EDGAR 10-K Filing

Company CIK: 1527541
Filing Year: 2021
Filename: 1527541_10-K_2021_0001628280-21-005085.json

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ITEM 1. BUSINESS
Item 1. Business.
Overview
Wheeler Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc. (the “Trust” or “REIT” or “Company”) is a Maryland corporation formed on June 23, 2011. The Trust serves as the general partner of Wheeler REIT, L.P. (the “Operating Partnership”) which was formed as a Virginia limited partnership on April 5, 2012. Substantially, all of our assets are held by, and all of our operations are conducted through, our Operating Partnership. The Company is a fully-integrated, self-managed commercial real estate investment company that owns, leases and operates income-producing retail properties with a primary focus on grocery-anchored centers.
Our corporate office is located at 2529 Virginia Beach Boulevard, Virginia Beach, Virginia 23452. Our telephone number is (757) 627-9088. Our registrar and stock transfer agent is Computershare Trust Company, N.A. and may be contacted at 250 Royall Street, Canton, MA 02021 or their website, www.computershare.com.
Impact of COVID-19
The United States of America has been subject to significant economic disruption caused by the onset of the novel coronavirus ("COVID-19"). Nearly every industry has been impacted directly or indirectly, and the U.S. retail market has come under severe pressure due to numerous factors, including preventative measures taken by local, state and federal authorities to alleviate the public health crisis such as mandatory business closures, quarantines, restrictions on travel and “shelter-in-place” or “stay-at-home” orders at the state and local levels. While many of these restrictions were lifted or relaxed throughout the year there is uncertainty surrounding future restrictions. The Company remained operational for the entire year. Additional information regarding the impact of COVID-19 on our business can be found under the section titled "Impact of COVID-19" included within Part II, Item 7, "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations," of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Portfolio
Our portfolio contains retail properties in secondary and tertiary markets, with a particular emphasis on grocery-anchored retail centers. Our properties are in communities that have stable demographics and have historically exhibited favorable trends, such as strong population and income growth. We generally lease our properties to national and regional retailers that offer consumer goods and generate regular consumer traffic. We believe our tenants carry goods that are less impacted by fluctuations in the broader U.S. economy and consumers’ disposable income, generating more predictable property level cash flows.
The Company’s portfolio of properties is dependent upon regional and local economic conditions. As of December 31, 2020, we own a portfolio consisting of sixty-six properties, including sixty retail shopping centers, totaling 5,561,766 total leasable square feet which is 88.9% leased (our "operating portfolio"), and six undeveloped land parcels totaling approximately 63 acres. The properties are geographically located in the Southeast, Mid-Atlantic and Northeast, which markets represented approximately 61%, 35% and 4%, respectively, of the total annualized base rent of the properties in its portfolio as of December 31, 2020.
No tenant represents greater than 6% of the Company’s annualized base rent or 7% of gross leasable square footage. The top 10 tenants account for 26.41% or $12.38 million of annualized base rent and 29.72% or 1.65 million of gross leasable square footage at December 31, 2020.
Management Team and People
We have 35 full-time employees. Our management team has experience and capabilities across the real estate sector with experience in all aspects of the commercial real estate industry, specifically in our target/existing markets.
Daniel Khoshaba, age 61, has served as Chief Executive Officer (the "CEO") since April 2020 and has served as a director since February 2020. Mr. Khoshaba has over thirty years of experience as a real estate investor, developer and founder of companies in multiple industries including manufacturing, finance and real estate. Prior to joining us, Mr. Khoshaba co-founded City Sunstone Properties ("CSP") in 2012. Between 2012 and 2016, CSP acquired retail strip malls, shopping centers, office complexes, and raw land for development. The company’s portfolio primarily consisted of properties in sub-markets with strong demographics and high traffic counts. Much of the portfolio was sold at multiples of CSP’s initial investment between 2016 and 2018. In 2004, Mr. Khoshaba co-founded KSA Capital Partners, a long/short equity hedge fund which became one of the top performing funds in the industry as noted by Barron’s magazine. In 2013, Hedge Funds Review voted KSA the Best Long/Short equity hedge fund in the Americas. Mr. Khoshaba earned a bachelor's degree from DePaul University and a MBA from the University of Chicago.
Andrew Franklin, age 40, is our Chief Operating Officer and has over twenty-two years of commercial real estate experience and joined the Company in 2014. Mr. Franklin is responsible for overseeing the property management, lease administration and leasing divisions of our portfolio of commercial assets. Prior to joining us, Mr. Franklin was a partner with Broad Reach Retail Partners, LLC where he ran the day-to-day operations, managed the leasing team as well as oversaw the asset, property and construction management of the portfolio with assets totaling $50 million. Mr. Franklin is a graduate of the University of Maryland, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance.
Crystal Plum, age 39, has served as Chief Financial Officer since February 2020 and first joined the Company in 2016. Prior to her appointment as CFO, Ms. Plum most recently served as the Vice President of Financial Reporting and Corporate Accounting for the Company. Prior to that time, she served as Manager at Dixon Hughes Goodman LLP from September 2014 to August 2016 and as Supervisor at Dixon Hughes Goodman LLP from 2008 to September 2014. Ms. Plum has experience reviewing and performing audits, reviews, compilations and tax engagements for a diverse group of clients, as well as banking experience. Ms. Plum is a certified public accountant and has a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting and Finance from Old Dominion University.
Business Objectives and Investment Strategy
Our primary business objective is to provide attractive risk-adjusted returns to our stockholders. We intend to achieve this objective utilizing the following investment strategies:
•Focus on necessity-based retail. Own and operate retail properties that serve the essential day-to-day shopping needs of the surrounding communities. These necessity-based centers attract high levels of daily traffic resulting in cross-selling of goods and services from our tenants. The majority of our tenants provide non-cyclical consumer goods and services that are less impacted by fluctuations in the economy. We believe these centers that provide essential goods and services such as groceries results in a stable, lower-risk portfolio of retail investment properties.
•Focus on secondary and tertiary markets with strong demographics and demand. Our properties are in markets that have strong demographics such as population density, population growth, tenant sales trends and growth in household income. We seek to identify new tenants and renew leases with existing tenants in these locations that support the need for necessity-based retail and limited new supply.
•Increase operating income through leasing strategies and expense management. We employ intensive lease management strategies to optimize occupancy. Management has strong expertise in acquiring and managing under-performing properties and increasing operating income through more effective leasing strategies and expense management. Our leases generally require the tenant to reimburse us for a substantial portion of the expenses incurred in operating, maintaining, repairing, and managing the shopping center and the common areas, along with the associated insurance costs and real estate taxes. In many cases the tenant is either fully or partially responsible for all maintenance of the property, thereby limiting our financial exposure towards maintaining the center and increasing our net income. We refer to this arrangement as a “triple net lease.”
•Selectively utilize our capital to improve retail properties. We intend to make capital investments where the return on
such capital is accretive to our stockholders. We allocate capital to value-added improvements of retail properties to increase rents, extend long-term leases with anchor tenants and increase occupancy. We selectively allocate capital to revenue enhancing projects that we believe will improve the market position of a given property.
•Recycling and sensible management of capital structure. We intend to sell non-income producing land parcels utilizing sales proceeds to deleverage the balance sheet. In addition, we intend to monetize assets to redeploy the capital to further deleverage and strengthen the balance sheet. In 2020, we sold 2 properties for a total of $4.51 million net proceeds which were used to reduce outstanding indebtedness. Additional properties have been slated for disposition based upon management’s periodic review of our portfolio, and the determination by our Board of Directors.
Governmental Regulations Affecting Our Properties
We and our properties are subject to a variety of federal, state and local environmental, health, safety and similar laws. The application of these laws to a specific property that we own depends on a variety of property-specific circumstances, including the current and former uses of the property, the building materials used at the property and the physical layout of the property. Neither existing environmental, health, safety and similar laws nor the costs of our compliance with these laws has had a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations, and management does not believe they will in the future. In addition, we have not incurred, and do not expect to incur, any material costs or liabilities due to environmental contamination at properties we currently own or have owned in the past. However, we cannot predict the impact of new or changed laws or regulations on properties we currently own or may acquire in the future. We have no current plans for substantial capital expenditures with respect to compliance with environmental, health, safety and similar laws and we carry environmental insurance which covers a number of environmental risks for most of our properties.
Competition
Numerous commercial developers and real estate companies compete with us with respect to the leasing of properties. Some of these competitors may possess greater capital resources than we do, although we do not believe that any single competitor or group of competitors in any of the primary markets where our properties are located are dominant in that market. This competition may interfere with our ability to attract and retain tenants, leading to increased vacancy rates and/or reduced rents and adversely affect our ability to minimize operating expenses.
Retailers at our properties also face increasing competition from online retailers, outlet stores, discount shopping clubs, superstores, and other forms of sales and marketing of goods and services, such as direct mail. This competition could contribute to lease defaults and insolvency of tenants.
Company Website Access and SEC Filings
We are subject to the information reporting requirements of the Exchange Act. Pursuant to those requirements, we are required to file annual and periodic reports, proxy statements and other information, including audited consolidated financial statements, with the SEC which can be found at http://www.sec.gov.
Additionally, we make available free of charge through our website http://www.whlr.us our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, including our audited consolidated financial statements, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file or furnish such materials to the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). In addition, we have posted the Charters of our Audit Committee, Compensation Committee, and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, as well as our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics for Employees, Officers, Agents and Representatives, Code of Business Conduct and Ethics for Members of the Board of Directors, Corporate Governance Principles, including guidelines on director independence, and Insider Trading Policy, all under separate headings. The content of our website is not incorporated by reference into this Annual Report on Form 10-K or in any other report or document we file with the SEC, and any references to our website is intended to be inactive textual references only.

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ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
Item 1A. Risk Factors.
We are a smaller reporting company as defined by Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act and are not required to provide the information under this item.

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ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments.
None.

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ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
Item 2. Properties.
Our Portfolio
At December 31, 2020, we owned sixty-six properties, including sixty income producing properties located in Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and West Virginia, containing a total of 5,561,766 gross leasable square feet of retail space, which we refer to as our operating portfolio. Additionally, we owned six undeveloped land parcels located in Virginia, North Carolina and Oklahoma. The following table presents an overview of our properties, based on information as of December 31, 2020.
Portfolio
Property
Location
Number of
Tenants (1)
Total Leasable
Square Feet
Percentage
Leased (1)
Percentage Occupied
Total SF Occupied
Annualized
Base Rent (in 000's) (2)
Annualized Base Rent per Occupied Sq. Foot
Alex City Marketplace Alexander City, AL 15 151,843 96.1 % 77.6 % 117,843 $ 981 $ 8.32
Amscot Building Tampa, FL 1 2,500 100.0 % 100.0 % 2,500 83 33.00
Beaver Ruin Village Lilburn, GA 28 74,038 90.4 % 90.4 % 66,948 1,160 17.32
Beaver Ruin Village II Lilburn, GA 4 34,925 100.0 % 100.0 % 34,925 456 13.07
Berkley (3)
Norfolk, VA - - - % - % - - -
Berkley Shopping Center Norfolk, VA 10 47,945 42.0 % 42.0 % 20,140 183 9.10
Brook Run Shopping Center Richmond, VA 18 147,738 85.5 % 85.5 % 126,243 1,099 8.70
Brook Run Properties (3)
Richmond, VA - - - % - % - - -
Bryan Station Lexington, KY 10 54,277 100.0 % 100.0 % 54,277 594 10.95
Butler Square Mauldin, SC 15 82,400 98.2 % 94.9 % 78,196 811 10.38
Cardinal Plaza Henderson, NC 8 50,000 97.0 % 97.0 % 48,500 478 9.85
Chesapeake Square Onley, VA 12 108,982 96.5 % 96.5 % 105,182 795 7.56
Clover Plaza Clover, SC 10 45,575 100.0 % 100.0 % 45,575 373 8.18
Columbia Fire Station Columbia, SC 1 21,273 14.4 % 14.4 % 3,063 81 26.60
Courtland Commons (3)
Courtland, VA - - - % - % - - -
Conyers Crossing Conyers, GA 12 170,475 95.7 % 95.7 % 163,150 855 5.24
Crockett Square Morristown, TN 4 107,122 100.0 % 100.0 % 107,122 940 8.78
Cypress Shopping Center Boiling Springs, SC 16 80,435 39.5 % 39.5 % 31,775 429 13.49
Darien Shopping Center Darien, GA 1 26,001 100.0 % 100.0 % 26,001 156 6.00
Devine Street Columbia, SC 2 38,464 100.0 % 100.0 % 38,464 319 8.28
Edenton Commons (3)
Edenton, NC - - - % - % - - -
Folly Road Charleston, SC 5 47,794 100.0 % 100.0 % 47,794 730 15.26
Forrest Gallery Tullahoma, TN 25 214,451 80.3 % 79.4 % 170,224 1,223 7.18
Fort Howard Shopping Center Rincon, GA 19 113,652 95.1 % 95.1 % 108,120 1,048 9.69
Freeway Junction Stockbridge, GA 19 156,834 100.0 % 100.0 % 156,834 1,324 8.44
Franklin Village Kittanning, PA 25 151,821 98.7 % 94.9 % 144,021 1,195 8.30
Franklinton Square Franklinton, NC 13 65,366 100.0 % 93.0 % 60,800 558 9.17
Georgetown Georgetown, SC 2 29,572 100.0 % 100.0 % 29,572 267 9.04
Grove Park Orangeburg, SC 13 93,265 97.7 % 97.7 % 91,121 699 7.67
Harbor Point (3)
Grove, OK - - - % - % - - -
Harrodsburg Marketplace Harrodsburg, KY 6 60,048 79.0 % 79.0 % 47,448 404 8.52
JANAF (4)
Norfolk, VA 109 800,026 84.8 % 84.6 % 676,703 8,084 11.95
Laburnum Square Richmond, VA 20 109,405 97.5 % 97.5 % 106,705 982 9.21
Ladson Crossing Ladson, SC 14 52,607 97.2 % 97.2 % 51,107 487 9.53
LaGrange Marketplace LaGrange, GA 13 76,594 96.9 % 96.9 % 74,194 429 5.78
Lake Greenwood Crossing Greenwood, SC 6 47,546 87.5 % 87.5 % 41,618 332 7.98
Lake Murray Lexington, SC 4 39,218 96.9 % 96.9 % 38,018 236 6.20
Litchfield Market Village Pawleys Island, SC 19 86,740 87.3 % 87.3 % 75,702 901 11.91
Lumber River Village Lumberton, NC 11 66,781 86.4 % 86.4 % 57,681 435 7.55
Moncks Corner Moncks Corner, SC 1 26,800 100.0 % 100.0 % 26,800 323 12.07
Property
Location
Number of
Tenants (1)
Total Leasable
Square Feet
Percentage
Leased (1)
Percentage Occupied
Total SF Occupied
Annualized
Base Rent (in 000's) (2)
Annualized Base Rent per Occupied Sq. Foot
Nashville Commons Nashville, NC 12 56,100 100.0 % 100.0 % 56,100 $ 623 $ 11.11
New Market Crossing Mt. Airy, NC 10 117,076 89.0 % 89.0 % 104,138 920 8.84
Parkway Plaza Brunswick, GA 4 52,365 81.7 % 81.7 % 42,785 352 8.22
Pierpont Centre Morgantown, WV 15 111,162 88.4 % 88.4 % 98,256 912 9.28
Port Crossing Harrisonburg, VA 8 65,365 97.9 % 97.9 % 64,000 852 13.31
Ridgeland Ridgeland, SC 1 20,029 100.0 % 100.0 % 20,029 140 7.00
Riverbridge Shopping Center Carrollton, GA 12 91,188 100.0 % 100.0 % 91,188 720 7.89
Rivergate Shopping Center Macon, GA 30 201,680 73.8 % 73.8 % 148,905 2,480 16.66
Sangaree Plaza Summerville, SC 8 66,948 87.4 % 87.4 % 58,498 598 10.23
Shoppes at Myrtle Park Bluffton, SC 13 56,601 99.3 % 99.3 % 56,181 607 10.81
South Lake Lexington, SC 6 44,318 91.2 % 16.3 % 7,200 93 12.98
South Park Mullins, SC 3 60,734 83.2 % 83.2 % 50,509 351 6.95
South Square Lancaster, SC 5 44,350 81.0 % 74.2 % 32,900 276 8.39
St. George Plaza St. George, SC 6 59,279 92.3 % 78.8 % 46,718 338 7.23
Sunshine Plaza Lehigh Acres, FL 23 111,189 100.0 % 100.0 % 111,189 1,076 9.67
Surrey Plaza Hawkinsville, GA 3 42,680 96.5 % 96.5 % 41,180 247 6.00
Tampa Festival Tampa, FL 19 137,987 71.9 % 64.6 % 89,166 891 9.99
Tri-County Plaza Royston, GA 7 67,577 94.1 % 94.1 % 63,577 416 6.55
Tuckernuck Richmond, VA 13 93,624 90.6 % 90.6 % 84,787 956 11.27
Tulls Creek (3)
Moyock, NC - - - % - % - - -
Twin City Commons Batesburg
Leesville, SC 5 47,680 100.0 % 100.0 % 47,680 438 9.18
Village of Martinsville Martinsville, VA 17 290,902 94.5 % 94.0 % 273,346 2,192 8.02
Walnut Hill Plaza Petersburg, VA 6 87,239 38.1 % 38.1 % 33,225 268 8.06
Waterway Plaza Little River, SC 10 49,750 100.0 % 100.0 % 49,750 490 9.85
Westland Square West Columbia, SC 11 62,735 95.7 % 95.7 % 60,065 528 8.78
Winslow Plaza Sicklerville, NJ 18 40,695 100.0 % 100.0 % 40,695 637 15.65
Total Portfolio
756 5,561,766 88.9 % 87.1 % 4,846,433 $ 46,851 $ 9.67
(1) Reflects leases executed through January 6, 2021 that commence subsequent to the end of the current period.
(2) Annualized based rent per occupied square foot, assumes base rent as of the end of the current reporting period, excludes the impact of tenant concessions and rent abatements.
(3) This information is not available because the property is undeveloped.
(4) Square footage is net of the Company's on-premise management office and net of building square footage whereby the Company only leases the land.
Major Tenants
The following table sets forth information regarding the ten largest tenants in our operating portfolio based on annualized base rent as of December 31, 2020.
Tenants Annualized Base Rent
($ in 000s) % of Total Annualized Base Rent Total Occupied Square Feet Percent Total Leasable Square Foot Base Rent Per Occupied Square Foot
1. Food Lion
$ 2,733 5.83 % 325,576 5.85 % $ 8.39
2. BI-LO (1)
2,729 5.82 % 380,675 6.84 % 7.17
3. Kroger (2)
1,355 2.89 % 186,064 3.35 % 7.28
4. Piggly Wiggly
1,322 2.82 % 169,750 3.05 % 7.79
5. Winn Dixie (1)
887 1.89 % 133,575 2.40 % 6.64
6. Planet Fitness
837 1.79 % 100,427 1.81 % 8.33
7. Hobby Lobby
717 1.53 % 114,298 2.06 % 6.27
8. BJ's Wholesale Club
651 1.39 % 147,400 2.65 % 4.42
9. Harris Teeter (2)
578 1.23 % 39,946 0.72 % 14.47
10. Lowes Foods
572 1.22 % 54,838 0.99 % 10.43
$ 12,381 26.41 % 1,652,549 29.72 % $ 7.49
(1) These tenants are both owned by Southeastern Grocers.
(2) These tenants are both owned by The Kroger Company.
Lease Expirations
The following table sets forth information with respect to the lease expirations of our properties as of December 31, 2020.
Lease Expiration Period Number of Expiring Leases Total Expiring Square Footage % of Total Expiring Square Footage % of Total Occupied Square Footage Expiring Expiring Annualized Base Rent (in 000s) % of Total Annualized Base Rent Expiring Base Rent Per Occupied
Square Foot
Available - 715,333 12.86 % - % $ - - % $ -
Month-to-Month 11 24,063 0.43 % 0.50 % 296 0.63 % 12.30
2021 106 363,594 6.54 % 7.50 % 3,820 8.15 % 10.51
2022 126 509,280 9.16 % 10.51 % 5,460 11.65 % 10.72
2023 133 870,708 15.66 % 17.97 % 7,675 16.38 % 8.81
2024 107 665,560 11.97 % 13.73 % 6,373 13.60 % 9.58
2025 104 787,608 14.16 % 16.25 % 7,874 16.81 % 10.00
2026 68 650,641 11.70 % 13.43 % 5,807 12.39 % 8.93
2027 26 164,815 2.96 % 3.40 % 1,988 4.24 % 12.06
2028 21 331,609 5.96 % 6.84 % 2,336 4.99 % 7.04
2029 16 114,020 2.05 % 2.35 % 1,143 2.44 % 10.02
2030 and thereafter 38 364,535 6.55 % 7.52 % 4,079 8.72 % 11.19
Total 756 5,561,766 100.00 % 100.00 % $ 46,851 100.00 % $ 9.67
Property Management and Leasing Strategy
We self-administer our property management and substantially all of our leasing activities and operating and administrative functions (including leasing, legal, acquisitions, development, data processing, finance and accounting). On-site functions such as maintenance, landscaping, sweeping, plumbing and electrical are subcontracted out at each location and, to the extent permitted by their respective leases, the cost of these functions is passed on to the tenants.
We believe that focused property management, leasing and customer retention are essential to maximizing the sales per square foot, operating cash flow and value of our properties. Our primary goal in property management is to maintain an attractive shopping environment on a cost effective basis for our tenants.
The majority of our property management and leasing functions are supervised and administered by us. We maintain regular contact with our tenants and frequently visit each asset to ensure the proper implementation and execution of our market strategies. As part of our ongoing property management, we conduct regular physical property reviews to improve our properties, react to changing market conditions and ensure proper maintenance.
Our leasing representatives are experienced in the markets in which we operate by becoming familiar with current tenants as well as potential local, regional and national tenants that would complement our current tenant base. We study demographics, customer sales and merchandising mix to optimize the sales performance of our centers and thereby increase rents. We believe this hands-on approach maximizes the value of our shopping centers.

