EDGAR 10-K Filing

Company CIK: 1527541
Filing Year: 2023
Filename: 1527541_10-K_2023_0001527541-23-000013.json

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ITEM 1. BUSINESS
Item 1. Business.
Overview
Wheeler Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc. is a Maryland corporation formed on June 23, 2011. The Trust serves as the general partner of Wheeler REIT, L.P. (the “Operating Partnership”) which was formed as a Virginia limited partnership on April 5, 2012. Substantially, all of our assets are held by, and all of our operations are conducted through, our Operating Partnership. At December 31, 2022, the Company owned 99.05% of the Operating Partnership. The Company is a fully-integrated, self-managed commercial real estate investment company that owns, leases and operates income-producing retail properties with a primary focus on grocery-anchored centers.
On August 22, 2022, the Company completed a merger transaction with Cedar Realty Trust, Inc. ("Cedar" or "CDR"). As a result of the merger, the Company acquired all of the outstanding shares of Cedar’s common stock, which ceased to be publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”). Cedar’s outstanding 7.25% Series B Preferred Stock and 6.50% Series C Preferred Stock remain outstanding and continue to trade on the NYSE. Each outstanding share of common stock of Cedar and outstanding common unit of the Cedar OP held by persons other than Cedar immediately prior to the merger were cancelled and converted into the right to receive a cash payment of $9.48 per share or unit. As a result Cedar became a subsidiary of the REIT.
For additional information on recent business developments, see Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in this Form 10-K.
Our corporate office is located at 2529 Virginia Beach Boulevard, Virginia Beach, Virginia 23452. Our telephone number is (757) 627-9088. Our registrar and stock transfer agent is Computershare Trust Company, N.A. and may be contacted at 150 Royall Street, Suite 101, Canton, MA 02021 or their website, www.computershare.com.
Portfolio
Our portfolio contains retail properties in secondary and tertiary markets, with a particular emphasis on grocery-anchored retail centers. Our properties are in communities that have stable demographics and have historically exhibited favorable trends, such as strong population and income growth. We generally lease our properties to national and regional retailers that offer consumer goods and services and generate regular consumer traffic. We believe our tenants carry goods and offer services that are less impacted by fluctuations in the broader U.S. economy and consumers’ disposable income, generating more predictable property level cash flows.
The Company’s portfolio of properties is dependent upon regional and local economic conditions. As of December 31, 2022, we own a portfolio consisting of seventy-nine properties, including seventy-five retail shopping centers, totaling 8,172,527 leasable square feet which is 92.9% leased (our "operating portfolio"), and four undeveloped land parcels totaling approximately 61 acres. The properties are geographically located in the Mid-Atlantic, Southeast and Northeast, which markets represented approximately 44%, 41% and 15%, respectively, of the total annualized base rent of the properties in its portfolio as of December 31, 2022.
No tenant represents greater than approximately 10% of the Company’s annualized base rent or 10% of gross leasable square footage. The top 10 tenants account for 23.19% or $16.99 million of annualized base rent and 27.22% or 2.22 million of gross leasable square footage at December 31, 2022.
Human Capital Management
Information About our Executive Officers
Andrew Franklin, age 42,was appointed as Chief Executive Officer ("CEO") and President in October 2021. He previously served as Interim Chief Executive Officer since July 2021, Chief Operating Officer since February 2018, and Senior Vice President of Operations since January 2017. Mr Franklin has over twenty-three years of commercial real estate
experience. Mr. Franklin is responsible for overseeing the property management, lease administration, and leasing divisions of our growing portfolio of commercial assets. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Franklin was a partner with Broad Reach Retail Partners where he ran the day-to-day operations of the company, managing the leasing team as well as overseeing the asset, property and construction management of the portfolio with assets totaling $50 million. Mr. Franklin is a graduate of the University of Maryland, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance.
Crystal Plum, age 41, was appointed as Chief Financial Officer ("CFO") in February 2020. She most recently served as the Vice President of Financial Reporting and Corporate Accounting for the Company from March 2018 to February 2020 and as Director of Financial Reporting for the Company from September 2016 to March 2018. Prior to that time, she served as Manager at Dixon Hughes Goodman LLP from September 2014 to August 2016 and as Supervisor at Dixon Hughes Goodman LLP from 2008 to September 2014. Ms. Plum has experience reviewing and performing audits, reviews, compilations and tax engagements for a diverse group of clients, as well as banking experience. Ms. Plum is a Certified Public Accountant and has a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration - Accounting and Finance from Old Dominion University.
Our Team and Talent
As of December 31, 2022, we have 47 full-time employees. We seek to hire experienced leaders and team members and offer competitive wage and benefit programs. Employees are offered flexibility to meet personal and family needs, which was further expanded when the COVID-19 pandemic began. In addition to medical insurance support, the Company offers wellness programs including free short and long term disability insurance, free basic life insurance policy with accidental death and dismemberment coverage, employee assistance programs that include emotional health support, gym memberships, volunteer time off and tuition assistance. Tuition assistance includes assistance to learn a new language as the Company identifies opportunities to better serve a diverse tenant base.
Business Objectives and Investment Strategy
Our primary business objective is to provide attractive risk-adjusted returns to our stockholders. We intend to achieve this objective utilizing the following investment strategies:
•Focus on necessity-based retail. Own and operate retail properties that serve the essential day-to-day shopping needs of the surrounding communities. These necessity-based centers attract high levels of daily traffic resulting in cross-selling of goods and services from our tenants. The majority of our tenants provide non-cyclical consumer goods and services that are less impacted by fluctuations in the economy. We believe these centers that provide essential goods and services such as groceries and electric vehicle charging stations result in a stable, lower-risk portfolio of retail investment properties.
•Focus on secondary and tertiary markets with strong demographics and demand. Our properties are in markets that have strong demographics such as population density, population growth, stable tenant sales trends and growth in household income. We seek to identify new tenants and renew leases with existing tenants in these locations that support the need for necessity-based retail and limited new supply.
•Increase operating income through leasing strategies and expense management. We employ intensive lease management strategies to optimize occupancy. Management has extensive expertise in acquiring and managing under-performing properties and increasing operating income through more effective leasing strategies and expense management. Our leases generally require the tenant to reimburse us for a substantial portion of the expenses incurred in operating, maintaining, repairing, and managing the shopping center and the common areas, along with the associated insurance costs and real estate taxes. In many cases the tenant is either fully or partially responsible for all maintenance of the property, thereby limiting our financial exposure towards maintaining the center and increasing our net income. We refer to this arrangement as a “triple net lease.”
•Selectively utilize our capital to improve retail properties. We intend to make capital investments where the return on such capital is accretive to our stockholders. We allocate capital to value-added improvements of retail properties to increase rents, extend long-term leases with anchor tenants and increase occupancy. We selectively allocate capital to revenue enhancing projects that we believe will improve the market position of a given property.
•Recycling and sensible management of capital structure. We intend to sell non-income producing land parcels utilizing sales proceeds to deleverage the balance sheet. In 2022, we sold two properties for a total of $10.51 million net proceeds which were used to reduce outstanding indebtedness. Additional properties may be slated for disposition based upon management’s periodic review of our portfolio, and approval by our Board of Directors.
•Strategy for Integrating Cedar Assets. Through integrations of both software and personnel, the increased scale will allow the Company to maximize efficiencies both at the property and corporate level. Focusing on our core model of necessity, service and convenience-based retailers, the assets obtained through the acquisition of Cedar Realty Trust, Inc. (the "Cedar Assets") complement our existing portfolio, further diversifying our tenant credit profiles and micro-market risks.
Governmental Regulations Affecting Our Properties
We and our properties are subject to a variety of federal, state and local environmental, health, safety, tax and similar laws. The application of these laws to a specific property that we own depends on a variety of property-specific circumstances, including the current and former uses of the property, the building materials used at the property and the physical layout of the property. Neither existing environmental, health, safety and similar laws nor the costs of our compliance with these laws has had a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations, and management does not believe they will in the future. In addition, we have not incurred, and do not expect to incur, any material costs or liabilities due to environmental contamination at properties we currently own or have owned in the past. However, we cannot predict the impact of new or changed laws or regulations on properties we currently own or may acquire in the future. We have no current plans for substantial capital expenditures with respect to compliance with environmental, health, safety and similar laws and we carry environmental insurance that covers a number of environmental risks for most of our properties.
Competition
Numerous commercial developers and real estate companies compete with us with respect to the leasing of properties. Some of these competitors may possess greater capital resources than we do, although we do not believe that any single competitor or group of competitors in any of the primary markets where our properties are located are dominant in that market. This competition may interfere with our ability to attract and retain tenants, leading to increased vacancy rates and/or reduced rents and adversely affect our ability to minimize operating expenses.
Retailers at our properties also face increasing competition from online retailers, outlet stores, discount shopping clubs, superstores, and other forms of sales and marketing of goods and services, such as direct mail. This competition could contribute to lease defaults and insolvency of tenants.
Climate
Some of our properties could be subject to potential natural or other disasters. In addition, we may acquire properties that are located in areas that are subject to natural disasters, such as earthquakes and droughts. Properties could also be affected by increases in the frequency or severity of tornadoes, hurricanes or other storms, whether such increases are caused by global climate changes or other factors. The occurrence of natural disasters or severe weather conditions can increase investment costs to repair or replace damaged properties, increase operating costs, increase future property insurance costs, and/or negatively impact the tenant demand for lease space. If insurance is unavailable to us, or is unavailable on acceptable terms, or if our insurance is not adequate to cover business interruption or losses from such events, our earnings, liquidity and/or capital resources could be adversely affected. While several of our properties are located in areas that have experienced hurricanes, tornados, severe rain storms, or snow during the past two years, there has been no substantial damage or change in operations related to weather events.
Information Technology and Cyber Security
The Company depends on the proper functioning, availability and security of its information systems, including financial, data processing, communications and operating systems. Several information systems are software applications provided by third parties. Our business is at risk from and may be impacted by cybersecurity attacks, including attempts to gain unauthorized access to our confidential data, and other electronic security breaches. Such cyber attacks can range from individual attempts to gain unauthorized access to our information technology systems to more sophisticated security threats.
While we employ a number of measures to prevent, detect and mitigate these threats, there is no guarantee such efforts will be successful in preventing a cyber attack. A cybersecurity attack could compromise the confidential information of our employees, tenants and vendors. A successful attack could disrupt and otherwise adversely affect our business operations.
The Company has incorporated cybersecurity coverage in its insurance policies; however, there is no assurance that the insurance the Company maintains will cover all cybersecurity breaches or that policy limits will be sufficient to cover all related losses. The Company is not aware of any information security breaches over the last two years.
Insurance
The Company carries comprehensive liability, fire, extended coverage, business interruption and rental loss insurance covering all of the properties in its portfolio under an insurance policy, in addition to other coverages, such as trademark and pollution coverage that may be appropriate for certain of its properties. Additionally, the Company carries a directors’, officers’, entity and employment practices liability insurance policy that covers such claims made against the Company and its directors and officers. The Company believes the policy specifications and insured limits are appropriate and adequate for its properties given the relative risk of loss, the cost of the coverage and industry practice; however, its insurance coverage may not be sufficient to fully cover losses.
Company Website Access and SEC Filings
We are subject to the information reporting requirements of the Exchange Act. Pursuant to those requirements, we are required to file annual and periodic reports, proxy statements and other information, including audited consolidated financial statements, with the SEC which can be found at http://www.sec.gov.
Additionally, we make available free of charge through our website http://www.whlr.us our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, including our audited consolidated financial statements, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file or furnish such materials to the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). In addition, we have posted the Charters of our Asset Liability Committee, Audit Committee, Compensation Committee, Governance and Nominating Committee, and Executive Committee, as well as our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics for Employees, Officers, Agents and Representatives, Code of Business Conduct and Ethics for Members of the Board of Directors, Corporate Governance Principles, including guidelines on director independence, and Insider Trading Policy, all under separate headings. The content of our website is not incorporated by reference into this Annual Report on Form 10-K or in any other report or document we file with the SEC, and any references to our website is intended to be inactive textual references only.

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

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

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ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
Item 2. Properties.
Our Portfolio
At December 31, 2022, we owned seventy-nine properties, including seventy-five income producing properties located in South Carolina, Georgia, Virginia, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Florida, Connecticut, Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama, Maryland, and West Virginia, containing a total of approximately 8,173,000 gross leasable square feet of retail space, which we refer to as our operating portfolio. Additionally, we owned four undeveloped land parcels located in Virginia, North Carolina and Oklahoma. The following table presents an overview of our properties, based on information as of December 31, 2022.
Portfolio
Property
Location
Number of
Tenants
Total Leasable
Square Feet
Percentage
Leased (1)
Percentage Occupied
Total SF Occupied
Annualized
Base Rent (in 000's) (2)
Annualized Base Rent per Occupied Sq. Foot
WHLR
Alex City Marketplace Alexander City, AL 19 151,843 100.0 % 100.0 % 151,843 $ 1,215 $ 8.00
Amscot Building Tampa, FL 1 2,500 100.0 % 100.0 % 2,500 83 33.00
Beaver Ruin Village Lilburn, GA 29 74,038 96.8 % 94.1 % 69,648 1,254 18.01
Beaver Ruin Village II Lilburn, GA 4 34,925 100.0 % 100.0 % 34,925 464 13.29
Brook Run Shopping Center Richmond, VA 20 147,738 87.0 % 87.0 % 128,495 1,167 9.08
Brook Run Properties (3) Richmond, VA - - - % - % - - -
Bryan Station Lexington, KY 10 54,277 100.0 % 100.0 % 54,277 637 11.73
Cardinal Plaza Henderson, NC 9 50,000 100.0 % 100.0 % 50,000 504 10.07
Chesapeake Square Onley, VA 14 108,982 99.1 % 99.1 % 108,016 838 7.76
Clover Plaza Clover, SC 9 45,575 100.0 % 97.1 % 44,275 360 8.12
Courtland Commons (3) Courtland, VA - - - % - % - - -
Conyers Crossing Conyers, GA 14 170,475 100.0 % 100.0 % 170,475 986 5.78
Crockett Square Morristown, TN 4 107,122 100.0 % 100.0 % 107,122 970 9.06
Cypress Shopping Center Boiling Springs, SC 16 80,435 59.9 % 39.5 % 31,775 447 14.06
Darien Shopping Center Darien, GA 1 26,001 100.0 % 100.0 % 26,001 140 5.38
Devine Street Columbia, SC 1 38,464 89.1 % 89.1 % 34,264 180 5.25
Edenton Commons (3) Edenton, NC - - - % - % - - -
Folly Road Charleston, SC 5 47,794 100.0 % 100.0 % 47,794 733 15.35
Forrest Gallery Tullahoma, TN 28 214,451 90.0 % 90.0 % 193,024 1,425 7.38
Fort Howard Shopping Center Rincon, GA 20 113,652 100.0 % 100.0 % 113,652 1,250 11.00
Freeway Junction Stockbridge, GA 17 156,834 97.5 % 97.5 % 152,984 1,323 8.65
Franklin Village Kittanning, PA 25 151,821 99.9 % 99.9 % 151,673 1,297 8.55
Franklinton Square Franklinton, NC 15 65,366 100.0 % 100.0 % 65,366 596 9.11
Georgetown Georgetown, SC 2 29,572 100.0 % 100.0 % 29,572 267 9.04
Grove Park Shopping Center Orangeburg, SC 14 93,265 100.0 % 100.0 % 93,265 761 8.16
Harbor Pointe (3) Grove, OK - - - % - % - - -
Harrodsburg Marketplace Harrodsburg, KY 8 60,048 91.0 % 91.0 % 54,648 451 8.26
JANAF (4) Norfolk, VA 118 798,086 96.7 % 95.0 % 758,320 8,993 11.86
Laburnum Square Richmond, VA 19 109,405 99.1 % 96.9 % 106,045 970 9.14
Ladson Crossing Ladson, SC 16 52,607 100.0 % 100.0 % 52,607 548 10.42
LaGrange Marketplace LaGrange, GA 14 76,594 93.7 % 93.7 % 71,800 443 6.17
Lake Greenwood Crossing Greenwood, SC 8 43,618 100.0 % 100.0 % 43,618 363 8.33
Lake Murray Lexington, SC 5 39,218 100.0 % 100.0 % 39,218 272 6.92
Litchfield Market Village Pawleys Island, SC 24 86,740 94.8 % 94.8 % 82,202 1,028 12.51
Lumber River Village Lumberton, NC 11 66,781 100.0 % 100.0 % 66,781 474 7.09
Moncks Corner Moncks Corner, SC 1 26,800 100.0 % 100.0 % 26,800 330 12.31
Nashville Commons Nashville, NC 12 56,100 100.0 % 100.0 % 56,100 646 11.51
New Market Crossing Mt. Airy, NC 12 117,076 100.0 % 100.0 % 117,076 1,035 8.84
Parkway Plaza Brunswick, GA 4 52,365 81.7 % 81.7 % 42,785 452 10.57
Pierpont Centre Morgantown, WV 15 111,162 98.4 % 98.4 % 109,437 1,055 9.64
Property
Location
Number of
Tenants
Total Leasable
Square Feet
Percentage
Leased (1)
Percentage Occupied
Total SF Occupied
Annualized
Base Rent (in 000's) (2)
Annualized Base Rent per Occupied Sq. Foot
Port Crossing Harrisonburg, VA 7 65,365 95.9 % 95.9 % 62,715 $ 813 $ 12.97
Ridgeland Ridgeland, SC 1 20,029 100.0 % 100.0 % 20,029 140 7.00
Riverbridge Shopping Center Carrollton, GA 11 91,188 100.0 % 100.0 % 91,188 769 8.43
Rivergate Shopping Center Macon, GA 24 193,960 87.0 % 87.0 % 168,816 2,509 14.86
Sangaree Plaza Summerville, SC 10 66,948 100.0 % 100.0 % 66,948 714 10.67
Shoppes at Myrtle Park Bluffton, SC 13 56,601 97.3 % 97.3 % 55,084 657 11.92
South Lake Lexington, SC 10 44,318 97.3 % 97.3 % 43,118 242 5.61
South Park Mullins, SC 4 60,734 96.9 % 96.9 % 58,834 379 6.43
South Square Lancaster, SC 6 44,350 80.9 % 80.9 % 35,900 303 8.44
St. George Plaza St. George, SC 8 59,174 100.0 % 100.0 % 59,174 401 6.78
Sunshine Plaza Lehigh Acres, FL 23 111,189 100.0 % 100.0 % 111,189 1,111 9.99
Surrey Plaza Hawkinsville, GA 4 42,680 100.0 % 100.0 % 42,680 258 6.05
Tampa Festival Tampa, FL 19 141,580 98.9 % 66.7 % 94,380 932 9.88
Tri-County Plaza Royston, GA 7 67,577 90.2 % 90.2 % 60,977 432 7.08
Tuckernuck Richmond, VA 17 93,440 98.6 % 98.6 % 92,173 999 10.84
Twin City Commons Batesburg-Leesville, SC 5 47,680 100.0 % 100.0 % 47,680 488 10.23
Village of Martinsville Martinsville, VA 21 288,254 100.0 % 96.4 % 277,742 2,199 7.92
Waterway Plaza Little River, SC 10 49,750 100.0 % 100.0 % 49,750 503 10.11
Westland Square West Columbia, SC 11 62,735 100.0 % 100.0 % 62,735 537 8.57
Winslow Plaza Sicklerville, NJ 18 40,695 100.0 % 100.0 % 40,695 653 16.04
WHLR TOTAL 773 5,309,977 96.5 % 94.7 % 5,030,190 $ 48,996 $ 9.74
CDR
Brickyard Plaza Berlin, CT 10 227,598 100.0 % 99.2 % 225,821 $ 2,027 $ 8.98
Carll's Corner Bridgeton, NJ 5 129,582 27.5 % 21.1 % 27,324 400 14.63
Coliseum Marketplace Hampton, VA 9 106,648 100.0 % 45.9 % 48,986 610 12.46
Fairview Commons New Cumberland, PA 10 52,964 77.5 % 77.5 % 41,064 448 10.91
Fieldstone Marketplace New Bedford, MA 10 193,970 71.7 % 71.7 % 139,139 1,652 11.87
Gold Star Plaza Shenandoah, PA 6 71,720 97.8 % 97.8 % 70,120 641 9.14
Golden Triangle Lancaster, PA 19 202,790 98.4 % 98.4 % 199,605 2,609 13.07
Hamburg Square Hamburg, PA 7 102,058 100.0 % 100.0 % 102,058 684 6.70
Kings Plaza New Bedford, MA 16 168,243 82.2 % 82.2 % 138,239 1,227 8.87
Oakland Commons Bristol, CT 2 90,100 100.0 % 100.0 % 90,100 574 6.37
Oregon Avenue Philadelphia, PA 1 20,380 100.0 % 5.8 % 1,180 40 34.21
Patuxent Crossing California, MD 30 264,068 84.3 % 84.3 % 222,715 2,254 10.12
Pine Grove Plaza Brown Mills, NJ 14 79,306 81.1 % 49.6 % 39,343 573 14.56
South Philadelphia Philadelphia, PA 10 221,511 71.8 % 71.8 % 159,131 1,445 9.08
Southington Center Southington, CT 10 155,842 100.0 % 98.5 % 153,507 1,172 7.64
Timpany Plaza Gardner, MA 14 182,799 65.0 % 65.0 % 118,875 1,167 9.81
Trexler Mall Trexlertown, PA 23 336,687 98.2 % 98.2 % 330,634 3,670 11.10
Washington Center Shoppes Sewell, NJ 28 157,300 94.0 % 94.0 % 147,856 1,810 12.24
Webster Commons Webster, MA 9 98,984 100.0 % 100.0 % 98,984 1,241 12.54
CDR TOTAL 233 2,862,550 86.2 % 82.3 % 2,354,681 $ 24,244 $ 10.30
COMBINED TOTAL 1,006 8,172,527 92.9 % 90.4 % 7,384,871 $ 73,240 $ 9.92
(1) Reflects leases executed through December 31, 2022 that commence subsequent to the end of the current reporting period.
(2) Annualized based rent per occupied square foot, assumes base rent as of the end of the current reporting period, excludes the impact of tenant concessions and rent abatements.
(3) This information is not available because the property is undeveloped.
(4) Square footage is net of the Company's on-premise management office and net of building square footage whereby the Company only leases the land.
Major Tenants
The following table sets forth information regarding the ten largest tenants in our operating portfolio based on annualized base rent as of December 31, 2022.
Tenants Category Annualized Base Rent
($ in 000s) % of Total Annualized Base Rent Total Occupied Square Feet Percent Total Leasable Square Foot Annualized Base Rent Per Occupied Square Foot
Food Lion Grocery $ 4,435 6.06 % 549,000 6.72 % $ 8.08
Kroger Co (1) Grocery 2,097 2.86 % 311,000 3.81 % 6.74
Dollar Tree (2) Discount Retailer 2,046 2.79 % 244,000 2.99 % 8.39
Piggly Wiggly Grocery 1,509 2.06 % 203,000 2.48 % 7.43
Planet Fitness Gym 1,443 1.97 % 140,000 1.71 % 10.31
TJX Companies (4) Discount Retailer 1,186 1.62 % 195,000 2.39 % 6.08
Lowes Foods (3) Grocery 1,181 1.61 % 130,000 1.59 % 9.08
Big Lots Discount Retailer 1,079 1.47 % 171,000 2.09 % 6.31
Kohl's Discount Retailer 1,031 1.41 % 147,000 1.80 % 7.01
Winn Dixie Grocery 984 1.34 % 134,000 1.64 % 7.34
$ 16,991 23.19 % 2,224,000 27.22 % $ 7.64
(1) Kroger 4 / Harris Teeter 1 / 3 fuel stations
(2) Dollar Tree 17 / Family Dollar 7
(3) Lowes Foods 1 / KJ's Market 2
(4) Marshall's 4 / HomeGoods 2 / TJ Maxx 1
Lease Expirations
The following table sets forth information with respect to the lease expirations of our properties as of December 31, 2022.
Lease Expiration Period Number of Expiring Leases Total Expiring Square Footage % of Total Expiring Square Footage % of Total Occupied Square Footage Expiring Expiring Annualized Base Rent (in 000s) % of Total Annualized Base Rent Expiring Base Rent Per Occupied
Square Foot
Available - 787,656 9.64 % - % $ - - % $ -
Month-to-Month 14 57,298 0.70 % 0.78 % 843 1.15 % 14.71
2023 123 495,810 6.07 % 6.71 % 5,635 7.69 % 11.37
2024 164 908,659 11.12 % 12.30 % 9,712 13.26 % 10.69
2025 171 1,202,547 14.71 % 16.28 % 11,811 16.13 % 9.82
2026 146 898,230 10.99 % 12.16 % 9,737 13.29 % 10.84
2027 142 720,776 8.82 % 9.76 % 8,615 11.76 % 11.95
2028 70 1,049,374 12.84 % 14.21 % 8,270 11.29 % 7.88
2029 49 470,930 5.76 % 6.38 % 4,425 6.04 % 9.40
2030 30 445,826 5.46 % 6.04 % 3,267 4.46 % 7.33
2031 28 340,279 4.16 % 4.61 % 3,254 4.44 % 9.56
2032 and thereafter 69 795,142 9.73 % 10.77 % 7,671 10.49 % 9.65
Total 1,006 8,172,527 100.00 % 100.00 % $ 73,240 100.00 % $ 9.92
Property Management and Leasing Strategy
We self-administer our property management and substantially all of our leasing activities and operating and administrative functions (including leasing, legal, acquisitions, development, data processing, finance and accounting). On-site
functions such as maintenance, landscaping, sweeping, plumbing and electrical are subcontracted out at each location and, to the extent permitted by their respective leases, the cost of these functions is passed on to the tenants.
We believe that focused property management, leasing and customer retention are essential to maximizing the sales per square foot, operating cash flow and value of our properties. Our primary goal in property management is to maintain an attractive shopping environment on a cost effective basis for our tenants.
The majority of our property management and leasing functions are supervised and administered by us. We maintain regular contact with our tenants and frequently visit each asset to ensure the proper implementation and execution of our market strategies. As part of our ongoing property management, we conduct regular physical property reviews to improve our properties, react to changing market conditions and ensure proper maintenance.
Our leasing representatives are experienced in the markets in which we operate; they are familiar with current tenants and potential local, regional, and national tenants that would complement our current tenant base. We study demographics, customer sales, merchandising mix and cultivate tenant relationships to optimize the sales performance of our centers and thereby increase rents. We believe this hands-on approach maximizes the value of our shopping centers.

