EDGAR 10-K Filing

Company CIK: 1446371
Filing Year: 2022
Filename: 1446371_10-K_2022_0001446371-22-000011.json

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ITEM 1. BUSINESS
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
Overview
Strategic Realty Trust, Inc., is a Maryland corporation formed on September 18, 2008 to invest in and manage a portfolio of income-producing retail properties, located in the United States, real estate-owning entities and real estate-related assets, including the investment in or origination of mortgage, mezzanine, bridge and other loans related to commercial real estate. We have elected to be taxed as a real estate investment trust, or REIT, for federal income tax purposes, commencing with the taxable year ended December 31, 2009. As used herein, the terms “we” “our” “us” and “Company” refer to Strategic Realty Trust, Inc., and, as required by context, Strategic Realty Operating Partnership, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership, which we refer to as our “operating partnership” or “OP”, and to their respective subsidiaries. References to “shares” and “our common stock” refer to the shares of our common stock. We own substantially all of our assets and conduct our operations through our operating partnership, of which we are the sole general partner. We also own a majority of the outstanding limited partner interests in the operating partnership.
From August 7, 2009 through February 7, 2013 we conducted an initial public offering pursuant to which we offered a maximum of 100,000,000 shares of our common stock to the public in our primary offering at $10.00 per share and up to 10,526,316 shares of our common stock to our stockholders at $9.50 per share pursuant to our distribution reinvestment plan (“DRIP”) (collectively, the “Offering”).
As of February 2013 when we terminated the Offering, we had accepted subscriptions for, and issued, 10,688,940 shares of common stock in the Offering for gross offering proceeds of approximately $104.7 million, and 391,182 shares of common stock pursuant to the DRIP for gross offering proceeds of approximately $3.6 million. We have also granted 50,000 shares of restricted stock and we issued 273,729 shares of common stock to pay a portion of a special distribution on November 4, 2015.
Our board of directors has adopted a share redemption program that may enable our stockholders to sell their shares of common stock to us in limited circumstances (the “SRP”), subject to the significant restrictions and limitations of the program. From January 2013 until April 2015, the SRP was suspended with respect to all redemption requests. In April 2015 the SRP was reinstated solely with respect to shares submitted for repurchase in connection with the death or “qualifying disability” (as defined in the SRP) of a stockholder. In order to preserve cash in light of the uncertainty relating to the economic impact of COVID-19 on the Company, in April 2020, the Board again suspended the SRP. As of the date of this filing the SRP remains suspended. For more information regarding the SRP, refer to Part II, Item 5, “Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Shareholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities - Share Redemption Program.” Cumulatively, through December 31, 2021, pursuant to the SRP, we have redeemed 878,458 shares of common stock sold in the Offering for approximately $6.2 million.
Since our inception, our business has been managed by an external advisor. We do not have direct employees and all management and administrative personnel responsible for conducting our business are employed by our advisor. Currently we are externally managed and advised by SRT Advisor, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “Advisor”) pursuant to an advisory agreement with the Advisor (the “Advisory Agreement”) initially executed on August 10, 2013, and subsequently renewed every year through 2022. The current term of the Advisory Agreement terminates on August 9, 2022. Effective April 1, 2021, the Advisor was acquired by PUR SRT Advisors LLC (“PUR”), an affiliate of PUR Management LLC, which is an affiliate of L3 Capital, LLC. L3 Capital, LLC is a real estate investment firm focused on institutional quality, value-add, prime urban retail and mixed-use investment within first tier U.S. metropolitan markets. As a result of this transaction, PUR controls SRT Advisor, LLC. Previously, the Advisor was an affiliate of Glenborough, LLC (together with its affiliates, "Glenborough"), a privately held real estate investment and management company. Also effective April 1, 2021, Glenborough and PUR entered into an agreement pursuant to which PUR would perform the duties required and receive the benefits of the property management agreements between Glenborough and the Company, subject to Glenborough’s supervision. On February 2, 2022, Glenborough assigned its interest in the various property management agreements to PUR.
Our office address is 550 W. Adams St, Suite 200, Chicago, Illinois 60661, and our main telephone number is (312) 878-4848.
Investment Objectives
Our investment objectives are to:
•preserve, protect and return stockholders’ capital contributions;
•pay predictable and sustainable cash distributions to stockholders; and
•realize capital appreciation upon the ultimate sale of the real estate assets.
Business Strategy
We have funded our investments in real properties and other real-estate related assets primarily with the proceeds from the Offering and debt financing. We intend to fund our future cash needs, including any future investments, with debt financing, cash from operations, proceeds to us from asset sales, cash flows from investments in joint ventures and the proceeds from any offerings of our securities that we may conduct in the future.
We intend to continue to focus on investments in income-producing retail properties. Specifically, we are focused on acquiring high quality urban retail properties in major west coast markets. We may invest directly or through joint ventures in these types of assets as well as in value-add retail properties. Our investments may include urban store front retail buildings, free standing single tenant buildings, neighborhood, community, power and lifestyle shopping centers, and multi-tenant shopping centers. We may also invest in real estate loans or real estate-related assets that we believe meet our investment objectives. Our near term goal continues to be the recycling of the portfolio that was held in 2013 when the Advisor first began providing services to us pursuant to the Advisory Agreement by selling the remaining legacy properties. As of December 31, 2021, an improved land parcel remained the only legacy property in the portfolio. Shops at Turkey Creek was sold on April 27, 2021. We believe that a fully recycled and focused high-quality west coast urban retail portfolio will allow us the opportunity to evaluate various strategic options in the future.
Investment Portfolio
As of December 31, 2021, in addition to one development project and a property placed in service, as described below, our portfolio included six wholly-owned properties, which we refer to as “our properties” or “our portfolio,” comprising an aggregate of approximately 27,000 square feet of single and multi-tenant commercial retail space located in one state, which we purchased for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $35.3 million. Additionally, our portfolio includes an improved land parcel. Refer to Item 2, “Properties” for additional information on our portfolio.
During the first quarter of 2016, we invested, through joint ventures, in two significant retail projects under development. During the year ended December 31, 2020, construction of one property was substantially completed and the property was placed in service. As of December 31, 2021, this property had approximately 12,000 rentable square feet of retail space, which was 45% leased. The development of the second property is still in the planning phase and construction has not commenced.
Borrowing Policies
We use, and may continue to use in the future, secured and unsecured debt as a means of providing additional funds for the acquisition of real property, real estate-related loans, and other real estate-related assets. Our use of leverage increases the risk of default on loan payments and the resulting foreclosure on a particular asset. In addition, lenders may have recourse to assets other than those specifically securing the repayment of our indebtedness. As of December 31, 2021, our aggregate outstanding indebtedness, including deferred financing costs, net of accumulated amortization, totaled approximately $39.8 million, or 56.9% of the book value of our total assets.
Our aggregate borrowings, secured and unsecured, are reviewed by our board of directors at least quarterly. Under our Articles of Amendment and Restatement, as amended, which we refer to as our “charter,” we are prohibited from borrowing in excess of 300% of the value of our net assets. Net assets for purposes of this calculation is defined to be our total assets (other than intangibles), valued at cost prior to deducting depreciation, reserves for bad debts and other non-cash reserves, less total liabilities. However, we may temporarily borrow in excess of these amounts if such excess is approved by a majority of the independent directors and disclosed to stockholders in our next quarterly report, along with an explanation for such excess. As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, our borrowings were approximately 120.2% and 90.1%, respectively, of the book value of our net assets.
Our Advisor uses its best efforts to obtain financing on the most favorable terms available to us and will seek to refinance assets during the term of a loan only in limited circumstances, such as when a decline in interest rates makes it beneficial to prepay an existing loan, when an existing loan matures or if an attractive investment becomes available and the proceeds from the refinancing can be used to purchase such an investment. The benefits of any such refinancing may include increased cash flow resulting from reduced debt service requirements, an increase in distributions from proceeds of the refinancing and an increase in diversification and assets owned if all or a portion of the refinancing proceeds are reinvested.
Economic Dependency
We are dependent on our Advisor and its affiliates for certain services that are essential to us, including the disposition of real estate and real estate-related investments and, to the extent we acquire additional assets, the identification, evaluation, financing, negotiation and purchase of these assets, management of the daily operations of our real estate and real estate-related investment portfolio, and other general and administrative responsibilities. In the event that our Advisor is unable to provide such services to us, we will be required to obtain such services from other sources.
Competitive Market Factors
To the extent that we acquire additional real estate investments in the future, we will be subject to significant competition in seeking real estate investments and tenants. We compete with many third-parties engaged in real estate investment activities, including other REITs, other real estate limited partnerships, banks, mortgage bankers, insurance companies, mutual funds, institutional investors, investment banking firms, lenders, hedge funds, governmental bodies, and other entities. Some of our competitors may have substantially greater financial and other resources than we have and may have substantially more operating experience than us. The marketplace for real estate equity and financing can be volatile. There is no guarantee that in the future we will be able to obtain financing or additional equity on favorable terms, if at all. Lack of available financing or additional equity could result in a further reduction of suitable investment opportunities and create a competitive advantage for other entities that have greater financial resources than we do.
Tax Status
We elected to be taxed as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes under Sections 856 through 860 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or the Internal Revenue Code, beginning with the taxable year ended December 31, 2009. We believe we are organized and operate in such a manner as to qualify for taxation as a REIT under the Internal Revenue Code, and we intend to continue to operate in such a manner, but no assurance can be given that we will operate in a manner so as to qualify or remain qualified as a REIT. As a REIT, we generally are not subject to federal income tax on our taxable income that is currently distributed to our stockholders, provided that distributions to our stockholders equal at least 90% of our taxable income, subject to certain adjustments. If we fail to qualify as a REIT in any taxable year without the benefit of certain relief provisions, we will be subject to federal income taxes on our taxable income at regular corporate income tax rates. We may also be subject to certain state or local income taxes, or franchise taxes.
We have elected to treat one of our subsidiaries as a taxable REIT subsidiary, which we refer to as a TRS. In general, a TRS may engage in any real estate business and certain non-real estate businesses, subject to certain limitations under the Internal Revenue Code. A TRS is subject to federal and state income taxes.
Environmental Matters
All real property investments and the operations conducted in connection with such investments are subject to federal, state and local laws and regulations relating to environmental protection and human health and safety. Some of these laws and regulations may impose joint and several liability on customers, owners or operators for the costs to investigate or remediate contaminated properties, regardless of fault or whether the acts causing the contamination were legal.
Under various federal, state and local environmental laws, a current or previous owner or operator of real property may be liable for the cost of removing or remediating hazardous or toxic substances on a real property. Such laws often impose liability whether or not the owner or operator knew of, or was responsible for, the presence of such hazardous or toxic substances. In addition, the presence of hazardous substances, or the failure to properly remediate these substances, may adversely affect our ability to sell, rent or pledge such real property as collateral for future borrowings. Environmental laws also may impose restrictions on the manner in which real property may be used or businesses may be operated. Some of these laws and regulations have been amended so as to require compliance with new or more stringent standards as of future dates. Compliance with new or more stringent laws or regulations or stricter interpretations of existing laws may require us to incur material expenditures or may impose material environmental liability. Additionally, tenants’ operations, the existing condition of land when we buy it, operations in the vicinity of our real properties, such as the presence of underground storage tanks, or activities of unrelated third-parties may affect our real properties. There are also various local, state and federal fire, health, life-safety and similar regulations with which we may be required to comply and which may subject us to liability in the form of fines or damages for noncompliance. In connection with the acquisition and ownership of real properties, we may be exposed to such costs in connection with such regulations. The cost of defending against environmental claims, of any damages or fines we must pay, of compliance with environmental regulatory requirements or of remediating any contaminated real property could materially and adversely affect our business, lower the value of our assets or results of operations and, consequently, lower the amounts available for distribution to our stockholders.
We do not believe that compliance with existing environmental laws will have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial condition or results of operations. However, we cannot predict the impact of unforeseen environmental contingencies or new or changed laws or regulations on properties in which we hold an interest, or on properties that may be acquired directly or indirectly in the future.
Human Capital
We have no paid employees. The employees of our Advisor and its affiliates provide management, acquisition, disposition, advisory and certain administrative services for us.
Available Information
We are subject to the reporting and information requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), and, as a result, file our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, proxy statements and other information (including exhibits to our reports) with the SEC. The SEC maintains a website (http://www.sec.gov) that contains our annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy and information statements and other information we file electronically with the SEC. Access to these filings is free of charge on the SEC’s website as well as on our website (www.srtreit.com).

