (3,418) | |||||
| Amortization of mortgage discounts | 46,042 | 68,591 | |||||
| Expenses attributable to European tax restructuring (3) | — | 485 | |||||
| Transition costs related to the Mergers (4) | — | 4,486 | |||||
| Forfeited disposition deposit (5) | — | (275) | |||||
| Goodwill impairment (6) | 7,134 | — | |||||
| Eliminate deferred tax expense related to the disposition of the McLaren campus (7) | 12,741 | — | |||||
| Eliminate losses related to multi-tenant disposition receivable (8) | 17,473 | — | |||||
| AFFO attributable to common stockholders | $ | 221,007 | $ | 303,809 | |||
| Summary | |||||||
| FFO (as defined by NAREIT) attributable to common stockholders | $ | 65,408 | $ | 208,022 | |||
| Core FFO attributable to common stockholders | $ | 98,475 | $ | 229,925 | |||
| AFFO attributable to common stockholders | $ | 221,007 | $ | 303,809 |
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(1)For the year ended December 31, 2024, these costs primarily consist of advisory, legal and other professional costs that were directly related to the REIT Merger and Internalization.
(2)For AFFO purposes, we adjust for unrealized gains and losses. For the year ended December 31, 2025, the loss on derivative instruments was $10.7 million which consisted of unrealized losses of $6.3 million and realized losses of $4.4 million. For the year ended December 31, 2024, the gain on derivative instruments was $4.2 million which consisted of unrealized gains of $3.4 million and realized gains of $0.8 million.
(3)Amount relates to costs incurred related to the tax restructuring of our European entities. We do not consider these expenses to be part of our normal operating performance and have, accordingly, increased AFFO for this amount.
(4)Amounts include costs related to (i) compensation incurred for our former Co-Chief Executive Officer who retired effective March 31, 2024; (ii) a transition service agreement with the former Advisor; and (iii) insurance premiums related to expiring directors and officers insurance of former RTL directors. We do not consider these expenses to be part of our normal operating performance and have, accordingly, increased AFFO for this amount.
(5)Represents a forfeited deposit from a potential buyer of one of our properties, which is recorded in other income in our consolidated statement of operations. We do not consider this income to be part of our normal operating performance and have, accordingly, decreased AFFO for this amount.
(6) This is a non-cash item and is added back as we do not consider it indicative of our normal operating performance.
(7) Represents deferred tax expense specifically related to the capital gain recorded upon the disposition of the McLaren Campus. This amount is recorded in the income tax expense line item in our consolidated statements of operations. We do not consider this expense to be part of our normal operating performance and have, accordingly, increased AFFO for this amount.
(8) Represents adjustments to the fair value of the embedded derivative feature of the multi-tenant disposition receivable (see Note 3 — Multi-Tenant Retail Disposition to our consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K). We do not consider these adjustments to be indicative of our normal operating performance and have, accordingly, increased AFFO for these amounts.
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Dividends
Common Stock
The amount of dividends payable to our common stockholders is determined by our Board and is dependent on a number of factors, including funds available for dividends, our financial condition, provisions in our Credit Agreement or other agreements that may restrict our ability to pay dividends, capital expenditure requirements, as applicable, requirements of Maryland law and annual distribution requirements needed to maintain our status as a REIT.
In February 2025 we announced that the Board had established a quarterly dividend per share of Common Stock of $0.190 per share, representing an annual dividend rate of $0.76 per share, and we currently intend to continue paying cash dividends consistent with this practice; however, our Board determines the amount and timing of any future dividend payments to our stockholders based on a variety of factors. Common Stock dividends authorized by our Board and declared by us are paid on a quarterly basis in arrears during the first month following the end of each fiscal quarter (unless otherwise specified) to common stockholders of record on the record date for such payment. Refer to Note 11 — Stockholders' Equity to our consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information on dividends to holders of our Common Stock.
Common Stock dividends authorized by our Board and declared by us are paid on a quarterly basis in arrears during the first month following the end of each fiscal quarter (unless otherwise specified) to common stockholders of record on the record date for such payment.
Preferred Stock
Dividends accrue on our Preferred Stock as follows:
•Dividends on our Series A Preferred Stock accrue in an amount equal to $0.453125 per share per quarter to Series A Preferred Stockholders, which is equivalent to 7.25% of the $25.00 liquidation preference per share of Series A Preferred Stock per annum.
•Dividends on our Series B Preferred Stock accrue in an amount equal to $0.4296875 per share per quarter to Series B Preferred Stockholders, which is equivalent to 6.875% of the $25.00 liquidation preference per share of Series B Preferred Stock per annum.
•Dividends on our Series D Preferred Stock accrue in an amount equal to $0.46875 per share per quarter to Series D Preferred Stockholders, which is equivalent to the rate of 7.50% of the $25.00 liquidation preference per share of Series D Preferred Stock per annum.
•Dividends on our Series E Preferred Stock accrue in an amount equal to $0.4609375 per share per quarter to Series E Preferred Stockholders, which is equivalent to the rate of 7.375% of the $25.00 liquidation preference per share of Series E Preferred Stock per annum.
Dividends on the Series A Preferred Stock, Series B Preferred Stock, Series D Preferred Stock and Series E Preferred Stock are payable quarterly in arrears on the 15th day of January, April, July and October of each year (or, if not on a business day, on the next succeeding business day) to holders of record on the close of business on the record date set by our Board. Any accrued and unpaid dividends payable with respect to the Series A Preferred Stock and Series B Preferred Stock become part of the liquidation preference thereof.
Pursuant to the Credit Agreement, we may not pay distributions, including cash dividends on, or redeem or repurchase Common Stock, Series A Preferred Stock, Series B Preferred Stock, Series D Preferred Stock, Series E Preferred Stock, or any other class or series of stock we may issue in the future, that exceed 100% of our Adjusted FFO as defined in the Credit Facility (which is different from AFFO disclosed in this Annual Report on Form 10-K) for any period of four consecutive fiscal quarters, except in limited circumstances, including that for one fiscal quarter in each calendar year, we may pay cash dividends and other distributions and redeem or repurchase an aggregate amount equal to no more than 105% of our Adjusted FFO. In addition, for so long as we maintain an investment-grade rating from at least one ratings agency (such as our investment-grade BBB- rating received from Fitch Ratings in October 2025), the percentage limitation set forth above will not apply and we will be able to make distributions, including cash dividends, on our stock, subject to certain restrictions. We last used the exception to pay dividends that were between 100% of Adjusted FFO and 105% of Adjusted FFO during the quarter ended on June 30, 2020 under our Prior Credit Agreement, which contained the same restriction on distributions, redemptions or repurchases of our capital stock and related exceptions therefrom, and may use this exception in the future under our Credit Agreement. In the past, the lenders under our Prior Revolving Credit Facility consented to increase the maximum amount of our Adjusted FFO we could use to pay cash dividends and other distributions and make redemptions and other repurchases in certain periods, but there can be no assurance that the lenders under our Revolving Credit Facility will provide such a consent in the future.
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Foreign Currency Translation
Our reporting currency is the USD. The functional currency of our foreign investments is the applicable local currency for each foreign location in which we invest. Assets and liabilities in these foreign locations (including intercompany balances for which settlement is not anticipated in the foreseeable future) are translated at the spot rate in effect at the applicable reporting date. The amounts reported in the consolidated statements of operations are translated at the average exchange rates in effect during the applicable period. The resulting unrealized cumulative translation adjustment is recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income in the consolidated statements of equity. We are exposed to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates on property investments in foreign countries which pay rental income, incur property related expenses and borrow in currencies other than our functional currency, the USD. We have used and may continue to use foreign currency derivatives including options, currency forward and cross currency swap agreements to manage our exposure to fluctuations in GBP-USD and EUR-USD exchange rates (see Note 10 — Derivatives and Hedging Activities to the consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further discussion).
Election as a REIT
We elected to be taxed as a REIT under Sections 856 through 860 of the Code, effective for our taxable year ended December 31, 2013. We believe that, commencing with such taxable year, we have been organized and have operated in a manner so that we qualify for taxation as a REIT under the Code. We intend to continue to operate in such a manner to qualify for taxation as a REIT, but can provide no assurances that we will operate in a manner so as to remain qualified as a REIT. To continue to qualify for taxation as a REIT, we must distribute annually at least 90% of our REIT taxable income (which does not equal net income as calculated in accordance with GAAP), determined without regard for the deduction for dividends paid and excluding net capital gains, and must comply with a number of other organizational and operational requirements. If we continue to qualify for taxation as a REIT, we generally will not be subject to federal corporate income tax on the portion of our REIT taxable income that we distribute to our stockholders. Even if we qualify for taxation as a REIT, we may be subject to certain state and local taxes on our income and properties, as well as federal income and excise taxes on our undistributed income.
In addition, our international assets and operations, including those owned through direct or indirect subsidiaries that are disregarded entities for U.S. federal income tax purposes, continue to be subject to taxation in the foreign jurisdictions where those assets are held or those operations are conducted.
Inflation
We may be adversely impacted by inflation on the leases that do not contain indexed escalation provisions, or those leases which have escalations at rates which do not exceed or approximate current inflation rates. As of December 31, 2025, the increase to the 12-month CPI for all items, as published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, was 2.7%. To help mitigate the adverse impact of inflation, approximately 86% of our leases with our tenants contain rent escalation provisions that increase the cash rent that is due under the leases over time by an average cumulative increase of 1.4% per year. These provisions generally increase rental rates during the terms of the leases either at fixed rates or indexed escalations (based on the Consumer Price Index or other measures). As of December 31, 2025, based on straight-line rent, approximately 61.7% are fixed-rate with increases averaging 1.7%, 19.6% are based on the Consumer Price Index, subject to certain caps, 5.0% are based on other measures, and 13.7% do not contain any escalation provisions.
In addition, we may be required to pay costs for maintenance and operation of properties which may adversely impact our results of operations due to potential increases in costs and operating expenses resulting from inflation. However, our net leases require the tenant to pay its allocable share of operating expenses, which may include common area maintenance costs, real estate taxes and insurance. This may reduce our exposure to increases in costs and operating expenses resulting from inflation. As the costs of general goods and services continue to rise, we may be adversely impacted by increases in general and administrative costs due to overall inflation.
MD&A history
Prior-year 10-K MD&A spans are extracted from SEC filings with the same bounded parser used for the latest filing. The latest 10-K appears above; prior years are below.
FY 2024 10-K MD&A
SEC filing source: 0001526113-25-000007.
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the accompanying financial statements. The following information contains forward-looking statements, which are subject to risks and uncertainties. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Please see “Forward-Looking Statements” elsewhere in this report for a description of these risks and uncertainties.
Overview
We are an internally managed REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes that focuses on acquiring and managing a global portfolio of income producing net lease assets across the U.S., and Western and Northern Europe. Historically, we focused on acquiring and managing a globally diversified portfolio of strategically-located commercial real estate properties, which consisted primarily of mission-critical, single tenant net-lease assets. As a result of acquiring RTL in the quarter ended September 2023, we acquired a diversified portfolio of 989 properties consisting of primarily necessity-based retail single-tenant and multi-tenant properties located in the U.S. Until September 12, 2023, we were managed by the former Advisor, who managed our day-to-day business with the assistance of the Property Manager, who managed and leased our properties to third parties. Prior to September 12, 2023, the former Advisor and the Property Manager were under common control with AR Global, and these related parties had historically received compensation and fees for various services provided to us. On September 12, 2023, we internalized our advisory and property management functions as well as the advisory and property management functions of RTL. For additional information on the acquisition of RTL and the internalization of our advisory and property management services and RTL’s advisory and property management functions, see Note 3 — The Mergers and Note 12 — Related Party Transactions to our consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
As of December 31, 2024, we owned 1,121 properties consisting of 60.7 million rentable square feet, which were 97% leased, with a weighted-average remaining lease term of 6.2 years. Based on the percentage of annualized rental income on a straight-line basis as of December 31, 2024, approximately 80% of our properties were located in the U.S. and Canada and approximately 20% were located in Europe. In addition, as of December 31, 2024, our portfolio was comprised of 34% Industrial & Distribution properties, 28% Multi-Tenant retail properties, 21% Single-Tenant Retail properties and 17% Office properties. These represent our four reportable segments and the percentages are calculated using annualized straight-line rent converted from local currency into the U.S. Dollar (“USD”) as of December 31, 2024. The straight-line rent includes amounts for tenant concessions.
Our single-tenant properties and our multi-tenant anchor spaces are leased to primarily “Investment Grade” rated tenants in well established markets in the U.S. and Europe. For our purposes, “Investment Grade” includes both actual investment grade ratings of the tenant or guarantor, if available, or implied investment grade. Implied investment grade may include actual ratings of the tenant parent, guarantor parent (regardless of whether or not the parent has guaranteed the tenant’s obligation under the lease) or tenants that are identified as investment grade by using a proprietary Moody’s Analytics tool, which generates an implied rating by measuring an entity’s probability of default. Ratings information is as of December 31, 2024. A total of 60.5% of our rental income on an annualized straight-line basis for leases in place as of December 31, 2024 was derived from Investment Grade rated tenants, comprised of 31.4% leased to tenants with an actual investment grade rating and 29.1% leased to tenants with an implied investment grade rating.
Pending Transactions
RCG Multi-Tenant Retail Disposition
On February 25, 2025, we entered into a Purchase and Sale Agreement (“RCG PSA”) with RCG to sell a real estate portfolio comprised of 100 multi-tenant retail centers, representing substantially all of our Multi-Tenant Retail segment, located in 28 states for a base purchase price of approximately $1.78 billion, subject to customary purchase price adjustments (the “RCG Multi-Tenant Retail Disposition”). Additionally, the RCG PSA provides for adjustments in connection with certain pre- and post-closing leasing activities. The closing pursuant to RCG PSA is subject to a number of customary conditions, including, but not limited to, (i) the accuracy of the representations and warranties made in the RCG PSA, (ii) the compliance by the parties with their respective covenants), and (iii) with respect to 41 of the multi-tenant retail centers, the consent of certain of our existing lenders for RCG to assume the following debt secured by such properties: (a) approximately $210.0 million secured from Société Générale and UBS AG, and (b) approximately $260.0 million secured from Barclays Capital Real Estate Inc., Société Générale, KeyBank and Bank of Montreal. The closing of the disposition of the other 59 facilities is not contingent upon assumption of such debt and the closing is not otherwise subject to any financing contingency. We received a $25.0 million non-refundable deposit from RCG in connection with entering into RCG PSA. The RCG Multi-Tenant Retail Disposition is expected to close in three phases: the unencumbered portfolio is scheduled to close by March 31, 2025, while the encumbered portfolio is scheduled to close in two stages during the second quarter of 2025, pending approval of the respective loan assumptions. There can be no assurances that the RCG Multi-Tenant Retail Disposition will be consummated on the contemplated terms, if at all.
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Significant Accounting Estimates and Accounting Policies
Set forth below is a summary of the significant accounting estimates and accounting policies that management believes are important to the preparation of our financial statements. Certain of our accounting estimates are particularly important for an understanding of our financial position and results of operations, and require the application of significant judgment by our management. As a result, these estimates are subject to a degree of uncertainty. These significant accounting estimates and accounting policies include:
Revenue Recognition
Our revenues, which are derived primarily from lease contracts, which include rents that each tenant pays in accordance with the terms of each lease agreement and are reported on a straight-line basis over the initial term of the lease. As of December 31, 2024, these leases had a weighted-average remaining lease term of 6.2 years. Because many of our leases provide for rental increases at specified intervals, straight-line basis accounting requires us to record a receivable for, and include in revenues, unbilled rent receivables that we will only receive if the tenant makes all rent payments required through the expiration of the initial term of the lease. As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, our cumulative straight-line rents receivable in the consolidated balance sheets was $99.5 million, and $84.3 million, respectively. For the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, our revenue from tenants included the impact of unbilled rental revenue of $19.2 million, $10.4 million and $9.6 million, respectively, to adjust contractual rent to straight-line rent.
For new leases after acquisition of property, the commencement date is considered to be the date the lease modification is executed. We defer the revenue related to lease payments received from tenants in advance of their due dates. When we acquire a property, the acquisition date is considered to be the commencement date for purposes of this calculation for all leases in place at the time of acquisition. In our Industrial & Distribution, Single-Tenant Retail and Office segments, in addition to base rent, our lease agreements generally require tenants to pay for their property operating expenses or reimburse us for property operating expenses that we incur (primarily insurance costs and real estate taxes). However, some limited property operating expenses that are not the responsibility of the tenant are absorbed by us. In our Multi-Tenant Retail segment, we own, manage and leases multi-tenant properties where we generally pay for the property operating expenses for those properties and most of our tenants are required to pay their pro rata share of property operating expenses. Under ASC 842, we elected to report combined lease and non-lease components in a single line “Revenue from tenants.” For expenses paid directly by the tenant, under both ASC 842 and 840, we reflected them on a net basis.
We continually review receivables related to rent and unbilled rent receivables and determine collectability by taking into consideration the tenant’s payment history, the financial condition of the tenant, business conditions in the industry in which the tenant operates and economic conditions in the area in which the property is located. Under lease accounting rules, we are required to assess, based on credit risk only, if it is probable that we will collect virtually all of the lease payments at lease commencement date and we must continue to reassess collectability periodically thereafter based on new facts and circumstances affecting the credit risk of the tenant. Partial reserves, or the ability to assume partial recovery are not permitted. If we determine that it is probable that we will collect virtually all of the lease payments (rent and contractually reimbursable property operating expenses), the lease will continue to be accounted for on an accrual basis (i.e. straight-line). However, if we determine it is not probable that we will collect virtually all of the lease payments, the lease will be accounted for on a cash basis and a full reserve would be recorded on previously accrued amounts in cases where it was subsequently concluded that collection was not probable. Cost recoveries from tenants are included in Revenue from tenants on the accompanying consolidated statements of operations in the period the related costs are incurred, as applicable.
In accordance with lease accounting rules, we record uncollectible amounts as reductions in revenue form tenants. Amounts recorded as reductions of revenue during the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022 totaled and $3.4 million, $3.5 million, and $0.7 million, respectively.
Investments in Real Estate
Investments in real estate are recorded at cost. Improvements and replacements are capitalized when they extend the useful life of the asset. Costs of repairs and maintenance are expensed as incurred.
At the time an asset is acquired, we evaluate the inputs, processes and outputs of the asset acquired to determine if the transaction is a business combination or asset acquisition. If an acquisition qualifies as a business combination, the related transaction costs are recorded as an expense in the consolidated statements of operations. If an acquisition qualifies as an asset acquisition, the related transaction costs are generally capitalized and subsequently amortized over the useful life of the acquired assets. See the Purchase Price Allocation section below for a discussion of the initial accounting for investments in real estate.
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Disposal of real estate investments representing a strategic shift in operations that will have a major effect on our operations and financial results are required to be presented as discontinued operations in our consolidated statements of operations. No properties were presented as discontinued operations as of December 31, 2024 and 2023. Properties that are intended to be sold are designated as “held for sale” on our consolidated balance sheets at the lesser of carrying amount or fair value less estimated selling costs when they meet specific criteria to be presented as held for sale, most significantly that the sale is probable within one year. We evaluate probability of sale based on specific facts including whether a sales agreement is in place and the buyer has made significant non-refundable deposits. Properties are no longer depreciated when they are classified as held for sale. As of December 31, 2024, we had 13 properties classified as held for sale. We had two properties classified as held for sale as of December 31, 2023.
Purchase Price Allocation
In both a business combination and an asset acquisition, we allocate the purchase price of acquired properties to tangible and identifiable intangible assets or liabilities based on their respective fair values. Tangible assets may include land, land improvements, buildings, fixtures and tenant improvements on an as- if vacant basis. Intangible assets may include the value of in-place leases, and above- and below- market leases and other identifiable assets or liabilities based on lease or property specific characteristics. In addition, any assumed mortgages receivable or payable and any assumed or issued non-controlling interests (in a business combination) are recorded at their estimated fair values. In allocating the fair value to assumed mortgages, amounts are recorded to debt premiums or discounts based on the present value of the estimated cash flows, which is calculated to account for either above- or below-market interest rates. In a business combination, the difference between the purchase price and the fair value of identifiable net assets acquired is either recorded as goodwill or as a bargain purchase gain. In an asset acquisition, the difference between the acquisition price (including capitalized transaction costs) and the fair value of identifiable net assets acquired is allocated to the non-current assets. Other than the Mergers, which were accounted for as a business combination, all of the other acquisitions during the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 were asset acquisitions. There were no acquisitions during the year ended December 31, 2024.
For acquired properties with leases classified as operating leases, we allocate the purchase price of acquired properties to tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed, based on their respective fair values. In making estimates of fair values for purposes of allocating purchase price, we utilize a number of sources, including independent appraisals that may be obtained in connection with the acquisition or financing of the respective property and other market data. We also consider information obtained about each property as a result of our pre-acquisition due diligence in estimating the fair value of the tangible and intangible assets acquired and intangible liabilities assumed.
We utilize various estimates, processes and information to determine the as-if vacant property value. Estimates of value are made using customary methods, including data from appraisals, comparable sales, discounted cash flow, direct capitalization and other methods. Fair value estimates are also made using significant assumptions such as capitalization rates, discount rates, market rent, and land values per square foot. Identifiable intangible assets include amounts allocated to acquire leases for above- and below-market lease rates, and the value of in-place leases, as applicable.
Factors considered in the analysis of the in-place lease intangibles include an estimate of carrying costs during the expected lease-up period for each property, taking into account 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 contract rates during the expected lease-up period, which typically ranges from 12 to 18 months. We also estimate costs to execute similar leases including leasing commissions, legal and other related expenses.
Above-market and below-market lease values for acquired properties are initially recorded based on the present value (using a discount rate which reflects the risks associated with the leases acquired) of the difference between (i) the contractual amounts to be paid pursuant to each in-place lease, and (ii) management’s estimate of market rent for each corresponding in-place lease, measured over a period equal to the remaining initial term of the lease for above-market leases and the remaining term plus the term of any below-market fixed rate renewal options for below-market leases.
The aggregate value of intangible assets related to customer relationships, as applicable, is measured based on our evaluation of the specific characteristics of each tenant’s lease and our overall relationship with the tenant. Characteristics considered by us in determining these values include the nature and extent of its existing business relationships with the tenant, growth prospects for developing new business with the tenant, the tenant’s credit quality and expectations of lease renewals, among other factors.
Accounting for Leases
Lessor Accounting
In accordance with the lease accounting standard, all of our leases as lessor prior to adoption of ASC 842 were accounted for as operating leases and we continued to account for them as operating leases under the transition guidance. We evaluate new leases originated after the adoption date (by us or by a predecessor lessor/owner) pursuant to the new guidance where a lease for some or all of a building is classified by a lessor as a sales-type lease if the significant risks and rewards of ownership reside
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with the tenant. This situation is met if, among other things, there is an automatic transfer of title during the lease, a bargain purchase option, the non-cancelable lease term is for more than major part of remaining economic useful life of the asset (e.g., equal to or greater than 75%), if the present value of the minimum lease payments represents substantially all (e.g., equal to or greater than 90%) of the leased property’s fair value at lease inception, or if the asset so specialized in nature that it provides no alternative use to the lessor (and therefore would not provide any future value to the lessor) after the lease term. Further, such new leases would be evaluated to consider whether they would be failed sale-leaseback transactions and accounted for as financing transactions by the lessor. During the three-year period ended December 31, 2024, we did not have any leases as a lessor that would be considered as sales-type leases or financings.
As a lessor of real estate, we have elected, by class of underlying assets, to account for lease and non-lease components (such as tenant reimbursements of property operating expenses) as a single lease component as an operating lease because (a) the non-lease components have the same timing and pattern of transfer as the associated lease component; and (b) the lease component, if accounted for separately, would be classified as an operating lease. Additionally, only incremental direct leasing costs may be capitalized under the accounting guidance. Indirect leasing costs in connection with new or extended tenant leases, if any, are being expensed as incurred.
As of December 31, 2024, we had two parcels of land leased to tenants that qualify as financing leases which were acquired in the REIT Merger. The carrying value of these leases was $6.7 million and $6.6 million as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, and the amounts are included in prepaid expenses and other assets on our consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2024 and 2023. Income of $0.7 million and $0.2 million relating to these two leases is included in revenue from tenants in our consolidated statement of operations for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
Lessee Accounting
For lessees, the accounting standard requires the application of a dual lease classification approach, classifying leases as either operating or finance leases based on the principle of whether or not the lease is effectively a financed purchase by the lessee. Lease expense for operating leases is recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease, while lease expense for finance leases is recognized based on an effective interest method over the term of the lease. Also, lessees must recognize a right-of-use asset (“ROU”) and a lease liability for all leases with a term of greater than 12 months regardless of their classification. Further, certain transactions where at inception of the lease the buyer-lessor accounted for the transaction as a purchase of real estate and a new lease may now be required to have symmetrical accounting to the seller-lessee if the transaction was not a qualified sale-leaseback and accounted for as a financing transaction. For additional information and disclosures related to the Company’s operating leases, see Note 11 — Commitments and Contingencies to our consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information.
We are the lessee under certain land leases which were previously classified prior to adoption of ASC 842 and will continue to be classified as operating leases under transition elections unless subsequently modified, as well as land leases and other operating leases that were acquired or entered into in connection with the Mergers. These leases are reflected on the balance sheet as right of use assets and operating lease liabilities and the rent expense is reflected on a straight-line basis over the lease term.
Impairment
We assess each of our real estate properties for indicators of impairment quarterly or when circumstances indicate that the property may be impaired. When indicators of potential impairment are present that suggest that the carrying amounts may not be recoverable, we assess the recoverability by determining whether the carrying values will be recovered through the estimated undiscounted future operating cash flows expected from the use of the assets and their eventual disposition over an estimated hold period of ten years in most cases. If we believe there is a significant possibility that we might dispose of the assets earlier, we assess the recoverability using a probability weighted analysis of the estimated undiscounted future cash flows over the various possible holding periods. If the recoverability assessment indicates that the carrying value of the real estate investment is not recoverable from the estimated undiscounted future cash flows, we will record an impairment to the extent that the carrying value of the property exceeds its estimated fair value.
Fair values are estimated based on contract prices for properties to be disposed, discounted cash flows or market comparable transactions. The estimation of future cash flows is subjective and is based on various assumptions, including but not limited to market rental rates, capitalization rates, hold periods, and discount rates. Determining the appropriate capitalization or discount rate requires significant judgment and is typically based on many factors, including the prevailing rate for the market or submarket, as well as the quality and location of the real estate property.
Properties held for sale are carried at the lower of their carrying values or estimated fair values less costs to sell. The estimates of fair value typically consider contracts or the results of negotiations with prospective purchasers. These estimates are subject to revision as market conditions, and our assessment of such conditions, change. These assessments have a direct impact on net income because recording an impairment loss results in an immediate negative adjustment to net earnings.
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Gains and Losses on Dispositions of Real Estate Investments
Gains on sales of rental real estate are not considered sales to customers and are generally recognized pursuant to the provisions included in ASC 610-20, Gains and Losses from the Derecognition of Nonfinancial Assets (“ASC 610-20”).
Depreciation and Amortization
We are required to make subjective assessments as to the useful lives of the components of our real estate investments for purposes of determining the amount of depreciation to record on an annual basis. These assessments have a direct impact on our results from operations because if we were to shorten the expected useful lives of our real estate investments, we would depreciate these investments over fewer years, resulting in more depreciation expense and lower earnings on an annual basis.
Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of up to 40 years for buildings, 15 years for land and building improvements, five years for fixtures and improvements and the shorter of the useful life or the remaining lease term for tenant improvements and leasehold interests.
The value of in-place leases, exclusive of the value of above-market and below-market in-place leases, is amortized to expense over the remaining periods of the respective leases.
If the tenant terminated its lease, the unamortized portion of the in-place lease value and customer relationship intangibles is accelerated through the termination date or the date of the tenant vacates the space to expense.
Assumed mortgage premiums or discounts are amortized as an increase or reduction to interest expense over the remaining terms of the respective mortgages.
Deferred leasing commissions are recorded over the terms of the related leases. The amortization expense related to leasing commissions incurred from third parties are recorded in depreciation and amortization. Prior to the Mergers, amortization expense related to leasing commissions incurred from the former Advisor were recorded within operating fees to related parties in the consolidated statements of operations. As a result of the Mergers, we no longer pay any leasing commissions to the former Advisor.
Above and Below-Market Lease Amortization
Capitalized above-market lease values are amortized as a reduction of revenue from tenants over the remaining terms of the respective leases and the capitalized below-market lease values are amortized as an increase to revenue from tenants over the remaining initial terms plus the terms of any below-market fixed rate renewal options of the respective leases. If a tenant with a below-market rent renewal does not renew, any remaining unamortized amount will be taken into income at that time.
Above-market intangibles and below-market intangibles will also be treated in the same way as in-place intangibles upon a lease termination.
If a tenant modifies its lease, the unamortized portion of the in-place lease value, customer relationship intangibles, above-market leases and below market leases are assessed to determine whether their useful lives need to be amended (generally accelerated). Generally, we would not extend the useful lives of their intangible values upon a modification that is an extension.
The amortization associated with our ROUs is recorded in property operating expenses on a straight-line basis over the terms of the leases.
Goodwill
We evaluate goodwill for impairment at least annually or upon the occurrence of a triggering event. We performed our annual impairment evaluation in the fourth quarter of 2024 to determine whether it was more likely than not that the fair value of each of our reporting units were less than their carrying value. For purposes of this assessment, an operating segment is a reporting unit. Based on our assessment, we determined that no goodwill was impaired as of December 31, 2024.
We will continue to assess for triggering events. A triggering event is an occurrence or circumstance that indicates it is more likely than not that goodwill may be impaired. In such cases, an interim impairment test is required before the next annual evaluation. Should any triggering event occur, we would evaluate the carrying value of our goodwill by segment through an impairment test. If impairment is warranted, the charge would be recorded through the consolidated statement of operations as a reduction to earnings. We assessed the potential sale of 100 of our multi-tenant retail properties pursuant to the RCG PSA (see Note 17 — Subsequent Events to our consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information) as a triggering event and determined that goodwill was not impaired as of December 31, 2024. We will continue to monitor the multi-tenant retail segment’s goodwill if and when the RCG Multi-Tenant Retail Disposition closes in 2025.
Derivative Instruments
We may use derivative financial instruments, including interest rate swaps, caps, options, floors and other interest rate derivative contracts, to hedge all or a portion of the interest rate risk associated with its borrowings. In addition, all foreign currency denominated borrowings under our Revolving Credit Facility are designated as net investment hedges. Certain of our foreign operations expose us to fluctuations of foreign interest rates and exchange rates. These fluctuations may impact the
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value of our cash receipts and payments in our functional currency, the USD. We enter into derivative financial instruments to protect the value or fix the amount of certain obligations in terms of its functional currency.
We record all derivatives on the consolidated balance sheets at fair value. The accounting for changes in the fair value of derivatives depends on the intended use of the derivative, whether we have elected to designate a derivative in a hedging relationship and apply hedge accounting and whether the hedging relationship has satisfied the criteria necessary to apply hedge accounting. Derivatives designated and qualifying as a hedge of the exposure to changes in the fair value of an asset, liability, or firm commitment attributable to a particular risk, such as interest rate risk, are considered fair value hedges. Derivatives designated and qualifying as a hedge of the exposure to variability in expected future cash flows, or other types of forecasted transactions, are considered cash flow hedges. Derivatives may also be designated as hedges of the foreign currency exposure of a net investment in foreign operations. Hedge accounting generally provides for the matching of the timing of gain or loss recognition on the hedging instrument with the recognition of the changes in the fair value of the hedged asset or liability that are attributable to the hedged risk in a fair value hedge or the earnings effect of the hedged forecasted transactions in a cash flow hedge. We may enter into derivative contracts that are intended to economically hedge certain risk, even though hedge accounting does not apply or we elect not to apply hedge accounting.
The accounting for subsequent changes in the fair value of these derivatives depends on whether each has been designed and qualifies for hedge accounting treatment. If we elect not to apply hedge accounting treatment (or for derivatives that do not qualify as hedges), any changes in the fair value of these derivative instruments is recognized immediately in gains (losses) on derivative instruments in the consolidated statements of operations. If a derivative is designated and qualifies for cash flow hedge accounting treatment, the change in the estimated fair value of the derivative is recorded in other comprehensive income (loss) in the consolidated statements of comprehensive (loss) income to the extent that it is effective. Any ineffective portion of a change in derivative fair value is immediately recorded in earnings.
Equity-Based Compensation
We have stock-based incentive plans under which our directors, officers, employees, consultants or entities that provide services to us are, or have historically been, eligible to receive awards. Awards granted thereunder are accounted for under the guidance for employee share-based payments. The cost of services received in exchange for a stock award is measured at the grant date fair value of the award and the expense for such awards is included in equity-based compensation in the consolidated statements of operations and is recognized over the vesting period or when the requirements for exercise of the award have been met.
We have historically issued Restricted Shares, restricted stock units in respect of shares of Common Stock (“RSUs”), and performance stock units (“PSUs”). Also, although none remain outstanding as of December 31, 2024 or 2023, we historically had issued long-term incentive plan units of limited partner interest in the OP (“GNL LTIP Units”). For additional information on all of the equity-based compensation awards issued by us, see Note 13 — Equity-Based Compensation to our consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
See Note 2 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies — Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements to our consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further discussion.
Results of Operations
Below is a discussion of our results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023. Please see the “Results of Operations” section located on page 39 under Item 7 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 for a discussion of our results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2023 and year-to-year comparisons between 2023 and 2022.
In our Industrial & Distribution, Single-Tenant Retail and Office segments, we own, manage and lease single-tenant properties where in addition to base rent, our tenants are required to pay for their property operating expenses or reimburse us for property operating expenses that we incur (primarily property insurance and real estate taxes). However, some limited property operating expenses that are not the responsibility of the tenant are absorbed by us. The main exceptions are properties leased to the Government Services Administration, which do not require the tenant to reimburse the costs.
In our Multi-Tenant Retail segment, we own, manage and lease multi-tenant properties where we generally pay for the property operating expenses for those properties and most of our tenants are required to pay their pro rata share of property operating expenses. We will dispose of substantially all of the properties in our Multi-Tenant Retail segment if the RCG Multi-Tenant Retail Disposition is consummated in accordance with the terms contemplated by the RCG PSA, and following the final closing we will no longer report results from the Multi-Tenant Retail segment as an operating segment or in the consolidated operating results of the Company. There can be no assurances that the RCG Multi-Tenant Retail Disposition will be consummated on the contemplated terms, if at all.
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As more fully discussed in Note 1 — Organization and Note 3 — The Mergers to our consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, during the quarter ended September 30, 2023 we completed the Mergers which will affect comparable results from operations until the properties acquired have been held for all periods presented. As a result, comparisons of our period to period financial information as set forth herein may not be meaningful. The historical financial information included herein as of any date, or for any periods, prior to September 12, 2023 represents our financial information, prior to the Mergers, on a stand-alone basis.
Comparison of the Year Ended December 31, 2024 to the Year Ended December 31, 2023
Net Loss Attributable to Common Stockholders
Net loss attributable to common stockholders was $175.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, as compared to $239.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. The change in net loss attributable to common stockholders is discussed in detail for each line item of the consolidated statements of operations in the sections that follow.
Revenue from Tenants
Consolidated revenue from tenants, detailed by reportable segment, is as follows:
| Year Ended December 31, | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (In thousands) | 2024 | 2023 (1) | |||||
| Revenue From Tenants: | |||||||
| Industrial & Distribution | $ | 237,645 | $ | 220,102 | |||
| Multi-Tenant Retail | 259,280 | 79,799 | |||||
| Single-Tenant Retail | 164,514 | 65,478 | |||||
| Office | 143,571 | 149,691 | |||||
| Total Consolidated Revenue From Tenants | $ | 805,010 | $ | 515,070 |
_______
(1) Amounts in the Single-Tenant Retail segment and Office segment reflect changes to the reclassification of one tenant from the Office segment to the Single-Tenant Retail segment to conform to the current year presentation based on a re-evaluation of the property type.
Industrial & Distribution
Revenue from tenants in our Industrial & Distribution segment was $237.6 million and $220.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The increase in revenue from tenants was primarily driven by a full year of revenue attributable to properties acquired from RTL on the Acquisition Date for the year ended December 31, 2024, with minimal impact from the year-over-year change in average foreign exchange rates during the year ended December 31, 2024, when compared to the year ended December 31, 2023.
Multi-Tenant Retail
Revenue from tenants in our Multi-Tenant Retail segment was $259.3 million and $79.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The increase in revenue from tenants was driven by a full year of revenue attributable to properties acquired from RTL on the Acquisition Date for the year ended December 31, 2024.
Single-Tenant Retail
Revenue from tenants in our Single-Tenant Retail segment was $164.5 million and $65.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The increase was primarily due to a full year of revenue attributable to properties acquired from RTL on the Acquisition Date for the year ended December 31, 2024, with minimal impact from the year-over-year change in average foreign exchange rates during the year ended December 31, 2024, when compared to the year ended December 31, 2023.
Office
Revenue from tenants in our Office segment was $143.6 million and $149.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The decrease was primarily driven by dispositions during the year ended December 31, 2024, partially offset by a full period of revenue in the year ended December 31, 2024 attributable to properties acquired from RTL on the Acquisition Date for the year ended December 31, 2024, with minimal impact from the year-over-year change in average foreign exchange rates during the year ended December 31, 2024, when compared to the year ended December 31, 2023.
Property Operating Expenses
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Consolidated property operating expenses, detailed by reportable segment, is as follows:
| Year Ended December 31, | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (In thousands) | 2024 | 2023 (1) | |||||
| Property Operating Expenses: | |||||||
| Industrial & Distribution | $ | 21,820 | $ | 15,457 | |||
| Multi-Tenant Retail | 86,025 | 26,951 | |||||
| Single-Tenant Retail | 15,787 | 6,045 | |||||
| Office | 18,865 | 19,386 | |||||
| Total Consolidated Property Operating Expenses | $ | 142,497 | $ | 67,839 |
_______
(1) Amounts in the Single-Tenant Retail segment and Office segment reflect changes to the reclassification of one tenant from the Office segment to the Single-Tenant Retail segment to conform to the current year presentation based on a re-evaluation of the property type.
Industrial & Distribution
Property operating expenses in our Industrial & Distribution segment were $21.8 million and $15.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The change was primarily due to the timing of our reimbursable costs and a full period of expenses attributable to properties acquired from RTL on the Acquisition Date for the year ended December 31, 2024, with minimal impact from dispositions and the year-over-year change in average foreign exchange rates during the year ended December 31, 2024, when compared to the year ended December 31, 2023.
Multi-Tenant Retail
Property operating expenses in our Multi-Tenant Retail were $86.0 million and $27.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The increase in property operating expenses was driven by a full period of expenses attributable to properties acquired from RTL on the Acquisition Date for the year ended December 31, 2024.
Single-Tenant Retail
Property operating expenses in our Single-Tenant Retail were $15.8 million and $6.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The increase was primarily due to an increase in property operating expenses resulting from a full period of expenses attributable to properties acquired from RTL on the Acquisition Date for the year ended December 31, 2024, with minimal impact from the year-over-year change in average foreign exchange rates, when compared to the year ended December 31, 2023.
Office
Property operating expenses in our Office segment were $18.9 million and $19.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The decrease was primarily due to the timing of our reimbursable expenses , with minimal impact from the year-over-year change in average foreign exchange rates,when compared to the year ended December 31, 2023.
Operating Fees to Related Parties
Due to the completion of the Internalization Merger there were no operating fees paid to related parties in the year ended December 31, 2024. Upon the closing of the Mergers, we no longer pay asset management fees to the former Advisor or property management fees to the Property Manager and we internalized our management functions. While we no longer pay the costs of the various fees and expense reimbursements previously paid to the former Advisor and the Property Manager, after the Internalization Merger, our expenses now include the compensation and benefits of our officers, employees, and consultants, as well as overhead expenses, previously paid by those entities in managing our business and operations, which are recorded in general and administrative expenses from the Acquisition Date forward, including in the form of equity compensation. Operating fees paid to related parties were $28.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. For additional information, see Note 12 — Related Party Transactions to our consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Impairment Charges
During the year ended December 31, 2024, we determined that the fair values of 56 of our properties (54 in the U.S. and two in the U.K) had an estimated fair value that was lower than the carrying value of the properties. The estimated fair values for 54 of the properties were based on the estimated selling price of such properties and the remainder were based on market comparable transactions, and, as a result, we recorded impairment charges, including impairments to intangible assets of approximately $90.4 million. 48 of the 56 properties that were impaired during the year ended 2024 were acquired in the REIT Merger.
During the year ended December 31, 2023, we recorded aggregate impairment charges of $68.7 million, as described below:
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•During the three months ended December 31, 2023, we determined that one of our properties located in Scotland (which was owned prior to the REIT Merger) had an estimated fair value that was lower than its carrying value based on the estimated selling price of the property, and as a result, the Company recorded an impairment charge of approximately $1.8 million. Also during three months ended December 31, 2023, we determined that two of our properties located in the U.S. (which were acquired in the REIT Merger) had an estimated fair value that was lower than their carrying value based on the estimated selling prices of the properties, and, as a result, we recorded an impairment charge of approximately $1.2 million.
•During the three months ended September 30, 2023 we determined that the fair values of four of our properties (one in the U.K. and three in the U.S.) were lower than their carrying values. These properties were all owned by us prior to the REIT Merger. As a result, we recorded impairment charges for these properties, including impairments to intangible assets totaling $65.7 million in the three months ended September 30, 2023. The impairment charge for the property in the U.K. was based on a calculation of the estimated fair value of the property. The impairment charges for the properties in the U.S. were based on the estimated selling prices of the properties.