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ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Item 3. Legal Proceedings.
See the discussion set forth under the heading “Commitments and Contingencies, - Litigation” in Note 10 to
our consolidated financial statements.

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

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ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY
Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.
Market Information.
Our Common Stock is traded on the NASDAQ Capital Market under the symbol “WHLR.”
Approximate Number of Holders of Our Common Stock
As of March 2, 2023 there were 123 holders of record of our Common Stock. This number excludes stockholders whose stock is held in nominee or street name by brokers.
Dividend Policy
In March 2018, the Board of Directors suspended the payment of dividends on our Common Stock. The Board of Directors also suspended the quarterly dividends on shares of our Series A Preferred Stock ("Series A Preferred"), Series B Convertible Preferred Stock (“Series B Preferred”) and Series D Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock (“Series D Preferred”), beginning with the three months ended December 31, 2018. Dividends were suspended to retain cash flow to pay operating expenses and reduce debt.
As the Company has failed to pay cash dividends on the outstanding Series D Preferred, the annual dividend rate on the Series D Preferred has increased to 10.75%; commencing on the first day after the first missed quarterly payment, January 1, 2019 and will continue until such time as the Company has paid all accumulated and unpaid dividends on the Series D Preferred in full. See Note 8, Equity and Mezzanine Equity, to our consolidated financial statements included in this Form 10-K.
On November 3, 2021, common stockholders of the Company voted to amend the Company’s charter (the “Charter”) to remove the cumulative dividend rights of the Series A Preferred and Series B Preferred.
As a result of the dividend suspension on the Series D Preferred, our Charter provides that no dividends may be declared or paid on the Common Stock or on our other outstanding preferred until all accumulated accrued and unpaid dividends on the Series D Preferred have been paid in full. At this time, the Company does not intend to pay dividends other than those required dividend distributions, if any, that will enable us to maintain our REIT status and to eliminate or minimize our obligation to pay income and excise taxes. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations-Future Liquidity Needs.”

