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 (seeNote 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
SeeNote 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. SeeNote 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, seeNote 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,
(Gain) loss on dispositions of real estate investments (325) (1,484)
Acquisition, transaction and other costs 244 141
Loss on extinguishment of debt 2,040 —
Non-cash portion of interest expense 9,494 9,878
Straight-line rent (rent deferral agreements) (2) (159) (1,689)
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 —
Summary
Core FFO attributable to common stockholders $ 169,183 $ 170,560
_____
(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
Dividends and Distributions:
Source of dividend coverage:
_____
(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 (seeNote 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.
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.
Market Risk
Market risk is the exposure to loss resulting from changes in interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates, and equity prices. The primary risks to which we are exposed are interest rate risk and foreign currency exchange risk, and we are also exposed to further market risk as a result of concentrations of tenants in certain industries and/or geographic regions. Adverse market factors can affect the ability of tenants in a particular industry/region to meet their respective lease obligations. In order to manage this risk, we view our collective tenant roster as a portfolio, and in our investment decisions we attempt to diversify our portfolio so that we are not overexposed to a particular industry or geographic region.
Generally, we do not use derivative instruments to hedge credit risks or for speculative purposes. However, from time to time, we have entered and may continue to enter into foreign currency forward contracts to hedge our foreign currency cash flow exposures.
Interest Rate Risk
The values of our real estate and related fixed-rate debt obligations are subject to fluctuations based on changes in interest rates. The value of our real estate is also subject to fluctuations based on local and regional economic conditions and changes in the creditworthiness of lessees, all of which may affect our ability to refinance property-level mortgage debt when balloon payments are scheduled, or otherwise if we do not choose to repay the debt when due. Interest rates are highly sensitive to many factors, including governmental monetary and tax policies, domestic and international economic and political conditions, and other factors beyond our control. Increases in interest rates may have an impact on the credit profile of certain tenants.
We are exposed to the impact of interest rate changes primarily through our borrowing activities. We have obtained, and may in the future obtain, variable-rate, non-recourse mortgage loans, and as a result, we have entered into, and may continue to enter into, interest rate swap agreements or interest rate cap agreements with lenders. Interest rate swap agreements effectively convert the variable-rate debt service obligations of the loan to a fixed rate, while interest rate cap agreements limit the underlying interest rate from exceeding a specified strike rate. Interest rate swaps are agreements in which one party exchanges a stream of interest payments for a counterparty’s stream of cash flows over a specific period, and interest rate caps limit the effective borrowing rate of variable-rate debt obligations while allowing participants to share in downward shifts in interest rates. These interest rate swaps and caps are derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges on the interest payments on the debt obligation. The face amounts on which the swaps or caps, are based are not exchanged. Our objective in using these derivatives is to limit our exposure to interest rate movements. We estimated that the total fair value of our interest rate swaps, which are included in Derivative assets, at fair value and Derivative liabilities, at fair value in the consolidated financial
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statements, which totaled $37.3 million and $0.3 million as of December 31, 2022, respectively (seeNote 8 — Derivatives and Hedging Activities to our consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K).
As of December 31, 2022, our total consolidated debt, which includes borrowings under the Credit Facility and secured mortgage financings, had a total carrying value of $2.4 billion, an estimated fair value of $2.3 billion and a weighted-average effective interest rate per annum of 4.0%. At December 31, 2022, a significant portion (approximately 70%) of our long-term debt either bore interest at fixed rates, or was swapped to a fixed rate.
The annual interest rates on our fixed-rate debt mortgage debt at December 31, 2022 ranged from 1.4% to 6.0% and the fixed interest rate on our Senior Notes is 3.75%. In the aggregate, these fixed rate instruments had a weighted-average interest rate of 3.8%.
The contractual annual interest rates on our variable-rate debt at December 31, 2022 ranged from 1.9% to 4.6% and had a weighted-average interest rate of 4.4%. Our interest expense in future periods will vary based on our level of future borrowings, which will depend on our refinancing needs and acquisition activity. In addition, our interest expense will vary based on movements in interest rates, including LIBOR rates. Our debt obligations are more fully described in Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations-Contractual Obligations above.
