EDGAR 10-K Filing

Company CIK: 917251
Filing Year: 2023
Filename: 917251_10-K_2023_0001558370-23-001274.json

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ITEM 1. BUSINESS
Item 1: Business
General
The Company is a fully integrated REIT primarily focused on the ownership, acquisition, development and management of retail properties net leased to industry leading tenants. The Company was founded in 1971 by its current Executive Chairman, Richard Agree, and its common stock was listed on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) in 1994. The Company’s assets are held by, and all of its operations are conducted through, directly or indirectly, the Operating Partnership of which the Company is the sole general partner and in which it held a 99.6% common interest as of December 31, 2022. Under the agreement of limited partnership of the Operating Partnership, the Company, as the sole general partner, has exclusive responsibility and discretion in the management and control of the Operating Partnership.
As of December 31, 2022, the Company’s portfolio consisted of 1,839 properties located in 48 states and totaling approximately 38.1 million square feet of Gross Leasable Area (“GLA”). The portfolio was approximately 99.7% leased and had a weighted average remaining lease term of approximately 8.8 years. A significant majority of the Company’s properties are leased to national tenants and approximately 67.8% of our annualized base rent was derived from tenants, or parent entities thereof, with an investment grade credit rating from S&P Global Ratings, Moody’s Investors Service, Fitch Ratings or the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. Substantially all of our tenants are subject to net lease agreements. A net lease typically requires the tenant to be responsible for minimum monthly rent and property operating expenses including property taxes, insurance and maintenance.
As of December 31, 2022, the Company had 76 full-time employees, covering acquisitions, development, legal, asset management, accounting, finance, administrative and executive functions.
The Company was incorporated in December 1993 under the laws of the State of Maryland. The Company believes that it has operated, and it intends to continue to operate, in such a manner to qualify as a REIT under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Internal Revenue Code”). In order to maintain qualification as a REIT, the Company must, among other things, distribute at least 90% of its REIT taxable income each year and meet asset and income tests. Additionally, its charter limits ownership of the Company, directly or constructively, by any single person to 9.8% of the value or number of shares, whichever is more restrictive, of its outstanding common stock and 9.8% of the value of the aggregate of all of its outstanding stock, subject to certain exceptions. As a REIT, the Company is not subject to federal income tax with respect to that portion of its income that is distributed currently to its stockholders.
The Company’s principal executive offices are located at 70 E. Long Lake Road, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48304 and its telephone number is (248) 737-4190. The Company’s website is www.agreerealty.com. The Company’s reports are electronically filed with or furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act and can be accessed through this site, free of charge, as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file or furnish such reports. These filings are also available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. The Company’s website also contains copies of its corporate governance guidelines and code of business conduct and ethics, as well as the charters of its audit, compensation and nominating and governance committees. The information on the Company’s website is not part of this report.
Recent Developments
For a discussion of business developments that occurred in 2022, see “Item 7 - Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” later in this report. Certain summarized highlights are contained below.
Investments and Disposition Activity
During 2022, the Company completed approximately $1.62 billion of investments in net leased retail real estate, including acquisition and closing costs. Total investment volume includes the acquisition of 434 properties for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $1.6 billion and the completed development of seven properties for an aggregate cost of approximately $22.5 million. These 441 properties are net leased to tenants operating in 27 sectors and are located in 43 states. These assets are 100% leased for a weighted average lease term of approximately 10.2 years.
During 2022, the Company sold seven assets for net proceeds of $44.9 million.
Leasing
During 2022, excluding properties that were sold, the Company executed new leases, extensions or options on approximately 850,000 square feet of GLA throughout its portfolio. The annualized base contractual rent associated with these new leases, extensions or options is approximately $8.6 million.
Dividends
The Company increased its monthly dividend per common share from $0.227 to $0.234 in April 2022 and further increased the monthly dividend per common share to $0.240 in October 2022.
The December 2022 dividend per share of $0.240 represents an annualized dividend of $2.88 per share and an annualized dividend yield of approximately 4.1% based on the last reported sales price of our common stock listed on the NYSE of $70.93 on December 30, 2022.
The Company has routinely paid cash dividends to our common shareholders. Common cash dividends were paid quarterly for 107 consecutive quarters between 1994 and 2020 prior to moving to monthly common cash dividends in 2021. We have since paid 25 consecutive monthly dividends. Although we expect to continue our policy of paying regular dividends, we cannot guarantee that we will maintain our current level of common dividends, that we will continue our recent pattern of increasing dividends per share or what our actual dividend yield will be in any future period.
In addition to its common dividends, the Company paid monthly cash dividends on its 4.25% Series A Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock.
Financing
Equity
During 2022, the Company completed two follow-on public offerings totaling 11,500,000 shares of common stock under its shelf registration statement, in connection with forward sale agreements. Upon settlement, these offerings are anticipated to raise total net proceeds of $767.4 million after deducting fees and expenses and making certain other adjustments as provided in the equity distribution agreements. During 2022, the Company settled 7,350,000 shares of common stock under these forward sale agreements, realizing net proceeds of $492.9 million. In addition, the Company settled 5,750,000 shares of common stock under a forward settlement agreement related to a follow-on public offering from December 2021, realizing net proceeds of $368.7 million.
In September 2022, the Company entered into a new $750 million at-the-market (“ATM”) program (the “2022 ATM Program”) through which the Company, from time to time, may sell shares of common stock and/or enter into forward sale agreements.
During 2022, the Company settled 5,453,975 shares of common stock under predecessor ATM programs, generating net proceeds of $379.1 million. Additionally, the Company completed forward sale agreements under the 2022 ATM Program for 4,350,232 shares of common stock, for anticipated future net proceeds of $300.9 million. The Company has settled 245,591 shares of these forward sale agreements as of December 31, 2022 for net proceeds of approximately $18.1 million, after deducting fees and expenses. The Company is required to settle these forward agreements by various dates between November and December 2023.
After considering the 4,350,232 shares of common stock subject to forward sale agreements under the 2022 ATM Program, the Company had approximately $446.6 million of availability remaining under the 2022 ATM Program as of December 31, 2022.
Debt
In April 2022, and in connection with a four-property acquisition, the Company assumed an interest only, mortgage note payable with a principal balance of $42.3 million, stated interest rate of 3.63%, and maturity in December 2029.
In August 2022, the Operating Partnership completed an underwritten public offering of $300 million aggregate principal amount of 4.80% Notes due 2032 (the “2032 Senior Unsecured Public Notes”). The 2032 Senior Unsecured Public Notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by the Company and certain wholly owned subsidiaries of the Operating Partnership. Considering the effect of terminated swap agreements relating to these notes, the blended all-in rates for the $300 million principal amount is 3.96%.
In November 2022, the Company entered into a First Amendment to the Third Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Agreement which converted the interest rate on its $1.0 billion senior unsecured revolving credit facility (the "Revolving Credit Facility") from a spread over LIBOR to a spread over Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”), plus a SOFR adjustment of 10 basis points. No other changes were made to the Revolving Credit Facility as a result of the amendment.
Business Strategies
Our primary business objectives are to capitalize on distinct market positioning in the retail net lease space, focus on 21st century industry-leading retailers through our external growth platforms, leverage our real estate acumen and relationships to identify superior risk-adjusted opportunities, maintain a conservative and flexible capital structure that enables growth, and provide consistent, high-quality earnings growth and a well-covered growing dividend. The following is a discussion of our investment, financing and asset management strategies.
Investment
We are primarily focused on the long-term, fee simple ownership of properties net leased to national or large, regional retailers operating in sectors we believe to be more e-commerce and recession resistant than other retail sectors. Our leases are typically long-term net leases that require the tenant to pay all property operating expenses, including real estate taxes, insurance and maintenance. We believe that a diversified portfolio of such properties provides for stable and predictable cash flow.
We seek to expand and enhance our portfolio by identifying the best risk-adjusted investment opportunities across our three external growth platforms: development, Partner Capital Solutions (“PCS”) and acquisitions.
Development: We have been developing retail properties since the formation of our predecessor company in 1971 and our development platform seeks to employ our capabilities to direct all aspects of the development process, including site selection, land acquisition, lease negotiation, due diligence, design and construction. Our developments are typically build-to-suit projects that result in fee simple ownership of the property upon completion.
Partner Capital Solutions: We launched our PCS program in April 2012. Our PCS program allows us to acquire properties or development opportunities by partnering with private developers or retailers on their in-process developments. We offer construction expertise and access to capital to facilitate the successful completion of their projects. We typically take fee simple ownership of PCS projects upon completion.
Acquisitions: Our acquisitions platform was launched in April 2010 in order to expand our investment capabilities by pursuing opportunities that meet both our real estate and return on investment criteria.
We believe that development and PCS projects have the potential to generate superior risk-adjusted returns on investment in properties that are substantially similar to those we acquire.
We focus on four core principles that underlie our investment criteria:
● Omni-channel critical (e-commerce resistance), focusing on leading operators that have matured in omni-channel structure or those in e-commerce resistant sectors;
● Recession resistance, emphasizing a balanced portfolio with exposure to counter-cyclical sectors and retailers with strong credit profiles;
● Avoidance of private equity sponsorship, emphasizing leading operators with strong balance sheets and minimizing exposure to the possibility of such sponsorship overleveraging their acquisitions and reducing retailers’ abilities to invest in their businesses; and
● Adherence to strong real estate fundamentals and fungible buildings, protecting against unforeseen changes to our investment philosophies.
Each platform leverages the Company’s real estate acumen to pursue investments in net lease retail real estate. Factors that we consider when evaluating an investment include but are not limited to:
● Overall market-specific characteristics, such as demographics, market rents, competition and retail synergy;
● Asset-specific characteristics, such as the age, size, location, zoning, use and environmental history, accessibility, physical condition, signage and visibility of the property;
● Tenant-specific characteristics, including but not limited to the financial profile, operating history, business plan, size, market positioning, geographic footprint, management team, industry and/or sector-specific trends and other characteristics specific to the tenant and parent thereof;
● Unit-level operating characteristics, including store sales performance and profitability, if available;
● Lease-specific terms, including term of the lease, rent to be paid by the tenant and other tenancy considerations; and
● Transaction considerations, such as purchase price, seller profile and other non-financial terms.
Financing
We seek to maintain a capital structure that provides us with the flexibility to manage our business and pursue our growth strategies, while allowing us to service our debt requirements and generate appropriate risk-adjusted returns for our stockholders. We believe these objectives are best achieved by a capital structure that consists primarily of common equity and prudent amounts of preferred equity and debt financing. However, we may raise capital in any form and under terms that we deem acceptable and in the best interest of our stockholders.
We have previously utilized common and preferred stock equity offerings, secured mortgage borrowings, unsecured bank borrowings, private placements and public offerings of senior unsecured notes and the sale of properties to meet our capital requirements. We continually evaluate our financing policies on an on-going basis in light of current economic conditions, access to various capital markets, relative costs of equity and debt securities, the market value of our properties and other factors.
We occasionally sell common stock through forward sale agreements, enabling the Company to set the price of shares upon pricing the offering while delaying the issuance of shares and the receipt of the net proceeds by the Company.
As of December 31, 2022, the Company’s ratio of total debt to enterprise value, assuming the conversion of common limited partnership interests in the Operating Partnership (“Operating Partnership Common Units”) into shares of common stock, was approximately 23.0%, and its ratio of total debt to total gross assets (before accumulated depreciation) was approximately 27.9%.
As of December 31, 2022, our total debt outstanding before deferred financing costs and original issue discount was $1.96 billion, including $50.4 million of secured mortgage debt that had a weighted average fixed interest rate of 3.94% and a weighted average maturity of 6.2 years, $1.81 billion of unsecured borrowings that had a weighted average fixed interest rate of 3.31% (including the effects of previously settled, forward interest rate swap agreements) and a weighted average
maturity of 7.8 years, and $100.0 million of floating rate borrowings under our revolving credit facility at a weighted average interest rate of approximately 5.14%.
Certain financial agreements to which the Company is a party contain covenants that limit its ability to incur debt under certain circumstances; however, our organizational documents do not limit the absolute amount or percentage of indebtedness that we may incur. As such, we may modify our borrowing policies at any time without stockholder approval.
Asset Management
We maintain a proactive leasing and capital improvement program that, combined with the quality and locations of our properties, has made our properties attractive to tenants. We intend to continue to hold our properties for long-term investment and, accordingly, place a strong emphasis on the quality of construction and an on-going program of regular and preventative maintenance. Our properties are designed and built to require minimal capital improvements other than renovations or alterations, typically paid for by tenants. Personnel from our corporate headquarters conduct regular inspections of each property, maintain regular contact with major tenants and engage in consistent dialogue to understand store performance and tenant sustainability.
We have a management information system designed to provide our management with the operating data necessary to make informed business decisions on a timely basis. This system provides us rapid access to lease data, tenants’ sales history, cash flow budgets and forecasts. Such a system helps us to maximize cash flow from operations and closely monitor corporate expenses.
Competition
The U.S. commercial real estate investment market is a highly competitive industry. We actively compete with many entities engaged in the acquisition, development and operation of commercial properties. As such, we compete with other investors for a limited supply of properties and financing for these properties. Investors include traded and non-traded public REITs, private equity firms, institutional investment funds, insurance companies and private individuals, many of which have greater financial resources than we do and the ability to accept more risk than we believe we can prudently manage. There can be no assurance that we will be able to compete successfully with such entities in our acquisition, development and leasing activities in the future.
Significant Tenants
No tenant accounted for more than 10.0% of our annualized base rent as of December 31, 2022. See “Item 2 - Properties” for additional information on our top tenants and the composition of our tenant base.
Regulation
Environmental
Investments in real property create the potential for environmental liability on the part of the owner or operator of such real property. If hazardous substances are discovered on or emanating from a property, the owner or operator of the property may under certain statutory schemes be held strictly liable for all costs and liabilities relating to such hazardous substances. We have obtained a Phase I environmental study (which involves inspection without soil sampling or ground water analysis) conducted by independent environmental consultants on each of our properties and, in certain instances, have conducted additional investigation, including Phase II environmental assessments.
We have no knowledge of any hazardous substances existing on our properties in violation of any applicable laws; however, no assurance can be given that such substances are not currently located on any of our properties.
We believe that we are in compliance, in all material respects, with all federal, state and local ordinances and regulations regarding hazardous or toxic substances. Furthermore, we have not received notice from any governmental authority of any noncompliance, liability or other claim in connection with any of our properties.
Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990
Our properties, as commercial facilities, are required to comply with Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and similar state and local laws and regulations (collectively, the “ADA”). Investigation of a property may reveal non-compliance with the ADA. Our tenants will typically have primary responsibility for complying with the ADA, but we may incur costs if the tenant does not comply. As of December 31, 2022, we have not received notice from any governmental authority, nor are we otherwise aware, of any non-compliance with the ADA that we believe would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial position or results of operations.
Human Capital
Team Members and Values
As of December 31, 2022, the Company had 76 full-time team members covering acquisitions, development, legal, asset management, accounting, finance, administrative, and executive functions as compared to 57 full-time team members as of December 31, 2021. The increased headcount is attributable to the Company’s need to support its current and future portfolio growth.
Our core values are the foundation of our Company culture and include:
● We are a team. We all roll up our sleeves and dig in, no matter the task.
● We achieve results by making consistent, disciplined decisions.
● We have a resilient mindset to achieve and exceed our goals.
● We push ourselves to be the best we can at our position and embrace the opportunities that new challenges present.
We work to attract the best talent externally to meet the current and future demands of our business. We utilize social media, professional recruiters and other organizations to find motivated and talented team members and employ competency-based behavioral interviewing techniques.
Talent Management
Professional development is a cornerstone of our talent management system, and we diligently work to develop talent from within. We emphasize professional development through both technical and soft-skill development and training. To empower team members to reach their potential, the Company provides a range of on-the-job training and mentoring, knowledge sharing, continuing education and “lunch-and-learn” programs. Our talent management practices include the utilization of our core competency frameworks, professional development plans, career pathing and succession planning and carefully designed promotion and internal mobility opportunities.
Our team members goal setting and performance feedback processes include formal quarterly and annual reviews and self and team leader reviews, as well as ongoing one-on-one meetings with team leaders. Professional development plans based on critical competencies are created and monitored to ensure progress is made along established timelines.
Financial and Health Wellness
As part of our compensation philosophy, we offer and maintain market competitive total rewards programs for team members in order to attract and retain superior talent. These programs not only include wages and incentives, but also health, welfare, and retirement benefits.
Our compensation philosophies include:
● Total compensation that is both fair and competitive. The Company seeks fairness in total compensation with reference to external and internal comparisons.
● Attract, retain and motivate team members. Compensation is used to achieve business objectives by attracting, retaining and motivating top talent.
● Reward superior individual and Company performance on both a short-term and long-term basis. Performance-based pay aligns the interests of management with the interests of our stockholders and motivates and rewards individual efforts and company success.
● Align executives’ and team members’ long-term interests with those of our stockholders. The Company seeks to align these interests by providing a significant portion of executive officer compensation in the form of restricted common stock. In addition, all team members are eligible to receive a portion of compensation in the form of restricted common stock.
The structure of our compensation programs balance incentive earnings for both short-term and long-term performance. Specifically, the programs include a base salary, incentive compensation through annual cash bonuses and equity participation, and a retirement plan with Company match.
The “Agree Wellness Program” affords team members paid time off and holidays, fully equipped on-site fitness amenities, and leaves of absence for specified events. Insurance coverages are provided for all team members and their dependents, including medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance. The Company pays 100% of medical, short-term, long-term, and life insurance premiums for team members and their families.
COVID-19
During 2022, we have continued to focus on the safety of our team members in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. To do so we have:
● When warranted, closed our offices for non-essential functions and offered remote work flexibility;
● Provided personal protective equipment and maintained cleaning protocols;
● Maintained regular communication regarding impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, including health and safety protocols and procedures;
● Continued screening of any team members and vendors at our offices;
● Maintained protocols to address actual and suspected COVID-19 cases and potential exposure; and
● Continued employing protocols regarding required masks and social distancing
Environmental, Social and Governance (“ESG”)
As part of the Company’s commitment to continuously improving our understanding of and performance across material ESG topics, the Company engaged a third-party consultant in 2022 to help identify opportunities for improvement across our programs, policies, and disclosures to meet the expectations of our stakeholders. This process resulted in a three-year action plan and roadmap for the Company to enhance its ESG program through oversight structures, risk management, policies, data collection, reporting, and stakeholder engagement.
Environmental Sustainability
The Company, through its team members, understands that corporate and environmental responsibility is an ongoing endeavor and embraces responsibility to being a steward of the environment, using natural resources carefully, and meeting the goals of its tenant partners. We remain committed to using our time, talents, resources and relationships to grow in a manner that makes the world and the environment better for future generations.
The Company’s focus on industry leading, national and super-regional retailers provides for long-term relationships with some of the most environmentally conscientious retailers in the world. This is particularly meaningful because the Company’s portfolio is primarily comprised of properties that are leased to tenants under long-term net leases where the tenant is generally responsible for maintaining the property and implementing environmentally responsible practices. We are proud to know that our tenants have pioneered the use of environmentally-preferable solutions in their business practices in many ways. In 2022, the Company enhanced its engagement with its retail partners on shared sustainability initiatives, introduced green lease language into its standard lease forms, and executed leases that contained green clauses with several tenants. Additionally, the Company’s award-winning headquarters utilize green technologies including programmable thermostats, Low-E window glass, LEED HVAC systems and LED occupancy-sensored lighting.
Social Company Culture and Team Members
The Agree Wellness Program focuses on physical and financial wellness to enhance team members’ well-being. The Company believes that team members who are healthy, fit, financially secure and motivated are team members who achieve personal and professional success. Ongoing professional development is offered to help all team members advance their careers. The Company regularly sponsors local charities and has received numerous local awards recognizing its outstanding corporate culture and wellness initiatives. The Company supports healthy living through enhanced health insurance, an on-site gym, training and education, various complementary meal programs and many other benefits.
We support team members with generous cash compensation plans, equity ownership programs, retirement plans and ongoing access to financial planning resources. Team members are compensated for their performance and rewarded for their outstanding work. Alignment of individual, team, corporate and stockholder objectives provides for continuity, teamwork and increased collaboration. Our team members are paid commensurate with their qualifications, responsibilities, productivity, quality of work and adherence to our core values.
The Agree Culture Committee is composed of team members from departments throughout the organization. The Company’s Culture Committee hosts a variety of events that are focused on team building and camaraderie as well as contributing to the communities in which they live.
Governance Fiduciary Duties and Ethics
We believe that nothing is more important than a company’s reputation for integrity and serving as a responsible fiduciary for its stockholders. We are committed to managing the Company for the benefit of our stockholders and are focused on maintaining good corporate governance.
Our Board has nine directors, seven of whom are independent. Five new independent directors have been added since 2018. Independent directors meet regularly, without the presence of officers or team members. A Lead Independent Director was appointed in 2019.
The Board has adopted an insider trading policy that applies to all directors, officers and team members. The Company does not have a stockholder rights plan (“poison pill”) and maintains stock ownership guidelines for directors and named executive officers requiring specified levels of stock ownership. Time-vested stock grants to officers and team members vest over a five-year period to provide long-term alignment, while performance-based stock grants to named executive officers utilize total shareholder return, with the amount of the grants intended to increase as total returns to stockholders increase, further enhancing alignment. Our board of directors has established a succession plan for the Chief Executive Officer to cover emergencies and other occurrences. Finally, the Company annually submits “say-on-pay” advisory votes to its stockholders.
Available Information
We make available free of charge through our website at www.agreerealty.com all reports we electronically file with, or furnish to, the SEC, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K, as well as any amendments to those reports, as soon as reasonably practicable after those documents are filed with, or furnished to, the SEC. These filings are also accessible on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