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ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
The following are some of the risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those presented in our forward-looking statements. The risks and uncertainties described below are not the only ones we face but do represent those risks and uncertainties that we believe are material to us. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial may also harm our business.
Risks Related to an Investment in Us
The estimated value per share of our common stock may not reflect the value that stockholders will receive for their investment.
On May 26, 2021, our board of directors approved an estimated value per share of our common stock of $3.43 per share based on the estimated value of our real estate assets plus the estimated value of our tangible other assets less the estimated value of our liabilities divided by the number of shares and operating partnership units outstanding, as of February 28, 2021. We provided this estimated value per share to assist broker-dealers that participated in the Offering in meeting their customer account statement reporting obligations under the rules of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”).
As with any valuation methodology, the methodologies used are based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that may not be accurate or complete. Different parties with different assumptions and estimates could derive a different estimated value per share, and these differences could be significant. The estimated value per share is not audited and does not represent the fair value of our assets or liabilities according to generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). Accordingly, with respect to the estimated value per share, we can give no assurance that:
•a stockholder would be able to resell his or her shares at this estimated value;
•a stockholder would ultimately realize distributions per share equal to our estimated value per share upon liquidation of our assets and settlement of our liabilities or a sale of the Company;
•our shares of common stock would trade at the estimated value per share on a national securities exchange;
•an independent third-party appraiser or other third-party valuation firm would agree with our estimated value per share; or
•the methodology used to estimate our value per share would or would not be acceptable to FINRA or for compliance with ERISA reporting requirements.
The value of our shares will fluctuate over time in response to developments related to individual assets in our portfolio and the management of those assets and in response to the real estate and finance markets. As such, the estimated value per share does not take into account estimated disposition costs and fees for real estate properties that are not held for sale, debt prepayment penalties that could apply upon the prepayment of certain of our debt obligations or the impact of restrictions on the assumption of debt. For a description of the methodologies used to value our assets and liabilities in connection with the calculation of the estimated value per share, refer to Part II, Item 5, “Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities-Market Information”.
Our business could be negatively affected as a result of stockholder activities. Proxy contests threatened or commenced against us could be disruptive and costly and the possibility that stockholders may wage proxy contests or gain representation on or control of our board of directors could cause uncertainty about our strategic direction.
Campaigns by stockholders to effect changes at public companies are sometimes led by investors seeking to increase stockholder value through actions such as financial restructuring, corporate governance changes, special dividends, stock repurchases or sales of assets or the entire Company. Proxy contests, if any, could be costly and time-consuming, disrupt our operations and divert the attention of management and our employees from executing our strategic plan. Additionally, perceived uncertainties as to our future direction as a result of stockholder activities or changes to the composition of the board of directors may lead to the perception of a change in the direction of the business, instability or lack of continuity which may be exploited by our competitors, cause concern to our current or potential customers, and make it more difficult to attract and
retain qualified personnel. If such perceived uncertainties result in delay, deferral or reduction in transactions with us or transactions with our competitors instead of us because of any such issues, then our revenue, earnings and operating cash flows could be adversely affected.
Failure to maintain effective disclosure controls and procedures and internal controls over financial reporting could have an adverse effect on our operations.
Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 requires annual management assessments of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. If we fail to maintain the adequacy of our internal control over financial reporting, we may not be able to ensure that we can conclude on an ongoing basis that we have an effective internal control over financial reporting in accordance with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Moreover, effective internal controls over financial reporting are necessary for us to produce reliable financial reports and to maintain our qualification as a REIT and are important in helping to prevent financial fraud. If we cannot provide reliable financial reports or prevent fraud, our business and operating results could be harmed, REIT qualification could be jeopardized, and investors could lose confidence in our reported financial information.
There is no trading market for shares of our common stock, and we are not required to effectuate a liquidity event by a certain date. As a result, it will be difficult for you to sell your shares of common stock and, if you are able to sell your shares, you are likely to sell them at a substantial discount.
There is no current public market for the shares of our common stock and we have no obligation to list our shares on any public securities market or provide any other type of liquidity to our stockholders. It will therefore be difficult for you to sell your shares of common stock promptly, or at all. Even if you are able to sell your shares of common stock, the absence of a public market may cause the price received for any shares of our common stock sold to be less than what you paid or less than your proportionate value of the assets we own. We have adopted the Amended and Restated Share Redemption Program (the “SRP”) which provides for the repurchase of shares by the Company only in connection with the death or “qualifying disability” (as defined in the SRP) of a stockholder. However, effective May 21, 2020, in response to the uncertainty of the economic impact to the Company of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the SRP was suspended. We can provide no assurances, when, if ever, our board of directors may resume the SRP. Further, once resumed, the SRP is only available in connection with the death or “qualifying disability” of a stockholder and is subject to a limit on the number of shares to be redeemed of the lesser of (i) a total of $3.8 million for redemptions sought upon a stockholder’s death and a total of $1.2 million for redemptions sought upon a stockholder’s qualifying disability, and (ii) 5% of the weighted average of the number of shares of our common stock outstanding during the prior calendar year. Additionally, our charter does not require that we consummate a transaction to provide liquidity to stockholders on any date certain or at all. As a result, you should be prepared to hold your shares for an indefinite length of time.
You are limited in your ability to sell your shares of common stock pursuant to the SRP. You may not be able to sell any of your shares of our common stock back to us, and if you do sell your shares, you may not receive the price you paid upon subscription.
Our board of directors has adopted the SRP which provides for the repurchase of shares by us upon a stockholder’s death or “qualifying disability” (as defined in the SRP) and may provide you with an opportunity to have your shares of common stock redeemed. However, effective May 21, 2020, in response to the uncertainty of the economic impact to the Company of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the SRP was suspended. We can provide no assurances, when, if ever, our board of directors may resume the SRP. Further, once resumed the SRP contains certain restrictions and limitations. Only shares submitted for repurchase in connection with the death or “qualifying disability” of a stockholder are eligible for repurchase under the SRP. Further, we limit the number of shares to be redeemed under the SRP to the lesser of (i) a total of $3.8 million for redemptions sought upon a stockholder’s death and a total of $1.2 million for redemptions sought upon a stockholder’s qualifying disability, and (ii) 5% of the weighted average of the number of shares of our common stock outstanding during the prior calendar year. In addition, our board of directors reserves the right to reject any redemption request for any reason or to amend or terminate the SRP at any time. Therefore, you may not have the opportunity to make a redemption request prior to a potential termination of the SRP and you may not be able to sell any of your shares of common stock back to us pursuant to the SRP. Moreover, if you do sell your shares of common stock back to us pursuant to the SRP, you may not receive the price you paid for any shares of our common stock being redeemed.
Distributions are not guaranteed, may fluctuate, and may constitute a return of capital or taxable gain from the sale or exchange of property.
From August 2009 to December 2012, our board of directors declared monthly cash distributions. Due to short-term liquidity issues and defaults under certain of our loan agreements, effective January 15, 2013, our board of directors determined to pay future distributions on a quarterly basis (as opposed to monthly). However, our board of directors did not declare or pay a distribution for the first three quarters of 2013. On December 9, 2013, our board of directors re-established a quarterly
distribution that continued through December 2019. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, its impact on the economy and the related future uncertainty, on March 27, 2020, the board of directors voted to suspend the payment of any dividend for the quarter ending March 31, 2020, and to consider resuming dividend payments on a quarter by quarter basis as more information becomes available on the impact of COVID-19 and related impact to us. Dividend payments were not reinstated as of December 31, 2021. Refer to Part II, Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations-Distributions” for additional information regarding distributions.
The actual amount and timing of any future distributions will be determined by our board of directors and typically will depend upon, among other things, the amount of funds available for distribution, which will depend on items such as current and projected cash requirements and tax considerations. As a result, our distribution rate and payment frequency may vary from time to time.
To the extent that we are unable to consistently fund distributions to our stockholders entirely from our cash flow from operations, the value of your shares upon a listing of our common stock, the sale of our assets or any other liquidity event will likely be reduced. Further, if the aggregate amount of cash distributed in any given year exceeds the amount of our “REIT taxable income” generated during the year, the excess amount will either be (1) a return of capital or (2) gain from the sale or exchange of property to the extent that a stockholder’s basis in our common stock equals or is reduced to zero as the result of our current or prior year distributions. In addition, to the extent we make distributions to stockholders with sources other than cash flow from operations, the amount of cash that is distributed from such sources will limit the amount of investments that we can make, which will in turn negatively impact our ability to achieve our investment objectives and limit our ability to make future distributions.
We are dependent upon our Advisor and its affiliates to conduct our operations, and any adverse changes in the financial health of our Advisor or its affiliates or our relationship with them could hinder our operating performance and the return on our stockholders’ investment.
We are dependent on our Advisor to manage our operations and our portfolio of real estate and real estate-related assets. Our Advisor depends on fees and other compensation that it receives from us in connection with the purchase, management and sale of assets to conduct its operations. Any adverse changes in the financial condition of our Advisor or our relationship with our Advisor could hinder our Advisor’s ability to successfully manage our operations and our portfolio of investments. If our Advisor is unable to provide services to us, we may spend substantial resources in identifying alternative service providers to provide advisory functions.
Our Advisor was acquired by PUR SRT Advisors LLC in April of 2021 and our operations have been transitioned to a new management team of individuals employed by PUR SRT Advisors LLC and its affiliates. If the transition to a new management team is not successful it may adversely affect our business and the return on our stockholders’ investment.
We are dependent on our Advisor to manage our operations and our portfolio of real estate and real estate-related assets. In April 2021, our Advisor was acquired by PUR SRT Advisors LLC and our executive officers and other individuals who support our operations have been replace by new individuals who are employees of PUR SRT Advisors LLC and its affiliates. Previously our Advisor was owned by an affiliate of Glenborough, LLC and our officers were employees of Glenborough, LLC and its affiliates. The new management team at our Advisor may not be as familiar with our operations or may not provide the same level of service as the management team affiliated with Glenborough which could adversely affect our operations and the return on our stockholders’ investment.
If we internalize our management functions, your interest in us could be diluted and we could incur other significant costs associated with being self-managed.
Our board of directors may decide in the future to internalize our management functions. If we do so, we may elect to negotiate the acquisition of our Advisor’s assets and personnel. At this time, we cannot anticipate the form or amount of consideration or other terms relating to any such acquisition. Such consideration could take many forms, including cash payments, promissory notes and shares of our common stock. The payment of such consideration could result in dilution of your interests as a stockholder and could reduce the earnings per share and funds from operations per share attributable to your investment.
Additionally, while we would no longer bear the costs of the various fees and expenses we pay to our Advisor under the Advisory Agreement, our direct expenses would include general and administrative costs, including legal, accounting and other expenses related to corporate governance, SEC reporting and compliance. We would also be required to employ personnel and would be subject to potential liabilities commonly faced by employers, such as workers disability and compensation claims, potential labor disputes and other employee-related liabilities and grievances as well as incur the compensation and benefits costs of our officers and other employees and consultants that were being paid by our Advisor or its affiliates. We may issue equity awards to officers, employees and consultants, which awards would decrease net income and funds from operations and
may further dilute your investment. We cannot reasonably estimate the amount of fees to our Advisor that we would save or the costs that we would incur if we became self-managed. If the expenses we assume as a result of an internalization are higher than the expenses we avoid paying to our Advisor, our earnings per share and funds from operations per share would be lower as a result of the internalization than they otherwise would have been, potentially decreasing the amount of funds available to distribute to our stockholders and the value of our shares.
Internalization transactions involving the acquisition of advisors or property managers affiliated with entity sponsors have also, in some cases, been the subject of litigation. Even if these claims are without merit, we could be forced to spend significant amounts of money defending claims which would reduce the amount of funds available for us to invest in properties or other investments or to pay distributions.
If we internalize our management functions, we could have difficulty integrating these functions as a stand-alone entity. Currently, our Advisor and its affiliates perform asset management and general and administrative functions, including accounting and financial reporting, for multiple entities. These personnel have substantial know-how and experience which provides us with economies of scale. We may fail to properly identify the appropriate mix of personnel and capital needs to operate as a stand-alone entity. An inability to manage an internalization transaction effectively could thus result in our incurring excess costs and suffering potential deficiencies in our disclosure controls and procedures or our internal control over financial reporting. Such deficiencies could cause us to incur additional costs, and our management’s attention could be diverted from most effectively managing our real properties and other real estate-related assets.
Provisions of the Maryland General Corporation Law may limit the ability of a third party to acquire control of us and may prevent our stockholders from receiving a premium price for their stock in connection with a business combination.
Our board of directors has elected for us to be subject to certain provisions of the Maryland General Corporation Law (the “MGCL”) relating to corporate governance that may have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a transaction or a change of control of us that might involve a premium to the market price of our common stock or otherwise be in our stockholders' best interests. Pursuant to Subtitle 8 of Title 3 of the MGCL, our board of directors has implemented (i) a classified board of directors having staggered three year terms and (ii) a requirement that a vacancy on the board be filled only by the remaining directors. Such provisions may have the effect of discouraging offers to acquire us and of increasing the difficulty of consummating any such offers, even if the acquisition would be in our stockholders’ best interests, and may therefore prevent our stockholders from receiving a premium price for their stock in connection with a business combination.
Risks Related To Our Business
We are uncertain of our sources for funding our future capital needs and our cash and cash equivalents on hand is limited. If we cannot obtain debt or equity financing on acceptable terms, our ability to acquire real properties or other real estate-related assets, fund or expand our operations and pay distributions to our stockholders will be adversely affected.
Our cash and cash equivalents on hand are currently limited. In particular, as a result of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on a majority of our tenants, many of our tenants have requested lease modifications and rent reductions. This has resulted in a reduction in rent collections and as a result, our cash flow has been adversely impacted. Over the long term, if our cash flow from operations does not increase from current levels, we may have to address a liquidity deficiency. In the event that we develop a need for additional capital in the future for investments, the improvement of our real properties or for any other reason, sources of funding may not be available to us. If we cannot establish reserves out of cash flow generated by our investments or out of net sale proceeds in non-liquidating sale transactions, or obtain debt or equity financing on acceptable terms, our ability to acquire real properties and other real estate-related assets, to expand our operations and make distributions to our stockholders will be adversely affected. Furthermore, if our liquidity were to become severely limited it could jeopardize our ability to continue as a going concern or to make the annual distributions required to continue to qualify as a REIT, which would adversely affect the value of our stockholders’ investment in us.
Uninsured losses or premiums for insurance coverage relating to real property may adversely affect your returns.
We attempt to adequately insure all of our real properties against casualty losses. There are types of losses, generally catastrophic in nature, such as losses due to wars, acts of terrorism, earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, pollution or environmental matters that are uninsurable or not economically insurable, or may be insured subject to limitations, such as large deductibles or co-payments. Additionally, mortgage lenders sometimes require commercial property owners to purchase specific coverage against terrorism as a condition for providing mortgage loans. These policies may not be available at a reasonable cost, if at all, which could inhibit our ability to finance or refinance our real properties. In such instances, we may be required to provide other financial support, either through financial assurances or self-insurance, to cover potential losses. Changes in the cost or availability of insurance could expose us to uninsured casualty losses. In the event that any of our real properties incurs a casualty loss which is not fully covered by insurance, the value of our assets will be reduced by any such uninsured loss. In
addition, we cannot assure you that funding will be available to us for repair or reconstruction of damaged real property in the future.
We face risks associated with security breaches through cyber-attacks, cyber intrusions or otherwise, as well as other significant disruptions of our information technology (IT) networks and related systems.
We face risks associated with security breaches, whether through cyber-attacks or cyber intrusions over the Internet, malware, computer viruses, attachments to e-mails, persons inside our organization or persons with access to systems inside our organization, and other significant disruptions of our IT networks and related systems. The risk of a security breach or disruption, particularly through cyber-attack or cyber intrusion, including by computer hackers, foreign governments and cyber terrorists, has generally increased as the number, intensity and sophistication of attempted attacks and intrusions from around the world have increased. Our IT networks and related systems are essential to the operation of our business and our ability to perform day-to-day operations. Although we make efforts to maintain the security and integrity of these types of IT networks and related systems, and we have implemented various measures to manage the risk of a security breach or disruption, there can be no assurance that our security efforts and measures will be effective or that attempted security breaches or disruptions would not be successful or damaging. Even the most well protected information, networks, systems and facilities remain potentially vulnerable because the techniques used in such attempted security breaches evolve and generally are not recognized until launched against a target, and in some cases are designed not to be detected and, in fact, may not be detected. Accordingly, we may be unable to anticipate these techniques or to implement adequate security barriers or other preventative measures, and thus it is impossible for us to entirely mitigate this risk.
A security breach or other significant disruption involving our IT networks and related systems could:
•disrupt the proper functioning of our networks and systems and therefore our operations;
•result in misstated financial reports, violations of loan covenants and/or missed reporting deadlines;
•result in our inability to properly monitor our compliance with the rules and regulations regarding our qualification as a REIT;
•result in the unauthorized access to, and destruction, loss, theft, misappropriation or release of, proprietary, confidential, sensitive or otherwise valuable information of ours or others, which others could use to compete against us or which could expose us to damage claims by third-parties for disruptive, destructive or otherwise harmful purposes and outcomes;
•require significant management attention and resources to remedy any damages that result;
•subject us to claims for breach of contract, damages, credits, penalties or termination of leases or other agreements; or
•damage our reputation among our stockholders.
Any or all of the foregoing could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.
Risks Relating to Our Organizational Structure
The limit on the percentage of shares of our common stock that any person may own may discourage a takeover or business combination that may benefit our stockholders.
Our charter restricts the direct or indirect ownership by one person or entity to no more than 9.8% of the value of our then outstanding capital stock (which includes common stock and any preferred stock we may issue) and no more than 9.8% of the value or number of shares, whichever is more restrictive, of our then outstanding common stock unless exempted by our board of directors. This restriction may discourage a change of control of us and may deter individuals or entities from making tender offers for shares of our common stock on terms that might be financially attractive to stockholders or which may cause a change in our management. In addition to deterring potential transactions that may be favorable to our stockholders, these provisions may also decrease your ability to sell your shares of our common stock.
We may issue preferred stock or other classes of common stock, which could adversely affect the holders of our common stock.
Our stockholders do not have preemptive rights to any shares issued by us in the future. We may issue, without stockholder approval, preferred stock or other classes of common stock with rights that could dilute the value of your shares of common stock. However, the issuance of preferred stock must also be approved by a majority of our independent directors not otherwise interested in the transaction, who will have access, at our expense, to our legal counsel or to independent legal counsel. In some
instances, the issuance of preferred stock or other classes of common stock would increase the number of stockholders entitled to distributions without simultaneously increasing the size of our asset base.
Our charter authorizes us to issue 450,000,000 shares of capital stock, of which 400,000,000 shares of capital stock are designated as common stock and 50,000,000 shares of capital stock are designated as preferred stock. Our board of directors may amend our charter to increase the aggregate number of authorized shares of capital stock or the number of authorized shares of capital stock of any class or series without stockholder approval. If we ever create and issue preferred stock with a distribution preference over common stock, payment of any distribution preferences of outstanding preferred stock would reduce the amount of funds available for the payment of distributions on our common stock. Further, holders of preferred stock are normally entitled to receive a preference payment in the event we liquidate, dissolve or wind up before any payment is made to our common stockholders, likely reducing the amount common stockholders would otherwise receive upon such an occurrence. In addition, under certain circumstances, the issuance of preferred stock or a separate class or series of common stock may render more difficult or tend to discourage:
•a merger, tender offer or proxy contest;
•the assumption of control by a holder of a large block of our securities; and
•the removal of incumbent management.
Actions of joint venture partners could negatively impact our performance.
We have entered into and may enter into joint ventures with third-parties, including with entities that are affiliated with our Advisor. We may also purchase and develop properties in joint ventures or in partnerships, co-tenancies or other co-ownership arrangements with the sellers of the properties, affiliates of the sellers, developers or other persons. Such investments may involve risks not otherwise present with a direct investment in real estate, including, for example:
•the possibility that our venture partner or co-tenant in an investment might become bankrupt;
•that the venture partner or co-tenant may at any time have economic or business interests or goals which are, or which become, inconsistent with our business interests or goals;
•that such venture partner or co-tenant may be in a position to take action contrary to our instructions or requests or contrary to our policies or objectives;
•the possibility that we may incur liabilities as a result of an action taken by such venture partner;
•that disputes between us and a venture partner may result in litigation or arbitration that would increase our expenses and prevent our officers and directors from focusing their time and effort on our business;
•the possibility that if we have a right of first refusal or buy/sell right to buy out a co-venturer, co-owner or partner, we may be unable to finance such a buy-out if it becomes exercisable or we may be required to purchase such interest at a time when it would not otherwise be in our best interest to do so; or
•the possibility that we may not be able to sell our interest in the joint venture if we desire to exit the joint venture.
Under certain joint venture arrangements, one or all of the venture partners may have limited powers to control the venture and an impasse could be reached, which might have a negative influence on the joint venture and decrease potential returns to you. In addition, to the extent that our venture partner or co-tenant is an affiliate of our Advisor, certain conflicts of interest will exist.
Risks Related To Conflicts of Interest
We may compete with affiliates of our Advisor for opportunities to acquire or sell investments, which may have an adverse impact on our operations.
We may compete with affiliates of our Advisor for opportunities to acquire or sell real properties and other real estate-related assets. We may also buy or sell real properties and other real estate-related assets at the same time as other affiliates are considering buying or selling similar assets. In this regard, there is a risk that our Advisor will select for us investments that provide lower returns to us than investments purchased by an affiliate of our Advisor. Certain of our Advisor’s affiliates may own or manage real properties in geographical areas in which we may expect to own real properties. As a result of our potential competition with affiliates of our Advisor, certain investment opportunities that would otherwise be available to us may not in fact be available. This competition may also result in conflicts of interest that are not resolved in our favor.
The time and resources that our Advisor and its affiliates, including our officers and affiliated directors, devote to us may be diverted, and we may face additional competition due to the fact that affiliates of our Advisor are not prohibited from raising money for, or managing, another entity that makes the same types of investments that we target.
Our Advisor and its affiliates, including our officers and affiliated directors, are not prohibited from raising money for, or managing, another investment entity that makes the same types of investments as those we target. For example, our Advisor’s management currently manages several privately offered real estate programs sponsored by affiliates of our Advisor. As a result, the time and resources they could devote to us may be diverted. In addition, we may compete with any such investment entity for the same investment opportunities. We may also co-invest with any such investment entity. Even though all such co-investments will be subject to approval by our independent directors, they could be on terms not as favorable to us as those we could achieve co-investing with a third-party.
Our Advisor and its affiliates, including certain of our officers and directors, face conflicts of interest caused by compensation arrangements with us and other affiliates, which could result in actions that are not in the best interests of our stockholders.
Our Advisor and its affiliates receive substantial fees from us in return for their services and these fees could influence the advice provided to us. Among other matters, the compensation arrangements could affect their judgment with respect to:
•acquisitions of property and other investments and originations of loans, which entitle our Advisor to acquisition or origination fees and management fees; and, in the case of acquisitions of investments from other programs sponsored by PUR, may entitle affiliates of our Advisor to disposition or other fees from the seller;
•real property sales, since the asset management fees payable to our Advisor will decrease;
•incurring or refinancing debt and originating loans, which would increase the acquisition, financing, origination and management fees payable to our Advisor; and
•whether and when we seek to sell the Company or its assets or to list our common stock on a national securities exchange, which would entitle the Advisor and/or its affiliates to incentive fees.
Further, our Advisor may recommend that we invest in a particular asset or pay a higher purchase price for the asset than it would otherwise recommend if it did not receive an acquisition fee. Certain acquisition fees and asset management fees payable to our Advisor and property management fees payable to the property manager are payable irrespective of the quality of the underlying real estate or property management services during the term of the related agreement. These fees may influence our Advisor to recommend transactions with respect to the sale of a property or properties that may not be in our best interest at the time. Investments with higher net operating income growth potential are generally riskier or more speculative. In addition, the premature sale of an asset may add concentration risk to the portfolio or may be at a price lower than if we held on to the asset. Moreover, our Advisor has considerable discretion with respect to the terms and timing of acquisition, disposition, refinancing and leasing transactions. In evaluating investments and other management strategies, the opportunity to earn these fees may lead our Advisor to place undue emphasis on criteria relating to its compensation at the expense of other criteria, such as the preservation of capital, to achieve higher short-term compensation. Considerations relating to our affiliates’ compensation from us and other affiliates of our Advisor could result in decisions that are not in the best interests of our stockholders, which could hurt our ability to pay you distributions or result in a decline in the value of your investment.
We may purchase real property and other real estate-related assets from third-parties who have existing or previous business relationships with affiliates of our Advisor, and, as a result, in any such transaction, we may not have the benefit of arm’s-length negotiations of the type normally conducted between unrelated parties.
We may purchase real property and other real estate-related assets from third-parties that have existing or previous business relationships with affiliates of our Advisor. The officers, directors or employees of our Advisor and its affiliates and the principals of our Advisor who also perform services for other affiliates of our Advisor may have a conflict in representing our interests in these transactions on the one hand and preserving or furthering their respective relationships on the other hand. In any such transaction, we will not have the benefit of arm’s-length negotiations of the type normally conducted between unrelated parties, and the purchase price or fees paid by us may be in excess of amounts that we would otherwise pay to third-parties.
Risks Associated with Our Properties
The risks identified below should be interpreted as being heightened as a result of the ongoing and numerous adverse impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Actual or threatened epidemics, pandemics, outbreaks, or other public health crises may have an adverse impact on our tenants' financial condition and the profitability of our properties.
Our business and the businesses of our tenants may be materially and adversely affected by the risks, or the public perception of the risks, related to COVID-19 or another epidemic, pandemic, outbreak, or other public health crisis. The risk, or public perception of the risk, of a pandemic or media coverage of infectious diseases could cause customers to avoid retail properties, and with respect to our properties generally, could cause temporary or long-term disruptions in our tenants' supply chains and/or delays in the delivery of our tenants’ inventory. Moreover, an epidemic, pandemic, outbreak or other public health crisis, such as COVID-19, could cause the on-site employees of our tenants to avoid our tenants’ properties, which could adversely affect our tenants’ ability to adequately manage their businesses. Risks related to an epidemic, pandemic or other health crisis, such as COVID-19, could also lead to the complete or partial closure of one or more of our tenants’ stores or facilities. Such events could adversely impact our tenants’ sales and/or cause the temporary closure of our tenants’ businesses, which could severely disrupt their operations and the rental revenue we generate from our leases with them.
In particular, the current COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically affected retail businesses across the country. Mitigation policies such as shelter in place, social distancing and mandatory store closures have hampered retail tenants’ ability to stay open, retain and pay employees and rent. The majority of our tenants have had to close their stores at one point and if allowed to reopen have had to operate with significant restrictions on their operations. Many of our tenants have requested lease modifications and rent reductions due to reduced sales. As a result, our rent collections have been impacted. Finally, the current market conditions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic were the primary cause of the decline in our estimated value per share and in response to the uncertainty of the impact of the COVID-19 on our operations, our board of directors determined to suspend distributions and redemptions.
The ultimate extent of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic or any other epidemic, pandemic or other health crisis on our business, financial condition and results of operations continues to depend on future developments, which are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted, including new information that may emerge concerning the severity of such epidemic, pandemic or other health crisis and actions taken to contain or prevent their further spread, among others. These and other potential impacts of an epidemic, pandemic or other health crisis, such as COVID-19, could therefore materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Our retail properties are subject to property taxes that may increase in the future, which could adversely affect our cash flow.
Our real properties are subject to real and personal property taxes that may increase as tax rates change and as the real properties are assessed or reassessed by taxing authorities. Certain of our leases provide that the property taxes, or increases therein, are charged to the lessees as an expense related to the real properties that they occupy, while other leases provide that we are responsible for such taxes. In any case, as the owner of the properties, we are ultimately responsible for payment of the taxes to the applicable government authorities. If real property taxes increase, our tenants may be unable to make the required tax payments, ultimately requiring us to pay the taxes even if otherwise stated under the terms of the lease. If we fail to pay any such taxes, the applicable taxing authority may place a lien on the real property and the real property may be subject to a tax sale. In addition, we will generally be responsible for real property taxes related to any vacant space.
An economic downturn in the United States may have an adverse impact on the retail industry generally. Slow or negative growth in the retail industry may result in defaults by retail tenants which could have an adverse impact on our financial operations.
An economic downturn in the United States may have an adverse impact on the retail industry generally. As a result, the retail industry may face reductions in sales revenues and increased bankruptcies. Adverse economic conditions may result in an increase in distressed or bankrupt retail companies, which in turn could result in an increase in defaults by tenants at our commercial properties. Additionally, slow economic growth is likely to hinder new entrants in the retail market which may make it difficult for us to fully lease our properties. Tenant defaults and decreased demand for retail space would have an adverse impact on the value of our retail properties and our results of operations. In particular, the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the retail industry across the United States, including our portfolio of properties. Additional information about the impact of COVID-19 on the retail industry and our portfolio specifically is included in the risk factor below.
Our properties consist of retail properties. Our performance, therefore, is linked to the market for retail space generally.
As of December 31, 2021, we owned six properties, each of which is a retail property and the majority of which have multiple tenants. The joint ventures in which we have invested also own retail centers. The market for retail space has been and in the future could be adversely affected by weaknesses in the national, regional and local economies, the adverse financial condition of some large retailing companies, consolidation in the retail sector, excess amounts of retail space in a number of markets and competition for tenants with other shopping centers in our markets. Customer traffic to these shopping areas may be adversely affected by the closing of stores in the same shopping center, or by a reduction in traffic to such stores resulting from a regional economic downturn, a general downturn in the local area where our retail center is located, or a decline in the desirability of the shopping environment of a particular shopping center. Such a reduction in customer traffic could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Our retail tenants face competition from numerous retail channels, which may reduce our profitability and ability to pay distributions.