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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.
You should read the following discussion of our financial condition and results of operations in conjunction with our audited consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included in this Form 10-K. For more detailed information regarding the basis of presentation for the following information, you should read the notes to the audited consolidated financial statements included in this Form 10-K.
Company Overview
We are a Maryland corporation focused on owning, leasing and operating income producing grocery-anchored centers, neighborhood centers, community centers and free-standing retail properties. We have targeted properties located within developed areas, commonly referred to as in-fill, that are surrounded by communities that have strong demographics and dynamic, diversified economies that will continue to generate jobs and future demand for commercial real estate. Our primary target markets include the Mid-Atlantic, Southeast and Northeast.
Our portfolio is comprised of seventy-five retail shopping centers and four undeveloped land parcels. Twenty-one of these properties are located in South Carolina, twelve in Georgia, ten in Virginia, eight in Pennsylvania, six in North Carolina, four in Massachusetts, four in New Jersey, three in Florida, three in Connecticut, two in Kentucky, two in Tennessee, one in Alabama, one in Maryland, one in West Virginia, and one in Oklahoma. The Company’s portfolio had total gross rentable space of approximately 8,173,000 square feet and a leased level of approximately 92.9% at December 31, 2022.
Impact of COVID-19
The spread of COVID-19 had a significant impact on the global economy, the U.S. economy, the economies of the local markets in which the Company’s properties are located, and the broader financial markets. Local, state and federal authorities took preventative measures to alleviate the public health crisis primarily in 2020 and those preventative measures affected the operations of the Company’s tenant base to varying degrees depending on the category and location of the tenant. While substantially all of the limitations and restrictions imposed during the onset of the pandemic have been lifted and/or eased and people have largely resumed pre-pandemic activities, economic conditions continue to negatively impact the financial health of certain retail stores.
The COVID-19 pandemic or variants or future outbreaks of other highly infectious diseases could impact the Company’s ability to collect rent and could lead to increases in rent relief requests from tenants, termination of leases by tenants, tenant bankruptcies, decreases in demand for retail space at the Company’s properties, difficulties in accessing capital, impairment of the Company’s long-lived assets and other impacts that could materially and adversely affect the Company’s business, results of operations, financial condition and ability to pay distributions to stockholders.
Recent Trends and Activities
There have been several significant events in 2022 that have impacted our Company. These events are summarized below.
Acquisition of Cedar Realty Trust
On August 22, 2022 (the “Cedar Closing Date”), the Company consummated transactions contemplated by that certain Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of March 2, 2022 (as amended, the “Merger Agreement”), by and among the
Company, WHLR Merger Sub Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company (“Merger Sub I”), WHLR OP Merger Sub LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Merger Sub I (“Merger Sub II”), Cedar, and Cedar Realty Trust Partnership, L.P., the operating partnership of Cedar (“Cedar OP”). Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, on the Cedar Closing Date, Merger Sub II merged with and into Cedar OP, with Cedar OP being the surviving limited partnership resulting from such merger, and immediately following such merger, Merger Sub I merged with and into Cedar, with Cedar being the surviving company resulting from such merger (together, the “Cedar Acquisition”).
Each outstanding share of common stock of Cedar and outstanding common unit of Cedar OP held by persons other than Cedar immediately prior to the merger were cancelled and converted into the right to receive a cash payment of $9.48 per share or unit. As a result of the Cedar Acquisition, the Company acquired all of the outstanding shares of Cedar’s common stock, which ceased to be publicly traded on the NYSE. Cedar’s 7.25% Series B Preferred Stock and 6.50% Series C Preferred Stock remain outstanding and continue to trade on the NYSE. As a result, Cedar became a subsidiary of the REIT.
In connection with the consummation of the Cedar Acquisition, the Company entered into a Guaranty of the obligations of Cedar OP under a Loan Agreement (the “KeyBank-Cedar Loan Agreement”) by and between the Borrower, KeyBanc Capital Markets, as Lead Arranger and Bookrunner, and KeyBank National Association, as administrative agent and as lender, and under the other loan documents executed in connection with the KeyBank-Cedar Loan Agreement.
By virtue of the Cedar Acquisition, the Company acquired 19 shopping centers (the majority of which are grocery-anchored), consisting of approximately 2.9 million square feet of gross leasable area and increased the Company’s presence in the Northeast.
The consolidated financial statements included in this Form 10-K (the “Form 10-K”) include Cedar starting from the date of acquisition. We have determined that this acquisition is not a variable interest entity, as defined under the consolidation topic of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the "FASB"), Accounting Standards Codification, or ASC, and we evaluated such entity under the voting model and concluded we should consolidate the entity. Under the voting model, we consolidate the entity if we determine that we, directly or indirectly, have greater than 50% of the voting rights and that other equity holders do not have substantive participating rights.
KeyBank-Cedar Loan Agreement
On August 22, 2022, Cedar entered into the KeyBank-Cedar Loan Agreement for $130.00 million with interest-only payments due monthly through maturity, August 22, 2023. The interest rate on this term loan consisted of the Secured Overnight Financing Rate plus 0.10% plus an applicable margin of 2.5% through February 2023, at which time increases to 4.0% and was collateralized by 19 properties.
The obligations under the KeyBank-Cedar Loan Agreement were satisfied in full with the proceeds of the loans under the Guggenheim-Cedar Loan Agreement (as defined below) entered into on October 28, 2022 and the Patuxent Crossing/Coliseum Marketplace Loan Agreement (as defined below) entered into on December 21, 2022.
Exchange Offer and Consent Solicitation
On November 22, 2022, the Company commenced an exchange offer for its outstanding shares of Series D Preferred (the “Exchange Offer”). As subsequently amended, the terms of the Exchange Offer provided for the exchange of up to 2,112,103 outstanding shares of Series D Preferred, representing 67% of the outstanding shares of Series D Preferred, for (i) 6.00% Subordinated Convertible Notes due 2028, and (ii) Common Stock, in each case to have been newly issued by the Company, and related consents (the “Consent Solicitation”) from the holders of the Series D Preferred (the “Series D Preferred Holders”) to certain amendments to the Company’s charter that would have modified the terms of the Series D Preferred (the “Proposed Amendments”).
The consummation of the Exchange Offer and Consent Solicitation was subject to, and was conditional upon, the satisfaction of certain conditions, including the condition that the holders of at least 66 2/3% of the outstanding shares of Series D Preferred (i) validly tender their Series D Preferred into the Exchange Offer, and do not validly withdraw such Series D Preferred, on or prior to the expiration date of the Exchange Offer, and (ii) consent to the Proposed Amendments.
As of the expiration of the Exchange Offer on January 20, 2023, 864,391 shares of Series D Preferred (representing 26.8% of the total outstanding Series D Preferred) had been validly tendered (and not validly withdrawn) in the Exchange Offer. Accordingly, the condition that the holders of at least 66 2/3% of the outstanding shares of Series D Preferred (i) validly tender their Series D Preferred into the Exchange Offer, and not validly withdraw such Series D Preferred, and (ii) consent to the Proposed Amendments, had not been satisfied, and the Exchange Offer expired on January 20, 2023.
As a result, the Series D Preferred remains outstanding with no change to its terms.
Assets Held for Sale and Dispositions
At December 31, 2022, there were no assets held for sale. At December 31, 2021, assets held for sale included Walnut Hill Plaza, which was sold in 2022.
Impairment expenses on assets held for sale are a result of reducing the carrying value for the amount that exceeded the property's fair value less estimated selling costs. The valuation assumptions are based on the three-level valuation hierarchy for fair value measurement and represent Level 2 inputs. Impairment expense was $760 thousand for the year ending December 31, 2022, resulting from reducing the carrying value of Harbor Pointe Land Parcel. Impairment expense was $2.30 million for the year ending December 31, 2021, resulting from $100 thousand on Walnut Hill Plaza and $2.20 million on Columbia Fire Station reducing the carrying value for the amounts that exceeded the property's fair value less estimated selling costs.
The following properties were sold during the year ended December 31, 2022 (in thousands):
Disposal Date Property Contract Price Gain (loss) Net Proceeds
December 9, 2022 Butler Square $ 9,250 $ 2,619 $ 8,723
January 11, 2022 Walnut Hill Plaza 1,986 (15) 1,786
In conjunction with the Walnut Hill Plaza sale, the Company made a $1.79 million principal paydown on the Walnut Hill Plaza loan and on February 17, 2022 the Company paid the remaining loan balance of $1.34 million in full. On December 9, 2022, the Company made a $5.64 million principal payment on the Butler Square loan in conjunction with the sale of the Butler Square property.
Guggenheim Loan Agreement
On June 17, 2022, the Company entered into a loan agreement (the “Guggenheim Loan Agreement”) with Guggenheim Real Estate, LLC, for $75.00 million at a fixed rate of 4.25% with interest-only payments due monthly. Commencing on August 10, 2027, until the maturity date of July 10, 2032, monthly principal and interest payments will be made based on a 30-year amortization schedule calculated based on the principal amount as of that time. The Guggenheim Loan Agreement is collateralized by twenty-two properties and loan proceeds were used to refinance eleven loans including paying $1.46 million in defeasance.
JANAF Loan Agreement
On July 6, 2022, the Company entered into a loan agreement (the “JANAF Loan Agreement”) with CITI Real Estate Funding Inc. for $60.00 million at a fixed interest rate of 5.31% with interest-only payments due monthly through maturity, July 6, 2032. The JANAF Loan Agreement proceeds were used to refinance three loans including paying $1.16 million in defeasance.
Guggenheim-Cedar Loan Agreement
On October 28, 2022, Cedar entered into a loan agreement (the “Guggenheim-Cedar Loan Agreement”) with Guggenheim Real Estate, LLC, for $110.00 million at a fixed rate of 5.25% with interest-only payments due monthly through November 2027. Wheeler REIT, L.P. provided a guarantee in connection with such loan. Commencing on December 10, 2027, until the maturity date of November 10, 2032, monthly principal and interest payments will be made based on a 30-year amortization schedule calculated based on the principal amount as of that time. The Guggenheim-Cedar Loan Agreement
proceeds were used to refinance a portion of Cedar’s property portfolio that were previously collateralized by the KeyBank-Cedar Loan Agreement.
Patuxent Crossing/Coliseum Marketplace Loan Agreement
On December 21, 2022, Cedar entered into a loan agreement (the "Patuxent Crossing/Coliseum Marketplace Loan Agreement”) with CITI Real Estate Funding, Inc. for $25.00 million at a fixed rate of 6.35% with interest-only payments due monthly through maturity, January 6, 2033. The Patuxent Crossing/Coliseum Marketplace Loan Agreement proceeds were used to satisfy the remaining obligations of the KeyBank-Cedar Loan Agreement and, accordingly, the remaining collateral was released.
Interest Payments on Convertible Notes
The Company’s 7.00% subordinated convertible notes due 2031 (the “Convertible Notes”) bear interest at a rate of 7.00% per annum. Interest on the Convertible Notes is payable semi-annually in arrears on June 30 and December 31 of each year, commencing on December 31, 2021.
Interest payments on the Convertible Notes were made as follows (in thousands, except for share values):
For the years ended December 31, Series B Preferred
number of shares Series D Preferred
number of shares Convertible Note Interest at 7% Fair value adjustment Paid-in-kind Interest Expense
2021 - 113,709 $ 885 $ 725 $ 1,610
2022 1,511,541 - $ 2,310 $ 1,429 $ 3,739
Preferred Dividends
At December 31, 2022, the Company had accumulated undeclared dividends of $34.63 million to holders of shares of our Series D Preferred of which $8.47 million is attributable to the year ended December 31, 2022.
New Leases, Leasing Renewals and Expirations
The following table presents selected lease activity statistics for our properties.
Years Ended December 31,
2022 (3)
Renewals(1):
Leases renewed with rate increase (sq feet) 676,814 402,875
Leases renewed with rate decrease (sq feet) 62,771 67,743
Leases renewed with no rate change (sq feet) 284,461 148,542
Total leases renewed (sq feet) 1,024,046 619,160
Leases renewed with rate increase (count) 104 104
Leases renewed with rate decrease (count) 11 11
Leases renewed with no rate change (count) 28 23
Total leases renewed (count) 143 138
Option exercised (count) 18 22
Weighted average on rate increases (per sq foot) $ 1.29 $ 0.85
Weighted average on rate decreases (per sq foot) $ (1.17) $ (2.18)
Weighted average rate (per sq foot) $ 0.78 $ 0.32
Weighted average change over prior rates 8.29 % 3.05 %
New Leases(1) (2):
New leases (sq feet) 374,149 436,170
New leases (count) 79 76
Weighted average rate (per sq foot) $ 11.27 $ 8.30
Gross Leasable Area ("GLA") expiring during the next 12 months, including month-to-month leases 6.77 % 6.16 %
(1) Lease data presented is based on average rate per square foot over the renewed or new lease term.
(2) The Company does not include ground leases entered into for the purposes of new lease sq feet and weighted average rate (per sq foot) on new leases.
(3) Includes lease data for the Cedar Portfolio for the six months ended December 31, 2022.
Critical Accounting Estimates
The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based upon our consolidated financial statements included in this Form 10-K, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The preparation of these consolidated financial statements requires us to make estimates, assumptions and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses. On an on-going basis, we evaluate our estimates based on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.
The critical accounting estimates and policies summarized in this section are discussed in further detail in the notes to the consolidated financial statements appearing elsewhere in this Form 10-K. We believe that the application of these policies on a consistent basis enables us to provide useful and reliable financial information about our operating results and financial condition. The following accounting estimates are considered critical because they are particularly dependent on management’s judgment about matters that have a significant level of uncertainty at the time the accounting estimates are made, and changes to those estimates could have a material impact on our financial condition or operating results.
Revenue Recognition
Principal components of our total revenues include base and percentage rents and tenant reimbursements. The Company combines lease and nonlease components in lease contracts, which includes combining base rent and tenant reimbursement revenue. We accrue minimum (base) rent on a straight-line basis over the terms of the respective leases which results in an unbilled rent asset or deferred rent liability being recorded on the balance sheet. Certain lease agreements contain provisions that grant additional rents based on tenants’ sales volumes (contingent or percentage rent) which we recognize when the tenants achieve the specified targets as defined in their lease agreements. Although we periodically review the valuation of the asset/liability resulting from the straight-line accounting treatment of our leases in light of any changes in lease terms, financial condition or other factors concerning our tenants, they are subject to uncertainty. These assessments are inherently sensitive as they are based on the judgment of management and information available at the time of evaluation.
Rents and Other Tenant Receivables
We record a tenant receivable for amounts due from tenants such as base rents, tenant reimbursements and other charges allowed under the lease terms. We periodically review tenant receivables for collectability and determine the need for an allowance for the uncollectible portion of accrued rents and other accounts receivable based upon customer creditworthiness (including expected recovery of a claim with respect to any tenants in bankruptcy), historical bad debt levels and current economic trends. We consider a receivable past due once it becomes delinquent per the terms of the lease; our standard lease form considers a rent charge past due after five days. A past due receivable triggers certain events such as notices, fees and other allowable and required actions per the lease.
Acquired Properties and Lease Intangibles
We allocate the purchase price of the acquired properties to land, building and improvements, identifiable intangible assets and to the acquired liabilities based on their respective fair values. Identifiable intangibles include amounts allocated to acquired out-of-market leases, tenant relationships, the value of in-place leases and ground. We determine fair value based on estimated cash flow projections that utilize appropriate discount and capitalization rates and available market information. Estimates of future cash flows are based on a number of factors including the historical operating results, known trends and specific market and economic conditions that may affect the property. Management also estimates costs to execute similar leases including leasing commissions, tenant improvements, legal and other related expenses. Such amounts are based on estimates and forecasts which, by their nature, are highly subjective and may result in future changes in the event forecasts are not realized.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
We periodically review investment properties for impairment on a property-by-property basis whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of investment properties may not be recoverable, with an evaluation performed at least annually. These circumstances include, but are not limited to, declines in the property’s cash flows, occupancy and fair market value. We measure any impairment of investment property when the estimated undiscounted future operating income before depreciation and amortization, plus its residual value, is less than the carrying value of the property. To the extent impairment has occurred, we charge to income the excess of carrying value of the property over its estimated fair value. We estimate fair value using unobservable data such as operating income, estimated capitalization rates or multiples, leasing prospects and local market information. These valuation assumptions are based on the three-level valuation hierarchy for fair value measurement and represent Level 3 inputs. Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities.
The Company may decide to sell properties. Properties classified as held for sale are reported at the lower of their carrying value or their fair value, less estimated costs to sell. When the carrying value exceeds the fair value, less estimated costs to sell, an impairment expense is recognized. The Company estimates fair value, less estimated closing costs, based on
similar real estate sales transactions. These valuation assumptions are based on the three-level valuation hierarchy for fair value measurement and represent Level 2 and 3 inputs. Level 2 inputs are quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar assets in markets that are not active; and inputs other than quoted prices. Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities.
Derivative Financial Instruments
The Company does not use derivative instruments to hedge exposures to cash flow, market, or foreign currency risks. The Company evaluates all of its financial instruments, including stock purchase warrants and convertible notes, to determine if such instruments are derivatives or contain features that qualify as embedded derivatives. For derivative financial instruments that are accounted for as liabilities, the derivative instrument is initially recorded at its fair value and is then re-valued at each reporting date, with changes in the fair value reported in the consolidated statement of operations. The assumptions used in these fair value estimates are based on the three-level valuation hierarchy for fair value measurement and represent Level 3 inputs. Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
At December 31, 2022, our consolidated cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash totaled $55.87 million compared to consolidated cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash of $40.42 million at December 31, 2021. Cash flows from operating activities, investing activities and financing activities for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 are as follows (in thousands):
Years Ended December 31, Year Over Year Change
2022 2021 $ %
Operating activities $ 30,758 $ 17,041 $ 13,717 80.49 %
Investing activities $ (133,512) $ 5,101 $ (138,613) (2,717.37) %
Financing activities $ 118,200 $ (24,491) $ 142,691 582.63 %
Operating Activities
Our cash flows from operating activities were $30.76 million and $17.04 million during the year ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, representing an increase of 80.49% or $13.72 million. Net cash provided by operating activities, before net changes in operating assets and liabilities, was $19.71 million and $16.54 million for 2022 and 2021, respectively. The increase was primarily a result of an increase in non-same store net operating income ("NOI") of $5.91 million, primarily a result of the Cedar Acquisition and an increase in same store NOI of $1.23 million, partially offset by an increase in cash paid for interest expense and corporate general and administrative expenses.
Investing Activities
Our cash flows used in investing activities were $133.51 million during the year ended December 31, 2022, compared to cash flows from investing activities of $5.10 million during the year ended December 31, 2021, representing a decrease of (2,717.37)% or $138.61 million primarily due to costs related to the Cedar Acquisition described in Note 3 included in this Form 10-K and an increase in capital expenditures paid of $2.10 million.
Financing Activities
Our cash flows from financing activities were $118.20 million during the year ended December 31, 2022, compared to cash flows used in financing activities of $24.49 million for the year ended December 31, 2021, respectively, representing an increase of 582.63% or $142.69 million due to the following:
•$302.35 million increase in loan proceeds a result of the KeyBank-Cedar Loan Agreement, Guggenheim-Cedar Loan Agreement, Guggenheim Loan Agreement, JANAF Loan Agreement and Patuxent Crossing/Coliseum Marketplace Loan Agreement, partially offset by the 2021 refinancing activity including the Wilmington Financing Agreement;
•$8.34 million decrease as a result of 2021 preferred stock redemptions made in the Company's tender offers; partially offset by
•$4.87 million increase in deferred financing costs primarily related to the KeyBank-Cedar Loan Agreement, Guggenheim-Cedar Loan Agreement, Guggenheim Loan Agreement JANAF Loan Agreement and Patuxent Crossing/Coliseum Marketplace Loan Agreement, partially offset by 2021 refinancing activity including the Wilmington Financing Agreement;
•$158.51 million increase in loan principal payments primarily a result of the KeyBank-Cedar Loan Agreement payoff, eleven loans paid associated with the Guggenheim Loan Agreement, the three loans paid associated with the JANAF Loan Agreement and the 2022 Walnut Hill Plaza and Butler Square payoffs, partially offset by the 2021 Powerscourt Financing Agreement payoff, the 2021 refinancing activities and the loans paid down as a result of 2021 property sales;
•$1.93 million increase in prepayment penalties related to defeasance associated with the Guggenheim Loan Agreement and JANAF Loan Agreement, partially offset by the Berkley/Sangaree/Tri-County loan payoff; and
•$2.69 million increase in dividend and distributions paid on noncontrolling interests.
The Company continues to endeavor to manage its debt prudently with the objective of achieving a conservative capital structure and minimizing leverage within the Company. Our debt balances, excluding unamortized debt issuance costs, consisted of the following (in thousands):
December 31,
2022 2021
Fixed-rate notes (1)
$ 482,447 $ 344,177
Adjustable-rate mortgages - 2,085
Total debt $ 482,447 $ 346,262
(1) Includes portion attributable to liabilities held for sale, see Note 3 included in this Form 10-K.
The weighted average interest rate and term of our fixed-rate debt including liabilities held for sale are 4.99% and 7.43 years, respectively, at December 31, 2022. We have no debt maturing during the year ending December 31, 2023. While we anticipate being able to refinance all the loans at reasonable market terms upon maturity, our inability to do so may materially impact our financial position and results of operations. See Note 5 included in this Form 10-K for additional mortgage indebtedness details.
Material Cash Requirements, Contractual Obligations and Commitments
Our expected material cash requirements for the year ended December 31, 2022 and thereafter are comprised of (i) contractually obligated expenditures; (ii) other essential expenditures; and (iii) opportunistic expenditures.
The primary liquidity needs of the Company, in addition to the funding of our ongoing operations, at December 31, 2022 are $2.34 million in principal and regularly scheduled payments due in the year ended December 31, 2023 as described in Note 5 on this Form 10-K.
In addition to liquidity required to fund debt payments we may incur some level of capital expenditures during the year for our existing properties that cannot be passed on to our tenants.
To meet these future liquidity needs, the Company:
•had $28.49 million in cash and cash equivalents at December 31, 2022;
•had $27.37 million held in lender reserves for the purpose of tenant improvements, lease commissions, real estate taxes and insurance at December 31, 2022; and
•intends to use cash generated from operations during the year ended December 31, 2023.
Additionally, the Company plans to undertake measures to grow its operations and increase liquidity through delivering space currently leased but not yet occupied, backfilling vacant anchor spaces, replacing tenants who are in default of their lease terms, increasing future lease revenue through tenant improvements partially funded by restricted cash, disposition of assets and refinancing properties.
Our success in executing on our strategy will dictate our liquidity needs going forward. If we are unable to execute in these areas, our ability to grow may be limited without additional capital.
In addition, the Board of Directors suspended Series A Preferred, Series B Preferred and Series D Preferred dividend payments beginning with the fourth quarter 2018 dividend. On November 3, 2021, common stockholders of the Company approved amendments to the Company’s Charter to remove the cumulative dividend of the Series A Preferred and the Series B Preferred. The Company believes that these actions support the Company's liquidity needs and improve the Company's capital structure.
Series D Preferred Stock
After September 21, 2023 (the “Series D Redemption Date”), the Series D Preferred Holders will have the right to cause the Company to redeem their Series D Preferred at a price of $25.00 per share plus the amount of all accrued and unpaid dividends. This redemption price is payable by the Company, at the Company’s election, in cash or shares of our common stock, $0.01 par value per share (“Common Stock”), or a combination of cash and shares of Common Stock.
Since January 2019, Series D Preferred (of which there are approximately 3.15 million shares outstanding at December 31, 2022) has been accruing unpaid dividends at a rate of 10.75% per annum of the $25.00 liquidation preference per share, or at $2.6875 per share per annum.
As of December 31, 2022, the outstanding Series D Preferred had an aggregate liquidation preference of approximately $78.81 million, with aggregate accrued and unpaid dividends in the amount of approximately $34.63 million, for a total liquidation value of $113.44 million. Assuming dividends continue to accrue and remain unpaid on the Series D Preferred, then on the Series D Redemption Date we estimate that the aggregate liquidation preference (based on the 3,152,392 shares outstanding as of December 31, 2022) would be approximately $78.81 million, with aggregate accrued and unpaid dividends in the amount of approximately $40.99 million, for a total liquidation value of $119.80 million.
As of December 31, 2022, the Series D Preferred is convertible, in whole or in part, at any time, at the option of the Series D Preferred Holders, into previously unissued Common Stock at a conversion price of $16.96 per share of Common Stock. Based upon the closing price of our Common Stock on February 28, 2023 of $1.58 per share, we believe it unlikely that Series D Preferred Holders would convert their shares of Series D Preferred into Common Stock in advance of the Series D Redemption Date, and likely that they would instead choose to exercise their redemption rights after the Series D Redemption Date.
In an effort to address the risk of a significant reduction to the value of a Series D Preferred Holder’s investment in Series D Preferred and Common Stock following the Series D Redemption Date, the Company launched a modified Dutch auction tender offer in December 2020 for up to $19.00 million (subsequently reduced to $6.00 million) of Series D Preferred, in which 1,467,162 shares were tendered and 387,097 shares were accepted for purchase for an aggregate cost of $6.00 million. We subsequently launched a second modified Dutch auction tender offer in April 2021 for up to $12.00 million of our Series D Preferred, in which 103,513 shares were tendered and accepted for purchase for an aggregate cost of $1.86 million.
In July 2021, we raised additional capital for the Company through a rights offering pursuant to which the Common Stock holders purchased $30.00 million in aggregate principal amount of our Convertible Notes. Interest on the Convertible Notes is payable at the Company’s option in cash, Series B Preferred and/or Series D Preferred.
On December 31, 2021, the first interest payment date on the Convertible Notes, interest was paid in the form of Series D Preferred. For purposes of determining the value of the Series D Preferred paid as interest on the Convertible Notes, each share of Series D Preferred was deemed to have a value equal to the product of (x) the average of the per share volume-weighted average prices of the Series D Preferred for the 15 consecutive trading days ending on the third business day immediately preceding the interest payment date, and (y) 0.55.
On June 30, 2022, interest on the Convertible Notes was paid in the form of Series B Preferred. For purposes of determining the value of the Series B Preferred paid as interest on the Convertible Notes, each share of Series B Preferred was deemed to have a value equal to the product of (x) the average of the per share volume-weighted average prices of the Series B Preferred for the 15 consecutive trading days ending on the third business day immediately preceding the interest payment date, and (y) 0.55.
On January 3, 2023 (the next succeeding Business Day after December 31, 2022), interest was paid on the Convertible Notes in the form of Series B Preferred. For purposes of determining the value of the Series B Preferred paid as interest on the Convertible Notes, each share of Series B Preferred was deemed to have a value equal to the product of (x) the average of the per share volume-weighted average prices of the Series B Preferred for the 15 consecutive trading days ending on the third business day immediately preceding the interest payment date, and (y) 0.55.
The Convertible Notes could have the effect of causing, if interest is paid in the future in shares of Series D Preferred, substantial dilution of the Series D Preferred and reduction in the value of any Series D Preferred.
In an effort to address the risk associated with the significant and growing financial obligation to the Series D Preferred Holders, and to provide the Series D Preferred Holders with an opportunity to receive value for their Series D Preferred prior to the Series D Redemption Date, on November 22, 2022, the Company commenced an Exchange Offer and related Consent Solicitation.
The consummation of the Exchange Offer and Consent Solicitation was subject to, and was conditional upon, the satisfaction of certain conditions, including the condition that the holders of at least 66 2/3% of the outstanding shares of Series D Preferred (i) validly tender their Series D Preferred into the Exchange Offer, and do not validly withdraw such Series D Preferred, on or prior to the expiration date of the Exchange Offer, and (ii) consent to the Proposed Amendments. As of the expiration of the Exchange Offer on January 20, 2023, 864,391 shares of Series D Preferred (representing 26.8% of the total outstanding Series D Preferred) had been validly tendered (and not validly withdrawn) in the Exchange Offer. Accordingly, the condition that the holders of at least 66 2/3% of the outstanding shares of Series D Preferred (i) validly tender their Series D Preferred into the Exchange Offer, and not validly withdraw such Series D Preferred, and (ii) consent to the Proposed Amendments, had not been satisfied, and the Exchange Offer expired on January 20, 2023. As a result, the Series D Preferred remains outstanding with no change to its terms, including its redemption rights.
We anticipate that, in the event of the Series D Preferred Holders’ exercise of such redemption rights after the Series D Redemption Date, the Company will not have sufficient available cash to pay the aggregate redemption price. Accordingly, in such event, we will not be able to meet our redemption obligation without either liquidating assets or issuing significant additional amounts of Common Stock.
The Company does not believe it is in its interests to liquidate assets or incur indebtedness to fund cash redemptions of the Series D Preferred Stock and, accordingly, it has no intention of doing so. Therefore, the Company will likely be required to settle redemptions of Series D Preferred following the Series D Redemption Date in Common Stock.
We believe that the issuance of Common Stock to either (i) fund cash redemptions or (ii) directly settle redemptions in Common Stock, will result in a substantial dilution of Common Stock.
Inflation, Deflation and Economic Condition Considerations
Prior to 2021, inflation was relatively low and did not have a significant detrimental impact on the Company’s results of operations. However, inflation substantially increased in 2022. In addition, substantially all of the Company’s tenant leases contain provisions designed to partially mitigate the negative impact of inflation in the near term. Such lease provisions include clauses that require tenants to reimburse the Company for inflation-sensitive costs such as real estate taxes, insurance and many of the operating expenses it incurs. In addition, many of our leases are for terms of less than ten years, which permits us to seek increased rents upon re-rental at market rates. Significant inflation rate increases over a prolonged period of time may have a material adverse impact on the Company’s business. Conversely, deflation could lead to downward pressure on rents and other sources of income.
Interest rate increases could result in higher incremental borrowing costs for the Company and our tenants. The duration of our indebtedness and our relatively low exposure to floating rate debt have mitigated the direct impact of inflation and interest rate increases, the degree and pace of these changes have had and may continue to have impacts on our business.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
See Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements beginning on page 38 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Year Ended December 31, 2022 Compared to the Year Ended December 31, 2021
Results of Operations
Results from operations for the year ended December 31, 2022 reflect the results of the Company’s acquisition of Cedar on August 22, 2022. Accordingly, our results of operations will reflect the combined operations for the entire period for future quarters. Therefore, our historical financial statements may not be indicative of future operating results.
The following table presents a comparison of the consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively (in thousands, except Property Data).
For the Years Ended December 31, Year over Year Changes
2022 2021 $/# %
PROPERTY DATA:
Number of properties owned and leased at period end (1)
75 58 17 29.31 %
Aggregate gross leasable area at period end(1)
8,172,527 5,478,855 2,693,672 49.16 %
Ending leased rate at period end (1)
92.9 % 94.2 % (1.3) % (1.38) %
FINANCIAL DATA:
Rental revenues $ 75,195 $ 60,368 $ 14,827 24.56 %
Other revenues 1,450 942 508 53.93 %
Total Revenue 76,645 61,310 15,335 25.01 %
EXPENSES:
Property operations 25,731 19,618 6,113 31.16 %
Depreciation and amortization 19,540 14,797 4,743 32.05 %
Impairment of assets held for sale 760 2,300 (1,540) (66.96) %
Corporate general & administrative 8,620 7,140 1,480 20.73 %
Total Operating Expenses 54,651 43,855 10,796 24.62 %
Gain on disposal of properties 2,604 2,055 549 26.72 %
Operating Income 24,598 19,510 5,088 26.08 %
Interest income 65 34 31 91.18 %
Interest expense (30,107) (33,028) 2,921 8.84 %
Net changes in fair value of derivative liabilities (2,335) 3,768 (6,103) (161.97) %
Other income - 552 (552) (100.00) %
Other expense (691) (185) (506) (273.51) %
Net Loss Before Income Taxes (8,470) (9,349) 879 9.40 %
Income tax expense - (2) 2 100.00 %
Net Loss (8,470) (9,351) 881 9.42 %
Less: Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests 3,984 92 3,892 4,230.43 %
Net Loss Attributable to Wheeler REIT $ (12,454) $ (9,443) $ (3,011) (31.89) %
(1) Excludes the undeveloped land parcels. Includes assets held for sale.
Total Revenue
Total revenue was $76.65 million and $61.31 million for the years ended December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively, representing an increase of 25.01%. The increase in rental revenues of $14.83 million is primarily a result of the Cedar Acquisition, partially offset by the decrease from sold properties. See Same Store and Non-same Store Operating Income for further details about the changes within operating revenue.
Total Operating Expenses
Total operating expenses were $54.65 and $43.86 million for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively, representing an increase of 24.62%. The increases are primarily a result of the Cedar Acquisition. See Same Store and Non-same Store Operating Income for further details about the changes within property operations expense.
Impairment of assets held for sale was $760 thousand and $2.30 million for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 respectively, as a result of Harbor Pointe Land Parcel and Columbia Fire Station, respectively.
Depreciation and amortization increased 32.05% for the year ended December 31, 2022 primarily as a result of the Cedar Acquisition.
Corporate general and administrative expenses were $8.62 million and $7.14 million for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively, representing an increase of 20.73%, primarily a result of the following:
•$811 thousand increase in compensation and benefits primarily driven by hiring more employees due to the Cedar Acquisition and payroll related costs;
•$694 thousand increase in professional fees primarily a result of the Cedar preferred litigation;
•$200 thousand increase in advertising related costs;
•$130 thousand increase in corporate administration costs; and partially offset by
•$355 thousand decrease in other expenses, primarily related to lower fees associated with capital, debt and financing activities.
Disposal of Properties
The net gain on disposal of properties increase of $549 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2022 is a result of the 2022 sale of Walnut Hill Plaza and Butler Square compared to the 2021 sale of the Rivergate Shopping Center Out Parcel, Berkley Shopping Center and Berkley Land Parcel, Columbia Fire Station and Tulls Creek Land Parcel.
Interest Expense
Interest expense was $30.11 million and $33.03 million for the year ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively, representing a decrease of 8.84%. Below is a comparison of the components which make up interest expense (in thousands):
December 31, Changes
2022 2021 Change % Change
Property debt interest - excluding Cedar debt $ 14,717 $ 14,611 $ 106 0.73 %
Convertible Notes interest (1)
3,739 1,610 2,129 132.24 %
Defeasance paid 2,614 687 1,927 280.49 %
Amortization of deferred financing costs 6,098 12,710 (6,612) (52.02) %
Interest on corporate debt - 3,410 (3,410) (100.00) %
Property debt interest - Cedar 2,939 - 2,939 100.00 %
Total Interest Expense $ 30,107 $ 33,028 $ (2,921) (8.84) %
(1) Includes the fair value adjustment for the paid-in-kind interest.
Net Change in Fair Value of Derivative Liabilities
The net changes in the fair value of derivative liabilities was a loss of $2.34 million and a gain of $3.77 million for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively, which represents a non-cash adjustment from a change in the fair value. The largest impact on the derivative liabilities' valuation is a result of the change in fair market value of the Company's securities described at Note 6 on this Form 10-K.
Other Income and Expense
Other income was $0 and $552 thousand for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively, relating to Paycheck Protection Program (the "PPP") Promissory Note forgiveness. Other expense was $691 thousand and $185 thousand
for the years ended December 31, 2022, respectively, relating to legal settlement costs. Other income and other expense are non-operating in nature.
Same Store and Non-same Store Operating Income
NOI is a widely-used non-GAAP financial measure for REITs. The Company believes that NOI is a useful measure of the Company's property operating performance. The Company defines NOI as property revenues (rental and other revenues) less property and related expenses (property operation and maintenance and real estate taxes). Because NOI excludes general and administrative expenses, depreciation and amortization, interest expense, interest income, provision for income taxes, gain or loss on sale or capital expenditures and leasing costs, impairment charges, it provides a performance measure, that when compared year over year, reflects the revenues and expenses directly associated with owning and operating commercial real estate properties and the impact to operations from trends in occupancy rates, rental rates and operating costs, providing perspective not immediately apparent from net income. The Company uses NOI to evaluate its operating performance since NOI allows the Company to evaluate the impact of factors, such as occupancy levels, lease structure, lease rates and tenant base, have on the Company's results, margins and returns. NOI should not be viewed as a measure of the Company's overall financial performance since it does not reflect general and administrative expenses, depreciation and amortization, involuntary conversion, interest expense, interest income, provision for income taxes, market lease amortization, gain or loss on sale or disposition of assets, and the level of capital expenditures and leasing costs necessary to maintain the operating performance of the Company's properties. Other REITs may use different methodologies for calculating NOI, and accordingly, the Company's NOI may not be comparable to that of other REITs.
The following table is a reconciliation of same and non-same store NOI from the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure of net income (loss). Same stores consist of those properties owned during all periods presented in their entirety, non-same stores consist of those properties acquired or disposed of during the periods presented. The non-same store category consists of the following properties:
• Continuing operations
◦ Berkley Shopping Center and Berkley Land Parcel (sold March 25, 2021);
◦ Tulls Creek Land Parcel (sold July 9, 2021);
◦ Rivergate Shopping Center Out Parcel (sold August 31, 2021);
◦ Columbia Fire Station (sold November 17, 2021);
◦ Walnut Hill Plaza (sold January 11, 2022);
◦ Butler Square (sold December 9, 2022); and
◦ Cedar Portfolio, 19 properties (acquired August 22, 2022).
Years Ended December 31,
Same Store Non-same Store Total
2022 2021 2022 2021 2022 2021
(in thousands)
Net (Loss) Income $ (5,926) $ (8,179) $ (2,544) $ (1,172) $ (8,470) $ (9,351)
Adjustments:
Income tax expense - 2 - - - 2
Other expense 691 185 - - 691 185
Net changes in fair value of derivative liabilities 2,335 (3,768) - - 2,335 (3,768)
Interest expense 23,067 31,551 7,040 1,477 30,107 33,028
Interest Income (65) (34) - - (65) (34)
Gain on disposal of properties - - (2,604) (2,055) (2,604) (2,055)
Corporate general & administrative 6,850 7,063 1,770 77 8,620 7,140
Impairment of assets held for sale 760 - - 2,300 760 2,300
Depreciation and amortization 14,193 14,404 5,347 393 19,540 14,797
Other non-property revenue (33) (585) (2,069) 10 (2,102) (575)
Property Net Operating Income $ 41,872 $ 40,639 $ 6,940 $ 1,030 $ 48,812 $ 41,669
Property revenues $ 62,150 $ 59,594 $ 12,393 $ 1,693 $ 74,543 $ 61,287
Property expenses 20,278 18,955 5,453 663 25,731 19,618
Property Net Operating Income $ 41,872 $ 40,639 $ 6,940 $ 1,030 $ 48,812 $ 41,669
Property Revenues
Total same store property revenues were $62.15 million and $59.59 million for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively, representing an increase of 4.29%. The same store property revenue increases are primarily related to the occupancy growth since December 31, 2020.
Property Expenses
Total same store property expenses were $20.28 million and $18.96 million for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively, an increase of 6.98% . Same store property expense increase was primarily due to expense increases in insurance, grounds and landscaping and repairs and maintenance.
Property Net Operating Income
Total property net operating income were $48.81 million and $41.67 million for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively, representing a increase of 17.14%, primarily as a result of the Cedar Acquisition.
Funds from Operations (FFO)
We use FFO, a non-GAAP measure, as an alternative measure of our operating performance, specifically as it relates to results of operations and liquidity. We compute FFO in accordance with standards established by the Board of Governors of NAREIT in its March 1995 White Paper (as amended in November 1999, April 2002 and December 2018). As defined by NAREIT, FFO represents net income (computed in accordance with GAAP), excluding gains (or losses) from sales of property, plus real estate related depreciation and amortization (excluding amortization of loan origination costs), impairment of real estate related long-lived assets and after adjustments for unconsolidated partnerships and joint ventures. Most industry analysts and equity REITs, including us, consider FFO to be an appropriate supplemental measure of operating performance because, by excluding gains or losses on dispositions and excluding depreciation, FFO is a helpful tool that can assist in the comparison of the operating performance of a company’s real estate between periods, or as compared to different companies. Management uses FFO as a supplemental measure to conduct and evaluate our business because there are certain limitations associated with using GAAP net income alone as the primary measure of our operating performance. Historical cost accounting for real estate
assets in accordance with GAAP implicitly assumes that the value of real estate assets diminishes predictably over time, while historically real estate values have risen or fallen with market conditions. Accordingly, we believe FFO provides a valuable alternative measurement tool to GAAP when presenting our operating results.
Below is a comparison of same and non-same store FFO, which is a non-GAAP measurement, for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021:
Years Ended December 31,
Same Store Non-same Store Total Year Over Year Changes
2022 2021 2022 2021 2022 2021 $ %
Net Loss $ (5,926) $ (8,179) $ (2,544) $ (1,172) $ (8,470) $ (9,351) $ 881 9.42 %
Depreciation and amortization of real estate assets 14,193 14,404 5,347 393 19,540 14,797 4,743 32.05 %
Impairment of assets held for sale 760 - - 2,300 760 2,300 (1,540) (66.96) %
Gain on disposal of properties - - (2,604) (2,055) (2,604) (2,055) (549) (26.72) %
FFO $ 9,027 $ 6,225 $ 199 $ (534) $ 9,226 $ 5,691 $ 3,535 62.12 %
During the year ended December 31, 2022, same store FFO increased $2.80 million.
We believe the computation of FFO in accordance with NAREIT's definition includes certain items that are not indicative of the results provided by our operating portfolio and affect the comparability of our period-over-period performance. These items include, but are not limited to, legal settlements, non-cash share-based compensation expense, non-cash amortization on loans and acquisition costs. Therefore, in addition to FFO, management uses Adjusted FFO ("AFFO"), which we define to exclude such items. Management believes that these adjustments are appropriate in determining AFFO as they are not indicative of the operating performance of our assets. In addition, we believe that AFFO is a useful supplemental measure for the investing community to use in comparing us to other REITs as many REITs provide some form of adjusted or modified FFO. However, there can be no assurance that AFFO presented by us is comparable to the adjusted or modified FFO of other REITs.
Total AFFO for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 is shown in the table below (in thousands):
Years Ended December 31,
2022 2021
FFO $ 9,226 $ 5,691
Preferred stock dividends - undeclared (9,056) (8,837)
Dividends on noncontrolling interests preferred stock (3,913) -
Preferred stock redemption - 70
Preferred stock accretion adjustments 584 600
FFO available to common stockholders and common unitholders (3,159) (2,476)
Capital related costs 27 438
Other non-recurring and non-cash expenses 3,065 352
Net changes in fair value of derivative liabilities 2,335 (3,768)
Share-based compensation - 14
Straight-line rental revenue, net straight-line expense (768) (1,026)
Loan cost amortization 6,098 12,710
Paid-in-kind interest 3,739 1,610
Above (below) market lease amortization (2,079) 13
Recurring capital expenditures and tenant improvement reserves (1,354) (1,096)
AFFO $ 7,904 $ 6,771
Other non-recurring and non-cash expenses are costs we believe will not be incurred on a go forward basis. Other nonrecurring expenses of $3.07 million for the year ended December 31, 2022 primarily include $2.61 million in loan defeasance payments, a result of the 2022 loan refinancing activities, $691 thousand legal settlement costs and severance partially offset with $353 thousand nonrecurring revenue related to Cedar's recognition of easement revenue. Other nonrecurring expenses of $352 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2021 include $185 thousand in legal settlement costs, $687 thousand in loan prepayment penalty on sale of the Berkley Shopping Center, partially offset with $552 thousand in PPP Promissory Note forgiveness.
The preferred stock redemption of $0 and $70 thousand for the years ended December 31, 2022 and
2021, respectively, represents the undeclared dividends on the stock retirement for the months preceding their retirement. Net changes in fair value of derivative liabilities is the result of the non-cash loss or gain from adjusting the warrant liabilities and embedded derivative liabilities to their fair market value, further details are described at Note 6 on this Form 10-K.
The preferred stock accretion adjustments represent the amortization of offering costs associated with raising the Series B Preferred and Series D Preferred.