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Merger, Transaction and Other Costs
We recognized $6.0 million and $54.5 million of acquisition, transaction and other costs during the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The decrease was due to higher advisory, legal and other professional costs incurred in the year ended December 31, 2023 that were directly related to the Mergers.
Settlement Costs
We recognized settlement costs of $29.7 million during the year ended December 31, 2023, which related to the cash reimbursement of approximately $8.8 million of expenses to the Blackwells/Related Parties (as defined in Note 10 — Stockholders’ Equity to our consolidated financial statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K) and non-cash equity expense of approximately $20.9 million for Common Stock issued to Blackwells under the Cooperation Agreement (as defined in Note 10 — Stockholders’ Equity to our consolidated financial statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K).
General and Administrative Expense
General and administrative expenses were $57.7 million and $40.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, which primarily consist of employee compensation/payroll expenses, professional fees including audit and taxation related services, board member compensation, and directors’ and officers’ liability insurance. The overall increase in general and administrative expenses was primarily due to a full period of management expenses for the year ended December 31, 2024 as a result of the Internalization.
Equity-Based Compensation
During the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, we recognized equity-based compensation expense of $8.9 million and $17.3 million, respectively. Equity-based compensation in both periods consists of (i) amortization of Restricted Shares granted to employees of the former Advisor or its affiliates who were involved in providing services to us prior to the Internalization, some of which vested at the closing of the Mergers; (ii) amortization of RSUs granted to our employees (after the Internalization) and our independent directors, and (iii) amortization expense related to PSUs that were issued in October of 2023. Equity-based compensation for the year ended December 31, 2023 included amortization expense for Restricted Shares, RSUs, PSUs and expense related to the 2021 OPP, which expired on September 11, 2023. The decrease in the year ended December 31, 2024 as compared to the prior year, was due to higher compensation expense recorded in the third quarter of 2023 as a result of an accelerated amortization expense due to a modification to the 2021 OPP (for additional information, see Note 13 — Equity-Based Compensation to our consolidated financial statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K).
Depreciation and Amortization
Depreciation and amortization expense was $349.9 million and $222.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The increase was due to the full year period of additional depreciation and amortization expense recorded as a result of the impact of the REIT Merger for a full year period in the year ended December 31 2024 and the year-over-year change in average foreign exchange rates during the year ended December 31, 2024, when compared to the year ended December 31, 2023.
Gain (Loss) on Dispositions of Real Estate Investments
During the year ended December 31, 2024, we sold 178 properties, 164 of which were acquired in the REIT Merger, and recorded an aggregate gain of $57.0 million.
During the year ended December 31, 2023, we sold 11 properties, 10 of which were acquired in the REIT Merger, and recorded an aggregate loss of $1.7 million.
Interest Expense
Interest expense was $326.9 million and $179.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The increase was due to higher non-cash amortization expense due to the amortization of discounts recorded on debt acquired in the REIT Merger. Our total gross debt outstanding was $4.7 billion as of December 31, 2024 as compared to $5.4 billion as of December 31, 2023. The weighted-average effective interest rate of our total debt was 4.8% as of each of December 31, 2024 and 2023.
The increase in interest expense was also impacted by the year-over-year change in average foreign exchange rates during the year ended December 31, 2024, when compared to the year ended December 31, 2023. As of the year ended December 31, 2024, approximately 11% of our total debt outstanding was denominated in EUR, 9% of our total debt outstanding was denominated in GBP and 1% was denominated in CAD. As of December 31, 2023, approximately 10% of our total debt outstanding was denominated in EUR, 8% of our total debt outstanding was denominated in GBP, and 1% was denominated in CAD.
We view a combination of secured and unsecured financing as an efficient and accretive means to acquire properties and manage working capital. As of December 31, 2024, approximately 49% of our total debt outstanding was secured and 51% was
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unsecured, the latter including amounts outstanding under our Credit Facility and Senior Notes. The availability of borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility is based on the value of a pool of eligible unencumbered real estate assets owned by us and compliance with various ratios related to those assets. Our interest expense in future periods will vary based on interest rates, the level of future borrowings, which will depend on refinancing needs and acquisition activity, and changes in currency exchange rates.
Loss on Extinguishment and Modification of Debt
The loss on extinguishment and modification of debt of $15.9 million during the year ended December 31, 2024, was due to cash payments made upon repaying certain mortgage loans, primarily related to the fee required to be paid upon repayment of the mortgage loan in the second quarter of 2024 that encumbered our McLaren properties in the U.K.
The loss on extinguishment and modification of debt of $1.2 million during the year ended December 31, 2023 was primarily due to early pre-payment penalties from certain mortgage paydowns.
Gain (loss) on Derivative Instruments
The gain (loss) on derivative instruments was a gain of $4.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 and a loss of $3.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. These amounts reflect the marked-to-market impact from foreign currency and interest rate derivative instruments used to hedge the investment portfolio from currency and interest rate movements, and was mainly impacted by currency rate changes in the GBP and EUR compared to the USD. For the year ended December 31, 2024, the gain on derivative instruments consisted of unrealized gains of $3.4 million and realized gains of $0.8 million. For the year ended December 31, 2023, the loss on derivative instruments consisted of unrealized losses of $7.3 million and realized gains of $3.6 million. The overall gain (or loss) on derivative instruments directly impact our results of operations since they are recorded on the gain on derivative instruments line item in our consolidated results of operations. However, only the realized gains are included AFFO (as defined below).
As a result of our foreign investments in Europe, and, to a lesser extent, our investments in Canada, we are subject to risk from the effects of exchange rate movements in the EUR, GBP and, to a lesser extent, CAD against the USD, which may affect costs and cash flows in our functional currency, the USD. We generally manage foreign currency exchange rate movements by matching our debt service obligation to the lender and the tenant’s rental obligation to us in the same currency. This reduces our overall exposure to currency fluctuations. In addition, we may use currency hedging to further reduce the exposure to our net cash flow. We are generally a net receiver of these currencies (we receive more cash than we pay out), and therefore our results of operations of our foreign properties benefit from a weaker USD, and are adversely affected by a stronger USD, relative to the foreign currency. Conversely, realized gains from derivatives would generally be lower from a weaker USD, and higher from a stronger USD. We maintain our hedging approach by consistently entering into new foreign exchange forwards for three year periods. Interest rate increases could increase the interest expense on our floating rate debt or any new debt and we are constantly evaluating the use of hedging strategies to mitigate this risk.
Unrealized Gains on Undesignated Foreign Currency Advances and Other Hedge Ineffectiveness
We recorded gains of $3.2 million on undesignated foreign currency advances and other hedge ineffectiveness, related to the accelerated reclassification of amounts in other comprehensive income to earnings as a result of certain hedged forecasted transactions becoming probable not to occur, for the year ended December 31, 2024. During the year ended December 31, 2023, we did not record any amounts due to currency changes on the undesignated excess foreign currency advances over the related net investments.
Income Tax Expense
Although as a REIT we generally do not pay U.S. federal income taxes on the amount of REIT taxable income that is distributed to shareholders, we recognize income tax (expense) benefit domestically for state taxes and local income taxes incurred, if any, and also in foreign jurisdictions in which we own properties. In addition, we perform an analysis of potential deferred tax or future tax benefit and expense as a result of book and tax differences and timing differences in taxes across jurisdictions. Income tax expense was $4.4 million and $14.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. For additional information, see Note 16 — Income Taxes to our consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Preferred Stock Dividends
Preferred Stock dividends were $43.7 million and $27.4 million during years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The increase was due to dividends from our Series D Preferred Stock and Series E Preferred Stock, both of which were assumed from RTL in the REIT Merger.
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Cash Flows from Operating Activities
The level of cash flows provided by operating activities is driven by, among other things, rental income received, operating fees paid to parties that were previously considered related parties (the former Advisor) and for asset and property management, and interest payments on outstanding borrowings.
During the year ended December 31, 2024, net cash provided by operating activities was $299.5 million. Cash flows provided by operating activities during the year ended December 31, 2024 reflect net loss of $131.6 million, adjusted for non-cash items of $514.0 million (primarily depreciation, amortization of intangibles, amortization of deferred financing costs, amortization of mortgage discounts, amortization of above- and below-market lease and ground lease assets and liabilities, amortization of right of use assets, amortization of lease incentives and commissions, unbilled straight-line rent, equity-based compensation, unrealized gains on foreign currency transactions, derivatives and other non-cash items). In addition, operating cash flow was impacted by lease incentive and commission payments of $7.8 million and a net decrease of $30.8 million in working capital items due to an increase in prepaid expenses and other assets of $6.2 million, a decrease in accounts payable and accrued expenses of $22.2 million and a decrease in prepaid rent of $15.5 million.
During the year ended December 31, 2023, net cash provided by operating activities was $143.7 million. Cash flows provided by operating activities during the year ended December 31, 2023 reflect net loss of $211.9 million, adjusted for non-cash items of $339.1 million (primarily depreciation, amortization of intangibles, amortization of deferred financing costs, amortization of mortgage discounts, amortization of above- and below-market lease and ground lease assets and liabilities, amortization of right of use assets, amortization of lease incentives and commissions, unbilled straight-line rent, equity-based compensation, unrealized gains on foreign currency transactions, derivatives and impairment charges). In addition, operating cash flow was impacted by lease incentive and commission payments of $2.8 million and a decrease of $5.5 million in working capital items due to an increase in prepaid expenses and other assets of $7.6 million, a decrease in accounts payable and accrued expenses of $9.6 million and a decrease in prepaid rent of $0.7 million.
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
Net cash provided by investing activities during the year ended December 31, 2024 of $759.9 million primarily consisted of net proceeds from dispositions of $803.4 million, partially offset by capital expenditures of $45.6 million.
Net cash used in investing activities during the year ended December 31, 2023 of $551.9 million consisted of net cash used to complete the Mergers of $451.4 million, cash used for other property acquisitions of $134.1 million and capital expenditures of $47.3 million, partially offset by proceeds from dispositions of $80.9 million.
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
Net cash used in financing activities of $995.4 million during the year ended December 31, 2024 was a result of net payments of principal on mortgage notes payable of $332.2 million, net paydowns of borrowings under our Revolving Credit Facility of $322.4 million, dividends paid to common stockholders of $272.4 million, dividends paid to holders of our Series A Preferred Stock of $12.3 million, dividends paid to holders of our Series B Preferred Stock of $8.1 million, dividends paid to holders of our Series D Preferred Stock of $14.9 million, dividends paid to holders of our Series E Preferred Stock of $8.5 million, penalties and charges related to repayments and early repayments of debt of $15.9 million and cash paid for financing costs of $7.6 million.
Net cash provided by financing activities of $469.0 million during the year ended December 31, 2023 was a result of net proceeds from borrowings under our Revolving Credit Facility of $1.1 billion (for additional information on Revolving Credit Facility activity, see the Liquidity and Capital Resources section below), partially offset by net payments on mortgage notes payable of $340.4 million, dividends paid to common stockholders of $207.0 million, dividends paid to holders of our Series A Preferred Stock of $12.3 million, dividends paid to holders of our Series B Preferred Stock of $8.1 million, dividends paid to holders of our Series D Preferred Stock of $3.7 million, dividends paid to holders of our Series E Preferred Stock of $2.1 million and distributions to non-controlling interest holders of $3.2 million. Distributions to non-controlling interest holders increased $2.8 million in the year ended December 31, 2023, when compared to last year, due to the priority catch-up distribution to the former Advisor in respect of the 883,750 GNL LTIP Units that were earned under the 2021 OPP. The Series D Preferred Stock and Series E Preferred stock were each assumed by GNL in September 2023 in connection with the REIT Merger, and therefore the dividends paid noted above represent one quarter of dividends in the year ended December 31, 2023.
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Liquidity and Capital Resources
Our principal future needs for cash and cash equivalents includes the purchase of additional properties or other investments, payment of related acquisition costs, improvement costs, operating and administrative expenses, repayment of certain debt obligations, which includes our continuing debt service obligations and dividends to holders of our Common Stock and Preferred Stock as well as to any future class or series of preferred stock we may issue. As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, we had cash and cash equivalents of $159.7 million and $121.6 million, respectively. See discussion above our how our cash flows from various sources impacted our cash.
Management expects that cash generated from operations, supplemented by our existing cash, will be sufficient to fund, in the near and long term, the payment of quarterly dividends to our common stockholders and holders of our Preferred Stock, as well as anticipated capital expenditures. During the year ended December 31, 2024, cash generated from operations covered 94.7% of our dividends paid. In addition, we plan on continuing to manage our leverage by using proceeds from strategic or opportunistic dispositions to reduce our debt, and we currently have entered into purchase and sale agreements (“PSA’s”) and non-binding letters of intent (“LOI’s”) totaling an aggregate of $2.1 billion, inclusive of the RCG PSA described below. The PSAs and LOIs are subject to conditions and there can be no assurance we will be able to complete these dispositions on their contemplated terms, or at all.
Our other sources of capital, which we have used and may use in the future, include proceeds received from our Revolving Credit Facility, proceeds from secured or unsecured financings (which may include note issuances), proceeds from our offerings of equity securities (including Common Stock and Preferred Stock), proceeds from any future sales of properties, including proceeds from the RCG Multi-Tenant Retail Disposition and undistributed cash flows from operations, if any.
Acquisitions, Dispositions and Pending Transactions
We are in the business of acquiring real estate properties and leasing the properties to tenants. Generally, we fund our acquisitions through a combination of cash and cash equivalents, proceeds from offerings of equity securities, borrowings under our Revolving Credit Facility and proceeds from mortgage or other debt secured by the acquired or other assets at the time of acquisition or at some later point. In addition, to the extent we dispose of properties, we have used and may continue to use the net proceeds from the dispositions (after repayment of any mortgage debt, if any) for future acquisitions or other general corporate purposes.
Acquisitions and Dispositions — Year Ended December 31, 2024
During the year ended December 31, 2024, we sold 178 properties, 164 of which were acquired in the REIT Merger, for a contract price of $835.4 million.
We did not acquire any properties during the year ended December 31, 2024.
Dispositions Subsequent to December 31, 2024 and Pending Transactions
Subsequent to December 31, 2024, we disposed of 13 properties for an aggregate price of $19.2 million.
In addition, as of February 25, 2025, we had signed PSA’s to dispose of 232 properties for an aggregate sale price of $2.0 billion and we have signed LOI’s to dispose of 3 properties for an aggregate sale price of $15.1 million.
On February 25, 2025, we entered into the RCG PSA to sell a real estate portfolio comprised of 100 multi-tenant retail centers located in 28 states for a base purchase price of approximately $1.78 billion, subject to customary purchase price adjustments. The closing of the RCG Multi-Tenant Retail Disposition is subject to a number of customary conditions, including, but not limited to, with respect to 41 of the multi-tenant retail centers, the consent of certain of our existing lenders for RCG to assume the following debt secured by such properties: (a) approximately $210.0 million secured from Société Générale and UBS AG, and (b) approximately $260.0 million secured from Barclays Capital Real Estate Inc., Société Générale, KeyBank and Bank of Montreal. The closing of the disposition of the other 59 facilities is not contingent upon assumption of such debt and the closing is not otherwise subject to any financing contingency. We received a $25.0 million non-refundable deposit from RCG in connection with entering into RCG PSA. The RCG Multi-Tenant Retail Disposition is expected to close in three phases: the unencumbered portfolio is scheduled to close by March 31, 2025, while the encumbered portfolio is scheduled to close in two stages during the second quarter of 2025, pending approval of the respective loan assumptions.
Share Repurchase Program
On February 20, 2025, our Board authorized a stock buyback program for up to an aggregate amount of $300.0 million of shares of Common Stock. Under the program, which does not have a stated expiration date, we may repurchase shares of Common Stock from time to time through open market purchases, including pursuant to Rule 10b5-1 pre-set trading plans and under Rule 10b-18 of the Exchange Act, privately negotiated transactions, accelerated share repurchase transactions entered into with one or more counterparties or otherwise, in compliance with applicable securities laws and other legal requirements. The timing, volume, and nature of repurchases are subject to market conditions, applicable securities laws, and other factors, and the program may be amended, suspended or discontinued at any time. The program does not obligate us to repurchase any specific number of shares of Common Stock.
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Equity Offerings
Common Stock
We have an “at the market” equity offering program (the “Common Stock ATM Program”) pursuant to which we may sell shares of Common Stock, from time to time through our sales agents. In November 2022, we filed a new shelf registration statement and prospectus supplement covering the Common Stock ATM Program having an aggregate offering amount of up to $285.0 million, prior to the expiration of our previous registration statement, which had an aggregate offering amount of up to $500.0 million ($285.0 million was sold under our previous registration statement). During the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, we did not sell any shares of Common Stock through the Common Stock ATM Program.
Preferred Stock
We have an “at the market” equity offering program for our Series B Preferred Stock (the “Series B Preferred Stock ATM Program”) pursuant to which we may sell shares of Series B Preferred Stock, from time to time through our sales agents. In November 2022, we filed a new shelf registration statement and prospectus supplement covering the Series B Preferred Stock ATM Program having an aggregate offering amount of up to $170.0 million, prior to the expiration of our previous registration statement, which had an aggregate offering amount of up to $200.0 million. During the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, we did not sell any shares of Series B Preferred Stock through the Series B Preferred Stock ATM Program.
The timing differences between when we raise equity proceeds or receive proceeds from dispositions and when we invest those proceeds in acquisitions or other investments that increase our operating cash flows have affected, and may continue to affect, our results of operations.
Borrowings
As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, we had total gross debt outstanding of $4.7 billion and $5.4 billion, respectively, bearing interest at a weighted-average interest rate per annum equal to 4.8% for both 2024 and 2023. Approximately $464.5 million of our debt, consisting only of mortgage notes payable, matures in 2025 (see Mortgage Notes Payable below for more information).
As of December 31, 2024, 91% of our total debt outstanding either bore interest at fixed rates, or was swapped to a fixed rate, which bore interest at a weighted-average interest rate of 4.7% per annum. As of December 31, 2024, 9% of our total debt outstanding was variable-rate debt, which bore interest at a weighted- average interest rate of 6.0% per annum (20% variable with a rate of 7.2% in 2023). The total gross carrying value of unencumbered assets as of December 31, 2024 was $4.8 billion, of which approximately $4.5 billion was included in the unencumbered asset pool comprising the borrowing base under the Revolving Credit Facility and therefore is not available to serve as collateral for future borrowings.
Our debt leverage ratio was 63.8% (total debt as a percentage of total purchase price of real estate investments, based on the exchange rate at the time of purchase) as of December 31, 2024. See Note 8 — Fair Value of Financial Instruments to our consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for a discussion of fair value of such debt as of December 31, 2024. As of December 31, 2024 the weighted-average maturity of our indebtedness was 3.0 years. We believe we have the ability to service our debt obligations as they come due.
As noted above, we plan on continuing to manage our leverage by using proceeds from strategic or opportunistic dispositions to reduce our debt, and we currently have entered into PSA’s and LOI’s totaling an aggregate of $2.1 billion, inclusive of the RCG PSA.
Senior Notes
In connection with the REIT Merger, we assumed and became a guarantor under RTL’s $500.0 million aggregate principal, 4.50% Senior Notes due 2028 (the “4.50% Senior Notes”), pursuant to a supplemental indenture governing the 4.50% Senior Notes. Both the 4.50% Senior Notes and our original 3.75% Senior Notes (together, the “Senior Notes”) do not require any principal payments prior to maturity. As of December 31, 2024, the carrying amount of the outstanding Senior Notes on our balance sheets totaled $906.1 million which is net of $93.9 million of deferred financing costs and discounts, and as of December 31, 2023 the carrying amount of the outstanding Senior Notes on our balance sheets totaled $886.0 million, which is net of $114.0 million of deferred financing costs. See Note 7 — Senior Notes, Net to our consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further discussion on the Senior Notes and related covenants.
Mortgage Notes Payable
As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, we had secured mortgage notes payable of $2.2 billion and $2.5 billion, respectively, net of mortgage discounts and deferred financing costs. All of our current mortgage loans require payment of interest-only with the principal due at maturity. We have $464.5 million of principal payments due on our mortgages during the year ending December 31, 2025. Significant activity related to our mortgage notes payable was as follows (see Note 5 — Mortgage Notes Payable, Net for additional information):
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•In April 2024, we repaid our mortgage loan that encumbered our McLaren properties in the United Kingdom, which had a balance of $127.5 million as of March 31, 2024, using borrowings under the GBP portion of our Revolving Credit Facility.
•On April 5, 2024, we entered into a commercial mortgage-backed security Loan Agreement (“CMBS Loan II”) with (i) Bank of Montreal, (ii) Société Générale Financial Corporation, (iii) Barclays Capital Real Estate Inc. and (iv) KeyBank National Association (each individually, a “Lender,” and collectively, the “Lenders”), in the aggregate amount of $237.0 million. CMBS Loan II is secured by, among other things, first priority mortgages on 20 industrial properties that we own across the United States. CMBS Loan II has a 5-year term, is interest-only (payable monthly) at a fixed rate of 5.74% per year and matures on April 6, 2029. CMBS Loan II contains certain covenants, including, certain obligations to reserve funds and requires us to maintain a net worth of $150.0 million and liquid assets having a market value of at least $10.0 million. We used the net proceeds to pay down draws on the USD portion of the Revolving Credit Facility (as noted below).
•In June 2024, we repaid our mortgage loan that encumbered our properties in The Netherlands and Luxembourg, which had a balance of $116.3 million as of March 31, 2024, using borrowings under the EUR portion of our Revolving Credit Facility.
•In June 2024, we repaid approximately $139.0 million of our Column Financial Mortgage Notes using net proceeds from the disposition of certain properties.
Credit Facility
As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, outstanding borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility were $1.4 billion and $1.7 billion, respectively. During the year ended December 31, 2024, we made net additional paydowns of $322.4 million on the Revolving Credit Facility. As of December 31, 2024, approximately $332.5 million was available for future borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility.
The Credit Agreement requires payments of interest only prior to maturity. Borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility bear interest at a variable rate per annum based on an applicable margin that varies based on the ratio of consolidated total indebtedness to consolidated total asset value of us and our subsidiaries plus either (i) the Base Rate (as defined in the Credit Agreement) or (ii) the applicable Benchmark Rate (as defined in the Credit Facility) for the currency being borrowed. The applicable interest rate margin is based on a range from 0.30% to 0.90% per annum with respect to Base Rate borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility and 1.30% to 1.90% per annum with respect to Benchmark Rate borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility. These spreads reflect a reduction from the previous spreads. For Benchmark Rate Loans denominated in Dollars that bear interest calculated by reference to Term SOFR, there is an additional spread adjustment depending on the length of the interest period. In addition, (i) if we achieve an investment grade credit rating from at least two rating agencies, the OP can elect for the spread to be based on our credit rating, and (ii) the “floor” on the applicable Benchmark is 0%. As of December 31, 2024, the Revolving Credit Facility had a weighted-average effective interest rate of 5.7% after giving effect to interest rate swaps in place.
The Revolving Credit Facility matures on October 8, 2026, subject to our option, subject to customary conditions, to extend the maturity date by up to two additional six-month terms. Borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility may be prepaid at any time, in whole or in part, without premium or penalty, subject to customary breakage costs associated with borrowings for the applicable Benchmark Rate.
The Revolving Credit Facility requires us through the OP to pay an unused fee per annum of 0.25% of the unused balance of the Revolving Credit Facility if the unused balance exceeds or is equal to 50% of the total commitment or a fee per annum of 0.15% of the unused balance of the Revolving Credit Facility if the unused balance is less than 50% of the total commitment. From and after the time we obtain an investment grade credit rating, the unused fee will be replaced with a facility fee based on the total commitment under the Revolving Credit Facility multiplied by 0.30%, decreasing as our credit rating increases.
The availability of borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility is based on the value of a pool of eligible unencumbered real estate assets owned by us and compliance with various ratios related to those assets. Also, we have a $7.4 million letter of credit held by lenders which were put in place to cure cash trap sweep events under one of our mortgages. These letters of credit reduce the availability for future borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility.
Any future borrowings may, at our option be denominated in USD, EUR, CAD, GBP Norwegian Krone, Swedish Krona and Swiss Francs, provided that the total principal amount of non-USD loans cannot exceed the sum of the total revolving commitments minus $100.0 million. Amounts borrowed may not, however, be converted to, or repaid in, another currency once borrowed.
Covenants
As of December 31, 2024, we were in compliance with the covenants under the indenture governing the 3.75% Senior Notes, the indenture governing the 4.50% Senior Notes and the Credit Agreement (see Note 6 — Revolving Credit Facility and Note 7 — Senior Notes, Net to our consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further discussion on the Credit Facility and Senior Notes and the related covenants).
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As of December 31, 2024, we were in compliance with all property-level debt covenants with the exception of four property-level debt instruments. For those four property-level debt instruments, we either (a) implemented a cure to the underlying noncompliance trigger by providing a letter of credit, or (b) permitted excess net cash flow after debt service from the impacted properties to become restricted, in each case in accordance with the terms of the applicable debt instrument. Each letter of credit, for so long as it is outstanding, represents a dollar-for-dollar reduction to availability for future borrowings under our Revolving Credit Facility. While the restricted cash cannot not be used for general corporate purposes, it is available to fund operations of the underlying assets. These matters did not have a material impact on our ability to operate the impacted assets and do not constitute events of default under the applicable debt instruments.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
This section discusses the non-GAAP financial measures we use to evaluate our performance including Funds from Operations (“FFO”), Core Funds from Operations (“Core FFO”) and Adjusted Funds from Operations (“AFFO”). A description of these non-GAAP measures and reconciliations to the most directly comparable GAAP measure, which is net income, is provided below.
Use of Non-GAAP Measures
FFO, Core FFO, and AFFO should not be construed to be more relevant or accurate than the current GAAP methodology in calculating net income or in its applicability in evaluating our operating performance. The method utilized to evaluate the value and performance of real estate under GAAP should be construed as a more relevant measure of operational performance and considered more prominently than the non-GAAP FFO, Core FFO and AFFO measures. Other REITs may not define FFO in accordance with the current NAREIT (as defined below) definition (as we do), or may interpret the current NAREIT definition differently than we do, or may calculate Core FFO or AFFO differently than we do. Consequently, our presentation of FFO, Core FFO and AFFO may not be comparable to other similarly-titled measures presented by other REITs.
We consider FFO, Core FFO and AFFO useful indicators of our performance. Because FFO, Core FFO and AFFO calculations exclude such factors as depreciation and amortization of real estate assets and gain or loss from sales of operating real estate assets (which can vary among owners of identical assets in similar conditions based on historical cost accounting and useful-life estimates), FFO, Core FFO and AFFO presentations can facilitate comparisons of operating performance between periods and between other REITs in our peer group.
As a result, we believe that the use of FFO, Core FFO and AFFO, together with the required GAAP presentations, provide a more complete understanding of our operating performance including relative to our peers and a more informed and appropriate basis on which to make decisions involving operating, financing, and investing activities. However, FFO, Core FFO and AFFO are not indicative of cash available to fund ongoing cash needs, including the ability to make cash distributions. Investors are cautioned that FFO, Core FFO and AFFO should only be used to assess the sustainability of our operating performance excluding these activities, as they exclude certain costs that have a negative effect on our operating performance during the periods in which these costs are incurred.
Funds from Operations, Core Funds from Operations and Adjusted Funds from Operations
Funds From Operations
Due to certain unique operating characteristics of real estate companies, as discussed below, the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts (“NAREIT”), an industry trade group, has promulgated a measure known as FFO, which we believe to be an appropriate supplemental measure to reflect the operating performance of a REIT. FFO is not equivalent to net income or loss as determined under GAAP.
We calculate FFO, a non-GAAP measure, consistent with the standards established over time by the Board of Governors of NAREIT, as restated in a White Paper approved by the Board of Governors of NAREIT effective in December 2018 (the “White Paper”). The White Paper defines FFO as net income or loss computed in accordance with GAAP, excluding depreciation and amortization related to real estate, gain and loss from the sale of certain real estate assets, gain and loss from change in control and impairment write-downs of certain real estate assets and investments in entities when the impairment is directly attributable to decreases in the value of depreciable real estate held by the entity. Our FFO calculation complies with NAREIT’s definition.
The historical accounting convention used for real estate assets requires straight-line depreciation of buildings and improvements, and straight-line amortization of intangibles, which implies that the value of a real estate asset diminishes predictably over time. We believe that, because real estate values historically rise and fall with market conditions, including inflation, interest rates, unemployment and consumer spending, presentations of operating results for a REIT using historical accounting for depreciation and certain other items may be less informative. Historical accounting for real estate involves the use of GAAP. Any other method of accounting for real estate such as the fair value method cannot be construed to be any more accurate or relevant than the comparable methodologies of real estate valuation found in GAAP. Nevertheless, we believe that the use of FFO, which excludes the impact of real estate related depreciation and amortization, among other things, provides a
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more complete understanding of our performance to investors and to management, and, when compared year over year, reflects the impact on our operations from trends in occupancy rates, rental rates, operating costs, general and administrative expenses, and interest costs, which may not be immediately apparent from net income.
Core Funds From Operations
In calculating Core FFO, we start with FFO, then we exclude certain non-core items such as merger, transaction and other costs, settlement costs related to the Blackwells/Related Parties litigation (recorded in the second and third quarters of 2023), as well as certain other costs that are considered to be non-core, such as debt extinguishment or modification costs. The purchase of properties, and the corresponding expenses associated with that process, is a key operational feature of our core business plan to generate operational income and cash flows in order to make dividend payments to stockholders. In evaluating investments in real estate, we differentiate the costs to acquire the investment from the subsequent operations of the investment. We also add back non-cash write-offs of deferred financing costs, prepayment penalties and certain other costs incurred with the early extinguishment or modification of debt which are included in net income but are considered financing cash flows when paid in the statement of cash flows. We consider these write-offs and prepayment penalties to be capital transactions and not indicative of operations. By excluding expensed acquisition, transaction and other costs as well as non-core costs, we believe Core FFO provides useful supplemental information that is comparable for each type of real estate investment and is consistent with management’s analysis of the investing and operating performance of our properties.
Adjusted Funds From Operations
In calculating AFFO, we start with Core FFO, then we exclude certain income or expense items from AFFO that we consider more reflective of investing activities, other non-cash income and expense items and the income and expense effects of other activities or items, including items that were paid in cash that are not a fundamental attribute of our business plan or were one time or non-recurring items. These items include early extinguishment or modification of debt and other items excluded in Core FFO as well as unrealized gain and loss, which may not ultimately be realized, such as gain or loss on derivative instruments, gain or loss on foreign currency transactions, and gain or loss on investments. In addition, by excluding non-cash income and expense items such as amortization of above-market and below-market leases intangibles, amortization of deferred financing costs, straight-line rent and equity-based compensation from AFFO, we believe we provide useful information regarding income and expense items which have a direct impact on our ongoing operating performance. We also exclude revenue attributable to the reimbursement by third parties of financing costs that we originally incurred because these revenues are not, in our view, related to operating performance. We also include the realized gain or loss on foreign currency exchange contracts for AFFO as such items are part of our ongoing operations and affect our current operating performance.
In calculating AFFO, we also exclude certain expenses which under GAAP are treated as operating expenses in determining operating net income. All paid and accrued acquisition, transaction and other costs (including prepayment penalties for debt extinguishments or modifications and merger related expenses) and certain other expenses, including expenses incurred for our 2023 proxy contest and related Blackwells/Related Parties litigation, expenses related to our European tax restructuring and transition costs related to the Mergers, negatively impact our operating performance during the period in which expenses are incurred or properties are acquired and will also have negative effects on returns to investors, but are excluded by us as we believe they are not reflective of on-going performance. Further, under GAAP, certain contemplated non-cash fair value and other non-cash adjustments are considered operating non-cash adjustments to net income. In addition, as discussed above, we view gain and loss from fair value adjustments as items which are unrealized and may not ultimately be realized and not reflective of ongoing operations and are therefore typically adjusted for when assessing operating performance. Excluding income and expense items detailed above from our calculation of AFFO provides information consistent with management’s analysis of our operating performance. Additionally, fair value adjustments, which are based on the impact of current market fluctuations and underlying assessments of general market conditions, but can also result from operational factors such as rental and occupancy rates, may not be directly related or attributable to our current operating performance. By excluding such changes that may reflect anticipated and unrealized gain or loss, we believe AFFO provides useful supplemental information. By providing AFFO, we believe we are presenting useful information that can be used to, among other things, assess our performance without the impact of transactions or other items that are not related to our portfolio of properties. AFFO presented by us may not be comparable to AFFO reported by other REITs that define AFFO differently. Furthermore, we believe that in order to facilitate a clear understanding of our operating results, AFFO should be examined in conjunction with net income (loss) calculated in accordance with GAAP as presented in our consolidated financial statements. AFFO should not be considered as an alternative to net income (loss) as an indication of our performance or to cash flows as a measure of our liquidity or ability to make distributions.
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| Year Ended December 31, | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (In thousands) | 2024 | 2023 | |||||
| Net loss attributable to common stockholders (in accordance with GAAP) | $ | (175,316) | $ | (239,348) | |||
| Impairment charges | 90,410 | 68,684 | |||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 349,943 | 222,271 | |||||
| (Gain) loss on dispositions of real estate investments | (57,015) | 1,672 | |||||
| FFO (as defined by NAREIT) attributable to common stockholders | 208,022 | 53,279 | |||||
| Merger, transaction and other costs (1) | 6,026 | 54,492 | |||||
| Settlement costs (2) | — | 29,727 | |||||
| Loss on extinguishment and modification of debt | 15,877 | 1,221 | |||||
| Core FFO attributable to common stockholders | 229,925 | 138,719 | |||||
| Non-cash equity-based compensation | 8,931 | 17,297 | |||||
| Non-cash portion of interest expense | 9,980 | 8,622 | |||||
| Amortization related to above and below-market lease intangibles and right-of-use assets, net | 7,503 | 5,603 | |||||
| Straight-line rent | (19,150) | (10,396) | |||||
| Unrealized gains on undesignated foreign currency advances and other hedge ineffectiveness | (3,249) | — | |||||
| Eliminate unrealized (gains) losses on foreign currency transactions (3) | (3,418) | 7,286 | |||||
| Amortization of mortgage discounts | 68,591 | 18,916 | |||||
| Expenses attributable to 2023 proxy contest and related litigation (4) | — | 9,101 | |||||
| Expenses attributable to European tax restructuring (5) | 485 | 2,169 | |||||
| Transition costs related to the Mergers (6) | 4,486 | 2,484 | |||||
| Forfeited disposition deposit (7) | (275) | — | |||||
| AFFO attributable to common stockholders | $ | 303,809 | $ | 199,801 | |||
| Summary | |||||||
| FFO (as defined by NAREIT) attributable to common stockholders | $ | 208,022 | $ | 53,279 | |||
| Core FFO attributable to common stockholders | $ | 229,925 | $ | 138,719 | |||
| AFFO attributable to common stockholders | $ | 303,809 | $ | 199,801 |
_____
(1)For the year ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, these costs primarily consist of advisory, legal and other professional costs that were directly related to the REIT Merger and Internalization Merger.
(2)In the year ended December 31, 2023, we recognized these settlement costs which include one-half of the reasonable, documented, out-of-pocket expenses (including legal fees) incurred by the Blackwells/Related Parties in connection with the proxy contest and related litigation as well as expense for Common Stock issued to the Blackwells/Related Parties, as required under the cooperation agreement with the Blackwells/Related Parties. There were no such costs in the year ended December 31, 2024.
(3)For AFFO purposes, we adjust for unrealized gains and losses. For the year ended December 31, 2024, the gain on derivative instruments (related to foreign currencies) was $4.2 million which consisted of unrealized gains of $3.4 million and realized gains of $0.8 million. For the year ended December 31, 2023, the loss on derivative instruments was $3.7 million which consisted of unrealized losses of $7.3 million and realized gains of $3.6 million.
(4)Amount relates to costs specifically related to our 2023 proxy contest and related Blackwells/Related Parties litigation (as described herein). We do not consider these expenses to be part of our normal operating performance and have, accordingly, increased AFFO for this amount.
(5)Amount relates to costs incurred related to the tax restructuring of our European entities. We do not consider these expenses to be part of our normal operating performance and have, accordingly, increased AFFO for this amount.
(6)Amounts include costs related to (i) compensation incurred for our former Co-Chief Executive Officer who retired effective March 31, 2024; (ii) a transition service agreement with the former Advisor; and (iii) insurance premiums related to expiring directors and officers insurance of former RTL directors. We do not consider these expenses to be part of our normal operating performance and have, accordingly, increased AFFO for this amount.
(7)Represents a forfeited deposit from a potential buyer of one of our properties, which is recorded in other income in our consolidated statement of operations. We do not consider this income to be part of our normal operating performance and have, accordingly, decreased AFFO for this amount.
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Dividends
Common Stock
The amount of dividends payable to our common stockholders is determined by our Board and is dependent on a number of factors, including funds available for dividends, our financial condition, provisions in our Credit Agreement or other agreements that may restrict our ability to pay dividends, capital expenditure requirements, as applicable, requirements of Maryland law and annual distribution requirements needed to maintain our status as a REIT.
In connection with the Mergers, in October 2023, the Board approved an annual dividend rate on our Common Stock of $1.42 per share, or $0.354 per share on a quarterly basis. The first dividend paid at this rate occurred on October 16, 2023 and, accordingly, during the three months ended March 31, 2024, we paid dividends at this rate as well.
On February 26, 2024, the Board approved a dividend policy that reduced our Common Stock dividend rate to an annual rate of $1.10 per share, or $0.275 per share on a quarterly basis. This Common Stock dividend rate became effective with the Common Stock dividend declared and paid in April 2024 and was effective through January 2025.
On February 27, 2025, we announced that our Board plans to reduce our quarterly dividend per share of Common Stock from $0.275 to $0.190 per share, representing an annual dividend rate of $0.76 per share, beginning with the dividend expected to be declared in April 2025. The reduction of the dividend rate is expected to yield benefits to us, including increasing the amount of cash that may be used to lower leverage.
Common Stock dividends authorized by our Board and declared by us are paid on a quarterly basis in arrears during the first month following the end of each fiscal quarter (unless otherwise specified) to common stockholders of record on the record date for such payment.
Preferred Stock
Dividends accrue on our Preferred Stock as follows:
•Dividends on our Series A Preferred Stock accrue in an amount equal to $0.453125 per share per quarter to Series A Preferred Stockholders, which is equivalent to 7.25% of the $25.00 liquidation preference per share of Series A Preferred Stock per annum.
•Dividends on our Series B Preferred Stock accrue in an amount equal to $0.4296875 per share per quarter to Series B Preferred Stockholders, which is equivalent to 6.875% of the $25.00 liquidation preference per share of Series B Preferred Stock per annum.
•Dividends on our Series D Preferred Stock accrue in an amount equal to $0.46875 per share per quarter to Series D Preferred Stockholders, which is equivalent to the rate of 7.50% of the $25.00 liquidation preference per share of Series D Preferred Stock per annum.
•Dividends on our Series E Preferred Stock accrue in an amount equal to $0.4609375 per share per quarter to Series E Preferred Stockholders, which is equivalent to the rate of 7.375% of the $25.00 liquidation preference per share of Series E Preferred Stock per annum.
Dividends on the Series A Preferred Stock, Series B Preferred Stock, Series D Preferred Stock and Series E Preferred Stock are payable quarterly in arrears on the 15th day of January, April, July and October of each year (or, if not on a business day, on the next succeeding business day) to holders of record on the close of business on the record date set by our Board. Any accrued and unpaid dividends payable with respect to the Series A Preferred Stock and Series B Preferred Stock become part of the liquidation preference thereof.
Pursuant to the Credit Agreement, we may not pay distributions, including cash dividends on, or redeem or repurchase Common Stock, Series A Preferred Stock, Series B Preferred Stock, Series D Preferred Stock, Series E Preferred Stock, or any other class or series of stock we may issue in the future, that exceed 100% of our Adjusted FFO as defined in the Credit Facility (which is different from AFFO disclosed in this Annual Report on Form 10-K) for any period of four consecutive fiscal quarters, except in limited circumstances, including that for one fiscal quarter in each calendar year, we may pay cash dividends and other distributions and redeem or repurchase an aggregate amount equal to no more than 105% of our Adjusted FFO. We last used the exception to pay dividends that were between 100% of Adjusted FFO and 105% of Adjusted FFO during the quarter ended on June 30, 2020, and may use this exception in the future. In the past, the lenders under our Revolving Credit Facility have consented to increase the maximum amount of our Adjusted FFO we may use to pay cash dividends and other distributions and make redemptions and other repurchases in certain periods, but there can be no assurance that they will do so again in the future.