Retailers at our current retail properties and at any retail property we may acquire in the future face continued competition from discount or value retailers, factory outlet centers, wholesale clubs, mail order catalogs and operators, television shopping networks and shopping via the Internet. Such competition could adversely affect our tenants and, consequently, our revenues and funds available for distribution.
Retail conditions may adversely affect our base rent and subsequently, our income.
Some of our leases may provide for base rent plus contractual base rent increases. A number of our retail leases may also include a percentage rent clause for additional rent above the base amount based upon a specified percentage of the sales our tenants generate. Under those leases that contain percentage rent clauses, our revenue from tenants may increase as the sales of our tenants increase. Generally, retailers face declining revenues during downturns in the economy. As a result, the portion of our revenue that we may derive from percentage rent leases could decline upon a general economic downturn.
Certain of our tenants account for a meaningful portion of the gross leasable area of our portfolio and/or our annual minimum rent, and the inability of these tenants to make contractual rent payments to us could expose us to potential losses in rental revenue, expense recoveries, and percentage rent.
A concentration of credit risk may arise in our business when a nationally or regionally-based tenant is responsible for a substantial amount of rent in multiple properties owned by us. In that event, if the tenant suffers a significant downturn in its business, it may become unable to make its contractual rent payments to us, exposing us to potential losses in rental revenue, expense recoveries, and percentage rent. Further, the impact may be magnified if the tenant is renting space in multiple locations. Generally, we do not obtain security from nationally-based or regionally-based tenants in support of their lease obligations to us. As of December 31, 2021, Intent to Dine, LLC, 450 Hayes Valley, LLC, and La Conq, LLC each accounted for more than 10% of our annualized minimum rent.
The bankruptcy or insolvency of a major tenant may adversely impact our operations and our ability to pay distributions.
The bankruptcy or insolvency of a significant tenant or a number of smaller tenants at one of our properties or any retail property we may acquire in the future may have an adverse impact on our income and our ability to pay distributions. Generally, under bankruptcy law, a debtor tenant has 120 days to exercise the option of assuming or rejecting the obligations under any unexpired lease for nonresidential real property, which period may be extended once by the bankruptcy court. If the tenant assumes its lease, the tenant must cure all defaults under the lease and may be required to provide adequate assurance of its future performance under the lease. If the tenant rejects the lease, we will have a claim against the tenant’s bankruptcy estate. Although rent owing for the period between filing for bankruptcy and rejection of the lease may be afforded administrative expense priority and paid in full, pre-bankruptcy arrears and amounts owing under the remaining term of the lease will be afforded general unsecured claim status (absent collateral securing the claim). Moreover, amounts owing under the remaining term of the lease will be capped. Other than equity and subordinated claims, general unsecured claims are the last claims paid in a bankruptcy and therefore funds may not be available to pay such claims in full.
Because of the concentration of a significant portion of our assets in one geographic area and in urban retail properties, any adverse economic, real estate or business conditions in this geographic area or in the urban retail market could affect our operating results and our ability to pay distributions to our stockholders.
As of December 31, 2021, 50.9% of our annual minimum rent was derived from properties in San Francisco, California with an additional 49.1% of our annual minimum rent coming from properties located in other California cities. Additionally, one of our development projects and an additional property, owned through a joint venture, are in California. As such, the geographic concentration of our portfolio makes us particularly susceptible to adverse economic developments in the California real estate markets. In addition, the majority of our real estate properties consists of urban retail properties. Any adverse
economic or real estate developments in the San Francisco or broader California geographic markets, such as business layoffs or downsizing, industry slowdowns, relocations of businesses, changing demographics and other factors, or any decrease in demand for urban retail space could adversely affect our operating results and our ability to pay distributions to our stockholders.
The costs of complying with governmental laws and regulations related to environmental protection and human health and safety may be high.
All real property investments and the operations conducted in connection with such investments are subject to federal, state and local laws and regulations relating to environmental protection and human health and safety. Some of these laws and regulations may impose joint and several liability on customers, owners or operators for the costs to investigate or remediate contaminated properties, regardless of fault or whether the acts causing the contamination were legal. Under various federal, state and local environmental laws, a current or previous owner or operator of real property may be liable for the cost of removing or remediating hazardous or toxic substances on such real property. Such laws often impose liability whether or not the owner or operator knew of, or was responsible for, the presence of such hazardous or toxic substances. In addition, the presence of hazardous substances, or the failure to properly remediate these substances, may adversely affect our ability to sell, rent or pledge such real property as collateral for future borrowings. Environmental laws also may impose restrictions on the manner in which real property may be used or businesses may be operated. Some of these laws and regulations have been amended so as to require compliance with new or more stringent standards as of future dates. Compliance with new or more stringent laws or regulations or stricter interpretation of existing laws may require us to incur material expenditures. Future laws, ordinances or regulations may impose material environmental liability. Additionally, our tenants’ operations, the existing condition of land when we buy it, operations in the vicinity of our real properties, such as the presence of underground storage tanks, or activities of unrelated third-parties may affect our real properties. There are also various local, state and federal fire, health, life-safety and similar regulations with which we may be required to comply and which may subject us to liability in the form of fines or damages for noncompliance. In connection with the acquisition and ownership of our real properties, we may be exposed to such costs in connection with such regulations. The cost of defending against environmental claims, of any damages or fines we must pay, of compliance with environmental regulatory requirements or of remediating any contaminated real property could materially and adversely affect our business, lower the value of our assets or results of operations and, consequently, lower the amounts available for distribution to you.
The costs associated with complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act may reduce the amount of cash available for distribution to our stockholders.
Investment in real properties may also be subject to the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended, or “ADA”. Under the ADA, all places of public accommodation are required to comply with federal requirements related to access and use by disabled persons. We are committed to complying with the act to the extent to which it applies. The ADA has separate compliance requirements for “public accommodations” and “commercial facilities” that generally require that buildings and services be made accessible and available to people with disabilities. With respect to the properties we acquire, the ADA’s requirements could require us to remove access barriers and could result in the imposition of injunctive relief, monetary penalties or, in some cases, an award of damages. We will attempt to acquire properties that comply with the ADA or place the burden on the seller or other third-party, such as a tenant, to ensure compliance with the ADA. We cannot assure you that we will be able to acquire properties or allocate responsibilities in this manner. Any monies we use to comply with the ADA will reduce the amount of cash available for distribution to our stockholders.
Real properties are illiquid investments, and we may be unable to adjust our portfolio in response to changes in economic or other conditions or sell a property if or when we decide to do so.
Real properties are illiquid investments. We may be unable to adjust our portfolio in response to changes in economic or other conditions. In addition, the real estate market is affected by many factors, such as general economic conditions, availability of financing, interest rates and supply and demand that are beyond our control. We cannot predict whether we will be able to sell any real property for the price or on the terms set by us, or whether any price or other terms offered by a prospective purchaser would be acceptable to us. We cannot predict the length of time needed to find a willing purchaser and to close the sale of a real property. Also, we may acquire real properties that are subject to contractual “lock-out” provisions that could restrict our ability to dispose of the real property for a period of time. We may be required to expend funds to correct defects or to make improvements before a property can be sold. We cannot assure you that we will have funds available to correct such defects or to make such improvements.
In acquiring a real property, we may agree to restrictions that prohibit the sale of that real property for a period of time or impose other restrictions, such as a limitation on the amount of debt that can be placed or repaid on that real property. Our real properties may also be subject to resale restrictions. All these provisions would restrict our ability to sell a property, which could reduce the amount of cash available for distribution to our stockholders.
Potential development and construction delays and resultant increased costs and risks may hinder our operating results and decrease our net income.
We have invested, through a joint venture referred to as the Sunset & Gardner Joint Venture, in a significant retail project under development. In the future we may acquire unimproved real property or properties for development or that are under development or construction. Investments in such properties will be subject to the uncertainties associated with the development and construction of real property, including those related to re-zoning land for development, environmental concerns of governmental entities and/or community groups and the builders’ ability to build in conformity with plans, specifications, budgeted costs and timetables. If a builder fails to perform, we may resort to legal action to rescind the purchase or the construction contract or to compel performance. A builder’s performance may also be affected or delayed by conditions beyond the builder’s control such as adverse weather conditions, COVID-19 related construction delays, and shortages in labor and construction material. Delays in completing construction could also give tenants the right to terminate preconstruction leases. We may incur additional risks when we make periodic progress payments or other advances to builders before they complete construction. These and other factors can result in increased costs of a project or loss of our investment. In addition, we will be subject to normal lease-up risks related to newly constructed projects. We also must rely on rental income and expense projections and estimates of the fair market value of property upon completion of construction when agreeing upon a purchase price at the time we acquire the property. If our projections are inaccurate, the return on investment could suffer.
Risks Associated With Debt Financing
Restrictions imposed by our loan agreements may limit our ability to execute our business strategy and could limit our ability to make distributions to our stockholders.
We are a party to loan agreements that contain a variety of restrictive covenants. These covenants include requirements to maintain certain financial ratios and requirements to maintain compliance with applicable laws. A lender could impose restrictions on us that affect our ability to incur additional debt and our distribution and operating policies. In general, we expect our loan agreements to restrict our ability to encumber or otherwise transfer our interest in the respective property without the prior consent of the lender. Loan documents we enter may contain other customary negative covenants that may limit our ability to further mortgage the property, discontinue insurance coverage, replace our Advisor or impose other limitations. Any such restriction or limitation may have an adverse effect on our operations and our ability to make distributions to you.
We will incur mortgage indebtedness and other borrowings, which may increase our business risks, could hinder our ability to make distributions and could decrease the value of your investment.
We have, and may in the future, obtain lines of credit and long-term financing that may be secured by our real properties and other assets. Under our charter, we are prohibited from borrowing in excess of 300% of the value of our net assets. Net assets for purposes of this calculation are defined to be our total assets (other than intangibles), valued at cost prior to deducting depreciation, reserves for bad debts or other non-cash reserves, less total liabilities. Generally speaking, the preceding calculation is expected to approximate 75% of the aggregate cost of our investments before non-cash reserves and depreciation. Our charter allows us to borrow in excess of these amounts if such excess is approved by a majority of the independent directors and is disclosed to stockholders in our next quarterly report, along with justification for such excess. As of December 31, 2021, our aggregate borrowings did not exceed 300% of the value of our net assets. Also, we may incur mortgage debt and pledge some or all of our investments as security for that debt to obtain funds to acquire additional investments or for working capital. We may also borrow funds as necessary or advisable to ensure we maintain our REIT tax qualification, including the requirement that we distribute at least 90% of our annual REIT taxable income to our stockholders (computed without regard to the distribution paid deduction and excluding net capital gains). Furthermore, we may borrow if we otherwise deem it necessary or advisable to ensure that we maintain our qualification as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
High debt levels will cause us to incur higher interest charges, which would result in higher debt service payments and could be accompanied by restrictive covenants. If there is a shortfall between the cash flow from a property and the cash flow needed to service mortgage debt on that property, then the amount available for distributions to stockholders may be reduced. In addition, incurring mortgage debt increases the risk of loss since defaults on indebtedness secured by a property may result in lenders initiating foreclosure actions. In that case, we could lose the property securing the loan that is in default, thus reducing the value of your investment. For tax purposes, a foreclosure on any of our properties will be treated as a sale of the property for a purchase price equal to the outstanding balance of the debt secured by the mortgage. If the outstanding balance of the debt secured by the mortgage exceeds our tax basis in the property, we will recognize taxable income on foreclosure, but we would not receive any cash proceeds. If any mortgage contains cross collateralization or cross default provisions, a default on a single property could affect multiple properties. If any of our properties are foreclosed upon due to a default, our ability to pay cash distributions to our stockholders will be adversely affected.
Instability in the debt markets may make it more difficult for us to finance or refinance properties, which could reduce the number of properties we can acquire and the amount of cash distributions we can make to our stockholders.
If mortgage debt is unavailable on reasonable terms as a result of increased interest rates or other factors, we may not be able to finance the purchase of additional properties. In addition, if we place mortgage debt on properties, we run the risk of being unable to refinance such debt when the loans come due, or of being unable to refinance on favorable terms. If interest rates are higher when we refinance debt, our income could be reduced. We may be unable to refinance debt at appropriate times, which may require us to sell properties on terms that are not advantageous to us, or could result in the foreclosure of such properties. If any of these events occur, our cash flow would be reduced. This, in turn, would reduce cash available for distribution to you and may hinder our ability to raise more capital by issuing securities or by borrowing more money.
Increases in interest rates could increase the amount of our debt payments and negatively impact our operating results.
Interest we pay on our debt obligations will reduce cash available for distributions. If we incur variable rate debt, increases in interest rates would increase our interest costs, which would reduce our cash flows and our ability to make distributions to you. If we need to repay existing debt during periods of rising interest rates, we could be required to liquidate one or more of our investments at times, which may not permit realization of the maximum return on such investments.
Planned discontinuation of LIBOR could have an adverse impact on operations.
The London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") has been the subject of regulatory guidance and proposals for reform, and in March 2021, the United Kingdom's Financial Conduct Authority (the authority that regulates LIBOR) announced it intends to stop compelling banks to submit rates for the calculation of LIBOR after June 30, 2023. Changes in, or the planned discontinuation of, LIBOR would cause changes in how interest is calculated on our variable rate debt. Recent proposals for LIBOR reforms may result in the establishment of new methods of calculating LIBOR or the establishment of one or more alternative benchmark rates. Our variable-interest debt instruments provide for alternate interest rate calculations if LIBOR is no longer widely available or should the alternative interest rate prove more favorable. There can be no assurances as to what alternative interest rates may be and whether such interest rates, such as the Secured Overnight Financing Rate ("SOFR"), will be more or less favorable than LIBOR and any other unforeseen impacts of the potential discontinuation of LIBOR.
Derivative financial instruments that we may use to hedge against interest rate fluctuations may not be successful in mitigating our risks associated with interest rates and could reduce the overall returns on your investment.
We may use derivative financial instruments to hedge exposures to changes in interest rates on loans secured by our assets, but no hedging strategy can protect us completely. We cannot assure you that our hedging strategy and the derivatives that we use will adequately offset the risk of interest rate volatility or that our hedging transactions will not result in losses. In addition, the use of such instruments may reduce the overall return on our investments. These instruments may also generate income that may not be treated as qualifying REIT income for purposes of the 75% or 95% REIT income test.
U.S. Federal Income Tax Risks
Our failure to continue to qualify as a REIT would subject us to U.S. federal income tax and reduce cash available for distribution to you.
We elected to be taxed as a REIT under the Internal Revenue Code commencing with our taxable year ended December 31, 2009. We intend to continue to operate in a manner so as to continue to qualify as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Qualification as a REIT involves the application of highly technical and complex Internal Revenue Code provisions for which only a limited number of judicial and administrative interpretations exist. Even an inadvertent or technical mistake could jeopardize our REIT status. Our continued qualification as a REIT will depend on our satisfaction of certain asset, income, organizational, distribution, stockholder ownership and other requirements on a continuing basis. Moreover, new tax legislation, administrative guidance or court decisions, in each instance potentially with retroactive effect, could make it more difficult or impossible for us to continue to qualify as a REIT. If we fail to continue to qualify as a REIT in any taxable year, we would be subject to federal and applicable state and local income tax on our taxable income at regular corporate income tax rates, in which case we might be required to borrow or liquidate some investments in order to pay the applicable tax. Losing our REIT status would reduce our net income available for investment or distribution to you because of the additional tax liability. In addition, distributions to you would no longer qualify for the dividends-paid deduction and we would no longer be required to make distributions. Furthermore, if we fail to qualify as a REIT in any taxable year for which we have elected to be taxed as a REIT, we would generally be unable to elect REIT status for the four taxable years following the year in which our REIT status is lost.
Complying with REIT requirements may force us to borrow funds to make distributions to you or otherwise depend on external sources of capital to fund such distributions.
To continue to qualify as a REIT, we are required to distribute annually at least 90% of our taxable income, subject to certain adjustments, to our stockholders. To the extent that we satisfy the distribution requirement, but distribute less than 100% of our taxable income, we will be subject to federal corporate income tax on our undistributed taxable income. In addition, we may elect to retain and pay income tax on our net long-term capital gain. In that case, if we so elect, a stockholder would be taxed on its proportionate share of our undistributed long-term gain and would receive a credit or refund for its proportionate share of the tax we paid. A stockholder, including a tax-exempt or foreign stockholder, would have to file a U.S. federal income tax return to claim that credit or refund. Furthermore, we will be subject to a 4% nondeductible excise tax if the actual amount that we distribute to our stockholders in a calendar year is less than a minimum amount specified under federal tax laws.
From time-to-time, we may generate taxable income greater than our net income (loss) for GAAP. In addition, our taxable income may be greater than our cash flow available for distribution to you as a result of, among other things, investments in assets that generate taxable income in advance of the corresponding cash flow from the assets (for instance, if a borrower defers the payment of interest in cash pursuant to a contractual right or otherwise).
If we do not have other funds available in the situations described in the preceding paragraphs, we could be required to borrow funds on unfavorable terms, sell investments at disadvantageous prices or find another alternative source of funds to make distributions sufficient to enable us to distribute enough of our taxable income to satisfy the REIT distribution requirement and to avoid corporate income tax and the 4% excise tax in a particular year. These alternatives could increase our costs or reduce our equity.
Because of the distribution requirement, it is unlikely that we will be able to fund all future capital needs, including capital needs in connection with investments, from cash retained from operations. As a result, to fund future capital needs, we likely will have to rely on third-party sources of capital, including both debt and equity financing, which may or may not be available on favorable terms or at all. Our access to third-party sources of capital will depend upon a number of factors, including our current and potential future earnings and cash distributions.
Despite our qualification for taxation as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes, we may be subject to other tax liabilities that reduce our cash flow and our ability to make distributions to you.
Despite our qualification for taxation as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes, we may be subject to certain federal, state and local taxes on our income and assets, including taxes on any undistributed income or property. Any of these taxes would decrease cash available for distribution to you. For instance:
•in order to continue to qualify as a REIT, we must distribute annually at least 90% of our REIT taxable income (which is determined without regard to the dividends paid deduction or net capital gain for this purpose) to you.
•to the extent that we satisfy the distribution requirement but distribute less than 100% of our REIT taxable income, we will be subject to federal corporate income tax on the undistributed income.
•we will be subject to a 4% nondeductible excise tax on the amount, if any, by which distributions we pay in any calendar year are less than the sum of 85% of our ordinary income, 95% of our capital gain net income and 100% of our undistributed income from prior years.
•if we have net income from the sale of foreclosure property that we hold primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of business or other non-qualifying income from foreclosure property, we must pay a tax on that income at the highest corporate income tax rate.
•if we sell an asset, other than foreclosure property, that we hold primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of business and do not qualify for a safe harbor in the Internal Revenue Code, our gain would be subject to the 100% “prohibited transaction” tax.
•any domestic taxable REIT subsidiary, or TRS, of ours will be subject to federal corporate income tax on its income, and on any non-arm’s-length transactions between us and any TRS, for instance, excessive rents charged to a TRS could be subject to a 100% tax.
•we may be subject to tax on income from certain activities conducted as a result of taking title to collateral.
•we may be subject to state or local income, property and transfer taxes, such as mortgage recording taxes.
Complying with REIT requirements may cause us to forgo otherwise attractive opportunities or liquidate otherwise attractive investments.
To continue to qualify as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes, we must continually satisfy tests concerning, among other things, the sources of our income, the nature and diversification of our assets, the amounts we distribute to stockholders and the ownership of our stock. As discussed above, we may be required to make distributions to you at disadvantageous times or when we do not have funds readily available for distribution. Additionally, we may be unable to pursue investments that would be otherwise attractive to us in order to satisfy the requirements for qualifying as a REIT.
We must also ensure that at the end of each calendar quarter, at least 75% of the value of our assets consists of cash, cash items, government securities and qualified real estate assets, including certain mortgage loans and mortgage-backed securities. The remainder of our investment in securities (other than government securities and qualified real estate assets) generally cannot include more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of any one issuer or more than 10% of the total value of the outstanding securities of any one issuer. In addition, in general, no more than 5% of the value of our assets can consist of the securities of any one issuer (other than government securities and qualified real estate assets) and no more than 20% of the value of our gross assets (25% for certain taxable years beginning before December 31, 2017) may be represented by securities of one or more TRSs. Finally, for the taxable years after 2015, no more than 25% of our assets may consist of debt investments that are issued by “publicly offered REITs” and would not otherwise be treated as qualifying real estate assets. If we fail to comply with these requirements at the end of any calendar quarter, we must correct such failure within 30 days after the end of the calendar quarter to avoid losing our REIT status and suffering adverse tax consequences, unless certain relief provisions apply. As a result, compliance with the REIT requirements may hinder our ability to operate solely on the basis of profit maximization and may require us to liquidate investments from our portfolio, or refrain from making, otherwise attractive investments. These actions could have the effect of reducing our income and amounts available for distribution to stockholders.
Complying with REIT requirements may limit our ability to hedge effectively.
The REIT provisions of the Internal Revenue Code may limit our ability to hedge our operations effectively. Our aggregate gross income from non-qualifying hedges, fees and certain other non-qualifying sources cannot exceed 5% of our annual gross income. As a result, we might have to limit our use of advantageous hedging techniques or implement those hedges through a TRS. Any hedging income earned by a TRS would be subject to federal, state and local income tax at regular corporate rates. This could increase the cost of our hedging activities or expose us to greater risks associated with interest rate or other changes than we would otherwise incur.
Liquidation of assets may jeopardize our REIT qualification.
To continue to qualify as a REIT, we must comply with requirements regarding our assets and our sources of income. If we are compelled to liquidate our investments to satisfy our obligations to our lenders, we may be unable to comply with these requirements, ultimately jeopardizing our qualification as a REIT, or we may be subject to a 100% prohibited transaction tax on any resulting gain if we sell assets that are treated as dealer property or inventory.
The prohibited transactions tax may limit our ability to engage in transactions, including disposition of assets and certain methods of securitizing loans, which would be treated as sales for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
A REIT’s net income from prohibited transactions is subject to a 100% tax. In general, prohibited transactions are sales or other dispositions of dealer property, other than foreclosure property, but including loans held primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of business. We might be subject to the prohibited transaction tax if we were to dispose of or securitize loans in a manner that is treated as a sale of the loans, for U.S. federal income tax purposes. In order to avoid the prohibited transactions tax, we may choose not to engage in certain sales of loans and may limit the structures we use for any securitization financing transactions, even though such sales or structures might otherwise be beneficial to us. Additionally, we may be subject to the prohibited transaction tax upon a disposition of real property. Although a safe-harbor exception to prohibited transaction treatment is available, we cannot assure you that we can comply with such safe harbor or that we will avoid owning property that may be characterized as held primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of our trade or business. Consequently, we may choose not to engage in certain sales of real property or may conduct such sales through a TRS.
It may be possible to reduce the impact of the prohibited transaction tax by conducting certain activities through a TRS. However, to the extent that we engage in such activities through a TRS, the income associated with such activities will be subject to a corporate income tax. In addition, the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) may attempt to ignore or otherwise recast such activities in order to impose a prohibited transaction tax on us, and there can be no assurance that such recast will not be successful.
We also may not be able to use secured financing structures that would create taxable mortgage pools, other than in a TRS or through a subsidiary REIT.
We may recognize substantial amounts of REIT taxable income, which we would be required to distribute to you, in a year in which we are not profitable under GAAP principles or other economic measures.
We may recognize substantial amounts of REIT taxable income in years in which we are not profitable under GAAP or other economic measures as a result of the differences between GAAP and tax accounting methods. For instance, certain of our assets will be marked-to-market for GAAP purposes but not for tax purposes, which could result in losses for GAAP purposes that are not recognized in computing our REIT taxable income. Additionally, we may deduct our capital losses only to the extent of our capital gains in computing our REIT taxable income for a given taxable year. Consequently, we could recognize substantial amounts of REIT taxable income and would be required to distribute such income to you, in a year in which we are not profitable under GAAP or other economic measures.
We may distribute our common stock in a taxable distribution, in which case you may sell shares of our common stock to pay tax on such distributions, and you may receive less in cash than the amount of the dividend that is taxable.
We may make taxable distributions that are payable in cash and common stock. The IRS has issued private letter rulings to other REITs treating certain distributions that are paid partly in cash and partly in stock as taxable distributions that would satisfy the REIT annual distribution requirement and qualify for the dividends paid deduction for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Those rulings may be relied upon only by taxpayers to whom they were issued, but we could request a similar ruling from the IRS. Accordingly, it is unclear whether and to what extent we will be able to make taxable distributions payable in cash and common stock. If we made a taxable dividend payable in cash and common stock, taxable stockholders receiving such distributions will be required to include the dividend as taxable income to the extent of our current and accumulated earnings and profits, as determined for U.S. federal income tax purposes. As a result, you may be required to pay income tax with respect to such distributions in excess of the cash distributions received. If a U.S. stockholder sells the common stock that it receives as a dividend in order to pay this tax, the sales proceeds may be less than the amount recorded in earnings with respect to the dividend, depending on the market price of our common stock at the time of the sale. Furthermore, with respect to certain non-U.S. stockholders, we may be required to withhold U.S. federal income tax with respect to such dividends, including in respect of all or a portion of such dividend that is payable in common stock.
REIT distribution requirements could adversely affect our ability to execute our business plan.
We generally must distribute annually at least 90% of our REIT taxable income (which is determined without regard to the dividends paid deduction or net capital gain for this purpose) in order to continue to qualify as a REIT. We intend to make distributions to our stockholders to comply with the REIT requirements of the Internal Revenue Code and to avoid corporate income tax and the 4% excise tax. We may be required to make distributions to stockholders at times when it would be more advantageous to reinvest cash in our business or when we do not have funds readily available for distribution. Thus, compliance with the REIT requirements may hinder our ability to operate solely on the basis of maximizing profits.
Our qualification as a REIT could be jeopardized as a result of an interest in joint ventures or investment funds.
We may hold certain limited partner or non-managing member interests in partnerships or limited liability companies that are joint ventures or investment funds. If a partnership or limited liability company in which we own an interest takes or expects to take actions that could jeopardize our qualification as a REIT or require us to pay tax, we may be forced to dispose of our interest in such entity. In addition, it is possible that a partnership or limited liability company could take an action which could cause us to fail a REIT gross income or asset test, and that we would not become aware of such action in time to dispose of our interest in the partnership or limited liability company or take other corrective action on a timely basis. In that case, we could fail to continue to qualify as a REIT unless we are able to qualify for a statutory REIT “savings” provision, which may require us to pay a significant penalty tax to maintain our REIT qualification.
Distributions paid by REITs do not qualify for the reduced tax rates that apply to other corporate distributions.
The maximum tax rate for “qualified dividends” paid by corporations to non-corporate stockholders is currently 20%. Distributions paid by REITs, however, generally are taxed at ordinary income rates (subject to a maximum rate of 29.6% for non-corporate stockholders), rather than the preferential rate applicable to qualified dividends.
Retirement Plan Risks
If the fiduciary of an employee benefit plan subject to ERISA (such as a profit sharing, Section 401(k) or pension plan) or an owner of a retirement arrangement subject to Section 4975 of the Internal Revenue Code (such as an IRA) fails to meet the fiduciary and other standards under ERISA or the Internal Revenue Code as a result of an investment in our stock, the fiduciary could be subject to penalties and other sanctions.
There are special considerations that apply to employee benefit plans subject to ERISA (such as profit sharing, Section 401(k) or pension plans) and other retirement plans or accounts subject to Section 4975 of the Internal Revenue Code (such as
an IRA) that are investing in our shares. Fiduciaries and IRA owners investing the assets of such a plan or account in our common stock should satisfy themselves that:
•the investment is consistent with their fiduciary and other obligations under ERISA and the Internal Revenue Code;
•the investment is made in accordance with the documents and instruments governing the plan or IRA, including the plan’s or account’s investment policy;
•the investment satisfies the prudence and diversification requirements of Sections 404(a)(1)(B) and 404(a)(1)(C) of ERISA and other applicable provisions of ERISA and the Internal Revenue Code;
•the investment in our shares, for which no public market currently exists, is consistent with the liquidity needs of the plan or IRA;
•the investment will not produce an unacceptable amount of “unrelated business taxable income” for the plan or IRA;
•our stockholders will be able to comply with the requirements under ERISA and the Internal Revenue Code to value the assets of the plan or IRA annually; and
•the investment will not constitute a prohibited transaction under Section 406 of ERISA or Section 4975 of the Internal Revenue Code.
Failure to satisfy the fiduciary standards of conduct and other applicable requirements of ERISA and the Internal Revenue Code may result in the imposition of penalties and could subject the fiduciary to claims for damages or for equitable remedies, including liability for investment losses. In addition, if an investment in our shares constitutes a prohibited transaction under ERISA or the Internal Revenue Code, the fiduciary or IRA owner who authorized or directed the investment may be subject to the imposition of excise taxes with respect to the amount invested. In addition, the investment transaction must be reversed. In the case of a prohibited transaction involving an IRA owner, the IRA may be disqualified as a tax-exempt account and all of the assets of the IRA may be deemed distributed and subjected to tax. ERISA plan fiduciaries and IRA owners should consult with counsel before making an investment in our common stock.
If our assets are deemed to be plan assets, the Advisor and we may be exposed to liabilities under Title I of ERISA and the Internal Revenue Code.
In some circumstances where an ERISA plan holds an interest in an entity, the assets of the entity are deemed to be ERISA plan assets unless an exception applies. This is known as the “look-through rule.” Under those circumstances, the obligations and other responsibilities of plan sponsors, plan fiduciaries and plan administrators, and of parties in interest and disqualified persons, under Title I of ERISA or Section 4975 of the Internal Revenue Code, may be applicable, and there may be liability under these and other provisions of ERISA and the Internal Revenue Code. We believe that our assets should not be treated as plan assets because the shares should qualify as “publicly-offered securities” that are exempt from the look-through rules under applicable Treasury Regulations. We note, however, that because certain limitations are imposed upon the transferability of shares so that we may qualify as a REIT, and perhaps for other reasons, it is possible that this exemption may not apply. If that is the case, and if the Advisor or we are exposed to liability under ERISA or the Internal Revenue Code or we are required to alter our operations to comply with ERISA or the Internal Revenue Code, our performance and results of operations could be adversely affected. Prior to making an investment in us, you should consult with your legal and other advisors concerning the impact of ERISA and the Internal Revenue Code on your investment and our performance.