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ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
Item 1A: Risk Factors
The following factors and other factors discussed in this Annual Report on Form 10-K could cause the Company’s actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements made in this report or presented elsewhere in future SEC reports. You should carefully consider each of the risks, assumptions, uncertainties and other factors described below and elsewhere in this report, as well as any reports, amendments or updates reflected in subsequent filings or furnishings with the SEC. We believe these risks, assumptions, uncertainties and other factors, individually or in the
aggregate, could cause our actual results to differ materially from expected and historical results and could materially and adversely affect our business operations, results of operations, financial condition and liquidity.
Risks Related to Our Business and Operations
Economic and financial conditions may have a negative effect on our business and operations.
Changes in global or national economic conditions, such as a market downturn or a disruption in the capital markets, may cause, among other things, a significant tightening in the credit markets, lower levels of liquidity, increases in the rate of default and bankruptcy and lower consumer spending and business spending, which could adversely affect our business and operations. Potential consequences of changes in economic and financial conditions include:
● Changes in the performance of our tenants, which may result in lower rent and lower recoverable expenses that the tenant can afford to pay and tenant defaults under the leases;
● Current or potential tenants may delay or postpone entering into long-term net leases with us;
● The ability to borrow on terms and conditions that we find acceptable may be limited or unavailable, which could reduce our ability to pursue acquisition and development opportunities and refinance existing debt, reduce our returns from acquisition and development activities, reduce our ability to make cash distributions to our stockholders and increase our future interest expense;
● Our ability to access the capital markets may be restricted at a time when we would like, or need, to access those markets, which could have an impact on our flexibility to react to changing economic and business conditions;
● The recognition of impairment charges on or reduced values of our properties, which may adversely affect our results of operations or limit our ability to dispose of assets at attractive prices and may reduce the availability of buyer financing; and
● One or more lenders under our revolving credit facility could fail and we may not be able to replace the financing commitment of any such lenders on favorable terms, or at all.
We are also limited in our ability to reduce costs to offset the results of a prolonged or severe economic downturn given certain fixed costs and commitments associated with our operations, which could materially impact our results of operations and/or financial condition.
Our business is significantly dependent on single tenant properties.
We focus our development and investment activities on ownership of real properties that are primarily net leased to a single tenant. Therefore, the financial failure of, or other default in payment by, a single tenant under its lease and the potential resulting vacancy is likely to cause a significant reduction in our operating cash flows from that property and a significant reduction in the value of the property and could cause a significant impairment loss. In addition, we would be responsible for all of the operating costs of a property following a vacancy at a single tenant building. Because our properties have generally been built to suit a particular tenant’s specific needs and desires, we may also incur significant losses to make the leased premises ready for another tenant and experience difficulty or a significant delay in releasing such property.
Bankruptcy laws will limit our remedies if a tenant becomes bankrupt and rejects its leases.
If a tenant becomes bankrupt or insolvent, that could diminish the income we receive from that tenant’s leases. We may not be able to evict a tenant solely because of its bankruptcy. On the other hand, a bankruptcy court might authorize the tenant to terminate its leasehold with us. If that happens, our claim against the bankrupt tenant for unpaid future rent would be an unsecured claim subject to statutory limitations, and therefore any amounts received in bankruptcy are likely to be substantially less valuable than the remaining rent we otherwise were owed under the leases. In addition, any payment on a claim we have for unpaid past rent could be substantially less than the amount owed.
Our portfolio is concentrated in certain states, which makes us more susceptible to adverse events in these areas.
Our properties are located in 48 states throughout the United States and in particular, the state of Texas (where 124 properties out of 1,839 properties are located, or 7.3% of our annualized base rent was derived as of December 31, 2022), Ohio (122 properties, or 5.7% of our annualized base rent) Florida (116 properties, or 5.6% of our annualized base rent), Michigan (101 properties, or 5.6% of our annualized base rent), and Illinois (106 properties, or 5.5% of our annualized rent). An economic downturn or other adverse events or conditions such as natural disasters in any of these areas, or any other area where we may have significant concentration in the future, could result in a material reduction of our cash flows or material losses to our company.
Our tenants are concentrated in certain retail sectors, which makes us susceptible to adverse conditions impacting these sectors.
As of December 31, 2022, 9.1%, 8.9% and 8.9% of our annualized contractual base rent and interest were derived from tenants operating in the home improvement, grocery store, and tire and auto service sectors, respectively. Similarly, we have concentrations in other sectors such as dollar stores, convenience stores, and general merchandise. Any decrease in consumer demand for the products and services offered by our tenants operating in any industries for which we have concentrations could have an adverse effect on our tenants’ revenues, costs and results of operations, thereby adversely affecting their ability to meet their lease obligations to us. As we continue to invest in properties, our portfolio may become more or less concentrated by industry sector.
There are risks associated with our development and acquisition activities.
We intend to continue the development of new properties and to consider possible acquisitions of existing properties. We anticipate that our new developments will be financed under the revolving credit facility or other forms of financing that will result in a risk that permanent fixed rate financing on newly developed projects might not be available or would be available only on disadvantageous terms. In addition, new project development is subject to a number of risks, including risks of construction delays or cost overruns that may increase anticipated project costs. Furthermore, new project commencement risks also include receipt of zoning, occupancy, other required governmental permits and authorizations and the incurrence of development costs in connection with projects that are not pursued to completion. If permanent debt or equity financing is not available on acceptable terms to finance new development or acquisitions undertaken without permanent financing, further development activities or acquisitions might be curtailed, or cash available for distribution might be adversely affected. Acquisitions entail risks that investments will fail to perform in accordance with expectations, as well as general investment risks associated with any new real estate investment.
Loss of revenues from tenants would reduce the Company’s cash flow.
Our tenants encounter significant macroeconomic, governmental and competitive forces. Adverse changes in consumer spending or consumer preferences for particular goods, services or store-based retailing could severely impact their ability to pay rent. Shifts from in-store to online shopping could increase due to changing consumer shopping patterns as well as the increase in consumer adoption and use of mobile electronic devices. This expansion of e-commerce could have an adverse impact on our tenant’s ongoing viability. The default, financial distress, bankruptcy or liquidation of one or more of our tenants could cause substantial vacancies in our property portfolio or impact our tenants’ ability to pay rent. Vacancies reduce our revenues, increase property expenses and could decrease the value of each vacant property. Upon the expiration of a lease, the tenant may choose not to renew the lease, renegotiate the economics of any option period(s) as a condition of exercising one or more of them, and/or we may not be able to release the vacant property at a comparable lease rate or without incurring additional expenditures in connection with such renewal or re-leasing. These risks could be exacerbated by a deterioration in the financial condition of any major tenant with leases in multiple locations.
The availability and timing of cash dividends is uncertain.
We expect to continue to pay regular dividends to our stockholders. However, we bear all expenses incurred by our operations, and our funds generated by operations, after deducting these expenses, may not be sufficient to cover desired
levels of dividends to our stockholders. We cannot assure our stockholders that sufficient funds will be available to pay dividends.
The decision to declare and pay dividends on our common stock in the future, as well as the timing, amount and composition of any such future dividends, will be at the sole discretion of our board of directors and will depend on our earnings, funds from operations, liquidity, financial condition, capital requirements, contractual prohibitions, or other limitations under our indebtedness, annual dividend requirements or the REIT provisions of the Internal Revenue Code, state law and such other factors as our board of directors deems relevant. Further, we may issue new shares of common stock as compensation to our team members or in connection with public offerings or acquisitions. Any future issuances may substantially increase the cash required to pay dividends at current or higher levels.
Any preferred shares we may offer may have a fixed dividend rate that would not increase with any increases in the dividend rate of our common stock. Conversely, payment of dividends on our common stock is subject to payment in full of the dividends on any preferred shares and payment of interest on any debt securities we may offer.
If we do not maintain or increase the dividend on our common stock, it could have an adverse effect on the market price of our shares.
We face risks relating to information technology and cybersecurity attacks, loss of confidential information and other business disruptions.
We rely on information technology networks and systems, including the Internet, to process, transmit and store electronic information and to manage or support a variety of our business processes and we rely on commercially available systems, software, tools and monitoring to provide infrastructure and security for processing, transmitting and storing information. Any failure, inadequacy or interruption could materially harm our business. Furthermore, our business is subject to risks 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. Cybersecurity incidents could cause operational interruption, damage to our business relationships, private data exposure (including personally identifiable information, or proprietary and confidential information, of ours and our team members, as well as third parties) and affect the efficiency of our business operations. Any such incidents could result in legal claims or proceedings, liability or regulatory penalties under laws protecting the privacy of personal information and reduce the benefits of our technologies. Further, while we carry cyber liability insurance, such insurance may not be adequate to cover all losses related to such events.
Our environmental, social and governance commitments could result in additional costs, and our inability to achieve them could have an adverse impact on our reputation and performance.
From time to time we communicate our strategies, commitments and targets related to sustainability and other environmental, social and governance matters. These strategies, commitments and targets reflect our current plans and aspirations, and we may be unable to achieve them. We may from time to time incur additional expense to meet such targets. Any failure to meet these sustainability targets could adversely impact our business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, standards and processes for measuring and reporting carbon emissions and other sustainability metrics may change over time, and may result in inconsistent data, or could result in significant revisions to our strategies, commitments and targets, or our ability to achieve them. Any scrutiny of our sustainability disclosures or our failure to achieve related strategies, commitments and targets could negatively impact our reputation or performance.
General Real Estate Risk
Our performance and value are subject to general economic conditions and risks associated with our real estate assets.
There are risks associated with owning and leasing real estate. Although many of our leases contain terms that obligate the tenants to bear substantially all of the costs of operating our properties, investing in real estate involves a number of risks. Income from and the value of our properties may be adversely affected by:
● Changes in general or local economic conditions;
● The attractiveness of our properties to potential tenants;
● Changes in supply of or demand for similar or competing properties in an area;
● Bankruptcies, financial difficulties or lease defaults by our tenants;
● Changes in operating costs and expense and our ability to control rents;
● Our ability to lease properties at favorable rental rates;
● Our ability to sell a property when we desire to do so at a favorable price;
● Property damage or casualty loss;
● Impacts of climate change;
● The potential risk of functional obsolescence of properties over time;
● Changes in or increased costs of compliance with governmental rules, regulations and fiscal policies, including changes in the ADA and similar regulations and tax, real estate, environmental and zoning laws, and our potential liability thereunder.
Economic and financial market conditions have and may continue to exacerbate many of the foregoing risks. If a tenant fails to perform on its lease covenants, that would not excuse us from meeting any mortgage debt obligation secured by the property and could require us to fund reserves in favor of our mortgage lenders, thereby reducing funds available for payment of cash dividends on our shares of common stock.
The fact that real estate investments are relatively illiquid may reduce economic returns to investors.
We may desire to sell a property in the future because of changes in market conditions or poor tenant performance or to avail ourselves of other opportunities. We may also be required to sell a property in the future to meet secured debt obligations or to avoid a secured debt loan default. Real estate properties cannot generally be sold quickly, and we cannot assure you that we could always obtain a favorable price. We may be required to invest in the restoration or modification of a property before we can sell it, or we may need to obtain landlord consent to sell certain assets in which we have a leasehold interest in the land underlying the buildings. This lack of liquidity may limit our ability to vary our portfolio promptly in response to changes in economic or other conditions and, as a result, could adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and our ability to pay dividends on our common stock.
Our ability to renew leases or re-lease space on favorable terms as leases expire significantly affects our business.
We are subject to the risks that, upon expiration of leases for space located in our properties, the premises may not be re-let or the terms of re-letting (including the cost of concessions to tenants) may be less favorable than current lease terms. If a tenant does not renew its lease or if a tenant defaults on its lease obligations, there is no assurance we could obtain a substitute tenant on acceptable terms. If we cannot obtain another tenant with comparable building structural space and configuration needs, we may be required to modify the property for a different use, which may involve a significant capital expenditure and a delay in re-leasing the property. Further, if we are unable to re-let promptly all or a substantial portion of our retail space or if the rental rates upon such re-letting were significantly lower than expected rates, our net income and ability to make expected distributions to stockholders would be adversely affected. There can be no assurance that we will be able to retain tenants in any of our properties upon the expiration of their leases.
Our leases contain certain limitations on tenants’ real estate tax, insurance and operating cost reimbursement obligations.
Our tenants under net leases generally are responsible for paying the real estate taxes, insurance costs and operating costs associated with the leased property. However, certain leases contain limitations on the tenant’s cost reimbursement obligations and, therefore, there are costs which may be incurred and which will not be reimbursed in full by tenants. This could reduce our operating cash flows from those properties and could reduce the value of those properties.
Potential liability for environmental contamination could result in substantial costs.
Under federal, state and local environmental laws, we may be required to investigate and clean up any release of hazardous or toxic substances or petroleum products at our properties, regardless of our knowledge or actual responsibility, simply because of our current or past ownership or operation of the real estate. If unidentified environmental problems arise, we may have to make substantial payments, which could adversely affect our cash flow and our ability to make distributions to our stockholders. This potential liability results from the following:
● As owner, we may have to pay for property damage and for investigation and clean-up costs incurred in connection with the contamination;
● The law may impose clean-up responsibility and liability regardless of whether the owner or operator knew of or caused the contamination;
● Even if more than one person is responsible for the contamination, each person who shares legal liability under environmental laws may be held responsible for all of the clean-up costs; and
● Governmental entities and third parties may sue the owner or operator of a contaminated site for damages and costs.
These costs could be substantial and in extreme cases could exceed the value of the contaminated property. The presence of hazardous substances or petroleum products or the failure to properly remediate contamination may adversely affect our ability to borrow against, sell or lease an affected property. In addition, some environmental laws create liens on contaminated sites in favor of the government for damages and costs it incurs in connection with a contamination.
We own and may in the future acquire properties that will be operated as convenience stores with gas station facilities. The operation of convenience stores with gas station facilities at our properties will create additional environmental concerns. Similarly, we may lease properties to users or producers of other hazardous materials. We require that the tenants who operate these facilities do so in material compliance with current laws and regulations.
A majority of our leases require our tenants to comply with environmental laws and to indemnify us against environmental liability arising from the operation of the properties. However, we could be subject to strict liability under environmental laws because we own the properties. There are certain losses, including losses from environmental liabilities, that are not generally insured against or that are not generally fully insured against because it is not deemed economically feasible or prudent to do so. There is also a risk that tenants may not satisfy their environmental compliance and indemnification obligations under the leases. Any of these events could substantially increase our cost of operations, require us to fund environmental indemnities in favor of our secured lenders and reduce our ability to service our secured debt and pay dividends to stockholders and any debt security interest payments. Environmental problems at any properties could also put us in default under loans secured by those properties, as well as loans secured by unaffected properties.
Uninsured losses relating to real property may adversely affect our returns.
Our leases generally require tenants to carry comprehensive liability and extended coverage insurance on our properties. However, there are certain losses, including losses from environmental liabilities, terrorist acts or catastrophic acts of nature, that are not generally insured against or that are not generally fully insured against because it is not deemed economically feasible or prudent to do so. If there is an uninsured loss or a loss in excess of insurance limits, we could lose both the revenues generated by the affected property and the capital we have invested in the property. In the event of a substantial unreimbursed loss, we would remain obligated to repay any mortgage indebtedness or other obligations related to the property.
Risks Related to Our Debt Financings
Our level of indebtedness could materially and adversely affect our financial position, including reducing funds available for other business purposes and reducing our operational flexibility, and we may have future capital needs and may not be able to obtain additional financing on acceptable terms.
At December 31, 2022, our ratio of total debt to enterprise value (assuming conversion of Operating Partnership Common Units into shares of common stock) was approximately 23.0%. Incurring substantial debt may adversely affect our business and operating results by:
● Requiring us to use a substantial portion of our cash flow to pay interest and principal, which reduces the amount available for distributions, acquisitions and capital expenditures;
● Making us more vulnerable to economic and industry downturns and reducing our flexibility to respond to changing business and economic conditions;
● Requiring us to agree to less favorable terms, including higher interest rates, in order to incur additional debt, and otherwise limiting our ability to borrow for operations, working capital or to finance acquisitions in the future; or
● Limiting our flexibility in conducting our business, including our ability to finance or refinance our assets, contribute assets to joint ventures or sell assets as needed, which may place us at a disadvantage compared to competitors with less debt or debt with less restrictive terms.
In addition, the use of leverage presents an additional element of risk in the event that (1) the cash flow from lease payments on our properties is insufficient to meet debt obligations, (2) we are unable to refinance our debt obligations as necessary or on as favorable terms, (3) there is an increase in interest rates, (4) we default on our financial obligations or (5) debt service requirements increase. If a property is mortgaged to secure payment of indebtedness and we are unable to meet mortgage payments, the property could be foreclosed upon with a consequential loss of income and asset value to us.
We generally intend to maintain a ratio of total indebtedness (including construction or acquisition financing) to total market capitalization of 65% or less. Nevertheless, we may operate with debt levels which are in excess of 65% of total market capitalization for extended periods of time. If our debt capitalization policy were changed, we could become more highly leveraged, resulting in an increase in debt service that could adversely affect our operating cash flow and our ability to make expected distributions to stockholders, and could result in an increased risk of default on our obligations.
Covenants in our credit agreements and note purchase agreements could limit our flexibility and adversely affect our financial condition.
The terms of the financing agreements and other indebtedness require us to comply with a number of customary financial and other covenants. These covenants may limit our flexibility in our operations, and breaches of these covenants could result in defaults under the instruments governing the applicable indebtedness even if we have satisfied our payment obligations. Our financing agreements contain certain cross-default provisions which could be triggered in the event that we default on our other indebtedness. These cross-default provisions may require us to repay or restructure the revolving credit facility in addition to any mortgage or other debt that is in default. If our properties were foreclosed upon, or if we are unable to refinance our indebtedness at maturity or meet our payment obligations, the amount of our distributable cash flows and our financial condition would be adversely affected.
Our unsecured revolving credit facility, certain term loan agreements and certain note purchase agreements contain various restrictive corporate covenants, including a maximum total leverage ratio, a maximum secured leverage ratio and a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio. In addition, our unsecured revolving credit facility, certain term loan agreements and certain note purchase agreements have unencumbered pool covenants, which include a maximum unencumbered leverage ratio and a minimum unencumbered interest coverage ratio. These covenants may restrict our ability to pursue certain business initiatives or certain transactions that might otherwise be advantageous. Furthermore, failure to meet certain of these financial covenants could cause an event of default under and/or accelerate some or all of such indebtedness which could have a material adverse effect on us.
An increase in market interest rates could raise our interest costs on existing and future debt or adversely affect our stock price, and a decrease in interest rates may lead to additional competition for the acquisition of real estate or adversely affect our results of operations.
Our interest costs for any new debt and our current debt obligations may rise if interest rates increase. This increased cost could make the financing of any new acquisition more expensive as well as lower our current period earnings. Rising interest rates could limit our ability to refinance existing debt when it matures or cause us to pay higher interest rates upon refinancing. In addition, an increase in interest rates could decrease the access third parties have to credit, thereby decreasing the amount they are willing to pay to lease our assets and limit our ability to reposition our portfolio promptly in response to changes in economic or other conditions. An increase in market interest rates may lead prospective purchasers of our common stock to expect a higher dividend yield, which could adversely affect the market price of our common stock. Decreases in interest rates may lead to additional competition for the acquisition of real estate due to a reduction in desirable alternative income-producing investments. Increased competition for the acquisition of real estate may lead to a decrease in the yields on real estate targeted for acquisition. In such circumstances, if we are not able to offset the decrease in yields by obtaining lower interest costs on our borrowings, our results of operations may be adversely affected.
Our hedging strategies may not be successful in mitigating our risks associated with interest rates and could reduce the overall returns on your investment.
We use various derivative financial instruments to provide a level of protection against interest rate risks, but no hedging strategy can protect us completely. These instruments involve risks, such as the risk that the counterparties may fail to honor their obligations under these arrangements, that these arrangements may not be effective in reducing our exposure to interest rate changes, that a court could rule that such agreements are not legally enforceable, and that we may have to post collateral to enter into hedging transactions, which we may lose if we are unable to honor our obligations. These instruments may also generate income that may not be treated as qualifying REIT income for purposes of the REIT income tests. In addition, the nature and timing of hedging transactions may influence the effectiveness of our hedging strategies. Poorly designed strategies or improperly executed transactions could actually increase our risk and losses. Moreover, hedging strategies involve transaction and other costs. We cannot assure you that our hedging strategy and the derivatives that we use will adequately offset the risk of interest rate volatility or that our hedging transactions will not result in losses that may reduce the overall return on your investment.