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ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Item 3. Legal Proceedings.
See Note 10, Commitments and Contingencies, to our consolidated financial statements included in this Form 10-K.

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ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures.
Not applicable.
Part II

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ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY
Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.
Market Information.
Our Common Stock is traded on the NASDAQ Capital Market under the symbol “WHLR”.
Approximate Number of Holders of Our Common Stock
As of March 16, 2021 there were 144 holders of record of our Common Stock. This number excludes stockholders whose stock is held in nominee or street name by brokers.
Dividend Policy
In March 2018, the Board of Directors suspended the payment of dividends on our Common Stock. The Board of Directors also suspended the quarterly dividends on shares of our Series A Preferred, Series B Preferred and Series D Preferred, beginning with the three months ended December 31, 2018. Dividends were suspended to retain cash flow to pay operating expenses and reduce debt. Additionally, as the Company has failed to pay cash dividends on the outstanding Series D Preferred, the annual dividend rate on the Series D Preferred has increased to 10.75%; commencing on the first day after the first missed quarterly payment, January 1, 2019 and will continue until such time as the Company has paid all accumulated and unpaid dividends on the Series D Preferred in full. See Note 8, Equity and Mezzanine Equity, to our consolidated financial statements included in this Form 10-K. As a result of the dividend suspension on the Series A Preferred, Series B Preferred and Series D Preferred, no dividends may be declared or paid on the Common Stock until all accumulated accrued and unpaid dividends on the Preferred Stocks have been declared and paid in full. At this time, we can provide no certainty as to when or if dividends will be reinstated. However, we intend to make all required dividend distributions, if any, that will enable us to
maintain our REIT status and to eliminate or minimize our obligation to pay income and excise taxes. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations-Future Liquidity Needs.”
Operating Partnership Purchase of Stock
On September 22, 2020, the Operating Partnership purchased 71,343 shares of Series D Preferred at $15.50 per share from an unaffiliated investor in an unsolicited offer.
Tender Offer
On December 23, 2020, the Company announced a “modified Dutch auction” tender offer to purchase up to $19.00 million in shares of its Series D Preferred at a price not greater than $18.00 nor less than $15.50 per Series D Preferred Share, to the sellers in cash, less any applicable withholding taxes and without interest. Subsequent to December 31, 2020, the Company announced, that the value of Series D Preferred Shares that the Company was offering to purchase increased from $19.00 million to $20.00 million and the tender offer was extended to February 16, 2021. On February 17, 2021, the Company announced the tender offer was further extended to March 12, 2021 and the value of Series D Preferred Shares that the Company was offering to purchase decreased from $20.00 million to $6.00 million. The tender offer expired, in accordance with its terms, on March 12, 2021. In accordance with the terms and conditions of the tender offer and based on the final count, the Company accepted for purchase 387,097 Series D Preferred Shares at a purchase price of $15.50 per share, for an aggregate cost of $6.00 million, excluding fees and expenses relating to the tender offer.

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ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
Item 6. Selected Financial Data.
Not applicable.