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ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
Not applicable.

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ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
Property Portfolio
As of December 31, 2021, our wholly-owned property portfolio included six retail properties, excluding a land parcel, which we refer to as “our properties” or “our portfolio,” comprising an aggregate of approximately 27,000 square feet of multi-tenant, commercial retail space located in one state. We purchased our properties for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $35.3 million. As of December 31, 2021, approximately 86% of our wholly-owned real estate investments were leased (based on rentable square footage), with a weighted-average remaining lease term of approximately 6.3 years. As of December 31, 2020, approximately 79% of our wholly-owned real estate investments were leased (based on rentable square footage as of December 31, 2020), with a weighted-average remaining lease term of approximately 6.3 years.
(dollars in thousands) Rentable Square
Feet Percent Leased (2)
Effective
Rent (3)
(per Sq. Foot)
Date
Acquired Original
Purchase
Price Debt (4)
Property Name (1)
Location
Wholly-owned Real Estate Investments
400 Grove Street San Francisco, CA 2,000 100 % $ 48.00 6/14/2016 $ 2,890 $ 1,450
8 Octavia Street San Francisco, CA 3,640 47 % 63.41 6/14/2016 2,740 1,500
Fulton Shops San Francisco, CA 3,758 50 % 61.20 7/27/2016 4,595 2,200
450 Hayes San Francisco, CA 3,724 100 % 98.97 12/22/2016 7,567 3,650
388 Fulton San Francisco, CA 3,110 100 % 70.18 1/4/2017 4,195 2,300
Silver Lake Los Angeles, CA 10,497 100 % 83.31 1/11/2017 13,300 6,900
26,729 35,287 18,000
Real Estate Investments owned through Joint Ventures
3032 Wilshire Property Santa Monica, CA 11,771 45 % 92.42 3/8/2016 13,500 12,558
38,500 $ 48,787 $ 30,558
(1)List of properties does not include a residual parcel at Topaz Marketplace as of December 31, 2021.
(2)Percentage is based on leased rentable square feet of each property as of December 31, 2021.
(3)Effective rent per square foot is calculated by dividing the annualized December 31, 2021 contractual base rent by the total square feet occupied at the property. The contractual base rent does not include other items such as tenant concessions (e.g., free rent), percentage rent, and expense recoveries.
(4) Debt represents the outstanding balance as of December 31, 2021, and excludes reclassification of approximately $0.3 deferred financing costs, net, as a contra-liability. For more information on our financing, refer to Note 8. “Notes Payable, Net” to our condensed consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report.
Lease Expirations
The following table reflects the timing of tenant lease expirations at our wholly-owned properties as of December 31, 2021 (dollar amounts in thousands):
Year of Expiration (1)
Number of Leases Expiring Annualized Base Rent Expiring (2)
Percent of Portfolio Annualized Base Rent Expiring Square Feet Expiring
2022 - $ - -% -
2023 1 48 2.7 730
2024 3 293 16.4 3,948
2025 1 116 6.5 1,894
2026 5 476 26.7 6,924
2027 - - - -
2028 - - - -
2029 - - - -
Thereafter 2 849 47.7 9,439
Total 12 $ 1,782 100.0% 22,935
(1)Represents the expiration date of the lease as of December 31, 2021, and does not take into account any tenant renewal options.
(2)Annualized base rent represents annualized contractual base rent as of December 31, 2021. These amounts do not include other items such as tenant concession (e.g. free rent), percentage rent and expense recoveries.
Significant Tenants
As of December 31, 2021, our real estate properties were leased to approximately 12 retail tenants over a diverse range of industries. The following table reflects information regarding tenants which account for more than 10% of our annualized minimum rent as of December 31, 2021 (dollar amounts in thousands):
Name of Tenant Industry Property Annualized Rent % Annualized Minimum Rent % Rentable Square Feet Occupied Lease Expiration
Intent to Dine, LLC Restaurant Silver Lake $ 582 33 % 25 % November 30, 2031
450 Hayes Valley, LLC Restaurant 450 Hayes 268 15 11 November 30, 2031
La Conq, LLC Restaurant Silver Lake 196 11 9 September 4, 2024
Properties Under Development
As of December 31, 2021, we had one property under development in Hollywood, California. This development project is still in the planning phase and construction has not commenced.