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ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.
We are a smaller reporting company as defined by Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act and are not required to provide the information under this item.

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ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
The information required by this Item 8 is incorporated by reference to our Financial Statements beginning on page 33 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

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

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ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures.
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Our management, under the supervision and with the participation of our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures in ensuring that the information required to be disclosed in our filings under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, including ensuring that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Based on such evaluation, our principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded that, as of December 31, 2022, such disclosure controls and procedures were effective to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by us in our filings under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms and to provide reasonable assurance that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. Internal control over financial reporting, as defined in rules promulgated under the Exchange Act, is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, our CEO and CFO and effected by our Board of Directors, management and other personnel to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with GAAP. Internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that:
•pertain to the maintenance of records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of our assets;
•provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP, and that our receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of our management and our Board of Directors; and
•provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of our assets that could have a material effect on our financial statements.
Our internal control over financial reporting is evaluated on a regular basis by personnel in our organization. The overall goals of these various evaluation activities are to monitor our internal control over financial reporting and to make modifications as necessary, as disclosure and internal controls are intended to be dynamic systems that change (including improvements and corrections) as conditions warrant.
Management conducted an assessment of the effectiveness of our company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2022, utilizing the framework established in “INTERNAL CONTROL-INTEGRATED FRAMEWORK” issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013). Based on this assessment, management has determined that our internal controls over financial reporting as of December 31, 2022 were effective.
All internal control systems, no matter how well designed, have inherent limitations. Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
This Annual Report does not include an attestation report of our independent registered public accounting firm regarding internal controls over financial reporting. Management's report was not subject to attestation by our independent registered public accounting firm pursuant to the rules of the SEC that permit us to provide only management's report in this Annual Report.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
On August 22, 2022, the Company completed the Cedar Acquisition and accordingly the Company’s management has integrated Cedar’s operations into its internal control over financial reporting, as necessary, to accommodate modifications to its business processes related to the Cedar Acquisition. None of these integration activities had a material impact on our system of internal control over financial reporting for the year ended December 31, 2022

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ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 9B. Other Information.
None.

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ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance.
Except as set forth below, the information required by this Item 10 of Part III will be contained in the Company’s definitive proxy statement for the 2023 Annual Meeting (our “Proxy Statement”) and is incorporated herein by reference.
The Company has adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics applicable to the directors, officers and employees. A copy of that code is available on the Company’s corporate website at www.whlr.us, which does not form a part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. We intend to post any amendments to such code, or any waivers of its requirements, on our website.

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

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ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters.
Except as set forth below, the information required by this Item 12 of Part III will be contained in the Company’s Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.
Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans
The following table sets forth information as of December 31, 2022 regarding our equity compensation plans and the Common Stock we may issue under the plans.
Equity Compensation Plan Information Table
Plan Category Number of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants and rights Weighted-average exercise price of outstanding options, warrants and rights Number of securities remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plans
Equity compensation plans approved by stockholders (1)
15,000 (2) - 153,811
Equity compensation plans not approved by stockholders - - -
Total 15,000 - 153,811
(1) Includes our 2015 and 2016 Long-Term Incentive Plans, which authorized a maximum of 125,000 and 625,000 shares, respectively, of our Common Stock for issue. Awards are granted by the Compensation Committee.
(2) Includes 15,000 performance awards assuming maximum payout (as a result, this aggregate reported number may overstate actual dilution). Performance awards are not taken into account in the weighted-average exercise price as such awards have no exercise price.

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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 13 of Part III will be contained in the Company’s Proxy Statement and incorporated herein by reference