The following table presents future principal payments based upon expected maturity dates of our debt obligations outstanding at December 31, 2022:
(In thousands) Fixed-rate debt (1) (2) Variable-rate debt (1) Total Debt
____________________
(1)Assumes exchange rates of £1.00 to $1.21 for GBP and €1.00 to $1.07 for EUR as of December 31, 2022, for illustrative purposes, as applicable.
(2)Fixed-rate debt includes variable debt that bears interest at margin plus a floating rate which is fixed through our interest rate swap agreements.
(3)See Liquidity and Capital Resources - Mortgage Notes Payable section above for additional discussion of the implications of debt coming due in 2023.
The estimated fair value of our fixed-rate debt and our variable-rate debt that currently bears interest at fixed rates or has effectively been converted to a fixed rate through the use of interest rate swaps is affected by changes in interest rates. A decrease or increase in interest rates of 1% would change the estimated fair value of this debt at December 31, 2022 by an aggregate increase of $0.4 million or an aggregate decrease of $0.5 million, respectively.
Annual interest expense on our unhedged variable-rate debt that does not bear interest at fixed rates at December 31, 2022 would increase or decrease by approximately $7.4 million for each respective 1% change in annual interest rates.
Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk
We own foreign investments, primarily in Europe but also in Canada and as a result are subject to risk from the effects of exchange rate movements in the Euro, the GBP and the CAD which have affected and may continue to affect future 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, but does not eliminate, our overall exposure to currency fluctuations. In addition, we have used and may continue to use currency hedging to further reduce the exposure to our net cash flow. We are generally a net receiver of the Euro, the GBP and the CAD (we receive more cash than we pay out). 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 subject to any impacts from our hedging activity.
We have designated all current foreign currency draws under the Credit Facility as net investment hedges to the extent of our net investment in foreign subsidiaries. To the extent foreign draws in each currency exceed the net investment, we reflect the effects of changes in currency on such excess in earnings. As of December 31, 2022, we did not have any foreign currency draws in excess of our net investments in our foreign subsidiaries (seeNote 8 — Derivatives and Hedging Activities to our consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K).
We enter into foreign currency forward contracts and put options to hedge certain of our foreign currency cash flow exposures. A foreign currency forward contract is a commitment to deliver a certain amount of foreign currency at a certain price on a specific date in the future. By entering into forward contracts and holding them to maturity, we are locked into a future currency exchange rate for the term of the contract. A foreign currency put option contract consists of a right, but not the
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obligation, to sell a specified amount of foreign currency for a specified amount of another currency at a specific date. If the exchange rate of the currency fluctuates favorably beyond the strike rate of the put at maturity, the option would be considered “in-the-money” and exercised accordingly. The total estimated fair value of our foreign currency forward contracts and put options, which are included in derivatives, at fair value on the consolidated balance sheets, was in a net asset position of $6.2 million at 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). We have obtained, and may in the future obtain, non-recourse mortgage financing in a foreign currency. To the extent that currency fluctuations increase or decrease rental revenues as translated to USD, the change in debt service, as translated to USD, will partially offset the effect of fluctuations in revenue and, to some extent, mitigate the risk from changes in foreign currency exchange rates.
Scheduled future minimum rents, exclusive of renewals, under non-cancelable operating leases, for our foreign operations as of December 31, 2022, during each of the next five calendar years and thereafter, are as follows:
Future Minimum Base Rent Payments (1)
(In thousands) EUR GBP CAD Total
______
(1)Assumes exchange rates of £1.00 to $1.21 for GBP, €1.00 to $1.07 for EUR and $1.00 CAD to $0.74 as of December 31, 2022 for illustrative purposes, as applicable.