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ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
None.

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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
There is no established public trading market for our common stock. Therefore, there is a risk that a stockholder may not be able to sell our stock at a time or price acceptable to the stockholder. Unless and until our shares are listed on a national securities exchange, it is not expected that a public market for the shares will develop.
On May 26, 2021, our board of directors approved an estimated value per share of our common stock of $3.43 per share based on the estimated value of our real estate assets and the estimated value of our tangible other assets less the estimated value of the our liabilities divided by the number of shares and operating partnership units outstanding, as of February 28, 2021. We are providing this estimated value per share to assist broker-dealers that participated in our initial public offering in meeting their customer account statement reporting obligation under Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”) Rule 2231. The valuation with an effective date of April 30, 2020 was performed in accordance with the provisions of Practice Guideline 2013-01, Valuations of Publicly Registered Non-Listed REITs, issued by the Institute for Portfolio Alternatives (formerly known as the Investment Program Association) (“IPA”) in April 2013.
Our independent directors are responsible for the oversight of the valuation process, including the review and approval of the valuation process and methodology used to determine our estimated value per share, the consistency of the valuation and appraisal methodologies with real estate industry standards and practices and the reasonableness of the assumptions used in the valuations and appraisals. The estimated value per share was determined after consultation with SRT Advisor, LLC (the “Advisor”) and Robert A. Stanger & Co, Inc. (“Stanger”), an independent third-party valuation firm. The engagement of Stanger was approved by the board of directors, including all of its independent members. Stanger prepared individual appraisal reports (individually an “Appraisal Report”; collectively the “Appraisal Reports”), summarizing key inputs and assumptions, on eight of the ten properties in which we wholly owned or owned an interest in as of February 28, 2021 (the “Appraised Properties”). Stanger also prepared a net asset value report (the “NAV Report”) which estimates the net asset value per share of our stock as of February 28, 2021. The NAV Report relied upon: (i) the Appraisal Reports for the Appraised Properties; (ii) the pending sale price pursuant to a purchase and sale agreement, net of transaction costs as estimated by the Advisor, for the Shops at Turkey Creek property (the “Pending Disposition Property”); (iii) the book value as of February 28, 2021 for the Sunset & Gardner property (the “Development Property”); (iv) Stanger's estimated value of our mortgage loans payable and other debt; and (v) the Advisor's estimate of the value of our other assets and liabilities as of February 28, 2021, to calculate an estimated net asset value per share of our common stock.
Upon the board of directors’ receipt and review of Stanger’s Appraisal Reports and NAV Report, and in light of other factors considered, the board of directors, including the independent directors, approved $3.43 per share as the estimated value of our common stock as of February 28, 2021, which determination is ultimately and solely the responsibility of the board of directors.
The table below sets forth the calculation of our estimated value per share as of February 28, 2021:
Strategic Realty Trust, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Estimated Value Per Share
(in thousands, except shares and per share amounts)
(unaudited)
Assets
Investments in real estate, net $ 58,740
Properties under development and development costs 15,692
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash 1,978
Prepaid expenses and other assets, net 69
Tenants receivables, net 832
Deferred costs and intangibles, net 116
Total assets 77,427
Liabilities
Notes payable 39,119
Accounts payable and accrued expenses 633
Other liabilities 135
Total liabilities 39,887
Stockholders’ equity $ 37,540
Shares and OP units outstanding 10,957,289
Estimated value per share $ 3.43
Methodology and Key Assumptions
Our goal in calculating an estimated value per share is to arrive at a value that is reasonable and supportable using what we deem to be appropriate valuation methodologies and assumptions and a process that is in compliance with the valuation guidelines established by the IPA.
FINRA’s current rules provide no guidance on the methodology an issuer must use to determine its estimated value per share. As with any valuation methodology, the methodologies used are based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that may not be accurate or complete. Different parties with different assumptions and estimates could derive a different estimated value per share, and these differences could be significant. The estimated value per share is not audited and does not represent the fair value of our assets less our liabilities according to U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”), nor does it represent a liquidation value of our assets and liabilities or the amount our shares of common stock would trade at on a national securities exchange. The estimated value per share does not reflect a discount for the fact that we are externally managed, nor does it reflect a real estate portfolio premium/discount versus the sum of the individual property values. The estimated value per share also does not take into account estimated disposition costs and fees for real estate properties that are not held for sale, debt prepayment penalties that could apply upon the prepayment of certain of our debt obligations or the impact of restrictions on the assumption of debt.
The following is a summary of the valuation and appraisal methodologies used to value our assets and liabilities:
Real Estate
Independent Valuation Firm
Stanger was selected by the Advisor and approved by our independent directors and board of directors to appraise the eight Appraised Properties in which we wholly own or own an interest in with a valuation date of February 28, 2021. Stanger is engaged in the business of appraising commercial real estate properties and is not affiliated with us or the Advisor. The compensation we paid to Stanger was based on the scope of work and not on the appraised values of the Appraised Properties. The Appraisal Reports were performed in accordance with the Code of Ethics and the Uniform Standards of Professional
Appraisal Practice, or USPAP, the real estate appraisal industry standards created by The Appraisal Foundation. Each Appraisal Report was reviewed, approved and signed by an individual with the professional designation of MAI licensed in the state where each real property is located. The use of the Appraisal Reports are subject to the requirements of the Appraisal Institute relating to review by its duly authorized representatives. In preparing the Appraisal Reports, Stanger did not, and was not requested to, solicit third-party indications of interest for our common stock in connection with possible purchases thereof or the acquisition of all or any part of us.
Stanger collected reasonably available material information that it deemed relevant in appraising the Appraised Properties. Stanger relied in part on property-level information provided by the Advisor, including (i) property historical and projected operating revenues and expenses; (ii) property lease agreements and/or lease abstracts; and (iii) information regarding recent or planned capital expenditures.
In conducting their investigation and analyses, Stanger took into account customary and accepted financial and commercial procedures and considerations as they deemed relevant. Although Stanger reviewed information supplied or otherwise made available by us or the Advisor for reasonableness, they assumed and relied upon the accuracy and completeness of all such information and of all information supplied or otherwise made available to them by any other party and did not independently verify any such information. Stanger has assumed that any operating or financial forecasts and other information and data provided to or otherwise reviewed by or discussed with Stanger were reasonably prepared in good faith on bases reflecting the best currently available estimates and judgments of our management, board of directors and/or the Advisor. Stanger relied on us to advise them promptly if any information previously provided became inaccurate or was required to be updated during the period of their review.
In performing its analyses, Stanger made numerous other assumptions as of various points in time with respect to industry performance, general business, economic and regulatory conditions and other matters, many of which are beyond their control and our control. Stanger also made assumptions with respect to certain factual matters. For example, unless specifically informed to the contrary, Stanger assumed that we have clear and marketable title to each Appraised Property, that no title defects exist, that any improvements were made in accordance with law, that no hazardous materials are present or were present previously, that no significant deed restrictions exist, and that no changes to zoning ordinances or regulations governing use, density or shape are pending or being considered. Furthermore, Stanger’s analyses, opinions and conclusions were necessarily based upon market, economic, financial and other circumstances and conditions existing as of or prior to the date of the Appraisal Reports, and any material change in such circumstances and conditions may affect Stanger’s analyses and conclusions. The Appraisal Reports contain other assumptions, qualifications and limitations that qualify the analyses, opinions and conclusions set forth therein. Furthermore, the prices at which our real estate properties may actually be sold could differ from Stanger’s analyses.
Stanger is actively engaged in the business of appraising commercial real estate properties similar to those owned by the us in connection with public security offerings, private placements, business combinations and similar transactions. We engaged Stanger to deliver the Appraisal Reports and assist in the net asset value calculation and Stanger received compensation for those efforts. In addition, we have agreed to indemnify Stanger against certain liabilities arising out of this engagement. In the two years prior to the date of this filing, Stanger has provided appraisal, valuation and financial advisory services for us and has received usual and customary fees in connection with those services. Stanger may from time to time in the future perform other services for us, so long as such other services do not adversely affect the independence of Stanger as certified in the applicable appraisal report.
Although Stanger considered any comments received from us or the Advisor regarding the Appraisal Reports, the final appraised values of the Appraised Properties were determined by Stanger. The Appraisal Reports are addressed solely to us to assist it in calculating an updated estimated value per share of our common stock. The Appraisal Reports are not addressed to the public and may not be relied upon by any other person to establish an estimated value per share of our common stock and do not constitute a recommendation to any person to purchase or sell any shares of our common stock.
The foregoing is a summary of the standard assumptions, qualifications and limitations that generally apply to the Appraisal Reports. All of the Appraisal Reports, including the analysis, opinions and conclusions set forth in such reports, are qualified by the assumptions, qualifications and limitations set forth in each respective Appraisal Report.
Real Estate Valuation
As described above, we engaged Stanger to provide an appraisal of the Appraised Properties consisting of eight of the ten properties in our portfolio (including properties owned in joint ventures), as of February 28, 2021. In preparing the Appraisal Reports, Stanger, among other things:
•interviewed our officers or the Advisor's personnel to obtain information relating to the physical condition of each Appraised Property, including known environmental conditions, status of ongoing or planned property additions and reconfigurations, and other factors for such leased properties;
•reviewed lease agreements for those properties subject to a long-term lease and discussed with us or Advisor certain lease provisions and factors on each property; and
•reviewed the acquisition criteria and parameters used by real estate investors for properties similar to the subject properties, including a search of real estate data sources and publications concerning real estate buyer's criteria, discussions with sources deemed appropriate, and a review of transaction data for similar properties.
Stanger appraised each of the Appraised Properties, using various methodologies including a direct capitalization analysis, discounted cash flow analyses and sales comparison approach, as appropriate, and relied primarily on the discounted cash flow analyses for the final valuations of each of the Appraised Properties. Stanger calculated the discounted cash flow value of the Appraised Properties using property-level cash flow estimates, terminal capitalization rates and discount rates that fall within ranges they believe would be used by similar investors to value the Appraised Properties based on survey data adjusted for unique property and market-specific factors. The Pending Disposition Property was included in the NAV Report at the pending sale price pursuant to a purchase and sale agreement, net of transaction costs as estimated by the Advisor, and the Development Property was included in the NAV Report at its book value as of February 28, 2021.
The total acquisition cost of the eight properties Stanger appraised as of February 28, 2021 was $49.1 million excluding acquisition fees and expenses. In addition, we had invested $12.0 million in capital and tenant improvements on these eight real estate assets since inception. As of February 28, 2021, the total appraised value of the Appraised Properties was $55.0 million. The total appraised real estate value of those eight properties as of February 28, 2021, compared to the total acquisition cost of our eight real estate properties plus subsequent capital improvements through February 28, 2021, results in an overall decrease in the real estate value of those eight properties of approximately $6.1 million or approximately 10.1%. The following summarizes the key assumptions that were used in the discounted cash flow models used to arrive at the appraised value of our Appraised Properties:
Range Weighted
Average
Terminal capitalization rate 5.25% - 6.75% 5.56%
Discount rate 6.00% - 8.25% 6.52%
Income and expense growth rate 3.00% 3.00%
Projection period 10.0 Years - 11.0 Years 10.5 Years
While we believe that Stanger’s assumptions and inputs are reasonable, a change in these assumptions and inputs would significantly impact the calculation of the appraised value of the Appraised Properties and thus, the estimated value per share. The table below illustrates the impact on the estimated value per share if the terminal capitalization rates or discount rates were adjusted by 25 basis points, and assuming all other factors remain unchanged, with respect to the real estate properties referenced in the table above. Additionally, the table below illustrates the impact on the estimated value per share if the terminal capitalization rates or discount rates were adjusted by 5% in accordance with the IPA guidance:
Increase (Decrease) on the Estimated Value per Share due to
Decrease 25
Basis Points Increase 25
Basis Points Decrease
5.0% Increase
5.0%
Terminal capitalization rates $ 0.11 $ (0.17) $ 0.13 $ (0.18)
Discount rates 0.07 (0.14) 0.10 (0.16)
Notes Payable
Values for mortgage loans were estimated by Stanger using a discounted cash flow analysis, which used inputs based on the remaining loan terms and estimated current market interest rates for mortgage loans with similar characteristics, including remaining loan term, loan-to-value ratios, debt-service-coverage ratios, prepayment terms, and collateral property attributes (i.e.
age, location, etc.). The current market interest rate was generally determined based on market rates for available comparable debt. The estimated current market interest rates for our consolidated mortgage loans ranged from 4.70% to 7.30%.
As of February 28, 2021, Stanger’s estimate of fair value and carrying value of our consolidated notes payable were $39.1 million. The weighted-average discount rate applied to the future estimated debt payments, which have a weighted-average remaining term of 1.4 years, was approximately 5.9%. The table below illustrates the impact on our estimated value per share if the discount rates were adjusted by 25 basis points, and assuming all other factors remain unchanged, with respect to our notes payable. Additionally, the table below illustrates the impact on the estimated value per share if the discount rates were adjusted by 5% in accordance with the IPA guidance:
Adjustment to Discount Rates
+25
Basis Points -25
Basis Points +5% -5%
Estimated fair value $ 36,091 $ 36,427 $ 36,061 $ 36,453
Weighted average discount rate 6.4 % 5.9 % 6.4 % 5.8 %
Change in value per share $ 0.02 $ (0.01) $ 0.02 $ (0.02)
Other Assets and Liabilities
The carrying values of a majority of our other assets and liabilities are considered to equal their fair value due to their short maturities or liquid nature. Certain balances, such as straight-line rent receivables, lease intangible assets and liabilities, deferred financing costs, unamortized lease commissions and unamortized lease incentives, have been eliminated for the purpose of the valuation due to the fact that the value of those balances were already considered in the valuation of the respective investments.
Different parties using different assumptions and estimates could derive a different estimated value per share, and these differences could be significant. The value of our shares will fluctuate over time in response to developments related to individual assets in our portfolio and the management of those assets and in response to the real estate and finance markets.
Limitations of Estimated Value Per Share
As mentioned above, we are providing this estimated value per share to assist broker-dealers that participated in our initial public offering in meeting their customer account statement reporting obligations. As with any valuation methodology, the methodologies used are based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that may not be accurate or complete. Different parties with different assumptions and estimates could derive a different estimated value per share. The estimated value per share is not audited and does not represent the fair value of our assets or liabilities according to GAAP.
Accordingly, with respect to the estimated value per share, we can give no assurance that:
•a shareholder would be able to resell his or her shares at this estimated value;
•a shareholder would ultimately realize distributions per share equal to our estimated value per share upon liquidation of our assets and settlement of our liabilities or a sale of us;
•our shares of common stock would trade at the estimated value per share on a national securities exchange;
•an independent third-party appraiser or other third-party valuation firm would agree with our estimated value per share; or
•the methodology used to estimate our value per share would be acceptable to FINRA or for compliance with ERISA reporting requirements.
Further, the value of our shares will fluctuate over time in response to developments related to individual assets in our portfolio and the management of those assets and in response to the real estate and finance markets. The estimated value per share does not reflect a discount for the fact that we are externally managed, nor does it reflect a real estate portfolio premium/discount versus the sum of the individual property values. The estimated value per share does not take into account estimated disposition costs and fees for real estate properties that are not held for sale, debt prepayment penalties that could apply upon the prepayment of certain of our debt obligations or the impact of restrictions on the assumption of debt. We currently expect to utilize the Advisor and/or an independent valuation firm to update the estimated value per share in 2022, in accordance with the recommended IPA guidelines.
Stockholder Information
As of March 21, 2022, we had 10,752,966 shares of our common stock outstanding held by a total of approximately 2,826 stockholders. The number of stockholders is based on the records of our transfer agent.
Quarterly Distributions
In order to qualify as a REIT, we are required to distribute at least 90% of our annual REIT taxable income, subject to certain adjustments, to our stockholders. Our board of directors will continue to evaluate the amount of future quarterly distributions based on our operational cash needs.
Some or all of our distributions have been paid, and in the future may continue to be paid, from sources other than cash flows from operations.
In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, its impact on the economy and the related future uncertainty, on March 27, 2020, our board of directors decided to suspend the payment of any dividend for the quarters ending March 31, 2020, and to reconsider future dividend payments on a quarter by quarter basis as more information becomes available on the impact of COVID-19 and related impact to the Company. Dividend payments were not reinstated as of December 31, 2021.
Share Redemption Program
Our board of directors has adopted a share redemption program that may enable our stockholders to sell their shares of common stock to us in limited circumstances (the “SRP”), subject to the significant restrictions and limitations of the program. From January 2013 until April 2015, the SRP was suspended with respect to all redemption requests. In April 2015 the SRP was reinstated solely with respect to shares submitted for repurchase in connection with the death or “qualifying disability” (as defined in the SRP) of a stockholder. Under the SRP, as amended to date, the number of shares to be redeemed is limited to the lesser of (i) a total of $3.8 million for redemptions sought upon a stockholder’s death and a total of $1.2 million for redemptions sought upon a stockholder’s qualifying disability, and (ii) 5% of the weighted-average number of shares of our common stock outstanding during the prior calendar year. Share repurchases pursuant to the SRP are made at our sole discretion. We reserve the right to reject any redemption request for any reason or no reason or to amend or terminate the share redemption program at any time subject to the notice requirements in the SRP.
The redemption price for shares that are redeemed is 100% of our most recent estimated net asset value per share as of the applicable redemption date. A redemption request must be made within one year after the stockholder’s death or qualifying disability.
The SRP provides that any request to redeem less than $5,000 worth of shares will be treated as a request to redeem all of the stockholder’s shares. If we cannot honor all redemption requests received in a given quarter, all requests, including death and qualifying disability redemptions, will be honored on a pro rata basis. If we do not completely satisfy a redemption request in one quarter, we will treat the unsatisfied portion as a request for redemption in the next quarter when funds are available for redemption, unless the request is withdrawn. We may increase or decrease the amount of funding available for redemptions under the SRP on ten business days’ notice to stockholders. Shares submitted for redemption during any quarter will be redeemed on the penultimate business day of such quarter. The record date for quarterly distributions has historically been and is expected to continue to be the last business day of each quarter; therefore, shares that are redeemed during any quarter are expected to be redeemed prior to the record date and thus would not be eligible to receive the distribution declared for such quarter.
In order to preserve cash in light of the uncertainty relating to the duration of shelter-in-place orders and the economic impact of COVID-19 on our operations, on April 21, 2020, the Board approved the suspension of the SRP, effective on May 21, 2020. The SRP will remain suspended and no further redemptions will be made until the board of directors approves the resumption of the SRP. During the suspension, we will continue to accept death and qualifying disability redemption filings from stockholders, but will not take any action with regard to those requests until the board of directors has elected to lift the suspension and provided the terms and conditions for any continuation of the SRP.
During the quarter ended December 31, 2021, we did not redeem shares. Cumulatively, through December 31, 2021, we have redeemed 878,458 shares for $6.2 million. We have not presented information regarding submitted and unfulfilled redemption requests for the quarter ended December 31, 2021, as our redemption program is suspended and we believe many stockholders who may otherwise desire to have their shares redeemed have not submitted a request due to the suspension of the program.
Use of Proceeds from Sales of Registered Securities and Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities
During the year ended December 31, 2021, we did not sell any equity securities that were not registered under the Securities Act of 1933.