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

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ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules.
(a)(1). Financial Statements.
The financial statements filed as a part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K are as follows:
Page
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
(PCAOB ID: 677)
Consolidated Balance Sheets
Consolidated Statements of Operations
Consolidated Statements of Equity
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(a)(2). Financial Statement Schedules.
•Schedule II- Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
•Schedule III- Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation
All other financial statement schedules have been omitted because the required information of such schedules is not present, is not present in amounts sufficient to require a schedule or is included in the consolidated financial statements.
(a)(3). Exhibits.
See the Exhibit Index at the end of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, which is incorporated by reference.
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders
Wheeler Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Opinion on the Consolidated Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Wheeler Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc. and Subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, and the related consolidated statements of operations, equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the two-year period ended December 31, 2022, and the related notes and schedules (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the two-year period ended December 31, 2022, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Basis for Opinion
These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.
Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Critical Audit Matters
The critical audit matters communicated below are matters arising from the current period audit of the consolidated financial statements that were communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relate to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matters below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matters or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.
Evaluation of Investment Properties for Impairment
Description of Matter
At December 31, 2022, the Company’s investment properties totaled $561.0 million. As more fully described in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company evaluates its investment properties for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of investment properties may not be recoverable. Management evaluates various qualitative factors in determining whether or not events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an investment property may not be recoverable.
Auditing the Company’s impairment assessment involved subjectivity due to the estimation required to assess significant assumptions utilized in estimating the recoverability of the investment properties based on undiscounted operating income and residual values, such as assumptions related to renewal and renegotiations of current leases, estimates of new leases on vacant spaces, and estimates of operating costs.
How We Addressed the Matter in Our Audit
To test the Company’s evaluation of investment properties for impairment, we performed audit procedures that included, among others, assessing the methodologies applied, evaluating the significant assumptions discussed above and testing the completeness and accuracy of the underlying data used in the analysis. We compared the recoverability calculated to the remaining net book value of the assets to ensure recoverability for the properties’ remaining useful lives. We compared the significant assumptions used by management to relevant market information and other applicable sources. As part of our evaluation, we performed sensitivity analyses of significant assumptions to evaluate the changes in the undiscounted cash flows of the related investment property that would result from changes in the assumptions.
Derivative Liabilities
Description of Matter
At December 31, 2022, the Company had convertible notes with an outstanding principal balance of $33.0 million and 1.6 million common stock warrants. Calculations and accounting for the notes payable and embedded conversion features as well as the warrants require management’s judgments related to initial and subsequent recognition, use of a valuation model, and determination of the appropriate inputs used in the selected valuation model. As more fully described in Note 6 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company utilizes a multinomial lattice model valuation technique in measuring the fair value of the notes’ conversion features and a Monte Carlo simulation technique in measuring the fair value of the warrants
Auditing management’s valuations of the derivative liabilities was challenging due to the complexity of valuation model and the inputs that are highly sensitive to changes such as the common stock market price, volatility, risk free rates, and yields.
How We Addressed the Matter in Our Audit
To test the accounting for the derivative liabilities resulting from the issuance of warrants and convertible notes, our audit procedures included, among others, inspection of the contracts, and testing completeness and accuracy of the data used as well as management’s application of the relevant accounting guidance. We also involved our valuation specialists to evaluate the Company’s determination of the fair value of the convertible notes inclusive of the embedded features and warrants, including testing the appropriateness of the methodology and underlying inputs used and assessing the reasonableness of those inputs.
Valuation of Purchase Price Allocation for Acquisition
Description of Matter
As more fully described in Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements, on August 22, 2022 the Company acquired Cedar Realty Trust, a 2.9 million square foot shopping center portfolio consisting of 19 properties for an aggregate of $135.5 million of cash merger consideration and acquisition costs. The acquisition was accounted for as an asset acquisition which required the Company to assess the acquisition-date fair value of all tangible assets, identifiable intangible assets, and assumed liabilities. The Company determines fair value based on estimated cash flow projections that utilize appropriate discount and capitalization rates and available market information. Estimates of future cash flows are based on a number of factors including the historical operating results, known trends, and specific market and economic conditions that may affect the properties.
Auditing management’s estimated fair value of all acquired tangible assets, identifiable intangible assets, and assumed liabilities required the assistance of our valuation professionals with specialized skills and knowledge as the fair value estimates required subjective auditor judgment to evaluate the audit evidence obtained.
How We Addressed the Matter in Our Audit
To test the accounting for the purchase price allocation, our audit procedures included, among others, inspection of the purchase and sale agreements, and testing the completeness and accuracy of the data used in the fair value determination. We evaluated management’s application of the relevant accounting guidance and involved our valuation specialists to evaluate the Company’s determination of fair value of the purchase price allocations, including testing the appropriateness of the methodology and underlying inputs used and assessing the reasonableness of those inputs.
/s/ Cherry Bekaert LLP
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2012.
Virginia Beach, Virginia
March 2, 2023
Wheeler Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(in thousands, except par value and share data)
December 31,
2022 2021
ASSETS:
Investment properties, net $ 560,980 $ 386,730
Cash and cash equivalents 28,491 22,898
Restricted cash 27,374 17,521
Rents and other tenant receivables, net 13,544 9,233
Assets held for sale - 2,047
Above market lease intangibles, net 3,134 2,424
Operating lease right-of-use assets 15,133 12,455
Deferred costs and other assets, net 35,880 11,973
Total Assets $ 684,536 $ 465,281
LIABILITIES:
Loans payable, net $ 466,029 $ 333,283
Liabilities associated with assets held for sale - 3,381
Below market lease intangibles, net 23,968 3,397
Derivative liabilities 7,111 4,776
Operating lease liabilities 16,478 13,040
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities 18,398 11,054
Total Liabilities 531,984 368,931
Series D Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock (no par value, 6,000,000 shares authorized, 3,152,392 shares issued and outstanding, respectively; $113.44 million and $104.97 million aggregate liquidation value, respectively)
101,518 92,548
EQUITY:
Series A Preferred Stock (no par value, 4,500 shares authorized, 562 shares issued and outstanding)
453 453
Series B Convertible Preferred Stock no par value, 5,000,000 authorized, 3,379,142
and 1,872,448 shares issued and outstanding, respectively; $84.48 million and $46.81
million aggregate liquidation preference, respectively)
44,911 41,189
Common Stock ($0.01 par value, 200,000,000 shares authorized, 9,793,957 and 9,720,532 shares issued and outstanding, respectively)
98 97
Additional paid-in capital 234,993 234,229
Accumulated deficit (295,617) (274,107)
Total Stockholders’ (Deficit) Equity (15,162) 1,861
Noncontrolling interests 66,196 1,941
Total Equity 51,034 3,802
Total Liabilities and Equity $ 684,536 $ 465,281
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
Wheeler Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Operations
(in thousands, except share and per share data)
Years Ended December 31,
2022 2021
REVENUE:
Rental revenues $ 75,195 $ 60,368
Other revenues 1,450 942
Total Revenue 76,645 61,310
OPERATING EXPENSES:
Property operations 25,731 19,618
Depreciation and amortization 19,540 14,797
Impairment of assets held for sale 760 2,300
Corporate general & administrative 8,620 7,140
Total Operating Expenses 54,651 43,855
Gain on disposal of properties 2,604 2,055
Operating Income 24,598 19,510
Interest income 65 34
Interest expense (30,107) (33,028)
Net changes in fair value of derivative liabilities (2,335) 3,768
Other income - 552
Other expense (691) (185)
Net Loss Before Income Taxes (8,470) (9,349)
Income tax expense - (2)
Net Loss (8,470) (9,351)
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests 3,984 92
Net Loss Attributable to Wheeler REIT (12,454) (9,443)
Preferred Stock dividends - undeclared (9,056) (8,837)
Deemed contribution related to preferred stock redemption - 5,040
Net Loss Attributable to Wheeler REIT Common Stockholders $ (21,510) $ (13,240)
Loss per share:
Basic and Diluted $ (2.20) $ (1.36)
Weighted-average number of shares:
Basic and Diluted 9,760,704 9,711,944
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
Wheeler Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Equity
(in thousands, except share data)
Series A Series B Noncontrolling
Preferred Stock Preferred Stock Common Stock Additional
Paid-in Capital Accumulated Deficit Total
Stockholders’ Equity Interests Total
Shares Value Shares Value Shares Value Units Value Equity
Balance,
December 31, 2020 562 $ 453 1,875,748 $ 41,174 9,703,874 $ 97 $ 234,061 $ (260,867) $ 14,918 224,429 $ 1,931 $ 16,849
Accretion of Series B Preferred
Stock discount - - - 87 - - - - 87 - - 87
Conversion of operating
partnership units to Common
Stock - - - - 9,086 - 33 - 33 (9,086) (33) -
Issuance of Common Stock
under Share Incentive Plan - - - - 5,000 - 14 - 14 - - 14
Adjustment for noncontrolling
interest in operating partnership - - - - - - 49 - 49 - (49) -
Conversion of Series B Preferred
Stock to Common Stock - - (3,300) (72) 2,572 - 72 - - - - -
Deemed contribution related to preferred stock redemption - - - - - - - 5,040 5,040 - - 5,040
Dividends and distributions - - - - - - - (8,837) (8,837) - - (8,837)
Net (Loss) Income - - - - - - - (9,443) (9,443) - 92 (9,351)
Balance,
December 31, 2021
562 453 1,872,448 41,189 9,720,532 97 234,229 (274,107) 1,861 215,343 1,941 3,802
Accretion of Series B Preferred
Stock discount - - - 87 - - - - 87 - - 87
Conversion of Series B Preferred
Stock to Common Stock - - (4,847) (104) 3,024 - 104 - - - - -
Adjustment for noncontrolling
interest in operating partnership - - - - - - 500 - 500 - (500) -
Conversion of Operating
Partnership units to Common
Stock - - - - 70,401 1 160 - 161 (70,401) (161) -
Paid-in-kind interest, Issuance of
Series B Preferred Stock - - 1,511,541 3,739 - - - - 3,739 - - 3,739
Noncontrolling interests assumed
from the acquisition (1) - - - - - - - - - - 64,845 64,845
Dividends and distributions - - - - - - - (9,056) (9,056) - (3,913) (12,969)
Net (Loss) Income - - - - - - - (12,454) (12,454) - 3,984 (8,470)
Balance,
December 31, 2022
562 $ 453 3,379,142 $ 44,911 9,793,957 $ 98 $ 234,993 $ (295,617) $ (15,162) 144,942 $ 66,196 $ 51,034
(1) See Notes 1, 2 and 3 of the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for further details.
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
Wheeler Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(in thousands)
For the Years Ended
December 31,
2022 2021
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net Loss $ (8,470) $ (9,351)
Adjustments to reconcile consolidated net loss to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation 13,489 11,072
Amortization 6,051 3,725
Loan cost amortization 6,098 12,710
Changes in fair value of derivative liabilities 2,335 (3,768)
Above (below) market lease amortization, net (2,079) 13
Paid-in-kind interest 3,739 1,610
Straight-line expense 32 35
Share-based compensation - 14
Gain on disposal of properties (2,604) (2,055)
Credit losses on operating lease receivables 361 239
Impairment of assets held for sale 760 2,300
Net changes in assets and liabilities:
Rent and other tenant receivables, net (1,221) 1,001
Unbilled rent (740) (1,220)
Deferred costs and other assets, net 4,381 (427)
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities 8,626 1,143
Net cash provided by operating activities 30,758 17,041
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Investment property acquisitions, net of cash acquired (135,510) -
Capital expenditures (8,511) (6,412)
Cash received from disposal of properties 10,509 11,513
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities (133,512) 5,101
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Payments for deferred financing costs (12,683) (7,813)
Dividends and distributions paid on noncontrolling interests (2,688) -
Loan proceeds 400,000 97,650
Loan principal payments (263,815) (105,305)
Preferred stock redemption - (8,336)
Loan prepayment penalty (2,614) (687)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities 118,200 (24,491)
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED CASH 15,446 (2,349)
CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED CASH, beginning of year 40,419 42,768
CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED CASH, end of year $ 55,865 $ 40,419
Supplemental Disclosures:
Non-cash Transactions:
Paycheck Protection Program forgiveness $ - $ 552
Initial fair value of warrants $ - $ 2,018
Initial fair value of derivative liability at issuance of convertible notes $ - $ 5,932
Conversion of common units to common stock $ 160 $ 33
Conversion of Series B Preferred Stock to common stock $ 104 $ 72
Accretion of Preferred Stock discounts $ 584 $ 600
Deemed contribution related to Preferred Stock discount $ - $ 5,040
Other Cash Transactions:
Cash paid for taxes $ - $ 2
Cash paid for interest $ 19,957 $ 18,973
The following table provides a reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 28,491 $ 22,898
Restricted cash 27,374 17,521
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash $ 55,865 $ 40,419
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
Wheeler Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
1. Organization and Basis of Presentation and Consolidation
Wheeler Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc. is a Maryland corporation formed on June 23, 2011. The Trust serves as the general partner of Wheeler REIT, L.P. (the “Operating Partnership”), which was formed as a Virginia limited partnership on April 5, 2012. At December 31, 2022, the Company owned 99.05% of the Operating Partnership. As of December 31, 2022, the Trust, through the Operating Partnership, owned and operated seventy-five centers and four undeveloped properties. Twenty-one of these properties are located in South Carolina, twelve in Georgia, ten in Virginia, eight in Pennsylvania, six in North Carolina, four in Massachusetts, four in New Jersey, three in Florida, three in Connecticut, two in Kentucky, two in Tennessee, one in Alabama, one in Maryland, one in West Virginia, and one in Oklahoma. The Company’s portfolio had total gross rentable space of approximately 8,173,000 square feet and a leased level of approximately 92.9% at December 31, 2022. Accordingly, the use of the word “Company”, "we", "our" or "us" refers to the Trust and its consolidated subsidiaries, except where the context otherwise requires. The Company includes the Trust, the Operating Partnership, the entities included in the REIT formation and the entities acquired since November 2012. The Company prepared the accompanying consolidated financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, or GAAP. All material balances and transactions between the consolidated entities of the Company have been eliminated.
The Company owns, leases and operates income producing grocery-anchored centers, neighborhood centers, community centers and free-standing retail properties with a strategy to acquire high quality retail properties that generate attractive risk-adjusted returns. The Company targets properties in communities that have stable demographics. The Company considers properties that are generally located in the most prominent shopping districts in their respective markets, ideally situated at major “Main and Main” intersections. The Company generally leases its properties to national and regional supermarket chains and selects retailers that offer necessity and value oriented services and items and generate regular consumer traffic. The Company’s tenants carry goods and offer services that are less impacted by fluctuations in the broader U.S. economy and consumers’ disposable income, which it believes generates more predictable property-level cash flows.
The Trust through the Operating Partnership owns Wheeler Interests, LLC (“WI”) and Wheeler Real Estate, LLC (“WRE”) (collectively the “Operating Companies”). The Operating Companies are Taxable REIT Subsidiaries (“TRS”) to accommodate serving the Non-REIT Properties since applicable REIT regulations consider the income derived from these services to be “bad” income subject to taxation. The regulations allow for costs incurred by the Company commensurate with the services performed for the Non-REIT Properties to be allocated to a TRS.
Acquisition of Cedar Realty Trust
On March 2, 2022, the Company entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (as amended, the “Merger Agreement”) with Cedar Realty Trust, Inc. (“Cedar”), Cedar Realty Trust Partnership, L.P., (“Cedar OP”), WHLR Merger Sub Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, and WHLR OP Merger Sub LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Merger Sub I (“Merger Sub II”), pursuant to which the Company agreed to acquire Cedar, including 19 of its shopping center assets, in an all-cash merger transaction consisting, in accordance with the terms of the Merger Agreement, of a payment to Cedar common shareholders of merger consideration of $9.48 per common share (the “Cedar Acquisition”).
On August 22, 2022, the Company completed the merger transaction with Cedar. As a result of the merger, the Company acquired all of the outstanding shares of the Cedar's common stock, which ceased to be publicly traded on the NYSE. Cedar’s outstanding 7.25% Series B Preferred Stock and 6.50% Series C Preferred Stock remain outstanding and continue to trade on the NYSE. Each outstanding share of common stock of Cedar and outstanding common unit of the Cedar OP held by persons other than Cedar immediately prior to the merger were cancelled and converted into the right to receive a cash payment of $9.48 per share or unit. As a result Cedar became a subsidiary of the REIT.
During the year ended December 31, 2022 the Company incurred acquisition related costs of $5.51 million for the merger. These costs were capitalized as part of the acquisition and are primarily comprised of professional fees and legal fees, see Note 3 included in this Form 10-K for further details.
The consolidated financial statements included in this Form 10-K include Cedar starting from the date of acquisition. We have determined that this acquisition is not a variable interest entity, as defined under the consolidation topic of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the "FASB"), Accounting Standards Codification, or ASC, and we evaluated such entity under the voting model and concluded we should consolidate the entity. Under the voting model, we consolidate the
Table of Contents Wheeler Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements
1. Organization and Basis of Presentation and Consolidation (continued)
entity if we determine that we, directly or indirectly, have greater than 50% of the voting rights and that other equity holders do not have substantive participating rights.
2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Investment Properties
The Company records investment properties and related intangibles at fair value upon acquisition. Investment properties include both acquired and constructed assets. Improvements and major repairs and maintenance are capitalized when the repair and maintenance substantially extends the useful life, increases capacity or improves the efficiency of the asset. All other repair and maintenance costs are expensed as incurred.
The Company allocates the purchase price of acquisitions to the various components of the asset based upon the fair value of each component which may be derived from various observable or unobservable inputs and assumptions. Also, the Company may utilize third party valuation specialists. These components typically include buildings, land and any intangible assets related to out-of-market leases, tenant relationships and in-place leases the Company determines to exist. The Company determines fair value based on estimated cash flow projections that utilize appropriate discount and capitalization rates and available market information. Estimates of future cash flows are based on a number of factors including the historical operating results, known trends and specific market and economic conditions that may affect the property. Factors considered by management in the analysis of determining the as-if-vacant property value include an estimate of carrying costs during the expected lease-up periods considering market conditions, and costs to execute similar leases. In estimating carrying costs, management includes real estate taxes, insurance and estimates of lost rentals at market rates during the expected lease-up periods, tenant demand and other economic conditions. Management also estimates costs to execute similar leases including leasing commissions, tenant improvements, legal and other related expenses. Intangibles related to out-of-market leases, tenant relationships and in-place lease value are recorded at fair value as acquired lease intangibles and are amortized as an adjustment to rental revenue or amortization expense, as appropriate, over the remaining terms of the underlying leases.
The Company records depreciation on buildings and improvements utilizing the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the asset, generally 5 to 40 years. The Company reviews depreciable lives of investment properties periodically and makes adjustments to reflect a shorter economic life, when necessary. Tenant allowances, tenant inducements and tenant improvements are amortized utilizing the straight-line method over the term of the related lease or occupancy term of the tenant, if shorter.
Amounts allocated to buildings are depreciated over the estimated remaining life of the acquired building or related improvements. The Company amortizes amounts allocated to tenant improvements, in-place lease assets and other lease-related intangibles over the remaining life of the underlying leases. The Company also estimates the value of other acquired intangible assets, if any, and amortizes them over the remaining life of the underlying related intangibles.
The Company reviews investment properties for impairment on a property-by-property basis whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of investment properties may not be recoverable. These circumstances include, but are not limited to, declines in the property’s cash flows, occupancy and fair market value. The Company measures any impairment of investment property when the estimated undiscounted future operating income before depreciation and amortization, plus its residual value, is less than the carrying value of the property. Estimated undiscounted operating income before depreciation and amortization include renewal and renegotiations of current leases, estimates of new leases on vacant spaces, estimates of operating costs and fluctuating market conditions. The renewal and renegotiations of leases in some cases must be approved by additional third parties outside the control of the Company and the tenant. If such renewed or renegotiated leases are approved at amounts below current estimates, then impairment adjustments may be necessary in the future. To the extent impairment has occurred, the Company charges to income the excess of the carrying value of the property over its estimated fair value. The Company estimates fair value using unobservable data such as operating income, estimated capitalization rates, or multiples, leasing prospects for vacant spaces and local market information. These valuation assumptions are based on the three-level valuation hierarchy for fair value measurement and represent Level 3 inputs. Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities.
Assets Held For Sale and Discontinued Operations
Wheeler Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)
The Company may decide to sell properties that are held for use. The Company records these properties as held for sale when management has committed to a plan to sell the assets, actively seeks a buyer for the assets, and the consummation of the sale is considered probable and is expected within one year. Properties classified as held for sale are reported at the lower of their carrying value or their fair value, less estimated costs to sell. When the carrying value exceeds the fair value, less estimated costs to sell, an impairment expense is recognized. The Company estimates fair value, less estimated closing costs, based on similar real estate sales transactions. These valuation assumptions are based on the three-level valuation hierarchy for fair value measurement and represent Level 2 and 3 inputs. Level 2 inputs are quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar assets in markets that are not active; and inputs other than quoted prices. Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities. See Note 3 for additional details on impairment of assets held for sale for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021.
Assets held for sale are presented as discontinued operations in all periods presented if the disposition represents a strategic shift that has, or will have, a major effect on the Company's financial position or results of operations. This includes the net gain (or loss) upon disposal of property held for sale, the property's operating results, depreciation and interest expense.
Conditional Asset Retirement Obligation
A conditional asset retirement obligation represents a legal obligation to perform an asset retirement activity in which the timing and/or method of settlement depends on a future event that may or may not be within the Company’s control. Currently, the Company does not have any conditional asset retirement obligations. However, any such obligations identified in the future would result in the Company recording a liability if the fair value of the obligation can be reasonably estimated. Environmental studies conducted at the time the Company acquired its properties did not reveal any material environmental liabilities, and the Company is unaware of any subsequent environmental matters that would have created a material liability. The Company believes that its properties are currently in material compliance with applicable environmental, as well as non-environmental, statutory and regulatory requirements. The Company did not record any conditional asset retirement obligation liabilities as of December 31, 2022 and 2021.
Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash
The Company considers all highly liquid investments purchased with an original maturity of 90 days or less to be cash and cash equivalents. Cash equivalents are carried at cost, which approximates fair value. Cash equivalents consist primarily of bank operating accounts and money markets. Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk include its cash and cash equivalents and its trade accounts receivable. The Company places its cash and cash equivalents with institutions of high credit quality.
Restricted cash represents amounts held by lenders for real estate taxes, insurance, reserves for capital improvements, leasing costs and tenant security deposits.
The Company places its cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash on deposit with financial institutions in the United States, which are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Company ("FDIC") up to $250 thousand. The Company's loss in the event of failure of these financial institutions is represented by the difference between the FDIC limit and the total amounts on deposit. Management monitors the financial institutions credit worthiness in conjunction with balances on deposit to minimize risk.
Tenant Receivables
Tenant receivables include base rents, tenant reimbursements and receivables attributable to recording rents on a straight-line basis. The Company determines an allowance for the uncollectible portion of accrued rents and accounts receivable based upon customer credit-worthiness (including expected recovery of a claim with respect to any tenants in bankruptcy), historical bad debt levels, and current economic trends. The Company considers a receivable past due once it becomes delinquent per the terms of the lease. The Company’s standard lease form considers a rent charge past due after five days. A past due receivable triggers certain events such as notices, fees and other allowable and required actions per the lease. As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company’s allowance for uncollectible tenant receivables totaled $3.15 million and $633 thousand, respectively.
Wheeler Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)
Above and Below Market Lease Intangibles, net
The Company determines the above and below market lease intangibles upon acquiring a property. Above and below market lease intangibles are amortized over the life of the respective leases. Amortization of above and below market lease intangibles is recorded as a component of rental revenues.
Deferred Costs and Other Assets, net
The Company’s deferred costs and other assets consist primarily of leasing commissions, leases in place, capitalized legal and marketing costs, tenant relationships and ground lease sandwich interest intangibles associated with acquisitions. The Company’s lease origination costs consist primarily of the portion of property acquisitions allocated to lease originations and commissions paid to third parties in connection with lease originations. The Company generally records amortization of lease origination costs on a straight-line basis over the terms of the related leases. Amortization of deferred costs and other assets represents a component of depreciation and amortization expense.
Paycheck Protection Program
The Company received proceeds of $552 thousand (the "PPP funds") pursuant to the Paycheck Protection Program (the "PPP") under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act.
The PPP funds were received in the form of a promissory note, dated April 24, 2020 (the “Promissory Note”), between the Company and KeyBank as the lender. Under the terms of the CARES Act, the Promissory Note was forgiven during the year ended December 31, 2021 and the corresponding forgiveness of the liability was recorded as "other income" on the consolidated statements of operations.
Derivative Financial Instruments
The Company does not use derivative instruments to hedge exposures to cash flow, market, or foreign currency risks. The Company evaluates all of its financial instruments, including stock purchase warrants and convertible notes, to determine if such instruments are derivatives or contain features that qualify as embedded derivatives. For derivative financial instruments that are accounted for as liabilities, the derivative instrument is initially recorded at its fair value and is then re-valued at each reporting date, with changes in the fair value reported in the consolidated statements of operations. The assumptions used in these fair value estimates are based on the three-level valuation hierarchy for fair value measurement and represent Level 3 inputs. Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities.