Scheduled debt service payments (principal and interest) for mortgage notes payable for our foreign operations as of December 31, 2022, during each of the next five calendar years and thereafter, are as follows:
Future Debt Service Payments (1) (2)
Mortgage Notes Payable
(In thousands) EUR GBP Total
Thereafter — — —
We currently anticipate that, by their respective due dates, we will have repaid or refinanced certain of these loans, or extended it, but there can be no assurance that we will be able to refinance these loans on favorable terms, if at all. If refinancing has not occurred, we would expect to use our cash resources, including unused capacity on our Credit Facility, to make these payments, if necessary.
Concentration of Credit Risk
Concentrations of credit risk arise when a number of tenants are engaged in similar business activities or have similar economic risks or conditions that could cause them to default on their lease obligations to us. We regularly monitor our portfolio to assess potential concentrations of credit risk. While we believe our portfolio is reasonably well diversified, it does contain concentrations in excess of 10%, based on the percentage of our annualized rental income as of December 31, 2022, in certain areas. See Item 2. Properties in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further discussion on distribution across countries and industries.
Based on our annualized rental income, the majority of our directly owned real estate properties and related loans are located in the U.S. and Canada (65%) and the remaining are in the United Kingdom (17%), The Netherlands (5%), Finland
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(4%) and Germany (3%). No individual tenant accounted for more than 10% of our annualized rental income at December 31, 2022. Based on annualized rental income, at December 31, 2022, our directly owned real estate properties contain significant concentrations in the following asset types: office (41%), industrial/distribution (56%), and retail (3%).
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
The information required by this Item 8 is hereby incorporated by reference to our consolidated financial statements beginning on page F-1 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure.
None.
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures.
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
In accordance with Rules 13a-15(b) and 15d-15(b) of the Exchange Act, we, under the supervision and with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, carried out an evaluation of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Exchange Act) as of the end of the period covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Based on such evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded, as of December 31, 2022, the end of such period, that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective in recording, processing, summarizing and reporting, within the time periods specified in the SEC rules and forms, information required to be disclosed by us in our reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act, and in such information being accumulated and communicated to management as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Management’s Annual Reporting on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) or 15d-15(f) promulgated under the Exchange Act.
Our management assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2022. In making that assessment, management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”) in Internal Control-Integrated Framework (2013).
Based on its assessment, our management concluded that, as of December 31, 2022, our internal control over financial reporting was effective.
The effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2022 has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated on its report, which is included on page F-2 in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
During the three months ended December 31, 2022, there were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) of the Exchange Act) that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
Item9B. Other Information.
None.
Item9C. Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspections.
Not applicable.
PART III
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance.
We have adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics that applies to all of our executive officers and directors, including but not limited to, our principal executive officer and principal financial officer. A copy of our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics may be obtained, free of charge, by sending a written request to our executive office – 650 Fifth Avenue – 30th Floor, New York, NY 10019, attention Chief Financial Officer. Our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics is also available on our website, www.globalnetlease.com.
The information required by this Item will either be set forth in our definitive proxy statement with respect to our 2023 annual meeting of stockholders to be filed not later than May 1, 2023, and incorporated herein by reference or in an amendment to this Annual Report of Form 10-K filed no later than May 1, 2023.
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Item 11. Executive Compensation.
The information required by this Item will be set forth in our definitive proxy statement with respect to our 2023 annual meeting of stockholders to be filed not later than May 1, 2023, and incorporated herein by reference.
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters.
The information required by this Item will be set forth in our definitive proxy statement with respect to our 2023 annual meeting of stockholders to be filed not later than May 1, 2023, and incorporated herein by reference.
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence.
The information required by this Item will be set forth in our definitive proxy statement with respect to our 2023 annual meeting of stockholders to be filed not later than May 1, 2023, and incorporated herein by reference.
Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services.
The information required by this Item will be set forth in our definitive proxy statement with respect to our 2023 annual meeting of stockholders to be filed not later than May 1, 2023, and incorporated herein by reference.
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PART IV
Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules.
(a) Financial Statement Schedules
See the Index to audited consolidated financial statements at page F-1 of this report.
The following financial statement schedule is included herein at page F-54 of this report:
Schedule III – Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation as of December 31, 2022 and for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021.