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ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
ITEM 6. [Reserved]

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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
The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with our accompanying consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included in this Annual Report. Also refer to “Forward Looking Statements” preceding Part I.
As used herein, the terms “we,” “our,” “us,” and “Company” refer to Strategic Realty Trust, Inc., and, as required by context, Strategic Realty Operating Partnership, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership, which we refer to as our “operating partnership” or “OP”, and to their respective subsidiaries. References to “shares” and “our common stock” refer to the shares of our common stock.
Overview
We are a Maryland corporation that was formed on September 18, 2008, to invest in and manage a portfolio of income-producing retail properties, located in the United States, real estate-owning entities and real estate-related assets, including the investment in or origination of mortgage, mezzanine, bridge and other loans related to commercial real estate. During the first quarter of 2016, we also invested, through joint ventures, in two significant retail projects under development, one of which was substantially completed during the year ended December 31, 2020. We have elected to be taxed as a real estate investment trust (“REIT”) for federal income tax purposes, commencing with the taxable year ended December 31, 2009, and we have operated and intend to continue to operate in such a manner. We own substantially all of our assets and conduct our operations through our operating partnership, of which we are the sole general partner. We also own a majority of the outstanding limited partner interests in the operating partnership.
Since our inception, our business has been managed by an external advisor. We do not have direct employees and all management and administrative personnel responsible for conducting our business are employed by our advisor. Currently we are externally managed and advised by SRT Advisor, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “Advisor”) pursuant to an advisory agreement with the Advisor (the “Advisory Agreement”) initially executed on August 10, 2013, and subsequently renewed every year through 2022. The current term of the Advisory Agreement terminates on August 9, 2022. Effective April 1, 2021, the Advisor merged with PUR SRT Advisors LLC, an affiliate of PUR Management LLC, which is an affiliate of L3 Capital, LLC. L3 Capital, LLC is a real estate investment firm focused on institutional quality, value-add, prime urban retail and mixed-use investment within first tier U.S. metropolitan markets. As a result of this transaction, PUR SRT Advisors LLC, controls SRT Advisor, LLC.
Impact of COVID-19
Since March 2020, COVID-19 and the efforts to contain its spread have significantly impacted the global economy, the U.S. economy, the economies of the local markets throughout California in which our properties are predominately located, and the broader financial markets. 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. California, where all of our properties are located instituted various measures that required closure of retail businesses or limited the ability of our tenants to operate their businesses. As of June 30, 2021, due to declining new cases and hospitalizations, the state of California lifted COVID-19 related restrictions. However, there remains uncertainty as to the time, date and extent to which these restrictions will be reinstated, businesses of tenants that have closed will reopen or when customers will re-engage with tenants as they have in the past. Due to this uncertainty, some of our tenants have been experiencing hardships, as they were unable to operate at full capacity until the middle of June 2021.
We believe that the COVID-19 outbreak has and could continue to negatively impact our financial condition and results of operations, including but not limited to, declines in real estate rental revenues, the inability to sell certain properties at a favorable price, and a decrease in construction and leasing activity. At the start of the pandemic and shelter-in-place orders, a majority of our tenants requested rent deferral or rent abatement due to the pandemic and government-mandated restrictions. These tenants initially totaled 94% of the leased square footage in our wholly-owned properties. We reviewed these requests on a case-by-case basis and agreed to modifications to some of the tenant leases, and other leases were not modified. In most cases, it is in our best interest to help our tenants remain in business and reopen when shelter-in-place orders or other mandated closures or restrictions are lifted. If these tenants fail, finding replacement tenants may be costly and time-consuming.
Of the total leased square footage in our wholly-owned properties, 47% of the leases were either (i) not modified and the tenants were able to continue to make their payments or (ii) the leases were modified to provide for a short-term temporary rent deferral or abatement. The rent deferrals generally were one to two months and were to be repaid within 12 months. Any rent abatement was typically one to two months and in many cases also involved an extension of the tenant's lease. Another 28% of the leases in our wholly-owned properties were modified to provide ongoing rent relief to the tenant. These leases generally
were with restaurants and salons that faced significant operating restrictions limiting their ability to be open, open indoors, or open with anything but a limited capacity. These lease modifications involved some combination of lease extensions, application of security deposits, temporary rent deferrals, partial rent forgiveness or abatement, and new percentage rent clauses to protect the landlord in the event sales returned to prior levels during the period of the lease modifications. These concessions lasted through the first and second quarters of 2021 to allow these businesses to commit to new operating strategies and costs for a pandemic environment. The tenants making up the remaining 25% of our leased square footage requested lease concessions; however, we could not agree with these tenants on lease changes acceptable to both parties. During the year ended December 31, 2021, these tenants terminated their leases and were replaced with new tenants.
To mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on our operations and liquidity, we have taken a number of proactive measures, which include the following:
•We are in constant communication with our tenants and have assisted tenants in identifying 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.
•We believe we will be able to service our debts and pay for our ongoing general and administrative expenses for the foreseeable future. As of December 31, 2021, we have approximately $1.8 million in cash and cash equivalents. In addition, we had approximately $0.6 million of restricted cash (funds held by the lenders for property taxes, insurance, tenant improvements, leasing commissions, capital expenditures, rollover reserves and other financing needs).
•On December 30, 2021, we obtained a $4.0 million unsecured loan (the “Unsecured Loan”) from PUR Holdings Lender, LLC, an affiliate of the Advisor. The Unsecured Loan has a term of 12 months with an interest rate of 7.0% per annum, compounding monthly with the ability to pay-off during the term of the loan. The Unsecured Loan requires draw downs in increments of no less than approximately $0.3 million. The Unsecured Loan will be due and payable upon the earlier of 12 months or the termination of the Advisory Agreement by us. On March 15, 2022, we and PUR Holdings Lender, LLC, amended the loan agreement to allow for an extension of the maturity date of the Unsecured Loan by six months, from December 30, 2022 to June 30, 2023, if we provide PUR Holdings Lender, LLC, with notice, pay an extension fee, and no event of default has occurred. The Unsecured Loan is guaranteed by us. As of December 31, 2021 the Unsecured Loan had an outstanding balance of $1.0 million.
•The SRT Loan is secured by six of our core urban properties in Los Angeles and San Francisco. The SRT Loan does not have restrictive covenants and ongoing debt coverage ratios that could trigger a default caused by tenants not paying rent or seeking rent relief.
•We remain in compliance with all the terms of the Wilshire Construction Loan (as defined below), which matures on May 10, 2022 with options to extend for two additional twelve-month periods, subject to certain conditions. Similarly, we remain in compliance with the Sunset & Gardner Loan (as defined below), which matures on October 31, 2022.
•We are actively exploring options should cash flow from operations not sufficiently improve, such as a sale of one or more assets that are not generating positive cash flow.
•To further preserve cash and liquidity, we suspended the SRP effective on May 21, 2020. The SRP will remain suspended and no further redemptions will be made unless and until our board of directors (the “Board”) approves the resumption of the SRP. In addition, on March 27, 2020, the board of directors decided to suspend the payment of any dividend for the quarter ending March 31, 2020, and will reconsider future dividend payments on a quarter-by-quarter basis as more information becomes available on the impact of COVID-19. Dividend payments were not reinstated as of December 31, 2021.
Given the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on our business, the full extent of the financial impact cannot be reasonably estimated at this time. There remains uncertainty with respect to the variants of the virus, whether the approved COVID-19 vaccines will be effective against the virus and new variants of the virus, and whether local governments will mandate closures of our tenants’ businesses or implement other restrictive measures on their and our operations in the future in response to a resurgence of the pandemic.
Market Outlook - Real Estate and Real Estate Finance Markets
Data from the U.S. Department of Commerce showed total retail sales in 2021 increased 14.0% from 2020. Total e-commerce sales for 2021 were estimated at $870.1 billion, an increase of 14.2% from 2020. E-commerce sales in 2021 accounted for approximately 20.0% of total sales, which was generally unchanged from 2020. E-commerce sales in 2019 accounted for 11.0% of total sales.
According to Digital Commerce 360, it was mainly in-store shopping that fueled most of the overall retail growth in 2021. As public health restrictions loosened, vaccinations surged, and shoppers wanted to get back to in-person shopping, brick and mortar retail benefited from the change in customer behavior.
Investment sales volumes of retail properties in the Americas increased 84% to $74 billion across the Americas in 2021, demonstrating investors’ belief that the retail real estate market will continue to recover.
Retail real estate lending markets remained difficult with retail being among the least favored property classes, and industrial and multifamily attracting more lender attention. Volumes increased in the fourth quarter from very low levels during the pandemic, however loan-to-value percentages were still relatively low.
In 2022 and beyond, the retail market should benefit from muted supply growth in 2021. The 23.5 million square feet delivered in 2021 was down 36% to 2020 totals, and 49% from 2019 totals, according to CBRE. New supply growth should continue to be dampened by rising costs for labor and materials across the globe.
2021 Significant Events
Property Disposition
On April 27, 2021, we consummated the disposition of Shops at Turkey Creek, located in Knoxville, Tennessee, for $4.0 million in cash.
Loans Secured by Properties Under Development
On July 21, 2021, we extended the Sunset & Gardner Loan for an additional twelve-month period under the same terms, with an interest rate of 7.9% per annum. The new maturity date is October 31, 2022.
Loan with Affiliate
On December 30, 2021, we obtained a $4.0 million Unsecured Loan from PUR Holdings Lender, LLC, an affiliate of the Advisor. The Unsecured Loan has a term of 12 months with an interest rate of 7.0% per annum, compounding monthly with the ability to pay-off during the term of the loan. The Unsecured Loan matures on December 30, 2022, but on March 15, 2022, we and PUR Holdings Lender, LLC amended the loan agreement to allow us to extend the maturity date until June 30, 2023.
Review of our Policies
Our board of directors, including our independent directors, has reviewed our policies described in this Annual Report and determined that they are in the best interest of our stockholders because: (1) they increase the likelihood that we will be able to successfully maintain and manage our current portfolio of investments and acquire additional income-producing properties and other real estate-related investments in the future; (2) our executive officers, directors and affiliates of our Advisor have expertise with the type of properties in our current portfolio; and (3) to the extent that we acquire additional real properties or other real estate-related investments in the future, the use of leverage should enable us to acquire assets and earn rental income more quickly, thereby increasing the likelihood of generating income for our stockholders.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
Below is a discussion of the accounting policies and estimates that management considers critical in that they involve significant management judgments and assumptions, require estimates about matters that are inherently uncertain and because they are important for understanding and evaluating our reported financial results. These judgments affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and our disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the dates of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting periods. With different estimates or assumptions, materially different amounts could be reported in our consolidated financial statements. Additionally, other companies may utilize different estimates that may impact the comparability of our results of operations to those of companies in similar businesses.
Revenue Recognition
Revenues include minimum rents, expense recoveries and percentage rental payments. Minimum rents are recognized on an accrual basis over the terms of the related leases on a straight-line basis when collectability is reasonably assured and the tenant has taken possession or controls the physical use of the leased property. If the lease provides for tenant improvements, we determine whether the tenant improvements, for accounting purposes, are owned by the tenant or us. When we are the owner of the tenant improvements, the tenant is not considered to have taken physical possession or have control of the physical use of the leased asset until the tenant improvements are substantially completed. When the tenant is the owner of the tenant improvements, any tenant improvement allowance that is funded is treated as a lease incentive and amortized as a reduction of revenue over the lease term. Tenant improvement ownership is determined based on various factors including, but not limited to:
•whether the lease stipulates how a tenant improvement allowance may be spent;
•whether the amount of a tenant improvement allowance is in excess of market rates;
•whether the tenant or landlord retains legal title to the improvements at the end of the lease term;
•whether the tenant improvements are unique to the tenant or general-purpose in nature; and
•whether the tenant improvements are expected to have any residual value at the end of the lease term.
For leases with minimum scheduled rent increases, we recognize income on a straight-line basis over the lease term when collectability is reasonably assured. Recognizing rental income on a straight-line basis for leases results in reported revenue amounts which differ from those that are contractually due from tenants. If we determine that collectability of straight-line rents is not reasonably assured, we limit future recognition to amounts contractually owed and paid, and, when appropriate, establish an allowance for estimated losses.
We maintain an allowance for doubtful accounts, including an allowance for straight-line rent receivables, for estimated losses resulting from tenant defaults or the inability of tenants to make contractual rent and tenant recovery payments. We monitor the liquidity and creditworthiness of our tenants on an ongoing basis. For straight-line rent amounts, our assessment is based on amounts estimated to be recoverable over the term of the lease.
Certain leases contain provisions that require the payment of additional rents based on the respective tenants’ sales volume (contingent or percentage rent) and substantially all contain provisions that require reimbursement of the tenants’ allocable real estate taxes, insurance and common area maintenance costs (“CAM”). Revenue based on percentage of tenants’ sales is recognized only after the tenant exceeds its sales breakpoint. Revenue from tenant reimbursements of taxes, CAM and insurance is recognized in the period that the applicable costs are incurred in accordance with the lease agreement.
In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued ASU 2014-09. ASU 2014-09 outlines a single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenues arising from contracts with customers. As our revenues are primarily generated through leasing arrangements, our revenues fall out of the scope of this standard. Effective January 1, 2018, we applied the provisions of Accounting Standards Codification 610-20, Gains and Losses From the Derecognition of Nonfinancial Assets (“ASC 610-20”), for gains on sale of real estate, and recognize any gains at the time control of a property is transferred and when it is probable that substantially all of the related consideration will be collected.
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) (“ASU 2016-02”). ASU 2016-02 requires entities to recognize lease assets and lease liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet and disclose key information about leasing arrangements. The guidance retains a distinction between finance leases and operating leases. The recognition, measurement and presentation of expenses and cash flows arising from a lease by a lessee have not significantly changed from previous guidance. However, the principal difference from previous guidance is that the lease assets and lease liabilities arising from operating leases should be recognized in the statement of financial position. The accounting applied by a lessor is largely unchanged from that applied under ASC Topic 840, Leases (“ASC 840”). Lessees and lessors are required to recognize and measure leases at the beginning of the earliest period presented using the modified retrospective approach. The modified retrospective approach includes a number of optional practical expedients that entities may elect to apply under ASC Topic 842, Leases (“ASC 842”). The amendments in this guidance are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. We adopted ASU 2016-02 (as amended by subsequent ASUs) effective January 1, 2019, utilizing the practical expedients described in ASU 2018-11. We elected the lessor practical expedient to not separate common area maintenance and reimbursement of real estate taxes from the associated lease for all existing and new leases as the timing and pattern of payments and associated lease payments are the same. The timing of revenue recognition remains the same for our existing leases and new leases. Revenues related to our leases continue to be reported on one line in the presentation within the statement of operations as a result of electing this lessor practical expedient. We continue to
capitalize our direct leasing costs. These costs are incurred as a result of obtaining new leases, and renewing leases, and are paid to our Advisor. Additionally, we are not a lessee of real estate or equipment, as we are externally managed by our Advisor.
Investments in Real Estate
We evaluate our acquisitions in accordance with ASU No. 2017-01, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Clarifying the Definition of a Business (“ASU 2017-01”) that clarifies the framework for determining whether an integrated set of assets and activities meets the definition of a business. The revised framework establishes a screen for determining whether an integrated set of assets and activities is a business and narrows the definition of a business, which is expected to result in fewer transactions being accounted for as business combinations. Acquisitions of integrated sets of assets and activities that do not meet the definition of a business are accounted for as asset acquisitions.
Beginning with January 1, 2017, acquisitions were determined to be asset acquisitions, as they did not meet the definition of a business.
Evaluation of business combination or asset acquisition:
We evaluate each acquisition of real estate to determine if the integrated set of assets and activities acquired meet the definition of a business and need to be accounted for as a business combination. If either of the following criteria is met, the integrated set of assets and activities acquired would not qualify as a business:
• Substantially all of the fair value of the gross assets acquired is concentrated in either a single identifiable asset or a group of similar identifiable assets; or
• The integrated set of assets and activities is lacking, at a minimum, an input and a substantive process that together significantly contribute to the ability to create outputs (i.e. revenue generated before and after the transaction).
An acquired process is considered substantive if:
• The process includes an organized workforce (or includes an acquired contract that provides access to an organized workforce), that is skilled, knowledgeable, and experienced in performing the process;
• The process cannot be replaced without significant cost, effort, or delay; or
• The process is considered unique or scarce.
Generally, we expect that acquisitions of real estate will not meet the revised definition of a business because substantially all of the fair value is concentrated in a single identifiable asset or group of similar identifiable assets (i.e. land, buildings, and related intangible assets), or because the acquisition does not include a substantive process in the form of an acquired workforce or an acquired contract that cannot be replaced without significant cost, effort or delay.
In asset acquisitions, the purchase consideration, including acquisition costs, is allocated to the individual assets acquired and liabilities assumed on a relative fair value basis. As a result, asset acquisitions do not result in the recognition of goodwill or a bargain purchase gain.
Depreciation and amortization is computed using a straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets as follows:
Years
Buildings and improvements 5 - 30 years
Tenant improvements 1 - 15 years
Tenant improvement costs recorded as capital assets are depreciated over the tenant’s remaining lease term, which we determined approximates the useful life of the improvement. Expenditures for ordinary maintenance and repairs are expensed to operations as incurred. Significant renovations and improvements that improve or extend the useful lives of assets are capitalized. Acquisition costs related to asset acquisitions are capitalized in the consolidated balance sheets.
Impairment of Long-lived Assets
We continually monitor events and changes in circumstances that could indicate that the carrying amounts of our investments in real estate and related intangible assets may not be recoverable. When indicators of potential impairment suggest that the carrying value of real estate and related intangible assets may not be recoverable, we assess the recoverability by estimating whether we will recover the carrying value of the real estate and related intangible assets through its undiscounted future cash flows (excluding interest) and its eventual disposition. If, based on this analysis, we do not believe that we will be able to recover the carrying value of the real estate and related intangible assets and liabilities, we would record an impairment loss to the extent that the carrying value exceeds the estimated fair value of the investments in real estate and related intangible
assets. Key inputs that we estimate in this analysis include projected rental rates, capital expenditures, property sales capitalization rates and expected holding period of the property.
We evaluate our equity investments for impairment in accordance with ASC Topic 320, Investments - Debt and Securities (“ASC 320”). ASC 320 provides guidance for determining when an investment is considered impaired, whether impairment is other-than-temporary, and measurement of an impairment loss.
We recorded an impairment loss during the year ended December 31, 2021 of approximately $6.9 million related to the operating property and the development property we own through joint ventures, which was included in our consolidated statement of operations in this Annual Report. For the operating property we recorded a $5.6 million non-cash impairment charge as a result of changes in cash flow estimates including a change in lease projections, which triggered the future estimated undiscounted cash flows to be lower than the net carrying value of the property. The decrease in cash flow projections was primarily due to reduced demand for the retail space at the properties, including potential tenants backing out of their leases, resulting in longer lease-up periods and a decrease in projected rental rates. Estimates were also impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic which we believe will result in additional challenges to lease the vacant space. The non-cash impairment related to the operating property is included in building and improvements in our consolidated balance sheets in this Annual Report. For the development property we recorded a $1.3 million non-cash impairment charge related to development costs incurred to date. We recorded the non-cash impairment charge as a result of changes in cash flow estimates, which triggered the future estimated undiscounted cash flows to be lower than the net carrying value of the property. The decrease in cash flow projections was primarily due to an adverse change in legal factors including an expiration of entitlements resulting in higher costs to re-entitle the property and proposed zoning changes. Estimates were also impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, which we believe will result in higher costs to construct the property due to supply chain issues and higher building material costs. We recorded an impairment loss during the year ended December 31, 2020 of approximately $13.4 million related to the development project and the operating property we own through joint ventures, which was included in our consolidated statement of operations in this Annual Report. Refer to Part II, Item 5. “Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities” for more information regarding the methodologies used to estimate fair value of the investments in real estate.
Assets Held for Sale
When certain criteria are met, long-lived assets are classified as held for sale and are reported at the lower of their carrying value or their fair value less costs to sell and are no longer depreciated. With the adoption of Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-08, Presentation of Financial Statements and Property, Plant, and Equipment on April 30, 2014, only disposed properties that represent a strategic shift that has (or will have) a major effect on our operations and financial results are reported as discontinued operations.
Fair Value Measurements
Under generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”), we are required to measure or disclose certain financial instruments at fair value on a recurring basis. In addition, we are required to measure other financial instruments and balances at fair value on a non-recurring basis (e.g., carrying value of impaired real estate loans receivable and long-lived assets). Fair value is defined as the price that would be received upon the sale of an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The GAAP fair value framework uses a three-tiered approach. Fair value measurements are classified and disclosed in one of the following three categories:
•Level 1: unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for identical assets or liabilities;
•Level 2: quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active, and model-derived valuations in which significant inputs and significant value drivers are observable in active markets; and
•Level 3: prices or valuation techniques where little or no market data is available for inputs that are significant to the fair value measurement.
When available, we utilize quoted market prices or other observable inputs (Level 2 inputs), such as interest rates or yield curves, from independent third-party sources to determine fair value and classify such items in Level 1 or Level 2. In instances where the market for a financial instrument is not active, regardless of the availability of a non-binding quoted market price, observable inputs might not be relevant and could require us to use significant judgment to derive a fair value measurement. Additionally, in an inactive market, a market price quoted from an independent third-party may rely more on models with inputs based on information available only to that independent third-party. When we determine the market for an asset owned by us to be illiquid or when market transactions for similar instruments do not appear orderly, we use several valuation sources (including internal valuations, discounted cash flow analysis and quoted market prices) and establish a fair value by assigning
weights to the various valuation sources. Additionally, when determining the fair value of liabilities in circumstances in which a quoted price in an active market for an identical liability is not available, we measure fair value using (i) a valuation technique that uses the quoted price of the identical liability when traded as an asset or quoted prices for similar liabilities when traded as assets; or (ii) a present value technique that considers the future cash flows based on contractual obligations discounted by an observed or estimated market rates of comparable liabilities. The use of contractual cash flows with regard to amount and timing significantly reduces the judgment applied in arriving at fair value.
Changes in assumptions or estimation methodologies can have a material effect on these estimated fair values. In this regard, the derived fair value estimates cannot be substantiated by comparison to independent markets and, in many cases, may not be realized in an immediate settlement of the instrument.
We consider the following factors to be indicators of an inactive market (1) there are few recent transactions; (2) price quotations are not based on current information; (3) price quotations vary substantially either over time or among market makers (for example, some brokered markets); (4) indexes that previously were highly correlated with the fair values of the asset or liability are demonstrably uncorrelated with recent indications of fair value for that asset or liability; (5) there is a significant increase in implied liquidity risk premiums, yields, or performance indicators (such as delinquency rates or loss severities) for observed transactions or quoted prices when compared with our estimate of expected cash flows, considering all available market data about credit and other nonperformance risk for the asset or liability; (6) there is a wide bid-ask spread or significant increase in the bid-ask spread; (7) there is a significant decline or absence of a market for new issuances (that is, a primary market) for the asset or liability or similar assets or liabilities; and (8) little information is released publicly (for example, a principal-to-principal market).