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ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
You should read the following discussion of our financial condition and results of operations in conjunction with our audited consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included in this Form 10-K. For more detailed information regarding the basis of presentation for the following information, you should read the notes to the audited consolidated financial statements included in this Form 10-K.
Company Overview
We are a Maryland corporation focused on owning, leasing and operating income producing strip centers, neighborhood centers, grocery-anchored centers, community centers and free-standing retail properties. We have targeted competitively protected properties located within developed areas, commonly referred to as in-fill, that possess minimal competition risk and are surrounded by communities that have strong demographics and dynamic, diversified economies that will continue to generate jobs and future demand for commercial real estate. Our primary target markets include the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic.
Our portfolio is comprised of sixty retail shopping centers and six undeveloped land parcels. Twelve of these properties are located in Virginia, three are located in Florida, seven are located in North Carolina, twenty-three are located in South Carolina, twelve are located in Georgia, two are located in Kentucky, two are located in Tennessee, one is located in New Jersey, one is located in Alabama, one is located in West Virginia, one is located in Oklahoma and one is located in Pennsylvania. The Company’s portfolio had total net rentable space of approximately 5,561,766 square feet and a leased level of approximately 88.9% at December 31, 2020.
Recent Trends and Activities
There have been several significant events in 2020 that have impacted our Company. These events are summarized below.
Impact of COVID-19
The following discussion is intended to provide stockholders with certain information regarding the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Company’s business and management’s efforts to respond. Unless otherwise specified, the statistical and other information regarding the Company’s portfolio and tenants are estimates based on information available to the Company. As a result of the rapid development, fluidity and uncertainty surrounding this situation, the Company expects that such statistical and other information will change, potentially significantly, going forward and may not be indicative of the actual impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Company’s business, operations, cash flows and financial condition for future periods.
The United States of America has been subject to significant economic disruption caused by the onset of COVID-19. Nearly every industry has been impacted directly or indirectly, and the U.S. retail market has come under severe pressure due to numerous factors, including preventative measures taken by local, state and federal authorities to alleviate the public health crisis such as mandatory business closures, quarantines, restrictions on travel and “shelter-in-place” or “stay-at-home” orders at the state and local levels. These containment measures, which generally do not apply to businesses designated as “essential”, are affecting the operations of different categories of the Company’s base to varying degrees with, for example, grocery stores and pharmacies generally permitted to remain open and operational, restaurants generally limited to take-out and delivery services only and capacity restrictions while open, and non-essential businesses generally forced to close. There is uncertainty as to the time, date and extent to which these restrictions will be relaxed or lifted, businesses of tenants that have closed, either voluntarily or by mandate, will reopen or partially reopen.
The properties are geographically located in the Southeast, Mid-Atlantic and Northeast, which markets represented approximately 61%, 35% and 4%, respectively, of the total annualized base rent of the properties in our portfolio. Our operating portfolio contains retail shopping centers with a particular emphasis on grocery-anchored retail centers; grocers represent approximately 26% of total annualized base rent as of December 31, 2020. We generally lease our properties to national and regional retailers.
The Company’s portfolio and tenants have been impacted as follows:
•The Company’s sixty retail shopping centers are open and operating. As of December 31, 2020, all of the Company’s shopping centers feature necessity-based tenants, with forty-three of the sixty properties anchored by grocery and/or drug stores.
•The Company agreed to lease modifications with nine tenants who declared bankruptcy, resulting in a weighted average rate decrease of 7.54% or $0.86 rate per square foot.
•Nine tenants vacated due to bankruptcy and three of these vacated tenants have been backfilled.
•Beginning in April 2020, the Company received certain rent relief requests, most often in the form of rent deferral requests, as a result of COVID-19. The Company evaluates each tenant rent relief request on an individual basis, considering a number of factors. Not all tenant requests ultimately result in concessions or modification of agreements, nor is the Company forgoing its contractual rights under its lease agreements. As a result, the Company granted 148 concessions as of March 5, 2021 and modified 72 leases as of December 31, 2020, with a weighted average rate increase of 3.53% and 3 year weighted average extension term. During the three months ended December 31, 2020, the Company modified 4 leases at no rate change and five months weighted average extension term.
•The Company has received payment of 97% of contractual base rent and tenant reimbursements billed for the three months ended December 31, 2020, total 2020 collections were 99%.
•As of December 31, 2020, $257 thousand of accounts receivable relate to short term deferral of rents, a decrease of $132 thousand compared to September 30, 2020.
The Company has taken a number of proactive measures to maintain the strength of its business and manage the impact of COVID-19 on the Company’s operations and liquidity, including the following:
•Along with the Company’s tenants and the communities they serve, the health and safety of the Company’s employees and their families is a top priority. The Company has adapted its operations to protect employees, including implementing a work from home policy and the Company’s IT systems have enabled its team to work seamlessly.
•The Company is in constant communication with its tenants and sharing resources on how to identify local, state and federal resources that may be available to support their businesses and employees during the pandemic, including stimulus funds that may be available under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act of 2020 and the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021.
•The Company currently has approximately $7.66 million in cash and cash equivalents and an additional $35.11 million in restricted cash.
•Given the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic’s near and potential long-term impact on the Company’s business, and in order to preserve its liquidity position, the Company has continued its suspension of any dividend distributions.
The Company derives revenues primarily from rents received from tenants under leases at the Company’s properties. The Company’s operating results therefore depend materially on the ability of its tenants to make required rental payments. The extent to which the COVID-19 pandemic impacts the businesses of the Company’s tenants, and the Company’s operations and financial condition, will depend on future developments which are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted with confidence, including the scope, severity and duration of the pandemic, the actions taken to contain the pandemic or mitigate its impact, and the direct and indirect economic effects of the pandemic and such containment measures, among others. While the extent of the outbreak and its impact on the Company, its tenants and the U.S. retail market is uncertain, a prolonged crisis could result in continued disruptions in the credit and financial markets, continued high unemployment rates, low consumer confidence and consumer spending levels and overall poor global and U.S. economic conditions. The factors described above, as well as additional factors that the Company may not currently be aware of, could materially negatively impact the Company’s ability to collect rent and could lead to termination of leases by tenants, tenant bankruptcies, decreases in demand for retail space at the Company’s properties, difficulties in accessing capital, impairment of the Company’s long-lived assets and other impacts that could materially and adversely affect the Company’s business, results of operations, financial condition and ability to pay distributions to stockholders.
The comparability of the Company’s results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2020 to future periods may be significantly impacted by the effects of the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Paycheck Protection Program
The Company received proceeds of $552 thousand (the "PPP funds") pursuant to the Paycheck Protection Program (the “PPP”) under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act.
The PPP funds were received in the form of a promissory note, dated April 24, 2020 (the “Promissory Note”), between the Company and KeyBank as the lender that matures on April 24, 2022 bearing interest at a fixed rate of 1% per annum, payable monthly commencing seven months from the date of the note. Under the terms of the PPP, the principal may be forgiven if the proceeds are used for qualifying expenses as described in the CARES Act, such as payroll costs, mortgage interest, rent and utilities.
On January 8, 2021, KeyBank notified the Company that the PPP Promissory Note application for forgiveness has been approved.
Assets Held for Sale and Dispositions
At December 31, 2020, assets held for sale included Columbia Fire Station, Berkley Shopping Center, a .75 acre land parcel at Berkley and two outparcels at Rivergate Shopping Center, as the Company has committed to a plan to sell each property. The Company recorded $600 thousand impairment expense for Columbia Fire Station for the year ended December 31, 2020 reducing the carrying value for the amounts that exceeded the property's fair value less estimated selling costs.
Disposal Date Property Contract Price Gain (Loss) Net Sales Proceeds
(in thousands)
December 31, 2020 Riversedge North - Virginia Beach, VA $ 3,000 $ 49 $ 2,843
January 21, 2020 St. Matthews - St. Matthews, SC 1,775 (26) 1,665
On December 31, 2020, the Company sold its corporate headquarters in Virginia Beach to an unrelated party and simultaneously leased the building for ten years at an annual base rent of $265 thousand, plus taxes and other operating and maintenance expenses. The transaction qualified for sale leaseback accounting in accordance with ASC 842. As a result of this transaction, a gain of $49 thousand was recognized, which is included in "gain on disposal of properties" on the consolidated statements of operations with the remaining gain of $725 thousand deferred over the life of the lease and the net cash proceeds were approximately $1.10 million after transaction costs and repayment of the outstanding mortgage.
Powerscourt Financing Agreement
On December 22, 2020, the Company entered into a financing agreement (the "Powerscourt Financing Agreement") with Powerscourt Investments XXII, LP, as administrative agent and collateral agent. The Powerscourt Financing Agreement provides for a term loan in the aggregate principal of $25.00 million. The proceeds of the Powerscourt Financing Agreement are intended for the following: (i) to paydown the Company’s indebtedness on the KeyBank Credit Agreement, (ii) to redeem certain shares of the Company’s Series D Preferred and (iii) to pay fees and expenses in connection with the transactions contemplated by the Powerscourt Financing Agreement. The Powerscourt Financing Agreement is at a rate of 13.50% and matures on March 31, 2023 with quarterly interest only payments beginning on January 15, 2021. In conjunction with the Powerscourt Financing Agreement, the Company issued to Powerscourt XXII, LP a warrant to purchase an aggregate of 496,415 shares of the Company’s Common Stock (see the “Powerscourt Warrant Agreement” below).
Powerscourt Warrant Agreement
Pursuant to Powerscourt Financing Agreement, the Company issued Powerscourt Investments XXII, LP, a warrant (the “Warrant”) to purchase 496,415 shares of Common Stock for $3.12 per share (the “Powerscourt Warrant Agreement”). The Warrant is exercisable at the option of its holder in whole or in part into shares of Common Stock from time to time on or after December 22, 2020 (the “Effective Date”) and before the date that is the 36-month anniversary of the Effective Date. The Powerscourt Warrant Agreement contains terms and features that give rise to derivative liability classification.
The Company utilized the Monte Carlo simulation model to calculate the fair value of these warrants at the date of commitment. Significant observable and unobservable inputs include stock price, conversion price, annual risk free rate, term, likelihood of an event of contractual conversion and expected volatility. The Monte Carlo simulation is a Level 3 valuation technique because it requires the development of significant internal assumptions in addition to observable market indicators. The warrants were valued at approximately $594 thousand and the Company recorded a liability included on the consolidated balance sheet. See Note 6 included in this Form 10-K for additional details.
KeyBank Credit Agreement
On January 24, 2020, the Company and KeyBank entered into a Second Amendment to the KeyBank Credit Agreement (the "Second Amendment"), effective December 21, 2019. Pursuant to the Second Amendment, the Company began making monthly principal payments of $350 thousand on November 1, 2019. The Second Amendment, among other provisions, requires a pledge of additional collateral of $15.00 million in residual equity interests and staggered maturity dates with an ultimate maturity of June 30, 2020.
On July 21, 2020, the Company and KeyBank entered into a Third Amendment to the KeyBank Credit Agreement (the "Third Amendment"). The Third Amendment, among other provisions, reduces the pledge of additional collateral by two properties and extends the maturity to December 31, 2020.
The KeyBank Credit Agreement was paid in full as of December 22, 2020. The following collateralized portions of the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement had principal paydowns associated with each refinancing as noted below:
•$1.78 million paydown from St. Matthews sale proceeds on January 21, 2020;
•$5.75 million paydown from Shoppes at Myrtle Park refinancing proceeds on January 23, 2020;
•$2.50 million paydown from cash released to the Company from restricted cash accounts on May 20, 2020;
•$1.00 million paydown on November 12, 2020;
•$3.00 million final paydown from Powerscourt Financing Agreement proceeds on December 22, 2020.
Columbia Fire Station Extension
Effective September 3, 2020, the Company extended the Columbia Fire Station promissory note ("Columbia Fire Station Loan") to December 3, 2020, with the monthly principal payment increasing $20 thousand for a total monthly principal and interest payment of $46 thousand beginning on October 3, 2020.
On December 7, 2020, the Company received a letter demanding payment in full from Pinnacle Bank for all amounts due under Columbia Fire Station Loan and the interest rate increased to 14%, the default rate. On December 29, 2020, Pinnacle Bank filed a suit against the Company, guarantor.
On January 21, 2021, the Company entered into a Forbearance Agreement (the "Forbearance Agreement") with Pinnacle Bank at an interest rate of 14% and made a $500 thousand principal payment. The Forbearance Agreement, among other provisions, extends the maturity date of the Columbia Fire Station Loan to July 21, 2021 and waives all defaults and late fees existing prior to the Forbearance Agreement.
Operating Partnership Purchase of Stock
On September 22, 2020, the Operating Partnership purchased 71,343 shares of Series D Preferred from an unaffiliated investor at $15.50 per share. These shares are deemed to be retired on the consolidated financial statements.
Preferred Dividends
At December 31, 2020, the Company had accumulated undeclared dividends of $30.51 million to holders of shares of our Series A Preferred Stock, Series B Preferred Stock, and Series D Preferred Stock of which $13.85 million is attributable to the year ended December 31, 2020.
New Leases, Leasing Renewals and Expirations
The following table presents selected lease activity statistics for our properties.
Years Ended December 31,
2020 (3)
Renewals(1):
Leases renewed with rate increase (sq feet) 616,548 685,124
Leases renewed with rate decrease (sq feet) 123,935 52,282
Leases renewed with no rate change (sq feet) 404,428 298,611
Total leases renewed (sq feet) 1,144,911 1,036,017
Leases renewed with rate increase (count) 127 116
Leases renewed with rate decrease (count) 24 12
Leases renewed with no rate change (count) 53 21
Total leases renewed (count) 204 149
Option exercised (count) 22 38
Weighted average on rate increases (per sq foot) $ 1.12 $ 0.68
Weighted average on rate decreases (per sq foot) $ (1.43) $ (2.25)
Weighted average rate (per sq foot) $ 0.45 $ 0.34
Weighted average change over prior rates 4.63 % 4.17 %
Weighted average change over prior rates, excluding bankruptcy negotiations 5.58 %
New Leases(1) (2):
New leases (sq feet) 333,279 117,605
New leases (count) 72 43
Weighted average rate (per sq foot) $ 9.03 $ 12.82
Gross Leasable Area ("GLA") expiring during the next 12 months, including month-to-month leases 6.97 % 13.10 %
(1) Lease data presented is based on average rate per square foot over the renewed or new lease term.
(2) The Company does not include ground leases entered into for the purposes of new lease sq feet and weighted average rate (per sq foot) on new leases.
(3) Includes transactions related to bankruptcy negotiations, unless otherwise noted.
Critical Accounting Policies
The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based upon our consolidated financial statements included in this Form 10-K, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The preparation of these consolidated financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses. On an on-going basis, we evaluate our estimates based on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.
The critical accounting policies summarized in this section are discussed in further detail in the notes to the consolidated financial statements appearing elsewhere in this Form 10-K. We believe that the application of these policies on a consistent basis enables us to provide useful and reliable financial information about our operating results and financial condition.
Revenue Recognition
Principal components of our total revenues include base and percentage rents and tenant reimbursements. The Company combines lease and nonlease components in lease contracts, which includes combining base rent and tenant reimbursement revenue. We accrue minimum (base) rent on a straight-line basis over the terms of the respective leases which results in an unbilled rent asset or deferred rent liability being recorded on the balance sheet. Certain lease agreements contain provisions that grant additional rents based on tenants’ sales volumes (contingent or percentage rent) which we recognize when the tenants achieve the specified targets as defined in their lease agreements. We periodically review the valuation of the asset/liability resulting from the straight-line accounting treatment of our leases in light of any changes in lease terms, financial condition or other factors concerning our tenants.
Rents and Other Tenant Receivables
We record a tenant receivable for amounts due from tenants such as base rents, tenant reimbursements and other charges allowed under the lease terms. We periodically review tenant receivables for collectability and determine the need for an allowance for the uncollectible portion of accrued rents and other accounts receivable based upon customer creditworthiness (including expected recovery of a claim with respect to any tenants in bankruptcy), historical bad debt levels and current economic trends. We consider a receivable past due once it becomes delinquent per the terms of the lease; our standard lease form considers a rent charge past due after five days. A past due receivable triggers certain events such as notices, fees and other allowable and required actions per the lease. Upon adoption of ASC Topic 842 "Leases," reserves for uncollectible accounts were recorded and reclassified to "rental revenues". Prior to adoption, reserves for uncollectible accounts were recorded as an operating expense, provision for credit losses. The standard also provides guidance on calculating reserves; however, those did not impact the Company.
Beginning in April 2020, the Company received certain rent relief requests, most often in the form of rent deferral requests, as a result of COVID-19. The Company evaluates each tenant rent relief request on an individual basis, considering a number of factors. Not all tenant requests ultimately result in concessions or modification of agreements, nor is the Company forgoing its contractual rights under its lease agreements. The Financial Accounting Standards Board (the "FASB") issued a question-and-answer document (the “Lease Modification Q&A”) focused on the application of lease accounting guidance to lease concessions provided as a result of COVID-19. The Lease Modification Q&A clarifies that entities may elect to treat qualifying lease concessions as if they were based on enforceable rights and obligations, and may choose to apply or not to apply modification accounting to those qualifying concessions. Qualifying concessions must be in response to COVID-19 and not have a substantial increase in the lessee’s obligation or the lessor’s rights under the contract. The Company has elected not to apply ASC 842 modification guidance for concessions that did not increase the lease term, generally these concessions do not impact the overall economics of the lease. Concessions that extend the lease term are accounted for under ASC 842, lease modification guidance.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
We periodically review investment properties for impairment on a property-by-property basis whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of investment properties may not be recoverable, with an evaluation performed at least annually. These circumstances include, but are not limited to, declines in the property’s cash flows, occupancy and fair market value. We measure any impairment of investment property when the estimated undiscounted future operating income before depreciation and amortization, plus its residual value, is less than the carrying value of the property. To the extent impairment has occurred, we charge to income the excess of carrying value of the property over its estimated fair value. We estimate fair value using unobservable data such as operating income, estimated capitalization rates or multiples, leasing prospects and local market information. These valuation assumptions are based on the three-level valuation hierarchy for fair value measurement and represent Level 3 inputs. Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities.
The Company may decide to sell properties. Properties classified as held for sale are reported at the lower of their carrying value or their fair value, less estimated costs to sell. When the carrying value exceeds the fair value, less estimated costs to sell an impairment expense is recognized. The Company estimates fair value, less estimated closing costs based on similar real estate sales transactions. These valuation assumptions are based on the three-level valuation hierarchy for fair value measurement and represent Level 2 and 3 inputs. Level 2 inputs are quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar assets in markets that are not active; and inputs other than quoted prices.
Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities. The Company recognized $600 thousand and $1.60 million of impairment expense to its assets held for sale for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
At December 31, 2020, our consolidated cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash totaled $42.77 million compared to consolidated cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash of $21.59 million at December 31, 2019. Cash flows from operating activities, investing activities and financing activities for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 are as follows (in thousands):
Years Ended December 31, Year Over Year Change
2020 2019 $ %
Operating activities $ 15,780 $ 15,253 $ 527 3.46 %
Investing activities $ 2,237 $ 868 $ 1,369 157.72 %
Financing activities $ 3,160 $ (12,529) $ 15,689 125.22 %
Operating Activities
During the year ended December 31, 2020, our cash flows from operating activities were $15.78 million, compared to cash flows from operating activities of $15.25 million during the year ended December 31, 2019, representing an increase of 3.46% or $527 thousand. This increase is primarily a result of the decrease in interest expense and corporate general and administrative expense, partially offset by the increase in accounts receivables due to the impacts of COVID-19 on the portfolio, a decrease in property net operating income ("NOI") of $2.07 million and the timing of accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities and deferred costs and other assets.
Investing Activities
During the year ended December 31, 2020, our cash flows from investing activities were $2.24 million, compared to cash flows from investing activities of $868 thousand during the year ended December 31, 2019, representing an increase of 157.72% or $1.37 million primarily due to the 2020 sales of St. Matthews and Riversedge North compared to the three properties sold in 2019, sale of Harbor Pointe land parcel and a decrease in capital expenditures of $440 thousand primarily related to fewer tenant improvement projects in 2020.
Financing Activities
During the year ended December 31, 2020, our cash flows from financing activities were $3.16 million, compared to $12.53 million of cash flows used in financing activities during the year ended December 31, 2019, representing an increase of 125.22% or $15.69 million due to the following:
•$11.92 million decrease in loan principal payments primarily as a result of the 2020 Shoppes at Myrtle Park and Folly Road refinances, the St. Matthews sale and pay-down of the KeyBank Credit Agreement, offset by the three properties sold in 2019 and the 2019 payoff of the Revere Term Loan and Senior Convertible Notes in addition to the Village of Martinsville, Laburnum Square and Litchfield Market Village refinances;
•$6.69 million increase in loan proceeds due to the Shoppes at Myrtle Park and Folly Road refinances and Powerscourt Financing Agreement occurring in 2020 offset by the 2019 Village of Martinsville, Laburnum Square and Litchfield Market Village refinances;
•$552 thousand increase in proceeds from PPP funds as detailed in Note 2; partially offset by
•$2.36 million increase in deferred financing costs primarily related to the Powerscourt Financing Agreement; and
•$1.11 million increase in preferred stock redemption.
We intend to continue managing our debt prudently so as to maintain a conservative capital structure and minimize leverage within our company. As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, our debt balances, excluding unamortized debt issuance costs, consisted of the following (in thousands):
December 31,
2020 2019
Fixed-rate notes $ 323,868 $ 305,017
Adjustable-rate mortgages (1)
23,576 24,163
Fixed-rate notes, assets held for sale 6,472 -
Floating-rate line of credit (1)
- 17,879
Total debt $ 353,916 $ 347,059
(1) Includes portion attributable to liabilities held for sale, see Note 3 included in this Form 10-K.
The weighted average interest rate and term of our fixed-rate debt including liabilities held for sale are 5.46% and 3.79 years, respectively, at December 31, 2020. We have $43.93 million of debt maturing, including scheduled principal repayments, during the year ending December 31, 2021. While we anticipate being able to refinance all the loans at reasonable market terms upon maturity, our inability to do so may materially impact our financial position and results of operations. See Note 6 included in this Form 10-K for additional mortgage indebtedness details.
Future Liquidity Needs
The primary liquidity needs of the Company, in addition to the funding of our ongoing operations, at December 31, 2020 are $43.93 million in debt maturities and principal payments due in the year ended December 31, 2021 as described in Note 6 on this Form 10-K. Included in the $43.93 million are 6 loans collateralized by 7 properties within our portfolio. The Company plans to pay these obligations through a combination of refinances, dispositions and operating cash. Management intends to refinance or extend the remaining maturing debt as it comes due.
In addition to liquidity required to fund debt payments we may incur some level of capital expenditures during the year for our existing properties that cannot be passed on to our tenants.
As discussed above, the continuing COVID-19 pandemic outbreak has adversely impacted states and cities where the Company’s tenants operate their businesses and where the Company’s properties are located. The COVID-19 pandemic could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations and cash flows as the reduced economic activity severely impacts certain of the Company’s tenants’ businesses, financial condition and liquidity and may cause certain tenants to be unable to meet their obligations to the Company in full. Closures of stores operated by the Company’s tenants could reduce the Company’s cash flows.
To meet these future liquidity needs:
•$7.66 million in cash and cash equivalents at December 31, 2020;
•$35.11 million held in lender reserves for the purpose of tenant improvements, lease commissions, real estate taxes, insurance and funds held for the 2020 tender offer at December 31, 2020; and
•intends to use cash generated from operations during the year ended December 31, 2021.
In addition, the Board suspended Series A Preferred, Series B Preferred and Series D Preferred dividend payments beginning with the fourth quarter 2018 dividend. The Board plans to revisit the dividend payment policy with respect to the Series A Preferred, Series B Preferred and Series D Preferred on an ongoing basis. The Board believes that the dividend suspension will provide the Company approximately $3.44 million of additional funds per quarter to help meet its ongoing liquidity needs.
Additionally, the Company plans to undertake measures to grow its operations and increase liquidity through backfilling vacant anchor spaces, replacing tenants who are in default of their lease terms, increasing future lease revenue through tenant improvements partially funded by restricted cash, disposition of assets and refinancing properties.
Our success in refinancing the debt, and executing on our strategy will dictate our liquidity needs going forward. If we are unable to execute in these areas, our ability to grow and reinstate dividends may be limited without additional capital.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
On September 1, 2011, the Grove Economic Development Authority issued the Grove Economic Development Authority Tax Increment Revenue Note, Taxable Series 2011 in the amount of $2.42 million, bearing a variable interest rate of 2.29%, not to exceed 14% and payable in 50 semi-annual installments. The proceeds of the bonds were to provide funding for the construction of public infrastructure and other site improvements and to be repaid by incremental additional property taxes generated by development. Harbor Pointe Associates, LLC, then owned by an affiliate of former CEO, Jon Wheeler, entered into an Economic Development Agreement with the Grove Economic Development Authority for this infrastructure development and in the event the ad valorem taxes were insufficient to cover annual debt service, Harbor Pointe Associates, LLC would reimburse the Grove Economic Development Authority (the “Harbor Pointe Agreement”). In 2014, Harbor Pointe Associates, LLC was acquired by the Company.
The total debt service shortfall over the life of the bond is uncertain as it is based on ad valorem taxes, assessed property values, property tax rates, LIBOR and future potential development ranging until 2036. The Company’s future total principal obligation under the Harbor Pointe Agreement will be no more than $2.21 million, the principal amount of the bonds, as of December 31, 2020. In addition, the Company may have an interest obligation on the note based on the principal balance and LIBOR rates in effect at future payment dates. In 2020 and 2019, we funded approximately $0 thousand and $79 thousand, respectively in debt service shortfalls. No amounts have been accrued for this as of December 31, 2020 as a reasonable estimate of future debt service shortfalls cannot be determined based on variables noted above.
As of December 31, 2020, we have no off-balance sheet arrangements, other than that noted above, that are likely to have a material effect on our financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital resources or capital expenditures.
Inflation, Deflation and Economic Condition Considerations
Inflation has been historically low and has had a minimal impact on the operating performance of our shopping centers; however, inflation may become a greater concern in the near future. Most of our leases contain provisions designed to partially mitigate the impact of inflation, which require tenants to pay their pro-rata share of operating expenses, including common area maintenance, real estate taxes, insurance and utilities, thereby reducing our exposure to increases in costs and operating expenses resulting from inflation, although some tenants have capped the amount of these operating expenses they are responsible for under the lease. A small number of our leases also include percentage rent clauses enabling us to receive additional rent based on tenant sales above a predetermined level, which sales generally increase as prices rise and are typically related to increases in the Consumer Price Index or similar inflation indices. In addition, many of our leases are for terms of less than ten years, which permits us to seek increased rents upon re-rental at market rates. However, during deflationary periods or periods of economic weakness, minimum rents and percentage rents will decline as the supply of available retail space exceeds demand and consumer spending declines. Occupancy declines will result in lower recovery rates of our operating expenses.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
See Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements beginning on page 35 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Year Ended December 31, 2020 Compared to the Year Ended December 31, 2019
Results of Operations
The following table presents a comparison of the consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively (in thousands, except Property Data).
For the Years Ended December 31, Year over Year Changes
2020 2019 $/# %
PROPERTY DATA:
Number of properties owned and leased at period end (1)
60 61 (1) (1.64) %
Aggregate gross leasable area at period end(1)
5,561,766 5,618,877 (57,111) (1.02) %
Ending leased rate at period end (1)
88.9 % 89.8 % (0.9) % (1.00) %
FINANCIAL DATA:
Rental revenues $ 60,039 $ 62,442 $ (2,403) (3.85) %
Other revenues 964 720 244 33.89 %
Total Revenue 61,003 63,162 (2,159) (3.42) %
EXPENSES:
Property operations 18,886 19,127 (241) (1.26) %
Non-REIT management and leasing services - 25 (25) (100.00) %
Depreciation and amortization 17,291 21,319 (4,028) (18.89) %
Impairment of notes receivable - 5,000 (5,000) (100.00) %
Impairment of assets held for sale 600 1,598 (998) (62.45) %
Corporate general & administrative 5,831 6,633 (802) (12.09) %
Total Operating Expenses 42,608 53,702 (11,094) (20.66) %
Gain on disposal of properties 23 1,394 (1,371) (98.35) %
Operating Income 18,418 10,854 7,564 69.69 %
Interest expense (17,092) (18,983) 1,891 9.96 %
Other expense (1,039) - (1,039) (100.00) %
Net Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes 287 (8,129) 8,416 103.53 %
Income tax expense - (15) 15 100.00 %
Net Income (Loss) 287 (8,144) 8,431 103.52 %
Less: Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests 42 (105) 147 140.00 %
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Wheeler REIT $ 245 $ (8,039) $ 8,284 103.05 %
(1) Excludes the undeveloped land parcels. Includes assets held for sale.
Total Revenue
Total revenue was $61.00 million for the year ended December 31, 2020 compared to $63.16 million for the year ended December 31, 2019, representing a decrease of 3.42% primarily due to sold properties, three new anchor vacancies of which two were backfilled with rent commencing in 2021 and an increase in the credit loss on operating receivables driven by higher accounts receivable due to impacts of COVID-19 on the portfolio. These negative impacts were partially offset by increases in straight-line rental revenues resulting from long-term lease extensions. See Same Store and Non-same Store Operating Income for further details about the changes within operating revenue.
Total Operating Expenses
Total operating expenses for the year ended December 31, 2020 were $42.61 million compared to $53.70 million for the year ended December 31, 2019, representing a decrease of 20.66%. The decrease are primarily a result of decreases in impairments, depreciation and amortization and corporate general and administrative expense. Impairments decreased as a
result of the $5.00 million impairment of the Sea Turtle notes receivable and $1.00 million decrease in impairment of assets held for sale, Perimeter Square and St. Matthews impaired in 2019 compared to Columbia Fire Station impairment in 2020. Depreciation and amortization decreased $4.03 million primarily as a result of lease intangibles becoming fully amortized and ceasing of depreciation and amortization as properties were classified as available held for sale.
Corporate general and administrative expenses for the year ended December 31, 2020 decreased 12.09% or $802 thousand, as a result of the following:
•$402 thousand decrease in compensation and benefits primarily driven by a reduction in personnel and decrease in director's compensation;
•$159 thousand decrease in advertising costs for leasing activities related to cancellation of conferences due to COVID-19; and
•$154 thousand decrease in other expenses primarily associated with a reduction in taxes and licenses and travel expenses, partially offset by an increase in debt financing costs associated with short term loan extensions.
Gain on Disposal of Properties
The gain on disposal of properties decrease of $1.37 million for the year months ended December 31, 2020 is a result of the 2020 sales of St. Matthews and Riversedge North, net of the 2019 demolition of an approximate 10,000 square foot outparcel at the JANAF property to make way for a new approximate 20,000 square foot building constructed by a grocer tenant, Aldi, and sales of Jenks Plaza, Graystone Crossing and Perimeter Square.
Interest Expense
Interest expense decreased $1.89 million or 9.96% for the year ended December 31, 2020, compared to $18.98 million for the year ended December 31, 2019. The decrease is primarily attributable to a $12.86 reduction in loans payable from December 31, 2019 absent the Powerscourt Financing Agreement combined with lower loan cost amortization due to loan modifications and sold properties.
Other Expenses
Other expenses were $1.04 million for the year ended December 31, 2020. Other expenses include $600 thousand in legal settlement costs and $439 thousand for reimbursement of the Stilwell Group's proxy solicitation expenses incurred in connection with the Company's 2019 annual meeting of stockholders. These expenses are non-operating in nature.
Same Store and Non-same Store Operating Income
NOI is a widely-used non-GAAP financial measure for REITs. The Company believes that NOI is a useful measure of the Company's property operating performance. The Company defines NOI as property revenues (rental and other revenues) less property and related expenses (property operation and maintenance and real estate taxes). Because NOI excludes general and administrative expenses, depreciation and amortization, interest expense, interest income, provision for income taxes, gain or loss on sale or capital expenditures and leasing costs, impairment of assets held for sale and held for use and impairment of notes receivable, it provides a performance measure, that when compared year over year, reflects the revenues and expenses directly associated with owning and operating commercial real estate properties and the impact to operations from trends in occupancy rates, rental rates and operating costs, providing perspective not immediately apparent from net income. The Company uses NOI to evaluate its operating performance since NOI allows the Company to evaluate the impact of factors, such as occupancy levels, lease structure, lease rates and tenant base, have on the Company's results, margins and returns. NOI should not be viewed as a measure of the Company's overall financial performance since it does not reflect general and administrative expenses, depreciation and amortization, involuntary conversion, interest expense, interest income, provision for income taxes, gain or loss on sale or disposition of assets, and the level of capital expenditures and leasing costs necessary to maintain the operating performance of the Company's properties. Other REITs may use different methodologies for calculating NOI, and accordingly, the Company's NOI may not be comparable to that of other REITs.
The following table is a reconciliation of same and non-same store NOI from the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure of net income (loss). Same stores consist of those properties owned during all periods presented in their
entirety, while non-same stores consist of those properties acquired or disposed of during the periods presented. The non-same store category consists of the following sold properties:
•Discontinued operations
◦Harbor Pointe land parcel (sold February 7, 2019);
•Continuing operations
◦Jenks Plaza (sold January 11, 2019);
◦Graystone Crossing (sold March 18, 2019);
◦Perimeter Square (sold July 12, 2019); and
◦St. Matthews (sold January 21, 2020).
Years Ended December 31,
Same Store Non-same Store Total
2020 2019 2020 2019 2020 2019
(in thousands)
Net Income (Loss) $ 285 $ (8,100) $ 2 $ (44) $ 287 $ (8,144)
Adjustments:
Income tax expense - 15 - - - 15
Other expense 1,039 - - - 1,039 -
Interest expense 17,092 18,693 - 290 17,092 18,983
Gain on disposal of properties - - (23) (1,394) (23) (1,394)
Corporate general & administrative 5,829 6,613 2 20 5,831 6,633
Impairment of assets held for sale 600 - - 1,598 600 1,598
Impairment of notes receivable - 5,000 - - - 5,000
Depreciation and amortization 17,290 21,241 1 78 17,291 21,319
Non-REIT management and leasing services - 25 - - - 25
Other non-property revenue (272) (125) - - (272) (125)
Property Net Operating Income $ 41,863 $ 43,362 $ (18) $ 548 $ 41,845 $ 43,910
Property revenues $ 60,721 $ 62,193 $ 10 $ 844 $ 60,731 $ 63,037
Property expenses 18,858 18,831 28 296 18,886 19,127
Property Net Operating Income $ 41,863 $ 43,362 $ (18) $ 548 $ 41,845 $ 43,910
Property Revenues
Total same store property revenues for the year ended December 31, 2020 decreased to $60.72 million compared to $62.19 million for the year ended December 31, 2019, representing a decrease of 2.37% primarily due to:
•$1.33 million decrease in rental revenues due to three new anchor vacancies of which two were backfilled with rent commencing in 2021;
•$602 thousand increase in the credit loss on operating receivables driven by higher accounts receivable due to the impacts of COVID-19 on the portfolio;
•$267 thousand decrease in above (below) market lease amortization related to leases becoming fully amortized; partially offset by
•$783 thousand increase in straight-line rental revenues resulting from long-term lease extensions.
Property Expenses
Total same store property expenses for the year ended December 31, 2020 remained relatively consistent at $18.86 million, compared to $18.83 million for the year ended December 31, 2019. Property expenses had an increase of $400
thousand in insurance that was, partially offset by a decrease of $326 thousand in common area maintenance expenses and real estate taxes.
There were no significant unusual or non-recurring items included in non-same store property expenses for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019.
Property Net Operating Income
Total property net operating income was $41.85 million for the year ended December 31, 2020, compared to $43.91 million for the year ended December 31, 2019 representing a decrease of 4.70%. Same stores accounted for decreases of $1.50 million, while non-same stores had a decrease of $566 thousand, resulting from the loss of NOI associated with sold properties.
Funds from Operations (FFO)
We use FFO, a non-GAAP measure, as an alternative measure of our operating performance, specifically as it relates to results of operations and liquidity. We compute FFO in accordance with standards established by the Board of Governors of NAREIT in its March 1995 White Paper (as amended in November 1999, April 2002 and December 2018). As defined by NAREIT, FFO represents net income (computed in accordance with GAAP), excluding gains (or losses) from sales of property, plus real estate related depreciation and amortization (excluding amortization of loan origination costs), impairment of real estate related long-lived assets and after adjustments for unconsolidated partnerships and joint ventures. Most industry analysts and equity REITs, including us, consider FFO to be an appropriate supplemental measure of operating performance because, by excluding gains or losses on dispositions and excluding depreciation, FFO is a helpful tool that can assist in the comparison of the operating performance of a company’s real estate between periods, or as compared to different companies. Management uses FFO as a supplemental measure to conduct and evaluate our business because there are certain limitations associated with using GAAP net income alone as the primary measure of our operating performance. Historical cost accounting for real estate assets in accordance with GAAP implicitly assumes that the value of real estate assets diminishes predictably over time, while historically real estate values have risen or fallen with market conditions. Accordingly, we believe FFO provides a valuable alternative measurement tool to GAAP when presenting our operating results.
Below is a comparison of same and non-same store FFO, which is a non-GAAP measurement, for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019:
Years Ended December 31,
Same Store Non-same Store Total Year Over Year Changes
2020 2019 2020 2019 2020 2019 $ %
Net Income (loss) $ 285 $ (8,100) $ 2 $ (44) $ 287 $ (8,144) $ 8,431 103.52 %
Depreciation and amortization of real estate assets 17,290 21,241 1 78 17,291 21,319 (4,028) (18.89) %
Impairment of assets held for sale 600 - - 1,598 600 1,598 (998) (62.45) %
Gain on disposal of properties - - (23) (1,394) (23) (1,394) 1,371 98.35 %
FFO $ 18,175 $ 13,141 $ (20) $ 238 $ 18,155 $ 13,379 $ 4,776 35.70 %
During the year ended December 31, 2020, same store FFO increased $5.03 million primarily due to the following:
•$5.00 million decrease in impairment of notes receivable;
•$1.60 million decrease in interest expense
•$784 thousand decrease in corporate general and administrative expenses; partially offset by
•$1.04 million increase in other expense for legal settlements and reimbursement of 2019 proxy costs; and
•$1.50 million decrease in property net operating income.
We believe the computation of FFO in accordance with NAREIT's definition includes certain items that are not indicative of the results provided by our operating portfolio and affect the comparability of our period-over-period performance. These items include, but are not limited to, legal settlements, non-cash share-based compensation expense, non-cash amortization on loans and acquisition costs. Therefore, in addition to FFO, management uses Adjusted FFO ("AFFO"), which
we define to exclude such items. Management believes that these adjustments are appropriate in determining AFFO as they are not indicative of the operating performance of our assets. In addition, we believe that AFFO is a useful supplemental measure for the investing community to use in comparing us to other REITs as many REITs provide some form of adjusted or modified FFO. However, there can be no assurance that AFFO presented by us is comparable to the adjusted or modified FFO of other REITs.
Total AFFO for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 is shown in the table below (in thousands):
Years Ended December 31,
2020 2019
FFO $ 18,155 $ 13,379
Preferred stock dividends - undeclared (14,528) (14,629)
Preferred stock redemption 96 -
Preferred stock accretion adjustments 677 680
FFO available to common stockholders and common unitholders 4,400 (570)
Impairment of notes receivable - 5,000
Acquisition and development costs - 26
Capital related costs 291 144
Other non-recurring and non-cash expenses 1,085 42
Share-based compensation - 2
Straight-line rental revenue, net straight-line expense (971) 6
Loan cost amortization 1,097 1,707
(Below) above market lease amortization (461) (1,261)
Recurring capital expenditures and tenant improvement reserves (1,112) (1,126)
AFFO $ 4,329 $ 3,970
Impairment on notes receivable during the year ended December 31, 2019 is due to the impairment of the notes receivable related to Sea Turtle and is not indicative of our core portfolio of properties and future operations.
Other non-recurring and non-cash expenses are costs we believe will not be incurred on a go forward basis. Other non-recurring expenses during year ended December 31, 2020 include $600 thousand in legal settlement costs, $439 thousand for reimbursement of the Stilwell Group's proxy solicitation expenses incurred in connection with the Company's 2019 annual meeting of stockholders and $51 thousand for severance. During the year ended December 31, 2019, other non-recurring expenses were for severance, vacation accrual and one-time fees we believe will not be incurred on a go forward basis.
The preferred stock redemption represents the retirement of the undeclared dividends during the year ended December 31, 2020 associated with the Operating Partnership purchasing 71,343 shares of the Series D Preferred Stock from an unaffiliated investor. These shares are considered retired on the consolidated financial statements.
The preferred stock accretion adjustments represent the amortization of offering costs associated with raising the Series B Preferred Stock and Series D Preferred Stock.