(b) Exhibits
EXHIBITS INDEX
The following exhibits are included, or incorporated by reference, in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022 (and are numbered in accordance with Item 601 of Regulation S-K).
Exhibit No. Description
3.2 (1) Amended and Restated Bylaws of Global Net Lease, Inc.
3.3 (2) Amendment to Amended and Restated Bylaws of Global Net Lease, Inc.
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Exhibit No. Description
10.16 (29) Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement.
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Exhibit No. Description
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Exhibit No. Description
10.41 (19) Form of Indemnification Agreement.
10.42 (26) Form of Restricted Share Award Agreement.
10.43 (31) Form of Award Agreement (Advisor Plan).
10.44 (39) 2021 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan of Global Net Lease, Inc.
21.1 * List of Subsidiaries.
23.1 * Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP.
101.SCH * Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.
101.CAL * Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.
101.DEF * Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document.
101.LAB * Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document.
101.PRE * Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.
_________________
* Filed herewith
(1)Filed as an exhibit to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on June 3, 2015.
(2)Filed as an exhibit to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on April 9, 2020.
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(3)Filed as an exhibit to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on June 2, 2015.
(4)Filed as an exhibit to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on December 17, 2020.
(5)Filed as an exhibit to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012 filed with the SEC on March 11, 2013.
(6)Filed as an exhibit to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on April 9, 2015.
(7)Filed as an exhibit to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on September 11, 2017.
(8)Filed as an exhibit to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2017 filed with the SEC on November 7, 2017.
(9)Filed as an exhibit to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on December 18, 2017.
(10)Filed as an exhibit to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 filed with the SEC on February 28, 2018.
(11)Filed as an exhibit to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on March 23, 2018.
(12)Filed as an exhibit to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on July 23, 2018.
(13)Filed as an exhibit to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on August 14, 2018.
(14)Filed as an exhibit to our Current Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2018 filed with the SEC on November 7, 2018.
(15)Filed as an exhibit to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2020 filed with the SEC on May 7, 2020.
(16)Filed as an exhibit to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on August 16, 2018.
(17)Filed as an exhibit to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018 filed with the SEC on February 28, 2019.
(18)Filed as an exhibit to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2019 filed with the SEC on May 10, 2019.
(19)Filed as an exhibit to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019 filed with the SEC on February 28, 2020.
(20)Filed as an exhibit to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on June 21, 2019.
(21)Filed as an exhibit to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on August 6, 2019.
(22)Filed as an exhibit to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on September 18, 2019.
(23)Filed as an exhibit to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on November 12, 2019.
(24)Filed as an exhibit to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on November 22, 2019.
(25)Filed as an exhibit to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on December 13, 2019.
(26)Filed as an exhibit to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2020 filed with the SEC on November 6, 2020.
(27)Filed as an exhibit to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020 filed with the SEC on February 26, 2021.
(28)Filed as an exhibit to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on March 19, 2021.
(29)Filed as an exhibit to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2021 filed with the SEC on May 7, 2021.
(30)Filed as an exhibit to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on June 4, 2021.
(31)Filed as an exhibit to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2021 filed with the SEC on August 5, 2021.
(32)Filed as an exhibit to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on August 6, 2021.
(33)Filed as an exhibit to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on November 8, 2021.
(34)Filed as an exhibit to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on December 6, 2021.
(35)Filed as an exhibit to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2022 filed with the SEC on May 5, 2022.
(36)Filed as an exhibit to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on April 11, 2022.
(37)Filed as an exhibit to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on July 29, 2022.
(38)Filed as an exhibit to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on November 7, 2022.
(39)Filed as Annex A to the Company’s definitive proxy statement on Schedule 14A filed with the SEC on February 26, 2021.
(40)Filed as Annex B to the Company’s definitive proxy statement on Schedule 14A filed with the SEC on February 26, 2021.
(41)Filed as an exhibit to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on July 19, 2022.
(42)Filed as an exhibit to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on February 25, 2022.
(43)Filed as an exhibit to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on August 5, 2022.
Item 16. Form 10-K Summary.
None.
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized this 23rd day of February, 2023.