We consider the following factors to be indicators of non-orderly transactions (1) there was not adequate exposure to the market for a period before the measurement date to allow for marketing activities that are usual and customary for transactions involving such assets or liabilities under current market conditions; (2) there was a usual and customary marketing period, but the seller marketed the asset or liability to a single market participant; (3) the seller is in or near bankruptcy or receivership (that is, distressed), or the seller was required to sell to meet regulatory or legal requirements (that is, forced); and (4) the transaction price is an outlier when compared with other recent transactions for the same or similar assets or liabilities.
Income Taxes
We have elected to be taxed as a REIT under the Internal Revenue Code. To qualify as a REIT, we must meet certain organizational and operational requirements, including a requirement to distribute at least 90% of our annual REIT taxable income to stockholders (which is computed without regard to the dividends paid deduction or net capital gain and which does not necessarily equal results of operations as calculated in accordance with GAAP). As a REIT, we generally will not be subject to federal income tax on income that we distribute as dividends to our stockholders. If we fail to qualify as a REIT in any taxable year, we will be subject to federal income tax on our taxable income at regular corporate income tax rates and generally will not be permitted to qualify for treatment as a REIT for federal income tax purposes for the four taxable years following the year during which qualification is lost, unless the Internal Revenue Service grants us relief under certain statutory provisions. Such an event could materially and adversely affect our net income and net cash available for distribution to stockholders. However, we believe that we are organized and operate in such a manner as to qualify for treatment as a REIT. Even if we qualify as a REIT, we may be subject to certain state or local income taxes and to U.S. Federal income and excise taxes on our undistributed income.
We evaluate tax positions taken in the consolidated financial statements under the interpretation for accounting for uncertainty in income taxes. As a result of this evaluation, we may recognize a tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is “more-likely-than-not” that the tax position will be sustained on examination by taxing authorities.
When necessary, deferred income taxes are recognized in certain taxable entities. Deferred income tax is generally a function of the period’s temporary differences (items that are treated differently for tax purposes than for financial reporting purposes). A valuation allowance for deferred income tax assets is provided if all or some portion of the deferred income tax asset may not be realized. Any increase or decrease in the valuation allowance is generally included in deferred income tax expense.
Our tax returns remain subject to examination and consequently, the taxability of our distributions is subject to change.
Portfolio Investments
As of December 31, 2021, our portfolio included:
•Investments in two consolidated joint ventures, which own:
◦a retail property comprising approximately 12,000 square fee of multi-tenant, commercial retail space in the Los Angeles, California area.
◦a property in the pre-development stage in the Los Angeles, California area.
•Six retail properties, excluding a land parcel, comprising an aggregate of approximately 27,000 square feet of single- and multi-tenant, commercial retail space located in one state.
Results of Operations
As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, approximately 86% and 79% of our portfolio was leased (based on rentable square footage), respectively, with a weighted-average remaining lease term of approximately 6.3 years for both years, respectively. In each of 2021 and 2020, there was one property disposition.
Leasing Information
There were three new leases added in our retail properties during the year ended December 31, 2021. The following table provides information regarding our leasing activity for the year ended December 31, 2021 for properties we held as of December 31, 2021.
Total Vacant
Rentable
Sq. Feet at Lease Expirations
in 2021 New Leases
in 2021 Lease Renewals in 2021 Total Vacant
Rentable
Sq. Feet at Tenant Retention Rate in
December 31, 2020 (Sq. Feet) (Sq. Feet) (Sq. Feet) December 31, 2021 2021
2,519 10,658 9,383 - 3,794 n/a
Comparison of the year ended December 31, 2021, versus the year ended December 31, 2020.
The following table provides summary information about our results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 (amounts in thousands):
Year Ended
December 31,
2021 2020 $ Change % Change
Rental revenue and reimbursements $ 2,495 $ 2,632 $ (137) (5.2) %
Operating and maintenance expenses 2,082 1,841 241 13.1 %
General and administrative expenses 1,335 1,697 (362) (21.3) %
Depreciation and amortization expenses 2,085 1,381 704 51.0 %
Interest expense 1,265 785 480 61.1 %
Loss on impairment of real estate 6,897 13,383 (6,486) (48.5) %
Operating loss (11,169) (16,455) 5,286 (32.1) %
Other income, net 422 947 (525) (55.4) %
Net loss $ (10,747) $ (15,508) $ 4,761 (30.7) %
Our results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2021, are not necessarily indicative of those expected in future periods.
Revenue
The decrease in revenue during the year ended December 31, 2021, compared to the same period in 2020, was primarily due to the sale of Shops at Turkey Creek and rent concessions provided to replacement tenants. Partially offset by the expiration of COVID-19 pandemic-related rent concessions and higher rental income from replacement tenants.
Operating and maintenance expenses
Operating and maintenance expenses increased during the year ended December 31, 2021, compared to the same period in 2020, primarily due to higher security costs, consulting fees and real estate taxes. Additionally, placement of the Wilshire Property in service in August 2020, contributed to the increase in operating and maintenance expenses. This was partially offset by the sale of Shops at Turkey Creek and a decrease in bad debt reserves.
General and administrative expenses
General and administrative expenses decreased during the year ended December 31, 2021, compared to the same period in 2020, primarily due to lower asset management fees and legal fees.
Depreciation and amortization expenses
Depreciation and amortization expenses increased during the year ended December 31, 2021, compared to the same period in 2020, primarily due to the disposal of assets related to terminated leases and placement of the Wilshire Property in service in August 2020.
Interest expense
Interest expense increased during the year ended December 31, 2021, compared to the same period in 2020, due to the placement of the Wilshire Property in service. Capitalization of interest expense related to the Wilshire Property construction loan ceased in August 2020.
Loss on impairment of real estate
Loss on impairment during the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, of approximately $6.9 million and $13.4 million, respectively, related to the Wilshire and Sunset and Gardner Joint Ventures.
Other income, net
Other income, net for year ended December 31, 2021, consisted of a gain on sale of Shops at Turkey Creek of approximately $0.4 million. Other income, net for the year ended December 31, 2020, consisted of a gain on sale of Topaz Marketplace of approximately $0.9 million.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Since our inception, our principal demand for funds has been for the acquisition of real estate, the payment of operating expenses and interest on our outstanding indebtedness, the payment of distributions to our stockholders and investments in unconsolidated joint ventures and development properties. Prior to the termination of our initial public offering in February 2013 we used offering proceeds to fund our acquisition activities and our other cash needs. Currently we have used and expect to continue to use debt financing, net sales proceeds and cash flow from operations to fund our cash needs.
As of December 31, 2021, our cash and cash equivalents were approximately $1.8 million and we had $0.6 million of restricted cash (funds held by the lenders for property taxes, insurance, tenant improvements, leasing commissions, capital expenditures, rollover reserves and other financing needs).
Our aggregate borrowings, secured and unsecured, are reviewed by our board of directors at least quarterly. Under our Articles of Amendment and Restatement, as amended, which we refer to as our “charter,” we are prohibited from borrowing in excess of 300% of the value of our net assets. Net assets for purposes of this calculation is defined to be our total assets (other than intangibles), valued at cost prior to deducting depreciation, reserves for bad debts and other non-cash reserves, less total liabilities. However, we may temporarily borrow in excess of these amounts if such excess is approved by a majority of the independent directors and disclosed to stockholders in our next quarterly report, along with an explanation for such excess. As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, our borrowings were approximately 120.2% and 90.1%, respectively, of the carrying value of our net assets.
The following table summarizes, for the periods indicated, selected items in our consolidated statements of cash flows (amounts in thousands):
Year Ended
December 31,
2021 2020 $ Change
Net cash provided by (used in):
Operating activities $ (2,290) $ (1,295) $ (995)
Investing activities 1,220 2,105 (885)
Financing activities 855 (5,429) 6,284
Net decrease in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash $ (215) $ (4,619)
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
Cash used in operating activities during the year ended December 31, 2021 increased primarily due to higher operating and maintenance expenses and lower revenues. Additional increases were the result of increased accounts receivable from delinquent tenants.
Cash used in operating activities during the year ended December 31, 2020, was primarily due to lower operating income, which resulted from sale of Topaz Marketplace during the three months ended March 31, 2020, as well as increased accounts receivable and rent deferral balances due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
Cash flows provided by investing activities during the year ended December 31, 2021, primarily consisted of approximately $3.8 million in proceeds from the sale of Shops at Turkey Creek, partially offset by $1.8 million of additional investment in the Sunset and Gardner Joint Venture.
Cash flows provided by investing activities during the year ended December 31, 2020 primarily consisted of approximately $9.9 million of proceeds from sale of Topaz Marketplace, which were partially offset by our aggregate additional $6.9 million investment in the Wilshire and Sunset and Gardner Joint Ventures.
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
Cash flows provided by financing activities during the year ended December 31, 2021, primarily consisted of proceeds of $1.0 million from the draw down on the Unsecured Loan (as defined below) from PUR Holdings Lender, LLC, an affiliate of the Advisor. Partially offset by payment of financing costs related to the extension of the Sunset & Gardner loan and loan fees associated with Unsecured Loan (as defined below).
Cash flows used by financing activities during the year ended December 31, 2020, primarily consisted of approximately $8.9 million in repayments of our line of credit. This was partially offset by approximately $4.0 million from construction loan proceeds.
Short-term Liquidity and Capital Resources
Our principal short-term demand for funds is for the payment of operating expenses and the payment on our outstanding indebtedness. To date, our cash needs for operations have been funded by cash provided by property operations, the sales of properties, debt refinancing and the sale of shares of our common stock. We expect to fund our short-term operating cash needs from operations, from the sales of properties and from debt.
On December 30, 2021, in order to fund our short-term liquidity needs we obtained a $4.0 million unsecured loan (the “Unsecured Loan”) from PUR Holdings Lender, LLC, an affiliate of the Advisor. The Unsecured Loan has a term of 12 months with an interest rate of 7.0% per annum, compounding monthly with the ability to pay-off during the term of the loan. The Unsecured Loan requires draw downs in increments of no less than approximately $0.3 million. The Unsecured Loan will be due and payable upon the earlier of 12 months or the termination of the Advisory Agreement by us. On March 15, 2022, we and PUR Holdings Lender, LLC, amended the loan agreement to allow for an extension of the maturity date of the Unsecured Loan by six months, from December 30, 2022 to June 30, 2023, if we provide PUR Holdings Lender, LLC, with notice, pay an extension fee, and no event of default has occurred. The Unsecured Loan is guaranteed by us.
Long-term Liquidity and Capital Resources
On a long-term basis, our principal demand for funds will be for real estate and real estate-related investments, additional investment in our development projects and the payment of acquisition-related expenses, operating expenses, distributions to stockholders, future redemptions of shares and interest and principal payments on current and future indebtedness. Generally, we intend to meet cash needs for items other than acquisitions and acquisition-related expenses from our cash flow from operations, debt and sales of properties. On a long-term basis, we expect that substantially all cash generated from operations will be used to pay distributions to our stockholders after satisfying our operating expenses including interest and principal payments. We may consider future public offerings or private placements of equity. Refer to Note 8. “Notes Payable, Net” to our consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information on the maturity dates and terms of our outstanding indebtedness.
Our ability to access capital on favorable terms as well as to use cash from operations to continue to meet our liquidity needs could be affected by the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The full impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our rental revenue and, as a result, future cash from operations cannot be determined at present.
We believe that our cash on hand, along with other potential aforementioned sources of liquidity that we may be able to obtain, will be sufficient to fund our working capital needs, as well as our capital lease and debt obligations for at least the next twelve months and beyond. However, this forward-looking statement is subject to a number of uncertainties, including with respect to the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic, and there can be no guarantee that we will be successful with our plan. Moreover, over the long term, if our cash flow from operations does not increase from current levels, we may have to address a liquidity deficiency. We are actively exploring options should cash flow from operations not sufficiently improve, such as a sale of one or more assets that are not generating positive cash flow or the sale of equity to an institutional investor.
Recent Financing Transactions
Multi-Property Secured Financing
On December 24, 2019, we entered into a Loan Agreement (the “SRT Loan Agreement”) with PFP Holding Company, LLC (the “SRT Lender”) for a non-recourse secured loan (the “SRT Loan”).
The SRT Loan is secured by first deeds of trust on our five San Francisco assets (Fulton Shops, 8 Octavia, 400 Grove, 450 Hayes and 388 Fulton Street) as well as our Silverlake Collection located in Los Angeles. The SRT Loan matures on January 9, 2023. We have an option to extend the term of the loan for two additional twelve-month periods, subject to the satisfaction of certain covenants and conditions contained in the SRT Loan Agreement. We have the right to prepay the SRT Loan in whole at any time or in part from time to time, subject to the payment of yield maintenance payments if such prepayment occurs in the first 18 months of the loan term, calculated through the 18th monthly payment date, as well as certain expenses, costs or liabilities potentially incurred by the SRT Lender as a result of the prepayment and subject to certain other conditions contained in the loan documents. Individual properties may be released from the SRT Loan collateral in connection with bona fide third-party sales, subject to compliance with certain covenants and conditions contained in the SRT Loan Agreement. Any prepayment or repayment on or before the first 12 months of the loan term in connection with a bona fide third-party sale of a property securing the SRT Loan shall only require the payment of yield maintenance payments calculated through the 12th monthly payment date.
As of December 31, 2021, the SRT Loan had a principal balance of approximately $18.0 million. The SRT Loan is a floating LIBOR rate loan which bears interest at 30-day LIBOR (with a floor of 1.50%) plus 2.80%. The default rate is equal to 5% above the rate that otherwise would be in effect. Monthly payments are interest-only with the entire principal balance and all outstanding interest due at maturity.
Pursuant to the SRT Loan, we must comply with certain matters contained in the loan documents including but not limited to, (i) requirements to deliver audited and unaudited financial statements, SEC filings, tax returns, pro forma budgets, and quarterly compliance certificates, and (ii) minimum limits on our liquidity and tangible net worth. The SRT Loan contains customary covenants, including, without limitation, covenants with respect to maintenance of properties and insurance, compliance with laws and environmental matters, covenants limiting or prohibiting the creation of liens, and transactions with affiliates.
In connection with the SRT Loan, we executed customary non-recourse carveout and environmental guaranties, together with limited additional assurances with regard to the condominium structures of the San Francisco assets.
Loans Secured by Properties
On May 7, 2019, we refinanced and repaid our financing with Loan Oak Fund, LLC with a new construction loan from ReadyCap Commercial, LLC (the “Lender”) (the “Wilshire Construction Loan”). As of December 31, 2021, the Wilshire Construction Loan had a principal balance of approximately $12.6 million, with future funding available up to a total of approximately $13.9 million, and bears an interest rate of 1-month LIBOR (with a floor of 2.467%) plus an interest margin of 4.25% per annum, payable monthly. The Wilshire Construction Loan is scheduled to mature on May 10, 2022, with options to extend for two additional twelve-month periods, subject to certain conditions as stated in the loan agreement. The Wilshire Construction Loan is secured by a first Deed of Trust on the Wilshire Property. We executed a guaranty that guaranties that the loan interest reserve amounts are kept in compliance with the terms of the loan agreement. The Lender also required that a principal in the upstream owner of our joint venture partner in the Wilshire Joint Venture (the “Guarantor”), guarantees performance of borrower’s obligations under the loan agreement with respect to the completion of capital improvements to the property. We executed an Indemnity Agreement in favor of the Guarantor against liability under that completion guaranty except to the extent caused by gross negligence or willful misconduct, as well as for liabilities incurred under the Environmental Indemnity Agreement executed by the Guarantor in favor of the Lender. We used working capital funds of approximately $3.1 million to repay the difference between the Wilshire Construction Loan initial advance and the prior loan, to pay transaction costs, as well as to fund certain required interest and construction reserves.
Loans Secured by Properties Under Development
On October 29, 2018, we entered into a loan agreement with Lone Oak Fund, LLC (the “Sunset & Gardner Loan”). The Sunset & Gardner Loan has a principal balance of approximately $8.7 million, and had an interest rate of 6.9% per annum. The original Sunset & Gardner Loan agreement matured on October 31, 2019. We extended the Sunset & Gardner Loan for an additional twelve-month period under the same terms, with an interest rate of 6.5% per annum. On July 31, 2020, we extended the Sunset & Gardner Loan for an additional twelve-month period under the same terms, with an interest rate of 7.3% per annum. On July 21, 2021, we extended the Sunset & Gardner Loan for an additional twelve-month period under the same terms, with an interest rate of 7.9% per annum. The new maturity date is October 31, 2022. The Sunset & Gardner Loan is secured by a first Deed of Trust on the Sunset & Gardner Property.
Loan with Affiliate
On December 30, 2021, we obtained a $4.0 million unsecured loan (the “Unsecured Loan”) from PUR Holdings Lender, LLC, an affiliate of the Advisor. The Unsecured Loan has a term of 12 months with an interest rate of 7.0% per annum, compounding monthly with the ability to pay-off during the term of the loan. The Unsecured Loan requires draw downs in increments of no less than approximately $0.3 million. The Unsecured Loan will be due and payable upon the earlier of 12 months or the termination of the Advisory Agreement by us. The Unsecured Loan is guaranteed by us. On March 15, 2022, we and PUR Holdings Lender, LLC, amended the loan agreement to allow for an extension of the maturity date of the Unsecured Loan by six months, from December 30, 2022 to June 30, 2023, if we provide PUR Holdings Lender, LLC, with notice, pay an extension fee, and no event of default has occurred. As of December 31, 2021 the Unsecured Loan had an outstanding balance of $1.0 million.
Line of Credit
On February 10, 2020, we used proceeds from the sale of Topaz Marketplace to repay the line of credit in its entirety. The line of credit expired of its own accord on February 15, 2020, with no balance outstanding. As part of the payoff, Shops at Turkey Creek was released from the line of credit.
Guidelines on Total Operating Expenses
We reimburse our Advisor for some expenses paid or incurred by our Advisor in connection with the services provided to us, except that we will not reimburse our Advisor for any amount by which our total operating expenses at the end of the four preceding fiscal quarters exceed the greater of (1) 2% of our average invested assets, as defined in our charter; and (2) 25% of our net income, as defined in our charter, or the “2%/25% Guidelines” unless a majority of our independent directors determines that such excess expenses are justified based on unusual and non-recurring factors. For the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, our total operating expenses did not exceed the 2%/25% Guidelines.
Our Advisory Agreement Amendment provides that the Advisor shall not be required to reimburse to us any operating expenses incurred during a given period that exceed the applicable limit on “Total Operating Expenses” (as defined in the Advisory Agreement) to the extent that such excess operating expenses are incurred as a result of certain unusual and non-recurring factors approved by our board of directors, including some related to the execution of our investment strategy as directed by our board of directors.
Inflation
The majority of our leases at our properties contain inflation protection provisions applicable to reimbursement billings for common area maintenance charges, real estate tax and insurance reimbursements on a per square foot basis, or in some cases, annual reimbursement of operating expenses above a certain per square foot allowance. We expect to include similar provisions in our future tenant leases designed to protect us from the impact of inflation. Due to the generally long-term nature of these leases, annual rent increases, as well as rents received from acquired leases, may not be sufficient to cover inflation and rent may be below market rates.
REIT Compliance
To qualify as a REIT for tax purposes, we are required to annually distribute at least 90% of our REIT taxable income, subject to certain adjustments, to our stockholders. We must also meet certain asset and income tests, as well as other requirements. If we fail to qualify as a REIT in any taxable year, we will be subject to federal income tax (including any applicable alternative minimum tax) on our taxable income at regular corporate rates and generally will not be permitted to qualify for treatment as a REIT for federal income tax purposes for the four taxable years following the year during which our REIT qualification is lost unless the IRS grants us relief under certain statutory provisions. Such an event could materially adversely affect our net income and net cash available for distribution to our stockholders.
Quarterly Distributions
As set forth above, in order to qualify as a REIT, we are required to distribute at least 90% of our annual REIT taxable income, subject to certain adjustments, to our stockholders. Our board of directors will continue to evaluate the amount of future quarterly distributions based on our operational cash needs.
Some or all of our distributions have been paid, and in the future may continue to be paid, from sources other than cash flows from operations.
In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, its impact on the economy and the related future uncertainty, on March 27, 2020, our board of directors decided to suspend the payment of any dividend for the quarters ending March 31, 2020, and to reconsider future dividend payments on a quarter by quarter basis as more information becomes available on the impact of COVID-19 and related impact to the Company. Dividend payments were not reinstated as of December 31, 2021.
Funds From Operations
Funds from operations (“FFO”) is a supplemental non-GAAP financial measure of a real estate company’s operating performance. The National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts, or “NAREIT”, an industry trade group, has promulgated this supplemental performance measure and defines FFO as net income, computed in accordance with GAAP, plus real estate related depreciation and amortization and excluding extraordinary items and gains and losses on the sale of real estate, and after adjustments for unconsolidated joint ventures (adjustments for unconsolidated partnerships and joint ventures are calculated to reflect FFO.) It is important to note that not only is FFO not equivalent to our net income or loss as determined under GAAP, it also does not represent cash flows from operating activities in accordance with GAAP. FFO should not be considered an alternative to net income as an indication of our performance, nor is FFO necessarily indicative of cash flow as a measure of liquidity or our ability to fund cash needs, including the payment of distributions.
We consider FFO to be a meaningful, additional measure of operating performance and one that is an appropriate supplemental disclosure for an equity REIT due to its widespread acceptance and use within the REIT and analyst communities. Comparison of our presentation of FFO to similarly titled measures for other REITs may not necessarily be meaningful due to possible differences in the application of the NAREIT definition used by such REITs.
Our calculation of FFO attributable to common shares and Common Units and the reconciliation of net loss to FFO is as follows (amounts in thousands, except shares and per share amounts):
Year Ended
December 31,
FFO 2021 2020
Net loss $ (10,747) $ (15,508)
Adjustments:
Gain on disposal of assets (422) (947)
Depreciation of real estate 1,436 1,154
Amortization of in-place leases and leasing costs 649 227
Loss on impairment of real estate 6,897 13,383
FFO attributable to common shares and Common Units (1)
$ (2,187) $ (1,691)
FFO per share and Common Unit (1)
$ (0.20) $ (0.15)
Weighted average common shares and units outstanding (1)
10,957,204 10,962,045
(1)Our common units have the right to convert a unit into common stock for a one-to-one conversion. Therefore, we are including the related non-controlling interest income/loss attributable to common units in the computation of FFO and including the common units together with weighted average shares outstanding for the computation of FFO per share and common unit.
Related Party Transactions and Agreements
We are currently party to the Advisory Agreement, pursuant to which the Advisor manages our business in exchange for specified fees paid for services related to the investment of funds in real estate and real estate-related investments, management of our investments and for other services. Refer to Note 12. “Related Party Transactions” to our consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for a discussion of the Advisory Agreement and other related party transactions, agreements and fees.
Subsequent Events
Other Events
Effective February 2, 2022, Glenborough, entered into an Assignment and Assumption Agreement to assign its interest in various Property and Asset Management Agreements (the “Management Agreements”) to PUR. Subsidiaries of the Company are parties to the Management Agreements and consented to the assignment.
In all other material respects, the terms of the Management Agreements remain unchanged.
Change of Officers
Effective February 2, 2022, Andrew Batinovich notified us of his resignation as Chief Executive Officer, Corporate Secretary, and a director, effective immediately. Effective February 2, 2022, the Board of Directors appointed Matthew Schreiber, 41, to serve as Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Schreiber was also elected to serve as a director to fill the vacancy created by Mr. Batinovich’s resignation. He continues to serve as Assistant Secretary, a role he has held since May 2021. Prior to his appointment as Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Schreiber served as Chief Operating Officer and Senior Vice President, positions he had held since May 2021.
Effective February 2, 2022, the Board of Directors appointed Domenic Lanni, 51, to serve as Chief Operating Officer. As Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Lanni will be the principal operating officer and will assume the responsibilities that were previously performed by Mr. Schreiber, who acted as the principal operating officer since May 2021.
Amendment to Loan Agreement with PUR Holdings Lender, LLC
On March 15, 2022, the Company and PUR Holdings Lender, LLC entered into an amendment to allow for the extension of the maturity date of the loan agreement, dated as of December 30, 2021, between us and PUR Holdings Lender, LLC. On December 30, 2021, the Company obtained a $4.0 million unsecured loan (the “Unsecured Loan”) from PUR Holdings Lender, LLC, an affiliate of the Advisor. The Unsecured Loan has a term of 12 months with an interest rate of 7.0% per annum, compounding monthly with the ability to pay-off during the term of the loan. The amendment provides the Company with the option to extend the maturity date of the Unsecured Loan by six months, from December 30, 2022 to June 30, 2023, if the Company provides PUR Holdings Lender, LLC with notice, pays an extension fee, and no event of default has occurred.