Future offerings of debt and equity may not be available to us or may adversely affect the market price of our common stock.
We expect to continue to increase our capital resources by making additional offerings of equity and debt securities in the future, which could include classes or series of preferred stock, common stock and senior or subordinated notes. Our ability to raise additional capital may be restricted at a time when we would like or need, including as a result of market conditions. Future market dislocations could cause us to seek sources of potentially less attractive capital and impact our flexibility to react to changing economic and business conditions. All debt securities and other borrowings, as well as all classes or series of preferred stock, will be senior to our common stock in a liquidation of our company. Additional equity offerings could dilute our stockholders’ equity and reduce the market price of shares of our common stock. In addition, depending on the terms and pricing of an additional offering of our common stock and the value of our properties, our stockholders may experience dilution in both the book value and fair value of their shares. The market price of our common stock could decline as a result of sales of a large number of shares of our common stock in the market after an offering or the perception that such sales could occur, and this could materially and adversely affect our ability to raise capital through future offerings of equity or equity-related securities. In addition, we may issue preferred stock or other securities convertible into equity securities with a distribution preference or a liquidation preference that may limit our ability to make distributions on our common stock. Our ability to estimate the amount, timing or nature of additional offerings is limited as these factors will depend upon market conditions and other factors.
Risks Related to Our Corporate Structure
Our charter, bylaws and Maryland law contain provisions that may delay, defer or prevent a change of control transaction.
Our charter contains 9.8% ownership limits. Our charter, subject to certain exceptions, authorizes our directors to take such actions as are necessary and desirable to preserve our qualification as a REIT and contains provisions that limit any person to actual or constructive ownership of no more than 9.8% (in value or in number of shares, whichever is more restrictive) of the outstanding shares of our common stock and no more than 9.8% (in value) of the aggregate of the outstanding shares of all classes and series of our stock. Our board of directors, in its sole discretion, may exempt, subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions, any person from the ownership limits. These restrictions on transferability and ownership will not apply if our board of directors determines that it is no longer in our best interests to attempt to qualify, or to continue to qualify, as a REIT. The ownership limits may delay or impede, and we may use the ownership limits deliberately to delay or impede, a transaction or a change of control that might involve a premium price for our common stock or otherwise be in the best interest of our stockholders.
We have a staggered board. Our directors are divided into three classes serving three-year staggered terms. The staggering of our board of directors may discourage offers for the Company or make an acquisition more difficult, even when an acquisition may be viewed to be in the best interest of our stockholders.
We could issue stock without stockholder approval. Our board of directors could, without stockholder approval, issue authorized but unissued shares of our common stock or preferred stock. In addition, our board of directors could, without stockholder approval, classify or reclassify any unissued shares of our common stock or preferred stock and set the preferences, rights and other terms of such classified or reclassified shares. Our board of directors could establish a series of stock that could, depending on the terms of such series, delay, defer or prevent a transaction or change of control that might involve a premium price for our common stock or otherwise be viewed to be in the best interest of our stockholders.
Provisions of Maryland law may limit the ability of a third party to acquire control of our company. Certain provisions of Maryland law may have the effect of inhibiting a third party from making a proposal to acquire us or of impeding a change of control under certain circumstances that otherwise could provide the holders of shares of our common stock with the opportunity to realize a premium over the then prevailing market price of such shares, including:
● “Business combination” provisions that, subject to limitations, prohibit certain business combinations between us and an “interested stockholder” (defined generally as any person who beneficially owns 10% or more of the voting power of our shares or an affiliate thereof) for five years after the most recent date on which the stockholder becomes an interested stockholder and thereafter would require the recommendation of our board of directors and impose special appraisal rights and special stockholder voting requirements on these combinations; and
● “Control share” provisions that provide that “control shares” of our company (defined as shares which, when aggregated with other shares controlled by the stockholder, entitle the stockholder to exercise one of three increasing ranges of voting power in electing directors) acquired in a “control share acquisition” (defined as the direct or indirect acquisition of ownership or control of “control shares”) have no voting rights except to the extent approved by our stockholders by the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of all the votes entitled to be cast on the matter, excluding all interested shares.
The business combination statute permits various exemptions from its provisions, including business combinations that are approved or exempted by the board of directors before the time that the interested stockholder becomes an interested stockholder. Our board of directors has exempted from the business combination provisions of the Maryland General Corporation Law, or MGCL, any business combination with Mr. Richard Agree or any other person acting in concert or as a group with Mr. Richard Agree.
In addition, our bylaws contain a provision exempting from the control share acquisition statute Richard Agree, Edward Rosenberg, any spouses or the foregoing, any brothers or sisters of the foregoing, any ancestors of the foregoing, any other lineal descendants of any of the foregoing, any estates of any of the foregoing, any trusts established for the benefit of any
of the foregoing and any other entity controlled by any of the foregoing, our other officers, our team members, any of the associates or affiliates of the foregoing and any other person acting in concert of as a group with any of the foregoing.
Additionally, Title 3, Subtitle 8 of the MGCL, permits our board of directors, without stockholder approval and regardless of what is currently provided in our charter or our bylaws, to implement certain takeover defenses. These provisions may have the effect of inhibiting a third party from making an acquisition proposal for our company or of delaying, deferring or preventing a change in control of our company under circumstances that otherwise could provide the holders of our common stock with the opportunity to realize a premium over the then-current market price.
Our charter, our bylaws, the limited partnership agreement of the Operating Partnership and Maryland law also contain other provisions that may delay, defer or prevent a transaction or a change of control that might involve a premium price for our common stock or otherwise be viewed to be in the best interest of our stockholders.
An officer and director may have interests that conflict with the interests of stockholders.
An officer and member of our board of directors owns Operating Partnership Units. This individual may have personal interests that conflict with the interests of our stockholders with respect to business decisions affecting us and the Operating Partnership, such as interests in the timing and pricing of property sales or refinancing in order to obtain favorable tax treatment.
Federal Income Tax Risks
Complying with REIT requirements may cause us to forego otherwise attractive opportunities.
To qualify as a REIT for federal income tax purposes we must continually satisfy numerous income, asset and other tests, thus having to forego investments we might otherwise make and hindering our investment performance.
Failure to qualify as a REIT could adversely affect our operations and our ability to make distributions.
We will be subject to increased taxation if we fail to qualify as a REIT for federal income tax purposes. Although we believe that we are organized and operate in such a manner so as to qualify as a REIT under the Internal Revenue Code, no assurance can be given that we will remain so qualified. Qualification as a REIT involves the application of highly technical and complex Code provisions for which there are only limited judicial or administrative interpretations. The complexity of these provisions and applicable treasury regulations is also increased in the context of a REIT that holds its assets in partnership form. The determination of various factual matters and circumstances not entirely within our control may affect our ability to qualify as a REIT. Additionally, our charter provides our board of directors with the power, under certain circumstances, to revoke or otherwise terminate our REIT election and cause us to be taxed as a regular corporation, without the approval of our stockholders. A REIT that annually distributes at least 90% of its taxable income to its stockholders generally is not taxed at the corporate level on such distributed income. We have not requested and do not plan to request a ruling from the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) that we qualify as a REIT.
If we fail to qualify as a REIT, we will face tax consequences that will substantially reduce the funds available for payment of cash dividends:
● We would not be allowed a deduction for dividends paid to stockholders in computing our taxable income and would be subject to federal income tax at regular corporate rates.
● We may be subject to increased state and local taxes.
● Unless we are entitled to relief under statutory provisions, we could not elect to be treated as a REIT for four taxable years following the year in which we failed to qualify.
In addition, if we fail to qualify as a REIT, we will no longer be required to pay dividends (other than any mandatory dividends on any preferred shares we may offer). As a result of these factors, our failure to qualify as a REIT could adversely affect the market price for our common stock.
U.S. federal tax reform legislation could affect REITs generally, the geographic markets in which we operate, our stock and our results of operations, both positively and negatively in ways that are difficult to anticipate.
Changes to the federal income tax laws are proposed regularly. Additionally, the REIT rules are constantly under review by persons involved in the legislative process and by the IRS and the U.S. Department of the Treasury, which may result in revisions to regulations and interpretations in addition to statutory changes. If enacted, certain such changes could have an adverse impact on our business and financial results. In particular, H.R. 1, which took effect for taxable years that began on or after January 1, 2018 (subject to certain exceptions), as amended by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act made many significant changes to the federal income tax laws that profoundly impacted the taxation of individuals, corporations (both regular C corporations as well as corporations that have elected to be taxed as REITs), and the taxation of taxpayers with overseas assets and operations. A number of changes that affect non-corporate taxpayers will expire at the end of 2025 unless Congress acts to extend them. These changes impact us and our stockholders in various ways, some of which are adverse or potentially adverse compared to prior law. While the IRS has issued some guidance with respect to certain of the new provisions, there are numerous interpretive issues that will require further guidance, and technical corrections legislation may be needed to clarify certain aspects of the new law and give proper effect to Congressional intent. There can be no assurance, however, that technical clarifications or further changes needed to prevent unintended or unforeseen tax consequences will be enacted by Congress. In addition, while certain elements of tax reform legislation do not impact us directly as a REIT, they could impact the geographic markets in which we operate, the tenants that populate our properties and the customers who frequent our properties in ways, both positive and negative, that are difficult to anticipate. Other legislative proposals could be enacted in the future that could affect REITs and their stockholders. Prospective investors are urged to consult their tax advisors regarding the effect of these tax law changes and any other potential tax law changes on an investment in our common stock.
Changes in tax laws may prevent us from maintaining our qualification as a REIT.
As we have previously described, we intend to maintain our qualification as a REIT for federal income tax purposes. However, this intended qualification is based on the tax laws that are currently in effect. We are unable to predict any future changes in the tax laws that would adversely affect our status as a REIT. If there is a change in the tax law that prevents us from qualifying as a REIT or that requires REITs generally to pay corporate level income taxes, we may not be able to make the same level of distributions to our stockholders.
Complying with REIT requirements may force us to liquidate or restructure otherwise attractive investments.
In order to qualify as a REIT, at least 75% of the value of our assets must consist of cash, cash items, government securities and qualified real estate assets. The remainder of our investments in securities (other than government securities, securities of TRSs and qualified real estate assets) cannot include more than 10% of the voting securities or 10% of the value of all securities, of any one issuer. In addition, in general, no more than 5% of the total value of our assets (other than government securities, securities of TRSs and qualified real estate assets) can consist of securities of any one issuer, and no more than 20% of the total value of our assets can be represented by one or more TRSs. If we fail to comply with these requirements at the end of any calendar quarter, we must correct the failure within 30 days after the end of the calendar quarter or qualify for certain statutory relief provisions to avoid losing our REIT qualification and suffering adverse tax consequences. As a result, we may be required to liquidate otherwise attractive investments.
We may have to borrow funds or sell assets to meet our distribution requirements.
Subject to some adjustments that are unique to REITs, a REIT generally must distribute 90% of its taxable income. For the purpose of determining taxable income, we may be required to accrue interest, rent and other items treated as earned for tax purposes but that we have not yet received. In addition, we may be required not to accrue as expenses for tax purposes some expenses that actually have been paid, including, for example, payments of principal on our debt, or some of our deductions might be disallowed by the IRS. As a result, we could have taxable income in excess of cash available for distribution. If this occurs, we may have to borrow funds or liquidate some of our assets in order to meet the distribution requirement applicable to a REIT.
Our ownership of and relationship with our TRSs will be limited, and a failure to comply with the limits would jeopardize our REIT status and may result in the application of a 100% excise tax.
A REIT may own up to 100% of the stock of one or more TRSs. A TRS may earn income that would not be qualifying income if earned directly by the parent REIT. Overall, no more than 20% of the value of a REIT’s assets may consist of stock or securities of one or more TRSs. A TRS will typically pay federal, state and local income tax at regular corporate rates on any income that it earns. In addition, the TRS rules impose a 100% excise tax on certain transactions between a TRS and its parent REIT that are not conducted on an arm’s-length basis. Our TRSs will pay federal, state and local income tax on their taxable income, and their after-tax net income will be available for distribution to us but will not be required to be distributed to us. There can be no assurance that we will be able to comply with the 20% limitation discussed above or to avoid application of the 100% excise tax discussed above.
Liquidation of our assets may jeopardize our REIT qualification.
To qualify as a REIT, we must comply with requirements regarding our assets and our sources of income. If we are compelled to liquidate our investments to repay obligations to our lenders, we may be unable to comply with these requirements, ultimately jeopardizing our qualification as a REIT, or we may be subject to a 100% tax on any gain if we sell assets in transactions that are considered to be “prohibited transactions,” which are explained in the risk factor below.
We may be subject to other tax liabilities even if we qualify as a REIT.
Even if we remain qualified as a REIT for federal income tax purposes, we will be required to pay certain federal, state and local taxes on our income and property. For example, we will be subject to federal income tax on any of our REIT taxable income (including capital gains) that we do not distribute annually to our stockholders. Additionally, we will be subject to a 4% nondeductible excise tax on the amount, if any, by which dividends paid by us in any calendar year are less than the sum of 85% of our ordinary income, 95% of our capital gain net income and 100% of our undistributed income from prior years. Moreover, if we have net income from “prohibited transactions,” that income will be subject to a 100% tax. In general, prohibited transactions are sales or other dispositions of property held primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of business. The determination as to whether a particular sale is a prohibited transaction depends on the facts and circumstances related to that sale. While we will undertake sales of assets if those assets become inconsistent with our long-term strategic or return objectives, we do not believe that those sales should be considered prohibited transactions, but there can be no assurance that the IRS would not contend otherwise. The need to avoid prohibited transactions could cause us to forego or defer sales of properties that might otherwise be in our best interest to sell.
In addition, any net taxable income earned directly by our TRSs, or through entities that are disregarded for federal income tax purposes as entities separate from our TRSs, will be subject to federal and possibly state corporate income tax. To the extent that we and our affiliates are required to pay federal, state and local taxes, we will have less cash available for distributions to our stockholders.
Dividends payable by REITs do not qualify for the reduced tax rates on dividend income from regular corporations.
The maximum federal income tax rate applicable to “qualified dividend income” payable by non-REIT corporations to certain non-corporate U.S. stockholders is generally 20% and a 3.8% Medicare tax may also apply. Dividends paid by REITs, however, generally are not eligible for the reduced rates applicable to qualified dividend income. Commencing with taxable years that began on or after January 1, 2018 and continuing through 2025, H.R. 1 temporarily reduced the effective tax rate on ordinary REIT dividends (i.e., dividends other than capital gain dividends and dividends attributable to certain qualified dividend income received by us) for U.S. holders of our common stock that are individuals, estates or trusts by permitting such holders to claim a deduction in determining their taxable income equal to 20% of any such dividends they receive. Taking into account H.R. 1’s reduction in the maximum individual federal income tax rate from 39.6% to 37%, this results in a maximum effective rate of regular income tax on ordinary REIT dividends of 29.6% through 2025 (as compared to the 20% maximum federal income tax rate applicable to qualified dividend income received from a non-REIT corporation). The more favorable rates applicable to regular corporate distributions could cause investors who are individuals to perceive investments in REITs to be relatively less attractive than investments in the stocks of non-REIT
corporations that pay distributions. This could materially and adversely affect the value of the stock of REITs, including our common stock.
Complying with REIT requirements may limit our ability to hedge effectively and may cause us to incur tax liabilities.
The REIT provisions of the Internal Revenue Code substantially limit our ability to hedge our liabilities. Any income from a hedging transaction we enter into to manage risk of interest rate changes, price changes or currency fluctuations with respect to borrowings made or to be made to acquire or carry real estate assets that is clearly identified in the manner specified in the Internal Revenue Code does not constitute gross income, and is not counted for purposes of income tests that apply to us as a REIT. To the extent that we enter into other types of hedging transactions, the income from those transactions is likely to be treated as non-qualifying income for purposes of the income tests. As a result of these rules, we may need to limit our use of advantageous hedging techniques or implement those hedges through a TRS. This could increase the cost of our hedging activities because our TRS would be subject to tax on gains or expose us to greater risks associated with changes in interest rates than we would otherwise want to bear. In addition, losses in our TRSs will generally not provide any tax benefit, except for being carried forward against future taxable income in the TRSs.
General Risks
Loss of our key personnel could materially impair our ability to operate successfully.
Our continued success and our ability to manage anticipated future growth depend, in large part, upon the efforts of key personnel. The loss of services of one or more members of our senior management team, or our inability to attract and retain highly qualified personnel, could adversely affect our business, diminish our investment opportunities and our relationships with lenders, business partners, existing and prospective tenants and industry personnel, which could materially and adversely affect us.
If we fail to maintain an effective system of internal controls, we may not be able to accurately report financial results, which could result in a loss of investor confidence and adversely affect the market price of our common stock.
We are required to establish and maintain internal control over financial reporting and disclosure controls and procedures. Internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Disclosure controls and procedures are processes designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed is communicated to management and reported in a timely manner. We cannot be certain that we will be successful in continuing to maintain adequate control over our financial reporting and disclosure controls and procedures. Deficiencies, including any material weakness, in our internal control over financial reporting that may occur could result in misstatements or restatements of our financial statements or a decline in the price of our securities. In addition, as our business continues to grow, and as we continue to make significant acquisitions, our internal controls will become more complex and may require significantly more resources to ensure that our disclosure controls and procedures remain effective. Moreover, the existence of any material weakness or significant deficiency in our internal controls and procedures may require management to devote significant time and incur significant expense to remediate any such material weaknesses or significant deficiencies and management may not be able to remediate any such material weaknesses or significant deficiencies in a timely manner. If we cannot provide reliable financial reports, our reputation and operating results could be materially adversely affected, which could also cause investors to lose confidence in our reported financial information, which in turn could result in a reduction in the trading price of our common stock.
The market price and trading volume of shares of our common stock may fluctuate or decline.
The market price and trading volume of our common stock may fluctuate widely due to various factors, including:
● Broad market fluctuations;
● Market reaction to any additional indebtedness we incur or debt or equity securities we or the Operating Partnership issue in the future;
● Additions or departures of key management personnel;
● Changes in our credit ratings;
● The financial condition, performance and prospects of our tenants;
● Changes in market interest rates; and
● The realization of any of the other risk factors presented in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Many of the factors listed above are beyond our control. Those factors may cause the market price of our common stock to decline significantly, regardless of our financial condition, results of operations and prospects. It is impossible to provide any assurance that the market price of our common stock will not fall in the future, and it may be difficult for holders to resell shares of our common stock at prices they find attractive, or at all.
The COVID-19 pandemic, its variants, and the future outbreak of other highly infectious or contagious diseases, could materially and adversely impact or disrupt our financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and performance.
The COVID-19 pandemic, including continued spread of new variants, has had, and other pandemics in the future could have, repercussions across regional and global economies and financial markets.
The COVID-19 pandemic, or a future pandemic, could also have material and adverse effects on our ability to successfully operate and on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows due to, among other factors:
● A complete or partial closure of, or other operational issues at, one or more of our properties resulting from government or tenant action;
● Reduced economic activity could severely impact our tenants’ businesses, financial condition and liquidity and may cause one or more of our tenants to be unable to meet their obligations to us in full, or at all, or to otherwise seek modifications of such obligations;
● Reduced economic activity could result in a prolonged recession, which could negatively impact consumer discretionary spending;
● Difficulty accessing debt and equity capital on attractive terms, or at all, potential impacts to our credit ratings, and a prolonged severe disruption and instability in the global financial markets or deteriorations in credit and financing conditions may affect our access to capital necessary to fund business operations or address maturing liabilities on a timely basis and our tenants’ ability to fund their business operations and meet their obligations to us;
● Negative impacts to our future compliance with financial covenants of our Revolving Credit Facility and other debt agreements could result in a default and potentially an acceleration of indebtedness, which non-compliance could negatively impact our ability to make additional borrowings under our Revolving Credit Facility and pay dividends;
● Any impairment in value of our tangible or intangible assets which could be recorded as a result of weaker economic conditions;
● A decline in business activity and demand for real estate transactions could adversely affect our ability or desire to grow our portfolio of properties;
● A deterioration in our or our tenants’ ability to operate in affected areas or delays in the supply of products or services to us or our tenants from vendors that are needed for our or our tenants’ efficient operations could adversely affect our operations and those of our tenants; and
● The potential negative impact on the health of our personnel, particularly if a significant number of them are impacted, could result in a deterioration in our ability to ensure business continuity during this disruption.
The extent to which the COVID-19 pandemic, or a future pandemic, impacts our operations and those of our tenants will depend on future developments, which are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted with confidence.
The rapid development and fluidity of the COVID-19 pandemic, or a future pandemic, precludes any prediction as to the full adverse impacts on our business. Nevertheless, the COVID-19 pandemic, of a future pandemic, presents a material uncertainty and risk with respect to our financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and performance.