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ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.
Not applicable.

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ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
The information required by this Item 8 is incorporated by reference to our Financial Statements beginning on page 30 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

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ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure.
None.

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ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures.
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Our management, under the supervision and with the participation of our principal executive and financial officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures in ensuring that the information required to be disclosed in our filings under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, including ensuring that such information is accumulated and communicated to our company’s management, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Based on such evaluation, our principal executive and financial officer have concluded that such disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of December 31, 2020 (the end of the period covered by this Annual Report).
Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. Internal control over financial reporting, as defined in rules promulgated under the Exchange Act, is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, our CEO and CFO and effected by our Board of Directors, management and other personnel to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with GAAP. Internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that:
•pertain to the maintenance of records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of our assets;
•provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP, and that our receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of our management and our Board of Directors; and
•provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of our assets that could have a material effect on our financial statements.
Our internal control over financial reporting is evaluated on a regular basis by personnel in our organization. The overall goals of these various evaluation activities are to monitor our internal control over financial reporting and to make modifications as necessary, as disclosure and internal controls are intended to be dynamic systems that change (including improvements and corrections) as conditions warrant.
Management conducted an assessment of the effectiveness of our company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020, utilizing the framework established in “INTERNAL CONTROL-INTEGRATED FRAMEWORK” issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013). Based on this assessment, management has determined that our internal controls over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020 were effective.
All internal control systems, no matter how well designed, have inherent limitations. Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation. 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.
This Annual Report does not include an attestation report of our independent registered public accounting firm regarding internal controls over financial reporting. Management's report was not subject to attestation by our independent registered public accounting firm pursuant to the rules of the SEC that permit us to provide only management's report in this Annual Report.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
There were no changes in the Company's internal control over financial reporting for the year ended December 31, 2020 that materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect the Company's internal control over financial reporting.

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ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 9B. Other Information.
Not applicable.
PART III

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ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance.
Except as set forth below, the information required by this item will be contained in the Company’s definitive proxy statement for the 2021 Annual Meeting (our “Proxy Statement”) and is incorporated herein by reference.
The Company has adopted an ethics code of conduct applicable to the directors, officers and employees. A copy of that code is available on the Company’s corporate website at www.whlr.us, which does not form a part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Any amendments to such code, or any waivers of its requirements, will be posted on our website.

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ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Item 11. Executive Compensation.
The information required by this Item will be contained in our Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.

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ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters.
Except as set forth below, the information required by this item will be contained in the Company’s Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.
Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans
The following table sets forth information as of December 31, 2020 regarding our compensation plans and the Common Stock we may issue under the plan.
Equity Compensation Plan Information Table
Plan Category Number of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants and rights Weighted-average exercise price of outstanding options, warrants and rights Number of securities remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plans
Equity compensation plans approved by stockholders (1)
- - 173,811
Equity compensation plans not approved by stockholders - - -
Total - - 173,811
(1) Includes our 2015 and 2016 Long-Term Incentive Plans, which authorized a maximum of 125,000 and 625,000 shares, respectively, of our Common Stock for issue. Awards are granted by the Compensation Committee.

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ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence.
The information required by this item will be contained in the Company’s Proxy Statement and incorporated herein by reference.

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ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services.
The information by this item will be contained in the Company’s Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.
PART IV