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ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Omitted as permitted under rules applicable to smaller reporting companies.

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ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
Our consolidated financial statements and supplementary data can be found beginning on Page of this Annual Report.

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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
As of the end of the period covered by this report, management, including our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act. Based upon, and as of the date of, the evaluation, our chief executive officer and chief financial officer concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this report to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports we file and submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported as and when required. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports we file and submit under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our chief executive officer and our chief financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) promulgated under the Exchange Act. In connection with the preparation of this Annual Report, our management, including our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2021, using the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013). Based on its assessment, our management concluded that, as of December 31, 2021, our internal control over financial reporting was effective.
This Annual Report does not include an attestation report, or any other report of our independent registered public accounting firm regarding internal control 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 applicable to smaller reporting companies.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended December 31, 2021, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

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ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
As of the three months ended December 31, 2021, all items required to be disclosed under Form 8-K were reported under Form 8-K.

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ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
We will file a definitive Proxy Statement for our 2022 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “2022 Proxy Statement”) with the SEC, pursuant to Regulation 14A, not later than 120 days after the end of our fiscal year. Accordingly, certain information required by Part III has been omitted under General Instruction G(3) to Form 10-K. Only those sections of the 2022 Proxy Statement that specifically address the items required to be set forth herein are incorporated by reference.
Code of Ethics
We have adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics (the “Code of Ethics”) that contains general guidelines for conducting our business and is designed to help directors, employees and independent consultants resolve ethical issues in an increasingly complex business environment. The Code of Ethics applies to all of our officers, including our principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer, controller and persons performing similar functions and all members of our board of directors. The Code of Ethics covers topics including, but not limited to, conflicts of interest, record keeping and reporting, payments to foreign and U.S. government personnel and compliance with laws, rules and regulations. We will provide to any person without charge a copy of our Code of Ethics, including any amendments or waivers, upon written request delivered to our principal executive office at the address listed on the cover page of this Annual Report.
Audit Committee Financial Expert
The information required by this Item is incorporated by reference to the 2022 Proxy Statement.

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ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the 2022 Proxy Statement.

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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
The information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the 2022 Proxy Statement.

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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 is incorporated herein by reference to the 2022 Proxy Statement.

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ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
The information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the 2022 Proxy Statement.
PART IV

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ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
The following documents are filed as a part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K:
1.The list of financial statements contained herein is set forth on page hereof.
2.Financial Statement Schedules -
a.Schedule III - Real Estate Operating Properties and Accumulated Depreciation is set forth beginning on page S-1 hereof.
b.All other schedules for which provision is made in the applicable accounting regulations of the SEC are not required under the related instructions or are not applicable and therefore have been omitted.
c.The Exhibits filed in response to Item 601 of Regulation S-K are listed on the Exhibit Index attached hereto.