Debt Issuance Costs
The Company may incur debt issuance costs in connection with raising funds through debt. These costs may be paid in the form of cash, or equity (such as warrants and convertible notes). These costs are amortized to interest expense over the life of the debt. If a conversion of the underlying debt occurs, a proportionate share of the unamortized amounts is immediately expensed. Debt issuance costs are presented as a direct deduction from the carrying value of the associated debt liability in the consolidated balance sheets.
Revenue Recognition
Lease Contract Revenue
The Company has two classes of underlying assets relating to rental revenue activity, retail and office space. The Company retains substantially all of the risks and benefits of ownership of these underlying assets and accounts for these leases as operating leases. The Company combines lease and nonlease components in lease contracts, which includes combining base rent and tenant reimbursement revenue.
The Company accrues minimum rents on a straight-line basis over the terms of the respective leases which results in an unbilled rent asset or deferred rent liability being recorded on the balance sheet. At December 31, 2022 and 2021, there were $6.52 million and $5.77 million, respectively, in unbilled rent which is included in "rents and other tenant receivables, net."
Wheeler Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)
Additionally, certain lease agreements contain provisions that grant additional rents based on tenants’ sales volumes (contingent or percentage rent). Percentage rents are recognized when the tenants achieve the specified targets as defined in their lease agreements as variable lease income.
The Company’s leases generally require the tenant to reimburse the Company for a substantial portion of its expenses incurred in operating, maintaining, repairing, insuring and managing the shopping center and common areas (collectively defined as Common Area Maintenance or “CAM” expenses). This significantly reduces the Company’s exposure to increases in costs and operating expenses resulting from inflation or other outside factors. These reimbursements are considered nonlease components which the Company combines with the lease component. The Company calculates the tenant’s share of operating costs by multiplying the total amount of the operating costs by the tenant's pro-rata percentage of square footage to total square footage of the property. The Company also receives monthly payments for these reimbursements from substantially all its tenants throughout the year. The Company recognizes tenant reimbursements as variable lease income.
Additionally, the Company has tenants who pay real estate taxes directly to the taxing authority. The Company excludes these Company costs paid directly by the tenant to third parties on the Company’s behalf from both variable revenue payments recognized and the associated property operating expenses. The Company does not evaluate whether certain sales taxes and other similar taxes are the Company’s costs or tenants' costs. Instead, the Company accounts for these costs as tenant costs.
The Company recognizes lease termination fees, which are included in "other revenues" on the consolidated statements of operations, in the year that the lease is terminated and collection of the fee is reasonably assured. Upon early lease termination, the Company records losses related to unrecovered intangibles and other assets.
The below table disaggregates the Company’s revenue by type of service for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 (in thousands):
Years Ended December 31,
2022 2021
Minimum rent $ 57,533 $ 45,896
Tenant reimbursements - variable lease revenue 16,665 13,120
Straight-line rents 800 1,060
Percentage rent - variable lease revenue 558 531
Lease termination fees 134 139
Other 1,316 803
Total 77,006 61,549
Credit losses on operating lease receivables (361) (239)
Total $ 76,645 $ 61,310
Income Taxes
The Company has elected to be taxed as a REIT under Sections 856 through 860 of the Internal Revenue Code and applicable Treasury regulations relating to REIT qualification. In order to maintain this REIT status, the regulations require the Company to distribute at least 90% of its taxable income to stockholders and meet certain other asset and income tests, as well as other requirements. If the Company fails to qualify as a REIT, it will be subject to tax at regular corporate rates for the years in which it fails to qualify. If the Company loses its REIT status it could not elect to be taxed as a REIT for five years unless the Company’s failure to qualify was due to reasonable cause and certain other conditions were satisfied.
Management has evaluated the effect of the guidance provided by GAAP on Accounting for Uncertainty of Income Taxes and has determined that the Company had no uncertain income tax positions.
Financial Instruments
Wheeler Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)
The carrying amount of financial instruments included in assets and liabilities approximates fair market value due to their immediate or short-term maturity.
Use of Estimates
The Company has made estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and revenues and expenses during the reported periods. The Company’s actual results could differ from these estimates.
Corporate General and Administrative Expense
Corporate general & administrative expenses consist of the following (in thousands):
Years Ended December 31,
2022 2021
Professional fees $ 3,810 $ 3,116
Compensation and benefits 2,276 1,465
Corporate administration 1,901 1,771
Advertising costs for leasing activities 319 119
Other 314 669
Total $ 8,620 $ 7,140
Other Expense
Other expense represents costs which are non-operating in nature. Other expenses were $691 thousand and $185 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 respectively, and consist of legal settlement costs.
Lease Commitments
The Company determines if an arrangement is a lease at inception. Operating leases, in which the Company is the lessee, are included in operating lease right-of-use (“ROU”) assets and operating lease liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets.
ROU assets represent the right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and the lease liabilities represent our obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. Operating lease ROU assets and liabilities are recognized at commencement date based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. As most of the Company's leases do not provide an implicit rate, the Company uses its incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at commencement date in determining the present value of lease payments. The operating lease ROU assets include any lease payments made and excludes lease incentives. The Company's lease terms may include options to extend the lease when it is reasonably certain that the company will exercise that option. Lease expense for lease payments is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term.
The Company elects the practical expedient to combine lease and associated nonlease components. The lease components are the majority of its leasing arrangements and the Company accounts for the combined component as an operating lease. In the event the Company modifies existing ground leases or enters into new ground leases, such leases may be classified as finance leases.
Noncontrolling Interests
Noncontrolling interests is the portion of equity in the Operating Partnership not attributable to the Trust and noncontrolling interest attributable to the acquisition of Cedar. The ownership interests not held by the parent are considered noncontrolling interests. Accordingly, noncontrolling interests have been reported in equity on the consolidated balance sheets but separate from the Company’s equity. On the consolidated statements of operations, the subsidiaries are reported at the consolidated amount, including both the amount attributable to the Company and noncontrolling interests. Consolidated
Wheeler Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)
statements of equity include beginning balances, activity for the period and ending balances for stockholders’ equity, noncontrolling interests and total equity.
The noncontrolling interest of the Operating Partnership common unit holders is calculated by multiplying the noncontrolling interest ownership percentage at the balance sheet date by the Operating Partnership’s net assets (total assets less total liabilities). The noncontrolling interest percentage is calculated at any point in time by dividing the number of units not owned by the Company by the total number of units outstanding. The noncontrolling interest ownership percentage will change as additional units are issued or as units are exchanged for the Company’s $0.01 par value per share common stock ("Common Stock"). In accordance with GAAP, any changes in the value from period to period are charged to additional paid-in capital.
The noncontrolling interest attributable to the acquisition of Cedar represents the fair value of Cedar's outstanding 7.25% Series B Preferred Stock ("Cedar Series B Preferred") and 6.50% Series C Preferred Stock ("Cedar Series C Preferred") as of August 22, 2022, the date of acquisition. The valuation assumption was based on the three-level valuation hierarchy for fair value measurements and represents Level 1 inputs. Level 1 inputs represent observable inputs that reflect quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets. The total cumulative dividends for the Cedar Series B Preferred and Cedar Series C Preferred were $3.91 million as of December 31, 2022 and are included as a reduction to net loss attributable to Wheeler REIT Common Stockholders on the consolidated statements of operations during the year ended December 31, 2022.
Recently Adopted Accounting Standards
In August 2020, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2020-06, “Debt-Debt with Conversion and Other Options (Subtopic 470-20) and Derivatives and Hedging-Contracts in Entities Own Equity (Subtopic 815-40).” This ASU simplifies accounting for convertible instruments by eliminating two of the three models in ASC 470-20 that require separating embedded conversion features from convertible instruments. In addition, ASU 2020-06 requires the application of the if-converted method for calculating diluted earnings per share and the treasury stock method will be no longer available. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2021. We adopted this guidance effective January 1, 2021 under the modified retrospective adoption approach. There was no effect to the opening balance of retained earnings at the date of adoption. The comparative information has not been restated and continues to be presented according to accounting standards in effect for those periods.
In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, "Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments." This update enhances the methodology of measuring expected credit losses to include the use of forward-looking information to better calculate credit loss estimates. The guidance will apply to most financial assets measured at amortized cost and certain other instruments, such as accounts receivable and loans. The guidance will require that the Company estimate the lifetime expected credit loss with respect to these receivables and record allowances that, when deducted from the balance of the receivables, represent the net amounts expected to be collected. This guidance is effective for fiscal years, and for interim reporting periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2022, however the Company is early adopting as of January 1, 2022. In November 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-19 to clarify that operating lease receivables, including straight-line rent receivables, recorded by lessors are explicitly excluded from the scope of Topic 326. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Other accounting standards that have been issued or proposed by the FASB or other standard-setting bodies are not currently applicable to the Company or are not expected to have a significant impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
Wheeler Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
3. Real Estate
Investment properties consist of the following (in thousands):
December 31,
2022 2021
Land and land improvements $ 144,537 $ 96,752
Buildings and improvements 494,668 357,606
Investment properties at cost 639,205 454,358
Less accumulated depreciation (78,225) (67,628)
Investment properties, net $ 560,980 $ 386,730
The Company’s depreciation expense on investment properties was $13.49 million and $11.07 million for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
A significant portion of the Company’s land, buildings and improvements serve as collateral for its mortgage loans. Accordingly, restrictions exist as to the encumbered property's transferability, use and other common rights typically associated with property ownership.
Assets Held for Sale and Dispositions
At December 31, 2022, there were no assets held for sale. At December 31, 2021, assets held for sale included Walnut Hill Plaza, which was sold in 2022.
Impairment expenses on assets held for sale are a result of reducing the carrying value for the amount that exceeded the property's fair value less estimated selling costs. The valuation assumptions are based on the three-level valuation hierarchy for fair value measurement and represent Level 2 inputs. Impairment expenses for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 are as follows (in thousands):
Years Ended December 31,
2022 2021
Harbor Pointe Land Parcel $ 760 $ -
Walnut Hill Plaza - 100
Columbia Fire Station - 2,200
Total $ 760 $ 2,300
As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, assets held for sale and associated liabilities consist of the following (in thousands):
December 31,
2022 2021
Investment properties, net $ - $ 1,824
Rents and other tenant receivables, net - 18
Deferred costs and other assets, net - 205
Total assets held for sale $ - $ 2,047
December 31,
2022 2021
Loans payable $ - $ 3,145
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities - 236
Total liabilities associated with assets held for sale $ - $ 3,381
Wheeler Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
3. Real Estate (continued)
The following properties were sold during the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 (in thousands):
Disposal Property Contract Price Gain (Loss) Net Proceeds
December 9, 2022 Butler Square $ 9,250 $ 2,619 $ 8,723
January 11, 2022 Walnut Hill Plaza 1,986 (15) 1,786
November 17, 2021 Columbia Fire Station 4,250 (88) 3,903
August 31, 2021 Rivergate Shopping Center Out Parcel 3,700 1,915 3,451
July 9, 2021 Tulls Creek Land Parcel (1.28 acres)
250 52 222
March 25, 2021 Berkley Shopping Center and Berkley Land Parcel (0.75 acres)
4,150 176 3,937
Cedar Acquisition
On August 22, 2022, the Company acquired Cedar, a 2.9 million square foot shopping center portfolio consisting of 19 properties located primarily in the Northeast from Virginia to Massachusetts (the "Cedar Portfolio"). The Cedar Portfolio was acquired through the purchase of the issued and outstanding shares of Cedar’s common stock, par value $0.06 per share (“Cedar Common Stock”), and the issued and outstanding common units of Cedar OP held by persons other than Cedar for an aggregate of $135.51 million of cash merger consideration and acquisition costs.
The following summarizes the consideration paid and the purchase allocation of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in conjunction with the acquisition described above in accordance with ASU 2017-01, along with a description of the methods used to determine the purchase price allocation (in thousands, unaudited). In determining the purchase price allocation, the Company considered many factors including, but not limited to, cash flows, market capitalization rates, location, occupancy rates, appraisals, other acquisitions and management’s knowledge of the current acquisition market for similar properties. The following table summarizes the purchase price allocation based on the Company's initial valuation, including estimates and assumptions of the acquisition date fair value of the tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed (in thousands):
Wheeler Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
3. Real Estate (continued)
Building and building improvements (a) $ 137,120
Land and land improvements (a) 47,899
Lease intangibles (b) 28,215
Above market lease (c) 1,718
Right of use asset adjustment, ground lease (d) 2,913
Cash, accounts receivable and other assets 14,242
Total assets acquired 232,107
Below market lease (c) (23,622)
Lease Liabilities, ground lease (d) (3,552)
Accounts payable and other liabilities (4,578)
Total liabilities acquired (31,752)
Noncontrolling interest (e) (64,845)
Purchase price allocation of net assets acquired, excluding noncontrolling interests $ 135,510
Purchase consideration: (f)
Cash merger consideration $ 130,000
Capitalized acquisition costs 5,510
$ 135,510
a.Represents the purchase price allocation of the net investment properties acquired which includes land, buildings, site improvements and tenant improvements. The purchase price allocation was determined using following approaches:
i.the market approach valuation methodology for land by considering similar transactions in the markets;
ii.a combination of the cost approach and income approach valuation methodologies for buildings, including replacement cost evaluations, “go dark” analyses and residual calculations incorporating the land values; and
iii.the cost approach valuation methodology for site and tenant improvements, including replacement costs and prevailing quoted market rates.
b. Represents the purchase price allocation of lease intangibles and other assets. Lease intangibles include in place
leases. The income approach was used to determine the allocation of these intangible assets which included estimated market rates and expenses.
c.Represents the purchase price allocation of above and below market leases. The income approach was used to determine the allocation of above/below market leases using market rental rates for similar properties.
d.Represents the purchase price allocation of the lease liability and corresponding right of use asset associated with a ground lease. The Company used an incremental borrowing rate of 5.25% for the purpose of calculating the lease liability.
e.Represents the fair market value of Cedar's outstanding 7.25% Series B Preferred Stock and 6.50% Series C Preferred Stock.
f.Represents merger consideration and capitalized transaction costs.
Wheeler Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
3. Real Estate (continued)
Unaudited pro forma financial information in the aggregate is presented below for the acquisition of the Cedar properties. The unaudited pro forma information presented below includes the effects of the Cedar Acquisition as if it had been consummated as of January 1, 2021. The pro forma results include adjustments for depreciation and amortization associated with acquired tangible and intangible assets, straight-line rent adjustments and interest expense related to debt incurred. The unaudited pro forma financial information is presented for informational purposes only and may not be indicative of the results of operations that would have been achieved if this acquisition had taken place on January 1, 2021 or 2022. (Amounts presented in thousands, except per share figures).
Year Ended
December 31,
2022 2021
Rental revenues $ 100,315 $ 98,802
Net loss from continuing operations $ (6,950) $ (9,252)
Net loss attributable to Wheeler REIT $ (7,022) $ (20,096)
Net loss attributable to Wheeler REIT common shareholders $ (26,830) $ (23,893)
Basic loss per share $ (2.75) $ (2.46)
Diluted loss per share $ (2.75) $ (2.46)
4. Deferred Costs and Other Assets
Deferred costs and other assets, net of accumulated amortization are as follows (in thousands):
December 31,
2022 2021
Leases in place, net $ 24,956 $ 7,519
Lease origination costs, net 7,165 1,474
Ground lease sandwich interest, net 1,393 1,667
Tenant relationships, net 500 853
Legal and marketing costs, net 389 14
Prepaid expenses 1,456 413
Other 21 33
Total deferred costs and other assets, net $ 35,880 $ 11,973
As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company’s intangible accumulated amortization totaled $62.35 million and $62.94 million, respectively. During the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company’s intangible amortization expense totaled $6.05 million and $3.73 million, respectively. Future amortization of leases in place, lease origination costs, ground lease sandwich interest, tenant relationships, and legal and marketing costs is as follows (in thousands):
For the Years Ended December 31, Leases in
place, net Lease
origination
costs, net Ground lease sandwich interest, net Tenant
relationships, net Legal &
marketing
costs, net Total
2023 $ 7,702 $ 1,264 $ 274 $ 221 $ 101 $ 9,562
2024 5,178 1,120 274 124 84 6,780
2025 3,637 957 274 62 61 4,991
2026 2,394 830 274 11 48 3,557
2027 1,886 719 274 11 33 2,923
Thereafter 4,159 2,275 23 71 62 6,590
$ 24,956 $ 7,165 $ 1,393 $ 500 $ 389 $ 34,403
Wheeler Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
5. Loans Payable
The Company’s loans payable consist of the following (in thousands, except monthly payment):
Property/Description Monthly Payment Interest
Rate Maturity December 31,
2022 December 31,
Cypress Shopping Center $ 34,360 4.70 % July 2024 $ 5,903 $ 6,031
Port Crossing $ 34,788 4.84 % August 2024 5,641 5,778
Freeway Junction $ 41,798 4.60 % September 2024 7,273 7,431
Harrodsburg Marketplace $ 19,112 4.55 % September 2024 3,186 3,267
Bryan Station $ 23,489 4.52 % November 2024 4,136 4,226
Crockett Square Interest only 4.47 % December 2024 6,338 6,338
Pierpont Centre $ 39,435 4.15 % February 2025 7,716 7,861
Shoppes at Myrtle Park $ 33,180 4.45 % February 2025 5,615 5,757
Alex City Marketplace Interest only 3.95 % April 2025 5,750 5,750
Brook Run Shopping Center Interest only 4.08 % June 2025 10,950 10,950
Beaver Ruin Village I and II Interest only 4.73 % July 2025 9,400 9,400
Sunshine Shopping Plaza Interest only 4.57 % August 2025 5,900 5,900
Barnett Portfolio (2) Interest only 4.30 % September 2025 8,770 8,770
Fort Howard Shopping Center Interest only 4.57 % October 2025 7,100 7,100
Conyers Crossing Interest only 4.67 % October 2025 5,960 5,960
Grove Park Shopping Center Interest only 4.52 % October 2025 3,800 3,800
Parkway Plaza Interest only 4.57 % October 2025 3,500 3,500
Winslow Plaza $ 24,295 4.82 % December 2025 4,409 4,483
Tuckernuck $ 32,202 5.00 % March 2026 4,915 5,052
Chesapeake Square $ 23,857 4.70 % August 2026 4,106 4,192
Sangaree/Tri-County $ 32,329 4.78 % December 2026 6,086 6,176
Riverbridge Interest only 4.48 % December 2026 4,000 4,000
Franklin Village $ 45,336 4.93 % January 2027 8,144 8,277
Village of Martinsville $ 89,664 4.28 % July 2029 15,181 15,589
Laburnum Square Interest only 4.28 % September 2029 7,665 7,665
Rivergate (3) $ 100,222 4.25 % September 2031 18,003 18,430
Convertible Notes Interest only 7.00 % December 2031 33,000 33,000
Guggenheim Loan Agreement (4) Interest only 4.25 % July 2032 75,000 -
JANAF Loan Agreement (5) Interest only 5.31 % July 2032 60,000 -
Guggenheim-Cedar Loan Agreement (6)
Interest only 5.25 % November 2032 110,000 -
Patuxent Crossing/Coliseum Marketplace Loan Agreement Interest only 6.35 % January 2033 25,000 -
Walnut Hill Plaza $ 26,850 5.50 % March 2023 - 3,145
Litchfield Market Village $ 46,057 5.50 % November 2022 - 7,312
Twin City Commons $ 17,827 4.86 % January 2023 - 2,843
New Market $ 48,747 5.65 % June 2023 - 6,291
Benefit Street Note $ 53,185 5.71 % June 2023 - 6,914
Deutsche Bank Note $ 33,340 5.71 % July 2023 - 5,488
First National Bank $ 24,656 LIBOR + 350 basis points
August 2023 - 789
Lumber River $ 10,723 LIBOR + 350 basis points
September 2023 - 1,296
Tampa Festival $ 50,797 5.56 % September 2023 - 7,753
Forrest Gallery $ 50,973 5.40 % September 2023 - 8,060
South Carolina Food Lions Note $ 68,320 5.25 % January 2024 - 11,259
Folly Road $ 41,482 4.65 % March 2025 - 7,063
JANAF $ 333,159 4.49 % July 2023 - 47,065
JANAF Bravo $ 35,076 5.00 % May 2024 - 5,936
JANAF BJ's $ 29,964 4.95 % January 2026 - 4,725
Butler Square Interest only 3.90 % May 2025 - 5,640
Total Principal Balance (1) 482,447 346,262
Unamortized debt issuance cost (1) (16,418) (9,834)
Total Loans Payable, including assets held for sale 466,029 336,428
Less loans payable on assets held for sale, net loan amortization costs - 3,145
Total Loans Payable, net $ 466,029 $ 333,283
(1) Includes loans payable on assets held for sale, see Note 3. The loan agreements include customary prepayment penalties or defeasance costs, which can be incurred by the company when prepaying or defeasing loans.
(2) Collateralized by Cardinal Plaza, Franklinton Square, and Nashville Commons.
(3) October 2026 the interest rate changes to variable interest rate equal to the 5 years U.S. Treasury Rate plus 2.70%, with a floor of 4.25%.
(4) Collateralized by 22 properties.
(5) Collateralized by JANAF properties.
(6) Collateralized by 10 Cedar properties.
Wheeler Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
5. Loans Payable (continued)
Rights Offering and Convertible Notes
On July 22, 2021, the Company commenced a rights offering (the “Rights Offering”) for the purchase of up to $30.00 million in aggregate principal amount of the Company’s 7.00% senior subordinated convertible notes due 2031 (the “Convertible Notes”). On August 13, 2021, the Rights Offering expired. Pursuant to the Rights Offering, the Company distributed to holders of its Common Stock, as of 5:00 p.m. New York City time on June 1, 2021 (the “Record Date”), non-transferable subscription rights to purchase Convertible Notes. Each holder of the Company’s Common Stock as of the Record Date received one right for each eight shares of the Company’s Common Stock owned, and each right entitled a holder to purchase $25.00 principal amount of Convertible Notes. The Rights Offering was made pursuant to an effective registration statement filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The aggregate principal amount of Convertible Notes issued in the Rights Offering was $30.00 million. The Rights Offering was backstopped by Magnetar Structured Credit Fund, LP, Magnetar Longhorn Fund LP, Magnetar Lake Credit Fund LLC, Purpose Alternative Credit Fund - F LLC, Purpose Alternative Credit Fund - T LLC, and AY2 Capital LLC (each individually, a “Backstop Party” and, collectively, the “Backstop Parties”) in the amount of $2.19 million in aggregate principal. On October 12, 2021, the Backstop Parties and their assignee elected to exercise their “accordion right” in full and purchased from the Company an additional $3.00 million in aggregate principal amount of the Company’s Convertible Notes. The Convertible Notes contain debt issuance costs aggregating $7.10 million which is being amortized over the life of the Convertible Notes.
On August 13, 2021, the Company, as Issuer, and Wilmington Savings Fund Society, FSB., as Trustee, entered into an Indenture governing the terms of the Convertible Notes (the "Indenture").
The Convertible Notes bear interest at a rate of 7.00% per annum. Interest on the Convertible Notes is payable semi-annually in arrears on June 30 and December 31 of each year, commencing on December 31, 2021.
The Convertible Notes are subordinate and junior in right of payment to the Company's obligations to the holders of senior indebtedness, and that in the case of any insolvency, receivership, conservatorship, reorganization, readjustment of debt, marshalling of assets and liabilities or similar proceedings or any liquidation or winding-up of or relating to the Company as a whole, whether voluntary or involuntary, all obligations to holders of senior indebtedness shall be entitled to be paid in full before any payment shall be made on account of the principal or interest on the Convertible Notes.
Interest on the Convertible Notes is payable, at the Company's election: (a) in cash; (b) in shares of Series B Preferred; (c) in shares of Series D Preferred; or (d) in any combination of (a), (b), and/or (c). For purposes of determining the value of Series B Preferred and Series D Preferred paid as interest on the Convertible Notes, each share of Series B Preferred and Series D Preferred shall be deemed to have a value equal to the product of (x) the average of the VWAPs (as defined in the Indenture) for the Series B Preferred or the Series D Preferred, as the case may be, for the 15 consecutive trading days ending on the third business day immediately preceding the relevant interest payment date, and (y) 0.55.
Interest payments on the Convertible Notes were made as follows (in thousands, except for shares )
For the years ended December 31, Series B Preferred
number of shares Series D Preferred
number of shares Convertible Note Interest at 7%
Fair value adjustment Paid-in-kind Interest Expense
2021 - 113,709 $ 885 $ 725 $ 1,610
2022 1,511,541 - $ 2,310 $ 1,429 $ 3,739
The Convertible Notes are convertible, in whole or in part, at any time, at the option of the holders of the Convertible Notes, into shares of the Company’s Common Stock at a conversion price of $6.25 per share of the Company’s Common Stock (the “Conversion Price”); provided, however, that if at any time after September 21, 2023, holders of the Series D Preferred have required the Company to redeem (payable in cash or stock) in the aggregate at least 100,000 shares of Series D Preferred, then the Conversion Price will be adjusted to the lower of (i) 55% of the Conversion Price or (ii) a 45% discount to the lowest price at which any Series D Preferred was converted into the Common Stock. Upon a change of control, each Convertible Note will mandatorily convert into shares of the Company’s Common Stock equal to: (i) the principal amount of each Convertible Note divided by (ii) the product of (x) the average of the per share volume-weighted average prices for the Common Stock for the 15 consecutive trading days ending on the third business day immediately preceding the date of such change of control, and (y) 0.55. After January 1, 2024, the Company may redeem the Convertible Notes at any time (in whole or in part) at the
Wheeler Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
5. Loans Payable (continued)
Company's option at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount thereof plus accrued and unpaid interest as of the redemption date (the "Redemption Price"). The Redemption Price may be paid: (a) in cash; (b) in shares of Common Stock; or (c) in any combination of (a) and (b).
Powerscourt Financing Agreement
On December 22, 2020, the Company entered into a financing agreement (the "Powerscourt Financing Agreement") with Powerscourt Investments XXII, LP, as administrative agent and collateral agent. In conjunction with the Powerscourt Financing Agreement, the Company issued to Powerscourt XXII, LP a warrant (the "Powerscourt Warrant") to purchase 496,415 shares of Common Stock for $3.12 per share (the "Powerscourt Warrant Agreement"). The Powerscourt Warrant is exercisable at the option of its holder in whole or in part into shares of Common Stock from time to time on or after December 22, 2020 (the "Effective Date") and before the date that is the 36-month anniversary of the Effective Date.
Additionally, the Company entered into a registration rights agreement with the holders from time to time of the Powerscourt Warrant, dated as of December 22, 2020 (the “Powerscourt Registration Rights Agreement”), accordingly, the Company registered the resale of the common stock underlying the Powerscourt Warrant on a Form S-11 Registration Statement which became effective on May 25, 2021.
On March 12, 2021, the Company paid in full the $25.00 million Powerscourt Financing Agreement. The Powerscourt Warrant Agreement and the Powerscourt Registration Rights Agreement remain as of December 31, 2022, see Note 6.
Wilmington Financing Agreement
On March 12, 2021, the Company entered into a financing agreement (the "Wilmington Financing Agreement") as borrower, certain subsidiaries of the Company from time to time party thereto, as guarantors (together with the Company, the "Loan Parties"), the lenders from time to time party thereto, and Wilmington Savings Fund Society, FSB, as administrative agent and collateral agent. The Wilmington Financing Agreement provided for a term loan in the aggregate principal amount of $35.00 million. The proceeds of the Wilmington Financing Agreement were intended for the following: (i) to payoff the Company's indebtedness on the Powerscourt Financing Agreement, (ii) to fund the redemption of certain shares of the Company's 8.75% Series D Preferred and (iii) to pay fees and expenses in connection with the transactions contemplated by the Wilmington Financing Agreement. The Wilmington Financing Agreement is at a rate of 8.00% and matures in March 2026 with quarterly interest only payments beginning on April 15, 2021. Any payment or repayment of principal will be made with a premium equal to 5% of the amount repaid or prepaid, a total of $1.75 million.