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The following table shows the sources for the payment of dividends to holders of our Common Stock, Series A Preferred Stock, Series B Preferred Stock, Series D Preferred Stock, Series E Preferred stock and distributions to holders of LTIP Units for the periods indicated:
| Three Months Ended | Year Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| March 31, 2024 | June 30, 2024 | September 30, 2024 | December 31, 2024 | December 31, 2024 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (In thousands) | Percentage of Dividends | Percentage of Dividends | Percentage of Dividends | Percentage of Dividends | Percentage of Dividends | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Dividends and Distributions: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Dividends to holders of Common Stock | $ | 81,733 | $ | 63,483 | $ | 63,466 | $ | 63,753 | $ | 272,435 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Dividends to holders of Series A Preferred Stock | 3,081 | 3,081 | 3,081 | 3,081 | 12,324 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Dividends to holders of Series B Preferred Stock | 2,018 | 2,018 | 2,018 | 2,018 | 8,072 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Dividends to holders of Series D Preferred Stock | 3,718 | 3,720 | 3,719 | 3,719 | 14,876 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Dividends to holders of Series E Preferred Stock | 2,118 | 2,118 | 2,118 | 2,118 | 8,472 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Distributions to holders of LTIP Units/Class A Units | 41 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 137 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total dividends and distributions | $ | 92,709 | $ | 74,452 | $ | 74,434 | $ | 74,721 | $ | 316,316 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source of dividend coverage: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash flows provided by operations | $ | 92,186 | 99.4 | % | $ | 70,359 | 94.5 | % | $ | 62,126 | 83.5 | % | $ | 74,799 | 100.1 | % | $ | 299,470 | (1) | 94.7 | % | ||||||||||||||
| Available cash on hand | 523 | 0.6 | % | 4,093 | 5.5 | % | 12,308 | 16.5 | % | (78) | (0.1) | % | 16,846 | (1) | 5.3 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total sources of dividend and distribution coverage | $ | 92,709 | 100.0 | % | $ | 74,452 | 100.0 | % | $ | 74,434 | 100.0 | % | $ | 74,721 | 100.0 | % | $ | 316,316 | 100.0 | % | |||||||||||||||
| Cash flows provided by operations (GAAP basis) | $ | 92,186 | $ | 70,359 | $ | 62,126 | $ | 74,799 | $ | 299,470 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net loss attributable to common stockholders (in accordance with GAAP) | $ | (34,687) | $ | (11,913) | $ | (29,971) | $ | (98,745) | $ | (175,316) |
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(1) Year-to-date totals will not equal the sum of the quarters. Each quarter and year-to-date period is evaluated separately for purposes of this table.
Foreign Currency Translation
Our reporting currency is the USD. The functional currency of our foreign investments is the applicable local currency for each foreign location in which we invest. Assets and liabilities in these foreign locations (including intercompany balances for which settlement is not anticipated in the foreseeable future) are translated at the spot rate in effect at the applicable reporting date. The amounts reported in the consolidated statements of operations are translated at the average exchange rates in effect during the applicable period. The resulting unrealized cumulative translation adjustment is recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income in the consolidated statements of equity. We are exposed to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates on property investments in foreign countries which pay rental income, incur property related expenses and borrow in currencies other than our functional currency, the USD. We have used and may continue to use foreign currency derivatives including options, currency forward and cross currency swap agreements to manage our exposure to fluctuations in GBP-USD and EUR-USD exchange rates (see Note 9 — Derivatives and Hedging Activities to the consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further discussion).
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Election as a REIT
We elected to be taxed as a REIT under Sections 856 through 860 of the Code, effective for our taxable year ended December 31, 2013. We believe that, commencing with such taxable year, we have been organized and have operated in a manner so that we qualify for taxation as a REIT under the Code. We intend to continue to operate in such a manner to qualify for taxation as a REIT, but can provide no assurances that we will operate in a manner so as to remain qualified as a REIT. To continue to qualify for taxation as a REIT, we must distribute annually at least 90% of our REIT taxable income (which does not equal net income as calculated in accordance with GAAP), determined without regard for the deduction for dividends paid and excluding net capital gains, and must comply with a number of other organizational and operational requirements. If we continue to qualify for taxation as a REIT, we generally will not be subject to federal corporate income tax on the portion of our REIT taxable income that we distribute to our stockholders. Even if we qualify for taxation as a REIT, we may be subject to certain state and local taxes on our income and properties, as well as federal income and excise taxes on our undistributed income.
In addition, our international assets and operations, including those owned through direct or indirect subsidiaries that are disregarded entities for U.S. federal income tax purposes, continue to be subject to taxation in the foreign jurisdictions where those assets are held or those operations are conducted.
Inflation
We may be adversely impacted by inflation on the leases that do not contain indexed escalation provisions, or those leases which have escalations at rates which do not exceed or approximate current inflation rates. As of December 31, 2024, the increase to the 12-month CPI for all items, as published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, was 2.9%. To help mitigate the adverse impact of inflation, approximately 81% of our leases with our tenants contain rent escalation provisions that increase the cash rent that is due under the leases over time by an average cumulative increase of 1.3% per year. These provisions generally increase rental rates during the terms of the leases either at fixed rates or indexed escalations (based on the Consumer Price Index or other measures). As of December 31, 2024, based on straight-line rent, approximately 61.1% are fixed-rate with increases averaging 1.7%, 14.8% are based on the Consumer Price Index, subject to certain caps, 4.6% are based on other measures, and 19.5% do not contain any escalation provisions.
In addition, we may be required to pay costs for maintenance and operation of properties which may adversely impact our results of operations due to potential increases in costs and operating expenses resulting from inflation. However, our net leases require the tenant to pay its allocable share of operating expenses, which may include common area maintenance costs, real estate taxes and insurance. This may reduce our exposure to increases in costs and operating expenses resulting from inflation. As the costs of general goods and services continue to rise, we may be adversely impacted by increases in general and administrative costs due to overall inflation.
FY 2023 10-K MD&A
SEC filing source: 0001526113-24-000007.
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the accompanying financial statements. The following information contains forward-looking statements, which are subject to risks and uncertainties. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Please see “Forward-Looking Statements” elsewhere in this report for a description of these risks and uncertainties.
Overview
We are a REIT that focuses on acquiring and managing a global portfolio of income producing net lease assets across the U.S., and Western and Northern Europe. Historically, we focused on acquiring and managing a globally diversified portfolio of strategically-located commercial real estate properties, which consisted primarily of mission-critical, single tenant net-lease assets. As a result of acquiring RTL in September 2023, we acquired a diversified portfolio of 989 properties consisting of primarily necessity-based retail single-tenant and multi-tenant properties located in the U.S. Until September 12, 2023, we were managed by the former Advisor, who managed our day-to-day business with the assistance of the Property Manager, who managed and leased our properties to third parties. Prior to September 12, 2023, the former Advisor and the Property Manager were under common control with AR Global, and these related parties had historically received compensation and fees for various services provided to us. On September 12, 2023, we internalized our advisory and property management functions as well as the advisory and property management functions of RTL as a result of the Internalization Merger (as defined below). For additional details on our acquisition of RTL and the internalization of our advisory and property management services and the advisory and property management functions of RTL, also see Note 1 — Organization, Note 3 — The Mergers and Note 12 — Related Party Transactions to our consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
As of December 31, 2023, we owned 1,296 properties consisting of 66.8 million rentable square feet, which were 96% leased, with a weighted-average remaining lease term of 6.8 years. Based on the percentage of annualized rental income on a straight-line basis as of December 31, 2023, approximately 80% of our properties were located in the U.S. and Canada and approximately 20% were located in Europe. In addition, as of December 31, 2023, our portfolio was comprised of 32% Industrial & Distribution properties, 27% Multi-Tenant retail properties, 21% Single-Tenant Retail properties and 20% Office properties. These represent our four reportable segments and the percentages are calculated using annualized straight-line rent converted from local currency into the U.S. Dollar (“USD”) as of December 31, 2023. The straight-line rent includes amounts for tenant concessions.
Our portfolio is leased to primarily “Investment Grade” rated tenants in well established markets in the U.S. and Europe. A total of 57.6% of our rental income on an annualized straight-line basis for leases in place as of December 31, 2023 was derived from Investment Grade rated tenants, comprised of 33.4% leased to tenants with an actual investment grade rating and 24.2% leased to tenants with an implied investment grade rating. For our purposes, “Investment Grade” includes both actual investment grade ratings of the tenant or guarantor, if available, or implied investment grade. Implied investment grade may include actual ratings of the tenant parent, guarantor parent (regardless of whether or not the parent has guaranteed the tenant’s obligation under the lease) or tenants that are identified as investment grade by using a proprietary Moody’s Analytics tool, which generates an implied rating by measuring an entity’s probability of default. Ratings information is as of December 31, 2023.
The Acquisition of The Necessity Retail REIT and the Internalization
On September 12, 2023 (the “Acquisition Date”), the REIT Merger (as defined below) and the Internalization Merger (as defined below) were both consummated (collectively, the “Mergers”). The REIT Merger and Internalization Merger were conditioned upon each other and accordingly are considered “related” and treated as a single transaction for accounting and reporting purposes (see Note 3 — The Mergers to our consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information).
The REIT Merger
Pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Agreement and Plan of Merger dated May 23, 2023 (the “REIT Merger Agreement”), on the Acquisition Date, RTL merged with and into Osmosis Sub I, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of GNL (“REIT Merger Sub”), with REIT Merger Sub continuing as the surviving entity (the “REIT Merger”) and a wholly-owned subsidiary of GNL, followed by Osmosis Sub II, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Global Net Lease Operating Partnership, L.P. (the “OP”), merging with and into The Necessity Retail REIT Operating Partnership, L.P. (“RTL OP”), with RTL OP continuing as the surviving entity (the “OP Merger” and collectively with the REIT Merger, the “REIT Mergers”).
On the Acquisition Date, pursuant to the REIT Merger Agreement, each issued and outstanding share of RTL’s (i) Class A Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share (the “RTL Class A Common Stock”), was converted into 0.670 shares (the “Exchange Ratio”) of Common Stock, (ii) 7.50% Series A Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share (“RTL Series A Preferred Stock”), was automatically converted into one share of newly created Series D Preferred Stock, and (iii) 7.375% Series C Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share (“RTL Series C Preferred Stock”), was automatically converted into one share of newly created Series E Preferred Stock.
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On the Acquisition Date, after the REIT Merger but prior to the OP Merger, REIT Merger Sub distributed its general partnership interests in RTL OP to the Company. The Company, in turn, contributed its general partnership interests in RTL OP to the OP and, in turn, the OP contributed the general partnership interests in RTL OP to GNL Retail GP, LLC, a newly formed limited liability company that is wholly owned by the OP (“GNL Retail”). By virtue of the OP Merger and without any further action on the part of the OP, (i) GNL Retail became the sole general partner of the surviving company with respect to the OP Merger; (ii) all the preferred units of RTL OP held by REIT Merger Sub immediately after the Acquisition Date were cancelled and no payment was made with respect thereto; (iii) the OP continues as the sole limited partner of RTL OP; and (iv) each units of limited partnership interest in the OP designated as “OP Units” (“OP Units”) held by a limited partner of RTL OP other than RTL or any subsidiary of RTL issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Acquisition Date was automatically converted into new OP units in an amount equal to (x) one multiplied by (y) the Exchange Ratio, and each holder of new OP units was admitted as a limited partner of the OP in accordance with the terms of the partnership agreement of the OP. As a result, GNL Retail became the general partner and the OP is now the limited partner of RTL OP.
The Internalization Merger
Pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Agreement and Plan of Merger dated May 23, 2023 (the “Internalization Merger Agreement”) to internalize the advisory and property management functions of the combined companies, on the Acquisition Date, (i) GNL Advisor Merger Sub LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the OP merged with and into the former Advisor, with the former Advisor continuing in existence; (ii) GNL PM Merger Sub LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the OP merged with and into the Property Manager, with the Property Manager continuing in existence; (iii) RTL Advisor Merger Sub LLC merged with and into Necessity Retail Advisors, LLC (“RTL Advisor”), with RTL Advisor continuing in existence; and (iv) RTL PM Merger Sub LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the OP merged with and into Necessity Retail Properties, LLC (“RTL Property Manager”), with RTL Property Manager continuing in existence (collectively, the “Internalization Merger”). As a result of the consummation of the Internalization Merger, the advisory agreements were terminated for both us and RTL and we assumed both ours and RTL’s property management agreements and we were no longer externally managed. We internalized these functions with our own dedicated workforce (see Note 3 — The Mergers for additional information on the Internalization Merger and see Note 12 — Related Party Transactions to our consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information on the Internalization Merger).
Transaction Fees
BMO Capital Markets Corp. (“BMO”), the financial advisor to the special committee of the Board comprised solely of independent directors that was formed by the Board (the “Special Committee”), was paid a fee of $30.0 million, $3.0 million of which was paid in the quarter ended June 30, 2023 upon delivery of BMO’s opinion regarding the REIT Merger and the remaining $27.0 million was paid upon consummation of the Mergers in the quarter ended September 30, 2023. In addition, the Company paid BMO a fee of $1.0 million in the quarter ended June 30, 2023, which was paid upon delivery of BMO’s opinion regarding the Internalization Merger. The Company has also agreed to reimburse BMO for its transaction-related expenses, which totaled approximately $0.3 million, and agreed to indemnify BMO and certain related parties against certain potential liabilities arising out of or in connection with its engagement.
Significant Accounting Estimates and Accounting Policies
Set forth below is a summary of the significant accounting estimates and accounting policies that management believes are important to the preparation of our financial statements. Certain of our accounting estimates are particularly important for an understanding of our financial position and results of operations, and require the application of significant judgment by our management. As a result, these estimates are subject to a degree of uncertainty. These significant accounting estimates and accounting policies include:
Revenue Recognition
Our revenues, which are derived primarily from lease contracts, which include rents that each tenant pays in accordance with the terms of each lease agreement and are reported on a straight-line basis over the initial term of the lease. As of December 31, 2023, these leases had a weighted-average remaining lease term of 6.8 years. Because many of our leases provide for rental increases at specified intervals, straight-line basis accounting requires us to record a receivable for, and include in revenues, unbilled rent receivables that we will only receive if the tenant makes all rent payments required through the expiration of the initial term of the lease. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, our cumulative straight-line rents receivable in the consolidated balance sheets was $84.3 million, and $73.0 million, respectively. For the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, our revenue from tenants included the impact of unbilled rental revenue of $10.4 million, $9.6 million and $5.7 million, respectively, to adjust contractual rent to straight-line rent.
For new leases after acquisition of property, the commencement date is considered to be the date the lease modification is executed. We defer the revenue related to lease payments received from tenants in advance of their due dates. When we acquire a property, the acquisition date is considered to be the commencement date for purposes of this calculation for all leases in place at the time of acquisition. In our Industrial & Distribution, Single-Tenant Retail and Office segments, in addition to base rent, our lease agreements generally require tenants to pay for their property operating expenses or reimburse us for property operating expenses that we incur (primarily insurance costs and real estate taxes). However, some limited property operating
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expenses that are not the responsibility of the tenant are absorbed by us. In our Multi-Tenant Retail segment, we own, manage and leases multi-tenant properties where we generally pay for the property operating expenses for those properties and most of our tenants are required to pay their pro rata share of property operating expenses. Under ASC 842, we elected to report combined lease and non-lease components in a single line “Revenue from tenants.” For expenses paid directly by the tenant, under both ASC 842 and 840, we reflected them on a net basis.
We continually review receivables related to rent and unbilled rent receivables and determine collectability by taking into consideration the tenant’s payment history, the financial condition of the tenant, business conditions in the industry in which the tenant operates and economic conditions in the area in which the property is located. Under lease accounting rules, we are required to assess, based on credit risk only, if it is probable that we will collect virtually all of the lease payments at lease commencement date and we must continue to reassess collectability periodically thereafter based on new facts and circumstances affecting the credit risk of the tenant. Partial reserves, or the ability to assume partial recovery are not permitted. If we determine that it is probable that we will collect virtually all of the lease payments (rent and contractually reimbursable property operating expenses), the lease will continue to be accounted for on an accrual basis (i.e. straight-line). However, if we determine it is not probable that we will collect virtually all of the lease payments, the lease will be accounted for on a cash basis and a full reserve would be recorded on previously accrued amounts in cases where it was subsequently concluded that collection was not probable. Cost recoveries from tenants are included in Revenue from tenants on the accompanying consolidated statements of operations in the period the related costs are incurred, as applicable.
In accordance with lease accounting rules, we record uncollectible amounts as reductions in revenue form tenants. Amounts recorded as reductions of revenue during the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 totaled and $3.5 million, $0.7 million, and $1.1 million, respectively.
Investments in Real Estate
Investments in real estate are recorded at cost. Improvements and replacements are capitalized when they extend the useful life of the asset. Costs of repairs and maintenance are expensed as incurred.
At the time an asset is acquired, we evaluate the inputs, processes and outputs of the asset acquired to determine if the transaction is a business combination or asset acquisition. If an acquisition qualifies as a business combination, the related transaction costs are recorded as an expense in the consolidated statements of operations. If an acquisition qualifies as an asset acquisition, the related transaction costs are generally capitalized and subsequently amortized over the useful life of the acquired assets. See the Purchase Price Allocation section below for a discussion of the initial accounting for investments in real estate.
Disposal of real estate investments representing a strategic shift in operations that will have a major effect on our operations and financial results are required to be presented as discontinued operations in our consolidated statements of operations. No properties were presented as discontinued operations as of December 31, 2023 and 2022. Properties that are intended to be sold are designated as “held for sale” on our consolidated balance sheets at the lesser of carrying amount or fair value less estimated selling costs when they meet specific criteria to be presented as held for sale, most significantly that the sale is probable within one year. We evaluate probability of sale based on specific facts including whether a sales agreement is in place and the buyer has made significant non-refundable deposits. Properties are no longer depreciated when they are classified as held for sale. As of December 31, 2023, we had two properties classified as held for sale. We did not have any assets held for sale as of December 31, 2022.
Purchase Price Allocation
In both a business combination and an asset acquisition, we allocate the purchase price of acquired properties to tangible and identifiable intangible assets or liabilities based on their respective fair values. Tangible assets may include land, land improvements, buildings, fixtures and tenant improvements on an as- if vacant basis. Intangible assets may include the value of in-place leases, and above- and below- market leases and other identifiable assets or liabilities based on lease or property specific characteristics. In addition, any assumed mortgages receivable or payable and any assumed or issued non-controlling interests (in a business combination) are recorded at their estimated fair values. In allocating the fair value to assumed mortgages, amounts are recorded to debt premiums or discounts based on the present value of the estimated cash flows, which is calculated to account for either above- or below-market interest rates. In a business combination, the difference between the purchase price and the fair value of identifiable net assets acquired is either recorded as goodwill or as a bargain purchase gain. In an asset acquisition, the difference between the acquisition price (including capitalized transaction costs) and the fair value of identifiable net assets acquired is allocated to the non-current assets. Other than the Mergers, which were accounted for as a business combination, all of the other acquisitions during the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 were asset acquisitions.
For acquired properties with leases classified as operating leases, we allocate the purchase price of acquired properties to tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed, based on their respective fair values. In making estimates of fair values for purposes of allocating purchase price, we utilize a number of sources, including independent
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appraisals that may be obtained in connection with the acquisition or financing of the respective property and other market data. We also consider information obtained about each property as a result of our pre-acquisition due diligence in estimating the fair value of the tangible and intangible assets acquired and intangible liabilities assumed.
We utilize various estimates, processes and information to determine the as-if vacant property value. Estimates of value are made using customary methods, including data from appraisals, comparable sales, discounted cash flow, direct capitalization and other methods. Fair value estimates are also made using significant assumptions such as capitalization rates, discount rates, market rent, and land values per square foot. Identifiable intangible assets include amounts allocated to acquire leases for above- and below-market lease rates, and the value of in-place leases, as applicable.
Factors considered in the analysis of the in-place lease intangibles include an estimate of carrying costs during the expected lease-up period for each property, taking into account 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 contract rates during the expected lease-up period, which typically ranges from 12 to 18 months. We also estimate costs to execute similar leases including leasing commissions, legal and other related expenses.
Above-market and below-market lease values for acquired properties are initially recorded based on the present value (using a discount rate which reflects the risks associated with the leases acquired) of the difference between (i) the contractual amounts to be paid pursuant to each in-place lease, and (ii) management’s estimate of market rent for each corresponding in-place lease, measured over a period equal to the remaining initial term of the lease for above-market leases and the remaining term plus the term of any below-market fixed rate renewal options for below-market leases.
The aggregate value of intangible assets related to customer relationships, as applicable, is measured based on our evaluation of the specific characteristics of each tenant’s lease and our overall relationship with the tenant. Characteristics considered by us in determining these values include the nature and extent of its existing business relationships with the tenant, growth prospects for developing new business with the tenant, the tenant’s credit quality and expectations of lease renewals, among other factors.
Accounting for Leases
Lessor Accounting
In accordance with the lease accounting standard, all of our leases as lessor prior to adoption of ASC 842 were accounted for as operating leases and we continued to account for them as operating leases under the transition guidance. We evaluate new leases originated after the adoption date (by us or by a predecessor lessor/owner) pursuant to the new guidance where a lease for some or all of a building is classified by a lessor as a sales-type lease if the significant risks and rewards of ownership reside with the tenant. This situation is met if, among other things, there is an automatic transfer of title during the lease, a bargain purchase option, the non-cancelable lease term is for more than major part of remaining economic useful life of the asset (e.g., equal to or greater than 75%), if the present value of the minimum lease payments represents substantially all (e.g., equal to or greater than 90%) of the leased property’s fair value at lease inception, or if the asset so specialized in nature that it provides no alternative use to the lessor (and therefore would not provide any future value to the lessor) after the lease term. Further, such new leases would be evaluated to consider whether they would be failed sale-leaseback transactions and accounted for as financing transactions by the lessor. During the three-year period ended December 31, 2023, we did not have any leases as a lessor that would be considered as sales-type leases or financings under sale-leaseback rules.
As a lessor of real estate, we have elected, by class of underlying assets, to account for lease and non-lease components (such as tenant reimbursements of property operating expenses) as a single lease component as an operating lease because (a) the non-lease components have the same timing and pattern of transfer as the associated lease component; and (b) the lease component, if accounted for separately, would be classified as an operating lease. Additionally, only incremental direct leasing costs may be capitalized under the accounting guidance. Indirect leasing costs in connection with new or extended tenant leases, if any, are being expensed as incurred.
As of December 31, 2023, we had two parcels of land leased to tenants that qualify as financing leases which were acquired in the REIT Merger. The carrying value of these leases was $6.6 million as of December 31, 2023 and the amounts are included in prepaid expenses and other assets on our consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2023. Income of $0.2 million relating to these two leases is included in revenue from tenants in our consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2023.
Lessee Accounting
For lessees, the accounting standard requires the application of a dual lease classification approach, classifying leases as either operating or finance leases based on the principle of whether or not the lease is effectively a financed purchase by the lessee. Lease expense for operating leases is recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease, while lease expense for finance leases is recognized based on an effective interest method over the term of the lease. Also, lessees must recognize a right-of-use asset (“ROU”) and a lease liability for all leases with a term of greater than 12 months regardless of their classification. Further, certain transactions where at inception of the lease the buyer-lessor accounted for the transaction as a
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purchase of real estate and a new lease may now be required to have symmetrical accounting to the seller-lessee if the transaction was not a qualified sale-leaseback and accounted for as a financing transaction. For additional information and disclosures related to the Company’s operating leases, see Note 11 — Commitments and Contingencies to our consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information.
The Company is the lessee under certain land leases which were previously classified prior to adoption of ASC 842 and will continue to be classified as operating leases under transition elections unless subsequently modified, as well as land leases and other operating leases that were acquired or entered into in connection with the Mergers. These leases are reflected on the balance sheet as right of use assets and operating lease liabilities and the rent expense is reflected on a straight-line basis over the lease term.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
If circumstances indicate the carrying value of a property may not be recoverable, we review the asset for impairment. This review is based on an estimate of the future undiscounted cash flows, excluding interest charges, expected to result from the property’s use and eventual disposition. These estimates consider factors such as expected future operating income, market and other applicable trends and residual value, as well as the effects of leasing demand, competition and other factors. If impairment exists due to the inability to recover the carrying value of a property, an impairment loss is recorded to the extent that the carrying value exceeds the estimated fair value of the property for properties to be held and used. For properties held for sale, the impairment loss is the adjustment to fair value less estimated cost to dispose of the asset. These assessments have a direct impact on net income because recording an impairment loss results in an immediate negative adjustment to net earnings.
Gains and Losses on Dispositions of Real Estate Investments
Gains on sales of rental real estate are not considered sales to customers and are generally recognized pursuant to the provisions included in ASC 610-20, Gains and Losses from the Derecognition of Nonfinancial Assets (“ASC 610-20”).
Goodwill
We evaluate goodwill for impairment at least annually or upon the occurrence of a triggering event. A triggering event is an event or circumstance that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount. We evaluated the company's goodwill upon the completion of the Mergers as we viewed that as a triggering event, and goodwill was not impaired based on that assessment. We also performed our annual impairment evaluation in the fourth quarter of 2023 to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying value. Based on our assessment, we determined that the goodwill was not impaired as of December 31, 2023. We will continue to assess for triggering events. Should any triggering event occur, we would evaluate the carrying value of our goodwill by segment through an impairment test. If impairment is warranted, the charge would be recorded through the combined income statement as a reduction to earnings.
We recorded goodwill of $25.2 million during the year ended December 31, 2023 related to the Mergers (see Note 3 — The Mergers to our consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K).
Depreciation and Amortization
We are required to make subjective assessments as to the useful lives of the components of our real estate investments for purposes of determining the amount of depreciation to record on an annual basis. These assessments have a direct impact on our results from operations because if we were to shorten the expected useful lives of our real estate investments, we would depreciate these investments over fewer years, resulting in more depreciation expense and lower earnings on an annual basis.
Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of up to 40 years for buildings, 15 years for land and building improvements, five years for fixtures and improvements and the shorter of the useful life or the remaining lease term for tenant improvements and leasehold interests.
The value of in-place leases, exclusive of the value of above-market and below-market in-place leases, is amortized to expense over the remaining periods of the respective leases.
If the tenant terminated its lease, the unamortized portion of the in-place lease value and customer relationship intangibles is accelerated through the termination date or the date of the tenant vacates the space to expense.
Assumed mortgage premiums or discounts are amortized as an increase or reduction to interest expense over the remaining terms of the respective mortgages.
Deferred leasing commissions are recorded over the terms of the related leases. Amounts related to leasing commissions incurred from third parties are recorded in depreciation and amortization. Amounts related to leasing commissions incurred from the former Advisor are recorded within operating fees to related parties in the consolidated statements of operations.
Above and Below-Market Lease Amortization
Capitalized above-market lease values are amortized as a reduction of revenue from tenants over the remaining terms of the respective leases and the capitalized below-market lease values are amortized as an increase to revenue from tenants over the
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remaining initial terms plus the terms of any below-market fixed rate renewal options of the respective leases. If a tenant with a below-market rent renewal does not renew, any remaining unamortized amount will be taken into income at that time.
Above-market intangibles and below-market intangibles will also be treated in the same way as in-place intangibles upon a lease termination.
If a tenant modifies its lease, the unamortized portion of the in-place lease value, customer relationship intangibles, above-market leases and below market leases are assessed to determine whether their useful lives need to be amended (generally accelerated). Generally, we would not extend the useful lives of their intangible values upon a modification that is an extension.
The amortization associated with our ROUs is recorded in property operating expenses on a straight-line basis over the terms of the leases.
Derivative Instruments
We may use derivative financial instruments, including interest rate swaps, caps, options, floors and other interest rate derivative contracts, to hedge all or a portion of the interest rate risk associated with its borrowings. In addition, all foreign currency denominated borrowings under our Revolving Credit Facility are designated as net investment hedges. Certain of our foreign operations expose us to fluctuations of foreign interest rates and exchange rates. These fluctuations may impact the value of our cash receipts and payments in our functional currency, the USD. We enter into derivative financial instruments to protect the value or fix the amount of certain obligations in terms of its functional currency.
We record all derivatives on the consolidated balance sheets at fair value. The accounting for changes in the fair value of derivatives depends on the intended use of the derivative, whether we have elected to designate a derivative in a hedging relationship and apply hedge accounting and whether the hedging relationship has satisfied the criteria necessary to apply hedge accounting. Derivatives designated and qualifying as a hedge of the exposure to changes in the fair value of an asset, liability, or firm commitment attributable to a particular risk, such as interest rate risk, are considered fair value hedges. Derivatives designated and qualifying as a hedge of the exposure to variability in expected future cash flows, or other types of forecasted transactions, are considered cash flow hedges. Derivatives may also be designated as hedges of the foreign currency exposure of a net investment in foreign operations. Hedge accounting generally provides for the matching of the timing of gain or loss recognition on the hedging instrument with the recognition of the changes in the fair value of the hedged asset or liability that are attributable to the hedged risk in a fair value hedge or the earnings effect of the hedged forecasted transactions in a cash flow hedge. We may enter into derivative contracts that are intended to economically hedge certain risk, even though hedge accounting does not apply or we elect not to apply hedge accounting.
The accounting for subsequent changes in the fair value of these derivatives depends on whether each has been designed and qualifies for hedge accounting treatment. If we elect not to apply hedge accounting treatment (or for derivatives that do not qualify as hedges), any changes in the fair value of these derivative instruments is recognized immediately in gains (losses) on derivative instruments in the consolidated statements of operations. If a derivative is designated and qualifies for cash flow hedge accounting treatment, the change in the estimated fair value of the derivative is recorded in other comprehensive income (loss) in the consolidated statements of comprehensive (loss) income to the extent that it is effective. Any ineffective portion of a change in derivative fair value is immediately recorded in earnings.
Equity-Based Compensation
We maintain stock-based incentive plans under which our directors, officers, employees, consultants and, historically, entities that provide services to us are eligible to receive awards. Awards granted thereunder are accounted for under the guidance for employee share-based payments. The cost of services received in exchange for a stock award is measured at the grant date fair value of the award and the expense for such awards is included in equity-based compensation on consolidated statements of operations and is recognized over the vesting period or when the requirements for exercise of the award have been met.
We have issued restricted shares of Common Stock (“Restricted Shares”), RSUs and, during the three months ended December 31, 2023, PSUs. Also, although none remain outstanding as of December 31, 2023, we historically had issued long-term incentive plan units of limited partner interest in the OP (“GNL LTIP Units”) (see below for more information). For additional information on all of the equity-based compensation awards issued, see Note 13 — Equity-Based Compensation to our consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Multi-Year Outperformance Agreement With Former Advisor
On June 2, 2021, we entered into a multi-year outperformance agreement with the former Advisor (the “2021 OPP”).
Under the 2021 OPP, we initially recorded equity-based compensation evenly over the requisite service period of approximately 3.1 years. beginning on May 3, 2021, the date that the Company’s independent directors approved the award of GNL LTIP Units. However, in connection with the Internalization Merger Agreement, the parties to the Internalization Merger Agreement agreed to modify the terms of the existing 2021 OPP to accelerate the timing for determining whether the award is
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vested and earned, and as a result, all of the remaining unrecognized compensation expense was accelerated and recorded in the quarter ended September 30, 2023 (through September 11, 2023).
Any awards of long-term incentive plan units of limited partner interest in the RTL OP (the “RTL LTIP Units”) that were earned prior to the Acquisition Date were converted by RTL into RTL Class A Common Stock prior to the Acquisition Date and were included in the consideration issued to holders of RTL Class A Common Stock (see Note 3 — The Mergers to our consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K ).
For additional information on the 2021 OPP and the ultimate determination of the vesting of the award on September 11, 2023, see Note 13 — Equity-Based Compensation to our consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K .
Under accounting guidance adopted by us on January 1, 2019, the total equity-based compensation expense calculated as of the adoption of the guidance is fixed and reflected as a charge to earnings over the remaining service period. Further, in the event of a modification, any incremental increase in the value of the instrument measured on the date of the modification both before and after the modification, may result in an incremental amount to be reflected prospectively as a charge to earnings over the remaining service period, however the modification noted above had no incremental value to amortize. The expense for these non-employee awards is included in the equity-based compensation line item of our consolidated statements of operations.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
See Note 2 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies — Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements to our consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further discussion.
Results of Operations
Below is a discussion of our results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022. Please see the “Results of Operations” section located on page 48 under Item 7 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022 for a discussion of our results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2021 and year-to-year comparisons between 2022 and 2021.
As a result of the Mergers and the related strategic shift in the Company’s operations, the Company has concluded it operates in four reportable segments: (1) Industrial & Distribution, (2) Multi-Tenant Retail, (3) Single-Tenant Retail and (4) Office (see Note 15 — Segment Reporting to our consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, for additional details on our reportable segments).
In our Industrial & Distribution, Single-Tenant Retail and Office segments, we own, manage and lease single-tenant properties where in addition to base rent, our tenants are required to pay for their property operating expenses or reimburse us for property operating expenses that we incur (primarily property insurance and real estate taxes). However, some limited property operating expenses that are not the responsibility of the tenant are absorbed by us. The main exceptions are properties leased to the Government Services Administration, which do not require the tenant to reimburse the costs.
In our Multi-Tenant Retail segment, we own, manage and lease multi-tenant properties where we generally pay for the property operating expenses for those properties and most of our tenants are required to pay their pro rata share of property operating expenses.
As more fully discussed in Note 1 — Organization to our consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, during the quarter ended September 30, 2023 we completed the Mergers which will affect comparable results from operations until the properties acquired have been held for all periods presented. As a result, comparisons of our period to period financial information as set forth herein may not be meaningful. The historical financial information included herein as of any date, or for any periods, prior to September 12, 2023 represents our financial information, prior to the Mergers, on a stand-alone basis.
Comparison of the Year Ended December 31, 2023 to the Year Ended December 31, 2022
Net Loss Attributable to Common Stockholders
Net loss attributable to common stockholders was $239.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, as compared to $8.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2022. The change in net loss income attributable to common stockholders is discussed in detail for each line item of the consolidated statements of operations in the sections that follow.
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Revenue from Tenants
Consolidated revenue from tenants, detailed by reportable segment, is as follows:
| Year Ended December 31, | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (In thousands) | 2023 | 2022 | |||||
| Revenue From Tenants: | |||||||
| Industrial & Distribution | $ | 220,102 | $ | 211,533 | |||
| Multi-Tenant Retail | 79,799 | — | |||||
| Single-Tenant Retail | 60,611 | 12,401 | |||||
| Office | 154,558 | 154,923 | |||||
| Total Consolidated Revenue From Tenants | $ | 515,070 | $ | 378,857 |
Industrial & Distribution
Revenue from tenants in our Industrial & Distribution segment was $220.1 million and $211.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The increase in revenue from tenants was primarily driven by revenue of $9.7 million attributable to properties acquired from RTL on the Acquisition Date, with minimal impact from the year-over-year change in average foreign exchange rates during the year ended December 31, 2023, when compared to the year ended December 31, 2022.
Multi-Tenant Retail
Revenue from tenants in our Multi-Tenant Retail segment was $79.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 and there was no corresponding revenue in the prior year period since the revenue is all attributable to properties acquired from RTL on the Acquisition Date.
Single-Tenant Retail
Revenue from tenants in our Single-Tenant Retail segment was $60.6 million and $12.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The increase was primarily due to revenue of $42.5 million attributable to properties acquired from RTL on Acquisition Date and revenue from other properties acquired since January 1, 2022, with minimal impact from the year-over-year change in average foreign exchange rates during the year ended December 31, 2023, when compared to the year ended December 31, 2022.
Office
Revenue from tenants in our Office segment was $154.6 million and $154.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The minor change period-over-period was primarily driven by a decrease in revenue from properties disposed since January 1, 2022, partially offset by revenue attributable to properties acquired from RTL on the Acquisition Date and revenue from other properties acquired since January 1, 2022, as well as a minimal impact from the year-over-year change in average foreign exchange rates during the year ended December 31, 2023, when compared to the year ended December 31, 2022.
Property Operating Expenses
Consolidated property operating expenses, detailed by reportable segment, is as follows:
| Year Ended December 31, | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (In thousands) | 2023 | 2022 | |||||
| Property Operating Expenses: | |||||||
| Industrial & Distribution | $ | 15,457 | $ | 13,682 | |||
| Multi-Tenant Retail | 26,951 | — | |||||
| Single-Tenant Retail | 5,270 | 762 | |||||
| Office | 20,161 | 18,433 | |||||
| Total Consolidated Property Operating Expenses | $ | 67,839 | $ | 32,877 |
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Industrial & Distribution
Property operating expenses in our Industrial & Distribution segment were $15.5 million and $13.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The increase was primarily due to an increase in property operating expenses resulting from properties acquired from RTL on the Acquisition Date, with minimal impact from the year-over-year change in average foreign exchange rates during the year ended December 31, 2023, when compared to the year ended December 31, 2022.
Multi-Tenant Retail
Property operating expenses in our Multi-Tenant Retail were $27.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 and there were no corresponding property operating expenses in the prior year period since the expenses are all attributable to properties acquired from RTL on the Acquisition Date.
Single-Tenant Retail
Property operating expenses in our Single-Tenant Retail were $5.3 million and $0.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The increase was primarily due to an increase in property operating expenses of $4.2 million resulting from properties acquired from RTL on the Acquisition Date, with minimal impact from the year-over-year change in average foreign exchange rates, when compared to the year ended December 31, 2022.
Office
Property operating expenses in our Office segment were $20.2 million and $18.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The increase was primarily due to an increase in property operating expenses resulting from properties acquired from RTL on the Acquisition Date and the year-over-year change in average foreign exchange rates, when compared to the year ended December 31, 2022.
Operating Fees to Related Parties
Operating fees paid to related parties were $28.3 million and $40.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The decline in the year ended December 31, 2023 was primarily due to a decrease in advisory and property management fees paid to affiliates of AR Global as a result of the closing of the Internalization Merger on the Acquisition Date. For additional information, see Note 12 — Related Party Transactions to our consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Upon the closing of the Mergers, we no longer pay asset management fees to the former Advisor or property management fees to the Property Manager and we internalized our management functions. While we no longer pay the costs of the various fees and expense reimbursements previously paid to the former Advisor and the Property Manager, after the Internalization Merger, our expenses now include the compensation and benefits of our officers, employees, and consultants, as well as overhead expenses, previously paid by those entities in managing our business and operations and are being recorded in general and administrative expenses from the Acquisition Date forward, including in the form of equity compensation.
Impairment Charges
During the year ended December 31, 2023, we recorded aggregate impairment charges of $68.7 million, as described below:
•During the three months ended December 31, 2023, we determined that one of our properties located in Scotland (which was owned prior to the REIT Merger) had an estimated fair value that was lower than its carrying value based on the estimated selling price of the property, and as a result, the Company recorded an impairment charge of approximately $1.8 million. Also during three months ended December 31, 2023, we determined that two of our properties located in the U.S. (which were acquired in the REIT Merger) had an estimated fair value that was lower than their carrying value based on the estimated selling prices of the properties, and as a result, we recorded an impairment charge of approximately $1.2 million.
•During the three months ended September 30, 2023 we determined that the fair values of four of our properties (one in the U.K. and three in the U.S.) were lower than their carrying values. These properties were all owned by us prior to the REIT Merger. As a result, we recorded impairment charges for these properties, including impairments to intangible assets totaling $65.7 million in the three months ended September 30, 2023. The impairment charge for the property in the U.K. was based on a calculation of the estimated fair value of the property. The impairment charges for the properties in the U.S. were based on the estimated selling prices of the properties.
During the year ended December 31, 2022, we recorded aggregate impairment charges of $21.6 million for three properties. For one of these properties, which was held for sale in the first quarter, we incurred an additional impairment for costs to sell the asset. The other two properties that were impaired during 2022 were both being marketed for sale. The impairment for the first property being marketed for sale occurred in the second quarter of 2022 and totaled $16.0 million. The impairment was based on a purchase and sale contract; however, the property did not meet the criteria for held for sale at that
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time. In the third quarter, this property met the criteria for held for sale and an additional impairment of $0.8 million was taken for costs to sell the asset. This property was sold in November 2022. The impairment charge for the second property being marketed for sale was recorded in the fourth quarter of 2022 and totaled $4.5 million, based on the agreed upon selling price of the asset.
Merger, Transaction and Other Costs
We recognized $54.5 million and $0.2 million of acquisition, transaction and other costs during the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The increase was due to advisory, legal and other professional costs that were directly related to the Mergers.
Settlement Costs
For the year ended December 31, 2023 we recognized settlement costs of $29.7 million which consists of the cash reimbursement of approximately $8.8 million of expenses to the Blackwells/Related Parties and non-cash equity expense of approximately $20.9 million for Common Stock issued to Blackwells under the Cooperation Agreement (as defined in Note 10 — Stockholders’ Equity to our consolidated financial statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K).
General and Administrative Expense
General and administrative expenses were $40.2 million and $17.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, primarily consisting of professional fees including audit and taxation related services, employee compensation/payroll expenses, board member compensation, and directors’ and officers’ liability insurance. The overall increase in general and administrative expenses was primarily due to the internalization of our management functions (as discussed above), such as employee compensation/payroll expenses, and as a result of higher legal expenses and other costs in the year ended December 31, 2023.
Equity-Based Compensation
During the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, we recognized equity-based compensation expense of $17.3 million and $12.1 million, respectively. Equity-based compensation in both periods consists of (i) amortization expense related to the GNL LTIPs issued under the 2021 OPP (including accelerated vesting as described below); (ii) amortization of Restricted Shares granted to employees of the former Advisor or its affiliates who were involved in providing services to us prior to the Internalization, some of which vested at the closing of the Mergers; (iii) amortization of RSUs granted to our employees and independent directors. Equity-based compensation expense in the year ended December 31, 2023 also includes expense related to the PSUs, which were granted in November 2023.
The increase in equity-based compensation expense was primarily due to higher expense of approximately $3.9 million recorded in the year ended December 31, 2023 due to the accelerated compensation expense as a result of the modification of the award granted to the former Advisor under the 2021 OPP that changed the timing of the final measurement for determining whether the award is vested and earned to September 11, 2023, resulting in the acceleration of all of the remaining unrecognized compensation expense being recorded in the quarter ended September 30, 2023. In addition, the increase in equity-based compensation expense was due to approximately one month of expense for grants of RSUs and PSUs to employees in November 2023. For additional information, see Note 13 — Equity-Based Compensation to our consolidated financial statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Depreciation and Amortization
Depreciation and amortization expense was $222.3 million and $154.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The increase was due to additional depreciation and amortization expense recorded as a result of the impact of the REIT Merger and the year-over-year change in average foreign exchange rates during the year ended December 31, 2023, when compared to the year ended December 31, 2022.
(Loss) Gain on Dispositions of Real Estate Investments
During the year ended December 31, 2023, we sold eleven properties, ten of which were acquired in the REIT Merger, and recorded an aggregate loss of $1.7 million.