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ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules.
1. Financial Statements.
The financial statements filed as a part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K are as follows:
Page
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Consolidated Balance Sheets
Consolidated Statements of Operations
Consolidated Statements of Equity
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
2. Financial Statement Schedules.
a.Schedule II- Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
b.Schedule III- Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation
All other financial statement schedules have been omitted because the required information of such schedules is not present, is not present in amounts sufficient to require a schedule or is included in the consolidated financial statements.
3. Exhibits.
See the Exhibit Index at the end of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, which is incorporated by reference.
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders
Wheeler Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Opinion on the Consolidated Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Wheeler Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc. and Subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, and the related consolidated statements of operations, equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the two-year period ended December 31, 2020, and the related notes and schedules (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the two-year period ended December 31, 2020, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Basis for Opinion
These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (“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 consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.
Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial 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 consolidated financial 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 consolidated financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Critical Audit Matter
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: (1) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial 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.
Evaluation of Investment Properties for Impairment
Description of Matter
At December 31, 2020, the Company’s investment properties totaled $392.7 million. As more fully described in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company evaluates its investment properties for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of investment properties may not be recoverable, but at least annually. Management evaluates various qualitative factors in determining whether or not events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an investment property may not be recoverable.
Auditing the Company’s impairment assessment involved subjectivity due to the estimation required to assess significant assumptions utilized in estimating the recoverability of the investment properties based on undiscounted operating income and residual values, such as assumptions related to renewal and renegotiations of current leases, estimates of new leases on vacant spaces, and estimates of operating costs.
How We Addressed the Matter in Our Audit
To test the Company’s evaluation of investment properties for impairment, we performed audit procedures that included, among others, assessing the methodologies applied, evaluating the significant assumptions discussed above and testing the completeness and accuracy of the underlying data used by management in its analysis. We compared the significant assumptions used by management to relevant market information and other applicable sources. In addition, we compared the forecasted future cash flows and operating income before depreciation and amortization to historical actual results and evaluated significant variances. As part of our evaluation, we assessed the historical accuracy of management’s estimates and performed sensitivity analyses of significant assumptions to evaluate the changes in the undiscounted cash flows of the related investment property that would result from changes in the assumptions.
/s/ Cherry Bekaert LLP
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2012.
Virginia Beach, Virginia
March 18, 2021
Wheeler Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(in thousands, except par value and share data)
December 31,
2020 2019
ASSETS:
Investment properties, net $ 392,664 $ 416,215
Cash and cash equivalents 7,660 5,451
Restricted cash 35,108 16,140
Rents and other tenant receivables, net 9,153 6,905
Assets held for sale 13,072 1,737
Above market lease intangibles, net 3,547 5,241
Operating lease right-of-use assets 12,745 11,651
Deferred costs and other assets, net 15,430 21,025
Total Assets $ 489,379 $ 484,365
LIABILITIES:
Loans payable, net $ 334,266 $ 340,913
Liabilities associated with assets held for sale 13,124 2,026
Below market lease intangibles, net 4,554 6,716
Warrant liability 594 -
Operating lease liabilities 13,200 11,921
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities 11,229 9,557
Total Liabilities 376,967 371,133
Series D Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock (no par value, 4,000,000 shares authorized, 3,529,293 and 3,600,636 shares issued and outstanding, respectively; $109.13 million and $101.66 million aggregate liquidation preference, respectively) 95,563 87,225
EQUITY:
Series A Preferred Stock (no par value, 4,500 shares authorized, 562 shares issued and outstanding) 453 453
Series B Convertible Preferred Stock (no par value, 5,000,000 authorized, 1,875,748 shares issued and outstanding; $46.90 million aggregate liquidation preference) 41,174 41,087
Common Stock ($0.01 par value, 18,750,000 shares authorized, 9,703,874 and 9,694,284 shares issued and outstanding, respectively) 97 97
Additional paid-in capital 234,061 233,870
Accumulated deficit (260,867) (251,580)
Total Stockholders’ Equity 14,918 23,927
Noncontrolling interests 1,931 2,080
Total Equity 16,849 26,007
Total Liabilities and Equity $ 489,379 $ 484,365
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
Wheeler Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Operations
(in thousands, except share and per share data)
Years Ended December 31,
2020 2019
REVENUE:
Rental revenues $ 60,039 $ 62,442
Other revenues 964 720
Total Revenue 61,003 63,162
OPERATING EXPENSES:
Property operations 18,886 19,127
Non-REIT management and leasing services - 25
Depreciation and amortization 17,291 21,319
Impairment of notes receivable - 5,000
Impairment of assets held for sale 600 1,598
Corporate general & administrative 5,831 6,633
Total Operating Expenses 42,608 53,702
Gain on disposal of properties 23 1,394
Operating Income 18,418 10,854
Interest expense (17,092) (18,983)
Other expense (1,039) -
Net Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes 287 (8,129)
Income tax expense - (15)
Net Income (Loss) 287 (8,144)
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests 42 (105)
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Wheeler REIT 245 (8,039)
Preferred Stock dividends - undeclared (14,528) (14,629)
Deemed contribution related to preferred stock redemption 726 -
Net Loss Attributable to Wheeler REIT Common Stockholders $ (13,557) $ (22,668)
Loss per share:
Basic and Diluted $ (1.40) $ (2.34)
Weighted-average number of shares:
Basic and Diluted 9,698,274 9,671,847
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
Wheeler Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Equity
(in thousands, except share data)
Series A Series B Noncontrolling
Preferred Stock Preferred Stock Common Stock Additional
Paid-in Capital Accumulated Deficit Total
Stockholders’ Equity Interests Total
Shares Value Shares Value Shares Value Units Value Equity
Balance,
December 31, 2018
562 $ 453 1,875,748 $ 41,000 9,511,464 $ 95 $ 233,697 $ (233,184) $ 42,061 235,032 $ 2,194 $ 44,255
Accretion of Series B Preferred
Stock discount - - - 87 - - - - 87 - - 87
Conversion of operating
partnership units to Common
Stock - - - - 1,013 - 2 - 2 (1,013) (2) -
Issuance of Common Stock
under Share Incentive Plan - - - - 181,807 2 164 - 166 - - 166
Adjustment for noncontrolling
interest in operating partnership - - - - - - 7 - 7 - (7) -
Dividends and distributions - - - - - - - (10,357) (10,357) - - (10,357)
Net Loss - - - - - - - (8,039) (8,039) - (105) (8,144)
Balance,
December 31, 2019
562 453 1,875,748 41,087 9,694,284 97 233,870 (251,580) 23,927 234,019 2,080 26,007
Accretion of Series B Preferred
Stock discount - - - 87 - - - - 87 - - 87
Conversion of operating
partnership units to Common
Stock - - - - 9,590 - 21 - 21 (9,590) (21) -
Adjustment for noncontrolling
interest in operating partnership - - - - - - 170 - 170 - (170) -
Dividends and distributions - - - - - - - (10,258) (10,258) - - (10,258)
Preferred Stock redemption
discount - - - - - - - 726 726 - - 726
Net Income - - - - - - - 245 245 - 42 287
Balance,
December 31, 2020
562 $ 453 1,875,748 $ 41,174 9,703,874 $ 97 $ 234,061 $ (260,867) $ 14,918 224,429 $ 1,931 $ 16,849
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
Wheeler Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(in thousands)
For the Years Ended
December 31,
2020 2019
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net Income (Loss) $ 287 $ (8,144)
Adjustments to reconcile consolidated net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities
Depreciation 11,317 12,020
Amortization 5,974 9,299
Loan cost amortization 1,097 1,707
Above (below) market lease amortization, net (461) (1,261)
Straight-line expense 184 188
Share-based compensation - 2
Gain on disposal of properties (23) (1,394)
Credit losses on operating lease receivables 1,131 449
Impairment of notes receivable - 5,000
Impairment of assets held for sale 600 1,598
Net changes in assets and liabilities:
Rent and other tenant receivables, net (2,402) (1,592)
Unbilled rent (1,076) (100)
Deferred costs and other assets, net (661) (312)
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities (187) (2,205)
Net operating cash flows used in discontinued operations - (2)
Net cash provided by operating activities 15,780 15,253
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Investment property acquisitions - (24)
Capital expenditures (2,271) (2,711)
Cash received from disposal of properties 4,508 3,584
Cash received from disposal of properties-discontinued operations - 19
Net cash provided by investing activities 2,237 868
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Payments for deferred financing costs (3,143) (779)
Loan proceeds 38,350 31,665
Loan principal payments (31,493) (43,415)
Preferred stock redemption (1,106) -
Paycheck Protection Program proceeds 552 -
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities 3,160 (12,529)
INCREASE IN CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED CASH 21,177 3,592
CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED CASH , beginning of year 21,591 17,999
CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED CASH, end of year $ 42,768 $ 21,591
Supplemental Disclosures:
Non-cash Transactions:
Conversion of common units to Common Stock $ 21 $ 2
Accretion of Preferred Stock discounts $ 677 $ 680
Deemed contribution related to preferred stock discount $ 726 $ -
Other Cash Transactions:
Cash paid for taxes $ 15 $ 6
Cash paid for interest $ 15,889 $ 17,379
The following table provides a reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 7,660 $ 5,451
Restricted cash 35,108 16,140
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash $ 42,768 $ 21,591
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
Wheeler Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
1. Organization and Basis of Presentation and Consolidation
Wheeler Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc. (the “Trust,” the “REIT,” or "Company") is a Maryland corporation formed on June 23, 2011. The Trust serves as the general partner of Wheeler REIT, L.P. (the “Operating Partnership”), which was formed as a Virginia limited partnership on April 5, 2012. As of December 31, 2020, the Trust, through the Operating Partnership, owned and operated sixty centers and six undeveloped properties. Twelve of these properties are located in Virginia, three are located in Florida, seven are located in North Carolina, twenty-three are located in South Carolina, twelve are located in Georgia, two are located in Kentucky, two are located in Tennessee, one is located in New Jersey, one is located in Alabama, one is located in West Virginia, one is located in Oklahoma and one is located in Pennsylvania. The Company’s portfolio had total net rentable space of approximately 5,561,766 square feet and a leased level of approximately 88.9% at December 31, 2020. Accordingly, the use of the word “Company” refers to the Trust and its consolidated subsidiaries, except where the context otherwise requires. The Company includes the Trust, the Operating Partnership, the entities included in the REIT formation and the entities acquired since November 2012. The Company prepared the accompanying consolidated financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, or GAAP. All material balances and transactions between the consolidated entities of the Company have been eliminated.
The Company owns, leases and operates income producing strip centers, neighborhood, grocery-anchored, community centers and free-standing retail properties with a strategy to acquire high quality retail properties that generate attractive risk-adjusted returns. The Company targeted competitively protected properties in communities that have stable demographics and have historically exhibited favorable trends, such as strong population and income growth. The Company considers competitively protected properties to be located in the most prominent shopping districts in their respective markets, ideally situated at major “Main and Main” intersections. The Company generally leases its properties to national and regional supermarket chains and selects retailers that offer necessity and value oriented items and generate regular consumer traffic. The Company’s tenants carry goods that are less impacted by fluctuations in the broader U.S. economy and consumers’ disposable income, which it believes generates more predictable property-level cash flows.
On October 24, 2014, the Trust, through the Operating Partnership, acquired (i) Wheeler Interests, LLC (“WI”), an acquisition and asset management firm, (ii) Wheeler Real Estate, LLC (“WRE”), a real estate leasing, management and administration firm and (iii) WHLR Management, LLC (“WM” and collectively with WI and WRE the “Operating Companies”), a real estate business operations firm resulting in the Company becoming an internally-managed REIT. Accordingly, the responsibility for identifying targeted real estate investments, the handling of the disposition of real estate investments, administering our day-to-day business operations, including but not limited to, leasing, property management, payroll and accounting functions, acquisitions, asset management and administration are now handled internally.
The Operating Companies perform property management and leasing functions for certain related and non-related third parties (the “Non-REIT Properties”), primarily through WRE. The Company converted WRE to a Taxable REIT Subsidiary (“TRS”) to accommodate serving the Non-REIT Properties since applicable REIT regulations consider the income derived from these services to be “bad” income subject to taxation. The regulations allow for costs incurred by the Company commensurate with the services performed for the Non-REIT Properties to be allocated to a TRS.
During January 2014, the Company acquired Wheeler Development, LLC (“WD”) and converted it to a TRS. The Company began performing development activities for both REIT Properties and Non-REIT Properties during 2015.
Wheeler Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Investment Properties
The Company records investment properties and related intangibles at fair value upon acquisition. Investment properties include both acquired and constructed assets. Improvements and major repairs and maintenance are capitalized when the repair and maintenance substantially extends the useful life, increases capacity or improves the efficiency of the asset. All other repair and maintenance costs are expensed as incurred. The Company capitalizes interest on projects during periods of construction until the projects reach the completion point that corresponds with their intended purpose.
The Company allocates the purchase price of acquisitions to the various components of the asset based upon the fair value of each component which may be derived from various observable or unobservable inputs and assumptions. Also, the Company may utilize third party valuation specialists. These components typically include buildings, land and any intangible assets related to out-of-market leases, tenant relationships and in-place leases the Company determines to exist. The Company determines fair value based on estimated cash flow projections that utilize appropriate discount and capitalization rates and available market information. Estimates of future cash flows are based on a number of factors including the historical operating results, known trends and specific market and economic conditions that may affect the property. Factors considered by management in the analysis of determining the as-if-vacant property value include an estimate of carrying costs during the expected lease-up periods considering market conditions, and costs to execute similar leases. In estimating carrying costs, management includes real estate taxes, insurance and estimates of lost rentals at market rates during the expected lease-up periods, tenant demand and other economic conditions. Management also estimates costs to execute similar leases including leasing commissions, tenant improvements, legal and other related expenses. Intangibles related to out-of-market leases, tenant relationships and in-place lease value are recorded at fair value as acquired lease intangibles and are amortized as an adjustment to rental revenue or amortization expense, as appropriate, over the remaining terms of the underlying leases.
The Company records depreciation on buildings and improvements utilizing the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the asset, generally 5 to 40 years. The Company reviews depreciable lives of investment properties periodically and makes adjustments to reflect a shorter economic life, when necessary. Tenant allowances, tenant inducements and tenant improvements are amortized utilizing the straight-line method over the term of the related lease or occupancy term of the tenant, if shorter.
Amounts allocated to buildings are depreciated over the estimated remaining life of the acquired building or related improvements. The Company amortizes amounts allocated to tenant improvements, in-place lease assets and other lease-related intangibles over the remaining life of the underlying leases. The Company also estimates the value of other acquired intangible assets, if any, and amortizes them over the remaining life of the underlying related intangibles.
The Company reviews investment properties for impairment on a property-by-property basis whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of investment properties may not be recoverable, but at least annually. These circumstances include, but are not limited to, declines in the property’s cash flows, occupancy and fair market value. The Company measures any impairment of investment property when the estimated undiscounted future operating income before depreciation and amortization, plus its residual value, is less than the carrying value of the property. Estimated undiscounted operating income before depreciation and amortization includes various Level 3 fair value assumptions including renewal and renegotiations of current leases, estimates of new leases on vacant spaces, estimates of operating costs and fluctuating market conditions. The renewal and renegotiations of leases in some cases must be approved by additional third parties outside the control of the Company and the tenant. If such renewed or renegotiated leases are approved at amounts below current estimates, then impairment adjustments may be necessary in the future. To the extent impairment has occurred, the Company charges to income the excess of the carrying value of the property over its estimated fair value. The Company estimates fair value using unobservable data such as operating income, estimated capitalization rates, or multiples, leasing prospects for vacant spaces and local market information. These valuation assumptions are based on the three-level valuation hierarchy for fair value measurement and represent Level 3 inputs. Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities.
Assets Held For Sale and Discontinued Operations
The Company may decide to sell properties that are held for use. The Company records these properties as held for sale when management has committed to a plan to sell the assets, actively seeks a buyer for the assets, and the consummation of
Wheeler Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)
the sale is considered probable and is expected within one year. Properties classified as held for sale are reported at the lower of their carrying value or their fair value, less estimated costs to sell. When the carrying value exceeds the fair value, less estimated costs to sell an impairment expense is recognized. The Company estimates fair value, less estimated closing costs based on similar real estate sales transactions. These valuation assumptions are based on the three-level valuation hierarchy for fair value measurement and represent Level 2 and 3 inputs. Level 2 inputs are quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar assets in markets that are not active; and inputs other than quoted prices. Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities. See Note 3 for additional details on impairment of assets held for sale for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019.
Assets held for sale are presented as discontinued operations in all periods presented if the disposition represents a strategic shift that has, or will have, a major effect on the Company's financial position or results of operations. This includes the net gain (or loss) upon disposal of property held for sale, the property's operating results, depreciation and interest expense.
Conditional Asset Retirement Obligation
A conditional asset retirement obligation represents a legal obligation to perform an asset retirement activity in which the timing and/or method of settlement depends on a future event that may or may not be within the Company’s control. Currently, the Company does not have any conditional asset retirement obligations. However, any such obligations identified in the future would result in the Company recording a liability if the fair value of the obligation can be reasonably estimated. Environmental studies conducted at the time the Company acquired its properties did not reveal any material environmental liabilities, and the Company is unaware of any subsequent environmental matters that would have created a material liability. The Company believes that its properties are currently in material compliance with applicable environmental, as well as non-environmental, statutory and regulatory requirements. The Company did not record any conditional asset retirement obligation liabilities as of December 31, 2020 and 2019.
Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash
The Company considers all highly liquid investments purchased with an original maturity of 90 days or less to be cash and cash equivalents. Cash equivalents are carried at cost, which approximates fair value. Cash equivalents consist primarily of bank operating accounts and money markets. Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk include its cash and cash equivalents and its trade accounts receivable. The Company places its cash and cash equivalents with institutions of high credit quality.
Restricted cash represents amounts held by lenders for real estate taxes, insurance, reserves for capital improvements, leasing costs, tenant security deposits and funds held for the 2020 tender offer, see Note 8 for further details related to the tender offer.
The Company places its cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash on deposit with financial institutions in the United States, which are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Company ("FDIC") up to $250 thousand. The Company's loss in the event of failure of these financial institutions is represented by the difference between the FDIC limit and the total amounts on deposit. Management monitors the financial institutions credit worthiness in conjunction with balances on deposit to minimize risk.
Tenant Receivables and Unbilled Rent
Tenant receivables include base rents, tenant reimbursements and receivables attributable to recording rents on a straight-line basis. The Company determines an allowance for the uncollectible portion of accrued rents and accounts receivable based upon customer credit-worthiness (including expected recovery of a claim with respect to any tenants in bankruptcy), historical bad debt levels, and current economic trends. The Company considers a receivable past due once it becomes delinquent per the terms of the lease. The Company’s standard lease form considers a rent charge past due after five days. A past due receivable triggers certain events such as notices, fees and other allowable and required actions per the lease. As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the Company’s allowance for uncollectible tenant receivables totaled $994 thousand and $1.14 million, respectively.
Wheeler Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)
Notes Receivable
Notes receivable represent financing to Sea Turtle Development ("Sea Turtle") as discussed in Note 4. The notes were secured by a second deed of trust on the underlying real estate known as Sea Turtle Development. The Company evaluates the collectability of both the interest and principal of the notes receivable based primarily upon the projected fair market value of the project at stabilization. The notes receivable are determined to be impaired when, based upon current information, it is no longer probable that the Company will be able to collect all contractual amounts due from the borrower. The amount of impairment loss recognized is measured as the difference between the carrying amount of the note and its estimated realizable value. The impairment on the Sea Turtle Development note is further discussed at Note 4.
Above and Below Market Lease Intangibles, net
The Company determines the above and below market lease intangibles upon acquiring a property. Above and below market lease intangibles are amortized over the life of the respective leases. Amortization of above and below market lease intangibles is recorded as a component of rental revenues.
Deferred Costs and Other Assets, net
The Company’s deferred costs and other assets consist primarily of leasing commissions, leases in place, capitalized legal and marketing costs, tenant relationships and ground lease sandwich interest intangibles associated with acquisitions. The Company’s lease origination costs consist primarily of the portion of property acquisitions allocated to lease originations and commissions paid to third parties in connection with lease originations. The Company generally records amortization of lease origination costs on a straight-line basis over the terms of the related leases. Amortization of deferred costs and other assets represents a component of depreciation and amortization expense.
Paycheck Protection Program
The Company received proceeds of $552 thousand (the "PPP funds") pursuant to the Paycheck Protection Program (the "PPP") under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act.
The PPP funds were received in the form of a promissory note, dated April 24, 2020 (the “Promissory Note”), between the Company and KeyBank as the lender that matures on April 24, 2022 bearing interest at a fixed rate of 1% per annum, payable monthly commencing seven months from the date of the note. Under the terms of the PPP, the principal may be forgiven if the proceeds are used for qualifying expenses as described in the CARES Act, such as payroll costs, mortgage interest, rent and utilities. See Note 12 for additional details regarding forgiveness. The PPP proceeds are included in "accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities" on the consolidated balance sheets.
Derivative Financial Instruments
The Company does not use derivative instruments to hedge exposures to cash flow, market, or foreign currency risks. The Company evaluates all of its financial instruments, including stock purchase warrants, to determine if such instruments are derivatives or contain features that qualify as embedded derivatives. For derivative financial instruments that are accounted for as liabilities, the derivative instrument is initially recorded at its fair value and is then re-valued at each reporting date, with changes in the fair value reported in the consolidated statement of operations. The assumptions used in these fair value estimates are based on the three-level valuation hierarchy for fair value measurement and represent Level 3 inputs. Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities.
Debt Issuance Costs
The Company may record debt issuance costs in connection with raising funds through the issuance of debt. These costs may be paid in the form of cash, or equity (such as warrants). These costs are amortized to interest expense over the life of the debt. If a conversion of the underlying debt occurs, a proportionate share of the unamortized amounts is immediately expensed.
Wheeler Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)
Operating Partnership Purchase of Stock
The Operating Partnership purchased 71,343 shares of the Series D Preferred Stock on September 22, 2020 from an unaffiliated investor at $15.50 per share. The Company considers the purchase of the REIT's equity securities to be retired in the consolidated financial statements. See Note 8 for additional details.
Revenue Recognition
Lease Contract Revenue
The Company has two classes of underlying assets relating to rental revenue activity, retail and office space. The Company retains substantially all of the risks and benefits of ownership of these underlying assets and accounts for these leases as operating leases. The Company combines lease and nonlease components in lease contracts, which includes combining base rent and tenant reimbursement revenue.
The Company accrues minimum rents on a straight-line basis over the terms of the respective leases which results in an unbilled rent asset or deferred rent liability being recorded on the balance sheet. At December 31, 2020 and 2019, there were $4.48 million and $3.41 million, respectively, in unbilled rent which is included in "rents and other tenant receivables, net." Additionally, certain of the lease agreements contain provisions that grant additional rents based on tenants’ sales volumes (contingent or percentage rent). Percentage rents are recognized when the tenants achieve the specified targets as defined in their lease agreements as variable lease income.