GLOBAL NET LEASE, INC.
By: /s/ James L. Nelson
James L. Nelson
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER AND PRESIDENT
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, this Annual Report on Form 10-K has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
Name Capacity Date
P. Sue Perrotty
/s/ Edward M. Weil, Jr. Director February 23, 2023
Edward M. Weil, Jr.
James L. Nelson
Christopher J. Masterson
M. Therese Antone
Edward G. Rendell
/s/ Abby M. Wenzel Independent Director February 23, 2023
Abby M. Wenzel
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GLOBAL NET LEASE, INC.
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Page
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (PCAOB ID 238) F-2
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2022 and 2021 F-4
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements F-10
Financial Statement Schedule:
Financial statement schedules other than those listed above are omitted because the required information is given in the financial statements, including the notes thereto, or because the conditions requiring their filing do not exist.
F-1
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To theBoard of Directors and Stockholders of Global Net Lease, Inc.
Opinions on the Financial Statements and Internal Control over Financial Reporting
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Global Net Lease, Inc. and its subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, and the related consolidated statements of operations, of comprehensive (loss) income, of equity and of cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2022, including the related notes and financial statement schedule listed in the accompanying index (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”).We also have audited the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2022, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework(2013)issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).
In our opinion, the consolidatedfinancial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2022, and 2021, and the results of itsoperations and itscash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2022, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2022, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework(2013)issued by the COSO.
Basis for Opinions
The Company's management is responsible for these consolidated financial statements, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in Management's Annual Reporting on Internal Control over Financial Reporting appearing under Item 9A.Our responsibility is to express opinions on the Company’s consolidatedfinancial statements and on the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidatedfinancial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud, and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.
Our audits of the consolidatedfinancial statements included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidatedfinancial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidatedfinancial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidatedfinancial statements. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.
Definition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
F-2
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Critical Audit Matters
The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current period audit of the consolidated financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that (i) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to theconsolidatedfinancial statements and (ii) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidatedfinancial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.
Purchase Price Allocations for Property Acquisitions
As described in Notes 2 and 3 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company completed property acquisitions with cash paid for acquired real estate investments, net of liabilities assumed, of $33.9 million during the year ended December 31, 2022. For acquired properties with leases classified as operating leases, management allocates the purchase price of acquired properties to tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their respective fair values. Tangible assets include land, land improvements, buildings, fixtures, and tenant improvements on an as-if vacant basis. Management utilizes various estimates, processes, and information to determine the as-if vacant property value. Estimates of value are made by management 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. 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 term of the lease for above-market leases and the remaining initial term plus the term of any below-market fixed rate renewal options for below-market leases.
The principal considerations for our determination that performing procedures relating to purchase price allocations for property acquisitions is a critical audit matter are the significant judgment by management to develop the fair value estimates of tangible and intangible assets and liabilities. This in turn led to a high degree of auditor judgment and subjectivity in applying procedures and evaluating audit evidence relating to these fair value estimates. In addition, significant audit effort was required in evaluating the significant assumptions relating to the discounted cash flows of tangible and intangible assets and liabilities and capitalization rates, discount rates, fair market lease rates, and land values per square foot. The audit effort involved the use of professionals with specialized skill and knowledge to assist in performing these procedures and evaluating the audit evidence obtained.
Addressing the matter involved performing procedures and evaluating audit evidence in connection with forming our overall opinion on the consolidated financial statements. These procedures included testing the effectiveness of controls relating to purchase price allocations for property acquisitions, including controls over management’s valuation of tangible and intangible assets and liabilities and controls over developing the assumptions used in the discounted cash flow model, related to capitalization rates, discount rates, fair market lease rates, and land values per square foot. Audit procedures also included, among others, (i) reading the executed purchase agreements and lease documents; (ii) testing management’s process for estimating the fair value of tangible and intangible assets and liabilities; (iii) testing management’s projected cash flows used to estimate the fair value of tangible and intangible assets and liabilities, using professionals with specialized skill and knowledge to assist in doing so; and (iv) evaluating the accuracy of discounted cash flow model outputs, using professionals with specialized skill and knowledge to assist in doing so. Testing management’s process included evaluating the appropriateness of the valuation methods and the reasonableness of the significant assumptions used in the discounted cash flow model, related to capitalization rates, discount rates, fair market lease rates, and land values per square foot. Evaluating the reasonableness of the significant assumptions included considering whether these assumptions were consistent with external market data, comparable transactions, and evidence obtained in other areas of the audit.