During the year ended December 31, 2022, we sold one property in the U.S., one property in the UK and one property in France for an aggregate contract sales price of approximately $56.0 million. The Company recorded an aggregate gain of $0.3 million on these sales.
Interest Expense
Interest expense was $179.4 million and $97.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The increase was due to the increase in the amount of our total gross debt outstanding of $2.4 billion as of December 31, 2022 to $5.4 billion as of December 31, 2023 and an increase in the weighted-average effective interest rate of our total debt from 4.0% as of December 31, 2022 to 4.8% as of December 31, 2023. The increase in the amount of our gross debt outstanding was
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primarily due to debt assumed in the REIT Merger and additional borrowings on our Revolving Credit Facility to repay amounts outstanding under RTL’s credit facility at the time of the REIT Merger.
The increase in interest expense was also impacted by the year-over-year change in average foreign exchange rates during the year ended December 31, 2023, when compared to the year ended December 31, 2022. As of December 31, 2023 exchange rates were £1.00 to $1.27 for GBP, €1.00 to $1.10 for EUR and $1.00 CAD to $0.75. As of December 31, 2022 exchange rates were £1.00 to $1.37 for GBP, €1.00 to $1.23 for EUR and $1.00 CAD to $0.74.
As of the year ended December 31, 2023, approximately 10% of our total debt outstanding was denominated in EUR, 8% of our total debt outstanding was denominated in GBP and 1% was denominated in CAD. As of December 31, 2022, approximately 23% of our total debt outstanding was denominated in EUR, and 16% of our total debt outstanding was denominated in GBP.
We view a combination of secured and unsecured financing as an efficient and accretive means to acquire properties and manage working capital. As of December 31, 2023, approximately 49% of our total debt outstanding was secured and 51% was unsecured, the latter including amounts outstanding under our Credit Facility and Senior Notes. The availability of borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility is based on the value of a pool of eligible unencumbered real estate assets owned by us and compliance with various ratios related to those assets. Our interest expense in future periods will vary based on interest rates, the level of future borrowings, which will depend on refinancing needs and acquisition activity, and changes in currency exchange rates.
Loss on Extinguishment of Debt
The loss on extinguishment of debt of $1.2 million during the year ended December 31, 2023 was primarily due to early pre-payment penalties from certain mortgage paydowns. The loss on extinguishment of debt of $2.0 million during the year ended December 31, 2022 primarily related to the early payoff of our mortgage loan that was secured by our properties located in France.
Foreign Currency and Interest Rate Impact on Operations
The loss on derivative instruments of $3.7 million and gain of $18.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, reflect the marked-to-market impact from foreign currency and interest rate derivative instruments used to hedge the investment portfolio from currency and interest rate movements, and was mainly impacted by currency rate changes in the GBP and EUR compared to the USD. For the year ended December 31, 2023, the loss on derivative instruments consisted of unrealized losses of $7.3 million and realized gains of $3.6 million. For the year ended December 31, 2022, the gain on derivative instruments consisted of unrealized gains of $9.4 million and realized gains of $9.2 million. The overall gain (or loss) on derivative instruments directly impact our results of operations since they are recorded on the gain on derivative instruments line item in our consolidated results of operations. However, only the realized gains are included AFFO (as defined below).
As a result of our foreign investments in Europe, and, to a lesser extent, our investments in Canada, we are subject to risk from the effects of exchange rate movements in the EUR, GBP and, to a lesser extent, CAD against the USD, which may affect costs and cash flows in our functional currency, the USD. We generally manage foreign currency exchange rate movements by matching our debt service obligation to the lender and the tenant’s rental obligation to us in the same currency. This reduces our overall exposure to currency fluctuations. In addition, we may use currency hedging to further reduce the exposure to our net cash flow. We are generally a net receiver of these currencies (we receive more cash than we pay out), and therefore our results of operations of our foreign properties benefit from a weaker USD, and are adversely affected by a stronger USD, relative to the foreign currency. Conversely, realized gains from derivatives would generally be lower from a weaker USD, and higher from a stronger USD. We maintain our hedging approach by consistently entering into new foreign exchange forwards for three year periods. Interest rate increases could increase the interest expense on our floating rate debt or any new debt and we are constantly evaluating the use of hedging strategies to mitigate this risk.
Unrealized Income (Loss) on Undesignated Foreign Currency Advances and Other Hedge Ineffectiveness
We recorded income of $2.4 million on undesignated foreign currency advances and other hedge ineffectiveness, related to the accelerated reclassification of amounts in other comprehensive income to earnings as a result of certain hedged forecasted transactions becoming probable not to occur, for the year ended December 31, 2022. During the year ended December 31, 2023, we did not record any amounts due to currency changes on the undesignated excess foreign currency advances over the related net investments.
Income Tax Expense
Although as a REIT we generally do not pay U.S. federal income taxes on the amount of REIT taxable income that is distributed to shareholders, we recognize income tax (expense) benefit domestically for state taxes and local income taxes incurred, if any, and also in foreign jurisdictions in which we own properties. In addition, we perform an analysis of potential deferred tax or future tax benefit and expense as a result of book and tax differences and timing differences in taxes across jurisdictions. Income tax expense was $14.5 million and $11.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022,
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respectively. For additional information, see Note 16 — Income Taxes to our consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Preferred Stock Dividends
Our net loss was also impacted by dividends on our outstanding preferred stock. We paid dividends on our Preferred Stock of $27.4 million and $20.4 million during years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The increase was due to dividends from our Series D Preferred Stock and Series E Preferred Stock, both of which were assumed from RTL in the REIT Merger. Also see the Liquidity and Capital Resources sections below for more information on the payment of Preferred Stock dividends.
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
The level of cash flows provided by operating activities is driven by, among other things, rental income received, operating fees paid to parties that were previously considered related parties (the former Advisor) and for asset and property management, and interest payments on outstanding borrowings.
During the year ended December 31, 2023, net cash provided by operating activities was $143.7 million. Cash flows provided by operating activities during the year ended December 31, 2023 reflect net loss of $211.9 million, adjusted for non-cash items of $339.1 million (primarily depreciation, amortization of intangibles, amortization of deferred financing costs, amortization of mortgage discounts, amortization of above- and below-market lease and ground lease assets and liabilities, amortization of right of use assets, amortization of lease incentives and commissions, unbilled straight-line rent (including the effect of adjustments due to rent deferrals), equity-based compensation, unrealized gains on foreign currency transactions, derivatives and impairment charges). In addition, operating cash flow was impacted by lease incentive and commission payments of $2.8 million and a decrease of $5.5 million in working capital items due to an increase in prepaid expenses and other assets of $7.6 million, a decrease in accounts payable and accrued expenses of $9.6 million and a decrease in prepaid rent of $0.7 million.
During the year ended December 31, 2022, net cash provided by operating activities was $181.8 million. Cash flows provided by operating activities during the year ended December 31, 2022 reflect net income of $12.0 million, adjusted for non-cash items of $191.0 million (primarily depreciation, amortization of intangibles, amortization of deferred financing costs, amortization of mortgage discounts, amortization of above- and below-market lease and ground lease assets and liabilities, amortization of right of use assets, unbilled straight-line rent (including the effect of adjustments due to rent deferrals), equity-based compensation, unrealized gains on foreign currency transactions, derivatives and other, and impairments). In addition, operating cash flow was impacted by the receipt of a $9.0 million termination fee from a tenant, a decrease of $14.2 million in working capital items and lease incentive and commission payments of $6.3 million.
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
Net cash used in investing activities during the year ended December 31, 2023 of $551.9 million consisted of net cash used to complete the Mergers of $451.4 million, cash used for other property acquisitions of $134.1 million and capital expenditures of $47.3 million, partially offset by proceeds from dispositions of $80.9 million.
Net cash used in investing activities during the year ended December 31, 2022 of $16.5 million consisted of property acquisitions of $33.9 million and capital expenditures of $29.9 million, partially offset by proceeds from dispositions of $54.7 million.
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
Net cash provided by financing activities of $469.0 million during the year ended December 31, 2023 was a result of net proceeds from borrowings under our Revolving Credit Facility of $1.1 billion (for additional information on Revolving Credit Facility activity, see the Liquidity and Capital Resources section below), partially offset by net payments on mortgage notes payable of $340.4 million, dividends paid to common stockholders of $207.0 million, dividends paid to holders of our Series A Preferred Stock of $12.3 million, dividends paid to holders of our Series B Preferred Stock of $8.1 million, dividends paid to holders of our Series D Preferred Stock of $3.7 million, dividends paid to holders of our Series E Preferred Stock of $2.1 million and distributions to non-controlling interest holders of $3.2 million. Distributions to non-controlling interest holders increased $2.8 million in the year ended December 31, 2023, when compared to last year, due to the priority catch-up distribution to the former Advisor in respect of the 883,750 GNL LTIP Units that were earned under the 2021 OPP. The Series D Preferred Stock and Series E Preferred stock were each assumed by GNL in September 2023 in connection with the REIT Merger, and therefore the dividends paid noted above represent one quarter of dividends in the year ended December 31, 2023.
Net cash used in financing activities of $149.7 million during the year ended December 31, 2022 was a result of net payments on mortgage notes payable of $136.7 million, dividends paid to common stockholders of $166.8 million, dividends paid to holders of our Series A Preferred Stock, of $12.3 million, dividends paid to holders of our Series B Preferred Stock, of $8.0 million and distributions to non-controlling interest holders of $0.4 million. These cash outflows were partially offset by
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net proceeds from borrowings under our Revolving Credit Facility of $180.2 million, net proceeds from the issuance of Common Stock of $0.9 million and net proceeds from the issuance of Series B Preferred Stock of $4.7 million.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Our principal future needs for cash and cash equivalents includes the purchase of additional properties or other investments, payment of related acquisition costs, improvement costs, operating and administrative expenses, repayment of certain debt obligations, which includes our continuing debt service obligations and dividends to holders of our Common Stock and Preferred Stock as well as to any future class or series of preferred stock we may issue. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, we had cash and cash equivalents of $121.6 million and $103.3 million, respectively. See discussion above our how our cash flows from various sources impacted our cash.
Management expects that cash generated from operations, supplemented by our existing cash, will be sufficient to fund the payment of quarterly dividends to our common stockholders and holders of our Preferred Stock, as well as anticipated capital expenditures. During the year ended December 31, 2023, cash used to pay 60.8% of our dividends was generated from cash flows provided by operations. In addition, we plan on managing our leverage by using proceeds from strategic or opportunistic dispositions to reduce our debt, and we currently have entered into purchase and sale agreements (“PSA’s”) non-binding letters of intent (“LOI’s”) totaling an aggregate of $147.7 million.
Our other sources of capital, which we have used and may use in the future, include proceeds received from our Revolving Credit Facility, proceeds from secured or unsecured financings (which may include note issuances), proceeds from our offerings of equity securities (including Common Stock and Preferred Stock), proceeds from any future sales of properties and undistributed cash flows from operations, if any.
Acquisitions, Dispositions and Pending Transactions
We are in the business of acquiring real estate properties and leasing the properties to tenants. Generally, we fund our acquisitions through a combination of cash and cash equivalents, proceeds from offerings of equity securities, borrowings under our Revolving Credit Facility and proceeds from mortgage or other debt secured by the acquired or other assets at the time of acquisition or at some later point. In addition, to the extent we dispose of properties, we have used and may continue to use the net proceeds from the dispositions (after repayment of any mortgage debt, if any) for future acquisitions or other general corporate purposes.
Acquisitions and Dispositions — Year Ended December 31, 2023
During the year ended December 31, 2023, we acquired nine properties that were accounted for as asset acquisitions for $134.1 million, including capitalized acquisition costs and we completed the Mergers, which were accounted for as a business combination, for cash consideration of $516.0 million and equity consideration of $1.6 billion in which we acquired 989 properties from RTL. The Mergers were completed in the three months ended September 30, 2023, as disclosed in more detail in Note 3 — The Mergers to our consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. In addition, under the REIT Merger Agreement, we repaid all amounts outstanding under RTL’s credit facility and assumed all of RTL’s other indebtedness. In order to repay all amounts outstanding under RTL’s credit facility, we exercised the existing “accordion feature” on our Revolving Credit Facility and increased the commitments under our Revolving Credit Facility by $500.0 million to facilitate the repayment of RTL’s credit facility and to create additional availability (see the “Borrowings - Credit Facility” section below for additional details).
During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company sold 11 properties, ten of which were acquired in the REIT Merger, for a contract price of $84.7 million.
Dispositions Subsequent to December 31, 2023 and Pending Transactions
Subsequent to December 31, 2023, we disposed of five properties for an aggregate price of $12.2 million. One of these properties was classified as held for sale on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2023.
In addition, as of February 19, 2024, we signed PSA’s to dispose of 27 properties for an aggregate sale price of $117.0 million (four of these were sold later in February 2024 - noted above) and we have signed LOI’s to dispose of 12 properties for an aggregate sale price of $30.7 million. The PSA’s and LOI’s are subject to conditions and there can be no assurance we will be able to complete these dispositions on their contemplated terms, or at all.
Equity Offerings
Common Stock
We have an “at the market” equity offering program (the “Common Stock ATM Program”) pursuant to which we may sell shares of Common Stock, from time to time through our sales agents. In November 2022, we filed a new shelf registration statement and prospectus supplement covering the Common Stock ATM Program having an aggregate offering amount of up to $285.0 million, prior to the expiration of our previous registration statement, which had an aggregate offering amount of up to $500.0 million ($285.0 million was sold under our previous registration statement). During the year ended December 31, 2023, we did not sell any shares of Common Stock through the Common Stock ATM Program.
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Preferred Stock
We have an “at the market” equity offering program for our Series B Preferred Stock (the “Series B Preferred Stock ATM Program”) pursuant to which we may sell sales of shares of Series B Preferred Stock, from time to time through our sales agents. In November 2022, we filed a new shelf registration statement and prospectus supplement covering the Series B Preferred Stock ATM Program having an aggregate offering amount of up to $170.0 million, prior to the expiration of our previous registration statement, which had an aggregate offering amount of up to $200.0 million. During the year ended December 31, 2023, we did not sell any shares of Series B Preferred Stock through the Series B Preferred Stock ATM Program.
The timing differences between when we raise equity proceeds or receive proceeds from dispositions and when we invest those proceeds in acquisitions or other investments that increase our operating cash flows have affected, and may continue to affect, our results of operations.
Equity Issuances in Connection with the Mergers
In connection with the completion of the Mergers, we issued: (i) 93,642,852 shares of Common Stock in exchange for RTL Class A Common Stock, (ii) 29,614,825 shares of Common Stock to AR Global in connection with the Internalization Merger, (iii) 115,857 GNL Class A Units to the previous owner of RTL Class A Units, (iv) 7,933,711 shares of newly created Series D Preferred Stock and (v) 4,595,175 shares of newly created Series E Preferred Stock. The issuance of RTL Class A Common Stock in respect of earned and converted RTL LTIP Units and in respect of certain shares of restricted RTL Class A Common Stock (“RTL Restricted Shares”) that vested prior to the Acquisition Date and were included in the consideration issued to holders of RTL Class A Common Stock (see (i) above).
We also issued 883,750 shares of Common Stock to AR Global for GNL LTIP Units granted under the 2021 OPP that were earned and converted into the same number of shares of Common Stock on the Acquisition Date (see Note 13 — Equity-Based Compensation to our consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for more information).
Pursuant to the terms of the Cooperation Agreement below, upon the completion of the Mergers, we issued 1,600,000 shares of Common Stock to the Blackwells/Related Parties in a private placement exempt from registration and we issued an aggregate of 495,000 shares of Common Stock to the Blackwells/Related Parties as a settlement fee on July 11, 2023.
Additionally, we issued an aggregate 104,832 shares of Common Stock to an unaffiliated party in a private placement exempt from registration in July and October, 2023. We issued 45,579 shares of Common Stock to the third party on July 13, 2023 as a non-refundable retainer and in October, 2023 issued an additional 59,253 shares of Common Stock to the same third party.
Also, all of the outstanding equity or equity-based awards of RTL held by any employee of RTL Advisor who was offered employment by us on the terms and conditions set forth in the Internalization Merger Agreement had their RTL Restricted Shares converted into Restricted Shares (which totaled 221,136 Restricted Shares).
Borrowings
As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, we had total gross debt outstanding of $5.4 billion and $2.4 billion, respectively, bearing interest at a weighted-average interest rate per annum equal to 4.8% and 4.0%, respectively. Approximately $405.2 million of our debt, consisting only of mortgage notes payable, matures in 2024 (see Mortgage Notes Payable below for more information).
As of December 31, 2023, 80% of our total debt outstanding either bore interest at fixed rates, or was swapped to a fixed rate, which bore interest at a weighted-average interest rate of 4.1% per annum. As of December 31, 2023, 20% of our total debt outstanding was variable-rate debt, which bore interest at a weighted- average interest rate of 7.2% per annum (30% variable with a rate of 4.4% in 2022). The total gross carrying value of unencumbered assets as of December 31, 2023 was $4.9 billion, of which approximately $4.8 billion was included in the unencumbered asset pool comprising the borrowing base under the Revolving Credit Facility and therefore is not available to serve as collateral for future borrowings.
Our debt leverage ratio was 65.0% (total debt as a percentage of total purchase price of real estate investments, based on the exchange rate at the time of purchase) as of December 31, 2023. See Note 8 — Fair Value of Financial Instruments to our consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for a discussion of fair value of such debt as of December 31, 2023. As of December 31, 2023 the weighted-average maturity of our indebtedness was 3.2 years. We believe we have the ability to service our debt obligations as they come due.
As noted above, we plan on managing our leverage by using proceeds from strategic or opportunistic dispositions to reduce our debt, and we currently have entered into PSA’s and LOI’s totaling an aggregate of $147.7 million.
Senior Notes
In connection with the REIT Merger, we assumed and became a guarantor under RTL’s $500.0 million aggregate principal, 4.50% Senior Notes due 2028 (the “4.50% Senior Notes”), pursuant to a supplemental indenture governing the 4.50% Senior Notes. Both the 4.50% Senior Notes and our original 3.75% Senior Notes (together, the “Senior Notes”) do not require
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any principal payments prior to maturity. As of December 31, 2023, the carrying amount of the outstanding Senior Notes on our balance sheets totaled $886.0 million which is net of $114.0 million of deferred financing costs and discounts, and as of December 31, 2022 the carrying amount of the outstanding Senior Notes on our balance sheets totaled $493.1 million, which is net of $6.9 million of deferred financing costs. See Note 7 — Senior Notes, Net to our consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further discussion on the Senior Notes and related covenants.
Mortgage Notes Payable
As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, we had secured mortgage notes payable of $2.5 billion and $1.2 billion, respectively, net of mortgage discounts and deferred financing costs. All of our current mortgage loans require payment of interest-only with the principal due at maturity. We have principal payments of $405.2 million due on our mortgages during the year ending December 31, 2024.
The increase in the mortgage notes payable, net balance was due to the assumption of RTL mortgage notes payable as required by the REIT Merger Agreement, which totaled $1.6 billion as of the Acquisition Date, less the repayment of the following principal on certain mortgage notes payable, as outlined below:
•During the fourth quarter of 2023, we paid approximately $79.8 million of principal on various mortgage notes payable, which included a $64.2 million paydown on our Multi-Tenant Mortgage Loan V (paid with proceeds from a property disposition in the fourth quarter of 2023), $10.4 million paydown on our net lease mortgage notes interest rates and a $5.2 million paydown on the Column Financial Mortgage Notes. The paydowns on the net lease mortgage notes and the Column Financial Mortgage Notes were made with cash on hand.
•On May 5, 2023 we repaid the mortgage loan that previously encumbered our five properties in Germany. The loan balance was approximately $56.7 million using the exchange rate on the date of repayment. The repayment was fully funded with additional borrowings in EUR under the Revolving Credit Facility and the five properties in Germany were added to the borrowing base of the Revolving Credit Facility. The interest rate on the mortgage loan that was repaid was 3.6% and the current interest rate on the EUR portion of the Revolving Credit Facility was 2.0% as of December 31, 2023.
•On April 25, 2023, we made our scheduled principal repayment of £3.8 million ($4.7 million using the exchange rate on the date of repayment) on its United Kingdom Properties - Bulk Loan, which reduced the balance to approximately £153.1 million (approximately $191.4 million as of the end of April 2023) after the payment. We then repaid the entire remaining principal amount of the United Kingdom Properties - Bulk Loan in May 2023. This mortgage loan had encumbered 41 of our properties in the U.K. We funded the repayment with additional borrowings in GBP under the Revolving Credit Facility and the 41 properties in the U.K. were added to the borrowing base of the Revolving Credit Facility. The interest rate on the mortgage loan that was repaid was 3.2% and the current interest rate on GBP portion of the Revolving Credit Facility was 7.1% as of December 31, 2023.
Credit Facility
As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, outstanding borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility were $1.7 billion and $670.0 million, respectively. The increase in the balance of the Revolving Credit Facility was primarily due to the amounts borrowed to repay RTL’s credit facility at the closing of the REIT Merger on the Acquisition Date. In connection with the Mergers, we amended the Credit Agreement on September 12, 2023 in order to, among other things, repay the outstanding indebtedness and obligations of RTL’s credit facility. We exercised the existing “accordion feature” on the Revolving Credit Facility and increased the aggregate total commitments under the Revolving Credit Facility by $500.0 million from $1.45 billion to $1.95 billion to repay and terminate RTL’s credit facility and to create additional availability after the closing of the REIT Merger. The sublimits for letters of credit and swing loans were also each increased from $50.0 million to $75.0 million.
The amendment to the Credit Agreement also includes modifications to the change of control events to reflect the changes to the Board and our management following the REIT Merger and other modifications to account for multi-tenant properties for the credit support of additional eligible unencumbered properties that are owned by the subsidiaries of RTL OP that serve as guarantors under the Credit Agreement.
In addition, during the year ended December 31, 2023, we made additional borrowings that were primarily used to fund the repayments of the loan that previously encumbered our five properties in Germany (€52.0 million borrowed under the Revolving Credit Facility) (discussed above) and the loan that previously encumbered 41 of or properties in the U.K. (£154.0 million) (discussed above). Also, the additional borrowings were used for other property acquisitions and general corporate purposes. As of December 31, 2023, approximately $14.2 million was available for future borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility.
The Credit Agreement requires payments of interest only prior to maturity. Borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility bear interest at a variable rate per annum based on an applicable margin that varies based on the ratio of consolidated total indebtedness to consolidated total asset value of us and our subsidiaries plus either (i) the Base Rate (as defined in the Credit Agreement) or (ii) the applicable Benchmark Rate (as defined in the Credit Facility) for the currency being borrowed. The applicable interest rate margin is based on a range from 0.30% to 0.90% per annum with respect to Base Rate borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility and 1.30% to 1.90% per annum with respect to Benchmark Rate borrowings under the Revolving
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Credit Facility. These spreads reflect a reduction from the previous spreads. For Benchmark Rate Loans denominated in Dollars that bear interest calculated by reference to Term SOFR, there is an additional spread adjustment depending on the length of the interest period. In addition, (i) if we achieve an investment grade credit rating from at least two rating agencies, the OP can elect for the spread to be based on our credit rating, and (ii) the “floor” on the applicable Benchmark is 0%. As of December 31, 2023, the Revolving Credit Facility had a weighted-average effective interest rate of 6.0% after giving effect to interest rate swaps in place.
The Revolving Credit Facility matures on October 8, 2026, subject to our option, subject to customary conditions, to extend the maturity date by up to two additional six-month terms. Borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility may be prepaid at any time, in whole or in part, without premium or penalty, subject to customary breakage costs associated with borrowings for the applicable Benchmark Rate.
The Revolving Credit Facility requires us through the OP to pay an unused fee per annum of 0.25% of the unused balance of the Revolving Credit Facility if the unused balance exceeds or is equal to 50% of the total commitment or a fee per annum of 0.15% of the unused balance of the Revolving Credit Facility if the unused balance is less than 50% of the total commitment. From and after the time we obtain an investment grade credit rating, the unused fee will be replaced with a facility fee based on the total commitment under the Revolving Credit Facility multiplied by 0.30%, decreasing as our credit rating increases.
The availability of borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility is based on the value of a pool of eligible unencumbered real estate assets owned by us and compliance with various ratios related to those assets. Also, we have a $7.4 million letter of credit held by lenders which were put in place to cure cash trap sweep events under one of our mortgages (see “— Covenants —Multi-Tenant Mortgage Loan III” section below for additional information on this letter of credit). These letters of credit reduce the availability for future borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility.
Any future borrowings may, at our option be denominated in USD, EUR, CAD, GBP Norwegian Krone, Swedish Krona and Swiss Francs, provided that the total principal amount of non-USD loans cannot exceed the sum of the total revolving commitments minus $100.0 million. Amounts borrowed may not, however, be converted to, or repaid in, another currency once borrowed.
Covenants
As of December 31, 2023, we were in compliance with the covenants under the Indenture governing the 3.75% Senior Notes, the 4.50% Senior Notes and the Credit Agreement (see Note 6 — Revolving Credit Facility and Note 7 — Senior Notes, Net to our consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further discussion on the Credit Facility and Senior Notes and the related covenants).
Our mortgage notes payable agreements require compliance with certain property-level financial covenants including debt service coverage ratios. As of December 31, 2023, there were certain covenants that we were not in compliance with (as discussed below) however, there were no uncured defaults or events of default. We were in compliance with all of the other financial covenants under our mortgage notes payable agreements.
Benelux Properties
During the three months ended June 30, 2023, the borrower entities under the mortgage loan which is secured by three of our properties in Luxembourg and The Netherlands did not maintain the required loan-to-value ratio and a cash trap event under the loan occurred. The event triggering the cash sweep was not, however, an event of default. As a result, €2.4 million was swept and had been retained by the lender, and during the three months ended September 30, 2023, the Company repaid approximately €2.5 million (approximately $2.7 million at the time of payment) of principal on this mortgage using cash that was previously swept and retained by the lender. In January 2024, we repaid approximately €9.8 million (approximately $10.6 million at the time of payment) of principal on this mortgage. The repayment was comprised of €6.5 million (approximately $7.2 million as of December 31, 2023) that was swept and retained by the lender as of December 31, 2023, and the incremental cash trapped through the January 2024 payment date. The cash trap event is now cured as the required loan-to-value ratio was restored due to these principal repayments.
Multi-Tenant Mortgage Loan III
During the three months ended December 31, 2020, a tenant failed to renew its lease triggering a cash sweep event under one of our mortgage loans secured by seven of our properties with a balance of $98.5 million as of December 31, 2023. The event triggering the cash sweep was not, however, an event of default. During the quarter ended March 31, 2021, we cured the cash sweep event through one of the available options under the loan by putting a $3.2 million letter of credit in place (subject to future increase under the terms of the loan agreement, to a maximum amount of $7.4 million). During the three months ended September 30, 2021, the amount of the letter of credit was increased by an additional $4.2 million, resulting in the lender holding the $7.4 million maximum amount in respect to this obligation as of September 30, 2021. This $7.4 million letter of credit is being held by the lender until such time we are able to find a suitable replacement tenant and it reduces the availability for future borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility.
The borrower entities under the same mortgage loan, based upon a review conducted during the three months ended June 30, 2022, identified that during the three months ended March 31, 2022, the borrowers failed to maintain the debt service
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coverage ratio required by the loan agreement for such period (a “DSCR Sweep Trigger”). Such failure, upon delivery of notice of the same by the lender, triggered a separate cash sweep event under the loan. A DSCR Sweep Trigger is not an event of default and instead triggers a cash sweep. The lender notified the borrower entities of the occurrence of the DSCR Sweep Trigger under the loan for the three-months ended March 31, 2022 and the continuance of such DSCR Sweep Trigger for the three months ended June 30, 2022. Per the loan agreement we can cure the cash sweep resulting from a DSCR Sweep Trigger by delivering a letter of credit in the face amount of the excess cash flow for the trailing three months immediately preceding the date of the DSCR Sweep Trigger. Such letter of credit is recalculated and increased (but never decreased) every three-month period until such time as the borrowers demonstrate compliance with the debt service coverage ratio required by the loan for a period of two consecutive calendar quarters. We cured the cash sweep resulting from the DSCR Sweep Trigger referenced above for the relevant periods by delivering a letter of credit to the lender in the face amount of approximately $0.9 million. The face value of such letter of credit was thereafter incrementally increased by an aggregate of $3.8 million to reflect the continuance of the DSCR Sweep Trigger for the three months ended September 30, 2022, December 31, 2022, March 31, 2023, June 30, 2023 and September 30, 2023. The DSCR Sweep Trigger remained in place for the quarter ended December 31, 2023 and the Company intends to cure the cash sweep that would otherwise result from such continuance by further increasing the letter of credit by an additional $0.9 million as required by the terms of the loan agreement. Such letter of credit is held by the lender, and we expect to maintain the effectiveness of the cash sweep cure by future increases to the face value of such letter of credit on a quarterly basis, in each case in accordance with the terms of the loan agreement, until such time as we restore compliance with the debt service coverage ratio required by the loan agreement for the requisite two-calendar-quarter time period. For so long as it remains outstanding, the face value of such letter of credit will represent a dollar-for-dollar reduction to availability under the Revolving Credit Facility for future borrowings.
Also, during the three months ended September 30, 2023, a separate tenant failed to deliver notice of renewal of its lease within the timeframe required under the same mortgage loan, triggering a cash sweep event. The event triggering the cash sweep was not, however, an event of default. We cured the cash sweep event through one of the available options under the loan by putting a $1.0 million letter of credit in place (subject to future increase under the terms of the loan agreement to a maximum amount of $2.7 million). The cash sweep remained in place for the quarter ended December 31, 2023 and we intend to cure the cash sweep that would otherwise result from such continuance by further increasing the letter of credit by an additional $1.3 million as required by the terms of the loan agreement. This letter of credit is being held by the lender until such time as either (i) renewal of the existing lease with the current tenant is confirmed or (ii) following formal non-renewal by the current tenant, we secure a suitable replacement tenant for the property. For so long as it remains outstanding, the face value of such letter of credit will represent a dollar-for-dollar reduction to availability under the Revolving Credit Facility for future borrowings.
Mortgage Loan II
During the three months ended September 30, 2023, a tenant failed to deliver notice of renewal of its lease within the timeframe required under one of our mortgage loans securing 12 of our properties with a balance of $210.0 million as of December 31, 2023, triggering a cash sweep event thereunder. The event triggering the cash sweep was not, however, an event of default. We cured the cash sweep event through one of the available options under the loan by putting a $0.8 million letter of credit in place. This letter of credit is being held by the lender until such time as either (i) renewal of the existing lease with the current tenant is confirmed or (ii) following formal non-renewal by the current tenant, we secure a suitable replacement tenant for the property. For so long as it remains outstanding, the face value of such letter of credit will represent a dollar-for-dollar reduction to availability under the Revolving Credit Facility for future borrowings.
Multi-Tenant Mortgage Loan IV
During the three months ended September 30, 2021, a tenant exercised its right to terminate its lease effective December 31, 2022. Notice of the termination triggered a lease sweep event, which began in the fourth quarter of 2021, under one of our mortgage loans secured by this property. This was not, however, an event of default. The mortgage loan had a balance of $97.5 million as of December 31, 2023 and it encumbers 16 properties, including this property. Pursuant to the terms of the loan agreement, the lender has swept all cash flow attributable to the lease that triggered the lease sweep event into a rollover reserve account no to exceed an aggregate cap of $0.8 million, which has been met. This reserve is being held by the lender who is required to make the reserve funds available to us to fund re-tenanting expenses for the property. The lease sweep event will be cured under the loan agreement if and when we lease the space to a new tenant approved by the lender and, at such time, any amounts remaining in the rollover reserve account in respect of the lease sweep event will be released to us.
Multi-Tenant Mortgage Loan V
During the three months ended December 31, 2023, we completed an arm’s length sale of a major tenant property encumbered on one of our mortgage loans secured by eleven of our properties with a balance of $204 million as of September 30, 2023. In connection with the sale the major tenant property was released from the encumbrance of the loan and the balance of such loan was reduced to $139.8 million as of December 31, 2023. While processing such paydown and release with the lender, the lender independently determined that the failure by the associated major tenant to renew its lease during the 12-month period prior to lease expiration constituted a major tenant cash sweep event under the loan agreement and implemented an ongoing cash sweep on the loan (subject in all cases to the cap described below). As of December 31, 2023, the lender has swept excess cash flow from the properties on the loan totaling $5.4 million to a major tenant reserve escrow account
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established in connection with the alleged major tenant cash sweep event. The loan agreement caps the amount that may be swept in connection with this alleged major tenant cash sweep event at $9.0 million. Upon accumulation of the full capped amount in the major tenant reserve escrow account the ongoing sweep associated with such major tenant cash sweep event will stop and excess cash flow in excess of the capped amount will be released to us. This alleged major tenant cash sweep event was not, however, an event of default. As the major tenant property and lease associated with the alleged major tenant cash sweep event has been released from the loan collateral (with the principal balance of the loan significantly reduced in connection with such release in accordance with the terms of the loan agreement) we disagree with the lender’s decision to implement a major tenant cash sweep event under these circumstances and are vigorously pursuing cancellation of the cash sweep and release of all amounts current held in the major tenant reserve escrow account as soon as possible with the master servicer and special servicer of the loan.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
This section discusses the non-GAAP financial measures we use to evaluate our performance including Funds from Operations (“FFO”), Core Funds from Operations (“Core FFO”) and Adjusted Funds from Operations (“AFFO”). A description of these non-GAAP measures and reconciliations to the most directly comparable GAAP measure, which is net income, is provided below.
Use of Non-GAAP Measures
FFO, Core FFO, and AFFO should not be construed to be more relevant or accurate than the current GAAP methodology in calculating net income or in its applicability in evaluating our operating performance. The method utilized to evaluate the value and performance of real estate under GAAP should be construed as a more relevant measure of operational performance and considered more prominently than the non-GAAP FFO, Core FFO and AFFO measures. Other REITs may not define FFO in accordance with the current NAREIT (as defined below) definition (as we do), or may interpret the current NAREIT definition differently than we do, or may calculate Core FFO or AFFO differently than we do. Consequently, our presentation of FFO, Core FFO and AFFO may not be comparable to other similarly-titled measures presented by other REITs.
We consider FFO, Core FFO and AFFO useful indicators of our performance. Because FFO, Core FFO and AFFO calculations exclude such factors as depreciation and amortization of real estate assets and gain or loss from sales of operating real estate assets (which can vary among owners of identical assets in similar conditions based on historical cost accounting and useful-life estimates), FFO, Core FFO and AFFO presentations facilitate comparisons of operating performance between periods and between other REITs.
As a result, we believe that the use of FFO, Core FFO and AFFO, together with the required GAAP presentations, provide a more complete understanding of our operating performance including relative to our peers and a more informed and appropriate basis on which to make decisions involving operating, financing, and investing activities. However, FFO, Core FFO and AFFO are not indicative of cash available to fund ongoing cash needs, including the ability to make cash distributions. Investors are cautioned that FFO, Core FFO and AFFO should only be used to assess the sustainability of our operating performance excluding these activities, as they exclude certain costs that have a negative effect on our operating performance during the periods in which these costs are incurred.
Funds from Operations, Core Funds from Operations and Adjusted Funds from Operations
Funds from Operations
Due to certain unique operating characteristics of real estate companies, as discussed below, the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts (“NAREIT”), an industry trade group, has promulgated a measure known as FFO, which we believe to be an appropriate supplemental measure to reflect the operating performance of a REIT. FFO is not equivalent to net income or loss as determined under GAAP.
We calculate FFO, a non-GAAP measure, consistent with the standards established over time by the Board of Governors of NAREIT, as restated in a White Paper approved by the Board of Governors of NAREIT effective in December 2018 (the “White Paper”). The White Paper defines FFO as net income or loss computed in accordance with GAAP, excluding depreciation and amortization related to real estate, gain and loss from the sale of certain real estate assets, gain and loss from change in control and impairment write-downs of certain real estate assets and investments in entities when the impairment is directly attributable to decreases in the value of depreciable real estate held by the entity. Our FFO calculation complies with NAREIT’s definition.
The historical accounting convention used for real estate assets requires straight-line depreciation of buildings and improvements, and straight-line amortization of intangibles, which implies that the value of a real estate asset diminishes predictably over time. We believe that, because real estate values historically rise and fall with market conditions, including inflation, interest rates, unemployment and consumer spending, presentations of operating results for a REIT using historical accounting for depreciation and certain other items may be less informative. Historical accounting for real estate involves the use of GAAP. Any other method of accounting for real estate such as the fair value method cannot be construed to be any more
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accurate or relevant than the comparable methodologies of real estate valuation found in GAAP. Nevertheless, we believe that the use of FFO, which excludes the impact of real estate related depreciation and amortization, among other things, provides a more complete understanding of our performance to investors and to management, and, when compared year over year, reflects the impact on our operations from trends in occupancy rates, rental rates, operating costs, general and administrative expenses, and interest costs, which may not be immediately apparent from net income.
Core Funds from Operations
In calculating Core FFO, we start with FFO, then we exclude certain non-core items such as merger, transaction and other costs, settlement costs related to the Blackwells/Related Parties litigation (as described herein), as well as certain other costs that are considered to be non-core, such as debt extinguishment costs. The purchase of properties, and the corresponding expenses associated with that process, is a key operational feature of our core business plan to generate operational income and cash flows in order to make dividend payments to stockholders. In evaluating investments in real estate, we differentiate the costs to acquire the investment from the subsequent operations of the investment. We also add back non-cash write-offs of deferred financing costs and prepayment penalties incurred with the early extinguishment of debt which are included in net income but are considered financing cash flows when paid in the statement of cash flows. We consider these write-offs and prepayment penalties to be capital transactions and not indicative of operations. By excluding expensed acquisition, transaction and other costs as well as non-core costs, we believe Core FFO provides useful supplemental information that is comparable for each type of real estate investment and is consistent with management’s analysis of the investing and operating performance of our properties.
Adjusted Funds from Operations
In calculating AFFO, we start with Core FFO, then we exclude certain income or expense items from AFFO that we consider more reflective of investing activities, other non-cash income and expense items and the income and expense effects of other activities or items, including items that were paid in cash that are not a fundamental attribute of our business plan or were one time or non-recurring items. These items include early extinguishment of debt and other items excluded in Core FFO as well as unrealized gain and loss, which may not ultimately be realized, such as gain or loss on derivative instruments, gain or loss on foreign currency transactions, and gain or loss on investments. In addition, by excluding non-cash income and expense items such as amortization of above-market and below-market leases intangibles, amortization of deferred financing costs, straight-line rent and equity-based compensation from AFFO, we believe we provide useful information regarding income and expense items which have a direct impact on our ongoing operating performance. We also exclude revenue attributable to the reimbursement by third parties of financing costs that we originally incurred because these revenues are not, in our view, related to operating performance. We also include the realized gain or loss on foreign currency exchange contracts for AFFO as such items are part of our ongoing operations and affect our current operating performance.
In calculating AFFO, we also exclude certain expenses which under GAAP are treated as operating expenses in determining operating net income. All paid and accrued acquisition, transaction and other costs (including prepayment penalties for debt extinguishments and merger related expenses) and certain other expenses, including expenses incurred for our 2023 proxy contest and related Blackwells/Related Parties litigation (as described herein), expenses related to our European tax restructuring and transition costs related to the Mergers, negatively impact our operating performance during the period in which expenses are incurred or properties are acquired and will also have negative effects on returns to investors, but are not reflective of on-going performance. Further, under GAAP, certain contemplated non-cash fair value and other non-cash adjustments are considered operating non-cash adjustments to net income. In addition, as discussed above, we view gain and loss from fair value adjustments as items which are unrealized and may not ultimately be realized and not reflective of ongoing operations and are therefore typically adjusted for when assessing operating performance. Excluding income and expense items detailed above from our calculation of AFFO provides information consistent with management’s analysis of our operating performance. Additionally, fair value adjustments, which are based on the impact of current market fluctuations and underlying assessments of general market conditions, but can also result from operational factors such as rental and occupancy rates, may not be directly related or attributable to our current operating performance. By excluding such changes that may reflect anticipated and unrealized gain or loss, we believe AFFO provides useful supplemental information. By providing AFFO, we believe we are presenting useful information that can be used to, among other things, assess our performance without the impact of transactions or other items that are not related to our portfolio of properties. AFFO presented by us may not be comparable to AFFO reported by other REITs that define AFFO differently. Furthermore, we believe that in order to facilitate a clear understanding of our operating results, AFFO should be examined in conjunction with net income (loss) as presented in our consolidated financial statements. AFFO should not be considered as an alternative to net income (loss) as an indication of our performance or to cash flows as a measure of our liquidity or ability to make distributions.