The Company’s leases generally require the tenant to reimburse the Company for a substantial portion of its expenses incurred in operating, maintaining, repairing, insuring and managing the shopping center and common areas (collectively defined as Common Area Maintenance or “CAM” expenses). This significantly reduces the Company’s exposure to increases in costs and operating expenses resulting from inflation or other outside factors. These reimbursements are considered nonlease components which the Company combines with the lease component. The Company calculates the tenant’s share of operating costs by multiplying the total amount of the operating costs by a fraction, the numerator of which is the total number of square feet being leased by the tenant, and the denominator of which is the average total square footage of all leasable buildings at the property. The Company also receives monthly payments for these reimbursements from substantially all its tenants throughout the year. The Company recognizes tenant reimbursements as variable lease income. The Company recognizes differences between estimated recoveries and the final billed amounts in the subsequent year. These differences were not material for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019.
Additionally, the Company has tenants who pay real estate taxes directly to the taxing authority. The Company excludes these Company costs paid directly by the tenant to third parties on the Company’s behalf from both variable revenue payments recognized and the associated property operating expenses. The Company does not evaluate whether certain sales taxes and other similar taxes are the Company’s costs or tenants' costs. Instead, the Company accounts for these costs as tenant costs.
The Company recognizes lease termination fees, which are included in "other revenues" on the consolidated statements of operations, in the year that the lease is terminated and collection of the fee is reasonably assured. Upon early lease termination, the Company provides for losses related to unrecovered intangibles and other assets.
Beginning in April 2020, the Company received certain rent relief requests, most often in the form of rent deferral requests, as a result of COVID-19. The Company evaluates each tenant rent relief request on an individual basis, considering a number of factors. Not all tenant requests ultimately result in concessions or modification of agreements, nor is the Company forgoing its contractual rights under its lease agreements. The Financial Accounting Standards Board (the "FASB") issued a question-and-answer document (the “Lease Modification Q&A”) focused on the application of lease accounting guidance to lease concessions provided as a result of COVID-19. The Lease Modification Q&A clarifies that entities may elect to treat qualifying lease concessions as if they were based on enforceable rights and obligations, and may choose to apply or not to apply modification accounting to those qualifying concessions. Qualifying concessions must be in response to COVID-19 and not have a substantial increase in the lessee’s obligation or the lessor’s rights under the contract. The Company has elected not to apply ASC 842 modification guidance for concessions that did not increase the lease term, generally these concessions do not impact the overall economics of the lease. Concessions that extend the lease term are accounted for under ASC 842, lease modification guidance.
Wheeler Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)
The below table disaggregates the Company’s revenue by type of service for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 (in thousands):
Years Ended December 31,
2020 2019
Minimum rent $ 46,349 $ 49,006
Tenant reimbursements - variable lease revenue 13,273 13,369
Percentage rent - variable lease revenue 393 334
Straight-line rents 1,155 182
Lease termination fees 178 117
Other 786 603
Subtotal 62,134 63,611
Credit losses on operating lease receivables (1,131) (449)
Total $ 61,003 $ 63,162
Income Taxes
The Company has elected to be taxed as a REIT under Sections 856 through 860 of the Internal Revenue Code and applicable Treasury regulations relating to REIT qualification. In order to maintain this REIT status, the regulations require the Company to distribute at least 90% of its taxable income to stockholders and meet certain other asset and income tests, as well as other requirements. If the Company fails to qualify as a REIT, it will be subject to tax at regular corporate rates for the years in which it fails to qualify. If the Company loses its REIT status it could not elect to be taxed as a REIT for five years unless the Company’s failure to qualify was due to reasonable cause and certain other conditions were satisfied.
Management has evaluated the effect of the guidance provided by GAAP on Accounting for Uncertainty of Income Taxes and has determined that the Company had no uncertain income tax positions.
Taxable REIT Subsidiary Cost Allocation
The Company’s overall philosophy regarding cost allocation centers around the premise that the Trust exists to acquire, lease and manage properties for the benefit of its investors. Accordingly, a majority of the Company’s operations occur at the property level. Each property must carry its own weight by absorbing the costs associated with generating its revenues. Additionally, leases generally allow the Company to pass through to the tenant most of the costs involved in operating the property, including, but not limited to, the direct costs associated with owning and maintaining the property (landscaping, repairs and maintenance, taxes, insurance, etc.), property management and certain administrative costs.
Service vendors bill the majority of the direct costs of operating the properties directly to the particular property and each property pays them accordingly. The Non-REIT Properties pay WRE property management and/or asset management fees of 3% and 2% of collected revenues, respectively. The Non-REIT Properties also pay WRE leasing commissions based on the total contractual revenues to be generated under the new/renewed lease agreement (6% for new leases and 3% for renewals).
Costs incurred to manage, lease and administer the Non-REIT Properties are allocated to the TRS. These costs include compensation and benefits, property management, leasing and other corporate, general and administrative expenses associated with generating the TRS' revenues.
Financial Instruments
The carrying amount of financial instruments included in assets and liabilities approximates fair market value due to their immediate or short-term maturity.
Wheeler Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)
Use of Estimates
The Company has made estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and revenues and expenses during the reported periods. The Company’s actual results could differ from these estimates.
Corporate General and Administrative Expense
A detail for the "corporate general & administrative" line item from the consolidated statements of operations is presented below (in thousands):
December 31,
2020 2019
Professional fees $ 2,466 $ 2,534
Compensation and benefits 1,589 1,991
Corporate administration 1,240 1,259
Advertising costs for leasing activities 117 276
Other 419 573
Total $ 5,831 $ 6,633
Other Expense
Other expense represents expenses which are non-operating in nature. Other expenses during the year ended December 31, 2020 were $1.04 million in legal settlement costs and reimbursement of 2019 proxy costs, see Note 10 and Note 11 for additional details.
Leases Commitments
The Company determines if an arrangement is a lease at inception. Operating leases, in which the Company is the lessee, are included in operating lease right-of-use (“ROU”) assets and operating lease liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets.
ROU assets represent the right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and the lease liabilities represent our obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. Operating lease ROU assets and liabilities are recognized at commencement date based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. As most of the Company's leases do not provide an implicit rate, the Company uses its incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at commencement date in determining the present value of lease payments. The operating lease ROU assets include any lease payments made and excludes lease incentives. The Company's lease terms may include options to extend the lease when it is reasonably certain that the company will exercise that option. Lease expense for lease payments is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term.
The Company elects the practical expedient to combine lease and associated nonlease components. The lease components are the majority of its leasing arrangements and the Company accounts for the combined component as an operating lease. In the event the Company modifies existing ground leases or enters into new ground leases, such leases may be classified as finance leases.
Noncontrolling Interests
Noncontrolling interests is the portion of equity in the Operating Partnership not attributable to the Trust. The ownership interests not held by the parent are considered noncontrolling interests. Accordingly, noncontrolling interests have been reported in equity on the consolidated balance sheets but separate from the Company’s equity. On the consolidated statements of operations, the subsidiaries are reported at the consolidated amount, including both the amount attributable to the
Wheeler Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)
Company and noncontrolling interests. Consolidated statements of equity include beginning balances, activity for the period and ending balances for stockholders’ equity, noncontrolling interests and total equity.
The noncontrolling interest of the Operating Partnership common unit holders is calculated by multiplying the noncontrolling interest ownership percentage at the balance sheet date by the Operating Partnership’s net assets (total assets less total liabilities). The noncontrolling interest percentage is calculated at any point in time by dividing the number of units not owned by the Company by the total number of units outstanding. The noncontrolling interest ownership percentage will change as additional units are issued or as units are exchanged for the Company’s $0.01 par value per share common stock ("Common Stock"). In accordance with GAAP, any changes in the value from period to period are charged to additional paid-in capital.
Adoption of ASC Topic 842, “Leases”
In February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASU 2016-02, “Leases (Topic 842)”, to increase transparency and comparability among organizations by requiring the recognition of ROU assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet. The Company adopted ASU 2016-02 as of January 1, 2019 using the modified retrospective approach within ASU 2018-11, which allows for the application date to be the beginning of the reporting period in which the entity first applies the new standard. The Company did not have a cumulative-effect adjustment as of the adoption date.
The Company elected the package of transition practical expedients where the company is either the lessee or lessor, which among other things, allowed the Company to carry forward the historical lease classifications and use hindsight in determining the lease terms.
The standard had a material impact on the Company's consolidated balance sheets, but did not have a material impact on the consolidated statements of operations. The most significant impact was the recognition of ROU assets and lease liabilities of approximately $11.90 million and $11.99 million, respectively, for operating leases as of January 1, 2019, calculated based on an incremental borrowing rate of 4.84%. The difference between the ROU assets and lease liabilities at adoption represents the accrued straight-line rent liability previously recognized under ASC 840. The standard had no impact on the Company's cash flows.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, "Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments." This update enhances the methodology of measuring expected credit losses to include the use of forward-looking information to better calculate credit loss estimates. The guidance will apply to most financial assets measured at amortized cost and certain other instruments, such as accounts receivable and loans. The guidance will require that the Company estimate the lifetime expected credit loss with respect to these receivables and record allowances that, when deducted from the balance of the receivables, represent the net amounts expected to be collected. The Company will also be required to disclose information about how it developed the allowances, including changes in the factors that influenced the Company’s estimate of expected credit losses and the reasons for those changes. The guidance would be effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2022, per FASB's issuance of ASU 2019-10, "Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326), Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815), and Leases (Topic 842): Effective Dates." The Company is currently in the process of evaluating the impact the adoption of the guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements.
In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-13, "Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820)". This update modifies the disclosure requirements on fair value measurements in Topic 820 with several removals, modifications and additions for disclosures, which includes both prospective and retrospective disclosures. The guidance adds prospective disclosures related to the range and weighted average of significant unobservable inputs used to develop Level 3 fair value measurements including measurement uncertainty disclosures to communicate the uncertainty in the measurement as of the reporting date. The Company adopted this ASU as of January 1, 2020. The adoption did not have material impact on its consolidated financial statements upon adoption of the guidance and there were no retrospective disclosures necessary.
Other accounting standards that have been issued or proposed by the FASB or other standard-setting bodies are not currently applicable to the Company or are not expected to have a significant impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
Wheeler Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)
Reclassifications
The Company has reclassified certain prior period amounts in the accompanying consolidated financial statements in order to be consistent with the current period presentation. These reclassifications had no effect on net income, total assets, total liabilities or equity. The revenue from asset management fees and commissions were reclassified to other revenues on the consolidated statements of operations for consistency with current period presentation.
3. Real Estate
Investment properties consist of the following (in thousands):
December 31,
2020 2019
Land and land improvements $ 97,117 $ 100,599
Buildings and improvements 354,738 366,082
Investment properties at cost 451,855 466,681
Less accumulated depreciation (59,191) (50,466)
Investment properties, net $ 392,664 $ 416,215
The Company’s depreciation expense on investment properties was $11.32 million and $12.02 million for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
A significant portion of the Company’s land, buildings and improvements serve as collateral for its mortgage loans. Accordingly, restrictions exist as to the encumbered property's transferability, use and other common rights typically associated with property ownership.
Assets Held for Sale and Dispositions
At December 31, 2020, assets held for sale included Columbia Fire Station, Berkley Shopping Center, a .75 acre land parcel at Berkley and two outparcels at Rivergate Shopping Center, as the Company has committed to a plan to sell each property. At December 31, 2019, assets held for sale included St. Matthews.
Impairment expenses on assets held for sale are a result of reducing the carrying value for the amount that exceeded the property's fair value less estimated selling costs. The valuation assumptions are based on the three-level valuation hierarchy for fair value measurement and represent Level 2 inputs. The impairment expenses during the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 are as follows (in thousands):
Years Ended December 31,
2020 2019
Columbia Fire Station $ 600 $ -
St. Matthews - 451
Perimeter Square - 1,147
Total $ 600 $ 1,598
Wheeler Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
3. Real Estate (continued)
As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, assets held for sale and associated liabilities consisted of the following (in thousands):
December 31,
2020 2019
Investment properties, net $ 12,593 $ 1,651
Rents and other tenant receivables, net 132 77
Above market leases, net 153 -
Deferred costs and other assets, net 194 9
Total assets held for sale $ 13,072 $ 1,737
December 31,
2020 2019
Loans payable $ 12,838 $ 1,974
Below market leases, net 25 -
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities 261 52
Total liabilities associated with assets held for sale $ 13,124 $ 2,026
The following properties were sold during the years ending December 31, 2020 and 2019:
Disposal Property Contract Price Gain (Loss) Net Proceeds
(in thousands)
December 31, 2020 Riversedge North $ 3,000 $ 49 $ 2,843
January 21, 2020 St. Matthews 1,775 (26) 1,665
July 12, 2019 Perimeter Square 7,200 (95) -
March 18, 2019 Graystone Crossing 6,000 1,433 1,744
February 7, 2019 Harbor Pointe Land Parcel (1.28 acres) 550 - 19
January 11, 2019 Jenks Plaza 2,200 387 1,840
In May 2019, an approximate 10,000 square foot outparcel at the JANAF property was demolished resulting in a $331 thousand write-off to make way for a new approximate 20,000 square foot building constructed by a new grocer tenant, Aldi.
JANAF Executive Building
In April 2019, the Company absorbed an approximate 25,000 square foot outparcel at JANAF as a result of an unlawful detainer with a delinquent tenant, Mariner Investments, LTD.
4. Notes Receivable
On May 7, 2019, Sea Turtle filed a Chapter 11 Voluntary Petition for Bankruptcy in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of South Carolina in Charleston. As such, the Company recognized $5.00 million in impairment expense on the notes receivable for the year ended December 31, 2019, bringing the carrying value to zero, as the estimated fair value of Sea Turtle was not expected to provide for the cash required to repay the notes receivable. Additionally, the notes receivable were on nonaccrual status during 2019 and the Company did not recognize $1.44 million of interest income during the year ended December 31, 2019. No interest income was recognized in 2020. See Note 10 for further details on the outcome of bankruptcy proceedings.
Wheeler Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
5. Deferred Costs
Deferred costs and other assets, net of amortization are as follows (in thousands):
December 31,
2020 2019
Leases in place, net $ 10,233 $ 14,968
Ground lease sandwich interest, net 1,941 2,215
Lease origination costs, net 1,334 1,038
Tenant relationships, net 1,308 2,173
Legal and marketing costs, net 22 43
Other 592 588
Total deferred costs and other assets, net $ 15,430 $ 21,025
As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the Company’s intangible accumulated amortization totaled $60.33 million and $57.15 million, respectively. During the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, the Company’s intangible amortization expense totaled $5.97 million and $9.30 million, respectively. Future amortization of leases in place, ground lease sandwich interest, lease origination costs, tenant relationships, and legal and marketing costs is as follows (in thousands):
For the Years Ended December 31, Leases In
Place, net Ground Lease Sandwich Interest, net Lease
Origination
Costs, net Tenant
Relationships, net Legal &
Marketing
Costs, net Total
2021 $ 2,669 $ 274 $ 216 $ 444 $ 8 $ 3,611
2022 2,109 274 174 354 6 2,917
2023 1,632 274 156 227 5 2,294
2024 1,119 274 141 128 3 1,665
2025 794 274 117 62 - 1,247
Thereafter 1,910 571 530 93 - 3,104
$ 10,233 $ 1,941 $ 1,334 $ 1,308 $ 22 $ 14,838
Wheeler Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
6. Loans Payable
The Company’s loans payable consist of the following (in thousands except monthly payment):
Property/Description Monthly Payment Interest
Rate Maturity December 31,
2020 December 31,
KeyBank Credit Agreement (6)
$ 350,000 LIBOR + 350 basis points December 2020 $ - $ 17,879
Columbia Fire Station $ 45,580 14.00 % December 2020 3,893 4,051
Tuckernuck $ 33,880 3.88 % February 2021 5,193 5,344
First National Bank (7)
$ 24,656 LIBOR + 350 basis points March 2021 1,045 1,214
Lumber River $ 10,723 LIBOR + 350 basis points April 2021 1,367 1,404
Rivergate $ 104,178 LIBOR + 295 basis points April 2021 21,164 21,545
JANAF Bravo $ 36,935 4.65 % April 2021 6,263 6,372
Litchfield Market Village $ 46,057 5.50 % November 2022 7,418 7,452
Twin City Commons $ 17,827 4.86 % January 2023 2,915 2,983
Walnut Hill Plaza $ 26,850 5.50 % March 2023 3,287 3,759
Powerscourt Financing Agreement (6)
Interest only 13.50 % March 2023 25,000 -
New Market $ 48,747 5.65 % June 2023 6,508 6,713
Benefit Street Note (3)
$ 53,185 5.71 % June 2023 7,145 7,361
Deutsche Bank Note (2)
$ 33,340 5.71 % July 2023 5,567 5,642
JANAF $ 333,159 4.49 % July 2023 48,875 50,599
Tampa Festival $ 50,797 5.56 % September 2023 7,920 8,077
Forrest Gallery $ 50,973 5.40 % September 2023 8,226 8,381
Riversedge North $ 11,436 5.77 % December 2023 - 1,767
South Carolina Food Lions Note (5)
$ 68,320 5.25 % January 2024 11,473 11,675
Cypress Shopping Center $ 34,360 4.70 % July 2024 6,163 6,268
Port Crossing $ 34,788 4.84 % August 2024 5,909 6,032
Freeway Junction $ 41,798 4.60 % September 2024 7,582 7,725
Harrodsburg Marketplace $ 19,112 4.55 % September 2024 3,343 3,416
Bryan Station $ 23,489 4.52 % November 2024 4,312 4,394
Crockett Square Interest only 4.47 % December 2024 6,338 6,338
Pierpont Centre $ 39,435 4.15 % February 2025 8,001 8,113
Shoppes at Myrtle Park $ 33,180 4.45 % February 2025 5,892 -
Folly Road $ 41,482 4.65 % March 2025 7,223 5,922
Alex City Marketplace Interest only 3.95 % April 2025 5,750 5,750
Butler Square Interest only 3.90 % May 2025 5,640 5,640
Brook Run Shopping Center Interest only 4.08 % June 2025 10,950 10,950
Beaver Ruin Village I and II Interest only 4.73 % July 2025 9,400 9,400
Sunshine Shopping Plaza Interest only 4.57 % August 2025 5,900 5,900
Barnett Portfolio (4)
Interest only 4.30 % September 2025 8,770 8,770
Fort Howard Shopping Center Interest only 4.57 % October 2025 7,100 7,100
Conyers Crossing Interest only 4.67 % October 2025 5,960 5,960
Grove Park Shopping Center Interest only 4.52 % October 2025 3,800 3,800
Parkway Plaza Interest only 4.57 % October 2025 3,500 3,500
Winslow Plaza $ 24,295 4.82 % December 2025 4,553 4,620
JANAF BJ's $ 29,964 4.95 % January 2026 4,844 4,957
Chesapeake Square $ 23,857 4.70 % August 2026 4,279 4,354
Berkley/Sangaree/Tri-County Interest only 4.78 % December 2026 9,400 9,400
Riverbridge Interest only 4.48 % December 2026 4,000 4,000
Franklin Village $ 45,336 4.93 % January 2027 8,404 8,516
Village of Martinsville $ 89,664 4.28 % July 2029 15,979 16,351
Laburnum Square Interest only 4.28 % September 2029 7,665 7,665
Total Principal Balance (1)
353,916 347,059
Unamortized debt issuance cost (1)
(6,812) (4,172)
Total Loans Payable, including assets held for sale 347,104 342,887
Less loans payable on assets held for sale, net loan amortization costs 12,838 1,974
Total Loans Payable, net $ 334,266 $ 340,913
(1) Includes loans payable on assets held for sale, see Note 3.
(2) Collateralized by LaGrange Marketplace, Ridgeland and Georgetown.
(3) Collateralized by Ladson Crossing, Lake Greenwood Crossing and South Park.
(4) Collateralized by Cardinal Plaza, Franklinton Square, and Nashville Commons.
(5) Collateralized by Clover Plaza, South Square, St. George, Waterway Plaza and Westland Square.
(6) Collateralized by Darien Shopping Center, Devine Street, Lake Murray, Moncks Corner and South Lake.
(7) Collateralized by Surrey Plaza and Amscot Building.
Wheeler Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
6. Loans Payable (continued)
KeyBank Credit Agreement
The KeyBank Credit Agreement was paid in full as of December 22, 2020. The KeyBank Credit Agreement had the following activity during the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019:
•Entered into a First Amendment to the KeyBank Credit Agreement (the "First Amendment") on April 25, 2019. The First Amendment, among other provisions, increases the interest rate to LIBOR plus 350 basis points on August 31, 2019 if the outstanding balance is not below $11.00 million;
•Began making monthly principal payments of $250 thousand on May 1, 2019 in accordance with the First Amendment;
•Entered into the Second Amendment to the KeyBank Credit Agreement (the "Second Amendment") on January 24, 2020, effective December 21, 2019, and the Company began making monthly principal payments of $350 thousand on November 1, 2019. The Second Amendment, among other provisions, requires a pledge of additional collateral of $15.00 million in residual equity interests and staggered maturity dates with an ultimate maturity of June 30, 2020;
•Entered into a Third Amendment to the KeyBank Credit Agreement (the "Third Amendment") on July 21, 2020. The Third Amendment, among other provisions, reduces the pledge of additional collateral by two properties and extends the maturity to December 31, 2020;
•The KeyBank Credit Agreement had principal paydowns as noted below:
◦$850 thousand paydown on March 19, 2019;
◦$1.00 million paydown on May 1, 2019;
◦$15.46 million paydown from Village of Martinsville refinancing proceeds on June 28, 2019;
◦$7.55 million paydown from Laburnum Square refinancing proceeds on August 1, 2019;
◦$7.16 million paydown from Litchfield Market Village refinancing proceeds on November 1, 2019;
◦$1.78 million paydown from St. Matthews sale proceeds on January 21, 2020;
◦$5.75 million paydown from Shoppes at Myrtle Park refinancing proceeds on January 23, 2020; and
◦$2.50 million paydown from cash released to the Company from restricted cash accounts on May 20, 2020;
◦$1.00 million paydown on November 12, 2020;
◦$3.00 million final paydown from Powerscourt Financing Agreement proceeds on December 22, 2020.
Powerscourt Financing Agreement
On December 22, 2020, the Company entered into a financing agreement (the "Powerscourt Financing Agreement") with Powerscourt Investments XXII, LP, as administrative agent and collateral agent. The Powerscourt Financing Agreement provides for a term loan in the aggregate principal of $25.00 million. The proceeds of the Powerscourt Financing Agreement are intended for the following: (i) to paydown the Company’s indebtedness on the KeyBank Credit Agreement, (ii) to redeem certain shares of the Company’s Series D Preferred, and (iii) to pay fees and expenses in connection with the transactions contemplated by the Powerscourt Financing Agreement. The Powerscourt Financing Agreement is at a rate of 13.50% and matures on March 31, 2023 with quarterly interest only payments beginning on January 15, 2021. In conjunction with the Powerscourt Financing Agreement, the Company issued to Powerscourt XXII, LP a warrant to purchase an aggregate of 496,415 shares of the Company’s Common Stock (see the “Powerscourt Warrant Agreement” below).
Powerscourt Warrant Agreement
Pursuant to Powerscourt Financing Agreement, the Company issued Powerscourt Investments XXII, LP, a warrant (the “Warrant”) to purchase 496,415 shares of Common Stock for $3.12 per share (the “Powerscourt Warrant Agreement”). The Warrant is exercisable at the option of its holder in whole or in part into shares of Common Stock from time to time on or after December 22, 2020 (the “Effective Date”) and before the date that is the 36-month anniversary of the Effective Date. The Powerscourt Warrant Agreement contains terms and features that give rise to derivative liability classification.
The Company utilized the Monte Carlo simulation model to calculate the fair value of these warrants at the date of commitment. Significant observable and unobservable inputs include stock price, conversion price, annual risk free rate, term, likelihood of an event of contractual conversion and expected volatility. The Monte Carlo simulation is a Level 3 valuation technique because it requires the development of significant internal assumptions in addition to observable market indicators.
Wheeler Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
6. Loans Payable (continued)
The warrants were valued at approximately $594 thousand and the Company recorded a liability included on the consolidated balance sheet.
The fair value at the commitment date for the Company’s warranty liability was based upon the following assumptions as of December 31, 2020:
Exercise price $ 3.12
Stock price $ 2.75
Expected term 3.0 years
Expected volatility % 72.00 %
Risk free interest rate 0.17 %
Revere Term Loan Agreement
As of December 31, 2019, the Revere Term Loan was paid in full. The following amendments and payments were made to the Revere Term Loan during the year ended December 31, 2019:
•Sixth Amendment executed on January 29, 2019, extended the maturity date to April 1, 2019 from February 1, 2019 and created an additional “Exit Fee” of $20 thousand;
•Paid down $323 thousand with proceeds from the sale of Jenks Plaza on January 11, 2019;
•Paid down $30 thousand in conjunction with the sale of a Harbor Pointe parcel on February 7, 2019; and
•Paid down the remaining principal balance and the $20 thousand Exit Fee on March 29, 2019 from operating cash flows.
Revere Warrant Agreement
In connection with the Revere Term Loan, the Company and Revere entered into the Revere Warrant Agreement dated as of April 8, 2016, pursuant to which the Company agreed to issue the Warrant to Revere. The terms of the Revere Warrant Agreement provide that solely in the event of an Event of Default (as defined in the Revere Term Loan) under the Revere Term Loan, Revere shall have the right to purchase an aggregate of up to 750,000 shares of the Company’s Common Stock for an exercise price equal to $0.0001 per share. The Warrant was exercisable at any time and from time to time during the period starting on April 8, 2016 and expiring on February 1, 2019 at 11:59 p.m., Virginia Beach, Virginia time, solely in the event of an Event of Default under the Revere Term Loan. The Company did not receive any proceeds from the issuance of the Warrant; rather the Warrant served as collateral for the Revere Term Loan, the proceeds of which were used as partial consideration for the A-C Portfolio. The issuance of the Warrant was exempt from registration pursuant to the exemption provided by Rule 506 of Regulation D under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended based upon the above facts, because Revere was an accredited investor and because the issuance of the Warrant was a private transaction by the Company and did not involve any public offering. The Warrant was treated as embedded equity and separate disclosure is not necessary. The Warrants fully expired in 2019.