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ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
Item 1B: Unresolved Staff Comments
There are no unresolved staff comments.

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ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
Item 2: Properties
As of December 31, 2022, our portfolio consisted of 1,839 properties located in 48 states and totaling approximately 38.1 million square feet of GLA.
As of December 31, 2022, our portfolio was approximately 99.7% leased and had a weighted average remaining lease term of approximately 8.8 years. A significant majority of our properties are leased to national tenants and approximately 67.8% of our annualized base rent was derived from tenants, or parents thereof, with an investment grade credit rating. Substantially all of our tenants are subject to net lease agreements. A net lease typically requires the tenant to be responsible for minimum monthly rent and property operating expenses including property taxes, insurance and maintenance. In addition, our tenants are typically subject to future rent increases based on fixed amounts or increases in the consumer price index and certain leases provide for additional rent calculated as a percentage of the tenants’ gross sales above a specified level.
Tenant Diversification
The following table presents annualized base rents for all tenants that generated 1.5% or greater of our total annualized base rent as of December 31, 2022:
($ in thousands)
Annualized
% of Ann.
Tenant / Concept
Base Rent (1)
Base Rent
Walmart
$
31,924
6.8
%
Dollar General
23,465
5.0
%
Tractor Supply
20,649
4.4
%
Best Buy
19,515
4.1
%
Dollar Tree
14,240
3.0
%
TJX Companies
14,216
3.0
%
O'Reilly Auto Parts
14,137
3.0
%
CVS
14,117
3.0
%
Kroger
12,856
2.7
%
Lowe's
12,210
2.6
%
Hobby Lobby
11,904
2.5
%
Burlington
11,408
2.4
%
Sherwin-Williams
10,849
2.3
%
Sunbelt Rentals
10,072
2.1
%
Wawa
9,668
2.1
%
Home Depot
8,880
1.9
%
TBC Corporation
8,437
1.8
%
Gerber Collision
7,538
1.6
%
Goodyear
7,522
1.6
%
AutoZone
7,466
1.6
%
Other(2)
199,342
42.5
%
Total
$
470,415
100.0
%
(1) Represents annualized contractual base rent on a straight-line basis as of December 31, 2022.
(2) Includes tenants generating less than 1.5% of annualized contractual base rent.
Tenant Sector Diversification
The following table presents annualized base rents for all sectors as of December 31, 2022:
($ in thousands)
Annualized
% of Ann.
Tenant Sector
Base Rent (1)
Base Rent
Home Improvement
$
42,754
9.1
%
Grocery Stores
41,884
8.9
%
Tire and Auto Service
41,612
8.9
%
Dollar Stores
36,241
7.7
%
Convenience Stores
35,842
7.6
%
General Merchandise
30,476
6.5
%
Off-Price Retail
28,782
6.1
%
Auto Parts
27,301
5.8
%
Farm and Rural Supply
22,187
4.7
%
Consumer Electronics
21,723
4.6
%
Pharmacy
20,823
4.4
%
Crafts and Novelties
14,208
3.0
%
Discount Stores
11,212
2.4
%
Equipment Rental
10,398
2.2
%
Warehouse Clubs
10,100
2.2
%
Health Services
9,496
2.0
%
Health and Fitness
8,082
1.7
%
Restaurants - Quick Service
7,931
1.7
%
Dealerships
6,506
1.4
%
Specialty Retail
6,306
1.3
%
Restaurants - Casual Dining
5,243
1.1
%
Home Furnishings
4,898
1.0
%
Sporting Goods
4,835
1.0
%
Financial Services
4,606
1.0
%
Theaters
3,848
0.8
%
Pet Supplies
3,146
0.7
%
Entertainment Retail
2,323
0.5
%
Beauty and Cosmetics
2,259
0.5
%
Shoes
2,005
0.4
%
Apparel
1,418
0.3
%
Miscellaneous
1,175
0.3
%
Office Supplies
0.2
%
Total
$
470,415
100.0
%
(1) Represents annualized contractual base rent on a straight-line basis as of December 31, 2022.
Geographic Diversification
The following table presents annualized base rents, by state, for our portfolio as of December 31, 2022:
($ in thousands)
Annualized
% of Ann.
Tenant Sector
Base Rent (1)
Base Rent
Texas
$
34,202
7.3
%
Ohio
26,661
5.7
%
Florida
26,317
5.6
%
Michigan
26,139
5.6
%
Illinois
26,069
5.5
%
North Carolina
25,095
5.3
%
New Jersey
22,198
4.7
%
Pennsylvania
22,097
4.7
%
California
20,010
4.3
%
New York
18,992
4.0
%
Georgia
16,174
3.4
%
Virginia
14,415
3.1
%
Connecticut
12,618
2.7
%
Wisconsin
12,356
2.6
%
Other(2)
167,072
35.5
%
Total
$
470,415
100.0
%
(1) Represents annualized contractual base rent on a straight-line basis as of December 31, 2022.
(2) Includes states generating less than 2.5% of annualized contractual base rent.
Lease Expirations
The following table presents contractual lease expirations within the Company’s portfolio as of December 31, 2022, assuming that no tenants exercise renewal options:
($ and GLA in thousands)
Annualized Base Rent (1)
Gross Leasable Area
Number of
% of
% of
Year
Leases
Dollars
Total
Square Feet
Total
$
6,083
1.3
%
1.9
%
13,963
3.0
%
1,623
4.3
%
17,582
3.7
%
1,688
4.4
%
24,966
5.3
%
2,657
7.0
%
30,453
6.5
%
2,881
7.6
%
36,855
7.8
%
3,350
8.8
%
43,537
9.3
%
4,285
11.2
%
52,183
11.1
%
3,962
10.4
%
38,612
8.2
%
2,821
7.4
%
39,170
8.3
%
3,051
8.0
%
Thereafter
167,011
35.5
%
11,001
29.0
%
Total
1,989
$
470,415
100.0
%
38,033
100.0
%
(1) Represents annualized contractual base rent on a straight-line basis as of December 31, 2022.
Developments
During the fourth quarter, the Company commenced six development and PCS projects, with total anticipated costs of approximately $37.3 million. Construction continued during the quarter on 18 projects with anticipated costs totaling approximately $58.6 million. The Company completed two projects during the quarter, which include a Gerber Collision in Kimberly, Wisconsin and a Sunbelt Rentals in Roxana, Illinois.
During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company had 31 development or PCS projects completed or under construction. Anticipated total costs for those projects are approximately $118.5 million and include the following completed or commenced projects:
Actual or
Lease
Anticipated Rent
Tenant
Location
Lease Structure
Term
Commencement
Status
7-Eleven
Saginaw, MI
Build-to-Suit
15 years
Q1 2022
Complete
Gerber Collision
Pooler, GA
Build-to-Suit
15 years
Q2 2022
Complete
Burlington
Turnersville, NJ
Build-to-Suit
10 years
Q3 2022
Complete
Gerber Collision
Janesville, WI
Build-to-Suit
15 years
Q3 2022
Complete
Gerber Collision
New Port Richey, FL
Build-to-Suit
15 years
Q3 2022
Complete
Gerber Collision
Kimberly, WI
Build-to-Suit
15 years
Q4 2022
Complete
Sunbelt Rentals
Roxana, IL
Build-to-Suit
10 years
Q4 2022
Complete
Gerber Collision
Fort Wayne, IN
Build-to-Suit
15 years
Q1 2023
Under Construction
Gerber Collision
Johnson City, NY
Build-to-Suit
15 years
Q1 2023
Under Construction
Gerber Collision
Joplin, MO
Build-to-Suit
15 years
Q1 2023
Under Construction
Gerber Collision
Lake Charles, LA
Build-to-Suit
15 years
Q1 2023
Under Construction
Gerber Collision
Lake Park, FL
Build-to-Suit
15 years
Q1 2023
Under Construction
Gerber Collision
McDonough, GA
Build-to-Suit
15 years
Q1 2023
Under Construction
Gerber Collision
Murrieta, CA
Build-to-Suit
15 years
Q1 2023
Under Construction
Gerber Collision
Ocala, FL
Build-to-Suit
15 years
Q1 2023
Under Construction
Gerber Collision
Toledo, OH
Build-to-Suit
15 years
Q1 2023
Under Construction
Gerber Collision
Venice, FL
Build-to-Suit
15 years
Q1 2023
Under Construction
Gerber Collision
Winterville, NC
Build-to-Suit
15 years
Q1 2023
Under Construction
Gerber Collision
Woodstock, IL
Build-to-Suit
15 years
Q1 2023
Under Construction
Gerber Collision
Yorkville, IL
Build-to-Suit
15 years
Q1 2023
Under Construction
Sunbelt Rentals
St. Louis, MO
Build-to-Suit
7 years
Q1 2023
Under Construction
Gerber Collision
Huntley, IL
Build-to-Suit
15 years
Q2 2023
Under Construction
Gerber Collision
Lawrence, PA
Build-to-Suit
15 years
Q2 2023
Under Construction
Gerber Collision
Springfield, MO
Build-to-Suit
15 years
Q2 2023
Under Construction
HomeGoods
South Elgin, IL
Build-to-Suit
10 years
Q2 2023
Under Construction
Old Navy
Searcy, AR
Build-to-Suit
7 years
Q2 2023
Under Construction
Burlington
Brenham, TX
Build-to-Suit
10 years
Q3 2023
Under Construction
Ulta Beauty
Brenham, TX
Build-to-Suit
10 years
Q3 2023
Under Construction
Five Below
Onalaska, WI
Build-to-Suit
10 years
Q3 2023
Under Construction
HomeGoods
Onalaska, WI
Build-to-Suit
10 years
Q3 2023
Under Construction
Sierra Trading Post
Onalaska, WI
Build-to-Suit
10 years
Q3 2023
Under Construction
TJ Maxx
Onalaska, WI
Build-to-Suit
10 years
Q3 2023
Under Construction
Ulta Beauty
Onalaska, WI
Build-to-Suit
11 years
Q3 2023
Under Construction
Gerber Collision
Blue Springs, MO
Build-to-Suit
15 years
Q3 2023
Under Construction
Gerber Collision
Muskegon, MI
Build-to-Suit
15 years
Q3 2023
Under Construction
Sunbelt Rentals
Wentzille, MO
Build-to-Suit
12 years
Q3 2023
Under Construction