/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
New York, New York
February 23, 2023
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2015.
F-3
GLOBAL NET LEASE, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands, except share and per share data)
December 31,
ASSETS
Real estate investments, at cost (Note 3):
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization (891,479) (810,686)
Derivative assets, at fair value (Note 8) 37,279 4,260
Due from related parties 464 —
Goodwill and other intangible assets, net 21,362 22,060
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Acquired intangible lease liabilities, net 24,550 29,345
Derivative liabilities, at fair value (Note 8) 328 4,259
Accounts payable and accrued expenses 22,889 25,887
Commitments and contingencies (Note 10) — —
Stockholders’ Equity (Note 9):
Accumulated other comprehensive income 1,147 15,546
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-4
GLOBAL NET LEASE, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(In thousands, except share and per share data)
Year Ended December 31,
Expenses:
Acquisition, transaction and other costs 244 141 663
Gain (loss) on dispositions of real estate investments 325 1,484 (153)
Other income (expense):
Loss on extinguishment of debt (2,040) — (3,601)
Net loss attributable to common stockholders $ (8,363) $ (8,698) $ (7,775)
Basic and Diluted Loss Per Common Share:
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-5
GLOBAL NET LEASE, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME
(In thousands)
Year Ended December 31,
Other comprehensive income (loss)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-6
GLOBAL NET LEASE, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY
Years Ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020
(In thousands, except share data)
Series A Preferred Stock Series B Preferred Stock Common Stock
Issuance of Common Stock, net — — — — — — (345) — — (345) — (345)
Issuance of Series A Preferred Stock, net — — — — — — (125) — — (125) — (125)
Dividends declared:
Cumulative translation adjustment — — — — — — — (3,266) — (3,266) — (3,266)
Dividends declared:
Cumulative translation adjustment — — — — — — — (5,712) — (5,712) — (5,712)
Dividends declared:
Cumulative translation adjustment — — — — — — — (42,794) — (42,794) — (42,794)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-7
GLOBAL NET LEASE, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)
Year Ended December 31,
Cash flows from operating activities:
Amortization of mortgage discounts and premiums, net 939 708 13
Amortization of below-market lease liabilities (3,531) (4,358) (3,444)
Amortization related to right-of-use assets 844 944 863
Amortization of lease incentives and commissions 1,362 761 341
Termination fee - receipt (unbilled) 8,558 (8,753) —
Loss on extinguishment of debt 2,040 — 3,601
(Gain) loss on dispositions of real estate investments (325) (1,484) 153
Lease incentive and commission payments (6,339) (9,419) (4,676)
Impairment charges and related lease intangible write-offs 21,561 17,525 —
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net:
Taxes payable — — (1,046)
Cash flows from investing activities:
Deposits for real estate investments (7,379) — —
Proceeds from dispositions of real estate investments 54,678 48,747 —
Cash flows from financing activities:
Repayments on revolving credit facilities — (78,437) (428,715)
Payments on term loan — — (136,702)
Proceeds from issuance of Senior Notes — — 500,000
Payments on early extinguishment of debt (487) — (548)
Common shares repurchased upon vesting of restricted stock (686) (156) —
Common Stock issuance proceeds (costs), net 894 214,044 (345)
Series A Preferred Stock issuance costs — — (125)
Dividends paid on Series B Preferred Stock (7,979) (7,507) (5,105)
Distributions to non-controlling interest holders (400) (10,999) (441)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash (4,407) (6,628) 4,402
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-8
GLOBAL NET LEASE, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)
Year Ended December 31,
Supplemental Disclosures:
Non-Cash Activity:
Term Loan converted to Revolving Credit Facility $ 268,511 $ — $ —
Loss on extinguishment of debt $ 1,553 $ — $ 3,053
Assumed mortgage used to acquire real estate $ — $ 38,562 $ —
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-9
GLOBAL NET LEASE, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2022
Note 1 — Organization
Global Net Lease, Inc. (the “Company”) is an externally managed real estate investment trust for United States (“U.S.”) federal income tax purposes (“REIT”) that focuses on acquiring and managing a globally diversified portfolio of strategically-located commercial real estate properties, which consist primarily of “Investment Grade” tenants (defined below). The Company invests in commercial properties, with an emphasis on sale-leaseback transactions and mission-critical, single tenant net-lease assets.