The obligations of the Company under the Wilmington Financing Agreement were secured by liens on certain assets of the Company and certain of the Company's subsidiaries, including mortgages on the properties within the Company's portfolio. The Wilmington Financing Agreement also contains covenants that restrict, among other things the ability of the Company and its subsidiaries to create liens, incur indebtedness, make certain investments, merge or consolidate, dispose of assets, pay certain dividends and make certain other restricted payments or certain equity issuances, change the nature of their businesses, enter into certain transactions with affiliates and change their governing documents.
Pursuant to the Wilmington Financing Agreement, the Company issued to the holders from time to time party thereto a warrant (the "Wilmington Warrant") to purchase in the aggregate 1,061,719 shares of Common Stock in three tranches (the "Wilmington Warrant Agreement"). The Wilmington Warrant is exercisable at the option of its holder in whole or in part into shares of Common Stock from time to time on or after March 12, 2021 (the "Effective Date") and before the maturity date of the Wilmington Financing Agreement.
In connection with the Wilmington Financing Agreement, the Company entered into a registration rights agreement with the holders from time to time of the Wilmington Warrants, dated as of March 12, 2021 (the "Wilmington Registration Rights Agreement"), accordingly, the Company registered the resale of the common stock underlying the Wilmington Warrant on a Form S-11 Registration Statement which became effective on May 25, 2021.
On December 21, 2021, the principal balance on the Wilmington Financing Agreement was paid in full. The Wilmington Warrant Agreement and the Wilmington Registration Rights Agreement remain as of December 31, 2022.
First National Bank Amendment
Wheeler Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
5. Loans Payable (continued)
On September 22, 2021, the Company entered into the Fourth Amendment to extend the $875 thousand First National Bank Loan to August 15, 2023 with monthly principal and interest payments of $25 thousand. The First National Bank Loan will bear interest at LIBOR plus 350 basis points with a minimum interest rate set at 4.25%.
In conjunction with Guggenheim Loan Agreement on June 17, 2022, the principal balance on the First National Bank Loan was paid in full.
Lumber River Extensions
On September 22, 2021, the Company entered into the Fifth Amendment to extend the $1.31 million Lumber River Loan to September 10, 2023 with monthly principal and interest payments of $11 thousand. The Lumber River Loan will bear interest at LIBOR plus 350 basis points with a minimum interest rate set at 4.25%.
In conjunction with Guggenheim Loan Agreement on June 17, 2022, the principal balance on the Lumber River Loan was paid in full.
Tuckernuck Extension and Refinance
On February 2, 2021, the Company refinanced the Tuckernuck Loan for $5.15 million at a rate of 5.00%. The loan matures on March 1, 2026 with monthly principal and interest payments of $32 thousand.
Rivergate Extensions and Refinance
On May 28, 2021, the Company entered into an agreement with Synovus Bank to extend the maturity date from April 21, 2021 to October 20, 2021 with monthly principal payments of $60 thousand plus accrued and unpaid interest. The Rivergate Loan will bear interest at the Synovus Bank's prime rate less 0.25% with a floor of 3.00%. On August 31, 2021 a $3.54 million principal payment was made in conjunction with the outparcel sale.
On September 30, 2021, the Company refinanced the Rivergate Loan for $18.50 million at a rate of 4.25%. The loan matures on September 30, 2031 with monthly principal and interest payments of $100 thousand through September 2026 at which time monthly principal and interest payments begin based on a 20-year amortization and an interest rate change to 5 year U.S. Treasury Rate plus 2.70% with a floor of 4.25%.
Columbia Fire Station Extension and Payoff
On January 21, 2021, the Company entered into a Forbearance Agreement (the "Forbearance Agreement") with Pinnacle Bank at an interest rate of 14% and made a $500 thousand principal payment. The Forbearance Agreement, among other provisions, extends the maturity date of the Columbia Fire Station Loan to July 21, 2021 and waives all defaults and late fees existing prior to the Forbearance Agreement.
On July 21, 2021, the principal balance on the Columbia Fire Station Loan was paid in full.
Berkley/Sangaree/Tri-County Paydown
On March 25, 2021, the Company made a $3.22 million principal payment on the Berkley/Sangaree/Tri-County loan with the sale of the Berkley Shopping Center, as detailed in Note 3, and paid $687 thousand in defeasance.
JANAF Bravo Refinance
On May 5, 2021, the Company refinanced the JANAF Bravo Loan for $6.00 million at a rate of 5.00%. The loan matures on May 5, 2024 with monthly principal and interest payments of $35 thousand.
In conjunction with JANAF Loan Agreement on July 6, 2022, the principal balance on the JANAF Bravo Loan was paid in full.
Wheeler Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
5. Loans Payable (continued)
Walnut Hill Plaza Payoff
In conjunction with the Walnut Hill Plaza sale, as detailed in Note 3, the Company made a $1.79 million principal paydown on the Walnut Hill Plaza loan. On February 17, 2022 the Company paid the remaining loan balance of $1.34 million in full.
Guggenheim Loan Agreement
On June 17, 2022, the Company entered into a term loan agreement (the “Guggenheim Loan Agreement”) with Guggenheim Real Estate, LLC, for $75.00 million at a fixed rate of 4.25% with interest-only payments due monthly. Commencing on August 10, 2027, until the maturity date of July 10, 2032, monthly principal and interest payments will be made based on a 30-year amortization schedule calculated based on the principal amount as of that time. The Guggenheim Loan Agreement proceeds were used to refinance eleven loans including paying $1.46 million in defeasance.
JANAF Loan Agreement
On July 6, 2022, the Company entered into a loan agreement (the “JANAF Loan Agreement”) with CITI Real Estate Funding Inc. for $60.00 million at a fixed interest rate of 5.31% with interest-only payments due monthly through maturity, July 6, 2032. The JANAF Loan Agreement proceeds were used to refinance three loans including paying $1.16 million in defeasance.
KeyBank-Cedar Loan Agreement
On August 22, 2022, Cedar entered into a loan agreement (the “KeyBank-Cedar Loan Agreement”) with KeyBank
National Association for $130.00 million with interest-only payments due monthly through maturity, August 22, 2023. The interest rate on this term loan consisted of the Secured Overnight Financing Rate plus 0.10% plus an applicable margin of 2.5% through February 2023, at which time increases to 4.0% and was collateralized by 19 properties.
The obligations under the KeyBank-Cedar Loan Agreement were satisfied in full with the proceeds of the loans under the Guggenheim-Cedar Loan Agreement entered into on October 28, 2022 and the Patuxent Crossing/Coliseum Marketplace Loan Agreement entered into on December 21, 2022.
Guggenheim-Cedar Loan Agreement
On October 28, 2022, Cedar entered into a loan agreement (the “Guggenheim-Cedar Loan Agreement”) with Guggenheim Real Estate, LLC, for $110.00 million at a fixed rate of 5.25% with interest-only payments due monthly through November 2027. Wheeler REIT, L.P. provided a guarantee in connection with such loan. Commencing on December 10, 2027, until the maturity date of November 10, 2032, monthly principal and interest payments will be made based on a 30-year amortization schedule calculated based on the principal amount as of that time. The Guggenheim-Cedar Loan Agreement proceeds were used to refinance a portion of Cedar’s property portfolio that were previously collateralized by the KeyBank-Cedar Loan Agreement.
Butler Square Payoff
On December 9, 2022, the Company made a $5.64 million principal payment on the Butler Square loan in conjunction with the sale of the Butler Square property, as detailed in Note 3.
Patuxent Crossing/Coliseum Marketplace Loan Agreement
On December 21, 2022, Cedar entered into a loan agreement (the "Patuxent Crossing/Coliseum Marketplace Loan Agreement”) with CITI Real Estate Funding, Inc. for $25.00 million at a fixed rate of 6.35% with interest-only payments due monthly through maturity, January 6, 2033. The Patuxent Crossing/Coliseum Marketplace Loan Agreement proceeds were used to satisfy the remaining obligations of the KeyBank-Cedar Loan Agreement and, accordingly, the remaining collateral was released.
Wheeler Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
5. Loans Payable (continued)
Debt Maturities
The Company’s scheduled principal repayments on indebtedness as of December 31, 2022, are as follows (in thousands):
For the years ended December 31,
2023 $ 2,343
2024 33,690
2025 79,697
2026 19,347
2027 9,440
Thereafter 337,930
Total principal repayments and debt maturities $ 482,447
6. Derivative Liabilities
Fair Value of Warrants
The Company utilized the Monte Carlo simulation model to calculate the fair value of the Powerscourt Warrant and Wilmington Warrant (collectively, the "Warrant Agreements"). Significant observable and unobservable inputs include stock price, conversion price, risk-free rate, term, likelihood of an event of contractual conversion and expected volatility. The Monte Carlo simulation is a Level 3 valuation technique because it requires the development of significant internal assumptions in addition to observable market indicators. The Warrant Agreements contain terms and features that give rise to derivative liability classification. In determining the initial fair value of the Wilmington Warrant, the Company used the following inputs in its Monte Carlo model; exercise price of each of the three tranches described in the table below, Common Stock price $3.75, contractual term to maturity 5.0 years, expected Common Stock volatility 54.72% and risk-free interest rate 0.91%.
Warrants to purchase shares of common stock outstanding at December 31, 2022 and 2021 are as follows:
Warrant Name Warrants Exercise Price Expiration Date
Powerscort Warrant 496,415 $3.120 12/22/2023
Wilmington Warrant Tranche A 510,204 $3.430 3/12/2026
Wilmington Warrant Tranche B 424,242 $4.125 3/12/2026
Wilmington Warrant Tranche C 127,273 $6.875 3/12/2026
In measuring the warrant liability, the Company used the following inputs in its Monte Carlo Model:
For the Years Ended December 31,
2022 2021
Common Stock price $1.40 $1.94
Weighted average contractual term to maturity 2.5 years 3.5 years
Range of expected market volatility % 66.00% - 72.88%
70.12% - 81.00%
Range of risk-free interest rate 4.14% - 4.68%
0.72% - 1.16%
Fair Value of Conversion Features Related to Convertible Notes
The Company identified certain embedded derivatives related to the conversion features of the Convertible Notes. In accordance with ASC 815-40, Derivatives and Hedging Activities, the embedded conversion options contained within the Convertible Notes were accounted for as derivative liabilities at the date of issuance and shall be adjusted to fair value through each reporting date. The Company utilized a multinomial lattice model to calculate the fair value of the embedded derivatives. Significant observable and unobservable inputs include, conversion price, stock price, dividend rate, expected volatility, risk-
Wheeler Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
6. Derivative Liabilities (continued)
free rate and term. The multinomial lattice model is a Level 3 valuation technique because it requires the development of significant internal assumptions in addition to observable market indicators. In determining the initial fair value of the embedded derivatives, the Company used the following inputs in its multinomial lattice model; initial conversion price within the Convertible Notes was $6.25, Common Stock price of $2.94, dividend rate of 0%, expected Common Stock volatility 50.00%, risk-free interest rate 1.53% and contractual term to maturity was 10.3 years.
In measuring the embedded derivative liability, the Company used the following inputs in its multinomial lattice model:
December 31, 2022 December 31, 2021
Conversion price $6.25 $6.25
Common Stock price $1.40 $1.94
Contractual term to maturity 9.0 years 10.1 years
Expected market volatility % 205.00% 80.00%
Risk-free interest rate 3.87% 1.51%
Traded WHLRL price % of par 120.50% 113.96%
The following table sets forth a summary of the changes in fair value of the Company's derivative liabilities, which include both the warrant liabilities and embedded derivative liability (in thousands):
Year Ended December 31, 2022 Year Ended December 31, 2021
Balance at the beginning of period $ 4,776 $ 594
Issuance of Wilmington Warrant - 2,018
Issuance of embedded derivative - 5,932
Changes in fair value 2,335 (3,768)
Balance at ending of period $ 7,111 $ 4,776
Wheeler Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
7. Rentals under Operating Leases
Future minimum rents to be received under noncancelable tenant operating leases, excluding rents on assets held for sale, for each of the next five years and thereafter, excluding tenant reimbursements and percentage rent based on tenant sales volume, as of December 31, 2022 are as follows (in thousands):
For the years ended December 31,
2023 $ 71,562
2024 66,076
2025 56,970
2026 46,507
2027 37,195
Thereafter 104,546
Total minimum rents $ 382,856
8. Equity and Mezzanine Equity
The Company has authority to issue 215,000,000 shares of stock, consisting of 200,000,000 shares of $0.01 par value Common Stock (“Common Stock”) and 15,000,000 shares of preferred stock of which 5,000,000 shares have been classified as no par value Series B Preferred Stock (“Series B Preferred”), 6,000,000 shares as Series D Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock ("Series D Preferred") and 4,500 shares of Series A Preferred Stock ("Series A Preferred").
Substantially all of our business is conducted through the Company’s Operating Partnership. The Trust is the sole general partner of the Operating Partnership and owned a 99.05% and 98.59% interest in the Operating Partnership as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Limited partners in the Operating Partnership have the right to redeem their common units for cash or, at our option, common shares at a ratio of one common unit for one common share. Distributions to common unit holders are paid at the same rate per unit as dividends per share to the Trust’s common stockholders. As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, there were 15,227,758 of common units outstanding with the Trust owning 15,082,816 and 15,012,415, respectively, of these common units.
Series A Preferred Stock
At December 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company had 562 shares without par value Series A Preferred issued and outstanding and a $1,000 liquidation preference per share, or $562 thousand in aggregate. The Company has the right to redeem the 562 shares of Series A Preferred, on a pro rata basis, at any time at a price equal to 103% of the purchase price for the Series A Preferred.
Series B Preferred Stock
At December 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company had 3,379,142 and 1,872,448 shares, issued and outstanding, respectively, without par value Series B Preferred with a $25.00 liquidation preference per share, or $84.48 million and $46.81 million, respectively. Holders of Series B Preferred shares have the right to receive, only when and as authorized by the Board of Directors and declared by the Company, out of funds legally available for the payment of dividends, cash dividends, at a rate of 9% per annum of the $25 liquidation preference per share. The Series B Preferred has no redemption rights. However, the Series B Preferred is subject to a mandatory conversion once the 20-trading day volume-weighted average closing price of our Common Stock, exceeds $58 per share; once this weighted average closing price is met, each share of our Series B Preferred will automatically convert into shares of our Common Stock at a conversion price equal to $40.00 per share of Common Stock. In addition, holders of our Series B Preferred also have the option, at any time, to convert shares of our Series B Preferred into shares of our Common Stock at a conversion price of $40.00 per share of Common Stock. Upon any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our company, the holders of shares of our Series B Preferred shall be entitled to be paid out of our assets a liquidation preference of $25.00 per share. The Series B Preferred has no maturity date and will remain outstanding indefinitely unless subject to a mandatory or voluntary conversion as described above.
Wheeler Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
8. Equity and Mezzanine Equity (continued)
Series D Preferred Stock - Redeemable Preferred Stock and Tender Offers
At December 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company had 3,152,392 issued and outstanding, of Series D Preferred, without par value with a $25.00 liquidation preference per share, and a liquidation value of $113.44 million and $104.97 million in aggregate, respectively. Until September 21, 2023, the holders of the Series D Preferred are entitled to receive cumulative cash dividends at a rate of 8.75% per annum of the $25.00 liquidation preference per share (equivalent to the fixed annual amount of $2.1875 per share) (the “Initial Rate”). Commencing September 21, 2023, the holders will be entitled to cumulative cash dividends at an annual dividend rate of the Initial Rate increased by 2% of the liquidation preference per annum on each subsequent anniversary thereafter, subject to a maximum annual dividend rate of 14%. Dividends are payable quarterly in arrears on or before January 15th, April 15th, July 15th and October 15th of each year. On or after September 21, 2021, the Company may, at its option, redeem the Series D Preferred, for cash at a redemption price of $25.00 per share, plus an amount equal to all accrued and unpaid dividends, if any, to and including the redemption date. The holder of the Series D Preferred may convert shares at any time into shares of the Company’s Common Stock at an initial conversion rate of $16.96 per share of Common Stock. After September 21, 2023, the holders of the Series D Preferred may, at their option, elect to cause the Company to redeem any or all of their shares at a redemption price of $25.00 per share, plus an amount equal to all accrued and unpaid dividends, if any, to and including the redemption date, payable in cash or in shares of Common Stock, or any combination thereof, at the Company's option.
The Series D Preferred requires the Company maintain asset coverage of at least 200%. If we fail to maintain asset coverage of at least 200% calculated by determining the percentage value of (i) our total assets plus accumulated depreciation and accumulated amortization minus our total liabilities and indebtedness as reported in our financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”) (exclusive of the book value of any Redeemable and Term Preferred Stock (defined below)) over (ii) the aggregate liquidation preference, plus an amount equal to all accrued and unpaid dividends, of outstanding shares of our Series D Preferred and any outstanding shares of term preferred stock or preferred stock providing for a fixed mandatory redemption date or maturity date (collectively referred to as “Redeemable and Term Preferred Stock”) on the last business day of any calendar quarter (“Asset Coverage Ratio”), and such failure is not cured by the close of business on the date that is 30 calendar days following the filing date of our Annual Report on Form 10-K or Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, as applicable, for that quarter, or the “Asset Coverage Cure Date,” then we will be required to redeem, within 90 calendar days of the Asset Coverage Cure Date, shares of Redeemable and Term Preferred Stock, which may include Series D Preferred, at least equal to the lesser of (i) the minimum number of shares of Redeemable and Term Preferred Stock that will result in us having a coverage ratio of at least 200% and (ii) the maximum number of shares of Redeemable and Term Preferred Stock that can be redeemed solely out of funds legally available for such redemption. In connection with any redemption for failure to maintain the Asset Coverage Ratio, we may, in our sole option, redeem any shares of Redeemable and Term Preferred Stock we select, including on a non-pro rata basis. We may elect not to redeem any Series D Preferred to cure such failure as long as we cure our failure to meet the Asset Coverage Ratio by or on the Asset Coverage Cure Date. If shares of Series D Preferred are to be redeemed for failure to maintain the Asset Coverage Ratio, such shares will be redeemed solely in cash at a redemption price equal to $25.00 per share plus an amount equal to all accrued but unpaid dividends, if any, on such shares (whether or not declared) to and including the redemption date.
Dividends on the Series D Preferred cumulate from the end of the most recent dividend period for which dividends have been paid. Dividends on the Series D Preferred cumulate whether or not (i) we have earnings, (ii) there are funds legally available for the payment of such dividends and (iii) such dividends are authorized by our Board of Directors or declared by us. Dividends on the Series D Preferred do not bear interest. If the Company, fails to pay any dividend within three (3) business days after the payment date for such dividend, the then-current dividend rate increases following the payment date by an additional 2.0% of the $25.00 stated liquidation preference per share, or $0.50 per annum, until we pay the dividend, subject to our ability to cure the failure. On December 20, 2018, the Company suspended the Series D Preferred dividend. As such, the Series D Preferred shares began accumulating dividends at 10.75% beginning January 1, 2019 and will continue to accumulate dividends at this rate until all accumulated dividends have been paid.
Holders of shares of the Series D Preferred have no voting rights. Pursuant to the Company's Articles Supplementary, if dividends on the Series D Preferred are in arrears for six or more consecutive quarterly periods (a "Preferred Dividend Default") holders of shares of the Series D Preferred and the holders of Series A Preferred and Series B Preferred upon which, like voting rights have been conferred and are exercisable (such the Series A Preferred and Series B Preferred together, being the "Parity Preferred Stock"), shall be entitled to vote for the election of two additional directors to serve on the Board of Directors (the "Series D Preferred Directors"). A Preferred Dividend Default occurred on April 15, 2020. The election of the Series D Preferred Directors will take place upon the written request of the holders of record of at least 20% of the Series D
Wheeler Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
8. Equity and Mezzanine Equity (continued)
Preferred and Parity Preferred Stock. The Board of Directors is not permitted to fill the vacancies on the Board of Directors as a result of the failure of the holders of 20% of the Series D Preferred and Parity Preferred Stock to deliver such written request for the election of the Series D Preferred Directors. The Series D Preferred Directors may serve on our Board of Directors, until all unpaid dividends on such Series D Preferred and Parity Preferred Stock, if any, have been paid or declared and a sum sufficient for the payment thereof is set apart for payment.
The Company through “modified Dutch auction” tender offers on the Series D Preferred accepted for purchase 387,097 shares at a purchase price of $15.50 per share, for an aggregate cost of $6.00 million on March 12, 2021, and 103,513 shares of Series D Preferred at a purchase price of $18.00 per share, for an aggregate cost of $1.86 million on May 15, 2021, both excluding fees and expenses.
The changes in the carrying value of the Series D Preferred for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 is as follows (in thousands):
Series D Preferred
Balance December 31, 2020 $ 95,563
Accretion of Preferred Stock discount 513
Undeclared dividends 8,237
Paid-in-kind interest, issuance of Preferred Stock 1,610
Redemption of Preferred Stock (13,375)
Balance December 31, 2021 92,548
Accretion of Preferred Stock discount 498
Undeclared dividends 8,472
Balance December 31, 2022 $ 101,518
Earnings per share
Basic earnings per share for the Company’s common stockholder is calculated by dividing income (loss) from continuing operations, excluding amounts attributable to preferred stockholders and the net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests, by the Company’s weighted-average shares of Common Stock outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share is computed by dividing the net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders, excluding amounts attributable to preferred stockholders and the net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests, by the weighted-average number of common shares including any dilutive shares.
The following table summarizes the potential dilution of conversion of common units, Series B Preferred, Series D Preferred, warrants and Convertible Notes into the Company's Common Stock. These have been excluded from the Company’s diluted earnings per share calculation because their inclusion would be antidilutive.
December 31, 2022 December 31, 2021
Outstanding shares Potential Dilutive Shares Outstanding shares Potential Dilutive Shares
Common units 144,942 144,942 215,343 215,343
Series B Preferred Stock 3,379,142 2,111,964 1,872,448 1,170,280
Series D Preferred Stock 3,152,392 6,688,898 3,152,392 6,189,366
Warrants to purchase Common Stock - 1,558,134 - 1,558,134
Convertible Notes - 38,562,586 - 31,801,297
Dividends
Wheeler Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
8. Equity and Mezzanine Equity (continued)
On November 3, 2021, common stockholders of the Company voted to amend the Company’s Charter to remove the cumulative dividend rights of the Series A Preferred and Series B Preferred.
The following table summarizes the Series D Preferred dividends (in thousands except for per share amounts):
Series D Preferred
Record Date/Arrears Date Arrears Per Share
For the year ended December 31, 2022 $ 8,472 $ 2.69
For the year ended December 31, 2021 $ 8,167 $ 2.59
The total cumulative dividends in arrears for Series D Preferred (per share $10.99) as of December 31, 2022 is $34.63 million. There were no dividends declared to holders of Common Stock, Series A Preferred, Series B Preferred or Series D Preferred during years ended December 31, 2022 or 2021.
2015 Long-Term Incentive Plan
On June 4, 2015, the Company's stockholders approved the 2015 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the "2015 Incentive Plan"). The 2015 Incentive Plan allows for issuance of up to 125,000 shares of the Company's Common Stock to employees, directors, officers and consultants for services rendered to the Company. The 2015 Incentive Plan replaced the 2012 Stock Incentive Plan.
As of December 31, 2022, there are 41,104 shares available for issuance under the Company’s 2015 Incentive Plan and there were no shares issued in 2022 or 2021.
2016 Long-Term Incentive Plan
On June 15, 2016, the Company's stockholders approved the 2016 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the "2016 Incentive Plan"). The 2016 Incentive Plan allows for issuance of up to 625,000 shares of the Company's Common Stock to employees, directors, officers and consultants for services rendered to the Company.
For the Years Ended December 31, Shares Issued Market Value
(in thousands)
2022 - $ -
2021 5,000 14
As of December 31, 2022, there are 127,707 shares available for issuance under the Company’s 2016 Incentive Plan.
Cancellation of Stock Appreciation Rights Agreement
Effective July 5, 2021, Daniel Khoshaba resigned as the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company and as a member of the Board of Directors and as a member of the Executive Committee of our Board of Directors. Upon Mr. Khoshaba’s cessation of employment with the Company, all of his rights under that certain Stock Appreciation Rights Agreement, dated August 4, 2020, by and between Mr. Khoshaba and the Company (the “SAR Agreement”), were forfeited for no consideration.
9. Lease Commitments
The Company has ground leases and leases its corporate headquarters; both are accounted for as operating leases. Most leases include one or more options to renew, with renewal terms that can extend the lease term from 5 to 50 years. As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, the weighted average remaining lease term of our leases is 34 and 31 years, respectively. Rent expense under the operating lease agreements were $1.15 million and $1.06 million for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
Wheeler Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
9. Lease Commitments (continued)
The Cedar Portfolio has a ground lease which is accounted for as an operating lease expiring in 2071 and is included in the purchase price allocation discussed in Note 3 of this Form 10-K.
Supplemental information related to leases is as follows (in thousands):
For the Years Ended December 31,
2022 2021
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of operating lease liabilities $ 956 $ 902
Undiscounted cash flows of our scheduled obligations for future minimum lease payments due under the operating leases, including applicable automatic extension options and options reasonably certain of being exercised, as of December 31, 2022 and a reconciliation of those cash flows to the operating lease liabilities at December 31, 2022 are as follows (in thousands):
For the years ended December 31,
2023 $ 1,113
2024 1,115
2025 1,119
2026 1,148
2027 1,152
Thereafter 30,829
Total minimum lease payments (1)
36,476
Discount (19,998)
Operating lease liabilities $ 16,478
(1) Operating lease payments include $7.54 million related to options to extend lease terms that are reasonably certain of being exercised.
10. Commitments and Contingencies
Insurance
The Company carries comprehensive liability, fire, extended coverage, business interruption and rental loss insurance covering all of the properties in its portfolio under an insurance policy, in addition to other coverages, such as trademark and pollution coverage that may be appropriate for certain of its properties. Additionally, the Company carries a directors’, officers’, entity and employment practices liability insurance policy that covers such claims made against the Company and its directors and officers. The Company believes the policy specifications and insured limits are appropriate and adequate for its properties given the relative risk of loss, the cost of the coverage and industry practice; however, its insurance coverage may not be sufficient to fully cover losses.
Concentration of Credit Risk
The Company is subject to risks incidental to the ownership and operation of commercial real estate. These risks include, among others, the risks normally associated with changes in the general economic climate, trends in the retail industry, creditworthiness of tenants, competition for tenants and customers, changes in tax laws, interest rates, the availability of financing and potential liability under environmental and other laws.
The Company’s portfolio of properties is dependent upon regional and local economic conditions and is geographically located in the Mid-Atlantic, Southeast, and Northeast, which markets represented approximately 44%, 41% and 15%, respectively, of the total annualized base rent of the properties in its portfolio as of December 31, 2022. The Company’s geographic concentration may cause it to be more susceptible to adverse developments in those markets than if it owned a more geographically diverse portfolio. Additionally, the Company’s retail shopping center properties depend on anchor stores or major tenants to attract shoppers and could be adversely affected by the loss of, or a store closure by, one or more of these tenants.
Wheeler Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
10. Commitments and Contingencies (continued)
Regulatory and Environmental
As the owner of the buildings on our properties, the Company could face liability for the presence of hazardous materials (e.g., asbestos or lead) or other adverse conditions (e.g., poor indoor air quality) in its buildings. Environmental laws govern the presence, maintenance, and removal of hazardous materials in buildings, and if the Company does not comply with such laws, it could face fines for such noncompliance. Also, the Company could be liable to third parties (e.g., occupants of the buildings) for damages related to exposure to hazardous materials or adverse conditions in its buildings, and the Company could incur material expenses with respect to abatement or remediation of hazardous materials or other adverse conditions in its buildings. In addition, some of the Company’s tenants routinely handle and use hazardous or regulated substances and wastes as part of their operations at our properties, which are subject to regulation. Such environmental and health and safety laws and regulations could subject the Company or its tenants to liability resulting from these activities. Environmental liabilities could affect a tenant’s ability to make rental payments to the Company, and changes in laws could increase the potential liability for noncompliance. This may result in significant unanticipated expenditures or may otherwise materially and adversely affect the Company’s operations. The Company is not aware of any material contingent liabilities, regulatory matters or environmental matters that may exist.