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ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Item 3: Legal Proceedings
From time to time, we are involved in legal proceedings in the ordinary course of business. We are not presently involved in any litigation nor, to our knowledge, is any other litigation threatened against us, other than routine litigation arising in
the ordinary course of business, which is expected to be covered by our liability insurance and all of which collectively is not expected to have a material adverse effect on our liquidity, results of operations or business or financial condition.

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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 and Dividend Policy
Our common stock is traded on the NYSE under the symbol “ADC.” At February 13, 2023, there were 90,173,424 shares of our common stock issued and outstanding which were held by approximately 139 stockholders of record. The number of stockholders of record does not reflect persons or entities that held their shares in nominee or “street” name. In addition, at February 13, 2023 there were 347,619 outstanding Operating Partnership Common Units held by a limited partner other than our Company. The Operating Partnership Common Units are exchangeable into shares of common stock on a one-for-one basis.
We intend to continue to declare regular dividends. However, our distributions are determined by our board of directors and will depend upon cash generated by operating activities, our financial condition, capital requirements, annual distribution requirements under the REIT provisions of the Internal Revenue Code and such other factors as the board of directors deems relevant. We have historically paid cash dividends, although we may choose to pay a portion in stock dividends in the future. To qualify as a REIT, we must distribute at least 90% of our REIT taxable income prior to net capital gains to our stockholders, as well as meet certain other requirements. We must pay these distributions in the taxable year the income is recognized; or in the following taxable year if they are declared during the last three months of the taxable year, payable to stockholders of record on a specified date during such period and paid during January of the following year. Such distributions are treated for REIT tax purposes as paid by us and received by our stockholders on December 31 of the year in which they are declared. In addition, at our election, a distribution for a taxable year may be declared in the following taxable year if it is declared before we timely file our tax return for such year and if paid on or before the first regular dividend payment after such declaration. These distributions qualify as dividends paid for the 90% REIT distribution test for the previous year and are taxable to holders of our capital stock in the year in which paid.
Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer
Common stock repurchases during the three months ended December 31, 2022 were:
Total Number of
Maximum Number
Shares Purchased
of Shares that May
as Part of Publicly
Yet Be Purchased
Total Number of
Average Price Paid
Announced Plans
Under the Plans
Period
Shares Purchased
Per Share
or Programs
or Programs
October 1, 2022 - October 31, 2022
-
$
-
-
-
November 1, 2022 - November 30, 2022
69.31
-
-
December 1, 2022 - December 31, 2022
70.20
-
-
Total
$
69.91
-
-
During the three months ended December 31, 2022, the Company withheld 254 shares from employees to satisfy estimated statutory income tax obligations related to vesting of restricted stock awards. The value of the common stock withheld was based on the closing price of our common stock on the applicable vesting date.
Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities
There were no unregistered sales of equity securities during the three months ended December 31, 2022.
Equity Compensation Plans
For information about our equity compensation plan, please see “Item 12 - Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