As of December 31, 2022, the Company owned 309 properties (all references to number of properties, square footage and industry types are unaudited) consisting of 39.2 million rentable square feet, which were 98% leased, with a weighted-average remaining lease term of 8.0 years. Based on the percentage of annualized rental income on a straight-line basis as of December 31, 2022, approximately 65% of the Company’s properties were located in the U.S. and Canada and approximately 35% were located in Europe. In addition, the Company’s portfolio was comprised of 56% industrial/distribution properties, 41% office properties and 3% retail properties. These percentages are calculated using annualized straight-line rent converted from local currency into the U.S. Dollar (“USD”) as of December 31, 2022. The straight-line rent includes amounts for tenant concessions.
Substantially all of the Company’s business is conducted through the Global Net Lease Operating Partnership, L.P. (the “OP”), a Delaware limited partnership. The Company has retained Global Net Lease Advisors, LLC (the “Advisor”) to manage the Company’s affairs on a day-to-day basis. The Company’s properties are managed and leased to third parties by Global Net Lease Properties, LLC (the “Property Manager”). The Advisor and the Property Manager are under common control with AR Global Investments, LLC (“AR Global”), and these related parties receive compensation and fees for various services provided to the Company.
“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 analytical tool, which generates an implied rating by measuring an entity’s probability of- default.
Note 2 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Basis of Accounting
The accompanying consolidated financial statements of the Company are prepared on the accrual basis of accounting in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”).
Principles of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company, the OP and its subsidiaries. All intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated in consolidation. In determining whether the Company has a controlling financial interest in a joint venture and the requirement to consolidate the accounts of that entity, management considers factors such as ownership interest, authority to make decisions and contractual and substantive participating rights of the other partners or members as well as whether the entity is a variable interest entity (“VIE”) for which the Company is the primary beneficiary. Substantially all of the Company’s assets and liabilities are held by the OP.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Management makes significant estimates regarding revenue recognition, purchase price allocations to record investments in real estate, income taxes, derivative financial instruments, hedging activities, equity-based compensation expenses related to the multi-year outperformance agreements entered into with the Advisor in 2018 (the “2018 OPP”) and in 2021 (the “2021 OPP”) and fair value measurements, as applicable.
F-10
GLOBAL NET LEASE, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2022
Out-of-Period Adjustments
During the fourth quarter of 2020, the Company identified certain historical errors in its accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”) as well as its consolidated statements operations, statements of comprehensive (loss) income and consolidated statements of changes in equity since the second quarter of 2020. These errors impacted the previously issued financial statements for the second and third quarters of 2020.
Specifically, the impact of foreign currency changes on the Company’s over-hedged portion of its net investment hedges, which is the portion the Company considered to be ineffective, was incorrectly recorded as a currency translation adjustment in AOCI in the second and third quarters of 2020. The foreign currency impacts on the ineffective portion of its net investment hedges should have been recorded in unrealized (loss) income on undesignated foreign currency advances and other hedge ineffectiveness in the consolidated statement of operations. For additional information on the Company’s derivatives and hedging activities, see the “Derivative Instruments” section in this Note below and see Note 8 — Derivatives and Hedging Activities. The impact of the errors are as follows:
•AOCI was understated by $1.3 million as of June 30, 2020 and net (loss) income attributable to common stockholders was overstated by $1.3 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2020.