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| Year Ended December 31, | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (In thousands) | 2023 | 2022 | |||||
| Net loss attributable to common stockholders (in accordance with GAAP) | $ | (239,348) | $ | (8,363) | |||
| Impairment charges | 68,684 | 21,561 | |||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 222,271 | 154,026 | |||||
| (Gain) loss on dispositions of real estate investments | 1,672 | (325) | |||||
| FFO (as defined by NAREIT) attributable to common stockholders (1) | 53,279 | 166,899 | |||||
| Merger, transaction and other costs (2) | 54,492 | 244 | |||||
| Settlement costs (3) | 29,727 | — | |||||
| Loss on extinguishment of debt | 1,221 | 2,040 | |||||
| Core FFO attributable to common stockholders (1) | 138,719 | 169,183 | |||||
| Non-cash equity-based compensation | 17,297 | 12,072 | |||||
| Non-cash portion of interest expense | 8,622 | 9,494 | |||||
| Amortization related to above and below-market lease intangibles and right-of-use assets, net | 5,603 | 1,303 | |||||
| Straight-line rent | (10,396) | (9,608) | |||||
| Straight-line rent (rent deferral agreements) (4) | — | (159) | |||||
| Unrealized loss on undesignated foreign currency advances and other hedge ineffectiveness | — | (2,439) | |||||
| Eliminate unrealized gains on foreign currency transactions (5) | 7,286 | (9,366) | |||||
| Amortization of mortgage discounts | 18,916 | 939 | |||||
| Expenses attributable to 2023 proxy contest and related litigation (6) | 9,101 | 1,436 | |||||
| Expenses attributable to European tax restructuring (7) | 2,169 | — | |||||
| Transition costs related to the Mergers (8) | 2,484 | — | |||||
| AFFO attributable to common stockholders (1) | $ | 199,801 | $ | 172,855 | |||
| Summary | |||||||
| FFO (as defined by NAREIT) attributable to common stockholders | $ | 53,279 | $ | 166,899 | |||
| Core FFO attributable to common stockholders | $ | 138,719 | $ | 169,183 | |||
| AFFO attributable to common stockholders | $ | 199,801 | $ | 172,855 |
_____
(1)FFO, Core FFO and AFFO for the year ended December 31, 2022 includes income from a lease termination fee of $0.3 million which is recorded in Revenue from tenants in the consolidated statements of operations. The termination fee of approximately $9.0 million was paid to us by the tenant at the end of the lease term on January 4, 2022, however it was earned and recorded as income evenly over the period from September 3, 2021 through January 4, 2022.
(2)For the year ended December 31, 2023, these costs primarily consist of advisory, legal and other professional costs that were directly related to the REIT Merger and Internalization Merger. The year ended December 31, 2022 did not have any of these costs.
(3)In the year ended December 31, 2023, we recognized these settlement costs which include one-half of the reasonable, documented, out-of-pocket expenses (including legal fees) incurred by the Blackwells/Related Parties in connection with the proxy contest and related litigation as well as expense for Common Stock issued to the Blackwells/Related Parties, as required under the cooperation agreement with the Blackwells/Related Parties. There were no such costs in the year ended December 31, 2022.
(4)Represents amounts related to deferred rent pursuant to lease negotiations which qualify for FASB relief for which rent was deferred but not reduced. These amounts are included in the straight-line rent receivable on our balance sheet but are considered to be earned revenue attributed to the current period for rent that was deferred, for purposes of AFFO, as they are expected to be collected. Accordingly, when the deferred amounts are collected, the amounts reduce AFFO.
(5)For AFFO purposes, we adjust for unrealized gains and losses. For the year ended December 31, 2023, the loss on derivative instruments (related to foreign currencies) was $3.7 million which consisted of unrealized losses of $7.3 million and realized gains of $3.6 million. For the year ended December 31, 2022, the gain on derivative instruments was $18.6 million which consisted of unrealized gains of $9.4 million and realized gains of $9.2 million.
(6)Amount relates to costs incurred for the 2023 proxy that were specifically related to our 2023 proxy contest and related litigation. We do not consider these expenses to be part of our normal operating performance and have, accordingly, increased AFFO for this amount.
(7)Amount relates to costs incurred related to the tax restructuring of our European entities. We do not consider these expenses to be part of our normal operating performance and have, accordingly, increased AFFO for this amount.
(8)Amount includes costs related to (i) compensation incurred for our retiring Co-Chief Executive Officer; (ii) a transition service agreement with the former Advisor and; (iii) insurance premiums related to expiring directors and officers insurance of former RTL directors. We do not consider these expenses to be part of our normal operating performance and have, accordingly, increased AFFO for this amount.
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Dividends
The amount of dividends payable to our common stockholders is determined by our Board and is dependent on a number of factors, including funds available for dividends, our financial condition, provisions in our Credit Agreement or other agreements that may restrict our ability to pay dividends, capital expenditure requirements, as applicable, requirements of Maryland law and annual distribution requirements needed to maintain our status as a REIT.
In connection with the Mergers, our Board set the dividend at an annual rate of $1.42 per share, or $0.354 per share on a quarterly basis. The first dividend declared and paid at the new rate occurred in the fourth quarter of 2023. During the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, we paid dividends at an annual rate of $1.60 per share or $0.40 per share on a quarterly basis.
On February 26, 2024, the Board approved a dividend policy that will reduce our future Common Stock dividend rate and we expect the next formal declaration of Common Stock dividends to be $0.275 per share on a quarterly basis ($1.10 annualized). The new Common Stock dividend rate will become effective upon the next formal dividend declaration, which is expected to be declared in April 2024. The reduction of the dividend rate is expected to yield benefits to us, including increasing the amount of cash that may be used to lower leverage.
Dividends authorized by our Board and declared by us are paid on a quarterly basis on the 15th day of the first month following the end of each fiscal quarter (unless otherwise specified) to common stockholders of record on the record date for such payment.
Dividends accrue on our Preferred Stock as follows:
•Dividends on our Series A Preferred Stock accrue in an amount equal to $0.453125 per share per quarter to Series A Preferred Stockholders, which is equivalent to 7.25% of the $25.00 liquidation preference per share of Series A Preferred Stock per annum.
•Dividends on our Series B Preferred Stock accrue in an amount equal to $0.4296875 per share per quarter to Series B Preferred Stockholders, which is equivalent to 6.875% of the $25.00 liquidation preference per share of Series B Preferred Stock per annum.
•Dividends on our Series D Preferred Stock accrue in an amount equal to $0.46875 per share per quarter to Series D Preferred Stockholders, which is equivalent to the rate of 7.50% of the $25.00 liquidation preference per share per annum.
•Dividends on our Series E Preferred Stock accrue in an amount equal to $0.4609375 per share per quarter to Series E Preferred Stockholders, which is equivalent to the rate of 7.375% of the $25.00 liquidation preference per share per annum.
Dividends on the Series A Preferred Stock, Series B Preferred Stock, Series D Preferred Stock and Series E Preferred Stock are payable quarterly in arrears on the 15th day of January, April, July and October of each year (or, if not on a business day, on the next succeeding business day) to holders of record on the close of business on the record date set by our Board. Any accrued and unpaid dividends payable with respect to the Series A Preferred Stock and Series B Preferred Stock become part of the liquidation preference thereof.
Pursuant to the Credit Agreement, we may not pay distributions, including cash dividends on, or redeem or repurchase Common Stock, Series A Preferred Stock, Series B Preferred Stock, Series D Preferred Stock, Series E Preferred Stock, or any other class or series of stock we may issue in the future, that exceed 100% of our Adjusted FFO as defined in the Credit Facility (which is different from AFFO disclosed in this Annual Report on Form 10-K) for any period of four consecutive fiscal quarters, except in limited circumstances, including that for one fiscal quarter in each calendar year, we may pay cash dividends and other distributions and redeem or repurchase an aggregate amount equal to no more than 105% of our Adjusted FFO. We last used the exception to pay dividends that were between 100% of Adjusted FFO and 105% of Adjusted FFO during the quarter ended on June 30, 2020, and may use this exception in the future. In the past, the lenders under our Revolving Credit Facility have consented to increase the maximum amount of our Adjusted FFO we may use to pay cash dividends and other distributions and make redemptions and other repurchases in certain periods, but there can be no assurance that they will do so again in the future.
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The following table shows the sources for the payment of dividends to holders of our Common Stock, Series A Preferred Stock, Series B Preferred Stock, Series D Preferred Stock, Series E Preferred stock and distributions to holders of LTIP Units for the periods indicated:
| Three Months Ended | Year Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| March 31, 2023 | June 30, 2023 | September 30, 2023 | December 31, 2023 | December 31, 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (In thousands) | Percentage of Dividends | Percentage of Dividends | Percentage of Dividends | Percentage of Dividends | Percentage of Dividends | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Dividends and Distributions: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Dividends to holders of Common Stock | $ | 41,658 | $ | 41,664 | $ | 41,958 | $ | 81,714 | $ | 206,994 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Dividends to holders of Series A Preferred Stock | 3,081 | 3,081 | 3,081 | 3,081 | 12,324 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Dividends to holders of Series B Preferred Stock | 2,018 | 2,018 | 2,018 | 2,018 | 8,072 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Dividends to holders of Series D Preferred Stock | — | — | — | 3,718 | 3,718 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Dividends to holders of Series E Preferred Stock | — | — | — | 2,118 | 2,118 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Distributions to holders of LTIP Units/Class A Units | 100 | 100 | 2,963 | 41 | 3,204 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total dividends and distributions | $ | 46,857 | $ | 46,863 | $ | 50,020 | $ | 92,690 | $ | 236,430 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source of dividend coverage: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash flows provided by operations | $ | 46,857 | 100.0 | % | $ | 21,343 | 100.0 | % | $ | 3,593 | 7.2 | % | $ | 55,792 | 60.2 | % | $ | 143,743 | (1) | 60.8 | % | ||||||||||||||
| Available cash on hand | — | — | % | — | — | % | 46,427 | 92.8 | % | 36,898 | 39.8 | % | 92,687 | (1) | 39.2 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total sources of dividend and distribution coverage | $ | 46,857 | 100.0 | % | $ | 21,343 | 100.0 | % | $ | 50,020 | 100.0 | % | $ | 92,690 | 100.0 | % | $ | 236,430 | 100.0 | % | |||||||||||||||
| Cash flows provided by operations (GAAP basis) | $ | 63,015 | $ | 21,343 | $ | 3,593 | $ | 55,792 | $ | 143,743 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net loss attributable to common stockholders (in accordance with GAAP) | $ | (890) | $ | (26,258) | $ | (136,184) | $ | (76,016) | $ | (239,348) |
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(1) Year-to-date totals will not equal the sum of the quarters. Each quarter and year-to-date period is evaluated separately for purposes of this table.
Foreign Currency Translation
Our reporting currency is the USD. The functional currency of our foreign investments is the applicable local currency for each foreign location in which we invest. Assets and liabilities in these foreign locations (including intercompany balances for which settlement is not anticipated in the foreseeable future) are translated at the spot rate in effect at the applicable reporting date. The amounts reported in the consolidated statements of operations are translated at the average exchange rates in effect during the applicable period. The resulting unrealized cumulative translation adjustment is recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income in the consolidated statements of equity. We are exposed to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates on property investments in foreign countries which pay rental income, incur property related expenses and borrow in currencies other than our functional currency, the USD. We have used and may continue to use foreign currency derivatives including options, currency forward and cross currency swap agreements to manage our exposure to fluctuations in GBP-USD and EUR-USD exchange rates (see Note 9 — Derivatives and Hedging Activities to the consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further discussion).
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Election as a REIT
We elected to be taxed as a REIT under Sections 856 through 860 of the Code, effective for our taxable year ended December 31, 2013. We believe that, commencing with such taxable year, we have been organized and have operated in a manner so that we qualify for taxation as a REIT under the Code. We intend to continue to operate in such a manner to qualify for taxation as a REIT, but can provide no assurances that we will operate in a manner so as to remain qualified as a REIT. To continue to qualify for taxation as a REIT, we must distribute annually at least 90% of our REIT taxable income (which does not equal net income as calculated in accordance with GAAP), determined without regard for the deduction for dividends paid and excluding net capital gains, and must comply with a number of other organizational and operational requirements. If we continue to qualify for taxation as a REIT, we generally will not be subject to federal corporate income tax on the portion of our REIT taxable income that we distribute to our stockholders. Even if we qualify for taxation as a REIT, we may be subject to certain state and local taxes on our income and properties, as well as federal income and excise taxes on our undistributed income.
In addition, our international assets and operations, including those owned through direct or indirect subsidiaries that are disregarded entities for U.S. federal income tax purposes, continue to be subject to taxation in the foreign jurisdictions where those assets are held or those operations are conducted.
Inflation
We may be adversely impacted by inflation on the leases that do not contain indexed escalation provisions, or those leases which have escalations at rates which do not exceed or approximate current inflation rates. As of December 31, 2023, the increase to the 12-month CPI for all items, as published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, was 3.4%. To help mitigate the adverse impact of inflation, approximately 78.0% of our leases with our tenants contain rent escalation provisions that increase the cash rent that is due over time by an average cumulative increase of 1.3% per year. These provisions generally increase rental rates during the terms of the leases either at fixed rates or indexed escalations (based on the Consumer Price Index or other measures). As of December 31, 2023, using annualized straight-line rent as a weighting, approximately 59.7% are fixed-rate increase averaging 1.7%, 14.3% are based on the Consumer Price Index, subject to certain caps, 4.0% are based on other measures, and 22.0% do not contain any escalation provisions.
In addition, we may be required to pay costs for maintenance and operation of properties which may adversely impact our results of operations due to potential increases in costs and operating expenses resulting from inflation. However, our net leases require the tenant to pay its allocable share of operating expenses, which may include common area maintenance costs, real estate taxes and insurance. This may reduce our exposure to increases in costs and operating expenses resulting from inflation. As the costs of general goods and services continue to rise, we may be adversely impacted by increases in general and administrative costs due to overall inflation.
Related-Party Transactions and Agreements
Please see Note 12 — Related Party Transactions to our consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for a discussion of the various related party transactions, agreements and fees and see Note 3 — The Mergers for information on the Internalization Merger.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We have no off-balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a current or future effect on our financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources that are material to investors.
FY 2022 10-K MD&A
SEC filing source: 0001526113-23-000006.
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the accompanying financial statements. The following information contains forward-looking statements, which are subject to risks and uncertainties. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Please see “Forward-Looking Statements” elsewhere in this report for a description of these risks and uncertainties.
Overview
We are an externally managed REIT that focuses on acquiring and managing a globally diversified portfolio of strategically-located commercial real estate properties, which are crucial to the success of our roster of primarily “Investment Grade” (defined herein) tenants. We invest in commercial properties, with an emphasis on sale-leaseback transactions and mission-critical, single tenant net-lease assets.
As of December 31, 2022, we owned 309 properties consisting of 39.2 million rentable square feet, which were 98.0% leased, with a weighted-average remaining lease term of 8.0 years. Based on the percentage of rental income on a straight-line basis as of December 31, 2022, 65% of our properties were located in the U.S. and Canada and 35% of our properties were located in Europe. In addition, our portfolio was comprised of 56% industrial/distribution properties, 41% office properties and 3% retail properties. These percentages are calculated using straight-line rent converted from local currency into USD as of December 31, 2022. The straight-line rent includes amounts for tenant concessions.
Substantially all of our business is conducted through the OP, a Delaware limited partnership, and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. Our Advisor manages our day-to-day business with the assistance of the Property Manager. Our Advisor and Property Manager are under common control with AR Global and these related parties receive compensation and fees for providing services to us. We also reimburse these entities for certain expenses they incur in providing these services to us.
Management Update on the Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic
The COVID-19 global pandemic has not significantly impacted our business. As of January 31, 2023, we had collected approximately 100% of the original cash rent due during each quarter in the year ended December 31, 2022. “Original cash rent” refers to contractual rents on a cash basis due from tenants as stipulated in their originally executed lease agreement at inception or as amended, prior to any rent deferral agreement. We calculate “original cash rent collections” by comparing the total amount of rent collected during the period to the original cash rent due. For a further discussion of the risks and uncertainties associated with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on us, see Item 1A. Risk Factors in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Significant Accounting Estimates and Accounting Policies
Set forth below is a summary of the significant accounting estimates and accounting policies that management believes are important to the preparation of our financial statements. Certain of our accounting estimates are particularly important for an understanding of our financial position and results of operations, and require the application of significant judgment by our management. As a result, these estimates are subject to a degree of uncertainty. These significant accounting estimates and accounting policies include:
Update on the Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Accounting Policies
The financial stability and overall health of the Company’s tenants is critical to its business. The negative effects that the global COVID-19 pandemic has had on the economy did impact the ability of some of the Company’s tenants to pay their monthly rent during 2020. The Company took a proactive approach, during that time, to seek mutually agreeable solutions with its tenants where necessary, and, in some cases, the Company executed rent deferral agreements on leases with several tenants. The Company did not enter any rent deferral agreements in 2021 or 2022.
For accounting purposes, in accordance with ASC 842, normally a company would be required to assess the modification to determine if the modification should be treated as a separate lease and if not, modification accounting would be applied which would require a company to reassess the classification of the lease (i.e. operating, direct financing or sales-type). However, in light of the COVID-19 pandemic due to which many leases were modified, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) and SEC provided relief that allowed companies to make a policy election as to whether they treat COVID-19 related lease amendments as a provision included in the preconcession arrangement, and therefore, not a lease modification, or to treat a lease amendment as a modification. In order to qualify for the relief, the modifications must be COVID-19 related and cash flows must be substantially the same or less than those prior to the concession. The Company elected to use this relief where applicable. In those circumstances, the Company has accounted for these arrangements as if no changes to the lease contract were made. For those leases that do not qualify for the relief, the Company performs a lease modification analysis and if required, uses lease modification accounting.
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Revenue Recognition
Our revenues, which are derived primarily from lease contracts, which include rents that each tenant pays in accordance with the terms of each lease agreement and are reported on a straight-line basis over the initial term of the lease. As of December 31, 2022, these leases had a weighted-average remaining lease term of 8.0 years. Because many of our leases provide for rental increases at specified intervals, straight-line basis accounting requires us to record a receivable for, and include in revenues, unbilled rent receivables that we will only receive if the tenant makes all rent payments required through the expiration of the initial term of the lease. As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, our cumulative straight-line rents receivable in the consolidated balance sheets was $73.0 million, and $74.2 million, respectively. For the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, our revenue from tenants included the impact of unbilled rental revenue of $9.6 million, $5.7 million and $7.9 million, respectively, to adjust contractual rent to straight-line rent.
For new leases after acquisition of property, the commencement date is considered to be the date the lease modification is executed. We defer the revenue related to lease payments received from tenants in advance of their due dates. When we acquire a property, the acquisition date is considered to be the commencement date for purposes of this calculation, for all leases in place at the time of acquisition. In addition to base rent, our lease agreements generally require tenants to pay or reimburse us for all property operating expenses, which primarily reflect insurance costs and real estate taxes incurred by us and subsequently reimbursed by the tenant. However, some limited property operating expenses that are not the responsibility of the tenant are absorbed by us. Under ASC 842, we elected to report combined lease and non-lease components in a single line “Revenue from tenants.” For comparative purposes, we also elected to reflect prior revenue and reimbursements previously reported under ASC 840 on a single line as well. For expenses paid directly by the tenant, under both ASC 842 and 840, we reflected them on a net basis.
We continually review receivables related to rent and unbilled rent receivables and determine collectability by taking into consideration the tenant’s payment history, the financial condition of the tenant, business conditions in the industry in which the tenant operates and economic conditions in the area in which the property is located. Under lease accounting rules, we are required to assess, based on credit risk only, if it is probable that we will collect virtually all of the lease payments at lease commencement date and we must continue to reassess collectability periodically thereafter based on new facts and circumstances affecting the credit risk of the tenant. Partial reserves, or the ability to assume partial recovery are no longer permitted. If we determine that it is probable that we will collect virtually all of the lease payments (rent and common area maintenance), the lease will continue to be accounted for on an accrual basis (i.e. straight-line). However, if we determine it is not probable that we will collect virtually all of the lease payments, the lease will be accounted for on a cash basis and a full reserve would be recorded on previously accrued amounts in cases where it was subsequently concluded that collection was not probable. Cost recoveries from tenants are included in Revenue from tenants on the accompanying consolidated statements of operations in the period the related costs are incurred, as applicable.
In accordance with lease accounting rules, we record uncollectible amounts as reductions in revenue form tenants. Amounts recorded as reductions of revenue during the years ended December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021 totaled and $0.7 million and $1.1 million respectively. The company did not record any uncollectible amounts as reductions of revenue during the year ended December 31, 2020.
Investments in Real Estate
Investments in real estate are recorded at cost. Improvements and replacements are capitalized when they extend the useful life of the asset. Costs of repairs and maintenance are expensed as incurred.
At the time an asset is acquired, we evaluate the inputs, processes and outputs of the asset acquired to determine if the transaction is a business combination or asset acquisition. If an acquisition qualifies as a business combination, the related transaction costs are recorded as an expense in the consolidated statements of operations. If an acquisition qualifies as an asset acquisition, the related transaction costs are generally capitalized and subsequently amortized over the useful life of the acquired assets. See the Purchase Price Allocation section below for a discussion of the initial accounting for investments in real estate.
Disposal of real estate investments representing a strategic shift in operations that will have a major effect on our operations and financial results are required to be presented as discontinued operations in our consolidated statements of operations. No properties were presented as discontinued operations as of December 31, 2022 and 2021. Properties that are intended to be sold are designated as “held for sale” on our consolidated balance sheets at the lesser of carrying amount or fair value less estimated selling costs when they meet specific criteria to be presented as held for sale, most significantly that the sale is probable within one year. We evaluate probability of sale based on specific facts including whether a sales agreement is in place and the buyer has made significant non-refundable deposits. Properties are no longer depreciated when they are classified as held for sale. As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, we did not have any properties designated as held for sale.
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Purchase Price Allocation
In both a business combination and an asset acquisition, we allocate the purchase price of acquired properties to tangible and identifiable intangible assets or liabilities based on their respective fair values. Tangible assets may include land, land improvements, buildings, fixtures and tenant improvements on an as- if vacant basis. Intangible assets may include the value of in-place leases, and above- and below- market leases and other identifiable assets or liabilities based on lease or property specific characteristics. In addition, any assumed mortgages receivable or payable and any assumed or issued non-controlling interests (in a business combination) are recorded at their estimated fair values. In allocating the fair value to assumed mortgages, amounts are recorded to debt premiums or discounts based on the present value of the estimated cash flows, which is calculated to account for either above- or below-market interest rates. In a business combination, the difference between the purchase price and the fair value of identifiable net assets acquired is either recorded as goodwill or as a bargain purchase gain. In an asset acquisition, the difference between the acquisition price (including capitalized transaction costs) and the fair value of identifiable net assets acquired is allocated to the non-current assets. All acquisitions during the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020 were asset acquisitions.
For acquired properties with leases classified as operating leases, we allocate the purchase price of acquired properties to tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed, based on their respective fair values. In making estimates of fair values for purposes of allocating purchase price, we utilize a number of sources, including independent appraisals that may be obtained in connection with the acquisition or financing of the respective property and other market data. We also consider information obtained about each property as a result of our pre-acquisition due diligence in estimating the fair value of the tangible and intangible assets acquired and intangible liabilities assumed.
We utilize various estimates, processes and information to determine the as-if vacant property value. Estimates of value are made using customary methods, including data from appraisals, comparable sales, discounted cash flow analysis and other methods. Fair value estimates are also made using significant assumptions such as capitalization rates, discount rates, fair market lease rates, and land values per square foot. Identifiable intangible assets include amounts allocated to acquire leases for above- and below-market lease rates, and the value of in-place leases, as applicable.
Factors considered in the analysis of the in-place lease intangibles include an estimate of carrying costs during the expected lease-up period for each property, taking into account 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 contract rates during the expected lease-up period, which typically ranges from 12 to 18 months. We also estimate costs to execute similar leases including leasing commissions, legal and other related expenses.
Above-market and below-market lease values for acquired properties are initially recorded based on the present value (using a discount rate which reflects the risks associated with the leases acquired) of the difference between (i) the contractual amounts to be paid pursuant to each in-place lease, and (ii) management’s estimate of fair market lease rates for each corresponding in-place lease, measured over a period equal to the remaining initial term of the lease for above-market leases and the remaining term plus the term of any below-market fixed rate renewal options for below-market leases.
The aggregate value of intangible assets related to customer relationships, as applicable, is measured based on our evaluation of the specific characteristics of each tenant’s lease and our overall relationship with the tenant. Characteristics considered by us in determining these values include the nature and extent of its existing business relationships with the tenant, growth prospects for developing new business with the tenant, the tenant’s credit quality and expectations of lease renewals, among other factors.
Accounting for Leases
Lessor Accounting
In accordance with the lease accounting standard, all of our leases as lessor prior to adoption of ASC 842 were accounted for as operating leases and we continued to account for them as operating leases under the transition guidance. We evaluate new leases originated after the adoption date (by us or by a predecessor lessor/owner) pursuant to the new guidance where a lease for some or all of a building is classified by a lessor as a sales-type lease if the significant risks and rewards of ownership reside with the tenant. This situation is met if, among other things, there is an automatic transfer of title during the lease, a bargain purchase option, the non-cancelable lease term is for more than major part of remaining economic useful life of the asset (e.g., equal to or greater than 75%), if the present value of the minimum lease payments represents substantially all (e.g., equal to or greater than 90%) of the leased property’s fair value at lease inception, or if the asset so specialized in nature that it provides no alternative use to the lessor (and therefore would not provide any future value to the lessor) after the lease term. Further, such new leases would be evaluated to consider whether they would be failed sale-leaseback transactions and accounted for as financing transactions by the lessor. During the three-year period ended December 31, 2022, we did not have any leases as a lessor that would be considered as sales-type leases or financings under sale-leaseback rules.
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As a lessor of real estate, we have elected, by class of underlying assets, to account for lease and non-lease components (such as tenant reimbursements of property operating expenses) as a single lease component as an operating lease because (a) the non-lease components have the same timing and pattern of transfer as the associated lease component; and (b) the lease component, if accounted for separately, would be classified as an operating lease. Additionally, only incremental direct leasing costs may be capitalized under the accounting guidance. Indirect leasing costs in connection with new or extended tenant leases, if any, are being expensed as incurred.
Lessee Accounting
For lessees, the accounting standard requires the application of a dual lease classification approach, classifying leases as either operating or finance leases based on the principle of whether or not the lease is effectively a financed purchase by the lessee. Lease expense for operating leases is recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease, while lease expense for finance leases is recognized based on an effective interest method over the term of the lease. Also, lessees must recognize a right-of-use asset (“ROU”) and a lease liability for all leases with a term of greater than 12 months regardless of their classification. Further, certain transactions where at inception of the lease the buyer-lessor accounted for the transaction as a purchase of real estate and a new lease may now be required to have symmetrical accounting to the seller-lessee if the transaction was not a qualified sale-leaseback and accounted for as a financing transaction. For additional information and disclosures related to the Company’s operating leases, see Note 10 — Commitments and Contingencies to our consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information.
The Company is the lessee under certain land leases which were previously classified prior to adoption of ASC 842 and will continue to be classified as operating leases under transition elections unless subsequently modified. These leases are reflected on the balance sheet as right of use assets and operating lease liabilities and the rent expense is reflected on a straight-line basis over the lease term.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
If circumstances indicate the carrying value of a property may not be recoverable, we review the asset for impairment. This review is based on an estimate of the future undiscounted cash flows, excluding interest charges, expected to result from the property’s use and eventual disposition. These estimates consider factors such as expected future operating income, market and other applicable trends and residual value, as well as the effects of leasing demand, competition and other factors. If impairment exists due to the inability to recover the carrying value of a property, an impairment loss is recorded to the extent that the carrying value exceeds the estimated fair value of the property for properties to be held and used. For properties held for sale, the impairment loss is the adjustment to fair value less estimated cost to dispose of the asset. These assessments have a direct impact on net income because recording an impairment loss results in an immediate negative adjustment to net earnings.
Gains and Losses on Dispositions of Real Estate Investments
Gains on sales of rental real estate are not considered sales to customers and are generally recognized pursuant to the provisions included in ASC 610-20, Gains and Losses from the Derecognition of Nonfinancial Assets (“ASC 610-20”).
Goodwill
We evaluate goodwill for impairment at least annually or upon the occurrence of a triggering event. A triggering event is an event or circumstance that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount. We performed a qualitative assessment in the fourth quarter of 2022 to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying value. Based on our assessment, we determined that the goodwill was not impaired as of December 31, 2022.
Depreciation and Amortization
We are required to make subjective assessments as to the useful lives of the components of our real estate investments for purposes of determining the amount of depreciation to record on an annual basis. These assessments have a direct impact on our results from operations because if we were to shorten the expected useful lives of our real estate investments, we would depreciate these investments over fewer years, resulting in more depreciation expense and lower earnings on an annual basis.
Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of up to 40 years for buildings, 15 years for land and building improvements, five years for fixtures and improvements and the shorter of the useful life or the remaining lease term for tenant improvements and leasehold interests.
The value of in-place leases, exclusive of the value of above-market and below-market in-place leases, is amortized to expense over the remaining periods of the respective leases.
If the tenant termination its lease, the unamortized portion of the in-phase lease value and customer relationship intangibles is accelerated through the termination date or the date of the tenant vacates the space to expense.
Assumed mortgage premiums or discounts are amortized as an increase or reduction to interest expense over the remaining terms of the respective mortgages.
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Deferred leasing commissions are recorded over the terms of the related leases. Amounts related to leasing commissions incurred from third parties are recorded in depreciation and amortization. Amounts related to leasing commissions incurred from the Advisor are recorded within operating fees to related parties in the consolidated statements of operations.
Above and Below-Market Lease Amortization
Capitalized above-market lease values are amortized as a reduction of revenue from tenants over the remaining terms of the respective leases and the capitalized below-market lease values are amortized as an increase to revenue from tenants over the remaining terms of the respected leases, not including any extension options.
Above-market intangibles and below-market intangibles will also be treated in the same way as in-place intangibles upon a lease termination.
If a tenant modifies its lease, the unamortized portion of the in-place lease value, customer relationship intangibles, above-market leases and below market leases are assessed to determine whether their useful lives need to be amended (generally accelerated). Generally, we would not extend the useful lives of their intangible values upon a modification that is an extension.
The amortization associated with our ROUs is recorded in property operating expenses on a straight-line basis over the terms of the leases.
Derivative Instruments
We may use derivative financial instruments, including interest rate swaps, caps, options, floors and other interest rate derivative contracts, to hedge all or a portion of the interest rate risk associated with its borrowings. In addition, all foreign currency denominated borrowings under our Credit Facility are designated as net investment hedges. Certain of our foreign operations expose us to fluctuations of foreign interest rates and exchange rates. These fluctuations may impact the value of our cash receipts and payments in our functional currency, the U.S. Dollar (“USD”). We enter into derivative financial instruments to protect the value or fix the amount of certain obligations in terms of its functional currency.
We record all derivatives on the consolidated balance sheets at fair value. The accounting for changes in the fair value of derivatives depends on the intended use of the derivative, whether we have elected to designate a derivative in a hedging relationship and apply hedge accounting and whether the hedging relationship has satisfied the criteria necessary to apply hedge accounting. Derivatives designated and qualifying as a hedge of the exposure to changes in the fair value of an asset, liability, or firm commitment attributable to a particular risk, such as interest rate risk, are considered fair value hedges. Derivatives designated and qualifying as a hedge of the exposure to variability in expected future cash flows, or other types of forecasted transactions, are considered cash flow hedges. Derivatives may also be designated as hedges of the foreign currency exposure of a net investment in foreign operations. Hedge accounting generally provides for the matching of the timing of gain or loss recognition on the hedging instrument with the recognition of the changes in the fair value of the hedged asset or liability that are attributable to the hedged risk in a fair value hedge or the earnings effect of the hedged forecasted transactions in a cash flow hedge. We may enter into derivative contracts that are intended to economically hedge certain risk, even though hedge accounting does not apply or we elect not to apply hedge accounting.
The accounting for subsequent changes in the fair value of these derivatives depends on whether each has been designed and qualifies for hedge accounting treatment. If we elect not to apply hedge accounting treatment (or for derivatives that do not qualify as hedges), any changes in the fair value of these derivative instruments is recognized immediately in gains (losses) on derivative instruments in the consolidated statements of operations. If a derivative is designated and qualifies for cash flow hedge accounting treatment, the change in the estimated fair value of the derivative is recorded in other comprehensive income (loss) in the consolidated statements of comprehensive (loss) income to the extent that it is effective. Any ineffective portion of a change in derivative fair value is immediately recorded in earnings.
Equity-Based Compensation
We have a stock-based incentive plan under which our directors, officers and other employees of the Advisor, or its affiliates who are involved in providing services to us are eligible to receive awards. Awards granted thereunder are accounted for under the guidance for employee share based payments. The cost of services received in exchange for a stock award is measured at the grant date fair value of the award and the expense for such awards is included in equity-based compensation on consolidated statements of operations and is recognized over the vesting period or when the requirements for exercise of the award have been met (see Note 13 — Equity-Based Compensation to our consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.for additional information).
Multi-Year Outperformance Agreements
Following the end of the performance period under the multi-year outperformance agreement with the Advisor entered into in July 2018 (the “2018 OPP”) on June 2, 2021, we entered into the multi-year outperformance agreement with the Advisor (the “2021 OPP”). Under the 2018 OPP, which became effective June 2, 2018, we recorded equity-based compensation evenly over the requisite service period of approximately 2.8 years from the grant date. Under the 2021 OPP, which became effective June 2, 2021, we are recording equity-based compensation evenly over the requisite service period of approximately 3.1 years from
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May 3, 2021, the date that our independent directors approved the award of long-term incentive plan units of limited partner interest in the OP (“LTIP Units”) under the 2021 OPP.
Under accounting guidance adopted by us on January 1, 2019, total equity-based compensation expense calculated as of the adoption of the new guidance is fixed and reflected as a charge to earnings over the remaining service period. Further, in the event of a modification, any incremental increase in the value of the instrument measured on the date of the modification both before and after the modification, will result in an incremental amount to be reflected prospectively as a charge to earnings over the remaining service period. The expense for these awards is included in the equity-based compensation line item of our consolidated statements of operations. For additional information, see Note 13 — Equity-Based Compensation to our consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
See Note 2 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies — Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements to our consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further discussion.
Results of Operations
Below is a discussion of our results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021. Please see the “Results of Operations” section located on page 48 under Item 7 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021 for a discussion of our results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2020 and year-to-year comparisons between 2021 and 2020.
Comparison of the Year Ended December 31, 2022 to the Year Ended December 31, 2021
Net Loss Attributable to Common Stockholders
Net loss attributable to common stockholders was $8.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, as compared to $8.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2021. The change in net loss income attributable to common stockholders is discussed in detail for each line item of the consolidated statements of operations in the sections that follow.
Revenue from Tenants
Revenue from tenants was $378.9 million and $391.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. In addition to base rent, our lease agreements generally require tenants to pay or reimburse us for all property operating expenses, which primarily reflect insurance costs and real estate taxes incurred by us and subsequently reimbursed by the tenant. However, some limited property operating expenses that are not the responsibility of the tenant are absorbed by us. The decrease was primarily driven by the year-over-year change in foreign exchange rates and the impact of two items that impacted 2021 but not 2022; specifically, a $5.2 million receivable and an $8.8 million termination fee both recorded in revenue from tenants during the year ended December 31, 2021. These items that impacted the decrease in revenue from tenants year-over-year were partially offset by the full-year impact of our property acquisitions made during the year ended December 31, 2021 and the impact of our property acquisitions made during the year ended December 31, 2022.
The receivable recorded in 2021 was for financing costs we incurred in connection with the mortgage loan that financed the acquisition of the global headquarters of the McLaren Group that the McLaren Group is required to reimburse. The termination fee recorded in 2021 was as a result of us entering into a termination agreement with a tenant.
During the year ended December 31, 2022 there were decreases of 10.6% in the average exchange rate for British Pounds Sterling (“GBP”) to USD and 11.6% in the Euro (“EUR”) to USD, when compared to the year ended December 31, 2021. On a constant currency basis, applying the average monthly currency rates for the year ended December 31, 2021, revenues would have been up by $15.4 million to $394.2 million.
Leasing Activity
During the year ended December 31, 2022, we executed 12 lease renewals and four tenant expansion projects totaling 3.8 million square feet and $154.0 million in net new straight-line rent over the new weighted-average remaining lease term. The overall changes in rental rates per square foot were not significant.
Property Operating Expenses
Property operating expenses were $32.9 million and $32.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. These costs primarily consist of property insurance and real estate taxes, all of which are generally reimbursable by our tenants. The main exceptions for properties leased to the Government Services Administration (“GSA”) which do not require the tenant to reimburse the costs. The slight decrease was primarily due to decreases during the year ended December 31, 2022, of 10.6% in the average exchange rate for GBP to USD and 11.6% in the EUR to USD, when compared to last year.
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Operating Fees to Related Parties
Operating fees paid to related parties were $40.1 million and $39.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Operating fees to related parties consist of compensation to the Advisor for asset management services, as well as property management fees paid to the Property Manager. Our Advisory Agreement requires us to pay the Advisor a Minimum Base Management Fee of $18.0 million per annum ($4.5 million per quarter) plus a Variable Base Management Fee, both payable in cash, and Incentive Compensation (as defined in our Advisory Agreement), generally payable in cash and shares, if the applicable hurdles are met. The Advisor did not earn any Incentive Compensation during the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 respectively. The increase to operating fees between the periods in part results from an increase of $0.8 million in the Variable Base Management Fee resulting from the incremental additional net proceeds generated from offerings of equity securities during 2021 and the year ended December 31, 2022. Operating fees to related parties are not impacted by changes in currency exchange rates.
Our Property Manager is paid fees to manage our properties, which may include market-based leasing commissions. Property management fees are calculated as a percentage of our gross revenues generated by the applicable properties. For additional information on our property management agreement with the Property Manager, see Note 11 — Related Party Transactions to our consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. During the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, property management fees were $7.6 million and $7.3 million, respectively. Included in property management fees for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 are lease commission expenses of $0.6 million, and $0.2 million, respectively, which are being amortized over the terms of the related leases. Property management fees paid to our Property Manager are not impacted by changes in currency exchange rates. For additional information on leasing commissions earned by our Property Manager, see Note 11 — Related Party Transactions to our consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Impairment Charges
During the year ended December 31, 2022, we recorded aggregate impairment charges of $21.6 million for three properties. For one of these properties, which was held for sale in the first quarter, we incurred an additional impairment for costs to sell the asset. The other two properties that were impaired during 2022 were both being marketed for sale. The impairment for the first property being marketed for sale occurred in the second quarter of 2022 and totaled $16.0 million. The impairment was based on a purchase and sale contract; however, the property did not meet the criteria for held for sale at that time. In the third quarter, this property met the criteria for held for sale and an additional impairment of $0.8 million was taken for costs to sell the asset. This property was sold in November 2022. The impairment charge for the second property being marketed for sale was recorded in the fourth quarter of 2022 and totaled $4.5 million, based on the agreed upon selling price of the asset.
The impairment charges recorded during the year ended December 31, 2021 of $17.5 million were recorded to adjust the carrying value of three properties to their estimated fair values based on the estimated selling prices of two of our assets; one located in Texas (sold in 2021) and one located in the United Kingdom, which we began marketing for sale in the fourth quarter of 2021which was subsequently sold. The impairments were recorded in the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and quarter ended December 31, 2021 in the amounts of $7.9 million and $9.6 million, respectively.
Acquisition, Transaction and Other Costs
We recognized $0.2 million and $0.1 million of acquisition, transaction and other costs during the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Acquisition, transaction and other costs during both periods were due to costs for terminated acquisitions.
General and Administrative Expense
General and administrative expenses were $17.7 million and $17.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively, and primarily consist of professional fees including audit and taxation related services, board member compensation, and directors’ and officers’ liability insurance, and including expense reimbursements of approximately $1.1 million and $1.3 million, respectively, to the Advisor under the Advisory Agreement for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The overall increase in general and administrative expenses was also impacted by higher legal and other costs in the year ended December 31, 2022 of approximately $1.4 million, which were attributable to the proxy contest and related litigation with Blackwells described herein.
Equity-Based Compensation
During the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, we recognized equity-based compensation expense of $12.1 million and $11.0 million, respectively. In the prior year equity-based compensation consists of expense related to our 2018 OPP and 2021 OPP and amortization of restricted shares of Common Stock (“Restricted Shares”) granted to employees of the Advisor or its affiliates who are involved in providing services to us and restricted stock units (“RSUs”) granted to our independent directors. In 2022, equity-based compensation does not include any impact associated with the 2018 OPP.
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On June 2, 2021, the performance period under the 2018 OPP ended and all compensation expense related to the 2018 OPP had been fully recorded as of that date and, in May 2021, we began recording expense for the 2021 OPP. The expense recorded in 2022 includes the straight-line expense from the 2021 OPP. The expense recorded in 2021 includes the straight-line expense from the 2021 OPP (beginning in May 2021) and the 2018 OPP, which expired on June 2, 2021. The increase in equity-based compensation expense was due to the higher straight-line expense recorded for the 2021 OPP which resulted from the LTIP Units granted under the 2021 OPP having a higher fair value , as compared to 2018 OPP, the impact of additional amortization expense recorded for new grants of RSUs and Restricted Shares that occurred during the second quarter of 2022 and approximately $0.2 million of additional net amortization expense as a result of: 1) the accelerated vesting of restricted shares of one employee of the Advisor, and 2) the award of new restricted shares to former employees of the Advisor, working as consultants to the Advisor. For accounting purposes, the fair value of the newly issued restricted shares was fully expensed during the third quarter of 2022. For additional information, see Note 2 — Significant Accounting Policies and see Note 13 — Equity-Based Compensation to our consolidated financial statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Depreciation and Amortization
Depreciation and amortization expense was $154.0 million and $163.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The decrease was primarily due to decreases in these expenses for properties owned outside of the U.S. resulting from declines of 10.6% in the average exchange rate for GBP to USD and 11.6% in the EUR to USD, when compared to 2021 and the impact of our dispositions since December 31, 2021. These decreases were partially offset by additional depreciation and amortization expense recorded as a result of the full-year impact of our property acquisitions made during the year ended December 31, 2021 and the impact of the property acquisitions made during the year ended December 31, 2022, as well as approximately $2.0 million of additional amortization expense recorded in 2021 for acquired lease intangibles related to certain leases that were terminated during 2021.
Gain (Loss) on Dispositions of Real Estate Investments
During the year ended December 31, 2022, we sold one property in the U.S., one property in the United Kingdom (“U.K.”) and one property in France for an aggregate contract sales price of approximately $56.0 million. The Company recorded an aggregate gain of $0.3 million on these sales.