First National Bank Loan Paydown and Amendment
On January 11, 2019, the Company paid $1.51 million on the First National Bank Loan, the portion collateralized by Jenks Plaza, as detailed in Note 3.
On October 14, 2020, the Company entered into the Second Amendment to extend the $1.13 million First National Bank Loan to March 15, 2021 with monthly principal and interest payments of $25 thousand. The First National Bank Loan will bear interest at LIBOR plus 350 basis points with a minimum interest rate set at 4.25%.
Perimeter Square Refinance
Wheeler Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
6. Loans Payable (continued)
On January 15, 2019, the Company renewed the promissory notes for $6.25 million and $247 thousand at Perimeter Square. The loans were extended to March 2019 with interest only payments beginning February 15, 2019. The loans bear interest at 6.50%. In April 2019, the Company extended the $6.50 million of Perimeter Square loans to June 5, 2019.
On July 12, 2019, the principal balance on the Perimeter Square loans were paid in full with the sale of the property, as detailed in Note 3.
Harbor Pointe Payoff
On February 7, 2019, the principal balance on the Harbor Pointe loan was paid in full with the sale of a 1.28 acre parcel located at the property, as detailed in Note 3.
Graystone Crossing Payoff
On March 18, 2019, the principal balance on the Graystone Crossing loan was paid in full with the sale of the property, as detailed in Note 3.
Senior Convertible Notes
On June 10, 2019, through scheduled principal and interest payments the senior convertible notes were paid in full.
Village of Martinsville Refinance
On June 28, 2019, the Company executed a promissory note for $16.50 million for the refinancing of Village of Martinsville at a rate of 4.28%. The loan matures on July 6, 2029 with monthly principal and interest payments of $90 thousand.
Laburnum Square Refinance
On August 1, 2019, the Company executed a promissory note for $7.67 million for the refinancing of Laburnum Square at a rate of 4.28%. The loan is interest only through August 2024 with principal and interest payments of $38 thousand beginning in September 2024. The loan matures on September 5, 2029.
Litchfield Market Village Refinance
On November 1, 2019, the Company executed a promissory note for $7.50 million for the refinancing of Litchfield Market Village at a fixed interest rate of 5.50%. The loan matures on November 1, 2022 with monthly principal and interest payments of $46 thousand.
Shoppes at Myrtle Park Refinance
On January 23, 2020, the Company refinanced the Shoppes at Myrtle Park collateralized portion of the KeyBank Credit Agreement for $6.00 million at a fixed interest rate of 4.45%. The loan matures in February 2025 with monthly principal and interest payments of $33 thousand.
Folly Road Refinance
On March 23, 2020, the Company executed a promissory note for $7.35 million for the refinancing of Folly Road at a rate of 4.65%. The loan matures in March 2025 with monthly principal and interest payments of $41 thousand.
Wheeler Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
6. Loans Payable (continued)
Loan Modification Agreements
On September 4, 2020, the Company executed Loan Modification Agreements on three properties whereby the Company was able to use restricted cash to fund debt service for 90 days, representing a total of $488 thousand to be replenished over the subsequent twelve-month period.
Lumber River Extension
On October 14, 2020, the Company entered into the Third Amendment to extend the $1.39 million Lumber River Loan to April 10, 2021 with monthly principal and interest payments of $11 thousand. The Lumber River Loan will bear interest at LIBOR plus 350 basis points with a minimum interest rate set at 4.25%.
Walnut Hill Plaza Amendment
On July 15, 2020, the Company entered into the Third Amendment to reduce the Walnut Hill Plaza loan by $443 thousand to $3.30 million using proceeds from restricted cash reserves and received three months of forbearance on principal payments.
On October 16, 2020, the Company entered into the Fourth Amendment to receive forbearance on principal payments through December 29, 2020 and extend the maturity date to March 2023.
Tuckernuck Extension
On November 1, 2020, the Company entered into a Second Amended Forbearance Agreement to extend the Tuckernuck Loan to February 1, 2021 with monthly principal and interest payments of $34 thousand.
Rivergate Extension
On November 19, 2020, the Company entered into an agreement to extend the maturity date from October 20, 2020 to April 20, 2021 with monthly principal payments of $48 thousand plus accrued and unpaid interest.
Riversedge North Payoff
On December 31, 2020, the principal balance on the Riversedge North loan was paid in full with the sale of the property, as detailed in Note 3.
Columbia Fire Station Extension
Effective September 3, 2020, the Company extended the Columbia Fire Station promissory note ("Columbia Fire Station Loan") to December 3, 2020, with the monthly principal payment increasing $20 thousand for a total monthly principal and interest payment of $46 thousand beginning on October 3, 2020.
On December 7, 2020, the Company received a letter demanding payment in full from Pinnacle Bank for all amounts due under Columbia Fire Station Loan and the interest rate increased to 14%, the default rate. On December 29, 2020, Pinnacle Bank filed a suit against the Company, guarantor.
On January 21, 2021, the Company entered into a Forbearance Agreement (the "Forbearance Agreement") with Pinnacle Bank at an interest rate of 14% and made a $500 thousand principal payment. The Forbearance Agreement, among other provisions, extends the maturity date of the Columbia Fire Station Loan to July 21, 2021 and waives all defaults and late fees existing prior to the Forbearance Agreement.
Wheeler Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
6. Loans Payable (continued)
Debt Maturity
The Company’s scheduled principal repayments on indebtedness as of December 31, 2020, including assets held for sale, are as follows (in thousands):
For the Years Ended December 31,
2021 $ 43,933
2022 12,586
2023 111,875
2024 44,240
2025 91,426
Thereafter 49,856
Total principal repayments and debt maturities $ 353,916
The Company has considered its short-term (one year or less) liquidity needs and the adequacy of its estimated cash flows from operating activities and other expected financing sources to meet these needs. In particular, the Company has considered its scheduled debt maturities for the year ending December 31, 2021 of $43.93 million. All loans due to mature are collateralized by properties within the portfolio. Additionally, the Company expects to meet the short-term liquidity requirements, through a combination of the following:
•suspension of Series A Preferred, Series B Preferred and Series D Preferred dividends;
•available cash and cash equivalents;
•cash flows from operating activities;
•refinancing of maturing debt;
•possible sale of six undeveloped land parcels; and
•sale of additional properties, if necessary.
7. Rentals under Operating Leases
Future minimum rents to be received under noncancelable tenant operating leases, excluding rents on assets held for sale properties, for each of the next five years and thereafter, excluding tenant reimbursements and percentage rent based on tenant sales volume, as of December 31, 2020 are as follows (in thousands):
For the Years Ended December 31,
2021 $ 44,061
2022 40,091
2023 34,385
2024 27,053
2025 21,239
Thereafter 46,311
Total minimum rents $ 213,140
8. Equity and Mezzanine Equity
The Company has authority to issue 33,750,000 shares of stock, consisting of 18,750,000 shares of $0.01 par value Common Stock (“Common Stock”) and 15,000,000 shares of preferred stock of which 5,000,000 shares have been classified as no par value Series B Preferred Stock (“Series B Preferred”), 4,000,000 shares as Redeemable Preferred Stock ("Series D Preferred") and 4,500 shares of Series A Preferred Stock ("Series A Preferred").
Wheeler Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
8. Equity and Mezzanine Equity (continued)
Substantially all of our business is conducted through the Company’s Operating Partnership. The Trust is the sole general partner of the Operating Partnership and owned a 98.53% interest in the Operating Partnership as of December 31, 2020. Limited partners in the Operating Partnership have the right to redeem their common units for cash or, at our option, common shares at a ratio of one common unit for one common share. Distributions to common unit holders are paid at the same rate per unit as dividends per share to the Trust’s common stockholders. As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, there were 15,227,758 and 14,105,712, respectively, of common units outstanding with the Trust owning 15,003,329 and 13,871,693, respectively, of these common units.
Series A Preferred Stock
At December 31, 2020 and 2019, the Company had 562 shares without par value Series A Preferred Stock ("Series A Preferred") issued and outstanding, 4,500 authorized and a $1,000 liquidation preference per share, or $562 thousand in aggregate. The Series A Preferred accrues cumulative dividends at a rate of 9% per annum, which is paid or accumulated quarterly. The Company has the right to redeem the 562 shares of Series A Preferred, on a pro rata basis, at any time at a price equal to 103% of the purchase price for the Series A Preferred plus any accrued but unpaid dividends.
Series B Preferred Stock
At December 31, 2020 and 2019, the Company had 1,875,748 shares and 5,000,000 shares of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock, without par value ("Series B Preferred") issued and authorized with a $25.00 liquidation preference per share, or $46.90 million in aggregate. The Series B Preferred bears interest at a rate of 9% per annum. The Series B Preferred has no redemption rights. However, the Series B Preferred is subject to a mandatory conversion once the 20-trading day volume-weighted average closing price of our Common Stock, exceeds $58 per share; once this weighted average closing price is met, each share of our Series B Preferred will automatically convert into shares of our Common Stock at a conversion price equal to $40.00 per share of Common Stock. In addition, holders of our Series B Preferred also have the option, at any time, to convert shares of our Series B Preferred into shares of our Common Stock at a conversion price of $40.00 per share of Common Stock. Upon any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our company, the holders of shares of our Series B Preferred shall be entitled to be paid out of our assets a liquidation preference of $25.00 per share, plus an amount equal to all accumulated, accrued and unpaid dividends to and including the date of payment. The Series B Preferred has no maturity date and will remain outstanding indefinitely unless subject to a mandatory or voluntary conversion as described above.
Series D Preferred Stock- Redeemable Preferred Stock
At December 31, 2020 and 2019, the Company had 3,529,293 and 3,600,636 issued, respectively, and 4,000,000 authorized shares of Series D Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock, without par value ("Series D Preferred") with a $25.00 liquidation preference per share, or $109.13 million and $101.66 million in aggregate, respectively. Until September 21, 2023, the holders of the Series D Preferred are entitled to receive cumulative cash dividends at a rate of 8.75% per annum of the $25.00 liquidation preference per share (equivalent to the fixed annual amount of $2.1875 per share) (the “Initial Rate”). Commencing September 21, 2023, the holder’s will be entitled to cumulative cash dividends at an annual dividend rate of the Initial Rate increased by 2% of the liquidation preference per annum on each subsequent anniversary thereafter, subject to a maximum annual dividend rate of 14%. Dividends are payable quarterly in arrears on or before January 15th, April 15th, July 15th and October 15th of each year. On or after September 21, 2021, the Company may, at its option, redeem the Series D Preferred, for cash at a redemption price of $25.00 per share, plus an amount equal to all accrued and unpaid dividends, if any, to and including the redemption date. The holder of the Series D Preferred may convert shares at any time into shares of the Company’s Common Stock at an initial conversion rate of $16.96 per share of Common Stock. On September 21, 2023, the holders of the Series D Preferred may, at their option, elect to cause the Company to redeem any or all of their shares at a redemption price of $25.00 per share, plus an amount equal to all accrued and unpaid dividends, if any, to and including the redemption date, payable in cash or in shares of Common Stock, or any combination thereof, at the holder’s option.
The Series D Preferred requires the Company maintain asset coverage of at least 200%. If we fail to maintain asset coverage of at least 200% calculated by determining the percentage value of (i) our total assets plus accumulated depreciation and accumulated amortization minus our total liabilities and indebtedness as reported in our financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”) (exclusive of the book value of any Redeemable and Term Preferred Stock (defined below)) over (ii) the aggregate liquidation preference, plus an amount equal to all accrued and unpaid dividends, of outstanding shares of our Series D Preferred and any outstanding shares of term preferred stock or preferred stock providing for a fixed mandatory redemption date or maturity date (collectively referred to as
Wheeler Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
8. Equity and Mezzanine Equity (continued)
“Redeemable and Term Preferred Stock”) on the last business day of any calendar quarter (“Asset Coverage Ratio”), and such failure is not cured by the close of business on the date that is 30 calendar days following the filing date of our Annual Report on Form 10-K or Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, as applicable, for that quarter, or the “Asset Coverage Cure Date,” then we will be required to redeem, within 90 calendar days of the Asset Coverage Cure Date, shares of Redeemable and Term Preferred Stock, which may include Series D Preferred Stock, at least equal to the lesser of (i) the minimum number of shares of Redeemable and Term Preferred Stock that will result in us having a coverage ratio of at least 200% and (ii) the maximum number of shares of Redeemable and Term Preferred Stock that can be redeemed solely out of funds legally available for such redemption. In connection with any redemption for failure to maintain the Asset Coverage Ratio, we may, in our sole option, redeem any shares of Redeemable and Term Preferred Stock we select, including on a non-pro rata basis. We may elect not to redeem any Series D Preferred Stock to cure such failure as long as we cure our failure to meet the Asset Coverage Ratio by or on the Asset Coverage Cure Date. If shares of Series D Preferred are to be redeemed for failure to maintain the Asset Coverage Ratio, such shares will be redeemed solely in cash at a redemption price equal to $25.00 per share plus an amount equal to all accrued but unpaid dividends, if any, on such shares (whether or not declared) to and including the redemption date.
Dividends on the Series D Preferred cumulate from the end of the most recent dividend period for which dividends have been paid. Dividends on the Series D Preferred cumulate whether or not (i) we have earnings, (ii) there are funds legally available for the payment of such dividends and (iii) such dividends are authorized by our Board of Directors or declared by us. Dividends on the Series D Preferred do not bear interest. If the Company, fails to pay any dividend within three (3) business days after the payment date for such dividend, the then-current dividend rate increases following the payment date by an additional 2.0% of the $25.00 stated liquidation preference per share, or $0.50 per annum, until we pay the dividend, subject to our ability to cure the failure. On December 20, 2018, the Company suspended the Series D Preferred dividend. As such, the Series D Preferred shares began accumulating dividends at 10.75% beginning January 1, 2019 and will continue to accumulate dividends at this rate until all accumulated dividends have been paid.
Holders of shares of the Series D Preferred have no voting rights. Pursuant to the Company's Articles Supplementary, if dividends on the Series D Preferred are in arrears for six or more consecutive quarterly periods (a "Preferred Dividend Default"), the number of directors on our Board of Directors will automatically be increased by two, and holders of shares of the Series D Preferred and the holders of Series A Preferred and Series B Preferred (the Series A Preferred and Series B Preferred together, being the "Parity Preferred Stock"), shall be entitled to vote for the election of two additional directors ("Series D Preferred Directors"). A Preferred Dividend Default occurred on April 15, 2020. The election of such directors will take place upon the written request of the holders of record of at least 20% of the Series D Preferred and Parity Preferred Stock. The Board of Directors is not permitted to fill the vacancies on the Board of Directors as a result of the failure of the holders of 20% of the Series D Preferred and Parity Preferred Stock to deliver such written request for the election of the Series D Preferred Directors. The Series D Preferred Directors may serve on our Board of Directors, until all unpaid dividends on such Series D Preferred and Parity Preferred Stock, if any, have been paid or declared a sum sufficient for the payment thereof set apart for payment.
On September 22, 2020, the Operating Partnership purchased 71,343 shares of Series D Preferred at $15.50 per share. These shares are deemed to be retired on the consolidated financial statements. The book value of the shares purchased included both accreted and unaccreted issuance costs and dividends in arrears totaling $1.83 million.
The changes in the carrying value of the Series D Preferred for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 is as follows (in thousands):
Series D Preferred
Balance December 31, 2018 $ 76,955
Accretion of Preferred Stock discount 593
Undeclared dividends 9,677
Balance December 31, 2019 87,225
Accretion of Preferred Stock discount 590
Undeclared dividends 9,581
Redemption of Preferred Stock (1,833)
Balance December 31, 2020 $ 95,563
Wheeler Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
8. Equity and Mezzanine Equity (continued)
Earnings per share
Basic earnings per share for the Company’s common stockholder is calculated by dividing income (loss) from continuing operations, excluding amounts attributable to preferred stockholders and the net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests, by the Company’s weighted-average shares of Common Stock outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share is computed by dividing the net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders, excluding amounts attributable to preferred stockholders and the net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests, by the weighted-average number of common shares including any dilutive shares.
As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the below shares are able to be converted to Common Stock. The common units, convertible preferred stock, cumulative convertible preferred stock, and warrants have been excluded from the Company’s diluted earnings per share calculation because their inclusion would be antidilutive.
December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019
Outstanding shares Potential Dilutive Shares Outstanding shares Potential Dilutive Shares
Common units 224,429 224,429 234,019 234,019
Series B Preferred Stock 1,875,748 1,172,343 1,875,748 1,172,343
Series D Preferred Stock 3,529,293 5,202,378 3,600,636 5,307,541
Warrants to purchase Common Stock - 496,415 - -
Dividends
The following table summarizes the preferred stock dividends (in thousands except for per share amounts):
Series A Preferred Series B Preferred Series D Preferred
Record Date/Arrears Date Arrears Per Share Arrears Per Share Arrears Per Share
For the year ended December 31, 2020 $ 51 $ 90.00 $ 4,221 $ 2.25 $ 9,488 $ 2.69
For the year ended December 31, 2019 $ 51 $ 90.00 $ 4,221 $ 2.25 $ 9,677 $ 2.69
There were no dividends declared to holders of Common Stock for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019.
The total cumulative dividends in arrears for Series A Preferred (per share $202.50), Series B Preferred (per share $5.06) and Series D Preferred (per share $5.92) as of December 31, 2020 is $30.51 million.
2015 Long-Term Incentive Plan
On June 4, 2015, the Company's stockholders approved the 2015 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the "2015 Incentive Plan"). The 2015 Incentive Plan allows for issuance of up to 125,000 shares of the Company's Common Stock to employees, directors, officers and consultants for services rendered to the Company. The 2015 Incentive Plan replaced the 2012 Stock Incentive Plan.
As of December 31, 2020, there are 41,104 shares available for issuance under the Company’s 2015 Incentive Plan and there were no shares issued in 2020 or 2019.
2016 Long-Term Incentive Plan
On June 15, 2016, the Company's stockholders approved the 2016 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the "2016 Incentive Plan"). The 2016 Incentive Plan allows for issuance of up to 625,000 shares of the Company's Common Stock to employees, directors, officers and consultants for services rendered to the Company.
Wheeler Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
8. Equity and Mezzanine Equity (continued)
For the Years Ended December 31, Shares Issued Market Value
(in thousands)
2020 - $ -
2019 181,807 166
As of December 31, 2020, there are 132,707 shares available for issuance under the Company’s 2016 Incentive Plan.
Stock Appreciation Rights Agreement
On August 4, 2020, the Company’s Board of Directors granted a Stock Appreciation Rights Agreement (the “SARs”) which will not be effective until approved by the stockholders at the 2021 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. The SARs allows for issuance of 5,000,000 shares of the Company's Common Stock at a strike price of $1.85 per share to Daniel Khoshaba, Chief Executive Officer of the Company, upon meeting certain market price thresholds. The SARs expires in the year 2030.
Tender Offer
On December 23, 2020, the Company announced a “modified Dutch auction” tender offer to purchase up to $19.00 million in shares of its Series D Preferred at a price not greater than $18.00 nor less than $15.50 per Series D Preferred Share, to the sellers in cash, less any applicable withholding taxes and without interest. Unless the offer is extended or terminated, the tender offer is scheduled to expire at the end of the day on January 25, 2021. See Note 12 for further details.
9. Lease Commitments
The Company has ground leases and leases its corporate headquarters; both are accounted for as operating leases. The Charleston, SC lease ended August 31, 2019 and was accounted for as an operating lease. Most leases include one or more options to renew, with renewal terms that can extend the lease term from 5 to 50 years. As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the weighted average remaining lease term is 32 and 35 years, respectively. The following properties are subject to leases which require the Company to make the following fixed annual rental payments and variable lease payments, which are immaterial and include escalation clauses and renewal options as follows (in thousands):
For the Years Ended December 31,
2020 2019 Expiration
Year
Amscot $ 25 $ 25 2045
Beaver Ruin Village 54 54 2054
Beaver Ruin Village II 22 22 2056
Leased office space Charleston, SC - 67 2019
Moncks Corner 121 121 2040
Devine Street (1)
396 396 2051
JANAF (2)
282 290 2069
Total $ 900 $ 975
(1) Lease options are exercised through 2035 with options which are reasonably certain to be exercised through 2051.
(2) Includes $131 thousand and $139 thousand in variable percentage rent, during the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
Supplemental information related to leases is as follows (in thousands):
For the Years Ended December 31,
2020 2019
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of operating lease liabilities $ 583 $ 644
Leased assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities $ 1,285 $ 11,904
Wheeler Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
9. Lease Commitments (continued)
Undiscounted cash flows of our scheduled obligations for future minimum lease payments due under the operating leases, including applicable automatic extension options and options reasonably certain of being exercised, as of December 31, 2020 and a reconciliation of those cash flows to the operating lease liabilities at December 31, 2020 are as follows (in thousands):
For the Years Ended December 31,
2021 $ 902
2022 905
2023 907
2024 909
2025 913
Thereafter 23,785
Total minimum lease payments (1)
28,321
Discount (15,121)
Operating lease liabilities $ 13,200
(1) Operating lease payments include $7.54 million related to options to extend lease terms that are reasonably certain of being exercised.
On December 31, 2020, the Company sold its corporate headquarters in Virginia Beach to an unrelated party for approximately $2.84 million, net of costs to sell, and simultaneously leased the building for 10 years at an annual base rent of $265 thousand, plus taxes and other operating and maintenance expenses. The transaction qualified for sale leaseback accounting in accordance with ASC 842 and the Company used the incremental borrowing rate associated with the previous loan on the office building of 5.77% for purposes of calculating the lease liability. The lease agreement includes an option for five years and the Company recognized only the initial term of the lease as part of its ROU asset and lease liability. As a result of this transaction, a gain of $49 thousand was recognized, which is included in "gain on disposal of properties" on the consolidated statements of operations with the remaining gain of $725 thousand deferred over the life of the lease.
10. Commitments and Contingencies
Insurance
The Company carries comprehensive liability, fire, extended coverage, business interruption and rental loss insurance covering all of the properties in its portfolio under a blanket insurance policy, in addition to other coverages, such as trademark and pollution coverage that may be appropriate for certain of its properties. Additionally, the Company carries a directors’, officers’, entity and employment practices liability insurance policy that covers such claims made against the Company and its directors and officers. The Company believes the policy specifications and insured limits are appropriate and adequate for its properties given the relative risk of loss, the cost of the coverage and industry practice; however, its insurance coverage may not be sufficient to fully cover its losses.
Concentration of Credit Risk
The Company is subject to risks incidental to the ownership and operation of commercial real estate. These risks include, among others, the risks normally associated with changes in the general economic climate, trends in the retail industry, creditworthiness of tenants, competition for tenants and customers, changes in tax laws, interest rates, the availability of financing and potential liability under environmental and other laws.
The Company’s portfolio of properties is dependent upon regional and local economic conditions and is geographically located in the Southeast, Mid-Atlantic and Northeast, which markets represented approximately 61%, 35% and 4%, respectively, of the total annualized base rent of the properties in its portfolio as of December 31, 2020. The Company’s geographic concentration may cause it to be more susceptible to adverse developments in those markets than if it owned a more geographically diverse portfolio. Additionally, the Company’s retail shopping center properties depend on anchor stores or major tenants to attract shoppers and could be adversely affected by the loss of, or a store closure by, one or more of these tenants.
Wheeler Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
10. Commitments and Contingencies (continued)
Regulatory and Environmental
As the owner of the buildings on our properties, the Company could face liability for the presence of hazardous materials (e.g., asbestos or lead) or other adverse conditions (e.g., poor indoor air quality) in its buildings. Environmental laws govern the presence, maintenance, and removal of hazardous materials in buildings, and if the Company does not comply with such laws, it could face fines for such noncompliance. Also, the Company could be liable to third parties (e.g., occupants of the buildings) for damages related to exposure to hazardous materials or adverse conditions in its buildings, and the Company could incur material expenses with respect to abatement or remediation of hazardous materials or other adverse conditions in its buildings. In addition, some of the Company’s tenants routinely handle and use hazardous or regulated substances and wastes as part of their operations at our properties, which are subject to regulation. Such environmental and health and safety laws and regulations could subject the Company or its tenants to liability resulting from these activities. Environmental liabilities could affect a tenant’s ability to make rental payments to the Company, and changes in laws could increase the potential liability for noncompliance. This may result in significant unanticipated expenditures or may otherwise materially and adversely affect the Company’s operations. The Company is not aware of any material contingent liabilities, regulatory matters or environmental matters that may exist.
Litigation
The Company is involved in various legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of its business, including, but not limited to commercial disputes. The Company believes that such litigation, claims and administrative proceedings will not have a material adverse impact on its financial position or its results of operations. The Company records a liability when it considers the loss probable and the amount can be reasonably estimated. In addition, the below legal proceedings are in process.