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

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ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
Item 7: Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements, and related notes thereto, included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K and the “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” in “Item 1A - Risk Factors” above. Also refer to “Item 7 - Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in the Company’s previously filed Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021 for additional discussion of our financial condition and results of operations, including a comparison of our results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020.
Overview
The Company is a fully integrated REIT primarily focused on the ownership, acquisition, development and management of retail properties net leased to industry leading tenants. The Company was founded in 1971 by its current Executive Chairman, Richard Agree, and its common stock was listed on the NYSE in 1994. The Company’s assets are held by, and all of its operations are conducted through, directly or indirectly, the Operating Partnership, of which the Company is the sole general partner and in which the Company held a 99.6% common interest as of December 31, 2022. Refer to Note 1-Organization in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Form 10-K for further information on the ownership structure. Under the agreement of limited partnership of the Operating Partnership, the Company, as the sole general partner, has exclusive responsibility and discretion in the management and control of the Operating Partnership.
As of December 31, 2022, the Company’s portfolio consisted of 1,839 properties located in 48 states and totaling approximately 38.1 million square feet of GLA. The Company’s portfolio was approximately 99.7% leased and had a weighted average remaining lease term of approximately 8.8 years. A significant majority of the Company’s properties are leased to national tenants and approximately 67.8% of our annualized base rent was derived from tenants, or parent entities thereof, with an investment grade credit rating from S&P Global Ratings, Moody’s Investors Service, Fitch Ratings or the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. A net lease typically requires the tenant to be responsible for minimum monthly rent and property operating expenses including property taxes, insurance and maintenance.
The Company elected to be taxed as a REIT for federal income tax purposes commencing with the taxable year ended December 31, 1994. We believe that we have been organized and have operated in a manner that has allowed us to qualify as a REIT for federal income tax purposes and we intend to continue operating in such a manner.
Results of Operations
Overall
The Company’s real estate investment portfolio grew from approximately $4.37 billion in net investment amount representing 1,404 properties with 29.1 million square feet of gross leasable space as of December 31, 2021 to
approximately $5.74 billion in net investment amount representing 1,839 properties with 38.1 million square feet of gross leasable space at December 31, 2022. The Company’s real estate investments were made throughout the periods presented and were not all outstanding for the entire period; accordingly, a portion of the increase in rental income between periods is related to recognizing revenue in 2022 on acquisitions that were made during 2021. Similarly, the full rental income impact of acquisitions made during 2022 will not be seen until 2023.
Acquisitions
During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company acquired 434 retail net lease assets for approximately $1.6 billion, which includes acquisition and closing costs. These properties are located in 43 states and are leased to tenants operating in 27 diverse retail sectors for a weighted average lease term of approximately 10.2 years. The underwritten weighted-average capitalization rate on the acquisitions was 6.2%.1
Dispositions
During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company sold seven assets for net proceeds of $44.9 million. The weighted-average capitalization rate on the dispositions was 6.5%.1
Development and Partner Capital Solutions
During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company commenced 28 development or PCS projects. At December 31, 2022 the Company had 24 development or Partner Capital Solutions projects under construction.
Comparison of Year Ended December 31, 2022 to Year Ended December 31, 2021
Year Ended
Variance
December 31, 2022
December 31, 2021
(in dollars)
(percentage)
Rental Income
$
429,632
$
339,067
$
90,565
%
Real Estate Tax Expense
$
32,079
$
25,513
$
6,566
%
Property Operating Expense
$
18,585
$
13,996
$
4,589
%
Depreciation and Amortization Expense
$
133,570
$
95,729
$
37,841
%
The variances in rental income, real estate tax expense, property operating expense and depreciation and amortization expense shown above were due to the acquisition and the ownership of an increased number of properties during the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to the year ended December 31, 2021, as further described under Results of Operations - Overall above.
General and administrative expenses increased $4.6 million, or 18%, to $30.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, compared to $25.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2021. The increase was primarily the result of increased employee headcount and increased compensation costs. General and administrative expenses as a percentage of total revenue decreased to 7.0% for the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to 7.5% for the year ended December 31, 2021.
Provision for impairment decreased to $1.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, compared to $1.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2021. Provisions for impairment are recorded when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable through operations plus estimated disposition proceeds and are not necessarily comparable period-to-period.
Interest expense increased $13.0 million, or 26%, to $63.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, compared to $50.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2021. The increase in interest expense was primarily a result of higher levels of borrowings in 2022 in comparison to 2021, as well as higher interest rates under the Revolving Credit Facility.
1 When used within this discussion, “weighted average capitalization rate” for acquisitions and dispositions is defined by the Company as the sum of contractual fixed annual rents computed on a straight-line basis over the primary lease terms and anticipated annual net tenant recoveries, divided by the purchase and sale prices for occupied properties.
Borrowings increased in order to finance the acquisition and development of additional properties (see Liquidity and Capital Resources - Debt below).
Gain on sale of assets decreased to $5.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, compared to $14.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2021. Gains on sales of assets are dependent on the levels of disposition activity and the assets’ basis relative to their sales prices. As a result, such gains are not necessarily comparable period-to-period.
Income tax expense increased $0.5 million, or 19%, to $2.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, compared to $2.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2021. The increase in income tax expense was due to the acquisitions and the ownership of an increased number of properties during the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to 2021, partially offset by additional tax expense of approximately $0.5 million recognized during 2021 relating to the true-up of expense upon filing of the 2020 annual tax returns.
In May 2021, the Company used the net proceeds from the offering of the 2028 Senior Unsecured Public Notes and the 2033 Senior Unsecured Public Notes to repay all amounts outstanding under its unsecured term loans and settle the related swap agreements. The Company incurred a charge of $14.6 million upon this repayment and settlement, including swap termination costs of $13.4 million and the write-off of previously unamortized debt issuance costs of $1.2 million.
Net income increased $30.1 million, or 25%, to $153.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, compared to $122.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2021. The increase was primarily driven by the growth of our portfolio during the year ended December 31, 2022, and the repayment and settlement charge in 2021 discussed above. After allocation of income to non-controlling interest and preferred stockholders, net income attributable to common stockholders increased $24.9 million, or 21% to $145.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, compared to $120.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2021. The allocation of income to the preferred stockholders began upon the September 2021 issuance of the Series A Preferred Stock.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
The Company’s principal demands for funds include payment of operating expenses, payment of principal and interest on our outstanding indebtedness, dividends and distributions to its stockholders and holders of the units of the Operating Partnership (the “Operating Partnership Common Units”), and future property acquisitions and development.
The Company expects to meet its short-term liquidity requirements through cash provided from operations and borrowings under its revolving credit facility. As of December 31, 2022, available cash and cash equivalents, including cash held in escrow, was $28.9 million. As of December 31, 2022, the Company had $100.0 million outstanding on its revolving credit facility and $900.0 million was available for future borrowings, subject to its compliance with covenants. The Company anticipates funding its long-term capital needs through cash provided from operations, borrowings under its revolving credit facility, the issuance of debt and common or preferred equity or other instruments convertible into or exchangeable for common or preferred equity.
We continually evaluate alternative financing and believe that we can obtain financing on reasonable terms. However, there can be no assurance that additional financing or capital will be available, or that the terms will be acceptable or advantageous to us. Our ability to access capital on favorable terms as well as to use cash from operations to continue to meet our liquidity needs, is uncertain and cannot be predicted and could be affected by various risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, risks detailed in Part I, Item 1A, “Risk Factors.”
Capitalization
As of December 31, 2022, the Company’s total enterprise value was approximately $8.53 billion. Total enterprise value consisted of $6.42 billion of common equity (based on the December 31, 2022 closing price of Company common stock on the NYSE of $70.93 per share and assuming the conversion of Operating Partnership Common Units), $175 million of preferred equity (stated at liquidation value), and $1.96 billion of total debt including (i) $100.0 million of borrowings under its revolving credit facility; (ii) $1.81 billion of senior unsecured notes; (iii) $50.4 million of mortgage notes payable;
less $28.9 million cash, cash equivalents, and cash held in escrow. The Company’s ratio of total debt to total enterprise value was 23.0% at December 31, 2022.
At December 31, 2022, the non-controlling interest in the Operating Partnership consisted of a 0.4% common ownership interest in the Operating Partnership. The Operating Partnership Common Units may, under certain circumstances, be exchanged for shares of Company common stock on a one-for-one basis. The Company, as sole general partner of the Operating Partnership, has the option to settle exchanged Operating Partnership Common Units held by others for cash based on the current trading price of our shares. Assuming the exchange of all Operating Partnership Common Units, there would have been 90,521,043 shares of common stock outstanding at December 31, 2022.
Equity
Shelf Registration
The Company has filed with the SEC an automatic shelf registration statement on Form S-3, registering an unspecified amount of common stock, preferred stock, depositary shares, warrants and guarantees of debt securities of the Operating Partnership, as well as an unspecified amount of debt securities of the Operating Partnership, at an indeterminate aggregate initial offering price. The Company may periodically offer one or more of these securities in amounts, prices and on terms to be announced when and if these securities are offered. The specifics of any future offerings, along with the use of proceeds of any securities offered, will be described in detail in a prospectus supplement, or other offering materials, at the time of any offering.
Common Stock Offerings
In May 2022, the Company completed a follow-on public offering of 5,750,000 shares of common stock, including the full exercise of the underwriters’ option to purchase 750,000 shares in connection with forward sale agreements. The offering resulted in net proceeds to the Company of approximately $386.7 million, after deducting fees and expenses and making certain other adjustments as provided in the equity distribution agreements.
In October 2022, the Company completed a follow-on public offering of 5,750,000 shares of common stock, including the full exercise of the underwriters' option to purchase 750,000 shares, in connection with forward sale agreements. Upon settlement, the offering is anticipated to raise net proceeds of approximately $380.7 million after deducting fees and expenses and making certain other adjustments as provided in the equity distribution agreements. During 2022, the Company settled 1,600,000 shares of common stock under the forward sale agreements, realizing net proceeds of $106.2 million.
Preferred Stock Offering
As of December 31, 2022, we had 7,000,000 depositary shares (the “Depositary Shares”) outstanding, each representing 1/1,000th of a share of Series A Preferred Stock.
Dividends on the Series A Preferred Shares are payable monthly in arrears on the first day of each month (or, if not on a business day, on the next succeeding business day). The dividend rate is 4.25% per annum of the $25,000 (equivalent to $25.00 per Depositary Share) liquidation preference. Dividends on the Series A Preferred Shares are in the amount of $0.08854 per Depositary Share, equivalent to $1.0625 per annum.
The Company may not redeem the Series A Preferred Shares before September 2026 except in limited circumstances to preserve its status as a real estate investment trust for federal income tax purposes and except in certain circumstances upon the occurrence of a change of control of the Company. Beginning in September 2026, the Company, at its option, may redeem the Series A Preferred Shares, in whole or from time to time in part, by paying $25.00 per Depositary Share, plus any accrued and unpaid dividends. Upon the occurrence of a change in control of the Company, if the Company does not otherwise redeem the Series A Preferred Shares, the holders have a right to convert their shares into common stock of the Company at the $25.00 per share liquidation value, plus any accrued and unpaid dividends. This conversion value is limited by a share cap if the Company’s stock price falls below a certain threshold.
ATM Programs
The Company enters into ATM programs through which the Company, from time to time, sells shares of common stock and enters into forward sale agreements. The results of ATM programs entered into during 2020 and 2021 are shown in the following table. These ATM programs have been terminated and no future issuances will occur under them.
Net Proceeds Received
Program Year
Size ($ million)
Shares Issued
($ million)
$400.0
3,334,056
$209.5
$500.0
5,453,975
$379.1
In September 2022, the Company entered into a new $750 million ATM program (the “2022 ATM Program”) through which the Company, from time to time, may sell shares of common stock and/or enter into forward sale agreements.
As of December 31, 2022, the Company entered into forward sale agreements to sell an aggregate of 4,350,232 shares of common stock under the 2022 ATM Program, for anticipated net proceeds of $300.9 million. The Company has settled 245,591 shares of these forward sale agreements as of December 31, 2022 for net proceeds of approximately $18.1 million after deducting fees and expenses. The Company is required to settle the remaining outstanding shares of common stock under the 2022 ATM Program by various dates between November and December 2023. After considering the 4,350,232 shares of common stock subject to forward sale agreements issued under the 2022 ATM Program, the Company had approximately $446.6 million of availability remaining under this program as of December 31, 2022.
Debt
The below table summarizes the Company’s outstanding debt as of December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021 (presented in thousands):
All-in
Principal Amount Outstanding
Senior Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility
Interest Rate
Maturity
December 31, 2022
December 31, 2021
Revolving Credit Facility (1)
5.18
%
January 2026
$
100,000
$
160,000
Total Credit Facility
$
100,000
$
160,000
Senior Unsecured Notes
2025 Senior Unsecured Notes
4.16
%
May 2025
$
50,000
$
50,000
2027 Senior Unsecured Notes
4.26
%
May 2027
50,000
50,000
2028 Senior Unsecured Public Notes (2)
2.11
%
June 2028
350,000
350,000
2028 Senior Unsecured Notes
4.42
%
July 2028
60,000
60,000
2029 Senior Unsecured Notes
4.19
%
September 2029
100,000
100,000
2030 Senior Unsecured Notes
4.32
%
September 2030
125,000
125,000
2030 Senior Unsecured Public Notes (2)
3.49
%
October 2030
350,000
350,000
2031 Senior Unsecured Notes
4.42
%
October 2031
125,000
125,000
2032 Senior Unsecured Public Notes (2)
3.96
%
October 2032
300,000
-
2033 Senior Unsecured Public Notes (2)
2.13
%
June 2033
300,000
300,000
Total Senior Unsecured Notes
$
1,810,000
$
1,510,000
Mortgage Notes Payable
CMBS Portfolio Loan
3.60
%
January 2023
$
-
$
23,640
Single Asset Mortgage Loan
5.01
%
September 2023
4,622
4,622
Portfolio Credit Tenant Lease
6.27
%
July 2026
3,523
4,373
Four Asset Mortgage Loan
3.63
%
December 2029
42,250
-
Total Mortgage Notes Payable
$
50,395
$
32,635
Total Principal Amount Outstanding
$
1,960,395
$
1,702,635
(1) The annual interest rate of the Revolving Credit Facility (defined below) assumes SOFR as of December 31, 2022 of 4.30%.
(2) The principal amount outstanding are presented excluding their original issue discounts.
Senior Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility
The Company’s Third Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Agreement provides for a $1.0 billion Revolving Credit Facility. The Revolving Credit Facility includes an accordion option that allows the Company to request additional lender commitments up to a total of $1.75 billion. The Revolving Credit Facility will mature in January 2026 with Company options to extend the maturity date to January 2027.
The Revolving Credit Facility's interest rate is based on a pricing grid with a range of 72.5 to 140 basis points over SOFR, determined by the Company's credit ratings and leverage ratio, plus a SOFR adjustment of 10 basis points. The margins for the Revolving Credit Facility are subject to improvement based on the Company's leverage ratio, provided its credit ratings meet a certain threshold. Based on the Company's credit ratings and leverage ratio at the time of closing, pricing on the Revolving Credit Facility was 87.5 basis points over SOFR. In connection with the Company's ongoing environmental, social and governance ("ESG") initiatives, pricing may be reduced if specific ESG ratings are achieved.
The Company and Richard Agree, the Executive Chairman of the Company, are parties to a Reimbursement Agreement dated November 18, 2014 (the “Reimbursement Agreement”). Pursuant to the Reimbursement Agreement, Mr. Agree has agreed to reimburse the Company for any loss incurred under the Revolving Credit Facility in an amount not to exceed $14.0 million to the extent that the value of the Operating Partnership’s assets available to satisfy the Operating Partnership’s obligations under the Revolving Credit Facility is less than $14.0 million.