During the year ended December 31, 2021, we sold one property located in Conroe, Texas, one property located in Houston, Texas, one property located in South Bend, Indiana and 18 properties located in Puerto Rico for a total contract sales price of $49.6 million. These dispositions resulted in an aggregate net gain of $1.5 million.
Interest Expense
Interest expense was $97.5 million and $94.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The increase primarily related to a higher weighted-average effective interest rate of our total debt in 2022, as well as, the additional incremental interest expense during 2022 on the £101.0 million ($122.2 million as of December 31, 2022) mortgage loan entered into in April 2021 to finance the acquisition of the global headquarters of the McLaren Group, and interest expense on the £28.0 million ($31.5 million as of September 22, 2022, the date the loan was repaid using Credit Facility funds) that funded in part, the acquisition of the Trafalgar Court property located in Guernsey, Channel Islands in September 2021 (see Note 4 — Mortgage Notes Payable, Net and Note 6 — Senior Notes, Net to our consolidated financial statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional details). The amount of our total gross debt outstanding was relatively consistent at $2.5 billion as of December 31, 2021 as compared to $2.4 billion as of December 31, 2022, and the weighted-average effective interest rate of our total debt was 3.4% as of December 31, 2021 and 4.0% as of December 31, 2022.
The increase in interest expense was lessened because of the impact of decreases during the year ended December 31, 2022 of 10.6% in the average exchange rate for GBP to USD and 11.6% in the EUR to USD when compared to the year ended December 31, 2021. As of the year ended December 31, 2022, approximately 23% of our total debt outstanding was denominated in EUR, 16% of our total debt outstanding was denominated in GBP and 1% was denominated in CAD. As of December 31, 2021, approximately 30% of our total debt outstanding was denominated in EUR and 20% of our total debt outstanding was denominated in GBP.
We view a combination of secured and unsecured financing as an efficient and accretive means to acquire properties and manage working capital. As of December 31, 2022, approximately 52% of our total debt outstanding was secured and 48% was unsecured, the latter including amounts outstanding under our Credit Facility and Senior Notes. The availability of borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility is based on the value of a pool of eligible unencumbered real estate assets owned by us and compliance with various ratios related to those assets. Our interest expense in future periods will vary based on interest rates, the level of future borrowings, which will depend on refinancing needs and acquisition activity, and changes in currency exchange rates.
Loss on Extinguishment of Debt
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The loss on extinguishment of debt of $2.0 million during the year ended December 31, 2022 primarily related to the early payoff of our mortgage loan that was secured by our properties located in France. There was no similar loss during the year ended December 31, 2021.
Foreign Currency and Interest Rate Impact on Operations
The gains on derivative instruments of $18.6 million and $5.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively, reflect the marked-to-market impact from foreign currency and interest rate derivative instruments used to hedge the investment portfolio from currency and interest rate movements, and was mainly impacted by currency rate changes in the GBP and EUR compared to the USD. For the year ended December 31, 2022, gains on derivative instruments consisted of unrealized gains of $9.4 million and realized gains of $9.2 million. For the year ended December 31, 2021, gains on derivative instruments consisted of unrealized gains of $6.3 million and realized losses of $0.5 million. The overall gain (or loss) on derivative instruments directly impact our results of operations since they are recorded on the gain on derivative instruments line item in our consolidated results of operations. However, only the realized gains are included AFFO (as defined below).
As a result of our foreign investments in Europe, and, to a lesser extent, our investments in Canada, we are subject to risk from the effects of exchange rate movements in the EUR, GBP and, to a lesser extent, CAD against the USD, which may affect costs and cash flows in our functional currency, the USD. We generally manage foreign currency exchange rate movements by matching our debt service obligation to the lender and the tenant’s rental obligation to us in the same currency. This reduces our overall exposure to currency fluctuations. In addition, we may use currency hedging to further reduce the exposure to our net cash flow. We are generally a net receiver of these currencies (we receive more cash than we pay out), and therefore our results of operations of our foreign properties benefit from a weaker USD, and are adversely affected by a stronger USD, relative to the foreign currency. Conversely, realized gains from derivatives would generally be lower from a weaker USD, and higher from a stronger USD. We maintain our hedging approach by consistently entering into new foreign exchange forwards for three year periods. Interest rate increases could increase the interest expense on our floating rate debt or any new debt and we are constantly evaluating the use of hedging strategies to mitigate this risk.
Unrealized Income (Loss) on Undesignated Foreign Currency Advances and Other Hedge Ineffectiveness
We recorded income of $2.4 million on undesignated foreign currency advances and other hedge ineffectiveness, related to the accelerated reclassification of amounts in other comprehensive income to earnings as a result of certain hedged forecasted transactions becoming probable not to occur, for the year ended December 31, 2022. During the year ended December 31, 2021, we did not record any amounts due to currency changes on the undesignated excess foreign currency advances over the related net investments.
Income Tax Expense
Although as a REIT we generally do not pay U.S. federal income taxes on the amount of REIT taxable income that is distributed to shareholders, we recognize income tax (expense) benefit domestically for state taxes and local income taxes incurred, if any, and also in foreign jurisdictions in which we own properties. In addition, we perform an analysis of potential deferred tax or future tax benefit and expense as a result of book and tax differences and timing differences in taxes across jurisdictions. Income tax expense was $11.0 million and $12.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The higher amount in 2021 was driven by a $1.9 million return to provision adjustment related to the filing of the UK 2020 tax return. For additional information, see Note 15 — Income Taxes to our consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Preferred Stock Dividends
Our net loss was also impacted by dividends on our outstanding preferred stock. We paid Preferred Stock dividends of $20.4 million and $20.1 million during years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. See the Dividends and Liquidity and Capital Resources sections below for more information on the payment of Preferred Stock dividends.
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
During the year ended December 31, 2022, net cash provided by operating activities was $181.8 million. The level of cash flows provided by operating activities is driven by, among other things, rental income received, operating fees paid to related parties for asset and property management, and interest payments on outstanding borrowings. Cash flows provided by operating activities during the year ended December 31, 2022 reflect net income of $12.0 million, adjusted for non-cash items of $191.0 million (primarily depreciation, amortization of intangibles, amortization of deferred financing costs, amortization of mortgage discounts, amortization of above- and below-market lease and ground lease assets and liabilities, amortization of right of use assets, unbilled straight-line rent (including the effect of adjustments due to rent deferrals), equity-based compensation, unrealized gains on foreign currency transactions, derivatives and other, and impairments). In addition, operating cash flow was impacted by the receipt of a $9.0 million termination fee from a tenant, a decrease of $14.2 million in working capital items and lease incentive and commission payments of $6.3 million.
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During the year ended December 31, 2021, net cash provided by operating activities was $192.5 million. Cash flows provided by operating activities during the year ended December 31, 2021 reflect net income of $11.4 million, adjusted for non-cash items of $183.6 million (primarily depreciation, amortization of intangibles, amortization of deferred financing costs, amortization of mortgage premium/discount, amortization of above- and below-market lease and ground lease assets and liabilities, unbilled straight-line rent (including the effect of adjustments due to rent deferrals), equity-based compensation, unrealized (gains) losses on foreign currency transactions, derivatives and other, and impairment charges). In addition, operating cash flow increased by $8.4 million due to working capital items and decreased by $9.4 million due to lease incentive and commission payments.
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
Net cash used in investing activities during the year ended December 31, 2022 of $16.5 million consisted of property acquisitions of $33.9 million and capital expenditures of $29.9 million, partially offset by proceeds from dispositions of $54.7 million.
Net cash used in investing activities during the year ended December 31, 2021 of $436.6 million was primarily driven by property acquisitions of $477.4 million and capital expenditures of $7.9 million, partially offset by proceeds from the disposition of real estate of $48.7 million.
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
Net cash used in financing activities of $149.7 million during the year ended December 31, 2022 was a result of net payments on mortgage notes payable of $136.7 million, dividends paid to common stockholders of $166.8 million, dividends paid to holders of our Series A Preferred Stock, of $12.3 million, dividends paid to holders of our Series B Preferred Stock, of $8.0 million and distributions to non-controlling interest holders of $0.4 million. These cash outflows were partially offset by net proceeds from borrowings under our Revolving Credit Facility of $180.2 million, net proceeds from the issuance of Common Stock of $0.9 million and net proceeds from the issuance of Series B Preferred Stock of $4.7 million.
Net cash provided by financing activities of $218.3 million during the year ended December 31, 2021 was a result of net borrowings under our Revolving Credit Facility of $115.9 million, net proceeds from mortgage notes payable of $66.1 million, net proceeds from the issuance of Common Stock of $214.0 million and net proceeds from the issuance of Series B Preferred Stock of $15.9 million. These cash inflows were offset primarily by dividends paid to common stockholders of $156.2 million, dividends paid on Series A Preferred Stock of $12.3 million, dividends paid on Series B Preferred Stock of $7.5 million, distributions to non-controlling interest holders of $11.0 million and payments of financing costs of $6.5 million.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Our principal future needs for cash and cash equivalents includes the purchase of additional properties or other investments, payment of related acquisition costs, improvement costs, operating and administrative expenses, continuing debt service obligations and dividends to holders of our Common Stock, Series A Preferred Stock and Series B Preferred Stock, as well as to any future class or series of preferred stock we may issue. As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, we had cash and cash equivalents of $103.3 million and $89.7 million, respectively. See discussion above our how our cash flows from various sources impacted our cash. We are required to maintain unrestricted cash and cash equivalents (or amounts available for future borrowings under credit facility, such as the Credit Facility) in an amount sufficient to meet our actual and contingent liabilities under a limited unsecured corporate guaranty by us of £20.0 million (approximately $24.2 million as of December 31, 2022) of the obligations under a mortgage loan secured by 41 of the properties located in the United Kingdom.
Management expects that cash generated from operations, (see Consolidated Cash Flow Statements in our consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K) supplemented by our existing cash, will be sufficient to fund the payment of quarterly dividends to our common stockholders and holders of our Series A Preferred Stock and Series B Preferred Stock, as well as anticipated capital expenditures. During the year ended December 31, 2022, cash used to pay 96.9% of our dividends was generated from cash flows provided by operations.
Our other sources of capital, which we have used and may use in the future, include proceeds received from our Revolving Credit Facility, proceeds from secured or unsecured financings (which may include note issuances), proceeds from our offerings of equity securities (including Common Stock and preferred stock), proceeds from any future sales of properties and undistributed funds from operations, if any.
Acquisitions and Dispositions
We are in the business of acquiring real estate properties and leasing the properties to tenants. Generally, we fund our acquisitions through a combination of cash and cash equivalents, proceeds from offerings of equity securities (including Common Stock and preferred stock), borrowings under our Revolving Credit Facility and proceeds from mortgage or other debt secured by the acquired or other assets at the time of acquisition or at some later point. In addition, to the extent we dispose of properties, we have used and may continue to use the net proceeds from the dispositions (after repayment of any mortgage debt, if any) for future acquisitions or other general corporate purposes.
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Acquisitions and Dispositions — Year Ended December 31, 2022
During the year ended December 31, 2022, we acquired three properties for $33.9 million, including capitalized acquisition costs.
During the year ended December 31, 2022, we sold one property in the U.S. (sold in the third quarter of 2022), one property in the U.K. (sold in the second quarter of 2022) and one property in France (sold in the fourth quarter of 2022) for an aggregate contract sales price of $56.0 million. The property in the U.S. was not encumbered under any mortgage debt or part of the borrowing base under our Revolving Credit Facility and the property in the U.K. was previously encumbered by the United Kingdom Properties — Bulk Loan mortgage. The property in France was encumbered for approximately $31.5 million under our mortgage loan secured by our properties in France, which was fully repaid in the fourth quarter of 2022 (see below for more information). The net proceeds from the sale of these three properties was $54.7 million.
Acquisitions and Dispositions Subsequent to December 31, 2022
Subsequent to December 31, 2022, we acquired eight properties in the U.K. for an aggregate contract price of approximately $75.5 million. These acquisitions were funded with a £50.0 million draw (approximately $61.0 million on the acquisition date) on our Credit Facility, with the remainder paid with cash on hand. We did not dispose of any properties subsequent to December 31, 2022.
Subsequent to December 31, 2022, we signed non-binding letter of intent (“LOI”) to dispose of one property in the U.S. for a contract purchase price of $5.1 million. There can be no assurance we will complete this disposition on its contemplated terms, or at all. This property is currently encumbered under our Multi-Tenant Mortgage Loan I.
Equity Offerings
Common Stock
We have an “at the market” equity offering program (the “Common Stock ATM Program”) pursuant to which we may sell shares of Common Stock, from time to time through our sales agents. In November 2022, we filed a new shelf registration statement and prospectus supplement covering the Common Stock ATM Program having an aggregate offering amount of up to $285.0 million, prior to the expiration of our previous registration statement, which had an aggregate offering amount of up to $500.0 million ($285.0 million was sold under our previous registration statement). During the year ended December 31, 2022, we sold 70,218 shares of Common Stock through the Common Stock ATM Program for gross proceeds of $1.1 million, before nominal commissions and issuance costs were paid.
Preferred Stock
We have an “at the market” equity offering program for our Series B Preferred Stock (the “Series B Preferred Stock ATM Program”) pursuant to which we may sell sales of shares of Series B Preferred Stock, from time to time through our sales agents. In November 2022, we filed a new shelf registration statement and prospectus supplement covering the Series B Preferred Stock ATM Program having an aggregate offering amount of up to $170.0 million, prior to the expiration of our previous registration statement, which had an aggregate offering amount of up to $200.0 million. During the year ended December 31, 2022, we sold 191,994 shares of its Series B Preferred Stock through the Series B Preferred Stock ATM Program for gross proceeds of $4.8 million before nominal commissions paid and issuance costs.
The timing differences between when we raise equity proceeds or receive proceeds from dispositions and when we invest those proceeds in acquisitions or other investments that increase our operating cash flows have affected, and may continue to affect, our results of operations.
Borrowings
As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, we had total gross debt outstanding of $2.4 billion and $2.5 billion, respectively, bearing interest at a weighted-average interest rate per annum equal to 4.0% and 3.4%, respectively. Approximately $249.5 million of our debt matures in 2023 (see Mortgage Notes Payable below for more information).
As of December 31, 2022, 70% of our total debt outstanding either bore interest at fixed rates, or was swapped to a fixed rate, which bore interest at a weighted-average interest rate of 3.8% per annum. As of December 31, 2022, 30% of our total debt outstanding was variable-rate debt, which bore interest at a weighted- average interest rate of 4.4% per annum (11% variable with a rate of 2.6% in 2021). The total gross carrying value of unencumbered assets as of December 31, 2022 was $2.1 billion, of which approximately $1.3 billion was included in the unencumbered asset pool comprising the borrowing base under the Revolving Credit Facility and therefore is not available to serve as collateral for future borrowings.
Our debt leverage ratio was 56.6% (total debt as a percentage of total purchase price of real estate investments, based on the exchange rate at the time of purchase) as of December 31, 2022. See Note 7 — Fair Value of Financial Instruments to our consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for a discussion of fair value of such debt as of December 31, 2022. As of December 31, 2022 the weighted-average maturity of our indebtedness was 3.9 years. We believe we have the ability to service our debt obligations as they come due.
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Senior Notes
On December 16, 2020, we and the OP issued $500.0 million aggregate principal amount of 3.750% Senior Notes due 2027. As of December 31, 2022 and 2020, the amount of the Senior Notes outstanding totaled $493.1 million and $491.7 million, respectively, which is net of $6.9 million and $8.3 million of deferred financing costs, respectively. The Senior Notes require payment of interest-only with the principal due to maturity. See Note 6 — Senior Notes, Net to our consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further discussion on the Senior Notes and related covenants.
Mortgage Notes Payable
As of December 31, 2022, we had secured mortgage notes payable of $1.2 billion, net of mortgage discounts and deferred financing costs. Repayments of principal under the mortgage loan secured by all of our properties located in the United Kingdom (the “United Kingdom Properties - Bulk Loan”) began in October 2020. All of our other mortgage loans require payment of interest-only with the principal due at maturity. The United Kingdom Properties - Bulk Loan matures in August 2023.
During the year ended December 31, 2022, approximately $136.7 million in aggregate principal was repaid on our mortgage notes payable, which included principal repayments on our United Kingdom Properties - Bulk Loan, the full repayment of our Trafalgar Court loan and the full repayment of the mortgage loan secured by our properties in France. The Company used cash on hand, funds received from the termination fee, borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility and net proceeds from the sale of a property in France in the fourth quarter of 2022 (as noted above) to make the payments. Total principal of $249.5 million is due on our mortgages during 2023. This indebtedness maturing in calendar year 2023 bears interest at a weighted rate of 2.8% per annum. Interest rates have increased considerably in the last twelve months and may continue to increase. For example, the interest rate on borrowings under the Credit Facility increased 1.9% during the year ended December 31, 2022. The interest rate on any indebtedness we refinance will likely be higher than the rate on the maturing indebtedness.
Credit Facility
As of December 31, 2022, outstanding borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility were $670.0 million. During the year ended December 31, 2022 the amounts drawn on the Revolving Credit Facility increased $444.4 million, partially due to conversion of the Term Loan to the Revolving Credit Facility (see below for additional information). As of December 31, 2022, approximately $89.0 million was available for future borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility.
Specifically, on April 8, 2022, we amended and restated the Credit Facility, among other things, converting amounts outstanding under the Term Loan into amounts drawn under the Revolving Credit Facility which, following the amendment, now represents all amounts outstanding under the Credit Facility. In addition to converting the Term Loan, the aggregate total commitments under the Credit Facility were increased from $1.17 billion to $1.45 billion, with a $50.0 million sublimit for letters of credit, a $50.0 million sublimit for swing loans, $100.0 million of which can only be used for U.S. dollar denominated loans. The Credit Facility includes an uncommitted “accordion feature” that, so long as no default or event of default has occurred and is continuing, gives us the option to increase the commitments under the Credit Facility, allocated to either or both the Revolving Credit Facility or a new term loan facility, by up to an additional $500.0 million, subject to obtaining commitments from new lenders or additional commitments from participating lenders and certain customary conditions. We incurred approximately $10.1 million of deferred financing costs during the second quarter of 2022 related to the amendment and restatement. Also, on July 26, 2022, we further amended the Credit Facility to, among other things, increase the maximum aggregate asset value attributable to unencumbered pool assets located in approved foreign countries. The amendment increases our flexibility to add properties to the pool of unencumbered assets which impacts the amount available for draw under the facility.
The Credit Facility is supported by a pool of eligible unencumbered properties that are owned by the subsidiaries of the OP that serve as guarantors. The availability of borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility continues to be based on the value of a pool of eligible unencumbered real estate assets owned by us (see details below) and compliance with various ratios related to those assets, and the amendment and restatement of the Credit Facility also included amendments to provisions governing the calculation of the value of the borrowing base.
The Credit Facility requires payments of interest only prior to maturity. Borrowings under the Credit Facility bear interest at a variable rate per annum based on an applicable margin that varies based on the ratio of consolidated total indebtedness to consolidated total asset value of us and our subsidiaries plus either (i) the Base Rate (as defined in the Credit Facility) or (ii) the applicable Benchmark Rate (as defined in the Credit Facility) for the currency being borrowed. Following the amendment and restatement of the Credit Facility, the applicable interest rate margin is based on a range from 0.30% to 0.90% per annum with respect to Base Rate borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility and 1.30% to 1.90% per annum with respect to Benchmark Rate borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility. These spreads reflected a reduction from the previous spreads. For Benchmark Rate Loans denominated in Dollars that bear interest calculated by reference to Term SOFR, there is an additional spread adjustment depending on the length of the interest period. In addition, (i) if we achieve an investment grade credit rating
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from at least two rating agencies, the OP can elect for the spread to be based on our credit rating, and (ii) the “floor” on the applicable Benchmark is 0%. As of December 31, 2022, the Credit Facility had a weighted-average effective interest rate of 4.6% after giving effect to interest rate swaps in place.
Through March 31, 2022, prior to the amendment and restatement of Credit Facility, the Credit Facility consisted of two components, a Revolving Credit Facility and a Term Loan, both of which required payment of interest-only. The Revolving Credit Facility was scheduled to mature on August 1, 2023, and the Term Loan was scheduled to mature on August 1, 2024.
Following the amendment and restatement, the Credit Facility now matures on October 8, 2026, subject to our option, subject to customary conditions, to extend the maturity date by up to two additional six-month terms. Borrowings under the Credit Facility may be prepaid at any time, in whole or in part, without premium or penalty, subject to customary breakage costs associated with borrowings for the applicable Benchmark Rate.
Our Credit Facility requires us through the OP to pay an unused fee per annum of 0.25% of the unused balance of the Revolving Credit Facility if the unused balance exceeds or is equal to 50% of the total commitment or a fee per annum of 0.15% of the unused balance of the Revolving Credit Facility if the unused balance is less than 50% of the total commitment. From and after the time the Company obtains an investment grade credit rating, the unused fee will be replaced with a facility fee based on the total commitment under the Revolving Credit Facility multiplied by 0.30%, decreasing as our credit rating increases.
The availability of borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility is based on the value of a pool of eligible unencumbered real estate assets owned by us and compliance with various ratios related to those assets. Also, we have a $7.4 million letter of credit held by a lender which was put in place to cure a cash trap sweep event under one of our mortgages (see “— Covenants —Multi-Tenant Mortgage Loan III” section below for additional information on this letter of credit).
Any future borrowings may, at our option be denominated in USD, EUR, Canadian Dollars, GBP or Swiss Francs. Amounts borrowed may not, however, be converted to, or repaid in, another currency once borrowed.
Covenants
As of December 31, 2022, we were in compliance with the covenants under the Indenture governing the Senior Notes and the Credit Facility (see Note 5 — Revolving Credit Facility and Term Loan, Net and Note 6 — Senior Notes, Net to our consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further discussion on the Credit Facility and Senior Notes and the related covenants).
Our mortgage notes payable agreements require compliance with certain property-level financial covenants including debt service coverage ratios. As of December 31, 2022, we were in compliance with all of the financial covenants under our mortgage notes payable agreements.
Multi-Tenant Mortgage Loan III
During the three months ended December 31, 2020, a tenant did not renew its lease triggering a cash sweep event under one of the Company’s mortgage loans secured by seven of our properties with a balance of $98.5 million as of December 31, 2022. The event triggering the cash sweep was not, however, an event of default. During the first quarter of 2021, we cured the cash sweep event by posting a $3.2 million letter of credit (subject to future increase under the terms of the loan agreement, to a maximum amount of $7.4 million). During the third quarter of 2021, the amount of the letter of credit was increased by an additional $4.2 million or an aggregate of, $7.4 million. This $7.4 million letter of credit is being held by the lender until such time we are able to find a suitable replacement tenant and it reduces the availability for future borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility.
The borrower entities under the same mortgage loan identified, based upon a review conducted during the three months ended June 30, 2022, that during the three months ended March 31, 2022, the borrowers failed to maintain the debt service coverage ratio required by the loan agreement for such period (a “DSCR Sweep Trigger”). Such failure, upon delivery of notice of the same by the lender, triggered a separate cash sweep event under the loan. A DSCR Sweep Trigger is not an event of default and instead triggers a cash sweep. The lender notified the borrower entities of the occurrence of a DSCR Sweep Trigger under the loan for the three-months ended March 31, 2022 and the continuance of such DSCR Sweep Trigger for the three months ended June 30, 2022. Per the loan agreement we can cure the cash sweep resulting from a DSCR Sweep Trigger by delivering a letter of credit in the face amount of the excess cash flow for the trailing three months immediately preceding the date of the DSCR Sweep Trigger. Such letter of credit is thereafter recalculated and increased (but never decreased) every three-month period thereafter until such time as the borrowers demonstrate compliance with the debt service coverage ratio required by the loan for a period of two consecutive calendar quarters. We cured the cash sweep resulting from the DSCR Sweep Trigger referenced above for the relevant periods by delivering a letter of credit to the lender in the face amount of approximately $0.9 million. The face value of such letter of credit was thereafter increased by $1.3 million to reflect the continuance of the DSCR Sweep Trigger for the three months ended September 30, 2022. The DSCR Sweep Trigger remained in place for the quarter ended December 31, 2022 and we intend to cure the cash sweep that would otherwise result from such continuance by further increasing the letter of credit by an additional $0.7 million as required by the terms of the loan agreement. Such letter of credit is held by the lender, and we expect to maintain the effectiveness of the cash sweep cure by
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future increases to the face value of such letter of credit on a quarterly basis, in each case in accordance with the terms of the loan agreement, until such time as we restore compliance with the debt service coverage ratio required by the loan agreement for the requisite two-calendar-quarter time period. For so long as it remains outstanding, the face value of such letter of credit will represent a dollar-for-dollar reduction to availability under the Revolving Credit Facility for future borrowings.
French Properties
During the fourth quarter of 2022, we repaid the full principal amount of a €70.0 million (approximately $72.3 million on the repayment date) mortgage loan secured by our properties located in France. A cash sweep event under this loan was triggered during the second and third quarters of 2021 and, as a result, a total of approximately $6.9 million of cash had been swept into a cash collateral account prior to repayment of the mortgage loan. All of the cash from the cash collateral account was used as part of the repayment of the remaining principal balance under this mortgage loan.
Multi-Tenant Mortgage Loan IV
During the three months ended September 30, 2021, a tenant exercised its right to terminate its lease effective December 31, 2022. Notice of the termination triggered a lease sweep event, which began in the fourth quarter of 2021, under one of our mortgage loans secured by this property. This was not, however, an event of default. The mortgage loan had a balance of $97.5 million as of December 31, 2022 and it encumbers 16 properties, including this property. Pursuant to the terms of the loan agreement, the lender swept all cash flow attributable to the lease that triggered the lease sweep event into a rollover reserve account not to exceed an aggregate cap of $0.8 million, which has been met. The reserve will be held by the lender who is required to make the reserve funds available to us to fund re-tenanting expenses for the property. The lease sweep event will be cured under the loan agreement if and when we lease the space to a new tenant approved by the lender and, at such time, any amounts remaining in the rollover reserve account in respect of the lease sweep event will be released to us.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
This section discusses the non-GAAP financial measures we use to evaluate our performance including Funds from Operations (“FFO”), Core Funds from Operations (“Core FFO”) and Adjusted Funds from Operations (“AFFO”). A description of these non-GAAP measures and reconciliations to the most directly comparable GAAP measure, which is net income, is provided below.
Use of Non-GAAP Measures
FFO, Core FFO, and AFFO should not be construed to be more relevant or accurate than the current GAAP methodology in calculating net income or in its applicability in evaluating our operating performance. The method utilized to evaluate the value and performance of real estate under GAAP should be construed as a more relevant measure of operational performance and considered more prominently than the non-GAAP FFO, Core FFO and AFFO measures. Other REITs may not define FFO in accordance with the current NAREIT (as defined below) definition (as we do), or may interpret the current NAREIT definition differently than we do, or may calculate Core FFO or AFFO differently than we do. Consequently, our presentation of FFO, Core FFO and AFFO may not be comparable to other similarly-titled measures presented by other REITs.
We consider FFO, Core FFO and AFFO useful indicators of our performance. Because FFO, Core FFO and AFFO calculations exclude such factors as depreciation and amortization of real estate assets and gain or loss from sales of operating real estate assets (which can vary among owners of identical assets in similar conditions based on historical cost accounting and useful-life estimates), FFO, Core FFO and AFFO presentations facilitate comparisons of operating performance between periods and between other REITs.
As a result, we believe that the use of FFO, Core FFO and AFFO, together with the required GAAP presentations, provide a more complete understanding of our operating performance including relative to our peers and a more informed and appropriate basis on which to make decisions involving operating, financing, and investing activities. However, FFO, Core FFO and AFFO are not indicative of cash available to fund ongoing cash needs, including the ability to make cash distributions. Investors are cautioned that FFO, Core FFO and AFFO should only be used to assess the sustainability of our operating performance excluding these activities, as they exclude certain costs that have a negative effect on our operating performance during the periods in which these costs are incurred.
Constant currency results exclude any benefit or loss caused by foreign exchange fluctuations between foreign currencies and the United States dollar which would not have occurred if there had been a constant exchange rate. Revenue from tenants on a Constant Currency basis is calculated by applying the average monthly currency rates from prior comparable period to Revenues from tenants from the applicable period. We believe that this measure provides investors with information about revenue results and trends that eliminates currency volatility while increasing the comparability of our underlying results and trends.
Funds from Operations, Core Funds from Operations and Adjusted Funds from Operations
Funds from Operations
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Due to certain unique operating characteristics of real estate companies, as discussed below, the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts (“NAREIT”), an industry trade group, has promulgated a measure known as FFO, which we believe to be an appropriate supplemental measure to reflect the operating performance of a REIT. FFO is not equivalent to net income or loss as determined under GAAP.
We calculate FFO, a non-GAAP measure, consistent with the standards established over time by the Board of Governors of NAREIT, as restated in a White Paper approved by the Board of Governors of NAREIT effective in December 2018 (the “White Paper”). The White Paper defines FFO as net income or loss computed in accordance with GAAP, excluding depreciation and amortization related to real estate, gain and loss from the sale of certain real estate assets, gain and loss from change in control and impairment write-downs of certain real estate assets and investments in entities when the impairment is directly attributable to decreases in the value of depreciable real estate held by the entity. Our FFO calculation complies with NAREIT’s definition.
The historical accounting convention used for real estate assets requires straight-line depreciation of buildings and improvements, and straight-line amortization of intangibles, which implies that the value of a real estate asset diminishes predictably over time. We believe that, because real estate values historically rise and fall with market conditions, including inflation, interest rates, unemployment and consumer spending, presentations of operating results for a REIT using historical accounting for depreciation and certain other items may be less informative. Historical accounting for real estate involves the use of GAAP. Any other method of accounting for real estate such as the fair value method cannot be construed to be any more accurate or relevant than the comparable methodologies of real estate valuation found in GAAP. Nevertheless, we believe that the use of FFO, which excludes the impact of real estate related depreciation and amortization, among other things, provides a more complete understanding of our performance to investors and to management, and, when compared year over year, reflects the impact on our operations from trends in occupancy rates, rental rates, operating costs, general and administrative expenses, and interest costs, which may not be immediately apparent from net income.
Core Funds from Operations
In calculating Core FFO, we start with FFO, then we exclude certain non-core items such as acquisition, transaction and other costs, as well as certain other costs that are considered to be non-core, such as debt extinguishment costs, fire loss and other costs related to damages at our properties. The purchase of properties, and the corresponding expenses associated with that process, is a key operational feature of our core business plan to generate operational income and cash flows in order to make dividend payments to stockholders. In evaluating investments in real estate, we differentiate the costs to acquire the investment from the subsequent operations of the investment. We also add back non-cash write-offs of deferred financing costs and prepayment penalties incurred with the early extinguishment of debt which are included in net income but are considered financing cash flows when paid in the statement of cash flows. We consider these write-offs and prepayment penalties to be capital transactions and not indicative of operations. By excluding expensed acquisition, transaction and other costs as well as non-core costs, we believe Core FFO provides useful supplemental information that is comparable for each type of real estate investment and is consistent with management’s analysis of the investing and operating performance of our properties.
Adjusted Funds from Operations
In calculating AFFO, we start with Core FFO, then we exclude certain income or expense items from AFFO that we consider more reflective of investing activities, other non-cash income and expense items and the income and expense effects of other activities that are not a fundamental attribute of our business plan. These items include early extinguishment of debt and other items excluded in Core FFO as well as unrealized gain and loss, which may not ultimately be realized, such as gain or loss on derivative instruments, gain or loss on foreign currency transactions, and gain or loss on investments. In addition, by excluding non-cash income and expense items such as amortization of above-market and below-market leases intangibles, amortization of deferred financing costs, straight-line rent and equity-based compensation from AFFO, we believe we provide useful information regarding income and expense items which have a direct impact on our ongoing operating performance. We also exclude revenue attributable to the reimbursement by third parties of financing costs that we originally incurred because these revenues are not, in our view, related to operating performance. We also include the realized gain or loss on foreign currency exchange contracts for AFFO as such items are part of our ongoing operations and affect our current operating performance.
In calculating AFFO, we exclude certain expenses which under GAAP are characterized as operating expenses in determining operating net income. All paid and accrued acquisition, transaction and other costs (including prepayment penalties for debt extinguishments) and certain other expenses, including costs incurred for the 2023 proxy that were specifically related to our 2023 proxy contest and related litigation, negatively impact our operating performance during the period in which expenses are incurred or properties are acquired will also have negative effects on returns to investors, but are not reflective of on-going performance. Further, under GAAP, certain contemplated non-cash fair value and other non-cash adjustments are considered operating non-cash adjustments to net income. In addition, as discussed above, we view gain and loss from fair value adjustments as items which are unrealized and may not ultimately be realized and not reflective of ongoing operations and are therefore typically adjusted for when assessing operating performance. Excluding income and expense items detailed above
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from our calculation of AFFO provides information consistent with management’s analysis of our operating performance. Additionally, fair value adjustments, which are based on the impact of current market fluctuations and underlying assessments of general market conditions, but can also result from operational factors such as rental and occupancy rates, may not be directly related or attributable to our current operating performance. By excluding such changes that may reflect anticipated and unrealized gain or loss, we believe AFFO provides useful supplemental information. By providing AFFO, we believe we are presenting useful information that can be used to, among other things, assess our performance without the impact of transactions or other items that are not related to our portfolio of properties. AFFO presented by us may not be comparable to AFFO reported by other REITs that define AFFO differently. Furthermore, we believe that in order to facilitate a clear understanding of our operating results, AFFO should be examined in conjunction with net income (loss) as presented in our consolidated financial statements. AFFO should not be considered as an alternative to net income (loss) as an indication of our performance or to cash flows as a measure of our liquidity or ability to make distributions.
Accounting Treatment of Rent Deferrals
All of the concessions granted to our tenants as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic are rent deferrals with the original lease term unchanged and collection of deferred rent deemed probable (see the Overview - Management Update on the Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic section of this Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations for additional information on rent deferrals). As a result of relief granted by the FASB and SEC related to lease modification accounting, rental revenue used to calculate net income and NAREIT FFO has not been, and we do not expect we will be, significantly impacted by the deferrals we have entered into. In addition, since we currently believe that these deferral amounts are collectable, we have excluded from the increase in straight-line rent for AFFO purposes the amounts recognized under GAAP relating to rent deferrals. For a detailed discussion of our revenue recognition policy, including details related to the relief granted by the FASB and SEC, see Note 2 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies to the consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
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| Year Ended December 31, | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (In thousands) | 2022 | 2021 | |||||
| Net loss attributable to common stockholders (in accordance with GAAP) | $ | (8,363) | $ | (8,698) | |||
| Impairment charges | 21,561 | 17,525 | |||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 154,026 | 163,076 | |||||
| (Gain) loss on dispositions of real estate investments | (325) | (1,484) | |||||
| FFO (as defined by NAREIT) attributable to common stockholders (1) | 166,899 | 170,419 | |||||
| Acquisition, transaction and other costs | 244 | 141 | |||||
| Loss on extinguishment of debt | 2,040 | — | |||||
| Core FFO attributable to common stockholders (1) | 169,183 | 170,560 | |||||
| Non-cash equity-based compensation | 12,072 | 11,032 | |||||
| Non-cash portion of interest expense | 9,494 | 9,878 | |||||
| Amortization related to above and below-market lease intangibles and right-of-use assets, net | 1,303 | 242 | |||||
| Straight-line rent | (9,608) | (5,748) | |||||
| Straight-line rent (rent deferral agreements) (2) | (159) | (1,689) | |||||
| Unrealized loss on undesignated foreign currency advances and other hedge ineffectiveness | (2,439) | — | |||||
| Eliminate unrealized gains on foreign currency transactions (3) | (9,366) | (6,252) | |||||
| Amortization of mortgage discounts | 939 | 708 | |||||
| Reimbursement of financing costs from McLaren loan (4) | — | (5,234) | |||||
| Expenses attributable to 2023 proxy contest and related litigation (5) | 1,436 | — | |||||
| AFFO attributable to common stockholders (1) | $ | 172,855 | $ | 173,497 | |||
| Summary | |||||||
| FFO (as defined by NAREIT) attributable to common stockholders | $ | 166,899 | $ | 170,419 | |||
| Core FFO attributable to common stockholders | $ | 169,183 | $ | 170,560 | |||
| AFFO attributable to common stockholders | $ | 172,855 | $ | 173,497 |
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(1)FFO, Core FFO and AFFO for the year ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 includes income from a lease termination fee of $0.3 million and $8.8 million, respectively, which is recorded in Revenue from tenants in the consolidated statements of operations. The termination fee of approximately $9.0 million was paid to us by the tenant at the end of the lease term on January 4, 2022, however it was earned and recorded as income evenly over the period from September 3, 2021 through January 4, 2022.
(2)Represents amounts related to deferred rent pursuant to lease negotiations which qualify for FASB relief for which rent was deferred but not reduced. These amounts are included in the straight-line rent receivable on our balance sheet but are considered to be earned revenue attributed to the current period for rent that was deferred, for purposes of AFFO, as they are expected to be collected. Accordingly, when the deferred amounts are collected, the amounts reduce AFFO.
(3)For AFFO purposes, we adjust for unrealized gains and losses. For the year ended December 31, 2022, the gain on derivative instruments was $18.6 million which consisted of unrealized gains of $9.4 million and realized gains of $9.2 million. For the year ended December 31, 2021, the gain on derivative instruments was $5.8 million which consisted of unrealized gains of $6.3 million and realized losses of $0.5 million.
(4)Amount represents a receivable recorded for financing costs we incurred in connection with the mortgage loan that financed the acquisition of the global headquarters of the McLaren Group that the McLaren Group is required to reimburse. For accounting purposes, the receivable for these reimbursable costs is included in prepaid expenses and other assets on the consolidated balance sheet and in revenue from tenants in the consolidated statements of operations since the receivable is considered to be earned revenue attributed to the prior year-to date period.
(5)Amount relates to costs incurred for the 2023 proxy that were specifically related to our 2023 proxy contest and related litigation. We do not consider these expenses to be part of our normal operating performance and have, accordingly, increased AFFO for this amount.
Dividends
The amount of dividends payable to our common stockholders is determined by our board of directors and is dependent on a number of factors, including funds available for dividends, our financial condition, provisions in our Credit Facility or other agreements governing our indebtedness that may restrict our ability to pay dividends, capital expenditure requirements, as applicable, requirements of Maryland law and annual distribution requirements needed to maintain our status as a REIT.
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Historically, and through March 31, 2020, we paid dividends on our Common Stock at an annualized rate of $2.13 per share or $0.5325 per share on a quarterly basis. In March 2020, our board of directors approved a change in the dividend to an annual rate of $1.60 per share or $0.40 per share on a quarterly basis. We have been paying dividends on our shares of common stock at that rate since the second quarter of 2020. Dividends authorized by our board of directors and declared by us have been, and we anticipate will continue to be, paid on a quarterly basis in arrears on the 15th day of the first month following the end of each fiscal quarter (unless otherwise specified) to common stockholders of record on the record date for such payment.
Dividends on our Series A Preferred Stock accrue in an amount equal to $0.453125 per share per quarter to Series A Preferred Stock holders, which is equivalent to 7.25% of the $25.00 liquidation preference per share of Series A Preferred Stock per annum. Dividends on our Series B Preferred Stock accrue in an amount equal to $0.429688 per share per quarter to Series B Preferred Stock holders, which is equivalent to 6.875% of the $25.00 liquidation preference per share of Series B Preferred Stock per annum. Dividends on the Series A Preferred Stock and Series B Preferred Stock are payable quarterly in arrears on the 15th day of January, April, July and October of each year (or, if not on a business day, on the next succeeding business day) to holders of record on the close of business on the record date set by our board of directors. Any accrued and unpaid dividends payable with respect to the Series A Preferred Stock and Series B Preferred Stock become part of the liquidation preference thereof.
Pursuant to the Credit Facility, we may not pay distributions, including cash dividends on, or redeem or repurchase Common Stock, Series A Preferred Stock, Series B Preferred Stock, or any other class or series of stock we may issue in the future, that exceed 100% of our Adjusted FFO as defined in the Credit Facility (which is different from AFFO disclosed in this Annual Report on Form 10-K) for any period of four consecutive fiscal quarters, except in limited circumstances, including that for one fiscal quarter in each calendar year, we may pay cash dividends and other distributions and redeem or repurchase an aggregate amount equal to no more than 105% of our Adjusted FFO. We used the exception to pay dividends that were between 100% of Adjusted FFO to 105% of Adjusted FFO during the quarter ended on June 30, 2020, and may use this exception in the future. In the past, the lenders under our Credit Facility have consented to increase the maximum amount of our Adjusted FFO we may use to pay cash dividends and other distributions and make redemptions and other repurchases in certain periods, but there can be no assurance that they will do so again in the future. In the past, the lenders under our Credit Facility have consented to increase the maximum amount of our Adjusted FFO we may use to pay cash dividends and other distributions and make redemptions and other repurchases in certain periods, but there can be no assurance that they will do so again in the future.