Jon Wheeler v. Wheeler Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc., Circuit Court for the City of Virginia Beach, Virginia. Former CEO, Jon Wheeler, alleged that his employment was improperly terminated and that he was owed severance and bonus payments pursuant to his Employment Agreement. The Company filed a counterclaim against Mr. Wheeler for reimbursement of personal expenses the Company paid, but that Mr. Wheeler should have borne. The Court found in favor of Jon Wheeler on his claim that his employment was terminated without cause. The Court denied Mr. Wheeler’s claims for a bonus and that his termination of employment was wrongful as a violation of public policy. The Court awarded the Company $5 thousand on its counterclaim. At a hearing on September 4, 2020 on Jon Wheeler’s motion for the award of attorneys’ fees, costs, and pre-judgment interest, the Court awarded Mr. Wheeler the requested costs, but awarded no attorneys’ fees and no pre-judgment interest. In total, Mr. Wheeler was awarded $520 thousand. In October 2020, the Company settled with Mr. Wheeler for $500 thousand which is included on the Company's consolidated statements of operations under the line "other expenses." Mr. Wheeler preserved his right to appeal the Court’s denial of an award of attorneys’ fees and pre-judgment interest. The Virginia Supreme Court has not yet rendered a decision as to whether it will grant the Petition for Appeal and allow the appeal to proceed.
BOKF, NA v. WD-I Associates, LLC, Wheeler Real Estate, LLC and Jon S. Wheeler, Court of Common Pleas, Beaufort County, South Carolina. BOKF (“Bank of Arkansas”), filed an action on April 9, 2019 in Beaufort County, South Carolina, for foreclosure of the mortgage it held on the real property and improvements comprising Sea Turtle Marketplace Shopping Center (“Sea Turtle”) which was owned by WD-I Associates, LLC (“WD-I”), and Jon S. Wheeler had guaranteed the debt. Bank of Arkansas sought the appointment of a receiver to take possession and control of Sea Turtle pending the completion of the foreclosure action. In response, WD-I filed for relief under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code on May 7, 2019. The bankruptcy filing stayed the foreclosure action in State Court. On May 1, 2020, the Bankruptcy Court granted the dismissal of the WD-I bankruptcy case upon the provisions for payment of the $200 thousand to creditors. The Company received an aggregate payment of $196 thousand in May 2020 and recorded the receipt on the Company's consolidated statements of operations under the line "other revenues".
David Kelly v. Wheeler Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc., Circuit Court for the City of Virginia Beach, Virginia. Former CEO David Kelly filed suit on May 28, 2020, alleging that his employment was improperly terminated and that he is owed severance pay and related benefits pursuant to his employment agreement. He claims breach of his employment contract against the company. Initially, his suit included tort claims against Joseph Stilwell and Daniel Khoshaba; the Court dismissed those tort claims and the individual defendants at a hearing on December 15, 2020. On his remaining claim of breach of contract, Mr. Kelly seeks damages of $400 thousand, plus unpaid bonuses and benefits, pre- and post-judgment interest, attorneys’ fees, and costs. The Company is defending the action on the grounds that Mr. Kelly’s employment was properly terminated for cause. Trial is set for March 2-4, 2022. At this juncture, the outcome of the matter cannot be predicted.
Wheeler Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
10. Commitments and Contingencies (continued)
Harbor Pointe Tax Increment Financing
On September 1, 2011, the Grove Economic Development Authority issued the Grove Economic Development Authority Tax Increment Revenue Note, Taxable Series 2011 in the amount of $2.42 million, bearing a variable interest rate of 2.29%, not to exceed 14% and payable in 50 semi-annual installments. The proceeds of the bonds were to provide funding for the construction of public infrastructure and other site improvements and to be repaid by incremental additional property taxes generated by development. Harbor Pointe Associates, LLC, then owned by an affiliate of former CEO, Jon Wheeler, entered into an Economic Development Agreement with the Grove Economic Development Authority for this infrastructure development and in the event the ad valorem taxes were insufficient to cover annual debt service, Harbor Pointe Associates, LLC would reimburse the Grove Economic Development Authority (the “Harbor Pointe Agreement”). In 2014, Harbor Pointe Associates, LLC was acquired by the Company.
The total debt service shortfall over the life of the bond is uncertain as it is based on ad valorem taxes, assessed property values, property tax rates, LIBOR and future potential development ranging until 2036. The Company’s future total principal obligation under the Harbor Pointe Agreement will be no more than $2.21 million, the principal amount of the bonds, as of December 31, 2020. In addition, the Company may have an interest obligation on the note based on the principal balance and LIBOR rates in effect at future payment dates. In 2020 and 2019, we funded approximately $0 and $79 thousand, respectively in debt service shortfalls. No amounts have been accrued for this as of December 31, 2020 as a reasonable estimate of future debt service shortfalls cannot be determined based on variables noted above.
11. Related Party Transactions
The following summarizes related party activity for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019. The amounts disclosed below reflect the activity between the Company and its affiliates (in thousands):
December 31,
2020 2019
Amounts paid to affiliates $ 106 $ -
Amounts received from affiliates $ - $ 19
Reimbursement of Proxy Solicitation Expenses
On October 29, 2019, Stilwell Value Partners VII, L.P., Stilwell Activist Fund, L.P., Stilwell Activist Investments, L.P., Stilwell Value LLC and Joseph Stilwell (collectively, the “Stilwell Group”), filed a proxy statement with the SEC in connection with the Company’s 2019 annual meeting (the “Stilwell Solicitation”). Current director Joseph Stilwell is the owner and managing member of Stilwell Value LLC, which is the general partner of Stilwell Value Partners VII, L.P., Stilwell Activist Fund, L.P. and Stilwell Activist Investments, L.P.. At the 2019 annual meeting, our stockholders elected three nominees designated by the Stilwell Group to the Board of Directors. The Stilwell Group disclosed in the Stilwell Solicitation that it intended to seek reimbursement of the expenses it incurred in connection with such solicitation. The Company has agreed to reimburse the Stilwell Group for the approximate $439 thousand of expenses it incurred in connection with the Stilwell Solicitation. This reimbursement was recorded on the consolidated statements of operations as “other expense.”
Tax Protection Agreement
In 2016, in connection with the acquisition of Berkley and Sangaree/Tri-County, the Operating Partnership entered into a tax protection agreement that obligates the Operating Partnership to reimburse Jon Wheeler, the Company's former CEO, for his tax liabilities resulting from the recognition of certain taxable income or gain in the event the Operating Partnership takes certain action prior to November 10, 2023 with respect to Sangaree Plaza, Tri-County Plaza and Berkley.
Wheeler Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
12. Subsequent Events
Paycheck Protection Program
On January 8, 2021, KeyBank notified the Company that the PPP Promissory Note application for forgiveness has been approved.
Tender offer
On January 26, 2021 the Company announced, the value of Series D Preferred Shares that the Company was offering to purchase increased from $19.00 million to $20.00 million and the tender offer was extended to February 16, 2021. On February 17, 2021 the Company announced the tender offer was further extended to March 12, 2021 and the value of Series D Preferred Shares that the Company was offering to purchase decreased from $20.00 million to $6.00 million. The tender offer expired, in accordance with its terms, on March 12, 2021. In accordance with the terms and conditions of the tender offer and based on the final count, the Company accepted for purchase 387,097 Series D Preferred Shares at a purchase price of $15.50 per share, for an aggregate cost of $6.00 million, excluding fees and expenses relating to the tender offer.
Tuckernuck Refinance
On February 2, 2021, the Company refinanced the Tuckernuck Loan for $5.15 million at a rate of 5.00%. The loan matures on March 1, 2026 with monthly principal and interest payments of $32 thousand.
Powerscourt Financing Agreement Payoff
On March 12, 2021, the Company paid in full the $25.00 million Powerscourt Financing Agreement. The Powerscourt Warrant Agreement remains.
Wilmington Financing Agreement
On March 12, 2021, the Company entered into a financing agreement (the "Wilmington Financing Agreement") as borrower, certain subsidiaries of the Company from time to time party thereto, as guarantors (together with the Company, the “Loan Parties”), the lenders from time to time party thereto, and Wilmington Savings Fund Society, FSB, as administrative agent and collateral agent. The Wilmington Financing Agreement provides for a term loan in the aggregate principal of $35.00 million. The proceeds of the Wilmington Financing Agreement are intended for the following: (i) to paydown the Company’s indebtedness on the Powerscourt Financing Agreement, (ii) to fund the redemption of certain shares of the Company’s 8.75% Series D Preferred and (iii) to pay fees and expenses in connection with the transactions contemplated by the Wilmington Financing Agreement. The Wilmington Financing Agreement is at a rate of 8.00% and matures in March 2026 with quarterly interest only payments beginning on April 15, 2021. Any payment or repayment of principal will be made with a premium equal to 5% of the amount repaid or prepaid.
In conjunction with the Wilmington Financing Agreement, the Company issued to the holders from time to time party thereto a warrant (the “Warrant”) to purchase, in the aggregate, 1,061,719 shares of the Company’s Common Stock (see the “Wilmington Warrant Agreement” below). The obligations of the Company under the Wilmington Financing Agreement are secured by liens on certain assets of the Company and certain of the Company’s subsidiaries, including mortgages on the properties within the Company’s portfolio. The Wilmington Financing Agreement also contains covenants that restrict, among other things the ability of the Company and its subsidiaries to create liens, incur indebtedness, make certain investments, merge or consolidate, dispose of assets, pay certain dividends and make certain other restricted payments or certain equity issuances, change the nature of their businesses, enter into certain transactions with affiliates and change their governing documents.
Wilmington Warrant Agreement
Pursuant to Wilmington Financing Agreement, the Company issued to the holders from time to time party thereto a warrant (the “Warrant”) to purchase in the aggregate, 1,061,719 shares of Common Stock in three tranches: warrants to purchase an aggregate of 510,204 shares at an exercise price of $3.43 per share ("Tranche A"); warrants to purchase an aggregate of 424,242 shares at an exercise price of $4.125 per share ("Tranche B"); and warrants to purchase an aggregate of 127,273 shares at an exercise price of $6.875 per share ("Tranche C") (the “Wilmington Warrant Agreement”). The Warrant is
Wheeler Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
exercisable at the option of its holder in whole or in part into shares of Common Stock from time to time on or after March 12, 2021 (the “Effective Date”) and before the maturity date of the Wilmington Financing Agreement.
Wheeler Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Schedule II-Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
December 31, 2020
Description Balance at
Beginning
of Year Charged to
Costs and
Expense Deductions
from
Reserves Balance at
End of
Year
(in thousands)
Allowance for doubtful accounts:
Year Ended December 31, 2020 $ 3,293 $ 1,131 $ (3,430) $ 994
Year Ended December 31, 2019 $ 3,269 $ 426 $ (402) $ 3,293
Wheeler Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Schedule III-Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation
December 31, 2020
Initial Cost Costs Capitalized
Subsequent
to Acquisition Gross Amount at which Carried
at End of Period
Property Name Land Building and
Improvements Improvements
(net) Carrying
Costs Land Building and
Improvements Total
(in thousands)
Amscot Building $ - $ 462 $ 31 $ - $ - $ 493 $ 493
Lumber River Village 800 4,487 151 - 942 4,496 5,438
Surrey Plaza 381 1,857 - - 381 1,857 2,238
Tuckernuck 2,115 6,719 1,009 - 2,171 7,672 9,843
Twin City Commons 800 3,041 142 - 800 3,183 3,983
Walnut Hill Plaza 734 2,414 1,334 - 734 3,748 4,482
Tampa Festival 4,653 6,691 442 - 4,695 7,091 11,786
Forrest Gallery 3,015 7,455 1,081 - 3,015 8,536 11,551
Winslow Plaza 1,325 3,684 210 - 1,370 3,849 5,219
Clover Plaza 356 1,197 29 - 356 1,226 1,582
St. George Plaza 706 1,264 69 - 752 1,287 2,039
South Square 353 1,911 31 - 374 1,921 2,295
Westland Square 887 1,710 36 - 901 1,732 2,633
Waterway Plaza 1,280 1,248 214 - 1,299 1,443 2,742
Cypress Shopping Center 2,064 4,579 476 - 2,064 5,055 7,119
Harrodsburg Marketplace 1,431 2,485 72 - 1,509 2,479 3,988
Port Crossing Shopping Center 792 6,921 167 - 792 7,088 7,880
LaGrange Marketplace 390 2,648 277 - 430 2,885 3,315
DF I-Courtland (1)
196 - - - 196 - 196
Edenton Commons (1)
746 - - - 746 - 746
DF I-Moyock (1)
179 - - - 179 - 179
Freeway Junction 1,521 6,755 152 - 1,521 6,907 8,428
Bryan Station 1,658 2,756 85 - 1,658 2,841 4,499
Crockett Square 1,546 6,834 183 - 1,565 6,998 8,563
Harbor Pointe (1)
1,538 - (359) - 1,179 - 1,179
DF I-Berkley 250 - - - 250 - 250
Pierpont Centre 484 9,221 171 - 676 9,200 9,876
Brook Run Properties 300 - 8 - 300 8 308
Alex City Marketplace 454 7,837 1,610 - 716 9,185 9,901
Butler Square 1,024 6,401 224 - 1,024 6,625 7,649
Brook Run Shopping Center 2,209 12,919 593 - 2,377 13,344 15,721
Beaver Ruin Village 2,604 8,284 102 - 2,604 8,386 10,990
Beaver Ruin Village II 1,153 2,809 5 - 1,153 2,814 3,967
Columbia Fire Station (1)
1,106 599 4,719 - 1,106 5,318 6,424
Chesapeake Square 895 4,112 966 - 1,269 4,704 5,973
Sunshine Plaza 1,183 6,368 500 - 1,222 6,829 8,051
Barnett Portfolio 3,107 8,912 281 - 3,234 9,066 12,300
Grove Park 722 4,590 84 - 741 4,655 5,396
Parkway Plaza 772 4,230 32 - 778 4,256 5,034
Fort Howard Square 1,890 7,350 212 - 1,952 7,500 9,452
Initial Cost Costs Capitalized
Subsequent
to Acquisition Gross Amount at which Carried
at End of Period
Property Name Land Building and
Improvements Improvements
(net) Carrying
Costs Land Building and
Improvements Total
Conyers Crossing $ 2,034 $ 6,820 $ 94 $ - $ 2,034 $ 6,914 $ 8,948
Darien Shopping Center 188 1,054 - - 188 1,054 1,242
Devine Street 365 1,941 - - 365 1,941 2,306
Folly Road 5,992 4,527 - - 5,992 4,527 10,519
Georgetown 742 1,917 93 - 742 2,010 2,752
Ladson Crossing 2,981 3,920 64 - 3,052 3,913 6,965
Lake Greenwood Crossing 550 2,499 17 - 550 2,516 3,066
Lake Murray 447 1,537 - - 447 1,537 1,984
Litchfield I 568 929 61 - 572 986 1,558
Litchfield II 568 936 24 - 572 956 1,528
Litchfield Market Village 2,970 4,716 127 - 3,046 4,767 7,813
Moncks Corner - 1,109 9 - - 1,118 1,118
Ridgeland 203 376 - - 203 376 579
Shoppes at Myrtle Park 3,182 5,360 824 - 3,182 6,184 9,366
South Lake 804 2,025 (27) - 804 1,998 2,802
South Park 943 2,967 98 - 1,019 2,989 4,008
Berkley 1,005 2,865 (50) - 1,005 2,815 3,820
Sangaree 2,302 2,922 636 - 2,503 3,357 5,860
Tri-County 411 3,421 376 - 635 3,573 4,208
Riverbridge 774 5,384 - - 774 5,384 6,158
Laburnum Square 3,736 5,928 215 - 3,811 6,068 9,879
Franklin Village 2,608 9,426 26 - 2,608 9,452 12,060
Village at Martinsville 5,208 12,879 241 - 5,228 13,100 18,328
New Market Crossing 993 5,216 363 - 1,042 5,530 6,572
Rivergate Shopping Center 1,570 30,694 146 - 1,672 30,738 32,410
JANAF 8,267 66,549 441 - 8,467 66,790 75,257
Totals $ 97,030 $ 348,667 $ 19,117 $ - $ 99,544 $ 365,270 $ 464,814
(1) Net of impairment expenses described in Note 3 of the consolidated audited financial statements.
Wheeler Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Schedule III-Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation
Property Name Encumbrances Accumulated
Depreciation Date of
Construction Date
Acquired Depreciation
Life
(in thousands)
Amscot Building (3) $ 243 5/15/2004 5-40 years
Lumber River Village $ 1,367 1,144 11/16/2012 5-40 years
Surrey Plaza (3) 535 12/21/2012 5-40 years
Tuckernuck 5,193 1,902 11/16/2012 5-40 years
Twin City Commons 2,915 795 12/18/2012 5-40 years
Walnut Hill Plaza 3,287 2,373 12/14/2007 5-15 years
Tampa Festival 7,920 1,891 8/26/2013 5-40 years
Forrest Gallery 8,226 2,215 8/29/2013 5-40 years
Winslow Plaza 4,553 992 12/19/2013 5-40 years
Clover Plaza 1,951 243 12/23/2013 5-40 years
St. George Plaza 2,460 264 12/23/2013 5-40 years
South Square 2,003 356 12/23/2013 5-40 years
Westland Square 2,556 334 12/23/2013 5-40 years
Waterway Plaza 2,503 271 12/23/2013 5-40 years
Cypress Shopping Center 6,163 891 7/1/2014 5-40 years
Harrodsburg Marketplace 3,343 484 7/1/2014 5-40 years
Port Crossing Shopping Center 5,909 1,883 7/3/2014 5-40 years
LaGrange Marketplace (6) 595 7/25/2014 5-40 years
DF I-Courtland (undeveloped land) - 8/15/2014 N/A
Edenton Commons (undeveloped land) - 8/15/2014 N/A
DF I-Moyock (undeveloped land) - 8/15/2014 N/A
Freeway Junction 7,582 1,360 9/4/2014 5-40 years
Bryan Station 4,312 550 10/2/2014 5-40 years
Crockett Square 6,338 1,403 11/5/2014 5-40 years
Harbor Pointe (undeveloped land) - 11/21/2014 N/A
DF I-Berkley (undeveloped land) - 12/1/2014 N/A
Pierpont Centre 8,001 1,673 1/14/2015 5-40 years
Brook Run Properties (undeveloped land) - 3/27/2015 N/A
Alex City Marketplace 5,750 1,658 4/1/2015 5-40 years
Butler Square 5,640 1,051 4/15/2015 5-40 years
Brook Run Shopping Center 10,950 3,708 6/2/2015 5-40 years
Beaver Ruin Village (4) 1,296 7/1/2015 5-40 years
Beaver Ruin Village II (4) 435 7/1/2015 5-40 years
Columbia Fire Station 3,893 235 8/31/2018 7/1/2015 5-40 years
Chesapeake Square 4,279 1,009 7/10/2015 5-40 years
Sunshine Plaza 5,900 1,066 7/21/2015 5-40 years
Barnett Portfolio 8,770 1,570 8/21/2015 5-40 years
Grove Park 3,800 849 9/9/2015 5-40 years
Parkway Plaza 3,500 680 9/15/2015 5-40 years
Property Name Encumbrances Accumulated
Depreciation Date of
Construction Date
Acquired Depreciation
Life
(in thousands)
Fort Howard Square $ 7,100 $ 1,126 9/30/2015 5-40 years
Conyers Crossing 5,960 1,301 9/30/2015 5-40 years
Darien Shopping Center (1) 144 4/12/2016 5-40 years
Devine Street (1) 252 4/12/2016 5-40 years
Folly Road 7,223 608 4/12/2016 5-40 years
Georgetown (6) 272 4/12/2016 5-40 years
Ladson Crossing (7) 553 4/12/2016 5-40 years
Lake Greenwood Crossing (7) 343 4/12/2016 5-40 years
Lake Murray (1) 236 4/12/2016 5-40 years
Litchfield I (5) 160 4/12/2016 5-40 years
Litchfield II (5) 132 4/12/2016 5-40 years
Litchfield Market Village (5) 687 4/12/2016 5-40 years
Moncks Corner (1) 162 4/12/2016 5-40 years
Ridgeland (6) 65 4/12/2016 5-40 years
Shoppes at Myrtle Park 5,892 921 4/12/2016 5-40 years
South Lake (1) 261 4/12/2016 5-40 years
South Park (7) 393 4/12/2016 5-40 years
Berkley (2) 335 11/10/2016 5-40 years
Sangaree (2) 655 11/10/2016 5-40 years
Tri-County (2) 552 11/10/2016 5-40 years
Riverbridge 4,000 727 11/15/2016 5-40 years
Laburnum Square 7,665 798 12/7/2016 5-40 years
Franklin Village 8,404 1,078 12/12/2016 5-40 years
Village at Martinsville 15,979 1,772 12/16/2016 5-40 years
New Market Crossing 6,508 690 12/20/2016 5-40 years
Rivergate Shopping Center 21,164 3,596 12/21/2016 5-40 years
JANAF 59,982 5,912 1/18/2018 5-40 years
Totals $ 59,685
(1) Properties secure a $25.0 million term note.
(2) Properties secure a $9.4 million mortgage note.
(3) Properties secure a $1.1 million mortgage note.
(4) Properties secure a $9.4 million mortgage note.
(5) Properties secure a $7.4 million mortgage note.
(6) Properties secure a $5.6 million mortgage note.
(7) Properties secure a $7.2 million mortgage note.
Schedule III-Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation (Continued)
2020 2019
(in thousands)
Balance at beginning of period $ 468,499 $ 482,103
Additions during the period:
Acquisitions - 35
Improvements 3,066 2,711
Impairments (600) (1,598)
Disposals (6,151) (14,752)
Balance at end of period $ 464,814 $ 468,499
Exhibit
3.1
Articles of Amendment and Restatement of the Registrant (Filed as exhibit to Form 8-K, filed on August 8, 2016).
3.2
Articles of Supplementary of the Registrant dated September 16, 2016 (Filed as exhibit to Form 8-K, filed on September 20, 2016).
3.3
Articles of Supplementary of the Registrant dated December 1, 2016 (Filed as exhibit to Form 8-K, filed on December 5, 2016).
3.4
Articles of Amendment and Restatement, effective March 31, 2017 (Filed as exhibit to Form 8-K, filed on April 3, 2017).
3.5
Articles of Amendment and Restatement, effective March 31, 2017 (Filed as exhibit to Form 8-K, filed on April 3, 2017).
3.6
Articles of Amendment of Wheeler Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc. (Filed as exhibit to Form 8-K, filed on May 29, 2020).
3.7
Amended and Restated Bylaws of Registrant (Filed as exhibit to Form S-11/A (Registration No. 333-177262) previously filed on February 14, 2012 pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933).
3.8
Bylaws of Wheeler Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc., as amended (Filed as exhibit to Form 8-K, filed on May 29, 2020).
3.9
Certificate of Correction of Articles Supplementary (Filed as exhibit to Form 8-K, filed on May 4, 2018).
3.10
Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Wheeler REIT, L.P. (Filed as exhibit to Form S-11 (Registration No. 333-198245) previously filed on August 20, 2014 pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933).
3.11
Amendment to the Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Wheeler REIT, L.P. Designation of Series A Convertible Preferred Units (Filed as exhibit to Form 8-K, filed on April 15, 2015).
3.12
Amendment to the Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Wheeler REIT, L.P. Amended Designation of Series B Convertible Preferred Units (Filed as exhibit to Form 8-K, filed on July 15, 2016).
3.13
Amendment to the Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Wheeler REIT, L.P. Designation of Series D Cumulative Convertible Preferred Units (Filed as exhibit to Form 8-K, filed on September 20, 2016).
3.14
Amendment to the Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Wheeler REIT, L.P. Amended Designation of Additional Series D Cumulative Convertible Preferred Units (Filed as exhibit to Form 8-K, filed on December 5, 2016).
3.15
Amendment to the Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Wheeler REIT, L.P. (Filed as exhibit to Form 8-K, filed on September 5, 2019).
3.16
Amendment to the Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Wheeler REIT, L.P., dated December 22, 2020 (Filed as an exhibit to Form 8-K, filed on December 23, 2020).
3.17
Amendment to the Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Wheeler REIT, L.P, dated March 12, 2021 (Filed as an exhibit to Form 8-K, filed on March 12, 2021).
4.1
Form of Certificate of Common Stock of Registrant (Filed as exhibit to Form 8-K, filed on April 3, 2017).
4.2
Form of Certificate of Series B Preferred Stock of Registrant (Filed as exhibit to Form S-11/A (Registration No. 333-194831) previously filed on April 23, 2014 pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933).
4.3
Form of Certificate of Series D Preferred Stock of the Registrant (Filed as exhibit to Form 8-K, filed on September 20, 2016).
4.4
Description of Securities (Filed herewith).
10.1
Wheeler Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc. 2015 Long-Term Incentive Plan (Filed as exhibit to Form 8-K, filed on June 8, 2015).
10.2
Wheeler Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc. 2016 Long-Term Incentive Plan (Filed as exhibit to Form 8-K, filed on June 16, 2016).
10.3
Stock Appreciation Rights Agreement, dated August 4, 2020, between Wheeler Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc. and Daniel Khoshaba (Filed as exhibit to Form 8-K, filed on August 5, 2020).
10.4
Employment Agreement with David Kelly (Filed as exhibit to Form 8-K, filed on February 20, 2018).
10.5
Employment Agreement with Matthew Reddy (Filed as exhibit to Form 8-K, filed on February 20, 2018).
10.6
Employment Agreement with M. Andrew Franklin (Filed as exhibit to Form 8-K, filed on February 20, 2018).
10.7
Employment Agreement with Crystal Plum (Filed as exhibit to Form 8-K, filed on February 20, 2020).
10.8
Tax Protection Agreement dated October 24, 2014, by and among Jon S. Wheeler, Wheeler REIT, L.P., and Wheeler Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc (Filed as exhibit to Form 8-K, filed on October 30, 2014).
10.9
Shareholders Rights Agreement, dated March 19, 2015, by and between Wheeler Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc. and Westport Capital Partners LLC as agent on behalf of certain investor (Filed as exhibit to Form 8-K, filed on March 19, 2015).
10.10
Letter Agreement, dated March 19, 2015, by and between Wheeler Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc. and Jon S. Wheeler (Filed as exhibit to Form 8-K, filed on March 19, 2015).
10.11
Tax Protection Agreement dated February 8, 2017 (Filed as exhibit to Form 8-K, filed on February 10, 2017).
10.12
Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated December 21, 2017 (Filed as exhibit to Form 8-K, filed on December 22, 2017).
10.13
Keybank Letter Agreement Amendment to the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated March 2, 2018 (Filed as exhibit to Form 8-K/A, filed on March 7, 2018).
10.14
KeyBank Letter Amendment to the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated August 7, 2018 (Filed as exhibit to Form 8-K/A, filed on August 8, 2018).
10.15
KeyBank Letter Amendment to the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated October 15, 2018 (Filed as exhibit to Form 8-K/A, filed on October 19, 2018).
10.16
KeyBank Letter Amendment to the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated February 28, 2019 (Filed as exhibit to Form 8-K/A, filed on March 14, 2019).
10.17
First Amendment to the KeyBank Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated April 25, 2019 (Filed as exhibit to Form 8-K/A, filed on May 1, 2019).
10.18
Second Amendment to the KeyBank Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated January 24, 2020 (Filed as exhibit to Form 8-K, filed on January 28, 2020).
10.19
Equity Interests Pledge and Security Agreement to the KeyBank Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated January 24, 2020 (Filed as exhibit to Form 8-K, filed on January 28, 2020).
10.20
Third Amendment to the KeyBank Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated July 20, 2020 (Filed as exhibit to Form 8-K, filed on July 24, 2020).
10.21
Purchase and Sale Agreement dated November 3, 2016 between WHLR-JANAF, LLC, JANAF Shopping Center, LLC, JANAF Shops, LLC, JANAF HQ, LLC, and JANAF Crossing, LLC (Filed as exhibit to Form 8-K, filed on January 9, 2018).
10.22
First Amendment to JANAF Purchase and Sale Agreement, dated December 2, 2016 (Filed as exhibit to Form 8-K, filed on January 9, 2018).
10.23
Second Amendment to JANAF Purchase and Sale Agreement, dated January 6, 2017 (Filed as exhibit to Form 8-K, filed on January 9, 2018).
10.24
Third Amendment to JANAF Purchase and Sale Agreement, dated January 9, 2017 (Filed as exhibit to Form 8-K, filed on January 9, 2018).
10.25
Fourth Amendment to JANAF Purchase and Sale Agreement, dated January 11, 2017 (Filed as exhibit to Form 8-K, filed on January 9, 2018).
10.26
Fifth Amendment to JANAF Purchase and Sale Agreement, dated January 13, 2017 (Filed as exhibit to Form 8-K, filed on January 9, 2018).
10.27
Sixth Amendment to JANAF Purchase and Sale Agreement, dated February 3, 2017 (Filed as exhibit to Form 8-K, filed on January 9, 2018).
10.28
Seventh Amendment to JANAF Purchase and Sale Agreement, dated March 6, 2017 (Filed as exhibit to Form 8-K, filed on January 9, 2018).
10.29
Eighth Amendment to JANAF Purchase and Sale Agreement, dated March 7, 2017 (Filed as exhibit to Form 8-K, filed on January 9, 2018).
10.30
Ninth Amendment to JANAF Purchase and Sale Agreement, dated March 8, 2017 (Filed as exhibit to Form 8-K, filed on January 9, 2018).
10.31
Tenth Amendment to JANAF Purchase and Sale Agreement, dated June 9, 2017 (Filed as exhibit to Form 8-K, filed on January 9, 2018).
10.32
Eleventh Amendment to JANAF Purchase and Sale Agreement, dated October 17, 2017 (Filed as exhibit to Form 8-K, filed on January 9, 2018).
10.33
Twelfth Amendment to JANAF Purchase and Sale Agreement, dated November 9, 2017 (Filed as exhibit to Form 8-K, filed on January 9, 2018).
10.34
Thirteenth Amendment to JANAF Purchase and Sale Agreement, dated November 30, 2017 (Filed as exhibit to Form 8-K, filed on January 9, 2018).
10.35
Fourteenth Amendment to JANAF Purchase and Sale Agreement, dated December 19, 2017 (Filed as exhibit to Form 8-K, filed on January 9, 2018).
10.36
Fifteenth Amendment to JANAF Purchase and Sale Agreement, dated January 17, 2018 (Filed as exhibit to Form 10-K, filed on March 7, 2018).
10.37
JANAF Loan Agreement dated June 5, 2013 (Filed as exhibit to Form 8-K, filed on January 23, 2018).
10.38
Powerscourt Financing Agreement, dated December 22, 2020 (Filed as an exhibit to Form 8-K, filed on December 23, 2020).
10.39
Common Stock Purchase Warrant, dated December 22, 2020 (Filed as an exhibit to Form 8-K, filed on December 23, 2020).
10.40
Registration Rights Agreement, dated December 22, 2020 (Filed as an exhibit to Form 8-K, filed on December 23, 2020).
10.41
Wilmington Financing Agreement, dated March 12, 2021 (Filed as an exhibit to Form 8-K, filed on March 12, 2021).
10.42
Form of Common Stock Purchase Warrant, dated March 12, 2021 (Filed as an exhibit to Form 8-K, filed on March 12, 2021).
10.43
Registration Rights Agreement dated March 12, 2021, (Filed as an exhibit to Form 8-K, filed on March 12, 2021).
14.1
Code of Ethics (Filed as exhibit to Form S-11 (Registration No. 333-177262) previously filed on October 12, 2011 pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933).
21.1
Subsidiaries of Registrant (Filed herewith).
23.1
Consent of Cherry Bekaert LLP (Filed herewith).
31.1
Certification of the Chief Executive Officer of Wheeler Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc. pursuant to Rule 13a-14 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (Filed herewith).
31.2
Certification of the Chief Financial Officer of Wheeler Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc. pursuant to Rule 13a-14 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (Filed herewith).
32.1
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (Filed herewith).
32.2
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (Filed herewith).
101.INS XBRL Instance Document (Filed herewith).
101.SCH XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document (Filed herewith).
101.CAL
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase (Filed herewith).
101.DEF
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase (Filed herewith).
101.LAB
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Labels Linkbase (Filed herewith).
101.PRE
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase (Filed herewith).