Senior Unsecured Notes
The 2025 Senior Unsecured Notes, 2027 Senior Unsecured Notes, 2028 Senior Unsecured Notes, 2029 Senior Unsecured Notes, 2030 Senior Unsecured Notes, and 2031 Senior Unsecured Notes (collectively the “Private Placements”) were issued in private placements to individual investors. The Private Placements did not involve a public offering in reliance on the exemption from registration pursuant to Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act.
The 2030 Senior Unsecured Public Notes, 2028 Senior Unsecured Public Notes, 2033 Senior Unsecured Public Notes and 2032 Senior Unsecured Public Notes, (collectively the “Public Notes”) are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by Agree Realty Corporation and certain wholly owned subsidiaries of the Operating Partnership. The Public Notes are governed by an Indenture, dated August 17, 2020, among the Operating Partnership, the Company and trustee (as supplemented by an officer’s certificate dated at the issuance of each of the Public Notes). The Indenture contains various restrictive covenants, including limitations on the ability of the guarantors and the issuer to incur additional indebtedness and requirements to maintain a pool of unencumbered assets.
In August 2022, the Operating Partnership issued the 2032 Senior Unsecured Public Notes in an underwritten public offering of $300 million aggregate principal amount of notes with a stated interest rate of 4.80% due October 2032. The Company terminated related swap agreements of $300 million notional amount that hedged the 2032 Senior Unsecured Public Notes, receiving $28.4 million upon termination. Considering the effect of the terminated swap agreements, the blended all-in rate to the Company for the 2032 Senior Unsecured Public Notes is 3.96%.
Mortgage Notes Payable
As of December 31, 2022, the Company had total gross mortgage indebtedness of $50.4 million which was collateralized by related real estate and tenants’ leases with an aggregate net book value of $86.5 million. The weighted average interest rate on the Company’s mortgage notes payable was 3.94% as of December 31, 2022.
The Company has entered into mortgage loans which are secured by multiple properties and contain cross-default and cross-collateralization provisions. Cross-collateralization provisions allow a lender to foreclose on multiple properties in
the event that the Company defaults under the loan. Cross-default provisions allow a lender to foreclose on the related property in the event a default is declared under another loan.
Loan Covenants
Certain loan agreements contain various restrictive covenants, including the following financial covenants: maximum leverage ratio, maximum secured leverage ratios, consolidated net worth requirements, a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio, a maximum unencumbered leverage ratio, a minimum unsecured interest expense ratio, a minimum interest coverage ratio, a minimum unsecured debt yield and a minimum unencumbered interest expense ratio. As of December 31, 2022, the most restrictive covenant was the minimum unencumbered interest expense ratio. The Company was in compliance with all of its material loan covenants and obligations as of December 31, 2022.
Cash Flows
Operating -- Most of the Company’s cash from operations is generated by rental income from its investment portfolio. Net cash provided by operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2022 increased by $115.8 million over 2021, primarily due to the increase in the size of the Company’s real estate investment portfolio, as well as an increase in cash received upon settlement of outstanding interest rate swap agreements.
Investing -- Net cash used in investing activities was $229.4 million higher during the year ended December 31, 2022, compared to 2021. Acquisitions of properties during 2022 were $177.8 million higher than 2021, due to overall increases in the level of acquisition activity. Development costs during the year ended December 31, 2022 were $40.4 million higher than 2021, due to the increased number of development projects ongoing in 2022 as compared to 2021. Proceeds from asset sales decreased by $11.1 million during the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to 2021. Proceeds from asset sales are dependent on levels of disposition activity and the specific assets sold. Proceeds from asset sales are not necessarily comparable period-to-period.
Financing -- Net cash provided by financing activities was $59.9 million higher during the year ended December 31, 2022, compared to 2021.
Net proceeds from the issuance of the Series A Preferred Stock decreased $170.3 million due to the issuance of the Series A Preferred Stock during September 2021 and no such preferred stock issuance in 2022.
Net proceeds from the issuance of common stock increased by $513.0 million during the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to 2021, primarily to fund the increased level of acquisitions and ongoing developments in 2022.
Net cash used related to the Revolving Credit Facility increased $128.0 million due to net repayments under the Revolving Credit Facility of $60 million during the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to net borrowings of $68.0 million during 2021.
Cash used to repay mortgage notes payable increased $23.7 million during 2022 primarily due to the repayment of a mortgage note payable with a principal balance outstanding of $23.6 million during the year ended December 31, 2022.
Net proceeds from the issuance of senior unsecured notes and unsecured term loans decreased by $103.1 million during the year ended December 31, 2022, compared to the same period in 2021. During August 2022, the Company received proceeds of $297.5 million from the issuance of the $300 million 2032 Senior Unsecured Public Notes, issued primarily to reduce amounts outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility and fund property acquisitions and development activity. During the year ended December 31, 2021, the company received proceeds of $640.6 million from the issuance of the $350 million 2028 Senior Unsecured Notes and the $300 million 2033 Senior Unsecured Public Notes, issued primarily to fund property acquisitions and pay off $240.0 million in unsecured term loans.
Total dividends and distributions paid to its common and preferred stockholders and non-controlling owners increased by $31.9 million during the year ended December 31, 2022, compared to the same period in 2021, due (i) to the issuance of preferred stock in September 2021; (ii) the increase in the number of common shares outstanding; and (iii) the increase in
the annual common dividend rate, partially offset by the change from paying a quarterly dividend to paying a monthly dividend beginning in 2021. The Company distributed $7.4 million to preferred shareholders in 2022 compared to $1.5 million during 2021 as the preferred stock was issued in September 2021. In addition, the number of common shares outstanding increased in 2022 and 2021 due to the issuance of approximately 18.8 million and 11.2 million shares of common stock during 2022 and 2021, respectively. Further, the Company’s declared dividend rate increased 7.7% to $2.805 per common share in 2022, up from $2.604 per common share in 2021. These increases in dividends paid were partially offset due to the change from paying dividends on a quarterly basis to monthly payments in 2021. Dividends paid during the year ended December 31, 2022 included the monthly dividends declared in December 2021 through November 2022 while dividends paid during the year ended December 31, 2021 included the quarterly dividend declared in December 2020 and the monthly dividends declared in January 2021 through November 2021.
Material Cash Requirements
In conducting our business, the Company enters into contractual obligations, including those for debt and operating leases for land. Detail of these obligations as of December 31, 2022, including expected settlement periods, is contained below (presented in thousands):
Thereafter
Total
Mortgage Notes Payable
$
5,527
$
$
1,026
$
$
-
$
42,250
$
50,395
Revolving Credit Facility (1)
-
-
-
100,000
-
-
100,000
Senior Unsecured Notes
-
-
50,000
-
50,000
1,710,000
1,810,000
Land Lease Obligations
1,532
7,449
1,197
1,195
1,042
28,809
41,224
Estimated Interest Payments on Outstanding Debt
66,897
66,686
65,407
59,547
58,079
175,892
492,508
Total
$
73,956
$
75,098
$
117,630
$
161,371
$
109,121
$
1,956,951
$
2,494,127
(1) The balloon payment balance includes the balance outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility as of December 31, 2022. The Revolving Credit Facility matures in January 2026, with options to extend the maturity to extend its maturity date by six months up to two times, for a maximum maturity of January 2027.
In addition to items reflected in the table above, the Company has preferred stock with cumulative cash dividends, as described under Equity - Preferred Stock Offering above.
During the year ended December 31, 2022 the Company had 31 development or Partner Capital Solutions projects completed or under construction, for which 24 remain under construction as of December 31, 2022. Anticipated total costs for the 31 projects are approximately $118.5 million. These construction commitments will be funded using cash provided from operations, current capital resources on hand, and/or other sources of funding available to the Company.
The Company’s recurring obligations under its tenant leases for maintenance, taxes, and/or insurance will also be funded
through the sources available to the Company described earlier.
Dividends
During the fourth quarter of 2022 the Company declared monthly dividends of $0.24 per common share for October, November, and December 2022. The holder of the Operating Partnership Common Units is entitled to an equal distribution per Operating Partnership Common Unit held. The dividends and distributions payable for October and November were paid during the quarter. The December dividends and distributions were paid on January 13, 2023.
During the fourth quarter of 2022, the Company declared a monthly dividend on the Series A Preferred Shares for October, November, and December 2022 in the amount of $0.08854 per Depositary Share. The dividends payable for October and November were paid during the quarter. The December dividend was paid on January 3, 2023.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Refer to “Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” in the consolidated financial statements for a summary and anticipated impact of each accounting pronouncement on the Company’s financial statements.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
The preparation of our financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”) requires the Company’s management to use judgment in the application of accounting policies, including making estimates and assumptions. Management bases estimates on the best information available at the time, its experience and on various other assumptions believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. These estimates affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. If management’s judgment or interpretation of the facts and circumstances relating to various transactions or other matters had been different, it is possible that different accounting principles would have been applied, resulting in different presentations of the consolidated financial statements. From time-to-time, the Company may re-evaluate its estimates and assumptions. In the event estimates or assumptions prove to be different from actual results, adjustments are made in subsequent periods to reflect more current estimates and assumptions about matters that are inherently uncertain. A summary of the Company’s critical accounting policies is included below. This summary should be read in conjunction with the more complete discussion of our accounting policies and procedures included in Note 2 to our consolidated financial statements.
Accounting for Acquisitions of Real Estate
The acquisition of property for investment purposes is typically accounted for as an asset acquisition. The Company allocates the purchase price to land, building, assumed debt, if any, and identified intangible assets and liabilities, based in each case on their relative estimated fair values and without giving rise to goodwill. In making estimates of fair values, the Company may use various sources, including data provided by independent third parties, as well as information obtained by the Company as a result of due diligence, including expected future cash flows of the property and various characteristics of the markets where the property is located. Certain estimates, including those around market land values and market rental rates, are inherently subjective. While estimates of market land values and market rental rates are based on available market data, the application of market data to the unique nature of properties acquired may require significant judgment. The use of different assumptions in the allocation of the purchase price of the acquired properties could affect the timing of recognition of the related revenue and expenses.
Impairments
We review our real estate investments for possible impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable through operations plus estimated disposition proceeds. Events or circumstances that may occur include, but are not limited to, significant changes in real estate market conditions, estimated residual values, our ability or expectation to re-lease properties that are vacant or become vacant or a change in the anticipated holding period for a property. Identification of such events may involve certain assumptions, estimates, and significant judgment.
Management determines whether an impairment in value has occurred by comparing the estimated future cash flows (undiscounted and without interest charges), including the residual value of the real estate, to the carrying cost of the individual asset. Impairments are measured to the extent the current book value exceeds the estimated fair value of the asset less disposition costs for any assets classified as held for sale.
The valuation of impaired assets is determined using valuation techniques including discounted cash flow analysis, analysis of recent comparable sales transactions and/or purchase offers received from third parties. The Company may consider a single valuation technique or multiple valuation techniques, as appropriate, when estimating the fair value of its real estate.
The expected cash flows of a property are dependent on estimates and other factors subject to change, including (1) changes in the national, regional, and/or local economic climates and/or market conditions, (2) competition from other retail, (3)
increases in operating costs, (4) bankruptcy and/or other changes in a tenant’s condition and (5) expected holding period. These factors could cause our expected future cash flows from a property to change, and, as a result, an impairment could be considered to have occurred. Determination of the fair value of a property for purposes of measuring impairment may involve significant judgment.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
Funds from Operations (“FFO” or “Nareit FFO”)
FFO is defined by the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts, Inc. (“Nareit”) to mean net income computed in accordance with GAAP, excluding gains (or losses) from sales of real estate assets and/or changes in control, plus real estate related depreciation and amortization and any impairment charges on depreciable real estate assets, and after adjustments for unconsolidated partnerships and joint ventures. Historical cost accounting for real estate assets in accordance with GAAP implicitly assumes that the value of real estate assets diminishes predictably over time. Since real estate values instead have historically risen or fallen with market conditions, most real estate industry investors consider FFO to be helpful in evaluating a real estate company’s operation.
FFO should not be considered an alternative to net income as the primary indicator of the Company’s operating performance, or as an alternative to cash flow as a measure of liquidity. Further, while the Company adheres to the Nareit definition of FFO, its presentation of FFO is not necessarily comparable to similarly titled measures of other REITs due to the fact that all REITs may not use the same definition.
Core Funds from Operations (“Core FFO”)
The Company defines Core FFO as Nareit FFO with the addback of (i) noncash amortization of acquisition purchase price related to above- and below- market lease intangibles and discount on assumed mortgage debt and (ii) certain infrequently occurring items that reduce or increase net income in accordance with GAAP. Management believes that its measure of Core FFO facilitates useful comparison of performance to its peers who predominantly transact in sale-leaseback transactions and are thereby not required by GAAP to allocate purchase price to lease intangibles. Unlike many of its peers, the Company has acquired the substantial majority of its net-leased properties through acquisitions of properties from third parties or in connection with the acquisitions of ground leases from third parties.
Core FFO should not be considered an alternative to net income as the primary indicator of the Company’s operating performance, or as an alternative to cash flow as a measure of liquidity. Further, the Company’s presentation of Core FFO is not necessarily comparable to similarly titled measures of other REITs due to the fact that all REITs may not use the same definition.
Adjusted Funds from Operations (“AFFO”)
AFFO is a non-GAAP financial measure of operating performance used by many companies in the REIT industry. AFFO further adjusts FFO and Core FFO for certain non-cash items that reduce or increase net income computed in accordance with GAAP. Management considers AFFO a useful supplemental measure of the Company’s performance, however, AFFO should not be considered an alternative to net income as an indication of its performance, or to cash flow as a measure of liquidity or ability to make distributions. The Company’s computation of AFFO may differ from the methodology for calculating AFFO used by other equity REITs, and therefore may not be comparable to such other REITs.
The following table provides a reconciliation of net income to FFO, Core FFO, and AFFO for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020:
Year Ended
December 31, 2022
December 31, 2021
December 31, 2020
Reconciliation from Net Income to Funds from Operations
Net income
$
153,035
$
122,876
$
91,972
Less Series A preferred stock dividends
7,437
2,148
-
Net income attributable to Operating Partnership common unitholders
145,598
120,728
91,972
Depreciation of rental real estate assets
88,685
66,732
48,367
Amortization of lease intangibles - in-place leases and leasing costs
44,107
28,379
17,882
Provision for impairment
1,015
1,919
4,137
(Gain) loss on sale or involuntary conversion of assets, net
(5,258)
(15,111)
(8,004)
Funds from Operations - Operating Partnership common unitholders
$
274,147
$
202,647
$
154,354
Loss on extinguishment of debt and settlement of related hedges
-
14,614
-
Amortization of above (below) market lease intangibles, net and assumed mortgage debt discount, net
33,563
24,284
15,885
Core Funds from Operations - Operating Partnership common unitholders
$
307,710
$
241,545
$
170,239
Straight-line accrued rent
(13,176)
(11,857)
(7,818)
Stock based compensation expense
6,464
5,467
4,995
Amortization of financing costs
3,141
1,197
Non-real estate depreciation
Adjusted Funds from Operations - Operating Partnership common unitholders
$
304,917
$
236,970
$
168,751
Funds from Operations per common share and partnership unit - diluted
$
3.45
$
3.00
$
2.93
Core Funds from Operations per common share and partnership unit - diluted
$
3.87
$
3.58
$
3.23
Adjusted Funds from Operations per common share and partnership unit - diluted
$
3.83
$
3.51
$
3.20
Weighted average shares and Operating Partnership common units outstanding
Basic
79,006,952
67,149,861
52,185,838
Diluted
79,512,005
67,486,698
52,744,353
Additional supplemental disclosure
Scheduled principal repayments
$
$
$
Capitalized interest
$
1,261
$
$
Capitalized building improvements
$
7,945
$
5,821
$
5,581