Litigation
The Company is involved in various legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of its business, including, but not limited to commercial disputes. The Company believes that such litigation, claims and administrative proceedings will not have a material adverse impact on its financial position or its results of operations. The Company records a liability when it considers the loss probable and the amount can be reasonably estimated. In addition, the below legal proceedings are in process.
David Kelly v. Wheeler Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc., Circuit Court for the City of Virginia Beach, Virginia. Former CEO David Kelly filed suit on May 28, 2020, alleging breach of his employment contract. On March 15, 2022, the Court granted Mr. Kelly $340 thousand with interest thereon at a rate of 6% per annum from the date of termination, April 13, 2020, until paid, plus attorneys' fees and costs in the amount of $311 thousand. On March 31, 2022, $691 thousand was paid to Mr. Kelly. The Company has now fulfilled its obligations pursuant to the Court’s Order in this case.
JCP Investment Partnership LP, et al v. Wheeler Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc., United States District Court for the District of Maryland. On March 22, 2021, JCP Investment Partnership, LP, a Texas limited partnership and stockholder of the Company, JCP Investment Partners, LP, a Texas limited partnership and stockholder of the Company, JCP Investment Holdings, LLC, a Texas limited liability company and stockholder of the Company, and JCP Investment Management, LLC, a Texas limited liability company and stockholder of the Company (collectively, the “JCP Plaintiffs”), filed suit against the Company and certain current and former directors and former officers of the Company (the “Individual Defendants”). The complaint alleged that the Company amended provisions of its charter (as set forth in the Articles Supplementary in 2018) governing the issuance of the Company’s Series D Preferred in violation of Maryland corporate law and without obtaining the consent of preferred stockholders and, therefore, the court should declare the Company’s said amendment invalid, enjoin further purportedly unauthorized amendments, and either compel the Company to redeem the JCP Plaintiffs' stock or enter judgment for monetary damages the JCP Plaintiffs purportedly sustained based on the Company’s alleged breach of its contractual duties to redeem the JCP Plaintiffs’ Series D Preferred. The complaint also alleges certain violations of Section 10(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), and Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder, and alleges that the Individual Defendants violated Section 20(a) of the Exchange Act. The JCP Plaintiffs are each purportedly a holder of the Company’s Series D Preferred. The complaint sought damages, interest, attorneys’ fees, other costs and expenses, and such other relief as the court may deem just and equitable. The Company filed an answer to the complaint denying any liability. The Individual Defendants filed a motion to dismiss the complaint, which was denied. The JCP Plaintiffs filed a Motion For Partial Summary Judgment, as to which the Company and the Individual Defendants filed oppositions. The Judge denied the JCP Plaintiffs' Motion and ordered the parties to prepare a joint discovery schedule. The Judge also ordered the parties to engage in mediation with a Magistrate Judge. During the mediation process, the Company made no offers of settlement. On or about November 2, 2022, the JCP Plaintiffs entered into a Settlement Agreement resolving all their claims against the Individual Defendants, but to which the Company did not join. Thereafter, the JCP Plaintiffs advised the Company that they had decided to dismiss their claims against the Company, and the JCP Plaintiffs requested pursuant to applicable rule that the Company consent to the filing of a Stipulation of
Wheeler Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
10. Commitments and Contingencies (continued)
Dismissal. The Company consented, and on November 3, 2022, the Stipulation of Dismissal was filed dismissing with prejudice all of the JCP Plaintiffs’ claims against the Company.
Steamboat Capital Partners Master Fund, LP and Steamboat Capital Partners II, LP v. Wheeler Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc., Steamboat Capital Partners Master Fund, LP and Steamboat Capital Partners II, LP v. Wheeler Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc., Circuit Court for Baltimore County, Maryland. On September 20, 2022, summary judgment concluded in the Company's favor and the plaintiffs did not file an appeal.
In Re: Cedar Realty Trust, Inc. Preferred Shareholder Litigation, Case No.: 1:22-cv-1103, in the United States District Court for the District of Maryland. On April 8, 2022, several purported holders of preferred stock of Cedar Realty Trust, Inc. (“Cedar”) filed a putative class action in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland against Cedar, Cedar’s former Board of Directors, and the Company arising out of transactions that included the then pending acquisition of Cedar by the Company. The defendants removed the case to federal court. David Sydney, et. al. v. Cedar Realty Trust, Inc., Wheeler Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc. et al. in the United States District Court for the District of Maryland, Case No. 8:22-cv-01142. On May 6, 2022, a purported holder of preferred stock of Cedar filed a separate putative class action on the United States District Court for the District of Maryland, Case No. 1:22-cv-01103 against Cedar and Cedar’s former Board of Directors arising out of those same transactions. Following the denial of motions seeking to enjoin the acquisition of Cedar by the Company and other preliminary relief, the cases were consolidated under Case No.: 1-22-cv-1103. A consolidated amended complaint was filed on August 24, 2022 (the “Operative Complaint”). The Operative Complaint includes allegations of breach of contract against Cedar with respect to the Articles Supplementary governing the terms of Cedar’s preferred stock and breach of fiduciary duty against the members of Cedar’s former Board of Directors. The plaintiffs allege that Cedar breached their liquidation and conversion rights as set forth in Cedar’s Articles Supplementary, and that the members of Cedar’s former Board of Directors breached their fiduciary duty in structuring the transactions that include the merger. The Complaint further alleges that the Company tortiously interfered with Cedar’s contract with the owners of Cedar’s preferred stock and aided and abetted the alleged breach of fiduciary duty by Cedar’s former Board of Directors. The Operative Complaint seeks damages in an unspecified amount. The Company and Cedar have filed a motion to dismiss the Operative Complaint in its entirety which is fully briefed. The plaintiffs have recently filed a motion to certify an issue of law addressed in the motion to dismiss to Maryland’s Supreme Court. That motion is not yet fully briefed. At this juncture, the outcome of the litigation is uncertain.
Krasner v. Cedar Realty Trust, Inc., et. al., in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York, Case No. 2:22-cv-06945. On October 14, 2022, a purported holder of preferred stock of Cedar filed a putative class action in the Supreme Court of the State of New York County of Nassau, Index Number 613985/2022, against Cedar, Cedar’s former Board of Directors, and the Company alleging the same claims asserted in the In Re: Cedar Realty Trust, Inc. Preferred Shareholder Litigation discussed above. The defendants removed the case to federal court. The plaintiff filed a motion to remand the case to state court which is fully briefed. The Company and Cedar intend to seek procedural relief precluding this case from proceeding in tandem with the Maryland action. At this juncture, the outcome of the litigation is uncertain.
High Income Securities Fund v. Cedar Realty Trust, Inc., et al., No. 2:22-cv-4031, in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York. On July 11, 2022, a purported holder of the Company's outstanding preferred stock filed a complaint against Cedar and Cedar's former Board of Directors alleging that the Defendants violated Section 10(b) of the Exchange Act and SEC Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder by making false and misleading statements and omissions, and that the former Cedar Board are control persons under Section 20(a) of the Exchange Act. On August 12, 2022, Defendants requested permission to file a motion to dismiss, and Plaintiff responded to Defendants’ request on September 7, 2022. The court granted Defendants’ request to file a motion to dismiss on October 25, 2022. Defendants served their motion to dismiss on December 23, 2022, which Plaintiff opposed on January 27, 2023. Defendants filed a reply brief on the motion to dismiss on February 17, 2023. At this juncture, the outcome of the litigation is uncertain.
Harbor Pointe Tax Increment Financing
On September 1, 2011, the Grove Economic Development Authority issued the Grove Economic Development Authority Tax Increment Revenue Note, Taxable Series 2011 in the amount of $2.42 million, bearing a variable interest rate of 2.29%, not to exceed 14% and payable in 50 semi-annual installments. The proceeds of the bonds were to provide funding for
Wheeler Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
10. Commitments and Contingencies (continued)
the construction of public infrastructure and other site improvements and to be repaid by incremental additional property taxes generated by development. Harbor Pointe Associates, LLC, then owned by an affiliate of former CEO, Jon Wheeler, entered into an Economic Development Agreement with the Grove Economic Development Authority for this infrastructure development and in the event the ad valorem taxes were insufficient to cover annual debt service, Harbor Pointe Associates, LLC would reimburse the Grove Economic Development Authority (the “Harbor Pointe Agreement”). In 2014, Harbor Pointe Associates, LLC was acquired by the Company.
The total debt service shortfall over the life of the bond is uncertain as it is based on ad valorem taxes, assessed property values, property tax rates, LIBOR and future potential development ranging until 2036. The Company’s future total principal obligation under the Harbor Pointe Agreement will be no more than $2.04 million, the principal amount of the bonds, as of December 31, 2022. In addition, the Company may have an interest obligation on the note based on the principal balance and LIBOR rates in effect at future payment dates. The Company funded approximately $42 thousand and $87 thousand, during the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively, in debt service shortfalls. No amounts have been accrued for this as of December 31, 2022 as a reasonable estimate of future debt service shortfalls cannot be determined based on variables noted above.
Tax Protection Agreement
In 2016, in connection with the acquisition of Berkley, Sangaree and Tri-County, the Operating Partnership entered into a tax protection agreement that obligates the Operating Partnership to reimburse Jon Wheeler, the Company's former CEO, for his tax liabilities resulting from the recognition of certain taxable income or gain in the event the Operating Partnership takes certain action prior to November 10, 2023 with respect to Sangaree Plaza, Tri-County Plaza and Berkley. No liability was recorded as of December 31, 2022.
11. Related Party Transactions
The Company performs property management and leasing services for Cedar, a subsidiary of the Company. During the year ended December 31, 2022, Cedar paid the Company $1.05 million for these services. Related party amounts due to the Company as of December 31, 2022 were $7.33 million, which consists primarily of financing costs, real estate taxes and costs paid on Cedar's behalf at the closing of the KeyBank-Cedar Loan Agreement. These related party amounts have been eliminated for consolidation purposes.
Reimbursement of Proxy Solicitation Expenses
The Company agreed to reimburse the Stilwell Value Partners VII, L.P., Stilwell Activist Fund, L.P., Stilwell Activist Investments, L.P., Stilwell Value LLC and Joseph Stilwell (collectively, the “Stilwell Group”), for expenses it incurred in connection with the 2019 Stilwell Solicitation. At the 2019 annual meeting, our stockholders elected three nominees designated by the Stilwell Group to the Board of Directors. The Stilwell Group disclosed in the Stilwell Solicitation that it intended to seek reimbursement of the expenses it incurred in connection with such solicitation. This reimbursement was recorded on the consolidated statements of operations as "other expense". During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company reimbursed the Stilwell Group $369 thousand for these costs. As of December 31, 2021, the Company had reimbursed the Stilwell Group in full for these expenses.
12. Subsequent Events
On February 21, 2023 the Company purchased a 2.5 acre land parcel adjacent to St. George Plaza, located in St. George, SC, for $160 thousand.
Wheeler Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Schedule II-Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
December 31, 2022
Description Balance at
Beginning
of Year Charged to
Costs and
Expense Deductions
from
Reserves Balance at
End of
Year
(in thousands)
Allowance for doubtful accounts:
Year Ended December 31, 2022 $ 4,262 (1) $ 361 $ (1,477) $ 3,146
Year Ended December 31, 2021 $ 994 $ 239 $ (600) $ 633
(1) The Cedar Acquisition purchase price allocation related to allowance for doubtful accounts of $3.63 million is included within the beginning year ended December 31, 2022 column.
Wheeler Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Schedule III-Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation
December 31, 2022
Initial Cost Costs Capitalized
Subsequent
to Acquisition Gross Amount at which Carried
at End of Period
Property Name Land Building and
Improvements Improvements
(net) Carrying
Costs Land Building and
Improvements Total
WHLR (in thousands)
Amscot Building $ - $ 462 $ 31 $ - $ - $ 493 $ 493
Lumber River Village 800 4,487 221 - 1,005 4,503 5,508
Surrey Plaza 381 1,857 516 - 701 2,053 2,754
Tuckernuck 2,115 6,719 1,316 - 2,171 7,979 10,150
Twin City Commons 800 3,041 151 - 809 3,183 3,992
Tampa Festival 4,653 6,691 1,144 - 4,695 7,793 12,488
Forrest Gallery 3,015 7,455 2,645 - 3,192 9,923 13,115
Winslow Plaza 1,325 3,684 462 - 1,582 3,889 5,471
Clover Plaza 356 1,197 29 - 356 1,226 1,582
St. George Plaza 706 1,264 235 - 776 1,429 2,205
South Square 353 1,911 328 - 480 2,112 2,592
Westland Square 887 1,710 216 - 901 1,912 2,813
Waterway Plaza 1,280 1,248 430 - 1,474 1,484 2,958
Cypress Shopping Center 2,064 4,579 367 - 2,064 4,946 7,010
Harrodsburg Marketplace 1,431 2,485 80 - 1,515 2,481 3,996
Port Crossing Shopping Center 792 6,921 212 - 792 7,133 7,925
LaGrange Marketplace 390 2,648 429 - 430 3,037 3,467
DF I-Courtland (1)
196 - - - 196 - 196
DF I-Edenton (1)
746 - - - 746 - 746
Freeway Junction 1,521 6,755 213 - 1,521 6,968 8,489
Bryan Station 1,658 2,756 338 - 1,807 2,945 4,752
Crockett Square 1,546 6,834 233 - 1,565 7,048 8,613
Harbor Pointe (1)
778 - (359) - 419 - 419
Pierpont Centre 484 9,221 494 - 881 9,318 10,199
Brook Run Properties 300 - 8 - 300 8 308
Alex City Marketplace 454 7,837 1,879 - 716 9,454 10,170
Brook Run Shopping Center 2,209 12,919 326 - 2,377 13,077 15,454
Beaver Ruin Village 2,604 8,284 114 - 2,619 8,383 11,002
Beaver Ruin Village II 1,153 2,809 5 - 1,153 2,814 3,967
Chesapeake Square 895 4,112 1,088 - 1,269 4,826 6,095
Sunshine Plaza 1,183 6,368 584 - 1,268 6,867 8,135
Barnett Portfolio 3,107 8,912 497 - 3,293 9,223 12,516
Grove Park 722 4,590 69 - 790 4,591 5,381
Parkway Plaza 772 4,230 72 - 778 4,296 5,074
Fort Howard Square 1,890 7,350 343 - 1,952 7,631 9,583
Conyers Crossing 2,034 6,820 351 - 2,138 7,067 9,205
Darien Shopping Center 188 1,054 (17) - 188 1,037 1,225
Devine Street 365 1,941 (4) - 365 1,937 2,302
Folly Road 5,992 4,527 43 - 6,020 4,542 10,562
Georgetown 742 1,917 126 - 753 2,032 2,785
Initial Cost Costs Capitalized
Subsequent
to Acquisition Gross Amount at which Carried
at End of Period
Property Name Land Building and
Improvements Improvements
(net) Carrying
Costs Land Building and
Improvements Total
Ladson Crossing $ 2,981 $ 3,920 $ 206 - $ 3,146 $ 3,961 $ 7,107
Lake Greenwood Crossing 550 2,499 17 - 550 2,516 3,066
Lake Murray 447 1,537 42 - 470 1,556 2,026
Litchfield I 568 929 84 - 572 1,009 1,581
Litchfield II 568 936 146 - 572 1,078 1,650
Litchfield Market Village 2,970 4,716 590 - 3,125 5,151 8,276
Moncks Corner - 1,109 9 - - 1,118 1,118
Ridgeland 203 376 - - 203 376 579
Shoppes at Myrtle Park 3,182 5,360 1,103 - 3,182 6,463 9,645
South Lake 804 2,025 931 - 804 2,956 3,760
South Park 943 2,967 114 - 1,005 3,019 4,024
Sangaree 2,302 2,922 762 - 2,503 3,483 5,986
Tri-County 411 3,421 379 - 635 3,576 4,211
Riverbridge 774 5,384 69 - 815 5,412 6,227
Laburnum Square 3,735 5,929 278 - 3,827 6,115 9,942
Franklin Village 2,608 9,426 433 - 2,685 9,782 12,467
Village at Martinsville 5,208 12,879 997 - 5,228 13,856 19,084
New Market Crossing 993 5,216 782 - 1,060 5,931 6,991
Rivergate Shopping Center 1,537 29,177 1,189 - 1,687 30,216 31,903
JANAF 8,267 66,549 1,548 - 8,514 67,850 76,364
Totals $ 91,938 $ 334,872 $ 24,894 $ - $ 96,640 $ 355,064 $ 451,704
CDR
Brickyard Plaza $ 1,989 $ 13,119 $ - $ - $ 1,989 $ 13,119 $ 15,108
Carll's Corner 2,193 3,011 - - 2,193 3,011 5,204
Coliseum Marketplace 1,226 3,172 27 - 1,226 3,199 4,425
Fairview Commons 948 2,083 - - 948 2,083 3,031
Fieldstone Marketplace 2,359 2,279 126 - 2,359 2,405 4,764
Gold Star Plaza 1,403 3,223 - - 1,403 3,223 4,626
Golden Triangle 3,322 13,388 (49) - 3,322 13,339 16,661
Hamburg Square 933 4,967 - - 933 4,967 5,900
Kings Plaza 2,192 3,961 - - 2,192 3,961 6,153
Oakland Commons 824 3,080 - - 824 3,080 3,904
Oregon Avenue 3,158 - 277 3,158 277 3,435
Patuxent Crossing 2,999 15,145 450 - 2,999 15,595 18,594
Pine Grove Plaza 1,292 3,832 (3) - 1,292 3,829 5,121
South Philadelphia 11,996 11,137 - - 11,996 11,137 23,133
Southington Center 358 8,429 - - 358 8,429 8,787
Timpany Plaza 1,778 5,754 1 - 1,778 5,755 7,533
Trexler Mall 3,746 22,979 - - 3,746 22,979 26,725
Washington Center Shoppes 3,618 11,354 206 - 3,618 11,560 15,178
Webster Commons 1,565 6,207 113 - 1,565 6,320 7,885
CDR Total $ 47,899 $ 137,120 $ 1,148 $ - $ 47,899 $ 138,268 $ 186,167
Combined Total $ 139,837 $ 471,992 $ 26,042 $ - $ 144,539 $ 493,332 $ 637,871
(1) Net of impairment expenses.
As of December 31, 2022, the aggregate cost for federal income tax purposes was approximately $866 million.
Wheeler Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Schedule III-Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation
Property Name Encumbrances Accumulated
Depreciation Date of
Construction Date
Acquired Depreciation
Life
WHLR (in thousands)
Amscot Building $ 264 5/15/2004 5-40 years
Lumber River Village (3)
1,415 11/16/2012 5-40 years
Surrey Plaza (3)
652 12/21/2012 5-40 years
Tuckernuck $ 4,915 2,598 11/16/2012 5-40 years
Twin City Commons (3)
988 12/18/2012 5-40 years
Tampa Festival (3)
2,405 8/26/2013 5-40 years
Forrest Gallery (3)
2,847 8/29/2013 5-40 years
Winslow Plaza 4,409 1,198 12/19/2013 5-40 years
Clover Plaza (3)
311 12/23/2013 5-40 years
St. George Plaza (3)
342 12/23/2013 5-40 years
South Square (3)
478 12/23/2013 5-40 years
Westland Square (3)
449 12/23/2013 5-40 years
Waterway Plaza (3)
361 12/23/2013 5-40 years
Cypress Shopping Center 5,903 1,163 7/1/2014 5-40 years
Harrodsburg Marketplace 3,186 629 7/1/2014 5-40 years
Port Crossing Shopping Center 5,641 2,249 7/3/2014 5-40 years
LaGrange Marketplace (3)
735 7/25/2014 5-40 years
DF I-Courtland (undeveloped land) - 8/15/2014 N/A
Edenton Commons (undeveloped land) - 8/15/2014 N/A
Freeway Junction 7,273 1,652 9/4/2014 5-40 years
Bryan Station 4,136 818 10/2/2014 5-40 years
Crockett Square 6,338 1,787 11/5/2014 5-40 years
Harbor Pointe (undeveloped land) - 11/21/2014 N/A
Pierpont Centre 7,716 2,167 1/14/2015 5-40 years
Brook Run Properties (undeveloped land) - 3/27/2015 N/A
Alex City Marketplace 5,750 2,378 4/1/2015 5-40 years
Brook Run Shopping Center 10,950 3,404 6/2/2015 5-40 years
Beaver Ruin Village (2)
1,737 7/1/2015 5-40 years
Beaver Ruin Village II (2)
587 7/1/2015 5-40 years
Chesapeake Square 4,106 1,344 7/10/2015 5-40 years
Sunshine Plaza 5,900 1,539 7/21/2015 5-40 years
Barnett Portfolio 8,770 2,076 8/21/2015 5-40 years
Grove Park 3,800 1,040 9/9/2015 5-40 years
Parkway Plaza 3,500 933 9/15/2015 5-40 years
Fort Howard Square 7,100 1,591 9/30/2015 5-40 years
Conyers Crossing 5,960 1,669 9/30/2015 5-40 years
Darien Shopping Center (3)
179 4/12/2016 5-40 years
Devine Street 352 4/12/2016 5-40 years
Property Name Encumbrances Accumulated
Depreciation Date of
Construction Date
Acquired Depreciation
Life
(in thousands)
Folly Road (3)
$ 851 4/12/2016 5-40 years
Georgetown (3)
385 4/12/2016 5-40 years
Ladson Crossing (3)
775 4/12/2016 5-40 years
Lake Greenwood Crossing (3)
489 4/12/2016 5-40 years
Lake Murray (3)
299 4/12/2016 5-40 years
Litchfield I (3)
213 4/12/2016 5-40 years
Litchfield II (3)
186 4/12/2016 5-40 years
Litchfield Market Village (3)
962 4/12/2016 5-40 years
Moncks Corner 225 4/12/2016 5-40 years
Ridgeland (3)
92 4/12/2016 5-40 years
Shoppes at Myrtle Park 5,615 1,358 4/12/2016 5-40 years
South Lake (3)
634 4/12/2016 5-40 years
South Park (3)
567 4/12/2016 5-40 years
Sangaree (1)
989 11/10/2016 5-40 years
Tri-County (1)
761 11/10/2016 5-40 years
Riverbridge 4,000 1,021 11/15/2016 5-40 years
Laburnum Square 7,665 1,153 12/7/2016 5-40 years
Franklin Village 8,144 1,620 12/12/2016 5-40 years
Village at Martinsville 15,181 2,733 12/16/2016 5-40 years
New Market Crossing (3)
1,036 12/20/2016 5-40 years
Rivergate Shopping Center 18,003 5,121 12/21/2016 5-40 years
JANAF Shopping Center 60,000 9,685 1/18/2018 5-40 years
WHLR Totals $ 75,492
CDR
Brickyard Plaza (4)
$ 189 8/22/2022 5-40 years
Carll's Corner 51 8/22/2022 5-40 years
Coliseum Marketplace (5)
72 8/22/2022 5-40 years
Fairview Commons (4)
43 8/22/2022 5-40 years
Fieldstone Marketplace 69 8/22/2022 5-40 years
Gold Star Plaza (4)
71 8/22/2022 5-40 years
Golden Triangle (4)
209 8/22/2022 5-40 years
Hamburg Square (4)
84 8/22/2022 5-40 years
Kings Plaza 81 8/22/2022 5-40 years
Oakland Commons 55 8/22/2022 5-40 years
Oregon Avenue - 8/22/2022 N/A
Patuxent Crossing (5)
250 8/22/2022 5-40 years
Pine Grove Plaza (4)
68 8/22/2022 5-40 years
South Philadelphia 183 8/22/2022 5-40 years
Southington Center (4)
130 8/22/2022 5-40 years
Timpany Plaza 105 8/22/2022 5-40 years
Trexler Mall (4)
324 8/22/2022 5-40 years
Washington Center Shoppes (4)
167 8/22/2022 5-40 years
Webster Commons (4)
101 8/22/2022 5-40 years
CDR Totals $ 2,252
Combined Totals 77,744
(1) Properties secure a $6.1 million mortgage note.
(2) Properties secure a $9.4 million mortgage note.
(3) Properties secure a $75.0 million mortgage note.
(4) Properties secure a $110.0 million mortgage note.
(5) Properties secure a $25.0 million mortgage note.
The changes in total real estate assets for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 are as follows:
2022 2021
(in thousands)
Balance at beginning of period $ 458,214 $ 464,814
Additions during the period:
Acquisitions 185,019 -
Improvements 6,777 4,997
Impairments (760) (2,300)
Disposals (11,379) (9,297)
Balance at end of period $ 637,871 $ 458,214
Exhibit
2.1
Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of March 2, 2022, by and among Wheeler Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc., WHLR Merger Sub Inc., WHLR OP Merger Sub LLC, Cedar Realty Trust, Inc., and Cedar Realty Trust Partnership, L.P.(Filed as an exhibit to Form 8-K, filed on March 7, 2022).
2.2
First Amendment to Merger Agreement, dated as of April 19, 2022, by and among Wheeler Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc., WHLR Merger Sub Inc., WHLR OP Merger Sub LLC, Cedar Realty Trust, Inc., and Cedar Realty Trust Partnership, L.P. (Filed as an exhibit to Form 10-Q, filed on May 11, 2022).
2.3
Second Amendment to Merger Agreement, entered into as of August 9, 2022 by and among Wheeler Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc., WHLR Merger Sub Inc., WHLR OP Merger Sub LLC, Cedar Realty Trust, Inc. and Cedar Realty Trust Partnership, L.P. (Filed as an exhibit to Form 8-K, filed on August 25, 2022).
3.1
Articles of Amendment and Restatement of Wheeler Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc. filed with SDAT on August 5, 2016 (Filed as exhibit to Form 8-K, filed on August 8, 2016).
3.2
Articles Supplementary of Wheeler Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc. filed with SDAT on September 16, 2016 (Filed as exhibit to Form 8-K, filed on September 20, 2016).
3.3
Articles Supplementary of Wheeler Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc. filed with SDAT on December 1, 2016 (Filed as exhibit to Form 8-K, filed on December 5, 2016).
3.4
Articles of Amendment of Wheeler Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc., filed with SDAT on March 31, 2017 (Filed as exhibit to Form 8-K, filed on April 3, 2017).
3.5
Articles of Amendment of Wheeler Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc., filed with SDAT on March 31, 2017 (Filed as exhibit to Form 8-K, filed on April 3, 2017).
3.6
Articles of Amendment of Wheeler Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc. filed with SDAT on May 29, 2016 (Filed as exhibit to Form 8-K, filed on May 29, 2020).
3.7
Certificate of Correction of Articles Supplementary of Wheeler Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc. filed with SDAT on May 3, 2018 (Filed as exhibit to Form 8-K, filed on May 4, 2018).
3.8
Articles Supplementary of Wheeler Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc. filed with SDAT on July 8, 2021 (Filed as an exhibit to Form 8-K, filed on July 8, 2021).
3.9
Articles of Amendment of Wheeler Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc. filed with SDAT on November 5, 2021 (Filed as an exhibit to Form 8-K, filed on November 5, 2021).
3.10
Articles of Amendment of Wheeler Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc. filed with SDAT on November 29, 2021 (Filed as an exhibit to Form 8-K, filed on November 29, 2021).
3.11
Bylaws of Wheeler Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc., as amended (Filed as exhibit to Form 8-K, filed on May 29, 2020).
3.12
Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Wheeler REIT, L.P. (Filed as exhibit to Form S-11 (Registration No. 333-198245) filed on August 20, 2014 pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933).
3.13
Amendment to the Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Wheeler REIT, L.P. Designation of Series A Convertible Preferred Units (Filed as exhibit to Form 8-K, filed on April 15, 2015).
3.14
Amendment to the Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Wheeler REIT, L.P. Amended Designation of Series B Convertible Preferred Units (Filed as exhibit to Form 8-K, filed on July 15, 2016).
3.15
Amendment to the Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Wheeler REIT, L.P. Designation of Series D Cumulative Convertible Preferred Units (Filed as exhibit to Form 8-K, filed on September 20, 2016).
3.16
Amendment to the Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Wheeler REIT, L.P. Amended Designation of Additional Series D Cumulative Convertible Preferred Units (Filed as exhibit to Form 8-K, filed on December 5, 2016).
3.17
Amendment to the Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Wheeler REIT, L.P. (Filed as exhibit to Form 8-K, filed on September 5, 2019).
3.18
Amendment to the Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Wheeler REIT, L.P., dated December 22, 2020 (Filed as an exhibit to Form 8-K, filed on December 23, 2020).
3.19
Amendment to the Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Wheeler REIT, L.P, dated March 12, 2021 (Filed as an exhibit to Form 8-K, filed on March 12, 2021).
4.1
Form of Certificate of Common Stock of Wheeler Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc. (Filed as exhibit to Form 8-K, filed on April 3, 2017).
4.2
Form of Certificate of Series B Preferred Stock of Wheeler Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc. (Filed as exhibit to Form S-11/A (Registration No. 333-194831), filed on April 23, 2014 pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933).
4.3
Form of Certificate of Series D Preferred Stock of Wheeler Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc. (Filed as exhibit to Form 8-K, filed on September 20, 2016).
4.4
Description of Securities (Filed herewith).
4.5
Common Stock Purchase Warrant, dated December 22, 2020 (Filed as an exhibit to Form 8-K, filed on December 23, 2020).
4.6
Form of Common Stock Purchase Warrant, dated March 12, 2021 (Filed as an exhibit to Form 8-K, filed on March 12, 2021).
4.7
Indenture, dated as of August 13, 2021 between Wheeler Real Estate Investment Trust Inc. and Wilmington Savings Fund Society, FSB., as trustee (including form of Note). (Filed as an exhibit to Form 8-K, filed on August 16, 2021).
10.1
Wheeler Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc. 2015 Long-Term Incentive Plan (Filed as exhibit to Form 8-K, filed on June 8, 2015).
10.2
Wheeler Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc. 2016 Long-Term Incentive Plan (Filed as exhibit to Form 8-K, filed on June 16, 2016).
10.3
Employment Agreement with M. Andrew Franklin (Filed as exhibit to Form 8-K, filed on February 20, 2018).
10.4
Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, by and between Wheeler Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc. and Crystal Plum, dated as of August 13, 2021 (Filed as an exhibit to Form 8-K on August 17, 2021).
10.5
Shareholders Rights Agreement, dated March 19, 2015, by and between Wheeler Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc. and Westport Capital Partners LLC as agent on behalf of certain investor (Filed as exhibit to Form 8-K, filed on March 19, 2015).
10.6
Tax Protection Agreement dated February 8, 2017 (Filed as exhibit to Form 8-K, filed on February 10, 2017).
10.7
Registration Rights Agreement, dated December 22, 2020 (Filed as an exhibit to Form 8-K, filed on December 23, 2020).
10.8
Registration Rights Agreement dated March 12, 2021, (Filed as an exhibit to Form 8-K, filed on March 12, 2021).
10.9
Term Loan Agreement dated June 17, 2022, between Guggenheim Real Estate, LLC and the Borrowers party thereto. (Filed as an exhibit to Form 8-K, filed on June 21, 2022).
10.10
Loan Agreement dated July 6, 2022 between CITI REAL ESTATE FUNDING INC and the Borrowers party thereto. (Filed as an exhibit to Form 8-K, filed on July 8, 2022).
10.11
Loan Agreement dated August 22, 2022, between KEYBANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION and the Borrowers party thereto. (Filed as an exhibit to Form 8-K, filed on August 25, 2022).
10.12
Guaranty, dated August 22,2022, made by Wheeler Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc. (Filed as an exhibit to Form 8-K, filed on August 25, 2022).
10.13
Environmental Compliance and Indemnity Agreement, dated as of August 22, 2022, made by Wheeler Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc., Cedar Realty Trust, Inc., Cedar Realty Trust Partnership, L.P., and certain subsidiaries of Cedar Realty Trust Partnership, L.P. (Filed as an exhibit to Form 8-K, filed on August 25, 2022).
10.14
Limited Recourse Indemnity Agreement made by Wheeler REIT, L.P. in favor of Guggenheim Real Estate, LLC as of October 28, 2022 (Filed as an exhibit to Form 8-K, filed on October 31, 2022).
10.15
Term Loan Agreement, dated as of October 28, 2022, between Guggenheim Real Estate, LLC and the Borrowers party thereto (Filed as an exhibit to Form 8-K, filed on October 31, 2022).
21.1
Subsidiaries of Registrant (Filed herewith).
23.1
Consent of Cherry Bekaert LLP (Filed herewith).
31.1
Certification of the Chief Executive Officer of Wheeler Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc. pursuant to Rule 13a-14 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (Filed herewith).
31.2
Certification of the Chief Financial Officer of Wheeler Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc. pursuant to Rule 13a-14 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (Filed herewith).
32.1
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (Filed herewith).
32.2
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (Filed herewith).
101.INS XBRL Instance Document (Filed herewith).
101.SCH XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document (Filed herewith).
101.CAL
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase (Filed herewith).
101.DEF
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase (Filed herewith).
101.LAB
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Labels Linkbase (Filed herewith).
101.PRE
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase (Filed herewith).