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The following table shows the sources for the payment of dividends to holders of our Common Stock, Series A Preferred Stock, Series B Preferred Stock, and distributions to holders of LTIP Units for the periods indicated:
| Three Months Ended | Year Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| March 31, 2022 | June 30, 2022 | September 30, 2022 | December 31, 2022 | December 31, 2022 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (In thousands) | Percentage of Dividends | Percentage of Dividends | Percentage of Dividends | Percentage of Dividends | Percentage of Dividends | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Dividends and Distributions: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Dividends to holders of Common Stock | $ | 41,566 | $ | 41,558 | $ | 42,056 | $ | 41,657 | $ | 166,837 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Dividends to holders of Series A Preferred Stock | 3,081 | 3,081 | 3,081 | 3,081 | 12,324 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Dividends to holders of Series B Preferred Stock | 1,935 | 2,013 | 2,013 | 2,018 | 7,979 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Distributions to holders of LTIP Units | 100 | 100 | 100 | 100 | 400 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total dividends and distributions | $ | 46,682 | $ | 46,752 | $ | 47,250 | $ | 46,856 | $ | 187,540 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source of dividend coverage: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash flows provided by operations | $ | 46,682 | 100.0 | % | $ | 44,074 | 94.3 | % | $ | 47,250 | 100.0 | % | $ | 22,220 | 47.4 | % | $ | 181,820 | (1) | 96.9 | % | ||||||||||||||
| Available cash on hand | — | — | % | 2,678 | 5.7 | % | — | — | % | 24,636 | 52.6 | % | 5,720 | (1) | 3.1 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total sources of dividend and distribution coverage | $ | 46,682 | 100.0 | % | $ | 46,752 | 100.0 | % | $ | 47,250 | 100.0 | % | $ | 46,856 | 100.0 | % | $ | 187,540 | 100.0 | % | |||||||||||||||
| Cash flows provided by operations (GAAP basis) | $ | 61,813 | $ | 44,074 | $ | 53,713 | $ | 22,220 | $ | 181,820 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders (in accordance with GAAP) | $ | 10,541 | $ | (716) | $ | 14,838 | $ | (33,026) | $ | (8,363) |
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(1) Year-to-date totals will not equal the sum of the quarters. Each quarter and year-to-date period is evaluated separately for purposes of this table.
Foreign Currency Translation
Our reporting currency is the USD. The functional currency of our foreign investments is the applicable local currency for each foreign location in which we invest. Assets and liabilities in these foreign locations (including intercompany balances for which settlement is not anticipated in the foreseeable future) are translated at the spot rate in effect at the applicable reporting date. The amounts reported in the consolidated statements of operations are translated at the average exchange rates in effect during the applicable period. The resulting unrealized cumulative translation adjustment is recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income in the consolidated statements of equity. We are exposed to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates on property investments in foreign countries which pay rental income, incur property related expenses and borrow in currencies other than our functional currency, the USD. We have used and may continue to use foreign currency derivatives including options, currency forward and cross currency swap agreements to manage our exposure to fluctuations in GBP-USD and EUR-USD exchange rates (see Note 8 — Derivatives and Hedging Activities to the consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further discussion).
Election as a REIT
We elected to be taxed as a REIT under Sections 856 through 860 of the Code, effective for our taxable year ended December 31, 2013. We believe that, commencing with such taxable year, we have been organized and have operated in a manner so that we qualify for taxation as a REIT under the Code. We intend to continue to operate in such a manner to qualify for taxation as a REIT, but can provide no assurances that we will operate in a manner so as to remain qualified as a REIT. To continue to qualify for taxation as a REIT, we must distribute annually at least 90% of our REIT taxable income (which does not equal net income as calculated in accordance with GAAP), determined without regard for the deduction for dividends paid and excluding net capital gains, and must comply with a number of other organizational and operational requirements. If we continue to qualify for taxation as a REIT, we generally will not be subject to federal corporate income tax on the portion of our REIT taxable income that we distribute to our stockholders. Even if we qualify for taxation as a REIT, we may be subject to certain state and local taxes on our income and properties, as well as federal income and excise taxes on our undistributed income.
In addition, our international assets and operations, including those owned through direct or indirect subsidiaries that are disregarded entities for U.S. federal income tax purposes, continue to be subject to taxation in the foreign jurisdictions where those assets are held or those operations are conducted.
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Inflation
We may be adversely impacted by inflation on the leases that do not contain indexed escalation provisions, or those leases which have escalations at rates which do not exceed or approximate current inflation rates. As of December 31, 2022, the increase to the 12-month CPI for all items, as published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, was 6.5%. To help mitigate the adverse impact of inflation, approximately 94.5% of our leases with our tenants contain rent escalation provisions that increase the cash rent that is due over time by an average cumulative increase of 1.2% per year. These provisions generally increase rental rates during the terms of the leases either at fixed rates or indexed escalations (based on the Consumer Price Index or other measures). As of December 31, 2022, approximately 63.4%, based on straight line rent, are fixed-rate increase averaging 1.7%, 25.9% are based on the Consumer Price Index, subject to certain caps, 5.2% are based on other measures, and 5.5% do not contain any escalation provisions.
In addition, we may be required to pay costs for maintenance and operation of properties which may adversely impact our results of operations due to potential increases in costs and operating expenses resulting from inflation. However, our net leases require the tenant to pay its allocable share of operating expenses, which may include common area maintenance costs, real estate taxes and insurance. This may reduce our exposure to increases in costs and operating expenses resulting from inflation. As the costs of general goods and services continue to rise, we may be adversely impacted by increases in general and administrative costs due to overall inflation.
Related-Party Transactions and Agreements
Please see Note 11 — Related Party Transactions to our consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for a discussion of the various related party transactions, agreements and fees.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We have no off-balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a current or future effect on our financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources that are material to investors.
FY 2021 10-K MD&A
SEC filing source: 0001526113-22-000005.
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the accompanying financial statements. The following information contains forward-looking statements, which are subject to risks and uncertainties. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Please see “Forward-Looking Statements” elsewhere in this report for a description of these risks and uncertainties.
Overview
We are an externally managed REIT that focuses on acquiring and managing a globally diversified portfolio of strategically-located commercial real estate properties, which are crucial to the success of our roster of primarily “Investment Grade” (defined herein) tenants. We invest in commercial properties, with an emphasis on sale-leaseback transactions and mission-critical, single tenant net-lease assets.
As of December 31, 2021, we owned 309 properties consisting of 39.3 million rentable square feet, which were 99.0% leased, with a weighted-average remaining lease term of 8.3 years. Based on the percentage of rental income on a straight-line basis as of December 31, 2021, 60% of our properties were located in the U.S. and Canada and 40% of our properties were located in Europe. In addition, our portfolio was comprised of 54% industrial/distribution properties, 42% office properties and 4% retail properties. These percentages are calculated using straight-line rent converted from local currency into USD as of December 31, 2021. The straight-line rent includes amounts for tenant concessions.
Substantially all of our business is conducted through the OP, a Delaware limited partnership, and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. Our Advisor manages our day-to-day business with the assistance of the Property Manager. Our Advisor and Property Manager are under common control with AR Global and these related parties receive compensation and fees for providing services to us. We also reimburse these entities for certain expenses they incur in providing these services to us.
Management Update on the Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic
The COVID-19 global pandemic has impacted and may continue to impact our business, including our future results of operations and our liquidity. The ultimate impact on our results of operations, our liquidity and the ability of our tenants to continue to pay us rent will depend on numerous factors including the overall length and severity of the COVID-19 pandemic. For a further discussion of the risks and uncertainties associated with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on us, see Item 1A. Risk Factors in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
We have taken several steps to mitigate the impact of the pandemic on our business. We have been in direct contact with our tenants since the crisis began, cultivating open dialogue and deepening the fundamental relationships that we have carefully developed through prior transactions and historic operations. Based on this approach and the overall financial strength and creditworthiness of our tenants, we believe that we have had positive results in our rent collections during this pandemic. As of January 31, 2022, we have collected approximately 100% of the original cash rent due for the fourth quarter of 2021 across our entire portfolio. This level of collection was consistent with our level of collections in the first, second and third quarters of 2021.
“Original cash rent” refers to contractual rents on a cash basis due from tenants as stipulated in their originally executed lease agreement at inception or as amended, prior to any rent deferral agreement. We calculate “original cash rent collections” by comparing the total amount of rent collected during the period to the original cash rent due. During 2020 in light of COVID-19 pandemic, we agreed with certain tenants to defer a certain portion of cash rent due in 2020 to instead be due during 2021. Total rent collected during the period includes both original cash rent due and payments made by tenants pursuant to rent deferral agreements. Eliminating the impact of deferred rent paid, we collected approximately 100% of original cash rent due in the third quarter of 2021 across our entire portfolio.
This information about rent collections may not be indicative of any future period. There is no assurance that we will be able to collect the cash rent that is due in future months. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our tenants and thus our ability to collect rents in future periods cannot be determined at present.
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Significant Accounting Estimates and Accounting Policies
Set forth below is a summary of the significant accounting estimates and accounting policies that management believes are important to the preparation of our financial statements. Certain of our accounting estimates are particularly important for an understanding of our financial position and results of operations, and require the application of significant judgment by our management. As a result, these estimates are subject to a degree of uncertainty. These significant accounting estimates and accounting policies include:
Update on the Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Accounting Policies
The financial stability and overall health of the Company’s tenants is critical to its business. The negative effects that the global COVID-19 pandemic has had on the economy did impact the ability of some of the Company’s tenants to pay their monthly rent during 2020. The Company has taken a proactive approach to seek mutually agreeable solutions with its tenants where necessary, and, in some cases, the Company executed rent deferral agreements on leases with several tenants. For accounting purposes, in accordance with ASC 842, normally a company would be required to assess the modification to determine if the modification should be treated as a separate lease and if not, modification accounting would be applied which would require a company to reassess the classification of the lease (i.e. operating, direct financing or sales-type). However, in light of the COVID-19 pandemic due to which many leases were modified, the FASB and SEC provided relief that allowed companies to make a policy election as to whether they treat COVID-19 related lease amendments as a provision included in the preconcession arrangement, and therefore, not a lease modification, or to treat a lease amendment as a modification. In order to qualify for the relief, the modifications must be COVID-19 related and cash flows must be substantially the same or less than those prior to the concession. The Company elected to use this relief where applicable during 2020. In those circumstances, the Company has accounted for these arrangements as if no changes to the lease contract were made. For those leases that do not qualify for the relief, the Company performs a lease modification analysis and if required, uses lease modification accounting.
Revenue Recognition
Our revenues, which are derived primarily from lease contracts, which include rents that each tenant pays in accordance with the terms of each lease agreement and are reported on a straight-line basis over the initial term of the lease. As of December 31, 2021, these leases had an weighted-average remaining lease term of 8.3 years. Because many of our leases provide for rental increases at specified intervals, straight-line basis accounting requires us to record a receivable for, and include in revenues, unbilled rent receivables that we will only receive if the tenant makes all rent payments required through the expiration of the initial term of the lease. As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, our cumulative straight-line rents receivable in the consolidated balance sheets was $74.2 million, which includes amounts related to deferral agreements noted above, and $61.0 million, respectively. For the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, our revenue from tenants included the impact of unbilled rental revenue of $5.7 million, $7.9 million and $6.8 million, respectively, to adjust contractual rent to straight-line rent.
For new leases after acquisition of property, the commencement date is considered to be the date the lease modification is executed. We defer the revenue related to lease payments received from tenants in advance of their due dates. When we acquire a property, the acquisition date is considered to be the commencement date for purposes of this calculation, for all leases in place at the time of acquisition. In addition to base rent, our lease agreements generally require tenants to pay or reimburse us for all property operating expenses, which primarily reflect insurance costs and real estate taxes incurred by us and subsequently reimbursed by the tenant. However, some limited property operating expenses that are not the responsibility of the tenant are absorbed by us. Under ASC 842, we elected to report combined lease and non-lease components in a single line “Revenue from tenants.” For comparative purposes, we also elected to reflect prior revenue and reimbursements previously reported under ASC 840 on a single line as well. For expenses paid directly by the tenant, under both ASC 842 and 840, we reflected them on a net basis.
We continually review receivables related to rent and unbilled rent receivables and determine collectability by taking into consideration the tenant’s payment history, the financial condition of the tenant, business conditions in the industry in which the tenant operates and economic conditions in the area in which the property is located. Under the leasing standard adopted on January 1, 2019 (see Note 2 — Summary of Significant Accounting Polices - Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements to our consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on From 10-K), we are required to assess, based on credit risk only, if it is probable that we will collect virtually all of the lease payments at lease commencement date and we must continue to reassess collectability periodically thereafter based on new facts and circumstances affecting the credit risk of the tenant. Partial reserves, or the ability to assume partial recovery are no longer permitted. If we determine that it is probable that we will collect virtually all of the lease payments (rent and common area maintenance), the lease will continue to be accounted for on an accrual basis (i.e. straight-line). However, if we determine it is not probable that we will collect virtually all of the lease payments, the lease will be accounted for on a cash basis and a full reserve would be recorded on previously accrued amounts in cases where it was subsequently concluded that collection was not probable. Cost recoveries from tenants are included in Revenue from tenants on the accompanying consolidated statements of operations in the period the related costs are incurred, as applicable.
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Under ASC 842, uncollectible amounts are reflected as reductions in revenue. Under ASC 840, we recorded such amounts as bad debt expense as part of property operating expenses. Amounts recorded as reductions of revenue during the year ended December 31, 2021 totaled $1.1 million. We did not record any uncollectible amounts as reductions of revenue during the years ended December 31, 2020 or 2019.
Investments in Real Estate
Investments in real estate are recorded at cost. Improvements and replacements are capitalized when they extend the useful life of the asset. Costs of repairs and maintenance are expensed as incurred.
At the time an asset is acquired, we evaluate the inputs, processes and outputs of the asset acquired to determine if the transaction is a business combination or asset acquisition. If an acquisition qualifies as a business combination, the related transaction costs are recorded as an expense in the consolidated statements of operations. If an acquisition qualifies as an asset acquisition, the related transaction costs are generally capitalized and subsequently amortized over the useful life of the acquired assets. See the Purchase Price Allocation section below for a discussion of the initial accounting for investments in real estate.
Disposal of real estate investments representing a strategic shift in operations that will have a major effect on our operations and financial results are required to be presented as discontinued operations in our consolidated statements of operations. No properties were presented as discontinued operations as of December 31, 2021 and 2020. Properties that are intended to be sold are designated as “held for sale” on our consolidated balance sheets at the lesser of carrying amount or fair value less estimated selling costs when they meet specific criteria to be presented as held for sale, most significantly that the sale is probable within one year. We evaluate probability of sale based on specific facts including whether a sales agreement is in place and the buyer has made significant non-refundable deposits. Properties are no longer depreciated when they are classified as held for sale. As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, we did not have any properties designated as held for sale.
As more fully discussed in Note 2 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncement - ASU No. 2016-02 Leases to our consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, all of our leases as lessor prior to the adoption of the new leasing standard on January 1, 2019 were accounted for as operating leases and we continued to account for them as operating leases under the transition guidance. We evaluate new leases originated after the adoption date (by us or by a predecessor lessor/owner) pursuant to the new guidance where a lease for some or all of a building is classified by a lessor as a sales-type lease if the significant risks and rewards of ownership reside with the tenant. This situation is met if, among other things, there is an automatic transfer of title during the lease, a bargain purchase option, the non-cancelable lease term is for more than major part of remaining economic useful life of the asset (e.g., equal to or greater than 75%), if the present value of the minimum lease payments represents substantially all (e.g., equal to or greater than 90%) of the leased property’s fair value at lease inception, or if the asset so specialized in nature that it provides no alternative use to the lessor (and therefore would not provide any future value to the lessor) after the lease term. Further, such new leases would be evaluated to consider whether they would be failed sale-leaseback transactions and accounted for as financing transactions by the lessor. During the three year period ended December 31, 2021, we had no leases as a lessor that would be considered as sales-type leases or financings under sale-leaseback rules.
We are also the lessee under certain land leases which were previously classified prior to adoption of lease accounting and will continue to be classified as operating leases under transition elections unless subsequently modified. These leases are reflected on the balance sheet and the rent expense is reflected on a straight-line basis over the lease term.
Purchase Price Allocation
In both a business combination and an asset acquisition, we allocate the purchase price of acquired properties to tangible and identifiable intangible assets or liabilities based on their respective fair values. Tangible assets may include land, land improvements, buildings, fixtures and tenant improvements on an as- if vacant basis. Intangible assets may include the value of in-place leases, and above- and below- market leases and other identifiable assets or liabilities based on lease or property specific characteristics. In addition, any assumed mortgages receivable or payable and any assumed or issued non-controlling interests (in a business combination) are recorded at their estimated fair values. In allocating the fair value to assumed mortgages, amounts are recorded to debt premiums or discounts based on the present value of the estimated cash flows, which is calculated to account for either above- or below-market interest rates. In a business combination, the difference between the purchase price and the fair value of identifiable net assets acquired is either recorded as goodwill or as a bargain purchase gain. In an asset acquisition, the difference between the acquisition price (including capitalized transaction costs) and the fair value of identifiable net assets acquired is allocated to the non-current assets. All acquisitions during the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019 were asset acquisitions.
For acquired properties with leases classified as operating leases, we allocate the purchase price of acquired properties to tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed, based on their respective fair values. In making estimates of fair values for purposes of allocating purchase price, we utilize a number of sources, including independent appraisals that may be obtained in connection with the acquisition or financing of the respective property and other market data.
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We also consider information obtained about each property as a result of our pre-acquisition due diligence in estimating the fair value of the tangible and intangible assets acquired and intangible liabilities assumed.
We utilize various estimates, processes and information to determine the as-if vacant property value. Estimates of value are made using customary methods, including data from appraisals, comparable sales, discounted cash flow analysis and other methods. Fair value estimates are also made using significant assumptions such as capitalization rates, discount rates, fair market lease rates, and land values per square foot. Identifiable intangible assets include amounts allocated to acquire leases for above- and below-market lease rates, and the value of in-place leases, as applicable.
Factors considered in the analysis of the in-place lease intangibles include an estimate of carrying costs during the expected lease-up period for each property, taking into account 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 contract rates during the expected lease-up period, which typically ranges from 12 to 18 months. We also estimate costs to execute similar leases including leasing commissions, legal and other related expenses.
Above-market and below-market lease values for acquired properties are initially recorded based on the present value (using a discount rate which reflects the risks associated with the leases acquired) of the difference between (i) the contractual amounts to be paid pursuant to each in-place lease, and (ii) management’s estimate of fair market lease rates for each corresponding in-place lease, measured over a period equal to the remaining initial term of the lease for above-market leases and the remaining term plus the term of any below-market fixed rate renewal options for below-market leases.
The aggregate value of intangible assets related to customer relationships, as applicable, is measured based on our evaluation of the specific characteristics of each tenant’s lease and our overall relationship with the tenant. Characteristics considered by us in determining these values include the nature and extent of its existing business relationships with the tenant, growth prospects for developing new business with the tenant, the tenant’s credit quality and expectations of lease renewals, among other factors.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
If circumstances indicate the carrying value of a property may not be recoverable, we review the asset for impairment. This review is based on an estimate of the future undiscounted cash flows, excluding interest charges, expected to result from the property’s use and eventual disposition. These estimates consider factors such as expected future operating income, market and other applicable trends and residual value, as well as the effects of leasing demand, competition and other factors. If impairment exists due to the inability to recover the carrying value of a property, an impairment loss is recorded to the extent that the carrying value exceeds the estimated fair value of the property for properties to be held and used. For properties held for sale, the impairment loss is the adjustment to fair value less estimated cost to dispose of the asset. These assessments have a direct impact on net income because recording an impairment loss results in an immediate negative adjustment to net earnings.
Gains and Losses on Dispositions of Real Estate Investments
Gains on sales of rental real estate are not considered sales to customers and are generally recognized pursuant to the provisions included in ASC 610-20, Gains and Losses from the Derecognition of Nonfinancial Assets (“ASC 610-20”).
Goodwill
We evaluate goodwill for impairment at least annually or upon the occurrence of a triggering event. A triggering event is an event or circumstance that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount. We performed a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying value. We determined that the potential impact of the COVID-19 pandemic represented a triggering event, and, as such, performed an updated goodwill assessment during the first quarter of 2021. Based on our assessment, we determined that the goodwill was not impaired at the time of the triggering event evaluation. We also evaluated goodwill impairment in the fourth quarter of 2021 and determined that the goodwill was not impaired as of December 31, 2021.
Depreciation and Amortization
We are required to make subjective assessments as to the useful lives of the components of our real estate investments for purposes of determining the amount of depreciation to record on an annual basis. These assessments have a direct impact on our results from operations because if we were to shorten the expected useful lives of our real estate investments, we would depreciate these investments over fewer years, resulting in more depreciation expense and lower earnings on an annual basis.
Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of up to 40 years for buildings, 15 years for land improvements, five years for fixtures and improvements and the shorter of the useful life or the remaining lease term for tenant improvements and leasehold interests.
The value of in-place leases, exclusive of the value of above-market and below-market in-place leases, is amortized to expense over the remaining periods of the respective leases.
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If the tenant termination its lease, the unamortized portion of the in-phase lease value and customer relationship intangibles is accelerated through the termination date or the date of the tenant vacates the space to expense.
Assumed mortgage premiums or discounts are amortized as an increase or reduction to interest expense over the remaining terms of the respective mortgages.
Deferred leasing commissions are recorded over the terms of the related leases. Amounts related to leasing commissions incurred from third parties are recorded in depreciation and amortization. Amounts related to leasing commissions incurred from the Advisor are recorded within operating fees to related parties in the consolidated statements of operations.
Above and Below-Market Lease Amortization
Capitalized above-market lease values are amortized as a reduction of revenue from tenants over the remaining terms of the respective leases and the capitalized below-market lease values are amortized as an increase to revenue from tenants over the remaining terms of the respected leases, not including any extension options.
Above-market intangibles and below-market intangibles will also be treated in the same way as in-place intangibles upon a lease termination.
If a tenant modifies its lease, the unamortized portion of the in-place lease value, customer relationship intangibles, above-market leases and below market leases are assessed to determine whether their useful lives need to be amended (generally accelerated). Generally, we would not extend the useful lives of their intangible values upon a modification that is an extension.
The amortization associated with our operating lease right-of-use asset (“ROU”) is recorded in property operating expenses on a straight-line basis over the terms of the leases. Upon adoption of ASC 842 effective January 1, 2019, intangible balances related to ground leases were reclassified to be included as part of the operating lease ROU presented on our consolidated balance sheet with no change to placement of the amortization expense of such balances.
Derivative Instruments
We may use derivative financial instruments, including interest rate swaps, caps, options, floors and other interest rate derivative contracts, to hedge all or a portion of the interest rate risk associated with its borrowings. In addition, all foreign currency denominated borrowings under our Credit Facility are designated as net investment hedges. Certain of our foreign operations expose us to fluctuations of foreign interest rates and exchange rates. These fluctuations may impact the value of our cash receipts and payments in our functional currency, the U.S. Dollar (“USD”). We enter into derivative financial instruments to protect the value or fix the amount of certain obligations in terms of its functional currency.
We record all derivatives on the consolidated balance sheets at fair value. The accounting for changes in the fair value of derivatives depends on the intended use of the derivative, whether we have elected to designate a derivative in a hedging relationship and apply hedge accounting and whether the hedging relationship has satisfied the criteria necessary to apply hedge accounting. Derivatives designated and qualifying as a hedge of the exposure to changes in the fair value of an asset, liability, or firm commitment attributable to a particular risk, such as interest rate risk, are considered fair value hedges. Derivatives designated and qualifying as a hedge of the exposure to variability in expected future cash flows, or other types of forecasted transactions, are considered cash flow hedges. Derivatives may also be designated as hedges of the foreign currency exposure of a net investment in foreign operations. Hedge accounting generally provides for the matching of the timing of gain or loss recognition on the hedging instrument with the recognition of the changes in the fair value of the hedged asset or liability that are attributable to the hedged risk in a fair value hedge or the earnings effect of the hedged forecasted transactions in a cash flow hedge. We may enter into derivative contracts that are intended to economically hedge certain risk, even though hedge accounting does not apply or we elect not to apply hedge accounting.
The accounting for subsequent changes in the fair value of these derivatives depends on whether each has been designed and qualifies for hedge accounting treatment. If we elect not to apply hedge accounting treatment (or for derivatives that do not qualify as hedges), any changes in the fair value of these derivative instruments is recognized immediately in gains (losses) on derivative instruments in the consolidated statements of operations. If a derivative is designated and qualifies for cash flow hedge accounting treatment, the change in the estimated fair value of the derivative is recorded in other comprehensive income (loss) in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss) to the extent that it is effective. Any ineffective portion of a change in derivative fair value is immediately recorded in earnings.
Equity-Based Compensation
We have a stock-based incentive plan under which our directors, officers and other employees of the Advisor, or its affiliates who are involved in providing services to us are eligible to receive awards. Awards granted thereunder are accounted for under the guidance for employee share based payments. The cost of services received in exchange for a stock award is measured at the grant date fair value of the award and the expense for such awards is included in equity-based compensation on consolidated statements of operations and is recognized over the vesting period or when the requirements for exercise of the award have been met (see Note 13 — Equity-Based Compensation to our consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.for additional information).
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Multi-Year Outperformance Agreements
Following the end of the performance period under the multi-year outperformance agreement with the Advisor entered into in July 2018 (the “2018 OPP”) on June 2, 2021, we entered into the multi-year outperformance agreement with the Advisor (the “2021 OPP”). Under the 2018 OPP, which became effective June 2, 2018, we recorded equity-based compensation evenly over the requisite service period of approximately 2.8 years from the grant date. Under the 2021 OPP, which became effective June 2, 2021, we are recording equity-based compensation evenly over the requisite service period of approximately 3.1 years from May 3, 2021, the date that our independent directors approved the award of long-term incentive plan units of limited partner interest in the OP (“LTIP Units”) under the 2021 OPP.
Under accounting guidance adopted by us on January 1, 2019, total equity-based compensation expense calculated as of the adoption of the new guidance is fixed and reflected as a charge to earnings over the remaining service period. Further, in the event of a modification, any incremental increase in the value of the instrument measured on the date of the modification both before and after the modification, will result in an incremental amount to be reflected prospectively as a charge to earnings over the remaining service period. The expense for these awards is included in the equity-based compensation line item of our consolidated statements of operations. For additional information, see Note 13 — Equity-based compensation to our consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
See Note 2 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies — Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements to our consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further discussion.
Results of Operations
Below is a discussion of our results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020. Please see the “Results of Operations” section located on page 50 under Item 7 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020 for a discussion of our results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2019 and year-to-year comparisons between 2020 and 2019.
In addition to the comparative year over year discussion below, please see the “Overview — Management Update on the Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic” section above for additional information on the risks and uncertainties associated with the COVID-19 pandemic and management’s action taken to mitigate those risks and uncertainties.
Leasing Activity
In 2021, we executed eleven lease extensions and expansions and one LOI that total 1.6 million square feet, or 4.1% of our total portfolio. The lease extensions increased the weighted average remaining lease term for these tenants to 8.9 years from 3.9 years at the time of signing and resulted in total net straight-line-rent increase for these leases of approximately $96 million over the new weighted-average remaining lease term.
Comparison of the Year Ended December 31, 2021 to the Year Ended December 31, 2020
Net (Loss) Income Attributable to Common Stockholders
Net (loss) income attributable to common stockholders was a loss of $8.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2021, as compared to net income attributable to common stockholders of $7.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2020. The change in net (loss) income attributable to common stockholders is discussed in detail for each line item of the consolidated statements of operations in the sections that follow.
Revenue from Tenants
In addition to base rent, our lease agreements generally require tenants to pay or reimburse us for all property operating expenses, which primarily reflect insurance costs and real estate taxes incurred by us and subsequently reimbursed by the tenant. However, some limited property operating expenses that are not the responsibility of the tenant are absorbed by us.
Revenue from tenants was $391.2 million and $330.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The increase was primarily driven by the impact of our property acquisitions since December 31, 2020, changes in foreign exchange rates which favorably impacted revenues and receipt of a lease termination fee. During the year ended December 31, 2021 there were increases of 2.1% in the average exchange rate for British Pounds Sterling (“GBP”) to USD and a decrease of 4.1% in the average exchange rate for Euro (“EUR”) to USD, when compared to the year ended December 31, 2020. In addition, on September 3, 2021, we entered into a lease termination agreement with one of our tenants which required the tenant to pay us a termination fee of approximately £6.7 million ($9.0 million based on the exchange rate as of December 31, 2021) at the end of the lease term on January 4, 2022. This amount was received in January 2022 and recorded in revenue from tenants evenly over the period from September 3, 2021 through the end of the lease term, and as a result, we recorded approximately $6.5 million and $8.8 million in revenue from tenants during the three months and year ended December 31, 2021, respectively. See Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies to our consolidated financial statements in this Yearly Report on Form 10-K for additional details.
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Property Operating Expenses
Property operating expenses were $32.7 million and $32.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. These costs primarily relate to insurance costs and real estate taxes on our properties, which are generally reimbursable by our tenants. The main exceptions are Government Services Administration (GSA) properties for which certain expenses are not reimbursable by tenants. The minor decrease was primarily due to the timing of our reimbursable costs, partially offset by increases during the year ended December 31, 2021, of 2.1% in the average exchange rate for GBP to USD and a decrease of 4.1% in the average exchange rate for EUR to USD, when compared to last year.
Operating Fees to Related Parties
Operating fees paid to related parties were $39.0 million and $35.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Operating fees to related parties consist of compensation to the Advisor for asset management services, as well as property management fees paid to the Property Manager. Our Advisory Agreement requires us to pay the Advisor a Base Management Fee of $18.0 million per annum ($4.5 million per quarter) plus a Variable Base Management Fee, both payable in cash, and Incentive Compensation (as defined in our Advisory Agreement), payable in cash and shares, if the applicable hurdles are met. The Advisor did not earn any Incentive Compensation during the year ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 respectively. The increase to operating fees between the periods in part results from an increase of $2.0 million in the Variable Base Management Fee resulting from the issuance of equity securities since December 2020. The Variable Base Management Fee increases in connection with other offerings or issuances of equity securities (see Note 11 - Related Party Transactions to our consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for details).
Our Property Manager is paid fees to manage our properties, which may include market-based leasing commissions. Property management fees are calculated as a percentage of our gross revenues generated by the applicable properties. For additional information on our property management agreement with the Property Manager, see Note 11 — Related Party Transactions to our consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. During the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, we paid property management fees of $7.3 million and $6.2 million, respectively. During the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2021, we incurred leasing commissions to the Property Manager of $1.5 million and $1.9 million, of which $0.2 million and $0.1 million was amortized to property management fee in operating fees to related parties in our consolidated statement of operations for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The remainder of the balance will be amortized over the terms of the leases to property managment fees.
Impairment Charges
The impairment charges recorded during the year ended December 31, 2021 of $17.5 million were recorded to adjust the carrying value of three properties to their estimated fair values based on the estimated selling prices of two of our assets located in Texas (sold in 2021) and one asset in the United Kingdom, which we began marketing for sale in the fourth quarter of 2021. The impairments were recorded in the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and quarter ended December 31, 2021 in the amounts of $7.9 million and $9.6 million, respectively.
Acquisition, Transaction and Other Costs
We recognized $0.1 million of acquisition, transaction and other costs during the year ended December 31, 2021, which were primarily related to costs for terminated acquisitions. We recognized $0.7 million of acquisition, transaction and other costs during the year ended December 31, 2020, which primarily related to costs for terminated acquisitions.
General and Administrative Expense
General and administrative expense was $17.2 million and $13.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, primarily consisting of professional fees including audit and taxation related services, board member compensation, and directors’ and officers’ liability insurance, and including expense reimbursements of approximately $1.3 million and $1.1 million, respectively, to the Advisor under the Advisory Agreement for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020. The increase for the year ended December 31, 2021, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2020, was primarily due to an increase in professional fees.
Equity-Based Compensation
During the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, we recognized equity-based compensation expense of $11.0 million and $10.1 million, respectively. Equity-based compensation consists of expense related to our 2018 OPP and 2021 OPP and amortization of restricted shares of Common Stock (“Restricted Shares”) granted to employees of the Advisor or its affiliates who are involved in providing services to us and restricted stock units (“RSUs”) in respect of shares of Common Stock granted to our independent directors.
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On June 2, 2021, the performance period under the 2018 OPP ended and all compensation expense related to the 2018 OPP had been fully recorded as of that date and, in May 2021, we began recording expense for the 2021 OPP. The increase in equity-based compensation expense was due to the higher straight-line expense recorded for the 2021 OPP compared to 2018 OPP due to the expense recorded for the 2021 OPP beginning in May 2021, higher expense recorded under the 2021 OPP due to the higher fair value of the LTIP Units granted under the 2021 OPP compared to 2018 OPP and the impact of additional amortization expense recorded for new grants of RSUs and Restricted Shares that occurred during the second quarter of 2021. For additional information, see Note 13 — Equity-Based Compensation to our consolidated financial statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Depreciation and Amortization
Depreciation and amortization expense was $163.1 million and $138.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The increase was primarily due to additional depreciation and amortization expense recorded as a result of the impact of our property acquisitions and dispositions since December 31, 2020 and increases during the year ended December 31, 2021 of 2.1% in the average exchange rate for GBP to USD and a decrease of 4.1% in the EUR to USD, when compared to 2020. In addition, we recorded approximately $2.0 million of additional amortization expense for acquired lease intangibles related to certain leases that were terminated during 2021. These increases were partially offset by dispositions since December 31, 2020.
Gain (Loss) on Dispositions of Real Estate Investments
During the year ended December 31, 2021, we sold one property located in Conroe, Texas, one property located in Houston, Texas, one property located in South Bend, Indiana and 18 properties located in Puerto Rico for a total contract sales price of $49.6 million for all 21 properties sold. These dispositions resulted in an aggregate net gain of $1.5 million, which is reflected in gain (loss) on dispositions of real estate investments in the consolidated statements of operations for the year ended December 31, 2021. During the year ended December 31, 2020 we did not sell any properties.
Interest Expense
Interest expense was $94.3 million and $71.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The increase was primarily related to interest expense on our Senior Notes which were issued in December 2020 and accrue interest at 3.750% per year, interest expense on the £101.0 million ($136.5 million as of December 31, 2021) mortgage loan entered into in April 2021 to finance the acquisition of the global headquarters of the McLaren Group, and interest expense on the £28.0 million ($37.8 million as of December 31, 2021) mortgage that funded in part, the acquisition of the Trafalgar Court property located in Guernsey, Channel Islands (see Note 4 — Mortgage Notes Payable, Net and Note 6 — Senior Notes, Net to our consolidated financial statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional details).
The amount of our total gross debt outstanding increased from $2.3 billion as of December 31, 2020 to $2.5 billion as of December 31, 2021, and the weighted-average effective interest rate of our total debt was 3.3% as of December 31, 2020 and 3.4% as of December 31, 2021. The increase in interest expense was also impacted by increases during the year ended December 31, 2021 of 2.1% in the average exchange rate for GBP to USD and a decrease of 4.1% in the average exchange rate for EUR to USD when compared to the same period last year. As of the year ended December 31, 2021, approximately 30% of our total debt outstanding was denominated in EUR and 20% of our total debt outstanding was denominated in GBP, and as of the year ended December 31, 2020, approximately 30% of our total debt outstanding was denominated in EUR and 10% of our total debt outstanding was denominated in GBP.
We view a combination of secured and unsecured financing sources as an efficient and accretive means to acquire properties and manage working capital. As of December 31, 2021, approximately 59% of our total debt outstanding was secured and 41% was unsecured. Our interest expense in future periods will vary based on interest rates as well as our level of future borrowings, which will depend on refinancing needs and acquisition activity.
Loss on Extinguishment of Debt
We did not record any loss on extinguishment of debt during the year ended December 31, 2021. Loss on extinguishment of debt was $3.6 million of the year ended December 31, 2020. The amount in 2020 is comprised of $2.0 million of expenses related to the repayment of the loan on our Whirlpool properties due to the write-off of deferred financing costs and costs related to the termination of interest rate swaps, $1.3 million of expenses related to the write-off of deferred financing costs related to the partial paydown of our Term Loan in December 31, 2020 and $0.3 million of expenses related to the refinancing of the mortgages on our properties located in France.
Foreign Currency and Interest Rate Impact on Operations
The gain of $5.8 million and loss of $2.3 million on derivative instruments for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, reflect the marked-to-market impact from foreign currency and interest rate derivative instruments used to hedge the investment portfolio from currency and interest rate movements, and was mainly impacted by currency rate changes in the GBP and EUR compared to the USD. The quarterly average GBP to USD exchange rate increased 2.1% and the quarterly
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average EUR to USD exchange rate decreased 4.1% during the year ended December 31, 2021 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2020.
Unrealized (Loss) Income on Undesignated Foreign Currency Advances and Other Hedge Ineffectiveness
During the year ended December 31, 2021, we did not record any amounts due to currency changes on the undesignated excess foreign currency advances over the related net investments.
During the year ended December 31, 2020, we recorded losses of $6.0 million due to currency changes on the undesignated excess foreign currency advances over the related net investments. During the fourth quarter of 2020, we identified certain historical errors in the second and third quarters of 2020 related to the recording of the impact of foreign currency changes on the over-hedged portion of our net investment hedges, which is the portion considered to be ineffective. The amounts, which totaled $1.3 million and $2.6 million for the second and third quarters of 2020, respectively, were incorrectly recorded as a currency translation adjustment in AOCI as opposed to being recorded as losses in unrealized (loss) income on undesignated foreign currency advances and other hedge ineffectiveness in the consolidated statement of operations. We concluded that the errors were not material for any prior quarterly periods presented and we adjusted the amounts on a cumulative basis in the fourth quarter of 2020. As a result, we recorded $3.9 million in unrealized (loss) on undesignated foreign currency advances and other hedge ineffectiveness in the fourth quarter of 2020 in order to correct these errors. For additional information on the above or on our derivative accounting policies and derivatives and hedging activities, see the Note 2 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Note 8 — Derivatives and Hedging Activities to our consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
As a result of our foreign investments in Europe, and, to a lesser extent, our investments in Canada, we are subject to risk from the effects of exchange rate movements in the EUR, GBP and, to a lesser extent, the CAD, which may affect costs and cash flows in our functional currency, the USD. We generally manage foreign currency exchange rate movements by matching our debt service obligation to the lender and the tenant’s rental obligation to us in the same currency. This reduces our overall exposure to currency fluctuations. In addition, we may use currency hedging to further reduce the exposure to our net cash flow. We are generally a net receiver of these currencies (we receive more cash than we pay out), and therefore our results of operations of our foreign properties benefit from a weaker USD, and are adversely affected by a stronger USD, relative to the foreign currency. During the year ended December 31, 2021, the average exchange rate for GBP to USD increased by 2.1%, and the average exchange rate for EUR to USD decreased by 4.1%, when compared to the year ended December 31, 2020.
Income Tax Expense
Although as a REIT we generally do not pay U.S. federal income taxes, we recognize income tax (expense) benefit domestically for state taxes and local income taxes incurred, if any, and also in foreign jurisdictions in which we own properties. In addition, we perform an analysis of potential deferred tax or future tax benefit and expense as a result of book and tax differences and timing differences in taxes across jurisdictions. Income tax expense was $12.2 million and $5.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The increase in the fourth quarter 2021 was driven by a $1.9 million return to provision adjustment related to the filing of the UK 2020 tax return. For additional information, see Note 15 — Income Taxes to our consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
During the year ended December 31, 2021, net cash provided by operating activities was $192.5 million. The level of cash flows provided by operating activities is driven by, among other things, rental income received, operating fees paid to related parties for asset and property management, and interest payments on outstanding borrowings. Cash flows provided by operating activities during the year ended December 31, 2021 reflect net income of $11.4 million, adjusted for non-cash items of $183.6 million (primarily depreciation, amortization of intangibles, amortization of deferred financing costs, amortization of mortgage premium/discount, amortization of above- and below-market lease and ground lease assets and liabilities, unbilled straight-line rent (including the effect of adjustments due to rent deferrals), equity-based compensation, unrealized (gains) losses on foreign currency transactions, derivatives and other, and impairment charges). In addition, operating cash flow increased by $8.4 million due to working capital items and decreased by $9.4 million due to lease incentive and commission payments.
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During the year ended December 31, 2020, net cash provided by operating activities was $176.9 million. The level of cash flows provided by operating activities is driven by, among other things, rental income received, operating fees paid to related parties for asset and property management, and interest payments on outstanding borrowings. Cash flows provided by operating activities during the year ended December 31, 2020 reflect net income of $10.8 million, adjusted for non-cash items of $149.6 million (primarily depreciation, amortization of intangibles, amortization of deferred financing costs, amortization of mortgage premium/discount, amortization of above- and below-market lease and ground lease assets and liabilities, bad debt expense, unbilled straight-line rent (including the effect of adjustments due to rent deferrals), and equity-based compensation). In addition, operating cash flow increased by $4.6 million due to working capital items, which was partially offset by a lease incentive payment made by us of $4.7 million related to the signing of lease extensions for four properties leased to Finnair during the year ended December 31, 2020. The incentive was negotiated in exchange for extending the weighted-average remaining lease term on the properties from 4.7 years to 11.0 years.
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Cash Flows from Investing Activities
Net cash used in investing activities during the year ended December 31, 2021 of $436.6 million was primarily driven by property acquisitions of $477.4 million and capital expenditures of $7.9 million, partially offset by proceeds from the disposition of real estate of $48.7 million.
Net cash used in investing activities during the year ended December 31, 2020 of $470.5 million was primarily driven by property acquisitions of $464.1 million, and capital expenditures of $6.4 million.
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
Net cash provided by financing activities of $218.3 million during the year ended December 31, 2021 was a result of net borrowings under our Revolving Credit Facility of $115.9 million, net proceeds from mortgage notes payable of $66.1 million, net proceeds from the issuance of Common Stock of $214.0 million and net proceeds from the issuance of Series B Preferred Stock of $15.9 million. These cash inflows were offset primarily by dividends paid to common stockholders of $156.2 million, dividends paid on Series A Preferred Stock of $12.3 million, dividends paid on Series B Preferred Stock of $7.5 million, distributions to non-controlling interest holders of $11.0 million and payments of financing costs of $6.5 million.