---

ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Item 7A: Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
The Company is exposed to interest rate risk primarily through borrowing activities. There is inherent roll-over risk for borrowings as they mature and are renewed at current market rates. The extent of this risk is not quantifiable or predictable because of the variability of future interest rates and our future financing requirements.
The Company’s interest rate risk is monitored using a variety of techniques. The table below presents the principal payments (presented in thousands) and the weighted average interest rates on outstanding debt, by year of expected maturity, to evaluate the expected cash flows and sensitivity to interest rate changes. Average interest rates shown reflect the impact of the swap agreements described later in this section.
Thereafter
Total
Mortgage Notes Payable
$
5,527
$
$
1,026
$
$
-
$
42,250
$
50,395
Average Interest Rate
5.22
%
6.27
%
6.27
%
6.27
%
3.63
%
Revolving Credit Facility (1)
$
-
$
-
$
-
$
100,000
$
-
$
-
$
100,000
Average Interest Rate
5.14
%
Senior Unsecured Notes
$
-
$
-
$
50,000
$
-
$
50,000
$
1,710,000
$
1,810,000
Average Interest Rate
4.16
%
4.26
%
3.25
%
(1) The balloon payment balance includes the balance outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility as of December 31, 2022. The Revolving Credit Facility matures in January 2026, with options to extend the maturity date by six months up to two times, for a maximum maturity of January 2027.
The fair value is estimated to be $45.4 million and $1.54 billion for mortgage notes payable and senior unsecured notes, respectively, as of December 31, 2022. The fair value of the Revolving Credit Facility approximates its book value as its variable rate debt.
The table above incorporates those exposures that exist as of December 31, 2022; it does not consider those exposures or positions which could arise after that date. As a result, the Company’s ultimate realized gain or loss with respect to interest rate fluctuations will depend on the exposures that arise during the period and interest rates.
The Company seeks to limit the impact of interest rate changes on earnings and cash flows and to lower the overall borrowing costs by closely monitoring our variable rate debt and converting such debt to fixed rates when the Company deems such conversion advantageous. From time to time, the Company may enter into interest rate swap agreements or other interest rate hedging contracts. While these agreements are intended to lessen the impact of rising interest rates, they also expose the Company to the risks that the other parties to the agreements will not perform. The Company could incur significant costs associated with the settlement of the agreements, the agreements will be unenforceable and the underlying transactions will fail to qualify as highly effective cash flow hedges under GAAP guidance.
The Company does not use derivative instruments for trading or other speculative purposes, and the Company did not have any derivative instruments as of December 31, 2022.

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ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
Item 8: Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
The financial statements and supplementary data are listed in the Index to the Financial Statements and Financial Statement Schedules appearing on Page of this Annual Report on Form 10-K and are included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K following page.

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

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ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Item 9A: Controls and Procedures
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
As of the end of the period covered by this report, the Company conducted an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act). Based on this evaluation, the Company’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded that its disclosure controls and procedures are effective as of the end of the period covered by this report to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in SEC rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as defined in Rules 13a15-(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act. Our internal control over financial reporting is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with GAAP. Our internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that:
1) Pertain to the maintenance of records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of our Company;
2) 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 directors; and
3) Provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of our assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Under the supervision of our principal executive officer and our principal financial officer, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the framework in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on our assessment and those criteria, our management concluded that we maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2022.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There was no change in our internal control over financial reporting during our most recently completed fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
Attestation Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
The attestation report issued by our independent registered public accounting firm, Grant Thornton LLP, required under this item is contained on page of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

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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
The information required by this item is set forth under the following captions in our proxy statement to be filed with respect to our 2023 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “Proxy Statement”), all of which is incorporated by reference: “Proposal I - Election of Directors”; “Board Matters-The Board of Directors”; “Board Matters -Committees of the Board”; “Board Matters -Corporate Governance”; “Executive Officers”; and “Additional Information - Proposals for 2023 Annual Meeting.”

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ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Item 11: Executive Compensation
The information required by this item is set forth under the following captions in our Proxy Statement, all of which is incorporated herein by reference: “Compensation Discussion and Analysis,” “Executive Compensation Tables,” “Board Matters - Director Compensation,” “Board Matters - Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation” and “Compensation Committee Report.”

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ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS
Item 12: Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
The following table summarizes the equity compensation plan under which our common stock may be issued as of December 31, 2022.
Number of Securities
Remaining Available for
Number of Securities to
Future Issuance Under
be Issued Upon
Weighted Average
Equity Compensation
Exercise of Outstanding
Exercise Price of
Plans (Excluding
Options, Warrants and
Outstanding Options,
Securities Reflected in
Rights
Warrant and Rights
Column (a))
Plan Category
(a)
(b)
(c)
Equity Compensation Plans Approved by Security Holders
-
-
333,048
(1)
Equity Compensation Plans Not Approved by Security Holders
-
-
-
Total
-
-
333,048
(1) Relates to various stock-based awards available for issuance under the Agree Realty Corporation 2020 Omnibus Incentive Plan, including incentive stock options, non-qualified stock options, stock appreciation rights, deferred stock awards, restricted stock awards, performance shares and units, unrestricted stock awards and dividend equivalent rights.
Additional information required by this item is set forth under the following caption in our Proxy Statement, all of which is incorporated herein by reference: “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management.”

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ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
Item 13: Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
The information required by this item is set forth under the following captions in our Proxy Statement, all of which is incorporated herein by reference: “Related Person Transactions” and “Board Matters -The Board of Directors.”

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ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
Item 14: Principal Accountant Fees and Services
The information required by this item is set forth under the following caption in our Proxy Statement, all of which is incorporated herein by reference: “Audit Committee Matters.”
PART IV

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ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
ITEM 15: Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
15(a)(1).
The following documents are filed as a part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K:
● Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
● Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2022 and 2021
● Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income for the Years Ended December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020
● Consolidated Statement of Equity for the Years Ended December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020
● Consolidated Statements of Cash Flow for the Years Ended December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020
● Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
15(a)(2).
The following is a list of the financial statement schedules required by Item 8:
Schedule III - Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation
15(a)(3).
Exhibits
Exhibit
No.
Description
3.1
Articles of Incorporation of the Company, including all amendments and articles supplementary thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2013).
3.2
Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 9, 2013).
3.3
Amendment to the Articles of Incorporation of the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 6, 2015).
3.4
Amendment to the Articles of Incorporation of the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 3, 2016).
3.5
Articles Supplementary of the Company, dated February 26, 2019 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 28, 2019).
3.6
First Amendment to Amended and Restated Bylaws of Agree Realty Corporation, effective February 26, 2019 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 28, 2019).
3.7
Articles of Amendment of the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 25, 2019).
3.8
Amendment to Articles of Incorporation of the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 10, 2021).
3.9
Articles Supplementary of the Company, dated September 13, 2021 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 13, 2021).
4.1
Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement, dated July 8, 1994 by and among the Company, Richard Agree, Edward Rosenberg and Joel Weiner (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1994).
4.2
Form of certificate representing shares of common stock (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-3 filed on August 24, 2009).
4.3
Form of 4.32% Senior Guaranteed Note, Series 2018-A, due September 26, 2030 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2018).
4.4
Form of 4.32% Senior Guaranteed Note, Series 2018-B, due September 26, 2030 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2018).
4.5
Description of Registrant’s Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.5 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022)
4.6
Indenture, dated as of August 17, 2020, among the Agree Limited Partnership, Agree Realty Corporation and U.S. Bank National Association (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 17, 2020).
4.7
Indenture Officer’s Certificate, dated as of August 17, 2020, among Agree Limited Partnership, Agree Realty Corporation and U.S. Bank National Association (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 17, 2020).
4.8
Form of Global Note for 2.900% Notes due 2030 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 17, 2020).
4.9
Form of Guarantee by and among Agree Limited Partnership, the Guarantors named therein and U.S. Bank National Association (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 17, 2020).
4.10
Indenture Officer’s Certificate, dated as of May 14, 2021, among Agree Limited Partnership, Agree Realty Corporation and U.S. Bank National Association (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 14, 2021).
4.11
Form of Global Note for 2.000% Notes due 2028 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 14, 2021).
4.12
Form of Global Note for 2.600% Notes due 2033 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 14, 2021).
4.13
Form of 2028 Guarantee by and among Agree Limited Partnership, Agree Realty Corporation and U.S. Bank National Association (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 14, 2021).
4.14
Form of 2033 Guarantee by and among Agree Limited Partnership, Agree Realty Corporation and U.S. Bank National Association (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 14, 2021).
4.15
Master Deposit Agreement, by and among Agree Realty Corporation, Computershare Inc. and Computershare Trust Company, N.A., as depositary, and the holders from time to time of the depositary receipts described therein relating to shares of preferred stock of the Company, dated as of September 17, 2022 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form 8-A filed on September 17, 2021).
4.16
Indenture Officer’s Certificate, dated as of August 22, 2022, among Agree Limited Partnership, Agree Realty Corporation and U.S. Bank National Association (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 22, 2022).
4.17
Form of Global Note for 4.800% Notes due 2032 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 22, 2022).
4.18
Form of 2032 Guarantee by and among Agree Limited Partnership, Agree Realty Corporation and U.S. Bank National Association (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 22, 2022).
10.1
Note Purchase Agreement, dated as of August 3, 2017, among Agree Limited Partnership, the Company and the purchasers named therein (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2017).
10.2
Uncommitted Master Note Facility, dated as of August 3, 2017, among Agree Limited Partnership, the Company and Teachers Insurance and Annuity Associate of America (“TIAA”) and each TIAA Affiliate (as defined therein) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2017).
10.3
Uncommitted Master Note Facility, dated as of August 3, 2017, among Agree Limited Partnership, the Company and Teachers Insurance and AIG Asset Management (U.S.), LLC (“AIG”) and each AIG Affiliate (as defined therein) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2017).
10.4+
Amended Employment Agreement, dated July 1, 2014, by and between the Company and Richard Agree (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2014).
10.5+
Amended Employment Agreement, dated July 1, 2014, by and between the Company and Joey Agree (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2014).
10.6*+
Summary of Director Compensation.
10.7+
Agree Realty Corporation 2014 Omnibus Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.10 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014).
10.8+
Form of Restricted Stock Agreement under the Agree Realty Corporation 2014 Omnibus Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2014).
10.9+
Form of Performance Share Award Agreement pursuant to the Agree Realty Corporation 2014 Omnibus Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.17 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017).
10.10+
Agree Realty Corporation 2017 Executive Incentive Plan, dated February 16, 2017 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.14 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016).
10.11
Note Purchase Agreement dated as of May 28, 2015 by and among Agree Limited Partnership, the Company and the purchasers thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 1, 2015).
10.12
Note Purchase Agreement, dated as of July 28, 2016, by and among Agree Limited Partnership, the Company and the purchasers thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2016).
10.13
Form of Revolving Note (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 23, 2018).
10.14
First Supplement to Uncommitted Master Note Facility, dated as of September 26, 2018, among Agree Limited Partnership, Agree Realty Corporation and Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association of America (“TIAA”) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2018).
10.15
First Supplement to Uncommitted Master Note Facility, dated as of September 26, 2018, among Agree Limited Partnership, Agree Realty Corporation, AIG Asset Management (U.S.), LLC and the institutional investors named therein (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2018).
10.16
Reimbursement Agreement, dated as of November 18, 2014, by and between the Company and Richard Agree (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.29 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018).
10.17+
Form of Performance Unit Award Notice (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2019).
10.18
Note Purchase Agreement, dated as of June 14, 2019, among Agree Limited Partnership, the Company and the purchasers named therein (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2019).
10.19+
Summary of Material Terms of Compensation Arrangement with Danielle M. Spehar (effective December 7, 2019). (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.38 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021).
10.21+
Agree Realty Corporation 2020 Omnibus Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Appendix A to the Company’s Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A filed on March 23, 2020).
10.22+
Form of Restricted Stock Agreement under the Agree Realty Corporation 2020 Omnibus Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on July 20, 2020).
10.23+
Form of Performance Unit Agreement under the Agree Realty Corporation 2020 Omnibus Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on July 20, 2020).
10.24+
Employment Agreement, dated October 9, 2020, by and between Agree Realty Corporation and Joel Agree (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on October 15, 2020).
10.25+
Employment Agreement dated June 18, 2020, between Agree Realty Corporation and Craig Erlich (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on October 19, 2020).
10.26+
Addendum to Employment Agreement dated August 19, 2020, between Agree Realty Corporation and Craig Erlich (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on October 19, 2020).
10.27
Second Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Agree Limited Partnership, dated as of September 17, 2021 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 17, 2021).
10.28
Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of December 15, 2021, by and among Agree Realty Corporation, Agree Limited Partnership, PNC Bank, National Association as Administrative Agent, and a syndicate of lenders named therein (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 16, 2021).
10.29*
First Amendment to Third Amendment and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of December 15, 2021 by and among Agree Realty Corporation, Agree Limited Partnership, PNC Bank, National Association as Administrative Agent, and a syndicate of lenders named therein.
10.30+
Employment Agreement, dated January 5, 2022, between Agree Realty Corporation and Peter Coughenour (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.30 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021).
10.31+
Form of Restricted Stock Notice (Non-Employee Directors) under the Agree Realty Corporation 2020 Omnibus Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.31 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021).
21*
Subsidiaries of Agree Realty Corporation.
22*
Subsidiary Guarantors of Agree Realty Corporation.
23.1*
Consent of Grant Thornton LLP.
24*
Power of Attorney (included on the signature page of this Annual Report on Form 10-K).
31.1*
Certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, Joel N. Agree, Chief Executive Officer.
31.2*
Certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, Peter Coughenour, Chief Financial Officer.
32.1*
Certification pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, Joel N. Agree, Chief Executive Officer.
32.2*
Certification pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, Peter Coughenour, Chief Financial Officer.
101*
The following materials from Agree Realty Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022 formatted in Inline XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language): (i) the Consolidated Balance Sheets, (ii) the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income, (iii) the Consolidated Statement of Equity, (iv) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, and (v) related notes to these consolidated financial statements, tagged as blocks of text.
104*
Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted in Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101).
* Filed herewith.
+ Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.
15(b) The Exhibits listed in Item 15(a)(3) are hereby filed with this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
15(c) The financial statement schedule listed at Item 15(a)(2) is hereby filed with this Annual Report on Form 10-K.