Net cash provided by financing activities of $140.7 million during the year ended December 31, 2020 was a result of net proceeds from the issuance of our Senior Notes of $500.0 million, net proceeds from mortgage borrowings and repayments of $46.0 million and net proceeds from the issuance of Series B Preferred Stock of $10.2 million. These cash inflows were offset primarily by net payments under our Revolving Credit Facility of $90.6 million, payments of principal on our Term Loan of $136.7 million, dividends paid to common stockholders of $155.1 million, dividends paid on Series A Preferred Stock of $12.3 million, dividends paid on Series B Preferred Stock of $5.1 million and payments of financing costs of $14.2 million.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
The negative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic has caused and may continue to cause certain of our tenants to be unable to make rent payments to us timely, or at all, which impacts the amount of cash we generate from our operations. During the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2021, we took proactive steps to collect rent and to otherwise mitigate the impact on our business and liquidity. The future impact of the pandemic on our results of operations, our liquidity and the ability of our tenants to continue to pay us rent will depend on numerous factors including the overall length and severity of the COVID-19 pandemic. Management is unable to predict the nature and scope of any of these factors. Because substantially all of our income is derived from rentals of commercial real property, our business, income, cash flow, results of operations, financial condition, liquidity, prospects our ability to service our debt obligations, our ability to consummate future property acquisitions and our ability to pay dividends, and other distributions to our stockholders would be adversely affected if a significant number of tenants are unable to meet their obligations to us.
In addition to the discussion below, please see the “Overview — Management Update on the Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic” section above for additional information on the risks and uncertainties associated with the COVID-19 pandemic and management’s actions taken to mitigate those risks and uncertainties.
Our principal future needs for use of our cash and cash equivalents will include the purchase of additional properties or other investments in accordance with our investment strategy, payment of related acquisition costs, improvement costs, operating and administrative expenses, continuing debt service obligations and dividends to holders of our Common Stock, Series A Preferred Stock and Series B Preferred Stock, as well as to any future class or series of preferred stock we may issue. As of December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, we had cash and cash equivalents of $89.7 million and $124.2 million, respectively. See discussion above our how our cash flows from various sources impacted our cash. We are required to maintain unrestricted cash and cash equivalents (or amounts available for future borrowings under credit facility, such as the Credit Facility) in an amount sufficient to meet our actual and contingent liabilities under a limited unsecured corporate guaranty by us of £20.0 million (approximately $27.0 million as of December 31, 2021) of the obligations under a mortgage loan secured by 42 of the properties located in the United Kingdom. See “— Covenants —United Kingdom Properties – Bulk Loan” section below for additional information on this guaranty.
Management expects that operating income from our existing properties supplemented by our existing cash will be sufficient to fund operating expenses, and the payment of quarterly dividends to our common stockholders and holders of our Series A Preferred Stock and Series B Preferred Stock and interest payments on debt as well as anticipated capital expenditures. Our other sources of capital, which we have used and may use in the future, include proceeds received from our Revolving Credit Facility, proceeds from secured or unsecured financings (which may include note issuances), proceeds from our offerings of equity securities (including Common Stock and preferred stock), proceeds from any future sales of properties and undistributed funds from operations, if any. During the year ended December 31, 2021, cash used to pay 100.0% of our dividends was generated from cash flows provided by operations.
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Acquisitions and Dispositions
We are in the business of acquiring real estate properties and leasing the properties to tenants. Generally, we fund our acquisitions through a combination of cash and cash equivalents, proceeds from offerings of equity securities (including Common Stock and preferred stock), borrowings under our Revolving Credit Facility and proceeds from mortgage or other debt secured by the acquired or other assets at the time of acquisition or at some later point (see Note 4 — Mortgage Notes Payable, Net and Note 5 — Credit Facilities to our consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further discussion). In addition, to the extent we dispose of properties, we have used and may continue to use the net proceeds from the dispositions (after repayment of any mortgage debt, if any) for future acquisitions or other general corporate purposes.
Acquisitions and Dispositions — Year Ended December 31, 2021
During the year ended December 31, 2021, we acquired 25 properties for $477.4 million (net of a mortgage assumed of $38.56 million), including capitalized acquisition costs. The acquisition of 19 of these properties for $174.4 million, including capitalized acquisition costs, was completed during the three months ended December 31, 2021. During the three months and year ended December 31, 2021, our acquisitions were primarily funded by additional net borrowings of approximately $84.0 million and $115.9 million under the Revolving Credit Facility, a mortgage note payable of $137.6 million (as of the date of the McLaren acquisition) and cash on hand, consisting primarily of proceeds from our ATM programs and proceeds from dispositions.
During the three months and year ended December 31, 2021, we sold one property in Conroe, Texas, one property in Houston, Texas, one property in South Bend, Indiana and 18 properties in Puerto Rico for an aggregate contract sales price of $49.6 million for all 21 properties sold. The property in Conroe, Texas was not encumbered by any mortgage debt and was not part of the borrowing base under our Revolving Credit Facility. The property in Houston, Texas had been encumbered by mortgage debt of $24.4 million, which was repaid at closing, and was not part of the borrowing base under our Revolving Credit Facility. The properties in South Bend, Indiana and Puerto Rico were not encumbered by any mortgage debt, however, they were part of the borrowing base under our Revolving Credit Facility.
The largest of the acquisition during the year ended December 31, 2021 was the acquisition of the global headquarters of the McLaren Group located in close proximity to central London, England and Heathrow Airport. We acquired these properties for £170.0 million ($236.3 million on the date of acquisition) in a sale-leaseback transaction with the McLaren Group. The leases have a term of 20 years with annual rent escalators linked to the consumer price index subject to a cap of 4% and a collar of 1.25%. The annual base rent is subject to a one-time contingent adjustment which only occurs upon a McLaren Holdings Limited corporate credit rating enhancement to B- (or equivalent) from one of S&P, Moody’s or Fitch by May 2023 and if we refinance the debt incurred to acquire the property secured by October 2024 after such upgrade occurs. Since closing the sale leaseback transaction, McLaren closed on a $620.0 million bond issuance and McLaren Holdings Limited received the applicable credit rating. We are under no obligation to complete a refinancing of this loan prior to its maturity date in April 2024, and we have no immediate plans to do so. If these conditions are not met, the adjustment will not occur and the initial rent will not decrease. We funded this acquisition with the £101.0 million ($140.6 million on the date of incurrence) loan, £52.0 million ($72.2 million on the date of acquisition) in additional borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility and cash on hand consisting primarily of proceeds from our ATM programs. The maturity date of the loan is April 23, 2024 and it bears interest at 6% per annum. The loan is interest-only with the principal due at maturity. For additional information on activity related to the Revolving Credit Facility, see “Borrowings” section below.
Acquisitions and Dispositions Subsequent to December 31, 2021 and Pending Transactions
Subsequent to December 31, 2021, we did not acquire or dispose of any properties. We have signed one non-binding letter of intent (“LOIs”) to acquire one net lease property, located in the United States, for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $6.4 million.
We have signed one LOI to sell a net lease property in San Jose, California for a sales price of $52.5 million. The property in San Jose, California is currently encumbered by mortgage debt and not part of the borrowing base under our Revolving Credit Facility.
The LOIs may not lead to a definitive agreement. There can be no assurance we will complete these transactions, or any future acquisitions or other investments, on a timely basis or on acceptable terms and conditions, if at all.
Equity Offerings
Common Stock
We have an “at the market” equity offering program (the “Common Stock ATM Program”), pursuant to which we may raise aggregate sales proceeds of $500.0 million through sales of Common Stock from time to time through our sales agents.
For the year ended December 31, 2021, we sold 11,944,017 shares of Common Stock through the Common Stock ATM Program for gross proceeds of $217.5 million, before commissions paid of $3.3 million and additional issuance costs of $0.3 million.
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Preferred Stock
We have established an “at the market” equity offering program for our Series B Preferred Stock (the “Series B Preferred Stock ATM Program”) pursuant to which we may raise aggregate sales proceeds of up to $200.0 million through sales of shares of Series B Preferred Stock from time to time through our sales agents. During the year ended December 31, 2021, we sold 641,940 shares of Series B Preferred Stock through the Series B Preferred Stock ATM Program for gross proceeds of $16.2 million, before commissions paid of approximately$0.2 million and nominal additional issuance costs.
The timing differences between when we raise equity proceeds or receive proceeds from dispositions and when we invest those proceeds in acquisitions or other investments that increase our operating cash flows have affected, and may continue to affect, our results of operations.
Borrowings
As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, we had total debt outstanding of $2.4 billion and $2.3 billion, respectively, bearing interest at a weighted-average interest rate per annum equal to 3.4% and 3.3%, respectively.
As of December 31, 2021, 89% of our total debt outstanding either bore interest at fixed rates, or was swapped to a fixed rate, which bore interest at a weighted-average interest rate of 3.5% per annum. As of December 31, 2021, 11% of our total debt outstanding was variable-rate debt, which bore interest at a weighted- average interest rate of 2.6% per annum. The total gross carrying value of unencumbered assets as of December 31, 2021 was $1.5 billionno, of which approximately $1.1 billion was included in the unencumbered asset pool comprising the borrowing base under the Revolving Credit Facility and therefore is not available to serve as collateral for future borrowings.
Our debt leverage ratio (total debt as a percentage of total purchase price of real estate investments, based on the exchange rate at the time of purchase) was 56.8% as of December 31, 2021. See Note 7 — Fair Value of Financial Instruments to our consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for a discussion of fair value of such debt as of December 31, 2021. As of December 31, 2021 the weighted-average maturity of our indebtedness was 4.2 years. We believe we have the ability to service our debt obligations as they come due.
Senior Notes
On December 16, 2020, we and the OP issued $500.0 million aggregate principal amount of 3.750% Senior Notes due 2027. As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, the amount of the Senior Notes outstanding totaled $491.7 million and $490.3 million, respectively, which is net of $8.3 million and $9.7 million of deferred financing costs, respectively. The Senior Notes require payment of interest-only with the principal due to maturity. See Note 6 — Senior Notes, Net to our consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further discussion on the Senior Notes and related covenants.
Mortgage Notes Payable
As of December 31, 2021, we had secured mortgage notes payable of $1.4 billion, net of mortgage discounts and deferred financing costs. Repayments of principal under the mortgage loan secured by all of our properties located in the United Kingdom (the “United Kingdom Properties - Bulk Loan”) began in October 2020. All of our other mortgage loans require payment of interest-only with the principal due at maturity.
During the year ended December 31, 2021, approximately $47.0 million, in principal was repaid, respectively, on the United Kingdom Properties - Bulk Loan. These payments were made in accordance with the terms of this mortgage note payable and certain modifications of the terms of this mortgage note (for additional information on the modification of this mortgage, see Note 4 — Mortgage Notes Payable, Net to our consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K). As of December 31, 2021, this mortgage note had a balance of £186.8 million ($252.4 million as of December 31, 2021).
In April 2021, we partially funded our acquisition of the McLaren properties with a mortgage in the amount of £101.0 million ($136.5 million as of December 31, 2021). The maturity date of the loan is April 23, 2024 and it bears interest at 6.0% per annum. The loan is interest-only with the principal due at maturity. We recorded a discount of approximately $3.1 million related to this mortgage.
In September 2021, we assumed a £28.0 million ($38.6 million as of the date assumed of September 2, 2021 and $37.8 million as of December 31, 2021) mortgage in connection with our acquisition of Trafalgar Court located in Guernsey, Channel Islands. The loan matures on September 22, 2022, and bore interest at a rate of GBP LIBOR plus 2.0% per year through October 20, 2021. The rate changed to the Sterling Overnight Index Average plus 2.0% per year after October 21, 2021, continuing through the maturity date of the loan. The loan is interest-only with the principal due at maturity. The effective interest rate as of December 31, 2021 was 2.1%.
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Credit Facility
As of December 31, 2021, outstanding borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility were $225.6 million and the total outstanding balance on our term loan was $278.6 million, net of deferred financing costs. During the year ended December 31, 2021, we borrowed an additional $194.4 million and repaid approximately $78.4 million under the Revolving Credit Facility.
As of December 31, 2021, the aggregate total commitments under the Credit Facility were approximately $1.1 billion, based on the USD equivalent on December 31, 2021. On February 24, 2021, lender commitments under the Credit Facility were increased by $50.0 million with all of the increase allocated to the Revolving Credit Facility, and the total commitments were approximately $1.2 billion based on prevailing exchange rates on that date. We may request, subject to the lenders sole discretion, future additional increases to total commitments of approximately $565.0 million, based on prevailing exchange rates on that date, allocable to either or both components of the Credit Facility. The increase in lender commitments did not impact the amount available for future borrowings under the Credit Facility, which is based on the value of a pool of eligible unencumbered real estate assets owned by us and compliance with various ratios related to those assets.
The Credit Facility consists of two components, a Revolving Credit Facility and a Term Loan, both of which require payment of interest-only. The Revolving Credit Facility matures on August 1, 2023, subject to two six-month extensions at our option subject to certain conditions, and the Term Loan matures on August 1, 2024. Borrowings under the Credit Facility bear interest at a variable rate per annum based on an applicable margin that varies based on the ratio of consolidated total indebtedness and our consolidated total asset value including our subsidiaries plus either (i) LIBOR, as applicable to the currency being borrowed, or (ii) a “base rate” equal to the greatest of (a) KeyBank’s “prime rate,” (b) 0.5% above the Federal Funds Effective Rate or (c) 1.0% above one-month LIBOR. The applicable interest rate margin is based on a range from 0.45% to 1.05% per annum with respect to base rate borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility, 1.45% to 2.05% per annum with respect to LIBOR borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility, 0.4% to 1.00% per annum with respect to base rate borrowings under the Term Loan and 1.40% to 2.00% per annum with respect to LIBOR borrowings under the Term Loan. As of December 31, 2021, the Credit Facility had a weighted-average effective interest rate of 2.7% after giving effect to interest rate swaps in place.
While we expect LIBOR to be available in substantially its current form until at least the end of 2023, it is possible that LIBOR will become unavailable prior to that time. The Credit Facility contains terms governing the establishment of a replacement index to serve as an alternative to LIBOR, if necessary. To transition from LIBOR under the Credit Facility, we anticipate that we will either utilize the Base Rate or negotiate a replacement reference rate for LIBOR with the lenders.
Our Credit Facility requires us, through the OP, to pay an unused fee per annum of 0.25% of the unused balance of the Revolving Credit Facility if the unused balance exceeds or is equal to 50% of the total commitment or a fee per annum of 0.15% of the unused balance of the Revolving Credit Facility if the unused balance is less than 50% of the total commitment. From and after the time we obtain an investment grade credit rating, the unused fee will be replaced with a facility fee based on the total commitment under the Revolving Credit Facility multiplied by 0.30%, decreasing if our credit rating increases.
The availability of borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility is based on the value of a pool of eligible unencumbered real estate assets owned by us and compliance with various ratios related to those assets. We intend to add certain of these unencumbered assets to the borrowing base under the Revolving Credit Facility to increase the amount available for future borrowings thereunder. As of December 31, 2021, approximately $49.8 million was available for future borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility. We are required to maintain unrestricted cash and cash equivalents (or amounts available for future borrowings under credit facility, such as the Credit Facility) in an amount sufficient to meet our actual and contingent liabilities under a limited unsecured corporate guaranty by us of £20.0 million (approximately $27.0 million as of December 31, 2021) of the obligations under a mortgage loan secured by 42 of the properties located in the United Kingdom. See “— Covenants —United Kingdom Properties – Bulk Loan” section below for additional information on this guaranty. Also, we have a $7.4 million letter of credit held by a lender which was put in place to cure a cash trap sweep event under one of our mortgages (see “— Covenants — Multi-Tenant Mortgage Loan III” section below for additional information on this letter of credit). This letter of credit reduces the availability for future borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility.
Any future borrowings may, at our option be denominated in USD, EUR, Canadian Dollars, GBP or Swiss Francs. Amounts borrowed may not, however, be converted to, or repaid in, another currency once borrowed. The Term Loan is denominated in EUR.
During the fourth quarter 2021, the Company amended the credit facility with Keybank with changes made around LIBOR successor rate provision, claw back provisions related to any payments made erroneously to a participating bank, adding new permissible jurisdictions where properties can be located to the borrowing base and removing certain borrowing periods for loans bearing USD LIBOR
Covenants
As of December 31, 2021, we were in compliance with the covenants under the Indenture governing the Senior Notes and the Credit Facility (see Note 5 — Revolving Credit Facility and Term Loan, Net and Note 6 — Senior Notes, Net to our
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consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further discussion on the Credit Facility and Senior Notes and the related covenants).
Our mortgage notes payable agreements require compliance with certain property-level financial covenants including debt service coverage ratios. As of December 31, 2021, we were in compliance with all of the financial covenants under our mortgage notes payable agreements.
United Kingdom Properties — Bulk Loan
During the three months ended September 30, 2020, the borrower entities under the mortgage loan with a balance of £186.8 million (approximately $252.4 million as of December 31, 2021), which is secured by 42 of our properties located in the United Kingdom, did not maintain the required loan-to-value ratios. As a result, a cash trap event under the loan occurred which was immediately cured when we executed, a limited unsecured corporate guaranty of the obligations under the loan of £20.0 million (approximately $27.0 million as of December 31, 2021). The guaranty remains in effect as of December 31, 2021 and contains a covenant that requires us to maintain unrestricted cash and cash equivalents (or amounts available for future borrowings under credit facility, such as the Credit Facility) in an amount sufficient to meet its actual and contingent liabilities under the guaranty.
During the three months ended December 31, 2020, the borrower entities under the same mortgage loan did not maintain the same loan-to-value ratio and another cash trap event under the loan occurred. This did not constitute a breach of the covenant and was not an event of default under the loan. On July 8, 2021, the loan agreement was amended to cure the cash trap by applying £11.4 million (approximately $15.7 million as of July 8, 2021) of the cash trapped to partially pay down the principal on the loan. Following the cure of the cash trap event, the lender released approximately £10.7 million (approximately $14.8 million as of July 8, 2021) of previously trapped cash to us.
Subsequent to September 30, 2021, after the annual lender valuation, the borrower entities under the same mortgage loan did not maintain the loan-to-value ratio and another cash trap event under the loan occurred. This did not constitute a breach of the covenant and was not an event of default under the loan. In December 2021, we cured the cash trap with a voluntary paydown of £11.6 million (approximately $15.6 million as of the payment date of December 29, 2021), which used £7.2 million of previously trapped cash. As a result of this payment, no cash is trapped as of December 31, 2021 and the cash trap event has been cured.
Multi-Tenant Mortgage Loan III
During the three months ended December 31, 2020, a major tenant failed to renew its lease triggering a cash sweep event under one of the our mortgage loans secured by seven of our properties with a balance of $98.5 million as of December 31, 2021. The event triggering the cash sweep was not, however, an event of default. During the first quarter of 2021, we cured the cash sweep event through one of the available options under the loan by putting a $3.2 million letter of credit in place (subject to future increase under the terms of the loan agreement, to a maximum amount of $7.4 million). During the third quarter of 2021, the amount of the letter of credit was increased by an additional $4.2 million, resulting in the lender holding the $7.4 million maximum amount in respect to this obligation as of December 31, 2021. This $7.4 million letter of credit will be held by the lender until such time we are able to find a suitable replacement tenant and it reduces the availability for future borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility.
France Properties
During the second and third quarters of 2021, we also triggered a cash sweep under one of our loans with a balance of €70.0 million ($79.4 million) as of December 31, 2021 because the aggregate weighted average unexpired lease term (“WAULT”) of the collateral portfolio was less than three years. This was not an event of default and instead triggered a cash sweep event. For so long as the cash sweep is in effect, the lender will sweep 30% of excess cash flow and retain such amount in an excess cash collateral account. As of December 31, 2021, the amount of cash swept was €1.8 million ($2.1 million) and is recorded in restricted cash on the consolidated balance sheet.
If and when the aggregate WAULT of the loan collateral again exceeds three years the cash sweep will cease (so long as the aggregate WAULT of the loan collateral thereafter continues to exceed three years). The lender will be required to release all funds retained by lender in the excess cash flow account in respect of this WAULT cash sweep upon the loan collateral achieving an aggregate WAULT of not less than four years. Per the terms of the applicable loan agreement, the funds held in the excess cash flow account are included for purposes of the calculation of the loan to value ratio.
Multi-Tenant Mortgage Loan IV
During the three months ended September 30, 2021, a tenant exercised its right to terminate its lease effective December 31, 2022. Notice of the termination triggered a lease sweep event, which began in the fourth quarter of 2021, under one of our mortgage loans. This was not, however, an event of default. The mortgage loan had a balance of $97.5 million as of December 31, 2021 and encumbers 16 properties, one of which is leased by the tenant that exercised its right to terminate its lease. Pursuant to the terms of the loan agreement, the lender will sweep all cash flow attributable to the lease that triggered the lease
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sweep event into a rollover reserve account in an amount up to, but not to exceed, an aggregate cap of $0.8 million. The reserve will be held by the lender who is required to make the reserve funds available to us to fund re-tenanting expenses for the property. The lease sweep event will be cured under the loan agreement if and when we lease the space to a new tenant approved by the lender and, at such time, any amounts remaining in the rollover reserve account in respect of the lease sweep event will be released to us.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
This section discusses the non-GAAP financial measures we use to evaluate our performance including Funds from Operations (“FFO”), Core Funds from Operations (“Core FFO”) and Adjusted Funds from Operations (“AFFO”). A description of these non-GAAP measures and reconciliations to the most directly comparable GAAP measure, which is net income, is provided below.
Use of Non-GAAP Measures
FFO, Core FFO, and AFFO should not be construed to be more relevant or accurate than the current GAAP methodology in calculating net income or in its applicability in evaluating our operating performance. The method utilized to evaluate the value and performance of real estate under GAAP should be construed as a more relevant measure of operational performance and considered more prominently than the non-GAAP FFO, Core FFO and AFFO measures. Other REITs may not define FFO in accordance with the current NAREIT definition (as we do), or may interpret the current NAREIT definition differently than we do, or may calculate Core FFO or AFFO differently than we do. Consequently, our presentation of FFO, Core FFO and AFFO may not be comparable to other similarly-titled measures presented by other REITs.
We consider FFO, Core FFO and AFFO useful indicators of our performance. Because FFO, Core FFO and AFFO calculations exclude such factors as depreciation and amortization of real estate assets and gain or loss from sales of operating real estate assets (which can vary among owners of identical assets in similar conditions based on historical cost accounting and useful-life estimates), FFO, Core FFO and AFFO presentations facilitate comparisons of operating performance between periods and between other REITs.
As a result, we believe that the use of FFO, Core FFO and AFFO, together with the required GAAP presentations, provide a more complete understanding of our operating performance including relative to our peers and a more informed and appropriate basis on which to make decisions involving operating, financing, and investing activities. However, FFO, Core FFO and AFFO are not indicative of cash available to fund ongoing cash needs, including the ability to make cash distributions. Investors are cautioned that FFO, Core FFO and AFFO should only be used to assess the sustainability of our operating performance excluding these activities, as they exclude certain costs that have a negative effect on our operating performance during the periods in which these costs are incurred.
Funds from Operations, Core Funds from Operations and Adjusted Funds from Operations
Funds from Operations
Due to certain unique operating characteristics of real estate companies, as discussed below, the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts (“NAREIT”), an industry trade group, has promulgated a measure known as FFO, which we believe to be an appropriate supplemental measure to reflect the operating performance of a REIT. FFO is not equivalent to net income or loss as determined under GAAP.
We calculate FFO, a non-GAAP measure, consistent with the standards established over time by the Board of Governors of NAREIT, as restated in a White Paper approved by the Board of Governors of NAREIT effective in December 2018 (the “White Paper”). The White Paper defines FFO as net income or loss computed in accordance with GAAP, excluding depreciation and amortization related to real estate, gain and loss from the sale of certain real estate assets, gain and loss from change in control and impairment write-downs of certain real estate assets and investments in entities when the impairment is directly attributable to decreases in the value of depreciable real estate held by the entity. Our FFO calculation complies with NAREIT’s definition.
The historical accounting convention used for real estate assets requires straight-line depreciation of buildings and improvements, and straight-line amortization of intangibles, which implies that the value of a real estate asset diminishes predictably over time. We believe that, because real estate values historically rise and fall with market conditions, including inflation, interest rates, unemployment and consumer spending, presentations of operating results for a REIT using historical accounting for depreciation and certain other items may be less informative. Historical accounting for real estate involves the use of GAAP. Any other method of accounting for real estate such as the fair value method cannot be construed to be any more accurate or relevant than the comparable methodologies of real estate valuation found in GAAP. Nevertheless, we believe that the use of FFO, which excludes the impact of real estate related depreciation and amortization, among other things, provides a more complete understanding of our performance to investors and to management, and, when compared year over year, reflects the impact on our operations from trends in occupancy rates, rental rates, operating costs, general and administrative expenses, and interest costs, which may not be immediately apparent from net income.
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Core Funds from Operations
In calculating Core FFO, we start with FFO, then we exclude certain non-core items such as acquisition, transaction and other costs, as well as certain other costs that are considered to be non-core, such as debt extinguishment costs, fire loss and other costs related to damages at our properties. The purchase of properties, and the corresponding expenses associated with that process, is a key operational feature of our core business plan to generate operational income and cash flows in order to make dividend payments to stockholders. In evaluating investments in real estate, we differentiate the costs to acquire the investment from the subsequent operations of the investment. We also add back non-cash write-offs of deferred financing costs and prepayment penalties incurred with the early extinguishment of debt which are included in net income but are considered financing cash flows when paid in the statement of cash flows. We consider these write-offs and prepayment penalties to be capital transactions and not indicative of operations. By excluding expensed acquisition, transaction and other costs as well as non-core costs, we believe Core FFO provides useful supplemental information that is comparable for each type of real estate investment and is consistent with management’s analysis of the investing and operating performance of our properties.
Adjusted Funds from Operations
In calculating AFFO, we start with Core FFO, then we exclude certain income or expense items from AFFO that we consider more reflective of investing activities, other non-cash income and expense items and the income and expense effects of other activities that are not a fundamental attribute of our business plan. These items include early extinguishment of debt and other items excluded in Core FFO as well as unrealized gain and loss, which may not ultimately be realized, such as gain or loss on derivative instruments, gain or loss on foreign currency transactions, and gain or loss on investments. In addition, by excluding non-cash income and expense items such as amortization of above-market and below-market leases intangibles, amortization of deferred financing costs, straight-line rent and equity-based compensation from AFFO, we believe we provide useful information regarding income and expense items which have a direct impact on our ongoing operating performance. We also exclude revenue attributable to the reimbursement by third parties of financing costs that we originally incurred because these revenues are not, in our view, related to operating performance. We also include the realized gain or loss on foreign currency exchange contracts for AFFO as such items are part of our ongoing operations and affect our current operating performance.
In calculating AFFO, we exclude certain expenses which under GAAP are characterized as operating expenses in determining operating net income. All paid and accrued acquisition, transaction and other costs (including prepayment penalties for debt extinguishments) and certain other expenses negatively impact our operating performance during the period in which expenses are incurred or properties are acquired will also have negative effects on returns to investors, but are not reflective of on-going performance. Further, under GAAP, certain contemplated non-cash fair value and other non-cash adjustments are considered operating non-cash adjustments to net income. In addition, as discussed above, we view gain and loss from fair value adjustments as items which are unrealized and may not ultimately be realized and not reflective of ongoing operations and are therefore typically adjusted for when assessing operating performance. Excluding income and expense items detailed above from our calculation of AFFO provides information consistent with management’s analysis of our operating performance. Additionally, fair value adjustments, which are based on the impact of current market fluctuations and underlying assessments of general market conditions, but can also result from operational factors such as rental and occupancy rates, may not be directly related or attributable to our current operating performance. By excluding such changes that may reflect anticipated and unrealized gain or loss, we believe AFFO provides useful supplemental information. By providing AFFO, we believe we are presenting useful information that can be used to, among other things, assess our performance without the impact of transactions or other items that are not related to our portfolio of properties. AFFO presented by us may not be comparable to AFFO reported by other REITs that define AFFO differently. Furthermore, we believe that in order to facilitate a clear understanding of our operating results, AFFO should be examined in conjunction with net income (loss) as presented in our consolidated financial statements. AFFO should not be considered as an alternative to net income (loss) as an indication of our performance or to cash flows as a measure of our liquidity or ability to make distributions.
Accounting Treatment of Rent Deferrals
All of the concessions granted to our tenants as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic are rent deferrals with the original lease term unchanged and collection of deferred rent deemed probable (see the Overview - Management Update on the Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic section of this Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations for additional information on second quarter rent deferrals). As a result of relief granted by the FASB and SEC related to lease modification accounting, rental revenue used to calculate net income and NAREIT FFO has not, and we do not expect we will be, significantly impacted by the deferrals we have entered into. In addition, since we currently believe that these deferral amounts are collectable, we have excluded from the increase in straight-line rent for AFFO purposes the amounts recognized under GAAP relating to rent deferrals. For a detailed discussion of our revenue recognition policy, including details related to the relief granted by the FASB and SEC, see Note 2 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies to the consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
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The table below reflects the items deducted from or added to net income attributable to common stockholders in our calculation of FFO, Core FFO and AFFO for the periods indicated. Adjustments for unconsolidated partnerships and joint ventures are calculated to reflect the proportionate share of adjustments for non-controlling interest to arrive at FFO, Core FFO and AFFO, as applicable.
| Year Ended December 31, | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (In thousands) | 2021 | 2020 | |||||
| Net loss attributable to common stockholders (in accordance with GAAP) | $ | (8,698) | $ | (7,775) | |||
| Impairment charges | 17,525 | — | |||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 163,076 | 138,543 | |||||
| (Gain) loss on dispositions of real estate investments | (1,484) | 153 | |||||
| FFO (as defined by NAREIT) attributable to common stockholders (1) | 170,419 | 130,921 | |||||
| Acquisition, transaction and other costs | 141 | 663 | |||||
| Loss on extinguishment of debt | — | 3,601 | |||||
| Core FFO attributable to common stockholders (1) | 170,560 | 135,185 | |||||
| Non-cash equity-based compensation | 11,032 | 10,065 | |||||
| Non-cash portion of incentive fee | — | — | |||||
| Non-cash portion of interest expense | 9,878 | 7,809 | |||||
| Amortization related to above and below-market lease intangibles and right-of-use assets, net | 242 | 791 | |||||
| Straight-line rent | (5,748) | (7,937) | |||||
| Straight-line rent (rent deferral agreements) (2) | (1,689) | 1,808 | |||||
| Unrealized loss on undesignated foreign currency advances and other hedge ineffectiveness | — | 6,039 | |||||
| Eliminate unrealized (gains) losses on foreign currency transactions (3) | (6,252) | 6,752 | |||||
| Amortization of mortgage discounts | 708 | 13 | |||||
| Reimbursement of financing costs from McLaren loan (4) | (5,234) | — | |||||
| AFFO attributable to common stockholders (1) | $ | 173,497 | $ | 160,525 | |||
| Summary | |||||||
| FFO (as defined by NAREIT) attributable to common stockholders | $ | 170,419 | $ | 130,921 | |||
| Core FFO attributable to common stockholders | $ | 170,560 | $ | 135,185 | |||
| AFFO attributable to common stockholders | $ | 173,497 | $ | 160,525 |
_____
(1)FFO, Core FFO and AFFO for the year ended December 31, 2021 includes income from a lease termination fee of $8.8 million, which is recorded in Revenue from tenants in the consolidated statements of operations. While such termination payments occur infrequently, they represent cash income for accounting and tax purposes and as such management believes they should be included in both FFO and AFFO. The termination fee of approximately $9.0 million was payable by the tenant at the end of the lease term on January 4, 2022 was earned and recorded as income evenly over the period from September 3, 2021 through January 4, 2022, however, we did not receive the cash payment until January 4, 2022. Therefore, the cash payment is not part of our cash flows for the period ended December 31, 2021.
(2)Represents amounts related to deferred rent pursuant to lease negotiations which qualify for FASB relief for which rent was deferred but not reduced. These amounts are included in the straight-line rent receivable on our balance sheet but are considered to be earned revenue attributed to the current period for rent that was deferred, for purposes of AFFO, as they are expected to be collected. Accordingly, when the deferred amounts are collected, the amounts reduce AFFO.
(3)For AFFO purposes, we adjust for unrealized gains and losses. For the year ended December 31, 2021, gains on derivative instruments were $5.8 million which consisted of unrealized gains of $6.3 million and realized losses of $0.5 million. For the year ended December 31, 2020, losses on derivative instruments were $2.3 million which consisted of unrealized losses of $6.8 million and realized gains of $4.5 million.
(4)Amount represents a receivable recorded for financing costs we incurred in connection with the mortgage loan that financed the acquisition of the global headquarters of the McLaren Group that the McLaren Group is required to reimburse. For accounting purposes, the receivable for these reimbursable costs is included in prepaid expenses and other assets on the consolidated balance sheet and in revenue from tenants in the consolidated statements of operations since the receivable is considered to be earned revenue attributed to the current year-to date period.
Dividends
The amount of dividends payable to our common stockholders is determined by our board of directors and is dependent on a number of factors, including funds available for dividends, our financial condition, provisions in our Credit Facility or other agreements that may restrict our ability to pay dividends, capital expenditure requirements, as applicable, requirements of Maryland law and annual distribution requirements needed to maintain our status as a REIT.
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Through March 31, 2020, we paid dividends on Common Stock at an annualized rate of $2.13 per share or $0.5325 per share on a quarterly basis. In March 2020, our board of directors approved a change in the dividend to an annual rate of $1.60 per share or $0.40 per share on a quarterly basis, which became effective in the second quarter of 2020 with our April 1, 2020 dividend declaration. Dividends authorized by our board of directors and declared by us are paid on a quarterly basis in arrears on the 15th day of the first month following the end of each fiscal quarter (unless otherwise specified) to common stockholders of record on the record date for such payment.
Dividends on our Series A Preferred Stock accrue in an amount equal to $0.453125 per share per quarter to Series A Preferred Stock holders, which is equivalent to 7.25% of the $25.00 liquidation preference per share of Series A Preferred Stock per annum. Dividends on our Series B Preferred Stock accrue in an amount equal to $0.429688 per share per quarter to Series B Preferred Stock holders, which is equivalent to 6.875% of the $25.00 liquidation preference per share of Series B Preferred Stock per annum. Dividends on the Series A Preferred Stock and Series B Preferred Stock are payable quarterly in arrears on the 15th day of January, April, July and October of each year (or, if not on a business day, on the next succeeding business day) to holders of record on the close of business on the record date set by our board of directors. Any accrued and unpaid dividends payable with respect to the Series A Preferred Stock and Series B Preferred Stock become part of the liquidation preference thereof.
In June 2021, we paid a $10.6 million catch-up distribution to the Advisor in respect of the 2,135,496 LTIP Units that were earned under the 2018 OPP.
Pursuant to the Credit Facility, we may not pay distributions, including cash dividends payable with respect to Common Stock, Series A Preferred Stock, Series B Preferred Stock, or any other class or series of stock we may issue in the future, or redeem or otherwise repurchase shares of Common Stock, Series A Preferred Stock, Series B Preferred Stock, or any other class or series of stock we may issue in the future that exceed 100% of our Adjusted FFO as defined in the Credit Facility (which is different from AFFO disclosed in this Annual Report on Form 10-K) for any period of four consecutive fiscal quarters, except in limited circumstances, including that for one fiscal quarter in each calendar year, we may pay cash dividends and other distributions and make redemptions and other repurchases in an aggregate amount equal to no more than 105% of our Adjusted FFO. We used the exception to pay dividends that were between 100% of Adjusted FFO to 105% of Adjusted FFO during the quarter ended on June 30, 2020, and may use this exception in the future.
Our ability to pay dividends in the future and maintain compliance with the restrictions on the payment of dividends in our Credit Facility depends on our ability to operate profitably and to generate sufficient cash flows from the operations of our existing properties and any properties we may acquire. There can be no assurance that we will complete acquisitions on a timely basis or on acceptable terms and conditions, if at all. If we fail to do so (and we are not otherwise able to increase the amount of cash we have available to pay dividends and other distributions), our ability to comply with the restrictions on the payment of dividends in our Credit Facility may be adversely affected, and we might be required to further reduce the amount of dividends we pay. In the past, the lenders under our Credit Facility have consented to increase the maximum amount of our Adjusted FFO we may use to pay cash dividends and other distributions and make redemptions and other repurchases in certain periods, most recently in connection with the amendment and restatement of our Credit Facility in August 2019. There can be no assurance that they will do so again in the future.
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Cash used to pay dividends and distributions during the year ended December 31, 2021 was generated from cash flows from operations and cash on hand, consisting of proceeds from borrowings. The following table shows the sources for the payment of dividends to holders of Common Stock, Series A Preferred Stock, Series B Preferred Stock, and distributions to holders of LTIP Units for the periods indicated:
| Three Months Ended | Year Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| March 31, 2021 | June 30, 2021 | September 30, 2021 | December 31, 2021 | December 31, 2021 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (In thousands) | Percentage of Dividends | Percentage of Dividends | Percentage of Dividends | Percentage of Dividends | Percentage of Dividends | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Dividends and Distributions: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Dividends to holders of Common Stock | $ | 36,213 | $ | 38,139 | $ | 40,302 | $ | 41,564 | $ | 156,218 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Dividends to holders of Series A Preferred Stock | 3,081 | 3,081 | 3,081 | 3,081 | 12,324 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Dividends to holders of Series B Preferred Stock | 1,701 | 1,935 | 1,936 | 1,935 | 7,507 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Distributions to holders of LTIP Units | 103 | 10,696 | 100 | 256 | 11,155 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total dividends and distributions | $ | 41,098 | $ | 53,851 | $ | 45,419 | $ | 46,836 | $ | 187,204 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source of dividend coverage: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash flows provided by operations | $ | 41,098 | 100.0 | % | $ | 4,678 | 8.7 | % | $ | 45,419 | 100.0 | % | $ | 34,430 | 73.5 | % | $ | 187,204 | (1) | 100.0 | % | ||||||||||||||
| Available cash on hand | — | — | % | 49,173 | 91.3 | % | — | — | % | 12,406 | 26.5 | % | — | (1) | — | % | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total sources of dividend and distribution coverage | $ | 41,098 | 100.0 | % | $ | 53,851 | 100.0 | % | $ | 45,419 | 100.0 | % | $ | 46,836 | 100.0 | % | $ | 187,204 | 100.0 | % | |||||||||||||||
| Cash flows provided by operations (GAAP basis) | $ | 53,220 | $ | 4,678 | $ | 100,165 | $ | 34,430 | $ | 192,493 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders (in accordance with GAAP) | $ | (832) | $ | (2,428) | $ | 2,374 | $ | (7,812) | $ | (8,698) |
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(1) Year-to-date totals do may equal the sum of the quarters. Each quarter and year-to-date period is evaluated separately for purposes of this table.
Foreign Currency Translation
Our reporting currency is the USD. The functional currency of our foreign investments is the applicable local currency for each foreign location in which we invest. Assets and liabilities in these foreign locations (including intercompany balances for which settlement is not anticipated in the foreseeable future) are translated at the spot rate in effect at the applicable reporting date. The amounts reported in the consolidated statements of operations are translated at the average exchange rates in effect during the applicable period. The resulting unrealized cumulative translation adjustment is recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in the consolidated statements of equity. We are exposed to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates on property investments in foreign countries which pay rental income, incur property related expenses and borrow in currencies other than our functional currency, the USD. We have used and may continue to use foreign currency derivatives including options, currency forward and cross currency swap agreements to manage our exposure to fluctuations in GBP-USD and EUR-USD exchange rates (see Note 8 — Derivatives and Hedging Activities to the consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further discussion).
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Table of Contents
Election as a REIT
We elected to be taxed as a REIT under Sections 856 through 860 of the Code, effective for our taxable year ended December 31, 2013. We believe that, commencing with such taxable year, we have been organized and have operated in a manner so that we qualify for taxation as a REIT under the Code. We intend to continue to operate in such a manner to qualify for taxation as a REIT, but can provide no assurances that we will operate in a manner so as to remain qualified as a REIT. To continue to qualify for taxation as a REIT, we must distribute annually at least 90% of our REIT taxable income (which does not equal net income as calculated in accordance with GAAP), determined without regard for the deduction for dividends paid and excluding net capital gains, and must comply with a number of other organizational and operational requirements. If we continue to qualify for taxation as a REIT, we generally will not be subject to federal corporate income tax on the portion of our REIT taxable income that we distribute to our stockholders. Even if we qualify for taxation as a REIT, we may be subject to certain state and local taxes on our income and properties, as well as federal income and excise taxes on our undistributed income.
In addition, our international assets and operations, including those owned through direct or indirect subsidiaries that are disregarded entities for U.S. federal income tax purposes, continue to be subject to taxation in the foreign jurisdictions where those assets are held or those operations are conducted.
Inflation
We may be adversely impacted by inflation on the leases that do not contain indexed escalation provisions, or those leases which have escalations at rates which do not exceed or approximate current inflation rates. To help mitigate the adverse impact of inflation, approximately 93.7% of our leases with our tenants contain rent escalation provisions which average 1.1% per year. These provisions generally increase rental rates during the terms of the leases either at fixed rates or indexed escalations (based on the Consumer Price Index or other measures). Approximately 58.5% based on straight line rent are fixed-rate, 28.0% are based on the Consumer Price Index, 7.2% are based on other measures and 6.3% do not contain any escalation provisions.
In addition, we may be required to pay costs for maintenance and operation of properties which may adversely impact our results of operations due to potential increases in costs and operating expenses resulting from inflation. However, our net leases require the tenant to pay its allocable share of operating expenses, which may include common area maintenance costs, real estate taxes and insurance. This may reduce our exposure to increases in costs and operating expenses resulting from inflation. As the costs of general goods and services continue to rise, we may be adversely impacted by increases in general and administrative costs due to overall inflation.
Related-Party Transactions and Agreements
Please see Note 11 — Related Party Transactions to our consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for a discussion of the various related party transactions, agreements and fees.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We have no off-balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a current or future effect on our financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources that are material to investors.